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This study examined the anion clusters of pyrene (Py) by mass spectrometry, photoelectron spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. The photoelectron spectra of Pyn- (n=1–4) were obtained at various photon energies. A change in photodetachment wavelength resulted in a large change in the relative intensities of vibrational progression in the photoelectron spectra. It is proposed that the observed modulation of the Franck–Condon factors by the different photon energies reflects autodetachment via the excited states of anion. The photoelectron spectra of Pyn- at 355 nm showed a broad band structure between the S0 and T1 states, which is also due to the autodetachment via a Feshbach resonance state. The photoelectron spectra of Py2- suggest the presence of a unique dimeric interaction between the two pyrene moieties, whereas the spectral features of Py3- are similar to those of Py1-. The stable structures of Py2- and Py3- obtained by density functional theory calculations support the experimental findings, where different intermolecular interactions govern the stabilization of these two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions involved in the formation of gas-phase proton-bonded molecular complexes of cytosine (C) and guanine (G) were theoretically investigated for the case of C+G and C+GC using B3LYP density functional theory. In this study, particular focus was on the dimeric interaction of proton-bonded C+G, where a proton bond and a hydrogen bond are cooperatively involved. The dimer interaction energy in terms of dissociation energy (De) was predicted to be 41.8 kcal/mol. The lowest (frozen) energy structure for the C+G dimeric complex was found to be CH+...G rather than C...H+G in spite of the lower proton affinity of the cytosine moiety, which was more stable by 3.3 kcal/mol. The predicted harmonic vibrational frequencies and bond lengths suggest that the combined contributions of proton and hydrogen bonding may determine the resultant stability of each complex structure. In contrast to the dimer case, in the case of the isolated C+GC triplet, the two minimum energy structures of CH+...GC and C...H+GC were predicted to be almost equivalent in total energy. The dissociation energy (De) for the C+G pairing in the C+GC triplet was 43.7 kcal/mol. Other energetics are also reported. As for the proton-transfer reaction in the proton-bond axis, the forward proton-transfer barriers for the dimer and trimer complexes were also predicted to be very low, 3.6 and 1.5 kcal/mol (ΔEePT), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bucheon Art Bunker B39 was used as a garbage incineration plant from 1995 to 2010. Thanks to the government's efforts, it has now been redesigned as an art bunker to function as a cultural arts platform. This study focuses on the newly designed B39 in the context of the intertwining of the previous incinerator and the new cultural exhibition facility, and the meaning it creates. The study criticizes characteristics of the space exposed at the entrance, hall, exhibition facility, and the educational facility. It also analyzes the flow of the experience according to the time difference and reinterprets from the viewpoint of the junction of time, the experiments that were performed in joining of the materials. The study, based on the active intervention of users' movement, also distinguishes differences in architectural messages conveyed in situations when spatial scenarios are created and when they are not created. It aims to provide meaningful guidelines for relevant cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent studies, the reported prevalence of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) has been higher than in previous reports. Although cascade genetic screening is a good option for efficient identification of affected patients, diagnosis using only clinical criteria is more common in real clinical practice. Cardiovascular risk is much higher in FH patients due to longstanding low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) burden and is also influenced by other risk factors. Although guidelines emphasize aggressive LDL-C reduction, the majority of patients cannot reach the LDL-C goal by conventional pharmacotherapy. Novel therapeutics such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors have shown strong lipid lowering efficacy and are expected to improve treatment results in FH patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the geometry and position of the femoral tunnel between the anteromedial portal (AMP) and outside-in (OI) techniques after anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 82 patients undergoing single-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring autografts using either the AMP (n=40) or OI (n=42) technique. The locations of the tunnel apertures were assessed by postoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography imaging. The femoral graft bending angle, femoral tunnel aperture shape, femoral tunnel length, and posterior wall breakage were also measured. Results: The mean femoral tunnel position parallel to the Blumensaat line was more caudally positioned in the AMP group than in the OI group (p=0.025) The mean femoral graft angle in the OI group (99.6°±7.1°) was significantly more acute than that of the AMP group (108.9°±10.2°, p<0.001). The mean height/width ratio of the AMP group (1.21±0.20) was significantly more ellipsoidal than that of the OI group (1.07±0.09, p<0.001). Conclusions: The mean femoral tunnel position was significantly shallower in the AMP technique than in the OI technique. The OI technique might be more disadvantageous than the AMP technique in terms of the more acute bending angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, there has been an increasing interest in the preservation of natural dentition and the proper occlusion related to tooth wear for quality of life. To overcome the problems of the existing qualitative tooth wear analysis method, virtual three-dimensional models have been used. This study was designed to develop and validate a new quantitative method using tooth wear measurement parameters with angles obtained from virtual vectors and planes of the three-dimensional models. Sixteen parameters were evaluated in the virtual models of 20 students (7.57±1.55 years old) and 20 adults (56.85±6.34 years old). There were 12 angle and 4 height parameters, and the number of parameters measured from the virtual planes and vectors were 10 and 6, respectively. For each parameter, means and standard deviations were calculated, and an unpaired sample t test was performed to compare the young and the adult groups. Also, differences between the means were determined and expressed as percentages. The results were statistically significant between the two groups (P<0.001). In general, parameters using virtual vectors showed greater change than virtual plane. Although there were statistically significant differences among all parameters using virtual planes (P<0.001), the changes of the three angles were similar, except distolingual cusp angle. It was found that the parameters using virtual vectors were effective and tooth wear took place in both buccal and lingual cusps. Likewise, the validation of the new measurement parameters suggests that they can also be applied in the assessment of tooth wear related to dental biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the surgical technique for arthroscopic revision posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction using modified tibial-inlay double-bundle method without a change of the patient's position from supine to prone. Steps include graft preparation, patient position, and femoral tunnel preparation, as well as tibial tunnel preparation, graft passage, and graft fixation. The postoperative rehabilitation is also discussed.

Background: Revision of an unsuccessful posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction is a complicated clinical procedure with an outcome that may be less satisfactory than that after a typical primary PCL reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reasons for failure of primary PCL reconstructions and to determine the clinical outcomes of revision PCL reconstruction after a minimum of two years of follow-up. Methods: Twenty-eight revision PCL reconstructions were performed by a single surgeon. Four cases that involved diverse operative procedures and two cases with a duration of follow-up of less than twenty-four months were excluded; the outcomes of the remaining twenty-two reconstructions were analyzed at the time of the latest follow-up (at least twenty-four months postoperatively). A technique involving a double femoral tunnel, a modified tibial inlay, and Achilles tendon allograft was used in all twenty-two of these revision reconstructions. Seventeen patients (77%) underwent concomitant reconstruction of posterolateral corner structures. Knee stability was measured with use of posterior stress radiography as well as with a maximum manual displacement test utilizing a KT1000 arthrometer. The subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and objective Orthopadische Arbeitsgruppe Knie (OAK) scoring systems were used to evaluate the clinical outcome. Results: Nine (41%) of the primary PCL reconstructions most likely failed because of a single factor and thirteen (59%) most likely failed because of multiple factors. The most common probable causes of failure were posterolateral rotatory instability (seventeen knees, 77%) and improper graft tunnel placement (nine knees, 41%). Side-to-side differences during posterior stress radiography improved from 9.9 ± 2.8 mm preoperatively to 2.8 ± 1.8 mm at the time of the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The subjective and objective clinical scores at the latest follow-up evaluation were significantly better than the preoperative scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Arthroscopic revision PCL reconstruction with use of the modified tibial-inlay double-bundle technique improved knee stability, as measured with posterior stress radiography and clinically, and outcomes. Associated pos-terolateral rotatory instability should be surgically corrected during PCL reconstruction to prevent graft failure resulting from abnormal opening of the lateral aspect of the tibiofemoral joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the proximity of neural structures to standard posterior portals in different knee positions. Methods: Ten fresh cadaveric knees were used to establish the standard posteromedial and posterolateral portals using an outside-in technique with arthroscopic transillumination. The distance from each portal site to the adjacent neurovascular structures (infrapatellar branches of the saphenous nerve) and the sartorial branch of saphenous nerve from the posteromedial portal, and the common peroneal nerve from posterolateral portal was measured using a precision caliper. Distances were recorded with the knees in extension, 45° of flexion and 90° of flexion in order to examine the effect of dynamic knee motion on nerve position. Results: The mean distance between the posteromedial portal and the superior and inferior branches of infrapatellar branches of the saphenous nerve at full extension was significantly greater than at 90° of flexion. However, there was no difference observed between at 45° and at 90° of flexion. The mean distance from the posteromedial portal to the sartorial branch of saphenous nerve at 90° of flexion was significantly greater (26.1 mm, SD: 4.7) than that at 45° of flexion (18.4 mm, SD: 4.6), and at full extension (14 mm, SD: 4.3) ( P < 0.0001). The mean distance between the posterolateral portal to the common peroneal nerve at 90° of flexion was also significantly greater (25.4 mm, SD: 9.2) than that at 45° of flexion (22.5 mm, SD: 8.1), and at full extension (20.1 mm, SD: 9.1) ( P < 0.0001). Conclusion: In this cadaveric study, it shows that position of 90° knee flexion is reasonably safe, in order to establish a posterior portal in knee arthroscopy using the technique described in the current study, especially to avoid the sartorial branch of saphenous nerve and the common peroneal nerve injuries. Results of this study suggest the establishment of posterior portals, while the knee is flexed at an angle of 90° is recommended to ensure the safety of these structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

n optode system based on a plasticized polymer membrane containing cesium ion-selective fluoroionophore and lipophilic anions for the determination of cesium ions has been developed. In this work, 15-crown-5 derivative including anthracene was used as a fluoroionophore. Emission intensity of the optode membrane incorporating 15-crown-5-anthracene was measured at 500 nm with excitation at 360 nm in the presence of Tris-HCl buffer solution. Under optimum experimental condition, the relative fluorescence intensity was linear with the concentration of cesium ion in the range of 1.0 × 10 M to 1.0 × 10 M and the detection limit was obtained 4.2 × 10 M, as defined by LOD = 3 × S/m (where S=standard deviation of blank signal and, m=slope of the calibration curve). The effect of pH of sample solution on the fluorescent response, the selectivity, response time and reproducibility of the optode membrane were also discussed. The fluorescent optode system shows a high selectivity and sensitivity for cesium ion with respect to other cations such as K, Na and Li. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, variations of the remnant bundle preservation technique, including selective bundle reconstruction and preservation of the anterior cruciate ligament tibial remnant, have produced good outcomes. The authors chose to investigate whether remnant bundle preservation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction would affect the remodeling process without inducing complications.Hypothesis: An anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction graft can be augmented with a tensioned remnant of the native anterior cruciate ligament fibers without increasing the tendency of cyclops lesions. The magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity in an anterior cruciate ligament graft using the remnant bundle preservation technique would be lower than that using the standard technique.Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods: Forty-one patients who underwent an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the remnant bundle preservation technique with quadrupled hamstring tendon autograft were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging at a mean of 6.3 ± 0.7 months after surgery. The control group included 41 consecutive patients who underwent a single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by the standard technique. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in gender, age distribution, mean time until postoperative magnetic resonance imaging, or other patient characteristics. The magnetic resonance imaging evaluation focused on 5 measurements as follows: (1) dimensions of the anterior cruciate ligament graft, (2) signal intensity of the anterior cruciate ligament graft using the signal/ noise quotient (SNQ) from a region of interest analysis, (3) magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity and continuity of the preserved remnant bundle, (4) orientation of the anterior cruciate ligament, and (5) tibial tunnel placement.Results: The remnant bundle preservation group had a significantly larger mean anterior cruciate ligament graft (293.4 mm2) than did the standard group (219.6 mm2 ) (P < .0001). However, the SNQ values of the anterior cruciate ligament graft in the remnant bundle preservation group were not significantly lower than those in the standard group in any of the 3 zones. In the remnant bundle preservation group, magnetic resonance imaging signals obtained from preserved remnant bundles in 35 patients (85%) showed 14 knees with a grade I signal (homogeneous low intensity) and 21 knees with a grade II signal (a portion of the preserved bundle was edematous). The continuity of remnant bundles in 37 patients (90%) as determined by magnetic resonance imaging was partial in 20 patients and complete in 17. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in the number of cyclops lesions detected by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging.Conclusion: After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, magnetic resonance imaging showed significantly larger anterior cruciate ligament grafts in the remnant bundle preservation group than in the standard procedure group, and these preserved remnant bundles showed progressive remodeling in the anterior cruciate ligament graft with no increase in the incidence of cyclops lesions. To determine a clinical advantage for the remnant preservation technique, magnetic resonance imaging results such as these must be correlated with clinical findings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Electron attachment to the van der Waals complexes of azabenzene-(CO2)n results in the formation of covalent bonds between the nitrogen atoms of azabenzene and the carbon atom of CO2. The newly formed C-N bonds establish an extended ∏-orbital network over the entire moieties of the complex and thus greatly stabilize the anion, yielding a very large value of vertical detachment energy for the excess electron. The rare "associative" nature of electron attachment was found to be generally occurring in all azabenzene series, only subject to steric hindrance against the formation of the covalent C-N bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arterial stiffness is significantly correlated with cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension. Although arterial stiffness increases with age and other vascular risk factors, the effect of heart rhythm on arterial stiffness is uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of atrial fibrillation is associated with arterial stiffness, as determined by heart to femoral pulse wave velocity, in patients with hypertension. Heart to femoral pulse wave velocity was measured, and comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 68 subjects (35 subjects with sinus rhythm, 33 subjects with atrial fibrillation). Potential determinants of heart to femoral pulse wave velocity were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Individuals with atrial fibrillation had higher heart to femoral pulse wave velocity than those with sinus rhythm (1028 ±± 222 vs 923 ± 110 cm/s, P = .03). Age, the presence of atrial fibrillation, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure were found to be significantly correlated with heart to femoral pulse wave velocity. After adjusting for possible confounders, multivariate analysis identified systolic blood pressure (P = .003) and the presence of atrial fibrillation (P = .007) as independent determinants of heart to femoral pulse wave velocity. The presence of atrial fibrillation was significantly correlated with a higher pulse wave velocity, independently of age or blood pressure in patients with hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed this study in order to compare the immediate and mid-term outcomes of sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) and paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) in lesions of the unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA). We assessed 54 patients from 5 centers who had undergone unprotected LMCA stenting (35 SES and 19 PES). The procedural success rates were 100 and 95%, respectively, in the SES and PES patients (p = 0.19). At the 6-month clinical follow-up, the event-free probability was 100% in the SES group, and 88% in the PES group (p = 0.07). At the 6-month angiographic follow-up (n = 24), the SES group exhibited a slightly lower late loss than did the PES group (0.24 ± 0.44 vs. 0.65 ± 0.60 mm, p = 0.09), and the restenosis rates were 8 and 9% (p = 0.94) in the SES and PES patients, respectively. In conclusion, both groups exhibited excellent in-hospital and 6-month outcomes with no significant differences between them. Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The product of the recently discovered ybfF gene, which belongs to the esterase family, does not show high sequence similarity to other esterases. To provide the molecular background to the enzymatic mechanism of the ybfF esterase, the ybfF protein from Escherichia coli K12 (Ec_ybfF) was cloned, expressed and purified. The Ec_ybfF protein was crystallized from 60% Tacsimate and 0.1 M bis-Tris propane buffer pH 7.0. Diffraction data were collected to 1.10 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation. The crystal belongs to the orthorhombic space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 66.09, b = 90.71, c = 92.88 Å. With two Ec_ybfF molecules in the asymmetric unit, the crystal volume per unit protein weight is 2.17 Å3 Da−1, corresponding to a solvent content of 42%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to find the ideal femoral tunnel position in single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) by comparing clinical scores, stability of the knee joint, and graft signal intensity on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We hypothesized that positioning the femoral tunnel near the anteromedial bundle or center would lead to better results in terms of clinical outcomes and graft signal intensity on follow-up MRI than would positioning the tunnel near the posterolateral bundle.Methods: Two hundred patients underwent arthroscopic single-bundle ACL reconstruction with a soft-tissue graft; all patients had the same surgeon, surgical technique (anteromedial transportal technique), and rehabilitation protocol. Each patient underwent 3D-CT within 1 week after the operation and MRI at 1 year after the operation. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of clinical scores and the stability of the knee joint. We classified patients into three groups based on the femoral tunnel position: the anteromedial position group, the posterolateral position group, and the center position group. We evaluated graft signal intensity on follow-up MRI.Results: This study included 77 patients: 25 patients in the anteromedial position group, 15 patients in the posterolateral position group, and 33 patients in the center position group. Four patients had an eccentric tunnel position and were excluded. The 3 groups did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) in preoperative demographic characteristics. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups in clinical outcomes. However, patients in the anteromedial position group and in the center position group had better graft signal intensity on follow-up MRI than those in the posterolateral position group.Conclusions: Positioning the femoral tunnel near the anteromedial bundle and center led to better graft signal intensity on follow-up MRI in anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction than did positioning the femoral tunnel near the posterolateral bundle. There were no differences in clinical scores or stability of the knee joint among the three groups.Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although single-radius (SR) designs have a theoretical advantage in quadriceps recovery following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), there has been a paucity of objective evaluation studies. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty minimally invasive TKAs were prospectively randomized by a single surgeon into 2 groups: SR design TKA group and multi-radius design TKA group. Quadriceps force and power were assessed using a dynamometer, and clinical data were investigated preoperatively and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Results: There were no differences between two groups in quadriceps recovery and clinical results throughout the follow-up period. Furthermore, the proportion of patients whose postoperative quadriceps force and power reached preoperative level was similar in both groups. Conclusions: Femoral component design itself would not significantly influence quadriceps recovery after TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a coating method to produce functionalized small quantum dots (sQDs), about 9 nm in diameter, that were stable for over a month. We made sQDs in four emission wavelengths, from 527 to 655 nm and with different functional groups. AMPA receptors on live neurons were labeled with sQDs and postsynaptic density proteins were visualized with super-resolution microscopy. Their diffusion behavior indicates that sQDs access the synaptic clefts significantly more often than commercial QDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a coating method to produce functionalized small quantum dots (sQDs), about 9 nmin diameter, that were stable for over a month. We made sQDs in four emission wavelengths, from 527 to 655 nm and with different functional groups. AMPA receptors on live neurons were labeled with sQDs and postsynaptic density proteins were visualized with super-resolution microscopy. Their diffusion behavior indicates that sQDs access the synaptic clefts significantly more often than commercial QDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-assembly of AgPF6 with a pair of chiral tridentate ligands (1S,1'S,1''S,2R,2'R,2''R) and (1R,1'R,1''R,2S,2' S,2''S)-(benzenetricarbonyltris(azanediyl))tris(2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-2,1-diyl)triisonicotinate (s,r-L) and (r, s-L) in a mixture of methanol and dioxane yields 2D sheets consisting of [Ag(s,r-L)](PF6)·3C4H8O2·0.5H2O and [Ag(r,s-L)](PF6)·3C4H8O2·0.5H2O, respectively. The differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) technique using the pair of chiral 2D-sheet enantiomers was employed for chiral discrimination of amino acid enantiomers, and was found to be an effective tool for enantio-recognition of L- and D-histidines. Both the size and the binding site of amino acids were strongly dependent on electrochemical enantio-recognition via the chiral 2D sheets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No consensus has been reached with regard to the ideal timing of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in terms of reducing secondary meniscal tears in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees. Hypothesis: Delay in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction increases the incidence and severity of medial meniscal tears. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Thirty-one patients were evaluated with arthroscopic all-inside suturing of medial meniscal tears with concurrent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction who had at least 2 preoperative magnetic resonance imaging studies. Patients were evaluated during the acute phase of injury, but anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery was delayed at least 6 months. Mean interval between first and second imaging studies was 36.8 months. Subsequent medial meniscal tears were identified as longitudinal or bucket-handle types. Relationships between medial meniscal lesions and patient age, time interval between the date of initial injury and surgery, repetitive injury, and patient activity level were evaluated. Results: During the first preoperative magnetic resonance imaging studies, 14 knees had no medial meniscal tear, 15 a longitudinal tear, and 2 a bucket-handle-type tear; during the second preoperative imaging studies, 5 knees had no medial meniscal tear, 19 a longitudinal tear, and 7 a bucket-handle-type tear. The incidence of medial meniscal tears increased from 55% in first studies to 84% in second studies for chronic anterior cruciate ligament-insufficient knees (P = .0054). Eight knees without a tear during first studies had a longitudinal tear during second studies, 1 knee without a tear and 4 with a longitudinal tear in first studies had a bucket-handle-type tear in second studies. Thirteen knees (42%) had a worse meniscal status during the second studies. Conclusion: Delayed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction increases the likelihood of a medial meniscal tear, suggesting that early anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction should reduce or prevent additional medial meniscal injury. The findings show that further medial meniscal damage is common if surgery is delayed by 6 months or more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectron spectroscopy was carried out for the mass-selected cluster anions of s-triazine molecule, Tz[sub n][sup -] (n=1–6). The mass spectrum and vibrationally resolved photoelectron spectrum of Tz[sup -] showed that unlike pyridine and pyrazine, Tz binds an electron and thus becomes the first molecule in the azabenzene series with a positive electron affinity (0.03 eV). This indicates that the local charge polarization in the aromatic ring by the three nitrogen atoms is large enough to facilitate electron binding to a homologue of benzene. A Jahn–Teller distortion was proposed to explain the vibrational progressions of the photoelectron spectrum of Tz[sup -]. A series of Ar-solvated clusters of Tz[sup -], Tz[sup -]·Ar[sub m] (m=1–7), have been also studied. Their photoelectron spectra showed a drop in the incremental electron binding energy when going from m=4 to 5, indicating the closure of a solvation shell with four Ar atoms. In the mass abundance spectrum of Tz[sub n][sup -], a distinctly high intensity for Tz[sub 2][sup -] indicated its exceptional stability, which was also manifested by the large increase by more than 0.5 eV in the vertical detachment energy of the photoelectron spectrum. Theoretical calculations were carried out to obtain optimized geometries of the neutral and anion of Tz and Tz[sub 2]. We confirmed the Jahn–Teller distortion in Tz[sup -] and also addressed the role of hydrogen bonding in determining the geometries of Tz[sub 2][sup -]. A common feature for the two most stable forms of Tz[sub 2][sup -] with comparable energies was that they achieve their unique stability through equal sharing of the negative charge between their two molecular constituents. A new photoelectron band was found to emerge from Tz[sub n][sup -] for n>=2 by the 355 nm light, in addition to the photoelectron band at lower electron binding energy observed for n>=1 at 532 nm. The relative intensity of this new band decreased as n increased, and its position was 1.6–1.8 eV above the first band. Photodetachment to an electronically excited state was suggested to give rise to the second photoelectron band. The nature of the excited state should be cluster-derived, not molecular, and it is highly likely that it is dimeric. A parallel-displaced geometry for Tz[sub 2][sup -] may upon photodetachment lead to a neutral excited state with a similar geometry and a strong excimer type character. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a complex disease caused by combination of genetic and environmental factors. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified more than 46 risk loci which are associated with coronary artery disease and MI, most of the genetic variability in MI still remains undefined. Here, we screened the susceptibility loci for MI using exome sequencing and validated candidate variants in replication sets. We identified that three genes (GYG1, DIS3L and DDRGK1) were associated with MI at the discovery and replication stages. Further research will be required to determine the functional association of these genes with MI risk, and these associations have to be confirmed in other ethnic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influence of lipid-lowering therapy on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is incompletely understood. We compared the effect of two lipid-lowering strategies on HDL functions and identified some HDL-related proteins. Methods: Thirty two patients were initially screened and HDLs of 21 patients were finally analyzed. Patients were randomized to receive atorvastatin 20 mg (n = 11) or atorvastatin 5 mg/ezetimibe 10 mg combination (n = 10) for 8 weeks. The cholesterol efflux capacity and other anti-inflammatory functions were assessed based on HDLs of the participants before and after treatment. Pre-specified HDL proteins of the same HDL samples were measured. Results: The post-treatment increase in cholesterol efflux capacities was similar between the groups (35.6% and 34.6% for mono-therapy and combination, respectively, p = 0.60). Changes in nitric oxide (NO) production, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were similar between the groups. The baseline cholesterol efflux capacity correlated positively with apolipoprotein (apo)A1 and C3, whereas apoA1 and apoC1 showed inverse associations with VCAM-1 expression. The changes in the cholesterol efflux capacity were positively correlated with multiple HDL proteins, especially apoA2. Conclusions: Two regimens increased the cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL comparably. Multiple HDL proteins, not limited to apoA1, showed a correlation with HDL functions. These results indicate that conventional lipid therapy may have additional effects on HDL functions with changes in HDL proteins. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02942602. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compartment syndrome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare complication. Because of its rarity, it may be overlooked and misdiagnosed as peroneal nerve palsy or deep vein thrombosis. This misdiagnosis could have a profound impact on the patient's outcome. We report a case of a 77-year-old female who developed unilateral compartment syndrome in the calf after staged bilateral TKA at an outside clinic. The patient presented with medical complications related to compartment syndrome: rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria, which caused acute renal failure. Thus, we performed late fasciotomy one week after symptom onset to debride necrotic tissue and salvage the compartment. In the discussion section, we will discuss risk factors for compartment syndrome after TKA, results of late fasciotomy and other indications for surgical treatment of compartment syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document results of a less invasive technique of open wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (PTO) for the varus knee in young adults using an intramedullary tibial nail. Materials and Methods: We prospectively studied 24 knees in 16 young patients with varus knee deformity. The mean follow-up was 54 months (range, 36 to 107 months) and the mean age of patients at the time of operation was 25.8 years (range, 18 to 40 years). The open wedge PTO was performed below tibial tuberosity using a percutaneous multiple drill-hole technique. Conventional intramedullary tibial nail was used for fixation without bone graft. Radiographic evaluations were made using mechanical alignment (MA), posterior tibial slope angle, and Insall-Salvati ratio. Union time, loss of correction, implant failure, and associated complications were also investigated. Results: The mean MA was significantly changed from −9.7o preoperatively to 1.1o at the final follow-up (p<0.001). There was no significant change in the proximal tibial anatomy and patellar height. All patients achieved radiographic bony union at an average of 3.1 months without loss of correction. The only complication was knee pain due to nail prominence in 3 patients. Conclusions: Radiographic evaluation indicated that PTO using an intramedullary tibial nail leads to significant improvement in radiographic parameters without changes in posterior tibial slope or patellar height. We found that this technique could be a less invasive and effective alternative for correction of the varus knee in young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies on factors which may predict the risk of diabetes are scarce. This prospective cohort study was conducted to determine the association between adiponectin and type 2 diabetes among Korean men and women. Methods: A total of 42,845 participants who visited one of seven health examination centers located in Seoul and Gyeonggi province, Republic of Korea between 2004 and 2008 were included in this study. The incidence rates of diabetes were determined through December 2011. To evaluate the effects of adiponectin on type 2 diabetes, the Cox proportional hazard model was used. Results: Of the 40,005 participants, 959 developed type 2 diabetes during a 6-year follow-up. After the adjustment for age, body mass. index (BMI), and waist circumference, the risks for type 2 diabetes in participants with normoglycemia had a 1.70-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21 to 2.38) increase in men and a 1.83-fold (95% CI, 1.17 to 2.86) increase in women with the lowest tertile of adiponectin when compared to the highest tertile of adiponectin. For participants with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), the risk for type 2 diabetes had a 1.46-fold (95% CI, 1.17 to 1.83) increase in men and a 2.52-fold (95% CI, 1.57 to 4.06) increase in women with the lowest tertile of adiponectin. Except for female participants with normoglycemia, all the risks remained significant after the adjustment for fasting glucose and other confounding variables. Surprisingly, BMI and waist circumference were not predictors of type 2 diabetes in menor women with IFG after adjustment for fasting glucose and other confounders. Conclusion: A strong association between adiponectin and diabetes was observed. The use of adiponectin as a predictor of type 2 diabetes is considered to be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative venous thromboembolism is one of the most serious complications following total joint arthroplasty. Pharmacological and mechanical prophylaxis methods are used to reduce the risk of postoperative symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Use of pharmacological prophylaxis requires a fine balance between the efficacy of the drug in preventing deep vein thrombosis and the adverse effects associated with the use of these drugs. In regions with a low prevalence of deep vein thrombosis such as Korea, there might be a question whether the benefits of using pharmacological prophylaxis outweigh the risks involved. The current article reviews the need for thromboprophylaxis, guidelines, problems with the guidelines, pharmacological prophylaxis use, and the current scenario of deep vein thrombosis, and discusses whether the use of pharmacological prophylaxis should be mandatory in low incidence populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saturated fatty acids are known to activate macrophages and induce vascular inflammation. Although cytokines from activated macrophage influence other vascular cells, the influence of saturated fatty acids on the paracrine effect of macrophages is not fully understood yet. Here we examined the impact of palmitate on the effect of macrophages on vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and their mediators. SMCs proliferation increased significantly after treatment with conditioned media from palmitate-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. SMC migration was found to be greater after treatment with palmitateconditioned media. SM α-actin and SM22α were decreased in SMCs treated with palmitate-conditioned media. When stimulated with palmitate, RAW264.7 cells secreted more bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2 and BMP4 into the cell culture media. SMC proliferation, migration, and phenotypic changes were attenuated after treatment of neutralizing antibodies against BMPs or knockdown of BMPs with siRNA. The influences of these proteins were further confirmed by direct treatment of recombinant BMP2 and BMP4 on SMCs. Particularly, the effects of BMPs on SMC migration on phenotypic change were obvious, whereas their effect on SMC proliferation seemed not significant or modest. In conclusion, palmitate promoted macrophages' paracrine effects on SMC proliferation, migration, and phenotypic change. The effect of stimulated macrophages was mediated, at least in part, by BMP2 and BMP4. These results suggest a novel mechanism linking saturated fatty acids and the progression of vascular diseases that is possibly mediated by BMPs from macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative modification of LDL is an early pathological event in the development of atherosclerosis. Oxidation events such as malondialdehyde (MDA) formation may produce specific, immunogenic epitopes. Indeed, antibodies to MDA-derived epitopes are widely used in atherosclerosis research and have been demonstrated to enable cardiovascular imaging. In this study, we engineered a transgenic zebrafish with temperature-inducible expression of an EGFP-labeled single-chain human monoclonal antibody, IK17, which binds to MDA-LDL, and used optically transparent zebrafish larvae for imaging studies. Feeding a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) supplemented with a red fluorescent lipid marker to the transgenic zebrafish resulted in vascular lipid accumulation, quantified in live animals using confocal microscopy. After heat shock-induced expression of IK17-EGFP, we measured the time course of vascular accumulation of IK17-specific MDA epitopes. Treatment with either an antioxidant or a regression diet resulted in reduced IK17 binding to vascular lesions. Interestingly, homogenates of IK17-EGFP-expressing larvae bound to MDA-LDL and inhibited MDA-LDL binding to macrophages. Moreover, sustained expression of IK17-EGFP effectively prevented HCD-induced lipid accumulation in the vascular wall, suggesting that the antibody itself may have therapeutic effects. Thus, we conclude that HCD-fed zebrafish larvae with conditional expression of EGFP-labeled oxidation-specific antibodies afford an efficient method of testing dietary and/or other therapeutic antioxidant strategies that may ultimately be applied to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is secreted from pineal gland and it mediates two major physiological functions. One is the affection on the phase of circadian rhythms and the other is the change on the reproductive cycle in seasonally breeding animals. In addition, melatonin acts with reactive oxygen spices as an intracellular antioxidant, and has protective effect on injury or ischemia. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter that is most widespread in the central nerve system (CNS). The ionotropic glutamate receptors are divided into N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, ct-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptor, and kainate (KA) receptor. In the present study, the effects of melatonin on the glutamate-induced, NMDA-induced, and KA-induced ion currents in the rat hippocampal CAI neurons were investigated. For this experiment, nystatin-perforated patch clamp study under voltage-clamping condition was performed. The present results showed that melatooin inhibited glutamate-induced and KA-induced ion currents as dose-dependently. Melatonin at low concentration inhibitied NMDA-induced ion current, howener, melatonin at high concentration inhibited AMPA-induced ion current. Here in this study, we have shown that melatonin inhibited glutamate-induced ion current and its subtype-induced ion currents. The present study suggests that the inhibitory action of melatonin on NMDA-induced ion current is the major protective mechanism on injury or ischemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]