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For the seafood industry, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, one of the most prevalent food-borne pathogenic bacteria that forms biofilms, is a constant cause of concern. There are numerous techniques used throughout the food supply chain to manage biofilms, but none are entirely effective. Through assessing its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, quercetin will be evaluated for its ability to prevent the growth of V. parahaemolyticus biofilm on shrimp and crab shell surfaces. With a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 220 µg/mL, the tested quercetin exhibited the lowest bactericidal action without visible growth of bacteria. In contrast, during various experiments in this work, the inhibitory efficacy of quercetin without (control) and with sub-MICs levels (1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 MIC) against V. parahaemolyticus was examined. With increasing quercetin concentration, swarming and swimming motility, biofilm formation, and expression levels of related genes linked to flagella motility (flaA and flgL), biofilm formation (vp0952 and vp0962), and quorum-sensing (luxS and aphA) were all dramatically reduced (p < 0.05). Quercetin (0–110 μg/mL) was investigated on shrimp and crab shell surfaces, the inhibitory effects were 0.68–3.70 and 0.74–3.09 log CFU/cm2, respectively (p < 0.05). The findings were verified using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), which revealed quercetin prevented the development of biofilms by severing cell-to-cell contacts and induced cell lysis, which resulted in the loss of normal cell shape. Furthermore, there was a substantial difference in motility between the treatment and control groups (swimming and swarming). According to our findings, plant-derived quercetin should be used as an antimicrobial agent in the food industry to inhibit the establishment of V. parahaemolyticus biofilms. These findings suggest that bacterial targets are of interest for biofilm reduction with alternative natural food agents in the seafood sector along the entire food production chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact lens multipurpose solutions (MPSs) contain several components that have the potential to cause corneal epithelial cell toxicity. Evaluating the components and the toxic effect of MPS should be considered for effective eye care. The cytotoxic and wound healing effects of five commercially available MPSs on human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) are is investigated. The following commercially available MPSs were used: Queen's PLURISOL®, Frenz®, Boston SIMPLUS®, DL+PLUS EYE® (DL), and NEW YORK DEFINE® (NY). The proliferation of HCECs exposed to each MPS for 1, 6, and 24 h and the cytotoxicity of these solutions were analyzed using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium-based colorimetric and lactate dehydrogenase leakage assays, respectively. The cellular morphology was evaluated by inverted phase-contrast and electron microscopy. A scratch-wound assay was performed to measure wound widths 24 h after confluent HCEC monolayers were scratch-wounded. The tested MPS had a time-dependent inhibitory effect on HCEC proliferation and cytotoxicity, significantly at 24 h after exposure (p< 0.05 in all MPSs). HCECs exposed to MPS detached from the bottom of the culture dishes, showed degenerative changes such as loss of microvilli, cytoplasmic vacuole formation and nuclear condensation, and decreased wound healing, compared to the controls (p< 0.001 in Boston, DL and NY). Among the tested MPS, DL and NY were more cytotoxic and showed less wound healing. MPS has a toxic effect on HCECs, which is dependent on the concentration of the disinfecting component. Since the components that constitute the MPS are absorbed and retained in the lens, cautious scrutiny of the concentration and attention to lens cleaning are warranted to mitigate the related cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hydrothermal process showed efficacy for collagen hydrolysis. • Elevated temperature and pressure are synergistic in hydrothermal hydrolysis. • Hydrothermal process is an environmentally friendly and effective technology. • An ultrafiltration membrane is useful for separation of bioactive peptides. • Collagen peptides exhibited superior antioxidant and anti-aging abilities. Collagen, in a form suitable for human consumption, can be obtained from the large amounts of fish skin via protein hydrolysis to produce low-molecular-weight substances with enhanced bioavailability and function. To optimize this method, we investigated the synergistic effect of elevated temperature (150–250 °C) and pressure (350–3900 kPa) of a hydrothermal process on the hydrolytic ability and characteristics of collagen hydrolysates. Elevated temperature and pressure of the hydrothermal process increased the levels of free amino groups and lower-molecular-weight collagen hydrolysates, particularly at 210 °C and 2100 kPa. The resulting hydrolysates were fractionated by ultrafiltration membranes of different molecular weight cutoff and evaluated for their antioxidant (ABTS radical scavenging activity and reducing power) and anti-aging (tyrosinase and collagenase inhibition) activities. The <1 kDa fraction had the highest antioxidant activities, whereas the 5–10 kDa fraction had the highest anti-aging activities. Therefore, fish skin could be successfully modified into biologically active collagen peptides by a hydrothermal process (hydrolysis) and ultrafiltration (separation), and the resulting bioactive peptides have potential for development as antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients in the food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus is cultivated throughout Jeju Island and is thought to possess some medicinal properties. Citrus concentrate is the most extensively utilized form of citrus in the food industry. In this study, antioxidant and antiobesity effects of Kimchi supplemented with citrus concentrate were investigated. Prepared Kimchi was infused with 7% citrus concentrate (CK) and freeze‐dried for analysis. Normal Kimchi (NK) without citrus concentrate was utilized as a control. Total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities were examined. Cytotoxicity, intracellular triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were also measured. Additionally, the inhibitory effects on lipid accumulation were trialed by measuring the oil‐red O (ORO)‐stained cells. TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities of CK were significantly higher than those of NK (p < .05). CK showed less cytotoxicity and attenuated the lipid accumulation at all concentrations by reducing TG and TC levels compared to NK. The inhibitory effect of CK on lipid accumulation was observed via reducing ORO‐stained lipid droplets. Consequently, the antioxidant and antiobesity effects of CK were revealed in vitro. Furthermore, the addition of citrus may provide competitive price due to low production costs as well as health functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The feasibility of ohmic heating for cooking instant noodles was evaluated using a customized ohmic system. Temperature come-up time, heat transfer ratio (HT nls), system performance coefficient (SPC), and textural qualities were evaluated as a function of different electric fields (10, 12.5, 15, and 17.5 V/cm) and temperature holding times (30, 60, 90, and 120 s). Temperature come-up time to 100 °C was 3.9 ± 0.1, 2.5 ± 0.1, 2.1 ± 0.2, and 1.3 ± 0.1 min at electric fields of 10, 12.5, 15 and 17.5 V/cm, respectively. Temperature come-up time decreased significantly with an increase in electric field. The highest HT nls of 0.89 was observed at 15 V/cm. An electric field of 15 V/cm with a 90 s holding time yielded the greatest SPC of 0.63 ± 0.05 and the most preferable textural qualities for hardness. Our study shows the potential of ohmic heating to rapidly cook instant noodles with good textural qualities and energy efficiency. Highlights • Investigate the ohmic cooking for noodles as a function of electric fields (10–17.5 V/cm) and holding times (30–120 s). • Ohmic heating enabled rapid cooking of instant noodles using electric field and internal energy generation. • Energy efficacy of ohmic heating was promising since most of electrical energy was converted to heat. • Heat transfer between noodles and soup was expedited at higher electric field application. • Ohmic heating showed its potential to produce good textural quality of noodles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The characteristics of kimchi were investigated according to the region of production. • Kimchi from the southern and northern regions showed distinct metabolite profile differences. • A total of 77 factors were correlated with regional characteristics of kimchi. • The terroir effect of kimchi was identified by metabolomics approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in characteristics of the fermented food kimchi based on the regions where it is produced. A total of 108 kimchi samples were collected from five different provinces in Korea to analyze the recipes, metabolites, microbes, and sensory characteristics. Overall, 18 ingredients (including salted anchovy and seaweed), 7 quality indicators (such as salinity and moisture content), 14 genera of microorganisms (mainly Tetragenococcus and Weissella belonging to LAB), and 38 metabolites contributed to the characteristics of kimchi by region. Kimchi from the southern and northern regions showed distinct metabolite profile (collected 108 kimchi) and flavor profile differences (kimchi manufactured using the standard regional recipes). This is the first study to investigate the terroir effect of kimchi by identifying differences in ingredients, metabolites, microbes, and sensory characteristics based on the region of production, and the correlations between these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hereditary shamans of South Korea’s East Coast region foster a style of ritual that is well noted for its complex, often highly virtuosic, percussion music. Looking beyond the shared norms that hold this tradition together, this study valorises the varied contributions of individual ritualists. It pinpoints the defining characteristics of their performance ‘faces’—the constellation of resemblances and deviations that mark them out as distinctive—and sheds light on the various learning experiences, socio-musical loyalties and rivalries, and personalities that are registered in those faces. Focusing on three generations of ritualists from a single troupe, music analysis and the ritualists’ own testimonies, this study reveals some markedly contrasting takes on tradition. While insights drawn from niche theory help to clarify how competition has encouraged diversification, this enquiry’s most significant contribution is to probe deeper and demonstrate how the musicians’ innermost ways of thinking are registered in their musical choices. Extrapolating from case-study findings, a broadly applicable model of personal style formation and expression is also outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the decision-making process and predicting travel behavior are critical for destination tourism marketers. This study develops and tests a structural equation model using the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explain Chinese college students’ intention to travel to Japan. Ten hypotheses were proposed regarding the relationships between destination image, travel constraints, and the original TPB constructs. The results of structural analyses reveal that the extended TPB has better predictive power for travel intention to Japan than the original one. Attitude is found to have the greatest impact on intention to travel to Japan. The mediating role of travel constraints shows a significantly negative effect on the relationships between the predictors and travel intention except for the relationship between perceived behavioral control and travel intention. The results of this study can help improve marketing promotions and the development of more effective destination positioning strategies for Japanese inbound tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study examines the extended Theory of Planned Behavior in the context of young Taiwanese' travel intentions to Japan. Analyses indicate that perceived risks negatively impact attitudes, while attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control positively impact behavioral intentions. Contrary to the hypothesized direct effect, attitudes fully mediate the perceived risks and behavioral intentions relationship. A novel contribution of this study is the examination of the moderating effect of past visit experience, revealing significant moderation of the paths from attitudes to behavioral intentions, and from perceived behavioral control to behavioral intentions, with stronger effects for experienced visitors over novices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In eukaryotes, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) control the cell cycle and critical steps in gene expression. The lethal parasite Trypanosoma brucei, member of the phylogenetic order Kinetoplastida, possesses eleven CDKs which, due to high sequence divergence, were generically termed CDC2-related kinases (CRKs). While several CRKs have been implied in the cell cycle, CRK9 was the first trypanosome CDK shown to control the unusual mode of gene expression found in kinetoplastids. In these organisms, protein-coding genes are arranged in tandem arrays which are transcribed polycistronically. Individual mRNAs are processed from precursor RNA by spliced leader (SL) trans splicing and polyadenylation. CRK9 ablation was lethal in cultured trypanosomes, causing a block of trans splicing before the first transesterification step. Additionally, CRK9 silencing led to dephosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and to hypomethylation of the SL cap structure. Here, we tandem affinity-purified CRK9 and, among potential CRK9 substrates and modifying enzymes, discovered an unusual tripartite complex comprising CRK9, a new L-type cyclin (CYC12) and a protein, termed CRK9-associated protein (CRK9AP), that is only conserved among kinetoplastids. Silencing of either CYC12 or CRK9AP reproduced the effects of depleting CRK9, identifying these proteins as functional partners of CRK9 in vivo. While mammalian cyclin L binds to CDK11, the CRK9 complex deviates substantially from that of CDK11, requiring CRK9AP for efficient CRK9 complex formation and autophosphorylation in vitro. Interference with this unusual CDK rescued mice from lethal trypanosome infections, validating CRK9 as a potential chemotherapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The axilla is a triangular space that contains mesenchymal tissues such as fat, vessels, nerves and lymph nodes, from which various diseases can develop. This article describes axillary masses and axillary lymphadenopathies using imaging findings from techniques such as ultrasonography, mammography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Awareness of the characteristic imaging findings of disease entities that cause axillary masses and various axillary lymphadenopathies will help in the accurate diagnosis of axillary lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure for the treatment of chronic otitis media. This study investigated the ability of rat stromal vascular fraction cells (rSVF) in combination with polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds and osteogenic differentiation-enhancing blood products to promote the regeneration of mastoid bone defect. Twenty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided according to obliteration materials: (1) control, (2) PCL scaffold only, (3) rSVFs + PCL, (4) rSVFs + PCL + platelet-rich plasma, and (5) rSVFs + PCL + whole plasma (WP). At 7 months after transplantation, the rSVFs + PCL + WP group showed remarkable new bone formation in the mastoid. These results indicate that SVFs, PCL scaffolds, and blood products accelerate bone regeneration for mastoid reconstruction. Autologous SVF cells with PCL scaffolds and autologous blood products are promising composites for mastoid reconstruction which can be easily harvested after mastoidectomy. With this approach, the reconstruction of mastoid bone defects can be performed right after mastoidectomy as a one-step procedure which can offer efficiency in the clinical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate ( ACC) deaminase is commonly produced by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria ( PGPR) and has been suggested to facilitate the growth and stress tolerance of hosts via a reduction in levels of ethylene. However, the regulatory mechanism of ACC deaminase (AcdS) protein within host plant cells is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated beneficial effects and post-translational modification of PGPR-originated AcdS proteins in plants. Compared with the wild-type, transgenic Arabidopsis expressing the Pseudomonas fluorescens acdS ( PfacdS) gene displayed increased root elongation and reduced sensitivity to 10 μM exogenous ACC, an ethylene precursor. Arabidopsis expressing PfacdS also showed increased tolerance to high salinity (150 mM NaCl). PfAcdS proteins accumulated in transgenic Arabidopsis were rapidly degraded, which was potentially mediated by the 26S proteasome pathway. The degradation of PfAcdS was alleviated in the presence of exogenous ACC. In conclusion, our data suggest that the plant growth-promoting effects of bacterial AcdS proteins are potentially modulated via protein turnover inside the host plant cells. Such post-translational modification plays a physiological role in the mutualistic interactions between microorganisms and plants in the rhizospheric and/or endospheric niche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure ohmic thermal sterilization (POTS) involves ohmic heating of foods by applying an electric field under elevated pressure. Experiments were conducted using a custom made POTS apparatus using carrot as the model food. The samples were processed at a target temperature of 105 °C at 600 MPa and treated for 0, 1, 3, and 5 min by regulating the electric field (30 V/cm). POTS treated carrot sample quality attributes were compared against those processed using ohmic heating (0.12 MPa, 30 V/cm, 105 °C) and pressure-assisted thermal processing (PATP; 600 MPa, 0 V/cm, 105 °C). Within the experimental conditions of the study, the thermal come-up time of the POTS, Ohmic and PATP were 1.45 min, 3.58 min and 6.84 min respectively. PATP come-up time also included the pre-heating time (≈6 min). Results indicate the POTS samples had the least textural damage due to minimal thermal exposure. POTS samples had higher crunchiness index (CI) of 0.76 compared to PATP (CI = 0.57) and ohmic heated (CI = 0.62) carrots. All the technologies investigated had minimal impact on product color. This study demonstrates the potential to produce high quality shelf stable low-acid vegetable products using POTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protease production by Bacillus sp. SKK11 isolated from brackish environment was studied by solid-state fermentation with horse gram husk. Response surface methodology-based Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize the variables such as pH, maltose, and MgSO4. The BBD design analysis showed a reasonable adjustment of the quadratic model with the experimental data. Statistics-based contour and three-dimensional (3-D) plots were generated to evaluate the changes in the response surface and to understand the relationship between the enzyme yield and the culture conditions. The maximum yield of the enzyme was observed at pH 9.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles have wide application in different scientific fields. The present study reports the simple and eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using cow milk. The X-ray diffraction peaks (2θ—37.76, 46.12, 67.4, and 76.84) and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy peak, approximately at 3keV, confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron micrograph showed that nanoparticles are mostly circular with an average size of 30–90nm. The proteins present in cow milk could be responsible for Ag+ ions reduction. The synthesized nanoparticles (2mM) can significantly inhibit (87.1%, 86.5%, and 83.5%) the growth of phytopathogens Colletotrichum coccodes, Monilinia sp., and Pyricularia sp. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper contributes to the growing body of ethnomusicological research about music-making on small islands, focusing on the remote South Korean island of Ulleungdo (literally, ‘Mysterious Island’). Historically, a number of factors have conspired to present serious obstacles to the Ulleungdo islanders' musical aspirations. However, since the early 1990s, enterprising amateurs have managed to generate and maintain a variety of musical activities in spite of these obstacles: church ensembles, karaoke, saxophone clubs, and more. Paralleling other island music studies, this paper seeks to show how the condition of being an Ulleungdo islander—entailing a complex of varied experiences, values, and relationships—has informed music-making over the years. However, here, the discussion remains firmly focused upon the islanders' use of technology since an acute reliance on technology has come to permeate Ulleungdo's musical life, with certain electronic devices commonly regarded as essential facilitators of musical expression. Drawing from the islanders' own testimonies, studies of Ulleungdo's cultural history, and works addressing technology's applications within and effects upon local communities, the authors explore how and why this condition of musical techno-reliance developed, how it is manifest in the present-day, and its broader implications for the island's music culture and identity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The efficacy of a pressure–ohmic–thermal sterilization (POTS) for Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Geobacillus stearothermophilus spore inactivation was investigated. Spores (2.5×108 cfu/ml) were inoculated in 0.1% NaCl solution (pH5.0 and 7.0), green pea puree (pH6.1), carrot puree (pH5.0) or tomato juice (pH4.1). Samples were ohmically (50V/cm) treated at 600MPa and 105°C for various holding times using a laboratory-scale high-pressure processor. B. amyloliquefaciens and G. stearothermophilus spores suspended in 0.1% NaCl solution (pH7.0) were inactivated by 4.6 and 5.6log, respectively, for a 30-min holding time. B. amyloliquefaciens and G. stearothermophilus spores in tomato juice were reduced by 3.1 and 4.8log, respectively, for a 10-min holding time. Spore germination was highest in the G. stearothermophilus suspended in 0.1% NaCl solution (pH7.0). POTS treatment appears to be a potent method for inactivating pressure–thermal resistant bacterial spores. Industrial Relevance: Food industry is interested in developing superior quality low-acid shelf-stable foods. This study evaluated the pressure–ohmic–thermal sterilization (POTS) for the inactivation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus stearothermophilus endospores. The impact of food matrices and acidity on the spore resistance was also investigated. Knowledge gained from the study will help the food processors for understanding the importance of various POTS treatment parameters for sterilization of low-acid foods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lettuce plants were grown under red, blue, or white light-emitting diode lights for four weeks after transplantation. Blue-light-treated lettuce exhibited the highest growth in view of root length, leaf area, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, and fresh and dry weight. In addition, the development of gray mold was significantly suppressed in blue-light-treated lettuce where the highest antioxidant activities were observed. The results suggest that the control efficacy of gray mold byBotrytis cinereain lettuce is closely associated with the increase of antioxidant capacity as well as the development of compact morphology by blue-light treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trypanosoma brucei variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) expression is a classic example of allelic exclusion. While the genome of T. brucei contains >2,000 VSG genes and VSG pseudogenes, only one allele is expressed at the surface of each infectious trypanosome and the others are repressed. Along with recombinatorial VSG switching, allelic exclusion provides a major host evasion mechanism for trypanosomes, a phenomenon known as antigenic variation. To extend our understanding of how trypanosomes escape host immunity by differential expression of VSGs, we attempted to identify genes that contribute to VSG silencing, by performing a loss-of-silencing screen in T. brucei using a transposon-mediated random insertional mutagenesis. One identified gene, which we initially named LOS1, encodes a T. brucei MCM-Binding Protein (TbMCM-BP). Here we show that TbMCM-BP is essential for viability of infectious bloodstream-form (BF) trypanosome and is required for proper cell-cycle progression. Tandem affinity purification of TbMCM-BP followed by mass spectrometry identified four subunits (MCM4-MCM7) of the T. brucei MCM complex, a replicative helicase, and MCM8, a subunit that is uniquely co-purified with TbMCM-BP. TbMCM-BP is required not only for repression of subtelomeric VSGs but also for silencing of life-cycle specific, insect-stage genes, procyclin and procyclin-associated genes (PAGs), that are normally repressed in BF trypanosomes and are transcribed by RNA polymerase I. Our study uncovers a functional link between chromosome maintenance and RNA pol I-mediated gene silencing in T. brucei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pressure-induced textural changes in selected vegetables (carrot, potato, and red radish) were investigated using in situ electrical conductivity measurement. Electrical conductivity of the vegetables was recorded in situ up to 10min under elevated pressures (200, 400, 600MPa at 25°C) using a custom-fabricated experimental setup. The tissue disintegration index (Z) was determined for raw, processed and freeze–thawed samples. The hardness and stiffness of the samples were evaluated using the instrumental texture analyzer. This information was related to the crunchiness index (CI). Pressure treatment increased electrical conductivity values of all the samples as a function of pressure and holding time. Beyond a certain threshold of pressure holding time, the electrical conductivity did not change further. In situ electrical conductivity measurement is a useful tool to document the extent of textural changes during high pressure processing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Trypanosomatid parasites possess extremely divergent transcription factors whose identification typically relied on biochemical, structural and functional analyses because they could not be identified by standard sequence analysis. For example, subunits of the Trypanosoma brucei mediator and class I transcription factor A (CITFA) have no sequence resemblance to putative counterparts in higher eukaryotes. Therefore, homologous in vitro transcription systems have been crucial in evaluating the transcriptional roles of T. brucei proteins but so far such systems have been restricted to the insect-stage, procyclic form (PF) of the parasite. Here, we report the development of a homologous system for the mammalian-infective, bloodstream form (BF) of T. brucei which supports accurately initiated transcription from three different RNA polymerase (pol) I promoters as well as from the RNA pol II-recruiting spliced leader RNA gene promoter. The system is based on a small scale extract preparation procedure which accommodates the low cell densities obtainable in BF culture. BF and PF systems behave surprisingly similar and we show that the CITFA complex purified from procyclic extract is fully functional in the BF system indicating that the transcriptional machinery in general is equivalent in both life cycle stages. A notable difference, however, was observed with the RNA pol I-recruiting GPEET procyclin promoter whose reduced promoter strength and increased sensitivity to manganese ions in the BF system suggests the presence of a specific transcriptional activator in the PF system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Much of the research effort in the area of technology acceptance has been directed to investigating the effects of various variables operating at the individual-level without considering the conjoint effects of group-level variables on individual acceptance. The present research addresses this issue by proposing a group-level variable, organizational facilitating conditions, and examining its effects on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model, a widely used individual user acceptance model. Two field studies were conducted to explore the multilevel nature of technology acceptance. In the first study, we refined the construct of facilitating conditions and developed a new measure of facilitating conditions to explicitly add the organizational facilitating conditions dimension as well as to augment the existing measure. Subsequent testing of the measure confirmed the multilevel nature of the construct. In the second study, we examined the effects of the organizational facilitating conditions on individual acceptance behaviors by utilizing the hierarchical linear modeling approach. The results indicate that the two constructs, individual facilitating conditions and organizational facilitating conditions, are distinct and that, compared to individual facilitating conditions, the organizational facilitating conditions as a group-level variable explain a larger amount of variance in individual acceptance behavior. The resulting model offers a multilevel perspective to the technology acceptance research area while the study results provide an augmented way to evaluate facilitating conditions with a prescriptive guidance to managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Trypanosoma brucei has a multifunctional RNA polymerase (pol) I that transcribes ribosomal gene units (RRNA) and units encoding its major cell surface proteins variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) and procyclin. Previous analysis of tandem affinity-purified, transcriptionally active RNA pol I identified ten subunits including an apparently trypanosomatid-specific protein termed RPA31. Another ortholog was identified in silico. No orthologs of the yeast subunit doublet RPA43/RPA14 have been identified yet. Instead, a recent report presented evidence that RPB7, the RNA pol II paralog of RPA43, is an RNA pol I subunit and essential for RRNA and VSG transcription in bloodstream form trypanosomes . Revisiting this attractive hypothesis, we were unable to detect a stable interaction between RPB7 and RNA pol I in either reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation or tandem affinity purification. Furthermore, immunodepletion of RPB7 from extract virtually abolished RNA pol II transcription in vitro but had no effect on RRNA or VSG ES promoter transcription in the same reactions. Accordingly, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed cross-linking of RPB7 to known RNA pol II transcription units but not to the VSG ES promoter or to the 18S rRNA coding region. Interestingly, RPB7 did crosslink to the RRNA promoter but so did the RNA pol II-specific subunit RPB9 suggesting that RNA pol II is recruited to this promoter. Overall, our data led to the conclusion that RNA pol I transcription in T. brucei does not require the RNA pol II subunit RPB7. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We developed a new end point of the mouse stem cell test (EST) for developmental neurotoxicity. We tested 2 developmental neurotoxicants, namely, lead (II) acetate and Aroclor 1254, using this EST. Our results showed that lead (II) acetate is nonembryotoxic, and Aroclor 1254 is weakly embryotoxic. To identify a new end point for developmental neurotoxicity, we used the default method of neuronal differentiation for D3 mouse embryonic stem cells with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and ascorbic acid. Flow cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to quantify the inhibition of neuronal differentiation. Our results showed that both lead (II) acetate and Aroclor 1254 reduced the percentage of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2)-positive cells and the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level of MAP-2 in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that these methods can be used to develop an additional end point of the EST for developmental neurotoxicity using default differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Background: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) are probably associated with atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The influence of LDL-C and ox-LDL on metabolic syndrome among healthy, postmenopausal women has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to assess the association between LDL-C, ox-LDL, and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study. A total of 1309 postmenopausal women (355 with metabolic syndrome and 954 without metabolic syndrome) aged 60–79years were included. Lipid profiles, glucose, ox-LDL, adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations were measured. Results: Plasma ox-LDL levels were higher in subjects with metabolic syndrome, when compared without metabolic syndrome subjects. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ox-LDL was significantly associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and adiponectin. After a multivariable adjustment, the odds ratios for the second, third, and fourth quartiles of ox-LDL in metabolic syndrome compared with the lowest quartile were 1.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–2.70), 2.45 (95% CI, 1.58–3.79), and 3.98 (95% CI, 2.52–6.28), respectively. LDL levels were not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: Ox-LDL concentration was associated with metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. These findings suggest that high ox-LDL levels are associated with high cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives : We investigated the association of plasma adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in postmenopausal women. Design and m ethods : This was a cross-sectional study of 563 postmenopausal women with and 1029 without low HDL-C. Lipid profile, glucose, adiponectin, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations were measured. Results : Plasma adiponectin levels increased with age in elderly women. Plasma adiponectin levels were lower in subjects with low HDL-C (<50mg/dl), when compared with normal HDL-C subjects. In multiple stepwise linear regression analysis, adiponectin was a significant independent predictor of HDL-C concentration with body mass index, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Values in the third and fourth quartile of adiponectin were associated with decreased odds ratio for low HDL-C (0.62; 95% CI, 0.44–0.87, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.27–0.58, respectively) when compared with values in the lowest quartile after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions : Adiponectin was significantly associated with HDL-C concentration in postmenopausal women. These findings suggest that high adiponectin levels may have a protective effect on atherosclerosis with increasing HDL-C in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: It is widely recognized that dietary factors play important roles in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We evaluated the association between carbohydrate intake and CVD risk factors, using data from the third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES III). Methods: A nationally representative sample of Korean adults (1536 men, 2235 women), aged 20 to 69 years, was divided into three groups according to carbohydrate intake (% of energy), based on the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI, 55–70% of energy) for Koreans. Then, we examined whether excessive carbohydrate intake was related to CVD risk factors. Results: Mean carbohydrate intake (% of energy) was 72.8% (321 g/day), above the DRI for Korean adults (55–70%). A high carbohydrate intake (>70% of energy) was associated with higher BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol levels in women. After adjusting for covariates, such as age, energy intake, alcohol consumption, smoking status, and physical activity, high carbohydrate intakes (>70% of energy) were significantly associated with diabetes mellitus and low HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) in women. In men, however, only total cholesterol was inversely associated with high carbohydrate intake. Conclusion: Higher carbohydrate intakes than the DRI for Koreans were significantly associated with diabetes mellitus and low HDL-C levels in women. These results suggest that improvement of dietary patterns may be an important approach to the prevention of CVD in Korean women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Glycosyltransferase (GT), which catalyzes the transfer of nucleotide-activated sugar to aglycone, is the key enzyme for the preparation of a variety of glycosylated natural products. In this study, we report that the substrate specificity of GTs can be altered via domain exchanging accompanied by rationally designed peptide linkers. Comprehensive similarity searches were first conducted based upon the amino acid sequences of antibiotic GTs. The phylogenetic tree displays a distinct separation of 25 antibiotic GTs into three groups according to their aglycone substrates. Two different groups of GTs, KanF (aminoglycoside) and GtfE (glycopeptide) were employed for domain exchanging of GT-B fold enzyme. In order to determine linker peptide sequences, the secondary structures of KanF and GtfE were carefully evaluated via 3D-PSSM. The N-terminal domain of KanF and the C-terminal domain of GtfE were fused with rationally designed linker sequences. The hybrid GT, referred to as KE chimera, showed hybrid activity toward dTDP-d-glucose and 2-deoxystreptamine. Moreover, the key catalytic amino acid residues of KE chimera were investigated via protein modeling and docking simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims: Extracellular insulin affects insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells in an autocrine fashion, but the role of glucose in this signaling pathway remains unclear. This study was conducted to evaluate the glucose dependency of extracellular insulin-mediated regulation of insulin secretion and the potential underlying mechanism. Main methods: Pancreatic β-cells from male Sprague–Dawley rats and INS-1, a rat insulinoma cell line, were used. The mechanism of extracellular insulin-mediated, glucose-dependent insulin secretion was explored by analyzing the activity of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, changes in cell membrane potential, and cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c), as well as phosphorylation of the insulin signaling pathway and the metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Key findings: Treatment of native β-cells with 100 nM insulin under basal glucose conditions (≤5 mM) reduced subsequent high glucose-induced insulin secretory responses, demonstrating less inhibition of KATP channels and decreased elevation of [Ca2+]c. In contrast, insulin treatment under high glucose conditions potentiated the insulin secretory responses of β-cells. While insulin treatment attenuated phosphorylation on the Thr172 of AMPK and the Ser789 of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, which was increased by lowering glucose concentration, it enhanced phosphorylation of AMPK and IRS-1, which was decreased by elevating glucose concentration. This glucose-dependent regulation of insulin even occurred in the presence of LY294002, a phosphoinositide-3 kinase inhibitor. Significance: Considering that the phosphorylated AMPK could inhibit KATP currents in β-cells, which triggers glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, extracellular insulin may regulate the phosphorylation status of AMPK through IRS-1 to modulate insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent way. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article offers information on Listeria monocytogenes, an aerobic motile bacteria that can cause various diseases. It notes that L. monocytogenes can be found anywhere including various food stuffs such as refrigerated foods. Moreover, it mentions that this zoonotic pathogen can cause invasive diseases such as listeriosis that can affect pregnant women and newly born infants. A sequence comparison of the genes of prfA virulence gene cluster (pVGC) and other Listeria species is conducted.

Abstract: This study introduces a facile method to hybridize metal nanoparticles with lipid vesicles, which allows us to control over their membrane micro-fluidity. We have fabricated these hybrid liposomes by directly hybridizing metal nanoparticles with lipid bilayers solely consisting of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). For this, we have used the dehydration and rehydration method. Characterizing their morphology and micro-fluidity, in which we have used electron microscopy and fluorescence anisotropy spectroscopy, enables us to demonstrate that metal nanoparticles with different surface properties create interactions with either phosphorus end groups or hydrophobic tails of DPPC, thereby resulting in decrease in micro-fluidity of the assembled lipid membranes, especially for the hydrophobic layers. Our approach to hybridize metal nanoparticles in between lipid layers offers a flexible means that allows us to obtain a liposome system with more controllable membrane properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) is known to be useful in detecting white matter lesions. In the current study, we report on two hemiparetic patients with risk factors who showed abnormalities of the corticospinal tract (CST) on diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) prior to the manifestation of hemiparesis. Two hemiparetic patients with risk factors (preterm, low birth weight) and six age-matched normal control subjects were enrolled to this study. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed at the age of 43 weeks (patient 1) and 33 weeks (patient 2) using 1.5-T with a Synergy-L Sensitivity Encoding (SENSE) head coil. We measured fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), and fiber counts of the CST. There were no definite asymmetric findings on physical examination and conventional brain MRI. By contrast, DTT showed a unilateral CST disruption at the periventricular white matter, low FA values, and low CST fiber counts compared with those of the unaffected CST and controls. These patients were diagnosed with hemiparetic cerebral palsy when we re-evaluated these patients at the age of 6 years (patient 1) and 3 years of age (patient 2), respectively. In these two patients, DTT revealed abnormalities of the CST prior to the manifestation of hemiparesis. Therefore, it seems that DTT would be a useful modality in detecting CST abnormalities in advance of clinical manifestation in infants with high risk factors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) has poor prognosis; thus, early diagnosis is important to decrease mortality. Although vimentin-positive circulating tumor cells (V-CTCs) are a good candidate for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, studies on the topic are limited. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of V-CTCs between BTC and benign biliary disease (BBD) and determine the prognostic value of V-CTCs in BTC patients. We recruited 69 participants who had BTCs and BBDs from a single tertiary referral center. We analyzed CTCs and V-CTCs in peripheral blood using the CD-PRIMETM system. Seven patients were excluded due to a technical failure of CTC detection. CTCs were detected in all 62 patients. CTC count > 40/mL blood (55.8% vs. 20%, p = 0.039), V-CTC count > 15/mL blood (57.7% vs. 10%, p = 0.005), and V-CTC/CTC ratio > 40% (48.1% vs. 10%, p = 0.025) were significantly different between BTCs and BBDs. Two or more of these three parameters (61.5% vs. 10%, p = 0.002) increased the accuracy. A combination of CTC markers with CA19-9 and biopsy increased the accuracy (90.4% vs. 10%, p = 0.000). V-CTC > 50/mL blood was a significant factor affecting survival (140 (66.6–213.3) vs. 253 (163.9–342.1) days, p = 0.008). V-CTC could be a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and predicting prognosis in patients with BTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A methodology for the synthesis of 2- and 4-aminoquinoline derivatives, which takes advantage of selective activation of 2- or 4-substituent of 2-methylsulfanyl-3-acyl-1H-quinolin-4-one 1, has been developed. Since a procedure for formation of 3-aminoquinolinones from the 4-quinolinone 1 was described previously, the new methodology comprises a general methodology for the selective syntheses of three isomeric 2-, 3- and 4-aminoquinoline derivatives starting with the common 4-quinolinone 1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study focused on the barriers that middle school teachers faced when implementing technology-enhanced problem-based learning (PBL) in their classrooms. Using a human performance-based model, we interviewed teachers, administrators, university faculty and technical support staff to determine the perceived importance of multiple barriers to the implementation of technology-enhanced PBL. Twenty-one teachers, two school administrators and a project manager, two faculty members, and two technical support staff participated in the study. Interview data were supported by surveys, classroom observations and researchers' reflective journals. Results suggested that lack of a clear, shared vision was the primary barrier. Additional barriers included lack of knowledge and skills, unclear expectations and insufficient feedback. Recommendations to support teachers' efforts to integrate technology-enhanced problem-based learning are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the expression level of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in smooth muscle cells in human uterine leiomyoma and the involvement of the channel in potentiating effect of estrogen on leiomyoma growth. Methods. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time PCR and Western blot were used for the identification and quantification of KATP-channel subunits in the control myometrial and leiomyoma cells. Furthermore, we measured the KATP-channel activity in enzymatically isolated single uterine smooth muscle cells by whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. The estrogen-induced cell proliferation in leiomyoma was measured by the MTT assay. Results. The subunits of KATP channels (Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR2B) were more highly expressed in leiomyoma cells than in control cells. The whole-cell currents mainly through KATP channels were also greater in the leiomyoma cells. Estrogen applied in the bath solution could acutely enhance the channel activity. Estrogen-induced proliferation of the leiomyoma cells was inhibited by pretreatment with glibenclamide, a KATP-channel inhibitor. Conclusion. Estrogen may induce the proliferation of leiomyoma cells, at least in part, by activating the KATP channel. Increased expression of the KATP channel may be a causal factor for the high growth rate of uterine leiomyoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of hepatic gene expression in a standard model of an alcohol-induced fatty liver using the cDNA microarray analysis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups and were given either an ethanol diet (ED), or a control diet (CD) for eight weeks. The ED rats showed significantly elevated levels of plasma total and HDL cholesterol as well as hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride compared to the pair-fed control rats. Among the 5185 genes on the rat cDNA microarray used in the current study, 74 genes were up-regulated and 108 genes were down-regulated greater than 2.0-fold in the liver of ED rats compared with those in the CD rats. The microarray results were verified by conducting real-time RT-PCR on the fourteen selected genes with varied expression ratios. After clustering the regulated genes based on their biological function, it was found that chronic ethanol consumption regulated mainly the genes implicated in the processes of signal transduction, transcription, immune response, and protein/amino acid metabolism. The microarray results obtained in this study revealed, for the first time, that several genes, including β-glucuronidase, UDP-glycosyltransferase 1, UDP-glucose dehydrogenase, apoC-III, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, were regulated by chronic ethanol exposure in the rat liver. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Of green tea catechins, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and (−)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), but not (−)-epicatechin and (−)-epigallocatechin, inhibit the activity of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels at tens of micromolar concentrations, ECG being three times more effective than EGCG. Further, we found that by using cloned beta cell-type KATP channels, only EGCG at 1μM, a readily achievable plasma concentration by oral intake in humans, but not other epicatechins, significantly blocked channel reactivation after ATP wash-out, suggesting that interaction of phosphatidylinositol polyphosphates (PIP) with the channel was impaired by EGCG. In addition, a 10-fold higher concentration of EGCG reduced the channel sensitivity to ATP, but not AMP and ADP. This effect of EGCG was greater in the channel with the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) than with the inwardly rectifying K+ channel (Kir6.2) alone. Neomycin, a polycation, profoundly suppressed the effect of EGCG. Expectedly, glucose-stimulated cytosolic Ca2+ elevation in rat pancreatic beta cells, and insulin secretory responses to high glucose loading in vivo were impaired by EGCG. In rabbit cardiac myocytes, dinitrophenol-induced opening of the channel was delayed by 1μM EGCG. These results suggest that EGCG may interact with PIP-binding sites on the Kir6.2 subunit. SUR further endows EGCG with an ability to interfere with an interaction of the γ-phosphate tail of ATP with Kir6.2. The specificity of EGCG possibly implies that 5′-OH of the B-ring on the pyrogallol moiety in the EGCG molecule may be critical for these actions of EGCG on the KATP channel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gold nanoparticles were loaded in the bilayer of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes, named as gold-loaded liposomes. Above the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature, membrane fluidities of DPPC liposomes were changed by loading the gold nanoparticles. Compared with liposomes without loading the gold nanoparticles, gold-loaded liposomes showed the lower fluorescence anisotropy values. That is, the membrane fluidities of DPPC bilayer were increased by loading the gold nanoparticles. The membrane fluidities were increased as the amount of gold nanoparticles increased. The existence of gold nanoparticles in the DPPC bilayer was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Through the energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, the particles in DPPC bilayer were confirmed to be gold nanoparticles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes the formation and characterization of liposome entrapping the silver nanoparticles in bilayer. Silver nanoparticles were entrapped in the bilayer of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposome, named as silver-loaded liposome. Specifically, above the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature of this lipid (i.e., 41°C), it was observed that membrane fluidities of silver-loaded liposomes were increased, and fluorescence anisotropy values were reduced from 0.114 to 0.097. This might be due to the structural modifications and interactions between DPPC molecules and silver nanoparticles within the bilayer. It was also confirmed that silver nanoparticles were entrapped in hydrophobic region of lipid bilayer with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A mutant strain of Streptomyces venezuelae was engineered by deletion of the entire gene cluster related to biosynthesis of the endogenous deoxysugar (TDP-d-desosamine) and replacement with genes required for biosynthesis of an intermediate sugar (TDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-d-glucose) or an exogenous sugar (TDP-d-olivose), from the oleandomycin and urdamycin deoxysugar pathways. The ‘sugar-flexible’ glycosyltransferase (DesVII) was able to attach the intermediate sugar and the new sugar to both 12- and 14-membered macrolactones thus producing quinovose or olivose glycosylated 10-deoxymethynolide and narbonolide, respectively. In addition, hydroxylated analogs of the new metabolites were detected. These results demonstrate a successful attempt of engineering the deoxysugar pathway for generation of novel hybrid macrolide antibiotics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was undertaken to evaluate effects of exercise-induced hormones, cortisol, IGF-1, and β-endorphin, on the regulation of taurine transport activity in rat skeletal myoblasts, L6 cells. Challenge of L6 cells with cortisol (100 nM) for 24 hrs resulted in a 165% increase in taurine transport activity, 220% increase in V_{max} of the taurine transporter, and 55% increase in taurine transporter/ β-actin mRNA level compared with untreated control cells. Neither IGF-1 (1∼100 nM) nor β-endorphin (1∼20 nM), added in the incubation medium separately for 24 hrs, affected taurine uptake by L6 cells. However, when cells were co-treated with IGF-1 (10 nM) plus cortisol (100~nM), taurine transport activity (37% increase, p < 0.05), V_{max} of the transporter (54%, p < 0.05), and taurine transporter/ β-actin mRNA level were further increased compared to the value for cells treated with cortisol alone. These results suggest that taurine transport by skeletal muscle cells appear to be synergistically up-regulated during a prolonged exercise via elevated levels of cortisol and IGF-1 in muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma HDL has been reported to protect against the initial development of inflammatory atherosclerosis. Although cellular and molecular mechanisms of this HDL protection are not fully understood, they may involve prevention of the endothelial trafficking of circulating leukocytes via its down-regulation of inflammatory genes. To test this hypothesis, HDL inhibition of monocyte adherence to the endothelium and of the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and its transcriptional regulatory mechanism were elucidated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by pro-inflammatory TNF-α. Plasma HDL (1 mg/ml apo A1) markedly prevented the monocyte adhesion to TNF-α-activated HUVECs with blunting the increased expression levels of VCAM-1 protein and its mRNA at a maximal TNF-α stimulation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that in the activated HUVECs HDL substantially inhibited DNA binding activities of transcription factors of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) that have binding sites in the promoter region of the VCAM-1 gene. In addition, immunocytochemical staining analysis confirmed that HDL inhibited TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression via reduced nuclear translocation of NF-κB. These results suggest that HDL down-regulates the expression of VCAM-1 gene in TNF-α-activated HUVECs at transcriptional levels via blunted translocation and transactivation of NF-κB and AP-1 transcription factors. Plasma HDL may block the initial atherosclerotic process via inhibited monocyte adhesion to the endothelium, which is independent of modulating the cholesterol reverse transport of plasma HDL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sclerosing lymphocytic lobulitis ( SLL) is a rare inflammatory disorder, which is also known as fibrous mastopathy and lymphocytic mastitis. It is commonly associated with autoimmune disorders, particularly type 1 diabetes and thyroiditis. We report the case of a 28-year-old woman diagnosed as SLL with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but without diabetes. She presented suspicious microcalcifications without palpable mass in routine mammograms in both breasts. She had been diagnosed as Hashimoto's thyroiditis several years before and had been followed up in endo-clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroinflammation is involved in various neurological diseases. Activated microglia secrete many pro-inflammatory factors and induce neuronal cell death. Thus, the inhibition of excessive proinflammatory activity of microglia leads to a therapeutic effect that alleviates the progression of neuronal degeneration. In this study, we investigated the effect of Croton tiglium (C. tiglium) Linn. extract (CTE) on the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in microglia and astrocytes via RT-PCR, Western blot, and nitric oxide assay. Neurotoxicity was measured by cell viability assay and GFP image analysis. Phagocytosis of microglia was measured using fluorescent zymosan particles. CTE significantly inhibited the production of neurotoxic inflammatory factors, including nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, CTE increased the production of the neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and the M2 phenotype of microglia. The culture medium retained after CTE treatment increased the survival of neurons, thereby indicating the neuroprotective effect of CTE. Our findings indicated that CTE inhibited pro-inflammatory response and increased the neuroprotective ability of microglia. In conclusion, although CTE is known to be a poisonous plant and listed on the FDA poisonous plant database, it can be used as a medicine if the amount is properly controlled. Our results suggested the potential benefits of CTE as a therapeutic agent for different neurodegenerative disorders involving neuroinflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate whether allergic conjunctivitis (AC) could be induced by Acanthamoeba excretory-secretory protein (ESP) and analyze the therapeutic effect of resolvin (Rv) D1 and antiallergic agents. Human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCVCs) were treated with 10 µg/well of ESP, and Th2 cytokines were measured using real-time PCR. C57BL/6 mice were treated with 10 µg/5 µL of ESP after sensitization, and conjunctivas isolated from the mice were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for the analysis of eosinophils and periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) for the analysis of goblet cells. Cytokine levels in the eye-draining lymph nodes (dLNs) and spleens were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then, the treatment effects of RvD1 and the antiallergic agents (olopatadine, bepotastine, and alcaftadine) on the HCVCs, mouse conjunctivas, dLNs, and spleens were assessed. Th2 cytokines were increased in the ESP-treated conjunctival cells. Mouse conjunctivas treated with ESP showed significant infiltration of eosinophils and goblet cells, and the dLN and spleen exhibited increased IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels. All findings were significantly decreased upon treatment with RvD1 and the antiallergic agents. Acanthamoeba could be used to establish an animal model of AC, which could be effectively treated with RvD1 or topical antiallergic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to confirm the effect of small, portable low-level laser therapy (light sources in square configuration: 830 nm GaAs diode 3.2 mW at the center, 4 × 650 nm InGaAIP diodes over the corners) treatment in reducing and enhancing hand function in patients with wrist pain. This study was a prospective, randomized, sham-controlled, and home-based self-therapy trial. A total of thirty subjects with wrist pain were enrolled. All participants received low-level laser therapy on painful area at the wrist. The experimental group (n = 15) received laser stimulation, while the control group (n = 15) received sham stimulation using identical equipment that generated only a red light without the laser output. Both groups self-treated for 30 min a day, 5 days per week for 3 weeks, total of 15 sessions. The primary outcome was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for wrist pain from 0 (painless) to 10 (extreme pain). The secondary outcomes were measured with patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE), grip strength, lateral, palmar, and tip pinch strength. Measures were taken before and after treatment. A total of thirty participants provided outcome data. After the intervention, both groups showed a significant decrease in VAS score, from 4.93 to 3.67 in experimental group, from 5.53 to 4.00 in control group (the experiment group: p = 0.020, the control group: p = 0.003). The experimental group showed a significant improvement in function scale score (p = 0.012), the control group did not. Lateral and pinch strength was significantly improved in the experimental group (p = 0.017) and in the control group (p = 0.034) respectively. There were no side effects in the patients. Medical laser irradiation is a portable and easy-to-use laser irradiator without side effects. Clinical Trial Registration number: KCT0006604. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury may result in rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome when blood supply returns after thrombectomy for patients with acute limb ischemia. OBJECTIVE: We highlight the value of early diagnosis and treatment in post-thrombectomy patients with IR injuries in their lower legs. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two patients received thrombectomy due to left superficial femoral artery occlusion. Both patients complained of left calf pain during ambulation at the 1- and 3-day follow up post-thrombectomy, as well as a heating sensation, swelling, weakness, and sensory changes in the affected leg. For early diagnosis musculoskeletal ultrasounds were performed and in both cases revealed swelling and change of echogenicity in the left calf. To further diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging of the left leg revealed limb IR-induced muscular injury and rhabdomyolysis, respectively. In both cases, an electrodiagnostic study revealed peripheral nerve injury in the left leg. Medications were provided for neuropathic pain control and early rehabilitation was performed to improve function. In both cases, patients reported during their follow-up that their pain and muscle weakness had improved. CONCLUSION: When post-thrombectomy calf pain occurs early evaluation and treatment should be performed to identify any potential IR injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]