TLR5 activation induces expression of the pro-inflammatory mediator Urokinase Plasminogen Activator via NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways in human dental pulp cells.

AIM: To explore the involvement of TLR5 in pulp inflammation and to examine the effects of TLR5 activation with its ligand, FlaB protein, on pro-inflammatory gene expression. METHODOLOGY: TLR5 expression in dental pulp tissues and human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) were determined by immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, Western blots and RT-PCR analyses. To examine the role of TLR5, hDPCs were treated with recombinant FlaB protein (500 ng mL-1 ) to activate the receptor or with a small interfering RNA against TLR5 (si-TLR5) to downregulate the receptor. After exposure to FlaB, the expression of inflammation-related proteins was screened using a protein array kit. Western blots or qRT-PCR analyses were performed to identify changes in the expression of uPA (urokinase plasminogen activator), TIMPs (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases), and IL-6 and to determine their signalling pathways. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (anova) with Tukey post hoc test; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: TLR5 expression was identified in pulp tissues and hDPCs. In the protein array analysis, treatment with FlaB significantly increased uPA expression (P < 0.01) and significantly decreased TIMP1/4 (P < 0.05). FlaB treatment also significantly increased expression of the inflammatory marker IL-6 (P < 0.01). FlaB treatment increased phosphorylation of the NF-κB p65 subunit, JNK, p38 and ERK. Chemical inhibitors of NF-κB (Bay11-7082), p38 (SB202190) or ERK (U0126) decreased the FlaB induction of uPA expression. Downregulation of TLR5 expression by siRNA decreased the FlaB induction of uPA protein and p65 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: TLR5 activation with FlaB treatment induced the expression of uPA via the NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways. Flagellin-bearing oral bacteria may cause pulp inflammation through TLR5. The findings provide new clues to control pulpal diseases by targeting TLR5 signalling pathways.

Anakinra Protects Against Serum Deprivation-Induced Inflammation and Functional Derangement in Islets Isolated From Nonhuman Primates.

We investigated whether serum deprivation induces islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) oligomer accumulation and/or a proinflammatory response and, if so, whether the addition of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist to the culture medium can relieve the proinflammatory response during serum-deprived culture of nonhuman primate (NHP) islets. After culture in medium with and without Ana under serum-deprived culture conditions, IAPP oligomer/amyloid accumulation, in vitro viability, islet function, cytokine secretion, and posttransplantation outcome in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nude mice were determined in islets isolated from heterozygote human IAPP transgenic (hIAPP+/- ) mice and/or NHP islets. Serum deprivation induced accumulation of IAPP oligomer, but not amyloid, in NHP islets. Anakinra (Ana) protected islets from the serum deprivation-induced impairment of in vitro viability and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and attenuated serum deprivation-induced caspase-1 activation, transcription, and secretion of IL-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in hIAPP+/- mice and NHP islets. Supplementation of medium with Ana during serum-deprived culture also improved posttransplantation in vivo outcomes of NHP islets. In conclusion, serum deprivation induced accumulation of IAPP oligomers and proinflammatory responses in cultured isolated islets. Supplementation of the culture medium with Ana attenuated the functional impairment and proinflammatory responses induced by serum deprivation in ex vivo culture of NHP islets.

A systematic review of diagnostic accuracy of vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) in postmenopausal women and elderly men.

UNLABELLED: This systematic review was performed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) with that of spinal radiography for identification of vertebral fractures (VFs). VFA appeared to have moderate sensitivity and high specificity for detecting VFs when compared with spinal radiography. INTRODUCTION: VFs are recognized as the hallmark of osteoporosis, and a previous VF increases the risk of a future fracture. Therefore, the timely detection of VFs is important for prevention of further fractures. This systematic review examined the diagnostic accuracy of VFA using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to identify VFs. METHODS: We searched for potentially relevant studies using electronic databases, including Ovid-Medline, Ovid-EMBASE, Cochrane library, and four Korean databases, from their inception to May 2013. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of VFA with that of spinal radiography for detection of VFs by analyzing the sensitivity and specificity using a 2 × 2 contingency table. Subgroup analyses were also performed on studies with a low risk of bias and applicability. RESULTS: Twelve studies were analyzed for the diagnostic accuracy of VFA. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.70-0.93 and 0.95-1.00, respectively, analyzed on a per-vertebra basis, and 0.65-1.00 and 0.74-1.00 on a per-patient basis. The sensitivity and specificity of five studies in subgroups with a low risk of bias in the intervention test were 0.70-0.84 and 0.96-0.99, respectively. In studies with a low risk of bias in the patient selection, those based on a per-vertebra basis in three studies were 0.70-0.93 and 0.96-1.00, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: VFA had moderate sensitivity and high specificity for detecting VF when compared with spinal radiography. However, the present findings are insufficient to assess whether spinal radiography should be replaced by VFA.

Three concurrent variations of the aberrant right subclavian artery, the non-recurrent laryngeal nerve and the right thoracic duct.

We herein report a case showing three anatomical variations including the aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA), the non-recurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) and the right thoracic duct in a 59-year-old male cadaver. The right subclavian artery (RSA) arose from the descending aorta next to the left subclavian artery and coursed in between the oesophagus and the thoracic vertebrae. The recurrent laryngeal nerve did not coil around the RSA but directly entered the larynx. Lastly the thoracic duct terminated into the right brachiocephalic vein. This study makes an embryological assumption that the abnormal development of the RSA had happened first and subsequently caused NRLN and the thoracic duct drainage variation. As to our knowledge, only two reports have been made previously concerning such concurrent variations. Therefore, this case report alerts anatomists and clinicians to the possibility of simultaneous occurrence of ARSA, NRLN and the right thoracic duct.

Improved revascularization of islet grafts using an angiogenic monocyte subpopulation derived from spheroid culture of bone marrow mononuclear cells.

The spheroid culture method is an effective strategy for ex vivo expansion of an autologous therapeutic cell population. We investigated if cotransplantation of bone marrow-derived spheroids (BM-spheroid) formed using 3D culture of BM-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) could improve the posttransplant outcome of islet grafts using a mouse syngeneic marginal mass renal subcapsular islet transplantation model. Using green fluorescent protein transgenic (GFP-Tg) mice, the role of the BM-spheroids and the contribution of vessels derived from donors and recipients in grafted areas were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Compared to fresh BM-MNCs and nonspheroid remnant cells (BM-nonspheroid), the BM-spheroids, mainly composed of CXCR4(+) CD14(+) myeloid cells, showed higher angiogenic capacity, such as in vitro self-formed vessel structures; increased expression of angiogenic and chemoattractive factors; and incorporation into new vessel formation in basement membrane matrix plugs. BM-spheroid cotransplantation with islets improved the posttransplant outcomes in terms of glucose tolerance, serum insulin level, and diabetes reversal rate when compared with cotransplantation of BM-nonspheroids. Immunohistochemistry revealed that cotransplantation of the BM-spheroids increased vessel density, area of grafted endocrine and non-endocrine tissue, and ß cell proliferation. In conclusion, cotransplantation of islets and BM-spheroids improved islet function through facilitation of revascularization and an increase in cell proliferation and islet cell mass.

Lactobacillus plantarum LG42 isolated from gajami sik-hae decreases body and fat pad weights in diet-induced obese mice.

AIMS: This study investigated the antiobesity effect of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum LG42) isolated from gajami sik-hae. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups (n = 10); NDC (normal diet & DW), HDC (high-fat diet & DW), LGLAB (high-fat diet & Lactobacillus plantarum LG42, 1 × 10(7) CFU per mouse), HGLAB (high-fat diet & L. plantarum LG42, 1 × 10(9) CFU per mouse). After 12 weeks, GLAB supplemented groups showed lower body weight, with a significant reduction in epididymal and back fat. Serum and hepatic triglyceride, serum insulin and leptin levels were significantly lowered in GLAB supplemented groups. The hepatic mRNA expression of PPARα and CPT-I were significantly increased in GLAB groups, whereas the level of ACC, SREBP-1 and LXRα were significantly decreased in GLAB groups compared with HDC group. Additionally, GLAB reduces the expression of PPARγ in the epididymal adipose tissue resulting in inhibition of genes regulated by PPARγ. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the Lactobacillus plantarum LG42 has antiobesity effects in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results may contribute to nutraceutical and food industries in developing functional food and probiotics based therapies for the treatment and prevention of obesity.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Real-time Ultrasound Measurements for Hanwoo Cows at Different Ages and Pregnancy Status.

The purpose of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of ultrasound measurements for longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BFT), and marbling score (MS) in Hanwoo cows (N = 3,062) at the ages between 18 and 42 months. Data were collected from 100 Hanwoo breeding farms in Gyeongbuk province, Korea, in 2007 and 2008. The cows were classified into four different age groups, i.e. 18 to 22 months (the first pregnancy period), 23 to 27 (the first parturition), 28 to 32 (the second pregnancy), and 33 to 42 (the second parturition), respectively. For each age group, a multi-trait animal model was used to estimate variance components and heritabilities of the three traits. The averages of LMA, BFT, and MS measurements across the cows of all age groups were 50.1 cm(2), 4.62 mm, and 3.04, respectively and heritability estimates were 0.09, 0.10, and 0.08 for the respective traits. However, when the data were analyzed in different age groups, heritability estimates of LMA and BFT were 0.24 and 0.47, respectively, for the cows of 18 to 22 months of age, and 0.21 for MS in the 28 to 32 months old cows. When the cows of all age groups were used, the estimates of genetic (phenotypic) correlations were 0.43 (0.35), -0.06 (0.34) and 0.21 (0.32) between LMA and BFT, LMA and MS, and BFT and MS, respectively. However, in the cow age group between 28 and 32 (18 and 22) months, the estimates of genetic (phenotypic) correlations were 0.05 (0.29), -0.15 (0.24) and 0.38 (0.24), for the respective pairs of traits. These results suggest that genetic, environmental, and phenotypic variations differ depending on cow age, such that care must be taken when ultrasound measurements are applied to selection of cows for meat quality.

Study on Growth Curves of Longissimus dorsi Muscle Area, Backfat Thickness and Body Conformation for Hanwoo (Korean Native) Cows.

The objective of this study was to estimate the parameters of Gompertz growth curves with the measurements of body conformation, real-time ultrasound longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA) and backfat thickness (BFT) in Hanwoo cows. The Hanwoo cows (n = 3,373) were born in 97 Hanwoo commercial farms in the 17 cities or counties of Gyeongbuk province, Korea, between 2000 and 2007. A total of 5,504 ultrasound measurements were collected for the cows at the age of 13 to 165 months in 2007 and 2008. Wither height (HW), rump height (HR), the horizontal distance between the top of the hips (WH), and girth of chest (GC) were also measured. Analysis of variance was conducted to investigate variables affecting LMA and BFT. The effect of farm nested in location was included in the statistical model, as well as the effects of HW, HR, WH, and GC as covariates. All of the effects were significant in the analysis of variance for LMA and BFT (p<0.01), except for the HR effect for LMA. The two ultrasound measures and the four body conformation traits were fitted to a Gompertz growth curve function to estimate parameters. Upper asymptotic weights were estimated as 54.0 cm(2), 7.67 mm, 125.6 cm, 126.4 cm, 29.3 cm, and 184.1 cm, for LMA, BFT, HW, HR, WH, and GC, respectively. Results of ultrasound measurements showed that Hanwoo cows had smaller LMA and greater BFT than other western cattle breeds, suggesting that care must be taken to select for thick BFT rather than an increase of only beef yield. More ultrasound records per cow are needed to get accurate estimates of growth curve, which, thus, helps producers select animals with high accuracy.

National genetic evaluation (system) of hanwoo (korean native cattle).

Hanwoo (Also known as Korean native cattle; Bos taurus coreanae) have been used for transportation and farming for a long time in South Korea. It has been about 30 yrs since Hanwoo improvement began in earnest as beef cattle for meat yield. The purpose of this study was to determine the trend of improvement as well as to estimate genetic parameters of the traits being used for seedstock selection based on the data collected from the past. Hanwoo proven bulls in South Korea are currently selected through performance and progeny tests. National Hanwoo genetic evaluations are implemented with yearling weight (YW), carcass weight (CW), eye muscle area (EMA), backfat thickness (BF) and marbling score (MS). Yearling weights and MS are used for selecting young bulls, and EMA, BF, and MS are used for selecting proven bulls. One individual per testing room was used for performance tests, and five individuals per room for progeny tests. Individuals tested were not allowed to graze pasture, but there was enough space for them to move around in the testing room. Feeds including roughages and minerals were fed ad libitum, and concentrates were provided at the rate of about 1.8% of individual weight. Overall means of the traits were 352.8±38.56 kg, 335.09±44.61 kg, 77.85±8.838 cm(2), 8.6±3.7 mm and 3.293±1.648 for YW, CW, EMA, BF and MS. Heritabilities estimated in this study were 0.30, 0.30, 0.42, 0.50 and 0.63 in YW, CW, EMA, BF and MS, respectively, which are similar to results from previous research. Yearling weight was 315.54 kg in 1998, and had increased to 355.06 kg in 2011, resulting in about 40 kg of improvement over 13 yrs. YW and CW have improved remarkably over the past 15 yrs. Breeding values between 1996 and 2000 decreased or did not change much, but have moved in a desirable direction since 2001. These improvements correspond with the substantial increase in use of animal models since the late 1990s in Korea. Hanwoo testing programs have practically contributed to the improvement in aspects of quality and quantity. In sum, the current selection system is good enough to accommodate circumstances where fewer sires are used on many more cows. Although progeny tests take longer and cost more, they seem to be appropriate under the circumstances of the domestic market with its higher requirement for better meat quality. Consequently, accumulative data collection, genetic evaluation model development, revision of selection indices, as well as cooperation among farms, associations, National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, universities, research institutes, and government agencies must be applied to the Hanwoo selection program. All these efforts will assist the domestic market to secure a competitive position against imported beef under Free Trade Agreement trade system and will provide farmers with higher profits as well as the public with a higher quality of beef.

Auditory cortex hyperconnectivity before rTMS is correlated with tinnitus improvement.

INTRODUCTION: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used as a potential treatment for tinnitus; however, its effectiveness is variable and unpredictable. We hypothesized that resting-state functional connectivity before rTMS may be correlated with rTMS treatment effectiveness. METHODS: We applied 1-Hz rTMS to the left primary auditory (A1) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFC) of 10 individuals with tinnitus and 10 age-matched controls. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies were performed approximately one week before rTMS. Seed-based connectivity analyses were conducted for each individual, with seed regions as rTMS target areas. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the left superior temporal areas showed significantly increased positive connectivity with the left A1 and negative connectivity with the left DLPFC in the tinnitus group. The left frontoparietal and right cerebellar areas showed significantly increased negative connectivity with the left A1 and positive connectivity with the left DLPFC. Seed-based hyperconnectivity was correlated with tinnitus improvement (pre-rTMS vs. 2-week post-rTMS Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores). Tinnitus improvement was significantly correlated with left A1 hyperconnectivity; however, no correlation was observed with left DLPFC connectivity. Positive rTMS outcomes were associated with significantly increased positive connectivity in bilateral superior temporal areas and significantly increased negative connectivity in bilateral frontal areas. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that oversynchronisation of left A1 connectivity before rTMS of the left A1 and DLPFC is associated with treatment effectiveness.

Anti-obesity effect of kimchi fermented with Weissella koreensis OK1-6 as starter in high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice.

AIMS: In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity effects of kimchi (Korean traditional fermented vegetable) fermented either without starter culture or with a specific starter culture, Weissella koreensis OK1-6. METHODS AND RESULTS: C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups (n = 7); normal diet, HF (high-fat diet), HF-KC (high-fat diet containing 3% kimchi manufactured without starter) and HF-KCO (high-fat diet containing 3% kimchi manufactured with the starter culture W. koreensis OK1-6). After 12 weeks of dietary intervention, the mice were killed, and serum and tissue samples were examined. Serum and hepatic lipid profile, insulin, leptin concentration and expression level of lipid anabolic genes like peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, liver X receptor α and SREBP2 were significantly decreased (<0.05) along with body and epididymal fat pad weight in the HF-KCO group compared with the HF-KC and HF group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that kimchi fermented with the starter W. koreensis OK1-6 has anti-obesity effects in HF-induced obese mice. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results may contribute to nutraceutical and food industries in developing functional food and probiotics based therapies for the treatment and prevention of obesity.

Evaluation of optimum genetic contribution theory to control inbreeding while maximizing genetic response.

Inbreeding is the mating of relatives that produce progeny having more homozygous alleles than non-inbred animals. Inbreeding increases numbers of recessive alleles, which is often associated with decreased performance known as inbreeding depression. The magnitude of inbreeding depression depends on the level of inbreeding in the animal. Level of inbreeding is expressed by the inbreeding coefficient. One breeding goal in livestock is uniform productivity while maintaining acceptable inbreeding levels, especially keeping inbreeding less than 20%. However, in closed herds without the introduction of new genetic sources high levels of inbreeding over time are unavoidable. One method that increases selection response and minimizes inbreeding is selection of individuals by weighting estimated breeding values with average relationships among individuals. Optimum genetic contribution theory (OGC) uses relationships among individuals as weighting factors. The algorithm is as follows: i) Identify the individual having the best EBV; ii) Calculate average relationships ( [Formula: see text]) between selected and candidates; iii) Select the individual having the best EBV adjusted for average relationships using the weighting factor k, [Formula: see text]. iv) Repeat process until the number of individuals selected equals number required. The objective of this study was to compare simulated results based on OGC selection under different conditions over 30 generations. Individuals (n = 110) were generated for the base population with pseudo random numbers of N~ (0, 3), ten were assumed male, and the remainder female. Each male was mated to ten females, and every female was assumed to have 5 progeny resulting in 500 individuals in the following generation. Results showed the OGC algorithm effectively controlled inbreeding and maintained consistent increases in selection response. Difference in breeding values between selection with OGC algorithm and by EBV only was 8%, however, rate of inbreeding was controlled by 47% after 20 generation. These results indicate that the OGC algorithm can be used effectively in long-term selection programs.

Pork preference for consumers in china, Japan and South Korea.

Competition in global pork markets has increased as trade barriers have opened as a result of free trade agreements. Japanese prefer both loin and Boston butt, while Chinese prefer pork offal. Frozen pork has increased in terms of imports into China. Japanese consumers consider pork meat origin along with pork price when making purchase decisions. While the Chinese prefer a strong tasting pork product, South Korean consumers show very strong preferences to pork that is higher in fat. Therefore, South Korean consumers have a higher demand for pork belly and Boston butt. Consequently, the supply and demand of pork in Korea is hardly met, which means that importation of high fat parts is inevitable. In Korea there is lower preference toward low fat parts such as loin, picnic shoulder, and ham. During the economic depression in South Korea there have been observable changes in consumer preferences. There remains steep competition among the pork exporting countries in terms of gaining share in the international pork market. If specific consumer preferences would be considered carefully, there is the possibility to increase the amount of pork exported to these countries.

Comparison of Growth Performance of Antibiotic-free Yorkshire Crossbreds Sired by Berkshire, Large Black, and Tamworth Breeds Raised in Hoop Structures.

The objective of this study was to compare body weight, ADG, and feed:gain ratio of antibiotic-free pigs from Yorkshire dams and sired by Yorkshire (YY), Berkshire (BY), Large Black (LBY) or Tamworth (TY) boars. All the crossbred pigs in each of three trials were raised as one group from weaning to finishing in the same deep-bedded hoop, providing a comfortable environment for the animals which allowed rooting and other natural behaviors. Birth, weaning and litter weights were measured and recorded. From approximately 50 kg to market weight (125 kg), feed intake and body weights were recorded manually (body weight) or using a FIRE (Feed Intake Recording Equipment, Osborne Industries Inc. Osborne, Kansas) system with eight individual feeding stations. Feed intake data for 106 finishing pigs between 140 and 210 d of age and the resulting weights and feed conversion ratios were analyzed by breed type. Least square means for body weights (birth, weaning and to 240 d) were estimated with Proc Mixed in SAS 9.2 for fixed effects such as crossbreed and days of age within the sire breed. The differences within fixed effects were compared using least significant differences with DIFF option. Individual birth weights and weaning weights were influenced by sire breed (p<0.05). For birth weight, BY pigs were the lightest, TY and YY pigs were the heaviest but similar to each other and LBY pigs were intermediate. For weaning weights, BY and LBY pigs were heavier than TY and YY pigs. However, litter birth and weaning weights were not influenced by sire breed, and average daily gain was also not significantly different among breed types. Tamworth sired pigs had lower overall body weight gain, and feed conversion was lower in TY and YY groups than BY and LBY groups (p<0.05), however, number of observations was somewhat limited for feed conversion and for Tamworth pigs. Overall, no convincing differences among breed types were noted for this study, but growth performance in the outdoor environment was satisfactory.

Comparison of pork quality and sensory characteristics for antibiotic free yorkshire crossbreds raised in hoop houses.

The objective of this study was to compare pork characteristics and to determine consumer acceptability of pork chops from antibiotic free Yorkshire crossbreds sired by Berkshire (BY), Large Black (LBY), Tamworth (TY) or Yorkshire (YY) boars and reared in hoop houses. The experiments were conducted at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCA&TSU) Farm in Greensboro, NC and the Cherry Research Station Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) Alternative Swine Unit in Goldsboro, NC (source of antibiotic free Yorkshire sows used at both places). Twenty-four sows were artificially inseminated at each location in each of three trials. Litters were weaned at 4 wks old, and reared within deep-bedded outdoor hoop houses. To compare pork characteristics, 104 randomly selected animals were harvested at a USDA-inspected abattoir at approximately 200 d of age. Variables measured included pH, color score, L*, a*, b*, marbling score, drip loss, hot carcass weight, backfat thickness (BF), loin muscle area (LMA), and slice shear force. Sensory panel tests were also conducted at two time periods. The data was analyzed with GLM in SAS 9.01 including location, trial, and sire breed as fixed effects. Backfat thickness, LMA, color score and a* were different among breeding groups (p<0.05). The LBY pigs had thicker backfat and smaller LMA than the other breed types. The TY and YY had less backfat than all other breed groups. Color score was lower for YY than BY and LBY but intermediate for TY. The a* was lower for TY than other breeds except LBY which was intermediate. For one sensory panel test, YY pork was more preferred overall as well as for juiciness and texture compared to BY and LBY (p<0.05), but no impact of breed type was noted for the other test, with values similar for BY, LBY, TY and YY pork. This information may help small farmers make decisions about breed types to use for outdoor production.

Plasma total homocysteine and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C>T polymorphism do not contribute to the distribution of cervico-cerebral atherosclerosis in ischaemic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of plasma total homocysteine (tHcyt) and the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism on determining the intracranial- (IC) and extracranial (EC) locations of atherosclerosis. METHODS: Brain MR angiography was performed on 463 patients with symptomatic ischaemic stroke to detect significant atherosclerosis (more than 50% stenosis of vessel diameter) in the IC- and EC arteries. Relationships between IC- or EC atherosclerosis and plasma tHcyt level and/or MTHFR 677C>T genotypes were analyzed after adjusting for vascular risk factors. RESULTS: The odd ratios (ORs) of plasma tHcyt were not significantly higher in patients with either IC- or EC atherosclerosis than in patients with no atherosclerosis. When the study subjects were stratified into three subgroups according to their plasma tHcyt levels, neither the crude ORs nor adjusted ORs of each IC- and EC atherosclerosis in highest and middle plasma tHcyt tertile were significantly different from those in lowest plasma tHcyt tertile. The ORs of the MTHFR 677TT genotype in IC- and EC atherosclerosis were not significantly different from those in no atherosclerosis. There was no dose-dependent effect of MTHFR 677T allele on either IC- or EC atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION: Plasma tHcyt level and the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism do not contribute to the distribution of cervico-cerebral atherosclerosis in ischaemic stroke patients.

Auditory cortex hyperconnectivity before rTMS is correlated with tinnitus improvement.

INTRODUCTION: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used as a potential treatment for tinnitus; however, its effectiveness is variable and unpredictable. We hypothesized that resting-state functional connectivity before rTMS may be correlated with rTMS treatment effectiveness. METHODS: We applied 1-Hz rTMS to the left primary auditory (A1) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFC) of 10 individuals with tinnitus and 10 age-matched controls. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies were performed approximately one week before rTMS. Seed-based connectivity analyses were conducted for each individual, with seed regions as rTMS target areas. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the left superior temporal areas showed significantly increased positive connectivity with the left A1 and negative connectivity with the left DLPFC in the tinnitus group. The left frontoparietal and right cerebellar areas showed significantly increased negative connectivity with the left A1 and positive connectivity with the left DLPFC. Seed-based hyperconnectivity was correlated with tinnitus improvement (pre-rTMS vs. 2-week post-rTMS Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores). Tinnitus improvement was significantly correlated with left A1 hyperconnectivity; however, no correlation was observed with left DLPFC connectivity. Positive rTMS outcomes were associated with significantly increased positive connectivity in bilateral superior temporal areas and significantly increased negative connectivity in bilateral frontal areas. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that oversynchronisation of left A1 connectivity before rTMS of the left A1 and DLPFC is associated with treatment effectiveness.

Skin disorders in Korean patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus and their association with a CD4 lymphocyte count: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Dermatological disorders are quite common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. However, cutaneous findings in Korean HIV-infected patients have not been properly investigated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the spectrum of dermatological disorders in Korean HIV-infected individuals according to a CD4 lymphocyte count. METHODS: A retrospective clinical study was carried out from June 2002 to January 2008. We comprehensively collected information regarding HIV-associated skin problems, laboratory data and the history of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). RESULTS: Ninety-nine HIV-seropositive patients (mean age: 39.6 ± 11.3 years, males: 94.9%) were included in this study. Of them, 55 patients (55.6%) presented with at least one skin problem. The four most common dermatological disorders were eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (18.6%), symptomatic syphilis (comprising of primary and secondary syphilis) (17.1%), seborrhoeic dermatitis (17.1%) and condyloma acuminatum (12.8%). The group with a CD4 lymphocyte count < 200 · 106 cells / L showed a significantly higher prevalence of Kaposi sarcoma compared with the group with a CD4 lymphocyte count > 200 · 106 cells / L (P = 0.014). Condyloma was more prevalent in the group with a CD4 count > 200 · 106 cells / L (P = 0.022). The patients treated with HAART had a lower prevalence of neurosyphilis compared with the non-treated group (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Diverse dermatological conditions were demonstrated in Korean HIV-infected patients. Kaposi sarcoma was associated with a low CD4 lymphocyte count, but condyloma was associated with a high CD4 lymphocyte count. The prevalence of syphilis in our study was higher than that of Western countries. HAART seemed to be associated with the low prevalence of neurosyphilis.

Dermatological features in Behçet disease-associated vena cava obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Behçet disease (BD) is a multisystemic disorder that is classified as vasculitis and can affect all types and sizes of blood vessels. Although vascular diseases are not regarded as essential for a diagnosis of BD, vascular complications can be fatal. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics of 14 patients with BD accompanied by an obstruction of the superior vena cava (VC), the inferior VC, or both, and then determine the dermatological features that indirectly suggest VC obstructions in patients with BD. METHODS: Among the 3500 patients registered at the BD Specialty Clinic of Severance Hospital from 1997 to 2006, 14 patients were diagnosed with BD-associated VC obstructions. Their medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: Nine of the 14 patients with BD were male, and the age range for disease onset was 11-46 years. Computed tomography revealed superior VC thrombosis in seven patients, inferior VC thrombosis in four patients, and the involvement of both in three patients. The most prominent features in superior VC obstruction were facial oedema (n = 7, 50%) and neck vein distension (n = 6, 43%). Other features included dilated veins in the chest wall, upper body oedema, proptosis, and upper extremity swelling. Patients with an inferior VC obstruction commonly had dilated veins on the abdominal walls. These patients also had abdominal distension and lower extremity swelling. Corticosteroids, colchicine, immunosuppressants, and anticoagulants with or without heparinization were the most common treatment regimens giving good response. Attempts to treat patients with a high dose of steroid pulse therapy were ineffective. Ballooning venoplasty was a useful therapeutic modality for VC thrombosis during the early stage, although this procedure could not be performed in patients with BD with severe thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Several cutaneous features of VC obstruction should be recognized in patients with BD. Early detection might permit an early diagnosis and treatment of occlusion of the VC.

Simultaneous Subtotal Pancreatectomy and Streptozotocin Injection for Diabetes Modeling in Cynomolgus Monkeys.

BACKGROUND: In an experimental animal model of islet transplantation, stable induction of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and islet isolation from donor pancreas are essential. Total pancreatectomy for IDDM induction and islet procurement in nonhuman primates leads to unwanted loss of exocrine function and may lead to morbidities associated with IDDM. METHODS: IDDM induction with streptozotocin (STZ) is associated with drug toxicity of STZ and necessitates the killing of another animal for islet procurement. In this study, we performed a subtotal pancreatectomy combined with reduced STZ injection to induce IDDM and procure islets in a nonhuman primate model. RESULTS: Twelve cynomolgus monkeys received low-dose STZ injections (60 mg/kg) simultaneously with subtotal pancreatectomy. All monkeys recovered from the procedure without complications. IDDM was induced in the animals. 57,691 ± 16,050 islets were isolated from the resected pancreas and transplanted into other monkeys. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous subtotal pancreatectomy and low-dose STZ injection represent an effective and safe method to create an animal model of insulin dependence diabetes, while at the same time providing sufficient amounts of fresh islet cells for allotransplantation without requiring killing of additional animals.