Order-disorder phase transition and elastic-to-plastic vortex creep crossover in a triclinic iron pnictide superconductor (Ca[Formula: see text]La[Formula: see text])[Formula: see text](Pt[Formula: see text]As[Formula: see text])(Fe[Formula: see text]As[Formula: see text])[Formula: see text].

Vortex matter in layered high-[Formula: see text] superconductors, including iron-pnictides, undergo several thermodynamic phase transitions due to the complex interplay of pinning energy, thermal energy and elastic energy. Moreover, the presence of anisotropy makes their vortex physics even more intriguing. Here, we report a detailed vortex dynamics study, using dc magnetization measurements, in a triclinic iron-pnictide superconductor (Ca[Formula: see text]La[Formula: see text])[Formula: see text](Pt[Formula: see text]As[Formula: see text])(Fe[Formula: see text]As[Formula: see text])[Formula: see text], with a superconducting transition temperature, T[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 31 K. A second magnetization peak (SMP) feature is observed for magnetic field perpendicular (H[Formula: see text]c) and parallel (H[Formula: see text]ab) to the crystal plane. However, its fundamental origin is quite different in both directions. For H[Formula: see text]c, the SMP can be well explained using an elastic-to-plastic vortex creep crossover, using collective creep theory. In addition, a possible rhombic-to-square vortex lattice phase transition is also observed for fields in between the onset-field and peak-field related to the SMP. On the other hand, for H[Formula: see text]ab, a clear signature of an order-disorder vortex phase transition is observed in the isothermal M(H) measurements at T [Formula: see text] 6 K. The disordered phase exhibits the characteristics of entangled pinned vortex-liquid. We construct a comprehensive vortex phase diagram by displaying characteristic temperatures and magnetic fields for both crystal geometries in this unique superconducting compound. Our study sheds light on the intricate vortex dynamics and pinning in an iron-pnictide superconductor with triclinic symmetry.

Marsupialisation for the treatment of unicystic ameloblastoma of the mandible: a long-term follow up of 116 cases.

Unicystic ameloblastoma is a unique histopathological type of ameloblastoma, and treatment is controversial. Marsupialisation is effective in reducing the size of cystic lesions and their complications. We have retrospectively analysed the clinical, histopathological, and prognostic data of affected patients who were treated by marsupialisation between 2003 and 2013 in three Chinese hospitals. Our aim was to evaluate the effects and prognosis, and the factors associated with outcome. A total of 116 patients with mandibular unicystic ameloblastomas were included, and 74, 26, and 16 patients were histopathologically classified as being luminal, intraluminal, and mural subtypes, respectively. Most responded well to marsupialisation, with an overall recurrence rate of 12%. Resorption of the root (p<0.001), perforation of the cortical bone (p=0.005), and histopathological subtype (p=0.013) were the main factors that predicted the outcome. Perforation of the cortical bone was the only reliable predictor of recurrence (p<0.001). Disease-free survival function curves indicated that patients with the mural subtype were at a higher risk of recurrence than patients with the other two subtypes (p=0.003). Poor outcomes of marsupialisation were treated surgically and, to date, no subsequent recurrences have been reported. Marsupialisation is effective for these patients, with a recurrence rate similar to that of radical treatment. The outcomes can be predicted using characteristics of the lesion such as resorption of the root, perforation of the cortical bone, and histopathological subtypes. However, additional studies are required to corroborate these findings.

Effects of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens M1 isolated from kefir grains on enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection using mouse and intestinal cell models.

A potential probiotic strain, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens M1, was previously isolated from kefir grains, which are used to manufacture the traditional fermented drink kefir. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 on enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infection, using mice and intestinal cell models. BALB/c mice were daily administrated with either phosphate buffered saline or Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 at 2×10(8) cfu/mouse per day intragastrically for 7 d. Intragastric challenges with EHEC (2×10(9) cfu/mouse) were conducted on d 0, 4, and 7 after treatment. Administration of Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 was able to prevent EHEC infection-induced symptoms, intestinal damage, renal damage, bacterial translocation, and Shiga toxin penetration. Furthermore, the mucosal EHEC-specific IgA responses were increased after Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 administration in the EHEC-infected mouse system. Additionally, in vitro, Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 was shown to have a protective effect on Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells and Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell monolayers; the bacteria limited EHEC-induced cell death and reduced the loss of epithelial integrity. These findings support the potential of Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 treatment as an approach to preventing EHEC infection and its effects.

Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens M1 isolated from milk kefir grains ameliorates experimental colitis in vitro and in vivo.

Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens M1, isolated from and identified in Taiwanese milk kefir grain, has demonstrated immune-modulating activity. In the present study, we further investigated the effects of Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 on intestinal epithelial cells in vitro and on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in vivo. The possible mechanisms regarding the cytokine products and intestinal epithelial barrier restoration as well as the putative receptor for the protective effects of Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 were investigated. In vitro results indicated that Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 could strengthen the epithelial barrier function in vitro by increasing the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and significantly upregulated the level of the chemokine CCL-20 at both the apical and basolateral sites. The in vivo effects of Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 on the regulation of intestinal physiology indicate that this strain could ameliorate DSS-induced colitis with a significant attenuation of the bleeding score and colon length shortening. Production of proinflammatory cytokines was decreased and that of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 was increased in the DSS-treated mice given Lb. kefiranofaciens M1. The putative receptor for the protective effects of Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 was toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), which was involved in probiotic-induced cytokine production in vitro and in attenuation of the bleeding score and colon length shortening in vivo. In this study, the kefir lactobacillus Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 clearly demonstrated an anticolitis effect. Based on these results, Lb. kefiranofaciens M1 has the potential to be applied in fermented dairy products as an alternative therapy for intestinal disorders.

Ratio of size of recipient and donor areas in treatment of vitiligo by autologous cultured melanocyte transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Autologous melanocytes can be expanded in vitro, allowing the treatment of large lesions of vitiligo in one session. Theoretically, this procedure could provide a higher donor/recipient size ratio (DR ratio) compared with that in noncultured cell transplantation (with a DR ratio < 1 : 10). However, the exact DR ratio obtained from this procedure has not been reported. OBJECTIVES: To study whether transplantation of cultured pure melanocytes at a high DR ratio is as efficient as that at a low DR ratio. METHODS: One hundred and two patients with vitiligo were treated by transplantation of cultured pure melanocytes and were divided into two groups: a low DR ratio group, including patients with DR ratio ≤ 1 : 10 (mean 1 : 8, 35 cases) and a high DR ratio group with DR ratio > 1 : 10 (mean 1 : 27, 67 cases). The extent of repigmentation between these two groups was compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in repigmentation between the low DR ratio group (mean ± SD 77·4 ± 22·5%) and the high DR ratio group (77·6 ± 24·8%). Multiple regression analysis showed that even after adjustment for age, sex, type of vitiligo and transplanted cell density, there was no significant correlation between the extent of repigmentation and the DR ratio, indicating that patients treated with high DR ratio obtained a satisfactory result and showed no difference from the low DR ratio group. CONCLUSIONS: Various surgical procedures for the treatment of vitiligo which involve melanocyte transplantation or skin grafts have different inherent DR ratios. Transplantation of cultured pure melanocytes is an expensive and complicated procedure; however, it provides the highest DR ratio (> 1 : 10 and up to 1 : 60). Surgeons can select one of these methods for the treatment of vitiligo based on their experience and skill, on the size of lesions, and the availability of laboratory support.

Treatment of vitiligo in children and adolescents by autologous cultured pure melanocytes transplantation with comparison of efficacy to results in adults.

BACKGROUND: Transplantation of autologous cultured pure melanocytes is a well-established procedure for the treatment of refractory and stabilized vitiligo. However, there was no report specifically comparing the efficacy with the regard to defined age groups (children-adolescence-adult). OBJECTIVE: We analysed the efficacy of this procedure in the treatment of vitiligo in children and adolescents and compare it with the results in adults treated during the same period and using identical procedures. METHODS: Melanocytes were isolated from the roof of suction blister, cultured and expanded with Hu16 medium in vitro, and transplanted to laser-denuded receipt area. A total of 12 children (8-12 years), 20 adolescents (13-17 years) and 70 adults with vitiligo were treated using this procedure. RESULTS: The patients obtained satisfactory results (repigmentation of 50% or more) results in children, adolescents and adults were 83.3%, 95.0% and 84.0% respectively. The mean extent of repigmentation in children, adolescents and adults was 80.7%, 78.9% and 76.6% respectively. There was no statistical difference in repigmentation among these three groups. After adjusting for all factors (gender, type of vitiligo, period of stability, location of the lesion or transplanted cell density) individually or totally using multiple regression analysis, age still did not correlate to the extent of repigmentation. CONCLUSIONS: The satisfactory results obtained in the treatment of vitiligo in children and adolescents by transplantation of cultured autologous pure melanocytes are comparable with the results in adults. Therefore, this procedure can be considered in refractory and stable vitiligo in children and adolescents, especially in patients with large vitiliginous lesions.

Variation with reproductive status of PGE2receptor immunoreactivities in the Bostrichthys sinensis olfactory system.

The role of PGE(2) as a putative sex pheromone in Chinese black sleeper Bostrichthys sinensis was investigated, using immunocytochemistry and how the immunoreactivities of the prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2) ) receptor subtypes EP(1) , EP(2) , EP(3) and EP(4) varied with reproductive status in the olfactory system was determined. The results showed that PGE(2) receptors were present in the whole of the olfactory system of B. sinensis, and that the number of receptors was linked to the reproductive status of the fish. The densities of EP(1) immunoreactivity in the olfactory epithelium of mature fish were significantly (P < 0·01) higher than those in immature fish of both sexes, and the densities of EP(2) and EP(3) immunoreactivities in mature fish were higher (but not significantly) than those in immature fish of both sexes. In the olfactory nerve, the density of EP(2) immunoreactivity in mature fish was higher (but not significantly) than that in immature fish in both sexes. In the olfactory bulb, the densities of EP(1-4) immunoreactivities in mature females were significantly (P < 0·05 or <0·01) higher than those in immature females, and the density of EP(4) immunoreactivity in mature males was significantly (P < 0·01) higher than that in immature males. As far as is known, the present study is the first report of the immunoreactivities of PGE(2) receptor subtypes in the olfactory system of a teleost, and offers new findings regarding the role of PGE(2) as sex pheromone and hormone in the reproductive behaviour and pheromonal communication of B. sinensis.

Analysis of colonoscopic findings in the differential diagnosis between intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease are chronic inflammatory bowel disorders that are difficult to differentiate from one another. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of various colonoscopic findings in the differential diagnosis between intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Colonoscopic findings on initial work-up were prospectively recorded in patients with an initial diagnosis of either intestinal tuberculosis or Crohn's disease. These findings were analyzed after a final diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis (n = 44) or Crohn's disease (n = 44) had been made after follow-up. RESULTS: Four parameters (anorectal lesions, longitudinal ulcers, aphthous ulcers, and cobblestone appearance) were significantly more common in patients with Crohn's disease than in patients with intestinal tuberculosis. Four other parameters (involvement of fewer than four segments, a patulous ileocecal valve, transverse ulcers, and scars or pseudopolyps) were observed more frequently in patients with intestinal tuberculosis than in patients with Crohn's disease. We hypothesized that a diagnosis of Crohn's disease could be made when the number of parameters characteristic of Crohn's disease was higher than the number of parameters characteristic of intestinal tuberculosis, and vice versa. Making these assumptions, we calculated that the diagnosis of either intestinal tuberculosis or Crohn's disease would have been made made correctly in 77 of our 88 patients (87.5 %), incorrectly in seven patients (8.0 %), and would not have been made in four patients (4.5 %). CONCLUSIONS: A systematic analysis of colonoscopic findings is very useful in the differential diagnosis between intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease.

Atypical endoscopic features of rectal carcinoids.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: It is not normally difficult to diagnose carcinoid tumors (well-differentiated endocrine neoplasms) of the rectum endoscopically, as they usually have a characteristic appearance. However, little is known about the atypical endoscopic findings in some rectal carcinoids and the present study was performed to analyze these. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The endoscopic findings in 67 consecutive patients with rectal carcinoids (37 men, 30 women; age range 23 - 76) were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Tumor size ranged from 2 mm to 30 mm (average 7.4 mm). Of the 67 patients, 52 (78 %) displayed the characteristic endoscopic findings of smooth, round, sessile elevations covered with normal-appearing or yellow-discolored mucosa; in 15 (22 %) there were one or more atypical endoscopic findings. These included a semipedunculated appearance (n = 6), hyperemia (n = 5), a central depression (n = 6), erosion (n = 5), and ulceration (n = 4). Atypical findings were noted in none of 20 carcinoids &lambda< 5 mm in diameter; in six (20 %) of the 30 carcinoids between 5 mm and 9 mm; in six (43 %) of the 14 carcinoids between 10 mm and 19 mm; and in three (100 %) of the three carcinoids >/= 20 mm in diameter ( P < 0.001). Invasion into the muscularis propria or metastasis to the liver or lymph nodes occurred in three of the four patients with ulceration, but it was confirmed in only one of the 63 patients without ulceration ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Atypical endoscopic appearances of rectal carcinoids are observed more frequently as the size of the tumor increases and a finding of ulceration may have a prognostic value.

Conditional loss of TGF-beta signalling leads to increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal carcinogenesis in mice.

BACKGROUND: Downregulation of TGF-beta receptors is implicated in colon cancer development. Inactivation of either of the two transmembrane serine/threonine kinases, TGF-beta1 types I/II receptors, is now implicated in carcinogenesis, especially gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. METHODS: We generated transgenic mice, called pS2-dnRII or ITF-dnRII, of which the dominant negative mutant of the TGF-beta type II receptor was expressed under the control of tissue-specific promoters, the pS2 promoter for stomach and ITF for intestine. They were either infected with H.pylori (ATCC 43504 strain, CagA+ and VacA+) or administered with azoxymethane to determine the significance of loss of TGF-beta signalling in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. RESULTS: Gastric adenocarcinoma developed in pS2-dnRII mice, whereas only chronic active gastritis was noted in wild-type littermates after 36 weeks of H.pylori infection. Mice lacking in TGF-beta signalling specifically in the stomach showed a significantly higher proliferation cell nuclear antigen-labelling index when infected with H.pylori than wild-type littermates (P < 0.01). Development of colonic aberrant crypt foci was provoked in mice by intraperitoneal injections of azoxymethane, and ITF-dnRII mice showed significantly higher incidences of ACF and colon cancers than wild-type littermates. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining normal TGF-beta signalling in the gastrointestinal tract seems to be important either for preventing abnormal mucosal proliferation, or for suppressing or retarding carcinogenesis.

Effect of rebamipide in treatment of Helicobacter pylori-associated duodenal ulcer: attenuation of chemokine expression and nitrosative damage.

Production of cytokines along with increased activity of nitric oxide synthase has been implicated as one of the contributing mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori-mediated gastroduodenal diseases. We aimed to evaluate the effect of rebamipide in treating Helicobacter pylori-associated duodenal ulcers in terms of cytokine production and nitrosative damage of the gastric mucosa. In patients with duodenal ulcers, rebamipide or placebo were given randomly after eradication. Mucosal cytokine production was measured by enzyme linked immunoassay, and nitrotyrosine immunoexpression was measured by immunohistochemistry. The inflammatory activity and degree of neutrophil infiltration were graded accordingly. The mucosal production of RANTES, interleukin-8, and TNF-alpha showed a significant decrease after eradication in patients with rebamipide after-treatment. The nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity of gastric epithelium was significantly decreased in the rebamipide group. Rebamipide treatment after eradication resulted in a significant reduction in chemokine production along with nitrotyrosine immunoexpression in Helicobacter pylori-associated duodenal ulcers.

Efficacy of low-dose clarithromycin triple therapy and tinidazole-containing triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapies are recommended as the first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori eradication. AIM: To evaluate the efficacies of low-dose clarithromycin triple therapy and tinidazole-containing triple therapy in a metronidazole resistance prevalent area and to compare the efficacies with standard triple therapy. METHODS: In a randomized, multicentre, prospective study, a total of 352 patients with duodenal ulcer or non-ulcer dyspepsia were randomly divided into three groups according to the administered regimen: OAC250 group (omeprazole, 20 mg, amoxicillin, 1000 mg, and clarithromycin, 250 mg), OAC500 group (omeprazole, 20 mg, amoxicillin, 1000 mg, and clarithromycin, 500 mg) and OTC group (omeprazole, 20 mg, tinidazole, 500 mg, and clarithromycin, 500 mg). The three groups received each regimen twice daily for 7 days. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed before and 4 weeks after treatment. H. pylori status was determined by rapid urease test and 13C urea breath test. RESULTS: The eradication rates in the OAC250, OAC500 and OTC groups were 76.2%, 65.7% and 64.8% (95% confidence interval: 67.9-84.4%, 56.7-74.8% and 55.7-73.9%), respectively, by intention-to-treat analysis (P=0.149) and 92.8%, 87.2% and 84.1% (95% confidence interval: 84.4-97.3%, 77.9-93.8% and 73.9-91.2%), respectively, by per protocol analysis (P=0.088). All regimens were well tolerated and compliance was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Both low-dose clarithromycin triple therapy and tinidazole-containing triple therapy are effective and safe regimens for H. pylori eradication.

The antioxidant effect of rebamipide on oxygen free radical production by H. pylori-activated human neutrophils: in comparison with N-acetylcysteine, ascorbic acid and glutathione.

Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori)-activated neutrophils produce the oxygen-derived free radicals (OFRs) which play an important role in gastric mucosal cell damage. Rebamipide (2-(4-chlorobenzoylamino)-3-[2-(1H)-quinolinon-4-yl] propionic acid) is an antiulcer compound, which protects gastric mucosa against OFR-mediated injury. In order to investigate the effects of rebamipide on OFR production and to compare the antioxidant activity of rebamipide with those of three known antioxidants, N-acetylcysteine (AC), ascorbic acid (Vit C) and glutathione (GSH), the antioxidant activities were determined by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (ChL) assay and pyrogallol autoxidation assay. The ChL value was markedly elevated immediately after the addition of H. pylori into the medium containing neutrophils. The antioxidant activity of 1.0 mM rebamipide was greater than that of 0.1 mM rebamipide in the luminol-dependent ChL assay, while in the pyrogallol autoxidation assay, the antioxidant activity of 1.0 mM rebamipide was similar to that of 0.1 mM rebamipide. Rebamipide inhibited OFR generation in the pyrogallol autoxidation assay, with the potency being in the order of GSH > Vit C > rebamipide > AC. In the luminol-dependent ChL assay, the antioxidant activity of rebamipide was the greatest among them. These results indicate that rebamipide is a potent antioxidant and scavenges OFRs produced by H. pylori effectively in luminol-dependent ChL assays.

Seroepidemiological study of Helicobacter pylori infection in asymptomatic people in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection occurs throughout the world and causes gastroduodenal diseases in all age groups. The prevalence of H. pylori infection varies between countries and races. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in asymptomatic healthy people in South Korea. METHODS: From March 1998 to October 1998, 5732 asymptomatic subjects who responded to the self-assessment questionnaires from 54 hospitals in South Korea were enrolled in this study. The serum levels of antibodies for H. pylori immunoglobulinG were measured by using an ELISA test. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was 46.6% and there was no statistical difference between males (47.2%) and females (45.9%). In adults, a significant difference was observed between genders. According to the geographic areas, the high prevalent provinces were Kangwon (53.4%), Cheju (52.9%) and Cholla province (50.6%); Seoul (41.9%) was the lowest prevalent area. The seroprevalence increased with age and was highest when patients were aged in their 40s (78.5%). The characteristic feature of our study was that the infection rate was steeply increased in three age groups (10-12 year olds, 16-19 year olds and those aged in their 20s). In Seoul, there was no difference in the prevalence rate among the districts studied. CONCLUSIONS: This nation-wide seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in South Korea was 46.6%, which showed the transition from a developing country to a developed country. More studies on the epidemiological factors and the route of transmission of H. pylori infection should be warranted.

Incidence and prevalence of ulcerative colitis in the Songpa-Kangdong District, Seoul, Korea, 1986-1997.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is regarded as a rare disease in developing countries, but accurate data are generally lacking. We performed the present study to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of UC in Korea. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed from 1986 to 1997 in the Songpa-Kangdong district of Seoul, Korea. To recruit UC patients as completely as possible, multiple information sources including all medical facilities in the study area and three referral centres located nearby, but outside the study area were used. The incidence and prevalence rates were adjusted using the 1997 Korean population statistics. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 94 incident cases were identified, for an adjusted mean annual incidence rate of 0.68 per 100,000 inhabitants. On 31 December 1997, 91 patients with UC lived in the study area, giving an adjusted prevalence rate of 7.57 per 100,000 inhabitants. By using the Poisson regression analysis, the annual incidence rate increased significantly from 0.20 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1986-1988 to 1.23 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1995-1997 (P < 0.005). Patient age at diagnosis, the interval from onset of symptoms to diagnosis, and the disease extent at diagnosis were fairly constant throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and prevalence of UC in our study area are still low compared with those of Western countries, but the incidence rate is steadily increasing.

Appendiceal orifice inflammation as a skip lesion in ulcerative colitis: an analysis in relation to medical therapy and disease extent.

BACKGROUND: Although several reports have claimed that the appendix can be involved as a skip lesion in ulcerative colitis, they do not exclude the possibility that this skip lesion occurs as a result of medical therapy. Also, little is known about the relation between the presence of appendiceal orifice inflammation and the extent of the disease. METHODS: The presence of appendiceal orifice inflammation was prospectively assessed both endoscopically and histologically in 94 patients with active ulcerative colitis, the extent of whose disease had not been beyond the hepatic flexure. To evaluate the effect of prior medical therapy on the prevalence of appendiceal orifice inflammation, all cases were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 66 patients who had been treated before inclusion; group B was composed of 28 patients newly diagnosed at inclusion. RESULTS: Appendiceal orifice inflammation was diagnosed in 24 (26%) of 94 patients with active subtotal ulcerative colitis, with no statistical difference observed between group A (23%) and group B (32%). In all 94 patients, the frequency of appendiceal orifice inflammation decreased significantly as the extent of disease increased, i.e., 37% in proctitis (n = 49), 17% in left-sided colitis (n = 36), and 0% in extensive colitis (n = 9) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Appendiceal orifice inflammation as a skip lesion of ulcerative colitis is not rare, is more frequently observed in patients with less extensive disease, and is not the result of patchy improvement due to medical therapy.