Carrier transport mechanisms of the writing and the erasing processes for Al/ZnO nanoparticles embedded in a polymethyl methacrylate layer/C60/p-Si diodes.

Transmission electron microscopy images showed that ZnO nanoparticles were randomly distributed inside the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) layer. Capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements on the Al/ZnO nanoparticles embedded in a PMMA layer/C60/p-Si diode at 300 K showed a clockwise hysteresis with a flatband voltage shift due to existence of the ZnO nanoparticles and a C60 buffer layer. The insertion of the C60 layer enlarged the memory window of the device containing the ZnO nanoparticle, as estimated by the flatband voltage shift in the C-V hysteresis. Capacitance-time measurements showed that the devices exhibited excellent memory retention ability at ambient conditions. Operating mechanisms of the charge injection, capture, and emission in the active layer and the charging and the discharging processes in the devices are described on the basis of the C-V results.

Operating mechanisms of organic bistable devices containing ZnO nanoparticles embedded in a poly-4-vinyl-phenol layer.

Scanning electron microscopy images showed that self-assembled ZnO nanoparticles were created inside a poly-4-vinyl-phenol (PVP) layer. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements on the Al/ZnO nanoparticles embedded in a PVP layer/indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass device fabricated by using a simple spin coating method at 300 K showed an electrical hysteresis behavior, indicative of an essential feature for a bistable device. The data fitting results of the I-V curves showed that the carrier transport mechanisms at low and high voltages were attributed to the space charge limited current and the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling processes, respectively. Possible operating mechanisms for the memory effects in the Al/ZnO nanoparticles embedded in a PVP layer/ITO devices are described on the basis of the I-V results.

Alveolar macrophages are indispensable for controlling influenza viruses in lungs of pigs.

Alveolar macrophages constitutively reside in the respiratory tracts of pigs and humans. An in vivo role of alveolar macrophages in defending against influenza viruses in mice infected with a reassorted influenza virus, 1918 HA/NA:Tx/91, was reported, but there has been no report on an in vivo role of alveolar macrophages in a natural host such as a pig using currently circulating human influenza virus. Here we show that in vivo depletion of alveolar macrophages in pigs by dichloromethylene diphosphonate (MDPCL2) treatment results in 40% mortality when pigs are infected with currently circulating human H1N1 influenza viruses, while none of the infected control pigs died. All infected pigs depleted of alveolar macrophages suffered from more severe respiratory signs than infected control pigs. Induction of tumor necrosis factor alpha in the infected pigs depleted of alveolar macrophages was significantly lower than that in the lungs of infected control pigs, and the induction of interleukin-10, an immunosuppressive cytokine, significantly increased in the lungs of infected pigs depleted of alveolar macrophages compared to infected control pigs. When we measured antibody titers and CD8(+) T lymphocytes expressing gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), lower antibody titers and a lower percentage of CD8(+) T lymphocytes expressing IFN-gamma were detectable in MDPCL2-treated infected pigs than in phosphate-buffered saline- and liposome-treated and infected pigs. Taken together, our findings suggest that alveolar macrophages are essential for controlling H1N1 influenza viruses in pigs.

A case of perosomus elumbis in a Holstein calf.

Perosomus elumbis is an occasionally found congenital anomaly of unknown etiology and is characterized by partial or complete agenesis of lumbar, sacral and coccygeal vertebrae and ankylosis of the hindlimbs. A 2-day-old female Holstein calf presented nearly normal forelimbs but flexure and ankylosis of the hindlimbs. The vertebrae and pelvic malformations and agenesis were radiographed and then necropsied. Mild ankylosis of the hindlimbs, absence of cauda equina, left scoliosis in state of fusion of T11 and T12 and complete fusion of L4 and L5, narrowed pelvic canal and misshapen ilium were confirmed. However, abnormal development or agenesis was not observed in the urogenital and intestinal system in this calf.

Pathogenesis and inflammatory responses of swine H1N2 influenza viruses in pigs.

Swine influenza viruses are an important pathogen in pig industry. In this study, we wanted to know whether swine H1N2 influenza viruses circulating in Korean pigs would cause clinical signs in pigs when experimentally infected. When pigs were infected with swine H1N2 viruses isolated from Korean pigs, pigs suffered from severe clinical signs of coughing, nasal discharge, labored breathing, facial edema, anorexia, and diarrhea. When the level of cytokine induction was measured using lung tissues, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-8 were induced higher in lungs of infected pigs than in lungs of uninfected pigs. However, no increased induction of the anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-10 was observed in lungs of infected pigs. These results suggest that the pathogenesis induced in pigs by H1N2 influenza viruses may be induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines instead of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Harlequin ichthyosis in a HanWoo calf.

Ichthyosis (fish scale disease) is a rare hereditary disease and characterized by excessive cutaneous scale formation. A male HanWoo calf born by natural service was found with fissures and thickened, scaly, cutaneous plates covering over 90% of its body. Histopathological feature was excess compact orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis involving surface of the epidermis and follicular epithelia. The calf had small malformed ears, ectropion, eclabium and an abnormal nose. Gross and histopathologic findings in calf were consistent with those of harlequin ichthyosis, and it was the first observed harlequin ichthyosis in HanWoo cattle.

Genetic and antigenic characterization of swine H1N2 influenza viruses isolated from Korean pigs.

H1N2 influenza viruses are circulating in pigs worldwide and cause considerable economic losses to the pig industry. We genetically analyzed the genes of our isolates from Korean pigs, and compared the antigenicity of our isolates with swine H1N2 viruses isolated from pigs in the U.S.A. In addition, we serologically surveyed the infection rate of swine H1N2 viruses in pigs. We found that H1N2 isolates from Korean pigs are genetically more related to swine H1N2 viruses isolated from pigs in the U.S.A. than those in European countries. When antigenicity was compared, our isolates were weakly reacted to antibodies against swine H1N2 viruses isolated from pigs in the U.S.A. The serological surveillance using sera from pigs in Korea showed that about 46% was positive for H1N2 viruses. Our results suggest that swine H1N2 viruses are widespread in Korean pigs, and the development of a vaccine against H1N2 viruses may help to control their infection in pigs.

The effect of oculo-acupuncture on acute hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in dogs.

We investigated the therapeutic effect of oculo-acupuncture on dogs induced with acute hepatic injury. Hepatic injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection with carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) in 8 mongrel dogs (4 females and 4 males, aged 2 to 4 years). The dogs were divided into the control group (4 dogs) and the experimental group (4 dogs). The experimental group was treated with oculo-acupuncture at the liver/gallbladder regions plus the zhong jiao region of the eye after the induction of hepatic injury. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activities were measured in both control and experimental groups. The serum AST, ALT, and GGT activities in the experimental group were decreased as compared to those in the control group. The significant differences were detected on the third day (AST, p < 0.05), second day (ALT, p < 0.05) and third day (GGT, p < 0.05) in the experimental group, respectively. Oculo-acupuncture alleviated acute liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in dogs was also confirmed by histopathological examination. We concluded that oculo-acupuncture at the liver/gallbladder regions plus the zhong jiao region was effective in the recovery of dogs from hepatic injury in a CCl(4)-induced model.

The effect of oculo-acupuncture on recovery from ethylene glycol-induced acute renal injury in dogs.

The potential recovery effect by oculo-acupuncture (OA) on ethylene glycol-induced acute renal injury in dogs was investigated. Acute renal damage was induced by ingestion of ethylene glycol in six mongrel dogs. The dogs were assigned to control (three dogs) and experimental (three dogs) groups. The control group did not receive any treatment, while the experimental group was treated with oculo-acupuncture at kidney/urinary bladder region plus zhong jiao region of the eyes after the induction of renal damage. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), and potassium (K) were measured in both control and experimental groups. The blood RBC and Hb were also examined. The serum BUN and creatinine activities in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, the serum Na and Cl had the irregular change in both groups, and the blood Hb in the control and experimental group showed decreasing tendency. Significant differences were observed on the 3rd and 7th day in BUN, 7th day in creatinine, 2nd day in Na and Cl, and 7th day in Hb when compared to the control group. Whereas, serum K concentration and RBC in the experimental group did not change significantly. The recovery findings of the renal injury were also observed in the experimental group histopathologically. In conclusion, OA therapy (kidney/urinary bladder region plus zhong jiao region) was effective for recovery of the renal injury induced by ethylene glycol in dogs.

Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 mediated splenocyte adhesion.

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a widespread environmental contaminant that induces various types of immunotoxicity. One effect of exposure to this contaminant is alteration in cell adhesiveness. Leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) plays an important role not only in T-cell recruitment into sites of inflammation and lymphoid tissues, but also in T-cell activation and in the development of specific immune responses. We, therefore, examined whether the alteration in cell adhesiveness is associated with the modulation of LFA-1 expression and its second messengers following exposure to TCDD. In vitro, 10 nM TCDD exposure suppressed splenocyte adhesion. In addition, the adhesiveness was reduced after in vivo exposure to TCDD (15 microg/kg) for six weeks with a one week interval and after additional in vitro stimulation with anti-CD3. The inhibition of adherence after TCDD exposure was related to a decreased expression of LFA-I, and expression patterns of Rap1 following TCDD exposure correlated with those of LFA-1 expression. However, TCDD did not selectively alter LFA-1 or Rapl expression in T-cell subsets. TCDD caused apparent changes in PI 3-kinase expression levels and the expression patterns of H-Ras correlated with those of PI 3-kinase expression. These data suggest that TCDD exposure down-regulates the conformation and ligand binding affinity of LFA-1 by Rapl and PI 3-kinase signaling pathways with the decreased expression of LFA-1, and consequently leads to a decrease in the LFA-1-mediated adhesion.

Histopathological changes of testes and eyes by neutron irradiation with boron compounds in mice.

This study was performed to investigate the biological effects of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) on the testes and eyes in mice using HANARO Nuclear Reactor, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. BNCT relies on the high capacity of 10B in capturing thermal neutrons. Sodium borocaptate (BSH, 75 ppm, iv) and boronophenylalanine (BPA, 750 ppm, ip) have been used as the boron delivery agents. Mice were irradiated with neutron (flux: 1.036739E +09, Fluence 9.600200E+12) by lying flat pose for 30 (10 Gy) or 100 min (33 Gy) with or without boron carrier treatment. In 45 days of irradiation, histopathological changes of the testes and eyes were examined. Thirty-three Gy neutron irradiation for 100 min induced testicular atrophy in which some of seminiferous tubules showed complete depletion of spermatogenic germ cells. Lens epithelial cells and lens fiber were swollen and showed granular changes in an exposure time dependent manner. However, boron carrier treatment had no significant effect on the lesions. These results suggest that the examination of histopathological changes of lens and testis can be used as "biological dosimeters" for gauging radiation responses and the HANARO Nuclear Reactor has sufficient capacities for the BNCT.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin activates ERK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases in RAW 264.7 cells.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a widespread environmental contaminant, exposure to it eliciting a broad spectrum of deleterious pathophysiological effects. Since mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways appear to play an important role in both cell survival and the apoptotic process, we assessed the effects of TCDD on the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAPKs and caspase-3 in RAW 264.7 cells. TCDD treatment induced a transient upshift in ERK activity, followed by a decline, but a concomitant dramatic activation of p38. However, TCDD did not cause any apparent change in the activity of JNK, though it induced an up-regulation in caspase-3 activity. These results demonstrate that the equilibrium between the ERK and p38 pathways is critical to the fate of the cells, and that the activation of p38, upstream of caspase, plays an important role in the apoptotic process. The data obtained in this study also suggests that TCDD activates the MAPK pathway via an arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-independent mechanism in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages.

Zearalenone induces male germ cell apoptosis in rats.

Zearalenone (ZEA), a nonsteroidal estrogenic mycotoxin, is known to cause toxicity of testis in male rats. To investigate whether apoptosis is involved in ZEA-induced testicular toxicity and to identify the stage and target germ cell type, 10-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats were treated with a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of ZEA (5 mg/kg) and euthanized at 3, 6, 12, 24, or 48 h subsequently. Histopathologically, germ cell degeneration was found at stages I-VI 12 h after dosing. Degenerating germ cells were shown to undergo apoptosis as revealed by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The frequency of TUNEL-labeled germ cells increased in a stage-specific manner, the peak frequency gradually progressing at stages I-VI of seminiferous tubules with time after dosing, suggesting that the damaged germ cells, especially spermatogonia and spermatocytes, gradually underwent the processes leading to apoptosis. DNA laddering on gel electrophoresis was apparent 12 h after dosing. The results demonstrated that a single dose of ZEA induces testicular germ cell apoptosis in a time-dependent and stage-specific pattern. This study has established that apoptosis is the principal mechanism contributing to germ cell depletion and testicular atrophy following ZEA exposure.

Effects of benzo[alpha]pyrene, 2-bromopropane, phenol and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on IL-6 production in mice after single or repeated exposure.

Altered IL-6 production regulation is associated with the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, lymphoid malignancies, chronic infectious processes and certain types of autoimmune conditions. Here, we examine the effects of pollutants on IL-6 levels in mice serum and in culture supernatants of spleen cells. Mice were treated with vehicles (PBS or olive oil), benzo[alpha]pyrene (B[alpha]P, 100 mg/kg body weight), 2-bromopropane (2-BP, 3.5 g/kg), phenol (21.2 mg/kg), or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, 15 mg/kg). Serum IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the TCDD-treated group at 24 hours and 48 hours after a single exposure, whereas exposure to phenol, B[alpha]P or 2-BP did not cause a significant difference. IL-6 levels in culture supernatants of splenocytes were not affected at 24 hours and 48 hours after a single pollutant treatment. A repeated dose of TCDD (once/week for 4 weeks) resulted in a significant elevation of IL-6 levels in serum and its spontaneous production in culture supernatants of splenocytes. Repeatedly TCDD-treated mice contained more CD11b (Mac-1)-positive cells in the spleen and higher titers of tissue-specific autoantibodies than the vehicle-treated group. These results suggest that repeated exposure to TCDD might impair the regulation of immune response by deregulating the production of IL-6.

Effects of benzo[a]pyrene, 2-bromopropane, phenol and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on proinflammatory cytokines gene expression by mice spleen cells.

The detrimental effects of environmental pollutants on the health of the individual are generally accepted, although the mechanisms of these effects remain to be incompletely understood. In the present study, we examined the effects of B[a]P, 2-BP, phenol and TCDD on proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in mice spleen cells which were stimulated with anti-CD3. 10(-9)M TCDD increased IFNgamma and TNFalpha gene expression, but suppressed IL-1 gene expression. 10(-6)M phenol inhibited IL-1, IL-6 and TNFalpha gene expression, and 10(-6)M of 2-BP downregulated TNFalpha gene expression. However, 10(-6)M of B[a]P did not influence on IL-1, IL-6, IFNgamma and TNFalpha gene expression. These findings suggest that TCDD may impair the immune functions of mice by enhancing proinflammatory cytokines production, whereas phenol and 2-BP may impair the functions by inhibiting the production of these cytokines.

The effects of a displaced dorsal rim fracture on outcomes after volar plate fixation of a distal radius fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a displaced dorsal rim fracture has an adverse effect on wrist function after volar plate fixation of a dorsally displaced distal radius fracture (DRF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two matched cohorts of 23 matched patients, one with a displaced dorsal rim fracture >2mm (group 1), and the other without a dorsal rim fracture (group 2) were analysed in this study of volar locking plate fixation for dorsally unstable DRFs. The two cohorts were analysed for differences in wrist function and wrist pain, radiographic parameters and arthritic grades of radiocarpal joints. Displacement of dorsal rim fragments and diameters of the retained articular portions of dorsal rims in group 1 were measured. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two groups in overall wrist function or wrist pain. Mean displacement of dorsal rims in group 1 was 3.0mm and the mean diameter of the retained articular portion of dorsal articular wall was 2.0mm. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of any radiographic parameters or the arthritic grading of radiocarpal joints. CONCLUSION: A displaced dorsal rim fracture does not appear to affect outcomes adversely after volar locking plate fixation of dorsally displaced DRFs.

Single dose of oil-adjuvanted inactivated vaccine protects chickens from lethal infections of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus.

The highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses are endemic in poultry in many countries, but continuously infect humans and cause human mortality. H5N1 influenza viruses have been regarded as a pandemic candidate. In a pandemic event by this virus, the protection of poultry with an effective vaccine will help to greatly reduce the spread of this virus to humans since it easily infects poultry. Here we showed that immunization with one dose of oil-adjuvanted inactivated H5N1 vaccine could protect chickens from lethal infection by highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus until 12 weeks post-immunization. The complete protection of chickens depended on the amount of HA antigens in the vaccine. Complete homologous protection required over 1.25 µg of HA antigens and complete heterologous protection required over 5.0 µg of HA antigens. The bivalent H5N1 inactivated vaccine composed of 1.25 µg of each antigen from clade 1 and clade 2.3.4 H5N1 influenza virus completely protected chickens from the lethal challenge of both viruses. When we determined the induction of antibody subtypes in tissues including nasal cavity, trachea, and lungs, the IgG subtype of antibody was induced more than the IgM or IgA subtype of antibody. Taken together, our results suggest that one dose of oil-adjuvanted inactivated H5N1 vaccine could provide chickens with sterile immunity against the homologous highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus.

Effective administration method of intravenous proton pump inhibitor: a novel testing using a BRAVO catheterless pH monitoring system.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study investigated the use of the BRAVO catheterless pH monitoring system to determine the effective administration method of intravenous proton pump inhibitor and the effectiveness of 80 mg pantoprazole per day on the regulation of gastric acid. METHODS: A total of 32 patients who underwent endoscopic resection were randomly assigned to the repeated bolus injections group (40 mg dose, twice per day) and continuous infusion group (mixed with 5% glucose, continuous infusion of 80 mg per day). Then, pantoprazole was administered and intragastric pH was measured for 48 hours through a BRAVO capsule. The length of time until the intragastric pH reached 4 and 6 after administration was measured, as well as the mean/median pH for 48 hours and the fraction times (%) of pH >4 and >6 for 48 hours. The factors affecting intragastric pH were also analyzed. RESULTS: There were no complications due to the attachment of the BRAVO capsule. No significant differences according to administration methods were found in all factors. Only Helicobacter pylori had significant effect on the fraction times (%) of pH >4 and >6 for 48 hours (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The effects of intravenous proton pump inhibitor were similar between the administration methods. Therefore, the repeated bolus injection method, which is relatively simple, is a good choice. Regarding the dose of intravenous pantoprazole, which is used after successful endoscopic hemostasis, 80 mg would be sufficient. We hope that this study encourages the use of the BRAVO catheterless pH monitoring system.

Protection of ferrets from infection by swine-origin 2009 A (H1N1) influenza virus by the inactivated vaccine.

Swine-origin pandemic 2009 A (H1N1) influenza viruses are still infecting humans, and humans are currently being vaccinated with the inactivated vaccine of 2009 A (H1N1) influenza virus. We wanted to determine the efficacy of 2009 A (H1N1) inactivated vaccine in ferrets. Ferrets immunized with one dose (7.5 microg) of 2009 A (H1N1) inactivated vaccine were not protected from infections of either pandemic H1N1 or seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses, while ferrets immunized with two doses of 2009 A (H1N1) inactivated vaccine were protected from infections of pandemic H1N1, but not seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses. IgG subtype of antibody was dominantly detected in tissues of immunized ferrets. Our study suggests that pandemic H1N1 vaccine may not elicit the antibody cross-reactive to the seasonal H1N1 influenza virus.

Protection of pregnant mice, fetuses and neonates from lethality of H5N1 influenza viruses by maternal vaccination.

The highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses are one of candidates for the next pandemic. Information on protective immunity for pregnant animals by vaccination against the H5N1 influenza virus is limited. Here, we show that the immunization of pregnant mice with inactivated H5N1 influenza vaccine protects them, their fetuses, and their infant mice from H5N1 influenza viruses. Pregnant mice immunized with two doses of H5N1 influenza vaccine were protected from homologous infections of H5N1 influenza viruses with no viruses detected in fetuses, and that they were protected upto 30% from heterologous infections of H5N1 influenza viruses with viruses detected in fetuses. The infant mice born to mothers immunized with H5N1 influenza vaccine were fully protected from infections of H5N1 influenza viruses for upto 4 weeks of age. The protection of infant mice was closely related to the presence of IgG2a antibody in lung, heart, and rectum tissues. Our results suggest that maternal vaccination may be critical for protecting pregnant animals, their fetuses, and their infant mice from lethal infections of H5N1 influenza viruses.