Development of a semi-open chamber system for the gas exchange measurement of whole-canopy under steady and unsteady states in cucumber seedlings.

BACKGROUND: Large-scale data on the photosynthetic characteristics of whole crop canopy is crucial for improving yield. However, current data collection methods remain challenging, and the time constraints associated with photosynthetic data collection further complicate matters. Developing a practical yet easy-to-use tool for collecting whole-canopy data is essential to address these challenges. Furthermore, it is necessary to obtain instantaneous measurements of photosynthetic rate over a wide range of CO2 concentrations under an unsteady state to enable faster data collection and obtain reliable biochemical limits of carbon assimilation. This study developed a semi-open chamber system with steady and unsteady state measurement techniques to collect biochemical photosynthetic data from an entire cucumber canopy, emphasizing the correction procedures for CO2 concentration of unsteady state measurements applicable regardless of chamber scale. RESULTS: After constructing a semi-open chamber system, we described how to correct measurement errors according to chamber volume. In order to assess the accuracy of the newly developed system, an analysis was conducted to determine the overall measurement error resulting from variations in the reference, sample CO2 concentration, and leakage flow rate. The total measurement error was accurate to no more than 10%. Furthermore, the difference between the photosynthetic rate of the single leaf and that of the whole-canopy was not significant in Rubisco activity-limited carboxylation range. In addition, the Farquhar-von Caemmerer-Berry (FvCB) model parameters and the photosynthetic rate estimation values were compared to evaluate the steady- and unsteady state measurement methods between the cucumber seedlings' single-leaf and whole-canopy. The average root mean square error of the FvCB model in the steady (standard A-Ci response) and unsteady states (800 to 400 ramp) of the chambers was 1.4 and 2.3, respectively. Results show that the developed system is suitable for measuring the gas exchange rate of the cucumber canopy. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the correction method for measurement errors to enable the gas exchange rate of the whole-canopy even in an unsteady state. The correction method of the measurement system of the gas exchange rate for the whole- canopy can be applied regardless of the volume of the chamber, and it can be applied simply to other chamber systems. In addition, an unsteady state measurement method for fast data collection was also applicable. However, it was deemed necessary to identify a more optimal measurement range by conducting measurements across a broader range of values.

Pulp and periapical disease as a risk factor for osteonecrosis of the jaw: a national cohort-based study in Korea.

PURPOSE: This longitudinal cohort study aimed to evaluate the relationship between osteonecrosis of the jaw and pulp and periapical disease in patients who were administered bisphosphonates. METHODS: Using data from a nationwide cohort, we examined the association among dental caries, pulp and periapical disease, and osteonecrosis of the jaw in women aged >50 years who received bisphosphonates for more than 1 year between 2002 and 2015. Because of ambiguities in the diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the jaw in population-based data, we operationally defined and categorized the condition into established and potential osteonecrosis of the jaw. RESULTS: Pulp and periapical disease significantly increased the development of both established and potential osteonecrosis of the jaw (hazard ratio, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-3.48; and hazard ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.65-2.98, respectively). Root canal treatment did not have any influence on the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw. CONCLUSIONS: Pulp and periapical disease may be a major risk factor for osteonecrosis of the jaw. The study findings suggest that patients should undergo regular dental examinations to detect pulp and periapical disease before or during the administration of bisphosphonates and that root canal treatment should be considered to decrease the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Synthesis of a natural quinoline alkaloid isolated from the deep-sea-derived fungus and its potential as a therapeutic for Parkinson's disease.

2-(Quinoline-8-carboxamido)benzoic acid (2-QBA; 1) is a natural quinoline alkaloid isolated from the deep-sea-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO06786. Alkaloid 1 was synthesized by an amidation reaction of 8-quinolinecaroxylic acid with methyl anthranilate, followed by hydrolysis. The neuroprotective properties of 1 were evaluated using a Caenorhabditis elegans Parkinson's disease model, which revealed that 1 significantly ameliorated 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a dose-dependent manner. MPP+-induced behavioral defects in worms, including impaired locomotion and basal slowing ability, were restored by treatment with 1. We further demonstrated that treatment with 1 modulates the formation of neurotoxic α-synuclein oligomers by suppressing α-synuclein expressions and enhancing proteasome activity. These results suggest that 1 is a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

No effect of desmopressin administration before kidney biopsy on the risk of major post-biopsy bleeding.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The most important complication of kidney biopsy is bleeding, and it is unclear whether desmopressin is effective in preventing it. Thus, the study was conducted to compare post-biopsy bleeding with or without desmopressin prescription prior to percutaneous kidney biopsy. METHODS: In this single-centered, retrospective, and observational study, 3,018 adult patients who underwent kidney biopsy between January 1, 2003 and March 31, 2019 at our institute were recruited. Of these, 776 patients received desmopressin. To compare the differences in major bleeding events between patients administered and not administered with desmopressin, propensity score matching was performed. RESULTS: Before propensity score (PS) matching, it was observed that patients in the desmopressin group were significantly older (p<0.001) and had a higher blood pressure (p<0.001), higher serum creatinine (p<0.001), lower hemoglobin levels (p<0.001), and lower platelet counts (p=0.001) than those in the no-desmopressin group. Furthermore, the incidence of renal artery embolization was not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.077); however, blood transfusions occurred significantly more frequently in the desmopressin group (p<0.001). A comparison of the two groups after PS matching did not reveal any differences in the incidence of renal artery embolization (p=0.341), blood transfusion (p=0.579), and total major bleeding events (p=0.442). Furthermore, there was no difference in the incidence of perinephric hematoma on computed tomography or ultrasound (p=0.120). CONCLUSIONS: We do not recommend desmopressin administration before kidney biopsy.

Erratum to "Prevalence and Morphology of C-Shaped Canals: A CBCT Analysis in a Korean Population".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/9152004.].

No effect of desmopressin administration before kidney biopsy on the risk of major post-biopsy bleeding / Ausencia de efecto de la administración de desmopresina antes de una biopsia renal sobre el riesgo de hemorragia mayor tras la biopsia

Background/Aims: The most important complication of kidney biopsy is bleeding, and it is unclear whether desmopressin is effective in preventing it. Thus, the study was conducted to compare post-biopsy bleeding with or without desmopressin prescription prior to percutaneous kidney biopsy.MethodsIn this single-centered, retrospective, and observational study, 3,018 adult patients who underwent kidney biopsy between January 1, 2003 and March 31, 2019 at our institute were recruited. Of these, 776 patients received desmopressin. To compare the differences in major bleeding events between patients administered and not administered with desmopressin, propensity score matching was performed.ResultsBefore propensity score (PS) matching, it was observed that patients in the desmopressin group were significantly older (p<0.001) and had a higher blood pressure (p<0.001), higher serum creatinine (p<0.001), lower hemoglobin levels (p<0.001), and lower platelet counts (p=0.001) than those in the no-desmopressin group. Furthermore, the incidence of renal artery embolization was not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.077); however, blood transfusions occurred significantly more frequently in the desmopressin group (p<0.001). A comparison of the two groups after PS matching did not reveal any differences in the incidence of renal artery embolization (p=0.341), blood transfusion (p=0.579), and total major bleeding events (p=0.442). Furthermore, there was no difference in the incidence of perinephric hematoma on computed tomography or ultrasound (p=0.120).ConclusionsWe do not recommend desmopressin administration before kidney biopsy. (AU)

Antecedentes/objetivos: La complicación más importante de la biopsia renal es la hemorragia y no está claro si la desmopresina es eficaz en su prevención. Por lo tanto, el estudio se realizó para comparar la hemorragia tras una biopsia renal percutánea con o sin prescripción de desmopresina previa a esta.MétodosEn este estudio unicéntrico, retrospectivo y observacional se seleccionaron 3.018 pacientes adultos que se sometieron a una biopsia renal entre el 1 de enero de 2003 y el 31 de marzo de 2019 en nuestro instituto. De ellos, 776 pacientes recibieron desmopresina. Para comparar las diferencias en los acontecimientos de hemorragia mayor entre los pacientes que recibieron desmopresina y los que no, se realizó un emparejamiento por puntuación de propensión.ResultadosAntes del emparejamiento por puntuación de propensión, se observó que los pacientes del grupo con desmopresina tenían una edad significativamente mayor (p<0,001) y presentaban una presión arterial más alta (p<0,001), una creatinina sérica más alta (p<0,001), niveles de hemoglobina más bajos (p<0,001) y recuentos de plaquetas más bajos (p=0,001) que los del grupo sin desmopresina. Además, la incidencia de embolización de la arteria renal no fue significativamente diferente entre los 2 grupos (p=0,077); sin embargo, las transfusiones de sangre se produjeron con una frecuencia significativamente mayor en el grupo con desmopresina (p<0,001). Una comparación de los 2 grupos tras el emparejamiento por puntuación de propensión no reveló diferencias en la incidencia de embolización de la arteria renal (p=0,341), la transfusión de sangre (p=0,579) y los acontecimientos de hemorragia mayor totales (p=0,442). Además, no se observaron diferencias en la incidencia de hematomas perinéfricos en la tomografía computarizada o la ecografía (p=0,120).ConclusionesNo se recomienda la administración de desmopresina antes de una biopsia renal. (AU)

Characteristics, Treatment, and Prognosis of Cracked Teeth: A Comparison with Data from 10 Years Ago.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze and to compare retrospectively the characteristics, the treatment process, and the prognosis of cracked teeth by comparing recent data with data from 10 years ago. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight cracked teeth from March 2009 to June 2010 (2009 data) and 185 cracked teeth from March 2019 to June 2020 (2019 data) were analyzed. The characteristics of cracked teeth and the treatment method depending on probing depth, caries, and symptoms, and prognosis depending on pocket depth and apical lesions were analyzed using R version 3.3.3 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) and T&F version 3.0 (YooJin BioSoft, Korea). To compare proportions, the two-sample proportion test was performed. The distribution of proportions within the samples from 2009 and 2019 data was analyzed using the Chi-square test or binomial test. A p-value <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Significantly fewer cracked teeth received root canal treatment before crown in 2019 than in 2009 (p = 0.032). In both 2009 and 2019, symptomatic cracked teeth and those with deep periodontal pockets (>6 mm) were significantly more likely to receive root canal treatment. In both years, cracked teeth with a probing depth less than 6 mm or without an apical lesion were significantly more likely to be asymptomatic at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Cracked teeth with a deep periodontal pocket or symptoms had a higher likelihood of endodontic treatment, and the presence of a deep periodontal pocket or apical lesion was associated with a higher risk of persistent symptoms. Therefore, clinicians should consider these factors when planning treatment and predicting patients' prognosis.

Prevalence and Morphology of C-Shaped Canals: A CBCT Analysis in a Korean Population.

This retrospective study of roots with C-shaped canals investigated their prevalence, configuration type, and lingual wall thickness, as well as the panoramic radiographic features of roots in permanent mandibular second molars confirmed to have C-shaped canals on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Korean population. In total, 1884 CBCT images of mandibular second molars were examined by two endodontists to analyze the presence of C-shaped canals according to age and sex. The bilateral occurrence of C-shaped roots and their morphology on panoramic radiography were assessed and statistically analyzed using the chi-square test. The classification of Fan et al. was applied to categorize the configurations of C-shaped canals. The lingual wall thickness was calculated in the mesial, middle, and distal areas at the orifice and at 5 mm from the apex. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the mean difference of lingual wall thickness between the apex and orifice level. A P value of 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance in the statistical analyses. Of 2508 mandibular second molars, 924 (36.8%) had C-shaped root canals. The prevalence was significantly lower in the over 61 age group (24.08%) than in the 21-30-year age group (40.02%) and was higher in women (42.32%). Most cases were bilateral (85.9%). The C1 type was the most common (35.3%). The prevalence of C1 type canals decreased, while that of C3b type canals increased with age. In 75.2% of teeth having C-shaped root canals on CBCT, fused roots were observed on panoramic views. The difference in the lingual wall thickness at the orifice and 5 mm from the apex was significant in the middle area in all configurations of C-shaped root canals. When performing nonsurgical or surgical endodontic procedures of the mandibular second molars, clinicians should consider age, sex, ethnicity, and anatomical variations.

No effect of desmopressin administration before kidney biopsy on the risk of major post-biopsy bleeding.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The most important complication of kidney biopsy is bleeding, and it is unclear whether desmopressin is effective in preventing it. Thus, the study was conducted to compare post-biopsy bleeding with or without desmopressin prescription prior to percutaneous kidney biopsy. METHODS: In this single-centered, retrospective, and observational study, 3,018 adult patients who underwent kidney biopsy between January 1, 2003 and March 31, 2019 at our institute were recruited. Of these, 776 patients received desmopressin. To compare the differences in major bleeding events between patients administered and not administered with desmopressin, propensity score matching was performed. RESULTS: Before propensity score (PS) matching, it was observed that patients in the desmopressin group were significantly older (p<0.001) and had a higher blood pressure (p<0.001), higher serum creatinine (p<0.001), lower hemoglobin levels (p<0.001), and lower platelet counts (p=0.001) than those in the no-desmopressin group. Furthermore, the incidence of renal artery embolization was not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.077); however, blood transfusions occurred significantly more frequently in the desmopressin group (p<0.001). A comparison of the two groups after PS matching did not reveal any differences in the incidence of renal artery embolization (p=0.341), blood transfusion (p=0.579), and total major bleeding events (p=0.442). Furthermore, there was no difference in the incidence of perinephric hematoma on computed tomography or ultrasound (p=0.120). CONCLUSIONS: We do not recommend desmopressin administration before kidney biopsy.

Prevalence and risk factors of baclofen neurotoxicity in patients with severely impaired renal function / Prevalencia y factores de riesgo de la neurotoxicidad por baclofeno en pacientes con la función renal gravemente deteriorada

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The most common adverse effect of baclofen, used for managing hiccups and spasticity, is neurotoxicity. As baclofen is primarily excreted by the kidneys, neurotoxicity is more likely to occur in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We evaluated the risk factor for baclofen neurotoxicity and the recommended dosage for patients with severe CKD. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, we classified 401 patients with CKD as stage 4 (n=174), non-dialysis stage 5 (n=97), and on-dialysis (n=130). RESULTS: The prevalence of baclofen-induced neurotoxicity in patients with severe CKD was 7.0% (28 of 401 patients). There was no significant difference in the presence of neurotoxicity when the patients were classified as CKD stage 4, stage 5, and dialysis patients. There were significant differences in serum albumin levels and the presence of diabetic nephropathy between the patients with neurotoxicity and those without. The results from a multiple logistic regression analysis showed that serum albumin was independently associated with baclofen neurotoxicity (p = 0.007). The minimum daily dose for baclofen neurotoxicity was 10mg, 10mg, and 5mg in patients with CKD stages 4 and 5, and dialysis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the prevalence of baclofen-induced neurotoxicity in patients with severe CKD was 7.0%. Serum albumin was identified as an independent risk factor for neurotoxicity. We recommend initially administering a daily dose of 7.5mg for patients with severe CKD stages 4 and 5, and a daily dose of 2.5mg for patients receiving dialysis

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVOS: La neurotoxicidad es el efecto adverso más frecuente del baclofeno, un fármaco que se utiliza para tratar los espasmos y la espasticidad. Dado que el baclofeno se excreta principalmente a través de los riñones, es más probable que la neurotoxicidad se presente en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Hemos evaluado el factor de riesgo para la neurotoxicidad por baclofeno y la dosis recomendada para pacientes con ERC grave. MÉTODOS: En este estudio retrospectivo unicéntrico, se clasificó a 401 pacientes con ERC en estadio 4 (n=174), estadio 5 sin diálisis (n=97) y en diálisis (n=130). RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de la neurotoxicidad inducida por baclofeno en pacientes con ERC grave fue del 7,0% (28 de 401 pacientes). No se observaron diferencias significativas en la presencia de neurotoxicidad al clasificar a los pacientes en ERC en estadio 4, estadio 5 y pacientes en diálisis. Se observaron diferencias significativas en los niveles de albúmina sérica y en la presencia de nefropatía diabética entre los pacientes con y sin neurotoxicidad. Los resultados de un análisis de regresión logística múltiple mostraron que la albúmina sérica estaba asociada de manera independiente a la neurotoxicidad por baclofeno (p = 0,007). La dosis diaria mínima para la neurotoxicidad por baclofeno fue de 10, 10 y 5mg en pacientes con ERC en estadio 4, estadio 5 y en diálisis, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: En este estudio, la prevalencia de la neurotoxicidad inducida por baclofeno en pacientes con ERC grave fue del 7,0%. Se identificó la albúmina sérica como un factor de riesgo independiente de neurotoxicidad. Recomendamos una administración inicial a una dosis diaria de 7,5mg en pacientes con ERC grave en estadios 4 y 5, y una dosis diaria de 2,5mg en pacientes que reciben diálisis

Prevalence and risk factors of baclofen neurotoxicity in patients with severely impaired renal function.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The most common adverse effect of baclofen, used for managing hiccups and spasticity, is neurotoxicity. As baclofen is primarily excreted by the kidneys, neurotoxicity is more likely to occur in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We evaluated the risk factor for baclofen neurotoxicity and the recommended dosage for patients with severe CKD. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, we classified 401 patients with CKD as stage 4 (n=174), non-dialysis stage 5 (n=97), and on-dialysis (n=130). RESULTS: The prevalence of baclofen-induced neurotoxicity in patients with severe CKD was 7.0% (28 of 401 patients). There was no significant difference in the presence of neurotoxicity when the patients were classified as CKD stage 4, stage 5, and dialysis patients. There were significant differences in serum albumin levels and the presence of diabetic nephropathy between the patients with neurotoxicity and those without. The results from a multiple logistic regression analysis showed that serum albumin was independently associated with baclofen neurotoxicity (p=0.007). The minimum daily dose for baclofen neurotoxicity was 10mg, 10mg, and 5mg in patients with CKD stages 4 and 5, and dialysis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the prevalence of baclofen-induced neurotoxicity in patients with severe CKD was 7.0%. Serum albumin was identified as an independent risk factor for neurotoxicity. We recommend initially administering a daily dose of 7.5mg for patients with severe CKD stages 4 and 5, and a daily dose of 2.5mg for patients receiving dialysis.

External root resorption during orthodontic treatment in root-filled teeth and contralateral teeth with vital pulp: A clinical study of contributing factors.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of research to support the belief that root canal treatment can be considered for stopping or decreasing external apical root resorption (EARR). There is conflicting evidence as to whether root-filled teeth are more or less likely to experience EARR after orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of EARR of root-filled teeth with that of contralateral teeth with vital pulp after fixed orthodontic treatment. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 35 patients aged 25.23 ± 4.92 years who had at least 1 root-filled tooth before orthodontic treatment. Digital panoramic radiographs of each patient taken before and after orthodontic treatment were used to measure the EARR. The Student t test for matched pairs and the Pearson correlation analysis were applied. RESULTS: The mean EARR values were 0.22 (0.14, 0.35) for root-filled teeth and 0.87 (0.59, 1.31) for contralateral teeth with vital pulp, indicating significantly less EARR for root-filled teeth compared with the contralateral teeth with vital pulp after orthodontic treatment. EARR was influenced by the patient's age, treatment duration, treatment type, and periapical pathosis, but not by tooth type and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Root-filled teeth appear to be associated with significantly less EARR than are contralateral teeth with vital pulp. This study suggests that the possible complication of EARR in root-filled teeth may not be an important consideration in orthodontic treatment planning, and root canal treatment can be considered for stopping or decreasing EARR when severe EARR occurs during orthodontic treatment.

Guanidine modified polyethyleneimine-g-polyethylene glycol nanocarriers for long interfering RNA (liRNA) based advanced anticancer therapy.

Combination therapy involving the synergism between different therapeutic approaches seems to be a promising strategy in anticancer treatment. Immunostimulatory long interfering RNA (liRNA) structures capable of executing specific RNA interference (RNAi) mediated gene silencing tasks seem to be potential candidates for a combination approach. Apart from their therapeutic efficacy, the unique structural format of liRNA candidates facilitates better association with cationic polymers and significantly improves their intra-cellular delivery. In this study, we have developed a biocompatible cationic delivery platform based on low molecular weight branched polyethyleneimine-grafted-polyethylene glycol (bPEI-g-PEG) for advanced liRNA based anticancer therapy. With simple guanidine (GU) modification, the bPEI-g-PEG platform could induce a strong RNAi mediated response in cancer cells, without induction of any obvious toxicity. Moreover, liRNA complexed with GU-bPEI-g-PEG which targets expression of Survivin gene sensitized cancer cells for effective chemotherapy. A combination strategy involving immunostimulatory RNAi mediators with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs seems to be an effective approach in advanced anticancer treatment.

Biventricular Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Associated with Epilepsy.

We describe a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in an elderly woman after status epilepticus. In an emergency echocardiography, not only left ventricular apical ballooning but also right ventricular apical hypokinesia was observed. After a medical management, the patient's condition was improved and a follow-up echocardiography showed substantial recovery of left and right ventricular apical ballooning.

Efficient intracellular delivery and multiple-target gene silencing triggered by tripodal RNA based nanoparticles: a promising approach in liver-specific RNAi delivery.

RNA interference (RNAi) triggering oligonucleotides in unconventional structural format can offer advantages over conventional small interfering RNA (siRNA), enhanced cellular delivery and improved target gene silencing. With this concept, we present a well-defined tripodal-interfering RNA (tiRNA) structure that can induce simultaneous silencing of multiple target genes with improved potency. The tiRNA structure, formed by the complementary association of three single-stranded RNA units, was optimized for improved gene silencing efficacy. When combined with cationic polymers such as linear polyethyleneimine (PEI), tiRNA assembled to form a stable nano-structured complex through electrostatic interactions and induced stronger RNAi response over conventional siRNA-PEI complex. In combination with a liver-targeting delivery system, tripodal nucleic acid structure demonstrated enhanced fluorescent accumulation in mouse liver compared to standard duplex nucleic acid format. Tripodal RNA structure complexed with galactose-modified PEI could generate effective RNAi-mediated gene silencing effect on experimental mice models. Our studies demonstrate that optimized tiRNA structural format with appropriate polymeric carriers have immense potential to become an RNAi-based platform suitable for multi-target gene silencing.

Correlation analysis of three-dimensional changes of hard and soft tissues in class III orthognathic surgery patients using cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: This study was to investigate the correlation between changes of the soft and hard tissues three-dimensionally in class III orthognathic patients using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained within 2 weeks before surgery and at 6 months after surgery in 18 adult class III patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy. Subjects were divided into group 1 with no mandibular asymmetry (menton deviation, <2 mm; n = 9) and group 2 with mandibular asymmetry (menton deviation, >4 mm; n = 9). Landmarks were designated on the reconstructed three-dimensional models. Correlations and proportions of changes of the soft tissue to hard tissue were calculated. RESULTS: There were significant correlations of ΔB' to ΔB and ΔPog' to ΔPog in both groups on the horizontal axis (P < 0.05), and their proportions were 0.53 and 0.67 in group 1 and 0.77 and 0.88 in group 2, respectively. There were significant correlations of ΔB' to ΔB, ΔPog' to ΔPog, and ΔMe' to ΔMe on the sagittal axis in both groups (P < 0.05), and their proportions were 0.94, 0.84, and 0.96 in group 1 and 0.95, 0.91, and 1.03 in group 2, respectively. There were significant correlations of the three-dimensional distances between ΔB' to ΔB, ΔPog' to ΔPog, and ΔMe' to ΔMe in both groups (P < 0.05), and their proportions were 0.92, 0.79, and 0.95 in group 1 and 0.92, 0.88, and 0.97 in group 2, respectively. However, there were no significant correlations between changes in soft and hard tissues on the vertical axis in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In class III orthognathic patients with mandibular asymmetry, the proportions of ΔB' to ΔB, ΔPog' to ΔPog, and ΔMe' to ΔMe on the horizontal and sagittal axes and the three-dimensional distances were different from patients with no mandibular asymmetry.

Long dsRNA-mediated RNA interference and immunostimulation: a targeted delivery approach using polyethyleneimine based nano-carriers.

RNA oligonucleotides capable of inducing controlled immunostimulation combined with specific oncogene silencing via an RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism provide synergistic inhibition of cancer cell growth. With this concept, we previously designed a potent immunostimulatory long double stranded RNA, referred to as liRNA, capable of executing RNAi mediated specific target gene silencing. In this study, we developed a highly effective liRNA based targeted delivery system to apply in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. A stable nanocomplex was fabricated by complexing multimerized liRNA structures with cross-linked branched poly(ethylene imine) (bPEI) via electrostatic interactions. We show clear evidence that the cross-linked bPEI was quite effective in enhancing the cellular uptake of liRNA on U87MG cells. Moreover, the liRNA-PEI nanocomplex provided strong RNAi mediated target gene silencing compared to that of the conventional siRNA-PEI complex. Further, the bPEI modification strategy with specific ligand attachment assisted the uptake of the liRNA-PEI complex on the mouse brain endothelial cell line (b.End3). Such delivery systems combining the beneficial elements of targeted delivery, controlled immunostimulation, and RNAi mediated target silencing have immense potential in anticancer therapy.

Promising treatment results of adjuvant chemotherapy following radical hysterectomy for intermediate risk stage 1B cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy following radical hysterectomy for intermediate risk stage IB cervical cancer. METHODS: From January 1993 to December 2007, a total of 100 patients of stage IB were enrolled in this study who had at least two of the following three intermediate risk factors (deep stromal invasion, lymphovascular space involvement, and large tumor size) after radical hysterectomy and all patients had no high risk factors and no radiotherapy. Of these patients, 22 patients had surgery only and 78 patients had cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy postoperatively to improve survival. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox's proportional-hazards regression model and log-rank test were used for survival analysis and to estimate the impact of prognostic factors on survival. RESULTS: The mean age was 52 years (range, 28 to 76 years). The overall survival rate of all intermediate tumors are 92% (92/100). Surgery only group is 81.8% (18/22) and adjuvant chemotherapy group is 94.9% (74/78). Comparison of survival between two groups revealed significant statistical difference in both univariant and multivariant survival analysis (P<0.05). The main toxicities of adjuvant chemotherapy were bone marrow suppression (18%), nausea and vomiting (5.2%) and alopecia in etoposide-cisplatin chemotherapy group (100%) but most side effects of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy were transient, reversible and within acceptable limits to all patients. CONCLUSION: Cisplatin based combined adjuvant chemotherapy for intermediate risk tumors after radical hysterectomy is promising with significant improvement of overall survival and with acceptable toxicity profile.

Synchronous occurrence of primary malignant mixed müllerian tumor in ovary and uterus.

Malignant mixed müllerian tumor (MMMT) arising from female internal genitalia is rare with the uterine corpus being the most prevalently affected site. It is even more rare when it occurs on both uterus and ovary at the same time. We describe a case of synchronized occurrence of MMMT on ovary and uterine adenosarcoma with review of literature.