Anatomical study of the adductor canal: three-dimensional micro-computed tomography, histological, and immunofluorescence findings relevant to neural blockade / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#A precise anatomical understanding of the adductor canal (AC) and its neural components is essential for discerning the action mechanism of the AC block. We therefore aimed to clarify the detailed anatomy of the AC using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histological evaluation, and immunofluorescence (IF) assays. @*Methods@#Gross dissections of 39 thighs provided morphometric data relevant to injection landmarks. Serial sectional images of the AC were defined using micro-CT and ultrasonography. The fascial and neural structures of the AC proper were histologically evaluated using Masson’s trichrome and Verhoeff-Van Gieson staining, and double IF staining using choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and neurofilament 200 antibodies. @*Results@#The posteromedial branch insertion of the nerve to vastus medialis (NVM) into the lateral border of the AC proper was lower (14.5 ± 2.4 cm [mean ± SD] above the base of the patella) than the origin of the proximal AC. The AC consists of a thin subsartorial fascia in the proximal region and a thick aponeurosis-like vastoadductor membrane in the distal region. In the proximal AC, the posteromedial branch of the NVM (pmNVM) consistently contained both sensory and motor fibers, and more ChAT-positive fibers were observed than in the saphenous nerve (27.5 ± 11.2 / 104 vs. 4.2 ± 2.6 / 104 [counts/µm2], P < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#Anatomical differences in fascial structures between the proximal and distal AC and a mixed neural component of the neighboring pmNVM have been visualized using micro-CT images, histological evaluation, and IF assays.

Evaluation of surface treated implant with nanotitania / Шинэ санаа Шинэ нээлт

@#Dental implants are valuable devices for restoring lost teeth. At this moment, nanotechnology has emerged with several techniques to modify implant surfaces. In addition, some evaluation techniques at the nano level are contributing important information regarding tissue and cell interactions with the implanted material. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the bone responses to 3 different types of 4.1-mm-diameter, 10mm-long implant surfaces on a dog femur model: 1) Sand blasted with alumina and Acid etched (SA), 2) Resorbable blast media (RBM), functioning as control groups, and 3) Anode oxidation nano-titana (Anodized TiO2) surface implants as experimental group. For this study, implants were placed in 3 beagle dogs (age, 18 months; weight, 11-14 kg). Their purchase, selection, management, and experimental procedure were carried out according to established conditions by the Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Medical Research Center, Medical College of Yonsei University. Nineteen turned screw-shaped implants with 3 different surfaces (4.1mm in diameter, 10mm in length) were made from commercially pure titanium (grade IV). Thirteen implants were placed in each beagle dogs no. 1 and 2 and six implants were placed in the remaining beagle dog. Implants placed in beagle dogs no. 1 and 2 underwent histology analysis, X-ray and CT taking, and analysis of relative bone mineral density with Dataviewer program. While removal torque was measured in the implants placed in beagle no. 3 after a healing period of 4 and 8 weeks. A histological evaluation of the specimens in this study showed that osseointegration was achieved for all control and experimental group after a healing period of 4 and 8 weeks. The following means were obtained for bone-implant contact (BIC) percentage for 4 and 8-week groups, respectively: SA: 85.16%, 38.88%; RBM: 41.62%, 58.87%; and Anodized TiO2: 43.85%, 61.3%. The following means were obtained for bone volume (BV) percentage for 4 and 8-week groups, respectively: SA: 34.48%, 51.55%; RBM: 58.56%, 81.56%; and Anodized TiO2: 47.22%, 63.53%. In this study, 8-week consolidated Anodized TO2 surface implants showed increased removal torque value (RTV) compared to that of the 4-week group. The obtained RTV means were 86.0 and 99.7Ncm, respectively, for 4 and 8-week Anodized TiO2 implants. The present study showed that osseointegration occurred in all investigated types of surface-treated implants. However, the control groups showed slight increase in the BIC and BIV values compared to the experimental groups. Therefore the clinical relevance of the observed results remains to be shown.

Age-Related Changes in Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 and Reactive Oxygen Species and Mitochondrial Structure in the Tongues of Fischer 344 Rats

OBJECTIVES: Previously the authors reported age-related changes in the activities of anti-oxidative enzyme activities and protein expressions in the tongues of rats. Because more information is required about relations between aging and oxidative stress and anti-oxidative enzyme efficiency, the authors investigated differences between the expression of master regulator of anti-oxidative enzymes (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 [Nrf2]), levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial structures in the tongues of young and aged Fischer 344 rats. METHODS: Age-dependent changes in Nrf2 protein and ROS were determined by Western blotting and using chemical kits, respectively. Tongue specimens were examined by electron microscopy. The study was conducted using rats aged 7 months (young, n=8) or 22 months (old, n=8). RESULTS: Nrf2 protein levels in the tongues of aged rats were lower than in young rats. ROS levels were higher in older rats and mitochondrial structural deficits were observed their tongues. Three young rats showed moderate mitochondrial degeneration, whereas profound degeneration with mitochondrial cristae disruption, swelling, rupture, or intramitochondrial vacuole formation was observed in all 8 old rats. Notably, mitochondrial rupture was observed in 5 old rats. CONCLUSION: Antioxidant defense systems of old rats were compromised by Nrf2 deficiency, which could lead to the deleterious accumulation and release of ROS and probably mitochondrial structural deficits in aged tongue tissues.

Identification of the Mutations in the Prostaglandin Transporter Gene, SLCO2A1 and Clinical Characterization in Korean Patients with Pachydermoperiostosis

Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP), or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, is a rare genetic disease affecting both skin and bones. Both autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance and recessive inheritance of PDP have been previously confirmed. Recently, hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (HPGD) and solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 2A1 (SLCO2A1) were reported as pathogenic genes responsible for PDP. Both genes are involved in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) degradation. We aimed to identify responsible genes for PDP and the clinical features in Korean patients with PDP. Six affected individuals and their available healthy family members from three unrelated Korean families with PDP were studied. All of the patients displayed complete phenotypes of PDP with finger clubbing, pachydermia, and periostosis. Mutation analysis revealed a novel heterozygous mutation in the SLCO2A1 gene at nucleotide 302 causing a substitution of the amino acid isoleucine to serine at codon 101 (p.IIe101Ser) in affected individuals. We also identified known SLCO2A1 mutations, one homozygous for c.940+1G>A, and another compound heterozygous for c.940+1G>A and c.1807C>T (p.Arg603*) from two PDP families. Genetic analyses of the PDP patients showed no abnormality in the HPGD gene. Our study further supports the role of mutations in the SLCO2A1 gene in the pathogenesis of PDP and could provide additional clues to the genotype-phenotype relations of PDP.

Age-Related Changes in Antioxidative Enzyme Capacity in Tongue of Fischer 344 Rats

OBJECTIVES: Antioxidative enzyme efficiency changes in some organs with age. However, no study has been conducted on age-related antioxidant enzyme changes in tongue. In the present study, the authors investigated the activities of four antioxidative enzymes and their protein expressions in the tongues of young and old Fischer 344 rats. METHODS: Age-dependent changes in the enzyme activities of total superoxide dismutase (SOD), Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined using chemical kits, and the protein expressions levels of these enzymes by Western blotting. The study was conducted using rats aged 7 months (the young group, n=8) and 22 months (the old group, n=8). RESULTS: Total SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, and GPx activities in the tongues of old rats were lower than in young rats, and similarly, corresponding protein expressions were downregulated in old rats. On the other hand, although the protein expressions of Mn-SOD and CAT were lower in old rats, their enzyme activities were not. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide a possible mechanism for the tongue aging process, as in old Fischer 344 rats the antioxidant defense system was diminished with respect to enzyme activity levels and protein abundances.

Examining the Relationship between Exercise and Psychological Stress among the Rural Population / 대한스포츠의학회지

This study aimed to examine the relationship between exercise and psychological stress among the rural population. We performed logistic regression to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the relationship between exercise and psychological stress after adjusting for sex, age, drinking, smoking, and BMI. In the results, the OR value (95% CI) for the people who worked out regularly, as compared to non-participation, was 0.540 (0.392-0.744). In the case of exercise frequency per week, OR values for the people who exercised 1-4 days per week and more than 5 days per week, as referred to non-participation, were 0.506 (0.265-0.968), 0.453 (0.233-0.879), respectively. In the case of exercise amount per week, OR values for the people who took part in exercising less than 150 minutes, more than 150 minutes and less than 300 minutes, more than 300 minutes and less than 600 minutes, and more than 600 minutes, as compared to non-participation, were 0.535 (0.295-0.972), 0.315 (0.161-0.619), 0.475 (0.282-0.802), 0.762 (0.406-1.430), respectively. Regardless of exercise frequency, there was an inverse association between exercise participation more than 150 minutes and less than 600 minutes per week and psychological stress, and the most effective way to reduce psychological stress was taking part in exercise more than 150 minutes and less than 300 minutes per week.

Bone Healing Properties of Autoclaved Autogenous Bone Grafts Incorporating Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Comparison of Two Delivery Systems in a Segmental Rabbit Radius Defect / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

PURPOSE: This study aims to validate the effect of autoclaved autogenous bone (AAB), incorporating Escherichia coli-derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (ErhBMP-2), on critical-sized, segmental radius defects in rabbits. Delivery systems using absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) and fibrin glue (FG) were also evaluated. METHODS: Radius defects were made in 12 New Zealand white rabbits. After autoclaving, the resected bone was reinserted and fixed. The animals were classified into three groups: only AAB reinserted (group 1, control), and AAB and ErhBMP-2 inserted using an ACS (group 2) or FG (group 3) as a carrier. Animals were sacrificed six or 12 weeks after surgery. Specimens were evaluated using radiology and histology. RESULTS: Micro-computed tomography images showed the best bony union in group 2 at six and 12 weeks after operation. Quantitative analysis showed all indices except trabecular thickness were the highest in group 2 and the lowest in group 1 at twelve weeks. Histologic results showed the greatest bony union between AAB and radial bone at twelve weeks, indicating the highest degree of engraftment. CONCLUSION: ErhBMP-2 increases bony healing when applied on AAB graft sites. In addition, the ACS was reconfirmed as a useful delivery system for ErhBMP-2.

Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase stimulates the nuclear localization of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase in human diploid fibroblasts

In addition to its well-known glycolytic activity, GAPDH displays multiple functions, such as nuclear RNA export, DNA replication and repair, and apoptotic cell death. This functional diversity depends on its intracellular localization. In this study, we explored the signal transduction pathways involved in the nuclear translocation of GAPDH using confocal laser scanning microscopy of immunostained human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). GAPDH was present mainly in the cytoplasm when cultured with 10% FBS. Serum depletion by culturing cells in a serum-free medium (SFM) led to a gradual accumulation of GAPDH in the nucleus, and this nuclear accumulation was reversed by the re-addition of serum or growth factors, such as PDGF and lysophosphatidic acid. The nuclear export induced by the re-addition of serum or growth factors was prevented by LY 294002 and SH-5, inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt/protein kinase B, respectively, suggesting an involvement of the PI3K signaling pathway in the nuclear export of GAPDH. In addition, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR), an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), stimulated the nuclear translocation of GAPDH and prevented serum- and growth factor-induced GAPDH export. AMPK inhibition by compound C or AMPK depletion by siRNA treatment partially prevented SFM- and AICAR-induced nuclear translocation of GAPDH. Our data suggest that the nuclear translocation of GAPDH might be regulated by the PI3K signaling pathway acting mainly as a nuclear export signal and the AMPK signaling pathway acting as a nuclear import signal.