Chemical Sterilization of Lipoplasty Cannula and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Disinfection: An Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Nontuberculous mycobacteria are commonly found pathogens; however, skin and soft tissue infections due to nontuberculous mycobacteria are often associated with surgical procedures, particularly after lipoplasty. Although nontuberculous mycobacteria are resistant to some chemical disinfectants, glutaraldehyde, peracetic acid, povidone iodine, alcohol, and chlorine are still used for the sterilization of medical instruments. This study investigated the efficacy of various disinfectants in a fatty environment with adipose and a bloody environment without adipose. In addition, this study was also used to identify the most effective disinfectant against nontuberculous mycobacteria. METHODS: Three nontuberculous mycobacteria (Mycobacterium avium, M. abscessus, and M. fortuitum), pathogens frequently found in skin and soft tissue infections, were used. Seven chemical disinfectants were tested in both fatty and bloody environments. The disinfectants used were considered to have a sterilization effect when the log10 reduction factor exceeded 5. RESULTS: Most disinfectants had some sterilizing effects against nontuberculous mycobacteria; however, glutaraldehyde was the most effective against all 3. Chlorhexidine and povidone iodine also displayed sterilizing effects. Of the disinfectants tested, only alkyldiaminoethylglycine hydrochloride showed a diminished effect with statistical significance, specifically against M. fortuitum in a fatty environment, whereas it had effective results in a bloody environment. CONCLUSIONS: Glutaraldehyde showed the greatest sterilizing effect on nontuberculous mycobacteria with a log10 reduction factor >5 in both fatty and bloody environments. However, some chemical disinfectants did not show sufficient sterilizing effects in a fatty environment and, therefore, should be used with caution for the sterilization of nontuberculous mycobacteria. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Rapid Health Needs Assessment after Typhoons Bolaven and Tembin Using the Public Health Assessment for Emergency Response Toolkit in Paju and Jeju, Korea 2012.

Following natural disasters, rapid health needs assessments are required to quickly assess health status and help decision making during the recovery phase. The Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) developed the Public Health Assessment for Emergency Response (PHASER) Toolkit which was optimized for a weather disaster in Korea. The goal of this study is to assess public health needs following the 2012 typhoons Bolaven and Tembin in both urban and rural areas in Korea. We conducted pilot trials using the PHASER toolkit to assess health needs following typhoons Bolaven and Tembin in Paju and Jeju during summer 2012. We sampled 400 households in Jeju and 200 households in Paju using a multistage cluster sampling design method. We used a standardized household tracking sheet and household survey sheet to collect data on the availability of resource for daily life, required health needs, clinical results and accessibility of medical services. The primary outcomes were clinical results and accessibility of medical service after the typhoons. We completed surveys for 190 households in Paju and 386 households in Jeju. Sleeping disorders were identified in 6.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8%-10.8%) surveyed in Paju and 17.4% (95% CI, 12.8%-22.0%) in Jeju. We used the PHASER toolkit to assess healthcare needs rapidly after 2 typhoons in Korea. Sleeping disorders were frequently identified in both Paju and Jeju following the 2 typhoons.

Pepper seed extract suppresses invasion and migration of human breast cancer cells.

This study was performed to determine the antimetastatic activities of chili pepper seed on human breast cancer cells. The water extract of chili pepper seeds was prepared and it contained a substantial amount of phenols (131.12 mg%) and no capsaicinoids. Pepper seed extract (PSE) suppressed the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells at the concentration of 10, 25, and 50 µg/ml (MDA-MB-231: IC50 = 20.1 µg/ml, MCF-7: IC50 = 14.7 µg/ml). PSE increased the expression level of E-cadherin up to 1.2-fold of the control in MCF-7 cells. PSE also decreased the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells at the concentration of 25 and 50 µg/ml. PSE treatment significantly suppressed the invasion of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The motility of cancer cells was apparently retarded in the wound healing assay by the PSE treatment. Although our data collectively demonstrate that PSE inhibits invasion and migration of breast cancer cells, further study is needed to identify specific mechanisms and bioactive components contributing to antimetastatic effects of chili pepper seed.

Influence of smartphone Wi-Fi signals on adipose-derived stem cells.

The use of smartphones is expanding rapidly around the world, thus raising the concern of possible harmful effects of radiofrequency generated by smartphones. We hypothesized that Wi-Fi signals from smartphones may have harmful influence on adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). An in vitro study was performed to assess the influence of Wi-Fi signals from smartphones. The ASCs were incubated under a smartphone connected to a Wi-Fi network, which was uploading files at a speed of 4.8 Mbps for 10 hours a day, for a total of 5 days. We constructed 2 kinds of control cells, one grown in 37°C and the other grown in 39°C. After 5 days of Wi-Fi exposure from the smartphone, the cells underwent cell proliferation assay, apoptosis assay, and flow cytometry analysis. Three growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and transforming growth factor-ß, were measured from ASC-conditioned media. Cell proliferation rate was higher in Wi-Fi-exposed cells and 39°C control cells compared with 37°C control cells. Apoptosis assay, flow cytometry analysis, and growth factor concentrations showed no remarkable differences among the 3 groups. We could not find any harmful effects of Wi-Fi electromagnetic signals from smartphones. The increased proliferation of ASCs under the smartphone, however, might be attributable to the thermal effect.

Establishment and characterization of two human cutaneous angiosarcoma cell lines, KU-CAS3 and KU-CAS5.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a rare but fatal cancer. Established CAS cell lines are necessary for the investigation of their properties and treatment options. METHODS: Two cell lines, KU-CAS3 and KU-CAS5, were established from human angiosarcoma specimens obtained from the scalp. Flow cytometric assay, tube formation assay, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake assay, immunofluorescence analysis, real-time PCR, tumorigenesis assay, and STR analysis were conducted. RESULTS: The cells showed endothelial cell properties, based on the cobblestone appearance upon reaching confluence, CD31 positivity, tube-formation activity, active uptake of acetylated LDL, and vWF expression. The two cell lines expressed relatively high levels of adrenergic ß2 receptor, and the VEGF1 and VEGF2 receptors. In the in vivo study, the growing neoplasms, confirmed as CAS, were identified as subcutaneous dark papules. KU-CAS cell lines were considered authentic based on STR profiling. CONCLUSIONS: KU-CAS3 and KU-CAS5 are the first human CAS cell lines having tumorigenic potential in vivo.

Galuteolin, identified in the extract of thymus quinquecostatus flowers, is involved in inhibiting melanin biosynthesis in B16/F10 melanoma cells.

To enhance the skin whitening effect, tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis needs to be suppressed in the skin. To achieve this goal, we examined the extract of Thymus quinquecostatus flowers, and identified a functional ingredient, galuteolin. Galuteolin effectively inhibited melanin biosynthesis in B16/F10 cells, partially suppressing tyrosinase activity. Therefore, this study suggests that galuteolin can be used as a cosmetic ingredient for skin whitening.

Cartilage tissue engineering for craniofacial reconstruction.

Severe cartilage defects and congenital anomalies affect millions of people and involve considerable medical expenses. Tissue engineering offers many advantages over conventional treatments, as therapy can be tailored to specific defects using abundant bioengineered resources. This article introduces the basic concepts of cartilage tissue engineering and reviews recent progress in the field, with a focus on craniofacial reconstruction and facial aesthetics. The basic concepts of tissue engineering consist of cells, scaffolds, and stimuli. Generally, the cartilage tissue engineering process includes the following steps: harvesting autologous chondrogenic cells, cell expansion, redifferentiation, in vitro incubation with a scaffold, and transfer to patients. Despite the promising prospects of cartilage tissue engineering, problems and challenges still exist due to certain limitations. The limited proliferation of chondrocytes and their tendency to dedifferentiate necessitate further developments in stem cell technology and chondrocyte molecular biology. Progress should be made in designing fully biocompatible scaffolds with a minimal immune response to regenerate tissue effectively.

Effects of vasopressors on circulation in the porcine abdominal island flap model.

BACKGROUND: During reconstructive surgical procedures, systemic vasopressors are frequently used to maintain normal blood pressure. However, questions have arisen regarding the pharmacologic effects of vasopressors on flap circulation. Many plastic surgeons have expressed concern about the possibility of impaired flap circulation caused by the vasoconstrictive effect of the drugs. However, the opposing argument exists that the increase in mean arterial pressure from vasoactive agents may improve flap perfusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of commonly used vasopressors on flap circulation. METHODS: The vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) island flap was raised in five female pigs (38.2∼40.7 kg). Hemodynamic parameters were measured continuously by a carotid arterial catheter. A bi-directional transonic vascular doppler flow probe and Laser Doppler perfusion monitor (LDPM) unit were applied to record the continuous change in pedicle artery flow and microvascular perfusion following intravenous administration of dopamine (3, 5, 10µg/kg/minute), dobutamine (1.25, 2.5, 5µg/kg/minute), and norepinephrine (0.05, 0.1, 0.2µg/kg/minute). RESULTS: Both microvascular perfusion and pedicle flow were generally proportional to the mean arterial pressure, and all three vasopressors improved flap perfusion and pedicle flow without deleterious effects. Norepinephrine showed the highest microvascular perfusion and dobutamine showed the highest pedicle flow rate. The mean blood pressure was the only statistically significant factor to affect both microvascular perfusion and pedicle flow (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our results strongly suggest that the foremost three vasopressors can be used for flap surgery without deterioration, and that the maintenance of adequate systemic blood pressure is crucial for good flap circulation.

Protective Effect of Botulinum Toxin against Ultraviolet-Induced Skin Pigmentation.

BACKGROUND: Hyperpigmentation following ultraviolet irradiation has cosmetic concerns. Botulinum toxin type A can favorably affect skin pigmentation. However, the mechanism of skin pigmentation is unclear. METHODS: In vitro, human epidermal melanocytes were co-cultured with human keratinocytes. After cells were treated with botulinum toxin type A, cell morphology, proliferation, and dendricity were analyzed, and immunofluorescence, tyrosinase activity, and melanin contents were determined. To evaluate the effect of botulinum toxin type A on ultraviolet B-irradiated mouse skin, ultraviolet B alone was applied to one side of the back of each mouse as a control, whereas ultraviolet B plus injection of botulinum toxin type A was applied to the contralateral side. Skin pigmentation, histology, and the number of dihydroxyphenylalanine-positive melanocytes were evaluated. The L* colorimeter value was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay determinations of basic fibroblast growth factor, interleukin-1 alpha, and prostaglandin E2 were performed. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining revealed botulinum toxin type A in the cytoplasm of melanocytes and in the positive control. In vitro, melanocyte dendricity and melanin contents were decreased slightly but significantly (p < 0.05) after botulinum toxin type A treatment. In vivo, botulinum toxin type A suppressed skin pigmentation. The number of dihydroxyphenylalanine-positive melanocytes was also significantly lower than in the control side. Tyrosinase activity and melanin content were also significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Botulinum toxin type A also significantly reduced the amounts of basic fibroblast growth factor, interleukin-1 alpha, and prostaglandin E2 (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin type A can suppress epidermal melanogenesis through both direct and indirect mechanisms.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaf extract inhibits the growth of MDA-MB-231 tumors in nude mouse xenografts and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to examine the inhibitory effect of loquat leaves on MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and invasion. MATERIALS/METHODS: Female athymic nude mice were given a subcutaneous (s.c.) inoculation of MDA-MB-231 cells and randomly grouped to receive a s.c. injection of either 500 mg/kg ethanol, water extract or vehicle five times a week. Tumor growth, mitotic rate and necrosis were examined. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured with DMSO or with various concentrations of loquat water or ethanol extract. Proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity were examined. RESULTS: Tumor growth of xenograft nude mouse was significantly reduced by loquat extracts. The results of mitotic examination revealed that loquat extracts reduced tumor cell division. Both ethanol and water extracts significantly inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation. The protein expression of ErbB3 was significantly down-regulated by loquat leaf extracts. Loquat leaf extracts increased apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells following 24 hour incubation and the ethanol extract was more potent in inducing apoptosis than the water extract. Furthermore, loquat extracts inhibited adhesion, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. MMP activity was significantly inhibited by loquat extracts. CONCLUSION: Our results show that extracts of loquat inhibit the growth of tumor in MDA-MB-231 xenograft nude mice and the invasion of human breast cancer cells, indicating the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and invasion.

Protective effects of adipose-derived stem cells against UVB-induced skin pigmentation.

BACKGROUND: Hyperpigmentation, mainly following UV-irradiation, can cause major cosmetic concerns. Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been reported to serve as whitening agents through a paracrine effect. However, there have been few reports on the direct effects of ASCs on skin pigmentation following UVB-irradiation. METHODS: To evaluate the effect of ASCs on UVB-irradiated mouse skin, UVB-irradiation alone was applied to one side of the backs of mice (melanin-processing hairless mouse, HRM-2) as a control, and UVB-irradiation plus injection of ASCs was applied to the contralateral side. Skin pigmentation and histology were evaluated and the number of DOPA-positive melanocytes in the mouse skin was counted. The absolute value of ΔL* via a colorimeter was measured to evaluate the degree of skin pigmentation. The effects of ASCs on the melanogenic activities of mouse skin were examined by measuring the tyrosinase activity and the melanin contents in the epidermis of the mouse skin. RESULTS: Skin pigmentation was suppressed in the ASC-injected side. Moreover, the change in skin thickness following UVB irradiation was reduced in the ASC-injected side. The number of DOPA-positive melanocytes in the ASC-injected side (139 ± 18 cells/mm2) was significantly lower than that in the control side (239 ± 48 cells/mm2). The tyrosinase activity (67.4 ± 9.8% of that of the control side) and melanin content (63.4 ± 5.7% of that of the control side) of the ASC-injected side were also significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these results suggest that ASCs injected subcutaneously into the backs of mice can attenuate tanning following UVB-irradiation, through suppression of tyrosinase activity.

Inhibitory effect of Erythronium japonicum on the human breast cancer cell metastasis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In this study, the inhibitory effect of Erythronium japonicum extracts on the metastasis of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line was determined. MATERIALS/METHODS: Cells were cultured with DMSO or with 50, 75, 100 or 250 µg/ml of Erythronium japonicum methanol or ethanol extract. RESULTS: Both methanol and ethanol extracts significantly inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Erythronium japonicum extracts inhibited the adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells. The invasion of breast cancer cells was suppressed by Erythronium japonicum extracts in a dose-dependent manner. The motility and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were also inhibited by both methanol and ethanol extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Our results collectively indicate that Erythronium japonicum extracts inhibit the growth, adhesion, migration and invasion as well as induce the apoptosis of human breast cancer cells. Clinical application of Erythronium japonicum as a potent chemopreventive agent may be helpful in limiting breast cancer invasion and metastasis.

Adipose-derived stem cells inhibit epidermal melanocytes through an interleukin-6-mediated mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Several investigators have postulated that human adipose-derived stem cells can be used for skin rejuvenation, but there have been few reports about their direct effects on human epidermal melanocytes. The authors studied the effects on melanocytes, and the causative agent of those effects was further investigated in this study. METHODS: Human epidermal melanocytes were divided into three groups and cultured in adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium, human dermal fibroblast-conditioned medium, or control medium. Concentrations of melanogenic cytokines in these media were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. After 3 and 7 days of incubation, cell proliferation, melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and melanogenic gene expression were measured. Interleukin-6-neutralizing antibodies were mixed with adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium in which human epidermal melanocytes were cultured, and melanocyte growth and melanogenesis were measured again. RESULTS: Interleukin-6 concentrations in adipose-derived stem cell- and human epidermal melanocyte-conditioned media were 1373 and 495 pg/ml, respectively. Both types of medium suppressed melanocyte proliferation and melanin synthesis (p < 0.05), but adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium was more effective than human dermal fibroblast-conditioned medium in inhibition of human epidermal melanocyte proliferation, melanin synthesis, and tyrosinase activity (p < 0.05). Interleukin-6-neutralizing antibody sufficiently reversed the antimelanogenic effects of adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium such that human epidermal melanocyte proliferation, melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and tyrosinase mRNA levels were restored (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium inhibited melanocyte proliferation and melanin synthesis by down-regulating melanogenic enzymes. Interleukin-6 plays a pivotal role in inhibition of melanocytes.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) extracts suppress the adhesion, migration and invasion of human breast cancer cell line.

We examined the inhibitory effects of loquat methanol extract on the adhesion, migration, invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line. Cells were cultured with DMSO or with 10, 25, or 50 microg/ml of loquat methanol extract. Both leaf and seed extracts significantly inhibited growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner, although leaf extract was more effective. Adhesion and migration were significantly inhibited by loquat extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Loquat extract also inhibited the invasion of breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner and leaf extract was more effective than seed extract. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were also inhibited by loquat extract. Our results indicate that methanol extracts of loquat inhibit the adhesion, migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells partially through the inhibition of MMP activity and leaf extract has more anti-metastatic effects in cell based assay than seed extract. Clinical application of loquat extract as a potent chemopreventive agent may be helpful in limiting breast cancer invasion and metastasis.