Principles and Practices of Effective Food Safety Risk Communication – Introducing the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Food Safety Risk Communication Framework

This paper describes the principles and practices of effective food safety risk communication developed under the “Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Food Safety Risk Communication Framework and Associated Guidelines”. The framework recommends that effective food safety risk communication needs to be centered on the clear goal of protecting consumer health by ensuring transparency and timeliness, and communication on food safety matters should be conducted in a two-way process. It emphasizes the need to provide the public with credible information based on science and evidence and highlights that food safety is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders, including industry, government agencies, media organizations and consumers. It further highlights that food safety risk communication needs to be conducted in a consistent, systematic, inclusive, consultative, and preventative manner. The framework also indicates that effective food safety risk communication needs to pay attention to the backgrounds, experiences, and needs of concerned audiences. It stresses the importance of continuous improvement of the communication system to ensure food safety risk communication to be effective. Focusing on effective communications in response to food safety incidents, emergency or crisis situations, as well as everyday food safety communications, these principles and practical guidelines will help food safety regulators, food industry, food safety educators and other stakeholders improve their communications with target audiences.

A study on depression among adolescents with asthma in South Korea using the 15th Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web-Based Survey

Purpose@#This study investigated the factors that influence depression in adolescents diagnosed with asthma in South Korea, providing basic data supporting efforts to improve adolescents' mental health. @*Methods@#Multiple regression analysis was conducted on 4,020 subjects who had been diagnosed with lifelong asthma among the 57,303 respondents to the 15th Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web-Based Survey from 2019. @*Results@#The participants were more likely to have depression if they were female, in middle school, their academic achievement was poor, they were drinkers or smokers, if they felt a very high amount of stress, and if they experienced very inadequate recovery from fatigue. Adolescents with asthma were 9.00 times more likely to experience depression when they felt a very high amount of stress (95% confidence interval [CI]= 5.51-14.69, p<.001) than when they felt no stress. @*Conclusion@#Given these factors, measures to improve the mental health of adolescents should be developed and expanded, especially to decrease their stress levels. A separate program that is different from the school's regular health curriculum should be developed to manage the stress levels of adolescents with asthma, such as an after-school program or a program conducted at a local community centre.

Ginsenoside Rg1 protects human renal tubular epithelial cells from lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis and inflammation damage

Ginsenoside Rg1, one of the most notable active components of Panax ginseng, has been widely reported to exert anti-inflammatory actions. This study aimed to reveal whether ginsenoside Rg1 also exhibits beneficial roles against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis and inflammation in human renal tubular epithelial cells, and to evaluate the potential role of the component on tubulointerstitial nephritis treatment. HK-2 cells were treated with various doses of ginsenoside Rg1 (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μM) in the absence or presence of 5 μg/mL LPS. Thereafter, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, western blot, migration assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and ELISA were carried out to respectively assess cell viability, apoptosis, migration, ROS activity, and the release of inflammatory cytokines. As a result, ginsenoside Rg1 protected HK-2 cells from LPS-induced injury, as cell viability was increased, cell apoptosis was decreased, and the release of MCP-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was reduced. Ginsenoside Rg1 functioned to HK-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the 150 μM dose exhibited the most protective functions. Ginsenoside Rg1 had no significant impact on cell migration and ROS activity, while it alleviated LPS-induced ROS release and migration impairment. Furthermore, the down-regulations of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and up-regulations of PTEN, p-IκBα, p-p65, Bcl-3 induced by LPS were recovered to some extent after ginsenoside Rg1 treatment. In conclusion, ginsenoside Rg1 protects HK-2 cells against LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis via activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and suppression of NF-κB pathway.

Effects of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils on growth performance and intestinal flora in weanling pigs / Efecto de los ácidos orgánicos y aceites esenciales microencapsulados sobre el crecimiento y flora intestinal en cerdos destetos / Efeito dos ácidos orgânicos e óleos essenciais microencapsulados sob a flora intestinal e o crescimento em suínos desmamados

Background: dietary supplementation with organic acids and essential oils has positive effects on growth improvement and nutrient digestion. Microencapsulation of nutrients allow for the slow release of core materials in a specific period and/or environment. Objective: to investigate the effect of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils (MOE) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood and fecal characteristics in weanling pigs. Methods: one-hundred twenty-five weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) x Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 6.76 ± 0.11 Kg were used in a 42-d experiment. Pigs were allotted to five dietary treatments according to initial body weight, using five replicates per treatment and five pigs per pen. Dietary treatments were: 1) NC (negative control): basal diet free of antibiotics; 2) PC (positive control), basal diet with tiamulin 39 mg/kg; 3) MOE0.5, basal diet with 0.5 g MOE/kg; 4) MOE1, basal diet with 1 g MOE/kg; and 5) MOE2, basal diet with 2 g MOE/kg. Results: final BW was greater in MOE2 and PC treatments compared to NC treatment (p<0.05). Increased feed efficiency (G:F) was observed for MOE treatments during 0 to 7 d compared with NC and PC (p<0.05). During 7 to 21 d, MOE0.5 and MOE1 supplementation decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared with PC (p<0.05). However, there were no differences in average daily gain (ADG) and G:F among treatments (p>0.05). During 22 to 42 d, ADG was greater for PC compared with NC (p<0.05). The G:F of NC and MOE0.5 was lower than that of PC (p<0.05). Overall, ADG and G:F were greater for PC compared to NC (p<0.05). On 42 d, DM and N digestibilities in PC and MOE were greater (p<0.05) than in NC. Fecal scores of pigs fed MOE1 were lower (p<0.05) than those of pigs fed NC. Fecal pH was decreased in MOE0.5 and MOE1 when compared to NC (p<0.05) on day 7. Fecal pH was decreased with MOE compared to NC and PC (p<0.05) on d 21. Conclusion: MOE supplementation improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility while decreasing fecal scores and pH in weanling pigs.

Antecedentes: la suplementación con ácidos orgánicos y aceites esenciales mejora el crecimiento y digestibilidad de los nutrientes. Los microencapsulados permiten la lenta liberación de materiales en periodos y/o ambientes especiales. Objetivo: investigar el efecto de los ácidos orgánicos y aceites esenciales (MOE) microencapsulados sobre el crecimiento, digestibilidad de los nutrientes, y características sanguíneas y de heces en cerdos destetos. Métodos: fueron utilizados 125 cerdos destetos [(Yorkshire × Landrace) x Duroc], con un peso promedio (BW) de 6,76 ± 0,11 kg en un experimento con duración de 42 d. Los cerdos fueron asignados a 5 tratamientos dietarios de acuerdo a su peso inicial, 5 réplicas por tratamiento con 5 cerdos por corral. Los tratamientos fueron: 1) control negativo (NC), dieta básica libre de antibióticos; 2) control positivo (PC), dieta básica + tiamulina 39 mg/ kg; 3) MOE0.5, dieta básica + 0,5 g MOE/kg; 4) MOE1, dieta básica + 1 g MOE/kg; y 5) MOE2, dieta básica + 2 g MOE/kg. Resultados: el peso final fue mayor en MOE2 y PC que en NC (p<0,05). Durante los d 0 al 7, los cerdos tuvieron un incremento de la eficiencia alimenticia (G:F) con MOE en comparación con NC y PC (p<0,05). Durante los d 7 al 21, disminuyó el consumo promedio de alimento (ADFI) en los cerdos sometidos a MOE0.5 y MOE1 en comparación con PC (p<0,05). Sin embargo, no hubo diferencia significativa en la ganancia diaria de peso (ADG) y G:F comparados con PC (p<0,05). Durante los d 22 al 42, la ADG fue mayor en PC que en NC (p<0,05). En NC y MOE0.5 la G:F disminuyó en comparación con PC (p<0,05). La ADG y G:F fue mayor en PC que en NC (p<0,05). En el d 42, la digestibilidad de la materia seca y nitrógeno fue mayor (p<0,05) en PC y los suplementados con MOE que en NC. La calificación de las heces de cerdos alimentados con MOE1 fue menor (p<0,05) que la de NC. El pH fecal disminuyó (p<0,05) en MOE0.5 y MOE1 comparado con NC en el d 7. El pH fecal disminuyó en los tratamientos con MOE comparado con NC y PC en el d 21. Conclusión: la suplementación con MOE puede mejorar el crecimiento y digestibilidad de los nutrientes, y disminuir la calificación fecal y pH en cerdos destetos.

Antecedentes: a suplementação com ácidos orgânicos e óleos essenciais melhora o crescimento e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. A microencapsulação pode permitir a liberação lenta de materiais em um período e/ou ambiente especial. Objetivo: pesquisar sobre o efeito dos ácidos orgânicos microencapsulados e óleos essenciais (MOE) no desempenho produtivo, a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, as características sanguíneas e fecais em leitões desmamados. Métodos: utilizou-se uma amostra total de 125 leitões desmamados [(York Shire × Landrace) x Duroc] com um peso corporal médio (BW) de 6,76 ± 0,11 kg testados durante 42 d. Os leitões foram distribuídos em cinco tratamentos dietéticos de acordo com seu peso corporal inicial, cinco repetições por tratamento com cinco animais por curral. Os tratamentos foram: 1) NC (controle negativo): dieta basal livre de antibióticos; 2) PC (controle positivo), dieta basal com tiamuline 39 mg/kg; 3) MOE0.5, dieta basal com 0,5 g MOE/kg; 4) MOE1, dieta basal com 1 g MOE/kg; e 5) MOE2, dieta basal com 2 g MOE/kg. Resultados: o peso final foi maior em MOE2 e PC do que NC (p<0,05). Durante 0-7 d, houve um aumento da eficiência alimentar (G: F) com MOE em comparação com NC e PC (p<0,05). Durante o período 7 a 21 d, a suplementação MOE0.5 e MOE1 diminuiu o consumo médio diário de ração (ADFI), em comparação com PC (p<0,05). No entanto, não houve diferenças em ganho de peso médio diário (ADG) e G:F entre os tratamentos (p>0,05). No período entre os 22 e 42 d, ADG foi maior no tratamento PC que NC (p<0,05). Em NC e MOE0.5 a G:F diminui-o em comparação com PC (p<0,05). Em geral, a ADG e G:F foram maiores no PC do que NC (p<0,05). No dia 42, a digestibilidade da matéria seca e nitrogênio foi maior em PC e MOE que em NC (p<0,05). A pontuação fecal de suínos alimentados com MOE1 foi menor que a NC (p<0,05). No dia 7 o pH das fezes diminuiu em MOE0.5 e MOE1 em comparação com NC (p<0,05). O pH fecal no dia 21 diminuiu com MOE em comparação com NC e PC (p<0,05). Conclusão: a suplementação com MOE pode melhorar o desempenho de crescimento e digestibilidade de nutrientes, bem como diminuir o escore fecal e pH em leitões desmamados.

Effect of microencapsulated blends of organic acids and essential oils supplementation on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in finishing pigs / Efecto de mezclas microencapsuladas de ácidos orgánicos y suplementos de aceites esenciales sobre el crecimiento y digestibilidad de nutrientes de cerdos en ceba / Efeito de misturas de ácidos orgânicos microencapsulados e suplementação de óleos essenciais sobre o crescimento e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes em suínos em terminação

Background: positive effects of organic acids and essential oils (MOE) on livestock are well documented. Microencapsulation allows the slow release of core materials in a specific moment or environment. Objective: to evaluate the effect of supplementing finishing pigs with microencapsulated blends of organic acids and essential oils (MOE) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal noxious gas emissions, and meat quality. Methods: 75 crossbred pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc, 56.15 ± 3.77 kg] were used in this 10-week trial. Pigs were randomly distributed into 1 of 3 dietary treatments on the basis of body weight (BW) and gender. Each treatment had 5 replicate pens with 5 pigs (2 gilts, 3 barrows) per pen. Treatments were as follows: CON (a basal diet); MOE1 (CON + 0.025% MOE); MOE2 (CON + 0.050% MOE). Results: pigs fed the MOE2 diet had higher final BW at 5th and 10th week than those fed the CON diet (p<0.05). During weeks 0 to 5, MOE1 and MOE2 groups had greater average daily gain (ADG) than the CON group (p<0.05). Overall, ADG in MOE2 was greater than that in CON treatment (p<0.05). MOE2 group had higher dry matter (DM) and energy digestibility than the CON group (p<0.05). Conclusion: the present results indicate that dietary supplementation with 0.05% MOE improves growth performance and nutrient digestibility in finishing pigs.

Antecedentes: los efectos positivos de los ácidos orgánicos y aceites esenciales (MOE) en el ganado han sido documentados. La microencapsulación permite la liberación lenta del material de núcleo en un período o medio ambiente particulares. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de suplementar cerdos de engorde con mezclas microencapsuladas de ácidos orgánicos y aceites esenciales (MOE) sobre el rendimiento productivo, la digestibilidad de nutrientes, las emisiones de gases fecales, y la calidad de la carne. Métodos: 75 cerdos cruzados [(Yorkshire × Landrace) x Duroc), 56,15 ± 3,77 kg] se utilizaron en las 10 semanas que duró el ensayo. Los cerdos se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en 1 de 3 tratamientos dietarios, de acuerdo con su peso corporal (BW) y género. Cada tratamiento tuvo 5 réplicas (corrales) con 5 cerdos por corral (2 hembras y 3 machos castrados). Los tratamientos fueron: CON (dieta basal); MOE1 (CON + 0,025% MOE); MOE2 (CON + 0,050% MOE). Resultados: los cerdos alimentados con la dieta MOE2 tuvieron mayor BW final en las semanas 5ª y 10ª que los alimentados con la dieta CON (p<0,05). Durante la semana 0 a la 5 los grupos MOE1 y MOE2 tuvieron mayor ganancia media diaria (ADG) que el grupo CON (p<0,05). En general, la ADG de MOE2 fue mayor que en el tratamiento CON (p<0,05). El grupo MOE2 tuvo mayor digestibilidad de la materia seca (DM) y de la energía que el grupo CON (p<0,05). Conclusión: los resultados indican que la suplementación de la dieta con 0,05% MOE mejora el crecimiento y la digestibilidad de nutrientes en cerdos de ceba.

Antecedentes: os efeitos positivos de ácidos orgânicos e óleos essenciais (MOE) para o gado estão bem documentados na literatura. A microencapsulação permite a liberação lenta de materiais centrais num momento ou ambiente específico. Objetivos: avaliar os efeitos de suplementação de suínos em terminação com misturas microencapsuladas de ácidos orgânicos e óleos essenciais (MOE) em pontos como desempenho produtivo, digestibilidade dos nutrientes, emissões de gases nocivos fecais e qualidade da carne. Metodologia: 75 suínos mestiços [(Yorkshire × Landrace) x Duroc), 56,15 ± 3,77 kg] foram utilizados neste teste de 10 semanas. Os animais foram selecionados aleatoriamente em 1 de 3 currais de tratamento dietético, com base no peso corporal (BW) e sexo. Cada curral teve 5 réplicas e cada curral, 5 suínos (2 fêmeas, 3 machos castrados). Os tratamentos foram os seguintes: CON (dieta basal); MOE1 (CON + 0,025% MOE); MOE2 (CON + 0,050% MOE). Resultados: os animais que receberam a dieta MOE2 apresentaram significativamente maior PV final em 5 e 10 semanas do que aqueles alimentados com a dieta CON (p<0,05). Durante 0-5 semanas, os grupos MOE1 e MOE2 tiveram maior GMD que o grupo CON (p<0,05). De um modo geral, ADG de MOE2 foi maior do que no grupo CON (p<0,05). O grupo MOE2 teve a matéria seca (DM) e a digestibilidade de energia maiores do que o grupo CON (p<0,05). Conclusão: os resultados indicam que a suplementação dietética com 0.05% de MOE melhora o desempenho do crescimento e digestibilidade de nutrientes em suínos em terminação.

Mitochondrial Homeostasis Molecules: Regulation by a Trio of Recessive Parkinson's Disease Genes

Mitochondria are small organelles that produce the majority of cellular energy as ATP. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), and rare familial forms of PD provide valuable insight into the pathogenic mechanism underlying mitochondrial impairment, even though the majority of PD cases are sporadic. The regulation of mitochondria is crucial for the maintenance of energy-demanding neuronal functions in the brain. Mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagic degradation are the major regulatory pathways that preserve optimal mitochondrial content, structure and function. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of the mitochondrial quality control mechanisms, emphasizing regulatory molecules in mitophagy and biogenesis that specifically interact with the protein products of three major recessive familial PD genes, PINK1, Parkin and DJ-1.

Ziyuglycoside II-induced apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells by regulating Bax/Bcl-2 expression and activating caspase-3 pathway

Ziyuglycoside II is an active compound of Sanguisorba officinalis L. that has anti-inflammation, antioxidation, antibiosis, and homeostasis properties. We report here on the anticancer effect of ziyuglycoside II on human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells. We investigated the effects of ziyuglycoside II on cell growth, cell cycle, and cell apoptosis of this cell line. Our results revealed that ziyuglycoside II could inhibit the proliferation of BGC-823 cells by inducing apoptosis but not cell cycle arrest, which was associated with regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 expression, and activation of the caspase-3 pathway. Our study is the first to report the antitumor potential of ziyuglycoside II in BGC-823 gastric cancer cells. Ziyuglycoside II may become a potential therapeutic agent against gastric cancer in the future.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction of Immortalized Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction in dopaminergic neurons of patients with idiopathic and familial Parkinson's disease (PD) is well known although the underlying mechanism is not clear. We established a homogeneous population of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hAD-MSCs) from human adult patients with early-onset hereditary familial Parkin-defect PD as well as late-onset idiopathic PD by immortalizing cells with the hTERT gene to better understand the underlying mechanism of PD. The hAD-MSCs from patients with idiopathic PD were designated as "PD", from patients with Parkin-defect PD as "Parkin" and from patients with pituitary adenomas as "non-PD" in short. The pGRN145 plasmid containing hTERT was introduced to establish telomerase immortalized cells. The established hTERT-immortalized cell lines showed chromosomal aneuploidy sustained stably over two-years. The morphological study of mitochondria in the primary and immortalized hAD-MSCs showed that the mitochondria of the non-PD were normal; however, those of the PD and Parkin were gradually damaged. A striking decrease in mitochondrial complex I, II, and IV activities was observed in the hTERT-immortalized cells from the patients with idiopathic and Parkin-defect PD. Comparative Western blot analyses were performed to investigate the expressions of PD specific marker proteins in the hTERT-immortalized cell lines. This study suggests that the hTERT-immortalized hAD-MSC cell lines established from patients with idiopathic and familial Parkin-defect PD could be good cellular models to evaluate mitochondrial dysfunction to better understand the pathogenesis of PD and to develop early diagnostic markers and effective therapy targets for the treatment of PD.

Neuronal autophagy and neurodegenerative diseases

Autophagy is a dynamic cellular pathway involved in the turnover of proteins, protein complexes, and organelles through lysosomal degradation. The integrity of postmitotic neurons is heavily dependent on high basal autophagy compared to non-neuronal cells as misfolded proteins and damaged organelles cannot be diluted through cell division. Moreover, neurons contain the specialized structures for intercellular communication, such as axons, dendrites and synapses, which require the reciprocal transport of proteins, organelles and autophagosomes over significant distances from the soma. Defects in autophagy affect the intercellular communication and subsequently, contributing to neurodegeneration. The presence of abnormal autophagic activity is frequently observed in selective neuronal populations afflicted in common neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These observations have provoked controversy regarding whether the increase in autophagosomes observed in the degenerating neurons play a protective role or instead contribute to pathogenic neuronal cell death. It is still unknown what factors may determine whether active autophagy is beneficial or pathogenic during neurodegeneration. In this review, we consider both the normal and pathophysiological roles of neuronal autophagy and its potential therapeutic implications for common neurodegenerative diseases.

Mechanism of the transforming growth factor-â induction of fibronectin expression in hepatic stem-like cells

Transforming growth factor-â1 (TGF-â1) plays an important role in the fibrogenic process in the liver. The aim of the present study was to explore the action of TGF-â1 on fibronectin expression in rat hepatic stem-like cells and the underlying mechanisms. The level of fibronectin expression was determined in hepatic stem-like cells (WB cells) before and after TGF-â1 stimulation by RT-PCR and Western blot methods. Using immunogold transmission electron microscopy and the Western blot method, we observed the result of the expression and the distribution of cAMP, phosphorylated Smad3 and Smad7 before and after TGF-â1 treatment. The levels of fibronectin expression in both mRNA and protein increased 4- to 5-fold after TGF-â1 stimulation, reaching an optimum level after 8 h and then gradually falling back. Similarly, TGF-â1 stimulation resulted in an increase of cAMP in WB cells, peaking at 8 h. After treatment with TGF-â1 for 24 h, the expression of cAMP gradually decreased. In addition, we found that TGF-â1 treatment also contributed to the increased expression and to changes in cellular distribution of phosphorylated Smad3 (translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus) and Smad7 (translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm) in WB cells. The present study demonstrates that TGF-â is involved in the fibrogenic process in hepatic stem cells through up-regulation of fibronectin expression, and the mechanisms underlying this process may be associated with the activation of cAMP and Smad pathways.

Primary Culture of Central Neurocytoma: A Case Report

A seventeen-year-old female patient was admitted with sudden-onset of headache and vomiting. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a heterogeneously enhancing tumour in the left lateral ventricle. The tumour was removed and confirmed as a central neurocytoma (CN). For the residual tumour in the left lateral ventricle, gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery was done at fifteen months after the initial surgery. Tumour recurred in the 4th ventricle at 5 yr after initial surgery. The tumour was removed and proved as a CN. In vitro primary culture was done with both tumours obtained from the left lateral ventricle and the 4th ventricle, respectively. Nestin, a neuronal stem cell marker was expressed in reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction of both tumors. Both tumours showed different morphology and phenotypes of neuron and glia depending on the culture condition. When cultured in insulin, transferrin selenium and fibronectin media with basic fibroblast growth factors, tumour cells showed neuronal morphology and phenotypes. When cultured in the Dulbeco's Modified Essential Media with 20% fetal bovine serum, tumors cells showed glial morphology and phenotypes. It is suggested that CN has the characteristics of neuronal stem cells and potential to differentiate into mature neuron and glial cells depending on the environmental cue.

Heteropolymorphism of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 gene for the population analysis of chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta.

Mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNAs) has been frequently used as genetic markers for the population genetic studies. In this study we used chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) from Korea, Japan andAmerica, and compared their mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND3) genes by DNA sequence analysis. Sequence variation was studied in the ND3 among total 11 individuals from three populations. The ND3 gene was amplified by PCR targeting parts of cytochrome oxidase III gene (COIII) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4L gene (ND4L). ND3 gene sequence, encoded 752 bps, presented some genetic variation in the chum salmon populations. The observed nucleotide variations inferred the distinct genetic differentiation of American salmons from Korean and Japanese chum salmons. Six sites of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were explored in the ND3 locus. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis also showed a clear heterogenous band in American salmons compared to Asian salmons.

Genetic characterization of porcine circovirus-2 field isolates from PMWS pigs

PMWS is a new emerging disease in swine herds worldwide. Field isolates of PCV-2, a putative major causative agent of PMWS, were isolated and genetically characterized. Viral genome of two field isolates (PC201DJ and PC201SS) from pigs showing typical PMWS was sequenced. The nucleotide sequence homology with other PCV-2 isolates was ranging from 95% to 99% in complete viral genomic sequence. The highly conserved nonanucleotide motif of replication origin was identical to that of other PCV-2 isolates. To determine the genetic heterogeneity of PCV-2 isolates, the phylogenetic tree based on the complete genome of PCV-2 isolates were constructed. Two PCV-2 field isolates were closely related to Canadian isolates of PCV-2. PCV-2 isolated from field may have an origin of North America and is possibly originated from importation of breeding stocks. The result indicates that although the genome of PCV-2 is relatively stable in general, minor genetic variations exist among PCV-2 isolates from the different geographic locations. These differences of viral genome might have an important implication for genetic characteristics of PCV-2 infection. Three major immunorelevant epitopes of capsid protein showed variations in amino acid sequences. Also, the variance of amino acid sequence in antigenic epitope existed between two Korean PCV-2 isolates.

A retrospective comparison of four different procedures for extracting dermoid cyst by laparoscopy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVES: To compare results of 4 different extraction methods in laparoscopic management of dermoid cyst. STUDY DESIGN: This article is a retrospective, multicenter study for 247 patients with benign dermoid cyst in period of 1995-1998. Dermoid cyst was extracted by Endopouch (99 cases), puncture-irrigation-extraction (69 cases), colpotomy (35 cases), and dermoid cyst as a "pouch bag" (44 cases). RESULTS: We analyzed irrigation amount, operative time, postoperative hospital stay and complications by four different extraction methods. Endopouch extraction method needed less amount of irrigation fluid for cleaning the abdominal cavity and had a shorter postoperative hospital stay (ANOVA, p=0.0001). There were no significant differences in operative times among groups. There were four cases of morbidity in puncture-irrigation-extraction method (6%), three had fever (> 38degrees C) and one intraabdominal abscess. One incisional hernia was noted in "pouch bag" method (2%). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend minimal spillage method for extraction of dermoid and careful irrigation of abdominal cavity to prevent potential risk of chemical peritonitis such as Endopouch, "pouch bag", and colpotomy with the exception of puncture-irrigation-extraction method.

Increased glycosylation of human lens epithelial basement membrane in diabetes mellitus

We studied the nonenzymatic glycosylation of lens epithelial basement membranes (LEBM) of senile cataractous lenses of both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. The human LEBMs were isolated from surgically removed senile cataracts and purified by osmotic lysis and detergent treatments. Glycosylation assay of LEBMs was done using the colorimetric method of Fluckiger and Winterhalter. The glycosylation value ranged from 16.39 to 92.56 n mol/mg protein overall, with a mean of 63.54 +/- 24.56 n mol/mg protein for the diabetic specimens and a mean of 29.97 +/- 14.48 n mol/mg protein for the nondiabetic controls (P = 0.009). The study confirms our previous observation of in vivo glycosylation of the LEBM and further establishes that diabetic patients have a twofold increase in the amount of LEBM glycosylation when compared to their nondiabetic counterparts.

Increased glycosylation of human lens epithelial basement membrane in diabetes mellitus

We studied the nonenzymatic glycosylation of lens epithelial basement membranes (LEBM) of senile cataractous lenses of both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. The human LEBMs were isolated from surgically removed senile cataracts and purified by osmotic lysis and detergent treatments. Glycosylation assay of LEBMs was done using the colorimetric method of Fluckiger and Winterhalter. The glycosylation value ranged from 16.39 to 92.56 n mol/mg protein overall, with a mean of 63.54 +/- 24.56 n mol/mg protein for the diabetic specimens and a mean of 29.97 +/- 14.48 n mol/mg protein for the nondiabetic controls (P = 0.009). The study confirms our previous observation of in vivo glycosylation of the LEBM and further establishes that diabetic patients have a twofold increase in the amount of LEBM glycosylation when compared to their nondiabetic counterparts.