Protective effect of decursin and decursinol angelate-rich Angelica gigas Nakai extract on dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine ulcerative colitis

Objective To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of decursin and decursinol angelate-rich Angelica gigas Nakai (AGNE) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods The therapeutic effect of an AGNE was analyzed in a mouse model of UC induced by DSS. Disease activity index values were measured by clinical signs such as a weight loss, stool consistency, rectal bleeding and colon length. A histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Key inflammatory cytokines and mediators including IL-6, TNF-α PGE

Protective effect of decursin and decursinol angelate-rich Angelica gigas Nakai extract on dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of decursin and decursinol angelate-rich Angelica gigas Nakai (AGNE) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine ulcerative colitis (UC).@*METHODS@#The therapeutic effect of an AGNE was analyzed in a mouse model of UC induced by DSS. Disease activity index values were measured by clinical signs such as a weight loss, stool consistency, rectal bleeding and colon length. A histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Key inflammatory cytokines and mediators including IL-6, TNF-α, PGE, COX-2 and HIF-1α were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Treatment with the AGNE at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg alleviated weight loss, decreased disease activity index scores, and reduced colon shortening in mice with DSS-induced UC. AGNE inhibited the production of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and colon tissue. Moreover, AGNE suppressed the increased expression of COX-2 and HIF-1α and the increased production of PGE in colon tissue were observed in mice with DSS-induced UC. Additionally, histological damage was also alleviated by AGNE treatment.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The findings of this study verified that AGNE significantly improves clinical symptoms and reduces the activity of various inflammatory mediators. These results indicate the AGNE has the therapeutic potential in mice with DSS-induced UC.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry based identification of Edwardsiella ictaluri isolated from Vietnamese striped catfish (Pangasius hypothalamus)

Edwardsiella (E.) ictaluri is a major bacterial pathogen that affects commercially farmed striped catfish (Pangasius hypothalamus) in Vietnam. In a previous study, 19 strains of E. ictaluri collected from striped catfish were biochemically identified with an API-20E system. Here, the same 19 strains were used to assess the ability of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS; applied using a MALDI Biotyper) to conduct rapid, easy and accurate identification of E. ictaluri. MALDI-TOF MS could directly detect the specific peptide patterns of cultured E. ictaluri colonies with high (> 2.0, indicating species-level identification) scores. MALDI Biotyper 3.0 software revealed that all of the strains examined in this study possessed highly similar peptide peak patterns. In addition, electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and subsequent immuno-blotting using a specific chicken antibody (IgY) against E. ictaluri revealed that the isolates had highly similar protein profiles and antigenic banding profiles. The results of this study suggest that E. ictaluri isolated from striped catfish in Vietnam have homologous protein compositions. This is important, because it indicates that MALDI-TOF MS analysis could potentially outperform the conventional methods of identifying E. ictaluri.

Magnetic nanoparticle based purification and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using monoclonal antibody against enrofloxacin

Monoclonal anti-enrofloxacin antibody was prepared for a direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and purification system using monoclonal antibody (mAb) coupled magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The IC50 values of the developed mAb for enrofloxacin (ENR), ciprofloxacin, difloxacin, sarafloxacin, pefloxacin, and norfloxacin were 5.0, 8.3, 9.7, 21.7, 36.0, and 63.7 ng/mL, respectively. The lowest detectable level of ENR was 0.7 ng/mL in the prepared ELISA system. To validate the developed ELISA in the food matrix, known amounts of ENR were spiked in meat and egg samples at 10, 20 and 30 ng/mL. Recoveries for ENR ranged from 72.9 to 113.16% with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 2.42 to 10.11%. The applicability of the mAb-MNP system was verified by testing the recoveries for ENR residue in three different matrices. Recoveries for ENR ranged from 75.16 to 86.36%, while the CV ranged from 5.08 to 11.53%. Overall, ENR-specific monoclonal antibody was prepared and developed for use in competitive to ELISAs for the detection of ENR in animal meat samples. Furthermore, we suggest that a purification system for ENR using mAb-coupled MNPs could be useful for determination of ENR residue in food.

Development of a multiplex PCR assay to detect Edwardsiella tarda, Streptococcus parauberis, and Streptococcus iniae in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

A multiplex PCR protocol was established to simultaneously detect major bacterial pathogens in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) including Edwardsiella (E.) tarda, Streptococcus (S.) parauberis, and S. iniae. The PCR assay was able to detect 0.01 ng of E. tarda, 0.1 ng of S. parauberis, and 1 ng of S. iniae genomic DNA. Furthermore, this technique was found to have high specificity when tested with related bacterial species. This method represents a cheaper, faster, and reliable alternative for identifying major bacterial pathogens in olive flounder, the most important farmed fish in Korea.

A Case of Cystic Ectasia of the Rete Testis / 대한남성과학회지

The seminiferous tubules merge and connect with the tubuli recti that form the spaces known as the rete testis. Cystic ectasia of the rete testis is a rare benign testicular lesion. We report the cystic ectasia of the rete testis in a 66-year-old man.

The Correlation between Metabolic Syndrome and Urinary pH in Adult Korean Men Who Visited a Health Promotion Center

PURPOSE: Low urinary pH is a risk factor for uric acid stones, and acidic urine has been described as a renal manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. We evaluated the association between metabolic syndrome and urinary pH in adult Korean men who visited a health promotion center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2004 to 2008, a total of 18,513 adult men who visited our health promotion center were enrolled in this study. The relation between urinary pH and various parameters associated with the metabolic syndrome were evaluated. RESULTS: The average age was 45.6 years (range, 18-95 years), and 4987 men (26.9%) were classified as having the metabolic syndrome. The mean urinary pH of the metabolic syndrome group was 5.91, which was significantly lower than that of the normal group (6.08). In univariate and multivariate analysis, body mass index, serum triglyceride, and blood sugar were negatively correlated with urinary pH (p or =25 kg/m2), hypertriglyceridemia (> or =150 mg/dl), high fasting glucose (> or =110 mg/dl), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (<45 mg/dl) were the significant factors that predicted low urinary pH (< or =5.5). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome was related to lower urinary pH in ostensively healthy adult Korean men. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact mechanism responsible for the lower urinary pH in individuals with the metabolic syndrome.

EST Knowledge Integrated Systems (EKIS): An Integrated Database of EST Information for Research Application

The EST Knowledge Integrated System, EKIS (http://ekis.kribb.re.kr), was established as a part of Korea's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology initiative for genome sequencing and application research of the biological model organisms (GEAR) project. The goals of the EKIS are to collect EST information from GEAR projects and make an integrated database to provide transcriptomic and metabolomic information for biological scientists. The EKIS constitutes five independent categories and several retrieval systems in each category for incorporating massive EST data from high-throughput sequencing of 65 different species. Through the EKIS database, scientists can freely access information including BLAST functional annotation as well as Genechip and pathway information for KEGG. By integrating complex data into a framework of existing EST knowledge information, the EKIS provides new insights into specialized metabolic pathway information for an applied industrial material.

Endogenous Klebsiella Endophthalmitis Concurrent with Prostate and Perianal Abscesses / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Endogenous endophthalmitis is a sight-threatening ophthalmic emergency that requires vitrectomy unless prompt treatment is undertaken. It is usually caused by hematogenous spread from a distant endogenous focus of infection. We treated a patient with endogenous endophthalmitis who also had prostate and perianal abscesses caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Clinicians should entertain the possibility of endogenous endophthalmitis if a patient with a urologic disease such as a prostate abscess or acute prostatitis resulting in bacteremia complains of ophthalmologic symptoms.

Patient Compliance and Associated Factors for Treatment with Alfuzosin XL 10mg (UroXatral(R)) / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: Alfuzosin XL (Sanofi-Aventis, UroXatral(R)) has to be taken just after a meal for the best efficacy due to its specific pharmacokinetics. We studied patient compliance and associated factors with regard to the correct instructions for taking alfuzosin XL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Alfuzosin XL was prescribed to 62 patients from February to May 2008. At the first visit, we provided a prescription for alfuzosin XL with the instructions to "take one tablet just after dinner once a day". At the second visit, we evaluated patient compliance and the factors that influenced the patient compliance for taking the alfuzosin XL. The physician explained the instructions to the patients. At the third visit, we compared the compliance and associated factors with the results from the first visit. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients completed the study. After the first visit, twenty one patients (42.0%) were not taking the alfuzosin XL according to the prescription, that is, 20 patients took alfuzosin XL before going to bed, and one patient before meals. (p<0.05) After direct instructions by a physician, 49 patients (98.0%) took the alfuzosin XL correctly. (p<0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Taking alfuzosin XL as prescribed was accomplished in only 58% of patients. When alfuzosin XL is prescribed, the physicians should be aware of the importance of providing instructions directly to patients.

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis with Spontaneous Nephrocutaneous Fistula / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Fistula formation between the upper urinary tract and cutaneous tissue is an uncommon complication in urogenital disease. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis(XGP) is a severe, chronic infection of the renal parenchyma that is often associated with calculi and obstruction. We present a rare case of XGP with a nephrocutaneous fistula.

Exploration of immunoblot profiles of Neospora caninum probed with different bovine immunoglobulin classes

The present study was attempted to compare the Neospora caninum (N. caninum) antigenic bands recognized by different bovine immunoglobulin classes. A total 10, 5, 2, and 6 antigenic bands were exhibited on immunoblot profiles against bovine IgM, IgE, IgA, and IgG, respectively. A 46 kDa band was probed as a common antigenic band except IgA; 69 kDa band was bovine IgM and IgE; 33, 37, 55, and 79 kDa bands were bovine IgM and IgG; 72 kDa band was found IgM and IgA profiles. Based on the analysis, it appeared that different immunoglobulin classes recognizing different antigenic molecules were cooperating to cope with neosporosis.

Experimental evaluation of pathogenicity of Lactococcus garvieae in black rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli)

Black rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) is an important mariculture species in Korea. The production of this fish is drastically declined due to bacterial diseases, particularly streptococcosis caused by Lactococcus garvieae. The bacterial surface characteristics of SJ7 and TY6 were found to have capsule but not NB13 and YS18. The experiential evaluation of L. garvieae pathogenicity, the capsular isolates showed high cumulative mortality i.e. SJ7 (100%) and TY6 (60%) compared to non-capsular isolates. Based on this result the capsular isolates L. garvieae were highly suspected as the causative agent of streptococcosis in rockfish.

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis of Neospora caninum tachyzoites

Identification of expressed protein profiles and antigenic determination are some of the most challenging aspects of proteomics. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) combined with immunoblot analysis were employed to study the N. caninum proteome. Protein sample preparation was carried out by first conducting sonication, followed by adding lysis buffer containing 7M urea plus 2M thiourea to the purified tachyzoites in order to complete disruption. A total of 335 differentially expressed protein spots were detected using pH 4-7 IPG strip (7 cm) that were run in a 56 kVh isoelectric focusing (IEF) system. Of the spots analyzed, 64 were identified as antigenic spots on immunoblot profile. Major antigenic spots appeared at 65 kDa (pI 5.2-5.3), 51 kDa (pI 5.5), 38 kDa (pI 5.1), 33 kDa (pI 4.4), 29 kDa (pI 5.6) and 15.5 kDa (pI 5.0) were observed to be significantly distinct compared to the rest of the antigenic spots. The results indicate that combination of 2-DE and immunoblotting methods were thought as very useful tools in defining both proteins and antigens of N. caninum tachyzoites. Additionally, present 2-DE profiles may be valuable in further proteomic approaches and study of the pathogen.

Reference Map of Soluble Proteins from Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis by Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis

Protein identification by peptide mass fingerprinting using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of fight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) can analyze unambiguously identity of the spots from a 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) gel. This study developed a technique for 2-DE of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. enteritidis) by improving the dissolution conditions by 2-DE using a pH 4 - 7 immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strip. This report examines the protein components from the patterns of the S. enteritidis protein. The most abundant protein displayed a great number of clusters within the pH 4.5 - 7 range with a molecular mass ranging from 35-80 kDa. Some of these spots were identified as metabolic related enzymes. The protein fraction was also analyzed using an immobilized pH gradient strip. Different proteins were identified on the spot according to the elongation factors. In addition, this study showed that the 2-DE analysis of S. enteritidis provides useful information regarding the S. enteritidis proteome, and this approach might provide a strategy for identifying bacterial proteins using a proteome technology.

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of Helicobacter pylori for proteomic analysis

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) is an essential tool of proteomics to analyse the entire set of proteins of an organism and its variation between organisms. Helicobacter pylori was tried to identify differences between strains. As the first step, whole H. pylori was lysed using high concentration urea contained lysis buffer (9.5 M Urea, 4% CHAPS, 35 mM Tris, 65 mM DTT, 0.01% SDS and 0.5% Ampholite (Bio-Rad, pH 3-10)). The extract (10 mug) was rehydrated to commercially available immobilised pH gradient (IPG) strips, then the proteins were separated according to their charges as the first dimensional separation. The IPG strips were placed on Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to separate according to molecular mass of the proteins as the second dimension. The separated protein spots were visualised by silver staining in order to compare different expression of proteins between strains. Approximately 120 spots were identified in each mini-protein electrophoresised gel, furthermore about 65 to 75 spots were regarded as identical proteins in terms of pI value and molecular weight between strains used. In addition, distinct differences were found between strains, such as 219-1, Y7 and Y14, CH150. Two representative strains were examined using strips which had pH range from 4 to 7. This strips showed a number of isoforms which were considered large spots on pH range 3-10. Furthermore, the rest of spots on pH 4-7 IPG strips appeared very distinctive compared to broad range IPG strips. 2-DE seems to be an excellent tool for analysing and identifying variations between H. pylori strains.

The Effect of a-Tocopherol in Puromycin Aminonucleoside Induced Nephropathy in Rats

Hyalinizing trabecular adenoma is an uncommon benign thyroid tumor that is recently described in the literature. This tumor is easily confused with medullary carcinoma on surgical specimens and with papillay carcinoma on cytologic specimens. Herein we report the cytologic characteristics of a case of histologically proven hyalinizing trabecular adenoma of the thyroid gland. Cytologically, the aspirate showed trabecular or individually dispersed polygonal cells with finely stippled chromatin pattern, nuclear grooves, and eosinophilic nuclear pseudoinclusions. No colloid materials were noted in the background.

Genomic Diversity of Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a causative agent of type B gastritis and plays a central role in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal ulcer and gastric cancer. To elucidate the host-parasite relationship of the H. pylori infection on the basis of molecular biology, we tried to evaluate the genomic diversity of H. pylori. An ordered overlapping bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of a Korean isolate, H, pylori 51 was constructed to set up a genomic map. A circular physical map was constructed by aligning ApaI, Notl and SfiI-digested chromosomal DNA. When the physical map of H. pylori 51 was compared to that of unrelated strain, H. pylori 26695, completely different restriction patterns were shown. Fifteen known genes were mapped on the chromosome of H. pylori 51 and the genetic map was compared with those of strain 26695 and J99, of which the entire genomic sequences were reported. There were some variability in the gene location as well as gene order among three strains. For further analysis on the genomic diversity of H. pylori, when comparing the genomic structure of 150 H. pylori Korean isolates with one another, genomic macrodiversity of H. pylori was characterized by several features: whether or not susceptible to restriction digestion of the chromsome, variation in chromosomal restriction fingerprint and/or high frequency of gene rearrangement. We also examined the extent of allelic variation in nucleotide or deduced amino acid sequences at the individual gene level. fucT, cagA and vacA were confirmed to carry regions of high variation in nucleotide sequence among strains. The plasticity zone and strain-specific genes of H. pylori 51 were analyzed and compared with the former two genomic sequences. It should be noted that the H. pylori 51-specific sequences were dispersed on the chromosome, not congregated in the plasticity zone unlike J99- or 26695-specific genes, suggesting the high frequency of gene rearrangement in H. pylori genome. The genomc of H. pylori 51 shows differences in the overall genomic organization, gene order, and even in the nucleotide sequences among the H. pylori strains, which are far greater than the differences reported on the genomic. diversity of H. pylori.

Urological Manifestations and Laboratory Finding in Patients wits Tethered Cord Syndrome

The cytologic findings in fine needle aspiration of a case of myxoid liposarcoma of the mediastinum are described. The smear and cell block of the aspirate revealed solid clusters with background of amorphous material and scattered single tumor cells. The clusters were moderately cellular and consisted of atypical lipoblasts in varying stages of differentiation and delicate plexiform capillaries. Good correlation was found between the histologic and cytologic findings in the fine needle aspirates. The differential diagnosis between myxoid liposarcoma and other myxoid soft tissue tumors is discussed,