Association of Grip Strength with All-Cause Mortality and Cause-Specific Mortality: Analysis of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2006–2016)

BACKGROUND: Grip strength has been found to be closely related to mortality and disease morbidity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between grip strength and mortality in middle aged and elderly Koreans.METHODS: Study subjects were selected from the participants of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing from 2006 to 2016. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the association between grip strength, all-cause mortality, and cause-specific mortality according to age and sex, after adjusting for covariates.RESULTS: The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was decreased in the high grip strength group (male: HR=0.580, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.478–0.704; female: HR=0.601, 95% CI=0.483–0.747) compared to the low grip strength group in both sexes. In male, cardiovascular mortality (middle group: HR=0.453, 95% CI=0.278–0.738; high group: HR=0.538, 95% CI=0.332–0.871) and cancer mortality (middle group: HR=0.697, 95% CI=0.514–0.945; high group: HR=0.589, 95% CI=0.427–0.812) were significantly lower in the middle and high grip strength groups compared to the low grip strength group. The HR for mortality due to stroke in male decreased significantly according to grip strength, but this became nonsignificant after adjusting for covariates. No association between cause-specific mortality and grip strength was found in female.CONCLUSION: In this study, grip strength was inversely associated with all-cause mortality, with similar effects on cause-specific mortality due to heart disease and cancer in male. Grip strength is a useful predictor of health status, and further studies are needed to evaluate its clinical relevance in Koreans.

Ethyl linoleate inhibits α-MSH-induced melanogenesis through Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signal pathway

Ethyl linoleate is an unsaturated fatty acid used in many cosmetics for its various attributes, such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and clinically proven to be an effective anti-acne agent. In this study, we investigated the effect of ethyl linoleate on the melanogenesis and the mechanism underlying its action on melanogenesis in B16F10 murine melanoma cells. Our results revealed that ethyl linoleate significantly inhibited melanin content and intracellular tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-induced B16F10 cells, but it did not directly inhibit activity of mushroom tyrosinase. Ethyl linoleate inhibited the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, and tyrosinase related protein 1 (TRP1) in governing melanin pigment synthesis. We observed that ethyl linoleate inhibited phosphorylation of Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and reduced the level of β-catenin, suggesting that ethyl linoleate inhibits melanogenesis through Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signal pathway. Therefore, we propose that ethyl linoleate may be useful as a safe whitening agent in cosmetic and a potential therapeutic agent for reducing skin hyperpigmentation in clinics.

Circadian Regulation by REV-ERBα Mediates Hippocampal E-LTP in a Time-dependent Manner

Circadian rhythms are driven by circadian oscillators, and these rhythms result in the biological phenomenon of 24-h oscillations. Previous studies suggest that learning and memory are affected by circadian rhythms. One of the genes responsible for generating the circadian rhythm is Rev-erbα. The REV-ERBα protein is a nuclear receptor that acts as a transcriptional repressor, and is a core component of the circadian clock. However, the role of REV-ERBα in neurophysiological processes in the hippocampus has not been characterized yet. In this study, we examined the time-dependent role of REV-ERBα in hippocampal synaptic plasticity using Rev-erbα KO mice. The KO mice lacking REV-ERBα displayed abnormal NMDAR-dependent synaptic potentiation (E-LTP) at CT12~CT14 (subjective night) when compared to their wild-type littermates. However, Rev-erbα KO mice exhibited normal E-LTP at CT0~CT2 (subjective day). We also found that the Rev-erbα KO mice had intact late LTP (L-LTP) at both subjective day and night. Taken together, these results provide evidence that REV-ERBα is critical for hippocampal E-LTP during the dark period.

Sageretia thea fruit extracts rich in methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate downregulate melanogenesis via the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Sageretia thea is traditionally used as a medicinal herb to treat various diseases, including skin disorders, in China and Korea. This study evaluated the inhibitory effect of Sageretia thea fruit on melanogenesis and its underlying mechanisms in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. The active chemical compounds in anti-melanogenesis were determined in Sageretia thea. MATERIALS/METHODS: Solvent fractions from the crude extract were investigated for anti-melanogenic activities. These activities and the mechanism of anti-melanogenesis in B16F10 cells were examined by determining melanin content and tyrosinase activity, and by performing western blotting. RESULTS: The n-hexane fraction of Sageretia thea fruit (HFSF) exhibited significant anti-melanogenic activity among the various solvent fractions without reducing viability of B16F10 cells. The HFSF suppressed the expression of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1). The reduction of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression by the HFSF was mediated by the Akt/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) signaling pathway, which promotes the reduction of β-catenin. Treatment with the GSK3β inhibitor 6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (BIO) restored HFSF-induced inhibition of MITF expression. The HFSF bioactive constituents responsible for anti-melanogenic activity were identified by bioassay-guided fractionation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis as methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that HFSF and its constituents, methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate, could be used as whitening agents in cosmetics and have potential for treating hyperpigmentation disorders in the clinic.

Epigenetic regulation and chromatin remodeling in learning and memory

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of memory formation and maintenance has been a major goal in the field of neuroscience. Memory formation and maintenance are tightly controlled complex processes. Among the various processes occurring at different levels, gene expression regulation is especially crucial for proper memory processing, as some genes need to be activated while some genes must be suppressed. Epigenetic regulation of the genome involves processes such as DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications. These processes edit genomic properties or the interactions between the genome and histone cores. They then induce structural changes in the chromatin and lead to transcriptional changes of different genes. Recent studies have focused on the concept of chromatin remodeling, which consists of 3D structural changes in chromatin in relation to gene regulation, and is an important process in learning and memory. In this review, we will introduce three major epigenetic processes involved in memory regulation: DNA methylation, histone methylation and histone acetylation. We will also discuss general mechanisms of long-term memory storage and relate the epigenetic control of learning and memory to chromatin remodeling. Finally, we will discuss how epigenetic mechanisms can contribute to the pathologies of neurological disorders and cause memory-related symptoms.

Cytokine-like Activity of Liver Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein (L-FABP) Inducing Inflammatory Cytokine Interleukin-6

It has been reported that fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) do not act only as intracellular mediators of lipid responses but also have extracellular functions. This study aimed to investigate whether extracellular liver type (L)-FABP has a biological activity and to determined serum L-FABP levels in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We isolated L-FABP complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) from the Huh7 human hepatocarcinoma cell line and expressed the recombinant L-FABP protein in Escherichia coli. A549 lung carcinoma and THP-1 monocytic cells were stimulated with the human recombinant L-FABP. Human whole blood cells were also treated with the human recombinant L-FABP or interleukin (IL)-1α. IL-6 levels were measured in cell culture supernatants using IL-6 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Human recombinant L-FABP induced IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner in A549, THP-1 cells, and whole blood cells. The blood samples of healthy volunteers and patients with ESRD were taken after an overnight fast. The serum levels of L-FABP in healthy volunteers and ESRD patients were quantified with L-FABP ELISA. The values of L-FABP in patients with ESRD were significantly lower than those in the control group. Our results demonstrated the biological activity of L-FABP in human cells suggesting L-FABP can be a mediator of inflammation.

CTCF as a multifunctional protein in genome regulation and gene expression

CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a highly conserved zinc finger protein and is best known as a transcription factor. It can function as a transcriptional activator, a repressor or an insulator protein, blocking the communication between enhancers and promoters. CTCF can also recruit other transcription factors while bound to chromatin domain boundaries. The three-dimensional organization of the eukaryotic genome dictates its function, and CTCF serves as one of the core architectural proteins that help establish this organization. The mapping of CTCF-binding sites in diverse species has revealed that the genome is covered with CTCF-binding sites. Here we briefly describe the diverse roles of CTCF that contribute to genome organization and gene expression.

A Case of True Renal Lupus Vasculitis Combined with Pauci-immune Glomerulonephritis in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Renal lupus vasculitis is a rare vascular lesion complicated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report an unusual case of true renal lupus vasculitis with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-negative pauci-immune glomerulonephritis in a patient with SLE. A 32-year-old woman presenting with hematuria and overt proteinuria was admitted to the hospital. She had been diagnosed with SLE at 16 years of age and treated with prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine, and methotraxate. A kidney biopsy revealed 42 glomeruli with ischemic wrinkling, and segmental loop necrosis with fibrin deposition. Prominent inflammatory cell infiltration of interlobular arteries and afferent arterioles with severe necrosis was demonstrated. No electron-dense and immune deposits in the glomeruli were observed by immunofluorescent and electron microscopy; in contrast, those in the renal vascular wall showed a full-house pattern. Antiphospholipid antibodies and ANCA were negative. The patient was treated with monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide pulses and high dose steroid, and showed good response on further follow-up.

Mind Bomb-2 Regulates Hippocampus-dependent Memory Formation and Synaptic Plasticity

Notch signaling is a key regulator of neuronal fate during embryonic development, but its function in the adult brain is still largely unknown. Mind bomb-2 (Mib2) is an essential positive regulator of the Notch pathway, which acts in the Notch signal-sending cells. Therefore, genetic deletion of Mib2 in the mouse brain might help understand Notch signaling-mediated cell-cell interactions between neurons and their physiological function. Here we show that deletion of Mib2 in the mouse brain results in impaired hippocampal spatial memory and contextual fear memory. Accordingly, we found impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity in Mib2 knock-out (KO) mice; however, basal synaptic transmission did not change at the Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses. Using western blot analysis, we found that the level of cleaved Notch1 was lower in Mib2 KO mice than in wild type (WT) littermates after mild foot shock. Taken together, these data suggest that Mib2 plays a critical role in synaptic plasticity and spatial memory through the Notch signaling pathway.

Partial Necrosis of the Mandibular Proximal Segment Following Transoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Transoral vertical ramus osteotomy (TOVRO) procedure can result in a variety of complications. Complications commonly reported include extensive bleeding due to major blood vessel injury, unpredictable fracture, postoperative infection, neurosensory deficit related Inferior alveolar nerve, insufficient osteosynthesis, and temporomandibular joint problem. The authors describe a case of partial necrosis of the mandibular proximal segment following TOVRO, a rarely reported complication. A 37-year-old otherwise healthy woman underwent Lefort l osteotomy and TOVRO to correct mandibular prognathism. Postoperatively, she developed pain and swelling in the right submandibular region and was found to have a partial necrosis of proximal segment.

Full thickness skin grafts from the groin: donor site morbidity and graft survival rate from 50 cases

OBJECTIVES: Full thickness skin grafts (FTSG) offer several advantages; they are esthetically superb, have less postoperative shrinkage, and offer minimal postoperative pain and scar formation at the donor site. As a donor site of FTSG, the groin offers a relatively large area of skin with high elasticity. The aim of this study was to evaluate FTSG from the groin for reconstruction in oral and maxillofacial surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, 50 patients (27 males, 23 females) who received FTSG from the groin were evaluated for their operation records, clinical photography, and medical records. RESULTS: The width of skin from the groin was distributed from 2-8 cm (mean: 5.1 cm) at the donor site, while the long axis length was distributed from 3-13 cm (mean: 7.4 cm). A high number of patients, 47 patients (94%) out of 50, showed good healing at the donor site. Wound impairment was seen in 3 patients (6%), minor wound dehiscence in 2 patients, and severe wound dehiscence in 1 patient. In the recipient site, delayed healing was observed in 2 patients (4%). CONCLUSION: FTSG from the groin to repair soft tissue defects in reconstruction surgery is a good method due to the relatively big size of the graft, decreasing morbidity at the donor site, and higher graft survival rates.

Full thickness skin grafts from the groin: donor site morbidity and graft survival rate from 50 cases

OBJECTIVES: Full thickness skin grafts (FTSG) offer several advantages; they are esthetically superb, have less postoperative shrinkage, and offer minimal postoperative pain and scar formation at the donor site. As a donor site of FTSG, the groin offers a relatively large area of skin with high elasticity. The aim of this study was to evaluate FTSG from the groin for reconstruction in oral and maxillofacial surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, 50 patients (27 males, 23 females) who received FTSG from the groin were evaluated for their operation records, clinical photography, and medical records. RESULTS: The width of skin from the groin was distributed from 2-8 cm (mean: 5.1 cm) at the donor site, while the long axis length was distributed from 3-13 cm (mean: 7.4 cm). A high number of patients, 47 patients (94%) out of 50, showed good healing at the donor site. Wound impairment was seen in 3 patients (6%), minor wound dehiscence in 2 patients, and severe wound dehiscence in 1 patient. In the recipient site, delayed healing was observed in 2 patients (4%). CONCLUSION: FTSG from the groin to repair soft tissue defects in reconstruction surgery is a good method due to the relatively big size of the graft, decreasing morbidity at the donor site, and higher graft survival rates.

An orthotopic nude mouse model of tongue carcinoma

INTRODUCTION: Development of carcinoma on oral tongue may cause bilateral cervical lymph node metastasis, rapid invasion and growth of the cancer cells due to rich blood supply in muscle tissues. It is not only difficult to develop an animal experimental model, but also to proceed follow-up research after the development of such model as the induction of cancer lead to difficulty in taking nutrition for the experimental animals that often causes early death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IIn this study, author have transplanted YD-10Bmod cells into nude mouse oral tongues with different cells number (5x10(4), 5x10(5), 5x10(6) cells/mouse) and observed the development aspect of oral tongue cancers. RESULTS: The cancer developed from orthotopic transplantation of YD-10Bmod cells into nude mouse oral tongue show invasion and central necrosis of the tumor, similar to the cancers developed human oral tongue cancer. The difference in tumor size and the time of central necrosis development depending on the number of transplanted tumor cells shows the feasibility of extending the survival period of the nude mouse by limiting the transplanted tumor cells to <5x10(4) cells/mouse or under per nude mouse. CONCLUSION: This nude mouse model could be used effectively in developing effective chemotheray agent and establishing an animal experimental model that can be used to study the mechanism of cervical lymph node metastasis of the oral tongue cancer.

Comparative Analysis of the Reference Lines on McNamara's and Delaires Analyses for the Anterior and Posterior Facial Relationship of Maxillofacial Deformity

Heterotopic Gastrointestinal Cyst of the Tongue: Case Report

Osteochondroma of the mandibular inferior border: an atypical case

An osteochondroma is an osseous protuberance with cartilaginous growth potential, usually arising in skeletal bone and relatively uncommon in the craniofacial bone. Osteochondroma of the craniofacial region usually occurs at the condyle or the tip of the coronoid process, and rarely arises in the mandibular body, symphysis, ramus, and similar areas. Excision of the lesion including the periosteum is curative, and recurrence or malignant change (usually to a chondrosarcoma) after treatment is rare. We present an atypical case of osteochondroma in the left mandibular inferior border with review of literature.