Immunologic regulatory effects of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a murine ovalbumin asthma model.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have multiple immunomodulatory properties and hold therapeutic potential for inflammatory diseases. However, the therapeutic and immunologic effects of human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (huMSCs) remain largely unexamined for asthma. OBJECTIVE: This study was to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of huMSCs in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine asthma model. METHODS: Mice were injected intraperitoneally with OVA and an aluminium hydroxide adjuvant. huMSCs were administered via the tail vein (5×105 cells/100 uL) to female BALB/c mice prior to the initial OVA challenge. The effects of huMSCs were assessed by investigating airway hyperresponsiveness, histological changes, inflammatory cell numbers, serum allergen-specific antibodies, cytokine production in spleen, lung tissue, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid as well as expansion of regulatory T cells. RESULTS: Administration of huMSCs significantly reduced methacholine bronchial hyperresponsiveness and eosinophil counts in BAL cells. Similarly, there was a significant decrease in serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 levels along with Th2 cytokine production (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in the lung and spleen tissues, whereas increased percentage of regulatory T cells was observed after treatment with huMSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that huMSC treatment reduces OVA-induced allergic inflammation, which could be mediated by regulatory T cells.

High-resolution electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing of stretchable metal oxide semiconductor transistors with high performance.

As demands for high pixel densities and wearable forms of displays increase, high-resolution printing technologies to achieve high performance transistors beyond current amorphous silicon levels and to allow low-temperature solution processability for plastic substrates have been explored as key processes in emerging flexible electronics. This study describes electrohydrodynamic inkjet (e-jet) technology for direct printing of oxide semiconductor thin film transistors (TFTs) with high resolution (minimum line width: 2 µm) and superb performance, including high mobility (∼230 cm2 V-1 s-1). Logic operations of the amplifier circuits composed of these e-jet-printed metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) TFTs demonstrate their high performance. Printed In2O TFTs with e-jet printing-assisted high-resolution S/D electrodes were prepared, and the direct printing of passivation layers on these channels enhanced their gate-bias stabilities significantly. Moreover, low process temperatures (<250 °C) enable the use of thin plastic substrates; highly flexible and stretchable TFT arrays have been demonstrated, suggesting promise for next-generation printed electronics.

Combined bio-regeneration and ion-exchange system for perchlorate removal.

In order to prove that perchlorate-laden resins could be bio-regenerated through direct contact with perchlorate-reducing bacteria (PRB), a combined bio-regeneration and ion-exchange (IX) system was operated. Two kinds of perchlorate-laden resins, nitrate-selective A520E and perchlorate-selective A530E, were successfully regenerated by PRB cultivated under anaerobic conditions. The bio-regeneration efficiency of perchlorate-laden resins increased with the amount of flow passed through the IX column. When the fully exhausted resin was bio-regenerated for 10 days at the flow rate of 2 BV (bed volume)/min and mixed liquor suspended solids concentration of 80 mg/L, almost 100% of IX capacity was recovered. A520E resin had higher bio-regeneration efficiency than A530E under all conditions, probably due to the fact that the perchlorate ion is more strongly bonded to the functional group of perchlorate-selective A530E resin. Measurement of perchlorate concentrations in the column effluents also revealed that the amount of perchlorate eluted from A520E resin was higher than that from A530E resin. Since only 10-20% of perchlorate was eluted from the resin during 10 days of bio-regeneration, the main mechanism of bio-regeneration appears to be the direct reduction of perchlorate by PRB on the resin.

Establishing the Origin of Elevated Uranium Concentrations in Groundwater near the Central Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt, Korea.

We examined the origin of the U-enriched groundwater in Daejeon, near the Ogcheon U zone in Korea. For this study, groundwater ionic species and C, S, and Sr isotopic compositions were analyzed. The U-enriched groundwater occurred only in the Daejeon granite region, while all the groundwater in the Ogcheon Supergroup showed very low U concentrations. In the granite region, the pedospheric or atmospheric origin of dissolved C and S means that the aquifer has been well connected to the oxidized surface environment. The Sr/Sr ratios indicated a lithospheric origin of Sr. Groundwater isotopic compositions in the Ogcheon belt varied greatly, indicating their complex sources. In this region, dissolved C originated from graphite-rich slate and limestone. The broad range of δS suggested that the composite sources included atmospheric SO for most groundwater, lithogenic SO for mine drainage and quarry water, and anthropogenic SO for polluted groundwater. This study indicates that the U-enriched groundwater is not related to the present U ores in the Ogcheon belt but is genetically associated with the granite body itself. The varying but considerable U contents within the granite body can be present as isolated groups. We infer that locally high U contents in the Daejeon granite might inherently be due to assimilation of the Ogcheon U-mineralized zone into granitic melt during the Mesozoic; however, the pH and Eh conditions except aquifer geology were very important factors in developing highly enriched U groundwater in the Daejeon granite region. Thermodynamic modeling highlights the importance of dissolved Ca and (bi-)carbonate in U geochemistry.

Mohs' micrographic surgery for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

BACKGROUND: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft-tissue tumour with a high local recurrence rate. Recent reports indicate more favourable cure rates with Mohs' micrographic surgery (MMS). AIM: To investigate the beneficial use of MMS for DFSP in a single institution in Korea. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of pertinent demographic data, tumour data, treatment characteristics and follow-up data of 11 patients between 1997 and 2007. A review of literature for treatment methods and recurrence rates of DFSP was also performed. RESULTS: In total, 11 patients (7 female, 4 male; mean age 26.9 years, range 3-36) with DFSP were identified and analysed. A mean number of 1.8 MMS layers were required to clear the tumour. All tumours were excised and reconstructed by the surgeon. There were no identifiable recurrences in the follow-up period of an average of 26 months. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of primary and recurrent DFSP by MMS results in a low recurrence rate with possible benefits of smaller defects compared with wide local excision. This study provides further support for MMS as the treatment of choice for DFSP.

Duct-to-duct biliary reconstructions and complications in 100 living donor liver transplantations.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the risk factors for biliary complications and surgical procedures for duct-to-duct reconstructions in adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 2005 to March 2008, we performed 100 cases of adult LDLT with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction, using 64 right lobe grafts, 33 left lobe grafts, and 3 right lateral grafts. We employed 4 types of duct-to-duct procedures: all interrupted 6-0 Prolene suture (group 1, n = 9); continuous posterior and interrupted anterior wall 6-0 Prolene suture (group 2, n = 49); all continuous 7-0 Prolene suture (group 3, n = 26); and all continuous 7-0 Prolene suture with external stent (group 4, n = 16). Biliary complications were defined as an anastomosis stricture or a leakage. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients experienced biliary complications during the follow-up period (median, 27 months). The incidence of stricture was 27% and that of leakage, 8%. There were no perioperative, intraoperative, or anatomic risk factors for biliary complications, except the type of duct-to-duct procedure. Group 1 and 2 patients showed higher incidences of biliary strictures than groups 3 and 4 (43.1% vs 4.7%; P = .00). Group 3 patients experienced a higher incidence of bile leakage than the other groups (23.1% vs 2.7%; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: The type of biliary reconstruction is a factor affecting biliary complications following duct-to-duct anastomosis in LDLT. Duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis with 7-0 monofilament suture and a small external stent is a feasible procedure in LDLT that significantly reduces the incidence of biliary complications.

Effects of neolignans from the stem bark of Magnolia obovata on plant pathogenic fungi.

AIMS: To characterize antifungal principles from the methanol extract of Magnolia obovata and to evaluate their antifungal activities against various plant pathogenic fungi. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four neolignans were isolated from stem bark of M. obovata as antifungal principles and identified as magnolol, honokiol, 4-methoxyhonokiol and obovatol. In mycelial growth inhibition assay, both magnolol and honokiol displayed more potent antifungal activity than 4-methoxyhonokiol and obovatol. Both magnolol and honokiol showed similar in vivo antifungal spectrum against seven plant diseases tested; both compounds effectively suppressed the development of rice blast, tomato late blight, wheat leaf rust and red pepper anthracnose. 4-Methoxyhonokiol and obovatol were highly active to only rice blast and wheat leaf rust respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The extract of M. obovata and four neolignans had potent in vivo antifungal activities against plant pathogenic fungi. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Neolignans from Magnolia spp. can be used and suggested as a novel antifungal lead compound for the development of new fungicide and directly as a natural fungicide for the control of plant diseases such as rice blast and wheat leaf rust.

Comparison of functional results with navigation-assisted minimally invasive and conventional techniques in bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

This study was undertaken to compare the clinical and radiological results achieved using navigation-assisted minimally invasive surgery (NA-MIS) and conventional (CON) techniques in 42 bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients with a minimum follow-up of one year. Clinical evaluations were performed using range of motion (ROM), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores, and Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) scores (pain, functional, and total) at 3, 6 and 9 months and one year postoperatively. Patients' subjective preferences and radiological indices, including mechanical axis and coronal inclinations of the prostheses, were compared at one year postoperatively. NA-MIS TKA yielded better HSS and WOMAC total scores than CON TKA up to six months, and a better WOMAC pain score up to 9 months. However, these differences were not significant at one year postoperatively. ROM was comparable in both groups at all times, but more patients preferred the NA-MIS side to the CON side. Radiological results showed no differences in mean values between the two surgical groups, although the NA-MIS group contained fewer outliers than the CON group. In conclusion, NA-MIS TKA was associated with better clinical results up to 6 or 9 months after surgery, giving more accurate leg alignment than CON TKA.

Taste and odour issues in South Korea's drinking water industry.

This paper reviews taste and odour (T&O) issues of South Korea's water industry. For this purpose, an overview of the water supply systems and drinking water standards is presented and some results from citizen surveys for customer satisfaction are included. A case study is presented in which the water intake was shifted from inside a main reservoir to a downstream location due to T&O problems. It is true that the South Korean water industry has long relied on the tolerance of consumers for periodic T&O events. Recently the South Korean water industry has become aware that the T&O problems are at the centre of consumers' concerns and has taken several positive approaches. These include monitoring T&O events using sensory and instrumental methods, installation of a baffled-channel PAC contactor and application of advanced water treatment processes.

Hormonal change and cytokine mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during the development of canine autoimmune thyroiditis.

To elucidate the hormonal change and alteration in cytokine expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) during the early stage of autoimmune thyroiditis, we have developed a canine model of this disease, in which normal dogs were immunized with bovine thyroglobulin (Tg) and/or canine thyroid extract. Serum samples were collected weekly, anti-canine Tg antibody was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and total T4 levels by radioimmunoassay. We also assayed T lymphocyte proliferation in response to Tg, as well as measuring cytokine mRNA by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). All six dogs immunized with bovine Tg had both canine Tg autoantibody and anti-T4 antibody. When the sample from the highest TgAA titre time-point was compared with baseline the expression of mRNA encoding the Th1-type cytokine such as interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-15 was increased during the development of autoimmune thyroiditis. Expression of the Th2-type cytokine, IL-6 showed minimal change and IL-4 expression was not detected in any of the samples. Expression of the T suppressive cytokine, IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta was increased in the presence of antigen stimulation. These findings suggest that, although autoimmune thyroiditis is an organ-specific autoimmune disease, systemic cytokine mRNA expression is also changed.

Use of hydrocyclone and flotation column for reducing the volume of contaminated dredged material.

As sediment contamination problems have recently been raised in Korea, the need for technologies to clean contaminants in sediments has increased. Although the recalcitrant organic matters and heavy metals in the contaminated sediments are of primary concern, large amounts of sediment makes the removal of the contaminants in them more difficult. In this study, the performance of hydrocyclone and flotation column was tested to reduce the volume of contaminated dredged materials (CDMs) prior to treating recalcitrant matters, such as various organic chemicals and heavy metals, in an integrated treatment system. When hydrocyclone was operated with 10% (w/v) solids concentration of the feed slurry, the total solids of upflow products were 4 to 7% (w/v) when the inlet pressure was changed from 1.0 to 2.0 kg/cm2. The volume reduction ratio of CDMs by hydrocyclone was approximately 90% (v/v). When the upflow products in hydrocyclone was then spiked with automobile transmission oil and fed to the flotation colum to see the performance of the column flotation on the volume reduction and the TPH removal, 44% of the TPHs in feed were removed at the tails and the volume reduction ratio of CDMs by column flotation was 18% at 200 L/min of wash water. The flotation column could be proposed as a potential preliminary treatment process of CDMs prior to subsequent biological treatments.

A modified two-incision minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty: technique and short-term results.

Between 2003 and 2005, a total of 425 consecutive cases with a modified two-incision minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA) were performed at our hospital. We analysed 225 cas-es with greater than 12 months follow-up clinically and radiographically. The mean operative time was 70 minutes. Patients could walk on crutches at 1.5 days and discontinued crutch use at an average of 3 weeks. Patients were able to walk upstairs without support at 4 weeks. Radiographic analysis showed the mean lateral opening angle and anteversion of the acetabular components were 43.0 and 17.3, and 97% of the femoral stems were in neutral alignment. There was no radiographic evidence of component migration or subsidence at the most recent follow-up. Therefore, from these early results, a modified two-incision THA was found to be an excellent surgical modality, which allows early rehabilitation and does not increase complications when compared to other MIS two-incision THA techniques.

The incidence of Perthes' disease in Korea: a focus on differences among races.

The purpose of this study was to determine the annual incidence of Perthes' disease in Korea and compare this with other populations. A survey identified all newly diagnosed children with Perthes' disease aged 14 years or younger in South Honam, Korea, between January 1999 and December 2001. A total of 84 children were included: 29 in 1999, 28 in 2000 and 27 in 2001. The mean annual incidence was 3.8 per 100 000. This is similar to that reported in other Asian countries, but higher than in black populations and lower than in Caucasians.

Treatment of spent brine from a nitrate exchange process using combined biological denitrification and sulfate precipitation.

A combined biological denitrification and sulfate precipitation process was developed to treat and reuse the spent brine produced by a nitrate exchange system. Although the spent brine contained a relatively high salt concentration, more than 80% of NO3(-)-N fed into the denitrification reactors was removed at a nitrate-N loading rate of 2.2 g NO3(-)-N/l x day, regardless of the presence or absence of sulfate up to 8,000 mg/l. Sulfate present in the spent brine was successfully removed by the addition of BaCl2 and the settling velocity of BaSO4 suspension was remarkably enhanced by FeCl3 coagulation. Since most of the chloride consumed in regenerating the exhausted resins was replaced during chemical treatment with BaCl2 and FeCl3, it was possible to reuse the treated spent brine as a regenerant after compensating for the small amount of unreplaced NaCl.

Mechanisms of neuronal cell death in Huntington's disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetically dominant neurodegenerative condition caused by an unique mutation in the disease gene huntingtin. Although the Huntington protein (Htt) is ubiquitously expressed, expansion of the polyglutamine tract in Htt leads to the progressive loss of specific neuronal subpopulations in HD brains. In this article, we will summarize the current understanding on mechanisms of how mutant Htt can elicit cytotoxicity, as well as how the selective sets of neuronal cell death occur in HD brains.

The quantification and characterization of endocrine disruptor bisphenol-A leaching from epoxy resin.

Bisphenol-A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, is a main building block of epoxy resin which has been widely used as a surface coating agent on residential water storage tanks. Therefore, BPA leaching from the epoxy resin can adversely affect human health. In this study, BPA leaching from three epoxy resins were quantified at 20, 50, 75 and 100 degrees C both in deionized water and the specified test water, respectively. BPA leached to the test water was identified using GC-MS and quantified with GC-FID after a sequential extraction and concentration. The results showed that BPA leaching has occurred in all three samples tested. The quantity of BPA from unit area of epoxy resin coating was in the range of 01.68-273. 12 microg/m2 for sample A, 29.74-1734.05 microg/m2 for sample B and 52.86-548.78 microg/m2 for sample C depending on the test temperature, respectively. In general, the amount of BPA leashing increased as the water temperature increases. This result implies a higher risk of BPA leaching to drinking water during a summer season. In addition, microbial growth, measured by colony forming units, in epoxy coated water tanks was higher than that in a stainless steel tank. The results suggest that compounds leaching from epoxy resin may support the growth of microorganisms in a residential water holding tank.

New cytotoxic sesterterpenes from the sponge Sarcotragus species.

Five new (1-3, 5, and 7) and two known (4, 6) furanosesterterpene tetronic acids were isolated from the marine sponge Sarcotragus sp. by bioactivity-guided fractionation. These compounds showed cytotoxicity against a panel of five human tumor cell lines. The gross structures were established on the basis of NMR and MS analyses. The compounds showed interesting variations of geometry and absolute configuration.

Cytotoxic diacetylenes from the stony coral Montipora species.

Ten new (1, 4-6, 9-14) and four known (2, 3, 7, 8) diacetylenes have been isolated from a brine shrimp active fraction of the methanolic extract of the stony coral Montipora sp. The structures were determined by combined spectroscopic methods. The compounds exhibited significant cytotoxicity against a small panel of human solid tumor cell lines. Montiporyne A (15), a previously reported congener, was also found to induce apoptosis in human colon tumor cell.

Additional bioactive Lyso-PAF congeners from the sponge Spirastrella abata.

A known (1) and four new (2--5) lyso-PAF (platelet activating factor) derivatives were isolated from the sponge Spirastrella abata. Two of them are unprecedented in having a methoxy group at C-2'. The structures have been determined by combined spectroscopic methods. Their inhibitory effect on the biosynthesis of cholesterol and cytotoxicity against human solid tumor cell lines are reported.