Revisits after adenotonsillectomy in children with sleep-disordered breathing: A retrospective single-institution study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate emergency room (ER) revisits and hospital readmissions following adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and correlations between SDB severity and ER revisits. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review study. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre. PARTICIPANT: 610 consecutive children underwent T&A for treating SDB. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sleep-disordered breathing severity was defined according to the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) (primary snoring = AHI < 1; mild = AHI 1-5; moderate = AHI 5-10; and severe = AHI > 10). Revisit and readmission patterns within 30 days of the surgery were extracted and analysed. RESULTS: Of these children (mean age = 7.2 years; males = 72%), 49 (8.0%) had first ER revisit, nine (1.5%) had second ER revisits, and one (0.2%) had third ER revisits. Reasons for ER revisits were bleeding related (46%) or non-bleeding related (54%). The timing for revisits was 6.9±1.9 postoperative days for bleeding-related revisits and 9.3±10.0 days for non-bleeding-related revisits. Treatment strategies during these revisits were treat and release in 44 children (74.6%), admission for observation in eight children (13.5%), and admission for surgery in seven children (11.9%). The incidence of ER revisit and hospital readmission was similar among children with all levels of SDB severity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that young children (<3 years) experienced an increased risk of non-bleeding-related revisits (odds ratio [OR] = 4.1). CONCLUSIONS: Children with severe SDB do not experience increased risks of revisit or readmission; however, young children are at increased risk of non-bleeding-related revisits.

MCT-1 expression and PTEN deficiency synergistically promote neoplastic multinucleation through the Src/p190B signaling activation.

Multinucleation is associated with malignant neoplasms; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the nuclear abnormality remains unclear. Loss or mutation of PTEN promotes the development of malignant tumors. We now demonstrate that increased expression of the oncogene MCT-1 (multiple copies in T-cell malignancy 1) antagonizes PTEN gene presentation, PTEN protein stability and PTEN functional activity, thereby further promoting phosphoinositide 3 kinase/AKT signaling, survival rate and malignancies of the PTEN-deficient cells. In the PTEN-null cancer cells, MCT-1 interacts with p190B and Src in vivo, supporting that they are in proximity of the signaling complexes. MCT-1 overexpression and PTEN loss synergistically augments the Src/p190B signaling function that leads to inhibition of RhoA activity. Under such a condition, the incidence of mitotic catastrophes including spindle multipolarity and cytokinesis failure is enhanced, driving an Src/p190B/RhoA-dependent neoplastic multinucleation. Targeting MCT-1 by the short hairpin RNA markedly represses the Src/p190B function, improves nuclear structures and suppresses xenograft tumorigenicity of the PTEN-null breast cancer cells. Consistent with the oncogenic effects in vitro, clinical evidence has confirmed that MCT-1 gene stimulation is correlated with p190B gene promotion and PTEN gene suppression in human breast cancer. Accordingly, MCT-1 gene induction is recognized as a potential biomarker of breast tumor development. Abrogating MCT-1 function may be a promising stratagem for management of breast cancer involving Src hyperactivation and/or PTEN dysfunction.

T-RFLP reveals high ß-Proteobacteria diversity in microbial fuel cells enriched with domestic wastewater.

AIMS: To assess the biodiversity of a large number of microbial fuel cell (MFC) anodes from a variety of MFC designs, all enriched with domestic wastewater, using a molecular fingerprinting method. METHODS AND RESULTS: We optimized a protocol allowing the rapid characterization of MFC communities using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) with two different sets of primers and a varying number of restriction enzymes. This protocol was further validated by direct comparison with bacterial clone libraries. Twenty-one MFC anodes were analysed by T-RFLP. We also provided a statistical comparison with other bacterial communities from environments sharing common features. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial communities were dominated by ß-Proteobacteria, mostly belonging to the Burkholderiales order, that are known to play an active role in the cycle of metals such as iron and manganese. This property may allow them to properly pass electrons to the anode of an MFC. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Unlike other groups, ß-Proteobacteria have seldom been acknowledged as potentially efficient electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) in MFCs. Yet, they are plentiful in natural environments like biocorrosion biofilms and acid mine drainages that consequently show some potential for MFC enrichment.

Rapid detection of lactobacillus and yeast concentrations using a particle size distribution analyser.

AIMS: To see the possibility of particle size distribution analyser (PSDA) in detecting concentration of lactobacillus contaminants in yeast fermentation. METHODS AND RESULTS: A PSDA was used to rapidly determine the size and concentration of lactobacillus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Data showed that the aerodynamic diameters of Lactobacillus casei and S. cerevisiae cells were around 0.63 and 2.9 microm, respectively, with both cultures showing a linear relationship between cell density and particle count on a size distribution curve of PSDA. In addition, Lactobacillus fermentum showed high similarity in bacterial size distribution and particle count numbers with L. casei. The PSDA also rapidly detected (within 1 min) the cell concentrations of S. cerevisiae and L. casei in a mixed sample with different concentration ratios with 10(7)-10(9) cells ml(-1) of detection range. CONCLUSIONS: PSDA was demonstrated to be useful for the rapid detection of lactobacillus and S. cerevisiae concentrations. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report concerning PSDA to detect the concentration of bacteria and yeast. This method can be useful in the actual field during ethanol fermentation because of relatively easy handling and rapid detection.

Positive regulation of hepatic carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A (CPT1A) activities by soy isoflavones and L-carnitine.

BACKGROUND: Genistein increases CPT1A, a rate-limiting enzyme in the beta-oxidation pathway, enzyme activity by increasing CPT1A transcription in HepG2 cells and, consequently, suppresses high fat induced obesity in C57BL/6J mice. Genistein and daidzein are the most abundant isoflavones in soy. AIM OF STUDY: To investigate the effect of co-treatment of genistein and L-carnitine on CPT1A enzyme activity and to determine whether daidzein also increases CPT1A activity and to establish a cell line that can be used to screen chemicals to regulate CPT1A transcription. METHODS: The enzyme activities of CPT1A were determined after HepG2 cells were incubated with 10 microM genistein or 10 microM daidzein or 1 mM L-carnitine or in combination with 10 microM genistein and 1 mM L-carnitine or in combination with 10 microM daidzein and 1 mM L-carnitine. The mRNA expression levels of CPT1A were determined by real time PCR method after HepG2 cells were incubated with 10 microM genistein or 10 microM daidzein. A suggested CPT1A promoter region was cloned from human genomic DNA and the CPT1A promoter-luciferase reporter gene construct was made, and the promoter-reporter gene construct was transfected into human hepatoma cell line Huh7. RESULTS: The enzyme activity of CPT1A was at least 2.3- fold higher in L-carnitine and genistein co-treated HepG2 cells than either single-agent treated cells. Daidzein also significantly increased the mRNA expression of CPT1A as well as the enzyme activity of CPT1A. A stable Huh7 cell line, which was selected after Huh7 cells were transfected with CPT1A promoter luciferase reporter gene construct, was characterized by confirming that luciferase activity of the cell line can be regulated by genistein and daidzein as well as clofibrate, a well-known CPT1A mRNA up-regulating drug. CONCLUSIONS: Genistein and daidzein can up-regulate CPT1A enzyme activity through up-regulation of CPT1A transcription. Co-treatment of L-carnitine and genistein additively increases CPT1A enzyme activity in HepG2 cells. A stable Huh7 cell line transfected with the CPT1A promoter luciferase reporter gene was established and characterized.

Interleukin-18 gene polymorphisms in Korean patients with Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVE: There is strong evidence that Th1-type cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of Behçet's disease (BD). Interleukin (IL)-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine that mediates Th1-polarized immune responses, and elevated levels of IL-18 have been observed in the sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with active BD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential associations of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions -137 (G/C) and -607 (C/A) in the promoter region of the IL-18 gene with a susceptibility to BD in the Korean population. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients with BD and 105 healthy controls were studied. All of the subjects were genotyped using sequence specific PCR. The genotypes and alleles between patients with BD and controls were compared using the chi2 test, together with Yate's correction where appropriate. Haplotype analysis was assessed using the EH program. RESULTS: The genotype and allele distributions of the two SNPs did not differ significantly between patients with BD and controls. The haplotype frequencies of the IL-18 promoter polymorphisms were also similar between patients with BD and controls. However, the frequency of the GG genotype at position -137 was significantly higher in BD patients with ocular lesions than in those without ocular lesions (p = 0.026, pc = 0.048, OR = 4.1). CONCLUSION: Although the IL-18 gene polymorphisms were not associated with a susceptibility to BD in the Korean population, the patients carrying the GG genotype at position -137 had a higher risk of developing the ocular lesions. Further studies in other populations are required to confirm these results.

Dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction by an electrochemically active lactic acid bacterium phylogenetically related to Enterococcus gallinarum isolated from submerged soil.

AIMS: The isolation and identification of a glucose-oxidizing Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (FRB) with electrochemical activity from an anoxic environment, and characterization of the role of Fe(III) in its metabolism. METHODS AND RESULTS: A Gram-positive (Firmicutes), nonmotile, coccoid and facultative anaerobic FRB was isolated based on its ability to reduce Fe(III). Using the Vitek Gram-positive identification card kit and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolate was identified as Enterococcus gallinarum, designated strain MG25. On glucose this isolate produced lactate plus small amounts of acetate, formate and CO2 and its growth rates were similar in the presence and absence of Fe(O)OH. These results suggest that MG25 can couple glucose oxidation to Fe(III) reduction, but without conservation of energy to support growth. Cyclic voltammetry showed that strain MG25 was electrochemically active. CONCLUSIONS: An electrochemically active and FRB, E. gallinarum MG25, was isolated from submerged soil. Fe(III) is used in the bacterial metabolism as an electron sink. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report concerning the electrochemical activity of glucose-oxidizing FRB, E. gallinarum. This organism and others like it could be used as new biocatalysts to improve the performance of a mediator-less microbial fuel cell.

Comparison of SAR (sodium adsorption ratio) between RO and NF processes for the reclamation of secondary effluent.

Secondary effluent reclamation and reuse has been considered as an alternative for agricultural irrigation water. Whilst all constituents in the reclaimed wastewater could affect plant growth and soil characteristics, the most important parameters for agricultural irrigation are salinity and SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio). Salinity affects the availability of crop water and sodium causes clay soils to disperse. Membrane technologies, especially NF (Nano-Filtration) and RO (Reverse Osmosis), have played in a key role reclaiming the secondary effluent. RO can remove monovalent and divalent cations simultaneously. However NF processes reject preferably divalent cations and most monovalent ions are allowed to pass through the NF membranes. This could make them have different SAR values for both NF and RO processes. Therefore the primary objective of this study is to examine if the SAR values of the reclaimed water could be changed while they undergo NF and RO processes. The measured SAR values of the secondary effluent, NF permeate, and RO permeate were 1.78, 4.67, and 0.72 respectively. The SAR value after NF (4.67) increased to more than twice that of the feed solution, whereas the SAR of the RO permeate decreased to 0.72. In general, the higher SAR the water has, the greater risk the soils have. Although the SAR value after NF was within the safe range, this increased SAR value will affect permeability of soil, thus limiting the reclaimed wastewater use for as agricultural irrigation water. Consequently, when the NF system is used for the reclamation of the secondary effluent, SAR has to be examined first because potentially it tends to increase the SAR value.

Enrichment of microbial community generating electricity using a fuel-cell-type electrochemical cell.

A fuel cell was used to enrich a microbial consortium generating electricity, using organic wastewater as the fuel. Within 30 days of enrichment the maximum current of 0.2 mA was generated with a resistance of 1 kOhms. Current generation was coupled to a fall in chemical oxygen demand from over 1,700 mg l(-1) down to 50 mg l(-1). Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis showed a different microbial population in the enriched electrode from that in the sludge used as the inoculum. Electron microscopic observation showed a biofilm on the electrode surface and microbial clumps. Nanobacteria-like particles were present on the biofilm surface. Metabolic inhibitors and electron acceptors inhibited the current generation. 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis showed a diverse bacterial population in the enrichment culture. These findings demonstrate that an electricity-generating microbial consortium can be enriched using a fuel cell and that the electrochemical activity is a form of anaerobic electron transfer.

Domestic wastewater treatment by a submerged MBR (membrane bio-reactor) with enhanced air sparging.

The air sparging technique has been recognised as an effective way to control membrane fouling. However, its application to a submerged MBR (Membrane Bio-Reactor) has not yet been reported. This paper deals with the performances of air sparging on a submerged MBR for wastewater treatment. Two kinds of air sparging techniques were used respectively. First, air is injected into the membrane tube channels so that mixed liquor can circulate in the bioreactor (air-lift mode). Second, a periodic air-jet into the membrane tube is introduced (air-jet mode). Their applicability was evaluated with a series of lab-scale experiments using domestic wastewater. The flux increased from 23 to 33 l m(-2) h(-1) (43% enhancement) when air was injected for the air-lift module. But further increase of flux was not observed as the gas flow increased. The Rc/(Rc+Rf), ratio of cake resistance (Rc) to sum of Rc and Rf (internal fouling resistance), was 23%, indicating that the Rc is not the predominant resistance unlike other MBR studies. It showed that the cake layer was removed sufficiently due to the air injection. Thus, an increase of airflow could not affect the flux performance. The air-jet module suffered from a clogging problem with accumulated sludge inside the lumen. Because the air-jet module has characteristics of dead end filtration, a periodic air-jet was not enough to blast all the accumulated sludge out. But flux was greater than in the air-lift module if the clogging was prevented by an appropriate cleaning regime such as periodical backwashing.

Proteolytic enzyme conjugated to SC-glucan as an enzymatic transdermal drug penetration enhancer.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of papain, a proteolytic enzyme, on the percutaneous absorption of drugs. To guarantee the enzyme stability during the skin penetration, papain was modified by the conjugation to SC-glucan. The enhancing activity of drug penetration was evaluated using antipyrine and indomethacin as hydrophilic and hydrophobic model drugs, respectively. The SC-glucan-papain conjugate was found to be very effective for facilitating the percutaneous absorption of antipyrine. Microscopic observations showed that the thickness of stratum corneum and viable epidermis was increased by the treatment of the SC-glucan-papain conjugate. Moreover, it induced phase separation, lacuna formation, and lamellar disruption within the stratum corneum interstices. These structural changes by the SC-glucan-papain conjugate are likely to be induced from hydrolysis of extensive crosslinking of corneocyte envelopes and intracellular proteins. However, the SC-glucan-papain conjugate showed no skin irritation according to the Draize test, which may be due to the difficulty of the SC-glucan-papain conjugate in penetrating into the skin.

Investigation of jewelry powders radiating far-infrared rays and the biological effects on human skin.

Far-infrared rays have certain kinds of effects on the human body, especially on skin, blood circulation, and skin cell vitalizing. Some jewelry powders radiate far-infrared rays. Jade has powerful far-infrared ray radiation, and tourmaline has pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties and radiated far-infrared rays. The jewelry powders (fine powdered jade and tourmaline powders) were screened by far-infrared rays for radiation properties and tested for the effects of far-infrared rays on the human skin by temperature observation using an infrared thermal analyzer.

Effect of pump shear on the performance of a crossflow membrane bioreactor.

The influences of pumping shear on the performance of a crossflow membrane bioreactor (MBR) were investigated. To compare the intensity of pumping shear, two types of pumps (a centrifugal pump and a rotary one) were used in turn to recirculate mixed liquor. Rotary pump system imposed much stronger shear to microbial floc than centrifugal one and resulted in severe floc breakage. Colloidal particles and organics were liberated from microbial floc by shear and caused rapid loss of membrane permeability by the formation of dense cake layers on the surface of membrane. Recirculation of mixed liquor with a rotary pump gradually increased the soluble COD in the bioreactor and deteriorated microbial activity. After 7 days' operation, specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) of microorganisms in rotary pump system reduced to 78%, of initial condition. With a centrifugal pump, however, buildup of soluble COD was not observed and change in microbial activity was negligible. Sludge yield in MBR process was lower than that (0.4-0.5 g MLVSS gCOD(-1)) reported in a conventional activated sludge process: 0.3 g MLVSS gCOD(-1) for the centrifugal pump system and 0.2 g MLVSS gCOD(-1) for the rotary pump system.

Formulation of defined media for carbon monoxide fermentation by Eubacterium limosum KIST612 and the growth characteristics of the bacterium.

Phosphate-buffered (PBBM) and carbonate-buffered (CBBM) basal media were used in the formulation of defined media for the cultivation of Eubacterium limosum KIST612 with carbon monoxide (CO) as the sole energy source. The bacterium was adapted to the minimal media by sequential passage in media containing casamino acids and those containing ammonium chloride in the place of yeast extract. Biological growth was slower with a lower growth yield in the defined minimal media than in PBBM or CBBM. More butyrate was produced in phosphate-buffered media than in carbonate-buffered media. The bacteria grew without any organic nitrogen in the presence of trace quantities of biotin and pantothenic acid. Anaerobic digester fluid stimulated bacterial growth.

Use of sulfite and hydrogen peroxide to control bacterial contamination in ethanol fermentation.

Lactic acid bacteria isolated from an industrial-scale ethanol fermentation process were used to evaluate sulfite as a bacterial-contamination control agent in a cell-recycled continuous ethanol fermentation process. The viabilities of bacteria were decreased by sulfite at concentrations of 100 to 400 mg liter-1, while sulfite at the same concentrations did not change the viability of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain used in this process. Sulfite was effective only in the presence of oxygen. Bacteria showed differences in their susceptibilities to sulfite. Facultatively heterofermentative Lactobacillus casei 4-3 was more susceptible than was obligatory heterofermentative Lactobacillus fermentum 7-1. The former showed higher enzyme activities involved in the production and consumption of hydrogen peroxide than did the latter. The viability of L. fermentum 7-1 could be selectively controlled by hydrogen peroxide at concentrations of 1 to 10 mM. Based on these findings, it is hypothesized that the sulfur trioxide radical anions formed by peroxidase in the presence of hydrogen peroxide are responsible for the control of contaminating bacteria. Sulfite did not kill the yeast strain, which has catalase to degrade hydrogen peroxide. A cell-recycled continuous ethanol fermentation process was run successfully with sulfite treatments.

Sapogenins from Melandrium firmum.

Two sapogenins isolated from MELANDRIUM FIRMUM are shown to have the structures of 3beta,21beta-dihydroxy-16,23,dioxo-28-nor-17alpha,18beta-olean-12-ene and 3beta-16alpha-dihydroxy-23-oxo-olean-13(18)-en-28-oic acid, respectively by spectral data and X-ray crystallographic analysis.