Population-based, three-dimensional analysis of age- and sex-related femur shaft geometry differences.

This study deals with differences of femoral geometric focus on the bowing and width. Analysis using three-dimensional skeletonization showed increase of femoral bowing and femur width over life (more in women), and widening of the medullary canal only in women after 50 years old, not in men. INTRODUCTION: The changes in femur geometry that occur with aging and lead to fragility or insufficiency fracture remain unclear. The role of the lower limb geometry, including the femur and femoral bowing, has become a point of discussion, especially in atypical femur fracture. This study aimed to analyze femur shaft geometry using three-dimensional skeletonization. METHODS: We acquired computed tomography images of both femurs obtained. A total of 1400 age- and sex-stratified participants were enrolled and were divided into subgroups according to age (by decade) and sex. The computed tomography images were used to produce 3-dimensional samplings of anatomical elements of the human femur using reconstruction and parametrization from these datasets. The process of skeletonization was conducted to obtain compact representation of the femur. With the skeletonization, we were able to compare all parameters according to age and sex. RESULTS: The femur length was 424.4 ± 28.6 mm and was longer in men (P < 0.001). The minimum diameter of the medullary canal was 8.9 ± 2.0 mm. The radius of curvature (ROC) was 906.9 ± 193.3 mm. Men had a larger femur length, femur outer diameter, and the narrowest medullary diameter (P < 0.001, respectively). Women had significantly smaller ROC (P < 0.001). ROC decreased by 19.4% in men and 23.6% in women between the ages of 20 to 89 years. Femur width increased over life by 11.4% in men and 24.5% in women. Between the ages of 50 and 89 years, the medullary canal appears to have increased by 32.7% in women. CONCLUSION: This geometry analysis demonstrated that femoral bowing and femoral width increased related to aging, and that the medullary canal widened after the age of 50 years in women. This cross-sectional study revealed important age- and sex-related differences in femur shaft geometry that occur with aging.

A multi-center study on recurrent inguinal hernias: assessment of surgeons' compliance to guideline-based repair and evaluation of short-term outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: As patients with recurrent inguinal hernia (RIH) are at a higher risk of perioperative complications, international guidelines have been developed to mitigate these risks by recommending the reverse approach for repair. We aim to study the characteristics of RIH, compliance to guidelines-based repair (GR) and determine factors influencing compliance to guidelines. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with RIH was carried out at two tertiary institutions in Singapore, over 10 years from January 2010 to 2020. RESULTS: There were 16 patients with bilateral recurrences and 214 patients with unilateral recurrences. The characteristics of patients with non-guidelines-based repair (NGR) versus GR were similar, p > 0.05. GR was performed for 128 (52.1%) hernias as compared to NGR for 118 (47.9%) hernias. The open approach was more common in NGR than GR, 115/118 (89.8%) versus 58/128 (45.3%), p < 0.001. Forty (n = 40, 16.3%) RIH presented emergently, of which 37 underwent NGR while 3 underwent GR, p < 0.0001. More consultants were present during GR 103/128 (80.5%) as compared to NGR 78/118 (66.1%), p = 0.018. Emergency presentation of hernia recurrence, OR 7.74 (CI 6.11-9.20), p = 0.005, and open repair during the index repair were significantly associated with NGR, OR 6.63 (CI 4.42-8.84), p = 0.01. Median length of stay was shorter in the GR 1 day (IQR 1-2 days) versus 2 days (IQR 2-5 days) in the NGR group, p = 0.02. CONCLUSION: The compliance rate of GR for RIH is 52%. NGR for RIH had acceptable short-term outcomes. For elective presentation of RIH, GR should be encouraged given a shorter length of hospital stay.

Molecular sequence typing reveals genotypic diversity among Escherichia coli isolates recovered from a cantaloupe packinghouse in Northwestern Mexico.

The increase in the consumption of fresh produce has correlated with a rise in the number of reported foodborne illnesses. To identify potential risk factors associated with postharvest practices, the present study employed multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for the genotypic classification of Escherichia coli isolates recovered from three sources sampled at seven operational stages in a cantaloupe packinghouse in Northwestern Mexico. The MLST analysis results indicated that the E. coli isolates were classified into 18 different sequence types (ST), and 11 of these STs were found to be novel. ST-171 was the predominant type and was found in 19% (7/36) of the recovered isolates. Interestingly, the novel ST-827 was found to be significantly associated with isolates recovered from workers' hands, sampled during final postwash stages. Further phylogenetic analyses to examine the relatedness of the STs revealed genetic heterogeneity. Fourteen of the identified STs were assigned to known clonal groups, while the remaining four novel STs were distinct and did not cluster with any clonal group. The present study has provided the first evidence indicating that several sources from distinct operational stages in a cantaloupe packinghouse may contribute to a genotypic and phylogenetic diverse set of E. coli isolates. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Packinghouses can be considered as a potential source of microbial contamination. Using multilocus sequence typing, this study identified a genotypic and phylogenetic diverse set of Escherichia coli isolates recovered from the surfaces of cantaloupes, workers' hands and processing equipment at a cantaloupe packinghouse. A total of 61% of the sequence types identified were novel, and a distinct sequence type, ST-827, was significantly associated with worker's hands, sampled during the final postwash operational stages in the packinghouse. These findings serve as a baseline to identify potential sources of microbial contamination at distinct operational stages in a cantaloupe packinghouse.

Effects of a novel light-curable material on odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp cells.

AIM: To assess the biological effects, including odontoblastic differentiation of a novel light-curable material (TheraCal), on human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). METHODOLOGY: The hDPCs were isolated from freshly extracted, caries-free third molars. Ten discs of TheraCal and MTA (8 mm in diameter and 3 mm in height) were incubated in α-minimum essential medium (α-MEM) and the supernatant collected. Viability of hDPCs in response to TheraCal and MTA was measured using the WST-1 assay. RT-PCR and real-time PCR were used to detect the gene expression of dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentine matrix protein-1 (DMP-1). ALP staining and Alizarin red S staining were used to evaluate the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and mineralization behaviour. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test were used to determine the statistically significant differences as a result of the variation in test materials (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The effects of TheraCal and MTA on cell viability were similar except at the highest concentration. The mRNA level of DSPP increased significantly in the MTA group relative to the control at day 1 and 3 (P < 0.05). Also, the mRNA level of DSPP increased significantly in the TheraCal group relative to the control at day 3 (P < 0.05). The increased mRNA level of DMP-1 was 2.5-fold and 2.3-fold each in the MTA and TheraCal groups relative to the control (P < 0.05). Cells exposed to MTA exhibited a 1.4-fold increase of ALP staining relative to control (P < 0.05). In the mineralization assay, increased calcium nodule formation was twofold and 1.3-fold each in the MTA and TheraCal groups compared to the control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TheraCal and MTA had the ability to induce odontoblastic differentiation and mineralization of hDPCs.

Dorsal intercalated segmental instability associated with malunion of a reconstructed scaphoid.

We analysed scaphoid deformity as a result of surgical treatment of scaphoid fracture nonunion and assessed the deformity associated with a dorsal intercalated segmental instability pattern of carpal malalignment. A total of 45 patients who were treated for scaphoid fracture nonunion were included in the study. The height-to-length ratio of the scaphoid was measured on computed tomographic images and used to assess scaphoid deformity. Carpal malalignment was quantified based on the radio-lunate angle. A correlation analysis between the height-to-length ratio and the radio-lunate angle was performed. Dorsal intercalated segmental instability was defined as a radio-lunate angle >15°, and a receiver operating curve analysis was used to calculate the cutoff height-to-length ratio that can be accompanied with dorsal intercalated segmental instability. Extension of the lunate increases in proportion to the flexion deformity of the scaphoid; dorsal intercalated segmental instability can occur if the height-to-length ratio of the scaphoid is >0.73. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The development of a quantitative scoring system to predict whether a large-to-massive rotator cuff tear can be arthroscopically repaired.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to develop a quantitative scoring system to predict whether a large-to-massive rotator cuff tear was arthroscopically reparable prior to surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the pre-operative MR imaging and surgical records of 87 patients (87 shoulders) who underwent arthroscopic repair of a large-to-massive rotator cuff tear. Patients were divided into two groups, based on the surgical outcome of the repair. Of the 87 patients, 53 underwent complete repair (Group I) and 34 an incomplete repair (Group II). Pre-operative MR images were reviewed to quantify several variables. Between-group differences were evaluated and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the predictive value of significant variables. The reparability index (RI) was constructed using the odds ratios of significant variables and a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis performed to identify the optimal RI cutoff to differentiate between the two groups. RESULTS: The following variables were identified as independent predictors of arthroscopic reparability: the size of the defect with medial-lateral diameter (cutoff, 4.2 cm) and anterior-posterior diameter (cutoff, 3.7cm); Patte's grade of muscle atrophy (cutoff, grade 3) and Goutallier grade of fatty degeneration (cutoff, grade 3). An RI cutoff value of 2.5 provided the highest differentiation between groups I and II, with an area under the curve of 0.964, and a sensitivity of 73.5% and specificity of 96.2%. CONCLUSION: The RI developed in our study may prove to be an efficient clinical scoring system to predict whether a large-to-massive rotator cuff tear is arthroscopically reparable. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1656-61.

The thickness of the A2 pulley and the flexor tendon are related to the severity of trigger finger: results of a prospective study using high-resolution ultrasonography.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between the pulley-tendon complexes and the severity of trigger finger. The thickness of the A1 and A2 pulleys, and the cross-sectional area of the flexor tendon under the pulleys, were prospectively assessed using 17 MHz high-resolution ultrasonography, in 20 patients with trigger finger (31 fingers). A control group comprised 15 asymptomatic fingers. The thickness of the A1 pulley and the proximal part of the A2 pulley, and the cross-sectional area of the flexor tendon under the A2 pulley, were significantly increased in the patient group. Clinical grade was significantly correlated with the thickness of the A1 pulley, the thickness of the proximal part of the A2 pulley, and the cross-sectional area of the flexor tendon under the proximal part of the A2 pulley. This study confirmed that the thickness of the A2 pulley and flexor tendon under the A2 pulley seems to be related to the severity of trigger finger. LEVEL OF EVIDENCES: Level III.

Comparison of ceiling effects between two patient-rating scores and a physician-rating score in the assessment of outcome after the surgical treatment of distal radial fractures.

We compared the ceiling effects of two patient-rating scores, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and a physician-rating score, the Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS) in assessing the outcome of surgical treatment of an unstable distal radial fracture. A total of 77 women with a mean age of 64.2 years (50 to 88) who underwent fixation using a volar locking plate for an unstable distal radial fracture between 2011 and 2013 were enrolled in this study. All completed the DASH and PRWE questionnaires one year post-operatively and were assessed using the MMWS by the senior author. The ceiling effects in the outcome data assessed for each score were estimated. The data assessed with both patient-rating scores, the DASH and PRWE, showed substantial ceiling effects, whereas the data assessed with MMWS showed no ceiling effect. Researchers should be aware of a possible ceiling effect in the assessment of the outcome of the surgical treatment of distal radial fractures using patient-rating scores. It could also increase the likelihood of a type II error.

Clinical outcome of scaphoid malunion as a result of scaphoid fracture nonunion surgical treatment: A 5-year minimum follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Although malunion resulting from reconstruction for scaphoid fracture nonunion is a typical complication, there has been little consideration regarding its clinical outcomes. HYPOTHESIS: The quality of restoration of the scaphoid anatomy may have little effect on clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with scaphoid fracture nonunion underwent curettage and internal fixation with bone grafting performed by a single surgeon, and they were followed up for a minimum of 5 years. Some of these patients comprised the malunion group if the height/length ratio (H/L ratio) in the most central longitudinal computed tomographic image was more than 0.6. We compared the clinical outcomes of the malunion group with a well-union group based on various clinical scores (Patient Evaluation Measure, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, modified Mayo wrist scoring system). RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 81 months (range: 65-110), and 15 cases among the 25 patients were included in the malunion group. There were no statistical differences in the clinical scores between malunions (15 cases) and well unions (10 cases), and there was no correlation between the H/L ratios and the clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcomes of malunited scaphoids after reconstruction for scaphoid fractures nonunion did not differ significantly from well-united scaphoids at a minimum 5-year follow-up.

Does osteoporosis have a negative effect on the functional outcome of an osteoporotic distal radial fracture treated with a volar locking plate?

We performed a retrospective study to determine the effect of osteoporosis on the functional outcome of osteoporotic distal radial fractures treated with a volar locking plate. Between 2009 and 2012 a total of 90 postmenopausal women with an unstable fracture of the distal radius treated with a volar locking plate were studied. Changes in the radiological parameters of 51 patients with osteoporosis (group 1, mean age 66.9, mean T-score -3.16 (sd 0.56)) were not significantly different from those in 39 patients without osteoporosis (group 2, mean age 61.1, mean T-score -1.72 (sd 0.57)). The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at final follow-up was 11.5 (sd 12.2) in group 1 and 10.5 (sd 13.25) in group 2. The mean modified Mayo wrist score at final follow-up was 79.0 (sd 14.04) in group 1 and 82.6 (sd 13.1) in group 2. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.35 for DASH score, p = 0.2 for modified Mayo wrist score). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that only the step-off of the radiocarpal joint was related to both a poor DASH and modified Mayo wrist score. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a weak negative relationship only between the T-score and the change in volar tilt (intraclass coefficient -0.26, p = 0.02). We found that osteoporosis does not have a negative effect on the functional outcome and additional analysis did not show a correlation between T-score and outcome.

Lactobacillus brevis G-101 ameliorates colitis in mice by inhibiting NF-κB, MAPK and AKT pathways and by polarizing M1 macrophages to M2-like macrophages.

AIM: We isolated Lactobacillus brevis G-101 from kimchi lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, which induced IL-10 expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. To evaluate the inflammatory effect of G-101, we examined its inhibitory effect in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitic mice. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: The colitic mice were prepared by intrarectal injection of TNBS. We measured intestinal mucosal cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; activation of transcription factors, by immunoblotting; and macrophage polarization markers, by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Of 200 LAB strains tested, Lact. brevis G-101 showed most potent activity for induction of IL-10 expression in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. However, it significantly inhibited the expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 and the phosphorylation of IRAK1 and AKT, and activated NF-κB and MAPKs. Treatment with TNBS caused colon shortening; increased myeloperoxidase activity; and increased IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α expression in mice. Oral administration of Lact. brevis G-101 significantly inhibited these activities. Lactobacillus brevis G-101 inhibited TNBS-induced IRAK-1 phosphorylation and NF-κB activation, as well as the expression of COX-2 and iNOS. Lactobacillus brevis G-101 inhibited the expression of M1 macrophage markers, but increased the expression of M2 macrophages in the colons of TNBS-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: Lactobacillus brevis G-101 may improve colitis by inhibiting the IRAK1/NF-κB, MAPK and AKT pathways and by polarizing M1 macrophages to M2-like macrophages. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results suggest that IL-10 expression-inducing LAB can ameliorate colitis by inhibiting NF-κB activation and macrophage polarization.

Long-term results of simple hemiresection arthroplasty in the rheumatoid distal radio-ulnar joint.

We retrospectively studied the radiological and clinical results of a simple hemiresection arthroplasty, a modification of previous oblique distal ulnar resections, in 62 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (68 wrists) over a mean follow-up of 103 (range 60-173) months. Fourteen wrists (20%) became fused at the radiocarpal joint and 28 wrists fused (41%) at the midcarpal joints during follow-up. Severe ulnar translocation of the carpus was observed in two wrists (3%), radio-ulnar convergence in five wrists (7%), as well as a significant decrease of carpal height ratio, without any radiological findings of stylocarpal impingement. Improvements in forearm pronation and supination, and reduction in pain were maintained at the last follow-up. Grip strength was not significantly improved. The Jebsen-Taylor hand function test showed improvements in writing, card turning, and simulated feeding. Fifty-two patients (58 wrists, 85%) were satisfied with the results at the last follow-up. Simple hemiresection arthroplasty showed good long-term results with few complications.

Phospho-ser 15-p53 translocates into mitochondria and interacts with Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL in eugenol-induced apoptosis.

Our previous studies demonstrated that antiallergic effects of herbs such as clove and Magnoliae Flos (MF) resulted from the induction of apoptosis in mast cells. We here examined whether the antiallergic activity was caused by eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) which was one of major ingredients in the essential oils or extracts of numerous plants including clove and Magnoliae Flos. RBL-2H3 cells were treated with eugenol, and DNA electrophoresis, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy and immunoprecipitation were conducted. Effect of eugenol was tested using a rat anaphylaxis model. RBL-2H3 cells treated with eugenol showed typical apoptotic manifestations and translocation of p53 into mitochondria. Antisense p53 partially prevented the induction of apoptosis. Noticeably, we observed that p53 translocated into mitochondria was phosphorylated on ser 15. Phospho-ser 15-p53 physically interacted with Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL in mitochondria and its translocation into mitochondria preceded cytochrome c release and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) reduction. We also depicted that the survival of animals even after administration of the fatal dose of compound 48/80 might result from the decreased number of mast cells by eugenol pretreatment. In conclusion, eugenol induces apoptosis in mast cells via translocation of phospho-ser 15-p53 into mitochondria.

Pigment-lightening effect of N,N'-dilinoleylcystamine on human melanoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Cystamine and linoleic acid have been reported to reduce melanin synthesis in vitro and in vivo. N,N'-dilinoleylcystamine (DLC) is a compound of cystamine and linoleic acid connected by an ester bond. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of DLC on melanin synthesis using cultured human melanoma cells. METHODS: Levels of total melanin, eumelanin and phaeomelanin, tyrosinase protein and tyrosinase activity in situ were measured in HM3KO melanoma cells. Changes in degree of pigmentation were quantified by image analysis and compared with absorbance values. Tyrosinase from HM3KO cells was used to measure the direct effect of DLC on DOPA and DOPAchrome production. RESULTS: At concentrations of 1.4-14 micromol L-1, DLC reduced the pigmentation of HM3KO melanoma cells but did not affect cell growth. The visual decrease in pigmentation produced by DLC was more dramatic than the decrease in total melanin content as measured by absorbance at 500 nm. DLC treatment decreased eumelanin synthesis and increased phaeomelanin synthesis in HM3KO melanoma cells. An in situ tyrosinase assay showed that DLC inhibited tyrosinase activity, as well as the level of tyrosinase protein. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that DLC has pigment-lightening effects on HM3KO melanoma cells, produced by reducing the level of eumelanin while increasing the level of phaeomelanin.

Increased and correlated nuclear factor-kappa B and Ku autoantigen activities are associated with development of multidrug resistance.

In this study, we investigated possible engagement of NF-kappaB and Ku autoantigen (Ku) activation in development of multidrug resistance (MDR) and circumvention of MDR by modulation of NF-kappaB and Ku. The NF-kappaB activity and NF-kappaB p65 subunit level were constitutively higher in MDR cells than in drug-sensitive parental cells. Interestingly, a faster running NF-kappaB DNA binding complex was identified as Ku, a DNA damage sensor and a key double strand break repair protein, and was positively correlated with the NF-kappaB activity in MDR cells and Ku- or both subunits of NF-kappaB-transfected cells. Also both NF-kappaB and Ku activities were activated or inhibited by treatment with etoposide (VP-16) or MG-132 (a proteasome inhibitor), respectively. Furthermore, PKA inhibitor suppressed markedly the constitutive and drug-induced activities of NF-kappaB and Ku in MDR cells and subsequently potentiated the cytotoxic activity of anticancer drugs. Our results proposed that the NF-kappaB and Ku activation could be one of multi-factorial MDR mechanism, and PKA inhibitor, likely via inhibition of NF-kappaB and Ku activities, could enhance the effectiveness of anticancer drugs against MDR cells with high activities of NF-kappaB and Ku.

Microbiological profile of a shipboard environment and the flora on contact lenses of seamen.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to culture and identify the spectrum of organisms (and their sensitivities) that contaminate the extended wear contact lenses of seamen in their working environment. A secondary aim was to identify the most appropriate first-line antibiotic regimen to be used on seamen who sustain contact lens-related corneal keratitis on board ship. METHODS: Twenty pairs of contact lenses of 20 seamen in one group and 24 pairs in another group wearing contact lenses were collected at the end of 1 week of extended wear. Groups one and two differed only in the way lenses were stored prior to culturing. All contact lenses were then brought to the microbiological lab within 24 hours for culture and sensitivity testing. RESULTS: The most common contaminants on the contact lenses in this study were Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, organisms resident on the normal eyelids. Enterobacterand Pseudomonas species, present in a shipboard environment, were also identified as contaminants on the contact lenses. The organisms cultured from the contact lenses correlated well with those of normal lid flora as well as from the ship environment and are probably derived from these sources. Storage in saline-containing preservatives yielded significantly less positive bacterial cultures from the contact lenses in our study. All bacterial isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin whereas several bacteria resistant to cefazolin and gentamicin were identified. CONCLUSION: The most common contaminants on the contact lenses in this study were Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, organisms resident on the normal eyelids. Enterobacter and Pseudomonas species, which are normally present in a shipboard environment, were also identified as contaminants on the contact lenses. Ciprofloxacin is effective against all organisms identified as contaminants on the contact lenses in this study. Of all the antibiotics tested, it is probably the most suitable agent against contact lensrelated keratitis under such shipboard circumstances and is thus recommended in these situations.

Effect of phthalates on the stability and performance of AgBF4-PVP membranes for olefin/paraffin separation.

The presence of a phthalate in dry polymer membranes consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and AgBF4, AgBF4-PVP, provides long-term stability and better performance for the separation of propylene/propane gas mixtures.

Suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in RAW 264. 7 macrophages by two beta-carboline alkaloids extracted from Melia azedarach.

We investigated the mechanism of suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by two beta-carboline alkaloids isolated from Melia azedarach, 4,8-dimethoxy-1-vinyl-beta-carboline (compound 1, C-1) and 4-methoxy-1-vinyl-beta-carboline (compound 2, C-2). iNOS activity in a cell-free extract of lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was found to be markedly increased, and this increase was prevented by C-1 and C-2, accompanied by the parallel reduction in nitrite accumulation in culture medium. However, C-1 and C-2 had no further effect on the iNOS activity prepared from fully lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Treatment with C-1 or C-2 decreased the levels of iNOS protein and mRNA in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, prostaglandin E(2) production, cyclooxygenase-2 protein and DNA binding of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were reduced by these compounds. These results indicate that C-1 and C-2 primarily inhibit iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2 activities via the suppression of de novo synthesis of these two enzymes, and that the inhibition of iNOS expression may be associated with the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation. Taken together, the results suggest that suppression of iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2 induction by lipopolysaccharide is responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of these alkaloids through selective inhibition of the expression of genes, which play important roles in inflammatory signaling pathways.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome manifested as multiple sclerosis and cutaneous erythematous lesions: a case report.

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the lacrimal and salivary glands, leading to dryness of eyes (kerato-conjunctivitis sicca) and mouth (xerostomia). The skin lesions in Sjögren's syndrome are usually manifested as xeroderma, but sometimes appear as annular erythema or vasculitis. Central nervous system symptoms may be presented as one of extraglandular manifestations, though rare in incidence, and need differential diagnosis from multiple sclerosis. We report a case of a 45-year-old woman diagnosed as multiple sclerosis at first but later as neurologic manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome, showing signs of multiple sclerosis and cutaneous erythematous lesions.

Influences of dietary uptake and reactive sulfides on metal bioavailability from aquatic sediments.

Understanding how animals are exposed to the large repository of metal pollutants in aquatic sediments is complicated and is important in regulatory decisions. Experiments with four types of invertebrates showed that feeding behavior and dietary uptake control bioaccumulation of cadmium, silver, nickel, and zinc. Metal concentrations in animal tissue correlated with metal concentrations extracted from sediments, but not with metal in porewater, across a range of reactive sulfide concentrations, from 0.5 to 30 micromoles per gram. These results contradict the notion that metal bioavailability in sediments is controlled by geochemical equilibration of metals between porewater and reactive sulfides, a proposed basis for regulatory criteria for metals.