A Rapid Colorimetric Sensor for Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor α, Based on Aptamer-Adsorbed AuNP.

The soluble interleukin-2 receptor α (sIL-2Rα) is a broad indicator of clinical disease activity in various inflammatory diseases. Here we have developed, for the first time, a rapid, washing-free colorimetric aptasensor based on a sIL-2Rα aptamer (Kd =1.33 nm). The aptasensor was fabricated with Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) adsorbing sIL-2Rα aptamers. On addition of sIL-2Rα, the aptamers become desorbed from the AuNPs, and this in turn weakens the absorption corresponding to AuNP-catalyzed oxidation of ortho-phenylenediamine (oPD) with H2 O2 . The aptasensor was characterized by TEM imaging, ζ potential measurements, dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, and UV/Vis spectrometry, followed by further optimization. The fabricated sensor exhibited great analytical performance, with a linear range of 1 to 100 nm and a detection limit of 1 nm both in buffer and in spiked human serum within 25 min. Other proteins, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), IL-17Rα, IL-5Rα, IL-13Rα2 , and CD166, showed negligible effects on the aptasensor. Thanks to the great advantages of the aptamers and AuNPs, this aptasensor provides a rapid, simple, and inexpensive process that might offer insights into various diagnostic applications of sIL-2Rα.

Aptasensor for multiplex detection of antibiotics based on FRET strategy combined with aptamer/graphene oxide complex.

The development of a multiplexed sensing platform is necessary for highly selective, sensitive, and rapid screening of specific antibiotics. In this study, we designed a novel multiplex aptasensor for antibiotics by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) strategy using DNase I-assisted cyclic enzymatic signal amplification (CESA) method combined with aptamer/graphene oxide complex. The aptamers specific for sulfadimethoxine, kanamycin, and ampicillin were conjugated with Cyanine 3 (Cy3), 6-Carboxyfluorescein (FAM), and Cyanine 5 (Cy5), respectively, and graphene oxide (GO) was adopted to quench the fluorescence of the three different fluorophores with the efficiencies of 94.36%, 93.94%, and 96.97% for Cy3, FAM, and Cy5, respectively. CESA method was used for sensitive detection, resulting in a 2.1-fold increased signal compared to those of unamplified method. The aptasensor rapidly detected antibiotics in solution with limit of detection of 1.997, 2.664, and 2.337 ng/mL for sulfadimethoxine, kanamycin, and ampicillin, respectively. In addition, antibiotics dissolved in milk were efficiently detected with similar sensitivities. Multiplexed detection test proved that the fluorescently modified aptamers could work separately from each other. The results indicate that the aptasensor offers high specificity for each antibiotic and enables simultaneous and multicolor sensing for rapid screening of multiple antibiotics at the same time.

Effects of the Computer Desk Level on the Musculoskeletal Discomfort of Neck and Upper Extremities and EMG Activities in Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Computers are used as a means of social communication, for work and other purposes. However, patients with spinal cord injuries may have a higher risk than normal individuals with musculoskeletal problems when using computers owing to their inability to control respective postures due to problems in motor and sensory functioning. OBJECTIVES: This study is aimed at identifying the effect of computer desk heights on musculoskeletal discomforts of the neck and upper extremities and EMG activities in patients with spinal cord (C6) and upper thoracic spinal cord injuries. METHODS: Participants of the present study were the patients diagnosed with ASIA A or B. The patients were divided into two groups according to their spinal cord injuries: C6 group and T2-T6 group. The level of the desk was set at 5 cm below the elbow, at the elbow level, and 5 cm above the elbow level. Electromyography was used to measure the duration of typing task EMG(%RVC) of the cervical erector spinae, upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, and wrist extensor. Subjective musculoskeletal discomfort (Borg-RPE) was measured at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: The two groups showed differences in terms of RPE corresponding to each level of the computer desk (p < .05). Postanalysis revealed the C6 group had decreased RPE as the level of computer desk increased, whereas the subjects in the T2-T6 group had decreased RPE values in accordance with the decreasing level of computer desk (p < .05). In EMG, both groups had no significant differences (p > .05). However, in terms of the interaction between the muscles and the level of computer desk in both groups, the differences in the interactions of the upper trapezius and wrist extensor with each level of the desk were found (p < .05). CONCLUSION: This study is meaningful in that it confirms computer work posture and preference of spinal cord-injured individuals.

Comparative lipidomic profiling of the human commensal bacterium Propionibacterium acnes and its extracellular vesicles.

Propionibacterium acnes is a lipophilic commensal bacterium mainly found on the skin and in the gastrointestinal tract. Pathophysiological effects of P. acnes have recently been reported not only in acne progression but in various diseases. As an emerging mode of bacterial communication, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been demonstrated to conduct critical pathophysiological functions. To provide information on P. acnes lipid composition for the first time, we conducted a comparative lipidomic analysis of P. acnes and P. acnes EVs and identified 214 lipids with high confidence using triplicated liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses. P. acnes EVs contained substantially more PCs, DGs, PAs, PEs, LPAs, LPCs, and MGs than P. acnes, and contained fewer PSs, SO1Ps, SA1Ps, LPGs, LPIs, and LPSs. Distinctively, P. acnes EVs possessed a markedly reduced amount of TG. These findings will provide useful clues for understanding the biological and pathophysiological mechanisms of P. acnes and for clinical applications such as vaccine development, diagnostics and therapeutics.

Anti-proliferative activity of CGK012 against multiple myeloma cells via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling attenuation.

The aberrant activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling is involved in the development of multiple myeloma; thus, this signaling pathway is a potential target for the development of therapeutics for this malignancy. Here, we performed cell-based chemical screening and found that CGK012, a pyranocoumarin compound, suppressed the Wnt3a-CM-mediated activation of ß-catenin response transcription. CGK012 induced ß-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33/Ser37/Thr41, leading to proteasomal degradation and reducing the level of intracellular ß-catenin. Furthermore, CGK012 consistently decreased the amount of ß-catenin and repressed the expression of cyclin D1, c-myc, and axin-2 (downstream target genes of ß-catenin) in RPMI-8226 multiple myeloma cells. In addition, CGK012 inhibited the proliferation of RPMI-8226 cells and promoted apoptosis, as indicated by the increase in the population of Annexin V-FITC-stained cells and caspase-3/7 activity. These findings suggest that CGK012 could exert antiproliferative activity against multiple myeloma cells by attenuating the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway; thus, it may have potential as a therapeutic agent for multiple myeloma treatment.

Highly sensitive amperometric detection of cardiac troponin I using sandwich aptamers and screen-printed carbon electrodes.

In this study, we developed a sandwich aptamer-based screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) using chronoamperometry for the detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), one of the promising biomarkers for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Disposable three-electrode SPCEs were manufactured using a screen printer, and various modifications such as electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles and electropolymerization of conductive polymers were performed. From the bare electrode to the aptamer-immobilized SPCE, all processes were monitored and analyzed via various techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The quantification of cTnI was conducted based on amperometric signals from the catalytic reaction between hydrazine and H2O2. The fabricated aptasensor in a buffer, as well as in a serum-added solution, exhibited great analytical performance with a dynamic range of 1-100 pM (0.024-2.4ng/mL) and a detection limit of 1.0 pM (24pg/mL), which is lower than the existing cutoff values (40-700pg/mL). Furthermore, the developed sensor showed high sensitivity to cTnI over other proteins. It is anticipated that this potable SPCE aptasensor for cTnI will become an innovative diagnostic tool for AMI.

Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles derived from Propionibacterium acnes.

PURPOSE: Extracellular vesicle (EV) has been reported to conduct critical pathophysiological functions as an emerging mode of communication in bacteria. Recently, Propionibacterium acnes, an anaerobic Gram-positive human commensal found in the skin and gastrointestinal tract, has drawn increasing attention as an underestimated pathogen in a variety of diseases. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: For the comprehensive understanding of P. acnes, here we report the isolation of P. acnes EVs for the first time and identification of 252 vesicular proteins with high confidence using triplicate LC-MS/MS analyses. RESULT: Comprehensive proteomic profiling reveals that P. acnes EVs harbor various proteins involved in biochemical processes, antibiotic resistance, bacterial competition, cell adherence, virulence, and immunogenicity. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We believe that this report will provide valuable information for investigating the biological role of P. acnes EVs and effective targets for developing clinical applications against P. acnes.

Electrochemical aptasensor of cardiac troponin I for the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is well-known as a promising biomarker for the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this work, single-stranded DNA aptamers against cTnI were identified by the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (SELEX) method. The aptamer candidates exhibited a high selectivity and sensitivity toward both cTnI and the cardiac Troponin complex. The binding affinities of each aptamer were evaluated based on their dissociation constants (Kd) by surface plasma resonance. The Tro4 aptamer that had the highest binding capacity to cTnI showed a very low Kd value (270 pM) compared with that of a cTnI antibody (20.8 nM). Furthermore, we designed a new electrochemical aptasensor based on square wave voltammetry using ferrocene-modified silica nanoparticles. The developed aptasensor demonstrated an excellent analytical performance for cTnI with a wide linear range of 1-10 000 pM in a buffer and a detection limit of 1.0 pM (24 pg/mL; S/N = 3), which was noticeably lower than the cutoff values (70-400 pg/mL). The specificity of the aptamers was also examined using nontarget proteins, demonstrating that the proposed sensor responded to only cTnI. In addition, cTnI was successfully detected in a human serum albumin solution. On the basis of the calibration curve that was constructed, the concentrations of cTnI in a solution supplemented with human serum were effectively measured. The calculated values correlated well with the actual concentrations of cTnI. It is anticipated that the highly sensitive and selective aptasensor for cTnI could be readily applicable for the accurate diagnosis of AMI.

Effect of different hand positions on trunk and shoulder kinematics and reaction forces in sitting pivot transfer.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in trunk and shoulder angles, and reaction forces under the two hands elicited by different hand base of support positions during sitting pivot transfer. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen unimpaired subjects performed independent sitting pivot transfer. Subjects performed sitting pivot transfer between an initial seat to a target seat by only using their hands positioned at the same height as and lower than the seat position. Trunk and shoulder kinematics, and reaction forces on the trailing and leading hands were calculated. Mean peak joint angles and forces were compared between the hand positions using the pared t-test for the lift phase of the transfer. [Results] There were significant increases in the trunk angles of forward and lateral flexion, even though rotation decreased while transferring in the lower hand position. Increased shoulder flexion, anterior/posterior forces and reduced lateral forces were also shown. [Conclusion] Placing the hands of the supporting arms lower than the seat position during sitting pivot transfer was identified as having biomechanical advantages. Therefore, the lower hand position can be recommended as an effective and safe method for sitting pivot transfer by patients with spinal cord injury and can be utilized as a reference data for considering the appropriate height of aids for a wheelchair.

Dual aptamer-functionalized silica nanoparticles for the highly sensitive detection of breast cancer.

In this study, we synthesized dual aptamer-modified silica nanoparticles that simultaneously target two types of breast cancer cells: the mucin 1 (MUC1)(+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)(+) cell lines. Dual aptamer system enables a broad diagnosis for breast cancer in comparison with the single aptamer system. The dye-doped silica nanoparticles offer great stability with respect to photobleaching and enable the accurate quantification of breast cancer cells. The morphological and spectroscopic characteristics of the designed Dual-SiNPs were demonstrated via diverse methods such as DLS, zeta potential measurements, UV-vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Negatively charged Dual-SiNPs with a homogeneous size distribution showed robust and strong fluorescence. In addition, Dual-SiNPs did not affect cell viability, implying that this probe might be readily available for use in an in vivo system. Through ratio optimization of the MUC1 and HER2 aptamers, the binding capacities of the Dual-SiNPs to both cell lines were maximized. Based on Dual-SiNPs, a highly sensitive quantification of breast cancer cells was performed, resulting in a detection limit of 1 cell/100 µL, which is significantly lower compared with those reported in other studies. Moreover, the developed detection platform displayed high selectivity for only the MUC1(+) and HER2(+) cell lines. It is expected that this valuable diagnostic probe will be a noteworthy platform for the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of engrailed-2 based on homeodomain-specific DNA probe recognition for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

It is well known that the engrailed-2 (EN2) protein, a biomarker for prostate cancer, strongly binds to a specific DNA sequence (5'-TAATTA-3') to regulate transcription. Based on this intrinsic property, DNA probes with additional flanked sequences were designed and optimized. Various measurements, such as electrophoresis mobility shift assay, surface plasmon resonance, and quantitative fluorescence assay were performed to investigate the feasibility of the DNA probes. Then, the affinities of the DNA probes to the target protein were quantitatively determined using FAM-modified DNA probes and magnetic beads, resulting in dissociation constants ranging from 61.03 to 98.84nM. To develop an early diagnosis platform for prostate cancer, an ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor based on the electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles was designed. The EN2 protein was quantitatively detected using the electrochemical biosensor, and the calculated detection limit was found to be 5.62fM. Finally, the specificity and applicability of the biosensor were verified using several proteins and an artificial urine medium. The impedance signals increased in the cases of EN2, suggesting that the system exhibited high selectivity to only EN2.

[A case of fascioliasis in the intrahepatic duct with concurrent clonochiasis].

The main causes of biliary obstruction are stones and cancers. Fascioliasis is a very rare case which causes biliary obstruction. Fascioliasis is a zoonosis caused by Fasciola hepatica which infects herbivores like sheep and cattle. F. hepatica lives in the biliary system or the liver parenchyma of a host. In Korea, the occurrence of this infection in human is very rare and only few cases have been reported. A 32-year-old male presented with upper abdominal pain and jaundice. His laboratory finding revealed elevated liver transaminases. Abdomen CT scan showed mild left intrahepatic bile duct dilatation. On ERCP, adult F. hepatica worms were found and were thus removed. Concurrently, clonorchiasis was diagnosed by stool exam and serologic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Clonorchiasis was treated with praziquantel. Herein, we report a case of intrahepatic bile duct dilatation due to F. hepatica infection with concurrent Clonorchis sinensis infestation.

Development and comparative evaluation of new shapes of pillows.

The purpose of this study was to determine pillow designs suitable for supine and side-lying positions. [Subjects] Twenty female and twenty male subjects with a mean age of 22.7 years (SD = 1.3) participated in the study. [Methods] First, a three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to analyze the movements of the head and the shoulder joints during changes from supine positions to side-lying positions. Second, the height from the face to the shoulder and the height from the floor to the middle of the neck in a side-lying position were measured. Third, the weight distribution ratios of the head and the trunk were compared using general pillows (polyester sponge), memory foam, and prototype pillows. [Results] During position changes from supine positions to side-lying positions, the head moved in a fan shape, and the shoulder joint moved an average of 4.4 cm upward. The height from the face to the shoulder was 9 cm on average. The height from the floor to the middle of the neck was 11 cm on average. The weight distribution ratios between the head and the trunk were compared among general pillows (polyester sponge), memory foam, and prototype pillows. The results showed significant differences in the side-lying position. [Conclusion] Pillows with uniform heights are not suitable for a supine or side-lying position. In the case of both positions, users should be allowed to select pillows in shapes that can support the neck.

The effects of stretching and stabilization exercise on the improvement of spastic shoulder function in hemiplegic patients.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of stretching and joint stabilization exercises applied to spastic shoulder joints on improving shoulder dysfunction in hemiplegic patients. [Subjects and Methods] Hemiplegic patients were classified into three groups: one group received 30 min of traditional exercise therapy for the spastic shoulder joint; one group received 30 min stretching; and one group received 15 min of stretching and 15 min of joint stabilization exercises. The exercises were performed once a day, five times per week for eight weeks. Changes in the pathologic thickness of tendons and recovery of shoulder function were compared among the three groups. Differences among the three groups before the experiment, at four weeks, and at eight weeks were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. [Results] The stretching and joint stabilization exercise therapy group showed greater improvement in shoulder function than the traditional exercise therapy group and the stretching only group. This group also showed greater decreases in the pathologic thickness of tendons, than the other groups. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that an exercise therapy program that combined stretching and joint stabilization exercise was more effective than other exercises for improvement of spastic shoulder joint dysfunction in hemiplegic patients.

Effect of Ankle-foot Orthosis on Lower Limb Muscle Activities and Static Balance of Stroke Patients Authors' Names.

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of an ankle-foot orthosis worn during balance training on lower limb muscle activity and static balance of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects] The subjects were twenty-five inpatients receiving physical therapy for chronic stroke. [Methods] The chronic stroke patients were divided into two groups: thirteen patients were assigned to the ankle-foot orthosis group, while the remaining twelve patients wore only their shoes. Each group performed balance training for 20 minutes, twice per day, 5 days per week, for 6 weeks. The lower limb muscle activities of the paralyzed side tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, and the stability index were measured before and after the 6-week intervention. [Results] Comparison of the groups indicated a significant difference in the muscle activity of the paralyzed side tibialis anterior and the stability index of the eyes-open standing position. After the intervention, the ankle-foot orthosis group evidenced a significant difference in the muscle activities of the paralyzed side tibialis anterior and paralyzed side medial gastrocnemius as well as the stability index of the eyes-open standing position, eyes-closed standing position, eyes-open standing position on a sponge, and eyes-closed standing position on a sponge. The group that only wore their shoes showed significant differences in the stability indexes of eyes-open standing and eyes-open standing on a sponge. [Conclusion] Using the ankle-foot orthosis was effective during the initial training of lower limb muscle activities and the static balance training of chronic stroke patients. However, it was not effective for a variety of dynamic situations.

Effect of horseback riding simulation machine training on trunk balance and gait of chronic stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of horseback riding simulation machine training on trunk balance and gait of patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 20 patients hospitalized for treatment after being diagnosed with stroke. Horseback riding simulation training was provided for 30 minutes, 5 times a week, for 6 weeks. Trunk balance was assessed using the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and a balance measuring device (Biorescue, RM ingenierie, France), and gait ability was measured using the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and a gait analyzer (GAITRite, CIR system Inc., USA). [Results] There were significant changes in movement area, distance and velocity of body sway as measured by the TIS and the balance measuring device, and in gait velocity, cadence, stride length and double limb support as measured by the FGA and gait analyzer. [Conclusion] Horseback riding simulation training improved the trunk balance and gait of chronic stroke patients. This present study provides preliminary objective data for future research, and useful clinical information for physical therapists using horseback riding simulation machines as a treatment modality for patients with chronic stroke.

Effect of strength training of ankle plantarflexors on selective voluntary motor control, gait parameters, and gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ankle plantarflexor strength training on selective voluntary motor control, gait parameters, and gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy (CP), focusing on changes in the strength and muscle activity of the ankle plantarflexors. [Methods] Six children aged between 4 and 10 years with CP participated in a 6 week strengthening program. The subjects were evaluated before and after the intervention in terms of ankle plantarflexor strength, muscle activity, gait velocity, cadence, step length, and D (standing) and E (walking, running, and jumping) dimensions of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). The data were analyzed using the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. [Results] The strength of the plantarflexors increased in the majority of subjects. Significant and clinically meaningful post-intervention improvements in subject's gait velocity, cadence, and step length were found. [Conclusion] The controlled ankle plantarflexor strengthening program may lead to improvements in strength and spatiotemporal gait parameters of children with CP.

The relationship between muscle fatigue and balance in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of gastrocnemius muscle fatigue on postural control ability in elderly people. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy elderly people participated in this study. The postural control ability of single leg standing was evaluated with Health Improvement & Management System (HIMS) posturography before and after fatiguing exercises. After evaluating initial postural control ability, the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of ankle plantarflexion was assessed using a surface electromyogram from the medial belly of the gastrocnemius muscle. After a 5-minute resting period, subjects began submaximal isometric ankle plantarflexion (40% MVC) until 40% of MVC was dropped below 95% for 5 seconds, or subject couldn't continue working out due to muscle fatigue. And postural control ability was assessed after fatiguing exercise. The mean deviation of center of pressure (COP), length of COP movement, occupied area of COP were measured, and analyzed by paired t-test. RESULTS: Mediolateral deviation, length of COP movement, and area of COP occupied were increased after fatiguing exercise of the gastrocnemius muscle. Anteroposterior deviation and length of COP movement were also increased, but had low statistical significance. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the gastrocnemius muscle fatigue affects mediolateral stability and accuracy during single leg standing in elderly people. Therefore muscle endurance training is necessary to prevent falls in elderly people.