Protein A-specific monoclonal antibodies and prevention of Staphylococcus aureus disease in mice.

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of human soft tissue infections and bacterial sepsis. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains (methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]) has prompted research into staphylococcal vaccines and preventive measures.

Abscess formation and alpha-hemolysin induced toxicity in a mouse model of Staphylococcus aureus peritoneal infection.

Staphylococcus aureus is a frequent cause of skin infection and sepsis in humans. Preclinical vaccine studies with S. aureus have used a mouse model with intraperitoneal challenge and survival determination as a measure for efficacy.

Intracardiac eustachian valve cyst in an adult detected with other cardiac anomalies: usefulness of multidetector CT in diagnosis.

We present an unusual case of an intracardiac Eustachian valve cyst observed concurrently with atresia of the coronary sinus ostium, a persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) and a bicuspid aortic valve. There have been several echocardiographic reports of Eustachian valve cysts; however, there is no report of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings related to a Eustachian valve cyst. Recently, we observed a Eustachian valve cyst diagnosed on MDCT showing a hypodense cyst at the characteristic location of the Eustachian valve (the junction of the right atrium and inferior vena cava).

Ethanol extract of Magnolia officinalis prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced memory deficiency via its antineuroinflammatory and antiamyloidogenic effects.

Magnolia bark contains several compounds such as magnolol, honokiol, 4-O-methylhonokiol, obovatol, and other neolignan compounds. These compounds have been reported to have various beneficial effects in various diseases. There is sufficient possibility that ethanol extract of Magnolia officinalis is more effective in amyloidogenesis via synergism of these ingredients.

Structure and property based design, synthesis and biological evaluation of γ-lactam based HDAC inhibitors: part II.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are involved in post-translational modification and epi-genetic expression, and have been the intriguing targets for treatment of cancer. In previous study, we reported synthesis and the biological preliminary results of γ-lactam based HDAC inhibitors. Based on the previous results, smaller γ-lactam core HDAC inhibitors are more active than the corresponding series of larger δ-lactam based analogues and the hydrophobic and bulky cap groups are required for better potency which decreased microsomal stability.

Induction of autophagy promotes preattachment development of bovine embryos by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress.

The coupling of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in a variety of biological processes; however, little is known regarding the involvement of the autophagy/ER stress pathway in early embryogenesis or the underlying mechanism(s). Here, we showed that the developmental competence of in vitro-produced (IVP) bovine embryos was highly dependent on the autophagy/ER stress balance. Although relative abundances of autophagy-associated gene transcripts, including LC3, Atg5, and Atg7 transcripts, were high in oocytes and throughout the early stages of preattachment development, extensive autophagosome formation was only detected in fertilized embryos.

Useful application of negative suction drainage on the umbilicus after transaxillary breast augmentation.

Unlabelled: Simple application of negative suction drains through the umbilicus during transaxillary breast augmentation obtained a more natural drainage and an easier positioning of the drain at the dependant portions than placement of the drains at the transaxillary incision site. Moreover, the patient was more satisfied due to increased comfort while wearing clothes, which resulted in a quicker recovery to everyday activities. In addition, the scar of the drain site was hidden on the inner side of the umbilicus.

Novel D-π-A structured Zn(II)-porphyrin dyes containing a bis(3,3-dimethylfluorenyl)amine moiety for dye-sensitised solar cells.

A high solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 7.22% was achieved with a short circuit current (J(sc)) of 15.30 mA cm(-2), an open circuit voltage (V(oc)) of 669 mV and a fill factor (FF) of 0.

ADAM10 mediates vascular injury induced by Staphylococcus aureus α-hemolysin.

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of bacteremia and sepsis. The interaction of S. aureus with the endothelium is central to bloodstream infection pathophysiology yet remains ill-understood.

New diarylureas and diarylamides possessing acet(benz)amidophenyl scaffold: design, synthesis, and antiproliferative activity against melanoma cell line.

A series of new diarylurea and diarylamide derivatives possessing acet(benz)amidophenyl scaffold was synthesized. Their in vitro antiproliferative activity was tested against A375P human melanoma cell line. Compounds 1c,d and 2c,d showed the highest potencies with IC(50) values in sub-micromolar scale.

A highly sensitive two-photon fluorescent probe for mitochondrial zinc ions in living tissue.

We report a highly sensitive two-photon probe (SZn2-Mito) which shows a 70-fold two-photon excited fluorescence enhancement in response to Zn(2+) and can selectively detect mitochondrial Zn(2+) in a rat hippocampal slice at a depth of 100-200 μm by using two-photon microscopy.

Simultaneous enhancement of free isoflavone content and antioxidant potential of soybean by fermentation with Aspergillus oryzae.

In order to determine the fungal strain and fermentation period which produce the highest antioxidant activity of fermented soy product, soybean was fermented with Aspergillus oryzae NL 5 isolated from Korean traditional meju produced in Sunchang Yeastopia Land in Korea, and was subjected to analyzing isoflavone profiles and assaying antioxidant activity. Antioxidant potential of the samples was evaluated by ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, 2,2'-azinobis (2-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity and total phenolic contents. In addition, antioxidant assay using fluorescent probes, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and dihydroethidium, in HepG2 cells was conducted for the samples.

A mitochondria-localized two-photon fluorescent probe for ratiometric imaging of hydrogen peroxide in live tissue.

We report a two-photon fluorescent probe (SHP-Mito) which can ratiometrically detect mitochondrial H(2)O(2) in live cells and intact tissues at >100 μm depth through the use of two-photon microscopy.

Methanolic Extract Isolated from Root of Lycoris aurea Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth and Endothelial Cell Tube Formation In Vitro.

In this study, we investigated the effect of methanolic extract isolated from the root of Lycoris aurea (LA) on the growth of cancer cells and the tube formation activity of endothelial cells. Various cancer cells were treated with LA at doses of 0.3, 1, 3, 10 or 30 μg/ml and LA significantly suppressed the growth of several cancer cell lines, including ACHN, HCT-15, K-562, MCF-7, PC-3 and SK-OV-3, in a dose-dependent manner.

S2 emission from chemically modified BODIPYs.

Novel boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives having significant absorption and emission in the longer wavelength region were synthesized. BODIPY showed anomalous S(2) emission from the second excited (S(2)) state at shorter wavelength. The photodynamics of the S(2) state was investigated by fluorescence up-conversion and transient absorption spectroscopic measurements.

Inhibitory effect of 4-O-methylhonokiol on lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation, amyloidogenesis and memory impairment via inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB in vitro and in vivo models.

Background: Neuroinflammation is important in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer disease (AD). Previously, we demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation caused memory impairments. In the present study, we investigated the possible preventive effects of 4-O-methylhonokiol, a constituent of Magnolia officinalis, on memory deficiency caused by LPS, along with the underlying mechanisms.

Adventitial fibroblast abormality in thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections.

Background: Development of thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections (TAAD) is attributed to unbearable wall tension superimposed on defective aortic wall integrity and impaired aortic repair mechanisms. Central to this repair mechanisms are well-balanced and adequately functional cellular components of the aortic wall, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells (SMCs), inflammatory cells, and adventitial fibroblasts. Adventitial fibroblasts naturally produce aortic extracellular matrix (ECM), and, when aortic wall is injured, they can be transformed into SMCs, which in turn are involved in aortic remodeling.

Factors associated with positive consequences of serving as a family caregiver for a terminal cancer patient.

Background: We examined factors associated with positive consequences for family members who served as caregivers of terminal cancer patients.

Methods: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey of 501 bereaved family members who served as caregivers for terminal cancer patients. The main outcomes were measured by the previously developed Caregiving Consequences Inventory, which assesses perceived rewards and burdens of caregiving.

Widdrol induces apoptosis via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in colon cancer cells.

Widdrol, a natural sesquiterpene present in Juniperus sp., has been shown to exert anticancer and antifungal effects. Emerging evidence has suggested that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which functions as a cellular energy sensor, is a potential therapeutic target for human cancers.

On-Pump versus Off-pump Myocardial Revascularization in Patients with Renal Insufficiency: Early and Mid-term Results.

Background: Myocardial revascularization in patients with renal insufficiency is challenging to the cardiac surgeon, irrespective of utilizing extracorporeal circulation. This study aimed to compare the number of bypass grafts and the mid-term results and to evaluate independent survival predictors in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing on-pump or off-pump myocardial revascularization.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 103 patients with renal insufficiency, who had isolated myocardial revascularization between January 1999 and January 2009.

Identification of genomic aberrations by array comparative genomic hybridization in patients with aortic dissections.

Background: The aim of the present study was to identify chromosomal loci that contribute to the pathogenesis of aortic dissection (AD) in a Korean population using array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and to confirm the results using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Materials And Methods: Eighteen patients with ADs were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from individual blood samples, and array CGH analyses were performed.

Change in limb length after high tibial osteotomy using computer-assisted surgery: a comparative study of closed- and open-wedge osteotomies.

Purpose: Limb length changes were evaluated after closed- and open-wedge high tibial osteotomies (HTOs) using computer-assisted surgery.

Methods: A total of 78 closed- and 30 open-wedge HTOs were performed. The changes in limb length were evaluated on a navigation system and radiographs.