Rapid Visual Detection of Red Sea Bream Iridovirus Using a Novel Cross-Priming Amplification-Based Lateral Flow Assay.

Red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) occurs mainly at high water temperatures and infects more than 30 different species of fish. In Asia, infected fish cause mass mortality every year. Molecular diagnostics is a technology that efficiently detects and identifies a wide range of fish pathogens through rapid and sensitive analysis of their genetic material.

Functional Link between miR-200a and ELK3 Regulates the Metastatic Nature of Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) refers to breast cancer that does not have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 protein. TNBC accounts for 10-20% of all cases of breast cancers and is characterized by its metastatic aggressiveness, poor prognosis, and limited treatment options. Here, we show that the metastatic nature of TNBC is critically regulated by a functional link between miR-200a and the transcription factor ELK3.

Canine non-B, non-T NK lymphocytes have a potential antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity function against antibody-coated tumor cells.

Background: The antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a cell-mediated immune defense mechanism in which effector immune cells actively lyse antibody-coated target cells. The ADCC of tumor cells is employed in the treatment of various cancers overexpressing unique antigens, and only natural killer (NK) cells are known to be major effectors of antibody mediated ADCC activity. Canine NK cells are still defined as non-B, non-T large granular lymphocytes because of the lack of information regarding the NK cell-restricted specific marker in dogs, and it has never been demonstrated that canine NK cells have ADCC ability against tumor cells.

Improved Dissolution and Oral Bioavailability of Valsartan Using a Solidified Supersaturable Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System Containing Gelucire 44/14.

To improve the dissolution and oral bioavailability of valsartan (VST), we previously formulated a supersaturable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SuSMED) composed of Capmul MCM (oil), Tween 80 (surfactant), Transcutol P (cosurfactant), and Poloxamer 407 (precipitation inhibitor) but encountered a stability problem (Transcutol P-induced weight loss in storage) after solidification. In the present study, replacing Transcutol P with Gelucire 44/14 resulted in a novel SuSMED formulation, wherein the total amount of surfactant/cosurfactant was less than that of the previous formulation. Solidified SuSMED (S-SuSMED) granules were prepared by blending VST-containing SuSMED with selective solid carriers, L-HPC and Florite PS-10, wherein VST existed in an amorphous state.

Optimization of self-microemulsifying drug delivery system for phospholipid complex of telmisartan using D-optimal mixture design.

To improve the dissolution behavior of telmisartan (TMS), a poorly water-soluble angiotensin II receptor blocker, TMS-phospholipid complex (TPC) was prepared by solvent evaporation method and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffractometry. The crystalline structure of TMS was transited into an amorphous state by TPC formation. The equilibrium solubility of TPC (1.

Tablet Formulation of a Polymeric Solid Dispersion Containing Amorphous Alkalinized Telmisartan.

To overcome the poor dissolution of telmisartan (TMS) at weak acidic pH, amorphous alkalinized TMS (AAT) was prepared by introducing sodium hydroxide as a selective alkalizer. AAT-containing polymeric solid dispersions were prepared by a solvent evaporation method; these solid dispersions were AAT-PEG, AAT-PVP, AAT-POL, and AAT-SOL for the polymers of PEG 6000, PVP K30, Poloxamer 407, and Soluplus, respectively. The characteristics of the different formulations were observed by differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.

Comparison of Phenotypic and Functional Characteristics Between Canine Non-B, Non-T Natural Killer Lymphocytes and CD3CD5CD21 Cytotoxic Large Granular Lymphocytes.

Natural killer (NK) cells play a pivotal role in the immune response against infections and malignant transformation, and adopted transfer of NK cells is thought to be a promising therapeutic approach for cancer patients. Previous reports describing the phenotypic features of canine NK cells have produced inconsistent results. Canine NK cells are still defined as non-B and non-T (CD3CD21) large granular lymphocytes.

Effect of irradiation-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression on natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity toward human cancer cells.

Background Aims: Irradiation enhances the adhesion between natural killer (NK) cells and target cells by up-regulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on target cells. Therefore, we investigated the effect of irradiation-induced ICAM-1 expression on human cancer cells on NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Methods: Expression levels of ICAM-1 on the target cell surface before and after irradiation of six human cancer cell lines (HL60, SKBR-3, T47D, HCT-116, U937 and U251) were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Solid formulation of a supersaturable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system for valsartan with improved dissolution and bioavailability.

In order to improve the dissolution and oral bioavailability of valsartan (VST), and reduce the required volume for treatment, we previously formulated a supersaturable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SuSMEDDS) composed of VST (80 mg), Capmul MCM (13.2 mg), Tween 80 (59.2 mg), Transcutol P (59.

Effects of ADAM10 and ADAM17 Inhibitors on Natural Killer Cell Expansion and Antibody-dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Against Breast Cancer Cells .

Background/aim: The inhibition of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) has the potential to become a novel approach for natural killer (NK) cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ADAM10 and ADAM17 inhibitors on expanded NK cell to enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in breast cancer cell lines.

Materials And Methods: NK cells were expanded in medium supplemented with an ADAM10 or ADAM17 inhibitor to prevent the shedding of soluble CD16/FcγRIII.

The Allele (c.280A>T) Is Responsible for the Weak A Phenotype.

The allele was found in a 71-year-old Korean male with ABO discrepancy and in his two sons. Although the allele (c.280A>T, I94F) in an AwB case was registered in GenBank, the impact of the I94F mutation of the ABO gene on the activity of A transferase has not been studied.

Irradiation of breast cancer cells enhances CXCL16 ligand expression and induces the migration of natural killer cells expressing the CXCR6 receptor.

Background Aims: Few studies have examined the migration pattern of natural killer (NK) cells, especially after radiation treatment for cancer. We investigated whether irradiation can modulate the expression of chemokines in cancer cells and the migration of NK cells to irradiated tumor cells.

Methods: The expression of chemokine receptors (CXCR3, CXCR4 and CXCR6) on interleukin-2 (IL-2)/IL-15-activated NK cells was assessed using flow cytometry.

Correction of pincer nail deformities using a modified double Z-plasty.

Background: Pincer nail is a deformity characterized by excessive transverse curvature of the nail plate that increases distally for which many conservative and surgical corrective modalities have been recommended.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcomes and safety of modified double Z-plasty in the management of symptomatic pincer nail.

Materials And Methods: Modified double Z-plasty has been performed on 20 great toes in 12 patients from January 2008 to December 2013.

Generation of recombinant canine interleukin-15 and evaluation of its effects on the proliferation and function of canine NK cells.

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a pivotal role in both innate and adaptive immunity. IL-15 is also a promising cytokine for treating cancer. Despite the growing importance of the clinical use of IL-15 for immunotherapy, no attempts have been made to generate a recombinant canine IL-15 (rcIL-15) and to examine its effects on the antitumor activities of immune effector cells in dogs.

Interleukin-21 induces proliferation and modulates receptor expression and effector function in canine natural killer cells.

Interleukin (IL)-21 is an important modulator of natural killer (NK) cell function. However, little is known about IL-21 function in canine NK cells because the phenotype of these cells remains undefined. In this study, we selectively expanded non-B and non-T large granular NK lymphocytes (CD3(-)CD21(-)CD5(-)CD4(-)TCRαβ(-)TCRγδ(-)) ex vivo from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy dogs using a combination of IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 in the presence of 100 Gy-irradiated K562 cells.

The anti-canine distemper virus activities of ex vivo-expanded canine natural killer cells.

Natural killer (NK) cells play critical roles in induction of antiviral effects against various viruses of humans and animals. However, few data on NK cell activities during canine distemper virus (CDV) infections are available. Recently, we established a culture system allowing activation and expansion of canine non-B, non-T, large granular NK lymphocytes from PBMCs of normal dogs.

Effect of exposure to interleukin-21 at various time points on human natural killer cell culture.

Background Aims: Interleukin-21 (IL-21) can enhance the effector function of natural killer (NK) cells but also limits their proliferation when continuously combined with IL-2/IL-15. Paradoxically, membrane-bound (mb)-IL-21 has been shown to improve human NK cell proliferation when cultured with IL-2/mb-IL-15. To clarify the role of IL-21, we investigated the effect of the timing of IL-21 addition to NK cell culture.

The p.R168Q mutation is associated with the Bw phenotype and a predicted decrease in the stability of the resulting ABO glycosyltransferase.

Background: Mutation of ABO glycosyltransferase (GT) can cause protein stability changes that can result in a weak ABO phenotype. To explain the Bw phenotype of a novel ABO*Bw allele, a protein stability of the mutant GT, which enhances the information of the three-dimensional (3D) structural analysis, was calculated.

Study Design And Methods: ABO serology and genotyping were performed on a neonate and her five family members.

Ex vivo expansion of canine cytotoxic large granular lymphocytes exhibiting characteristics of natural killer cells.

Canine NK cells still are not well-characterized due to the lack of information concerning specific NK cell markers and the fact that NK cells are not an abundant cell population. In this study, we selectively expanded the canine cytotoxic large granular lymphocytes (CLGLs) that exhibit morphologic, genetic, and functional characteristics of NK cells from normal donor PBMCs. The cultured CLGLs were characterized by a high proportion of CD5(dim) expressing cells, of which the majority of cells co-expressed CD3 and CD8, but did not express TCRαβ and TCRγδ.

Interleukin-21 increases direct cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production of ex vivo expanded NK cells towards breast cancer cells.

Background/aim: Interleukin-21(IL-21) stimulates cytotoxicity and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in natural killer (NK) cells. However, little has been reported on the stimulatory effect of IL-21 on ex vivo expanded NK cells. In this study, we examined the cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production of ex vivo expanded, IL-21-stimulated NK cells against trastuzumab-coated breast cancer cells.

An improved flow cytometry-based natural killer cytotoxicity assay involving calcein AM staining of effector cells.

Several flow cytometric methods for measuring natural killer cell activity have been developed. Commonly used protocols involve the staining of target cells with various fluorescent dyes. However, these protocols are not applicable to certain experimental settings.

The M142T mutation causes B3 phenotype: three cases and an in vitro expression study.

The B3 phenotype is the most common B subtype in Korea. The B305 allele (425 T>C, M142T) was first reported in 2 Chinese individuals; however, it has not yet been reported in the Koreans, and the impact of the M142T mutation on the expression of the B3 phenotype has also not been studied. To resolve an ABO discrepancy between a group O neonate and her group O father and A(1)B(3) mother, blood samples from these individuals and other family members were referred to our laboratory for ABO gene analysis.

Detection and molecular characterization of porcine toroviruses in Korea.

This study examined the prevalence and genetic diversity of the porcine torovirus (PToV) in Korea. Of 295 samples, 19 (6.4%) samples tested positive for PToVs by RT-PCR.