Coexpression of molecular chaperone enhances activity and export of organophosphorus hydrolase in Escherichia coli.

Periplasmic secretion has been used in attempts to construct an efficient whole-cell biocatalyst with greatly reduced diffusion limitations. Previously, we developed recombinant Escherichia coli that express organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) in the periplasmic space using the twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway to degrade environmental toxic organophosphate compounds. This system has the advantage of secreting protein into the periplasm after folding in the cytoplasm.

Validation of functional performance tests after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Purpose: To validate the functional performance tests (FPTs) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Materials And Methods: Thirty men in their third decade after ACL reconstruction at 6 month follow-up and thirty healthy subjects were selected. Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Tegner activity score, KT-2000 arthrometer test, isokinetic strength test, functional performance tests (one leg hop test, co-contraction test, shuttle run test, carioca test) were performed in two groups.

Fibrin clot delivery system for meniscal repair.

As meniscal preservation particularly in younger active individuals with a symptomatic meniscal tear remains the preferred treatment option, various methods have been suggested to increase healing and success rates after meniscal repair. The recent increase in clinical use of platelet rich plasma has contributed to the increased use of fibrin clot, which virtually has the same healing property. However, despite the relative ease of acquisition and preparation of fibrin clots, delivering it to the desired target area arthroscopically is challenging.

Meniscus root refixation technique using a modified Mason-Allen stitch.

A complete posterior medial meniscus root tear results in the inability to withstand hoop stress and requires the repair of the posterior medial meniscus root. Several techniques to repair the posterior medial meniscus root have been proposed, but most techniques are based on simple stitching. A modified Mason-Allen technique, recognized as a superior stitching method to repair rotator cuff in shoulder surgery, was applied to overcome the potential weakness of those simple stitching techniques.

Influence of knee flexion and femoral cross-pin insertion angle on posterolateral structures of the knee and lateral fixation lengths during ACL reconstruction.

Purpose: Some studies have investigated knee flexion angle on the sagittal plane and insertion angle of the cross-pin on the coronal plane to evaluate proper femoral fixation. They evaluated the possibilities of injury to the posterolateral (PL) and neurovascular structures using several methods. The purposes of this study were to evaluate (1) the influence of knee flexion and femoral cross-pin insertion angles on knee PL structures and (2) the lateral fixation length of the cross-pin.

SnO2 nanowire logic devices on deformable nonplanar substrates.

Logic inverters consisting of n-type FETs and resistors with SnO(2) nanowire channels were fabricated on films of the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane, prestrained and flattened into planar sheets from initial, preformed hemispherical shapes. Upon release, thin and narrow interconnects between individual devices in the arrays absorb induced strain by buckling into nonplanar sinusoidal shapes, to allow full recovery of the surfaces to their original convex geometries. The same physics allows deformation of convex shapes into concave ones, as well as more complex surfaces of coexisting convex and concave areas, and small regions with extremely stretched, locally tapered forms, all nondestructively achieved while maintaining electrical performance, enhanced by use of air gap gate dielectrics.

Amphetamine-induced ERM Proteins Phosphorylation Is through PKCβ Activation in PC12 Cells.

Amphetamine, a synthetic psychostimulant, is transported by the dopamine transporter (DAT) to the cytosol and increases the exchange of extracellular amphetamine by intracellular dopamine. Recently, we reported that the phosphorylation levels of ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) proteins are regulated by psychostimulant drugs in the nucleus accumbens, a brain area important for drug addiction. However, the significance of ERM proteins phosphorylation in response to drugs of abuse has not been fully investigated.

Relationships among tendon regeneration on MRI, flexor strength, and functional performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring autograft.

Background: There are numerous reports on hamstring tendon regeneration after harvest for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, few studies have evaluated the relationships among the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of hamstring regeneration, muscle strength, and functional results.

Purpose: This study evaluates the correlations among the hamstring regeneration on MRI, flexor strength, and functional performance after hamstring tendon harvesting in ACL reconstruction.

SuHeXiang Wan essential oil alleviates amyloid beta induced memory impairment through inhibition of tau protein phosphorylation in mice.

SuHeXiang Wan (SHXW), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used orally for the treatment of seizures, infantile convulsions and stroke. Previously, we reported the effects of a modified SHXW essential oil in terms of sedative effect, anticonvulsant activity and antioxidative activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of SHXW essential oil in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD).

p-n homo-junction arrays of aligned single walled carbon nanotubes fabricated by selective patterning of polyethyleneimine film.

We describe the fabrication and electrical performance of p-n homo-junction diode arrays of horizontally aligned single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Horizontally aligned SWCNTs grown on stable temperature-cut quartz with a density of ∼ 6 SWCNTs µm(-1) were transferred onto a SiO(2)/Si substrate. After the electrical breakdown, aligned SWCNT field effect transistors (FETs) showed unipolar p-type characteristics with a large current on/off ratio of 10(6) at 1 V and a hole mobility per tube of 1500 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1).

Neuroprotection of the leaf and stem of Vitis amurensis and their active compounds against ischemic brain damage in rats and excitotoxicity in cultured neurons.

Vitis amurensis (Vitaceae) has been reported to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study investigated a methanol extract from the leaf and stem of V. amurensis for neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemic damage in rats and on excitotoxicity induced by glutamate in cultured rat cortical neurons.

Asymmetric contacts on a single SnO₂ nanowire device: an investigation using an equivalent circuit model.

Electrical contacts between the nanomaterial and metal electrodes are of crucial importance both from fundamental and practical points of view. We have systematically compared the influence of contact properties by dc and EIS (Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) techniques at various temperatures and environmental atmospheres (N(2) and 1% O(2)). Electrical behaviors are sensitive to the variation of Schottky barriers, while the activation energy (E(a)) depends on the donor states in the nanowire rather than on the Schottky contact.

Medial meniscus allograft transplantation using a modified bone plug technique: clinical, radiologic, and arthroscopic results.

Purpose: To determine clinical, radiologic, and arthroscopic results of our meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) by use of modified bone plug technique, which permits easy passage of the allograft by reducing the size of the posterior bone plug.

Methods: From December 2004 to December 2008, 22 consecutive patients (20 men and 2 women) with a mean age of 35.9 years underwent medial MAT with the modified bone plug method.

Midkine prevented hypoxic injury of mouse embryonic stem cells through activation of Akt and HIF-1α via low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1.

Stem cell functions are dramatically altered by oxygen in tissue culture, which means the antioxidant/oxidant balance is critical for protection as well as toxicity. This study examined the effect of the heparin-binding growth factor midkine (MK) on hypoxia-induced apoptosis and related signal pathways in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Hypoxia (60 h) increased lactate dehydrogenase release and apoptosis, and reduced cell viability and proliferation.

Larynx-Preserving Partial Pharyngectomy via Lateral Pharyngotomy for the Treatment of Small (T(1~2)) Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Objectives: To evaluate the oncologic and functional results of larynx-preserving partial pharyngectomy (LPP) via lateral pharyngotomy approach as a primary treatment for small (T1 or T2) hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC).

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 23 patients who underwent LPP through lateral pharyngotomy approach for small HPSCC at the our department between January 1991 and June 2007. Fourteen (61%) patients had adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy.

Experimental and modeling studies of imaging with curvilinear electronic eye cameras.

Model calculations and the experimental measurements of the imaging properties of planar, hemispherical, and elliptic parabolic electronic eye cameras are compared. Numerical methods for comprehensive full field calculations of image formation are enabled by use computationally efficient modes. Quantitative agreement between these calculations and experimentally measured images of test patterns reveals advantages of curvilinear camera systems, and provides guidelines for future designs.

Leaf and stem of Vitis amurensis and its active components protect against amyloid β protein (25-35)-induced neurotoxicity.

This study investigated a methanol extract from the leaf and stem of Vitis amurensis (Vitaceae) for possible neuroprotective effects on neurotoxicity induced by amyloid β protein (Aβ) (25-35) in cultured rat cortical neurons and also for antidementia activity in mice. Exposure of cultured cortical neurons to 10 μM Aβ (25-35) for 36 h induced neuronal apoptotic death. At concentrations of 1-10 μg/mL, V.

Degradation pattern of SnO(2) nanowire field effect transistors.

The degradation pattern of SnO(2) nanowire field effect transistors (FETs) was investigated by using an individual SnO(2) nanowire that was passivated in sections by either a PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) or an Al(2)O(3) layer. The PMMA passivated section showed the best mobility performance with a significant positive shift in the threshold voltage. The distinctive two-dimensional R(s)-μ diagram based on a serial resistor connected FET model suggested that this would be a useful tool for evaluating the efficiency for post-treatments that would improve the device performance of a single nanowire transistor.

Comparative outcome analysis of malpositioned and properly positioned fixation groups after hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction with femoral cross-pin fixation.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using soft tissue grafts has been gaining in popularity. Cross-pin fixation is used frequently, and its principle of fixation is an expansion mechanism. However, some malpositioned cases have been reported, and these malpositions may cause poor outcomes.

Medial meniscus root tear refixation: comparison of clinical, radiologic, and arthroscopic findings with medial meniscectomy.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical, radiologic, and arthroscopic findings of pullout repair in medial meniscus root tear (MRT) and to compare the results of pullout repair and partial meniscectomy.

Methods: This study enrolled 58 consecutive patients with medial MRT who underwent partial meniscectomy (M group, n = 28) or pullout repair (R group, n = 30) between September 2003 and August 2007. The patients were evaluated by the Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, joint space narrowing, and Kellgren-Lawrence grade on simple radiographs.

Protective effect of Ilex latifolia, a major component of "kudingcha", against transient focal ischemia-induced neuronal damage in rats.

Aims Of The Study: Ilex latifolia (Aquifoliaceae), a primary component of "kudingcha", has been used in Chinese folk medicine to treat various kinds of diseases including headaches, inflammatory diseases, and cardiac ischemic injury. The present study investigated the protective effect of the ethanol extract of Ilex latifolia against transient, focal, ischemia-induced neuronal damage.

Materials And Methods: Transient focal ischemia was induced by 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 24 h reperfusion (MCAO/reperfusion) in rats.

Posterior cruciate ligament tibial insertion anatomy and implications for tibial tunnel placement.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were (1) to predict the tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and posterior cortex that aligned with the tibial tunnel (PCTT) by use of 2-dimensional plain radiographs by evaluating the relation between plain radiograph and computed tomography (CT) images and (2) to determine the safe angle of the tibial guide for preventing breakage of the posterior cortex.

Methods: In 10 fresh cadaveric tibias, the soft tissues were dissected and the tibial footprint of the PCL was identified. The insertion of the PCL, the longest distance from the PCTT to the posterior cortex that aligned with the tibial plateau (PCTP), and the possible maximum angle of the tibial guide to the most posteriorly positioned cortical line were measured from simple anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs, as well as CT.

Distribution of perfluorochemicals between sera and milk from the same mothers and implications for prenatal and postnatal exposures.

The levels of six perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs), four perfloroalkylsulfonates (PFASs), and one sulfonamide were measured in paired samples of maternal serum, umbilical cord serum, and breast milk. The maternal and cord sera were strongly correlated with each other for all measured compounds (r>0.5 and p<0.

The effectiveness of minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty to preserve quadriceps strength: a randomized controlled trial.

We performed a single-center, randomized, double-blind study to compare muscle strength in patients who had undergone primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), performed using either a minimally invasive or a conventional surgical technique. We evaluated 30 knees in healthy age-matched subjects, 22 knees after conventional TKA (conventional group), and 23 knees after minimally invasive surgery TKA (MIS group). The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Oxford knee score (OKS), and isokinetic (60º/s) muscle strength were evaluated the day before surgery and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.