Comparative quantitation of aberrant glycoforms by lectin-based glycoprotein enrichment coupled with multiple-reaction monitoring mass spectrometry.

Lectin enrichment-coupled multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry was employed to quantitatively monitor the variation of aberrant glycoforms produced under pathological states. For this, aberrant glycoforms of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) and protein tyrosine phosphatase kappa (PTPkappa), previously known target proteins for N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-V (GnT-V), were enriched by phytohemagglutinin-L(4) (L-PHA) lectin and comparatively analyzed in the conditioned medium of the WiDr colon cancer cell line and its GnT-V-overexpressing transfectant cells. Enriched glycoforms were digested, and the resultant peptides were comparatively quantified by MRM analysis.

Spatial and temporal changes of osteopontin in oxygen-glucose-deprived hippocampal slice cultures.

We have examined the temporal changes and cellular localization of osteopontin (OPN) mRNA and protein in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures subjected to ischemia-like oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The sequential induction pattern response consisted of neuronal and microglial OPN upregulation, followed by a later extended phase of expression in reactive astrocytes. OPN immunoreactivity after OGD matched the mRNA induction patterns.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 mRNA in the rat developing forebrain and retina.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-3, a receptor for VEGF-C and VEGF-D, is expressed in neural progenitor cells, but there has been no comprehensive study of its distribution in the developing brain. Here, the temporal and cell-specific expression of VEGFR-3 mRNA was studied in the developing rat forebrain and eye. Expression appeared along the ventricular and subventricular zones of the lateral and third ventricles showing ongoing neurogenesis as early as embryonic day 13 but was progressively down-regulated during development and remained in the subventricular zone and rostral migratory stream of the adult forebrain.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Pcna) as a direct downstream target gene of Hoxc8.

Hoxc8 is a member of Hox family transcription factors that play crucial roles in spatiotemporal body patterning during embryogenesis. Hox proteins contain a conserved 61 amino acid homeodomain, which is responsible for recognition and binding of the proteins onto Hox-specific DNA binding motifs and regulates expression of their target genes. Previously, using proteome analysis, we identified Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Pcna) as one of the putative target genes of Hoxc8.

Akt Cys-310-targeted inhibition by hydroxylated benzene derivatives is tightly linked to their immunosuppressive effects.

The hydroxylated benzene metabolite hydroquinone (HQ) is mainly generated from benzene, an important industrial chemical, and is also a common dietary component. Although numerous reports have addressed the tumorigenesis-inducing effects of HQ, few papers have explored its molecular regulatory mechanism in immunological responses. In this study we characterized Akt (protein kinase B)-targeted regulation by HQ and its derivatives, in suppressing inflammatory responses using cellular, molecular, biochemical, and immunopharmacological approaches.

Genome-wide association analysis and replication of coronary artery disease in South Korea suggests a causal variant common to diverse populations.

Background: Recent genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified and replicated several genetic loci associated with the risk of development of coronary artery disease (CAD) in samples from populations of Caucasian and Asian descent. However, only chromosome 9p21 has been confirmed as a major susceptibility locus conferring risk for development of CAD across multiple ethnic groups. The authors aimed to find evidence of further similarities and differences in genetic risk of CAD between Korean and other populations.

Adipose tissue derived stem cells for regeneration and differentiation into insulin-producing cells.

Stem cells are considered an ideal tool for the supply of insulin-producing cells or repairing damaged pancreatic tissues to treat diabetes mellitus, with the possibility of unlimited sources. This cell population includes embryonic, adult bone marrow, pancreatic stem cells, extra pancreatic (such as hepatic cells) and adipose-derived stem cells. Multipotent adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are abundant in the human body, and thus are an ideal donor source for autologous transplantation to generate insulin-producing cells.

Native low-density lipoprotein-induced superoxide anion contributes to proliferation of human aortic smooth muscle cells.

Background: Native low-density lipoprotein (nLDL) was one of the modifiable risk factors contributed directly to cardiovascular diseases development. We investigated that nLDL stimulation induced NADPH oxidase activation and superoxide production that was an important factor on human aortic smooth muscle cells (hAoSMC) proliferation.

Methods: Superoxide generation was recorded with fluorescent-staining of dihydroethidine or by measuring lucigenin-induced chemiluminescence for 5 minutes.

Dilutional hyponatremia developed during hysteroscopic myomectomy: A case report.

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that may appear minimally invasive, but may result in potentially disastrous complications. A hysteroscopy requires the insertion of a hysteroscope into the uterine cavity and the installation of a suitable distention medium for the visualization of the endometrium. Fluid overload due to the absorption of distention media during hysteroscopy can cause mild to severe complications, including hyponatremia, hypoosmolarity, nausea, vomiting, headache, arrhythmia, blindness, confusion, seizure, cerebral edema, brain herniation, and death.

Effects of propofol and etomidate on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in hepatocyte.

Background: The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of propofol and etomidate against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced oxidative damage in human hepatic SNU761 cells by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

Methods: The cell line of human hepatocellular carcinoma was grown for 24 hours in dissociated cell culture. They were divided into eight groups: negative control (NC) group with no drug administration, positive control (PC) group with H2O2 250 micrometer and other groups pretreated with propofol (P; 1, 10, 50 micrometer) or etomidate (ET; 1, 10, 50 micrometer) followed H2O2 administration.

Optimization and oxidative stability of the microencapsulated conjugated linoleic acid.

We used response surface methodology to optimize the preparation conditions of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) microcapsules for maximum entrapment efficiency. Three independent variables were used: the ratio of CLA core material to agar and waxy corn starch wall material (X(1)), the temperature of dispersion fluid (X(2)), and the concentration of emulsifier (X(3)). The optimized values of X(1), X(2), and X(3) were found to be 3.

Quantitative analysis of an aberrant glycoform of TIMP1 from colon cancer serum by L-PHA-enrichment and SISCAPA with MRM mass spectrometry.

Variations in glycosylation levels or in the glycoprofile of a certain glycoprotein in tumor-related sera have been widely reported and can be used as a means of differentiation. However, quantitative mass analysis of glycoproteins is difficult because of their high structural complexity and low mass sensitivity of glycopeptides. Therefore, more powerful technologies are required for the discovery of these potential biomarkers.

Radiological findings of spinal schwannomas and meningiomas: focus on discrimination of two disease entities.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of CT and MR imaging in differentiating intradural extramedullary spinal schwannomas and meningiomas in a large group of patients. In addition, the study correlates tumour location, morphologic characteristics and enhancement pattern. From January 2000 to June 2007, we retrospectively reviewed 128 consecutive patients (51 male, 77 female; mean age at admission 53.

Enhanced expression of SOCS-2 in the rat hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling-2 (SOCS-2) has recently been identified as an important regulator involved in neuronal differentiation and maturation. However, the role of SOCS-2 in ischemia-induced hippocampal neurogenesis remains to be clarified. Here we investigated the spatiotemporal expression of SOCS-2 in the rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia, and particular attention was paid to changes in the dentate gyrus.

Transient expression of Bis protein in midline radial glia in developing rat brainstem and spinal cord.

Bis (Bcl-2 interacting death suppressor) has been reported to contribute to the differentiation and maturation of specific neuronal populations in the developing rat forebrain, in addition to its well-established functions as a stress or survival-related protein. In the present study, we have analyzed the expression of Bis in the rat brainstem and cervical spinal cord during development by using immunohistochemistry. Bis immunoreactivity was detected in radial glial cells flanking the midline from embryonic day 14.

Cardiovascular effects of oral tri-iodothyronine in patients undergoing valvular cardiac surgery.

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass produces a state of functional hypothyroidism characterized by low levels of circulating tri-iodothyronine (T3). Theoretically, supplementing T3 should result in improved hemodynamics as well as patients' outcome. The aim of the present study was to determine whether pretreatment with single oral T3 could prevent serum T3 reduction, and improve hemodynamics and clinical outcome.

Association of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma gene polymorphisms with the development of asthma.

Background: The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcriptional factors. PPAR-gamma (PPARG) activation downregulates production of Th2 type cytokines and eosinophil function. Additionally, treatment with a synthetic PPARG ligand can reduce lung inflammation and IFN-gamma, IL-4, and IL-2 production in experimental allergic asthma.

Effects of early vital capacity maneuver on respiratory variables during multivessel off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Objectives: Despite avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass, similar degrees of pulmonary impairment compared with on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery have been demonstrated in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OPCAB) compared with on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. To investigate the effects of an early vital capacity maneuver (VCM) on intrapulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt), oxygenation, and pulmonary outcome in OPCAB.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

High concentration of synthetic serum, stepwise equilibration and slow cooling as an efficient technique for large-scale cryopreservation of human embryonic stem cells.

Objective: To develop an efficient freezing method suitable for large-scale cryopreservation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).

Design: Experimental study.

Setting: Research institute.

Induction of Nestin-expressing Spheroids from Human Dermal Fibroblasts in a bFGF-dependent Manner.

Background And Objectives: Neural stem/precursor cells are found in relatively inaccessible neurogenic regions of the adult brain, making them difficult to harvest for therapeutic purposes.

Methods And Results: In this study, nestin-expressing spheroids were induced from primary cultures of newborn and adult foreskin-derived dermal fibroblasts using a novel, two-step induction method. Approximately 80% of dermal fibroblasts became nestin-expressing cells within 12 days.

Differential regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-C and its receptor in the rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia.

We investigated the changes in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and its receptor, VEGFR-3, in the rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia. The expression profiles of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were very similar in the control hippocampi, where both genes were constitutively expressed in neurons in the pyramidal cell and granule cell layers. The spatiotemporal expression pattern of VEGF-C was similar to that of VEGFR-3 in the ischemic hippocampus, and in the CA1 and dentate hilar regions both VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were strongly expressed in activated glial cells rather than in neurons.

Effect of ramosetron on patient-controlled analgesia related nausea and vomiting after spine surgery in highly susceptible patients: comparison with ondansetron.

Study Design: A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

Objective: To compare the effect of ramosetron with that of ondansetron on opioid-based IV patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) related postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in highly susceptible patients after lumbar spine surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: Optimal postoperative pain management is important to facilitate early mobilization after lumbar spine surgery.

Differential regulation of osteopontin receptors, CD44 and the alpha(v) and beta(3) integrin subunits, in the rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia.

We have examined the spatiotemporal regulation of CD44 and the alpha(v)beta(3) integrin subunits, which have been identified as receptors for osteopontin (OPN), in the rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia. Immunoreactivity for CD44 and the integrin subunits, alpha(v) and beta(3), showed characteristic time- and cell-dependent patterns in the ischemic hippocampus. CD44 immunoreactivity was induced at day 1 after reperfusion, reached a peak at day 3, and returned to basal levels by day 7.