Heat-Killed SMB092 Reduces Halitosis by Stimulating the Expression of β-Defensins in Oral Keratinocytes.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate SMB092 as a prophylactic agent for oral pathogens. We examined the physical interaction of SMB092 with a host by identifying the presence of mucus-binding (MuB) protein domains and the capacity of the mucin binding. We determined the role of heat-killed SMB092 in host oral immunity by quantifying the mRNA levels of β-defensins (BDs), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and their cofactors (CD14/CD36) in normal human oral keratinocytes (HOK-16B cells).

Involvement of peroxiredoxin 2 in cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation in mice.

Peroxiredoxin 2 (Prdx2), an antioxidant enzyme, is expressed in the ovary during the ovulatory process. The aim of the present study was to examine the physiological role of Prdx2 during ovulation using Prdx2-knockout mice and mouse cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) from WT mice. Two days of treatment of immature mice (21-23 days old) with equine chorionic gonadotrophin and followed by treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin greatly impaired cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation in Prdx2-knockout but not wild-type mice.

PCR-DGGE analysis of population dynamics of lactic acid bacteria in kimchi by addition of bacteriocins.

The effects of two crude bacteriocins (DF01 and K10) on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) communities and pH during kimchi fermentation were analyzed by polymerase chain reactiondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Crude LAB bacteriocins, prepared by ammonium sulfate precipitation, were added at 5 AU/mL, and kimchi was incubated at 20°C for 7 days. The pH and titratable acidity of the kimchies were determined daily, and the amplified 16S rRNA products were analyzed by PCR-DGGE.

Direct exfoliation and dispersion of two-dimensional materials in pure water via temperature control.

The high-volume synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) materials in the form of platelets is desirable for various applications. While water is considered an ideal dispersion medium, due to its abundance and low cost, the hydrophobicity of platelet surfaces has prohibited its widespread use. Here we exfoliate 2D materials directly in pure water without using any chemicals or surfactants.

Effect of surface morphology on friction of graphene on various substrates.

The friction of graphene on various substrates, such as SiO2, h-BN, bulk-like graphene, and mica, was investigated to characterize the adhesion level between graphene and the underlying surface. The friction of graphene on SiO2 decreased with increasing thickness and converged around the penta-layers due to incomplete contact between the two surfaces. However, the friction of graphene on an atomically flat substrate, such as h-BN or bulk-like graphene, was low and comparable to that of bulk-like graphene.

Periovulatory expression of hydrogen peroxide-induced sulfiredoxin and peroxiredoxin 2 in the rat ovary: gonadotropin regulation and potential modification.

Reactive oxygen species are involved in ovulation. The aim of this study was to examine gonadotropin regulation of antioxidant enzyme sulfiredoxin (Srx) and peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2) expressions and modification during the ovulatory process in rats. Administration of antioxidants in vivo reduced ovulation rate and cumulus expansion.

Bilateral serous retinal detachment as a presenting sign of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

We present a case of bilateral serous retinal detachment (SRD) as a presenting sign of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph(+) ALL). A 45-year-old woman presented with decreased vision and was found to have bilateral serous retinal detachment. Peripheral blood smears revealed leukocytosis of 53.

Intravitreal bevacizumab for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma associated with central retinal artery occlusion.

We report three cases of neovascular glaucoma secondary to central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) which were effectively managed with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) followed by panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). Neovascular glaucoma without peripheral anterior synechiae developed between one and five weeks following CRAO onset. All patients received 0.