Progesterone and interferon tau regulated genes in the endometrium of the ovine uterus and expression of interferon stimulated genes in the corpus luteum during early pregnancy in sheep

During early pregnancy in ruminants, progesterone (P4) from the corpus luteum (CL) and interferon tau (IFNT) from the conceptus act on the endometrium to regulate genes including interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) that are hypothesized to be important for uterine receptivity and conceptus growth. Previous custom ovine cDNA array analyses identified candidate genes that were regulated by pregnancy, P4 and/or IFNT in the ovine uterus. The first study validated pregnancy, P4 and/or IFNT regulated genes identified by previous custom ovine cDNA microarray analyses. ACTA2, COL3A1, POSTN, SPARC, S100A2, STAT5A and TAGLN were examined. POSTN was upregulated by P4 and S100A2 was downregulated by IFNT. Moreover, functional studies showed that POSTN stimulated attachment of ovine trophectoderm cells. However, neither COL3A1, SPARC, ACTA2 nor TAGLN was regulated by pregnancy, P4 or IFNT in the ovine endometrium. Collectively, these results confirmed that POSTN and S100A2 are P4 and IFNT regulated, respectively, and likely involved in uterine receptivity to conceptus implantation during early pregnancy. The second study determined expression of ISGs in the CL of pregnant ewes. MX1, MX2, ISG15, OAS1, and RSAD2 mRNAs were increased on Day 14 of pregnancy and maintained to Day 18, indicating that IFNT induced expression of ISGs in the CL. These results confirmed that locally produced IFNT has paracrine effects and also endocrine effects on reproductive organs other than the uterine endometrium and maternal immune system

Ribosome Biogenesis Modulates Ty1 Copy Number Control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Transposons can impact the host genome by altering gene expression and participating in chromosome rearrangements. Therefore, organisms evolved different ways to minimize the level of transposition. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its close relative S. paradoxus, Ty1 copy number control (CNC) is mediated by the self-encoded restriction factor p22, which is derived from the GAG capsid gene and inhibits virus-like particle (VLP) assembly and function. Based on secondary screens of Ty1 cofactors, we identified LOC1, a RNA localization/ribosome biogenesis gene that affects Ty1 mobility predominantly in strains harboring Ty1 elements. Ribosomal protein mutants rps0bΔ and rpl7aΔ displayed similar CNC-specific phenotypes as loc1Δ, suggesting that ribosome biogenesis is critical for CNC. The level of Ty1 mRNA and Ty1 internal (Ty1i) transcripts encoding p22 was altered in these mutants, and displayed a trend where the level of Ty1i RNA increased relative to full-length Ty1 mRNA. The level of p22 increased in these mutants, and the half-life of p22 also increased in a loc1Δ mutant. Transcriptomic analyses revealed small changes in the level of Ty1 transcripts or efficiency of translation initiation in a loc1Δ mutant. Importantly, a loc1Δ mutant had defects in assembly of Gag complexes and packaging Ty1 RNA. Our results indicate that defective ribosome biogenesis enhances CNC by increasing the level of p22, and raise the possibility for versatile links between VLP assembly, its cytoplasmic environment, and a novel stress response

Skeletal anteroposterior discrepancy and vertical type effects on lower incisor preoperative decompensation and postoperative compensation in skeletal Class III patients

Objective: To determine the initial compensation, preoperative decompensation, and postoperative compensation of the lower incisors according to the skeletal anteroposterior discrepancy and vertical type in skeletal Class III patients. Materials and Methods: The samples consisted of 68 skeletal Class III patients treated with twojaw surgery and orthodontic treatment. Lateral cephalograms were taken before preoperative orthodontic treatment (T0) and before surgery (T1) and after debonding (T2). According to skeletal anteroposterior discrepancy/vertical type (ANB, criteria524u; SN-GoMe, criteria 5 35u) at the T0 stage, the samples were allocated into group 1 (severe anteroposterior discrepancy/hypodivergent vertical type, N 5 17), group 2 (moderate anteroposterior discrepancy/hypodivergent vertical type, N 5 17), group 3 (severe anteroposterior discrepancy/hyperdivergent vertical type, N 5 17), or group 4 (moderate anteroposterior discrepancy/hyperdivergent vertical type, N 5 17). After measurement of variables, one-way analysis of variance with Duncans multiple comparison test, crosstab analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis were performed. Results: At T0, groups 3 and 2 exhibited the most and least compensated lower incisors. In group 2, good preoperative decompensation and considerable postoperative compensation resulted in different values for T0, T1, and T2 (IMPA, T0 , T2 , T1; P , .001). However, group 3 did not show significant changes in IMPA between stages. Therefore, groups 2 and 3 showed different decompensation achievement ratios (P , .05). Group 3 exhibited the worst ratios of decompensation and stability (24% and 6%, respectively, P , .001). Anteroposterior discrepancy/ vertical type (ANB: P , .01 at T0 and T1, P , .001 at T2; SN-GoMe: P , .01, all stages) were strongly correlated with relative percentage ratio of IMPA to norm value. Conclusions: Skeletal anteroposterior discrepancy/vertical type results in differences in the amount and pattern of initial compensation, preoperative decompensation, and postoperative compensation of lower incisors in Class III patients. (Angle Orthod. 2011;81:64–74.

Computer-Aided Designing and Manufacturing of Lingual Fixed Orthodontic Appliance Using 2D/3D Registration Software and Rapid Prototyping

The availability of 3D dental model scanning technology, combined with the ability to register CBCT data with digital models, has enabled the fabrication of orthognathic surgical CAD/CAM designed splints, customized brackets, and indirect bonding systems. In this study, custom lingual orthodontic appliances were virtually designed by merging 3D model images with lateral and posterior-anterior cephalograms. By exporting design information to 3D CAD software, we have produced a stereolithographic prototype and converted it into a cobalt-chrome alloy appliance as a way of combining traditional prosthetic investment and cast techniques. While the bonding procedure of the appliance could be reinforced, CAD technology simplified the fabrication process by eliminating the soldering phase. This report describes CAD/CAM fabrication of the complex anteroposterior lingual bonded retraction appliance for intrusive retraction of the maxillary anterior dentition. Furthermore, the CAD/CAM method eliminates the extra step of determining the lever arm on the lateral cephalograms and subsequent design modifications on the study model

Barriers to Outpatient Hospital-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Korean Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

ObjectiveTo investigate factors associated with enrollment and participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in Korea.MethodsPatients admitted to four university hospitals with acute coronary syndrome between June 2014 and May 2016 were enrolled. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS) made of 21-item questionnaire and divided in four subdomains was administered during admission. CRBS items used a 5-point Likert scale and ≥2.5 was considered as a barrier. Differences between CR non-attender and CR attender, or CR non-enroller and CR enroller in subscale and each items of CRBS were examined using the chi-square test.ResultsThe CR participation rate in four hospitals was 31% (170 of the 552). Logistical factors (odds ratio [OR]=7.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.62–12.55) and comorbidities/functional status (OR=6.60; 95% CI, 3.95–11.01) were identified as a barrier to CR enrollment in the subdomain analysis. Among patients who were enrolled (agreed to participate in CR during admission), only work/time conflict was a significant barrier to CR participation (OR=2.17; 95% CI, 1.29–3.66).ConclusionDiverse barriers to CR participation were identified in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Providing the tailored model for CR according to the individual patient's barrier could improve the CR utilization. Further multicenter study with large sample size including other CR indication is required

Down-regulation of phosphoglucomutase 3 mediates sulforaphane-induced cell death in LNCaP prostate cancer cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables that exerts anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and radio-sensitizing activities. Nonetheless, the mechanism responsible for SFN-induced cell death is not fully understood. In the present study, anti-cancer mechanism of SFN was elucidated in LNCaP prostate cancer cells.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>SFN exerted cytotoxicity and increased TUNEL positive cells in a concentration-dependent manner in LNCaP cells. Proteomics study revealed that levels of nine proteins including tubulin β-2, phosphoglucomutase-3 (PGM3), melanoma-derived leucine zipper containing extra-nuclear factor, activin A type I receptor precursor, smoothelin-A, KIA0073, hypothetical protein LOC57691 and two unnamed proteins were changed over 8 folds in SFN treated LNCaP cells compared to untreated control. We have further confirmed that SFN reduced PGM3 expression with western blotting and showed that PGM3 siRNA enhanced cytotoxicity demonstrated by cell morphology and TUNEL assays in LNCaP cells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Taken together, these findings suggest that PGM3 plays a role in mediating SFN-induced cell death in LNCaP cells, and is a potential molecular therapeutic target for prostate cancer.</p

Patterned Si thin film electrodes for enhancing structural stability

A patterned film (electrode) with lozenge-shaped Si tiles could be successfully fabricated by masking with an expanded metal foil during film deposition. Its electrochemical properties and structural stability during the charge-discharge process were examined and compared with those of a continuous (conventional) film electrode. The patterned electrode exhibited a remarkably improved cycleability (75% capacity retention after 120 cycles) and an enhanced structural stability compared to the continuous electrode. The good electrochemical performance of the patterned electrode was attributed to the space between Si tiles that acted as a buffer against the volume change of the Si electrode

Successful Salvage Unrelated Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation with Two Units After Engraftment Failure with Single Unit in Severe Aplastic Anemia

Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients without an HLA-matched sibling donor need alternative treatment options. Umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) has become an alternative means for treating various diseases, but it has not been proved to be a satisfactory method to treat SAA. Here, we report the case of a girl who underwent successful two-unit UCBT after engraftment failure with a single unit. Two-unit UCBT is proposed to have better engraftment potential and to offer a better chance of survival, according to some reports. Increased cell dose and graft-versus-graft reaction could contribute to these advantages. With this promising result, two-unit UCBT could be an alternative treatment option for patients with SAA without an HLA-matched donor

The effect of non-optimal lipids on the progression of coronary artery calcification in statin-naïve young adults: results from KOICA registry

BackgroundDespite the importance of attaining optimal lipid levels from a young age to secure long-term cardiovascular health, the detailed impact of non-optimal lipid levels in young adults on coronary artery calcification (CAC) is not fully explored. We sought to investigate the risk of CAC progression as per lipid profiles and to demonstrate lipid optimality in young adults.MethodsFrom the KOrea Initiative on Coronary Artery calcification (KOICA) registry that was established in six large volume healthcare centers in Korea, 2,940 statin-naïve participants aged 20–45 years who underwent serial coronary calcium scans for routine health check-ups between 2002 and 2017 were included. The study outcome was CAC progression, which was assessed by the square root method. The risk of CAC progression was analyzed according to the lipid optimality and each lipid parameter.ResultsIn this retrospective cohort (mean age, 41.3 years; men 82.4%), 477 participants (16.2%) had an optimal lipid profile, defined as triglycerides &lt;150 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol &lt;100 mg/dl, and HDL cholesterol &gt;60 mg/dl. During follow-up (median, 39.7 months), CAC progression was observed in 434 participants (14.8%), and more frequent in the non-optimal lipid group (16.5% vs. 5.7%; p &lt; 0.001). Non-optimal lipids independently increased the risk of CAC progression [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.97; p = 0.025], in a dose-dependent manner. Even in relatively low-risk participants with an initial calcium score of zero (aHR, 2.13; p = 0.014), in their 20 s or 30 s (aHR 2.15; p = 0.041), and without other risk factors (aHR 1.45; p = 0.038), similar results were demonstrable. High triglycerides had the greatest impact on CAC progression in this young adult population.ConclusionNon-optimal lipid levels were significantly associated with the risk of CAC progression in young adults, even at low-risk. Screening and intervention for non-optimal lipid levels, particularly triglycerides, from an early age might be of clinical value