Analysis of speech and tongue motion in normal and post-glossectomy speaker using cine MRI

Objective Since the tongue is the oral structure responsible for mastication, pronunciation, and swallowing functions, patients who undergo glossectomy can be affected in various aspects of these functions. The vowel /i/ uses the tongue shape, whereas /u/ uses tongue and lip shapes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the morphological changes of the tongue and the adaptation of pronunciation using cine MRI for speech of patients who undergo glossectomy. Material and Methods Twenty-three controls (11 males and 12 females) and 13 patients (eight males and five females) volunteered to participate in the experiment. The patients underwent glossectomy surgery for T1 or T2 lateral lingual tumors. The speech tasks “a souk” and “a geese” were spoken by all subjects providing data for the vowels /u/ and /i/. Cine MRI and speech acoustics were recorded and measured to compare the changes in the tongue with vowel acoustics after surgery. 2D measurements were made of the interlip distance, tongue-palate distance, tongue position (anterior-posterior and superior-inferior), tongue height on the left and right sides, and pharynx size. Vowel formants Fl, F2, and F3 were measured. Results The patients had significantly lower F2/Fl ratios (F=5.911, p=0.018), and lower F3/F1 ratios that approached significance. This was seen primarily in the /u/ data. Patients had flatter tongue shapes than controls with a greater effect seen in /u/ than /i/. Conclusion The patients showed complex adaptation motion in order to preserve the acoustic integrity of the vowels, and the tongue modified cavity size relationships to maintain the value of the formant frequencies

Selectively enhanced expression of prophenoloxidase activating enzyme 1 (PPAE1) at a bacteria clearance site in the white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The prophenoloxidase-activating (PO activating) system plays an important role in the crustacean innate immunity, particularly in wound healing and pathogen defense. A key member of this system is prophenoloxidase-activating enzyme (PPAE), which is the direct activator of prophenoloxidase (proPO). Despite their importance in crustacean PO activating system, the studies on them remain limited.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Here we report on a PPAE of white shrimp, <it>Litopenaeus vannamei </it>(lvPPAE1), which showed 94% similarity to PPAE1 of <it>Penaeus monodon</it>. We found that lvPPAE1 in fluid hemocytes was down regulated after challenge by <it>Vibrio harveyi </it>but was enhanced when shrimps were exposed to a bacteria-rich environment for long-term. In <it>vivo </it>gene silence of lvPPAE1 by RNAi can significantly reduce the phenoloxidase activity (PO) and increase the susceptibility of shrimps to <it>V. harveyi</it>. Although lvPPAE1 was down-regulated in fluid hemocytes by <it>Vibrio </it>challenge, its expression increased significantly in gill after bacteria injection, which is the primary bacteria-clearance tissue.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Suppressed expression in fluid hemocytes and enhanced expression in gill indicates selectively enhanced expression at the bacterial clearance site. This is a novel feature for PPAE expression. The results will contribute to our understanding of the PO activating system in crustaceans.</p

Nest entry shape change may cause nest abandonment in urban cavity-nesting species: a case study of the Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

The threat of predation is the main cause of bird nest abandonment, with such behaviour imposing considerable energetic costs on breeding birds. However, for several species, nest abandonment can be a less costly alternative to complete brood failure. In this study, we examined nest abandonment among Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) by surveying 71 Tree Sparrow nests with various types of entry holes and conducted artificially manipulating some of the entrance shapes. We found that nest abandonment was caused by changes to the nest entry shape in seven cases and by human interference in two cases. Nest abandonments occurred throughout the breeding season, and breeding pairs attempted to breed again immediately after nest abandonment. The results of the artificial nest entry shape manipulation experiment showed that nine of twelve nests (75.0%) were abandoned where the nest entrance holes were widened, and six of eleven nests (54.5%) were abandoned where the nest entrance holes were narrowed. However, none of the nests were abandoned where the entry shape was unchanged. Thus, nest abandonment by Tree Sparrows is correlated with nest entry shape manipulation and is more likely to occur when the energy cost of breeding again is less than that of abandoning the nest

Sex disparity in dialysis and kidney transplantation over 20 years in Korea

Background Sex disparity is prevalent in organ transplantations worldwide. This study aimed to understand sex disparities in dialysis and kidney transplantation in Korea over the last 20 years. Methods Data for incident dialysis, waiting list registration, and donors and recipients were retrospectively collected between January 2000 and December 2020 from the Korean Society of Nephrology end-stage renal disease registry and the database of the Korean Network for Organ Sharing. Data regarding the proportion of females for dialysis, waiting list, and kidney transplantation donors or recipients were analyzed using linear regression analysis. Results The average proportion of females on dialysis over the past 20 years was 40.5%. The proportion of females on dialysis was 42.8% in 2000, and decreased to 38.2% in 2020, showing a decreasing trend. The average proportion of women on the waiting list was 38.4%, which was lower than that for dialysis. The average proportion of female recipients in living donor kidney transplantation and female living donors were 40.1% and 53.2%, respectively. The overall proportion of female donors in living donor kidney transplantation showed an increasing trend. However, there was no change in the proportion of female recipients in living donor kidney transplantation. Conclusion Sex disparities in organ transplantation exist, including an increasing trend of female donors in living donor kidney transplantation. Further studies are needed to identify the biological and socioeconomic factors involved to resolve these disparities

Locally-applied 5-fluorouracil-loaded slow-release patch prevents pancreatic cancer growth in an orthotopic mouse model

To obtain improved efficacy against pancreatic cancer, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a locally-applied 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-loaded polymeric patch on pancreatic tumors in an orthotopic nude-mouse model. The 5-FU-releasing polymeric patch was produced by 3D printing. After application of the patch, it released the drug slowly for 4 weeks, and suppressed BxPC-3 pancreas cancer growth. Luciferase imaging of BxPC3-Luc cells implanted in the pancreas was performed longitudinally. The drug patch delivered a 30.2 times higher level of 5-FU than an intra-peritoneal (i.p.) bolus injection on day-1. High 5-FU levels were accumulated within one week by the patch. Four groups were compared for efficacy of 5-FU. Drug-free patch as a negative control (Group I); 30% 5-FU-loaded patch (4.8 mg) (Group II); 5-FU i.p. once (4.8 mg) (Group III); 5-FU i.p. once a week (1.2 mg), three times (Group IV). The tumor growth rate was significantly faster in Group I than Group II, III, IV (p=0.047 at day-8, p=0.022 at day-12, p=0.002 at day-18 and p=0.034 at day-21). All mice in Group III died of drug toxicity within two weeks after injection. Group II showed more effective suppression of tumor growth than Group IV (p=0.018 at day-12 and p=0.017 at day-21). Histological analysis showed extensive apoptosis in the TUNEL assay and by Ki -67 staining. Western blotting confirmed strong expression of cleaved caspase-3 in Group II. No significant changes were found hematologically and histologically in the liver, kidney and spleen in Groups I, II, IV but were found in Group III.113Ysciescopu

Frequency of Fabry disease in chronic kidney disease patients including patients on renal replacement therapy in Korea

Background Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficient activity of α-galactosidase (α- Gal A), affecting multiple organs including kidney. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of FD in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) including those on renal replacement therapy in Korea. Methods This is a national, multicenter, observational study performed between August 24, 2017 and February 28, 2020. Patients with the presence of proteinuria or treated on dialysis were screened by measuring the α-Gal A enzyme activity using either dried blood spot or whole blood, and plasma globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-GL3) concentration. A GLA gene analysis was performed in patients with low α-Gal A enzyme activity or increased plasma lyso-GL3 concentration. Results Of 897 screened patients, 405 (45.2%) were male and 279 (31.1%) were on dialysis. The α-Gal A enzyme activity was measured in 891 patients (99.3%), and plasma lyso-GL3 concentration was measured in all patients. Ten patients were eligible for a GLA gene analysis: eight with low α-Gal A enzyme activity and two with increased plasma lyso-GL3 concentration. The GLA mutations were analyzed in nine patients and one patient was found with a pathogenic mutation. Therefore, one patient was identified with FD, giving a prevalence of 0.1% (1 of 897) in this CKD population. Conclusion Although the prevalence of FD in the CKD population was low (0.1%), screening tests are crucial to detect potential diseases in patients with relatives who can benefit from early treatment

Enhancement of paclitaxel-induced breast cancer cell death via the glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta-mediated B-cell lymphoma 2 regulation

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3 beta) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is known to mediate cancer cell death. Here, we show that B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), an anti-apoptotic protein, is regulated by GSK-3 beta and that GSK-3 beta-mediated regulation of Bcl-2 is crucial for mitochondrial-dependent cell death in paclitaxel-stimulated cells. We demonstrate that MCF7 GSK3 beta siRNA cells are more sensitive to cell death than MCF7 GFP control cells and that in the absence of GSK-3 beta, Bcl-2 levels are reduced, a result enhanced by paclitaxel. Paclitaxel-induced JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) activation is critical for Bcl-2 modulation. In the absence of GSK-3 beta, Bcl-2 was unstable in an ubiquitination-dependent manner in both basal-and paclitaxel-treated cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that GSK-3 beta-mediated regulation of Bcl-2 influences cytochrome C release and mitochondrial membrane potential. Taken together, our data suggest that GSK-3 beta-dependent regulation of Bcl-2 is crucial for mitochondria-dependent cell death in paclitaxel-mediated breast cancer therapy.clos

The Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and the Associated Factors to CKD in Urban Korea: A Population-based Cross-sectional Epidemiologic Study

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide problem. This study was designed to survey the prevalence and risk factors for CKD in Korea. The 2,356 subjects were selected in proportion to age, gender, and city. Subjects 35 yr of age or older were selected from 7 cities. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation, with albuminuria defined as a urine albumin to creatinine ratio of 30 mg/g or more. The overall prevalence of CKD was 13.7%. The prevalences of CKD according to stage were 2.0% stage 1, 6.7% stage 2, 4.8% stage 3, 0.2% stage 4, and 0.0% stage 5. The prevalences of microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria were 8.6% and 1.6%, respectively. The prevalence of eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) was 5.0%. Age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and fasting blood glucose were independent factors related to the presence of CKD. In conclusions, Korea, in which the prevalence of CKD is increasing, should prepare a policy for early detection and appropriate treatment of CKD. The present data will be helpful in taking those actions.Moranne O, 2009, J AM SOC NEPHROL, V20, P164, DOI 10.1681/ASN.2008020159Chin HJ, 2008, NEPHROL DIAL TRANSPL, V23, P2810, DOI 10.1093/ndt/gfn132Zhang LX, 2008, AM J KIDNEY DIS, V51, P373, DOI 10.1053/j.ajkd.2007.11.009BRODSKY J, 2008, AM J KIDNEY DIS S, V51, pS239Imai E, 2007, AM J KIDNEY DIS, V50, P927, DOI 10.1053/j.ajkd.2007.09.004Coresh J, 2007, JAMA-J AM MED ASSOC, V298, P2038Kwan BCH, 2007, CLIN J AM SOC NEPHRO, V2, P992, DOI 10.2215/CJN.04221206Iseki K, 2007, HYPERTENS RES, V30, P167Madan P, 2007, NEPHROL DIAL TRANSPL, V22, P440, DOI 10.1093/ndt/gfl572IMAI E, 2007, CLIN EXP NEPHROL, V11, P156Kuo HW, 2007, AM J KIDNEY DIS, V49, P46, DOI 10.1053/j.ajkd.2006.10.007CHIN HJ, 2007, KOREAN J NEPHROL, V26, P195Ma YC, 2006, J AM SOC NEPHROL, V17, P2937, DOI 10.1681/ASN.2006040368Li ZY, 2006, CLIN CHIM ACTA, V366, P209, DOI 10.1016/j.cca.2005.10.011*KOR SOC NEPHR, 2006, KOREAN J NEPHROL, V25, pS425Fried LF, 2005, J AM SOC NEPHROL, V16, P3728, DOI 10.1681/ASN.2005040384Viktorsdottir O, 2005, NEPHROL DIAL TRANSPL, V20, P1799, DOI 10.1093/ndt/gfh914Shlipak MG, 2005, NEW ENGL J MED, V352, P2049, DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa043161Domrongkitchaiporn S, 2005, J AM SOC NEPHROL, V16, P791, DOI 10.1681/ASN.2004030208Foley RN, 2005, J AM SOC NEPHROL, V16, P489Coresh J, 2005, J AM SOC NEPHROL, V16, P180Go AS, 2004, NEW ENGL J MED, V351, P1296, DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa041031Wasen E, 2004, J INTERN MED, V256, P70John R, 2004, AM J KIDNEY DIS, V43, P825, DOI 10.1053/j.ajkd.2003.12.046Hunsicker LG, 2004, J AM SOC NEPHROL, V15, P1363, DOI 10.1097/01.ASN.0000126069.68755.99Fox CS, 2004, JAMA-J AM MED ASSOC, V291, P844Chadban SJ, 2003, J AM SOC NEPHROL, V14, pS131, DOI 10.1097/01.ASN.0000070152.11927.4ACoresh J, 2003, AM J KIDNEY DIS, V41, P1, DOI 10.1053/ajkd.2003.50007SAMAK MJ, 2003, CIRCULATION, V108, P2154Ramirez SPB, 2002, J AM SOC NEPHROL, V13, P1907, DOI 10.1097/01.ASN.0000018406.20282.C8Ko GTC, 2001, BRIT J NUTR, V85, P239Levey AS, 1999, ANN INTERN MED, V130, P461Iseki K, 1996, KIDNEY INT, V49, P8001

Alveolar Macrophages Treated With Bacillus subtilis Spore Protect Mice Infected With Respiratory Syncytial Virus A2

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major pathogen that infects lower respiratory tract and causes a common respiratory disease. Despite serious pathological consequences with this virus, effective treatments for controlling RSV infection remain unsolved, along with poor innate immune responses induced at the initial stage of RSV infection. Such a poor innate defense mechanism against RSV leads us to study the role of alveolar macrophage (AM) that is one of the primary innate immune cell types in the respiratory tract and may contribute to protective responses against RSV infection. As an effective strategy for enhancing anti-viral function of AM, this study suggests the intranasal administration of Bacillus subtilis spore which induces expansion of AM in the lung with activation and enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines along with several genes associated with M1 macrophage differentiation. Such effect by spore on AM was largely dependent on TLR-MyD88 signaling and, most importantly, resulted in a profound reduction of viral titers and pathological lung injury upon RSV infection. Taken together, our results suggest a protective role of AM in RSV infection and its functional modulation by B. subtilis spore, which may be a useful and potential therapeutic approach against RSV