Deletion of astroglial CXCL10 delays clinical onset but does not affect progressive axon loss in a murine autoimmune multiple sclerosis model.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, demyelination, and axonal degeneration. CXCL10 (IP-10), a chemokine for CXCR3+ T cells, is known to regulate T cell differentiation and migration in the periphery, but effects of CXCL10 produced endogenously in the CNS on immune cell trafficking are unknown. We created floxed cxcl10 mice and crossed them with mice carrying an astrocyte-specific Cre transgene (mGFAPcre) to ablate astroglial CXCL10 synthesis. These mice, and littermate controls, were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35-55 (MOG peptide) to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In comparison to the control mice, spinal cord CXCL10 mRNA and protein were sharply diminished in the mGFAPcre/CXCL10fl/fl EAE mice, confirming that astroglia are chiefly responsible for EAE-induced CNS CXCL10 synthesis. Astroglial CXCL10 deletion did not significantly alter the overall composition of CD4+ lymphocytes and CD11b+ cells in the acutely inflamed CNS, but did diminish accumulation of CD4+ lymphocytes in the spinal cord perivascular spaces. Furthermore, IBA1+ microglia/macrophage accumulation within the lesions was not affected by CXCL10 deletion. Clinical deficits were milder and acute demyelination was substantially reduced in the astroglial CXCL10-deleted EAE mice, but long-term axon loss was equally severe in the two groups. We concluded that astroglial CXCL10 enhances spinal cord perivascular CD4+ lymphocyte accumulation and acute spinal cord demyelination in MOG peptide EAE, but does not play an important role in progressive axon loss in this MS model

Effect of grafting on growth and incidence of phytophthora blight and bacterial wilt of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of grafting using commercial rootstocks and breeding lines on growth and resistance to both Phytophthora blight (Phytophthora capsici) and bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum), and to evaluate the breeding lines as candidates rootstocks for grafted peppers. Capsicum annuum 'Nokkwang' (scion) was grafted onto five commercial rootstocks ('Kataguruma', 'Konesianhot', 'Koregon PR-380', 'PR-power', and 'Tantan') and nine breeding lines ('PR 901', 'PR 919', 'PR 920', 'PR 921', 'PR 922', 'PR 927', 'PR 928', 'PR 929', and 'PR 930'). Graft-take percentage was over 80% in all the grafted seedlings except those grafted onto 'PR 901' (75%). The number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area, and dry weight of shoot of grafted seedlings were greater than those of non-grafted seedlings. Mineral contents in the shoots of grafted seedlings were significantly different, depending on rootstock genotypes. Marketable yield ranged from 1.35 to 1.96 kg per plant depending on rootstock genotypes, and was highest in peppers grafted onto 'PR 901' (1.95 kg) and non-grafted peppers (1.96 kg), and lowest in those grafted onto 'PR 928' (1.35 kg). Gross yield was highest in peppers grafted onto 'Konesianhot' (2.64 kg). Among nine breeding lines, three rootstocks ('PR 920', 'PR 921', and 'PR 922') were selected as candidate rootstocks for the grafted pepper based on graft-take, growth, yield, fruit quality, and resistance to diseases. Three major pepper cultivars ('Nokkwang', 'Saengsaeng Matkkwari', and 'Shinhong') were grafted onto those three breeding lines and 'Tantan' (control). Peppers grafted onto breeding lines of 'PR 920', 'PR 921', and 'PR 922' showed greater resistance to both Phytophthora blight and bacterial wilt without the decrease in yield and fruit quality. Accordingly, they were considered to be used as rootstocks resistant to both Phytophthora blight and bacterial wilt for pepper production.OAIID:oai:osos.snu.ac.kr:snu2012-01/102/0000027607/1SEQ:1PERF_CD:SNU2012-01EVAL_ITEM_CD:102USER_ID:0000027607ADJUST_YN:YEMP_ID:A075898DEPT_CD:517CITE_RATE:0FILENAME:2012-2-heb-접목-내병성-장윤아.pdfDEPT_NM:식물생산과학부EMAIL:[email protected]_YN:NCONFIRM:

Fibrin Glue Reduces the Duration of Lymphatic Drainage after Lumpectomy and Level II or III Axillary Lymph Node Dissection for Breast Cancer: A Prospective Randomized Trial

This randomized prospective study investigated the effect of fibrin glue use on drainage duration and overall drain output after lumpectomy and axillary dissection in breast cancer patients. A total of 100 patients undergoing breast lumpectomy and axillary dissection were randomized to a fibrin glue group (N=50; glue sprayed onto the axillary dissection site) or a control group (N=50). Outcome measures were drainage duration, overall drain output, and incidence of seroma. Overall, the fibrin glue and control groups were similar in terms of drainage duration, overall drain output, and incidence of seroma. However, subgroup analysis showed that fibrin glue use resulted in a shorter drainage duration (3.5 vs. 4.7 days; p=0.0006) and overall drain output (196 vs. 278 mL; p=0.0255) in patients undergoing level II or III axillary dissection. Fibrin glue use reduced drainage duration and overall drain output in breast cancer patients undergoing a lumpectomy and level II or III axillary dissection

Comparison of pork belly characteristics and weights of primal cuts between gilt and barrow of Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc pigs measured by AutoFomIII

Currently, pigs breed in Korea are LYD (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) crossbred pigs. Pigs used as fresh meat are gilts and barrows. However, the current supply of pork is not satisfying Korean consumers. In addition, the comparison of carcasses between gilts and barrows only studies carcass weight, backfat thickness, or meat quality, and there are very few studies comparing carcass characteristics. The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics of 7 primal cuts of gilts and barrows as measured by AutoFom III. A total of 350,179 pigs were used, including 176,461 gilts and 173,718 barrows. Characteristics of seven primal cuts were measured using AutoFom III. In the case of carcass weight, there was no significant difference in grade 1+. For all other survey items except for grade 2, gilts showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher values. For all grades except for pork belly, amounts of the remaining six primal cuts were higher in gilts (all p < 0.05,). In addition, the ratio of intermuscular fat in the pork belly of barrows showed a higher value than that in the pork belly of gilts (p < 0.05). The amount of pork belly, which is the most popular among consumers in Korea, not only produced more production than gilts in barrows, but also showed a higher value than gilts in barrows for the ratio of intermuscular fat affecting taste. In summary, gilts produced higher yields than barrows in all parts except pork belly. For the production of only pork belly, barrows showed higher production than gilts

Estimating the long-term effects of mass screening for latent and active tuberculosis in the Marshall Islands

BACKGROUND: Ambitious population-based screening programmes for latent and active tuberculosis (TB) were implemented in the Republic of the Marshall Islands in 2017 and 2018. METHODS: We used a transmission dynamic model of TB informed by local data to capture the Marshall Islands epidemic's historical dynamics. We then used the model to project the future epidemic trajectory following the active screening interventions, as well as considering a counterfactual scenario with no intervention. We also simulated future scenarios including periodic interventions similar to those previously implemented, to assess their ability to reach the End TB Strategy targets and TB pre-elimination in the Marshall Islands. RESULTS: The screening activities conducted in 2017 and 2018 were estimated to have reduced TB incidence and mortality by around one-third in 2020, and are predicted to achieve the End TB Strategy milestone of 50% incidence reduction by 2025 compared with 2015. Screening interventions had a considerably greater impact when latent TB screening and treatment were included, compared with active case finding alone. Such combined programmes implemented at the national level could achieve TB pre-elimination around 2040 if repeated every 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our model suggests that it would be possible to achieve TB pre-elimination by 2040 in the Marshall Islands through frequent repetition of the same interventions as those already implemented in the country. It also highlights the importance of including latent infection testing in active screening activities

Limitations of Conventional Contrast-enhanced MRI in Selecting Sentinel Node Biopsy Candidates among DCIS Patients

Purpose: A better predictive model for occult invasive disease in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients is essential to guide the tailored use of sentinel node biopsies. We hypothesized that recent improvement of contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could provide more accurate information on the presence of occult invasion in DCIS patients. Methods: From a prospectively maintained database, we identified 143 DCIS patients diagnosed with needle biopsies in whom MRI images were available. Results: Sixty-five patients (45.5%) were upstaged to invasive carcinoma after curative surgery. Ultrasonographic lesion size, mass-appearance on mammography, type of needle used, and the presence of suspicious microinvasive foci were associated with increased likelihood of upstaging. Among the features of MRI, only mass-appearance was significantly associated with the presence of invasive disease (p=0.002). However, up to 50% of masses in MRI cases had mass-appearance on mammography as well. Other morphologic and pharmacokinetic features of MRI, such as shape, margin, and patterns of enhancement and washout, did not have a significant association. Conclusion: Among various morphologic and pharmacokinetic parameters of contrast-enhanced MRI, only mass-appearance was associated with occult invasive disease. Our results show the limitations of current contrast-enhanced MRI in predicting invasive disease in patients with preoperative diagnoses of DCIS.Moon HG, 2009, ANN ONCOL, V20, P636, DOI 10.1093/annonc/mdn683Kuerer HM, 2009, J CLIN ONCOL, V27, P279, DOI 10.1200/JCO.2008.18.3103HU M, 2009, P NATL ACAD SCI USA, V106, P3372Gadre SA, 2008, HISTOPATHOLOGY, V53, P545, DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2008.03152.xOkumura Y, 2008, BMC CANCER, V8, DOI 10.1186/1471-2407-8-287Sakorafas GH, 2008, CANCER TREAT REV, V34, P483, DOI 10.1016/j.ctrv.2008.03.001Morrow M, 2008, ANN SURG ONCOL, V15, P2641, DOI 10.1245/s10434-008-0083-zPorembka MR, 2008, ANN SURG ONCOL, V15, P2709, DOI 10.1245/s10434-008-9947-5Lee JW, 2008, J SURG ONCOL, V98, P15, DOI 10.1002/jso.21077Hu M, 2008, CANCER CELL, V13, P394, DOI 10.1016/j.ccr.2008.03.007Ansari B, 2008, BRIT J SURG, V95, P547, DOI 10.1002/bjs.6162Orel S, 2008, J CLIN ONCOL, V26, P703, DOI 10.1200/JCO.2007.14.3594Facius M, 2007, CLIN IMAG, V31, P394, DOI 10.1016/j.clinimag.2007.04.030Kuhl CK, 2007, LANCET, V370, P485Jung EJ, 2007, INT J CANCER, V120, P2331, DOI 10.1002/ijc.22434Nielsen BS, 2007, INT J CANCER, V120, P2086, DOI 10.1002/ijc.22340van der Velden APS, 2006, AM J SURG, V192, P172, DOI 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2006.02.026Goyal A, 2006, BREAST CANCER RES TR, V98, P311, DOI 10.1007/s10549-006-9167-2Mansel RE, 2006, J NATL CANCER I, V98, P599, DOI 10.1093/jnci/djj158Lyman GH, 2005, J CLIN ONCOL, V23, P7703, DOI 10.1200/JCO.2005.08.001Wilkie C, 2005, AM J SURG, V190, P563, DOI 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2005.06.011Groves AM, 2005, MAGN RESON IMAGING, V23, P733, DOI 10.1016/j.mri.2005.06.003Hylton N, 2005, J CLIN ONCOL, V23, P1678, DOI 10.1200/JCO.2005.12.002Leonard GD, 2004, J NATL CANCER I, V96, P906, DOI 10.1093/jnci/djh164Hata T, 2004, J AM COLL SURGEONS, V198, P190, DOI 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2003.10.008Hwang EW, 2003, ANN SURG ONCOL, V10, P381, DOI 10.1245/ASO.2003.03.085*AM COLL RAD, 2003, ACR BI RADS BREAST IMorrow M, 2002, CA-CANCER J CLIN, V52, P277Jackman RJ, 2001, RADIOLOGY, V218, P497Brown LF, 1999, CLIN CANCER RES, V5, P1041

Transglutaminase 2 facilitates the distant hematogenous metastasis of breast cancer by modulating interleukin-6 in cancer cells

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.Abstract Introduction Inflammation has been implicated in cancer aggressiveness. As transglutaminase 2 (TG2), which has been associated with inflammatory signaling, has been suggested to play a role in tumor behavior, we propose that TG2 may be an important linker inducing interleukin (IL)-6-mediated cancer-cell aggressiveness, including distant hematogenous metastasis. Methods To investigate the role for TG2 and IL-6, TG2-knocked-down and IL-6-knocked-down cancer cells were generated by using shRNA. Human breast cancer cell xenograft model in highly immunocompromised mice and human advanced breast cancer primary tumor tissue microarrays were used in this study. Results IL-6 production in human breast cancer cells was dependent on their TG2 expression level. In vitro tumor-sphere formation was dependent on TG2 and downstream IL-6 production from cancer cells. Primary tumor growth in the mammary fat pads and distant hematogenous metastasis into the lung was also dependent on TG2 and downstream IL-6 expression levels. The effect of TG2 expression on human breast cancer distant metastasis was investigated by analyzing a tissue microarray of primary tumors from 412 patients with their clinical data after 7 years. TG2 expression in primary tumor tissue was inversely correlated with recurrence-free survival (P = 0.019) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (P = 0.006) in patients with advanced breast cancer. Furthermore, by using public datasets that included a total of 684 breast cancer patients, we found that the combined high expression of TG2 and IL-6 was associated with shorter DMFS, compared with the high expression of IL-6 only (P = 0.013). Conclusions We provide evidence that TG2 is an important link in IL-6-mediated tumor aggressiveness, and that TG2 could be an important mediator of distant metastasis, both in a xenograft animal model and in patients with advanced breast cancer

Acquisition of English Tense-Aspect Morphology by Korean Instructed Learners

This study investigated the acquisition of English simple past and present progressive markers by 84 Korean high school students (grade 10) learning English as a foreign language in the classroom context. Students in four proficiency level groups completed a passage cloze test with a brief questionnaire. The findings indicated that the students' uses of tense-aspect markers were influenced by the lexical aspect in support for the Aspect Hypothesis (Andersen 1991, Andersen and Shirai 1994): The students were more successful at marking the simple past with achievement verbs and the present progressive with activity verbs. However, the analysis of the alternatives to target contexts also revealed the overuse of progressive form contrary to the prediction of the AH

Characteristics of Pig Carcass and Primal Cuts Measured by the Autofom III Depend on Seasonal Classification

The objective of this study was to investigate slaughtering performance, carcass grade, and quantitative traits of cuts according to seasonal influence by each month in pigs slaughtered in livestock processing complex (LPC) slaughterhouse in Korea, 2017. A total of 267,990 LYD (LandracexYorkshirexDuroc) pig data were used in this study. Results of slaughter heads, sex distribution, carcass weight, backfat thickness, grading class, total weight, and fat and lean meat percentages of each cut predicted by AutoFom. were obtained each month. The number of slaughtered pigs was the highest in early and late fall but the lowest in midsummer. Only in midsummer that the number of females was higher than that of castrates. During 2017, carcass weight was the lowest in late summer. Backfat thickness was in the range of 21-22 mm. In mid and late spring, pigs showed high 1+ grade ratio (37.05% and 36.15%, respectively). For traits of 11 cuts predicted by AutoFom III, porkbelly showed lower total weight, lean weight, and fat weight in midsummer to early fall but higher lean meat percentage compared to other seasons. Weights of deboned neck, loin, and lean meat were the highest in midfall compared to other seasons (p<0.05). In conclusion, characteristics of slaughtering, grading, and economic traits of pigs seemed to be highly seasonal. They were influenced by seasons. Results of this study could be used as basic data to develop seasonal specified management ways to improve pork production