Generation of Fibroblasts Lacking the Sal-like 1 Gene by Using Transcription Activator-like Effector Nuclease-mediated Homologous Recombination

The Sal-like 1 gene (Sall1) is essential for kidney development, and mutations in this gene result in abnormalities in the kidneys. Mice lacking Sall1 show agenesis or severe dysgenesis of the kidneys. In a recent study, blastocyst complementation was used to develop mice and pigs with exogenic organs. In the present study, transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN)-mediated homologous recombination was used to produce Sall1-knockout porcine fibroblasts for developing knockout pigs. The vector targeting the Sall1 locus included a 5.5-kb 5′ arm, 1.8-kb 3′ arm, and a neomycin resistance gene as a positive selection marker. The knockout vector and TALEN were introduced into porcine fibroblasts by electroporation. Antibiotic selection was performed over 11 days by using 300 μg/mL G418. DNA of cells from G418-resistant colonies was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm the presence of fragments corresponding to the 3′ and 5′ arms of Sall1. Further, mono- and bi-allelic knockout cells were isolated and analyzed using PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism. The results of our study indicated that TALEN-mediated homologous recombination induced bi-allelic knockout of the endogenous gene

In situ-generated metal oxide catalyst during CO oxidation reaction transformed from redox-active metal-organic framework-supported palladium nanoparticles

The preparation of redox-active metal-organic framework (ra-MOF)-supported Pd nanoparticles (NPs) via the redox couple-driven method is reported, which can yield unprotected metallic NPs at room temperature within 10 min without the use of reducing agents. The Pd@ra-MOF has been exploited as a precursor of an active catalyst for CO oxidation. Under the CO oxidation reaction condition, Pd@ra-MOF is transformed into a PdOx-NiOy/C nanocomposite to generate catalytically active species in situ, and the resultant nanocatalyst shows sustainable activity through synergistic stabilization.open4

Mechanical strength and biocompatibility of ultrafine-grained commercial purity titanium

The effect of grain refinement of commercial purity titanium by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) on its mechanical performance and bone tissue regeneration is reported. In vivo studies conducted on New Zealand white rabbits did not show an enhancement of biocompatibility of ECAP-modified titanium found earlier by in vitro testing. However, the observed combination of outstanding mechanical properties achieved by ECAP without a loss of biocompatibility suggests that this is a very promising processing route to bioimplant manufacturing. The study thus supports the expectation that commercial purity titanium modified by ECAP can be seen as an excellent candidate material for bone implants suitable for replacing conventional titanium alloy implants

A case of idiopathic isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy in a Korean child

Hypoglossal nerve palsy (HNP) is an uncommon neurological abnormality that can provoke characteristic clinical signs, including unilateral atrophy of the tongue musculature. We present the case of a healthy 11-year-old Korean male who was admitted to the outpatient department of our institution with acute onset dysarthria, tongue fasciculations, and right-sided tongue weakness upon awakening. His evaluation included a virology work-up, neck magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), brain MRI, and otorhinolaryngological physical examination; all tests were normal and showed no evidence of inflammation. Fifteen days after the onset of symptoms, the patient recovered completely. Herein, we report a case of idiopathic isolated HNP in a Korean male

Two levels above and one level below pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fracture with partial or intact neurology

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures is controversial regarding short or long segment pedicle screw fixation. Although long level fixation is better, it can decrease one motion segment distally, thus increasing load to lower discs.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We retrospectively analyzed 31 unstable thoracolumbar fractures with partial or intact neurology. All patients were operated with posterior approach using pedicle screws fixed two levels above and one level below the fracture vertebra. No laminectomy, discectomy or decompression procedure was done. Posterior fusion was achieved in all. Post operative and at final follow-up radiological evaluation was done by measuring the correction and maintenance of kyphotic angle at thoracolumbar junction. Complications were also reported including implant failure.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Average follow-up was 34 months. All patients had full recovery at final follow-up. Average kyphosis was improved from 26.7° to 4.1° postoperatively and to 6.3° at final follow-up. And mean pain scale was improved from 7.5 to 3.9 postoperatively and to 1.6 at final follow-up, All patients resumed their activity within six months. Only 4 (12%) complications were noted including only one hardware failure.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Two levels above and one level below pedicle screw fixation in unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture is useful to prevent progressive kyphosis and preserves one motion segment distally.</p

Bilateral Traumatic Anterior Dislocation of the Hip with an Unstable Lumbar Burst Fracture

Traumatic anterior dislocation of the hip is rare. Bilateral traumatic anterior dislocation is an even rarer injury; indeed, only 5 cases have been reported in the English literature. We describe a case of a bilateral traumatic anterior dislocation of the hip and a concomitant unstable lumbar burst fracture following a mechanism of injury distinctly different from other reports

Self-reported pain scores as a predictor of preterm birth in symptomatic twin pregnancy: a retrospective study

Background To evaluate the self-reported pain scores as a predictor of preterm birth (PTB) in symptomatic twin pregnancy and to develop a nomogram for the prediction model. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 148 cases of symptomatic twin pregnancies before 34 weeks of gestation visited at Seoul national university hospital from 2013 to 2018. With other clinical factors, self-reported pain score was evaluated by the numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores for pain intensity. By multivariate analyses and logistic regression, we developed a prediction model for PTB within 7 days. Using the Cox proportional hazards model, the curves were plotted to show the predictability of the PTB according to NRS pain score, while adjusting the other covariates. Results Twenty-three patients (15.5 %) delivered preterm within 7 days. By a logistic regression analysis, higher NRS pain score (OR 1.558, 95 % CI 1.093–2.221, P < 0.05), shorter cervical length (OR 3.164, 95 % CI 1.262–7.936, P < 0.05) and positive fibronectin results (OR 8.799, 95 % CI 1.101–70.330, P < 0.05) affect PTB within 7 days. Using the variables, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the prediction model was 0.917. In addition, we developed a nomogram for the prediction of PTB within 7 days. Conclusions Self-reported pain scores combined with cervical length and fetal fibronectin are useful in predicting impending PTB in symptomatic twin pregnancy.This research was supported by a grant of the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (grant number: HI19C0213)

Insulin-inducible SMILE inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis

The role of a glucagon/cAMP-dependent protein kinase–inducible coactivator PGC-1α signaling pathway is well characterized in hepatic gluconeogenesis. However, an opposing protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt-inducible corepressor signaling pathway is unknown. A previous report has demonstrated that small heterodimer partner–interacting leucine zipper protein (SMILE) regulates the nuclear receptors and transcriptional factors that control hepatic gluconeogenesis. Here, we show that hepatic SMILE expression was induced by feeding in normal mice but not in db/db and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Interestingly, SMILE expression was induced by insulin in mouse primary hepatocyte and liver. Hepatic SMILE expression was not altered by refeeding in liver-specific insulin receptor knockout (LIRKO) or PKB β-deficient (PKBβ−/−) mice. At the molecular level, SMILE inhibited hepatocyte nuclear factor 4–mediated transcriptional activity via direct competition with PGC-1α. Moreover, ablation of SMILE augmented gluconeogenesis and increased blood glucose levels in mice. Conversely, overexpression of SMILE reduced hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression and ameliorated hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance in db/db and HFD-fed mice. Therefore, SMILE is an insulin-inducible corepressor that suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis. Small molecules that enhance SMILE expression would have potential for treating hyperglycemia in diabetes

Chamaecyparis obtusa

Chamaecyparis obtusa (C. obtusa) is known to have antimicrobial effects and has been used as a medicinal plant and in forest bathing. This study aimed to evaluate the anticariogenic activity of essential oil of C. obtusa on Streptococcus mutans, which is one of the most important bacterial causes of dental caries and dental biofilm formation. Essential oil from C. obtusa was extracted, and its effect on bacterial growth, acid production, and biofilm formation was evaluated. C. obtusa essential oil exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of bacterial growth over 0.025 mg/mL, with 99% inhibition at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL. The bacterial biofilm formation and acid production were also significantly inhibited at the concentration greater than 0.025 mg/mL. The result of LIVE/DEAD® BacLight™ Bacterial Viability Kit showed a concentration-dependent bactericidal effect on S. mutans and almost all bacteria were dead over 0.8 mg/mL. Real-time PCR analysis showed that gene expression of some virulence factors such as brpA, gbpB, gtfC, and gtfD was also inhibited. In GC and GC-MS analysis, the major components were found to be α-terpinene (40.60%), bornyl acetate (12.45%), α-pinene (11.38%), β-pinene (7.22%), β-phellandrene (3.45%), and α-terpinolene (3.40%). These results show that C. obtusa essential oil has anticariogenic effect on S. mutans