Correction to our paper: Projective systems supported on the complement of two linear subspaces (Bull. Korean Math. Soc. 37 (2000), 493[--]505)

In our previous paper (Bull. Korean Math. Soc. 37 (2000), 493--505), we claimed a theorem on a certain subset of a projective space over a finite field (Theorem~3.1). Recently, however, Professor Kato pointed out that our proof does not work if the field consists of two elements. Here we give an alternative proof of the theorem for the exceptional case

Chondrosarcoma: With Updates on Molecular Genetics

Chondrosarcoma (CHS) is a malignant cartilage-forming tumor and usually occurs within the medullary canal of long bones and pelvic bones. Based on the morphologic feature alone, a correct diangosis of CHS may be difficult, Therefore, correlation of radiological and clinicopathological features is mandatory in the diagnosis of CHS. The prognosis of CHS is closely related to histologic grading, however, histologic grading may be subjective with high inter-observer variability. In this paper, we present histologic grading system and clinicopathological and radiological findings of conventional CHS. Subtypes of CHSs, such as dedifferentiated, mesenchymal, and clear cell CHSs are also presented. In addition, we introduce updated cytogenetic and molecular genetic findings to expand our understanding of CHS biology. New markers of cell differentiation, proliferation, and cell signaling might offer important therapeutic and prognostic information in near future

Dietary Intake and Serum Levels of Iron in Relation to Oxidative Stress in Breast Cancer Patients

Iron may induce oxidative stress via production of reactive oxygen species, facilitating mammary carcinogenesis. This study investigated the role of iron in relation to oxidative stress as a potential risk factor in the development of breast cancer (BC). BC patients (n = 121) and healthy age-matched controls (n = 149) were entered into the study. Iron and antioxidant vitamins intakes were estimated using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Thirty one subjects from each group provided blood samples for measurement of serum iron, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). Total and non-heme iron intake of BC patients were lower than those of the controls. However, the serum iron level was significantly higher in BC patients. Plasma MDA levels were also significantly higher in BC patients whereas no significant difference in FRAP values were observed between the two groups. Log-transformed serum iron concentration showed no significant correlation with MDA or FRAP. These results suggest that serum iron overload may be a breast cancer risk factor possibly due to increased oxidative stress

Novel involvement of leukotriene B4 receptor 2 through ERK activation by PP2A down-regulation in leukotriene B4-induced keratin phosphorylation and reorganization of pancreatic cancer cells

AbstractPerinuclear reorganization via phosphorylation of specific serine residues in keratin is involved in the deformability of metastatic cancer cells. The level of leukotriene B4 is high in pancreatic cancers. However, the roles of LTB4 and its cognate receptors in keratin reorganization of pancreatic cancers are not known. LTB4 dose-dependently induced phosphorylation and reorganization of Keratin 8 (K8) and these processes were reversed by LY255283 (BLT2 antagonist). BLT2 agonists such as Comp A and 15(S)-HETE also induced phosphorylation of serine 431 in K8. Moreover, Comp A-induced K8 phosphorylation and reorganization were blocked by LY255283. Gene silencing of BLT2 suppressed Comp A-induced K8 phosphorylation and reorganization in PANC-1 cells. Over-expression of BLT2 promoted K8 phosphorylation. Comp A promoted the migration of PANC-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and LY255283 blocked Comp A-induced migration, respectively. PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) suppressed Comp A-induced phosphorylation of serine 431 and reorganization of K8. Gene silencing of BLT2 suppressed the expression of pERK, and over-expression of BLT2 increased the expression of pERK even without Comp A. Comp A induced the expression of active ERK (pERK) and BLT2. These inductions were blocked by PD98059. Comp A decreased PP2A expression and hindered the binding of PP2A to the K8, leading to the activation of ERK. PD98059 suppressed the Comp A-induced migration of PANC-1 cells and BLT2 over-expression-induced migration of PANC-1 cells. Overall, these results suggest that BLT2 is involved in LTB4‐induced phosphorylation and reorganization through ERK activation by PP2A downregulation, leading to increased migration of PANC‐1 cells

Determinants of respiratory symptom development in patients with chronic airflow obstruction

SummaryBackgroundThis study was undertaken to identify the determinants of respiratory symptom development in patients with chronic airflow obstruction (CAO).MethodsCategories of symptomatic and asymptomatic CAO were defined using questionnaire responses and spirometric results. We analyzed data obtained as part of the second South Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Korean NHANES II).ResultsAmong 187 patients with CAO, 69 had no respiratory symptoms. CAO patients with symptoms were significantly older than those without symptoms (P=0.026), and hypertension was more common among symptomatic CAO patients than among asymptomatic CAO patients (P=0.005). According to questionnaire responses, symptomatic CAO patients had more difficulty in walking or lifting (P<0.001), required more help with personal care (P=0.01), and had poorer general health than asymptomatic CAO patients (P=0.008). Symptomatic CAO patients had higher fasting blood glucose levels than asymptomatic CAO patients (P=0.028). Symptomatic CAO patients had significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) (P=0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC) (P=0.008), and a ratio of FEV1/FVC than asymptomatic CAO patients (P<0.001). Statistically significant predictors of symptom development were as follows: age (odds ratio (OR) 1.04, P=0.028), hypertension (OR 4.41, P=0.008), fasting blood glucose (OR 1.02, P=0.034), FEV1 (OR 0.07, P=0.002), FVC (OR 0.08, P=0.009), FEV1/FVC (OR 0.00, P=0.001). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed two independent factors associated with symptom development: FEV1/FVC (OR 0.001, P=0.002) and hypertension (OR 5.95, P=0.005).ConclusionsIn CAO, respiratory symptom development is significantly associated with low FEV1/FVC and the presence of hypertension

Inactivated vaccine with glycyrrhizic acid adjuvant elicits potent innate and adaptive immune responses against foot-and-mouth disease

BackgroundFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an extremely contagious viral disease that is fatal to young animals and is a major threat to the agricultural economy by reducing production and limiting the movement of livestock. The currently commercially-available FMD vaccine is prepared using an inactivated viral antigen in an oil emulsion, with aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)3] as an adjuvant. However, oil emulsion-based options possess limitations including slow increases in antibody titers (up to levels adequate for defense against viral infection) and risks of local reactions at the vaccination site. Further, Al(OH)3 only induces a T helper 2 (Th2) cell response. Therefore, novel adjuvants that can address these limitations are urgently needed. Glycyrrhizic acid (extracted from licorice roots) is a triterpenoid saponin and has great advantages in terms of price and availability.MethodsTo address the limitations of the currently used commercial FMD vaccine, we added glycyrrhizic acid as an adjuvant (immunostimulant) to the FMD bivalent (O PA2 + A YC) vaccine. We then evaluated its efficacy in promoting both innate and adaptive (cellular and humoral) immune reactions in vitro [using murine peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) and porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)] and in vivo (using mice and pigs).ResultsGlycyrrhizic acid has been revealed to induce an innate immune response and enhance early, mid-, and long-term immunity. The studied bivalent vaccine with glycyrrhizic acid increased the expression of immunoregulatory genes such as pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), cytokines, transcription factors, and co-stimulatory molecules.ConclusionCollectively, glycyrrhizic acid could have utility as a novel vaccine adjuvant that can address the limitations of commercialized FMD vaccines by inducing potent innate and adaptive immune responses