Investigation of the SH3BP2 Gene Mutation in Cherubism

Cherubism is a rare developmental lesion of the jaw that is generally inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Recent studies have revealed point mutations in the SH3BP2 gene in cherubism patients. In this study, we examined a 6-year-old Korean boy and his family. We found a Pro418Arg mutation in the SH3BP2 gene of the patient and his mother. A father and his 30-month-old younger brother had no mutations. Immunohistochemically, the multinucleated giant cells proved positive for CD68 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). Numerous spindle-shaped stromal cells expressed a ligand for receptor activator of nuclear factor kB (RANKL), but not in multinucleated giant cells. These results provide evidence that RANKL plays a critical role in the differentiation of osteoclast precursor cells to multinucleated giant cells in cherubism. Additionally, genetic analysis may be a useful method for differentiation of cherubism.</p

Study on removal of Se(IV) using Fe-Mn layered double hydroxides and Fe-Mn Dos (double oxides)

In this study, Fe-Mn-CO3 layered double hydroxide (LDHs) and Fe-Mn Double oxide (DOs) were synthesized by the co-recipitation methods for Se(IV) removal from aqueous solutions. The Se(IV) adsorption capacities and removal mechanism of Fe-Mn LDH and Fe-Mn DOs determined by batch and column experiments. The calculated Se(IV) adsorption capacities on Fe-Mn LDH and Fe-Mn DOs were 52.5 and 55.3 mg/g, respectively. Kinetic models applied to the adsorption of Se(IV) on the Fe-Mn LDH and Fe-Mn DOs calculated using pseudo-first, second-order, Elovich, and Intraparticle diffusion kinetic models and all kinetic parameters were calculated and discussed. Isotherm studies were also performed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich equations in the temperature range of 283 - 323 K. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm experiments are well fitted pseudo-second order model and Freundlich isotherm, respectively. The production of this adsorbent is cost-effective for industrial applications

Enhanced Electrokinetic Transport of Sulfate in Saline Soil

The electrokinetic transport of sulfate was investigated as a means of treating and restoring a sulfate-accumulating saline soil. The electrokinetic treatment decreased the electrical conductivity of the soil, an indicator of soil salinity, to 58.6%, 73.1%, and 83.5% for 7, 14 and 21 days, respectively. More than 96% of the chloride and nitrate were removed within 7 days. However, the removal of sulfate was highly influenced by the anode material. An iron anode removed sulfate effectively, whereas, sulfate was hyper-accumulated in the anodic region when an inert anode was used. The iron anode was oxidized in a sacrificial anodic reaction, which competed with the electrolysis reaction of water at the anode, and finally the reaction prevented the severe acidification of the soil in the anodic region. However, the competing reactions produced hydrogen ions at the anode, and the ions were transported toward the cathode, which, in turn, acidified the soil, especially, in the anodic region. The acidification switched the surface charge of the soil from negative to positive, increasing the interaction between the soil surface and sulfate, and thus inhibiting the transport of sulfate under the electric field. The zeta potential analysis of the soil provided an explanation. The results indicate that preventing severe acidification is an important factor which influences the transport of anions and iron anode for the enhanced removal of anionic pollutants by electrokinetic remediation

Fatty liver disease and the risk of erosive oesophagitis in the Korean population: a cross-sectional study

Objectives To investigate an association between fatty liver disease (FLD) and erosive oesophagitis. Design and setting This was a cross-sectional study of subjects selected from examinees who underwent health check-up, including oesophagogastroduodenoscopy in one hospital between 2004 and 2011. Erosive oesophagitis was classified according to the Los Angeles classification and FLD was diagnosed with ultrasonography. The anthropometric and laboratory data of the subjects were analysed using X-2 test and multivariate logistic regression. Additionally, we have analysed our data with two-stage least square estimation using the Baltagi-Chang one-way model to clarify unobserved confounding variable. Primary outcome measure The effect of FLD on erosive oesophagitis. Results Among the 14 723 eligible subjects, 4232 (28.7%) subjects diagnosed with FLD were classified into the fatty liver group and 10 491 (71.3%) subjects without FLD were classified into the non-fatty liver group. The incidence rate of erosive oesophagitis was significantly higher in the fatty liver group than in the non-fatty liver group (10.4% vs6.1%, p< 0.0001). The multivariate analysis revealed that the fatty liver group was significantly associated with erosive oesophagitis (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.37, p= 0.016). Conclusion FLD diagnosed by ultrasonography is an independent risk factor of erosive oesophagitis. It suggests that FLD-related metabolic abnormality may be associated with erosive oesophagitis

Commentary on: Incidental Breast Cancers Identified in a One-Stop Symptomatic Breast Clinic

In a recent study published in the Journal of Breast Cancer, Mehrotra et al. [1] reported incidental breast cancers identified in a one-stop symptomatic breast clinic where patients receive the results of their radiological examinations and tissue sampling on the same day. Medical environments differ from country to country and from culture to culture. Nevertheless, breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women in developed and developing countries [2]. They reported 87.2 % symptomatic cancers and 12.8 % incidental cancers using a definition of symptomatic cancers as “breast cancers correlated to the patient’s symptoms ” and that of incidental cancers as “breast cancers detected only by imaging in a completely separate location to the site of presenting symptoms and not palpable by the clinician. ” In this study, the mean age of patients with symptomatic cancers and incidenta

Progress in Understanding and Sequencing the Genome of Brassica rapa

Brassica rapa, which is closely related to Arabidopsis thaliana, is an important crop and a model plant for studying genome evolution via polyploidization. We report the current understanding of the genome structure of B. rapa and efforts for the whole-genome sequencing of the species. The tribe Brassicaceae, which comprises ca. 240 species, descended from a common hexaploid ancestor with a basic genome similar to that of Arabidopsis. Chromosome rearrangements, including fusions and/or fissions, resulted in the present-day “diploid” Brassica species with variation in chromosome number and phenotype. Triplicated genomic segments of B. rapa are collinear to those of A. thaliana with InDels. The genome triplication has led to an approximately 1.7-fold increase in the B. rapa gene number compared to that of A. thaliana. Repetitive DNA of B. rapa has also been extensively amplified and has diverged from that of A. thaliana. For its whole-genome sequencing, the Brassica rapa Genome Sequencing Project (BrGSP) consortium has developed suitable genomic resources and constructed genetic and physical maps. Ten chromosomes of B. rapa are being allocated to BrGSP consortium participants, and each chromosome will be sequenced by a BAC-by-BAC approach. Genome sequencing of B. rapa will offer a new perspective for plant biology and evolution in the context of polyploidization

Akinetic Mutism and Cognitive-Affective Syndrome Caused by Unilateral PICA Infarction

A 42-year-old man with left posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) infarction presented with akinetic mutism and cognitive impairment. Initially he suffered from akinetic mutism and MRI-documented infarction in the distribution of the left PICA. Twelve days later he developed cognitive impairment. Neuropsychological tests were performed, with the results corrected for age and education being compared with published Korean norms. Impaired performances were evident on executive function testing, with difficulties in planning, abstract reasoning, set-shifting, and perseveration. Akinetic mutism and cognitive-affective syndrome may be a manifestation of unilateral PICA infarction