[Adipose tissue cytokines and insulin resistance].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adiponectin↗
Biomedical subjects
M Kim
Publications and source records attributed to M Kim.
The coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor acts as a tumour suppressor in malignant glioma cells.
The coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is a membrane glycoprotein with a cytoplasmic domain, a transmembrane domain and an extracellular region consisting of two immunoglobulin-like domains, an amino-terminal immunoglobulin variable (IgV)-related domain (D1), which is distal to the cell surface, and a proximal IgC2 domain (D2). The coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor has been shown to exhibit tumour suppression activity in human bladder and prostate cancer cells. In the current paper, we demonstrate that CAR is a tumour suppressor in glioma cells and that the extracellular D2 domain is not required for this inhibitory effect. This finding provides a biological basis for the observation that expression of CAR is downregulated in malignant glioma cells. This suggests that strategies to redirect adenoviruses to achieve CAR-independent infection will be necessary to realise the full potential of adenoviral vectors for cancer gene therapy.
Animals↗
Fetal cardiac function assessed by Doppler myocardial performance index (Tei Index).
OBJECTIVES: The Tei Index (TI) is a useful, non-invasive, Doppler-derived myocardial performance tool which can be used to assess aspects of systolic and diastolic function. The aim of this study was to determine normal values of fetal left ventricular (LV) TI in second- and third- trimester fetuses and to compare these to other values reported in the literature. METHODS: Doppler waveforms of the LV outflow tracts were obtained in 74 second- and early third-trimester fetuses. The LV isovolumic contraction time (ICT), isovolumic relaxation time (IRT) and ejection time (ET) were measured and the TI calculated using the formula (ICT + IRT)/ET. The literature on LV myocardial function in the fetus was also reviewed. RESULTS: The normal TI in second- and early third-trimester fetuses (18-31 weeks' gestation) was 0.53 +/- 0.13. The ICT was 43 +/- 14 ms, the ET was 173 +/- 16 ms and the IRT was 48 +/- 13 ms. CONCLUSION: The TI can be easily obtained in the fetus without the need for precise anatomic imaging. The TI may be a useful tool to explore fetal myocardial function in different clinical situations.
Diastole↗
Serum N-terminal midfragment vs. intact osteocalcin immunoradiometric assay as markers for bone turnover and bone loss in hemodialysis patients.
Although labile, assay of intact osteocalcin (iOC) is established as the standard assay for evaluating osteoblastic function. The present study examines the clinical usefulness of the newly developed immunoradiometric assay for osteocalcin (OC), which identifies the stable N-terminal midfragment of OC (N-MID OC assay), in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The performance of N-MID OC assay was compared to that of iOC assay in the sera obtained from 137 male HD patients, by comparing these assays with those of other bone metabolic markers and bone loss during a 1-year period before determination of serum markers. Serum N-MID OC values did not decrease significantly during 24 h incubation at room temperature, whereas serum iOC decreased significantly after 1 h incubation. Serum N-MID and iOC in the 137 male HD patients were 197.3 +/- 57.8 and 34.6 +/- 30.0 ng/ml, respectively, or 3.9 +/- 3.1 and 2.8 +/- 2.4 times above the respective reported normal upper limits. Serum N-MID OC correlated significantly in a positive manner with serum iOC (r = 0.934, P < 0.0001). Serum N-MID OC correlated no less significantly in a positive manner with serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase, deoxypyridinoline, and intact parathyroid hormone compared to serum iOC. Of interest was the fact that serum N-MID OC, but not iOC, correlated significantly with both the amount and the rate of bone loss at the distal radius 1/3. In summary, the findings suggest that N-MID OC immunoreactivity is much more stable than iOC immunoreactivity and that N-MID OC assay may be less susceptible to the OC fragments reported to accumulate in uremic serum. It may, therefore, prove more reliable than iOC assay for evaluating bone turnover, and thus for reflecting bone loss, in HD patients.
Adult↗
Clinical and electrophysiologic features of HNPP patients with 17p11.2 deletion.
OBJECTIVES: Although the diagnosis of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is important for correct prognostic evaluation and genetic counseling, the diagnosis is frequently missed or delayed. Our main aim on undertaking this study was to characterize the electrodiagnostic features of HNPP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical, electrophysiologic and molecular studies were performed on Korean HNPP patients with 17p11.2 deletion. The results of electrophysiologic studies were compared with those of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1 A (CMT1A) patients carrying 17p11.2 duplication. RESULTS: Eight HNPP (50 motor, 39 sensory nerves) and six CMT1A (28 motor, 16 sensory nerves) patients were included. Sensory nerve conduction was slow in 97% of HNPP nerves. Motor nerve conduction at common entrapment sites was also abnormally slow in 87.5%, whereas at non-entrapment sites conduction slowing was infrequent. Distal motor latency (DML) was prolonged in 80% of HNPP nerves, and terminal latency index (TLI) was significantly lower in HNPP than in normal controls and in CMT1A patients (P < 0.01). In contrast to CMT1A, where severity of nerve conduction slowing was not different among nerve groups, HNPP sensory nerve conduction was more slowed in the median and ulnar nerves than in the sural nerve (P < 0.01), and DML was more prolonged in the median nerve than in the other motor nerves (P < 0.01). TLIs were significantly lower in HNPP than in the normal control and CMT1A patients for the median and ulnar nerves (P < 0.01), and were also significantly reduced for the peroneal nerve (P < 0.05) compared with those of the normal controls. CONCLUSION: HNPP is characterized electrophysiologically by a generalized neuropathy, superimposed by focal entrapment neuropathies. The slowing of sensory conduction in nearly all nerves and the distal accentuation of motor conduction abnormalities are the main features of background polyneuropathy in HNPP. The distribution and severity of the background electrophysiologic abnormalities are closely related to the topography of common entrapment or compression sites, which suggests the possible pathogenetic role of subclinical pressure injury at these sites in the development of the distinct background polyneuropathy in HNPP.
Adolescent↗
Survey of nitrate and nitrite contents of vegetables grown in Korea.
A scientific basis for the evaluation of the risk to public health arising from excessive dietary intake of nitrate in Korea is provided. The nitrate () and nitrite () contents of various vegetables (Chinese cabbage, radish, lettuce, spinach, soybean sprouts, onion, pumpkin, green onion, cucumber, potato, carrot, garlic, green pepper, cabbage and Allium tuberosum Roth known as Crown daisy) are reported. Six hundred samples of 15 vegetables cultivated during different seasons were analysed for nitrate and nitrite by ion chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, respectively. No significant variance in nitrate levels was found for most vegetables cultivated during the summer and winter harvests. The mean nitrates level was higher in A. tuberosum Roth (5150 mg kg(-1)) and spinach (4259 mg kg(-1)), intermediate in radish (1878 mg kg(-1)) and Chinese cabbage (1740 mg kg(-1)), and lower in onion (23 mg kg(-1)), soybean sprouts (56 mg kg(-1)) and green pepper (76 mg kg(-1)) compared with those in other vegetables. The average nitrite contents in various vegetables were about 0.6 mg kg(-1), and the values were not significantly different among most vegetables. It was observed that nitrate contents in vegetables varied depending on the type of vegetables and were similar to those in vegetables grown in other countries. From the results of our studies and other information from foreign sources, it can be concluded that it is not necessary to establish limits of nitrates contents of vegetables cultivated in Korea due to the co-presence of beneficial elements such as ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol which are known to inhibit the formation of nitrosamine.
Allium↗
Modeling of gel barrier formation by using colloidal silica in saturated media.
The applicability of constructing a subsurface barrier by injecting a Colloidal Silica solution directly into the saturated medium was examined through numerical experiments. Investigations ascertain that the construction of this Colloidal Silica-based subsurface barrier in the saturated medium might be a promising containment technology. According to the results of numerical studies, gel formation takes place in the region were more than 90% of introductory concentration of the Colloidal Silica solution is maintained at a time equal to the gel-point. By using a point injection method, the radius of the solidified Colloidal Silica mass increases proportional to the respective ratios of the gel-points and the injection pressure heads. With higher injection pressures and longer gel-points, a larger volume of injected Colloidal Silica solution is diluted. The effect of subsurface water flow is significant when the solution has a slower gelation rate and the spherical shape of the solidified mass is less distorted with increasing injection rate. The degree of distoration of the solidified Colloidal Silica mass is much less than that of the rest of the Colloidal Silica solution surrounding the solidified Colloidal Silica mass
Colloids↗
Hydrolysis and acidogenesis of particulate organic material in mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pH and inorganic nutrient supplementations for anaerobic hydrolysis and acidogenesis of particulate organic materials at both mesophilic (35 degrees C) and thermophilic (55 degrees C) temperatures. Hydrolysis and acidogenesis of a synthetic sludge was observed in batch operation for the evaluation of the pH effect. pH was uncontrolled in one reactor and controlled at 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5 in the other three reactors at both temperatures. The greatest degree of hydrolysis and acidogenesis occurred when the pH was controlled at 6.5. The pH of the uncontrolled reactor dropped to 3.4 at both temperatures severely retarding hydrolysis and acidogenesis. Concentrations of acetic and n-butyric acids predominated with lower concentrations of propionic acid at both temperatures in all reactors. Lactic acid was produced as the earliest intermediate but as the reaction proceeded, short chain VFAs were produced as final end products with a decrease in lactic acid. The higher the pH, the earlier this trend was observed. For the controlled reactors at pH 6.5, the soluble COD production and the VSS reduction peaked in 4 days at 55 degrees C whereas it took about 11 days at 35 degrees C to obtain the same result. During the linear SCOD production period at a pH of 6.5 the hydrolysis rate of the thermophilic reactor was greater than that for mesophilic. Thermophilic conditions appeared to be more sensitive to pH than mesophilic ones for both hydrolysis and acidogenesis. Additional experiments were conducted to establish the effect of inorganic nutrient (Ca, Fe, Co, and Ni) supplementation on hydrolysis and acidogenesis at both temperatures. It has, prior to this, been assumed that only methanogenesis benefited from trace metal supplementation. However, the results demonstrated the importance of inorganic nutrient supplementation to optimize hydrolysis and acidogenesis at both temperatures.
Bacteria, Anaerobic↗
Different risk factors for peripheral vascular calcification between diabetic and non-diabetic haemodialysis patients--importance of glycaemic control.
AIM/HYPOTHESIS: Although derangements of calcium and phosphate control have been emphasized as important risk factors for vascular calcification in non-diabetic haemodialysis patients, similar risk factors for diabetic haemodialysis patients are not known. We compared factors affecting peripheral vascular calcification between haemodialysis patients with and without diabetes. METHODS: We examined 421 patients on maintenance haemodialysis. There were 89 patients with Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus (53 men and 36 women, 62+/-10 years old) and 332 patients without diabetes (192 men and 140 women, 59+/-13 years old). Hand roentgenography was carried out, and visible vascular calcification of the hand arteries was evaluated. RESULTS: There were 42 diabetic patients and 45 non-diabetic patients with vascular calcification. The prevalence of vascular calcification in diabetic patients (47.1%) was higher than in non-diabetic patients (13.6%) ( p<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, the main factors affecting vascular calcification in non-diabetic patients were advanced age, longer duration of haemodialysis, increased phosphate concentrations, male gender, and lower predialysis diastolic pressure. In diabetic patients, predictors for vascular calcification were higher values of HbA(1C) and longer duration of haemodialysis. In diabetic patients, a 1% increase in HbA(1C) increased the risk of calcification by 2.1-fold (95% CI 1.282-3.575, p=0.0029). CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: We have shown that poor glycaemic control, rather than calcium and phosphate concentrations, is a predictor of peripheral vascular calcification in diabetic patients on haemodialysis. This study emphasizes that glycaemic control remains critical even in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease.
Blood Glucose↗
Global analysis of gene expression patterns in developing mouse neocortex using serial analysis of gene expression.
Molecular inventories of the developing mouse neocortex before and after birth were generated using the global gene expression profiling tool serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE). Libraries were generated from embryonic day 15 and postnatal day 1 mouse neocortex and more than 40,000 tags were collected (20,211 and 22,001 tags, representing 11,706 and 12,402 transcripts, respectively). Comparison of the two libraries resulted in the identification of 321 transcripts that were differentially expressed (P < 0.05). Differential expression was independently verified for selected genes by Northern blotting, and in situ hybridization revealed spatial expression patterns in the neocortex. Differentially expressed transcripts included genes known to be important in neocortical development (e.g., brain factor 1, neuroD2, and Id2), genes not previously associated with neocortical development (such as brahma-related gene 1, receptor for activated C-kinase I, hypermethylated in cancer 2, and Evi9), and genes of unknown identity or function.
Animals↗
The therapeutic efficacy of adenoviral vectors for cancer gene therapy is limited by a low level of primary adenovirus receptors on tumour cells.
Replication-defective adenoviral vectors are currently being employed as gene delivery vehicles for cancer gene therapy. To address the hypothesis that the therapeutic efficacy of adenoviral vectors is restricted by their inability to infect tumour cells expressing low levels of the primary cellular receptor for adenoviruses, the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR), we have employed a pair of ovarian cancer cell lines differing only in the expression of a primary receptor for Ad5. This novel system thus allowed the direct evaluation of the relationship between the efficacy of an adenoviral vector and the primary receptor levels of the host cancer cell, without the confounding influence of other variable cellular factors. We demonstrate that a deficiency of the primary cellular receptor on the tumour cells restricts the efficacy of adenoviral vectors in two distinct cancer gene therapy approaches, TP53 gene replacement therapy and herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir suicide gene therapy. Moreover, we show that a deficiency of the primary receptor on the tumour cells limits the efficiency of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in vivo. Since a number of studies have reported that primary cancer cells express only low levels of CAR, our results suggest that strategies to redirect adenoviruses to achieve CAR-independent infection will be necessary to realize the full potential of adenoviral vectors in the clinical setting.
Adenoviridae↗
Reactor configuration--Part I. Comparative process stability and efficiency of mesophilic anaerobic digestion.
The comparative process stability and efficiency of mesophilic anaerobic digestion (35 degrees C) has been evaluated for four different reactor configurations, which are: daily batch-fed single-stage continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) (MB), continuously fed single-stage CSTR (MC), daily batch-fed two-phase CSTR (MTP), and daily batch-fed non-mixed single-stage reactor (MNMR). The results are discussed for 2 periods, 1) start-up until steady state (HRT = 20 days, Days 0-200) and 2) OLR increase from 4% solids at steady state to reactor failure by increasing solids concentration in the feed and decreasing the HRT (Days 201-). During the start-up period, the MB showed the lowest stability with a pH drop whenever the solids concentration in the feed was increased. Conversely the MNMR reached steady state with 4% feed solids inthe shortest time with a relatively stable pH and low VFA. The superior performance of the MNMR confirms the importance of microbial consortia proximity especially for the removal of propionate. A cocktail of nutrients (Ca, Ni, Fe, and Co) was added daily into the reactors which showed high VFA except the MNMR which did not exhibit the elevated VFA. The results indicated that adding nutrients stimulated gas production and facilitated removal of almost all VFA except propionate confirming the importance of inorganic nutrients bioavailability. During the long-term operation with OLR increase until reactor failure (pH below 55), the results show that the MC reached the highest OLR while the MNMR failed first. Compared with the daily batch fed reactors, the constant pH of the MC seems to be the reason why the MC reached the highest OLR. Considering the best performance of the MNMR during the start-up period, the failure of the MNMR first is hypothesized to be due to the lack of trace nutrients at high OLR. Overall, two-phase digestion showed no benefit over single stage and all reactors demonstrated comparable VS removal percentage. Additional experiments in which the reactor configuration was changed from CSTR non-mixed reactor showed significant benefit with respect to gas production and lowered propionate threshold concentration. This once again manifests the importance of microbial consortia proximity with respect to the degradation of propionate.
Bacteria, Anaerobic↗
Reactor configuration--Part II. Comparative process stability and efficiency of thermophilic anaerobic digestion.
Comparative process stability and efficiency of thermophilic anaerobic digestion (55 degrees C) has been evaluated for four different reactor configurations, which are: daily batch-fed single-stage continuously stirred tank reactor (CSIR) (TB), continuously-fed single-stage CSTR (TC), daily batch-fed two-phase CSTR (TTP), and daily batch-fed non-mixed single-stage reactor (TNMR). The results are discussed for periods, 1) start-up until steady state (Days 0-200) and 2) OLR increase from 4% solids at steady state to reactor failure by increasing solids concentration in feed and decreasing the HRT (Days 201-). During the start-up period, the TB showed the worst stability with a pH drop whenever the solids concentration in the feed was increased. Conversely the TNMR reached steady state with 4% feed solids in the shortest time with relatively stable pH and very low VFA. The superior performance of the TNMR confirms the importance of microbial consortia proximity especially for the removal of propionate. The cocktail of inorganic nutrients (Ca, Ni, Fe, and Co) was added daily into all reactors showing high VFA. In the case of the TNMR, complete removal of propionate occurred after supplementation of nutrients. The results indicated that adding nutrients stimulated gas production and facilitated removal of almost all VFA confirming the importance of inorganic nutrients bioavailability. During the long-term operation with OLR increases until reactor failure (pH below 5.5), the results show that TB failed at the lowest OLR while the TC and the TNMR reached the highest OLR. Compared with the daily batch fed reactors, the constant pH of the MC seems to be the reason why the MC reached the highest OLR. The superior performance of and the TNMR during both the start-up long-term period confirms the importance of microbial consortia proximity. Two-phase digestion showed little benefit over single stage during the start-up period and no benefit was observed during the long-term period. Additional experiments in which the reactor configuration was changed from CSTR to non-mixed reactor showed significant benefit with respect to gas production and VFA threshold concentration. This once again manifests the importance of microbial consortia proximity.
Bacteria, Anaerobic↗
Opposing effects of Ctk1 kinase and Fcp1 phosphatase at Ser 2 of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain.
The C-terminal domain (CTD) of the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) largest subunit is hyperphosphorylated during transcription. Using an in vivo cross-linking/chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we found previously that different phosphorylated forms of RNA Pol II predominate at different stages of transcription. At promoters, the Pol II CTD is phosphorylated at Ser 5 by the basal transcription factor TFIIH. However, in coding regions, the CTD is predominantly phosphorylated at Ser 2. Here we show that the elongation-associated phosphorylation of Ser 2 is dependent upon the Ctk1 kinase, a putative yeast homolog of Cdk9/P-TEFb. Furthermore, mutations in the Fcp1 CTD phosphatase lead to increased levels of Ser 2 phosphorylation. Both Ctk1 and Fcp1 cross-link to promoter and coding regions, suggesting that they associate with the elongating polymerase. Both Ctk1 and Fcp1 have been implicated in regulation of transcription elongation. Our results suggest that this regulation may occur by modulating levels of Ser 2 phosphorylation, which in turn, may regulate the association of elongation factors with the polymerase.
Cyclins↗
Targeted hsp70.1 disruption increases infarction volume after focal cerebral ischemia in mice.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are highly conserved proteins that are induced by a variety of stresses. HSP70 is a 70-kDa HSP family known to have cytoprotective effects against various insults. The role of HSP70 in cerebral ischemia remains to be elucidated in vivo. METHODS: To investigate the effect of reduced HSP70 levels on cerebral ischemia, focal cerebral ischemia by intraluminal occlusion of the middle cerebral artery was induced in hsp70.1 knockout mice. The expressions of hsp70.1 and hsp70.3 mRNAs and HSP70 protein were determined, and infarction volumes were measured and compared. RESULTS: Northern blots confirmed the absence of hsp70.1 mRNA expression in the knockout mice. The mean infarction volume was significantly larger in hsp70.1 knockout mice (92.5+/-8.3 mm(3)) than in the wild-type mice (59.3+/-8.9 mm,(3) P<0.001). Western blots showed increased HSP70 expression in the ischemic hemisphere in both knockout and wild-type mice, but HSP70 expression levels in knockout mice were significantly lower than those in their wild-type littermates. Immunohistochemistry did not show any significant differences between the knockout and wild-type animals and showed increased HSP70 immunoreactivity in the ischemic hemisphere, with predominance in the cerebral cortex, especially in the penumbra. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that hsp70.1 plays an important role in the early protection of the brain, at least after acute focal cerebral ischemia in mice.
Animals↗
Proteomic and functional evidence for a P2X7 receptor signalling complex.
P2X receptors are ATP-gated ion channels in the plasma membrane, but activation of the P2X7 receptor also leads to rapid cytoskeletal re-arrangements such as membrane blebbing. We identified 11 proteins in human embryonic kidney cells that interact with the rat P2X7 receptor, by affinity purification followed by mass spectroscopy and immunoblotting [laminin alpha3, integrin beta2, beta-actin, alpha-actinin, supervillin, MAGuK, three heat shock proteins, phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase and receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase-beta (RPTPbeta)]. Activation of the P2X7 receptor resulted in its dephosphorylation. Whole-cell recordings from cells expressing P2X7 receptors showed that this markedly reduced subsequent ionic currents and it also slowed membrane bleb formation. By mutagenesis, we identified Tyr(343) in the putative second transmembrane domain as the site of phosphorylation. Thus, we have identified a P2X7 receptor signalling complex, some members of which may initiate cytoskeletal rearrangements following receptor activation. Others, such as RPTPbeta, might exert feedback control of the channel itself through its dephosphorylation.
Adenosine Triphosphate↗
Optimization of the lariat ether carboxylic acid host structure for ferrioxamine B: demonstration of a second coordination shell chelate effect.
Host-guest supramolecular assembly formation constants involving the second-sphere complexation of the siderophore ferrioxamine B (FeHDFB(+)) by a lariat ether carboxylic acid host (L(n+2)COOH) in wet chloroform were obtained from liquid-liquid extractions at pH values above and below the host pK(a) (approximately 5.3). The host-guest formation constants, K(a), determined at pH = 3.2 for the assemblies [FeHDFB(+),L(n+2)COOH,ClO(4)(-)] (n = 4, 7, 10, 15) in wet chloroform are similar to those of the parent crown ether, benzo-18-crown-6. At pH = 9.3, the lariat ethers are ionized, and this results in a more stable assembly, [FeHDFB(+),L(n+2)COO(-)], as measured by the host-guest formation constant, K(app). This enhanced stability is shown to be a function of the lariat ether sidearm chain length (n = 4, 7, 10, 15) and is corroborated by molecular modeling calculations. Additionally, molecular modeling and extraction data demonstrate that there is an optimum lariat ether sidearm chain length with respect to host-guest assembly stability as measured by K(app). We attribute the enhanced stability effect of the ionized lariat ether in the host-guest assembly [FeHDFB(+),L(n+2)COO(-)], relative to [FeHDFB(+),L(n)+2)COOH,ClO(4)(-)] or to [FeHDFB(+),B18C6,ClO(4)(-)], to a second coordination shell chelate effect.
Carboxylic Acids↗
A new reverse PET chemosensor and its chelatoselective aromatic cadmiation.
[reaction: see text]. A new fluorescent chemosensor, anthryl tetra acid, was synthesized and showed large fluorescence quenching effects in 100% aqueous solution with metal ions via photoinduced electron transfer (PET). Chelatoselective fluorescence perturbation was observed with Cd(II) and resulted from electrophilic aromatic cadmiation.
Journal Article↗