Inhibition of STAT3 signaling and induction of SHP1 mediate antiangiogenic and antitumor activities of ergosterol peroxide in U266 multiple myeloma cells

Background  

Ergosterol peroxide (EP) derived from edible mushroom has been shown to exert anti-tumor activity in several cancer cells. In the present study, anti-angiogenic activity of EP was investigated with the underlying molecular mechanisms in human multiple myeloma U266 cells.     

Retroperitoneal Spinal Extradural Arachnoid Cyst Combined with Congenital Hemivertebrae

Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts usually cause symptoms related to spinal cord or nerve root compression. Here, we report an atypical presentation of a spinal extradural arachnoid cyst combined with congenital hemivertebra which was presented as a retroperitoneal mass that exerted mass effects to the abdominal organs. On image studies, the communication between the cystic pedicle and the spinal arachnoid space was indistinct. Based on our experience and the literature of the pathogenesis, we planned anterior approach for removal of the arachnoid cyst in order to focus on mass removal rather than ligation of the fistulous channel. In our estimation this was feasible considering radiologic findings and also essential for the symptom relief. The cyst was totally removed with the clogged ''thecal sac-side'' end of the cystic pedicle. The patient was free of abdominal discomfort by one month after the surgery.     

Patterns of interphalangeal hand joint involvement of osteoarthritis among men and women: a British cohort study

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the pattern of involvement of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand among men and women of the same age. METHODS: Structured hand examinations were performed on 1,467 men and 1,519 women who were age 53 years and born in England, Scotland, or Wales during the first week of March 1946 (identified through the United Kingdom National Survey of Health and Development). OA at each joint site was characterized using a previously validated examination schedule. The interrelationship of involvement of different hand joints was analyzed by logistic regression and cluster analyses. RESULTS: There was clear evidence of polyarticular involvement in the hand joints of both the men and the women. Among the women, 161 subjects had >/=4 joints involved, compared with only 41 subjects expected in this category (P < 0.001). Among the men, 87 subjects were observed to have >/=4 joints involved, in contrast with only 7 subjects expected (P < 0.001). The pattern of hand joint involvement (characterized by clustering primarily by row and symmetric joint involvement, rather than clustering by ray) was found to be almost identical between the men and the women. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the existence of a polyarticular subset of OA among men that has characteristics similar to those of the variant observed among women. The data suggest that the genetic or metabolic influences underlying this particular variant of OA acts similarly in both sexes.     

The relationship between smartphone use and subjective musculoskeletal symptoms and university students

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of smartphones by university students in selected areas, their musculoskeletal symptoms, and the associated hazard ratio. [Subjects and Methods] This involved the completion of a self-administered questionnaire by dental hygiene students in Seoul, Gyeonggido, and Gyeongsangbukdo. The 292 completed copies of the questionnaire were then analyzed. [Results] The most painful body regions after the use of smartphones were found to be the shoulders and neck. In the musculoskeletal system, back pain was found to have a positive correlation with the size of the smartphone’s liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, and pain in legs and feet were found to have a negative correlation with the length of time that the smartphone was used. As a result, it was revealed that the use of a smartphone was correlated with musculoskeletal symptoms. [Conclusion] Therefore, in today’s environment, where the use of smartphones is on the rise, it is necessary to improve the ways that they are used and to develop a preventive program to alleviate the symptoms of musculoskeletal damage.Key words: Smartphone, Musculoskeletal symptoms, Prevent     

Differential Reorganization of Fusiform Gyrus in Two Types of Alexia after Stroke

Lesions affecting the left fusiform gyrus (FG) commonly result in dyslexia and recovery largely depends on efficient reorganization of the reading network. We performed a follow-up fMRI study to elucidate the reorganization patterns of the FG according to the recovery of reading ability in two patients (MH with pure alexia and KM with alexia with agraphia) after stroke involving the left FG. Initially, MH was an effortful letter-by-letter (LBL) reader, and she improved to become a proficient LBL reader. The initial fMRI results showed scattered activation on occipital and ventral temporal cortex during reading, which was localized to right FG in the follow-up study. KM's severe alexia with agraphia did not improve, even after 6 months had passed since the onset of the alexia. The initial and follow-up fMRI results showed no significant activation in the bilateral FG or central higher language areas during word reading. Our results suggest that the reorganization of the FG is different according to the type of alexia and the amount of clinical recovery in each patient. Also, the successful reorganization of the visual component of reading in the right FG is responsible for the recovery of LBL reading in pure alexia.     

Association of VKORC1-1639G>A polymorphism with susceptibility to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine: a Korean study

Background

Abnormalities of bone metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the spine. Besides its hemostatic effect, vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) plays a pivotal role in bone mineralization. The aim of this study is to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the VKORC1 gene are associated with the occurrence of OPLL in a Korean population.

Method

A total of 98 patients with OPLL and 200 controls were genotyped for the VKORC1-1639G>A SNP (rs9923231) by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. All the patients (n?=?98) in this study underwent surgery (60, posterior-only approach; 36, anterior-only approach; 2, combined anterior and posterior approach) during their admission. We analyzed this association separately according to the gender and OPLL subgroup: OPLL continuous group (continuous type plus mixed type) and OPLL segmental group (segmental and localized type).

Results

We found that the genotype VKORC1-1639G>A frequency was significantly associated with the occurrence of the OPLL in the female group (adjusted odds ratio?=?5.22, 95 % confidence interval: 1.675 to 16.269, p?=?0.004). However, there was no overall association between the OPLL susceptibility and VKORC1-1639G>A polymorphism. A subgroup analysis did not show any significant correlation between VKORC1-1639G>A polymorphism and subgroup of OPLL either.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the VKORC1-1639G>A SNP may increase susceptibility to OPLL in women. However, there was only a statistical association in the female group despite a number of stratified analyses. Therefore, the findings should be interpreted with caution, and further genetic study is needed to improve our understanding of the role of VKORC1 polymorphisms in determining the risk of OPLL occurrence.