Viruses continue to evolve a new strategy to take advantage of every aspect of host cells in order to maximize their survival. Due to their central roles in transducing a variety of transmembrane signals, GPCRs seem to be a prime target for viruses to pirate for their own use. Incorporation of GPCR functionality into the genome of herpesviruses has been demonstrated to be essential for pathogenesis of many herpesviruses-induced diseases. Here, we introduce US28 of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) as the best-studied example of virally-encoded GPCRs to manipulate host GPCR signaling. In this review, we wish to summarize a number of US28-related topics including its regulation of host signaling pathways, its constitutive internalization, its structural and functional analysis, its roles in HCMV biology and pathogenesis, its proliferative activities and role in oncogenesis, and pharmacological modulation of its biological activities. This review will aid in our understanding of how pathogenic viruses usurp the host GPCR signaling for successful viral infection. This kind of knowledge will enable us to build a better strategy to control viral infection by normalizing the virally-dysregulated host GPCR signaling.
Biology ; Carcinogenesis ; Cytomegalovirus Infections* ; Cytomegalovirus* ; Genome ; Herpesviridae ; Humans*

Pasteurella multocida is a zoonotic pathogen found in the oral cavities of both domestic and wild animals. Although P. multocida has been involved in a wide range of human diseases, only a limited number of studies on P. multocida peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) had been carried out. We herein present the case of P. multocida peritonitis in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory PD, which is believed to have resulted from contact with cats. We suggest that patients undergoing PD and having domestic animals at home should be educated about the possible transmission of the infection from the animals; in addition, these patients should also maintain a high level of personal hygiene.
Animals ; Animals, Domestic ; Animals, Wild ; Cats ; Humans ; Hygiene ; Pasteurella multocida* ; Peritoneal Dialysis ; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory* ; Peritonitis*

This study investigated whether tempol, an anti-oxidant, protects against renal injury by modulating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-Forkhead homeobox O (FoxO) signaling. Mice received unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) surgery with or without administration of tempol. We evaluated renal damage, oxidative stress and the expression of PI3K, Akt, FoxO3a and their target molecules including manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase, Bax, and Bcl-2 on day 3 and day 7 after UUO. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis, collagen deposition, alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive area, and F4/80-positive macrophage infiltration were significantly lower in tempol-treated mice compared with control mice. The expression of PI3K, phosphorylated Akt, and phosphorylated FoxO3a markedly decreased in tempol-treated mice compared with control mice. Tempol prominently increased the expressions of MnSOD and catalase, and decreased the production of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation in the obstructed kidneys. Significantly less apoptosis, a lower ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 expression and fewer apoptotic cells in TUNEL staining, and decreased expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 were observed in the obstructed kidneys from tempol-treated mice compared with those from control mice. Tempol attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in the obstructed kidneys of UUO mice, and the modulation of PI3K-Akt-FoxO3a signaling may be involved in this pathogenesis.
Animals ; Antioxidants/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Collagen/metabolism ; Cyclic N-Oxides/*pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Fibrosis ; Forkhead Transcription Factors/*metabolism ; Hydrogen Peroxide/metabolism ; Kidney Diseases/drug therapy/metabolism/pathology ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/*metabolism ; Phosphorylation/drug effects ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/*metabolism ; Severity of Illness Index ; Signal Transduction/*drug effects ; Spin Labels ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism ; Ureteral Obstruction/complications/drug therapy/*metabolism/pathology

No abstract available.
Anemia ; Down Syndrome* ; Hematuria

B-lineage non-Hodgkin lymphoma may aberrantly coexpress T-cell markers. In general population, however, cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with CD3 co-expression are rare because the CD3 marker is the most lineage specific T-cell antigen. We report a case of CD3 coexpressed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a 47-year-old male patient presented with dyspepsia who had transplanted a kidney 17 years ago. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy displayed an ulcerated mass in the gastric antrum. The pathology of the mass was monomorphic post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder - specifically, CD20- and CD3-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Resection of the mass and postop chemotherapy were performed. A follow-up computerized tomography showed disapperance of tumor. No recurrence was observed until 7 month after treatment. Nevertheless, the patient's renal function gradually aggrevated and progressed to end stage renal disease. As far as we know, this is the first case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with CD3 coexpression after kidney transplant.
B-Lymphocytes ; Dyspepsia ; Endoscopy, Digestive System ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kidney ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; Lymphoproliferative Disorders ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Pyloric Antrum ; Recurrence ; T-Lymphocytes ; Transplants ; Ulcer

Computer aided design and manufacturing and implant surgery using a guide template improve restoration-driven implant treatment procedures. This case utilized those digital technologies to make definitive prostheses for a patient. According to the work flow of digital dentistry, cone beam computed tomography established the treatment plan, which was followed to make the guide template for implant placement. The template guided the implants to be installed as planned. The customized abutments and surveyed fixed restorations were digitally designed and made. The metal framework of the removable partial denture was cast from resin pattern using an additive manufacturing technique, and the artificial resin teeth were replaced with the zirconia onlays for occlusal stability. These full mouth rehabilitation procedures provided functionally and aesthetically satisfactory results for the patient.
Computer-Aided Design ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Dentistry ; Denture, Partial, Removable ; Humans ; Inlays ; Mouth Rehabilitation* ; Mouth* ; Prostheses and Implants ; Tooth ; Workflow

Purpose: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a machine learning-based radiomics model for distinguishing tumor response and overall survival in patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) treated with targeted biological therapy. Methods: We prospectively recruited 17 patients with unresectable liver metastases of colorectal cancer, who had been given targeted biological therapy as the first line of treatment. All patients underwent liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) three times up until 8 weeks after chemotherapy. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of machine learning-based radiomics model in tumor response of liver MRI compared with the guidelines for the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Overall survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared to the Cox proportional hazard ratios following univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Performance measurement of the trained model through metrics showed the accuracy of the machine learning model to be 76.5%, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.857 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.605–0.976; P < 0.001). For the patients classified as non-progressing or progressing by the radiomics model, the median overall survival was 17.5 months (95% CI, 12.8–22.2), and 14.8 months (95% CI, 14.2–15.4), respectively (P = 0.431, log-rank test). Conclusion Machine learning-based radiomics models could have the potential to predict tumor response in patients with unresectable CRLM treated with biologic therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Multiple myeloma (MM) is frequently accompanied by renal insufficiency, which has been regarded as a poor prognostic factor for MM. It is known that the incidence and characteristics of MM in Asia differ from those in Western countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for renal impairment and to investigate reversible factors for renal failure in patients with MM. METHODS: Patients newly diagnosed with MM from 2005 to 2008 were included. We investigated factors associated with renal insufficiency and those related to recovery from renal dysfunction after 12 weeks of treatment of MM. RESULTS: Renal failure was recognized in 86 (39%) of 221 patients at diagnosis. In the binary logistic regression analysis, low hemoglobin (odds ratio [OR], 0.813; p = 0.02), high beta2microglobulin (OR, 1.006; p < 0.01), and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) (OR, 2.783; p < 0.04) at initial presentation were independent risk factors for renal failure in patients with multiple myeloma. After 12 weeks of treatment, 25 of 86 (29%) patients with renal failure had recovered renal function. Good response to chemotherapy (OR, 6.044; p < 0.01) and higher eGFR (OR, 1.084; p < 0.01) were associated with renal function recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of hemoglobin and beta2microglobulin, and use of ACEi were independent risk factors for the development of renal failure in MM patients. The response to chemotherapy and eGFR at diagnosis significantly influenced recovery of renal function.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ; Asia ; Diagnosis ; Drug Therapy ; Humans ; Incidence ; Logistic Models ; Multiple Myeloma* ; Recovery of Function ; Renal Insufficiency* ; Risk Factors*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Multiple myeloma (MM) is frequently accompanied by renal insufficiency, which has been regarded as a poor prognostic factor for MM. It is known that the incidence and characteristics of MM in Asia differ from those in Western countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for renal impairment and to investigate reversible factors for renal failure in patients with MM. METHODS: Patients newly diagnosed with MM from 2005 to 2008 were included. We investigated factors associated with renal insufficiency and those related to recovery from renal dysfunction after 12 weeks of treatment of MM. RESULTS: Renal failure was recognized in 86 (39%) of 221 patients at diagnosis. In the binary logistic regression analysis, low hemoglobin (odds ratio [OR], 0.813; p = 0.02), high beta2microglobulin (OR, 1.006; p < 0.01), and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) (OR, 2.783; p < 0.04) at initial presentation were independent risk factors for renal failure in patients with multiple myeloma. After 12 weeks of treatment, 25 of 86 (29%) patients with renal failure had recovered renal function. Good response to chemotherapy (OR, 6.044; p < 0.01) and higher eGFR (OR, 1.084; p < 0.01) were associated with renal function recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of hemoglobin and beta2microglobulin, and use of ACEi were independent risk factors for the development of renal failure in MM patients. The response to chemotherapy and eGFR at diagnosis significantly influenced recovery of renal function.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ; Asia ; Diagnosis ; Drug Therapy ; Humans ; Incidence ; Logistic Models ; Multiple Myeloma* ; Recovery of Function ; Renal Insufficiency* ; Risk Factors*