Cleavage of E-cadherin and the resultant weakness in the cell-cell links in the laryngeal epithelium lining is induced by exposure to acidic contents of the refluxate. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in inducing E-cadherin level changes following acid exposure to the human pharyngeal mucosal cells. E-cadherin levels were inversely correlated with the duration of acid exposure. Treatment with actinonin, a broad MMP inhibitor, inhibited this change. Immunocytochemical staining and transepithelial permeability test revealed that the cell surface staining of E-cadherin decreased and transepithelial permeability increased after acid exposure, which was significantly inhibited by the MMP inhibitor. Among the various MMPs analyzed, the mRNA for MMP-7 in the cellular component was upregulated, and the secretion and enzymatic activity of MMP-7 in the culture media increased with the acid treatment. Consequently, MMP-7 plays a significant role in the degradation of E-cadherin after exposure to a relatively weak acidic condition that would be similar to the physiologic condition that occurs in Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease patients.

Multicellular tumor spheroids (MTSs) of malignant cells can display cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, different from monolayer cultures. The objective of the present study was to examine difference in intercellular and cell-matrix interaction between monolayered cultures and spheroid cultures. Expression levels of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling molecules in monolayered cells and MTS cells were compared. The motility of single cells dispersed from each culture was evaluated using a live-cell imaging device. The effect of an E-cadherin neutralizing antibody, DECMA, was also compared between the two cultures. Among various CAMs, only E-cadherin was increased in MTSs. The motility of single cells dispersed from MTSs was higher than that from monolayered cells. Compared with monolayered cells, the molecular weight (MW) of β1 integrin was decreased during MTS formation, particularly during the early stage. This notable reduction was maintained when DECMA was used to treat MTSs. Additionally, the expression levels of the EMT signaling molecules Snail and ILK increased more in MTSs than in monolayered cells. The blocking of E-cadherin elicited increased expression levels of EMT molecules and cellular motility only in MTSs. In conclusion, the alteration of E-cadherin expression and presence of low-MW β1 integrin in MTS may enhance cell motility via the upregulation of EMT signaling molecules that may be intensified by blocking E-cadherin.

The purpose of this study was to explore strategies for distributing online content of dance post COVID-19 in Korea. And specially to discuss the distribution strategies of online performances through videoization of dance performances and OTT (over-the-top) streaming: (1) Methods: For this purpose, a survey was conducted on the distribution strategy of dance online contents for a total of 100 practitioners such as dance field, video contents, and art management. A total 91 sample were used except for defective questionnaires, and Vavra (1997)’s modified important performance analysis was conducted; (2) Results: The results of the matrix through the modified IPA analysis are as follows: first, the first quadrant included ‘quality of dance performance’, ‘platform for OTT streaming’, and ‘promotion for potential audience development’. This means that both explicit and intrinsic importance are high, and it is an important execution factor that has a positive effect on the satisfaction of the online contents of dance only if it is met. Second, the second quadrant included ‘brand awareness of choreographer or dance company’, ‘creative composition and choreography’, and ‘fee and price criteria’. This is a case of low explicit importance but high intrinsic importance, and these factors are attractive attributes that affect the satisfaction of dance online contents, although consumers do not expect it to be important. Third, the third quadrant included ‘new formats and curation’, ‘convergence technology (AR, VR, 3D, etc.) for the field sense’, and ‘online audience service (communication, membership, etc.)’. This means that both explicit and intrinsic importance are low, and if these factors are met, it can have a positive effect on the satisfaction of viewing of dance online contents. However, it does not have a negative effect even if it is not met. Fourth, in the fourth quadrant, ‘production and editing competency’, ‘quality of videos and sounds’, ‘copyright of performance creation’, and ‘fandom and audience management’ was included. This is an essential attribute in the distribution strategy of dance online contents because it has high explicit importance and low intrinsic importance, and it can have a negative impact on satisfaction when these factors are not met.

A 50-year-old Korean female with oral erythro-leukoplakia was treated using a 532-nm Diode laser at 6 Watts with a pulsed width of 25 milliseconds. After two months following the laser treatment, the resected region was well-healed without any significant scar contracture. We suggest that the use of the 532-nm Diode laser can be a safe and effective treatment modality for patients suffering from oral leukoplakia.

No abstract