One of the biological functions of lactoferrin is the modulation of the host defense systems, including cytokine production and immune responses. We have tested the effect of lactoferrin on the productions of tumor necrosis factor-␣ and nitric oxide in some cells. Lactoferrin itself did not induce either tumor necrosis factor-␣ production or nitric oxide production, but lipopolysaccharide-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-␣ production of macrophages and monocytes were inhibited by lactoferrin treatment combined with stimulant. The induction of nitric oxide synthesis in stimulated macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells was not affected by the lactoferrin.

The gene (bglT) encoding Tca beta-glycosidase (Thermus caldophilus GK24 beta-glycosidase) was overexpressed under the control of the trp promoter on a high-copy-number plasmid, pTRPES, in Escherichia coli W3110. The purified Tca beta-glycosidase enzyme was used in a galactosyl-transfer reaction to synthesize galacto-oligosaccharides from lactose. The optimum temperature and pH for the enzyme to synthesize galacto-oligosaccharides from 30% (w/v) lactose were 80 degrees C and 6.0, respectively. The major product of the reaction was a trisaccharide. The thermostable Tca beta-glycosidase produced galacto-oligosaccharides efficiently during the hydrolysis of lactose.

Purpose:This study was performed to compare the clinical results and complications of bipolar hemiarthroplasty and internal fixation using proximal femur nail antirotation (PFNA) for unstable elderly femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Materials and Methods:From May 2008 to September 2010, 74 patients older than 65 years who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty(33 patients) or PFNA(41 patients) and followed for more than 1 year after surgery were enrolled in this study. The mean blood loss during operation, mean operation time, radiological results, clinical results, and complications were analyzed by the Student t-test and Chi-square test to compare the two groups. Results:The volume of blood loss during the operation was statistically lesser in the PFNA group (P<0.05) and operation time was not statistically different between the two groups (p=0.73). The bipolar hemiarthroplasty group showed a statistically better outcome than the PFNA group in the beginning of weight bearing (p<0.05), the hospital stay (p<0.05). The degradations of Koval score and modified Harris hip score of the bipolar hemiarthroplasty group were statistically better than those of the PFNA group (p=0.03, p=0.02). The bipolar hemiarthroplasty group showed a statistically lower incidence of mechanical(9.1%, p=0.01) and general(12.1%, p=0.00) complications than the PFNA group. Conclusion:In elderly patients, bipolar hemiarthroplasty is thought to be one of the effective treatments for unstable femoral intertrochanteric fracutures when considering complications and clinical outcomes.

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