Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is associated with airway remodeling and tissue injury in asthma. However, little is known about how MMP-9 is up-regulated in airway epithelial cells. In this study, we show that phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) induces MMP-9 expression via a protein kinase Cα (PKCα)-dependent signaling cascade in BEAS-2B human lung epithelial cells. Pretreatment with either GF109203X, a general PKC inhibitor, or Gö6976, a PKCα/β isozyme inhibitor, inhibited PMA-induced activation of the MMP-9 promoter, as did transient transfection with PKCα antisense oligonuclotides. PMA activated NF-κB by phosphorylating IκB in these cells and this was also inhibited by GF109203X and Gö6976, suggesting that PKCα acts as an upstream regulator of NF-κB in PMA-induced MMP-9 induction. Our results indicate that a "PKCα-NF-κB"-dependent cascade is involved in the signaling leading to PMA-induced MMP-9 expression in the lung epithelium.

BLT2 is a low-affinity receptor for leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), a potent lipid mediator of inflammation generated from arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. Unlike BLT1, a high-affinity receptor for LTB(4), no clear physiological function has yet been identified for BLT2, especially with regard to the pathogenesis of asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BLT2 plays a role in the pathogenesis of asthma. A murine model of allergic asthma was used to evaluate the role of BLT2 in ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. The levels of BLT2 mRNA and its ligand, LTB(4), in the lung airway were highly elevated after ovalbumin challenge, and down-regulation of BLT2 with antisense BLT2 oligonucleotides markedly attenuated airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Further analysis, aimed at identifying mediators downstream of BLT2, revealed that BLT2 activation led to elevation of reactive oxygen species and subsequent activation of NF-kappaB, thus inducing the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, which is known to be involved in eosinophil infiltration into the lung airway. Together, our results suggest that BLT2 plays a pivotal, mediatory role in the pathogenesis of asthma, acting through a "reactive oxygen species-NF-kappaB"-linked inflammatory signaling pathway.

Accurate cost estimation at the early stage of a construction project is key factor in a project's success. But it is difficult to quickly and accurately estimate construction costs at the planning stage, when drawings, documentation and the like are still incomplete. As such, various techniques have been applied to accurately estimate construction costs at an early stage, when project information is limited. While the various techniques have their pros and cons, there has been little effort made to determine the best technique in terms of cost estimating performance. The objective of this research is to compare the accuracy of three estimating techniques (regression analysis (RA), neural network (NN), and support vector machine techniques (SVM)) by performing estimations of construction costs. By comparing the accuracy of these techniques using historical cost data, it was found that NN model showed more accurate estimation results than the RA and SVM models. Consequently, it is determined that NN model is most suitable for estimating the cost of school building projects.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the color stability of provisional restorative materials fabricated by 3D printing, dental milling, and conventional materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS For the experimental groups, two commercially available 3D-printing provisional resins (E-Dent 100; EnvisionTEC GmbH, Germany & VeroGlaze™; Stratasys®, USA), two dental milling blocks (PMMA Disk; Yamahachi Dental Co., Japan & Telio®CAD; Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Liechtenstein), and two conventional materials (Alike™; GC Co., Japan & Luxatemp automix plus; DMG, Germany) were used. The water sorption and solubility test were (n=10, respectively) carried out according to ISO4049:2000 (International Standards Organization, Geneva, Switzerland). For the color stability test (n=10), coffee and black tea were used as staining solutions, and the specimens were stored for 12 weeks. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD using SPSS version 22.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA) ( P <.05). RESULTS Alike and Veroglaze showed the highest values and Luxatemp showed the lowest water sorption. In the color stability test, the ΔE of conventional materials varied depending on the staining solution. PMMA milling blocks showed a relatively low ΔE up to 4 weeks, and then significantly increased after 8 weeks ( P <.05). 3D-printed materials exhibited a high ΔE or a significant increase over time ( P <.05). CONCLUSION The degree of discoloration increased with time, and a visually perceptible color difference value (ΔE) was shown regardless of the materials and solutions. PMMA milled and 3 D-printed materials showed more rapid change in discoloration after 8 weeks.

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