Skin care benefits of bioactive compounds isolated from Zanthoxylum piperitum DC. (Rutaceae)

Purpose: To investigate skin care efficacies of Zanthoxylum pipetitum extract and isolated compounds. Methods: Ethanol extracts of leaves, branches and fruits of what were partitioned into n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous layers and some fractions were further analyzed to isolate five compounds. The isolated compounds were identified based on the proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. Cosmetic efficacy tests of the extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated by in vitro tests. Results: Phytochemical studies of the chloroform and ethyl acetate layers led to the isolation of five compounds; quercitrin (1), afzelin (2), hydroxy-α-sanshool (3), α-sanshool (4) and hyperoside (5). In activity tests, the extracts showed inhibitory activity against inflammation response and melanin synthesis, and induction of procollagen type I C-peptide (PIP). Among the isolated compounds, hydroxy-α-sanshool (3) and α-sanshool (4) displayed significant anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that Z. piperitum extract and its active compounds possess a significant potential as a cosmeeutical agent for enhancing skin quality

The development of a web-based app employing machine learning for delirium prevention in long-term care facilities in South Korea

Background Long-term care facilities (LCFs) in South Korea have limited knowledge of and capability to care for patients with delirium. They also often lack an electronic medical record system. These barriers hinder systematic approaches to delirium monitoring and intervention. Therefore, this study aims to develop a web-based app for delirium prevention in LCFs and analyse its feasibility and usability. Methods The app was developed based on the validity of the AI prediction model algorithm. A total of 173 participants were selected from LCFs to participate in a study to determine the predictive risk factors for delerium. The app was developed in five phases: (1) the identification of risk factors and preventive intervention strategies from a review of evidence-based literature, (2) the iterative design of the app and components of delirium prevention, (3) the development of a delirium prediction algorithm and cloud platform, (4) a pilot test and validation conducted with 33 patients living in a LCF, and (5) an evaluation of the usability and feasibility of the app, completed by nurses (Main users). Results A web-based app was developed to predict high risk of delirium and apply preventive interventions accordingly. Moreover, its validity, usability, and feasibility were confirmed after app development. By employing machine learning, the app can predict the degree of delirium risk and issue a warning alarm. Therefore, it can be used to support clinical decision-making, help initiate the assessment of delirium, and assist in applying preventive interventions. Conclusions This web-based app is evidence-based and can be easily mobilised to support care for patients with delirium in LCFs. This app can improve the recognition of delirium and predict the degree of delirium risk, thereby helping develop initiatives for delirium prevention and providing interventions. Moreover, this app can be extended to predict various risk factors of LCF and apply preventive interventions. Its use can ultimately improve patient safety and quality of care. © 2022, The Author(s).1

Carcinosarcoma of the Maxillary Sinus

Carcinosarcoma is a highly malignant tumor characterized by dual malignant histologic differentiation of epithelial and mesenchymal components. The tumor is extremely rare in the sinonasal tract. We report a case of a 62-year-old man with carcinosarcoma involving the maxillary sinus

Post-radiation Piriformis Syndrome in a Cervical Cancer Patient -A Case Report-

The piriformis syndrome is a condition allegedly attributable to compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. Recently, magnetic resonance neurography and electrophysiologic study have helped to diagnose piriformis syndrome. High dose radiotherapy could induce acute and delayed muscle damage. We had experienced piriformis syndrome with fatty atrophy of piriformis muscle after radiotherapy for recurrent cervical cancer

Immobilization of Lead in Contaminated Firing Range Soil Using Biochar

Soybean stover-derived biochar was used to immobilize lead (Pb) in military firing range soil at a mass application rate of 0 to 20 wt.% and a curing period of 7 days. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. The mechanism responsible for Pb immobilization in military firing range soil was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy analyses. The treatment results showed that TCLP Pb leachability decreased with increasing biochar content. A reduction of over 90 % in Pb leachability was achieved upon treatment with 20 wt.% soybean stover-derived biochar. SEM-EDX, elemental dot mapping and XAFS results in conjunction with TCLP leachability revealed that effective Pb immobilization was probably associated with the pozzolanic reaction products, chloropyromorphite and Pb-phosphate. The results of this study demonstrated that soybean stover-derived biochar was effective in immobilizing Pb in contaminated firing range soil

Treatment of a Sequential Giant Fusiform Aneurysm of the Basilar Trunk

We report an exceptional case of a de novo giant fusiform aneurysm of the basilar trunk, which developed shortly after the therapeutic occlusion of the right internal carotid artery for a fusiform carotid aneurysm. It would appear to be appropriate to call this entity a sequential giant fusiform aneurysm. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular occlusion of the giant basilar trunk aneurysm following bypass surgery

Currents, Eddies, and a Fish Story in the Southwestern Japan/East Sea

As part of the Japan/East Sea (JES) initiative supported by the U.S. Office of Naval Research, we conducted an observational experiment to understand the physics of the mesoscale circulation in the Ulleung Basin, located in the southwestern corner of the JES. The current passing through the Korea Strait divides upon entering the JES, with portions of the current flowing along the Korean and Japanese coasts. The variability of these currents is especially energetic in our study region. Our objectives were to measure the time-varying currents in the upper and deep levels of the JES. We relate the population density of vertically migrating fish or squid to the time-varying locations of fronts

Post-traumatic Back Pain Revealed as Tuberculous Spondylitis -A Case Report-

Tuberculous spondylitis is a very rare disease, but it can result in bone destruction, kyphotic deformity, spinal instability, and neurologic complications unless early diagnosis and proper management are done. Because the most common symptom of tuberculous spondylitis is back pain, it can often be misdiagnosed. Atypical tuberculous spondylitis can be presented as a metastatic cancer or a primary vertebral tumor. We must make a differential diagnosis through adequate biopsy. A 30-year-old man visited our clinic due to back and chest pain after a recent traffic accident. About 1 year ago, he had successfully recovered from tuberculous pleurisy after taking anti-tuberculosis medication. We performed epidural and intercostal blocks but the pain was not relieved. For the further evaluation, several imaging and laboratory tests were done. Finally, we confirmed tuberculous spondylitis diagnosis with the biopsy results

When Bigger Is Not Greener: Ensuring the Sustainability of Power- to-Gas Hydrogen on a National Scale

As the prices of photovoltaics and wind turbines continue to decrease, more renewable electricity-generating capacity is installed globally. While this is considered an integral part of a sustainable energy future by many nations, it also poses a significant strain on current electricity grids due to the inherent output variability of renewable electricity. This work addresses the challenge of renewable electricity surplus (RES) utilization with target-scaling of centralized power-to-gas (PtG) hydrogen production. Using the Republic of Korea as a case study, due to its ambitious plan of 2030 green hydrogen production capacity of 0.97 million tons year-1, we combine predictions of future, season-averaged RES with a detailed conceptual process simulation for green H2 production via polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis combined with a desalination plant in six distinct scale cases (0.5-8.5 GW). It is demonstrated that at scales of 0.5 to 1.75 GW the RES is optimally utilized, and PtG hydrogen can therefore outperform conventional hydrogen production both environmentally (650-2210 Mton CO2 not emitted per year) and economically (16-30% levelized cost reduction). Beyond these scales, the PtG benefits sharply drop, and thus it is answered how much of the planned green hydrogen target can realistically be if on an industrial scale