Anti-inflammatory activity of hydrosols from Tetragonia tetragonoides in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells

The present study was performed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Tetragonia tetragonoides hydro- sols (TTH) and its underlying mechanism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Gas chromatog- raphy (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry and retention index calculations showed that TTH were mainly com- posed of tetratetracontane (29.5 %), nonacosane (27.6 %), and oleamide (17.1 %). TTH significantly decreased the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Consistent with these observations, TTH treatment decreased the protein expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The molecular mechanism of its anti-inflamma- tory activity was found to be associated with inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB 65. Furthermore, TTH markedly suppressed the LPS-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Taken together, these data indicate that TTH exerts an anti-inflam- matory activity by inhibiting the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

Perioperative considerations of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency: a case report of two consecutive anesthesia

Background Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) deficiency is a rare mitochondrial disorder caused by a genetic mutation affecting the activity of the PDHC enzyme, which plays a major role in the tricarboxylic cycle. Few cases of surgery or anesthesia have been reported. Moreover, there is no recommended anesthetic method. Case A 24-month-old child with a PDHC deficiency presented to the emergency room with respiratory failure, mental decline, systemic cyanosis, and lactic acidosis. During hospitalization period, the patient presented with pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, and multiple air pockets in the heart. Two surgeries were performed under general anesthesia using an inhalational anesthetic agent. The patient was discharged with home ventilation. Conclusions Anesthesiologists should be wary of multiple factors when administering anesthesia to patients with PDHC deficiency, including airway abnormalities, acid-base imbalance, intraoperative fluid management, selection of appropriate anesthetics, and monitoring of lactic acid levels

SHMT2 expression as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for thyroid cancer

Background: Catabolism of serine via serine hydroxymethyltransferase2 (SHMT2) through the mitochondrial one-carbon unit pathway is important in tumorigenesis. Therefore, SHMT2 may play a role in thyroid cancer. Methods: Thyroid tissue samples and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used to evaluate SHMT2 expression in thyroid tissues and the association with clinical outcomes. Results: SHMT2 protein expression was evaluated in thyroid tissues consisting of 52 benign nodules, 129 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) and matched normal samples, and 20 anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATC). ATCs presented the highest (95.0%) positivity of SMHT2 protein expression. PTCs showed the second highest (73.6%) positivity of SHMT2 expression, which was significantly higher than that of be nign nodules (19.2%, P = 0.016) and normal thyroid tissues (0%, P < 0.001). Analysis of TCGA data showed that SHMT2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was significantly higher in tumo rs than in normal tissues (P < 0.001). When we classified thyroid cancer into high and low gr oups according to SHMT2 mRNA expression levels, the thyroid differentiation score for t he high SHMT2 group was significantly lower than that of the low SH MT2 group (P < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between SHMT2 mRNA expression and the stemness index (r = 0.41, P < 0.001). The high SHMT2 group had more advanced TNM stages and shorter progression-free survival rates than the low SHMT2 group (P < 0.01 and P = 0.007, respectively). Conclusion: SHMT2 expression is higher in thyroid cancers than normal or benign tissues and is associated with de-differentiation and poor clinical outc omes. Thus, SHMT2 might be useful as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for thyroid cancer

Subchronic inhalation toxicity of gold nanoparticles

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Gold nanoparticles are widely used in consumer products, including cosmetics, food packaging, beverages, toothpaste, automobiles, and lubricants. With this increase in consumer products containing gold nanoparticles, the potential for worker exposure to gold nanoparticles will also increase. Only a few studies have produced data on the <it>in vivo </it>toxicology of gold nanoparticles, meaning that the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of gold nanoparticles remain unclear.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The toxicity of gold nanoparticles was studied in Sprague Dawley rats by inhalation. Seven-week-old rats, weighing approximately 200 g (males) and 145 g (females), were divided into 4 groups (10 rats in each group): fresh-air control, low-dose (2.36 × 10⁴particle/cm³, 0.04 μg/m³), middle-dose (2.36 × 10⁵particle/cm³, 0.38 μg/m³), and high-dose (1.85 × 10⁶particle/cm³, 20.02 μg/m³). The animals were exposed to gold nanoparticles (average diameter 4-5 nm) for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 90-days in a whole-body inhalation chamber. In addition to mortality and clinical observations, body weight, food consumption, and lung function were recorded weekly. At the end of the study, the rats were subjected to a full necropsy, blood samples were collected for hematology and clinical chemistry tests, and organ weights were measured. Cellular differential counts and cytotoxicity measurements, such as albumin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total protein were also monitored in a cellular bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Among lung function test measurements, tidal volume and minute volume showed a tendency to decrease comparing control and dose groups during the 90-days of exposure. Although no statistically significant differences were found in cellular differential counts, histopathologic examination showed minimal alveoli, an inflammatory infiltrate with a mixed cell type, and increased macrophages in the high-dose rats. Tissue distribution of gold nanoparticles showed a dose-dependent accumulation of gold in only lungs and kidneys with a gender-related difference in gold nanoparticles content in kidneys.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Lungs were the only organ in which there were dose-related changes in both male and female rats. Changes observed in lung histopathology and function in high-dose animals indicate that the highest concentration (20 μg/m³) is a LOAEL and the middle concentration (0.38 μg/m³) is a NOAEL for this study.</p

Endocardial Fibroelastosis in a 57-Year-Old Transplant Recipient

Endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) is characterized by deposition of collagen and elastin leading to ventricular hypertrophy and diffuse endocardial thickening. Here we report (for the first time in Korea) the case of a EFE presenting with heart failure. The patient was a 57-year-old woman who had complained of dyspnea on exertion {New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class 3} and abdominal distension at the time of hospital admission. Echocardiography showed severe diastolic dysfunction with normal systolic function. On MRI, the contrast-enhanced delayed myocardial image demonstrated hyperenhancement in the endocardium. Owing to progressive heart failure, the patient was transplanted. Histological examination of the explanted heart showed irregularly thickened endocardium with fibrosis and elastosis in the both ventricles, compatible with the diagnosis of EFE

Endotracheal intubation in rabbits using a video laryngoscope with a modified blade

Rabbits are being increasingly used as companion animals, and in research; thus, the need for proper veterinary care for rabbits has increased. Surgical access is more challenging in rabbits under inhalation anesthesia compared to other animals, such as dogs and cats. Rabbits have a very narrow and deep oral cavity, large incisors, and a large tongue. Moreover, their temporomandibular joint has limited mobility, making it more difficult to approach the larynx. Various methods have been proposed to overcome this difficulty. The video laryngoscope was introduced in 1999 and is useful when airway intubation is unsuccessful using a conventional laryngoscope. We postulated that a video laryngoscope with a modified size 1 Macintosh blade (McGrath MAC Video Laryngoscope, Medtronic, USA) would facilitate the intubation of New Zealand White rabbits. Sixteen specific-pathogen-free male New Zealand White rabbits weighing 3.45–4.70 kg were studied. All rabbits were intubated using the video laryngoscope. Typically, a 3.0 mm endotracheal tube was used for rabbits weighing  4 kg. During surgery, anesthesia was well maintained, and there were no major abnormalities in the animals’ conditions. No rabbit developed breathing difficulties or anorexia after recovering from anesthesia. We established an intubation method using a video laryngoscope with a modified blade and stylet in the supine (ventrodorsal) position and successfully applied it in 16 rabbits. It is useful for training novices and for treating rabbits in veterinary hospitals with few staff members and animal research facilities where there are insufficient human resources

Copper extraction from oxide ore of Almalyk mine by H2SO4 in simulated heap leaching : effect of particle size and acid concentration

ABSTRACT: In this investigation, a laboratory-scale study to extract copper (Cu) from its oxide ore (0.425–11.2 mm particle size) was conducted using varied sulfuric acid (H2SO4) concentrations (0.05–0.5 M) as a lixiviant. Through a physicochemical and mineralogical analysis of real field ore samples from the Almalyk mine heap site (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), malachite was identified as a Cu-bearing mineral. Extraction rates were analyzed according to the ore particle size and acid concentration. The Cu extraction with the smallest particle size (in 24 h) varied between 76.7% and 94.26% at varied H2SO4 concentrations (0.05–0.5 M). Almost half (50%) of Cu was extracted from the ore within 4 and 72 h of contact time for 0.425–2 mm and 5.6–11.2 mm particle sizes, respectively, using 0.15 M H2SO4. Weeklong leaching experiments with 0.5 M H2SO4 revealed a higher copper extraction rate (≥73%) from coarse ore particles (5.6–11.2 mm). Along with the copper extraction, iron (29.6 wt%), aluminum (70.2 wt%), magnesium (85.4 wt%), and calcium (44.4 wt%) were also leached out considerably through the dissolution of silicate and carbonate gangue minerals. In this study, an 80.0–94.26% copper extraction rate with reduced acid consumption (20%) proved to be a cost-effective approach

Refined prefrontal working memory network as a neuromarker for Alzheimer’s disease

Detecting Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an important step in preventing pathological brain damage. Working memory (WM)-related network modulation can be a pathological feature of AD, but is usually modulated by untargeted cognitive processes and individual variance, resulting in the concealment of this key information. Therefore, in this study, we comprehensively investigated a new neuromarker, named “refined network,” in a prefrontal cortex (PFC) that revealed the pathological features of AD. A refined network was acquired by removing unnecessary variance from the WM-related network. By using a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) device, we evaluated the reliability of the refined network, which was identified from the three groups classified by AD progression: healthy people (N=31), mild cognitive impairment (N=11), and patients with AD (N=18). As a result, we identified edges with significant correlations between cognitive functions and groups in the dorsolateral PFC. Moreover, the refined network achieved a significantly correlating metric with neuropsychological test scores, and a remarkable three-class classification accuracy (95.0%). These results implicate the refined PFC WM-related network as a powerful neuromarker for AD screening. © 2021 Optical Society of America1

Comparative Analysis Of Energy Expenditure Assessments From The Graded Exercise Test Vs. Galaxy Watch And Apple Watch In Korean College Students During A 30-minute Workout: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES In the modern era, there is heightened interest in understanding energy expenditure during exercise. Consequently, wearable devices such as the Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch have emerged as pivotal tools for daily health monitoring, given their convenience and increasing popularity. This study aimed to compare the calculated energy expenditure derived from the graded exercise test with readings from Galaxy and Apple Watches during a 30-min exercise session among Korean university students. Through this, we anticipate offering both motivation and clear insights into energy expenditure, thereby potentially aiding in weight management strategies for contemporary individuals. METHODS This study involved 27 college students from Korea National University of Transportation in Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea. We utilized COSMED's exercise load respiratory gas analysis system (Quark-CPET, COSMED, Rome, Italy), along with the Galaxy Watch (Galaxy Watch 5, Samsung, Seoul, Korea) and the Apple Watch (Apple watch series 5, Apple, Cupertino, USA) for measurements. Energy expenditure was monitored in real-time every 5 min throughout the 30-min exercise session. For statistical evaluations, we employed a one-way analysis of variance. Subsequent post-tests utilized the Tukey post-hoc test and Pearson correlation, with a significance level set at p0.05). Conversely, a notable difference was observed when comparing energy expenditure data from the graded exercise test to that of the Apple Watch for time intervals of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min (p>0.05), although the 5-min interval did not exhibit a significant difference (p>0.05). Furthermore, a robust positive correlation was evident between the energy expenditure values derived from the graded exercise test and those from both the Galaxy Watch (r=0.952, p<0.001) and the Apple Watch (r=0.917, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Both devices demonstrated high reliability in calculating energy expenditure. Notably, the Galaxy Watch exhibited a more precise calculation compared to the Apple Watch, with a relative reliability margin of 3.5% higher. For individuals, especially those struggling with obesity, precise wearable devices that accurately reflect energy consumption can significantly boost motivation for exercise. Consequently, this study lays a foundation for future advancements in energy expenditure measurement tools, emphasizing enhanced convenience, reliability, and mobility

Detection of Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHHNV, Decapod Penstylhamaparvovirus 1) in Commodity Red Claw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) Imported into South Korea

Freshwater crayfish, which are cultivated in aquaculture, are economically important for food and ornamental purposes. However, relatively few studies have focused on potentially pathogenic viruses in crayfish compared to in penaeid shrimp. Commodity red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus; 400 crayfish in 10 batches) and red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii; 40 crayfish in 2 batches) imported into South Korea from Indonesia and China were screened by PCR to detect infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV or Decapod penstylhamaparvovirus 1). IHHNV was detected in tissue samples pooled from nine out of ten batches of red claw crayfish imported from Indonesia. Phylogenetic analysis of PCR amplicons from representative pools clustered the IHHNV strain with infectious-type II sequences commonly detected in Southeast Asian countries rather than with type III strains detected previously in whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) cultured in South Korea. IHHNV DNA was detected most frequently in the muscle (eight batches, 66.7% samples), followed by in the hepatopancreas (five batches, 41.7% samples) and gills tissue (three batches, 25.0% samples). These data suggest that red claw crayfish could be a potential carrier of the virus and that quarantine procedures must be strengthened in South Korea to avoid importing infectious types of IHHNV in commodity crustaceans such as red claw crayfish. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.1