Quarantining: a mentally distressful but physically comfortable experience in South Korea.

OBJECTIVE: Quarantine is the first response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restricting daily life can cause several problems. This study aimed to measure the impact of the COVID-19 quarantine on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) by comparing to the pre-pandemic. METHODS: HRQoL during COVID-19 quarantine was surveyed online using EQ-5D index and matched to that of the pre-pandemic-extracted from nationwide representative data of the Korea Community Health Survey- with propensity scores. A beta regression for the EQ-5D scores and a logistic analysis for individual dimensions of the EQ-5D index were performed to measure the impact of the COVID-19 quarantine on health utility. RESULTS: The overall scores of the EQ-5D index were significantly higher in the group under quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic (0.971 SD 0.064) than those before the pandemic (0.964 SD 0.079, Diff. 0.007 SD 0.101, p = 0.043). The beta regression for the overall scores of EQ-5D revealed that quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic increased by 52.7% compared to normal life before the outbreak(p = 0.045). Specifically, "Depression/Anxiety" deteriorated significantly during quarantining (OR = 0.62, 95% CI:0.48-0.80). However, "Pain/Discomfort" and "Mobility" significantly improved (OR = 5.37, 95% CI:3.71-7.78 and OR = 2.05, 95% CI:1.11-3.80, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although the world is facing a challenging moment that it has never been through before, mandatory quarantine has served as an experience that provided mental distress but physical comfort in the Korean context.

The effect of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block on pulmonary function in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) is commonly used for postoperative pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, few studies have analyzed its effect on pulmonary function. The goal of this study was to elucidate the effect of ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB on pulmonary function preservation and analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: We enrolled 58 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Among them, 53 were randomized to group T (n = 27) and group C (n = 26). Group T and group C received ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB with 40 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine and 40 ml of 0.9% normal saline, respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) consumption, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), and modified Borg scale scores were measured until 24 h post-surgery. RESULTS: The VAS scores were significantly lower in group T than in group C at 1 and 8 h after the surgery. PCA consumption was significantly lower in group T than in group C at all postoperative time points. FEV1, PEF, and FEV1/FVC were more preserved in group T than in group C at 1 h. Group T had significantly lower modified Borg scale scores than did group C at 1 and 8 h. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided TAPB is effective in pulmonary function preservation and pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Therefore, it could be a great option for multimodal analgesia, preservation of pulmonary function, prevention of pulmonary complications including atelectasis, and promotion of postoperative recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CLINICAL REGISTRATION: This study was enrolled in the Clinical Research Information Service (Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0004435, Hwa Yong Shin, 2019-08-19).

Rosmarinic Acid Methyl Ester Inhibits LPS-Induced NO Production via Suppression of MyD88- Dependent and -Independent Pathways and Induction of HO-1 in RAW 264.7 Cells.

In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of rosmarinic acid methyl ester (RAME) isolated from a mutant cultivar of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton. We found that RAME inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, with an IC50 of 14.25 µM, in RAW 264.7 cells. RAME inhibited the LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interferon-ß, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, RAME suppressed the activation of nuclear factor kappa B. These results suggest that the downregulation of iNOS expression by RAME was due to myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)-dependent and -independent pathways. Furthermore, RAME induced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) through activation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2. Treatment with tin protoporphyrin, an inhibitor of HO-1, reversed the RAME-induced suppression of NO production. Taken together, RAME isolated from P. frutescens inhibited NO production in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells through simultaneous induction of HO-1 and inhibition of MyD88-dependent and -independent pathways.

Lack of genotoxic potential of ZnO nanoparticles in in vitro and in vivo tests.

The industrial application of nanotechnology, particularly using zinc oxide (ZnO), has grown rapidly, including products such as cosmetics, food, rubber, paints, and plastics. However, despite increasing population exposure to ZnO, its potential genotoxicity remains controversial. The biological effects of nanoparticles depend on their physicochemical properties. Preparations with well-defined physico-chemical properties and standardized test methods are required for assessing the genotoxicity of nanoparticles. In this study, we have evaluated the genotoxicity of four kinds of ZnO nanoparticles: 20nm and 70nm size, positively or negatively charged. Four different genotoxicity tests (bacterial mutagenicity assay, in vitro chromosomal aberration test, in vivo comet assay, and in vivo micronucleus test, were conducted, following Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) test guidelines with good laboratory practice (GLP) procedures. No statistically significant differences from the solvent controls were observed. These results suggest that surface-modified ZnO nanoparticles do not induce genotoxicity in in vitro or in vivo test systems.

Allelic combinations of Hd1, Hd16, and Ghd7 exhibit pleiotropic effects on agronomic traits in rice.

Heading date is a critical agronomic trait that significantly affects grain yield and quality in rice. As early heading is typically associated with reduced yield due to shorter growth duration, it is essential to harness optimum heading date genes and their allelic combinations to promote heading while minimizing yield penalties. In this study, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for heading date and other major agronomic traits in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between Koshihikari and Baegilmi. Analyses on 3 major QTLs for heading date and their underlying genes (Hd1, Hd16, and Ghd7) revealed their pleiotropic effects on culm length, panicle length, and head rice percentage. Additionally, Ghd7 exhibited pleiotropic effects on panicle number and grain size. Among 8 different types of allelic combinations of the 3 heading date genes, RILs carrying a single nonfunctional hd16 or ghd7 under the functional background of the other 2 genes (Hd1hd16Ghd7 and Hd1Hd16ghd7) showed potential for maintaining yield and quality-related traits while accelerating heading. These results provide valuable insights for fine-tuning heading dates in rice breeding programs.

GWAS analysis reveals the genetic basis of blast resistance associated with heading date in rice.

Rice blast is a destructive fungal disease affecting rice plants at various growth stages, significantly threatening global yield stability. Development of resistant rice cultivars stands as a practical means of disease control. Generally, association mapping with a diversity panel powerfully identifies new alleles controlling trait of interest. On the other hand, utilization of a breeding panel has its advantage that can be directly applied in a breeding program. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for blast resistance using 296 commercial rice cultivars with low population structure but large phenotypic diversity. We attempt to answer the genetic basis behind rice blast resistance among early maturing cultivars by subdividing the population based on its Heading date 1 (Hd1) functionality. Subpopulation-specific GWAS using the mixed linear model (MLM) based on blast nursery screening conducted in three years revealed a total of 26 significant signals, including three nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) genes (Os06g0286500, Os06g0286700, and Os06g0287500) located at Piz locus on chromosome 6, and one at the Pi-ta locus (Os12g0281300) on chromosome 12. Haplotype analysis revealed blast resistance associated with Piz locus was exclusively specific to Type 14 hd1 among japonica rice. Our findings provide valuable insights for breeding blast resistant rice and highlight the applicability of our elite cultivar panel to detect superior alleles associated with important agronomic traits.

FRET imaging reveals different cellular entry routes of self-assembled and disulfide bonded polymeric micelles.

Although nanocarriers hold promise for cancer chemotherapy, their intracellular drug delivery pathways are not fully understood. In particular, the influence of nanocarrier stability on cellular uptake is still uncertain. By physically loading hydrophobic FRET probes, we revealed different intracellular drug delivery routes of self-assembled and disulfide bonded micelles. The self-assembled micelles were structurally dissociated by micelle-membrane interactions, and the hydrophobic probes were distributed on the plasma membrane. Alternatively, intact disulfide bonded micelles carrying hydrophobic probes were internalized into cancer cells via multiple endocytic pathways. Following internalization, disulfide bonded micelles were decomposed in early endosomes by glutathione-mediated disulfide bond reduction, exposing the probes to intracellular organelles.

Quinic acid derivatives from Pimpinella brachycarpa exert anti-neuroinflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-induced microglia.

Five new quinic acid derivatives (1-5), together with 10 known quinic acid derivatives (6-15), were isolated from the MeOH extract of Pimpinella brachycarpa (Umbelliferae). Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analyses including extensive 2D NMR studies (COSY, HMQC and HMBC). Isolated compounds 1-15 were evaluated for their inhibitory activities on nitric oxide (NO) production in an activated murine microglial cell line. Compounds 2, 3, 8 and 11 significantly inhibited NO production without high cell toxicity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 cells, a microglia cell line (IC50=4.66, 12.52, 9.04 and 12.11 µM, respectively).

Quinone derivatives from the rhizomes of Acorus gramineus and their biological activities.

A further phytochemical investigation of the rhizomes of Acorus gramineus afforded three new quinone derivatives (1-3), together with two known compounds (4 and 5). The identification and structural elucidation of these new compounds were based on 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY) and MS data. The absolute configurations were established on the basis of their circular dichroism (CD) data. To investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the isolated compounds (1-5), the nitric oxide (NO) production was evaluated in the lipopolysaccharide-activated microglia cell line, BV-2. Compounds (1-5) were also tested for their cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT-15) in vitro by using the SRB assay.

Comparison of the analgesic effect of intrathecal morphine between laparoscopic and open living donor hepatectomy: Propensity score matching analysis.

Laparoscopic donor hepatectomy is being increasingly adopted in transplant programs due to its numerous advantages. However, the role of intrathecal morphine (ITM) in laparoscopic donor hepatectomy has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to compare the analgesic effects and safety of ITM between laparoscopic and open donor hepatectomy. This retrospective study included 742 donors who underwent hepatectomy with ITM between April 2007 and June 2019. Among them, 168 and 574 donors underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) and open hepatectomy (OH), respectively. Propensity score matching yielded two comparable groups of 168 donors each. The primary endpoint was the incidence of moderate-to-severe pain (maximum numerical rating scale [NRS] pain score ≥ 4) within 24 postoperative hours. The LH group had a significantly lower incidence of moderate-to-severe pain within 24 postoperative hours than the OH group (16.1% vs 64.3%, P < .001). Moreover, the cumulative rescue intravenous opioids (in morphine-equivalent dose) on postoperative day (POD) 1 was lower in the LH group than in the OH group (3.3 [0-8.3] mg vs 10 [3.3-17.3] mg; P < .001). There were no significant between-group differences in the incidence of respiratory depression (2.4% vs 0.6%; P = .371) and prescriptions for pruritus (14.3% vs 15.5%; P = .878). However, the prescriptions for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was significantly higher in the LH group than in the OH group (64.9% vs 41.7%; P < .001). The predictors of antiemetic agent prescription included the use of laparoscopic procedure (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-3.79; P = .021) and female sex (adjusted OR, 5.63; 95% CI, 3.19-9.92; P < .001). Preoperative ITM administration resulted in a significantly lower incidence of moderate-to-severe pain within 24 postoperative hours after laparoscopic donor hepatectomy than after open donor hepatectomy.

Unilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter by foreign body in urinary bladder: a case report.

Foreign bodies inserted through the urethra are often found in the urinary bladder. We presently report the first case of hydronephrosis and hydroureter due to direct compression in the urinary bladder by silicon, which had been introduced by the patient himself 2 yr prior to presentation with severe right flank pain. Computed tomography indicated a convoluted, high-attenuation mass in the urinary bladder; unilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter were also present due to direct compression by the mass. The foreign body was removed using a cystoscope. This foreign body was proven to be silicon.

Tumor-homing poly-siRNA/glycol chitosan self-cross-linked nanoparticles for systemic siRNA delivery in cancer treatment.

The condensed version: Thiolated glycol chitosan can form stable nanoparticles with polymerized siRNAs through charge-charge interactions and self-cross-linking (see scheme). This poly-siRNA/glycol chitosan nanoparticles (psi-TGC) provided sufficient in vivo stability for systemic delivery of siRNAs. Knockdown of tumor proteins by psi-TGC resulted in a reduction in tumor size and vascularization.

What Matters for Depression and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Quarantine?: Results of an Online Cross-Sectional Survey in Seoul, South Korea.

Background: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, quarantine measures are key to containing the spread of the virus. Millions of people have been required to quarantine throughout the pandemic; the quarantine itself is considered detrimental to mental health conditions. Objective: This study aims to investigate the factors associated with depression and anxiety among quarantined people in Seoul, South Korea. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was administered from October to November 2020 involving people who were living in Seoul, aged 19 years or above, under a 2-week mandatory quarantine. Their mental health status was measured using the Patient Health Questionnares-9 (PHQ-9) and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Results: Overall, 1,135 respondents were finally included, resulting in a 22.0% response rate. After controlling for potential confounders, variables, such as the "second half of quarantine period" (OR = 1.78 95% CI: 1.10-2.88), "female" (OR = 1.91 95% CI: 1.16-3.16), and "having pre-existing depression" (OR = 8.03 95% CI: 2.96-21.78) were significantly associated with depression while being quarantined. Those with correct knowledge about the rationale behind for the quarantine (OR = 0.39 95% CI: 0.21-0.72), an understanding of quarantine rules (OR = 0.68 95%CI: 0.52-0.91), and those who felt supported by others (OR = 0.74 95% CI: 0.55-0.99) were less likely to develop depression while quarantining. Similarly, anxiety was significantly associated with the second week (OR = 4.18 95% CI: 1.44-12.09), those with an unstable job status (OR = 3.95 95% CI: 1.60-9.79), perceived support (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45-0.96), and the fear of being infected (OR = 7.22 95% CI: 1.04-49.95). Conclusions: This study highlights the need to develop precautionary measures to prevent depression and anxiety among people undergoing COVID-19 quarantine. In particular, individuals with depression prior to quarantine should be carefully monitored during the quarantine. Further studies with larger populations are needed.

Histological characterization of anther structure in Tetep-cytoplasmic male sterility and fine mapping of restorer-of-fertility gene in rice.

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a maternally inherited trait that inhibits plants from producing or releasing viable pollen. CMS is caused by mitochondrial-nuclear interaction, and can be rescued by introducing functional nuclear restorer-of-fertility (Rf) gene. The Tetep-CMS/Rf lines were developed through successive inter-subspecific backcrosses between indica and japonica rice accessions. Phenotypic characterization of Tetep-CMS lines revealed abnormal anther dehiscence and the inability to release, while possessing functional pollen. Transverse sections of developing anthers collected from CMS plants showed connective tissue deformities and aberrant dehydration of endothecium and epidermis. Fine mapping of Rf-Tetep using a series of segregating populations, delimited the candidate region to an approximately 109 kb genomic interval between M2099 and FM07 flanking markers. Nanopore long-read sequencing and genome assembly, proceeded by gene prediction and annotation revealed 11 open reading frames (ORFs) within the candidate region, and suggest ORF6 annotated as pentatricopeptide repeat motif containing gene 1 (PPR1), as a possible candidate gene responsible for fertility restoration. This study suggests that tissue-specific abnormalities in anthers are responsible for indehiscence-based sterility, and propose that the functional Rf gene is derived from allelic variation between inter-subspecies in rice.

Three new megastigmane glucopyranosides from the Cardamine komarovii.

Three new megastigmane glucopyranosides, komaroveside A [(3S,4R,5Z,7E)-3,4-dihydroxy-5,7-megastigmadien-9-one-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside] (1), komaroveside B [(3S,4S,5S,6R,7E)-5,6-epoxy-3,4-dihydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside] (2) and komaroveside C [(3S,4S,5S,6R,7E,9S)-5,6-epoxy-3,4,9-trihydroxy-7-megastigmen-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside] (3) were isolated, together with eight known compounds, from Cardamine komarovii. The identification of these compounds and the elucidation of their structures were based on 1D- and 2D-NMR spectral data analysis. The isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, HCT15) in vitro using the sulforhodamine B bioassay.

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in renal cell carcinoma - A case report.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a rare clinical condition including an abnormal periosteal reaction in the long bones that causes painful swelling and tenderness of the extremities, digital clubbing, arthritis, synovitis, and joint effusions. Most cases are associated with tumorous conditions and most commonly with lung cancer. HOA has been rarely reported in association with other cancers. CASE: A patient with a history of recurrent renal cell carcinoma was referred to our clinic with bilateral leg pain, knee joint effusion, and arthritis. Simple radiography and bone scintigraphy confirmed a diagnosis of HOA. Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, joint fluid aspiration, and intra-articular injection of pain medications were found to be effective in the management of HOA pain. CONCLUSIONS: HOA prognosis depends on the underlying disease, therefore, cancer treatment is critical. This case demonstrates the need to consider HOA in patients with various malignancies who present with bone or joint pain of the extremities.

Identification of a Candidate Gene for the Novel Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Derived from Inter-Subspecific Crosses in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Tetep-cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) was developed through successive backcrosses between subspecies indica and japonica in rice (Oryza sativa L.), which showed abnormal anther dehiscence phenotypes. Whole genome sequencing and de novo assembly of the mitochondrial genome identified the chimeric gene orf312, which possesses a transmembrane domain and overlaps with two mitotype-specific sequences (MSSs) that are unique to the Tetep-CMS line. The encoded peptide of orf312 was toxic to Escherichia coli and inhibited cell growth compared to the control under isopropyl-ß-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) induction. The peptide of orf312 contains COX11-interaction domains, which are thought to be a main functional domain for WA352c in the wild abortive (WA-CMS) line of rice. A QTL for Rf-Tetep (restorer-of-fertility gene(s) originating from Tetep) was identified on chromosome 10. In this region, several restorer genes, Rf1a, Rf1b, and Rf4, have previously been reported. Collectively, the interactions of orf312, a candidate gene for Tetep-CMS, and Rf-Tetep, a restorer QTL, confer male sterility and fertility restoration, respectively, which enables a hybrid rice breeding system. Further studies on orf312 and isolation of Rf-Tetep will help to identify the underlying molecular mechanism of mitochondrial ORFs with the COX11-interaction domains.

Tumor targeting chitosan nanoparticles for dual-modality optical/MR cancer imaging.

We report tumor targeting nanoparticles for optical/MR dual imaging based on self-assembled glycol chitosan to be a potential multimodal imaging probe. To develop an optical/MR dual imaging probe, biocompatible and water-soluble glycol chitosan (M(w) = 50 kDa) were chemically modified with 5beta-cholanic acid (CA), resulting in amphiphilic glycol chitosan-5beta-cholanic acid conjugates (GC-CA). For optical imaging near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) dye, Cy5.5, was conjugated to GC-CA resulting in Cy5-labeled GC-CA conjugates (Cy5.5-GC-CA). Moreover, in order to chelate gadolinium (Gd(III)) in the Cy5.5-GC-CA conjugates, 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) was directly conjugated in Cy5.5-GC-CA. Finally, the excess GdCl(3) was added to DOTA modified Cy5.5-GC-CA conjugates in distilled water (pH 5.5). The freshly prepared Gd(III) encapsulated Cy5.5-GC-CA conjugates were spontaneously self-assembled into stable Cy5.5 labeled and Gd(III) encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (Cy5.5-CNP-Gd(III)). The Cy5.5-CNP-Gd(III) was spherical in shape and approximately 350 nm in size. From the cellular experiment, it was demonstrated that Cy5.5-CNP-Gd(III) were efficiently taken up and distributed in cytoplasm (NIRF filter; red). When the Cy5.5-GC-Gd(III) were systemically administrated into the tail vein of tumor-bearing mice, large amounts of nanoparticles were successfully localized within the tumor, which was confirmed by noninvasive near-infrared fluorescence and MR imaging system simultaneously. These results revealed that the dual-modal imaging probe of Cy5.5-CNP-Gd(III) has the potential to be used as an optical/MR dual imaging agent for cancer treatment.

Reversible splenium lesion of the corpus callosum in hemorrhagic fever with renal failure syndrome.

This is the first case of virus-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy in which the pathogen was Hantaan virus. A 53-yr-old man presented fever, renal failure and a hemorrhagic tendency and he was diagnosed with hemorrhagic fever with renal failure syndrome (HFRS). In the course of his illness, mild neurologic symptoms such as dizziness and confusion developed and magnetic resonance images revealed a reversible lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum. This case suggests that HFRS patients with neurologic symptoms like dizziness and mental slowing should be considered to have structural brain lesions and to require brain imaging studies.

Polymeric nanoparticle-based activatable near-infrared nanosensor for protease determination in vivo.

We report here a new protease activatable strategy based on a polymer nanoparticle platform. This nanosensor delivers chemically labeled matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-activatable fluorogenic peptides to the specific MMPs of interest in vivo. Intravenous administration of the nanosensor in an MMP-positive SCC-7 xenograft tumor and a colon cancer mouse model verified the enzyme specificity of the nanosensor in vivo. The design platform of the nanosensor is flexible and can be fine-tuned for a wide array of applications such as the detection of biomarkers, early diagnosis of disease, and monitoring therapeutic efficacy.