Discovery and Biosynthesis of Imidazolium Antibiotics from the Probiotic Bacillus licheniformis.

Antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most urgent public health problems, and novel antibiotics to kill drug-resistant bacteria are needed. Natural product-derived small molecules have been the major source of new antibiotics. Here we describe a family of antibacterial metabolites isolated from a probiotic bacterium, Bacillus licheniformis. A cross-streaking assay followed by activity-guided isolation yielded a novel antibacterial metabolite, bacillimidazole G, which possesses a rare imidazolium ring in the structure, showing MIC values of 0.7-2.6 µg/mL against human pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-lacking Acinetobacter baumannii ΔlpxC. Bacillimidazole G also lowered MICs of colistin, a Gram-negative antibiotic, up to 8-fold against wild-type Escherichia coli MG1655 and A. baumannii. We propose a biosynthetic pathway to the characterized metabolites based on precursor-feeding studies, a chemical biological approach, biomimetic total synthesis, and a biosynthetic gene knockout method.

Structure Revision of Balsamisides A-D and Establishment of an Empirical Rule for Distinguishing Four Classes of Biflavonoids.

Balsamisides A-D (1-4) are anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic biflavonoidal glycosides originally proposed to possess an epoxide functionality at the C-2/C-3 position. However, there are inconsistencies in their 13C NMR chemical shift values with those of previously reported analogs, indicating that reanalysis of NMR data for structures of 1-4 is necessary. Computational methods aided by the DP4+ probability technique and ECD calculations enabled structural reassignment of 1-4 to have a 2,3-dihydro-3-hydroxyfuran (3-DHF) instead of an epoxide. Additionally, two new biflavonoidal glycosides, balsamisides E and F (14 and 18), possessing a 2,3-dihydro-2-hydroxyfuran (2-DHF) and a 1,4-dioxane ring, respectively, were characterized by conventional NMR and MS data analysis as well as DP4+ and ECD methods. Systematic 13C NMR analysis was performed on the four aforementioned classes of biflavonoids with a 2- or 3-DHF, epoxide, or 1,4-dioxane. As a result, diagnostic 13C NMR chemical shift values of C-2/C-3 for rapid determination of these four biflavonoid classes were formulated, and based on this first empirical rule for (bi)flavonoids eight previously reported ones were structurally revised.

Procyanidins and Phlobatannins from the Twigs of Rosa multiflora and Their Neuroprotective Activity.

Three new procyanidins (1-3), two new phlobatannins (6 and 7), a new flavan-3,4-diol glycoside (9), and a new neolignan glycoside (10), along with three previously reported compounds (4, 5, and 8) were isolated from the twigs of Rosa multiflora. The chemical structures of the new compounds (1-3, 6, 7, 9, and 10) were characterized by spectroscopic data interpretation, including NMR (1H and 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) and HRESIMS analysis. Experimental ECD data analysis was conducted to assign the absolute configurations of the new compounds (1-3, 6, 7, 9, and 10). The absolute configuration of the sugar moieties was verified through a chiral derivatization method and LC-MS analysis. All the isolated compounds (1-10) were evaluated for their anti-neuroinflammatory activity based on inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production using a lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine microglia BV-2 cell line and for their neurotrophic effects on nerve growth factor induction in C6 glioma.

Compensation of color breaking in bi-focal depth-switchable integral floating augmented reality display with a geometrical phase lens.

A bi-focal integral floating system using a geometrical phase (GP) lens can provide switchable integrated spaces with enhanced three-dimensional (3D) augmented reality (AR) depth expression. However, due to the chromatic aberration properties of the GP lens implemented for the switchable depth-floating 3D images, the floated 3D AR images with the red/green/blue (R/G/B) colors are formed at different depth locations with different magnification effects, which causes color breaking. In this paper, we propose a novel technique to resolve the color breaking problem by integrating the R/G/B elemental images with compensated depths and sizes along with experiments to demonstrate the improved results. When we evaluated the color differences of the floated 3D AR images based on CIEDE2000, the experimental results of the depth-switchable integral floating 3D AR images showed that the color accuracies were greatly improved after applying a pre-compensation scheme to the R/G/B sub-images in both concave and convex lens operation modes of the bi-focal switching GP floating lens.

Herqueilenone A, a unique rearranged benzoquinone-chromanone from the Hawaiian volcanic soil-associated fungal strain Penicillium herquei FT729.

The study of a Hawaiian volcanic soil-associated fungal strain Penicillium herquei FT729 led to the isolation of one unprecedented benzoquinone-chromanone, herqueilenone A (1) and two phenalenone derivatives (2 and 3). Their structures were determined through extensive analysis of NMR spectroscopic data and gauge-including atomic orbital (GIAO) NMR chemical shifts and ECD calculations. Herqueilenone A (1) contains a chroman-4-one core flanked by a tetrahydrofuran and a benzoquinone with an acetophenone moiety. Plausible pathways for the biosynthesis of 1-3 are proposed. Compounds 2 and 3 inhibited IDO1 activity with IC50 values of 14.38 and 13.69 µM, respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 also demonstrated a protective effect against acetaldehyde-induced damage in PC-12 cells.

Compact self-interference incoherent digital holographic camera system with real-time operation.

The video recording-capable compact incoherent digital holographic camera system is proposed. The system consists of the linear polarizer, convex lens, geometric phase lens, and the polarized image sensor. The Fresnel hologram is recorded by this simple configuration in real time. The system parameters are analyzed and evaluated to record a better-quality hologram in a compact form-factor. The real-time holographic recording and its digitally reconstructed video playback are demonstrated with the proposed system.

Thiohydantoin and Hydantoin Derivatives from the Roots of Armoracia rusticana and Their Neurotrophic and Anti-neuroinflammatory Activities.

Two new thiohydantoins (1 and 3) and three new hydantoins (2, 4, and 5) along with three known compounds (6-8) were isolated from roots of horseradish. Physical data analysis including NMR (1H and 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC), HRESIMS, and ECD were employed for structure elucidation of the new compounds 1-5. Potential neuroprotective effects of all compounds (1-8) on nerve growth factor (NGF) induction in C6 glioma were also evaluated. Among these compounds, 1b and 2a exhibited potent NGF secretion stimulation activities (NGF secretion levels: 153.59 ± 5.44% and 141.99 ± 5.21%, respectively). Their anti-neuroinflammatory activities were also assessed based on their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine microglia. Compound 7 marginally inhibited NO production with an IC50 value of 32.6 µM.

New bis-thioglycosyl-1,1'-disulfides from Nasturtium officinale R. Br. and their anti-neuroinflammatory effect.

As a part of our continuing search for bioactive constituents from Brassicaceae family, three new bis-thioglycosides (1-3) were isolated from the 80% MeOH extract of Nasturtium officinale, together with 13 known compounds (4-16). The chemical structures of three new bis-thioglycosides (1-3) were elucidated using NMR techniques (1H and 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC), HRESIMS, and a chemical method. All the compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine microglia BV-2 cells. Among the isolates, compound 5 exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on NO production, and compounds 4 and 15 showed moderate inhibitory activities, suggesting the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of bis-thioglycosides from N. officinale.

Polarization-dependent liquid crystalline polymeric lens array with aberration-improved aspherical curvature for low 3D crosstalk in 2D/3D switchable mobile multi-view display.

We demonstrated a 2D/3D switchable mobile display using a polarization-dependent switching liquid crystalline polymeric (LCP) lens array film. In spite of short viewing distance and enough viewing window conditions provided by a small f-number lens for mobile displays, the 3D images when switched to the multi-view 3D mode showed a low crosstalk property owing to the improved lens aberration, as applying an aspherical lens curvature interface between the planar-convex LCP layer and the concave-planar isotropic polymer layer. Both 2D and 3D images were demonstrated based on a 5.5-inch quad high definition mobile display panel, where the binocular crosstalk of the 3D mode was 3.3%.

Secoiridoid Glycosides from the Twigs of Ligustrum obtusifolium Possess Anti-inflammatory and Neuroprotective Effects.

Two new secoiridoid glycosides, obtusifolisides A and B (1, 2), together with 7 known secoiridoid glycosides (3-9) were isolated from the twigs of Ligustrum obtusifolium. The chemical structures of new compounds were determined by a spectroscopic data analysis, including one and two dimensional (1D-, 2D)-NMR, High resolution-MS, and experiments involving chemical reactions. The isolated secoiridoid glycosides were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 murine microglia cells. Compounds 2, 5, 6, 8, and 9 significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), with IC50 values of 5.45, 11.17, 14.62, 15.45, and 14.96 µM, respectively. None of the compounds were toxic to the cells. Additionally, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects of compounds 1-9 on nerve growth factor (NGF) induction in a C6 rat glioma cell line. Compounds 2 and 6 upregulated NGF secretion to 155.56±7.16%, and 139.35±11.65%, respectively, without significant cell toxicity.

Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Cementless Cup Supporter and Iliac Autograft: A Minimum of 15-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Bone deficiency in revision total hip arthroplasty is a surgical challenge. The Murata-Chiba cup supporter (MC support ring) is an acetabular component supporter for a cementless porous-coated cup. The purpose of this study is to examine the clinical and radiographic outcomes of reconstruction of acetabular bone deficiency using iliac autografts supported by an MC support ring in a revision setting with minimum 15-year follow-up. METHODS: Fifty-nine consecutive revision total hip arthroplasties (57 patients) using the MC support ring were followed for a minimum of 15 years. Nine hips had American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons type II deficiency and 24 had type III defects of the acetabulum. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Harris hip score. Radiographic evaluation included assessment for loosening and bone graft incorporation. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: At a minimum 15-year follow-up (mean, 17.6 years), 32 patients (33 hips) were alive, 17 patients (18 hips) were deceased, and 8 patients (8 hips) were lost to follow-up. The mean Harris hip score improved from 44.3 to 77.2 at final follow-up. Four hips required reoperation due to deep infection (2 hips) and liner dissociation (2 hips), but no acetabular components were revised for aseptic loosening. Incorporation of the bone graft occurred in all cases. One unrevised patient had radiographic failure. Survivorship at 15 years with re-revision or radiographic failure as the end point was 90.6% (95% confidence interval, 83.0%-98.8%). CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of acetabular bone deficiency using autografts supported by an MC support ring provided satisfactory clinical and radiological results at 17.6 years postoperatively.

Phenolic Glycosides from Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

A new sesquilignan glycoside 1, together with seven known phenolic glycosides 2-8 were isolated from the aerial parts of Capsella bursa-pastoris. The chemical structure of the new compound 1 was elucidated by extensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data (¹H- and 13C-NMR, ¹H-¹H correlation spectroscopy (¹H-¹H COSY), heteronuclear single-quantum correlation (HSQC), heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC), and nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY)) and HR-FABMS analysis. The anti-inflammatory effects of 1-8 were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine microglia BV-2 cells. Compounds 4 and 7 exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in LPS-activated BV-2 cells, with IC50 values of 17.80 and 27.91 µM, respectively.

Differences in strength-duration curves of electrical diagnosis by physiotherapists between DJ-1 homozygous knockout and wild-type mice: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

[Purpose] Strength-duration (SD) curves are used in electrical diagnosis by physiotherapists to confirm muscle degeneration. However, the usefulness of SD curves in comparing muscle degeneration in DJ-1 homozygous knockout (DJ-1(-/-)) and wild-type mice (DJ-1(+/+)) is not yet fully understood. The electrical properties of the gastrocnemius muscles of DJ-1(-/-) and DJ-1(+/+) mice were compared in the current study. [Subjects and Methods] The electrode of an electrical stimulator was applied to the gastrocnemius muscle to measure the rheobase until the response of contractive muscle to electrical stimulation became visible in mice. [Results] The rheobase of DJ-1(-/-) mice showed a significant increase in a time-dependent manner, compared to that of DJ-1(+/+) mice. [Conclusion] These results demonstrate that the DJ-1 protein may be implicated in the regulation of neuromuscular activity of gastrocnemius muscles of mice.

Analysis of the respirogram phase of Korean wrestling athletes compared with nonathletes for sports physiotherapy research.

[Purpose] Respiratory function is important for patients including athletes who require physical therapy for respiratory dysfunction. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the differences in the respirograms between Korean wrestling athletes and nonathletes according to phase for the study of sports physiotherapy. [Subjects and Methods] Respiratory function was measured using spirometry in both the athletes and nonathletes while they were in a sitting position. [Results] Spirometry parameters in the athletes were significantly higher than in the nonathletes. In respirogram phasic analysis, the expiratory area and total area of forced vital capacity were significantly increased in the athletes compared with the nonathletes. The slopes of the forced vital capacity for athletes at slopes 1, 2, and 3 of the A area were significantly increased. In correlative analysis, chest circumference was significantly correlated with slope 3 of the A area of the forced vital capacity. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the differences in changes in the phases of the respirogram between the Korean wrestling athletes and nonathletes may in part contribute to our understanding of respiratory function in sports physiotherapy research.

A comparative study of the effects of trunk exercise program in aquatic and land-based therapy on gait in hemiplegic stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of aquatic and land-based trunk exercise program on gait in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 28 hemiplegic stroke patients (20 males, 8 females). The subjects performed a trunk exercise program for a total of four weeks. [Results] Walking speed and cycle, stance phase and stride length of the affected side, and the symmetry index of the stance phase significantly improved after the aquatic and land-based trunk exercise program. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the aquatic and land-based trunk exercise program may help improve gait performance ability after stroke.

Differences in the body pressure-related sensory changes between the floor and mattress in a static supine position for physiotherapy research: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

[Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the difference in body pressure-related sensory changes between the floor and mattress in a static supine position for physiotherapy research. [Subjects and Methods] To analyze body pressure, the Body Pressure Measurement System was used. Body pressure sensors were attached to mattresses and the floor beneath the subjects. The level of pain was evaluated using pain score tools before the static supine position was adopted, at 1, 5, 10, and 15 min, and in total for specific body points. [Results] In analysis of digitized images, there was no significant difference observed between floor and mattress body pressure values at the start position. However, the head pressure intensity was significantly higher than that of the other body parts. In analysis of pain scores, all body part pain scores except those for both legs were significantly higher for the floor than for the mattress. Furthermore, the pain scores of the floor group were significantly increased at minute 1 compared with those of the mattress group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that properties that change in a time-dependent manner and postural changes need to be carefully considered when applying physical therapy.

Differences in respirogram phase between taekwondo poomsae athletes and nonathletes.

[Purpose] Respiratory physiotherapy is an effective approach to improving lung function in patient, including athletes with respiratory dysfunction caused by sports injury. The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in the respirograms between taekwondo poomsae athletes and nonathletes according to the respirogram phase. [Subjects and Methods] Respiratory measurements for 13 elite taekwondo poomsae athletes were obtained. Respiratory function was measured using spirometry while the participant was seated. [Results] In respirogram phasic analysis, the inspiratory area of forced vital capacity were significantly increased in the athletes than in the nonathletes. The slopes of the forced vital capacity for athletes at slopes 1, 2, and 3 of the A area were significantly higher than those for the nonathletes. In correlation analysis, chest circumference was significantly correlated with slope 1 of the A area of the forced vital capacity. [Conclusion] Results indicate that differences in respirogram phasic changes between athletes and nonathletes may contribute to better understanding of respiratory function, which is important to sports physiotherapy research.

A Useful Anatomical Reference Guide for Stem Anteversion during Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Dysplastic Hip.

Computed tomography scans of 50 dysplastic hips were obtained and reconstructed using preoperative planning software for total hip arthroplasty. The anteversion of the stem implanted parallel to the line connecting the trochanteric fossa and the middle of the medial cortex of the femoral neck (T line) was measured. The cutting heights of 5mm and 10mm above the lesser trochanter were simulated. The mean difference of the anteversion of the stem using the T line and the native femoral anteversion was 2.7° (95% CI: 1.0°-4.5°) and 3.5° (95% CI: 1.5°-5.5°) at cutting heights of 5mm and 10mm respectively. An anteversion using a T line is compatible with native femoral anteversion even in developmental dysplasia of the hip.

The effects of aquatic trunk exercise on gait and muscle activity in stroke patients: a randomized controlled pilot study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between muscle activity and gait function following aquatic trunk exercise in hemiplegic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] This study's participants included thirteen hemiplegic patients (ten males and three females). The aquatic therapy consisted of administering concentrative aquatic therapy for four weeks in a therapeutic pool. Gait parameters were measured using a gait analysis system adjusted to each subject's comfortable walking speed. Electromyographic signals were measured for the rectus abdominis, external abdominal oblique, transversus abdominis/internal-abdominal oblique, and erector spine of each patients. [Results] The pre- and post-training performances of the transversus abdominis/internal-abdominal oblique were compared statistically. There was no statistical difference between the patients' pre- and post-training values of maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the rectus abdominis, but the external abdominal oblique values tended to improve. Furthermore, gait factors improved significantly in terms of walking speeds, walking cycles, affected-side stance phases, affected-stride lengths, and stance-phase symmetry indices, respectively. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the trunk exercise during aquatic therapy may in part contribute to clinically relevant improvements in muscle activities and gait parameters.

Analysis of isokinetic muscle strength for sports physiotherapy research in Korean ssireum athletes.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the muscle conditions such as the isokinetic muscle of Korean ssireum athletes. [Subjects and Methods] This study enrolled 25 elite ssireum athletes. We measured body composition and peak torque at an angular speed at 60°/s using an isokinetic muscle strength dynamometer. [Results] The lean body mass of the left upper limb was significantly higher than that of the right upper limb. However, the lean body mass of the left lower limb was significantly lower than that of the right lower limb. The peak torque for left elbow flexion was significantly higher than that for right elbow flexion. Conversely, the peak torque for left elbow extension was significantly lower than that for right elbow extension. Furthermore, the peak torque for the left knee was significantly lower than that for the right knee for both flexion and extension. [Conclusion] The data from this study elucidate in part the muscle conditions of Korean ssireum athletes, which can be used to establish a reference for the scientific study of sports physiotherapy.