Natural-mixing guided design of refractory high-entropy alloys with as-cast tensile ductility.

Metallic alloys containing multiple principal alloying elements have created a growing interest in exploring the property limits of metals and understanding the underlying physical mechanisms. Refractory high-entropy alloys have drawn particular attention due to their high melting points and excellent softening resistance, which are the two key requirements for high-temperature applications. Their compositional space is immense even after considering cost and recyclability restrictions, providing abundant design opportunities. However, refractory high-entropy alloys often exhibit apparent brittleness and oxidation susceptibility, which remain important challenges for their processing and application. Here, utilizing natural-mixing characteristics among refractory elements, we designed a Ti38V15Nb23Hf24 refractory high-entropy alloy that exhibits >20% tensile ductility in the as-cast state, and physicochemical stability at high temperatures. Exploring the underlying deformation mechanisms across multiple length scales, we observe that a rare ß'-phase plays an intriguing role in the mechanical response of this alloy. These results reveal the effectiveness of natural-mixing tendencies in expediting high-entropy alloy discovery.

Altered Differentiation of Tendon-Derived Stem Cells in Diabetic Conditions Mediated by Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the differentiation of tendon-derived stem cells (TdSCs) under hyperglycemic conditions. In the in vivo experiment, rats were classified into diabetic (DM) and non-DM groups depending on the intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ) or saline injection. Twelve-week after STZ injection, the supraspinatus tendon was harvested and prepared for histological evaluation and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for osteochondrogenic (aggrecan, BMP-2, and Sox9) and tenogenic (Egr1, Mkx, scleraxis, type 1 collagen, and Tnmd) markers. For the in vitro experiment, TdSCs were isolated from healthy rat Achilles tendons. Cultured TdSCs were treated with methylglyoxal and recombinant MIF or MIF gene knockdown to determine the effect of hyperglycemic conditions and MIF on the differentiation function of TdSCs. These conditions were classified into four groups: hyperglycemic-control group, hyperglycemic-recombinant-MIF group, hyperglycemic-knockdown-MIF group, and normal-control group. The mRNA expression of osteochondrogenic and tenogenic markers was compared among the groups. In the in vivo experiment, the mRNA expression of all osteochondrogenic and tenogenic differentiation markers in the DM group was significantly higher and lower than that in the non-DM group, respectively. Similarly, in the in vitro experiments, the expression of all osteochondrogenic and tenogenic differentiation markers was significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in the hyperglycemic-control group compared to that in the normal-control group. The hyperglycemic-knockdown-MIF group demonstrated significantly decreased expression of all osteochondrogenic differentiation markers and increased expression of only some tenogenic differentiation markers compared with the hyperglycemic-control group. In contrast, the hyperglycemic-recombinant-MIF group showed significantly increased expression of all osteochondrogenic differentiation markers, but no significant difference in any tenogenic marker level, compared to the hyperglycemic-control group. These results suggest that tendon homeostasis could be affected by hyperglycemic conditions, and MIF appears to alter the differentiation of TdSCs via enhancement of the osteochondrogenic differentiation in hyperglycemic conditions. These are preliminary findings, and must be confirmed in a further study.

Clinical Outcomes and the Failure Rate of Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Were Comparable Between Patients Younger Than 40 Years and Patients Older Than 40 Years: A Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes and failure rates of revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) between young and middle-aged surgery patients. METHODS: Patients who underwent revision ACLRs between January 2008 and June 2017 with a minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to age: ≥40 years (group A) and <40 years (group B). Detailed patient demographic data, preoperative radiographic data, and concurrent meniscal and chondral lesion were reviewed. Clinical scores, laxity tests results, and graft failures were compared between groups at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients (group A, n = 24, 46.6 ± 4.5 years; group B, n = 62, 26.2 ± 6.3 years) were included in this study. Demographic data showed that the time interval from primary to revision ACLR was longer in group A than in group B (96.2 ± 80.9 vs. 52.0 ± 42.1 months, P = .011). Group A had a higher prevalence of chondral defects of the trochlea (P = .016). No significant differences were identified in the prevalence and severity of meniscal lesions. At the final follow-up, all clinical scores were improved postoperatively but did not differ significantly between the groups. No significant differences were identified in side-to-side difference on Telos stress radiographs (group A, 6.3 ± 5.0 mm; group B, 5.6 ± 3.8 mm; P = .403) and graft failure rate (group A, 33.3%; group B, 30.6%; P = .358) at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed that the clinical outcomes of revision ACLRs in patients improved significantly in patients younger than 40 years and were comparable to those observed in patients older than 40 years at a minimum 2-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Influence of Posterior Tibial Slope on Clinical Outcomes and Survivorship After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Hamstring Autografts: A Minimum of 10-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of medial and lateral posterior tibial slope (PTS) on long-term clinical outcomes and survivorship after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring autografts. METHODS: A total of 232 patients (mean age, 28.2 ± 8.9 years) who underwent primary ACL reconstruction from October 2002 to July 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with multiple ligament reconstruction, total meniscectomy, contralateral knee surgery before ACL reconstruction, open growth plate, and less than 10-year follow-up were excluded in the study. The medial and lateral PTS were measured from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Based on Li et al.'s previous study, the patients were divided into 2 groups according to their medial PTS (≤5.6° vs >5.6°) and lateral PTS (≤3.8° vs >3.8°), respectively. Clinical outcomes (clinical scores, stability tests and failure rate) were compared between the groups at the last follow-up. Furthermore, survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: All clinical scores (International Knee Documentation Committee subjective, Lysholm, and Tegner activity scores) and stability tests (physical examinations and side-to-side difference in Telos stress radiographs) were insignificantly different between the 2 groups classified based on medial or lateral PTS. However, the failure rate was significantly higher in patients with medial PTS >5.6° (16.1% vs 5.1%, P = .01) or lateral PTS >3.8° (14.5% vs 4.7%; P = .01). The odds ratios of graft failure due to increased medial and lateral PTS were 3.18 (95% confidence interval, 1.22-8.28; P = .02) and 3.43 (95% confidence interval, 1.29-9.09; P = .01), respectively. In addition, the 10-year survivorship was significantly lower in patients with medial PTS >5.6° (83.9% vs 94.9%, P = .01) or lateral PTS >3.8° (85.5% vs 96.0%; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Increased medial (>5.6°) and lateral (>3.8°) PTS were associated with higher failure rate and lower survivorship at a minimum of 10-year follow-up after primary ACL reconstruction using hamstring autografts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative trial.

Recovery of Tendon Characteristics by Inhibition of Aberrant Differentiation of Tendon-Derived Stem Cells from Degenerative Tendinopathy.

The inhibition of the aberrant differentiation of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) is a major target for the regeneration of damaged tendon tissues, as tendinopathy can be caused by the aberrant differentiation of TDSCs. We investigated whether the possible aberrant differentiation of TDSCs can be prevented by using adequate inhibitors. TDSCs extracted from chemically induced tendinopathy and injury-with-overuse tendinopathy models were cultured with 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid (AGA) and T0070907 to block osteogenic differentiation and adipogenic differentiation, respectively. The optimal dose of AGA decreased the osteogenic-specific marker Runx2 (Runt-related transcription factor 2), and T0070907 blocked the adipogenic-specific marker peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in mRNA levels. We also found that AGA induced tenogenic differentiation in mRNA levels. However, T0070907 did not affect the tenogenic differentiation and regenerative capacity of TDSCs. We expect that optimal doses of AGA and T0070907 can prevent tendinopathy by inhibiting osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, respectively. In addition, AGA and T0070907 may play important roles in the treatment of tendinopathy.

Suppression of lung inflammation by the ethanol extract of Chung-Sang and the possible role of Nrf2.

BACKGROUND: Asian traditional herbal remedies are typically a concoction of a major and several complementary herbs. While balancing out any adverse effect of the major herb, the complementary herbs could dilute the efficacy of the major herb, resulting in a suboptimal therapeutic effect of an herbal remedy. Here, we formulated Chung-Sang (CS) by collating five major herbs, which are used against inflammatory diseases, and tested whether an experimental formula composed of only major herbs is effective in suppressing inflammation without significant side effects. METHODS: The 50% ethanol extract of CS (eCS) was fingerprinted by HPLC. Cytotoxicity to RAW 264.7 cells was determined by an MTT assay and a flow cytometer. Nuclear NF-κB and Nrf2 were analyzed by western blot. Ubiquitinated Nrf2 was similarly analyzed following immunoprecipitation of Nrf2. Acute lung inflammation and sepsis were induced in C57BL/6 mice. The effects of eCS on lung disease were measured by HE staining of lung sections, a differential cell counting of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, a myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay, a real-time qPCR, and Kaplan-Meier survival of mice. RESULTS: eCS neither elicited cytotoxicity nor reactive oxygen species. While not suppressing NF-κB, eCS activated Nrf2, reduced the ubiquitination of Nrf2, and consequently induced the expression of Nrf2-dependent genes. In an acute lung inflammation mouse model, an intratracheal (i.t.) eCS suppressed neutrophil infiltration, the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes, and MPO activity. In a sepsis mouse model, a single i.t. eCS was sufficient to significantly decrease mouse mortality. CONCLUSIONS: eCS could suppress severe lung inflammation in mice. This effect seemed to associate with eCS activating Nrf2. Our findings suggest that herbal remedies consisting of only major herbs are worth considering.

Eclipta prostrata promotes the induction of anagen, sustains the anagen phase through regulation of FGF-7 and FGF-5.

CONTEXT: Eclipta prostrata L. (Asteraceae) (EP) has been widely used for the treatment of skin disease in Asian traditional medicine. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the potency of EP in promoting hair growth in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6N mice were divided into four groups (n = 4) as follows: control (topical treatment of normal saline), topical 3% minoxidil to the dorsal skin of mice for 14 days, and low (1 mg/day) and high (10 mg/day) doses of EP orally administered once a day for 14 days. Dorsal hairs of C57BL/6N mice were depilated to synchronize anagen induction. Hair growth activity was evaluated by gross and microscopic observations. Sections of dorsal skin were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. We also treated the various concentrations of EP (5, 10 and 50 µg/mL) for 24 h on the human dermal papilla cells (HDPs) and examined the effects of EP on the expression of FGF-7 and mTOR signalling. RESULTS: EP enhanced the induction of anagen in the dorsal skin of mice, characterized by the appearance of inner root sheath along with hair shaft, the emergence of hair shaft through the epidermis. EP increased the expression of FGF-7, while decreased the level of FGF-5 in C57/BL6 mice. EP also increased the expression of FGF-7, activated the mTOR signalling in HDPs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that EP has a potency to enhance the growth of hair follicle, promoting hair growth through regulation of FGF-7 and FGF-5.

Characteristics of tendon derived stem cells according to different factors to induce the tendinopathy.

Tendon derived stem cells (TDSCs) have been used as a therapeutic agent and as a healing marker. However, there has been no study about the characteristics of TDSCs extracted from tendinopathic tendon tissues. The aim of this study was to find the different characteristics of TDSCs according to the factors to induce the tendinopathy. Five- and fifteen-week old Sprague Dawley rats were used for this study and chemically-induced and injury-induced tendinopathy models were made depending on the age of the animal for different types of tendinopathy. TDSCs from chemically-induced tendinopathy showed markedly low proliferation compared to those from age-matched normal control and injury-induced tendinopathy. In addition, TDSCs from chemically-induced tendinopathy progressed to osteogenesis under an osteogenic differentiation environment more than those from other groups. In contrast, TDSCs from injury-induced tendinopathy showed markedly high proliferation and high expression of type III collagen and α-SMA compared to other groups. Adipogenic potentials in TDSCs from injury-induced tendinopathy were also higher. These different characteristics might be helpful in the development new therapeutic agents for tendon regeneration according to different factors to induce the tendinopathy.

High- vs Low-Dose Corticosteroid Injection in the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis with Severe Pain: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Study.

Objective: To compare the degree of pain relief between high-dose (40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide) and low-dose (20 mg of triamcinolone acetonide) corticosteroid injections in patients with severe pain due to adhesive capsulitis. Design: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, dose-comparative study. Subjects: A total of 32 patients who were diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis and who expressed severe pain intensity, 8 or more points on a numeric rating scale (NRS). Methods: Patients received injections of high- or low-dose triamcinolone acetonide under ultrasound guidance. NRS, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and the passive range of motion (PROM) in four directions were evaluated before and three weeks after the injection. Results: NRS scores showed significant improvement three weeks after the injection in both groups (P = 0.01 in both the low-dose group and high-dose group), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.63). SPADI score significantly improved at three weeks after the injection in both groups (P = 0.02 in the low-dose group and P < 0.01 in the high-dose group), but group difference was not observed (P = 0.06). The change of PROM in four directions after the injection did not show any significant difference between the low- and high-dose groups. Conclusions: Injection of 20 mg of triamcinolone acetonide is sufficient to elicit symptom relief in patients with severe adhesive capsulitis; hence, 20 mg of triamcinolone acetonide can be recommended in patients with adhesive capsulitis with severe pain.

Molecular insights into the evolutionary pathway of Vibrio cholerae O1 atypical El Tor variants.

Pandemic V. cholerae strains in the O1 serogroup have 2 biotypes: classical and El Tor. The classical biotype strains of the sixth pandemic, which encode the classical type cholera toxin (CT), have been replaced by El Tor biotype strains of the seventh pandemic. The prototype El Tor strains that produce biotype-specific cholera toxin are being replaced by atypical El Tor variants that harbor classical cholera toxin. Atypical El Tor strains are categorized into 2 groups, Wave 2 and Wave 3 strains, based on genomic variations and the CTX phage that they harbor. Whole-genome analysis of V. cholerae strains in the seventh cholera pandemic has demonstrated gradual changes in the genome of prototype and atypical El Tor strains, indicating that atypical strains arose from the prototype strains by replacing the CTX phages. We examined the molecular mechanisms that effected the emergence of El Tor strains with classical cholera toxin-carrying phage. We isolated an intermediary V. cholerae strain that carried two different CTX phages that encode El Tor and classical cholera toxin, respectively. We show here that the intermediary strain can be converted into various Wave 2 strains and can act as the source of the novel mosaic CTX phages. These results imply that the Wave 2 and Wave 3 strains may have been generated from such intermediary strains in nature. Prototype El Tor strains can become Wave 3 strains by excision of CTX-1 and re-equipping with the new CTX phages. Our data suggest that inter-chromosomal recombination between 2 types of CTX phages is possible when a host bacterial cell is infected by multiple CTX phages. Our study also provides molecular insights into population changes in V. cholerae in the absence of significant changes to the genome but by replacement of the CTX prophage that they harbor.

Clinical predictors of aspiration after esophagectomy in esophageal cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study are to assess the usefulness of bedside swallowing tests and identify the clinical risk factors for subglottic aspiration after esophagectomy in esophageal cancer patients. METHODS: The study included patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between January and August 2013. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was carried out 7 to 10 days post-surgery, and clinical bedside swallowing tests were conducted to determine the risk factors for subglottic aspiration. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients were evaluated, 38 of whom (32.2%) showed evidence of subglottic aspiration on VFSS. The clinical bedside swallowing test yielded positive results in 26 of the 38 patients with subglottic aspiration (sensitivity 68.4%). Prolonged operation time and vocal cord paralysis were risk factors predicting aspiration in multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio (OR), 0.651 per hour; P = 0.017 and OR, 9.1; P < 0.001). When operation times were divided into two groups, greater than or equal to 6 h (≥6 h) and less than 6 h (<6 h), the OR of operation time ≥6 h to aspiration was increased to 3.22 (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the clinical bedside swallowing test had a sensitivity of 68.4%, which, without VFSS, was insufficient to detect subglottic aspiration. Operation time greater than or equal to 6 h and vocal cord paralysis were risk factors for subglottic aspiration. Therefore, VFSS should be recommended in esophageal cancer patients who have operation time greater than or equal to 6 h or have vocal cord paralysis after esophagectomy.

Lidocaine Test Increases the Success Rates of Corticosteroid Injection in Impingement Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether lidocaine test injections would increase the success rate of corticosteroid injection for treatment of impingement syndrome. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-nine patients diagnosed with impingement syndrome were allocated to the lidocaine test (LC) group (N = 139) and the subacromial (SA) group (N = 100). The LC group received 1 ml of 1% lidocaine injection into the subacromial bursa under ultrasound guidance and a second injection of the steroid solution into the subacromial bursa or glenohumeral joint according to the response. The SA group received the same amount of steroid injection into the subacromial bursa without a prior lidocaine injection. Categorical outcomes were utilized and subjects were grouped based on percentage pain relief. Clinical improvement was expressed in terms of the patient's global impression of change (PGIC) as 'not improved,' 'slightly improved,' and 'much improved. RESULTS: In the LC group, 76 of the 139 patients (54% [95 CI 46-63%]) showed '50-80% improvement' and 15 (11% [95% CI 6.6-17%]) patients showed 'more than 80% improvement' at 3 weeks after the injection. While in the SA group, 29 of the 100 patient (29% [95% CI 21-39%]) showed '50-80% improvement' and 13 (13% [95% CI 7.7-21%]) showed 'more than 80% 3 weeks after the injection (χ2 = 15.073, P = 0.001). This difference persisted at 3 months (χ2 = 8.015, P = 0.018). The chi-square test of PGIC at 3 weeks also showed significant differences (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study to show that a lidocaine pre-injection increases the success rate of steroid injection in patients suspected of having impingement syndrome.

Computer-assisted navigation decreases the change in the tibial posterior slope angle after closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to compare the change in tibial posterior slope angle (PSA) between patients treated via computer-assisted and conventional closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (CWHTO). It was hypothesized that a decrease in the PSA would be less in the computer-assisted group than in the conventional group. METHODS: Data on a total of 75 computer-assisted CWHTOs (60 patients) and 75 conventional CWHTOs (49 patients) were retrospectively compared using matched pair analysis. The pre- and postoperative mechanical axis (MA) and the PSA were radiographically evaluated. The parallel angle was defined as the angle between the joint line and the osteotomy surface. The data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The postoperative radiographic MA averaged 1.3° ± 2.6° valgus in the computer-assisted group and 0.3° ± 3.1° varus in the conventional group. The change in PSA averaged -0.8° ± 0.9° in the computer-assisted group and -4.0° ± 2.2° in the conventional group. The parallel angle averaged 0.2° ± 3.0° in the computer-assisted group and 6.2° ± 5.3° in the conventional group. CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted CWHTO using four guide pins could avoid inadvertent change in the PSA. The navigation can be used in anticipation of decreasing the risk of change in the PSA in CWHTO, especially in patients whose preoperative PSA is small. The special attention should be paid to locate the hinge axis acutely and to make the parallel proximal and distal osteotomy surfaces during CWHTO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Effect of Electrical Stimulation of the Suprahyoid Muscles in Brain-Injured Patients with Dysphagia.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the suprahyoid muscle is effective compared to that of the infrahyoid muscle in brain-injured patients with dysphagia. A total of 132 patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury, or brain tumor in 2 university hospitals were allocated to 2 groups: those who received electrical stimulation therapy (EST) on the suprahyoid muscles (SM group, n = 66) and those who received EST with one pair of electrodes on the suprahyoid muscle and the other pair on the infrahyoid muscle (SI group, n = 66). Patients received 11.2 ± 3.4 sessions of electrical stimulation in the SM group and 11.9 ± 3.4 sessions in the SI group. The functional dysphagia scale (FDS), swallow function score (SFS), supraglottic penetration, and subglottic aspiration were measured using videofluoroscopic swallowing study. FDS scores decreased from 42.0 ± 19.1 to 32.3 ± 17.8 in the SM group and from 44.8 ± 17.4 to 32.9 ± 18.8 in the SI group by per-protocol (PP) analysis, and those decreased from 41.2 ± 20.9 to 34.5 ± 20.3 in the SM group and from 44.3 ± 19.1 to 35.7 ± 20.5 in the SI group by intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, after electrical stimulation (p < 0.001 for each). SFSs increased from 3.3 ± 1.8 to 4.2 ± 1.6 in the SM group and from 2.8 ± 1.8 to 4.0 ± 1.8 in the SI group by PP analysis, and those increased from 3.3 ± 1.6 to 3.9 ± 1.6 in the SM group and from 2.8 ± 1.9 to 3.6 ± 2.0 in the SI group by ITT analysis, after electrical stimulation (p < 0.001, respectively). However, changes in FDS scores, SFSs, penetration, and aspiration were comparable between the SM and the SI groups. The results suggest that both SM and SI therapies induced similar improvements in swallowing function in brain-injured patients.

Determination of steroid injection sites using lidocaine test in adhesive capsulitis: A prospective randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To validate the usefulness of subacromial bursa lidocaine for determination of the therapeutic steroid injection site in patients with adhesive capsulitis METHODS: Ninety-two patients with adhesive capsulitis were randomly divided into the LC (lidocaine test) group (n = 46), in which LC injection was performed at the subacromial bursa prior to therapeutic steroid injection, and GH (glenohumeral) group (n = 46), in which the steroid was injected into the GH. Patients in the LC group received steroid injection at the subacromial bursa or GH according to the result of the LC. Both groups underwent the same exercise protocol. Improvement of the shoulder pain was checked at 2 weeks and 3 months postinjection and expressed on an ordinal scale. Passive range of motion was recorded preinjection, and 2 weeks and 3 months postinjection. RESULTS: Two weeks postinjection, 37 patients expressed "much improved" and 7 patients expressed "slightly improved" pain levels in the LC group, whereas 18 patients each expressed "much improved" and "slightly improved" pain levels in the GH group, which was significantly different (p < 0.01). This difference was maintained 3 months postinjection (p < 0.01). Passive range of motion in all directions improved significantly 3 months postinjection in both the LC and GH groups (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the LC and GH groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found that subacromial lidocaine injection prior to steroid injection resulted in better improvement of pain than conventional GH injection for patients with adhesive capsulitis.

Biocontrol of Fusarium wilt disease in tomato by Paenibacillus ehimensis KWN38.

This study was conducted to investigate biocontrol potential of Paenibacillus ehimensis KWN38 against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici causing Fusarium wilt disease in tomato. Our result showed that P. ehimensis KWN38 produced extracellular organic compounds and crude enzyme to inhibit F. oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici conidial germination in in vitro assays. Tomato seedlings were treated with water (W), grass medium (G), G with P. ehimensis KWN38 inoculation (GP) and G along with synthetic fungicide (GSf). Disease symptoms were was first observed in G and W at 12 days after infection (DAI) while symptoms were noticeable in the GP and GSf treatments at 20 and 24 DAI, respectively. Tomato plants treated with P. ehimensis KWN38 or fungicide significantly reduced Fusarium wilt disease incidence and severity as compared to control tomato plants treated with water and grass medium. The similar results were also found in the root mortality of tomato plants. At 25 DAI, most plants in control treatments (W and G) wilted and the brown vascular systems of infected plants was clearly differentiable from normal green vascular system of healthy plants from GP and GSf. Plants in the GP showed higher fresh and dry weights of both root and shoots than those in W and G treatments. Leaf peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities of tomato plants in G and W were higher than those in GP and GSf. Root enzyme activities showed a similar pattern but the values were higher than leaf enzyme. The results clearly demonstrated that P. ehimensis KWN38 may be considered as biocontrol agent of Fusarium wilt disease in tomato.

Anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects of luteolin from Perilla (P. frutescens L.) leaves.

Perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) leaves have shown therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, allergies, bronchial asthma, and systemic damage due to free radicals. In the present study we analyzed the active constituents in perilla leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and isolated luteolin, a polyphenolic flavonoid. We investigated the anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties of luteolin. Luteolin inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1 ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from human mast cells (HMC-1) stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 in a dose-dependent manner. Luteolin also significantly reduced the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells stimulated by compound 48/80, a potent histamine liberator. Furthermore, the administration of luteolin markedly inhibited the scratching behavior and vascular permeability induced by pruritogens, such as compound 48/80 or serotonin, in ICR mice. These results suggested that luteolin has potential as a therapeutic agent against inflammation and itch-related skin diseases.

The Impact of ZIF-8 Particle Size Control on Low-Humidity Sensor Performance.

An accurate humidity measurement is essential in various industries, including product stability, pharmaceutical and food preservation, environmental control, and precise humidity management in experiments and industrial processes. Crafting effective humidity sensors through precise material selection is crucial for detecting minute humidity levels across various fields, ultimately enhancing productivity and maintaining product quality. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), exhibit remarkable properties and offer a wide range of applications in catalysis, sensing, and gas storage due to their structural stability, which resembles zeolites. The previous research on MOF-based humidity sensors have primarily used electrical resistance-based methods. Recently, however, interest has shifted to capacitive-based sensors using MOFs due to the need for humidity sensors at low humidity and the resulting high sensitivity. Nevertheless, further studies are required to optimize particle structure and size. This study analyzes ZIF-8, a stable MOF synthesized in varying particle sizes, to evaluate its performance as a humidity sensor. The structural, chemical, and sensing properties of synthesized ZIF-8 particles ranging from 50 to 200 nanometers were examined through electron microscopy, spectroscopic, and electrochemical analyses. The fabricated copper electrodes combined with these particles demonstrated stable and linear humidity sensing capabilities within the range of 3% to 30% relative humidity (RH).

Self-assembled peptide-substance P hydrogels alleviate inflammation and ameliorate the cartilage regeneration in knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Self-assembled peptide (SAP)-substance P (SP) hydrogels can be retained in the joint cavity longer than SP alone, and they can alleviate inflammation and ameliorate cartilage regeneration in knee osteoarthritis (OA). We conducted a preclinical study using diverse animal models of OA and an in vitro study using human synoviocytes and patient-derived synovial fluids to demonstrate the effect of SAP-SP complex on the inflammation and cartilage regeneration. METHODS: Surgical induction OA model was prepared with New Zealand white female rabbits and chemical induction, and naturally occurring OA models were prepared using Dunkin Hartely female guinea pigs. The SAP-SP complex or control (SAP, SP, or saline) was injected into the joint cavities in each model. We performed micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) analysis, histological evaluation, immunofluorescent analysis, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay and analyzed the recruitment of intrinsic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), macrophage activity, and inflammatory cytokine in each OA model. Human synoviocytes were cultured in synovial fluid extracted from human OA knee joints injected with SAP-SP complexes or other controls. Proliferative capacity and inflammatory cytokine levels were analyzed. RESULTS: Alleviation of inflammation, inhibition of apoptosis, and enhancement of intrinsic MSCs have been established in the SAP-SP group in diverse animal models. Furthermore, the inflammatory effects on human samples were examined in synoviocytes and synovial fluid from patients with OA. In this study, we observed that SAP-SP showed anti-inflammatory action in OA conditions and increased cartilage regeneration by recruiting intrinsic MSCs, inhibiting progression of OA. CONCLUSIONS: These therapeutic effects have been validated in diverse OA models, including rabbits, Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs, and human synoviocytes. Therefore, we propose that SAP-SP may be an effective injectable therapeutic agent for treating OA. In this manuscript, we report a preclinical study of novel self-assembled peptide (SAP)-substance P (SP) hydrogels with diverse animal models and human synoviocytes and it displays anti-inflammatory effects, apoptosis inhibition, intrinsic mesenchymal stem cells recruitments and cartilage regeneration.

Fermented Aloe arborescens Miller Leaf Extract Suppresses Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury via Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in C57BL/6J Mice.

This study confirmed the change in functional composition and alcohol-induced acute liver injury in Aloe arborescens after fermentation. An acute liver injury was induced by administration of ethanol (3 g/kg/day) to C57BL/6J mice for 5 days. A fermented A. arborescens Miller leaf (FAAL) extract was orally administered 30 minutes before ethanol treatment. After fermentation, the emodin content was approximately 13 times higher than that of the raw material. FAAL extract significantly attenuated ethanol-induced aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and triglyceride increases in serum and liver tissue. Histological analysis revealed that FAAL extract inhibits inflammatory cell infiltration and fat accumulation in liver tissues. The cytochrome P450 2E1, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione (GSH), which involved in alcohol-induced oxidative stress, were effectively regulated by FAAL extract in serum and liver tissues, except for GSH. FAAL also maintained the antioxidant defense system by upregulating heme oxygenase 1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 protein expression. In addition, FAAL extract inhibited the decrease in alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, which promoted alcohol metabolism and prevented the activation of inflammatory response. Our results suggest that FAAL could be used as a potential therapeutic agent for ethanol-induced acute liver injury.