Environmental contamination in the isolation rooms of COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation or high-flow oxygen therapy.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the extent of environmental contamination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is essential for infection control and prevention. The extent of environmental contamination has not been fully investigated in the context of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. AIM: To investigate environmental SARS-CoV-2 contamination in the isolation rooms of severe COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation or high-flow oxygen therapy. METHODS: Environmental swab samples and air samples were collected from the isolation rooms of three COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia. Patients 1 and 2 received mechanical ventilation with a closed suction system, while patient 3 received high-flow oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) was used to detect SARS-CoV-2; viral cultures were performed for samples not negative on rRT-PCR. FINDINGS: Of the 48 swab samples collected in the rooms of patients 1 and 2, only samples from the outside surfaces of the endotracheal tubes tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by rRT-PCR. However, in patient 3's room, 13 of the 28 environmental samples (fomites, fixed structures, and ventilation exit on the ceiling) showed positive results. Air samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Viable viruses were identified on the surface of the endotracheal tube of patient 1 and seven sites in patient 3's room. CONCLUSION: Environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 may be a route of viral transmission. However, it might be minimized when patients receive mechanical ventilation with a closed suction system. These findings can provide evidence for guidelines for the safe use of personal protective equipment.

Fracture liaison services for osteoporosis in the Asia-Pacific region: current unmet needs and systematic literature review.

The analysis aimed to identify the treatment gaps in current fracture liaison services (FLS) and to provide recommendations for best practice establishment of future FLS across the Asia-Pacific region. The findings emphasize the unmet need for the implementation of new programs and provide recommendations for the refinement of existing ones. The study's objectives were to evaluate fracture liaison service (FLS) programs in the Asia-Pacific region and provide recommendations for establishment of future FLS programs. A systematic literature review (SLR) of Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (2000-2017 inclusive) was performed using the following keywords: osteoporosis, fractures, liaison, and service. Inclusion criteria included the following: patients ≥ 50 years with osteoporosis-related fractures; randomized controlled trials or observational studies with control groups (prospective or retrospective), pre-post, cross-sectional and economic evaluation studies. Success of direct or indirect interventions was assessed based on patients' understanding of risk, bone mineral density assessment, calcium intake, osteoporosis treatment, re-fracture rates, adherence, and mortality, in addition to cost-effectiveness. Overall, 5663 unique citations were identified and the SLR identified 159 publications, reporting 37 studies in Asia-Pacific. These studies revealed the unmet need for public health education, adequate funding, and staff resourcing, along with greater cooperation between departments and physicians. These actions can help to overcome therapeutic inertia with sufficient follow-up to ensure adherence to recommendations and compliance with treatment. The findings also emphasize the importance of primary care physicians continuing to prescribe treatment and ensure service remains convenient. These findings highlight the limited evidence supporting FLS across the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing the unmet need for new programs and/or refinement of existing ones to improve outcomes. With the continued increase in burden of fractures in Asia-Pacific, establishment of new FLS and assessment of existing services are warranted to determine the impact of FLS for healthcare professionals, patients, family/caregivers, and society.

Integration of different criteria for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer using classification tree analysis: the use of radiological tumour-vascular interface in correlation with surgical and pathological outcomes.

AIM: To integrate various criteria for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) based on radiological parameters using classification tree analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the requirement for informed consent. Two hundred and thirty-five tumour-vein interfaces and 67 tumour-artery interfaces in 245 patients with surgically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent both preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were assessed by two independent readers. Radiological parameters for evaluation of the tumour-vascular interface were boundary, length of interface, degree of circumferential interface, and contour deformity of affected vessels. Classification tree analysis was performed to determine parameters associated with vascular invasion using pathological and surgical results as the reference standard. RESULTS: In the classification tree analysis for the tumour-vein interface, contour deformity and degree of circumferential interface were the first and second determining factors, respectively, for both surgical and pathological vascular invasion. For the tumour-artery interface, boundary and degree of circumferential interface were the first and second determining factors for surgical invasion, while contour deformity and length of interface were the first and second determining factors for pathological invasion. The BRPC group of modified criteria arbitrarily formed based on the results had similar surgical (74.1-81.6%) and pathological (54.3-63.3%) venous invasion compared to that of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria, and the lowest surgical (33.3%) and pathological (6.7%) arterial invasion compared with those in previously established criteria for BRPC (43.3-55.6% and 22.2-26.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Various criteria for BRPCs were integrated using classification tree analysis, and a modified criterion for BRPC, which provides satisfactory results, was established.

Short communication: Antioxidative and antibacterial activities on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H4 in milk with added ginseng marc extract fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum KCCM 11613P.

Ginseng marc, a by-product of the extraction of fresh ginseng, is known to have bioactive compounds, but is frequently discarded as agriculture waste. The objectives of our study were to assess the antioxidative activity of fermented ginseng marc extract using Lactobacillus plantarum KCCM 11613P and to evaluate antibacterial activity of fermented milk with added ginseng marc extract during fermentation. After 24 h of fermentation of ginseng marc extract, the viable cell number was increased to 7.7 ± 0.1 log cfu/mL, and the pH and total titratable acidity were 4.2 ± 0.4 and 0.6% lactic acid, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of fermented ginseng marc extract increased by 32.4 and 23.3%, respectively. Higher antioxidative activity of fermented ginseng marc extract was obtained in the ß-carotene bleaching, ferric-reducing ability of plasma, and ferric thiocyanate assays than the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy assay. However, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy scavenging effect decreased due to lowered pH. During production of fermented milk with ginseng, inhibition rate of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 9.7 and 2.3%, respectively. The present study shows the possibilities of Lactobacillus plantarum KCCM 11613P used as a fermentation strain and ginseng marc used as a functional supplement in milk.

Glechoma hederacea Suppresses RANKL-mediated Osteoclastogenesis.

Glechoma hederacea (GH), commonly known as ground-ivy or gill-over-the-ground, has been extensively used in folk remedies for relieving symptoms of inflammatory disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic action of GH are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that GH constituents inhibit osteoclastogenesis by abrogating receptor activator of nuclear κ-B ligand (RANKL)-induced free cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) oscillations. To evaluate the effect of GH on osteoclastogenesis, we assessed the formation of multi-nucleated cells (MNCs), enzymatic activity of tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP), expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), and [Ca(2+)]i alterations in response to treatment with GH ethanol extract (GHE) in primarily cultured bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Treatment of RANKL-stimulated or non-stimulated BMMs with GHE markedly suppressed MNC formation, TRAP activity, and NFATc1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, GHE treatment induced a large transient elevation in [Ca(2+)]i while suppressing RANKL-induced [Ca(2+)]i oscillations, which are essential for NFATc1 activation. GHE-evoked increase in [Ca(2+)]i was dependent on extracellular Ca(2+) and was inhibited by 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP), inhibitor of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (VGCCs), but was independent of store-operated Ca(2+) channels. Notably, after transient [Ca(2+)] elevation, treatment with GHE desensitized the VGCCs, resulting in an abrogation of RANKL-induced [Ca(2+)]i oscillations and MNC formation. These findings demonstrate that treatment of BMMs with GHE suppresses RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis by activating and then desensitizing DHP-sensitive VGCCs, suggesting potential applications of GH in the treatment of bone disorders, such as periodontitis, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Establishing the Origin of Elevated Uranium Concentrations in Groundwater near the Central Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt, Korea.

We examined the origin of the U-enriched groundwater in Daejeon, near the Ogcheon U zone in Korea. For this study, groundwater ionic species and C, S, and Sr isotopic compositions were analyzed. The U-enriched groundwater occurred only in the Daejeon granite region, while all the groundwater in the Ogcheon Supergroup showed very low U concentrations. In the granite region, the pedospheric or atmospheric origin of dissolved C and S means that the aquifer has been well connected to the oxidized surface environment. The Sr/Sr ratios indicated a lithospheric origin of Sr. Groundwater isotopic compositions in the Ogcheon belt varied greatly, indicating their complex sources. In this region, dissolved C originated from graphite-rich slate and limestone. The broad range of δS suggested that the composite sources included atmospheric SO for most groundwater, lithogenic SO for mine drainage and quarry water, and anthropogenic SO for polluted groundwater. This study indicates that the U-enriched groundwater is not related to the present U ores in the Ogcheon belt but is genetically associated with the granite body itself. The varying but considerable U contents within the granite body can be present as isolated groups. We infer that locally high U contents in the Daejeon granite might inherently be due to assimilation of the Ogcheon U-mineralized zone into granitic melt during the Mesozoic; however, the pH and Eh conditions except aquifer geology were very important factors in developing highly enriched U groundwater in the Daejeon granite region. Thermodynamic modeling highlights the importance of dissolved Ca and (bi-)carbonate in U geochemistry.

Temsirolimus combined with sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma: a phase I dose-finding trial with pharmacokinetic and biomarker correlates.

BACKGROUND: Based upon preclinical evidence for improved antitumor activity in combination, this phase I study investigated the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), safety, activity, pharmacokinetics (PK), and biomarkers of the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, temsirolimus, combined with sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with incurable HCC and Child Pugh score ≤B7 were treated with sorafenib plus temsirolimus by 3 + 3 design. The dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) interval was 28 days. The response was assessed every two cycles. PK of temsirolimus was measured in a cohort at MTD. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. The MTD was temsirolimus 10 mg weekly plus sorafenib 200 mg twice daily. Among 18 patients at MTD, DLT included grade 3 hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) and grade 3 thrombocytopenia. Grade 3 or 4 related adverse events at MTD included hypophosphatemia (33%), infection (22%), thrombocytopenia (17%), HFSR (11%), and fatigue (11%). With sorafenib, temsirolimus clearance was more rapid (P < 0.05). Two patients (8%) had a confirmed partial response (PR); 15 (60%) had stable disease (SD). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) declined ≥50% in 60% assessable patients. CONCLUSION: The MTD of sorafenib plus temsirolimus in HCC was lower than in other tumor types. HCC-specific phase I studies are necessary. The observed efficacy warrants further study.

Effects of resveratrol and essential oils on growth performance, immunity, digestibility and fecal microbial shedding in challenged piglets.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of resveratrol and essential oils from medicinal plants on the growth performance, immunity, digestibility, and fecal microbial shedding of weaned piglets. A total of 48 weaned piglets (8 kg initial weight, 28-d-old) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with 3 replications of 4 piglets each. The dietary treatments were NC (negative control; basal diet), PC (positive control; basal diet+0.002% apramycin), T1 (basal diet+0.2% resveratrol), and T2 (basal diet+0.0125% essential oil blend). All piglets were orally challenged with 5 ml culture fluid containing 2.3×10(8) cfu/ml of Escherichia coli KCTC 2571 and 5.9×10(8) cfu/ml Salmonella enterica serover Typhimurium. The PC group (p<0.05) showed the highest average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) throughout the experimental period, although feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved in the T1 group (p>0.05). Serum IgG level was increased in the T1 group, whereas TNF-α levels was reduced in the supplemented groups compared to control (p<0.05). The PC diet improved the dry matter (DM) digestibility, whereas PC and T2 diets improved nitrogen (N) digestibility compared to NC and T1 diets (p<0.05). Fecal Salmonella and E. coli counts were reduced in all treatment groups compared to control (p<0.05). Fecal Lactobacillus spp. count was increased in the T2 group compared to others (p<0.05). Dietary treatments had no significant effect on fecal Bacillus spp. count throughout the entire experimental period. Based on these results, resveratrol showed strong potential as antibiotic alternatives for reversing the adverse effects of weaning stress on growth performance, immunity and microbial environment in E. coli and Salmonella-challenged piglets.

Pharmacological and dietary antioxidant therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The progression and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are intimately associated with tobacco smoke/biomass fuel-induced oxidative and aldehyde/carbonyl stress. Alterations in redox signaling proinflammatory kinases and transcription factors, steroid resistance, unfolded protein response, mucus hypersecretion, extracellular matrix remodeling, autophagy/apoptosis, epigenetic changes, cellular senescence/aging, endothelial dysfunction, autoimmunity, and skeletal muscle dysfunction are some of the pathological hallmarks of COPD. In light of the above it would be prudent to target systemic and local oxidative stress with agents that can modulate the antioxidants/ redox system or by boosting the endogenous levels of antioxidants for the treatment and management of COPD. Identification of various antioxidant agents, such as thiol molecules (glutathione and mucolytic drugs, such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine, N-acystelyn, erdosteine, fudosteine, ergothioneine, and carbocysteine lysine salt), dietary natural product-derived polyphenols and other compounds (curcumin, resveratrol, green tea catechins, quercetin sulforaphane, lycopene, acai, alpha-lipoic acid, tocotrienols, and apocynin) have made it possible to modulate various biochemical aspects of COPD. Various researches and clinical trials have revealed that these antioxidants can detoxify free radicals and oxidants, control expression of redox and glutathione biosynthesis genes, chromatin remodeling, and ultimately inflammatory gene expression. In addition, modulation of cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress and related cellular changes have also been reported to be effected by synthetic molecules. This includes specific spin traps like α-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone, a catalytic antioxidant (ECSOD mimetic), porphyrins (AEOL 10150 and AEOL 10113), and a superoxide dismutase mimetic M40419, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation blockers/inhibitors, such as edaravone and lazaroids/tirilazad, myeloperoxidase inhibitors, as well as specialized pro-resolving mediators/inflammatory resolving lipid mediators, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and hydrogen sulfide. According to various studies it appears that the administration of multiple antioxidants could be a more effective mode used in the treatment of COPD. In this review, various pharmacological and dietary approaches to enhance lung antioxidant levels and beneficial effects of antioxidant therapeutics in treating or intervening the progression of COPD have been discussed.

Effects of valproic acid and magnesium sulphate on rocuronium requirement in patients undergoing craniotomy for cerebrovascular surgery.

BACKGROUND: Many anti-epileptics cause resistance to non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents, but this has not been reported for valproic acid (VPA). We hypothesized that VPA would increase the rocuronium requirement and that magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) may reduce this increase. METHODS: Fifty-five patients undergoing cerebrovascular surgeries were studied. Subjects were allocated into three groups at a 1:1:1 ratio: Groups VM, VC, and C. Groups VM and VC were given VPA premedication; Group C was not. A rocuronium injection (0.6 mg kg(-1) i.v.) was administered to Group VM, followed by MgSO(4) as a 50 mg kg(-1) i.v. bolus and 15 mg kg(-1) h(-1) infusion. The same volume of 0.9% saline was administered to the other groups. Supplementary rocuronium (0.15 mg kg(-1)) was given whenever the train-of-four count reached 2. Rocuronium requirements (primary outcome), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), nausea, vomiting, shivering, and use of anti-emetics and nicardipine were compared. RESULTS: Group VC showed the highest rocuronium requirement [mg kg(-1) h(-1): 0.47 (0.08) vs 0.33 (0.12) (Group C), 0.31 (0.07) (Group VM); P<0.001]. MAP, intraoperative HR, nausea, vomiting, shivering, and use of anti-emetics and nicardipine were not significantly different among the groups. Postoperative HR was lower in Group VM than in Group VC. CONCLUSIONS: VPA increased the rocuronium requirement, and MgSO(4) infusion attenuated this increase.

Effects of tea drinking on auditory functions in aged subjects.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Oolong tea drinking on the auditory functions in aged subjects. Retrospective cohort study was conducted on 265 subjects who were older than 55 years old. Tea drinking was determined from responses to a medical and food consumption questionnaires. The effects of Oolong tea drinking on pure tone thresholds (PTAs) for peripheral hearing and pitch pattern sequence (PPS) scores for central hearing were analyzed. Results showed that, before adjusting for other factors, PTAs were not significantly different between "non-tea drinkers" and "Oolong tea drinkes". But, the mean PPS score was higher in the "Oolong tea drinkers" (74.5 ± 12.7%) than in the "non-tea drinkers" (68.4 ± 13.9%). After adjusting for age, gender, waist circumference, and other variables, Oolong tea drinking (coefficient (ß) ± standard error (SE) = 2.60 ± 0.67, P<0.001) was positively associated with PPS score, but not with PTAs, by multivariate linear regression analysis. In subgroup analysis for PPS score by gender, Oolong tea drinking showed a significant positive association with PPS score in males (ß± SE=4.75 ± 0.95, P<0.001), but showed association of borderline significance with PPS score in females (ß± SE=1.57 ± 0.94, P=0.097), with adjustment of other risk factors. In conclusion, Oolong tea drinking was associated with better central auditory function, but not with peripheral hearing thresholds, especially in male aged subjects.

Therapeutic potential of panduratin A, LKB1-dependent AMP-activated protein kinase stimulator, with activation of PPARα/δ for the treatment of obesity.

AIM: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators have shown potential as therapeutic agents for metabolic disorders. This study was conducted to evaluate therapeutic potential of panduratin (PAN) A, a natural AMPK stimulator, with activation of PPARα/δ for the treatment of obesity. METHODS: We used the novel AMPK activator PAN A, a natural compound isolated from Boesenbergia pandurata rhizomes, to investigate the regulation of LKB1-dependent AMPK-PPARα/δ signalling by western blot, reporter gene assay and small interfering RNA knockdown analysis. In addition, the antiobesity effects of PAN A were evaluated in C57BL/6J mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. RESULTS: PAN A stimulated AMPK signalling, induced nuclear translocation of the AMPKα2 subunit and activated PPARα/δ; LKB1, a kinase that lies upstream of AMPK, mediated these effects. PAN A stimulated the direct binding of the AMPKα2 subunit to PPARα/δ, but PPARδ activation required direct interaction with PPARγ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). Further, PAN A (50 mg/kg/day) reduced weight gain, fat mass, fatty liver and improved serum lipid profiles in obese mice. Additionally, PAN A reduced ectopic fat accumulation and increased the proportion of slow-twitch myofibres and mitochondria content in skeletal muscle, thereby increasing running endurance. CONCLUSIONS: PAN A, an LKB1-dependent AMPK stimulator, activated PPARα/δ and attenuated HFD-induced obesity and dysregulation of lipid metabolism. Our findings suggest that PAN A is a potent AMPK activator and show a novel molecular mechanism for the treatment of metabolic disorders.

Association of maternal folate nutrition and serum C-reactive protein concentrations with gestational age at delivery.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: C-reactive protein (CRP) is the most extensively studied inflammatory risk marker, and elevated serum CRP concentrations in pregnant women are known to be associated with subsequent development of preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Researchers have suggested that folate intake may help to control the inflammation process. We examined whether folate nutrition modifies the relationship between serum CRP concentration and gestational age at delivery. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Serum CRP concentrations were analyzed in 815 pregnant women between 12 and 28 weeks of gestation. Dietary intakes were assessed using a 24-h dietary recall. The serum folate and high-sensitivity CRP concentrations were analyzed by radioassay and latex agglutination tests, respectively. RESULTS: Serum CRP concentration was negatively correlated (P < 0.001) with gestational age at delivery. Serum folate concentration was negatively correlated (P < 0.01) with serum CRP concentration, and total dietary folate intake was positively correlated (P < 0.001) with serum folate concentration. Multiple regression analysis after adjustment for covariates revealed that maternal CRP concentrations were negatively associated with gestational age at delivery; these negative associations existed only when folate intake during pregnancy was below the Korean estimated average requirements (520 µg dietary folate equivalent per day), and serum folate concentrations were above the normal (6 ng/ml). CONCLUSIONS: We found that adequate maternal folate intake during pregnancy may have a beneficial role against shorter gestational age at delivery, which is associated with higher serum CRP concentrations in pregnant women.

Biodistribution of phenylboric acid derivative entrapped lipiodol and 4-borono-2-18F-fluoro-L-phenylalanine-fructose in GP7TB liver tumor bearing rats for BNCT.

A new phenylboric acid derivative entrapped lipiodol (PBAD-lipiodol) was developed as a boron carrier for the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) of hepatoma in Taiwan. The biodistribution of both PBAD-lipiodol and BPA-fructose was assayed in GP7TB hepatoma-bearing rat model. The highest uptake of PBAD-lipiodol was found at 2h post injection. The application of BNCT for the hepatoma treatment in tumor-bearing rats is suggested to be 2-4h post PBAD-lipiodol injection.

Functional electrical stimulation cycling improves body composition, metabolic and neural factors in persons with spinal cord injury.

Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at a heightened risk of developing type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct an analysis of metabolic, body composition, and neurological factors before and after 10 weeks of functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling in persons with SCI. Eighteen individuals with SCI received FES cycling 2-3 times per week for 10 weeks. Body composition was analyzed by dual X-ray absorptiometry. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) neurological classification of SCI test battery was used to assess motor and sensory function. An oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) and insulin-response test was performed to assess blood glucose control. Additional metabolic variables including plasma cholesterol (total-C, HDL-C, LDL-C), triglyceride, and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-alpha, and CRP) were also measured. Total FES cycling power and work done increased with training. Lean muscle mass also increased, whereas, bone and adipose mass did not change. The ASIA motor and sensory scores for the lower extremity significantly increased with training. Blood glucose and insulin levels were lower following the OGTT after 10 weeks of training. Triglyceride levels did not change following training. However, levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha, and CRP were all significantly reduced.

A multi-treatment experimental system to examine photosynthetic differentiation in the maize leaf.

BACKGROUND: The establishment of C4 photosynthesis in maize is associated with differential accumulation of gene transcripts and proteins between bundle sheath and mesophyll photosynthetic cell types. We have physically separated photosynthetic cell types in the leaf blade to characterize differences in gene expression by microarray analysis. Additional control treatments were used to account for transcriptional changes induced by cell preparation treatments. To analyse these data, we have developed a statistical model to compare gene expression values derived from multiple, partially confounded, treatment groups. RESULTS: Differential gene expression in the leaves of wild-type maize seedlings was characterized using the latest release of a maize long-oligonucleotide microarray produced by the Maize Array Project consortium. The complete data set is available through the project web site. Data is also available at the NCBI GEO website, series record GSE3890. Data was analysed with and without consideration of cell preparation associated stress. CONCLUSION: Empirical comparison of the two analyses suggested that consideration of stress helped to reduce the false identification of stress responsive transcripts as cell-type enriched. Using our model including a stress term, we identified 8% of features as differentially expressed between bundle sheath and mesophyll cell types under control of false discovery rate of 5%. An estimate of the overall proportion of differentially accumulating transcripts (1-pi0) suggested that as many as 18% of the genes may be differentially expressed between B and M. The analytical model presented here is generally applicable to gene expression data and demonstrates the use of statistical elimination of confounding effects such as stress in the context of microarray analysis. We discuss the implications of the high degree of differential transcript accumulation observed with regard to both the establishment and engineering of the C4 syndrome.

Inhibition of bacterial quorum sensing by vanilla extract.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to search for a novel quorum sensing inhibitor and analyse its inhibitory activity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Quorum sensing inhibition was monitored using the Tn-5 mutant, Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. Vanilla beans (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) were extracted using 75% (v/v) aqueous methanol and added to C. violaceum CV026 cultures. Inhibitory activity was measured by quantifying violacein production using a spectrophotometer. The results have revealed that vanilla extract significantly reduced violacein production in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating inhibition of quorum sensing. CONCLUSIONS: Vanilla, a widely used spice and flavour, can inhibit bacterial quorum sensing. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results suggest that the intake of vanilla-containing food materials might promote human health by inhibiting quorum sensing and preventing bacterial pathogenesis. Further studies are required to isolate specific substances from vanilla extract acting as quorum sensing inhibitors.

Anticariogenic activity of macelignan isolated from Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) against Streptococcus mutans.

The occurrence of dental caries is mainly associated with oral pathogens, especially cariogenic Streptococcus mutans. Preliminary antibacterial screening revealed that the extract of Myristica fragrans, widely cultivated for the spice and flavor of foods, possessed strong inhibitory activity against S. mutans. The anticariogenic compound was successfully isolated from the methanol extract of M. fragrans by repeated silica gel chromatography, and its structure was identified as macelignan by instrumental analysis using 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR and EI-MS. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of macelignan against S. mutans was 3.9 microg/ml, which was much lower than those of other natural anticariogenic agents such as 15.6 microg/ml of sanguinarine, 250 microg/ml of eucalyptol, 500 microg/ml of menthol and thymol, and 1000 microg/ml of methyl salicylate. Macelignan also possessed preferential activity against other oral microorganisms such as Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei in the MIC range of 2-31.3 microg/ml. In particular, the bactericidal test showed that macelignan, at a concentration of 20 microg/ml, completely inactivated S. mutans in 1 min. The specific activity and fast-effectiveness of macelignan against oral bacteria strongly suggest that it could be employed as a natural antibacterial agent in functional foods or oral care products.

Formalin instillation for hemorrhagic radiation proctitis.

Although formalin instillation has been proven to be an effective treatment of hemorrhagic radiation proctitis, different techniques with varying success rates have been reported. The aim of this study was to assess our experience with formalin instillation for the treatment of radiation proctitis. After Institutional Review Board approval, all patients who presented with radiation proctitis and were treated with 4% formalin instillation were identified from a prospective database. Techniques of instillation were as follows: a formalin-soaked sponge stick was applied via a proctoscope (SS) and placed at each quadrant with a mean contact of 2.5 minutes (range, 0.5-3 minutes), or the formalin solution was introduced through a proctoscope in aliquots for a total of 350 to 400 mL irrigation (IR), with a mean contact time of 30 seconds in each aliquot. The patients were divided into two groups according to the method of formalin instillation and their outcomes were compared. Between March 1995 and September 2003, 21 patients who underwent formalin treatment were identified: 17 patients were in the SS and 4 patients were in the IR group. The mean age was 74.8+/-6.4 years and 70.5+/-6.8 years and the male/female ratio was 16:1 and 3:1 in the SS and IR groups, respectively. Indications for radiation therapy were prostate cancer in 19 patients: 16 (95.1%) SS patients and 3 (75%) IR patients. Four (23.5%) patients in the SS group were receiving anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications before the procedure. The mean duration of bleeding before formalin instillation was 11.7 months (range, 2-48 months) in the SS and 10.5 months (range, 7-12 months) in the IR group. Sixteen (94.1%) patients in the SS and 4 (100%) in the IR group had previous treatments for radiation proctitis, including hydrocortisone enema, 5-aminosalicylate mesalamine, and endoscopic coagulation. Eight (47.1%) patients in the SS and 2 (50%) in the IR group received a preprocedural blood transfusion, and 1 patient in the SS group required a blood transfusion after the formalin instillation. This patient subsequently underwent restorative proctosigmoidectomy because of persistent bleeding. The mean length of the procedure was 27.1+/-10.8 minutes in the SS group and 22.5+/-6.5 minutes in the IR group. The bleeding was successfully stopped on the first attempt in 14 patients (82.4%) in the SS group and 3 (75%) in the IR group. The instillation was repeated in 1 patient (5.9%) in the SS group and in 1 (25%) in the IR group. Four patients (23.5%) in the SS group experienced rectal pain after the procedure. One patient (5.9%) developed a new onset of fecal incontinence, while another (5.9%) had anococcygeal pain accompanied by worsening of fecal incontinence. One patient (25%) in the IR group developed acute colitis consistent with formalin instillation, which was managed by intravenous antibiotics. The patients were followed for a mean of 10 months (range, 1 to 38 months). Formalin instillation is effective in controlling refractory hemorrhage secondary to radiation proctitis.