Phylogenetic group distributions, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance properties of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections in South Korea.

UNLABELLED: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common diseases by which humans seek medical help and are caused mainly by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Studying the virulence and antibiotic resistance of UPEC with respect to various phylogenetic groups is of utmost importance in developing new therapeutic agents. Thus, in this study, we analysed the virulence factors, antibiotic resistance and phylogenetic groups among various UPEC isolates from children with UTIs. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that majority of the strains responsible for UTIs belonged to the phylogenetic groups B2 and D. Of the 58 E. coli isolates, 79·31% belonged to group B2, 15·51% to group D, 3·44% to group A and 1·72% to B1. Simultaneously, the number of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance exhibited were also significantly high in groups B2 and D compared to other groups. Among the isolates, 44·8% were multidrug resistant and of that 73% belonged to the phylogenetic group B2, indicating the compatibility of antibiotic resistance and certain strains carrying virulence factor genes. The antibiotic resistance profiling of UPEC strains elucidates that the antimicrobial agents such as chloramphenicol, cefoxitin, cefepime, ceftazidime might still be used in the therapy for treating UTIs. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: As the antibiotic resistance pattern of uropathogenic Escherichia coli varies depending on different geographical regions, the antibiotic resistance pattern from this study will help the physicians to effectively administer antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections. In addition, the frequency of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes among various phylogenic groups could be effectively used to draw new targets for uropathogenic Escherichia coli antibiotic-independent therapies. The study emphasizes need of public awareness on multidrug resistance and for more prudent use of antimicrobials.

The flavone eupatilin inhibits eotaxin expression in an NF-κB-dependent and STAT6-independent manner.

The CC chemokine eotaxin contributes to epithelium-induced inflammation in airway diseases such as asthma. Eupatilin (5,7-dihydroxy-3',4',6'-trimethoxyflavone), a bioactive component of Artemisia asiatica Nakai (Asteraceae), is reported to inhibit the adhesion of eosinophils to bronchial epithelial cells. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of eupatilin-induced attenuation of bronchial epithelium-induced inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of eupatilin on expression of eotaxin-1 (CCL11), a potent chemoattractant for eosinophils. Eupatilin significantly inhibited eotaxin expression in bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with TNF-α, while NF-κB and IκBα kinase (IKK) activities declined concurrently. Eupatilin also inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity; however, all of these anti-inflammatory activities were reversed by MAPK overexpression. In contrast, eupatilin did not affect the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) signalling in bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with IL-4. Furthermore, eupatilin significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced eosinophil migration. These results suggest that the eupatilin inhibits the signalling of MAPK, IKK, NF-κB and eotaxin-1 in bronchial epithelial cells, leading to inhibition of eosinophil migration.

The effect of semiconditional dorsal penile nerve electrical stimulation on capacity and compliance of the bladder with deformity in spinal cord injury patients: a pilot study.

STUDY DESIGN: Bladder capacity, bladder compliance, the volume of the first overactive contraction, maximal volume during cystometry (CMG) and the vesicoureteral reflux, bladder wall deformity before and after semiconditional stimulation on DPN. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of the semiconditional electrical stimulation on dorsal penile nerve (DPN) to improve the complicated bladder function in male with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Semiconditional stimulation system and urodynamic laboratory in a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Six men (age, 33-59 years) with SCI incurred from 38 to 156 months before this study. INTERVENTION: semiconditional stimulation parameters were set during CMG and semiconditional stimulation on DPN by surface electrodes via Empi Focus stimulator was applied from 14 to 28 days, at home. Parameters about bladder function were measured before and after stimulation applied. RESULT: All parameters for bladder after semiconditional stimulation were increased. Also, the vesicoureteral reflux and bladder wall deformity was improved in five of six patients. CONCLUSION: Semiconditional electrical stimulation on DPN effectively suppresses neurogenic detrusor overactivity and distend the bladder physiologically in the SCI patient with a complicated bladder. The bladder capacity and compliance as well as the bladder wall deformity were improved as a result of this treatment.

Vitamin C increases the fecal fat excretion by chitosan in guinea-pigs, thereby reducing body weight gain.

The aims of this study were to investigate the antiobesity properties of chitosan on its own, as well as in the presence of vitamin C, in vivo. Hartley guinea-pigs were divided into Control (normal diet), F-control (high fat diet), Chitosan (high fat diet with 5.0% chitosan) and Chito-vit C (high fat diet with 5.0% chitosan containing 0.5% vitamin C) groups, respectively. The effects of chitosan, both alone and in the presence of vitamin C, on body weight, total fecal weight, fecal composition and plasma lipid level were studied for 5 weeks. The results of this study indicated that the fat-binding and water-holding capacity of chitosan might decrease body weight by reducing the absorption of cholesterol and fat, subsequently increasing total fecal weight, fecal fat excretion and fecal water excretion. Vitamin C increased the fecal fat excretion by chitosan in guinea-pigs, thereby reducing body weight gain.

The implication of nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration in the pathogenesis of REM sleep behavior disorder.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The pathogenesis of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is not clear despite its frequent association with Parkinson's disease (PD). We investigated whether the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system is involved in the development of idiopathic RBD. METHODS: Fourteen patients with RBD, 14 patients with PD and 12 normal controls were included in the study. The diagnosis of RBD was confirmed on polysomnography. All the participants performed single-photon emission computed tomography imaging 3 h after injection of [(123)I]FP-CIT. During REM sleep of the RBD patients, each 30-s epoch was rated as 'tonic' when there was at least 50% of tonically maintained chin electromyography (EMG) activity in the epoch. Phasic EMG activities were calculated as the percentage of 3-s mini-epoch containing phasic EMG events (leg and chin, separately). RESULTS: The RBD patients showed a trend of lower binding in the striatum than the normal controls (P = 0.07), and the significance was revealed in the putamen (P = 0.02). However, in 11 individual cases of the 14 RBD patients, the dopamine transporter (DAT) densities in the putamen still remained within the normal range. In the RBD patients, there was no correlation between EMG activities and DAT densities. CONCLUSIONS: Nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration could be a part of the pathogenesis of RBD, but not essential for the development of RBD. The lack of correlation between RBD severity and DAT densities suggests that another pathogenic process not related to nigrostriatal dopaminergic transmission may be implicated in RBD.

Inhibitory effect of evodiamine alone and in combination with rosiglitazone on in vitro adipocyte differentiation and in vivo obesity related to diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Evodiamine (evo) has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and anticancer effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of evo alone and in combination with rosiglitazone (rosi) on in vitro adipocyte differentiation and in vivo obesity related to diabetes. METHODS: Adipocyte differentiation was investigated in vitro using 3T3-L1 and C3H10T1/2 cells. To determine the degree of differentiation, Oil Red O staining and reverse transcription-PCR were carried out. Four groups of db/db mice were treated intraperitoneally once per day with vehicle, evo, rosi and evo+rosi. The mice were killed after 14 days and the blood, liver and adipose tissue were analyzed. RESULTS: The presence of evo or evo combined with rosi during adipogenic induction has been shown to inhibit adipocyte differentiation to a significant degree, particularly at the commitment and early induction stages. The evo and evo+rosi groups of db/db mice evidenced significant reductions in body weight gain. The ratio of epididymal white adipocyte tissue weight to body weight of the evo group was also significantly reduced. It is important to note that in the evo+rosi treatment, blood glucose levels were reduced to a degree similar to that of the rosi group, and plasma insulin levels were reduced significantly better than that of rosi group. Furthermore, hepatic lesions associated with fat and glycogen deposition were morphologically improved in the evo and evo+rosi groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that evo exerts an inhibitory effect on in vitro adipocyte differentiation and in vivo obesity, and also an improvement effect on insulin resistance. These desirable effects of evo were noted even in the presence of rosi. These results indicate that evo improves the undesirable effects of rosi, including adipogenesis, body weight gain and hepatotoxicity, while preserving its desirable blood-glucose-lowering effect.

Comparison of intrathecal fentanyl and sufentanil in low-dose dilute bupivacaine spinal anaesthesia for transurethral prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The administration of low-dose bupivacaine can limit the distribution of spinal block to reduce adverse haemodynamic effects. Intrathecal opioids can enhance analgesia in combination with subtherapeutic doses of local anaesthetics. We aimed at comparing the efficacy of intrathecal fentanyl and sufentanil with low-dose diluted bupivacaine for transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) in elderly patients. METHODS: Seventy patients undergoing TURP were randomly allocated into two groups. Group F (n=35) received fentanyl 25 microg+bupivacaine 0.5% (0.8 ml)+normal saline 0.3 ml and Group S (n=35) received sufentanil 5 microg+bupivacaine 0.5% (0.8 ml)+normal saline 0.7 ml--in total, bupivacaine 0.25% (1.6 ml) intrathecally. Onset and duration of the sensory block, the degree of the motor block, side-effects, and the perioperative analgesic requirements were assessed. RESULTS: The median peak level of the sensory block was significantly higher in Group S than in Group F (P=0.049). Group S required fewer perioperative analgesics than Group F (P=0.008). The time to the first analgesic request was longer in Group S (P=0.025). There were no differences between the groups for the onset and recovery time of the sensory block, degree of the motor block, quality of anaesthesia, or adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose diluted bupivacaine with fentanyl 25 microg or sufentanil 5 microg can provide adequate anaesthesia without haemodynamic instability for TURP in elderly patients. However, sufentanil was superior to fentanyl in the quality of the spinal block produced.

Evaluation of reticulocyte haemoglobin content as marker of iron deficiency and predictor of response to intravenous iron in haemodialysis patients.

Because serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TS) have a limitation in estimating iron status in haemodialysis patients, the reticulocyte haemoglobin content (CHr) has been proposed as a new tool. We investigate the accuracy of CHr in comparison with conventional tests and the relationship between changes in CHr and haemoglobin levels after therapy. We selected 140 haemodialysis patients receiving rHuEPO and intravenous iron supplementation and measured their complete blood count, CHr and iron parameters. Iron deficiency was defined as a ferritin <100 microg/l and/or a TS <20%. Hb, CHr, ferritin and TS levels were determined 1 month after therapy. Fifty-three patients were iron deficient. CHr were distributed with 33.7 +/- 1.4 pg in the iron sufficient group and with 29.9 +/- 1.9 pg in the iron deficient group (P = 0.001). The cutoff value of CHr for detecting iron deficiency was <32.4 pg. In iron deficient patients, a significant correlation was found between CHr and TS. The change in CHr after therapy was significantly larger in iron-deficient patients, and a lower baseline CHr is associated with a greater haemoglobin change. CHr is useful in screening iron status in dialysis patients, and a CHr cut-off value of 32 pg is appropriate for the assessment of iron deficiency. Moreover, CHr may serve as a predictor of the response to anaemia treatment.

Yeast hydrolysate reduces body fat of dietary obese rats.

The purpose of this study was to assess the antiobesity effect of the yeast hydrolysate (DNF) on the body weight, body fat and plasma lipids levels of high-fat fed rats. The weight gain of the HF (high fat diet) (162.58 +/- 6.68 g) was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than that of DNF-1, DNF-2, (high fat diet with DNF of 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg body weight, respectively) and control groups (143.19 +/- 7.33 g, 139.20 +/- 8.36 g, 130.23 +/- 8.02 g, respectively). The wet weight of the epididymal fat and the perirenal fat pads of the DNF-1, DNF-2 and control groups were reduced significantly (p < 0.05). A significant (p < 0.05) increase of HDL-cholesterol level of the DNF-2 and control groups was observed. However, there was no significant difference between DNF-1 and DNF-2. It was also found that the triacylglycerol (TG) levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the DNF-2 group from that of the HF, but there was no significant (p < 0.05) difference between DNF-1 and DNF-2.

Mesenchymal progenitor cells in the human umbilical cord.

Mesenchymal progenitor or stem cells (MPCs) isolated from fetal blood, liver, and bone marrow are a population of multipotential cells that can proliferate and differentiate into multiple mesodermal tissues including bone, cartilage, muscle, ligament, tendon, fat, and stroma. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize MPCs in the human umbilical cord. The suspensions of endothelial and subendothelial cells in cord vein were collected and cultured in M199 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Of 50 umbilical cord samples, 3 had numerous fibroblastoid cells morphologically distinguishable from endothelial cells. Fibroblastic cells displayed lack of expression of vWF, Flk-1, and PECAM-1, indicating the endothelial cell-specific marker. To investigate the differentiation potentials, the cells were cultured in adipogenic or osteogenic medium for 2 weeks. Fibroblast-like cells treated with adipogenic supplementation showed Oil red O-positive staining and expressed adipsin, FABP4, LPL, and PPARgamma2 genes by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In osteogenic differentiation, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium accumulation were detected. RT-PCR studies determined that Cx43, osteopontin, and Runx2 genes were expressed in the osteogenic cultures. Among three cell lines cultured continuously for passage 10, two had normal karyotypes; however, one retained a karyotype of mos 46,XY[19]/47,XY,+mar[3]. These observations suggest that MPCs are present in human umbilical cord and possess several typical traits of MPCs.

Auditory evoked field responses in the left hemisphere to morphosyntactic violations in Korean sentence.

To investigate multiple cortical regions associated with syntactic processes at the sentence level, auditory evoked field responses to morphosyntactic violations were measured over the left hemisphere of seven subjects. Subjects were asked to judge the acceptability of the final verb in verb-ending Korean sentence. Measured field data were transformed to the fields that would be detected on a standard sensing plane and averaged across subjects in different violation conditions. In the grand average data, we found distinct features at latencies of 400 ms and 600 ms, which seem to be specific to morphosyntactic processes. Equivalent current dipoles (ECDs) plotted on a standard brain indicate the inferior frontal region and the superior temporal gyrus for 400 ms component, and the middle temporal gyrus for 600 ms component. Our MEG study localized the distinct cortical regions involved in syntactic processes, which may be reflected in LAN and P600 of ERP.

Inhibitory effects of the stem bark of Catalpa ovata G. Don. (Bignoniaceae) on the productions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nitric oxide by the lipopolisaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

In order to validate the use of the stem bark of Catalpa ovata G. Don. (Bignoniaceae) as an anti-inflammatory drug in the traditional Korean medicine, we have investigated the effects of the methanol extract of this folk medicine on the productions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO) on RAW 264.7 macrophages activated with the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide. The extract inhibited the productions of TNF-alpha and NO with significant decreases in mRNA levels of TNF-alpha and inducible NO synthase, suggesting that the stem bark of Catalpa ovata may have therapeutic potential in the control of inflammatory disorders.

Suppressive effects of PG201, an ethanol extract from herbs, on collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

OBJECTIVE: PG201 has been formulated using 12 herbs known to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on damaged tissue and bone among other functions. The present study was done in order to assess the therapeutic effects of PG201 in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. METHODS: DBA/1 mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen. After a second collagen immunization, mice were treated with PG201 orally at 10 mg/kg once a day for 18 days. Paws were evaluated macroscopically for redness, swelling and deformities. The levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in the ankle were examined. The severity of arthritis within the knee joints was evaluated by histological assessment of cartilage destruction and pannus formation. Molecular indicators related to CIA pathology were analysed by measuring the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) and the anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10. RESULTS: Administration of PG201 significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and inhibited the production of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in the paws. The erosion of cartilage was dramatically reduced in mouse knees after treatment with PG201. In the serum of PG201-treated mice, the level of TIMP-2 and the ratio of TIMP-2 to MMP-2 were significantly elevated, and the level of IL-4, but not of IL-10, was increased. CONCLUSION: Administration of PG201 has therapeutic effects on CIA. Protection of cartilage was particularly prominent. PG201 is a potential therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

Localization accuracy of single current dipoles from tangential components of auditory evoked fields.

We investigated the localization accuracy of single current dipoles from the tangential components of auditory evoked fields. The tangential fields were measured using planar gradiometers arranged in a way so as to detect two orthogonal field components parallel to a flat plane. Field responses to 1 kHz pure tones were recorded and equivalent current dipoles (ECDs) of N1m peak were estimated based on a locally fitted spherical conductor model. As a measure of localization accuracy, the standard deviation of the coordinates of the ECDs of N1m was obtained from repeated measurements for one subject. The estimated ECDs had a standard deviation of 5.5 mm and their mean location was at the supratemporal plane in the sylvian fissure on the MR image of the subject. In order to investigate the contribution of various errors to the localization accuracy, simulations using a sphere model and experiments using a realistically shaped skull phantom were performed. It was found that the background noise, which consisted of instrumental noise and spontaneous brain fields, was the main source of the errors that could explain the observed standard deviation. Further, the amount of systematic error was much less than the standard deviation due to the background noise. These results suggest that the volume currents in a non-spherical conductor shape such as the temporal region do not produce substantial errors in the localization of current dipoles from tangential components of auditory evoked fields.

Liquid chromatographic determination of less polar ginsenosides in processed ginseng.

Reversed-phase LC with an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) is used for the determination of less polar ginsenosides in processed ginseng. These ginsenosides include ginsenosides F4, Rg3, Rg5, Rg6, Rk1, Rk3, Rs3, Rs4, and Rs5. The method used a C18-bonded silica column with a CH3CN/H2O/CH3COOH gradient elution. (20R) and (20S) epimers and geometric isomers at the C-20 position of ginsenosides, which are not generally separated by amino columns, were now clearly separated.

Steaming of ginseng at high temperature enhances biological activity.

The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of steaming ginseng at a temperature over 100 degrees C on its chemical constituents and biological activities. Raw ginseng was steamed at 100, 110, and 120 degrees C for 2 h using an autoclave. The ginseng steamed at 120 degrees C was more potent in its ability to induce endothelium-dependent relaxation. Steaming the raw ginseng at 120 degrees C also remarkably increased the radical-scavenging activity. Ginsenosides F(4), Rg(3), and Rg(5), which were not present in raw ginseng, were produced after steaming. Ginsenosides Rg(3) and Rg(5) were the most abundant ginsenosides in the ginseng steamed at 120 degrees C, accounting for 39% and 19% of all ginsenosides, respectively.

Determination of betaine in Lycium chinense fruits by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

A rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometric method has been developed for the determination of betaine in Lycium chinense fruits. Betaine was analyzed on a system consisting of a NH2 stationary phase and a mobile phase of water-acetonitrile (25:75) by isocratic elution for 40 min. Betaine was identified and quantitated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring of the protonated ion [Betaine+H]+ and clustered ions [nBetaines+H]+. The limit of detection for betaine by this method was ca. 0.2 ng/ml and the relative standard deviations of the assay (intra- and inter-day) were less than 8.1%.

Involvement of the Fas/Fas ligand system in p53-mediated granulosa cell apoptosis during follicular development and atresia.

In the present study we have examined the presence of Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), and p53 in rat granulosa cells during follicular development and atresia, especially in relation to the granulosa cell cycle progression and the onset of granulosa cell apoptosis. Fas, FasL, and p53 proteins were immunolocalized, and their contents were determined by Western blotting. Granulosa cell apoptosis was assessed by DNA fragmentation analyses (DNA ladder) and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxy-UTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) as well as by flow cytometry. Ovaries not exposed to gonadotropins (control) consisted predominantly of preantral and early (small) antral follicles, the latter of which were mostly atretic and demonstrated intense TUNEL staining in granulosa cells exhibiting positive immunoreactivities for FasL and Fas. Granulosa cells isolated from these follicles were apoptotic, as evident by clear ladder pattern of DNA fragmentation upon electrophoretic analysis and the high percentage (>10%) of the cell population in the A0 phase of the cell cycle. After gonadotropin treatment, these features completely disappeared during each of the 3 days of follicular growth to the medium to large antral stages. Cell cycle analysis showed significantly higher proportion of the cells in S and G2/M phases compared with controls, which was accompanied by marked decrease in immunoreactivities for Fas, FasL, and p53. By days 4 and 5, widespread atresia and extensive granulosa cell apoptosis were noted in large antral and preovulatory follicles and were coincidental to increased expression of p53 and Fas, but not of FasL, as well as an apparent arrest of granulosa cell G1/S progression, as evident by an increased cell population in G0/G1 and a decrease in the S and G2/M. Granulosa cells from equine CG-primed ovaries exhibited marked increases in p53 and Fas protein contents and apoptosis after adenoviral p53-sense complementary DNA infection in vitro and were more responsive to Fas activation by an agonistic Fas monoclonal antibody challenge. Taken together, these findings are consistent with the well accepted concept that gonadotropin plays a central role as a survival factor in the regulation of granulosa cell Fas/FasL and p53 expression during ovarian follicular development. In addition, the control of granulosa cell apoptosis may involve two consecutive cellular/molecular events: cell cycle arrest at G1/S and exit from G0 into A0 phase, via regulation of the p53 and Fas/FasL death pathways.