Conservation Potential Trough In Vitro Regeneration of Two Threatened Medicinal Plants Ungernia sewertzowii and U. victoris.

Ungernia sewertzowii (US) and U. victoris (UV) are medicinal plants and sources of biologically active compounds for pharmaceutical needs. The leaves of US contain 0.29-0.81% sum of alkaloids with a predominance of lycorine, which is 0.04-0.46% in leaves and 0.15-0.38% in bulbs. Lycorine is used to treat acute and chronic bronchitis. The leaves of UV contain 0.27-0.71% sum of alkaloids with a predominance of galanthamine-0.13-1.15%. Galanthamine is used to treat mild-to-moderate dementia (Alzheimer's disease). The natural populations of US and UV are in danger as sources of income for local people. To resolve this problem, two protocols for microclonal propagation were developed to replace natural raw materials with in vitro regenerated plants. Callusogenesis of US and UV was induced on Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient media with 2.4D (0.5 mg/L) in combination with BAP (0.5 mg/L), Kin (0.5 mg/L), or Zea (0.5 mg/L). Direct (for US) and indirect (for US and UN) organogenesis were observed on MS with BAP (0.5 mg/L) or Kin (0.5 mg/L) in combination with IAA (0.5 mg/L) or NAA (0.5 mg/L). Direct organogenesis resulted in 3-5 bulbs of US on one explant; indirect organogenesis resulted in up to 100-150 bulbs of US and UV on one explant within 6 months, or five to six subcultures after transferring the callus to the nutrient medium. The tissue cultures of US and UV were characterized by very low data on antioxidant activity based on IC50 values for DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, whereas in vitro regenerated plants (leaves and bulbs) had higher data. We concluded that in vitro regenerated plants are valuable sources of lycorine and galanthamine, which allow the protection of the natural populations of these two species from extinction.

Dependence of Contextual Modulation in Macaque V1 on Interlaminar Signal Flow.

In visual cortex, neural correlates of subjective perception can be generated by modulation of activity from beyond the classical receptive field (CRF). In macaque V1, activity generated by nonclassical receptive field (nCRF) stimulation involves different intracortical circuitry than activity generated by CRF stimulation, suggesting that interactions between neurons across V1 layers differ under CRF and nCRF stimulus conditions. Using Neuropixels probes, we measured border ownership modulation within large, local populations of V1 neurons. We found that neurons in single columns preferred the same side of objects located outside of the CRF. In addition, we found that cross-correlations between pairs of neurons situated across feedback/horizontal and input layers differed between CRF and nCRF stimulation. Furthermore, independent of the comparison with CRF stimulation, we observed that the magnitude of border ownership modulation increased with the proportion of information flow from feedback/horizontal layers to input layers. These results demonstrate that the flow of signals between layers covaries with the degree to which neurons integrate information from beyond the CRF.

The effects of the administration sequence and the type of hypnotics on the development of remifentanil-induced chest wall rigidity: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Research on remifentanil-induced chest wall rigidity is limited. Furthermore, its incidence is unknown, and the clinical factors influencing its development remain unclear. This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of the administration sequence of hypnotics and remifentanil as well as the type of hypnotic administered on the development of remifentanil-induced chest wall rigidity. METHODS: A total of 125 older patients aged [Formula: see text] 65 years, who were scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia, were enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups; Thio-Remi, Pro-Remi, Remi-Thio, or Remi-Pro. After confirming the loss of consciousness and achieving a target effect-site concentration of 3 ng/mL remifentanil, the development of remifentanil-induced chest wall rigidity was evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of chest wall rigidity was significantly higher in the remifentanil-hypnotic group than in the hypnotic-remifentanil (opposite sequence) group (55.0% vs. 21.7%, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that remifentanil-hypnotic administration was a significant predictor of the development of chest wall rigidity (crude odds ratio 4.42, 95% confidence interval 1.99; 9.81, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with hypnotics potentially reduces the development of chest wall rigidity during the induction of balanced anesthesia with remifentanil in older patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This article was registered at WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (Trial number: KCT0006542).

Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties of Pinus densiflora Essential Oil.

The Korean mountains are home to the Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora). Pine needle oil has been used as a food additive and a traditional herbal medicine; however, any health-related properties of its trunk oil remain unknown. Herein, we assessed antibacterial and antiviral properties of essential oil extracted from the trunk of P. densiflora. Th extracted oil was hydrodistilled using a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of the oil was tested using the microbroth dilution technique against 10 bacterial species (6 g-positive and 4 g-negative) and fungi. The extract exerted strong antimicrobial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Propionibacterium acnes, and Malassezia furfur (minimum inhibitory concentration = 10 mL/L). Additionally, it exhibited dose-dependent activity against influenza virus A and feline coronavirus. Furthermore, among 20 identified constituents accounting for 98.7% of the oil contents, the major components included 3-cyclohexene-1-methanol (10.12%), 2-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-2-propanol (9.09%), fenchone (8.14%), O-isopropyltoluene (6.35%), and isothymol methyl ether (6.14%). The P. densiflora trunk essential oil showed antibacterial and antiviral activities that depended on its chemical composition and the microbial strains tested herein. The essential oil can be used as an antimicrobial agent and disinfectant.

Medial Branch Radiofrequency Treatment for Low-Back Pain in Cancer Patients: A Case Series.

Cancer patients are increasing in number, with an increased lifespan and advances in cancer treatment. Palliative care physicians often encounter difficulties in caring for patients with pain. In addition to cancer-related pain, patients with cancer may suffer from various musculoskeletal diseases, resulting in significant functional limitations of physical activities of daily living. We present three cases illustrating methods to deal with nonspecific mechanical low-back pain in patients with advanced cancer. We provide our therapeutic experiences, focusing on the usefulness of radiofrequency treatment in palliative care in patients with cancer.

Rapid correction of severe hyponatremia and control of subsequent overcorrection in operative hysteroscopy intravascular absorption syndrome: A case report.

RATIONALE: Operative hysteroscopy intravascular absorption syndrome (OHIAS) results from systemic absorption of hypotonic solution during hysteroscopy, which may induce severe hyponatremia within hours. Depending on the serum sodium (Na+) level, this can be life-threatening and requires prompt and careful remedial treatment. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES: A 53-year-old woman underwent hysteroscopic myomectomy for submucosal leiomyoma. Approximately 3 hours postoperatively, the serum Na+ level decreased to 82 mM/L, accompanied by pulmonary edema and lactic acidosis. The patient was strongly suspicious of OHIAS. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: A rapid correction was made using 3% NaCl to prevent brain edema as an initial response. After the serum Na+ level reached 120 mM/L, gradual correction was performed considering osmotic demyelination syndrome, and desmopressin was administered to prevent overcorrection caused by excessive water diuresis. Serum Na+ level normalized in 4 days and the patient recovered without any specific sequelae. LESSONS: The detection of OHIAS may be delayed under general anesthesia, and prior vigilance is important if the operation time is prolonged. In severe hyponatremia with an apparently rapid onset, such as OHIAS, a two-step correction process may be safe and useful: rapid correction followed by more gradual correction.

Unusual presentations of thoracic disc herniation treated by thoracic epidural block: Case reports.

RATIONALE: Herniation of the thoracic intervertebral disc (HTD) is a rare disease that accounts for <1% of all disc herniations. Physicians may make diagnostic errors due to the variable clinical features and limited experience of HTD. In this report, we present 2 unusual cases of HTD. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 72-year-old woman (case 1) visited our pain clinic because of chronic abdominal discomfort with visible bulging on the left side. Atrophy of the abdominal wall muscle and quadratus lumborum was observed. The therapeutic effect of interfascial plane block to exclude the possibility of truncal neuropathy following muscular atrophy was temporary. The other patient, a 75-year-old man (case 2) complained of aggravation of previously diagnosed postherpetic neuralgia. An extension of the previously symptomatic area of the forward upper dermatome was observed. Radiofrequency treatment on the symptomatic dorsal root ganglion failed to relieve symptoms. DIAGNOSES: Two patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the spine for further evaluation. The patients were diagnosed with multilevel HTD and foraminal herniated disc, compatible with their symptoms and without myelopathy. INTERVENTIONS: Two patients were conservatively treated with a fluoroscopy-guided transforaminal epidural block. OUTCOMES: The 2 patients experienced significant pain reduction up to 50% on a numeric rating scale after repeated treatment. LESSONS: Multilevel HTD of the mid- to lower-thoracic spine may present as abdominal bulging with atrophy of the abdominal wall muscles. We also report another case of concomitant symptomatic thoracic radiculopathy from HTD and postherpetic neuralgia at the adjacent level. Thoracic transforaminal epidural block may be considered a conservative therapeutic approach for HTD.

Antioxidant, Whitening, Antiwrinkle, and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ajuga spectabilis Nakai Extract.

Since ancient times, plants have been a good source of natural antioxidants. Plants remove active oxygen through antioxidants and contain various active ingredients. These active ingredients of plants are used to alleviate skin aging and chronic diseases. Ajuga spectabilis Nakai (AS) is a perennial plant, is endemic to Korea, and has the characteristics of alpine plants. The aim of this study was to assure the possibility of using AS as a functional natural and cosmetic material. For this, we carried out biologically activated material characteristic evaluations about antioxidant, wrinkle reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects using AS extract. To carry out this experiment, we extracted AS extract from AS water extract (AS-W) and AS 70% ethanol extract (AS-E). AS-E showed the highest DPPH activity and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. After, the measurement of metalloprotease (MMP)-1 inhibition effect showed the AS-W and AS-E activation at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. In addition, at the same concentration, from the result of the measurement of the biosynthesis quantity of pro-collagen type-1 we knew that its excellent effect appeared in AS-E (CCD-986sk). The inhibition of NO production in AS-W and AS-E was confirmed in LPS-induced mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. On cell viability, it was judged that AS-E had no toxicity because it showed a high cell viability at a high concentration, and it was used for the anti-inflammatory activity. Inhibition of NO production worked only in AS-E; inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and IL-6 were suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner in AS-E. AS is believed to be used as a natural cosmetic material because it has been proven to have antioxidant, whitening, wrinkle-improving, and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the results indicate that AS extract can play an important role as a functional natural material and a cosmetic material for whitening, wrinkle reduction, and anti-inflammatory effect.

Improved production of deglucosylated platycodin D from saponins from balloon flower leaf by a food-grade enzyme using high hydrostatic pressure.

Platycosides, saponins contained in balloon flower, which have been used as food health supplements for respiratory diseases, have diverse pharmacological effects. Platycosides exhibit better pharmacological activity by hydrolyzing their own sugars. However, to date, there have been no studies on the production of deglucosylated platycodin D suitable for food applications. In this study, Pluszyme 2000P, which was derived from Aspergillus niger, a food-grade microorganism, was used to completely convert platycoside E into deglucosylated platycodin D. For an efficient and economical production of deglucosylated platycodin D, the productivity was improved approximately 2.4 times by application of high hydrostatic pressure and the discarded balloon flower leaf was used as a substrate. As a result, deglucosylated platycodin D was produced with the highest concentration (3.49 mg/mL) and productivity (581.7 mg/L/h) reported so far. Our results contribute to functional saponin production and the related food industries.

The effect of an eye mask on midazolam requirement for sedation during spinal anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Midazolam is frequently used for sedation during spinal anesthesia. However, external environmental factors, such as bright surgical lights, may hamper patient relaxation, which may lead to an increase in the dose of midazolam required and the likelihood of adverse drug effects. We investigated whether using an eye mask to block the external environment could reduce midazolam requirements during spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Participants aged 18-‒80 years, scheduled for elective surgery under spinal anesthesia, were randomly divided into a masked group (wearing eye masks during surgery, n = 20) and a control group (no mask, n = 18). The sedation level was assessed using a modified Observer Assessment of Alertness and Sedation (MOAA/S) scale. Midazolam (1 mg) was incrementally administered every 5 min until moderate sedation (MOAA/S score of 3) was achieved. The bispectral index (BIS) was monitored, and the onset and maintenance times of a BIS < 80 were recorded. RESULTS: The two groups had similar demographic characteristics. The midazolam requirements were significantly lower in the masked group than in the control group (2.8 mg vs. 3.7 mg, P = 0.024). However, the onset and maintenance times for a BIS < 80 were similar. In addition, there were no significant differences in the incidence of side effects or patient satisfaction between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Blocking the external environment with an eye mask during spinal anesthesia can reduce the requirement for sedatives, such as midazolam. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was retrospectively registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (No. KCT0005528, 15/10/2020) entitled "Can we reduce an amount of sleeping pills just by blocking light?".

Bakkenolides and Caffeoylquinic Acids from the Aerial Portion of Petasites japonicus and Their Bacterial Neuraminidase Inhibition Ability.

Petasites japonicus have been used since a long time in folk medicine to treat diseases including plague, pestilential fever, allergy, and inflammation in East Asia and European countries. Bioactive compounds that may prevent and treat infectious diseases are identified based on their ability to inhibit bacterial neuraminidase (NA). We aimed to isolate and identify bioactive compounds from leaves and stems of P. japonicas (PJA) and elucidate their mechanisms of NA inhibition. Key bioactive compounds of PJA responsible for NA inhibition were isolated using column chromatography, their chemical structures revealed using 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, DEPT, and HMBC, and identified to be bakkenolide B (1), bakkenolide D (2), 1,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3), and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4). Of these, 3 exhibited the most potent NA inhibitory activity (IC50 = 2.3 ± 0.4 µM). Enzyme kinetic studies revealed that 3 and 4 were competitive inhibitors, whereas 2 exhibited non-competitive inhibition. Furthermore, a molecular docking simulation revealed the binding affinity of these compounds to NA and their mechanism of inhibition. Negative-binding energies indicated high proximity of these compounds to the active site and allosteric sites of NA. Therefore, PJA has the potential to be further developed as an antibacterial agent for use against diseases associated with NA.

Indoor levels of volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde from emission sources at elderly care centers in Korea.

The objective of this study is to characterize indoor and outdoor levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde (HCHO) and identify indoor emission sources in thirty elderly care centers (ECCs) located in the Seoul metropolitan city and Gyeonggi province in Korea. Air monitoring samples from indoor and outdoor environments were collected from January to December in 2007. Statistical analyses of indoor and outdoor VOCs and HCHO levels in three rooms (a bedroom, living, and dining rooms) of each ECC were performed, and these were compared to identify environmental factors associated with an increase of indoor pollution levels. Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) levels were significantly (p<0.05) different between indoor (230.7±1.7 µg/m3) and outdoor (137.8±1.9 µg/m3) environments, with an I/O ratio of 1.67. The indoor HCHO level (20.1±1.6 µg/m3) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the outdoor level (8.1±1.9 µg/m3), with an I/O ratio of 2.48. Indoor VOCs and HCHO levels in the bedrooms were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those in the living and dining rooms. Furthermore, indoor levels of VOCs and HCHO at ECCs were significantly (p<0.05) different depending on environmental factors such as the use of carpet, paint, and wooden furniture. In multiple regression analysis, indoor VOCs and HCHO levels at ECCs were significantly (p<0.05) correlated with two micro-environmental factors: the use of carpet and paint. This study confirmed that indoor VOCs and HCHO levels were significantly higher than those in outdoor environments. These air pollutants were mainly emitted from indoor sources, such as carpet, paint, and construction materials at the ECCs in Korea.

Protection of Radiation-Induced DNA Damage by Functional Cosmeceutical Poly-Gamma-Glutamate.

This study compared the radioprotective effects of high-molecular-weight poly-gamma-glutamate (γ-PGA, average molecular mass 3,000 kDa) and a reduced form of glutathione (GSH, a known radioprotector) on calf thymus DNA damage. The radiation-induced DNA damage was measured on the basis of the decreased fluorescence intensity after binding the DNA with ethidium bromide. All the experiments used 6°Co gamma radiation at 1,252 Gy, representing 50% DNA damage. When increasing the concentration of γ-PGA from 0.33 to 1.65 µM, the DNA protection from radiation-induced damage also increased, with a maximum of 87% protection. Meanwhile, the maximal DNA protection when increasing the concentration of GSH was only 70%. Therefore, γ-PGA exhibited significant radioprotective effects against gamma irradiation.

Serum leptin and adiponectin levels in Korean patients with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a disorder caused by genetic and immunological factors. Leptin, a peptide hormone secreted predominantly from adipose tissue, regulates energy intake and expenditure, as well as the T-helper response. There have been conflicting reports regarding serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in patients with psoriasis. In the present study, we measured serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in Korean patients with psoriasis. Twenty-four patients with psoriasis and fifteen control subjects were included in the study. Serum leptin and adiponectin levels were determined by an immunometric sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mean serum leptin concentration in patients with psoriasis was higher than in controls, and the difference was statistically significant. In contrast, serum adiponectin levels in patients with psoriasis were significantly decreased compared with healthy controls. Leptin levels in vitamin D-deficient patients were statistically significantly higher than in vitamin D-sufficient patients. Serum adiponectin concentrations showed a negative correlation with body mass index (BMI) and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) in patients with psoriasis. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that leptin and adiponectin may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis and may be useful biomarkers indicating severity of psoriasis in Korean patients.

Effect of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate coating on digestive stability and intestinal transport of green tea catechins.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate (HPMCP) coating on the digestive stability and intestinal transport of green tea catechins (GTCs). METHODS: Two types of HPMCP coating were prepared: one type with size smaller than 500 µm (S-HPMCP) and the other with size larger than 500 µm (L-HPMCP). An in vitro gastrointestinal model system coupled with Caco-2 cells was used for estimating the bioavailability of GTCs. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector was performed to analyze GTCs. RESULTS: The digestive stability of GTCs was enhanced up to 33.73% and 35.28% for S-HPMCP and L-HPMCP, respectively. Intestinal transport of the GTCs was increased to 22.98% and 23.23% for S-HPMCP and L-HPMCP, respectively. Overall, the bioavailability of GTCs increased by 4.08 and 11.71 times for S-HPMCP and L-HPMCP, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm that coating with HPMCP could be a way to improve the digestive stability and intestinal transport of GTCs.

Green tea formulations with vitamin C and xylitol on enhanced intestinal transport of green tea catechins.

The effect of green tea formulated with vitamin C and xylitol on intestinal cell transport of gallated and nongallated catechin was studied. The transport of catechins from both apical to basolateral and basolateral to apical directions was measured. The effect of vitamin C (4, 10, 20 ppm), xylitol (11, 27.5, 55 ppm), and combinations of both on the intestinal transport rate of catechins was examined. The efflux value (Pb→a/Pa→b) of (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (-)-epicatechin (EC), and (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) was 0.26, 0.22, 1.22, and 0.17, respectively, indicating that EC appeared to be less absorbed compared with other catechins. The addition of xylitol (11, 27.5, 55 ppm) and vitamin C (4, 10, 20 ppm) and in combination enhanced transport rate of nongallated catechins such as EC and EGC. For EC, vitamin C was revealed to be the most effective on intestinal transport, implying the inhibition of the efflux transport mechanism of EC. Intestinal transport of gallated catechins significantly increased from catechins formulated with vitamin C and xylitol in a dose-dependent manner compared to the catechin-only formulation. Results provide a potential strategy to enhance the delivery and bioavailability of catechins in humans by modulating green tea formulation with vitamin C and xylitol.

A intense-focused ultrasound tightening for the treatment of infraorbital laxity.

BACKGROUND: Infraorbital laxity is a common problem that increases with age. Blepharoplasty with lipectomy is a very commonly performed surgical procedure to treat this problem; however, it is invasive and is associated with the potential for re-emergence. Therefore, young patients may prefer a non-surgical procedure rather than to a surgical procedure. Intense-focused ultrasound (IFUS) has emerged as an effective, non-surgical, tissue-tightening procedure. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the safety and efficacy of IFUS (Ulthera system, Ulthera Inc, Mesa, AZ, U.S.A.) for facial tightening in Asian patients with infraorbital laxity. METHODS: We studied 15 patients who were treated with an IFUS device applied to both lower eyelids. The primary outcome measure was an objective improvement in a paired comparison of pre-treatment and post treatment (6 months) photographs. A secondary outcome measure was patient satisfaction as measured by a questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 50 years (range, 27-69). All patients received one to two treatments with intense-focused ultrasound. All patients in the study experienced both subjective and objective improvement. CONCLUSION: IFUS can be used as a non-invasive, skin-tightening procedure for infraorbital laxity. No serious, permanent, or delayed side effects were noted up to 6 months post treatment. Thus, this procedure can be effective and safe in the treatment of decreased laxity of the lower eyelids.