Application of a cognitive program with a comprehensive strategy feedback for Korean older adults.

This study assesses the effect of a cognitive program with a comprehensive strategy feedback on the cognitive function and memory self-efficacy of community-dwelling older adults and explores its applicability in Korea. The study employed a group pre-posttest design on 10 cognitively normal older participants. The four-week cognitive program involved daily completion of cognitive tasks at home using CoTras-Pro 2 and remotely provided individual non-face-to-face feedback. Additionally, biweekly face-to-face group feedback sessions were conducted with five participants. The Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Korean-Color Word Stroop Test, and the Memory Self-Efficacy Questionnaire were used. Post-interviews were conducted to collect feedback. The program exerted a notable positive impact on cognitive function and memory self-efficacy. A study designed as a large-scale program conducted in collaboration with community-based public and private organizations holds the potential to be modeled for similar intervention programs involving a large number of participants.

Hemodynamic responses to 1 MAC desflurane inhalation during anesthesia induction with propofol bolus and remifentanil continuous infusion: a prospective randomized single-blind clinical investigation.

BACKGROUND: Desflurane is not recommended during anesthesia induction because of its sympathetic stimulation effect, particularly in patients with myocardial ischemic disease. To date, the hemodynamic response to 1 MAC desflurane inhalation in combination with remifentanil infusion during anesthesia induction has rarely been reported. METHODS: This investigation was designed to compare hemodynamic responses to 1 MAC desflurane (group D, n = 200) with sevoflurane (group S, n = 200) during anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation in adult patients undergoing elective spine surgery. Subgroup analysis of the different age subgroups was also performed. With continuous infusion of remifentanil 0.1 µg/kg/min, anesthesia was induced with propofol bolus, and endotracheal intubation was performed after muscle relaxation. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were measured every minute for 5 min after anesthesia induction (T1-5) and after endotracheal intubation (T6-10). RESULTS: HR was significantly higher in group D (n = 182) than in group S (n = 173) at T3-10 except at T6 (1 min after intubation) (all P < 0.05). In the age-based subgroup analyses, which subdivided the group D and S into four subgroups based on patient's age, the changes in HR from baseline values were significantly different between the coeval subgroups of patients in their 20-29 years and 30-39 years of age (all P < 0.05). MAP was reduced from baseline value, irrespective of group and age. CONCLUSION: Inhalation of 1 MAC desflurane during anesthesia induction with propofol bolus and remifentanil continuous infusion and during endotracheal intubation was more likely to induce elevations in HR more likely than 1 MAC sevoflurane, especially in younger patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS, http://cris.nih.go.kr ) of the Republic of Korea on Feb 12, 2016 (Registration No. KCT 0,001,813).

Remimazolam Anaphylaxis during Induction of General Anesthesia Confirmed by Provocation Test-A Case Report and Literature Review.

Background: Remimazolam besylate, a newly developed drug, is linked to various anaphylaxis cases. We present a case of remimazolam anaphylaxis confirmed using a provocation test. Case: A 51-year-old female patient was scheduled for humeral pinning. General anesthesia was induced using remimazolam, rocuronium, and remifentanil. After tracheal intubation, the patient experienced decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and a systemic rash. Epinephrine was administered repeatedly, and the patient's vital signs stabilized. Acute phase tryptase levels were within normal limits. After four weeks, intradermal test results were negative. When remimazolam was administered intravenously for the provocation test, facial swelling, flushing, and coughing occurred, which improved with epinephrine. The culprit drug was identified as remimazolam using a provocation test. Conclusions: When anaphylaxis occurs during anesthesia induction, remimazolam should not be ruled out as the causative drug. If the skin test result for remimazolam is negative, a provocation test should be considered. The provocation test should be initiated cautiously at a low dose under careful patient monitoring.

A Plant Virus-Based Vector System for Gene Function Studies in Pepper.

While pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a highly recalcitrant species for genetic transformation studies, plant virus-based vectors can provide alternative and powerful tools for transient regulation and functional analysis of genes of interest in pepper. In this study, we established an effective virus-based vector system applicable for transient gain- and loss-of-function studies in pepper using Broad bean wilt virus2 (BBWV2). We engineered BBWV2 as a dual gene expression vector for simultaneous expression of two recombinant proteins in pepper cells. In addition, we established enhanced and stable expression of recombinant proteins from the BBWV2-based dual vector via coexpression of a heterologous viral suppressor of RNA silencing. We also developed a BBWV2-based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) vector, and we successfully silenced the phytoene desaturase gene (PDS) using the BBWV2-based VIGS vector in various pepper cultivars. Additionally, we optimized the BBWV2-based VIGS system in pepper by testing the efficiency of PDS gene silencing under different conditions. This BBWV2-based vector system represents a convenient approach for rapid and simple analysis of gene functions in pepper.

Potential use of newly isolated bacteriophage as a biocontrol against Acidovorax citrulli.

Acidovorax citrulli, the gram-negative bacteria that causes bacterial fruit blotch (BFB), has been responsible for huge worldwide economic losses in watermelon and melon production since 1980. No commercial cultivar resistant to BFB has been reported. Of the two reported genotypes of A. citrulli, genotype I is the main causal agent of BFB in melon and genotype II causes disease in watermelon. After the isolation of the first bacteriophage against A. citrulli (ACP17), efforts have been made to isolate bacteriophages with wider host ranges by collecting samples from watermelon, pumpkin, and cucumber. The newly isolated phage ACPWH, belonging to the Siphoviridae family, has a head size of 60 ± 5 nm and tail size of 180 ± 5 nm, and can infect 39 out of 42 A. citrulli strains. ACPWH has genome size of 42,499 and GC content of 64.44%. Coating watermelon seeds with bacteriophage ACPWH before soil inoculation with A. citrulli resulted in 96% germination and survival, compared to 13% germination of uncoated control seeds. These results suggest that phage ACPWH may be an effective and low-cost biocontrol agent against BFB.

The complete genome sequence of a novel virus, bellflower veinal mottle virus, suggests the existence of a new genus within the family Potyviridae.

A new virus was isolated from a bellflower (Campanula takesimana) plant showing veinal mottle symptoms, and its complete genome sequence was determined. The viral genome consists of a positive-sense single-stranded RNA of 8,259 ribonucleotides. Electron microscopic observation revealed that the viral genome is packaged as a filamentous particle with an average length of approximately 760 nm. BLAST searches of protein databases showed that the encoded polyprotein has a maximum amino acid sequence identity of 34.1% (with 95% coverage) to that of the isolate AD of Chinese yam necrotic mosaic virus (CYNMV; genus Macluravirus). Phylogenetic analysis and comparison of the encoded amino acid sequences with those of other viruses demonstrated that the identified virus shows minimal sequence similarity to known viruses and should therefore be considered a member of a new genus in the family Potyviridae. The name bellflower veinal mottle virus (BVMoV) is proposed for this new virus.

Complete genome sequence of longan witches' broom-associated virus, a novel member of the family Potyviridae.

The complete genome sequence of a new virus isolated from a longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) plant showing witches' broom syndrome was determined. The viral genome is composed of a monopartite single-stranded RNA of 9,428 nucleotides excluding the 3' poly(A) tail and contains one large single open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of 3086 amino acids. BLAST searches of protein databases showed that the encoded polyprotein has a maximum amino acid sequence identity of 35% (with 85% coverage) to that of the isolate Minnesota of rose yellow mosaic virus (RoYMV; family Potyviridae; genus not assigned). Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the genome and encoded protein sequences showed that the identified virus has the general features that are characteristic of members of the family Potyviridae although it has extremely low sequence similarity to known members of the family Potyviridae. The name longan witches' broom-associated virus (LWBaV) is proposed for this new virus, which may be considered a member of a new genus in the family Potyviridae.

Association Between Arterial Carbon Dioxide Tension and Outcome in Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the association between PaCO2 and patient outcome in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Single-institutional, university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: All patients admitted to the ICU after CABG between January 2009 and December 2012. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Based on PaCO2 status during the first 24 hours after CABG, 1,011 patients were classified into 4 groups: normocapnia, hypocapnia, hypercapnia, and dual hyper/hypocapnia. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.7% (n = 4) for normocapnia, 1.5% (n = 4) for hypocapnia, 2.2% (n = 3) for hypercapnia, and 7.5% (n = 4) for the dual-exposure group. The extubation times were 13.3±21.7 hours, 15.8±21.37 hours, 21.79±39.70 hours, and 42.29±75.35 hours, respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables, the dual hypocapnia and hypercapnia exposure group was associated with increased 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 8.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.82-35.86; p = 0.006) and delayed extubation (OR = 2.40; 95% CI, 1.24-4.64; p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to both hypocapnia and hypercapnia within 24 hours after CABG was associated independently with increased risk of 30-day mortality and delayed extubation. Exposure to either hypocapnia or hypercapnia alone was not associated with patient outcome.

Genetic variants of the gasdermin B gene associated with the development of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory diseases.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is characterized by a severe and sudden asthma attack after aspirin ingestion in patients with asthma. We studied associations with six common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the gasdermin B gene (GSDMB). OBJECTIVE: DNA obtained from 572 patients with asthma (with AERD, n = 165; and with aspirin-tolerant asthma, n = 407) and 391 normal controls was subjected to genotyping of six SNPs of GSDMB. METHODS: An association analysis between GSDMB variants and AERD, with a fall rate of the forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV1), was performed by using logistic and regression models. RESULTS: Two SNPs in the intron (rs870830, rs7216389) showed significant associations with AERD (minimum p = 7.00 × 10-4 in the dominant model), even after Bonferroni correction (pcorr = 0.01 for the rs870830). Regression analysis of the genetic variants with FEV1 revealed significant associations with rs870830 and the haplotype 2 (pcorr = 4.71 × 10-4 for rs870830 and pcorr = 1.14 × 10-3 for haplotype 2, respectively). CONCLUSION: We found strong associations among GSDMB polymorphisms and the presence of AERD and FEV1 in Korean patients with asthma. Our findings indicated that genetic variations of GSDMB may be associated with the development of AERD and aspirin-induced bronchospasm.

A Phase 2a Study of Benralizumab for Patients with Eosinophilic Asthma in South Korea and Japan.

BACKGROUND: Airway eosinophils are considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Interleukin-5 is believed to be a key cytokine for the development, proliferation and activation of eosinophils. Benralizumab is an anti-interleukin-5 receptor α monoclonal antibody that depletes blood and airway eosinophils. We conducted a phase 2a study in South Korea and Japan to evaluate the effect of benralizumab in an East Asian population. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of benralizumab in adults with uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma with 2-6 incidences of exacerbations in the past year using a medium/high dose of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting ß2-agonists. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The subjects (n = 106) were randomized into four groups: placebo (n = 27) or benralizumab 2 mg (n = 27), 20 mg (n = 26) and 100 mg (n = 26). Benralizumab or placebo were administered subcutaneously on weeks 0 (day 1), 4, 8, 16, 24, 32 and 40. The primary endpoint was the asthma exacerbation rate at week 52. RESULTS: The asthma exacerbation rate was reduced by 33, 45 or 36% versus the placebo group when treated with 2, 20 or 100 mg of benralizumab, respectively. The percent mean change in forced expiratory volume at 1 s increased with each of the three doses in subjects treated with benralizumab. CONCLUSIONS: Benralizumab reduced asthma exacerbation and improved lung function and asthma control in adults with uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of once-daily fluticasone furoate/vilanterol in Asian patients with asthma uncontrolled on a low- to mid-strength inhaled corticosteroid or low-dose inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta2-agonist.

BACKGROUND: Response to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) combinations varies across ethnic groups. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the ICS/LABA combination fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI) 100/25 µg in Asian patients with asthma. METHODS: A randomized (1:1), 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multicenter phase III study of once-daily FF/VI 100/25 µg versus placebo in patients of Asian ancestry ages ≥12 years with asthma, uncontrolled on a low- to mid-strength ICS or low-dose ICS/LABA. The primary end point was the mean change from baseline in the daily evening peak expiratory flow. Secondary end points were the mean change from baseline in percentage rescue-free 24-hour periods, daily morning peak expiratory flow, percentage symptom-free 24-hour periods, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score, adverse events, and severe exacerbations. RESULTS: The intent-to-treat population was 307 patients. There were significant (p < 0.001) improvements from baseline for FF/VI 100/25 µg versus placebo in evening peak expiratory flow (51.0 L/min [95% confidence interval {CI}, 42.2-59.7 L/min]) and all secondary end points (percentage rescue-free 24-hour periods 21.8% [95% CI, 14.6-29.1%]; morning peak expiratory flow 52.9 L/min [95% CI, 44.2-61.6 L/min]; percentage symptom-free 24-hour periods 15.8% [95% CI, 9.4-22.3%]; Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score 0.52 [95% CI, 0.28, 0.75]). On-treatment adverse events were 35% with FF/VI (n = 2 [serious]), 31% with placebo; severe exacerbations were FF/VI (n = 1), placebo (n = 7). CONCLUSIONS: In patients of Asian ancestry, once-daily FF/VI 100/25 µg produced statistically and clinically significant improvements in efficacy end points versus placebo, with a generally similar safety profile. Results were consistent with a global phase III study of FF/VI 100/25 µg. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01498679.

Psychroserpens jangbogonensis sp. nov., a psychrophilic bacterium isolated from Antarctic marine sediment.

A Gram-staining-negative, yellow-pigmented, aerobic, rod-shaped and non-motile bacterium, PAMC 27130(T), was isolated from the marine sediment of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. The temperature, pH and NaCl tolerance ranges for growth were 4-20 °C, pH 6.0-9.0 and 0.5-5.0 % (w/v) NaCl, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain PAMC 27130(T) belonged to the genus Psychroserpens and was closely related to Psychroserpens mesophilus, Psychroserpens damuponensis and Psychroserpens burtonensis with 97.2, 94.7 and 94.2 % sequence similarities, respectively. Genomic relatedness analyses based on average nucleotide identity and genome-to-genome distance showed that strain PAMC 27130(T) could be clearly distinguished from other species of the genus Psychroserpens . The genomic DNA G+C content was 32.7 mol%. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were C20 : 4ω6c (13.2 %), iso-C15 : 0 (12.3 %), iso-C15 : 1 G (11.7 %) and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH (10.0 %). The major respiratory isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-6 (MK-6) and the polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified aminophospholipid and three unidentified lipids. On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic data collected in this study, it is proposed that strain PAMC 27130(T) represents a novel species of the genus Psychroserpens, for which the name Psychroserpens jangbogonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PAMC 27130(T) ( = KCTC 42128(T) = JCM 30228(T)).

Complete genome sequence of yacon necrotic mottle virus, a novel putative member of the genus Badnavirus.

The complete genome sequence of a previously undescribed virus isolated from a yacon plant exhibiting necrotic mottle, chlorosis, stunting, and leaf malformation symptoms in Gyeongju, Korea, was determined. The genome of this virus consists of one circular double-stranded DNA of 7661 bp in size. The genome contained four open reading frames (ORFs 1 to 4) on the plus strand that potentially encode proteins of 26, 32, 234, and 25 kDa. Protein BLAST analysis showed that ORF3, which is the largest ORF, has 45 % amino acid sequence identity (with 89 % coverage) to the ORF3 of fig badnavirus 1 (FBV-1), a recently identified badnavirus. Phylogenetic analysis provided further evidence that the virus identified in this study is probably a member of a new species in the genus Badnavirus. The name yacon necrotic mottle virus (YNMoV) is proposed for this new virus.

Complete genome sequence of bellflower vein chlorosis virus, a novel putative member of the genus Waikavirus.

The complete genome sequence of a new virus isolated from a bellflower (Campanula takesimana) plant was determined. The genome of this virus is composed of monopartite single-stranded RNA of 11,649 nucleotides in length. BLAST searches of protein databases showed that the encoded polyprotein has a maximum amino acid sequence identity of 42% (with 99% coverage) to the polyprotein of the isolate Orissa of rice tungro spherical virus (RTSV; genus Waikavirus). Phylogenetic analysis strongly supports that the identified virus is a member of a new species of the genus Waikavirus. The name bellflower vein chlorosis virus (BVCV) is proposed for this new virus.

Complete genome sequence of motherwort yellow mottle virus, a novel putative member of the genus Torradovirus.

The complete genome sequence of a new virus isolated from a motherwort plant exhibiting yellow mottle, mild mosaic, and stunting symptoms in Andong, Korea, was determined. The genome of this virus is composed of two single-stranded RNAs (7068 and 4963 nucleotides in length, respectively) carrying poly(A) tails. RNA1 contains one large open reading frame (RNA1-ORF1), while two potential ORFs (RNA2-ORF1 and RNA2-ORF2) were found in RNA2. BLAST searches of protein databases showed that RNA1-ORF1 and RNA2-ORF2 have maximum amino acid sequence identities of 53 % and 57 % to the RNA1-ORF1 and RNA2-ORF2, respectively, of lettuce necrotic leaf curl virus (LNLCV, a recently identified torradovirus). Phylogenetic analysis provided further evidence that the virus identified in this study is probably a member of a new species in the genus Torradovirus. The name "motherwort yellow mottle virus" (MYMoV) is proposed for this new virus.

Molecular genetic analysis of cucumber mosaic virus populations infecting pepper suggests unique patterns of evolution in Korea.

Studying genetic structure and diversity of viruses is important to understand the evolutionary mechanisms that generate and maintain variations in viral populations. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is endemic in most pepper fields in Korea. Currently, no effective methods for control of CMV are available due to many environmental and biological factors such as the extensive evolutionary capacity of CMV. Thus, analyzing the genetic structure of CMV populations may facilitate the development of strategies for the control of CMV. In this study, 252 pepper (Capsicum annuum) samples showing virus symptoms were collected by field surveys performed throughout Korea in 2007. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that, in total, 165 collected samples were infected with CMV. Forty-five CMV isolates were randomly selected within each regional subpopulation and analyzed by full-genome sequencing. Analyses of genetic diversity showed that the 2b gene of CMV is under weaker purifying selection than the other genes. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of RNA1, the CMV isolates from pepper were divided into three clusters in subgroup I. Our full-genome sequence-based molecular analyses of the CMV Korean population suggest that the subpopulations of CMV have been geographically localized in pepper fields in Korea.

Nicardipine infusion for hypotensive anesthesia during orthognathic surgery has protective effect on renal function.

PURPOSE: Hypotensive anesthesia may adversely affect renal function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the renoprotective effect of nicardipine in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery under hypotensive anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blinded randomized controlled study, healthy patients undergoing orthognathic surgery were enrolled to evaluate renal function during and after hypotensive anesthesia. The predictor variable was the agent, nicardipine vs remifentanil, used to maintain mean arterial pressure at 50 to 65 mm Hg. Primary outcome variables were renal function markers and secondary outcome variables were hemodynamic data, which were measured before hypotension, 2 hours after hypotension, 1 hour postoperatively (t3), and 24 hours postoperatively. Linear mixed model was used to analyze repeatedly measured data. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were randomly allocated to receive remifentanil (R group; n = 23) or nicardipine (N group; n = 23). The renal tubular function marker, urinary N-acetyl-1-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), was lower at t3 in the N group than in the R group (P = .014). In the N group, fractional excretion of sodium was significantly higher at t3 compared with baseline (P < .0001). The 2 groups did not show any differences in estimated creatinine clearance and serum cystatin C. CONCLUSION: Subclinical and reversible renal dysfunction appears during hypotensive anesthesia in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. Continuous infusion of nicardipine attenuated the increase in NAG, which is a marker of renal tubular injury, during hypotensive anesthesia with desflurane and remifentanil.

Antibacterial and antioxidant capacity of polar microorganisms isolated from Arctic lichen Ochrolechia sp..

Although many scientists have been studying lichens, the bacterial communities among lichens have not been fully explored. In this study, the biological activities of bacterial isolates from Arctic lichen Ochrolechia sp. were screened. Cell cultures were extracted using ethyl acetate, and these cultures were tested for antibacterial and antioxidant activities. To evaluate the antibacterial activities, we carried out a disk diffusion test and minimum inhibitory concentration assay. The inhibition zone diameter (mm) was 8 to 12, and its MIC value ranged from 222.0 to > 1000 µg/ml (control antibiotic ampicillin ranged from 0.31 to 0.58 µg/ml). PAMC26625 (Sphingomonas sp., sequence similarity: 99.108%) showed a high amount of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents within 5 extracts and also exhibited 77.23% and 80.02% in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl assay and the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) assay, respectively. In the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, it was determined that PAMC26625 contained a higher amount of ferrous ion [8.72 mM Fe(II)/mg extract] than control ascorbic acid [6.21 mM Fe(II)/mg extract]. Our data indicated that they had potential to be novel sources of antibacterials and antioxidants.

Eosinophilic pleuritis due to sparganum: a case report.

Sparganosis is a rare parasitic disease caused by migrating plerocercoid tapeworm larva of the genus Spirometra. Infection in humans is mainly caused by the ingestion of raw or inadequately cooked flesh of infected frogs, snakes, and chickens. Here, we report a rare case of a 45-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with left lower chest pain. The chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed localized pleural effusion in the left lower lobe; further, peripheral blood eosinophilia and eosinophilic pleural effusion were present. Percutaneous catheter drainage was performed, which revealed long worm-shaped material that was identified as a sparganum by DNA sequencing. The patient showed clinical improvement after drainage of the sparganum. This study demonstrates the importance of considering parasitic diseases in the differential diagnosis of eosinophilic pleural effusion.

Social Network Typologies and Digital Literacy Differences among Korean Older Adults: A Latent Class Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study categorized older Korean adults' social networks and analyzed their characteristics and digital literacy differences based on type. METHODS: We analyzed data from 9,377 Korean older adult participants of the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans, and performed latent class analysis (LCA) chi-square and Welch's F analyses to understand the characteristics of each social network type. The Games-Howell post-hoc test was applied to determine the significance of differences between groups. RESULTS: The three social network types derived using LCA were "child-centered," "child-friend," and "friend-centered." The digital literacy levels differed significantly according to social network type. CONCLUSION: The results of this study can be used to propose intervention programs and services associated with older adults' social networks by examining their social network types and the corresponding differences in digital literacy.