Costaria costata Extract Suppresses Development of Atopic Dermatitis in chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene-treated NC/Nga Mice.

We investigated the potential effects of Costaria costata (CC) on atopic dermatitis (AD) development in chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-treated NC/Nga mice. CC is a brown alga distributed across the seas of Korea, China, and Japan. A total of 40 mice were randomly assigned to 5 groups with 8 mice per group: untreated Balb/c mice, AD control (0.1% w/v DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice), positive control (i.e., DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice fed a dietary supplement of 66.6 mg/kg of body weight [b.w.] of CJLP133), DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice fed a dietary supplement of 100 mg/kg b.w. of CCE10 (CCE10 100), and DNCB-treated mice fed a dietary supplement of 300 mg/kg b.w. of CCE10 (CCE10 300) groups. The CCE10 100 and CCE10 300 treatment groups suppressed AD development including clinical and histopathological changes and a reduction in skin hydration induced by DNCB. In addition, Th2 cytokine production in primary splenocytes, serum IgE and histamine production, and mast cell infiltration into the skin were suppressed in the CCE10 300 mice compared to the CCE10 100 mice. Our finding demonstrated an inhibitory effect of CCE10 in AD development by means of improving the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and anti-inflammatory effect in an in vivo model.

Enhancement of the depth-of-field of integral imaging microscope by using switchable bifocal liquid-crystalline polymer micro lens array.

An integral imaging microscopy (IIM) system with improved depth-of-field (DoF) using a custom-designed bifocal polarization-dependent liquid-crystalline polymer micro lens array (LCP-MLA) is proposed. The implemented MLA has improved electro-optical properties such as a small focal ratio, high fill factor, low driving voltage, and fast switching speed, utilizing a well-aligned reactive mesogen on the imprinted reverse shape of the lens and a polarization switching layer. A bifocal MLA switches its focal length according to the polarization angle and acquires different DoF information of the specimen. After two elemental image arrays are captured, the depth-slices are reconstructed and combined to provide a widened DoF. The fabricated bifocal MLA consists of two identical polarization-dependent LCP-MLAs with 1.6 mm and f/16 focal ratio. Our experimental results confirmed that the proposed system improves the DoF of IIM without the need for mechanical manipulation.

Enhanced depth-of-field of an integral imaging microscope using a bifocal holographic optical element-micro lens array.

We propose and implement an integral imaging microscope with extended depth-of-field (DoF) using a bifocal holographic micro lens array (MLA). The properties of the two MLAs are switched via peristrophic multiplexing, where different properties of the MLA are recorded onto the single holographic optical element (HOE). The recorded MLA properties are perpendicular to each other: after the first mode is recorded, the HOE is rotated by 90° clockwise, and the second mode is recorded. The experimental results confirm that the DoF of the integral imaging microscopy system is extended successfully by using the bifocal MLA.

Kicking modality during erratic-dynamic and static condition effects the muscular co-activation of attacker.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of different kicking modality, i.e., erratic-dynamic target (EDT) versus static target (ST) on the performance of the roundhouse kick in two groups of taekwondo athletes of different skill level. Three-dimensional analysis and surface electromyography (SEMG) analysis were performed on 12 (Group A: six sub-elite, Group B: six elite) athletes to investigate muscle co-activation pattern under two conditions, i.e., EDT versus ST. In the results, the muscle recruitment ratio of the agonistic muscles was higher for Group A, whereas Group B had higher recruitment ratio for antagonist muscles. Overall, the co-activation index (CI) of hip joints appeared higher in the extensors for Group A, whereas higher CI was observed in flexor muscles for Group B with comparatively higher CI during EDT condition than ST condition. Higher value of CI was observed in flexor muscles of the knee joints among Group A during EDT conditions, in contrast, higher CI in the extensor muscles was observed among Group B during ST conditions. In conclusion, the study confirmed that erratic-dynamic movements of target could change the movement coordination pattern to maintain the joint stability of participants.

Integral imaging microscopy with enhanced depth-of-field using a spatial multiplexing.

A depth-of-field enhancement method for integral imaging microscopy system using a spatial multiplexing structure consisting of a beamsplitter with dual video channels and micro lens arrays is proposed. A computational integral imaging reconstruction algorithm generates two sets of depth-sliced images for the acquired depth information of the captured elemental image arrays and the well-focused depth-slices of both image sets are combined where each is focused on a different depth plane of the specimen. A prototype is implemented, and the experimental results demonstrate that the depth-of-field of the reconstructed images in the proposed integral imaging microscopy is significantly increased compared with conventional integral imaging microscopy systems.

Real-time interactive display for integral imaging microscopy.

A real-time interactive orthographic-view image display of integral imaging (II) microscopy that includes the generation of intermediate-view elemental images (IVEIs) for resolution enhancement is proposed. Unlike the conventional II microscopes, parallel processing through a graphics processing unit is required for real-time display that generates the IVEIs and interactive orthographic-view images in high speed, according to the user interactive input. The real-time directional-view display for the specimen for which 3D information is acquired through II microscopy is successfully demonstrated by using resolution-enhanced elemental image arrays. A user interactive feature is also satisfied in the proposed real-time interactive display for II microscopy.

Analysis on enhanced depth of field for integral imaging microscope.

Depth of field of the integral imaging microscope is studied. In the integral imaging microscope, 3-D information is encoded as a form of elemental images Distance between intermediate plane and object point decides the number of elemental image and depth of field of integral imaging microscope. From the analysis, it is found that depth of field of the reconstructed depth plane image by computational integral imaging reconstruction is longer than depth of field of optical microscope. From analyzed relationship, experiment using integral imaging microscopy and conventional microscopy is also performed to confirm enhanced depth of field of integral imaging microscopy.

High speed image space parallel processing for computer-generated integral imaging system.

In an integral imaging display, the computer-generated integral imaging method has been widely used to create the elemental images from a given three-dimensional object data. Long processing time, however, has been problematic especially when the three-dimensional object data set or the number of the elemental lenses are large. In this paper, we propose an image space parallel processing method, which is implemented by using Open Computer Language (OpenCL) for rapid generation of the elemental images sets from large three-dimensional volume data. Using the proposed technique, it is possible to realize a real-time interactive integral imaging display system for 3D volume data constructed from computational tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.

Lumbar spinal loads and muscle activity during a golf swing.

This study estimated the lumbar spinal loads at the L4-L5 level and evaluated electromyographic (EMG) activity of right and left rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, erector spinae, and latissimus dorsi muscles during a golf swing. Four super VHS camcorders and two force plates were used to obtain three-dimensional (3D) kinematics and kinetics of golf swings performed by five male collegiate golfers. Average EMG levels for different phases of golf swing were determined. An EMG-assisted optimization model was applied to compute the contact forces acting on the L4-L5. The results revealed a mean peak compressive load of over six times the body weight (BW) during the downswing and mean peak anterior and medial shear loads approaching 1.6 and 0.6 BW during the follow-through phases. The peak compressive load estimated in this study was high, but less than the corresponding value (over 8 BW) reported by a previous study. Average EMG levels of different muscles were the highest in the acceleration and follow-through phases, suggesting a likely link between co-contractions of paraspinal muscles and lumbar spinal loads.

Effective Control of Supraventricular Tachycardia in Neonates May Requires Combination Pharmacologic Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is one of the arrhythmias that can occur in newborns. Most SVT incidents in the neonatal period are spontaneously resolved around the first year of life, but since tachycardia can frequently occur before complete resolution, appropriate medication use is required. However, no clear guidelines or consensus on the treatment of neonatal SVT have been established yet. METHODS: From January 2011 to December 2021, demographic data and antiarrhythmic medications used were retrospectively analyzed for 18 newborns diagnosed with SVT at a single center. RESULTS: A total of four medications (propranolol, amiodarone, flecainide, and atenolol) were used as maintenance therapy to prevent tachycardia recurrence, and propranolol was the most used, followed by amiodarone. Thirty-nine percent of the patients were controlled with monotherapy, but the remainder required two or more medications. The median period from medication initiation after diagnosis to the last tachycardia event was 15.5 days, and the median total duration of medication use was 362 days. None of the patients experienced any side effects of antiarrhythmic medications. The total duration of medication use was statistically significant according to the mechanism of SVT, and the usage time of the increased automaticity group was shorter than that of the re-entry group. CONCLUSION: Since most neonatal SVT resolves within 1 year, it is significant to provide prophylactic medication to prevent tachycardia recurrence at least until 1 year of age, and depending on the patient, the appropriate combination of medications should be identified.

Kawasaki disease following SARS-CoV-2 infection: Stronger inflammation with no increase in cardiac complications.

Background: Herein we investigate the difference between Kawasaki disease (KD) with and without a recent history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: We compared the clinical characteristics of patients with KD during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in a single children's hospital in Korea. Fifty-two patients were enrolled and divided into group 1 (with a history of COVID-19, n = 26) and group 2 (without a history of COVID-19, n = 26) according to whether or not they contracted COVID-19 within the 8 weeks before hospitalization. Data, including clinical features and laboratory results, were analyzed and compared between groups. Results: The median age of patients was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (53 months [IQR, 24-81] vs. 15 months [IQR, 6-33], p = 0.001). The incidence of cervical lymphadenopathy was significantly higher (p = 0.017), while that of BCGitis was significantly lower in group 1 (p = 0.023), and patients had a significantly longer hospital stay (5 days [IQR, 3-8] vs. 3 days [IQR, 3-4], p = 0.008). In group 1, platelet count was significantly lower (p = 0.006), and hemoglobin and ferritin levels were significantly higher (p = 0.013 and p = 0.001, respectively) on the first admission day. Following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), the platelet count was significantly lower (p = 0.015), and the percentage of neutrophils and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher in group 1 (p = 0.037 and p = 0.012). Although there was no statistical difference, patients requiring infliximab treatment due to prolonged fever was only in group 1. The incidence of cardiovascular complications did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Post-COVID KD showed a stronger inflammatory response than KD-alone, with no differences in cardiac complications.

Delayed treatment-free response after romiplostim discontinuation in pediatric chronic immune thrombocytopenia.

We report the case of a 16-month-old patient with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patient who experienced delayed treatment-free response (TFR) after romiplostim treatment. He received intravenous immunoglobulin every month to maintain a platelet count above 20,000/µL for 2 years. Thereafter, he received rituximab and cyclosporine as second-line therapy, with no response, followed by romiplostim. After 4 weeks of treatment, the platelet count was maintained above 50,000/µL. Following 7 months of treatment, he discontinued romiplostim, and the platelet count decreased. His platelet counts remained above 50,000/µL, without any bleeding symptoms, 2 years after romiplostim discontinuation. This is the first report of TFR after romiplostim treatment in pediatric chronic ITP.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with recurrent Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a self-limiting lymphadenitis. It is a benign disease mainly characterized by high fever, lymph node swelling, and leukopenia. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening disease with clinical symptoms similar to those of KFD, but it requires a significantly more aggressive treatment. A 19-year-old Korean male patient was hospitalized for fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. Variable-sized lymph node enlargements with slightly necrotic lesions were detected on computed tomography. Biopsy specimen from a cervical lymph node showed necrotizing lymphadenitis with HLH. Bone marrow aspiration showed hemophagocytic histiocytosis. The clinical symptoms and the results of the laboratory test and bone marrow aspiration met the diagnostic criteria for HLH. The patient was diagnosed with macrophage activation syndrome-HLH, a secondary HLH associated with KFD. He was treated with dexamethasone (10 mg/m2/day) without immunosuppressive therapy or etoposide-based chemotherapy. The fever disappeared within a day, and other symptoms such as lymphadenopathy, ascites, and pleural effusion improved. Dexamethasone was reduced from day 2 of hospitalization and was tapered over 8 weeks. The patient was discharged on day 6 with continuation of dexamethasone. The patient had no recurrence at the 18-month follow-up.

Successful Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation from a Matched Related Donor with Beta-Thalassemia Minor for Severe Aplastic Anemia.

The first-line treatment for severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with full-matched related donors considered the most suitable. We report a case of SAA in which the patient successfully underwent HSCT from a donor with ß-thalassemia minor. The patient in this case underwent HSCT from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched younger brother with ß-thalassemia minor. A 7-year-old girl was referred to our facility following a 6-month history of easy bruising and pallor. Laboratory examinations showed pancytopenia and hypocellular bone marrow with cellularity of <5%. She was diagnosed with acquired SAA, and HLA typing of her family members was performed. Her younger brother was an HLA-matched sibling but had ß-thalassemia minor. Since his hemoglobin levels were maintained at 10-11 d/dL, he was considered a suitable HSCT donor. The conditioning regimen included fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and anti-thymocyte globulin. The CD34+ and CD3+ cell counts were 6.6 × 106/kg and 0.48 × 108/kg, respectively. White blood cell engraftment was evident on day +11. Regimen-associated toxicities, such as anorexia and enteritis, were mild; no infections occurred, and no symptoms of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were observed. The 30-day follow-up bone marrow examination revealed normocellular marrow with 80%-90% cellularity. Acute or chronic GVHD has not been reported, and good performance status has been observed throughout the 5 years after HSCT. ß-thalassemia minor patients can be considered as bone marrow donors for SAA patients.

Erythrocyte deformability reduction in various pediatric hematologic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Previously, hemorheology studies using Rheoscan mainly focused on chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and endocrine disease in adults. The study using LORCA focused on erythrocyte disease. There were no studies using Rheoscan in children. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate erythrocyte deformability among various hematologic diseases occurring in children, namely, iron deficiency anemia (IDA), hereditary spherocytosis (HS), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and aplastic anemia (AA). METHODS: Differences between those with HS, IDA, ITP, AA and healthy controls were compared among 43 patients, comprising 7 patients with HS, 8 patients with IDA, 6 patients with AA, 9 patients with ITP, and 13 healthy controls. Erythrocyte deformability was measured using a microfluidic ektacytometer (RheoScan-D, RheoMeditech, Seoul, Korea). The erythrocyte elongation index (EI) was defined as (L - W)/(L + W), where L and W are the major and minor axes of the ellipse, respectively. RESULTS: The EI values of IDA, HS and AA were significantly decreased compared with healthy controls, but those of ITP were similar to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that erythrocyte deformability differed among various hematologic diseases. Further study concerning correlation in relation to the diagnostic and prognostic significance of erythrocyte deformability in hematologic disease is needed.

Resolution-enhanced integral imaging microscopy that uses lens array shifting.

A resolution-enhanced integral imaging microscope that uses lens array shifting is proposed in this study. The lens shift method maintains the same field of view of the reconstructed orthographic view images with increased spatial density. In this study, multiple sets of the elemental images were captured with horizontal and vertical shifts of the micro lens array and combined together to form a single set of the elemental images. From the combined elemental images, orthographic view images and depth slice images of the microscopic specimen were generated with enhanced resolution.

Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of wheelchair propulsion on ramps of different slopes for young men with paraplegia.

OBJECTIVE: To gain insight into the biomechanics of upslope wheelchair stroking by examining the changes in kinematic and electromyographic characteristics of wheelchair propulsion over ramps of different slopes. DESIGN: Repeated-measures design. Each subject pushed up a wooden ramp (7.3m long) 3 times at self-selected normal and fast speeds for each of these slopes: 0 degrees , 2 degrees , 4 degrees , 6 degrees , 8 degrees , 10 degrees , and 12 degrees . SETTING: A biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Young men (N=10) with paraplegia. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Electromyographic activity of extensor carpi radialis, triceps brachii, antero-middle and postero-middle deltoids, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi, and stroking kinematics. RESULTS: Forward lean of the trunk increased as the slope increased. The triceps brachii, antero-middle deltoid, and pectoralis major were more active during the push phase, while the postero-middle deltoid was more active during the recovery phase. Both extensor carpi radialis and latissimus dorsi were active throughout a stroke. Major adjustments in stroking kinematics and significant increases in muscle activity occurred at slopes between 4 degrees and 10 degrees . CONCLUSION: In addition to a decrease in stroking speed, the stroking pattern becomes more compact (decreased push angle and relative recovery time, increased stroke frequency) and the trunk becomes more active with increasing slope.

Fast-switching laterally virtual-moving microlens array for enhancing spatial resolution in light-field imaging system without degradation of angular sampling resolution.

We present an electrically controllable fast-switching virtual-moving microlens array (MLA) consisting of a stacked structure of two polarization-dependent microlens arrays (PDMLAs) with optical orthogonality, where the position of the two stacked PDMLAs is shifted by half the elemental pitch in the diagonal direction. By controlling the polarization of the incident light without the physical movement of the molecules comprising the virtual-moving MLA, the periodic sampling position of the MLA can be switched fast using a polarization-switching layer based on a fast-switching liquid crystal cell. Using the fast-switching virtual-moving MLA, the spatial-resolution-enhanced light-field (LF) imaging system was demonstrated without a decrease in the angular sampling resolution as compared to the conventional LF imaging system comprising a passive MLA; two sets of elemental image arrays were captured quickly owing to the short switching time of the virtual-moving MLA of 450 µs. From the two captured sets of the elemental array image, four-times resolution-enhanced reconstruction images of the directional-view and depth-slice images could be obtained.

Neuronopathic Gaucher disease presenting with microcytic hypochromic anemia.

Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by a hereditary deficiency of glucocerebrosidase, resulting in accumulation of glucosylceramide and potentially manifesting as hepatosplenomegaly. We report the case of a 15-month-old boy with chronic neuronopathic GD. The patient had prolonged anemia despite continued iron supplementation for 3 months. White blood count (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet count, and corrected reticulocyte count were 3,300 /µL, 8.7 g/dL, 90,000 /µL, and 0.55, respectively. The patient had microcytic hypochromic anemia with mildly elevated ferritin. Physical examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly. Bone-marrow aspiration showed sheets of Gaucher cells. Glucocerebrosidase activity in monocytes was significantly lower than normal. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous L444P mutation of GBA, and he was diagnosed with type 1 GD. Enzyme replacement treatment (ERT) consisting of imiglucerase was initiated and was effective; WBC, Hb, and platelet count gradually normalized and the hepatosplenomegaly improved. However, when the patient entered elementary school, he showed mild impaired cognitive function, and supranuclear gaze palsy occurred the same year. He was ultimately diagnosed with type 3 GD and continued ERT. Pediatric hemato-oncologists should be aware of GD, especially when patients exhibit anemia refractory to iron therapy, radiologic bone deformity, neurologic signs or symptoms, and growth retardation.

Correction to: Neuronopathic Gaucher disease presenting with microcytic hypochromic anemia.

In the original publication of this article, Fig. 2 was published incorrectly.