The preventive effect of Gastrodia elata Blume extract on vancomycin-induced acute kidney injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB), a traditional medicinal herb, has been reported to have pharmacological effect including protection against liver, neuron and kidney toxicity. However, explanation of its underlying mechanisms remains a great challenge. This study investigated the protective effects of GEB extract on vancomycin (VAN)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and underlying mechanisms with emphasis on the anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis. The male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided three groups: control (CON) group, VAN group and GEB group with duration of 14 days. RESULTS: The kidney weight and the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in the GEB group were lower than the VAN group. Histological analysis using hematoxylin & eosin and periodic acid Schiff staining revealed pathological changes of the VAN group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression levels of N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase, myeloperoxidase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the GEB group were decreased when compared with the VAN group. The number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells, phosphohistone and malondialdehyde levels were lower in the GEB group than VAN group. The levels of total glutathione in the GEB group were higher than the VAN group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggested that GEB extract prevents VAN-induced renal tissue damage through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis.

New distribution of Reticulitermes speratus speratus (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) in Korea.

Reticulitermes speratus (Kolbe) is economically important pest in East Asia including Korea, Japan, and China where they infest wooden structures in urban areas. Previously, it has been reported that R. speratus consists of 5 subspecies, R. speratus kyushuensis Morimoto, R. speratus speratus Kolbe, R. speratus leptolabralis Morimoto, R. speratus okinawanus Morimoto, R. speratus yaeyamanus Morimoto, while only R. speratus kyushuensis was recorded in Korea in the past. However, it remains elusive if different subspecies of R. speratus other than R. speratus kyushuensis are present in Korea. In this study, we report the first record of R. speratus speratus from Korea, which was verified using soldier morphology and molecular characteristics obtained from a mitochondrial gene. R. speratus speratus Kolbe, 1885 (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) are found in several provinces, mainly southern regions in Korea, whereas R. speratus kyushuensis are distributed throughout the country. Our morphological comparison showed that R. speratus speratus can be distinguishable from R. speratus kyushuensis by the ratio of the posterior postmentum width to length. In the molecular comparison, R. speratus speratus revealed genetic differences of 3.06% (range 2.60-4.10%) from R. speratus kyushuensis using cytochrome oxidase subunit II gene sequences.

Comparison of the recovery profile of remimazolam with flumazenil and propofol anesthesia for open thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have consistently reported a slower recovery of consciousness following remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia without flumazenil than with propofol. This study aimed to compare the reversal effect of flumazenil on the recovery of consciousness after remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia with the propofol recovery profile. METHODS: This prospective, single-blinded, randomized trial included 57 patients undergoing elective open thyroidectomy at a tertiary university hospital. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either remimazolam- or propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (remimazolam group: 28 patients, propofol group: 29 patients). The primary outcome was the time from the end of general anesthesia to first eye opening (min). The secondary outcomes were the time from the end of the general anesthesia to extubation (min), initial modified Aldrete score measured at the post-anesthesia care unit, length of stay at the post-anesthesia care unit (min), occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting during the first 24 h postoperatively, and Korean version of Quality of Recovery-15 score at 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The remimazolam group showed significantly faster first eye opening time (2.3 [interquartile range, IQR: 1.8-3.3] min vs. 5.0 [IQR: 3.5-7.8] min, median difference:-2.7 [95% confidence interval, CI: -3.7 to -1.5] min, P < 0.001) and extubation time (3.2 [IQR: 2.4-4.2] min vs. 5.7 [IQR: 4.7-8.3] min, median difference: -2.7 [97.5% CI: -5.0 to -1.6] min, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in other postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The planned incorporation of flumazenil with remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia provided rapid and reliable recovery of consciousness.

Intermediate-Term Storage of Spotted Halibut (Verasper variegatus) Sperm: Effects of Storage Methods, Extenders Supplemented with Antibiotics and Antioxidants on Sperm Quality.

Intermediate-term preservation of sperm assists the reproductive management of fish spermatozoa; however, no information is available on sperm of the spotted halibut, Verasper variegatus. We aimed to identify the optimum diluents, temperatures, dilution ratios, antibiotics, and antioxidants for sperm motility and cell viability. The diluents evaluated were marine fish Ringer's solution (MFRS), Stein's solution, 300 mM sucrose, and 300 mM glucose (diluted 1:1 [sperm: diluent], 1:2, 1:4, and 1:10 and stored at 0, 2, 4, and 6 °C). Neomycin and gentamycin (100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/L) and antioxidants (Mito-TEMPO [0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 µM], reduced glutathione [0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mM], and trehalose [0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM]) were assessed in terms of sperm preservation. The most effective condition for cold storage of spotted halibut sperm was Stein's solution at a dilution ratio of 1:4 at 2 °C, with a combination of neomycin 800 mg/L and 250 mM trehalose that showed spermatozoa motility of > 43% after 60 days. These storage conditions will be valuable for spotted halibut hatcheries.

Soy isoflavone ameliorated the alterations in circulating adipokines and microRNAs of mice fed a high-fat diet.

Soy protein, containing isoflavones and bioactive peptides, is shown to have anti-obesity effects, but the main contributor and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Recent studies have demonstrated that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) act as important mediators in obesity and metabolic processes. In this study, we investigated whether soy protein components have distinctive effects on adiposity and circulating miRNA profiles in obese mice. C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups, and each group was fed with a control, high-fat (HF), HF with low-isoflavone soy protein (HF/S), or HF with high-isoflavone soy protein (HF/SI) diet for 16 weeks. In the HF/SI group, changes in the serum adipokine levels, adipocyte diameter, and the number of crown-like structures (CLS) were alleviated compared to those of the HF group. In the HF/S group, the number of CLS was reduced. Decreases in body and adipose tissue weights were not observed in both HF/S and HF/SI groups. Through microarray analysis of serum miRNAs, we identified 23 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) among the groups. The levels of most circulating DEMs were correlated with body weight, serum biochemical parameters, and adipose tissue histology. Functional analysis of predicted target genes of DEMs from both HF vs. CON and HF/S vs. CON comparisons revealed several cancer-related pathways. Only 2 DEMs were identified in the HF/SI vs. CON comparison. In conclusion, the present study confirmed that soy isoflavones are the main contributor to the health-beneficial effects of soy protein in diet-induced obesity. Notably, the extent of serum miRNA dysregulation coincided with obesity and altered the circulating adipokine levels. These findings provide additional insights into the role of soy protein in the regulation of circulating miRNAs in diet-induced obesity. Further work is required to validate the proposed functions of miRNAs in target tissues.

Cryopreservation of Roughscale Sole (Clidoderma asperrimum) Sperm: Effects of Cryoprotectant, Diluent, Dilution Ratio, and Thawing Temperature.

The roughscale sole, Clidoderma asperrimum is categorized as an endangered species. Sperm freezing is essential for preserving gametes. This study examined the CPA concentration, diluent, dilution ratio, and thawing temperature to design a sperm cryopreservation protocol for roughscale sole. The variables examined included sperm motility and kinematics, cell survival, fertilization, and DNA fragmentation. Sperm motility parameters were assessed via computer-assisted sperm analysis using a CEROS II instrument. Cell survival rate and DNA damage were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 and single-cell gel electrophoresis assay, respectively. Sperm preservation was tested using several CPAs, including ethylene glycol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), glycerol, propylene glycol, and methanol. The diluents tested were 300 mM sucrose, 300 mM glucose, Stein's solution, Ringer's solution, and Hank's solution. The optimal conditions for sperm cryopreservation were 10% DMSO + Stein's solution. After thawing, sperm motility was highest with a 1:1 dilution ratio (sperm to CPA + diluent), at 69.20 ± 0.32%; thawing at 10 °C was optimal for post-thaw motility (72.03 ± 0.95%). The highest fertilization rate (40.00 ± 1.22%) was obtained using DMSO. The fresh sperm had the lowest tail DNA, followed by 10% DMSO + Stein's solution. The developed cryopreservation methods can be used in roughscale sole hatcheries.

Effect of Continuous Infusion of Intravenous Nefopam on Postoperative Opioid Consumption After Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although nefopam has been reported to have opioid-sparing and analgesic effects in postsurgical patients, its effectiveness in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the opioid-sparing and analgesic effects of perioperative nefopam infusion for lung resection. STUDY DESIGN: Double-blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Operating room, postoperative recovery room, and ward at a single tertiary university hospital. METHODS: Ninety patients scheduled for elective VATS for lung resection were randomized to either the nefopam (group N) or control group (group C). Group N received 20 mg nefopam over 30 minutes immediately after the induction of anesthesia. Nefopam was administered continuously for 24 hours postoperative, using a dual-channel elastomeric infusion pump combined with fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. Group C received the same volume of normal saline as nefopam solution administered in the same manner. The primary outcome measure was fentanyl consumption for the first postoperative 24 hours. The secondary outcome measures were the cumulative fentanyl consumption during the first postoperative 48 hours, pain intensity at rest and during coughing evaluated using an 11-point numeric rating scale, quality of recovery at postoperative time points 24 hours and 48 hours, and the occurrence of analgesic-related side effects during the first postoperative 24 hours and postoperative 24 to 48 hour period. Variables related to chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) were also investigated by telephone interviews with patients at 3 months postoperative. This prospective randomized trial was approved by the appropriate institutional review board and was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov registry. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients were enrolled. Group N showed significantly lower fentanyl consumption during the first postoperative 24 hours and 48 hours (24 hours: median difference: -270 µg [95%CI, -400 to -150 µg], P < 0.001); 48 hours: median difference: -365 µg [95% CI: -610 to -140 µg], P < 0.001). Group N also showed a significantly lower pain score during coughing at 24 hours postoperative (median difference, -1 [corrected 95% CI: -2.5 to 0], adjusted P = 0.040). However, there were no significant between-group differences in the postoperative quality of recovery, occurrence of analgesic-related side effects, length of hospital stay, and occurrence of CPSP. LIMITATIONS: Despite the significant opioid-sparing effect of perioperative nefopam infusion, it would have been difficult to observe significant improvements in other postoperative outcomes owing to the modest sample size. CONCLUSION: Perioperative nefopam infusion using a dual-channel elastomeric infusion pump has a significant opioid-sparing effect in patients undergoing VATS for lung resection. Therefore, it could be a feasible option for multimodal analgesia in these patients.

Surface Stabilization of Ni-Rich Layered Cathode Materials via Surface Engineering with LiTaO3 for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Recently, Ni-rich layered cathode materials have become the most common material used for lithium-ion batteries. From a structural viewpoint, it is crucial to stabilize the surface structures of such materials, as they are prone to undesirable side reactions and particle cracking in which intergranular microcracks form at the particle surfaces and then propagate inside. As a simplified engineering technique for obtaining Ni-rich cathode materials with high reversibility and long-term cycling stability, we propose a facile surface coating of piezoelectric LiTaO3 onto a Ni-rich cathode material to enhance the charge transfer reaction and surface structural integrity. Based on theoretical and experimental investigation, we demonstrate that this surface protection approach is effective at enhancing the reversibility and mechanical strength of Ni-rich cathode materials, leading to a stable cycle performance at up to 150 cycles, even at 60 °C. Furthermore, the piezoelectric characteristics of the surface LiTaO3 can enhance the rate capability of Ni-rich cathode materials at current densities of up to 2.0C. The results of this study provide a practical insight on the development of Ni-rich cathode materials for practical use in electric vehicle applications.

Dead-End (dnd) Gene Cloning and Gonad-Specific Expression Pattern in Starry Flounder (Platichthys stellatus).

dnd is a germline-specific maternal RNA expressed in various vertebrate classes, which encodes an RNA-binding protein that is essential for PGC migration. The purpose of this study is fundamental research about starry flounder dnd gene for germ cell marker development. In this study, we cloned and analyzed the expression levels of Platichthys stellatus dead end (psdnd) in various tissues and embryonic stages. The psdnd gene was isolated from starry flounder ovaries, cloned into a pGEM-t vector, and sequenced. Full-length of psdnd cDNA was 1495 bp long, encoding 395 amino acids. psdnd expression levels were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in various tissues and embryo developmental stages. psdnd transcripts were detected in the testes and ovaries, but not in somatic tissues. Embryonic psdnd expression levels were higher during early embryo development stages than during late embryogenesis; psdnd expression was highest at the 1 cell stage, then gradually decreased throughout the subsequent developmental stages. The spatial expression pattern was analyzed by whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH). The psdnd transcripts migration pattern was similar with zebrafish (Danio rerio). Our results suggest that psdnd may function as a germ cell-specific marker.

Effects of Cryoprotective Medium Composition, Dilution Ratio, and Freezing Rates on Spotted Halibut (Verasper variegatus) Sperm Cryopreservation.

The spotted halibut is species that has a high potential market value in Korea, but the supply of seed is unstable because of the limited milt production of males. The objective of this research was to explore different aspects, such as CPAs, diluents, dilution ratio, and freezing rates, to develop an optimal sperm cryopreservation. The parameters assessed were movable sperm ratio, sperm activity index, survival rate, and DNA damage. The CPAs tested in this research were propylene glycol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), methanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol. Different diluents, including 300 mM sucrose, 300 mM glucose, Stain's solution, and Ringer's solution, were investigated. The previous experiment showed that the optimal CPA for cryopreservation was DMSO with a concentration of 15% with 300 mM as diluent. To determine the effect of the dilution ratio, sperm was diluted to 1:1, 1:2, 1:10, 1:100, and 1:1000 with 300 mM sucrose containing DMSO at a final concentration of 15%. Lastly, the optimal freezing rate of the sperm was evaluated with four different freezing rates (-1, -5, -10, and -20 °C/min). Post-thaw sperm motility was higher with a dilution ratio lower than 1:2, and the freezing rate was less than -5 °C/min. In conclusion, these findings represent the development of a cryopreservation protocol for spotted halibut.

Pysiological Responses of Diploid and Triploid Far Eastern Catfish, Silurus asotus to Water Temperature Stress.

The aim of study is to contribute to this knowledge-base by investigating the respiratory function, the metabolic rate and the difference of physiological responses un-der low water temperature (20℃→15℃) stress be-tween diploid and triploid far eastern catfish, Silurus asotus. During the 48 hrs of water temperature stress exposure time, the respiratory frequencies, CO2 and NH4+ concentrations of diploid had higher values than those of triploid (p<0.05). However, pH of triploid was higher than those of diploid (p<0.05), and oxygen consumption rate was not different between diploid and triploid (p>0.05). The level of plasma cortisol and plasma glucose of triploid was lower than those of the diploid (p<0.05). However, in case of lactic acid, there were not significant between triploid and diploid (p>0.05). These results suggest that diploid was more sensitive for low water temperature stress response than triploid in this species.

Temperature Dependent of Mitotic Interval for Grass Puffer, Takifugu niphobles.

The objective of this study was to determine the mitotic intervals (τ0) of two consecutive cell divisions and synchronous embryonic cleavage in grass puffer, Takifugu niphobles at different water temperatures (18, 20, 22, and 24℃). The color of the fertilized egg was light yellowish. The egg type was demersal and unadhesive. Egg weight was 0.09±0.002 mg. The sizes of unfertilized eggs were smaller than fertilized eggs in major axis and minor axis at 20℃ (p<0.05). The size of the fertilized egg of 18℃ water temperature group at the blastodisc stage was the smallest (p<0.05), but no significant differences were observed in the other water temperatures group except 18℃ water temperature group (p>0.05). The first cleavage stages at 18, 20, 22, and 24℃ were at 75, 90, 105, and 120 mins, respectively. As water temperature was increased, embryonic development and formation time of the first cleavage furrow were accelerated. There were negative correlation between τ0 and water temperature for grass puffer (Y=-1.225X+70.05, R2=0.988, n=10, where Y was τ0 and X was temperature). This study confirmed that successful hatching of grass puffer was related to water temperature. Chromosome manipulation will be helpful for this species using cleavage frequency and τ0.

Comparison of titanium and biodegradable miniplates for fixation of mandibular fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to compare the use of biodegradable miniplates and titanium miniplates for the fixation of mandibular fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: BioSorb FX biodegradable plates and screws and titanium miniplates were used in 91 patients (65 males and 26 females; age range 11 to 69 years) for the treatment of mandibular fractures. The clinical and radiographic findings were recorded at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 4.41%. In the biodegradable plate group, infection occurred in 2 cases (4.26%) and was resolved by incision and drainage and antibiotics. In the titanium plate group, infection occurred in 1 case and plate fracture in 1 case (4.56%). The fractured plate was removed, and a new titanium miniplate was applied using a trocar. The infection was resolved with antibiotics. No adverse tissue reactions, malocclusions, or malunions occurred during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results have shown that the rate of morbidity is very low with the use of biodegradable plates and titanium plates, suggesting that biodegradable and titanium plates have the potential for successful use in the fixation of mandibular fractures.