Peptostreptococcus equinus sp. nov., isolated from horse faeces.

A Gram-stain-positive, non-spore-forming, and obligate anaerobic bacteria designated strain CBA3647T was isolated from a horse faecal sample in Jeju, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CBA3647T formed a distinct phyletic lineage from closely related species within the genus Peptostreptococcus. Based on comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius ATCC 27337T is most closely related to strain CBA3647T with a 16S rRNA gene similarity of 98.31 %, while similarity to other type strains is below 98.0 %. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain CBA3647T was 30.0 mol%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain CBA3647T and the six Peptostreptococcus species were equal to or less than 24 %. Cells were non-motile and oval-shaped cocci with catalase-positive and oxidase-negative activities. Growth occurred at 20-40 °C (optimum, 35 °C), pH 6-8 (optimum, pH 7), and in the presence of 0-2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1 %). Strain CBA3647T contained C14 : 0 iso and C16 : 0 as major fatty acids. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and molecular properties of strain CBA3647T suggest that it represents a novel species in the genus Peptostreptococcus, which has been named Peptostreptococcus equinus sp. nov. The type strain is CBA3647T (=KACC 22891T= JCM 35846T).

Predictive Markers of Treatment Response to Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy with Dual HER2-Blockade.

In patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer, achievement of pathologic complete response (pCR) is a known prognostic indicator after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST). We investigated the clinicopathological factors associated with pCR in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with dual HER2-blockade. In this retrospective study, 348 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who received NAST with docetaxel and carboplatin, combined with trastuzumab and pertuzumab (TCHP), were included. Of the 348 patients with HER2 protein expression data, 278 (79.9%) had HER2 immunochemistry (IHC) 3+. Data on tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) levels were available for 305 patients, showing a median TIL level of 20% (IQR 5-50), among which 121 (39.7%) had high TIL levels (≥30%). Estrogen receptor (ER) status (77.9% in ER-negative vs. 47.5% in ER-positive; p < 0.001), HER2 protein expression (71.6% in IHC 3+ vs. 34.3% in IHC 2+; p < 0.001), and TIL levels (71.9% in high vs. 57.6% in low; p = 0.011) were significantly associated with the pCR rate. In addition, we observed a significant link between numerical TIL levels (per 10% increment) and the pCR rate. After adjusting other clinicopathologic factors, ER status (low expression [defined as 1-9% expression] or negative), HER2 IHC 3+ and numerical TIL levels (per 10% increment), and high TIL levels (≥30%) were found to be independent predictors of pCR. Notably, in ER-negative breast cancer, the treatment response was excellent, irrespective of HER2 expression and TIL levels. Conversely, in ER-positive cases, low ER expression, HER2 IHC 3+, and numerical TIL levels or high TIL levels emerged as independent predictors of pCR. Our results suggest that ER expression, HER2 protein expression, and TIL levels serve as valuable predictors of the treatment response to neoadjuvant TCHP.

Effects of Mitochondrial Transplantation on Transcriptomics in a Polymicrobial Sepsis Model.

Previously, we demonstrated that mitochondrial transplantation has beneficial effects in a polymicrobial sepsis model. However, the mechanism has not been fully investigated. Mitochondria have their own genes, and genomic changes in sepsis are an important issue in terms of pathophysiology, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets. To investigate the changes in transcriptomic features after mitochondrial transplantation in a polymicrobial sepsis model, we used a rat model of fecal slurry polymicrobial sepsis. Total RNA from splenocytes of sham-operated (SHAM, n = 10), sepsis-induced (SEPSIS, n = 7), and sepsis receiving mitochondrial transplantation (SEPSIS + MT, n = 8) samples was extracted and we conducted a comparative transcriptome-wide analysis between three groups. We also confirmed these results with qPCR. In terms of percentage of mitochondrial mapped reads, the SEPSIS + MT group had a significantly higher mapping ratio than the others. RT1-M2 and Cbln2 were identified as highly expressed in SEPSIS + MT compared with SEPSIS. Using SHAM expression levels as another control variable, we further identified six genes (Fxyd4, Apex2l1, Kctd4, 7SK, SNORD94, and SNORA53) that were highly expressed after sepsis induction and observed that their expression levels were attenuated by mitochondrial transplantation. Changes in transcriptomic features were identified after mitochondrial transplantation in sepsis. This might provide a hint for exploring the mechanism of mitochondrial transplantation in sepsis.

The Effects of Mitochondrial Transplantation on Sepsis Depend on the Type of Cell from Which They Are Isolated.

Previously, we have shown that mitochondrial transplantation in the sepsis model has immune modulatory effects. The mitochondrial function could have different characteristics dependent on cell types. Here, we investigated whether the effects of mitochondrial transplantation on the sepsis model could be different depending on the cell type, from which mitochondria were isolated. We isolated mitochondria from L6 muscle cells, clone 9 liver cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). We tested the effects of mitochondrial transplantation using in vitro and in vivo sepsis models. We used the LPS stimulation of THP-1 cell, a monocyte cell line, as an in vitro model. First, we observed changes in mitochondrial function in the mitochondria-transplanted cells. Second, we compared the anti-inflammatory effects of mitochondrial transplantation. Third, we investigated the immune-enhancing effects using the endotoxin tolerance model. In the in vivo polymicrobial fecal slurry sepsis model, we examined the survival and biochemical effects of each type of mitochondrial transplantation. In the in vitro LPS model, mitochondrial transplantation with each cell type improved mitochondrial function, as measured by oxygen consumption. Among the three cell types, L6-mitochondrial transplantation significantly enhanced mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial transplantation with each cell type reduced hyper-inflammation in the acute phase of in vitro LPS model. It also enhanced immune function during the late immune suppression phase, as shown by endotoxin tolerance. These functions were not significantly different between the three cell types of origin for mitochondrial transplantation. However, only L6-mitochondrial transplantation significantly improved survival compared to the control in the polymicrobial intraabdominal sepsis model. The effects of mitochondria transplantation on both in vitro and in vivo sepsis models differed depending on the cell types of origin for mitochondria. L6-mitochondrial transplantation might be more beneficial in the sepsis model.

Review of North Korean Reports on Cardiovascular Disease Research and Management.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the quality of medical care in North Korea using data from North Korean medical research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included publications containing the keyword "medical" among North Korea's consecutive publications and selected 415 papers related to heart disease, brain disease, and emergency medical care published at The North Korean Data Center of the Ministry of Unification (https://unibook.unikorea.go.kr). Among 40 research articles, we reviewed ten with representative epidemiological data for cardiovascular treatment, and the latest medical materials were selected and analyzed in detail. RESULTS: Few studies reported the experience of large-scale medical facilities or verified professional performance. Proof of the efficacy of the latest drugs was rare, although the treatment results of interventional therapy and conventional heart surgery were reported. Efforts to improve emergency medical care and innovation of treatment materials using new technologies were being actively studied. However, careful interpretation is required due to the lack of objectivity in research data and some deviation in the composition of patients included in the data. CONCLUSION: Research of cardiovascular disease in North Korea is conducted at a very limited scope, although treatment results appear to be recorded. The management of cardiovascular disease and the establishment of an emergency medical system warrant global attention and cooperation for further improvement.

CD34dim cells identified as pluripotent stem cell-derived definitive hemogenic endothelium purified using bone morphogenetic protein 4.

Hemogenic endothelium (HE) plays a pivotal and inevitable role in haematopoiesis and can generate all blood and endothelial lineage cells in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros of mouse embryos. Whether definitive HE can prospectively isolate pure HE from human pluripotent stem cells that can spontaneously differentiate into heterogeneous cells remains unknown. Here, we identified and validated a CD34dim subpopulation with hemogenic potential. We also purified CD34 cells with a CXCR4- CD73- phenotype as a definitive HE population that generated haematopoietic stem cells and lymphocytes. The frequency of CXCR4- CD73- CD34dim was evidently increased by bone morphogenetic protein 4, and purified HE cells differentiated into haematopoietic cells with myeloid and T lymphoid lineages including Vδ2+ subset of γ/δ T cells. We developed a simple method to purify HE cells that were enriched in CD34dim cells. We uncovered an initial step in differentiating haematopoietic lineage cells that could be applied to basic and translational investigations into regenerative medicine.

The First Case of Monkeypox in the Republic of Korea.

A rapid outbreak of monkeypox is ongoing in non-endemic countries since May 2022. We report the first case of monkeypox in the Republic of Korea. This occurred in a 34-year-old male patient who traveled to Europe in June 2022. On the day of his return to the Republic of Korea (June 21, 2022), the patient presented with a genital lesion. The results of the monkeypox real-time polymerase chain reaction tests were positive in the penile ulcer, oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal specimens. The patient subsequently developed fever and skin rash after hospital admission. Careful history taking along physical examination should be conducted in the patients who have epidemiologic risk factors for monkeypox. Moreover, appropriate specimens should be obtained from lesions and tested for the monkeypox virus.

Serial Change of Endotoxin Tolerance in a Polymicrobial Sepsis Model.

Immune suppression is known to occur during sepsis. Endotoxin tolerance is considered a mechanism of immune suppression in sepsis. However, the timing and serial changes in endotoxin tolerance have not been fully investigated. In this study, we investigated serial changes in endotoxin tolerance in a polymicrobial sepsis model. Herein, we used a rat model of fecal slurry polymicrobial sepsis. After induction of sepsis, endotoxin tolerance of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and splenocytes was measured at various time points (6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 5 days, and 7 days), through the measurement of TNF-α production after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in an ex vivo model. At each time point, we checked for plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 levels. Moreover, we analyzed reactive oxygen species (ROS) as measured by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein, plasma lactate, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine levels. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB, IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)-M, and cleaved caspase 3 levels were measured in the spleen. Endotoxin tolerance, measured by TNF-α production stimulated through LPS in PBMCs and splenocytes, was induced early in the sepsis model, starting from 6 h after sepsis. It reached a nadir at 24 to 48 h after sepsis, and then started to recover. Endotoxin tolerance was more prominent in the severe sepsis model. Plasma cytokines peaked at time points ranging from 6 to 12 h after sepsis. ROS levels peaked at 12 h and then decreased. Lactate, ALT, and serum creatinine levels increased up to 24 to 48 h, and then decreased. Phosphorylated p65 and IRAK-M levels of spleen increased up to 12 to 24 h and then decreased. Apoptosis was prominent 48 h after sepsis, and then recovered. In the rat model of polymicrobial sepsis, endotoxin tolerance occurred earlier and started to recover from 24 to 48 h after sepsis.

A simple and novel equation to estimate the degree of bleeding in haemorrhagic shock: mathematical derivation and preliminary in vivo validation.

Determining blood loss [100% - RBV (%)] is challenging in the management of haemorrhagic shock. We derived an equation estimating RBV (%) via serial haematocrits (Hct1, Hct2) by fixing infused crystalloid fluid volume (N) as [0.015 × body weight (g)]. Then, we validated it in vivo. Mathematically, the following estimation equation was derived: RBV (%) = 24k / [(Hct1 / Hct2) - 1]. For validation, nonongoing haemorrhagic shock was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by withdrawing 20.0%-60.0% of their total blood volume (TBV) in 5.0% intervals (n = 9). Hct1 was checked after 10 min and normal saline N cc was infused over 10 min. Hct2 was checked five minutes later. We applied a linear equation to explain RBV (%) with 1 / [(Hct1 / Hct2) - 1]. Seven rats losing 30.0%-60.0% of their TBV suffered shock persistently. For them, RBV (%) was updated as 5.67 / [(Hct1 / Hct2) - 1] + 32.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] of the slope: 3.14-8.21, p = 0.002, R2 = 0.87). On a Bland-Altman plot, the difference between the estimated and actual RBV was 0.00 ± 4.03%; the 95% CIs of the limits of agreements were included within the pre-determined criterion of validation (< 20%). For rats suffering from persistent, non-ongoing haemorrhagic shock, we derived and validated a simple equation estimating RBV (%). This enables the calculation of blood loss via information on serial haematocrits under a fixed N. Clinical validation is required before utilisation for emergency care of haemorrhagic shock.

Effects of Glucocorticoid Therapy on Sepsis Depend Both on the Dose of Steroids and on the Severity and Phase of the Animal Sepsis Model.

Steroids are currently being used in sepsis, particularly in septic shock. However, clinical trials to date have shown contradictory results. This could be attributed to the different patient endotypes and steroid doses, which have also contributed to the inconclusive results. We investigated the effects of glucocorticoid therapy on sepsis in a polymicrobial sepsis model in a variety of settings, such as steroid dose, severity, and sepsis phase. We used a rat model of fecal slurry polymicrobial sepsis. First, we investigated the optimum dose of steroids in a sepsis model. We administered different doses of dexamethasone after sepsis induction (0.1DEX; 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2DEX; 0.2 mg/kg, 5DEX; 5 mg/kg). Second, we used two different severities of the fecal slurry polymicrobial sepsis rat model to examine the effects of the steroids. A moderate or severe model was defined as a survival rate of approximately 70% and 30%, respectively. Third, we administered steroids in an early (1 h after sepsis induction) or late phase (25 h after sepsis). In all the experiments, we investigated the survival rates. In the determined optimal model and settings, we measured serum lactate, alanine transferase (ALT), creatinine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and arterial blood gas. We evaluated the bacterial burden in the blood and spleen. Endotoxin tolerance of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and splenocytes was also investigated to determine the level of immune suppression 24 h after sepsis by measuring TNF-α production after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in an ex vivo model. Early treatment of 0.2 mg/kg dexamethasone in a severe sepsis model showed the best beneficial effects. In moderate- or late-phase sepsis, there was no survival gain with steroid treatment. DEX0.2 group showed less acute kidney injury manifested by serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. DEX decreased the levels of cytokines, including IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. Colony-forming units were significantly decreased in the blood when administered with dexamethasone. Endotoxin tolerance was not significantly different between the DEX0.2 and control groups. In conclusion, early treatment of 0.2 mg/kg dexamethasone improved the outcomes of rats in a severe sepsis model.

Development of Surgically Transplantable Parathyroid Hormone-Releasing Microbeads.

Hypoparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder that occurs because of the inability to produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) effectively. Previously, we reported the efficacy of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) differentiated into parathyroid-like cells for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism. Here, we investigated the feasibility of three-dimensional structural microbeads fabricated with TMSCs and alginate, a natural biodegradable polymer, to treat hypoparathyroidism. Alginate microbeads were fabricated by dropping a 2% (w/v) alginate solution containing TMSCs into a 5% CaCl2 solution and then differentiated into parathyroid-like cells using activin A and sonic hedgehog for 7 days. The protein expression of PTH, a specific marker of the parathyroid gland, was significantly higher in differentiated alginate microbeads with TMSCs (Al-dT) compared with in undifferentiated alginate microbeads with TMSCs. For in vivo experiments, we created the hypoparathyroidism animal model by parathyroidectomy (PTX) and implanted alginate microbeads in the dorsal interscapular region. The PTX rats with Al-dT (PTX+Al-dT) showed the highest survival rate and weight change and a gradual increase in serum intact PTH levels. We also detected a higher expression of PTH in retrieved tissues of PTX+Al-dT using immunofluorescence analysis. This study demonstrates that alginate microbeads are potential a new tool as a surgically scalable therapy for treating hypoparathyroidism.

Simple and rapid detection of ractopamine in pork with comparison of LSPR and LFIA sensors.

This study developed a simple and rapid strategic technique to detect ractopamine (chemical growth-promoting agent) in pork. Two highly sensitive and specific gold nanoparticle-based portable sensors, i.e., localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensors, and lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) strips were developed to detect veterinary drug residues in food products, that have detrimental effects on humans. Optimization studies were conducted on several sensor devices to improve sensitivity. Each sensor comprised functionalized gold nanoparticles conjugated with ractopamine antibodies. The LSPR sensor chip achieved excellent detection sensitivity = 1.19 fg/mL and was advantageous for quantitative analysis due to its wide dynamic range. On the other hand, LFIA strips provided visual test confirmation and achieved 2.27 ng/mL detection sensitivity, significantly less sensitive than LSPR. The complementary sensors help overcome each other's shortcomings with both the techniques offering ease of use, affordability and rapid diagnosis. Thus, these sensors can be applied on-site for routine screening of harmful drug residues in pork meat. They also provide useful direction for advanced technologies to enhance assay performance for detecting various other food drug contaminants.

The current status of invasive alien insect species in South Korea.

We investigated the identity and distribution of the invasive alien insect species inhabiting Korean ecosystems, targeting 3,249 locations in nine regions between 2015 and 2018. In natural ecosystems, we identified 63 species in 43 families and nine orders of invasive alien insect species, respectively. We observed that the order Hemiptera exhibited the highest species diversity with 20 species. Gyeonggi-do was where the highest number of invasive alien insect species were identified (45 species). Species richness analysis revealed that Jeju-do showed the highest Dominance Index (0.8), whereas Gyeongsangnam-do had the highest Diversity Index (2.8). Corythuchamarmorata (Hemiptera: Tingidae), Lycormadelicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), Ophraellacommuna (Coleoptera: Chrysomeridae), Metcalfapruinosa (Say) (Hemiptera: Flatidae) and Pochaziashantungensis (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) were distributed in more than 300 locations of the country. Invasive alien insect species inhabited the roadsides (31.3%), farmlands (18.3%) and parks (16.6%). In this study, we list the invasive alien insect species in Korean ecosystems and provide a basis for selecting primary management target species.

Facile synthesis of petal-like VS2 anchored onto graphene nanosheets for the rapid sensing of toxic pesticide in polluted water.

Fenitrothion (FT) is a toxic phosphorothioate insecticide that can easily contaminate aquatic environments, leading to a detrimental effect on the aquatic species and harmful endocrine disrupter effects on human health. Therefore, it is vital to develop a reliable methodology for the accurate and precise real-time sensing of carcinogenic FT in water samples at trace concentration to ensure environmental safety. We aim to fabricate the low-cost VS2-attached reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets via a simple hydrothermal approach. It was further applied for the rapid and accurate sensing of toxic FT. The VS2/RGO-composite delivers a more favorable microenvironment for the rapid electrocatalytic sensing performance towards toxic FT reduction than the VS2 and RGO modified electrodes. The electron transfer rate constant (ks) and the saturating absorption capacity (Γ) value of FT was evaluated to be 1.52 s-1 and 2.18 × 10-10 mol cm-2, respectively. The constructed sensor exhibits a wide linear relationship after amperometry between the cathodic current densities and the concentrations of FT in the range of 5-90 nM and high sensitivity (5.569 µA nM-1 cm-2); moreover, the detection limit was 0.07 nM (S/N = 3). The fabricated sensor has excellent anti-interference ability and reproducibility for the direct sensing of FT in river water, seawater, and lake water samples with acceptable recoveries. It is a promising sensing device for in-situ quantification of FT in agricultural products and ecological systems.

Prevention of chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian insufficiency in mice by scaffold-based local delivery of human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells.

BACKGROUND: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of the most serious side effects of chemotherapy in young cancer survivors. It may not only reduce fecundity but also affect lifelong health. There is no standard therapy for preserving ovarian health after chemotherapy. Recently, administration of embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (ESC-MPCs) has been considered a new therapeutic option for preventing POI. However, the previous method of directly injecting cells into the veins of patients exhibits low efficacy and safety. This study aimed to develop safe and effective local delivery methods for the prevention of POI using two types of bioinspired scaffolds. METHODS: Female mice received intraperitoneal cisplatin for 10 days. On day 11, human ESC-MPCs were delivered through systemic administration using intravenous injection or local administration using intradermal injection and intradermal transplantation with a PLGA/MH sponge or hyaluronic acid (HA) gel (GEL) type of scaffold. PBS was injected intravenously as a negative control. Ovarian function and fertility were evaluated 4 weeks after transplantation. Follicle development was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The plasma levels of sex hormones were measured using ELISA. Expression levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and ki-67 were detected using immunostaining, and the quality of oocytes and embryos was evaluated after in vitro fertilization. The estrous cycles were observed at 2 months after transplantation. RESULTS: The local administration of human ESC-MPCs using the bioinspired scaffold to the backs of mice effectively prolonged the cell survival rate in vivo. The HA GEL group exhibited the best recovered ovarian functions, including a significantly increased number of ovarian reserves, estrogen levels, and AMH levels and decreased apoptotic levels. Furthermore, the HA GEL group showed improved quality of oocytes and embryos and estrous cycle regularity. CONCLUSIONS: HA GEL scaffolds can be used as new delivery platforms for ESC-MPC therapy, and this method may provide a novel option for the clinical treatment of chemotherapy-induced POI.

Visualization of three-dimensional microcirculation of rodents' retina and choroid for studies of critical illness using optical coherence tomography angiography.

We developed a method to measure the relative blood flow speed using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in retina and choroid, and investigated the feasibility of this method for assessing microcirculatory function in rat models of sepsis and hemorrhagic shock. Two sepsis models, 6-h severe sepsis without treatment and 30-h moderate sepsis maintaining mean arterial pressure, and volume controlled hemorrhagic shock and fluid resuscitation model were used to see the change of microcirculation. The blood flow index (BFI), which was calculated from the OCTA images to represent the average relative blood flow, was decreasing during the 6-h severe sepsis model. Its change is in parallel with the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and blood lactate levels. In the 30-h moderate sepsis model, the BFI was decreased while maintaining MAP, and lactate was increased. In the hemorrhagic shock model, the change of BFI is in line with MAP and lactate levels. In all models, BFI change is more sensitive in choroid than in retina. This study presents the OCTA-based retinal and choroidal microcirculatory blood flow monitoring method and shows its utility for assessment of critical illness.

Allogenic Pure Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Adhesive Capsulitis: A Bed-to-Bench Study With Propensity Score Matching Using a Corticosteroid Control Group.

BACKGROUND: While platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely studied for musculoskeletal disorders, few studies to date have reported its use for adhesive capsulitis (AC). Fully characterized and standardized allogenic PRP may provide clues to solve the underlying mechanism of PRP with respect to synovial inflammation and thus may clarify its clinical indications. PURPOSE: To clinically evaluate the safety and efficacy of a fully characterized pure PRP injection in patients with AC and to assess the effects of pure PRP on synoviocytes with or without inflammation in vitro. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study and cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: For the clinical analysis, a total of 15 patients with AC received an ultrasonography-guided intra-articular PRP injection and were observed for 6 months. Pain, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, shoulder function, and overall satisfaction in the patients were evaluated using questionnaires at 1 week as well as at 1, 3, and 6 months after the PRP injection and results were compared with the results of a propensity score-matched control group that received a corticosteroid injection (40 mg triamcinolone acetonide). For the in vitro analysis, synoviocytes were cultured with or without interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and PRP. The gene expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as matrix enzymes and their inhibitors was evaluated. RESULTS: At 6-month follow-up, pure PRP significantly decreased pain and improved ROM, muscle strength, and shoulder function to levels comparable with those after a corticosteroid injection. All pain values, strength measurements, and functional scores significantly improved up to 6 months in the PRP group, but these measures improved up to 3 months and then were decreased at 6 months in the corticosteroid group. ROM was significantly improved in the 2 groups at 6 months compared with baseline. Allogenic PRP did not cause adverse events. For the in vitro findings, PRP induced inflammation but significantly improved the IL 1ß-induced synovial inflammatory condition by decreasing proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 and decreased matrix enzymes (matrix metalloproteinase-1, -3, and -13 as well as a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 and -5) and further increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as vasoactive intestinal peptide. CONCLUSION: This study showed that PRP decreased pain and improved shoulder ROM and function to an extent comparable with that of a corticosteroid in patients with AC. Allogenic pure PRP acted in a pleiotropic manner and decreased proinflammatory cytokines only in the inflammatory condition. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Allogenic PRP could be a treatment option for the inflammatory stage of AC.

Distinct Repopulation Activity in Hu-Mice Between CB- and LPB-CD34＋ Cells by Enrichment of Transcription Factors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Human CD34＋ hematopoietic stem cells can reconstitute the human hematopoietic system when transplanted into immunocompromised mice after irradiation. Human leukapheresis peripheral blood (LPB)- and cord blood (CB)-derived CD34＋ cells have a similar capacity to reconstitute myeloid lineage cells in a humanized mice (hu-mice) model. However, potent stem cells, such as CB-CD34＋ cells, efficiently reconstitute the lymphoid system in vivo compared to LPB-CD34＋ cells. Modeling the human hematolymphoid system is vital for studying immune cell crosstalk in human xenografted mice, with CB-CD34＋ cells used as an optimized cell source because they are essential in reconstituting lymphoid lineage cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we established hu-mice that combined human characteristics with long-term survival and investigated the efficiency of the engraftment of lymphoid lineage cells derived from LPB- and CB-CD34＋ cells in the bone marrow, spleen, and LPB. We found an overall increase in the transcriptional activity of lymphoid lineage genes in CB-CD34＋ cells. Our results revealed that potent CB-CD34＋ cells displaying a general upregulation of the expression of genes involved in lymphopoiesis could contribute to the hematolymphoid system in the humanized mice model with longevity. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that humanized mouse model by usage of CB-CD34＋ cells displaying high expression of TFs for lymphoid lineage cells can contribute to study the immune response against lymphocytes.

The Need of Enterococcal Coverage in Severe Intra-Abdominal Infection: Evidence from Animal Study.

Intra-abdominal infection (IAI) is a common and important cause of infectious mortality in intensive care units. Adequate source control and appropriate antimicrobial regimens are key in the management of IAI. In community-acquired IAI, guidelines recommend the use of different antimicrobial regimens according to severity. However, the evidence for this is weak. We investigated the effect of enterococcal coverage in antimicrobial regimens in a severe polymicrobial IAI model. We investigated the effects of imipenem/cilastatin (IMP) and ceftriaxone with metronidazole (CTX+M) in a rat model of severe IAI. We observed the survival rate and bacterial clearance rate. We identified the bacteria in blood culture. We measured lactate, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the blood. Endotoxin tolerance of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was also estimated to determine the level of immune suppression. In the severe IAI model, IMP improved survival and bacterial clearance compared to CTX+M. Enterococcus spp. were more frequently isolated in the CTX+M group. IMP also decreased plasma lactate, cytokine, and ROS levels. ALT and creatinine levels were lower in IMP group. In the mild-to-moderate IAI model, however, there was no survival difference between the groups. Immune suppression of PBMCs was observed in IAI model, and it was more prominent in the severe IAI model. Compared to CTX+M, IMP improved the outcome of rats in severe IAI model.

Fabrication of Carbon Disulfide Added Colloidal Gold Colorimetric Sensor for the Rapid and On-Site Detection of Biogenic Amines.

Meat is often wasted due to the perceived concerns of its shelf life and preservation. Specifically, in meat formation, biogenic amines (BAs) are the major agents to spoil them. Herein, we have developed a carbon disulfide (CS2) added colloidal gold nanoparticles-based colorimetric sensor for the rapid and on-site detection of biogenic amines. Transmission electron microscopy is used to observe the morphological changes in colloidal gold nanoparticles and aggregation behavior of CS2 added to the colloidal gold nanoparticles' solution. Raman spectroscopic analysis is further used to characterize the peaks of CS2, Cad and CS2-Cad molecules. Absorption spectroscopy is used to estimate the colorimetric differences and diffuse reflectance spectra of the samples. The sensing analysis is performed systematically in the presence and absence of CS2. CS2 added colloidal gold nanoparticles colorimetric sensor detected the BAs with a limit of detection (LOD) value of 50.00 µM. Furthermore, the developed sensor has shown an LOD of 50.00 µM for the detection of multiple BAs at a single time. The observed differences in the colorimetric and absorption signals indicate that the structure of BAs is converted to the dithiocarbamate (DTC)-BA molecule, due to the chemical reactions between the amine groups of BAs and CS2. Significantly, the developed colorimetric sensor offers distinct features such as facile fabrication approach, on-site sensing strategy, rapid analysis, visual detection, cost-effective, possibility of mass production, availability to detect multiple BAs at a single time and appreciable sensitivity. The developed sensor can be effectively used as a promising and alternative on-site tool for the estimation of BAs.