Estimating regional CO2 and NOx emissions from road transport using real-world data-based emission factors in Korea.

The average-speed emission model (Speed-based model), a widely used and simple method of calculating road vehicle emissions, offers easy accessibility by expressing emissions as a function of average speed. However, there are limitations in expressing emissions generated through complex mechanisms simply as a function of speed. Real-world driving tests using a portable emission measurement system can incorporate the impact of vehicle driving load on emissions. In this study, we analyzed real-world emissions data from 94 light-duty vehicles and developed time-based emission factors depending on vehicle speed and vehicle-specific power (VSP). We also propose a speed-VSP based model to estimate regional CO2 and NOx emissions by combining time-based emission factors and vehicle operating times. The speed-based model and Speed-VSP based model exhibit a 44% difference in NOx emissions and a 29% difference in CO2 emission. In a comparison of the two models against RDE test results, the speed-VSP based model achieved high accuracy in predicting NOx and CO2 emissions with a lower root mean square error (RMSE). Specifically, for NOx emissions predictions, the speed-VSP based model achieved an RMSE of 122-270 mg/km, while the speed-based model showed a much higher RMSE of 435-476 mg/km. For CO2 emissions predictions, the speed-VSP based model achieved an RMSE of 34-56 mg/km, while the speed-based model showed a much higher RMSE of 36-72 mg/km. The results of this study present an opportunity to reassess and improve conventional method of measuring and evaluating emissions from road transport.

Anti-intercellular adhesion molecule 1 monomaintenance therapy induced long-term liver allograft survival without chronic rejection.

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are essential in liver transplantation (LT); however, their long-term use leads to various adverse effects. The anti-intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 monoclonal antibody MD3 is a potential alternative to CNI. Despite its promising results with short-term therapy, overcoming the challenge of chronic rejection remains important. Thus, we aimed to investigate the outcomes of long-term MD3 therapy with monthly MD3 monomaintenance in nonhuman primate LT models. Rhesus macaques underwent major histocompatibility complex-mismatched allogeneic LT. The conventional immunosuppression group (Con-IS, n = 4) received steroid, tacrolimus, and sirolimus by 4 months posttransplantation. The induction MD3 group (IN-MD3, n = 5) received short-term MD3 therapy for 3 months with Con-IS. The maintenance MD3 group (MA-MD3, n = 4) received MD3 for 3 months, monthly doses by 2 years, and then quarterly. The MA-MD3 group exhibited stable liver function without overt infection and had significantly better liver allograft survival than the IN-MD3 group. Development of donor-specific antibody and chronic rejection were suppressed in the MA-MD3 group but not in the IN-MD3 group. Donor-specific T cell responses were attenuated in the MA-MD3 group. In conclusion, MD3 monomaintenance therapy without maintenance CNI provides long-term liver allograft survival by suppressing chronic rejection, offering a potential breakthrough for future human trials.

Advanced Multiparallel-Connected Piezoresistive Physical Sensors: Elevating Performance Reliability of Flexible Strain and Pressure Sensors.

A physical sensor with a sensing medium comprising multiparallel-connected (MPC) piezoresistive pathways in both the vertical and horizontal directions was developed to achieve improved sensing performance. The MPC sensing medium reduces the total resistance and offsets noise, offering enhanced signal stability and device reliability and providing a high-performance sensing platform. The signal change and gauge factor (GF) of the 3PW-5L strain sensor (comprising three lines and five layers of piezoresistive pathways horizontally and vertically, respectively) were, respectively, 5.9 and 4.7 times higher than those of the 1PW-1L sensor composed of a monosensing pathway; the hysteresis of the detected signal was also significantly reduced. The linearity of the detected signal increased from 0.912 for 1PW-1L to 0.995 for 3PW-5L, indicating a greater sensing reliability. The direction of the applied tensile strain was successfully detected using the MPC sensing medium with an orthogonal configuration. The MPC piezoresistive sensor composing vertically stacked piezoresistive pathways demonstrated excellent performance as a pressure sensor; the 3PW-5L pressure sensor afforded a GF of 0.121 ± 0.002 kPa-1 with a linearity of 0.998 under an applied pressure ≥16.4 kPa. The MPC piezoresistive physical sensor offers a superior sensing performance and should contribute to the future development of wearable sensors and electronic devices.

In Vivo 3-Dimensional Dynamic Evaluation of Shoulder Kinematics After the Latarjet Procedure: Comparison With the Contralateral Healthy Shoulder.

Background: Researchers have attempted to understand the underlying mechanism of the Latarjet procedure; however, its effects on shoulder kinematics have not been well studied. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to analyze shoulder kinematics after the Latarjet procedure. It was hypothesized that the nonanatomic transfer of the coracoid process during the procedure would affect normal shoulder kinematics. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: The study included 10 patients (age range, 20-52 years) who underwent the modified Latarjet procedure between June 2016 and November 2021. Computed tomography and fluoroscopy were conducted on both shoulder joints of all patients, and 3-dimensional models were reconstructed. The 3-dimensional coordinates were encoded on the reconstructed models, and shoulder kinematics were analyzed through a 3-dimensional-2-dimensional model-image registration technique. Scapular rotation parameters (scapular upward rotation, posterior tilt, external rotation, and scapulohumeral rhythm) were compared between the Latarjet and the nonsurgical contralateral sides during humeral abduction, as was anteroposterior (AP) translation relative to the glenoid center during active humeral external rotation. Results: The Latarjet side displayed significantly higher values of scapular upward rotation at higher degrees of humeral elevation (130°, 140°, and 150°) compared with the nonsurgical side (P = .027). Posterior tilt, external rotation, and scapulohumeral rhythm were not significantly different between sides. AP translation at maximal humeral rotation was not significantly different between sides (Latarjet, -0.06 ± 5.73 mm vs nonsurgical, 5.33 ± 1.60 mm; P = .28). Interestingly, on the Latarjet side, AP translation increased until 40° of humeral rotation (4.27 ± 4.64 mm) but began to decrease from 50° of humeral rotation. Conclusion: The Latarjet side demonstrated significant changes in scapular upward rotation during higher degrees of humeral elevation compared with the contralateral shoulder. Posterior movement of the humeral head at >50° of humeral rotation could be the desired effect of anterior stabilization; however, researchers should evaluate long-term complications such as osteoarthritis. Clinical Relevance: Analysis of shoulder kinematics after the Latarjet procedure could provide information regarding long-term outcomes and whether the procedure would affect the daily activities of patients.

Development of finely tuned liposome nanoplatform for macrophage depletion.

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy with clodronate-encapsulated liposomes, which induce macrophage depletion, has been studied extensively. However, previously reported liposomal formulation-based drugs (Clodrosome® and m-Clodrosome®) are limited by their inconsistent size and therapeutic efficacy. Thus, we aimed to achieve consistent therapeutic effects by effectively depleting macrophages with uniform-sized liposomes. RESULTS: We developed four types of click chemistry-based liposome nanoplatforms that were uniformly sized and encapsulated with clodronate, for effective macrophage depletion, followed by conjugation with Man-N3 and radiolabeling. Functionalization with Man-N3 improves the specific targeting of M2 macrophages, and radioisotope labeling enables in vivo imaging of the liposome nanoplatforms. The functionalized liposome nanoplatforms are stable under physiological conditions. The difference in the biodistribution of the four liposome nanoplatforms in vivo were recorded using positron emission tomography imaging. Among the four platforms, the clodronate-encapsulated mannosylated liposome effectively depleted M2 macrophages in the normal liver and tumor microenvironment ex vivo compared to that by Clodrosome® and m-Clodrosome®. CONCLUSION: The newly-developed liposome nanoplatform, with finely tuned size control, high in vivo stability, and excellent ex vivo M2 macrophage targeting and depletion effects, is a promising macrophage-depleting agent.

Angular dihydropyranocoumarins from the flowers of Peucedanum japonicum and their aldo-keto reductase inhibitory activities.

Twenty-one angular dihydropyranocoumarins and a linear furanocoumarin, including four previously undescribed compounds (1-4), were isolated from the flowers of Peucedanum japonicum (Umbelliferae). The structures of 1-4, along with their absolute stereochemistry, were determined to be (3'S,4'S)-3'-O-propanoyl-4'-O-(3‴-methyl-2‴-butenoyl)khellactone (1), (3'S,4'S)-3'-O-propanoyl-4'-O-(2‴-methyl-2‴Z-butenoyl)khellactone (2), (3'S,4'S)-3'-O-propanoyl-4'-O-(2‴-methylbutanoyl)khellactone (3), and (3'S,4'S)-3'-O-(2″-methylpropanoyl)-4'-O-(3‴-methyl-2‴-butenoyl)khellactone (4) using one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, and electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy. In addition, the absolute configuration of the three angular dihydropyranocoumarins (5-7) was determined for the first time in this study. Among the previously reported compounds isolated in this study, 8 and 9 were isolated for the first time from the genus Peucedanum, whereas 10 and 11 were previously unreported and had not been isolated from P. japonicum to date. Furthermore, all isolated compounds were evaluated for their aldo-keto reductase 1C1 inhibitory activities on A549 human non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Compounds 10 and 12 exhibited substantial AKR1C1 inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 35.8 ± 0.9 and 44.2 ± 1.5 µM, respectively.

Digital health intervention on patient safety for children and parents: A scoping review.

AIM: To explore digital health interventions on patient safety for children and their parents. DESIGN: A scoping review. METHODS: The PCC 'Participants, Concepts, and Contexts' guided the selection of studies that focused on children under 19 years of age or their parents, patient safety interventions for children, and digital health technology for patient safety interventions. This study was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework's five steps. We reported the review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched for articles published up to November 2022. RESULTS: A total of 13 articles were included and categorized according to the following criteria to describe the results: intervention characteristics, type of digital technology, and outcome characteristics. Regarding intervention characteristics, we identified two categories, prevention and risk management. Additionally, we identified four types of digital technology, mobile applications, web-based technologies, computer kiosks and electronic health records. Finally, in studies focussing on child safety, parental safety behaviours were used to assess injury risk or detect changes related to prevention. CONCLUSION: Patient safety interventions provided through appropriate digital technologies should be developed to enhance continuum of care for children from hospitalization to home after discharge. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Digital health interventions can bolster the role of healthcare providers in patient safety in and out of hospitals, thus improving children's safety and quality of care. IMPACT: What problem did the study address? Although the various advantages of digital health technology have been demonstrated, the potential role of digital technology in patient safety interventions for children has not been explored. What were the main finding? Preventive patient safety interventions and risk management for children have been developed. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Digital health interventions on patient safety can improve children's safety and quality of care by promoting non-face-to-face engagement of children and parents after discharge and expanding healthcare providers' roles. TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: Registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/dkvst). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Re-Emergence of HMPV in Gwangju, South Korea, after the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have affected the epidemiology of other respiratory viruses. In South Korea, Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) typically occurs from winter to the following spring; however, it was not detected for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic and re-emerged in the fall of 2022, which is a non-epidemic season. To examine the molecular genetic characteristics of HMPV before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, we analyzed 427 HMPV-positive samples collected in the Gwangju area from 2018 to 2022. Among these, 24 samples were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Compared to the period before the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence rate of HMPV in 2022 increased by 2.5-fold. Especially in the age group of 6-10 years, the incidence rate increased by more than 4.5-fold. In the phylogenetic analysis results, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the A2.2.2 lineage was predominant, while in 2022, the A2.2.1 and B2 lineage were observed. The non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented after COVID-19, such as social distancing, have reduced opportunities for exposure to HMPV, subsequently leading to decreased acquisition of immunity. As a result, HMPV occurred during non-epidemic seasons, influencing the age distribution of its occurrences.

Comparison of Policosanol Profiles of the Sprouts of Wheat Mutant Lines and the Effect of Differential LED Lights on Selected Lines.

Policosanols (PCs) are long-chain linear aliphatic alcohols that are present in the primary leaves of cereal crops, such as barley and wheat, sugar cane wax, and beeswax. PCs have been used as a nutraceutical for improving hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia. However, the PC content in mutant wheat lines has not been investigated. To select highly functional wheat sprouts with a high content of PCs in wheat mutant lines developed via gamma-irradiated mutation breeding, we cultivated the sprouts of wheat mutant lines in a growth chamber with white LED light (6000 K) and analyzed the PC content in these samples using GC-MS. We studied the PC content in 91 wheat sprout samples: the original variety (Woori-mil × D-7; WS01), commercially available cv. Geumgang (WS87) and cv. Cheongwoo (WS91), and mutant lines (WS02-WS86 and WS88-WS90) developed from WS01 and WS87. Compared to WS01, 18 mutant lines exhibited a high total PC content (506.08-873.24 mg/100 g dry weight). Among them, the top 10 mutant lines were evaluated for their PC production after cultivating under blue (440 nm), green (520 nm), and red (660 nm) LED light irradiation; however, these colored LED lights reduced the total PC production by 35.8-49.7%, suggesting that the cultivation with white LED lights was more efficient in promoting PCs' yield, compared to different LED lights. Therefore, our findings show the potential of radiation-bred wheat varieties as functional foods against hyperlipidemia and obesity and the optimal light conditions for high PC production.

Effects of suprahyoid muscle strengthening exercise using kinesiology taping on muscle activation and thickness in community-dwelling elderly: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Recently, swallowing resistive exercise using kinesiology taping (KT) has been reported as a novel method for dysphagia rehabilitation However, clinical evidence is still unclear, and effects in the elderly have not been confirmed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of suprahyoid muscle strengthening exercise using KT on muscle activation and thickness in community-dwelling elderly. METHODS: A total of 24 healthy older people were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to an experimental group and a placebo group. In the experimental group, KT was attached to the front of the neck with a tension of about 70% to 80%, and a resistive swallowing exercise was performed. In the placebo group, the tape was applied similarly but without tension. Both groups performed resistive swallowing exercises 10 times a day (50 swallows per day) for 6 weeks. The activation and thickness of the suprahyoid muscles were measured using portable ultrasound equipment and an surface electromyelograph device. RESULTS: The experimental group showed a significant increase in suprahyoid muscle activation (mean and peak) and muscle thickness (digastric and mylohyoid) than the placebo group (all, P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that suprahyoid muscle strengthening exercise using KT had a positive effect on the suprahyoid muscles in healthy older adults, thus suggesting the possibility of a therapeutic exercise method for dysphagia rehabilitation.

Occupational therapists views on addressing the sexuality of adult clients in rehabilitation settings: A qualitative focus group study.

Sexuality is a common concern among people with disabilities or chronic conditions, and failure to address sexuality can lead to poorer rehabilitation outcomes. To explore the factors affecting addressing the sexuality of adult clients in clinical practice as perceived by Korean Occupational Therapists (OTs) and the perspective on what needs to be established to address sexuality in occupational therapy practice. This descriptive qualitative study using focus group interviews was conducted with 15 OTs providing rehabilitation services for adult clients in the post-onset maintenance phase or for outpatients in Seoul, South Korea. Data collected through focus groups were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The main factors influencing addressing clients sexuality in clinical practice were identified: "absence of institutional system for addressing sexuality in rehabilitation setting" for environmental factors; "lack of professional competency" for therapist-related factors; and "repressed sexuality" for client-related factors. Moreover, recognizing that "sexual health is one of the goals of rehabilitation" and prioritizing it in rehabilitation settings are essential. OTs must be "experts with knowledge and skills" to access the client's sexuality, and "education and publicity" should be actively conducted to raise awareness of sexual health for clients. To deal with clients sexuality, institutional preparation should be prioritized under the recognition that sexual health is one of the goals of rehabilitation. In addition, it is necessary to prepare a relevant curriculum for OTs and create awareness so that clients can recognize improving sexual activity as a role of OTs.

Dimethyl alpha-ketoglutarate inhibits proliferation in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma by reprogramming epigenetic and transcriptional networks.

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a highly aggressive pediatric brain tumor with limited therapeutic options. Here, we investigated the potential of dimethyl alpha-ketoglutarate (DMKG) as an anti-proliferative agent against DIPG and unraveled its underlying molecular mechanisms. DMKG exhibited robust inhibition of DIPG cell proliferation, colony formation, and neurosphere growth. Transcriptomic analysis revealed substantial alterations in gene expression, with upregulated genes enriched in hypoxia-related pathways and downregulated genes associated with cell division and the mitotic cell cycle. Notably, DMKG induced G1/S phase cell cycle arrest and downregulated histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) without affecting H3 methylation levels. The inhibition of AKT and ERK signaling pathways by DMKG coincided with decreased expression of the CBP/p300 coactivator. Importantly, we identified the c-MYC-p300/ATF1-p300 axis as a key mediator of DMKG's effects, demonstrating reduced binding to target gene promoters and decreased H3K27ac levels. Depletion of c-MYC or ATF1 effectively inhibited DIPG cell growth. These findings highlight the potent anti-proliferative properties of DMKG, its impact on epigenetic modifications, and the involvement of the c-MYC-p300/ATF1-p300 axis in DIPG, shedding light on potential therapeutic strategies for this devastating disease.

Kinesiology taping and ankle foot orthosis equivalent therapeutic effects on gait function in stroke patients with foot drop: A preliminary study.

An ankle foot orthosis (AFO) is a standard type of orthosis applied to immediately treat foot drop symptoms. Kinesiology taping (KT) is a therapeutic method used in patients with neurological diseases, such as stroke, as well as in patients after orthopedic and sports injuries. This study aimed to compare outcomes of AFO treatment with those of KT to investigate the effect on gait ability in patients with foot drop after stroke. We recruited 18 patients exhibiting foot drop from stroke. Gait ability was assessed under 2 conditions: treatment with KT and that with AFO using the GAITRite system according to the following parameters: cadence, velocity, swing time, stance time, step length, and stride length. As a result, gait ability after treatment with KT and that after treatment with AFO showed no significant differences in cadence (P = .851), velocity (P = .865), swing time (P = .289 and .123), stance time (P = .255 and .711), step length (P = .955 and .975), and stride length (P = .711 and .690) of the affected and less-affected limbs. This study demonstrated that KT and AFO use have similar effects on gait function in patients with foot drop after stroke. Thus, treatment of foot drop with KT may be an alternative in patients for whom AFO use is contraindicated.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of surgically treated osteochondral lesions of the talus in children and adolescents.

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the talus are uncommon in children and adolescents. Surgical procedures differ from those used for adults to avoid iatrogenic physeal injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical treatment in pediatric patients with osteochondral lesions, specifically investigating the patient age and the status of distal tibial physis as factors associated with surgical success. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients who had symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talus that were treated surgically between 2003 and 2016. If the lesion was stable and articular cartilage was intact, retrograde drilling was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Lesions with detached overlying cartilages were treated by debridement of the cartilage combined with microfracture and drilling. Radiographic outcomes, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, and skeletal maturity were evaluated. Results: Radiological improvement was observed in 24 (24/28, 86%) patients and complete and incomplete healing in 8 and 16 patients, respectively. Changes in pain grades, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scores, and radiological healing after surgery were significant (pain grade, p < 0.001; American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, p = 0.018; radiological healing, p < 0.001). In addition, patients in the younger age group (≤13 years) showed greater improvements in pain grades than older patients (p = 0.02). Improvement in pain grade after surgery was better in the skeletally immature group than in the skeletally mature group (p = 0.048). Conclusion: Clinical and radiological improvements were observed after surgical treatment. The younger age group and open physis group showed more pain improvement. Level of evidence: Therapeutic level IV.

Fermented Lettuce Extract Induces Immune Responses through Polarization of Macrophages into the Pro-Inflammatory M1-Subtype.

It has been reported that lettuce and its bioactive compounds enhance the host immune system by acting as immune modulators. This study aimed to identify the immunological effect of fermented lettuce extract (FLE) on macrophages. To evaluate the efficacy of FLE in enhancing macrophage function, we measured and compared the levels of macrophage activation-related markers in FLE- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Treatment with FLE activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, increased their phagocytic ability, and increased the production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels-similar to LPS. The effects of FLE on M1/M2 macrophage polarization were investigated by determining M1 and M2 macrophage transcript markers in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The FLE-related treatment of peritoneal macrophages enhanced the expression of M1 markers but reduced IL-4 treatment-induced M2 markers. After the generation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), alterations in the levels of M1 and M2 macrophage markers were measured after treatment with FLE. The FLE-related treatment of TAMs increased the expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and also led to the enhanced apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. These findings suggest that FLE may be useful for macrophage-targeted cancer therapy because of its ability to regulate the activation and polarization of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment.

Photobiomodulation ameliorates inflammatory parameters in fibroblast-like synoviocytes and experimental animal models of rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic destructive inflammatory disease that afflicts over one percent of the world's population. Current pharmacological treatments remain relatively ineffective. In this context, photobiomodulation (PBM) is a potential resource for the treatment of RA. This study investigates investigate the anti-arthritic effects and related mechanisms of PBM on fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from RA patients and a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Methods: The RA-FLSs were irradiated with a light emitting diode (LED) at a wavelength of 610 nm for 20 min, and the corresponding power intensities were 5 and 10 mW/cm2. After the LED irradiation, cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion assays were performed. Male DBA/1J mice were used to establish an animal model of CIA. Light stimulation with 10 mW/cm2 was applied to the ankle joints via direct contact with the skin for 40 min, daily for 2 weeks. Results and Discussion: PBM significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced increase in proliferation, migration, and invasion in RA-FLSs, and downregulated the activation of nuclear factor-κappa B (NF-κB) and NLRP3 inflammasome by TNF-α. Moreover, PBM greatly inhibited the induction and development of CIA, resulting in the inhibition of synovial inflammation and cartilage degradation. PBM therapy decreased the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokines. PBM suppressed the translocation of NF-κB and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in the ankle joint. Furthermore, PBM showed a more pronounced anti-arthritic effect when combined with methotrexate (MTX), a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). The results showed that the effectiveness of MTX + PBM in CIA is superior to that of either MTX or PBM and that both work synergistically. Therefore, PBM with LED may be a potential therapeutic intervention for against RA.

Viral detection from negative mumps cases with respiratory symptoms in Gwangju, South Korea in 2021.

Mumps is the second-most reported infectious disease in South Korea; however, due to the low pathogen confirmation rate in laboratory diagnoses, we proposed a method for reevaluating the high incidence rate via the laboratory verification of other viral diseases. In 2021, 63 cases of pharyngeal or cheek mucosal swabs of suspected mumps cases in Gwangju, South Korea, were assessed for causative pathogens using massive simultaneous pathogen testing. More than one respiratory virus was detected in 60 cases (95.2%), 44 (73.3%) of which were codetected. Human rhinovirus was detected in 47 cases, followed by human herpesvirus (HHV)6 in 30; HHV4 (17), human bocavirus (17), HHV5 (10), and human parainfluenza virus 3 (6) were also detected. Our findings suggest the need for further investigations on the pathogenesis of diseases mimicking mumps, which are considered to aid with appropriate public health responses, treatment, and the prevention of infectious disease outbreaks.

Fermented Lettuce Extract Containing Nitric Oxide Metabolites Attenuates Inflammatory Parameters in Model Mice and in Human Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) contains various bioactive compounds that can reduce the severity of inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to identify therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of fermented lettuce extract (FLE) containing stable nitric oxide (NO) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (MH7A line) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DBA/1 mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen and orally administered FLE for 14 days. On day 36, mouse sera and ankle joints were collected for serological and histological analysis, respectively. Consuming FLE inhibited RA development, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine productions, synovial inflammation, and cartilage degradation. The therapeutic effects of FLE in CIA mice were similar to those of methotrexate (MTX), which is typically used to treat RA. In vitro, FLE suppressed the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß)/Smad signaling pathway in MH7A cells. We also demonstrated that FLE inhibited TGF-ß-induced cell migration, suppressed MMP-2/9 expression, inhibited MH7A cell proliferation, and increased the expression of autophagy markers LC3B and p62 in a dose-dependent manner. Our data suggest that FLE could induce autophagosome formations in the early of stages of autophagy while inhibiting their degradation in the later stages. In conclusion, FLE is a potential therapeutic agent for RA.

Chin-tuck assistant system (CAS)-A novel method using auditory feedback for postural maintenance in a chin-tuck maneuver: A randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Chin-tuck are effective in patients with dysphagia, where aspiration can occur due to pharyngeal swallowing delays. This study aims to verify whether Chin-tuck Assistant System Maneuver (CAS-M) supplemented with Chin-Tuck Maneuver (CTM) is effective for learning and maintaining correct chin-tuck postures. In addition, we investigated the possibility of using CAS-M as a customized rehabilitation treatment program for patients with poor cognitive ability, attention issues, and general swallowing disorders. INTERVENTION: To demonstrate the effectiveness of CAS, we recruited 52 healthy adults and assigned them to 2 groups. The CTM group was trained to maintain the correct chin-tuck posture using the general Chin-Tuck Maneuver, while the CAS-M group was trained using CAS. Four evaluations were conducted using CAS to investigate the degree of postural maintenance of chin-tuck before and after intervention. RESULTS: The CAS-M group showed a statistically significant difference in TIME, BEEP, and change (P < .05), but the CTM group showed no statistically significant differences (P < .05). YZ evaluation showed no statistically significant differences in both groups. CONCLUSION: After examining the effects of CAS-M using CAS on healthy adults, we confirmed this to be a more effective method for correct chin-tuck posture than conventional CTM.

Bavachin alleviates diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice by inhibition of oxidative stress and improvement of mitochondria function.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Psoralea corylifolia L. seed (PCS) is a traditional medicine effective against various diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of bavachin, the major active component of PCS, on DN in db/db mice. Bavachin (10 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to 12-week-old male db/db mice for 6 wk. For in vitro experiments, SV40 MES13 cells were treated with bavachin in the presence of 25 mM glucose. Food and water intake and urine mass were significantly increased in db/db mice compared to wild-type CON mice, but bavachin administration significantly reduced these increases. Urinary microalbumin, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine clearance which were significantly increased in db/db mice, were also decreased by bavachin administration. Glomerular area and collagen deposition in the kidney were significantly decreased in db/db mice following bavachin administration. Increased renal levels of fibrotic factors, fibronectin, COL1A1, and α-SMA, were reduced following bavachin administration. Protein expressions of antioxidant enzymes, namely SOD2, catalase, and HO-1, and mitochondrial function-related factors, namely SIRT1, PGC1α, Nrf1, and mtTFA, were reduced in the kidney tissues of db/db mice compared to wild-type CON mice, and bavachin administration upregulated these protein expressions. In vitro studies also showed that bavachin decreases mitochondria ROS production, increases the expression of PGC-1α and SIRT1, and decreases the expression of α-SMA in high glucose-treated SV40 MES13 cells. Based on these results, bavachin improved DN by inhibiting oxidative stress and enhancing mitochondrial function.