Effects of short-term exercise and endurance training on skeletal muscle mitochondria damage induced by particular matter, atmospherically relevant artificial PM2.5.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the potential of short-term aerobic exercise to mitigate skeletal muscle mitochondrial damage following ambient PM2.5 exposure, and how 12 weeks of endurance training can enhance aerobic fitness to protect against such damage. Methods: Twenty-four male C57BL/6 J mice were split into sedentary (SED, n = 12) and endurance training (ETR, n = 12) groups. The ETR group underwent 12 weeks of training (10-15 m/min, 60 min/day, 4 times/week), confirmed by an Endurance Exercise Capacity (EEC) test. Post-initial training, the SED group was further divided into SSED (SED and sedentary, n = 6) and SPE (SED and PM2.5 + Exercise, n = 6). Similarly, the ETR group was divided into EEX (ETR and Exercise, n = 6) and EPE (ETR and PM2.5 + Exercise, n = 6). These groups underwent 1 week of atmospherically relevant artificial PM2.5 exposure and treadmill running (3 times/week). Following treatments, an EEC test was conducted, and mice were sacrificed for blood and skeletal muscle extraction. Blood samples were analyzed for oxidative stress indicators, while skeletal muscles were assessed for mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and mitochondrial damage using western blot and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: After 12 weeks of endurance training, the EEC significantly increased (p < 0.000) in the ETR group compared to the SED group. Following a one-week comparison among the four groups with atmospherically relevant artificial PM2.5 exposure and exercise treatment post-endurance training, the EEX group showed improvements in EEC, oxidative metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, and antioxidant functions. Conversely, these factors decreased in the EPE group compared to the EEX. Additionally, within the SPE group, exercise effects were evident in HK2, LDH, SOD2, and GPX4, while no impact of short-term exercise was observed in all other factors. TEM images revealed no evidence of mitochondrial damage in both the SED and EEX groups, while the majority of mitochondria were damaged in the SPE group. The EPE group also exhibited damaged mitochondria, although significantly less than the SPE group. Conclusion: Atmospherically relevant artificial PM2.5 exposure can elevate oxidative stress, potentially disrupting the benefits of short-term endurance exercise and leading to mitochondrial damage. Nonetheless, increased aerobic fitness through endurance training can mitigate PM2.5-induced mitochondrial damage.

Comparison of High- and Low-Dose Rivaroxaban Regimens in Elderly East Asian Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: In the Rivaroxaban Once-daily oral direct factor Xa inhibition Compared with vitamin K antagonism for prevention of stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET AF) trial, rivaroxaban 20 mg was the on-label dose, and the dose-reduction criterion for rivaroxaban was a creatinine clearance of < 50 mL/min. Some Asian countries are using reduced doses label according to the J-ROCKET AF trial. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a high-dose rivaroxaban regimen (HDRR, 20/15 mg) and low-dose rivaroxaban regimen (LDRR, 15/10 mg) among elderly East Asian patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in real-world practice. METHODS: This study was a multicenter, prospective, non-interventional observational study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in AF patients > 65 years of age with or without renal impairment. RESULTS: A total of 1,093 patients (mean age, 72.8 ± 5.8 years; 686 [62.9%] men) were included in the analysis, with 493 patients allocated to the HDRR group and 598 patients allocated to the LDRR group. A total of 765 patients received 15 mg of rivaroxaban (203 in the HDRR group and 562 in the LDRR group). There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of major bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% confidential interval [CI], 0.21-1.93), stroke (adjusted HR, 3.21; 95% CI, 0.54-19.03), and composite outcomes (adjusted HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.47-2.69) between the HDRR and LDRR groups. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the safety and effectiveness of either dose regimen of rivaroxaban in an Asian population for stroke prevention of AF. Considerable numbers of patients are receiving LDRR therapy in real-world practice in Asia. Both regimens were safe and effective for these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04096547.

The Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Pattern Kinesio Taping on Arm Swing, Balance, and Gait Parameters among Chronic Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern kinesio taping on arm swing, balance, and gait parameters among chronic stroke patients. (2) Methods: Twenty-eight participants were randomized into proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern kinesio taping during gait training (n = 14) and gait training (n = 14) groups. The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern kinesio taping during gait training group employed proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern kinesio taping during 15 min treadmill-based gait training five times a week for four weeks, while the gait training group underwent the same gait training without proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern kinesio taping. Arm swing angle was measured using the Image J program, static balance was assessed with an AMTI force plate, dynamic balance was evaluated through the Timed Up and Go test, and gait parameters were recorded using the GAITRite system and the Dynamic Gait Index. (3) Results: After 4 weeks of training, the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern kinesio taping during gait training group exhibited significant improvements in all variables compared to the baseline (p < 0.05), whereas the gait training group did not show statistically significant differences in any variables (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern kinesio taping during gait training in enhancing arm swing angle, balance, and gait parameters.

Association between mechanical power and intensive care unit mortality in Korean patients under pressure-controlled ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical power (MP) has been reported to be associated with clinical outcomes. Because the original MP equation is derived from paralyzed patients under volume-controlled ventilation, its application in practice could be limited in patients receiving pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). Recently, a simplified equation for patients under PCV was developed. We investigated the association between MP and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of Korean data from the Fourth International Study of Mechanical Ventilation. We extracted data of patients under PCV on day 1 and calculated MP using the following simplified equation: MPPCV = 0.098 ∙ respiratory rate ∙ tidal volume ∙ (ΔPinsp + positive end-expiratory pressure), where ΔPinsp is the change in airway pressure during inspiration. Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors and then compared. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine association between MPPCV and ICU mortality. The interaction of MPPCV and use of neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) was also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients was eligible for final analysis, of whom 38 died in the ICU. MPPCV was higher in non-survivors (17.6 vs. 26.3 J/min, P<0.001). In logistic regression analysis, only MPPCV was significantly associated with ICU mortality (odds ratio, 1.090; 95% confidence interval, 1.029-1.155; P=0.003). There was no significant effect of the interaction between MPPCV and use of NMBA on ICU mortality (P=0.579). CONCLUSIONS: MPPCV is associated with ICU mortality in patients mechanically ventilated with PCV mode, regardless of NMBA use.

Association of Mechanical Energy and Power with Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Lung Resection Surgery: A Post Hoc Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trial Data.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical power (MP), the rate of mechanical energy (ME) delivery, is a recently introduced unifying ventilator parameter consisting of tidal volume, airway pressures, and respiratory rates, which predicts pulmonary complications in several clinical contexts. However, ME has not been previously studied in the perioperative context, and neither parameter has been studied in the context of thoracic surgery utilizing one-lung ventilation. METHODS: The relationships between ME variables and postoperative pulmonary complications were evaluated in this post hoc analysis of data from a multicenter randomized clinical trial of lung resection surgery conducted between 2020 and 2021 (n = 1,170). Time-weighted average MP and ME (the area under the MP time curve) were obtained for individual patients. The primary analysis was the association of time-weighted average MP and ME with pulmonary complications within 7 postoperative days. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the relationships between energy variables and the primary outcome. RESULTS: In 1,055 patients analyzed, pulmonary complications occurred in 41% (431 of 1,055). The median (interquartile ranges) ME and time-weighted average MP in patients who developed postoperative pulmonary complications versus those who did not were 1,146 (811 to 1,530) J versus 924 (730 to 1,240) J (P < 0.001), and 6.9 (5.5 to 8.7) J/min versus 6.7 (5.2 to 8.5) J/min (P = 0.091), respectively. ME was independently associated with postoperative pulmonary complications (ORadjusted, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.16 to 1.80]; P = 0.001). However, the association between time-weighted average MP and postoperative pulmonary complications was time-dependent, and time-weighted average MP was significantly associated with postoperative pulmonary complications in cases utilizing longer periods of mechanical ventilation (210 min or greater; ORadjusted, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.11 to 1.93]; P = 0.007). Normalization of ME and time-weighted average MP either to predicted body weight or to respiratory system compliance did not alter these associations. CONCLUSIONS: ME and, in cases requiring longer periods of mechanical ventilation, MP were independently associated with postoperative pulmonary complications in thoracic surgery.

HM-chromanone alleviates hyperglycemia and inflammation in mice with endotoxin-induced insulin resistance.

This study was designed to investigate whether (E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2'-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone alleviates inflammation and hyperglycemia in mice with endotoxin-induced insulin resistance. (E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2'-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone (10, 30, and 50 mg/kg bodyweight) was orally pre-administered to C57BL/6 J mice. An hour later, lipopolysaccharides (20 mg/kg bodyweight) was administered intraperitoneally to induce endotoxins. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein of the mice every 0, 30, and 90 min. The results indicated that (E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2'-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone effectively regulated blood glucose levels in mice with endotoxin-induced insulin resistance. Furthermore, (E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2'-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone significantly reduced the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin, ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1, and protein kinase C θ. Additionally, (E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2'-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone suppressed the phosphorylation of c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase and IkB kinase ß, thereby decreasing the phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B α and activating the nuclear factor-κB and activator protein-1 in the liver. Therefore, the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1ß was significantly reduced by suppressing the nuclear factor-κB and activator protein 1 activity. Suppression of mammalian target of rapamycin, S6 kinase 1, protein kinase C θ, c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase, and IkB kinase ß also ameliorated insulin resistance by reducing the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 serine 307, thereby decreasing hyperglycemia. These findings suggest that (E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2'-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone can alleviate hyperglycemia and inflammation in mice with endotoxin-induced insulin resistance.

Longitudinal Trends in Sleep and Related Factors Among South Korean Adults From 2009 to 2018.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Excess or insufficient sleep, irregular sleep-wake patterns, and an extreme early or late chronotypes adversely impact physical and mental health. Changes in sleep characteristics should therefore be tracked, and factors that contribute to poor sleep should be identified. We investigated the changes in sleep patterns among South Korean adults during 2009-2018. METHODS: Using data of a representative sample of South Korean adults from the 2009 (n=2,658, 48.5% males; age=44.5±15.0 years old [mean±standard deviation], age range=19-86 years) and 2018 (n=2,389, 49.1% males; age=47.9±16.3 years, age range=19-92 years) Korean Headache-Sleep Study, we explored changes in sleep timing, sleep duration, chronotype, and social jetlag (SJL). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between average sleep duration and depression. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2018, bedtimes were advanced by 10 and 25 min on workdays and free days, respectively. Meanwhile, wake-up times were advanced by 13 min and delayed by 12 min on workdays and free days, respectively. The average sleep duration significantly decreased from 7.45 h to 7.13 h. The prevalence of short sleep duration (<7 h) increased, whereas that of long sleep duration (≥8 h) decreased. A circadian preference toward eveningness and SJL increased. The prevalence of depression increased from 4.6% to 8.4%, and there were significant reverse J-shaped and U-shaped associations between average sleep duration and depression in 2009 and 2018, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in sleep patterns and the association between sleep duration and depressive mood were determined from a representative sample of the South Korean adult population. Interventions to modify sleep behaviors might improve public health.

Intrinsically Nonswellable Multifunctional Hydrogel with Dynamic Nanoconfinement Networks for Robust Tissue-Adaptable Bioelectronics.

Developing bioelectronics that retains their long-term functionalities in the human body during daily activities is a current critical issue. To accomplish this, robust tissue adaptability and biointerfacing of bioelectronics should be achieved. Hydrogels have emerged as promising materials for bioelectronics that can softly adapt to and interface with tissues. However, hydrogels lack toughness, requisite electrical properties, and fabrication methodologies. Additionally, the water-swellable property of hydrogels weakens their mechanical properties. In this work, an intrinsically nonswellable multifunctional hydrogel exhibiting tissue-like moduli ranging from 10 to 100 kPa, toughness (400-873 J m-3 ), stretchability (≈1000% strain), and rapid self-healing ability (within 5 min), is developed. The incorporation of carboxyl- and hydroxyl-functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNTs) ensures high conductivity of the hydrogel (≈40 S m-1 ), which can be maintained and recovered even after stretching or rupture. After a simple chemical modification, the hydrogel shows tissue-adhesive properties (≈50 kPa) against the target tissues. Moreover, the hydrogel can be 3D printed with a high resolution (≈100 µm) through heat treatment owing to its shear-thinning capacity, endowing it with fabrication versatility. The hydrogel is successfully applied to underwater electromyography (EMG) detection and ex vivo bladder expansion monitoring, demonstrating its potential for practical bioelectronics.

Longitudinal Trends in Sleep and Related Factors Among South Korean Adults From 2009 to 2018

Background@#and Purpose Excess or insufficient sleep, irregular sleep-wake patterns, and an extreme early or late chronotypes adversely impact physical and mental health. Changes in sleep characteristics should therefore be tracked, and factors that contribute to poor sleep should be identified. We investigated the changes in sleep patterns among South Korean adults during 2009–2018. @*Methods@#Using data of a representative sample of South Korean adults from the 2009 (n= 2,658, 48.5% males; age=44.5±15.0 years old [mean±standard deviation], age range=19–86 years) and 2018 (n=2,389, 49.1% males; age=47.9±16.3 years, age range=19–92 years) Korean Headache-Sleep Study, we explored changes in sleep timing, sleep duration, chronotype, and social jetlag (SJL). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between average sleep duration and depression. @*Results@#From 2009 to 2018, bedtimes were advanced by 10 and 25 min on workdays and free days, respectively. Meanwhile, wake-up times were advanced by 13 min and delayed by 12 min on workdays and free days, respectively. The average sleep duration significantly decreased from 7.45 h to 7.13 h. The prevalence of short sleep duration (<7 h) increased, whereas that of long sleep duration (≥8 h) decreased. A circadian preference toward eveningness and SJL increased. The prevalence of depression increased from 4.6% to 8.4%, and there were significant reverse J-shaped and U-shaped associations between average sleep duration and depression in 2009 and 2018, respectively. @*Conclusions@#Changes in sleep patterns and the association between sleep duration and depressive mood were determined from a representative sample of the South Korean adult population. Interventions to modify sleep behaviors might improve public health.

Inhibition of Bacterial Neuraminidase and Biofilm Formation by Ugonins Isolated From Helminthostachys Zeylanica (L.) Hook.

Bacterial neuraminidase (BNA) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several microbial diseases including biofilm formation. The aim of this study is to reveal the neuraminidase inhibitory potential of metabolites from Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. which have diverse biological activities including PTP1B and α-glucosidase. The six ugonins (1-6) from the target plant showed significant neuraminidase inhibition. The inhibitory potencies were observed at a nanomolar level of 35-50 nM, which means they are 100 times more active than their corresponding mother compounds (eriodyctiol and luteolin). A detailed kinetic study revealed that all ugonins were reversible noncompetitive inhibitors. An in-depth investigation of the most potent compound 1 showed its time-dependent inhibition with the isomerization model having k 5 = 0.0103 min-1, k 6 = 0.0486 min-1, and K i app = 0.062 µM. The binding affinities (K sv) were agreed closely with our prediction based on the inhibitory potencies. Particularly, ugonin J (1) blocked the biofilm formation of E. coli dose-dependently up to 150 µM without the inhibition of bacteria. The major compounds (1-6) in the extract were characterized by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS.

Decomposition of VOCs using serial surface dielectric barrier discharge reactors.

Decomposition of two typical volatile organic compounds (VOCs): toluene and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), was investigated by introducing the complete energy yield (i.e. amount of VOCs totally converted to CO and CO2 for every 1 kWh of electrical usage) and specific energy density (SED) for the non-thermal plasma technology. Three dielectric barrier discharge reactors of which SED range was 55 J/L to 283 J/L at a flow rate of 1 L/min were connected in a 3-reactor arranged in series using interconnecting tubes in the inlets and outlets. As a result of the serial reactor design, the energy efficiency of the system improved, and in particular, 7% of increase was found in at the same level of energy consumption. The mixed phase of VOCs (toluene and MEK) showed MEK as a limiting species in this study. As the inlet concentration rose from 20 to 100 ppmv, both energy yield and complete energy yield increased from 0.8 to 9.2 g/kWh and from 0.8 to 2.3 g/kWh, respectively.

Development of an Electrochemical Dual H2S/Ca2+ Microsensor and Its In Vivo Application to a Rat Seizure Model.

A dual electrochemical microsensor was fabricated for concurrent monitoring of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and calcium ions (Ca2+), which are closely linked important signaling species involved in various physiological processes. The dual sensor was prepared using a dual recessed electrode consisting of two platinum (Pt) microdisks (50 µm in diameter). Each electrode was individually optimized for the best sensing ability toward a target analyte. One electrode (WE1, amperometric H2S sensor) was modified with electrodeposition of Au and electropolymerized polyaniline coating. The other electrode (WE2, all-solid-state Ca2+-selective electrode) was composed of Ag/AgCl onto the recessed Pt disk formed via electrodeposition/chloridation, followed by silanization and Ca2+-selective membrane loading. The current of WE1 and the potential of WE2 in a dual sensor responded linearly to H2S concentration and logarithm of Ca2+ concentration, respectively, without a crosstalk between the sensing signals. Both WE1 and WE2 presented excellent sensitivity, selectivity (log⁡KH2S,iAmp≤-3.5, i = CO, NO, O2, NO2-, AP, AA, DA, and GABA; and log⁡KCa2+,jPot≤-3.2, j = Na+, K+, and Mg2+), and fast response time with reasonable stability (during ca. 6 h in vivo experiment). Particularly, WE2 prepared using a mixture of two ionophores (ETH1001 and ETH129) and two plasticizers (2-nitrophenyl octyl ether and bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate) showed a very shortened response time (tR to attain the ΔE/Δt slope of 0.6 mV/min = 3.0 ± 0.2 s, n ≥ 10), a critically required factor for real-time analysis. The developed sensor was utilized for simultaneous real-time monitoring of H2S and Ca2+ changes at the brain cortex surface of a living rat during spontaneous epileptic seizures induced by a cortical 4-aminopyridine injection. The dynamic changes of H2S and Ca2+ were clearly observed in an intimate correlation with the electrophysiological recording of seizures, demonstrating the sensor feasibility of in vivo and real-time simultaneous measurements of H2S and Ca2+.

Association between physical activity and subsequent cardiovascular disease among 5-year breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: To examine the association of physical activity among long-term breast cancer survivors on the occurrence of subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: We investigated the risk of CVD among 39,775 breast cancer patients who were newly diagnosed in 2006 and survived until 2011 within the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Patients were followed up from 5 years after breast cancer diagnosis to the date of CVD event, death, or December 31, 2018, whichever came earliest. Every 500 MET-mins/week correspond to 152, 125, and 62.5 min per week of light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity physical activity, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression by physical activity levels. RESULTS: Compared with those with physical activity of 0 MET-min/week, those with 1-499 (aHR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69-0.98), 500-999 (aHR 0.75, 95% CI 0.63-0.90), and ≥ 1,000 (aHR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63-0.93) MET-min/week of PA had lower risk of CVD. Higher levels of PA were associated with lower risk of stroke (p for trend = 0.016). The benefits of PA on obese and overweight breast cancer survivors were smaller than those in normal weight survivors. The frequency of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) showed a reverse J-curve association with CVD, and the best benefit occurred in the 3-4 times MVPA per week group (aHR 0.59, 95% CI 0.46-0.74). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that even small amounts of PA may be beneficial in potentially decreasing the risk of CVD, CHD, and stroke in breast cancer survivors. Our result will be useful to prescribe and delivery exercise among long-term breast cancer survivors.

Percutaneous antegrade removal of foreign bodies in the urinary tract: a 20-year, single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: While removing urinary tract foreign bodies is mostly performed through retrograde cystoscopy, antegrade removal using interventional procedures is reported less frequently. PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous antegrade removal of urinary tract foreign bodies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 14 consecutive patients (age range 9-80 years) who percutaneous antegrade removal of urinary tract foreign bodies between January 2001 and March 2020 were reviewed. Detailed removal procedures and complications were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Types of foreign bodies were sheared percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) catheters (n = 5), sheared double J stents (n = 3), migrated ureteral catheters (n = 3), embolization coils (n = 2), and a 0.018-inch guide wire (n = 1). The mean and median indwelling times (range 0-306 days) of the foreign bodies were 58.3 and 1.5 days, respectively. Computed tomography (CT) scans were conducted in six patients, and the extent and nature of the foreign bodies were well-visualized on CT scans. The removal access was new PCN access (n = 8), the tract missing PCN catheter (n = 3), pre-existing PCN access (n = 2), and percutaneous dissection (n = 1). The removal success rate was 92.9% (13/14) with either a simple (n = 8) or modified (n = 4; combination of a snare and guide wire is used) snare technique or a direct forceps grasp (n = 1). The mean procedure time for successful cases was 14.2 min (range 7-25 min). Procedure-related hematoma with (n = 2) or without (n = 1) renal pelvis injury occurred in three patients, which were all self-limited within one week. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous antegrade removal is safe and effective for urinary tract foreign bodies.

Effectiveness of cyclohexyl functionality in ugonins from Helminthostachys zeylanica to PTP1B and α-glucosidase inhibitions.

Ugonins are unique flavonoids with cyclohexyl motif from Helminthostachys zeylanica. Ugonins (1-6) from the target plant displayed significant inhibitions against both PTP1B (IC50s = 0.6-7.3 µM) and α-glucosidase (IC50s = 3.9-32.9 µM), which are crucial enzymes associated with diabetes. A cyclohexyl motif was proved to be the key functionality for PTP1B and α-glucosidase. For example, 1 was 26-fold effective to PTP1B and 15-fold to α-glucosidase than its mother compound, luteolin. This tendency was well elucidated with distinctive differences of binding affinities (KSV) between ugonins and mother compounds to PTP1B enzyme. Inhibitory mechanisms to PTP1B and α-glucosidase were fully characterized to be competitive, non-competitive and mixed type I according to the position of cyclohexyl functionality. In particular, the ugonin J (1) has a cyclohexyl on the B ring was estimated as a reversible, competitive and a slow binding inhibitor with parameters: Kiapp = 0.1234 µM, k3 = 0.5713 µM-1 min-1, and k4 = 0.0705 min-1. In-depth molecular docking experiments disclosed the specific binding sites and residues of competitive inhibitor (1) and non-competitive inhibitor (4) to PTP1B enzymes. As well, all six ugonins (1-6) also inhibited α-glucosidase effectively, in which cyclohexyl motif was also the key functionality of inhibitions.

High fat diet accelerates and exacerbates microgliosis and neuronal damage/death in the somatosensory cortex after transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils.

Obesity has been known as an independent risk factor for stroke. Effects of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity on neuronal damage in the somatosensory cortex of animal models of cerebral ischemia have not been studied yet. In this study, HFD-induced obesity was used to study the impact of obesity on neuronal damage/loss and microgliosis in the somatosensory cortex of a gerbil model of 5-min transient forebrain ischemia. We used gerbils fed normal diet (ND) and HFD and chronologically examined microgliosis (microglial cell activation) by ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) immunohistochemistry. In addition, we examined neuronal damage or death by using neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN, a neuronal marker) immunohistochemistry and Fluoro-Jade B (F-J B, a marker for neuronal degeneration) histofluorescence staining. We found that ischemia-induced microgliosis in ND-fed gerbils was increased from 2 days post-ischemia; however, ischemia-mediated microgliosis in HFD-fed gerbils increased from 1 day post-ischemia and more accelerated with time than that in the ND-fed gerbils. Ischemia-induced neuronal death/loss in the somatosensory cortex in the ND-fed gerbils was apparently found at 5 days post-ischemia. However, in the HFD-fed gerbils, neuronal death/loss was shown from 2 days post-ischemia and progressively exacerbated at 5 days post-ischemia. Our findings indicate that HFD can evoke earlier microgliosis and more detrimental neuronal death/loss in the somatosensory cortex after transient ischemia than ND evokes.

Simultaneous phase-contrast MRI and PET for noninvasive quantification of cerebral blood flow and reactivity in healthy subjects and patients with cerebrovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: H215 O-positron emission tomography (PET) is considered the reference standard for absolute cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, this technique requires an arterial input function measured through continuous sampling of arterial blood, which is invasive and has limitations with tracer delay and dispersion. PURPOSE: To demonstrate a new noninvasive method to quantify absolute CBF with a PET/MRI hybrid scanner. This blood-free approach, called PC-PET, takes the spatial CBF distribution from a static H215 O-PET scan, and scales it to the whole-brain average CBF value measured by simultaneous phase-contrast MRI. STUDY TYPE: Observational. SUBJECTS: Twelve healthy controls (HC) and 13 patients with Moyamoya disease (MM) as a model of chronic ischemic disease. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCES: 3T/2D cardiac-gated phase-contrast MRI and H215 O-PET. ASSESSMENT: PC-PET CBF values from whole brain (WB), gray matter (GM), and white matter (WM) in HCs were compared with literature values since 2000. CBF and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), which is defined as the percent CBF change between baseline and post-acetazolamide (vasodilator) scans, were measured by PC-PET in MM patients and HCs within cortical regions corresponding to major vascular territories. Statistical Tests: Linear, mixed effects models were created to compare CBF and CVR, respectively, between patients and controls, and between different degrees of stenosis. RESULTS: The mean CBF values in WB, GM, and WM in HC were 42 ± 7 ml/100 g/min, 50 ± 7 ml/100 g/min, and 23 ± 3 ml/100 g/min, respectively, which agree well with literature values. Compared with normal regions (57 ± 23%), patients showed significantly decreased CVR in areas with mild/moderate stenosis (47 ± 17%, P = 0.011) and in severe/occluded areas (40 ± 16%, P = 0.016). Data Conclusion: PC-PET identifies differences in cerebrovascular reactivity between healthy controls and cerebrovascular patients. PC-PET is suitable for CBF measurement when arterial blood sampling is not accessible, and warrants comparison to fully quantitative H215 O-PET in future studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:183-194.

High fat diet accelerates and exacerbates microgliosis and neuronal damage/death in the somatosensory cortex after transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils / 한국실험동물학회지

Obesity has been known as an independent risk factor for stroke. Effects of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity on neuronal damage in the somatosensory cortex of animal models of cerebral ischemia have not been studied yet. In this study, HFD-induced obesity was used to study the impact of obesity on neuronal damage/loss and microgliosis in the somatosensory cortex of a gerbil model of 5-min transient forebrain ischemia. We used gerbils fed normal diet (ND) and HFD and chronologically examined microgliosis (microglial cell activation) by ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) immunohistochemistry. In addition, we examined neuronal damage or death by using neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN, a neuronal marker) immunohistochemistry and Fluoro-Jade B (F-J B, a marker for neuronal degeneration) histofluorescence staining. We found that ischemia-induced microgliosis in ND-fed gerbils was increased from 2 days post-ischemia; however, ischemia-mediated microgliosis in HFD-fed gerbils increased from 1 day post-ischemia and more accelerated with time than that in the ND-fed gerbils. Ischemia-induced neuronal death/loss in the somatosensory cortex in the ND-fed gerbils was apparently found at 5 days post-ischemia. However, in the HFD-fed gerbils, neuronal death/loss was shown from 2 days post-ischemia and progressively exacerbated at 5 days post-ischemia. Our findings indicate that HFD can evoke earlier microgliosis and more detrimental neuronal death/loss in the somatosensory cortex after transient ischemia than ND evokes.

Comparison of the Effect of Applying Polyethylene Wrap and Aircap in Maintaining Body Temperature of Preterm Infants / 임상간호연구

Purpose@#This study was an quasi-experimental study to compare the effect of applying polyethylene wrap and aircap in maintaining body temperature of preterm infants. @*Methods@#The participants were 51 preterm infants.Aircap was applied to the experimental group (n=23) and polyethylene wrap was applied to the control group (n=28) when the preterm infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit. The data was collected at W hospital in J-province from June 2016 to May 2017. A total of 9 body temperature measurements were taken at 3 hours interval from 5 min to 24 hours after admission. Repeated measure ANOVA, independent t-test and x 2 test were conducted used with SPSS/WIN 24.0 @*Results@#There were no significant difference in the homogeneity tests for general characteristics and dependent variables prior to the experiments (t=0.57, p=.566). There was a significant difference on body temperature of preterm infants over time (F=3.24, p=.020). There was no significant difference on body temperature between polyethylene wrap and aircap application groups (F=1.29, p=.261). The interaction between the group and the time was insignificant (F=1.51, p=.214). @*Conclusion@#The findings demonstrated that both methods of applying polyethylene wrap and aircap on the body in preterm infants had effect in maintaining body temperature.

Association between alcohol intake and measures of incident CKD: An analysis of nationwide health screening data.

To evaluate the association between alcohol intake and incident chronic kidney disease measures as well as the sex differences in this association, we analyzed health screening data of 14,190,878 adults who underwent health screening ≥3 times and had glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and normal proteinuria at baseline. eGFR was calculated with the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Proteinuria was defined as ≥1+ dipstick proteinuria and low eGFR as <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The risk of incident proteinuria and low eGFR was analyzed with an extended Cox model with alcohol intake level as a time-varying determinant and the annual change of eGFR with generalized linear model. A J-shape association of alcohol intake with the incident proteinuria was observed in men (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.961, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.953-0.970 in men drinking alcohol <10 g/day; aHR 1.139, 95% CI, 1.123-1.154 in men drinking alcohol ≥40 g/day, compared with non-drinking men), and a positive association was seen in women (aHR, 1.034, 95% CI, 1.023-1.044 in women drinking alcohol <10 g/day; aHR, 1.094, 95% CI, 1.034-1.158 in women drinking alcohol ≥40 g/day, compared with non-drinking women). In both sexes, an inverse association of alcohol intake with the annual eGFR decline and incident low eGFR was observed. This study observed a beneficial effect of moderate alcohol intake on incident proteinuria in men and a protective effect of alcohol intake of any amount on the annual eGFR decline and incident low eGFR in both sexes. The long-term implications of these observations need to be elucidated with future studies.