Lead-Free AE Sensor Based on BZT-BCT Ceramics.

In this study, an acoustic emission (AE) sensor was fabricated using lead-free Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BZT-BCT) ceramics. The acoustic and electromechanical properties of the AE sensor were determined by the shapes of the piezoelectric ceramics. To optimize the AE sensor performance, the shapes of the ceramics were designed according to various diameter/thickness ratios (D/T) = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0. The BZT-BCT ceramic with D/T = 1.0 exhibited excellent values of a piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33), piezoelectric voltage coefficient (g33), and electromechanical coupling factor (kp), which were 370 (pC/N), 11.3 (10-3 Vm/N), and 0.58, respectively. Optimum values of resonant frequency (fr) = 172.724 (kHz), anti-resonant frequency (fa) = 196.067 (kHz), and effective electromechanical coupling factor (keff) = 0.473 were obtained for the manufactured BZT-BCT ceramic with D/T = 1.0. The maximum sensitivity and frequency of the AE sensor made of the BZT-BCT ceramic with a D/T ratio of 1.0 were 65 dB and 30 kHz, respectively.

Effect of Mass Drug Administration with a Single Dose of Albendazole on Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura Infection among Schoolchildren in Yangon Region, Myanmar.

Soil-transmitted helminths, including Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura, are important intestinal parasites mostly affecting younger people in developing countries. In 2014-2015, we performed mass fecal examinations targeting a total of 2,227 schoolchildren in 3 districts (South Dagon, North Dagon, and Hlaing-thar-yar) of Yangon Region, Myanmar, using the Kato-Katz thick smear technique. The egg positive children were subjected to a mass drug administration (MDA) using a single oral dose of 400 mg albendazole. The pre-treatment egg positive rate (EPG/person) of A. lumbricoides averaged 17.2% (15,532); it was 25.2% (21,796), 14.2% (11,816), and 12.8% (12,983) in 3 districts, respectively, and that of T. trichiura averaged 19.4% (1,074), and was 24.1% (1,040), 12.3% (852), and 21.2% (1,330) in 3 districts, respectively. Follow-up fecal examinations performed 4 months post-MDA revealed considerable decreases of A. lumbricoides prevalence (EPG/person) to av. 8.3% (12,429), and 13.7% (17,640), 8.0% (7,797), and 4.5% (11,849) in 3 districts, respectively. However, T. trichiura did not show any recognizable decrease in the prevalence (EPG/person) remaining at av. 18.2% (862), and 18.5% (888), 11.5% (812), and 23.3% (887) in 3 districts, respectively. The results demonstrated difficulty in short-term control of T. trichiura by MDA using albendazole and suggested necessity of either a long-term MDA (>10 years) or changing the albendazole regimen into 2~3-day course (total 800 or 1,200 mg), or using an alternative drug/drug combination.

Comparisons of the Mucosal Healing Process between Flat and Protruded Type after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Gastric Neoplasms.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The mucosal healing process after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is mostly scarring change (flat type), but a protruded lesion is occasionally found. We investigated the factors influencing the mucosal healing process, such as the flat and protruded types. METHODS: A total of 2,096 ESD cases were performed from February 2005 to December 2013, and 1,757 underwent follow-up endoscopy after 3 months to check the healing type of the ulceration. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts to analyze demographic, endoscopic, and pathological findings between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Forty-eight cases were of the protruded type and 1,709 were of the flat type. In univariate analysis, the protruded type was found more in the antrum, anterior wall, and greater curvature (p < 0.001). In protruded types, the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection rate was lower (p < 0.017), the mean length of ESD specimen was shorter (p < 0.012), the fibrosis rate was lower (p < 0.033), and the mean number of hot biopsy and clips during ESD were less (p < 0.008 and p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The healing type of mucosal ulceration after ESD seemed to be influenced by location, specimen size, and the presence of an H. pylori infection.

Effects of Rubus coreanus byproducts on intestinal microbiota and the immune modulation.

OBJECTIVE: Although the efficacy of Rubus coreanus (RC) byproducts as a feed additive has been recognized, its effects on intestinal microorganisms and the immune system are still unknown. METHODS: Six-week-old male rats were treated with 0.5% RC (T1), 1.0% RC (T2), and 1.5% RC (T3) for 4 weeks. RESULTS: We found that treatment with RC byproducts significantly increased the daily gain of body weight and feed intake. Treg-cell differentiation was enhanced in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen from the rats fed with RC byproducts. Illumina sequencing showed that bacteria in the phylum Firmicutes decreased and while those in the phylum Bacteroidetes increased in RC-treated groups. Particularly, the pathogenic microorganisms in the family Peptococcaceae decreased, and the non-pathogenic families Lachnospiraceae and S24-7 increased. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the RC byproducts increased the lactic acid bacteria Bifidobacterium spp., Oscillospira spp., Leuconostoc citreum, and Weissella cibaria in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: RC byproducts may be effective in immunomodulation by affecting intestinal microorganisms.

Greater Trochanteric Reattachment Using the Third-Generation Cable Plate System in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the radiologic and functional results of greater trochanteric reattachment using the third-generation cable plate system in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: A total of 47 trochanteric fixations (27 men and 18 women; mean age of 60.2 years) using the third-generation cable plate system in revision THA were retrospectively evaluated. The mean follow-up was 80.4 months (range 27-148 months). The osteotomized greater trochanter was reattached using the Cable-Ready system (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) and the Dall-Miles cable system (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ). The clinical results with Harris hip score, visual analog scale, and radiologic outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean Harris hip score was improved from 55.7 (range 17-72) preoperatively to 90.8 (range 68-100; P = .001) postoperatively, and the mean pain score was improved from 6.6 (range 3-10) to 2.5 (range 0-6; P = .001), respectively. Nonunion was observed in 6 hips (12.7%). Migration of the osteotomized greater trochanteric fragment (>1 cm) was seen in 8 hips (17.0%). Cable breakage occurred in 13 cases (27.6%). Although 5 cable plate systems were removed, there was no need for reattachment of the greater trochanter in this study. CONCLUSION: This study showed a relatively high incidence of radiologic failure after greater trochanteric reattachment using the cable plate system in revision THA, although reattachments were not required and clinical outcome was relatively satisfactory. Periodic and close observation for the early detection of failure is necessary.

Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Imageless Navigation With the Concept of Combined Anteversion.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the implant positions and clinical results of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) using an imageless navigation with the concept of combined anteversion. METHODS: A total of 40 cementless revision THAs (24 men and 16 women) using an imageless navigation with the concept of combined anteversion were retrospectively evaluated. The concept of combined anteversion was applied in cup positioning based on Widmer's equation (cup anteversion + 0.7 × stem anteversion). The mean follow-up period was 80.7 months. Postoperatively, the inclination of the cup was evaluated on standard anteroposterior view of the radiograph, and the anteversion of the cup and femoral stem was evaluated using computed tomography scan. A cup inclination of 40° ± 10° and combined anteversion of the cup and femoral stem of 37° ± 10° based on Widmer's equation were regarded as the "safe zone." RESULTS: The average anteversion of the revised femoral stems was 15.3° ± 2.9° (range, 9.5°-21.5°), whereas that of the remained femoral stems was 17.4° ± 9.7° (range, 4.2°-29.8°). The inclination, anteversion of the cup, and combined anteversion after revision THA were 42.3° ± 3.1° (range, 32.1°-48.2°), 25.0° ± 2.9° (range, 16.9°-29.5°), and 36.1° ± 3.4° (range, 27.2°-42.9°), respectively. Therefore, the position of the implants, relative to the safe zone, showed no outliers after the revision surgery. Neither dislocation nor osteolysis was observed after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Favorable results of this study indicate that imageless navigation helps the surgeon in placing the components of revision THA in the safe zone. This study also shows that when this safe zone is consistently obtained, then no postoperative dislocations were observed in these patients over the 6-year follow-up period.

Abundance and Distribution Characteristics of Microplastics in Surface Seawaters of the Incheon/Kyeonggi Coastal Region.

Microplastics in marine environments are of emerging concern due to their widespread distribution, their ingestion by various marine organisms, and their roles as a source and transfer vector of toxic chemicals. However, our understanding of their abundance and distribution characteristics in surface seawater (SSW) remains limited. We investigated microplastics in the surface microlayer (SML) and the SSW at 12 stations near-shore and offshore of the Korean west coast, Incheon/Kyeonggi region. Variation between stations, sampling media, and sampling methods were compared based on abundances, size distribution, and composition profiles of microsized synthetic polymer particles. The abundance of microplastics was greater in the SML (152,688 ± 92,384 particles/m(3)) than in SSW and showed a significant difference based on the sampling method for SSWs collected using a hand net (1602 ± 1274 particles/m(3)) and a zooplankton trawl net (0.19 ± 0.14 particles/m(3)). Ship paint particles (mostly alkyd resin polymer) accounted for the majority of microplastics detected in both SML and SSWs, and increased levels were observed around the voyage routes of large vessels. This indicates that polymers with marine-based origins become an important contributor to microplastics in coastal SSWs of this coastal region.

Factors Influencing the Spatial Variation of Microplastics on High-Tidal Coastal Beaches in Korea.

The presence and distribution characteristics of microplastics become a big issue due to the adverse effects on marine organisms caused by not only microplastics but any incorporated and/or adsorbed pollutants. Distribution of microplastics (50- to 5000-µm size) was determined for three sandy beaches on an isolated island in a high-tidal costal region to elucidate spatial distributions in relation to beach locations. The abundances of microplastics (n = 21) measured were 56-285,673 (46,334 ± 71,291) particles/m(2) corresponding to the highest level globally. Out of observed polymer types, expanded polystyrene was overwhelmingly dominant. Although lying toward the estuary of the largest river in the country, the north-side beach contained a 100-fold lower abundance than two south-side beaches that faced southerly wind and currents that were prevalent throughout the study season. In addition, distinct differences between the beaches on either side were also present in terms of size distribution and spatial homogeneity of microplastics on the same beach. Winds and currents are therefore considered to be the driving forces in the distribution of microplastics.

Graft tension of the posterior cruciate ligament using a finite element model.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyse the change in length and tension of the reconstructed single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with three different femoral tunnels at different knee flexion angles by use of three-dimensional finite element method. METHODS: The right knees of 12 male subjects were scanned with a high-resolution computed tomography scanner at four different knee flexion angles (0°, 45°, 90° and 135°). Three types of single-bundle PCL reconstruction were then conducted in a 90° flexion model: femoral tunnels were created in anterolateral (AL), central and posteromedial (PM) regions of the footprint. Length versus flexion curves and tension versus flexion curves were generated. RESULTS: Between 0° and 90° of knee flexion, changes in length and tension in the PM grafts were not significant. Whereas the lengths and tension of the AL and central grafts significantly increased in the same flexion range. The length and tension of the PM grafts at 135° of knee flexion were significantly higher than those at 90° of knee flexion, whereas the AL and the central grafts showed only slight length changes beyond 90° of flexion. However, the tension of the AL graft increased significantly beyond 90° of flexion. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the graft length, and tension were generally affected by different femoral tunnels and knee flexion angles. In groups with the AL and PM single-bundle reconstruction, the graft tension increased beyond 90° of knee flexion when the graft is tensioned at 90° of flexion. These data suggest that final fixation angle at 90° for the AL or PM graft would induce graft overtension in high knee flexion of 135°. Whereas central graft which is fixed in 90° of flexion is desirable in terms of prevention of graft overtension. Because the graft tension within it was relatively constant beyond 90° of flexion.

Anatomic medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using patellar suture anchor fixation for recurrent patellar instability.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes following anatomic medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using patellar suture anchor fixation for recurrent patellar instability. METHODS: Twenty patients (20 knees) were enrolled in this study. The median age was 21 years, and the median follow-up was 34.5 months. Reconstruction was performed using a hamstring autograft fixed with two suture anchors at native patellar site of the MPFL. No patient had undergone additional medial tibial tuberosity transfer. Clinical scores (Kujala, Lysholm, and Tegner score) and apprehension test were completed preoperatively and at the follow-up. Preoperative and follow-up radiographic assessments included modified Insall-Salvati ratio, congruence angle, and lateral patellofemoral angle. RESULTS: The preoperative Kujala and Lysholm scores were 52.6±12.4 and 49.2±10.7, and at follow-up visits, corresponding values were 90.9±4.5 (p<0.001) and 90.9±5.2 (p<0.001). Tegner score increased from 3.0 (range 1-4) to 5.0 (range 4-7) (p<0.001). The apprehension test was positive in all patients preoperatively, but only positive in one patient at follow-up. All radiographic assessments were significantly improved; modified Insall-Salvati index (from 1.75 to 1.65) (p=0.002), congruence angle (from 6.3° to -7.0°) (p<0.001), and lateral patellofemoral angle (from 2.1° to 4.9°) (p=0.008). No patient experienced a patellar fracture or redislocation. CONCLUSION: These results are comparable to those of bone tunnel techniques reported in the literature. This study shows that anatomic MPFL reconstruction using two suture anchors is a reliable treatment option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series with no comparison group, Level IV.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria fermented feed and three types of lactic acid bacteria (L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, B. animalis) on intestinal microbiota and T cell polarization (Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg) in the intestinal lymph nodes and spleens of rats.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the effects of Rubus coreanus-derived lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermented feed (RC-LAB fermented feed) and three types of LAB (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis) on the expression of transcription factors and cytokines in Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells in the intestinal lymph nodes and spleens of rats. In addition, the effect on intestinal microbiota composition and body weight was investigated. METHODS: Five-week-old male rats were assigned to five treatments and eight replicates. The expression of transcription factors and cytokines of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells in the intestinal lymph nodes and spleens was analyzed using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays. Intestinal tract microbiota compositions were analyzed by next-generation sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. RESULTS: RC-LAB fermented feed and three types of LAB increased the expression of transcription factors and cytokines in Th1, Treg cells and Galectin-9, but decreased in Th2 and Th17 cells. In addition, the intestinal microbiota composition changed, the body weight and Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio decreased, and the relative abundance of LAB increased. CONCLUSION: LAB fermented feed and three types of LAB showed an immune modulation effect by inducing T cell polarization and increased LAB in the intestinal microbiota.

Short-term effects of systematized behavioral modification program for nocturia: a prospective study.

AIMS: This study is to investigate whether a repetitive education program for behavioral modification is necessary for the patients with nocturnal polyuria (NPU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective single-arm study was carried out and 82 patients with NPU were analyzed. We developed a 30-min systematized behavioral modification program (SBMP), which consisted of (1) watching videos about normal physiology of storing and emptying function of urine, (2) regulation of fluid intake, (3) explanation by giving specific examples, and (4) discussion with a specialized nurse practitioner. Patients received reinforcement SBMP if they still had NPU after the first SBMP. RESULTS: Mean age was 66 ± 8.3 years. Sixty-three males (77%) and 19 females (23%) were included. The results of all questionnaires showed significant improvement of nocturia after the first SBMP. Nocturnal voids, quality of life scores, nocturia index, and nocturnal bladder capacity index were significantly improved and the decrease of nocturnal urine volume was borderline significant. No additional significant improvement was demonstrated after the second SBMP. Overall, 62 patients (78.5%) were satisfied with the first SBMP and 6 patients (7.6%) became satisfied after reinforcement SBMP. Eleven patients (13.9%) were eventually dissatisfied with SBMP. CONCLUSIONS: A single SBMP was sufficient for treating most of the patients with NPU and reinforcement SBMP was effective in some patients. Moving from two to one rises at night may significantly reduce bother and this may explain quality of life improvements rather than any decrease in amount voided.

Intestinal microbial composition changes induced by Lactobacillus plantarum GBL 16, 17 fermented feed and intestinal immune homeostasis regulation in pigs.

In this study, Rubus coreanus (R. coreanus) byproducts with high polyphenol content were fermented with R. coreanus-derived lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum GBL 16 and 17). Then the effect of R. coreanus-derived lactic acid bacteria fermented feed (RC-LAB fermented feed) with probiotics (Bacillus subtills, Aspergillus oryzae, Yeast) as a feed additive for pigs on the composition of intestinal microbes and the regulation of intestinal immune homeostasis was investigated. Seventy-two finishing Berkshire pigs were randomly allotted to four different treatment groups and 18 replicates. RC-LAB fermented feed with probiotics increased the genera Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Mitsuokella, Prevotella, Bacteroides spp., Roseburia spp., and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which are beneficial bacteria of the digestive tract of pigs. Also, RC-LAB fermented feed with probiotics decreased the genera Clostridium, Terrisporobacter, Romboutsia, Kandleria, Megasphaera and Escherichia, which are harmful bacteria. In particular, the relative abundance of the genera Lactobacillus and Streptococcus increased by an average of 8.51% and 4.68% in the treatment groups and the classes Clostridia and genera Escherichia decreased by an average of 27.05% and 2.85% in the treatment groups. In mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and spleens, the mRNA expression of transcription factors and cytokines in Th1 and Treg cells increased and the mRNA expression of Th2 and Th17 transcription factors and cytokines decreased, indicating a regulatory effect on intestinal immune homeostasis. RC-LAB fermented feed regulates gut immune homeostasis by influencing the composition of beneficial and detrimental microorganisms in the gut and regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells.

Prediction of outcomes after radical prostatectomy in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer of biopsy Gleason score ≥ 8 via contemporary multi (≥ 12)-core prostate biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: • To investigate the outcome of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer of biopsy Gleason score ≥ 8 diagnosed via contemporary prostate biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • We reviewed records of 151 patients who underwent RP for prostate cancer of biopsy Gleason score ≥ 8 detected via multi (≥ 12)-core prostate biopsy without any neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment. • Preoperative predictors of pathologically organ-confined disease along with biochemical recurrence-free survival were analyzed via multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: • For 151 total subjects, 5-year estimated biochemical recurrence-free survival rate was 41.0%. Patients with pathologically organ-confined disease were observed to have much higher 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rate than those otherwise (72.1 vs 31.5%, P < 0.001). • Serum PSA level (P= 0.031) and maximum tumour length in a biopsy core (P= 0.005) were observed to be significant preoperative predictors of having pathologically organ-confined disease. • As for biochemical recurrence-free survival following RP, serum PSA (P= 0.023), biopsy Gleason score (P= 0.032), and percent of total tumour length in biopsy cores (P < 0.001) were observed be significant preoperative predictors on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: • Among contemporary patients with biopsy Gleason score ≥ 8 who underwent RP alone, patients with pathologically organ-confined disease demonstrated significantly better biochemical outcome than others. Serum PSA level and maximum tumour length in a biopsy core, independent predictors of organ-confined disease, would be useful in the selection of candidates for RP among patients presenting with biopsy Gleason score ≥ 8.

High abundance and role of antifungal bacteria in compost-treated soils in a wildfire area.

Compost has been widely used in order to promote vegetation growth in post-harvested and burned soils. The effects on soil microorganisms were scarcely known, so we performed the microbial analyses in a wildfire area of the Taebaek Mountains, Korea, during field surveys from May to September 2007. Using culture-dependent and -independent methods, we found that compost used in burned soils influenced a greater impact on soil fungi than bacteria. Compost-treated soils contained higher levels of antifungal strains in the genera Bacillus and Burkholderia than non-treated soils. When the antifungal activity of Burkholderia sp. strain O1a_RA002, which had been isolated from a compost-treated soil, was tested for the growth inhibition of bacteria and fungi isolated from burned soils, the membrane-filtered culture supernatant inhibited 19/37 fungal strains including soil fungi, Eupenicillium spp. and Devriesia americana; plant pathogens, Polyschema larviformis and Massaria platani; an animal pathogen, Mortierella verticillata; and an unidentified Ascomycota. However, this organism only inhibited 11/151 bacterial strains tested. These patterns were compatible with the culture-independent DGGE results, suggesting that the compost used in burned soils had a greater impact on soil fungi than bacteria through the promotion of the growth of antifungal bacteria. Our findings indicate that compost used in burned soils is effective in restoring soil conditions to a state closer to those of nearby unburned forest soils at the early stage of secondary succession.

Revision total hip arthroplasty using a tapered, press-fit cementless revision stem in elderly patients.

In elderly patients, osteoporosis can complicate revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). The SLR-Plus (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN) revision stem has a tapered, press-fit design, which we hypothesized could enhance stability in this population. Accordingly, we retrospectively analyzed data for 48 elderly patients who underwent revision THA using the SLR-Plus stem. The patients had a mean age of 66.5 years (range, 60-81 years) at surgery. They were monitored for a mean of 5.6 years (range, 3.4-8.0 years) after surgery. The mean Harris Hip Score improved from 67.8 to 91.6. No infection, dislocation, osteolysis, or stress shielding around stem were observed after surgery. The survivorship at an average of 5.6-year follow-up was 98%. These favorable results indicate that the SLR-Plus stem is useful in revision THA in elderly patients.

Comparison of Effectiveness between Abdominal Vibration Stimulation and Walking Exercise for Bowel Cleansing before Therapeutic Colonoscopy.

Background/Aims: Adequate bowel preparation is important for successful colonoscopy. We aimed to evaluate the clinical feasibility and effectiveness of abdominal vibration stimulation in bowel preparation before therapeutic colonoscopy. Methods: A single center, prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded study was performed between January 2016 and December 2016. Patients for therapeutic colonoscopy were prospectively enrolled and assigned to either the vibrator group or walking group. Patients who refused to participate in this study as part of the experimental group consented to register in the control group instead. During the preparation period, patients assigned to the walking group walked ≥3,000 steps, whereas those assigned to the vibrator group received abdominal vibrator stimulation and restricted walking. All patients received the same colon cleansing regimen: 4-L split-dose polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution. Results: Three hundred patients who received PEG solution for therapeutic colonoscopy were finally enrolled in this study (n=100 per group). Bowel cleansing with abdominal vibration stimulation showed almost similar results to that with walking exercise (Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score for the entire colon: vibrator vs walking vs control, 7.38±1.55 vs 7.39±1.55 vs 6.17±1.15, p<0.001). There were no significant differences between the vibrator group and walking group regarding instances of diarrhea after taking PEG, time to first diarrhea after taking PEG, total procedure time, and patient satisfaction. Conclusions: This study indicates that, compared with conventional walking exercise, abdominal vibration stimulation achieved similar rates of bowel cleansing adequacy and colonoscopy success without compromising safety or patient satisfaction.

Galectin-9 Induced by Dietary Prebiotics Regulates Immunomodulation to Reduce Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms in 1-Chloro-2,4-Dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-Treated NC/Nga Mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin disorder that causes chronic itch. We investigated the inhibitory effects of a mixture of prebiotic short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructooligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS), inulin, or ß-glucan on AD development in 1-chloro-2,4- dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-treated NC/Nga mice. Mice were randomly assigned to six groups: untreated mice, AD control, positive control (DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice fed a dietary supplement of Zyrtec), and DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice fed a dietary supplement of prebiotics such as scGOS/lcFOS (T1), inulin (T2), or ß-glucan (T3). The prebiotic treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3) showed suppression of AD symptoms, Th2 cell differentiation, and AD-like skin lesions induced by DNCB. In addition, prebiotic treatment also reduced the number of microorganisms such as Firmicutes, which is associated with AD symptoms, and increased the levels of Bacteroidetes and Ruminococcaceae, which are associated with alleviation of AD symptoms. Our findings demonstrate the inhibitory effects of prebiotics on AD development by improving the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and beneficial symbiotic microorganisms in in vitro and in vivo models.

Oral Administration of ß-Glucan and Lactobacillus plantarum Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Symptoms.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of mainly infants and children. Currently, the development of safe and effective treatments for AD is urgently required. The present study was conducted to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of yeast-extracted ß-1,3/1,6-glucan and/or Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) LM1004 against AD-like symptoms. To purpose, ß-1,3/1,6-glucan and/or L. plantarum LM1004 were orally administered to AD-induced animal models of rat (histamine-induced vasodilation) and mouse (pruritus and contact dermatitis) exhibiting different symptoms of AD. We then investigated the treatment effects on AD-like symptoms, gene expression of immune-related factors, and gut microbiomes. Oral administration of ß-1,3/1,6-glucan (0.01 g/kg initial body weight) and/or 2 × 1012 cells/g L. plantarum LM1004 (0.01 g/kg initial body weight) to ADinduced animal models showed significantly reduced vasodilation in the rat model, and pruritus, edema, and serum histamine in the mouse models (p < 0.05). Interestingly, ß-1,3/1,6- glucan and/or L. plantarum LM1004 significantly decreased the mRNA levels of Th2 and Th17 cell transcription factors, while the transcription factors of Th1 and Treg cells, galactin-9, filaggrin increased, which are indicative of enhanced immunomodulation (p < 0.05). Moreover, in rats with no AD induction, the same treatments significantly increased the relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and the genus Bacteroides. Furthermore, bacterial taxa associated with butyrate production such as, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae at family, and Roseburia at genus level were increased in the treated groups. These findings suggest that the dietary supplementation of ß-1,3/1,6-glucan and/or L. plantarum LM1004 has a great potential for treatment of AD as well as obesity in humans through mechanisms that might involve modulation of host immune systems and gut microbiota.

Gold nanoparticles functionalised by Gd-complex of DTPA-bis(amide) conjugate of glutathione as an MRI contrast agent.

The work is directed toward the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) coated with paramagnetic Gd-complex of DTPA-bis(amide) conjugate of glutathione (GdL) for use as a highly efficient MRI contrast agent. Well-dispersed spherical Au NPs coated with gadolinium complexes, abbreviated as Au@GdL, have been obtained; the mean size of Au@GdL is 5-7 nm, and the numbers of GdL are 1.36x10(4) per Au NP. Au@GdL exhibits high longitudinal (r1) and transverse (r2) relaxivities of 1.87x10(5) and 3.02x10(5) mM(-1) s(-1), respectively.