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Abstract Inflammatory bowel disease is defined by inflammation and immune dysregulation. This study investigated the effects of Gα13 liver-specific knockout (LKO) on proximal and distal colons of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mice in conjunction with a high-fat diet (HFD). HFD improved body weight gain and disease activity index scores. Gα13LKO exerted no improvement. In the proximal colon, HFD augmented the DSS effect on Il6, which was not observed in Gα13LKO mice. In the distal colon, HFD plus DSS oppositely fortified an increase in Tnfa and Cxcl10 mRNA in Gα13LKO but not WT. Il6 levels remained unchanged. Bioinformatic approaches using Gα13LKO livers displayed bile acid and cholesterol metabolism-related gene sets. Cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid levels were increased in the liver of mice treated with DSS, which was reversed by Gα13LKO. Notably, mice treated with DSS showed a reduction in hepatic ABCB11, CYP7B1, CYP7A1, and CYP8B1, which was reversed by Gα13LKO. Overall, feeding HFD augments the effect of DSS on Il6 in the proximal colon of WT, but not Gα13LKO mice, and enhances DSS effect on Tnfa and Cxcl10 in the distal colon of Gα13LKO mice, suggesting site-specific changes in the inflammatory cytokines, potentially resulting from changes in BA synthesis and excretion.

Abstract Background Atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) is a newly discovered condition associated with longstanding atrial fibrillation. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the outcomes of the maze procedure and mitral regurgitation (MR) surgery in AFMR and atrial fibrillation in comparison with those in degenerative MR (DMR). Methods Patients who underwent mitral valve repair/replacement with a maze procedure at a hospital (July 2012–August 2021) were included. We excluded patients aged below 18 years undergoing concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting or atrial septal defect repair and those with MR etiology other than ARMR or DMR. Results We included 35 patients with AFMR and 50 patients with DMR. Patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. Long-term outcomes revealed no significant differences in the ratio of cardiac mortality, stroke, or hospital readmission. However, after the maze procedure, the sinus rhythm restoration rate was significantly lower (62% vs. 28.5%, p

Background: Pump-controlled retrograde trial off (PCRTO) is a safe, simple, and reversible method for weaning patients from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). However, few studies have compared PCRTO to conventional weaning methods. This retrospective study aimed to compare PCRTO to non-PCRTO methods. Methods: This study included patients who were weaned from VA-ECMO from January 2016 to December 2022 at our medical center. Demographic data, ECMO management, ECMO complications, survival to discharge, and cardiogenic shock after VA-ECMO weaning were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Seventy patients who were weaned from VA-ECMO using PCRTO and 85 patients who were weaned with conventional methods were compared. Patient characteristics were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The rate of survival to discharge was significantly higher in the PCRTO group than in the non-PCRTO group (90% vs. 72%, p=0.01). The rates of freedom from all-cause mortality at 10, 30, and 50 days after weaning from ECMO were 75%, 55%, and 35% in the non-PCRTO group and 62%, 60%, and 58% in the PCRTO group, respectively (p=0.1). The incidence of cardiogenic shock after weaning from VA-ECMO was significantly higher in the non-PCRTO group (16% vs. 5%, p=0.04). In logistic regression analysis, PCRTO was a significant factor for survival to discharge (odds ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.29–5.28; p=0.02). Conclusion: Compared to conventional methods, PCRTO is a feasible and reversible method, and it serves as a useful predictor of successful VA-ECMO weaning through a preload stress test.

A 62-year-old woman who had undergone mitral valve replacement 24 years ago was admitted to the hospital with congestive heart failure. She needed heart transplantation for stage D heart failure. Preoperative cardiac computed tomographic scans showed a severely calcified left atrium and a large right atrium. Given that the left atrium's calcification was too severe to suture, the calcified left atrial wall was broadly resected, and the resected left atrial wall was reconstructed with a bovine pericardial patch for anastomosis with the donor's left atrial wall. The operation was completed without heavy bleeding, and the patient was discharged from the hospital with no complications.

Background: Superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis during follow-up is a major concern after heart transplantation, and many technical modifications have been introduced. We analyzed the surgical results of the SVC intima layer-only suture technique in heart transplantation. Methods: We performed SVC anastomosis with sutures placed only in the intima during heart transplantation. We measured the area of the SVC at 3 different points (above the anastomosis, at the anastomosis, and below the anastomosis) in an axial view by freely drawing regions of interest, and then evaluated the degree of stenosis. Patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) at 2 years postoperatively between June 2017 and May 2020 were included in this study. Results: We performed heart transplantation in 41 patients. Among them, 24 patients (16 males and 8 females) underwent follow-up cardiac CT at 2 years postoperatively. The mean age at operation was 49.4±4.9 years. The diagnoses at time of operation were dilated cardiomyopathy (n=12), ischemic heart disease (n=8), valvular heart disease (n=2), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n=1), and congenital heart disease (n=1). No cases of postoperative bleeding requiring intervention occurred. The mean CT follow-up duration was 1.9±0.7 years. At follow-up, the mean areas at the 3 key points were 2.7±0.8 cm2, 2.7±0.8 cm2, and 2.7±1.0 cm2 (p=0.996). There were no SVC stenosis-related symptoms during follow-up. Conclusion: The suture technique using only the SVC intimal layer is a safe and effective method for use in heart transplantation.

Background Additional retrograde cardioplegia infusion in conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was introduced to address the concern of inappropriate cardioplegia delivery through the stenotic coronary artery. However, this method is complex and requires repeated infusions. Therefore, we investigated the surgical outcomes of only antegrade cardioplegia infusion in conventional CABG. Methods We included 224 patients who underwent isolated CABG between 2017 and 2019. The patients were divided into two groups according to the cardioplegia infusion method: antegrade cardioplegia infusion with del Nido solution (n=111, group I) and antegrade+retrograde cardioplegia infusion with blood cardioplegia solution (n=113, group II). Results The sinus recovery time after release of the aorta cross-clamp was shorter in group I (3.8±7.1 minutes, n=98) than in group II (5.8±4.1 minutes, n=73) (p=0.033). The total cardioplegia infusion volume was lower in group I (1,998.6±668.6 mL) than in group II (7,321.0±2,865.3 mL) (p

Alcohol consumption promotes neutral fat accumulation in the liver. Here, the authors report that alcohol induces aryl hydrocarbon receptor AhR in the liver, and hepatocyte-specific AhR deletion protects against alcohol induced accumulation potentially via transcriptional regulation of Protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit Bdelta and subsequent effects on autophagy.

Abstract Background Due to structural valve deterioration of sutureless aortic prosthesis, there is a need for explantation of the prothesis. We introduce a surgical technique to explant sutureless aortic prosthesis, which has a self-expanding stent incorporated into the aortic wall. Case presentation An 82-year-old man who had undergone sutureless aortic valve replacement 6 years previously underwent redo-aortic and mitral valve replacement because of severe prosthetic aortic valve stenosis and mitral regurgitation. The sutureless prosthesis was explanted using ‘lasso technique’. The patient was discharged after 7 days without complications. Conclusions We presented a useful technique to explant a sutureless aortic prosthesis.

True aneurysms of the coronary artery after aortic root replacement in Marfan syndrome patients are very rare. An anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) from the left sinus of Valsalva adds complexity during aortic root surgery. We present a case of a 37-year-old male patient with Marfan syndrome who had an RCA anomaly and a 4.5-cm true aneurysm of the common coronary button 14 years after a previous Bentall procedure. A redo Bentall operation and hemi-arch replacement were successfully performed. The anomalous origin of the RCA from the left sinus of Valsalva was safely divided and anastomosed as separate coronary buttons to the prosthetic composite valve graft. To prevent coronary button aneurysms after aortic root surgery in Marfan patients, the coronary buttons and the corresponding side holes on the prosthetic graft must be reduced to the maximum possible extent.

Abstract The muscular discontinuities at the pulmonary vein (PV)–left atrial (LA) junction are known. The high-density mapping may help to find the muscular discontinuity. This study evaluated the efficacy of a partial antral ablation for a pulmonary vein (PV) isolation using high density (HD) mapping. A total of 60 drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF) patients undergoing catheter ablation were enrolled. The detailed activation mapping of each PV and LA junction was performed using an HD mapping system, and each PV segment’s activation pattern was classified into a “directly-activated from the LA” or “passively-activated from an adjacent PV segment” pattern. The antral ablations were performed at the directly-activated PV segments only when the PV had “passively-activated segments”. If the PV did not contain passively-activated segments, a circumferential antral ablation was performed on those PVs. A “successful partial antral ablation” was designated if the electrical isolation of targeted PV was achieved by ablation at the directly-activated segments only. If the isolation was not achieved even though all directly-activated segments were ablated, a “failed partial antral ablation” was designated, and then a circumferential ablation was performed. Among 240 PVs, passively-activated segments were observed in 140 (58.3%) PVs. Both inferior PVs had more passively-activated segments than superior PVs, and the posteroinferior segments had the highest proportion of passive activation. The overall rate of successful partial antral ablation was 85%. The atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence was observed in 10 patients (16.7%) at 1-year. HD mapping allowed the evaluation of the detailed activation patterns of the PVs, and passively-activated segments may represent muscular discontinuity. Partial antral ablation of directly-activated antral segments only was feasible and effective for a PVI.

Background: Atrial septal defect (ASD) is the most common congenital heart disease. However, the details of cardiac chamber remodeling after surgery are not well known, although this is an important issue that should be analyzed to understand long-term outcomes. Methods: Between November 2017 and January 2019, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed preoperatively, at a 1-month postoperative follow-up, and at a 1-year postoperative follow-up. Cardiac chamber volume, valve regurgitation volume, and ejection fraction were measured as functions of time. Results: Thirteen patients (10 men and 3 women) were included. The median age at surgery was 51.4 years. The preoperative median ratio of flow in the pulmonary and systemic circulation was 2.3. The preoperative mean right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume index (EDVi) and RV end-systolic volume index (ESVi) had significantly decreased at the 1-month postoperative follow-up (p

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases begin from an imbalance in lipid metabolism in hepatocytes as the earliest response. Both liver diseases share common disease features and stages (i.e., steatosis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma). However, the two diseases have differential pathogenesis and clinical symptoms. Studies have elucidated the molecular basis underlying similarities and differences in the pathogenesis of the diseases; the factors contributing to the progression of liver diseases include depletion of sulfhydryl pools, enhanced levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates, increased sensitivity of hepatocytes to toxic cytokines, mitochondrial dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which is caused by the accumulation of misfolded proteins and calcium depletion, contributes to the pathogenesis, often causing catastrophic cell death. Several studies have demonstrated a mechanism by which ER stress triggers liver disease progression. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that regulates organelle turnover and cellular energy balance through decomposing damaged organelles including mitochondria, misfolded proteins, and lipid droplets. Autophagy dysregulation also exacerbates liver diseases. Thus, autophagy-related molecules can be potential therapeutic targets for liver diseases. Since ER stress and autophagy are closely linked to each other, an understanding of the molecules, gene clusters, and networks engaged in these processes would be of help to find new remedies for alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases. In this review, we summarize the recent findings and perspectives in the context of the molecular pathogenesis of the liver diseases.

Abstract Background We aimed to evaluate the effect of limited volume of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) administration on postoperative renal function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods One thousand six hundred fifty-seven patients undergoing cardiac surgery under CPB over two years were included. The patients were divided according to the amount of HES administrated during the first 2 days post-surgery; moderate dose HES (≥20 ml/kg) versus low dose HES (

Background: The injured liver loses normal function, with concomitant decrease of key identity genes. Super-enhancers contribute to mammalian cell identity. Here, we identified core transcription factors (TFs) that are active in hepatocytes, using genome-wide analysis and hierarchical ordering of super-enhancer distribution. Methods: Expression of core TFs was assessed in a cohort of patients with hepatitis or cirrhosis and animal models. Quantitative PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, and hydrodynamic gene delivery methods were used to assess gene regulation and hepatocyte viability. RNA-sequencing data were generated to investigate the role of LRH1 in hepatocyte protection from injury. Results: Network analysis of super-enhancer-associated gene interactions and expression arrays for cohorts of patients with hepatitis and cirrhosis enabled us to identify a super-enhancer-associated network, and LRH1, HNF4α, PPARα, and RXRα as core TFs. In mouse models, expression of core TFs was robustly inhibited by single and multiple challenge(s) with liver toxicant. RNA-seq analysis revealed changes in expression in the super-enhancer-associated genes sensitively biased toward repression by intoxication. LRH1 gene delivery prevented the loss of hepatic super-enhancer-associated signaling circuitry in toxicant-challenged mice, and protected the liver from injury, indicating the role of LRH1 in hepatocyte identity and viability. In hepatocytes, overexpression of each core TF promoted induction of other TFs. Conclusion: Overall, this study identified LRH1-driven pathway as a circuitry responsible for hepatocyte identity by using cistromic analysis, improving our understanding of liver pathophysiology and identifying novel therapeutic targets. Keywords: Super-enhancer, Liver disease, LRH1, Acute liver injury, Acetaminophen

In other previous in vitro tests, the hyphal growth of Raffaelea quercivorus was inhibited by the treatments of various concentration of nano-silver. In this field tests, treatment of different concentrations of nano-silver to oak trees in Cheolwon and Hongcheon sites showed the inhibition effects against wilt disease caused by Raffaelea quercivorus. However, nano-silver-treated oak tree in Chuncheon site showed mild wilt symptoms with no phytotoxicity. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation confirmed that the spore and hypha of Raffaelea sp. inside the vessels were damaged by nano-silver. This result indicates the application of nanosilver is effective for control of Raffaelea quercivorus in the field.

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

Objective: Beef of Jeju black cattle (JBC) is considered as a healthy meat type due to its significantly higher unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). Lipid (e.g., UFA) is highly susceptible to oxidizing agents, which results in the quality deterioration and economic value loss of meat products. Therefore, development and application of novel preservative techniques is necessary to improve the shelf-life stability of high-UFA beef. The objective of this study was to assess the applicability of chitosan-based coatings in preservation of JBC beef. Methods: Different coating solutions: 2% chitosan alone, and 2% chitosan containing 0.1% or 0.3% gallic acid were prepared to investigate their applicability in preservation of fresh beef during storage. Jeju black cattle beef (2-cm thick steaks) were non-coated (control) or coated with the above coating solutions, placed on trays, over-wrapped with plastic film and stored at 4°C. The microbiological indices, color, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) and lipid oxidation of the beef were investigated after 1, 10, and 21 days of storage. Results: Coating with 2% chitosan alone reduced the spoilage bacteria count, TVBN and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels in the beef compared with control during storage (p<0.05). Noticeably, coating with 2% chitosan containing 0.1% or 0.3% gallic acid was more effective on retardation of spoilage bacteria growth, lipid oxidation and discoloration in the beef compared to the chitosan coating alone over the storage period (21 days) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Taken together, the combined chitosan and gallic acid coating could be used as a bio-preservative technique in the meat industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In most retail centers, primal pork cuts for sale are usually prepared into retailready slices and overwrapped with air-permeable plastic film. Also, meat of Korean native black pig (KNP) is reputed for its superior quality, however, its shelf life during retail display has not been studied. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate shelf life of prepackaged retail-ready KNP belly and shoulder butt slices during refrigerated display. Methods: Bellies and shoulder butt obtained at 24 h post-mortem from finishing KNP were used. Each belly or shoulder butt was manually cut into 1.5 cm-thick slices. The slices in each cut type were randomly taken and placed on white foam tray (2 slices/tray) overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride film. The retail-ready packages were then placed in a retail display cabinet at 4°C. Shelf life and sensory quality of the samples were evaluated on day 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 of display. Results: The shoulder butt reached the upper limit (20 mg/100 g) of volatile basic nitrogen for fresh meat after 9 days while, the belly remained within this limit throughout the display time (15 days). Both the cuts reached a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level of above 0.5 mg malondialdehyde/kg after 9 days. The a* (redness) values remained unchanged during first 9 days in both cuts (p>0.05). After 9 days, off-flavor was not found in either cut, but higher off-flavor intensity was found in shoulder butt after 12 days. The shoulder butt was unacceptable for overall eating quality after 12 days while, belly still was acceptable after 12 days. Conclusion: The belly showed a longer shelf life compared to the shoulder butt, and a shelf life of 9 and 12 days is recommended for the prepackaged retail-ready KNP shoulder butt and belly slices, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pork belly is considered as the most commercially important and preferable primal cut by consumers worldwide. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the effects of fat levels on the meat quality characteristics of pork bellies. Methods: Seventy-eight growing-finishing pigs collected from different commercial pig farms were slaughtered and used in the present study. After slaughter 24 h, bellies were fabricated according to the Korean Pork Cutting Specification, and immediately sampled for analysis of their fat content. Based on the fat levels, the bellies were segregated into three different groups: low fat (LF, fat ≤20%, n = 15), medium fat (MF, fat 21% to 30%, n = 30), and high fat (HF, fat ≥31%, n = 33). The bellies were then analyzed for meat quality traits, fatty acids, flavor compounds and eating quality properties. Results: The HF group had lower moisture and cooking loss levels compared to the other groups (p<0.05). The LF group presented higher proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to the other groups (p<0.05). The LF group showed higher amounts of the Maillard reaction-derived flavor compounds (e.g., 2,5-dimethyl pyrazine, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl, and 4-methylthiazole) associated with meaty and roasty flavors whereas, the HF group showed higher amounts of oleic acid-derived compounds (e.g., nonanal and octanal) associated with the fatty and oily flavors. Interestingly, significantly higher scores for all the eating quality attributes (flavor, juiciness, tenderness, and overall acceptance) were found in the HF group compared to those in the LF or MF group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The high-fat bellies (fat ≥31%) had a better technological quality and eating quality compared to the low-fat bellies (fat ≤20%). Thus, increasing the fat content may improve the technological quality and eating quality traits of pork bellies, however, this increase may also result in more trimmed loss due to excessively deposited body fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to investigate the quality characteristics of Korean Woori black pig (KWP) bellies and loins by different slaughter weight (SW) groups. The loin and belly samples collected from KWPs with different body weights (50, 75, 90, 105, and 120 kg) at 24 h post-mortem were used in the present investigation. The samples were analyzed for quality traits, fatty acid profiles, and volatile flavor compounds. Results showed that the fat content of the loin (8.64%) and belly samples (46.78%) was significantly higher in the 120 kg SW group compared to those of other SW groups (p<0.05). However, a lower protein content (12.20-12.67%) was found in the belly cuts of the heavier SW groups (105-120 kg) compared to those of the lighter SW groups (p<0.05). The lowest cooking loss (24.34%) was found in the loin cuts of the 120 kg SW group (p<0.05). Both the loin and belly cuts were observed to be redder in color with increasing SW (p<0.05). Higher oleic acid (C18:1, n9) and total monounsaturated fatty acid content and lower linolenic acid(C18:3, n3) and total polyunsaturated fatty acid content were observed in both cuts of the 120 kg SW group (p<0.05). Out of the flavor compounds identified, 11 and 17 compounds in the loin and belly, respectively, were associated with the SW. An increase in the SW resulted in increased concentrations of C18:1n9- and amino acid-derived flavor compounds. Overall, the meat samples of the heavier SW groups (120 kg) exhibited better quality and higher concentrations of volatile compounds associated with pleasant flavors. However, the meat of the 120 kg SW group also contained a much higher fat level (8.64 and 46.78% in the loin and belly, respectively) that may result in high trimming loss and hence a high rejection risk by consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting aspects of lean meat yield and eating quality of pork based on some particular carcass traits become increasingly important from an economic profitability point of view. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the back-fat (BF) thickness with lean meat yield and meat quality traits of crossbred pigs. A total of 220 crossbred pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) ♀ × Duroc ♂] reared under identical conditions and harvested at 180 days old were slaughtered and screened for BF thickness. Four BF thickness groups: 12-15, 16-20, 21-25, and 26-30 mm were classified, and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles from these groups were used to analyze meat quality characteristics. Results showed that increasing BF thickness decreased the lean meat yield and loin lean area. Increasing BF thickness up to 26-30 mm increased intramuscular fat content and pH of LD muscles. The LD muscles of the thicker BF (21-30 mm) groups received significantly higher flavor, juiciness, and overall acceptability scores than those of the thinner back-fat (12-20 mm) groups. Overall, when all the pre-harvest factors are kept the same, BF thickness could be considered as a primary index for predicting lean meat yield, and the minimal back-fat thickness of 21-30 mm is required to improve the overall acceptability of pork meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between body size traits, carcass traits, and primal cuts in Hanwoo steers. Methods: Sixty-one beef carcasses were classified for conformation and primal cut weight. Additionally, carcass weight, fat thickness, carcass dimensions, and longissimus muscle area were determined to complement the grading. Results: The average live weight and cold carcass weight were 759 and 469 kg, respectively. The mean carcass meat, fat, and bone proportions were 551, 298, and 151 g/kg, respectively. Primal cuts weights showed significant positive correlations (p<0.001) of 0.42 to 0.82 with live weight, carcass weight, and longissimus muscle area and a significant negative correlation with carcass fat (without shank, -0.38 to -0.10). Primal cut weights were positively correlated (p<0.01) with carcass length (0.41 to 0.77), forequarter length (0.33 to 0.57), 6th lumbar vertebrae-heel length (0.33 to 0.59), 7th cervical vertebrae carcass breadth (0.35 to 0.58), 5th to 6th thoracic vertebrae breadth (0.36 to 0.65), 7th to 8th thoracic vertebrae girth (0.38 to 0.63), and coxae girth (0.34 to 0.56) and non-significantly related to cervical vertebrae length and coxae thickness. Conclusion: There was a high correlation among live weight, carcass weight, longissimus muscle area, carcass length, 7th cervical vertebrae carcass breadth, 5th to 6th thoracic vertebrae breadth, and 7th to 8th thoracic vertebrae girth of the primal cuts yield. The correlation between fat and primal cut yields was highly significant and negative. Carcass length and 7th to 8th thoracic vertebrae girth, appear to be the most important traits affecting primal cut yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although the slaughter of cull sows (CS) for human consumption and meat products processing appears quite common throughout the world, relatively limited scientific information regarding the meat quality parameters of this pork type is available. The present study aimed at providing the technological quality characteristics and eating quality of CS meat, and comparing with those of commercial pork. Methods: Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle samples of CS and finisher pigs (FP) at 24 h postmortem were collected and used for investigation of the meat quality traits (pH, color, shear force, cooking loss, water holding capacity), fatty acids, flavor compounds and sensory characteristics. Results: The CS meat had significantly higher moisture content (p = 0.0312) and water holding capacity (p = 0.0213) together with lower cooking loss (p = 0.0366) compared to the FP meat. The CS meat also exhibited higher (p = 0.0409) contents of unsaturated fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, p = 0.0213) and more desirable PUFA/total saturated fatty acids ratio (p = 0.0438) compared to the FP meat. A total of 56 flavor compounds were identified, amongst the amount of 16 compounds differed significantly between the two pork groups. Most of the PUFAderived flavor compounds (e.g., hexanal, benzaldehyde, and hydrocarbons) showed higher amounts in the CS meat. While, 3( methylthio)propanal and 4methylthiazole associated with pleasant aromas (meaty and roast odor notes) were only found in the FP meat. Furthermore, no differences were reported by panelists for flavor, juiciness, tenderness, and acceptability scores between the two pork groups studied. Conclusion: The sow meat exhibited better technological quality and its eating quality could be comparable to the commercial pork. This study provides meat processors and traders with valuably scientific information which may help to improve the utilization and consumption level of sow meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present work aimed at evaluating the effects of carcass quality grade (QG) on the quality characteristics of pork meat according to Korean carcass QG system. Methods: Pork carcasses with varying in QG: 1+ (QG1+, n = 10), 1 (QG1, n = 10) and 2 (QG2, n = 10), were used to evaluate the relationship between carcass QG and meat quality. The meat quality traits, fatty acid profiles, flavor compounds and sensory qualities were measured on the longissimus dorsi muscle samples of these carcasses. Results: Pork meat of higher QG (QG1+) presented significantly higher fat content (5.43%), C18:2n-6 level (19.03%) and total unsaturated fatty acids content (62.72%). Also, the QG1+ meat was significantly higher in levels of classes of flavor compounds such as aldehydes, alcohols and hydrocarbons in comparison to those of the meat samples from the lower QG groups. The sensory evaluation results (flavor, juiciness, tenderness, and acceptability scores) of QG1+ meat was significantly higher than the QG1 and QG2 meats. The pork with lower QG (i.e., QG2) was found positively correlated to redness (r = 0.987), C18:1n-9 level (r = 1.000) but negatively correlated to the fat content (r = --0.949), and flavor (r = --0.870), juiciness (r = --0.861), tenderness (r = --0.862) and acceptability (r = --0.815) scores. Conclusion: The pork with higher QG had higher fat content, total unsaturated fatty acids and better eating quality, thus producing pork with higher QGs should be considered in order to satisfy the consumer's expectation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Pericardial effusion can cause haemodynamic compromise after heart transplantation. We identified the effects of soft drains on the development of pericardial effusion. METHODS: We enrolled 250 patients ≥17 years of age who underwent heart transplantation between July 1999 and April 2012 and received two conventional tubes (n = 96; 32 French), or two tubes with a soft drain (n = 154; 4.8 mm wide). The development of significant pericardial effusion or the need for drainage procedure during 1 month after heart transplantation was compared with the use of the propensity score matching method to adjust for selection bias. RESULTS: At 1 month after transplantation, 69 patients (27.6%) developed significant pericardial effusion. Among these, 13 patients (5.2%) underwent pericardial drainage. According to multivariate analysis, history of previous cardiac surgery [odds ratio (OR) = 0.162; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.046.0.565; P = 0.004] and placement of a soft drain (OR = 0.186; 95% CI = 0.100.0.346; P < 0.001) were significant factors that prevented pericardial effusion or the need for drainage during the early postoperative period. For the 82 propensity score matched pairs, patients receiving an additional soft drain were at a lower risk of the development of significant pericardial effusion or the need for a pericardial drainage procedure during 1 month (OR = 0.148; 95% CI = 0.068.0.318; P < 0.001) compared with those receiving only two conventional tubes. CONCLUSIONS: Pericardial soft drainage is a simple and safe procedure that reduces pericardial effusion and decreases the need for pericardial drainage after heart transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

in vitro and greenhouse screening of seven rhizobacterial isolates, ABO5, AB1O, AB11, AB12, AB14, AB15 and AB17, was conducted to investigate the plant growth promoting activities and inhibition against anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatuin in pepper. According to identification based on 16S rDNA sequencing, the majority of the isolates are members of Bacillus and a single. isolate belongs to the genus Paenibacillus. All seven bacterial isolates were capable of inhibiting C. acutatum to various degrees. The results primarily showed that antibiotic substances produced by the selected bacteria were effective and resulted in strong antifungal activity against the fungi. However, isolate 4B15 was the most effective bacterial strain, with the potential to suppress more than 50% mycelial growth of C. acutaturn in vitro. Moreover, antibiotics from Paenibacillus polymyxa (AB15) and volatile compounds from Bacillus subtilis (AB14) exerted efficient antagonistic activity against the pathogens in a dual culture assay. In vivo suppression activity of selected bacteria was also analyzed in a green- house with the reference to their prominent in vitro antagonism efficacy. Induced systemic resistance in pepper against C. acutatum was also observed under greenhouse conditions. Where, isolate AB15 was found to be the most effective bacterial strain at suppressing pepper anthracnose under greenhouse conditions. Moreover, four isolates, AB1O, AB12, AB15, and AJ)17, were identified as the most effective growth promoting bacteria under greenhouse conditions, with AB17 inducing the greatest enhancement of pepper growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is concerned with the fungicidal properties of nano-size silver colloidal solution used as an agent for antifungal treatment of various plant pathogens. We used WA-CV-WA13B, WA-AT-WB13R, and WA-PR-WB13R silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and 100 ppm. Eighteen different plant pathogenic fungi were treated with these AgNPs on potato dextrose agar (PDA), malt extract agar, and corn meal agar plates. We calculated fungal inhibition in order to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of silver nanoparticles against pathogens. The results indicated that AgNPs possess antifungal properties against these plant pathogens at various levels. Treatment with WA-CV-WB13R AgNPs resulted in maximum inhibition of most fungi. Results also showed that the most significant inhibition of plant pathogenic fungi was observed on PDA and 100 ppm of AgNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pepper anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species is one of the most important limiting factors for pepper production in Korea, its management being strongly dependent on chemicals. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possibilities of using silver nanoparticles instead of commercial fungicides. In this study, we evaluated the effect of silver nanoparticles against pepper anthracnose under different culture conditions. Silver nanoparticles (WA-PR-WB13R) were applied at various concentrations to determine antifungal activities in vitro and in the field. The application of 100 ppm concentration of silver nanoparticles produced maximum inhibition of the growth of fungal hyphae as well as conidial germination in comparison to the control in vitro. In field trials, the inhibition of fungi was significantly high when silver nanoparticles were applied before disease outbreak on the plants. Scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the silver nanoparticles caused a detrimental effect on mycelial growth of Colletotrichum species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdery mildew is one of the most devastating diseases in cucurbits. Crop yield can decline as the disease severity increases. In this study, we evaluated the effect of silver nanoparticles against powdery mildew under different cultivation conditions in vitro and in vivo. Silver nanoparticles (WA-CV-WA13B) at various concentrations were applied before and after disease outbreak in plants to determine antifungal activities. In the field tests, the application of 100 ppm silver nanoparticles showed the highest inhibition rate for both before and after the outbreak of disease on cucumbers and pumpkins. Also, the application of 100 ppm silver nanoparticles showed maximum inhibition for the growth of fungal hyphae and conidial germination in in vivo tests. Scanning electron microscope results indicated that the silver nanoparticles caused detrimental effects on both mycelial growth and conidial germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combinatorial approach for discovering novel functional materials in the huge diversity of chemical composition and processing conditions has become more important for breakthrough in thin film electronic and energy-conversion devices. The efficiency of combinatorial method depends on the preparation of a reliable high-density composition thin-film library. The physico-chemical properties of each sample on the library should be similar to those of the corresponding samples prepared by one-by-one conventional methods. We successfully developed the combinatorial liquid source misted chemical deposition (LSMCD) method and demonstrated its validity in screening the chemical composition of Bi3.75LaxCe0.25-xTi3O12 (BLCT) for high remanent polarization (Pr). LSMCD is a cheap promising combinatorial screening tool, It can control the composition up to ppm level and produce homogeneous multicomponent library. LSMCD method allows us to prepare BLCT thin-film library at the variation of 0.4 mol% of La. Maximum 2Pr is 35 µC/cm-2 at x = 0.21. The intensity of (117) XRD peak is quantitatively related to 2Pr. Newly developed scanning piezoelectric deformation measurement for nano-sized samples using scanning probe microscope (SPM) is also found out to be reliable for determining the relative ranking of Pr value rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitaxial PZT films with different thicknesses below 56 nm were prepared on an epitaxial SRO bottom electrode grown on STO with atomically flat surface. The PZT films of 56 to 22 nm thickness exhibit a typical square-shaped P-E hysteresis loop, which has the P r of approximately 80 μ C/cm 2 . The P-E hysteresis loops of the PZT films shift toward a positive voltage corresponding to an imprint characteristics. The leakage current density of the films increases with decreasing the film thickness and the 56 nm thick-PZT films have a leakage current density of approximately 9 × 10 -8 A/cm 2 at 1 V. The films of an ultra-thin thickness from 56 nm to 6 nm exhibit a very clear domain switching by 180° domains. On the other hand, a voltage dependence of the piezoresponse signal in the films of 37 nm and 22 nm thickness shows typical ferroelectric hysteresis behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be used as a rescue strategy in cases of prolonged cardiac arrest caused by massive pulmonary embolism. We present a case of a male patient who was in prolonged cardiac arrest following massive pulmonary embolism. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated approximately 93 min after prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation. After resuscitation, bedside echocardiography and a chest computed tomography angiogram revealed a massive pulmonary embolism during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. The patient received transcatheter mechanical thrombectomy without haemodynamic instability in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. He was also treated with therapeutic hypothermia to improve neurological outcome. Renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury was continued for 36 days. The patient was discharged at 60 days after admission with no serious complications. This case demonstrates that veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and therapeutic hypothermia are an effective treatment strategy for prolonged cardiac arrest caused by massive pulmonary embolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

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

In this study, we demonstrate a hybrid multimodal soft magnetic composite (SMC) comprising gas-atomized spherical amorphous powder (AP) and carbonyl-iron powder (CIP), and present its enhanced electromagnetic properties. CIP is selectively incorporated into voids between AP, and deforms during compression, effectively reducing the pores, resulting in high packing density of the core, where CIP magnetically bridges AP and helps magnetic domain rotation much efficiently. The hybrid SMC with the addition of 20 wt.% CIP showed constant effective permeability of 57 up to 1 MHz, a remarkable 63% increase compared with the AP core, while DC bias superimposing retention level of 61% was secured with the help of high magnetization of CIP. In addition, the effect of SiO2 surface insulation, prepared by the sol-gel process, on the high-frequency magnetic properties of hybrid SMCs, was also evaluated. It is thus revealed that the high-frequency dynamic loss of the hybrid core, originating from intra-particle eddy current loss and anomalous loss component, and inter-particle eddy currents are negligibly small. We believe that our approach using AP/CIP multimodal hybrid SMCs is an effective way of achieving high permeability as well as high DC bias characteristics at high frequencies. This process will be highly beneficial for the miniaturization of power inductors.