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Background: Operating room nurses experience verbal abuse, high levels of job stress, and burnout that may increase turnover intention. Purpose: This study was designed to investigate and identify factors influencing turnover intention among operating room nurses in South Korea. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. The sample included 193 nurses, all of whom had over 3 months of work experience at operating rooms in hospitals in Seoul, South Korea. Measures used included the Verbal Abuse Experience Scale, Job Stress Scale, Burnout Scale, and Turnover Intention Scale. Results: Burnout was found to have the greatest influence on turnover intention (β =.34, p <.001), followed by verbal abuse (β = −.23, p =.004), job stress (β =.22, p =.001), age (β = −20, p =.032), and job satisfaction (β = −.14, p =.020). Conclusions/Implications for Practice: The findings support burnout and verbal abuse, respectively, as the most significant and second most significant predictors of turnover intention among operating room nurses in South Korea. These factors should be proactively and effectively addressed to reduce turnover intention in this important group of healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses the Stimuli-Organism-Response framework to examine how consumers’ reasons for shopping and website stimuli affect their attitudes toward online shopping, their ability to regulate their emotional purchases, and their repurchase intentions. Results from a survey of 416 qualified respondents were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results of the survey showed that (1) the hedonic shopping value has a positive effect on consumers’ attitudes toward online shopping and emotional purchases, (2) the utilitarian shopping value has a significant effect on consumers’ attitudes toward online shopping, (3) environmental stimuli positively influence consumers’ attitudes toward online shopping and emotional purchases, and (4) consumers’ attitudes toward online shopping positively affect their repurchase intention. However, there are no significant relationships between the utilitarian shopping value and emotional purchases or between emotional purchases and repurchase intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of integrated movement behaviours (MB, i.e., physical activity [PA], sedentary behaviour, and sleep) and their interdependence for health has been recently discussed in the literature. The proposition that the amount of time spent in any one of these behaviours may impact the amount of time spent in another is supported by the ActivityStat hypothesis. The aim of this review is to (1) to assess whether individuals with liver disease display MB and/or energy (i.e., total energy expenditure [EE], basal EE, resting EE, and activity EE) compensation throughout the day and/or days; and (2) to examine whether a prescribed PA intervention triggers compensatory responses. Documents were included if they focused on people living with liver disease; analysed MB and/or EE components; were data-based; and were published in English. Fifteen documents were included in the final synthesis. The one finding that addressed research question 1 showed no compensatory response. As for research question 2, most of the findings suggest no compensation effects in response to a PA intervention. There is insufficient evidence to support the ActivityStat hypothesis in people living with liver disease. Further research should be conducted to test this hypothesis using standardized methodological procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the content of physical activity inputs in Canadian family physician electronic medical records. Of 1 225 948 patients aged 18–64 years, a sample of 1535 patients' charts were reviewed. A minority (n = 148; 9.6%) of patients had at least 1 mention of physical activity at any time. Insufficient information existed to determine physical activity domain (21.6%), purpose (50.0%), or meeting of guidelines (98.1%). Novelty: This study examines the physical activity content of what Canadian family physicians document in their electronic medical records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic predisposition plays a key role in the development of familial breast cancer. In spite of strong familial clustering of the disease and extensive efforts made during the past decade; however, progress has been slow in identifying genetic predisposition for the majority of familial breast cancer families. The question arises therefore as to whether current approaches are adequate in identifying the unknown genetic predisposition. We analyzed eight members of a BRCA1-, BRCA2-, p53-, and PTEN-negative breast cancer family, of which five had breast cancer, one is an obligate gene carrier, and two were unaffected. We sequenced the entire coding region of the genome for each member using exome sequencing to identify nonsynonymous variants. We identified 55 nonsynonymous germline variants affecting 49 genes in multiple members of the family, of which 22 are predicted to have damaging effects. We validated 20 of the 22 selected variants in the family by Sanger sequencing. Two variants in KAT6B, an acetal transferase gene, were identified in six family members of which five were affected with breast cancer and one is the unaffected obligate carrier. We further examined the presence of the identified variants in a cohort of 40 additional breast cancer cases from 22 familial breast cancer families, but none of the 22 variants was detected in these cases. Sequencing the entire coding exons in KAT6B detects no variants in these cases. Our results show that genetic predisposition for familial breast cancer can be rich in an affected family, but the predisposition can be family-specific. As such, it will be difficult to detect them by applying population-based approach. Our study supports the concept that focusing on each affected family will be required to determine the genetic predisposition for many familial breast cancer families whose genetic dispositions remain unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: DIP is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome; some patients develop persistent and worsening of parkinsonian symptoms after discontinuation of the offending drug, or Parkinson''s disease (PD) reappears later after a full remission from DIP. However, it is difficult to predict the prognosis in patients with DIP. Herein, we evaluated whether the combined use of 18F-N-(3-fluoropropyl)-2beta-carbon ethoxy-3beta-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane (FP-CIT) PET and cardiac MIBG scintigraphy can be used to help distinguish the prognosis in patients with DIP. Among 20 patients enrolled, 16 showed normal DAT uptake and normal myocardial sympathetic innervation. After withdrawal of the suspected drugs, the patients experienced a clinical remission of parkinsonian motor symptoms within 3 months and did not experience any new movement symptoms after at least 2 years of follow-up. Two patients with a moderate decrease in DAT uptake and impaired sympathetic denervation showed worsening of motor manifestations 3 months after discontinuation of the drugs. Another two patients with normal DAT uptake and decreased MIBG uptake, presented full remission of motor symptoms within 2 months after discontinuation of the drugs. However, these two patients eventually developed parkinsonism within 2 years of the follow-up period. The follow-up scans revealed severe decreased DAT uptake in the putamen and similar ranges of cardiac sympathetic denervation. The results suggest that the combined use of these techniques can predict the prognosis of DIP and suggest a proper therapeutic plan for DIP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was aimed at investigating the changes in the degree of weight support loaded on the cane and paretic-side lower limb muscle activation according to the types of cane and cane-supported gait using a weight-support feedback cane (WSFC). Eleven hemiparetic stroke patients were recruited from a local rehabilitation hospital. WSFC can measure the degree of weight support loaded on the cane during cane-supported walking in units of kg, through a force sensor installed inside the handle. This study measured the degree of weight support loaded on the cane and lower limb muscle activation under four conditions: two-point and three-point gait with mono and quadripod canes. In the two-point gait with mono and quadripod canes, subjects were asked to move the WSFC and paretic-side foot forward at the same time and then move the nonparetic-side foot. In the three-point gait with mono and quadripod canes, subjects were asked to first move the WSFC forward, then the paretic-side foot, and finally the nonparetic-side foot. The degree of weight support loaded on the cane was significantly higher in the three-point gait with WSFC than in the two-point gait with WSFC for both mono (P =.047) and quadripod canes (P =.002). Additionally, the paretic-side lower limb muscle activation during the stance phase was significantly higher in the two-point gait with WSFC than in the three-point gait with WSFC for both mono (P =.008 ~.044) and quadripod canes (P =.008 ~.026). Our results suggest that applying the three-point gait with high cane dependence in the early stages of training for stability and subsequently applying the two-point gait for the enhancement of lower limb muscle activation and training of normal gait pattern could be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The roots of Angelica decursiva Fr. Et Sav (Umbelliferae) have been frequently used in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory, antitussive, analgesic agents and expectorant, especially for treating cough, asthma, bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections. To establish the scientific rationale for the clinical use of Angelica decursiva and to identify new agents for treating inflammatory lung disorders, pharmacological evaluation of the roots of Angelica decursiva and the isolated constituents was performed. Methods In vitro study was carried out using two lung cells, lung epithelial cells (A549) and alveolar macrophages (MH-S). The inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and nitric oxide (NO) for each cell line were examined. For in vivo study, a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury was used and the effects on lung inflammation were established by measuring the cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and by histological observation. Results Water and 70% ethanol extracts of the roots of Angelica decursiva showed considerable inhibitory activity against LPS-induced lung inflammation in mice following oral administration at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Five coumarin derivatives including columbianadin, umbelliferone, umbelliferone 6-carboxylic acid, nodakenin and nodakenetin were isolated. Among the isolated compounds, columbianadin was found to possess strong inhibitory activity against the inflammatory response of IL-1β-treated A549 cells and LPS-treated MH-S cells. Columbianadin was found to inhibit NO production by down-regulation of inducible NO synthase. Moreover, columbianadin was also proved to possess significant inhibitory activity against LPS-induced lung inflammation following oral administration at a dose of 20–60 mg/kg. Conclusions The roots of Angelica decursiva were proved to be effective in the treatment of lung inflammation. Columbianadin can be a potential new agent for treating inflammatory lung disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Artemisia capillaris has widespread traditional and pharmacological applications such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, enhance immunity and anti-tumor activity properties. To evaluate the pharmacological activities of this plant, capillarisin, one of the potent constituent of Artemisia capillaris was studied based on anti-hyperalgesic and anti-allodynic effects with detailed mechanism. It can be assumed that measurement of anti-nociceptive effects of capillarisin is one of the parameter for the evaluation of this herb. Capillarisin has extensive pharmacological properties and has been considered to have promising ant-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities. The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of capillarisin and underlying molecular mechanisms of action in preventing acute and subchronic inflammatory pain. Materials and methods: The inflammatory pain was induced after 40min or 1h of administration of vehicle, 70% EtOH extract of Artemisia capillaris (100mg/kg) or capillarisin (20 and 80mg/kg) by intraplantar (i.p.l.) injections of CFA and carrageenan in ICR mice, respectively. Mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia were evaluated in both acute and subchronic models. Further analysis was performed in CFA-induced mice exploring various molecular and signaling pathways such as NF-κB, AP-1, and ERK-CREB involved in the persistent pain sensations. Results: In acute model, mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia were evaluated after every 2h until 6h of CFA and after 4h of carrageenan injections. Whereas, in subchronic inflammatory pain model, mechanical hyperalgesia and paw edema were measured after 4h of CFA injection and every day after 4h of daily treatment until 5 days with interval of day four in order to assess the tolerance effect of capillarisin. Further analysis was performed in CFA-induced mice exploring various molecular and signaling pathways such as NF-κB, AP-1 and ERK-CREB involved in the persistent of pain sensations. Pre-treatment of capillarisin strongly inhibited NF-κB mediated genes (iNOS, COX-2), involved in pain. The plasma leading nitrite production was significantly reduced by capillarisin. Moreover, i.p. administration of capillarisin markedly suppressed the adenosine 5׳-triphosphate (ATP) in plasma and substance P in CFA-induced paw tissue. Conclusions: The present study indicates that capillarisin possessed promising anti-hyperalgesic and anti-allodynic effects through the inhibition of various inflammatory pain signaling, suggesting that capillarisin constitutes a significant component for the treatment of inflammatory pain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ginseng and ginsenosides are frequently used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Recently, 20-O-β- d-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (GPD), the main metabolite of ginsenosides, was reported to have both anti-allergic and anti-pruritic effects. The immunomodulatory effects of GPD-fortified ginseng extract (GFGE) on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like symptoms in mice were investigated. This study was designed to investigate the preventive effect of GFGE on AD-like symptoms. Materials and methods: The effects of orally administered GFGE on Dermatophagoides farinae body extract (DFE)-induced AD-like symptoms in NC/Nga mice were assessed by analyzing dermatitis score, ear thickness, scratching time, skin histological changes, and serum level of macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC). In addition, splenocytes were isolated from the mice and stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies to produce cytokines. Results: Oral administration of GFGE significantly attenuated DFE-induced increases in dermatitis score, ear thickness, scratching time, and severity of skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. GFGE treatment also reduced level of MDC in serum, infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells in skin, and production of cytokines in splenocytes. Conclusions: These results suggest that GFGE might ameliorate DFE-induced AD-like symptoms and be an alternative therapeutic agent for the prevention of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotenone, an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, has been widely regarded as a neurotoxin because it induces a Parkinson's disease-like syndrome. The fruit and root bark of Lycium chinense Miller have been used as traditional medicines in Asia to treat neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective effects of Lycium chinense Miller extracts in rotenone-treated PC12 cells. Treatment with rotenone reduced PC12 cell viability and cellular ATP levels. Conversely, caspase 3/7 activity, the ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 expression levels, mitochondrial superoxide level, and intracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration were elevated. Pretreatment with Lycium chinense Miller extracts significantly increased cell viability and ATP levels. Additionally, they attenuated caspase activation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mitochondrial superoxide production. Moreover, confocal microscopy showed that the mitochondrial staining pattern was restored from that of extracts treated cells and that the increase in intracellular 2+ level was blunted by treatment with the extracts. Our results suggest that Lycium chinense Miller extracts may have the possible beneficial effects in Parkinson's disease by attenuating rotenone induced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Geniposidic acid (GA) is an iridoid glucoside isolated from Gardeniae jasminoides Ellis (Rubiaceae) that has long been used to treat inflammation, jaundice and hepatic disorders. Aims of the study: This study examined the cytoprotective properties of GA against d-galactosamine (GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fulminant hepatic failure. Materials and methods: Mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of GA (12.5, 25, 50mg/kg) 1h before receiving GalN (800mg/kg)/LPS (40μg/kg). Liver and blood samples were collected 1 and 8h after GalN/LPS injection. Results: The survival rate of the GA group was significantly higher than the control. GalN/LPS increased serum aminotransferase activity, serum tumor necrosis factor-α level and hepatic lipid peroxidation and decreased hepatic glutathione content. These changes were attenuated by GA. GA augmented increases in serum interleukin-6 level, heme oxygenase-1 and NF-E2-related factor 2 protein expression. Mice treated with GA decreased cleaved caspase-8 and caspase-3 protein expression and showed significantly fewer apoptotic cells. GA increased Bcl-xL protein expression and decreased Bax protein expression. Moreover, GA treatment enhanced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that geniposidic acid alleviates GalN/LPS-induced liver injury by enhancing antioxidative defense system and reducing apoptotic signaling pathways. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Artemisia capillaris Thunberg (Compositae) have been used as traditional medicine as a diuretic, liver protective agent, and for amelioration of inflammatory and analgesic disorders. The present study was carried out to establish the scientific rationale for treating inflammation and to find active principles from A. capillaris. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of the major component (capillarisin) isolated from A. capillaris via inhibition of MyD88/TIRAP inflammatory signaling both in vitro and in vivo models. Materials and methods: The nitrite, PGE2, and TNF-α productions were evaluated by Griess reagent and ELISA kits. The protein and mRNA expression levels were investigated by Western blot and RT-PCR. The NF-κB and AP-1 DNA-binding was performed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The CFA- and carrageenan-induced paw edema was performed in ICR mice in which 20 and 80mg/kg body weight of capillarisin was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.). Results: The results demonstrated that pretreatment with capillarisin effectively inhibited the LPS-induced activation of NF-κB, Akt, and MAP kinase-activated inflammatory genes, which is mediated by MyD88 and TIRAP. Treatment with capillarisin reduced the mRNA and protein levels of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW 264.7 cells as assessed by RT-PCR and Western blot. Capillarisin suppressed LPS-induced inhibitory kappa kinase (IKK) phosphorylation and the degradation of inhibitory kappa B (IκBα) and prevented the nuclear translocation of p65 and p50. Capillarisin also exhibited a promising inhibitory effect on the LPS-induced NF-κB and AP-1 DNA binding activity based on an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The LPS-induced activation of p-JNK, p-p38, p-ERK, and p-Akt was significantly inhibited. In addition, the TNF-α level in the media was effectively reduced by capillarisin. In vivo experimental analysis revealed that capillarisin (20 and 80mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited complete Freund''s adjuvant (CFA)-and carrageenan-induced paw edema, nitrite production in plasma, and TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Conclusion: The results presented here demonstrate that capillarisin has consistent anti-inflammatory properties and acts by inhibiting inflammatory mediators in in vitro and in vivo experimental models, and suggest its potential utility in the control of inflammatory disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bone homeostasis is maintained by a balance between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. Osteoporosis occurs when osteoclast activity surpasses osteoblast activity. Pro-inflammatory cytokines stimulate osteoclast differentiation and activity by increasing production of macrophage-colony stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). In this study, we investigated whether Magnoliae Flos (MF), one of the most commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs for managing rhinitis, sinusitis and headache, could effectively inhibit osteoporosis. In ovariectomized (OVX) mice compared to sham mice, the body weight increased and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase 5b, calcium, and osteocalcin were significantly elevated. However, orally administrated MF extract substantially inhibited the increased body weight and serum levels of bone turnover markers, without any evidence of tissue toxicity. MF extract treatment significantly reversed the morphometric parameters of ovariectomy-induced bone loss, including trabecular bone volume, thickness, number, separation, and bone density, to almost the same levels of the sham mice. Furthermore, MF extract reduced the RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption by inhibiting the activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cathepsin K in mouse bone marrow macrophages. MF extract appeared to increase ALP activity in murine osteoblastic cells. Taken together, MF extract may be a beneficial supplement for the blockade of osteoporosis progression, particularly for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims of the study: We recently reported the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of umbelliferone 6-carboxylic acid (UMC) isolated from the whole plants of Angelica decursiva. In this study, we elucidated the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of UMC in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The inhibitory effects of UMC on the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), the expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were evaluated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation inhibitory activity of UMC was evaluated using t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of UMC was evaluated using carrageenan induced mouse paw edema model. Results: UMC dose-dependently inhibited NO and PGE2 production by down-regulating iNOS and COX-2 protein expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. UMC also suppressed the production of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, UMC dose-dependently prevented LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, UMC exhibited the inhibitory activity against t-BHP-induced ROS generation in RAW 264.7 cells with an IC50 value of 705.1μg/ml. Moreover, UMC inhibited λ-carrageenan induced mouse paw edema by 70.40 and 60.20% at doses of 50 and 25mg/kg body weight, respectively. Conclusion: The combined results of this study indicate that UMC is an important anti-inflammatory constituent of A. decursiva and its anti-inflammatory effect was due to its ability to inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators via inhibition of NF-κB activation pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Hyperechogenicity of substantia nigra (SN+) is a common finding in transcranial ultrasound studies of parkinsonian patients. However, this feature is also found in 13–16% of ET patients. The possible links between ET and PD are of special interest, particularly with the familial aggregated data supporting this association. However, few studies have been conducted regarding the factors associated with the emergence of PD in the ET population. In this study, we investigated the possible association between SN+ and putative premotor symptoms of PD in patients with ET. Methods: A total of 47 patients with PD and 64 patients with ET were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent TCS and completed a structured interview for putative premotor symptoms of PD. Results: As expected, there were significant differences observed in the frequency and size of SN+, and the prevalence of the putative premotor symptoms of PD. More interestingly, in the ET group a significant association between SN+ and each premotor symptom was observed and a trend was also found that ET cases with more putative premotor symptoms of PD had a greater size of SN+. In contrast, in the PD group, SN+ was not influenced by the cumulative effect of premotor symptoms. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that SN+ in patients with ET is influenced by the putative premotor symptoms of PD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, the steamed root of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch, has been widely used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions in Oriental medicines. In this study we evaluated the effects of 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP) isolated from Rehmanniae Radix Preparata on inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of DHAP on the production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-6. DHAP significantly inhibited NO production via the suppression of iNOS expression and significantly decreased levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 via the down-regulation of their mRNA expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. DHAP potently inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) 1/2 and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in LPS-stimulated cells. These results indicate that DHAP inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators in activated macrophages by blocking the ERK1/2 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Our results suggest that DHAP from Rehmanniae Radix Preparata has anti-inflammatory activity in activated macrophages, raising the possibility that this compound has a therapeutic potential for inflammatory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cinnamomum cassia Blume has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for alleviation of fever, inflammation, chronic bronchitis, and to improve blood circulation. Aim of the study: We addressed whether 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde (2-MCA), one of active ingredients of Cinnamomum cassia, reduces vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-activated endothelial cells and protects ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-injury due to heme oxygenase (HO)-1 induction. Materials and methods: Adult male rats were subjected to 30min of ischemia by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 24h of reperfusion. Rats were randomized to receive vehicle or 2-MCA (i.v.) 10min before reperfusion. Results: Administration of 2-MCA significantly improved I/R-induced myocardial dysfunction by increasing the values of the first derivative (±dp/dt) of left ventricular pressure and decreased infarct size. In addition, 2-MCA reduced the expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), an activator of the inflammatory cascade when released into the extracellular space, and VCAM-1 in I/R myocardium along with increase of HO-1 induction. The reduced injury was accompanied by significantly reduction of neutrophils infiltration and increased SOD activity in ischemic tissues and reduced serum level of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Furthermore, 2-MCA significantly increased HO-1 induction by translocation of Nrf-2 from cytosol to nucleus in endothelial cells. Inhibition of VCAM-1 expression by 2-MCA was reversed both by SnPPIX, a HO-1 inhibitor and siHO-1 RNA trasfection in TNF-α-activated cells. In addition, 2-MCA significantly inhibited NF-κB luciferase activity in TNF-α-activated endothelial cells. As expected, 2-MCA significantly inhibited monocyte (U937) adhesion to endothelial cells. Conclusion: We concluded that 2-MCA protects of myocardial I/R-injury due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action possibly by HO-1 induction which can be explained why Cinnamomum cassia has been used in inflammatory disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Meningeal/intracranial solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma (icSFT/HPC) have a poor clinical outcome with metastatic behavior compared to soft tissue/extracranial SFT/HPCs (exSFT/HPC), but the underlying genetic factors are unclear. This study showed that WNT signaling, including WNT5A, was elevated in exSFT/HPC and MMP9 expression was higher in icSFT/HPC at both the mRNA and protein levels. Expression of CLDN5, a marker of endothelial tight junctions, was decreased in icSFT/HPC. The metastatic behavior of icSFT/HPC may be due to dysregulated angiogenesis and increased permeability of the vasculature caused by an altered WNT signaling pathway. Along with the increased expression of MMP9 in individual tumor cells, the combination of these effects will increase the probability of distant metastasis. Although exSFT/HPC and icSFT/HPC share a key molecular event, i.e., NAB2-STAT6 fusion, SFT/HPC may exhibit different biological properties and clinical courses depending on tumor location. Solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma (SFT/HPC) is a mesenchymal tumor originating from various soft tissues and meninges, which carries the NAB2-STAT6 fusion gene. Meningeal/intracranial SFT/HPCs (icSFT/HPC) have a poor clinical outcome with metastatic behavior compared to soft tissue/extracranial SFT/HPCs (exSFT/HPC), but the underlying genetic factors are unclear. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by NanoString nCounter assay using RNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. Additionally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on 32 cases of exSFT/HPC, 18 cases of icSFT/HPC, and additional recurrent or metastatic cases to verify the findings. Pathway analysis revealed that the WNT signaling pathway was enriched in exSFT/HPC. Analysis of DEGs showed that expression of WNT5A was lower and that of MMP9 was higher in icSFT/HPC than in exSFT/HPC (p = 0.008 and p = 0.035, respectively). IHC showed that WNT5A and CD34 expression was high in exSFT/HPC (p < 0.001, both), while that of MMP9 was high in icSFT/HPC (p = 0.001). Expression of CLDN5 in tumoral vessels was locally decreased in icSFT/HPC (p < 0.001). The results suggested that decreased WNT5A expression, together with increased MMP9 expression, in icSFT/HPC, may affect vascular tightness and prompt tumor cells to metastasize extracranially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]