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Background Tension pneumothorax on the contralateral lung during one-lung ventilation (OLV) can be life-threatening if not rapidly diagnosed and managed. However, diagnosis is often delayed because the classic signs of tension pneumothorax are similar to clinical manifestations commonly observed during OLV. Case We report a case of contralateral tension pneumothorax in a patient undergoing right upper lobectomy during OLV. The patient suffered from sudden cardiac arrest and was assisted by extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation. Conclusions Contralateral pneumothorax during OLV is rare but can occur at any time. Therefore, anesthesiologists should consider this critical complication.

Background During lumbar spine surgery, patients are placed in the prone position for surgical access. The prone position has various effects on cardiac and pulmonary function, including a decreased cardiac index (CI), decreased dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), and increased peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak). In this study, we compared the volume-controlled ventilation mode (VCV) and pressure-controlled ventilation with volume guaranteed mode (PCV-VG) based on hemodynamic and pulmonary variables in the prone position during lumbar spine surgery. Methods Thirty-six patients scheduled for lumbar spine surgery in the prone position were enrolled in this prospective, randomized clinical trial. The patients were randomly assigned to receive VCV or PCV-VG. Hemodynamic variables, respiratory variables, and arterial blood gases were measured in the supine position 15 min after the induction of anesthesia, 15 min after placement in the prone position, 30 min after placement in the prone position, and 15 min after placement in the supine position at the end of anesthesia. Results The hemodynamic variables and arterial blood gas results did not differ significantly between the two groups. Lower Ppeak values were observed in the PCV-VG group than in the VCV group (p = 0.045). The Cdyn values in the VCV group were lower than those in the PCV-VG group (p = 0.040). Conclusion PCV-VG led to lower Ppeak and improved Cdyn values compared with VCV, showing that it may be a favorable alternative mode of mechanical ventilation for patients in the prone position during lumbar spine surgery. Trial registration The study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 03571854). The initial registration date was 6/18/2018.

Background South Korea has been experiencing a third wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) since mid-November 2020. Our hospital in Gwangju metropolitan city experienced a healthcare-associated COVID-19 outbreak early in the third wave. The first confirmed COVID-19 patient was a symptomatic neurosurgery resident with high mobility throughout the hospital. We analyzed the transmission routes of nosocomial COVID-19 and discussed infection control strategies. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing results according to time point and evaluated transmission routes. Results Since COVID-19 was first confirmed in a healthcare worker (HCW) on 11/13/2020, we performed RT-PCR tests for all patients and caregivers and four complete enumeration surveys for all HCWs. We detected three clusters of nosocomial spread and several sporadic cases. The first cluster originated from the community outbreak spot, where an asymptomatic HCW visited, which led to a total of 22 cases. The second cluster, which included patient-to-patient transmission, originated from a COVID-19 positive caregiver before diagnosis and the third cluster involved a radiologist and a banker. We took measures to isolate Building 1 of the hospital for 17 days and controlled the outbreak during a period of increasing community COVID-19 prevalence. Universal screening of all inpatients upon admission and resident caregivers was made mandatory and hospital-related employees are now screened monthly. Conclusion Infection control strategies to prevent the nosocomial transmission of emerging infectious diseases must correspond with community disease prevalence. Our data reinforce the importance of multi-time point surveillance of asymptomatic HCWs and routine surveillance of patients and caregivers during an epidemic., Graphical Abstract

In general, intracranial germ cell tumors (GCT) are sensitive to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and have favorable outcomes. However, a rare chemotherapeutic retro conversion phenomenon, known as intracranial growing teratoma syndrome (iGTS), shown a poorer prognosis. We analyze the diagnostic characteristics and the result of treatment response for the patients with iGTS treated in our institutes (SNUH and SNUBH, from 1997 to 2019). The electronic medical records and PACS were used for reviewing the clinical information, follow-up MRI images, tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, in serum or cerebrospinal fluids), and pathological findings. Out of 328 intracranial GCT patients, seventeen were finally identified as iGTS. Sixteen out of 17 patients were non-germinomatous GCTs, and 1 were germinomas. Initial pathology was common in order of immature teratoma (26.7%), other than immature teratoma (11.5%), and germinoma (0.5%). All of the tumors showed typical ‘honeycomb appearance’ in their follow-up MRI images. Sixteen out of 17 tumors were surgically resected as 2nd look surgery. Among them, 13 tumors were gross totally resected. Twelve were alive without evidence of recurrences during follow-up periods, and the other was dead from the progression of the disease. Among the other than the gross total resection group (n=4), two patients were dead, one recurred the tumor, and the other is following up with stable disease after adjuvant radiation therapy. Early detection and total resection of the tumor as possible might be meaningful for favor prognosis, especially in non-germinomatous GCTs patients.

Dho et al. (BTRT, 2017) reported that 1.1% (127/11,827) of primary brain tumors are intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCT) in Korea. We analyzed the epidemiology and treatment results of germ cell tumors in our institution. From 2004 to 2019, among 6494 patients with intracranial neoplasms the 61 (0.9%) patients with iGCTs were enrolled: histologically diagnosed in 50 patients and clinically in 11 respectively. Pediatric patients underwent treatment according to the KSPNO protocol, and adult patients were treated with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin regimens. The median age was 20 years (range: 1–42) and the follow-up period was 7.7 months (range: 10.0–203.4 months), respectively. The tumors arise most frequently in the pineal area (n=30, 49.2%). There were no significant differences in outcomes between protocols, but in KSPNO protocol group showed lower tumor recurrence rate (11.5% vs. 20%, p=0.494) and mortality (0% vs. 5.2%, p=0.503). According to the pathological subtype, the outcomes showed statistically significant differences between germinoma and non-germinomatous germ cell tumor (NGGCT) groups. The 10-year progression-free survival was 93.2% and 67.1% in the germinoma and the NGGCT group, respectively (p=0.009). The NGGCT pathological type (p=0.021) was a significant recurrence associated factor in multivariate analysis. Significant adverse events (CTCAE version 5.0 grade≥3) were showed in 14 patients (7 patients in both KSPNO and other treatment protocol groups). Pure germinoma has a higher survival rate and a lower recurrence rate than NGGCT. And KSPNO protocol might be safe and effective. For appropriate treatment for iGTCs, a multidisciplinary approach might be needed.

Aim Many intracellular components have been implicated in the regulation of redox homeostasis, but homeostasis can be unbalanced by reactive species (RS), which also probably contribute to underlying inflammatory processes. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a well-known redox-sensitive transcription factor that controls the genes responsible for regulating inflammation. Methods In the present study, the authors investigated the effect of short-term salicylideneamino-2-thiophenol (SAL-2) administration on the modulation of pro-inflammatory NF-κB through redox regulation in aged rats. In addition, we compared the effects of SAL-2 and caloric restriction (CR) on inflammation and redox balance. The subjects were 24-month-old (old) Fischer 344 rats administered SAL-2 (10 mg/kg/day) by dietary supplementation or placed on a 30% restricted diet for 10 days, and 6-month-old (young) rats fed ad libitum for 10 days. Results We found that NF-κB activation and the expressions of its related genes (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase) were suppressed by SAL-2 supplementation in old CR rats to the levels observed in young rats. In addition, our molecular studies showed that the inhibitory effect of SAL-2 on the activation of NF-κB was mediated by the ability of SAL-2 to block the nuclear translocations of cytosolic thioredoxin and redox factor-1. Conclusion These findings strongly indicate that SAL-2 stabilizes age-related redox imbalance and modulates the signal transduction pathway involved in the age-associated molecular inflammatory process. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 211–219.

Ginsenoside Rd is a primary constituent of the ginseng rhizome and has been shown to participate in the regulation of diabetes and in tumor formation. Reports also show that ginsenoside Rd exerts anti-oxidative effects by activating anti-oxidant enzymes. Treatment with ginsenoside Rd decreased nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-challenged RAW264.7 cells and in ICR mouse livers (5 mg/kg LPS; LPS + ginsenoside Rd [2, 10, and 50 mg/kg]). Furthermore, these decreases were associated with the down-regulations of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and of nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that ginsenoside Rd treatment decreases; 1) nitric oxide production (40% inhibition); 2) PGE2 synthesis (69% to 93% inhibition); 3) NF-κB activity; and 4) the NF-κB-regulated expressions of iNOS and COX-2. Taken together, our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside Rd are due to the down-regulation of NF-κB and the consequent expressional suppressions of iNOS and COX-2.

Hyperin and quercetin are phenolic compounds present in fruits and vegetables that have been reported to possess strong anti-oxidative properties. Although increasing evidence strongly suggests that antioxidants suppress the melanin synthesis that is causally associated with oxidative stress, the protective actions of hyperin and quercetin against oxidative stress-induced melanogenesis have not been fully explored. To elucidate the suppressive effects of hyperin and quercetin on oxidative stress and melanin synthesis, peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) scavenging activity was measured in vitro as were quantifications of melanin content, intracellular total RS, ONOO(-), superoxide ((•)O(2)), nitric oxide (NO(•)), catalase activity and the reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio. Results showed that in vitro, hyperin and quercetin reduced ONOO(-). Additionally, hyperin and quercetin suppressed total RS, ONOO(-), (•)O(2), and NO(•), catalase activity, and melanin synthesis, while they boosted the GSH/GSSG ratio in B16F10 melanoma cells (B16 cells). Therefore, I propose that hyperin and quercetin have a powerful capacity to modulate oxidative stress-induced melanogenesis.

Compelling evidence indicates that polyphenolic antioxidants protect against diabetic nephropathy. Pycnogenol is made up of flavonoids, mainly procyanidins and phenolic compounds, and is a known powerful antioxidant. Hyperglycemia is characteristic of diabetic nephropathy and induces renal tubular cell apoptosis. Thus, in this study, we used high glucose-treated renal tubular cells to investigate the protective action of pycnogenol against high glucose-induced apoptosis and diabetic nephropathy. We also sought to further delineate the underlying mechanisms elicited by oxidative stress and inflammation and suppressed by pycnogenol. Results show that pycnogenol significantly suppressed the high glucose-induced morphological changes and the reduction in cell viability associated with cytotoxicity. Bcl2/Bax protein levels indicated pycnogenol's anti-apoptotic effect against high glucose-induced apoptotic cell death. In addition, several key markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were measured for pycnogenol's beneficial effects. Results indicate pycnogenol's anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory efficacy in suppressing lipid peroxidation, total reactive species (RS), superoxide ((·)O(2)), nitric oxide (NO(·)), peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), pro-inflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) nuclear translocation. Based on these results, we conclude that pycnogenol's anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties underlie its anti-apoptotic effects, suggesting further investigation of pycnogenol as a promising treatment against diabetic nephropathy.

A fibrinolytic enzyme of Streptomyces corcohrussi from soil sediment was purified by chromatography using DEAE-Sephadex A-50 and Sephadex G-50. The analysis of SDS-polyacrylamide gel suggested that the purified enzyme is a homogeneous protein and the molecular mass is approximately 34 kDa. The purified enzyme showed activity of 0.8 U/ml in a plasminogen-rich fibrin plate, while its activity in a plasminogen-free fibrin plate was only 0.36 U/ml. These results suggested that the purified enzyme acts as a plasminogen activator. The fibrinolytic activity of the enzyme under the supplementation of protease inhibitors, e-ACA, t-AMCHA and mercuric chloride in the enzyme reaction was less than 24%, indicating that it could be modulated by the plasmin and/or fibrinogen inhibitors involved in the fibrinogen-to-fibrin converting process. As time passed, Zn 2+ , a heavy metal ion, inhibited the activity to 34.1%. The optimum temperature of the purified enzyme was approximately 50℃ and over 92% of the enzyme activity was maintained between pH 5.0 and 8.0. Therefore, our results provide a potential fibrinolytic enzyme as a noble thrombolytic agent from S. corcohrussi.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with powerful antioxidant properties that exists naturally in various plants, algae, and seafood. The purpose of the present study is to examine the protective action of astaxanthin against high-glucose-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs). To assess the efficacy of astaxanthin, several key markers and activities were measured, including lipid peroxidation, total reactive species (RS), superoxide (*O(2)), nitric oxide (NO*), and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), as well as expressions of inflammatory proteins, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) nuclear translocation, and levels of Bcl2/Bax protein. Results showed that astaxanthin effectively suppressed lipid peroxidation, total RS, *O(2), NO*, ONOO(-), iNOS and COX-2 protein levels, NF-kappaB nuclear translocation, and pro-apototic Bax, whereas it increased anti-apoptotic Bcl2 protein levels. On the basis of these findings, it was concluded that in PTECs, astaxanthin has a protective efficacy against several deleterious effects caused by high glucose exposure and proposed that astaxanthin should be explored further as a potential antidiabetic remedy for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

As a part of an ongoing project searching for new skin-lightening agents, the inhibitory property of 6-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-naphthol (HPN) on melanogenesis was investigated. The inhibitory action of HPN (IC(50)=15.2 muM) on mushroom tyrosinase was revealed. To further explore the action of HPN on melanogenesis, the inhibition of tyrosinase and melanin levels were measured in B16 melanoma cells (B16 cells). Results show that HPN inhibited tyrosinase activity and reduced melanin in B16 cells. Therefore, our data indicate HPN as a new candidate for depigmentation reagents.

Superacid ZrO2/SO42− (SZ) was supported on mesoporous alumina (MA) to synthesize a novel superacid catalyst (SZMAP) with high active surface area. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by both physical and chemical methods, including XRD, BET, NH3-TPD and TEM. The prepared superacidic mesoporous alumina (SZMAP) showed typical gamma-alumina phase patterns and uniform mesoporous structures with a regular channel arrangement. NH3-TPD analysis indicated that SZMAP has superacidic characteristics. The SZMAP catalyst was used in the dehydration of glycerol to acrolein. Results showed that SZMAP showed much higher catalytic activity than the bulk superacid, ZrO2/SO42− (SZ), and MA due to the high dispersion of active SZ molecules, which results from a large surface area and uniform mesopores of mesoporous alumina.

This study examined the influences of cognitive conflict and anxiety induced by a discrepant event and an alternative hypothesis, attention, and effort on conceptual change. Two hundred three students having misconceptions about density were selected from 462 seventh graders based on the results of a preconception test. Tests of cognitive responses and anxiety to a discrepant event were administered before and after presenting an alternative hypothesis. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) was then provided to students as a conceptual change intervention. Tests assessing attention and effort allocated to the CAI, and conceptual understanding were administered as posttests. Cognitive conflict induced by a discrepant event was found to increase after presenting an alternative hypothesis. Pre-cognitive conflict induced by only a discrepant event exerted a direct effect on post-cognitive conflict induced by a discrepant event and an alternative hypothesis. Post-cognitive conflict had a direct effect on conceptual change. Pre-anxiety decreased after presenting an alternative hypothesis. Pre-anxiety influenced post-anxiety, and this influenced on conceptual change via effort negatively. Attention had a direct effect as well as an indirect effect on conceptual change via effort. These results suggest that the strategy presenting both a discrepant event and an alternative hypothesis to students in concept learning could facilitate conceptual change by inducing more cognitive conflict or active participation of students through the decrease of anxiety than that presenting a discrepant event only.

Group A rotaviruses are a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in young children as well as many domestic animals. The rotavirus genome is composed of 11 segments of double-stranded RNA and can undergo genetic reassortment during mixed infections, leading to progeny viruses with novel or atypical phenotypes. The aim of this study was to determine if the bovine group A rotavirus strains KJ44 and KJ75, isolated from clinically infected calves, share genetic features with viruses obtained from heterologous species. All 11 genes sequences of the KJ44 and KJ75 strains were sequenced and analyzed. The KJ44 VP4 had 91.7% to 96.3% deduced amino acid identity to the bovine related P[1] strain, whereas the KJ75 strain was most closely related to the bovine related P[5] strain (91.9% to 96.9% amino acid identity). Both KJ44 and KJ75 strains also contained the bovine related VP3 gene. The remaining 9 segments were closely related to porcine group A rotaviruses. The KJ44 and KJ75 strains showed high amino acid identity to the G5 rotaviruses, sharing 90.4% to 99.0% identity. In addition, these strains belonged to the NSP4 genotype B, which is typical of porcine rotaviruses and subgroup I, with the closest relationship to the porcine JL-94 strain. These results strongly suggest that bovine rotavirus strains with the G5 genotype occur in nature as a novel G genotype in cattle as a result of a natural reassortment between bovine and porcine strains.

The different bovine coronavirus (BCoV) strains or isolates exhibited various degrees of substitutions, resulting in altered antigenicity and pathogenicity of the virus. In the previous our study, we demonstrated that the spike glycoprotein gene of Korean winter dysentery (WD) BCoV had a genetic property of both enteric (EBCV) and respiratory BCoV (RBCV) and were significantly distinct from the ancestral enteric strains. In the present study, therefore, we analyzed the other structure genes, the hemagglutinin/esterase (HE) protein, the transmembrane (M) protein and the small membrane (E) protein to characterize 10 WD BCoV circulated in Korea during 2002–2003 and compared the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences with the other known BCoV. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the HE gene among BCoV could be divided into three groups. The first group included only RBCV, while the second group contained calf diarrhea BCoV, RBCV, WD and EBCV, respectively. The third group possessed only all Korean WD strains which were more homologous to each other and were sharply distinct from the other known BCoV, suggesting Korean WD strains had evolutionary distinct pathway. In contrast, the relative conservation of the M and E proteins of BCoV including Korean WD strains and the other coronaviruses suggested that structural constraints on these proteins are rigid, resulting in more limited evolution of these proteins. In addition, BCoV and human coronavirus HCV-OC43 contained four potential O-glycosylation sites in the M gene. However, the M gene sequence of both BCoV and HCV-OC43 might not contain a signal peptide, suggesting the M protein might be unlikely to be exposed to the O-glycosylation machinery in vivo.

The basis of our recently proposed "molecular inflammation theory of aging" is that activated inflammatory transcription factors, including versatile NF-kappaB, occur widespread in the organism during aging. NF-kappaB plays a key role in pro-inflammatory gene expression, such as cyclooxygenase (COX). Aspirin is one of the most commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because of its ability to inhibit COX activity. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the effect of short-term, low dose aspirin intake on the modulation of pro-inflammatory NF-kappaB activation in old rats. To conduct the study, 24-month-old Fischer 344 rats were supplemented with low dose aspirin (0.015%) for 10 days. Biochemical analyses showed suppressed reactive species (RS) and COX-2 activity. The data also showed that NF-kappaB activation and its associated gene expressions, such as COX-2, iNOS, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, were all suppressed by the low dose aspirin supplementation through the inhibition of phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha via the NIK/IKK pathway. Our molecular exploration further revealed that aspirin's suppressive action of NF-kappaB was mediated by its ability to inhibit the nuclear translocation of cytosolic thioredoxin and redox factor-1. These findings showed for the first time that in aged rat short-term low dose dietary aspirin feeding modulates the molecular signal transduction involved in the inflammatory process.

Energy restriction (ER) and dietary fish oil (FO) are known to reduce the severity of glomerulonephritis and increase the lifespan of lupus-prone (NZB×NZW) F1(B/W) mice. In the present study, mice were fed eitherad libitumor energy-restricted (a 40 % lower energy intake than the dietad libitum), semi-purified diets containing 5 % maize oil or 5 % fish oil supplementation. To estimate the renal damage associated with oxidative stress, the total amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cyclooxygenase-derived ROS and levels of guanidino compounds were measured. Additionally, we assessed the putative action of ER and FO on several key antioxidant enzymes measured in the kidney post-mitochondrial fraction. Results showed that the age-related increase in creatinine level was significantly reduced by ER and FO in old mice. In contrast, arginine and guanidino acetic acid levels showed a decrease with age but were increased by ER and FO. The GSH:GSSG ratio showed a significant decrease with age, whereas ER and FO feeding prevented the decrease. The age-related decrease in antioxidant scavenging superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were all reversed by ER and FO. The moderately decreased glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase activities with age were significantly increased by ER and FO. Furthermore, the increased total ROS and cyclooxygenase-derived ROS levels were effectively reduced by ER and FO. In conclusion, our data strongly indicate that ER and FO maintain antioxidant status and GSH:GSSG ratio, thereby protecting against renal deterioration from oxidative insults during ageing.

Since the molecular analysis of spike (S) glycoprotein gene of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) has been conducted and compared mainly among American and Canadian isolates and/or strains, it is unclear whether BCoV circulated in the other countries are distinctive in genetic characteristics. In the present study, we analyzed the S glycoprotein gene to characterize 10 winter dysentery (WD) coronavirus strains circulated in Korea during 2002–2003 and compared the nucleotide (nt) and deduced amino acid (aa) sequences with the other known BCoV. The phylogenetic analysis of the entire S glycoprotein gene revealed that the aa sequences of all Korean WD strains were more homologous to each other and were very closely related to respiratory bovine coronavirus (RBCV) strain OK and enteric bovine coronavirus (EBCV) strain LY-138, but were distinct from the other known BCoVs. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the hypervariable region of the S1 subunit, all Korean WD strains clustered with the respiratory strain OK, BCQ3994 and the enteric strain LY-138, while the Canadian BCQ calf diarrhea and WD strains, and the American RBCV LSU, French EBCV F15 and avirulent VACC, L9, and Mebus strains clustered on a separate major branch. These data suggest that the WD strains circulated in Korea had a genetic property of both RBCV and EBCV and were significantly distinct from the ancestral enteric strain.

Acute post-operative parotid gland swelling or “anesthesia mumps” is a rare complication that occurs after general or regional anesthesia. While the exact mechanism underlying this condition is not fully understood, mechanical obstruction of Stensen’s duct due to incorrect head positioning, peri-operative medication, dehydration, and retrograde passage of air into the parotid gland have all been implicated in post-operative parotid swelling. Here we present two cases of parotid swelling after robot-assisted hysterectomy, both of which are thought to have been caused by compression due to shoulder braces. Careful attention to the head and neck position is required to avoid mechanical obstruction of the parotid duct, and by extension, parotid gland swelling.

It has been known that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species such as nitric oxide (NO), superoxide radical (.O−2) and their byproduct peroxynitrite (ONOO−) induce cellular and tissue injury, ultimately resulting in several human diseases. In this study, we examined scavenging effects of 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione (MCP) from coffee extract on the reactivity of those toxic molecules. MCP significantly inhibited both the oxidation of 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) by reactive oxygen species (ROS) (mainly .O−2) from kidney homogenate (41% at 100 μM) and the generation of fluorescent 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) by NO from sodium nitroprusside (IC50 (concn producing 50% inhibition), 63.8 μM). More potently, however, MCP suppressed the oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) to fluorescent rhodamine 123 mediated by authentic ONOO− with an IC50 value of 3.3 μM. The neutralizing effect of the reactivity of ONOO− by MCP was due to electron donation, not nitration of the compound. Additionally, MCP also decreased ONOO− formation of nitrotyrosine adducts of glutathione (GSH) reductase, and consequently protected the enzyme activity of GSH reductase against decreasing by ONOO−, indicating that MCP may prevent ONOO−-induced damage of GSH reductase. Furthermore, MCP only weakly suppressed NO production, which is one of the upstream sources of ONOO− in-vivo, suggesting that NO production may be not a pharmacological target for MCP. Taken together, our results suggest that MCP may be regarded as a selective regulator of ONOO−-mediated diseases via direct scavenging activity of ONOO−.

3,4-Dihydroxyacetophenone (3,4-DHAP) was evaluated for antimelanogenic activity. The tyrosinase inhibitory action by 3,4-DHAP using mushroom tyrosinase revealed a strong inhibitory effect. To further explore this matter, inhibition of tyrosinase and melanin content was measured in B16 melanoma cells (B16 cells). Further, tyrosinase and microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) protein levels were determined by the Western blot method. Additionally, tyrosinase and MITF protein levels were reduced by 3,4-DHAP. Our data indicate that the antimelanogenic activity of 3,4-DHAP was probably due to its inhibition of tyrosinase activity and the suppression of tyrosinase and MITF protein levels.

Segmental aplasia of the uterine body was diagnosed in a 5-year-old, mixed breed bitch. Abdominal radiography and transabdominal ultrasonography revealed marked dilation of fluid-filled uterine horns with no evidence of a uterine body. Sex hormone assays did not detect the presence of estradiol-17 (β; however, progesterone (2 ng/ml) was found in the serum, indicating anestrus. On gross examination of the reproductive tract, the uterine body was absent, apparently never formed. In its place, a cord-like piece of tissue was identified as an aplastic/dysplastic remnant, connecting the cervix and right uterine horn. The tip of the cord-like piece branched into 5 string-like pieces of tissue, 1 of which was connected to the region dividing the left and right uterine horns. Both the uterine horns were dilated markedly revealing hydrometra. Histologically, uterine body remnant tissues from the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium were detected in proximal and distal parts of the uterine body. The string-like piece of tissue connecting the uterine body remnant and the uterine horn consisted of a round cluster of smooth muscle cells surrounding a central core of adipose tissue with blood vessels. It was concluded that the hydrometra observed in both uterine horns was induced by an obstruction resulting from segmental aplasia in the uterine body. This is the first known report of segmental aplasia in the uterine body of a bitch.

Although winter dysentery (WD) has been suspected to occur frequently in Korea, to date the exact epidemiology of WD has remained unknown. Therefore, we investigated the causative agents of WD by using electron microscopy, ELISA, RT-PCR, and nested PCR from 97 fecal samples of 32 WD-affected herds collected from 8 provinces during 2002-2004. The bovine coronavirus (BoCV) was consistently detected in all herds with WD. Of other pathogens, only coccidian oocyts were inconsistently but concurrently detected with BoCV. Ten isolates were identified as BoCV by immune electron microscope, immunofluorescent test and ELISA with antiserum to BoCV, and RT-PCR. From these results, it is concluded that WD caused by BoCV occurred in relatively high frequency and was widespread in Korea. The results provide important epidemiological data for the control and establishment of a surveillance system for WD in Korea.

Proanthocyanidin (a persimmon-peel extract) is known to have potent antioxidative effects, but its protective action specifically against cellular damage has not been fully explored. In this work, we investigated the protective property of proanthocyanidin against cellular oxidative stress with an experimental model, H2O2-exposed human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). To investigate the proposed underlying beneficial actions of proanthocyanidin as to cellular injury induced by H2O2, several major biochemical parameters were determined, including estimation of total reactive species (RS) generation, antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glulathione (GSSG) ratio, and mitochondrial membrane potential. The results indicate that proanthocyanidin reduced total RS generation while enhancing the activities of catalase and glutathione reductase and the GSH/GSSG ratio. Additionally, proanthocyanidin was found to protect against mitochondrial membrane damage in HDFs treated H2O2. Based on these results, we conclude that proanthocyanidin has strong protective effects against cellular damage to several key cellular functions by suppressing oxidative stress in H2O2-treated HDFs.

Rhamnetin is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound. In this report, experimental evidence is presented on the suppression of melanogenesis by rhamnetin using B16 murine melanoma cells (B16 cells). To document the underlying anti-melanogenic action of rhamnetin, several key biochemical mediators were quantified: superoxide (O2(•-)), nitric oxide (·NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) in vitro, and total reactive species (RS) generation, O2(•-), ·NO and ONOO(-), reduced glutathione (GSH)/GSH-to-oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) in B16 cells. Results revealed that rhamnetin inhibited murine tyrosinase activity, suppressed melanin content and oxidative stress, reducing O2(•-),·NO and ONOO(-) in vitro and total RS generation, O2(•-), ·NO and ONOO(-) in B16 cells, while maintaining a well-balanced GSH/GSSG ratio in B16 cells. Results further revealed that rhamnetin suppressed key pro-inflammatory mediators such as PGE2 and TXB2. Thus, these results strongly indicate that rhamnetin has powerful anti-melanogenic properties through its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory actions.

Background and Aim: Oxaliplatin hypersensitivity is a well-known adverse reaction but the prevalence varies and data for frequency and clinical features have not been reported for Korea. Here we evaluates the prevalence and risk factors for hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin after chemotherapy. Methods: Clinical information on all patients treated with oxaliplatin was retrospectively reviewed in electronic medical records between August 2009 and July 2010 in Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Patients who experienced hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin were compared with those who did not. Results: A total of 393 patients received oxaliplatin, with 42 (10.7%) experiencing hypersensitivity reactions including three cases of anaphylaxis. Median cycle of the first hypersensitivity reaction was 8. Reactions correlated with lower dexamethasone doses. Other variables were not significant. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypersensitivity reactions was 10.7%, symptoms being mostly mild and cutaneous. Lower dexamethasone doses could be a predictor for hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin.

Gravinol, a proanthocyanidin from grape seeds, has polyphenolic properties with powerful anti-oxidative effects. Although, increasing evidence strongly suggests that polyphenolic antioxidants suppress diabetic nephropathy that is causally associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, gravinol's protective action against diabetic nephropathy has not been fully explored to date. In the current study, we investigated the protective action of gravinol against oxidative stress and inflammation using the experimental diabetic nephropathy cell model, high glucose-exposed renal tubular epithelial cells. To elucidate the underlying actions of gravinol, several oxidative and inflammatory markers were estimated. Included are measurements of lipid peroxidation, total reactive species (RS), superoxide (O(2)), nitric oxide (NO), and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), as well as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) nuclear translocation. Results indicate that gravinol had a potent inhibitory action against lipid peroxidation, total RS, O(2), NO, ONOO(-), the reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio and more importantly, against NF-kappaB nuclear translocation. We propose that gravinol's strong protective effect against high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cell damage attenuates diabetic nephropathy by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are polymer chains of flavonoids known to have a high free radical scavenging capacity. However, their efficacy for use in dermatological health has not been fully explored. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory property of PAs on melanogenesis and oxidative stress of cultured B16F10 melanoma cells (B16 cells) utilizing both oligomer and polymer PAs that were isolated from freshly crushed persimmon peel. To assess the suppressive effects of PAs against oxidative insults, lipid peroxidation, total reactive species (RS), peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), superoxide ( O(2)), and nitric oxide (NO ) were quantitated. In addition, the reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio was measured to evaluate the cellular oxidative status. Results showed that the PAs studied had a strong inhibitory effect on the murine tyrosinase and melanin synthesis that was correlated with the modulation of oxidative stress. Thus, our present work produced evidence that in B16 cells, the anti-melanogenic capacity of PAs as shown by the inhibition of tyrosinase and melanin synthesis likely occurs through the suppression of oxidative stress by the ability of PAs to modulate total RS, O(2), NO , ONOO(-), lipid peroxidation, and redox balance.

Purpose: The aim of this work was to investigate the beneficial effects of rhamnazin against inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and anti-oxidative activity in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Methods: To examine the beneficial properties of rhamnazin on inflammation, ROS/ RNS, and anti-oxidative activity in the murine macrophage RAW264.7 cell model, several key markers, including COX and 5-LO activities, NO • , ONOO-, total reactive species formation, lipid peroxidation, • O₂ levels, and catalase activity were estimated. Results: Results show that rhamnazin was protective against LPS-induced cytotoxicity in macrophage cells. The underlying action of rhamnazin might be through modulation of ROS/RNS and anti-oxidative activity through regulation of total reactive species production, lipid peroxidation, catalase activity, and • O₂, NO • , and ONOO • levels. In addition, rhamnazin down-regulated the activities of pro-inflammatory COX and 5-LO. Conclusion: The plausible action by which rhamnazin renders its protective effects in macrophage cells is likely due to its capability to regulate LPS-induced inflammation, ROS/ RNS, and anti-oxidative activity.

Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from pine bark that contains compounds that have anti-oxidative, free-radical scavenging properties. In this work, utilizing cultured B16 melanoma cells (B16 cells), pycnogenol was investigated for its ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis. We also examined the anti-oxidative power of pycnogenol by measuring its suppressive effect against peroxynitrite (ONOO-), superoxide (.O2), nitric oxide (NO.), and hydroxyl radical (.OH)-scavenging activities using an electron spin resonance spectrometer. Results show that pycnogenol had a strong anti-tyrosinase activity and suppressed melanin biosynthesis. Further, our results showed that through its anti-oxidative properties, pycnogenol suppressed .O2) NO., ONOO-, and .OH in in vitro assays, and reactive species, ONOO-, .O2, and NO., while up-regulating the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio in B16 cells. Based on the findings, we propose that pycnogenol exerts anti-melanogenic activity via its anti-oxidative actions.

Recent evidence strongly suggests that oxidative stress due to redox imbalance is causally associated with inflammatory processes and various diseases including diabetes. We examined the effects of proanthocyanidin from persimmon peel, using both oligomers and polymers, against oxidative stress with elucidation of the underlying mechanisms in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The elevation of lipid peroxidation in the kidney and serum under the diabetic condition was decreased by the administration of proanthocyanidin. The suppression of reactive oxygen species generation and elevation of the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio were observed in the groups administered proanthocyanidin. These results support the protective role of proanthocyanidin from oxidative stress induced by diabetes. Moreover, proanthocyanidin, especially its oligomeric form, affected the inflammatory process with regulation of related protein expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and upstream regulators, nuclear factor kappaB, and inhibitor-binding protein kappaB-alpha. Proanthocyanidin ameliorated the diabetic condition by decreases of serum glucose, glycosylated protein, serum urea nitrogen, urinary protein, and renal advanced glycation endproducts. In particular, oligomeric proanthocyanidin exerted a stronger protective activity than the polymeric form. This suggests that the polymerization of proanthocyanidin has an effect on its protective effect against diabetes. The present study supports the beneficial effect of proanthocyanidin against diabetes and oxidative stress-related inflammatory processes.

Oxidative stress due to excessive reactive species (RS) and weakened antioxidant defenses is causally associated with inflammation and inflammatory mediators. To investigate the effects of the major fish oil ingredients, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on oxidative stress-related inflammatory status, we conducted in vitro experiments utilizing rat renal epithelial cells (NRK-52E) and murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) by assessing their effects on the generation of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2-derived and xanthine oxidase (XOD)-derived RS, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and antioxidative enzyme activities. Additionally, 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F1alpha, PGE2, and nitrite levels were measured in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Results showed that the generation of RS from arachidonic acid through the COX-2 and XOD pathways was effectively suppressed by DHA and EPA, while GSH levels and antioxidative enzyme activities were significantly enhanced by DHA and EPA. Furthermore, levels of inflammatory mediators (thromboxane B2, PGE2, and 6-keto-PGF1alpha) and nitrite were effectively down-regulated by DHA and EPA. These results strongly indicate that DHA and EPA exert antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions by reducing the cellular levels of RS, pro-inflammatory mediators, and nitrite levels and by maintaining higher GSH levels and antioxidative enzyme activities.

To find novel skin-whitening agents, the melanogenesis inhibitory action of gallic acid (GA) was investigated. In this current study, the effects of GA on mushroom tyrosinase, tyrosinase inhibitory activity, and melanin content were assessed in B16 melanoma cells (B16 cells). Results indicated that GA has a strong antityrosinase activity (IC50=3.59x10(-6) M). Furthermore, data on murine tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis revealed that GA effectively suppressed murine tyrosinase action and the amount of melanin. To investigate the relation between GA's inhibition of melanogenesis and antioxidant activity, the effect of GA on reactive species (RS) generation and the reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio in were determined in B16 cells. Results indicated that GA effectively down-regulated the RS generation and enhanced the GSH/GSSG ratio. Based on these results, I propose that GA exerts antimelanogenic activity coupled with antioxidant properties by suppressing RS generation and maintaining a higher GSH/GSSG ratio.

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is an etiological agent associated with winter dysentery (WD), prevalent in adult cattle during the winter. Although we previously detected, isolated, and characterized BCoV strains from adult cattle with WD (WD-BCoV strains) during the winter in South Korea, the precise epidemiology, as well as the causative agent of diarrhea in adult cattle in the warmer seasons, has not been examined. We examined 184 diarrheic fecal specimens collected from 75 herds of adult cattle from seven provinces during the spring (warm), autumn (warm), and summer (hot) seasons. Bovine coronavirus-positive reactions were detected for 107 (58.2%) diarrheic fecal samples (in 47/75 herds). Of these 107 positive samples, 90 fecal samples from 33 herds tested positive for BCoV alone and 17 fecal samples from 14 herds also tested positive for other pathogens. Biological comparisons between the 9 BCoV strains isolated in this study and the 10 previously isolated WD-BCoV strains revealed that there was no receptor-destroying enzyme (RDE) activity against mouse erythrocytes in the 9 BCoV strains but the 10 WD-BCoV strains had high RDE activity. Phylogenetic analysis of the spike (S) and hemagglutinin/esterase (HE) proteins revealed that all the Korean BCoVs clustered together regardless of season and were distinct from the other known BCoVs, suggesting a distinct evolutionary pathway for the Korean BCoVs. These and previous results revealed a high prevalence and widespread geographical distribution of BCoV, suggesting that this virus is endemic in adult cattle with diarrhea in all seasons in South Korea.

The mitotic index is reported to be correlated with recurrence, mean patient survival, and metastasis of canine hemangiopericytoma (CHP). However, to the authors' knowledge, studies investigating the parameters that can predict recurrence or metastasis of CHP with low mitotic index have not been done. To evaluate growth kinetics of CHP with low mitotic index, a retrospective analysis of the proliferative activity by antiproliferative cell nuclear antigen monoclonal antibody and DNA contents by flow cytometry (FCM) was performed with 21 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded CHP samples. Of the 21 tumors evaluated by FCM, 6 (26.6%) were aneuploid tumors, and 15 (71.4%) were diploid tumors. There was significant correlation between the PCNA index and ploidy pattern. The diploid group had 39.1 ± 9.2 PCNA index, whereas the aneuploid group's proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index was 63.1 ± 8.2. The diploid group had mean mitotic index value of 1.140 ± 0.855, and the aneuploid group had a mean value of 1.067 ± 0.767. From these results, the CHP samples with low mitotic index were classified into either the aneuploid group with higher PCNA index or the diploid group with lower PCNA index, suggesting that DNA ploidy and proliferative activity may give an indication about malignancy of CHPs with a low mitotic index.

To investigate effects of aging on adhesion molecules (AMs), the present study assessed the expressions of aortic P-selectin and vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in young (6-month-old) and old (24-month-old) Fischer 344 rats fed ad libitum (AL) or calorie-restricted diets. Results showed increased levels of aortic P-selectin and VCAM-1 in the old AL rats, causing excessive leukocyte infiltration as indicated by enhanced myeloperoxidase level. These elevations were parallel to increased oxidative stress including lipid peroxides during aging. Then involvement of redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB was analyzed, and greater activation of nuclear factor-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK)/IkappaB kinase (IKK)/Inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB) pathway in aorta from old AL rats was found. Further, in cultured endothelial cells challenged by various oxidative stimuli, the induced redox imbalance triggered overexpression and promoter activities of P-selectin and VCAM-1. Our study documented that aortic upregulated AMs with age are closely related to activation of NIK/IKK/IkappaB/nuclear factor-kappaB pathway brought on by oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress caused by excessive reactive species (RS) and lipid peroxidation is known to be casually linked to age-related inflammation. To test the hypothesis that fish oil (FO) intake has a beneficial effect on nephritis due to its suppressive action of oxidative stress and the enhancement of antioxidant defenses, we examined the effect of dietary FO on various oxidative stress-related parameters and guanidino compound (GC) levels using (NZB x NZW) F1 (B/W) mice. These mice were fed diets supplemented with either 5% corn oil (control) or 5% FO. At 4 and 9 months of age, the hepatic oxidative status was estimated by assessing RS generation produced from xanthine oxidase, the prostaglandin pathway and lipid peroxidation. To evaluate the effect of FO on redox status, including antioxidant defenses, GSH and GSSG levels and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured. To correlate the extent of oxidative status with the nephritic condition, creatinine, guanidino acetic acid and arginine levels were measured. Results indicated that increased levels of lipid peroxidation, RS generation and xanthine oxidase activity with age were all significantly suppressed by FO feeding. Furthermore, reduced GSH levels, GSH/GSSG ratio and antioxidant enzyme activities in the FO-fed mice were effectively enhanced compared to the corn oil-fed mice. Among several GCs, the age-related increase of creatinine level was blunted by FO. Based on these results, we propose that dietary FO exerts beneficial effects in aged, nephritic mice by suppressing RS, superoxide and lipid peroxidation, and by maintaining a higher GSH/GSSG ratio and antioxidant enzyme activities.

Inflammation, inflammatory mediators, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) are all influenced by age-related oxidative status. To investigate the effect of dietary fish oil (FO) and calorie restriction (CR) on oxidative stress-related inflammatory status with age, (NZB/NZW) F1 (B/W) mice were fed for 4 and 9 months either ad libitum or calorie-restricted (60% of ad libitum intake) diets containing 5% corn oil or 5% FO. We measured several key oxidative and inflammatory markers: TBARS, xanthine oxidase (XOD)-derived superoxide generation, and PGE2 and LTB4 production. Expressions of renal COX-1, COX-2, and iNOS mRNA were analyzed by RT-PCR; additionally, COX-2 protein was estimated by Western-blot method. Results show that FO intake and CR individually and together suppressed age-related increases in lipid peroxidation and superoxide generation. The inhibitory effects of dietary FO and CR were also found for iNOS expression, COX-2 expression, which subsequently led to the suppression of PGE2 and LTB4. We conclude that the beneficial effects of FO feeding and CR are synergistic in ameliorating the age-related nephritis of B/W mice by suppressing COX-2 and iNOS, reactive species generation, and pro-inflammatory mediators.