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The COVID-19 pandemic remains a global health crisis, yet, the immunopathological mechanisms driving the development of severe disease remain poorly defined. Here, we utilize a rhesus macaque (RM) model of SARS-CoV-2 infection to delineate perturbations in the innate immune system during acute infection using an integrated systems analysis. We found that SARS-CoV-2 initiated a rapid infiltration (two days post infection) of plasmacytoid dendritic cells into the lower airway, commensurate with IFNA production, natural killer cell activation, and induction of interferon-stimulated genes. At this early interval, we also observed a significant increase of blood CD14-CD16+ monocytes. To dissect the contribution of lung myeloid subsets to airway inflammation, we generated a novel compendium of RM-specific lung macrophage gene expression using a combination of sc-RNA-Seq data and bulk RNA-Seq of purified populations under steady state conditions. Using these tools, we generated a longitudinal sc-RNA-seq dataset of airway cells in SARS-CoV-2-infected RMs. We identified that SARS-CoV-2 infection elicited a rapid recruitment of two subsets of macrophages into the airway: a C206+MRC1-population resembling murine interstitial macrophages, and a TREM2+ population consistent with CCR2+ infiltrating monocytes, into the alveolar space. These subsets were the predominant source of inflammatory cytokines, accounting for ~75% of IL6 and TNF production, and >90% of IL10 production, whereas the contribution of CD206+MRC+ alveolar macrophages was significantly lower. Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected RMs with baricitinib (Olumiant®), a novel JAK1/2 inhibitor that recently received Emergency Use Authorization for the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, was remarkably effective in eliminating the influx of infiltrating, non-alveolar macrophages in the alveolar space, with a concomitant reduction of inflammatory cytokines. This study has delineated the major subsets of lung macrophages driving inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine production within the alveolar space during SARS-CoV-2 infection.One sentence summaryMulti-omic analyses of hyperacute SARS-CoV-2 infection in rhesus macaques identified two population of infiltrating macrophages, as the primary orchestrators of inflammation in the lower airway that can be successfully treated with baricitinib

To examine the effectiveness of breastfeeding education and peer support groups organized by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) during the first week (T1) and the fifth to sixth week postpartum (T2), in terms of breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding rate.A quasi-experimental design.A maternity ward of a medical center in northern Taiwan.214 postpartum women.The control group (n = 122) received standard care, while the intervention group (n = 92) received standard care and attended a support group at T1 and T2.Outcome measures were assessed through self-administered questionnaires: Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) and exclusive breastfeeding rate. Demographic and obstetric data were collected from participants and from their medical records. A general estimating equation, t-tests, and chi-square tests were adopted to examine hypotheses.Before examining the hypotheses, homogeneous tests confirmed the equality between the groups at T1. There were significant differences in breastfeeding self-efficacy (B = 0.21, p 0.01) between the two groups from T1 to T2. The breastfeeding self-efficacy of participants in the intervention group was significantly higher than those in the control group (t = 3.26, p = 0.01) at T2. The exclusive breastfeeding rate (61%) in the intervention group at T2 was significantly higher than the rate (39%) in the control group (chi-square=11.28, p = 0.001).Attending IBCLC-organized breastfeeding education and support groups during early postpartum hospitalization may increase mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding rate.

HIV associated immune activation (IA) is associated with increased morbidity in people living with HIV (PLWH) on antiretroviral therapy, and remains a barrier for strategies aimed at reducing the HIV reservoir. The underlying mechanisms of IA have not been definitively elucidated, however, persistent production of Type I IFNs and expression of ISGs is considered to be one of the primary factors. Plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) are a major producer of Type I IFN during viral infections, and are highly immunomodulatory in acute HIV and SIV infection, however their role in chronic HIV/SIV infection has not been firmly established. Here, we performed a detailed transcriptomic characterization of pDCs in chronic SIV infection in rhesus macaques, and in sooty mangabeys, a natural host non-human primate (NHP) species that undergoes non-pathogenic SIV infection. We also investigated the immunostimulatory capacity of lymph node homing pDCs in chronic SIV infection by contrasting gene expression of pDCs isolated from lymph nodes with those from blood. We observed that pDCs in LNs, but not blood, produced high levels of IFNα transcripts, and upregulated gene expression programs consistent with T cell activation and exhaustion. We apply a novel strategy to catalogue uncharacterized surface molecules on pDCs, and identified the lymphoid exhaustion markers TIGIT and LAIR1 as highly expressed in SIV infection. pDCs from SIV-infected sooty mangabeys lacked the activation profile of ISG signatures observed in infected macaques. These data demonstrate that pDCs are a primary producer of Type I IFN in chronic SIV infection. Further, this study demonstrated that pDCs trafficking to LNs persist in a highly activated state well into chronic infection. Collectively, these data identify pDCs as a highly immunomodulatory cell population in chronic SIV infection, and a putative therapeutic target to reduce immune activation., Author summary For people living with HIV (PLWH), persistent immune activation is an obstacle to optimal health. In this study, we investigate the immunostimulatory potential of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in chronic SIV infection using comparative RNA-Seq. We observed that pDCs from SIV-infected rhesus macaques have highly activated profiles relative to uninfected animals; in contrast, pDCs from SIV-infected natural host sooty mangabeys had expression profiles similar to cells from uninfected animals. In chronically infected RMs, pDCs from lymph nodes maintained activation profiles elevated at levels even higher than those in the blood. Further, transcripts for the immunostimulatory cytokine family IFNA were readily detected in LN homing pDCs, but not those from blood. These data confirm pDCs as a major producer of Type I IFN in chronic SIV infection, and identify them as a target for immunotherapy.

Effective therapeutics aimed at mitigating COVID-19 symptoms are urgently needed. SARS-CoV-2 induced hypercytokinemia and systemic inflammation are associated with disease severity. Baricitinib, a clinically approved JAK1/2 inhibitor with potent anti-inflammatory properties is currently being investigated in COVID-19 human clinical trials. Recent reports suggest that baricitinib may also have antiviral activity in limiting viral endocytosis. Here, we investigated the immunologic and virologic efficacy of baricitinib in a rhesus macaque model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Viral shedding measured from nasal and throat swabs, bronchoalveolar lavages and tissues was not reduced with baricitinib. Type I IFN antiviral responses and SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell responses remained similar between the two groups. Importantly, however, animals treated with baricitinib showed reduced immune activation, decreased infiltration of neutrophils into the lung, reduced NETosis activity, and more limited lung pathology. Moreover, baricitinib treated animals had a rapid and remarkably potent suppression of alveolar macrophage derived production of cytokines and chemokines responsible for inflammation and neutrophil recruitment. These data support a beneficial role for, and elucidate the immunological mechanisms underlying, the use of baricitinib as a frontline treatment for severe inflammation induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SARS-CoV-2 induced hypercytokinemia and inflammation are critically associated with COVID-19 disease severity. Baricitinib, a clinically approved JAK1/2 inhibitor, is currently being investigated in COVID-19 clinical trials. Here, we investigated the immunologic and virologic efficacy of baricitinib in a rhesus macaque model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Viral shedding measured from nasal and throat swabs, bronchoalveolar lavages and tissues was not reduced with baricitinib. Type-I IFN antiviral responses and SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses remained similar between the two groups. Animals treated with baricitinib showed reduced inflammation, decreased lung infiltration of inflammatory cells, reduced NETosis activity, and more limited lung pathology. Importantly, baricitinib treated animals had a rapid and remarkably potent suppression of lung macrophages production of cytokines and chemokines responsible for inflammation and neutrophil recruitment. These data support a beneficial role for, and elucidate the immunological mechanisms underlying, the use of baricitinib as a frontline treatment for inflammation induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection., Highlights • SARS-CoV-2 infected RMs mimic signatures of inflammation seen in COVID-19 patients • Baricitinib suppresses production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lung macrophages • Baricitinib limits recruitment of neutrophils to the lung and NETosis • Baricitinib preserves innate antiviral and SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses, Using a rhesus macaque infection model it is shown that baricitinib treatment started early after infection effectively resolves inflammatory signatures in airway macrophages, with decreased lung pathology and neutrophil infiltration.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. We review and reduce the clinical literature on diagnosis of COVID-19 through symptoms that might be remotely detected as of early May 2020. Vital signs associated with respiratory distress and fever, coughing,and visible infections have been reported. Fever screening by temperature monitoring is currently popular. However, improved noncontact detection is sought. Vital signs including heart rate and respiratory rate are affected by the condition. Cough, fatigue, and visible infections are also reported as common symptoms. There are non-contact methods for measuring vital signs remotely that have been shown to have acceptable accuracy, reliability, and practicality in some settings. Each has its pros and cons and may perform well in some challenges but be inadequate in others. Our review shows that visible spectrum and thermal spectrum cameras offer the best options for truly noncontact sensing of those studied to date, thermal cameras due to their potential to measure all likely symptoms on a single camera, especially temperature, and video cameras due to their availability, cost, adaptability, and compatibility. Substantial supply chain disruptions during the pandemic and the widespread nature of the problem means that cost-effectiveness and availability are important considerations. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Alteration in cortisol response to acute social stressors has been hypothesized to mediate childhood adversities (CA) and increased morbidity in adulthood. However, the evidence supporting an association between CA and cortisol response to social stressors is inconclusive. The present review addressed this issue by reviewing the literature on CA and cortisol response to acute social stressors, with a focus on studies with adolescents or adults, using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) to assess CA, and examining salivary cortisol response to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Systematic searches of relevant articles in PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect in February and March 2020 identified 12 articles including 1196 participants with mean ages ranging from 15.3 to 52.3 yrs. across studies. CTQ scores were significantly associated with cortisol response in 2 studies. In addition, the physical abuse and emotional neglect subscales were associated with cortisol response respectively in 2 separate studies. The lack of association between CA and cortisol response calls for more longitudinal studies, and the use of formal records of maltreatment or informant reports in future research to complement information collected by retrospective measures. In addition, increased attention to biological mechanisms other than that associated with the regulation of cortisol in explaining the connection between CA and psychiatry morbidity is warranted.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between trait loneliness and diurnal rhythms of salivary cortisol. Fifty-One Chinese undergraduates provided six saliva samples on a weekday at immediately, 0.5, 3, 6, and 12 h after waking, and at bedtime. Saliva collection times were monitored using electronic devices (MEMS TrackCaps). Participants were also administered a questionnaire consisting of scales measuring, trait loneliness, depression, and demographics. Relationships between loneliness and the cortisol awakening response (CAR), diurnal slope (DS), and area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCG) were examined using multiple regression analyses. Results showed that a higher loneliness score was associated with an attenuated CAR, a large AUCG, and a steeper DS, with the effects of compliance, waking time, and depression being controlled. As a blunted CAR and a higher diurnal cortisol level have been shown to be associated with poorer health in prior studies, increased attention to the mechanisms translating loneliness into disease endpoints via elevated cortisol is warranted.

Summary Background Seroma is a recognized complication encountered at the reconstructed breast and donor site after abdominal-based breast reconstruction. Seroma is caused by lymphatic channel disruption and the formation of a large space between the deep fascia during flap elevation. Surgical techniques to preserve the lymphatics and secure the closure of the donor site can reduce seroma formation. This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide at reducing interstitial fluid accumulation and seroma formation during deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. Methods Sixty patients with breast cancer who underwent skin- or nipple-sparing mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction were enrolled between August 2016 and June 2017. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either 25 mg per day of hydrochlorothiazide from the second to the twentieth day after surgery (treatment) or no diuretic (control). The clinicopathological characteristics, drainage time, and drainage volume were statistically compared between the two groups. Results The average total drainage volume at the donor site was 291 mL in the treatment group and 434 mL in the control group (p = 0.003). The differences in body mass index and flap weight between the two groups were not statistically significant (p = 0.879 and p = 0.963, respectively). No hypotension or electrolyte imbalance was noted during the follow-up. Conclusions Intake of 25 mg per day of hydrochlorothiazide tablets effectively reduced the total abdominal drainage volume and removal time of indwelling drains. However, the adverse effects should be further investigated in a large population and multiracial cohort before using hydrochlorothiazide for seroma prevention.

The relationship between reproductive breast risk factors and breast cancer survival in patients with different breast cancer subtypes is not well known.We examined a large-sized, retrospective study of 23,882 subjects from the Korean Breast Cancer Registry. The breast cancer subtype was determined by immunohistochemical staining for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Information regarding reproductive factors, including breastfeeding, age at first birth (AFB), and parity, was gathered. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the association among breast cancer subtypes, such as luminal A, luminal B, Her-2/neu overexpressing, and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and breast cancer survival as dependent variables and adjusting for age and stage.High parity (≥ 5) increased the recurrence risk of luminal A and B breast cancer (hazard ratio [HR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-3.97; P = .0055 and HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.42-3.02, respectively; P = .0073) in breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS), but 1 to 3 child births decreased the recurrence risk of luminal A breast cancer (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.34-0.91; P = .0055) and luminal B breast cancer (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.17-0.61; P = .0073) in BCSS. Early AFB (20 years) increased the recurrence risk of luminal A breast cancers (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 0.62-4.26; P = .039) in BCSS and of TNBC (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.78-2.21; P = .0006) in overall survival. Her-2/neu overexpressing breast cancer had no correlation with parity and AFB in breast cancer survival.High parity (≥ 5) and early AFB (20 years) were correlated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with luminal breast cancer, but not with other subtyped breast cancers.

This study used an intensive protocol to examine the effects of daily hassles and loneliness on diurnal salivary cortisol levels. Fifty Chinese undergraduates (28 females) provided six saliva samples each day for two consecutive days (at 0, 0.5, 3, 6, and 12 h after waking and at bedtime) and completed a questionnaire that included scales to measure daily hassles experienced over the previous month, trait loneliness, and depression. Cortisol data were aggregated over two days and used in subsequent analyses, focusing on the cortisol awakening response, diurnal slope, and overall cortisol output operationalized as the area under the curve with reference to the ground (AUCG). Multiple regression analysis showed that an increase in loneliness had a significant association with an increase in the AUCG and with a steeper diurnal slope. Loneliness also showed a significant interaction with daily hassles in that the positive association between daily hassles and AUCG was accentuated in the participants who reported a greater degree of loneliness. Our findings demonstrate for the first time the importance of trait loneliness in modulating the association between daily hassles and diurnal cortisol levels, which has significant clinical implications. Interventions to reduce loneliness should help college students to better cope with daily stressors. Increased attention should also be paid to the health implications of an elevated cortisol level in this relatively young and healthy population.

Forty Hanwoo steers weighing 759.3±50.3 kg were used to evaluate the effects of treatment with zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) in terms of feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition. We hypothesized that treatment of ZH increases meat amount in long-fed Hanwoo steers. Animals were blocked by BW, and assigned to one of two treatments within each block. Five animals were housed and fed in each of 8 pens. All animals were weighed before and after ZH treatment. Total BW gain over the 23-d period was adjusted to d 0 by covariant analysis. Steers receiving ZH (1.6 g/h/d) exhibited significantly increased weight gain ( P P P P P P >0.05). We conclude that the administration of ZH increased LM area and primal yield grades, but had no change in the fatty acid profile.

Bone regeneration around titanium (Ti) implants is a relatively slow process. The c-myb transcription factor has been associated with high proliferation and differentiation rates in bone. This study analyzed whether c-myb can enhance new bone surrounding the implant. In vitro overexpressed chitosan-gold nanoparticles conjugated with plasmid DNA/c-myb (Ch-GNPs/c-myb)-coated Ti surfaces were associated with enhanced expression of the osteogenic molecules osteopontin (OPN), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2), and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2/7) in MC-3T3E1 osteoblast cells. Further, to determine its in vivo effect, we inserted Ch-GNPs/c-myb-coated Ti implants into rat mandibles. One and 4 wks post-implantation, mandibles were examined by microcomputed tomography, immunohistochemistry, and hematoxylin & eosin staining. The microcomputed tomography analysis demonstrated that c-myb overexpression increased the density and volume of newly formed bone surrounding the implants, compared with those in controls ( p < .05). Further, c-myb increased the number of cells expressing BMP2/7 and aided in the increase of new bone ( p < .05). These results support the view that c-myb overexpression accelerates new bone surrounding implants and can serve as a potent molecule in promoting tissue regeneration around dental implants. The recipient rat used in this system provides an excellent in vivo model for studies of bone regeneration.

Although everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, has been used as a potent immunosuppressive agent in organ transplantation, data regarding its adverse effect profile compared with that of sirolimus in clinical circumstances are limited. A 50-year-old man who underwent simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation 14 months previously was admitted with large pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and ascites. Laboratory findings and cultures for possible infectious causes were all negative. Pericardial window surgery with drainage of the pericardial fluid was performed on day 3. Pleural and pericardial biopsy revealed non-specific inflammation without evidence of malignant cells. Everolimus was discontinued and replaced by mycophenolate mofetil on day 4. Significant clinical improvement was observed after discontinuation of everolimus, and follow-up echocardiography and chest radiography showed no recurrence of the pericardial or pleural effusion after discharge.

Background/aims This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) for the treatment of hemorrhage from gastric varices (GV) in Korean patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 183 LC patients who underwent BRTO for GV bleeding in 6 university-based hospitals between January 2001 and December 2010. Results Of the 183 enrolled patients, 49 patients had Child-Pugh (CP) class A LC, 105 had CP class B, and 30 had CP class C at the time of BRTO. BRTO was successfully performed in 177 patients (96.7%). Procedure-related complications (e.g., pulmonary thromboembolism and renal infarction) occurred in eight patients (4.4%). Among 151 patients who underwent follow-up examinations of GV, 79 patients (52.3%) achieved eradication of GV, and 110 patients (72.8%) exhibited marked shrinkage of the treated GV to grade 0 or I. Meanwhile, new-appearance or aggravation of esophageal varices (EV) occurred in 54 out of 136 patients who underwent follow-up endoscopy (41.2%). During the 36.0±29.2 months (mean±SD) of follow-up, 39 patients rebled (hemorrhage from GV in 7, EV in 18, nonvariceal origin in 4, and unknown in 10 patients). The estimated 3-year rebleeding-free rate was 74.8%, and multivariate analysis showed that CP class C was associated with rebleeding (odds ratio, 2.404; 95% confidence-interval, 1.013-5.704; P=0.047). Conclusions BRTO can be performed safely and effectively for the treatment of GV bleeding. However, aggravation of EV or bleeding from EV is not uncommon after BRTO; thus, periodic endoscopy to follow-up of EV with or without prophylactic treatment might be necessary in LC patients undergoing BRTO.

National surveillance for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) began in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 1996. Surveillance programmes changed overtime to comply with the guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Bovine spongiform encephalopathy was designated as a notifiable disease in 1997. From July 2008, the BSE surveillance programme was intensified to test cattle in designated high-risk populations more effectively. New measures included the compulsory testing of all non-ambulatory cattle at abattoirs, and encouraging the testing of all dead cattle examined and recorded under the Mutual Aid Insurance Scheme (fallen stock). In addition, there was a vigorous search for animals suspected of being clinically infected. As a result, a total of 426,919 OIE points were achieved over a period of seven consecutive years to the end of October 2009. This enabled the submission of a successful application to the OIE in 2010 for recognition of the ROK's BSE disease status as being one of controlled risk, in accordance with Chapter 11.5. of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

Objective To determine whether endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphisms confer susceptibility to Behcet’s disease (BD). Methods A meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between the G894T and 4b/a polymorphisms of eNOS and BD using: (i) the allele contrast, (ii) the recessive model, (iii) the dominant model and (iv) the additive model. Results A total of eight studies, which included 841 cases and 866 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of the G894T polymorphism revealed no association with BD in all study subjects or in Turkish and Asian populations. However, one Tunisian study of the T allele showed a significant association with BD (OR = 0.707, 95% CI = 0.510–0.980, P = 0.038), but the OR of the T allele among Tunisians was lower, whereas it was higher in Europeans (OR = 2.129, 95% CI = 1.407–3.220, P = 0.0003). Meta-analysis showed no association between BD and the 4b/a polymorphism in all study subjects. Stratification by ethnicity indicated no significant association between the a allele of the 4b/a polymorphism and BD in Turkish and Asian populations. Conclusions This meta-analysis shows that the eNOS G894T and the 4b/a polymorphisms are not associated with BD in the Turkish and Asian populations. These data suggest that the G894T and the 4b/a polymorphisms may not confer susceptibility to BD in the Turkish and Asian populations.

To compare the diagnostic performance of sagittal multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images and axial images for the detection of a nasal bone fracture.This prospective study included 533 consecutive patients who underwent three-dimensional images with 64-section multidetector-row CT for the evaluation of a facial bone fracture between June 2007 and May 2008 (366 males; 167 females; mean age +/- standard deviation 31.1+/-21.2 years; age range 1-92 years). Two observers independently scored the possibility of a nasal bone fracture on axial and sagittal images. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed.The Az values of the sagittal images were higher than those of the axial images for both observers (p=0.002 and 0.010, respectively) with higher accuracy (p0.001 and 0.016, respectively). The sensitivities of sagittal images were superior to those of axial images, especially for type 1simple nasal bone fractures with no or minimal displacement (observer 1, 98.6 versus 72.8%; observer 2, 84.9 versus 71%).Sagittal MPR facial bone CT images provided superior diagnostic performance, and their addition to axial images is useful for the evaluation of nasal bone fractures.

We measured the non-carbon content of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in SWCNT soot using thermogravimetric analysis. The weight increased percentage by the oxidation of metal in the raw soot is well obtained by TGA graph which was confirmed with ICP-AES, XRD, and XPS. This work will be very useful for the purity precise evaluation of SWCNT with UN-vis-NIR spectroscopy. Keywords : Single wall carbon nanotubes, Non-carbon contents, TGA

Turmeric has been extensively utilized in Indian and Chinese medicine for its immune-modulatory properties. Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells specialized to initiate and regulate immunity. The ability of DCs to initiate immunity is linked to their activation status. The effects of turmeric on human DCs have not been studied. Here we show that hydroethanolic (HEE) but not lipophilic “supercritical” extraction (SCE) of turmeric inhibits the activation of human DCs in response to inflammatory cytokines. Treatment of DCs with HEE also inhibits the ability of DCs to stimulate the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Importantly, the lipophilic fraction does not synergize with the hydroethanolic fraction for the ability of inhibiting DC maturation. Rather, culturing of DCs with the combination of HEE and SCE leads to partial abrogation of the effects of HEE on the MLR initiated by DCs. These data provide a mechanism for the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. However, they suggest that these extracts are not synergistic and may contain components with mutually antagonistic effects on human DCs. Harnessing the immune effects of turmeric may benefit from specifically targeting the active fractions.

Background Many widely used botanical medicines are claimed to be immune enhancers. Clear evidence of augmentation of immune responses in vivo is lacking in most cases. To select botanicals for further study based on immune enhancing activity, we study them here mixed with antigen and injected subcutaneously (s.c.). Globo H and GD3 are cell surface carbohydrates expressed on glycolipids or glycoproteins on the cell surface of many cancers. When conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), mixed with an immunological adjuvant and administered s.c. the magnitude of the antibody responses against globo H, GD3 and KLH depend largely on the potency of the adjuvant. We describe here the results obtained using this s.c. immunization model with seven botanicals purported to have immune stimulant effects. Methods Groups of 5–10 mice were immunized with globo H–KLH or GD3–KLH mixed with botanical, saline or positive control immunological adjuvant, s.c. three times at 1 week intervals. Antibody responses were measured 1 and 2 weeks after the 3rd immunization. The following seven botanicals and fractions were tested: (1) H-48 (Honso USA Co.), (2) Coriolus versicolor raw water extract, purified polysaccharide-K (PSK) or purified polysaccharide-peptide (PSP) (Institute of Chinese Medicine (ICM)), (3) Maitake extract (Yukiguni Maitake Co. Ltd. and Tradeworks Group), (4) Echinacea lipophilic, neutral and acidic extracts (Gaia Herbs), (5) Astragalus water, 50% or 95% ethanol extracts (ICM), (6) Turmeric supercritical (SC) or hydro-ethanolic (HE) extracts (New Chapter) or 60% ethanol extract (ICM) and (7) yeast β-glucan (Biotec Pharmacon). Purified saponin extract QS-21 (Antigenics) and semisynthetic saponin GPI-0100 (Advanced BioTherapies) were used as positive control adjuvants. Sera were analyzed by ELISA against synthetic globo H ceramide or GD3 and KLH. Results Consistent significant adjuvant activity was observed after s.c. vaccination with the Coriolus extracts (especially PSK), a 95% ethanol extract of Astragalus and yeast β-glucan, and (to a lesser extent) Maitake. Antibodies against KLH in all cases and against globo H in most cases were induced by these botanicals. Little or no adjuvant activity was demonstrated with H-48 or Echinacea extracts or the Astragalus water extract. Experiments with GD3–KLH as immunogen confirmed the adjuvant activity of the Coriolus, yeast β-glucan and Astragalus extracts. While extraction with ethanol concentrated the active ingredients in Astragalus, it had no impact on Coriolus where the 90% ethanol precipitate and solute were equally active. Conclusions Some, but not all, botanicals purported to be immune stimulants had adjuvant activity in our model. PSK and Astragalus were surprisingly active and are being further fractionated to identify the most active adjuvant components.

A criterion which predicts wrinkle initiation on workpiece in groove rolling process based on finite element analysis is proposed. Fundamental idea considered in the criterion is using the difference between flat rolling which don`t cause wrinkling at all and groove rolling which usually accompanies it. The proposed criterion assumes that irregular distribution of shear strain on workpiece during groove rolling is attributable to the initiation of wrinkling. The proposed criterion has been applied to roughing train in the rod mill of SEAH BESTEEL Inc. A new design of 2nd pass (square roll groove) was suggested, machined and applied. Results reveal that the proposed criterion could point out the location of wrinkle initiation and could reduce onset of wrinkle.

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a life-threatening form of pneumonia caused by SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). From late 2002 to mid 2003, it infected more than 8000 people worldwide, of which a majority of cases were found in China. Owing to the absence of definitive therapeutic Western medicines, Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae) (HC) was shortlisted by Chinese scientists to tackle SARS problem as it is conventionally used to treat pneumonia. Aim of the study The present study aimed to explore the SARS-preventing mechanisms of HC in the immunological and anti-viral aspects. Results Results showed that HC water extract could stimulate the proliferation of mouse splenic lymphocytes significantly and dose-dependently. By flow cytometry, it was revealed that HC increased the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Moreover, it caused a significant increase in the secretion of IL-2 and IL-10 by mouse splenic lymphocytes. In the anti-viral aspect, HC exhibited significant inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV 3C-like protease (3CLpro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). On the other hand, oral acute toxicity test demonstrated that HC was non-toxic to laboratory animals following oral administration at 16 g/kg. Conclusion The results of this study provided scientific data to support the efficient and safe use of HC to combat SARS.

We report the first case of subcutaneous hyalohyphomycosis caused by the genus Cephalotheca, which has not been reported to cause human infection. A 67-year-old immunocompetent farmer presented with a 10-year history of verrucous erythematous plaques on the right foot dorsum, great toe, heel and sole. Histopathology of the lesions revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation with numerous nonpigmented fungal spores in the dermis. Cultures of biopsy specimens on Sabouraud's dextrose agar for 2 weeks developed into yellowish brown, velvety colonies that subsequently turned black after 8 weeks because of the production of black cleistothecia indicating the teleomorph. On the basis of mycological features, scanning electron microscopic morphology and molecular analysis data, a new species of Cephalotheca was identified and designated Cephalotheca foveolata. Because there was no response to the antifungal agents administered, the patient was successfully treated by surgical excision with skin graft.

Analysis and characterization of the textile dye C.I. Reactive Blue 4 (RB4), a commercially important anthraquinone dye, as well as its hydrolysis products, were conducted by spectrophotometry, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), as well as advanced mass spectrometric techniques. Although spectrophotometric analysis can be used for the routine quantification of RB4 in aqueous solutions, HPLC analysis is necessary for the quantification of the unhydrolyzed, monohydroxy- and dihydroxy-RB4. The effect of both salt and base at concentrations typically used in reactive dyeing on the dye spectra was also investigated. Although moderate dye aggregation, leading to absorbance depression, was observed at relatively high dye and salt concentrations (1000 mg/l and 100 g/l, respectively), spectrophotometric and HPLC analysis was possible as long as the effect of salt and base was taken into account in the development of standard calibrations. Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) analyses led to the separation and identification of the parent RB4 molecule. LC/ESI-MS analysis of RB4 solutions led to the conclusive identification of the two RB4 hydrolysis products, as well as one impurity. Values of physico-chemical properties of RB4 were estimated using two software packages. The estimated RB4 LC50 value for acute toxicity to fish (1500 mg/l) agreed well with the acute toxicity EC5015 min value measured by the Microtox® procedure (1108 mg/l). Although the levels of RB4 in the environment are expected in the orders of magnitude lower than these LC50 and EC50 values, the effect of long-term, low-level dye exposure needs to be evaluated.

Background The transplantation of isolated islets is believed to be an attractive approach for cure of diabetes mellitus. Heat-shock protein (HSP70), which plays a vital role in cellular protection, has been detected in various tissues subjected to stress. Glutamine (GLN) is an important cellular fuel and an essential precursor for the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). It is believed to enhance cellular survival against a variety of stressful stimuli through HSP70. Thus, we performed this study to examine the hypothesis that preoperative GLN administration induces HSP70 and GSH expression before islet transplantation attenuating ischemic damage to rat islets. Methods Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups according to the administration of GLN after islet isolation. Group A served as the controls, receiving no GLN. Group B islet cells were cultured with L-GLN (10 mmol/L) supplementation for 24 hours. The GSH levels were measured in islet cells. Both HSP70 and proteins related to apoptosis were analyzed in islet cells by Western blots. Isolated rat islets were cultured with interleukin (IL)-1β. Nitrite production was measured using the Griess reagent. Results The GSH levels were significantly elevated in the glutamine-treated group. HSP70 expression in islets treated with GLN was markedly stronger compared with the control group. The basal Bcl-2 expression was markedly increased by GLN treatment. The GLN-treated group showed attenuated IL-1β–induced injury in association with NO production. Conclusion These results suggested that preoperative GLN administration induced HSP70 and GSH expressions before islet transplantation, thus attenuating IL-1β–induced injury in association with NO production and apoptosis, which might be potential tool to mitigate the ischemic damage to islet cells and the early inflammation at the site of implantation through a self-protective mechanism.

Background PentaHerbs formula (PHF) containing Cortex Moutan , root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. (Ranunculaceae), Cortex Phellodendri , bark of Phellodendron chinensis Schneid. (Rutaceae), Flos Lonicerae , flower of Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Capri-foliaceae), Herba Menthae , aerial part of Mentha haplocalyx Briq. (Labiatae) and Rhizoma Atractylodis , rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. (Compositae) at the ratio of 2:2:2:1:2 was useful in the management of eczema. Aim of the study Since the mechanism of action of PHF is not known, we aimed to investigate the actions of PHF on mast cell activation. Materials and methods Effects of aqueous extracts of PHF and individual component herb on mediator release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) and cytokine production from HMC-1 were investigated. Results PHF, Cortex Moutan and Herba Menthae significantly attenuated histamine release and prostaglandin D 2 synthesis from RPMC activated by anti-IgE and compound 48/80 ( p Flos Lonicerae and Rhizoma Atractylodis suppressed only mediator release from compound 48/80 activated RPMC, Cortex Phellodendri potentiated only anti-IgE induced mediator release ( p Cortex Moutan , PHF and the other four component herbs failed to affect cytokine production in HMC-1. Conclusions Although individual herbs demonstrated different modulating effects on mast cells, inhibition of inflammatory mediator release from mast cells would contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of PHF.

To obtain 3-D topography of EEG records, the authors propose a new method based on the polygon mapping technique. The method has the low complexity to calculate the interpolation of the EEG records on the scalp and maintains the high resolution topography because the polygon technique performs the interpolation at the only vertexes of each polygon. The authors implemented the topographic system with 3D barycentric and polynomial algorithms in a personal computer.

This paper describes a multichannel epileptic seizure detection algorithm based on wavelet transform (WT), artificial neural network (ANN) and the expert system. First, a small set of wavelet coefficients is used to represent the characteristics of a single channel epileptic spike. The purpose of this WT is to reduce the number of inputs to the ANN. Next, three layer feedforward network employing the error backpropagation algorithm is trained and tested using parameters obtained by the WT. Finally, 16 channel expert system based on the context information of adjacent channels is introduced to reject artifacts and produce reliable results. In this study, epileptic spike and normal activities were selected from 32 patient's EEGs (seizure disorder: 12, normal: 20) in consensus among experts. The result was that the WT reduced data input size and the preprocessed ANN had 97% sensitivity and 89.5% selectivity, which were more accurate than that of ANN with the same input size of raw data. Our expert rule system was capable of rejecting a wide variety of artifacts commonly found in EEG recordings. It's average false detection rate was 5.5/h for ANN's threshold=0.65 and false detection was also a little decreased by high thresholds.