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We present the first report of solitary patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) without associated cardiovascular anomalies in a Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata). The macaque showed no signs of PDA during its lifetime and lived for 9 years until the PDA was discovered post-mortem. An hourglass-shaped PDA with a total length of 19.8 mm and minimal diameter of 6.7 mm was observed using a silicon casting. Whole-exome sequencing was employed to investigate possible genetic factors related to PDA, and five missense candidate single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) were detected in ADAM15, AZGP1, CSPG4, EPOR, and TNFRSF13B. The conserved nature of the SNV sites in these genes across reference primate species, excluding the macaque, suggests that these mutations may play a role in PDA in macaques. This case report provides new information about solitary PDA in Japanese macaques and broadens the scope of non-human primate research through genetic investigation.

Transcription factor zic1 is an important regulator of neural plate patterning, formation of neural crest and cerebellar development, where its main function is neuronal cell differentiation. Among the genes identified, PR domain-containing 12 (prdm12) is a member of the prdm family and is expressed in the placode domain in the neurula stage. prdm12 is distinctly expressed in the dorsal part of the midbrain, trigeminal ganglion, and the motor neuron in the spinal cord. prdm12 knockdown results in the ventralization of the neural tube. zic1 knockdown results in the reduction of prdm12 expression in the midbrain, motor neuron and trigeminal ganglion, and overexpression of zic1 results in the expansion of prdm12 expression in the midbrain. zic1-activated wnt signaling is also a regulator of prdm12 expression in the midbrain. We propose that prdm12 is the downstream of zic1 and a novel player in the gene regulatory network controlling brain cell differentiation, along with some ganglions in Xenopus.

Although multi‑organ dysfunction is associated with the survival rate following cardiac arrest (CA), the majority of studies to date have focused on hearts and brains, and few studies have considered renal failure. The objective of the present study, therefore, was to examine the effects of therapeutic hypothermia on the survival rate, pathophysiology and antioxidant enzymes in rat kidneys following asphyxial CA. Rats were sacrificed one day following CA. The survival rate, which was estimated using Kaplan‑Meier analysis, was 42.9% one day following CA. However, hypothermia, which was induced following CA, significantly increased the survival rate (71.4%). In normothermia rats with CA, the serum blood urea nitrogen level was significantly increased one day post‑CA. In addition, the serum creatinine level was significantly increased one day post‑CA. However, in CA rats exposed to hypothermia, the levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine significantly decreased following CA. Histochemical staining revealed a significant temporal increase in renal injury after the normothermia group was subjected to CA. However, renal injury was significantly decreased in the hypothermia group. Immunohistochemical analysis of the kidney revealed a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes (copper‑zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) with time in the normothermia group. However, in the hypothermia group, these enzymes were significantly elevated following CA. Collectively, the results revealed that renal dysfunction following asphyxial CA was strongly associated with the early survival rate and therapeutic hypothermia reduced renal injury via effective antioxidant mechanisms.

The present study aimed to investigate the renoprotective effect of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RI/RI) induced by asphyxial cardiac arrest (CA) in rats. A total of 48 male rats were randomly divided into five groups: i) Sham (n=6); ii) Normothermia + CA (Normo.) (n=14); iii) Normo. and 2 h of TH after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (n=12); iv) Normo. and 4 h of TH after ROSC (n=9); and v) Normo. and 6 h of TH after ROSC (n=7). All rats except the Sham group underwent asphyxia CA and were sacrificed 1 day after ROSC. The survival rate increased from 42.8% in the Normo. group to 50, 66.6 and 85.7% in the groups with 2, 4 and 6 h of TH after CA, respectively. TH attenuated the histopathological changes of the renal tissues following ROSC and the levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and malondialdehyde in renal tissues. On immunohistochemistry, the relative optical density of nuclear erythroid-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) expression in renal tissues increased in the Normo. group compared with that in the Sham group and exhibited further significant increases at 6 h of TH after ROSC. In conclusion, TH attenuated renal injury and increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in a TH treatment time-dependent manner.

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease that occurs in many mammals. Our report describes osteoporosis in an Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Gross, histological, and radiographic observations showed that all of the bones had numerous pockmarks on their surfaces. Histologically, the pockmarks were filled with fibrous tissue without inflammation. However, the spongy bone was normal according to the histological and radiographic results. Overall, the results showed that this was a case of osteoporosis that mainly involved external rather than internal surfaces.

It is now established that diethylstilbestrol (DES) has damaging effects on the male reproductive system. However, to date there have been no studies morphological analysis of adult rat testes upon treatment with DES. Here, we examined whether DES has any significant morphological effect on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. DES was injected subcutaneously at 3 μg/day and 30 μg/day in adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats for two different treatment lengths (1 or 3 weeks), after which rats were necropsied. TUNEL labeling, cell counting, and morphological analysis were used to evaluate the effects of DES. A high dose of DES and longer exposure severely affected the cellular development of the testis. Specifically, DES treatment disrupted both steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis by decreasing the number of spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Thus, DES may account for decreases in the number of spermatogenic cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells, which in turn may lead to reduced fertility in males.

Archaeological evidence for phytomedicine has established the importance of plants as a source of biologically active molecules with beneficial effects. Related studies constitute significant tools for novel drug discovery. A major benefit of phytomedicine is that standard ethnopharmacological evidence regarding traditional uses can give indications for molecules that may be therapeutically significant. Tilianin is a polyphenol antioxidant commonly used as natural phytomedicine. At the molecular level, tilianin has been reported to modulate a number of key elements in cellular signal transduction pathways linked to oxidative stress-mediated inflammation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. At present review, we address potential approaches for arbitrating novel tilianin biologics in medicinal applications, concentrating on the selection of personalized medicines and emphasizing tasks and prospects related to medical discoveries over the last few years. In particular, we highlight the major health benefits of tilianin, which comprise cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-atherogenic, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-depressant, and miscellaneous aspects.

This study examined and compared the branching pattern of the aortic arch (AA) and its major branches in the Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) on Jeju Island (Jeju roe deer [JRD]) with those in the roe deer of the Korean peninsula (mainland roe deer [MRD]). Seven of the nine expected types was observed in the arterial silicone casts of 29 deer (10 males, 19 females). The JRD was identical to the MRD in that absence of the typical pattern; however, the main three pattern types differed between the two. This difference resulted from differences in the branching patterns of the right subclavian artery and costocervical trunk. In conclusion, the JRD has different type of AA from the MRD.

Aralia elata (AE) is an anti-inflammatory, polyphenolic containing medicinal plant. However, little is known about AE and its application to ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to confirm AE extract's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring total polyphenol and flavonoid content in AE extract. AE extract (10 000 mg/L) contained 186.8 mg GAE/g polyphenol and 81.9 mg QE/g flavonoid. Mice were divided into 6 groups, including control, which received normal saline, and treatment groups, which received dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) with or without AE extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg). RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were divided into 2 groups: control and treatment. RAW 264.7 macrophage cells treated with sterile double distilled water, 1 mg/L lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and AE extracts (25, 50, 75, 100 µg/mL) were used to assess the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity. High-performance liquid chromatography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, and histology were employed to analyze the AE extract contents, nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, as oxidative stress markers. In addition, the disease activity index (DAI) and cytotoxicity were determined in mice and cells, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that AE extract is rich in chlorogenic acid (96 ± 0.01 mg/g). DSS increased the DAI and levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and immune cell infiltration compared with those of the control animals. Furthermore, LPS eventually reduced cell viability and increased the levels of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in contrast to control cells. After treatment, a noticeable reduction was observed in the levels of DAI, NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 compared to those without AE treatments. Overall, AE extract is safe and had anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, AE extract can be considered a potential pre-treatment supplement for UC.

This experiment was to explore the possible defensive properties and potential molecular mechanisms of Camellia japonica (CJ) against APAP-stimulated acute liver failure (ALF) in mice. In this study, we investigated the effects of CJ on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Mice were orally treated with CJ before or after challenge with APAP. Both pretreatment and post-treatment with CJ attenuated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, as confirmed by significantly reduced serum toxicity biomarkers and improved hepatic pathological damage. Pretreatment with CJ drastically decreased the rise of hepatic inflammatory cytokines levels and weakened neutrophil infiltration. Furthermore, pretreatment with CJ dramatically decreased the levels of hepatic oxidative stress markers such as hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) expression and rescued the reduced hepatic level of GSH caused by APAP overdose. Additionally, CJ pretreatment markedly attenuated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activation, transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, and activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in the liver. The present study thus reveals that CJ attenuated APAP-induced ALF by inhibiting COX-2 activation, NF-κB, and JNK phosphorylation and activating the AMPK signaling pathway.

Background and Purpose: Extensive research supports the importance of knowledge in stroke prevention and reducing prehospital delay time. However, the level of stroke knowledge among Korean older adults remains low. In particular, older adults who are illiterate lack of stroke information despite being at high risk. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine the efficacy of a pictogram to enhance stroke knowledge in the high-risk and illiterate older adults. Methods: We conducted a pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group design study and compared differences in stroke knowledge before and after the intervention. A total of 117 older adults (82 in the intervention group and 35 in the control group) who were 60 years and older residing in community participated in the study. Participants in the intervention group received a pictogram-based education, while participants in the control group received a powerpoint-based education. Stroke knowledge was measured by structured survey questionnaires. Descriptive statistics for sample characteristics, repeated measure ANOVA for the efficacy, and independent t-test for satisfaction comparison between groups were used. Results: The intervention group showed a higher increase in stroke knowledge (F=16.45), awareness of risk factors (F=15.71), stroke warning signs and symptoms (F=17.29), and action at stroke (F=19.36) compared to the control group at p Conclusions: The data revealed that a pictogram-based education is more effective than a powerpoint-based education among illiterate older adults. Replicated studies with this pictogram in a larger randomized controlled trial is warranted, which may give greater validity to our findings. Future longitudinal research is recommended to examine retention of stroke knowledge over the long term.

This study examined the branching pattern of the aortic arch (AA) and its major branches in the Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus Pallas, 1771) from South Korea. A total of eight of the nine expected types, based on the branching site and bilateral levels of the costocervical trunk (CCT) and subclavian artery (SB), were observed in the arterial silicone casts of 35 deer (16 males, 19 females). This deer has no typical type. The three most common types were present in 28.6, 25.7 and 20.0% of cases and resulted from different branching patterns of the left CCT and left SB. These results suggest that the Siberian roe deer in the Korean peninsula has various AA branching patterns, which differs from other ruminants.

Sigesbeckia pubescens (SP) is a traditional Chinese medicine, possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we evaluate the neuroprotective activities of SP extract on glutamate-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells and the molecular mechanism underlying neuroprotection. We applied 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), crystal violet, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and western blot analyses for assessing the neuroprotective effects of SP extract. The experimental study revealed that SP considerably increased the cell viability, and reduced the oxidative stress promoted ROS and LDH generation in HT22 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the morphology of HT22 cells was effectively improved by SP. Upregulated gene expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were markedly attenuated by SP. Similarly, SP notably suppressed the ROS-mediated phosphorylation of MAPK (pERK1/2, pJNK, and pp38) cascades and activation of apoptotic factor caspase-3 signaling pathway that overall contributed to the neuroprotection. Taken together, SP may exert neuroprotective effects via alteration of MAPK and caspase-3 pathways under oxidative stress condition. Therefore, SP is a potential agent for preventing oxidative stress-mediated neuronal cell death.

This study examined and compared the branching pattern of the aortic arch (AA) and its major branches in the Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) on Jeju Island (Jeju roe deer [JRD]) with those in the roe deer of the Korean peninsula (mainland roe deer [MRD]). Seven of the nine expected types was observed in the arterial silicone casts of 29 deer (10 males, 19 females). The JRD was identical to the MRD in that absence of the typical pattern; however, the main three pattern types differed between the two. This difference resulted from differences in the branching patterns of the right subclavian artery and costocervical trunk. In conclusion, the JRD has different type of AA from the MRD.

Globally, gastric ulcer is a vital health hazard for a human. Rabdosia inflexa (RI) has been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect and related molecular mechanism of RI using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 246.7 cells and HCl/EtOH-induced gastric ulcer in mice. We applied 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), histopathology, malondialdehyde (MDA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blot analyses to evaluate the protective role of RI. Study revealed that RI effectively attenuated LPS-promoted NO and ROS production in RAW 246.7 cells. In addition, RI mitigated gastric oxidative stress by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, elevating NO, and decreasing gastric inflammation. RI significantly halted elevated gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in gastric tissue. Likewise, RI markedly attenuated the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) phosphorylation, COX-2 expression, phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor kappa B (IκBα) and activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Thus, experimental findings suggested that the anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities of RI might contribute to regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Introduction: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important index of poststroke health outcome. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the HRQOL in stroke survivors than individuals without stroke would be worse and associated with sociodemographic status, impaired health behaviors, and comorbidities among stroke survivors in Korea. Methods: This cross-sectional, population-based study included 5130 (132 stroke survivors; 4998 individuals without stroke) Korean adults (aged ≥18 years) who had complete data on stroke-related items in the 2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Descriptive statistics, χ 2 test, t-test, and regression analyses were used. Results: Stroke survivors than adults without stroke were more likely to be older, had lower income and education level, while having more physician-diagnosed diseases (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, myocardial infarction, angina, arthritis, osteoporosis, and depression), less meeting aerobic exercise guidelines with more physical activity limit, and more smoking at present or past (p Conclusions: Clinicians should pay a special attention to stroke survivors with lower sociodemographic status, while improving HRQOL of stroke survivors by intervening physical activity and comorbidities, which is important in planning effective poststroke care.

Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) has been recognized as a worldwide health concern. Hydrangea macrophylla (HM) is used as traditional Chinese medicine possessing antioxidant activities. The study was performed to investigate the therapeutic role and underlying molecular mechanism of HM on NaAsO2-induced toxicity in human liver cancer (HepG2) cells and liver in mice. The hepatoprotective role of HM in HepG2 cells was assessed by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Histopathology, lipid peroxidation, serum biochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot analyses were performed to determine the protective role of HM against NaAsO2 intoxication in liver tissue. In this study, we found that co-treatment with HM significantly attenuated the NaAsO2-induced cell viability loss, intracellular ROS, and LDH release in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Hepatic histopathology, lipid peroxidation, and the serum biochemical parameters alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were notably improved by HM. HM effectively downregulated the both gene and protein expression level of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. Moreover, HM well-regulated the Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) ratio, remarkably suppressed the release of cytochrome c, and blocked the expression of the post-apoptotic transcription factor caspase-3. Therefore, our study provides new insights into the hepatoprotective role of HM through its reduction in apoptosis, which likely involves in the modulation of MAPK/caspase-3 signaling pathways.

Keratin biomaterial has been used in regenerative medicine owing to its in-vivo and in-vitro biocompatibility. The present study was aimed to investigate the hair growth promoting activity of keratin extract and its mechanism of action. Keratin extract was topically applied on the synchronized depilated dorsal skin of telogenic C57BL/6 mice and promoted hair growth by inducing the anagen phase. The histomorphometric observation indicated significantly increases the number, shaft of hair follicles and deep subcutis area in the keratin extract treated group in contrast to the control group, which was considered an indication of anagen phase induction. Subsequently, the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that fibroblast growth factor-10, vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, β-catenin, and Shh were expressed earlier in the keratin extract-treated group than in the control group. Besides, keratin extract has been observed to be biocompatible when analyzed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining using immortalized human keratinocyte cells, showing more than 90% cell viability. Our study demonstrated that keratin extract stimulating hair follicle growth by inducing the growth phase; anagen in telogenic C57BL/6 mice and thus the topical application of keratin extract may represent a promising biomaterial for the management and applications of hair follicle disorder.

Sigesbeckia pubescens (SP) is a traditional Chinese medicine, possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we evaluate the neuroprotective activities of SP extract on glutamate-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells and the molecular mechanism underlying neuroprotection. We applied 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), crystal violet, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and western blot analyses for assessing the neuroprotective effects of SP extract. The experimental study revealed that SP considerably increased the cell viability, and reduced the oxidative stress promoted ROS and LDH generation in HT22 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the morphology of HT22 cells was effectively improved by SP. Upregulated gene expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were markedly attenuated by SP. Similarly, SP notably suppressed the ROS-mediated phosphorylation of MAPK (pERK1/2, pJNK, and pp38) cascades and activation of apoptotic factor caspase-3 signaling pathway that overall contributed to the neuroprotection. Taken together, SP may exert neuroprotective effects via alteration of MAPK and caspase-3 pathways under oxidative stress condition. Therefore, SP is a potential agent for preventing oxidative stress-mediated neuronal cell death.

This study investigated the anatomy of the nutrient foramen (NF) in German Shepherds by recording the number, site, position, and direction of penetration of the nutrient canal (NC) in the humerus, radius, and ulna of 50 individuals. The site index of the nutrient foramen (SI) was calculated as the ratio of the length to the NF site from the proximal end to the greatest length of the bone. The NF diameter was measured using different sized needles. Most humeri had only one NF on the caudal surface, particularly on the lateral supracondylar crest, or distal cranial surface. All radii had one NF, usually on the caudal surface, while most ulnae had one NF located on either the cranial or lateral surfaces. The SI and NF diameters were 58.0~59.5% and 0.73~0.78 mm in the humerus, 30.4~30.9% and 0.74~0.76 mm in the radius, and 29.3~29.8% and 0.67~0.68 mm in the ulna, respectively. With the exception of the relatively proximal NF of the radius, the direction of penetration followed Berard's rule. This study provides novel information on the location and diameter of the NF and direction of the NC in the long bones of the pectoral limb of German Shepherds.

The purpose of this study was to investigate gross findings of the obturator notch (ON) and obturator canal (OC) in Cervidae. A total of 183 pelvic girdles from 26 species of deer were examined, and the obturator canal (OC) was classified into 4 types based on the degree of separation from the obturator foramen (OF). The deep ON was observed primarily in the subfamily Capreolinae (telemetacarpal deer). The small bony OC was frequently observed in Hydropotes inermis, Mazama gouazoubira and Ozotoceros bezoarticus. A canal without a tubercle or bony bridge structure was mainly observed in the subfamily Cervinae (plesiometacarpal deer). These results suggest that the deep ONs or the OCs separated by bony structures are more common in telemetacarpal rather than plesiometacarpal deer.

To provide anatomical data on the nutrient foramen (NF), the authors observed the number, site and its index (SI), position, diameter and penetrating direction of the nutrient canal (NC) in the femur and tibia of German shepherd dogs. The femur often had more than two NF on the caudal surface with 30.0 to 86.7% of SI. The proximal NF of the femur was regarded to be the major NF, because it was present in most dogs and had the largest diameter. The tibia always had only one NF with 23.2 to 38.3% of SI on the lateral border. Their direction of the NC followed Bérard's rule with the exception of the proximal NF of the femur. These results describe the anatomical condition of the NF and NC in the dog.

Neuronal activity in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is known to be elevated in rats with heart failure. However, the type of neurons involved and the underlying synaptic mechanisms remain unknown. Here we examined spontaneous firing activity and synaptic currents in presympathetic PVN neurons in rats with myocardial infarction (MI), using slice patch clamp combined with the retrograde labeling technique. In PVN neurons projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (PVN-RVLM), MI induced a significant increase in basal firing rate (1.79 to 3.02 Hz, P < 0.05) and a reduction in the frequency of spontaneous ( P < 0.05) and miniature ( P < 0.01) inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). In addition, MI induced an increase in the paired-pulse ratio of evoked IPSCs ( P < 0.05). Bicuculline, a GABAA receptor antagonist, increased the firing rate of PVN-RVLM neurons in sham-operated (1.21 to 2.74 Hz, P < 0.05) but not MI ( P > 0.05) rats. In contrast, in PVN neurons projecting to the intermediolateral horn of the spinal cord (PVN-IML), MI did not induce any significant changes in the basal firing rate and the properties of spontaneous and miniature IPSCs. The properties of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were not altered in either neuron group. In conclusion, our results indicate that MI induces an elevation of firing activity in PVN-RVLM but not in PVN-IML neurons and that the elevated firing rate is largely due to a decrease in GABA release. These results provide evidence for a novel target-selective synaptic plasticity in the PVN that is associated with the sympathetic hyperactivity commonly seen in heart failure.

This study examined the branching pattern of the aortic arch and its major branches in Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus, Heude, 1884). Silicone casts were taken from the vessels of 23 carcasses (male 14, female 9) with body weights ranging from 1.3-16.0 kg through a retrograde injection into the abdominal aorta. The findings were compared with those from other domestic ruminants. Only the brachiocephalic trunk (Bct) branched from the aortic arch in all carcasses. In 19 of the 23 cases, the Bct branched into the left subclavian artery (LSb), the left common carotid artery (LCc), and then trifurcated into the right common carotid artery (RCc), right costocervical trunk (RCct) and right subclavian artery (RSb). The subclavian artery (Sb) branched into the costocervical trunk (in left), internal thoracic artery (It), and superficial cervical artery (Sc) in that order, and continued as the axillary artery. Instead of separated carotid arteries, the bicarotid trunk from the Bct was observed in only three males and one female. Two of these males had different branching orders of the It and Sc from the Sb in one or both sides. The other male had a RCct from the RSb. The left costocervical trunk (LCct) arose from the LSb in all cases, and branched into the highest intercostal artery, the dorsal scapular artery, and the deep cervical arteries in that order, and continued as the vertebral artery. In 22 cases, the RCct branched directly from the Bct at the same point in which the RCc (or bicarotid trunk) and RSb separated. The artery branching pattern from the RCct was similar to that of the LCct. These results suggest that the Korean water deer has a Bct with different branching patterns from those of domestic ruminants.

Background: Depression after stroke not only affects rehabilitation and recovery, but increases caregiver burden. With rapidly increasing aged population, stroke burden substantially increases in Korea, which makes depression after stroke an important concept to assess. Purpose: The purposes of this study were to (1) assess the prevalence of depression and (2) identify predictors of depression among elderly stroke patients in Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 233 hospitalized elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke using a self-administered survey. We assessed depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and collected demographic data and stroke severity (e.g., hemiparesis, dysphagia, cognitive impairment). Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analyses were used for data analysis. Results: Of the total participants, 60.5% were men, 76.8% were aged ≥ 61 years, 70% were married, 80.3% lived with family, and 71.7% were depressed (HADS depression scale ≥ 8). Individuals who were women (χ 2 =10.32), lived alone (χ 2 =3.38), had symptoms of dysphagia (χ 2 =6.14), dysphasia (χ 2 =8.14), hemiparesis (χ 2 =5.61), cognitive impairment (χ 2 =4.86), or anxiety (χ 2 =54.53) were more likely to be depressed than those who were men, lived with family, had no symptoms of dysphagia, dysphasia, hemiparesis, cognitive impairment ( p < .05), or anxiety. The likelihood of being depressed was higher in individuals who had anxiety (OR=18.93, 95% CI=[6.88, 52.08]) or lived alone (OR=0.28, 95% CI=[0.06, 0.77]) than individuals who did not have anxiety or lived with family. Conclusions: In conclusion, the study findings suggest that clinicians who handle elderly stroke patients should pay attention to the individuals who have anxiety or live alone as the risk of depression after stroke seems to be higher in these groups. Further research focus should be given to (1) identifying underlying factors of anxiety, (2) developing preventive interventions for depression after stroke, including strategies to decrease anxiety and ensure social support, and (3) exploring the association of depression with other health outcomes, such as quality of life and mortality.

Vascular amyloidosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) results in the exposure of red blood cells to beta-amyloid fibrils (A beta). The potential in vivo ramifications of this exposure have been investigated by injecting A beta(1-40) alone or A beta-bound mouse red blood cells into the circulation of C57BL/6 mice. Results indicate that when A beta(1-40) is injected alone, a transient uptake of the fibrils by red blood cells occurs in vivo. When A beta-bound red blood cells were injected, beta-amyloid is rapidly removed from these cells in vivo. Double-labeling experiments indicate that while some of the red blood cells bound to A beta(1-40) are removed from circulation, a major fraction of these cells remain in circulation even after A beta is removed. Immunohistochemistry of murine tissue samples obtained after sacrificing the animals suggests that within 1 h after injection of A beta(1-40) or A beta-bound red blood cells, A beta is found in spleen phagocytes and liver Kupffer cells. Heme staining further indicates that the binding of A beta(1-40) to red blood cells enhances red cell phagocytosis by the spleen.

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death in Korea and the prevalence of acute ischemic stroke among older adults continues to grow, which is known to be related to delayed hospital arrival after the onset of symptoms. Thus, decreasing the incidence of elderly stroke is a major health promotion objective in Korea, yet little is reported about the factors associated with the delayed medical care seeking behavior among elderly stroke patients in Korea. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand factors of delayed medical care seeking among elderly stroke patients in order to develop intervention strategies to improve the health of this population. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 233 hospitalized elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke using a self-administered survey. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used for data analysis. Results: More than half of them were male (60.5%) with age of 61 and older (76.9%), and relied on the opinion of their children or friends when deciding medical care for stroke (58.3%). Regarding the reasons of seeking medical care, there was no statistical significance between individuals who arrived at a hospital within three hours of the onset of symptoms and who arrived after three hours. Reasons for delayed hospital arrival were significantly different between groups (individuals of hospital arrival within three hours vs. individuals with hospital arrival after three hours), which include lack of knowledge about the severity of stroke and unawareness of symptoms (χ2 = 24.1), or inconvenience of a hospital visit, waiting for the effects of alternative medications, and stroke during sleep (χ2 = 55.1) with p Conclusions: In conclusion, this study helped identify factors delaying hospital arrival after the onset of symptoms among Korean elderly stroke patients. Interventions should include stroke education focusing on the severity of stroke and related symptoms. The stroke education should target not only elderly stroke patients but their family members and friends. It may result in overall national health by decreasing prevalence of stroke among Korean elderly population.

The human prion protein (PrP) fragment PrP(106‑126) possesses the majority of the pathogenic properties associated with the infectious scrapie isoform of PrP, known as PrPSc. The accumulation of PrPSc in the brain of humans and animals affects the central nervous system. Recent epidemiological studies have suggested that caffeine, one of the major components of coffee, exerts protective effects against the development of neurodegeneration. However, the protective effects of caffeine against prion disease have not been reported to date. In this study, we therefore investigated the effects of caffeine on PrP-mediated neurotoxicity. The protein expression of the autophagosomal marker, LC3-II, was increased by caffeine in a dose-dependent manner, and the autophagy induced by caffeine protected the neuronal cells against PrP(106‑126)‑induced cell death. On the contrary, the downregulation of LC3-II using the autophagy inhibitors, 3-methyladenine (3-ΜΑ) and wortmannin, prevented the caffeine-mediated neuroprotective effects. To the best of our knowledge, the present study provides the first evidence that treatment with caffeine protects human neuronal cells against prion‑mediated neurotoxicity and these neuroprotective effects are mediated by caffeine-induced autophagy signals. Our data suggest that treatment with caffeine may be a novel therapeutic strategy for prion peptide‑induced apoptosis.

18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA) obtained from the herb liquorice has various pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities. However, potential biological anti-obesity activities are unclear. In this study, novel biological activities of 18β-GA in the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and in lipolysis of differentiated adipocytes were identified. Mouse 3T3-L1 cells were used as an in vitro model of adipogenesis and lipolysis, using a mixture of insulin/dexamethasone/3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) to induce differentiation. The amount of lipid droplet accumulation was determined by an AdipoRed assay. The expression of several adipogenic transcription factors and enzymes was investigated using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. 18β-GA dose-dependently (1-40 μM) significantly decreased lipid accumulation in maturing preadipocytes. In 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, 10 μM of 18β-GA down-regulated the transcriptional levels of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α and adiponectin, which are markers of adipogenic differentiation via Akt phosphorylation. Also, in differentiated adipocytes, 18β-GA increased the level of glycerol release and up-regulated the mRNA of hormone-sensitive lipase, adipose TG lipase and perilipin, as well as the phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase at Serine 563. The results indicate that 18β-GA alters fat mass by directly affecting adipogenesis in maturing preadipocytes and lipolysis in matured adipocytes. Thus, 18β-GA may be useful for the treatment of obesity.

The purpose of this study was to obtain detailed quantitative information on all cell types in the testis interstitium of Korean ring-necked pheasants and to combine these data with changes in the steroidogenic function of the testis during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. For animals collected during the breeding season, their testis weights, sperm production, serum testosterone levels and leuteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated testosterone secretion were significantly (p < 0.01) increased compared to the non-breeding season. Testes of the pheasants during the non-breeding season displayed a 98% reduction in testis volume that was associated with a decrease in the absolute volume of seminiferous tubules (98% reduction), tubular lumen (100%), interstitium (90%), blood vessels (84%), lymphatic spaces (97%), Leydig cells (79%), mesenchymal cells (51%) and myoid cells (61%) compared to the breeding season. The numbers of Leydig cells, mesenchymal cells and myoid cells per testis in the breeding season were much higher than in the non-breeding season. Although the mean volume of a Leydig cell was 74% lower in the non-breeding season, the mean volumes of myoid and mesenchymal cells remained unchanged. These results demonstrate that there are striking differences in the testicular structure of the Korean ring-necked pheasant during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Every structural parameter of the Leydig cell was positively correlated with both testosterone serum levels and LH-stimulated testosterone secretion. The correlation of changes in hormonal status with the morphometric alterations of Leydig cells suggests that the Korean-ring necked pheasant may be used as a model to study structure-function relationships in the avian testis.

The ability to create experimental myocardial infarctions of reproducible size and location is tantamount to progress in multiple facets of ischemic heart disease research. Branches of the mouse left main descending coronary artery penetrate the myocardium close to their origin and require “blind” ligation. Our objective was to develop a technique for ligation of nonvisible coronary artery branches to permit the reliable creation of infarcts of uniformly small size and location. From latex castings of the left coronary artery of C57BL/6J mice ( n = 53), we calculated the highest probability for the location of branch points of two of three left ventricular (LV) branches distal to the origin of the left main descending artery. On the basis of these anatomic probabilities, we blindly ligated two areas that were likely to be locations of these nonvisible LV branches. We were successful in producing two types of small transmural myocardial infarctions (16.04 ± 3.64 and 4.68 ± 1.47% of the LV) in 57% of attempts. Thus our branch pattern probability-assisted method permits routine creation of small infarcts of uniform size in the mouse.

Erythropoietin (EPO), well known for its role in stimulation of erythropoiesis, has recently been shown to have a dramatic neuroprotective effect in animal models of cerebral ischemia, mechanical trauma of the nervous system, and excitotoxins, mainly by reducing apoptosis. We studied the effect of single systemic administration of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) on left ventricular (LV) size and function in rats during 8 weeks after the induction of a myocardial infarction (MI) by permanent ligation of the left descending coronary artery. We found that an i.p. injection of 3,000 units/kg of rhEPO immediately after the coronary artery ligation resulted, 24 h later, in a 50% reduction of apoptosis in the myocardial area at risk. Eight weeks after the induction of MI, rats treated with rhEPO had an infarct size 15–25% of the size of that in untreated animals. The reduction in myocardial damage was accompanied by reductions in LV size and functional decline as measured by repeated echocardiography. Thus, a single dose of rhEPO administered around the time of acute, sustained coronary insufficiency merits consideration with respect to its therapeutic potential to limit the extent of resultant MI and contractile dysfunction.