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The effect of cholesterol on the functional outcome after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is still controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether the lipid profile is associated with the EVT prognosis.We retrospectively analyzed patients with emergent large vessel occlusion who underwent EVT. The blood lipid levels were measured in the fasting state, 1 day after admission. We divided patients into terciles of serum total cholesterol (TC) levels and compared the clinical characteristics among the groups. The factors associated with a good outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin scale 0-2) were investigated, considering the stroke mechanism and recanalization status.Among 274 patients, good outcomes were observed in 108 (39.4%) patients. Low initial severity (odds ratio (OR), 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.858-0.954; p 0.001) and high TC level (1.35, 1.034-1.758; p = 0.041) were associated with good outcomes. In patients with cardioembolism, young age (0.95, 0.915-0.991; p = 0.021), low initial severity (0.92, 0.857-0.988; p = 0.024), and high TC level (1.60, 1.019-2.499; p = 0.036) were associated with good outcomes. The lipid profile was not associated with a functional outcome in those with large artery atherosclerosis. In patients with complete recanalization, young age (0.97, 0.941-0.994; p = 0.016), low initial severity (0.91, 0.864-0.961; p = 0.001), absence of diabetes (0.45, 0.218-0.947; p = 0.035) or any hemorrhage (0.33, 0.142-0.760; p = 0.009), and high TC level (1.40, 1.031-1.879; p = 0.031) were associated with good outcomes.A high TC level was associated with favorable outcomes after EVT, especially in patients with cardioembolism and complete recanalization.

Background We investigated the association between the reaction time (R), a thromboelastography (TEG) parameter for hypercoagulability, and functional outcomes based on the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and early neurological deterioration (END). Methods We enrolled ischemic stroke patients and performed TEG immediately after the patients' arrival. The baseline characteristics, occurrence of HT and END, stroke severity, and etiology were compared according to the R. END was defined as an increase of ≥1 point in motor or ≥2 points in the total National Institute of Health Stroke Scale within 3 days after admission. The outcome was the achievement of functional independence (modified Rankin scale [mRS]: 0–2) at 3 months after stroke. Logistic regression analyses were performed to verify the association between R and outcome. Results HT and END were frequently observed in patients with an R of Conclusion Hypercoagulability on TEG (R

Investigation of the prebiotic activities of LM742 dextran produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides SPCL742 in the aspect of the human gut microbial ecosystem focusing on microbiome and metabolome changes in in vitro colonic fermentation.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Ad-fructooligosaccharides (Ad-FOS), resistant maltodextrin (RMD), and maltooligosaccharides (MOS) are commercially available prebiotic oligosaccharides. In this study, the effects of prebiotics on the human gut microbial ecosystem were evaluated using an in vitro gut model. FOS and Ad-FOS showed tolerance to digestion, whereas RMD and MOS showed moderate digestion by digestive enzymes. In in vitro fecal fermentation, Bifidobacterium spp. increased in the following order: FOS, Ad-FOS, MOS, and RMD, whereas Bacteroides spp. increased in RMD medium. Bacteroides xylanisolvens exhibited cross-feeding by enabling the growth of other beneficial bacteria during co-culture in RMD medium. In metabolome analysis, total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were highly produced in the following order: RMD, FOS, MOS, and Ad-FOS; acetate in the order of FOS, MOS/RMD, and Ad-FOS; butyrate in the order of RMD, MOS, FOS, and Ad-FOS; and propionate only in RMD. In addition, the conversion of betaine to trimethylamine was rarely affected in the following order: MOS, RMD, FOS, and Ad-FOS. Lastly, the four oligosaccharides inhibited the adhesion of pathogenic Escherichia coli to human epithelial cells to a similar extent. The comparative analysis results obtained in this study will provide comprehensive information of these substances to manufacturers and customers.

Objective The risk of ischemic stroke with intracranial stenosis is associated with various serum lipid levels. However, the effects of changes in the lipid profile on the risk of in-stent restenosis have not been verified. Therefore, we investigated the association between the occurrence of in-stent restenosis at 12-month follow-up and changes in various lipid profiles. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we included ischemic stroke patients who had undergone intracranial stenting for symptomatic intracranial stenosis between February 2010 and May 2020. We collected data about serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels, and calculated the TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios at baseline and after 12 months. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to verify the association between various lipid profile changes and in-stent restenosis at 12 months. Results Among the 100 patients included in the study (mean age, 60.8 ± 10.0 years; male: 80 [80.0%]), in-stent restenosis was found in 13 (13.0%) patients. The risk of in-stent restenosis of more than 50% was significantly decreased when TC/HDL-C ratio (odds ratio [OR] 0.22, [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05–0.87]) and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (OR 0.23, [95% CI 0.06–0.93]) decreased or when HDL-C levels (OR 0.10, [95% CI 0.02–0.63]) were increased at 12 months compared with baseline measurements. Conclusions Improvement of HDL-C levels, TC/HDL-C ratio, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were associated with decreased risk of in-stent restenosis at 12-month follow-up. Management and careful monitoring of various lipid profiles including HDL-C levels, TC/HDL-C ratio, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio may be important to prevent in-stent restenosis in patients with intracranial stenting.

BACKGROUND Carotid stenting has become an important treatment for carotid disease. Carotid sinus reaction (CSR), a complication which is not uncommon and affects the outcome of carotid stenting. We investigated the predictors of CSR, including blood pressure variability and heart rate variability (BPV and HRV, respectively). METHODS We enrolled patients who underwent carotid stenting. CSR was defined as any episode of systolic blood pressure (SBP) RESULTS Among the 176 patients, 61 (34.7%) patients showed CSR. Blood pressure and HR were measured 14 times before carotid stenting on average. The risk of CSR was independently associated with the use of longer stent (odds ratio: 1.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.16, P = 0.042) and increased SBP SD (1.07 [1.00–1.14], P = 0.048). Moreover, when the SBP parameter changed to SBP CoV, total stent length (1.08 [1.00–1.16], P = 0.042) and SBP CoV (1.12 [1.02–1.23], P = 0.023) were associated with the occurrence of CSR. CONCLUSIONS The use of a longer stent and increased SBP variability before carotid stent insertion were associated with the risk of CSR after carotid stenting. Underlying autonomic dysregulation may increase the risk of CSR during carotid stenting. SBP variability before carotid stenting might be considered a predictor of CSR.

Leuconostoc lactis plays a pivotal role in providing a pleasant aroma in fermented foods. In this study, an L. lactis-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) method was developed by designing species-specific primers using comparative pan-genomic analysis to monitor the microbial populations during food fermentation. As a result, a hypothetical protein-encoding gene, Llac_03470, was selected as a target gene to detect L. lactis using a designed set of primers (NlacF and NlacR). PCR analysis against genomic DNA of various lactic acid bacteria confirmed the specificity of the primers for the detection of genomic DNA of L. lactis strains. By using the primer set, a standard curve for qPCR analysis of L. lactis was established, and no significant differences (p

Pontine infarctions are often associated with extrapontine infarcts. We aimed to elucidate differences in clinical characteristics, mechanisms, and functional outcomes between isolated pontine infarction (IPI) and pontine plus infarction (PPI).We studied patients with acute pontine infarction between January 2019 and August 2021 and divided them into IPI and PPI according to diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance image. Vertical locations were classified into rostral, middle, and caudal, and horizontal locations were categorized as basal/tegmental and unilateral/bilateral. Factors associated with poor 90-day outcome (modified Rankin scale 3-6) were analyzed.Among 241 patients, 170 (70.5%) had IPI and 71 (29.5%) had PPI. The most frequently observed extrapontine areas were cerebellar (59.1%), followed by posterior cerebral artery territory (45.1%). Mental status changes, sensory changes, and ataxia were more common, and motor dysfunction was less common in PPI patients. The PPI patients more often had rostral (P 0.001), bilateral lesions (P 0.001), and moderate/severe vascular stenosis and atrial fibrillation; therefore, large artery disease (LAD) and cardioembolism were more common stroke mechanisms (P 0.001). In IPI patients, high initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (adjusted Odds ratio (OR) = 1.38; P = 0.001) and old age (aOR = 1.05; P = 0.049) were associated with poor functional outcome, whereas moderate/severe stenosis (Reference: no stenosis, aOR = 7.17; P = 0.014) and high initial NIHSS (aOR = 1.39; P = 0.006) were related to unfavorable outcomes in PPI patients.PPI patients more often had extensive pontine lesions, LAD and cardioembolism, and their outcome was more often influenced by underlying severe vascular diseases. These differences need to be considered in the prevention and therapeutic strategies.

Background and Purpose: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has benefits in selected patients 6–24 h after stroke onset. However, the response to EVT >24 h after stroke onset is still unclear. We compared the early response to EVT in patients with different time windows. Methods: Patients who underwent EVT in an emergency setting were enrolled and categorized according to when EVT was performed: within 6 (early), 6–24 (late), and >24 h (very late) after stroke onset. Early neurological improvement (ENI) and deterioration (END) were defined as improvement and worsening, respectively, of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score by ≥4 points after EVT. The three groups’ clinical characteristics and response to EVT were compared. We also investigated factors associated with ENI and END. Results: During study period, 274 patients underwent EVT (109 early, 104 late, and 61 very late). Patients who underwent EVT very late were younger (p = 0.007), had smaller ischemic cores, and had lower initial NIHSS scores (8 ± 5) than those who underwent EVT early (14 ± 6) and late (13 ± 7; p < 0.001). Stroke mechanisms also differed according to the time window (p < 0.001): cardioembolism was more common after early EVT, whereas large-artery atherosclerosis was more prevalent among patients who underwent EVT very late. ENI was significantly more common after early (60.6%) and late EVT (51.0%) than after very late EVT (29.5%; p = 0.001); however, rates of END did not differ (11.0%, 13.5%, and 4.9%, respectively). ENI was independently associated with male, higher NIHSS score, and early and late EVT. END was associated with failure of recanalization. Conclusions: ENI was more observed and associated with early and late EVT. Highly selected patients receiving very late EVT may not benefit from ENI but may still have a chance to prevent END. The occurrence of END was associated not with time window but with failure of recanalization.

Background: Early neurological deterioration (END) occurs in patients with pontine infarction that is adversely associated with a long-term functional outcome. As basilar artery (BA) tortuosity may alter hemodynamics, we investigated whether factors including BA tortuosity are associated with END and poor outcome at 3 months. Methods: We reviewed patients with acute (x 100). To assess interobserver agreement, TI measurements were obtained by 2 independent raters. Results: The study included 245 patients; END occurred in 72 (29.3%) and 35 (14.2%) showed poor outcome at 3 months. Old age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.004–1.062; p = 0.027), previous stroke history (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.176–4.717; p = 0.016), lower initial NIHSS (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.628–0.827; p < 0.001), and high BA TI (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.062–1.295; p = 0.002) were associated with END. On the other hand, old age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.002–1.073; p = 0.037) and END (OR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.429–6.403; p = 0.004) were associated with poor outcome at 3 months. Conclusions: High BA tortuosity may be a factor associated with END in patients with pontine infarction. As END was related to unfavorable clinical outcome, this risk may have to be carefully considered in patients with high BA tortuosity.

The use of probiotic starters can improve the sensory and health-promoting properties of fermented foods. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a starter for kimchi fermentation. Seventeen probiotic type strains were tested for their growth rates, volatile aroma compounds, metabolites, and sensory characteristics of kimchi, and their characteristics were compared to those of Leuconostoc (Le.) mesenteroides DRC 1506, a commercial kimchi starter. Among the tested strains, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, and Ligilactobacillus salivarius exhibited high or moderate growth rates in simulated kimchi juice (SKJ) at 37 °C and 15 °C. When these five strains were inoculated in kimchi and metabolite profiles were analyzed during fermentation using GC/MS and 1H-NMR, data from the principal component analysis (PCA) showed that L. fermentum and L. reuteri were highly correlated with Le. mesenteroides in concentrations of sugar, mannitol, lactate, acetate, and total volatile compounds. Sensory test results also indicated that these three strains showed similar sensory preferences. In conclusion, L. fermentum and L. reuteri can be considered potential candidates as probiotic starters or cocultures to develop health-promoting kimchi products.

In sourdough fermentation, lactic acid bacteria perform important roles in the production of volatile and antimicrobial compounds, and exerting health-promoting effects. In this study, we report the probiotic properties and baking characteristics of Lactobacillus plantarum SPC-SNU 72-2 isolated from kimchi. This strain is safe to use in food fermentation as it does not carry genes for biogenic amine production (i.e., hdc, tdc, and ldc) and shows no β-hemolytic activity against red blood cells. The strain is also stable under simulated human gastrointestinal conditions, showing tolerance to gastric acid and bile salt, and adheres well to colonic epithelial cells. Additionally, this strain prevents pathogen growth and activates mouse peritoneal macrophages by inducing cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12. Furthermore, the strain possesses good baking properties, providing rich aroma during dough fermentation and contributing to the enhancement of bread texture. Taken together, L. plantarum SPC-SNU 72-2 has the properties of a good starter strain based on the observation that it improves bread flavor and texture while also providing probiotic effects comparable with commercial strains.

Laminaran, porphyran, and ulvan are major seaweed polysaccharides in brown, red, and green algae, respectively. We compared their prebiotic effects using individual microbial fermentability test and in vitro fecal fermentation. The fermentability test showed that these polysaccharides were selectively utilized by Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, and Bacteroides (ΔOD580 nm, 0.2–1.0), while no growth of harmful bacteria was observed. In vitro fecal fermentation for 24 h showed growth stimulation effect of laminaran on Bifidobacteria (Δ8.3%/total bacteria) and Bacteroides (Δ13.8%/total bacteria) promoting the production of acetate and propionate. Ulvan exhibited same result on Bifidobacteria (Δ8.5%/total bacteria) and Lactobacillus (Δ6.8%/total bacteria) promoting the production of lactate and acetate; however, porphyran showed little prebiotic effect. Laminaran was fermented slowly compared to fructooligosaccharides and this may permit production of short-chain fatty acids in distal colon. This in vitro study demonstrates that the seaweed polysaccharides tested, particularly laminaran and ulvan, have prebiotic effects on microbiota in human colon.

Aims This study aimed to clarify the cause of quality reduction in Korean sourdough after successive back-slopping. Methods and results We investigated the dynamic changes in lactic acid bacteria during the back-slopping process using genetic fingerprinting techniques. During the initial propagation phases, the dominant lactic acid bacteria were Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis ( 9·0 log CFU per g sourdough), whereas L. curvatus and L. brevis rapidly decreased. Monitoring these bacteria in the co-culture system revealed that acid-tolerant F. sanfranciscensis rapidly utilized maltose (1·65 g l-1 h-1 ) and produced large amounts of lactic acid, whereas L. brevis and L. curvatus consumed maltose slowly and L. curvatus was poorly tolerant to lactic acid. Conclusion The results indicate that competition exists between the lactic acid bacteria in sourdough during the back-slopping process, and microbial succession by acid-tolerant species results in quality reduction of sourdough. Significance and impact of the study This study uncovered the cause of microbial changes during the propagation of Korean sourdough and proposed a strategy to develop starters to produce high-quality bakery products.

Objective We investigated the effect of arterial stiffness on the severity of enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVSs) and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) at different brain locations. Methods A total of 854 stroke patients underwent both brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement and brain MRI. The extent of EPVS was separately rated at the levels of the basal ganglia (BG) and centrum semiovale (CS). The CMBs were categorized as strictly lobar CMB and deep CMB. The patients were categorized according to baPWV quartiles, and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to evaluate whether the baPWV increment was independently associated with each cerebral SVD marker at different locations. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was derived on the reference of the first quartile. Results Severe EPVSs at BG and CS were detected in 243 (28.5%) and 353 patients (41.3%), respectively. The increment of baPWV quartiles was associated with both severe BG EPVS burden (Q4: OR = 2.58, CI = 1.45–4.60) and severe CS EPVS burden (Q4: OR = 2.06, CI = 1.24–3.42). Deep CMBs were found in 259 patients (30.3%), and strictly lobar CMBs were found in 170 patients (19.9%). Multivariable logistic regression model revealed deep CMB was independently associated with the baPWV increment (Q4: OR = 2.52, CI = 1.62–3.94). However, strictly lobar CMB had a neutral relationship with baPWV. Conclusion Increased arterial stiffness is consistently associated with the presence of deep CMB and severe EPVS burden at the BG and CS, suggesting a common pathophysiologic mechanism., We investigated the effect of arterial stiffness on the severity of enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVSs) and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) at different brain locations. A total of 854 stroke patients underwent both brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement and brain MRI. Increased arterial stiffness is consistently associated with the presence of deep CMB and severe EPVS burden at the BG and CS, suggesting a common pathophysiologic mechanism.

Background We describe a case of skull base osteomyelitis due to invasive aspergillosis which had been aggravated after antifungal treatment but significantly recovered by dexamethasone. Case report A 74-year-old male patient presented to neurology clinic complaining of sudden onset right-sided facial palsy and headache. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sphenoid sinus biopsy confirmed Aspergillus infection of skull base. He was treated with voriconazole for two months, but his headache was not relieved, and he additionally complained of vertigo and dysphagia. A subsequent MRI showed reduced enhancement of initial lesions, but increased thickness of surrounding dura mater. With an impression of paradoxical inflammatory response after antifungal treatment, parenteral dexamethasone was administered for one month while maintaining voriconazole. His symptoms improved thereafter. Conclusion A paradoxical inflammatory response during antifungal treatment in the skull base aspergillosis aggravates the neurological symptom by thickening the dura mater, which can be recovered by dexamethasone.

Lipase is one of the widely used biocatalysts, which is well studied for its application in industrial production. Recently, lipases with special characteristics such as thermo-stability, alkaline-, acidic nature, and cold-activity, have gained attention for effective applications in specific purposes. Previously, Pichia lynferdii NRRL Y-7723 was reported to produce high amounts of extracellular cold-active lipase (Kim et al., 2010). In this study, we report the identification of lip1 gene that encodes an extracellular cold-active lipase from P. lynferdii NRRL Y-7723. The open reading frame of the gene consisted of 1122 bp of nucleotides that encoded a protein with 373 amino acids. The deduced molecular weight and isoelectric point were 41.8 kDa and pH 5.82, respectively. The lip1 gene was cloned into a bacterial expression vector, and the recombinant lipase was successfully expressed and purified. Several parameters of the recombinant lipase were analyzed, and Lip1 showed high activity at low temperature.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common adult onset motor neuron disease, is pathologically characterized by progressive loss of the upper and lower motor neurons. Mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene (SOD1) account for about 20% of familial ALS cases and a small percentage of sporadic ALS (SALS) cases, and have revealed a validated genotype-phenotype correlation. Herein, we report a p.Gly13Arg mutation in SOD1 exon 1 in a patient with SALS who presented with a rapidly progressive course, predominantly affecting the lower motor neurons. A 48-year-old man presented with progressive weakness and muscle atrophy of the left upper and lower limbs, followed by muscle fasciculation and cramping. The clinical features of the patient were clearly suggestive of ALS, and implied a sporadic form with rapid progression, predominantly affecting the lower motor neurons. Sequencing of the SOD1 gene by PCR revealed a missense mutation of G to C (c.37G>C) in exon 1, and amino acid substitution of glycine by arginine (p.Gly13Arg). This is the first case identifying the p.Gly13Arg mutation of SOD1 in the Korean population, and clinical assessments of this patient revealed a different phenotype compared with other cases.

In sourdough fermentation, lactic acid bacteria perform important roles in the production of volatile and antimicrobial compounds, and exerting health-promoting effects. In this study, we report the probiotic properties and baking characteristics of

The industrial application of microorganisms as starters or probiotics requires their preservation to assure viability and metabolic activity. Freezing is routinely used for this purpose, but the cold damage caused by ice crystal formation may result in severe decrease in microbial activity. In this study, adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) technique was applied to a lactic acid bacterium to select tolerant strains against freezing and thawing stresses. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was subjected to freeze-thaw-growth (FTG) for 150 cycles with four replicates. After 150 cycles, FTG-evolved mutants showed improved fitness (survival rates), faster growth rate, and shortened lag phase than those of the ancestor. Genome sequencing analysis of two evolved mutants showed genetic variants at distant loci in six genes and one intergenic space. Loss-of-function mutations were thought to alter the structure of the microbial cell membrane (one insertion in cls), peptidoglycan (two missense mutations in dacA and murQ), and capsular polysaccharides (one missense mutation in wze), resulting in an increase in cellular fluidity. Consequently, L. rhamnosus GG was successfully evolved into stress-tolerant mutants using FTG-ALE in a concerted mode at distal loci of DNA. This study reports for the first time the functioning of dacA and murQ in freeze-thaw sensitivity of cells and demonstrates that simple treatment of ALE designed appropriately can lead to an intelligent genetic changes at multiple target genes in the host microbial cell.

We investigated the prevalence and mechanisms of neurological deterioration after endovascular thrombectomy. Between January 2011 and October 2017, acute ischemic stroke patients treated by endovascular thrombectomy in a tertiary university hospital were included. Early neurological deterioration (END) was defined as an increase of 2 or more National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) compared to the best neurological status after stroke within 7 days. The END mechanism was categorized into ischemia progression, symptomatic hemorrhage, and brain edema. A total of 125 acute ischemic stroke patients received endovascular thrombectomy. Neurological deterioration was detected in 44 patients, and 38 cases (86.4% of END) occurred within 72 h. The END mechanism included 20 ischemia progression, 16 brain edema and 8 hemorrhagic transformation cases. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the patients who experienced END were more likely to have poor functional outcome defined as modified Rankin scale 3–6 at 90 days than neurologically stable patients (odds ratio (OR) = 4.06, confidence interval (CI) = 1.39–11.9). The risk factor of END due to ischemia progression was stroke subtype of large artery atherosclerosis (OR = 6.28, CI = 1.79–22.0). Successful recanalization (OR = 0.11, CI = 0.03–0.39) and NIHSS after endovascular thrombectomy (OR = 1.15 per one-point increase, CI = 1.06–1.24) were significantly associated with END due to hemorrhage or brain edema. Neurological deterioration frequently occurs after endovascular thrombectomy, and the risk factors of END differ according to the mechanism of END.

Background: Neurogenic pulmonary edema is non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema due to sudden excessive activation of sympathetic system after central nervous system injury. We report an acute cerebral infarction patient who developed neurogenic pulmonary edema requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation care. Case Report: A 77-year-old Korean woman visited emergency room complaining of sudden onset right side weakness which started one hour ago. She had a history of atrial fibrillation with normal ejection fraction. Neurological examination revealed motor aphasia and right side weakness. Brain computerized tomography angiography showed left middle cerebral artery occlusion without frank ischemic change. Intravenous thrombolytic therapy was considered, but suspended because she suddenly complained of respiration difficulty. Conclusions: This case suggests that large hemispheric infarction can result in acute onset pulmonary edema which is severe enough to require intubation and to delay thrombolytic treatment.

Lipases with abnormal functionalities such as high thermostability and optimal activity at extreme conditions gain special attentions because of their applicability in the restricted reaction conditions. In particular, coldactive lipases have gained special attentions in various industrial fields such as washer detergent, pharmaceutical catalyst, and production of structured lipid. However, production of cold-active lipase is mostly found from psychrophilic microorganisms. Recently we found a novel cold-active lipase from Pichia lynferdii Y-7723 which is mesophilic yeast strain. In this study, we purified the cold active lipase and the enzyme was further characterized in several parameters. The enzyme was purified with 33 purification fold using chromatographic techniques and the purified lipase represented maximum lipolytic activity at 15°C and the maximum activity was highly dependent on pH.

Background and Purpose We investigated whether the intracranial arterial calcification status reflects the overall cerebral atherosclerosis burden. Methods Patients with acute cerebral infarction who were admitted to a single university hospital stroke center and underwent brain computed tomography angiography (CTA) between May 2011 and December 2015 were included. We reviewed their demographic, clinical, and imaging data. Cerebral artery calcification was assessed from the cavernous portion of both internal carotid arteries, and patients were categorized into three groups according to the calcification status. The cerebral atherosclerosis score was calculated as the sum of the degree of stenosis of the major intracranial and extracranial arteries on brain CTA. Results In total, 1,161 patients were included (age=67±13 years, mean±standard deviation), of which 517 were female. Intracranial arterial calcification and atherosclerosis were detected in 921 patients. The cerebral atherosclerosis score tended to increase with the calcification status (no calcification=2.0±3.0, mild=3.8±3.8, severe=6.5±4.8; p

Lipases with abnormal properties such as thermostability, alkalinity, acidity, and cold activity receive industrial attention because of their usability under restricted reaction conditions. Most microbial cold-active lipases originate from psychrotrophic and psychrophilic microorganisms found in Antarctic regions, which has led to difficulties in the practical production of cold-active lipase. Recently, a mesophilic yeast, Pichia lynferdii NRRL Y-7723, was reported to produce a novel cold-active lipase. This study focused on optimization of environmental factors, while giving particular attention to the relationships between given factors and incubation time, to maximize the production of a novel cold-active lipase from P. lynferdii NRRL Y-7723. Maximum lipase production was highly dependent on the incubation time at a given environmental factor. Lipase production varied with incubation time at a given temperature, and 20 °C was selected as the optimum temperature for lipase production. Fructose was selected as the best carbon source, and maximum lipase production was obtained when it was present at 0.7% (w/v). Yeast extract was an efficient organic nitrogen source, with maximum lipase production occurring at 0.9% (w/v). Specifically, at the optimum yeast extract level the lipase production was10 times higher than the productivity under standard conditions. All natural oils tested showed lipase production, but their maximum productivities varied according to incubation time and oil species.

Background: Arterial stiffness aggravation is known to increase cerebral small vessel disease burden. We investigated the association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and the topography of MRI visible perivascular space in acute stroke population. Method: We analyzed clinical and laboratory data of acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack patients who had been admitted to Chung-Ang University Hospital within 7 days after symptom onset between January 1st 2014 and May 31th 2015. We included those patients who underwent both brain MR imaging including T2 weighted sequence and baPWV. The topography of perivascular space was examined in basal ganglia and centrum semiovale level with validating scale (score 0-4), and dichotomized as low (score3). Result: A total of 481 patients were included (mean age 68.2±12.3, 44.7% male). When the distribution of baPWV were divided into quartile, the proportions of high PVS in basal ganglia was 10%, 20%, 40% and 40%, respectively. The proportion of high PVS in centrum semiovale was 20%, 40%, 36%, and 49%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the high degree of basal ganglia PVS was associated with baPWV>2255cm/s (odds ratio 1.7, confidence interval 1.0-2.7, p=0.048) after adjusting age>70 years, hypertension, current smoking status and previous stroke history. The high degree of centrum semiovale PVS showed marginal association with baPWV>2255cm/s (odds ratio=1.4, confidence interval 0.9-2.3, p=0.137) after adjusting age>70 years and hypertension. Conclusion: Our pilot study suggests potential pathophysiological association between arterial stiffness and PVS topography.

We have carried out simultaneous 22 GHz H2O and 44 GHz Class I CH3OH maser line surveys of more than 1500 intermediate- and high-mass YSOs in the Galaxy using newly-constructed KVN 21-m telescopes. As the central (proto)stars evolve, the detection rates of the two masers rapidly decrease for intermediate-mass YSOs while the rates increase for high-mass YSOs. These results suggest that the occurrence of the two masers is closely related both to the evolutionary stage of the central objects and to the circumstellar environments. CH3OH masers always have very similar velocities (−1) to the natal dense cores, whereas H2O masers often have significantly different velocities. The isotropic luminosities of both masers are well correlated with the bolometric luminosities of the central (proto)stars.

In this study, a cDNA microarray was developed from over 60,000 mRNA readings to analyze the expression profiles of transcriptomes of Haematococcus lacustris under astaxanthin-inducing culture conditions, high irradiance and nitrate starvation. Among 20,033 genes on the cDNA microarray, 2,675 genes exhibited a twofold or greater difference in expression. Of these, 1,333 genes were up-regulated and 1,342 genes were down-regulated. A significant decrease in the expression of chlorophyll biosynthesis and light harvesting complex (LHC) related genes were observed under astaxanthin inducing conditions (forming red cyst cells). On the other hand, respirationrelated genes, lipid metabolism-related genes and stress response-related genes were activated in the red cyst cells under stress conditions. These results enabled a better understanding of the cell responses during stress induction of H. lacustris such as photosynthesis, respiration, and some biopathways.

In a damascene process for a copper metallization, the planarization method based on a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) has been used for multilevel metallization. Although a buffing step was adopted in this CMP process, numerous residual abrasives, capable of increasing the resistance of copper lines, still existed after the second CMP step. For this reason, more research has focused on identification of an effective cleaning solution. We investigated a new cleaning solution consisting of citric acid and 5-aminotetrazole (ATRA) as a complexing agent and corrosion inhibitor, respectively. The citric acid was added to achieve a lift-off effect by removing the underlying copper oxide layer, whereas the ATRA was adopted to prevent abrasive re-adsorption by forming a passivation layer on the copper surface. The cleaning solution consisting of 0.006 M citric acid and 0.006 M ATRA displayed a particle density of 0.07 #/μm2 in an immersion test, and no particles were observed on a 4 cm2 coupon wafer in a real process test at pH 12.