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Sepsis leads to multi-organ failure due to aggressive systemic inflammation, which is one of the main causes of death clinically. This study aimed to evaluate whether ginseng sprout extracts (GSE) can rescue sepsis and explore its underlying mechanisms. C57BL/6J male mice (n = 15/group) were pre-administered with GSE (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o) for 5 days, and a single injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 30 mg/kg, i.p) was administered to construct a sepsis model. Additionally, RAW264.7 cells were treated with LPS with/without GSE/its main components (Rd and Re) to explain the mechanisms corresponding to the animal-derived effects. LPS injection led to the death of all mice within 38 h, while GSE pretreatment delayed the time to death. GSE pretreatment also notably ameliorated LPS-induced systemic inflammation such as histological destruction in both the lung and liver, along with reductions in inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, in both tissues and serum. Additionally, GSE markedly diminished the drastic secretion of nitric oxide (NO) by suppressing the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) in both tissues. Similar changes in TNF-α, IL-1β, NO, iNOS, and COX2 were observed in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and protein expression data and nuclear translocation assays suggested GSE could modulate LPS-binding protein (LBP), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and NF-κB. Ginsenoside Rd could be a major active component in GSE that produces the anti-sepsis effects. Our data support that ginseng sprouts could be used as an herbal resource to reduce the risk of sepsis. The corresponding mechanisms may involve TLR4/NF-κB signaling and a potentially active component.

Increasing diversity in the biomedical research workforce is a critical national issue. Particularly concerning is the lack of representation at more advanced career stages/in leadership positions. While there are numerous institutional initiatives promoting professional research skills (i.e. grant writing, presenting, networking) for underrepresented (UR) PhD trainees, there are comparatively fewer opportunities for leadership development. We present a blueprint for Leadership in PhD (LeaP), a cohort-based program aiming to equip UR biomedical research trainees with skills to succeed as academic, industry, and community leaders. In contrast to intensive short-term programs or workshops, LeaP is a longitudinal 4-year experience with an emphasis on self-directed and experiential learning. First year trainees receive foundational didactic instruction on core leadership concepts coupled with facilitated peer discussions and one-on-one coaching support. We outline a program evaluation framework that assesses student learning, satisfaction, and program efficacy. Evaluation data from the inaugural year is presented and discussed.

BACKGROUND Arterial perforation has inevitably increased as endovascular treatments have become more common for intracranial large vessel occlusions, and even distal, medium vessel occlusions. A distal, medium vessel has a tortuous course and thinner wall compared to large arteries, making it more susceptible to damage. Here, we review the treatment strategies for arterial perforation during mechanical thrombectomy, and we report the case of a patient treated with gelfoam embolization. CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with sudden neurologic symptoms of right hemiparesis and global aphasia. The initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 15. Computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography revealed hyperacute infarction and emergent arterial occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery M2-3 portion. During endovascular mechanical thrombectomy, arterial rupture occurred. The patient’s vital signs were stable, but delayed angiography showed persistent active bleeding. Therefore, selective embolization of the injured artery was performed using gelfoam. Subsequent left vertebral and internal carotid angiography was performed to confirm hemostasis. A localized subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was confirmed on a follow-up CT scan. A repeated CT scan after 12 d showed resolution of the SAH, and rebleeding did not occur. CONCLUSION Rescue embolization with gelfoam could be considered an additional option in distal, medium vessel perforation.

Central fatigue, which is neuromuscular dysfunction associated with neurochemical alterations, is an important clinical issue related to pathologic fatigue. This study aimed to investigate the anti-central fatigue effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) and its underlying mechanism. Male BALB/c mice (8 weeks old) were subjected to periodic sleep deprivation (SD) for 6 cycles (forced wakefulness for 2 days + 1 normal day per cycle). Simultaneously, the mice were administered KRG (0, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) or ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg). After all cycles, the rotarod and grip strength tests were performed, and then the changes regarding stress- and neurotransmitter-related parameters in serum and brain tissue were evaluated. Six cycles of SD notably deteriorated exercise performance in both the rotarod and grip strength tests, while KRG administration significantly ameliorated these alterations. KRG also significantly attenuated the SD-induced depletion of serum corticosterone. The levels of main neurotransmitters related to the sleep/wake cycle were markedly altered (serotonin was overproduced while dopamine levels were decreased) by SD, and KRG significantly attenuated these alterations through relevant molecules including brain-derived neurotropic factor and serotonin transporter. This study demonstrated the anti-fatigue effects of KRG in an SD mouse model, indicating the clinical relevance of KRG.

The global prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to be 25% and has continued to increase, however, no drugs have yet been approved for NAFLD treatments. The ethyl acetate fraction of Amomum xanthioides (EFAX) was previously reported to have an anti-hepatic fibrosis effect, but its effects on steatosis or steatohepatitis remain unclear. This study investigated the anti-fatty liver of EFAX using a high-fat diet mouse model. High-fat diet intake for 8 weeks induced hepatic steatosis with mild inflammation and oxidative damage and increased the adipose tissue weight along with the development of dyslipidemia. EFAX treatment significantly ameliorated the steatohepatic changes, the increased weight of adipose tissues, and the altered serum lipid profiles. These observed effects were possibly due to the lipolysis-dominant activity of EFAX on multiple hepatic proteins including sterol regulatory element-binding protein (mSREBP)-1c, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-&alpha, AMP-activated protein kinase, and diglyceride acyltransferases (DGATs). Taken together, these results show that EFAX might be a potential therapeutic agent for regulating a wide spectrum of NAFLDs from steatosis to fibrosis via multiple actions on lipid metabolism-related proteins. Further studies investigating clear mechanisms and their active compounds are needed.

Objective To examine the relationships among various organizational values, employee engagement, and patient satisfaction in an academic medical center. Participants and Methods Organizational values and engagement data were retrieved from 2015 all-staff survey results from 1876 clinical units at Mayo Clinic. For patient satisfaction data, Press Ganey scores from visits from July 1, 2015, through January 1, 2016, were matched with data for 26 outpatient units from the all-staff survey. The study was performed from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2017. Results From the all-staff survey results, we identified seven constructs related to values and employee engagement, all of which showed high positive correlation with each other. We were able to determine a structural equation model for values and engagement that had an excellent fit (comparative fit index, 0.957). Empowering leadership was positively correlated with the largest number of patient satisfaction items, followed by employee engagement and psychological safety/trust. All items from the care provider category had positive correlations with empowering leadership and psychological safety/trust. Conclusion All the organizational values studied showed positive correlation with employee engagement, and all the organizational values and engagement were predictors of excellence and innovation either directly or indirectly. This affirms that honoring organizational values related to respect, psychological safety/trust, empowering leadership, and fairness has a positive influence on employee engagement and desire to pursue excellence. Organizational values, engagement, and empowering leadership behavior were positively correlated with many patient satisfaction items.

Compact endless cast and rolling mill (CEM) is an innovative process to manufacture a hot-rolled steel strip by combining casting and hot-rolling processes. However, the yield point phenomenon (YPP) of low carbon steel strip-processed by CEM induces a negative effect in the steel product and an additional post-process is required to remove the YPP. In this study, the influence of the dislocation density and the grain interior solute atoms on the yield point elongation (YPE) of low carbon steels were quantitatively investigated using 3-dimensional atom probe tomography analysis and X-ray convolutional multiple whole profile fitting. The YPE of low carbon steel is suppressed as the dislocation density increases and carbon atom content decreases. Because the dislocation density of low carbon steel by the CEM process is increased by lowering the processing temperature, the yielding behavior of the CEM products can be eliminated without any additional post-processing. The quantitative study on the carbon/dislocation density and YPP of low carbon steel not only represents the theoretical basis of the role of carbon-dislocation interaction on YPP but also provides an effective solution to optimize the CEM process for superior products.

Microglial hyperactivation and neuroinflammation are known to induce neuronal death, which is one of the main causes of neurodegenerative disorders. We previously found that Aquilariae Lignum extract attenuated both neuronal excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation in vivo and in vitro. For further analysis, we extracted the methylene chloride fraction of Aquilariae Lignum to determine the bioactive compounds. In this study, we investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms of the Aquilariae Lignum fraction (ALF) using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. BV2 cells were pretreated with ALF (0.5, 1, and 2.5 &mu, g/mL) before treatment with LPS (1 &mu, g/mL). Pretreatment with ALF significantly attenuated the LPS-induced overproductions of nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and interleukin (IL)-1&beta, These anti-inflammatory effects were supported by ALF-mediated modulation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-&kappa, B) pathway. Furthermore, ALF exerted strong anti-inflammasome effects, as shown by IL-1&beta, specific inhibitory activity, but not activity against tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-&alpha, along with inhibition of caspase-1 activity and NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3)-related molecules. These results indicate the potent anti-neuroinflammatory activity of ALF and that its underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome-derived neuroinflammation in microglial cells.

Rationale: Schwannomas involving the thyroid gland are very rare and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. However, previous reports did not distinguish between thyroid bed schwannomas and intrathyroidal schwannomas. Here, we report a thyroid bed schwannoma mimicking a malignant thyroid nodule and review the literature on thyroid bed schwannomas. Patient concerns: A 33-year-old woman presented at our hospital with mild neck swelling. Diagnosis: Thyroid ultrasound revealed a well-defined, oval-shaped, markedly hypoechoic solid nodule with echogenic foci suggesting macro- and microcalcifications in the left thyroid gland. The lesion was considered a “highly suspicious” intrathyroidal nodule, based on the guidelines for the assessment of thyroid nodules. Fine needle aspiration was performed twice, but the cytological results were nondiagnostic. Interventions: Left thyroidectomy was performed, and schwannoma of the thyroid bed was confirmed on histopathologic analysis. Outcomes: The patient was in a stable condition after surgery, and the thyroid function test results were within the normal range. Lessons: Diagnosis of a schwannoma of the thyroid bed is challenging because its incidence is extremely low, and it is often misdiagnosed as an intrathyroidal nodule on ultrasonography. Therefore, it is advisable to adopt a diagnostic strategy to perform additional core needle biopsy in cases of thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic fine needle aspiration results and to consider the location of the lesion more carefully to determine the suitable therapy.

배경 및 목적: 본 연구는 알츠하이머성 치매환자(dementia of the Alzheimer's type, DAT)를 대상으로 컴퓨터프로그램을 활용한 지남력과 명사 이름대기 중재를 통해 지남력 및 명사 이름대기와 이해 과제에서 수행력의 차이가 있는지 살펴보았다. 방법: 중등-중증도 DAT 환자 7명이 본 연구에 참여하였으며, 이 중 6명이 결과...

The multiplex PCR system including six microsatellites from Haliotis discus hannai , consisting of dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeat units, is developed. The six loci were coamplified in a single reaction employing dye-labeled primers. Alleles from these loci were sized using an internal standard by automated sample processing in an ABI3100 Genetic Analyser. Amplified alleles in profiles containing selected microsatellites were typed clearly, providing easily interpretable results. In this results suggest that the presented multiplex PCR system may be a useful tool in a selective breeding program of H. discus hannai in which genetic identification will allow different genotypes to be reared together from fertilization. This should have a great impact as it will make selective breeding more efficient. Moreover, it will be useful in a variety of applications, including strain and hybrid identification, parentage assignment, pedigree reconstruction, estimating genetic diversity and/or inbreeding.Keywords: Abalone, Selective breeding, Microsatellite DNA marker, Multiplex PCR

Induced Gas Flotation (IGF) vessel is used for water treatment of plant industries such as oil sand and chemical plants. An understanding of the interaction between the stator and rotor is essential for the design of IGF with consideration of geometric blade configuration is essential for the design of IGF. In this study, the effect of the number of stator blades on flotation performance was numerically investigated using the commercial code, ANSYS CFX ver. 16.1. The two-phase (water and air) flow characteristics in the forced-air mechanically stirred Dorr-Oliver flotation cell were considered. The flotation performance was evaluated on the basis of the correlations among the number of stator blades (8, 12, 16, 20, 24), power number and void fraction. By comparing the result of each case, the newly designed model with 12 stator blades which had the highest flotation performance was derived.Copyright © 2016 by ASME

The concept of multiscale architectured materials is established using composition and grain size gradients. Composition-gradient nanostructured materials are produced from coarse grained interstitial free steels via carburization and high-pressure torsion. Quantitative analyses of the dislocation density using X-ray diffraction and microstructural studies clearly demonstrate the gradients of the dislocation density and grain size. The mechanical properties of the gradient materials are compared with homogeneous nanostructured carbon steel without a composition gradient in an effort to investigate the gradient effect. Based on the above observations, the potential of multiscale architecturing to open a new material property is discussed.

Ethnopharmacological relevance : Lonicera japonica Thunb and Anemarrhena asphodeloides BUNGE have been used for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases, cold and infective diseases in many countries, including Korea and China. Aim of the study : This study aimed to assess the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of n-butanol fraction (WIN-34B) prepared from dried flowers of Lonicera japonica and dried roots of Anemarrhena asphodeloides as potential novel treatment of osteoarthritis. Materials and methods : Anti-nociceptive activities of WIN-34B (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) were measured using acetic acid-induced writhing response, formalin-induced paw licking, hot plate, radiant heat tail-flick, carrageenan-induced paw pressure, and Hargreaves tests, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activities of WIN-34B (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) were assessed using acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and croton oil-induced ear edema. Anti-osteoarthritis effect of WIN-34B was analyzed using monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis animal model. Results : WIN-34B exhibited better anti-inflammatory activity than that of celecoxib in carrageenan at the dose of 200 mg/kg and croton oil-induced paw edema and ear edema at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. WIN-34B exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects on vascular permeability. WIN-34B also exhibited significant anti-nociceptive activities in the late phase of formalin-induced paw licking and writhing response model in mice. In radiant heat tail-flick and carrageenan-induced paw pressure tests, WIN-34B at the dose of 400 mg/kg and at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg presented similar activities to indomethacin and celecoxib. Compared to indomethacin WIN-34B at 400 mg/kg showed similar or better anti-nociceptive activities after 1 and 2 h of theraphy in the hot plate test and better anti-nociceptive activity than that of celecoxib in Hargreves test. In the MIA-induced osteoarthritis animal models, WIN-34B at 400 mg/kg exhibited similar or better anti-nociceptive property than that of celecoxib throughout the pain measurement periods. Conclusion : When compared to celecoxib, WIN-34B exhibited similar or better anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in osteoarthritic animal models, which may become a potential novel treatment for osteoarthritis.

Inhibition of acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), which is a key enzyme in triglyceride synthesis in eukaryotic organisms, has been proposed as one of the drug targets for treating obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. Bioassay-guided fractionation of EtOH extract of the flower buds of Tussilago farfara , using an in vitro DGAT enzyme assay, resulted in the isolation of four known sesquiterpenoids, tussilagonone (1), tussilagone (2), 7beta-(3-ethyl-cis-crotonoyloxy)-1alpha-(2-methylbutyryloxy)-3,14-dehydro-Z-notonipetranone (3), and 8-angeloylxy-3,4-epoxy-bisabola-7(14),10-dien-2-one (4). DGAT1 inhibitory activity was studied by in vitro DGAT assay using rat liver microsomes and HepG2 cell microsomes. They showed DGAT1 inhibition with IC(50) values of 99.2 (1), 18.8 (2), 47.0 (3), and 211.1 (4) microM (for rat liver microsomes) and >1 mM (1), 49.1 (2), 160.7 (3), and 294.4 (4) microM (for HepG2 cell microsomes), respectively. Compound 2 showed the most potent inhibition against microsomal DGAT1 derived from rat liver and human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and also significantly inhibited triglyceride synthesis by suppressing incorporation of [(14)C]acetate or [(14)C]glycerol into triglycerides in HepG2 cells. These findings suggest that tussilagone is a potential lead compound in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) esterifies free cholesterol in the liver and the intestine. It has relations with production of lipoproteins and accumulation of cholesteryl esters of the atheroma. Therefore, ACAT inhibitors may act as antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic agents. One isoprenyl flavonoid was isolated from ethanol extract of licorice roots. On the basis of spectral evidences, the compound was identified as glabrol (1). Compound 1 inhibited rat liver microsomal ACAT activity with an IC(50) value of 24.6 microM and decreased cholesteryl ester formation with an IC(50) value of 26.0 microM in HepG2 cells. In addition, 1 showed a non-competitive type of inhibition against ACAT.

In this study, via a bioactivity-guided fractionation of MeOH extracts of the fruits of Piper nigrum, alkamide (5) and five previously-identified alkamides were isolated. Their structures were elucidated via spectroscopic analysis ((1)H, (13)C NMR and ESI-MS), as follows: retrofractamide A (1), pipercide (2), piperchabamide D (3), pellitorin (4), dehydroretrofractamide C (5) and dehydropipernonaline (6). The IC(50) values determined for the compounds were 24.5 (1), 3.7 (2), 13.5 (3), 40.5 (4), 60 (5) and 90 microM (6), according to the results of an ACAT enzyme assay system using rat liver microsomes. These compounds all inhibited cholesterol esterification in HepG2 cells.

Pharmacological inhibition of acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT, EC 2.3.1.20) has emerged as a potential therapy for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Bioassay-guided isolation of CHCl3 extracts of the fruits of Piper longum and Piper nigum (Piperaceae), using an in vitro DGAT inhibitory assay, lead to isolation of a new alkamide named (2E,4Z,8E)-N-[9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,4,8-nonatrienoyl]piperidine (2), together with four known alkamides: retrofractamide C (1), pipernonaline (3), piperrolein B (4), and dehydropipernonaline (5). Compounds 2-5 inhibited DGAT with IC50 values of 29.8 (2), 37.2 (3), 20.1 (4), and 21.2 (5) microM, respectively, but the IC50 value for 1 was more than 900 microM. This finding indicates that compounds possessing piperidine groups (2-5) can be potential DGAT inhibitors.