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A novel Gram-negative, obligate anaerobe, non-motile, flagella-lacking, catalase- and oxidase-negative, coccobacilli-shaped bacterial strain designated AGMB02718 T was isolated from swine feces. The 16S rRNA gene analysis indicated that strain AGMB02718 T belonged to the genus Mesosutterella with the highest similarity to M. multiformis 4NBBH2 T (= DSM 106860 T ) (sequence similarity of 96.2%), forming a distinct phylogenetic lineage. Its growth occurred at 25-45°C (optimal 37°C) and in 0.5-1% NaCl (optimal 0.5%). Strain AGMB02718 T was asaccharolytic and contained menaquinone 6 (MK-6) and methylmenaquinone 6 (MMK-6) as the predominant respiratory quinones. The major cellular fatty acids in the isolate were C 18:1 ω 9 c and C 16:0 . Based on the whole-genome sequencing analysis, strain AGMB02718 T had a 2,606,253 bp circular chromosome with a G + C content of 62.2%. The average nucleotide identity value between strain AGMB02718 T and M. multiformis 4NBBH2 T was 72.1%, while the digital DNA-DNA hybridization value was 20.9%. Interestingly, genome analysis suggested that strain AGMB02718 T possessed a low-toxicity lipopolysaccharide (LPS) because the genome of the isolate does not include lpxJ and lpxM genes for Kdo 2 -Lipid A (KLA) assembly, which confers high toxicity to LPS. Moreover, in vitro macrophage stimulation assay confirmed that AGMB02718 T produced LPS with low toxicity. Because the low-toxicity LPS produced by the Sutterellaceae family is involved in regulating host immunity and low-toxicity LPS-producing strains can help maintain host immune homeostasis, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of strain AGMB02718 T against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As a result, strain AGMB02718 T was able to prevent the inflammatory response in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Therefore, this strain represents a novel species of Mesosutterella that has a protective effect against DSS-induced colitis, and the proposed name is Mesosutterella faecium sp. nov. The type strain is AGMB02718 T (=GDMCC 1.2717 T  = KCTC 25541 T )., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Yu, Oh, Ryu, Bak, Heo, Moon, Jeong and Lee.) more...

Obesity is a global health threat that causes various complications such as type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Gut microbiota is closely related to obesity. In particular, a higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio has been reported as a biomarker of obesity, suggesting that the phylum Bacteroidetes may play a role in inhibiting obesity. Indeed, the genus Bacteroides was enriched in the healthy subjects based on metagenome analysis. In this study, we determined the effects of Bacteroides stercoris KGMB02265, a species belonging to the phylum Bacteroidetes, on obesity both in vitro and in vivo. The cell-free supernatant of B. stercoris KGMB02265 inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, in which the expression of adipogenic marker genes was repressed. In vivo study showed that the oral administration of B. stercoris KGMB02265 substantially reduced body weight and fat weight in high-fat diet induced obesity in mice. Furthermore, obese mice orally administered with B. stercoris KGMB02265 restored glucose sensitivity and reduced leptin and triglyceride levels. Taken together, our study reveals that B. stercoris KGMB02265 has anti-obesity activity and suggests that it may be a promising candidate for treating obesity., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.) more...

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has expanded noncontact health care systems worldwide. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technology that enables treatment monitoring under remote supervision. We investigated the factors affecting patients' decision to participate in telerehabilitation (TR) using tDCS for motor function recovery after suffering a stroke. Materials and Methods: Four medical institutions surveyed 156 patients with poststroke paralysis. The participants were asked whether they would participate in TR therapy using tDCS in the future. We performed logistic regression analysis to examine the factors-demographic data, stroke characteristics, arm function, gait, and cognitive function-that influenced participants' decisions. Results: Of the participants, 66% (103/156) reported that they would participate in TR using tDCS in the future. Participants' monthly salary was a single significant independent factor influencing their decision to participate. Those earning greater than 5 million KRW (4,000 USD) were more likely to engage in TR via tDCS than those earning less than 1 million KRW (800 USD). The most common barriers to participation in telemedicine included the preference for face-to-face treatment and unfamiliarity. The expected medical expenses of TR using tDCS were 46,154 KRW (37 USD) per session. Conclusions: Most participants with poststroke paralysis responded positively to TR using tDCS for hand function recovery. For telemedicine to work effectively in a situation wherein face-to-face rehabilitation is impossible, prior discussion at the governmental level is essential for determining medical finances. more...

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated AGMB00827 T , was isolated from swine faeces. Strain AGMB00827 T was obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped bacterium. Comparative analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequence revealed that strain AGMB00827 T was affiliated to the genus Collinsella, and was most closely related to Collinsella vaginalis Marseille-P2666 T (= KCTC 25056 T ). Biochemical analysis showed strain AGMB00827 T was negative for catalase and oxidase. Interestingly, strain AGMB00827 T possessed urease activity, which was determined by traditional methods (API test and Christensen's urea medium), unlike related strains. Furthermore, the major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of the isolate were C 18:1 ω9c, C 16:0 , C 16:0 DMA and C 18:2 ω9,12c DMA. Based on the whole genome sequence analysis, the DNA G + C content of strain AGMB00827 T was 52.3%, and the genome size and numbers of rRNA and tRNA genes were 1,945,251 bp, 3 and 46, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain AGMB00827 T and C. vaginalis KCTC 25056  T were 71.0 and 23.2%, respectively. Additionally, the genome analysis revealed that strain AGMB00827 T possesses urease gene cluster including ureABC and ureDEFG while the related strains do not have those genes, which is consistent with the urease activity. On the basis of polyphasic taxonomic approach, strain AGMB00827 T represents a novel species within the genus Collinsella, for which the name Collinsella urealyticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AGMB00827 T (= KCTC 25287 T  = GDMCC 1.2724 T )., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.) more...

A Gram-negative, obligate anaerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strain designated AGMB00274 T was isolated from swine faeces. An 16S rRNA gene analysis indicated that strain AGMB00274 T belonged to the genus Parabacteroides, with the highest similarity to Parabacteroides johnsonii (P. johnsonii) DSM 18315 T (sequence similarity of 94.9%). The genome size of strain AGMB00274 T was 4,308,683 bp, with a DNA G+C content of 42.5 mol%. The biochemical analysis of strain AGMB00274 T showed that it was positive for gelatin hydrolysis and α-fucosidase, but negative for the acid production from D-glucose, D-mannitol, D-maltose, salicin, glycerol, D-cellobiose, D-mannose, D-melezitose, D-sorbitol, D-trehalose, and negative for α-arabinosidase, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and pyroglutamic acid arylamidase. The dominant cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of the isolate were anteiso-C 15: 0 (23.2%), iso-C 15: 0 (16.6%), C 18: 1 ω9c (16.4%), summed feature 11 (iso-C 17: 0 3-OH and/or C 18: 2 DMA) (12.5%), and C 16: 0 (11.3%). The major respiratory quinones of strain AGMB00274 T were MK-9 (55.4%) and MK-10 (44.6%). The major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. Based on phylogenetic, genetic, physiological, and chemotaxonomic analyses, as a novel species of the genus Parabacteroides, strain AGMB00274 T was proposed with the name Parabacteroides faecalis sp. nov. The type strain used was AGMB00274 T (= KCTC 25286 T  = GDMCC 1.2742 T )., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.) more...

The gut microbiota (GM) is associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) development. However, studies demonstrating the role of GM in CRC are limited to metagenomic analyses. These studies lack direct evidence proving that the candidate strains are involved in CRC, and isolated probiotics for bacteriotherapy. Therefore, to identify novel GM with anti-CRC activity, we previously isolated gut bacteria from the feces of healthy individuals, screened the isolated GM's anti-CRC activity, and discovered that cell-free supernatants of GM isolates demonstrated antiproliferative activity against CRC cells. Here, our study identified one of them as Eubacterium callanderi and chose it for further study because the genus Eubacterium has been suggested to contribute to various aspects of gut health; however, the functions are unknown. First, we confirmed that E. callanderi cell-free supernatant (EcCFS) exerted antiproliferative activity-by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest-that was dose-dependent and specific to cancer cell lines. Next, we discovered that EcCFS active molecules were heat stable and protease insensitive. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that EcCFS contained high butyrate concentrations possessing anticancer activity. Additionally, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the aqueous phase of ethyl acetate-extracted EcCFS and an antiproliferation assay of the aqueous phase and 4-aminobutanoic acid (GABA) suggested that GABA is a possible anti-CRC agent. Finally, in the CT26 allograft mouse model, E. callanderi oral administration and EcCFS peri-tumoral injection inhibited tumor growth in vivo . Therefore, our study reveals that E. callanderi has an anti-CRC effect and suggests that it may be a potential candidate for developing probiotics to control CRC. IMPORTANCE The gut microbiota has been reported to be involved in colorectal cancer, as suggested by metagenomic analysis. However, metagenomic analysis has limitations, such as bias in the analysis and the absence of bacterial resources for follow-up studies. Therefore, we attempted to discover gut microorganisms that are related to colorectal cancer using the culturomics method. In this study, we discovered that Eubacterium callanderi possesses anti-colorectal cancer activity in vitro and in vivo , suggesting that E. callanderi could be used in bacteriotherapy for colorectal cancer treatment. more...

An obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped strain AGMB00832 T was isolated from swine faeces. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene, together with the housekeeping genes, gyrB and rpoD, revealed that strain AGMB00832 T belonged to the genus Faecalicatena and was most closely related to Faecalicatena orotica KCTC 15331 T . In biochemical analysis, strain AGMB00832 T was shown to be negative for catalase, oxidase and urease. Furthermore, the isolate was positive for β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, glutamic acid decarboxylase, proline arylamidase, acid phosphatase and naphthol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of the isolate were C 14:0 , C 16:0 and C 18:1 ω11t DMA. Based on the whole genome sequence analysis, the DNA G + C content of strain AGMB00832 T was 44.2 mol%, and the genome size and numbers of rRNA and tRNA genes were 5,175,159 bp, 11 and 53, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain AGMB00832 T and related strains were ≤ 77.4 and 22.5%, respectively. Furthermore, the genome analysis revealed the presence of genes for alkaline shock protein 23 and cation/proton antiporters, which may facilitate growth of strain AGMB00832 T in alkaline culture condition. On the basis of polyphasic taxonomic approach, strain AGMB00832 T represents a novel species within the genus Faecalicatena, for which the name Faecalicatena faecalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AGMB00832 T (= KCTC 15946 T  = NBRC 114613 T )., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.) more...

The gut microbiota (GM) has been shown to be closely associated with the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the involvement of GM is CRC has mainly been demonstrated by metagenomic profiling studies showing the compositional difference between the GM of healthy individuals and that of CRC patients and not by directly studying isolated gut microbes. Thus, to discover novel gut microbes involved in CRC, we isolated the GM from the feces of healthy individuals and evaluated its anti-CRC activity in vitro and in vivo . After GM isolation, cell-free supernatants (CFSs) were prepared from the isolated gut microorganisms to efficiently screen a large amount of the GM for anti-proliferative ability in vitro . Our results showed that the CFSs of 21 GM isolates had anti-proliferative activity against human colon cancer HCT 116 cells. Of these 21 GM isolates, GM07 was chosen for additional study because it had the highest anti-cancer activity against mouse colon cancer CT 26 cells in vitro and was further evaluated in a CT 26 allograft mouse model in vivo . GM07 was identified as Odoribacter splanchnicus through phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Further investigation determined that the CFS of O. splanchnicus (OsCFS) induced anti-proliferative activity via apoptosis, but not cell cycle arrest. Moreover, GC/MS analysis suggested that the putative active molecule in OsCFS is malic acid. Finally, in the CRC mouse model, peri-tumoral injection of OsCFS significantly decreased CRC formation, compared to the control group. Altogether, these findings will provide valuable information for the discovery of potential probiotic candidates that inhibit CRC., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Oh, Choi, Kim, Ryu, Yu, Lee, Park, Kang, Lee, Jung, Kim, Jeong and Lee.) more...

A novel actinobacterial strain, Gram-positive, anaerobic, non-motile, and rod-shaped, designated KGMB02528 T , was isolated from healthy human feces. Cells of strain KGMB02528 T grew optimally at pH 7.0 and 37 °C and in the presence of 0% (w/v) NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain KGMB04489 T belonged to the genus Collinsella and was most closely related to Collinsella aerofaciens DSM 17552 T (95.8%). The DNA G + C content was 58.0 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) were C 16:0 DMA, C 16:0 ALDE, C 14:0 DMA, and C 12:0 . The predominant end product of fermentation was acetic acid. The cell wall peptidoglycan of strain KGMB02528 T contained alanine, glutamic acid, and lysine, while diaminopimelic acid was not detected. The polar lipids were composed of two unidentified phospholipids and unidentified nine glycolipids. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic properties, strain KGMB02528 T represents a novel species of the genus Collinsella, for which the name Collinsella acetigenes sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Collinsella acetigenes KGMB02528 T (= KCTC 15847 T  = CCUG 73987 T ). The description of the genus Collinsella is emended to accommodate the new species.The GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of Collinsella acetigenes KGMB02528 T is MT117838. The whole-genome shotgun BioProject number is PRJNA623694 with the accession number JABBCP000000000., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.) more...

In the current study, the underlying anti-metastatic mechanism of melatonin contained in some edible plants was explored in association with transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) mediated metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling in human HCT15 and SW620 colorectal cancer cells. Here, TMPRSS4 was highly expressed in HCT15, but was weakly expressed in SW620 cells. Melatonin exerted weak cytotoxicity, decreased invasion, adhesion, and migration, and attenuated the expression of TMPRSS4, cyclin E, pro-urokinase-type plasminogen activator (pro-uPA), p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), p-focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK), Snail and increased the expression of E-cadherin, p27, pp38 and p-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK) in HCT15 cells. Conversely, overexpression of TMPRSS4 reduced the ability of melatonin to activate E-cadherin and reduce Snail. Furthermore, even in SW620 cells transfected with TMPRSS4-overexpression plasmid, melatonin effectively suppressed invasion and migration along with decreased expression of Snail, cyclin A, cyclin E, pro-uPA and p-FAK and increased expression of E-cadherin and p27. Overall, these findings provide evidence that melatonin suppresses metastasis in colon cancer cells via inhibition of TMPRSS4 mediated EMT., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.) more...

An obligate anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-spore forming, non-motile, catalase and oxidase-negative, coccoid-shaped bacterium designated AGMB00486 T was isolated from swine faeces. The optimal growth of the isolate occurred at pH 8.0 and 37 ℃. Furthermore, the growth was observed in the presence of up to 4% (w/v) NaCl but not at salinity levels higher than 5%. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain AGMB00486 T was a member of the genus Anaerococcus and that the isolate was most closely related to Anaerococcus vaginalis KCTC 15028 T (96.7% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) followed by Anaerococcus hydrogenalis KCTC 15014 T (96.7%) and Anaerococcus senegalensis KCTC 15435 T (96.3%). Whole-genome sequence analysis determined that the DNA G+C content of strain AGMB00486 T was 30.1 mol%, and the genome size, numbers of tRNA and rRNA genes were 2,268,866 bp, 47 and 8, respectively. The average nucleotide identity values between strain AGMB00486 T and the three related type strains were 77.0, 77.4 and 77.2%, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of strain AGMB00486 T were C 14:0 , C 16:0 and C 16:0 DMA. Accordingly, these distinct phenotypic and phylogenetic properties revealed that strain AGMB00486 T represents a novel species, for which the name Anaerococcus faecalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AGMB00486 T (= KCTC 15945 T  = CCTCC AB 202009 T ). more...

An obligately anaerobic, Gram-positive, non-motile, coccus-shaped bacterial strain designated AGMB00490 T was isolated from swine faeces. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolate belongs to the genus Peptoniphilus and that the most closely related species is Peptoniphilus gorbachii WAL 10418 T (=KCTC 5947 T , 97.22 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Whole genome sequence analysis determined that the DNA G+C content of strain AGMB00490 T was 31.2 mol% and moreover that the genome size and numbers of tRNA and rRNA genes were 2 129 517 bp, 34 and 10, respectively. Strain AGMB00490 T was negative for oxidase and urease; positive for catalase, indole production, arginine arylamidase, leucine arylamidase, tyrosine arylamidase and histidine arylamidase; and weakly positive for phenylalanine arylamidase and glycine arylamidase. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) of the isolate were determined to be C 16 : 0 and C 18 : 1  ω9 c . Strain AGMB00490 T produced acetic acid as a major end product of metabolism. Accordingly, phylogenetic, physiologic and chemotaxonomic analyses revealed that strain AGMB00490 T represents a novel species for which the name Peptoniphilus faecalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AGMB00490 T (=KCTC 15944 T =NBRC 114159 T ). more...

An obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile and coccoid- or oval-shaped bacterium, designated strain KGMB01111 T , was isolated from faeces from a healthy Korean. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that KGMB01111 T was closely related to Ruminococcus gauveauii CCRI-16110 T (93.9 %) and Blautia stercoris GAM6-1 T (93.7 %), followed by Clostridium nexile DSM 1787 T (93.5 %), Blautia producta ATCC 27340 T (93.4 %), Blautia hydrogenotrophica DSM 10507 T (93.1 %) and Blautia coccoides ATCC 29236 T (93.1 %) within the family Lachnospiraceae ( Clostridium rRNA cluster XIVa). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that KGMB01111 T formed a separate branch with species in the genus Blautia . The major cellular fatty acids (>10.0 %) were C 16 : 0 and C 18 : 1 cis 9 dimethyl acetal (DMA), and the major polar lipids were aminophospholipids and lipids. KGMB01111 T contained meso- diaminopimelic acid in cell-wall peptidoglycan. The predominant end product of fermentation produced by KGMB01111 T was acetic acid. Based on the whole-genome sequence, the DNA G+C content of the isolate was 44.7 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics, KGMB01111 T represents a novel species within the genus Blautia for which the name Blautia faecicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KGMB01111 T (=KCTC 15706 T =DSM 107827 T ). more...

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated KGMB04484 T , was isolated from healthy human faeces sampled in the Republic of Korea. Cells of strain KGMB04484 T</superscript> were strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, non-motile coccobacilli and formed tiny colonies on Columbia agar with 5 % horse blood. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain KGMB04484 T was affiliated with the genus Senegalimassilia in the family Coriobacteriaceae and its closest relative was Senegalimassilia anaerobia JC110 T (96.28 % sequence similarity). The DNA G+C content of strain KGMB04484 T was 61.2 mol%. The polar lipids contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified glycolipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %) of strain KGMB04484 T were C 14 : 0 , C 16 : 0 and C 16 : 0 dimethyl acetal. Based on its phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain KGMB04484 T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Senegalimassilia , for which the name Senegalimassilia faecalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KGMB04484 T (=KCTC 15721 T =CCUG 72347 T ). more...

An obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, and coccobacilli-shaped bacterial strain, designated KGMB03119 T , was isolated from human faeces from a Korean. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the isolate was a member of the genus Sutterella and most closely related to Sutterlla wadsworthensis KCTC 15691 T (96.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The DNA G + C content of strain KGMB03119 T was 58.3 mol% as determined from its whole genome sequence. Strain KGMB03119 T was asaccharolytic, catalase-positive, oxidase- and urease-negative. Furthermore, the isolate was positive for alkaline phosphatase, leucine arylamidase, acid phosphatase, arginine arylamidase, alanine arylamidase, and glycine arylamidase. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of the isolate were C 18:1 ω9c and C 16:0 . Methylmenaquinone-5 (MMK-5, 100%) was the predominant isoprenoid quinone in the isolate. Based on the phylogenetic, physiological, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain KGMB03119 T represents a novel species, for which the name Sutterella faecalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KGMB03119 T (= KCTC 15823 T = NBRC 114254 T ). more...

A strictly anaerobic bacterium, designated as strain KGMB-03357 T , was isolated from the faeces of a healthy Korean selected by Bundang Seoul National University based on health status. Cells of strain KGMB03357 T are Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, and observed as straight or curved rods. The isolate grew at 10-45°C (optimum temperature of 40°C) and a pH range of 5.1-10.5 (optimum pH of 6.8). Analysis of phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KGMB03357 T forms a lineage within the genus Anaerotignum, and is most closely related to Anaerotignum lactatifermentans G17 T (= KCTC 15066 T , 96.1%), Anaerotignum propionicum DSM 1682T (= KCTC 5582 T , 94.9%), Anaerotignum neopropionicum DSM 03847 T (= KCTC 15564T, 94.9%), and Anaerotignum aminivorans SH021 T (= KCTC 15705T, 94.8%). The ANI values between strain KGMB 03357T and members of the genus Anaerotignum were 73.3-71.0%, which are below the ANI criterion for interspecies identity. The DNA G + C content based on the whole-genome sequence is 47.3 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids of strain KGMB03357 T are C 16:0 , C 18:0 , C 18∶1 cis 9, and anteiso-C 15∶0 . Strain KGMB03357T contains meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic amino acid in the cell wall peptidoglycan. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genomic properties, strain KGMB 03357 T represents a novel species of the genus Anaerotignum, for which the name Anaerotignum faecicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KGMB03357 T (= KCTC 15736T = DSM 107953 T ). more...

A novel Gram-stain-negative and strictly anaerobic bacterial strain, designated KGMB02408 T , was isolated from faeces of a healthy human in the Republic of Korea. The isolate was characterized as non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped (variable in length). The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KGMB02408 T belonged to the genus Bacteroides and was most closely related to Bacteroides faecichinchillae JCM 17102 T (=KCTC 15666 T ; 96.5 %). Based on its whole-genome sequence, the DNA G+C content of the isolate was 39.5 mol%. The average nucleotide identity value between strain KGMB02408 T and related species, B. faecichinchillae JCM 17102 T , was 93.8 %. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) of the isolate were anteiso-C 15 : 0 , iso-C 17 : 0 -OH, summed feature 11 (iso-C 17 : 0 -OH and/or C 18 : 2 DMA) and C 16 : 0 . Menaquinone-8 (28.6 %) and menaquinone-10 (47.1 %) were detected as the major respiratory quinones in the isolate. The major end products of glucose fermentation produced by strain KGMB02408 T were lactic acid, acetic acid and formic acid. Based on its phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain KGMB02408 T represents a novel species of the genus Bacteroides in the family Bacteroidaceae . The type strain is KGMB02408 T (=KCTC 15687 T =DSM 107828 T ). more...

Finasteride is commonly used for treatment of alopecia. Because finasteride is a cause of gynecomastia, there is concern regarding the continuation of finasteride therapy after mastectomy. No studies have been performed to determine whether finasteride should be continued after mastectomy when gynecomastia occurs in patients taking finasteride for the treatment of alopecia. The researchers studied the effects of finasteride on gynecomastia recurrence after mastectomy in men with gynecomastia taking finasteride for alopecia. The researchers retrospectively evaluated 1,673 patients with gynecomastia who underwent subcutaneous mastectomy with liposuction at Damsoyu Hospital from January 2014 to December 2016. In total, 52 of the patients were taking finasteride for alopecia before surgery and continued to use it in the same manner after mastectomy. Ultrasonography was performed 1 year after mastectomy. The patients' median age was 26.5 (24.75-30) years. All 52 patients had bilateral gynecomastia. The median duration of finasteride therapy before and after surgery was 12 (5-25.75) and 33 (27.5-40.5) months, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with and without the use of finasteride in relation to postoperative complications and recurrence rates. Taking finasteride seems to have little effect on recurrence in patients with alopecia who have undergone surgical treatment of gynecomastia. Surgeons may recommend continuous finasteride therapy in patients with alopecia who wish to take finasteride after mastectomy. more...

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated KGMB04489 T , was isolated from the faeces of a healthy Korean. Cells of the strain were strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive and short-rod-shaped. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain KGMB04489 T belonged to the genus Olsenella and was most closely related to Olsenella scatoligenes SK9K4 T (94.3 %), Olsenella uli ATCC 49627 T (93.5 %), Olsenella umbonata lac31 T (93.4 %) and Olsenella profusa D315A-29 T (93.3 %). The major end product was lactic acid. The DNA G+C content was 65.5 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids of strain KGMB04489 T were C18 : 1cis9, C18 : 1cis9 DMA and C16 : 0. Strain KGMB04489 T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid in the peptidoglycan. The polar lipids consisted of an unidentified phospholipid, six unidentified glycolipids and an unidentified lipid. Based on phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain KGMB04489 T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Olsenella, for which the name Olsenellafaecalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KGMB04489 T (=KCTC 15699 T =CCUG 72345 T ). more...

A Gram-stain-positive, obligately anaerobic, non-motile, nonspore-forming, and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated KGMB01110T, was isolated from a faecal sample of a healthy male in South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene showed that strain KGMB01110 T belonged to Clostridium cluster XIVa and was most closely related to Mediterraneibacter glycyrrhizinilyticus KCTC 5760T (95.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The DNA G + C content of strain KGMB01110 T based on its whole genome sequence was 44.1 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of the isolate were C 14:0 and C 16:0 . The strain KGMB01110T was positive for arginine dihydrolase, β-galactosidase-6-phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase. The strain KGMB01110 T also produced acid from D-glucose and D-rhamnose, and hydrolyzed gelatin and aesculin. Furthermore, HPLC analysis and UV-tests of culture supernatant revealed that the strain KGMB01110 T produced butyrate as the major end product of glucose fermentation. Based on the phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, strain KGMB01110 T represent a novel species of the genus Mediterraneibacter in the family Lachnospiraceae. The type strain is KGMB01110 T (= KCTC 15684 T = CCUG 72830 T ). more...

Objectives: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of once-weekly low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) on underactive bladder (UAB) in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model., Materials and Methods: In all, 36 female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: normal control (NC), diabetes mellitus control (DMC), and DM with Li-ESWT (DM Li-ESWT). The two DM groups received an intraperitoneal 60 mg/kg STZ injection to induce DM. The Li-ESWT was applied toward the pelvis of the rats starting 4 weeks after STZ administration and lasting for 4 weeks. The Li-ESWT was given once weekly, with an energy flux density of 0.02 mJ/mm 2 at 3 Hz for 400 pulses. All rats underwent conscious cystometry, leak-point pressure (LPP) assessment, ex vivo organ-bath study, histology, immunofluorescence, and Western Blot analysis., Results: Conscious cystometry revealed voiding dysfunction in the DMC group, whereas the DM Li-ESWT group showed significantly improved voiding function, reflected in a reduced post-void residual urine volume and increased LPP compared to the DMC group. Ex vivo organ-bath studies showed that Li-ESWT enhanced muscle contractile activity of the bladder and urethra during electrical-field stimulation and drug stimulation. Histologically, Li-ESWT significantly restored bladder morphology, reflected by a reduction in the intravesical lumen area and increased muscle proportion of the bladder wall. Western Blot analysis showed higher smooth muscle actin expression in the bladder wall in the DM Li-ESWT group compared to the DMC group. Immunofluorescence showed decreased nerve-ending distribution, and destroyed and shortened nerve fibres in the DMC group, and recovery of neuronal integrity and innervation in the DM Li-ESWT group., Conclusions: In conclusion, Li-ESWT ameliorated UAB and urinary incontinence in the diabetic UAB rat model. The improvement appears to be the result of restoration of bladder and urethral structure and function by Li-ESWT. Li-ESWT is non-invasive and may become a better alternative therapy for UAB. Further investigations are warranted., (© 2018 The Authors BJU International © 2018 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.) more...

Gabor magnitude is known to be among the most discriminative representations for face images due to its space- frequency co-localization property. However, such property causes adverse effects even when the images are acquired under moderate head pose variations. To address this pose sensitivity issue and other moderate imaging variations, we propose an analytic Gabor feedforward network which can absorb such moderate changes. Essentially, the network works directly on the raw face images and produces directionally projected Gabor magnitude features at the hidden layer. Subsequently, several sets of magnitude features obtained from various orientations and scales are fused at the output layer for final classification decision. The network model is analytically trained using a single sample per identity. The obtained solution is globally optimal with respect to the classification total error rate. Our empirical experiments conducted on five face data sets (six subsets) from the public domain show encouraging results in terms of identification accuracy and computational efficiency. more...

Aim: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a significant health problem for women. Treatments employing muscle derived stem cells (MDSCs) may be a promising approach to this prevalent, bothersome condition, but these treatments are invasive and require collection of cells from one site for injection into another. It is also unknown whether or not these cells establish themselves and function as muscle cells in the target tissues. Alternatively, low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) is non-invasive and has shown positive outcomes in the treatment of multiple musculoskeletal disorders, but the biological effects responsible for clinical success are not yet well understood. The aim of this study is to explore the possibility of employing Li-ESWT for activation of MDSCs in situ and to further elucidate the underlying biological effects and mechanisms of action in urethral muscle., Methods: Urethral muscle derived stem cells (uMDSCs) were harvest from Zucker Lean (ZUC-LEAN) (ZUC-Leprfa 186) rats and characterized with flow cytometry. Li-ESWT (0.02 mJ/mm 2 , 3 Hz, 200 pulses) and GSK2656157, an inhibitor of PERK pathway, were applied to L6 rat myoblast cells. To assess for myotube formation, we used immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis in uMDSCs and L6 cells., Results: The results indicate that uMDSCs could form myotubes. Myotube formation was significantly increased by the Li-ESWT as was the expression of muscle heavy chain (MHC) and myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) in L6 cells in vitro. Li-ESWT activated protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway by increasing the phosphorylation levels of PERK and eukaryotic initiation factor 2a (eIF2α) and by increasing activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). In addition, GSK2656157, an inhibitor of PERK, effectively inhibited the myotube formation in L6 rat myoblast cells. Furthermore, GSK2656157 also attenuated myotube formation induced by Li-ESWT., Conclusion: In conclusion, this experiment reveals that rat uMDSCs can be isolated successfully and can form myotubes in vitro. PERK/ATF4 pathway was involved in myotube formation, and L6 rat myoblast cells were activated by Li-ESWT to form myotubes. These findings suggest that PERK/ATF4 pathway is activated by Li-ESWT. This study elucidates one of the biochemical pathways responsible for the clinical improvements seen after Li-ESWT. It is possible that this information will help to establish Li-ESWT as an acceptable treatment modality and may help to further refine the use of Li-ESWT in the clinical practice of medicine., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.) more...

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a predictive marker for the occurrence of bacterial infection and the decision to terminate antibiotic treatment in critically ill patients. An unusual increase in PCT, regardless of infection, has been observed during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. We evaluated trends and the predictive value of PCT levels in adult cardiogenic shock during treatment with ECMO. We reviewed the clinical records of 38 adult cardiogenic shock patients undergoing veno-arterial ECMO support between January 2014 and December 2016. The exclusion criteria were age <18 years, pre-ECMO infection, and less than 48 hours of support. The mean patient age was 56.7±14.7 years and 12 (31.6%) patients were female. The mean duration of ECMO support was 9.0±7.6 days. The rates of successful ECMO weaning and survival to discharge were 55.3% (n=21) and 52.6% (n=20), respectively. There were 17 nosocomial infections in 16 (42.1%) patients. Peak PCT levels (mean 25.6±9.4 ng/mL) were reached within 48 hours after initiation of ECMO support and decreased to ≤5 ng/mL within one week. The change in PCT levels was not useful in predicting the occurrence of new nosocomial infections during the ECMO run. However, a PCT level >10 ng/mL during the first week of ECMO support was significantly associated with mortality (p<0.01). The change in PCT level was not useful in predicting new infection during ECMO support. However, higher PCT levels within the first week of the ECMO run are associated with significantly higher mortality., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT: None declared. more...

Background/aims: The eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) has been decreasing recently in Korea due to antibiotics resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the trend of eradication rate and clinical factors affecting the eradication rate of H. pylori in the last 10 years in west Gyeonggi-do, Korea., Methods: The trends of eradication rate of H. pylori , gender, age, concomitant mediations, and clinical factors were retrospectively evaluated in patients with H. pylori infection between 2006 and 2015 (n=2,485)., Results: The overall H. pylori eradication rate for the standard triple therapy was 82.5%. The annual eradication rates from 2006 to 2015 were 90%, 77.9%, 75.8%, 83.2%, 85.6%, 90.1%, 81.3%, 81.1%, 78.7%, and 78.8%, respectively, showing a significant decrement during the last five years (p<0.001). Higher eradication rate was observed in males than in females (p<0.001). Esomeprazole showed a higher eradication rate compared with pantoprazole between 2006 and 2010 (p<0.022). Age and the use of probiotics and mucosal protective agents played no significant role in the H. pylori eradication rate. The overall eradication rate for bismuth-based quadruple therapy was 94.4%., Conclusions: The eradication rate of H. pylori over the last 10 years for first-line therapy ranged from 75.8 to 90.1%; the eradication rate for triple therapy has declined. However, the eradication rate for quadruple therapy has remained unchanged over the last 10 years. more...

Data on the frequency of nosocomial infections during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adult populations remain scarce. We investigated the risk factors for nosocomial infections in adult patients undergoing venoarterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) support. From January 2011 to December 2015, a total of 259 patients underwent ECMO. Of these, patients aged 17 years or less and patients undergoing ECMO for less than 48 hours were excluded. Of these, 61 patients diagnosed with cardiogenic shock were evaluated. Mean patient age was 60.6 ± 14.3 years and 21 (34.4%) patients were female. The mean preoperative Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 8.6 ± 2.2. The mean duration of ECMO support was 6.8 ± 7.4 days. The rates of successful ECMO weaning and survival to discharge were 44.3% and 31.1%, respectively. There were 18 nosocomial infections in 14 (23.0%) patients. These included respiratory tract infections in 9 cases and bloodstream infections in a further 9. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of infection during ECMO were the preoperative creatinine level (hazard ratio [HR], 2.176; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.065-4.447; P = 0.033) and the duration of ECMO support (HR, 1.400; 95% CI, 1.081-1.815; P = 0.011). A higher preoperative creatinine level and an extended duration of ECMO support are risk factors for infection. Therefore, to avoid the development of nosocomial infections, strategies to shorten the length of ECMO support should be applied whenever possible., Competing Interests: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (© 2017 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.) more...

Background: Primary cardiac tumors are rare and myxoma constitutes the majority. The present study summarizes our 30-year clinical outcomes of surgical myxoma resection., Methods: Between January 1986 and December 2015, 93 patients (30 men, 63 women; mean age, 54.7 ± 16.6 years) underwent surgical myxoma resection. The most common origin site was the left atrium. Surgery was performed via a biatrial approach in 74.2%, atrial septotomy through right atriotomy in 17.2%, and left atriotomy only in 8.6%. Mean myxoma size based on longest length was 4.73 ± 1.92 cm (range, 1.2-11.0 cm)., Results: The mean follow-up duration was 9.9 ± 7.8 years (range, 0-29 years). In-hospital mortality was 3.2%. The most common postoperative complication was atrial fibrillation (4.3%). The 5-, 10-, and 30-year survival rates were 92.9%, 87.2%, and 75.5%, respectively. Recurrence occurred in two patients (2.1%), which were detected at 20 and 79 months after the first surgery, respectively., Conclusions: Long-term survival after myxoma resection was excellent and recurrence was rare. Based on our experience, surgical method did not affect the outcome. more...

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, but its mechanisms are not well understood. Previously, we found that Li-ESWT increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Here we assessed the underlying signaling pathways in Schwann cells in vitro and in penis tissue in vivo after nerve injury. The result indicated that BDNF were significantly increased by the Li-ESWT after nerve injury, as well as the expression of BDNF in Schwann cells (SCs, RT4-D6P2T) in vitro. Li-ESWT activated the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK) pathway by increasing the phosphorylation levels of PERK and eukaryotic initiation factor 2a (eIF2α), and enhanced activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in an energy-dependent manner. In addition, GSK2656157-an inhibitor of PERK-effectively inhibited the effect of Li-ESWT on the phosphorylation of PERK, eIF2α, and the expression of ATF4. Furthermore, silencing ATF4 dramatically attenuated the effect of Li-ESWT on the expression of BDNF, but had no effect on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)1α or glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in Schwann cells. In conclusion, our findings shed new light on the underlying mechanisms by which Li-ESWT may stimulate the expression of BDNF through activation of PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway. This information may help to refine the use of Li-ESWT to further improve its clinical efficacy. more...

Background: Vertebral artery variations are common in thoracic aortic patients. If patients have the aberrant left vertebral artery, the more difficult to determine the treatment modality., Case Presentation: We report the case of a 63-year-old man with an aberrant left vertebral artery originating from an aneurysmal aortic arch. The patient underwent a successful hybrid thoracic endovascular aortic repair after aortic arch debranching and transposition of the aberrant left vertebral artery to the left common carotid artery through a supraclavicular incision without sternotomy., Conclusions: The aberrant left vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch can be safely transposed to the left common carotid artery through a supraclavicular approach. more...

Objectives: Integrative medicine (IM) has been recognized and introduced into Western healthcare systems over the past two decades. Limited information on IM models is available to guide development of an optimal healthcare service. A scoping review was carried out to evaluate IM models in the extant literature, including the distinctive features of each model, to gain an understanding of the core requirements needed to develop models of IM that best meet the needs of patients., Design: Directed content analysis was used to classify the IM models into systems based on coding schema developed from theoretical models and to identify the key concepts of each system., Results: From 1374 articles identified, 45 studies were included. Models were categorized as theoretical and practical and were subdivided into five main models: coexistence, cooptative, cooperative, collaborative, and patient-centered care. They were then divided into three systems-independent, dependent, and integrative-on the basis of the level of involvement of general practitioners and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners. The theoretical coexistence and cooptative models have distinct roles for different health care professionals, whereas practical models tend to be ad hoc market-driven services, dependent on patient demand. The cooperative and collaborative models were team-based, with formalized interaction between the two medical paradigms of conventional medicine and CAM, with the practical models focusing on facilitating communication, behaviors, and relationships. The patient-centered care model recognized the philosophy of CAM and required collaboration between disciplines based around patient needs., Conclusions: The focus of IM models has transferred from providers to patients with the independent and integrative systems. This may require a philosophical shift for IM. Further research is required to best understand how to practice patient-centered care in IM services. more...

Purpose: This study investigated whether (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can enhance cognition by a neurorestorative effect in a rat model of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO)., Methods: Forty-eight male, 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to four groups 6 weeks after BCCAO or sham operation: EGCG-single intravenous injection (25 mg/kg/day; SIV group), EGCG-multiple intraperitoneal injection (50 mg/kg/day for 5 days; MIP group), untreated BCCAO group (untreated group), and sham-operated group (sham group)., Results: Escape latency was significantly shorter in the SIV and MIP groups than in the untreated group. SIV and MIP groups were significantly different from the untreated group in the activity of superoxide dismutase and the content of malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). Protein expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor was not significantly different between groups (p > 0.05), while protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly lower in the SIV group than in the untreated group (p < 0.05). Protein expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits NR1 and NR2B was significantly higher in the MIP group than in the untreated group (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: EGCG administration at 6 weeks after BCCAO is neurorestorative via an anti-oxidant effect and synaptogenesis, except for angiogenesis. more...

Background: The recently developed geometric distance scoring system has shown the effectiveness of scoring systems in predicting cardiac arrest within 72h and the potential to predict other clinical outcomes. However, the geometric distance scoring system predicts scores based on only local structure embedded by the data, thus leaving much room for improvement in terms of prediction accuracy., Methods: We developed a novel scoring system for predicting cardiac arrest within 72h. The scoring system was developed based on a semi-supervised learning algorithm, manifold ranking, which explores both the local and global consistency of the data. System evaluation was conducted on emergency department patients׳ data, including both vital signs and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Comparison of the proposed scoring system with previous work was given in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV)., Results: Out of 1025 patients, 52 (5.1%) met the primary outcome. Experimental results show that the proposed scoring system was able to achieve higher area under the curve (AUC) on both the balanced dataset (0.907 vs. 0.824) and the imbalanced dataset (0.774 vs. 0.734) compared to the geometric distance scoring system., Conclusions: The proposed scoring system improved the prediction accuracy by utilizing the global consistency of the training data. We foresee the potential of extending this scoring system, as well as manifold ranking algorithm, to other medical decision making problems. Furthermore, we will investigate the parameter selection process and other techniques to improve performance on the imbalanced dataset., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) more...

It is uncommon for pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma to present with clinical and/or laboratory features of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). We report a case of metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma with severe bleeding because of DIC in a 13-year-old boy. He experienced persistent oozing at the site of a previous operation, gross hematuria, and massive epistaxis. Two weeks after initiating combination chemotherapy consisting of vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide, the patients' laboratory indications of DIC began to resolve. During this period, the patient received massive blood transfusion of a total of 311 units (26 units of red blood cells, 26 units of fresh frozen plasma, 74 units of platelet concentrates, 17 units of single donor platelets, and 168 units of cryoprecipitate), antithrombin-III and a synthetic protease inhibitor. Despite chemotherapy and radiation therapy, he died 1 year later because of disease progression. In children with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma and massive DIC, prompt chemotherapy and aggressive supportive care is important to decrease malignancy-triggered procoagulant activities. more...

In this study, a novel lipopeptide antibiotic was isolated from the culture supernatant of Paenibacillus ehimensis strain MA2012. After analyses by mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS/MS) the compound was identified to be polypeptin C consisting of 3-hydroxy-4-methyl-hexanoic acid moiety and nine amino acids as peptide body. It has the same molecular mass (1115 Da) with that of polypeptin A and B but the amino acid positions differ. A relatively low concentration (125 ppm) of polypeptin C lowered the surface tension of water from 72.2 to 36.4 mN/m. It showed antimicrobial activity against several plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi. When the polypeptin C was applied to the ripe pepper fruits previously inoculated with conidia of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, the hyphal growth on the fruit was significantly suppressed. Moreover, the hyphal morphology of C. gloeosporioides was greatly affected by the purified compound. All these data suggest the great potential of P. ehimensis MA2012 to control plant fungal and bacterial diseases., (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.) more...

Galbanic acid (GBA), a major compound of Ferula assafoetida, was known to have cytotoxic, anti-angiogenic and apoptotic effects in prostate cancer and murine Lewis lung cancer cells; the underling apoptotic mechanism of GBA still remains unclear so far. Thus, in the present study, the apoptotic mechanism of GBA was investigated mainly in H460 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells because H460 cells were most susceptible to GBA than A549, PC-9 and HCC827 NSCLC cells. Galbanic acid showed cytotoxicity in wild EGFR type H460 and A549 cells better than other mutant type PC-9 and HCC827 NSCLC cells. Also, GBA significantly increased the number of Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells and sub G1 population in H460 cells. Western blotting revealed that GBA cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), activated Bax and caspase 9, attenuated the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L), and Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) in H460 cells. However, interestingly, overexpression of Mcl-1 blocked the ability of GBA to exert cytotoxicity, activate caspase9 and Bax, cleave PARP, and increase sub G1 accumulation in H460 cells. Overall, these findings suggest that GBA induces apoptosis in H460 cells via caspase activation and Mcl-1 inhibition in H460 cells as a potent anticancer agent for NSCLC treatment., (Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.) more...

Background: Low levels of serum vitamin D is associated with several lung diseases. The production and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of emphysema. The aim of the current study therefore is to investigate if vitamin D modulates the expression and activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human lung fibroblasts (HFL-1) cells., Methods: HFL-1 cells were cast into three-dimensional collagen gels and stimulated with or without interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the presence or absence of 100 nM 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) for 48 hours. Trypsin was then added into the culture medium in order to activate MMPs. To investigate the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9, gelatin zymography was performed. The expression of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of MMP-9 mRNA and TIMP-1, TIMP-2 mRNA was quantified by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction., Results: IL-1β significantly stimulated MMP-9 production and mRNA expression. Trypsin converted latent MMP-2 and MMP-9 into their active forms of MMP-2 (66 kDa) and MMP-9 (82 kDa) within 24 hours. This conversion was significantly inhibited by 25(OH)D (100 nM) and 1,25(OH)2D (100 nM). The expression of MMP-9 mRNA was also significantly inhibited by 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D., Conclusion: Vitamin D, 25(OH)D, and 1,25(OH)2D play a role in regulating human lung fibroblast functions in wound repair and tissue remodeling through not only inhibiting IL-1β stimulated MMP-9 production and conversion to its active form but also inhibiting IL-1β inhibition on TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 production. more...

The deletion of the distal long arm of chromosome 1 is associated with a characteristic facial appearance and a pattern of associated malformations. Characteristic manifestations include a round face with prominent 'cupid's bow' and downturned corners of the mouth, thin vermilion borders of lips, a long upper lip with a smooth philtrum, a short and broad nose, epicanthal folds, apparently low-set ears, micrognathia, microcephaly, abnormal hands and feet, variable cardiac or genital anomalies, moderate to severe mental retardation, and growth retardation. Using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis to map precisely the deletion, we present a case of chromosome 1q44 deletion with craniofacial characteristics, multiple congenital anomalies, and growth and psychomotor retardation. In comparison with other reported cases of 1q43-44 deletion, the subject does not show hydrocephalus, seizure, syn- or polydactyly of hands, and a urogenital anomaly. However, an arachnoid cyst, pinpoint dimple on the midline of the forehead, a right-sided supernumerary nipple and auricular pit, polydactyly of the right foot, adducted thumb, and flexion restriction of the proximal interphalangeal joint with a simian line in both hands were observed additionally. more...

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic usefulness of real-time elastography (RTE) for liver fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis B (CHB) and C (CHC). Fifty-one and thirty-two of the patients were diagnosed with CHB and CHC, respectively. Enrolled patients underwent liver biopsy and RTE. The FIB-4 index and aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) were also measured. The liver fibrosis index (LFI) by RTE increased significantly with the Knodell fibrosis stage: 3.14 ± 0.62 for F0, 3.28  ±  0.42 for F1, 3.43  ±  0.53 for F3, and 4.09  ±  1.03 for F4 (P = 0.000). LFI as well as APRI, FIB-4, platelet, albumin, and prothrombin time showed the difference in patients with advanced fibrosis (≥F3) and those with mild fibrosis (≤F1). In addition, RTE had better discrimination power between ≥F3 and F4 than between FIB-4 and APRI. In CHC patients, the area under receiver operating characteristic curves of RTE for advanced fibrosis was higher than that in CHB patients (0.795 versus 0.641). RTE is useful for the assessment of advanced fibrosis in patients with CHB and CHC and has better discrimination power than other serologic markers. more...

Background: Alterations in cytokine profiles after chemotherapy can affect the outcomes of cancer patients. This study evaluated the clinical implications of cytokine changes after transarterial chemo-embolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)., Methods: Cytometric bead immunoassays were used to simultaneously measure 13 cytokines (interleukin [IL]-12p70, interferon-γ, IL-17A, IL-2, IL-10, IL-9, IL-22, IL-6, IL-13, IL-4, IL-5, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in the sera of 83 patients with HCC and 33 healthy controls. Cytokines were serially monitored at baseline, on days 3 and 7, and 2months after TACE in 63 evaluable patients., Results: Serum levels of IL-5, IL-6, and IL-17A were higher in patients with HCC than in healthy controls, whereas IL-1β and IL-22 levels were lower in patients with HCC. Of the cytokines measured, only the IL-6 level showed a significant positive correlation with both tumor size and Child-Pugh score. The Child-Pugh B/C group had higher IL-6 and lower IL-22 levels at baseline and exhibited relatively minor changes in cytokine levels compared with the Child-Pugh A group. We observed diverse changing patterns of individual cytokines on each date tested, with IL-6 and IL-22 increasing early after TACE. Particularly, IL-6 reached a peak on day 3 and finally decreasing on and after day 7. IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10, on the other hand, increased during the late phase, 2months after TACE. Patients with larger tumors (>5cm) showed a transient but significant early-phase increase in IL-6 levels coupled with severe post-TACE hepatitis, as well as late-phase increases in IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 levels after TACE., Conclusions: TACE induces changes in levels of multiple cytokines. Distinct panels of cytokine changes are not uniform, and are influenced by treatment-induced inflammation, underlying liver function, and HCC stage. Early-phase increases in IL-6 after TACE reflect acute-phase responses and are partly associated with post-treatment hepatitis, while late-phase increases in Th2 cytokine profiles suggest immune suppression in patients with large tumors., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) more...

Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that components of the systemic inflammatory response, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), have been associated with prognosis of various cancers. We aimed to elucidate whether CRP and NLR could serve as potential surrogate markers for response and survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)., Methods: The study population consisted of 318 consecutive patients with HCC. CRP and NLR were measured at baseline with follow-up measurements., Results: With the mean follow-up of 13.9 months, the median survival time was 13.8 months. Child-Pugh class, tumor size > 5 cm, tumor multiplicity, presence of portal vein thrombosis, α-fetoprotein > 200 ng/mL, CRP > 6.3 mg/L and NLR > 2.3 were identified as independent factors for worse survival of HCC (all p < 0.05). Patients with elevated CRP (> 6.3 mg/L) and elevated NLR (> 2.3) had a significantly shorter overall survival than those with low CRP and low NLR (all p < 0.001). The combined use of CRP and NLR provided incremental prognostic information. With significant inter-correlations, levels of CRP and NLR escalated with aggravating Child-Pugh class from A to C or progressing tumor stage from I to IV. CRP and NLR on baseline and serial measurements were well predictive of treatment response (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: CRP and NLR are independent indicators for survival in HCC patients, reflecting tumor burden and hepatic reserve. Their role in predicting tumor response and survival is more enhanced when used in combination. This study suggests that CRP and NLR are important prognostic biomarkers for HCC. more...

The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often associated with chronic inflammation, suggesting a strong relationship between inflammation and carcinogenesis. This study evaluated the prognostic values of inflammatory and T-helper (Th) cytokines in the clinical outcome and survival of HCC. The study included 110 patients with HCC undergoing loco-regional therapy and 24 healthy controls. Five Th1/Th2 cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) were quantified before and after loco-regional treatment, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Levels of CRP, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-6 were higher in patients with HCC than those in healthy subjects. Tumor characteristics, Child-Pugh class, and CRP, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were associated with HCC survival (all P<0.05). With multivariate analysis, higher IL-6 levels were identified as the independent cytokine for shorter survival (P=0.010). Higher CRP and IL-6 levels correlated well with larger tumor size, poor Child-Pugh function, and shorter survival, with a significant inter-correlation (r=0.667). On serial measurements, the association of CRP with tumor response was stronger than that of α-fetoprotein or other cytokines. IL-6 and CRP are strong inflammatory indicators predictive of outcome in patients with HCC receiving loco-regional therapy. This study suggests that inflammatory activation of the IL-6/CRP network may be a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for HCC., (Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd.) more...

We determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial (mt) genome for the longtooth grouper, Epinephelus bruneus (Perciformes, Serranidae). This mt genome, consisting of 16,686 base pairs (bp), encoded genes for 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and a noncoding control region as those found in other vertebrates, with the gene order identical to that of typical vertebrates. A major noncoding region between the trnP and trnF genes (991 bp) was considered to be the control region (D-loop). Within this sequence, 22 copies of a 17-bp tandem repeat element, 5'-TGATATTACATATATGC-3', were identified in the control region unlike previous reported Epinephelus species. more...