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The purpose of our study was to assess the mid-term outcomes of the patients with grade III blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) who were treated non-operatively and to determine the specific conditions for successful NOM.We retrospectively reviewed patients with grade III BTAI at a single level 1 trauma center between January 2012 and March 2020, and compared the demographics and outcomes of NOM and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). We also examined the factors contributing to the selection of NOM by calculating the odds ratios for age, sex, initial systolic blood pressure, injury severity score, abbreviated injury scale score, pseudoaneurysm/neck (P/N) ratio, and comorbidity.In total, 46 adults were included. Thirty patients underwent NOM and 19 underwent TEVAR. The time from injury to computed tomography, hospital days, intensive care unit length of stay, and follow-up period showed no difference between the two groups. Aorta-related mortality was not observed in either group. Two patients (7.4%) in the NOM group experienced an increase in pseudoaneurysms: one of them underwent delayed surgical repair without complications, and the other maintained regular follow-up. The odds ratio for selecting NOM was significant when the P/N ratio was 1.30 (OR = 4.687 [95% CI, 1.229-17.882], p = 0.024).We suggest that carefully selected patients with BTAI grade III could be observed nonoperatively or treated by delayed intervention on outpatient basis, and a P/N ratio 1.30 can be used as a cutoff to decide treatment options for BTAI grade III.

We evaluated the clinical utility of early postoperative cardiac computed tomography (CT) for evaluating left ventricular (LV) function and predicting prognosis in patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Of the 205 patients who underwent CABG from March 2011 to December 2014, 136 underwent early postoperative cardiac CT (within 30 days after CABG) and were enrolled as the study population. The baseline and postoperative follow-up echocardiographic findings, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and death were recorded for a follow-up period (mean, 5.9 ± 1.1 years). Functional cardiac CT parameters were compared to echocardiographic measurements. The associations between cardiac CT findings and functional recovery and prognosis were evaluated by logistic regression analyses. The LVEF measured via cardiac CT was significantly higher (56.2 ± 11.5% vs. 61.9 ± 12.9%; p = 0.0002) compared to those via early postoperative echocardiography, but the wall motion score index (WMSI) was not significantly different (1.23 ± 0.33 vs. 1.21 ± 0.28, p = 0.5041) between the two methods. During the follow-up period, 17 patients (12.5%) died and 40 (29.4%) developed MACE. Both the LVEF and WMSI measured with early postoperative echocardiography (p = 0.0202 and odds ratio [OR] = 5.0171, p = 0.0039, respectively), and cardiac CT (OR = 0.9625, p = 0.0091 and OR = 14.3605, p = 0.0001, respectively) predicted MACE OR = 0.9630, but only the WMSI, measured using cardiac CT, predicted all-cause death (OR = 10.6017, p = 0.0035). In CABG patients, LVEF and the WMSI measured with early postoperative cardiac CT were comparable with echocardiography and predicted the development of MACE and all-cause death.

Background Acute aortic regurgitation (AR) is uncommon condition and usually results in an emergent situation because the left ventricle does not adapt quickly due to a sudden increase in end-diastolic volume caused by the regurgitant flow. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a procedure that places a stent-graft on the lesion of thoracic aorta through a minimally invasive approach. Case presentation Here we report that a catheter-induced aortic valve injury associated with TEVAR can cause delayed AR, exemplified by the case of a patient who developed acute AR 42 months after TEVAR. For this, aortic valve replacement was performed and the patient was discharged without complications. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that when a catheter-related procedure is performed around the aortic valve, slight injury of the valve can cause aortic insufficiency even 3 years after surgery. Consequently, when performing a catheter-related procedure around the aortic valve, special attention is always required.

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) is a chloride and bicarbonate channel in secretory epithelia with a critical role in maintaining fluid homeostasis. Mutations in CFTR are associated with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), the most common lethal autosomal recessive disorder in Caucasians. While remarkable treatment advances have been made recently in the form of modulator drugs directly rescuing CFTR dysfunction, there is still considerable scope for improvement of therapeutic effectiveness. Here, we report the application of a high-throughput screening variant of the Mammalian Membrane Two-Hybrid (MaMTH-HTS) to map the protein–protein interactions of wild-type (wt) and mutant CFTR (F508del), in an effort to better understand CF cellular effects and identify new drug targets for patient-specific treatments. Combined with functional validation in multiple disease models, we have uncovered candidate proteins with potential roles in CFTR function/CF pathophysiology, including Fibrinogen Like 2 (FGL2), which we demonstrate in patient-derived intestinal organoids has a significant effect on CFTR functional expression.

Background This study investigated the dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and CVD incidence, conducting a meta-analysis of studies focusing on residents from local communities. Further, we examined whether light to moderate alcohol consumption had a protective effect on CVD incidence through a sub-group analysis. Methods This study conducted a meta-analysis of the relationship between alcohol consumption and CVD incidence, selecting journals published up to December 2017. The alcohol consumption level was classified into non-consumers, light (0.01–10.0 g/day), light to moderate (10.1–20.0 g/day), moderate (20.1–40.0 g/day), moderate to high (40.1–60.0 g/day), and high (> 60.0 g/day) groups. The sub-group analysis was conducted according to the number of comorbidities and age. Results Seven articles were selected in total for the meta-analysis. The mean Newcastle-Ottawa scale score was 8.14 points, suggesting studies were of high quality. There was a J-shaped dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption level and CVD incidence only in men. In general, light to moderate and moderate consumption lowered CVD incidence (Relative risk (RR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] was 0.68 [0.57–0.81] and 0.72 [0.58–0.90], respectively). In men with 3–4 comorbidities, there were no protective effects of light to moderate and moderate consumption on CVD incidence. In either groups of only men or men and women there were protective effects of light to moderate and moderate consumption on CVD incidence only in those aged between 41 and 65. Discussion We found that light to moderate and moderate alcohol consumption had a protective effect on CVD incidence, there was no protective effect either in those with at least three comorbidities or people aged 40 or younger. Conclusions We conclude that not all local community residents experience a protective effect of light to moderate consumption on CVD incidence. As such, it is necessary to recommend a moderate amount of drinking or less for each individual.

The present study was conducted to improve human identification based on dental pattern with adopting chronology of dental treatment within the system. Five hundred adult patients were randomly selected, and their initial and recent panoramic radiography images were assumed as antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) images, respectively. For each radiographic image, the dental pattern was analyzed. The analysis system was newly developed considering sequence of dental treatment in time order. AM and PM databases were constructed with information of dental patterns, patient age, and gender. For the PM database, age information was stored as the actual age ± 10 years, which was defined as the estimated age. According to dental pattern of PM record, the possible AM records were selected as candidates. Then candidates were sorted in order of dental pattern similarity to the PM record, and the rank of the true AM record was identified. The total 500 AM records were reduced to 14.5 ± 13.4 candidates in average when the dental pattern, gender, and estimated age were considered. When the candidates were sorted in order of similarity, the true AM record received an average ranking of 2.0 ± 2.6. When dental pattern and gender were considered, 46.7 ± 42.3 candidates were selected among 500 records and the true AM record was ranked at 3.0 ± 5.0, in average. The dental pattern analysis adopting dental treatment chronology was contributed to reduce the sample population. This method would become more efficient and comprehensive if the dental pattern analysis process is automatized in the near future.

Home blood pressure (HBP) is useful to decide whether blood pressure (BP) is controlled. However, applying HBP to daily clinical practices is still challenging without easy access to the average HBP. Therefore, we developed a simple method to make a binary decision for the control of HBP through high BP counts. We simulated 100 cases of HBP series for each combination of 3 numbers of BP readings (K = 16, 20, 24) and 4 levels of the standard deviations (SDs = 5, 10, 15, 20). A high BP was defined as an individual BP ≥ 135/85 mmHg, and an uncontrolled HBP was defined as a mean HBP ≥ 135/85 mmHg. Validation for the decision method was conducted using actual HBP data. The C-statistics and the accuracy of the high BP counts for the uncontrolled HBP were generally high (> 0.85) for all combinations of Ks and SDs but decreased as SDs increased but remained steady as Ks increased. In the validation, the C-statistic of the high BP count-to-total BP reading (C-T) ratio was 0.985, and a C-T ratio ≥ 0.5 showed a sensitivity of 0.957, a specificity of 0.907 and an accuracy of 0.927. The count-based decision method can provide an accurate quick assessment of the controlledness of HBP.

Cardiac arrest due to thyroid storm is a very rare clinical feature with high mortality that presents as multiorgan dysfunction. The mortality rate under this condition is close to 30%, even with appropriate treatment. Most thyroid storms occur in patients with long-standing untreated hyperthyroidism.A 67-year-old woman, who had no specific medical history, was admitted with stupor mentality after a pedestrian traffic accident.The patient had a Burch and Wartofsky score of 80, well beyond the criteria for diagnosis of a thyroid storm (45 points).Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was performed due to persistent unstable vital signs and findings of right ventricular dysfunction after return of spontaneous circulation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Circulatory assist with ECMO was performed for 8 days using a beta blocker, steroids, thionamide, and Lugol iodine solution.Myocardial function and thyroid hormone levels were rapidly normalized. The patient's mental state recovered, and patient was discharged on day 36 maintaining medication.Diagnosis of a thyroid storm in patients with multiple trauma is very difficult, because most trauma patients have symptoms of tachycardia, altered mental status, and abdominal pain that appear in thyrotoxic events. However, when unexplained shock without bleeding evidence occurs in patients with multiple trauma, a thyroid function test should be performed to rule out thyroid storm. Moreover, if hyperthyroidism is observed in a trauma patient, even if there is no history of hyperthyroidism, the possibility of a thyroid storm must be considered along with medical support treatment such as ECMO in patient with cardiogenic shock.

Aims Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is one of the most performed cardiac surgery globally. CABG is known to have a high rate of short-term readmissions. The 30-day unplanned readmission rate as a quality measure is associated with adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to identify and synthesize the perioperative risk factors for 30-day unplanned readmission after CABG. Methods and results We systematically searched seven databases and reviewed studies to identify all eligible English articles published from 1 October 1999 to 30 September 2019. Random-effect models were employed to perform pooled analyses. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to estimate the risk factors for 30-day unplanned readmission. The 30-day hospital readmission rates after CABG ranged from 9.2% to 18.9% in 14 cohort studies. Among preoperative characteristics, older adults, female, weight loss, high serum creatinine, anticoagulant use or dialysis, and comorbidities were found to be statistically significant. Postoperative complications, prolonged length of hospital stay, and mechanical ventilation were revealed as the postoperative risk factors for 30-day unplanned readmission. However, intraoperative risk factors were not found to be significant in this review. Conclusion Our findings emphasize the importance of a comprehensive assessment during the perioperative period of CABG. Healthcare professionals can perform a readmission risk stratification and develop strategies to reduce readmission rates after CABG using the risk factors identified in this review. Future studies with prospective cohort samples are needed to identify the personal or psychosocial factors influencing readmission after CABG, including perioperative risk factors.

Backgroud The Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) is a newly developed patient-reported outcome measure designed to evaluate clinical outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The FJS is known as a sensitive test with a low ceiling effect. It has been recently translated into many languages. However, no study has reported the validity or reliability of a Korean version of the FJS (K-FJS). Thus, the purpose of this study was to address this issue. Methods According to guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation, translation of the English version of the FJS was performed. After obtaining a license from the original developer, 150 patients who had undergone TKA at more than 1 year to less than 5 years ago completed the K-FJS, visual analog scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), and the 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) health survey. To measure test-retest reliability, the K-FJS was completed twice by telephone survey for 100 patients. Responsiveness was retrospectively calculated based on a survey of 50 patients at 3 months and 1 year after surgery. Results The K-FJS exhibited an excellent reliability (Cronbach's α, 0.967; intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.958; 95% confidence interval, 0.930–0.974). The ceiling effect of the K-FJS was 8.7% (n = 13), which was lower than the WOMAC's ceiling effect (10%). There was no floor effect. The correlation coefficients with WOMAC and SF-36 (physical function) were 0.708 and 0.682, respectively, indicating good construct validity. However, its correlation with mental health subscale of SF-36 was low (r = 0.143). At 3 to 12 months after TKA, the standardized response mean (SRM) was 0.67, which was lower than the SRM of WOMAC (1.03) obtained in the same period. The K-FJS demonstrated strong measurement properties in terms of good construct validity and reliability. Conclusions This study suggests that the K-FJS is an excellent instrument that can be used to monitor clinical outcomes after TKA. Using this standardized K-FJS, it would be possible for medical institutions to share more accurate clinical results.

Mistletoes are parasite plants growing on various tree species, taking nutrients from the host. Beneficial compounds of mistletoe were used in medicine and these mistletoes were commonly collected from oak species that were not well identified. We analyzed the nutritional value by measuring proximate and mineral components of Korean mistletoe (Viscum album var. coloratum) from various host trees. Carbohydrate was the most proximate component in both leaves and twigs followed crude protein, crude fiber, crude ash and crude fat. While the contents of the proximate components and minerals varied among hosts and between plant parts, leaves contained higher crude protein and ash, and more minerals except for magnesium than twigs, although no significant difference was found in mistletoe grown on Prunus mandshurica. There were significant differences of proximate and mineral contents depending on the host species. Mistletoe grown on Chaenomeles sinensis contained higher levels of carbohydrates, crude fat, crude ash, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, and zinc than mistletoe grown on other species. Mistletoe grown on P. mandshurica contained high mineral levels of potassium, copper and phosphorous. The nutritional value of mistletoes were greatly influenced by the host species but among the hosts, specific nutrients accumulated in leaves more than in twigs, and vice versa. Based on the analysis, Korean mistletoe contains relatively good quality of nutrients and has high potential for dietary supplements as well as for medicinal compounds.

Summary Background This study aimed to demonstrate the safety and reliability of combined preoperative angioplasty and free flap transfer in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) by analyzing the surgical outcomes. Methods Between October 2011 and October 2015, patients who had undergone lower extremity angiography and subsequent free flap transfer were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included demographics, perioperative data, and postoperative outcomes. The cases were divided into two groups: one group with microanastomosis performed on revascularized artery by balloon angioplasty and the other group performed on native artery. Multiple logistic regression model using propensity score and linear regression was computed to determine the association between preoperative angioplasty and the surgical outcomes. Results A total of 62 lower limb reconstruction cases (19 angioplastied cases and 43 nonangioplastied cases) were included in the study. Complications occurred in 6 cases in the angioplastied group and in 11 cases in the control group. The overall limb salvage rate was 100% during the average follow-up of 29.5 months in the angioplastied group and 97.7% in the nonangioplastied control group during the average follow-up of 31.1 months. Preoperative angioplasty was not a significant predictor of increased complications and longer postoperative downtime in logistic and linear regression model, both in the weighted and unweighted model. Conclusions The combined approach of preoperative endovascular revascularization and free flap transfer for limb reconstruction in PAOD patients can be performed safely and effectively with acceptable morbidity.

Additional file 1: Figure S1. Funnel plot of light to moderate drinking in men. Funnel plot of moderate drinking in men

The dehiscence of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) is a rare, often fatal, complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CAB G). We p resent t he case of a 57-year-old m an w ho u nderwent hemiarch graft interposition and CABG for a Stanford type A aortic dissection. Five months after discharge, the patient developed streptococcal sepsis caused by a hemodialysis catheter. Complete rupture of the proximal anastomoses of the saphenous veins and containment by the obliterated pericardial cavity was observed 25 months after the initial operation. The patient was successfully treated surgically. This report describes a patient who developed potentially fatal dehiscence of SVGs secondary to infection and outlines preventive and management strategies for this complication.

In this study, a competitive assay based on a colorimetric sensing system for thymidine triphosphate (TTP) was developed using 11-mercaptoundecylphosphoric acid functionalized gold nanoparticles (Phos-AuNPs) and a p -xylyl-bis(metal 2+ -cyclen) complex as reporter and receptor units, respectively. A detection limit of 372 nM was achieved with high selectivity for TTP over other nucleotides, including thymidine diphosphate and thymidine monophosphate. The improvement in selectivity was achieved by metal ion tuning in p -xylyl-bis(metal 2+ -cyclen).

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) is a chloride channel found in secretory epithelia with a plethora of known interacting proteins. Mutations in the CFTR gene cause cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease that leads to progressive respiratory illness and other complications of phenotypic variance resulting from perturbations of this protein interaction network. Studying the collection of CFTR interacting proteins and the differences between the interactomes of mutant and wild type CFTR provides insight into the molecular machinery of the disease and highlights possible therapeutic targets. This mini review focuses on functional genomics and proteomics approaches used for systematic, high-throughput identification of CFTR-interacting proteins to provide comprehensive insight into CFTR regulation and function.

This study investigates the differences between IT workers, who possess a high understanding of technology, and non-IT workers in the resistance to accepting an innovative service like mobile commerce. From a total of 317 survey respondents, the results of the study revealed that perceived risk, compatability, and complexity were the significant factors for resistance to mobile commerce for IT workers, while relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity were the factors of resistance for non-IT workers. Higher innovation resistance was shown to result in lower intention of use for both groups of mobile commerce users.

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play an integral role in numerous cellular processes. Membrane protein interactions, in particular, are critical in cellular responses to stresses and stimuli, with dysfunction of these PPIs (e.g., due to aberrant expression and/or mutation of interaction partners) leading to a diverse array of pathological states. Exploration of the interaction space and dynamics of membrane proteins is difficult due to the limitations of current techniques used to study proteins in the biochemically complex environment of biological membranes. In the protocols below, we describe a newly developed membrane protein interaction assay called the Mammalian-Membrane Two-Hybrid (MaMTH), designed specifically for the detection of integral membrane PPIs in the context of living mammalian cells. Prior to using MaMTH, cell lines of interest are genetically modified to encode a reporter of choice. MaMTH "bait" and "prey" constructs of interest are also generated using Gateway cloning technology. The assay is then performed by co-transfection of baits and preys, with bait-prey interaction quantifiably assessed by way of a reporter signal (e.g., light (luciferase), fluorescence (GFP). © 2017 by John WileySons, Inc.

In the present investigation, the anti-diabetic potential of 80% ethanol extract of Eleutherococcus sentico- sus leaves (EEES) was examined based on α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. EEES was sequentially fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate (EtAOc), n-butanol, and H2O. Of the various fractions, EtAOc fraction effec- tively inhibited α-glucosidase activity by 68.05%. Therefore, EtAOc fraction was selected for further isolation and identification studies. EtAOc fraction was separated by medium pressure liquid chromatography with silica and ODS gel to yield eight fractions (EAA~EAH). Based on the results of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, EAH fraction was re-chromatographed to yielded four more fractions (EAHA~EAHD). Of these, EAHC fraction showed higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of 93.60%. EAHC fraction was re-chromatographed and yielded EAHCA and EAHCB fractions. Further, identification and chemical structures of these two fractions were analyzed using 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, and mass spectra data. Based on the results of the spectral data, the isolated compounds were identified as hyperoside and isoquercetin. Results of the present study indicate that the isolated compounds, hyperoside, and isoquercetin from leaves of E. senticosus could be used for the development of new anti-diabetic drugs.

In this study, Aftertreatment properties of PCM/Nylon sheath/core fabrics have been determined. Especially, the relationship between finishing property and content including of PCM ratio. Samples of PCM/Nylon fabrics were monitored, separately, with 2% o.w.f solutions of each of the berberine chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride(CPC), benzyldimethylhexadecyl ammonium chloride(BDHAC) and dodecyltrimetyl ammonium bromide(DTAB). Various temperatures and liquor ratio and pH conditions were also studied to optimize aftertreatment properties. Berberine chloride finished sample showed the good color fastness. Cetylpyridinium chloride(CPC) finished sample showed very effective antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

In several laboratory animals and humans, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) are of considerable interest because they are easy to harvest and can generate a huge proliferation of cells from a small quantity of fat. In this study, we investigated: (i) the expression patterns of reprogramming-related genes in porcine ASC; and (ii) whether ASC can be a suitable donor cell type for generating cloned pigs. For these experiments, ASC, adult skin fibroblasts (AF) and fetal fibroblasts (FF) were derived from a 4-year-old female miniature pig. The ASC expressed cell-surface markers characteristic of stem cells, and underwent in vitro differentiation when exposed to specific differentiation-inducing conditions. Expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)1 in ASC was similar to that in AF, but the highest expression of the DNMT3B gene was observed in ASC. The expression of OCT4 was significantly higher in FF and ASC than in AF (P < 0.05), and SOX2 showed significantly higher expression in ASC than in the other two cell types (P < 0.05). After somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), the development rate of cloned embryos derived from ASC was comparable to the development of those derived using FF. Total cell numbers of blastocysts derived using ASC and FF were significantly higher than in embryos made with AF. The results demonstrated that ASC used for SCNT have a potential comparable to those of AF and FF in terms of embryo in vitro development and blastocyst formation.

A 51-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with complaints of fever and hemoptysis. After evaluation of the fever focus, he was diagnosed with pulmonary valve infective endocarditis. Thus pulmonary valve replacement and antibiotics therapy were performed and discharged. He was brought to the emergency unit presenting with a high fever (＞39℃) and general weakness 6 months after the initial operation. The echocardiography revealed prosthetic pulmonary valve endocarditis. Therefore, redo-pulmonary valve replacement using valved conduit was performed in the Rastelli fashion because of the risk of pulmonary arterial wall injury and recurrent endocarditis from the remnant inflammatory tissue. We report here on the successful surgical treatment of prosthetic pulmonary valve endocarditis with an alternative surgical method.

A 76-year-old woman with hypertension was admitted to the hospital with complaints of chest pain and dyspnea. An echocardiogram and pulmonary computed tomography angiography showed right atrial myxoma complicated with pulmonary thromboembolism. An operation to resect the right atrial myxoma and pulmonary embolism was recommended; however, the patient refused and was discharged with anticoagulation therapy. Two years later, she developed dyspnea. Radiological studies and echocardiography showed similar results with the previous findings. The patient underwent mediastinotomy with resection of the right atrial myxoma and pulmonary embolectomy. As there are few reports on right atrial myxoma complicated with pulmonary embolism, we report a successful case of surgical removal of right atrial myxoma and pulmonary embolism.

Aim We analyzed the results of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) necessitating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and investigated for the associated risk factors for poor clinical outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 27 patients who required ECMO for AMI associated with CS between April 2006 and July 2010. Mean age was 63.7 ± 11.0 (range: 45–81) years, and there were 16 males (59.3%). Results The mean duration of ECMO support was 30.2 ± 30.1 (range: 1–141) h. Cardiopulmonary resuscitations (CPR) were performed in 21 patients (77.8%) before ECMO initiation. Twenty-two patients (81.5%) were successfully weaned off ECMO, and 16 patients (59.3%) survived to discharge. The 30-day mortality was 37.0% (10/27 patients). Complications developed in 17 patients (63.0%: pneumonia in 10 patients, acute renal failure in 10 patients, massive bleeding in 4 patients, and thromboembolic event in 1 patient). The period between CPR initiation and ECMO commencement was a significant risk factor for ECMO weaning failure. High pre-ECMO serum lactate level was identified as a significant risk factor for poor survival on univariated and multivariated analysis. Conclusion ECMO support could improve survival in patients who suffer AMI associated with CS, and early ECMO initiation yields better outcomes (successful ECMO weaning).

The effects of ethanol extract from leaves of Eleutherococcus senticosu were evaluated on hyperlipidemic rats. Male SD rats were divided into a normal group, control (AIN-76 diet) group, Garcinia cambogia extract group, and AIN-76 diet group supplemented with ethanol extract from Eleutherococcus senticosu (EEES). The body weight of the AIN-76 group increased, whereas those of the Garcinia and EEES groups decreased. The serum total cholesterol of the AIN-76 group increased by 28.36% compared to the normal group, but decreased by only 27.15% in the Garcinia group and 25.47% in the EEES group. The serum triglyceride level of the AIN-76 group increased by 35.04% compared to the normal group, but decreased by only 26.76% in the Garcinia group and 37.54% in the EEES group. The serum HDL-cholesterol levels of the Garcinia and EEES groups increased compared to that of the AIN-76 group. The liver and epididymal adipose tissue weights of the EEES group decreased compared to those of the AIN-76 group. In measuring the concentration of triglycerides and total cholesterol level in the liver extracts, the AIN-76 group showed significant increases compared to the normal group, whereas the Garcinia and EEES groups showed a significant decrease compared to the AIN-76 group. These results indicate that the EEES group may improve lipid metabolism and reduce fat accumulation and body weight.

The effects of ethanol extracts from Astragali membranaceus Bunge (AMB) and A. membranaceus Bunge var mongholicus Hisiao (AMBMH) on antioxidant and nitric oxide (NO) production were evaluated. The total polyphenol contents of AMBMH extracts from two, four, and six-year old roots was 45.3, 71.3, and 78.0 mg/g, respectively. These values and those of total flavonoid content were higher than those of AMB extracts. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was the highest in ethanol extracts from four-year old AMBMH roots. The ABTS radical scavenging activity was also higher than those of AMB in ethanol extracts from four- and six-year old AMBMH roots, but not in two-year old roots. The NO production of ethanol extracts from six-year old AMBMH roots was higher than that of two- and four-year old AMBMH roots. However, there is no significant difference in NO production based on the cultivation period of AMB.

*Agriproduct Processing Experiment Station Gangwon-do Agricultural Research & Experiment Services, Chuncheon 200-822, Korea.**Functional Food & Nutrition Division, Rural Development Administration, Suwon 441-707, Korea.***Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Korea.****Department of Herbal Crop Research, NIHHIS, RDA, Eumseong 369-873, Korea.ABSTRACT : This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Lythrum salicaria L. ethanol extract on anti-obesityeffects in rat fed a high fat diet for 8 weeks to induce obese rat model. Male SD rats were divided into normal group, control(high fat diet) group, positive control (Garcinia Cambogia extracts) group, high fat group supplemented with ethanolextracts of Lythrum salicaria L. (EELS). The body weight gain and control (high fat diet) were increased by a high fat diet,but decreased in the EELS. At the end of the experiment, the body weight in high fat diet groups was higher than that of nor-mal diet group, while the body weights of EELS and positive control group were significantly reduced by 16.62%, as com-pared with that of high fat diet group (p < 0.05). The levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol in EELS group weresignificantly decreased as compared with high fat diet group (p < 0.05). The liver and mesenteric adipose tissue weights ofcontrol (high fat diet) increase than that for normal group, whereas EELS and positive control group were significantlydecreased (p < 0.05). Levels of triglyceride in liver were significantly lower in EELS group than those in high fat diet group(p < 0.05). These results indicate that Lythrum salicaria L. extract may improve lipid metabolism and reduce fat accumula-tion and body weight. Key Words : Lythrum salicaria L., Anti-Obesity Effect, High-Fat Diet

Contact resistance and conductivity of individual platinum (Pt) nanowires (NWs) embedded in coplanar waveguide structures are investigated at high frequencies. Two approaches to extract the NW conductivity and contact resistance from two-port S-parameters are developed. The first approach is based on transmission-line theory, while the second approach is based on a lumped-element physics-based model. Full-wave and circuit simulations are used to aid validation and the systematic analysis of both methods. Simulations are compared to calibrated on-wafer measurements of individual Pt NWs. The studies of the transmission-line-based approach reveal that the contact resistance can be determined accurately, but the obtained conductivity is inaccurate. By contrast, the lumped-element approach produces accurate results for both the contact resistance and conductivity of Pt NWs. The lumped-element method is used to determine the contact resistance of about 50 Ω and conductivity of 0.013 times the bulk conductivity of Pt for fabricated Pt NWs with 300-nm diameter.

The amino acid profiles and fatty acid composition of Agrocybe chaxingu were studied to evaluate the nutritional value of this species. The most abundant essential amino acid and non-essential amino acid were leucine and glutamate, respectively. The fruiting body of A. chaxingu contained 0.61 g leucine/100 g of edible weight, while those of Pleurotus ostreatus and Flammulina velutipes contained 0.53 g and 0.38 g leucine/100 g of edible weight, respectively. The content of glutamate ranged from 1.00 to 1.20 g/100 g of edible weight. Total amount of the essential amino acids of A. chaxingu (2.70 g/100 g of edible weight) was higher than those of the P. ostreatus and F. velutipes used in this study. Linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, was the major component in A. chaxingu (69.3% of total fatty acids), and the second highest component of fatty acids was palmitic acid (13.7%). The amount of MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acid) and PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) in the fruiting body of A. chaxingu was 5.0% and 69.3% of the total fatty acid content, respectively.

We report significant improvements in both signal sensitivity and imaging speed of Fourier transform spectral interferometry coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (FTSI-CARS) microscopy. With a help of an apodization function in the signal retrieval process, background due to the spectral change of nonresonant signals is eliminated. We experimentally verify that the sensitivity of the improved method is nearly shot-noise-limited. The current maximum detection sensitivity is ∼10 mM of aqueous sulfate ions, which correspond to ∼106 oscillators in the microscopy focal volume. Operating the charge-coupled device (CCD) in the crop mode increases the image acquisition speed by more than ten times. A vibrational hyperspectral image of a polymer sample with 100 × 100 pixel can be obtained within 3 s. With the improved sensitivity and speed, we also perform three-dimensional volume imaging. Superior chemical selectivity is demonstrated with a mixture of two different oil droplets, which have identical vibrational peak positions but different relative peak ratios. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The total polyphenol contents and antioxidative activities of water and ethanol extracts from Synurus excelsus and Synurus palmatopinnatifidus var. palmatopinnatifidus were determined. Total polyphenol contents of ESE and ESP were 195.7 and 216.2 mg/g, and were higher than WSE (74.7 mg/g) and WSP (77.4 mg/g). The total flavonoid contents were also higher in ESE (176.6 mg/g) and ESP (148.8 mg/g) than WSE and WSP. DPPH radical scavenging activities of ESE and ESP (73.1 and 73.4%) were higher than WSE and WSP as like total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Although the DPPH radical scavenging activities of the extracts were proportional to total polyphenol contents, there are no differences between water extracts and ethanol extracts of Synurus excelsus and Synurus palmatopinnatifidus on ABTS radical scavenging activities. Moreover, all the solvent extracts (ESE, ESP, WSE and WSP) had no SOD-like activity. These results suggest that consideration for adoption of method is necessary to evaluate antioxidative activity of extracts from plants including vegetables.

Hypoglycemic effect through activity inhibition of -glucosidase and -amylase was evaluated using leaves of Eleutherococcus senticosu, Eleutherococcus gracilistylus, Eleutherococcus sieboldianus and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus which belong to Acanthopanax sessiliflorus genus. As a result of measuring -glucosidase activity inhibition, extract of Eleutherococcus gracilistylus showed around 43.38% of activity inhibition compared with acarbose and extract of Eleutherococcus senticosu showed 41.24% inhibitory effect. As a result of measuring -amylase activity inhibition, acarbose showed 73.25% of activity inhibition in 10 mg/mL concentration, and the extract of Eleutherococcus senticosu leaves showed 91.90% higher activity inhibition compared with acarbose. Also, after subjects in a model were induced diabetes with streptozotocin (STZ) intake plant extract from Acanthopanax sessiliflorus for 2 weeks, effect of improving blood glucose level and fat was examined. In all groups with specimen, Eleutherococcus senticosu (T1), Eleutherococcus gracilistylus (T2), Eleutherococcus sieboldianus (T3) and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (T4), blood glucose level was significantly decreased compared with that in control group (C). In an experiment of examining changes in fat concentration in blood, total cholesterol content increased in a control group compared with a normal, while in T1, T3 and T4, it decreased significantly compared with the control group. As for HDL-cholesterol, it significantly increased in all diabetes induced groups compared with the normal group, and in T3, it increased the most significantly by 55.61% compared with the control group. In case of LDL-cholesterol, specific difference between the normal group and the control group was not found; however, significant increase was detected in T2 and T3, whereas in T1 and T4, it decreased significantly compared with the control group. As for triglyceride, its concentration increased in the control group like total cholesterol. It decreased 60.16% in T3, 60.80% in T4 and 50.16% in T1 compared with the control group. As a result of measuring the concentration of triglyceride in extracted liver, the control group showed significant increase compared with the normal group, whereas T1 and T2 showed significant decrease compared with the normal group. The above results show that extracts from Acanthopanax sessiliflorus genus are effective for hypoglycemic and improving fat metabolism due to diabetes.

The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method was applied to obtain transmission spectra and local electric field distributions for layer-by-layer assemblies of close-packed gold nanospheres (NSs) and gold nanorods (NRs).The computational results were used to understand variations in the extinction spectra and in the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for the corresponding experimental samples.High local electric fields were found at small interstices among neighboring nanoparticles.In general, the sum of the local field intensities of the so-called ‘hot spots’ in a layer was greater in the NR assemblies than in the NS assemblies.Furthermore, high local electric fields, polarized along the light propagation direction, were found at the interlayers of the NR assemblies, while they were small in the NS assemblies.These results are in accord with the SERS results and can be explained in large part by the greater contact area in the NR assemblies than in the NS assemblies.However, the calculated local fields for the multilayer assemblies were limited to the top few layers while the interlayer couplings were significantly reduced at the lower layers, as the incident light was extinguished mostly at the top few layers.Such a layer-by-layer local field distribution was insufficient to explain the SERS intensity variation with the number of layers.Implications of the mismatch and possible limitations of the computations will be discussed.