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The genus Tulipa L., belonging to the Liliaceae family, has significant economic, horticultural, and ecological importance and is culturally revered in various regions worldwide. The total number of Tulipa species, including 90–120 taxa, varies based on different sources. Globally, Kazakhstan has one of the highest diversities of Tulipa species, most of which are threatened. In this study, we update and revise the Tulipa species in Kazakhstan based on field observations and an extensive herbarium specimens’ survey. A total of 41 taxa were identified, including 13 species endemic to Kazakhstan, among which seven species have been assessed as threatened globally. Furthermore, we gathered 1,942 occurrence records of 41 Tulipa taxa to analyze spatial arrangement of Tulipa species richness in Kazakhstan. Based on these results, we identified 22 grid cells with a high diversity of tulip species in southern Kazakhstan. We also present taxonomic key for all Tulipa species occurring in Kazakhstan, along with comments on their general distribution, habitat, phenology, distribution map, and conservation status. In addition, a color plate for each species is provided. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the conservation status, distribution patterns, and biodiversity of Tulipa species in Kazakhstan, laying a foundation for targeted conservation efforts and further research in the region.

We describe a new species, Chrysosplenium insularis J.E.Jang, K.H.Lee & H.Y.Gil, belonging to the family Saxifragaceae, from the southern islands of the Republic of Korea. Chrysosplenium insularis is morphologically similar to C. japonicum (Maxim.) Makino but can be distinguished by fairly persistent bulbils, green to yellowish-green sepals, four stamens, and cylindrical papillose seeds. Chrysosplenium insularis is also distinguished from C. alternifolium L., which is distributed in Europe, northern Russia, and the Caucasus, by the absence of stolons and green bracts. Phylogenetic analyses, based on one nuclear ribosomal (ITS) and two chloroplast (rbcL, matK) regions, confirmed that the new species was monophyletic and that C. insularis and C. alternifolium formed a sister relationship with robust support. Herein, we provide a detailed morphological description of C. insularis with its corresponding geographical distribution and comparison table and figures of related species.

Previous studies examining the flora in the Korean Demilitarized Zone and its surroundings focused only on specific locations or ways to utilize these areas. We investigated vascular plant distribution in this area across the entire Korean Peninsula. Species richness, endemism, and alien species richness were examined for 54,948 occurrence records. Biodiversity and protection status were assessed, and a self-organizing map algorithm was used to divide the flora distribution into an Eastern region (including the Central region) and a Western region. Environmental factors of each distribution type were analyzed. The whole study area had 1,790 taxa of 655 genera and 151 families. The flora of the Central region was similar to that of the Eastern region, which had the richest biodiversity, whereas the Western region contained various invasive alien plants. Most areas with high biodiversity were classified as protected by international agreements. In the self-organizing map, the Eastern and Central regions exhibited large distribution of endemic and northern lineage plants, and the Western region showed high abundances of invasive alien plants. The considerable biodiversity of this area is threatened due to continuous housing development and military operations. Therefore, policies to ensure sustainable conservation of plant biodiversity “hotspots” are required.

AbstractEremurus zoae Vved. 1971 is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Asphodelaceae and an endemic species of the Kyrgyz Republic; however, its complete chloroplast genome sequence has not been reported. Here, we investigated the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of E. zoae using next-generation sequencing. The cp genome was 153,744 bp long, with a large single copy (84,020 bp), a small single copy (16,766 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (26,479 bp). The genome encodes 132 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the genus Eremurus forms a monophyletic group and E. zoae is closely related to E. chinensis. This study provides a molecular foundation for future phylogenetic studies of Eremurus.

Haematococcus pluvialis contains valuable bioactive compounds, including astaxanthin, proteins, and fatty acids. Astaxanthin is known for its various health benefits, such as preserving the redox balance and reducing inflammation. However, its low stability and poor water solubility present challenges for various applications. Hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology enhances the aqueous solubility of H. pluvialis extracts, increasing the usable astaxanthin content through nanoencapsulation (HME-DDS-applied extracts, ASX-60F and ASX-100F). This study compared the effects of HME-DDS-derived extracts (ASX-60F and ASX-100F) and the non-applied extract (ASX-C) under inflammatory and oxidative stress conditions. In animal models of sepsis, 60F and 100F treatment exhibited higher survival rates and a lower expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers compared to those treated with C. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible NO synthase were reduced by 60F or 100F treatments via ERK/p-38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Moreover, 60F or 100F inhibited reactive oxygen species production regulated by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling. Collectively, these findings suggest that HME-DDS-derived H. pluvialis extracts exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting MAPK phosphorylation and activating Nrf2/HO-1 expression.

Adenostemma madurense D.C. belongs to the family Asteraceae and is a wild annual herb found in Korea. In this study, we determined the phylogenetic position of A. madurense by identifying its complete chloroplast sequence. The result indicated a genome size of 150,054 bp, which was composed of a large single copy of 82,008 bp, two inverted repeats of 24,952 bp each, and a small singlecopy of 18,142 bp. Overall, 128 unique genes were identified, including 85 protein-coding, 35 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. A comparison of the A. madurense and A. lavenia chloroplast genomes revealed seven variations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. madurense formed a clade with A. lavenia and had a well-supported phylogenetic relationship with Asteraceae. The first complete chloroplast genome of A. madurense was obtained, which would be helpful in explaining the process of speciation in Adenostemma and the development of molecular markers.

Focal cerebral ischemia (fCI) can result in brain injury and sensorimotor deficits. Brown algae are currently garnering scientific attention as potential therapeutic candidates for fCI. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of the hot water extract of Petalonia binghamiae (wPB), a brown alga, in in vitro and in vivo models of fCI. The neuroprotective efficacy of wPB was evaluated in an in vitro excitotoxicity model established using HT-22 cells challenged with glutamate. Afterward, C57/BL6 mice were administered wPB for 7 days (10 or 100 mg/kg, intragastric) and subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) operation, which was used as an in vivo fCI model. wPB co-incubation significantly inhibited cell death, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, as well as stimulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an antioxidant enzyme, and the nuclear translocation of its upstream regulator, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in HT-22 cells challenged with glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Pretreatment with either dose of wPB significantly attenuated infarction volume, neuronal death, and sensorimotor deficits in an in vivo fCI model. Furthermore, the attenuation of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the ischemic lesion accompanied the wPB-associated protection. This study suggests that wPB can counteract fCI via an antioxidative effect, upregulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by memory impairment and existence of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neuroinflammation. Due to the pivotal role of oxidative damage in AD, natural antioxidative agents, such as polyphenol-rich fungi, have garnered scientific scrutiny. Here, the aqueous extract of mixed medicinal mushroom mycelia (MMMM)—Phellinus linteus, Ganoderma lucidum, and Inonotus obliquus—cultivated on a barley medium was assessed for its anti-AD effects. Neuron-like PC12 cells, which were subjected to Zn2+, an Aβ aggregator, were employed as an in vitro AD model. The cells pretreated with or without MMMM were assayed for Aβ immunofluorescence, cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Then, 5XFAD mice were administered with 30 mg/kg/day MMMM for 8 weeks and underwent memory function tests and histologic analyses. In vitro results demonstrated that the cells pretreated with MMMM exhibited attenuation in Aβ immunofluorescence, ROS accumulation, and apoptosis, and incrementation in cell viability and antioxidant enzyme activity. In vivo results revealed that 5XFAD mice administered with MMMM showed attenuation in memory impairment and histologic deterioration such as Aβ plaque accumulation and neuroinflammation. MMMM might mitigate AD-associated memory impairment and cerebral pathologies, including Aβ plaque accumulation and neuroinflammation, by impeding Aβ-induced neurotoxicity.

Obesity leads to the development of metabolic syndrome and comorbidities. Overweight and obesity continue to be a relentless global issue. Sipyimigwanjung-tang (SGT), a traditional herbal medication, was first mentioned in Dongui Sasang Shinpyun and has been used to treat edema, meteorism, and jaundice, which are common findings associated with obesity. The main physiological feature of obesity is expanded adipose tissue, which causes several impairments in liver metabolism. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effects of SGT in the epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) and livers of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. SGT significantly blocked HFD-induced weight gain in C57BL/6N mice. In addition, SGT effectively reduced the increased weight and adipocyte size in eWAT of HFD-induced obese C57BL/6 N mice. Moreover, SGT significantly decreased the elevated gene expression of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, and Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 in the eWAT of HFD-induced obese mice. Furthermore, SGT significantly decreased lipid accumulation in the livers of HFD-induced obese mice and differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Hence, the present study provides substantial evidence that SGT has potential therapeutic effects on obesity.

Although there is an established link between Magnolia Cortex (MO) and lipid metabolism in previous research, its exploration within the context of obesity has been limited. Therefore, the present study investigated the therapeutic effects of MO on obesity and its mechanism of action in vitro and in vivo. Our chromatography analysis revealed that Honokiol and Magnolol are contained in MO extract. In vitro experiments showed that lipid droplets, adipogenic, and lipogenic genes were notably diminished by increasing sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) protein expression in MO-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In vivo experiments exhibited that MO administration significantly recovered the adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and fatty acid oxidation genes by increasing the SIRT1 and AMPK expression in white adipose tissue. Furthermore, hepatic steatosis by HFD feeding was ameliorated in MO-administered obese mice. We conclude that MO could be important manager for treating obesity through AMPK and SIRT1 regulation.

We determined the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Ligustrum foliosum Nakai, an endemic species of Korea. The plastome was 165,731 bp long, with a large single copy (90,009 bp), a small single copy (11,448 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (32,137 bp). Moreover, 113 genes were encoded, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of 18 species using concatenated 78 protein-coding genes (excluding one pseudogene) revealed that L. foliosum is most closely related to L. quihoui, having strong bootstrap values. This study is the first report of the chloroplast genome of L. foliosum and provides important information for future phylogenetic studies on Ligustrum and distinguishing closely related species of Ligustrum.

The Altai Mountains of Central and North Asia are biologically rich and comprise a wide range of ecosystems and phytogeographical regions. According to the latest checklist, a total of 321 endemic vascular plant species, including 217 endemic and 104 subendemic taxa, have been recognized in the Altai Mountain Country (AMC). In this study, we conducted species risk assessment, distribution evaluation and conservation gap analysis for the endemic vascular flora of the AMC. The conservation status of 217 endemic species was assessed at the global level using the ConR package. As a result, 197 species were evaluated as potentially threatened, of which 101 are critically endangered (CR), 72 species are endangered (EN), and 24 species are vulnerable (VU). The remaining 20 species were evaluated as not threatened. Furthermore, the AMC was divided into 350 grid cells, with a grid cell size of 50 × 50 km2, for the spatial assessments of the endemic vascular plants. A total of 2657 unique georeferenced occurrences of endemic species were found and analyzed with three endemism indices, species richness (SR), weighted endemism (WE), and corrected weighted endemism (CWE), to quantify geographic patterns and centers of endemism across the whole AMC. The results showed that the endemic species are spread across 186 grid cells and distributed unevenly within the AMC. According to the conservation gap analysis, the main hotspots of endemism (i.e., SR and WE indices) were found at high elevations in the Russian Altai, while the CWE points to the Kazakh Altai as a hotspot, and many such hotspots are currently afforded no formal protections.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Skin is the largest organ and plays a pivotal role in protecting the body. Not only does the skin act as a physical barrier against the external environment, but it also has its own immune system. Atopic dermatitis is caused by prolonged excessive inflammatory responses that worsen under imbalanced cutaneous immune system skin conditions. Although the prevalence and burden of atopic dermatitis is increasing, the standard therapeutic agents remain unclear due to the complicated pathophysiology of the condition. The objective of this study is to examine the use of Magnoliae flos, the dried flower bud of Magnolia biondii or related plants. The effects and underlying mechanism of action of aqueous extract of the buds of Magnoliae flos (MF) were evaluated. Immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) stimulated with tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ mixture and NC/Nga mice stimulated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene were used as atopic dermatitis models, in vitro and in vivo, respectively. The effects of MF were determined by measuring the suppression of pro-inflammatory signalling pathways, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase or signal transducers and activators of transcription 1/3 and restoring skin barrier molecules. In conclusion, MF is a potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of atopic dermatitis through repressing inflammatory pathways.

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) is a critical regulator of cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+ levels. Here, the authors show that blood NAMPT contributes to the circadian rhythm generation of locomotor activity and energy expenditure by regulating hypothalamic NAD+ levels.

This paper discusses identifying Important Plant Areas (IPAs) in one of the most densely populated regions of Central Asia—the Fergana valley. The recognition of IPA sites is an attempt to introduce new ways of conserving local plant diversity with a high concentration of endemic species in Central Asia, where conservation methods of the former Soviet Union still prevail. The research revealed the current state and geography of many rare species and enriched the flora of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan with several rare species. The second IPA is the transboundary territory of the Fergana valley, uniting the southern spurs of the Chatkal range and the Ungortepa-BozbuToo massif. We documented the distribution of 62 species in the IPAs under the sub-criteria of Plantlife International. Our study aimed at continuing studies on the IPAs in this region, addressing specific conservation challenges, such as conserving national endemics and endangered species that grow outside protected areas and GIS mapping of endemic species.

Abstract We developed and validated a new staging system that includes metabolic information from pretreatment [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for predicting disease-specific survival (DSS) in gastric cancer (GC) patients. Overall, 731 GC patients undergoing preoperative [18F]FDG PET/CT were enrolled and divided into the training (n = 543) and validation (n = 188) cohorts. A metabolic score (MS) was developed by combining the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor (T_SUVmax) and metastatic lymph node (N_SUVmax). A new staging system incorporating the MS and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage was developed using conditional inference tree analysis. The MS was stratified as follows: score 1 (T_SUVmax ≤ 4.5 and N_SUVmax ≤ 1.9), score 2 (T_SUVmax > 4.5 and N_SUVmax ≤ 1.9), score 3 (T_SUVmax ≤ 4.5 and N_SUVmax > 1.9), and score 4 (T_SUVmax > 4.5 and N_SUVmax > 1.9) in the training cohort. The new staging system yielded five risk categories: category I (TNM I, II and MS 1), category II (TNM I, II and MS 2), category III (TNM I, II and MS ≥ 3), category IV (TNM III, IV and MS ≤ 3), and category V (TNM III, IV and MS 4) in the training cohort. DSS differed significantly between both staging systems; the new staging system showed better prognostic performance in both training and validation cohorts. The MS was an independent prognostic factor for DSS, and discriminatory power of the new staging system for DSS was better than that of the conventional TNM staging system alone.

Abstract This study was to understand the genetic structure and diversity of the Korean Malus species. We used genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technology to analyze samples of 112 individuals belonging to 18 populations of wild Malus spp. Using GBS, we identified thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the species analyzed. M. baccata and M. toringo, two dominant mainland species of the Korean Peninsula, were distinguishable based on their genetic structure. However, M. toringo collected from Jeju Island exhibited a different genetic profile than that from the mainland. We identified M. cf. micromalus as a hybrid resulting from the Jeju Island M. toringo (pollen donor) and the mainland M. baccata, (pollen recipient). Putative M. mandshurica distributed on the Korean Peninsula showed a high structural and genetic similarity with M. baccata, indicating that it might be an ecotype. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the population history and genetic structure of Malus in the Korean Peninsula.

Here, we aimed to identify important plant areas (IPAs) in the Fergana Valley, one of the most densely human-populated regions in Central Asia with a diverse array of endemic and endangered species. The IPA programme in FV aims to identify and protect a global network of plant conservation sites. We conducted a field survey from 2018 to 2021 to re-identify specimens collected from Fergana Valley and stored at the National Herbarium of Uzbekistan (TASH). An analysis of the floristic, geobotanical and collected data allowed for the identification of the badlands in the northern foothills (Chap tract and surrounding areas) as an IPA site. We modified the interpretation of criterion A for IPAs to suit the circumstances of Mountainous Central Asia and documented the distribution of 29 species in the IPAs under these sub-criteria. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify an IPA in Uzbekistan and provide geographic coordinates with locations for the herbarium specimens used to create the IPA set for Central Asia. Our study provides a foundation for applying future IPAs in this region, addressing specific conservation challenges, such as conserving rare and endangered species that grow outside protected areas and GIS mapping of endemic species.

Nocturnal and crepuscular fast-eyed insects often exploit multiple optical channels and temporal summation for fast and low-light imaging. Here, we report high-speed and high-sensitive microlens array camera (HS-MAC), inspired by multiple optical channels and temporal summation for insect vision. HS-MAC features cross-talk-free offset microlens arrays on a single rolling shutter CMOS image sensor and performs high-speed and high-sensitivity imaging by using channel fragmentation, temporal summation, and compressive frame reconstruction. The experimental results demonstrate that HS-MAC accurately measures the speed of a color disk rotating at 1950 rpm, recording fast sequences at 9120 fps with low noise equivalent irradiance (0.43 µW/cm2). Besides, HS-MAC visualizes the necking pinch-off of a pool fire flame in dim light conditions below one thousandth of a lux. The compact high-speed low-light camera can offer a distinct route for high-speed and low-light imaging in mobile, surveillance, and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising biomaterial rich in bioactive growth factors, offering potential as a therapeutic agent for various diseases. However, its effectiveness in central nervous system disorders like vascular dementia (VaD) remains underexplored. This study investigated the potential of PRP to mitigate VaD progression in vivo. A rat model of VaD was established via bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and hypovolemia operation. Rats were randomly assigned to receive either PRP or platelet-poor plasma (PPP)--the latter being a byproduct of PRP preparation and used as a reference standard--resulting in the groups designated as 'operated group (OP)+PRP' and 'OP+PPP', respectively. PRP or PPP (500 µl) was administered intraperitoneally on the day of the operation and postoperative days 2, 4, 6, and 8. Cognitive function was assessed using the Y-maze, Barnes maze, and passive avoidance tests. On postoperative day 8, hippocampal samples were subjected to histological and semi-quantitative analyses. OP exhibited significant memory decline compared to controls, while the 'OP+PRP' group showed notable improvement. Histological analysis revealed increased neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in OP hippocampi, mitigated in 'OP+PRP'. Semi-quantitative analysis showed decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in OP, restored in 'OP+PPP' and further in 'OP+PRP'. These results highlight PRP's protective effects against VaD-induced hippocampal damage and cognitive impairment, partially attributed to BDNF/TrkB pathway upregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Allium, with over 900 species, is one of the largest monocotyledonous genera and is widely accepted with 15 recognized subgenera and 72 sections. The robust subgeneric and sectional relationships within Allium have long been not resolved. Based on 76 species of Allium (a total of 84 accessions), we developed a highly resolved plastome phylogenetic framework by integrating 18 newly sequenced species (20 accessions) in this study and assessed their subgeneric and sectional relationships, with special emphasis on the two subgenera Anguinum and Rhizirideum. We retrieved the three major evolutionary lines within Allium and found that the two subgenera Anguinum and Rhizirideum are monophyletic whereas others are highly polyphyletic (e.g., Allium, Cepa, Polyprason, and Melanocrommyum). Within the subgenus Anguinum, two strongly supported sublineages in East Asian and Eurasian-American were found. Allium tricoccum in North America belonged to the Eurasian clade. The distinct taxonomic status of A. ulleungense and its sister taxon were further determined. In subg. Rhizirideum, the Ulleung Island endemic A. dumebuchum shared its most recent common ancestor with the species from Mongolia and the narrow Korean endemic A. minus. Two Ulleung Island endemics were estimated to originate independently during the Pleistocene. In addition, a separate monotypic sectional treatment of the east Asian A. macrostemon (subg. Allium) and sister relationship between A. condensatum and A. chinense was suggested.

Vascular dementia (VaD) is characterized by a time-dependent memory deficit and essentially combined with evidence of neuroinflammation. Thus, polyphenol-rich natural plants, which possess anti-inflammatory properties, have received much scientific attention. This study investigated whether Perilla frutescens leaf extract (PFL) exerts therapeutic efficacy against VaD. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: SO, sham-operated and vehicle treatment; OP, operated and vehicle treatment; PFL-L, operated and low-dose (30 mg/kg) PFL treatment; PFL-M, operated and medium-dose (60 mg/kg) PFL treatment; and PFL-H, operated and high-dose (90 mg/kg) PFL treatment. Two-vessel occlusion and hypovolemia (2VO/H) were employed as a surgical model of VaD, and PFL was given orally perioperatively for 23 days. The rats underwent the Y-maze, Barnes maze, and passive avoidance tests and their brains were subjected to histologic studies. The OP group showed VaD-associated memory deficits, hippocampal neuronal death, and microglial activation; however, the PFL-treated groups showed significant attenuations in all of the above parameters. Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells, a murine microglial cell line, we measured PFL-mediated changes on the production of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-6, and the activities of their upstream MAP kinases (MAPKs)/NFκB/inducible NO synthase (iNOS). The LPS-induced upregulations of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 production and MAPKs/NFκB/iNOS activities were globally and significantly reversed by 12-h pretreatment of PFL. This suggests that PFL can counteract VaD-associated structural and functional deterioration through the attenuation of neuroinflammation.

Background: The importance of infection with COVID-19 is being emphasized in dentistry with high risks such as aerosols. The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge and practice of infection control, stress and coping, and turnover of dental hygienists.Methods: Questionnaire was conducted knowledge and practice of infection control, occupational stress and coping, turnover. Survey data was investigated about 149 dental hygienists from February to March 2021 Data were analyzed t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation using statistical programs of PASW Statistics ver. 21.0.Results: Regarding occupational stress, relationship conflict was higher in the group with less than 2 years of experience (p＜ 0.05). Job anxiety, organizational system, inadequate compensation, and workplace culture were highly surveyed in the 3 to 5 year of experience. The group with more than 6 years of experience had the highest perception of lack of job autonomy (p＜0.05). The group with higher knowledge of infection control had lower mean inappropriate rewards and stress (p＜0.05). The group with high infection control performance had a lower average in items such as job instability, organizational system, inadequate compensation, workplace culture, and stress. And problem-focused coping ability was found to be high (p＜0.05). Infection control knowledge and performance were positively correlated (r=0.251, p＜0.01), infection control practice and stress were negatively correlated (r=−0.264, p＜0.01), and stress and emotional coping were positively correlated (r=0.367, p＜0.01). Stress was positively correlated with turnover rate (r=0.549, p＜0.01).Conclusion: Infection control training was required to reduce occupational stress. Occupational stress was highly correlated with turnover, a holistic and systemic organizational operation and improvement of the quality of medical care were required to reduce stress.

Although the individual consumption of medicinal mushrooms, including Phellinus linteus (PL), Ganoderma lucidum (GL), and Inonotus obliquus (IO), is known to be neuroprotective, the associated mechanisms underlying their therapeutic synergism on focal cerebral ischemia (fCI) have yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of mixed mushroom mycelia (MMM) against experimental fCI. The water-fractions, ethanolic-fractions, and ethyl acetate-fractions of the MMM (PL, GL, and IO) grown in a barley medium using solid-state fermentation techniques were prepared and their protective effects against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity were compared in PC-12 cells. After the identification of the water extracts of MMM (wMMM) as the most suitable form, which possessed the lowest toxicity and highest efficacy, further analyses for evaluating the anti-apoptotic effects of wMMM, including Hoechst 33258-based nuclear staining, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection assays, were performed. Rats were subjected to a 90 min middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion, after which a wMMM treatment resulted in significant dose-dependent improvements across a number of parameters. Furthermore, measurements of intracellular ROS and levels of antioxidant enzymes revealed a wMMM-mediated ROS attenuation and antioxidant enzyme upregulation. We suggest that wMMM is neuroprotective against fCI through its anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative effects.

The article discusses a research project focused on implementing knowledge mobilization (KM) tools within the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) Knowledge and Library Services to improve team performance and confidence in using KM methods. Topics include the integration of KM tools into team practices, the role of quality improvement (QI) methodology in the project, and the development of a merged KLS team following the merger of two hospitals.

Backgrounds: Strong evidence is lacking as no confirmatory randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared the efficacy of totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) with laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG). The authors performed an RCT to confirm if TLDG is different from LADG. Methods: The KLASS-07 trial is a multi-centre, open-label, parallel-group, phase III, RCT of 442 patients with clinical stage I gastric cancer. Patients were enroled from 21 cancer care centres in South Korea between January 2018 and September 2020 and randomized to undergo TLDG or LADG using blocked randomization with a 1:1 allocation ratio, stratified by the participating investigators. Patients were treated through R0 resections by TLDG or LADG as the full analysis set of the KLASS-07 trial. The primary endpoint was morbidity within postoperative day 30, and the secondary endpoint was quality of life (QoL) for 1 year. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 03393182). Results: Four hundred forty-two patients were randomized (222 to TLDG, 220 to LADG), and 422 patients were included in the pure analysis (213 and 209, respectively). The overall complication rate did not differ between the two groups (TLDG vs. LADG: 12.2% vs. 17.2%). However, TLDG provided less postoperative ileus and pulmonary complications than LADG (0.9% vs. 5.7%, P=0.006; and 0.5% vs. 4.3%, P=0.035, respectively). The QoL was better after TLDG than after LADG regarding emotional functioning at 6 months, pain at 3 months, anxiety at 3 and 6 months, and body image at 3 and 6 months (all P<0.05). However, these QoL differences were resolved at 1 year. Conclusions: The KLASS-07 trial confirmed that TLDG is not different from LADG in terms of postoperative complications but has the advantages to reduce ileus and pulmonary complications. TLDG can be a good option to offer better QoL in terms of pain, body image, emotion, and anxiety at 3-6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]