Protective effects of onion-derived quercetin on glutamate-mediated hippocampal neuronal cell death

Background:

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive neuron degeneration in specific functional systems of the central or peripheral nervous system. This study investigated the protective effects of quercetin isolated from onion on neuronal cells and its protective mechanisms against glutamate-induced apoptosis in HT22 cells.

Materials and Methods:

HT22 cells were cultured to study the neuroprotective mechanism of quercetin against glutamate-mediated oxidative stress. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) were measured. The protein expression of calpain, spectrin, Bcl-2, Bax, Bid, cytochrome c, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was evaluated by Western blotting.

Results:

Quercetin had a protective effect by reducing both intracellular ROS overproduction and glutamate-mediated Ca²⁺ influx. These effects were due to the downregulation of several apoptosis-related biochemical markers. Calpain expression was reduced and spectrin cleavage was inhibited by quercetin in glutamate-exposed HT22 cells. Disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m), activation of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bid and Bax, and cytochrome c release in response to glutamate-induced oxidative stress were reduced. Quercetin also suppressed phosphorylation of MAPKs.

Conclusion:

This is the first report on the detailed mechanisms of the protective effect of quercetin on HT22 cells. Onion extract and quercetin may be useful for preventing or treating neurodegenerative disorders.

Anticoagulant activities of piperlonguminine in vitro and in vivo

Piperlonguminine (PL), an important component of Piper longum fruits, is known to exhibit anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-platelet and anti-melanogenic activities. Here, the anticoagulant activities of PL were examined by monitoring activated-partial-thromboplastin-time (aPTT), prothrombin-time (PT), and the activities of thrombin and activated factor X (FXa). The effects of PL on the expressions of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) were also tested in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) activated HUVECs. The results showed that PL prolonged aPTT and PT significantly and inhibited the activities of thrombin and FXa. PL inhibited the generation of thrombin and FXa in HUVECs. In accordance with these anticoagulant activities, PL prolonged in vivo bleeding time and inhibited TNF-α induced PAI-1 production. Furthermore, PAI-1/t-PA ratio was significan- tly decreased by PL. Collectively, our results suggest that PL possesses antithrombotic activities and that the current study could provide bases for the development of new anticoagulant agents.

Antithrombotic activities of pellitorine in vitro and in vivo

Pellitorine (PLT), an active amide compound, is well known to possess insecticidal, antibacterial and anticancer properties. However, the anti-coagulant functions of PLT are not studied yet. Here, the anticoagulant activities of PLT were examined by monitoring activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), and the activities of cell-based thrombin and activated factor X (FXa). Furthermore, the effects of PLT on the expressions of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) were tested in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Treatment with PLT resulted in prolonged aPTT and PT and inhibition of the activities of thrombin and FXa, and PLT inhibited production of thrombin and FXa in HUVECs. And PLT inhibited thrombin-catalyzed fibrin polymerization and platelet aggregation. In accordance with these anticoagulant activities, PLT elicited anticoagulant effects in mouse. In addition, treatment with PLT resulted in the inhibition of TNF-α-induced production of PAI-1 and in the significant reduction of the PAI-1 to t-PA ratio. Collectively, PLT possesses antithrombotic activities and offers bases for development of a novel anticoagulant.

Barrier protective effects of piperlonguminine in LPS-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo

Piperlonguminine (PL), an important component of Piper longum fruits, is well known to possess potent anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-platelet and anti-melanogenesis activities. In this study, we first investigated the possible barrier protective effects of piperlonguminine against proinflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the associated signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo. The barrier protective activities of PL were determined by measuring permeability, monocytes adhesion and migration, and activation of proinflammatory proteins in LPS-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in mice. We found that PL inhibited LPS-induced barrier disruption, expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and adhesion/transendothelial migration of monocytes to human endothelial cells. PL also suppressed LPS-induced hyperpermeability and leukocytes migration in vivo. Further studies revealed that PL suppressed the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or Interleukin (IL)-6 and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) or extracellular regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 by LPS. Moreover, treatment with PL resulted in reduced LPS-induced septic mortality. Collectively, these results suggest that PL protects vascular barrier integrity by inhibiting hyperpermeability, expression of CAMs, adhesion and migration of leukocytes, thereby endorsing its usefulness as a therapy for vascular inflammatory diseases.

A comparison of the BURP and conventional and modified jaw thrust manoeuvres for orotracheal intubation using the Clarus Video System

We evaluated the effects of three airway manipulation manoeuvres: (a) conventional (single-handed chin lift); (b) backward, upward and right-sided pressure (BURP) manoeuvre; and (c) modified jaw thrust manoeuvre (two-handed aided by an assistant) on laryngeal view and intubation time using the Clarus Video System in 215 patients undergoing general anaesthesia with orotracheal intubation. In the first part of this study, the laryngeal view was recorded as a modified Cormack-Lehane grade with each manoeuvre. In the second part, intubation was performed using the assigned airway manipulation. The primary outcome was the time to intubation, and the secondary outcomes were the modified Cormack-Lehane grade, the number of attempts and the overall success rate. There were significant differences in modified Cormack-Lehane grade between the three airway manipulations (p < 0.0001). Post-hoc analysis indicated that the modified jaw thrust improved the laryngeal view compared with the conventional (p < 0.0001) and the BURP manoeuvres (p < 0.0001). The BURP worsened the laryngeal view compared with the conventional manoeuvre (p = 0.0132). The time to intubation in the modified jaw thrust group was shorter than with the conventional manoeuvre (p = 0.0004) and the BURP group (p < 0.0001). We conclude that the modified jaw thrust is the most effective manoeuvre at improving the laryngeal view and shortening intubation time with the Clarus Video System.

The effects of prolonged inspiratory time during one-lung ventilation: a randomised controlled trial

We evaluated the effects of a prolonged inspiratory time on gas exchange in subjects undergoing one-lung ventilation for thoracic surgery. One hundred patients were randomly assigned to Group I:E = 1:2 or Group I:E = 1:1. Arterial blood gas analysis and respiratory mechanics measurements were performed 10 min after anaesthesia induction, 30 and 60 min after initiation of one-lung ventilation, and 15 min after restoration of conventional two-lung ventilation. The mean (SD) ratio of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen after 60 min of one-lung ventilation was significantly lower in Group I:E = 1:2 compared with Group I:E = 1:1 (27.7 (13.2) kPa vs 35.2 (22.1) kPa, respectively, p = 0.043). Mean (SD) physiological dead space-to-tidal volume ratio after 60 min of one-lung ventilation was significantly higher in Group I:E = 1:2 compared with Group I:E = 1:1 (0.46 (0.04) vs 0.43 (0.04), respectively, p = 0.008). Median (IQR [range]) peak inspiratory pressure was higher in Group I:E = 1:2 compared with Group I:E = 1:1 after 60 min of one-lung ventilation (23 (22-25 [18-29]) cmH2O vs 20 (18-21 [16-27]) cmH2O, respectively, p < 0.001) and median (IQR [range]) mean airway pressure was lower in Group I:E = 1:2 compared with Group I:E = 1:1 (10 (8-11 [5-15]) cmH2O vs 11 (10-13 [5-16]) cmH2O, respectively, p < 0.001). We conclude that, compared with an I:E ratio of 1:2, an I:E ratio of 1:1 resulted in a modest improvement in oxygenation and decreased shunt fraction during one-lung ventilation.

Sterols isolated from seeds of Panax ginseng and their antiinflammatory activities

Background:

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, a perennial herb from the Araliaceae family, is a commonly used medicinal plant. Many studies have been conducted on the biologically active constituents of whole parts of P. ginseng (i.e., roots, leaves, flower buds, and fruits). However, the seeds of P. ginseng have not been intensively investigated. A new sterol glucoside,3-O-b-d-glucopyranosyl-5,22,24-stigmastatrienol (1), and a known sterol, 5,22-stigmastadienol (2), were isolated from seeds of P. ginseng and were evaluated for their inhibitory activities on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) transcription in transfected HepG2 cells. The present work deals with the isolation, identification, and antiinflammatory activities of the two compounds.

Materials and Methods:

The compounds were isolated by a combination of silica gel and YMC R-18 column chromatography, and their structures were identified by analysis of spectroscopic data (1D, 2D-NMR, and MS). The antiinflammatory activities of the isolated compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated by luciferase reporter gene assays.

Results:

Two sterols have been isolated from the seeds of P. ginseng. Compound 1 is a previously unreported glucosidyl sterol. Compounds 1 and 2 both inhibited NFκB-luciferase activity, with IC₅₀ values of 8.1 and 4.8΅M, respectively. They also inhibited iNOS-luciferase activity in TNFα-induced HepG2 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 2.2 and 2.9΅M, respectively.

Conclusion:

The two isolatedsterols have inhibitory effects on inflammation-related factors in HepG2 cells, as determined by luciferase reporter gene assays. Thus, seeds of P. ginseng are worthy of consideration for the development and research of antiinflammatory agents.

Efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor gemigliptin compared with sitagliptin added to ongoing metformin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin alone

AIMS

This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, gemigliptin versus sitagliptin added to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a double-blind, randomized, active-controlled trial in 425 Asian patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes being treated with metformin alone. Eligible patients were randomized into three groups: 50 mg gemigliptin qd, 25 mg gemigliptin bid or sitagliptin 100 mg qd added to ongoing metformin treatment for 24 weeks. Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured periodically, and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at baseline and 24 weeks after starting the treatment regimen.

RESULTS

Twenty-four weeks later, adding gemigliptin (50 mg/day) to ongoing metformin therapy significantly improved glycaemic control. Reduction in HbA1c caused by 50 mg gemigliptin qd (-0.77% ± 0.8) was non-inferior to that caused by 100 mg sitagliptin qd (-0.8% ± 0.85). Proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% while taking 25 mg gemigliptin bid (50%) or 50 mg gemigliptin qd (54.07%) was comparable to the results with 100 mg sitagliptin qd (48.87%). There were significant decreases in FPG, postprandial glucose and AUC0-2 h glucose, as well as increases in GLP-1 and β cell sensitivity to glucose (supported by homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function, postprandial 2-h c-peptide and insulinogenic index) in patients receiving gemigliptin treatment with their metformin therapy. There was no increased risk of adverse effects with this dose of gemigliptin compared with sitagliptin 100 mg qd.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of gemigliptin 50 mg daily to metformin was shown to be efficacious, well tolerated and non-inferior to sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Oleanane-triterpenoids from Panax stipuleanatus inhibit NF-κB

In continuation of our research to find biological components from Panax stipuleanatus, four oleanane-type triterpenes (12 to 15) were isolated successively. Fifteen oleanane-type saponins (1 to 15) were evaluated for nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity using a luciferase reporter gene assay in HepG2 cells. Compounds 6 to 11 inhibited NF-κB, with IC₅₀ values between 3.1 to 18.9 μM. The effects on inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 by compounds 8, 10, and 11 were also examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Three compounds (8, 10, and 11) inhibited NF-κB activity by reducing the concentration of inflammatory factors in HepG2 cells.

A multicentre, multinational, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 3 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gemigliptin (LC15-0444) in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor gemigliptin (LC15-0444) 50 mg versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial in 182 patients (74 from Korea and 108 from India) with type 2 diabetes. After an initial 2 weeks of a diet and exercise programme followed by 2 weeks of a single-blind placebo run-in period, eligible patients were randomized to gemigliptin 50 mg or placebo, receiving the assigned treatment for 24 weeks. HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured periodically, and oral glucose tolerance test was performed at baseline and weeks 12 and 24.

RESULTS

At week 24, gemigliptin treatment led to significant reductions in HbA1c measurements compared to placebo (adjust mean after subtracting the placebo effect size: -0.71%, 95% confidence interval: -1.04 to -0.37%). A significantly greater proportion of patients achieved an HbA1c <7% with gemigliptin than with placebo. The placebo-subtracted FPG change from baseline at week 24 was -19.80 mg/dl. The overall incidence rates for adverse events were similar in the gemigliptin and placebo groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the efficacy and safety of gemigliptin 50 mg administered once daily as a monotherapy for type 2 diabetes patients.

Droplet-based microfluidic system to form and separate multicellular spheroids using magnetic nanoparticles

The importance of creating a three-dimensional (3-D) multicellular spheroid has recently been gaining attention due to the limitations of monolayer cell culture to precisely mimic in vivo structure and cellular interactions. Due to this emerging interest, researchers have utilized new tools, such as microfluidic devices, that allow high-throughput and precise size control to produce multicellular spheroids. We have developed a droplet-based microfluidic system that can encapsulate both cells and magnetic nanoparticles within alginate beads to mimic the function of a multicellular tumor spheroid. Cells were entrapped within the alginate beads along with magnetic nanoparticles, and the beads of a relatively uniform size (diameters of 85% of the beads were 170-190 μm) were formed in the oil phase. These beads were passed through parallel streamlines of oil and culture medium, where the beads were magnetically transferred into the medium phase from the oil phase using an external magnetic force. This microfluidic chip eliminates additional steps for collecting the spheroids from the oil phase and transferring them to culture medium. Ultimately, the overall spheroid formation process can be achieved on a single microchip.

Phenolic glycosides from Lindera obtusiloba and their anti-allergic inflammatory activities

Eight phenolic glycosides, tachioside (1), isotachioside (2), koaburaside (3), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), 4,6-dihydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), a mixture of erigeside C (6a) and salidroside (6b), and 6-hydroxyphenyl)-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7) were isolated from the stems of Lindera obtusiloba Blume. The structures of the isolates were determined by 1H-, 13C-NMR, COSY, HMQC, and HMBC spectroscopy. To evaluate their anti-allergic inflammatory activities, the inhibitory effects of isolates (1-7) on histamine release and on the gene expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a and interleukin (IL)-6 were examined using human mast cells; previous studies have reported that TNF-alpha and IL-6 release from mast cells is positively related to the severity of allergic symptoms. Of the tested compounds, koaburaside (3), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), and (6-hydroxyphenyl)-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7) suppressed histamine release from mast cells as compared with gallic acid (positive control). In particular, 6-hydroxyphenyl)-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7) attenuated the gene expressions of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 in human mast cells. Our results support the notion that phenolic glycosides isolated from L. obtusiloba inhibit mast-cell-derived allergic inflammation, histamine, and proinflammatory cytokines.

Phenolic Glycosides from Lindera obtusiloba and their Anti-allergic Inflammatory Activities

Eight phenolic glycosides, tachioside (1), isotachioside (2), koaburaside (3), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-1- O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (4), 4,6-dihydroxy-2- methoxyphenyl-1- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), a mixture of erigeside C (6a) and salidroside (6b), and 6-hydroxyphenyl)-1- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7) were isolated from the stems of Lindera obtusiloba Blume. The structures of the isolates were determined by 1H-, 13C-NMR, COSY, HMQC, and HMBC spectroscopy. To evaluate their anti-allergic inflammatory activities, the inhibitory effects of isolates (1-7) on histamine release and on the gene expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were examined using human mast cells; previous studies have reported that TNF-α and IL-6 release from mast cells is positively related to the severity of allergic symptoms. Of the tested compounds, koaburaside (3), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-1- O-ß-D- glucopyranoside (4), and (6-hydroxyphenyl)-1- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7) suppressed histamine release from mast cells as compared with gallic acid (positive control). In particular, 6-hydroxyphenyl)-1- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7) attenuated the gene expressions of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in human mast cells. Our results support the notion that phenolic glycosides isolated from L. obtusiloba inhibit mast-cell-derived allergic inflammation, histamine, and proinflammatory cytokines.

Inhibitory effects of epi-sesamin on HMGB1-induced vascular barrier disruptive responses in vitro and in vivo

Nuclear DNA-binding protein high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein acts as a late mediator of severe vascular inflammatory conditions, such as sepsis and septic shock. Epi-sesamin (ESM), an important component of Asarum sieboldii roots, is known to exhibit anti-allergic, anti-nociceptive, and anti-fungal effects. However, little is known of its effects on HMGB1-mediated inflammatory responses. Here, we investigated this issue by monitoring the effects of ESM on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or cecal ligation and the puncture (CLP)-mediated release of HMGB1, and on modulation of HMGB1-mediated inflammatory responses. ESM potently inhibited HMGB1 release, down-regulated HMGB1-dependent inflammatory responses in human endothelial cells, and inhibited HMGB1-mediated hyperpermeability and leukocyte migration in mice. In addition, treatment with ESM resulted in reduced CLP-induced release of HMGB1 and sepsis-related mortality. Of particular interest, ESM inhibition of HMGB1-mediated anti-inflammatory activity was more potent than that by sesamin (SM), likely due to differences between their three-dimensional structures. These results indicate that ESM could be a candidate therapeutic agent for treatment of various severe vascular inflammatory diseases via inhibition of the HMGB1 signaling pathway.

Activation of de novo GSH synthesis pathway in mouse spleen after long term low-dose γ-ray irradiation

Glutathione (GSH) is an important cellular antioxidant and has a critical role in maintaining the balance of cellular redox. In this study, we investigated the GSH biosynthesis genes involved in the elevation of endogenous GSH levels using an irradiation system with an irradiation dose rate of 1.78 mGy/h, which was about 40,000 times less than the dose rates used in other studies. The results showed that GSH levels were significantly increased in the low-dose (0.02 and 0.2 Gy) irradiated group compared to those in the non-irradiated group, but enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase and catalase were not induced at any doses tested. The elevation in GSH was accompanied by elevated expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit, but no changes were observed in the expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit and thioredoxin in de novo GSH synthesis. In the case of genes involved in the GSH regeneration cycle, the expression of glutathione reductase was not changed after irradiation, whereas glutathione peroxidase was only increased in the 0.2 Gy irradiated group. Collectively, our results suggest that the de novo pathway, rather than the regeneration cycle, may be mainly switched on in response to stimulation with long-term low-dose radiation in the spleen.

Effect of radiation therapy on survival in surgically resected retroperitoneal sarcoma: a propensity score-adjusted SEER analysis

BACKGROUND

Currently no prospective randomized trial has measured the efficacy of radiation therapy for resected retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS). Our objective was to determine the effect of radiation therapy on disease-specific and overall survival between propensity score-matched surgically resected RPS patients using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of patients with histologically confirmed RPS who underwent surgical resection between 1988 and 2006. Exclusion criteria included multiple malignancies, distant metastasis, and unknown grade or stage. Cox modeling was used to determine covariate associations with disease-specific survival. Propensity score methods were used to perform survival analysis in patients who received radiation matched with patients who underwent surgery alone.

RESULTS

Prior to matching, there were 762 patients (558 surgery only, 204 surgery with radiation). Factors independently associated with radiation therapy were age (P = 0.037), geographic region (P = 0.041), grade (P = 0.047), stage (P = 0.003), and surgery type (P = 0.01). Cox modeling demonstrated that age, sex, grade, and stage were independently associated with survival. Propensity scoring (309 matched pairs) and survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier methods demonstrated no difference between propensity score-matched patients receiving radiation therapy and those who did not (P = 0.35).

CONCLUSION

At present, SEER patients with surgically resected RPS who received radiation therapy did not demonstrate survival benefit.

Seeing the electroporative uptake of cell-membrane impermeable fluorescent molecules and nanoparticles

This paper presents direct visualization of uptake directionality for cell-membrane impermeant fluorescent molecules and fluorescence-doped nanoparticles at a single-cell level during electroporation. To observe directly the uptake direction, we used microchannel-type electroporation that can generate a relatively symmetric and uniform electric field. For all the image frames during electroporation, fluorescence intensities that occurred at cell membranes in both uptake directions toward the electrodes have been sequentially recorded and quantitatively analyzed pixel by pixel. In our experiments, we found that fluorescent molecules, even not labeled to target biomolecules, had their own uptake direction with different intensities. It is also observed that the uptake intensity toward the cell membrane had a maximal value at a certain electric voltage, not at the highest value of voltages applied. The results also imply that the uptake direction of fluorescence-doped nanoparticles can be determined by a net surface charge of uptake materials and sizes in the electroporative environments. In summary, we performed a quantitative screening and direct visualization of uptake directionality for a set of fluorescent molecules and fluorescence-doped nanoparticles using electric-pulsation. Taking a closer look at the uptake direction of exogenous materials will help researchers to understand an unknown uptake phenomenon in which way foreign materials are inclined to move, and furthermore to design functional nanoparticles for electroporative gene delivery.

Immune suppression induced by Vi capsular polysaccharide is overcome by Vi-DT conjugate vaccine

The influence pre-exposure of mice to Vi capsular polysaccharide, purified from Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi, on the subsequent immune response induced by a Vi-diphtheria toxoid (Vi-DT) conjugate was evaluated. Vi induced low anti Vi IgG titers with the dominant subclass being IgG3. The Vi-DT conjugate induced high titers of anti Vi IgG with the dominant subclass being IgG1 but with considerable quantities of IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3. Priming of mice with Vi suppressed the response to a subsequent dose of conjugate and the suppression was overcome by a second dose of conjugate. Priming with conjugate prevented suppression of the anti Vi response and subsequent dosing with Vi raised titers back to previous levels but did not boost to new higher levels. The anti DT IgG response to one dose of conjugate was relatively strong and protracted and continued to rise for 12 weeks, compared to the response to one dose of DT which was poor and peaked at two weeks. The prolonged anti DT response was most likely due to the slow release of DT from the conjugate lattice as it degrades within the mouse resulting in a continuous stimulation of the immune response. The presence of increasing amounts of un-conjugated Vi, up to 50%, administered with the conjugate resulted in increasingly higher levels of both anti Vi and anti DT. Larger amounts of un-conjugated Vi inhibited the anti Vi response. These findings have implications for vaccine quality and a limit for un-conjugated polysaccharide should not exceed 50% and from a vaccine program perspective if the results presented here translate to humans then a Vi conjugate, once it becomes available, should replace Vi polysaccharide vaccines.

Integration of heterogeneous clinical decision support systems and their knowledge sets: feasibility study with Drug-Drug Interaction alerts

There exist limitations in both commercial and in-house clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) and issues related to the integration of different knowledge sources and CDSSs. We chose Standard-based Shareable Active Guideline Environment (SAGE) as a new architecture with knowledge integration and a centralized knowledge base which includes authoring/management functions and independent CDSS, and applied it to Drug-Drug Interaction (DDI) CDSS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the newly integrated DDI alerting CDSS into a real world hospital information system involving construction of an integrated CDSS derived from two heterogeneous systems and their knowledge sets. The proposed CDSS was successfully implemented and compensated for the weaknesses of the old CDSS from knowledge integration and management, and its applicability in actual situations was verified. Although the DDI CDSS was constructed as an example case, the new CDS architecture might prove applicable to areas of CDSSs.

Components from the steamed leaves of Acanthopanax koreanum and their effects on PPAR activity in HepG2 cells

Three ent-kaurane diterpenes (1-3), four lupane-triterpene glycosides (4-7), and an oleanane-triterpene glycoside (8) were isolated from the ethyl acetate and water extracts of the steamed leaves of Acanthopanax koreanum using a combination of various column chromatographies. The structures of the isolates were determined by 1H-, 13C-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. To investigate the biological effects of the eight compounds (1-8) on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), luciferase reporter assays were used. Among the tested compounds, ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (1), 16alpha-hydroxy-ent-kauran-19-oic acid (2), and 17-hydroxy-ent-kaur-15-en-19-oic acid (3) showed considerable effects on PPARgamma activity, compared with the positive control, troglitazone. To evaluate specificity and sensitivity of the active compounds (1-3) in the regulation of transactivation of PPARs, Gal4-PPARs-LBD luciferase reporter assays were examined. In this study, the three ent-kaurane diterpenes (1-3) were found to up-regulate PPARbeta/delta and PPARgamma activities, whereas they did not activate PPARalpha activity.