Prenylflavonoids isolated from Macaranga tanarius stimulate odontoblast differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells and tooth root formation via the mitogen-activated protein kinase and protein kinase B pathways

AIM

To identify odontogenesis-promoting compounds and examine the molecular mechanism underlying enhanced odontoblast differentiation and tooth formation.

METHODOLOGY

Five different nymphaeols, nymphaeol B (NB), isonymphaeol B (INB), nymphaeol A (NA), 3'-geranyl-naringenin (GN) and nymphaeol C (NC) were isolated from the fruit of Macaranga tanarius. The cytotoxic effect of nymphaeols on human DPSCs was observed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effect of nymphaeols on odontoblast differentiation was analysed with Alizarin Red S staining and odontoblast marker expression was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The molecular mechanism was investigated with Western blot analysis. In order to examine the effect of INB on dentine formation in the developing tooth germ, INB-soaked beads were placed under the tooth bud explants in the collagen gel; thereafter, the tooth bud explant-bead complexes were implanted into the sub-renal capsules for 3 weeks. Tooth root formation was analysed using micro-computed tomography and histological analysis. Data are presented as mean ± standard error (SEM) values of three independent experiments, and results are compared using a two-tailed Student's t-test. The data were considered to have statistical significance when the P-value was less than 0.05.

RESULTS

Three of the compounds, NB, INB, and GN, did not exert a cytotoxic effect on human DPSCs. However, INB was most effective in promoting the deposition of calcium minerals in vitro (P < 0.001) and induced the expression of odontogenic marker genes (P < 0.05). Moreover, this compound strongly induced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and protein kinase B (AKT) (P < 0.05). The inhibition of p38 MAP, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and AKT substantially suppressed the INB-induced odontoblast differentiation (P < 0.001). In addition, isonymphaeol B significantly induced the formation of dentine and elongation of the tooth root in vivo (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Prenylflavonoids, including INB, exerted stimulatory effects on odontoblast differentiation and tooth root and dentine formation via the MAP kinase and AKT signalling pathways. These results suggest that nymphaeols could stimulate the repair processes for dentine defects or injuries.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health of Vulnerable Two Groups: Developmental Trauma of the Child-Adolescents and Work Disaster of Health Care Workers

COVID-19 has spread worldwide. People are struggling to adjust to a new normal, but changes in their daily routines are also causing stress. A person may feel depressed, uneasy, or suicidal and may complain of symptoms such as panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disease (PTSD), psychosis, obsessive–compulsive disorder, or paranoia when personal resilience cannot effectively process the stress. Children, adolescents, and health care workers are especially psychologically vulnerable groups in the pandemic calamity situation; therefore, a long-term intervention plan is necessary for them. When intervening with children and adolescents, it should be considered that each individual has different ways of expressing stress according to the developmental level of cognition, language, and emotion, and taking into account these developmental levels, it is necessary to help them achieve developmental tasks appropriate for their age. Health care workers feel psychological pain from problems such as the risk of becoming infected, the risk of passing the virus to their families, overwork, isolation, and stigma. Therefore, it is necessary to help them recover themselves by supplying personal protective equipment and providing the most basic resources necessary for adequate rest, work-life balance, and childcare.

Development of the Korean Form of the Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale: A Reliability and Validity Study

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Korean Form of the Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale (K-PUTS).

Methods

Thirty-eight patients with Tourette's disorder who visited Jeonbuk National University Hospital were assessed with the K-PUTS. Together with the PUTS, the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS), the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rating scale (ARS), and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) were implemented to evaluate concurrent and discriminant validity.

Results

The internal consistency of items on the PUTS was high, with a Cronbach's α of 0.79. The test-retest reliability of the PUTS, which was administered at 2 weeks to 2 months intervals, showed high reliability with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.60. There was a significant positive correlation between the overall PUTS score and the YGTSS score, showing concurrent validity. There was no correlation between the PUTS, CY-BOCS, and ASRS scores, demonstrating the discriminant validity of the PUTS. Factor analysis for construct validity revealed three factors: "presumed functional relationship between the tic and the urge to tic," "the quality of the premonitory urge," and "just right phenomena."

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that the K-PUTS is a reliable and valid scale for rating premonitory urge of tics.

Anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity activities of purpurin in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells and in mice fed a high-fat diet

BACKGROUND

The body responds to overnutrition by converting stem cells to adipocytes. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown polyphenols and other natural compounds to be anti-adipogenic, presumably due in part to their antioxidant properties. Purpurin is a highly antioxidative anthraquinone and previous studies on anthraquinones have reported numerous biological activities in cells and animals. Anthraquinones have also been used to stimulate osteoblast differentiation, an inversely-related process to that of adipocyte differentiation. We propose that due to its high antioxidative properties, purpurin administration might attenuate adipogenesis in cells and in mice.

METHODS

Our study will test the effect purpurin has on adipogenesis using both in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro model consists of tracking with various biomarkers, the differentiation of pre-adipocyte to adipocytes in cell culture. The compound will then be tested in mice fed a high-fat diet. Murine 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells were stimulated to differentiate in the presence or absence of purpurin. The following cellular parameters were measured: intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), membrane potential of the mitochondria, ATP production, activation of AMPK (adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase), insulin-induced lipid accumulation, triglyceride accumulation, and expression of PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ) and C/EBPα (CCAAT enhancer binding protein α). In vivo, mice were fed high fat diets supplemented with various levels of purpurin. Data collected from the animals included anthropometric data, glucose tolerance test results, and postmortem plasma glucose, lipid levels, and organ examinations.

RESULTS

The administration of purpurin at 50 and 100 μM in 3T3-L1 cells, and at 40 and 80 mg/kg in mice proved to be a sensitive range: the lower concentrations affected several measured parameters, whereas at the higher doses purpurin consistently mitigated biomarkers associated with adipogenesis, and weight gain in mice. Purpurin appears to be an effective antiadipogenic compound.

CONCLUSION

The anthraquinone purpurin has potent in vitro anti-adipogenic effects in cells and in vivo anti-obesity effects in mice consuming a high-fat diet. Differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells was dose-dependently inhibited by purpurin, apparently by AMPK activation. Mice on a high-fat diet experienced a dose-dependent reduction in induced weight gain of up to 55%.

Clinical Aspects of Premonitory Urges in Patients with Tourette's Disorder

Most patients with Tourette’s disorder experience an uncomfortable sensory phenomenon called the premonitory urge immediately before experiencing tics. It has been suggested that premonitory urges are associated with comorbidities such as obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, although these associations have been inconsistent. Most patients experience tics as a result of the premonitory urges, and after the tics occur, most patients report that the premonitory urges are temporarily relieved. As a consequence, several studies have assessed the premonitory urge and its potential therapeutic utility. Based on the concept that the premonitory urge induces tics, behavioral treatments such as Exposure and Response Prevention and Habit Reversal Therapy have been developed. However, it is still unclear whether habituation, the main mechanism of these therapies, is directly related to their effectiveness. Moreover, the observed effects of pharmacological treatments on premonitory urges have been inconsistent.

The composition of a bioprocessed shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushroom mycelia and rice bran formulation and its antimicrobial effects against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium strain SL1344 in macrophage cells and in mice

Background

Human infection by pathogenic Salmonella bacteria can be acquired by consuming of undercooked meat products and eggs. Antimicrobial resistance against antibiotics used in medicine is also a major concern. To help overcome these harmful effects on microbial food safety and human health, we are developing novel antimicrobial food-compatible formulations, one of which is described in the present study.

Methods

The composition of a bioprocessed (fermented) rice bran extract (BPRBE) from Lentinus edodes liquid mycelia culture was evaluated using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and the mechanism of its antibacterial effect against Salmonella Typhimurium, strain SL1344 was investigated in macrophage cells and in mice.

Results

BPRBE stimulated uptake of the bacteria into RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. Activation of the cells was confirmed by increases in NO production resulting from the elevation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA, and in protein expression. Salmonella infection down-regulated the expression of the following protein biomarkers of autophagy (a catabolic process for stress adaptation of cellular components): Beclin-1, Atg5, Atg12, Atg16, LC3-I and LC3-II. BPRBE promoted the upregulation of protein expressions that induced bacterial destruction in autolysosomes of RAW 264.7 cells. ELISA analysis of interferon IFN-β showed that inflammatory cytokine secretion and bactericidal activity had similar profiles, suggesting that BPRBE enhances cell-autonomous and systemic bactericidal activities via autophagic capture of Salmonella. The treatment also elicited increased excretion of bacteria in feces and their decreased translocation to internal organs (cecum, mesenteric lymph node, spleen, and liver).

Conclusions

The antibiotic mechanism of BPRBE involves the phagocytosis of extracellular bacteria, autophagic capture of intracellular bacteria, and prevention of translocation of bacteria across the intestinal epithelial cells. The new bioprocessing combination of mushroom mycelia and rice brans forms a potentially novel food formulation with in vivo antimicrobial properties that could serve as a functional antimicrobial food and medical antibiotic.

Mechanism of Antibacterial Activities of a Rice Hull Smoke Extract (RHSE) Against Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Typhimurium In Vitro and in Mice

The present study tested antibacterial activity of a rice hull smoke extract (RHSE) against a multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella Typhimurium and examined its mode of suppressive action in vitro and in mice. In vitro studies showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of RHSE was 1.29% (v/v). The inactivation was confirmed by complete loss of cell viability in the range of 10⁴ to 10⁷ colony forming units of the resistant Salmonella Typhimurium strain. Agarose and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoreses were used to evaluate the integrities of bacterial genomic DNA and total cellular protein profiles. The antibacterial action of RHSE results from a leakage of intracellular macromolecules following rupture of bacterial cells. Scanning electron microscopy of the cells shows that RHSE also induced deleterious morphological changes in the bacterial cell membrane of the pathogens. In vivo antibacterial activity of RHSE at a 1 × MIC concentration was examined in a bacterial gastroenteritis model using Balb/c mice orally infected with the Salmonella Typhimurium. The results show greatly decreased excretion of the bacteria into the feces and suppressed translocation of the bacteria to internal organs (cecum, mesenteric lymph node, spleen, and liver) compared with the infected mice not subjected to the RHSE treatment. Collectively, the present findings indicate that the mechanism of the antibacterial activities both in vitro and in the gastroenteritis environment of the animal model is the result of the direct disruption of cell structure, leading to cell death. RHSE has the potential to serve as a multifunctional food additive that might protect consumers against infections by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The rice hull derived liquid smoke has the potential to complement widely used wood-derived smoke as an antimicrobial flavor and health-promoting formulation for application in foods and feeds.

Changes of gait parameters following constrained-weight shift training in patients with stroke

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of training involving compelled weight shift on the paretic lower limb on gait parameters and plantar pressure distribution in patients with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-five stroke patients participated in the study and were randomly divided into: group with a 5-mm lift on the non-paretic side for constrained weight shift training (5: constrained weight shift training) (n=15); group with a 10-mm lift on the non-paretic side for constrained weight shift training (10: constrained weight shift training) (n=15); or the control group (n=15). Both, the 5 constrained weight shift training and 10 constrained weight shift training groups underwent constrained weight shift training 5 times per week for 4 weeks, whereas the control group performed ergometer exercises for lower limb muscle strengthening. [Results] The 10 constrained weight shift training group showed a significant increase in the contact surface and impulse of the hindfoot compared to the control group, and the step length and walking speed were significantly longer and faster. [Conclusion] We found that constrained weight shift training on the paretic lower limb is an effective treatment method for improving normal gait pattern in stroke patients.

Structure-Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activity Relationships of Purpurin and Related Anthraquinones in Chemical and Cell Assays

Anthraquinone (9,10-anthraquinone) and several hydroxy derivatives, including purpurin (1,2,4-trihydroxyanthraquinone), anthrarufin (1,5-dihydroxyanthraquinone), and chrysazin (1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone), were evaluated for antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in chemical assays and mammalian cells (murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells). Several tests were used to assess their activities: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical; ABTS radical cation; hydrogen peroxide scavenging; reduction of potassium ferricyanide; chelation of ferrous ions; inhibition of lipid peroxidation; inhibition of nitric oxide generation; scavenging of the intracellular hydroxyl radical; expression of NLRP3 polypeptide for inflammasome assembly; and quantitation of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 1β (IL-1β) for inflammasome activation. The results show that purpurin, from the root of the madder plant (Rubia tinctorum L.), exhibited the highest antioxidative activity in both chemical and cultured cell antioxidant assays. The antioxidative activities of the other three anthraquinones were lower than that of purpurin. In addition, purpurin could down-regulate NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation, suggesting that it might protect foods against oxidative damage and prevent in vivo oxidative stress and inflammation. Structure-activity relationships and the significance of the results for food quality and human health are discussed.

Elm Tree (Ulmus parvifolia) Bark Bioprocessed with Mycelia of Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) Mushrooms in Liquid Culture: Composition and Mechanism of Protection against Allergic Asthma in Mice

Mushrooms can break down complex plant materials into smaller, more digestible and bioactive compounds. The present study investigated the antiasthma effect of an Ulmus parvifolia bark extract bioprocessed in Lentinus edodes liquid mycelium culture (BPUBE) against allergic asthma in chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized/challenged mice. BPUBE suppressed total IgE release from U266B1 cells in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. Inhibitory activity of BPUBE against OVA-specific IgE secretion in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was observed in OVA-sensitized/challenged asthmatic mice. BPUBE also inhibited OVA-specific IgG and IgG1 secretion into serum from the allergic mice, suggesting the restoration of a Th2-biased immune reaction to a Th1/Th2-balanced status, as indicated by the Th1/Th2 as well as regulatory T cell (Treg) cytokine profile changes caused by BPUBE in serum or BALF. Inflammatory cell counts in BALF and lung histology showed that leukocytosis and eosinophilia induced by OVA-sensitization/challenge were inhibited by the oral administration of BPUBE. Amelioration of eosinophil infiltration near the trachea was associated with reduced eotaxin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) levels. Changes in proinflammatory mediator levels in BALF suggest that BPUBE decreased OVA-sensitization-induced elevation of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). The finding that asthma-associated biomarker levels of OVA-sensitized/challenged mice were much more inhibited with BPUBE treatment than NPUBE (not-bioprocessed Ulmus parvifolia extract) treatment suggested the production of new bioactive compounds by the mushroom mycelia that may be involved in enhancing the observed antiasthmatic properties. The possible relation of the composition determined by proximate analysis and GC/MS to observed bioactivity is discussed. The results suggest that the elm tree (Ulmus parvifolia) bark bioprocessed with mycelia of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms has the potential to prevent and/or treat allergic asthma.

Uterine rupture during labor in women with twice successful vaginal births after cesarean delivery

Uterine rupture during labor is a serious complication resulting in maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. We present the extremely rare case of a 38-year-old gravid woman admitted with labor pain at term, about to experience a uterine rupture during labor. She had previously twice delivered vaginally, and during her third pregnancy had a low transverse Cesarean section. Prior to arriving at the hospital with labor pains, she had routine prenatal care with normal prenatal laboratory tests. One day the woman reported to having sudden epigastric pain, and 40 minutes after her admission a pelvic exam was completed. The unborn baby had a persistent revealed, and a live neonate was promptly delivered with an Apgar score of 1 at one minute and 5 at five minutes. On the fifth postoperative day the woman and her baby were discharged home with no maternal and neonatal complications.

The Tomato Glycoalkaloid α-Tomatine Induces Caspase-Independent Cell Death in Mouse Colon Cancer CT-26 Cells and Transplanted Tumors in Mice

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) produce the bioactive glycoalkaloid α-tomatine. This study determined the effect of commercial α-tomatine on CT-26 colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo in an intracutaneously transplanted mouse tumor. Cytotoxicity experiments showed that α-tomatine induces about 50% lysis of the colon cancer cells at 3.5 μM after 24 h of treatment. Large proportions of cells were found to be in the annexin V (+)/propidium iodide (+) phase of cell death, implying late phase apoptotic/necrotic status. However, α-tomatine induced cell death in CT-26 cancer cells through caspase-independent signaling pathways. This conclusion was supported by Western blot analysis showing a localization of apoptosis-inducing mitochondrial protein (AIF) to the nucleus and down-regulation of survivin (an inhibitor of apoptosis) expression as well as failure to detect the active form of caspase-3, -8, and -9 produced by proteolytic cleavage in CT-26 cancer cells. Intraperitoneally administered α-tomatine (5 mg/kg body weight) also markedly inhibited growth of the tumor using CT-26 cancer cells without causing body and organ weight changes. The reduced tumor growth in the mice by 38% after 2 weeks was the result of increased caspase-independent apoptosis associated with increased nuclear translocation of AIF and decreased survivin expression in tumor tissues. α-Tomatine in pure form and in tomatine-rich green tomatoes might prevent colon cancer.

Mechanism of the antiadipogenic-antiobesity effects of a rice hull smoke extract in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells and in mice on a high-fat diet

Photomicrographs and dose-dependent lipid reduction in adipocyte cells induced by the rice hull extract.

Rice hull smoke extract protects mice against a Salmonella lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia

Endotoxemia (sepsis, septic shock) is an inflammatory, virulent disease that results mainly from infection by Gram-negative bacteria. The present study investigates the inhibitory effects of a rice hull smoke extract (RHSE) against murine endotoxemia induced by Salmonella lipopolysaccharide and d-galactosamine (LPS/GalN). Pretreatment of the mice with RHSE via dietary administration for 2 weeks resulted in the suppression (in %) of LPS/GalN-induced catalase by 70.7, superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 54.6, and transaminase (GOT/GPT) liver enzymes by 40.6/62.5, the amelioration of necrotic liver lesions, and the reduction of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by 61.1 and nitrite serum level by 83.4, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme associated with necrotic injury of the lung and kidney by 65.7 and 63.3, respectively. The RHSE also extended the lifespan of the toxemic mice. The results using inflammation biomarkers and from the lifespan studies suggest that the RHSE can protect mice against LPS/GalN-induced liver, lung, and kidney injuries and inflammation by blocking oxidative stress and TNF-α production, thereby increasing the survival of the toxic-shock-induced mice. These beneficial effects and previous studies on the antimicrobial effects against Salmonella Typhimurium in culture and in mice suggest that the smoke extract also has the potential to serve as a new multifunctional resource in human food and animal feeds. Possible mechanisms of the beneficial effects at the cellular and molecular levels and suggested food uses are discussed.

Top-up operation at Pohang Light Source-II

After three years of upgrading work, PLS-II (S. Shin, Commissioning of the PLS-II, JINST, January 2013) is now successfully operating. The top-up operation of the 3 GeV linear accelerator had to be delayed because of some challenges encountered, and PLS-II was run in decay mode at the beginning in March 2012. The main difficulties encountered in the top-up operation of PLS-II are different levels between the linear accelerator and the storage ring, the 14 narrow gap in-vacuum undulators in operation, and the full energy injection by 3 GeV linear accelerator. Large vertical emittance and energy jitter of the linac were the major obstacles that called for careful control of injected beam to reduce beam loss in the storage ring during injection. The following measures were taken to resolve these problems: (1) The high resolution Libera BPM (see http://www.i-tech.si) was implemented to measure the beam trajectory and energy. (2) Three slit systems were installed to filter the beam edge. (3) De-Qing circuit was applied to the modulator system to improve the energy stability of injected beam. As a result, the radiation by beam loss during injection is reduced drastically, and the top-up mode has been successfully operating since 19th March 2013. In this paper, we describe the experimental results of the PLS-II top-up operation and the improvement plan.

The influence of time of day on static and dynamic postural control in normal adults

[Purpose] We attempted to determine whether static and dynamic postural control ability fluctuated depending on the influence of the time of day (9 am, 1 pm, and 5 pm), and at which time point postural balance performance was best in healthy individuals. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four healthy subjects participated in this study. The static and dynamic postural balance test was conducted during three sessions (i.e., at 9 am, 1 pm, and 5 pm) with a counterbalanced order for prevention of learning effects. As outcome measurements, AP distance, ML distance, and velocity moment were adopted in the static balance test, and the performance time and total distance were measured in the dynamic balance test. [Results] For the static postural balance test, COP distance was shorter and COP velocity was slower at 9 am compared with those at 1 and 5 pm. In particular, the COP distance at 9 am was statistically different from that at 13 pm. During the dynamic postural balance test, performance time and total distance were influenced by the time of day, as the best performance was observed in the morning. [Conclusion] This study found that static and dynamic postural balance abilities were greatest in the morning and worst at 1 pm. Understanding of the mechanism of the time-of-day effect on postural balance will be helpful for assessment and treatment of postural balance by physical therapists and in making desirable clinical decisions.

A Polysaccharide isolated from the liquid culture of Lentinus edodes (Shiitake) mushroom mycelia containing black rice bran protects mice against salmonellosis through upregulation of the Th1 immune reaction

The present study investigated the antibacterial effect of a bioprocessed polysaccharide (BPP) isolated from Lentinus edodes liquid mycelial culture supplemented with black rice bran against murine salmonellosis. BPP was not bactericidal in vitro, it did, however, stimulate uptake of the bacteria into RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells, as indicated by increased colony-forming unit (CFU) counts of the contents of the lysed macrophages incubated with Salmonella Typhimurium for 30 and 60 min. Two hours postinfection, the bacterial counts drastically increased in the macrophages, but 4 and 8 h postinfection BPP extract-treated cells showed lower bacterial counts than the vehicle (saline phosphate pH 7.4 buffer, PBS)-treated control. BPP elicited altered morphology and markedly elevated inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) mRNA and protein expression in the infected macrophage cells. BPP also activated leukocytes in S. Typhimurium-infected mice, as determined by spleen lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ levels in mice sera. ELISA analysis on cytokine production by Th1 and Th2 immune cells from splenocytes of infected mice showed significant increases in the levels of the following Th1 cytokines: IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-12. Histology assays of the livers of mice infected with a sublethal dose (1 × 10(4) CFU) of S. Typhimurium showed that BPP, administered daily through an intraperitoneal (ip) or oral route, protected against necrosis of the liver, a biomarker of in vivo salmonellosis. The lifespan of mice similarly infected with a lethal dose of S. Typhimurium (1 × 10(5) CFU) was significantly extended by ip injection or oral administration of the BPP without side effects. These results suggest that the activity of BPP against bacterial infection in mice occurs mainly through the activation of macrophage-mediated immune response resulting from augmented Th1 immunity. The significance of the results for microbial food safety and human health and further research needs are discussed.

Effects of progressive resistance training integrated with foot and ankle compression on spatiotemporal gait parameters of individuals with stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive resistance training (PRT) integrated with foot and ankle compression on the gait ability of post-stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: the PRT group (n=14) and the control group (n=14). Subjects in the PRT group received training for 30 minutes, five days per week, for a period of six weeks. Gait ability was evaluated using the RsScan system. [Results] Use of PRT integrated with foot and ankle compression resulted in significant improvements in temporal parameters (gait velocity, step time, and double limb support) and spatial parameters (step length, stride length, and heel-to- heel base of support). [Conclusion] Progressive resistance training integrated with foot and ankle compression improved the gait ability of stroke patients. These results suggest the feasibility and suitability of integration of PRT with foot and ankle compression for individuals with stroke.

Influence of Isokinetic Strength Training of Unilateral Ankle on Ipsilateral One-legged Standing Balance of Adults

[Purpose] The purpose of the current study was to investigate the changes in one-legged standing balance of the ipsilateral lower limb following unilateral isokinetic strength training. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty healthy adult volunteers were randomly assigned to either a training group or a control group, so that each group included 15 subjects. Subjects in the training group performed unilateral ankle isokinetic exercises of the dominant leg using the Biodex 3 PRO System for a period of four weeks. Ipsilateral one-legged standing balance was evaluated before and after the intervention with three stability indexes of balance using the Biodex System: Anterior-Posterior Stability Index (APSI), Medial-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI), and Overall Stability Index (OSI). [Results] Comparison of pre- and post-test data revealed significant improvements in strength values (dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, eversion, and inversion) and stability indexes (APSI, MLSI, OSI). [Conclusion] These results suggest that ankle strengthening exercise can be considered as a form of exercise that may assist individuals with improvement of balance.

A polysaccharide isolated from the liquid culture of Lentinus edodes (Shiitake) mushroom mycelia containing black rice bran protects mice against a Salmonella lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia

Endotoxemia (sepsis, septic shock) is an inflammatory, virulent disease that results mainly from bacterial infection. The present study investigates the inhibitory effect of a bioprocessed polysaccharide (BPP) isolated from the edible Lentinus edodes liquid mycelial mushroom culture supplemented with black rice bran against murine endotoxemia induced by the Salmonella lipopolysaccharide and d-galactosamine (LPS/GalN). BPP was obtained after dialysis against water using a cellulose tube with a molecular weight cutoff of 10000. BPP eluted as a single peak on an HPLC chromatogram. Acid hydrolysis of BPP showed the presence of the following sugars: fucose, galactose, galactosamine, glucose, glucosamine, mannose, rhamnose, and xylose. Treatment of BPP with β-glucanase reduced its immunostimulating activity, suggesting that the polysaccharide has a β-glucan structure. Pretreatment of mice with BPP via oral or intraperitoneal (ip) administration for 2 weeks resulted in the suppression of LPS/GalN-induced catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and transaminase (GOT/GPT) liver enzymes, amelioration of necrotic liver lesions, and reduction of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and nitrite serum levels as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, an index of necrotic injury. Immunostimulating macrophage activity was up to 5.4-fold greater than that observed with the culture without the rice bran. BPP also extended the lifespan of the toxemic mice. These positive results with inflammation biomarkers and lifespan studies suggest that the BPP can protect mice against LPS/GalN-induced liver, lung, and kidney injuries and inflammation by blocking oxidative stress and TNF-α production, thus increasing the survival of the toxic shock-induced mice. The polysaccharide has the potential to serve as a new functional food.

Changes of plantar pressure distributions following open and closed kinetic chain exercise in patients with stroke

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate whether progressive resistive training with closed-kinetic chain (CKC) and open-kinetic chain (OKC) exercises could change plantar pressure distribution during walking in patients with stroke.

METHODS

Thirty-nine stroke patients were recruited and randomly divided into a CKC exercise group (n = 13), an OKC exercise group (n = 13), and a control group (n = 13). Both CKC and OKC exercise groups performed their own respective training programs 5 times per week for 6 weeks, whereas no training was done in the control group. Barefoot plantar pressure distribution was measured during walking in terms of contact area (CA), peak contact force (PCF), and contact impulse (CI) on each of three foot regions (i.e. forefoot (FF), midfoot (MF), and hindfoot (HF)).

RESULTS

In the CKC exercise group, there were significant changes in only the CA and PCF of HF. In the OKC exercise and control groups, no significant differences were found for all variables of plantar pressure distributions.

CONCLUSION

We found that resistive training with closed kinetic chain exercises could be an effective treatment method for improving normal gait patterns in stroke patients. These findings may be attributed to the fact that CKC exercise induced use of the ankle and knee muscles and provided repetitive sensory input from the affected foot.

The effects of aging on visuomotor coordination and proprioceptive function in the upper limb

[Purpose] Sensorimotor processing, including motor performance, is altered during the process of normal aging. Previous studies have investigated tasks requiring complex visuomotor coordination and active joint reposition tests. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate age-related changes in upper limb tasks, such as visuomotor coordination and proprioceptive acuity. [Subjects and Methods] We recruited 20 healthy elderly subjects and 20 healthy young subjects. We evaluated a tracking task for visuomotor function and a joint reposition test for integrity of proprioceptive sense in both hands of the elderly subjects, and compared the results with those of the healthy young subjects. [Results] The accuracy index scores for the tracking task were significantly lower in both the dominant and non-dominant hands of the elderly subjects than those of the young group. In addition, the reposition error score in the joint reposition test was significantly higher in the elderly group than in the young group. [Conclusion] Sensorimotor functions of both the dominant and non-dominant hands showed a decline in the elderly group. This finding suggests that sensorimotor function deteriorates with advancing age.

Deficits of Movement Accuracy and Proprioceptive Sense in the Ipsi-lesional Upper Limb of Patients with Hemiparetic Stroke

[Purpose] Previous studies have reported on motor deficits in the ipsilateral upper limbs (UL) of a damaged brain hemisphere in motor tasks. However, little is known about sensory deficits on the ipsilateral side. Therefore, we investigated whether both motor and sensory function of the ipsilateral UL are affected in patients with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty patients with unilateral stroke and 40 age- and sex- matched normal subjects participated in this study. Subjects were evaluated on performance of a tracking task for motor function, and by the joint reposition test for integrity of proprioceptive sense in the ipsilateral UL. [Result] The comparison of the stroke group and the control group showed significant differences in performance of the tracking task and the joint reposition test. The accuracy index for the tracking task showed significant correlation with the error score for the joint reposition test in the stroke group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the ipsilateral UL of stroke patients has impairment in sensory function which is related to proprioceptive sense, along with motor deficits. Therefore, we think that the difficulty stroke patients experience with motor tasks for the ipsilateral UL is induced by diminished integrity of sensorimotor function due to both sensory and motor deficits.

The Intra- and Inter-rater Reliabilities of the Forward Head Posture Assessment of Normal Healthy Subjects

[Purpose] Assessment of posture is an important goal of physical therapy interventions for preventing the progression of forward head posture (FHP). The purpose of this study was to determine the inter- and intra-rater reliabilities of the assessment of FHP. [Subjects and Methods] We recruited 45 participants (20 male subjects, 25 female subjects) from a university student population. Two physical therapists assessed FHP using images of head extension. FHP is characterized by the measurement of angles and distances between anatomical landmarks. Forward shoulder angle of 54° or less was defined as FHP. Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were estimated using Kendall's Taub correlation coefficients. [Results] Intra-class correlation of intra-rater measurements indicated an excellent level of reliability (0.91), and intra-class correlation of inter-rater measurements showed a good level of reliability in the assessment of FHP (0.75). [Conclusion] Assessment of FHP is an important component of evaluation and affects the design of the treatment regimen. The assessment of FHP was reliably measured by two physical therapists. It could therefore become a useful method for assessing FHP in the clinical setting. Future studies will be needed to provide more detailed quantitative data for accurate assessment of posture.

Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) mushroom extracts inhibit metastasis of cancer cells to the lung in CT-26 colon cancer-tansplanted mice

This study investigated the antimetastatic activity of four Hericium erinaceus edible mushroom extracts using CT-26 murine colon carcinoma cells as an indicator of inhibition of cell migration to the lung. Hot water (HWE) and microwaved 50% ethanol (MWE) extracts of H. erinaceus strongly elicited cancer cell death through apoptosis and inhibited metastasis of cancer cells to the lungs by 66% and 69%, respectively. HWE and MWE reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cells and their activities in culture media. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), another extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading proteinase, also showed decreased protein expression. In CT-26 cells, HWE and MWE down-regulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylations. The reduced phosphorylations seem to cause reduction of activity of the MMPs, thereby blocking migration and invasion of cells. Dietary administration of HWE and MWE reduced the formation of tumor nodules in the lung by about 50% and 55%, respectively, and prevented increases in lung weight caused by cancer cell metastasis. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of HWE and MWE as beneficial antimetastatic agents, targeting their upstream signaling molecules for mediating the expression of the ECM-degrading proteinases. Acidic and alkaline extracts were not bioactive. Bioactivity seems to be related to composition. H. erinaceus edible mushrooms have the potential to serve as a health-promoting functional food.

Dietary rice bran component γ-oryzanol inhibits tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice

SCOPE

We investigated the effects of rice bran and components on tumor growth in mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mice fed standard diets supplemented with rice bran, γ-oryzanol, Ricetrienol®, ferulic acid, or phytic acid for 2 weeks were inoculated with CT-26 colon cancer cells and fed the same diet for two additional weeks. Tumor mass was significantly lower in the γ-oryzanol and less so in the phytic acid group. Tumor inhibition was associated with the following biomarkers: increases in cytolytic activity of splenic natural killer (NK) cells; partial restoration of nitric oxide production and phagocytosis in peritoneal macrophages increases in released the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 from macrophages; and reductions in the number of blood vessels inside the tumor. Pro-angiogenic biomarkers vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and 5-lipoxygenase-5 (5-LOX) were also significantly reduced in mRNA and protein expression by tumor genes. ELISA of tumor cells confirmed reduced expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX up to 30%. Reduced COX-2 and 5-LOX expression downregulated VEGF and inhibited neoangiogenesis inside the tumors.

CONCLUSION

Induction of NK activity, activation of macrophages, and inhibition of angiogenesis seem to contribute to the inhibitory mechanism of tumor regression by γ-oryzanol.

Adverse effects of motor-related symptoms on the ipsilateral upper limb according to long-term cane usage

OBJECTIVE

Although the cane is prescribed to aid in daily living and social participation in stroke patients, this study aimed to identify whether long-term cane usage affected sensorimotor functions in the distal part of the non-affected upper limb in relation to a tracking task, a nine-hole pegboard test, and proprioceptive joint sense.

PATIENT AND METHOD

Forty stroke patients who were divided into a cane using group (CUG) or a non-cane using group (NCUG) participated in this study. Subjects were evaluated in a tracking task for visuomotor coordination, a nine-hole pegboard test for dexterous hand motion, and a joint reposition test for proprioceptive sense integrity.

RESULT

Comparison of the CUG and NCUG revealed significant differences in performance of the tracking task, the nine-hole pegboard test, and the joint reposition test (p < 0.05). The CUG had more difficulty performing visuomotor coordination and dexterous hand motion tasks compared with the NCUG. Proprioceptive joint sense was also deteriorated in the CUG.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that stroke patients who use a cane for a long period, could experience decreased sensorimotor function in the ipsilateral upper limb of a damaged hemisphere. Therefore, it will be necessary to provide careful evaluation and appropriate therapeutic intervention for stroke patients who require the use of a cane over a long period.

Antidiabetic effects of rice hull smoke extract on glucose-regulating mechanism in type 2 diabetic mice

The aim of this study is to determine the protective effect of a liquid rice hull smoke extract (RHSE) against type 2 diabetes (T2D) in mice induced by a high-fat diet. As compared to the control group of mice on a high-fat diet (HFD), feeding the HFD supplemented with 0.5% or 1% RHSE for 7 weeks resulted in significantly reduced blood glucose and triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations, higher serum insulin levels, and improved glucose tolerance, as assessed by an oral glucose tolerance assay. The hypoglycemic effect of RHSE was accompanied by changes in enzyme activities and cognate gene expression assessed using RT-PCR. Among the glucose metabolism regulating genes evaluated, hepatic glucokinase (GCK), the glucose transporters GLUT2 and GLUT4, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) were up-regulated, whereas glucose-6-phosphatase (G6 Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) were down-regulated in the liver of mice with RHSE-supplementation. These changes resulted in restoration of glucose-regulating activities to normal control levels. Histopathology showed that a high-fat diet intake also induced liver necrosis and damage of the islet of Langerhans in the pancreas, whereas RHSE supplementation restored necrotic damage to normal levels. Immunohistochemistry showed that RHSE supplementation can restore the reduced insulin-producing β-cell population in islet of Langerhans associated with a high-fat diet intake to nondiabetic normal control levels in a dose-dependent manner. RHSE-supplemented food could protect insulin-producing islet cells against damage triggered by oxidative stress and local inflammation associated with diabetes.

Hericium erinaceus mushroom extracts protect infected mice against Salmonella Typhimurium-Induced liver damage and mortality by stimulation of innate immune cells

The present study investigated the antibacterial effect of four extracts from the fruitbody of the edible medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus (hot water extract, HWE; microwave/50% ethanol extract, MWE; acid extract, ACE; and alkaline extract, AKE) against murine salmonellosis. The extracts had no effect on Salmonella ser. Typhimurium growth in culture. Nor were the extracts toxic to murine macrophage cells, RAW 264.7. HWE and MWE stimulated uptake of the bacteria into the macrophage cells as indicated by increased colony-forming unit (CFU) counts of the contents of the lysed macrophages infected with Salmonella Typhimurium for 30 and 60 min. Two hours postinfection, the bacterial counts increased in the macrophages, but 4 and 8 h postinfection the HWE- and MWE-treated cells showed greater activity against the bacteria than the control. HWE- and MWE-treated noninfected macrophages had altered morphology and elevated inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. In the presence of S. Typhimurium, iNOS mRNA expression was further increased, accompanied by an increase in NO production. Histology assays of the livers of mice infected with a sublethal dose (1 × 10(4) CFU) of S. Typhimurium showed that HWE and MWE, administered by daily intraperitoneal injection, protected against necrosis of the liver, a biomarker of in vivo salmonellosis. The lifespans of mice similarly infected with a lethal dose of S. Typhimurium (1 × 10(5) CFU) were significantly extended by HWE and MWE. β-Glucan, known to stimulate the immune system, was previously found to be present in high amounts in the active extracts. These results suggest that the mushroom extract activities against bacterial infection in mice occur through the activation of innate immune cells.

Antidiabetic effects of rice hull smoke extract in alloxan-induced diabetic mice

This study investigated the protective effect of a liquid rice hull smoke extract (RHSE) against diabetes in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Antidiabetic effects of RHSE were evaluated in both the rat insulinoma-1 cell line (INS-1) and diabetic ICR mice induced by intraperitoneal (ip) injection of alloxan. Alloxan treatment (10 mM) increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the INS-1 cells, which were inversely related to cell viabilities. RHSE inhibited alloxan-induced nitric oxide (NO) generation through inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression and suppressed the inflammatory reaction in INS-1 cells through inhibition of expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Dietary administration of 0.5 or 1% RHSE to alloxan-induced diabetic mice caused a decrease in blood glucose and increases in both serum insulin and hepatic glycogen levels. RHSE induced decreases in glucose-6-phosphatase (G6 Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) levels and an increase in the glucokinase (GCK) level. These changes resulted in restoring glucose-regulating enzyme levels to control values. Histopathology showed that alloxan also induced damage of Langerhans islet cells of the pancreas and liver necrosis associated with diabetes. Oral administration of RHSE restored the islet and liver cells to normal levels. RHSE-supplemented functional food could protect insulin-producing islet cells against damage triggered by oxidative stress and local inflammation associated with diabetes.

Rice hull smoke extract inactivates Salmonella Typhimurium in laboratory media and protects infected mice against mortality

A previously characterized rice hull smoke extract (RHSE) was tested for bactericidal activity against Salmonella Typhimurium using the disc-diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of RHSE was 0.822% (v/v). The in vivo antibacterial activity of RHSE (1.0%, v/v) was also examined in a Salmonella-infected Balb/c mouse model. Mice infected with a sublethal dose of the pathogens were administered intraperitoneally a 1.0% solution of RHSE at four 12-h intervals during the 48-h experimental period. The results showed that RHSE inhibited bacterial growth by 59.4%, 51.4%, 39.6%, and 28.3% compared to 78.7%, 64.6%, 59.2%, and 43.2% inhibition with the medicinal antibiotic vancomycin (20 mg/mL). By contrast, 4 consecutive administrations at 12-h intervals elicited the most effective antibacterial effect of 75.0% and 85.5% growth reduction of the bacteria by RHSE and vancomycin, respectively. The combination of RHSE and vancomycin acted synergistically against the pathogen. The inclusion of RHSE (1.0% v/w) as part of a standard mouse diet fed for 2 wk decreased mortality of 10 mice infected with lethal doses of the Salmonella. Photomicrographs of histological changes in liver tissues show that RHSE also protected the liver against Salmonella-induced pathological necrosis lesions. These beneficial results suggest that the RHSE has the potential to complement wood-derived smokes as antimicrobial flavor formulations for application to human foods and animal feeds.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The new antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory rice hull derived liquid smoke has the potential to complement widely used wood-derived liquid smokes as an antimicrobial flavor and health-promoting formulation for application to foods.

Composition and mechanism of antitumor effects of Hericium erinaceus mushroom extracts in tumor-bearing mice

We investigated antitumor effects of the following four extracts of freeze-dried Hericium erinaceus mushrooms in Balb/c mice intracutaneously transplanted on the backs with CT-26 colon cancer cells: HWE, hot water extraction by boiling in water for 3 h; MWE, microwaving in 50% ethanol/water at 60 W for 3 min; and ACE and AKE, boiling in 1% HCl or 3% NaOH for 2 h. HWE and MWE with a higher content of β-glucans, determined by an assay kit, than ACE and MKE were active in all bioassays. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses showed the presence of 40, 27, 16, and 13 compounds, respectively, in the four extracts. Daily intraperitoneal (ip) injections of HWE and MWE for 2 weeks significantly reduced tumor weights by 38 and 41%. Tumor regressions were associated with changes in the following cancer biomarkers as compared to phosphate buffer (PBS)-treated control mice: 2.7- and 2.4-fold increases in cytolytic activity of splenic natural killer (NK) cells; restored nitric oxide production and phagocytosis in peritoneal macrophages to 95-98% of normal levels; ∼2-fold increase in released pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 from macrophages; and ∼56 and ∼60% reductions in the number of blood vessels inside the tumor. The pro-angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) were also significantly reduced in mRNA and protein expression by tumor genes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of tumor cells confirmed reduced expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX (32 and 31%). Reduced COX-2 and 5-LOX expression down-regulated VEGF expression, resulting in inhibition of neo-angiogenesis inside the tumors. The results indicate that induction of NK activity, activation of macrophages, and inhibition of angiogenesis all contribute to the mechanism of reduction of tumor size.

Antioxidative and antimutagenic activities of 70% ethanolic extracts from four fungal mycelia-fermented specialty rices

The health-promoting potential of 70% ethanolic extracts of 4 rice varieties fermented with Monascus ruber, Phellinus linteus, Cordyceps sinensis and Agaricus blazei was evaluated mainly focusing on their antioxidative and antimutagenic capacities based on the following parameters: phenolic compound and phytic acid content; inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation; scavenging activity on DPPH radical; suppressing ability on mitomycin C-induced mutagenesis in E. coli cells; and protective effect on 4-nitroquinoline oxide-triggered DNA lesion in V79 hamster cells. The fermented rice extracts were superior in overall health-promoting parameters compared to the source material. The higher antimutagenic activity of the fermented rice extracts might be in part caused by a larger amount of antioxidant constituents such as phenolic compounds or phytic acid. Of the fungal species, Monascus ruber was found to impart a marked increase in both the antioxidative and antimutagenic abilities to the source material. The current study suggests a possibility that such fermented rice may contribute to the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases such as cancer through a daily intake of rice-based diets.

Composition of liquid rice hull smoke and anti-inflammatory effects in mice

A new liquid rice hull smoke extract with a smoky aroma and sugar-like odor prepared by pyrolysis of rice hulls followed by liquefaction of the resulting smoke contained 161 compounds characterized by GC/MS. Antioxidative, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the extract were assessed in vitro and in vivo. At pH 5, the extract inhibited 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and suppressed nitric oxide (NO) and β-hexosaminidase releases from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 mouse macrophage leukemia cells and ionophore A23187-stimulated RBL-2H3 rat basophilic cells without significant cytotoxicity. 12-O-Tetradecanolylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was applied to the ears of CD-1 mice to induce inflammation (edema), which was accompanied by increases in a series of biomarkers. Topical application of 1% of the extract as well as feeding mice a standard diet with 1% extract for two weeks significantly reduced the expression of biomarkers associated with the TPA-induced inflammation. These include tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), myeloperoxidase (MPO). These in vitro and in vivo findings demonstrate the potential value of rice hull smoke extract derived from a major agricultural byproduct to serve as a new biomaterial for the improvement of food quality and safety and the environment.

Effect of oryzanol and ferulic acid on the glucose metabolism of mice fed with a high-fat diet

The effects of oryzanol and ferulic acid on the glucose metabolism of high-fat-fed mice were investigated. Male C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: NC group fed with normal control diet; HF group fed with high-fat (17%) diet; HF-O group fed with high-fat diet supplemented with 0.5% oryzanol; and HF-FA group fed with high-fat diet supplemented with 0.5% ferulic acid. All animals were allowed free access to the experimental diets and water for 7 wk. At the end of the experimental period, the HF-O and HF-FA groups exhibited significantly lower blood glucose level and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activities, and higher glycogen and insulin concentrations and glucokinase (GK) activity compared with NC and HF groups. The results of this study illustrate that both oryzanol and ferulic acid could reduce the risk of high-fat diet-induced hyperglycemia via regulation of insulin secretion and hepatic glucose-regulating enzyme activities.

Feasibility of nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma for intracoronal bleaching

AIM

To investigate the effect of nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma on intracoronal tooth bleaching in blood stained human teeth.

METHODOLOGY

Forty extracted single-root and blood stained human teeth were used. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups (n=20): group 1 received 30% HP activated by nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma in the pulp chamber for 30 min, whilst group 2 received 30% HP alone in the pulp chamber for 30 min. The overall colour changes (ΔE) were assessed using the Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) Lab Colour System. The data were analysed using Student's t-test to determine the significant differences.

RESULTS

The temperature of all teeth was maintained at approximately 37 °C during plasma bleaching. The plasma treatment with 30% HP resulted in significantly higher bleaching efficacy compared to 30% HP alone in discoloured teeth (P<0.05). The average ΔE values of group 1 and group 2 were 9.24 (0.37) and 4.47 (1.62), respectively, at 30 min.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma to intracoronal bleaching could be a novel and efficient therapy in the bleaching of haemorrhagically stained teeth.

Protective effects of black rice bran against chemically-induced inflammation of mouse skin

We investigated the inhibitory effects of black rice (cv. LK1-3-6-12-1-1) bran against 12-O-tetradecanolylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced skin edema and 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in inflammatory mouse models. We also determined the effects of the bran extract on the following biomarkers: pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), eicosanoids leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Topical application of TPA to ears of CD-1 mice induced inflammation accompanied with substantial increase in TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, LTB4, and PGE2 levels and an elevation in intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene expressions in ear skin tissues. Intraperitoneal injection of black rice bran extract prior to TPA application in mice significantly suppressed TPA-induced inflammation (edema) and induced a marked decrease in the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and LTB4. Feeding mice a standard diet with added 10% black rice bran also significantly suppressed DNFB-induced allergic contact dermatitis on the skin of the mice. By contrast, a nonpigmented brown rice bran extract did not inhibit the TPA-induced edema and failed to significantly suppress production of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (mediators). These in vivo findings further demonstrate the potential value of black rice bran as an anti-inflammatory and antiallergic food ingredient and possibly also as a therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of diseases associated with chronic inflammation.

Influence of oryzanol and ferulic Acid on the lipid metabolism and antioxidative status in high fat-fed mice

The comparative effects of oryzanol and ferulic acid on the lipid metabolism and antioxidative status of high fat-fed mice were investigated. The mice were given a diet containing 17% fat (HF), supplemented with oryzanol (HF-O) or ferulic acid for 7 weeks. The control mice (NC) were fed with normal diet. The HF mice exhibited increased body weight gain, plasma and hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, and lipid peroxidation rate, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. In general, they also showed lower hepatic antioxidant and higher lipid-regulating enzymes activities relative to that of NC group. Addition of oryzanol or ferulic acid in the diet counteracted these high fat-induced hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress via increased faecal lipid excretion and regulation of antioxidant and lipogenic enzymes activities. This study illustrates that oryzanol and ferulic acid have relatively similar hypolipidemic actions and could be effective in lowering the risk of high fat diet-induced obesity.

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma in a renal transplant recipient

The incidence of transplanted kidneys derived from elderly donors is increasing because of the larger waiting lists and greater age of patients with end-stage renal failure. Compared with young donors, one of the problems is the heightened risk of neoplasm transmission. We report 2 cases of kidney recipients, both of whom developed a sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma after receiving a kidney transplant from the same 68-year-old male donor, who did not show signs of a neoplasm on a previous abdominal ultrasound or a pretransplant biopsy. The first recipient was a 66-year-old woman who developed a kidney mass with several urologic obstructive complications, tumor dissemination, and death at 9 months after kidney transplantation. The second recipient was a 48-year-old asymptomatic man with normal renal function, who was studied after the results of the first recipient, revealing another renal tumor. Transplant nephrectomy was performed and a peritoneal implant was resected. The patient is alive without evidence of a neoplasm after 18 months. Herein we have discussed the mechanisms of neoplasm transmission in kidney transplantation and possible strategies for its prevention and treatment.

The effect of pneumoperitoneum in the steep Trendelenburg position on cerebral oxygenation

BACKGROUND

daVinci robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) requires pneumoperitoneum in the steep Trendelenburg position, which results in increased intracranial pressure and cerebral blood flow. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pneumoperitoneum in a 30 degrees Trendelenburg position on cerebral oxygenation using regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2).

METHODS

Thirty-two male patients of ASA I and II physical status without previous episodes of cerebral ischemia or hemorrhage undergoing daVinci RALP were enrolled. The rSO2 was continuously monitored with near-infrared spectroscopy (INVOS) 5100) during the study period. Measurements were obtained immediately after anesthesia induction (T0; baseline), 5 min after a 30 degrees Trendelenburg position (T1), 5 min after 15 mmHg pneumoperitoneum in a supine position (T2), 30, 60 and 120 min after the pneumoperitoneum in a Trendelenburg position (T3, T4 and T5, respectively) and after desufflation in a supine position (T6).

RESULTS

The change in the left and right rSO2 was statistically significant (Left P=0.004 and Right P=0.023). Both the right and the left rSO2 increased significantly during pneumoperitoneum in a Trendelenburg position (from T3 to T5) and at T6 compared with the baseline value at T0. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was increased significantly at T2, T3, T5 and T6 compared with the baseline value at T0.

CONCLUSIONS

During daVinci RALP, cerebral oxygenation, as assessed by rSO2, increased slightly, which suggests that the procedure did not induce cerebral ischemia. The PaCO2 should be maintained within the normal limit during pneumoperitoneum in a Trendelenburg position in patients undergoing daVinci RALP because the rSO2 increased in conjunctions with the increase in PaCO2.

Cubic SiC nano-thin films and nano-wires: high vacuum metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, surface characterization, and application tests

Single-crystalline and epitaxial cubic silicon carbide (beta-SiC) nano-thin films have been deposited on Si(100) substrates at a sample temperature of approximately 900 degrees C using single source precursors by the thermal metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) method. Diethylmethylsilane and 1,3-disilabutane, which contain Si and C atoms in the same molecule, were used as precursors without any carrier or bubbler gas. Upon increasing the deposition temperature from 900 to 950 degrees C, beta-SiC nano-thin films with relatively small crystals and smoother surfaces were created on Si(100) substrates. Moreover, beta-SiC nano-wires with 40 approximately 100 nm in diameter have also been grown selectively on nickel catalyzed Si(100) substrates with dichloromethylvinylsilane by the MOCVD method. The deposition temperature in this case was as low as 800 degrees C under the pressure of 5.0 x 10(-2) Torr. It is worth noting that the initial growth rates of deposited beta-SiC nano-thin films and nano-wires strongly depend on the deposition temperature rather than the time. In order to test the possibility of applications of these materials for electronic components such as field emitter, MEMS, and high-power transistor, we fabricated the nanoelectronic devices using both beta-SiC nano-wires and nano-thin films. With these preliminary application tests, it is expected that SiC nanowires can be used as field emitter and nanoelectronic high-power transistor, and application of the SiC nano-thin films to MEMS is promising as well.

Antiallergic activities of pigmented rice bran extracts in cell assays

Using a panel of chemical, biochemical, and cell assays, we determined inhibitory effects of extracts of the pigmented black rice brans on in vitro allergic reactions. Ethanol-water (70% v/v) extracts from 5 pigmented brans were found to be more effective than an extract from a nonpigmented rice cultivar in suppressing the release of histamine and beta-hexosaminidase from basophilic RBL-2H3 cells stimulated with both Ionophore A23187 and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-antigen complexes. Suppression was also obtained with A23187-stimulated rat peritoneal mast cells. The extent of inhibition of these 2 markers of the immune response was accompanied by an influx of calcium ions. The inhibition of the immune process by the pigmented brans was confirmed by the observed modulation of the proinflammatory cytokine gene expressions and cytokine release, as indicated by the reduction in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-4, and IL-6 mRNA expressions determined with the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Reduction of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 protein release from both the cultured cell line and peritoneal cells was further confirmed by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assays. Rice bran from the LK1-3-6-12-1-1 cultivar was the most effective inhibitor in all assays. This particular rice variety merits further evaluation as part of a human diet to ascertain its potential to protect against allergic diseases such as hay fever and asthma.