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Objective: To investigate the synergistic effect between rhein (RHE) and oxacillin against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at the gene level. Method: A minimum inhibitory concentration and checkerboard dilution test were conducted to evaluate antibacterial activity. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was conducted to investigate the gene expressions. Results: RHE exhibited a minimum inhibitory concentration of 62.5-250.0 μg/mL against various MRSA strains and the reference strain, respectively. As revealed by the checkerboard assay, a combination of RHE and oxacillin exhibited synergistic or partially synergistic effects against MRSA strains. RHE decreased the expressions of mecA/blaZ in a dose-dependent manner. RHE also decreased the expressions of the regulator genes mecI/blaI and mecR1/blaR1. Conclusions: We suggest that RHE affects the activity of mecR1/blaR1, which is located in the cell membrane of MRSA and results in the suppression of mecA/mecI/mecR1 and blaZ/blaI/blaR1 gene expressions.
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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the mechanism of antibacterial activity of luteolin (LUT) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).@*METHODS@#The mechanism of anti-MRSA activity of LUT was analyzed by the viability assay in membrane permeabilizing agent, ATPase inhibitors, and peptidoglycan (PGN) derived from Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Also, transmission electron microscopy was used to monitor survival characteristics and changes in S. aureus morphology.@*RESULTS@#Compared to the LUT alone, the optical density of suspensions treated with the combination of 125 μg/mL Tris and 250 μg/mL N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide were reduced to 60% and 46% of the control, respectively. PGN (15.6 μg/mL) gradually impeded the activity of LUT, and PGN (62.5 μg/mL) completely blocked the activity of LUT on S. aureus.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Increased susceptibility to LUT with the Tris-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide combinations is evident in all tested MRSA isolates. The results indicate LUT synergy in increasing cytoplasmic membrane permeability and inhibiting ATPase. S. aureus PGN directly blocks the antibacterial activity of LUT, suggesting the direct binding of LUT with PGN. These findings may be validated for the development of antibacterial agent for low MRSA resistance.
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Objective: To investigate the mechanism of antibacterial activity of luteolin (LUT) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods: The mechanism of anti-MRSA activity of LUT was analyzed by the viability assay in membrane permeabilizing agent, ATPase inhibitors, and peptidoglycan (PGN) derived from Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Also, transmission electron microscopy was used to monitor survival characteristics and changes in S. aureus morphology. Results: Compared to the LUT alone, the optical density of suspensions treated with the combination of 125 μg/mL Tris and 250 μg/mL N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide were reduced to 60% and 46% of the control, respectively. PGN (15.6 μg/mL) gradually impeded the activity of LUT, and PGN (62.5 μg/mL) completely blocked the activity of LUT on S. aureus. Conclusions: Increased susceptibility to LUT with the Tris-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide combinations is evident in all tested MRSA isolates. The results indicate LUT synergy in increasing cytoplasmic membrane permeability and inhibiting ATPase. S. aureus PGN directly blocks the antibacterial activity of LUT, suggesting the direct binding of LUT with PGN. These findings may be validated for the development of antibacterial agent for low MRSA resistance.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Cheongseoikki-tang (CIT, Korean), also called Qingshu Yiqi decoction () and Seisho-ekki-to (Japanese), is well known as an effective traditional combination of herbs for treating cardiovascular diseases. This study was to research its effects on bone marrow-derived mast cell (BMMC)-mediated allergy and inflammation mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this study, the biological effect of Cheongseoikki-tang ethanol extract (CITE) was evaluated, focusing on its effects on the production of allergic mediators by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187 (A23187)-stimulated BMMCs. These allergic mediators included interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), leukotriene C4 (LTC4), and β-hexosaminidase (β-hex).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Our data revealed that CITE inhibited the production of IL-6, PGD2, LTC4, and β-hex induced by PMA plus A23187 (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These findings indicate that CITE has the potential for use in the treatment of allergy.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Mice , Anti-Inflammatory Agents , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Bone Marrow Cells , Pathology , Calcimycin , Pharmacology , Cell Degranulation , Cell Survival , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Hypersensitivity , Drug Therapy , Pathology , Interleukin-6 , Bodily Secretions , Leukotriene C4 , Pharmacology , Mast Cells , Pathology , Physiology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Prostaglandin D2 , Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate , Pharmacology , beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases , MetabolismABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To report a case of unilateral mydriasis after accidental exposure to an Angel's trumpet leaf. CASE SUMMARY: A 53-year-old woman visited the Eye Department complaining of blurred vision and difficulty in light adaptation in the left eye of 1-week duration. The best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes and other ophthalmological findings were considered normal except for dilation of the left pupil and a decrease in light reflex. The patient was initially unaware of any cause of her eye problems, but when asked specifically, the patient remembered an Angel's trumpet leaf brushing against her left eye when she carried the plants. There were no other previous medical or drug histories, thus the Angel's trumpet was considered as the cause for the unilateral mydriasis. The patient's progress was followed for a week, her symptoms improved and the pupil size and reflex returned to normal. CONCLUSIONS: The cultivation of Angel's trumpet has become increasingly popular in Korea in recent years. The present case emphasizes the importance of an accurate and detailed history regarding specific contact history with plants like Angel's trumpet in otherwise healthy patients affected by unilateral mydriasis.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Adaptation, Ocular , Eye , Korea , Light , Mydriasis , Pupil , Reflex , Vision, Ocular , Visual AcuityABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The authors evaluated the 2-year clinical results of intravitreal bevacizumab injection in retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients treated with an intravitreal bevacizumab injection of 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) for RVO (branch RVO: 22 eyes, central RVO: 10 eyes), repeated 3 times at a 6-week interval and were available for a follow-up period of at least 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before treatment and 6, 12, and 24 months after 3 serial injections, was recorded. The optical coherence tomography (OCT) results were analyzed to identify prognostic factors for recurrent macular edema that needed reinjection. RESULTS: Two years after the treatment, mean BCVA was significantly improved (p = 0.000). Out of 32 eyes, 16 (branch RVO: 8 eyes; central RVO: 8 eyes) needed reinjection because of recurrent macular edema. In central RVO, a significantly high reinjection rate was shown in serous retinal detachment (SRD) compared with cystoid macular edema (CME) as identified in OCT findings (p = 0.049). Additionally, in branch RVO, a high reinjection rate was shown in SRD, although statistically not significant (p = 0.375). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with RVO, a significant visual improvement was maintained for at least 2 years after intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Based on OCT results, SRD showed a high reinjection rate compared with CME in CRVO.
Subject(s)
Humans , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Eye , Follow-Up Studies , Macular Edema , Retinal Detachment , Retinal Vein , Retinal Vein Occlusion , Retinaldehyde , Retrospective Studies , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Visual Acuity , BevacizumabABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To report a case of conjunctival lymphangioma with clinical manifestations of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis after upper lid blepharoplasty. CASE SUMMARY: A 55-year-old woman who had upper lid blepharoplasty performed 1 year before complained of pain, injection, and blurred vision in her right eye, which lasted for 2 days. The slit lamp examination revealed a poorly demarcated hypertrophic lesion with central erosion on the superior bulbar conjunctiva and a diffuse corneal erosion and edema in the area of the superior limbus. Tenderness of the superior bulbar conjunctiva and corneal erosion were treated with artificial tears, antibiotic eye drops, and a therapeutic contact lens. Slight anterior chamber reaction was found and treated by steroid eye drops; however, there was no improvement. After eversion of the right upper eyelid with a Desmarres retractor, a hypertrophic lesion with central dimpling was found. However, no exposed sutures were observed. Resection and biopsy of the superior bulbar conjunctiva and a subtarsal triamcinolone injection were performed for diagnosis and treatment. A conjunctival biopsy specimen showed conjunctival lymphangioma. CONCLUSIONS: Conjunctival lymphangioma can occur due to pressure and friction of an eyelid lesion after upper lid blepharoplasty.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Anterior Chamber , Biopsy , Blepharoplasty , Conjunctiva , Edema , Eye , Eyelids , Friction , Keratoconjunctivitis , Lymphangioma , Ophthalmic Solutions , Sutures , Triamcinolone , Vision, OcularABSTRACT
To analyze and compare with survival rate of replantation according to each finger and distal interphalangeal joint, we reviewed 230 digital replantation of proximal or distal to the distal interphalangeal joint in 170 patients. From July 1996 to March 1998, 230 digits in 170 patients with complete or incomplete amputations in the proximal or distal to the distal interphalangeal joint were replanted using a microsurgical technique at Jung-ang Gil Medical Center, Gachon Medical School. We classified the finger amputations according to distal interphalangeal joint. As reference line, that is, proximal and distal to DIP joint though many classifications had been proposed. The overall survival rate was 71%, with the survival rates for proximal were 69%, 70%, 65%, 89%, 76%, in order from thumb to little finger and that for distal being 63%, 74%, 59%, 82%, 67%,respectively. The survival rates for proximal replantation were higher than in distal replantation of all digits except index finger, and that was higher in incomplete type injury(76%) than in complete(67%). But there was no statistically significant difference in survival rates for proximal or distal level. Although the technique of tinger replantation was difficult, it was worth attempting to try replantation in any level of amputation because of superiority in the aesthetic and functional result.
Subject(s)
Humans , Amputation, Surgical , Classification , Fingers , Hand Injuries , Hand , Joints , Replantation , Schools, Medical , Survival Rate , ThumbABSTRACT
Congenital auricular anomalies can be categorized as either malformed or deformational. Selected congenital ear deformities, particularly those of a deformational type(lop ear, prominent ear, cup ear) as well as cryptotia, may be corrected with early, non-operative splint molding , thereby avoiding later surgical correction. Non-operative management of these deformities is possible because of the early malleability of cartilage during the neonatal period when the cartilage is affected by high levels of circulating maternal estrogens. In this study, we used early splinting to correct deformational ear deformities. Splints were made of wire threaded into silicone tubing. From November 1998 to January 2000, we treated 42 infants, ranging in age from 1 day to 42 months with 47 deformed auricles: There were 37 lop ears, 7 cryptotias, 1 prominent ear, and 2 stahls ears. We applied silicone splint for 36 infants who had not yet reached 6 weeks of age, and applied silicone splint and estrogen ointment for 6 infants over 6 weeks. Infants treated before 6 weeks of age showed remarkable improvement and the duration for correcting deformities was short. By contrast infants treated after 6 weeks of age showed little improvement and needed more time for correction.
Subject(s)
Humans , Infant , Cartilage , Congenital Abnormalities , Ear , Estrogens , Fungi , Silicones , SplintsABSTRACT
Medial orbital wall fracture was described by Converse and Smith in the first time in 1957. These fractures which comprise more than 30% of all the orbital wall fracture are may easily be overlooked in routine orbital radiology. Accordingly, examination with orbital CT is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. These type of fracture are followed frequently by post-oprative complication such as diplopia and enophthalmos because it is very difficult to approach to orbital medial was in these operations. The mechanism of the orbital wall fractures are abruptly increased hydraulic pressure by sudden impact on orbital rim or soft tissue of orbital region. So patients who show the signs of subcutaneous emphysema, edema on the orbital region or diplopia need to get through examination with orbital CT for accurate diagnosis and immediate reconstruction of the fractured orbital wall. Conventional approaches in the operations of the orbital medial wall fractures are that with bicoronal incision, subciliary incision, transconjunctival incision and infra-orbital rim incision. But, approach with bicoronary incision, needs broader dissection and longer time for operation. Operations with transconjunctival incision and that with subciliary incision have difficulty to approach to fractured sites. Operations with other conventional methods may be also followed by scar problem. The authors performed reduction and reconstruction of the fractured orbital medial wall fractures successfully without any complications and difficulties by intra-eyebrow approach with which they made incision of 2 - 2.5 cm on mid-area of eyebrow to expose fractured medial wall with good operative field.