A new dihydrochalcone from Humulus scandens / 中国中药杂志

To study the chemical constituents from the stems and leaves of Humulus scandens, this study isolated thirteen compounds by different chromatographic methods including silica gel column, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 and preparative HPLC. Based on comprehensive analysis, the chemical structures were elucidated and identified as citrunohin A(1), chrysosplenetin(2), casticin(3), neoechinulin A(4), ethyl 1H-indole-3-carboxylate(5), 3-hydroxyacetyl-indole(6),(1H-indol-3-yl) oxoacetamide(7), inonotusic acid(8), arteannuin B(9), xanthotoxol(10), α-tocopherol quinone(11), eicosanyl-trans-p-coumarate(12), and 9-oxo-(10E,12E)-octadecadienoic acid(13). Among them, compound 1 was a new dihydrochalcone, and the other compounds were obtained from H. scandens for the first time.

Aleyrodid (Hemiptera) diversity in hop varieties grown in Brazil

Whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are a diverse group of sap-sucking insect species that can cause severe damage in crops with global economic importance. Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) are a crop with considerable value for the brewing and pharmaceutical industries worldwide. The aim of the current study is to register whitefly species associated with this plant in Brazil. Specimens were collected from H. lupulus leaves in four different counties in Rio de Janeiro state (Cachoeiras de Macacu, Cordeiro, Nova Friburgo and Seropédica). Whiteflies belonging to nine genera and distributed in two subfamilies (Aleurodicinae and Aleyrodinae) were identified. Nine hop varieties (i.e., Brazylinsk, Cascade, Chinook, Columbus, Hallertau, Nugget, Saaz, Spalt, and Victoria) are used as host plants by these insects in Brazil. Except for Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood), the other identified species were recorded in hop crops for the first time.

Vegetative propagation of hops (Humulus lupulus L. ): Historical approach and perspectives / Propagação vegetativa do lúpulo (Humulus lupulus L. ): Abordagem histórica e perspectivas

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) female inflorescences are important raw materials used to produce beers, cosmetics, and medicines. Vegetative propagation is the preferred way of obtaining seedlings for commercial cultivations as female plants produce more lupulin than male plants, a component of commercial interest. It can be carried out by macropropagation (stem cuttings or rhizomes) or micropropagation. This review aimed to systematize different techniques of hop vegetative propagation, with no time frame, from searches in the main academic research bases: Capes Journal Portal, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Most studies are related to micropropagation, mainly addressing different plant regulators and concentrations, as well as types of explants and culture media, strategies to produce virus-free plants, artificial lighting, and cryopreservation. Experiments with stem cuttings are more common regarding macropropagation, but factors such as size and origin of cuttings, rooting period, and the response of different cultivars need to be better evaluated. Cultivation by cuttings allows the production of clones of female plants and micropropagation the production of virus-free clones in a short time and less physical space. Currently, micropropagation has been widely applied to cryopreservation.(AU)

As inflorescências femininas do lúpulo (Humulus lupulus L.) são matérias-primas importantes utilizadas na produção de cervejas, cosméticos e medicamentos. Como as plantas femininas produzem mais lupulina que as masculinas, componente de interesse comercial, a propagação vegetativa é a forma preferencial de obtenção de mudas para os cultivos comerciais. Esta pode ser realizada por macropropagação (estaquia caulinar ou rizomas) ou micropropagação. O objetivo desta revisão foi sistematizar as diferentes técnicas de propagação vegetativa do lúpulo, sem recorte temporal, a partir de buscas nas principais bases de pesquisa acadêmica: Portal de Periódicos Capes, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Acadêmico e Research Gate. A maioria dos trabalhos são relacionados à micropropagação, abordando principalmente diferentes reguladores vegetais e concentrações, além de tipos de explantes e meios de cultura, estratégias para produzir plantas livres de vírus, iluminação artificial e criopreservação. Quanto à macropropagação, experimentos com estaquia caulinar são mais comuns, porém fatores precisam ser melhor avaliados tais como tamanho e origem das estacas, período de enraizamento e resposta de diferentes cultivares. O cultivo por estacas permite a produção de clones de plantas femininas e a micropropagação a produção de clones isentos de vírus, em pouco tempo e em menor espaço físico. Atualmente, a micropropagação tem sido muito aplicada à criopreservação.(AU)

Growth regulators and their reflection on different hop genotypes cultivated under in vitro conditions / Reguladores de crescimento e seu reflexo em diferentes genótipos de lúpulo cultivados in vitro

Hops is a new culture in Brazil. Tissue culture can be an important technique for rapid hop propagation. This paper aims to characterize responses from different genotypes under different growth regulators through the interrelationship of response variables important to hop in vitro growth. Three genotypes were cultivated in six culture media with different combinations of growth regulators, BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), IAA (3-indolacetic acid) and GA3 (gibberellic acid). The means were compared by orthogonal contrasts and the interrelationship of the response variables was performed by path analysis. American genotypes showed favorable root development under the BAP + IAA combination, while the use of IAA improved shoot development. The origin of genotypes was important for defining the best protocol for in vitro cultivation. The path coefficient showed that the variable number of shoots has stronger direct effect on the number of nodal segments. Additionally, in tissue culture assays, the use of a covariable and proper error distribution significantly increased experimental accuracy.

O lúpulo é uma nova cultura no Brasil. A cultura de tecidos pode ser uma técnica importante para a propagação rápida do lúpulo. Este artigo tem como objetivo caracterizar respostas de diferentes genótipos sob diferentes reguladores de crescimento através da inter-relação de variáveis de resposta importantes para o crescimento in vitro. Três genótipos foram cultivados em seis meios de cultura com diferentes combinações de reguladores de crescimento, BAP (6-benzilaminopurina), AIA (ácido 3-indolacético) e GA3 (ácido giberélico). As médias foram comparadas por contrastes ortogonais e a inter-relação das variáveis de resposta foi realizada por análise de trilha. Os genótipos americanos apresentaram desenvolvimento radicular favorável sob a combinação BAP + AIA, enquanto o uso do AIA melhorou o desenvolvimento da parte aérea. A origem dos genótipos foi importante para definir o melhor protocolo para o cultivo in vitro. O coeficiente de trilha mostrou que a variável número de brotos tem um efeito direto mais forte no número de segmentos nodais. Adicionalmente, em experimentos com cultura de tecidos, o uso de uma covariável e distribuição de erro adequada aumentou significativamente a precisão experimental.

Uso de plantas medicinales como tranquilizante en la parroquia Salasaca / Use of medicinal plants as tranquilizer in Salasaca parish

El presente proyecto de investigación se enfoca en el "Uso de plantas medicinales como tranquilizante en la Parroquia Salasaca". Para que esta investigación sea desarrollada de una manera factible se realizó la recolección de datos aplicando una encuesta a 246 habitantes mayores de 20 años en la comunidad. El objetivo es caracterizar el uso de plantas medicinales como efecto tranquilizante en los habitantes de la Parroquia Salasaca. La metodología que se utilizó es cuantitativa porque se otorgó valores numéricos, Observacional permite recoger los datos a través de la observación desde Septiembre 2017- Enero 2018, descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal por lo que se pudo analizar las características más sobresalientes de las plantas medicinales y el efecto que produce su uso en la comunidad en un período de 5 meses. Resultados: Se logró identificar los tipos de plantas medicinales con efectos tranquilizantes empleados en Salasaca que son: valeriana 25% y pasiflora 15%, modo de uso es infusión 59%, seguida de baño 35%, frecuencia de administración es una sola vez con 51% y el efecto es aliviar o reducir los nervios e insomnio con 76%. Conclusión: Se determinó el uso de plantas medicinales con propiedad tranquilizante que son: valeriana, pasiflora, tilo, manzanilla, guanto, lúpulo, boldo, amapola, ruda, canela, borraja, hoja de higo, sauce, flor de clavel, ginseg, hoja de lechuga, santa maría y llantén; mismas que son utilizadas considerablemente por la población debido a sus efectos tranquilizantes en casos de depresión, ansiedad e insomnio. (AU)

Comparison between Newly Developed and Commercial Inhalant Skin Prick Test Reagents Using In Vivo and In Vitro Methods

BACKGROUND: We developed skin prick test (SPT) reagents for common inhalant allergens that reflected the real exposure in Korea. The study aim was to evaluate diagnostic usefulness and allergen potency of our inhalant SPT reagents in comparison with commercial products. METHODS: We produced eight common inhalant allergen SPT reagents using total extract (Prolagen): Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, oak, ragweed, mugwort, Humulus japonicus pollens, as well as cat and dog allergens. We compared the newly developed reagents with three commercially available SPT reagents (Allergopharma, Hollister-Stier, Lofarma). We measured total protein concentrations, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), major allergen concentration, and biological allergen potencies measured by immunoglobulin E (IgE) immunoblotting and ImmunoCAP inhibition test. RESULTS: Diagnostic values of these SPT reagents were expressed as positivity rate and concordance rate of the results from ImmunoCAP allergen-specific IgE test in 94 allergic patients. In vitro analysis showed marked differences in protein concentrations, SDS-PAGE features, major allergen concentrations, and biological allergen potencies of four different SPT reagents. In vivo analysis showed that positive rates and concordance rates of Prolagen® SPT reagents were similar compared to the three commercial SPT reagents. CONCLUSION: The newly developed Prolagen® inhalant SPT reagents are not inferior to the commercially available SPT reagents in allergy diagnosis.

IgE Cross-Reactivity between Humulus japonicus and Humulus lupulus

PURPOSE: Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus) is a major cause of weed pollinosis in East Asia. However, supplies of commercial allergen extract from this plant have not met clinical demand. The pollen of common hop (Humulus lupulus), a closely related species, may provide an alternative source if there is strong IgE cross-reactivity between these two species. We aimed to compare the IgE cross-reactivity and allergenicity of common hop and Japanese hop pollen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-reactivity was measured by inhibition ELISA. One- and two-dimensional (2D) gel analyses combined with IgE immunoblotting and mass spectrometry [liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS)] were performed to detect IgE-reactive pollen components. RESULTS: Up to 16.7% of IgE reactivity to Japanese hop was inhibited by common hop. A 12-kDa protein component of Japanese hop pollen that showed the most potent IgE reaction was absent from common hop. Six IgE-reactive components from Japanese hop were detected by 2D gel electrophoresis and LC-ESI-MS/MS, but showed low Mascot scores, preventing positive identification. CONCLUSION: No significant IgE cross-reaction was observed for Japanese and common hop pollen allergens. Development of allergy diagnostic and immunotherapeutic reagents based on Japanese hop pollen are urgently needed.

Characteristics of airborne pollen in Incheon and Seoul (2015–2016)

BACKGROUND: Pollen allergens are one of the main contributors to the development and/or aggravation of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and asthma. OBJECTIVE: An examination of the airborne pollen in residential areas should be conducted to aid the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. METHODS: Airborne pollen samples were collected from 2 sites in Incheon and 2 in Seoul from 2015 to 2016. RESULTS: The highest monthly concentration of airborne pollen was observed in May and September each year. Pollen from 32 families and 50 genera was identified over the 2 years; of these, Pinus spp. showed the highest pollen concentration (41.6%), followed by Quercus spp. (25.3%), and Humulus spp. (15.3%), the latter of which had the highest concentration among weed pollen. The total pollen concentration was significantly higher in Incheon than in Seoul (p = 0.001 in 2015, p < 0.001 in 2016) and higher in 2016 than in 2015. The concentrations of pollen from weed species (Cupressaceae, Humulus spp., Artemisia spp., Ambrosia spp., and Chenopodiaceae) and grass species (Gramineae) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those from tree species. Pollen was distributed from February to November. The first pollen identified in both regions in each year was Alnus spp. Overall, the total concentration of Quercus spp., Betula spp., Humulus spp., Artemisia spp., Ambrosia spp., and Chenopodiaceae pollen increased significantly over the 2 years. CONCLUSION: Region-specific differences exist in the pollen of major allergenic plants. Continuous monitoring of pollen is thus essential for management of pollen-related allergic disorders in each region.

Evaluation of the allergenic relationship between Humulus japonicus and Humulus lupulus pollen allergens

PURPOSE: Humulus japonicus pollen (Hop J) is a major cause of inhalant allergy in autumn of the Far East countries, and its allergenic potency has been increasing with climate changes. Allergen immunotherapy has been considered in Hop J-sensitized allergic patients; however, Hop J allergen extracts for immunotherapy are not commercially available. We speculate that Humulus lupulus pollen (Hop L) belonged to the same genus may share cross-reacting allergens with Hop J and evaluated allergenic relationships between these 2 pollens. METHODS: Thirteen patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma sensitive to Hop J pollens were enrolled in Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Korea. Hop J pollens were collected locally and lyophilized extracts were prepared, while lyophilized Hop L extracts were provided by Lofarma S.p.A. IgE-ELISA/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibition tests, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and IgE-immunoblot/immunoblot inhibition analysis using sera from the enrolled subjects were performed. RESULTS: All patients had high serum specific IgE to both Hop J and Hop L extracts by ELISA, but no significant correlation was found between these 2 extracts. ELISA inhibition tests showed significant dose-dependent inhibitions on IgE-bindings to Hop L with serial additions of Hop J extracts in a dose-dependent manner, while minimal inhibitions of IgE binding to Hop J were noted with additions of Hop L. IgE-immunoblot analysis demonstrated that the major allergenic component of Hop J at 12 kDa was inhibited by Hop J, while no inhibitions were noted by Hop L extracts on IgE-immunoblot inhibition analysis. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that there may not be a significant cross-allergenicity between Hop J and Hop L.

Hops for Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms: Mechanisms of Action

Menopause is a critical stage of women's life associated with various complaints and distresses. Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, are the most common menopause symptoms affecting about 50% to 80% of middle-aged women. Obviously, these symptoms, resulting from estrogen deficiency during menopause, can exert negative effects on women's health and quality of life and thus require to be managed through approaches such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Many herbal treatments for menopause symptoms contain and its components such as 8-prenylnaringenin, 6-PN, isoxanthohumol and xanthohumol. Recent in-vivo studies have highlighted the ability of 8-prenylnaringenin to reduce serum-luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), to increase serum prolactin levels and uterine weight, and to induce vaginal hyperplastic epithelium. Previous research has shown that hops extract can strongly bind to both estrogen receptors, stimulate alkaline phosphatase activity in Ishikawa cells, and upregulate presenelin-2 and progesterone receptor mRNA in Ishikawa cells. Numerous clinical trials have documented significant reductions in the frequency of hot flushes following the administration of hop-containing preparations. Nevertheless, further clinical trials with larger sample size and longer follow-up are warranted to confirm such benefits.

Anatomic Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using an Outside-in Technique: Two- to Six-Year Clinical and Radiological Follow-up

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using an outside-in technique with a follow-up of two- to six-years, especially in terms of the sports activity level and radiological degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven patients who were available for a minimum two-year follow-up after double-bundle ACL reconstruction using an outside-in technique were retrospectively evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 43.7 months. The knee function and stability were evaluated before the operation, one year after the operation (short-term follow-up), and more than two years after the operation (last follow-up). RESULTS: Regarding the knee function, the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation, and hop test showed significant improvement. Regarding the stability, the Lachman test, pivot shift test, KT-2000 arthrometer data, and anterior drawer radiographs using Telos showed significant improvement. Regarding the sports activity level, the patients who returned to pre-injury level activity was 68.7% according to the Tegner activity score and 76.1% according to the Cincinnati sports activity scale score. The incidence of aggravated degeneration or development of greater than IKDC grade A degeneration after surgery was 10.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Double-bundle ACL reconstruction using an outside-in technique showed favorable clinical and radiological outcomes with respect to the knee function and stability, joint degeneraion, and, especially, return to pre-injury sports activity.

Cross-allergenicity between dandelion and major weed pollens

PURPOSE: The prevalence of pollinosis is increasing, and it is expected to increase further with climate change. Mugwort and ragweed pollens are well known as prevalent allergenic weed pollens in Korea. However, the clinical significance of dandelion pollen as an inhalant allergen has not yet been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance and cross-allergenicity between dandelion and major weed pollens. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma or with allergic rhinitis alone who were sensitized to dandelion pollens on skin prick tests (allergen/histamine ratio>3) were enrolled between December, 2012 and November, 2013. Serum specific IgE levels to dandelion pollen extracts were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA inhibition tests were performed to evaluate cross allergenecity with other weed pollens. RESULTS: When the positive cutoff value for serum specific IgE was set at the mean+/-3 standard deviation of absorbance values, 52 patients (53.6%) had a high serum specific IgE antibody level. ELISA inhibition tests showed significant inhibitions with serial addition of dandelion pollen extracts, and 5 different inhibition patterns were noted with addition of 4 weed pollen extracts: significant inhibitions with pollens of mugwort, ragweed, chenopodium and Hop J (25%, 13 of 52), inhibitions with pollens of mugwort, ragweed and chenopodium (17.3%, 9 of 52), inhibitions with 2 pollens of mugwort and ragweed (32.6%, 17 of 52), inhibitions with mugwort pollen (21.1%, 11 of 52), and inhibitions with dandelion pollen alone (4%, 2 of 52). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that dandelion pollen may be a causative inhalant allergen to induce pollinosis in the autumn season. Cross-allergenicity with other weed pollens showed individual differences; most patients had cross-reactivity with mugwort, ragweed, and chenopodium pollens, while some with Hop J pollen. Few patients were sensitized to dandelion pollen alone.

Pollen allergy plants in Korea

Pollen reactivity in respiratory allergic diseases has recently increased in Korea. According to changes in allergen sensitization over the last 30 years, tree pollen sensitization in the 2010s markedly increased in oak, birch, alder, and pine. The sensitization to grasses and most weeds in the 2010s decreased in comparison with the 90s results. Oak Pollen allergens have increased in air during the last 30 years, and this increment has been correlated with increased oak reactivity. The number of birch trees is not so many as oak, but skin reactivity to birch pollen is as same as that to oak pollen. Because there are many chestnut near the residence, sensitization to Castanea spp. has to be evaluated. Maidenhair tree and Japanese elm are regarded as offending allergens of pollenosis. There are many maindenhair trees (Ginkgo biloba) and Japanese elm (Zelkova serrata) on streets and in park areas, and they produce a large amount of anemophilous pollen in spring. There is little wide grassland in Korea except the rice fields. Therefore, we do not have dominant grasses for pollenosis. There are a few peculiar grasses, such as orange foxtail, common reed, Korean lawn grass, Chinese silver grass, and green bristle grass. These pollens should be evaluated for cross-allergenicity with known allergenic pollens, such as timothy and Bermuda grass. In Korea, sagebrush, ragweed, and hop Japanese are prominent plants in autumn. Chrysanthemum spp. should be further evaluated because of persistently increased sensitization during the last 30 years, which are widely distributed in wild fields and bloom massively during late autumn. Recent climate changes and air pollution increase pollen production and alter pollen allergenicity. Therefore, continuous monitoring of plant ecology and pollen sensitization is necessary in effectively controlling pollen allergy for human health.

The prevalence and risk factors of allergic rhinitis from a nationwide study of Korean elementary, middle, and high school students

PURPOSE: We investigated the prevalence and risk factors of allergic rhinitis (AR), nationwide in random children and adolescents of Korea. METHODS: A modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire survey was done in 1,820 children from elementary, middle, and high school nationwide in Korea. The subjects were selected by the stratifying sampling method by school grade and five regions. Current AR was defined as having AR symptoms during the last 12 months with a history of physician-diagnosed AR. Skin prick tests for 18 common allergens were performed. RESULTS: The number of males was 945, and that of females was 875. The mean age of the patients was 12.61+/-3.40 years. The prevalence of current AR and atopic current AR were 29.0% and 18.7%, respectively. Risk factors for current AR were male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.486; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.189-1.856), family history of paternal AR (aOR, 3.208; 95% CI, 2.460-4.182), family history of maternal AR (aOR, 3.138; 95% CI, 2.446-4.025), antibiotic use in infancy (aOR, 1.547; 95% CI, 1.228-1.949), mold exposure during infancy (aOR, 1.416; 95% CI, 1.103-1.819), mold exposure during the last 12 months (aOR, 1.285; 95% CI, 1.012-1.630), and sensitization on skin prick tests (aOR, 2.596; 95% CI, 2.055-3.279). Risk factors for atopic current AR were the same as those of current AR, whereas breast-milk feeding (aOR, 0.720; 95% CI, 0.530-0.976) was a protective factor. Sensitized allergens as risk factors for current AR were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farina, ragweed, mugwort, oak, alder, birch, Japanese hop, cat, and dog. CONCLUSION: The prevalences of current AR and atopic current AR were 29.0% and 18.7%, respectively. Male, sex parental AR, antibiotic use in infancy, mold exposure during the last 12 months, mold exposure during infancy, and atopic sensitization were risk factors for current AR. Breast-milk feeding was a protective factor for atopic current AR. Aeroallergen sensitization was an important risk factor for AR.

Bee Pollen-Induced Anaphylaxis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Bee pollen is pollen granules packed by honey bees and is widely consumed as natural healthy supplements. Bee pollen-induced anaphylaxis has rarely been reported, and its allergenic components have never been studied. A 40-year-old male came to the emergency room with generalized urticaria, facial edema, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea 1 hour after ingesting one tablespoon of bee pollen. Oxygen saturation was 91%. His symptoms resolved after injection of epinephrine, chlorpheniramine, and dexamethasone. He had seasonal allergic rhinitis in autumn. Microscopic examination of the bee pollen revealed Japanese hop, chrysanthemum, ragweed, and dandelion pollens. Skin-prick with bee pollen extracts showed positive reactions at 0.1 mg/mL (A/H ratio > 3+). Serum specific IgE to ragweed was 25.2, chrysanthemum 20.6, and dandelion 11.4 kU/L; however, Japanese hop, honey-bee venom and yellow-jacket venom were negative (UniCAP(R), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Uppsala, Sweden). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) confirmed serum specific IgE to bee-pollen extracts, and an ELISA inhibition assay for evaluation of cross-allergenicity of bee pollen and other weed pollens showed more than 90% of inhibition with chrysanthemum and dandelion and ~40% inhibition with ragweed at a concentration of 1 microg/mL. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and IgE-immunoblot analysis revealed 9 protein bands (11, 14, 17, 28, 34, 45, 52, 72, and 90 kDa) and strong IgE binding at 28-34 kDa, 45 and 52 kDa. In conclusion, healthcare providers should be aware of the potential risk of severe allergic reactions upon ingestion of bee pollen, especially in patients with pollen allergy.

Gender Differences in Knee Laxity and Function after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / 대한스포츠의학회지

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is frequently performed to restore knee stability and function following ACL injury. Little is known about the outcome differences between man and women patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was compared between the genders after a minimum of 1 year following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Between 2012 and 2015, 30 men (mean age, 27.0+/-8.7 years) and 30 women (mean age, 25.3+/-7.2 years) who had undergone primary ACL reconstructions were recruited from Samsung Medical Centers. We assessed the knee laxity using the KT-2000 arthrometer, and subjective functional questionnaire was assessed with the Lysholm score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subject score. Also we had measured the performance test which is single-leg hop test. As a result, no significant gender differences were found at knee laxity and knee Lyshlom and IKDC score. However, there is significantly difference between men and women with only single-leg hop test. Compared to male patients, female patients reported significantly less single-leg hop distance and less improvement 1 year after reconstruction. Subjective criteria failed to detect clinically significant differences in KT-2000 arthrometer, and subjective functional questionnaire result between men and women. However, we had found that women got less hop distance than men which means more safety functional test must be required before returning to sports.

Comparison of skin prick test and serum specific IgE measured by ImmunoCAP system for various inhalant allergens

PURPOSE: It appears that much of the discordance between skin prick test (SPT) and ImmunoCAP in clinical practice. We investigated the comparison and correlation between SPT and ImmunoCAP for inhalant allergens. METHODS: A total of 1,400 patients who were tested SPT and ImmunoCAP were recruited from June 2011 to May 2014 in Dong-A University Hospital, and the results of two assays were compared for 17 inhalant allergens. For SPT, mean wheal size> or =3 mm or allergen/histamine> or =1 at 15 minutes, and the result of ImmunoCAP of > or =0.35 kU/L was considered positive, respectively. RESULTS: Of the study subjects, bronchial asthma was 29.3%, rhinitis 36.8%, atopic dermatitis 0.6%, and chronic urticaria 4.3%. The agreement rate of between two assays was 77.4%. When ImmunoCAP was compared with SPT as the reference, the sensitivity, specificity was 75.5% and 80.0%, respectively. Significant correlation was observed (r=0.59), and birch, mugwort, Japanese hop, house dust mites, and cockroach showed very strong correlation (r>0.7). CONCLUSION: The agreement, sensitivity, and specificity between SPT and ImmunoCAP was various according to allergens. We should determine the clinical relevance of the allergen sensitization using both SPT and ImmunoCAP not alone with combination of clinical symptoms.

Prevalence and allergens of allergic rhinitis in children and adolescents in Gwangju

PURPOSE: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common childhood diseases in Korea. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and allergens of childhood AR in Gwangju. METHODS: From April 2013 to September 2013 in Gwangju, skin prick test and questionnaire survey were performed targeting 2,330 children in total (350 kindergartners, 930 elementary school students, 589 middle school students, and 461 high school students). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of AR was 23.5% (female 21.3%, male 26.1%). According to age groups, prevalence of AR was 14.9% (female 10.7%, male 19.8%) in kindergartners, 24.5% (female 18.8%, male 29.4%) in elementary school students, 23.3% (female 18.1%, male 27.6%) in middle school students, 26.2% (female 27.7%, male 23.2%) in high school students. The most common allergen was Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (79.7%), followed by Dermatophagoides farina (72.2%), birch (14.0%), alder (12.0%), Japanese hop (9.2%), Alternaria (8.9%), cat fur (7.2%), Japanese cedar (6.9%), ryegrass (6.6%), willow (6.0%), pine (5.4%), oak (4.9%), mugwort (4.3%), orchard grass (4.0%), sheep fescue (3.7%), fat hen (3.4%), ragweed (3.4%), and maple (3.4%). CONCLUSION: This research figures out the prevalence and the detailed allergens of AR in Gwangju children. We suggest that more vegetation data of Japanese cedar should be surveyed in recent future.

Foxp3(+)Treg cells mediate immune protection of Humulus pollen allergy DNA vaccine pcDNA3.1-Hum in asthmatic mice / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct a humulus pollen allergy DNA vaccine pcDNA3.1-Hum and investigate its effect for immune protection mediated by Foxp3(+)Treg cells in asthmatic mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The target humulus gene obtained from pTripIEx2-Hum plasmid by double enzyme digestion was inserted sequentially into pcDNA3.1(-) vector to generate the recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-Hum, which was validated by sequencing. The pcDNA3.1-Hum plasmid was transfected into COS-7 cells and the expression of the ectopic protein was analyzed using Western blotting. Co-cultured dendritic cells and CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells were stimulated with the expressed protein to test its efficacy in inducing Foxp3(+)Treg cells. The levels of humulus-specific IgE and IgG2a were assayed to evaluate the allergenicity and immunogenicity of pcDNA3.1-Hum in mice. The immunoprotective effect of pcDNA3.1-Hum was assessed in a mouse model of humulus-specific asthma.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The constructed pcDNA3.1-Hum plasmid was validated by sequencing and Western blotting, and the expressed protein was shown to induce Foxp3(+)Treg cells in the co-culture. In normal mice, pcDNA3.1-Hum induced a significant increase of humulus-specific IgG2a but had no effect on IgE. In the asthmatic mice, pcDNA3.1-Hum significantly decreased inflammatory cell counts and eosinophil percentages in the BALF, ameliorated lung inflammation, and lowered AHR and IL-4 levels; immunization of the mice with pcDNA3.1-Hum reversed humulus-induced reduction of serum IFN-γ and prevented the humulus-triggered reduction of Foxp3(+)Treg cell percentage in the spleen.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>We have successfully constructed a highly immunogenic pcDNA3.1-Hum DNA vaccine that can mediate immune protection by inducing Foxp3(+)Treg cells.</p>

Study on quality standard for Humulus scandens / 中国中药杂志

To control the quality of Humulus scandens, the quality standard was established in this study. According to the method recorded in the Appendix of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 Edition) , the water and ash inspections were carried out. The component luteoloside and cosmosiin in Humulus scandens were identified and assayed by TLC and HPLC. The results showed a strong characteristics microscopic of Humulus scandens, and trichoromethane-methanol-formic acid (10: 3: 0. 3) as the mobile phase of TLC, the spots at 365 nm with a UV lamp was clear. The 16 batches of samples were analyzed by HPLC with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and phosphate solution (0.2%) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL · min(-1) and detected at 350 nm. The content of luteoloside was 0.015%- 0.651% (average 0.148%); the content of cosmosiin was 0.003%-0.118% (average 0.036%). The linear calibration curve of luteoloside and cosmosiin was acquired in the ranges of 0.011-0.364 g · L(-1) (r = 1.000 0) and 0.003-0.096 g · L(-1) (r = 1.000 0), respectively. The average recovery was 100.5% and 98.5%, respectively. The methods are convenient and reliable, which can be ap- plied for quality assessment of Humulus scandens.