Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Quality of Life, Depressive Mood and Metabolic Syndrome in Obstructive Lung Disease Patients: Analysis of Data from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 and 2016 / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#The objective of this study was to investigate whether alcohol consumption might affect the quality of life (QOL), depressive mood, and metabolic syndrome in patients with obstructive lung disease (OLD). @*Methods@#Data were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 and 2016. OLD was defined as spirometry of forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity <0.7 in those aged more than 40 years. QOL was evaluated using the European Quality of Life Questionnaire-5D (EQ-5D) index. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the severity of depressive mood. Alcohol consumption was based on a history of alcohol ingestion during the previous month. @*Results@#A total of 984 participants with OLD (695 males, 289 females, age 65.8±9.7 years) were enrolled. The EQ-5D index was significantly higher in alcohol drinkers (n=525) than in non-alcohol drinkers (n=459) (0.94±0.11 vs. 0.91±0.13, p=0.002). PHQ- 9 scores were considerably lower in alcohol drinkers than in non-alcohol drinkers (2.15±3.57 vs. 2.78±4.13, p=0.013). However, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that alcohol consumption was not associated with EQ-5D index or PHQ-9 score. Body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, triglyceride ≥150 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein <40 mg/dL in men and <50 mg/dL in women, and blood pressure ≥130/85 mm Hg were significantly more common in alcohol drinkers than in non-alcohol drinkers (all p<0.05). @*Conclusion@#Alcohol consumption did not change the QOL or depressive mood of OLD patients. However, metabolic syndrome-related factors were more common in alcohol drinkers than in non-alcohol drinkers.

Prediction of Adverse Outcomes among Women in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy with Coronavirus Disease 2019 / 감염과화학요법

Background@#This study aimed to compare the clinical and laboratory characteristics of two groups of women (favorable and adverse outcome groups) in the third trimester of pregnancy with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to investigate the predictors of specific adverse outcomes. @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between November 2020 and October 2021 at Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital. Adverse outcomes were clinically defined using the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Emergency Response Epidemiology Team criteria. The group without adverse outcomes was defined as the “favorable outcome” group and the rest as the “adverse outcome” group. We compared the clinical characteristics between the two groups and examined the correlation between their laboratory results and adverse outcomes. @*Results@#Of the 70 pregnant women included, 37 were in their third trimester. No significant differences in clinical characteristics, except the length of hospitalization, were noted between the groups. In laboratory tests conducted immediately after hospitalization, C-reactive protein (CRP) (1.0 [0.3 - 1.4] vs. 2.3 [1.3 - 3.6], P = 0.001) and ferritin (25.0 [14.5 - 34.5] vs. 53.1 [36.0 - 98.0], P <0.03) levels were significantly different between the groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that CRP (odds ratio [OR]: 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09 - 5.51, P = 0.040) and ferritin (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.15,P = 0.047) levels were predictors of adverse outcomes. @*Conclusion@#CRP and ferritin levels are associated with poor prognosis and can predict adverse outcomes in women with COVID-19 in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Rasmussen’s Aneurysm, Rare yet Acknowledged Cause of Massive Hemoptysis: Retrospective Review of 16 Cases / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Objectives@#Rasmussen’s aneurysm may cause life-threatening hemoptysis. We investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with hemoptysis and Rasmussen’s aneurysm. @*Methods@#We retrospectively investigated patients who clinically presented with hemoptysis and were diagnosed with a Rasmussen’s aneurysm on spiral chest computed tomography (CT). @*Results@#Our study included 16 patients (men:women, 12:4; mean age, 65.25 ± 13.0 years). Massive hemoptysis was observed in nine patients (56%) and blood-tinged sputum in four patients (25%). Ten patients (62.5%) had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, and three patients (18.7%) had underlying lung cancer. Chest CT revealed coexisting fungal balls in seven patients (43.7%). Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) was performed in 12 patients (75%). One patient died of uncontrolled massive hemoptysis. @*Conclusions@#Patients with Rasmussen’s aneurysm showed hemoptysis during the course of the disease; however, bleeding can be controlled with conservative therapy and radiological interventions, such as BAE.

Association between gestational age at delivery and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio in the routine second trimester complete blood cell count / 영남의대학술지

Background@#We aimed to determine whether routine second trimester complete blood cell (CBC) count parameters, including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), could predict obstetric outcomes. @*Methods@#We included singleton pregnancies for which the 50-g oral glucose tolerance test and CBC were routinely performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation in our outpatient clinic from January 2015 to December 2017. The subjects were divided into three groups according to their pregnancy outcomes as follows: group 1, spontaneous preterm births, including preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes; group 2, indicated preterm birth due to maternal, fetal, or placental causes (hypertensive disorder, fetal growth restriction, or placental abruption); and group 3, term deliveries, regardless of the indication of delivery. We compared the CBC parameters using a bivariate correlation test. @*Results@#The study included 356 pregnancies. Twenty-eight subjects were in group 1, 20 in group 2, and 308 in group 3. There were no significant differences between the three groups in neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, and platelet counts. Although there was no significant difference in NLR, LMR, and PLR between the three groups, LMR showed a negative correlation with gestational age at delivery (r=−0.126, p=0.016). @*Conclusion@#We found that a higher LMR in the second trimester was associated with decreased gestational age at delivery. CBC parameters in the second trimester of pregnancy could be used to predict adverse obstetric outcomes.

Comparison of response to LPS-induced sepsis in three DBA/2 stocks derived from different sources / 한국실험동물학회지

Sepsis, one of the most fatal diseases in the world, is known to culminate in multiple organ failure due to an uncontrolled inflammatory response. Hence, the use of animal models in sepsis research is very important to study complex immune responses. The current study was undertaken to compare commercial stocks with KFDA stocks of DBA/2 mice as an animal model for sepsis study. To compare responses of DBA/2 mice to lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced sepsis, we measured altered characteristics of various factors associated with sepsis, including survival curves, organ failure and inflammatory response, in DBA/2Korl stock and two commercial stocks (DBA/2A and DBA/ 2B). Survival rates after LPS exposure were similar for DBA/2Korl and DBA/2B; however, for times over 20 h, survival rates were reduced and concentration dependent in DBA/2A. In order to evaluate multiple organ failure caused by sepsis, H&E stains were evaluated for liver and spleen tissues obtained in the early (2 h) and later (20 h) stages after exposure to LPS; no significant differences were observed between the three stocks. mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed for evaluating inflammatory reactions, and were found to increase in a dose-dependent manner in most DBA/2 mice after LPS treatment. However, no changes were observed in the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines at 20 h after LPS exposure in the DBA/2A stock. The induction of inflammation-mediated factors by LPS exposure did not induce alterations in the mRNA levels of COX-2 and iNOS in all three DBA/2 stocks. Our results indicate that response of DBA/2Korl to LPS-induced sepsis is similar to the two commercial DBA/2 stocks, thus representing its potential as a useful biological resource established in Korea.

Comparison of response to LPS-induced sepsis in three DBA/2 stocks derived from different sources / 한국실험동물학회지

Sepsis, one of the most fatal diseases in the world, is known to culminate in multiple organ failure due to an uncontrolled inflammatory response. Hence, the use of animal models in sepsis research is very important to study complex immune responses. The current study was undertaken to compare commercial stocks with KFDA stocks of DBA/2 mice as an animal model for sepsis study. To compare responses of DBA/2 mice to lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced sepsis, we measured altered characteristics of various factors associated with sepsis, including survival curves, organ failure and inflammatory response, in DBA/2Korl stock and two commercial stocks (DBA/2A and DBA/ 2B). Survival rates after LPS exposure were similar for DBA/2Korl and DBA/2B; however, for times over 20 h, survival rates were reduced and concentration dependent in DBA/2A. In order to evaluate multiple organ failure caused by sepsis, H&E stains were evaluated for liver and spleen tissues obtained in the early (2 h) and later (20 h) stages after exposure to LPS; no significant differences were observed between the three stocks. mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed for evaluating inflammatory reactions, and were found to increase in a dose-dependent manner in most DBA/2 mice after LPS treatment. However, no changes were observed in the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines at 20 h after LPS exposure in the DBA/2A stock. The induction of inflammation-mediated factors by LPS exposure did not induce alterations in the mRNA levels of COX-2 and iNOS in all three DBA/2 stocks. Our results indicate that response of DBA/2Korl to LPS-induced sepsis is similar to the two commercial DBA/2 stocks, thus representing its potential as a useful biological resource established in Korea.

Postnatally diagnosed coexisting congenital diaphragmatic hernia with pulmonary sequestration: a report of two cases

While the associations between pulmonary sequestration (PS) and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are known, CDH may be obscured by PS and thus, overlooked on prenatal ultrasonography when coexisting with PS. We present 2 cases of postnatally diagnosed CDH combined with PS. In both cases, PS was prenatally diagnosed as an isolated lung mass, while CDH was confirmed only after birth. Both newborns were sufficiently stable that management was not required immediately after birth. PS may function as an “anatomical barrier” to prevent herniation of the abdominal contents into the chest, thus acting as a “protector” providing normal lung maturation throughout pregnancy. If PS is suspected prenatally, coexisting CDH may be obscured; thus, close prenatal care and counseling of the parents regarding the possibility of CDH are essential. These infants should be delivered at a tertiary center, and imaging should be performed to exclude coexisting CDH.

Compensatory role of C3 convertase on the strain difference for C3 protein expression in FVB/N, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6N mice / 한국실험동물학회지

To investigate the role of complement C3 (C3) convertase on the strain difference for C3 protein expression in three inbred mice strains, we compared the levels of C2, C3 and C4 mRNA, as well as C3 protein and C3 convertase activity in the serum and liver tissue of FVB/N, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6N mice. The level of mRNA, inactive form (InACF) and active form (ACF) for C3 showed a regular pattern, which they were higher in the FVB/N and C57BL/6N mice than C3H/HeN mice. However, the level of C3b fragments (C3bα and β) derived from C3 protein were constantly maintained in the liver of FVB/N, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6N mice in spite of the strain difference on the transcriptional and translation level of C3. Especially, a reverse pattern of the level of mRNA, InACF and ACF for C3 was observed on the activity level of C3 convertase activity. The highest level of C3 convertase activity was measured in C3H/HeN mice, followed by C57BL/6N and FVB/N mice. In case of C3 convertase components, the level of C2 mRNA was higher in C3H/HeN mice than FVB/N and C57BL/6 N mice, while levels of C4 mRNA were higher in FVB/N and C57BL/6N mice than C3H/HeN mice. The current study results provide the first scientific evidence that C3 convertase may play complementary role to overcome the strain difference on the C3 protein expression in FVB/N, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6N mice.

Retrospective Analysis of Long-Term Survival in Very Elderly (Age ≥80) Critically Ill Patients of a Medical Intensive Care Unit at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Korea / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival rates of very elderly (age ≥80) critically ill patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit (MICU) at a regional tertiary-care hospital in Korea. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who survived after discharged from the MICU of our hospital. Survival rates at 90 days, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were assessed between patients age ≥80 and those age <80. Survival status was evaluated using the National Health Insurance Service data. @*Results@#A total of 468 patients were admitted, 286 (179 males, 97 females; mean age, 70.18±13.2) of whom survived and were discharged soon after their treatment. Among these patients, 69 (24.1%) were age ≥80 and 217 (75.9%) were age <80. The 90-day, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates of patients age ≥80 were significantly lower than those in patients age <80 (50.7%, 31.9%, 15.9% and 14.5% vs. 68.3%, 54.4%, 45.6%, and 40.1%, respectively) (p<0.01). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significantly lower survival rates in patients age ≥80 than in those age <80 (p=0.001). @*Conclusion@#The poor rates of long-term survival in very elderly (age ≥80) and critically ill patients admitted to an ICU should be considered while managing and treating them.

Influence of three BALB/c substrain backgrounds on the skin tumor induction efficacy to DMBA and TPA cotreatment / 한국실험동물학회지

Differences in responsiveness of BALB/c substrains have been investigated in various fields, including diabetes induction, corpus callosum deficiency, virus-induced demyelinating disease, aggressive behavior and osteonecrosis. However, induction efficacy of skin tumor remains untried. We therefore investigated the influence of BALB/c substrain backgrounds on the skin tumor induction efficacy in response to DMBA (7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene) and TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) cotreatment. Alterations in the levels of tumor growth related factors, histopathological structure, and the expression to tumor related proteins were measured in three BALB/c substrains (BALB/cKorl, BALB/cA and BALB/cB) after exposure to DMBA (25 μg/kg) and three different doses of TPA (2, 4 and 8 μg/kg). The average number and induction efficacy of tumors in response to DMBA+TPA treatment were significantly greater in the BALB/cKorl substrain than in BALB/cA and BALB/cB. However, cotreatment with DMBA+TPA induced similar responses for body and organ weights of all three substrains. Few differences were detected in the serum analyzing factors, while similar responsiveness was observed for blood analyzing factors after DMBA+TPA treatment. Furthermore, the three BALB/c substrains exhibited similar patterns in their histopathological structure in DMBA+TPA-induced tumors. The expression levels of apoptotic proteins and tumor related proteins were constantly maintained in all three BALB/c substrains treated with DMBA+TPA. In addition, the responsiveness to cisplatin treatment was overall very similar in the three BALB/c substrains with DMBA+TPA-induced tumors. Taken together, these results indicate that genetic background of the three BALB/c substrains does not have a major effect on the DMBA+TPA-induced skin carcinogenesis and therapeutic responsiveness of cisplatin, except induction efficacy.

vidence-Based Nursing Practice Guideline: Ostomy Care / 임상간호연구

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to develop an evidence-based guideline for stoma management providing institutional policy, assessment, complications and follow-up care. Methods: The guideline adaptation manual consisting of 23 steps developed by the National Evidence-Based Healthcare Collaborating Agency was used for this study. It presents an overview of the process used to develop the guideline and lists specific recommendations from the guideline. @*Results@#It provides 55 recommendations that include the following 8 topics: 1) Organization and policy recommendations, 2) Preoperative nursing; Ostomy education, stoma site marking, 3) Ostomy formation, 4) Postpoperative nursing; education, assessment, high output stoma management, 5) Selection of ostomy products, 6) Colostomy irrigation, 7) Stomal and peristomal complications, 8) Follow-up care after discharge. @*Conclusion@#The guideline can be used to address stoma management in hospital settings. The intent of the guideline is to provide information that will assist healthcare providers to manage adult patients with ostomies, prevent or decrease complications, and improve patients’ outcomes.

Postnatally diagnosed coexisting congenital diaphragmatic hernia with pulmonary sequestration: a report of two cases

While the associations between pulmonary sequestration (PS) and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are known, CDH may be obscured by PS and thus, overlooked on prenatal ultrasonography when coexisting with PS. We present 2 cases of postnatally diagnosed CDH combined with PS. In both cases, PS was prenatally diagnosed as an isolated lung mass, while CDH was confirmed only after birth. Both newborns were sufficiently stable that management was not required immediately after birth. PS may function as an “anatomical barrier” to prevent herniation of the abdominal contents into the chest, thus acting as a “protector” providing normal lung maturation throughout pregnancy. If PS is suspected prenatally, coexisting CDH may be obscured; thus, close prenatal care and counseling of the parents regarding the possibility of CDH are essential. These infants should be delivered at a tertiary center, and imaging should be performed to exclude coexisting CDH.

Compensatory role of C3 convertase on the strain difference for C3 protein expression in FVB/N, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6N mice / 한국실험동물학회지

To investigate the role of complement C3 (C3) convertase on the strain difference for C3 protein expression in three inbred mice strains, we compared the levels of C2, C3 and C4 mRNA, as well as C3 protein and C3 convertase activity in the serum and liver tissue of FVB/N, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6N mice. The level of mRNA, inactive form (InACF) and active form (ACF) for C3 showed a regular pattern, which they were higher in the FVB/N and C57BL/6N mice than C3H/HeN mice. However, the level of C3b fragments (C3bα and β) derived from C3 protein were constantly maintained in the liver of FVB/N, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6N mice in spite of the strain difference on the transcriptional and translation level of C3. Especially, a reverse pattern of the level of mRNA, InACF and ACF for C3 was observed on the activity level of C3 convertase activity. The highest level of C3 convertase activity was measured in C3H/HeN mice, followed by C57BL/6N and FVB/N mice. In case of C3 convertase components, the level of C2 mRNA was higher in C3H/HeN mice than FVB/N and C57BL/6 N mice, while levels of C4 mRNA were higher in FVB/N and C57BL/6N mice than C3H/HeN mice. The current study results provide the first scientific evidence that C3 convertase may play complementary role to overcome the strain difference on the C3 protein expression in FVB/N, C3H/HeN and C57BL/6N mice.

Metabolomics approach to serum biomarker for laxative effects of red Liriope platyphylla in loperamide-induced constipation of SD rats / 한국실험동물학회지

Red Liriope platyphylla (RLP) is a known herbal medicine used in the treatment of some chronic diseases including constipation, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes and obesity. To determine and characterize putative biomarkers that predict the laxative effects induced by RLP treatment, alteration of endogenous metabolites was measured in the serum of loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation rats after administration of RLP extract (EtRLP) using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectral data. The urine volume and amounts, and weights and water contents of stools were significantly recovered in the Lop + EtRLP treated group as compared to the No group, whereas body weight and food intake maintained constant levels. Also, significant recoveries in the thickness of mucosa and muscle were detected in the colon of the Lop + EtRLP treated group. Furthermore, pattern recognition showed absolutely different clustering of the serum analysis parameters when comparing the Lop treated group and Lop + EtRLP treated group. Of the 33 endogenous metabolites, 7 amino acids (alanine, arginine, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, threonine and valine) and 8 endogenous metabolites (betaine, creatine, glucose, taurine, ethanol, lactate, glycerol and succinate) were dramatically increased in the Lop + EtRLP treated SD rats. These results provide the first evidence pertaining to metabolic changes in the constipation rats treated with Lop + EtRLP. Additionally, these findings correlate with changes observed in 15 metabolites during the laxative effects of EtRLP.

Four amino acids as serum biomarkers for anti-asthma effects in the ovalbumin-induced asthma mouse model treated with extract of Asparagus cochinchinensis / 한국실험동물학회지

The butanol extract of Asparagus cochinchinensis roots fermented with Weissella cibaria (BAW) effectively prevents inflammation and remodeling of airway in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model. To characterize biomarkers that can predict the anti-asthmatic effects induced by BAW treatment, we measured the alteration of endogenous metabolites in the serum of OVA-induced asthma mice after administration of low concentration BAW (BAWLo, 250 mg/kg) and high concentration BAW (BAWHi, 500 mg/kg) using ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectral data. The number of immune cells and serum concentration of IgE as well as thickness of the respiratory epithelium and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the airway significantly recovered in the OVA+BAW treated group as compared to the OVA+Vehicle treated group. In the metabolic profile analysis, the pattern recognition showed completely separate clustering of serum analysis parameters between the OVA+Vehicle and OVA+BAW treated groups. Of the total endogenous metabolites, 19 metabolites were upregulated or downregulated in the OVA+Vehicle treated group as compared to the Control treated group. However, only 4 amino acids (alanine, glycine, methionine and tryptophan) were significantly recovered after BAWLo and BAWHi treatment. This study provides the first results pertaining to metabolic changes in the asthma model mice treated with OVA+BAW. Additionally, these findings show that 4 metabolites can be used as one of biomarkers to predict the anti-asthmatic effects.

Comparison of responsiveness to cancer development and anti-cancer drug in three different C57BL/6N stocks / 한국실험동물학회지

In our efforts to understand the systemic features of tumors, the importance of animal models is increasing due to the recent growth in the development of immunotherapy and targeted therapies. This has resulted in increased attention towards tumor animal models using C57BL/6N, which are mainly used in immunological studies. In this study, the C57BL/6NKorl stock and two other commercial stocks (C57BL/6NA and C57BL/N6B) are evaluated by comparing the occurrence of tumors using the syngeneic model; furthermore, we compare the response to anti-cancer drugs in the syngeneic model by evaluating survival, growth of tumors, proliferation and molecular biology analysis. In the syngeneic model using LLC (Lewis lung carcinoma) cells, the survival of mice and growth of the tumor showed a better response in the C57BL/6NKorl stock, and was dependent on the cell concentration of the dosing tumor, as compared to the other C57BL/6N stocks. However, the Ki-67 staining showed only little difference in cell proliferation within the tumor tissue each mouse stocks. Comparing the sensitivity to anti-cancer drug by examining changes in growth, volume and weight revealed that cisplatin treatment for tumor-bearing C57BL/6NKorl was more dependent on concentration. The Ki-67 staining, however, showed no difference among the C57BL/6N stocks after cisplatin treatment. The expressions of p27 and p53 tumor suppressor proteins, caspase-3 and Bax showed dose-dependent increase after exposure to cisplatin, whereas the expression of Bcl-2 was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the expressions of MMP-2 and VEGF involved in metastasis, as well as inflammatory genes IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10, showed dose-dependent decrease in tumor tissue after cisplatin exposure. Differences observed among the C57BL/6N stocks were not significant. Taken together, our studies reveal that C57BL/6NKorl has the potential of being a useful biological resource established in Korea, as it does not differ from the two commercially available C57BL/6N stocks when considering response to tumor generation and sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs using the syngeneic tumor model.

Survival of in-hospital cardiac arrest patients before and after the implementation of the act on decisions on life-sustaining treatment: the well-dying law

OBJECTIVE: The act on decisions on life-sustaining treatment, the well-dying law (WDL), has been implemented in Korea since February of 2018 so that a patient may die with dignity in his or her death bed. On the other hand, there has been an increase in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients, resulting in poor outcomes due to strict regulations of withdrawal of life support. This study examined the survival of in-hospital cardiac arrest patients before and after implementation of the WDL. METHODS: The in-hospital cardiac arrest data registry from the authors' in-hospital cardiac arrest committee and electronic medical records were reviewed retrospectively. The baseline characteristics, cardiac arrest variables, and cardiac arrest outcomes were compared before and after implementation of the WDL. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to analyze the association of the implementation of the WDL and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) of in-hospital cardiac arrest patients. RESULTS: This study analyzed 183 patients before and 346 patients after the implementation of the WDL. The ROSC (115 [62.8%] vs. 158 [45.7%]), 24-hour survival (53 [29.0%] vs. 60 [17.3%]), and survival discharge (25 [13.7%] vs. 29 [8.4%]) were higher in the before period than in the after period. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the WDL was associated with a lower ROSC (odds ratio [OR], 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37–0.85; P<0.01) and lower survival at 24 hours (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31–0.93; P=0.03), but not a lower survival discharge (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.39–1.83; P=0.67). CONCLUSION: The implementation of the WDL has been associated with a lower ROSC and lower survival at 24 hours in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

Antioxidant and antiobesity activities of oral treatment with ethanol extract from sprout of evening primrose (Oenothera laciniata) in high fat diet-induced obese mice / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: Sprouts of evening primrose (Oenothera laciniata, OL) were reported to have high contents of flavonoids and potent antioxidant activity. This study examined the antioxidant and antiobesity activities of OL sprouts to determine if they could be a natural health-beneficial resource preventing obesity and oxidative stress.METHODS: OL sprouts were extracted with 50% ethanol, evaporated, and lyophilized (OLE). The in vitro antioxidant activity of OLE was examined using four different tests. The antiobesity activity and in vivo antioxidant activity from OLE consumption were examined using high fat diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6 mice.RESULTS: The IC₅₀ for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities of OLE were 26.2 µg/mL and 327.6 µg/mL, respectively. OLE exhibited the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity of 56.7 µg ascorbic acid eq./mL at 100 µg/mL, and an increased glutathione level by 65.1% at 200 µg/mL compared to the control in the hUC-MSC stem cells. In an animal study, oral treatment with 50 mg or 100 mg of OLE/kg body weight for 14 weeks reduced the body weight gain, visceral fat content, fat cell size, blood leptin, and triglyceride levels, as well as the atherogenic index compared to the high fat diet control group (HFC) (p < 0.05). The blood malondialdehyde (MDA) level and the catalase and SOD-1 activities in adipose tissue were reduced significantly by the OLE treatment compared to HFC as well (p < 0.05). In epididymal adipose tissue, the OLE treatment reduced the mRNA expression of leptin, PPAR-γ and FAS significantly (p < 0.05) compared to HFC while it increased adiponectin expression (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: OLE consumption has potent antioxidant and antiobesity activities via the suppression of oxidative stress and lipogenesis in DIO mice. Therefore, OLE could be a good candidate as a natural resource to develop functional food products that prevent obesity and oxidative stress.

Cervical varix with thrombosis diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy

Cervical varix is rare and can develop due to various conditions in pregnancy. Most cases of cervical varix during pregnancy are diagnosed in the second or third trimester and are usually associated with abnormal placental location, such as placenta previa or low-lying placenta. A 23-year-old woman with cervical varix bleeding visited our institution at 8 weeks of gestation. This case report describes cervical varix bleeding that developed into a venous thrombus in the first trimester. Ultrasonography with color Doppler and magnetic resonance imaging could be helpful in diagnosis.

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. inhibits melanin synthesis activity via ERK-dependent MITF pathway in B16/F10 melanoma cells

Genus Artemisia occurs as a hardy plant and has a wide range of culinary and medicinal features. In this study, we aimed to describe the melanin inhibitory activity of one Artemisia species, i.e., Artemisia capillaris Thunb. Ethanol extracts of fermented Artemisia capillaris (Art.EtOH.FT) and non-fermented Artemisia capillaris (Art.EtOH.CT) were tested for their ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity and melanin pigmentation. Both extracts showed dose-dependent inhibition against α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-stimulated melanin formation and tyrosinase activity, without cytotoxicity. At 100 µg/mL, both extracts showed greater inhibition than kojic acid, the positive control. Protein expressions of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP-2) at the transcriptional level were determined by using real-time and semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To complete the mechanistic study, presences of upstream elements of MITF, the phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), and phosphorylated-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (p-MEK) were confirmed by using western blot analysis. Expressions of p-TYR, p-TRP-1 and p-TRP-2, downstream factors for p-ERK and p-MITF, were translationally inhibited by both extracts. Art.EtOH.FT induced more potent effects than Art.EtOH.CT, especially signal transduction effects. In summary, Artemisia capillaris extracts appear to act as potent hypopigmentation agents.