Meningeal contrast enhancement in multiple sclerosis: Assessment of field strength, acquisition delay, and clinical relevance.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Leptomeningeal enhancement (LME) on post-contrast FLAIR is described as a potential biomarker of meningeal inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we report an assessment of the impact of MRI field strength and acquisition timing on meningeal contrast enhancement (MCE). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational study of 95 participants with MS and 17 healthy controls (HC) subjects. Each participant underwent an MRI of the brain on both a 7 Tesla (7T) and 3 Tesla (3T) MRI scanner. 7T protocols included a FLAIR image before, soon after (Gd+ Early 7T FLAIR), and 23 minutes after gadolinium (Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR). 3T protocol included FLAIR before and 21 minutes after gadolinium (Gd+ Delayed 3T FLAIR). RESULTS: LME was seen in 23.3% of participants with MS on Gd+ Delayed 3T FLAIR, 47.4% on Gd+ Early 7T FLAIR (p = 0.002) and 57.9% on Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). The count and volume of LME, leptomeningeal and paravascular enhancement (LMPE), and paravascular and dural enhancement (PDE) were all highest for Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR and lowest for Gd+ Delayed 3T FLAIR. Non-significant trends were seen for higher proportion, counts, and volumes for LME and PDE in MS compared to HCs. The rate of LMPE was different between MS and HCs on Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR (98.9% vs 82.4%, p = 0.003). MS participants with LME on Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR were older (47.6 (10.6) years) than those without (42.0 (9.7), p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: 7T MRI and a delay after contrast injection increased sensitivity for all forms of MCE. However, the lack of difference between groups for LME and its association with age calls into question its relevance as a biomarker of meningeal inflammation in MS.

Meningeal contrast enhancement in multiple sclerosis: assessment of field strength, acquisition delay, and clinical relevance.

Background/Purpose: Leptomeningeal enhancement (LME) on post-contrast FLAIR is described as a potential biomarker of meningeal inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we report a comprehensive assessment of the impact of MRI field strength and acquisition timing on meningeal contrast enhancement (MCE). Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study of 95 participants with MS and 17 healthy controls (HC) subjects. Each participant underwent an MRI of the brain on both a 7 Tesla (7T) and 3 Tesla (3T) MRI scanner. 7T protocols included a FLAIR image before, soon after (Gd+ Early 7T FLAIR), and 23 minutes after gadolinium (Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR). 3T protocol included FLAIR before and 21 minutes after gadolinium (Gd+ Delayed 3T FLAIR). Results: LME was seen in 23.3% of participants with MS on Gd+ Delayed 3T FLAIR, 47.4% on Gd+ Early 7T FLAIR (p = 0.002) and 57.9% on Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). The count and volume of LME, leptomeningeal and paravascular enhancement (LMPE), and paravascular and dural enhancement (PDE) were all highest for Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR and lowest for Gd+ Delayed 3T FLAIR. Non-significant trends were seen for higher proportion, counts, and volumes for LME and PDE in MS compared to HCs. The rate of LMPE was different between MS and HCs on Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR (98.9% vs 82.4%, p = 0.003). MS participants with LME on Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR were older (47.6 (10.6) years) than those without (42.0 (9.7), p = 0.008). Conclusion: 7T MRI and a delay after contrast injection increased sensitivity for all forms of MCE. However, the lack of difference between groups for LME and its association with age calls into question its relevance as a biomarker of meningeal inflammation in MS.

Evaluation of the Blood-Brain Barrier, Demyelination, and Neurodegeneration in Paramagnetic Rim Lesions in Multiple Sclerosis on 7 Tesla MRI.

BACKGROUND: Paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) are associated with chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). 7-Tesla (7T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can evaluate the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in addition to the tissue myelination status and cell loss. PURPOSE: To use MRI metrics to investigate underlying physiology and clinical importance of PRLs. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. SUBJECTS: Thirty-six participants (mean-age 47, 23 females, 13 males) of mixed MS subtypes. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 7T, MP2RAGE, MULTI-ECHO 3D-GRE, FLAIR. ASSESSMENT: Lesion heterogeneity; longitudinal changes in lesion counts; comparison of T1, R2*, and χ; association between baseline lesion types and disease progression (2-3 annual MRI visits with additional years of annual clinical follow-up). STATISTICAL TESTS: Two-sample t-test, Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test, Pearson's chi-square test, two-group comparison with linear-mixed-effect model, mixed-effect ANOVA, logistic regression. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 58.3% of participants had at least one PRL at baseline. Higher male proportion in PRL+ group was found. Average change in PRL count was 0.20 (SD = 2.82) for PRLs and 0.00 (SD = 0.82) for mottled lesions. Mean and median pre-/post-contrast T1 were longer in PRL+ than in PRL-. No differences in mean χ were seen for lesions grouped by PRL (P = 0.310, pre-contrast; 0.086, post-contrast) or PRL/M presence (P = 0.234, pre-contrast; 0.163, post-contrast). Median χ were less negative in PRL+ and PRL/M+ than in PRL- and PRL/M-. Mean and median pre-/post-contrast R2* were slower in PRL+ compared to PRL-. Mean and median pre-/post-contrast R2* were slower in PRL/M+ than in PRL/M-. PRL presence at baseline was associated with confirmed EDSS Plus progression (OR 3.75 [1.22-7.59]) and PRL/M+ at baseline with confirmed EDSS Plus progression (OR 3.63 [1.14-7.43]). DATA CONCLUSION: Evidence of BBB breakdown in PRLs was not seen. Quantitative metrics confirmed prior results suggesting greater demyelination, cell loss, and possibly disruption of tissue anisotropy in PRLs. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

The biological standard of living of Korean men under Confucianism, colonialism, capitalism, and communism.

This study focuses on analysing the heights of 10,953 Korean men aged 20 to 40 years who were measured during the Joseon dynasty, the Japanese colonialisation period, and the contemporary period, the latter including both North and South Korea. This study thus provides rare long-term statistical evidence on how biological living standards have developed over several centuries, encompassing Confucianism, colonialism, capitalism, and communism. Using error bar analysis of heights for each historical sample period, this study confirms that heights rose as economic performance improved. For instance, economically poorer North Koreans were expectedly shorter, by about 6 cm, than their peers living in the developed South. Similarly, premodern inhabitants of present-day South Korea, who produced a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita below the world average, were about 4 cm shorter than contemporary South Koreans, who have a mean income above the world average. Along similar lines, North Koreans, who have a GDP per capita akin to that of the premodern Joseon dynasty, have not improved much in height. On the contrary, mean heights of North Koreans were even slightly below (by about 2.4 cm) heights of Joseon dynasty Koreans. All in all, the heights follow a U-shaped pattern across time, wherein heights were lowest during the colonial era. Heights bounced back to Joseon dynasty levels during the interwar period, a time period where South Korea benefitted from international aid, only to rise again and surpass even premodern levels under South Korea's flourishing market economy.

Synthesis of 1-(2,2-Dimethylpropyl)-Cyclopropene (1-DCP) as an Ethylene Antagonist.

Ethylene is a gaseous hydrocarbon molecule known as a plant hormone that promotes fruit ripening and senescence. Efficiently controlling ethylene is a central key to maintaining the quality of agricultural products. The current study uncovered a synthetic method for 1-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-cyclopropene (1-DCP) as a cyclopropene derivative to inhibit ethylene action in fruit ripening and senescence. We synthesized 1-DCP using α-diisobutylene through a two-step process, including allylic chlorination by hypochlorite and HCl, followed by α-elimination of the allylic chloride using a strong base, lithium diethylamide. GC-MS and NMR analyses demonstrated that 1-DCP was synthesized efficiently with 35% yield and 95% purity. When treated as an aqueous emulsion on plants, including persimmon and banana fruits, 1 mM 1-DCP showed effective inhibition of ethylene action by delaying the flesh softening and peel degreening, which are representative phenomena of fruit ripening and senescence induced by ethylene. Our data demonstrated that 1-DCP could be synthesized and used as a sprayable ethylene antagonist for pre- or post-harvest growth regulation in plants and fruits.

Age-related changes in human skeletal muscle microstructure and architecture assessed by diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging and their association with muscle strength.

Diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) offers objective measures of muscle characteristics, providing insights into age-related changes. We used DT-MRI to probe skeletal muscle microstructure and architecture in a large healthy-aging cohort, with the aim of characterizing age-related differences and comparing these to muscle strength. We recruited 94 participants (43 female; median age = 56, range = 22-89 years) and measured microstructure parameters-fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD)-in 12 thigh muscles, and architecture parameters-pennation angle, fascicle length, fiber curvature, and physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA)-in the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris longus (BFL). Knee extension and flexion torques were also measured for comparison to architecture measures. FA and MD were associated with age (ß = 0.33, p = 0.001, R2 = 0.10; and ß = -0.36, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.12), and FA was negatively associated with Type I fiber proportions from the literature (ß = -0.70, p = 0.024, and R2 = 0.43). Pennation angle, fiber curvature, fascicle length, and PCSA were associated with age in the RF (ß = -0.22, 0.26, -0.23, and -0.31, respectively; p < 0.05), while in the BFL only curvature and fascicle length were associated with age (ß = 0.36, and -0.40, respectively; p < 0.001). In the RF, pennation angle and PCSA were associated with strength (ß = 0.29, and 0.46, respectively; p < 0.01); in the BFL, only PCSA was associated with strength (ß = 0.43; p < 0.001). Our results show skeletal muscle architectural changes with aging and intermuscular differences in the microstructure. DT-MRI may prove useful for elucidating muscle changes in the early stages of sarcopenia and monitoring interventions aimed at preventing age-associated microstructural changes in muscle that lead to functional impairment.

Imaging of the meningeal lymphatic network in healthy adults: A 7T MRI study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) along the dural venous sinuses are suspected to be important in connecting the glymphatic and peripheral lymphatic system. Understanding the topography of MLVs may clarify the role of the glymphatic system in neurological diseases. The aim of this analysis was to use high resolution pre- and post-contrast FLAIR 7T MRI to identify and characterize the morphology of MLV in a cohort of healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI examinations of seventeen healthy volunteers enrolled as controls in a larger 7T MRI study were reviewed. Pre- and post-contrast 3-D FLAIR subtractions and MP2RAGE sequences were spatially normalized and reviewed for signal intensity and enhancement patterns within putative MLVs along pre-determined dural and venous structures. Frequency of occurrence of MLVs at the above-described locations and patterns of their enhancement were analyzed. RESULTS: Putative MLVs are commonly located along the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and cortical veins. A "fixed enhancement" signal pattern was more frequent at these locations (p<.05). The morphology of MLVs along the SSS qualitatively changes in an antero-posterior direction. Lack of signal was more frequent along the straight and transverse sinuses (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Putative MLVs in healthy individuals are concentrated along the SSS and cortical veins. FLAIR signal and enhancement characteristics suggest these structures may transport proteinaceous fluid. Pathways connecting MLVs to cervical lymph nodes however remain unclear.

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate toxicity in rats during a 90-day inhalation toxicity study.

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate-96% (NaDCC) is commonly used to treat drinking water, industrial water, and wastewater. However, exposure to NaDCC by inhalation can have toxic pulmonary effects in humans. In the present study, we evaluated the potential toxicity of NaDCC following a 90-day inhalation toxicity study in Sprague-Dawley/Crl:CD (SD) rats. The animals were exposed to 0.4, 2.0, or 10.0 mg/m3 NaDCC for 90 days. In addition, male and female rats from the 10.0 mg/m3 group were set up as the recovery group for 14 days. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed a concentration-dependent increase in the total cell count, with a significant increase in neutrophils in both the sexes in the 10.0 mg/m3 group compared to the negative control group. In the 10.0 mg/m3 group, lung organ weight was significantly increased among the female rats. Histopathological examination showed eosinophilic droplets in the olfactory/respiratory epithelium, mucous cell hyperplasia, atrophy/degeneration of the tracheal branches, and wall thickening of the alveolar ducts in the nasal cavity of both sexes in the 10.0 mg/m3 group. The adverse effects of NaDCC exposure were observed to decrease during the 14-day recovery period in both sexes. Based on pathological observations, the "no observed adverse effect concentration (NOAEC)" of inhaled NaDCC was 2.0 mg/m3 for both sexes. These results are expected to provide a scientific basis for inhalation toxicity data of NaDCC.

Safety Monitoring System of CAVs Considering the Trade-Off between Sampling Interval and Data Reliability.

The safety of urban transportation systems is considered a public health issue worldwide, and many researchers have contributed to improving it. Connected automated vehicles (CAVs) and cooperative intelligent transportation systems (C-ITSs) are considered solutions to ensure the safety of urban transportation systems using various sensors and communication devices. However, realizing a data flow framework, including data collection, data transmission, and data processing, in South Korea is challenging, as CAVs produce a massive amount of data every minute, which cannot be transmitted via existing communication networks. Thus, raw data must be sampled and transmitted to the server for further processing. The data acquired must be highly accurate to ensure the safety of the different agents in C-ITS. On the other hand, raw data must be reduced through sampling to ensure transmission using existing communication systems. Thus, in this study, C-ITS architecture and data flow are designed, including messages and protocols for the safety monitoring system of CAVs, and the optimal sampling interval determined for data transmission while considering the trade-off between communication efficiency and accuracy of the safety performance indicators. Three safety performance indicators were introduced: severe deceleration, lateral position variance, and inverse time to collision. A field test was conducted to collect data from various sensors installed in the CAV, determining the optimal sampling interval. In addition, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was conducted to ensure statistical consistency between the sampled and raw datasets. The effects of the sampling interval on message delay, data accuracy, and communication efficiency in terms of the data compression ratio were analyzed. Consequently, a sampling interval of 0.2 s is recommended for optimizing the system's overall efficiency.

Correction: Blood-brain barrier breakdown in non-enhancing multiple sclerosis lesions detected by 7-Tesla MP2RAGE ΔT1 mapping.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249973.].

Anti-fibrotic effect of pycnogenol® in a polyhexamethylene guanidine-treated mouse model.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a respiratory disease that causes serious respiratory problems. The effects of French marine pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®), with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, were investigated on lung fibrosis in polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG)-treated mice. Mice were separated into four groups (n = 6): vehicle control (VC, saline 50 µl); PHMG (1.1 mg/kg); PHMG + Pycnogenol® (0.3 mg/kg/day); and PHMG + Pycnogenol® (1 mg/kg/day). PF was induced via intratracheal instillation of PHMG. Treatment with PHMG decreased body weight and increased lung weight, both of which were improved by treatment with PHMG + Pycnogenol® (1 mg/kg). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, and PCR revealed that Pycnogenol® attenuated PHMG-induced increase in inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis-related factors in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, histopathological analysis revealed reduced inflammation/fibrosis in the PHMG + Pycnogenol® (1 mg/kg) group. Collectively, the results indicate that Pycnogenol® can be used to treat PF as it hinders fibrosis progression by inhibiting inflammatory responses in the lungs of PHMG-treated mice.

Adverse postnatal developmental effects in offspring from humidifier disinfectant biocide inhaled pregnant rats.

Inhalation exposure to polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-P), one of the primary biocides used in humidifier disinfectants, caused a fatal pulmonary disease in Korea. Pregnant women were also exposed to PHMG-P, and subsequent studies showed that PHMG-P inhalation during pregnancy adversely affects their health and embryo-fetal development. However, the postnatal developmental effects after birth on prenatally PHMG-P-exposed offspring have not yet been investigated. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to examine the postnatal development of prenatally PHMG-P-exposed offspring. Pregnant rats (22 or 24 females per group) were exposed to PHMG-P during pregnancy in a whole-body inhalation chamber at the target concentrations of 0, 0.14, 1.60, and 3.20 mg/m3. After parturition, the prenatally exposed offspring were transferred to non-exposed surrogate mothers to minimize the secondary effects of severe maternal toxicities. Postnatal development of offspring was then examined with a modified extended one-generation reproductive toxicity study design. At 3.20 mg/m3 PHMG-P, increased perinatal death rates and decreased viability index (postnatal survival of offspring between birth and postnatal day 4) were observed. In addition, F1 offspring had lower body weight at birth that persisted throughout the study. PHMG-P-exposed pregnant rats also had severe systemic toxicities and increased gestation period. At 1.60 mg/m3 PHMG-P, a decreased viability index was also observed with systemic toxicities of PHMG-P-exposed pregnant rats. These results indicate that prenatal PHMG-P exposure adversely affects the offspring's future health and could be used for human risk assessment.

Cigarette Smoke Extract Produces Superoxide in Aqueous Media by Reacting with Bicarbonate.

The toxicity of cigarette smoke (CS) is largely attributed to its ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Reportedly, CS generates superoxide in cell culture systems by stimulating the cells to produce superoxide and through direct chemical reactions with components of the culture media. In this study, we investigated CS-induced superoxide formation in biocompatible aqueous media and its characteristics. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and total particulate matter (TPM) were prepared from the mainstream smoke of 3R4F reference cigarettes. CSE and TPM generated superoxide in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), Dulbecco's modified Eagle media (DMEM), and blood plasma, but not in distilled water and phosphate-buffered saline. Each constituent of HBSS in solution was tested, and bicarbonate was found to be responsible for the superoxide generation. More than half of the superoxide formation was abolished by pretreating CSE or TPM with peroxidase, indicating that the substrates of peroxidase, presumably peroxides and peroxy acids, mainly contributed to the superoxide production. In conclusion, the presence of bicarbonate in experimental conditions should be considered carefully in studies of the biological activity of CS. Furthermore, the local amount of bicarbonate in exposed tissues may be a determinant of tissue sensitivity to oxidative damage by CS.

Blood-brain barrier breakdown in non-enhancing multiple sclerosis lesions detected by 7-Tesla MP2RAGE ΔT1 mapping.

Although the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is altered in most multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions, gadolinium enhancement is seen only in acute lesions. In this study, we aimed to investigate gadolinium-induced changes in T1 relaxation time in MS lesions on 7-tesla (7T) MRI as a means to quantify BBB breakdown in non-enhancing MS lesions. Forty-seven participants with MS underwent 7T MRI of the brain with a magnitude-prepared rapid acquisition of 2 gradient echoes (MP2RAGE) sequence before and after contrast. Subtraction of pre- and post-contrast T1 maps was used to measure T1 relaxation time change (ΔT1) from gadolinium. ΔT1 values were interrogated in enhancing white matter lesions (ELs), non-enhancing white matter lesions (NELs), and normal appearing white matter (NAWM) and metrics were compared to clinical data. ΔT1 was measurable in NELs (median: -0.139 (-0.304, 0.174) seconds; p < 0.001) and was negligible in NAWM (median: -0.001 (-0.036, 0.155) seconds; p = 0.516). Median ΔT1 in NELs correlated with disability as measured by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (rho = -0.331, p = 0.026). Multiple measures of NEL ΔT1 variability also correlated with EDSS. NEL ΔT1 values were greater and more variable in patients with progressive forms of MS and greater in those not on MS treatment. Measurement of the changes in T1 relaxation time caused by contrast on 7T MP2RAGE reveals clinically relevant evidence of BBB breakdown in NELs in MS. This data suggests that NEL ΔT1 should be evaluated further as a potential biomarker of persistently disrupted BBB in MS.Although the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is altered in most multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions, gadolinium enhancement is seen only in acute lesions. In this study, we aimed to investigate gadolinium-induced changes in T1 relaxation time in MS lesions on 7-tesla (7T) MRI as a means to quantify BBB breakdown in non-enhancing MS lesions. Forty-seven participants with MS underwent 7T MRI of the brain with a magnitude-prepared rapid acquisition of 2 gradient echoes (MP2RAGE) sequence before and after contrast. Subtraction of pre- and post-contrast T1 maps was used to measure T1 relaxation time change (ΔT1) from gadolinium. ΔT1 values were interrogated in enhancing white matter lesions (ELs), non-enhancing white matter lesions (NELs), and normal appearing white matter (NAWM) and metrics were compared to clinical data. ΔT1 was measurable in NELs (median: -0.139 (-0.304, 0.174) seconds; p < 0.001) and was negligible in NAWM (median: -0.001 (-0.036, 0.155) seconds; p = 0.516). Median ΔT1 in NELs correlated with disability as measured by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (rho = -0.331, p = 0.026). Multiple measures of NEL ΔT1 variability also correlated with EDSS. NEL ΔT1 values were greater and more variable in patients with progressive forms of MS and greater in those not on MS treatment. Measurement of the changes in T1 relaxation time caused by contrast on 7T MP2RAGE reveals clinically relevant evidence of BBB breakdown in NELs in MS. This data suggests that NEL ΔT1 should be evaluated further as a potential biomarker of persistently disrupted BBB in MS.

Multi-layer analysis of quantitative 7 T magnetic resonance imaging in the cortex of multiple sclerosis patients reveals pathology associated with disability.

BACKGROUND: Cortical demyelination is a relevant aspect of tissue damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). Microstructural changes may affect each layer in the cortex differently. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sensitivity of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) measurements on cortical layers as clinically accessible biomarkers of grey matter (GM) pathology. METHODS: Forty-five participants with MS underwent 7 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Magnetization prepared two rapid acquisition gradient echoes (MP2RAGE) was processed for T1-weighted images and a T1 map. Multi-echo gradient echo images were processed for quantitative susceptibility and R2* maps. Cortical GM volumes were segmented into four cortical layers, and relaxometry metrics were calculated within and between these layers. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found for disability scales and multi-layer metrics, for example, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and peak height (PH) in the subpial (T1: ρ = -0.372, p < 0.050) and inner (R2*: ρ = -0.359, p < 0.050) cortical layers. Multivariate regression showed interdependency between atrophy and cortical metrics in some instances, but an independent relationship between cortical metrics and disability in others. CONCLUSION: Cortical layer 7 T qMRI analyses reveal layer-specific relationships with disability in MS and allow emergence of clinically relevant associations that are hidden when analysing the full cortex.

Extremely low birth weight infant surviving left congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a case report.

In this study, we present the case of a 900 g, male infant born at 27+5 weeks, who was placed on high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) until repair of a left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) at 39 days of life (DOL). To date, this is the smallest infant with repair of the left CDH reported in the literature. After birth, he passed the cardiopulmonary stabilization phase and successfully underwent delayed surgery; in the process, he received ventilator assistance through HFOV. He weighed 1,660 gm at the time of surgery. We performed the thoracoscopic primary closure of the diaphragmatic defect. He was extubated on post-operation day (POD) 7 and discharged from hospital on POD 36 with 0.1 L/min supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula. He is being followed for growth and development and there has been no recurrence at the surgical site at 24 months of corrected age. In this case, high mean airway pressure (MAP) was required based on the patient's weight to achieve adequate recruitment of the left lung, and the patient was diagnosed with mental developmental delay on Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II. Thus, we suggest that the postnatal course and long-term outcomes for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and preterm infants with left CDH is different from that for full-term babies. Therefore, future research should focus on preterm infants with left CDH.

A humidifier disinfectant biocide, polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate, inhalation exposure during pregnancy induced toxicities in rats.

Biocides are widely used for their effective antiseptic and disinfectant properties, including polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-P), which is also used as a biocide as it selectively disrupts bacterial cell membrane. It is used to clean humidifiers commonly used in the dry winter season in South Korea, which exposes people to PHMG-P inhalation. However, comprehensive toxicological data on PHMG-P inhalation exposure, including in pregnant women, and the potential occurrence of lung disease is lacking. Therefore, in this study, we investigated PHMG-P inhalation exposure-induced toxicities in pregnant rats and prenatal development of their conceptus. Pregnant rats were exposed to PHMG-P via inhalation at target concentrations of 0, 0.14, 1.60, and 3.20 mg/m3 from implantation to nearly parturition (from gestation day 6-20) and then analyzed for relevant abnormalities. Results showed systemic toxicities in the pregnant rats including respiratory function abnormalities, decreased body weight gain, and decreased food consumption at ≥1.60 mg/m3. Prenatal development toxicities, including decreased fetal weight with ossification retardations of fetal bones, were observed at 3.20 mg/m3. These results will contribute to clarifying the PHMG-P inhalation exposure-induced toxicities during pregnancy and support its risk assessment in humans.

Effect of Ultraviolet C Irradiation on Isoflavone Concentrations in Different Cultivars of Soybean (Glycine max).

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant polyphenolic compounds present in high concentrations in soybean products. Phytoestrogens are divided into three classes: lignans, isoflavones, and coumestans. Nine types of glycoside isoflavones and three types of aglycoside isoflavones are reported in soybean. Soy isoflavones can reduce the risk of a certain type of cancer, cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms. We irradiated the leaves of five cultivars of soybean with UV-C (260 nm) and determined the effect on concentrations of isoflavone compounds using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Isoflavone concentrations were significantly higher following irradiation, particularly in the cultivar Daepung, which was selected as the best cultivar for high isoflavone induction with UV-C irradiation. Further experimentation with the cultivar Daepung revealed that 20 min UV-C irradiation was the best treatment for the induction of aglycone compounds, and 5 min with the dorsal surface facing the UV-C irradiation source was the best treatment for the induction of glycoside isoflavone compounds.