Anti-Colitic Effect of an Exopolysaccharide Fraction from Pediococcus pentosaceus KFT-18 on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis through Suppression of Inflammatory Mediators.

We previously reported the immunostimulatory effect of an exopolysaccharide fraction from Pediococcus pentosaceus KFT18 (PE-EPS), a lactic acid bacterium, in macrophages and primary splenocytes, as well as in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. In this study, the anti-colitic activity of PE-EPS was investigated in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis animal model. PE-EPS relieved DSS-induced colitis symptoms, such as stool blood, decreased colon length, crypt disruption, and mucus layer edema. Regarding the molecular mechanism, PE-EPS reduced the enhanced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1) in the colon tissue of colitis-induced mice. Additionally, PE-EPS protected against DSS-induced phosphorylation of p65 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). These findings suggested that the exopolysaccharide fraction from Ped. pentosaceus KFT18 can be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease by alleviating colonic inflammation.

Safety Evaluation and In vivo Strain-Specific Functionality of Bacillus Strains Isolated from Korean Traditional Fermented Foods.

Unveiling and understanding differences in physiological features below the species level may serve as an essential fast-screening tool for selecting strains that can promote a specific probiotic effect. To study the intra-species diversity of Bacillus, a genus with a wide range of enzyme activities and specificity, 190 Bacillus strains were isolated from traditional Korean fermented food products. Altogether, in the preliminary safety screening, 8 of these strains were found negative for lecithinase and hemolysis activity and were selected for further investigations. On the basis of different levels of enzyme functionalities (high or low proteolytic, amylolytic, and lipolytic (PAL) activities), two Bacillus subtilis strains were selected for an in vivo study. Each of the two strains was separately administered at a level of 1 × 108 CFU per day to C57BL/6 mice that were fed 60% high-fat diet ad libitum for 8 weeks, while Xenical, an anti-obesity drug, was used as a positive control in the experimental setup. B. subtilis M34 and B. subtilis GS40a with low and high amylolytic activities, respectively, induced significantly different and contrasting physiological effects. The production of short-chain fatty acids appeared to be closely associated with a shift in the gut microbiota.

Pneumocephalus and Pneumorrhachis due to a Subarachnoid Pleural Fistula That Developed after Thoracic Spine Surgery.

Development of a communication between the spinal subarachnoid space and the pleural space after thoracic spine surgery is uncommon. Subarachnoid pleural fistula (SAPF), a distressing condition, involves cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Here we report an unusual case of SAPF, occurring after thoracic spine surgery, that was further complicated by pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis postthoracentesis, which was performed for unilateral pleural effusion.

Screening and Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains with Anti-inflammatory Activities through in vitro and Caenorhabditis elegans Model Testing.

The present study was conducted to screen candidate probiotic strains for anti-inflammatory activity. Initially, a nitric oxide (NO) assay was used to test selected candidate probiotic strains for anti-inflammatory activity in cultures of the murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7. Then, the in vitro probiotic properties of the strains, including bile tolerance, acid resistance, and growth in skim milk media, were investigated. We also performed an in vitro hydrophobicity test and an intestinal adhesion assay using Caenorhabditis elegans as a surrogate in vivo model. From our screening, we obtained 4 probiotic candidate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains based on their anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell cultures and the results of the in vitro and in vivo probiotic property assessments. Molecular characterization using 16S rDNA sequencing analysis identified the 4 LAB strains as Lactobacillus plantarum. The selected L. plantarum strains (CAU1054, CAU1055, CAU1064, and CAU1106) were found to possess desirable in vitro and in vivo probiotic properties, and these strains are good candidates for further investigations in animal models and human clinical studies to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their anti-inflammatory activities.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum FH185 on the Reduction of Adipocyte Size and Gut Microbial Changes in Mice with Diet-induced Obesity.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum FH185 on the reduction of adipocyte size and gut microbial changes in mice with diet-induced obesity. The strain was found to have a lipase inhibitory activity of 70.09±2.04% and inhibited adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells (18.63±0.98%) at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. To examine the effect of the strain supplementation on gut microbial changes in mice with diet-induced obesity, male C57BL/6J mice were fed on four different diets (i.e., A, normal diet (ND); B, high-fat diet (HFD); C, HFD with ABT-3 (10(9) CFU/day); and D, HFD with L. plantarum FH185 (10(9) CFU/day)) for 6 wk. According to the results of fecal pyrosequencing, the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes in groups C and D was lower than in the control groups at the phylum level. At the family level, Lactobacillaceae in groups C and D was observed to dominate, while Lachnospiraceae in groups A and B was observed to dominate. At the genus level, Lactobacillus in groups C and D was comparatively higher than in groups A and B. To examine the effects of strain supplementation on the reduction of adipocyte size, the left and right epididymal fat pads were quickly isolated after the animals were sacrificed, and the adipocyte sizes were measured. In groups A, C and D, the percentage of 2,000 m(2) of adipocyte was higher than in the other size of adipocyte, while the percentage of over 5,000 m(2) of adipocyte was highest in group B. The mean adipocyte size of group D was significantly larger than that of group A, but smaller than that of group B.

Gamma-linolenic acid inhibits hepatic PAI-1 expression by inhibiting p38 MAPK-dependent activator protein and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway.

Fibrosis is induced by the excessive and abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) with various growth factors in tissues. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1), plays a role in inducing apoptosis, modulates fibrosis, and ECM accumulation. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) plays an important role in the development hepatic fibrosis. The overexpression of PAI-1 induces ECM accumulation, the main hallmark of chronic liver diseases. Death of hepatocytes is a characteristic feature of chronic liver disease due to various causes. The TGF-ß1-mediated apoptotic pathway is regarded as a promising therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is of special interest as it possesses anti-fibrosis, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. However, the precise mechanism for GLA in chronic liver disease is not still clear. The aim of the present study was to determine whether GLA prevents hepatic PAI-1 expression and apoptosis through the inhibition of TGF-ß1-mediated molecular mediators. GLA attenuated TGF-ß1-stimulated PAI-1 expression, and inhibited PAI-1 promoter activity in AML12 cells. This effect was mediated by Smad3/4, the p38 pathways. We also found that GLA suppressed TGF-ß1-induced apoptotic activation of the Bcl-2 family and caspase family of proteins, which resulted in the inhibition of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 cleavage. GLA ameliorates the pro-fibrotic and pro-apoptotic effects of TGF-ß1 in hepatocytes, suggesting GLA exerts a protective effect on hepatocytes and has a therapeutic potential for the treatment of chronic liver disease.

Spongiivirga citrea gen. nov., sp. nov., a new marine bacterium of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from a marine sponge.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, lemon-yellow pigmented, non-motile, rod-shaped strain designated A7G-39(T) was isolated from a yellow coloured marine sponge (Tethya sp.). Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the new strain represented a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae of the phylum Bacteroidetes and that it showed highest sequence similarity (94.1 %) to Algibacter wandonensis WS-MY22(T). The strain could be differentiated phenotypically from recognised members of the family Flavobacteriaceae. The major fatty acids of strain A7G-39(T) were identified as iso-C15:0 3-OH and summed feature 1 (iso-C15:1 H and/or C13:0 3-OH) as defined by the MIDI system. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 32.6 mol%, the major respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone 7 (MK-7) and a polar lipid profile was present consisting of phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified lipid. From the distinct phylogenetic position and combination of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, the strain is considered to represent a novel genus for which the name Spongiivirga citrea gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of S. citrea is A7G-39(T) (=KCTC 32990(T) = NBRC 110022(T)).

Selection and characterization of Cheonggukjang (fast fermented soybean paste)-originated bacterial strains with a high level of S-adenosyl-L-methionine production and probiotics efficacy.

This study was executed to develop probiotics producing S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), a methyl group donor in the 5-methyltetrahydrofolate methylation reaction in animal cells. SAMe is an essential substance in the synthesis, activation, and metabolism of hormones, neurotransmitters, nucleic acids, phospholipids, and cell membranes of animals. SAMe is also known as a nutritional supplement for improving human brain function. In this study, SAMe-producing strains were identified in six kinds of Cheonggukjang, and strains with excellent SAMe production were identified, with one strain in the Enterococcus genus and six strains in the Bacillus genus. Strains with a large amount of SAMe production included lactic acid bacteria, such as Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus durans, and Enterococcus sanguinicola, as well as various strains in the Bacillus genus. The SAMe-overproducing strains showed antibacterial activity against some harmful microbes, in addition to weak acid resistance and strong bile resistance, indicating characteristics of probiotics. Cheonggukjang-originated beneficial bacterial strains overproducing SAMe may be commercially useful for manufacturing SAMe-rich foods.

A groove technique for securing an electrode connector on the cranial bone: case analysis of efficacy.

OBJECTIVE: A groove technique for securing an electrode connector was described as an alternative surgical technique in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to avoid electrode connector-related complications, such as skin erosion, infection, and migration. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 109 patients undergoing one of two techniques; the standard technique (52 patients using 104 electrodes) and the groove technique (57 patients using 109 electrodes) for securing the electrode connector in DBS surgery, regardless of patient disease. In the standard percutaneous tunneling technique, the connector was placed on the vertex of the cranial surface. The other technique, so called the groove technique, created a groove (about 4 cm long, 8 mm wide) in the cranial bone at the posterior parietal area. Wound erosion and migration related to the connectors were compared between the two techniques. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 73 months for the standard method and 46 months for the groove technique. Connector-related complications were observed in three patients with the groove technique and in seven patients with the standard technique. Wound erosion at the connector sites per electrode was one (0.9%) with the groove technique and six (5.8%) with the standard technique. This difference was statistically significant. The electrode connector was migrated in two patients with the groove technique and in one patient with the standard technique. CONCLUSIONS: The groove technique, which involves securing an electrode using a groove in the cranial bone at the posterior parietal area, offers an effective and safe method to avoid electrode connector-related complications during DBS surgery.

Pyrosequencing analysis of microbiota reveals that lactic acid bacteria are dominant in Korean flat fish fermented food, gajami-sikhae.

The gajami-sikhae, traditional Korean cuisine fermented with flat fish, samples were collected from eight different manufacturers (GS1-GS8). We employed pyrosequencing method to analyze the bacterial communities of the gajami-sikhae samples. Family- and genus-level analyses indicated that the bacterial community compositions of GS3 and GS6 were distinct from those of the rest. The species-level structures of bacterial communities of the gajami-sikhae samples except for GS3 and GS6 featured Lactobacillus sakei as the most abundant species. Leuconostoc mesenteroides was revealed as the most dominant species among the bacterial community of GS6 and the bacterial community of GS3 was composed of various lactic acid bacteria. We employed a culture-based method to isolate beneficial strains from the gajami-sikhae samples. However, most of the 47 selected colonies were identified as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. This study indicated that gajami-sikhae was mainly composed of many beneficial lactic acid bacteria.

Bifidobacterium faecale sp. nov., isolated from human faeces.

A novel strain, designated strain CU3-7(T), was isolated from faeces of a two-week-old baby. The isolate was Gram-staining-positive, anaerobic and rod-shaped. Results from 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain CU3-7(T) was phylogenetically affiliated with members of the genus Bifidobacterium. Strain CU3-7(T) showed the highest level of sequence similarity with Bifidobacterium adolescentis KCTC 3216(T) (98.4 %), followed by Bifidobacterium ruminantium KCTC 3425(T) (97.9 %). Analysis of hsp60 sequences showed that strain CU3-7(T) was closely related to B. adolescentis KCTC 3216(T) (94.0 %) and B. ruminantium KCTC 3425(T) (92.5 %). The DNA-DNA hybridization values with the closely related strains were all below the cut-off value for species delineation, 17.0 % with B. ruminantium KCTC 3425(T) and 14.9 % with B. adolescentis KCTC 3216(T). Fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase activity was detected. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0 (27.7 %), C18 : 1ω9c (27.4 %) and C18 : 1ω9c dimethylacetate (15.5 %). The DNA G+C content was 58.6 mol%. On the basis of polyphasic taxonomy, strain CU3-7(T) should be classified as the type strain of a novel species within the genus Bifidobacterium, for which the name Bifidobacterium faecale sp. nov. is proposed ( = KACC 17904(T) = JCM 19861(T)).

Selection and Characteristics of Fermented Salted Seafood (jeotgal)-Originated Strains with Excellent S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) Production and Probiotics Efficacy.

This study is executed to develop probiotics which produce S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), a methyl group donor of the 5-methyltetrahydrofolate methylation reaction within the animal cell. SAM is an essential substance for the synthesis, activation, and metabolism of hormones, neurotransmitters, nucleic acids, phospholipids, and cell membranes of animals. The SAM is also known as a nutritional supplement to improve brain functions of the human. In this study, the SAM-producing strains are identified in 18 types of salted fish, and then, the strains with excellent SAM productions are being identified, with 1 strain in the Enterococcus genus and 9 strains in the Bacillus genus. Strains with a large amount of SAM production include the lactic acid bacteria such as En. faecium and En. durans, En. sanguinicola, as well as various strains in the Bacil-lus genus. The SAM-overproducing strains show antibacterial activities with certain harmful microbes in addition to the weak acid resistances and strong bile resistances, indicating characteristics of probiotics. It is possible that the jeotgal-originated beneficial strains with overproducing SAM can be commercially utilized in order to manufacture SAM enriched foods.

Pyrosequencing-based analysis of the bacterial community during fermentation of Alaska pollock sikhae: traditional Korean seafood.

We analyzed the bacterial community of Alaska pollock sikhae, a traditional Korean food made by natural fermentation with Alaska pollock, utilizing pyrosequencing. We fermented the Alaska pollock sikhae at two different temperatures (10°C and 20°C). Before fermentations, the bacterial community was varied. After fermentations, however, Lactobacillus sakei became dominant. The Alaska pollock sikhae sample before fermentations contained only 2% L. sakei, but the sample on day 6 of fermentation at 10°C comprised 74% L. sakei (90% at 20°C). In addition, we observed a reduction in the composition of unpreferred bacterial species for foods after fermentation. The composition of unpreferred bacterial species was more than 30% of total reads in samples before fermentation and decreased to less than 0.2% after fermentation. This result suggested that the fermentation of Alaska pollock sikhae can be beneficial for food safety. Alaska pollock sikhae might be a favorable habitat for L. sakei. Our study is the first report illustrating the alteration of the bacterial community of Alaska pollock sikhae during fermentation utilizing pyrosequencing analysis.

Hemangiopericytoma of the posterior fossa: a case report and review of the literature.

Intracranial hemangiopericytoma is unusual, and those occurring in the posterior fossa is extremely rare; we report such a rare case of hemangiopericytoma of the posterior fossa. The radiologic findings and gross characteristics of hemangiopericytomas are sometimes quite similar to those of meningiomas. Although extremely rare, the operator should be aware of the existence of this disorder to dexterously manage the aggressive nature and high vascular tendency of hemangiopericytomas. The radiological features and histological findings in this case are discussed in this study.

Outcome of pallidal deep brain stimulation in meige syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Meige syndrome is the combination of blepharospasm and oromandibular dystonia. We assessed the surgical results of bilateral globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with medically refractory Meige syndrome. METHODS: Eleven patients were retrospectively analyzed with follow-ups of more than 12 months. The mean follow-up period was 23.1 ± 6.4 months. The mean age at time of surgery was 58.0 ± 7.8 years. The mean duration of symptoms was 8.7 ± 7.6 years. DBS electrodes were placed under local anesthesia using microelectrode recording and stimulation. After 2.4 ± 1.3 days of trial tests, the stimulation device was implanted under general anesthesia. Patients were evaluated using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS). RESULTS: BFMDRS total movement scores improved by 59.8%, 63.5%, 74.1%, 74.5%, and 85.5% during the immediate postoperative period of test stimulation, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months (n = 5) after surgery, respectively. The BFMDRS total movement scores were reduced gradually and the results reached statistical significance in the postoperative period (test period, p < 0.001; 3 months, p < 0.001; 6 months, p = 0.003; 12 months, p < 0.001; 24 months, p = 0.042). There was no statistical difference between 12 months and 24 months. BFM subscores improved by 63.3% for the eyes, 80.9% for the mouth, 68.4% for speech/swallowing, and 87.9% for the neck at 12 months after surgery. The adverse effects were insignificant. CONCLUSION: The bilateral GPi-DBS can be effective for the treatment of intractable Meige syndrome without significant side effects.

Pallidal deep brain stimulation in primary cervical dystonia with phasic type : clinical outcome and postoperative course.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze in detail the relationship between outcome and time course of effect in medically refractory primary cervical dystonia (CD) with phasic type that was treated by bilateral globus pallidus internus (Gpi) deep brain stimulation (DBS). METHODS: Six patients underwent bilateral implantation of DBS into the Gpi under the guide of microelectrode recording and were followed for 18.7 +/- 11.1 months. The mean duration of the CD was 5.8 +/- 3.4 years. The mean age at time of surgery was 54.2 +/- 10.2 years. Patients were evaluated with the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) and relief scale using patient self-reporting. RESULTS: The TWSTRS total scores improved by 64.5%, 65.5%, 75.8%, and 76.0% at 3, 6, 12 months, and at the last available follow-up after surgery, respectively. Statistically significant improvements in the TWSTRS scores were observed 3 months after surgery (p = 0.028) with gradual improvement up to 12 months after surgery, thereafter, the improvement was sustained. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the scores at 3 and 12 months. Subjective improvement reported averaged 81.7 +/- 6.8% at last follow-up. Mild dysarthria, the most frequent adverse event, occurred in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the bilateral Gpi-DBS can offer a significant therapeutic effect from 3 months postoperatively in patients with primary CD with phasic type, without significant side effects.

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic area for dystonic tremor.

The stereotactic surgical target for dystonic tremor is the subject of ongoing debate. Targeting the subthalamic area using deep brain stimulation has been regaining interest as a therapy for various types of involuntary movements. We describe the efficacy of stimulation of the subthalamic area in a patient with intractable dystonic tremor. Excellent control without neurological complications was achieved. This case report demonstrates that the subthalamic area is a valuable target for the control of dystonic tremor.

Percutaneous balloon compression of trigeminal ganglion for the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia : experience in 50 patients.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the surgical results of percutaneous balloon compression in 50 patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS: Fifty patients with follow-up period of more than 12 months were retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 42 months (range, 12-82). The mean age was 65.8 years (range, 27-83). Seventeen patients (34%) had other previous surgical procedures. The balloon was inflated by injecting radio-contrast media under brief general anesthesia according to Mullan's technique. The mean inflating time was 88 seconds (range, 60-120). The whole procedure took about 20 minutes. RESULTS: We reported excellent and good results in 70% of the cases, poor in 6% as annoying dysesthesia, recurrence in 16%, and 8% failure due to technical deficiencies. Forty-six patients (92%) were initially relieved of their pain. There were permanent motor weakness of the masseter muscle in 4% of patients and transitory diplopia in 8%. Neither anesthesia dolorosa nor keratitis occurred. Almost all patients (92%) were discharged postoperatively within two days. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that balloon compression would be an effective method with acceptable morbidity, technically, it can be performed rapidly and simply in the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.