Acute toxicity of organic antifouling biocides to phytoplankton Nitzschia pungens and zooplankton Artemia larvae.

The toxicity of the antifouling biocides Irgarol 1051, Diuron, Chlorothalonil, Dichlofluanid, Sea-nine 211, Copper pyrithione, Zinc pyrithione, Ziram and Zineb were evaluated on Nitzschia pungens and Artemia larvae. Results showed that EC50 for Irgarol 1051 was 0.586µgl-1 was the strongest effect on N. pungens following by Copper pyrithione (4.908µgl-1), Ziram (5.421µgl-1), Zinc pyrithione (5.513µgl-1), Diuron (6.640µgl-1), Zineb (232.249µgl-1), Sea-nine 211(267.368µgl-1), Chlorothalonil (360.963µgl-1) and Dichlofluanid (377.010µgl-1) in 96h. In Artemia larvae, the biocides were evaluated the LC50 for larval survivals at 48h. Sea-nine 211 and Copper pyrithione were 0.318 and 0.319mgl-1. Chlorothalonil, Zinc pyrithione and Ziram were 2.683, 3.147 and 4.778mgl-1. Irgarol 1051, Diuron, Zineb and Dichlofluanid were 9.734, 30.573, 41.170 and 154.944mgl-1. These results provide baseline data concerning the toxicity of antifouling biocides against marine environment.

Anti-obesity effects of gochujang products prepared using rice koji and soybean meju in rats.

The Korean traditional hot sauce gochujang has been reported to have biological activities. Different kinds of gochujang products were prepared based on combinations of a fungal rice koji with two kinds of bacterial soybean mejus. Diets that included gochujang products were fed to rats and anti-obesity effects were investigated. Gochujang products reduced body weight gains, epididymal fat weights, and triglyceride levels in the serum and the liver. Effects were exerted by the diet that included the non-fermented gochujang mixture, increased using a fungal rice koji, and further enhanced using a bacterial soybean meju. Dietary effects were apparently induced via inhibition of the lipogenic enzymes fatty acid synthase, malic enzyme, and lipoprotein lipase by gochujang products in epididymal adipose tissues, and inhibition of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the liver. High levels of capsaicin and genistein in gochujang products are considered to contribute to anti-obesity effects.

Induction of nasal polyps using house dust mite and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B in C57BL/6 mice.

BACKGROUND: The murine polyp model was developed previously using ovalbumin and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB). Here, we established a model mimicking key aspects of chronic eosinophilic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps using the house dust mite (HDM), a clinically relevant aeroallergen, co-administered with SEB. We assessed the inflammatory response and formation of nasal polypoid lesions in an experimental murine model using intranasal delivery of HDM and ovalbumin. METHODS: After induction of HDM-induced allergic rhinosinusitis in C57BL/6 mice, SEB (10ng) was instilled into the nasal cavity of mice for eight weeks. Phosphate-buffered saline-challenged mice served as control. Histopathological changes were evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin for overall inflammation, Sirius red for eosinophils, and periodic acid-Schiff stain for goblet cells. The distribution of mast cells in mouse nasal tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Serum total IgE was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Compared to mice treated with HDM only, the HDM+SEB-treated mice demonstrated nasal polypoid lesion formation and a significant increase in the number of secretory cells and eosinophilic infiltration. Moreover, mice challenged intranasally with HDM showed highly abundant mast cells in the nasal mucosa. In contrast, OVA+SEB-challenged mice showed a significantly lower degree of mast cell infiltration. CONCLUSION: We established an in vivo model of chronic allergic rhinosinusitis with nasal polypoid lesions using HDM aeroallergen. This study demonstrated that the HDM+SEB-induced murine polyp model could be utilised as a suitable model for nasal polyps, especially with both eosinophil and mast cell infiltration.

The cortical contrast accumulation from brain computed tomography after endovascular treatment predicts symptomatic hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The prognostic value of contrast accumulation from non-contrast brain computed tomography taken immediately after endovascular reperfusion treatment in acute ischaemic stroke patients to predict symptomatic hemorrhage was studied. METHODS: Between July 2007 and August 2014, acute anterior circulation ischaemic stroke patients who were treated by intra-arterial thrombolysis or thrombectomy were included. Contrast accumulation was defined as a high attenuation area from non-contrast brain computed tomography immediately taken after endovascular reperfusion treatment, and patients were categorized into three groups according to the presence and location of contrast: (i) negative, (ii) cortical involvement and (iii) non-cortical involvement. The rates of symptomatic hemorrhage after 24 h and functional outcome at discharge were compared between patients with and without cortical involvement. RESULTS: Of 64 patients who were treated by endovascular intervention, contrast accumulation was detected in 56, including 33 patients with cortical involvement and 23 patients without cortical involvement. The cortical involvement pattern was more frequently associated with symptomatic hemorrhage (13 vs. 1 patient, P = 0.003) and with grave outcome at discharge with modified Rankin Scale 5 or 6 (14 vs. 4, P = 0.048) than the non-cortical involvement group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis including initial collateral status and occlusion site disclosed that cortical involvement pattern independently predicted symptomatic hemorrhage after endovascular treatment (odds ratio 19.0, confidence interval 1.6-227.6, P = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that the cortical involvement of contrast accumulation is associated with symptomatic hemorrhage after endovascular reperfusion treatment.

PHF2 histone demethylase acts as a tumor suppressor in association with p53 in cancer.

Plant homeodomain finger 2 (PHF2) has a role in epigenetic regulation of gene expression by demethylating H3K9-Me2. Several genome-wide studies have demonstrated that the chromosomal region including the PHF2 gene is often deleted in some cancers including colorectal cancer, and this finding encouraged us to investigate the tumor suppressive role of PHF2. As p53 is a critical tumor suppressor in colon cancer, we tested the possibility that PHF2 is an epigenetic regulator of p53. PHF2 was associated with p53, and thereby, promoted p53-driven gene expression in cancer cells under genotoxic stress. PHF2 converted the chromatin that is favorable for transcription by demethylating the repressive H3K9-Me2 mark. In an HCT116 xenograft model, PHF2 was found to be required for the anticancer effects of oxaliplatin and doxorubicin. In PHF2-deficient xenografts, p53 expression was profoundly induced by both drugs, but its downstream product p21 was not, suggesting that p53 cannot be activated in the absence of PHF2. To find clinical evidence about the role of PHF2, we analyzed the expressions of PHF2, p53 and p21 in human colon cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues from patients. PHF2 was downregulated in cancer tissues and PHF2 correlated with p21 in cancers expressing functional p53. Colon and stomach cancer tissue arrays showed a positive correlation between PHF2 and p21 expressions. Informatics analyses using the Oncomine database also supported our notion that PHF2 is downregulated in colon and stomach cancers. On the basis of these findings, we propose that PHF2 acts as a tumor suppressor in association with p53 in cancer development and ensures p53-mediated cell death in response to chemotherapy.

Arrest defective 1 regulates the oxidative stress response in human cells and mice by acetylating methionine sulfoxide reductase A.

Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA) protects proteins from oxidation, and also helps remove reactive oxygen species (ROS) by recovering antioxidant enzymes inactivated by oxidation. Although its functions have been investigated extensively, little is known about the mechanism by which MSRA is regulated. Arrest defective 1 (ARD1) is an enzyme that catalyzes not only N-terminal acetylation as a cotranslational modification but also lysine acetylation as a posttranslational modification. ARD1, which is expressed in most cell types, is believed to participate in diverse biological processes, but its roles are poorly understood. Given that MSRA was hunted in a yeast two-hybrid screen with ARD1 as the bait, we here investigated whether ARD1 is a novel regulator of MSRA. ARD1 was shown to interact with and acetylate MSRA in both cells and test tubes. It specifically acetylated the K49 residue of MSRA, and by doing so repressed the enzymatic function of MSRA. ARD1 increased cellular levels of ROS, carbonylated proteins and DNA breaks under oxidative stress. Moreover, it promoted cell death induced by pro-oxidants, which was attenuated in MSRA-deficient cells. When mice were exposed to hyperoxic conditions for 2 days, their livers and kidneys were injured and protein carbonylation was increased. The oxidative tissue injury was more severe in ARD1 transgenic mice than in their wild-type littermates. In conclusion, ARD1 has a crucial role in the cellular response to oxidative stress as a bona fide regulator of MSRA. ARD1 is a potential target for ameliorating oxidative injury or for potentiating ROS-producing anticancer agents.

Resveratrol prevents development of eosinophilic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in a mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Since the recent establishment of a murine model of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), both the development of new drugs for treatment or prevention of eosinophilic CRSwNP and elucidation of their pathogenesis have been feasible. We investigated the therapeutic effects of resveratrol on CRSwNP and its mechanism of action using a murine model. METHODS: After induction of eosinophilic CRSwNP, the therapeutic effects of resveratrol were tested and compared with those of triamcinolone acetonide. Histopathologic changes were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin for overall inflammation, Sirius red for eosinophils, and Masson's trichrome stain for collagen. The expression levels of the interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, prostaglandin D synthase, and leukotriene C4 synthase genes were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Cyclooxygense-2 and 5-lipoxygense levels were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The degree of eosinophilic infiltration and subepithelial fibrosis was significantly decreased by administration of high-dose resveratrol, the potency of which was similar to that of triamcinolone acetonide. The expression levels of the IL-4, IL-5, prostaglandin D synthase, and leukotriene C4 synthase genes were significantly decreased by administration of low- or high-dose resveratrol. The production of 5-lipoxygenase was strongly inhibited by high-dose resveratrol. CONCLUSIONS: Resveratrol may be useful for the prevention of eosinophilic CRSwNP. A key mechanism of its action is believed to be its anti-inflammatory effect, particularly on eosinophils, by inhibiting the lipoxygenase pathway.

Decreased postoperative pain after reduction of fractured nasal bones using a nerve block of the anterior ethmoidal nerve.

There is consensus that all patients should experience minimal pain following reduction of a fractured nasal bone. The issue requiring further study is what technique will provide patients with the greatest pain relief following the reduction of nasal fractures. This study investigated the use of an anterior ethmoidal nerve block as preemptive analgesia for the management of postoperative pain associated with reduction of nasal bone fractures. The medical documents of 85 patients were reviewed for a retrospective case-controlled comparative study. Patients in the nerve block group (n=45) were injected with 2% lidocaine containing epinephrine into the anterior ethmoidal nerve and dorsal periosteum, and those in the control group (n=40) were not. The rate of patients requiring postoperative injectable analgesics was compared between the two groups. The rate of patients who received a postoperative analgesic injection was significantly lower in the nerve block group than in the control group (P=0.034). The use of an anterior ethmoidal nerve block and dorsal periosteal injection of anaesthetic solution during reduction of fractured nasal bones under general anaesthesia resulted in the effective reduction of postoperative pain. Thus, this is regarded as a good method for enhancing patient quality of care and compliance in the reduction of fractured nasal bones.

A comparison of consumption and recovery profiles according to anaesthetic circuit mode using a new multifunctional closed-circuit anaesthesia system during desflurane anaesthesia: a clinical study.

This clinical study compared induction time, consumed anaesthetic dose, and haemodynamic and recovery profiles when using a new type of multifunctional anaesthesia machine (Zeus) in semi-closed or closed circuit modes. Sixty female patients undergoing gynaecological surgery were randomly assigned to three groups and received desflurane anaesthesia through a semi-closed circuit (SCC) at fresh gas flow rates of 4 l/min (SCC 4 l/min) or 2 l/min (SCC 2 l/min), or through a closed circuit (CC). Anaesthesia was maintained at the minimum alveolar concentration for blocking the adrenergic response to painful stimulus (MAC(BAR)) (4.6% end-tidal desflurane) during each operation. The time required to reach MAC(BAR) was significantly shorter and the dose of desflurane was significantly smaller in the CC group compared with the other groups. There were no differences in haemodynamic and recovery profiles between the groups. It is concluded that the CC mode allowed a faster and more reliable induction, lower anaesthetic consumption and stable haemodynamic and recovery profiles.

Control of the haemodynamic response to surgical stimuli in semi-closed circuit or closed circuit anaesthesia using a multifunctional anaesthesia system.

This study compared the ability of the Zeus multifunctional anaesthesia system to control haemodynamic response to surgical stimulation in semi-closed (SCA) or closed circuit anaesthesia (CCA) modes. Fifty patients undergoing gynaecological surgery were randomly assigned to SCA or CCA. Anaesthesia was induced with 2 mg propofol and 0.9 mg/kg rocuronium, intravenously, and maintained using sevoflurane (minimum alveolar concentration [MAC], 1.0) using 2 l/min oxygen plus 2 l/min nitrous oxide (SCA 4 l/min group) or 50% oxygen plus 50% nitrous oxide (CCA group). An increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) > 20% above baseline in response to surgical stimulation provoked a stepwise increase in sevoflurane (1.3 MAC and then 1.6 MAC), followed by fentanyl 1 pg/kg intravenously (rescue drug). The time required for MAP to return to within 10% of baseline was significantly shorter in the CCA group (6.4 +/- 3.6 min) compared with the SCA 4 l/min group (10.2 +/- 6.0 min). The percentage of patients requiring fentanyl was significantly greater in the SCA 4 l/min group than in the CCA group. In conclusion, CCA controlled acute haemodynamic responses to surgical stimuli more successfully and rapidly than SCA 4 l/min, using a multifunctional anaesthesia machine.

Sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability of fermented soybean paste (Doenjang).

UNLABELLED: This study was conducted to examine the sensory profiles of fermented soybean paste (Doenjang), to understand consumers' acceptability of different types of Doenjang samples and to identify the sensory characteristics that drive consumer acceptability of Doenjang products. Descriptive analysis and consumer acceptability test were conducted for 7 different types of Doenjang samples. The samples included 2 types of Doenjang made by either traditional or commercially modified methods. For the descriptive analysis, 8 trained panelists developed and evaluated 31 descriptors. There were significant differences in all 31 attributes among the samples. Principal component analysis was also performed to summarize the sensory characteristics of the samples. In consumer testing, 200 consumers evaluated the acceptability of Doenjang samples. Significant differences in consumer acceptability were observed among the samples. The consumers preferred the Doenjang samples manufactured using a commercially modified method. In overall point of view, most consumers liked the Doenjang samples that had strong "sweet" and "MSG (monosodium glutamate)" tastes. It appears that "sweet" and "MSG" tastes are the drivers of liking for Doenjang. "Salty" taste, "meju,""traditional Korean soy sauce," and "fermented fish" odor/flavors seem to be the drivers of disliking for Doenjang. Cluster analysis identified 3 subconsumer segments sharing a common preference pattern for the 7 samples within a cluster. The results showed that each consumer cluster preferred different Doenjang samples. External preference mapping was performed to establish the relationships between the sensory attributes and consumer acceptability in each cluster. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Consumption of the fermented soybean products is gradually expanding around the world, due to their various health benefits. Therefore, understanding sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability of Doenjang are becoming increasingly important. The intense and complex flavor characteristics of Doenjang make it difficult to obtain a comprehensive sensory profiling and drivers of liking. The finding of this study can be applied to development of a new product that has better consumer acceptability. Also this study can be a useful and effective guideline to researchers who intend to examine the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability of fermented soybean pastes.

The effects of midazolam on the bispectral index after fetal expulsion in caesarean section under general anaesthesia with sevoflurane.

The effects of midazolam used with low concentration inhaled anaesthetics on the bispectral index (BIS) was investigated after fetal expulsion during caesarean section. Forty-five patients undergoing caesarean section received either normal saline (control, n = 15), or an intravenous bolus of 0.03 mg/kg (n = 15) or 0.05 mg/kg (n = 15) midazolam. Changes in BIS and maternal haemodynamics were monitored before induction, on intubation, at uterine incision, on delivery, at 3, 5 and 10 min after fetal expulsion, at subcutaneous tissue closure, at skin closure, on eye opening and at extubation. BIS values in the group that received 0.05 mg/kg midazolam were significantly lower than in the other two groups at 3, 5 and 10 min after fetal expulsion, and at subcutaneous tissue closure and skin closure. Values of BIS < 60 could only be maintained with 0.05 mg/kg midazolam and there was no delay in maternal emergence or recovery.

Erectile dysfunction and disease-specific quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Several reports have suggested a high incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between OSAS and ED, or disease-specific quality of life (QOL) in patients with OSAS. In addition, we analyzed specific polysomnographic (PSG) parameters in predicting ED in OSAS patients. In total, 32 patients with OSAS and 27 normal controls were asked to complete the Korean versions of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (KIIEF-5) and the Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI). All patients then underwent a full-night in-laboratory PSG examination. Patients were diagnosed with OSAS if they had clinical symptoms suggestive of OSAS for at least 1 year and an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of more than 10 in PSG. Nineteen patients (59.3%) in the OSAS group showed ED, which was significantly higher than in the control group (8 patients, 29.6%, P=0.012). In addition, SAQLI scores worsened as AHI increased (r=0.327, P=0.011) and as the lowest oxygen saturation level decreased (r=0.420, P=0.001). ED was not significantly correlated with AHI (r=0.061, P=0.649); however, it was significantly correlated with the lowest oxygen saturation decreased (r=0.338, P=0.009). When the cutoff value for the lowest oxygen saturation level to predict ED was set at 77%, its positive predictive value was 88.9% (sensitivity=0.70, specificity=0.62). Thus, all male patients with OSAS should be screened for erectile dysfunction and more comprehensive consultation is needed, especially, if their lowest oxygen saturation levels are below 77%.

Screening and formulation of chemoattractant coatings for artificial reef structures.

This study was carried out to augment the colonization of marine benthic communities on artificial reef structure. Increasing marine pollution along with various natural hazards cause severe damages to marine algae and associated fauna. In recent years, artificial reefs have been deployed in coastal regions of several parts of the world in order to increase the marine productivity. They are mainly built with concrete materials, however their leachates have considerable impacts on algae. Therefore to increase the algal colonization five chemoattractants such as ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, ammonium nitrate, sodium phosphate and ferrous lactate were screened against spores of a fouling alga, Ulva pertusa. FeSO4 / ZnO (8:2) and ferrous lactate coatings showed the highest spore attachment with 52 +/- 5.2 cm2 and 79.5 +/- 10.2 cm2 spores respectively (p<0.01). Furthermore using these chemoattractants, coating formulations were made and their performances were investigated at East coast (Ayajin harbor) and South coast (Meejo harbor) of Korea. A maximum fouling coverage (with green algae 25%, red algae 11.3% and brown algae 63.7%) was estimated from ferrous lactate coatings (p<0.01). Different composition of coating formulations and their chemoattractive properties were evaluated.

Target-controlled propofol infusion for sedation in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy.

The efficacy and safety of the routine use of target-controlled infusion of propofol for the sedation of patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy were assessed. The optimal level of sedation was also evaluated. A total of 250 patients were randomized into five groups according to sedation level determined by the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) scale. As the level of sedation was increased, the overall pain and discomfort score decreased and the satisfaction rate tended to increase, although hypoxia meant that intervention occurred more frequently at higher sedation levels. Target-controlled infusion of propofol provided safe and effective sedation during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, particularly if moderate sedation (OAA/S score of 3) was achieved. The effect-site concentration of propofol for this level of sedation was about 1.5 microg/ml.

Biofouling attractants from a brown marine alga Ecklonia cava.

In recent years, industrial pollutants and the mountain forest fire ashes released into seawater cause damage to the marine environment, mainly it reduces the algal productivity in the inter tidal region. To get recover from the stress due to pollutants and to increase the growth and development of biofouling algae (benthic organisms), Ecklonia cava extract was investigated for its biofouling attracting efficiency. Bioactive guided fractions of E. cava extract derived from column chromatography were tested against spore attachment of a fouling alga, Ulva pertusa. Fraction B showed increased spore attachment rate with a maximum of 92 +/- 5%. This fraction was further analysed on HPLC, GC-Mass and NMR, deduced as pentadecanoic acid.

Influence of five organic antifouling candidates on spore attachment and germination of a fouling alga Ulva pertusa.

Screening of test chemicals or formulations for antifouling (AF) activity is important to get first hand information on their nontoxic repelling activities. Especially spores of a fouling alga, Ulva pertusa were used in this study to test the AF efficiency of five organic chemicals. Coatings made with 100 microg cm2 of citral and eugenol significantly inhibited the spore attachment. A low concentration (1 microg cm2) of solanesol exhibited effective AF activity against spore attachment. Spore germination was sensitive to different AF candidates screened in this study. Based on the attachment and germination response of Ulva pertusa spores, AF efficiency of five organic AF candidates is discussed.

Effect of nicardipine on haemodynamic and bispectral index changes following endotracheal intubation.

We investigated the effect of IV nicardipine on haemodynamic and bispectral index responses to the induction of general anaesthesia and intubation. Forty patients were randomly allocated to two groups of 20 to receive normal saline or nicardipine 15 microg/kg IV 30 s after induction. Ninety seconds later, tracheal intubation was performed. Systolic blood pressure, heart rate and bispectral index were measured at baseline, 1 min after induction, pre-intubation, and every minute until 5 min after endotracheal intubation. Rate-pressure product values were calculated. In the nicardipine group, systolic blood pressure decreased compared with the control group, and heart rate increased comparedwith the control group. Bispectral index and rate-pressure product showed no differences between the two groups. In conclusion, the administration of 15 microg/kg nicardipine IV does not affect anaesthetic depth in response to the induction of general anaesthesia and intubation.