Prospective Cohort Study with a 2-Year Follow-up of Clinical Results, Fusion Rate, and Muscle Bulk for Uniportal Full Endoscopic Posterolateral Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE: Postoperative evaluation of the cross-sectional area of paraspinal muscle and clinical findings in patients who had interlaminar route uniportal full endoscopic posterolateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (EPTLIF) after 2 years. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: There are limited short-term follow-up studies on efficacy, safety, and physiological changes with a 2-year follow-up. There is no study on paraspinal muscle cross-sectional area change in patients who had undergone uniportal EPTLIF. METHODS: We evaluated patients who underwent EPTLIF with a minimum 24-month follow-up. Clinical parameters of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were measured at the preoperative, 1-week postoperative mark, postoperative 3-month mark, and final follow-up. Preoperative and 1-year postoperative magnetic resonance imaging measurement of preoperative and postoperative Kjaer grade, right and left psoas muscle mass area, and right and left paraspinal muscle mass area was performed. RESULTS: EPTLIF with a minimum 24-month follow-up of 35 levels was included. The complication rate was 6%, and the mean Bridwell's fusion grade was 1.37 (1-2). There was statistically significant improvement at 1 week, 3 months, and 2 years in VAS (4.11±1.23, 4.94±1.30, and 5.46±1.29) and in ODI (40.34±10.06, 46.69±9.14, and 49.63±8.68), respectively (p <0.05). Successful operation rate with excellent and good MacNab's criteria at 2 years was 97%. There was an increment of statistically significant bilateral psoas muscle cross-sectional area, right side (70.03±149.1 mm²) and left side (67.59±113.2 mm²) (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Uniportal EPTLIF achieved good fusion and improved clinical outcomes with favorable paraspinal musculature bulk at the 2-year follow-up.

Remodeling of Epidural Fluid Hematoma after Uniportal Lumbar Endoscopic Unilateral Laminotomy with Bilateral Decompression: Comparative Clinical and Radiological Outcomes with a Minimum Follow-up of 2 Years.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological effects of epidural fluid hematoma in the medium term after lumbar endoscopic decompression. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: There is limited literature comparing the effect of postoperative epidural fluid hematoma after uniportal endoscopic decompression. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical evaluation were performed for patients with single-level uniportal endoscopic lumbar decompression with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were recruited with a minimum follow-up of 26 months. The incidence of epidural fluid hematoma was 27%. Postoperative MRI revealed a significant improvement in the postoperative dura sac area at postoperative day 1 and at the upper endplate at 6 months in the hematoma cohort (39.69±15.72 and 26.89±16.58 mm2) as compared with the nonhematoma cohort (48.92±21.36 and 35.1±20.44 mm2), respectively (p <0.05); and at the lower endplate on postoperative 1 day in the hematoma cohort (51.18±24.69 mm2) compared to the nonhematoma cohort (63.91±27.92 mm2) (p <0.05). No significant difference was observed in the dura sac area at postoperative 1 year in both cohorts. The hematoma cohort had statistically significant higher postoperative 1-week Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 3.32±0.68) pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI; 32.65±5.56) scores than the nonhematoma cohort (2.99±0.50 and 30.02±4.84, respectively; p <0.05). No significant difference was found at the final follow-up VAS, ODI, and MRI dura sac area. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural fluid hematoma is a common early postoperative MRI finding in lumbar endoscopic unilateral laminotomy with bilateral decompression. Conservative management is the preferred treatment option for patients who do not have a neurological deficit. Symptoms last only a few days and are self-limiting. A common endpoint is a remodeled fluid hematoma and the subsequent expansion of the dura sac area.

Machine-learning-based ground sink susceptibility evaluation using underground pipeline data in Korean urban area.

Ground subsidence caused by natural factors, including groundwater, has been extensively researched. However, there have been few studies on ground sink caused mainly by artifacts, including underground pipelines in urban areas. This paper proposes a method of predicting ground sink susceptibility caused by underground pipelines. Underground pipeline data, drilling data, and 77 points of ground sink occurrence were collected for five 1 × 1 km urban areas. Furthermore, three ground sink conditioning factors (GSCFs) (pipe deterioration, diameter, and length) were identified by correlation analysis. Pipe deterioration showed the highest correlation with ground sink occurrence, followed by pipe length and pipe diameter in that order. Next, four machine learning methods [multinomial logistic regression (MLR), decision tree (DT) classifier, random forest (RF) classifier, and gradient boosting (GB) classifier] were applied. The results show that GB classifier had the highest accuracy of 0.7432, whereas the accuracy of RF classifier was 0.7407; thus, GB classifier was not significantly more accurate. RF classifier showed the highest reliability (0.84, 0.70, 0.87) according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) curve. Ground sink susceptibility maps (GSSMs) of the five regions in an urban area were created using RF classifier, which performed the best overall.

Remodeling Pattern of Spinal Canal after Full Endoscopic Uniportal Lumbar Endoscopic Unilateral Laminotomy for Bilateral Decompression: One Year Repetitive MRI and Clinical Follow-Up Evaluation.

Objective: There is limited literature on repetitive postoperative MRI and clinical evaluation after Uniportal Lumbar Endoscopic Unilateral Laminotomy for Bilateral Decompression. Methods: Clinical visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, McNab's criteria evaluation and MRI evaluation of the axial cut spinal canal area of the upper end plate, mid disc and lower end plate were performed for patients who underwent single-level Uniportal Lumbar Endoscopic Unilateral Laminotomy for Bilateral Decompression. From the evaluation of the axial cut MRI, four types of patterns of remodeling were identified: type A: continuous expanded spinal canal, type B: restenosis with delayed expansion, type C: progressive expansion and type D: restenosis. Result: A total of 126 patients with single-level Uniportal Lumbar Endoscopic Unilateral Laminotomy for Bilateral Decompression were recruited with a minimum follow-up of 26 months. Thirty-six type A, fifty type B, thirty type C and ten type D patterns of spinal canal remodeling were observed. All four types of patterns of remodeling had statistically significant improvement in VAS at final follow-up compared to the preoperative state with type A (5.59 ± 1.58), B (5.58 ± 1.71), C (5.58 ± 1.71) and D (5.27 ± 1.68), p < 0.05. ODI was significantly improved at final follow-up with type A (49.19 ± 10.51), B (50.00 ± 11.29), C (45.60 ± 10.58) and D (45.60 ± 10.58), p < 0.05. A significant MRI axial cut increment of the spinal canal area was found at the upper endplate at postoperative day one and one year with type A (39.16 ± 22.73; 28.00 ± 42.57) mm2, B (47.42 ± 18.77; 42.38 ± 19.29) mm2, C (51.45 ± 18.16; 49.49 ± 18.41) mm2 and D (49.10 ± 23.05; 38.18 ± 18.94) mm2, respectively, p < 0.05. Similar significant increment was found at the mid-disc at postoperative day one, 6 months and one year with type A (55.16 ± 27.51; 37.23 ± 25.88; 44.86 ± 25.73) mm2, B (72.83 ± 23.87; 49.79 ± 21.93; 62.94 ± 24.43) mm2, C (66.85 ± 34.48; 54.92 ± 30.70; 64.33 ± 31.82) mm2 and D (71.65 ± 16.87; 41.55 ± 12.92; 49.83 ± 13.31) mm2 and the lower endplate at postoperative day one and one year with type A (49.89 ± 34.50; 41.04 ± 28.56) mm2, B (63.63 ± 23.70; 54.72 ± 24.29) mm2, C (58.50 ± 24.27; 55.32 ± 22.49) mm2 and D (81.43 ± 16.81; 58.40 ± 18.05) mm2 at postoperative day one and one year, respectively, p < 0.05. Conclusions: After full endoscopic lumbar decompression, despite achieving sufficient decompression immediately postoperatively, varying severity of asymptomatic restenosis was found in postoperative six months MRI without clinical significance. Further remodeling with a varying degree of increment of the spinal canal area occurs at postoperative one year with overall good clinical outcomes.

Acaricidal potential of active components derived from Alpinia galanga rhizome oils and their derivatives against Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae).

Acaricidal activities and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities were evaluated of active constituents of the essential oil extracted from Alpinia galanga rhizomes cultivated from India and their derivatives against Haemaphysalis longicornis nymphs. In addition, the effect was investigated of active components of A. galanga oil on egg laying of adult females of H. longicornis and egg hatchability. Of the volatile components identified in A. galanga oil, ethyl cinnamate, ethyl methoxycinnamate, and methyl cinnamate at 0.32 mg/cm2 resulted in 100% mortality, respectively, indicating that the acaricidal activity of the A. galanga oil against H. longicornis nymphs could be attributed to these compounds. To evaluate the structure-activity relationship between cinnamate derivatives and their acaricidal activities, allyl cinnamate, benzyl cinnamate, isopropyl cinnamate, isobutyl cinnamate, and isoamyl cinnamate were selected. Among cinnamate derivatives tested, allyl cinnamate exhibited the most potent toxicity (LC50 = 0.055 mg/cm2) against H. longicornis nymphs. The allyl cinnamate was also tested for AChE activity in vivo in H. longicornis nymphs and was found to affect the AChE activity. Allyl cinnamate at 10-50 mg/mL inhibited egg laying of adult females of H. longicornis by 10-43%. Egg hatching was suppressed completely by treatment with allyl cinnamate at 50 mg/mL, whereas allyl cinnamate was minimally toxic against non-target earthworms, Eisenia fetida. These results suggest that allyl cinnamate can be used as an active ingredient for the development of eco-friendly tick acaricides against H. longicornis, a vector for Sever fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus.

Persistence Enhancement of a Promising Tick Repellent, Benzyl Isothiocyanate, by Yeast Microcarriers.

Phenethyl isothiocyanate isolated from Armoracia rusticana root oil and its derivatives were tested at different doses in a bioassay designed to evaluate repellency against individual Haemaphysalis longicornis nymphs. Among the tested compounds, benzyl isothiocyanate exhibited repellency against H. longicornis nymphs at the lowest dose of 0.00625 mg/cm2, followed by phenethyl isothiocyanate (0.0125 mg/cm2) and phenyl isothiocyanate (0.025 mg/cm2). The behavioral responses of H. longicornis nymphs exposed to benzyl isothiocyanate and phenethyl isothiocyanate indicated that the mode of action of these compounds can be mainly attributed to the vapor phase. Encapsulated benzyl isothiocyanate showed repellency up to 120 min post-application at 0.1 mg/cm2, whereas pure benzyl isothiocyanate showed repellency up to 60 min post-application at 0.1 mg/cm2. The present study suggests that benzyl isothiocyanate is a potential repellent for protection against H. longicornis nymphs, and encapsulation in yeast cells may enhance the repellency effect.

Evaluation of Two Methods (Inside-Out/Outside-In) Inferior Articular Process Resection for Uniportal Full Endoscopic Posterolateral Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Technical Note.

Objective: There is limited literature comparing the uniportal full endoscopic posterolateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion outside-in approach (ETLIF (O)) with the inside-out approach (ETLIF (I)). Methods: Radiological evaluation was performed on disc height restoration and coronal wedging angle, and operation time (inferior articular process resection time/total operation time) and clinical evaluation were made. Result: 48 cases of inside-out and 38 cases of outside-in cases were included. Compared to inside-out, the outside-in approach had significantly less operative time required to resect inferior articular process: 36.55 ± 10.37, and total operative time: 87.45 ± 20.14 min compared to 49.83 ± 23.97 and 102.56 ± 36.53 min, respectively, for the inside-out approach, p < 0.05. Compared to the preoperative state, both cohorts achieved significant improvement of VAS and ODI at post-operative 1 week, 3 months and at final follow up. Both cohorts achieved statistically significant increased disc height with 5.00 ± 2.87 mm, 5.49 ± 2.33 mm and statistically significant improvement in coronal wedge angle with 1.76 ± 1.63°, 3.24 ± 2.92° in the inside-out and outside-in approaches respectively. Conclusions: Complete removal of inferior articular process is the key part of endoscopic fusion with two methods that can be applied: an inside-out approach or an outside-in approach. Comparing both techniques, the outside-in approach has a shorter operative time required for inferior articular process resection and total length of operation with similar good clinical and radiological outcomes.

The Novel Technique of Uniportal Endoscopic Interlaminar Contralateral Approach for Coexisting L5-S1 Lateral Recess, Foraminal, and Extraforaminal Stenosis and Its Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Multifocal intra-and-extraspinal lumbar stenotic lesions could be decompressed with one endoscopic surgical approach, which has the advantages of functional structure preservation, technical efficacy, and safety. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 48 patients who underwent uniportal endoscopic contralateral approach due to coexisting lateral recess, foraminal, and extraforaminal stenosis at the L5-S1 level. Foraminal stenosis grade and postoperative dysesthesia (POD) were analyzed. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and MacNab criteria for evaluating pain disability and response were analyzed. RESULTS: The foraminal stenosis grade of the treated spinal levels was grade 1 (n = 16, 33%), grade 2 (n = 20, 42%), and grade 3 (n = 12, 25%). The rate of occurrence of POD grade 2 and above, which may be related to intraoperative dorsal root ganglion (DRG) retraction injury, was revealed to be 4.2% (two with grade 2, none with grade 3). The patients showed favorable clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Uniportal endoscopic interlaminar contralateral approach is an effective procedure to resolve combined stenosis (lateral recess, foraminal, and extraforaminal region) with one surgical approach at the L5-S1 level. It may be a minimal DRG retracting and facet joint preserving procedure in foraminal and extraforaminal decompression.

Diagnostic performance and optimal cut-off values of cardiac biomarkers for predicting cardiac injury in carbon monoxide poisoning.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of cardiac biomarkers and to evaluate the optimal cut-off values for echocardiographic cardiac injury prediction in patients with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. METHODS: This retrospective observational cohort study included adult patients with acute CO poisoning. Patients who did not undergo transthoracic echocardiography, which was used to define patients with cardiac injury (ejection fraction <55%), were excluded. The area under the curve was used to evaluate diagnostic performance for cardiac injury prediction. Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests were used to analyze data. RESULTS: After excluding the 27 patients who did not undergo echocardiography, 114 patients were included in the study. Fifteen (13.2%) patients had cardiac injury. The area under the curve values for the B-type natriuretic peptide, creatine kinase-myocardial band, and troponin I were 0.711 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.527-0.895; P=0.011), 0.766 (95% CI, 0.607-0.926; P=0.001), and 0.801 (95% CI, 0.647-0.955; P<0.001), respectively, with optimal cut-off values of 330 pg/mL, 10.1 ng/mL, and 0.455 ng/mL, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of troponin I were 67%, 91%, 53%, and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Troponin I showed the best diagnostic performance for predicting cardiac injury in patients with CO poisoning. A cut-off value of 0.455 ng/mL appeared optimal for cardiac injury prediction. However, further studies on cardiac biomarkers and other diagnostic tools in CO poisoning are needed given the low sensitivity of troponin I.

Acute burst fracture in Kummell's disease with acute onset neurological deficit: a case report on role of spinal stability and technical notes on "pivot ligamentotaxis".

BACKGROUND: Kummell's Disease has insidious progression. Neurological deficit is usually slow in onset and progression and only few cases of acute neurological deficit have been reported. We came across a case of Kummell's disease which progressed to burst fracture, developed neurological deficit within two weeks. We managed patient with "pivot ligamentotaxis" and Polymethylmethacrylate augmented, posterior compressed, short segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. CASE PRESENTATION: Eighty-three years old woman following fall was on conservative management at another hospital. She had no neurological deficit. A week later her back pain aggravated and two weeks later developed bilateral buttock pain, bilateral lower limb weakness and diminished sensation in the sacral area. Radiological investigations (X-rays, Magnetic resonance imaging and Computed tomography) showed L1 vertebral body fracture with vacuum cleft and fracture fragment retropulsed into the spinal canal. A diagnosis of Kummell's disease with burst fracture of L1 vertebra & neurological deficit was made. Patient was managed with Polymethylmethacrylate augmented, posterior compressed, short segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. The reduction of the retropulsed fragment was achieved by virtue of "Pivot ligamentotaxis". The patient got relieved of the symptoms (Preoperative VAS 8 and postoperative VAS 3) and was allowed brace assisted ambulation on first postoperative day. CONCLUSION: This study reports acute occurrence of the burst fracture in unstable vertebra inflicted by Kummell's disease and role of spinal stability in recovery. We achieved closed reduction of the fracture fragments and relief of the cord compression by posterior compression with "pivot ligamentotaxis".

Anatomical Relationship of the Vertebral Artery With the Lateral Recess: Clinical Importance for Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy.

OBJECTIVE: Vertebral artery injuries during posterior cervical foraminotomy are rare, but can be fatal. Therefore, we investigated the anatomical correlation between the lateral recess and the vertebral artery. METHODS: On axial cuts of cervical magnetic resonance imaging from 108 patients, we measured the distance between the vertebral arteries and the medial border of the facet joints. The anatomical vertebro-facet distance (AVFD), surgical vertebro-facet distance (SVFD), and vertebro-facet angle (VFA) were measured. RESULTS: The mean AVFD values on the right side at the C3-4, C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 levels showed statistically significant differences. On the right side, the mean SVFD values were equivalent to the AVFD values. The mean values of the VFA on the right side at all levels showed statistically significant differences. For all measurements, the greatest differences were seen between the C5-6 and C6-7 levels, and higher levels were associated with smaller distances from the lateral recess. The mean values of the AVFD on the right and left sides showed statistically significant differences at all levels, and the distances on the left were smaller than those on the right. CONCLUSION: The vertebral artery is closer to the lateral recess at higher cervical levels than at lower cervical levels. The largest distances were found at the C5-6 and C6-7 levels, and the left vertebral arteries were closer to the lateral recess than the right vertebral arteries.

Symptomatic Tuberculous Ligamentum Flavum Cyst Treated by Full Endoscopic Resection: Review with Technical Notes.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) of the posterior spinal element is an uncommon condition. In a developed country its diagnosis is becoming difficult due to low incidence. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 60-year-old lady presented with low back pain and right leg pain for 6 months. On examination there was tenderness over L4 and L5, a positive straight leg raise test at 70 degrees on the right side and free on the left, and sensory involvement on the right L5 dermatome. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an L4-5 ligamentum flavum cyst, high signal intensity in the right pedicle and facet joint. It was considered to be a degenerative spinal disorder. Later MRI showed increased size of the cyst, and computed tomography revealed erosion of the right pedicle of the L5 vertebrae, which raised the suspicion of the tubercular pathology. Initially the patient was managed for a degenerative spinal disorder. Later, when tubercular pathology was suspected, she underwent full endoscopic uniportal stenosis decompression and excision biopsy of the cyst. The histology of the cyst revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation with central necrosis. The diagnosis of a TB cyst was confirmed, and antitubercular therapy was started. CONCLUSION: TB of the posterior elements of the spine is a diagnostic challenge in developed parts of the world. We describe the first likely case of tubercular ligamentum flavum cyst, which was managed by a full endoscopic uniportal approach.

Acaricidal target and mite indicator as color alteration using 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal and its derivatives derived from Melissa officinalis leaves.

Toxicities and color deformation were evaluated of essential oils of Melissa officinalis cultivated in France, Ireland, and Serbia and their constituents, along with the control efficacy of spray formulations (0.25, 0.5, and 1%) containing M. officinalis oils cultivated in France and its main compound against Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus adults. In a contact + fumigant bioassay, M. officinalis oil (France) was more active against D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus, compared to M. officinalis oils (Ireland and Serbia). Interestingly, color alteration of D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus was exhibited, changing from colorless to golden brown through the treatment with M. officinalis oils. The acaricidal and color alteration principle of three M. officinalis oils was determined to be 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal. M. officinalis oil (France) and 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal were significantly more effective in closed containers than in open containers, indicating that their acaricidal route of action was largely a result of vapor action. Sprays (0.5 and 1%) containing 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal and 1% spray containing M. officinalis oil (France) resulted in 100% mortality and color alteration against D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus. These results indicated that M. officinalis oil and 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal could be developed as a suitable acaricidal and mite indicator ingredient for the control of dust mites.

Toxicities of Eucalyptus dives Oil, 3-Carvomenthenone, and Its Analogues against Stored-Product Insects.

The insecticidal toxicities of essential oils and other active components extracted from Eucalyptus dives leaves (as well as structural analogues) were studied against stored-product insects, Plodia interpunctella and Tribolium castaneum. 3-Carvomenthenone was purified from E. dives oil, and the structures were elucidated by electron ionization mass spectra, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C-NMR, heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence, 1H-1H correlation spectroscopy, and distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer NMR. Using the fumigant method against P. interpunctella larvae and adults, cyclohexenone exhibited the strongest toxicity (50% lethal dose [LD50] against larvae and adults, 2.45 and 3.63 µg/cm3), followed by methylcyclohexenone (2.95 and 4.24 µg/cm3), seudenone (3.02 and 4.44 µg/cm3), and 3-carvomenthenone (52.4 and 68.7 µg/cm3). Using the contact method, cyclohexenone (LD50 against larvae and adults, 17.25 and 19.35 µg/cm2) exhibited the most potent toxicities against T. castaneum larvae and adults, followed by methylcyclohexenone, seudenone, and 3-carvomenthenone. No functional radical on the backbone (2-cyclohexen-1-one) was more toxic than other chemicals. Structure-activity relationships between 3-carvomenthenone analogues and toxicities indicated that the toxicity of 3-carvomenthenone, cyclohexenone, methylcyclohexenone, and seudenone might be conferred through the dermal organs of T. castaneum and P. interpunctella. This study indicates that E. dives oil, 3-carvomenthenone, cyclohexenone, methylcyclohexenone, and seudenone have potential as natural agents to control stored-product insects.

Acaricidal toxicities and synergistic activities of Salvia lavandulifolia oil constituents against synanthropic mites.

BACKGROUND: The acaricidal activity of Salvia lavandulifolia oil and its major components was evaluated using contact and vapor bioassays. Synergistic interactions among components contained in S. lavandulifolia oil were studied. RESULTS: The 50% lethal dose (LD50 ) of S. lavandulifolia oil was 3.66, 3.37, and 5.04 µg cm-3 , respectively, in the vapor bioassay against Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Tyrophagus putrescentiae. The major components of S. lavandulifolia oil were (-)-camphor, camphene, 1,8-cineole, (±)-limonene, and α-pinene (79.11% combined). Several combinations of these components exhibited synergistic effects against D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, and T. putrescentiae, particularly (-)-camphor, camphene, and α-pinene. (-)-Camphor usually had synergistic interactive effects in the mixtures. For the vapor action, the mixture of (-)-camphor, camphene and α-pinene was the most potent combination against D. farinae (R = 2.34), D. pteronyssinus (R = 2.75), and T. putrescentiae (R = 2.30) when used at their naturally occurring ratio. CONCLUSION: This study is the first report on the acaricidal activity of S. lavandulifolia oil and the synergistic interactive effects of its components against D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus and T. putrescentiae. The oil may be an alternative tool for the control of synanthropic mites. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antimicrobial Effects of 7,8-Dihydroxy-6-Methoxycoumarin and 7-Hydroxy-6-Methoxycoumarin Analogues against Foodborne Pathogens and the Antimicrobial Mechanisms Associated with Membrane Permeability.

The antimicrobial effects of 7,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin and 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin isolated from Fraxinus rhynchophylla bark and of their structural analogues were determined in an attempt to develop natural antimicrobial agents against the foodborne pathogens Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus intermedius, and Listeria monocytogenes. To elucidate the relationship between structure and antimicrobial activity for the coumarin analogues, isolated constituents and their structural analogues were evaluated against foodborne pathogens. Based on the culture plate inhibition zones and MICs, 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, 7,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin, 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin, and 7-methoxycoumarin, containing a methoxy functional group on the coumarin skeleton, had the notable antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens. However, 7-hydroxycoumarin and 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin, which contained a hydroxyl functional group on the coumarin skeleton, had no antimicrobial activity against these pathogens. An increase in cell membrane permeability was confirmed by electron microscopy observations, and release of extracellular ATP and cell constituents followed treatment with the ethyl acetate fraction of F. rhynchophylla extract. These findings indicate that F. rhynchophylla extract and coumarin analogues have potential for use as antimicrobial agents against foodborne pathogens and that the antimicrobial mechanisms are associated with the loss of cell membrane integrity.

Food Protective Effects of 3-Methylbenzaldehyde Derived from Myosotis arvensis and Its Analogues against Tyrophagus putrescentiae.

The potential abilities of 3-methylbenzaldehyde derived from Myosotis arvensis oil and its structural analogues to act as new acaricide and mite kit (mite color deformation) against Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) were evaluated in the present study. Based on the LD50 values, 2,4,5-trimethylbenzaldehyde (0.78 µg/cm3) had highest vapor action against T. putrescentiae, followed by 2,4-methylbenzaldehyde (1.14 µg/cm3), 2,5-dimethylbenzaldehyde (1.29 µg/cm3), 2-methylbenzaldehyde (1.32 µg/cm3), 2,3-dimethylbenzaldehyde (1.55 µg/cm3), 3-methylbenzaldehyde (1.97 µg/cm3), and 4-methylbenzaldehyde (2.34 µg/cm3). The color deformation of seven methylbenzaldehyde analogues mixed with 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde against T. putrescentiae showed mite color deformation, from coloress to reddish brown, and valuable to distinguish with the naked eye. In addition, there was no antagonistic interactions between 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and the methylbenzaldehyde analogues. These finding suggests that the methylbenzaldehyde analogues could be developed as dual functional agent to protect from fall in the commercial value of stored food products.

Inhibitory Potential of Constituents from Osmanthus fragrans and Structural Analogues Against Advanced Glycation End Products, α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase, and Oxidative Stress.

Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation, and oxidative stress by isolated active constituents of Osmanthus fragrans flowers (9,12-octadecadienoic acid and 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-3-buten-2-one) and their structural analogues were evaluated. 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid was 10.02 and 22.21 times more active against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively, than acarbose and ascorbic acid, followed by 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-3-buten-2-one, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexenyl)-3-buten-2-one, 1-heptadecanecarboxylic acid, and 1-pentadecanecarboxylic acid. Concerning the inhibition of AGEs formation, similar with data for 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazl radical scavenging activities, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid was 3.54 times more active than aminoguanidine, followed by 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, and 9-octadecenoic acid. These results indicate that 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-3-buten-2-one, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid and their analogues inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, AGEs formation, and oxidative stress have potential value in alleviating diabetic pathological conditions.

Insecticidal toxicities of carvacrol and thymol derived from Thymus vulgaris Lin. against Pochazia shantungensis Chou &Lu., newly recorded pest.

The insecticidal toxicities of five essential oils against Pochazia shantungensis adults and nymphs, newly recorded pests, were evaluated. The LC50 values of Thymus vulgaris, Ruta graveolens, Citrus aurantium, Leptospermum petersonii and Achillea millefolium oils were recorded as 57.48, 84.44, 92.58, 113.26 and 125.78 mg/L, respectively, against P. shantungensis nymphs using the leaf dipping bioassay, and 75.80, 109.86, 113.26, 145.06 and 153.74 mg/L, respectively, against P. shantungensis adults using the spray bioassay method. Regarding volatile components identified in T. vulgaris oil, the LC50 values of carvacrol and thymol using the leaf dipping bioassay against P. shantungensis nymphs were 56.74 and 28.52 mg/L, respectively. The insecticidal action of T. vulgaris oil against P. shantungensis could be attributed to carvacrol and thymol. Based on the structure-toxicity relationship between thymol analogs and insecticidal toxicities against P. shantungensis nymphs similar to the LC50 values against P. shantungensis adults, the LC50 values of thymol, carvacrol, citral, 2-isopropylphenol, 3-isopropylphenol, and 4-isopropylphenol were 28.52, 56.74 and 89.12, 71.41, 82.49, and 111.28 mg/L, respectively. These results indicate that the insecticidal mode of action of thymol analogs may be largely attributed to the methyl functional group. Thymol analogues have promising potential as first-choice insecticides against P. shantungensis adults and nymphs.

A Light Scattering Layer for Internal Light Extraction of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Silver Nanowires.

We propose and fabricate a random light scattering layer for light extraction in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with silver nanodots, which were obtained by melting silver nanowires. The OLED with the light scattering layer as an internal light extraction structure was enhanced by 49.1% for the integrated external quantum efficiency (EQE). When a wrinkle structure is simultaneously used for an external light extraction structure, the total enhancement of the integrated EQE was 65.3%. The EQE is maximized to 65.3% at a current level of 2.0 mA/cm(2). By applying an internal light scattering layer and wrinkle structure to an OLED, the variance in the emission spectra was negligible over a broad viewing angle. Power mode analyses with finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations revealed that the use of a scattering layer effectively reduced the waveguiding mode while introducing non-negligible absorption. Our method offers an effective yet simple approach to achieve both efficiency enhancement and spectral stability for a wide range of OLED applications.