Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the renal growth slope in children with congenital and acquired solitary functioning kidneys. Methods: This retrospective study included all renal ultrasonography examinations performed in children in the agenesis, multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK), or nephrectomy group between September 2002 and February 2019. We reviewed the images and recorded the contralateral kidney size only when there was no focal lesion. Linear mixed model or piecewise linear mixed model analyses with a time point of 24 months of age were performed. Results: There were 132 patients, including 26 patients in the agenesis group, 35 in the MCDK group, and 71 in the nephrectomy group. The nephrectomy group showed the largest baseline kidney size (7.4 cm vs. 5.3 cm in the agenesis group [P<0.001] and 5.2 cm in the MCDK group [P<0.001]) and the smallest overall growth slope (0.04 cm/mo vs. 0.06 cm/mo in the agenesis group [P=0.004] and 0.07 cm/mo in the MCDK group [P<0.001]). However, considering the time point of 24 months for reaching adult renal function, there were significant changes in slope, from 0.1 cm/mo before 24 months of age to 0.03 cm/mo after 24 months of age in all three groups (P<0.001), without a significant difference among the groups. Conclusion Significant changes were found in the renal growth slope before and after 24 months of age, with no significant difference between congenital and acquired solitary functioning kidneys.

Background: Attenuated Salmonella strain can be used as a vector to transport immunogens to the host antigen-binding sites. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the protective efficacy of attenuated Salmonellastrain expressing highly conserved Brucella immunogens in goats. Methods: Goats were vaccinated with Salmonella vector expressing individually lipoprotein outer-membrane protein 19 (Omp19), Brucella lumazine synthase (BLS), proline racemase subunit A (PrpA), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) at 5 × 10 9 CFU/mL and challenge of all groups was done at 6 weeks after vaccination. Results: Among these vaccines inoculated at 5 × 10 9 CFU/mL in 1 mL, Omp19 or SOD showed significantly higher serum immunoglobulin G titers at (2, 4, and 6) weeks post-vaccination, compared to the vector control. Interferon-γ production in response to individual antigens was significantly higher in SOD, Omp19, PrpA, and BLS individual groups, compared to that in the vector control (all p < 0.05). Brucella colonization rate at 8 weeks post-challenge showed that most vaccine-treated groups exhibited significantly increased protection by demonstrating reduced numbers of Brucella in tissues collected from vaccinated groups. Realtime polymerase chain reaction revealed that Brucella antigen expression levels were reduced in the spleen, kidney, and parotid lymph node of vaccinated goats, compared to the nonvaccinated goats. Besides, treatment with vaccine expressing individual antigens ameliorated brucellosis-related histopathological lesions. Conclusions These results delineated that BLS, Omp19, PrpA, and SOD proteins achieved a definite level of protection, indicating that Salmonella Typhimurium successfully delivered Brucella antigens, and that individual vaccines could differentially elicit an antigen-specific immune response.

Background: Attenuated Salmonella strain can be used as a vector to transport immunogens to the host antigen-binding sites. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the protective efficacy of attenuated Salmonellastrain expressing highly conserved Brucella immunogens in goats. Methods: Goats were vaccinated with Salmonella vector expressing individually lipoprotein outer-membrane protein 19 (Omp19), Brucella lumazine synthase (BLS), proline racemase subunit A (PrpA), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) at 5 × 10 9 CFU/mL and challenge of all groups was done at 6 weeks after vaccination. Results: Among these vaccines inoculated at 5 × 10 9 CFU/mL in 1 mL, Omp19 or SOD showed significantly higher serum immunoglobulin G titers at (2, 4, and 6) weeks post-vaccination, compared to the vector control. Interferon-γ production in response to individual antigens was significantly higher in SOD, Omp19, PrpA, and BLS individual groups, compared to that in the vector control (all p < 0.05). Brucella colonization rate at 8 weeks post-challenge showed that most vaccine-treated groups exhibited significantly increased protection by demonstrating reduced numbers of Brucella in tissues collected from vaccinated groups. Realtime polymerase chain reaction revealed that Brucella antigen expression levels were reduced in the spleen, kidney, and parotid lymph node of vaccinated goats, compared to the nonvaccinated goats. Besides, treatment with vaccine expressing individual antigens ameliorated brucellosis-related histopathological lesions. Conclusions These results delineated that BLS, Omp19, PrpA, and SOD proteins achieved a definite level of protection, indicating that Salmonella Typhimurium successfully delivered Brucella antigens, and that individual vaccines could differentially elicit an antigen-specific immune response.

Nonhuman primate models are valuable in biomedical research. However, reference data for clinical pathology parameters in cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys are limited. In the present study, we established hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for healthy cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride. A total of 142 cynomolgus monkeys (28 males and 114 females) and 42 rhesus monkeys (22 males and 20 females) were selected and analyzed in order to examine reference intervals of 20 hematological and 16 biochemical parameters. The effects of sex were also investigated. Reference intervals for hematological and biochemical parameters were separately established by species (cynomolgus and rhesus) and sex (male and female). No sex-related differences were determined in erythrocyte-related parameters for cynomolgus and rhesus monkey housed in indoor laboratory conditions. Alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyltransferase were significantly lower in females than males in both cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys aged 48–96 months. The reference values for hematological and biochemical parameters established herein might provide valuable information for researchers using cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys in experimental conditions for biomedical studies.

PURPOSE: This study examined the association between smoking and delayed neuropsychological sequelae (DNS) in acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. METHODS: Patients admitted to the medical center emergency department from March 2016 to March 2017 because of CO poisoning were examined retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: DNS and Non-DNS group. Multiple factors were analyzed to explain DNS, which was assessed by motor disturbances, cognitive impairment, dysphagia, Parkinson-like syndromes, epilepsy, and emotional lability in CO poisoning. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were included. The factors related to DNS were smoking (pack-years) (p=0.002) and initial carbon monoxide-hemoglobin level (p=0.015). On the other hand, after multivariate logistic regression analysis, smoking (Odds ratio 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13; p=0.004) was the only factor associated with DNS. CONCLUSION: Smoking is a very reliable factor for predicting the occurrence of DNS. A history of smoking in patients who suffer from CO intoxication is important. If a patient smokes, treatment should be started actively and as soon as possible.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning* ; Carbon Monoxide* ; Carbon* ; Cognition Disorders ; Deglutition Disorders ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Epilepsy ; Hand ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Poisoning ; Retrospective Studies ; Smoke* ; Smoking*

Salmonella is an intracellular pathogen with a cellular infection mechanism similar to that of Brucella, making it a suitable choice for use in an anti-Brucella immune boost system. This study explores the efficacy of a Salmonella Typhimurium delivery-based combination vaccine for four heterologous Brucella antigens (Brucella lumazine synthase, proline racemase subunit A, outer-membrane protein 19, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase) targeting brucellosis in goats. We inoculated the attenuated Salmonella delivery-based vaccine combination subcutaneously at two different inoculation levels; 5 × 10⁹ colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL (Group B) and 5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/mL (Group C) and challenged the inoculations with virulent Brucella abortus at 6 weeks post-immunization. Serum immunoglobulin G titers against individual antigens in Salmonella immunized goats (Group C) were significantly higher than those of the non-immunized goats (Group A) at 3 and 6 weeks after vaccination. Upon antigenic stimulation, interferon-γ from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly elevated in Groups B and C compared to that in Group A. The immunized goats had a significantly higher level of protection as demonstrated by the low bacterial loads in most tissues from the goats challenged with B. abortus. Relative real-time polymerase chain reaction results revealed that the expression of Brucella antigens was lower in spleen, kidney, and lung of immunized goats than of non-immunized animals. Also, treatment with our combination vaccine ameliorated histopathological lesions induced by the Brucella infection. Overall, the Salmonella Typhimurium delivery-based combination vaccine was effective in delivering immunogenic Brucella proteins, making it potentially useful in protecting livestock from brucellosis.
Animals ; Bacterial Load ; Brucella abortus ; Brucella Vaccine ; Brucella ; Brucellosis ; Goats ; Immunoglobulin G ; Kidney ; Livestock ; Lung ; Proline ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Salmonella typhimurium ; Salmonella ; Spleen ; Stem Cells ; Superoxides ; Vaccination

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to investigate psychological distress in pneumothorax patients. METHODS: A cohort study was performed in 101 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax. They were divided into three groups: (A) under 19 years old, (B) those of an intermediate age, and (C) over 45 years old. General well-being [Psychological Wellbeing Index-Short Form (PWI-SF)], traumatic event [Impact of Event Scale (IES)], and resilience [Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R)] were assessed. RESULTS: There were 35 patients in Group A, 51 in B, and 15 in C. The mean length of hospital stay was five days in all patients. The overall recurrence rate after surgery was 8%. All patients were under severe stress and reported an average PWI-SF score of 39. The IES score was 27, which did not meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder but was higher in Group C than in the other groups (p=0.02). Age and operation were significant factors for a high IES, but age was the only significant factor according to multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Pneumothorax patients may be at high risk for severe stress. Moreover, post-traumatic stress was higher in elderly patients. Actions to reduce the psychological problems in these patients are required.
Aged ; Cohort Studies ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Multivariate Analysis ; Pneumothorax* ; Recurrence ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

BACKGROUND: The aims of present study were (1) to evaluate new bone formation among the 4-hexylresorcinol (4HR)-incorporated silk fabric membrane (SFM), conventional SFM, and uncovered control groups and (2) to compare the amount of residual membrane between the 4HR-incorporated SFM and conventional SFM in a rabbit parietal defect model. METHODS: Nine New Zealand white rabbits were used for this animal study. After the formation of a bilateral parietal bone defect (diameter 8.0 mm), either 4HR-incorporated SFM or conventional SFM was grafted into the defect. The defect in the control was left uncovered. New bone formation and the amount of residual membrane were evaluated by histomorphometry at 8 weeks after the operation. RESULTS: The total amount of new bone was 37.84 +/- 8.30 % in the control, 56.64 +/- 15.74 % in the 4HR-incorporated SFM group, and 53.35 +/- 10.52 % in the conventional SFM group 8 weeks after the operation. The differences were significant between the control and 4HR-incorporated SFM group (P = 0.016) and between the control and conventional SFM group (P = 0.040). The residual membrane was 75.08 +/- 10.52 % in the 4HR-incorporated SFM group and 92.23 +/- 5.46 % in the conventional SFM group 8 weeks after the operation. The difference was significant (P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: The 4HR-incorporated SFM and conventional SFM groups showed more bone regeneration than the control group. The incorporated 4HR accelerated the partial degradation of the silk fabric membrane in a rabbit parietal defect model 8 weeks after the operation.
Animals ; Bone Regeneration* ; Hexylresorcinol ; Membranes* ; Osteogenesis* ; Parietal Bone ; Rabbits ; Rabeprazole ; Silk* ; Transplants

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Acanthopanax sessiliflorus is a native Korean plant and used as traditional medicine or an ingredient in many Korean foods. The free radical theory of aging suggests that cellular oxidative stress caused by free radicals is the main cause of aging. Free radicals can be removed by cellular anti-oxidants. MATERIALS/METHODS: Here, we examined the anti-oxidant activity of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus extract both in vitro and in vivo. Survival of nematode C. elegans under stress conditions was also compared between control and Acanthopanax sessiliflorus extract-treated groups. Then, anti-aging effect of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus extract was monitored in C. elegans. RESULTS: Stem extract significantly reduced oxidative DNA damage in lymphocyte, which was not observed by leaves or root extract. Survival of C. elegans under oxidative-stress conditions was significantly enhanced by Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem extract. In addition, Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem increased resistance to other environmental stresses, including heat shock and ultraviolet irradiation. Treatment with Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem extract significantly extended both mean and maximum lifespan in C. elegans. However, fertility was not affected by Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem. CONCLUSION: Different parts of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus have different bioactivities and stem extract have strong anti-oxidant activity in both rat lymphocytes and C. elegans, and conferred a longevity phenotype without reduced reproduction in C. elegans, which provides conclusive evidence to support the free radical theory of aging.
Eleutherococcus* ; Aging ; Animals ; Caenorhabditis elegans* ; DNA Damage ; Fertility ; Free Radicals ; Hot Temperature ; Longevity ; Lymphocytes ; Medicine, Traditional ; Oxidative Stress ; Phenotype ; Plants ; Rats ; Reproduction ; Shock

PURPOSE: A recent study demonstrated that exertional desaturation is a predictor of rapid decline in lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, the study was limited by its method used to detect exertional desaturation. The main purpose of this study was to explore whether exertional desaturation assessed using nadir oxygen saturation (SpO2) during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) can predict rapid lung function decline in patients with COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 57 patients with moderate to very severe COPD who underwent the 6MWT. Exertional desaturation was defined as a nadir SpO2 of <90% during the 6MWT. Rapid decline was defined as an annual rate of decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) > or =50 mL. Patients were divided into rapid decliner (n=26) and non-rapid decliner (n=31) groups. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in exertional desaturation was observed between rapid decliners and non-rapid decliners (17 vs. 8, p=0.003). No differences were found between the groups for age, smoking status, BODE index, and FEV1. Multivariate analysis showed that exertional desaturation was a significant independent predictor of rapid decline in patients with COPD (relative risk, 6.8; 95% CI, 1.8 to 25.4; p=0.004). CONCLUSION: This study supports that exertional desaturation is a predictor of rapid lung function decline in male patients with COPD.
Aged ; Anoxia/diagnosis/etiology ; Exercise/*physiology ; Female ; Forced Expiratory Volume/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/*physiopathology ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Retrospective Studies