Human rhinovirus (HRV) causes the common cold and exacerbates chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite its significant impact on public health, there are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for HRV infection. Apoptosis is the process through which cells eliminate themselves through the systematic activation of intrinsic death pathways in response to various stimuli. It plays an important role in viral infections and serves as a key immune defense mechanism in the interactions between viruses and the host. In the present study, we investigated the antiviral effects of quercetin-3-methyl ether, a flavonoid isolated from Serratula coronata, on human rhinovirus 1B (HRV1B). Quercetin-3-methyl ether significantly inhibited HRV1B replication in HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner, thereby reducing cytopathic effects and viral RNA levels. Time-course and time-of-addition analyses confirmed that quercetin-3-methyl ether exhibited antiviral activity during the early stages of viral infection, potentially targeting the replication and translation phases. Gene expression analysis using microarrays revealed that pro-apoptotic genes were upregulated in quercetin-3-methyl ether-treated cells, suggesting that quercetin-3-methyl ether enhances early apoptosis to counteract HRV1B-induced immune evasion. In vivo administration of quercetin-3-methyl ether to HRV1B-infected mice significantly reduced viral RNA levels and inflammatory cytokine production in the lung tissues. Our findings demonstrated the potential of quercetin-3-methyl ether as a novel antiviral agent against HRV1B, thereby providing a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of HRV1B infections and related complications.

Human rhinovirus (HRV) causes the common cold and exacerbates chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite its significant impact on public health, there are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for HRV infection. Apoptosis is the process through which cells eliminate themselves through the systematic activation of intrinsic death pathways in response to various stimuli. It plays an important role in viral infections and serves as a key immune defense mechanism in the interactions between viruses and the host. In the present study, we investigated the antiviral effects of quercetin-3-methyl ether, a flavonoid isolated from Serratula coronata, on human rhinovirus 1B (HRV1B). Quercetin-3-methyl ether significantly inhibited HRV1B replication in HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner, thereby reducing cytopathic effects and viral RNA levels. Time-course and time-of-addition analyses confirmed that quercetin-3-methyl ether exhibited antiviral activity during the early stages of viral infection, potentially targeting the replication and translation phases. Gene expression analysis using microarrays revealed that pro-apoptotic genes were upregulated in quercetin-3-methyl ether-treated cells, suggesting that quercetin-3-methyl ether enhances early apoptosis to counteract HRV1B-induced immune evasion. In vivo administration of quercetin-3-methyl ether to HRV1B-infected mice significantly reduced viral RNA levels and inflammatory cytokine production in the lung tissues. Our findings demonstrated the potential of quercetin-3-methyl ether as a novel antiviral agent against HRV1B, thereby providing a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of HRV1B infections and related complications.

Human rhinovirus (HRV) causes the common cold and exacerbates chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite its significant impact on public health, there are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for HRV infection. Apoptosis is the process through which cells eliminate themselves through the systematic activation of intrinsic death pathways in response to various stimuli. It plays an important role in viral infections and serves as a key immune defense mechanism in the interactions between viruses and the host. In the present study, we investigated the antiviral effects of quercetin-3-methyl ether, a flavonoid isolated from Serratula coronata, on human rhinovirus 1B (HRV1B). Quercetin-3-methyl ether significantly inhibited HRV1B replication in HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner, thereby reducing cytopathic effects and viral RNA levels. Time-course and time-of-addition analyses confirmed that quercetin-3-methyl ether exhibited antiviral activity during the early stages of viral infection, potentially targeting the replication and translation phases. Gene expression analysis using microarrays revealed that pro-apoptotic genes were upregulated in quercetin-3-methyl ether-treated cells, suggesting that quercetin-3-methyl ether enhances early apoptosis to counteract HRV1B-induced immune evasion. In vivo administration of quercetin-3-methyl ether to HRV1B-infected mice significantly reduced viral RNA levels and inflammatory cytokine production in the lung tissues. Our findings demonstrated the potential of quercetin-3-methyl ether as a novel antiviral agent against HRV1B, thereby providing a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of HRV1B infections and related complications.

Purpose: We investigated the ophthalmic manifestations observed in patients diagnosed with ocular myasthenia gravis. Methods: In total, 58 patients diagnosed with ocular myasthenia gravis visited the ophthalmology and neurology departments between January 2011 and August 2022. Patients were followed for > 6 months; their ophthalmic manifestations were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The study included 29 males and 29 females with a mean age of 55.52 ± 15.60 years. Among the patients, 31 tested positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies, resulting in a positive rate of 53.45%. Abnormalities in repeated nerve stimulation tests were observed in 33.33% of the patients. The antibody-positive group exhibited a higher frequency of progression to generalized myasthenia gravis (p = 0.011) and a higher incidence of chest abnormalities (p < 0.001) compared to the antibody-negative group. Horizontal and vertical diplopia were commonly observed in a complex group of patients with diplopia and blepharoptosis (p < 0.001); there was a difference in the pattern of strabismus between the diplopia single group with esotropia and the complex group with exotropia (p = 0.029). In addition, the combination group demonstrated a higher antibody titer (p = 0.034), a higher frequency of abnormalities in repeated nerve stimulation tests (p = 0.022), and a higher incidence of chest abnormalities (p = 0.022). Conclusions The anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive group had a higher incidence of progression to generalized myasthenia gravis; moreover, the complex group of patients with diplopia and ptosis exhibited elevated levels of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and frequently accompanied both horizontal and vertical strabismus.

Cadmium (Cd) exposure primarily occurs through inhalation, either by smoking or occupational exposure to contaminated air. Upon inhalation, Cd ultimately reaches the prostate through the bloodstream. In this review, we investigate the carcinogenic potential of Cd in both respiratory organs and the prostate. Specifically, this review examines cellular metabolism, comprehensive toxicity, and carcinogenic mechanisms by exploring gene ontology, biological networks, and adverse outcome pathways. In the respiratory organs, Cd induces lung cancer by altering the expression of IL1B and FGF2, causing DNA damage, reducing cell junction integrity, and promoting apoptosis. In the prostate, Cd induces prostate cancer by modifying the expression of EDN1 and HMOX1, leading to abnormal protein activities and maturation, suppressing tumor suppressors, and inducing apoptosis. Collectively, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the carcinogenic mechanisms of Cd in two different organs by adopting toxicogenomic approaches. These insights can serve as a foundation for further research on cadmium-induced cancer, contributing to the establishment of future cancer prevention strategies.

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Twin pregnancy and cesarean delivery are well-known risk factors for PPH. However, few studies have investigated PPH risk factors in mothers who have undergone cesarean delivery for twin pregnancies. Therefore, this study investigated the risk factors associated with severe PPH after cesarean delivery for twin pregnancies. Methods: We searched and reviewed the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service’s claims data from July 2008 to June 2021 using the code corresponding to cesarean delivery for twin pregnancy. Severe PPH was defined as hemorrhage requiring red blood cell (RBC) transfusion during the peripartum period. The risk factors associated with severe PPH were identified among the procedure and diagnosis code variables and analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Results: We analyzed 31,074 cesarean deliveries for twin pregnancies, and 4,892 patients who underwent cesarean deliveries for twin pregnancies and received RBC transfusions for severe PPH were included. According to the multivariate analysis, placental disorders (odds ratio, 4.50; 95% confidence interval, 4.09– 4.95; P < 0.001), general anesthesia (2.33, 2.18–2.49; P < 0.001), preeclampsia (2.20, 1.99–2.43; P < 0.001), hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome (2.12, 1.22–3.68; P = 0.008), induction failure (1.37, 1.07–1.76; P = 0.014), and hypertension (1.31, 1.18–1.44; P < 0.001) predicted severe PPH. Conclusions: Placental disorders, hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, and induction failure increased the risk of severe PPH after cesarean delivery for twin pregnancy

Purpose: We report a case of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome with multiple orbital myositis identified via orbital magnetic resonance imaging in a patient with Crohn's disease who developed right eye pain and binocular horizontal diplopia.Case summary: A 46-year-old woman visited our clinic with a 2-month history of right eye pain and migraine, as well as a 3-day history of acute horizontal diplopia. She had previously been diagnosed with Crohn's disease and was taking immunosuppressive drugs. In the eye movement test, esotropia and an abduction limitation of -3.0 in the right eye were observed on the Krimsky test. There were no specific findings in anterior segment and fundus examinations. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple extraocular muscle enhancement in the right eye and multiple extraocular muscle hypertrophy in the left eye. The patient was diagnosed with binocular multiple orbital myositis and right Tolosa-Hunt syndrome; she was treated with high-dose steroids for 3 days followed by lower dose oral medications. During the first week of treatment, the right eye pain disappeared and the right eye abduction limitation showed slight improvement. After 3 months of treatment, the right eye abduction limitation and esotropia completely disappeared. Conclusions Orbital myositis and Tolosa-Hunt syndrome are idiopathic, nonspecific chronic granulomatous diseases with painful ophthalmoplegia. We describe a rare case in which the two diseases appear together.

5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is used widely to treat ulcerative colitis. The common side effects of 5-ASA include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and skin rash. 5-ASA-induced myocarditis is a rare side effect, and few cases have been reported. 5-ASA-induced myocarditis usually occurs within 2-4 weeks of drug use and causes chest pain and dyspnea. This paper reports 5-ASA-induced myocarditis in a 31-year-old male patient who took 5-ASA for 20 days prior. The patient was hospitalized with dyspnea that worsened when lying down, with chest pain radiating to the left neck, fever, and vomiting. Myocarditis was suspected. The work-up included electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, and laboratory investigations. The patient’s signs and symptoms improved within a few days after withdrawing 5-ASA. This case shows that an evaluation including the possibility of myocarditis should be performed when patients with ulcerative colitis receiving 5-ASA present with cardiac problems, such as dyspnea and chest pain.