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.

BACKGROUND: A drug-eluting stent (DES) is a highly beneficial medical device used to widen or unblock narrowed blood vessels. However, the drugs released by the implantation of DES may hinder the re-endothelialization process, increasing the risk of late thrombosis. We have developed a tacrolimus-eluting stent (TES) that as acts as a potent antiproliferative and immunosuppressive agent, enhancing endothelial regeneration. In addition, we assessed the safety and efficacy of TES through both in vitro and in vivo tests. METHODS: Tacrolimus and Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were applied to the metal stent using electrospinning equipment. The surface morphology of the stent was examined before and after coating using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-rays (EDX). The drug release test was conducted through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cell proliferation and migration assays were performed using smooth muscle cells (SMC).The stent was then inserted into the porcine coronary artery and monitored for a duration of 4 weeks. RESULTS: SEM analysis confirmed that the coating surface was uniform. Furthermore, EDX analysis showed that the surface was coated with both polymer and drug components. The HPCL analysis of TCL at a wavelength of 215 nm revealed that the drug was continuously released over a period of 4 weeks. Smooth muscle cell migration was significantly decreased in the tacrolimus group (54.1% ± 11.90%) compared to the non-treated group (90.1% ± 4.86%). In animal experiments, the stenosis rate was significantly reduced in the TES group (29.6% ± 7.93%) compared to the bare metal stent group (41.3% ± 10.18%). Additionally, the fibrin score was found to be lower in the TES group compared to the group treated with a sirolimus-eluting stent (SES). CONCLUSION Similar to SES, TES reduces neointimal proliferation in a porcine coronary artery model, specifically decreasing the fibrins score. Therefore, tacrolimus could be considered a promising drug for reducing restenosis and thrombosis.

Purpose: To report a case of orbital infarction syndrome in a patient with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).Case summary: A 70-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus and hypertension was referred to the Department of Ophthalmology for sudden-onset left upper eyelid ptosis after being diagnosed with HLH. After 3 days, the best corrected visual acuity in the right eye was 0.8, while there was no light perception in the left eye. In the left eye, the ocular motility examination showed limitations in all fields of gaze. On fundus examination, optic disc pallor, retinal hemorrhage, and narrowed retinal arteries were observed in the left eye. Fluorescein angiography showed no blood flow in the retinal arteries and veins in the left eye. On neck computed tomography angiography, the left distal internal carotid artery was narrowed. Orbit computed tomography showed exophthalmos and extraocular muscle hypertrophy in the left eye. Orbit magnetic resonance imaging confirmed optic nerve edema, enhancement of the optic nerve sheath, and high signal intensity of the intraocular fat in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed ischemia of the anterior segment and ischemic necrosis of the eyelid in the left eye. The patient was diagnosed with orbital infarction syndrome. Conclusions Several factors may lead to ischemia of the orbital tissues in patients with HLH, including coagulopathy, an increased incidence of blood clots, and inflammation in the orbit. It is necessary to consider the possibility of orbital infarction syndrome when HLH patients present with visual loss, ocular movement limitations, and anterior segment ischemia.

Targetoid hemosiderotic nevus (THN) is a rare variant of melanocytic nevus, characterized by a sudden development of a targetoid ecchymotic halo around a pre-existing nevus. THN clinically raises concern for malignant transformation due to its abrupt change in color and size. THN should be distinguished from other diseases showing a peripheral halo, including targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma, halo nevus, and Meyerson nevus. Dermoscopy can help clinicians to differentiate THN from these diseases. The typical dermoscopic features of THN are known to be divided into two distinctive areas: the central melanocytic area and the peripheral ecchymotic area. In our case, dermoscopy revealed a novel bull’s eye pattern composed of a central area with characteristic features of benign melanocytic nevus, an intermediated white circular ring, and a peripheral milky red area. When a sudden change occurs in a pre-existing nodule showing targetoid features, dermoscopy should be considered before conducting a biopsy or surgical intervention.

Background: Sterility and safety assurance of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) products is critical in transplantation. Microbial contamination can lead to product disposal and increases the risk of unsuccessful clinical outcomes. Therefore, it is important to implement and maintain good practice guidelines and regulations for the HSC collection and processing unit in each hospital. We aimed to share our experiences and suggest strategies to improve the quality assurance of HSC processing. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed microbial culture results of 11,743 HSC products processed over a 25-year period (January 1996 to May 2021). Because of reorganization of the HSC management system in 2008, the 25-year period was divided into periods 1 (January 1996 to December 2007) and 2 (January 2008 to May 2021). We reviewed all culture results of the HSC products and stored aliquot samples and collected culture results for peripheral blood and catheter samples. Results: Of the 11,743 products in total, 35 (0.3%) were contaminated by microorganisms, including 19 (0.5%) of 3,861 products during period 1 and 16 (0.2%) of 7,882 products during period 2. Penicillium was the most commonly identified microorganism (15.8%) during period 1 and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most commonly identified (31.3%) during period 2. HSC product contamination occurred most often during HSC collection and processing. Conclusions The contamination rate decreased significantly during period 2, when the HSC management system was reorganized. Our results imply that handling HSC products by trained personnel and adopting established protocols, including quality assurance programs, aid in decreasing the contamination risk.

Background: We compared upper- and lower-body forced-air blankets in terms of their ability to prevent perioperative hypothermia, defined as a reduction in body temperature to < 36.0°C, during the perioperative period in patients undergoing spine surgery in the prone position. Methods: In total, 120 patients scheduled for elective spine surgery under general anesthesia were divided into an upper-warming group (n = 60) and a lower-warming group (n = 60). After inducing anesthesia and preparing the patient for surgery, including prone positioning, the upper and lower bodies of the patients in the upper- and lower-warming groups, respectively, were warmed using a forced-air warmer with specified upper and lower blankets. Body temperature was measured using a tympanic membrane thermometer during the pre- and post-operative periods and using a nasopharyngeal temperature probe during the intraoperative period. Patients were evaluated in terms of shivering, thermal comfort, and satisfaction in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Results: The incidence of intraoperative and postoperative hypothermia was lower in the upper-warming group than in the lower-warming group ([55.2% vs. 75.9%, P = 0.019] and [21.4% vs. 49.1%, P = 0.002]). Perioperative body temperature was higher in the upper-warming group (P < 0.001). However, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative thermal comfort scale and shivering scores, patient satisfaction, and PACU duration were similar in the two groups. Conclusions The upper-body blanket was more effective than the lower-body blanket for preventing perioperative hypothermia in patients who underwent spine surgery in the prone position.

Background: Lichenoid drug eruption (LDE) is a relatively rare form of cutaneous drug eruption and that resembles lichen planus on a clinical and histological basis. Although there are some studies on histopathological findings of LDE, studies on clinical findings of LDE are limited. Objective: To investigate the clinical and histopathologic findings and prognosis of LDE. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the clinicopathologic findings of LDE patients who visited Kosin University Gospel Hospital between 1990 and 2020. Results: This study included 44 LDE patients (male:female=1.4:1). The most common causative drug was anti-tuberculous drugs (52.3%), followed by 5-fluorouracil (11.4%), and captopril (9.1%). There were pruritic erythematous scaly or lichenoid patches and plaques in all cases. The most frequently involved sites were trunk and extremities. Notably, 15 cases (34.1%) involving the scalp and 3 cases (6.8%) involving the oral mucosa. Treatment modalities included oral, topical corticosteroid, and oral antihistamines. Among 44 cases, 28 patients discontinued the causative agent, and 16 patients continued to use it after diagnosis of LDE. The mean duration of treatment for patients who discontinued or did not discontinue the causative drugs was 4, 10 weeks, respectively. The most commonly observed histopathologic findings were superficial and deep perivascular infiltration of inflammatory cells (100.0%) and eosinophil infiltration (93.2%). Conclusion LDE can be differentiated from idiopathic lichen planus by clinicopathologic findings. LDE appears to be a mild form of drug eruption in which symptoms can be controlled with conservative treatment, even without the cessation of causative drugs for the treatment of the underlying disease.