Pine bark extract is made from the bark of Pinus densiflora which naturally contains occurring phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds. PineXol ® from products of pine bark extract is sold under the brand name. The aim of this study was to evaluate the total phenol, total flavonoids contents and antioxidant activity of the PineXol ® as well as to assess the lipid accumulation during adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. Our results demonstrate that the total phenolic and flavonoids contents of the PineXol ® were 717.40±6.86 GAE mg/mL and 54.44±0.01 RE mg/mL, respectively. The antioxidative activities of the PineXol ® were significantly increased in a dose dependent manner on DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging, ABTS (2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt) radical scavenging, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) activity, reducing power, nitrite radical scavenging activity and ORAC (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value. In addition, the PineXol ® inhibited the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Exposure to 200 µg/mL, PineXol ® significantly reduced lipid accumulation (~80%) in 3T3-L1 cells compared to control cells. Keywords: PineXol

Cirsium setidens Nakai, a wild perennial, is widely consumed as a food and traditional medicine in Korea. In addition, diverse functionalities of C. setidens Nakai, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, have been reported. However, whether or not C. setidens Nakai and its major compound, pectolinarin have high nutritional value and functional properties remains unknown. This paper investigated the proximate compositions, mineral contents, hepatoprotective activities, hepatic fat accumulation inhibitory activities, and anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of C. setidens Nakai and its component parts, including of pectolinarin. The result showed that C. setidens Nakai and its major compounds have potential as a functional food material with natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.Key words: Cirsium setidens Nakai, nutritional components, antioxidant activity, pectolinarin, functional material

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Purpose: Blood culture is an essential diagnostic tool and requires clear indications, proper techniques, and quality control. We aimed to investigate whether blood cultures in children are appropriate for indications, are performed correctly, and receive proper quality control. Methods: We conducted an online survey targeting pediatric infectious diseases (ID) specialists working in general hospitals and neonato logists (Neo) working at hospitals operating a neonatal intensive care unit in Korea.Results: Approximately 81.1% (30/37) of pediatric ID specialists and 72.2% (52/72) of Neo responded to the survey. Some of the respon dents (33.3% of ID and 59.6% of Neo) performed blood culture as a regular test irrespective of the indication. Approximately 40% of ID and 65.4% of Neo ordered only one set of blood culture in patients suspected with bacteremia. The most commonly used disinfectant for skin preparation was povidoneiodine, while the skin preparation method varied by institution. Approximately twothirds of the institutions were monitoring the blood culture contamination rate, whereas relatively few provided staff with feedback on that rate. In addition, less than half of the institutions were providing regular staff training on blood culture (40% of ID and 28.8% of Neo). Conclusions:The indication and methods of blood culture for children varied according to institution, and few hospitals exert effort in improving the quality of blood culture. Institutions have to strive constantly toward improvement of blood culture quality and evidencebased recommendations for pediatric blood cultures should be standardized.