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In this study, eutectic gallium–indium alloy (EGaIn) liquid metal is used as the rear electrode for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), where the interfacial properties of the device, particularly the beneficial roles of the surface oxide of the liquid metal, are explored. The findings demonstrate that the native oxide of the EGaIn electrode significantly affects the stability of photovoltaic performance and impedance characteristics including series and shunt resistances. Based on the results, the following hypothesis is formulated: the oxide interlayer serves two crucial functions of a barrier against metal diffusion and a tunnel for enhancing charge extraction and transfer. The results of elemental mapping and trap density calculation support the former function of the hypothesis that the oxide film can effectively prevent metal penetration into the perovskite layer. Furthermore, measurements involving capacitance−voltage and time‐resolved photoluminescence confirm that the oxide film on the liquid metal eliminates the interfacial Schottky barrier, promoting efficient charge extraction and transfer processes. Finally, the investigation is extended to develop flexible PSCs using the EGaIn electrode, which consistently exhibits stable performance during repeated bending cycles. Notably, the EGaIn rear electrode can be readily removed and collected through a straightforward acid treatment, offering a promising avenue for efficient cell recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to provide basic data for the clinical application of urine samples to prevent cervical cancer due to persistent HR-HPV infection in women who refuse invasive cervical sampling. Pairs of cervical swabs and urine samples were collected from 210 asymptomatic women who visited the obstetrics and gynecology department from August to December 2020, and a total of 420 samples were collected. Using the PANA RealTyper™ HPV Screening Kit as a real-time PCR method, paired cervical swabs and random urine samples were tested. A total of 19 samples (9.1%) were both HPV positive and 177 (84.3%) were both negative. The concordance between the two types of samples was 93.3%, with κ = 0.69 (moderate, 95% CI 0.54–0.84). The HPV infection rate by age was highest in both cervical swabs and urine samples in women in their 30s, followed by those in their 20s. Thus, the HPV infection rate was high in young women under 40 at 69.2% in cervical swabs and 61.8% in urine samples. Urine samples are considered a valuable screening test for women who refuse invasive Pap tests to prevent cervical cancer caused by persistent HPV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on the discovery of tumor biomarkers based on big data analysis is actively being conducted. This study aimed to secure foundational data for identifying new biomarkers of breast cancer via breast cancer datasets in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Methods: The mRNA profiles of 526 breast cancer and 60 adjacent non-cancerous breast tissues collected from TCGA datasets were analyzed via MultiExperiment Viewer and GraphPad Prism. Diagnostic performance was analyzed by identifying the pathological grades of the selected differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and the expression patterns of molecular subtypes. Results: Via DE mRNA profile analysis, we selected 14 mRNAs with downregulated expression (HADH, CPN2, ADAM33, TDRD10, SNF1LK2, HBA2, KCNIP2, EPB42, PYGM, CEP68, ING3, EMCN, SYF2, and DTWD1) and six mRNAs with upregulated expression (ZNF8, TOMM40, EVPL, EPN3, AP1M2, and SPINT2) in breast cancer tissues compared to that in non-cancerous tissues (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In total, 20 DE mRNAs had an area under cover of 0.9 or higher, demonstrating excellent diagnostic performance in breast cancer. Therefore, the results of this study will provide foundational data for planning preliminary studies to identify new tumor biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interruption of oral anticoagulation therapy (OAC) after CA of atrial fibrillation (AF) is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between successful long-term outcomes of catheter resection and SR maintenance and ischemic stroke risk in Korea. We studied 1,548 consecutive patients who were followed up for more than 2 years after CA of AF. We investigated the incidence of ischemic stroke during long-term follow-up. Compared to the AF recurrence group (n = 619), the sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance group (n = 929) had more paroxysmal AF (74.6% versus 44.4%, p<0.001), smaller LA size (39.9±5.7mm versus 42.3±6.0mm, p<0.001), and younger age (54.2±10.9 years versus 56.4±10.6 years, p<0.001). However, CHA2DS2-VASc scores were not significantly different between the two groups (0.9 vs. 1.1, p = 0.053). The overall incidence of ischemic stroke during the mean follow-up period of 54 months after CA was 0.6%, and was significantly lower in the SR group than the AF recurrence group (0.3% vs. 1.1%, log-rank test p<0.001). However, in sub-analysis in the SR group, the rate of ischemic stroke was significantly increasing in patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 4 compared to those with a CHA2DS2-VASc score < 4 (4.3% vs. 0.2%, log-rank test p<0.001). In conclusion, this long-term follow-up data in patients with AF who underwent successful CA showed that SR maintenance was correlated with a lower rate of ischemic stroke in Korea. However, it was only observed in patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score ≤3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial Fibrillation in Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common manifestation in cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Catheter ablation (CA) for AF in patients with asymmetric septal HCM (SeHCM) is selectively effective and often needs a repeat procedure. Apical HCM (ApHCM) has a better prognosis than SeHCM. However, the outcome of CA for AF in patients with ApHCM is unclear. Methods and results Eighteen patients with ApHCM (ApHCM group) and 13 SeHCM patients (SeHCM group) underwent CA for AF. Ninety sex-, age-, and AF type-matched non-HCM patients who underwent CA for AF were selected as controls (5 controls for each ApHCM patient). During a median follow-up of 44.7 ± 30.8 months, 50% of the patients remained free from AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) in the ApHCM group. The ApHCM patients displayed enlarged left atrial (LA) diameter (47.1 ± 6.0 mm vs. 42.4 ± 5.5 mm, P = 0.006) and increased E/Ea ratio (13.5 ± 4.4 vs. 9.1 ± 3.1, P < 0.001) as compared to the control group. In contrast, the mean LA diameter and E/Ea ratio of the ApHCM group were not different than those of the SeHCM group. The overall freedom from AF/AT in the ApHCM group was significantly worse than in the control group (log rank P = 0.028), but there was no difference between the ApHCM and SeHCM groups (P = 0.831). High LA diameter index ≥25 mm/m2 (HR 12.8, 95% CI [1.2-142.1]; P = 0.037) was an independent predictor of AF/AT recurrence among patients with ApHCM. Conclusion Long-term outcome of CA for AF was worse in patients with ApHCM, as compared to controls, but was similar to patients with SeHCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG-ODN) are potent immune stimulators, the use of natural CpG-ODN-phosphodiester-backbone CpG-has been limited due to its instability by nuclease in vivo. The aim of this study is to investigate the anticancer efficiency of CpG-ODN capsulated using liposome, which enhances the stability of CpG-ODN. We formulated lipoplex, encapsulated natural CpG-ODN from Mycobacterium bovis with liposome, and tested its immune stimulatory activity in vitro and in vivo. The lipoplex induced a systemic innate immune response in vivo and stimulated dendritic cells, but not macrophages, to stimulate proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 in vitro. As expected, the lipoplex effectively mediated the prolonged cancer-therapeutic activity against B16 melanoma, which was dependent on natural killer and CD8+ T cells. The therapeutic activity was observed after only intratumoral administration of lipoplex among several treatment routes. Intratumoral treatment of lipoplex significantly increased the populations of natural killer and CD8+ T cells and reduced regulatory CD4+ T cell recruitment, which was correlated with expression profiles of chemokines (CCL1, CCL3, CXCL1, CXCL10, and CCL22). The antitumor therapeutic effect of lipoplex was dependent on the altered lymphocyte population that might be developed by the profile of intratumoral chemokine expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary cardiac lymphoma ( PCL) is a very rare malignancy although cardiac involvement with the disseminated disease is not uncommon. We present a case of a 43-year-old man with PCL that initially presented as marked thickening of all cardiac walls and was mistakenly diagnosed as an atypical type of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The diagnosis of PCL was made with a delay of 9 months after the initial presentation, when atypical lymphocytes staining positive for CD79a and CD20 were demonstrated in the rapidly growing mediastinal and neck mass. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy and anti- CD20 immunotherapy resulted in a remarkable reduction in cardiac wall thickness and mediastinal mass. The first lesson to be learnt from this case is that PCL can present as a diffuse infiltrative disease without a mass. The second lesson is that prompt exploratory thoracotomy should not be delayed when the diagnosis is elusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] ADS induced the inflammatory cytokines in macrophages and dendritic cells. [•] NFκB activation is a critical mediator of ADS-induced cytokine production. [•] The activation of NFκB was dependent on reactive oxygen species. [•] ADS phosphorylated ERK and JNK, which was associated with NFκB activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Brucella abortus is an intracellular bacterium and leading to a serious debilitating disease known as brucellosis. Ketamine is an anesthetic and a sedative that affects the immunomodulatory activities of various immune cells. The current study was to elucidate the role of ketamine in B. abortus infection, focusing on the phagocytic activity and immune response of macrophages. Following incubation of murine macrophages with ketamine, the phagocytosis of B. abortus was markedly reduced compared with the unincubated control. Interestingly, ketamine-incubated cells displayed a decreased intensity of F-actin fluorescence compared with the B. abortus-induced amplification of intensity. Conversely, the intracellular replication of B. abortus within macrophages was notably enhanced by ketamine. Furthermore, the in vivo assessment using a mouse model revealed that continual injections with ketamine led to augmented bacterial burdens in the spleen, which was accompanied by decreased levels of mRNA expression of cytokines in the spleen. The elevations of serum cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-6, as well as the chemokine MCP-1, were also reduced by ketamine. These findings verify that ketamine suppresses the phagocytic activity and immune response during B. abortus infection. Therefore, the current study might provide novel insights into the potential influences of ketamine on infectious diseases caused by B. abortus, considering the host–pathogen interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Brucella abortus, the causative agent of brucellosis, can survive and replicate within host cells. Understanding bacterial virulence factors and bacteria-host cell interactions is critical for controlling brucellosis. However, little is known regarding the pathogenic mechanisms of brucellosis. A lipoprotein mutant (Gene Bank ID: 3339351) of B. abortus showed a lower rate of intracellular replication than did the wild-type strain in HeLa cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages. The adherent activity of the lipoprotein mutant was slightly increased compared to that of the wild-type strain in HeLa cells. After infection into macrophages, the lipoprotein mutant co-localized with either late endosomes or lysosomes. In mice infected with the lipoprotein mutant, fewer lipoprotein mutants were recovered from the spleen at 8 weeks post-infection compared to the wild-type strain. The ability to protect the lipoprotein mutant against infection by the virulent B. abortus strain 544 was similar to that of strain RB51. Our results indicate that the B. abortus lipoprotein is an important factor for survival within phagocytes and mice, and the B. abortus lipoprotein mutant may help improve live vaccines used to control brucellosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Brucella abortus, the causative agent of brucellosis, can survive and replicate within host cells. Understanding bacterial virulence factors and bacteria–host cell interactions is critical for controlling brucellosis, yet very little is known about the virulence strategies and signaling pathways activated in phagocytes during infection to ensure their growth and survival. B. abortus was mutagenized by mini-Tn5Km2 transposon mutagenesis to identify virulence genes related to the internalization and intracellular replication of the bacteria. Of the total 2300 mutants used to infect HeLa cells, 23 mutants defective for intercellular growth and the mutated genes were identified. Sequence analysis of DNA flanking the transposon showed various insertion sites in bacterial genes that might be associated with virulence, including genes associated with lipoproteins, amino acid metabolism, translation, transcription, carbohydrate transport, coenzyme transport, inorganic ion transport, energy metabolism, membrane transport, and cell wall/membrane biogenesis. Moreover, mutants were classified into class I, class II and class III as higher, similar, and lower internalization, respectively, into HeLa cells. Furthermore, defective mutants for intracellular growth in HeLa cells were found to be defective in RAW 264.7 cells. Taken together, we suggest that the identified virulence associated genes might contribute to the intracellular growth and survival of B. abortus in phagocytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The anticoccidial effects of Galla Rhois (GR) powder, which contains a major tannin-derived component of 52.7%, were evaluated in chickens following oral infection with Eimeria tenella. One-day-old chickens were assigned to five groups (control, unsupplemented, GR 0.5% supplemented [GRS 0.5%], GRS 1 .0% [GRS 1.0%] and salinomycin supplemented [SS]). The chickens were fed a standard diet supplemented or not supplemented with GR or salinomycin for 10 days prior to infection. The birds received the supplemented diets continuously until 10 days post infection. The effects of GR on a E. tenella infection were evaluated by several parameters, including body weight gain, feed intake, oocyst excretion, bloody diarrhoea, and lesion scores. Infected chickens on the GRS and SS diets had a relatively moderate body weight loss (reduction ratio < 15%) and improved feed conversion. GRS and SS chickens produced significantly fewer faecal oocysts (P <0.05) and showed milder bloody diarrhoea compared with the E. tenella-infected control group. Furthermore, the lesion scores of both the GRS 0.5% and GRS 1.0% groups were significantly lower than the scores of the unsupplemented group on day 5 post infection. The lesion scores for the GR groups were similar to the scores for the SS group. In conclusion, this study suggests that GR appears to be as efficacious as salinomycin against E. tenella infection. GR supplementation leads to a reduction in infected chickens, although infected chickens are still affected compared with the uninfected control group. GR-based diets may be beneficial in preventing or treating coccidial infections in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Brucella abortus can proliferate within professional and nonprofessional phagocytic host cells and thereby successfully bypass the bacteriocidal effects of phagocytes. However, the intracellular survival mechanism and factors of virulence are not fully understood. Methods. We have investigated the role of the regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2), an intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) regulator of the host cell, in the intracellular survival of B. abortus within phagocytes. Results. B. abortus infection markedly induced RGS2 messenger RNA expression in early phase and increased the [Ca2+]i level up to 24 hours postinfection within macrophages from wild-type mice. The [Ca2+]i level, however, was not influenced by B. abortus infection within macrophages from RGS2-deficient mice. Furthermore, B. abortus survival was reduced within RGS2-deficient macrophages, and hence bacterial proliferation was inhibited in RGS2-deficient mice. Moreover, treatment with the Ca2+ chelator ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or 1,2-bis-(2-amino-phenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM) and the L-type Ca2+ channel-blocking agent nifedipine or genistein also showed a reduced intracellular replication of B. abortus within macrophages. Conclusion. These results indicate that B. abortus infection induces host RGS2 expression and that up-regulation of [Ca2+]i levels is an essential factor for the intracellular survival of B. abortus within phagocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients can cause various complications and atrioesophageal (AE) fistula is one of the most catastrophic complications of RFCA. Methods and results: RFCA registries from 3 cardiovascular centers in the Republic of Korea consisted of 5721 patients undergoing 6724 procedures. Before undergoing RFCA, patients underwent either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. We evaluated clinical, anatomical, and procedural characteristics of patients who developed AE fistula after RFCA. A total of 10 patients developed AE fistula after RFCA (0.15% per procedure). All AE fistulas occurred during first‐time RFCA. Eight patients died and mortality rate was 80.0%. No patients had any gastrointestinal symptom at the time of discharge and mean duration time from RFCA to symptom onset was 23.4 days. Six patients (60.0%) had paroxysmal AF. Substrate modification in addition to pulmonary vein isolation was performed in 4 patients (40.0%). Patients with old age, low body weight, and high CHA2DS2‐VASc score were at increased risk of AE fistula. Baseline imaging evaluation revealed that esophagus had closest contact with LA posterior wall near left inferior pulmonary vein rather than left superior pulmonary vein and all documented AE fistulas were located near left inferior pulmonary vein. Conclusion: Posterior wall of LA near left inferior pulmonary vein was the most vulnerable location for AE fistula. Pulmonary vein isolation was the main lesion set associated with AE fistula and old age, low body weight, and high CHA2DS2‐VASc score were significant risk factors for AE fistula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since SLCO1B1 encodes the uptake transporter OATP1B1, which can influence the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of edoxaban, polymorphisms in SLCO1B1 may affect the edoxaban response. This study aimed to investigate the association between SLCO1B1 gene polymorphisms and the bleeding risk in patients receiving edoxaban. We genotyped 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the SLCO1B1 gene in patients receiving edoxaban. We also analyzed rs3842 of ABCB1 as a confounder. The odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR (AOR) were calculated from univariate and multivariable analysis, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was constructed for the discrimination of the model. A total of 159 patients receiving edoxaban were analyzed. Overdose and rs4149056 showed significant association with bleeding complications by around 11- and 5.5-fold, respectively. Additionally, patients with the rs4149057 variant allele (C) had a 3.9-fold increased bleeding risk compared with wild-type homozygote carriers (TT), whereas rs2306283 variant homozygote (GG) carriers had a 0.27-fold reduced bleeding risk compared with wild-type allele (A) carriers. Patients with the variant-type homozygote (CC) of ABCB1 rs3842 had a higher bleeding risk than T allele carriers (AOR = 5.3 and 5.9). The final models for multivariable analyses were acceptable based on the AUROC values (> 0.70). These findings may help predict bleeding risk in patients taking edoxaban and help personalize treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since SLCO1B1 encodes the uptake transporter OATP1B1, which can influence the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of edoxaban, polymorphisms in SLCO1B1 may affect the edoxaban response. This study aimed to investigate the association between SLCO1B1 gene polymorphisms and the bleeding risk in patients receiving edoxaban. We genotyped 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the SLCO1B1 gene in patients receiving edoxaban. We also analyzed rs3842 of ABCB1 as a confounder. The odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR (AOR) were calculated from univariate and multivariable analysis, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was constructed for the discrimination of the model. A total of 159 patients receiving edoxaban were analyzed. Overdose and rs4149056 showed significant association with bleeding complications by around 11- and 5.5-fold, respectively. Additionally, patients with the rs4149057 variant allele (C) had a 3.9-fold increased bleeding risk compared with wild-type homozygote carriers (TT), whereas rs2306283 variant homozygote (GG) carriers had a 0.27-fold reduced bleeding risk compared with wild-type allele (A) carriers. Patients with the variant-type homozygote (CC) of ABCB1 rs3842 had a higher bleeding risk than T allele carriers (AOR = 5.3 and 5.9). The final models for multivariable analyses were acceptable based on the AUROC values (> 0.70). These findings may help predict bleeding risk in patients taking edoxaban and help personalize treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is among the most common types of gastrointestinal cancers and has a high incidence and mortality around the world. To suppress the progression of GC, it is essential to develop diagnostic markers. MicroRNAs regulate GC development, but a clearer insight into their role is needed before they can be applied as a molecular markers and targets. Methods: In this study, we assessed the diagnostic value of differentially expressed microRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers for GC using data for 389 tissue samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and 21 plasma samples from GC patients. Results: The expression of hsa-miR-143-3p (also known as hsa-miR-143) was significantly downregulated in GC according to the TCGA data and plasma samples. The 228 potential target genes of hsa-miR-143-3p were analyzed using a bioinformatics tool for miRNA target prediction. The target genes correlated with extracellular matrix organization, the cytoplasm, and identical protein binding. Furthermore, the pathway enrichment analysis of target genes showed that they were involved in pathways in cancer, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, and proteoglycans in cancer. The hub genes in the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, were matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), CD44 molecule (CD44), and SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3). Conclusions: This study suggests that hsa-miR-143-3p may be used as a diagnostic marker for GC, contributing via the pathways involved in the development of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SGLT-2 inhibitor, traditionally used for glycemic control, has several beneficial effects that can help manage heart failure (HF). SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients with HF. As atrial fibrillation (AF) is closely associated with HF and diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for AF, we assume that SGLT-2 inhibitors will also show therapeutic benefits regarding AF, especially for rhythm control. This trial has a multicenter, prospective, open, blinded endpoint design. It is a 1:1 randomized and controlled study. A total of 716 patients who are newly diagnosed of AF and DM within 1 year will be enrolled from 7 tertiary medical centers. The trial is designed to compare the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors and other oral hypoglycemic agents on atrial rhythm control in patients with AF and DM. The primary outcome is the recurrence of AF within a year (including post-antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) or ablation). The secondary outcomes are the ablation rate within a year, change in AF burden, size of the left atrium, NT-proBNP, the AF symptom score, and the quality of life. This trial will prospectively evaluate the effect and safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors on AF rhythm control in patients with DM. It will provide an invaluable dataset on rhythm control in AF with DM for future studies and offer novel information to assist in clinical decisions. (BEYOND trial, ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT05029115. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05029115). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Galla Rhois (GR) has long been applied in traditional Korean and Oriental medicine. Although GR has an anti-bacterial effect, the anti-bacterial mechanism and therapeutic efficiency of GR for intracellular parasitic Brucella infection are still unclear. Aim of the study: The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and therapeutic effects of GR ethanol extract (GRE), which is a natural antibacterial component for the treatment of Brucella abortus infection. Materials and methods: The antibacterial activity of GRE towards Brucella abortus was evaluated by incubating Brucella abortus with GRE. Following treatment with GRE, Brucella abortus adherence, uptake, intracellular growth, and intracellular trafficking in macrophages were monitored. Mice were infected intraperitoneally with Brucella abortus and treated orally with GRE for 14 days, and then the weight and CFUs from each spleen were monitored. Results: The viability of Brucella abortus was markedly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Brucella abortus internalization and intracellular growth within macrophages were reduced in GRE-treated cells. The number of bacteria that adhered to GRE-pretreated cells was significantly lower than that of untreated cells. With regards to intracellular trafficking, treatment with GRE augmented the colocalization of Brucella abortus-containing phagosomes with LAMP-1. GRE-treated mice showed considerably decreased weight and bacterial burdens in the spleen compared to untreated mice. Conclusion: GRE exhibits antibacterial and protective effects on Brucella abortus in vitro and in vivo. These results highlight the beneficial effects of GRE in the prevention and treatment of brucellosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • ITO surface is modified using Ni dopants for efficient perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs). • Ni is incorporated on the ITO surface (Ni-ITO) via electrical doping treatment (EDT). • EDT increases the ITO work function and enhance the charge balance in the PeLED. • Doped Ni species prevent In diffusion to increase the radiative recombination rates. • The FA 0.9 GA 0.1 PbBr 3 nanoparticle PeLED with Ni-ITO has an efficiency of 20.48%. Perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are promising lighting sources owing to their unique optical and electrical properties, such as high color purity and charge carrier mobility. Various material strategies have been reported to increase the radiative recombination rate and alleviate the non-radiative recombination rate of PeLEDs. However, PeLEDs are prone to low device efficiencies owing to the metal-induced exciton quenching caused by the diffusion of metal species from the indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes into the emissive layer. Herein, we demonstrate that surface modification of ITO by means of electric-field-induced Ni doping treatment prevents the diffusion of metal species and helps tune the work function. The effects of Ni doping on ITO (Ni-ITO) are clarified by conducting X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry, and energy level investigations. A PeLED fabricated using Ni-ITO as the anode exhibited a maximum current efficiency of 91.11 cdA-1 and external quantum efficiency of 20.48%, which are 13.5% and 13.9% higher than those of the PeLED fabricated using a commercially available ITO film (with a thickness of 180 nm), respectively. The results of this study can be used as guidelines to increase the quantum efficiencies of ITO-based organic/inorganic emitter devices and PeLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial fibrosis can present as an arrhythmogenic substrate that is correlated with higher recurrence after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Galectin-3, a beta-galactoside-binding lectin, is highly expressed and secreted from macrophages and is important in inflammation and fibrosis. We assessed the clinical implications of serum galectin-3 in patients with atrial fibrillation. This was a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation in a tertiary referral center from February 2017 to September 2017. Intracardiac blood sampling, echocardiographic measurements, magnetic resonance imaging with late gadolinium enhancement, electrophysiologic testing, and endocardial voltage mapping were consistently implemented in 75 patients before the ablation. Serum galectin-3 level was higher in patients with diabetes mellitus and was correlated with values that indicated the left atrial size. During a median 14 months of follow-up, atrial tachyarrhythmia recurred in 27% of patients. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio 6.8; 95% confidence interval 1.6–28.9) and higher galectin-3 levels (hazard ratio 1.3; 95% confidence interval 1.0–1.7) were associated with increased risk of recurrence. Serum galectin-3 may be a prognostic biomarker for risk stratification in patients with atrial fibrillation planned catheter ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the cover: The cover image is based on the Original Article Characteristics of atrial fibrillation patients suffering atrioesophageal fistula after radiofrequency catheter ablation, by Yun Gi Kim et al., DOI: 10.1111/jce.13671. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we characterized the secreted proteins of Brucella abortus into the enriched media under the bacterial laboratory growth condition and investigated the pathogenic importance of culture supernatant (CS) proteins to B . abortus infection. CS proteins from stationary phase were concentrated and analyzed using 2D electrophoresis. In MALDI TOF/TOF analysis, more than 27 proteins including CuZn SOD, Dps, Tat, OMPs, Adh, LivF, Tuf, SucC, GroEL and DnaK were identified. Cytotoxic effects of CS proteins were found to increase in a dose-dependent manner in RAW 264.7 cells. Upon B. abortus challenge into phagocytes, however, CS proteins pre-treated cells exhibited lower bacterial uptake and intracellular replication compared to untreated cells. Immunization with CS proteins induced a strong humoral and cell mediated immune responses and exhibited significant higher degree of protection against virulence of B. abortus infection compared to mice immunized with Brucella broth protein (BBP). Taken together, these results indicate that B. abortus secreted a number of soluble immunogenic proteins under laboratory culture condition, which can promote antibody production resulted in enhancing host defense against to subsequently bacterial infection. Moreover, further analysis of CS proteins may help to understand the pathogenic mechanism of B. abortus infection and host–pathogen interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The pathogenic mechanisms of Brucellosis used to adapt to the harsh intracellular environment of the host cell are not fully understood. The present study investigated the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of B. abortus betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BetB) (Gene Bank ID: 006932) using a betB deletion mutant constructed from virulent B. abortus 544. In test under stress conditions, including osmotic- and acid stress-resistance, the betB mutant had a lower osmotic-resistance than B. abortus wild-type. In addition, the betB mutant showed higher internalization rates compared to the wild-type strain; however, it also displayed replication failures in HeLa cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages. During internalization, compared to the wild-type strain, the betB mutant was more adherent to the host surface and showed enhanced phosphorylation of protein kinases, two processes that promote phagocytic activity, in host cells. During intracellular trafficking, colocalization of B. abortus-containing phagosomes with LAMP-1 was elevated in betB mutant-infected cells compared to the wild-type cells. In mice, the betB mutant was predominantly cleared from spleens compared to the wild-type strain after 2 weeks post-infection, and the vaccination test with the live betB mutant showed effective protection against challenge infection with the virulent wild-type strain. These findings suggested that the B. abortus betB gene substantially affects the phagocytic pathway in human phagocytes and in host cells in mice. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential use of the B. abortus betB mutant as a live vaccine for the control of brucellosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The design and synthesis of a novel homoleptic triply cyclometalated iridium(III) complex containing the 6-(pyridin-2-yl)isoquinoline moiety [Ir(pyiq) 3 ] was demonstrated for the first time. The performance of a phosphorescent organic light emitting diode (PHOLED) based on Ir(pyiq) 3 is described with adoption of tris(4-carbazoyl-9-ylphenyl)amine (TCTA) and 2,2′,2"-(1,3,5-benzinetriyl)-tris(1-phenyl-1-H-benzimidazole) (TPBi) which are co-host materials showing excellent compatibilities as well as CBP host with the prepared phosphorescent dopants. The photoluminescence (PL) of Ir(pyiq) 3 produced orange emission with maximum emission peak at 583 nm. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy (LUMO) levels of Ir(pyiq) 3 were −5.41 eV and −3.20 eV. An optimized solution-processed device doped with Ir(pyiq) 3 had a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 8.71% and a maximum current efficiency (CE) of 22.51 cd/A. This correspond to 17% higher efficiency than that with bis(2-phenylbenzothiozolato-N,C2′)iridium(acetylacetonate) (bt) 2 Ir(acac), which is commonly used in orange PHOLEDs. This study rationalizes the promising application of new trimeric organometallic complex that possesses isoquinoline and pyridine in solution-processed PHOLEDs with good quantum and power efficiency. • A homoleptic triply cyclometalated iridium(III) complex, Ir(pyiq) 3 was designed and synthesized for orange-phosphorescent emitter showing the maximum emission peak at 583 nm and 29.4% of PLQY. • The device of PHOLED was fabricated through solution-processable method with adoption of TCTA and TPBi as co-host materials as well as CBP host. • The PHOLED based on Ir(pyiq) 3 has a maximum EQE of 8.71% and a maximum CE of 22.51 cd/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial remodeling with fibrosis has been well-described in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that the left atrial (LA)-late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extent on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is associated with LA pressure and can be a marker for suitable candidates for non-paroxysmal AF ablation. A total of 173 AF patients with an LA-LGE area on CMR imaging were enrolled. The clinical parameters, including invasively measured LA pressure, were compared between the patients with extensive LA-LGE (E-LGE, LGE extent ≥ 20%, n = 78) and those with small LA-LGE (S-LGE, LGE extent < 20%, n = 95). The E-LGE group had higher peak LA pressures than the S-LGE group (23 versus 19 mmHg, p < 0.001). The E-LGE group had more patients with non-paroxysmal AF (non-PAF) (51% vs. 34%), heart failure (9% vs. 0%), and higher NT pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (472 vs. 265 pg/ml) (all p < 0.05). LA pressure ≥ 21 mmHg was an independent predictor of E-LGE (OR = 2.218; p = 0.019). In the paroxysmal AF (PAF) subgroup, freedom from atrial arrhythmia after catheter ablation was not different (81% vs 86%, log-rank p = 0.529). However, in the non-PAF subgroup, it was significantly higher in the S-LGE group than in the E-LGE group (81% vs 55%, log-rank p = 0.014). Increased LA pressure was related to the LA-LGE extent. LA-LGE was a good predictor of outcome after catheter ablation, but only in patients with non-PAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prediction of recurrences after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains challenging. We sought to investigate the long-term outcomes after AF catheter ablation. A total of 2221 consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation for symptomatic AF were included in this study (mean age 55 ± 11 years, 20.3% women, and 59.0% paroxysmal AF). Extensive ablation, in addition to circumferential pulmonary vein isolation, was more often accomplished in patients with non-paroxysmal AF than in those with paroxysmal AF (87.4% vs. 25.3%, p < 0.001). During a median follow-up of 54 months, sinus rhythm (SR) was maintained in 67.1% after index procedure. After redo procedures in 418 patients, 83.3% exhibited SR maintenance. Recurrence rates were similar for single and multiple procedures (17.4% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.765). Subanalysis showed that the extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance, is greater in patients with recurrence than in those without recurrence (36.2 ± 23.9% vs. 21.8 ± 13.7%, p < 0.001). Cox-regression analysis revealed that non-paroxysmal AF (hazard ratio (HR) 2.238, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.905–2.629, p < 0.001), overweight (HR 1.314, 95% CI 1.107–1.559, p = 0.020), left atrium dimension ≥ 45 mm (HR 1.284, 95% CI 1.085–1.518, p = 0.004), AF duration (HR 1.020 per year, 95% CI 1.006–1.034, p = 0.004), and LGE ≥ 25% (HR 1.726, 95% CI 1.330–2.239, p < 0.001) are significantly associated with AF recurrence after catheter ablation. This study showed that repeated catheter ablation improves the clinical outcomes of patients with non-paroxysmal AF, suggesting that AF substrate based on LGE may underpin the mechanism of recurrence after catheter ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cockcroft-Gault (CG) formula is recommended to guide clinicians in the choice of the appropriate dosage for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). However, the performance of the CG formula varies depending on the patient's age, weight, and degree of renal function. We aimed to compare the validity of the CG formula with that of Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formulae for dosing DOACs. A total of 6268 consecutive patients on anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation (AF) were retrospectively investigated. Among underweight and elderly patients, the CG formula underestimated renal function compared with the non-CG formulae. However, the concordant rate of drug indications between the CG and the non-CG formulae was approximately 94%. On-label uses under the three formulae were associated with a lower risk of major bleeding (but not thromboembolism) compared to warfarin. Although we found differences in estimating renal function and the proportions of drug indications between the CG and non-CG formulae, the risks of thromboembolism and major bleeding were similar to those with warfarin regardless of which formula was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) was characterized as a tumor suppressor, inducing anti-metastatic and anti-proliferative effects in several tumor cells. However, NDRG2 functions on anticancer drug sensitivity, and its molecular mechanisms are yet to be fully investigated. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of NDRG2-induced sensitization to As2O3 in the U937 cell line, which is one of the most frequently used cells in the field of resistance to As2O3. NDRG2-overexpressing U937 cells (U937-NDRG2) showed a higher sensitivity to As2O3 than mock control U937 cell (U937-Mock). The higher sensitivity to As2O3 in U937-NDRG2 was associated with Mcl-1 degradation through glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activation. Inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3β was significantly reduced in U937-NDRG2, and the reduction was diminished by okadaic acid, a protein phosphatase inhibitor. NDRG2 mediated the interaction between GSK3β and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), inducing dephosphorylation of GSK3β at S9 by PP2A. Although the C-terminal deletion mutant of NDRG2 (ΔC NDRG2), which could not interact with PP2A, interacted with GSK3β, the mutant failed to dephosphorylate GSK3β at S9 and increased sensitivity to As2O3. Our findings suggest that NDRG2 is a kind of adaptor protein mediating the interaction between GSK3β and PP2A, inducing GSK3β activation through dephosphorylation at S9 by PP2A, which increases sensitivity to As2O3 in U937 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]