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This study evaluated an oscillometric device (OD), Microlife WatchBP Office AFIB, and a hybrid manual auscultatory device (AD), Greenlight 300TM, to determine a suitable blood pressure (BP) measurement device for the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in a mercury‐free context. Adhering to the 2018 Universal Standard's suggested consensus, the study involved 800 subjects (mean age 51.2 ± 17.5 years; 44.3% male), who underwent triplicate BP measurements following 5 min of rest in a randomized order (OD‐first: 398 participants; AD‐first: 402 participants). BP difference was calculated as OD value minus AD value, with results stratified by measurement sequence. The overall BP difference and tolerable error probability were ‐1.1 ± 6.5/‐2.6 ± 4.9 mmHg and 89.2%/92.5% for systolic/diastolic BP (SBP/DBP), respectively. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was 0.907/0.844 for SBP/DBP (OD‐first/AD‐first: 0.925/0.892 for SBP, 0.842/0.845 for DBP). The overall agreement for hypertension (BP ≥ 140 and/or 90 mmHg) was 0.71 (p < 0.0001), and the OD underestimated the overall hypertension prevalence by 5.1%. Analysis of the AD‐first data revealed a lower level of agreement compared to the OD‐first data; however, the observed blood pressure difference adhered to Criterion 1 of the 2018 Universal Standard. Microlife met the Criterion 1 of 2018 Universal Standard but underestimated the prevalence of hypertension. The BP discrepancy increased with higher BP levels, male sex, and smaller AC. With increasing age, the discrepancy decreased for SBP and increased for DBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the thermal properties and heat treatment effect of an ingot metallurgy hypereutectic Al–Mg–Si alloy with extra Si are studied. The alloy is produced by gravity casting using 99.8% pure Al, 98.5% Si, and 99.9% pure Mg pellets. Thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal expansion analyses are performed both after solid solution and after various aging treatments. The heat flow curve reveals a correlation between the precipitation reactions and the thermal diffusivity behaviors. In particular, the thermal characteristics of the Al–Mg–Si alloy are determined by the precipitation of the β″ and β′ phases, and the precipitation and re-dissolving of Si. Interestingly, the effect of Si precipitation upon the thermal diffusivity and expansion is greater than that of meta-stable β-phase precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of antenatal depression and experience of abuse during childhood, to analyze the association between having experienced childhood abuse and depression during pregnancy, and to explore the role of emotional support as a moderator of that association. Methods: In total, 44,770 pregnant women were analyzed from the self-administered registry for risk assessment at community public health centers in Seoul, Republic of Korea, for home visiting service provision between 2015 and 2019. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was applied for the assessment of depression. The adjusted effects of childhood abuse experience on antepartum depression according to emotional support as an effect moderator were estimated. Results: Depression was present in 2,451 pregnant women (5.5%), and 1,506 (3.4%) reported having experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse in childhood. After adjustment of covariates, pregnant women who had experienced abuse during childhood had EPDS scores 2.79 points higher than pregnant women without such experiences, and those who lacked emotional support during adulthood had 4.96 points higher than their counterparts. The difference in EPDS scores based on childhood abuse experience among women who reported emotional support (2.86) was larger than the difference in EPDS scores among those with no emotional support (1.91) (P for interaction = 0.0106). Conclusions: The experience of abuse in early life and emotional support in later life are both independently important for understanding antenatal depression in Korean women. More comprehensive emotional support is needed for pregnant women who experienced abuse in childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not only are many Mycobacteria pathogens, but they can act as strong non‐specific immunopotentiators, generating beneficial effects on the pathogenesis of some diseases. However, there has been no direct evidence of the effect of mycobacterial species on colorectal cancer (CRC). Herein, we showed that there may be a meaningful inverse correlation between the incidence of tuberculosis and CRC based on global statistics and that heat‐killed Mycobacterial tuberculosis and live Mycobacterium bovis (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin strain) could ameliorate CRC development. In particular, using a faecal microbiota transplantation and a comparison between separate housing and cohousing, we demonstrated that the gut microbiota is involved in the protective effects. The microbial alterations can be elucidated by the modulation of antimicrobial activities including those of the Reg3 family genes. Furthermore, interleukin‐22 production by T helper cells contributed to the anti‐inflammatory activity of Mycobacteria. Our results revealed a novel role of Mycobacteria involving gut microbial alterations in dampening inflammation‐associated CRC and an immunological mechanism underlying the interaction between microbes and host immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of H13 laser cladding layer on mechanical, thermal, and corrosion characteristic of C45 carbon steel using a laser flash analysis and potentiodynamic polarization technique. H13 powder was built up layer by laser-assisted metal deposition equipment. The thermal conductivity of the C45-H13 specimen was improved by about 25% compared to that of H13. In potentiodynamic polarization test, C45-H13 specimens were noble than H13 and C45 which had the lowest Ecorr to − 420 mV. Hence, the C45 displayed the lowest icorr to 1.33 × 10–6 A cm−2, and for C45-H13 it was 1.94 × 10–6 A cm−2. It was found that the corrosion resistance of the laser-cladded H13 layer was lower than that of C45 but improved compared to the H13 plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary patterns based on pathways of diseases such as subclinical atherosclerosis can predict diet-disease associations better than dietary quality indices or data-driven indices. We aimed to develop and validate a novel dietary atherogenic index (DAI) in adults using the common carotid artery-intima media thickness (c-IMT) in Korean adults. Participants aged ≥40 years from the Yangpyeong cohort were enrolled in the development set (n = 1373). Two DAIs were developed using 38 predefined food groups as predictors and c-IMT as response variable, using stepwise linear regression (SLR) and reduced rank regression (RRR) models. Based on the associations between DAI and c-IMT, DAIs were then validated in the total, men, and women, internally in 1000 bootstrap sets, and externally in a set combined with 2 other populations (n = 2476). The DAI-S by SLR and the DAI-R by RRR included 7 anti- and 10 pro-inflammatory food groups and 2 anti- and 6 pro-inflammatory food groups, respectively. Total rice and white root kimchi were pro-inflammatory, and mushrooms, other beverages (mostly traditional beverages), poultry, processed seafood, and pizza/hamburger were anti-inflammatory in both the DAI-S and DAI-R. They were internally valid in the multivariable-adjusted models, showing a significant linear trend in all 3 sets; they were also valid in the bootstrap at 95% confidence interval. In the external validation, only the DAI-S was significantly associated with the c-IMT (P trend =.0004,.0133, and.0212 in total, men, and women, respectively). This study indicated that DAIs, particularly DAI-S, may be useful for assessing the atherogenic potential of food-based total diets. Two dietary atherogenic indices (DAIs) were developed based on the predefined 38 food groups and the common carotid artery-intima media thickness (c-IMT) using the stepwise linear regression (SLR) and reduced rank regression (RRR) models. The DAI-S and DAI-R were internally valid for 1000 bootstrap sets; however, only the DAI-S was externally valid. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to increase the thermal diffusivity of Al–Si–Mg alloys by heat treatment and demonstrate the effect of the eutectic phase distribution on thermal conductivity of Al–Mg–Si alloys. Two types of Al–Si–Mg (Al–0.2Si–0.4Mg and Al–6.5Si–0.4Mg) alloys used in this study were prepared through atmospheric gravity casting. Solid solution treatment was performed at 535 °C for 4–10 h and then quenched in warm water of 80 °C temperature. Artificial aging of specimens was performed at 180 °C for 5 h. After aging treatment, the changes of microstructures due to heat treatment were examined by using optical microscopy. Differential scanning calorimeter analyzed phase transform during the heat treatment. Variations of thermal diffusivity according to the microstructures were investigated by using a laser flash apparatus. Precipitation of Mg2Si and Si phases increased the thermal diffusivity after aging treatment. Moreover, thermal diffusivity of the Al–6.5Si–0.4Mg alloys also increased with increasing solid solution treatment time due to spheroidization of eutectic Si. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are widely used in a number of cell therapies and bone disorder treatments, and nanomagnetic particles (NMPs) also promote cell activity. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effects of EMFs and NMPs on the osteogenesis of the human Saos‐2 osteoblast cell line and in a rat calvarial defect model. The Saos‐2 cells and critical‐size calvarial defects of the rats were exposed to EMF (1 mT, 45 Hz, 8 h/day) with or without Fe3O4 NMPs. Biocompatibility was evaluated with MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) assays. This analysis showed that NMP and EMF did not induce cell toxicity. Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction indicated that the osteogenesis‐related markers were highly expressed in the NMP‐incorporated Saos‐2 cells after exposure to EMF. Also, the expression of gene‐encoding proteins involved in calcium channels was activated and the calcium concentration of the NMP‐incorporated + EMF‐exposed group was increased compared with the control group. In particular, in the NMP‐incorporated + EMF‐exposed group, all osteogenic proteins were more abundantly expressed than in the control group. This indicated that the NMP incorporation + EMF exposure induced a signaling pathway through activation of p‐ERK and calcium channels. Also, in vivo evaluation revealed that rat calvarial defects treated with EMFs and NMPs had good regeneration results with new bone formation and increased mineral density after 6 weeks. Altogether, these results suggest that NMP treatment or EMF exposure of Saos‐2 cells can increase osteogenic activity and NMP incorporation following EMF exposure which is synergistically efficient for osteogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We aimed to evaluate the correlation and agreement of interleukin (IL)-8 and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9) levels between cervicovaginal (CVF) and amniotic fluids (AF) in women with preterm labor (PTL) and to determine the clinical values of these proteins in CVF compared with those in AF. Study Design We designed a retrospective cohort study of 85 singleton pregnant women with PTL at 23 to 34 weeks, who underwent amniocentesis. The AF was cultured, and CVF samples were collected at the time of amniocentesis. Paired AF and CVF samples were assayed for IL-8 and MMP-9 by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) in duplicate on a single plate, using similar dilution ratios. Results A significant but weak correlation was found for IL-8 levels between AF and CVF (r = 0.333), while no correlation was found for MMP-9 levels between AF and CVF (r = −0.039). Intra-class correlation coefficient for the agreement of IL-8 levels between CVF and AF was 0.4335 and −0.279 for MMP-9, indicating a poor-to-fair level of agreement between the two measured values, respectively. IL-8 and MMP-9 levels in CVF were not associated with the risk of either microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) or spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) within 7 days, whereas those in AF provided good-to-excellent predictive values for these two outcomes (area under the curve [AUCs]: 0.82–0.95). AUCs for IL-8 and MMP-9 were significantly larger using AF rather than using CVF for the prediction of MIAC and SPTD. Conclusion In women with PTL, IL-8 and MMP-9 levels in CVF do not precisely reflect the levels of the corresponding proteins in AF. IL-8 and MMP-9 levels in CVF had poor predictive values for the risk of MIAC and SPTD and were significantly inferior to those in AF. Key Points IL-8 and MMP-9 levels in CVF do not precisely reflect levels of the corresponding proteins in AF. Diagnostic accuracy of IL-8 and MMP-9 in CVF alone is not sufficient to predict MIAC and SPTD. IL-8 and MMP-9 levels in AF provide good-to-excellent predictive values for these two outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate effects of morphology and precipitation on thermal properties of Al-9.8%Si-0.4%Mg-0.7%Cu (in mass%) alloys using a laser flash apparatus, differential scanning calorimetry, and a thermomechanical analyser. Results revealed that mean particle size and shape of Si depended on mould temperature. Specimens with higher mould temperature had long and needle-like eutectic Si. As-cast specimens were solid solution treated at 535 °C for 6 h and then quenched in warm water of 80 °C. As-solution specimens were then aged at 180 or 190 °C for 1, 5, and 10 h. After artificial ageing treatment, the long needle-like eutectic silicon phase was split into smaller particles. It then gradually became spherical. When the shape of Si phase became similar after artificial ageing treatment, thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity had similar values. It was found that shape change of Si particles greatly influenced thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study compared the effects of a tailored inhaler use education program with routine clinical practice in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients treated with inhalers.Methods: The participants included 59 patients from a ≥900-bed university hospital in J city. Participants were divided into two groups and received either the tailored inhaler use education program (n = 29) or routine clinical care (n = 30). Disease knowledge and correct inhaler use were assessed using a questionnaire and observational checklists at admission and discharge. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for data analysis.Results: Disease knowledge (asthmaz = -2.69, p = .007; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease z = -6.08, p < .001) and correct inhaler use (z = -5.51, p < .001) were significantly higher in the tailored inhaler use education program group compared to the control group.Conclusions: Nurses play a pivotal role in educating patients. Our results indicate that nurses are needed to identify diseases and inhaler types and to provide patients with individually tailored education that includes demonstration and feedback.Practice Implications: One-on-one health literacy education tailored to inhaler type and patient age shows promise for chronic disease interventions provided by nurses, physicians, and pharmacists--all the parties involved in patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The role of symbiotic bacteria in the development of antigen‐specific immunity remains poorly understood. Previous studies showed that sensing of symbiotic bacteria by nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐containing protein 2 (Nod2) regulates antibody responses in response to nasal immunization with antigen and cholera toxin (CT). In this study, we examined the role of the microbiota in the adjuvant activity of CT induced after oral immunization with antigen. Germ‐free (GF) mice showed impaired production of antibody responses and T‐cell‐specific cytokines after oral immunization when compared with that observed in conventionally raised mice. Similar to GF mice, Nod2‐deficient mice showed reduced humoral responses upon oral immunization with antigen and CT. Treatment with CT enhanced the production of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), but not tumor necrosis factor‐α or IL‐12p40, induced by stimulation of dendritic cells with muramyl dipeptide, the Nod2 ligand. Mechanistically, the enhanced production of IL‐1β induced by muramyl dipeptide and CT stimulation required Nod2 and was mediated by both increased synthesis of pro‐IL‐1β and caspase‐1 activation. Furthermore, antigen‐specific antibody and cytokine responses induced by CT were impaired in orally immunized IL‐1β‐deficient mice. Collectively, our results indicate that Nod2 stimulation by symbiotic bacteria contributes to optimal CT‐mediated antigen‐specific oral vaccination through the induction of IL‐1β production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-for-size (LFS) graft should be avoided when performing an adult deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) as it is associated with abdominal compartment syndrome, severe graft injury, and primary graft nonfunction. When inadvertently facing with LFS graft intraoperatively, the most commonly reported approach has been a surgical reduction of the right lobe despite its technical difficulty in addition to ongoing coagulopathy after graft reperfusion. We report a case where we performed a left lateral sectionectomy instead of a right lobe modification. A 44-year-old 58.4 kg female patient was admitted with drug-induced acute hepatic failure and underwent an emergency DDLT. The donor was a 51-year-old 60.0 kg man. At the time of procurement, the liver was noted to be hypertrophic. The estimated graft/recipient weight ratio was 3.49%. After completing the vascular and bile duct anastomosis, the abdomen could not be closed due to its large graft size. Because of the hypertrophic left lateral lobe and ongoing coagulopathy, we decided to perform an in situ left lateral sectionectomy rather than right posterior sectionectomy or right hemihepatectomy. The next day, the liver function failed to improve, and the patient's blood pressure began to decline gradually. Computed tomography showed severe inferior vena cava (IVC) compression by the graft, and the patient underwent transjugular IVC stent placement. Soon after, the patient's blood pressure improved and liver function gradually normalized. The patient was discharged uneventfully on postoperative day 45. Under specific conditions, in situ left lateral sectionectomy is a solution for unexpected LFS graft during DDLT. • Large-for-size (LFS) graft should be basically avoided when performing adult deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). • Right liver modification is appropriate in dealing with LFS graft. • In situ left lateral sectionectomy with IVC stent insertion can be an alternative solution for DDLT using LFS graft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background and Methods: This study evaluated characteristics of South Korean patients necessitating home-based primary care (HBPC) from 2018 to 2022, distinguishing between homebound individuals with chronic conditions and those with registered disabilities. (2) Result: Among 171 HBPC recipients, 56.1% were homebound, predominantly older with a median age of 81 years (interquartile range (IQR 68.5–86.0)), while 43.9% were disabled, generally younger with a median age of 39 years (IQR, 28–64). Activities of daily living were assessed, revealing a median score of 14 (IQR, 10–19), indicative of high care dependency. The most common conditions among homebound patients were dementia (27.1%) and physical mobility difficulties (21.9%), whereas mental disabilities (53.3%) and mobility issues (36.0%) prevailed in disabled patients. The primary HBPC needs for homebound patients included management of acute medical conditions (27.1%) and sores (17.7%). Conversely, regular health check-ups (46.7%) and management of neuropsychiatric symptoms (26.7%) were prevalent among the disabled group. (3) Conclusion: Notably, over 90% of HBPC patients required assistance with daily activities, highlighting significant differences in the needs and characteristics between older, homebound individuals with multiple comorbidities and younger, disabled patients receiving medical aid. These insights emphasize the necessity to develop customized HBPC programs to adequately cater to the diverse patient needs within South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We sought to determine whether the levels of complement and other inflammatory and angiogenic mediators in cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) are independently associated with intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation (IAI) and imminent spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB, £48 hours of sampling) in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Study Design This was a retrospective study consisting of 85 singleton pregnant women with PPROM at 20 0/7 to 33 6/7 weeks. Amniotic fluid (AF) obtained via amniocentesis was cultured and assayed for interleukin-6. CVF samples collected at the time of amniocentesis were assayed for complement C3a, C4a, and C5a, HSP70 (heat shock protein 70), M-CSF (macrophage colony-stimulating factor), M-CSF-R (macrophage colony-stimulating factor-receptor), S100 A8, S100 A9, thrombospondin-2, VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor), and VEGFR-1 (vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor 1) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that elevated CVF concentrations of complement C3a, 4a, and 5a were significantly associated with an increased risk of IAI and imminent SPTB, whereas those of M-CSF were associated with IAI, but not imminent SPTB (p = 0.063), after adjustment for baseline covariates (e.g., gestational age at sampling). However, univariate, and multivariate analyses showed that the CVF concentrations of angiogenic (thrombospondin-2, VEGF, and VEGFR-1) and inflammatory (HSP70, M-CSF-R, S100 A8, and S100 A9) proteins were not associated with either IAI or imminent SPTB. Conclusion In women with PPROM, elevated CVF concentrations of complement C3a, C4a, and C5a are independently related to an increased risk of IAI and imminent SPTB. These findings suggest that complement activation in CVF is significantly involved in mechanisms underlying preterm birth and in the host response to IAI in the context of PPROM. Key Points Elevated CVF levels of C3a, 4a and 5a are associated with IAI and SPTB. CVF C3a, 4a and 5a have better predictability for SPTB, compared to AF WBC. Elevated CVF levels of M-CSF were associated with IAI, but not SPTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The influence of secondary phase precipitation on the thermal diffusivity of Al-6%Si-0.4%Mg-0.9%Cu-(Ti) alloys (in wt.%) was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a laser flash apparatus (LFA). The solid solution treatment (SST) was conducted at 535 °C for 6 h, followed by quenching in warm water. The SST samples were artificially aged in air at various temperatures between 180 °C and 220 °C for 5 h. The Ti-free Al-6%Si-0.4%Mg-0.9%Cu alloy showed higher thermal diffusivity than the Al-6%Si-0.4%Mg-0.9%-0.2%Ti alloy in all temperature ranges. The thermal diffusivity in all examined alloys containing Si did not linearly decrease from 25 °C to 300 °C. The values of thermal diffusivity decreased with increasing temperature within the temperature range of 200 °C or less and 300 °C or more, which is the temperature-dependent range. The thermal diffusivity of the Si-free Al-1%Cu alloy approximately linearly decreased with increasing temperature from room temperature to 500 °C. Precipitation of the secondary phases occurred as the temperature of the samples increased from 200 °C to 400 °C. DSC analysis confirmed the types of precipitation phases. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The aging treatment resulted in consuming the solute elements through the precipitation in the α-Al matrix. • The solid solubility in the α-Al matrix rapidly decreased at precipitation temperature of the phases. • In precipitation free zone, the thermal diffusivity decreased with increasing temperature. • This phenomenon can find the application in automotive engine components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes bottom-gated amorphous indium-gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) with different gate insulators of Si3N4 and Si3N4/Al2O3. The aim is to investigate the effect of Al2O3 on the instability of IGZO TFTs with respect to native point defects. Although the DC properties of Si3N4/Al2O3 devices are inferior to those of Si3N4 devices, the bias stress-induced hump is not observed in Si3N4/Al2O3 devices. From calculations of the oxygen exchange kinetics between the insulator and IGZO, it appears that more oxygen atoms diffuse from Al2O3 to the IGZO than from the Si3N4. This oxygen diffusion is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Auger electron spectroscopy depth-profiling analysis. In addition, more oxygen interstitials with fewer zinc interstitials are detected at the IGZO interface with Al2O3. From the results, it can be concluded that the distribution of native defects in Al2O3 devices reduces the instability of IGZO TFTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A soil burial-composting method was proposed as a hybrid disposal method for infected carcasses. This is a modified soil burial technique that involves covering carcasses with compost to achieve a final compost bed of 1.0–1.2 m during the soil burial process. To evaluate the feasibility and applicability of the soil burial-composting method, a pilot-scale system was constructed to dispose of pig carcasses and monitored its performance for 346 days. Temperature around the pig carcasses in the compost bed increased gradually, and was in the range of 35–45 °C after 200 days. Mesophilic ( Sporosarcina and Steroidobacter ) and thermophilic ( Truepera ) bacteria were dominant in the compost bed. Based on odor gas profiling and the morphological properties of the carcasses excavated after 346 days, it was estimated that an advanced decay stage was reached after 243 days. Considering the results of previous studies, the carcass degradation rate achieved by soil burial-composting was faster than that of soil burial, but slower than that of the composting method. Sum of odor quotient (SOQ) in the upper soil bed was lower than the SOQ in the compost bed where the carcasses were buried. This result demonstrated that the upper soil bed functioned as a biofilter to mitigate odor gases emitted during degradation of the carcasses. The soil burial-composting disposal method is preferred over soil burial because the degradation of carcasses is faster, and over composting because odor complaints and compost usage can be minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been numerous investigations regarding various types of dressings and artificial dermis of solid form, yet limited research and development on paste types, such as hydrogels with dermal powder, have ensued. In this study, we compared the in vivo wound healing effects of gelatin paste containing dermal powder to a collagen type I/chondroitin 6-sulfate (coll/chondroitin) sponge and gelatin alone, after 48 days post grafting, in a skin wound rat model. In the dermis powder/gelatin paste-treated group, wound area contraction was minimized 50%, while in the gelatin and coll/chondroitin sponge groups, the initial area contracted 83–85% and 79–85%, respectively. Histological analysis revealed the wounds treated with dermal powder/gelatin were associated with many fibroblasts, which infiltrated the wound bed, as well as thick collagen bundles that were arranged in dendritic arrays, resembling normal skin. Furthermore, in contrast to the gelatin- and coll/chondroitin sponge-treated groups, the powder/gelatin paste-treated wounds exhibited an abundance of elastic fibers (Victoria blue staining) and extensive formation of blood vessels around the dermis (CD31 staining). Therefore, the dermis powder/gelatin paste not only renders convenience to users but also has prominent wound-healing effects on full-thickness wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon is a base element used to cast aluminum alloys, and the properties of an Al-Si alloy can be controlled by adjusting the casting and heat treatment parameters. The influence was investigated that the silicon content of Al-Si alloys on the silicon precipitation rate. Silicon was added to pure commercial aluminum at 0.8, 1.5, 3.0, 6.5, and 9.5 mass%, and then, samples were produced through casting. The specimens were solid solution treatment for 10 h at 803 K and were analyzed using a thermomechanical apparatus and differential scanning calorimetry to determine the change of exothermic reaction and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) according to the silicon content in aluminum alloys. The heat flow curve showed an exothermic reaction resulting from silicon precipitation in the matrix, dissolving in the matrix during the solid solution treatment. The CTE curve also indicated silicon precipitation, and the peak value of the CTE reflected the change in temperature at which the silicon precipitation had occurred according the silicon content in the aluminum alloy. The rate of the silicon precipitation appeared to be proportional to the silicon content in the aluminum alloy since the silicon content induced changes in the microstructure of the aluminum alloy and thereby affecting the silicon precipitation kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal diffusivity was measured by laser flash analysis (LFA) to evaluate the effect of silicon in an aluminum-silicon binary alloy. Thermal diffusivity is related to thermal conductivity, and these parameters are strongly interdependent in alloy composition. Aluminum alloys with silicon contents of 1 wt% and 9 wt% Si were produced by gravity casting. The alloys were solution-treated at 530 °C to modify the eutectic silicon and produce a solid solution. In this process, the eutectic silicon changed from the needle to the spherical phase in the Al-9.5 wt% Si alloy. The casted specimens were annealed at 345 °C to remove dissolved silicon and generated a stable microstructure. The heat-treated specimens were analyzed by laser flash analysis in dynamic mode. The thermal diffusivity increased as decreased the dissolved silicon atoms in aluminum matrix. The thermal diffusivity also increased when isothermal method test at 530 °C due to silicon separation in Al-9.5 wt% alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This study's purpose was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound in air at a frequency of 0.04 MHz and an intensity of 50 mW/cm 2 on neural differentiation of hBM-MSCs in vitro and on neurogenesis in an ischemic stroke model. Materials and methods hBM-MSCs were exposed to 0.04 MHz ultrasound and then compared with no exposed one in cell morphology, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, RT-PCR, and Western blot. In addition, we made stroke model mice by means of the photothrombosis (PT) method and these models were exposed to 0.04 MHz ultrasound after hBM-MSCs injection. We compared with sham group in histological and immunohistochemical analysis and western blot. Key findings Ultrasound induced neural differentiation without cell death. In stroke models, inflammatory cells were observed around the infarct area in the Cell, Cell/Ultrasound group and the brain infarct volume in the Cell/Ultrasound group was smaller than in the sham group. Further, the expression of neural proteins in the Cell/Ultrasound group was increased relative to the sham group. Significance The present study showed that ultrasound promotes neural differentiation of hBM-MSC and neurogenesis in a mouse stroke model. This may be applicable as a therapeutic device with the aim of inducing neurogenesis following stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanin in the skin determines the skin color, and decreased melanin causes many hypopigmentation disorders and increased damage to skin by ultraviolet B (UVB) light irradiation. Here, we stimulate melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells by using specific frequencies of ELF-EMFs. In this study, we focus on the melanogenesis of EMF-ELFs and find that 60–75 Hz ELF-EMFs upregulate melanin synthesis by stimulated expression of tyrosinase and TRP-1 through inhibition of phosphorylation ERK, activation of CREB, and MITF up-regulation in B16F10 melanoma cells. The results show that 60–75 Hz ELF-EMFs significantly increase secreted melanin, cellular melanin content, and tyrosinase activity, and the cell mitochondria activity, cell viability, and cell membrane condition are unchanged. Furthermore, the protein expression level of MITF and p-CREB signaling pathway are significantly increased. Moreover, 60 Hz ELF-EMFs reduce the phosphorylate of ERK in B16F10 melanoma cells. These findings indicate that stimulation of melanogenesis by using ELF-EMFs has therapeutic potential for treating hypopigmentation disorders such as vitiligo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The homeobox transcription factor Prox1 is critical to the development of many embryonic organs and tissues, although current understanding of its expression in the developing renal medulla is limited. We examined the functional role of Prox1 during mouse kidney development with particular emphasis on the developing loop of Henle. Our data show that Prox1 is expressed in the transdifferentiating region from the NKCC2-positive thick ascending limb, into the CLC-K1-positive ascending thin limb of Henle’s loop beginning at embryonic day 18. From 1 to 14 days of age, Prox1-positive cells gradually disappeared from the papillary tip, and remained in the initial part of inner medulla after 21 days. In this transforming area, no Prox1 was observed in cells undergoing apoptosis but was expressed strongly in the remaining cells, which differentiated into ascending thin limb epithelial cells. In vitro and in vivo approaches showed that Prox1 expression increases where the osmolality is near optimal range, but decreases at below- or above-optimal ranges. Renal hypoosmolality induced by furosemide (NKCC2 inhibitor) inhibited Prox1 expression and delayed maturation of the ascending limb of Henle’s loop. Together, these studies suggest that Prox1 appears to be a critical stage specific regulator of specifying ascending thin limb cell fate and that its expression is regulated by osmolality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the association of heart rate (HR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with left ventricular (LV) structure in a multi-rural cohort project in Korea. A total of 3215 subjects were analyzed for factors related to Echo-LV mass index (LVMI). eGFR was positively associated with both types of LVMI whereas HR was negatively associated with both. Odd ratios (ORs) (highest versus lowest quartiles) for LVMI by height2.7 were significant for HR (OR: 0.441, p = 0.0035 in males; OR: 0.638, p = 0.0226 in females), and for eGFR (OR:1.643, p = 0.0145) in females. In conclusion, in addition to age, systolic blood pressure and body mass index, eGFR is positively associated with echocardiographic LVMI and HR is negatively associated with echocardiographic LVMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Cationic alkyl starches were synthesized to observe the adsorption behavior by QCM-D. [•] Adsorbed amount of cationic starches increased compared with cationic surfactants. [•] Tendency for increased rigidity after desorption was observed in all cationic starches. [•] Cationic alkyl starches showed more adsorbed amount and rigidity than cationic starches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of this study was to identify the status of exclusive breast-feeding ( EBF) in Korea and analyze the factors affecting exclusive breast-feeding at 6 months of age. Method This study was based on data obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( KNHANES) IV, conducted from January 2007 to December 2008. A total of 404 mother-infant pairs were recruited. Exclusive breast-feeding was defined according to the criteria established by the World Health Organization. Result The rate of EBF was 60.9% for 1 month, 55.0% for 3 months, 35.4% for 6 months, 3.7% for 9 months and 1.2% for 12 months after birth. According to a stepwise logistic regression analysis, factors that were positively associated with EBF at 6 months were younger maternal age (odds ratio [ OR] = 0.85, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 0.79-0.92), higher maternal education level ( OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.17-4.46) and living in a capital city ( OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.46-4.75). Conclusion The rate of EBF in Korea is still suboptimal. To promote EBF, persistent and systematic education and campaigns for breast-feeding should be provided, particularly in vulnerable regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted as a part of a larger study to identify the needs of a maternal and early childhood home visit program that the South Korean central government has begun to expand nationwide. This survey measured the distress of mothers with children aged 2 years or younger during the transition into motherhood using the Being a Mother scale (BaM-13) and compared the stress levels for each question with those of existing studies in other countries. The survey results revealed that the mean BaM-13 score of the 350 participants was 17.09 (SD = 6.81), with 87.7% showing very high levels of maternal distress, indicated by a score of 9 or above in BaM-13. The item from the BaM-13 with the highest response rate of 2 or 3 points (sum of the percentage of those who answered 2 and 3 points) was "I have missed the life I had before I became pregnant with this baby/toddler," to which 80.8% of the respondents agreed. The percentage of South Korean mothers who answered 2 or 3 points was higher for every item on the BaM-13 than that of Australian mothers. A comparison of the total BaM-13 score and 3 factors (child experience, adult's experience, and emotional closeness) of the BaM-13 according to the participants' characteristics revealed that discrepancies in women's sociodemographic factors (including smoking and alcohol consumption behaviors) were not significant, whereas differences in the total BaM-13 score and the 3 factors of the BaM-13 according to the mothers' scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were noticeable. The high level of maternal distress observed in this study should be reflected in the nurse-led maternal and early childhood home visit program that the South Korean central government is expanding across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Steam electrolysis (H2O → H2 + 0.5O2) was investigated in solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). The electrochemical performance of GDC-impregnated Ni–YSZ and 0.5% wt Rh–GDC-impregnated Ni–YSZ was compared to a composite Ni–YSZ and Ni–GDC electrode using a three-electrode set-up. The electrocatalytic activity in electrolysis mode of the Ni–YSZ electrode was enhanced by GDC impregnation. The Rh–GDC-impregnated Ni–YSZ exhibited significantly improved performance, and the electrode exhibited comparable performance between the SOEC and SOFC modes, close to the performance of the composite Ni–GDC electrode. The performance and durability of a single cell GDC-impregnated Ni–YSZ/YSZ/LSM–YSZ with an H2 electrode support were investigated. The cell performance increased with increasing temperature (700 °C–800 °C) and exhibited comparable performance with variation of the steam-to-hydrogen ratio (50/50 to 90/10). The durability in the electrolysis mode of the Ni–YSZ/YSZ/LSM–YSZ cell was also significantly improved by the GDC impregnation (200 h, 0.1 A/cm2, 800 °C, H2O/H2 = 70/30). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This article is concerned with the electrochemical properties of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) as a cathode with respect to its calcination temperature in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). To determine these properties, LSCF powder was synthesized using a modified glycine nitrate process (GNP), followed by calcinations from 1073K to 1373K. Its X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns gradually sharpened as the calcination temperature increased. Also, the specific surface area of the powder decreased due to particle sintering as the calcination temperature increased. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) images from calcined LSCF powder at various temperatures show that the particle shapes are quite similar. However, the particle size slightly increased with increasing calcination temperature. The electrode with LSCF powder calcined at 1273K showed a lower area specific resistance (ASR) value of 0.68Ωcm2 at 973K than the electrode using commercial LSCF powder. Furthermore, the effect of the sieving process of the cathode powder after wet ball milling on its electrochemical properties was investigated in detail. From particle size analysis, it was observed that the sieved powder, after wet ball milling, shows a bi-modal particle size distribution, whereas the unsieved powder had a single mode distribution. The LSCF electrode with unsieved powder showed a 5 times smaller ASR value than that with the sieved powder. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: α-Anilinonitriles were unexpectedly converted to 3-iminodihydroindoles via the Thorpe–Ziegler cyclization during the benzoylation. 3-Iminodihydroindoles were transformed to 3-aminoindoles in good yields via an allylindium-mediated decyanative aromatization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrochemical performances of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF), La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (LSCF), and La0.8Sr0.2MnO3−δ (LSM) cathodes fabricated without pre-sintering were studied. The BSCF starting powder prepared by the glycine nitrate method exhibited a single perovskite structure and no secondary phase was detected using XRD. SEM images revealed that the unsintered BSCF particles were highly agglomerated even before exposure to the operating temperature of the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Unlike the LSM and LSCF cathodes, the BSCF cathode could be sintered at the SOFC operating temperature of 1073 K, and therefore exhibited porosity and good connectivity among particles. As determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, the lowest polarization resistances were found to be 0.13 Ω cm2 for unsintered BSCF, 0.22 Ω cm2 for unsintered LSCF, and 3.19 Ω cm2 for unsintered LSM. The single-cell power density curves had maximal power densities of 0.91 W cm−2, 0.77 W cm−2, 0.60 W cm−2 for anode-supported SOFCs using unsintered BSCF, LSCF, and LSM cathodes, respectively. For practical aspect, the power densities of 0.72, 0.6 and 0.5 W cm−2 were obtained at 0.7 V from anode-supported SOFCs with unsintered BSCF, LSCF and LSM cathodes, respectively. The metal-supported cells having unsintered BSCF cathode had maximum power densities at 0.82 W cm−2, and a power density of 0.74 W cm−2 at 0.7 V was observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The heat and mass transfer characteristics of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) need to be considered when designing SOFCs because they heavily influence the performance and durability of the cells. The physical property models, the governing equations (mass, momentum, energy and species balance equations) and the electrochemical reaction models were calculated simultaneously in a 3-dimensional SOFC simulation. The current density–voltage (I–V) curves measured experimentally from a single SOFC were compared with the simulation data for code validation purposes. The error between the experimental data and the numerical results was less than 5% at operating temperatures from 700°C to 850°C. The current density and the mass transfer rate of an anode-supported SOFC were compared with those of a metal-supported SOFC. The metal-supported SOFC had a 17% lower average current density than the anode-supported SOFC because of the bonding layer, but it showed better thermal stability than the anode-supported SOFC because of its more uniform current density distribution. The current density, temperature and pressure drop of the metal-supported SOFC were investigated for several channel designs. A high current density was observed near the hydrogen inlet and at the intersection of the hydrogen and air channels. However, there was a low current density under the rib and at the cell edge because of an insufficient reactant diffusion flux. When the proper channel design was applied to the metal-supported SOFC, the average current density was increased by 45%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The reaction of allylindium reagents and N-(cyanoalkyl)amides afforded fully-substituted 4-alkenylimidazoles in moderate yields via the In-mediated Barbier-type allylation of nitrile and the following dehydrative cyclization cascade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, a Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 (GDC) buffer layer and a Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF) cathode, fabricated without pre-sintering, are investigated (unsintered GDC and unsintered BSCF). The effect of the unsintered GDC buffer layer, including the thickness of the layer, on the performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) using an unsintered BSCF cathode is studied. The maximum power density of the metal-supported SOFC using an unsintered BSCF cathode without a buffer layer is 0.81Wcm−2, which is measured after 2h of operation (97% H2 and 3% H2O at the anode and ambient air at the cathode), and it significantly decreases to 0.63Wcm−2 after 50h. At a relatively low temperature of 800°C, SrZrO3 and BaZrO3, arising from interaction between BSCF and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), are detected after 50h. Introducing a GDC interlayer between the cathode and electrolyte significantly increases the durability of the cell performance, supporting over 1000h of cell usage with an unsintered GDC buffer layer. Comparable performance is obtained from the anode-supported cell when using an unsintered BSCF cathode with an unsintered GDC buffer layer (0.75Wcm−2) and sintered GDC buffer layer (0.82Wcm−2). When a sintered BSCF cathode is used, however, the performance increases to 1.23Wcm−2. The adhesion between the BSCF cathode and the cell can be enhanced by an unsintered GDC buffer layer, but an increase in the layer thickness (1–6μm) increases the area specific resistance (ASR) of the cell, and the overly thick buffer layer causes delamination of the BSCF cathode. Finally, the maximum power densities of the metal-supported SOFC using an unsintered BSCF cathode and unsintered GDC buffer layer are 0.78, 0.64, 0.45 and 0.31Wcm−2 at 850, 800, 750 and 700°C, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An efficient synthetic method was developed for poly-substituted naphthalenes via the multi-step, one-pot domino reaction of δ-ketonitriles involving a sequential Michael addition, intramolecular aldol, lactonization, decarboxylative Michael addition, and elimination processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Data from mechanistic studies suggest flavonoids may benefit glucose metabolism, but their associations with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remain unclear. This study examined the prospective associations of dietary intake of total, classes, and individual flavonoids, as well as their source foods, with T2D in the CArdioVascular disease Association Study (CAVAS). Methods: A total of 16,666 Korean men and women were enrolled at baseline, and 953 were newly diagnosed with T2D over a median follow-up of 5.96 years. Intake of flavonoids was cumulatively averaged using all food frequency questionnaires before the censoring events. A Poisson regression model was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Women with higher total flavonoid, flavonol, isoflavone, and proanthocyanidin intake had a lower risk of T2D (fourth vs. first quartile, IRR 0.62; 95% CI 0.44–0.89; P for linearity and non-linearity < 0.05 for total flavonoids), while in men, flavanones, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins, but not total flavonoids, were inversely associated with T2D risk (all P interaction for sex > 0.05). The key source foods contributing to flavonoid intake were also different between men and women, except for apples: tangerines and strawberries in men and green leafy vegetables and soy products in women. Conclusions: A higher intake of total flavonoids, particularly from vegetables, soybeans, and apples, may be associated with lower risk of T2D in women. However, flavonoids from fruits, rather than total flavonoids, may be inversely associated in men. The association between flavonoid intake and the risk of T2D may be contingent upon the dietary sources of flavonoids consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biodegradable intrascleral implants for the slow release of triamcinolone acetonide (TA). Intrascleral implant (1mm thick; 3mm diameter) was made of PLA (poly(d,l-lactide)) containing 6.4mg of TA with one-side coating of high molecular weight PLA to render unidirectional drug absorption through the sclera. In vitro TA release was evaluated by liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy for 90 days. In vivo release of TA was measured in aqueous humor, vitreous, and retina–choroid at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after intrascleral implantation in 20 rabbit eyes. Implant toxicity and biocompatibility were evaluated by slit lamp examinations, indirect ophthalmoscopy, intraocular pressure measurements, electroretinography, and histological examinations. In vitro studies demonstrated that the implants released TA in a controlled manner over 90 days. In vivo, TA was detected in aqueous humor until 4 weeks and in retina–choroid until 8 weeks after implantation, but was detected constantly over 12 weeks in vitreous. No significant retinal toxicity was observed. These results suggest that the devised intrascleral implant offers a promising controlled release system for the delivery of TA to the posterior segment of the eye. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tetrahydropapaveroline (THP) at 5–15μM has been found to induce l-DOPA-induced oxidative apoptosis in PC12 cells. In this study, the inhibitory effects of THP on dopamine biosynthesis in PC12 cells and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity in bovine adrenal were investigated. Treatment of PC12 cells with THP at 2.5–10μM significantly decreased the intracellular dopamine content in a concentration-dependent manner (21.3% inhibition at THP 10μM). The activity of TH was also inhibited by the treatment with THP at 2.5–10μM (23.4% inhibition at 10μM). In addition, THP had an inhibitory effect on bovine adrenal TH (IC50 value, 153.9μM). THP exhibited uncompetitive inhibition on bovine adrenal TH with a substrate l-tyrosine with the K i value with l-tyrosine of 0.30mM. Treatment with l-DOPA at 20–50μM increased the intracellular dopamine content in PC12 cells and the increase in dopamine content by l-DOPA was in part inhibited when l-DOPA (20 and 50μM) was associated with THP at non-cytotoxic (5–10μM) or cytotoxic (15μM) concentration ranges. However, the reduction of dopamine content by THP (15μM) or THP (15μM) associated with l-DOPA (20 and 50μM) in PC12 cells was inversed by the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (0.1mM). These results indicate that THP at 5–10μM decreases the basal dopamine content and reduces the increased dopamine content induced by l-DOPA in part by the inhibition of TH activity, and that THP at 15μM does by oxidative stress in PC12 cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Intrathecal transplants of adrenal medullary chromaffin cells relieve chronic pain by secreting catecholamines, opioids, and other neuroactive substances. Recently, macrocapsules with semipermeable membranes were used to isolate immunologically xenogenic chromaffin cells, but the poor viability in vivo of the encapsulated chromaffin cells limited the usefulness of this method. In this study, we used a novel method of encapsulation to increase the viability of chromaffin cells. We found that microencapsulated chromaffin cells that were implanted into the subarachnoid space of rats relieved cold allodynia in a model of neuropathic pain. Furthermore, microencapsulated chromaffin cells were morphologically normal and retained their functionality. These findings suggest that the intrathecal placement of microencapsulated chromaffin cells might be a useful method for treating chronic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibitory effects of (1R,9S)- and (1S,9R)-enantiomers of β-hydrastine (BHS) on dopamine biosynthesis in PC12 cells were investigated. (1R,9S)-BHS decreased the intracellular dopamine content with the IC50 value of 14.3 μM at 24 h, but (1S,9R)-BHS did not. (1R,9S)-BHS was not cytotoxic at concentrations up to 250 μM towards PC12 cells. In these conditions, (1R,9S)-BHS inhibited tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity mainly in a concentration-dependent manner (33% inhibition at 20 μM) and decreased TH mRNA level in PC12 cells. The inhibitory patterns of dopamine content and TH activity by (1R,9S)-BHS showed similar behavioral curves. (1R,9S)-BHS at 10–50 μM also reduced the intracellular cyclic AMP level and Ca2+ concentration. In addition, treatment of l-DOPA at 20–50 μM for 24 h increased the intracellular dopamine content to 198–251% compared with the control in PC12 cells. However, the increase in dopamine levels induced by l-DOPA (20–50 μM) was reduced when l-DOPA was combined with (1R,9S)-BHS (10–50 μM). These results indicate that (1R,9S)-BHS, but not (1S,9R)-BHS, reduced dopamine content and l-DOPA-induced increase in dopamine content, in part, through the inhibition of TH activity and TH gene expression in PC12 cells: thus, (1R,9S)-BHS proved to have a function to regulate dopamine biosynthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tetrahydropapaveroline (THP) is formed in Parkinsonian patients receiving l-DOPA therapy and is detected in the plasma and urine of these patients. In this study, we have investigated the effects of THP on l-DOPA-induced neurotoxicity in cultured rat adrenal pheochromocytoma, PC12 cells. Exposure of PC12 cells up to 10 μM THP or 20 μM l-DOPA after 24 or 48 hr, neither affected the cell viability determined by MTT assay, nor induced apoptosis by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. However, at concentrations higher than 15 μM, THP showed cytotoxicity through an apoptotic process. In addition, THP at 5–15 μM for both incubation time points significantly enhanced l-DOPA-induced neurotoxicity (l-DOPA concentration, 50 μM). Exposure of PC12 cells to THP, l-DOPA and THP plus l-DOPA for 48 hr resulted in a marked increase in the cell loss and percentage of apoptotic cells compared with exposure for 24 hr. The enhancing effects of THP on l-DOPA-induced neurotoxicity were concentration- and treated-time-dependent. THP, l-DOPA and THP plus l-DOPA produced a significant increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and decrease in ATP levels, supporting the involvement of oxidative stress in THP- and l-DOPA-induced apoptosis. The antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine strongly inhibited changes in apoptosis, decreases in cell viability and ROS generation induced by THP associated with l-DOPA. These results suggest that THP aggravates l-DOPA-induced oxidative neurotoxic and apoptotic effects in PC12 cells. Therefore, Parkinsonian patients treated with l-DOPA for long-term need to be monitored for the relationship between plasma concentration of THP and the symptoms of neurotoxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The inhibitory effects of tributyltin chloride (TBTC) on dopamine biosynthesis in PC12 cells were investigated. Twenty-four hour exposure to TBTC at 0.5 μM showed 32.9% inhibition of dopamine content: the IC50 value of TBTC was 0.72 μM. Dopamine content decreased at 6 h and reached a minimal level at 24 h after exposure to TBTC at 0.5 μM. The decreased dopamine level was maintained for up to 48 h. Under these conditions, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity was inhibited at 6 h following the treatment with TBTC and the activity was maintained at a reduced level for up to 48 h (20–35% inhibition at 0.5 μM of TBTC). TH mRNA level also started to decrease at about 6 h and reached a minimal level at 24 h after exposure of PC12 cells to TBTC. In addition, treatment with L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) at 20–50 μM increased the intracellular dopamine content in PC12 cells and the increase of dopamine level by L-DOPA was significantly inhibited after exposure to TBTC at 0.5–2.0 μM for 24 h. These results indicate that TBTC decreases dopamine content by the inhibition of TH activity and TH mRNA level in PC12 cells. It is, therefore, proposed that TBTC may exacerbate the Parkinson''s symptoms because of the inhibition of dopamine biosynthesis and dopamine increase induced by L-DOPA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate cartilage quality after internal fixation of osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) using second-look arthroscopies and MRIs. Thirty-four patients underwent internal fixation of OLTs involving large bone fragments. Twenty-one of these patients underwent second-look arthroscopies and 23 patients underwent MRIs postoperatively. The arthroscopic findings were assessed using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading system, and the MRI findings were evaluated using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score. Five of the patients who underwent second-look arthroscopies showed normal cartilage, 12 showed nearly normal cartilage, 3 showed abnormal cartilage, and 1 showed severely abnormal cartilage, according to the overall ICRS repair grades. All the patients who achieved bone fragment union showed normal, or nearly normal cartilage upon second-look arthroscopy. The ICRS and MOCART scores were significantly higher for the patients with bone fragment union compared to those with nonunion (ICRS scores: 10.3 ± 1.5 vs. 6.0 ± 2.0, p < 0.001, MOCART score: 88.3 ± 10.0 vs. 39.0 ± 20.4, p < 0.001). Low signal intensities of the bone fragments on preoperative T1-weighted MRIs were not associated with nonunion (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.55), and the signal intensities increased postoperatively to levels similar to the underlying talus when bone union was achieved. Second-look arthroscopy and MRI showed normal, or nearly normal, cartilage after internal fixation of OLTs when bone union was achieved. The nonunion of bone fragments resulted in inferior cartilage quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies that have assessed the associations between obesity and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) have reported inconsistent results. This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the associations between three waist circumference (WC)-related obesity metrics (waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and waist-to-height0.5 ratio (WHt.5R)) and eGFRs. This study included 2133 men and 3443 women who were older than 40 years with eGFRs ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m² from the Korean Multi-Rural Communities Cohort. We calculated the residual body mass index (BMI) to reduce multicollinearity among the obesity metrics and performed multiple linear regression. For both sexes, among the adjusted models, most of the general obesity metrics were significantly associated with eGFRs. Particularly for women, the WC-related and general obesity metrics had a stronger effect on eGFRs in the quartile models that included the BMI and the residual BMI, respectively. When WC-related obesity metrics had a stronger effect than the general obesity metric, for both sexes, WHtR showed a significant impact than WHt.5R and WHR on eGFRs. Reducing multicollinearity had an important role in assessing the obesity metrics' association with eGFRs. Overall, applying the residual method in further studies might help with evaluating the obesity paradox on renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to determine whether various novel inflammatory, angiogenic, and extracellular matrix-related mediators in amniotic fluid (AF) can independently predict emergency cerclage outcomes in women with acute cervical insufficiency (CI). Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted among 50 singleton pregnant women (18–25 weeks) who underwent emergency cerclage for CI and were subjected to amniocentesis. The AF samples were assayed for endoglin, endostatin, haptoglobin, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-3, -4, kallistatin, lumican, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), pentraxin 3, p-selectin, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), resistin, transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI), and vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) levels. Interleukin (IL)-6 levels in the AF were also measured for comparison with potential biomarkers assessed in this study. The primary endpoint was spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) at <34 weeks following emergency cerclage. Results: The AF levels of pentraxin 3, RAGE, and resistin were significantly higher in women who had SPTD at <34 weeks after cerclage placement (pentraxin-3: P = 0.003; RAGE: P = 0.041; and resistin; P = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, elevated AF levels of pentraxin 3 (P = 0.007) and resistin (P = 0.006), but not those of RAGE (P = 0.069), were independently associated with the occurrence of SPTD at <34 weeks after cerclage, following adjustment for baseline clinical variables (e.g., cervical dilation). The area under the curve (AUC) values of AF pentraxin 3, RAGE, and resistin for the prediction of SPTD at <34 weeks were 0.749, 0.669, and 0.770, respectively, which were similar to those of AF IL-6. However, in univariate analyses, no differences in the AF levels of endoglin, endostatin, haptoglobin, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, kallistatin, lumican, p-selectin, TGFBI, and VDBP were found to be associated with SPTD at <34 weeks after cerclage placement. Conclusions: In women with acute CI, the AF levels of pentraxin 3, RAGE, and resistin could be useful novel biomarkers for predicting SPTD following emergency cerclage. However, the clinical utility of these new biomarkers should be validated in larger multicenter studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to conduct a comparative evaluation of various noninvasive tests (NITs) for risk stratification in at-risk population for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), focusing on cardiovascular and liver-related mortality. A total of 21,715 adults aged 40 years and older were enrolled at baseline. The mean follow-up period was 12.39 years. Three types of NITs (fibrosis-4 index [FIB-4], NAFLD fibrosis score [NFS], and steatosis-associated fibrosis estimator [SAFE] score) were used. When using the low cut-off as a 'rule-out' strategy, there were no significant differences in cardiovascular mortality between the 'rule-out' (low-risk) group and the 'rule-in' (intermediate- or high-risk) group based on FIB-4 (aHR = 1.029, P = 0.845) or NFS (aHR = 0.839, P = 0.271) classification. However, the SAFE score exhibited higher sensitivity in predicting cardiovascular mortality compared to FIB-4 or NFS (73.3% in SAFE score vs. 29.6% in FIB-4 or 21.3% in NFS). Only the SAFE score could effectively differentiate the risk between low- and intermediate- or high-risk groups for all types of mortality (all P values for aHR < 0.001). The low cutoff value of the SAFE score discriminated not only liver-related mortality but also identified the cardiovascular high-risk group in the community cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of effective therapeutic agents against neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) remains challenging. Neurotoxicity, inflammations, and oxidative stress are associating factors of NDDs. Sodium butyrate (NaB) is a short-chain fatty acid found in diet and produced in the gut that reportedly protects cancer, inflammation, obesity and so on. Previously, SH-SY5Y cells were studied as in vitro models of cerebral diseases. We have investigated the neuroprotective effects of NaB in SH-SY5Y cells stimulated with TNF-α. The expression of inflammatory mediators, including iNOS, COX-2, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and the apoptotic regulators, including P-53, Bcl-2 associated X (BAX) Protein, and caspase-3 were analyzed by western blot analysis. The anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and the pro-apoptotic gene BAX translocation were also investigated. Our results showed that NaB attenuated cell death and inhibited the NO production and decreased the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in TNF-α-stimulated SH-SY5Y cells. NaB notably ameliorated apoptotic regulatory proteins p-53, Caspase-3 and caspase-1 level, and reversed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and p-38 proteins. NaB ameliorated Glucocorticoid receptor and NLRP3 inflammasome expressions. NaB also suppressed the BAX nuclear translocation and modulated Nrf-2, HO-1 and MnSOD expression in neuroblastoma cells. In addition, NaB substantially reversed the reactive oxygen species in H2O2 induced SH-SY5Y cells. Altogether, our results suggest that sodium butyrate has potential therapeutic effects against NDDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute ankle fractures can occur during sports activities, and unstable ankle fractures are commonly treated operatively. However, controversy exists about the optimal time to allow weightbearing. Hypothesis: Early weightbearing after the stable fixation of an ankle fracture is not inferior to nonweightbearing in terms of ankle function assessed at 12 months after injury. Study design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 258 patients were assessed for eligibility. Of these patients, 194 were randomly allocated to either the early weightbearing group (95 patients who were allowed weightbearing at 2 weeks postoperatively) or the nonweightbearing group (99 patients who were not allowed weightbearing until 6 weeks postoperatively). The primary outcome measure was the mean difference in the Olerud-Molander ankle score (OMAS) between the groups, assessed at the 12-month follow-up examination. The secondary outcome measures were the time to return to preinjury activities and patients' subjective satisfaction. Complications such as hardware loosening or failure, fracture displacement, and nonunion were evaluated. Results: The mean difference in the OMAS for the early weightbearing group compared with the nonweightbearing group was 1.6 (95% CI, –1.9 to 5.0) in the intention-to-treat analysis. The lower limit of the 95% CI (–1.9) exceeded the noninferiority margin of –8, indicating that early weightbearing was not inferior to nonweightbearing. The difference in the proportion of patients who were satisfied or very satisfied with their treatment was not statistically significant (84.3% vs 76.2%; P =.19); however, the time taken to return to preinjury activities was shorter with early weightbearing than with nonweightbearing (9.1 ± 3.0 vs 11.0 ± 3.0 weeks; P <.001). No cases of nonunion were observed in either group. Conclusion: Early weightbearing after the operative treatment of an unstable ankle fracture was not inferior to nonweightbearing in terms of OMAS assessed at 12 months after injury. The patients' subjective satisfaction was similar between the groups, although the time taken to return to preinjury activities was shorter in the early weightbearing group. Registration: NCT02029170 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An efficient synthesis of 2-bromohomoallylic alcohols was carried out via an indium-mediated Barbier-type 2-bromoallylation of aldehydes in moderate yields. The reaction was performed at low temperature (−20°C) in aqueous DMF in order to minimize decomposition of 2-bromoallylindium reagent to allene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]