Search

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter required for excitation/inhibition balance is synthesized by the glutamic acid decarboxylases (GADs) in GABAergic neurons. The levels and activity of GADs are strongly correlated with GABA and neural transmission. Dysregulation of GADs and GABA is associated with various neurological disorders. The study used psoralidin, found in the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, to investigate its effect on GAD levels and regulatory mechanisms in primary cortical neurons. Psoralidin reduced GAD67 through transcriptional regulation. The reduction was not mediated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. Additionally, psoralidin attenuated the formation of inhibitory synapses in primary hippocampal neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters represent formidable precursors of cancer metastasis due to their heightened immune resistance against natural killer (NK) cells. Despite this, the cytotoxicity of NK cells against CTC clusters, particularly their interaction with other immune cells such as neutrophils, remains inadequately examined. This study introduces a dual‐nozzle integrated droplet microfluidic chip (dual‐nozzle chip) designed to facilitate the deterministic encapsulation of three distinct cell types—CTCs, NK cells, and neutrophils—to monitor the dynamic cytotoxicity between immune cells and target cells. The dual‐nozzle chip comprises double‐spiral channels and a serpentine channel for inertial cell focusing, alongside dual‐nozzle oil phases employed to generate monodisperse droplets at high flow rates. Utilizing Rayleigh–Plateau instability, the focused cell streams, characterized by high inertia, undergo pinching off into monodisperse droplets at the flow‐focusing junction, where dual‐nozzle oil phases are introduced. Consequently, triple cells are paired at the desired ratios, overcoming the intrinsic challenge posed by the Poisson distribution. A droplet‐based assay demonstrates that NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity varies depending on the type of cancer cells and the presence of suppressor cells. The design strategy of the dual‐nozzle chip exhibits promises for broader applications, emphasizing its potential for analyzing diverse cell‐to‐cell interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring tissue oxygen concentration is crucial in understanding the pathophysiological process of hypoxia in head and neck cancer (HNC) and its significant role in cancer biology. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of T1 mapping using a variable flip angle (VFA) technique with stack of stars (SOS) trajectory sampling in HNC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT). To evaluate the ability of SOS acquisition to detect T1, a phantom study was conducted and compared to conventional Cartesian acquisition (CART). Additionally, four newly diagnosed patients were recruited and underwent two scans each at baseline and inter-treatment. The repeatability of SOS and CART acquisitions was assessed by comparing the T1 measurements of CSF from the baseline and intra-treatment MRI studies. The changes in ∆T1 of the tumors during air and oxygen inhalation between baseline and inter-treatment scans were also evaluated. Our study found that the 3D VFA SOS sequence was effective in reducing motion artifacts compared to the conventional VFA sequence with CART sampling and the same scan time, as demonstrated by the results from the phantom and patient studies. In terms of repeatability, no significant correlation was observed between the variability in ΔT1 measurements of CSF obtained from SOS T1 maps. The SOS ΔT1 measurements showed higher consistency, as evidenced by the ICC values ranging from 0.52 to 0.92. The ∆T1 measurements on the primary tumors increased after the first CRT (p<0.05) for all patients who showed a positive treatment response, except for one patient (0.05

This article explores the historical narrative of Zainichi Koreans in the Japanese actress Shin’ya Eiko’s solo performance of Shinsetaryon in an attempt to reflect on the decolonisation process between Japanese and Koreans in postwar Japan. In Shinsetaryon, the Zainichi Korean protagonist, Sin Yŏng-suk, narrates her life story interwoven with historical incidents in Japan and Korea during and after Japanese colonial rule. I argue that Shin’ya treated her performance as an apology for her ignorance of the plight of Zainichi Koreans, who have struggled politically and socially in both imperial and post-imperial Japan. She continually revised the script to include her growing understanding about unseen others in the narrative, positing herself as an aggressor who did not completely understand the formerly colonised Koreans. Through these revisions Shin’ya clarified her sense of distance from the Zainichi Korean protagonist, which was essential if her performance was to constitute an apology. She also challenged the idea of the linguistic hierarchy between the Japanese and Korean languages, which is a legacy of Japan’s assimilation policy during the colonial period. In doing so, Shinsetaryon suggested the possibility of remembering the Japanese empire in multiple ways without assimilation between the former coloniser and the colonised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One exercise session can increase subsequent insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (ISGU) by skeletal muscle from rodents and humans of both sexes. We recently found that concurrent mutation of three key sites to prevent their phosphorylation (Ser588, Thr642, and Ser704) on Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160; also known as TBC1D4) reduced the magnitude of the enhancement of postexercise ISGU (PEX-ISGU) by muscle from male, but not female rats. However, we did not test the role of individual phosphorylation sites on PEX-ISGU. Accordingly, our current aim was to test whether AS160 Ser704 phosphorylation (pSer704) is required for elevated PEX-ISGU by muscle. AS160-knockout (AS160-KO) rats (female and male) were studied when either in sedentary or 3 h after acute exercise. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors were used to enable muscle expression of wild-type AS160 (AAV-WT-AS160) or AS160 mutated Ser704 to alanine to prevent phosphorylation (AAV-1P-AS160). Paired epitrochlearis muscles from each rat were injected with AAV-WT-AS160 or AAV-1P-AS160. We discovered that regardless of sex 1) AS160 abundance in AS160-KO rats was similar in paired muscles expressing WT-AS160 versus 1P-AS160; 2) muscles from exercised versus sedentary rats had greater ISGU, and PEX-ISGU was slightly greater for muscles expressing 1P-AS160 versus contralateral muscles expressing WT-AS160; and 3) pAS160Thr642 was lower in muscles expressing 1P-AS160 versus paired muscles expressing WT-AS160. These results indicate that pAS160Ser704 was not essential for elevated PEX-ISGU by skeletal muscle from rats of either sex. Furthermore, elimination of the postexercise increase in pAS160Thr642 did not lessen the postexercise effect on ISGU. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: The current study evaluated the role of Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160) phosphorylation on Ser704 in increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by skeletal muscle after exercise. Adeno-associated virus vectors were engineered to express either wild-type-AS160 or AS160 mutated so that it could not be phosphorylated on Ser704 in paired muscles from AS160-knockout rats. The results demonstrated that AS160 phosphorylation on Ser704 was not essential for exercise-induced elevation in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by rats of either sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SUVmax is a measure of FDG uptake and is related with tumor aggressiveness in thyroid cancer, however, its association with molecular pathways is unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between SUVmax and gene expression profiles in 80 papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. We conducted an analysis of DEGs and enriched pathways in relation to SUVmax and tumor size. SUVmax showed a positive correlation with tumor size and correlated with glucose metabolic process. The genes that indicate thyroid differentiation, such as SLC5A5 and TPO, were negatively correlated with SUVmax. Unsupervised analysis revealed that SUVmax positively correlated with DNA replication(r = 0.29, p = 0.009), pyrimidine metabolism(r = 0.50, p < 0.0001) and purine metabolism (r = 0.42, p = 0.0001). Based on subgroups analysis, we identified that PSG5, TFF3, SOX2, SL5A5, SLC5A7, HOXD10, FER1L6, and IFNA1 genes were found to be significantly associated with tumor aggressiveness. Both high SUVmax PTMC and macro-PTC are enriched in pathways of DNA replication and cell cycle, however, gene sets for purine metabolic pathways are enriched only in high SUVmax macro-PTC but not in high SUVmax PTMC. Our findings demonstrate the molecular characteristics of high SUVmax tumor and metabolism involved in tumor growth in differentiated thyroid cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: With the analysis of nationwide health claim data, treatment with the composite agent of SERMs and vitamin D reduces the risk of osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture better compared to SERMs treatment in women with osteoporosis aged ≥ 50 years. Purpose: This study compared the potential of the composite agent of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and vitamin D (SERM + VitD) with that of SERMs-only for fracture prevention and mortality reduction in women aged ≥ 50 years. Methods: The incidence of osteoporotic fracture (fractures of the vertebrae, hip, wrist, or humerus) and all-cause death after treatment with SERM + VitD and SERMs were characterized using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database 2017–2019. The participants were divided into two groups (SERM + VitD vs SERMs). After exclusion and propensity score matching, 2,885 patients from each group were included in the analysis. Fracture incidence was compared between groups. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to compare mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to compare the risks of fracture occurrence and mortality between the groups. Results: The incidence rate (138.6/10,000 vs. 192.4/10,000 person-years), and risk of osteoporotic fractures (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–0.97; p = 0.024) were lower in the SERM + VitD group than in the SERMs group. Analysis for specific fractures showed a lower hazard of hip fracture in the SERM + VitD group (HR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09–0.71; p = 0.009). No difference was observed between the groups regarding mortality. Conclusion: The risk of osteoporotic fractures, especially hip fractures, was lower in the SERM + VitD group than in the SERMs group. Therefore, the composite agent of SERMs and vitamin D can be considered as a viable option for postmenopausal women with a relatively low fracture risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Long COVID" is a term used to describe a condition when the symptoms and signs associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) persist for more than three months among patients infected with COVID-19; this condition has been reported globally and poses a serious public health issue. Long COVID can manifest in various forms, highlighting the need for appropriate evaluation and management by experts from various fields. However, due to the lack of clear clinical definitions, knowledge of pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, and treatment protocols, it is necessary to develop the best standard clinical guidelines based on the scientific evidence reported to date. We developed this clinical guideline for diagnosing and treating long COVID by analyzing the latest research data collected from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic until June 2023, along with the consensus of expert opinions. This guideline provides recommendations for diagnosis and treatment that can be applied in clinical practice, based on a total of 32 key questions related to patients with long COVID. The evaluation of patients with long COVID should be comprehensive, including medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and functional tests. To reduce the risk of developing long COVID, vaccination and antiviral treatment during the acute phase are recommended. This guideline will be revised when there is a reasonable need for updates based on the availability of new knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment of long COVID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study aimed to examine the safety and clinical outcomes of enhanced recovery after single-site robotic staging surgery in patients with endometrial cancer. Data were collected from Seoul St. Mary's Hospital's electronic medical records between July 2017 and August 2021. All the included endometrial cancer patients underwent single-site robotic staging surgery followed by enhanced recovery after surgery based on the guidelines for enhanced recovery after surgery society recommendations. The factors assessed were survival outcomes, complications and postoperative adjuvant therapy. Of the 60 patients included in this study, four (6.7%) experienced grade III postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery. Additionally, there were five cases (8.3%) that required a visit to the emergency room and two cases (3.3%) that necessitated readmission. Seventeen patients (28.3%) received postoperative adjuvant therapy, with treatment initiated 8 weeks after staging surgery in 14 patients (23.3%) and over 8 weeks in three patients (5.0%). The follow-up duration averaged 32.0 months (range, 3 to 60 months). No mortality was recorded during the follow-up period after staging surgery. The recurrence rate was 5.0% (n = 3), and the 3- year progression-free survival rate for the endometrioid type was 94.3%. These findings suggest that enhanced recovery after single-site robotic staging surgery is feasible for patients with endometrial cancer, yielding similar clinical outcomes and manageable complications without extending the time to adjuvant therapy initiation. However, further studies are necessary to investigate the long-term survival outcomes associated with enhanced recovery after surgery application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractGamisoyo-san is an herbal formula widely used to treat psychological issues, menopausal symptoms, and dysmenorrhea. However, there is insufficient information on its safety profile. This study aimed to confirm the genotoxic and acute toxic potential of Gamisoyo-san. We performed a battery of tests, which included a bacterial reverse mutation test (Ames test) using five bacterial strains, an in vitro chromosomal aberration test using Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells, an in vivo micronucleus test in mice, and human Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) assays. In the acute toxicity study, male and female rats were orally administered Gamisoyo-san 1000, 2000, or 5000 mg/kg and observed for 14 days. The activities of human CYP450s and UGTs were evaluated using recombinant baculosomes. Gamisoyo-san showed no signs of genotoxicity in the five bacterial strains, CHL cells, or mouse bone marrow cells. The acute toxicity test showed that the median lethal dose (LD50) of Gamisoyo-san was greater than 5000 mg/kg in rats. Gamisoyo-san inhibited the activities of CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and UGT1A1. In conclusion, Gamisoyo-san may not exert severe toxicological events or genotoxic effects at doses up to 5000 mg/kg in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some acute exercise effects are influenced by postexercise (PEX) diet, and these diet-effects are attributed to differential glycogen resynthesis. However, this idea is challenging to test rigorously. Therefore, we devised a novel genetic model to modify muscle glycogen synthase 1 (GS1) expression in rat skeletal muscle with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) short hairpin RNA knockdown vector targeting GS1 (shRNA-GS1). Contralateral muscles were injected with scrambled shRNA (shRNA-Scr). Muscles from exercised (2-hour-swim) and time-matched sedentary (Sed) rats were collected immediately postexercise (IPEX), 5-hours-PEX (5hPEX), or 9-hours-PEX (9hPEX). Rats in 5hPEX and 9hPEX experiments were refed (RF) or not-refed (NRF) chow. Muscles were analyzed for glycogen, abundance of metabolic proteins (pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4, PDK4; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α, PGC1α; hexokinase II, HKII; glucose transporter 4, GLUT4), AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation (pAMPK), and glycogen metabolism-related enzymes (glycogen phosphorylase, PYGM; glycogen debranching enzyme, AGL; glycogen branching enzyme, GBE1). shRNA-GS1 versus paired shRNA-Scr muscles had markedly lower GS1 abundance. IPEX versus Sed rats had lower glycogen and greater pAMPK, and neither of these IPEX-values differed for shRNA-GS1 versus paired shRNA-Scr muscles. IPEX versus Sed groups did not differ for abundance of metabolic proteins, regardless of GS1 knockdown. Glycogen in RF-rats was lower for shRNA-GS1 versus paired shRNA-Scr muscles at both 5hPEX and 9hPEX. HKII protein abundance was greater for 5hPEX versus Sed groups, regardless of GS1 knockdown or diet, and despite differing glycogen levels. At 9hPEX, shRNA-GS1 versus paired shRNA-Scr muscles had greater PDK4 and PGC1α abundance within each diet group. However, the magnitude of PDK4 or PGC1α changes was similar in each diet group regardless of GS1 knockdown although glycogen differed between paired muscles only in RF-rats. In summary, we established a novel genetic approach to investigate the relationship between muscle glycogen and other exercise effects. Our results suggest that exercise-effects on abundance of several metabolic proteins did not uniformly correspond to differences in postexercise glycogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study analyzed the effects of topical anti-glaucoma medications on the surgical outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) in nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent EDCR for NLDO between September 2012 and April 2021. Thirty patients with topical anti-glaucoma medications and 90 age- and sex-matched controls were included. Results: The success rate of EDCR was higher in the control group than in the anti-glaucoma group (97.8% vs. 86.7%, p = 0.034). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified prostaglandin analogs as the most influential risk factor for EDCR success among anti-glaucoma medication ingredients (p = 0.005). The success rate of the group containing all four anti-glaucoma medication ingredients was statistically significant (p = 0.010). The success rate was significantly different in the group of patients who used anti-glaucoma medication for >24 months (p = 0.019). When multiplying the number of drug ingredients by the duration in months, the group > 69 showed a significantly decreased success rate (p = 0.022). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the number of anti-glaucoma medications as the most significant risk factor for EDCR success (odds ratio, 0.437; 95% confidence interval, 0.247 to 0.772; p = 0.004). Conclusions: The authors suggest that the anti-glaucoma medications might cause NLDO and increase the failure rate after EDCR. Therefore, when performing EDCR in patients using topical anti-glaucoma medications, surgeons should consider the possibility of increased recurrence after EDCR in clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to assess the effect of Evodiae Fructus 70% ethanol extract (EFE) on the pathology of atopic dermatitis using in vitro and in vivo models. The major compounds in EFE were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry as rutaecarpine, evodiamine, evodol, dehydroevodiamine, limonin, synephrine, evocarpine, dihydroevocarpine, and hydroxyevodiamine. EFE significantly decreased chemokine levels in tumor necrosis factor-α/interferon-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. In house dust mite-treated NC/Nga mice, topical application of EFE significantly decreased the dermatitis score, epidermal hyperplasia and thickening, mast cell infiltration, and plasma levels of histamine and corticosterone. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin, CD4+ T cells, interleukin-4, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in the lesioned skin was reduced in the treated mice. The mechanism of EFE was elucidated using transcriptome analysis, followed by experimental validation using Western blotting in HaCaT cells. EFE down-regulated the activation of Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways in HaCaT cells. EFE improves atopic dermatitis-like symptoms by suppressing inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and chemokines by regulating the JAK-STAT and MAPK signaling pathways, suggesting its use as a potential agent for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sarcopenia is a key predictor of prognosis in patients with hip fractures. This study utilized computed tomography (CT) scan (1) to determine the association between psoas muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and mortality, along with other muscles, and (2) to confirm the correlation between muscle CSA and appendicular lean mass (ALM) measured using DXA in elderly patients with hip fracture. Materials and methods: Patients who were aged ≥ 50 years and underwent surgical treatment for hip fracture were eligible for this study. After a series of exclusion criteria, 217 female patients were included. Patient data, including clinical characteristics, such as body mass index (BMI), CSA, and ALM, were retrospectively collected. The Kaplan–Meier survival method and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used for the statistical analyses. The correlation between CSA/BMI and ALM was also assessed. Results: Patients in the lowest quartile of psoas muscle CSA/BMI had shorter survival times than those in the other quartiles. When the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was adjusted for multiple variables, the lowest quartile of the CSA/BMI of the psoas was a risk factor for mortality. The CSA/BMI of the psoas showed the highest correlation coefficient. The CSA/BMI ratio of the other muscles showed a moderately positive correlation with ALM. Conclusion: The CSA of the psoas is associated with prognosis in elderly patients with hip fractures and shows a moderately positive correlation with ALM. Hence, the CSA of psoas is useful for predicting survival and muscle mass in elderly patients with hip fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the plant growth-promoting effect of Bacillus subtilis PE7 on growth of melon plants. B. subtilis PE7 isolated from kimchi was identified based on colonial and microscopic morphology along with analyses of 16S rRNA and pycA gene sequences. Strain PE7 showed different levels of inhibition on phytopathogens and was able to grow at variable temperatures and pH values. Strain PE7 had the ability to produce siderophores, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), ammonia, exopolysaccharides, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase, as well as solubilize insoluble phosphate and zinc. The IAA secretion of strain PE7 showed a concentration-dependent pattern based on the concentration of l-tryptophan supplemented in the fertilizer-based culture medium. The LC-MS analysis indicates the presence of IAA in the culture filtrate of strain PE7. Treatment of the B. subtilis PE7 culture containing different metabolites, mainly IAA, significantly promoted melon growth in terms of higher growth parameters and greater plant nutrient contents compared to treatments with the culture without IAA, fertilizer, and water. The cells of B. subtilis PE7 attached to and firmly colonized the roots of the bacterized melon plants. Based on our results, B. subtilis PE7 can be utilized as a potential microbial fertilizer to substitute chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: This study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of femoral neck fractures (FNF) in patients treated with a femoral neck system (FNS, DePuy Synthes), which is a recently introduced device. Methods: This retrospective cohort study of 43 patients who underwent osteosynthesis using FNS for FNF between July 2019 and June 2021 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The researchers examined the patients' demographic factors and radiologically evaluated the fracture type and fixation status, bone union, and postoperative complications. Results: Of 43 patients, 25 were female, and the patients' mean age and body mass index were 62.1 years and 22.5 kg/m2, respectively. According to the Association of Osteosynthesis/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, the most common fracture types were 31B1.1 and B1.2 (13 cases each), followed by B2.3, B2.1, and B2.2 (seven, five, and four cases, respectively). Radiological bone union was confirmed in 39 patients (90.7%), and the mean time to union was 3.6 months. Two cases of nonunion, one case of lag screw cut-out, and one case of osteonecrosis were confirmed; all four cases later underwent arthroplasty. The mean time to reoperation was 4.5 months. Meanwhile, five patients underwent implant removal after the bone union, and distal locking screw stripping was noted in three patients. All three patients required metal plate cutting to remove the implants. Conclusions: Osteosynthesis of FNF using the newly introduced FNS showed favorable clinical outcomes and no specific hardware-related complications were reported during the follow-up. However, attention must be paid to the issue regarding distal locking screw failure during hardware removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daeshiho-tang (DSHT), a traditional herbal formula with diverse pharmacological effects, has shown promise in medicine owing to its anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying these effects remains unclear. Thus, we investigated the effect of DSHT on inflammatory response and oxidative stress to understand its molecular mechanism using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage (RAW 264.7) cells. DSHT decreased the contents of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) through downregulating inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expressions. DSHT suppressed the LPS-induced TLR4 as well as MyD88, subsequently suppressing the NF-κB activation and the phosphorylation of MAPK (p38, ERK, and JNK). Radical scavenging activity results revealed a dose-dependent response of DSHT with diminished ABTS activity, a hallmark of oxidative stress potential. Furthermore, DSHT enhanced Nrf2 and HO-1 expression in response to LPS. Collectively, our findings indicated that DSHT exert anti-inflammatory effect and regulating oxidative stress by modulating TLR4/MyD88, NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, consequently can provide potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of inflammation and oxidative stress-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative contrast agents for MRI are needed for individuals who may respond adversely to gadolinium, and need an intravascular agent for specific indications. One potential contrast agent is intracellular methemoglobin, a paramagnetic molecule that is normally present in small amounts in red blood cells. An animal model was used to determine whether methemoglobin modulation with intravenous sodium nitrite transiently changes the T1 relaxation of blood. Four adult New Zealand white rabbits were treated with 30 mg intravenous sodium nitrite. 3D TOF and 3D MPRAGE images were acquired before (baseline) and after methemoglobin modulation. T1 of blood was measured with 2D ss EPl acquisitions with inversion recovery preparation performed at two-minute intervals up to 30 min. T1 maps were calculated by fitting the signal recovery curve within major blood vessels. Baseline T1 was 1758 ± 53 ms in carotid arteries and 1716 ± 41 ms in jugular veins. Sodium nitrite significantly changed intravascular T1 relaxation. The mean minimum value of T1 was 1126 ± 28 ms in carotid arteries 8 to 10 min after the injection of sodium nitrite. The mean minimum value of T1 was 1171 ± 52 ms in jugular veins 10 to 14 min after the injection of sodium nitrite. Arterial and venous T1 recovered to baseline after a period of 30 min. Methemoglobin modulation produces intravascular contrast on T1-weighted MRI in vivo. Additional studies are needed to safely optimize methemoglobin modulation and sequence parameters for maximal tissue contrast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we investigated the photoreduction of silver (Ag) ions on gold nanorods coated with mesoporous silica shell (AuNRs@mSiO2) induced by hot electrons generated in Au via localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) excitation. In addition, we investigated chemical interface damping (CID) using pyridine as the adsorbate in single Ag‐coated AuNRs@mSiO2. The Ag deposition caused a blue shift and linewidth broadening of the LSPR peak of the AuNRs@mSiO2. The subsequent chemisorption of pyridine on Ag‐coated AuNRs@mSiO2 resulted in a red shift and additional LSPR linewidth broadening. Finally, we demonstrated real‐time time‐dependent changes in LSPR peak wavelength and linewidth during the sequential processes of hot electron‐mediated Ag deposition and pyridine adsorption on a single AuNR@mSiO2 in a flow cell. Therefore, we provided a deep understanding of hot electron‐triggered Ag coating and CID induced by pyridine adsorption in single AuNRs@mSiO2 coated with Ag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myosin phosphatase (MP) is an enzyme complex that regulates muscle contraction and plays important roles in various physiological and pathological conditions. Myosin phosphatase targeting subunit (MYPT) 2, a subunit of MP, interacts with protein phosphatase 1c to regulate its phosphatase activity. MYPT2 exists in various isoforms that differ in the composition of essential motifs that contribute to its function. However, regulatory mechanisms underlying these isoforms are poorly understood. Human leukocyte antigen-F adjacent transcript 10 (FAT10) is a ubiquitin-like modifier that not only targets proteins for proteasomal degradation but also stabilizes its interacting proteins. In this study, we investigated the effect of the interaction between FAT10 and MYPT2 isoform a (the canonical full-length form of MYPT2) or MYPT2 isoform f (the natural truncated form of MYPT2). FAT10 interacted with both MYPT2 isoforms a and f; however, only MYPT2 isoform f was increased by FAT10, whereas MYPT2 isoform a remained unaffected by FAT10. We further confirmed that, in contrast to MYPT2 isoform a, MYPT2 isoform f undergoes rapid degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and that FAT10 stabilizes MYPT2 isoform f by inhibiting its ubiquitination. Therefore, our findings suggest that the interaction between FAT10 and MYPT2 isoforms leads to distinct stabilization effects on each isoform, potentially modulating MP activity. [Display omitted] • FAT10 interacts with both MYPT2 isoform a and isoform f. • FAT10 stabilizes MYPT2 isoform f from proteasomal degradation but not MYPT2 isoform a. • FAT10 stabilizes MYPT2 isoform f by competing with ubiquitin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study experimentally confirmed the effect of TiO2 photocatalysts on the removal of indoor air pollutants. In the experiment, toluene, a representative indoor air pollutant, was removed using a coating agent containing TiO2 photocatalysts. Conditions proposed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) were applied mutatis mutandis, and a photoreactor for an experiment was manufactured. The experiment was divided into two categories. The first experiment was conducted under ISO conditions using the TiO2 photocatalyst coating agent. In the second experiment, the amount of ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light was varied depending on the lamp's service life, and the volume of the reactor was varied depending on the number of contaminants. The results showed that the TiO2 photocatalytic coating agent reduced the effect of toluene. This reduction effect can be increased as a primary function depending on the changes in the amount of UV-A light and reactor volume. However, because toluene is decomposed in this study, additional organic pollutants such as benzene and butadiene can be produced. Because these pollutants are decomposed by the TiO2 photocatalysts, the overall reduction performance may change. Nonetheless, TiO2 photocatalysts can be used to examine the effect of indoor pollutant reduction in indoor ventilation systems and building materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and charcoal filters have been applied to ventilation systems to save energy and reduce pollutants. However, such filters only work for specific types of pollutants, and their performance is not always sustainable. This study compares the pollutant reduction performance of TiO2 photocatalytic filters with HEPA and charcoal filters in mock-up experiments with toluene as the pollutant, changing air volume, and varying ventilation frequencies. The results show that the HEPA filter was ineffective at reducing toluene, and the charcoal filter was found to have the fastest reduction rate until 180 min after the start of the experiment. However, after 180 min when the charcoal filter was saturated, its pollutant reduction performance rapidly declined, resulting in low persistence. Conversely, the TiO2 photocatalytic filter had a lower reduction rate than that of the charcoal filter but had a continuous pollutant reduction performance during 720 min. Comparing the pollutant reduction effect of the TiO2 photocatalyst filter and the charcoal filter with a reduced amount based on the experimental time, the TiO2 photocatalyst filter has a maximum pollutant reduction effect of about seven times and at least about two times. This study confirms that HEPA and charcoal filters reduce gas pollutants, and it was found that combining TiO2 photocatalysts with ventilation devices can improve indoor air quality in apartment buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the dependence of the arterial input function (AIF) on the imaging z-axis and its effect on 3D DCE MRI pharmacokinetic parameters as mediated by the SPGR signal equation and Extended Tofts-Kermode model. For SPGR-based 3D DCE MRI acquisition of the head and neck, inflow effects within vessels violate the assumptions underlying the SPGR signal model. Errors in the SPGR-based AIF estimate propagate through the Extended Tofts-Kermode model to affect the output pharmacokinetic parameters. 3D DCE-MRI data were acquired for six newly diagnosed HNC patients in a prospective single arm cohort study. AIF were selected within the carotid arteries at each z-axis location. A region of interest (ROI) was placed in normal paravertebral muscle and the Extended Tofts-Kermode model solved for each pixel within the ROI for each AIF. Results were compared to those obtained with a published population average AIF. Due to inflow effect, the AIF showed extreme variation in their temporal shapes. Ktrans was most sensitive to the initial bolus concentration and showed more variation over the muscle ROI with AIF taken from the upstream portion of the carotid. k ep was less sensitive to the peak bolus concentration and showed less variation for AIF taken from the upstream portion of the carotid. Inflow effects may introduce an unknown bias to SPGR-based 3D DCE pharmacokinetic parameters. Variation in the computed parameters depends on the selected AIF location. In the context of high flow, measurements may be limited to relative rather than absolute quantitative parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis demonstrated that a greater prevalence of delayed union and nonunion and a longer time to fracture healing in the group that did not receive TPTD treatment after AFFs than in the group that received TPTD treatment. Purpose: To date, there is no hard evidence for medical management after atypical femoral fracture (AFF), even though weak data indicate faster healing with teriparatide (TPTD). Herein, we aimed to investigate the effect of postfracture TPTD treatment on AFF healing using a pairwise meta-analysis focusing on delayed union, nonunion, and fracture healing time. Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE (PUBMED), Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed for studies investigating the effect of TPTD after AFF up to October 11, 2022. We compared the incidence of delayed union and nonunion and the time of fracture healing between the TPTD (+) and TPTD (-) groups. Results: The 6 studies analyzed a total of 214 AFF patients, including 93 who received TPTD therapy after AFF and 121 who did not. The pooled analysis showed a significantly higher rate of delayed union in the TPTD (-) group than in the TPTD (+) group (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.11–0.52; P < 0.01; I2 = 0%), and a higher nonunion rate was observed in the TPTD (-) group than in the TPTD (+) group with low heterogeneity (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06–0.78; P = 0.02; I2 = 0%). The TPTD (-) group required 1.69 months longer to achieve fracture union than the TPTD (+) group, with statistical significance (MD = − 1.69, 95% CI: − 2.44 to − 0.95, P < 0.01; I2 = 13%). Subgroup analysis for patients with complete AFF showed that the TPTD (-) group had a higher rate of delayed union with low heterogeneity (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10–0.51; P < 0.01; I2 = 0%), but there was no significant difference in the nonunion rate between TPTD (+) and TPTD (-) groups (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.06–2.21; P = 0.25; I2 = 0%). Fracture healing took significantly longer in the TPTD (-) group (MD = − 1.81, 95% CI: − 2.55 to − 1.08; P < 0.01; I2 = 48%). The reoperation rate showed no significant difference between the two groups (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.07–1.20; P = 0.09; I2 = 0%). Conclusions: The current meta-analysis supported the hypothesis that TPTD treatment following AFF might benefit fracture healing, lowering the rate of delayed union and nonunion and shortening the fracture healing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tamsulosin is an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Palmijihwang-hwan (PMJHH) is a traditional herbal formula for treating prostatic disorders and is often used with tamsulosin for treating LUTS/BPH. The co-administration of herbal medicines and conventional drugs increases the potential for clinically considerable herb−drug interactions. Hence, it is important to evaluate the safety of such combinations of drugs. This study aimed to investigate the influence of PMJHH on the pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin in rats. Materials and Methods: We developed and validated a simple and rapid method to determine the plasma levels of tamsulosin in rats using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) system. After oral administration of tamsulosin (2 mg/kg), either alone or in combination with PMJHH (930 mg/kg), to rats, blood samples were collected at various times and used for pharmacokinetic studies. The pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using a non-compartmental model. Results: Compared to tamsulosin alone, co-administration of PMJHH had no significant effects on any pharmacokinetic parameters of tamsulosin, including maximal plasma concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax (Tmax), terminal elimination half-life (t 1/2), AUC from time 0 to the last observation (AUC0−t), mean residence from time 0 to infinity (MRT0−∞), apparent oral clearance (Cl/F), and apparent volume of distribution during terminal elimination (Vz/F). Conclusion: The pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin were not affected by the co-administration of PMJHH. Our findings, therefore, validate the safety of the combination of tamsulosin and PMJHH commonly used for treating LUTS/BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the usefulness of multi-phase liver CT and single-phase abdominopelvic CT (APCT) in evaluating liver metastasis in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 7621 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (mean age, 49.7 years ± 10.1; 7598 women) who underwent single-phase APCT (n = 5536) or multi-phase liver CT (n = 2085) for staging workup between January 2016 and June 2019 were included. The staging CTs were categorized as having no metastasis, probable metastasis, or indeterminate lesions. MRI referral rate (proportion of patients underwent additional liver MRI), negative MRI rate (patients without true hepatic metastasis / patients underwent liver MRI), true positive CT rate (patients with true metastasis / patients categorized as probable metastasis), true metastasis rate among CT indeterminate (patients with true metastasis / patients categorized as indeterminate lesions), and overall liver metastasis rate were compared between the two groups. Further, the radiation dose was recorded for every patient. Results: The proportions of having no metastasis and indeterminate lesions on the results of CT interpretation were significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.006). However, the MRI referral rate, negative MR rate, true positive CT rate, true metastasis rate among CT indeterminate, and overall liver metastasis rate were not significantly different between the two groups. Radiation dose of multi-phase CT was three times higher than that of single-phase CT. Conclusion: Multi-phase liver CT has little benefit over single-phase APCT in assessing liver metastasis in patients with breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a highly conserved, heterotrimeric serine/threonine kinase with critical sensory and regulatory functions, is proposed to induce antiaging actions of caloric restriction (CR). Although earlier studies assessed CR's effects on AMPK in rodent skeletal muscle, the scope of these studies was narrow with a limited focus on older animals. This study's purpose was to fill important knowledge gaps related to CR's influence on AMPK in skeletal muscle of older animals. Therefore, using epitrochlearis muscles from 24-month-old ad-libitum fed (AL) and CR (consuming 65% of AL intake for 8 weeks), male Fischer-344 × Brown Norway F1 rats, we determined: (a) AMPK Thr172 phosphorylation (a key regulatory site) by immunoblot; (b) AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 activity (representing the 2 catalytic α-subunits of AMPK), and AMPKγ3 activity (representing AMPK complexes that include the skeletal muscle-selective regulatory γ3 subunit) using enzymatic assays; (c) phosphorylation of multiple protein substrates that are linked to CR-related effects (acetyl-CoA carboxylase [ACC], that regulates lipid oxidation; Beclin-1 and ULK1 that are autophagy regulatory proteins; Raptor, mTORC1 complex protein that regulates autophagy; TBC1D1 and TBC1D4 that regulate glucose uptake) by immunoblot; and (d) ATP and AMP concentrations (key AMPK regulators) by mass spectrometry. The results revealed significant CR-associated increases in the phosphorylation of AMPKThr172 and 4 AMPK substrates (ACC, Beclin-1, TBC1D1, and TBC1D4), without significant diet-related differences in ATP or AMP concentration or AMPKα1-, AMPKα2-, or AMPKγ3-associated activity. The enhanced phosphorylation of multiple AMPK substrates provides novel mechanistic insights linking AMPK to functionally important consequences of CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Despite the progress in diagnostics and therapeutics, epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a fatal disease. Using shallow whole-genome sequencing (WGS), we identified copy number variations (CNVs). In addition, we quantified chromosomal instability using genome-wide instability and found that it could detect newly diagnosed EOC. In addition, the data showed RAB25 amplification (alone or with CA125), and disease-free survival and overall survival. Our data demonstrated that cfDNA, detected by shallow WGS, represents a potential tool for diagnosing EOC and predicting its prognosis. Despite the progress in diagnostics and therapeutics, epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a fatal disease. Using shallow whole-genome sequencing of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA), we investigated biomarkers that could detect EOC and predict survival. Plasma cfDNA from 40 EOC patients and 20 healthy subjects were analyzed by shallow whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify copy number variations (CNVs) and determine the Z-scores of genes. In addition, we also calculated the genome-wide scores (Gi scores) to quantify chromosomal instability. We found that the Gi scores could distinguish EOC patients from healthy subjects and identify various EOC histological subtypes (e.g., high-grade serous carcinoma). In addition, we characterized EOC CNVs and demonstrated a relationship between RAB25 amplification (alone or with CA125), and disease-free survival and overall survival. This study identified RAB25 amplification as a predictor of EOC patient survival. Moreover, we showed that Gi scores could detect EOC. These data demonstrated that cfDNA, detected by shallow WGS, represented a potential tool for diagnosing EOC and predicting its prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Risk of developing ovarian cancer increases if there is a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer, and one of the causes is mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Therefore, people with a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer may undergo BRCA1/2 genetic testing to prevent ovarian cancer, and if a mutation is discovered, they visit clinic more often than those who do not. However, there are many cases where ovarian cancer occurs even when gene mutations are not identified, we investigate to find factors that affect the development of ovarian cancer other than the BRCA1/2 genes. Methods: We reviewed anonymized data of ovarian cancer 2,176 patients and healthy 273 subjects from clinical data warehouse for finding ovarian cancer risk factor. Familial history, age at menarche, menopause status, pregnancy history, and BRCA1, BRCA2 mutations were also analyzed. Results: In univariate analysis, significant variables with p<0.05 were identified as factors such as number of family cancers(breast/ovary/pancreas), BRCA1 mutant and variants of uncertain significance (VUS), number of BRCA family cancers, pregnancy history, and body mass index 23 kg/m² or higher. When multivariate analysis was performed using the stepwise method, number of family cancers(breast/ovary/pancreas), BRCA1 mutant, and VUS were confirmed as meaningful results. Conclusion: Therefore, continuous follow-up will be necessary for the healthy people with not only for the number of family cancers but also for BRCA1/2 VUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycin D (ActD) is an antineoplastic antibiotic that has been commonly used for the treatment of various tumors, including Wilms' tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Recent studies have proposed actinomycin D (ActD) as a novel therapeutic candidate for glioblastoma. ActD significantly reduces tumor growth in recurrent glioblastoma patient-derived mouse models and increases survival by downregulating SOX2 expression. However, ActD treatment of brain tumors can lead to unnecessary exposure of surrounding neurons and normal glial cells to ActD. Cellular and molecular studies are required to estimate and minimize the neurological side effects of ActD. This study investigated the short- and long-term toxicological responses of the primary cortical neurons to ActD. We examined concentration-dependent survival of primary cortical neurons and differential susceptibilities of excitatory, inhibitory neurons, and glial cells to ActD. Distinct alterations in intracellular signaling pathways in cortical neurons were also studied when exposed to ActD. Importantly, we found that primary cortical neurons after ActD discontinuation showed active intracellular signaling pathways responding to extracellular neurotropic factors, but they had extremely poor transcription activity reversibility that was inhibited even by 30-min low-dose ActD exposure. These findings indicate the direct toxicity and extremely poor reversibility of ActD in neurons during chemotherapy for brain tumors. • Recent studies have proposed actinomycin D (ActD) as a novel therapeutic candidate for glioblastoma. • Neurons have extremely poor transcription activity reversibility to ActD. • Identifying reversible analogs of ActD may be useful for the treatment of glioblastoma without major neuronal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of a mesoporous structure in platinum nanoparticles can effectively enhance physical and chemical properties. In this study, mesoporous platinum nanoparticles (MPNs) were synthesized by a soft template-mediated one-pot chemical method. To develop a mesoporous structure, Pluronic F-127 was employed. The Pluronic F-127 surfactant forms self-assembled micelles, and the micelles act as the pore-directing agents in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy results revealed that the MPN had a uniform size of 70 nm on average and a distinct mesoporous structure. The development of a concave mesoporous structure on the surface of the MPNs can increase the surface area and facilitate the efficient transport of reactants. The synthesized MPNs exhibited peroxidase-like activity. Furthermore, the MPNs showed excellent catalytic efficiency compared to HRP, due to the high surface area derived from the presence of the mesoporous structure. The peroxidase-like MPNs were applied to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of C-reactive protein (CRP). The MPN-based ELISA exhibited sensitive CRP detection in the range from 0.24 to 7.8 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.13 ng/mL. Moreover, the recoveries of the CRP concentrations in spiked human serum were 98.6% and 102%. These results demonstrate that as a peroxidase mimic, the MPNs can replace the natural enzymes in conventional ELISA for sensitive CRP detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between phase angle, muscle strength, and muscle mass in patients undergoing kidney transplantation.Patients whose pre- and follow-up phase angles were measured after kidney transplantation were enrolled. Phase angle and body composition were measured using a multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis device before and at 7 and 14 days and 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. Muscle strength was evaluated using handgrip strength (HGS). Low HGS was defined as < 28 kg in males and < 18 kg in females. Low muscle mass was defined as an appendicular lean mass index of < 7.0 kg/m2 in males and < 5.7 kg/m2 in females.Eighty-eight patients (mean age 52.3 ± 10.1 years) were analyzed. The mean phase angle of pre-transplantation was 5.0 ± 1.0°. Body fat percentage was significantly higher at 6 and 12 months after transplantation than pre-transplantation (P < 0.0001). Twelve months after kidney transplantation, the prevalence of low HGS decreased (pre-transplantation vs. 12 months post-transplantation: 28.4% vs. 17.0%), and the prevalence of low muscle mass (pre-transplantation vs. 12 months post-transplantation: 21.6% vs. 28.4%) increased. The pre-transplantation phase angle was significantly associated with low muscle mass at 12 months after kidney transplantation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16–0.72; P = 0.005). The pre-transplantation phase angle was not significantly associated with low HGS (OR: 0.37; 95% CI 0.12–1.17; P = 0.090) 12 months after kidney transplantation.Pre-transplantation phase angle can predict muscle mass status 12 months after kidney transplantation.Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the association between phase angle, muscle strength, and muscle mass in patients undergoing kidney transplantation.Patients whose pre- and follow-up phase angles were measured after kidney transplantation were enrolled. Phase angle and body composition were measured using a multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis device before and at 7 and 14 days and 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. Muscle strength was evaluated using handgrip strength (HGS). Low HGS was defined as < 28 kg in males and < 18 kg in females. Low muscle mass was defined as an appendicular lean mass index of < 7.0 kg/m2 in males and < 5.7 kg/m2 in females.Eighty-eight patients (mean age 52.3 ± 10.1 years) were analyzed. The mean phase angle of pre-transplantation was 5.0 ± 1.0°. Body fat percentage was significantly higher at 6 and 12 months after transplantation than pre-transplantation (P < 0.0001). Twelve months after kidney transplantation, the prevalence of low HGS decreased (pre-transplantation vs. 12 months post-transplantation: 28.4% vs. 17.0%), and the prevalence of low muscle mass (pre-transplantation vs. 12 months post-transplantation: 21.6% vs. 28.4%) increased. The pre-transplantation phase angle was significantly associated with low muscle mass at 12 months after kidney transplantation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16–0.72; P = 0.005). The pre-transplantation phase angle was not significantly associated with low HGS (OR: 0.37; 95% CI 0.12–1.17; P = 0.090) 12 months after kidney transplantation.Pre-transplantation phase angle can predict muscle mass status 12 months after kidney transplantation.Results: This study aimed to evaluate the association between phase angle, muscle strength, and muscle mass in patients undergoing kidney transplantation.Patients whose pre- and follow-up phase angles were measured after kidney transplantation were enrolled. Phase angle and body composition were measured using a multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis device before and at 7 and 14 days and 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. Muscle strength was evaluated using handgrip strength (HGS). Low HGS was defined as < 28 kg in males and < 18 kg in females. Low muscle mass was defined as an appendicular lean mass index of < 7.0 kg/m2 in males and < 5.7 kg/m2 in females.Eighty-eight patients (mean age 52.3 ± 10.1 years) were analyzed. The mean phase angle of pre-transplantation was 5.0 ± 1.0°. Body fat percentage was significantly higher at 6 and 12 months after transplantation than pre-transplantation (P < 0.0001). Twelve months after kidney transplantation, the prevalence of low HGS decreased (pre-transplantation vs. 12 months post-transplantation: 28.4% vs. 17.0%), and the prevalence of low muscle mass (pre-transplantation vs. 12 months post-transplantation: 21.6% vs. 28.4%) increased. The pre-transplantation phase angle was significantly associated with low muscle mass at 12 months after kidney transplantation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16–0.72; P = 0.005). The pre-transplantation phase angle was not significantly associated with low HGS (OR: 0.37; 95% CI 0.12–1.17; P = 0.090) 12 months after kidney transplantation.Pre-transplantation phase angle can predict muscle mass status 12 months after kidney transplantation.Conclusions: This study aimed to evaluate the association between phase angle, muscle strength, and muscle mass in patients undergoing kidney transplantation.Patients whose pre- and follow-up phase angles were measured after kidney transplantation were enrolled. Phase angle and body composition were measured using a multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis device before and at 7 and 14 days and 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. Muscle strength was evaluated using handgrip strength (HGS). Low HGS was defined as < 28 kg in males and < 18 kg in females. Low muscle mass was defined as an appendicular lean mass index of < 7.0 kg/m2 in males and < 5.7 kg/m2 in females.Eighty-eight patients (mean age 52.3 ± 10.1 years) were analyzed. The mean phase angle of pre-transplantation was 5.0 ± 1.0°. Body fat percentage was significantly higher at 6 and 12 months after transplantation than pre-transplantation (P < 0.0001). Twelve months after kidney transplantation, the prevalence of low HGS decreased (pre-transplantation vs. 12 months post-transplantation: 28.4% vs. 17.0%), and the prevalence of low muscle mass (pre-transplantation vs. 12 months post-transplantation: 21.6% vs. 28.4%) increased. The pre-transplantation phase angle was significantly associated with low muscle mass at 12 months after kidney transplantation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16–0.72; P = 0.005). The pre-transplantation phase angle was not significantly associated with low HGS (OR: 0.37; 95% CI 0.12–1.17; P = 0.090) 12 months after kidney transplantation.Pre-transplantation phase angle can predict muscle mass status 12 months after kidney transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edge/fog computing is a new computing paradigm where fully distributed fog/edge nodes located near end devices provide computing resources. The article "Distributed Agent-Based Orchestrator Model for Fog Computing" by Agnius Liutkevicius et al. [[1]] presents a distributed agent-based orchestrator model that enables flexible service provisioning in a dynamic fog computing environment, accounting for the resource constraints and security levels of fog nodes. By analyzing, filtering, and processing at local fog/edge nodes instead of transferring tremendous amounts of data to centralized cloud servers, fog/edge computing can significantly reduce processing delay and network traffic. [Extracted from the article]

Long-lasting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms beyond 12 weeks, the so-called ‘long COVID’ have been increasingly reported worldwide. Long COVID can be manifested in various forms, and there is an increasing demand for proper assessment and management. However, it is challenging when trying to determine the best-practice standards of care based on the current evidence because there is no internationally agreed clinical definition or clear treatment pathway. Therefore, the present guidelines have been drafted to provide advice on diagnosis and management based on the latest updated available evidence and the consensus of expert opinion. So far, no standard test and drug treatment can be strongly recommended for patients with long COVID because of a lack of evidence. The present guidelines provide advice based on 12 key questions, including appropriate interventions for long COVID that can be used in clinical practice. Continuous careful observation and studies related to long COVID are needed for the long-term impact of COVID-19 and proper management for long COVID to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the interobserver reliability of syndesmosis assessment using intraoperative ankle mortise fluoroscopic images, with and without contralateral images. Methods: A survey of 19 operative ankle fracture cases was administered to 17 orthopedic surgeons. Respondents were presented with fluoroscopic mortise and stress images of the ankle after fracture fixation and asked if they would fix the syndesmosis. Final fluoroscopic mortise images were then shown, and respondents were asked to assess the reduction of the syndesmosis. Six weeks later, the survey was administered again with the addition of contralateral fluoroscopic ankle mortise images. Responses were compared to a standard response agreed upon by fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons. Results: Interobserver reliability for syndesmosis fixation and reduction, with and without contralateral images, was considered weak (kappa 0.48 and 0.43; mean difference 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01 to 0.1) and minimal (kappa 0.25 and 0.22; mean difference 0.02, CI − 0.02 to 0.08). With the addition of contralateral mortise images, the number of surgeons who changed their response for syndesmosis fixation and reduction quality ranged from 0% to 41% and 0% to 88%; with the number of responses matching the standard increasing for both fixation (proportional difference (PD) 7%, CI 1% to 14%) and reduction (PD 14%, CI 7% to 21%); Conclusions: Interobserver reliability of syndesmosis fixation and reduction remained weak to minimal between surgeons, with and without contralateral images. Future studies are necessary to understand the variability in surgeon responses in order to improve the intraoperative assessment and fixation of syndesmotic injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A requisite for successful nanopatterning is a precise interface control to meet the adequate surface energies. In block copolymer (BCP) nanopatterning, the interfaces need to be neutralized, promoting both blocks to wet the substrate, and thus realizing the perpendicular orientation of BCPs. However, conventional methods for surface neutralization are expensive and require complex multi‐step processes, which hinders the application of BCP to continuous lithography processes. In this study, the simplest method for controlling the out‐of‐plane domain orientation using frustrated interfacial self‐assembly (FISA) of BCPs is introduced. The FISA layer is a randomly segregated structure that is readily created from the air/water interface. The FISA layer can be transferred to any target substrate, neutralizing both free and substrate interfaces. Employing FISA, the highly aligned and perpendicularly oriented sub‐10‐nm BCP patterns are produced with exceptional simplicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoint inhibitors and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR TKIs) are mainstream treatments for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Both T cells and macrophages infiltrate the tumor microenvironment of RCC. CD47, an immune checkpoint of macrophages, transmits the "don't eat me" signal to macrophages. We propose a novel therapeutic strategy that activates the antitumor effect of macrophages. We found that CD47 was expressed in patients with RCC, and high CD47 expression was indicative of worse overall survival in datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We observed that CD47-blocking antibodies enhanced the antitumor effect of macrophages against human RCC cell lines. Trogocytosis, rather than phagocytosis, occurred and was promoted by increased cell-to-cell contact between macrophages and RCC cells. Trogocytosis induced by CD47 blockade occurred in the presence of CD11b integrin signaling in macrophages and was augmented when RCC cells were exposed to VEGFR TKIs, except for sunitinib. In conclusion, this study presents evidence that anti-CD47 blocking antibodies improve the antitumor effect of macrophages in RCC. In combination with VEGFR TKIs, CD47 blockade is a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double-oxygenating lipoxygenase (LOX) converted C20- and C22-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into C20 dihydroxy fatty acids (DiHFAs) as inflammatory mediators and C22 DiHFAs as specialized pro-resolving mediators, which are involved in the resolution of inflammation and infection in humans, and their isomers, respectively. However, the quantitative bioconversion of C20- and C22-PUFAs into 9 S ,15 S - and 11 S ,17 S -DiHFAs has been not attempted to date, respectively. Here, we performed the efficient quantitative production of 9 S ,15 S - and 11 S ,17 S -DiHFAs by Escherichia coli expressing 9 S -LOX from Sphingopyxis macrogoltabida. The optimal bioconversion conditions of the C20 PUFA arachidonic acid or the C22-PUFA docosahexaenoic acid were pH 8.5, 35 °C, 6 mM substrate, and 5 g dry cells/L for C20 PUFAs or 7 g dry cells/L for C22-PUFAs, respectively. Under these conditions, E. coli expressing double-oxygenating 9 S -LOX from S. macrogoltabida converted arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid n-3 , and docosahexaenoic acid into 5.85 mM 9 S ,15 S -dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, 5.79 mM 9 S ,15 S -dihydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid, 5.89 mM 11 S ,17 S -hydroxydocosapentaenoic acid n-3 , and 5.24 mM 11 S ,17 S -dihydroxydocosahexaenoic acid in 40, 30, 50, and 60 min, with conversion yields of 97.5%, 96.5%, 98.1%, and 87.3%; and volumetric productivities of 8.78, 11.6, 7.07, and 5.24 mM/h, respectively. To date, these are the highest concentrations, conversion yields, and volumetric productivities reported in the bioconversion of C20- and C22-PUFAs into DiHFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the value of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) scans on the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) and Young and Burgess (YB) classifications for pelvic ring injuries. Methods: Seven reviewers (four fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons and three fellows) independently classified 36 pelvic ring injuries using radiographs and axial two-dimensional (2D) CT scan images and then repeated this process 2 months later with the addition of 3D CT images. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability was assessed. Results: The interobserver reliability of the AO/OTA classification using 2D vs. 3D CT scans was considered fair (k 0.23, CI 0.17–0.29) vs. slight (k 0.16, CI 0.09–0.22), with no observed difference [mean difference (MD) − 0.07, CI 0.16–0.01]. The interobserver reliability of the YB classification using 2D vs. 3D CT scans was considered fair for both (k 0.37, CI 0.32–0.42, vs. 0.37, CI 0.30–0.45), with no observed difference (MD − 0.0005, CI − 0.08 to 0.08). The intraobserver reliability of the AO/OTA vs. YB classifications was considered fair (k 0.35, CI 0.26–0.44) vs. moderate (k 0.49, CI 0.40–0.57), with the YB classification having higher kappa value (MD 0.13, CI 0.01–0.26, p = 0.03). Conclusion: The addition of 3D CT scan reconstructions to radiographs and 2D CT did not improve the interobserver reliability of AO/OTA and YB classifications for pelvic ring injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical interface damping (CID) is the most recently suggested plasmon damping pathway induced by adsorbate molecules in gold nanoparticles. Despite recent advances in this field, CID has not been studied in gold nanorods coated with mesoporous silica shells (AuNRs@mSiO2). Herein, we conducted a single‐particle correlation study to elucidate CID using p‐nitrothiophenol (p‐NTP) as adsorbates in single AuNRs@mSiO2. Through surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy studies, we confirmed that p‐NTP with a strong electron‐withdrawing group was effectively adsorbed on the AuNR cores. Following the chemisorption of p‐NTP, a strong CID was observed with localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) linewidth broadening through the preferred interaction between sulfur and the Au surfaces. Furthermore, we presented the molecular binding effect on the LSPR linewidth of single AuNRs@mSiO2 during the reaction with p‐NTP in real‐time. Thus, the result further supported that the CID could be used to develop LSPR sensors having low sensitivity to the medium dielectric constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus, is threatening global health worldwide with unprecedented contagiousness and severity. The best strategy to overcome COVID-19 is a vaccine. Various vaccines are currently being developed, and mass vaccination is in progress. Despite the very encouraging clinical trial results of these vaccines, there is insufficient information on the safety and efficacy of vaccines for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients facing various issues. After reviewing current evidence and international guidelines, the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases developed an expert consensus statement on COVID-19 vaccination issues for Korean IBD patients. This expert consensus statement emphasizes that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination be strongly recommended for IBD patients, and it is safe for IBD patients receiving immunomodulatory therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we explore the influence of diverse chemotherapy regimen sequences on the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients, along with the relevant prognostic factors. Methods: We examined 630 ovarian cancer patients selected from a pool of 1,587 treated between 2005 and 2020 at Seoul and Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital. Chemotherapy regimens were categorized into five groups with platinum-based and nonplatinum-based groups. Results: The overall survival (OS) for all 630 patients included in the study was 66.3 months. We revealed the number of rounds of platinum-based chemotherapy had the most significant impact on survival. Patients received 'Group a' and 'Group b' regimens as second line chemotherapy after 'Group a' had OS rates of 66.76 months and 56.50 months. Those underwent two rounds of 'Group a' and then received 'Group a' and 'Group b' as third line had OS rates of 92.9 months and 74.8 months, respectively. Patients developed platinum resistance after the first line experienced OS rates of 8.5, 9.8, and 11.2 months after receiving Group c, d, and e as second line. Additionally, notable prognostic factors included CA125, CA19-9, ANC, platelet count, hemoglobin, and cancer stage. Conclusion: Ovarian cancer patients tend to have a more favorable prognosis when their platinum sensitivity persists for an extended period, whereas early platinum resistance is associated with a shorter OS. Furthermore, the selection of a specific platinum-based chemotherapy regimen yields diverse effects on survival outcomes. Our findings suggest that our data could contribute to enhancing the overall survival of ovarian cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of Korean rice wine (makgeolli) consumption on human gut microbiota and compared it with that of other alcoholic beverages, including soju (Korean spirit), beer, and red wine. A randomized, cross-over trial design was employed, and fecal samples were collected from 18 healthy adults before and after the consumption of rice wine or control liquor. Microbiota of each fecal sample was analyzed targeting V3–V4 region, utilizing MiSeq system and QIIME2 analysis. Significant alterations in the relative abundance of the Actinobacteria and certain genera were observed after rice wine intervention. Additionally, rice wine consumption induced distinct alterations in the gut microbiota compared with other liquor consumptions. The relative abundance of lactic acid bacteria in the gut microbiota varied among the participants, with an elevated detection frequency of Enterococcus and Lactobacillus genera observed following rice wine consumption. In summary, this study provides the first comprehensive insight into the unique effect of rice wine consumption on the human gut microbiota, distinguishing it from other liquors. [Display omitted] • This is the first exploration of rice wine intake impact on human gut microbiota. • Rice wine consumption led the alteration of certain human gut microbial genera. • The human gut microbiota shift upon rice wine intake differed from other liquors. • Impact of rice wine consumption varied based on the enterotype of each participant. • Rice wine intake led increased detection frequency and abundance of Lactobacillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic generally inhibits the growth of microorganisms; however, the mechanism underlying its selective impact on the growth of various kimchi microorganisms is unknown. We investigated the effects of garlic on the microbial community and metabolites in kimchi during fermentation. Difference in color and white colony-forming yeast were found only in kimchi without garlic on the 100th day of fermentation. The microbial community in kimchi without garlic showed a relatively high proportion of Lactobacillus , but a low proportion of Leuconostoc. The levels of homoserine were correlated with the initial quantities of garlic added. Meanwhile, the levels of 11 metabolites, including putrescine and GABA, differed between the groups as the fermentation period progressed. Metabolic differences were confirmed by applying Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc to a kimchi model system. These results show that the garlic addition can produce different metabolites by controlling the ratio of Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc in kimchi. • The effects of garlic on the microbial community and metabolites were investigated. • Garlic-added kimchi had a higher abundance of Lactobacillus than Leuconostoc. • The levels of 14 metabolites were affected by the addition of garlic. • Adding the garlic can produce different metabolites by controlling the microbial ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan (CS)-stabilized platinum nanoparticles (CS/PtNPs) were employed to develop a novel aptamer-based dual-mode colorimetric and photothermal biosensor for selective detection of kanamycin (KAN). As a peroxidase-like catalyst, the CS/PtNPs showed outstanding catalytic activity for the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2). As a stabilizing agent, CS excelled at fixing the KAN binding aptamer on the surface of the CS/PtNPs, amplifying their catalytic activity and enhancing colloidal dispersion and stability. The oxidized TMB (TMB ox) functioned as a signal for the colorimetric, photothermal aptasensor because of its observable absorbance of light in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions. When light from a NIR laser was absorbed by the TMB ox in the reaction solution, heat was generated in inverse proportion to the KAN concentration. The developed colorimetric and photothermal modes of the aptasensor showed a linear detection range of 0.1–50 and 0.5–50 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.04 and 0.41 μM, respectively. Moreover, the aptasensor successfully determined KAN concentrations in spiked milk samples, verifying the reliability and reproducibility in practical applications. The dual-mode aptasensor based on CS/PtNPs for KAN detection, utilizing both color change and heat generation signals through a single probe (TMB ox), demonstrates rapid response, simplicity in operation, cost-effectiveness, and high sensitivity. In addition, unlike typical immunoassays, this aptamer-based peroxidase-like nanozyme activation and inhibition strategy required no washing process, which was very effective in terms of reducing the time required for an assay and sustaining a high sensitivity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer therapies targeting genetic alterations are a topic of great interest in the field of thyroid cancer, which frequently harbors mutations in the RAS, RAF, and RET genes. Unfortunately, U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved BRAF inhibitors have relatively low therapeutic efficacy against BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer; in addition, the cancer often acquires drug resistance, which prevents effective treatment. Recent advances in genomics and transcriptomics are leading to a more complete picture of the range of mutations, both driver and messenger, present in thyroid cancer. Furthermore, our understanding of cancer suggests that oncogenic mutations drive tumorigenesis and induce rewiring of cancer cell metabolism, which promotes survival of mutated cells. Synthetic lethality (SL) is a method of neutralizing mutated genes that were previously considered untargetable by traditional genotype-targeted treatments. Because these metabolic events are specific to cancer cells, we have the opportunity to develop new therapies that target tumor cells specifically without affecting healthy tissue. Here, we describe developments in metabolism-based cancer therapy, focusing on the concept of metabolic SL in thyroid cancer. Finally, we discuss the essential implications of metabolic reprogramming and its role in the future direction of SL for thyroid cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors related to a technical failure after laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for subcapsular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Materials and methods: A total of 110 patients with 114 HCCs who underwent laparoscopic RFA for HCCs (new HCC [n = 85] and local tumor progression [LTP] [n = 29]) between January 2013 and December 2018 were included. We evaluated the incidence of technical failure on immediate post-RFA CT images. Risk factors for a technical failure after laparoscopic RFA were assessed using univariable logistic regression analyses. The cumulative LTP rate was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Technical failure was noted in 3.5% (4/114) of the tumors. All four tumors that showed a technical failure were cases of LTP from previous treatment and were invisible on laparoscopy. On univariate analysis, LTP lesion, invisibility of the index tumor on laparoscopy, and peri-hepatic vein location of the tumor were identified as risk factors for a technical failure. The cumulative LTP rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were estimated to be 2.8%, 4.8%, and 4.8%, respectively. Conclusions: LTP lesion, invisibility of the index tumor on laparoscopy, and peri-hepatic vein location of the tumor were identified as the risk factors for a technical failure after laparoscopic RFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Inserting a straight (piriformis fossa entry) nail through the tip of the greater trochanter has been used for treating atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) with bowing. This study aimed to determine what degree of bowing can be successfully treated using a laterally shifted entry technique.Methods: Twenty-three complete and six incomplete diaphyseal AFFs treated using the shifted entry technique were retrospectively analysed. Radiologic parameters and complications were evaluated. The complete AFFs were divided into two groups based on the severity of preoperative bowing: grade 0-II bowing and < 20° lateral bowing (minimal/moderate) and grade III bowing or ≥ 20° lateral bowing (severe). Comparison according to postoperative malalignment, a change of lateral or anterior bowing ≥ 5° was also performed.Results: Three complete AFFs in the minimal/moderate group showed malalignment, as did all in the severe group (p < 0.001). The change of bowing was greater for the severe group in lateral and anterior bowing (p = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively). A greater fracture gap was found on AP and lateral radiographs in the severe group (p = 0.044 and 0.026, respectively). In the comparison according to postoperative malalignment, a significant difference was found for the percentage of severe deformity (p < 0.001). All incomplete AFFs were united without complication.Conclusion: Diaphyseal AFFs with grade 0-II bowing and < 20° anterior bowing were treated successfully by the shifted entry technique. However, postoperative malalignment was found in all cases of AFFs with severe bowing. Therefore, other techniques should be considered for AFFs with grade III bowing or ≥ 20° anterior bowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]