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In this study, we develop a mobile VOCs gas removal system that can remove volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions from petrochemical facilities, metal painting factories, and surroundings of life, and can efficiently cope with situations occurring in the field. Regular repairs to petrochemical plants and semiconductor plants are carried out for a month every four to five years, and work such as replacing old pipes and repairing aging facilities, cleaning, removing residual gas, checking pipe connections and valves, and improving processes are carried out while the plant is shut down. During regular maintenance, a large-scale accident occurs in which gas remaining in the facility leaks or explodes due to rising pressure, and even after internal gas discharge and purge work is performed, it is scattered by the characteristics of raw materials remaining inside the pipe and reactor and discharged into the atmosphere. Therefore, there is always a possibility of causing safety accidents, and such accidents have a great socioeconomic impact as they are directly connected to the safety of workers as well as the safety of local residents. This system is designed to be adaptable according to the size of a number of outlets, and it is proposed to minimize the impact of VOCs harmful gases on the surroundings by developing it as a mobile type. The efficiency of collecting scattered VOCs gas is more than 90%, and the integrated operating system is demonstrated for 50 CMM class movable VOCs adsorption device, 5 CMM class treatment gas recirculation type non-flame waste heat recovery adsorbent regeneration treatment device, and two or more business sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate the electrochemical properties of a nickel oxide-carbon (NiO/C) material, synthesized in the form of highly porous carbon nanofibers through the electrospinning of polymers such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polystyrene (PS) followed by a carbonization process. The primary focus of this work is to determine the optimal mixing ratio for the hybrid material composed of NiO and carbon. While it is widely acknowledged that supercapacitor materials benefit from having a high specific surface area, our findings reveal that hybrid carbon nanofibers with a 45% specific carbon-to-nickel oxide ratio exhibit significantly enhanced capacitance (39.9 F g−1). This outcome suggests the promising potential of our materials as an energy storage material for hybrid supercapacitors, combining the advantages of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLC) and Pseudo capacitors (Pseudo). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically investigated the nitrogen substitution effect on the molecular structure and π-electron delocalization in linear nitrogen-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (N-PAHs). Based on the optimized molecular structures and magnetic field-induced parameters of fused bi- and tricyclic linear N-PAHs, we found that the local π-electron delocalization of subcycles (e.g., mono- and bicyclic constituent moieties) in linear N-PAHs is preserved, despite deviation from ideal structures of parent monocycles. The introduction of a fused five-membered ring with a pyrrolic N atom (N-5MR) in linear N-PAHs significantly perturbs the π-electronic condition of the neighboring fused six-membered ring (6MR). Monocyclic pyrrole exhibits substantial bond length alternations, strongly influencing the π-electronic systems of both the fused N-5MR and 6MR in linear N-PAHs, depending on the location of shared covalent bonds. A fused six-membered ring with a graphitic N atom in an indolizine moiety cannot generate monocyclic π-electron delocalization but instead contributes to the formation of polycyclic π-electron delocalization. This is evidenced by bifurcated diatropic ring currents induced by an external magnetic field. In conclusion, the satisfaction of Hückel's 4n + 2 rule for both mono- and polycycles is crucial for understanding the overall π-electron delocalization. It is crucial to consider the unique characteristics of the three types of substituted N atoms and the spatial arrangement of 5MR and 6MR in N-PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclosan has been widely used as an antimicrobial agent. However, triclosan was found to cause toxicity, including muscle contraction disturbances, carcinogenesis, and endocrine disorders. In addition, it was found to affect central nervous system function adversely and even have ototoxic effects. Conventional methods for detecting such triclosan can be performed easily. However, the conventional detection methods are inadequate in precisely reflecting the impact of toxic substances on stressed organisms. Therefore, a test model for the toxic environment at the molecular level through the organism is needed. From that point of view, Daphnia magna is being used as a ubiquitous model. D. magna has the advantages of easy cultivation, a short lifespan and high reproductive capacity, and high sensitivity to chemicals. Therefore, the protein expression pattern of D. magna that appear in response to chemicals can be utilized as biomarkers for detecting specific chemicals. In this study, we characterized the proteomic response of D. magna following triclosan exposure via two‐dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis. As a result, we confirmed that triclosan exposure completely suppressed D. magna 2‐domain hemoglobin protein and evaluated this protein as a biomarker for triclosan detection. We constructed the HeLa cells in which the GFP gene was controlled by D. magna 2‐domain hemoglobin promoter, which under normal conditions, expressed GFP, but upon triclosan exposure, suppressed GFP expression. Consequently, we consider that the HeLa cells containing the pBABE‐HBF3‐GFP plasmid developed in this study can be used as novel biomarkers for triclosan detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high theoretical specific energy of lithium/sulfur (Li/S) cells (2600 Wh/kg) has positioned the Li/S cell as one of the most promising candidates for the beyond lithium‐ion cell. Despite the evident advantages, there are remaining problems mainly associated with the unique solution‐based reaction chemistry involving lithium polysulfide (Li‐PS) that hinder the commercialization of the Li/S cells. Incorporating solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) can avoid the Li‐PS shuttle problem while preserving the benefits of Li/S cells, but it introduces other challenges related to the electrode/electrolyte solid interfaces. This topical review summarizes the current status of solid‐state Li/S cells and their major challenges and discusses the recent efforts to improve cell performance and durability. Various solid‐state electrolytes, including oxides, sulfides, and solid polymer electrolytes, are briefly reviewed. In particular, we focus on the recent progress to improve the interfacial properties by two major approaches, morphological and chemical modifications of the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. The design strategy and implementation to overcome the prominent issues associated with sulfur electrodes are critically discussed. Also, several electrochemical and physicochemical characterization methods to examine the electron/ion transport at the interface are outlined. Given the superior theoretical physicochemical properties of the Li/S cells, we emphasize that the inappropriate interfacial design of the solid‐state Li/S cells is the major challenge to bring solid‐state Li/S cells to a commercially attractive level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiOx is considered a promising alternative anode material for Li-ion batteries because of its higher theoretical capacity and safety compared with those of carbonaceous materials. In this study, SiOx with N-doped carbon containing Fe2O3 (Fe2O3/N-C@SiOx) was synthesized through mechanical milling, and its electrochemical properties and applicability as a stable anode material for Li-ion batteries were evaluated. Characterization data show that silicon, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and iron are shown to be uniformly distributed in the particles, which consist of amorphous SiO and N-doped amorphous carbon containing Fe2O3· Fe2O3 and N-doped carbon synergistically act as a reinforcing matrix that can mitigate internal breakdown between particles due to the volume expansion of the SiOx active materials while increasing electrical conductivity. As a result, Fe2O3/N-C@SiOx delivers a reversible capacity of 883 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 for up to 100 cycles, corresponding to a capacity retention of 77%. Furthermore, it attains high reversible capacities of 671 and 415 mA h g−1 at 1000 and 3000 mA g−1, respectively, which are more than twice as high as that of bare SiOx (336 mA h g−1) measured at 1000 mA g−1. These findings demonstrate the potential of Fe2O3/N-C@SiOx particles as an alternative anode material for rechargeable batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of grit with well-being and self-efficacy. Grit was considered as a two-factor variable with consistency of interest and perseverance of effort. For the empirical analysis, data were collected from the sample of 237 nurses working at general hospitals. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 26 to test the hypothetical relationships. It was suggested that two factors of grit would be possible associated with well-being. However, the results of this study showed that the consistency of interest part of grit had non-significant effect on well-being, Perseverance of effort part of grit had indirect effect on well-being through fully mediation effect of self-efficacy. This study confirmed that grit, some how, positively related to well-being and variables such as,self-efficacy, could be a important variable to bridge grit to well-being. Further studies were suggested to perform studies on more about grit’s two factors and unexplored external variables between grit and well-being of nursing professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high-capacity and high-power lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is a key challenge to meet the increasing demand for advanced mobile electronics and electric vehicles. A novel high-capacity and high-power Ga2Te3 anode material for LIBs, which exhibits a distinctive reaction mechanism with Li ions, has been introduced in this study. Two types of Ga2Te3/C composite were prepared via different synthetic routes, namely carbon thermal decomposition (TD) and high-energy ball milling (BM), to improve the electrochemical performance of Ga2Te3 anodes, and their electrochemical performances were compared. The electrochemical evaluation results indicate that the Ga2Te3/C composite produced by BM (BM-Ga2Te3/C) showed better electrochemical performance by delivering much smaller Ga2Te3 nanocrystallites than the Ga2Te3/C composite produced by TD (TD-Ga2Te3/C). Furthermore, the BM-Ga2Te3/C anode showed a highly reversible initial volumetric capacity (1245 mA h cm−3), stable capacity retention (93.2% after 500 cycles), and excellent high-rate performance (∼1000 mA h cm−3 at 1C after 500 cycles). These high electrochemical performances, which were demonstrated via ex situ analyses, were attained by a unique three-step nano-confinement process of Ga2Te3 in BM-Ga2Te3/C. Thus, this study provides a new material development strategy of employing mechano- and electro-chemical nano-confinement processes to develop high-performance anodes for LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser three-dimensional (3D) manufacturing technologies have gained substantial attention to fabricate 3D structured electrochemical rechargeable batteries. Laser 3D manufacturing techniques offer excellent 3D microstructure controllability, good design flexibility, process simplicity, and high energy and cost efficiencies, which are beneficial for rechargeable battery cell manufacturing. In this review, notable progress in development of the rechargeable battery cells via laser 3D manufacturing techniques is introduced and discussed. The basic concepts and remarkable achievements of four representative laser 3D manufacturing techniques such as selective laser sintering (or melting) techniques, direct laser writing for graphene-based electrodes, laser-induced forward transfer technique and laser ablation subtractive manufacturing are highlighted. Finally, major challenges and prospects of the laser 3D manufacturing technologies for battery cell manufacturing will be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium/sulfur (Li/S) cells that offer high theoretical specific energy (2600 Wh/kg) have been considered for emerging high‐energy applications. Significant progress in improving the electrochemical performance of Li/S cells has been made based on the development strategies of the nanostructured sulfur‐based electrodes: i) improving the electrical conduction pathway by confining sulfur particles with conductive media, ii) employing sulfur‐philic functional nanomaterials to retain sulfur species in the sulfur electrode, iii) constructing rationally designed porous sulfur electrodes to accommodate large amounts of sulfur while maintaining good electronic and ionic conduction pathways. In this Review, recent innovations on nanostructured sulfur‐based materials with an emphasis on their nanostructure and reactivity and microstructural design strategies of the sulfur electrode will be highlighted, and future directions to advance the sulfur electrode for commercially viable Li/S cells will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The US FDA has given emergency use authorization to multiple Covid-19 drugs. We conducted disproportionality analysis to detect adverse reaction rates (ADRs) in the US FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System. We discovered not only severe ADRs but also unique ADRs and effectiveness that might be explained by pharmacokinetics. This shows that real-time safety reviews could be effective methods for comparing the safety and efficacy of fast-track authorized drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric patients awakening from general anesthesia may experience emergence delirium (ED), often due to inadequate pain control. Nerve block completely inhibits innervation of the surgical site and is superior to systemic analgesics. This study assessed whether pain control through nerve block relieves ED after general anesthesia. Methods: Fifty patients aged 2–7 years with humerus condyle fractures were randomly assigned to receive ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (BPB group) or intravenous fentanyl (Opioid group). The primary outcome was score on the pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scale on arrival at the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Secondary outcomes were severity of agitation and pain in the PACU, the incidence of ED, and postoperative administration of rescue analgesics over 24 h. Results: PAED scale was significantly lower in the BPB group at arrival in the PACU (7.2 ± 4.9 vs. 11.6 ± 3.2; mean difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 4.4 [2.0–6.8], P < 0.001) and at all other time points. The rate of ED was significantly lower in the BPB group (36% vs. 72%; relative risk [95% CI] = 0.438 [0.219–0.876], P = 0.023). The BPB group also had significantly lower pain scores and requiring rescue analgesics than Opioid group in the PACU. Conclusions: Ultrasound guided BPB, which is a good option for postoperative acute phase pain control, also contributes to reducing the severity and incidence of ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate vitamin D status at birth in very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs: <1,500 g) and to determine the association between vitamin D level and respiratory morbidity. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital between November 2013 and November 2017. We collected blood samples and data on respiratory morbidity from 230 VLBWIs on the first day of life. Patients who were transferred to other hospitals (n=19), died before 36 weeks of gestational age (n=18), or whose blood samples were not collected immediately after birth (n=5) were excluded. Finally, 188 patients were enrolled. VLBWIs with different vitamin D levels were compared with respect to demographic features, maternal diseases, respiratory morbidities, and other neonatal diseases. Results: The mean serum vitamin D level, as measured by 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), was 13.4± 9.3 ng/mL. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was 79.8%, and 44.1% of preterm infants had severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL). Logistic analysis shows that a low serum 25(OH)D level (<20 ng/mL) was a risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome (odds ratio [OR], 4.32; P=0.010) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR, 4.11; P=0.035). Conclusion: The results showed that 79.8% of preterm infants in this study had vitamin D deficiency at birth. Low vitamin D status was associated with respiratory morbidity, but the exact mechanism was unknown. Additional studies on the association between vitamin D level and neonatal morbidity are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jackson table has minimal effects on cardiac function because it does not elevate abdominal and thoracic pressures. In addition, it decreases venous congestion and increases exposure of the surgical field. However, the hips and knees are flexed with inappropriate padding, and venostasis is promoted and increased. Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is fatal; thus immediate diagnosis and treatment are essential. However, clinical signs of intraoperative PTE are difficult to discern. Thrombolytic therapy can be considered as first-line therapy, but bleeding limits its use. The authors report a case of PTE resulting from patient positional change after spine surgery, and the use of immediate postoperative recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intraoperative hypothermia is common in patients undergoing general anesthesia during arthroscopic hip surgery. In the present study, we assessed the effect of heating and humidifying the airway with a heated wire humidification circuit (HHC) to attenuate the decrease of core temperature and prevent hypothermia in patients undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery under general anesthesia. Methods: Fifty-six patients scheduled for arthroscopic hip surgery were randomly assigned to either a control group using a breathing circuit connected with a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) (n = 28) or an HHC group using a heated wire humidification circuit (n = 28). The decrease in core temperature was measured from anesthetic induction and every 15 minutes thereafter using an esophageal stethoscope. Results: Decrease in core temperature from anesthetic induction to 120 minutes after induction was lower in the HHC group (-0.60 ± 0.27°C) compared to the control group (-0.86 ± 0.29°C) (P = 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of intraoperative hypothermia or the incidence of shivering in the postanesthetic care unit. Conclusions: The use of HHC may be considered as a method to attenuate intraoperative decrease in core temperature during arthroscopic hip surgery performed under general anesthesia and exceeding 2 hours in duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A teratoma is the most common germ cell tumor in children; however, a gastric teratoma is very rare. An immature gastric teratoma has malignant potential; therefore, it should be removed surgically and followed up routinely to assess for recurrence by performing imaging studies and estimating serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. We describe the case of a 2-day-old male neonate with abdominal distension and a palpable mass. He underwent surgical resection of a tumor that was diagnosed as an immature gastric teratoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional anesthesia for non-obstetric surgery in parturients is a method to decrease patient and fetal risk during general anesthesia. Thoracic interfascial nerve block can be used as an analgesic technique for surgical procedures of the thorax. The Pecs II block is an interfascial block that targets not only the medial and lateral pectoral nerves, but also the lateral cutaneous branch of the intercostal nerve. Pecto-intercostal fascial block (PIFB) targets the anterior cutaneous branch of the intercostal nerve. The authors successfully performed a modified Pecs II block and PIFB without complications in a parturient who refused general anesthesia for breast surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The beach chair position (BCP) can cause significant hypotension. Epinephrine is used to prolong the duration of local anesthetics; it is also absorbed into blood and can exert systemic effects. This study determined the effects of epinephrine mixed with ropivacaine for an interscalene block (ISB) on hemodynamic changes related to BCP. Methods: Patient data collected from March 2013 to August 2014 were used retrospectively. We divided the patients into three groups: 1) ISB only, 2) I+G (general anesthesia after ISB without epinephrine), and 3) I+E+G (general anesthesia after ISB with epinephrine). Mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured for 30 minutes at 5-minute intervals. Results: The study analyzed data from 431 patients. MBP tended to decrease gradually in the groups I+G and I+E+G. There were significant differences in MBP between the groups I+G and I, and between the groups I+G and I+E+G. Group I+E+G showed a significant increase in HR compared with the other two groups. Conclusions: ISB with an epinephrine mixture did not prevent hypotension caused by the BCP after general anesthesia. HR increased only in response to the epinephrine mixture. A well-planned prospective study is required to compare hemodynamic changes in that context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to classical synaptic transmission, information is transmitted between cells via the activation of extrasynaptic receptors that generate persistent tonic current in the brain. While growing evidence supports the presence of tonic NMDA current (INMDA) generated by extrasynaptic NMDA receptors (eNMDARs), the functional significance of tonic INMDA in various brain regions remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that activation of eNMDARs that generate INMDA facilitates the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-proprionate receptor (AMPAR)-mediated steady-state current in supraoptic nucleus (SON) magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs). In low-Mg2+ artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), glutamate induced an inward shift in Iholding (IGLU) at a holding potential (Vholding) of -70 mV which was partly blocked by an AMPAR antagonist, NBQX. NBQX-sensitive IGLU was observed even in normal aCSF at Vholding of -40 mV or -20 mV. IGLU was completely abolished by pretreatment with an NMDAR blocker, AP5, under all tested conditions. AMPA induced a reproducible inward shift in Iholding (IAMPA) in SON MNCs. Pretreatment with AP5 attenuated IAMPA amplitudes to ~60% of the control levels in low-Mg2+ aCSF, but not in normal aCSF at Vholding of -70 mV. IAMPA attenuation by AP5 was also prominent in normal aCSF at depolarized holding potentials. Memantine, an eNMDAR blocker, mimicked the AP5-induced IAMPA attenuation in SON MNCs. Finally, chronic dehydration did not affect IAMPA attenuation by AP5 in the neurons. These results suggest that tonic INMDA, mediated by eNMDAR, facilitates AMPAR function, changing the postsynaptic response to its agonists in normal and osmotically challenged SON MNCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encountering a patient with unanticipated laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) during anesthetic induction is challenging for an anesthesiologist. Because routine history taking and pre-anesthetic evaluation cannot rule out the possibility of LTS, other measures should be taken. Perioperative airway maintenance is considered crucial for avoiding complications such as airway edema, bleeding, obstruction, collapse, and ultimately respiratory failure and arrest. We report an unanticipated tracheal stenosis discovered during anesthetic induction that hindered endotracheal intubation. Because airway maintenance was difficult, we postponed surgery until determining the cause of the difficult entry, considered possible therapeutic approaches (both anesthetic and surgical), and provided successful surgery with a continuous epidural block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AtCYP19-4 (also known as CYP5) was previously identified as interacting in vitro with GNOM, a member of a large family of ARF guanine nucleotide exchange factors that is required for proper polar localization of the auxin efflux carrier PIN1. The present study demonstrated that OsCYP19-4, a gene encoding a putative homologue of AtCYP19-4, was up-regulated by several stresses and showed over 10-fold up-regulation in response to cold. The study further demonstrated that the promoter of OsCYP19-4 was activated in response to cold stress. An OsCYP19-4-GFP fusion protein was targeted to the outside of the plasma membrane via the endoplasmic reticulum as determined using brefeldin A, a vesicle trafficking inhibitor. An in vitro assay with a synthetic substrate oligomer confirmed that OsCYP19-4 had peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase activity, as was previously reported for AtCYP19-4. Rice plants overexpressing OsCYP19-4 showed cold-resistance phenotypes with significantly increased tiller and spike numbers, and consequently enhanced grain weight, compared with wild-type plants. Based on these results, the authors suggest that OsCYP19-4 is required for developmental acclimation to environmental stresses, especially cold. Furthermore, the results point to the potential of manipulating OsCYP19-4 expression to enhance cold tolerance or to increase biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Gastric adenomyoma is a rare benign tumor, known to occur in the antrum or pylorus of the stomach. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature of a gastric adenomyoma in the stomach body, but not in the antrum. Case presentation We report the case of a 79-year-old Korean woman with a gastric subepithelial lesion in the stomach body. The lesion was observed via endoscopy as a bulging mass in the stomach body with a cystic center. It was confirmed via endoscopic ultrasonography. A laparoscopic wedge resection was performed. A biopsy revealed epithelial and smooth muscle proliferation, and a final diagnosis of gastric adenomyoma was made. Conclusion Gastric adenomyoma can occur in the stomach body and can be treated completely with surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia-induced neuroinflammation is an important pathological mechanism influencing various neurodegenerative disorders. Excess activation of microglia produces a myriad of proinflammatory mediators that decimate neurons. Hence, therapeutic strategies aimed to suppress the activation of microglia might lead to advancements in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we synthesized a novel ethyl pyruvate derivative, named EOP (S-ethyl 2-oxopropanethioate) and studied its effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in rat primary microglia and mouse BV-2 microglia. EOP significantly decreased the production of NO, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase and other proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia. The phosphorylation levels of extracellular regulated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear translocation of NF-κB were also inhibited by EOP in LPS-activated BV-2 microglial cells. Overall, our observations indicate that EOP might be a promising therapeutic agent to diminish the development of neurodegenerative diseases associated with microglia activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnO@CoO hollow nano-spheres have been prepared using the template-based sol-gel coating technique and their electrochemical performance as an anode for lithium-ion battery (LIB) was investigated. The size of synthesized hollow spheres was about 50 nm with the shell thickness of 7-8 nm. The fabricated SnO@CoO hollow nano-sphere electrode exhibited an extraordinary reversible capacity (962 mAh·g after 100 cycles at 100 mA·g), good cyclability, and high rate capability, which was attributed to the Co-enhanced reversibility of the LiO reduction reaction during cycling. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been little data reporting the usefulness of intensivist-performed bedside drainage of pleural effusion via ultrasound (US)-guided pigtail catheter. The objective of this study is to clarify the usefulness and safety of these methods in comparison with radiologist-performed procedures. Methods: Data of patients with pleural effusion treated with US-guided pigtail catheter drainage were analyzed. All procedures were performed from September 2012 to September. 2013 by a well-trained intensivist or radiologist. Results: Pleural effusion was drained in 25 patients in 33 sessions. A radiologist performed 21 sessions, and an intensivist performed 12 sessions. Procedures during mechanical ventilation were performed in 15 (71.4%) patients by a radiologist and in 10 (83.3%) by an intensivist (p = 0.678). The success rate was not significantly different in radiologist- and intensivist-performed procedures, 95.2% (20/21) and 83.3% (10/12), respectively (p = 0.538). The average duration for procedures (including in-hospital transfer) was longer in radiologist-performed cases (p = 0.001). Although the results are limited because of the small population size, aggravation of oxygenation, CO2 retention, and decrease of mean arterial blood pressure were not statistically different in the groups. Pigtail-associated complications including hemothorax, pneumothorax, hepatic perforation, empyema, kink in the catheter, and subcutaneous hematoma were not found. Conclusions: Intensivist-performed bedside drainage of pleural effusion via ultrasound (US)-guided pigtail catheter is useful and safe and may be recommended in some patients in an intensive care unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of endocrine tumors in target tissues (mainly the pituitary, endocrine pancreas, and parathyroid glands). MEN1 is caused by mutations in the MEN1 gene, which functions as a tumor suppressor and consists of one untranslated exon and nine exons encoding the menin protein. This condition is usually suspected when we encounter patients diagnosed with tumors in multiple endocrine organs, as mentioned above. Methods: A 65-year-old woman who underwent surgery for a pancreatic tumor (serous cystadenoma) 5 years previously was referred to our hospital due to neurologic symptoms of diplopia and left ptosis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 3.4-cm lesion originating from the cavernous sinus wall and extending into the sellar region. It was thought to be a nonfunctioning tumor from the results of the combined pituitary function test. Incidentally, we found that she also had a pancreatic tumor, indicating the necessity of genetic analysis for MEN1. Results: Genomic analysis using peripheral leukocytes revealed a heterozygous c.1621G>A mutation in the MEN1 gene that was previously reported to be either a pathogenic mutation or a simple polymorphism. We pursued a stereotactic approach to the pituitary lesion, and microscopic findings of the tumor revealed it to be an intrasellar cavernous hemangioma, a rare finding in the sellar region and even rarer in relation to oculomotor palsy. The patient recovered well from surgery, but refused further evaluation for the pancreatic lesion. Conclusion: There is great emphasis placed on genetic testing in the diagnosis of MEN1, but herein we report a case where it did not assist in diagnosis, hence, further discussion on the role of genetic testing in this disease is needed. Also, in cases of pituitary tumor with cranial nerve palsy, despite its low prevalence, intrasellar cavernous hemangioma could be suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify validity the Korean version of resilience scale and identify performance status and resilience in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: A sample of 110 patients with colorectal cancer was recruited from a hospital in Seoul. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, factor analysis, MAP test and Parallel test and multiple regression with the SPSS/WIN 12.0 program. Results: The reliability, validity, and factor analytic structure of the scale were evaluated. The scale demonstrated good psychometric properties and factor analysis yielded two factors. The resilience for colorectal cancer patients showed a significant difference according to marital status and performance status. The two variables were the significant factors influencing resilience, which they explained 26.5% of the variance. Conclusion: The results of the study show the importance of performance status in explaining the resilience in patients with colorectal cancer. Therefore, This study suggests that intervention programs to increase the performance status among patients could improve the resilience of cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The putative thylakoid lumen immunophilin, FKBP16-3, has not yet been characterized, although this protein is known to be regulated by thioredoxin and possesses a well-conserved CxxxC motif in photosynthetic organisms. Here, we characterized rice OsFKBP16-3 and examined the role of this gene in the regulation of abiotic stress in plants. FKBP16-3s are well conserved in eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms, including the presence of a unique disulfide-forming CxxxC motif in their N-terminal regions. OsFKBP16-3 was mainly expressed in rice leaf tissues and was upregulated by various abiotic stresses, including salt, drought, high light, hydrogen peroxide, heat and methyl viologen. The chloroplast localization of OsFKBP16-3-GFP was confirmed through the transient expression of OsFKBP16-3 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Transgenic Arabidopsis and transgenic rice plants that constitutively expressed OsFKBP16-3 exhibited increased tolerance to salinity, drought and oxidative stresses, but showed no change in growth or phenotype, compared with vector control plants, when grown under non-stressed conditions. This is the first report to demonstrate the potential role of FKBP16-3 in the environmental stress response, which may be regulated by a redox relay process in the thylakoid lumen, suggesting that artificial regulation of FKBP16-3 expression is a candidate for stress-tolerant crop breeding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Septic patients portray instable hemodynamic states because of hypotension or cardiomyopathy, caused by vasodilation, thus, impairing global tissue perfusion and oxygenation threatening functions of critical organs. Therefore, it has become the primary concern of anesthesiologists in conducting anesthesia (induction, maintenance, recovery, and postoperative care), especially in the induction of those who are prone to fall into hemodynamic crisis, due to hemodynamic instability. The anesthesiologist must have a precise anesthetic plan based on a thorough preanesthetic evaluation because many cases are emergent. Primary circulatory status of patients, including mental status, blood pressure, urine output, and skin perfusion, are necessary, as well as more active assessment methods on intravascular volume status and cardiovascular function. Because it is difficult to accurately evaluate the intravascular volume, only by central venous pressure (CVP) measurements, the additional use of transthoracic echocardiography is recommended for the evaluation of myocardial performance and hemodynamic state. In order to hemodynamically stabilize septic patients, adequate fluid resuscitation must be given before induction. Most anesthetic induction agents cause blood pressure decline, however, it may be useful to use drugs, such as ketamine or etomidate, which carry less cardiovascular instability effects than propofol, thiopental and midazolam. However, if blood pressure is unstable, despite these efforts, vasopressors and inotropic agents must be administered to maintain adequate perfusion of organs and cellular oxygen uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanosize Si embedded in super-elastic Nitinol alloy matrix composite was synthesized in large-scale using arc melting followed by a rapid quenching method. Both X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses confirmed that approximately 50 nm Si crystallites were surrounded by the Ni–Ti matrix. Ex situsynchrotron XRD was performed to elucidate the phase transition of active materials during lithiation and delithiation. The local structural changes of the Ni–Ti inactive matrix during cycling were investigated by ex situX-ray absorption spectroscopy analyses. This anode material showed an excellent electrochemical stability since the elastic behavior of the inactive Nitinol matrix absorbed the stress generated due to the volume expansion during lithiation of the nanosized Si embedded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transcriptional feedback circuit, which is at the core of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) circadian (i.e., 24 h) clock, is tightly coupled to both external entrainment cues, such as light, as well as rhythmic cues that arise on a system-wide level within the SCN. One potential signaling pathway by which these cues are conveyed to the molecular clock is the CREB/CRE transcriptional cascade. In this study, we employed a tetracycline-inducible CREB repressor mouse strain, in which approximately 60% of the SCN neurons express the transgene, to test CREB functionality in the clock and its effects on overt rhythmicity. We show that attenuated CREB signaling in the SCN led to a significant reduction in light-evoked clock entrainment. An examination of circadian timing revealed that CREB repressor mice exhibited normal free-running rhythms in the absence of external lighting cues. However, under conditions of constant light, which typically leads to a lengthening of the circadian period, CREB repressor mice exhibited a dramatic arrhythmic phenotype, which could be reversed with doxycycline. At a cellular level, the repression of CREB led to a significant reduction in both the expression of the circadian clock proteins PERIOD1 and PERIOD2 and the clock output hormones AVP and VIP. Together, these data support the idea that the CRE transcriptional pathway orchestrates transcriptional events that are essential for both the maintenance of SCN timing and light entrainment of the circadian clock. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ethyl pyruvate (EP), a simple aliphatic ester of pyruvic acid, has been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory molecule in various pathological conditions, which include sepsis or hemorrhagic shock. Recently, we showed that ethyl pyruvate has a neuroprotective effect in the postischemic brain and also in KA-induced pathogenesis in the brain. In this study, we examined whether aspirin augments neuroprotective effect of ethyl pyruvate in transient focal ischemia model by complementing the neuroprotective effects of ethyl pyruvate. Although, most of neuroprotective effect of aspirin has been attributed to the anti-platelet action, aspirin also has direct neuroprotective effects, including NF-κB inhibition. Ethyl pyruvate dose-dependently suppressed infarct formation in the postischemic brain, wherein intravenous administration of 5 mg/kg ethyl pyruvate 30 min after the occlusion reduced infarct volume to 34.5 ± 15.5% ( n = 6, P < 0.01) of that of the untreated control. In combination with aspirin (5 mg/kg, i.v.), the neuroprotective effect was enhanced, resulting in 16.0 ± 5.9% ( n = 6, P < 0.01) infarct volume. The time window for synergistic neuroprotection by ethyl pyruvate and aspirin extended to 9 h post-MCAO. The synergistic reduction in infarct volume was accompanied by suppression of the clinical manifestations associated with cerebral ischemia including motor impairment and neurological deficits. Inflammatory processes including microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression were notably suppressed by the combination treatment in the postischemic brain and in primary microglia cultures, wherein ethyl pyruvate and aspirin modulate NF-κB signaling differentially. Aspirin interferes with IκB phosphorylation and degradation in the cytoplasm, possibly by specifically inhibiting IκB kinase-beta, whereas, the effect of ethyl pyruvate seems to occur in the nucleus, where it may interfere with the binding of NF-κB to responsive promoter elements in the target genes. Similar enhancement in neuroprotective effect was also observed in primary cortical cultures after NMDA or Zn2+ treatment or oxygen–glucose deprivation. Together, these results indicate that combination treatment of ethyl pyruvate and aspirin affords synergistic neuroprotection in the postischemic brain with a wide therapeutic window, in part via differential modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excitotoxicity and oxidative stress mediate neuronal death after hypoxic–ischemic brain injury. We examined the possibility that targeting both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated excitotoxicity and oxidative stress would result in enhanced neuroprotection against hypoxic–ischemia. 2-Hydroxy-5-(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-benzylamino)-benzoic acid (Neu2000) was derived from aspirin and sulfasalazine to prevent both NMDA neurotoxicity and oxidative stress. In cortical cell cultures, Neu2000 was shown to be an uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist and completely blocked free radical toxicity at doses as low as 0.3 μmol/L. Neu2000 showed marked neuroprotection in a masked fashion using histology and behavioral testing in two rodent models of focal cerebral ischemia without causing neurotoxic side effects. Neu2000 protected against the effects of middle cerebral artery occlusion, even when delivered 8 h after reperfusion. Single bolus administration of the drug prevented gray and white matter degeneration and spared neurologic function for over 28 days after MACO. Neu2000 may be a novel therapy for combating both NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity and oxidative stress, the two major routes of neuronal death in ischemia, offering profound neuroprotection and an extended therapeutic window.Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism (2007) 27, 1142–1151; doi:10.1038/sj.jcbfm.9600418; published online 15 November 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of 82-year-man scheduled for elective laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy. Topics discusses include the history of severe anaphylactic reactions following rocuronium injection, endotracheal intubation, epinephrine administration, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) initiatiation after anaphylaxis, and selection of cisatracurium as the neuromuscular blocking agent for anesthesia.