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This study examined the effects of increasing concrete unit water content and artificially controlling water content on concrete performance in the production process of ready-mixed concrete. Results showed that changes in the unit water content of 20 concrete mix proportions without air-entraining significantly reduced concrete compressive strength, increased porosity, and in-creased occurrence of bleeding. A unit water content increase of 25 kg/m3 or more may reduce the compressive strength of concrete below the design standard and significantly affect the occurrence of bleeding water. Moreover, an extra unit water content of at least 25 kg/m3 could significantly affect the diffusion of chloride ions in the concrete. The carbonation depth of concrete was extremely high with the increase in unit water content and water addition. In the production of concrete requiring at least normal strength or durability, the extra water change to total unit water content should be maintained at 15 kg/m3 or less. And a water–cement ratio of 48% or less and a unit water content of 155 kg/m3 or less are considered effective for management of concrete quality. Considering the aggregate type, absorption rate, and moisture state, the management of unit water content error in concrete production processes requires greater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains among the most challenging and costly complications. PJI rates vary from 0.39% to 3.9% after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to identify the causative microorganisms involved and to report our experience of subsequent treatment of PJI following over 7000 TKAs performed over 19 years. A retrospective study was conducted on 4547 patients (7019 cases) from March 2000 to September 2019. The incidence rate of PJI was 0.5%. Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 88.8% (n = 16) of the 18 cases, and S. aureus was the most commonly isolated pathogen (n = 7, 38.8%). There were six cases of MSSA and one case of MRSA. Streptococcus species (n = 7, 38.8%) also showed the same pattern. The CoNS species (n = 2, 11.1%) and Gram-negative bacteria (n = 1, 5.5%) were also reported. Candida species were isolated from 1 patient (5.5%). Successful I&D and implant retention (DAIR procedures) was achieved at the final follow-up in 19 patients (82.6%). The incidence of causative microorganisms was different for each PJI onset type. The overall infection rate of PJI was less than 1%. Although the success rate of DAIR procedures is lower than the two-stage exchange arthroplasty in this study, it is possible to achieve acceptable success rates if DAIR procedures are carefully selected considering the virulence of the microorganism, duration since symptom onset, and early-onset infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the main complications of liver cirrhosis (LC) and is classified into minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and overt hepatic encephalopathy (overt HE). S100B is expressed mainly in astrocytes and other glial cells, and S100B has been reported to be associated with various neurological disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the diagnostic ability of serum S100B to discriminate the grade of HE and the parameters correlated with serum S100B levels. Additionally, we investigated whether serum S100B levels can be used to predict 1-year mortality in cirrhotic patients. In total, 95 cirrhotic patients were consecutively enrolled and divided into the following three groups: (i) without any types of HEs; (ii) with MHE; and (iii) with overt HE. The diagnosis of MHE was made by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES). Among the three groups, there were no significant differences in serum S100B levels regardless of HE severity. The clinical parameters correlated with serum S100B levels were age, serum bilirubin, and creatinine levels. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score showed a significant positive correlation with serum S100B levels. The relationship between serum S100B levels and MELD score was maintained in 48 patients without any type of HE. Additionally, hyperammonemia, low cholesterol levels, and the combination of serum S100B levels ≥ 35 pg/mL with MELD score ≥ 13 were factors for predicting 1- year mortality. In conclusion, serum S100B level was not useful for differentiating the severity of HE. However, we found that serum S100B levels can be affected by age, serum bilirubin, and creatinine in cirrhotic patients and are associated with MELD scores. Additionally, serum S100B levels showed the possibility of predicting 1-year mortality in cirrhotic patients. These findings suggest that serum S100B levels may reflect liver dysfunction and prognosis in liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The platelet-to-white blood cell ratio (PWR) has been reported to predict the severity of patients with various diseases. However, no previous studies have assessed the use of the PWR as a prognostic marker for pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA). This observational retrospective study was performed between January 2008 and December 2017, including 833 patients with PLA from multiple centers. The enrolled patients, on average, had a PWR of 17.05, and 416 patients had a PWR lower than 17.05. A total of 260 patients (31.2%) with PLA showed complications of metastatic infection, pleural effusion and abscess rupture. A low PWR level was identified as a strong risk factor for metastatic infection and pleural effusion. The low PWR group also had a longer hospital stay. In the multivariate analysis, old age, anemia, albumin and CRP levels and unidentified pathogens were significant factors for low PWR levels. A low PWR, old age, male sex, abscess size, albumin, ALP and unidentified causative pathogens showed significant associations with a hospital stay longer than 28 days. As a result, PLA patients presenting with a low PWR were shown to have more complications and a poor prognosis. Considering its cost-effectiveness, PWR could be a novel biomarker used to predict a prognosis of PLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholangiopathies encompass various biliary diseases affecting the biliary epithelium, resulting in cholestasis, inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately liver cirrhosis. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are the most important progressive cholangiopathies in adults. Much research has broadened the scope of disease biology to genetic risk, epigenetic changes, dysregulated mucosal immunity, altered biliary epithelial cell function, and dysbiosis, all of which interact and arise in the context of ill-defined environmental triggers. An in-depth understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these cholestatic diseases will help clinicians better prevent and treat diseases. In this review, we focus on the main underlying mechanisms of disease initiation and progression, and novel targeted therapeutics beyond currently approved treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is a growing problem worldwide. However, little is known about the incidence, clinical features and outcomes of pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) caused by MDROs. A retrospective study of 833 patients with PLA admitted from 2008 to 2017 was performed. MDROs were found in 55 (6.6%) patients, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae was the most common causative microorganism. To evaluate the clinical features of and risk factors for MDRO-induced PLAs, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in a 1:3 ratio (55 patients with MDROs and 165 patients without MDROs). After PSM, previous hepatobiliary procedure, preadmission exposure to antibiotics and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels were independent risk factors for MDRO-induced PLA. Sixteen patients (7.3%) died during hospitalization. Admission to intensive care unit (ICU), inadequate initial antibiotic treatment and use of inotropic agents were factors predictive of mortality. Although the presence of MDROs was not associated with in-hospital mortality, inadequate initial antibiotic treatment was prescribed to a large portion of the patients with MDRO-induced PLAs. We conclude that initial empirical antibiotic therapy for PLA should be based on the possibility of infection with MDROs, and close monitoring is necessary for patients with risk factors for in-hospital mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the phenolic compounds in hop strobile extracts and evaluated their antioxidant property using DPPH and ABTS assay. The total phenolic compound (TPC) and total flavonoid compound (TFC) estimated in two different solvent extracts considerably varied depending on the extraction solvent. The most abundant phenolic compound in hop strobile was humulones (α-acid) with levels ranging from 50.44 to 193.25 µg/g. El Dorado accession revealed higher antioxidant activity in ethanol extracts (DPPH: IC50 124.3 µg/mL; ABTS: IC50 95.4 µg/mL) when compared with that of the other accessions. Correlations between DPPH (IC50) scavenging TFC in ethanol extract (TFC_E, −0.941), and TPC_E (−0.901), and between ABTS (IC50) scavenging TFC_E (−0.853), and TPC_E (−0.826), were statistically significant at p < 0.01 level, whereas no significant correlation was observed between antioxidant activities, TPC and TFC in water extract. This study is the first to report that variations in the level of phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of various hop cultivars depended on the type of extraction solvent used and the cultivation regions. These results could provide valuable information on developing hop products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic liver disease encompasses diseases that have various causes, such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Gut microbiota dysregulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ALD and NAFLD through the gut–liver axis. The gut microbiota consists of various microorganisms that play a role in maintaining the homeostasis of the host and release a wide number of metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), peptides, and hormones, continually shaping the host's immunity and metabolism. The integrity of the intestinal mucosal and vascular barriers is crucial to protect liver cells from exposure to harmful metabolites and pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules. Dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability may allow the liver to be exposed to abundant harmful metabolites that promote liver inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we introduce the metabolites and components derived from the gut microbiota and discuss their pathologic effect in the liver alongside recent advances in molecular-based therapeutics and novel mechanistic findings associated with the gut–liver axis in ALD and NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermally activated building system (TABS) can reduce the peak load by integrating with the ground heat exchangers. When integrated, the cost of groundwork and stability of the ground temperature would counteract because the weather conditions would influence the ground temperature in shallow depth. However, previous studies on TABS assumed constant ground temperatures such as average outdoor air temperature. In this study, ground temperatures in different depths are simulated for their detailed investigations, and simulated results of ground temperature were applied to building energy simulations for observing the load-handled ratio (LHR), representing the peak load reduction by TABS evaluated in various weather conditions. Simulation results of ground temperatures from 1 m to 39 m depths show that the temperature stabilized at 2 m to 11 m depths depending on the characteristics of the outdoor air temperature. LHR increased as the ground depth increased because the ground temperature at shallow depths increased during peak hours. Ground depths of 8 m were found ideal for maintaining consistent LHR for all weather conditions. Detailed observation of ground temperature and its effect on LHR in various weather conditions can help system engineers design and operate the TABS with the ground system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to establish boundary conditions to evaluate the cooling capacity of the Cooling Radiant Ceiling Panel (CRCP) considering the environment of a room equipped with the CRCP. The current study investigated the boundary conditions and derivation techniques from previous studies. Based on the results of the analysis, a heat transfer model was derived for a room fitted with CRCP. In addition, the heat transfer model was used to derive the factors affecting the cooling capacity of the CRCP and each factor was simulated and verified through this model. The effects of these factors on the capacity of the CRCP was established by using various boundary conditions. To verify the validity of the simulation model, the experimental results were compared with the cooling capacity for a specific case. As a result, it was established that even for the same panel, there was a variance in the cooling capacity of the CRCP based on the boundary conditions and that the influence of the surface exposed to the outdoors had more implications. Consequently, this study presents the influence factors to be considered when designing CRCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are the enabling technology for many of the societal changes that are expected to happen in the following years. Among all the challenges for which LIBs are the key, vehicle electrification is one of the most crucial. Current battery materials cannot provide the required power densities for such applications and therefore, it makes necessary to develop new materials. Silicon is one of the proposed as next generation battery materials, but still there are challenges to overcome. Poor capacity retention is one of those drawbacks, and because it is tightly related with its high capacity, it is a problem rather difficult to address with common and scalable fabrication processes. Here we show that combining 0D and 1D silicon nanostructures, high capacity and stability can be achieved even using standard electrode fabrication processes. Capacities as high as 1200 mAh/g for more than 500 cycles at high current densities (2 A/g) were achieved with the produced hybrid 0D/1D electrodes. In this research, it was shown that while 0D nanostructures provide good strain relaxation capabilities, 1D nanomaterials contribute with enhanced cohesion and conductive matrix integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) located in hair follicles (HFs) play a pivotal role in hair follicle morphogenesis, hair cycling, and hair growth. Over the past few decades, probiotic bacteria (PB) have been reported to have beneficial effects such as improved skin health, anti-obesity, and immuno-modulation for conditions including atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PB can secrete 50~150 nm sized extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microbial DNA, miRNA, proteins, lipids, and cell wall components. These EVs can regulate communication between bacteria or between bacteria and their host. Although numerous biological effects of PB-EVs have been reported, the physiological roles of Leuconostoc holzapfelii (hs-Lh), which is isolated from human scalp tissue, and the extracellular vesicles derived from them (hs-LhEVs) are largely unknown. Herein, we investigated the effects of hs-LhEVs on hair growth in HFDPCs. We show that hs-LhEVs increase cell proliferation, migration, and regulate the cell cycle. Furthermore, hs-LhEVs were found to modulate the mRNA expression of hair-growth-related genes in vitro. These data demonstrate that hs-LhEVs can reduce apoptosis by modulating the cell cycle and promote hair growth by regulation via the Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction pathway.

Chronic liver disease encompasses diseases that have various causes, such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Gut microbiota dysregulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ALD and NAFLD through the gut-liver axis. The gut microbiota consists of various microorganisms that play a role in maintaining the homeostasis of the host and release a wide number of metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), peptides, and hormones, continually shaping the host's immunity and metabolism. The integrity of the intestinal mucosal and vascular barriers is crucial to protect liver cells from exposure to harmful metabolites and pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules. Dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability may allow the liver to be exposed to abundant harmful metabolites that promote liver inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we introduce the metabolites and components derived from the gut microbiota and discuss their pathologic effect in the liver alongside recent advances in molecular-based therapeutics and novel mechanistic findings associated with the gut-liver axis in ALD and NAFLD.

In this paper, we propose a set of wavelet-based combined feature vectors and a Gaussian mixture model (GMM)-supervector to enhance training speed and classification accuracy in motor imagery brain-computer interfaces. The proposed method is configured as follows: first, wavelet transforms are applied to extract the feature vectors for identification of motor imagery electroencephalography (EEG) and principal component analyses are used to reduce the dimensionality of the feature vectors and linearly combine them. Subsequently, the GMM universal background model is trained by the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm to purify the training data and reduce its size. Finally, a purified and reduced GMM-supervector is used to train the support vector machine classifier. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated for three different motor imagery datasets in terms of accuracy, kappa, mutual information, and computation time, and compared with the state-of-the-art algorithms. The results from the study indicate that the proposed method achieves high accuracy with a small amount of training data compared with the state-of-the-art algorithms in motor imagery EEG classification.