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Understanding the changes in arterial wall viscoelasticity during the progression of vascular disease is crucial. Nonetheless, there has been a lack of comprehensive investigation into the assessment of viscoelastic parameters and their impact on radial wall motion. To address this gap, we analyzed the radius waveform by solving the viscoelastic constitutive equations of the standard linear model (SLM) based on a thin-wall tube assumption. Additionally, a finite element method (FEM) was applied to simulate radial wall motion for thicker walls. The analytic solution showed that a well-balanced SLM model with the time constant ( τ ε ) values smaller than 0.05 s could effectively simulate the dynamic response of radial wall motion in a human carotid artery. FEM result showed that increasing wall thickness led to a decrease in the amplitude of the radius waveform, while its effect on phase lag was marginal. To evaluate the clinical relevance of arterial wall viscoelasticity, the viscoelastic parameters of the SLM were estimated from the pressure and diameter waveforms of each patient using an optimization technique. The 105 patients were categorized according to their cardiovascular disease risk status, and statistical comparisons were made for viscoelastic parameters across the different groups. The results revealed that the high-risk group exhibited significantly higher wall elasticity than the low-risk group (p < 0.03), while the intermediate-risk group demonstrated higher wall viscosity than the low-risk group (p < 0.01). Therefore, arterial wall elasticity holds potential as a significant indicator for distinguishing between low-risk and high-risk groups, whereas viscosity shows promise as a significant indicator for distinguishing between low-risk and intermediate-risk groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is yet unclear. This study investigated possible risk factors, such as the morphology of the border tissue that affect the pattern of visual field (VF) progression in eyes with OAG. 166 eyes of 166 OAG patients with an externally oblique border tissue (EOBT) at least in one direction were included. EOBT was obtained by analyzing enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images. A pointwise linear regression was used to determine VF progression by measuring the deterioration rate of each point in the VF. The odds ratio of VF progression for each risk factor was estimated using logistic regression analysis. Seventy (42.2%) eyes showed VF deterioration. In multivariate analysis, longer follow-up period, higher baseline intraocular pressure (IOP), lower mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP), and smaller angular location of the longest EOBT were associated with VF progression (all p values were below 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, the location of the longest EOBT was significantly associated with inferior (p = 0.002) and central (p = 0.017) VF progression. In conclusion, VF progression pattern in OAG eyes is associated with the location of the longest EOBT as well as other known risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving predictive models for intensive care unit (ICU) inpatients requires a new strategy that periodically includes the latest clinical data and can be updated to reflect local characteristics. We extracted data from all adult patients admitted to the ICUs of two university hospitals with different characteristics from 2006 to 2020, and a total of 85,146 patients were included in this study. Machine learning algorithms were trained to predict in-hospital mortality. The predictive performance of conventional scoring models and machine learning algorithms was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). The conventional scoring models had various predictive powers, with the SAPS III (AUROC 0.773 [0.766–0.779] for hospital S) and APACHE III (AUROC 0.803 [0.795–0.810] for hospital G) showing the highest AUROC among them. The best performing machine learning models achieved an AUROC of 0.977 (0.973–0.980) in hospital S and 0.955 (0.950–0.961) in hospital G. The use of ML models in conjunction with conventional scoring systems can provide more useful information for predicting the prognosis of critically ill patients. In this study, we suggest that the predictive model can be made more robust by training with the individual data of each hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency of non-invasive respiratory support use has increased in neonates of all gestational ages with respiratory distress (RD). However, the impact of delayed initiation of non-invasive respiratory support in outborn neonates remains poorly understood. This study aimed to identify the impact of the delayed initiation of non-invasive respiratory support in outborn, late-preterm, and term neonates. Medical records of 277 infants (gestational age of ≥ 35 weeks) who received non-invasive respiratory support as primary respiratory therapy < 24 h of age between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Factors associated with respiratory adverse outcomes were investigated in 190 outborn neonates. Infants with RD were divided into two groups: mild (fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2] ≤ 0.3) and moderate-to-severe RD (FiO2 > 0.3), depending on their initial oxygen requirements from non-invasive respiratory support. The median time for the initiation of non-invasive respiratory support at a tertiary center was 3.5 (2.2-5.0) h. Male sex, a high oxygen requirement (FiO2 > 0.3), high CO2 level, and respiratory distress syndrome were significant factors associated with adverse outcomes. Subgroup analysis revealed that in the moderate-to-severe RD group, delayed commencement of non-invasive respiratory support (≥ 3 h) was significantly associated with pulmonary air leakage (p = 0.033).Conclusion: Our study shows that outborn neonates with moderate-to-severe RD, who were treated with delayed non-invasive respiratory support, were associated with an increased likelihood of pulmonary air leakage. Additional prospective studies are required to establish the optimal timing and methods of non-invasive respiratory support for outborn, late-preterm, and term infants.What Is Known: • Non-invasive respiratory support is widely used in neonates of all gestational ages. • Little is known on the impact of delayed initiation of non-invasive respiratory support in outborn, late preterm, and term neonates.What Is New: • Male sex, high oxygen requirement (FiO2 >0.3), high initial CO2 level, and respiratory distress syndrome significantly correlated with adverse outcomes. • Outborn late-preterm and term neonates with high oxygen requirement who were treated with delayed non-invasive respiratory support indicated an increased likelihood of pulmonary air leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive activation of the ionotropic N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor has been shown to cause abnormally high levels of Ca2+ influx, thereby leading to excitotoxic neuronal death. In this study, exposure of mouse primary cortical neurons to NMDA resulted in the cleavage and activation of mammalian sterile 20-like kinase-1 (MST1), both of which were mediated by calpain 1. In vitro cleavage assay data indicated that calpain 1 cleaves out the autoinhibitory domain of MST1 to generate an active form of the kinase. Furthermore, calpain 1 mediated the cleavage and activation of wild-type MST1, but not of MST1 (G339A). Intriguingly, NMDA/calpain-induced MST1 activation promoted the nuclear translocation of the kinase and the phosphorylation of histone H2B in mouse cortical neurons, leading to excitotoxicity. Thus, we propose a previously unrecognized mechanism of MST1 activation associated with NMDA-induced excitotoxic neuronal death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

p62/SQSTM1 is known to act as a key mediator in the selective autophagy of protein aggregates, or aggrephagy, by steering ubiquitinated protein aggregates towards the autophagy pathway. Here, we use a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify the prefoldin-like chaperone UXT as an interacting protein of p62. We show that UXT can bind to protein aggregates as well as the LB domain of p62, and, possibly by forming an oligomer, increase p62 clustering for its efficient targeting to protein aggregates, thereby promoting the formation of the p62 body and clearance of its cargo via autophagy. We also find that ectopic expression of human UXT delays SOD1(A4V)-induced degeneration of motor neurons in a Xenopus model system, and that specific disruption of the interaction between UXT and p62 suppresses UXT-mediated protection. Together, these results indicate that UXT functions as an autophagy adaptor of p62-dependent aggrephagy. Furthermore, our study illustrates a cooperative relationship between molecular chaperones and the aggrephagy machinery that efficiently removes misfolded protein aggregates. p62/SQSTM1 acts as a key mediator in the selective autophagy of protein aggregates, or aggrephagy. Here the authors identify the prefoldin-like chaperone UXT as an autophagy adaptor of p62 dependent aggrephagy and show that ectopic UXT expression delays motor neuron degeneration in a Xenopus model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pattern-recognition receptors including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize invading pathogens and trigger an immune response in mammals. Here we show that mammalian ste20-like kinase 1/serine/threonine kinase 4 (MST1/STK4) functions as a negative regulator of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway associated with inflammation. Myeloid-specific genetic ablation of MST1/STK4 increased the susceptibility of mice to LPS-induced septic shock. Ablation of MST1/STK4 also enhanced NF-κB activation triggered by LPS in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), leading to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines by these cells. Furthermore, MST1/STK4 inhibited TRAF6 autoubiquitination as well as TRAF6-mediated downstream signaling induced by LPS. In addition, we found that TRAF6 mediates the LPS-induced activation of MST1/STK4 by catalyzing its ubiquitination, resulting in negative feedback regulation by MST1/STK4 of the LPS-induced pathway leading to cytokine production in macrophages. Together, our findings suggest that MST1/STK4 functions as a negative modulator of the LPS-induced NF-κB signaling pathway during macrophage activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The balance between major DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways is influenced by binding of the Ku complex, a XRCC5/6 heterodimer, to DSB ends, initiating non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) but preventing additional DSB end resection and homologous recombination (HR). However, the key molecular cue for Ku recruitment to DSB sites is unknown. Here, we report that FOXL2, a forkhead family transcriptional factor, directs DSB repair pathway choice by acetylation-dependent binding to Ku. Upon DSB induction, SIRT1 translocates to the nucleus and deacetylates FOXL2 at lysine 124, leading to liberation of XRCC5 and XRCC6 from FOXL2 and formation of the Ku complex. FOXL2 ablation enhances Ku recruitment to DSB sites, imbalances DSB repair kinetics by accelerating NHEJ and inhibiting HR, and thus leads to catastrophic genomic events. Our study unveils the SIRT1-(de)acetylated FOXL2-Ku axis that governs the balance of DSB repair pathways to maintain genome integrity. The Ku complex, formed by XRCC5/6 heterodimer, binds to double strand break (DSB) ends, initiating non homologous end joining (NHEJ) and preventing homologous recombination (HR). Here, the authors reveal that FOXL2, a forkhead family transcriptional factor, directs DSB repair pathway choice by acetylation-dependent binding to Ku. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myocardial infarction, acute myocarditis, and stress-induced cardiomyopathy must be differentiated in patients with acute chest pain and elevated troponin levels. 4041901 5 Jahnke C, Sinn M, Hot A et al (2023) Differentiation of acute non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and acute infarct-like myocarditis by visual pattern analysis: a head-to-head comparison of different CMR techniques. [Extracted from the article]

Although, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a gold standard for risk stratification of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), is limited in some situations. We sought to evaluate the predictive power of quantitative electrocardiography in assessing hypertrophy pattern and fibrosis in HCM. Eighty-eight patients with HCM were studied. Voltage of R-S-T waves, number of fragmented QRS (fQRS) complexes, and T wave morphology were measured by 12-lead electrocardiography. Sixteen segmental thickness, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), native T1, extracellular volume fraction (ECV), and T2, left ventricular (LV) mass and %LGE were measured by CMR. Patterns of LV hypertrophy were classified as pure apical, mixed, or asymmetrical septal hypertrophy. Positive and negative predictive values of biphasic T wave for pure apical type were 70.4 and 63.9%, and the predictive values of precordial negative T wave sums [Formula: see text] 12.5 mm were 69.2 and 79.6%. Precordial S waves, especially Cornell voltage index, were significantly correlated to LV mass index and maximal thickness (p [Formula: see text]0.001). The number of fQRS leads was significantly correlated to %LGE, average ECV, and T2 (all p [Formula: see text]0.001). More than one lead with fQRS could predict [Formula: see text]5% of LGE mass with 58% sensitivity and 63% specificity (p = 0.049, area under the curve = 0.627). However, degree of correlation between maximal thickness and precordial S was poor in cases with fQRS more two leads. T wave morphology and precordial S helps discriminate hypertrophy pattern and maximal hypertrophy, however, in cases with more than two leads of concomitant fQRS, CMR defines fibrosis amount and hypertrophy more accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mid-diastolic L wave has been recognized as a marker of advanced left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. However, its prognostic implication is unclear. This study assessed long-term prognosis and independent predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with a mid-diastolic L wave. A total of 144 consecutive patients (mean age 63 ± 12 years, 88 female) with a mid-diastolic L wave of ≥0.2 m/s and in sinus rhythm were identified. Patients with significant valvular heart disease, low LV ejection fraction and arrhythmias were excluded. Subjects were followed up for cardiovascular (CV) mortality and hospitalization for heart failure (HF). During follow-up for a median of 44 months (1-76), CV deaths and hospitalization for HF occurred in 41 (28%) patients. In multivariate Cox analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.11; p = 0.001), log N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)(HR 3.81; 95% CI 1.78-8.15; p = 0.001), and left atrial volume index (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.04; p = 0.019) were independent predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with a mid-diastolic L wave. In a stepwise model, NT-proBNP showed an incremental prognostic value for prediction of adverse outcomes when added to the clinical and echocardiographic parameters (Chi square from 30.1 to 41.1, p < 0.001). Patients with a mid-diastolic L wave and clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic evidence of advanced diastolic dysfunction showed poor long-term clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the dynamics of three-component superlattices consisting of non-ferroelectric and anti-ferromagnetic NdMnO/SrMnO/LaMnO layers. Using a femtosecond pump-probe method, two acoustic phonons are observed at frequencies of 49 and 19 GHz, respectively. The temperature dependence of the acoustic phonon follows a similar trend to that of the magnetic phase transition. Surprisingly, one phonon responds strongly to an external magnetic field. The results support the existence of magneto-electric coupling in the superlattice induced by interfacial effects between the non-ferroelectric and anti-ferromagnetic layers and suggest the possible development of ultrafast magneto-tunable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate different codon optimization parameters on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived mating factor α prepro-leader sequence (MFLS) to improve Candida antarctica lipase B (CAL-B) secretory production in Pichia pastoris. Results: Codon optimization based on the individual codon usage (ICU) and codon context (CC) design parameters enhanced secretory production of CAL-B to 7 U/ml and 12 U/ml, respectively. Only 3 U/ml was obtained with the wild type sequence while the sequence optimized using both ICU and CC objectives showed intermediate performance of 10 U/ml. These results clearly show that CC is the most relevant parameter for the codon optimization of MFLS in P. pastoris, and there is no synergistic effect achieved by considering both ICU and CC together. Conclusion: The CC optimized MFLS increased secretory protein production of CAL-B in P. pastoris by fourfold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in mammals include c-Jun NH-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAPK, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). These enzymes are serine-threonine protein kinases that regulate various cellular activities including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis or survival, inflammation, and innate immunity. The compromised MAPK signaling pathways contribute to the pathology of diverse human diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways are activated by various types of cellular stress such as oxidative, genotoxic, and osmotic stress as well as by proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1β. The Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway plays a key role in cancer development through the stimulation of cell proliferation and metastasis. The p38 MAPK pathway contributes to neuroinflammation mediated by glial cells including microglia and astrocytes, and it has also been associated with anticancer drug resistance in colon and liver cancer. We here summarize recent research on the roles of MAPK signaling pathways in human diseases, with a focus on cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of osteoporosis and hypertension, which are considered distinct diseases, has been widely reported. In addition, daily intake of calcium and sodium, as well as parathyroid hormone levels (PTH), is known to be associated with osteoporosis and hypertension. This study aimed to determine the association of low calcium intake, high sodium intake, and PTH levels with osteoporosis and hypertension in postmenopausal Korean women. Data for postmenopausal Korean women aged 50 years or older were obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2011. Osteoporosis was diagnosed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, while hypertension was diagnosed using blood pressure data. The odds ratios for osteoporosis and hypertension were calculated using logistic regression analysis for quartiles of the daily calcium intake, daily sodium intake, and PTH levels. Women with hypertension had a high coexistence of osteoporosis (43.6 vs. 36.5 %; P = 0.022), and vice versa (21.1 vs. 16.6 %; P = 0.022). PTH was significantly associated with osteoporosis and hypertension, and a high intake of calcium was strongly correlated with a low incidence of osteoporosis. This is the first study to report the characteristics of postmenopausal Korean women who have high dietary sodium intake and low dietary calcium intake, in association with the incidence of osteoporosis and hypertension. Osteoporosis and hypertension were strongly associated with each other, and PTH appears to be a key mediator of both diseases, suggesting a possible pathogenic link. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RC3/neurogranin is a postsynaptic protein and plays pivotal roles in spatial learning and emotional anxiety as well as synaptic plasticity. The expression level of RC3 is dynamically changed during developmental stages, but the function of RC3 in brain development is not well understood yet. Neurotrophins interact with tropomyosin-related kinase receptors to activate Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway and can also induce neuronal differentiation. In this study, we demonstrate that RC3 inhibits Ras-ERK pathway by interaction with Ras and controls neurite outgrowth induced by neurotrophins. In PC12 cells, RC3 inhibits nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced activation of Ras and thereby ERK1/2 signaling cascade as well as neurite outgrowth induced by NGF. We found Ras is the target of the inhibitory function of RC3, because RC3 interacts with Ras and suppresses the elevated affinity of Ras to Ras-binding domain of Raf-1. Meanwhile, already activated Raf-1 by Ras activity is not affected by RC3. Furthermore, depletion of RC3 by RNA interference drastically enhances the stimulation of ERK1/2 and neurite outgrowth induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampal neurons. These findings suggest that RC3 is a novel natural inhibitor of Ras-ERK1/2 signaling axis, leading to negatively regulate neuronal differentiation induced by neurotrophins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish extracellular volume fraction (ECV) thresholds corresponding to myocardial lesion detected by late-gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Fifty-six patients with myocardial infarction or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy underwent LGE, pre- and post-contrast modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequences on a 3-T CMR system. Short-axis MOLLI images generated ECV maps of left ventricular (LV) walls. The LGE areas were semi-automatically determined by different signal threshold techniques. The areas of elevated ECV were measured using ECV thresholds of 28-48 %. The LGE areas were compared with the areas of elevated ECV at the corresponding LV levels. The myocardial areas of LGE and elevated ECVs showed a strong and positive correlation ( P < 0.01). The LGE threshold, set at two standard deviations above the mean signal from the remote myocardium, corresponded well with the area of ECV >32 %. When using the full width at half-maximum (FWHM) technique, the LGE area corresponded well with the area of ECV >42 or 44 %. By applying particular ECV thresholds, myocardial ECV maps can define myocardial status equivalent to LGE, and definite ECV thresholds may be useful for the straightforward evaluation of myocardial phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain ischemia causes neuronal injury leading to stroke and other related brain diseases. However, the precise mechanism of the ischemia-induced neuronal death remains unclear yet. In this study, we showed that CIIA suppressed neuronal cell death induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation followed by reoxygenation (OGD/R), which mimics ischemia and reperfusion in vivo, in neuroblastoma cell lines as well as primary cortical neurons. Furthermore, CIIA inhibited the OGD/R-induced stimulation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and its downstream kinases including c-Jun amino-terminal kinase and p38 kinase, concomitantly blocking ASK1 homo-oligomerization and the binding between ASK1 and TRAF2. CIIA also repressed the OGD/R-induced activation of caspase-3 in neuronal cells. Taken together, our results suggest that CIIA attenuates neurotoxicity caused by OGD/R through inhibiting ASK1-dependent signaling events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Users who are familiar with the existing keyword-based search have problems of not being able to configure the formal query because they don't have generic knowledge on knowledge base when using the semantic-based retrieval system. User wants the search results which are more accurate and match the user's search intents with the existing keyword-based search and the same search keyword without the need to recognize what technology the currently used retrieval system is based on to provide the search results. In order to do the semantic analysis of the ambiguous search keyword entered by users who are familiar with the existing keyword-based search, ontological knowledge base constructed based on refined meta-data is necessary, and the keyword semantic analysis technique which reflects user's search intents from the well-established knowledge base and can generate accurate search results is necessary. In this paper, therefore, by limiting the knowledge base construction to multimedia contents meta-data, the applicable prototype has been implemented and its performance in the same environment as Smart TV has been evaluated. Semantic analysis of user's search keyword is done, evaluated and recommended through the proposed ontological knowledge base framework so that accurate search results that match user's search intents can be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new air-bubble free microfluidic blood cuvette for the measurement of hemoglobin concentration. The microfluidic blood cuvette was filled with blood samples by capillary force, and hemoglobin levels in the blood were determined by measuring absorbance at the wavelength of 530 nm. Two different microfluidic blood cuvettes with dual and single sidewall microchannels were investigated. The microfluidic blood cuvette was fabricated using a polymethyl methacrylate substrate and a dry film photoresist. During the blood-filling process, air was trapped in the dual-sided wall-type cuvettes, while no air trapping occurred in the single sidewall-type cuvettes. The sensitivity of the hemoglobin measurements was more linear in a 105 μm deep microchannel than in a 35 μm deep microchannel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A human papilloma virus (HPV) test can be used to identify women that are at risk for cervical cancer. Hybrid Capture (HC2) and PCR are the current gold standard assays and are used globally to detect HPV infection. We present a combined assay system that uses PCR and fluorescence (FL) DNA chip for simple, rapid, and sensitive HPV DNA detection. In the developed assay system, PCR-amplified DNA produced by biotin-labeled consensus GP5/GP6 primers was denatured, neutralized, mixed with FL-streptavidin detector solution and then the mixture was loaded onto the HPV DNA chip for DNA hybridization. The DNA chip was inserted into the laser FL scanner and the FL signal was measured. MgCl of PCR mixture completely nullified FL signal in DNA chip assay but addition of 50mM EDTA to detector solution recovered FL signal. When PCR product of HPV 16 or 18 infected patient's sample was subjected to DNA chip assay, FL signal was observed only from its corresponding HPV type DNA chip, demonstrating the HPV assay system differentiate different HPV genotypes. In rapidity and sensitivity test, the FL signal was illuminated from a PCR product produced by 5 cycles, which did not resolve as a DNA band in gel electrophoresis, suggesting that the combined assay system is more sensitive than an HPV PCR assay. Additionally, this test can be completed within 30 minutes, which will allow patients to be evaluated for infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, long-term effects of carotid artery stenting (CAS) on blood pressure (BP) changes have not been documented well. We evaluated the effects of CAS on BP and found out its predisposing factors in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Methods: Between January 2003 and June 2012, a total of 107 patients were recruited, and all subjects met the following inclusion criteria: (1) patients underwent CAS with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis > 50 %; (2) patients had clinical and radiographic data for at least 1 year of follow-up after CAS; and (3) patients had BP measurements at four different time points: pretreatment, post-treatment, 1-month follow-up, and 1-year follow-up. We evaluated the significance of the BP changes between the pretreatment BP and follow-up BPs, and determined its predisposing factors. Results: Compared to the mean systolic/diastolic BP value (141.0/87.4 mmHg) at the pretreatment BP, the follow-up BPs were significantly decreased after CAS (120.5/74.5, 126.2/76.9, and 129.2/79.0 mmHg at the post-treatment, the 1-month follow-up, and the 1-year follow-up, respectively [ p < 0.01]). The location of the stenosis (odds ratio = 1.856, 95 % confidence interval, 1.388 to 5.589; p = 0.003) and hypertension (odds ratio = 1.627, 95 % confidence interval, 1.101 to 3.757; p = 0.014) were independent predisposing factors for BP-lowering effects of CAS on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: For patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, CAS might have a BP-lowering effect at the 1-year follow-up, especially in patients with hypertension or the stenosis at body lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of blood level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is an important biomarker for the clinical assessment of thyroid status. Here, we presented a new fluorescence (FL) immunochip TSH assay system, which was developed with a platform of point-of-care test (POCT) for clinical applications. The assay system adopted a lateral-flow immunochromatographic technology and consisted of anti-TSH-mAb coated strip in a disposable chip, a detection buffer containing FL-labeled anti-TSH-pAb, a calibration chip, and a laser FL scanner. The analytical performance of FL immunochip TSH assay system was evaluated by linearity, interference, recovery, and imprecision tests. The comparability of the developed assay was examined with an automated reference assay. The developed assay system exhibited an excellent linearity in working range of 1-100 μIU/mL and was affected neither a large amount of various serum interference substances nor similar structure biomolecules to TSH. The analytical mean recovery of control was 97.6% in a dynamic working range and the imprecision of intra- and inter-assay of CVs was less than 10%. There was a significant correlation between the developed TSH assay and the Beckman Coulter Access 2 TSH assay ( r=0.989, p<0.001). The developed FL immunochip assay is the only method that quantifies TSH concentration in whole blood and meets the criteria of POCT including affordable cost, a disposable device, and requiring minimum maintenance to perform test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binding affinity between calix[4]crown-5-ether and amino acids have been compared by studying the complexation association constant, and the best value has been obtained from complex of calix[4]crown-5 ether, and HrSOD tagged with Arg and Lys were tested to investigate the effects of specific residues in protein immobilization on calix[4]crown-5-ether. The protein tagged with 9Args has been shown to have much better immobilization potential. Taking advantage of the similar structure of a moiety of guanine base to that of Arg side chain, different homo-oligonucleotides have been immobilized, and it was found that calix[4]crown-5-ether is an appropriate agent in the immobilization of dGTP homo-oligonucleotides. The results demonstrate that calix[4]crown-5-ether on glass slide chip could be applied as an excellently oriented immobilization agent for protein or for DNA microarray designing. It has the ability of single base differentiation in SNP sequence detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the clinical usefulness of T2 mapping for the detection of myocardial edema in the re-perfused acute myocardial infarction (MI). Cardiac MRIs were reviewed in 20 patients who had acute MI after reperfusion therapy. The regional T2 values and T2-weighted image (T2WI) signal intensities (SI) were measured in the infarcted and remote zones of the myocardium. Patients were divided into three groups according to the signal patterns of the infarcted myocardium on the T2WIs. The T2 values of the infarcted zones were compared on the T2 maps among the three groups. Validation of the T2 values was performed in the normal myocardium of seven healthy volunteers. There were no significant differences in mean T2WI-SI or T2 values in the normal myocardium of healthy volunteers compared to the remote myocardium of acute MI patients (p > 0.05). Mean SI on the T2WIs was significantly higher in the infarcted myocardium (81.3 ± 37.6) than in the remote myocardium (63.8 ± 18.1) (p < 0.05). The T2WIs showed high SI in ten patients (group 1), iso-SI in seven (group 2), and low SI in three (group 3) in the infarcted myocardium, compared to the remote myocardium. The T2 maps showed that T2 values in the infarcted myocardium had mostly increased, regardless of group, with values of 71 ± 9 ms in group 1, 64.9 ± 7.4 ms in group 2, and 61.4 ± 8.5 ms in group 3. T2 mapping is superior to T2WI for detecting areas of high SI in the infarcted myocardium. Therefore, quantitative T2 mapping sequences may be more useful and reliable in identifying myocardial edema in the infarcted myocardium than T2WI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques aim to create still depictions of a dynamic and ever-adapting organ. Most CMR methods rely on cardiac gating to capture information during fleeting periods of relative cardiac quiescence, at end diastole or end systole, or to acquire partial images throughout the cardiac cycle and average these signals over several heart beats. Since the inception of clinical CMR in the early 1980s, priority has been given to improving methods for image gating. The aim of this work is to provide a basic understanding of the ECG acquisition, demonstrate common ECG-related artifacts and to provide practical methods for overcoming these issues. Meticulous ECG preparation is essential for optimal CMR acquisition and these techniques must be adaptable to the individual patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously shown that a Calixarene derivative was an excellent agent for protein immobilization on a solid phase. We further characterized the recognition mechanism between the 'host' Calixarene derivative and 'guest' molecules in this study. The rate of complex formation of Calixcrown with amino acids informed that Calixcrown had the strongest interaction with Arg among the tested amino acids. In order to confirm that Arg is an effective residue in immobilization of protein on Calixcrown-coated glass, several human recombinant superoxide dismutase tagged with different numbers of Arg or Lys were generated. The recombinant protein tagged with longer Arg was immobilized better than the ones tagged with shorter Arg or Lys. We also tested if Calixcrown can immobilize oligoDNA as efficiently as it does protein. Calixcrown most strongly captured homo-dGTP oligoDNA among the four homo-oligoDNAs. When Calixcrown chip was applied to detect single nucleotide polymorphism, it differentiated one base pair mismatch of the double helix oligoDNA. Thus, Calixarene derivative linker molecule can be used as an efficient immobilization agent for both protein and oligoDNA with the right orientation on a solid phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate atrial myocardial properties through two-dimensional (2D) myocardial imaging in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and its predictive role for recurrence after catheter ablation.Methods and Results: Echocardiographic examinations were performed in 40 patients with paroxysmal AF before catheter ablation and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects. Using a software package, bidimensional acquisitions were analyzed to measure longitudinal strain and strain rate for the left atrium (LA). Systolic strain and strain rate in all eight segments, and its average values, were significantly reduced in AF patients compared to controls. During 9 months of follow-up after catheter ablation for AF, 11 of 40 AF patients had AF recurrence. AF recurrence was associated with gender, LA volume index, and average values of systolic strain and strain rate. By multivariate analysis, only average strain was an independent predictor of AF recurrence (OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.98, p = 0.018).Conclusions: Lower systolic strain of LA was strongly associated with recurrence after catheter ablation. Thus, diverse adjunctive ablation strategies should be considered to reduce recurrence in patients with lower systolic strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of their pathophysiological importance in neuro-inflammatory diseases, little is known about the signal transduction pathways that lead to the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the central nervous system. We reported previously that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced MMP-9 expression through ERK1/2 pathway in rat primary astrocytes (Glia 41:15–24, 2003). Here, we investigated the role of other MAPK pathways, including p38 and JNK/SAPK, on the regulation of MMP-9 expression in LPS-stimulated rat primary astrocytes. LPS activated both p38 and JNK in astrocytes. Treatment with a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, but not JNK inhibitor SP600125, increased the LPS-stimulated MMP-9 expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ and IL-4, activated p38 MAPK and decreased MMP-9 production in LPS-stimulated astrocytes. When p38 MAPK activation was blocked by SB203580, the inhibitory effects of these cytokines on MMP-9 induction were abolished. Finally, direct injection of SB203580 into the lateral ventricle of rat brain increased the LPS-induced MMP-9 activity in cerebral cortex. Altogether, these results suggest that p38 activation down-regulates the inflammatory stimulation-induced over-expression of MMP-9, both in primary astrocytes and in cerebral cortex. The elaborate interplay between ERK1/2 and p38 pathways provides a more sophisticated mechanism for regulating MMP-9 activity in neuroinflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (Phaffia rhodozyma) is used as a colorant for aquaculture, egg yolks, and crustaceans but its carotenoids can only be absorbed by animals when its cell wall is degraded. Conditions that degraded the cell wall of X. dendrorhous were developed. To measure the degrees of cell wall degradation, the carotenoid extractability (extracted carotenoid by acetone/total carotenoid) unit was used. Treatment with HCl (0.2 M, 9 h, 90 °C) followed by neutralization to pH 3 by NaOH and spray-drying increased carotenoid extractability to 100% with minimal decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand nitrite build-up in the nitritation process, the inhibition kinetics of free ammonia (FA) on nitrite oxidation were investigated. FA inhibition on nitrite oxidation was the key factor of nitrite build-up and its type was mixed inhibition. Therefore, the mixed inhibition model should be adapted to a Michaelis–Menten equation to set up a process rate equation for nitrite oxidation in the nitritation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two opposite signaling pathways that stimulate NF-κB activation and apoptosis are both mediated by tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) and its cytosolic associated proteins. In this study, we demonstrate that the proteolytic cleavage of receptor interacting protein (RIP) by caspase-8 during TNF-induced apoptosis abrogates the stimulatory role of RIP on TNF-induced NF-κB activation. The uncleavable RIPD324A mutant was less apoptotic, but its ability to activate NF-κB activation was greater than the wild type counterpart. Ectopic expression of the pro-apoptotic C-terminal fragment of RIP inhibited TNF-induced NF-κB activation by suppressing the activity of I-κB kinaseβ (IKKβ) which phosphorylates I-kB, an inhibitor of NF-κB, and triggers its ubiquitin-mediated degradation. The C-terminal fragment of RIP also enhanced the association between TNFR1 and death domain proteins including TNFR1 associated death domain (TRADD) and Fas associated death domain (FADD), resulting in the activation of caspase-8 and stimulation of apoptosis. The present study suggest that the C-terminal fragment of RIP produced by caspase-8 activates death-inducing signaling complex (DISC), attenuates NF-κB activation, and thereby amplifies the activation of caspase-8 which initiates the downstream apoptotic events. Oncogene (2000) 19, 4491–4499 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the alkalinity/NH4+ ratio increased from 4.1 to 9.4, the ammonium removal rate increased from 45 to 90 mg NOx-N l-1 h-1. An increase in alkalinity/NH4+ ratio was a major reason for higher pH and free ammonia (FA) concentration in the reactor. The high concentration of FA showed a selective inhibition for Nitrobacter, which caused enhanced nitrite build-up in a biofilm reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scapular fractures are uncommon and among them acromial fractures are even more uncommon. Because the vast majority of acromial fractures are either non-displaced or minimally displaced, symptomatic and nonoperative management was performed. We describe a case of avulsion fracture of the acromial physis displaced by acromioclavicular ligament treated with open reduction and internal fixation, and include a review of the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genes encoding pro-carboxypeptidase Ys (pro-CPYs) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hansenula polymorpha were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Most of the expressed pro-CPY was present in the form of inclusion bodies, accounting for about 35% of the total cellular protein. The inclusion bodies solubilized in 6 M guanidinum chloride were renatured by dilution 1:60 into renaturation buffer. Further refolding and activation were followed by the addition of 60 μg ml−1 proteinase K into the diluted solution. The specific activities of in vitro activated S. cerevisiae and H. polymorpha CPYs were found to be similar, representing about 25% of that of native S. cerevisiae CPY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A medium based on less expensive nutrient sources, such as corn starch hydrolyzate (hydrol), corn steep liquor (CSL), urea and potassium phosphate was used for the growth of the yeast Phaffia rhodozyma 2A2N strain. A central composite experimental design has been employed to derive a statistical model on the effect of hydrol and CSL on carotenoid production. An initial concentration of sugars as glucose equivalent 73 g/l in hydrol and 43 g/l CSL were found optimal for the maximization of final carotenoid production in shake flask cultures. The carotenoid production was increased by adding urea and phosphate sources. Laboratory scale fermentation was performed with the optimized medium and total carotenoid production of 52.4 mg/l was obtained using constant fed-batch culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most Korean community represents the primary effluent of 180 mg/L COD, 80 mg/L BOD, 25 mg/L TKN and 4 mg/L TP. A/O, A/O and MUCT (Modified University of Cape Town) systems were applied to laboratory scale reactor with a temperature of 10 to 20°C. A total of 6 hour hydraulic retention time including anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic zones was used with a maximum 3,000 mg/L MLSS to simulate the existing municipal plants. All BNR systems represented effluent BOD less than 10 mg/L. MUCT produced better quality; 0.5 mg/L SP (soluble phosphorus) with 10 mg/L TN vs 1.8 mg/L SP with 12 mg/L TN for A/O with the same internal recycle ratio. Performance of BNR systems would suggest the primary effluent used for this study represents a nature of slowly biodegradable COD. As that result, anaerobic fraction must be increased to attain lower effluent P concentrations. However, prefermentation to increase Premoval was not necessary since P was also limited. Microbial mass fractions computed from COD and nitrogen mass balances suggested that poly-P microbes were about 33% in A/O and MUCT, denitrifier fractions were about 30% in A/O and MUCT. Nitrifier fractions were about 2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gait modification strategies are effective in reducing knee joint loads, which are associated with the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the effect of modification of the initial foot contact method in high-loading descending task was not investigated. Here, we show that the initial foot contact strategy significantly alters knee joint moments during descending tasks. We found that the second peak flexion moment was lower for the forefoot strike (FFS) than for the rearfoot strike (RFS) in both stair and ramp descent. As for the peak adduction moment, the second peak was lower for the FFS in stair descent, but two peaks were inconsistent in ramp descent. Our results demonstrate that the knee joint loads can be reduced by simple modification of the initial foot contact strategy. In both descending modalities, the FFS may benefit people with early OA in the patellofemoral joint, whose progression is associated with the peak flexion moment. Likewise, the FFS during stair descent may benefit people with early OA in the medial knee, whose progression is associated with the peak adduction moment. The results would be helpful for prevention and rehabilitation programmes of knee OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with a low-radiation protocol and iterative model reconstruction (IMR), in comparison with invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Sixty-one patients (45 males; mean age, 61.9 ± 9.2 years) with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent CCTA and ICA were retrospectively enrolled. CCTA was performed with low tube voltage (80 or 100 kVp), low tube current (100-200 mAs), prospective ECG triggering, and IMR using a 64-slice computed tomography scanner. Coronary artery disease was defined as luminal narrowing of >50%, as assessed using CCTA and ICA. The sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive value, and accuracy of CCTA were examined. The mean radiation dose of CCTA was 1.05 ± 0.36 mSv. No non-diagnostic segment was noted. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of CCTA were 86.4%, 96.1%, 80.3%, 97.5%, and 94.6% on a per segment basis, 93.1%, 94.7%, 88.3%, 97.0%, and 94.2% on a per vessel basis, and 100%, 83.3%, 93.5%, 100%, and 95.1% on a per patient basis, respectively. In conclusion, a low-radiation CCTA protocol with IMR may be useful for diagnosing coronary artery disease, as it reduces the radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering of efflux pumps is a promising way to improve host's tolerance to biofuels such as medium-chain alcohols (CmOHs); however, this strategy is restricted by poor understanding of the efflux pumps engaged in extrusion of solvents. In this study, several Escherichia coli mutants of multidrug transporters were evaluated for isoprenol tolerance. Susceptible phenotypes were observed in the mutants with individual deletion of six transporters, AcrD, EmrAB, MacAB, MdtBC, MdtJI and YdiM, whereas inactivation of AcrAB transporter resulted in an improved tolerance to isoprenol and other CmOHs. AcrAB is the major transporter forming tripartite transperiplasmic complex with outer membrane channel TolC for direct extrusion of toxic molecules in E. coli. The AcrAB inactivation enables to enhance TolC availability for the multidrug transporters associated with extrusion of CmOHs and increase the tolerance to CmOHs including isoprenol. It is assumed that outer membrane channel TolC plays an important role in extrusion of isoprenol and other CmOHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]