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Understanding emotional states is pivotal for the development of next-generation human-machine interfaces. Human behaviors in social interactions have resulted in psycho-physiological processes influenced by perceptual inputs. Therefore, efforts to comprehend brain functions and human behavior could potentially catalyze the development of AI models with human-like attributes. In this study, we introduce a multimodal emotion dataset comprising data from 30-channel electroencephalography (EEG), audio, and video recordings from 42 participants. Each participant engaged in a cue-based conversation scenario, eliciting five distinct emotions: neutral, anger, happiness, sadness, and calmness. Throughout the experiment, each participant contributed 200 interactions, which encompassed both listening and speaking. This resulted in a cumulative total of 8,400 interactions across all participants. We evaluated the baseline performance of emotion recognition for each modality using established deep neural network (DNN) methods. The Emotion in EEG-Audio-Visual (EAV) dataset represents the first public dataset to incorporate three primary modalities for emotion recognition within a conversational context. We anticipate that this dataset will make significant contributions to the modeling of the human emotional process, encompassing both fundamental neuroscience and machine learning viewpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since Grover developed a quantum search algorithm for unstructured data, generalizing the algorithm to structured datasets, which can be represented as graphs, has been an important research topic. Recently, Krovi et al. introduced a quantum algorithm that can find a marked vertex on any ergodic and reversible graph by using absorbing marked vertices, replacing the marked vertices with partially absorbing vertices. The algorithm was extended to finding marked vertices in any graph with multiple marked vertices using the quantum fast-forwarding technique (QFF). However, the proof of this result based on QFF does not provide much intuition about the underlying mechanism. In this paper, to obtain the underlying mechanism of the quantum search with absorbing marked vertices, we consider, as a nontrivial example, the complete bipartite graph consisting of two sets X 1 and X 2 with the marked vertices being on both vertex sets. By analytically finding the spectral information of the quantum walk, we propose an approximate optimal search parameter s o . We demonstrate that the quantum algorithm at the optimal search parameter s o shows a quadratic speedup compared to the corresponding classical search method if the number of marked vertices is smaller than the total number of vertices. Additionally, we find that the quantum search is described in terms of a two-state model for that case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: A scalable tape-casting method produces self-supported porous Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12. Combining the in-situ polymerization approach, a composite solid electrolyte with superior electrochemical properties is fabricated. Solid-state Li|CSE|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cells show remarkable cyclability and rate capability. LiF-and B-rich interphase layers mitigate interfacial reactions, enhancing solid-state battery performance. Composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) have emerged as promising candidates for safe and high-energy–density solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs). However, concurrently achieving exceptional ionic conductivity and interface compatibility between the electrolyte and electrode presents a significant challenge in the development of high-performance CSEs for SSLMBs. To overcome these challenges, we present a method involving the in-situ polymerization of a monomer within a self-supported porous Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZT) to produce the CSE. The synergy of the continuous conductive LLZT network, well-organized polymer, and their interface can enhance the ionic conductivity of the CSE at room temperature. Furthermore, the in-situ polymerization process can also construct the integration and compatibility of the solid electrolyte–solid electrode interface. The synthesized CSE exhibited a high ionic conductivity of 1.117 mS cm−1, a significant lithium transference number of 0.627, and exhibited electrochemical stability up to 5.06 V vs. Li/Li+ at 30 °C. Moreover, the Li|CSE|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cell delivered a discharge capacity of 105.1 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at 0.5 C and 30 °C, corresponding to a capacity retention of 61%. This methodology could be extended to a variety of ceramic, polymer electrolytes, or battery systems, thereby offering a viable strategy to improve the electrochemical properties of CSEs for high-energy–density SSLMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioactive substances released as nuclear power plant accident can contaminate soil in a wide area. Soil washing is used as decontamination technique for Cs-contaminated soil, which exhibits short processing time and maximization of Cs removal rate by applying flocculating agents. However, soil washing generates secondary waste in the form of sludge/slurry. In this context, proposed a method of pelletization and solidification of powdered waste to facilitate treatment/disposal of the Cs-contaminated fine soil (secondary waste). In addition, by characterizing the prepared waste form, it was examined whether waste form satisfies Waste Acceptance Criteria for disposal facilities in South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow cytometry has become an indispensable tool for counting, analyzing, and sorting large cell populations in biological research and medical practice. Unfortunately, it has limitations in the analysis of non-spherically shaped cells due to the variation of their alignment with respect to the flow direction and, hence, the optical interrogation axis, resulting in unreliable cell analysis. Here, we present a simple on-chip acoustofluidic method to fix the orientation of ellipsoidal cells and focus them into a single, aligned stream. Specifically, by generating acoustic standing waves inside a 100 ⋅ 100 µm square-shaped microchannel, we successfully aligned and focused up to 97.7% of a population of Euglena gracilis (an ellipsoidal shaped microalgal species) cells in the center of the microchannel with high precision at a volume rate of 25 to 200 µL min−1. Uniform positioning of ellipsoidal cells is essential for making flow cytometry applicable to the investigation of a greater variety of cell populations and is expected to be beneficial for ecological studies and aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The curvature of a videolaryngoscope blade has been diversified from the standard macintosh-type to the hyperacute-angle-type, resulting in different performances. We aimed to determine the intubation success rate and identify predictors of difficult intubation when using an intermediate-angled videolaryngoscope in the first attempt of intubation under routine anaesthesia settings. We enrolled 808 patients between 19 and 79 years of age, scheduled for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia with orotracheal intubation from July 2017 to November 2018; patients who were candidates for awake intubation were excluded. We obtained patient demographic data and performed airway evaluation before induction of anaesthesia for elective surgeries. We used the UEScope for tracheal intubation with a hockey stick-shaped malleable stylet. The intubation time was defined as the total duration from the entry of the blade into the oropharynx to the detection of first end-tidal carbon dioxide capnogram; this duration was recorded along with the number of intubation attempts. Difficult intubation was defined as either > 60 s duration for tracheal intubation, or > 1 intubation attempt. The use of the UEScope demonstrated a 99.4% success rate for intubation; however, increased difficulties were observed in patients who were male, obese, had a short thyromental distance, limited mouth opening, and high upper-lip-bite test class. Despite the high intubation success rate using an intermediate-angled videolaryngoscope, we recommend preparing backup plans, considering the increased difficulty in patients with certain preoperative features. Clinical trial number and registry URL: Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT03215823 (Date of registration: 12 July) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive and selective determination of protein biomarkers with high accuracy often remains a great challenge due to their existence in the human body at an exceptionally low concentration level. Therefore, sensing mechanisms that are easy to use, simple, and capable of accurate quantification of analyte are still in development to detect biomarkers at a low concentration level. To meet this end, we demonstrated a methodology to detect thrombin in serum at low concentration levels using polypyrrole (PPy)-palladium (Pd)nanoparticle-based hybrid transducers using liposomes encapsulated redox marker as a label. The morphology of Ppy-Pd composites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and the hybrid structure provided excellent binding and detection platform for thrombin detection in both buffer and serum solutions. For quantitative measurement of thrombin in PBS and serum, the change in current was monitored using differential pulse voltammetry, and the calculated limit of quantification (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) for the linear segment (0.1–1000 nM of thrombin) were 1.1 pM and 0.3 pM, in serum, respectively. The sensors also exhibited good stability and excellent selectivity towards the detection of thrombin, and thus make it a strong candidate for adopting its sensing applications in biomarker detection technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The role of transsphenoidal surgery in the recovery of preexisting hormone dysfunction from pituitary tumors remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of hormone dysfunction among asymptomatic non-functioning pituitary adenomas and their recovery following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Methods: Eligibility criteria included age under 80 years, presence of a non-functioning pituitary adenoma compressing the normal gland resulting in deviation of the stalk, absence of visual symptoms, and availability for regular follow-up using MRI and pre- and post-operative endocrinological assessments. 182 patients with silent non-functioning pituitary adenomas were included in this study between March 2014 and December 2018. All patients underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery and complete hormonal evaluation, with basal hormone assays and a combined pituitary function test before and after surgery until the end of last follow-up. Results: Preoperative assessment of hormonal function revealed that 124 of 182 patients (68.1%) had at least a single hormone dysfunction preoperatively. Among these, 61 of 124 (49.2%) had a dysfunction in a single axis, and 63 (50.8%) had a hormone dysfunction in two or more axes. Overall, the median endocrinological follow-up duration was 15.0 months (6–57 months). At 1 month following surgery, 91 patients (73.4%) with hormone dysfunction experienced improvement in at least a single hormone axis. Prolactin was the most common hormone among those that recovered at the last follow up (92.8% improvement) followed by growth hormone (GH, 50.0%), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, 50.0%), gonadotropin (Gn, 46.9%), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, 45.0%). Time to recovery varied from 1.1 months (for prolactin) to 2.2 months (for gonadotropin, and ACTH). In patients with preoperative deficiency in GH, and ACTH, postoperative transient diabetes insipidus was associated with poor recovery (GH: HR = 0.50, p = 0.048; ACTH: HR = 0.39, p = 0.023). Conclusions: Non-functioning pituitary adenomas with silent hormone dysfunction are often overlooked by clinicians and patients. We suggest that even silent hormone dysfunction in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas can be improved with effective surgical decompression and these tumors may be potential indications of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte disturbance and is related to poor prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, the role of hypokalemia in patients with vasospastic angina (VSA) has not yet been studied. The present study enrolled 1454 patients diagnosed with VSA according to ergonovine provocation test results and available admission serum potassium data. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, and new-onset life-threatening arrhythmia. Based on a hypokalemia definition as serum potassium concentration ≤ 3.5 mEq/L, the hypokalaemia group included 70 patients (4.8%). The median potassium levels were 3.4 mEq/L [interquartile range (IQR) 3.3–3.5] in the hypokalemia group and 4.1 mEq/L (IQR 3.9–4.3) in the no-hypokalemia group. The median follow-up duration was 764 days. Primary outcomes occurred in seven patients (10.0%) in the hypokalemia group and 51 patients (3.7%) in the no-hypokalemia group. The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a higher cumulative incidence of primary outcomes in the hypokalemia group compared to that in the no-hypokalemia group (log-rank P = 0.014). Multivariate Cox regression analysis also showed that hypokalemia was an independent predictor of primary outcomes. In conclusion, hypokalemia at admission was associated with adverse clinical outcomes in VSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) only, beta-blockers (BB) only, or both has been rarely compared in patients with heart failure (HF). We evaluated the prescribing patterns of ACEi/ARB and BB on prognosis in HF according to left ventricular function. Methods: Study data were obtained from a national multicenter cohort that included patients hospitalized for HF. Patients were classified into four groups according to the prescription pattern at discharge: all ACEi/ARB and BB treatment group, only ACEi or ARB treatment group, only BB treatment group, and neither ACEi/ARB nor BB group. Results: Use of both ACEi/ARB and BB had significantly lowest all-cause death rates among the four groups in all types of HF. Cox regression analysis showed that use of both drugs was independently associated with 51% reduced risk of all-cause death in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Treatment with only ACEi/ARB also showed an independent association with a 52% reduction in this group. However, only BB treatment was not associated with reducing long-term mortality in patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF. In patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, use of ACEi/ARB and/or BB revealed an independent association with a reduced risk of all-cause death regardless of prescribing patterns. Conclusions: Prescribing patterns were diverse in HF and there was a difference in the degree of risk reduction in all-cause death. In particular, clinicians should consider ACEi/ARB first for patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF prior to BB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of statin therapy on reducing adverse cardiovascular events in vasospastic angina (VSA) has been inconsistent. Therefore, we investigated the association between statin therapy and adverse cardiovascular events in a large, prospective VSA cohort. The Variant Angina Korea registry consecutively enrolled 2960 patients suspected VSA. Among them, we included 1713 patients who were diagnosed with VSA based on coronary provocation test. We divided the patients into the statin (n = 744) and no-statin group (n = 914) according to the medication prescribed at discharge. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, and new-onset life-threatening arrhythmia during a 3-year follow-up period. The primary outcome occurred in 32 patients (4.3%) in the statin and 28 patients (3.1%) in the no-statin group. In Kaplan–Meier analysis before and after propensity score matching, there was no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of primary outcomes between both groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the focal type of VSA was independent predictor of primary outcomes, but statin therapy was not. Furthermore, the lack of benefit of statin therapy for primary outcomes was consistently observed across the statin intensity and spasm characteristics. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that statin therapy did not reduce adverse cardiovascular events in patients with VSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXene nanosheets of type Ti3C2Tx were modified with β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and then used as a biosensor for amperometric sensing of β-hydroxybutyrate. The MXene and the nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The MXene has a layered structure and proved to be an excellent immobilization matrix providing good compatibility with the enzyme β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. The MXene-based biosensor, best operated at a potential of − 0.35 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), displays a wide linear range (0.36 to 17.9 mM), a sensitivity of 0.480 μA mM−1 cm−2, and a low detection limit (45 μM). The biosensor was successfully applied to the determination of β-hydroxybutyrate in (spiked) real serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Rare comparative studies investigated the relationship between combination therapy of antihypertensive drugs and the incidence of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM). The aim of this study was to evaluate which combination therapy, calcium channel blocker (CCB) with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or CCB with angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB), is best in reducing/preventing the development of NODM during 4-year follow-up periods in non-diabetic hypertensive Korean patients. Materials and methods: Finally, a total of 1221 consecutive hypertensive patients without a history of diabetes mellitus who had been prescribed CCB were retrospectively enrolled and divided into the two groups, an ACEI group (combination CCB with ACEI, n = 251) and an ARB group (combination CCB with ARB, n = 970). The primary endpoint was NODM, defined as a fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%. Secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as total death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Results: After propensity-score matched (PSM) analysis, two propensity-matched groups (243 pairs, n = 486, C-statistic = 0.696) were generated. During 4-year follow-up periods, there were similar incidence of NODM (Hazard ratio [HR]; 1.198, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.591–2.431, P = 0.616), MACE (HR; 1.324, 95% CI; 0.714–2.453, P = 0.373), total death, MI and PCI between the two groups after PSM analysis. Conclusion: CCB with ACE or CCB with ARB combination strategies are equally acceptable in hypertensive Korean patients regarding the occurrence of NODM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium disilicate glass–ceramics with high mechanical strength are being widely used as ingots for heat-pressing technique and blocks for CAD/CAM processing in clinical dentistry as aesthetic prosthetic materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture strength of single crowns made of the different types of lithium disilicate glass–ceramics. Single crowns for mandibular second premolar with thickness of 1.5 mm were manufactured. IPS e.max Press and Amber Press crowns were produced by heat-pressing, and IPS e.max CAD and Rosetta SM crowns was produced by milling. Amber Lisi-POZ crown was produced by heat-pressing on the zirconia frame. Fracture strength test was performed at 10 degrees of inclination toward the load after bonding crown on metal abutment using dual-curing resin cement. Statistical analysis of fracture strength was conducted through Weibull statistics (n = 15 per group). The mean fracture strength (2087.4 N) of Amber Lisi-POZ group produced by heat-pressing on the zirconia frame was significantly higher than that (1479.8 N) of Rosetta SM group produced by milling. Weibull coefficients for IPS e.max CAD and Rosetta SM groups were, respectively, 14.44 and 9.39, and those for IPS e.max Press, Amber Press, and Amber Lisi-POZ groups produced by heat-pressing were in the range between 4.72 and 5.16. In conclusion, the fracture strength of Amber Lisi-POZ crown with zirconia framework was the highest, and the buccal cusps fractured from the central groove of the all crowns. Weibull modulus of crowns produced by milling was higher than those of crowns produced by heat-pressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality in the general population and is a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We sought to evaluate the effect of overweight/obesity on clinical outcomes of patients with vasospastic angina (VA) at 1-year follow-up. The VA-KOREA (Vasospastic Angina in Korea) registry was a cohort of 11 centers from 2010 to 2015. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death (CD), new-onset arrhythmia, and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Using the body mass index (BMI) cut-off for Asians, 517 patients with definite VA were divided into either an overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2) group (n = 378) or a normal weight (BMI 18.5–22.9 kg/m2) group (n = 139). The overweight/obese group showed a significantly lower rate of the primary endpoint composite (2.4% vs 7.9%, p = 0.004) and ACS (0.8% vs 4.3%, p = 0.007) than the normal weight group in the crude population. Similarly, in propensity-score matched analysis, the overweight/obese group showed a significantly lower rate of the primary endpoint composite (2.3% vs 8.4%, p = 0.006) and ACS (1.1% vs 4.6%, p = 0.035) than the normal weight group. However, there were no significant differences in CD and new-onset arrhythmia between the two groups in both the crude and propensity-score matched population. Independent predictors of the primary endpoint were overweight/obesity and dyslipidemia. In patients with VA, the overweight/obese group was associated with a favorable 1-year primary endpoint and the difference was mainly driven by the lower rate of ACS compared with the normal weight group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although tamoxifen remains the frontline treatment for ERα-positive breast cancers, resistance to this drug limits its clinical efficacy. Most tamoxifen-resistant patients retain ERα expression which may support growth and progression of breast cancers. Therefore, we investigated epigenetic regulation of ERα that may provide a rationale for targeting ERα in these patients. Methods: Expression levels of the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) family of proteins in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells and publicly available breast cancer patient data sets were analyzed. Histone methylation levels in ERα promoter regions were assessed using chromatin immunoprecipitation. Expression levels of ERα and its target gene were analyzed using western blotting and real-time qPCR. Cell-cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: The expression of MLL3 and SET-domain-containing 1A (SET1A) were increased in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancers. An MLL3 chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing data analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments for MLL3 and SET1A suggested that these proteins bound to enhancer or intron regions of the ESR1 gene and regulated histone H3K4 methylation status. Depletion of MLL3 or SET1A downregulated the expression level of ERα and inhibited the growth of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells. Additional treatment with fulvestrant resulted in a synergistic reduction of ERα levels and the growth of the cells. Conclusions: The enhanced expression of MLL3 and SET1A in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells supported the ERα-dependent growth of these cells by increasing ERα expression. Our results suggest that targeting these histone methyltransferases might provide an attractive strategy to overcome endocrine resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiological aerosol generated from radio-activated metal cutting is a significant risk factor that must be considered for radiological hazards on a worker. For minimizing the exposure of a worker, it is important to understand the distribution of particle size and mass. This study measured the aerodynamic distribution of aerosols generated from the plasma arc cutting on steel alloys by using an electric low pressure impactor. We compared the impact of plasma cutting conditions with various plasma arc current (75, 90, 125 A) and cutting length (3, 6, 15 cm) on the aerodynamic distribution of aerosols. We confirmed the higher plasma arc current, the more aerosol with a larger particle than 0.1 μm was produced. The optimal current value of suppressing ultrafine dust generation was suggested through the analysis of kerf width and fine particle fraction by increasing plasma arc current. The study of plasma arc current influence on aerosol generation could be helped to potentially minimize worker's exposure by carefully selecting the cutting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical treatment utilizing non-thermal plasma is based on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their interactions with biomatters. On the basis of empirical data from practices, plasma treatment has been planned with regard to the setup of a plasma generator's parameters, including gas combination, gas-flow rate, and applied voltage. In this study, we quantitated plasma treatment in terms of the plasma dose on the target matter, which can be contrasted with the radiation dose to targets under radiation exposure. We measured the OH radical production in cell culture medium and intracellular ROS production from plasma treatment in comparison with those from X-ray exposure. The clonogenic cell deaths from plasma and X-ray exposures were also compared. In plasma treatment, the clonogenic cell death was better predicted by intracellular ROS production rather than by medium OH production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-platelet agents are commonly used in vasospastic angina (VA) patients with comorbidity like coronary artery disease. However, long-term clinical outcomes in the use of aspirin, clopidogrel or the two agents together have rarely been investigated in VA patients. In a prospective study, we enrolled 2960 patients who received coronary angiography and ergonovine provocation test at 11 university hospitals in Korea. Among them, 1838 patients were diagnosed either with definite (n = 680) or intermediate (n = 1212) VA, using the criteria of chest pain, ECG changes and ergonovine provocation test results. They were analyzed according to their use of aspirin, clopidogrel or both, or no anti-platelet agent at all. The primary outcome was time to composite events of death from any cause, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and symptomatic arrhythmia during a 3-year follow-up. A primary composite outcome was significantly more common in the aspirin plus clopidogrel group, at 10.8% (14/130), as compared with the non-antiplatelet group, at 4.4% (44/1011), (hazard ratio [HR] 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–4.40, p = 0.004). With regard to the person-time event rate, similar results were shown, with the highest rate in the aspirin plus clopidogrel user at 4.72/1000 person months (95% CI, 2.79–7.96, log-rank test for primary outcome p = 0.016). The person-time event of the ACS rate was also highest in that group, at 2.81 (95% CI, 1.46–5.40, log-rank test for ACS p = 0.116). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated poor prognosis in primary outcomes and ACS in aspirin plus clopidogrel users (log-rank test, p = 0.005 and p = 0.0392, respectively). Cox-proportional hazard regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, history of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, presence or not of definite spasm, use of calcium channel blocker, demonstrated that the use of aspirin plus clopidogrel is an independent risk for the primary outcome (HR 2.01, CI: 1.07–3.81, p = 0.031). The aspirin-alone group had a similar primary and individual event rate compared to the no-antiplatelet agent group (HR 0.96, CI, 0.59–1.55, p = 0.872). Smokers using aspirin plus clopidogrel had poorer outcomes than non-smokers, with HR 6.36 (CI 2.31–17.54, p = 0.045 for interaction). In conclusion, among VA patients, aspirin plus clopidogrel use is associated with a poor clinical outcome at 3 years, especially in ACS. Aspirin alone appears to be safe for use in those patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of preoperative ureteral stenting duration on the outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Patients and methods: We reviewed our database of patients who underwent RIRS between May 2011 and April 2017 at our institution. The patients were divided into three groups according to preoperative ureteral stenting duration: group 1: no stenting, group 2: short preoperative stenting (< 7 days) and group 3: long preoperative stenting (≥ 7 days). We compared the rate of ureteral injury, other perioperative complications, ureteral dilation and readmission, stone-free rate (SFR) and operative time among the groups. Results: A total of 560 patients (215 in group 1, 177 in group 2 and 168 in group 3) were included in this study. The mean of maximum stone size was 13.1 (± 6.2) mm, the mean number of stones was 2.3 (± 1.9) and preoperative ureteral stenting duration was 7.2 (± 3.7) days. There were no significant differences in operative time (75.6, 78.5 and 82.4 min, p = 0.280), SFR (79.1, 84.2 and 81.0%, p = 0.433), ureteral injury rate (7.0, 5.1 and 2.4%, p = 0.123) and other perioperative complication rates (12.1, 6.8 and 6.0%, p = 0.061). The only one case of grade IV ureteral injury occurred in group 1 and the rate of ureteral dilation was significantly higher than in group 2 and 3 (14.9, 5.7 and 6.0%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although preoperative ureteral stenting duration has no significant effect on operative outcomes, it is an effective procedure for reducing the rate of intraoperative ureteral balloon dilation and preventing high-grade ureteral injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares the mechanical properties of commercially available CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) millable dental blocks including Vita Enamic, Lava Ultimate, and MAZIC Duro. All the discs were cut in dimension of 1.2 mm in thickness and 12 mm in diameter, ground up to #1200 Sic papers and polished. The biaxial flexure strength of the ceramic discs was measured after thermocycling treatment and the broken surfaces were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The discs were brushed using a toothbrush testing machine under a 150 g load. Surface roughness and morphology were determined after toothbrushing cycles. Finally, the friction and wear behavior of the materials against an opposing tooth were studied using a reciprocating pin-on-plate test configuration. The vertical loss of dental cusp was measured, and the surface image was examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The biaxial flexural strength data were subjected to Weibull analysis. To compare the significance between the groups, all data were analyzed by one-way analysis (ANOVA). The biaxial flexural strength of the Lava Ultimate and MAZIC Duro materials is significantly higher than that of Vita Enamic. In addition, Lava Ultimate and MAZIC Duro exhibited significantly smoother surfaces than that of Vita Enamic after toothbrushing. Lava Ultimate and MAZIC Duro also showed less wear to the opposing tooth than that of Vita Enamic. In addition, Lava Ultimate possesses more suitable mechanical properties than the Vita Enamic and Mazic Duro for use in oral clinical prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to analyze cases of delayed hearing loss after microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm and identify the characteristic features of these patients.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 3462 patients who underwent MVD for hemifacial spasm between January 1998 and August 2017.Results: Among these, there were 5 cases in which hearing was normal immediately postoperatively but delayed hearing loss occurred. None of the 5 patients reported any hearing disturbance immediately after the operation. However, they developed hearing problems suddenly after some time (median, 22 days; range 10-45 days). On examination, sensorineural hearing loss was confirmed. High-dose corticosteroid treatment was prescribed. Preoperative hearing levels were restored after several months (median duration from the time of the operation, 45 days; range 22-118 days). Interestingly, the inter-peak latency of waves I-III in the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) was prolonged during the surgery, but recovered within a short time.Conclusion: Delayed hearing loss may occur after MVD for HFS. Prolongation of the inter-peak latency of waves I-III seems to be associated with the occurrence of delayed hearing loss. It is possible that BAEP changes may predict delayed hearing loss, but confirmatory evidence is not available as yet. Analysis of more cases is necessary to determine the utility of BAEP monitoring to predict delayed hearing loss after MVD and to identify its exact cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimony selenide and its carbon composite were synthesized through a mechanochemical process and investigated as anode materials for sodium-ion secondary batteries. X-ray diffraction (XRD) with rietveld refinement and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirm that Sb2Se3 were composed of agglomerated highly crystalline nanocrystallites and the Sb2Se3/C composite consisted of nanocrystalline Sb2Se3 dispersed homogeneously throughout an amorphized carbon matrix. The initial Coulombic efficiency, rate capability, and cycle performance of the Sb2Se3/C composite were superior to those of Sb, or Sb2Se3. The Sb2Se3/C composite, in particular, showed excellent cycle stability, with 98.2% of initial capacity at 200 mA g−1 after 200 cycles. Based on the reaction potentials, ex situ XRD patterns and ex situ HR-TEM analysis of the Sb2Se3/C composite electrode revealed the structural changes which occurred reversibly within the Sb2Se3/C composite by conversion and recombination reaction during sodiation and desodiation process. Furthermore, XPS analysis study was carried out for identifying the surface films formed on both the electrodes and their effects on the performances.Graphical abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In terms of response to fractionated radiotherapy, metastatic brain tumors of certain origins are considered radioresistant.Objective: To determine the influence of “radioresistant” histology on outcomes of brain metastases treated with radiosurgery.Methods: Between 2001 and 2017, 121 patients with brain metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and 2151 from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were reviewed. Eighty-seven pairs were derived using propensity score matching. Local progression-free survival (PFS), progression patterns, distant PFS, and overall survival were investigated.Results: The median follow-up period was 13.7 months (range, 1.6-78.4 months). A total of 536 lesions were treated using gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS), with a median dose of 20 Gy (range, 12-28 Gy). The actuarial local PFS rates in the RCC group were 91% and 89% at 6 and 12 months, respectively, and did not differ from the NSCLC group (97% and 83% at 6 and 12 months, respectively). Continuous progression, without response to GKS, was noted in seven of the eight progressed RCCs. However, six of the seven progressed NSCLCs showed transient shrinkage before progression. The median distant PFS was 9.3 months (95% CI, 6.3-12.2) in the RCC group and 8.0 months (95% CI, 5.5-10.4) in the NSCLC group. The median overall survival was 16.1 months (95% CI, 11.3-20.8) and 14.9 months (95% CI, 11.9-17.8) in RCC and NSCLC groups, respectively.Conclusion: Histological differences had no effect on local control in the single high-dose range used for radiosurgery. However, changes in tumor volume during progression varied across tumor histology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polymer coating as polycaprolactone (PCL) is applied to improve the initial corrosion resistance of biodegradable magnesium. In addition, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is performed to increase adhesion between the polymer and the metal. However, when a complex-shaped material such as a screw is implanted in a bone, the surface coatings are locally damaged, and the protective role of the coating is not sufficiently maintained. In this study, the optimal conditions for producing a polymer coating on a screw were determined by varying the concentration of the PCL and the coating cycles, and were examined in vitro and in vivo. Among various the PCL coating conditions of 2∼6 cycles with 5∼7 wt.% concentrations, the 6 wt.% + 4 cycles group was applied uniformly to the screw thread. In the case of the non-uniform PCL layers, oxides and gases were present between the Mg and the PCL layer because internal magnesium corrosion and the layer peel off. The 6 wt.% + 4 cycles group had a high corrosion resistance due to the low wear on the thread. Denser and thicker bone formed around the PCL-coated screw in rat femur. This difference was due to the high corrosion resistance, which provided sufficient time for bone healing and promoting new bone growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jacobi-like forms for a discrete subgroup Γ of SL(2,R) are formal power series which generalize Jacobi forms, and they are in one-to-one correspondence with automorphic pseudodifferential operators for Γ. The well-known Cohen-Kuznetsov lifting of a modular form f provides a Jacobi-like form and therefore an automorphic pseudodifferential operator associated to f. Given a pair (λ,μ) of integers, automorphic pseudodifferential operators can be extended to those of mixed weight. We show that each coefficient of an automorphic pseudodifferential operator of mixed weight is a quasimodular form and prove the existence of a lifting of Cohen-Kuznetsov type for each quasimodular form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium and titanium alloys are amenable to processing as dental implant materials because of their low density, good mechanical properties, better biocompatibility, and excellent corrosion resistance. However, titanium-based implants cannot bond directly to bone. To induce osseointegration, numerous surface-treatment techniques have been investigated over the years to improve implant performance. In this study, we examine sandblasting and acid etching (SLA) methods to determine the various properties of SLA-treated Ti-10Nb-10Ta alloy. The SLA treatment included two steps: first, mechanically polished Ti-10Nb-10Ta alloy was subjected to grit blasting using 110-µm alumina particles, and second, the blasted alloy underwent acid etching for 9 minutes with a mixture of HSO and HCl at 100°C. After etching with Keller's etchant, the Ti-10Nb-10Ta alloy showed a lamellar structure on optical microscopy, and surface roughness was increased after SLA treatment (p<0.05). The apatite layer that formed on the SLA-treated Ti-10Nb-10Ta alloy after immersion in simulated body fluid was approximately 2 µm thick, thus improving adhesion to bone. Wettability of the SLA-treated Ti-10Nb-10Ta alloy was better than that of the non-treated one. In vitro studies showed no cytotoxicity from either the untreated or the SLA-treated Ti-10Nb-10Ta alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of polydopamine coated titanium such as surface roughness, wettability, cell growth and toxicity, and corrosion resistance. The polydopamine-coated titanium was successfully prepared from dopamine solution and bright polydopamine granules were randomly distributed on titanium surface after coating process. The surface roughness was not significantly decreased in the pure titanium (P>0.05), but significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the spark anodized titanium after the dopamine coating treatment. The contact angle of polydopamine-coated titanium surface was found to be lower than that of the untreated titanium surface. At the potentiodynamic polarization corrosion test, polydopamine-coated titanium has better corrosion-resistance than untreated titanium. The resistance of cytotoxicity is decreased by dopamine coating surface treatment (P<0.05). Findings from this research suggested that polydopamine coating offer a versatile approach for the titanium surface modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mini implant system made from Ti-6Al-4V alloy was used as the experimental material. The pull-out strength between the implant fixture and abutment was evaluated after the implant fixture and tapered abutment had been fixed by static compression loading, and hit with a mallet. Moreover, the fatigue limit was evaluated based on ISO/FDIS 14801:2003(E). In cases with compressive loading of 10, 50, 100, 150 and 200 N, the measured full-out load was 17.1 N, 33.6 N, 86.9 N, 99.7 N and 157.6 N, respectively. The full-out load measurements were 139.1 N and 195.6 N in the case of the mallet weight of 70 and 130 g, respectively (P < 0.05). The measured pull-out strength increased with increasing weight and number of mallet strokes, and the compression load. The compressive strength was examined according to the implant angle. The compressive strength in the 30° group was 532.2 ± 56.7 N, which was the highest value. On the other hand, the compressive strength in the 60° and 90° group was 156.7 ± 12.6 N and 117.3 ± 6.0 N, respectively. The fatigue life increased with decreasing applied strength level and the fatigue limit was 240 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the fracture strength of 3-unit all-ceramic zirconia bridges treated with a melt-infiltration process of borosilicate glass. The zirconia specimens were milled with presintered yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) blocks. Before veneering the porcelain, borosilicate glass was infiltrated into the zirconia at 1,100°C for 1 hr. A 3-point flexural test was carried out at crosshead speed of 0.1 mm/min. The fracture surface and interface between the zirconia and veneer porcelain were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The fracture strength of the Y-TZP specimens was increased significantly by the melt-infiltration process of borosilicate glass (P < 0.05). The bond strength of the porcelain on zirconia was also improved significantly by meltinfiltration process of borosilicate glass (P < 0.05). The resistance to the initial chipping of the veneered porcelain in the 3-unit allceramic zirconia bridges was increased significantly by melt-infiltration process of borosilicate glass (P < 0.05). According to the microscopic observations of the fracture surface of porcelain, the glass-infiltrated zirconia group showed a rough fracture surface, whereas the sintered zirconia group showed a smooth fracture surface containing many pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the CO absorption rates and capacities of the absorbent 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP), blended with NH and other additives, were investigated toward performance improvement. The NH-blended absorbent removed CO more efficiently than the AMP absorbent alone. However, absorbent loss through NH evaporation was observed under these conditions. A second absorbent, the tertiary amine triethanolamine (TEA), which has a low vapor pressure, was selected and blended with the NH/AMP system to reduce NH evaporation. Its effects on NH loss and the absorption rate and capacity of the NH/AMP system were investigated, and the optimum blending ratios were determined. In addition, the absorbent blend at the optimum blending ratio was compared to AMP alone and the commercially available absorbent monoethanolamine at the same weight ratio. The thermal stabilities of the absorbents, under conditions used in the CO absorption process, were compared by thermogravimetric analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Korean ginseng ( Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) contains several types of saponins and ginsenosides, which are usually considered the major active components of ginseng. The types and quantities of saponins found in ginseng may differ depending on the region of cultivation. As a result, ginsengs produced in different areas of Korea have been unintentionally mislabeled and/or confused by Korean herbal markets owing to their complicated plant sources. Another concern is that 4- and 6-year-old ginseng roots, traditionally prescribed for different medicinal purposes, can vary in total saponin contents. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a reliable method for distinguishing different cultivation regions and ages of ginseng roots. A rapid resolution liquid chromatography-quadruple time of flight mass spectrometry (RRLC-QTOF/MS) based chemical profiling method was established for the rapid and global evaluation of Korean ginseng roots in this study. The method was successfully applied for the comparison of ginseng roots cultivated in different regions and of differing ages. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the data showed the clear separation of 4- and 6-year-old ginseng roots and of ginseng cultivated in 2 different areas of Korea, Ganghwa and Punggi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptotanshinone is a biologically active compound from the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which cryptotanshinone is in synergy with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) for the induction of apoptosis in human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) KBM-5 cells. The co-treatment of cryptotanshinone with TNF-α reduced the viability of the cells [combination index (CI) < 1]. Concomitantly, the co-treatment of cryptotanshinone and TNF-α elicited apoptosis, manifested by enhanced the number of terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP-nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, the sub-G1 cell populations, and the activation of caspase-8 and -3, in comparison with the treatment with either drug alone. The treatment with cryptotanshinone further suppressed TNF-α-mediated expression of c-FLIP, Bcl-x, but the increased level of tBid (a caspase-8 substrate). Furthermore, cryptotanshinone activated p38 but not NF-κB in TNF-α-treated KBM-5 cells. The addition of a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 significantly attenuated cryptotanshinone/TNF-α-induced apoptosis. The combination treatment of cryptotanshinone and TNF-α also stimulated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. N-acetyl- l-cysteine (NAC, a ROS scavenger) was not only able to block cryptotanshinone/TNF-α-induced ROS production but also the activation of caspase-8 and p38 MAPK. Overall, our findings suggest that cryptotanshinone can sensitize TNF-α-induced apoptosis in human myeloid leukemia KBM-5 cells, which appears through ROS-dependent activation of caspase-8 and p38. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]