Search

Background Increased soil salt concentration decreases productivity and changes the physiological and chemical properties of plants. Various omics technologies have been used to understand the salt response in plants but overall changes in the metabolite profiles of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) under salt stress have not been studied. In this article, therefore, the changes in mineral and metabolite profiles of spinach plants cultivated with different NaCl concentrations of 0-200 mmol L-1 in the irrigation water were analyzed to investigate the effect of salt stress on nutritional quality. Results Increasing NaCl concentration decreased plant growth due to mineral imbalance. The amounts of minerals (K+ , Ca2+ , and Fe2+ ) were reduced with increasing NaCl concentration, resulting in altered ratios of Na+ :K+ and Na+ :Ca2+ . The change in the mineral ratios due to NaCl irrigation led to a decrease in the height and an increase in the weight of spinach. Moreover, the profiles of 32 metabolites, including flavonoids, amino acids, acidic compounds, sugars, and lipid-related compounds, were altered by NaCl irrigation; most of them showed decreased levels. In particular, at 200 mmol L-1 NaCl, the levels of sucrose, glutamic acid, hexose sugars, and acidic compounds significantly decreased upon NaCl irrigation. Based on these metabolites, a salt-stress-related spinach metabolomic pathway was proposed. Conclusion Sodium chloride irrigation increased mineral imbalance, resulting in decreased plant growth, and the levels of most metabolites involved in energy production, sensory quality, and health benefits decreased with NaCl irrigation. The results suggest that NaCl irrigation negatively affects the nutritional quality of spinach. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

The ever-increasing demand for safe batteries has driven research efforts to develop aqueous rechargeable batteries. In this regard, Ni-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have received marked attention owing to their adequate operating potential, high specific capacity, and decent cycling performance. Nevertheless, the effect of immobile intercalants (e. g., crystal water and anions) that are inherently present in the interlayer galleries is barely understood. In this paper, we report that the electrochemical performance of LDH largely depends on the extent to which the crystallinity is affected by the binding strength of crystal water to the transition metal slabs. A series of infrared spectroscopy and in-situ X-ray absorption analyses reveal that the lattice disordering in LDHs is beneficial for accommodating the stress during the (de)intercalation of carrier ions, which serves as the origin of their superior specific capacities and cycle life. This study presents a useful structure-property relationship of the way in which the binding affinity of crystal water affects the key electrochemical properties of the host electrode materials.

Summary Since mould‐active azole prophylaxis has become a standard approach for patients with high‐risk haematologic diseases, the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) has shifted towards non‐Aspergillus moulds. It was aimed to identify the epidemiology and characteristics of non‐Aspergillus invasive mould infections (NAIMIs). Proven/probable NAIMIs developed in patients with haematologic diseases were reviewed from January 2011 to August 2018 at Catholic Hematology hospital, Seoul, Korea. There were 689 patients with proven/probable invasive mould infections; of them, 46 (47 isolates) were diagnosed with NAIMIs. Fungi of the Mucorales order (n = 27, 57.4%) were the most common causative fungi, followed by Fusarium (n = 9, 19.1%). Thirty‐four patients (73.9%) had neutropenia upon diagnosis of NAIMIs, and 13 (28.3%) were allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients. The most common site of NAIMIs was the lung (n = 27, 58.7%), followed by disseminated infections (n = 8, 17.4%). There were 23.9% (n = 11) breakthrough IFIs, and 73.9% (n = 34) had co‐existing bacterial or viral infections. The overall mortality at 6 and 12 weeks was 30.4% and 39.1%, respectively. Breakthrough IFIs (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.3‐4.41, P = .031) and surgical treatment (aHR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02‐0.45, P = .003) were independently associated with 6‐week overall mortality. NAIMIs were not rare and occur as a complex form of infection often accompanied by breakthrough/mixed/concurrent IFIs and bacterial or viral infections. More active diagnostic efforts for NAIMIs are needed.

High‐sensitivity chemical imaging offers a window to decipher the molecular orchestra inside a living system. Based on vibrational fingerprint signatures, coherent Raman scattering microscopy provides a label‐free approach to map biomolecules and drug molecules inside a cell. Yet, by near‐infrared (NIR) pulse excitation, the sensitivity is limited to millimolar concentration for endogenous biomolecules. Here, the imaging sensitivity of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) is significantly boosted for retinoid molecules to 34 micromolar via electronic preresonance in the visible wavelength regime. Retinoids play critical roles in development, immunity, stem cell differentiation, and lipid metabolism. By visible preresonance SRS (VP‐SRS) imaging, retinoid distribution in single embryonic neurons and mouse brain tissues is mapped, retinoid storage in chemoresistant pancreatic and ovarian cancers is revealed, and retinoids stored in protein network and lipid droplets of Caenorahbditis elegans are identified. These results demonstrate VP‐SRS microscopy as an ultrasensitive label‐free chemical imaging tool and collectively open new opportunities of understanding the function of retinoids in biological systems., By shifting the excitation laser wavelength to approach the absorption of retinol, visible preresonance stimulated Raman scattering (VP‐SRS) microscope achieves an unprecedented 34 µm detection sensitivity. VP‐SRS microscope reveals retinoid distribution in embryonic neurons and mouse brain tissues, discovers retinoid storage in chemoresistant cancers, and identifies retinoids stored inside Caenorahbditis elegans.

Hypoxia and limited vascularization inhibit bone growth and recovery after surgical debridement to treat osteomyelitis. Similarly, despite significant efforts to create functional tissue-engineered organs, clinical success is often hindered by insufficient oxygen diffusion and poor vascularization. To overcome these shortcomings, we previously used the oxygen carrier perfluorooctane (PFO) to develop PFO emulsion-loaded hollow microparticles (PFO-HPs). PFO-HPs act as a local oxygen source that increase cell viability and maintains the osteogenic differentiation potency of human periosteum-derived cells (hPDCs) under hypoxic conditions. In the present study, we used a miniature pig model of mandibular osteomyelitis to investigate bone regeneration using hPDCs seeded on PFO-HPs (hPDCs/PFO-HP) or hPDCs seeded on phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-HPs (hPDCs/PBS-HP). Osteomyelitis is characterized by a series of microbial invasion, vascular disruption, bony necrosis, and sequestrum formation due to impaired host defense response. Sequential plain radiography, computed tomography (CT), and 3D reconstructed CT images revealed new bone formation was more advanced in defects that had been implanted with the hPDCs/PFO-HPs than in defects implanted with the hPDCs/PBS-HP. Thus, PFO-HPs are a promising tissue engineering approach to repair challenging bone defects and regenerate structurally organized bone tissue with 3D architecture.

The electrochemical (de)intercalation reactions of lithium ions are initiated at the electrode surface in contact with an electrolyte solution. Therefore, substantial structural degradation, which shortens the cycle life of cells, is frequently observed at the surface of cathode particles, including lithium-metal intermixing, phase transitions, and dissolution of lithium and transition metals into the electrolyte. Furthermore, in contrast to the strict restriction of moisture in lithium-ion cells with nonaqueous organic electrolytes, electrode materials in aqueous-electrolyte cells are under much more reactive environments with water and oxygen, thereby leading to serious surface chemical reactions on the cathode particles. The present article presents key results regarding structural and composition variations at the surface of oxide-based cathodes in both high-performance nonaqueous and recently proposed aqueous lithium-ion batteries; in particular, focusing on direct atomic-scale observations preformed by means of scanning transmission electron microscopy. Precise identification of surface degradation at the atomic level is thus emphasized because it can provide significant insights into overcoming the limitations of current lithium-ion batteries.

Aim Although a National Health Screening Program (NHSP) for chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been implemented in Korea since 2002, its cost-effectiveness has never been determined. This study aimed to estimate the cost-utility of NHSP for CKD in Korea. Methods A Markov decision analytic model was constructed to compare CKD screening strategies of the NHSP with no screening. We developed a model that simulated disease progression in a cohort aged 20-120 years or death from the societal perspective. Results Biannual screening starting at age 40 for CKD by proteinuria (dipstick) and estimated glomerular filtration ratio had an ICUR of $66 874/QALY relative to no screening. The targeted screening strategy had an ICUR of $37 812/QALY and $40 787/QALY for persons with diabetes and hypertension, respectively. ICURs improved with lower cost strategies. The most influential parameter that might make screening more cost-effective was the effectiveness of treatment on CKD to decrease disease progression and mortality. Conclusions The Korean NHSP for CKD is more cost-effective for patients with diabetes or hypertension than the general population, consistent with prior studies. Although it is too early to conclude the cost-effectiveness of the Korean NHSP for CKD, this study provides evidence that is useful in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of CKD interventions.

Although oxygen concentrations affect the growth and function of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the impact of hypoxia on osteoblastic differentiation is not understood. Likewise, the effect of hypoxia-induced epigenetic changes on osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the in vitro hypoxic response of human periosteum-derived cells (hPDCs). Hypoxia resulted in greater proliferation of hPDCs as compared with those cultured in normoxia. Further, hypoxic conditions yielded decreased expression of apoptosis- and senescence-associated genes by hPDCs. Osteoblast phenotypes of hPDCS were suppressed by hypoxia, as suggested by alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red-S-positive mineralization, and mRNA expression of osteoblast-related genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed an increased presence of H3K27me3, trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3, on the promoter region of bone morphogenetic protein-2. In addition, mRNA expression of histone lysine demethylase 6B (KDM6B) by hPDCs was significantly decreased in hypoxic conditions. Our results suggest that an increased level of H3K27me3 on the promoter region of bone morphogenetic protein-2, in combination with downregulation of KDM6B activity, is involved in the suppression of osteogenic phenotypes of hPDCs cultured in hypoxic conditions. Although oxygen tension plays an important role in the viability and maintenance of MSCs in an undifferentiated state, the effect of hypoxia on osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs remains controversial. In addition, evidence regarding the importance of epigenetics in regulating MSCs has been limited. This study was to examine the role hypoxia on osteoblastic differentiation of hPDCs, and we examined whether histone methylation is involved in the observed effect of hypoxia on osteogenic differentiation of hPDCs.

The effects of purified salt (PS) and mineral-rich sea salt (MRS), both with different mineral profiles, on kimchi fermentation were studied using a culture-dependent 16S rRNA sequencing technique and mass-based metabolomic analysis. The different mineral profiles in the fermentation medium caused changes in the bacterial profiles of the 2 kimchi products. An increase of Leuconostoc species in MRS-kimchi decreased the Lactobacillus/Leuconostoc ratio, which led to changes in metabolites (including sugars, amino acids, organic acids, lipids, sulfur compounds, and terpenoids) associated with kimchi quality. Although further studies on the relationship between these salt types and kimchi fermentation are needed, these results suggested that the MRS treatment had positively affected the changes of the kimchi mineral contents, bacterial growth, and metabolite profiles, which are linked to kimchi quality.

Various porous materials have shown a great promise as dry sorbents for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture utilizing their large surface areas. Although there have been considerable efforts to find optimal pore size and geometry for a variety of porous materials, systematic experimental study covering various key parameters beside CO2 uptake, such as isosteric heat and selectivity against other gas, is unavailable. Here, we systemically investigate the pore size effect on the CO2 uptake and selectivity for porous activated carbon. We found that at each temperature and pressure, there exists an optimal intermediate activation condition that makes the pore size most appropriate for CO2 uptake and selectivity. Further activation increases the pore size and weakens CO2-wall interaction. This study provides an important lesson that the pore activation of porous carbon should be controlled at an optimal intermediate point to maximize CO2-wall interaction.

Development of molecular probes holds great promise for early diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer. Here, 2-[3-(1,3-dicarboxypropyl) ureido] pentanedioic acid (DUPA)-conjugated ligand and bis-isoindigo-based polymer (BTII) are synthesized to formulate semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (BTII-DUPA SPN) as a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted probe for prostate cancer imaging in the NIR-II window. Insights into the interaction of the imaging probes with the biological targets from single cell to whole organ are obtained by transient absorption (TA) microscopy and photoacoustic (PA) tomography. At single-cell level, TA microscopy reveals the targeting efficiency, kinetics, and specificity of BTII-DUPA SPN to PSMA-positive prostate cancer. At organ level, PA tomographic imaging of BTII-DUPA SPN in the NIR-II window demonstrates superior imaging depth and contrast. By intravenous administration, BTII-DUPA SPN demonstrates selective accumulation and retention in the PSMA-positive tumor, allowing noninvasive PA detection of PSMA overexpressing prostate tumors in vivo. The distribution of nanoparticles inside the tumor tissue is further analyzed through TA microscopy. These results collectively demonstrate BTII-DUPA SPN as a promising probe for prostate cancer diagnosis by PA tomography.

Uremic optic neuropathy (UON) is extremely rare, although sporadic cases have been reported. UON is sometimes regarded as a manifestation of uremic neuropathy. Here, we report a case of end-stage renal disease presenting as UON. A 22-year-old male was transferred to our nephrology department due to azotemia. Sudden deterioration of his vision occurred 3 days before his transfer. The patient's blood pressure was 150/90 mmHg, and he had no symptoms or signs of uremia, except for the visual disturbance. Blood tests showed an elevated serum creatinine of 6.0 mg/dL and serum BUN of 53.6 mg/dL. Both kidneys were decreased in size on ultrasound. His best-corrected vision was 20/62.5 in both the eyes. Ophthalmoscopy revealed hyperemia, swelling of both optic nerve heads, and blurred margins of both optic disks. These findings are compatible with UON. The patient's visual acuity and visual field improved following hemodialysis and corticosteroid treatment. The swelling of the patient's optic disks was also resolved. The patient is currently undergoing hemodialysis with the goal of vision restoration. Uremic optic neuropathy should be considered when patients with advanced chronic kidney disease complain of deterioration of their vision.

The intrinsic limitations of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with regard to safety, cost, and the availability of raw materials have promoted research on so-called "post-LIBs". The recent intense research of post-LIBs provides an invaluable lesson that existing electrode materials used in LIBs may not perform as well in post-LIBs, calling for new material designs compliant with emerging batteries based on new chemistries. One promising approach in this direction is the development of materials with intercalated water or organic molecules, as these materials demonstrate superior electrochemical performance in emerging battery systems. The enlarged ionic channel dimensions and effective shielding of the electrostatic interaction between carrier ions and the lattice host are the origins of the observed electrochemical performance. Moreover, these intercalants serve as interlayer pillars to sustain the framework for prolonged cycles. Representative examples of such intercalated materials applied to batteries based on Li+ , Na+ , Mg2+ , and Zn2+ ions and supercapacitors are considered, along with their impact in materials research.

Aqueous rechargeable batteries (ARBs) are gaining increasing attention as alternatives to conventional nonaqueous lithium ion batteries. However, finding electrode materials with competitive electrochemical properties in various aspects is challenging. Moreover, the operation mechanism of some of high performance electrode materials is not fully understood. Here, an α-phase layered double hydroxide (α-LDH) working in alkaline electrolytes as an ARB cathode is reported. On charge, OH− carrier ions intercalate into the interlayer space and react with protons detached from the host structure to yield crystal water. This crystal water is then arranged in a superlattice during charging to accommodate carrier ions and stabilize the structure. The solid solution mixing of cobalt and nickel also stabilizes the structure during the wide range of redox swing of Ni from 2+ to 4+. In pairing with Fe3O4/Fe(OH)2 mixture, the α-LDH exhibits 198.0 mA h g−1 at 3 A g−1, 68.3% capacity retention after 10 000 cycles, and 172.5 mA h g−1 at 1 min charge, demonstrating the promise of hydrated compounds for ARB electrodes. The present study elucidates that the arrangement of crystal water within the host framework plays a critical role in determining the electrochemical performance of the corresponding hydrated active compound in aqueous media.

Thienoisoindigo-based semiconducting polymer with a strong near-infrared absorbance is synthesized and its water-dispersed nanoparticles (TSPNs) are investigated as a contrast agent for photoacoustic (PA) imaging in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window (1000-1350 nm). The TSPNs generate a strong PA signal in the NIR-II optical window, where background signals from endogenous contrast agents, including blood and lipid, are at the local minima. By embedding a TSPN-containing tube in chicken-breast tissue, an imaging depth of more than 5 cm at 1064 nm excitation is achieved with a contrast-agent concentration as low as 40 µg mL-1 . The TSPNs under the skin or in the tumor are clearly visualized at 1100 and 1300 nm, with negligible interference from the tissue background. TSPN as a PA contrast in the NIR-II window opens new opportunities for biomedical imaging of deep tissues with improved contrast.

Pseudocapacitors have received considerable attention, as they possess advantages of both rechargeable batteries and electric double layer capacitors. Among various active materials for pseudocapacitors, α-layered double hydroxides (α-TM(OH)2, TM = transition metal) are promising due to their high specific capacities. Yet, irreversible α-to-β phase transitions of α-TM(OH)2 hinder their long-term cyclability, particularly when the TM is nickel. Here, it is reported that binary TM ion mixing can overcome the limited cycle lives of α-TM(OH)2 by stabilizing the octahedral frameworks of α-TM(OH)2. In particular, an α-TM(OH)2 with equal amounts of nickel and cobalt exhibits long-term capacity retention (89.0% after 2000 cycles) and specific capacity (206 mA h g−1), which are better than those of individual TM counterparts. A series of analyses reveals that the improved performances originate from the synergistic effects between the TM ions; the preferred trivalent state of cobalt ions stabilizes the octahedral framework by accommodating the detrimental Jahn–Teller distortion of Ni3+. The stabilized framework also widens the redox swing range of the nickel up to 4+, thus, increasing the specific capacity of the corresponding α-TM(OH)2. This study indicates that proper mixing of TMs is a prolific approach in enhancing the vital properties of α-TM(OH)2, a promising family of pseudocapacitor materials.

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), owing to its insensitivity to chemotherapy, has a poor prognosis, with a median survival of 3 years to 4 years. MCL frequently infiltrates other organs. However, reports involving kidney in living patients are rare. Here, we report a case of MCL with renal involvement leading to end stage renal disease that required renal replacement therapy. A 69-year-old man diagnosed with MCL 3 years earlier was admitted to our emergency room due to uremic symptoms. After eight cycles of chemotherapy, he had displayed complete remission, but experienced a recurrence 1.5 years later; after refusing chemotherapy, the patient was lost on follow-up in the final 10 months. On presentation at the emergency room, the patient's serum blood urea nitrogen was 109.5 mg/dL, and creatinine was 11.1 mg/dL. All serological markers for secondary glomerulonephritis were negative. Renal biopsy revealed 50% sclerosis of the glomerulus and small dense lymphocyte infiltration of the tubulo-interstitium. Similar cells were found on the gastric mucosa. Despite our recommendation for chemotherapy, he refused all treatments except for hemodialysis, which was maintained for 12 months until his death. This patient represents the first case report of the renal involvement of MCL leading to end stage renal disease.