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Along with rapid economic growth, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has undergone enormous sociocultural changes. Consequently, sociocultural and psychological factors, along with malnutrition and physical inactivity, have contributed to the high obesity rate. The objective of this study is to assess the long-term impact of these new emerging factors on obesity among women in the UAE via mathematical modeling.A differential equation model was developed considering psychological/social factors in population dynamics. It predicts the long-term prevalence of obesity among women in the UAE under these factors by 2070. Computer simulations and a sensitivity analysis of the model were conducted to measure the impact of these factors on obesity.The model predicts the following: 80.07% of female UAE nationals will become overweight or have obesity and 60.19% will have obesity by 2070, and the population with abnormal eating behavior will increase to 15% by 2070. Psychological/social factors aggravate the obesity problems and can cause abnormal eating behavior to develop with little effect on weight reduction.The obesity rate of female UAE nationals will continue to rise by 2070. Rising abnormal eating behavior caused by psychological/social factors is an emerging issue and should be recognized as a sign of escalating obesity problems in the UAE.

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of real-time (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on blood samples for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in patients with suspected invasive mould infection. Methods Adult patients with suspected invasive mould infection were prospectively enrolled at a tertiary referral hospital in Seoul, South Korea between 2017 and 2020. Standard tests for diagnosis of invasive mould infection and RT-PCR for Aspergillus, Mucor and Rhizopus using blood samples were performed. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of RT-PCR tests in patients diagnosed with proven and probable invasive aspergillosis or mucormycosis infection, according to the modified definitions of the EORTC/MSG 2019. Results A total of 102 patients with suspected invasive mould infection were enrolled. Of these patients, 46 (45%) were classified as having proven (n = 13) or probable (n = 33) invasive aspergillosis, 21 (21%) as proven (n = 17) or probable (n = 4) invasive mucormycosis and 18 (18%) as possible invasive mould infection. The remaining 13 (13%) were classified as not having invasive mould infection. Patients with possible invasive mould infection (n = 18) and coinfection of aspergillosis and mucormycosis (n = 4) were excluded from the final analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of the Aspergillus PCR were 54.3% ([25/46], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.2-67.9%) and 94.1% ([32/34], 95% CI: 80.9-98.4%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the Mucor or Rhizopus PCR were 57.1% ([12/21], 95% CI: 36.6-75.5%) and 76.3% ([45/59], 95% CI: 64.0-85.3), respectively. Conclusions Our study suggests that blood PCR can be a useful adjunct test for diagnosing patients with suspected invasive mould infection.

Objective To investigate the accuracy of immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests for distinguishing between mucormycosis and aspergillosis and compare the clinical characteristics of mucormycosis patients according to galactomannan (GM) results. Methods We evaluated diagnostic performance of IHC test with tissue sections of patients with culture-proven invasive fungal infection. In addition, we conducted PCR assay with tissue sections of mucormycosis patients with positive GM results to evaluate the possibility of co-infection. Results In culture-proven mucormycosis (n = 13) and aspergillosis (n = 20), the sensitivity and specificity of IHC test were both 100% for mucormycosis and 85% and 100%, respectively, for aspergillosis. Among the 53 patients who met the modified criteria for proven mucormycosis and had GM assay results, 24 (45%) were positive. Compared with those with negative GM results (n = 29), mucormycosis patients with positive GM results had significantly higher incidence of gastrointestinal tract infections (6/24 [25%] vs 0/29 [0%], P = .006) and were more likely to be histomorphologically diagnosed as aspergillosis (7/24 [29%] vs 2/29 [7%], P = .06). PCR assay amplified both Aspergillus- and Mucorales-specific DNA in 6 of these 24 cases. Conclusions Immunohistochemistry tests seem useful for compensating for the limitations of histomorphologic diagnosis in distinguishing between mucormycosis and aspergillosis. Some proven mucormycosis patients with positive GM results had histopathology consistent with aspergillosis and gastrointestinal mucormycosis. In addition, about one quarter of these patients revealed the evidence of co-infection with aspergillosis by PCR assay.

There are no surrogate markers for the development of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in patients with herpes zoster (HZ). All patients with HZ were prospectively enrolled to evaluate the associations of saliva varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA persistence and VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) with the development of PHN. Slow clearers were defined if salivary VZV DNA persisted after day 15. Salivary VZV was detected in 60 (85.7%) of a total of 70 patients with HZ on initial presentation. Of 38 patients for whom follow-up saliva samples were available, 26 (68.4%) were classified as rapid clearers and 12 (31.6%) as slow cleares. Initial VZV-specific CMI was lower in slow clearers than rapid clearers (median 45 vs 158 spot forming cells/10 6 cells, P = .02). Of the 70 patients with HZ, 22 (31.4%) eventually developed PHN. Multivariate analysis showed that slow clearers (OR, 15.7, P = .01) and lower initial VZV-specific CMI (OR, 13.8, P = .04) were independent predictors of the development of PHN, after adjustment for age and immunocompromised status. Initial low VZV CMI response and persistence of VZV DNA in saliva may be associated with the development of PHN.

Aims and objectives To identify whether meaning in life has moderating and mediating effects on the relationship between depression and quality of life in patients with dysphagia. Background Dysphagic patients typically have multidimensional problems, such as depression, which can negatively influence their quality of life. Meaning in life, therefore, can be used as a psychological resource that may enhance quality of life for these patients. Design A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. Methods Ninety patients with dysphagia were recruited for a survey from eight general and rehabilitation hospitals in Korea. The questionnaires, which included the Korean version of the Swallowing Quality of Life scale developed by Cha, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale developed by Radloff, and the Purpose in Life test developed by Crumbaugh and Maholick, were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, Hayes' PROCESS macro and Cronbach's alpha were used for data analyses. Results Meaning in life was found to mediate the relationship between depression and quality of life in patients with dysphagia. However, the index of moderation was not statistically significant, which mean that meaning in life did not moderate the relationship between the patients' depression and quality of life. Conclusions Meaning in life had a mediating effect on the relationship between depression and quality of life in patients with dysphagia. Thus, to improve the quality of life of patients with dysphagia, nurses should apply interventions to help them find meaning in life. Relevance to clinical practice Meaning in life can be used as a nursing intervention strategy to improve the quality of life for patients living with dysphagia and depression.

This study tests the psychometric properties of multiple survey items and scales that are either underused or newly developed to assess familism among Asian Americans. Using data collected from 150 Filipino and 188 Korean American parents (mostly mothers) in the Midwest region in 2013, the measures were examined for validity and reliability for each group and, when appropriate, for cross-cultural equivalence across the groups. Several scales and their items showed high quality psychometric properties and are ready for use to more accurately assess family process of each target group and to conduct comparative analyses. The findings also show that, contrary to the expectation, Filipino American families express more traditional aspects of familism than do Korean American families, and are more likely to reinforce traditional familism beliefs and behaviors among their children. This study reinforces a need for more empirical- and subgroup-specific research effort.

Salmonella is the most common cause of foodborne outbreaks throughout the world and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is one of the major causes of salmonellosis. We describe a rapid, sensitive and inexpensive method for the detection of S. Enteritidis from eggs and chicken meat using the real-time recombinase polymerase amplification (Real-time RPA) and compared this assay with the two-step real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Real-time PCR). The detection sensitivity of the RPA and PCR assays was identical in pure culture, however, the reaction time was as short as 10 min compared with 40 min for the PCR assay. In food application, the detection sensitivity of the RPA assay was 10 cfu/g from eggs and 100 cfu/g from chicken samples without additional DNA purification steps before the amplification – therefore, the sensitivity of the RPA assay was 100 times greater from eggs and 10 times greater from chicken than the PCR assay. Practical Applications Numerous epidemiological investigations attributed the source of sporadic Salmonella outbreaks as poultry and poultry-by-products including eggs. This is the first study in which a real-time RPA was developed to detect the Salmonella Enteritidis specifically. The whole procedure is fairly simple and does not require specific equipment, making it potentially applicable in the monitoring and detection of S. Enteritidis in eggs and poultry products.

Bandgap engineering is important for realizing high-performance semiconductor devices. In this paper, an investigation on the nanowire diode with a tapered InAs/InP core–shell structure was carried out. The strain distribution along the nanowire can be changed via the shell thickness and the gradient of the tapering. Due to the misfit-strain between InAs/InP, a strain-induced bandgap variation of 0.21 eV along the tapered InAs wire, which results in the rectifying I–V characteristic of the diode, was realized with an InP shell thickness of 6.5 nm. Moreover, due to the optimized shell thickness and strain-induced built-in electric field (including piezoelectric field), a recorded room-temperature electron mobility of 22300 cm2 V−1 s−1 was achieved. This concept of bandgap engineering would enable the designing of a new kind of nanowire device.

In this study, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from kimchi prepared in the U.S.A. and from broiler chickens. The resulting isolates were examined for potential probiotic characteristics. A total of 488 LAB strains were isolated, and among them, 16 originating from kimchi and 14 from broilers produced bacteriocin-like substances, which showed antimicrobial effects against Salmonella Enteritidis, Heidelberg, Newport and Typhimurium. These strains were investigated with regard to additional probiotic properties such as tolerance to gastric juice and bile, resistance to enzymes, and antibiotics susceptibilities. Lactobacillus casei or paracasei Cab-18, Lb. saniviri Cuc-1, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides Com-54 isolated from kimchi and Lb. johnsonii F-6 and Lb. crispatus F-59 isolated from broiler chicken demonstrated promising probiotic properties with the ability to produce bacteriocin-like substances with relatively strong antimicrobial activity against Salmonella. These strains could potentially be applied as supplements to poultry in order to reduce Salmonella contamination. Practical Applications Salmonellosis associated with consumption of contaminated meats, especially poultry products, is a major concern due to the common outbreaks in the U.S.A. Although it has been shown that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) could reduce Salmonella contaminations, LAB isolated from kimchi have not been studied for the potential to inhibit the persistence of Salmonella spp. in live poultry. The present study screened LAB, which showed antimicrobial effects against four clinically important serotypes of Salmonella. Additionally, we selected LAB that had additional probiotic properties, which would allow for the strains use as potential feed additives. Therefore, the LAB strains isolated in this study could be applied as feed supplements to poultry for the purpose of reducing colonization of Salmonella in poultry as well as contamination during processing.

To improve the electrochemical performance of natural graphite anodes, we have designed a facile, scalable carbon-coating process using coal-tar pitch and ammonium hexafluorophosphate (NH4PF6) as a structural modifier. NH4PF6 effectively modifies the microstructure of amorphous carbon, coated on the surface of the natural graphite, leading to better, reversible Li+-storage characteristics within a wide operating-temperature range (from −20 to 60 °C). The COP linkage introduced as a result of the thermal decomposition of NH4PF6 assists the formation of open nanopores in the amorphous carbon layer. The integrated nanopores act as additional reversible Li+-storage sites, which minimize the reversible capacity loss and improve the cycle performance of natural graphite. Moreover, the thermal stability of natural graphite can also be improved while maintaining the improved electrochemical performance. Thus, this approach is a step toward the practical use of natural graphite anodes for lithium-ion batteries for electric-vehicle applications.

BACKGROUND This study describes the first multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay developed, as a multipurpose assessment, for the simultaneous quantification of total bacteria and three Vibrio spp. (V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus and V. anguillarum) in fish and seawater. The consumption of raw finfish as sushi or sashimi has been increasing the chance of Vibrio outbreaks in consumers. Freshness and quality of fishery products also depend on the total bacterial populations present. RESULTS The detection sensitivity of the specific targets for the multiplex assay was 1 CFU mL−1 in pure culture and seawater, and 10 CFU g−1 in fish. While total bacterial counts by the multiplex assay were similar to those obtained by cultural methods, the levels of Vibrio detected by the multiplex assay were generally higher than by cultural methods of the same populations. Among the natural samples without Vibrio spp. inoculation, eight out of 10 seawater and three out of 20 fish samples were determined to contain Vibrio spp. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that this multiplex assay could be useful for the rapid detection and quantification of Vibrio spp. and total bacteria as a multipurpose tool for surveillance of fish and water quality as well as diagnostic method. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by JohnWiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Decisions for cancer susceptibility genetic testing (CSGT) uptake and dissemination of results occur within the family context. A national survey was performed with 990 patient–family member dyads (participation rate:76.2%), with paired questionnaires examining attitudes toward CSGT uptake and disclosure of results in response to a hypothetical scenario in which a reliable CSGT was available for the specific cancer a patient was being treated. While most patients and family members responded they would uptake or recommend CSGT if available, concordance between the dyads was poor for both patient's testing (agreement rate 77.5%, weighted κ = 0.09) and first-degree relatives' testing(agreement rate 78.0%, weighted κ = 0.09). Most patients (93.2%) and family members (92.9%) indicated that patients should disclose positive CSGT results to family members, with dyadic agreement of 89.1% (κ = 0.15). However, there were substantial disagreement regarding when disclosure should take place, who should make the disclosure (the patient or the health care professionals), and to whom the results should be disclosed. Patients and family members may hold different attitudes toward CSGT uptake of and disclosure of results within the family. Our findings reinforce the need for a family system approach to incorporate perspectives of patients as well as their family members.

The metal-insulator transition (MIT) in correlated materials is a novel phenomenon that accompanies a large change in resistivity, often many orders of magnitude. It is important in its own right but its switching behavior in resistivity can be useful for device applications. From the material physics point of view, the starting point of the research on the MIT should be to understand the microscopic mechanism. Here, an overview of recent efforts to unravel the microscopic mechanisms for various types of MITs in correlated materials is provided. Research has focused on transition metal oxides (TMOs), but transition metal chalcogenides have also been studied. Along the way, a new class of MIT materials is discovered, the so-called relativistic Mott insulators in 5d TMOs. Distortions in the MO6 (M = transition metal) octahedron are found to have a large and peculiar effect on the band structure in an orbital dependent way, possibly paving a way to the orbital selective Mott transition. In the final section, the character of the materials suitable for applications is summarized, followed by a brief discussion of some of the efforts to control MITs in correlated materials, including a dynamical approach using light.

S.-O. Lee, J.H. Rim, H. Sung, S.-H. Kim, S.-H. Choi, C.W. Lee, T.J. Yun, J.-W. Lee, J.H. Woo, Y.S. Kim, J.-J. Kim. Comparison of higher dose and lower dose ganciclovir for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in seropositive heart transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2010: 12: 31–37. All rights reserved Background. We performed a retrospective historical cohort study to compare the efficacy of higher dose (HD, 10 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks, followed by 5 mg/kg/day intravenously for 2 weeks) and lower dose (LD, 5 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks) ganciclovir (GCV) for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in seropositive heart transplant recipients. Methods. All consecutive patients undergoing heart transplantation (HT) between June 1999 and January 2008 at our institution were enrolled. All recipients were seropositive for CMV before HT. Before October 2005, 72 patients received the HD regimen and after October 2005, 36 patients received the LD regimen. We followed up all patients for 1 year. Results. In the HD group 43 of 72 patients (60%) developed CMV infections vs. 21 of 36 patients (58%) in the LD group (P=0.89). CMV diseases occurred in 4 patients of the HD group (6%) and 4 patients of the LD group (11%) (P=0.44). The incidence of acute rejection was not significantly different between the 2 groups (14% vs. 6%; P=0.33). Among patients who completed 4-week courses of prophylaxis, 32 of 58 patients (55%) in the HD group developed CMV infections vs. 18 of 30 patients (60%) in the LD group (P=0.66). CMV diseases occurred in 3 patients of the HD group (5%) and 4 of the LD group (13%) (P=0.22). Acute rejection incidence did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (17% vs. 7%; P=0.21). Conclusions. LD GCV for CMV prophylaxis may not be inferior to the HD regimen in seropositive HT recipients.

Two different polyurethane-based macromonomers, a polyurethane macromonomer with methacrylamide (PUM-M) and a polyurethane macromonomer with acrylamide (PUM-A), were synthesized from poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) of various molecular weights and two different amides, methacrylamide and acrylamide, and they were used for the dispersion polymerization of styrene. The structures of the macromonomers and polystyrene (PS) particles were verified with 13C-NMR and Fourier transform infrared. The weight-average molecular weights of the PS particles increased with the macromonomer concentration but decreased with the PEG molecular weight. The average diameter of the PS particles increased with the PEG molecular weights but decreased with the macromonomer concentration. The thermal stability of PUM-A–PS was enhanced, and its grafting ratio with 30 wt % PUM-A was much higher than that of PUM-M–PS. Thus, this study suggested that the polyurethane-based macromonomers act not only as reactive stabilizers but also as grafting agents in the dispersion polymerization. In addition, the acrylamide end group provided better thermal stability than methacrylamide. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008

Experimental results for microwave transmission losses of individual multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are presented. Samples with MWNTs, as well as samples with-out MWNTs, were fabricated with two types of electrode materials (Nb vs. Cr/Au) and configurations to compare AC transmissions loss as passive devices at room temperature. In the MWNT-Nb samples, the transmitted current is higher and attenuation is lower than the MWNT-Cr/Au samples. However, the transmission loss increases much faster in the Nb samples than Cr/Au samples with increasing frequency. Overall, their S -parameter measurements from 0.5 GHz to 110 GHz support frequency-dependent microwave dissipation of the MWNTs and the metal-electrode contact. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

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BACKGROUND: D– frequencies show wide racial differences: in particular, in Korean persons it is approximately 1/100th of that in Caucasians (0.15% vs. 15%). The molecular mechanisms of D– may be unique to races, and thus specific molecular diagnostic approaches are necessary for individual races. Such marked racial differences have been attributed to the founder effect. It was hypothesized that D– frequencies may be affected by genomic variations of Rhesus boxes, which are instruments of unequal crossing-over. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: First, the molecular basis of D– in Korean donors was characterized. A total of 264 D– persons were analyzed by performing RHD exon polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Rhesus box hybrid PCR-PstI, RHD sequencing, and a novel RHD-CE-D hybrid PCR. Second, with sequencing analysis, Rhesus boxes in Korean and Caucasian persons were compared. RESULTS: Of 264 D– Korean individuals, 74 percent completely lacked RHD, 9 percent had RHD-CE-D hybrid, and 17 percent had point mutations. Three genetic causes, RHD deletion, RHD-CE(2-9)-D2, and 1227G>A, explained 99.4 percent of D– alleles in Korean persons. Three novel mutations were also found. The identity region of 10 Rhesus boxes in Korean persons was in complete concordance with that in Caucasian persons. CONCLUSION: In this study, a molecular diagnostic strategy was established and the genetic causes of almost all D– Korean persons was able to be diagnosed with a simple decision tree. The study provides a good example of the molecular diagnosis of D– persons, especially in low-frequency areas. Our hypothesis that D– frequencies are affected by genomic variations in Rhesus boxes was excluded. Rather, racial differences may be influenced by the founder effect.

A capsule-type microrobot exhibits "pick-and-drop" (P&D) motion to hold a particle within a confined volume and transports it via a corkscrewing motion. The P&D motion is possible because the capsule-type microrobot has two parts: a plunger and a cap. The fabricated microrobots are wirelessly controlled by a magnetic manipulator. Drugs or cells can be encapsulated in the container of the capsule-type microrobot by the P&D motion or attached to the surface of the cap, which can be used as a supporting structure. Therefore, the capsule-type microrobot can deliver suspended or adherent cells. The drug or cells are minimally exposed or not completely exposed to the surrounding fluid and do not experience shear force when encapsulated in the container. As a proof-of-concept, secure transportation of microparticles in the confined volume of the capsule via P&D motion is demonstrated. In addition, the cap is used as a scaffold for neuronal cell culture on a rat brain slice to demonstrate its biocompatibility and feasibility for targeted cell delivery. The proposed capsule-type microrobot is suitable for diverse applications, as it protects the encapsulated materials.

An unusual trimerization of aldehydes in the presence of cyanide via metal-free aerobic oxidative esterification under ambient conditions is described. Various aromatic aldehydes provided the corresponding oxidative esterification products in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic studies suggested that this reaction would proceed via a two-step sequence: cyanide-catalyzed benzoin condensation of aldehydes and subsequent aerobic oxidative esterification of aldehydes with the resultant benzoin products. The usefulness of this protocol was further demonstrated by converting the resulting trimeric products into other biologically important compounds.

The operationally simple method renders possible the synthesis of a wide range of substituted quinazolinones.

Transitions in nutrition patterns tend to emerge through industrialization and economic development. We hypothesized that dietary patterns among adults aged蠅20 years in South Korea have changed significantly from 1998 to 2010. We used a repeated cross-sectional data from baseline examination of the Severance cohort study wherein 134,366 adults were followed annually. We determined changes in consumption, adjusted for age and sex, and tested the trends across the study period. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to derive dietary patterns. The consumption of traditional Korean foods including cereals, vegetables (377g to 256g), and Kimchi (127g to 85g) decreased, while fruit (170g to 251g), dairy, egg, and fried food intakes increased (P

OBJECTIVES The changes in circulating IGF components after the menopause and the potential role of new markers of bone turnover and circulating IGF components in predicting bone mass in postmenopausal women are still controversial and the relationship between these two systems has not been investigated. The aims of this study were to investigate the changes in circulating IGF components after the menopause, to evaluate whether new markers of bone turnover and circulating IGF components reflect bone mass in postmenopausal women under the age of 60 and to study the relationship between these two systems. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS Serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, osteocalcin (OST), bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPYD) and N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX) were measured in 31 premenopausal women aged 31-43 and 65 postmenopausal women aged 47-60: this latter group comprised 30 normal healthy women and 35 osteoporotic women. RESULTS Compared with premenopausal women or normal postmenopausal women, serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were significantly lower in osteoporotic postmenopausal women while no significant differences in serum levels of IGF-II, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were observed. The correlations between bone turnover markers and circulating IGF components (except between serum BAP and IGF-II), and between bone turnover markers and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women were not significant. However, serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 correlated positively with BMD of the lumbar spine and/or Ward's triangle even if age, BMI and menopause duration were taken into account in a multiple regression analysis model. CONCLUSIONS Circulating IGF-I and IGFBP-3 may be involved in the mechanism of bone loss in postmenopausal women under the age of 60. They may also provide indirect information on the current bone microenvironment different from that provided by new markers of bone turnover.

OBJECTIVE Previous studies have shown that the rapid ACTH stimulation test using a low dose of 1 microg is more sensitive than that using 250 microg ACTH for detecting subtle cases of adrenal insufficiency. However, there are controversies for the reproducibility of the 1 microg-test. To evaluate the reproducibility of the 1 microg-test, we assessed both day-to-day and diurnal variations of cortisol responses to 1 microg ACTH injection. In addition, optimum sampling time for the 1 microg-test was also determined. SUBJECTS AND DESIGN Eight healthy volunteers and five patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency were recruited. Healthy subjects were given 1 microg ACTH 3 times in the morning (0800 h) and 2 times in the afternoon (1600 h). Patients with adrenal insufficiency had 2-tests in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. Serum cortisol levels were measured every 10 minutes for 1 h after the injection. RESULTS In healthy subjects, basal and peak serum cortisol levels were significantly higher in the morning (P < 0.05), whereas maximum cortisol increments were higher in the afternoon (P < 0.001). In patients with adrenal insufficiency, basal and peak serum cortisol levels in the morning were not different from corresponding values in the afternoon. Intra-individual coefficient of variation (CV) of peak serum cortisol response to 1 microg ACTH ranged from 3.0 to 16.4% in healthy subjects and 10.0-34. 4% in patients. Also, there was a significant correlation between peak morning or afternoon cortisol levels after 1 microg ACTH injection given in different days in both healthy subjects and patients. Twenty-six of the 40 studies in healthy subjects showed peak response at 20 minutes, while nine showed it at 30 minutes Using the data acquired at 20 and 30 minutes, all 40 studies in healthy subjects showed normal results while none of 20 studies in patients was normal. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the cortisol response to 1 microg ACTH stimulation was reproducible in both healthy subjects and patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency. In order to assess adrenal function more accurately with the 1 microg ACTH stimulation test, serum cortisol should be measured before and 20 and 30 minutes after ACTH injection.

Reaction of chiral dienylic cyclic carbonates with dialkylcopper-magnesium complex R2CuMgX (RMgX: CuI=2: 1)BF3·OEt2 in THF at −78 °C for 30 min afforded γ-alkylated (E)-allylic alcohols with excellent regioselectivity and diastereoselectivity.

RuH2(PPh3)4-catalyzed reductive cleavage reactions of chiral allylic cyclic carbonates with ammonium formate afforded optically active (E)-allylic alcohols with excellent regioselectivity. Alternatively, hydrogenolysis of propargylic cyclic carbonates in the presence of RuH2(PPh3)4 catalyst afforded allenic alcohols as a sole products.

Allylation of aldehydes by reaction allylic phosphates with diethylzinc in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4 afforded homoallylic alcohol via nucleophilic allylzinc species.

Allylic substitution of allylic cyclic carbonates with PhSH or PhOH in the presence of CpRu(PPh3)2Cl (5 mol %) afforded (E)-allylic alcohol and erythro-β-hydroxy thiophenoxide or phenoxide respectively, via external attack of nucleophiles to π-allyl ruthenium complex.

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the dosimetric impacts of the anisotropic analytic algorithm (AAA) and the Acuros XB (AXB) plan for lung stereotactic ablative radiation therapy using flattening filter-free (FFF) beam. We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients. The dosimetric parameters for the target and organs at risk (OARs) from the treatment plans calculated with these dose calculation algorithms were compared. The technical parameters, such as the computation times and the total monitor units (MUs), were also evaluated. Results: A comparison of DVHs from AXB and AAA showed that the AXB plan produced a high maximum PTV dose by average 4.40% with a statistical significance but slightly lower mean PTV dose by average 5.20% compared to the AAA plans. The maximum dose to the lung was slightly higher in the AXB compared to the AAA. For both algorithms, the values of V5, V10 and V20 for ipsilateral lung were higher in the AXB plan more than those of AAA. However, these parameters for contralateral lung were comparable. The differences of maximum dose for the spinal cord and heart were also small. The computation time of AXB was found fast with the relative difference of 13.7% than those of AAA. The average of monitor units (MUs) for all patients was higher in AXB plans than in the AAA plans. These results indicated that the difference between AXB and AAA are large in heterogeneous region with low density. Conclusion: The AXB provided the advantages such as the accuracy of calculations and the reduction of the computation time in lung stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) with using FFF beam, especially for VMAT planning. In dose calculation with the media of different density, therefore, the careful attention should be taken regarding the impacts of different heterogeneity correction algorithms. The authors report no conflicts of interest