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Amino acid–based block copolymers (BCPs) have distinct features such as secondary structure formation, chirality, amphoteric nature, non‐toxicity, and biodegradability, setting them apart from other BCPs. This suggests that amino acid–based BCPs may exhibit unique self‐assembly behaviors. Despite these advantages, they have not yet been utilized as templates for mesoporous carbons (MCs) synthesis. Here, we investigate, for the first time, the effect of hydrophobicity of two different poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) conjugated amino acid–based BCP templates (PEG‐poly(β‐benzyl‐l‐aspartate) (PEG‐PBLA) and PEG‐poly(γ‐benzyl‐l‐glutamate) (PEG‐PBLG)) on the construction of MC materials and also their physicochemical and electrochemical characteristics. MCs produced using PEG‐PBLA and PEG‐PBLG as templates are labeled CPBLA and CPBLG, respectively. Utilizing amino acid–based BCP systems enabled achieving MC materials with nearly 1 at% nitrogen doping without external nitrogen dopants. Physicochemical analysis showed CPBLA had a smaller particle size, higher specific surface area, pore size, and hydrophilicity due to increased oxygen and nitrogen contents, as well as a higher defective structure than CPBLG. The higher hydrophilicity of PEG‐PBLA led to the formation of CPBLA MC particles with smaller size and higher specific surface area of 602 m2g−1 and pore size of 7.8 nm. Cyclic voltammetry demonstrated that CPBLA had superior charge‐storing capacity (specific capacitance of 147 F g−1 at 1 mv s−1) than CPBLG, attributed to its better physicochemical properties. These promising findings suggest that amino acid–based BCP systems can serve not only as templates but also as carbon and nitrogen sources, offering potential for high‐performance electrochemical energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent polymers have exciting applications in sensing, imaging, and probes. Agricultural waste is increasingly being used to develop fluorescent nanomaterials due to technology, cost, and waste management advantages. This study developed fluorescent carbon‐based nanomaterials, that is, potassium doped graphene oxide (K‐GO) from Quercus ilex waste and used them to optimize fluorescent epoxy nanocomposites. The resulting nanocomposites showed significant enhancement in tensile strength with only 0.05 wt% of the renewable nanomaterial. The developed fluorescent epoxy nanocomposites have enhanced thermal and mechanical properties and can be used in sensing, imaging, and other applications. Highlights: A greener and easier approach to synthesizing K‐GO from Quercus ilex seeds.Development of fluorescent epoxy composites with K‐GO.Tensile strength is enhanced by adding only 0.05 wt% K‐GO.Thermal stability was improved by adding K‐GO.Developed composites can be applied to sensing and UV‐shielding in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polyurethane (PU) composite nanofiber with superior flame retardancy and antimicrobial property is developed through the simultaneous incorporation of boron‐doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and tannic acid (TA), resulting in excellent thermal, mechanical, and eco‐friendly flame‐retardant properties. The tensile strength and peak heat‐release rate of the composite nanofiber increase with increasing filler content, with the optimal performance (7.38 ± 1.04 MPa and 254 W g−1) being achieved at 3 wt% filler. Using a series of analytical techniques, it is demonstrated that the nanostructure of the neat PU completely collapses upon heating, transforming into a film‐like structure; in contrast, a higher loading of nanofiller leads to a higher heat‐shielding capability, thereby facilitating preservation of the composite nanofiber structure. Finally, the antibacterial activity is shown to increase as a result of the synergic effect of the boron‐doped CNTs and TA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to understand the impact of ecological restoration on soil biogeochemistry, and the interrelationship between vegetation and soil phosphorus. In a study of two different‐aged soils in coastal New Zealand, soils are described along a transition from abandoned agricultural pasture, through 6‐year old restoration plots, towards forest fragments that have been largely undisturbed for 75 and 166 years. Soil biogeochemistry varied spatially along this restoration trajectory; there were profound changes in surface soil, but little impact on deeper soil horizons. In the early stages, soil organic matter accumulation and decomposition, and increasing demand of N from fast‐growing plants corresponded with rapid nutrient mineralization. Loss of soil total P, an increase of occluded P, and the increasing importance of soil organic P as soils weathered and aged, supported conceptual models of longer‐term soil pedogenesis. There was no evidence that the success of the establishment of plants varied across the site, but this is a first report of vegetation establishment during ecological restoration markedly impacting soil P dynamics and biogeochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Distant metastases, although uncommon, represent maximum disease‐related mortality in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Lungs are the most frequent sites of metastases. We aimed to evaluate long‐term outcomes and identify prognostic factors in metastatic DTC limited to the lungs. Methods: This retrospective study included 89 patients with DTC and metastases limited to the lungs, who were treated between 1996 and 2012 at Samsung Medical Center. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) rates were evaluated according to clinicopathologic factors. Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with structural progressive disease (PD) and cancer‐specific death. Results: With a median follow‐up of 84 months, the 5‐ and 10‐year CSS rates were 78% and 73%, respectively. Older age at diagnosis (≥55 years), radioactive iodine (RAI) nonavidity, preoperative or late diagnosis of metastasis and macro‐nodular metastasis (≥1 cm) were predictive of decreased PFS and CSS. Multivariate analysis identified older age (P = .002), RAI nonavidity (P = .045) and preoperative (P = .030) or late diagnosis (P = .026) as independent predictors of structural PD. RAI avidity was also independent predictor of cancer‐specific death (P = .025). Conclusion: Patients with DTC and metastatic disease limited to the lungs had favourable long‐term outcomes. Age, RAI avidity and timing of metastasis were found to be major factors for predicting prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current 7th TNM staging stratifies N1b papillary thyroid cancer ( PTC) patients without distant metastasis into either stage I or stage IV merely by an age threshold (45 years). To date, no studies have adequately quantified the mortality risk of PTC patients with N1b disease. We hypothesized that incorporating lymph node ( LN) factors into the staging system would better predict cancer-specific mortality ( CSM). A total of 745 nonmetastatic PTC patients with N1b disease were enrolled. We identified factors related to LNs and cut-points using Cox regression and time-dependent ROC analysis. New prognostic groupings were derived based on minimal hazard differences for CSM among the groups stratified by LN risk and age, and prediction of CSM was assessed. Lateral lymph node ratio ( LNR) and largest LN size were significant prognostic LN factors at cut-points of 0.3 and 3 cm. Without LN risk (lateral LNR >0.3 or largest LN size >3 cm), stage IV patients had prognosis [adjusted HR 1.10 (98% CI 0.19-6.20); P = 0.906] similar to stage I patients with LN risk. Patients were restratified into three prognostic groups: Group 1, <45 years without LN risk; Group 2, <45 years with LN risk or ≥45 years without LN risk; and Group 3, ≥45 with LN risk. This system had a lower log-rank P-value (<0.001 vs. 0.002) and higher C-statistics (0.80 vs. 0.71) than the 7th TNM. New prognostic grouping using lateral LNR and largest LN size predicts CSM accurately and distinguishes N1b patients with different prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Delayed thyroid-stimulating hormone ( TSH) recovery during treatment of Graves' disease is caused by long-term excessive thyroid hormone, which results in downregulation of pituitary thyrotrophs. However, it is unknown whether delayed TSH recovery exists after levothyroxine ( LT4) dose reduction in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer ( DTC) after long-term TSH suppression. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 97 DTC patients with LT4 dose reduction after long-term TSH suppression. TSH levels at baseline (point 1), 6 months (point 2) and 12-18 months (point 3) after LT4 dose reduction were compared. A delayed TSH recovery group whose TSH levels changed to upper target TSH category (2015 revised ATA guidelines) from point 2 to point 3 was identified, and risk factors were analysed. Results The median TSH level at point 3 was significantly higher than that of point 2 (0.17 vs 0.09 mIU/L; P<.001). The delayed TSH recovery group (44.3%) showed increased body weight (60.84 vs 62.73 kg; P=.01), while normal response group did not. Greater reduction (%) in the LT4 dose per weight [ HR 1.10, 95% CI (1.00-1.22), P=.04] and higher BMI before thyroid surgery [1.19, 1.03-1.38, P=.01] predicted the occurrence of delayed TSH recovery, while higher dose of LT4 per weight after reduction showed preventive effect [ HR 0.01, 95% CI (0.00-0.54); P=.02]. Conclusions Delayed TSH recovery was common during LT4 dose reduction after long-term TSH suppression for DTC management. Six months may not be enough for TSH recovery and to evaluate thyroid hormone status by serum TSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Age >45 years is included as a variable in the tumor, node, metastases (TNM) staging of differentiated thyroid cancer ( DTC), but a higher cut-off value has been suggested to be more clinically relevant and prevent over-staging. We evaluated the optimal age cut-off to predict disease-specific survival ( DSS) in patients with DTC. Design and Patients This cohort study included 6333 patients with DTC who underwent thyroid surgery at two tertiary referral centres between 1996 and 2005. The optimal age cut-off value between 45 and 65 years for prediction of DSS was assessed. The proportion of variation explained ( PVE) and Harrell's c-index was calculated to compare the predictability of each model. Results The median age of patients was 46·0 years ( IQR 37·8-54·6), and 5498 (87%) were female. Median follow-up period was 10·0 years, and 10-year DSS rate was 98%. Using TNM staging with 45 years as the cut-off ( TNM45), 10-year DSS rates of stage I- IV were 99·4%, 96·1%, 97·7% and 85·9%, respectively ( PVE = 3·0%, Harrell's c-index = 0·693); and using 55 years as the cut-off ( TNM55), 99·4%, 92·2%, 95·3% and 79·7%, respectively ( PVE = 4·3%, Harrell's c-index = 0·776). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal age cut-off for prediction of DSS was 55·4 years (area under the curve = 0·837, P < 0·001). About 20% of patients were down-staged to stage I using TNM55 compared to that using TNM45. Conclusions The cut-off age of 55 years was more appropriate for TNM staging to achieve better predictability for DSS in patients with DTC. This change would prevent over-staging in low-risk patients and prevent over-aggressive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land conversion and environmental changes associated with agronomic practices are believed to have led to the disappearance of New Zealand endemic earthworms from agricultural land. Introduced European earthworms have since largely replaced endemic species in farming systems. We investigated the impact of vegetation restoration on earthworm communities. Recolonization by endemic earthworms increased with time after restoration at two studied sites in the South Island of New Zealand. However, exotic species did not disappear with restoration of native vegetation, even after 30 years. The persistence of exotic species leads to the cohabitation of the two communities and potential for interspecific competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polynyas, areas of open water surrounded by sea ice, are sites of intense primary production and ecological hotspots in the Antarctic Ocean. This study determined the spatial variation in communities of prokaryotes in a polynya in the Amundsen Sea using 454 pyrosequencing technology, and the results were compared with biotic and abiotic environmental factors. The bacterial abundance was correlated with that of phytoplankton, Phaeocystis spp. and diatoms. A cluster analysis indicated that the bacterial communities in the surface waters of the polynya were distinct from those under the sea ice. Overall, two bacterial clades, Polaribacter (20-64%) and uncultivated Oceanospirillaceae (7-34%), dominated the surface water in the polynya while the Pelagibacter clade was abundant at all depths (7-42%). The archaeal communities were not as diverse as the bacterial communities in the polynya, and marine group I was dominant (> 80%). Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that the oceanographic properties facilitated the development of distinct prokaryotic assemblages in the polynya. This analysis of the diversity and composition of the psychrophilic prokaryotes associated with high phytoplankton production provides new insights into the roles of prokaryotes in biogeochemical cycles in high-latitude polynyas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle and peritoneum are rare sites of metastases from lung cancer. We report a case of squamous cell lung cancer with concurrent metastases to skeletal muscle and peritoneum. A 71-year-old man was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the right lower lobe with metastasis to the right hilar lymph node at clinical stage T3N1M0. Because of poor performance status and comorbidity, he only received radiation therapy. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography for mid-assessment of response showed two abnormal hypermetabolic lesions in the peritoneum of the left upper quadrant area and the left thigh muscle. We performed a needle-approach biopsy in each lesion and found both of the lesions were metastases from lung cancer. The patient died after two months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 21: 254-260 The objectives of this study were to investigate permanent tooth emergence during a 9-year longitudinal study and to assess the effect of dental caries in primary teeth on the emergence of permanent teeth. Data on caries occurrence in primary teeth were obtained at the baseline by a trained dentist. Permanent tooth emergence data of 539 students from 16 elementary schools in Yeoncheon were examined annually from 1995 to 2003 using dental casts. The median age at emergence of the teeth was calculated using a linear logistic regression model. A multiple linear regression model was used to evaluate the effect of caries on the emergence of permanent teeth. The age of permanent tooth emergence was different between boys and girls, but the difference was not statistically significant at the 5% level. Having 'decayed teeth' hastened the emergence of most second premolars and second molars, whereas the regression coefficients ranged from −1.23 to −0.82. The number of 'filled teeth' showed a correlation with maxillary second premolars and mandibular first premolar, and the regression coefficients ranged from −1.92 to −3.25. Having dental caries in primary teeth can be a strong predictor of earlier emergence of permanent teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study investigated whether the antiangiogenic factors' concentrations differ according to the clinical manifestations of preeclampsia. Methods This study included 62 preeclampsia and compared the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), soluble endoglin (sEng), and placental growth factor (PlGF) concentrations among patients with different clinical manifestations of preeclampsia. We also compared the patients with preeclampsia to 62 controls matched by age, gestational age, and parity after 20 weeks of gestation. Results The sEng concentrations were significantly elevated in early-onset than in late-onset preeclampsia (105.4 ± 37.9 vs 66.3 ± 36.0 ng/mL, p = 0.0008). Moreover, the sEng levels were also higher in severe preeclampsia compared to mild (42.5 ± 31.0 vs 79.2 ± 38.6 ng/mL, p = 0.0013) and in the small for gestational age (SGA) group compared to the group without SGA (68.3 ± 39.3 vs 85.7 ± 38.2 ng/mL, p = 0.0273). The sFlt-1 levels, however, did not reveal significant difference according to the onset-time, severity, and presence of SGA. The antiangiogenic factors' concentrations were not related with the degree of hypertension or proteinuria. Conclusion Altered antiangiogenic factors might be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia with synergistic, but different roles. Especially, sEng may be more related with early and severe preeclampsia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To describe an instance of complete chorion-amnion membrane separation with fetal restrictive dermopathy in two consecutive pregnancies. Methods We performed prenatal ultrasounds in two consecutive pregnancies and evaluated gross and microscopic postnatal findings. Results The first pregnancy ended at 32 weeks of gestation with spontaneous chorioamniotic membrane separation and preterm premature rupture of membranes. The mother delivered an abnormal male infant with generalized fixed joint contractures, rigid and shiny skin, skin laceration around the neck, a rounded and opened mouth, and palpebral conjunctival eversion. The subsequent pregnancy was also complicated by spontaneous complete chorioamniotic membrane separation, oligohydramnios, and fetal growth restriction at 26 + 3 weeks of gestation. A immaturely born second baby also carried multiple anomalies similar to those of the first. Both infants died shortly after birth. After microscopic examination of the skin, we diagnosed the infant as restrictive dermopathy. Conclusions Complete separation of the chorion-amnion membrane may be regarded as a serious prenatal condition. Restrictive dermopathy or skin disorders caused by defects in collagen or elastic tissue metabolism may be one of the many causes of chorion-amnion separation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on the NMDARl protein expression (postnatal days 1 and 7) and on the developmental profile of the NMDAR2A and NMDAR2B subunits in rat forebrain and hippocampus were investigated. Forebrain and hippocampal membrane proteins were isolated from pups of various ages (postnatal days 1 to 21) from prenatally ethanol exposed, pairfed and ad libitum control groups. A semiquantitative immunoblot procedure was used with antibodies raised against the NMDAR1, NMDAR2A, and the NMDAR2B subunits to assess the NMDA subunit protein expression. In the samples, NMDAR1 protein expression was unaffected by prenatal ethanol exposure at postnatal day 1 or 7 in both the forebrain and hippocampus. NMDAR2A protein expression levels rose rapidly. In both forebrain and hippocampus during the time frame of study. Renatal ethanol exposure caused a significant reduction in protein expression levels of the NMDAR2A in forebrain through postnatal day 14. NMDAR2B protein expression levels were high throughout the study in both forebrain and hippocampus. Prenatal ethanol exposure significantly reduced protein expression of the NMDAR2B in the forebrain (through postnatal day 14) and hippocampus (up to day 7). The results suggest that there may be a link between the depressed expression of the NMDAR2 subunits and the neurodevelopmental disorders associated with fetal ethanol exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of tocopherols and to evaluate vitamin E status of Korean children, three consecutive 24-h food recalls and fasting blood samples were obtained from healthy children (n=131, 66 girls and 65 boys), aged 2-6 y, living in Kwangju, Republic of Korea. Twenty-one subjects were aged 2 y; 25, 3 y; 31, 4 y; 32, 5 y; and 22, 6 y. Dietary kcal, total fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat, but not saturated fat, were significantly different (P<0.05) among the age groups, but not by gender. Alpha-tocopherol intakes, but not gamma- and delta-tocopherol, for the 3 y age group were significantly different (P<0.05) from those of other groups. Sixty-seven percent consumed less than the Adequate Intakes for vitamin E of the Republic of Korea. Seventy-six percent of the subjects had alpha-tocopherol intakes less than the US/Canadian Estimated Average Requirements for vitamin E. Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations, but not gamma- or delta- tocopherol, were significantly higher (P<0.05) for the 2 y group as compared to other age groups; plasma tocopherol concentrations were similar by gender. Two-thirds of the subjects had plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations less than 12 µmol/L, which is indicative of vitamin E inadequacy. Many of these Korean children had inadequate vitamin E status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variability in the photosynthetic performance of natural phytoplankton communities, due to both taxonomic composition and the physiological acclimation of these taxa to environmental conditions, was assessed at contrasting sites within a temperate shelf sea region. Physiological parameters relating to the structure of the photosystem II (PSII) antenna and processes downstream from PSII were evaluated using a combination of fast repetition rate fluorescence, oxygen flash yields, spectral fluorescence, and 14C photosynthesis versus irradiance measurements. Parameters relating to PSII antenna structure, specifically the functional absorption cross-section (ΣPSII) and the chlorophyll to PSII reaction center ratio, varied principally as a result of spatial (horizontal) taxonomic differences. Phenotypic plasticity in the size of the PSII light-harvesting antenna appeared to be limited. In contrast, parameters related to electron transport rates (ETRs) downstream of PSII, including the maximum ETR (1τPSII), the chlorophyll-specific maximum rate of carbon fixation (P*max), and the light-saturation intensity (Ek), all decreased from the surface to the subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM) in stratified waters. The primary photoacclimation response to the vertical light gradient thus resulted in decreasing light-saturated carbon fixation per reaction center with increasing depth. Increases in the ratio of PSII reaction centers to carbon fixation capacity thus dominated the phenotypic response to decreased irradiance within the SCM. Perhaps counterintuitively, phytoplankton populations within fully mixed water columns, characterized by low mean irradiance, were acclimated or adapted to relatively high irradiance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]