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Rodent animal models for vital pulp therapy are commonly used in dental research because their tooth anatomy and cellular processes are similar to the anatomy and processes in humans. However, most studies have been conducted using uninfected sound teeth, which makes it difficult to adequately assess the inflammatory shift after vital pulp therapy. In the present study, we aimed to establish a caries-induced pulpitis model based on the conventional rat caries model and then evaluate inflammatory changes during the wound-healing process after pulp capping in a model of reversible pulpitis induced by carious infection. To establish the caries-induced pulpitis model, the pulpal inflammatory status was investigated at different stages of caries progression by immunostaining targeted to specific inflammatory biomarkers. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that both Toll-like receptor 2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were expressed in moderate and severe caries-stimulated pulp, indicating that an immune reaction occurred at both stages of caries progression. M2 macrophages were predominant in moderate caries-stimulated pulp, whereas M1 macrophages were predominant in the severe caries-stimulated pulp. Pulp capping in teeth with moderate caries (i.e., teeth with reversible pulpitis) led to complete tertiary dentin formation within 28 d after treatment. Impaired wound healing was observed in teeth with severe caries (i.e., teeth with irreversible pulpitis). During the wound-healing process in reversible pulpitis after pulp capping, M2 macrophages were predominant at all time points; their proliferative capacity was upregulated in the early stage of wound healing compared with healthy pulp. In conclusion, we successfully established a caries-induced pulpitis model for studies of vital pulp therapy. M2 macrophages have an important role in the early stages of the wound-healing process in reversible pulpitis.

To estimate the health-promoting effects of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (previously Lactobacillus casei) strain Shirota (LcS) that reached the lower gastrointestinal tract alive, we investigated the characteristics of gut microbiome, organic acid profiles, defecatory symptoms and serum viral antibody indexes of healthy Japanese adults between the group in whom live LcS was detected or not from stool. The β-diversity index of the gut microbiome constituted a significant difference between the live-LcS-detected-group (LLD) and the live-LcS-not-detected-group (LLnD). In the LLD, the Bifidobacteriaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Coriobacteriaceae counts were significantly higher, and the succinate concentration was significantly lower than that in the LLnD. The serum herpes simplex virus (HSV) immunoglobulin (Ig)M antibody index in the LLD tended to be lower than that of the LLnD in HSV IgG-positive subjects. Of the LLD, those in the fermented milk products containing LcS (FML)-high-frequency-group (FML-HF) and those in the FML-low-frequency-group (FML-LF) had different gut microbiome and organic acid profiles. However, the pattern of differences between FML-HF and FML-LF was dissimilar those between LLD and LLnD. In contrast, among subjects with FML-LF, those in the group with LLD in stool (LF-LLD) and those in the LLnD in stool (LF-LLnD) showed a similar pattern of differences in their gut microbiome and organic acid profiles as those in the LLnD and LLD. The LLD and LF-LLD commonly had lower caloric and carbohydrate intakes from the diet than their respective control groups. In this study, we found that the presence of live LcS in stool is associated with a healthy gut environment and inhibition of the reactivation of latently infected viruses in the host. However, these health-promoting effects on the host were not related to the frequency of FML intake. Furthermore, dysbiosis of the gut microbiome and diet including caloric intake was related to the viability of ingested LcS in the gut.

Liver allocation was updated on February 4, 2020, replacing a Donor Service Area (DSA) with acuity circles (AC). The impact on waitlist outcomes for patients listed for combined liver-intestine transplantation (multivisceral transplantation [MVT]) remains unknown. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing database was used to identify all candidates listed for both liver and intestine between January 1, 2018 and March 5, 2021. Two eras were defined: pre-AC (2018–2020) and post-AC (2020–2021). Outcomes included 90-day waitlist mortality and transplant probability. A total of 127 adult and 104 pediatric MVT listings were identified. In adults, the 90-day waitlist mortality was not statistically significantly different, but transplant probability was lower post-AC. After risk-adjustment, post-AC was associated with a higher albeit not statistically significantly different mortality hazard (sub-distribution hazard ratio[sHR]: 8.45, 95% CI: 0.96–74.05; p = .054), but a significantly lower transplant probability (sHR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15–0.75; p = .008). For pediatric patients, waitlist mortality and transplant probability were similar between eras. The proportion of patients who underwent transplant with exception points was lower post-AC both in adult (44% to 9%; p = .04) and pediatric recipients (65% to 15%; p = .002). A lower transplant probability observed in adults listed for MVT may ultimately result in increased waitlist mortality. Efforts should be taken to ensure equitable organ allocation in this vulnerable patient population.

Although vital pulp therapy should be performed by promoting the wound-healing capacity of dental pulp, existing pulp-capping materials were not developed with a focus on the pulpal repair process. In previous investigations of wound healing in dental pulp, we found that organic dentin matrix components (DMCs) were degraded by matrix metalloproteinase-20, and DMC degradation products containing protein S100A7 (S100A7) and protein S100A8 (S100A8) promoted the pulpal wound-healing process. However, the direct use of recombinant proteins as pulp-capping materials may cause clinical problems or lead to high medical costs. Thus, we hypothesized that functional peptides derived from recombinant proteins could solve the problems associated with direct use of such proteins. In this study, we identified functional peptides derived from the protein S100 family and investigated their effects on dental pulp tissue. We first performed amino acid sequence alignments of protein S100 family members from several mammalian sources, then identified candidate peptides. Next, we used a peptide array method that involved human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) to evaluate the mineralization-inducing ability of each peptide. Our results supported the selection of 4 candidate functional peptides derived from proteins S100A8 and S100A9. Direct pulp-capping experiments in a rat model demonstrated that 1 S100A8-derived peptide induced greater tertiary dentin formation compared with the other peptides. To investigate the mechanism underlying this induction effect, we performed liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis using hDPSCs and the S100A8-derived peptide; the results suggested that this peptide promotes tertiary dentin formation by inhibiting inflammatory responses. In addition, this peptide was located in a hairpin region on the surface of S100A8 and could function by direct interaction with other molecules. In summary, this study demonstrated that a S100A8-derived functional peptide promoted wound healing in dental pulp; our findings provide insights for the development of next-generation biological vital pulp therapies.

Backgrounds Healed plaques in native coronary artery indicate the repair phenomenon of ruptured fibrous caps and erosions [1, 2, 3]. Healed plaques associated with plaque vulnerability [4]. A similar phenomenon is considered to occur in neointima after stent implantation [5]. However, there are few reports in the literature regarding neointimal vulnerability and procedure outcomes of healed tissue in neointima. Objective The aims of this study are to investigate clinical characteristics, slow flow during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and neointimal vulnerability of healed neointima by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods We treated 67 lesions by PCI for in-stent restenosis (ISR) and conducted OCT examinations. Healed neointima was defined as neointima having one or more layers with different optical densities and a clear demarcation from underlying components. ISR with healed neointima was found in 49% (33/67) of the lesions. The angiographic slow flow was defined as a decrease of at least 1 grade in TIMI flow during PCI or final TIMI flow grade 0 and 1 or 2, with no evidence of thrombus, spasm, or dissection. Stents with a strut thickness ≥100 μm were classified as thick [6]. Results Compared to ISR without healed neointima, ISR with healed neointima showed significantly longer stent age (102±72 months vs. 31±39 months, p Conclusions ISR with healed neointima was associated with neointimal vulnerability, stent age, stent type, stent strut thickness, stent expansion, antiplatelet therapy, HDL-C and triglycerides levels, and use of ACE-I or ARB. There were no relations between with healed neointima and slow flow during PCI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

By presenting the first case report of true operational tolerance in an intestinal transplant patient, we aim to demonstrate that tolerance is possible in a field that has been hampered by suboptimal outcomes. Although operational tolerance has been achieved in liver and kidney transplantation, and some intestinal transplant patients have been able to decrease immunosuppression, this is the first instance of true operational tolerance after complete cessation of immunosuppression. A patient received a deceased-donor small intestinal and colon allograft with standard immunosuppressive treatment, achieving excellent graft function after overcoming a graft-versus-host-disease episode 5 months posttransplant. Four years later, against medical advice, the patient discontinued all immunosuppression. During follow-up visits 2 and 3 years after cessation of immunosuppression, the patient exhibited normal graft function with full enteral autonomy and without histological or endoscopic signs of rejection. Mechanistic analysis demonstrated immune competence against third party antigen, with in vitro evidence of donor-specific hyporesponsiveness in the absence of donor macrochimerism. This proof of principle case can stimulate future mechanistic studies on diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, for example, cellular therapy trials, that can lead to minimization or elimination of immunosuppression and, it is hoped, help revitalize the field of intestinal transplantation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: With the increasing use of the Pipeline Embolization Device for the treatment of aneurysms, predictors of clinical and angiographic outcomes are needed. This study aimed to identify predictors of incomplete occlusion at last angiographic follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our retrospective, single-center cohort study, 105 ICA aneurysms in 89 subjects were treated with Pipeline Embolization Devices. Patients were followed per standardized protocol. Clinical and angiographic outcomes were analyzed. We introduced a new morphologic classification based on the included angle of the parent artery against the neck location: outer convexity type (included angle, 200°), and lateral wall type (160° ≤ included angle ≤200°). This classification reflects the metal coverage rate and flow dynamics. RESULTS: Imaging data were acquired in 95.3% of aneurysms persistent at 6 months. Complete occlusion was achieved in 70.5%, and incomplete occlusion, in 29.5% at last follow-up. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that 60 years of age or older (OR, 5.70; P = .001), aneurysms with the branching artery from the dome (OR, 10.56; P = .002), fusiform aneurysms (OR, 10.2; P = .009), and outer convexity–type saccular aneurysms (versus inner convexity type: OR, 30.3; P

Short bowel syndrome is the most common etiology of intestinal failure, resulting from either resections of different intestinal segments or a congenital condition. Due to the absence or considerable reduction of intestinal loops in the abdominal cavity, patients with short bowel syndrome present with atrophy and muscle retraction of the abdominal wall, which leads to loss of abdominal domain and elasticity. This complication is an aggravating factor of intestinal transplantation since it can prevent the primary closure of the abdominal wall. A vast array of surgical techniques to overcome the challenges of the complexity of the abdominal wall have been described in the literature. The aim of our study was to review the modalities of abdominal wall closure in intestinal/multivisceral transplantation. Our study consisted of a systematic review following the methodological instructions described in the PRISMA guidelines. Duplicate studies and studies that did not meet the criteria for the systematic review were excluded, especially those without relevance and an explicit relationship with the investigated theme. After this step, 63 articles were included in our study. The results obtained with these techniques have been encouraging, but a high incidence of wound complications in some reports has raised concerns. There is no consensus among transplantation centers regarding which technique would be ideal and with higher success rates and lower rates of complications.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background. Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is an uncommon but highly morbid complication of intestinal transplantation (ITx). In this study, we reviewed our 17-y experience with GVHD focusing on factors predicting GVHD occurrence and survival. Methods. Retrospective review of 271 patients who received 1 or more ITx since program inception in 2003 with survival analysis using Cox proportional hazard modeling. Results. Of 271 patients, 28 developed GHVD 34 (18–66) d after ITx presenting with rash or rash with fever in 26, rectosigmoid disease in 1, and hemolysis in 1; other sites, mainly rectosigmoid colon, were involved in 13. Initial skin biopsy demonstrated classic findings in 6, compatible findings in 14, and no abnormalities in 2. Additional sites of GVHD later emerged in 14. Of the 28 patients, 16 died largely from sepsis, the only independent hazard for death (hazard ratio [HR], 37.4181; P = 0.0008). Significant (P

There is a paucity of data on long-term outcomes following visceral transplantation in the contemporary era. This is a single-center retrospective analysis of all visceral allograft recipients who underwent transplant between November 2003 and December 2013 with at least 3-year follow up data. Clinical data from a prospectively maintained database was used to assess outcomes including patient and graft survival. Of 174 recipients, 90 were adults and 84 were pediatric patients. Types of visceral transplants were isolated intestinal transplant (56.3%), combined liver intestinal transplant (25.3%), multi-visceral transplant (16.1%) and modified multi-visceral transplant (2.3%). 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall patient survival was 69.5%, 66%, and 63%, respectively, while 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall graft survival was 67%, 62%, and 61%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, significant predictors of survival included pediatric recipient (P= 0.001), donor/recipient weight ratio less than 0.9 (P= 0.008), no episodes of severe acute rejection (P= 0.021), cold ischemia time less than 8 hours (P= 0.014) and shorter hospital stay (P= 0.0001). In conclusion, visceral transplantation remains a good option for treatment of end stage intestinal failure with parenteral nutritional complications. Proper graft selection, shorter cold ischemia time and improvement of immunosuppression regimens could significantly improve the long-term survival.

RESUMO As formigas urbanas são consideradas um problema grave na saúde pública pela capacidade de ocupar todos os ambientes e por serem vetores mecânicos de micro-organismos. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo verificar as espécies que ocorrem em estabelecimentos ligados a área da saúde, bem como os microrganismos veiculados por essas espécies. Em um total de 1.629 coletas realizadas de outubro a dezembro de 2007em um hospital, na Secretaria de Saúde e em um laboratório de análises clinicas, utilizando-se iscas atrativas não tóxicas, as seguintes espécies foram registradas foram registradas: Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius, 1793); Monomorium pharaonis (Linnaeus, 1758); Paratrechina fulva (Mayr, 1862); Pheidole triconstricta Forel, 1886; Pheidole sp.1; Pheidole sp.2; Pheidole sp.3; Pheidole sp.4; Camponotus atriceps (Fr.Smith, 1858); Brachymyrmex sp.; Dorymyrmex sp. Como micro-organismos constatou-se a presença de bactérias: Staphylococcus sp.; Serratia sp.; Klebsiella sp.; Escherichia coli; Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas sp. e de fungos Cladosporium sp.; Fusarium sp.; Trichophyton sp.; Aspergillus sp. e Penicillium sp. além de leveduras. ABSTRACT Urban ants are considered a serious problem for public health due to their capacity to occupy all environments and for their being mechanical vectors of microorganisms. The present work was aimed to verify the occurrence of ant species at a hospital, at the General Office of Health, and at a laboratory of clinical analysis, in the county of Bandeirantes, PR, Brazil. A total of 1,629 collections were made in the period from October to December 2007, using nonpoisonous baits. The species recorded were: Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius, 1793); Monomorium pharaonis (Linnaeus, 1758), Paratrechina fulva (Mayr, 1862), Pheidole triconstricta Forel, 1886, Pheidole sp. 1, Pheidole sp. 2, Pheidole sp. 3, Pheidole sp. 4, Camponotus atriceps (Fr. Smith, 1858), Brachymyrmex sp., and Dorymyrmex sp. The microorganisms included the bacteria Staphylococcus sp., Serratia sp., Klebsiella sp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., and Pseudomonas sp.; the fungi Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Trichophyton sp., Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp.; as well as yeasts.

[Background] The severity of oxaliplatin (L-OHP)-induced peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN) exhibits substantial interpatient variability, and some patients suffer from long-term, persisting PSN. To identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) predicting L-OHP-induced PSN using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach. [Patients and methods] A large prospective GWAS including 1379 patients with stage II/III colon cancer who received L-OHP-based adjuvant chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6/CAPOX) under the phase II (JOIN/JFMC41) or the phase III (ACHIVE/JFMC47) trial. Firstly, GWAS comparison of worst grade PSN (grade 0/1 versus 2/3) was carried out. Next, to minimize the impact of ambiguity in PSN grading, extreme PSN phenotypes were selected and analyzed by GWAS. SNPs that could predict time to recovery from PSN were also evaluated. In addition, SNPs associated with L-OHP-induced allergic reactions (AR) and time to disease recurrence were explored. [Results] No SNPs exceeded the genome-wide significance (P < 5.0 × 10−8) in either GWAS comparison of worst grade PSN, extreme PSN phenotypes, or time to recovery from PSN. An association study focusing on AR or time to disease recurrence also failed to reveal any significant SNPs. [Conclusion] Our results highlight the challenges of utilizing SNPs for predicting susceptibility to L-OHP-induced PSN in daily clinical practice.

© 2020 The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Royal Astronomical Society. Large earthquakes can diminish and redistribute stress, which can change the stress field in the Earth's crust. Seismic anisotropy, measured through shear wave splitting (SWS), is often considered to be an indicator of stress in the crust because the closure of cracks due to differential stress leads to waves polarized parallel to the cracks travelling faster than in the orthogonal direction. We examine spatial and temporal variations in SWS measurements and the Vp/Vs ratio associated with the 2013 Cook Strait (Seddon, Grassmere) and 2016 Kaikōura earthquakes in New Zealand. These earthquake sequences provide a unique data set, where clusters of closely spaced earthquakes occurred. We use an automatic, objective splitting analysis algorithm and automatic local S-phase pickers to expedite the processing and to minimize observer bias. We present SWS and Vp/Vs measurements for over 40 000 crustal earthquakes across 36 stations spanning close to $5\frac{1}{2}$ yr between 2013 and 2018. We obtain a total of 102 260 (out of 398 169) high-quality measurements. We observe significant spatial variations in the fast polarization orientation, φ. The orientation of gravitational stresses are consistent with most of the observed anisotropy. However, multiple mechanisms (such as structural, tectonic stresses and gravitational stresses) may control some of the observed crustal anisotropy in the study area. Systematic analysis of SWS parameters and Vp/Vs ratios revealed that apparent temporal variations are caused by variation in earthquake path through spatially varying media.

Introduction Oral phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors and intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) are common therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED) following radical prostatectomy (RP). However, these treatments are not always effective, and the development of a novel and effective therapy for ED following RP is required. Recently, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation was shown to induce nerve regeneration and improves erectile function in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI), a routinely used animal model of RP. Thus, MSCs are expected to be a novel therapy for ED following RP. However, the known risks of stem cell therapy include induction of embolization and immunoreactions. To avert these problems, we explored the suitability of using filtrated stem cell lysate, which contains secreted factors but does not contain MSCs. Objective In this study, we investigated the effects of filtrated bone marrow-derived stem cells lysate (BSCL) on erectile function in a rat model of BCNI. We also investigated the neuroregenerative effects of BSCL using the major pelvic ganglia (MPG) of rats. Methods Bone marrow-derived stem cells were obtained from Wistar/ST rats. After culturing two or three passages, these cells were collected and diluted with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). We obtained BSCL by freeze fracturing and filtrating them. Two experiments were performed. Experiment I: Eight-week-old male Wistar/ST rats were divided into three groups: Sham+PBS (n=8), BCNI+PBS (n=8), and BCNI+BSCL (n=8). Rats in the Sham+PBS group underwent sham surgery as a control. Rats in the BCNI+PBS group underwent complete BCNI surgery. After both surgeries, PBS was injected into the corpus cavernosum. Rats in the BCNI+BSCL group also underwent BCNI surgery, but after surgery, BSCL was injected into the corpus cavernosum. After 4 weeks, erectile function was evaluated by measuring intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) under stimulation of the cavernous nerve. Experiment II: the MPG were dissected from ten-week-old male Wistar/ST rats. The MPG were placed on Matrigel and incubated with PBS (n=4), BSCL (n=4), or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (n=4), which was used as a positive control. After 48 h, neurite outgrowth was measured using a z-stack microscope. Results ICP/MAP in the BCNI+PBS group was significantly lower than that in the Sham+PBS group (P Conclusions BSCL treatment improved erectile function in the BCNI rat model of RP. BSCL also exhibited neuroregenerative effects on rat MPG. This suggests that BSCL may regenerate a crushed cavernous nerve, which results in improved erectile function. Our findings suggest that BSCL may be a new approach for post-RP ED. Further study should be conducted to identify the active factors in BSCL. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a common, morbid complication after intestinal transplantation (ITx) with poorly-understood pathophysiology. Resident memory T cells (TRM ) are a recently described CD69+ memory T cell subset localizing to peripheral tissue. We observed that T effector memory cells (TEM ) in the blood increase during GvHD and hypothesized that they derive from donor graft CD69+TRM migrating into host blood and tissue. To probe this hypothesis, graft and blood lymphocytes from 10 ITx patients with overt GvHD and 34 without were longitudinally analyzed using flow cytometry. As hypothesized, CD4+ and CD8+CD69+TRM were significantly increased in blood and grafts of GvHD patients, alongside higher cytokine and activation marker expression. The majority of CD69+TRM were donor derived as determined by multiplex immunostaining. Notably, CD8/PD-1 was significantly elevated in blood prior to transplantation in patients who later had GvHD, and percentages of HLA-DR, CD57, PD-1, and naive T cells differed significantly between GvHD patients who died vs. those who survived. Overall, we demonstrate that (1) there were significant increases in TEM , at the time of GvHD, possibly of donor derivation; (2) donor TRM in the graft are a possible source; and (3) potential biomarkers for the development and prognosis of GvHD exist.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major cause of acute respiratory failure that develops following several clinical disorders, including pneumonia, sepsis, aspiration and major trauma. Despite numerous clinical trials, there is still no effective pharmacotherapy available for ARDS patients. However, recent research on extracellular vesicles provides new insights into pathogenesis, prognosis, and potential therapeutic options for ARDS. Extracellular vesicles are membrane-bound anuclear structures which constitute a recently recognized and important intercellular communication mechanism, allowing targeted transfer of diverse biologic cargo between different cell types. There is new evidence that extracellular vesicles play an important role in the pathogenesis of ARDS and also potentially a protective role. In this chapter, we highlight recent translational and clinical studies that have advanced our understanding of the critical role extracellular vesicles play in both inducing and attenuating inflammatory lung injury in ARDS. This review also considers the wide range of potential clinical applications for extracellular vesicles, ranging from use as biomarkers of lung injury to therapeutic agents for ARDS. Extracellular vesicles represent a new frontier for research in ARDS.

Background Asymptomatic ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasingly detected by improved screening tests such as the fecal immunochemical test. However, there have been few reports on the difference in the clinical course of UC according to the presence or absence of symptoms at diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical course of UC according to the presence or absence of clinical symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Methods Data were obtained from a retrospective chart review of 64 consecutive patients with UC diagnosed at our hospital between 2014 and 2020. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of clinical symptoms at the time of UC diagnosis, and clinical characteristics (age, sex, extent of disease, Mayo Score, endoscopic severity, and hematological findings) at the time of diagnosis were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses. In the clinical characteristics, propensity score matched analysis was performed, and systemic steroids use, hospitalization within 1 year, and the introduction of therapies for refractory UC were evaluated. Patients with a clinical course of less than 1 year after UC diagnosis, patients intolerant to 5-aminosalicylic acid, patients with carcinoma, pregnant women, and patients under 15 years of age were excluded. Results Eligible patients were 64 UC patients (19 asymptomatic and 45 symptomatic) diagnosed at our hospital during the period of the study. The symptomatic group included 32 cases of bloody stools, 30 cases of diarrhea, 7 cases of abdominal pain, and 4 cases of fever. Multivariate analysis of clinical features at diagnosis showed significant differences in Mayo Score (p=0.003, odds ratio: 3.650, 95% confidence interval: 1.541–8.647) and serum hemoglobin level (p=0.021, odds ratio: 0.367, 95% confidence interval: 0.157–0.859). As a result of propensity score matched analysis, 24 patients (12 asymptomatic, 12 symptomatic) were selected. There were no significant differences in the rates of systemic steroid use (16.7% vs. 16.7%), hospitalization within 1 year (16.7% vs. 8.3%), and the introduction of therapies for refractory UC (16.7% vs. 8.3%) between the two groups (p=1.000 in all items). Conclusion There was no difference in the prognosis of the asymptomatic group compared with the symptomatic group using propensity score matched analysis. The results suggest that asymptomatic UC detected by colonoscopy may be acceptable for follow-up without treatment.

Adult intestinal transplantation differs significantly from pediatric intestinal transplantation. While indications have remained largely consistent since 2000, indications for adults have expanded over the last two decades to include motility disorders and desmoid tumors. Graft type in adult recipients depends on the distinct anatomic characteristics of the adult recipient. Colonic inclusion, while initially speculated to portend unfavorable outcomes due to complex host-bacterial interactions has increased over the past two decades with superior graft survival and improved patient quality of life. Overall, outcomes have steadily improved. For adult intestinal transplant candidates, intestinal transplantation remains a mainstay therapy for complicated intestinal failure and is a promising option for other life threatening and debilitating conditions.

Several solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems can be considered for the NH3 utilization. In this study, the catalytic activity and long-term stability of the NH3 decomposition reactor with the Ni/Y2O3-based catalysts and the autothermal NH3 cracker with the Co–Ce–Zr composite oxide catalyst were investigated. Moreover, the NH3 decomposition reactor and the autothermal NH3 cracker were combined with the SOFC stack and their performances of the stack were compared to those fueled with NH3 and H2/N2. The power output of each SOFC stack was over 200 W. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the direct NH3-fueled SOFC stack was stable for 1,000 h at 770 °C without significant degradation.

Although innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play fundamental roles in mucosal barrier functionality and tissue homeostasis, ILC-related mechanisms underlying intestinal barrier function, homeostatic regulation, and graft rejection in intestinal transplantation (ITx) patients have yet to be thoroughly defined. We found protective type 3 NKp44+ ILCs (ILC3s) to be significantly diminished in newly transplanted allografts, compared to allografts at 6 months, whereas proinflammatory type 1 NKp44- ILCs (ILC1s) were higher. Moreover, serial immunomonitoring revealed that in healthy allografts, protective ILC3s repopulate by 2-4 weeks postoperatively, but in rejecting allografts they remain diminished. Intracellular cytokine staining confirmed that NKp44+ ILC3 produced protective interleukin-22 (IL-22), whereas ILC1s produced proinflammatory interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Our findings about the paucity of protective ILC3s immediately following transplant and their repopulation in healthy allografts during the first month following transplant were confirmed by RNA-sequencing analyses of serial ITx biopsies. Overall, our findings show that ILCs may play a key role in regulating ITx graft homeostasis and could serve as sentinels for early recognition of allograft rejection and be targets for future therapies.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.