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Abstract Background The association between low serum testosterone levels, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and metabolic syndrome is now well known. However, the relationship between hepatic steatosis and serum testosterone levels has not been extensively studied. Our aim was to investigate the association of serum total testosterone levels with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), adjusting for the influence of VAT and insulin resistance. Methods This study is a retrospective observational cross-sectional one of healthy Korean men and was conducted at the Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center. We used data obtained from 495 men who were at least 20 years of age and who had undergone blood testing, abdominal computed tomography, and ultrasonography. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association of serum total testosterone levels with NAFLD. Results Men in the low serum testosterone quintile were at a higher risk for NAFLD than men in the highest serum testosterone quintile. After adjusting for age, smoking, diabetes, exercise, BMI, triglycerides, and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, subjects with serum testosterone levels in the lowest quintile had an odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 5.12 (2.43–10.77) for NAFLD (p value, 0.0004). The inverse association between serum testosterone and NAFLD was attenuated by further adjustment for variables including VAT; however, it remained statistically significant (OR (95% CI): 4.52 (2.09–9.80) in the lowest quintile; p value=0.004). Conclusions A low serum total testosterone level was independently associated with NAFLD. This report is the first one suggesting the association remains unchanged even after controlling for VAT and insulin resistance.

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease, primarily associated with aging, that results from decreased bone density and bone volume. This reduction significantly increases the risk of fractures in osteoporosis patients compared to individuals with normal bone density. Additionally, the bone regeneration process in these patients is slow, making complete healing difficult. Along with the decline in bone volume and density, osteoporosis is characterized by an increase in marrow adipose tissue (MAT), which is fat within the bone. In this altered bone microenvironment, osteoblasts are influenced by various factors secreted by adipocytes. Notably, saturated fatty acids promote osteoclast activity, inhibit osteoblast differentiation, and induce apoptosis, further reducing osteoblast formation. In contrast, monounsaturated fatty acids inhibit osteoclast formation and mitigate the apoptosis caused by saturated fatty acids. Leveraging these properties, we aimed to investigate the effects of overexpressing stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), an enzyme that converts saturated fatty acids into monounsaturated fatty acids, on osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration in both in vivo and in vitro models. Through this novel approach, we seek to develop a stem cell-based therapeutic strategy that harnesses SCD1 to improve bone regeneration in the adipocyte-rich osteoporotic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical inactivity is prevalent after cancer treatment, which could increase ischemic stroke risk in cancer survivors. This study investigated the association between physical activity change from pre‐ to post‐diagnosis and ischemic stroke risk among cancer survivors. Methods: Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 269,943 cancer survivors (mean [SD] age, 56.3 [12.1] years; 45.7% male) with no history of cardiovascular disease were evaluated based on changes in physical activity from pre‐ to post‐diagnosis. Using the Fine‐Gray model, subdistribution hazard ratios (sHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for ischemic stroke risk were calculated, considering death as a competing risk. Results: After cancer diagnosis, 62.0% remained inactive, 10.1% remained active, 16.6% became active, and 11.4% became inactive. During a mean (SD) follow‐up of 4.1 (2.0) years, being active both pre‐ and post‐diagnosis was associated with a 15% decreased risk of ischemic stroke (sHR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75–0.96), compared with those who remained inactive. Cancer survivors who became active and inactive post‐diagnosis showed a 16% and 11% lower ischemic stroke risk (sHR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75–0.93; sHR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79–0.99), respectively, than those who remained inactive. Analysis by the primary cancer site did not substantially differ from the main findings. Conclusions: Physical activity is associated with reduced ischemic stroke risk among cancer survivors. The potential benefits of physical activity are not limited to individuals who were physically active before cancer diagnosis, thus preventive strategies against ischemic stroke should emphasize physical activity throughout the cancer journey. In this nationwide cohort study of 269,943 cancer survivors from Korea, maintaining regular physical activity before and after diagnosis was associated with a 15% decrease in the risk of ischemic stroke. The potential benefits of physical activity are not limited to individuals who were physically active before their diagnosis, so it is not too late to start after a cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning models can potentially provide alternative options in the field of architecture as aesthetic judgment tools, owing to their high capacity and data-driven environments. If a machine learning model can produce aesthetic evaluation results similar to those of humans, the process may be highly promising for further applications in architectural decision-making. In this study, we propose a series of interconnected workflows for a rigorous comparison, including data collection, machine learning, parametric designs, robotic fabrication, and human surveys, to test the compatibility between human judgment and machine learning models in the aesthetic assessment of architectural objects on the same design objects. We observed a wide gap between the aesthetic judgments of the two groups. We discuss certain drawbacks and current limitations to improve the vulnerability of the study process and conclude by providing an outlook for the subsequent direction of a similar study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of dynamic changes in monitor height and tilt on neck pain and posture of computer users. Using a wearable device, we aim to compare neck pain and spine angle between static and dynamic monitors. A spine angle tracking system using the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) was proposed, and the accuracy was validated. Eight office workers participated for five hours over two days, and each day used either a static monitor or a dynamic monitor that changed height and tilt every 30 min. The angles of C0, C7, L1, and S1 endplates were estimated using the proposed system. Changes in neck pain and spine angle with time were compared in static and dynamic monitors. The intraclass correlation coefficient confirmed a high concordance between the estimated and actual angles (p < 0.001). Rehabilitation Bioengineering Group (RBG) score increased less in the dynamic monitor compared to the static monitor (p = 0.003). Spinal curvatures are bent in the static monitor compared to the dynamic monitor. The estimated angles aligned well with X-ray measurements. A dynamic monitor that changes height and tilt at regular intervals may reduce neck pain increase and reduce bend forward posture compared to a static monitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioactive decontamination waste generated by remediation following the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident was recently transported from its temporary storage sites to interim storage facilities as a pilot test. A transportation plan for the radioactive decontamination waste will be developed based on this pilot transportation experience and radiological safety assessment of pilot transportation. The objective of this study was to assess radiation doses to the public and crew workers released during incident-free pilot transportation. External dose rates around a transportation vehicle were calculated by using the Monte Carlo N-Particle code. Collective doses and maximally exposed individual doses to the public and effective doses to crew workers were calculated by using INTERTRAN. Two transportation routes, Asakawa-machi to Okuma-machi and Iwaki-shi to Okuma-machi, were considered. The maximum radioactivity concentration in the decontamination waste was calculated to be 660 kBqkg–1 which meets the value laid down by the guidelines of Japan's Ministry of the Environment. The collective doses to the public per shipment were 1.9 10–3 person-mSv for the Asakawa route and 2.2 10–4 person-mSv for the Iwaki route. Maximally exposed individual doses to the public were 9.6 10–7 mSv for the Asakawa route and 2.7 10–5 mSv for the Iwaki route. The total effective doses to crew workers were 0.27 mSv for the Asakawa route assuming five shipments per worker and 1.07 mSv for the Iwaki route assuming 45 shipments per worker. The radiation dose levels to the public and workers evaluated in this study were much lower than the annual dose limits for the general public and radiation workers. These study results can be used to develop transportation plans and guidelines for decontamination waste transportation.