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Two novel Gram-stain-positive, non-motile and non-spore-forming bacterial strains, designated J2M5T and J1M15T, were isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of a lake prawn Palaemon paucidens. Strain J2M5T was an obligately aerobic bacterium that formed milky-coloured colonies and showed a rod–coccus cell cycle, while strain J1M15T was a facultatively aerobic bacterium that formed orangish-yellow-coloured colonies and showed rod-shaped cells. Strains J2M5T and J1M15T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Nocardioides ganghwensis JC2055T (98.63 %) and Tessaracoccus flavescens SST-39T (98.08 %), respectively. The whole-genome sequence of strain J2M5T was 4.52 Mbp in size and the genomic G+C content directly calculated from the genome sequence of strain J2M5T was 72.5 mol%. The whole-genome sequence of strain J1M15T was 3.20 Mbp in size and the genomic G+C content directly calculated from the genome sequence of strain J1M15T was 69.6mol %. Strains J2M5T and J1M15T showed high OrthoANI similarity to N. ganghwensis JC2055T (83.6 %) and T. flavescens (77.2 %), respectively. We analysed the genome sequences of strains J2M5T and J1M15T in terms of carbohydrate-active enzymes, antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factor genes. Strains J2M5T and J1M15T contained MK-8 (H4) and MK-9 (H4) as the predominant respiratory quinones, respectively. The major polar lipids of both strains were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. Additionally, strain J2M5T possessed phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The cellular sugar components of strain J2M5T were ribose, mannose, glucose and galactose, and its cellular amino acid components were l-alanine and l-lysine. The cellular sugar components of strain J1M15T were rhamnose, ribose, mannose and glucose, and its cellular amino acid component was l-alanine. The major cellular fatty acids of strains J2M5T and J1M15T were iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0, respectively. The multiple taxonomic analyses indicated that strains J2M5T and J1M15T represent novel species of the genus Nocardioides and Tessaracoccus , respectively. We propose the names Nocardioides palaemonis sp. nov. and Tessaracoccus palaemonis sp. nov. for strain J2M5T (=KCTC 49461T=CCUG 74767T) and strain J1M15T (=KCTC 49462T=CCUG 74766T), respectively.

Tophaceous gout often occurs in soft tissues, and gouty invasion to the bone is rare. To date, only one case of isolated intraosseous gouty invasion to the calcaneus has been reported. We report here a rare case of an intraosseous calcaneal gouty cystic lesion treated with curettage and allogenous and autogenous bone graft. Satisfactory function and pain relief were obtained at 12-month follow-up, without any evidence of recurrent disease.

Minimally-invasive surgery is rapidly growing and has become a standard approach for many operations. However, it requires intensive practice to achieve competency. The current training often relies on animal organ models or physical organ phantoms, which do not offer realistic surgical scenes or useful real-time feedback for surgeons to improve their skills. Furthermore, the objective quantitative assessment of endoscopic skills is also lacking. Here, we report a high-fidelity artificial urological system that allows realistic simulation of endourological procedures and offers a quantitative assessment of the surgical performance. The physical organ model was fabricated by 3D printing and two-step polymer molding with the use of human CT data. The system resembles the human upper urinary tract with a high-resolution anatomical shape and vascular patterns. During surgical simulation, endoscopic videos are acquired and analyzed to quantitatively evaluate performance skills by a customized computer algorithm. Experimental results show significant differences in the performance between professional surgeons and trainees. The surgical simulator offers a unique chance to train endourological procedures in a realistic and safe environment, and it may also lead to a quantitative standard to evaluate endoscopic skills.

Background Although a substantial proportion of small soft tissue tumors are malignant, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and demographic characteristics associated with these tumors have not been well described. Purpose To investigate the MRI features and demographic characteristics associated with small (≤5 cm) malignant soft tissue tumors, and to identify independent predictors that allow differentiation of small benign and malignant soft tissue tumors. Material and Methods This retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent surgical excision of small soft tissue tumors of the extremities and superficial trunk, and preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI. Seven MRI findings (tumor depth, tumor-fascia relationship, heterogeneity of signal intensity, necrosis, peritumoral edema, peritumoral enhancement, and margin) and two demographic parameters (age and sex) were included in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify independent predictors of small malignant soft tissue tumors. Results A total of 221 patients (102 men; mean age=45.6 ± 17.6 years) with 72 malignant and 149 benign tumors were included. In the univariate analysis, peritumoral edema (odds ratio [OR] = 3.854; P Conclusion Among several MRI and demographic features, the presence of peritumoral enhancement on MRI and patient age (≥46 years) were independent predictors of malignancy in small soft tissue tumors.

In all-optical Compton scattering driven by a multi-petawatt laser, it is critical to have accurate spatiotemporal synchronization between the ultrarelativistic electron bunch and the ultrahigh-intensity laser beam. Such a synchronization was realized by using two complementary optical setups. The first setup, used for the initial synchronization, recorded the spatial interferogram between the two femtosecond lasers used for a GeV electron beam production and an ultrahigh scattering laser beam. The second one, consisting of spatial and spectral interferometers, measured the time delay between the two laser beams in the range of 0–200 fs in real time. These monitoring systems played an essential role in conducting Compton scattering experiments.

Great saphenous vein is a conduit commonly used for coronary artery bypass grafting. However, several complications could occur at leg wound site for vein harvesting. Here, we describe a huge sac of hematoma as an uncommon complication of saphenous vein harvest for coronary artery bypass grafting. A 62-year-old gentleman was readmitted with swelling at left thigh 30 days after coronary artery bypass grafting. Lower extremity computed tomography was suggestive of an oval and thick sac implying a hematoma or seroma. After using ultrasound scanning for the mass, an incision through the previous surgical wound showed a huge mass looking like a ‘sweet potato’. Inspection after incision the mass revealed an old hematoma within the sac. Pathologic findings demonstrated chronic inflammation with the hematoma surrounded by a fibrotic sac. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful without recurrence. Our experience suggests the possibility of a huge hematoma within a thick fibrotic sac at the previous vein harvest site for coronary artery bypass grafting. We hope that this case will contribute to the management of leg wound complications in similar cases.

Although atrial-esophageal fistula is an extremely rare disease, it is a life-threatening complication after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. There is no consensus on management or repair for atrial-esophageal fistula which has a high mortality rate. Here, we describe a lateral thoracotomy approach focused on simplifying the repair procedure for atrial-esophageal fistula with two cases. Two male seniors in their 60s and 70s, respectively, who had undergone catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation presented to the emergency department with fever and mental decrease. Blood culture confirmed Streptococcal bacteremia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple cerebral infarcts. After demonstrating atrial-esophageal fistula with computed tomography of chest, an emergency operation was planned. The two patients were placed in the right down decubitus position with single lung ventilation. A lateral thoracotomy was performed on the left 5th intercostal space. Multiple pledgeted 4-0 prolene sutures for ligation were paced on the fistula of the pericardial side. From the esophageal side, a fistulectomy was performed, followed by an additional primary repair for the esophageal defect. Follow-up endoscopy demonstrated a well-repaired fistula site. The two patients were discharged without recurrence. Our experience suggests that one step repair for atrial-esophageal fistula via lateral thoracotomy might be feasible in selected patients.

Multiplex detection of protein biomarkers in biological fluids facilitates high-throughput detection using small-volume samples, thereby enhancing efficacy of diagnostic assays and proteomic studies. Graphically encoded hydrogel microparticles conjugated with capture antibodies have shown great potential in multiplex immunoassays by providing superior sensitivity and specificity, a broad dynamic range, and large encoding capacity. Recently, the process of post-synthesis conjugation of reduced capture antibodies to unreacted acrylate moieties in hydrogel particles has been developed to efficiently prevent the aggregation of capture antibodies inside particles, which occurs when using conventional conjugation methods. This direct conjugation process yielded robust assay performance through homogeneous conjugation of the capture antibodies, and avoided the use of hydrolytically unstable linker additives. However, no research has been conducted to optimize the process of conjugating capture antibodies to the particles. We here present a strategy to optimize capture antibody conjugation based on the finding that excessive addition of capture antibodies during incubation can rather lower the amount of capture antibodies conjugated to the particles for some types of capture antibodies. Based on our optimized capture antibody conjugation process, a singleplex immunoassay for a selected target was conducted. Enhanced sensitivity compared with previous studies was confirmed. We also validated the increased specificity of multiplex detection through our optimization process. We believe that the optimization process presented herein for capture antibody conjugation will advance the field of encoded hydrogel microparticle-based immunoassays.

A novel bacterium, designated strain JHSY0214T, was isolated from the gut of a Korean limpet, Cellana toreuma. Cells of strain JHSY0214T were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, yellow-pigmented, non-spore-forming, non-motile and showed a rod–coccus growth cycle. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain belonged to the genus Parasphingorhabdus , and was most closely related to Parasphingorhabdus litoris KCTC 12764T (98.71 %). Strain JHSY0214T had two fluoroquinolone-resistance genes and seven multidrug-resistance efflux pump genes, but did not have beta-lactamase genes and zinc resistance genes compared with P. litoris KCTC 12764T. Strain JHSY0214T grew optimally at 30 °C, pH 7.0 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain JHSY0214T were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω6c and/or C18 : 1 ω7c; 41.2 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c; 21 %) and C16 : 0 (18.9 %). The major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-10. The major polar lipids were sphingoglycolipid and phosphatidylethanolamine. The genomic DNA G+C content was 52.8 mol%. Based on phylogenetic, genotypic and phenotypic data, strain JHSY0214T represents a novel species of the genus Parasphingorhabdus , for which the name Parasphingorhabdus cellanae is proposed. The type strain is JHSY0214T (=KCTC 82387T=DSM 112279T).

Dysregulated Wnt signaling is associated with malignant oncogenic transformation, especially in colon cancer. Recently, numerous drugs have been developed based on tumorigenesis biomarkers, thus having high potential as drug targets. Likewise, WNT/β-catenin pathway members are attractive therapeutic targets for colon cancer and are currently in various stages of development. However, although inhibitors of proteins regulating the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway have been extensively studied, they have yet to be clinically approved, and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) of their anticancer effects remain poorly understood. Herein, we show that a novel WNT/β-catenin inhibitor, DGG-300273, inhibits colon cancer cell growth in a Wnt-dependent manner due to upregulation of the BCL2-family protein Bim and caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death. Additionally, DGG-300273-mediated cell death occurs by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), as shown by abrogation of apoptotic cell death and ROS production following pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. These results suggest that DGG-300273 represents a promising investigational drug for the treatment of Wnt-associated cancer, thus warranting further characterization and study.

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with the development of various diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress that lead to such diseases like autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) remain unclear. Here, we observed that oxidative stress markers were increased in Pkd1f/f:HoxB7-Cre mice. Forkhead transcription factors of the O class (FOXOs) are known key regulators of the oxidative stress response, which have been observed with the expression of FoxO3a in an ADPKD mouse model in the present study. An integrated analysis of two datasets for differentially expressed miRNA, such as miRNA sequencing analysis of Pkd1 conditional knockout mice and microarray analysis of samples from ADPKD patients, showed that miR-132-3p was a key regulator of FOXO3a in ADPKD. miR-132-3p was significantly upregulated in ADPKD which directly targeted FOXO3 in both mouse and human cell lines. Interestingly, the mitochondrial gene Gatm was downregulated in ADPKD which led to a decreased inhibition of Foxo3. Overexpression of miR-132-3p coupled with knockdown of Foxo3 and Gatm increased ROS and accelerated cyst formation in 3D culture. This study reveals a novel mechanism involving miR-132-3p, Foxo3, and Gatm that is associated with the oxidative stress that occurs during cystogenesis in ADPKD.

Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) is a multifunctional initiator, mediator, and repressor of autoimmune diseases in an organ- or disease-specific manner. However, the role of FoxO1 in the salivary gland has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we discovered that FoxO1 and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) are both significantly downregulated in the patients with primary Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune disease accompanying salivary gland dysfunction. Pharmacologic or genetic perturbation of FoxO1 in the rat salivary gland acinar cell line, SMG-C6, induced a significant downregulation of AQP5 expression, as observed in clinical specimens. There was a strong correlation between FoxO1 and AQP5 expression because FoxO1 is a direct regulator of AQP5 expression in salivary gland acinar cells through its interaction with the promoter region of AQP5. Serial injection of a FoxO1 inhibitor into mice induced a reduction of AQP5 expression in submandibular glands and, consequently, hyposalivation, which is one of the major clinical symptoms of primary Sjögren syndrome. However, there was no sign of inflammation or cell damage in the submandibular glands harvested from mice treated with the FoxO1 inhibitor. In conclusion, our findings indicate that FoxO1 in salivary gland tissue acts as a direct regulator of AQP5 expression. Thus, downregulation of FoxO1 observed in primary Sjögren syndrome is a putative mechanism for hyposalivation without the involvement of previously reported soluble factors in primary Sjögren syndrome patient sera.

Physiological oxygen concentration (physioxia) ranges from 1 to 8% in human tissues while many researchers cultivate mammalian cells under an atmospheric concentration of 21% (hyperoxia). Oxygen is one of the significant gases which functions in human cells including energy production in mitochondria, metabolism in peroxidase, and transcription of various genes in company with HIF (Hypoxia-inducible factors) in the nucleus. Thus, mammalian cell culture should be deliberated on the oxygen concentration to mimic in vivo physiology. Here, we studied if the cultivation of human skin cells under physiological conditions could affect skin significant genes in barrier functions and dermal matrix formation. We further examined that some representative active ingredients in dermatology such as glycolic acid, gluconolactone, and salicylic acid work in different ways depending on the oxygen concentration. Taken together, we present the importance of oxygen concentration in skin cell culture for proper screening of novel ingredients as well as the mechanistic study of skin cell regulation.

The screening rate of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is low despite the importance of early diagnosis. We investigated the predictive value of dietary glutamic acid and aspartic acid for diagnosis of DR using the Korea National Diabetes Program cohort study. The 2067 patients with type 2 diabetes without DR were included. The baseline intakes of energy, glutamic acid and aspartic acid were assessed using a 3-day food records. The risk of DR incidence based on intake of glutamic acid and aspartic acid was analyzed. The DR group was older, and had higher HbA1c, longer DM duration, lower education level and income than non-DR group (all p p = 0.010, p = 0.025 and p = 0.042, respectively). There was no difference in the risk of developing DR according to the intake of glutamic acid and ascorbic acid. But, aspartic acid intake had a negative correlation with PDR. Hence, the intake of glutamic acid and aspartic acid did not affect in DR incidence. However, lower aspartic acid intake affected the PDR incidence.

SVCT2, Sodium-dependent Vitamin C Transporter 2, uniquely transports ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C and ascorbate) into all types of cells. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that must be obtained through the diet and plasma levels are tightly regulated by transporter activity. Vitamin C plays an important role in antioxidant defenses and is a cofactor for many enzymes that enable hormone synthesis, oxygen sensing, collagen synthesis and epigenetic pathways. Although SVCT2 has various functions, regulation of its expression/activity remains poorly understood. We found a p53-binding site, within the SVCT2 promoter, using a transcription factor binding-site prediction tool. In this study, we show that p53 can directly repress SVCT2 transcription by binding a proximal- (~−185 to −171 bp) and a distal- (~−1800 to −1787 bp) p53-responsive element (PRE), Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that PRE-bound p53 interacts with the corepressor-histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), resulting in deacetylation of histones Ac-H4, at the proximal promoter, resulting in transcriptional silencing of SVCT2. Overall, our data suggests that p53 is a potent transcriptional repressor of SVCT2, a critical transporter of diet-derived ascorbic acid, across the plasma membranes of numerous essential tissue cell types.

The association between endovascular treatment (EVT) case volume per hospital and clinical outcomes has been reported, but the exact volume threshold has not been determined. This study aimed to examine the case volume threshold in this context.National audit data on the quality of acute stroke care in patients admitted via emergency department, within 7 days of onset, in hospitals that treated ≥ 10 stroke cases during the audit period were analyzed. Ischemic stroke cases treated with EVT during the last three audits (2013, 2014, and 2016) were selected for the analysis. Annual EVT case volume per hospital was estimated and analyzed as a continuous and a categorical variable (in quartiles). The primary outcome measure was 1-year mortality as a surrogate of 3-month functional outcome. As post-hoc sensitivity analysis, replication of the study results was examined using the 2018 audit data.We analyzed 1,746 ischemic stroke cases treated with EVT in 120 acute care hospitals. The median annual EVT case volume was 12.0 cases per hospital, and mortality rates at 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year were 12.7%, 16.6%, and 23.3%, respectively. Q3 and Q4 had 33% lower odds of 1-year mortality than Q1. Adjustments were made for predetermined confounders. Annual EVT case volume cut-off value for 1-year mortality was 15 cases per year (Annual EVT case volume was associated with 1-year mortality. The volume threshold per hospital was 15 cases per year.

Chocolate may affect the glycemic response, which is related the insulin and incretin response. We evaluated the glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) responses in male adults after consumption of three commonly consumed chocolates. Furthermore, we assessed the glycemic index (GI), insulin index (II), and glycemic load (GL) of the chocolates. The study protocol was adapted from the International Standard Organization recommendations. Test foods were chocolate A (milky chocolate), chocolate B (creamy chocolate), chocolate C (chocolate ball), and reference food (glucose solution). Glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 concentrations were assessed at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after consumption of the test foods. The glycemic responses of the three chocolates were lower than those of the reference food at 30 and 45 min (P

Cannabidiol (CBD) has anti-tumorigenic activity. However, the anti-cancer effect of CBD on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. The cytotoxicity of CBD on HNSCC was analyzed using cell survival and colony-forming assays in vitro. RNA-seq was used for determining the mechanism underlying CBD-induced cell death. Xenograft mouse models were used to determine CBD’s effects in vivo. CBD treatment significantly reduced migration/invasion and viability of HNSCC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. HNSCC mouse xenograft models revealed anti-tumor effects of CBD. Furthermore, combinational treatment with CBD enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. Apoptosis and autophagy processes were involved in CBD-induced cytotoxicity of HNSCCs. RNA-seq identified decreased expression of genes associated with DNA repair, cell division, and cell proliferation, which were involved in CBD-mediated cytotoxicity toward HNSCCs. We identified CBD as a new potential anti-cancer compound for single or combination therapy of HNSCC.

Hectorite nanoplatelets (HNPs) have intriguing surface properties such as high specific surface areas and high cation exchange capacities. Here, we introduce a facile but robust approach to fabricate attractive hectorite nanoplatelets (AHNPs), in which the surfaces of HNPs were hydrophobically modified by using a cationic surfactant, dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride. The chemical and structural characterization, performed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, revealed that the edge of AHNPs was richly functionalized with hydroxy groups. We then prepared the organogels by finely dispersing the AHNPs in the silicone oil by repeated high-pressure homogenization. Suspension rheology studies suggested that the interaction between AHNPs led to the formation of a strong gel phase, which exhibited a reversible sol-gel transition in response to the applied shear stress. This was attributed to the weak, but long-ranged interaction between AHNPs in the silicone oil, which were induced by hydrogen bonding between the few hydroxyl groups that are present at the edges of the AHNPs. The AHNPs fabricated in this study are expected to be widely used as rheology modifiers in various oil-based complex fluids.

본 논문에서는 국내에 소재한 한국 물류 기업들의 SCM 구축요인이 기업의 성과에 미치는 영향에 관하여 실증분석을 하였다. 우리나라의 물류 기업들에게 SCM 구축요인의 필요성과 그 이해 정도에 따라 근무자가 기대하는 기업의 성과에 어떠한 영향에 대해 분석을 통하여 우리나라 물류 산업의 선진화와 물류 기업들의 경쟁력을 강화하는 것이 목적이다. 국내 수도권에 소재한 60여 개의 기업에서 근무하는 종사자들에게 총 243부의 데이터를 수집하였으며, 수집된 데이터는 SPSS 26.0와 Amos 26.0을 활용하여 상관관계 분석, 구조방정식 모형 등을 분석하였다. 검증결과 SCM을 구축하는 요인으로 조직역량, 정보기술, 파트너십은 지각된 유용성에 직접적인 영향을 미쳤으며, 지각된 유용성은 종속변수인 기업의 재무적 성과와 비재무적 성과에 직접적인 영향을 미쳤다. 연구의 결과로 향후 SCM을 구축을 고려하는 물류 기업에 실증적인 자료로써 활용될 수 있으며, 지각된 유용성이 기업의 성과에 중요한 매개 요소로써 활용될 수 있다는 것에 시사점이 있다.

The bottom-up synthesis process often allows the growth of metastable phase nanowires instead of the thermodynamically stable phase. Herein, we synthesized Cd3As2 nanowires with a controlled three-...

Dysbiosis of the sinus microbiome affects the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs). We investigated whether the sinus microbiota in CRSwNPs is associated with eosinophilic inflammation, especially in relation to innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), prognosis, and serum extracellular vesicles (EVs). Middle meatal swabs and serum from 31 CRSwNPs patients and six healthy controls were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. ILC2s and cytokines from sinonasal tissues were measured by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. The relative abundances (RAs) of bacteria were compared based on eosinophilic inflammation and surgical outcome. The correlations between sinus bacteria and ILC2s, cytokines, and serum EVs were analyzed. The compositions of sinus bacteria were different between groups at the genus level. In eosinophilic CRSwNPs patients, the RA of Anaerococcus was significantly decreased (P = 0.010), whereas that of Lachnoclostridium was significantly increased (P = 0.038) compared with that in controls. The RA of Lachnoclostridium showed a significant positive correlation with interleukin (IL)-5-producing ILC2 populations (R = 0.340, P = 0.049), whereas the RA of Anaerococcus showed a negative correlation with IL-5-producing ILC2 populations (R = −0.332, P = 0.055). The RAs of Corynebacterium, Anaerococcus, and Tepidimonas were significantly decreased in patients with suboptimal outcomes compared with those in patients with optimal outcomes and control subjects. Some sinus bacteria and serum EVs showed positive correlations. CRSwNPs patients showed distinct microbiota compositions based on eosinophilic inflammation in relation to ILC2s and surgical outcome. These findings support a relationship between the microbiota and the host immune response in CRSwNPs., Sinus disease: nasal bacteria linked to manifestations of chronic disease Microbes living in the sinonasal cavity seem to affect the immune responses and clinical outcomes of patients with an inflammatory disease that can cause lasting pain, pressure, and swelling in the sinuses. Ji Heui Kim from the Asan Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, and colleagues collected nasal swabs and blood from 31 people suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and from six healthy control individuals. They identified several specific bacterial groups whose presence or absence was associated with the abundance of certain white blood cell populations, a sign of inflammation. Some of these groups were linked to patient outcomes after nasal surgery but additional groups were also observed. The findings could help lead to new treatment strategies or diagnostic biomarkers for patients with this sinus disorder.

Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are overexpressed in the majority of cancers and prevent apoptosis by inhibiting caspases. IAPs have therefore attracted considerable attention as potential targets for anticancer therapy. Here, we demonstrated that HM90822 (abbreviated HM822; a new synthetic IAP antagonist) induced apoptotic cell death via proteasome-dependent degradation of BIR2/3 domain-containing IAPs in human pancreatic cancer cells. HM822 inhibited the expression of XIAP and cIAP1/2 proteins in Panc-1 and BxPC-3 cells, which are sensitive to HM822. HM822 also induced IAP ubiquitination and promoted proteasome-dependent IAP degradation. However, cells expressing phospho-XIAP (Ser87) and AKT exhibited resistance to HM822. In other words, the overexpression of AKT-CA (constitutive active form for AKT) or AKT-WT induced resistance to HM822. In addition, in Panc-1 xenograft and orthotopic mouse models, we revealed that tumor growth was suppressed by the administration of HM822. Taken together, these results suggest that HM822 induces apoptosis through ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent degradation of BIR3 domain-containing IAPs. These findings suggest that phospho-XIAP and phospho-AKT may be used as biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of HM822 in pancreatic cancer patients.

This study focuses on VR as a form of therapy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). The research aim is to develop an immersive and interactive VR system that is tailored for IDD individuals, for which most currently available VR experience systems are not optimized. Being intimately familiar with a place through an interactive VR tour will help alleviate social anxiety—very provident to IDD individuals. Accordingly, we create a hotspot-based VR tour system, which can provide an almost lifelike experience of visiting and learning about the location. We have conducted experiments with nondisabled individuals, acting as the control group, and IDD individuals, acting as the experimental group, to evaluate the tour system and compare the results between two groups. Our experiments show that the VR tour has a positive impact on the IDD individuals. In this article, we present the design of our VR tour system and its evaluation results.

Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are self-renewing, multipotent cells located in the embryonic and adult central nervous system (CNS). Extensive preclinical and clinical studies have shed light on the potential of stem cell replacement therapy for various neurodegenerative diseases. The key prerequisite for the success of these clinical applications is the procurement of a sufficient number of high-quality NSPCs. In this study, we explored the biological activity of Quadrella incana leaf in NSPC homeostasis. We showed that the leaf extract of Quadrella incana upregulated NSPC marker and proliferative potential. On the other hand, Quadrella incana leaf suppressed spontaneous unintended NSPC differentiation. Mechanistically, Quadrella incana leaf contributed to the maintenance of NSPCs by upregulating glycolytic flux and redox potential.

본 연구에서는 데이트폭력 피해 경험이 복합 외상후 스트레스를 경유하여 경계선 성격 경향성으로 이어지는 경로에 대해 확인하고자 하였다. 이를 위해, 대인관계적 외상의 한 형태인 데이트폭력 경험이 경계선 성격 경향성 형성에 영향을 미치는 과정에서 복합 외상후 스트레스의 매개효과를 검증하였고, 개인의 회복 자원이 되는 회복탄력성과 사회적 지지의 수준에 따라 달라지는지 조절된 매개효과를 확인하였다. 참가자들은 데이트폭력 경험이 있는 전국의 만 20~39세 미혼 여성 436명으로, 온라인 설문지를 통해 데이트폭력 피해 경험, 복합 외상후 스트레스 수준, 경계선 성격 경향성, 회복탄력성, 사회적 지지의 문항에 응답하였다. 수집된 자료는 다중회귀분석을 통해 데이트폭력 유형별 영향력을 검증하였고, Process Macro 3.1을 활용하여 매개효과, 조절효과, 조절된 매개효과를 분석하였다. 본 연구의 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 측정변인들 중 데이트폭력 피해 경험과 경계선 성격 경향성, 복합 외상후 스트레스 수준에는 정적 상관이 나타났고, 이들은 회복탄력성 및 사회적 지지와는 부적 상관을 보였다. 둘째, 데이트폭력의 유형 중 정서적 폭력만이 복합 외상후 스트레스 및 경계선 성격 경향성을 유의미하게 예측하는 것으로 나타났다. 셋째, 데이트폭력 피해와 경계선 성격 경향성의 관계에서 복합 외상후 스트레스의 완전매개효과를 확인하였다. 넷째, 데이트폭력 피해 경험이 복합 외상후 스트레스로 이어지는 경로에서는 회복탄력성과 사회적 지지의 조절효과가 나타나지 않았으나, 데이트폭력 피해를 완전매개한 복합 외상후 스트레스 수준이 경계선 성격 경향성에 영향을 미치는 과정에서는 조절효과가 있는 것으로 확인되었다. 다섯째, 데이트폭력과 경계선 성격 경향의 관계에서 복합 외상후 스트레스의 간접효과가 회복탄력성과 사회적 지지 수준에 따라 변화되는 조절된 매개효과를 검증하였다. 마지막으로, 본 연구결과를 통해 향후 데이트폭력 피해자들의 상담 및 심리치료 개입 방안에 대해 논의하였고, 후속연구를 위해 본 연구의 제한점 및 한계점을 제시하였다.

With the advent of the Internet, there have been many changes. As existing means of off-line communication have transferred to the Internet, a wide range of multimedia services are emerging. And unlike in the past, these work as tremendous sources from which people’s opinions and attitudes can be obtained. Particularly, diverse opinions and reviews posted on the web in real time help corporations or the State establish the directions of policies. In this context, this study developed machine learning-based environment issue sentiment classifier in order to find out, from comments posted below news, how people recognize issues about climate change in terms of environment. Based on training data constructed by this study, a sentiment classification algorithm was constructed by applying SVM (support vector machine) and Naive Bayes, which are machine learning techniques, and a sentiment classifier was constructed by applying CNN (convolutional neural networks) and Bi-LSTM (bidirectional long-short term memory) techniques among deep learning techniques recently researched vigorously; and then their performance was compared.

Purpose: This study was designed to analyze and scientifically prove the impact of the eco-friendly factors on the layout of Myoung-Jae traditional House - such as light, solar radiation, illuminance and air flow. Research was carried out by associated institutions. Methods: this study has quantitatively analyzed and proved the eco-friendliness of traditional Korean houses using ECOTECT’s environmental simulation analysis program. Result: First it was classified into 2 parameter ; light & radiation(bright sunshine, shade, solar radiation, illumination) and Ventilation Path. Secondly, light & radiation(sunrise, shadow, solar radiation, illumination) of this house in Anchae-gate is daylight factor 69.2% maximum cumulative total radiation of 1,222 kWh was found at the center of grid during summer solstice. In daylight factor 95.1% maximum cumulative total radiation of 1,222 kWh was found at the garden upper right corner during winter solstice. The average wind speed is 0.20 to 0.22 m/s when the summer average wind speed is 1.83 m/s when blowing from the south, which is the main wind. here storage storeroom(Gotgan) which proved that Venturi effect applies to Korean houses. Overall, the assumption that was made in current study stating that hot air rises and cold air sinks was scientifically proved.

Background Inflammation is a major risk factor for frailty, but n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has been suggested as an anti-inflammatory agent. The present study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that the higher erythrocyte levels of long-chain n-3 PUFA were associated with lower odds of frailty and frailty criterion. Methods Cross-sectional analysis from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study, a total of 1,435 people aged 70–84 years were included. Sex- and age-stratified community residents, drawn in urban and rural regions nationwide, were eligible for participation in the study. All participants were categorized as frail and nonfrail according to the Cardiovascular Health Study index. Results The likelihood of frailty was inversely associated with the erythrocyte levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; odds ratio [OR] per unit 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14–0.77; p for trend = .002) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; OR per unit 0.42; 95% CI 0.20–0.87; p for trend = .018). Among each frailty criterion, the likelihood of slow walking speed was associated with erythrocyte levels of EPA and DHA, and the likelihood of exhaustion was inversely associated with the erythrocyte levels of DHA. Conclusions The present study showed that the frailty and frailty criterion were significantly associated with lower erythrocyte levels of long-chain n-3 PUFA, suggesting that lower n-3 PUFA could be a marker for the risk of frailty.

Photoelectrochemical water splitting has been considered as the most promising technology for generating hydrogen energy. Herein, we report nickel sulfide nanocrystals (NCs) as excellent catalysts for electrochemical and solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen evolution. Two polymorphic NiS and NiS1.97 NCs were synthesized with a controlled composition, and the NiS NCs showed higher electrocatalytic activity than the NiS1.97 NCs toward the hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1 M KOH. Photocathodes were fabricated by growing the NiS and NiS1.97 NCs directly onto Si nanowire (NW) arrays. The deposition of NiS NCs results in excellent PEC performance in both acid and alkaline electroytes; the photocurrent is 10 mA cm−2 (at 0 V vs. RHE) and the onset potential is 0.2 V. In contrast, the Si-NiS1.97 photocathode exhibits much lower photocurrent and less stability. Detailed structure analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that the NiS is more metallic than the NiS1.97 and retains the same electronic structures during the catalytic reaction. The high catalytic activity of metallic NiS NCs should be the main cause of this enhanced PEC performance, promising efficient water-splitting Si-based PEC cells.

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) exhibit reversible optical changes under applied electrical stimuli. Transparent conducting electrodes (TCOs), generally constructed with indium tin oxide (ITO), are a vital component determining transparency and switching behaviors. ITO specifications for TCO materials have not drawn much attention despite the critical role of these materials. Herein we investigate the influence of ITO electrodes in achieving high-performance ECDs containing viologen-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-viologen). Indeed, ITO electrodes exert significant effects on the electrochromic characteristics. A high ITO thickness shows superior color-switching with high optical density and coloration efficiency levels. Enhanced electrical conductivity facilitates diffusion behaviors, an outcome beneficial for electrochromic switching. The surface-charge capacity ratio values are measured and found to be close to one, indicating that no residual current remains, and the prepared devices provide good reversibility during the coloring and bleaching process. Furthermore, with an increase in the ITO thickness, the current required for the coloring and bleaching processes decreases, and the power consumption needed for the operation of the device becomes low. The superiority of POSS-viologen should also be noted, especially when compared to normal viologens, in terms of the electrochromic properties and long-term operational stability. These results demonstrate the critical role of electrical conductivity in ITO electrodes, providing a valuable guideline for TCO specifications for ECD fabrication using viologen derivatives.

Undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOCN) has been considered to be an important endocrine factor, especially to regulate bone and energy metabolism. Even with the mounting evidence showing the consistent inverse correlation of ucOCN levels in chronic inflammatory diseases, however, the mechanism underlying the involvement of ucOCN in the muscular inflammation has not been fully understood. In the present study, we explored 1) the endocrine role of ucOCN in the regulation of inflammation in C2C12 myoblasts and primary myoblasts and the underlying intracellular signaling mechanisms, and 2) whether G protein–coupled receptor family C group 6 member A (GPRC6A) is the ucOCN-sensing receptor associated with the ucOCN-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling pathway in myoblasts. ucOCN suppressed the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)–induced expressions of major inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and inhibited the TNF-α–stimulated activities of transcription factors, including NF-κB, in C2C12 and primary myoblasts. Both knockdown and knockout of GPRC6A, by using siRNA or a CRISPR/CAS9 system, respectively, did not reverse the effect of ucOCN on IL-1β expression in myoblasts. Interestingly, TNF-α–induced IL-1β expression was inhibited by knockdown or deletion of GPRC6A itself, regardless of the ucOCN treatment. ucOCN was rapidly internalized into the cytoplasmic region via caveolae-mediated endocytosis, suggesting the presence of new target proteins in the cell membrane and/or in the cytoplasm for interaction with ucOCN in myoblasts. Taken together, these findings indicate that ucOCN suppresses the TNF-α–induced inflammatory signaling pathway in myoblasts. GPRC6A is not a sensing receptor associated with the ucOCN-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling pathway in myoblasts.

Purpose: The usefulness of the existing risk stratification tools for atrial fibrillation (AF) is limited in predicting stroke recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Neuroimaging parameters obtained from diagnostic work-up of AIS could offer more elaborate prediction. Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort of AIS patients with AF recruited from 14 university hospitals or regional stroke centers were followed up for recurrent ischemic stroke (RIS) and a composite of all stroke and TIA. Neuroimaging features were derived from acute and chronic infarction patterns, and SVD markers such as lacunes, CMBs, and WMH. Cumulative incidences according to each neuroimaging parameter were estimated and compared using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test and multivariable cause-specific hazard models with death as a competing risk. Results: A total of 2,270 patients were followed up for 431 days (IQR, 365-735), during which 111 RISs and 130 composite outcomes occurred. In unadjusted analysis, lesion multiplicity among acute infarction patterns, the presence of chronic non-lacunar infarction, and the presence of lacunes among SVD markers increased the risk of RIS significantly (Table). Other neuroimaging features such as territory multiplicity and location, confluency, topography, and size of acute lesions, lesion multiplicity, territory multiplicity, confluency, topography, and size of chronic infarction, number of lacunes, presence of CMBs, and WMH did not affect the incidence of RIS. The adjusted hazard ratios of lesion multiplicity of acute infarction, chronic infarction and lacunes were 1.45 (95% CI, 0.99-2.11), 1.57 (1.06-2.34) and 1.97 (1.30-2.98) for RIS, respectively. Similar findings were obtained for the composite outcome. Conclusions: Several neuroimaging markers were associated with recurrent ischemic stroke in AIS with AF. This could pave the way to a new stratification scheme for AF including neuroimaging parameters.