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Pancreatic β cells are responsible for insulin secretion and are important for glucose regulation in a healthy body and diabetic disease patient without prelabeling of islets. While the conventional biomarkers for diabetes have been glucose and insulin concentrations in the blood, the direct determination of the pancreatic β cell mass would provide critical information for the disease status and progression. By combining fluorination and diversity-oriented fluorescence library strategy, we have developed a multimodal pancreatic β cell probe PiF for both fluorescence and for PET (positron emission tomography). By simple tail vein injection, PiF stains pancreatic β cells specifically and allows intraoperative fluorescent imaging of pancreatic islets. PiF-injected pancreatic tissue even facilitated an antibody-free islet analysis within 2 h, dramatically accelerating the day-long histological procedure without any fixing and dehydration step. Not only islets in the pancreas but also the low background of PiF in the liver allowed us to monitor the intraportal transplanted islets, which is the first in vivo visualization of transplanted human islets without a prelabeling of the islets. Finally, we could replace the built-in fluorine atom in PiF with radioactive 18F and successfully demonstrate in situ PET imaging for pancreatic islets.

While non-polar nanostructured-GaN crystals are considered as a prospective material for the realization of futuristic opto-electronic application, the formation of non-polar GaN nanocrystals (NCs) with highly efficient visible emission characteristics remain unquestionable up to now. Here, we report the oxygen-incorporated a-plane GaN NCs with highly visible illumination excitonic recombination characteristics. Epitaxially aligned a-plane NCs with average diameter of 100 nm were formed on r-plane sapphire substrates by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE), accompanied by the oxygen supply during the growth. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy measurements proved that the NCs exhibited Ga-O bonding in the materials, suggesting the formation of oxidized states in the bandgap. It was found that the NCs emitted the visible luminescence wavelength of 400‒500 nm and 680‒720 nm, which is attributed to the transition from oxygen-induced localized states. Furthermore, time-resolved photoluminescence studies revealed the significant suppression of the quantum confined Stark effect and highly efficient excitonic recombination within GaN NCs. Therefore, we believe that the HVPE non-polar GaN NCs can guide the simple and efficient way toward the nitride-based next-generation nano-photonic devices.

Despite the use of active surgeries, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in clinical practice, brain tumors are still a difficult health problem due to their rapid development and poor prognosis. To treat brain tumors, various nanoparticles can be used to target effective physiological conditions based on continuously changing vascular characteristics and microenvironments to promote effective brain tumor-targeting drug delivery. In addition, a brain tumor-targeting drug delivery system that increases drug accumulation in the brain tumor area and reduces toxicity in the normal brain and peripheral tissues is needed. However, the blood-brain barrier ​​is a big obstacle for drug delivery to the brain. In this chapter, we provide a broad overview of brain drug delivery and current strategies over the last few years. In addition, several questions have been reconsidered, such as whether nanoparticles believed to be delivered to the brain can pass through the blood-brain barrier, whether the drug is delivered to the target site, and what brain tumor treatment is possible.

A simple and easy to handle biosensing technique for in vitro detection of HSA-DNP antigen induced allergen reactions in patients has been developed through the detection of sensitized basophils expressed with anti-IgE receptor (FceRI) by using human serum albumin-dinitrophenol (HSA-DNP) antigen-anchored liquid crystal (LC) microdroplets emulsion. The radial to bipolar transition in nematic 4-cyano-4′-pentyl biphenyl liquid crystal molecules (5CB) confined in HSA-DNP antigen anchored LC microdroplets (8.5 pg HSA-DNP/LC microdroplet) is found to be sensitive in PBS solution in detection of allergen sensitized basophils expressed with a minimum amount of anti HSA-DNP (anti-IgE) receptor (≥4.5 pg/basophil). The detection of allergen sensitized basophils was possible within a contact time of 30 min in presence of control cells and with 10% solution of human blood plasma. The HSA-DNP antigen anchored LC microdroplets in presence of macrophages or non-sensitized basophils did not show radial to bipolar transition in 5CB molecules in PBS or solution with 10 wt% human blood plasma. Thus HSA-DNP antigen anchored LC microdroplets biosensor may be used for in vivo detection of stage I allergen reaction basophils in blood samples.

BACKGROUND: Sand blasted titanium (Ti) is commonly used in designing endosseous dental implants due to its biocompatibility and ability to form bonds with bone tissues. However, titanium implants do not induce strong interactions with teeth bones. To increase strong interactions between Ti disk implants and teeth bones, the l-glutamic acid grafted hydroxyapatite nanorods (nHA) were immobilized on albumin modified Ti disk implants (Ti-Alb). METHODS: For modification of Ti disk implants by nHA, the l-glutamic acid grafted nHA was synthesized and then immobilized on albumin modified Ti disk implants. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope; energy dispersive spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to confirm the modification of Ti disk implants. The bioactivity of nHA-modified Ti disk implants was evaluated by seeding MC3T3-E1 cells on Ti-nHA implants. RESULTS: Characterization techniques have confirmed the successful modification of Ti disk implants by l-glutamic acid grafted nHA. The nHA-modified Ti disk implants have shown enhanced adhesion, proliferation and cytotoxicity of MC3T3-E1 cells in comparison to pristine Ti implants. CONCLUSIONS: The modification of Ti implants by l-glutamic acid grafted nHA has produced highly osteogenic Ti disk plants in comparison to pristine Ti disk implants due to the formation of bioactive surfaces by hydroxyapatite nano rods on Ti disk implants. Ti-nHA disk implants showed enhanced adhesion, proliferation, and MC3T3-E1 cells viability in comparison to pristine Ti disk implants. Thus nHA might be to be useful to enhance the osseointegration of Ti implants with teeth bones.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively activated in psoriatic skin inflammation and acts as a key player in the pathogenesis and progression of this autoimmune disease. Although numerous inhibitors that intervene in STAT3-associated pathways have been tested, an effective, highly specific inhibitor of STAT3 has yet to be identified. Here, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo biological activity and therapeutic efficacy of a high-affinity peptide specific for STAT3 (APTstat3) after topical treatment via intradermal and transcutaneous delivery. Using a preclinical model of psoriasis, we show that intradermal injection of APTstat3 tagged with a 9-arginine cell-penetrating peptide (APTstat3-9R) reduced disease progression and modulated psoriasis-related cytokine signaling through inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, by complexing APTstat3-9R with specific lipid formulations led to formation of discoidal lipid nanoparticles (DLNPs), we were able to achieve efficient skin penetration of the STAT3-inhibiting peptide after transcutaneous administration, thereby effectively inhibiting psoriatic skin inflammation. Collectively, these findings suggest that DLNP-assisted transcutaneous delivery of a STAT3-inhibiting peptide could be a promising strategy for treating psoriatic skin inflammation without causing adverse systemic events. Moreover, the DLNP system could be used for transdermal delivery of other therapeutic peptides.

This study evaluated predictive factors for recovery of ovarian function after ovarian protection by GnRH agonist during chemotherapy in young breast cancer patients. This prospective cohort study analyzed 105 young breast cancer patients who were studied longitudinally after receiving GnRH agonist during cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy for ovarian protection. Associations between pretreatment hormones, clinical factors, and recovery of ovarian function (resumption of menstruation or anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) ≥ 1 ng/ml) were evaluated at 12 months and long-term follow-up after completion of chemotherapy. Mean age was 32 years (range 23–42 years). In multivariate analyses, tamoxifen use (P = 0.035) and pretreatment follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (P = 0.032) were predictive of resumption of menstruation, and age (P = 0.019), tamoxifen use (P = 0.022), pretreatment FSH (P

Cellular senescence in transplant is induced by aging and therapy-induced stress, which is caused by generation of senescent cells in transplant during engraftment. These senescent cells induce transplant failure due to secretion of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). So, elimination of senescent cells in transplant is important for successful comes. Recently, numerous studies have focused on the development of various senolytic agents such as dasatinib, quercetin, and navitoclax according to cellular type of transplant. Therefore, this study reviews the influence of cellular senescence in transplantation and capacity of senolytic agents as a new therapeutic strategy for successful outcomes of transplant.

Monitoring the intensity of immune reactions is very useful to diagnose the fate of transplanted cells. For directly monitoring immune reactions after pancreatic islet cell transplantation, here graphene oxide (GO) quencher was chemically conjugated with fluorescence dye via Granzyme B (GrB)-specific peptide, so called to GO-based immunosensor. GO-based immunosensor was stably immobilized onto surface of living cells without damage of viability and functionality. The cell-surface camouflaged GO-based immunosensor could detect GrB (>2 unit/ml) secreted from immune cells, thereby dequenching fluorescence. Collectively, we anticipated that the GO-based immunosensor could be utilized to monitor cell graft rejection after cell therapy in vivo.

An electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jet printing technique was used for direct printing of a conductive polymer combined with carbon nanotubes (CNT). The solutions mixture of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) wrapped with PSS served as a PEDOT:PSS/CNT composite ink for the EHD jet printing. The EHD jet-printed patterns of the PEDOT:PSS/CNT composite exhibited excellent dimensional stability and provided sub-10-micrometer channel lengths suitable for highly integrated organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). The resulting pentacene OTFTs employing the channel length of 7 μm yielded the field-effect mobility of 0.03 ± 0.01 cm2/(V s). In addition, we investigated the electronic structure and the crystalline morphology at the interface between pentacene and the PEDOT:PSS/CNT composite electrode, as well as the contact resistance of the OTFTs by varying the channel length produced by the EHD jet printing process.

Background: Preventing bone loss is an important concern for women during post-menopausal period. Menopause significantly speeds bone loss and increases the risk for osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness on quality of life (QOL), patient satisfaction in postmenopausal women receiving raloxifene/cholecalciferol combination therapy. In addition, we analyzed adverse events to assess the safety profile of this drug. Methods: This study is a multicenter, prospective, non-interventional observational study of women receiving raloxifene/cholecalciferol (raloxifene 60 mg + cholecalciferol 800 IU, Rabone D®, Hanmi Pharma, South Korea) combination therapy to treat or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Data have been collected from patients receiving routine clinical practice at 99 hospitals (local clinics and general hospitals) in South Korea. Patients were followed for more than 6 months to evaluate changes in, and QOL (EQ-5D-5L), patient satisfaction with efficacy and convenience (questionnaire), and safety. This study has been approved by Institutional Review Board and is in compliance with clinical research ethics regulations. Results: A total of 3,907 subjects with an average age of 67.68 ± 9.34 (Mean ± SD) were enrolled from November 2017 to July 2020. QOL was significantly improved from 0.77 ± 0.15 to 0.80 ± 0.12, 0.82 ± 0.11 (3 months, 6 months, respectively) after raloxifene/cholecalciferol therapy (p References: Kim et al., Expert Opin Drug Safety 2019; 18: 1001–8. Takeuchi et al., Menopause 2015; 22: 1134–7. Xu et al., Osteoporos Int 2011; 22: 559–65.

Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer has a less than 9% 5-year survival rate among patients because it is very difficult to detect and diagnose early. Combinatorial chemotherapy with surgery or radiotherapy is a potential remedy to treat pancreatic cancer. However, these strategies still have side effects such as hair loss, skin soreness and fatigue. To overcome these side effects, angiogenesis inhibitors such as sunitinib are used to deliver targeted blood vessels around tumor tissues, including pancreatic cancer tumors. It is still controversial whether antiangiogenesis therapy is sufficient to treat pancreatic cancer. So far, many scientists have not been focused on the tumor types of pancreatic cancer when they have developed antipancreatic cancer medication. Here, we used heparin–taurocholate (LHT) as an anticancer drug to treat pancreatic cancer through inhibition of angiogenic growth factors. In this study, we examined the anticancer efficacy of LHT on various types of pancreatic cancer in an orthotopic model. Abstract Pancreatic cancers are classified based on where they occur, and are grouped into those derived from exocrine and those derived from neuroendocrine tumors, thereby experiencing different anticancer effects under medication. Therefore, it is necessary to develop anticancer drugs that can inhibit both types. To this end, we developed a heparin–taurocholate conjugate, i.e., LHT, to suppress tumor growth via its antiangiogenic activity. Here, we conducted a study to determine the anticancer efficacy of LHT on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET), in an orthotopic animal model. LHT reduced not only proliferation of cancer cells, but also attenuated the production of VEGF through ERK dephosphorylation. LHT effectively reduced the migration, invasion and tube formation of endothelial cells via dephosphorylation of VEGFR, ERK1/2, and FAK protein. Especially, these effects of LHT were much stronger on PNET (RINm cells) than PDAC (PANC1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells). Eventually, LHT reduced ~50% of the tumor weights and tumor volumes of all three cancer cells in the orthotopic model, via antiproliferation of cancer cells and antiangiogenesis of endothelial cells. Interestingly, LHT had a more dominant effect in the PNET-induced tumor model than in PDAC in vivo. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that LHT could be a potential antipancreatic cancer medication, regardless of pancreatic cancer types.

Simple Summary Glycyrrhizin (GL) has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-oxidant activity. In particular, GL reduces multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells, which is a major obstacle to chemotherapy. Nitric oxide (NO) also plays an important role in MDR, and GL affects NO concentration in the tumor microenvironment. However, the effects of GL and NO interaction on MDR have not been reviewed. Here, we review the role of GL as an NO regulator in cancer cells and its subsequent anti-MDR effect and posit that GL is a promising MDR inhibitor for cancer chemotherapy. Abstract Chemotherapy is used widely for cancer treatment; however, the evolution of multidrug resistance (MDR) in many patients limits the therapeutic benefits of chemotherapy. It is important to overcome MDR for enhanced chemotherapy. ATP-dependent efflux of drugs out of cells is the main mechanism of MDR. Recent studies have suggested that nitric oxide (NO) can be used to overcome MDR by inhibiting the ATPase function of ATP-dependent pumps. Several attempts have been made to deliver NO to the tumor microenvironment (TME), however there are limitations in delivery. Glycyrrhizin (GL), an active compound of licorice, has been reported to both reduce the MDR effect by inhibiting ATP-dependent pumps and function as a regulator of NO production in the TME. In this review, we describe the potential role of GL as an NO regulator and MDR inhibitor that efficiently reduces the MDR effect in cancer chemotherapy.

Transplanted islets suffer hypoxic stress, which leads to nonspecific inflammation. This is the major cause of islet graft failure during the early stage of intrahepatic islet transplantation. Although bilirubin has shown potent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory functions, its clinical applications have been limited due to its insolubility and short half-life. To overcome this problem, novel amphiphilic bilirubin nanoparticles are designed. Hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is conjugated to the hydrophobic bilirubin molecule. Then, the PEG-bilirubin conjugates form nanoparticles via self-assembly, i.e., so-called to BRNPs. BRNPs can protect islet cells not only from chemically induced oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species molecules, but also from activated macrophages by suppressing cytokine release. Importantly, in vivo experiments demonstrate that BRNP treatment can dramatically and significantly prolong islet graft survival compared to bilirubin treatment. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis shows BRNPs have potent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Collectively, novel BRNPs can be a new potent remedy for successful islet transplantation.

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a major concern in liver transplantation and resection, despite continuing efforts to prevent it. Accumulating evidence suggests that bilirubin possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. However, despite obvious potential health benefits of bilirubin, its clinical applications are limited by its poor solubility. We recently developed bilirubin nanoparticles (BRNPs) consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated bilirubin. Here, we sought to investigate whether BRNPs protect against IRI in the liver by preventing oxidative stress. BRNPs exerted potent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activity in primary hepatocytes exposed to hydrogen peroxide, a precursor of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In a model of hepatic IRI in mice, BRNP preconditioning exerted profound protective effects against hepatocellular injury by reducing oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and recruitment of neutrophils. They also preferentially accumulated in IRI-induced inflammatory lesions. Collectively, our findings indicate that BRNP preconditioning provides a simple and safe approach that can be easily monitored in the blood like endogenous bilirubin, and could be a promising strategy to protect against IRI in a clinical setting.

The most viable therapy for curing type 1 diabetes mellitus is pancreatic islet transplantation. However, they are unavoidable in terms of immunogenicity, which is differently affected by transplantation site. Therefore, it is necessary to determine alternate sites to permit successful islet transplantation outcomes. This paper reviews evidence that the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) could be a good site for islet transplantation when compared to other alternate sites. In addition, this site may be a promising technical platform for noninvasive in vivo imaging of transplanted pancreatic islets.

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of long-term postoperative dienogest (DNG) use for the treatment of endometriosis on bone mineral density (BMD). Study design Sixty reproductive-aged women who underwent conservative surgery for endometriomas and received postoperative DNG (2mg/day) for at least 12 months to prevent recurrence were analyzed. BMD was measured before and after DNG treatment by using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and changes in BMD were evaluated. Results Mean patient age was 30.5 years, and mean duration of DNG treatment was 18.6 months. BMD at the lumbar spine significantly decreased after the first 6 months (−2.2%), and 1year (−2.7%) of DNG treatment, compared to baseline. The proportion of women who had significantly decreased BMD at the lumbar spine after 1year was 75% (45/60). In addition, BMD at the femur neck also decreased significantly after 1year (−2.8%). BMDs after 2 years were not different from those after 1year at both sites in 24 women who received DNG for ≥2years. In addition, there were no differences in baseline characteristics between women who had significantly reduced BMD at the lumbar spine after 1year (N=45) and women who did not (N=15). Conclusion This study suggests that long-term postoperative DNG treatment might have an adverse effect on BMD in reproductive-aged women. Bone loss mostly occurs during the first 6 months of treatment with DNG. A clinical trial is warranted to establish the effects of long-term DNG treatment on bone mass.

Study Objective Young age is a possible risk factor of endometriosis recurrence after surgery. However, the efficacy of postoperative medical treatment has not been well addressed in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether postoperative medical treatment is as effective in adolescents as it is in adults in the prevention of endometrioma recurrence. Design A retrospective cohort study. Setting Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Participants This study included 176 reproductive-aged women who underwent conservative laparoscopic surgery for pathology-confirmed endometrioma. Women were classified into 2 groups according to age: adolescents (20 years of age and younger, n = 34; group I) and reproductive-aged women (aged 25-35 years, n = 142; group II). Interventions The same surgeon performed all of the surgeries for uniformity. Postoperatively, patients were treated monthly with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist depot for 3-6 months, followed by cyclic oral contraceptives. Main Outcome Measures Endometrioma recurrence was determined using ultrasonography. The recurrence rate of endometrioma was compared between the 2 groups. Results During the treatment period (median, 41.0 months; range, 6-159 months), recurrence was noted in 8 cases (4.5%). After adjusting for confounders (which were statistically different between the groups), the cumulative proportion of recurrent endometriomas after 60 months was comparable between the 2 groups (5.3% in group I and 8.5% in group II). Conclusion Long-term postoperative medical treatment with cyclic oral contraceptives after a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist can be as effective in adolescents as it is in adults in the prevention of endometrioma recurrence.

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising strategy for diabetic patients. Unfortunately, host’s immune cells rapidly reject transplanted islets. Cytoprotective gene therapy has been tried to protect them. However, the transduce yield of ex vivo gene delivery into islets is very rare due to the anatomical structure of them. Therefore, we newly designed an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide-incorporated adenovirus vector expressing cytoprotective heme oxygenase-1 (HO1) gene (RGD-Adv-HO1) for effective gene therapy to islets via RGD–integrin interaction between adenovirus and islet. After exposure to islets, the transduced RGD-Adv-HO1 did not affect the viability and insulin secretion of islets with higher transduction efficacy. Moreover, HO1 showed cytoprotective effect from the presence of paraquat-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). When the transduced islets were xenotransplanted into streptozotocin-induced diabetic Balb/c mice, their survival time in vivo was significantly prolonged with curing blood glucose level, which was attributed to the stable expression of HO1. Additionally, we found that RGD-Adv-HO1 showed a good synergistic effect in xenotransplanted islets when accompanied with low dose of immunosuppressants tacrolimus and anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody. Collectively, this new combinatorial remedy of RGD-Adv-HO1 transduction with low dose of immunosuppressive agents could be an effective therapy for successful outcome of islet transplantation.

One-dimensional (1D) nano/microwires have attracted considerable attention as versatile building blocks for use in diverse electronic, optoelectronic, and magnetic device applications. The large-area assembly of nano/microwires at desired positions presents a significant challenge for developing high-density electronic devices. Here, we demonstrated the fabrication of cross-stacked pn heterojunction diode arrays by integrating well-aligned inorganic and organic microwires fabricated via evaporative assembly. We utilized solution-processed n-type inorganic indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (IGZO) microwires and p-type organic 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TIPS-PEN) microwires. The formation of organic TIPS-PEN semiconductor microwire and their electrical properties were optimized by controlling both the amounts of added insulating polymer and the widths of the microwires. The resulting cross-stacked IGZO/TIPS-PEN microwire pn heterojunction devices exhibited rectifying behavior with a forward-to-reverse bias current ratio exceeding 10

Visualization of pancreatic islet can provide important information for diagnosis and monitoring of pancreatic islets. By using phage display technology, here we newly identified four candidate peptide sequences with islet-homing property. In vitro binding assay showed that LSALPRT peptide had stronger affinity with islet cells than other candidates. Then this islet-homing peptide (IHP) was chemically conjugated with TAMRA fluorophore for near infrared (NIR) imaging of islet cells. This TMARA-IHP was strongly bound to islets in vitro, but also to cryo-sectioned slice of pancreas tissue ex vivo. Collectively, it would be a considerable potential as therapeutics or diagnostics in future studies.

Although pancreatic islet implantation is an attractive strategy for curing diabetes mellitus, implanted cells are immunologically eliminated due to early islet graft loss. One of main issues in early islet graft loss is the secretion of high-mobility group-box-1 (HMGB1) protein from the damaged islet cells, which is known as a cytokine-like factor. Therefore, regulating the activity of HMGB1 protein offers an alternative strategy for improving outcomes of islet cell therapy. To this end, we first demonstrated that HMGB1 protein could be bound to its A-box fragment (HMGB1 A-box) with higher binding affinity, resembling anti-HMGB1 antibody. To be used as a pharmaceutical protein ex vivo, TAT-labeled HMGB1 A-box-His6 (TAT-HMGB1A) was structurally modified for cellular membrane penetration. TAT-HMGB1A significantly reduced secretion of endogenous HMGB1 protein through interaction in the cytosol without any damage to the viability or functionality of the islets. When TAT-HMGB1A-treated islets were implanted into diabetic nude mice, they completely cured diabetes, as evidenced by stable blood glucose level. TAT-HMGB1A treatment could also reduce the marginal islet mass needed to cure diabetes. Furthermore, TAT-HMGB1A positively protected xenotransplanted islets from xenogeneic immune reactions. Collectively, cell-penetrable TAT-HMGB1A could be used to modulate HMGB1 activity to increase successful outcomes of ex vivo pancreatic islet cell therapy.

Objective As endometrioma frequently recurs after conservative surgery, long-term postoperative medical treatment for the prevention of recurrence is necessary. However, it has not been elucidated whether long-term postoperative medical treatment is crucial to all patients until menopause. Thereupon, this study was conducted to evaluate the age-related recurrence patterns after conservative surgery for endometrioma. Study design A retrospective cohort study was performed on a total of 420 reproductive-aged women who underwent conservative surgery for endometrioma between January 2000 and December 2010. Ultrasonography was used during the follow-up period to detect endometrioma recurrence. Patients were classified into two groups according to the use of postoperative medications. The first group was observation only, while the second received gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists followed by cyclic oral contraceptives. The cumulative recurrence rate of endometrioma was compared according to the age at surgery (20–29 years, 30–39 years, 40–45 years) within each group. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the age between the two groups. Results The median follow-up duration after surgery was 29.0 months (range 6–159 months) for all patients. After adjusting for parity, size and bilaterality of cyst, and stage with American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification of endometriosis which was statistically different, within the group of no treatment, the cumulative recurrence rate in 40–45 years (10.2%) was significantly lower compared with those in 20–29 years (43.3%; hazard ratio (HR)=0.04; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.01–0.52) and 30–39 years (22.5%; HR=0.19; 95% CI=0.04–0.92). However, there were no differences within the group of postoperative medical treatment. When we compared between the two groups, the cumulative recurrence rate was significantly different in 20–29 years (8.1 vs 43.3%; p p =0.007), but there was no difference in 40–45 years (4.5 vs 10.2%; p =0.901). Conclusions Our preliminary results demonstrate that the risk of endometrioma recurrence decreases with age. After the age of forty, the recurrence rate does not differ according to the use of postoperative medication. Based on our results, postoperative medical treatment may be individualized according to the patient's age at the time of surgery. Further studies are needed to identify patients who may benefit from postoperative medication.

Glucose level is a primary indicator in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus. According to the correlation between glucose concentration in blood and tears, measuring tear glucose can be an alternative to traditional strips test for blood glucose. Thus, measuring tear glucose levels could provide noninvasive monitoring of blood glucose. As a biocompatible biosensor, a nanoparticle embedded contact lens (NECL) is developed which is composed of glucose oxidase and cerium oxide (III). Using spectroscopy, we found the detectable changes in reflection spectrum of contact lenses with respect to the glucose concentration, and developed correlation curve of the reflection spectrum with known glucose level. Furthermore, we assessed tear glucose level and compared blood glucose level with the diabetic mouse model to evaluate this approach. Our algorithm for regular monitoring of glucose using contact lens biosensor may lead to noninvasive monitoring of tear glucose level. NECL may provide simple and noninvasive glucose monitoring based on the spectral changes in contact lens biosensor.

The cellular distribution of silica nanoparticles (NPs) in the liver is not well understood. Targeting specific cells is one of the most important issues in NP-based drug delivery to improve delivery efficacy. In this context, the present study analyzed the relative cellular distribution pattern of silica NPs in the liver, and the effect of surface energy modification on NPs. Hydrophobic NP surface modification enhanced NP delivery to the liver and liver sinusoid fFendothelial cells (LSECs). Conversely, hydrophilic NP surface modification was commensurate with targeting hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) rather than other cell types. There was no notable difference in NP delivery to Kupffer cells or hepatocytes, regardless of hydrophilic or hydrophobic NP surface modification, suggesting that both the targeting of hepatocytes and evasion of phagocytosis by Kupffer cells are not associated with surface energy modification of silica NPs. This study provides useful information to target specific cell types using silica NPs, as well as to understand the relationship between NP surface energy and the NP distribution pattern in the liver, thereby helping to establish strategies for cell targeting using various NPs.

A finite Schottky barrier and large contact resistance between monolayer MoS2 and electrodes are the major bottlenecks in developing high-performance field-effect transistors (FETs) that hinder the study of intrinsic quantum behaviors such as valley-spin transport at low temperature. A gate-tunable graphene electrode platform has been developed to improve the performance of MoS2 FETs. However, intrinsic misalignment between the work function of pristine graphene and the conduction band of MoS2 results in a large threshold voltage for the FETs, because of which Ohmic contact behaviors are observed only at very high gate voltages and carrier concentrations (~1013 cm-2). Here, we present high-performance monolayer MoS2 FETs with Ohmic contact at a modest gate voltage by using a chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) nitrogen-doped graphene with a high intrinsic electron carrier density. The CVD nitrogen-doped graphene and monolayer MoS2 hybrid FETs platform exhibited a large negative shifted threshold voltage of -54.2 V and barrier-free Ohmic contact under zero gate voltage. Transparent contact by nitrogen-doped graphene led to a 214% enhancement in the on-current and a four-fold improvement in the field-effect carrier mobility of monolayer MoS2 FETs compared with those of a pristine graphene electrode platform. The transport measurements, as well as Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses before and after thermal annealing, reveal that the atomic C-N bonding in the CVD nitrogen-doped graphene is responsible for the dominant effects of electron doping. Large-scale nitrogen-doped graphene electrodes provide a promising device platform for the development of high-performance devices and the study of unique quantum behaviors., 25 pages, 4 figures

Dienogest, a specific progesterone receptor agonist, is used in the treatment of endometriosis. However, it is still unclear as to the mechanisms of therapeutic effects on endometriosis. Our recent study showed that endometriosis may be the result of aberrant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induction due to progesterone resistance. This finding suggests that the regulation of ER stress induction may play a key role in treatment of endometriosis. Therefore, the anti-endometriotic effects of dienogest may be mediated by regulation of ER stress. To test this hypothesis, we elucidate whether dienogest affects endometriotic stromal cell apoptosis, proliferation and invasiveness by modulating ER stress-induced CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) expression. Specifically, PRKR-like ER kinase (PERK)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), inositol-requiring kinase 1 (IRE1)/TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2)/apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, and downstream CHOP were evaluated to determine the involved ER stress-mediated regulation mechanism of CHOP expression. Our results show that progesterone treatment did not have any significant effects on ER stress, apoptosis, proliferation, and invasion in estrogen-treated endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs). However, dienogest treatment upregulated the induction of ER stress. It also led to increased apoptosis, and decreased proliferation and invasiveness. These dienogest-induced changes in apoptosis, proliferation and invasiveness were reversed by the ER stress inhibitor salubrinal. Furthermore, dienogest-induced ER stress increased CHOP expression through activation of both PERK/elf2α/ATF4 and IRE1/TRAF2/ASK1/JNK signaling. This upregulation was blocked by transfection with PERK and IRE1 siRNA, which decreased apoptosis and increased the proliferation and invasiveness of dienogest-treated ECSCs. Taken together, our findings indicate that dienogest enhances ER stress induction in endometriotic stromal cells, which affects apoptosis, proliferation and invasiveness via CHOP upregulation.

Background Children today are exposed to various media devices, and their usage of these is increasing. Prior studies have outlined forms of harm this can potentially cause. However, there has been little empirical research on the use of media devices among preschool children in Asia. The aim of this study was to examine and analyze longitudinal trends in media device use among Korean preschool children, focusing on the frequency of engagement, time spent with, and ownership of media devices, delineated by sex. Methods Four hundred parents of children aged 2–5 years were invited to enroll. The baseline assessment, Wave 1, was conducted between December 2015 and June 2016, and follow-up assessments, Wave 2 and Wave 3, were conducted annually for the following 2 years. Time of media use, frequency of media use, and ownership of media devices (TV, tablet PCs, and smartphones) were investigated. Results Ownership of tablet PCs increased significantly between Wave 1 and Wave 3 for boys and girls (corrected P < 0.001). Frequency of media use increased significantly between Wave 1 and Wave 3 only in boys' use of tablet PCs (mean difference 0.8 day/wk). Time of media use increased significantly between Wave 1 and Wave 3 for both sexes in all devices, measured by mean difference on weekdays and weekends (TV by 0.6 and 0.7 hr/day, tablet PCs by 0.6 and 0.8 hr/day, and smartphones by 0.4 and 0.4 hr/day). Children spent more time using media devices during weekends than on weekdays. Conclusion This study observed an increase in the tendency of media device use among preschool children in Korea. The patterns of use indicate that paying attention to the types of devices children use is needed, as well as vigilance on weekends., Graphical Abstract

Background: Several preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that BRCA-mutation carriers may have decreased ovarian reserve. However, data in this area are limited and inconsistent, especially in young breast cancer patients. Objective: This study evaluated the association between BRCA mutation status and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level in young, reproductive-aged patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Patients ≤ 40 years of age with breast cancer and who had known BRCA status and baseline serum AMH level at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, were considered for inclusion. A total of 52 BRCA mutation carriers (27 BRCA1 and 25 BRCA2) and 264 non-carriers were selected for analyses. The serum level of AMH was compared according to presence of a BRCA mutation, and linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between BRCA mutation and serum AMH level. Results: No difference was found in clinical characteristics between BRCA-mutation carriers and non-carriers. Subjects with any BRCA mutation had a significantly lower median AMH than those without a mutation (2.60 vs. 3.85 ng/mL, 32% reduction, P = 0.004). Linear regression analysis showed a significant negative association between BRCA mutation and AMH level. In addition, logistic regression demonstrated non-significantly increased odds of mutation carriers having AMH < 1.2 ng/mL. However, no difference was found between BRCA1/2 mutations. Conclusions: Breast cancer patients with BRCA mutation have significantly lower serum AMH level. Fertility preservation should be considered more aggressively in young breast cancer patients with BRCA mutation.

The limitations of conventional therapeutic drugs necessitate the importance of developing novel therapeutics to treat diverse diseases. Conventional drugs have poor blood circulation time and are not stable or compatible with the biological system. Nanomaterials, with their exceptional structural properties, have gained significance as promising materials for the development of novel therapeutics. Nanofibers with unique physiochemical and biological properties have gained significant attention in the field of health care and biomedical research. The choice of a wide variety of materials for nanofiber fabrication, along with the release of therapeutic payload in sustained and controlled release patterns, make nanofibers an ideal material for drug delivery research. Electrospinning is the conventional method for fabricating nanofibers with different morphologies and is often used for the mass production of nanofibers. This review highlights the recent advancements in the use of nanofibers for the delivery of therapeutic drugs, nucleic acids and growth factors. A detailed mechanism for fabricating different types of nanofiber produced from electrospinning, and factors influencing nanofiber generation, are discussed. The insights from this review can provide a thorough understanding of the precise selection of materials used for fabricating nanofibers for specific therapeutic applications and also the importance of nanofibers for drug delivery applications.

Ginseng foliar diseases are typically controlled by spray application using periodic schedules. Few disease warning systems have been used for effective control of ginseng foliar diseases because ginseng is grown under shade nettings, which makes it difficult to obtain weather data for operation of the disease warning system. Using weather data measured outside the shade as inputs to an empirical leaf wetness duration (LWD) model, LWD was estimated to examine if operation of a disease warning system would be feasible for control of ginseng foliar diseases. An empirical model based on a fuzzy logic system (fuzzy model) was used to estimate LWD at two commercial ginseng fields located in Gochang-gun and Jeongeup-si, Korea, in 2011 and 2012. Accuracy of LWD estimates was assessed in terms of mean error (ME) and mean absolute error (MAE). The fuzzy model tended to overestimate LWD during dew eligible days whereas it tended to underestimate LWD during rainfall eligible days. Still, daily disease risk ratings of the TOM-CAST disease warning system, which are derived from estimates of wetness duration and temperature, had a tendency to coincide with that derived from measurements of weather variables. As a result, spray advisory dates for the TOM-CAST disease warning system were predicted within ±3 days for about 78% of time windows during which the action threshold for spray application was reached. This result suggested that estimates of LWD using an empirical model would be helpful in control of a foliar disease in a ginseng field. It was also found that a spray application time model using meteorological observations may prove successful without the requirement of leaf wetness sensors within the field. Development of empirical correction schemes to the fuzzy model and a physical model for LWD estimation in a ginseng field could improve accuracy of LWD estimates and, as a result, spray advisory date prediction, which merits further studies.

Background Although electronic health records (EHRs) have been widely used in secondary assessments, clinical documents are relatively less utilized owing to the lack of standardized clinical text frameworks across different institutions. Objective This study aimed to develop a framework for processing unstructured clinical documents of EHRs and integration with standardized structured data. Methods We developed a framework known as Staged Optimization of Curation, Regularization, and Annotation of clinical text (SOCRATex). SOCRATex has the following four aspects: (1) extracting clinical notes for the target population and preprocessing the data, (2) defining the annotation schema with a hierarchical structure, (3) performing document-level hierarchical annotation using the annotation schema, and (4) indexing annotations for a search engine system. To test the usability of the proposed framework, proof-of-concept studies were performed on EHRs. We defined three distinctive patient groups and extracted their clinical documents (ie, pathology reports, radiology reports, and admission notes). The documents were annotated and integrated into the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP)-common data model (CDM) database. The annotations were used for creating Cox proportional hazard models with different settings of clinical analyses to measure (1) all-cause mortality, (2) thyroid cancer recurrence, and (3) 30-day hospital readmission. Results Overall, 1055 clinical documents of 953 patients were extracted and annotated using the defined annotation schemas. The generated annotations were indexed into an unstructured textual data repository. Using the annotations of pathology reports, we identified that node metastasis and lymphovascular tumor invasion were associated with all-cause mortality among colon and rectum cancer patients (both P=.02). The other analyses involving measuring thyroid cancer recurrence using radiology reports and 30-day hospital readmission using admission notes in depressive disorder patients also showed results consistent with previous findings. Conclusions We propose a framework for hierarchical annotation of textual data and integration into a standardized OMOP-CDM medical database. The proof-of-concept studies demonstrated that our framework can effectively process and integrate diverse clinical documents with standardized structured data for clinical research.

Over the past few decades, gold nanoparticles and diverse gold nano-forms have been considered for both cancer therapy and bioimaging due to their surface plasmon resonance effect and its capability of loading contrast agent. This effect enables thermal destruction of cells or organs by drastically elevating temperature when exposed to a specific energy of visible light either near infrared light. In addition, chemical modifications of the surfaces of gold nanoparticles or nano-forms are well known. Sulfur-containing functional groups of biomolecules or polymers can be easily conjugated with Aurum atoms on the surface of gold nanoparticles. There are also various nano-forms with different shapes and sizes derived from gold nanoparticles such as the nanosphere, nanorod, nanocage, nanoshell, and nanoporous gold disks. The various forms of nano-scaled gold materials have unique properties that can be used as carrier, simultaneously thermal destruction agent. Its properties of the materials are able to applied to a number of desired purposes. Regardless of the physicochemical properties of gold nanoparticles, they present several challenges, such as the instance energy penetrating depth availability aspect required for gold nanoparticles to enter organs and the cellular toxicity issues of nano-scaled gold particles in the body. The purpose of this review is to introduce the advantages using gold nanoparticles-based materials and its diverse approaches to several types of cancer therapies due to its distinct properties.

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising treatment for treatment of type 1 diabetes; however, transplantation outcomes have been disappointing due to early graft loss that is mediated by many immune responses. Immune cells not only directly damaged islet but also produced reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is highly toxic to islet cells. Metallothionein (MT) can provide protection against oxidative stress by scavenging various ranges of ROS including superoxide, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide. For scavenging immune response-induced ROS, cell-penetrating Tat peptide-metallothionein (Tat-MT) was delivered into islets. The viability of Tat-MT-treated islets was not damaged during co-culture with macrophages or ROS-generating paraquat. When Tat-MT-treated islets were xenotransplanted, ROS production was significantly attenuated at the islets. Eventually, the survival time of Tat-MT-treated islets was significantly enhanced without any immunosuppressant medicine. Additionally, we confirmed that the survival time of Tat-MT-treated islets in all animals was dramatically improved when accompanied with low dose immunosuppressive agents (tacrolimus and anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody), indicating that Tat-MT delivery could have synergistic effect with immunosuppressants. Collectively, this new combination therapy of Tat-MT delivery with low dose immunosuppressant would be a powerful remedy for successful outcome of islet xenotransplantation.

The authors develop a mechanically robust silver nanowires (AgNWs) electrode platform for use in flexible and stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The embedding of an AgNWs network into a photocurable or thermocurable polymeric matrix dramatically enhances the mechanical robustness of the flexible and stretchable TENG electrodes while maintaining a highly efficient triboelectric performance. The AgNWs/polymeric matrix electrode is fabricated in four steps: (i) the AgNWs networks are formed on a hydrophobic glass substrate; (ii) a laminating photocurable or thermocurable prepolymer film is applied to the developed AgNWs network; (iii) the polymeric matrix is crosslinked by UV exposure or thermal treatment; and (iv) the AgNWs-embedded polymeric matrix is delaminated from the glass substrate. The AgNWs-embedded polymeric matrix electrodes with four different sheet resistances, controlled by varying the AgNWs network deposition density, are deployed in TENG devices. The authors find that the potential difference between the two contact surfaces of the AgNWs network-embedded polymer matrix electrodes and the nylon (or perfluoroalkoxy alkane) governs the output triboelectric performances of the devices, rather than the sheet resistance. Both Kelvin probe force microscopy and numerical simulations strongly support these observations.

We developed a simple methodology for fabricating silver nanowire (AgNW) micropatterns on a plastic substrate using a photocurable polymer. The patterning method began with the lamination of a UV-curable prepolymer film onto the AgNW-coated rigid glass substrate. Selective UV exposure of the UV-curable prepolymer film through a photomask solidified the exposed regions, and the unexposed regions were simply removed by the solvent. AgNW micropatterns of various sizes and shapes could be readily formed across the entire plastic substrate. Importantly, this photopatterning process enabled the embedding of the AgNW structures into the polymer matrix, which dramatically reduced the surface roughness and enhanced the mechanical stability of the AgNW film. The AgNW structures served as transparent anode electrodes in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that performed well compared to OLEDs fabricated using conventional indium tin oxide (ITO) or conducting polymer electrodes. This simple, inexpensive, and scalab...

Heparin is widely used as an anticoagulant agent in clinical medication. Recent studies have reported that heparin could have anticancer effects due to its interaction with angiogenesis-related molecules, meaning that it could reduce the formation of new blood vessels and tumorigenesis in the body. However, when heparin is administered for long periods, it can cause heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and bleeding due to its anticoagulant activity. To overcome this limitation, heparin derivatives have been developed by modification of their structure or by conjugation with functional groups. Here we reviewed several kinds of heparin derivatives using bile acids, proteins, and metal nanoparticles in terms of angiogenesis. These heparin derivatives are promising candidates for new anticancer treatments. Open image in new window

Although stimuli-responsive materials hold potential for use as drug-delivery carriers for treating cancers, their clinical translation has been limited. Ideally, materials used for the purpose should be biocompatible and nontoxic, provide "on-demand" drug release in response to internal or external stimuli, allow large-scale manufacturing, and exhibit intrinsic anticancer efficacy. We present multistimuli-responsive nanoparticles formed from bilirubin, a potent endogenous antioxidant that possesses intrinsic anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity. Exposure of the bilirubin nanoparticles (BRNPs) to either reactive oxygen species (ROS) or external laser light causes rapid disruption of the BRNP nanostructure as a result of a switch in bilirubin solubility, thereby releasing encapsulated drugs. In a xenograft tumor model, BRNPs loaded with the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX@BRNPs), when combined with laser irradiation of 650 nm, significantly inhibited tumor growth. This study suggests that BRNPs may be used as a drug-delivery carrier as well as a companion medicine for effectively treating cancers.

The performances of organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) produced by polymer solution casting are tightly correlated with the morphology and chain-ordering of semiconducting polymer layers, which depends on the processing conditions applied. The slow evaporation of a high boiling point (bp) solvent permits sufficient time for the assembly of polymer chains during the process, resulting in improving the film crystallinity and inducing favorable polymer chain orientations for charge transport. The use of high bp solvents, however, often results in dewetting of thin films formed on hydrophobic surfaces, such as the commonly used octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODTS)-treated SiO2 gate dielectric. Dewetting hampers the formation of uniform and highly crystalline semiconducting active channel layers. In this manuscript, we demonstrated the formation of highly crystalline dithienothienyl diketopyrrolopyrrole (TT-DPP)-based polymer films using a flow-coating method to enable the fabrication of ambipolar transistors an...

While pancreatic islet transplantation has emerged as one of the most promising therapies for diabetes mellitus, determining the fate of islet grafts remains a challenge. Transplanted islets are damaged by hypoxic stress and immune responses in the period shortly following transplantation. Understanding the mechanisms of islet graft loss is difficult without real-time monitoring in vivo. Recently, nanotechnology has emerged in studies of biomedical imaging. Nanoparticles can enhance the versatility of different imaging modalities. Moreover, nanoparticles provide potential probes to image transplanted islets by optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. The nanoparticles are delivered to islet grafts using different methods, such as non-specific uptake, conjugation to the islet membranes and targeting to a membrane receptor or transporter. If applied clinically, these methods would provide information about the viability and function of transplanted islets, which will enhance graft survival. This review focuses on recent advances in nanoparticles for in vivo imaging of islet transplantation.

A ladder-type poly(phenyl-co-methacryl silsesquioxane) (PPMSQ) copolymer was developed for use as a gate dielectric in high-performance organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). The ladder-type PPMSQ copolymer was synthesized via the hydrolysis of two types of monomers, methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and phenyltrimethoxysilane, followed by a condensation polymerization. The phenyl groups in one monomer were introduced to enhance the structural ordering of the overlying organic semiconductors, whereas the methacryloxypropyl groups in the other monomer were introduced to cross-link the polymer chains via thermal- or photocuring. The curing process enhanced the electrical strength of the gate dielectric layer due to the formation of a network structure with a reduced free volume. Thermal curing reduced the surface energy of the gate dielectrics, which improved the structural order of the overlying organic semiconductors and promoted the formation of large grains. The ladder-type PPMSQ was used as a gate ...

This study evaluated the efficacy of a stepwise regimen of estradiol valerate for height control in girls with Marfan syndrome. Eight girls with Marfan syndrome who had completed estrogen treatment for height control were included. Estradiol valerate was started at a dose of 2 mg/day, and then was increased. The projected final height was estimated using the initial height percentile (on a disease-specific growth curve for Korean Marfan syndrome [gcPFHt]), and the initial bone age (baPFHt). After the estrogen treatment, the projected final height was compared to the actual final height (FHt). The median baseline chronological and bone age were 10.0 and 10.5 years, respectively. After a median of 36.5 months of treatment, the median FHt (172.6 cm) was shorter than the median gcPFHt (181.0 cm) and baPFHt (175.9 cm). In the six patients who started treatment before the age of 11 years, the median FHt (171.8 cm) was shorter than the median gcPFHt (181.5 cm) and baPFHt (177.4 cm) after treatment. The median differences between the FHt and gcPFHt and baPFHt were 9.2 and 8.3 cm, respectively. In two patients started treatment after the age of 11, the differences between FHt and gcPFHt, and baPFHt after treatment were -4 and 1.4 cm, and -1.2 and 0 cm for each case, respectively. A stepwise increasing regimen of estradiol valerate may be an effective treatment for height control in girls with Marfan syndrome, especially when started under 11 years old., Graphical Abstract

In this study, a high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) was irradiated by an electron-beam. To assess the absorbed dose rate influence on its mechanical properties, the beam energy and absorbed dose were fixed, while the absorbed dose rates were varied. The tensile strength (TS) and Young&rsquo, s modulus (YM) were evaluated. The irradiated CFRTP TS increased at absorbed dose rates of up to 6.8 kGy/s and decreased at higher rates. YM showed no meaningful differences. For CFRTPs constituents, the carbon fiber (CF) TS gradually increased, while the HDPE TS decreased slightly as the absorbed dose rates increased. The OH intermolecular bond was strongly developed in irradiated CFRTP at low absorbed dose rates and gradually declined when increasing those rates. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that the oxygen content of irradiated CFRTPs decreased with increasing absorbed dose rate due to the shorter irradiation time at higher dose rates. In conclusion, from the TS viewpoint, opposite effects occurred when increasing the absorbed dose rate: a favorable increase in CF TS and adverse decline of attractive hydrogen bonding interactions between HDPE and CF for CFRTPs TS. Therefore, the irradiated CFRTP TS was maximized at an optimum absorbed dose rate of 6.8 kGy/s.