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The aim of this study is to optimize the dendritic cell (DC)-mediated T-cell activation using reporter gene imaging and flow cytometric analysis in living mice. A murine dendritic cell line (DC2.4) co-expressing effluc and Thy1.1 genes were established by transfection with retroviral vectors. Thy1.1 positive cells were sorted by magnetic bead separation system (DC2.4/effluc). Cell proliferation assay and phenotype analysis to determine the effects of gene transduction on the function of dendritic cells between parental DC2.4 and DC2.4/effluc were performed. To optimize the DC-mediated immune response by cell number or frequency, different cell numbers (5 × 105, 1 × 106, and 2 × 106 DC2.4/effluc) or different frequencies of DC2.4/effluc (first, second, and third injections) were injected in the right footpad of mice. The migration of the DC2.4/effluc into the draining popliteal lymph node of mice was monitored by bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Flow cytometric analysis was performed with splenocytes to determine the cytotoxic T-cell population after injection of DC2.4/effluc. Parental DC2.4 and DC2.4/effluc exhibit no significant differences in their proliferation and phenotype. BLI signals were observed in the draining popliteal lymph node at day 1 after injection of DC2.4/effluc in 1 × 106 and 2 × 106 cells-injected groups. The highest BLI signal intensity was detected in 2 × 106 cells-injected mice. On day 11, the BLI signal was detected in only 2 × 106 cell-injected group but not in other groups. Optimized cell numbers (2 × 106) were injected in three animal groups with a different frequency (first, second, and third injection groups). The BLI signal was detected at day 1 and maintained until day 7 in the first injection group, but there is low signal intensity in the second and the third injection groups. Although the expression levels of Thy1.1 gene in the first injection group were very high, there reveals no expression of Thy1.1 gene in the second and the third injection groups. The number of tumor-specific CD8+ T-cells in the spleen significantly increased, as the number of DC injections increases. Successful optimization of DC-mediated cytotoxic T-cell activation in living mice using reporter gene imaging and flow cytometric analysis was achieved. The optimization of DC-mediated cytotoxic T-cell activation could be applied for the future DC-based immunotherapy.

We optimized the protocol for thyroid ablation in living mice using radioactive iodine (RAI) and a low-iodine diet (LID). To examine the effect of LID on thyroid ablation, mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Vehicle, 131I 2.775 MBq, 131I 5.55 MBq, and LID + 131I 2.775 MBq. The LID group was fed a LID for up to 7 days and then mice in the 131I 2.775, 131I 5.55, and LID + 131I 2.775 MBq groups were intravenously administrated with 131I, respectively. Scintigraphy imaging with 99mTc pertechnetate was performed once in 2 weeks for 4 weeks. After establishment of athyroid mice, control or athyroid mice were injected with human anaplastic thyroid cancer cells co-expressing sodium iodine symporter and enhanced firefly luciferase (ARO/NF) to evaluate RAI uptake. Scintigraphy imaging with 99mTc pertechnetate was performed with ARO/NF tumor-bearing mice. Scintigraphy imaging showed decreased thyroid uptake in the LID + 131I 2.775 MBq group compared to other groups. Scintigraphy images showed that tumor uptake was statically higher in athyroid mice than in control mice. These data suggest that these optimized conditions for thyroid ablation could be helpful to establish an in vivo mouse model.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potential therapies for various diseases, but their angiogenic mechanisms of therapeutic efficacy remain unclear. Here, we describe how MSC-EVs, activates VEGF receptors and downstream angiogenesis pathways. Mouse MSC-EVs were isolated from cell culture medium and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle analysis, and western blotting. In vitro migration, proliferation, and tube formation assays using endothelial cells were used to assess the angiogenic potential of MSC-EVs, and revealed higher levels of cellular migration, proliferation, and tube formation after treatment. qRT-PCR and western blotting (WB) revealed higher protein and mRNA expression of the angiogenic genes VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 in mouse SVEC-4 endothelial cells after MSC-EVs treatment. Additionally, other vital pro-angiogenic pathways (SRC, AKT, and ERK) were activated by in vitro MSC-EV treatment. WB and qRT-PCR revealed enriched presence of VEGF protein and miR-210-3p in MSC-EV. The hindlimb ischemia mouse model was established and MSC-EVs with or without Matrigel (EV-MSC+Gel) were injected into the ischemic area and blood reperfusion was monitored using molecular imaging techniques. The in vivo administration of MSC-EVs increased both blood reperfusion and the formation of new blood vessels in the ischemic limb, with the addition of matrigel enhancing this effect further by releasing EVs slowly. MSC-EVs enhance angiogenesis in ischemic limbs, most likely via the overexpression of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 in endothelial cells. These findings reveal a novel mechanism of activating receptors by MSC-EVs influence the angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Patients may feel embarrassed during colonoscopy. Our study aimed to assess changes in patient preference, over the past decade, for the sex of their colonoscopist. METHODS Prospective studies were performed at a single health center from July to September 2008, and from July to September 2016. Subjects included colonoscopy patients (2008: 354, 2016: 304) who were asked to complete a questionnaire before colonoscopy. RESULTS In 2016, 69 patients (24.9%) expressed a sex preference, compared with 46 patients (14.6%) in 2008. By 2016, female patient preference for a female colonoscopist had significantly increased to 95% (odds ratio [OR], 2.678; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.418- 5.057; P=0.002). In multivariate analysis, patient sex (OR, 4.404; P=0.000), patient age (OR, 0.977; 95% CI, 0.961-0.992; P=0.004), and year of procedure (OR, 1.674; 95% CI, 1.028-2.752) were statistically significant factors in sex preference. Between 2008 and 2016, female patients preferred a female colonoscopist because of embarrassment. Male patients also preferred a male colonoscopist, and the primary reason shifted from expertise to patient embarrassment (2008: 29%, 2016: 63%). CONCLUSIONS Patients have an increased gender preference for the colonoscopist because of embarrassment. Taking this into account can increase patient satisfaction during colonoscopy.

Biological processes related to amyloid-β (Aβ ) aggregation and deposition are associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Although these processes are attributed to electrostatic interactions between the Aβ42 sequences, the electrical properties of Aβ aggregates (i.e., oligomers and fibrils) have not yet been fully explored despite their importance. Here, we investigated the nanoelectrical properties (i.e., surface potential) of Aβ42 aggregates using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and found that the surface potential of the Aβ42 aggregates was changed from positive to negative with pH, passing across zero surface potential at pH=5.2-5.4. The measured surface potentials were ranged from 48 to -35 mV/nm for both the oligomers and the fibrils. From our observations, we determined the isoelectric points (pIs) of both cases. Using the commercial software PyMOL, we also converted the surface potential of a single monomorphic Aβ42 fibril; in the simulation, we calculated the net charges of the monomorphic fibrils depending on pH, predicted its pI by Boltzmann curve fitting, and compared these results with our experimental KPFM data.

Background/Aims Various clinical scoring systems, including the Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), Rockall risk score (RS), and AIMS65 score (AIMS65), have been validated to predict the clinical outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). We compared the performance of these three scoring systems in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with UGIB in Korea. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 286 patients with UGIB who visited emergency department. The primary outcome was the need for clinical intervention (endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical) and blood transfusion. Results The causes of UGIB were esophageal/gastric varices in 64 patients, peptic ulcer in 168, Mallory-Weiss tear in 32, malignancy of UGI tract in eight, and unknown in 14. One hundred seventy-four (61%) patients required blood transfusion, 166 (58%) required endoscopic intervention, and 10 (3.5%) required surgical intervention. The GBS outperformed the RS and AIMS65 in predicting the need for endoscopic intervention. Conclusions The GBS and RS were more accurate than AIMS65 in predicting the need for clinical interventions and transfusion patients with UGIB, regardless of variceal or nonvariceal bleeding. The AIMS65 may not be optimal for predicting clinical outcomes of UGIB in Korea.

The aim of this study was to assess I-131 biokinetics in thyroid cancer and remnant tissue in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer using whole-body scan (WBS) and SPECT images acquired after I-131 therapy. The influence of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulation method on the kinetics was also evaluated. A total of 57 patients who received I-131 therapy (2.96–7.4 GBq) were retrospectively included. TSH stimulation was achieved by recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) or by thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW). Each patient received three sequential WBSs on days 1, 2, and 4 (or 5) after I-131 administration. All lesions were classified either as thyroid remnant (ThyR) or as metastatic lymph nodes (mLN) after considering the SPECT/CT images acquired during the last WBS. The lesion-based retention rate and absorbed dose of ThyR and mLN were calculated using a commercial dosimetric toolkit combined with the OLINDA software. The retention rate and the effective half-time of mLN were lower than that of ThyR (p

// Gun Oh Chong 1, * , Won Kee Lee 2, * , Shin Young Jeong 3 , Shin-Hyung Park 4 , Yoon Hee Lee 1 , Sang-Woo Lee 3 , Dae Gy Hong 1 , Jae-Chul Kim 4 and Yoon Soon Lee 1 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea 2 Medical Research Collaboration Center in KNUH, Kyungpook National University, School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea 3 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea 4 Department of Radiation Oncology, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea * These authors contributed equally to this work as co-first authors Correspondence to: Shin Young Jeong, email: syjeongnm@gmail.com Keywords: intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity, locally advanced cervical cancer, 18F-FDG PET/CT, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, prognosis Received: April 19, 2017 Accepted: June 11, 2017 Published: June 28, 2017 ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value for predicting tumor recurrence of intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity and traditional quantitative metabolic parameters on pre-treatment F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Materials and Methods: Ninety-three patients with biopsy-proven cervical cancer and treated with CCRT (FIGO stage IIB-IV) were enrolled in this study. The traditional metabolic parameters of the primary tumor, regional lymph node, and whole body (maximum standardized uptake value [SUVmax], metabolic tumor volume [MTV], and total lesion glycolysis), and intratumoral heterogeneity factor (HF) were measured on pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT images. Univariate and multivariate analyses for disease-free survival (DFS) were performed using clinical and metabolic parameters. The additional HF prognostic value was evaluated by means of time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve, integrated discrimination improvement, and net reclassification improvement. Results: On multivariate analysis, nodal SUVmax (hazard ratio 3.60; 95% CI, 1.66–7.85; p = 0.0012) and whole body MTV (WBMTV; hazard ratio 3.15; 95% CI, 1.17–8.53; p = 0.0236) were significant prognostic factors for DFS. When HF was combined with nodal SUVmax and WBMTV, a significant improvement in discrimination for recurrence was observed compared with nodal SUVmax alone (area under curve 0.817 vs. 0.732; p = 0.0028). Conclusions: HF did not show superiority over traditional metabolic parameters. However, when HF was combined with nodal SUVmax and WBMTV, the predictive value for tumor recurrence improved. Therefore, HF may be a useful additional prognostic biomarker to improve the prognostic value of traditional metabolic parameters on 18F-FDG PET/CT.

In this paper, several micromechanical models are applied to determine the interphase properties between polymer and nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposites reinforced with different nanofillers. The suggested models for tensile modulus and strength calculate the properties of interphase such as volume fraction, thickness, and strength. It is found that the thickness of interphase depends on the size and volume fraction of nanofiller as well as the interphase content. Also, the size of nanoparticles and interphase thickness play different roles in the tensile strength of interphase regions.

This study examines the determinants of the survival of Korean cable networks, focusing on their vertical and horizontal integration. We use survival estimations to analyze the cable networks’ duration. We find that a cable network survives longer if it is integrated with more same- and distinct-genre networks, has more viewers, and is carried by more distribution platforms. We also find that vertical integration has no significant effect on network duration when we control for horizontal integration. Although our study abstracts from estimating the cost or production function, the results suggest that joint program production may achieve substantial synergies such as portfolio effects and economies of scale and scope.

Heat/mass transfer characteristics on the winglet top surface for the cavity squealer tip equipped with a full coverage winglet has been investigated experimentally with the variation of h/s (tip gap height-to-span ratio) by employing the naphthalene sublimation technique. For a squealer rim height-to-span ratio of hst/s = 3.75% and a winglet width-to-pitch ratio of w/p = 10.55%, the tip gap is changed to be h/s = 0.34%, 0.68%, 1.02%, 1.36%, and 1.70%. On the winglet top surface, high local heat/mass transfer rate is found (i) at the sites of the leading edge tip gap vortices, (ii) in the flow separation/reattachment area on the pressure-side winglet, (iii) in the upstream outflow area on the suction-side winglet, (iv) in the downstream outflow area on the suction-side winglet, and (v) in the area where the cavity fluid is discharged toward the trailing edge. On the other hand, very low local heat/mass transfer rate is observed in two separate areas on the suction-side winglet upstream of the mid-chord. In the case of very low h/s, the two separate low heat/mass transfer areas cannot be identified. Instead, a new high heat/mass transfer area is found near the mid-chord on the suction-side winglet. Average heat/mass transfer rate on the winglet top surface tends to increase consistently with increasing h/s, but it is always lower than that on the tip surface of the plane tip with no winglet.

Heat/mass transfer characteristics on the floor of the cavity squealer tip equipped with a full coverage (FC) winglet has been investigated experimentally with the variation of h/s (tip gap height-to-span ratio) by employing the naphthalene sublimation technique. For a squealer rim height-to-span ratio of hst/s = 3.75% and a winglet width-to-pitch ratio of w/p = 10.55%, the tip gap is changed to be h/s = 0.34%, 0.68%, 1.02%, 1.36%, and 1.70%. In this study, the cavity floor is divided into four specific regions based on local heat/mass transfer rate, and the effects of h/s on local heat/mass transfer rate are fully discussed. The results show that average heat/mass transfer rate on the floor of the cavity squealer tip with the FC winglet increases steeply with the increment of h/s. This average value is found lower in the case of low h/s but higher in the case of high h/s, in comparison with that for the cavity squealer tip with no winglet. However, it is always lower than that on the plane tip surface with no winglet. For the cavity squealer tip with the FC winglet, average heat/mass transfer rate on the cavity floor is lower than that on the winglet top surface regardless of h/s, but the discrepancy between them tends to decrease rapidly as h/s increases.

Here, we sought to monitor bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (BMDC) migration and antitumor effects using a multimodal reporter imaging strategy in living mice. BMDCs were transduced with retroviral vector harboring human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS, nuclear imaging reporter), firefly luc2 (optical imaging reporter), and thy1.1 (surrogate marker of NIS and luc2) genes (BMDC/NF cells). No significant differences in biological functions, including cell proliferation, antigen uptake, phenotype expression, and migration ability, were observed between BMDC and BMDC/ NF cells. Combined bioluminescence imaging and I-124 positron emission tomography/computed tomography clearly revealed the migration of BMDC/NF cells to draining popliteal lymph nodes at day 7 postinjection. Interestingly, marked tumor protection was observed in mice immunized with TC-1 lysate-pulsed BMDC/NF cells. Our findings suggested that multimodal reporter gene imaging of NIS and luciferase could provide insights into the biological behaviors of dendritic cells in living organisms and could be a useful tool for the optimization of DC-based immunotherapy protocols.

Each year, thousands of patients, particularly Eastern Asians, receive reduction malarplasty to achieve a more feminine and slender facial appearance. To date, there lacks a systematic analysis regarding the postoperative complications related to this procedure. Hence, the authors performed a comprehensive literature review with meta-analysis.Articles were searched and reviewed using the MEDLINE and Embase databases. Among the studies regarding surgical outcomes after reduction malarplasty, articles with explicit reports and clear numbers of postoperative complications were selected for meta-analysis. Additionally, manual searches were made from references of selected articles.A total 14 retrospective review articles that represented 3149 cases were reviewed, and 7 different postoperative complications were analyzed. The complication that showed the highest weighted mean percentage of frequency was transient sensory weakness, with 5.8% (Z = -18.012; 95% confidence interval, 4.3-7.6%), followed by drooping (2.8%), nonunion (2.2%), asymmetry (1.8%), mouth opening restriction (1.8%), uncontrolled bleeding (1.3%), and facial nerve injury (0.9%).According to our meta-analysis of previous literatures, the aggregated rates of various complications related to reduction malarplasty were not high. Among the various complications, short-term sensory weakness was shown as the most frequent complication, emphasizing the necessity of patient warning and education before and after the operation. Moreover, soft tissue drooping and bone nonunion are also not rare and surgeons should be aware of these complications.

Background and Aim Endoscopic resection is commonly used to remove gastric neoplasms. However, effective dosing or scheduling of proton pump inhibitors for the prevention of delayed bleeding after endoscopic resection remains unclear. Methods One hundred sixty-six patients with gastric adenoma or early gastric cancer were enrolled. After an endoscopic procedure, each subject was randomly assigned to 40 mg every 24 h (standard dose group) or 40 mg every 12 h (double-dose group) of intravenous pantoprazole for 48 h. Second-look endoscopy was performed on day 2 after endoscopic resection to compare signs of rebleeding and ulcer status between the two groups. Result Eighty-one patients of the standard dose group and 81 of the double-dose group were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the incidence of delayed bleeding events (1.3% vs 6.2%, P = 0.21) and bleeding ulcer at the second-look endoscopy (6.2% vs 3.9%, P = 0.69) between standard and double-dose groups. There were no other significant variables associated with delayed bleeding or bleeding ulcer on second-look endoscopy. Conclusions Intravenous pantoprazole 40 mg every 24 h or 12 h for 2 days after endoscopic resection was equally effective for the prevention of delayed bleeding.

Orthognathic surgery has become more popular to slenderize a wide lower face and to improve facial esthetics in Asian patients with normal occlusion. Clockwise rotation (CR) of the maxillomandibular complex (MMC) steepens the mandibular plane. This study performed a quantitative analysis on the influence of CR on slenderness of the lower face from the frontal view. This retrospective study included 36 female patients with Angle Class I occlusion and skeletal Class III pattern. The subjects underwent CR of the MMC without perioperative orthodontic treatment and change in the occlusion only for the purpose of esthetic improvement. Linear and angular variables were measured on a cephalogram and three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) obtained before and at least 6 months after surgery. Data were analyzed using paired t tests and Spearman correlations. Univariate regression analysis was used to predict the postoperative change according to the amount of posterior impaction. The mean posterior impaction was 3.81 mm. All mandibular plane angle (MPA) measurements were increased (ranged from 5.69° to 13.12°, p

A study on the refining of nickel sulfate solution from sulfuric acid leached solution of spent lithium ion battery and fabrication of nickel nanopowders from the nickel sulfate solution was investigated. the nickel sulfate solution with high purity (>99.9%) was refined by precipitation method and solvent extraction method. the nickel nanopowders were synthesized by liquid phase reduction method with hydrazine and sodium hydroxide. the purity of nickel sulfate solution and nickel nanopowders were measured by EDTA(ethylenediaminetetraacetic) titration method with ICP-OES(inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer). morphology, particle size and crystal structure of the nickel nanopowder was observed using transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction spectroscopy.

The development of highly sensitive, stable, and biocompatible imaging agents allowing visualization of dendritic cell (DC) migration is one of the essential factors for effective DC-based immunotherapy. Here, we used a novel and efficient synthesis approach to develop radioiodine-124-labeled tannic acid gold core–shell nanoparticles (124I-TA-Au@AuNPs) for DC labeling and in vivo tracking of their migration using positron emission tomography (PET). 124I-TA-Au@AuNPs were produced within 40 min in high yield via straightforward tannic acid-mediated radiolabeling chemistry and incorporation of Au shell, which resulted in high radio-sensitivity and excellent chemical stability of nanoparticles in DCs and living mice. 124I-TA-Au@AuNPs demonstrated good DC labeling efficiency and did not affect cell biological functions, including proliferation and phenotype marker expression. Importantly, 124I-TA-Au@AuNPs in an extremely low amount (0.1 mg/kg) were successfully applied to track the migration of DCs to lymphoid...

Recent studies have suggested that a low dose (LD) of radioiodine (RAI) is sufficient to treat differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) even in patients with intermediate risk. However, these studies evaluated the efficacy of RAI therapy, irrespective of the results of the whole-body scan (WBS). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the response to LD and high-dose (HD) RAI therapy using two different criteria (with and without WBS results) and the reclassification system according to the revised 2015 guidelines of the American Thyroid Association in Korean intermediate-risk DTC patients. In addition, we evaluated the long-term clinical outcomes of treatment with LD and HD RAI.In total, 204 intermediate-risk DTC patients who underwent postoperative RAI therapy at two tertiary referral hospitals from 2003 to 2004 were enrolled in the present retrospective study. One hundred and twenty-four patients were treated with 3.7 and 5.55 GBq (HD) of RAI in one center and 80 patients were treated with 1.11 GBq (LD) in the other center. The success rate of RAI therapy was assessed with or without the inclusion of WBS results in the analysis. In addition, the response to therapy during the first 2 years of follow-up after the initial RAI therapy was categorized according to the reclassification system of 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines as excellent response, indeterminate response, biochemical incomplete response, or structural incomplete response. Recurrence was defined as a newly detected cytologically or pathologically confirmed lesion.There were no significant differences between the success rates of the HD and LD groups irrespective of the inclusion of WBS results in the analysis (with WBS: 54.84 vs. 45.0%, P=0.23; without WBS: 60.48 vs. 62.5%, P=0.77). The response to HD and LD RAI therapy was excellent in 54.84 and 45.0% of the patients, respectively; indeterminate in 34.68 and 30.0% of the patients, respectively; biochemical incomplete in 4.03 and 13.75% of the patients, respectively; and structural incomplete in 6.45% and in 11.25% of the patients, respectively (P=0.04). In particular, the biochemical or structural incomplete response rate was lower in patients treated with HD than in patients treated with LD (HD, 10.48%; LD, 25.0%, P=0.01). At the last follow-up (HD, median 11 years; LD, median 10 years), patients who achieved an excellent response showed no evidence of disease. After the initial RAI therapy, eight patients in the HD group and 18 patients in the LD group who achieved either indeterminate response or biochemical incomplete response received additional RAI therapy. Seven patients (indeterminate response in five patients; biochemical incomplete response in two patients) in the HD group and seven patients (indeterminate response in five patients; biochemical incomplete response in two patients) in the LD group showed recurrences.LD RAI therapy after thyroidectomy appears to be insufficient in Korean DTC patients with intermediate risk. The patients in the LD group predominantly showed biochemical or structural incomplete response to initial RAI therapy and additional RAI therapy was required.

Single-photon emission computed tomography with integrated computed tomography (SPECT/CT) systems has been applied in a wide range of clinical circumstances, and differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is one of the most important indications of SPECT/CT imaging. In the treatment of DTC, SPECT/CT images have been reported to have many advantages over conventional planar whole-body scintigraphy based on its precise localization and characterization of abnormal foci of radioactive iodine (RAI) accumulation, influencing the staging, risk stratification, and clinical management as well as reader confidence. On the other hand, SPECT/CT has limitations including additional radiation exposure from the CT component, additional imaging time, and cost-related issues. Each SPECT/CT image acquired at different time points throughout the management of DTC may have a different clinical meaning and significance. This review article addresses the clinical usefulness of RAI SPECT/CT images acquired during the pre-ablation period, post-therapy period, and long-term follow-up period, respectively.

We examined the use motives between KakaoStory users and Facebook users.We examined the difference in the use patterns between both users.We examined the difference in the use motives depending on the relative use degree of both SNS. Before global SNS services, such as Facebook and Twitter, were introduced in Korea, Cyworld monopolized the Korean SNS market. However, Cyworld was left behind because it maintained a closed system, which no longer satisfied users. KakaoTalk, a popular Korean mobile messaging application has allowed the messenger itself to become a platform for various services including SNS. KakaoStory began as a photo-based SNS service; by integrating with KakaoTalk's profile pictures, it has become the most popular SNS in Korea. This study focuses on the usage patterns of SNS users to analyze how KakaoStory became one of the most popular SNSs in Korea. In particular, we have examined the differences in usage patterns between KakaoStory and Facebook, and the primary reasons why Korean users select one of these two social networking sites instead of the other. We conducted an exploratory comparison between KakaoStory and Facebook, specifically focusing on the usage patterns and motivations of both sets of users. We also analyzed how the different usage motivations linked to these two social media networks have influenced usage patterns.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to predict the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by examining metabolic PET parameters, apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), and clinical parameters. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 52 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC (age, 57.9 ± 10.7 years; 43 men) who underwent MRI and F-FDG PET/CT. The tumor-to-normal liver SUV ratio (TLR), the mean ADC of each tumor, and other clinical data were obtained. Survival analysis was performed. RESULTS Thirty-two patients died during the follow-up period. There was an inverse correlation between the mean SUV and the mean ADC of a tumor (r = -0.402, P = 0.020). Among HCC patients, disease-specific survival was significantly associated with each of the following factors: high TLR (TLR ≥ 2; hazard ratio [HR], 3.78; P = 0.001), high mean ADC (mean ADC ≥ 1.250 × 10 mm/s; HR, 0.45; P = 0.028), AFP ≥ 400 ng/mL (HR, 3.48; P = 0.001), PIVKA-II ≥ 100mAU/mL (HR, 6.39; P = 0.011), tumor size (HR, 1.13; P < 0.001), number of tumors (HR, 2.16; P = 0.031), tumor stage (HR, 3.08; P < 0.001), and surgery for initial treatment (HR, 0.06; P < 0.001). The results of multivariate analysis show that DSS was significantly associated with each of the following factors: TLR ≥ 2 (HR, 2.46; P = 0.044), PIVKA-II ≥ 100mAU/mL (HR, 5.11; P = 0.037), tumor stage (HR, 3.01; P < 0.001), and surgery for initial treatment (HR, 0.04; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS High TLRs and low mean ADCs were associated with poor outcomes. The TLR was an independent prognostic factor in patients with HCC, but the mean ADC was not. A negative correlation was found between the mean ADC and the mean SUV of a tumor.

This study tests the influence of environmental risks associated with floods, hurricanes, and hazardous material releases on human migration behavior. With close attention to a function of environmental risk factors, socio-demographic attributes, hazard risk and locational attributes were measured and correlated to the standardized number of recent arrivals and long term residents at the census tract level. Two groups (i.e., recent arrivals and long-term residents) were created to compare their moving behavior. The results indicate that flood risk showed little relationship to either recent arrivals or long-term residents. These results are consistent with past research which suggests that people tend to ignore their vulnerability to natural hazards. However, both groups had negative relationships to the risk from hurricanes and hazardous material releases. This counter-intuitive result suggests that other factors, such as proximity to employment opportunities or property tax advantages, need to be examined. In particular, the recent arrivals were negatively related to chemical risk while long-term residents were positively related to chemical risks, indicating that people that just arrived and old residents are somewhat different in perceiving environmental risks. In addition, the results of this study suggest that people are objective about environmental risks in selecting their habitat. However, once the habitat is settled, people’s perception of the risks may be interfered or reduced by other factors.

The bone SPECT/CT allows for precise anatomic delineation of bone activity, which can be valuable for diagnosis of nonmalignant bone diseases. We report an extremely rare case of sphenoid sinus aspergillosis, observed on bone SPECT/CT imaging, as an isolated disease in an immunocompetent individual. A 58-year-old woman with a history of plantar fasciitis was assessed for infection in the tarsal bones. Planar bone scan image revealed incidental focal lesion in skull base, which was considered to be the left sphenoid sinusitis by the bone SPECT/CT scan.

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based therapy is standard to eradicate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Gastric acidity is lowered after gastrectomy because of bile reflux and impaired mechanism of acid secretion. Therefore, low-dose PPI may be effective for H. pylori eradication in the remnant stomach after gastrectomy. In this study, we compared the efficacy of low-dose PPI with standard double-dose PPI to eradicate H. pylori in patients who underwent subtotal gastrectomy. A total of 145 patients who were treated for eradication after gastrectomy was analyzed. They were treated with PPI-based triple regimen (PPI, clarithromycin and amoxicillin) for 14 days. We compared the eradication rate in the low-dose PPI group (lansoprazole 15 mg once daily) with that in the standard double-dose PPI group (lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily). The H. pylori eradication rate was 79.1% in the low-dose PPI group and 85.3% in the standard double-dose group, the difference was not significant statistically (p = 0.357). In the multivariate analysis, low-dose PPI (odds ratio (OR) = 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.68&ndash, 4.69) was not associated with eradication failure, while Billroth II anastomosis (OR = 4.45, 85% CI, 1.23&ndash, 16.2) was significantly associated with eradication failure. Low-dose PPI-based triple regimen was as effective as standard double-dose PPI-based regimen for H. pylori eradication in patients with subtotal gastrectomy. Further study is needed to confirm the effect of low-dose PPI on H. pylori eradication in patients with gastrectomy.

Plants of the genus Wikstroemia have long been used as traditional medicines to treat diseases like pneumonia, rheumatism, and bronchitis. This study was designed to determine the effect of chamaejasmine, a biflavonoid present in W. dolichantha, on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced murine model of AD. Initially, we examined the anti-allergic activities of ten flavonoids from W. dolichantha by measuring &beta, hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells. Subsequently, an SKH-1 hairless mouse model of AD was developed based on the topical application of DNCB. Chamaejasmine (0.5%) or pimecrolimus (1%, positive control) were applied to dorsal skins of DNCB-sensitized AD mice for two weeks. Serum IL-4 and IgE levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration were measured using a Tewameter TM210 and a SKIN-O-MAT, respectively. Of the ten flavonoids isolated from W. dolichantha, chamaejasmine most potently inhibited DNP-specific IgE-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells. Topical administration of chamaejasmine attenuated the clinical symptoms of DNCB-induced dermatitis (i.e., itching, dryness, erythema, and edema). Histological analyses demonstrated that dermal thickness and mast cell infiltration in dermis were significantly reduced by chamaejasmine. In addition, 0.5% chamaejasmine inhibited DNCB-induced increases in total IL-4 and IgE levels in serum, improved skin barrier function, and increased epidermis moisture. Our findings suggest chamaejasmine might be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of atopic diseases.

The extract of Phyllodium (P.) elegans was investigated for its anti-cancer properties on brain astroglioma cells (U251-MG), colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116), and malignant melanoma cells (A375). P. elegans methanolic extract (PeME) showed cytotoxicity on all three cancer cell lines tested. The cell viability assay revealed that PeME significantly reduced the viability of these cells. Clear apoptotic features such as cellular morphology, cell shrinkage, and augmentation of dead cells were observed. Flow cytometry and fluorescence staining techniques confirmed the apoptotic property of PeME. In vitro scratch invasion assay showed that cell migration rate was significantly reduced. Fluorescence microscopic studies using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining showed early and late signs of apoptosis after PeME treatment. Upon PeME stimulation, activation of caspase-3/-9 and Mu-2-related death-inducing gene (MUDENG, MuD) was observed by western blot analysis. JC-1 staining analysis by flow cytometry showed that PeME depolarized the mitochondria membrane potential (MMP). Collectively, these findings, for the first time, point to the fact that PeME has anti-cancer properties against brain, colon, and skin cancer cell lines by depolarizing the MMP and activating apoptotic signaling through the activation of caspase-3/-9 as well as MuD. This is the first report reporting the anticancer activity of this specific plant extract.10.1080/21655979.2019.1682110-UF0001

Here, we report a simple and effective method for separation of gram-negative bacteria using aptamer-modified microbeads and acoustophoresis. As acoustophoresis allows for simultaneous washing and size-dependent separation in continuous flow mode, we efficiently obtained gram-negative bacteria that showed high affinity without any additional washing steps. The proposed device has a simple and efficient channel design, utilizing a long, square-shaped microchannel that shows excellent separation performance in terms of the purity, recovery, and concentration factor. Microbeads (10 µm) coated with the GN6 aptamer can specifically bind gram-negative bacteria. Using acoustophoresis, gram-negative bacteria-bound microbeads and other unbound/contaminants can be separated by size with high purity and recovery. The device demonstrated excellent separation performance, with high recovery (up to 98%), high purity (up to 99%), and a high volume rate (500 µL/min), and a concentration factor of up to 20×. The acoustophoresis microfluidic device also showed binding affinity to multiple strains of gram-negative bacteria, but not to gram-positive bacteria. This study presents a new paradigm for early diagnosis of bacterial infectious diseases. In addition to detecting living bacteria or bacteria-derived biomarkers, this protocol can be extended to monitoring the contamination of water resources, and may aid quick responses to bioterrorism and pathogenic bacterial infections.

Plants of the genus Wikstroemia have long been used as traditional medicines to treat diseases like pneumonia, rheumatism, and bronchitis. This study was designed to determine the effect of chamaejasmine, a biflavonoid present in W. dolichantha, on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced murine model of AD. Initially, we examined the anti-allergic activities of ten flavonoids from W. dolichantha by measuring β-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells. Subsequently, an SKH-1 hairless mouse model of AD was developed based on the topical application of DNCB. Chamaejasmine (0.5%) or pimecrolimus (1%, positive control) were applied to dorsal skins of DNCB-sensitized AD mice for two weeks. Serum IL-4 and IgE levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration were measured using a Tewameter TM210 and a SKIN-O-MAT, respectively. Of the ten flavonoids isolated from W. dolichantha, chamaejasmine most potently inhibited DNP-specific IgE-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells. Topical administration of chamaejasmine attenuated the clinical symptoms of DNCB-induced dermatitis (i.e., itching, dryness, erythema, and edema). Histological analyses demonstrated that dermal thickness and mast cell infiltration in dermis were significantly reduced by chamaejasmine. In addition, 0.5% chamaejasmine inhibited DNCB-induced increases in total IL-4 and IgE levels in serum, improved skin barrier function, and increased epidermis moisture. Our findings suggest chamaejasmine might be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of atopic diseases.

The random dynamics of two different tumor cell types on a substrate were observed under a microscope and analyzed based on three parameters—mean square displacement (MSD), turning angle distribution (TAD), and velocity autocorrelation function (VACF)—under well-controlled experimental conditions wherein only thermal energy existed. A two-dimensional analysis on the substrate showed linear MSD but a lowered diffusion coefficient compared to the prediction by Stokes–Einstein equation due to particle substrate interaction. Moreover, anomalous characteristics based on the MSD and TAD of the two different cells, A549 (adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells) and MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line; estrogen, progesterone receptors +, HER2 −), were observed, and the nonlinear MSD at a short time scale was detected. This result is attributed to the localization error from the bright-field image of a different cell taken, while the cell moved randomly on the substrate. Parameters related to random process and localization errors were employed to distinguish the two cell types. This study could be useful for the characterization of cellular properties and cell types.

PURPOSE Based on the possibility that early-phase florbetaben (E-FBB) brain PET can be a surrogate for brain perfusion imaging, we conducted this study to investigate the clinical utility of E-FBB PET instead of F-FDG brain PET. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study included 35 patients with clinical suspicion of cognitive decline or dementia and 5 healthy controls. Brain MRI, E-FBB PET, late-phase FBB PET, and FDG PET were acquired. The regional SUV ratios (SUVRs) were calculated by cortical surface region of interest analysis using individual MRI, and relationship between E-FBB and FDG PET was analyzed. All PET scans were scored and analyzed as per visual scoring system, which represent tracer uptake abnormality. Moreover, uptake patterns were analyzed to determine the disease. RESULTS Among the 40 subjects, 19 were amyloid-positive and 21 were amyloid-negative on late-phase FBB PET. Cortical surface region of interest analysis conducted for comparing between E-FBB and FDG PET revealed significant correlations (P < 0.0001) for regional SUVR among all brain regions; however, the SUVR values of FDG PET were statistically higher than those of E-FBB PET. Similarly, although the visually rated scores for E-FBB and FDG PET showed significant correlation (P < 0.0001), it was considered that the tracer uptake was more severely decreased for FDG PET. The disease types, specified by E-FBB and FDG PET, were statistically correlated. CONCLUSIONS E-FBB PET could potentially be a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of dementia in place of FDG PET. Nevertheless, the severity of the disease was more accurately determined by FDG PET.

A defense mechanism in epithelial tissue can mechanically eliminate abnormal cells by contracting the cell boundary or area via actomyosin activity. From numerical simulations of the vertex dynamics model and approximate analytical solutions based on deviations from the ground state, here we derived general conditions for mechanical cell elimination (MCE) occurring via cell contraction. In particular, we found that MCE is realized by saddle-node bifurcation in a wide parameter range, and that the size of the eliminated cell is almost constant at the bifurcation point, suggesting the existence of an intrinsic threshold cell area for MCE.

With recent declines in air quality, the significance of urban green spaces and their ecological functions have rapidly increased, especially with regard to the reduction of particulate matter. Various investigations regarding particle reduction in urban green spaces have been conducted; however, specific guidelines to establish empirical data for green spaces and to inform related policies are still lacking. Thus, this study aims to categorize experts’ perceptions of green spaces through Q-methodology and to identify ways to form a consensus, establish policies in the design and construction process, ultimately aiming to enhance particle reduction effects in urban green spaces. As a result, experts’ perceptions were classified into three categories: ‘active support,’ ‘skeptical,’ and ‘passive support’ groups. Experts’ opinions on the particle reduction effects of urban green areas are overarchingly agreed upon; however, the priorities involved and methods used in augmenting green space integration require further analysis and mediation. Additionally, further empirical evidence should be accumulated on the particulate matter reduction effects of urban green areas, including the quantification of particle concentration reduction in urban green spaces and considerations for policy establishment in design and construction.

Exposure to green spaces can reduce the negative effects of stress. This study examines how frequency of visits and time spent in urban green spaces (UGS) affect urban dwellers’ subjective well-being. We also investigated the numbers of respondents visiting UGS, their primary motivation, and constraints on their ability to visit. Using quota sampling, an online survey was conducted of 400 residents of Daejeon City, South Korea. ANOVA results indicated no significant interactions between visit frequency and time spent in UGS. Respondents who had visited UGS within the past two weeks expressed higher positive and lower negative emotions than did non-visitors, regardless of visit frequency, and regular visitors showed higher general life satisfaction levels. These positive effects were confirmed by estimated structural equation models. However, the time spent in UGS did not affect emotions or life satisfaction in general. Heavy users mostly visited UGS to walk, and light/non-users cited the lack of urban green spaces near their home as the major constraint on visiting UGS. The estimated structural equation models clearly show positive effects from motivation and negative effects of constraints and access time to UGS on visit frequency. To improve urban dwellers’ subjective well-being, UGS should prioritize good walking environments and accessibility.

The aim of this study was to develop a new method, using a vibration sensor, to address the drawbacks of preexisting methods for monitoring soil ecological toxicity. A novel method was designed by inspiration from seismometers, which record signals originating from the ground motion caused by earthquake events. Similarly, the newly developed method using a vibration sensor detects the signals generated by earthworm activity, which reflects the soil ecological toxicity. To establish the new method, a stepwise approach was adopted: (1) the effects of operational conditions on the overall performance of the system were evaluated, and (2) the feasibility of the method was tested by an application study. A number of crucial factors influencing the overall performance of the method were evaluated. These were categorized based on three features: soil, tested organism, and instrumentation. The soil properties evaluated included soil type (artificial and natural), moisture content, and bulk density. In terms of the organism, the effect of the number of earthworms was investigated. Finally, with regard to instrumentation, appropriate soil chamber specifications and monitoring duration were identified. The most effective conditions for each factor were determined based on a comparative evaluation of changes in the activity levels and body weights of the earthworms. After the first step of the study, an application study was carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. Zinc (Zn)-contaminated soils were tested under the most efficient operational conditions identified in the preceding study. The results of the study confirm that the method is applicable to natural soils, and the best performance was achieved under soil conditions of 50–60% maximum water holding capacity and 0.95 g/cm3 bulk density. Furthermore, the optimal number of earthworms was found to be five, which corresponds 19.84 g soil per earthworm. With respect to the instrumental conditions, the most efficient specification was a cylindrical soil chamber with a diameter of 94 mm and height of 54 mm. Additionally, the most relevant monitoring duration was found to be 7 days. The results indicate that the method can shorten the testing period, reduce the soil amount and earthworm number required, and facilitate the real-time monitoring of mortality. Based on the results of the application study, we validated the proposed vibration sensor-based method for characterizing earthworm behavior in terms of its feasibility for monitoring the ecological toxicity of soil. The results indicate that dermal contact and feeding activity of earthworms decreased significantly with increasing Zn concentrations in the soil. The EC50 value of Zn calculated based on the earthworm behavior was 340.97 mg/kg. Based on the results, it is concluded that the proposed method cannot only overcome the shortcomings of traditional test methods using earthworms, but also enable real-time ecotoxicity in soil environments.

To evaluate the preventive effect of parotid gland (PG) massage for PG damage during the I therapy, we prospectively investigated the serum amylase value and salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS) after I therapy.One hundred patients with thyroidectomized differentiated thyroid cancer who underwent high-dose I therapy were enrolled in the clinical trial and randomized into 2 groups (PG massage group and nonmassage group). The serum amylase value was obtained before and 24 hours after I therapy, and the SGSs were also taken just before and at 8 months after the I therapy. Change in serum amylase value and SGS was compared between PG massage and nonmassage groups.The difference value of serum amylase was significantly lower in PG massage group than in nonmassage group (P = 0.0052). Worsening of PG function on SGS was observed in 43 (45.3%) of the 95 patients. The incidence rate of PG abnormality on F/U SGS was significantly lower in PG massage group than in nonmassage group (odds ratio, 0.3704; P = 0.0195). In the multiple regression analysis, PG massage significantly affected the abnormality on the 8-month F/U SGS (rpartial = -0.2741, P = 0.0090) after adjusting for clinical variables (age, sex, TNM stage, TSH preparation methods for the I therapy, and I dose).PG gland massage significantly reduced the incidence rates of salivary gland dysfunction on the 8-month F/U SGS and the level of the serological marker of salivary gland destruction after I therapy. Therefore, PG gland massage could alleviate salivary gland damage related to I therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to investiagte the diagnostic accuracy of (F)18 flucholine (FCH) positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) for pre-operative lymph node (LN) staging in newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PCa) patients using meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed and Embase from the earliest available date of indexing through December 31, 2018, were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of (F)18 FCH PET/CT for preoperative LN staging in newly diagnosed PCa. We determined the sensitivities and specificities across studies, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR + and LR-), and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: Across seven studies (627 patients), the pooled sensitivity was 0.57 [95% confidence interval (CI) (0.42–0.70)] and a pooled specificity of 0.94 [95% CI (0.89–0.97)]. Likelihood ratio (LR) syntheses gave an overall positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 10.2 (95% CI; 5.0–21.0) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 0.46 (95% CI; 0.33–0.64). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 22 (95% CI; 9–54). CONCLUSIONS: (F)18 FCH PET/CT shows a low sensitivity and high specificity for the detection of metastatic LNs in patients with newly diagnosed PCa. Also, (F)18 FCH PET/CT is only useful for confirmation of LN metastasis (when positive) in PCa patients. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: (F)18 FCH PET/CT demonstrates low sensitivity but high specificity for diagnosis of metastatic LNs in patients with newly diagnosed PCa. Also, (F)18 FCH PET/CT is only useful for confirmation of LN metastasis (when positive) in PCa patients.

Extracellular vesicles, have gained increasing attention for their application in drug delivery. Here, we developed a novel method for radiolabeling WBCs withEngineered EVMs from RBCs were produced by a one-step extrusion method. RBC-EVMs were analyzed by NTA and TEM. Cells were labeled withThe radiochemical purity ofThis novel method for radiolabeling WBCs using RBC-EVMs.

Recent research in DNA nanotechnology has demonstrated that biological substrates can be used for computing at a molecular level. However, in vitro demonstrations of DNA computations use preprogrammed, rule-based methods which lack the adaptability that may be essential in developing molecular systems that function in dynamic environments. Here, we introduce an in vitro molecular algorithm that ‘learns’ molecular models from training data, opening the possibility of ‘machine learning’ in wet molecular systems. Our algorithm enables enzymatic weight update by targeting internal loop structures in DNA and ensemble learning, based on the hypernetwork model. This novel approach allows massively parallel processing of DNA with enzymes for specific structural selection for learning in an iterative manner. We also introduce an intuitive method of DNA data construction to dramatically reduce the number of unique DNA sequences needed to cover the large search space of feature sets. By combining molecular computing and machine learning the proposed algorithm makes a step closer to developing molecular computing technologies for future access to more intelligent molecular systems.