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The integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics may elucidate the correlation between the genotypic and phenotypic patterns in organisms. In equine physiology, various metabolite levels vary during exercise, which may be correlated with a modified gene expression pattern of related genes. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic studies in horses have not been conducted to date. The objective of this study was to detect the effect of moderate exercise on the metabolomic and transcriptomic levels in horses. In this study, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we analyzed the concentrations of metabolites in muscle and plasma; we also determined the gene expression patterns of branched chain (alpha) keto acid dehydrogenase kinase complex (BCKDK), which encodes the key regulatory enzymes in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism, in two breeds of horses, Thoroughbred and Jeju, at different time intervals. The concentrations of metabolites in muscle and plasma were measured by 1H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy, and the relative metabolite levels before and after exercise in the two samples were compared. Subsequently, multivariate data analysis based on the metabolic profiles was performed using orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and variable important plots and t-test were used for basic statistical analysis. The stress-induced expression patterns of BCKDK genes in horse muscle-derived cells were examined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to gain insight into the role of transcript in response to exercise stress. In this study, we found higher concentrations of aspartate, leucine, isoleucine, and lysine in the skeletal muscle of Jeju horses than in Thoroughbred horses. In plasma, compared with Jeju horses, Thoroughbred horses had higher levels of alanine and methionine before exercise; whereas post-exercise, lysine levels were increased. Gene expression analysis revealed a decreased expression level of BCKDK in the post-exercise period in Thoroughbred horses.

Objective Stress-induced cytotoxicity caused by xenobiotics and endogenous metabolites induces the production of reactive oxygen species and often results in damage to cellular components such as DNA, proteins, and lipids. The cytochrome P450 (CYP) family of enzymes are most abundant in hepatocytes, where they play key roles in regulating cellular stress responses. We aimed to determine the effects of the antioxidant compound, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), on oxidative stress response, and study the cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A (CYP3A) gene expression in fetal horse hepatocytes. Methods The expression of hepatocyte markers and CYP3A family genes (CYP3A89, CYP3A93, CYP3A94, CYP3A95, CYP3A96, and CYP3A97) were assessed in different organ tissues of the horse and fetal horse liver-derived cells (FHLCs) using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. To elucidate the antioxidant effects of MSM on FHLCs, cell viability, levels of oxidative markers, and gene expression of CYP3A were investigated in H2O2-induced oxidative stress in the presence and absence of MSM. Results FHLCs exhibited features of liver cells and simultaneously maintained the typical genetic characteristics of normal liver tissue; however, the expression profiles of some liver markers and CYP3A genes, except that of CYP3A93, were different. The expression of CYP3A93 specifically increased after the addition of H2O2 to the culture medium. MSM treatment reduced oxidative stress as well as the expression of CYP3A93 and heme oxygenase 1, an oxidative marker in FHLCs. Conclusion MSM could reduce oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in FHLCs by altering CYP3A93 expression and related signaling pathways.

Objective The study was conducted to investigate variations in the immunophysiological responses to exercise-induced stress in Jeju and Thoroughbred horses. Methods Blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of adult Jeju (n = 5) and Thoroughbred (n = 5) horses before and after 30 min of exercise. The hematological, biochemical, and immunological profiles of the blood samples were analyzed. Blood smears were stained and observed under a microscope. The concentration of cell-free (cf) DNA in the plasma was determined using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear cells were separated using Polymorphprep, and the expression of various stress-related and chemokine receptor genes was measured using reverse transcriptase (RT) and real-time PCR. Results After exercise, Jeju and Thoroughbred horses displayed stress responses with significantly increased rectal temperatures, cortisol levels, and muscle catabolism-associated metabolites. Red blood cell indices were significantly higher in Thoroughbred horses than in Jeju horses after exercise. In addition, exercise-induced stress triggered the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and reduced platelet counts in Jeju horses but not in Thoroughbred horses. Heat shock protein 72 and heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 6 expression is rapidly modulated in response to exercise-induced stress in the PBMCs of Jeju horses. The expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 in PBMCs was higher in Thoroughbred horses than in Jeju horses after exercise. Conclusion In summary, the different immunophysiological responses of Jeju and Thoroughbred horses explain the differences in the physiological and anatomical properties of the two breeds. The physiology of Thoroughbred horses makes them suitable for racing as they are less sensitive to exercise-induced stress compared to that of Jeju horses. This study provides a basis for investigating the link between exercise-induced stresses and the physiological alteration of horses. Hence, our findings show that some of assessed parameters could be used to determine the endurance performance of horses.

Bilateral chylothorax due to blunt trauma is extremely rare. We report a 74-year-old patient that developed delayed bilateral chylothorax after falling off a ladder. The patient had a simple 12th rib fracture and T12 lamina fracture. All other findings seemed normal. He was sent home and on the 5th day visited our emergency center at Halla Hospital with symptoms of dyspnea and lower back pain. Computer tomography of his chest presented massive fluid collection in his right pleural cavity and moderate amounts in his left pleural cavity with 12th rib fracture and T11-12 intervertebral space widening with bilateral facet fractures. Chest tubes were placed bilaterally and chylothorax through both chest tubes was discovered. Conservative treatment for 2 weeks failed, and thus, thoracic duct ligation was done by video assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Thoracic duct embolization was not an option. Postoperatively, the patient is now doing well and happy with the results. Early surgical treatment must be considered in the old patient, whom large amounts of chylothorax are present.

Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of how the trauma care system applied on the management of trauma patient within the region. Methods We divided the patients in a pre-trauma system group and a post-trauma system group according to the time when we began to apply the trauma care system in the Halla Hospital after designation of a trauma center. We compared annual general characteristics, injury severity score, the average numbers of the major trauma patients, clinical outcomes of the emergency department, and mortality rates between the two groups. Results No significant differences were found in the annual patients’ average age (54.1±20.0 vs. 52.8±18.2, p=0.201), transportation pathways (p=0.462), injury mechanism (p=0.486), injury severity score (22.93 vs. 23.96, p=0.877), emergency room (ER) stay in minutes (199.17 vs. 194.29, p=0.935), time to operation or procedure in minutes (154.07 vs. 142.1, p=0.767), time interval to intensive care unit (ICU) in minutes (219.54 vs. 237.13, p=0.662). The W score and Z score indicated better outcomes in post-trauma system group than in pre-trauma system group (W scores, 2.186 vs. 2.027; Z scores, 2.189 vs. 1.928). However, when analyzing survival rates for each department, in the neurosurgery department, in comparison with W score and Z score, both W score were positive and Z core was higher than +1.96. (pre-trauma group: 3.426, 2.335 vs. post-trauma group: 4.17, 1.967). In other than the neurosurgery department, W score was positive after selection, but Z score was less than +1.96, which is not a meaningful outcome of treatment (pre-trauma group: −0.358, −0.271 vs. post-trauma group: 1.071, 0.958). Conclusions There were significant increases in patient numbers and improvement in survival rate after the introduction of the trauma system. However, there were no remarkable change in ER stay, time to ICU admission, time interval to emergent procedure or operation, and survival rates except neurosurgery. To achieve meaningful survival rates and the result of the rise of the trauma index, we will need to secure sufficient manpower, including specialists in various surgical area as well as rapid establishment of the trauma center.

Rib fixations for flail chest or displaced rib fractures are not a new technique. However, reports on rib fixations involving costal cartilage fractures are very few and surprisingly there are no reports of internal fixations involving only the costal cartilage in the English literature. The diagnosis is difficult and the necessity of the procedure may be quite controversial. Placing plates in screws into the costal cartilage alone may seem unstable and easily dislodged or stripped through the cartilage. We report a 31-year-old male scuba diver instructor who underwent rib fixations over his 7th and 8th costal cartilage ribs for severe pain. The procedure was done with conventional plates and screws. He had the plates and screws removed 2 months later due to lingering pain, but with them removed he is now quite happy with the results without pain. The procedure for fixation of painful overlapped costal cartilage is quite simple and can be done with the usual conventional methods, fixating plate and screws directly over the cartilage alone without fixation over the bony rib.

Although hemothorax and pneumothorax are common complications seen in rib fractures, focal extrapleural hematoma is quite rare. We report a 63-year-old female patient that developed large focal extrapleural hematoma after falling off a second floor veranda. The patient had sustained 3, 4, 5th costal cartilage rib fractures and a sternum fracture. She had developed suspected empyema with loculations with small amount of hemothorax. She underwent a planned early decortication/adhesiolysis by video assisted thoracoscopic surgery at the 12th post-trauma day due to failed drainage. Unexpectedly, she had no adhesions or any significant retained hematoma mimicking a mass, but was found with the focal extrapleural chest wall hematoma. She was discharged on postoperative 46th day for other reasons and is doing fine today.

Delayed esophageal rupture due to blunt injury is not new. However, rupture due to suspected barotrauma is very rare. We describe a case of esophageal rupture in a male 24-year-old patient after diving in shallow waters. The patient was quadriplegic and could not experience the typical chest pain related to rupture and resulting mediastinitis. The rupture was discovered 4 days after emergency decompressive laminectomy and fusion for his cervical spine. The rupture was evidently caused by barotrauma and was discovered four days after admission. He underwent primary closure and pericardial flap as a life-saving procedure.

Background: Social changes related to the elderly in regard to factors such as population, region, cohabitant status and depression incidence, have recently been observed. The aim of our study was to investigate the characteristics of elderly suicide attempters according to these changes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of suicide attempters who visited an Emergency Department between January 2013 and March 2016. Patients were classified into an elderly or non-elderly group. Data included demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics. The Risk-Rescue Rating Scale (RRRS) and Suicide Intent Scale (SIS) scores were calculated. Results: Of 340 patients, 78 were elderly. Male sex, lower educational and financial status, chronic disease, and depression were more common in the elderly group, while previous history of suicide attempt was more frequent in the non-elderly group. RRRS was higher in the elderly group, while SIS was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Unlike the non-elderly group, no correlation between suicide lethality and intention was found in the elderly group. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified that chronic disease, depression, unemployment, cohabitation, and high lethality were risk factors of suicidal attempts in the elderly. Similar results were observed in the study classified by suicide method. Conclusion: Chronic disease, depression, unemployment, and lethality were found to be risk factors of suicidal attempts in the elderly. However, unlike previous reports, several risk factors, including male sex, cohabitation, and suicide intention took on a different aspect in our study. The differences in these characteristics can be an important guide aiming to develop specific elderly suicide precautions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the necessity for rapid contact tracing as a means to effectively suppress the spread of infectious diseases. Existing contact tracing methods leverage location-based or distance-based detection to identify contact with a confirmed patient. Existing contact tracing methods have encountered challenges in practical applications, stemming from the tendency to classify even casual contacts, which carry a low risk of infection, as close contacts. This issue arises because the transmission characteristics of the virus have not been fully considered. This study addresses the above problem by proposing IntelliTrace, an intelligent method that introduces methodological innovations prioritizing shared environmental context over physical proximity. This approach more accurately assesses potential transmission events by considering the transmission characteristics of the virus, with a special focus on COVID-19. In this study, we present space-based indoor Wi-Fi contact tracing using machine learning for indoor environments and trajectory-based outdoor GPS contact tracing for outdoor environments. For an indoor environment, a contact is detected based on whether users are in the same space with the confirmed case. For an outdoor environment, we detect contact through judgments based on the companion statuses of people, such as the same movements in their trajectories. The datasets obtained from 28 participants who installed the smartphone application during a one-month experiment in a campus space were utilized to train and validate the performance of the proposed exposure-detection method. As a result of the experiment, IntelliTrace exhibited an F1 score performance of 86.84% in indoor environments and 94.94% in outdoor environments.

A conceptual design of a liquid hydrogen FPSO was developed in this research, and its hull dimensions were optimized under the environment at the Donghae gas field in South Korea. During the conceptual design stage, a process of production, storage, and offloading of liquid hydrogen was studied, and the topside and hull layouts for the liquid hydrogen FPSO were proposed. The capacities of each module were determined based on the operation scenario. The corresponding required areas and weight of each module were estimated from the literature review and the data from the ongoing project (KRISO, 2022). The optimized hull dimensions were presented by a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA) with two objectives, minimization of the hull steel weight and the motion level considering the constraints related to geometry, stability, and hydrodynamic performances. The obtained Pareto set shows three classified solution types depending on the active constraints, which is able to propose a wide range of design alternatives for the liquid hydrogen FPSO with unique constraints compared to general ships.

We present a direct fabrication technique of patterned polymeric electrochromic (EC) devices via soft lithography, enabling both negative patterning and positive patterning of the polymer. For this work, elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds were employed as not only stamps for direct contact printing of polymer inks but also templates for dewetting of polymer solutions under mild experimental conditions. We performed both negative patterning and positive patterning of a prototypical EC polymer and investigated the EC device characteristics according to solvents, solution concentrations, and pattern types. Eventually, the complex patterns, which cannot be realized by conventional shadow masking processes, and large-area structures were successfully demonstrated. We anticipate that these results will be applied to the development of various patterned devices and circuits, which may lead to further applications.

Objective: Stress-induced cytotoxicity caused by xenobiotics and endogenous metabolites induces the production of reactive oxygen species and often results in damage to cellular components such as DNA, proteins, and lipids. The cytochrome P450 (CYP) family of enzymes are most abundant in hepatocytes, where they play key roles in regulating cellular stress responses. We aimed to determine the effects of the antioxidant compound, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), on oxidative stress response, and study the cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A (CYP3A) gene expression in fetal horse hepatocytes. Methods: The expression of hepatocyte markers and CYP3A family genes (CYP3A89, CYP3A93, CYP3A94, CYP3A95, CYP3A96, and CYP3A97) were assessed in different organ tissues of the horse and fetal horse liver-derived cells (FHLCs) using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. To elucidate the antioxidant effects of MSM on FHLCs, cell viability, levels of oxidative markers, and gene expression of CYP3A were investigated in H2O2-induced oxidative stress in the presence and absence of MSM. Results: FHLCs exhibited features of liver cells and simultaneously maintained the typical genetic characteristics of normal liver tissue; however, the expression profiles of some liver markers and CYP3A genes, except that of CYP3A93, were different. The expression of CYP3A93 specifically increased after the addition of H2O2 to the culture medium. MSM treatment reduced oxidative stress as well as the expression of CYP3A93 and heme oxygenase 1, an oxidative marker in FHLCs. Conclusion: MSM could reduce oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in FHLCs by altering CYP3A93 expression and related signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracting transient structural information of a solute from time-resolved x-ray diffraction (TRXD) data is not trivial because the signal from a solution contains not only the solute-only term as in the gas phase, but also solvent-related terms. To obtain structural insights, the diffraction signal in q space is often Fourier sine transformed (FT) into r space, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation-aided signal decomposition into the solute, cage, and solvent terms has so far been indispensable for a clear-cut assignment of structural features. Here we present a convenient method of comparative structural analysis without involving MD simulations by incorporating only isolated-species models for the solute. FT is applied to both the experimental data and candidate isolated-solute models, and comparison of the correlation factors between the experimental FT and the model FTs can distinguish the best candidate among isolated-solute models for the reaction intermediates. The low q region whose influence by solvent-related terms is relatively high can be further excluded, and this mode of truncated Fourier transform (TFT) improves the correlation factors and facilitates the comparison. TFT analysis has been applied to TRXD data on the photodissociation of C2H4I2 in two different solvents (methanol and cyclohexane), HgI2 in methanol, and I3- in methanol excited at 267 nm. The results are consistent with previous conclusions for C2H4I2 in methanol and HgI2 in methanol, and the new TRXD data reveal that the C2H4I transient radical has a bridged structure in cyclohexane and I3- in methanol decomposes into I+I2- upon irradiation at 267 nm. This TFT method should greatly simplify the analysis because it bypasses MD simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Z-scheme graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)/α-Fe2O3 has been incorporated into a three-dimensional porous graphene aerogel. Graphene aerogels are a promising framework in their use for practical photocatalysis by abundant reaction sites, efficient mass transport of reactants and recyclability through their freestanding framework. At the same time, Z-scheme charge transfer among g-C3N4, α-Fe2O3, and conductive graphene inhibits the rapid recombination of the photoinduced electrons and holes. Ternary g-C3N4/α-Fe2O3/graphene aerogels (CNFGA) showed significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity which demonstrated 4.75 times greater methylene blue degradation and 17.5 times higher photocurrent density than those of exfoliated g-C3N4 under visible light. In addition, CNFGA exhibited a robust photostability with a simple recovery method while showing only a ca. 2% decrease in photocatalytic performance after five cycles. These results suggest that this ternary Z-scheme photocatalyst based on a graphene aerogel has potential use in practical photocatalysis for various environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]