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Introduction: Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a group of pathologies defined by pain and stiffness after intramuscular administration of vaccine to the upper arm and has been reported after COVID-19 vaccination. We aim to discuss its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes. Materials and methods: We retrospectively identified patients presenting with adhesive capsulitis within four weeks of administration of COVID-19 vaccine to the affected arm at our tertiary institution from March 2021 to December 2022. Result: Based on the above criteria, we identified seven cases of adhesive capsulitis, comprising one male and six female patients, with average age of 60 years. We present initial symptoms, signs and the duration from when the vaccine was administered. We have highlighted our treatment strategies as well as the clinical and functional outcomes reported by these patients after treatment. We have reported improvement in both Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and range of motion (ROM) in all our patients after non- surgical management which included physiotherapy and, in some cases, hydrodilatation. Conclusion: SIRVA related adhesive capsulitis is rare and under-reported with limited information in current literature. This study highlights that adhesive capsulitis is a potential complication arising from improper COVID-19 vaccine administration and reinforces traditional wisdom of administering vaccinations on the non-dominant arm. Conservative treatment strategies appear to be effective, particularly hydrodilatation combined with physiotherapy, and patients are expected to have a good return of function.

Woo Youl Kang,1,2,* Hae Won Lee,1,2,* Mi-Ri Gwon,1,2 Seungil Cho,1,2 Wang-Seob Shim,3 Kyung-Tae Lee,3 Dong Heon Yang,4 Sook Jin Seong,1,2 Young-Ran Yoon1,2 1Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea; 3Kyung Hee Drug Analysis Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 4Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Young-Ran YoonDepartment of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of KoreaTel +82-53-420-4950Fax +82-53-420-5218Email yry@knu.ac.krSook Jin SeongDepartment of Clinical Pharmacology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of KoreaTel +82-53-200-6351Fax +82-53-420-5218Email wintersj@knu.ac.krObjective: Fimasartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, and linagliptin, a dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitor, are frequently coadministered to treat patients with hypertension and diabetes, respectively. This study sought to evaluate the pharmacokinetic interactions between fimasartan and linagliptin after co-administration in healthy Korean subjects.Methods: The overall study was divided into two separate parts, with each part designed as an open-label, multiple-dose, two-period, and single-sequence study. In Part A, to investigate the effect of linagliptin on fimasartan, 25 subjects received 120 mg fimasartan alone once daily for seven days during Period I, and 120 mg fimasartan with 20 mg linagliptin for seven days during Period II. In Part B, to examine the effect of fimasartan on linagliptin, 12 subjects received only linagliptin once daily for seven days during Period I, followed by concomitant administration of fimasartan for seven days during Period II, at the same doses used in Part A. Serial blood samples were collected at scheduled intervals for up to 24 h after the last dose to determine the steady-state pharmacokinetics of both drugs.Results: Thirty-six subjects completed the study. The geometric mean ratio and 90% confidence intervals for maximum plasma concentration at steady state (Cmax,ss) and area under the concentration–time curve at steady state (AUCτ,ss) of fimasartan with or without linagliptin were 1.2633 (0.9175– 1.7396) and 1.1740 (1.0499– 1.3126), respectively. The corresponding values for Cmax,ss and AUCτ,ss of linagliptin with or without fimasartan were 0.9804 (0.8480– 1.1336) and 0.9950 (0.9322– 1.0619), respectively. A total of eight adverse events (AEs) were reported and the incidence of AEs did not increase significantly with co-administration of the drugs.Conclusion: Our results suggest that there are no clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions between fimasartan and linagliptin when co-administered. Treatments were well tolerated during the study, with no serious adverse effects.Clinical Trial Registry: http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03250052.Keywords: fimasartan, pharmacokinetics, drug–drug interaction, linagliptin, safety

Woo Youl Kang,1,2,* Sook Jin Seong,1,2,* Boram Ohk,1,2 Mi-Ri Gwon,1,2 Bo Kyung Kim,1,2 Seungil Cho,1,2 Wang-Seob Shim,3 Kyung-Tae Lee,4 Eun Hee Kim,5 Dong Heon Yang,6 Hae Won Lee,1,2 Young-Ran Yoon1,2 1Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea; 3Kyung Hee Drug Analysis Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 4College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 5College of Nursing, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea; 6Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea *These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: A new fixed-dose combination (FDC) formulation of 120 mg fimasartan and 20 mg rosuvastatin was developed to increase therapeutic convenience and improve treatment compliance. Methods: A randomized, open-label, single-dose, two-treatment, two-way crossover study with a 7-day washout period was conducted to compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics and bioequivalence between an FDC of fimasartan/rosuvastatin and the separate co-administration of fimasartan and rosuvastatin in healthy Korean volunteers. The plasma concentrations of fimasartan and rosuvastatin were analyzed by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method, for which serial blood samples were collected for up to 48 hours post-administration of fimasartan and 72 hours post-administration of rosuvastatin, in each period. The PK parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental method. Results: A total of 78 subjects completed the study. All the 90% CIs of the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) fell within the predetermined acceptance range. The GMR and 90% CI for the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to the last measurement (AUC0–t) and the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) for fimasartan were 0.9999 (0.9391–1.0646) and 1.0399 (0.8665–1.2479), respectively. The GMR and 90% CI for the AUC0–t and Cmax for rosuvastatin were 1.0075 (0.9468–1.0722) and 1.0856 (0.9944–1.1852), respectively. Treatment with fimasartan and rosuvastatin was generally well tolerated without serious adverse events. Conclusion: The new FDC formulation of 120 mg fimasartan and 20 mg rosuvastatin can be substituted for the separate co-administration of fimasartan and rosuvastatin, for the advantage of better compliance with convenient therapeutic administration. Keywords: fixed-dose combination, pharmacokinetics, bioequivalence, fimasartan, rosuvastatin

Jing-Jhao Ye, Kuan-Ting Lee, Jing-Siang Lin, Chiung-Cheng Chuang Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung Li, Taiwan Abstract: Continuously monitoring and efficiently managing pain has become an important issue. However, no study has investigated a change in physiological parameters during the process of pain production/relief. This study modeled the process of pain production/relief using ramped thermal stimulation (no pain: 37°C water, process of pain production: a heating rate of 1°C/min, and subject feels pain: water kept at the painful temperature for each subject, with each segment lasting 10 min). In this duration, the variation of the heat rate variability and photoplethysmography-derived parameters was observed. A total of 40 healthy individuals participated: 30 in the trial group (14 males and 16 females with a mean age of 22.5±1.9 years) and 10 in the control group (7 males and 3 females with a mean age of 22.5±1.3 years). The results showed that the numeric rating scale value was 5.03±1.99 when the subjects felt pain, with a temperature of 43.54±1.70°C. Heart rate, R-R interval, low frequency, high frequency, photoplethysmography amplitude, baseline, and autonomic nervous system state showed significant changes during the pain production process, but these changes differed during the period Segment D (painful temperature 10: min). In summary, the study observed that physiological parameters changed qualitatively during the process of pain production and relief and found that the high frequency, low frequency, and photoplethysmography parameters seemed to have different responses in four situations (no pain, pain production, pain experienced, and pain relief). The trends of these variations may be used as references in the clinical setting for continuously observing pain intensity. Keywords: pain production, heart rate variability, photoplethysmography, thermal stimuli

We present a case of left suprascapular nerve palsy in a 39-year-old female secondary to compression from a large ganglion cyst. She presented with a two month history of left posterior shoulder pain which affected her work and disturbed her sleep. Clinical examination revealed a positive O’Brien’s test. Supraspinatus and infraspinatus strength was mildly weakened. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the left shoulder revealed a superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion with a large supraglenoid labral cyst extending posteriorly to the spinoglenoid notch, resulting in compression of the suprascapular nerve. Arthroscopy revealed the SLAP lesion with a haemorrhagic labral cyst at the posterosuperior aspect. Arthroscopic decompression of the cyst and SLAP repair with two suture anchors was performed. At 22 months postoperative follow-up, the patient’s left shoulder remained asymptomatic with full range of motion and full strength.

Pectoralis major rupture is a relatively uncommon injury. It is often under- or misdiagnosed due to late presentation and the lack of obvious clinical signs. Timely diagnosis and treatment is crucial, as early surgical repair has been shown to improve functional and cosmetic outcomes. We report the case of a young patient who underwent surgical repair of a right pectoralis major rupture sustained during a fall while wakeboarding. At the one-year follow-up, he had achieved full range of right shoulder motion and returned to his previous level of sporting activities.

Background and Purpose: We previously reported that 3-(benzo[d]-1,3-dioxol-5-yl)-4-phenylfuran-2,5-dione (BPD) showed strong inhibitory effects on PGE(2) production. However, the exact mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effect of BPD is not completely understood. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism involved in the effects of BPD on inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated macrophages and animal models of inflammation.Experimental Approach: The expressions of COX-2, inducible NOS (iNOS), TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and murine peritoneal macrophages, were determined by Western blot and/or qRT-PCR, respectively. NF-κB activation was investigated by EMSA, reporter gene assay and Western blotting. Anti-inflammatory effects of BPD were evaluated in vivo in carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats and LPS-induced septic shock in mice.Key Results: BPD not only inhibited COX-2 activity but also reduced the expression of COX-2. In addition, BPD inhibited the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β at the transcriptional level. BPD attenuated LPS-induced DNA-binding activity and the transcription activity of NF-κB; this was associated with a decrease in the phosphorylation level of inhibitory κB-α (IκB-α) and reduced nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Furthermore, BPD suppressed the formation of TGF-β-activated kinase-1 (TAK1)/TAK-binding protein1 (TAB1), which was accompanied by a parallel reduction of phosphorylation of TAK1 and IκB kinase (IKK). Pretreatment with BPD inhibited carrageenan-induced paw oedema and LPS-induced septic death.Conclusion and Implications: Taken together, our data indicate that BPD is involved in the dual inhibition of COX-2 activity and TAK1-NF-κB pathway, providing a molecular basis for the anti-inflammatory properties of BPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In motorcycle accidents, especially in an urban area with lightweight motorcycles, the belly of the motorcyclist is not protected, and this makes this type of trauma a cause of blunt hepatic injuries. This study investigated the effect and safety of using nonoperative management and selective early angioembolization to treat patients with blunt liver injuries as a result of motorcycle accident. Methods: This was a retrospective study of the hepatic injuries sustained by motorcyclists involved in traffic accidents. We collected patient demographic information, the severity of total injuries, grade of liver injury, associated concomitant injuries, management scheme, and outcome of patients from 2006 to 2007. These patients were treated nonoperatively with selective early angioembolization and close monitoring in our intensive care unit (ICU). Results: We reviewed the cases of 266 patients sustaining blunt abdominal injuries. Thirty-four patients (12.78%) had hepatic injuries. All survived with no obvious morbidity, and no further invasive procedures were performed after admission to ICU. There was no significant association between grade of injury and ICU length of stay (P = .073), but there was a significant association between grade and in-patient length of stay on our regular ward (P = .001). Conclusion: Most patients with hepatic injury caused by motorcycle accidents can be treated safely by nonoperative management. Early selective angioembolization improved the success of nonoperative management of blunt liver injury without other surgical intervention. Routine follow-up with computed axial tomography scans and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography may not be necessary because complications associated with hepatic injuries were rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Since some devices can be cumbersome to use, we evaluated the validity and reliability of a specially designed device for easily checking the mobility of the first ray of the foot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To analyze the validity of the device, the dorsal mobility of the first ray of the foot was measured with the modified Coleman block test developed by Fritz et al., the Klaue device, and the custom device. Two-tailed Student's paired t-test and Pearson correlation were used to compare the values of the two tests. For evaluation of inter- and intra observer reliability of the EMC device, 3 independent observers measured the dorsal mobility of the first ray of the foot twice. The results were analyzed with two-tailed Student's paired t-test and ANOVA to evaluate intraobserver and interobserver reliability, respectively. RESULTS: For both the first and second examinations of reliability, the difference between the two values was significant (p < 0.05) for the Coleman block test but not significant (p = 0.118) in comparison with the Klaue device. The measurements from both examinations showed good correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient: comparison with the Coleman block test = 0.84 (p < 0.05), with the Klaue device = 0.92 (p < 0.05)). The paired t-test for intraobserver validity showed no statistically significant difference among observers (p = 0.52, 0.58, 0.96, Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.76, 0.79, 0.80), and ANOVA testing for interobserver reliability showed no significant difference either (p = 0.96, Pearson correlation coefficients = 0.83, 0.84, and 0.86, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the EMC device is both reliable and valid for measuring the mobility of the first ray of the foot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic resection can provide a wide tumor resection with a negative resection margin, it is not yet recommended as a curative therapy for ampulla of Vater cancer. METHODS: To investigate the microinvasion rate and the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic biopsy to properly judge the safety of endoscopic resection for ampulla of Vater cancer. DESIGN: Single-center, retrospective study. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: One hundred fifty-nine patients who were finally diagnosed with ampulla of Vater cancer after curative surgical resection. INTERVENTIONS: We surveyed the pathologic concordance rate of endoscopic biopsy and the surgical pathology. For the 36 early stage (Tis or T1) cancers, we surveyed the presence of microlymphovascular invasion, gross appearance (intra-ampullary type, periampullary type, or mixed type), and pathologic subtype (intestinal type or pancreaticobiliary type). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Presence of microinvasion in early staged ampulla of Vater cancer. RESULTS: Endoscopic biopsy failed to reveal malignancy in 15.9% of the 126 cases. Microlymphovascular invasion was present in 17 cases (56.7%) of the 30 T1 cancers but was absent in all cases of the 6 Tis cancers (P = .02). Neither the gross appearance (P = .51) nor the pathologic subtype (P = .28) could predict the microinvasion rate. LIMITATIONS: Single-center, retrospective study with small number of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although endoscopic resection improves the low predictability of endoscopic biopsy, surgical resection should be performed for the T1 stage ampulla of Vater cancer because of the high lymphovascular invasion rate. On the other hand, the safety of endoscopic resection should be evaluated by a large-scale study on Tis cancers to consider the absence of microinvasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Compound K [20-O-beta-(D-glucopyranosyl)-20(S)-protopanaxadiol], a metabolite of the protopanaxadiol-type saponins of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, has been reported to possess anti-tumor properties to inhibit angiogenesis and to induce tumor apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Compound K on apoptosis and explored the underlying mechanisms involved in HL-60 human leukemia cells.Methods: We examined the effect of Compound K on the viabilities of various cancer cell lines using MTT assays. DAPI assay, Annexin V and PI double staining, Western blot assay and immunoprecipitation were used to determine the effect of Compound K on the induction of apoptosis.Results: Compound K was found to inhibit the viability of HL-60 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner with an IC50 of 14 muM. Moreover, this cell death had typical features of apoptosis, that is, DNA fragmentation, DNA ladder formation, and the externalization of Annexin V targeted phosphatidylserine residues in HL-60 cells. In addition, compound-K induced a series of intracellular events associated with both the mitochondrial- and death receptor-dependent apoptotic pathways, namely, (1) the activation of caspases-3, -8, and -9; (2) the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential; (3) the release of cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO to the cytosol; (4) the translocation of Bid and Bax to mitochondria; and (5) the downregulations of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Furthermore, a caspase-8 inhibitor completely abolished caspase-3 activation, Bid cleavage, and subsequent DNA fragmentation by Compound K. Interestingly, the activation of caspase-3 and -8 and DNA fragmentation were significantly prevented in the presence of cycloheximide, suggesting that Compound K-induced apoptosis is dependent on de novo protein synthesis.Conclusions: The results indicate that caspase-8 plays a key role in Compound K-stimulated apoptosis via the activation of caspase-3 directly or indirectly through Bid cleavage, cytochrome c release, and caspase-9 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM OF THE STUDY: The fruit of Euphoria longan (Lour.) Steud. (Sapindaceae) is sweet and edible. Dried Euphoria longan fruit is prescribed as a tonic and for the treatment of forgetfulness, insomnia, or palpitations caused by fright in traditional Chinese medicine. The effects of aqueous extract of Euphoria longan fruit (ELE) on learning and memory and their underlying mechanisms were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous extract of Euphoria longan fruit (ELE) was administered to ICR mice for 14 days. Piracetam was used as a positive control for its known memory-enhancing effects. Memory performances were assessed using the passive avoidance task. The expressions of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) 1/2, phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), doublecortin (DCX) and the incorporation of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA1 regions were investigated using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: The step-through latency in the ELE-treated group was significantly increased compared with that in the vehicle-treated controls (P<0.05) in the passive avoidance task. Piracetam-treated group also showed enhanced cognitive performaces in the passive avoidance task. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the number of cells immunopositive for BDNF, pCREB, or pERK 1/2 was significantly increased in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA1 regions after ELE treatment for 14 days (P<0.05). DCX and BrdU immunostaining also revealed that ELE significantly enhanced immature neuronal survival, but not neuronal cell proliferation in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that subchronic administration of aqueous extract of Euphoria longan fruit enhances learning and memory, and that its beneficial effects are mediated, in part, by BDNF expression and immature neuronal survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eupatilin (5,7-dihydroxy-3',4',6-trimethoxyflavone) was isolated from Artemisia princeps to investigate the doseDSresponse effects on blood glucose regulation and pancreatic beta-cell function in type 2 diabetic mice. Db/db mice were divided into control (eupatilin-free, AIN-76 standard diet), low-Eupa (0.005 g/100 g diet) and high-Eupa (0.02 g/100 g diet) groups. The supplementation of eupatilin for 6 weeks significantly lowered fasting blood glucose concentration while it increased hepatic glycogen content. In particular, high-Eupa reduced hemoglobin A1c and plasma glucagon levels along with a simultaneous increase in plasma insulin and adiponectin levels. The supplementation of eupatilin significantly lowered hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activities, while it increased glucokinase activity in the liver. The pancreatic insulin concentration was higher in the eupatilin-supplemented groups. Also the pancreatic insulin concentration of eupatilin groups was higher than the control group. These results suggest that eupatilin played the role of an antidiabetic functional component in A. princeps by enhancing hepatic and plasma glucose metabolism as well as by increasing insulin secretion in type 2 diabetic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diastolic mitral annular motion may terminate earlier in patients with higher left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). It was therefore hypothesized that the time interval measured from the end of the diastolic mitral annular velocity pattern to the onset of QRS (the AQ interval) would be a useful parameter in predicting LVEDP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between the AQ interval and LVEDP. Forty-six patients with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent Doppler echocardiographic studies and cardiac catheterization were included. LVEDP was determined using a micromanometer-tipped catheter. On univariate analysis, the AQ interval had positive correlations with the PR interval (r = 0.405, p = 0.005), transmitral E-wave velocity (r = 0.502, p <0.001), isovolumic contraction time (r = 0.635, p <0.001), and LVEDP (r = 0.514, p <0.001) and a negative correlation with E-wave deceleration time (r = -0.430, p = 0.003). After stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, the PR interval, transmitral E-wave velocity, and LVEDP were the independent predictors of the AQ interval (beta = 0.234, p = 0.033; beta = 0.331, p = 0.004; and beta = 0.350, p = 0.003, respectively). In conclusion, the AQ interval is a novel, simple, and easily obtained index in the prediction of LVEDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with borderline resectable (BR) or locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) require complex management strategies. This study evaluated the prognostic significance of the perichemotherapy skeletal muscle index (SMI) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) in patients with BRPC or LAPC treated with FOLFIRINOX., Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 227 patients with BR or LAPC who received at least four cycles of chemotherapy between 2015 and 2020. We analysed chemotherapy response, changes in SMI (ΔSMI, %) on computed tomography (CT) and CA19-9 to determine their impact on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). After the early application of loco-regional treatments (LRT) within 3 months after completing four cycles of chemotherapy, the outcomes were compared between ΔSMI and CA19-9 subgroups., Results: Among 227 patients (median age, 60 years; 124 [54.6%] male) with 97 BR and 130 LAPC, 50.7% showed partial response (PR) to chemotherapy, 44.5% showed stable disease and 4.8% showed progressive disease (PD). Post-chemotherapy CA19-9 levels were normalized in 41.0% of patients. The high and low ΔSMI groups (based on the gender-specific cut-off of -8.6% for males and -2.9% for females) comprised 114 (50.2%) and 113 (49.8%) patients, respectively. The high ΔSMI group had poorer survival rates than the low ΔSMI group in both PFS (HR = 1.32, p = 0.05) and OS (HR = 1.74, p = 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that ΔSMI (high vs. low; PFS, HR = 1.39, p = 0.03; OS, HR = 1.82, p < 0.001) and post-chemotherapy response (PD vs. PR/SD; PFS, HR = 18.69, p < 0.001; OS, HR = 6.19, p < 0.001) were independently associated with both PFS and OS. Additionally, the post-chemotherapy CA19-9 (≥ 37 vs. < 37; HR = 1.48, p = 0.01) was an independent predictor for PFS. Early application of LRT after chemotherapy significantly improved PFS and OS in both ΔSMI groups (all p < 0.05). However, it was not beneficial in the group with high ΔSMI and post-chemotherapy CA19-9 ≥ 37 (PFS, p = 0.39 and OS, p = 0.33)., Conclusions: Progressive sarcopenic deterioration after four cycles of chemotherapy was associated with poor survival outcomes in patients with BR or LAPC after FOLFIRINOX. We also investigated the optimal clinical setting for the early application LRTs using the ΔSMI and post-chemotherapy CA 19-9., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) aquaculture is economically vital due to the high value of its roe. However, it faces significant risks from disease outbreaks, particularly from Nocardia seriolae. Current reliance on antibiotics has drawbacks, highlighting the potential of probiotics as a promising alternative. Despite this, no studies have focused on the effects and mechanisms of probiotics in disease prevention and treatment in grey mullet. This study, therefore, investigates the efficacy of probiotics in enhancing disease resistance and promoting growth in grey mullet. Three strains of probiotics, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus FS3051, Limosilactobacillus reuteri FS3052, and Bacillus subtilis natto NTU-18, were selected to evaluate their anti-N. seriolae activity and hydrolytic enzyme secretion in vitro. Then, 144 grey mullet were randomly divided into four groups: control, L. rhamnosus FS3051, L. reuteri FS3052, and B. subtilis natto NTU-18. After being fed the corresponding diet for 28 days, fish were measured for immune gene expression and short-term growth followed by challenge of N. seriolae. Survival rates were recorded for 35 days post challenge. Additionally, the gut microbiota of the control and probiotic groups with effects on both growth and protection against N. seriolae were analyzed to investigate the potential role of gut microbiota. Results demonstrated that L. rhamnosus FS3051 and L. reuteri FS3052 inhibited N. seriolae, while B. subtilis natto NTU-18 did not inhibited N. seriolae. Probiotics also had the ability to secrete hydrolytic enzymes. Probiotic-fed grey mullet showed significant improvements in weight gain ratio, feed efficiency, and specific growth rate, particularly in the B. subtilis natto NTU-18 group. Immune gene expression was enhanced by probiotics, especially L. rhamnosus, FS3051, which induced IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MHCI. Survival rates post-N. seriolae challenge improved significantly for L. rhamnosus FS3051-fed fish. L. rhamnosus FS3051 also altered the gut microbiota, enriching beneficial genera like Lactobacillus, which correlated positively with immune responses and growth, while reducing Mycoplasma and Rhodobacter, which were negatively correlated with immune responses. This study underscores the potential of probiotics in enhancing disease resistance and growth via regulating gut microbiota in grey mullet., Competing Interests: Declarations Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study aims to analyze the trends, causes, and future prospects of aerosols in the Arctic region using ground-based observations, satellite data, and reanalysis model data. An analysis of aerosol remote sensing data from AERONET stations in the Arctic from 2000 to 2023 showed a long-term decrease in aerosol optical depth (AOD), aligning with emission regulations in Europe and North America and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. However, the maximum AOD values observed at AERONET stations in Canada and Russia during the period of 2018-2023 were up to five times higher than the long-term average. This significant increase highlights the potential influence of regional variations and external inputs in Arctic aerosol loading, and emphasizes the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms driving these anomalies. Satellite observations confirmed that these highs were associated with regional factors, such as the transport of smoke aerosols from wildfires originating at lower latitudes. Notably, the increase in Arctic aerosols coincided with a decrease in mid-latitude and tropical regions, suggesting the influence of long-range atmospheric transport. From 2000 to 2023, wildfire activity has trended downward in tropical and mid-latitude regions, but upward in the Arctic. However, record wildfire activity in 2019 and 2021 was strongly associated with increased aerosols in the Arctic. This is likely a result of increased temperatures and drier conditions due to climate change, which have intensified the frequency and intensity of wildfires. In fact, mean air temperatures in the summers of 2019 and 2021 were about 5 K above the average of the past 19 years, favorable conditions for wildfires. And changes in barometric pressure and wind direction influenced regional-scale aerosol dispersion characteristics in the Arctic. In conclusion, the recent sudden increase in aerosols in the Arctic was found to be due to wildfire activity and climate change., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The integration of flexible sensors into human-machine interfaces (HMIs) is in increasing demand for intuitive and effective manipulation. Traditional glove-based HMIs, constrained by nonconformal rigid structures or the need for bulky batteries, face limitations in continuous operation. Addressing this, we introduce yarn-based bend sensors in our smart glove, which are wirelessly powered and harvest energy from a fully textile 5.8 GHz WiFi-band antenna receiver. These sensors exhibit a gauge factor (GF) of 5.60 for strains ranging from 0 to 10%. They show a consistent performance regardless of the straining frequency when being stretched and released at frequencies between 0.1 and 0.7 Hz. This reliability ensures that the sensor output is solely dependent on the yarn's elongation. Accurately detecting finger-bending movements from 0° to 90° in a virtual environment, the sensors enable enhanced degrees of freedom for human finger interaction. When integrated with advanced machine-learning techniques, the system achieves a classification accuracy of 98.75% for object recognition, demonstrating its potential for precise and accurate HMI. Unlike conventional near-field energy transfer methods that rely on magnetic flux and are limited by power loss over distance, our fully textile design effectively harvests microwave energy, showing no voltage deterioration up to 1 m away. This minimalist microwave-powered smart glove represents a significant advancement, offering a viable and practical solution for developing intuitive and reliable HMIs.

Micrometer-sized single crystal cathodes have garnered significant interest as promising cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their ability to reduce surface area exposure to electrolytes and suppress side reactions, thereby enhancing electrochemical performance. One of the challenging issues with single crystal cathode materials is synthesizing monodisperse and discrete single crystals rather than agglomerated quasi-single crystals. However, conventional solid-state synthesis of most single crystals results in severe agglomeration and cation mixing, as it requires high temperatures to promote particle growth to several micrometers. In this study, a novel morphology-conserving reaction strategy that employs octahedron single crystal intermediates is introduced to synthesize discrete, monodisperse LiNi 0.97 Co 0.02 Mn 0.01 O 2 octahedron single crystals. This scalable and cost-effective approach involves using rock-salt Ni 0.97 Co 0.02 Mn 0.01 O 1+ x octahedrons as single crystal intermediates, which are transformed in unreactive unary lithium salt melts (LiCl and Li 2 SO 4 ) from spherical Ni 0.97 Co 0.02 Mn 0.01 (OH) 2 obtained via coprecipitation. These intermediates are then subjected to a stoichiometric amount of Li precursor in a conventional solid-state synthesis to produce layered LiNi 0.97 Co 0.02 Mn 0.01 O 2 . This process is a morphology-conserving lithiation reaction, leading to the formation of discrete and monodisperse LiNi 0.97 Co 0.02 Mn 0.01 O 2 octahedron single crystals. The resultant LiNi 0.97 Co 0.02 Mn 0.01 O 2 single crystals demonstrate superior electrochemical performance, including stable capacity retention over 150 cycles, which surpasses that of typical quasi-single crystals produced through conventional methods. This is attributed to negligible crack formation during cycling, in contrast to significant cracking observed in conventional quasi-single crystals. This implies that single-crystal forms are preferred over agglomerated quasi-single crystal forms for enhancing cycle performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the industrial synthesis of discrete and monodisperse ultrahigh-nickel oxide cathode materials.