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Abstract Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are implicated in carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and recurrence. Several biomarkers have been described for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) CSCs; however, their function and mechanism remain unclear. Method In this study, secretome analysis was performed in pancreatic CSC-enriched spheres and control adherent cells for biomarker discovery. Glutaredoxin3 (GLRX3), a novel candidate upregulated in spheres, was evaluated for its function and clinical implication. Results PDAC CSC populations, cell lines, patient tissues, and blood samples demonstrated GLRX3 overexpression. In contrast, GLRX3 silencing decreased the in vitro proliferation, migration, clonogenicity, and sphere formation of cells. GLRX3 knockdown also reduced tumor formation and growth in vivo. GLRX3 was found to regulate Met/PI3K/AKT signaling and stemness-related molecules. ELISA results indicated GLRX3 overexpression in the serum of patients with PDAC compared to that in healthy controls. The sensitivity and specificity of GLRX3 for PDAC diagnosis were 80.0 and 100%, respectively. When GLRX3 and CA19–9 were combined, sensitivity was significantly increased to 98.3% compared to that with GLRX3 or CA19–9 alone. High GLRX3 expression was also associated with poor disease-free survival in patients receiving curative surgery. Conclusion Overall, these results indicate GLRX3 as a novel diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for PDAC targeting CSCs.

Purpose This study was conducted to develop a couple-centered antenatal education program and to test the program’s feasibility. Methods With a preliminary-experimental study design, 33 pregnant couples who were expecting their first child participated in this study. The program consisted of four sessions (1 hour/session/week) of education and counseling. Data were collected before and after the intervention from September 2018 to April 2019 at a women’s hospital in Daejeon, Korea, with demographic data forms, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale, Korean Newborn Care Confidence Scale, Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale-10. Results The pregnant women and their husbands were on average 32.30±3.10 and 33.21±6.25 years old, respectively. The mean marriage duration was 2.34±1.63 years, the gestational age was 31.30±2.66 weeks, and 78.8% of the couples had a planned pregnancy. After the program, both the pregnant women and their husbands showed significant improvements in attachment to the fetus and confidence in providing infant care. Prenatal depression, prenatal stress, and fear of childbirth in pregnant women significantly decreased after completing the program. However, the dyadic adjustment score did not change significantly either in the pregnant women or their husbands. Conclusion A couple-centered antenatal education program seems to be effective for couples adjusting to parenthood, but further studies should explore ways to have a positive impact on couples’ relationships.

International migrants could be considered a risk group susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases. We conducted a measles seroprevalence study among 419 marriage migrant women living in Sinan-gun and Wando-gun, South Jeolla Province, located in the southwestern part of Korea. The overall seroimmunity was 92.8%. The seroimmunity varied considerably according to the country of origin and increased with age. Our current analysis could be valuable in the context of discussions concerning vaccination policies for immigrants in Korea.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Korean males. Methods: This study was conducted on males aged ≥50 years who participated in the 2011 Korean Community Health Survey. LUTS severity was assessed using the Korean version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, and was dichotomized as severe (IPSS >19) and non-severe (IPSS ≤19). BMI was divided into 6 categories:

Abstract Understanding competing charge density wave (CDW) orders in the bilayer kagome metal ScV6Sn6 remains challenging. Experimentally, upon cooling, short-range order with wave vector $${{{{\bf{q}}}}}_{2}=(\frac{1}{3},\frac{1}{3},\frac{1}{2})$$ q 2 = ( 1 3 , 1 3 , 1 2 ) forms, which is subsequently suppressed by the condensation of long-range $${{{{\bf{q}}}}}_{3}=(\frac{1}{3},\frac{1}{3},\frac{1}{3})$$ q 3 = ( 1 3 , 1 3 , 1 3 ) CDW order at lower temperature. Theoretically, however, the q 2 CDW is predicted as the ground state, leaving the CDW mechanism elusive. Here, using anharmonic phonon-phonon calculations combined with density functional theory, we predict a temperature-driven structural phase transitions from the high-temperature pristine phase to the q 2 CDW, followed by the low-temperature q 3 CDW, explaining experimental observations. We demonstrate that semi-core electron states stabilize the q 3 CDW over the q 2 CDW. Furthermore, we find that the out-of-plane lattice parameter controls the competing CDWs, motivating us to propose compressive bi-axial strain as an experimental protocol to stabilize the q 2 CDW. Finally, we suggest Ge or Pb doping at the Sn site as another potential avenue to control CDW instabilities. Our work provides a full theory of CDWs in ScV6Sn6, rationalizing experimental observations and resolving earlier discrepancies between theory and experiment.

Abstract Background Antipsychotic drugs (APDs) are used for treating mental illnesses and are also used by cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate APD use in adult cancer patients who received radiotherapy (RT) in South Korea and assess the effects of APD use during RT on survival. Methods This retrospective cohort study utilized the National Health Insurance Service database database of Korea. We included adult cancer patients who underwent RT or chemotherapy (CTx, cisplatin, or 5-Fluorouracil) between 2010 and 2020. The APDs included in the analysis were aripiprazole, quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, haloperidol, and chlorpromazine. Results Overall, 725,897 patients received RT, and 115,500 received concomitant chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT). Of them, 41,118 (5.6%) took APDs during RT, and 8,129 (7%) took APDs during CCRT. Overall, 27,789 (67.58%) patients who took APDs during RT were men, and 28,004 (68.2%) were aged ≥ 60 years. The most frequently used APD during RT was quetiapine (64.93%). Patients who took APDs during RT and during CCRT had higher mortality rates (HR: 3.45 and 1.72, p

Abstract Background Depression and memory loss are prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, with diabetic patients facing an elevated risk of brain dysfunction. Methylglyoxal (MGO) formation, which is heightened in diabetes owing to hyperglycemia and gut dysbiosis, may serve as a critical link between diabetes and brain diseases. Despite the high prevalence of MGO, the precise mechanisms underlying MGO-induced depression and memory loss remain unclear. Results We investigated the effect of MGO stress on depression like-behavior and memory loss to elucidate the potential interplay between MGO-induced tryptophan (Trp) metabolism impairment and oxidative stress in the brain. It demonstrates that MGO induces depression-like behavior in mice, as confirmed by the OFT, TST, FST, SPT, and EPM behavioral tests. MGO led to the depletion of Trp and related neurotransmitters as 5-HT, EPI, and DA in the mouse brain. Additionally, MGO reduced the cell count in the DG, CA1, and CA3 hippocampal regions and modulated TPH2 levels in the brain. Notably, co-treatment with MGO and Trp mirrored the effects observed after Trp-null treatment in neurons, including reduced TPH1 and TPH2 levels and inhibition of neuronal outgrowth. Furthermore, MGO significantly altered the expression of key proteins associated with neurodegeneration, such as p-Tau, p-GSK-3β, APP, oAβ, BDNF, NGF, and p-TrkB. Concurrently, MGO activated MAPKs through ROS induction, triggering a redox imbalance by downregulating Nrf-2, Ho-1, TXNRD1, Trx, Sirt-3, and Sirt-5 expression levels, NAD+, and CAT activity in the mouse brain. This led to an accelerated neuroinflammatory response, as evidenced by increased expression of Iba-1, p-NF-κB, and the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α. Importantly, Trp treatment ameliorated MGO-induced depression like-behavior and memory loss in mice and markedly mitigated increased expression of p-Tau, APP, p-ERK1/2, p-pJNK, and p-NF-κB in the brain. Likewise, Trp treatment also induced the expression of MGO detoxifying factors GLO-I and GLO-II and CAT activity, suggesting the induction of an antioxidant system and reduced inflammation by inhibiting IL-6 and TNF-α secretion. Conclusions Our data revealed that MGO-induced depression like-behavior and memory deficits resulted from disturbances in Trp, 5-HT, BDNF, and NGF levels, increased p-Tau and APP expression, neuroinflammation, and impaired redox status (Nrf-2/Ho-1/TXNRD1/Sirt3/5) in the brain.

Background/AimsThe aim of this study was to establish a pathogenetic mechanism of pancreatitis in celiac disease and IgG4-related disease using gluten-sensitive human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ8 transgenic mice.Methods : Transgenic mice expressing HLA-DQ8 genes were utilized. Control mice were not sensitized but were fed gliadin-free rice cereal. Experimental groups consisted of gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice; nonsensitized mice with cerulein hyperstimulation; and gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice with cerulein hyperstimulation.Results : Gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice with cerulein hyperstimulation showed significant inflammatory cell infiltrates, fibrosis and acinar atrophy compared with the control mice and the other experimental groups. The immunohistochemical analysis showed greater IgG1-positive plasma cells in the inflammatory infiltrates of gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice with cerulein hyperstimulation compared with the control mice and the other experimental groups. Gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice with cerulein hyperstimulation or gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice showed IgG1-stained inflammatory cell infiltrates in the extrapancreatic organs, including the bile ducts, salivary glands, kidneys, and lungs.Conclusion : sGliadin-sensitization and cerulein hyperstimulation of gluten-sensitive HLA-DQ8 transgenic mice resulted in pancreatitis and extrapancreatic inflammation. This animal model suggests that chronic gliadin ingestion in a susceptible individual with the HLA-DQ8 molecule may be associated with pancreatitis and extrapancreatic inflammation.

Online self-learning became widespread after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and during this period, learners' self-leadership became an important measure of their competency. This study aims to verify the validity and reliability of the tool by translating the Abbreviated Self-Leadership Questionnaire (ASLQ) into Korean. Through web-based surveys, 286 nursing students from two university nursing colleges participated in the study. Cronbach's a, correlation, and confirmatory factor analyses were used to verify the nine-item ASLQ. The factor loading values ranged from 0.378 to 0.892. The ASLQ model fit had a comparative fit index of 0.944, root mean square error of approximation of 0.093, and standardized root mean residual of 0.069. The ASLQ showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the original self-leadership, emotional intelligence, and self-efficacy questionnaires. Additionally, structural, convergent, and criterion validity were also evident. The reliability of the ASLQ was 0.846 for Cronbach's a (the three sub-dimensions were 0.836, 0.732, and 0.734). This study verified the validity and reliability of the ASLQ and confirmed that it could be used to measure the self-leadership of nursing students at a time when self-leadership is crucial.

This present study investigated the Chinese vocabulary learning strategies of adolescent learners of Mandarin at two heritage language (HL) schools in Korea. A total of 450 participants from two secondary schools completed the Vocabulary Learning Strategy Inventory (VLSI). The quantitative analysis of the questionnaires was conducted through exploratory factor analysis and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) in order to explore the Chinese vocabulary learning strategies and learner variables. The results found that ethnicity made no statistical differences in the four VLSI factors, but students' gender, home language use, Chinese proficiency, and nationality caused statistical differences in vocabulary learning strategies. This study can contribute to re-developing the VLSI for traditional character learning and the Sinographosphere context. The findings shed light on how individual learner differences relate to Chinese vocabulary learning strategies, which yields pedagogical implications.

Background Korea raised the cigarette tax in 2014, raising the price per cigarette from 2500 won (1100 won = $1) to 4500 won. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the effects of cigarette price increase on smoking reduction were affected by socioeconomic status and residential areas in Korean men. Methods The study used Korean Community Health Surveys from 2008 to 2015. Since 2008, the Korean Community Health Survey has been conducted on 220,000 adults aged 19 or older every year. Since women in Korea have low smoking rates, this study only included men. We assessed the trends of the 8-year smoking rate change by socioeconomic status and residence area. The smoking rate was standardized by using the Korean standard population in 2005. We conducted a statistical analysis considering the complex sample survey design. Results The age-standardized smoking rate declined from 48.6% in 2008 to 39.7% in 2015. From 2008 to 2014, it decreased by 1.0% each year, but decreased by 3.1% between 2014 and 2015 when the cigarette tax was raised. Smoking rate decreased by 2.5% in the group with monthly household income less than 2 million won, but decreased by 3.1% in the group with monthly household income more than 2 million won. Smoking rates decreased 2.9% in rural areas and 3.2% in urban areas. In conclusion, this study showed that the effect of reducing the smoking rate due to cigarette tax increase was higher in the high income group than in the low income group, and larger in the urban area than in the rural area. Conclusions In conclusion, this study showed that smoking rate decline due to cigarette tax increase was greater in the high income group than in the low income group, and in the urban area than in the rural area.

Background/AimsWe attempted to investigate the prognosis of signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRC) patients who underwent curative surgery by comparing them with age-, sex-, and stage-matched non-mucinous adenocarcinoma (NMAC) patients.MethodsBetween January 2003 and December 2011, 19 patients with primary SRC of the colorectum underwent curative surgery. Four SRC patients under the age of 40 were excluded, and the clinicopathological data of 15 patients (7 men; median age, 56 years) were reviewed and compared with the data of 75 NMAC patients matched by age, sex, and pathologic stage.ResultsThe median follow-up duration was 30.1 months for the SRC group and 43.7 months for the NMAC group (P=0.141). Involvement of the left side of the colon (73.3% vs. 26.7%, P=0.003) and infiltrative lesions such as Borrmann types 3 and 4 (85.7% vs. 24.0%, P=0.001) were more common in the SRC group than in the NMAC group. The five-year overall survival rate was significantly lower for patients with SRC than for those with NMAC (46.0% vs. 88.7%, hazard ratio, 6.99; 95% confidence interval, 2.33-20.95, P=0.001).ConclusionsPatients with even resectable primary colorectal SRC had a poorer prognosis than age-, sex-, and stage-matched colorectal NMAC patients.

Pseudoperonospora cubensis is a significant phytopathogen causing downy mildew disease in cucurbit crops. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between P. cubensis and its host is essential for developing effective disease management strategies. RxLR effectors, secreted by pathogens, play a crucial role in modulating host immunity. In this study, we sequenced the genome of the P. cubensis isolate CNU-OTH and identified RxLR effector genes using bioinformatics tools. A total of 45 RxLR effector genes were identified from the genome of P. cubensis. Cloning and functional characterization of these effectors were performed through transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Subcellular localization of selected effectors was determined using GFP-tagged constructs. Functional characterization revealed that while most effectors did not induce a hypersensitive response (HR), a subset showed either weak or strong necrosis. Furthermore, several effectors demonstrated the ability to suppress cell death induced by BAX and INF1. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that RxLR effectors exhibited fluorescence in the nucleus and plasma membrane of N. benthamiana cells, suggesting diverse roles in host-pathogen interactions. This study provides insights into the genetic diversity and functional characterization of RxLR effectors in P. cubensis. Understanding the role of these effectors in manipulating host immunity is critical for developing strategies to combat downy mildew disease in cucurbit crops. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and may facilitate the development of disease-resistant crop varieties.

Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) remains a significant contributor to calf mortality within the first 3 weeks of life, prompting widespread antibiotic use with associated concerns about antimicrobial resistance and disruption of the calf gut microbiota. Recent research exploring NCD treatments targeting gut microbiota dysbiosis has highlighted probiotic supplementation as a promising and safe strategy for gut homeostasis. However, varying treatment outcomes across studies suggest the need for efficient treatment options. In this study, we evaluated the potential of probiotics Limosilactobacillus reuteri, formally known as Lactobacillus reuteri, isolated from healthy neonatal calves to treat NCD. Through in silico whole genome analysis and in vitro assays, we identified nine L. reuteri strains, which were then administered to calves with NCD. Calves treated with L. reuteri strains shed healthy feces and demonstrated restored gut microbiota and normal animal behavior. Leveraging a machine learning model, we evaluated microbiota profiles and identified bacterial taxa associated with calf gut health that were elevated by L. reuteri administration. These findings represent a crucial advancement towards sustainable antibiotic alternatives for managing NCD, contributing significantly to global efforts in mitigating antimicrobial resistance and promoting overall animal health and welfare.

Epigenetic clocks have been developed to track both chronological age and biological age, which is defined by physiological biomarkers and the risk of adverse health outcomes. Epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) has been found to predict various diseases, aging-related factors, and mortality. However, epigenetic clocks have predominantly been developed with individuals of European or Hispanic ancestry, and their association with health outcomes and environmental factors has not been sufficiently assessed in East Asian populations. Here, we investigated nine epigenetic clocks: five trained on chronological age (first-generation) and four on biological age (second-generation), using DNA methylation data from blood samples of South Koreans. EAAs of second-generation epigenetic clocks reflected the risk of chronic diseases (type 2 diabetes and hypertension), levels of health-related blood markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, high density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein), and lung functions (percentage of predicted FEV1 and percentage of predicted FVC), while EAAs of first generation clocks did not. Using follow-up data, we also found that EAAs of second-generation clocks were associated with the time to onset risks of chronic diseases. Health behavior factors (drinking, smoking, exercise, body mass index, and waist-hip ratio), socioeconomic status (income level and educational attainment), and psychosocial status were associated with EAAs of second-generation clocks, while only smoking status was associated with EAAs of first-generation clocks. We conducted validation analyses in an independent South Korean cohort and replicated the association of EAAs with health outcomes and environmental factors. Age acceleration of epigenetic clocks is influenced by various environmental factors and can serve as an effective predictor of health in South Korea.

Despite the potential role of health being recognised for more than a decade in fragile contexts, there are still gaps in understanding the possible paths towards peace. Particularly, current literature on health and development presents limitations, including insufficient evidence, a lack of thorough consideration for fragility and tensions between humanitarian and developmental approaches. Building upon prior discussions and limitations, this study aims to investigate the association between health indicators and the levels of economic and human development, employing panel data of 60 fragile states covering the years 1995–2021. Seven health outcome measures and three proxy measures for economic and human developments, including GDP per capita and Human Development Index with and without inequality adjustment, are employed in instrumental variable estimation. The analysis shows a positive association between the development measures and corresponding health indicators. These results suggest that promoting the health of the people, particularly among marginalised groups such as pregnant women and children, not only has the potential to protect them but also to facilitate economic and human developments of the fragile states. There is a need for approaching with people-centred and human capability perspectives to achieve the goal of ‘Health and Peace for All’.

In mammals, brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) play pivotal roles in maintaining body temperature and energy metabolism. In mice, BAT quickly stimulates thermogenesis by activating brown adipocytes upon cold exposure. In the presence of chronic cold stimuli, beige adipocytes are recruited in inguinal WAT to support heat generation. Accumulated evidence has shown that thermogenic execution of brown and beige adipocytes is regulated in a fat depot-specific manner. Recently, we have demonstrated that ubiquitin ligase ring finger protein 20 (RNF20) regulates brown and beige adipocyte thermogenesis through fat-depot-specific modulation. In BAT, RNF20 regulates transcription factor GA-binding protein alpha (GABPα), whereas in inguinal WAT, RNF20 potentiates transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) through the degradation of nuclear corepressor 1 (NCoR1). This study proposes the molecular mechanisms by which co-regulator(s) selectively and temporally control transcription factors to coordinate adipose thermogenesis in a fat-depot-specific manner. In this Commentary, we provide molecular features of brown and beige adipocyte thermogenesis and discuss the underlying mechanisms of distinct thermogenic processes in two fat depots.

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) following metastasectomy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Materials and Methods A systematic search of multiple electronic databases was conducted. The inclusion criteria encompassed randomized clinical trials evaluating the use of TKIs after metastasectomy in mRCC patients. Study outcomes were relapse-free survival (RFS)/disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events of TKIs. Results Two studies with 197 randomized participants that compared TKIs following metastasectomy versus metastasectomy alone were identified. According to these studies, TKIs following metastasectomy may result in little to no difference in RFS/DFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65–1.57; I2=29%; low-certainty evidence). TKIs after metastasectomy may slightly increase OS, but the CI crossed the line of no effect (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.06–9.87; I2=86%; low-certainty evidence). TKIs after metastasectomy likely resulted in a large increase in adverse events (risk ratio, 2.76; 95% CI: 1.65–4.62; I2=not applicable; moderatecertainty evidence). Conclusions TKIs following metastasectomy did not improve RFS/DFS, but slightly improved OS. It is likely that TKIs following metastasectomy increase adverse events compared to surgery only. The certainty of evidence ranged from moderate (signaling confidence that the reported effect size is likely close to the true effect) to low (indicating that the true effect may be substantially different from the effect estimate). The findings of this study should help to inform future guidelines and clinical decision-making at the point of care.

Objectives: We aimed to develop imaging biomarkers to predict radiation pneumonitis (RP) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing thoracic radiotherapy. We hypothesized that measuring morphometric complexity in the lung using simulation computed tomography may provide objective imaging biomarkers for lung parenchyma integrity, potentially forecasting the risk of RP. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed on medical records of 175 patients diagnosed with NSCLC who had received thoracic radiotherapy. Three indices were utilized to measure the morphometric complexity of the lung parenchyma: box-counting fractal dimension, lacunarity, and minimum spanning tree (MST) fractal dimension. Patients were dichotomized into two groups at median values. Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to estimate the hazard ratios for grade ≥ 2 or grade ≥ 3 RP. Results and Conclusions: We found significant associations between lung parenchymal morphometric complexity and RP incidence. In univariate Cox-proportional hazard analysis, patients with a lower MST fractal dimension had a significantly higher hazard ratio of 2.296 (95% CI: 1.348–3.910) for grade ≥ 2 RP. When adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, category of the underlying lung disease, category of radiotherapy technique, clinical stage, histology, and DLCO, patients with a lower MST fractal dimension showed a significantly higher hazard ratio of 3.292 (95% CI: 1.722–6.294) for grade ≥ 2 RP and 7.952 (95% CI: 1.722 36.733) for grade ≥ 3 RP than those with a higher MST fractal dimension. Patients with lower lacunarity exhibited a significantly lower hazard ratio of 0.091 (95% CI: 0.015–0.573) for grade ≥ 3 RP in the adjusted model. We speculated that the lung tissue integrity is captured by morphometric complexity measures, particularly by the MST fractal dimension. We suggest the MST fractal dimension as an imaging biomarker for predicting the occurrence of symptomatic RP after thoracic radiotherapy.

This work’s objective is to investigate the laminar steady flow characteristics of non-Newtonian nano-fluids in a developed chaotic microdevice known as a two-layer crossing channels micromixer (TLCCM). The continuity equation, the 3D momentum equations, and the species transport equations have been solved numerically at low Reynolds numbers with the commercial CFD software Fluent. A procedure has been verified for non-Newtonian flow in studied geometry that is continuously heated. Secondary flows and thermal mixing performance with two distinct intake temperatures of nano-shear thinning fluids is involved. For an extensive range of Reynolds numbers (0.1 to 25), the impact of fluid characteristics and various concentrations of Al2O3 nanoparticles on thermal mixing capabilities and pressure drop were investigated. The simulation for performance enhancement was run using a power-law index (n) at intervals of different nanoparticle concentrations (0.5 to 5%). At high nano-fluid concentrations, our research findings indicate that hydrodynamic and thermal performances are considerably improved for all Reynolds numbers because of the strong chaotic flow. The mass fraction visualization shows that the suggested design has a fast thermal mixing rate that approaches 0.99%. As a consequence of the thermal and hydrodynamic processes, under the effect of chaotic advection, the creation of entropy governs the second law of thermodynamics. Thus, with the least amount of friction and thermal irreversibilities compared to other studied geometries, the TLCCM arrangement confirmed a significant enhancement in the mixing performance.

Building damage due to various causes occurs frequently and has risk factors that can cause additional collapses. However, it is difficult to accurately identify objects in complex structural sites because of inaccessible situations and image noise. In conventional approaches, close-up images have been used to detect and segment damage images such as cracks. In this study, the method of using a deep learning model is proposed for the rapid determination and analysis of multiple damage types, such as cracks and concrete rubble, in disaster sites. Through the proposed method, it is possible to perform analysis by receiving image information from a robot explorer instead of a human, and it is possible to detect and segment damage information even when the damaged point is photographed at a distance. To accomplish this goal, damage information is detected and segmented using YOLOv7 and Deeplabv2. Damage information is quickly detected through YOLOv7, and semantic segmentation is performed using Deeplabv2 based on the bounding box information obtained through YOLOv7. By using images with various resolutions and senses of distance for training, damage information can be effectively detected not only at short distances but also at long distances. When comparing the results, depending on how YOLOv7 and Deeplabv2 were used, they returned better scores than the comparison model, with a Recall of 0.731, Precision of 0.843, F1 of 0.770, and mIoU of 0.638, and had the lowest standard deviation.

Background: Infusion pumps are critical in delivering fluids, including medications and blood products, in controlled amounts. However, conventional pumps can cause hemolysis and other issues such as flow variations and infection risks, especially during blood transfusions. To address these limitations, a novel cylinder-type infusion pump, the Anyfusion H-100, was developed, which includes a specialized blood transfusion cartridge set that combines syringe and peristaltic infusion methods. This study evaluates the accuracy and hemolysis rates of the Anyfusion H-100 compared to conventional pumps, aiming to confirm its viability as a safe and effective medical device for blood transfusions. Methods: This study evaluated six different infusion rates (10–180 cc/hr) and conducted 57 transfusion trials, 20 of which used a 1:1 blood–saline dilution. Blood transfusion accuracy was measured using research-grade packed red blood cells, and hemolysis rates were assessed before and after transfusion by chi-square tests and independent sample t-tests. Results: Anyfusion demonstrated an average transfusion error rate of 3.77%, compared to 4.00% for the Terufusion, with no statistically significant difference in hemolysis rates (p = 0.697). Bland–Altman plots confirmed their equivalent performance, with hemolysis rates of 0.566 ± 0.095% for Anyfusion and 0.518 ± 0.126% for Terufusion. Conclusions: Anyfusion provides an accurate and reliable blood transfusion performance comparable to that of Terufusion, with no significant difference in hemolysis rates; its integration of syringe and infusion methods shows a potential for safer and more efficient transfusion practices, especially in pediatric and emergency settings.

Capric acid is a second medium-chain fatty acid, and recent studies have shown that fatty acids are associated with bone density and reduce bone turnover. In this study, we investigated the effects of capric acid on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells. After treatment with capric acid (1 mM), the number of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells decreased significantly. Capric acid reduced LPS-induced TRAP expression, an osteoclast differentiation marker, without inhibiting cell viability. LPS strongly upregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels and nitric oxide (NO) production, whereas capric acid inhibited them. Furthermore, capric acid also inhibited monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA expression. Subsequently, we investigated various intracellular signaling proteins, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT3 associated with osteoclastogenesis. Capric acid had no effects on LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB, JNK, ERK1/2, and STAT1 pathways. However, capric acid inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of Ser(727) in STAT3. Additionally, stattic (a STAT3 inhibitor) inhibited LPS-induced iNOS and MCP-1 gene expression. In conclusion, we demonstrated that capric acid inhibited LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis by suppressing NO production via the STAT3 pathway. These results suggest that capric acid has important therapeutic implications for treating bone diseases associated with excessive osteoclastogenesis.

Purpose We propose a new potential marker of progression-free survival (PFS) called negative delta-prostate-specific antigen (PSA) time ratio (NDPSATR) and compare it with conventional PSA response, defined as PSA decline ≥50% at 12 weeks from pretreatment baseline (PSAR50) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients treated with first-line enzalutamide (ENZ) or docetaxel (DTX). Materials and Methods All patients diagnosed as mCRPC at Ajou University Hospital from 2016 were included. Delta-PSA days is PSA change between 2 consecutive measurements during a regimen multiplied by interval days. A negative delta-PSA days value represents a positive PSA response. NDPSATR is calculated by dividing the sum of days on negative delta-PSA days by total days on the regimen. Student t-test was used to compare mean values and Kaplan-Meier survival curves for PFS were obtained. Results Of 57 patients identified, 22 and 35 were treated with ENZ and DTX, respectively. Rates of PSAR50 for ENZ and DTX were 72.7% and 20.6%, respectively. Mean NDPSATR for ENZ and DTX were 0.40 and 0.46, respectively and the difference was not statistically significant. For ENZ, median PFS (mPFS) of PSAR50 and non-PSAR50 were 14.3 and 4.8 months, respectively and there was significant difference in PFS (p=0.002). For DTX, mPFS of PSAR50 and non-PSAR50 were 15.0 and 6.5 months, respectively but there was no significant difference in PFS (p=0.055). At cutoff value of 0.4, rate of NDPSATR ≥0.4 for ENZ and DTX were 36.4% and 62.9%, respectively. For ENZ, mPFS of NDPSATR ≥0.4 and NDPSATR

Purpose There is a lack of guidelines for using angioembolization to manage renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with intractable symptoms. Therefore, the Korean Urologic Oncology Society (KUOS) developed a set of recommendations for angioembolization for RCC patients with intractable symptoms who are unfit for surgery. Materials and Methods A rigorous systematic review was performed and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) methodology was used to rate the certainty of the evidence for the patient outcomes and to develop the evidence into recommendations. The steering group, guidelines development group, systematic review team, and external review group consisted of KUOS members involved in the guideline development process. Results The guidelines address the benefits, harms, patients’ values and preferences, costs, and resources related to angioembolization by using a single clinical question: Does angioembolization improve the quality of life for RCC patients with intractable symptoms who are unfit for surgery? Conclusions The guideline development panel suggests angioembolization for RCC patients with intractable symptoms compared with supportive therapies, including systemic treatment (very low certainty of evidence, weak recommendation).

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have therapeutic applications and potential for use in regenerative medicine. However, the use of hMSCs in research and clinical medicine is limited by a lack of information pertaining to their donor-specific functional attributes. In this study, we compared the characteristics of same-donor derived placenta (PL) and Wharton's jelly (WJ)-derived hMSCs, we also compared their mechanism of action in a skeletal muscle disease in vitro model. The same-donor-derived hWJ- and hPL-MSCs exhibited typical hMSC characteristics. However, GRO-α was differentially expressed in hWJ- and hPL-MSCs. hWJ-MSCs, which secreted a high amount of GRO-α, displayed a higher ability to inhibit necroptosis in skeletal muscle cells than hPL-MSCs. This demonstrates the anti-necroptotic therapeutic effect of GRO-α in the skeletal muscle cell death model. Furthermore, GRO-α also exhibited the anti-necroptotic effect in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) mouse model. Considering their potential to inhibit necroptosis in skeletal muscle cells, hWJ-MSCs and the derived GRO-α are novel treatment options for skeletal muscle diseases such as DMD.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on survival in patients with nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with radical or partial nephrectomy. Materials and Methods Between June 1994 and December 2021, 482 patients with RCC underwent radical or partial nephrectomy. Among those patients, 21 patients with lymph node or distant metastasis were excluded. The medical records of the remaining 461 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The prognostic significance of various clinicopathological variables, including BMI, was evaluated in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Of the total 461 patients, 171 (37.1%) were categorized as normal-weight, 118 (25.6%) as overweight, and 172 (37.3%) as obese. Forty-eight patients (10.4%) developed local recurrence or distant metastasis, and 26 patients (5.6%) died from the disease during the follow-up period. In the multivariate analysis, BMI (p=0.017), tumor size (p

Abstract Introduction Colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis (PM) has been considered a non‐curative disease. PM is associated with reduced overall survival (OS) and worse prognosis compared with metastasis at other sites. We aimed to investigate the treatment outcome and recurrence after curative resection of colorectal PM during a long‐term follow‐up. Methods Patients who were diagnosed with colorectal PM and underwent surgery between December 2001 and December 2019 were included (n = 309). Curative resection was defined as PM resection without residual disease after surgery (complete macroscopic resection). Results Of 309 patients, 208 (67.8%) had PM as an initially metastatic disease. Curative (R0/1) resection was achieved in 155 (50.2%) patients, while non‐curative operation (R2 resection or palliative operation including colostomy) was performed in 154 (49.8%) patients. Compared with patients who underwent non‐curative operation, those with curative resection more often had a single PM on preoperative imaging (34.2% vs. 20.8%, p = 0.011) and postoperative results (59.4% vs. 22.7%, p