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Mi Kyung Park,1 Hye-Kyung Park,2 Hak Sun Yu1,3 1Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea; 3Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of KoreaCorrespondence: Hye-Kyung Park; Hak Sun Yu, Tel +82+51-240-7000 ; +82+51-510-8022, Email parkhk@pusan.ac.kr; hsyu@pusan.ac.krBackground: Repeated exposure to recombinant profilin from Acanthamoeba (rAc-PF) induces allergic airway responses in vitro and in vivo. Based on the role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in allergic airway diseases, TLRs play a central role in innate immune responses and the adaptive immune system and regulate responses against antigens through antigen-specific receptors. In this study, we attempted to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying rAc-PF-induced allergic inflammatory responses.Methods: We determined the correlation between rAc-PF and TLRs and analyzed changes in allergic immune responses after blocking multiple TLR signaling under rAc-PF treatment conditions in vitro. We also compared allergic inflammatory responses in TLR2 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. To investigate the effect of TLR2 on antigen prototyping and T cell activation in the inflammatory response induced by rAc-PF, we assessed maturation of BMDCs and polarization of naïve T cells by rAc-PF stimulation. Additionally, we compared changes in inflammation-related gene expression by rAc-PF treatment in primary lung epithelial cells isolated from TLR2 KO and WT mice.Results: The rAc-PF treatment was increased the expression level of TLR2 and 9 in vitro. But, there were not significantly differ the others TLRs expression by rAc-PF treated group. And then, the mRNA expression levels of inflammation-related genes were reduced in the TLR2 or TLR9 antagonist-treated groups compared to those in the rAc-PF alone, were no difference the treated with the other TLRs (TLR4, 6, and 7/8) antagonist. The difference was higher in the TLR2 antagonist group. Additionally, the levels of airway inflammatory disease indicators were lower in the TLR2 KO group than in the WT group after rAc-PF treatment. Furthermore, the expression of bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (BMDC) surface molecular markers following rAc-PF stimulation was lower in TLR2 KO mice than in WT mice, and TLR2 KO in BMDCs resulted in a remarkable decline in Th2/17-related cytokine production and Th2/17 subset differentiation. In addition, the expression levels of rAc-PF-induced inflammatory genes were reduced inTLR2 KO primary lung cells compared to those in normal primary lung cells.Conclusion: These results suggest that the rAc-PF-induced airway inflammatory response is regulated by TLR2 signaling.Keywords: rAc-PF, profilin, toll-like receptors, airway inflammation, T cell activation

This study examines 219 STEAM education theses from Taiwan spanning the years 2008 to 2022, analyzing the current status and trends in STEAM education. The research reveals that STEAM education in Taiwan is rapidly advancing, with teacher training institutions becoming the primary research entities. The focus of the research is predominantly on K-12 education, particularly emphasizing primary school levels, while there is relatively less research on university students and teachers. It is recommended to deepen research on STEAM practices across different educational stages to explore the potential of educational diversity. Empirical research in STEAM education primarily centers around the 6E model, PjBL, and creativity in curriculum and teaching methods, with insufficient attention to teacher and policy-level studies. Future recommendations include strengthening theoretical foundations, expanding research topics to encompass teachers and policies, conducting international comparisons, and engaging in cross-cultural studies to enhance a comprehensive understanding of STEAM education. Furthermore, challenges are identified in the quality and academic ethics of thesis research. Some theses exhibit a tendency for expediency, resulting in varying research quality. Future suggestions include reinforcing evaluation criteria for theses, enhancing academic standards and precision, to promote the quality and development of STEAM education. 本研究以台灣地區2008 至2022 年的219 篇STEAM教育領域學位論文為研究對象，剖析STEAM教育的現況和趨勢。研究發現，台灣的STEAM教育正快速發展，師範院校成為主要研究機構。研究主要聚焦於K-12，特別強調小學階段，對大學生和教師的研究相對較少，建議深化對不同教育階段的STEAM實踐研究，挖掘教育多樣性的前景。STEAM教育實證研究聚焦6E 模式、PjBL 和創造力的課程和教學模式，但對教師和政策層面的研究不足。未來建議強化學理基礎，擴展研究主題至教師和政策，進行國際比較和跨文化研究，提升對STEAM教育的全面理解。另外學位論文研究品質和學術倫理面臨挑戰，部分論文存在求速便捷情況，導致研究品質不一。未來建議加強學位論文的審斷標準，提升學術標準和精確性，以推動STEAM教育的品質和發展。

The use of the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique for the deposition of HfO2-based ferroelectrics has received attention in recent years primarily due to wake-up free operation. However, these studies have primarily focused on metal-ferroelectric-metal (MFM) structures. In this work, we investigate the characteristics of ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FEFETs) in which the ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) gate stack is deposited using the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) technique. We observe that PEALD FEFET requires a higher write voltage for the same memory window compared to an equivalent FEFET with thermal ALD (THALD)-grown HZO. The increase in write voltage in PEALD FEFET occurs primarily due to the increase of the interfacial oxide layer using the plasma process. In addition, we observe that the SiO2 interfacial layer underneath the ferroelectric (FE) HZO layer eliminates the wake-up behavior in both THALD and PEALD FEFETs.

Background Diabetes is the strongest risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and although glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are known to vary by race, no racial and ethnic–specific diagnostic thresholds exist for diabetes in prediction of cardiovascular disease events. The purpose of this study is to determine whether HbA1c thresholds for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) differ among racial and ethnic groups. Methods and Results This is a retrospective cohort study of Kaiser Permanente Northern California adult members (n=309 636) with no history of cardiovascular disease who had HbA1c values and race and ethnicity data available between 2014 and 2019. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the odds of MACEs by the following racial and ethnic groups: Filipino, South Asian, East Asian, Black, White, and Hispanic. A Youden index was used to calculate HbA1c thresholds for MACE prediction by each racial and ethnic group, stratified by sex. Among studied racial and ethnic groups, South Asian race was associated with the greatest odds of MACEs (1.641 [95% CI, 1.456–1.843]; P

Background Mortality due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing. However, dead space fractions at rest (VD/VTrest) and peak exercise (VD/VTpeak) and variables affecting survival have not been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate these issues. Methods This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted from 2010–2020. Patients with COPD who smoked, met the Global Initiatives for Chronic Lung Diseases (GOLD) criteria, had available demographic, complete lung function test (CLFT), medication, acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), Charlson Comorbidity Index, and survival data were enrolled. VD/VTrest and VD/VTpeak were estimated (estVD/VTrest and estVD/VTpeak). Univariate and multivariable Cox regression with stepwise variable selection were performed to estimate hazard ratios of all-cause mortality. Results Overall, 14,910 patients with COPD were obtained from the hospital database, and 456 were analyzed after excluding those without CLFT or meeting the lung function criteria during the follow-up period (median (IQR) 597 (331–934.5) days). Of the 456 subjects, 81% had GOLD stages 2 and 3, highly elevated dead space fractions, mild air-trapping and diffusion impairment. The hospitalized AECOPD rate was 0.60 ± 2.84/person/year. Forty-eight subjects (10.5%) died, including 30 with advanced cancer. The incidence density of death was 6.03 per 100 person-years. The crude risk factors for mortality were elevated estVD/VTrest, estVD/VTpeak, ≥2 hospitalizations for AECOPD, advanced age, body mass index (BMI)

Fermented milk has been associated with the improvement of human health for decades. Food-grade Lactococcus lactis NZ3900 is a potential host for producing and delivering various biologics, including oral vaccines, hence it could enhance the functionality of fermented milk as a starter culture. A cultured fermented milk product was developed in this study using the food-grade recombinant L. lactis NZ3900 harboring plasmid pNZ8149. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the inoculum concentration (5–15% v/v), fermentation temperature (23–37 °C), and fermentation time (18–30 h) to enhance the viability, acidification activity, viscosity, and minimize syneresis of the L. lactis NZ3900-fermented milk using response surface methodology. The optimal inoculum concentration and fermentation conditions for L. lactis NZ3900-fermented milk are 12.5% (v/v) inoculum, 28 °C fermentation temperature, and 30 h of fermentation time, resulting in higher viability (9.64 log10 CFU/mL), acidification activity (pH 4.42, 0.78% titratable acidity), viscosity (11,096.9 mPa·s), and comparable syneresis (63.62%) against commercial fermented milk products. This shows that food-grade L. lactis NZ3900 can be used as a starter culture, and NZ3900-fermented milk could be used as a functional drink for oral vaccine delivery.

Reduction of aerodynamic drag is an important topic in the development of a bicycle racing, making it extremely vital to study the flow field phenomenon on the surface of a cyclist. As the wind flows over the human body, the flow separation phenomenon will appear on the surface. The purpose of this research is to study the aerodynamic characteristics of cyclists by utilizing flow visualization method in both water channel and wind tunnel. Cyclist models used in water channel and wind tunnel testing were based on a real male cyclist and printed using a 3D printer. Flow visualization technique was employed to observe the flow phenomenon around the arms, thighs and calves of the cyclist model. It is found that there are vortices meandering along the axial direction at the arms and thighs, double separation lines appear at the lower legs. Then, the surface pressure coefficient of the model was measured on a full-scale model in wind tunnel experiment to verify the flow condition in the vicinity of the model surface. These research methods help in getting a better understanding of the structure of the flow field around the cyclist, and further achieve the purpose of drag reduction.

Aquaporins (AQP) 1, 2, 3 and 4 belong to the aquaporin water channel family and play an important role in urine concentration by reabsorption of water from renal tubule fluid. Renal AQPs have not been reported in the yak (Bos grunniens), which resides in the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau. We investigated AQPs 1−4 expressions in the kidneys of Yak using immunohistochemical staining. AQP1 was expressed mainly in the basolateral and apical membranes of the proximal tubules and descending thin limb of the loop of Henle. AQP2 was detected in the apical plasma membranes of collecting ducts and distal convoluted tubules. AQP3 was located in the proximal tubule, distal tubule and collecting ducts. AQP4 was located in the collecting ducts, distal straight tubule, glomerular capillaries and peritubular capillaries. The expression pattern of AQPs 1−4 in kidney of yak was different from other species, which possibly is related to kidney function in a high altitude environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Indoor airflow and thermal comfort are difficult to assess through subjective evaluations because airflow sensations can differ based on various factors, such as personal characteristics, interests, preferences, and the current state of mind. Thus, subjective evaluations should be combined with objective assessments, such as physiological measurements. This study evaluated airflow and thermal comfort through physiological measurements, including skin temperature, electroencephalography, respiration, and electrocardiography, in addition to subjective evaluations. Methods Twenty participants entered a test room at 30 °C after staying in an acclimation room at 18 °C for 20 min. They were exposed to indirect and direct airflow toward their faces and performed four tasks under each condition: resting, counting to 10 s following time alerts, counting to 10 s in the mind, and mental calculation. The mean speed of the air directed to the participants’ faces was 0.123 m/s and 0.225 m/s in the indirect and direct conditions, respectively. Results The gamma and beta bands of electroencephalograms taken at the left-temporal (T3) and left-parietal (P7) sites showed significantly lower amplitudes under the indirect condition (gamma, T3: p = 0.034, P7: p = 0.030; beta, T3: p = 0.051, P7: p = 0.028). Similarly, the variability of respiration was lower under the indirect condition (p < 0.010). The amplitudes of gamma and beta waves showed significant correlations with anxiousness levels (gamma, T3: r = 0.41; beta, T3: r = 0.35). Conclusions Our results suggest that indirect heating airflow causes lower mental stress and fatigue than those induced by direct flow, which is equivalent to more comfort. The results of this study suggest that physiological measurements can be used for the evaluation of unconscious indoor comfort, which cannot be detected by subjective evaluations alone.

Although radiotherapy is one of the most important curative treatments for cancer, its clinical application is associated with undesired therapeutic effects on normal or healthy tissues. The use of targeted agents that can simultaneously achieve therapeutic and imaging functions could constitute a potential solution. Herein, we developed 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG)-labeled poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) gold nanodots (2DG-PEG-AuD) as a tumor-targeted computed tomography (CT) contrast agent and radiosensitizer. The key advantages of the design are its biocompatibility and targeted AuD with excellent sensitivity in tumor detection via avid glucose metabolism. As a consequence, CT imaging with enhanced sensitivity and remarkable radiotherapeutic efficacy could be attained. Our synthesized AuD displayed linear enhancement of CT contrast as a function of its concentration. In addition, 2DG-PEG-AuD successfully demonstrated significant augmentation of CT contrast in both in vitro cell studies and in vivo tumor-bearing mouse models. In tumor-bearing mice, 2DG-PEG-AuD showed excellent radiosensitizing functions after intravenous injection. Results from this work indicate that 2DG-PEG-AuD could greatly potentiate theranostic capabilities by providing high-resolution anatomical and functional images in a single CT scan and therapeutic capability.

In this study, a newly enhanced Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) model which incorporates mooring lines was used to simulate a floating structure. The model has two parts: a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model and a mooring model. The open-source CFD OpenFOAM® v1712 toolbox was used in the present study, and the convergence criteria and relaxation method were added to the computational procedure used for the OpenFOAM multiphase flow solver, interDyMFoam. A newly enhanced, tightly coupled solver, CoupledinterDyMFoam, was used to decrease the artificial added mass effect, and the results were validated through a series of benchmark cases. The mooring model, based on the finite element method, was established in MATLAB® and was validated against a benchmark analytical elastic catenary solution and numerical results. Finally, a model which simulates a floating structure with mooring lines was successfully constructed by connecting the mooring model to CoupledinterDyMFoam.

Based on an extended production function, this paper finds that the turning point of the government debt ratio for Bulgaria is estimated to be 45.2631%, suggesting that an increase in the debt ratio beyond 45.2631% will cause the growth rate of real GDP to decline. This turning point for Bulgaria is far less than the 90% turning point proposed by Reinhart and Rogoff. Therefore, the Reinhart-Rogoff hypothesis does not apply to Bulgaria.

The importance of pancreatic endocrine cell activity modulation by autonomic innervation has been debated. To investigate this question, we established an in vivo imaging model that also allows chronic and acute neuromodulation with genetic and optogenetic tools. Using the GCaMP6s biosensor together with endocrine cell fluorescent reporters, we imaged calcium dynamics simultaneously in multiple pancreatic islet cell types in live animals in control states and upon changes in innervation. We find that by 4 days post fertilization in zebrafish, a stage when islet architecture is reminiscent of that in adult rodents, prominent activity coupling between beta cells is present in basal glucose conditions. Furthermore, we show that both chronic and acute loss of nerve activity result in diminished beta–beta and alpha–beta activity coupling. Pancreatic nerves are in contact with all islet cell types, but predominantly with beta and delta cells. Surprisingly, a subset of delta cells with detectable peri-islet neural activity coupling had significantly higher homotypic coupling with other delta cells suggesting that some delta cells receive innervation that coordinates their output. Overall, these data show that innervation plays a vital role in the maintenance of homotypic and heterotypic cellular connectivity in pancreatic islets, a process critical for islet function.

Summary: In this study, we establish a population-based human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) drug screening platform for toxicity assessment. After recruiting 1,000 healthy donors and screening for high-frequency human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes, we identify 13 HLA-homozygous “super donors” to represent the population. These “super donors” are also expected to represent at least 477,611,135 of the global population. By differentiating these representative hiPSCs into cardiomyocytes and neurons we show their utility in a high-throughput toxicity screen. To validate hit compounds, we demonstrate dose-dependent toxicity of the hit compounds and assess functional modulation. We also show reproducible in vivo drug toxicity results using mouse models with select hit compounds. This study shows the feasibility of using a population-based hiPSC drug screening platform to assess cytotoxicity, which can be used as an innovative tool to study inter-population differences in drug toxicity and adverse drug reactions in drug discovery applications.

Applying an extended IS-LM model to Poland, this paper finds that fiscal expansion does not raise output but causes real appreciation and that monetary expansion increases output and leads to real depreciation. Besides, a lower real interest rate, a higher real stock price or a lower expected inflation rate helps raise output; and a higher real interest rate, a higher real stock price or a lower expected inflation rate results in real appreciation. Hence, the predictions of the Mundell- Fleming model are applicable to Poland.

Due to the increasing consciousness of a healthy diet and pursuit of convenience among consumers, the market for fresh fruit is on the rise, and the melon is among the most welcome of fruits for its sensory attributes and nutritional properties. Consumption safety of cut fruit remains an issue of concern that may affect public health. This study aimed to perform the microbiological characterisation of a melon, Cucumis melo L. var. “Piel de Sapo”, cut by retailers, wrapped in plastic cling film and kept at room temperature in local fruit shops. In addition, the possible transfer of relevant foodborne pathogens, during slicing, from the peel to the interior of the melon, and bacterial growth, were also evaluated when the melon slices were stored at abusive temperatures for 2 days. In this pilot study, a low number of samples were characterised microbiologically (26 cut melons), and some isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. No Listeria spp. or Salmonella spp. were detected in any of the samples, while Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were present in four and six out of twenty-six samples, respectively. Following artificial contamination of melons with cocktails of Salmonella spp., E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes, it was observed that, despite the smaller number of L. monocytogenes recovered, all the pathogens were transferred from the contaminated peels to the interior of the melons. Furthermore, over storage time, significant differences were observed (p < 0.05) between the counts obtained from melon slices immediately after cutting (0 h), and after 24 and 48 h at 20 °C, with an increase of about 4 log CFU/g in all the pathogens. In conclusion, some cut melons classified as microbiologically unacceptable or unsatisfactory are being sold in local fruit shops in the Porto Metropolitan Area, Portugal. Although absent in the samples analysed, Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes, if present, can be transferred from the outside to the inside of the fruit by the cutting blade and, if not consumed immediately and stored at abusive temperatures, this ready-to-eat product poses a risk of infection. This pilot study, performed for the first time in Portugal under these conditions, clearly demonstrates the need for education campaigns to alert local sellers and consumers of the risk posed by cut melons.

Pediococcus acidilactici has gained research and commercial interest due to its outstanding probiotic properties, yet its survival during storage and consumption requires improvement. This study aims to enhance P. acidilactici survival using spray drying encapsulation. Different inlet air temperatures (120 °C, 150 °C, and 170 °C) and whey protein isolate (WPI):gum arabic (GA) ratios (1:1, 3:1, 1:3) were tested. Cell viability was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the inlet temperature but not the WPI:GA ratio. Increasing the inlet temperature to 170 °C significantly decreased P. acidilactici viability by 1.36 log cycles, from 8.61 log CFU/g to 7.25 log CFU/g. The inlet temperature of 150 °C resulted in a powder yield (63.12%) higher than at 120 °C (58.97%), as well as significantly (p < 0.05) lower moisture content (5.71%) and water activity (aw 0.21). Viable cell counts in all encapsulated P. acidilactici were maintained at 5.24–6.75 log CFU/g after gastrointestinal tract (GIT) simulation, with WPI:GA of 3:1 and inlet temperature 150 °C having the smallest log reduction (0.3 log cycles). All samples containing different WPI:GA ratios maintained sufficient viability (>7 log CFU/g) during the first three weeks of storage at 25 °C. These results could provide insights for further developing P. acidilactici as commercial probiotic products.

BackgroundAtopic march refers to the natural history of atopic dermatitis (AD) in infancy followed by subsequent allergic rhinitis and asthma in later life. Respiratory viruses interact with allergic sensitization to promote recurrent wheezing and the development of asthma. We aimed to evaluate whether influenza vaccination reduces asthma risk in people with AD.MethodsThis cohort study was conducted retrospectively from 2000 to 2013 by the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients with newly diagnosed AD (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 691) were enrolled as the AD cohort. We matched each vaccinated patient with one non-vaccinated patient according to age and sex. We observed each participant until their first asthma event, or the end of the study on December 31, 2013, whichever came first.ResultsOur analyses included 4,414 people with a mean age of 53 years. Of these, 43.8 were male. The incidence density of asthma was 12.6 per 1,000 person-years for vaccinated patients, and 15.1 per 1000 person-years for non-vaccinated patients. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of asthma in the vaccinated cohort relative to the non-vaccinated cohort was 0.69 (95% CI = 0.55–0.87). Vaccinated patients had a lower cumulative incidence of asthma than unvaccinated patients. Vaccinated participants in all age and sex groups trended toward a lower risk of asthma. People will reduce more asthma risk when taking shots every year.ConclusionInfluenza vaccination was associated with lower asthma risk in patients with AD.

Single-use synthetic plastics that are used as food packaging is one of the major contributors to environmental pollution. Hence, this study aimed to develop a biodegradable edible film incorporated with Limosilactobacillus fermentum. Investigation of the physical and mechanical properties of chitosan (CS), sodium caseinate (NaCas), and chitosan/sodium caseinate (CS/NaCas) composite films allowed us to determine that CS/NaCas composite films displayed higher opacity (7.40 A/mm), lower water solubility (27.6%), and higher Young’s modulus (0.27 MPa) compared with pure CS and NaCas films. Therefore, Lb. fermentum bacteria were only incorporated in CS/NaCas composite films. Comparison of the physical and mechanical properties of CS/NaCas composite films incorporated with bacteria with those of control CS/NaCas composite films allowed us to observe that they were not affected by the addition of probiotics, except for the flexibility of films, which was improved. The Lb. fermentum incorporated composite films had a 0.11 mm thickness, 17.9% moisture content, 30.8% water solubility, 8.69 A/mm opacity, 25 MPa tensile strength, and 88.80% elongation at break. The viability of Lb. fermentum after drying the films and the antibacterial properties of films against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 were also evaluated after the addition of Lb. fermentum in the composite films. Dried Lb. fermentum composite films with 6.65 log10 CFU/g showed an inhibitory effect against E. coli and S. aureus (0.67 mm and 0.80 mm inhibition zone diameters, respectively). This shows that the Lb.-fermentum-incorporated CS/NaCas composite film is a potential bioactive packaging material for perishable food product preservation.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the survivability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v encapsulated in chitosan-coated calcium alginate beads with inulin as prebiotic in simulated gastrointestinal conditions and roselle juice. The concentration of calcium chloride and inulin for L. plantarum 299v microencapsulation was optimised and the survivability of free and microencapsulated L. plantarum was assessed under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Storage stability of the optimised encapsulated L. plantarum 299v-inulin was determined throughout four (4) weeks of storage in roselle juice at 4 °C and 25 °C. The optimized formula for L. plantarum 299v was 2.0% (w/v) of calcium chloride and 3.0% (w/v) of inulin. Optimized calcium alginate-chitosan L. plantarum 299v microbeads with inulin did not affect (p > 0.05) the bead diameter, with a mean diameter of 685.27 μm, and microencapsulation efficiency of 95%. Encapsulated L. plantarum 299v with inulin showed higher survivability (>107 CFU/mL) than free cells and encapsulated L. plantarum 299v without inulin under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and after four (4) weeks of storage in roselle juice at 4 °C. The results indicate that co-extrusion encapsulation and addition of inulin had improved the viability of L. plantarum 299v in roselle juice by protecting probiotic against unfavourable gastrointestinal conditions and prolonged storage.

Endometriosis (EM) with chronic inflammation may accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis. Currently, no large or randomized clinical studies have assessed the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with endometriosis in Asia to investigate whether incident EM is associated with a higher risk of new-onset coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study of a nationwide cohort in Taiwan, we identified 13,988 patients with newly diagnosed EM from 1 January, 2000, through 31 December, 2012. EM and non-EM groups were matched by propensity score at a ratio of 1:1. Of a total 27,976 participants, 358 developed CAD. The incidence rate in the EM group was higher than that in the non-EM group (1.8 per 1,000 person-years vs. 1.3 per 1,000 person-years) during the follow-up period. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of CAD for the EM group was 1.52 with a 95% confidence interval (1.23–1.87, p < 0.001) after adjusting for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, surgical procedures, frequency of outpatient visits, and medications. Stratified analysis revealed that, among four age groups (20–39, 40–49, 50–54, and above 55 years), the 20–39 years sub-group was associated with a higher risk of CAD (aHR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.16–2.59, p = 0.008). Several sensitivity analyses were conducted for cross-validation, and it showed consistent positive findings. In conclusion, this cohort study revealed that patients with symptomatic EM in Taiwan were associated with increased risk of subsequent CAD than patients without medical records of EM. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm this causal relationship.

Background: The binding of anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (anti-PLA2R) antibody to podocyte and complement activation is the mechanisms of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). C5a, a complement activation end product, is a strong inflammatory cell stimulator and can influence the behavior of T cells and dendritic cells. This study examined the etiology–disease relationship and significance of auto-antibody and C5a with short-term remission. Method: Plasma anti-PLA2R antibody and C5a were measured with the blood samples that were collected when patients were admitted for renal biopsy. The deposition of IgA, IgG, IgM, C1q and C3c in glomerulus was graded according to immunofluorescence staining. The relationship of anti-PLA2R antibody with C5a, glomerular immunoglobulin and complement deposition was examined. Antibody and C5a levels as predictors of short-term remission were also examined. Results: In 72 IMN patients, 50 patients had positive plasma anti-PLA2R antibody. The antibody had positive correlation to proteinuria. Patients with high grade IgG or C3c, but not IgA/IgM/C1q, deposition had higher anti-PLA2R antibody titers. C5a was increased in IMN patients, but had no correlation with anti-PLA2R antibody or proteinuria. The analysis revealed that C5a, not initial anti-PLA2R antibody, was a predictor associated with 12-month remission in patients receiving immunosuppression with multivariate-adjusted OR 0.74 (95% CI, 0.58–0.94, P = 0.01). Conclusion: This study provides indirect evidences of etiology–disease relationship of anti-PLA2R antibody in IMN patients. The role of C5a, a predictor of remission, in the disease course of MN and the influences on inflammatory cells in MN patients is worth to be clarified. Keywords: C5a, Disease activity, Membranous nephropathy, Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody, Prognosis

The paper finds that real depreciation of the denar reduces real GDP and that more government deficit spending as a percent of GDP raises real GDP. In addition, a lower world real interest rate, a higher lagged world real income, a lower real oil price or a lower expected inflation would increase real GDP. It suggests that the negative impact of real depreciation such as higher import costs and domestic inflation and less international capital inflows dominates the positive impact of real depreciation such as more exports.

SRPK1, a kinase involved in splicing regulation, is a potential therapeutic target for AML patients. Here, the authors show that SRPK1 inhibition changes isoform levels of key epigenetic regulators, including BRD4, and it has anti-tumor effects specifically against MLL-rearranged AML cells.

Tight regulation of blood glucose is essential for long term health. Blood glucose levels are defended by the correct function of, and communication between, internal organs including the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, and brain. Critically, the brain is sensitive to acute changes in blood glucose level and can modulate peripheral processes to defend against these deviations. In this mini-review we highlight select key findings showcasing the utility, strengths, and limitations of model organisms to study brain-body interactions that sense and control blood glucose levels. First, we discuss the large platform of genetic tools available to investigators studying mice and how this field may yet reveal new modes of communication between peripheral organs and the brain. Second, we discuss how rats, by virtue of their size, have unique advantages for the study of CNS control of glucose homeostasis and note that they may more closely model some aspects of human (patho)physiology. Third, we discuss the nascent field of studying the CNS control of blood glucose in the zebrafish which permits ease of genetic modification, large-scale measurements of neural activity and live imaging in addition to high-throughput screening. Finally, we briefly discuss glucose homeostasis in drosophila, which have a distinct physiology and glucoregulatory systems to vertebrates.