Search

Purpose: Gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents are primarily used for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL). However, overcoming venous contamination issues remains challenging. This study aims to assess the MRL efficacy of the newly developed iron-based contrast agent (INV-001) that is specially designed to mitigate venous contamination issues. The study further explores the optimal dosage, including both injection volume and concentration, required to achieve successful visualization of the popliteal lymph nodes and surrounding lymphatic vessels. Procedures. All animals utilized in this study were male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats weighing between 250 and 300 g. The contrast agents prepared were injected intradermally in the fourth phalanx of both hind limbs using a 30-gauge syringe in SD rats. MRL was performed every 16 min on a coronal 3D time-of-flight sequence with saturation bands using a 9.4-T animal machine. Results: Contrary to Gd-DOTA, which exhibited venous contamination in most animals irrespective of injection dosages and conditions, INV-001 showed no venous contamination. For Gd-DOTA, the popliteal lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels reached peak enhancement 16 min after injection from the injection site and then rapidly washed out. However, with INV-001, they reached peak enhancement between 16 and 32 min after injection, with prolonged visualization of the popliteal lymph node and lymphatic vessels. INV-001 at 0.45 μmol (15 mM, 30 μL) and 0.75 μmol (15 mM, 50 μL) achieved high scores for qualitative image analysis, providing good visualization of the popliteal lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels without issues of venous contamination, interstitial space enhancement, or lymph node enlargement. Conclusion: In MRL, INV-001, a novel T1 contrast agent based on iron, enables prolonged enhancement of popliteal lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels without venous contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To use the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) as reliable biomarkers, validation of MRI equipment performance and clinical acquisition protocols should be performed prior to application in patients. This study aims to validate various MRI equipment and clinical brain protocols for diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) using commercial phantom, and confirm the validated protocols in patients' images. Methods: The performance of four different scanners and clinical brain protocols were validated using a Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance (QIBA) diffusion phantom and cloud-based analysis tool. We evaluated the performance metrics regarding accuracy and repeatability of ADC measurement using QIBA profile. The validated clinical brain protocols were applied to 17 patients, and image quality and repeatability of ADC were assessed. Results: The MRI equipment performance of all four MRI scanners demonstrated high accuracy in ADC measurement (ADC bias, −2.3% to −0.4%), excellent linear correlation to the reference ADC value (slope, 0.9 to 1.0; R2, 0.999–1.000), and high short-term repeatability [within-subject-coefficient-of-variation (wCV), 0% to 0.3%]. The clinical protocols were also validated by fulfilling QIBA claims with high accuracy (ADC bias, −3.1% to −0.7%) and robust repeatability (wCV, 0% to 0.1%). Brain DWI acquired using the validated clinical protocols showed ideal image quality (mean score ≥ 2.9) and good repeatability (wCV, 1.8–2.2). Conclusions: The whole process of standardization of DWI demonstrated the robustness of ADC with high accuracy and repeatability across diverse MRI equipment and clinical protocols in accordance with the QIBA claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A recent study reported a correlation between the muscle mass of male donors and graft failure in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients. We investigated the association of sex‐specific donor skeletal muscle index (SMI) with mortality and graft failure in LDLT recipients. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 2750 sets of donors and recipients between January 2008 and January 2018. The recipient outcomes were analysed by dividing the data according to donor sex. Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between donor SMI by sex and 1‐year mortality and graft failure in recipients. Results: In the male donor group, robust donor (increased SMI) was significantly associated with higher risks for mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.06, p =.023) and graft failure (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06, p =.007) at 1 year. In the female donor group, the robust donor was significantly associated with lower risks for mortality (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87–0.97, p =.003) and graft failure (HR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90–1.00, p =.032) at 1 year. Conclusions: Donor SMI was associated with surgical outcomes in recipients. Robust male and female donors were a significant negative and protective factor for grafts respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) depends primarily on the short flight range of the alpha particles emitted by the boron neutron capture reaction, gadolinium neutron capture therapy (GdNCT) mainly relies on gamma rays and Auger electrons released by the gadolinium neutron capture reaction. BNCT and GdNCT can be complementary in tumor therapy. Here, we studied the combined effects of BNCT and GdNCT when boron and gadolinium compounds were co-injected, followed by thermal neutron irradiation, and compared these effects with those of the single therapies. In cytotoxicity studies, some additive effects (32‒43%) were observed when CT26 cells were treated with both boron- and gadolinium-encapsulated PEGylated liposomes (B- and Gd-liposomes) compared to the single treatments. The tumor-suppressive effect was greater when BNCT was followed by GdNCT at an interval of 10 days rather than vice versa. However, tumor suppression with co-injection of B- and Gd-liposomes into tumor-bearing mice followed by neutron beam irradiation was comparable to that observed with Gd-liposome-only treatment but lower than B-liposome-only injection. No additive effect was observed with the combination of BNCT and GdNCT, which could be due to the shielding effect of gadolinium against thermal neutrons because of its overwhelmingly large thermal neutron cross section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of porous and lightweight ceramic foam that can be cured at room temperature using metakaolin-based geopolymers were studied. A geopolymer slurry was prepared using metakaolin and a potassium-based alkaline medium at room temperature, and the obtained viscous paste was expanded via gaseous methods, by means of the decomposition of peroxide at room temperature. Therefore, geopolymer (GP) foam developed in this study through multivariate geopolymer, foaming agents, and surfactants can be cured at room temperature (within 5 days) without a separate heat treatment process. The homogeneous micropores were obtained through the stabilization of the interface between geopolymer slurry and oxygen gas bubbles generated through the base-catalyzed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The porosity was confirmed to be 29% and 54% before and after using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The compressive strengths and densities were 1.57 MPa and 0.75 g/cm3 for GP foam without SDS, and 3.63 MPa and 0.48 g/cm3 for GP foam with SDS. Through the mercury intrusion porosimetry analysis, the pores were further refined from 100 µm to 30 µm when SDS was used, and at the same time, the variation of pore size was minimized, so that a relatively uniform pore size was maintained. In addition, the thermal conductivity is 0.0803 W/m·K and the pore size is 33.2 μ m , which is smaller in pore diameter than the geopolymer containing only hydrogen peroxide. As a result, although the hydrogen peroxide alone sample has excellent thermal conductivity, the use of a surfactant is recommended for fine micropore size control. While reducing the non-uniform distribution of pores and the size of micropores generated through the direct foaming method as an inorganic binder, the possibility of an insulation finish was also confirmed by reducing the weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) of asthma have identified several risk alleles and loci, but most have been conducted in individuals with European‐ancestry. Studies in Asians, especially children, are still lacking. We aimed to identify susceptibility loci by performing the first GWAS of asthma in Korean children with persistent asthma. Methods: We used a discovery set of 741 children with persistent asthma as cases and 589 healthy children and 551 healthy adults as controls to perform a GWAS. We validated our GWAS findings using UK Biobank data. We then used the Genotype‐Tissue Expression database to identify expression quantitative trait loci of candidate variants. Finally, we quantified proteins of genes associated with asthma. Results: Variants at the 17q12‐21 locus and SNPs in CYBRD1 and TNFSF15 genes were associated with persistent childhood asthma at genome‐wide thresholds of significance. Four SNPs in the TNFSF15 gene were also associated with childhood‐onset asthma in British white participants in the UK Biobank data. The asthma‐associated rs7856856‐C allele, the lead SNP, was associated with decreased TNFSF15 expression in whole blood and in arteries. Korean children with asthma had lower serum TNFSF15 levels than controls, and those with the asthma risk rs7856856‐CC genotype exhibited the lowest serum TNFSF15 levels overall, especially asthmatic children. Conclusions: Our GWAS of persistent childhood asthma with allergic sensitization identified a new susceptibility gene, TNFSF15, and replicated associations at the 17q12‐21 childhood‐onset asthma locus. This novel association may be mediated by reduced expression of serum TNFSF15 and loss of suppression of angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been increasing among the elderly populations. Trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), a widely used first-line non-curative therapy for HCCs is an issue in geriatrics. We investigated the prognosis of elderly HCC patients treated with TACE and determined the factors that affect the overall survival.Methods: We included 266 patients who were older than 65 years and had received TACE as initial treatment for HCC. We analyzed the skeletal muscle index (SMI) and visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (VSR) around the third lumbar vertebrae using computed tomography scans. Muscle depletion with visceral adiposity (MDVA) was defined by falling below the median SMI and above the median VSR value sex-specifically. We evaluated the overall survival in association with MDVA and other clinical factors.Results: The mean age was 69.9 ± 4.5 years, and 70.3% of the patients were men. According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, 29, 136, and 101 patients were classified as BCLC 0, A, and B stages, respectively, and 79 (29.7%) had MDVA. During the median follow-up of 4.1 years, patients with MDVA had a shorter life expectancy than those without MDVA (P = 0.007) even though MDVA group had a higher objective response rate after the first TACE (82.3% vs. 75.9%, P = 0.035). Multivariate analysis revealed that MDVA (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.515) age (HR 1.057), liver function (HR 1.078), tumor size (HR 1.083), serum albumin level (HR 0.523), platelet count (HR 0.996), tumor stage (stage A, HR 1.711; stage B, HR 2.003), and treatment response after the first TACE treatment (HR 0.680) were associated with overall survival.Conclusions: MDVA is a critical prognostic factor for predicting survival in the elderly patients with HCC who have undergone TACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) are still at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) even after achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). Liver‐stiffness measurement (LSM) on imaging has been investigated as a predictor of HCC occurrence. Objectives: To provide systematic summary of the predictive value of LSM in predicting HCC occurrence in HCV patients treated with DAA. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed–MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed to identify studies that evaluated the predictive value of LSM in CHC patients treated with DAAs. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) comparing HCC occurrence between patients with positive and negative results on LSM was calculated for all studies and various subgroups. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression were performed. Results: A review of 135 candidate articles identified eight eligible articles with a total of 3398patients for qualitative review and meta‐analysis. The pooled HR for HCC occurrence determined by LSM was 3.43 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–7.19) with heterogeneity (I2 = 81.87%, P < 0.001), thus indicating that LSM might be helpful for predicting HCC occurrence. In subgroup analyses, pooled HRs were different according to the study design (2.29; [95% CI, 0.96–5.45] for retrospective studies; 4.61 [95% CI, 2.44–8.71] for prospective studies), study population (4.00 [95% CI, 2.00–7.99] for CHC; 2.64 [0.99–7.00] for CHC with liver cirrhosis) and LSM parameter (3.17 [95% CI, 1.35–7.41] for baseline LSM; 4.19 [95% CI, 1.89–9.29] for others). In multivariate meta‐regression, study design was the only influencing factor for pooled HR for HCC occurrence (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Consistent evidence demonstrated the predictive value of LSM for HCC occurrence in CHC patients treated with DAA. The significant influencing factor for risk of HCC occurrence indicated by LSM was study design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with gastric cancer have an increased nutritional risk and experience a significant skeletal muscle loss after surgery. We aimed to determine whether muscle loss during the first postoperative year and preoperative nutritional status are indicators for predicting prognosis.Methods: From a gastric cancer registry, a total of 958 patients who received curative gastrectomy followed by chemotherapy for stage 2 and 3 gastric cancer and survived longer than 1 year were investigated. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was assessed based on the muscle area at the L3 level on abdominal computed tomography.Results: Preoperative nutritional risk index (NRI) and postoperative decrement of SMI (dSMI) were significantly associated with overall survival (hazards ratio: 0.976 [95% CI: 0.962-0.991] and 1.060 [95% CI: 1.035-1.085], respectively) in a multivariate Cox regression analysis. Recurrence, tumor stage, comorbidity index were also significant prognostic indicators. Kaplan-Meier analyses exhibited that patients with higher NRI had a significantly longer survival than those with lower NRI (5-year overall survival: 75.8% vs. 63.0%, P <  0.001). In addition, a significantly better prognosis was observed in a patient group with less decrease of SMI (5-year overall survival: 75.7% vs. 66.2%, P = 0.009). A logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the performance of preoperative NRI and dSMI in mortality prediction was quite significant (AUC: 0.63, P <  0.001) and the combination of clinical factors enhanced the predictive accuracy to the AUC of 0.90 (P <  0.001). This prognostic relevance of NRI and dSMI was maintained in patients experiencing tumor recurrence and highlighted in those with stage 3 gastric adenocarcinoma.Conclusions: Preoperative NRI is a predictor of overall survival in stage 2 or 3 gastric cancer patients and skeletal muscle loss during the first postoperative year was significantly associated with the prognosis regardless of relapse in stage 3 tumors. These factors could be valuable adjuncts for accurate prediction of prognosis in gastric cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although computed tomography (CT) is considered the gold standard for investigating skeletal muscles, diagnostic cutoff points for sarcopenia have not been established. We therefore suggested clinically relevant diagnostic cutoff points for sarcopenia based on reference values of skeletal muscle area (SMA) measured by CT scan in a large-sized healthy Asian population.Methods: This cross-sectional analysis included 11,845 subjects (7,314 men, 4,531 women) who underwent abdominal CT scans in South Korea. SMA including all muscles on the selected axial images of the L3 lumbar vertebrae level was demarcated using predetermined thresholds (-29 to +150 Hounsfield units). SMA indices (height-, weight-, and body mass index [BMI]-adjusted) were calculated.Results: When T-score < -2.0 was used as the cutoff for defining sarcopenia, the sex-specific cutoff points of SMA, SMA/height2, SMA/weight, and SMA/BMI were 119.3 and 74.2 cm2, 39.8 and 28.4 cm2/m2, 1.65 and 1.38 cm2/kg, and 4.97 and 3.46 in men and women, respectively. In both sexes, the SMA/BMI values peaked in the 20s and decreased gradually. The SMA/BMI yielded the highest diagnostic rate of sarcopenia (4.2% in men, 8.7% in women), while SMA/height2 provided the lowest yield (2.8% in men, 1.0% in women).Conclusions: This is the first study to report the reference values of SMA and skeletal muscle indices (SMIs) measured on CT scans and to suggest cutoff points for diagnosis of sarcopenia based on T-score in Asian subjects. BMI-adjusted index (SMA/BMI) was the best index of CT-measured SMA to reflect the age-related muscle changes and to maximize the diagnostic yield for sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We investigated whether adoptive cell therapy with ex vivo-activated natural killer (NK) cells enhances the therapeutic efficacy of local tumor radiation therapy (RT) using a human triple-negative breast cancer xenograft model.Methods and Materials: NK cells from healthy donors were expanded ex vivo. MDA-MB-231/Luc-GFP cells were subcutaneously implanted into the thighs of NSG mice. The animals were divided into 4 experimental groups: control, RT, NK, and RT + NK. On day 17 after tumor implantation, tumors from the RT groups were irradiated. The ex vivo-expanded NK cells were intravenously administered twice, on days 17 and 19. Primary and secondary tumors were evaluated using long-term bioluminescence imaging, and histopathology was performed on resected tumor tissue specimens.Results: The luciferase signals of the primary tumors in the RT + NK group were significantly lower than those of comparably sized primary tumors in the RT group. The long-term migration and infiltration of NK cells into the primary tumor sites were significantly higher in RT + NK than in NK mice. Moreover, lymphatic metastasis to the axillary lymph nodes and liver and lung metastases were highly suppressed in the RT + NK group, as demonstrated by BLI and p53 immunohistochemistry. The long-term survival of the RT + NK group was significantly higher than that of the RT or NK groups.Conclusions: Reduction in tumor burden by combining RT and systemic NK cell therapy improved the suppression of primary tumor growth, with efficient NK cell migration and penetration into the primary tumor site. Administered NK cells were maintained in the primary tissue for a significantly longer time in RT + NK group compared with NK group. Both lymphatic spread and distant metastasis to the lungs and liver were effectively suppressed by the combined therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The overall incidence of ALK inhibitor pneumonitis was 2.14% in advanced NSCLC. • Patients from Japanese cohorts had a higher incidence of ALK-inhibitor pneumonitis. • Further studies of mechanisms and risk factors of ALK pneumonitis are needed. We evaluated the incidence of pneumonitis in clinical trials of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and compared the incidence among different cohorts, in order to identify possible predisposing factors for ALK inhibitor-related pneumonitis. MEDLINE and EMBASE search up to 1/30/18 using the keywords, "alectinib", "ceritinib", "crizotinib", "brigatinib", and "lung cancer", resulting in a total of 20 eligible cohorts with 2261 patients treated with ALK inhibitor monotherapy for advanced NSCLC. The pooled incidences of all-grade, high-grade, and grade 5 pneumonitis were calculated. Subgroup analyses were conducted with meta-regression using study-level covariates. The overall pooled incidence of pneumonitis was 2.14% (95% CI: 1.37–3.34) for all grade, 1.33% (95% CI: 0.80–2.21) for high grade, and 0.22% (95% CI: 0.09-0.52) for grade 5 pneumonitis. The incidence was significantly higher in studies from Japan compared to studies of non-Japan origin, for all-grade (6.25% vs 1.14%, p < 0.001) and high-grade pneumonitis (3.31% vs 0.39%, p < 0.001). Multivariate meta-regression demonstrated the cohorts from Japanese studies had significantly higher odds of pneumonitis for all-grade (odds ratio [OR]: 4.329 [95% CI: 1.918, 9.770], p < 0.001) compared to those of non-Japan origin, after adjusting for types of ALK inhibitors. The overall incidence of ALK inhibitor pneumonitis was 2.14% in patients with advanced NSCLS. The patients from Japanese cohorts had a higher incidence of ALK-inhibitor pneumonitis, which indicates the need for increased awareness and caution for pneumonitis in Japanese patients treated with ALK inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aerosol chemistry measurements were performed during the routine monitoring periods in the urban atmosphere of Gwangju, Korea. Routine aerosol monitoring was carried out every sixth day in order to investigate the dependence of domestic sources and air mass transport characteristics on physicochemical and optical properties of atmospheric aerosol. Aerosol optical properties; atmospheric extinction and scattering coefficients were also measured continuously with a transmissometer and a nephelometer, respectively in order to investigate the causes of visibility impairment. Prevailing atmospheric condition was classified into four categories; one affected by stagnant condition (D), one affected by continental and domestic aerosols (CD), one affected by marine and domestic aerosols (MD), and one affected by continental, marine and domestic aerosols (CMD). Atmospheric condition type was further classified into thirteen sub-categories with the occurrences of episodic events such as Asian dust storm, biomass burning, and airborne pollen. The air mass types of D, CD, MD, and CMD were observed to be 11, 18, 43, and 78 events out of total 150 events, respectively. The fine mass concentration increased under continental air mass types. The average fine mass concentration of 23.0 ± 8.6 μg m−3 for CD type was slightly larger than that of 20.7 ± 5.2 μg m−3 for CMD type. Both of them were higher than that for D (18.9 ± 4.5 μg m−3) type. Increments of the fine mass concentrations for Asian dust storm (A) and Biomass-burning (B) events ranged from 141 to 151% and from 152 to 160% compared to those for D and CD types, respectively. The increments in the mass concentrations of nitrate, OC, EC, and BC for CD and CMD types in comparison with D air mass type were calculated to be approximately 17, 6, 8, and 22%, respectively. The mean mass extinction efficiency of PM 10 was relatively higher in D (3.6 ± 1.6 m2 g−1) type and B events (4.1 ± 1.5 m2 g−1), but it was the lowest in MD air mass type. The aerosols observed in Gwangju were found to be influenced by the continental aerosol during the A events. Aerosol of CMD air mass type caused mainly poor visibility. The visibility reduction of Gwangju was influenced by the increase of carbonaceous particles under both domestically stagnant condition and air mass pathway from the continent. And ammonium sulfates and ammonium nitrates contributed the largest in CMD air mass type. Highlights • The fine mass concentration increased under continental air mass types. • The biomass-burning events were mainly attributed to domestic aerosols. • The contributions of NHSO, NHNO, and OMC increased as visibility became poor. • Haze was dominantly influenced by visibility-impairing aerosol rather than RH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Flexible zeolite fibers based on a core-shell fiber structure were prepared by an electrospinning method, and then the surface of the as-spun fiber was partially etched by a wet etching process. Zeolite porous ceramic particles were embedded in the core-shell fiber structure of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and the adsorption sites of the zeolite began to be exposed by partially wet etching of the hydrophilic PVP polymer in the shell parts. The specific surface area increased significantly by exposing the adsorption sites of the zeolite on the surface, and at the same time, flexibility and strength were maintained by the existing hydrophobic PVDF polymer acting as a skeleton. The morphology of the partially etched surface of the flexible zeolite fibers was observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM), and the specific surface area was measured by N 2 adsorption/desorption isotherm. The improved adsorption/desorption characteristics of the flexible zeolite fiber filters were observed by gas chromatography (GC). Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Flexible zeolite fibers based on a core-shell fiber structure were prepared by a single step electrospinning process. • The adsorption sites of the zeolite began to be exposed by wet-etching of the hydrophilic PVP in the shell. • The specific surface area increased significantly by exposing the adsorption sites of the zeolite on the surface. • The zeolite fibers had high flexibility and high strength by remaining the hydrophobic PVDF in the skeleton. • The improved adsorption/desorption characteristics of the flexible zeolite fiber filters were observed by GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four naphthalimide-based dyes with a diacetylene linkage at the 3- or 4-position were synthesized to improve the thermal stability of the fluorescence dye as well as the efficiency of fluorescent emission at blue region. The absorption and fluorescence properties of the synthesized dyes were also investigated. The geometries and molecular orbitals of the dyes prepared were simulated using by density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory using Gaussian 09. Furthermore, the suitability of the dyes for application in light-conversion films was examined. N -Phenyl groups were found to have a greater effect on the fluorescence of naphthalimide-based dyes than analogue containing an N -alkyl group. In addition, investigation of the effect of diacetylene linkages at the 3- or 4-positions of naphthalimide-based dyes showed that the fluorescence was influenced by the electron-donating effect of the diacetylene linkage which could afford more conjugation of π orbitals of the dyes. Four blue fluorescence dyes derived from 1,8-naphthalimide containing a diacetylene linkage were synthesized and then coated in PE film. The photophysical properties were analyzed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and excitations from the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) of the dyes were simulated at the B3LYP/6-31G level of theory via the Gaussian 09 suite of programs. Using these methods, the influences of the position of the ethynyl linkages, alkyl groups, and phenyl groups on the electronic and fluorescence properties of the dyes were also clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before the 21st century, visibility monitoring techniques are mainly categorized by human eye-based and optical-based measurements. In order to automate and objectify the former measurement, the latter measurement method has been developed and meteorological optical range (MOR) is used as a concept similar to the visual range. However, in the 21st century, MOR has been found to have some differences with visual range that is recognized by human beings. As image analysis technology is improved, a variety of image-based on-site visibility measurement techniques are being developed using a camera. In this study, image-based visibility measurement that is based on the measured distance to visible objects was performed at about 3 km northwest of the Seoul Meteorological Observatory where the human eye-based and the optical-based visibility monitoring are observed simultaneously. As a result of correlation analysis between three measurement data, the image-based visual range (IVR) was found to be more comparable to the human eye-based visual range (HVR) than to the optical-based MOR. HVR tended to be lower than IVR as visibility improved, but MOR was predominantly higher than IVR as visibility was reduced. Perceived visibility measurement of IVR and HVR were revealed to be more accurate in severe poor visibility conditions. In this study, the system uncertainty of IVR estimation is expected to be within 10% up to about 33 km and approach 20% under above a hundred km of visibility. The Visual Range Meter (VRM) program developed for IVR estimation was made up of an individual measurement mode and a real-time measurement mode. The operational errors of approximately 15% excluding precipitation and other meteorological effects occurred in real-time IVR estimation using the VRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of a gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (EOB-MRI) strategy compared with conventional MRI strategy and biopsy to differentiate focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) from hepatocellular adenoma (HCA).Methods: A decision tree model was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of EOB-MRI, conventional MRI with extracellular contrast agents, and biopsy as the initial diagnostic modality in patients with incidentally detected focal liver lesions suspected of being FNH or HCA. We analysed the cost and effectiveness, i.e. probability of successful diagnosis of each strategy. Costs were based on utilisation rates and Medicare reimbursements in the USA and South Korea.Results: In the base case analysis of our decision tree model, the effectiveness of the three strategies was similar. The cost of the EOB-MRI strategy ($1283 in USA, $813 in South Korea) was lowest compared with the biopsy strategy ($1725 in USA, $847 in South Korea) and the conventional MRI strategy ($1750 in USA, $962 in South Korea). One-way, two-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed unchanged results over an acceptable range.Conclusions: EOB-MRI strategy is the most cost-effective strategy for differentiating FNH from HCA in patients with incidentally detected focal liver lesions in a non-cirrhotic liver.Key Points: • The effectiveness of the three strategies was similar. • The cost of the EOB-MRI strategy was lowest. • EOB-MRI strategy is the most cost-effective for differentiating FNH from HCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3′ untranslated regions (3′ UTRs) of mRNAs mediate post-transcriptional regulation of genes in many biological processes. Cis elements in 3′ UTRs can interact with RNA-binding factors in sequence-specific or structure-dependent manners, enabling regulation of mRNA stability, translation, and localization. Caenorhabditis elegans CEBP-1 is a conserved transcription factor of the C/EBP family, and functions in diverse contexts, from neuronal development and axon regeneration to organismal growth. Previous studies revealed that the levels of cebp-1 mRNA in neurons depend on its 3′ UTR and are also negatively regulated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase RPM-1. Here, by systematically dissecting cebp-1 's 3′ UTR, we test the roles of specific cis elements in cebp-1 expression and function in neurons. We present evidence for a putative stem-loop in the cebp-1 3′ UTR that contributes to basal expression levels of mRNA and to negative regulation by rpm-1 . Mutant animals lacking the endogenous cebp-1 3′ UTR showed a noticeable increased expression of cebp-1 mRNA and enhanced the neuronal developmental phenotypes of rpm-1 mutants. Our data reveal multiple cis elements within cebp-1 's 3′ UTR that help to optimize CEBP-1 expression levels in neuronal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a composite polymer matrix for gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is prepared by the electrospinning process, combining poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) and nano-sized Al 2 O 3 ceramic particles. The composite matrix is impregnated with a liquid electrolyte to prepare the GPE-Al 2 O 3 composite and its properties are compared with those of pure GPE. The GPE-Al 2 O 3 composite improves the interfacial resistance, ion coordination and the electrochemical stability of the GPE. The electrochemical performances are analyzed by applying the GPEs to LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 (NMC) and Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 (LTO) cells. The GPE-Al 2 O 3 composite exhibits a higher discharge capacity than the GPE at 0.1 C-rate and excellent performance in both the LTO and the NMC half-cells under cyclic conditions. The GPE-Al 2 O 3 composite shows good compatibility and high electrochemical property on LTO/NMC full-cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the correlation between liver stiffness measurement using transient elastography (TE-LSM) and hepatic venous pressure gradient and the diagnostic performance of TE-LSM in assessing clinically significant portal hypertension through meta-analysis. Eleven studies were included from thorough literature research and selection processes. The summary correlation coefficient was 0.783 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.737-0.823). Summary sensitivity, specificity and area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were 87.5% (95% CI, 75.8-93.9%), 85.3 % (95% CI, 76.9-90.9%) and 0.9, respectively. The subgroup with low cut-off values of 13.6-18 kPa had better summary estimates (sensitivity 91.2%, specificity 81.3% and partial AUC 0.921) than the subgroup with high cut-off values of 21-25 kPa (sensitivity 71.2%, specificity 90.9% and partial AUC 0.769). In summary, TE-LSM correlated well with hepatic venous pressure gradient and represented good diagnostic performance in diagnosing clinically significant portal hypertension. For use as a sensitive screening tool, we propose using low cut-off values of 13.6-18 kPa in TE-LSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We aimed to systematically review observational studies investigating the relationship between vitamin D levels and allergic rhinitis ( AR). Methods Studies were selected if they evaluated the relationship between vitamin D levels and AR, and included studies that evaluated other allergic conditions if those studies also contained data on AR. We assessed the incidence and prevalence of AR according to vitamin D levels and compared vitamin D levels in patients with AR to levels in controls. Results Nineteen studies were selected. Of these, only seven focused solely on AR; 10 studies evaluated the other allergic diseases as well as AR; and two studies evaluated asthma primarily, but also included data on patients with AR. The pooled odds ratios ( ORs) for the incidence of AR according to vitamin D levels were not statistically significant for either children or adults. Lower vitamin D levels were associated with a higher AR prevalence only in children (pooled OR [95% confidence interval ( CI)], 0.75 [0.58, 0.98]). The pooled mean vitamin D level in patients with AR was lower than that of controls only in children (pooled means difference [95% CI], −7.63 [−13.08, −2.18]). Conclusions Prior vitamin D levels were not related to developing AR, but lower vitamin D levels were associated with a higher AR prevalence only in children. There is insufficient evidence to support vitamin D supplementation for AR prevention. However, physicians should consider evaluating patients for vitamin D deficiency during AR management, especially in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A carbonating tank is continuously operated and filled with water supplied by an immersed flow injecting nozzle. At the same time, CO 2 gas is introduced from the gas tank. CO 2 gas can be dissolved in water and can form carbonated water with minimum production of gas bubbles depending on various process conditions. Therefore, the flow mixing phenomenon of CO 2 and water can be affected by the placement of the injecting nozzle and the flow rate in consideration of the interfacial surface. In this study, the gas–liquid flow mixing with the mass transport inside the carbonation process tank is numerically predicted. The Euler–Euler methodology is used to observe the effects of the design of the injecting nozzle, the gas bubble size, as well as the velocities of liquid and gas on the gas volume fraction, liquid velocity, gas concentration, interfacial area, and mass transfer coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST)-based tumour burden measurements involve observer variability, the extent of which ought to be determined. Methods A literature search identified studies on observer variability during manual measurements of tumour burdens via computed tomography according to the RECIST guideline. The 95% limit of agreement (LOA) values of relative measurement difference (RMD) were pooled using a random-effects model. Results Twelve studies were included. Pooled 95% LOAs of RMD in measuring unidimensional longest diameters of single lesions ranged from −22.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], −30.3% to −14.0%) to 25.4% (95% CI, 17.2% to 33.5%) between observers and −17.8% (95% CI, −23.6% to −11.9%) to 16.1% (95% CI, 10.1% to 21.8%) for a single observer. Pooled 95% LOAs of RMD in measuring the sum of multiple lesions ranged from −19.2% (95% CI, −23.7% to −14.9%) to 19.5% (95% CI, 15.2% to 23.9%) between observers, and −9.8% (95% CI, −19.0% to −0.3%) to 13.1% (95% CI, 3.6% to 22.6%) for a single observer. Pooled 95% LOA of RMD in calculating the interval change of tumour burden with a single lesion ranged from −31.3% (95% CI, −46.0% to −16.5%) to 30.3% (95% CI, 15.3% to 44.8%) between observers. Studies on calculating the interval change of tumour burden for a single observer or with multiple lesions were lacking. Conclusion Interobserver RMD in measuring single tumour burden and calculating its interval change may exceed the 20% cut-off for progression. Variability decreased when tumour burden was measured by a single observer or assessed by the sum of multiple lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the systematic development of tape spring hinges for a solar array by an optimization method considering various deployment performances. The nonlinear behavior between the moment and the rotation angle of a tape spring hinge is determined through experimental results rather than through finite element analysis results or theoretical solutions in order to identify the moment–rotation profile accurately. Response surfaces comprising the measured moment–rotation profile and design parameters of a tape spring hinge are generated by a Box–Behnken experimental design. Furthermore, to consider deployment performances such as low latch-up load, latching without overshoot, high deployment stiffness, and high torque margin, the deployment equation is derived by Kane's dynamic equation considering any number of solar panels. The present study proposes a systematic approach for designing tape spring hinges for any number of solar panels; the designed hinges satisfy all design requirements. The approach involves minimizing the cost function including several design requirements and solving the deployment equation containing the response surfaces of the moment–rotation profiles simultaneously. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, several examples are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nervous system plays critical roles in the stress response. Animals can survive and function under harsh conditions, and resist and recover from injuries because neurons perceive and respond to various stressors through specific regulatory mechanisms. Caenorhabditis elegans has served as an excellent model to discover fundamental mechanisms underlying the neuronal response to stress. The basic physiological processes that C. elegans exhibits under stress conditions are similar to those observed in higher organisms. Many molecular pathways activated by environmental and cellular stresses are also conserved. In this review, we summarize major findings in examining neuronal responses to hypoxia, oxidative stress, osmotic stress, and traumatic injury. These studies from C. elegans have provided novel insights into our understanding of neuronal responses to stress at the molecular, cellular, and circuit levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar array deployment analysis is conducted considering the path-dependent nonlinear behavior of tape spring hinge. Such hinges offer many advantages over rigid hinges; they are self-deployable, self-locking, lightweight, and simple. However, they show strongly nonlinear behavior with respect to rotation angle, making deployment analysis difficult. To accurately consider the characteristics of tape spring hinges for deployment analysis, a path-dependent path identification (PI) method for tracing the previous path of the moment is introduced. To analyze the deployment motion, the governing equation for solar array deployment is derived within the framework of Kane's dynamic equation for three deployable solar panels. The numerical solution is compared with the Recurdyn's multi-body dynamics analysis solution using experimentally measured moment-rotation profiles. Solar array deployment analysis is conducted by considering and not considering the path-dependent PI method. This simulation example shows that the proposed path-dependent PI method is very effective for accurately predicting the deployment motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For 5G beyond and/or 6G mobile services, a new spectrum at frequencies above 100 GHz has received great attention lately. To characterise the similarities and the differences between frequencies below 100 GHz and above 100 GHz, this paper provides analyses of multi‐frequency propagation characteristics based on wideband measurements at 28, 38, 71, 82, and 159 GHz, with an emphasis on the sub‐THz (i.e. the 159 GHz) propagation characteristics. All the frequency measurements were conducted in the same cubicle office room environment by locating the transmitter and the receiver at the same positions. The measurement results show that the path loss and the shadow fading characteristics do not exhibit significant differences depending on the frequency range from 28 to 159 GHz. However, the delay spread shows a generally decreasing trend as the frequency increases. Additionally, angular domain analyses were conducted with the 159 GHz measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The characterization of flavor, physicochemical properties and biological activities of garlic extracts prepared by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment (500 MPa) was conducted at various HHP reaction times and pH conditions. The evaluation of flavor revealed that HHP treated garlic samples in acidic condition (pH 1.8–3) were most effective to reduce the pungent flavor of garlic among all conditions. After HHP treatment, the hardness and color values of L*(lightness), a*(redness), and b*(yellowness) of garlic samples decreased, while the cohesiveness value of garlic samples was increased (P < 0.05). The antioxidative, antimicrobial and antitumor activities of HHP treated garlic samples were decreased compared with control. A rapid decrease in antimicrobial and antioxidative activities was observed over 3 min HHP reaction time. No antitumor activities were observed after 3 min HHP reaction time. Up to 56 s HHP reaction time, the alliinase activity was not changed significantly but it was dramatically decreased at a longer HHP reaction time compared with control (P < 0.05), showing higher stability in acidic condition than alkaline condition. Based on present observations, this study supports high potentials of HHP treatment to produce new value-added garlic products with modified garlic flavor profile, and minimized physicochemical properties and biological activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of free-breathing, dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI of the abdomen and thorax using the radial-gradient-echo sequence with k-space weighted image contrast (KWIC) reconstruction.Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained. Fourteen patients underwent free-breathing radial DCE-MRI. Radial MRI yielded full-frame images by gridding all k-space data and time-resolved subframe images by using KWIC reconstruction technique. Using subframe KWIC images, voxel-wise perfusion maps were created. For comparison, the breath-hold conventional Cartesian 3D-gradient-echo sequence (VIBE) was also performed during the equilibrium phase. The image qualities of radial and conventional VIBE images were compared quantitatively and qualitatively.Results: Radial DCE-MRI provided high spatial resolution (1.4 × 1.4 mm) and temporal resolution (4.1 s for subframe images) allowing voxel-wise perfusion mapping with negligible motion or streaking artefacts. There were no significant differences in SNR between full-frame radial images and conventional VIBE images (79.08 vs 74.80, P > 0.05). Overall image quality score of full-frame radial images was slightly lower than that of conventional VIBE images (3.88 ± 0.59 vs. 4.31 ± 0.97, P < 0.05), but provided clinically useful images.Conclusions: The free-breathing radial DCE-MRI can provide high spatial and temporal resolution while maintaining reasonably high image quality and thus is a feasible technique for DCE-MRI in the abdomen and thorax.Key Points: • Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE) MRI is important in oncological imaging • Radial MRI with k-space weighted image contrast (KWIC) reconstruction offers potential improvements • Radial DCE-MRI provides good image quality, reduced artefacts and high spatial/temporal resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Asthma is a heterogeneous and complex chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Asthma can be classified as eosinophilic asthma ( EA) or noneosinophilic asthma ( NEA). We investigated whether children with EA manifest different clinical characteristics than those with NEA. Methods We enrolled 288 steroid-naive asthmatic children and classified them, based on the cell counts in induced sputum, into EA (158 children) and NEA (89 children) groups. Results No significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to age, sex, family history of atopy, secondary smoking or asthma exacerbations. Moderate-to-severe asthma was more frequent in the EA group than in the NEA group. Blood eosinophil counts and serum eosinophil cationic protein were higher in EA patients than in NEA patients. The forced expiratory volume in 1 sec was lower in children with EA than in those with NEA (% of predicted value, 88.6 ± 18.5 vs. 93.6 ± 15.6, p < 0.05). The sputum eosinophil (in EA) and neutrophil (in NEA) counts increased with increasing asthma severity. Conclusion Airway inflammation, especially eosinophilic inflammation, was associated with asthma severity and reduced pulmonary function in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic values of CT findings of nutcracker syndrome (NCS). Methods and materials: Twenty seven subjects that underwent CT and renal venography, were divided into three groups based on the venographic renocaval pressure gradient (PG) and collateral veins of the left renal vein (LRV): non-compensated NCS patients with PG≥3mm Hg (group 1, n =12), partially compensated NCS patients with borderline PG (1<3mm Hg) and collateral veins (group 2, n =6), and control group with low PG (0–1mm Hg) without collateral veins (group 3, n =9). The CT findings were analyzed with regard to abrupt narrowing of the LRV with an acute angle (beak sign), aortomesenteric angle between the superior mesenteric artery and aorta on sagittal images, and LRV diameter ratio (hilar-aortomesenteric). Results: Beak sign of the LRV was found in 91.7% (11/12) of group 1, 50% (3/6) of group 2, and in 11.1% (1/9) of group 3 with the significant difference between groups 1 and 3 (P <.05, χ 2 test). Mean values of all quantitative CT parameters differed significantly only between groups 1 and 3 (P <.05, one-way ANOVA test). For differentiating the non-compensated NCS from the control group, the beak sign showed 91.7% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity. Of the various CT parameters, the beak sign and LRV diameter ratio of ≥4.9 showed the greatest diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.903, ROC analysis). Conclusion: Beak sign of the LRV and CT findings can be useful in diagnosing the non-compensated NCS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess possible clinical predictors of malignant pleural effusion in patients with ovarian cancer. Materials and methods: This review was performed on 38 ovarian cancer patients that showed pleural effusion in a CT scan and who underwent thoracocentesis before treatment. CT scans were obtained using a 4-channel multi-detector CT scanner. Fisher''s exact test was used to determine the probability of malignant pleural effusion as a function of; amount of ascites, lymph node enlargement, amount of pleural effusion, pleural nodules, and pleural thickening. Results: Sixteen (42.1%) of the 38 patients had malignant pleural effusion and malignant pleural effusion amounts were greater than those with nonmalignant effusion. Pleural nodules were more frequently found in the malignant pleural effusion group (eight [50%] patients) than in the nonmalignant group (zero [0%] patient) (p <0.001). Supradiaphragmatic lymph node enlargement (with short axis diameter 1cm or more) was more frequent in malignant group (12 [75%] patients) than in the nonmalignant group (two [9.1%] patients) (p <0.001). Conclusion: The probability of malignant pleural effusion in patients with ovarian cancer was found to be correlated with the amount of pleural effusion, the presence of pleural nodules, and supradiaphragmatic lymph node enlargement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Cytoplasmic polyadenylation is a key mechanism of gene control. In Caenorhabditis elegans, GLD-2 and GLD-3 provide the catalytic and RNA-binding subunits, respectively, of a major cytoplasmic poly(A) polymerase (PAP). Here, we identify RNP-8 as a second GLD-2 partner. RNP-8 binds GLD-2 and stimulates GLD-2 activity to form a functional PAP, much like GLD-3. Moreover, GLD-2/RNP-8 and GLD-2/GLD-3 exist as separate complexes that form selectively during development, and RNP-8 and GLD-3 appear to have distinct RNA-binding specificities. Therefore, GLD-2 can form either of two discrete PAPs. In C. elegans hermaphrodites, gamete production begins with spermatogenesis and transitions later to oogenesis. We suggest that the combinatorial use of GLD-2 contributes to this transition, as GLD-2/GLD-3 promotes spermatogenesis, whereas GLD-2/RNP-8 specifies oogenesis. Indeed, RNP-8 and GLD-3 antagonize each other, as evidenced by genetic cosuppression and molecular competition for GLD-2 binding. We conclude that GLD-2 and its binding partners control gamete identity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: In certain patients, such as young children or individuals with cerebral palsy or severe mental retardation, it is difficult to perform forced expiratory manoeuvres to measure expiratory flow volume. In such cases, we could evaluate obstructive lung disease through the measurement of airway resistance instead of expiratory flow volume. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the correlation of Impulse Oscillometry (IOS) parameters with spirometry values and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurements to give coherence to IOS recordings in lung function exploration. Total serum IgE levels, total eosinophil counts and specific IgE levels were measured in 48 children with asthma and 66 control subjects, aged 7–15 years of age. IOS, spirometry and PEFR measurements were performed, as well as methacholine challenge. We further analyzed the correlations in atopic asthma, atopic control, nonatopic asthma and nonatopic control groups. Results: FEV1 and PEFR showed a significant correlation with impedance and resistance (R) at 5, 10, 20 and 35 Hz, both in atopic asthmatic and in atopic control children. FVC also showed a correlation with impedance and R at 10, 20 and 35 Hz, both in atopic asthmatic and atopic control children. FEF25–75% did not show a correlation with resistances. Conclusion: FEV1, FVC and PEFR were significantly correlated with IOS parameters, in both asthmatic and control subjects, especially for atopic children. IOS could be used as a suitable measure of lung function when spirometry and PEF cannot be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to evaluate the use of serum eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), which has been proposed as a marker of airway inflammation in asthma in the diagnosis and evaluation of the severity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in childhood asthma. We studied 72 children with atopic asthma, 36 children with nonatopic asthma, and 43 healthy controls. Skin prick tests, pulmonary function tests, and methacholine challenge tests were performed, in addition to total eosinophil count, serum ECP, and EDN being measured in all subjects. EDN levels were significantly higher in the atopic asthma group than those in the nonatopic asthma group or control group ( p < 0.001), as were ECP levels ( p < 0.001). EDN levels differed more significantly among groups divided by asthma severity ( p < 0.001) than did ECP levels for these groups ( p < 0.05). For the groups divided according to bronchial hyperresponsiveness, both EDN and ECP levels were significantly different ( p < 0.005 and p < 0.01, respectively). Significant correlations were found between EDN and PC20 (γ = −0.281; p < 0.001), between ECP and PC20 (γ = −0.274; p < 0.005), and between EDN and ECP (γ = 0.443; p < 0.001). In conclusion, serum EDN, as another marker of eosinophilic inflammation together with ECP, may aid in the diagnosis of asthma, especially atopic asthma, and in the evaluation of the severity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in childhood asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies on changes in body composition of pancreatic cancer patients have only focused on short-term survivors. We studied longitudinal body composition changes and factors affecting them in long-term survivors by analyzing many abdominal computed tomography images using artificial intelligence technology. Of 302 patients who survived for >36 months after surgery were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for factors affecting body composition changes and repeated-measures analysis of variance to observe differences in the course of change according to each factor were performed. In logistic analysis, preoperative sarcopenia and recurrence were the main factors influencing body composition changes at 1 and 3 years after surgery, respectively. In changes of longitudinal body composition, the decrease in body composition was the greatest at 3–6 months postoperatively, and the preoperative status did not recover even 3 years after surgery. Especially, males showed a greater reduction in skeletal muscle (SKM) after surgery than females (p < 0.01). In addition, SKM (p < 0.001) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (p < 0.05) mass rapidly decreased in case of recurrence. In conclusion, long-term survivors of pancreatic cancer did not recover their preoperative body composition status, and preoperative sarcopenia and recurrence influenced body composition changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the incidence of pseudoprogression and indeterminate response (IR) in patients with lymphoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE was performed up to 6 February 2021, using the keywords "lymphoma," "immunotherapy," and "pseudoprogression." Random-effects models were used to calculate both pooled incidence of pseudoprogression patients with lymphoma and an IR according to LYRIC criteria, while the Higgins inconsistency index (I2) test and Cochran's Q test were used for heterogeneity. Eight original articles were included, in which the number of patients ranged from 7 to 243. Among the lymphoma patients with ICIs, the pooled incidence of pseudoprogression was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06–0.17). There was no publication bias in Begg's test (p = 0.14). Three articles were analyzed to determine the pooled incidence of pseudoprogression in patients with IR according to LYRIC criteria in a subgroup analysis, which was shown to be 19% (95% CI: 0.08–0.40). A significant proportion (10%) of patients with lymphoma treated with ICIs showed pseudoprogression, and 19% of patients with an IR response showed pseudoprogression and a delayed response. Immune-related response criteria such as LYRIC may be used for patients with lymphoma treated with ICIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strength of association between the body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) varies with population and time. Therefore, identifying the trends in BMI-BP association in adolescents can help predict the upcoming metabolic and cardiovascular disease burden. For this reason, from physical examination data collected from 2003 to 2017, a total of 5,133,246 Korean men aged 19 years were assessed for the annual trends and changes in the BMI-BP association. During the 15-year period, the mean BMI increased from 22.5 to 23.5 kg/m2, and the prevalence of obesity increased from 16.7 to 21.4%. Meanwhile, the mean systolic BP (SBP) decreased from 122.8 to 122.3 mmHg in the first year and gradually increased to 125.9 mmHg afterward. The diastolic BP (DBP) decreased from 71.5 to 70.0 mmHg in the first 4 years and then rose to 74.8 mmHg in the following years. The association analysis between BMI and SBP resulted in an annual increase in the correlation coefficient (SBP: 0.257–0.495, DBP: 0.164–0.413). The regression coefficient similarly increased between 2003 and 2015 but slightly decreased between 2015 and 2017 (SBP: 0.896–1.569, DBP: 0.405–0.861). The BMI-BP association increased over time (coefficient of the interaction term > 0, P < 0.001). Moreover, as the BMI increased, the annual increase in BP and BP per unit BMI also increased. In conclusion, this study emphasized a continuous shift towards obesity in BMI distribution and intensifying BMI-BP association over time in young men. Further research on factors affecting this BMI-BP association is needed to fully validate the potential applications of this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, ten fluorescent dyes were prepared based on three different kinds of central moiety, such as triphenylamine, diphenylsulfone or triphenyltriazine, which was coupled to either carbazole or naphthalimidinyl group via an acetylene linkage group. N - n -Butyl-carbazole, N -phenyl-carbazole or N - n -butyl-naphthalimide was coupled to the individual central moiety of triphenylamine, diphenyl sulfone, 2,4,6-triphenyl-1,3,5-trazine or diphenylamine using a Sonogashira coupling reaction in the final step. All dyes were confirmed their chemical structure by 1H NMR, GC-Mass and elemental analyses. The absorption properties and thermal stabilities of the fluorescent dyes were examined. Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent DFT calculations were carried out, in addition to geometry simulation, by using the Gaussian 09 program. In terms of fluorescence properties in this series, two dyes based on diphenyl sulfonyl and three dyes based on triphenylamine substituted by 1–3 of N - n -butyl-carbazole exhibited a blue emission, whereas three dyes based on triphenylamine substituted by 1–3 of N - n -butyl-naphthalimide were observed by a red emitter which can be attributable to both effects the bathochromic shifts in absorption maxima and larger Stokes shifts. In case of corresponding 2,4,6-triphenyl-1,3,5-trazine central moiety coupled to a carbazole ring, a green fluorescence was emitted. Results revealed that the fluorescence of the dyes is affected by the electron-donating strength of the acetylene linkages involved in the π-conjugation systems of the dyes. • Fluorescence dyes to provide three ranges of emission, blue, green, and red fluorescence. • Dyes containing an acetylene linkage group between N -butyl carbazole or naphthalimidyl moiety. • Improved thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

mRNA decay factors regulate mRNA turnover by recruiting non-translating mRNAs and targeting them for translational repression and mRNA degradation. How mRNA decay pathways regulate cellular function in vivo with specificity is poorly understood. Here, we show that C. elegans mRNA decay factors, including the translational repressors CAR-1/LSM14 and CGH-1/DDX6, and the decapping enzymes DCAP-1/DCP1, function in neurons to differentially regulate axon development, maintenance, and regrowth following injury. In neuronal cell bodies, CAR-1 fully colocalizes with CGH-1 and partially colocalizes with DCAP-1, suggesting that mRNA decay components form at least two types of cytoplasmic granules. Following axon injury in adult neurons, loss of CAR-1 or CGH-1 results in increased axon regrowth and growth cone formation, whereas loss of DCAP-1 or DCAP-2 results in reduced regrowth. To determine how CAR-1 inhibits regrowth, we analyzed mRNAs bound to pan-neuronally expressed GFP::CAR-1 using a crosslinking and immunoprecipitation-based approach. Among the putative mRNA targets of CAR-1, we characterized the roles of micu-1 , a regulator of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter MCU-1, in axon injury. We show that loss of car-1 results increased MICU-1 protein levels, and that enhanced axon regrowth in car-1 mutants is dependent on micu-1 and mcu-1. Moreover, axon injury induces transient calcium influx into axonal mitochondria, dependent on MCU-1. In car-1 loss-of-function mutants and in micu-1 overexpressing animals, the axonal mitochondrial calcium influx is more sustained, which likely underlies enhanced axon regrowth. Our data uncover a novel pathway that controls axon regrowth through axonal mitochondrial calcium uptake. • C. elegans mRNA decay factors affect axon regeneration and maintenance • The LSM14 ortholog CAR-1 is a repressor of axon regeneration • CAR-1 represses expression of the mitochondrial calcium regulator MICU-1 • Axon injury triggers mitochondrial calcium uptake regulated by MICU-1 Tang et al. dissect the roles of mRNA decay factors in C. elegans axon regeneration. Loss of function in the LSM14 ortholog CAR-1 results in increased axon regeneration due to elevated expression of MICU-1, a mitochondrial calcium uniporter regulator that is a key target of CAR-1 repression in neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, biocompatible energy harvesting devices have received a great deal of attention for biomedical applications. Among various biomaterials, viruses are expected to be very promising biomaterials for the fabrication of functional devices due to their unique characteristics. While other natural biomaterials have limitations in mass-production, low piezoelectric properties, and surface modification, M13 bacteriophages (phages), which is one type of virus, are likely to overcome these issues with their mass-amplification, self-assembled structure, and genetic modification. Based on these advantages, many researchers have started to develop virus-based energy harvesting devices exhibiting superior properties to previous biomaterial-based devices. To enhance the power of these devices, researchers have tried to modify the surface properties of M13 phages, form biomimetic hierarchical structures, control the dipole alignments, and more. These methods for fabricating virus-based energy harvesting devices can form a powerful strategy to develop high-performance biocompatible energy devices for a wide range of practical applications in the future. In this review, we discuss all these issues in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decrease in skeletal muscle mass has been shown to increase hospital mortality. Nevertheless, little is known about the association between progressive muscle loss over time and clinical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate whether progressive loss of muscle mass in septic shock patients was associated with mortality. We reviewed prospectively enrolled registry of septic shock which had 817 consecutive patients. Of these, 175 patients who had computed tomography (CT) at a time of admission as well as 3–6 months prior to admission were included. Between these two CTs, the change in total abdominal muscle area index (TAMAI) was evaluated for progressive muscle loss. The change in TAMAI was higher in the non-survivors (−7.6 cm2/m2, 19.0% decrease) than the survivors (−4.0 cm2/m2, 10.5% decrease) with statistical significance (p = 0.002). Multiple logistic regression showed that the patients who had more than a 6.4 cm2/m2 (16.7%) reduction of TAMAI had a 4.42-fold higher risk for mortality at 28 days (OR, 4.42; 95% CI, 1.41–13.81, p = 0.011). Our study suggested that progressive loss of muscle mass might be a useful prognostic factor for septic shock patients. This implication will need to be further explored in future prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes acute lower respiratory tract infectious diseases, particularly in young children and older individuals. Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) is a membrane glycoprotein expressed in various cell types, including epithelial cells, and is associated with inflammatory responses and various cancers. However, the precise role of ALCAM in RSV-induced airway inflammation remains unclear, and our study aimed to explore this gap in the literature. Methods: C57BL/6 wild-type, ALCAM knockout mice and airway epithelial cells were infected with RSV and the expression of ALCAM and inflammatory cytokines were measured. We also conducted further experiments using Anti-ALCAM antibody and recombinant ALCAM in airway epithelial cells. Results: The expression levels of ALCAM and inflammatory cytokines increased in both RSV-infected mice and airway epithelial cells. Interestingly, IL-33 expression was significantly reduced in ALCAM-knockdown cells compared to control cells following RSV infection. Anti-ALCAM antibody treatment also reduced IL-33 expression following RSV infection. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK was diminished in ALCAM-knockdown cells compared to control cells following RSV infection. Notably, in the control cells, inhibition of these pathways significantly decreased the expression of IL-33. In vivo study also confirmed a reduction in inflammation induced by RSV infection in ALCAM deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that ALCAM contributes to RSV-induced airway inflammation at least partly by influencing IL-33 expression through mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. These results suggest that targeting ALCAM could be a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating IL-33-associated lung diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative pancreatic fistula is a life-threatening complication with an unmet need for accurate prediction. This study was aimed to develop preoperative artificial intelligence-based prediction models. Patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were enrolled and stratified into model development and validation sets by surgery between 2016 and 2017 or in 2018, respectively. Machine learning models based on clinical and body composition data, and deep learning models based on computed tomographic data, were developed, combined by ensemble voting, and final models were selected comparison with earlier model. Among the 1333 participants (training, n = 881; test, n = 452), postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 421 (47.8%) and 134 (31.8%) and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 59 (6.7%) and 27 (6.0%) participants in the training and test datasets, respectively. In the test dataset, the area under the receiver operating curve [AUC (95% confidence interval)] of the selected preoperative model for predicting all and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula was 0.75 (0.71–0.80) and 0.68 (0.58–0.78). The ensemble model showed better predictive performance than the individual ML and DL models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop and validate a combined radiomics-clinical model to predict malignancy of vertebral compression fractures on CT. Methods: One hundred sixty-five patients with vertebral compression fractures were allocated to training (n = 110 [62 acute benign and 48 malignant fractures]) and validation (n = 55 [30 acute benign and 25 malignant fractures]) cohorts. Radiomics features (n = 144) were extracted from non-contrast-enhanced CT images. Radiomics score was constructed by applying least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to reproducible features. A combined radiomics-clinical model was constructed by integrating significant clinical parameters with radiomics score using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Model performance was quantified in terms of discrimination and calibration. The model was internally validated on the independent data set. Results: The combined radiomics-clinical model, composed of two significant clinical predictors (age and history of malignancy) and the radiomics score, showed good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, p > 0.05) and discrimination in both training (AUC, 0.970) and validation (AUC, 0.948) cohorts. Discrimination performance of the combined model was higher than that of either the radiomics score (AUC, 0.941 in training cohort and 0.852 in validation cohort) or the clinical predictor model (AUC, 0.924 in training cohort and 0.849 in validation cohort). The model stratified patients into groups with low and high risk of malignant fracture with an accuracy of 98.2% in the training cohort and 90.9% in the validation cohort. Conclusions: The combined radiomics-clinical model integrating clinical parameters with radiomics score could predict malignancy in vertebral compression fractures on CT with high discriminatory ability. Key Points: • A combined radiomics-clinical model was constructed to predict malignancy of vertebral compression fractures on CT by combining clinical parameters and radiomics features. • The model showed good calibration and discrimination in both training and validation cohorts. • The model showed high accuracy in the stratification of patients into groups with low and high risk of malignant vertebral compression fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]