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Multi‐layer plastic films are widely used in various fields especially for packaging, but due to complex composition, it is very difficult to recover single‐material polymers or high‐purity monomers from them after usage. In this study, we proposed a hydrothermal process for recycling PET/PE (PET: Polyethylene terephthalate; PE: Polyethylene) films. PET can be hydrolyzed to monomers of terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). Using a hydrothermal system equipped with two filters, PE, TPA, and EG were collected separately, indicating the simultaneous material and chemical recycling of PET/PE films was firstly achieved. At 300 °C and 10 MPa for 60 min, PET conversion reached around 100 %, and TPA yield of 83.0 % was obtained with a high TPA purity of 96.1 %. In addition, the effect of the holding time on PET conversion, TPA yield, EG yield, and TPA purity was studied. This research opened up a new and sustainable pathway to recycle multi‐layer plastic films in both lab and industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi‐layer plastic films are widely used in various fields especially for packaging, but due to complex composition, it is very difficult to recover single‐material polymers or high‐purity monomers from them after usage. In this study, we proposed a hydrothermal process for recycling PET/PE (PET: Polyethylene terephthalate; PE: Polyethylene) films. PET can be hydrolyzed to monomers of terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). Using a hydrothermal system equipped with two filters, PE, TPA, and EG were collected separately, indicating the simultaneous material and chemical recycling of PET/PE films was firstly achieved. At 300 °C and 10 MPa for 60 min, PET conversion reached around 100 %, and TPA yield of 83.0 % was obtained with a high TPA purity of 96.1 %. In addition, the effect of the holding time on PET conversion, TPA yield, EG yield, and TPA purity was studied. This research opened up a new and sustainable pathway to recycle multi‐layer plastic films in both lab and industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infectious diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Secondary hypogammaglobulinemia is a risk factor for infectious diseases. Total immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and the history of infectious diseases are an integral part of determining the indication for immunoglobulin replacement therapy. The clinical significance of IgG2 levels is not well established. Guidelines recommend using pathogen‐specific IgG to evaluate patients with potential secondary immunodeficiency. However, it is difficult in practice to perform such testing. IgG2 may correlate well with pathogen‐specific IgG but the clinical significance of IgG2 is not well established. Methods: To assess the prevalence of low IgG2 levels with normal IgG after HCT, we cross‐sectionally measured the levels of several immunoglobulins, including IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgG2, after HCT, and we assessed the correlation between them. Results: Among 121 patients who underwent cross‐sectional measurements of IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgG2 levels after HCT, 114 had normal IgG2 levels (normal IgG2 group, ≥ 100 mg/dL) and 7 had low IgG2 levels (low IgG2 group, < 100 mg/dL). These 7 patients were allogeneic HCT recipients. All 7 patients with low IgG2 had cGVHD and 4/7 patients had normal total IgG levels. Conclusion: IgG2 levels may be low even in patients with normal IgG levels years after allogeneic HCT. Therefore, our study suggests that when patients develop infectious diseases, especially multiple episodes, it is recommended to measure IgG2 levels to exclude the possibility of secondary hypogammaglobulinemia after allogeneic HCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local gene therapies, including in vivo genome editing, are highly anticipated for the treatment of genetic diseases in skin, especially the epidermis. While the adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a potent vector for in vivo gene delivery, the lack of efficient gene delivery methods has limited its clinical applications. To optimize the AAV gene delivery system with higher gene delivery efficiency and specificity for epidermis and keratinocytes (KCs), using AAV capsid and promoter engineering technologies. AAV variants with mutations in residues reported to be critical to determine the tropism of AAV2 for KCs were generated by site-directed mutagenesis of AAVDJ. The infection efficiency and specificity for KCs of these variants were compared with those of previously reported AAVs considered to be suitable for gene delivery to KCs in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we generated an epidermis-specific promoter using the most recent short-core promoter and compared its specificity with existing promoters. A novel AAVDJ variant capsid termed AAVDJK2 was superior to the existing AAVs in terms of gene transduction efficiency and specificity for epidermis and KCs in vitro and in vivo. A novel tissue-specific promoter, termed the K14 SCP3 promoter, was superior to the existing promoters in terms of gene transduction efficiency and specificity for KCs. The combination of the AAVDJK2 capsid and K14 SCP3 promoter improves gene delivery to epidermis in vivo and KCs in vitro. The novel AAV system may benefit experimental research and development of new epidermis-targeted gene therapies. • A novel AAV capsid termed AAVDJK2 was developed and was superior to existing AAVs in terms of gene transduction efficiency and specificity for keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo. • A novel tissue-specific promotor termed K14 SCP3 promotor was developed and was superior to existing promoters in terms of gene transduction efficiency and specificity for keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo. • The novel AAV system benefits experimental research and development of new epidermis-targeted gene therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some neurodegenerative diseases may be characterized by continuing behavioral and cognitive dysfunction that encompasses memory loss and/or apathy. Alzheimer's disease is the most typical type of such neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by deficits of cognition and alterations of behavior. Despite the huge efforts against Alzheimer's disease, there has yet been no successful treatment for this disease. Interestingly, several possible risk genes for cognitive dysfunction are frequently expressed within brain cells, which may also be linked to cholesterol metabolism, lipid transport, exosomes, and/or caveolae formation, suggesting that caveolae may be a therapeutic target for cognitive dysfunctions. Interestingly, the modulation of autophagy/mitophagy with the alteration of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor signaling may offer a novel approach to preventing and alleviating cognitive dysfunction. A paradigm showing that both GLP-1 and NMDA receptors at caveolae sites may be promising and crucial targets for the treatment of cognitive dysfunctions has been presented here, which may also be able to modify the progression of Alzheimer's disease. This research direction may create the potential to move clinical care toward disease-modifying treatment strategies with maximal benefits for patients without detrimental adverse events for neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caveolin is a structural protein within caveolae that may be involved in transmembrane molecular transport and/or various intercellular interactions within cells. Specific mutations of caveolin-3 in muscle fibers are well known to cause limb–girdle muscular dystrophy. Altered expression of caveolin-3 has also been detected in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which may be a part of the pathological process leading to muscle weakness. Interestingly, it has been shown that the renovation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in sarcolemma with muscular dystrophy could improve muscle health, suggesting that NOS may be involved in the pathology of muscular dystrophy. Here, we summarize the notable function of caveolin and/or NOS in skeletal muscle fibers and discuss their involvement in the pathology as well as possible tactics for the innovative treatment of muscular dystrophies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study records a new introduction of the estuarine, invasive bivalve Mytilopsis cf. sallei in southeastern Brazil. The new record lies close to the largest port of the country (the Port of Santos, in São Paulo state), raising serious concerns related to the probable expansion of this bivalve in future years. Two out of five sampling stations showed live specimens of M. cf. sallei in the soft sediment, in sites with polluted waters and salinity below 20 ppt, reaching a maximum abundance of 1983 specimens/m2. According to COI evidence, two lineages of M. cf. sallei are present in the region, one of which was previously recorded from northeastern Brazil (where it is probably exotic), and another previously recorded from Florida (native) and Asia (exotic). Potential sources for the introduction are discussed, as well as the role of ballast water vs. biofouling as vectors. Because adults of M. cf. sallei are tolerant to long periods in marine waters, it is possible that biofouling from distant sources contributed to this introduction. In order to enable a robust mitigation plan, a complete spatial evaluation for the presence of this bivalve should be conducted in the Santos Estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polydiacetylene (PDA) is a kind of photopolymerizable polymer, which exhibits a unique color transition in response to external stimuli such as heat, pH, and solvent. PDAs are attractive as eye‐detection stimulus sensors with excellent time performance; however, the sensitivity of PDAs should be improved. Considering the biological membrane‐like structure of diacetylene (DA) vesicles, their modification by incorporating membrane lipids (e.g., diacylphosphocholine, PC) can be used to control the membrane fluidity, and consequently molecular ordering of DAs in the vesicle. Inspired by biological membrane systems, lipid vesicles are employed as platforms to generate PDA, and essential factors that influence the sensitivity of PDA are investigated. By lowering the polymerization temperature, the generation of PDA becomes slower, while the sensitivity improves. By adding PCs at the molar ratio of lipid:DA = 1:1, the sensitivity of PDA can be varied: the PCs with lower phase transition temperatures (Tm) made PDA insensitive, while the PCs with higher Tm improved the sensitivity as compared to pure poly(PCDA). It is concluded that the photopolymerization of DAs with a lower membrane fluidity induces highly sensitive PDA, while the photopolymerization of DAs with a higher membrane fluidity induces insensitive PDA with robustness toward stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TRiC/CCT is a chaperonin complex required for the folding of cytoplasmic proteins. Although mutations in each subunit of TRiC/CCT are associated with various human neurodegenerative diseases, their impact in mammalian models has not yet been examined. A compound heterozygous mutation in CCT2 (p.[Thr400Pro]; p.[Arg516His]) is causal for Leber congenital amaurosis. Here, we generate mice carrying each mutation and show that Arg516His (R516H) homozygosity causes photoreceptor degeneration accompanied by a significant depletion of TRiC/CCT substrate proteins in the retina. In contrast, Thr400Pro (T400P) homozygosity results in embryonic lethality, and the compound heterozygous mutant (T400P/R516H) mouse showed aberrant cone cell lamination and died 2 weeks after birth. Finally, CCDC181 is identified as a interacting protein for CCTβ protein, and its localization to photoreceptor connecting cilia is compromised in the mutant mouse. Our results demonstrate the distinct impact of each mutation in vivo and suggest a requirement for CCTβ in ciliary maintenance. The authors show that missense mutations in CCT2 evoked retinal photoreceptor degeneration with decreased expression levels of TRiC/CCT substrate proteins in the mouse retina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 60-year-old woman presented to the Department of Surgery with an anterior neck mass and a mass on her left forehead. She was diagnosed with follicular thyroid cancer with metastasis to the skull, a rare presentation of follicular thyroid cancer that is associated with a poor prognosis. A multidisciplinary team evaluated the patient and devised a 3-staged surgical management plan: total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection, cranial metastasectomy, and cranioplasty with autologous split rib graft. This case illustrates how innovative multidisciplinary surgical management can be applied in a low-resource setting involving 3 surgical sub-specialties for the best possible outcome in a patient with metastatic follicular thyroid cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been proposed that procedures which upregulate mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy by replacing damaged mitochondria with healthy ones may prevent the development of several heart diseases. A member of serine and threonine kinases, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), could play essential roles in the autophagy and/or mitophagy. AMPK is widely distributed in various cells, which might play diverse regulatory roles in different tissues and/or organs. In fact, changes in the kinase function of AMPK due to alteration of activity have been linked with diverse pathologies including cardiac disorders. AMPK can regulate mitochondrial biogenesis via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) signaling and also improve oxidative mitochondrial metabolism through inhibition of mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which may also modulate the autophagy/mitophagy through autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) and/or transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling. Therefore, the modulation of AMPK in autophagy/mitophagy pathway might probably be thought as a therapeutic tactic for several cardiac disorders. As kinases are amongst the most controllable proteins, in general, the design of small molecules targeting kinases might be an eye-catching avenue to modulate cardiac function. Some analyses of the molecular biology underlying mitophagy suggest that nutraceuticals and/or drugs including specific AMPK modulator as well as physical exercise and/or dietary restriction that could modulate AMPK may be useful against several heart diseases. These observations may virtually be limited to preclinical studies. Come to think of these, however, it is speculated that some nutraceutical regimens might have positive potential for managing some of cardiac disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In addition to various immunosuppressive agents, belimumab and anifrolumab became available in Japan. We aimed to investigate glucocorticoid-free clinical remission in a single-centre retrospective cohort in October 2023. Methods: Our cohort included patients with SLE who needed to start or increase glucocorticoids for disease activity and were followed up for more than 1 year. We investigated the rate of achievement of clinical remission off corticosteroids (CR off C), defined as no clinical score on the SLEDAI-2K without glucocorticoids, baseline predictors of CR off C, medications used when CR off C was achieved, and flare rates following CR off C. Results: Out of the 60 patients followed for an average of 5.4 (±2.6) years, 17 (28.3%) achieved CR off C in 3.6 (±1.2) years after enrolment. Use of belimumab and anifrolumab accounted for eight (47.1%) of the achievers. Among the baseline data, male sex, recent enrolment, high glucocorticoid dose, and detection of immune complex (IC) significantly predicted CR off C, while lupus nephritis (LN) and a low C3 level tended to predict it. In the multivariate analysis, IC detection was the only predictor of CR off C. Clinical flares were observed in 5.9% of the achievers during a median 1.2 years after achievement of CR off C. Conclusion: In the era of biologics, CR off C was achieved in 28.3% of the patient cohort requiring the start or increase of glucocorticoids for disease activity, with a relatively low rate of flares, suggesting that glucocorticoid-free clinical remission is an achievable target in SLE. IC disease, represented by male sex or nephritis, is likely to benefit from currently available medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytanic acid is one of the branched‐chain fatty acids in the human diet. Humans incorporate it into their bodies through the ingestion of ruminant meat and milk since these animal products contain the 3RS, 7R, 11R‐isomer, as naturally occurring phytanic acid (nPA). Although phytanic acid has been reported to have health‐promoting effects such as immunomodulatory effects, these findings were obtained mostly from in vitro cell‐based experiments. In this study, the in vivo anti‐inflammatory effects of nPA were investigated using a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis. Mice were fed diets containing 0%, 0.05%, or 0.1% nPA for 4 weeks. During the fourth week, acute colitis was induced by administration of a 3% DSS solution. The intake of 0.05% and 0.1% nPA inhibited DSS‐induced body weight loss in mice, and showed improvement of histopathological changes in colon epithelium. nPA also inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines, especially macrophage‐related cytokines such as interleukin‐1β in the colon. These results suggest that nPA exerts anti‐inflammatory effects under in vivo physiological conditions. Practical application: There is a growing demand for fatty acids possessing distinct nutritional and physical characteristics in the realms of health, nutrition, and food‐related applications. The present study demonstrated that a branched‐chain fatty acid, phytanic acid, exerts anti‐inflammatory activity under not only in vitro but also in vivo conditions, using a commonly used mouse model of human inflammatory bowel disease. Our findings encourage further studies to determine whether phytanic acid elicits beneficial properties in humans, and suggest that phytanic acid enrichment can be a novel product strategy in the food market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many investigations have evaluated the expression of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as well as their related molecular functions and biological machineries in individuals with alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence may be one of the most prevailing psychological disorders globally, and its pathogenesis is intricate and inadequately comprehended. There is substantial evidence indicating significant links between multiple genetic factors and the development of alcohol dependence. In particular, the critical roles of ncRNAs have been emphasized in the pathology of mental illnesses, probably including alcohol dependence. In the comprehension of the action of ncRNAs and their machineries of modification, furthermore, they have emerged as therapeutic targets for a variety of psychiatric illnesses, including alcohol dependence. It is worth mentioning that the dysregulated expression of ncRNAs has been regularly detected in individuals with alcohol dependence. An in-depth knowledge of the roles of ncRNAs and m6A modification may be valuable for the development of a novel treatment against alcohol dependence. In general, a more profound understanding of the practical roles of ncRNAs might make important contributions to the precise diagnosis and/or actual management of alcohol dependence. Here, in this review, we mostly focused on up-to-date knowledge regarding alterations and/or modifications in the expression of ncRNAs in individuals with alcohol dependence. Then, we present prospects for future research and therapeutic applications with a novel concept of the engram system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the dose distributions of proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) with/without a multileaf collimator (MLC) compared to passive scattering (PS) for stage I/II lung cancers. Collimated/uncollimated (PBS+/PBS-) and PS plans were created for 20 patients. Internal-clinical-target-volumes (ICTVs) and planning-target-volumes (PTVs) with a 5 mm margin were defined on the gated CTs. Organs-at-risk (OARs) are defined as the normal lungs, spinal cord, esophagus, and heart. The prescribed dose was 66 Gy relative-biological-effectiveness (RBE) in 10 fractions at the isocenter and 50% volume of the ICTVs for the PS and PBS, respectively. We compared the target and OAR dose statistics from the dose volume histograms. The PBS+ group had a significantly better mean PTV conformity index than the PBS- and PS groups. The mean dose sparing for PBS+ was better than those for PBS- and PS. Only the normal lung doses of PBS- were worse than those of PS. The overall performance of the OAR sparing was in the order of PBS+, PBS-, and PS. The PBS+ plan showed significantly better target homogeneity and OAR sparing than the PBS- and PS plans. PBS requires collimating systems to treat lung cancers with the most OAR sparing while maintaining the target coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the growth of thin Pd films on a Au(001) surface, which was a Au(001) film grown on a Fe-buffered MgO(001) substrate, at 290 K up to 4 monolayer (ML) thickness and the effect of post-annealing (PA) at 470 K. The surface morphology and structure are determined using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). The LEED patterns of the as-grown and PA films indicate that the Pd(001) films grow epitaxially on the Au(001) surface with noticeable in-pain lattice expansion of 4.5% relative to the bulk Pd, indicating a tensely strained tetragonal deformation. The Pd film does not grow in the layer-by-layer growth mode at 290 K. Instead, numerous Pd islands grow anisotropically along the 〈110〉 direction. The surface morphology of the films improves significantly after the PA at 470 K due to the coalescence of the elongated Pd islands. Consequently, the room temperature growth of the Pd layers followed by PA at 470 K enables us to fabricate the high-quality epitaxial Pd(001) film, which has large and atomically flat terraces without Au segregation. Additional Pd growth up to 8 ML thickness onto such 4 ML PA films kept at 470 K is also studied by STM. This specific three-step method facilitates the quasi-layer-by-layer growth and opens a chance for practical use in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is the most common genetic form of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and it involves the development of multiple kidney cysts. Not enough medical breakthroughs have been made against PKD, a condition which features regional hypoxia and activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. The following pathology of CKD can severely instigate kidney damage and/or renal failure. Significant evidence verifies an imperative role for mitophagy in normal kidney physiology and the pathology of CKD and/or PKD. Mitophagy serves as important component of mitochondrial quality control by removing impaired/dysfunctional mitochondria from the cell to warrant redox homeostasis and sustain cell viability. Interestingly, treatment with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) agonist could reduce the pathology of PDK and might improve the renal function of the disease via the modulation of mitophagy, as well as the condition of gut microbiome. Suitable modulation of mitophagy might be a favorable tactic for the prevention and/or treatment of kidney diseases such as PKD and CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including circular RNAs (circRNAs) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A), have been shown to play a critical role in the development of various diseases including obesity and metabolic disorder-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Obesity is a chronic disease caused by excessive fat accumulation in the body, which has recently become more prevalent and is the foremost risk factor for MAFLD. Causes of obesity may involve the interaction of genetic, behavioral, and social factors. m6A RNA methylation might add a novel inspiration for understanding the development of obesity and MAFLD with post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. In particular, circRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and m6A might be implicated in the progression of MAFLD. Interestingly, m6A modification can modulate the translation, degradation, and other functions of ncRNAs. miRNAs/circRNAs can also modulate m6A modifications by affecting writers, erasers, and readers. In turn, ncRNAs could modulate the expression of m6A regulators in different ways. However, there is limited evidence on how these ncRNAs and m6A interact to affect the promotion of liver diseases. It seems that m6A can occur in DNA, RNA, and proteins that may be associated with several biological properties. This study provides a mechanistic understanding of the association of m6A modification and ncRNAs with liver diseases, especially for MAFLD. Comprehension of the association between m6A modification and ncRNAs may contribute to the development of treatment tactics for MAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Fe(II) bromide complex supported by a bidentate phosphine ligand and an η1(C)-coordinated six-membered silacycle-bridged biphenyl-based ligand is converted upon reduction into an Fe(I) complex in which the hapticity of the silacycle-based ligand increases from η1 to η5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room temperature wafer bonding is a desirable approach for the packaging and assembly of diverse electronic devices. The formation of SiO 2 layer at the bonding interface is crucial for a reliable wafer bonding as represented by conventional bonding techniques such as hydrophilic bonding and glass frit bonding. This paper reports a novel concept of room temperature wafer bonding based on the conversion of polysilazane to SiO 2 at the bonding interface. As polysilazane is converted to SiO 2 by hydrolysis, in this work, adsorbed water is introduced to the bonding interface by plasma treatment, thereby facilitating the formation of SiO 2 at the wafer bonding interface. The experimental results indicate that the adsorbed water from the plasma treatment diffuses into the polysilazane layer and facilitates its hydrolysis and conversion. The proposed method demonstrates the successful wafer bonding at room temperature with high bond strength without interfacial voids. This technique will provide a new approach of bonding wafers at room temperature for electronics packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the "Usefulness of Self-Selected Scenarios for Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment Method Using Virtual Reality" conducted by Satoshi Harada et al., published in the journal "J Nippon Med Sch 2024." The research focuses on the educational effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) approach to train paramedic students in the Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) method.

Summary: Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) reduces the risk of infection in hypogammaglobulinaemia secondary to chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and multiple myeloma. However, the benefit of IgRT, especially subcutaneous IgRT (ScIgRT), has not been assessed in hypogammaglobulinaemia after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT). We performed a pre–post comparison of the clinical impact of ScIgRT after allo‐HCT in a retrospective analysis of 209 patients who underwent allogeneic HCT at our institution from 2011 to 2019. Since ScIgRT became available at our institution in April 2017, we categorized patients treated from January 2011 to March 2017 as the Pre‐ScIgRT group (n = 118) and those treated from April 2017 to December 2019 as the Post‐ScIgRT group (n = 91). The 2‐year overall survival rate was 65% in the Pre‐ScIgRT group and 81% in the Post‐ScIgRT group (p = 0.02). The cumulative incidence (CI) of non‐relapse mortality at 2 years was 18% and 7% (p = 0.02). There were 78 infectious events in 44 patients in the Pre‐ScIgRT group and 28 such events in 19 patients in the Post‐ScIgRT group. The CI of the documented infection during the observation period was between 38% and 21% (p = 0.01). Our study suggests that ScIgRT may reduce infection rates and improve prognosis after allo‐HCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the blood lactate level in response to two bouts of exercise. First, we hypothesized that blood lactate elevation in response to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (MIAE) would be lower at the end of the second bout of MIAE than the first bout of MIAE. In this context, we also hypothesized that lactate accumulation at the end of resistance exercise (RE) would be reduced if MIAE is performed before RE (i.e., concurrent exercise; CE). If so, we hypothesized that the order of the CE (i.e., RE + MIAE vs. MIAE + RE) influences blood lactate kinetics. To test the hypotheses, forty-three healthy men participated in three studies. In study 1, 20 men (age 21 ± 2 years) performed two bouts of a 20-min MIAE separated by a 20-min rest interval. In study 2, 11 men (age 22 ± 1 years) performed RE only and CE (MIAE + RE; ARCE) with a 20-min rest interval in a crossover design. In study 3, 12 men (age 21 ± 2 years) performed both CEs, which were ARCE and RE + MIAE (RACE), with a 20-min rest interval in a crossover design. We measured blood lactate before and at the end of each exercise session. In study 1, the blood lactate response to the second bout of MIAE was lower than that of the first bout (P < 0.001, r = 0.68). However, the blood lactate response to the ARCE trial was not lower than the response to the RE trial in study 2 (P = 0.475, r = 0.22). The results of study 3 showed that the RACE and ARCE trials induced a similar lactate response (MIAE P = 0.423, r = 0.28; RE P = 0.766, d = 0.03). These observations indicate that whereas lactate accumulation might be diminished by a second bout of MIAE, a different type of exercise (i.e., aerobic/resistance) did not result in a diminished lactate accumulation in response to a second bout of exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalized drug delivery systems have been investigated to improve the targetability and intracellular translocation of therapeutic drugs. We developed high functionality and quality lipids that met unique requirements, focusing on the quality of functional lipids for the preparation of targeted nanoparticles using microfluidic devices. While searching for a lipid with high solubility and dispersibility in solvents, which is one of the requirements, we noted that KK-(EK)4-lipid imparts nonspecific cellular association to polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified (PEGylated) liposomes, such as cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). We investigated whether KK-(EK)4-lipid, which has a near-neutral charge, is a novel CPP-modified lipid that enhances the intracellular translocation of nanoparticles. However, the cellular association mechanism of KK-(EK)4-lipid is unknown. Therefore, we synthesized (EK)n-lipid derivatives based on the sequence of KK-(EK)4-lipid and determined the sequence sites involved in cellular association. In addition, KK-(EK)4-lipid was applied to extracellular vesicles (EVs) and mRNA encapsulated lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs). KK-(EK)4-lipid-modified EVs and mRNA-LNPs showed higher cellular association and in vitro protein expression, respectively, compared to unmodified ones. We elucidated KK-(EK)4-lipid to have potential for applicability in the intracellular delivery of liposomes, EVs, and mRNA-LNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many teams participating in robotic competitions achieve localization using a 2D map plotted using adaptive Monte Carlo localization, a robot operating system (ROS) open-source software program. However, outdoor environments often include nonlevel terrain such as slopes. In the indoor environment of multilevel structures, the data representing different levels overlap on the map. These factors can lead to localization failures. To resolve this problem, we develop a software by combining HDL localization, which is an ROS open-source software, with our own program, and use it to achieve localization based on a 3D map. Furthermore, the authors observe the erroneous recognition of a slope as a forward obstacle during a competition event. To resolve this, we propose a method to correct erroneous recognition of obstacles using a 2D laser range finder and 3D map and confirm its validity in an experiment carried out on a slope on a university campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of the Se-treated GaAs(001)-( 2 × 1 ) surface. The ( 2 × 1 ) structure with the two-fold coordinated Se atom at the outermost layer and the three-fold coordinated Se atom at the third layer was found to be energetically stable and agrees well with the experimental data from scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy electron diffraction, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This atomic geometry accounts for the improved stability of the Se-treated surface against the oxidation. The present result allows us to address a long-standing question on the structure of the Se-passivated GaAs surface, and will leads us to a more complete understanding of the physical origin of the electrical and chemical passivation of Se-treated GaAs surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in epitranscriptome with N6-methyladenine (m6A) modification could be involved in the development of multiple diseases, which might be a prevalent modification of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in eukaryotes. The m6A modification might be performed through the action of methyltransferases, demethylases, and methylation-binding proteins. Importantly, the m6A methylation may be associated with various neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), depression, aging-related diseases, and/or aging itself. In addition, the m6A methylation might functionally regulate the eukaryotic transcriptome by influencing the splicing, export, subcellular localization, translation, stability, and decay of mRNAs. Neurodegenerative diseases may possess a wide variety of phenotypes, depending on the neurons that degenerate on occasion. Interestingly, an increasing amount of evidence has indicated that m6A modification could modulate the expression of autophagy-related genes and promote autophagy in neuronal cells. Oxidative stresses such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) could stimulate the m6A RNA methylation, which may also be related to the regulation of autophagy and/or the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Both m6A modification and autophagy could also play critical roles in regulating the health condition of neurons. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the m6A and autophagy relationship in human diseases may benefit in developing therapeutic strategies in the future. This paper reviews advances in the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of m6A modification in the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases and/or aging, discussing the possible therapeutic procedures related to mechanisms of m6A RNA methylation and autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, bioethical analyses often emphasized population health and societal benefit. Hospital policies frequently focused on reducing risk of transmitting SARS‐CoV‐2 by restricting visitors; requiring protective equipment; and screening staff, patients and visitors. While restrictions can be burdensome, they are often justified as essential measures to protect the whole population against a virus with high rates of transmission, morbidity and mortality. Yet communities are not monolithic, and the impacts of these restrictions affect different groups differently. An ophthalmological unit outreach program in Ethiopia serves to illustrate. Pre‐operative screening policies were designed to protect as many patients as possible but had adverse impacts on underserved communities. As this case study demonstrates, creating hospital policies that truly serve the good of the society may require a more holistic review of impacts on inequitably positioned communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are indispensable for adjusting gene expression and genetic programming throughout development and for health as well as cardiovascular diseases. Cardiac arrhythmia is a frequent cardiovascular disease that has a complex pathology. Recent studies have shown that ncRNAs are also associated with cardiac arrhythmias. Many non-coding RNAs and/or genomes have been reported as genetic background for cardiac arrhythmias. In general, arrhythmias may be affected by several functional and structural changes in the myocardium of the heart. Therefore, ncRNAs might be indispensable regulators of gene expression in cardiomyocytes, which could play a dynamic role in regulating the stability of cardiac conduction and/or in the remodeling process. Although it remains almost unclear how ncRNAs regulate the expression of molecules for controlling cardiac conduction and/or the remodeling process, the gut microbiota and immune system within the intricate networks might be involved in the regulatory mechanisms. This study would discuss them and provide a research basis for ncRNA modulation, which might support the development of emerging innovative therapies against cardiac arrhythmias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The convolution of membranes called cristae is a critical structural and functional feature of mitochondria. Crista structure is highly diverse between different cell types, reflecting their role in metabolic adaptation. However, their precise three-dimensional (3D) arrangement requires volumetric analysis of serial electron microscopy and has therefore been limiting for unbiased quantitative assessment. Here, we developed a novel, publicly available, deep learning (DL)-based image analysis platform called Python-based human-in-the-loop workflow (PHILOW) implemented with a human-in-the-loop (HITL) algorithm. Analysis of dense, large, and isotropic volumes of focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) using PHILOW reveals the complex 3D nanostructure of both inner and outer mitochondrial membranes and provides deep, quantitative, structural features of cristae in a large number of individual mitochondria. This nanometer-scale analysis in micrometer-scale cellular contexts uncovers fundamental parameters of cristae, such as total surface area, orientation, tubular/lamellar cristae ratio, and crista junction density in individual mitochondria. Unbiased clustering analysis of our structural data unraveled a new function for the dynamin-related GTPase Optic Atrophy 1 (OPA1) in regulating the balance between lamellar versus tubular cristae subdomains. By developing a novel platform for a deep learning-based analysis of volume electron microscopy images, this study provides unprecedented nanometer-scale and comprehensive cristae structure in more than 400 individual mitochondria, revealing a previously unknown function of OPA1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells, a subset of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, locate to the lymphoid follicle and germinal center (GC) and regulate antibody responses. Tfr cells express the functional molecules of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, including CXCR5 and Bcl6. CD25− mature Tfr cells differentiate from CD25+ Treg cells through CD25+ immature Tfr cells. Others and we have shown that Achaete-scute complex homolog 2 (Ascl2) plays a role in Tfh cell development; however, the role of Ascl2 in the development of Tfr cells remains unclear. Here, we found that Ascl2 was highly and preferentially expressed in CD25+ Tfr cells and CD25− Tfr cells, and that the differentiation from CD25+ Tfr cells to CD25− Tfr cells was impaired by the absence of Ascl2. Furthermore, the forced Ascl2 expression in Treg cells downregulated CD25 expression and suppressed IL-2-induced phosphorylation of STAT5, which is known to suppress CD25− Tfr cell development. Finally, we found that the downregulation of CD25 by Ascl2 in Treg cells is independent of Bach2, which also regulates CD25 downregulation in CD25+ Tfr cells. These results suggest that Ascl2 plays a vital role in developing Tfr cells, possibly by downregulating CD25 expression in a Bach2-independent mechanism. • Ascl2 was preferentially expressed in CD25+ Tfr cells and CD25− Tfr cells. • The development of CD25− Tfr cells was impaired in Ascl2-deficient Tregs. • The forced expression of Ascl2 downregulated CD25 expression and suppressed IL-2-STAT5 signaling in Treg cells. • The attenuation of CD25 expression by the forced Ascl2 expression was observed even in Bach2-knockdown cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Healthcare worker's life risk percentage is higher than the ratio of benefits they provide in the health crisis situations during this pandemic period, Even though they are the vitals for the functioning of the health systems during any health crisis. The findings from this study will help authorities to deliver the imperative educational programs in order to bring forth up-todate information and to flourish the best practices in controlling and preventing Corona virus. The objective is to assess and analysis the knowledge and awareness about the COVID-19 virus. Materials And Methods: Structured questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire consisted of details regarding the socio-demographic details and 30 questions pertaining to the knowledge and awareness on protection, prevention and infection control measures of Corona virus disease. Results: It was found out that adequacy of knowledge and awareness on COVID 19, was only 55.1% among participants. On binominal logistic regression analysis, it was found that age and profession were found to have statistically significant association with knowledge and awareness. Conclusion: Spreading the knowledge and preventive measures of COVID -19 among health care professionals will play a major role in preventing further outbreaks. As WHO says "Keep yourself and others safe: Do it all!" it's a sole responsibilities of every health care workers to follow the protocol and preventive measures at any cost. In addition regular hospital infection training sessions to be given for health care workers to follow universal standard precautions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducted petrographic and geochemical analyses of chert artifacts from the Late Middle Paleolithic, the Initial Upper Paleolithic, the Early Upper Paleolithic, and the Epi‐Paleolithic assemblages in the Jebel Qalkha area, southern Jordan, to examine their correlations with the visual attributes and diachronic variability. The results revealed two different aspects of the petrographic and geochemical signatures. The first aspect showed some correlations with the visual chert types that were characterized by the abundance/preservation of fossils, the enrichment of several elements (i.e., Ca, Sr, and Ba), and the quartz crystallite size. The second aspect of geochemical signatures, such as Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, and Co, showed no correlation with the visual types but was correlated with the chrono‐cultural groups. Given the chert occurrences and variability in and around the study area, the first aspect of the chert variability likely represents the variations of different chert outcrops as well as the internal variations within the same sources. Whether the second aspect represents chrono‐cultural changes in the use of chert sources needs to be clarified in future by our ongoing examination of geological chert samples in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the risk factors for CMV infection and to clarify the cut-off count of CMV pp65 antigenemia predicting clinical symptoms related to CMV infection in patients with rheumatic disease. We retrospectively analyzed 261 patients with rheumatic disease who were treated with immunosuppressive therapy. CMV infection was defined as positive > 1 CMV-positive cell per two slides (CMV pp65 antigenemia C10/C11). Patients with CMV infection were divided into two groups based on the presence of antiviral treatment for CMV disease. We determined a cut-off value of CMV-positive cells for the diagnosis of CMV disease. CMV infection was observed in 141 cases (54%). In a multivariate analysis, CMV infection was associated with three following factors: Age > 60 years (OR 1.87 [95% CI 1.04–3.36]); lymphocyte counts < 1000/μL (OR 3.34 [95% CI 1.88–6.05]); steroid pulse therapy (OR 2.60 [95% CI 1.27–5.55]). The cut-off level of CMV pp65 antigenemia indicating CMV disease was five positive cells average two slides by using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (AUC 0.95, sensitivity 0.94, specificity 0.80). Age > 60 years, lymphocytopenia (< 1000/μL) and steroid pulse therapy are risk factors of CMV infection. We recommend that CMV pp65 antigenemia of > 5 cells average two slides (C10/C11) in patients with rheumatic disease should be the treated with antiviral drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a case of otitis externa caused by Malassezia slooffiae complicated with mastoiditis. A 70-year-old male complained of fever and severe otorrhea from left external auditory canal 2 months after undergoing a craniotomy to remove a hematoma. He had right-sided paralysis and undertook bed rest. Brain computed tomography revealed continuous fluid accumulation in the left mastoid air cells and middle ear from left external auditory canal in addition to leukocytosis and increased C-reactive protein level. The tympanic membrane was severely swelling. These results indicated the presence of otitis media and mastoiditis. Otorrhea culture showed large amounts of M. slooffiae. The administration of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB), the irrigation of external auditory canal with normal saline, and the application of topical ketoconazole ointment were started. The administration of L-AMB for 8 weeks and voriconazole, which was switched from L-AMB, for 4 weeks ameliorated his infection and he was transferred to another hospital to receive rehabilitation. From these results and his clinical course, the diagnosis of otitis externa caused by Malassezia slooffiae complicated with mastoiditis was made. And the possibility of the contamination by M. slooffiae was very low. Clinicians should be aware that M. slooffiae can provoke otological infections since M. slooffiae is the most common Malassezia sp. in external auditory canal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast abscess is a prevalent cause of morbidity in women occurring in 0.4% to 11% of patients after mastitis. The majority are benign, but worrisome etiologies such as inflammatory cancer and concomitant immune-compromising diseases should be addressed when a non-lactating patient presents with a breast abscess. The problem is high among women in developing countries (1). The purpose of this study is to assess the magnitude, clinical presentation, and treatment of breast abscess patients at a tertiary hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on all patients treated for breast abscesses from September 2015 to August 2020. A retrospective review of the clinical records was performed to collect data on sociodemographic, clinical, and management data using a data extraction form. The collected data were then cleaned and entered into SPSS for analysis. Results: Two hundred and nine patients were included in this study over 5 years and lactational breast abscess (LBA) is more prevalent,182 (87.1%) than non-lactational breast abscess (NLBA), 27 (12.9%). Bilateral breast abscesses occurred in 16 (7.7%) patients. Patients presented at a median duration of 11 days and had been breastfeeding for 2 or more months. A spontaneously ruptured abscess was detected in, 30 (14.4%) of the patients. Comorbidities identified include diabetes mellitus (DM) in, 24 (11.5%), Hypertension in, 7 (3.3%), HIV in, 5 (2.4%) of patients. All women were treated with Incision and Drainage and had a median volume of 60 mL of pus drained. Following surgery, all patients were given ceftriaxone in the immediate post-operative days and either cloxacillin,167 (80.3%), or Augmentin,41 (19.7%) antibiotics p on discharge. Follow-up data were available for 201 (96.1%) patients and the recurrence rate was 5.8%. Conclusions and Recommendations: Lactational breast abscesses are more common than non-lactational breast abscesses, particularly in primiparas. DM is the most common comorbidity in non-lactational breast abscesses and health-seeking behavior should be improved given the delayed presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribosomal incorporation of D-a-amino acids (DAA) and N-methyl-L-α-amino acids (MeAA) with negatively charged sidechains, such as D-Asp, D-Glu, MeAsp and MeGlu, into nascent peptides is far more inefficient compared to those with neutral or positively charged ones. This is because of low binding affinity of their aminoacyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) to elongation factor-thermo unstable (EF-Tu), a translation factor responsible for accommodation of aminoacyl-tRNA onto ribosome. It is well known that EF-Tu binds to two parts of aminoacyl-tRNA, the amino acid moiety and the T-stem; however, the amino acid binding pocket of EF-Tu bearing Glu and Asp causes electric repulsion against the negatively charged amino acid charged on tRNA. To circumvent this issue, here we adopted two strategies: (i) use of an EF-Tu variant, called EF-Sep, in which the Glu216 and Asp217 residues in EF-Tu are substituted with Asn216 and Gly217, respectively; and (ii) reinforcement of the T-stem affinity using an artificially developed chimeric tRNA, tRNAPro1E2, whose T-stem is derived from Escherichia coli tRNAGlu that has high affinity to EF-Tu. Consequently, we could successfully enhance the incorporation efficiencies of D-Asp, D-Glu, MeAsp and MeGlu and demonstrated for the first time, to our knowledge, ribosomal synthesis of macrocyclic peptides containing multiple D-Asp or MeAsp. This article is part of the theme issue 'Reactivity and mechanism in chemical and synthetic biology'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombotic disorders such as venous thromboembolism and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are known complications of solid tumors. To date, no reports have described the treatment of enhanced fibrinolytic-type DIC caused by end-of-life stage solid tumors. We encountered three cases of end-of-life stage solid tumors complicated by enhanced fibrinolytic-type DIC with severe bleeding symptoms. In all three cases, bleeding symptoms improved dramatically after intervention for enhanced fibrinolytic-type DIC with heparin(s) and tranexamic acid. Improvements in abnormal coagulation test results were also seen and the need for platelet concentrate transfusion and fresh frozen plasma infusion was able to be eliminated. However, one patient developed multiple cerebral infarctions. In the future, further studies to investigate the need for intervention in enhanced fibrinolytic-type DIC caused by end-of-life stage solid tumors and suitable treatment strategies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease with pruritus, affecting 5–20% of the population in developed countries. Though its cause varies from genetic polymorphisms to the environmental factors, the T-helper (Th) 2 inflammation is one of the main characteristic pathoses. TNF superfamily ligand A (TL1A) is a recently discovered cytokine, which is released by various immune cells and reported to have an ability to stimulate Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses. Its association was investigated in chronic inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. However, its role on AD is unclear. To elucidate the association of TL1A in AD, we measured the serum TL1A levels in AD patients and healthy controls and performed the immunohistochemistry of TL1A. The result showed that the serum TL1A levels were higher in AD patients than healthy controls, and they positively correlated with the serum immunoglobulin E levels, serum Lactate dehydrogenase, and the number of eosinophils in peripheral blood. The immunohistochemistry of TL1A also showed TL1A expression in epithelium of AD samples. Because previous studies indicate TL1A has a certain role as an inflammation enhancer in Th2 and/or Th17 polarized disease, TL1A in AD may also has a role as an inflammation generator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hormone therapy for breast cancer targets estrogen receptors to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. We previously reported that neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated 4–1 (NEDD4) promotes the degradation of the estrogen receptor α. Therefore, NEDD4 may affect the efficacy of hormone therapy and prognosis in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients. The prognosis of patients receiving perioperative neoadjuvant or adjuvant hormone therapy for 5–10 years could be particularly affected by NEDD4. This study revealed that patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer with low NEDD4 expression had a good outcome. Additionally, the association of NEDD4 with estrogen receptor α in breast cancer cells was also investigated to reveal the biological mechanisms that influenced clinical results. NEDD4 expression appears to be a predictive factor of the response to hormone therapy. Neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated 4–1 (NEDD4) is an E3 ligase that leads to the degradation of proteins, including estrogen receptor α. We evaluated whether the expression level of NEDD4 affected the outcome of breast cancer patients. We performed a retrospective cohort study enrolling 143 patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative early breast cancer. Of the 66 patients with high NEDD4 mRNA levels (high NEDD4 group) and 77 patients with low NEDD4 mRNA levels (low NEDD4 group), 98.4% and 96.1%, respectively, of the patients had received neoadjuvant/adjuvant hormone therapy. Disease-free survival and overall survival were significantly longer in the low NEDD4 group than in the high NEDD4 group (p = 0.048 and p = 0.022, respectively). Western blotting revealed a high expression of estrogen receptor α in the NEDD4-knockdown culture cells. The proliferation of NEDD4-knockdown cells treated with tamoxifen or estradiol deprivation was suppressed, compared with that of NEDD4-expressing cells. Knockdown of NEDD4 in breast cancer cells induced the accumulation of estrogen receptor α and increased sensitivity to hormone therapy. In summary, this mechanism may lead to a better prognosis in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients with a low expression of NEDD4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We recently reported on a late preterm infant born at 36 weeks' gestation with serious arrhythmia due to hyperkalemia associated with long‐term maternal ritodrine administration. It is unknown whether ritodrine alone increases the risk of neonatal hyperkalemia in infants born at 34–36 weeks' gestation. Methods: This single‐center, retrospective, cohort study enrolled late preterm infants (34–36 gestational weeks) born between 2004 and 2018. Cases with maternal magnesium sulfate use were not sufficient for statistical analysis and so were excluded from the study. Risk factors for the occurrence of hyperkalemia were determined based on clinical relevance and previous reports. Results: In all, 212 late preterm infants with maternal ritodrine use and 400 infants without tocolysis were included in the study. Neonatal hyperkalemia occurred in 5.7% (12/212) in the ritodrine group and 1.8% (7/400) in the control group. The risk of neonatal hyperkalemia was significantly increased by maternal ritodrine administration with a crude odds ratio (OR) of 3.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30–8.69; p < 0.01) and an adjusted OR of 3.71 (95% CI: 1.41–9.74; p < 0.01) on multivariable analysis. Long‐term tocolysis (≥28 days) with ritodrine increased the risk of neonatal hyperkalemia with 9.3% (11/118) of infants developing hyperkalemia (adjusted OR 4.86; 95% CI: 1.59–14.83; p < 0.01). Neonatal hyperkalemia was not found within 2 weeks of ritodrine administration. Conclusion: This research suggests that late preterm infants born after long‐term ritodrine administration are at risk of neonatal hyperkalemia and require special attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neonatal period is defined as the first 4 weeks of extrauterine life. The skin and appendages of the newborn present different features compared to adults. The imperative knowledge of normal phenomena and their differentiation from the more significant cutaneous disorders of the newborn is critical for dermatologists for timely intervention, which could facilitate a better therapeutic outcome. Materials and Methods: We conducted a hospital-based, observational, cross-sectional study of a total of 128 neonates with cutaneous manifestation from May 2021 to November 2021. Results were analyzed statistically. Results: Of all neonates examined, i.e., 128, 77 (60.15%) were male and 51 (39.85%) were female, with a male: female ratio of 1.5:1. 87 (67.96%) neonates were term, 35 (27.34%) were preterm, and 6 (4.68%) were postterm. 33 (25.78%) neonates had more than one cutaneous lesion. Of all the cutaneous lesions, physiological skin lesions were most common, which accounted for 70% of skin lesions, followed by iatrogenic 8%, transient noninfective conditions 5%, eczema 5%, developmental defects 4%, birthmarks 4%, and others 4%. Conclusion: Neonatal skin lesions are often physiological. Both dermatologists and pediatricians have to be aware of the course of the disease. Nursing mothers have to be explained the natural course of the skin lesions to reduce unnecessary anxiety; whereas to reduce iatrogenic infections, nursing staff has to be explained to handle newborn's skin with care as they are sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of suppressive soil is an ideal strategy to sustainably combat soilborne diseases. Previously, the cultivation of Allium plants increased antagonistic bacteria populations in soil, alleviating Fusarium wilt of different crops. This study aimed to identify a compound produced by Allium plants that can induce bacteria-mediated soil suppressiveness toward Fusarium wilt. The amendment of soils with γ-glutamyl-S-allyl-Lcysteine (GSAC), a unique dipeptide abundantly detected in the root extract of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum), significantly suppressed Fusarium wilt diseases, whereas three other commercial dipeptides had no such effects. GSAC application did not suppress the disease in sterilized soil. Furthermore, the suppressiveness of soil amended with GSAC could be transferred to sterilized soil via soil microflora transplantation. This suppressiveness was eliminated by pretreating GSAC-amended soil microflora with antibacterial antibiotics, indicating that the suppressiveness of GSAC-amended soil is generated by the activity of antagonistic bacteria. Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that GSAC application significantly increased the relative abundance of Pseudomonas (OTU224), Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia (OTU387), and Bdellovibrio (OTU1259) in soils. Surprisingly, the relative abundance of OTU224 was significantly greater in Welsh onion rhizospheres than in noncultivated soil. Pseudomonas strains corresponding to OTU224, isolated from Welsh onion rhizospheres, displayed a remarkable suppressive effect against cucumber Fusarium wilt, implying that OTU224 was involved in GSAC-mediated suppressiveness. This is the first study on the potential of GSAC as a soil microflora-manipulating agent that can enhance soil suppressiveness to Fusarium wilt. IMPORTANCE Methods for increasing soil suppressiveness via soil microflora manipulation have long been explored as an ideal strategy to protect plants from soilborne pathogens. However, viable methods offering consistent disease control effects have not yet been developed. Previously, the cultivation of Allium plants was demonstrated to induce bacteria-mediated soil suppressiveness to Fusarium wilt of different crop plants. This study discovered that the application of γ-glutamyl-S-allyl-L-cysteine, a unique dipeptide synthesized by Welsh onion, to soil enhances Fusarium wilt suppressiveness by increasing the relative abundance of indigenous antagonistic bacteria irrespective of the soil type. This finding will facilitate research supporting the development of environmentally friendly control measures for soilborne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic GI inflammatory disorder involving various extraintestinal organs, including the lungs. Although UC-related lung diseases (UC-LDs) have been widely recognized, much remains unclear.Research Question: What are the incidence, characteristics, clinical course, and risk factors of UC-LD?Study Design and Methods: This study retrospectively identified and classified UC-LDs by reviewing the medical records of consecutive patients with UC. The incidence, characteristics, and clinical course of each UC-LD type were investigated, and the clinical characteristics of patients with and without each UC-LD type were compared.Results: Among 563 patients with UC, 28 (5.0%) developed UC-LD during a mean follow-up period of 77 months. A majority of them displayed airway disease (AD) (n = 13 [2.3%]) or organizing pneumonia (OP) (n = 10 [1.8%]); there were six cases of interstitial pneumonias other than OP (IP) (0.8%) and one of pleuritis (0.2%). All 13 patients with AD responded favorably to inhaled or systemic corticosteroids, although five experienced frequent exacerbations. Older age and a history of colectomy were identified as the risk factors for developing AD. Nine of the 10 cases of OP were possibly due to drug-induced pathogenesis. Only one case showed recurrence, and all cases of OP exhibited a favorable clinical course with discontinuation of the suspicious drug and/or initiation of corticosteroid. The clinical course of IP depended on the existence of fibrosis, and IP with fibrosis was associated with gradual deterioration. Older age was associated with the development of IP.Interpretation: A nonnegligible number of patients with UC may develop UC-LD. AD, OP, and IP without fibrosis show good prognosis following steroid therapy along with the specific management for each UC-LD type, whereas IP with fibrosis shows gradual deterioration with poor prognosis. Our results provide cues to establish better management of UC-LDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We previously reported that the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris is correlated with the sprint performance of preadolescent sprinters. This finding suggests a close relationship between knee extensor torque-enhancing morphology and sprint performance in this young population. To further clarify this issue, in this study, we examined the relationships of the quadriceps femoris muscle volume (MV) and knee extensor moment arm (MA) with sprint performance in preadolescent sprinters. Methods: The quadriceps femoris MV and knee extensor MA in 15 sprint-trained preadolescent boys were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Sprint performance was evaluated using a personal best 100-m sprint time and the higher 50-m sprint velocity of two 50-m sprint tests. Results: The quadriceps femoris MV and knee extensor MA were significantly correlated with personal best 100-m sprint time (r = −0.810 and −0.752, P ≤ 0.001 for both) and 50-m sprint velocity (r = 0.814 and 0.702, P <.01 for both). Furthermore, the relative quadriceps femoris MV normalized to body mass was significantly correlated with both the personal best 100-m sprint time (r = −0.620, P =.014) and 50-m sprint velocity (r = 0.686, P =.005). In contrast, no significant correlations were observed between the relative knee extensor MA normalized to body height and both sprint performance parameters. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the quadriceps femoris size, rather than the knee extensor MA dimension, is a more important morphological factor for achieving superior sprint performance in preadolescent sprinters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Atlantodens osteoarthritis and atlantoaxial osteoarthritis cause neck pain and suboccipital headaches. Currently, knowledge on the risk factors for atlantoaxial osteoarthritis is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the factors related to the increased risk of atlantoaxial osteoarthritis. Methods We analyzed computed tomography (CT) images of the upper cervical spine of 1266 adult trauma patients for whom upper cervical spine CT was performed at our hospital between 2014 and 2019. The degree of atlantoaxial osteoarthritis was quantified as none-to-mild (not having osteoarthritis) or moderate-to-severe (having osteoarthritis). Risk factors associated with atlantoaxial osteoarthritis were identified using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results The study group included 69.4% men, and the overall average age of the study population was 54.9 ± 20.4 years. The following factors were independently and significantly associated with atlantoaxial osteoarthritis in the multivariable logistic regression analysis: age in the sixth decade or older (odds ratio [OR], 20.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.2‒67.2, p < 0.001), having calcific synovitis (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.4‒9.9, p < 0.001), women sex (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.9‒5.7, p = 0.002), and not having atlantodens osteoarthritis (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2‒3.8, p = 0.014). Conclusion In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, age in the sixth decade or older, calcification of the transverse ligament, being women, and not having atlantodens osteoarthritis were found to be significantly associated with atlantoaxial osteoarthritis. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can be avoided by focusing on these risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss wall-modeling of turbulent heat transfer of water channel flows with temperature-dependent viscosity via direct numerical simulations. We considered a top-cooled wall (293[K]) and a bottom-heated wall (353[K]) and varied the friction Reynolds numbers from 300 to 1000. The fluid viscosity varied depending on the local fluid temperature, whereas the other physical properties were assumed to be constant. The results show that semi-local scaling based on the local viscosity and wall friction velocity reasonably accounts for the effects of variable viscosity on turbulent flows, except in the vicinity of the wall, where wall cooling intensifies the turbulent vortical motion, leading to increased semi-locally scaled eddy diffusivities compared with those near the heated wall. In the vicinity of the cooled wall, turbulent transport is enhanced by increased viscous transport, which transfers more turbulent kinetic energy toward the cooled wall. The effectiveness of semi-local scaling for wall-modeling was validated by performing a wall-modeled large-eddy simulation at R e τ = 1000 , where we incorporated the semi-local viscous length scale into the classical mixing-length model. The modified mixing-length model reasonably reproduced the effects of variable viscosity on turbulent flows. • DNS of turbulent water channel flow with temperature-dependent viscosity is performed. • Effects of temperature-dependent viscosity on turbulence is studied. • Effectiveness of semi-local scaling based on local viscosity and friction velocity is investigated. • Wall-model for variable viscosity turbulent flows is proposed and assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]