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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, has been spreading rapidly and on a global scale. The causative virus is severe acute respiratory syndrome [...]

The article explores the challenges faced by Southeast Asia in the context of major power competition between the United States and China. It discusses the region's integration with the global economy and its strategic location, which have provided advantages in the past but are now under stress due to changing dynamics. The text emphasizes the need for Southeast Asia to navigate this uncertain environment and adapt to the changing dynamics of major power rivalry. It also highlights the concerns about economic coercion from China and the military and territorial tensions in the region, particularly in the South China Sea. The article mentions the responses of different Southeast Asian countries to these challenges, with some seeking to enhance defense capabilities and strengthen cooperation with the United States and its allies, while others remain relatively silent. The document includes a list of various sources that can be useful for library patrons researching the geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia and the South China Sea. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Background Human mesenchymal stem cells originating from umbilical cord matrix are a promising therapeutic resource, and their differentiated cells are spotlighted as a tissue regeneration treatment. However, there are limitations to the medical use of differentiated cells from human umbilical cord matrix-mesenchymal stem cells (hUCM-MSCs), such as efficient differentiation methods. Methods To effectively differentiate hUCM-MSCs into hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs), we used the ROCK inhibitor, fasudil, which is known to induce endoderm formation, and gelatin, which provides extracellular matrix to the differentiated cells. To estimate a differentiation efficiency of early stage according to combination of gelatin and fasudil, transcription analysis was conducted. Moreover, to demonstrate that organelle states affect differentiation, we performed transcription, tomographic, and mitochondrial function analysis at each stage of hepatic differentiation. Finally, we evaluated hepatocyte function based on the expression of mRNA and protein, secretion of albumin, and activity of CYP3A4 in mature HLCs. Results Fasudil induced endoderm-related genes (GATA4, SOX17, and FOXA2) in hUCM-MSCs, and it also induced lipid droplets (LDs) inside the differentiated cells. However, the excessive induction of LDs caused by fasudil inhibited mitochondrial function and prevented differentiation into hepatoblasts. To prevent the excessive LDs formation, we used gelatin as a coating material. When hUCM-MSCs were induced into hepatoblasts with fasudil on high-viscosity (1%) gelatin-coated dishes, hepatoblast-related genes (AFP and HNF4A) showed significant upregulation on high-viscosity gelatin-coated dishes compared to those treated with low-viscosity (0.1%) gelatin. Moreover, other germline cell fates, such as ectoderm and mesoderm, were repressed under these conditions. In addition, LDs abundance was also reduced, whereas mitochondrial function was increased. On the other hand, unlike early stage of the differentiation, low viscosity gelatin was more effective in generating mature HLCs. In this condition, the accumulation of LDs was inhibited in the cells, and mitochondria were activated. Consequently, HLCs originated from hUCM-MSCs were genetically and functionally more matured in low-viscosity gelatin. Conclusions This study demonstrated an effective method for differentiating hUCM-MSCs into hepatic cells using fasudil and gelatin of varying viscosities. Moreover, we suggest that efficient hepatic differentiation and the function of hepatic cells differentiated from hUCM-MSCs depend not only on genetic changes but also on the regulation of organelle states.

Taiwan's opposition to PRC demands such as acceptance of the '92 Consensus' and 'One Country, Two Systems' formula since 2016 has invited a series of retaliatory measures from Beijing, designed to coerce Taiwan into compliance. Given the stark asymmetry in economic size, military capability, and diplomatic status, Taiwan provides a case for studying coercive diplomacy that takes the form of threats to punish. Material differences suggest that Taiwan should capitulate, and 'cheap talk' theses expect PRC threats to have no discernible effect, while balance of threat arguments expect resolve. In this article, we use the survey data collected in the 2016, 2019, and 2020 rounds of the Taiwan National Security Study to examine how Taiwanese respond to China's intensifying and expanding threats. Our paper identifies four strategies that the public sees as responses to PRC coercion: isolation, bandwagon with China, balance against China by allying with the USA and Japan, and hedge by deepening economic ties with China while aligning with the USA and Japan against China. We show that the popular support for balancing against China rises as PRC coercion grows and Taiwanese citizens increasingly perceive China to be a threat. Our findings imply that citizens in a liberal democracy can develop the will to pushback against pressure from an authoritarian regime despite sharp asymmetries in capabilities and material limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Retiform hemangioendothelioma (RH) is a rare, intermediate-grade vascular tumor that often arises in the trunk and extremities. The clinical and radiological features of RH remain largely unknown. Case presentation: A male patient in his 70s presented with shortness of breath on exertion, and computed tomography incidentally revealed a tumor in his right breast. Positron emission tomography (PET) revealed moderate 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the tumor. RH was observed in the resected specimens. Three months after surgery, the patient was free of local recurrence and distant metastasis. Conclusions: RH was found in the male breast and was accompanied by FDG uptake on PET. PET may be useful in diagnosing RH. Although metastasis is rare in RH, local recurrence may occur, and careful follow-up is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundWe investigated the effects of C-reactive protein (CRP) deposition on the vessel walls in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by analyzing spatially resolved changes in gene expression. Our aim was to elucidate the pathways that contribute to disease progression.MethodsAAA specimens from surgically resected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were categorized into the AAA–high CRP [serum CRP ≥ 0.1 mg/dL, diffuse and strong immunohistochemistry (IHC); n = 7 (12 cores)] and AAA–low-CRP [serum CRP < 0.1 mg/dL, weak IHC; n = 3 (5 cores)] groups. Normal aorta specimens obtained during heart transplantation were used as the control group [n = 3 (6 cores)]. Spatially resolved whole transcriptomic analysis was performed, focusing on CD68-positive macrophages, CD45-positive lymphocytes, and αSMA-positive vascular smooth muscle cells.ResultsSpatial whole transcriptomic analysis revealed significant differential expression of 1,086, 1,629, and 1,281 genes between high-CRP and low-CRP groups within CD68-, CD45-, and αSMA-positive cells, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of CD68-positive macrophages identified clusters related to inflammation, apoptosis, and immune response, with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 implicated across three processes. Notably, genes involved in blood vessel diameter maintenance were significantly downregulated in the high-CRP group. GO analysis of lymphocytes showed upregulation of leukocyte rolling and the apoptosis pathway, whereas, in smooth muscle cells, genes associated with Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway were upregulated, and those related to blood pressure regulation were downregulated in the high-CRP group.DiscussionCRP deposition was associated with significant transcriptomic changes in macrophages, lymphocytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells in AAA, suggesting its potential role in promoting pro-inflammatory and apoptotic processes, as well as contributing to the degradation of vascular structure and elasticity.

China's Struggle for Status: The Realignment of International Relations. By Yong Deng. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2008. 300pp. Empire at the Margins: Culture, Ethnicity, and Frontier in Early Modern [...]

Targeting of radiopharmaceuticals provides a key tool for the therapy of malignancy. Targeting tissue-specific surface antigens such as CD20 on B cells with radioimmunoconjugates has expanded the application of therapeutic [...], We investigated the possibility of using a pharmacologic agent to modulate viral gene expression to target radiotherapy to tumor tissue. In a mouse xenograft model, we had previously shown targeting of [sup.[125|]]2'-fluoro-2'-deoxy-β -D-5-iodouracil-arabinofuranoside ([sup.[125|]]FIAU) to tumors engineered to express the Epstein-Barr virus thymidine kinase (EBV-TK). Here we extend those results to targeting of a therapeutic radiopharmaceutical [sup.[131|]]FIAU to slow or stop tumor growth or to achieve tumor regression. These outcomes were achieved in xenografts with tumors that constitutively expressed the EBV-TK. With naturally infected EBV tumor cell lines (Burkitt's lymphoma and gastric carcinoma), activation of viral gene expression by pretreatment with bortezomib was required. Marked changes in tumor growth could also be achieved in naturally infected Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus tumors after pretreatment with bortezomib. Bortezomib-induced enzyme-targeted radiation therapy illustrates the possibility of pharmacologically modulating tumor gene expression to result in targeted radiotherapy.

Contemporary infrastructure loans from the PRC's Belt and Road Initiative may well parallel foreign railway loans and construction to China during the late Qing dynasty, many of which also involved state-affiliated foreign firms and various local interests. Li's contribution nonetheless provides a welcome step to appreciating contemporary PRC positions on intervention and its effects, topics that are sparking important conversations at a time when Beijing is again reassessing external engagement. A basis for Li's argument for PRC moderation is a comparison with the excesses of other major powers, especially the United States. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Proper placental development in early pregnancy ensures a positive outcome later on. The developmental relationship between the placenta and embryonic organs, such as the heart, is crucial for a normal pregnancy. However, the mechanism through which the placenta influences the development of embryonic organs remains unclear. Trophoblasts fuse to form multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts (SynT), which primarily make up the placental materno-fetal interface. We discovered that endogenous progesterone immunomodulatory binding factor 1 (PIBF1) is vital for trophoblast differentiation and fusion into SynT in humans and mice. PIBF1 facilitates communication between SynT and adjacent vascular cells, promoting vascular network development in the primary placenta. This process affected the early development of the embryonic cardiovascular system in mice. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that PIBF1 promotes the development of cardiovascular characteristics in heart organoids. Our findings show how SynTs organize the barrier and imply their possible roles in supporting embryogenesis, including cardiovascular development. SynT-derived factors and SynT within the placenta may play critical roles in ensuring proper organogenesis of other organs in the embryo.

Asia's New Multilateralism: Cooperation, Competition, and the Search for Community. Edited by Michael Green and Bates Gill. New York: Columbia University Press, 2009. 400 pp. $89.50 (cloth); $32.50 (paper). Edited [...]

An autopsy of a patient in Japan with coronavirus disease indicated pneumonia lung pathology, manifested as diffuse alveolar damage. We detected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antigen in alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages. Coronavirus disease is essentially a lower respiratory tract disease characterized by direct viral injury of alveolar epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson’s disease: genetic risk factors in a Korean population A whole-genome sequencing study of Korean individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) has identified several new genetic risk factors, ranging from single nucleotide variations (SNVs) to larger DNA deletions. PD is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease globally, but most studies have focused on SNVs in European populations. Using whole-genome sequencing, Ji-Hye Oh at the University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea, and co-workers were able to identify genetic differences between PD patients and healthy controls, including deletions, gains, and several new SNVs. In particular, deletions of small non-coding regions that regulate gene expression may be key contributors to PD. These results provide a whole-genome perspective on genetic risk factors for PD in a Korean population, and illuminate how a whole-genome sequencing approach may be helpful in identifying genetic factors underlying other diseases.

Background: The deposition of monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP) in the myocardium aggravates ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and myocardial infarction. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is known to protect the myocardium against IRI. Methods: We evaluated the effects of IPC on myocardium upon which mCRP had been deposited due to IRI in a rat model. Myocardial IRI was induced via ligation of the coronary artery. Direct IPC was applied prior to IRI using multiple short direct occlusions of the coronary artery. CRP was infused intravenously after IRI. The study included sham (n=3), IRI-only (n=5), IRI+CRP (n=9), and IPC+IRI+CRP (n=6) groups. The infarcted area and the area at risk were assessed using Evans blue and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium staining. Additionally, mCRP immunostaining and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed. Results: In the IRI+CRP group, the infarcted area and the area of mCRP deposition were greater, and the level of IL-6 mRNA expression was higher, than in the IRI-only group. However, in the IPC+IRI+CRP group relative to the IRI+CRP group, the relative areas of infarction (20% vs. 34%, respectively; p=0.079) and mCRP myocardial deposition (21% vs. 44%, respectively; p=0.026) were lower and IL-6 mRNA expression was higher (fold change: 407 vs. 326, respectively; p=0.376), although the difference in IL-6 mRNA expression was not statistically significant. Conclusion: IPC was associated with significantly decreased deposition of mCRP and with increased expression of IL-6 in myocardium damaged by IRI. The net cardioprotective effect of decreased mCRP deposition and increased IL-6 levels should be clarified in a further study.