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Postoperative pain after thoracic surgery primarily hinders patients' mobility, decreasing the quality of life. To date, various modalities have been suggested to improve postoperative pain. However, pain alleviation still remains a challenge, resulting in continued reliance on opioids. To tackle this problem, this study introduces a needle electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (NETOIMS) as a new effective treatment modality for postoperative pain after thoracoscopic surgery. This randomized clinical trial analyzed patients receiving video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery pulmonary resection between March 2018 and June 2020 at a single institution. A total of 77 patients (NETOIMS, 36; intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, 41) were included. NETOIMS was conducted on the retracted intercostal muscle immediately following the main procedure, just before skin closure. Postoperative pain (numeric rating scale) and oral opioid morphine milligram equivalent were assessed daily until postoperative day 5. The NETOIMS group had a significantly lower numeric rating scale score on postoperative day (POD) 0 (P <.01), POD2 (P <.001), POD4 (P <.001), and POD5 (P =.01). The predicted time to complete pain resolution was 6.15 days in the NETOIMS group and 20.7 days in the intravenous patient-controlled analgesia group. The oral opioid morphine milligram equivalent was significantly lower in the NETOIMS group on POD0 (P <.001) and POD1 (P <.001). NETOIMS appears to be an effective modality in alleviating postoperative pain after thoracoscopic surgery, thereby reducing the reliance on opioid use. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD), incision and suture of the abdominal muscles cause inflammatory changes and elicit somatic pain that deteriorates the quality of life. There have been no previous reports on needle electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (NETOIMS) in abdominal open operation; this study aimed to apply NETOIMS for postoperative somatic pain in patients undergoing PPPD as a new treatment modality for pain control.Methods: Between June 2018 and January 2019, 44 patients who underwent PPPD were randomly assigned to a control group and the NETOIMS group. The NETOIMS group received NETOIMS in the transverse abdominis muscle under ultrasound guidance right after operation under general anesthesia. The pain score (visual analog scale), peak cough flow (PCF), and gait speed were repetitively measured from 1 day before operation to 2 weeks after discharge as scheduled. Data were analyzed by the linear mixed model and repeated-measures analysis of variance.Results: Of the 44 patients recruited, data from 38 patients were finally analyzed. The pain scores were significantly lower in the NETOIMS group after PPPD (p = 0.01). Although the PCF at each measuring time point did not show inter-group difference (p = 0.20), improvement of PCF from the second day after operation to discharge was greater (p = 0.02) and gait speed improved significantly faster (p < 0.01) in the NETOIMS group than in the control group.Conclusions: NETOIMS helps in rapid reduction of postoperative somatic pain developed after PPPD and in improvement of PCF and gait speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-compassion has been identified as a trait that correlates with robust mental health; specifically, less anxiety, depression and stress in both adolescents and adults. However, little is known about the parental and family factors that are associated with adolescent self-compassion that may promote or enhance the development of this stress-buffering trait. In this study, 1057 adolescents in grades 7-12 from two different school settings answered questions in an online survey that related to their parents' education level and their own self-compassion. Results indicated that fathers' education, but not mothers', was associated with adolescent self-compassion. Specifically, adolescents whose fathers had a college education only had the highest level of self-compassion; a significant difference was found between self-compassion of adolescents of fathers' with a college degree and those with a doctorate/professional degree. Adolescents whose fathers had less than a college education (some college, high school graduate) or more than a college education (masters or doctorate/professional degree) reported lower self-compassion. As parent education level may be a proxy for other factors such as socioeconomic status, parenting style, or parent-adolescent relationship closeness, further research is necessary that will measure these factors and parse out that which specifically is associated with self-compassion in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Traumatic rupture of a non-parasitic simple hepatic cyst is very unusual. • Open or laparoscopic cyst deroofing is a safe and effective treatment for non-parasitic simple hepatic cysts. • Rupture of a non-parasitic simple hepatic cyst could be included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen. Non-parasitic simple hepatic cyst is a very common type of benign liver disease, occurring in approximately 1–5% of the general population. These cysts are usually asymptomatic and are conservatively followed up without treatment. Some of these cysts, however, are associated with complications, including infection, hemorrhage, obstructive jaundice, portal hypertension, and rupture. A 74-year-old woman was transferred to our trauma center with epigastric pain after being knocked down by a cultivator. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed fluid collection and cystic lesion around the caudate lobe of the liver. Operative exploration showed that she had a ruptured hepatic cyst that originated from the caudate lobe of the liver. The cyst was deroofed to the margins of the liver parenchyma, and the internal surfaces of the cyst walls was subjected to electrocoagulator ablation. Open or laparoscopic cyst deroofing is a safe and effective treatment for non-parasitic simple hepatic cysts. Laparoscopic deroofing may also be difficult following rupture of non-parasitic simple hepatic cysts associated with infection or hemorrhage, as these cysts may collapse and the line of resection may be unclear. Laparoscopic ultrasound is a useful adjunct to delineate the boundaries of the cyst. Traumatic rupture of a non-parasitic simple hepatic cyst is a very rare complication, but can lead to acute abdomen. In patients who are known to have non-parasitic simple hepatic cyst, rupture of cyst could be included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Isolated renal arterial perforation is a rare consequence of blunt abdominal trauma. Meticulous surgical control of retroperitoneal active bleeding is difficult due to oozing of soft connective tissue, the deep position of operative field, and the presence of friable vascular tissue. Therefore, endovascular treatment is often preferred. Presentation of case An 83-year-old man was transferred to our trauma center due to retroperitoneal active bleeding after a car accident, in which his right upper abdomen struck the steering wheel. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a retroperitoneal hematoma behind the inferior vena cava and contrast medium extravasation on the medial side of the right kidney. Selective right renal arteriography confirmed a perforation in the proximal right main renal artery, approximately 3 cm from the ostium. We successfully placed a covered stent across the perforation site. Discussion Endovascular management may reduce the likelihood of extensive abdominal surgery, surrounding organ damage, risk of bleeding, and postoperative morbidity. We regarded embolization as inappropriate for kidney salvage in our patient, and therefore used a self-expanding covered stent to treat the perforation. Conclusion Endovascular management of a traumatic renal arterial injury is the best approach to preserve renal function in hemodynamically stable patients who cannot tolerate laparotomy, due to risks associated with general anesthesia, and who can tolerate anticoagulation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C9orf72 repeat expansions are the most common genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Poly(GR) proteins are toxic to neurons by forming cytoplasmic inclusions that sequester RNA-binding proteins including stress granule (SG) proteins. However, little is known of the factors governing poly(GR) inclusion formation. Here, we show that poly(GR) infiltrates a finely tuned network of protein-RNA interactions underpinning SG formation. It interacts with G3BP1, the key driver of SG assembly and a protein we found is critical for poly(GR) inclusion formation. Moreover, we discovered that N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified mRNAs and m6A-binding YTHDF proteins not only co-localize with poly(GR) inclusions in brains of c9FTD/ALS mouse models and patients with c9FTD, they promote poly(GR) inclusion formation via the incorporation of RNA into the inclusions. Our findings thus suggest that interrupting interactions between poly(GR) and G3BP1 or YTHDF1 proteins or decreasing poly(GR) altogether represent promising therapeutic strategies to combat c9FTD/ALS pathogenesis. [Display omitted] • The interaction of poly(GR) with G3BP1 is critical for poly(GR) inclusion formation • RNA recruitment to poly(GR)-G3BP1 complexes regulates poly(GR) inclusion size • YTHDF1 and m6A-modified mRNAs co-localize with poly(GR) inclusions • YTHDF1 and m6A-modified mRNAs promote poly(GR) inclusion formation Park et al. show that poly(GR) and G3BP1 interactions initiate toxic poly(GR) inclusion formation. The recruitment of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified mRNAs and m6A-binding YTHDF proteins potentiates inclusion formation. Interrupting these protein-RNA interactions may represent a therapeutic strategy to combat the most common genetic forms of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• BS012 reduces Th2-related immune response in DNCB-induced mice (in vivo AD model). • BS012 suppresses immune activation in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated keratinocytes. • In serum, inflammation-related fatty acid metabolism is mainly altered by BS012. • In keratinocytes, BS012 alleviates abnormal lipid metabolism including sphingolipid. • BS012 regulates inflammation and skin barrier defect caused by atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing skin disease accompanied by itchy and dry skin. AD is caused by complex interactions between innate and adaptive immune response. AD treatment include glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. However, long-term treatment can have serious side effects. Thus, an effective AD treatment with fewer side effects is required. Natural materials, including herbal medicines, have potential applications. This study evaluated the in vivo and in vitro therapeutic effects of BS012, a mixture of Asarum sieboldii, Platycodon grandiflorum , and Cinnamomum cassia extracts, on AD and investigated the underlying metabolic mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory effects of BS012 were assessed using a mouse model of AD induced by 1‑chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) and in tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interferon-gamma (TNF-α/IFN-γ) stimulated normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). In DNCB-induced mice, total dermatitis score, histopathological analysis, and immune cell factors were assessed to evaluate the anti-atopic activity. In TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated NHEKs, pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and related signaling pathways were investigated. Serum and intracellular metabolomics were performed to identify the metabolic mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of BS012 treatment. In DNCB-induced mice, BS012 showed potent anti-atopic activity, including reducing AD-like skin lesions and inhibiting the expression of Th2 cytokines and thymic stromal lymphopoietin. In TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated keratinocytes, BS012 dose-dependently inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by blocking nuclear factor-kappa B and signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways. Serum metabolic profiles of mice revealed significant changes in lipid metabolism related to inflammation in AD. Intracellular metabolome analysis revealed that BS012 treatment affected the metabolism associated with inflammation, skin barrier function, and lipid organization of the stratum corneum. BS012 exerts anti-atopic activity by reducing the Th2-specific inflammatory response and improving skin barrier function in AD in vivo and in vitro. These effects are mainly related to the inhibition of inflammation and recovery of metabolic imbalance in lipid organization. BS012, a novel combination with strong activity in suppressing the Th2-immune response, could be a potential alternative for AD treatment. Furthermore, the metabolic mechanism in vivo and in vitro using a metabolomics approach will provide crucial information for the development of natural products for AD treatment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the correlation between arthrography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography (US) findings in patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis (IAC) of the shoulder and their clinical presentation as well as functional impairment. Design Cross-sectional observational study. Setting Institutional practice. Participants Patients (N=75) with a clinical diagnosis of unilateral IAC. Interventions Contrast-enhanced MRI, single-contrast arthrography, and US were performed in all patients. Main Outcome Measures The thickness of the axillary recess, coracohumeral ligament (CHL), and enhanced portion in the rotator cuff interval was measured using MRI. Arthrography was used to calculate the total score of shoulder arthrographic criteria. US was used to measure the thickness of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) and CHL, and the IGHL ratio and CHL ratio were calculated by comparing those of the unaffected side. Results None of the MRI parameters was correlated with clinical assessment scores. The total score of shoulder arthrographic criteria was negatively correlated with passive range of motion of the total shoulder motion ( P <.05), shoulder forward flexion ( P <.05), and abduction ( P <.05). The total Constant-Murley score was well correlated with the total score of shoulder arthrographic criteria ( P <.05). The total shoulder joint space capacity was positively correlated with passive range of motion of the total shoulder motion ( P <.05) and shoulder forward flexion ( P <.05). The IGHL thickness, IGHL ratio, CHL thickness, and CHL ratio were negatively correlated with shoulder external rotation ( P <.05). Conclusions The findings of arthrography and US in patients with IAC of the shoulder were correlated with clinical assessment scores, whereas all measuring parameters on MRI were not. US is recommended as the preferred option for diagnosing IAC of the shoulder because it is noninvasive, reflects the clinical features of IAC, and provides anatomical accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Korea, a small-scale pilot project for CO 2 injection was launched to target an offshore reservoir within the Pohang Basin. The objectives of this study are to present the effects of CO 2 injection in a sloping aquifer on the evolution of the CO 2 plume and its impact on mineral trapping using TOUGHREACT. The results show that the CO 2 plume is asymmetrical and rapidly migrates along the slope in the up-dip direction from the injection well. With the migration of the CO 2 plume, the increased acidity accelerates the water-rock interactions. As the CO 2 -water-rock interactions start quickly due to the rapid spreading of the CO 2 plume, the amount of mineral trapping slightly increases due to the precipitation of siderite by chlorite dissolution. However, the stability of siderite is sensitive to the dissolution rate of chlorite. At low chlorite dissolution rates, siderite is more stable than ankerite in an undersaturated state. At high chlorite dissolution rates, ankerite is more stable because of the higher pH. In addition, the amount of mineral trapping increases considerably up to 3.7 kg/m 3 , which is about 90 times that at the initial rate (0.04 kg/m 3 ). This simulation indicates that the uncertainty in the dissolution rate of chlorite must be considered when estimating the capacity of mineral trapping in situations in which iron-containing carbonate minerals significantly influence the mineral trapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribe Pogonini (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Korea is taxonomically studied herein. Previously, only one species, Pogonus ( Pogonus ) itoshimaensis Habu, 1954 was reported in Korea. In this paper, two species, Pogonus ( Pogonus ) japonicus Putzeys, 1875 and P. ( Pogonoidius ) punctulatus Dejean, 1828, are recorded in Korea for the first time. A key to the Korean Pogonini species, redescription, distribution, photographs of diagnostic characteristics, and illustrations of male and female genitalia are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory experiments were performed to investigate the property change of sandstones, resulting from scCO 2 -rock-groundwater reaction for 150 days under CO 2 sequestration conditions. The average surface roughness value ( SR rms ) increased more than 3.5 times during early 90 days, suggesting that the weathering process of sandstone occurs in the early reaction time after CO 2 injection. The average porosity of sandstones increased by 8.8% and P wave velocity decreased by 5.7%. The trend of rock property change and SR rms change showed in a logarithmic manner, indicating that the physical property change of reservoir rocks directly comes from CO 2 related geochemical reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphangiomas are benign tumors that results from congenital malformation of lymphatic vessels. They are generally found in the neck and axilla. When they involve multiple locations, they present as lymphangiomatosis syndrome. Generalized lymphangiomatosis associated with mucinous cystadenoma of the ovary is a very rare condition. This study describes a 13-year-old girl with lymphangiomatosis of spleen, right fallopian tube and abdominal wall associated with mucinous cystadenoma of the right ovary. Contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance image showed a multiple cystic splenic mass and huge abdominopelvic cystic mass. Splenectomy, excision of right ovary and fallopian tube mass, and excision of abdominal wall mass were performed without any complications. • Lymphangiomas are benign tumors that results from congenital malformation of the lymphatic vessels. • The treatment of choice for large or symptomatic splenic lymphangiomas is complete surgical resection. • Although splenic lymphangiomas are very rare, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of splenic tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes an extremely rare case of anal canal duplication associated with presacral teratoma in a 5-year-old girl who presented with perineal pain and constipation. Abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) revealed a multiloculated heterogeneous mass measuring 5 cm in the presacral area. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 4.5-cm sized multilocular cystic lesion with high signal intensity. The mass was surgically removed with coccyx. Histologically, the tumor showed components of bronchial and gastrointestinal mucosa, squamous epithelium, cartilage, fibrofatty tissue, and some exocrine glands. The histopathological diagnosis was mature teratoma. Eight months after surgery, the patient is doing well, with no recurrence of tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, two new pterostichid ground beetles, Pterostichus (Cryobius) splendidus sp. nov. and Pterostichus (Phaenoraphis) sagittus sp. nov., are described. And also a subspecies Pterostichus bellator togyusanusPark and Kwon, 1996a is upgraded to a species Pterostichus togyusanus stat. nov. The descriptions, identification key, distribution data and photos of adults and their genitalia for each species are provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The combination of an H-type rectovestibular fistula (RVF) and a normal anus is a rare type of anorectal malformation, resulting in abnormal communication between the normal rectum and vestibule in girls. Among the surgical methods used to treat this condition are simple fistula resection and extensive perineal dissection, but postoperative fistula recurrence is frequent. We utilized the endorectal mucosal advancement flap technique on three patients with H-type RVFs and a normal anus, all of whom had favorable outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mesenteric teratoma is a rare tumor, with few cases reported in the literature. Because mesenteric teratomas have no specific signs or symptoms, their clinical manifestations depend on their size and location. This report describes a mesenteric teratoma associated with acute perforated appendicitis in a 2-year-old girl who presented with abdominal pain and high grade fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The co-occurrence of colonic atresia and Hirschsprung's disease is extremely rare and presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Although colonic atresia is usually recognized shortly after birth, the diagnosis of co-existent Hirschsprung's disease is usually made following anastomotic failure or intestinal obstruction subsequent to restoration of intestinal continuity. This report describes a female infant born with colonic atresia and Hirschsprung's disease associated with multiple anomalies. Previously reported cases are also reviewed, with an emphasis on the importance of coexistent Hirschsprung's disease in any infant born with colonic atresia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes an extremely rare case of extrarenal Wilms' tumor in a 4 year-old girl who presented with abdominal mass and pain. Computed tomography (CT) scanning revealed a well-defined mass lesion measuring 10 cm on the right side of her lower abdomen and pelvic cavity. The mass was surgically removed. Histologically, the tumor showed a triphasic pattern, consisting of stromal, epithelial and blastemal components. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor was positive for cytokeratin, vimentin and CD99. The histopathological diagnosis was extrarenal Wilms' tumor arising in the retroperitoneum and inguinal canal. The patient was administered adjuvant chemoradiotherapy due to subsequent pulmonary and peritoneal metastases. Follow-up 4 years later showed that she was doing well, with no recurrence of the tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most cervical teratomas are benign. However, because of their location and size, these neoplasms cause airway obstruction, and the prognosis of patients is poor if left untreated. Early diagnosis by antenatal ultrasound, airway management, and a multidisciplinary team approach to treatment are therefore necessary. This report describes a 7-day-old male neonate who presented at our institution with a huge neck mass that was treated by surgical excision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: It has been shown that the length of an intestinal segment may be doubled by applying gradual mechanical stretching. This study evaluated whether the lengthened intestinal segment retained the structure and function after the stretching device was removed. Methods: A 1.5-cm jejunal segment was separated from intestinal continuity in 20 rats. After advancing a screw into the isolated jejunal segment by 5 mm 3 times a week until it was stretched by 3 cm, the screw was removed. Three weeks later, the jejunal segments were retrieved for analyses. Comparisons were made between the lengthened jejunal segments. Results: The jejunal segment doubled its length after gradual stretching and retained this length 3 weeks after the screw removal (3.1 ± 0.8 vs 3.2 ± 0.4 cm, P > .05). The villous height, the muscular thickness, and the total alkaline phosphatase and lactase activities of the stretched jejunal segments were also unchanged 3 weeks after the screw removal. Conclusions: Mechanical force induced the sustained lengthening of isolated jejunal segments in rats. The histologic and enzymatic alterations also persisted 3 weeks after the mechanical force was removed. This phenomenon may provide a novel method for the treatment of short bowel syndrome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The surface functional group dependency of atomic force microscope (AFM) lithography was investigated using three kinds of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as a resist film on silicon wafer. The amine-modified surface of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, phenyl-modified surface of phenyltriethoxysilane and methyl-modified surface of octadecyltrichlorosilane SAMs were investigated. The characterizations of these SAMs were carried out by ellipsometer, contact angle goniometer and AFM. The effect of applied voltage of AFM lithography on the line-height and the effect of surface chemical functionality of the resist film on the line-width are discussed in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • This study found a new molecular mechanism that XIAP directly interacts with p53 and modulates p53 stability in medium spiny neuons. • XIAP modulates the turnover of p53 via autophagy pathway. • XIAP dysfunction leads to abnormal increase of p53 activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and striatal neuron damage in HD. • XIAP-p53 pathway can be a novel pathological marker and a therapeutic target in the pathogenesis of HD. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with neuronal damage in Huntington's disease (HD), but the precise mechanism of mitochondria-dependent pathogenesis is not understood yet. Herein, we found that colocalization of XIAP and p53 was prominent in the cytosolic compartments of normal subjects but reduced in HD patients and HD transgenic animal models. Overexpression of mutant Huntingtin (mHTT) reduced XIAP levels and elevated mitochondrial localization of p53 in striatal cells in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, XIAP interacted directly with the C-terminal domain of p53 and decreased its stability via autophagy. Overexpression of XIAP prevented mitochondrially targeted-p53 (Mito-p53)-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress and striatal cell death, whereas, knockdown of XIAP exacerbated Mito-p53-induced neuronal damage in vitro. In vivo transduction of AAV-shRNA XIAP in the dorsal striatum induced rapid onset of disease and reduced the lifespan of HD transgenic (N171-82Q) mice compared to WT littermate mice. XIAP dysfunction led to ultrastructural changes of the mitochondrial cristae and nucleus morphology in striatal cells. Knockdown of XIAP exacerbated neuropathology and motor dysfunctions in N171-82Q mice. In contrast, XIAP overexpression improved neuropathology and motor behaviors in both AAV-mHTT-transduced mice and N171-82Q mice. Our data provides a molecular and pathological mechanism that deregulation of XIAP triggers mitochondria dysfunction and other neuropathological processes via the neurotoxic effect of p53 in HD. Together, the XIAP-p53 pathway is a novel pathological marker and can be a therapeutic target for improving the symptoms in HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six undescribed compounds (1–6) were isolated from the leaves of Viburnum erosum along with four known compounds 7–10. The structures were determined by NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses, and their absolute configurations were established by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 – 6 were α -glucosidic hydroquinone derivatives with different linear monoterpenoid structures. Compounds 1–10 were also evaluated for their tyrosinase inhibitory activities, and 10 showed potent inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme with IC 50 value of 37.9 μ M compared to 47.6 μ M of the positive control (β -arbutin). [Display omitted] • Six undescribed α-glucosidic hydroquinone derivatives were isolated from Viburnum erosum. • Six undescribed compounds were structurally diversed by different linear monoterpenoid derivatives. • The potent tyrosinase inhibition of V. erosum extract was gave arisen from (−)-epipinoresinol. • The potent bioactive biflavonoid, amentoflavone, was found in high content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Introduction: b Pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) is a treatment for the resectable tumor or cancer in pancreaticoduodenal system. We therefore suggest electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS) as a new treatment modality for pain control after PPPD. Through the course of pain relieving, the pain scores were significantly lower in Group 2 after PPPD (P = 0.01). [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: The Korean occurrence of Hyphasis parvulaJacoby, 1884 is reported here for the first time. The genus is also new to Korea. Key to the Korean Hyphasis species, redescriptions, morphological photographs of adult habitus, illustrations, descriptions and host plants are provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Smaragdina nipponensis (Chûjô) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) 1951 is recorded in Korea for the first time. A description, a modified key to the Korean Smaragdina, photographs of adults, and illustrations of diagnostic characteristics are provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Laboratory scale sorption and desorption experiments were performed to investigate the cesium (Cs) removal efficiency of a bead-shaped polysulfone carrier containing HNO 3 -treated bamboo charcoal (BC). The average Cs removal efficiency of BC only and of polysulfone carrier without BC after 1 h sorption reaction was 53 and 18%, respectively. However, the Cs removal efficiency for the polysulfone carrier with 5% HNO 3 -treated BC (P-5N-BC) after 1 h and 24 h reaction was 66 and 98%, respectively. The Cs removal efficiency after 24 h reaction remained >85% over a wide range of pH and temperature conditions, suggesting that using P-5N-BC as the Cs adsorbent is feasible in a variety of aquatic environments. The maximum Cs sorption capacity (q m) of P-5N-BC, as calculated from a Langmuir isotherm model, was 60.9 mg/g, which is much higher than those of other adsorbents from previous studies for 1 h of sorption time. The Cs desorption rate of P-5N-BC for 24 h desorption time was <17%, showing that the Cs was stably enough attached to the HNO 3 -treated BC for long-term use. The results of continuous column experiments showed that the total amount of treated water from the column packed with P-5N-BC increased more than nine times when compared with that from the only BC-granule-packed column. The P-5N-BC maintained more than 68% Cs removal efficiency after 90 pore volumes of flushing, suggesting that only 15 g of P-5N-BC (with only 0.75 g of HNO 3 -treated BC) could clean 5 L of Cs-contaminated water (initial Cs concentration: 1.0 mg/L; effluent concentration: < 0.09 mg/L). The present results demonstrate that P-5N-BC has remarkable potential for removal of Cs from diverse water systems. Image 1 • Using bamboo charcoal in a polysulfone carrier to remove Cs is a novel approach. • The polysulfone carrier with HNO 3 treated bamboo charcoal was used for Cs removal. • It had the highest Cs removal efficiency (>90%) under diverse water conditions. • Its Cs sorption capacity and field feasibility were proven by column experiments. • The Cs sorption mechanism was revealed by imagery techniques and isotherm models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrathoracic ectopic kidney is an uncommon congenital anomaly, accounting for approximately 5% of all ectopic kidneys. An intrathoracic ectopic kidney and pulmonary sequestration associated with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a very rare condition. This study describes a patient with a right intrathoracic ectopic kidney and pulmonary sequestration associated with right sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography showed a right intrathoracic ectopic kidney and lung mass with herniation of the right lobe of the liver through the right diaphragmatic defect. The herniated intestine, the right lobe of the liver and the right intrathoracic ectopic kidney were relocated into the abdomen, followed by excision of the pulmonary mass and closure of the diaphragmatic defect with Permacol. • An intrathoracic ectopic kidney is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. • The presence of an intrathoracic mass, together with absence of a kidney from the ipsilateral renal fossa, is suggestive of intrathoracic ectopic kidney. • Several methods are available for treatment of intrathoracic ectopic kidneys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of trial of labor after cesarean delivery calculators in the prediction of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery gives physicians an evidence-based tool to assist with patient counseling and risk stratification. Before deployment of prediction models for routine care at an institutional level, it is recommended to test their performance initially in the institution's target population. This allows the institution to understand not only the overall accuracy of the model for the intended population but also to comprehend where the accuracy of the model is most limited when predicting across the range of predictions (calibration). The purpose of this study was to compare 3 models that predict successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery with the use of a single tertiary referral cohort before continuous model deployment in the electronic medical record. All cesarean births for failed trial of labor after cesarean delivery and successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery at an academic health system between May 2013 and March 2016 were reviewed. Women with a history of 1 previous cesarean birth who underwent a trial of labor with a term (≥37 weeks gestation), cephalic, and singleton gestation were included. Women with antepartum intrauterine fetal death or fetal anomalies were excluded. The probability of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery was calculated with the use of 3 prediction models: Grobman 2007, Grobman 2009, and Metz 2013 and compared with actual vaginal birth after cesarean delivery success. Each model's performance was measured with the use of concordance indices, Brier scores, and calibration plots. Decision curve analysis identified the range of threshold probabilities for which the best prediction model would be of clinical value. Four hundred four women met the eligibility criteria. The observed rate of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery was 75% (305/404). Concordance indices were 0.717 (95% confidence interval, 0.659–0.778), 0.703 (95% confidence interval, 0.647–0.758), and 0.727 (95% confidence interval, 0.669–0.779), respectively. Brier scores were 0.172, 0.205, and 0.179, respectively. Calibration demonstrated that Grobman 2007 and Metz vaginal birth after cesarean delivery models were most accurate when predicted probabilities were >60% and were beneficial for counseling women who did not desire to have vaginal birth after cesarean delivery but had a predicted success rates of 60–90%. The models underpredicted actual probabilities when predicting success at <60%. The Grobman 2007 and Metz vaginal birth after cesarean delivery models provided greatest net benefit between threshold probabilities of 60–90% but did not provide a net benefit with lower predicted probabilities of success compared with a strategy of recommending vaginal birth after cesarean delivery for all women. When 3 commonly used vaginal birth after cesarean delivery prediction models are compared in the same population, there are differences in performance that may affect an institution's choice of which model to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new affinity peptide against β-LG was successfully screened, designed, synthesized, and characterized. • A conductive TA–PEI network was incorporated into electrode for electrochemical sensing of β-LG. • The developed sensor demonstrated a linear correlation range of 50 to 750 ng with a K d value of 213.9 ng. • The sensor could detect β-LG in cow and goat milk, with mean recoveries of 88.5% and 92.2%. Harmful substances that cause food allergies can pose a significant threat to consumers along with food safety. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10 % of the global population is currently affected by food allergies. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of more accurate and precise biosensors capable of detecting these hazardous substances including beta-lactoglobulin. Although numerous detection and analysis methods have been developed, they still suffer from various limitations. In this study, a tannic acid–polyethyleneimine (TA-PEI) network modified screen-printed electrodes (SPE) are newly developed and the binding sequence of peptide against β-LG was successfully screened using random peptide library. A novel affinity peptide with the desired sequence of S-L-S-P-S-L-W-Q-V-S-M-L-G-G-G-G-E-P-L-Q-L-K-M against β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) is designed and synthesized. The synthesized affinity peptide was immobilized on TA-PEI modified SPE to develop peptide-based sensor against β-LG for the first time. Under successful optimization, the developed sensor exhibited a linear relationship between 50 and 750 ng, with a K d of 213.9 ng. In addition, the sensor was able to detect β-LG in cow and goat milk, with average recoveries of 88.5 % and 92.2 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]