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Recently, an investigation into preventive measures for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has garnered considerable attention. Consequently, strategies for the proactive prevention of viral pathogens have also attracted significant interest in the field of wearable devices and electronic textiles research, particularly due to their potential applications in personal protective equipment. In this study, we introduce smart textiles designed with optimized piezoelectric devices that exhibit antifouling performance against microorganisms and actively inactivate viruses. These active-type smart textiles, which incorporate advanced lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics, a stretchable interconnector array, and polymeric fabric, demonstrate effective antifouling capabilities, detaching approximately 90% of Escherichia coli and 75% of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, they inactivate viruses, releasing ~26.8 ng of N protein from ruptured SARS-CoV-2, using ultrasonic waves within the wearable platform. Experimental results show that piezoelectric smart textiles significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19 by leveraging the electrical and acoustic properties of PZT ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overfishing remains a global concern, however effective management from well valuation of fisheries may efficiently reduce the impact of fishing. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the biomass of Indian Mackerel fishery in order to maintain the stock. Catch-based Monte Carlo maximum sustainable yield (CMSY) method and Length-based Bayesian Biomass (LBB) methods are frequently used to evaluate fish stock. Eighteen years effort-catch and length frequency data from commercial fishing were utilize to estimate the current biomass. The calculated biological reference points from Bayesian state-space Schaefer production model (BSM) at r = 0.618, k = 68,700, maximum sustainable yield (MSY) = 10,600. However, CMSY at r = 0.662, k = 6800, MSY = 11,200. Biomass in 2021 at maximum sustainable yield 2021 (B2021/BMSY) = 0.436 (< 1) and fishing rate F2021/FMSY = 1.94 (> 1) values explain the Indian Mackerel fishery is at exploited state. However, results using LBB model defines as B/BMSY = 0.65 (< 1.0) and fishing rate F/FMSY = 3.33 (> 1.0) and mean length/optimum length (Lmean/ Lopt) obtained at 1.3 and L95th/ Linf at 0.95. Based on suggested prior biomass range (B/BMSY =0.5–0.8) for stock assessment also indicates that the Indian Mackerel fishery is in unsustainable state from the study area. Monitoring of illicit fishing practices in the area is recommended. Measures need to be implemented for the protection of these valuable resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of torso computed tomography (CT) in evaluating body composition has been unexplored. This study assessed the potential of low-dose torso CT from positron emission tomography (PET)/CT for analyzing body composition and its relation to muscle strength. We retrospectively recruited 384 healthy Korean adults (231 men, 153 women) who underwent torso 18F-FDG PET/CT, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and muscle strength tests (handgrip strength [HGS] and knee extension strength [KES]). CT images were segmented into three compartments: torso volumetric, abdominal volumetric, and abdominal areal. Muscle amounts from each compartment were indexed to height (m2). BIA and HGS served as reference standards, with correlation coefficients (r) calculated. Torso muscle volumetric index (TorsoMVI) had the strongest correlations with BIA-derived values (r = 0.80 for men; r = 0.73 for women), surpassing those from the abdominal compartments. TorsoMVI was also correlated significantly with HGS (r = 0.39, p < 0.01) and differentiated between normal and possible sarcopenia in men (n = 225, 5960 ± 785 cm3/m2 vs. n = 6, 5210 ± 487 cm3/m2, p = 0.02). In women, KES correlated more strongly with muscle parameters than HGS. Despite gender-specific variations, torso CT-derived parameters show promise for evaluating body composition and sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increase in renewable power generation sources, flexible operation is being required for large-capacity coal-fired power plants. Fatigue needs to be considered because the possibility of fatigue damage to equipment increases compared with rated operation. Existing studies qualitatively analyzed the impact on power generation facilities, and quantitative comparison studies were not conducted. Accordingly, this study comparatively analyzed the impact of flexible operation methods on the lifetime of boiler headers. Finite element analysis models were created to analyze stress in transient operation conditions, and fatigue rupture life was derived using fatigue test data from previous research. Then, as a result of assessing the fatigue life according to design criteria, the low load operation mode was confirmed to have a fatigue life 2.57 to 4.61 times longer than the start & stop mode. This study is intended to provide technical information for decision-making on flexible operation methods of power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the smuggling and trafficking of North Korean migrants in China (NKMC), focusing on their migration motives, victimization types, and contributing factors, alongside suggestions for prevention and mitigation strategies. Although the sample size is modest and non-random (N=58), the insights gathered offer a poignant glimpse into the lived experiences of this specific subgroup of migrants who navigated from North Korea to China and subsequently to South Korea. Interviews were conducted with former NKMC residing in South Korea. Participants were recruited through purposive snowball sampling. The primary reasons for leaving North Korea were economic hardships (70.7%) and survival (12.1%). In China, more than 72% of female migrants were sold into marriage, while 21% were coerced into the sex trade. Contributing factors to victimization included economic hardship, a shortage of marriageable women, illegal status, and fear of deportation. Additionally, language barriers, geographical unfamiliarity, and stringent information control policies exacerbated the vulnerability of NKMC to exploitation. Addressing it as a criminal justice issue may be more effective than a human rights approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate whether and how the market for corporate control affects the demand for audit service in a cross-country setting. In so doing, we exploit the staggered enactments of merger and acquisition (M&A) laws as an exogenous shock that substantially increases takeover pressure. We find that firms are more likely to choose Big 4 auditors in the period after the enactment of M&A laws, suggesting that the takeover pressure heightened by the passage of M&A laws increases the demand for audit verification and assurance by high-quality auditors. We also find that the enactment of M&A laws leads to greater demand for Big 4 auditors through two channels: managerial commitment to curtailing agency problems and the enhancement of board monitoring. We further show that improved auditor quality facilitates creditors' and investors' reliance on accounting information, as reflected in greater use of accounting-based debt covenants and enhanced earnings informativeness, respectively, in the post-enactment period. Overall our results suggest that auditors play a key role in strengthening corporate governance after the enactment of M&A laws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NaA zeolite (Si/Al = 1.00) has been commercially applied for capturing radioactive 90Sr2+ because of its high surface charge density, effectively stabilizing the multivalent cation. However, owing to its narrow micropore opening (4.0 Å), large micron-sized crystallites, and bulkiness of hydrated Sr2+, the Sr2+ exchange over NaA has been limited by very slow kinetics. In this study, we synthesized nanocrystalline low-silica X by minimizing a water content in a synthesis gel and utilizing a methyl cellulose hydrogel as a crystal growth inhibitor. The resulting zeolite exhibited high crystallinity and Al-rich framework (Si/Al of approximately 1.00) with the sole presence of tetrahedral Al sites, which are capable of high Sr2+ uptake and ion selectivity. Meanwhile, the zeolite with a FAU topology has a much larger micropore opening size (7.4 Å) and a much smaller crystallite size (∼340 nm) than NaA, which enable significantly enhanced ionexchange kinetics. Compared to conventional NaA, the nanocrystalline low-silica X exhibited remarkably increased Sr2+-exchange kinetics (> 18-fold larger rate constant) in batch experiments. Although both the nanocrystalline low-silica X and NaA exhibited comparable Sr2+ capacities under equilibrated conditions, the former demonstrated a 5.5-fold larger breakthrough volume than NaA under dynamic conditions, attributed to its significantly faster Sr2+-exchange kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence and dynamics of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with breast cancer recurrence or de novo metastatic cancer were examined in a retrospective analysis of a prospective observational cohort. Twenty-three recurrent/metastatic breast cancer cases (8 locoregional, 15 distant metastasis) were enrolled, and sequential plasma samples were obtained. Anchor mutations were selected from the target sequencing of each patient's primary and/or metastatic tumor. An in-house developed assay (UHS assay) was employed for a tumor-informed ctDNA assay during treatment and follow-up. A median of three (range 1–5) anchor mutations per case were applied for ctDNA detection. ctDNA was detected in 14 (63.6%, 14/22) cases at the time of enrollment and 18 (78.5%, 18/23) cases during follow-up. More anchor mutations and higher tumor burden were significantly related to higher ctDNA positive rates (p-value 0.036, 0.043, respectively). The mean enriched variant allele frequency (eVAF) at each time point was significantly higher for stable or progressive disease responses (ANOVA test p-value < 0.001). Eight patients showed an increase in their ctDNA eVAF prior to clinical progression with a mean lead time of 6.2 months (range 1.5–11 months). ctDNA dynamics measured using personalized assay reflected the clinical course of breast cancer recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

In this paper, we examine whether the platform as well as the sellers violating the intellectual property right (IPR) should be liable. We first show that platform liability is socially better if the number of potential victims is very large. This is mainly due to the general enforcement effect of the platform's monitoring activity. In the case of specific enforcement in which each patent or trademark holder selling legitimate products tries to detect only the IP violations of its own brand, the monitoring activity of each seller has no spill-over effect, so that the deterrence effect of its monitoring activity remains the same regardless of the number of patent holders. However, in the case of general enforcement in which the platform monitors the possibility of any IP infringement including all legitimate products on the platform, the deterrence effect of its monitoring activity exceeds the monitoring cost if the number of patent holders is large. Then, in a simple model of two sellers without general enforcement effect, we show that under seller liability, awarding punitive damages with punitive multiplier equal to the reciprocal of the enforcement probability induces social optimum in which infringing entry occurs if and only if it is efficient, while platform liability may not induce social optimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants contain many useful substances; however, their availability and uniformity are constrained. Controlled cell culture is attracting attention as a method for identifying useful substances with better quality control than conventional plant extraction techniques. Artificial skin is widely used as an alternative to animal testing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cosmetic materials. The Damnacanthus major Siebold & Zucc is an evergreen shrub of the madder family, and the anthraquinone series substances present in its roots have antioxidant and whitening effects, implying its potential to be used in cosmetics. In this study, the antioxidant, moisturizing, and phototoxic properties of the ethanol extract of its callus were assessed using an artificial skin alternative. It showed a distinct antioxidant effect over 600 μg/mL and a moisturizing effect over 125 μg/mL. Phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and cAMP response element-binding protein were found to be upregulated in the artificial skin due to the moisturizing mechanism, and phospho-NFκB repressing factor was observed to be upregulated in human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) due to the antioxidant mechanism. Additionally, analysis of the artificial skin revealed no phototoxicity up to 1 mg/mL. The results of this study demonstrate that the ethanol extract of Damnacanthus major Siebold & Zucc can be used as a cosmetic material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tic disorder is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by involuntary movements or vocalizations. Previous studies utilizing diffusion-weighted imaging to explore white-matter alterations in tic disorders have reported inconsistent results regarding the affected tracts. We aimed to address this gap by employing a novel tractography technique for more detailed analysis. Methods: We analyzed MRI data from 23 children with tic disorders and 23 healthy controls using TRActs Constrained by UnderLying Anatomy (TRACULA), an advanced automated probabilistic tractography method. We examined fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), axial diffusivity, and mean diffusivity in 42 specific significant white matter tracts. Results: Our findings revealed notable differences in the children with tic disorders compared to the control group. Specifically, there was a significant reduction in FA in the parietal part and splenium of the corpus callosum and the left corticospinal tract. Increased RD was observed in the temporal and splenium areas of the corpus callosum, the left corticospinal tract, and the left acoustic radiation. A higher mean diffusivity was also noted in the left middle longitudinal fasciculus. A significant correlation emerged between the severity of motor symptoms, measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, and FA in the parietal part of the corpus callosum, as well as RD in the left acoustic radiation. Conclusion: These results indicate a pattern of reduced interhemispheric connectivity in the corpus callosum, aligning with previous studies and novel findings in the diffusion indices changes in the left corticospinal tract, left acoustic radiation, and left middle longitudinal fasciculus. Tic disorders might involve structural abnormalities in key white matter tracts, offering new insights into their pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Oligodendrogliomas (ODGs) are a subtype of diffuse lower-grade gliomas with overall survival of > 10 years. This study aims to analyze long-term outcomes and identify prognostic factors in patients with WHO grade 2 ODG. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 138 adult patients diagnosed with 1p/19q co-deleted ODG who underwent surgical resection or biopsy between 1994 and 2021, analyzing clinical data, treatment details, and outcomes. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were utilized to identify significant prognostic factors. Results: In the gross total resection (GTR) group, 63 (45.7%) underwent observation and 5 (3.6%) received postoperative treatment; in the non-GTR group, 37 (26.8%) were observed and 33 (23.9%) received postoperative treatment. The median PFS and OS were 6.8 and 18.4 years, respectively. Between adjuvant treatment and observation, there was no significant difference in PFS or OS. However, GTR or STR with less than 10% residual tumor exhibited significantly better PFS and OS compared to PR or biopsy (p = 0.022 and 0.032, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that contrast enhancement on MRI was associated with worse PFS (HR = 2.36, p < 0.001) and OS (HR = 5.89, p = 0.001). And the presence of seizures at presentation was associated with improved OS (HR = 0.28, p = 0.006). Conclusion: This study underscores favorable long-term outcomes for patients with 1p/19q co-deleted ODG WHO grade 2. Our findings indicate that the EOR plays a crucial role as a significant prognostic factor in enhancing PFS and OS outcomes in WHO grade 2 ODG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined whether compared to conventional mechanical ventilation (MV), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with decreased hospital mortality or fibrotic changes in patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. A cohort of 72 patients treated with ECMO and 390 with conventional MV were analyzed (February 2020–December 2021). A target trial was emulated comparing the treatment strategies of initiating ECMO vs no ECMO within 7 days of MV in patients with a PaO2/FiO2 < 80 or a PaCO2 ≥ 60 mmHg. A total of 222 patients met the eligibility criteria for the emulated trial, among whom 42 initiated ECMO. ECMO was associated with a lower risk of hospital mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36–0.96). The risk was lower in patients who were younger (age < 70 years), had less comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index < 2), underwent prone positioning before ECMO, and had driving pressures ≥ 15 cmH2O at inclusion. Furthermore, ECMO was associated with a lower risk of fibrotic changes (HR, 0.30; 95% CI 0.11–0.70). However, the finding was limited due to relatively small number of patients and differences in observability between the ECMO and conventional MV groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in deep learning have led to a surge in computer vision research, including the recognition and classification of human behavior in video data. However, most studies have focused on recognizing individual behaviors, whereas recognizing crowd behavior remains a complex problem because of the large number of interactions and similar behaviors among individuals or crowds in video surveillance systems. To solve this problem, we propose a three-dimensional atrous inception module (3D-AIM) network, which is a crowd behavior classification model that uses atrous convolution to explore interactions between individuals or crowds. The 3D-AIM network is a 3D convolutional neural network that can use receptive fields of various sizes to effectively identify specific features that determine crowd behavior. To further improve the accuracy of the 3D-AIM network, we introduced a new loss function called the separation loss function. This loss function focuses the 3D-AIM network more on the features that distinguish one type of crowd behavior from another, thereby enabling a more precise classification. Finally, we demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms existing human behavior classification models in terms of accurately classifying crowd behaviors. These results suggest that the 3D-AIM network with a separation loss function can be valuable for understanding complex crowd behavior in video surveillance systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism and predictive biomarkers of sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) transformation into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are still unclear. We investigated the genetic mutations involved and the predictive biomarkers. Fourteen patients with SCC arising from IP and six patients with IPs without malignant transformation (sIP) were included. DNA was extracted separately from areas of normal tissue, IP, dysplasia, and SCC. Whole exome sequencing and immunohistochemistry was performed. Major oncogenic mutations were observed in the progression from IP to SCC. The most frequently mutated genes were TP53 (39%) and CDKN2A (27%). Mutations in TP53 and/or CDKN2A were observed in three of six IPs with malignant transformation (cIP); none were observed in sIPs. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) increased from IP to SCC (0.64/Mb, 1.11/Mb, and 1.25 for IP, dysplasia, and SCC, respectively). TMB was higher in the cIPs than in the sIPs (0.64/Mb vs 0.3/Mb). Three cIPs showed a diffuse strong or null pattern in p53, and one showed a total loss of p16, a distinct pattern from sIPs. Our result suggests that TP53 and CDKN2A status can be predictive markers of malignant transformation of IP. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry of p53 and p16 expression can be surrogate markers for TP53 and CDKN2A status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methaqualone, a quinazolinone marketed commercially as Quaalude, is a central nervous system depressant that was used clinically as a sedative-hypnotic, then became a notorious recreational drug in the 1960s-80s. Due to its high abuse potential, medical use of methaqualone was eventually prohibited, yet it persists as a globally abused substance. Methaqualone principally targets GABAA receptors, which are the major inhibitory neurotransmitter-gated ion channels in the brain. The restricted status and limited accessibility of methaqualone have contributed to its pharmacology being understudied. Here, we use cryo-EM to localize the GABAA receptor binding sites of methaqualone and its more potent derivative, PPTQ, to the same intersubunit transmembrane sites targeted by the general anesthetics propofol and etomidate. Both methaqualone and PPTQ insert more deeply into subunit interfaces than the previously-characterized modulators. Binding of quinazolinones to this site results in widening of the extracellular half of the ion-conducting pore, following a trend among positive allosteric modulators in destabilizing the hydrophobic activation gate in the pore as a mechanism for receptor potentiation. These insights shed light on the underexplored pharmacology of quinazolinones and further elucidate the molecular mechanisms of allosteric GABAA receptor modulation through transmembrane binding sites. Methaqualone (Quaalude) is an infamous sedative-hypnotic, used in the past for treatment of insomnia. Here, the authors use structural biology and electrophysiology to elucidate its mechanism of action at its primary target, the GABAA receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the global-scale multimedia live streaming services, both of the cost-efficiency at the service provider side and the Quality of Experience (QoE) satisfaction at the viewer side need to be achieved. This is a difficult challenge because the request patterns of global live-streaming services are highly dynamic. In this paper, we solve this issue by cloud-based adaptive resource allocation. We first present a cloud-based multi-tier architecture, called MaaS (Media as a Service), which consists of four types of modules. The main issue that we focus on is the deployment of properly dimensioned MaaS modules in proper geographical regions. We take the QoE of the Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP viewers into account for this decision. We propose a combination of deep-learning based demand prediction scheme and a dynamic-programming based heuristic to make a good tradeoff between viewers' QoE and the cloud resource cost. Extensive evaluation shows that the proposed scheme clearly outperforms the existing schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were esterified using long-chain fatty acid chlorides (octanoyl chloride, lauroyl chloride, and palmitoyl chloride) and composited with a biodegradable polymer, polybutylene succinate (PBS). The composite material was fabricated into nano-scale fibers and films via electrospinning and electrospraying processes using chloroform as a solvent. The influence of process conditions, CNF type and CNF amount on morphologies were investigated. The diameter of the electrospun fibers was ranged from 648 to 975 nm and fibers with the lowest diameters were produced at 10% concentration, 15 kV voltage and 30 µL/min flow rate. Further, PBS to CNF ratio of 95/5 and CNF esterified with lauryl chloride produced the best results. Electrospraying was achieved at a concentration of 5% or less and the tensile properties of the resulting electrosprayed films were investigated. The highest increase in tensile strength was observed at a PBS to CNF ratio of 99/1, while the most significant enhancement in elastic modulus occurred at the 95/5 ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-halide perovskites have garnered considerable research attention as highly efficient light emitters in recent years due to their outstanding optoelectronic properties with remarkable tunability and excellent solution processabilities. Substantial advancements have been achieved in the development of novel halide perovskites, and the exploitations of these materials in light-emitting devices. This review comprehensively outlines recent breakthroughs in metal-halide perovskites, encompassing the rational design of perovskite materials with tunable light emission properties, the controllable growth of single crystal for a deeper understanding of their structure–property relationships, as well as the fundamental insights into the photophysics and carrier dynamics in perovskite systems. Additionally, it provides an overview of recent applications of perovskite materials in high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon sequestration capacity of plants has been used as a nature-based solution to reduce carbon emissions. Perennial herbs potentially contribute to carbon sequestration by allocating carbon to belowground parts as well as trees. As individual-level estimations have mainly been carried out for tree species, individual-level carbon sequestration for understory perennial herb species is poorly understood. To estimate the below- and aboveground carbon sequestration capacity, ten perennial herb species were planted for field experiment. Individual carbon sequestration by biomass was calculated by measuring the aboveground- and estimating belowground biomass gain at harvest. We further measured non-destructive aboveground parameters, such as photosynthesis and leaf area, to estimate the belowground biomass. Four species (Aconitum jaluense Kom., Aquilegea oxysepala Trautv. & C.A.Mey., Disporum smilacinum A.Gray, and Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum (Miq.) Ohwi) showed the positive belowground carbon sequestration level during the experimental period. Correlation analyses indicated that the aboveground biomass and leaf area at senescence stage could be used as non-destructive estimates of belowground carbon sequestration. The perennial herb species habitat suitability for use as additional carbon sinks in urban forests and for forest restoration should be assessed based on the increase in belowground biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The real-world evidence about the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy in desmoid tumors is still limited. We investigated the efficacy of chemotherapy in the treatment of recurrent or progressive desmoid tumors. Methods: The patients with desmoid tumors who had received cytotoxic chemotherapy between November 2007 and June 2020 in two tertiary hospitals in Korea were reviewed. Results: A total of 25 patients were included in the analysis. The most common primary tumor site was the intra-abdominal or pelvic cavity (56%), followed by the trunk and abdominal wall (24%), extremities (16%), and head and neck (4%). Sixty percent of the patients had familial adenomatous polyposis and 76% received doxorubicin plus dacarbazine. The objective response rate and disease control rate was 64% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.7–82.8) and 96% (95% CI: 77.2–99.9), respectively. With the median follow-up time of 55 months (95% CI: 41.0–68.2), the 3-year PFS rate was 65% (95% CI: 41.1–80.5), and the 3-year OS rate was 89% (95% CI: 63.8–97.3). Grade 3 or 4 hematologic adverse events were reported in 14 patients, all of which were manageable. Conclusion: Our real-world evidence suggests that doxorubicin-based cytotoxic chemotherapy can be an effective treatment option for recurrent and progressive desmoid tumors with respect to favorable clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop a postmenstrual age (PMA) prediction model based on segmentation volume and to evaluate the brain maturation index using the proposed model. Methods: Neonatal brain MRIs without clinical illness or structural abnormalities were collected from four datasets from the Developing Human Connectome Project, the Catholic University of Korea, Hammersmith Hospital (HS), and Dankook University Hospital (DU). T1- and T2-weighted images were used to train a brain segmentation model. Another model to predict the PMA of neonates based on segmentation data was developed. Accuracy was assessed using mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean error (ME). The brain maturation index was calculated as the difference between the PMA predicted by the model and the true PMA, and its correlation with postnatal age was analyzed. Results: A total of 247 neonates (mean gestation age 37 ± 4 weeks; range 24–42 weeks) were included. Thirty-one features were extracted from each neonate and the three most contributing features for PMA prediction were the right lateral ventricle, left caudate, and corpus callosum. The predicted and true PMA were positively correlated (coefficient = 0.88, p <.001). MAE, RMSE, and ME of the external dataset of HS and DU were 1.57 and 1.33, 1.79 and 1.37, and 0.37 and 0.06 weeks, respectively. The brain maturation index negatively correlated with postnatal age (coefficient = − 0.24, p <.001). Conclusion: A model that calculates the regional brain volume can predict the PMA of neonates, which can then be utilized to show the brain maturation degree. Clinical relevance statement: A brain maturity index based on regional volume of neonate's brain can be used to measure brain maturation degree, which can help identify the status of early brain development. Key Points: • Neonatal brain MRI segmentation model could be used to assess neonatal brain maturation status. • A postmenstrual age (PMA) prediction model was developed based on a neonatal brain MRI segmentation model. • The brain maturation index, derived from the PMA prediction model, enabled the estimation of the neonatal brain maturation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peritoneal metastases (PM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with a dismal prognosis. Identifying and exploiting new biomarkers, signatures, and molecular targets for personalised interventions in the treatment of PM in CRC is imperative. We conducted transcriptomic profiling using RNA-seq data generated from the primary tissues of 19 CRC patients with PM. Using our dataset established in a previous study, we identified 1422 differentially expressed genes compared to non-metastatic CRC. The profiling demonstrated no differential expression in liver and lung metastatic CRC. We selected 12 genes based on stringent criteria and evaluated their expression patterns in a validation cohort of 32 PM patients and 84 without PM using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. We selected cartilage intermediate layer protein 2 (CILP2) because of high mRNA expression in PM patients in our validation cohort and its association with a poor prognosis in The Cancer Genome Atlas. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis in our validation cohort demonstrated that CRC patients with high CILP2 expression had significantly poor survival outcomes. Knockdown of CILP2 significantly reduced the proliferation, colony-forming ability, invasiveness, and migratory capacity and downregulated the expression of molecules related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HCT116 cells. In an in vivo peritoneal dissemination mouse knockdown of CILP2 also inhibited CRC growth. Therefore, CILP2 is a promising biomarker for the prediction and treatment of PM in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents research into the parameters affecting the real and virtual drapability of silk fabrics for traditional Hanbok. The KES-FB (Kawabata evaluation system of fabric) and the CLO (3D fashion design software) fabric kit system were used to evaluate the physical properties. The relationships between physical properties and the drape coefficient of silk fabrics were statistically analyzed. It was determined whether the objectified real fabric data could be used and applied as a database when implementing virtual clothing using a 3D virtual clothing program. The KES-FB properties and CLO fabric kit results indicated that the bending property and weight were significantly correlated with the drape coefficient. The bending rigidity and weight per unit area were influential parameters of the drape coefficient. The regression analysis results of both the KES-FB and the CLO fabric kit revealed that bending rigidity and thickness were statistically significantly correlated with the drape coefficient. The bending property was the most determining parameter for the drape coefficient of silk fabrics. A statistically significant difference between the real and virtual drape coefficients of stiffer silk fabrics was found. In the CLO 7.1 program, the accuracy of drape implementation of virtual fabrics was found to be useful when the bending stiffness of the actual fabric was less than 0.089 gf·cm2/cm and the elasticity was more than 1.03%. The results revealed that more research on the program modeling method considering the mechanical and physical properties of the real fabric and its structure is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with stroke may develop hyperperfusion after a successful endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). However, the relationship between post-EVT hyperperfusion and clinical outcomes remains unclear and requires further clarification. We reviewed consecutive patients with anterior circulation occlusion who were successfully recanalized with EVT. Based on post-EVT arterial spin-labeling images, hyperperfusion was categorized as follows: global hyperperfusion (GHP), increased cerebral blood flow (CBF) in ≥ 50% of the culprit vessel territory; focal hyperperfusion (FHP), increased CBF in < 50% of the culprit vessel territory; no hyperperfusion (NHP), no discernible CBF increase. Factors associated with hyperperfusion were assessed, and clinical outcomes were compared among patients under different hyperperfusion categories. Among 131 patients, 25 and 40 patients developed GHP and FHP, respectively. Compared to other groups, the GHP group had worse National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (GHP vs. NHP/FHP, 18.1 ± 7.4 vs. 12.3 ± 6.0; p < 0.001), a larger post-EVT infarct volume (98.9 [42.3–132.7] vs. 13.5 [5.0–34.1] mL; p < 0.001), and a worse 90-day outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 3 [1–4] vs. 2 [0–3]; p = 0.030). GHP was independently associated with infarct volume (B = 0.532, standard error = 0.163, p = 0.001), and infarct volume was a major mediator of the association of GHP with unfavorable outcomes (total effect: β = 0.176, p = 0.034; direct effect: β = 0.045, p = 0.64; indirect effect: β = 0.132, p = 0.017). Patients presenting with post-EVT GHP had poorer neurological prognosis, which is likely mediated by a large infarct volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the added value of MR dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)-perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI)-derived tumour microvascular and oxygenation information with cerebral blood volume (CBV) to distinguish pseudoprogression from true progression (TP) in post-treatment glioblastoma. Methods: This retrospective single-institution study included patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type glioblastoma and a newly developed or enlarging measurable contrast-enhancing mass within 12 weeks after concurrent chemoradiotherapy. CBV, capillary transit time heterogeneity (CTH), oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) were obtained from DSC-PWI. Predictors were selected using univariable logistic regression, and performance was measured with adjusted diagnostic odds with tumour volume and area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics analysis. Results: A total of 103 patients were included (mean age, 59.6 years; 59 women), with 67 cases of TP and 36 cases of pseudoprogression. Pseudoprogression exhibited higher CTH (4.0 vs. 3.4, p =.019) and higher OEF (12.7 vs. 10.7, p =.014) than TP, but a similar CBV (1.48 vs. 1.53, p =.13) and CMRO2 (7.7 vs. 7.3s, p =.598). Independent of tumour volume, both high CTH (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–2.09, p =.009) and high OEF (adjusted OR 1.17; 95% CI:1.03–1.33, p =.016) were predictors of pseudoprogression. The combination of CTH, OEF, and CBV yielded higher diagnostic performance (AUC 0.71) than CBV alone (AUC 0.65). Conclusion: High intratumoural capillary transit heterogeneity and high oxygen extraction fraction derived from DSC-PWI have enhanced the diagnostic value of CBV in pseudoprogression of post-treatment IDH-wild type glioblastoma. Clinical relevance statement: In the early post-treatment stage of glioblastoma, pseudoprogression exhibited both high oxygen extraction fraction and high capillary transit heterogeneity and these dynamic susceptibility contrast-perfusion weighted imaging derived parameters have added value in cerebral blood volume-based noninvasive differentiation of pseudoprogression from true progression. Key Points: • Capillary transit time heterogeneity and oxygen extraction fraction can be measured noninvasively through processing of dynamic susceptibility contrast imaging. • Pseudoprogression exhibited higher capillary transit time heterogeneity and higher oxygen extraction fraction than true progression. • A combination of cerebral blood volume, capillary transit time heterogeneity, and oxygen extraction fraction yielded the highest diagnostic performance (area under the curve 0.71). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies sought to demonstrate the association between smoking and fracture risk. However, the correlation between smoking and fractures remains controversial. This study aimed to examine the impact of smoking and smoking cessation on the occurrence of fractures using prospective nationwide cohort data. We enrolled those who underwent a National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) health checkup in 2009–2010 who had a previous health checkup 4-year prior (2005–2006). The study population of 4,028,559 subjects was classified into three groups (non-smoker, smoking cessation, current smoker). The study population was also analyzed according to fracture type (all fractures, vertebral fracture, hip fracture). Lastly, the smoking cessation group and current smoker group were divided into four subgroups based on a lifetime smoking amount cut-off of 20 pack-years (PY). Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of fracture were examined through a Cox proportional hazards model. After multivariable adjustment, non-smokers showed the lowest risk of fracture (HR = 0.818, CI 0.807–0.828, p < 0.0001) and smoking cessation significantly lowered the risk of fracture (HR 0.938, 95% CI 0.917–0.959, p < 0.0001) compared to current smokers. Regardless of 20PY, all smoking cessation subgroups showed significantly less risk of fractures than current smokers with ≥ 20PYs. Smoking increases the risk of fracture, and smoking cessation lowers the risk of fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence frequency of East Asia's extreme hot day in boreal spring has increased since 1979. Using observational data and a Linear baroclinic model experiment, our study suggests that the occurrence of hot day is mainly due to anomalous high pressure over East Asia associated with a horizontal stationary wave train originating from a positive phase of the North Atlantic Tripole (NAT) sea surface temperature (SST) in spring. The effect of a positive phase of the NAT SST is evident in the 2000s, apparently associated with the linear trend of the North Atlantic SST like a positive phase of the NAT SST. Before 2000s, in contrast, SST forcing in the Indian Ocean and eastern tropical Pacific, which is associated with a negative phase of the NAT SST, may contribute to induce the East Asian hot days through atmospheric teleconnections. This implies that the relationship between a positive phase of the NAT SST and the occurrence of hot days in East Asia has been changed during the 2000s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided urethral catheterization in patients who failed blind or cystoscopy-assisted urethral catheterization. We utilized our institutional database between January 2011 and March 2023, and patients with failed blind or cystoscopy-assisted urethral catheterization and subsequent fluoroscopy-guided urethral catheterization were included. A 5-Fr catheter was inserted into the urethral orifice, and the retrograde urethrography (RGU) was acquired. Subsequently, the operator attempted to pass a hydrophilic guidewire to the urethra. If the guidewire and guiding catheter could be successfully passed into the bladder, but the urethral catheter failed pass due to urethral stricture, the operator determined either attempted again with a reduced catheter diameter or performed balloon dilation according to their preference. Finally, an appropriately sized urethral catheter was selected, and an endhole was created using an 18-gauge needle. The catheter was then inserted over the wire to position the tip in the bladder lumen and ballooned to secure it. We reviewed patients’ medical histories, the presence of hematuria, and RGU to determine urethral abnormalities. Procedure-related data were assessed. Study enrolled a total of 179 fluoroscopy-guided urethral catheterizations from 149 patients (all males; mean age, 73.3 ± 13.3 years). A total of 225 urethral strictures were confirmed in 141 patients, while eight patients had no strictures. Urethral rupture was confirmed in 62 patients, and hematuria occurred in 34 patients after blind or cystoscopy-assisted urethral catheterization failed. Technical and clinical success rates were 100%, and procedure-related complications were observed in four patients (2.2%). The mean time from request to urethral catheter insertion was 129.7 ± 127.8 min. The mean total fluoroscopy time was 3.5 ± 2.5 min and the mean total DAP was 25.4 ± 25.1 Gy cm2. Balloon dilation was performed in 77 patients. Total procedure time was 9.2 ± 7.6 min, and the mean procedure time without balloon dilation was 7.1 ± 5.7 min. Fluoroscopy-guided urethral catheterization is a safe and efficient alternative in patients where blind or cystoscopy-assisted urethral catheterization has failed or when cystoscopy-urethral catheterization cannot be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of the ecological health of rivers requires a focused examination of how biological indicators respond to chemical stressors to offer key insights for effective conservation strategies. We examined the influence of stressors on aquatic ecosystems by analyzing various ecological entities and biotic integrity metrics of fish communities. A nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) approach was applied to determine scores based on 19 fish ecological entities (FEs) and a fish-based multi-metric index of biotic integrity (mIBI-F). The composition of fish communities in reference clusters differed from the disturbed clusters due to instream chemical stressors. These chemical stressors, including high levels of nutrients, organic matter, and ionic/suspended solids, were linked to variation in the key indicator FEs, whose guild identities were closely associated with instream chemical degradation. The scores of FEs (abundance weighted) and mIBI-F metrics in the first NMDS axis (NMDS1) were significantly linked with chemical health indicators (p < 0.001), such as total phosphorus (R2 = 0.67 and 0.47), electrical conductivity (R2 = 0.59 and 0.49), and chlorophyll-a (R2 = 0.48 and 0.25). These NMDS1 scores showed better accuracy than the conventional mIBI-F score in capturing river ecological health linked with chemical health status as determined by a multi-metric index of water pollution. Our study suggests that based on the ordination approach, the biological integrity of these systems reflected the chemical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various guidelines recommend the first follow-up cystoscopy at 3 months; however, no data exist on the optimal timing for initial follow-up cystoscopy. We tried to provide evidence on the timing of the first cystoscopy after the initial transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-BT) for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) using big data. This was a retrospective National Health Insurance Service database analysis. The following outcomes were considered: recurrence, progression, cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality. Exposure was the time-to-treatment initiation (TTI), a continuous variable representing the time to the first cystoscopy from the first TUR-BT within 1 year. Additionally, we categorized TTI (TTIc) into five levels: < 2, 2–4, 4–6, 6–8, and 8–12 months. A landmark time of 1 year after the initial TUR-BT was described to address immortal-time bias. We identified the optimal time for the first cystoscopy using Cox regression models with and without restricted cubic splines (RCS) for TTI and TTIc, respectively. Among 26,660 patients, 16,880 (63.3%) underwent cystoscopy within 2–4 months. A U-shaped trend of the lowest risks at TTI was observed in the 2–4 months group for progression, cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality. TTI within 0–2 months had a higher risk of progression (aHR 1.36; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.15–1.60; p < 0.001) and cancer-specific mortality (aHR 1.29; 95% CI 1.05–1.58; p = 0.010). Similarly, TTI within 8–12 months had a higher risk of progression (aHR 2.09; 95% CI 1.67–2.63; p < 0.001) and cancer-specific mortality (aHR 1.96; 95% CI 1.48–2.60; p < 0.001). Based on the RCS models, the risks of progression, cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality were lowest at TTI of 4 months. The timing of the first cystoscopy follow-up was associated with oncologic prognosis. In our model, undergoing cystoscopy at 4 months has shown the best outcomes in clinical course. Therefore, patients who do not receive cystoscopy at approximately 4 months for any reason need more careful follow-up to predict a poor clinical course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The necessity of bilateral bypass in adult moyamoya disease (MMD) remains unclear despite its recommendation for pediatric and hemorrhagic cases. We aimed to investigate the natural course of hemodynamically stable unoperated hemispheres after bypass surgery for symptomatic and hemodynamically unstable hemispheres in adult patients with ischemic MMD. Among 288 patients, the mean age at the first operation of the unstable hemispheres was 40.8 ± 12.2 years. The mean follow-up period was 62.9 ± 46.5 months. 45 patients (15.6%) experienced stroke events in the unoperated hemisphere, consisting of hemorrhagic stroke in 8 (2.8%) and ischemic stroke in 37 (12.8%), including progressive transient ischemic attack in 25 (8.7%) and infarction in 12 (4.2%). Among them, 39 patients (13.5%) underwent bypass surgery. The annual risk of total stroke is 3.0%/patient-year, with 2.5% for ischemic stroke and 0.5% for hemorrhagic stroke. The 5- and 10-year cumulative risks of ischemic stroke were 13.4% and 18.3%, respectively, and those of hemorrhagic stroke were each 3.2%. The natural course of hemodynamically stable hemispheres contralateral to the operated ones appeared fairly good. Additional bypass surgery on the unoperated hemispheres should be considered for symptomatic and hemodynamically unstable hemispheres in adult patients with ischemic MMD during the follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Ischemic stroke is a heterogeneous disease with various etiologies. The current subtyping process is complicated, time-consuming, and costly. Metabolite-based biomarkers have the potential to improve classification and deliver optimal treatments. We here aimed to identify novel, targeted metabolomics-based biomarkers to discriminate between large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) and cardioembolic (CE) stroke. Methods: We acquired serum samples and clinical data from a hospital-based acute stroke registry (ischemic stroke within 3 days from symptom onset). We included 346 participants (169 LAA, 147 CE, and 30 healthy older adults) and divided them into training and test sets. Targeted metabolomic analysis was performed using quantitative and quality-controlled liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. A multivariate regression model using metabolomic signatures was created that could independently distinguish between LAA and CE strokes. Results: The training set (n = 193) identified metabolomic signatures that were different in patients with LAA and CE strokes. Six metabolomic biomarkers, i.e., lysine, serine, threonine, kynurenine, putrescine, and lysophosphatidylcholine acyl C16:0, could discriminate between LAA and CE stroke after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, stroke severity, and comorbidities. The enhanced diagnostic power of key metabolite combinations for discriminating between LAA and CE stroke was validated using the test set (n = 123). Conclusions: We observed significant differences in metabolite profiles in LAA and CE strokes. Targeted metabolomics may provide enhanced diagnostic yield for stroke subtypes. The pathophysiological pathways of the identified metabolites should be explored in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic connectivity of kelp populations can provide essential information for estimating their dispersal capability and related perspectives on persistence. We examined population genetic variability to identify connectivity and potential drivers shaping population genetic clusters of Ecklonia cava, a foundation kelp species in the northwest Pacific region. Using microsatellite markers, we analyzed 11 local populations along the Korean coastline from Jeju Island to Ulleungdo. We found that entire study populations were segregated into two genetic groups, inner (south coast populations) and outer (Jeju Island and Ulleungdo) coastal regions, in accordance with current patterns around South Korea and geographical topography. Genetic similarity between the furthest populations (Jeju Island and Ulleungdo) suggest that the dispersal range of E. cava could be largely expanded by the prevalent current. Inter-population genetic structure in the perspectives of isolation-by-distance (IBD) and isolation-by-environment (IBE) revealed that distance and turbidity gradient were both contributors to the gene flow of E. cava. However, different results appeared for a few populations, suggesting that effects of these factors could vary depending on geographic range of populations and surrounding oceanographic conditions. This study suggests that gene flow of E. cava could be driven by multiple seascape factors (ocean currents, coastal topography, distance and sediments) and the interplay among them at a regional scale, which is applicable to other kelp species with diverse scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis is common in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). This study evaluated the utility of the washout CYFRA 21-1 level, combined with the thyroglobulin (Tg) concentration, in terms of diagnosis of LN metastasis. We prospectively enrolled 53 patients who underwent thyroid surgery to treat DTC with lateral cervical LN metastases. Preoperative ultrasound guided needle localization was used to surgical sampling of specific LNs during the operation. The intraoperative washout Tg and CYFRA 21-1 levels were measured in such LNs. The Tg and CYFRA 21-1 levels differed significantly between metastatic and benign LNs. The cutoff values were 2.63 ng/mL for washout CYFRA 21-1 and 22.62 ng/mL for Tg. Combined use of the washout Tg and CYFRA 21-1 levels afforded the highest diagnostic accuracy (92.5%), better than that of individual markers. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) were 94.6%, 90.0%, 91.4%, 93.8%, respectively. The conjunction of the washout CYFRA21-1 and Tg levels enhances the diagnostic accuracy of LN metastasis in DTC patients. The washout CYFRA 21-1 level may be useful when malignancy is suspected, especially in cases where the cytology and washout Tg findings do not provide definitive results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospinning is an effective method to fabricate fibrous scaffolds that mimic the ECM of bone tissue on a nano- to macro-scale. However, a limitation of electrospun fibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering is the structure formed by densely compacted fibers, which significantly impedes cell infiltration and tissue ingrowth. To address this problem, several researchers have developed numerous techniques for fabricating 3D fibrous scaffolds with customized topography and pore size. Despite the success in developing various 3D electrospun scaffolds based on fiber repulsion, the lack of contact points between fibers in those scaffolds has been shown to hinder cell attachment, migration, proliferation, and differentiation due to excessive movement of the fibers. In this article, we introduce a Dianthus caryophyllus-inspired scaffold fabricated using SIAC-PE, a modified collector under specific viscosity conditions of PCL/LA solution. The developed scaffold mimicking the structural similarities of the nature-inspired design presented enhanced cell proliferation, infiltration, and increased expression of bone-related factors by reducing fiber movements, presenting high space interconnection, high porosity, and controlled fiber topography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alveolate protist Perkinsus olseni infections impose considerable stresses on the host Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum, often reducing their tissue weight due to the drain on energy resources. However, the relationship between condition factors and P. olseni infection exhibits inconsistency in different scenarios, as it is influenced by various factors such as environmental conditions, food availability, and reproductive conditions. To gain deeper insights, we surveyed Manila clams occurring on tidal flats in Anmyeondo Island, Cheonsu Bay to assess P. olseni intensity and its effects on the fitness of Manila clams. The Ray's fluid thioglycollate medium assay revealed that P. olseni infection in clams from inner Cheonsu Bay had considerably greater P. olseni intensities in May and September 2021 than those from outer Cheonsu Bay and reference sites (P < 0.05). Despite the high level of P. olseni infection, condition index (CI), a ratio of the flesh weight to the shell weight, in clams from inner Cheonsu Bay was also significantly higher than in clams from outer Cheonsu Bay and reference sites (P < 0.05). A noteworthy finding of this study was the positive association between P. olseni infection intensity and CI in clams, which suggests that despite the high parasite load, clams were able to maintain a higher CI, possibly due to the abundance of nutrients and organic matter present in the inner bay. The P. olseni infection intensities measured in September were significantly higher at most of the sampling sites in the inner and outer bay, which could be associated with the poor health condition of clams during a post-spawning period. These results highlight the complexity of bivalves' ecological relationships in Cheonsu Bay and offer new insights into their adaptability accompanied by other factors to parasite stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose : Snoring is the most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Various objective methods of measuring snoring are available, and even if the measurement is performed the same way, communication is difficult because there are no common reference values between the researcher and clinician with regard to intensity and frequency, among other variables. In other words, no consensus regarding objective measurement has been reached. This study aimed to review the literature related to the objective measurement of snoring, such as measurement devices, definitions, and device locations. Methods: A literature search based on the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases was conducted from the date of inception to April 5, 2023. Twenty-nine articles were included in this study. Articles that mentioned only the equipment used for measurement and did not include individual details were excluded from the study. Results: Three representative methods for measuring snoring emerged. These include (1) a microphone, which measures snoring sound; (2) piezoelectric sensor, which measures snoring vibration; and (3) nasal transducer, which measures airflow. In addition, recent attempts have been made to measure snoring using smartphones and applications. Conclusion: Numerous studies have investigated both obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. However, the objective methods of measuring snoring and snoring-related concepts vary across studies. Consensus in the academic and clinical communities on how to measure and define snoring is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite significant improvements in vaccines and chemotherapeutic drugs, pathogenic RNA viruses continue to have a profound impact on the global economy and pose a serious threat to animal and human health through emerging and re-emerging outbreaks of diseases. To overcome the challenge of viral adaptation and evolution, increased vigilance is required. Particularly, antiviral drugs derived from new, natural sources provide an attractive strategy for controlling problematic viral diseases. In this antiviral study, we discovered a previously unknown bacterium, Mameliella sp. M20D2D8, by conducting an antiviral screening of marine microorganisms. An extract from M20D2D8 exhibited antiviral activity with low cytotoxicity and was found to be effective in vitro against multiple influenza virus strains: A/PR8 (IC50 = 2.93 µg/mL, SI = 294.85), A/Phil82 (IC50 = 1.42 µg/mL, SI = 608.38), and B/Yamagata (IC50 = 1.59 µg/mL, SI = 543.33). The antiviral action was found to occur in the post-entry stages of viral replication and to suppress viral replication by inducing apoptosis in infected cells. Moreover, it efficiently suppressed viral genome replication, protein synthesis, and infectivity in MDCK and A549 cells. Our findings highlight the antiviral capabilities of a novel marine bacterium, which could potentially be useful in the development of drugs for controlling viral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]