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Kynurenine (Kyn) is a key inducer of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Although indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-selective inhibitors have been developed to suppress the Kyn pathway, the results were not satisfactory due to the presence of various opposing mechanisms. Here, we employed an orally administered novel Kyn pathway regulator to overcome the limitation of anti-tumor immune response. We identified a novel core structure that inhibited both IDO and TDO. An orally available lead compound, STB-C017 (designated hereafter as STB), effectively inhibited the enzymatic and cellular activity of IDO and TDO in vitro. Moreover, it potently suppressed Kyn levels in both the plasma and tumor in vivo. STB monotherapy increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into TME. In addition, STB reprogrammed the TME with widespread changes in immune-mediated gene signatures. Notably, STB-based combination immunotherapy elicited the most potent anti-tumor efficacy through concurrent treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, leading to complete tumor regression and long-term overall survival. Our study demonstrated that a novel Kyn pathway regulator derived using deep learning technology can activate T cell immunity and potentiate immune checkpoint blockade by overcoming an immunosuppressive TME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface destruction of the ZnO nanorod electrodes occurs in the dye-sensitization process, resulting in the extreme decreases of the short-circuit photocurrent density (JSC), compared to TiO2electrodes. To solve these problems, the TiO2nanolayer is coated on the ZnO nanorod electrodes using a titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) assisted sonochemical process, which provides faster surface modification. The TiO2nanolayer can form new energy barrier on the ZnO nanorods, which can effectively inhibit the surface charge recombination and improve the energy conversion efficiency of the ZnO nanorod-based dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microcellular foaming process consists of the saturation process for dissolving gas molecules into plastic and the subsequent foaming process for cell formation. Foaming characteristics of microcellular plastics (MCPs) such as foaming ratio and cell morphology are largely determined by the saturation conditions, particularly by the saturation pressure. In this study, we investigate the effects of saturation pressure on the foaming characteristics of MCPs, when the quantity of dissolved gas (or the weight gain) is kept constant. Because the weight gain of a specimen is an increasing function of saturation pressure, different desorption times are used in order to maintain the same weight gain across specimens from different saturation pressures. Contrary to the common belief, for specimens with the same weight gain higher saturation pressures lead to lower foaming ratios. A hypothesis for the underlying mechanism and a practical ramification of the phenomenon are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcellular plastics (MCPs) are manufactured through a batch process comprised of saturation and foaming stages. In the saturation process, gas molecules are dissolved into plastic in a high-pressure vessel. Following the saturation process, micro-cells are formed inside the plastic as the gas-dissolved plastic sample undergoes the foaming process. In this paper, we investigate the effects of repeating the batch process on the formation of MCPs. Because the plastic sample after the first batch process has developed microcells, these pre-existing cells are expected to affect the second round of the batch process. Of particular interest is the effect of repeated saturation at different saturation pressures. Experiments show that repeating the batch process can lead to favorable outcomes in terms of foaming ratio and cell morphology, which are otherwise unattainable particularly with a single batch process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcellular plastics (MCPs) are one of the most significant developments in the plastics industry over the last decade. Microcellular plastics keep mechanical strength loss and plastic weight to a minimum through microcells inside MCPs. The size and number of cells inside MCPs have a direct correlation with foaming ratio. The cell size has to be consistent to ensure higher quality of MCPs, and a great number of cells are needed for a high foaming ratio. This underscores the need to control the size and number of cells to meet products' required performance. In the microcellular batch process, saturation and foaming conditions are major factors that influence the size and number of cells. This article describes how desorption time, defined as the time lapse between saturation and foaming processes, affects cell formation. Our particular concern is the effect of varying desorption time on foaming ratio and cell morphology. The general rule is that the shorter the desorption time, the higher the foaming ratio (i.e., more cells of smaller sizes are formed because of more dissolved gas molecules remaining in the sample). In our study, however, an opposite trend was observed for desorption time less than 2 minutes. As such, different desorption times ranging from 1 to 5 minutes were used to systematically investigate the corresponding changes in foaming ratio and cell morphology. A possible mechanism of action for this anomalous phenomenon is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the P3HT/PCBM polymer photovoltaic devices, C70-PCBM ([6,6]-phenyl C71-butyric acid methyl ester) was employed instead of C60-PCBM ([6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester). C70-PCBM showed significant increase of visible region light absorption to enhance the photocurrent. To optimize the device performance, we changed the device fabrication conditions such as atmosphere, solvents, post-annealing time, active layer materials composition, and thickness. The best power conversion efficiency of 4.7% was achieved under AM 1.5 G, 75 mA/cm2 condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we fabricated photovoltaic devices based on poly(2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV), as a donor and [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester(PCBM) as an electron acceptor materials. The effect of different solvents such as chlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, chloroform, and cosolvent systems prepared with 1:1 ratio of chlorobenzen:o-dichlorobenzene, chlorobenzen:chloroform and o-dichlorobenzene:chloroform on the performance of devices was studied. Further, the effect of a thin electron transport layer of Alq3 inserted between active layer and cathode in the device structure, on the performance of devices was studied with the best solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two interlayers, blended interlayer based on TPD-oxetane with PFO-TPD-OCH3 and crosslinkable polymer interlayer based on Poly(RO2-spiro-TPA-oxetane), were introduced in polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs). Both interlayers showed resistance to organic solvents and the performance of PLEDs was greatly enhanced when each interlayer was inserted. The maximum luminescence efficiency of 0.147 cd/A at 11 V and the maximum luminescence of 739 cd/m2 at 15 V have been achieved with blue light emitting polymer, Poly(RO2-spirobifluorene). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N,N'-Di(1-nonadecyl)perylene-3,4:9,10-bis(dicarboximide) (PDI-C9) based bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic devices increased the power conversion efficiency (PCE) with increasing PDI-C9 concentration and showed the highest incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 19% at 495 nm and PCE of 0.18% under AM 1.5 (100 mW/cm2) have been achieved with 1:4 ratio of P3HT: PDI-C9. 1,7-Bis(N-pyrrolidinyl)-N,N'-dicyclohexyl-3,4:9,10-perylenebis(dicarboximide) (5-PDI-DI) based devices showed best performance of 9% IPCE at 525 nm and 0.18% (AM 1.5) PCE at 1:1 blend ratio of P3HT: 5-PDI-DI and the PCEs were drastically decreased by increasing 5-PDI-DI ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soluble thiophene-based copolymers, poly[(3-alkylthiophene)-co-(3-thiophene acetic acid)]s (P3AT-co-3TAA-n's), were synthesized to apply to the polymer sensitizer of the polymer-sensitized solar cell devices. In order to improve the solubility and the chemical adsorption onto nanoporous TiO2 layers in the polymer-sensitized solar cell devices, thiophene-based copolymers having the chemical structures of the carboxyl group and the alkyl group were designed. We have fabricated solid-state polymer-sensitized solar cell devices using polymer sensitizers and polymer electrolytes, and investigated on the photovoltaic performances. In the polymer-sensitized solar cell devices using polymer sensitizers, Voc is 0.37-0.46 V, Jsc is 0.82-7.71 mA/cm2, and the power conversion efficiency is 0.14-0.38%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical oxidative polymerization of 3,3-diheptyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b] [14]dioxepine, (heptyl 2 -PDOT) with iron trichloride (FeCl 3 ) gave the regiosymmetric poly(3,3-diheptyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b] [14] dioxepine), poly(heptyl 2 -PDOT), which has a high glass transition temperature (195°C) and a good solubility behavior in most of common solvents. Electrochemically polymerized one showed higher conductivity at the positively applied potential (1.50 × 10 -2 S/cm at +1.0 V) than the negatively applied one (2.99 × 10 -5 S/cm at -0.3 V). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to improve the detection limit for trace herbicides, and to separate all samples within a short time with the combination of temperature and flow programming with micro-reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC). The optimum condition for separation was ACN:0.05 M NaH2PO4 (46:54) (v/v), pH = 4.3, 40°C. The mass sensitivity is in the range between 0.086 × 10−13 g and 3.34 × 10−13 g in micro-HPLC (HPLC). Micro-HPLC exhibits higher mass sensitivity and better heat transfer than conventional HPLC. Thus, in the case of micro-HPLC, the retention behavior of herbicides is easily determined according to the change of temperature. Especially, retention of triazines is decreased to a lesser extent with the increase of column temperature than that of other herbicides. This tendency has been accounted for the thermodynamic parameters ΔH° and ΔS°. The ΔS° for triazines is less negative than that for phenoxy acids, esters, and others. The chromatograms of herbicides were obtained within a short time with using both temperature and flow gradient, than with isocratic, isothermal, and isorheic conditions. When the mobile phase flow rate and the column temperature were changed simultaneously during the separation run, the analysis time was shortened up to 50%, while the separation efficiency was preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By use of HPLC-UV-APCI-MS, the chemical nature of chlorophyll degradation products (CpD) in the excreta of the silkworm (Bombyx mori) was clarified in relation to its photosensitizing efficacy in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of tumors in vitro. Besides CpD from silkworm excreta aged in nature for more than a year, mulberry leaves, substances in the digestive system of silkworms fed on the mulberry leaves, and fresh excreta less than 24 hrs old were analyzed and compared. The CpDs isolated were separated and characterized, and their photosensitizing efficacy in experimental PDT was evaluated. Among the agents characterized by HPLC-UV-APCI-MS, pheophorbide-a and pyropheophorbide-a exerted the most potent photosensitizing effect in vitro. Although these pigments were detected in silkworm excreta, the amounts extracted were significantly higher in materials aged for more than one year. Yields from fresh excreta or digestive tract contents were lower than from stored excreta. None of those CpDs were detected in mulberry leaves. Natural environments presumably provide favorable conditions for the degradation of chlorophyll to pheophorbide-a and/or pyropheophobide-a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow field-flow fractionation (FlFFF) is a high-resolution technique for separating and characterizing particulate materials into well-defined particle fractions by size in the approximate diameter range 1–100 µm. Retention of the sample particle is affected by the property of the accumulation wall, which is composed of a polymer membrane. In this work, retention behavior of three polystyrene latex spheres (having diameters of 50, 105, and 152 nm), high and low charged synthetic polymeric particles (having diameters of 115 and 180 nm), and 5, 10, 20 nm-sized gold colloid standards are studied on two different types of membranes; a hydrophilic regenerated cellulose membrane and a hydrophobic polysulfone membrane. Both membranes have the same molecular weight cutoff of 10 kDa. Retention was measured for each sample at various pH and ionic strength of the carrier liquid. Several kinds of surfactants were also tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sample treatment procedure, and the experimental parameters that need to be considered in size analysis of diesel soot particles using field-flow fractionation (FFF), are discussed. A probe-type sonication of 10 min in water containing 0.05% of Triton X-100 provides well-dispersed suspension of the soot particles. Sample treatment is found to be important for reduction in particle-particle interaction and, thus, for preparation of well-dispersed soot suspension. FFF elution profile of untreated suspension has a long tailing that does not return to the baseline until the external field is removed. The scanning electron micrographs show that the untreated suspension contains aggregated particles. Extraction of chemicals is also found to be important for preparation of welldispersed suspension. The suspensions prepared without the extraction step, have broader and larger size distributions than those prepared with the extraction step, due to the presence of soluble organic fractions (SOF) that cause particle-aggregation. FFF provides an excellent repeatability in size analysis of soot particles. The standard deviation of the mean diameter measured by FlFFF was 3.6%. Both Flow FFF (FlFFF) and sedimentation FFF (SdFFF) are tested for size analysis of soot particles. SdFFF provides higher size-selectivity than FlFFF and is less problematic in terms of the particle-channel interaction. Unlike in SdFFF, FlFFF analysis does not require the density information and, thus, the fractogram can be directly transformed to the size distribution. But FlFFF provides lower size-selectivity and has narrower dynamic range than SdFFF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiangiogenic therapy is a recognized method for countering the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and improving anti-tumor immunity. PB101 is a glycosylated decoy receptor that binds to VEGF-A and PlGF with high affinity, based on the VEGFR1 backbone. Here, we elucidated PB101-induced remodeling of tumor angiogenesis and immunity, which enhances anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade. PB101 inhibited tumor growth by suppressing angiogenesis and enhancing CD8+ T cell infiltration into the tumors. PB101 induced robust reprogramming of antitumor immunity and activates intratumoral CD8+ T cells. Anti-tumor efficacy of PB101 is mostly dependent on CD8+ T cells and IFN-γ. PB101 reprograms tumor immunity in a manner distinct from that of the conventional VEGF decoy receptor, VEGF-trap. With its potent immune-modulating capability, PB101 synergizes with an anti-PD-L1, triggering strengthened antitumor immunity. Combining PB101 and anti-PD-L1 could establish durable protective immunity against tumor recurrence and metastasis. The findings of this study offer scientific rationales for further clinical development of PB101, particularly when used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, as a potential treatment for advanced cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteopenia, sarcopenia, and vascular calcification (VC) are prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease and often coexist. In the absence of proven therapies, it is necessary to develop therapeutic or preventive nutrients supplementation for osteopenia, sarcopenia, and VC. The present study investigated the effect of omega-3 fatty acid (FA) and menaquinone-7 (MK-7) on osteopenia, sarcopenia, and VC in adenine and low-protein diet-induced uremic rats. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing 0.75% adenine and 2.5% protein for three weeks. Rats were randomly divided into four groups that were fed diets containing 2.5% protein for four weeks: adenine control (0.9% saline), omega-3 FA (300 mg/kg/day), MK-7 (50 µg/kg/day), and omega-3 FA/MK-7. Von Kossa staining for aortic calcification assessment was performed. Osteoclast surface/bone surface ratio (OcS/BS) of bone and muscle fiber were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) immunohistochemical staining was done in the aorta and bone. Molecules related with sarcopenia were analyzed using western blotting. Compared to the normal control, OcS/BS and aortic calcification, and OPG staining in the aorta and bone were significantly increased in the adenine controls. OPG staining and aortic calcification progressed the least in the group supplemented with both omega-3 FA/MK-7. In the adenine controls, the regular arrangement of muscle fiber was severely disrupted, and inflammatory cell infiltration was more prominent. These findings were reduced after combined supplementation with omega-3 FA/MK-7. Furthermore, decreased mammalian target of rapamycin and increased Forkhead box protein 1 expression was significantly restored by combined supplementation. Combined nutrients supplementation with omega-3 FA and MK-7 may be helpful for aortic VC prevention, reducing osteoclast activation and improving sarcopenia-related molecules in adenine and low-protein diet induced uremic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incremental peritoneal dialysis (iPD) can be useful in patients with residual renal function (RRF). RRF was well preserved and similar survival was shown in iPD compared to conventional PD (cPD) in previous study. However, the long-term survival of iPD remains unclear compared to cPD in diabetic patients. This study evaluated whether patient survival, hospitalization and peritonitis, and PD survival in iPD were lower than cPD or not. We conducted a 12-year retrospective observational study of 303 PD patients (232 cPD and 71 iPD) using propensity score matching by age, gender, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Finally, 78 cPD patients and 39 iPD patients were included and 44 patients had DM. Incremental PD was defined as starting PD with two or three manual exchanges per day. The median duration of iPD was 24.1 months and iPD had higher RRF than cPD. Compared to cPD, the patient survival, PD survival and hospitalization benefits were not found in iPD but diabetic iPD patients had significantly longer survival and less hospitalization. Cumulative risk for peritonitis was lower iPD and PD duration of iPD was longer than those of cPD. The iPD was an independent factor associated with survival in patients with DM. Incremental PD may be a safe PD modality to initiate and maintain PD in less uremic patients with tolerable RRF. Incremental PD would be a benefit for survival in diabetic patients. Further prospective studies are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of iPD in PD patients with similar RRF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel alternating copolymers containing 9,9-dioctylfluorene and thiophene derivatives, poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl)-alt-(4,4'-bis(3''-hexyl-2''thienyl)-biphenyl-5”,5''-diyl)] (P1), poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl)-alt-(5,5'-bis(3''-hexyl-2”thienyl)-2,2'-bithiophenyl-5”,5''-diyl)] (P2), and poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl)-alt-(5,5'-bis(3''-hexyl-2''thienyl)-2,2'-biselenophenyl-5”,5''-diyl)] (P3) were synthesized by a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki polymerization. The synthesis, thermal stability, as well as the optical and electrochemical properties of these polymers are systematically investigated. The polymers were thermally stable up to 400°C, and readily soluble in common organic solvent. The absorption and emission maxima of the copolymers varied according to the type of incorporated aromatic group (thiophene, selenophene, or phenylene). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have fabricated organic solar cells using highly conductive poly 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene: poly styrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), which are modified by adding 5 wt. -% ethylene glycol (EG) as an anode without using transparent conducting oxide (TCO). The conductivity of the modified PEDOT:PSS (PEDOT:PSS-EG) film with ethylene glycol (EG) additive was enhanced by three orders of magnitude. With the modified PEDOT:PSS film, we investigated the transmittance of visible range light at various film thicknesses and device performance levels on ITO-free organic solar cells-based highly conductive polymer anodes. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) was governed by the series resistance, which directly determines a short circuit current density (Jsc). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to confirm the application possibility to the molecular electronic device, the morphological property of arachidic acid (AA) was investigated. We have determined morphology by BAM and AFM. π-A curves investigated surface pressure of this LB film from liquid to solid state ranged between 40 to 45 mN/m. BAM images investigated the different states of AA LB film. When the surface pressure reaches at 40 mN/m, the monolayer was deposited onto the hydrophilic glass substrates by Y-type deposition. We investigated morphological property of arachidic acid by AFM. As a result, we obtained the frequency characteristic and morphology of LB films from controlling the deposited layers. In this paper, I review this subject mainly based on our recent results in merocyanine dye. LB films of merocyanine dye, mixed with arachidic acid, exhibit J-aggregate formation and have been serving as typical systems in revealing the physical and structural aspects of nano-sized molecular aggregates constructed as muiltilayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 play a key dysfunction of T lymphocytes. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the prognostic role of tumor- TILs and its relationship with PD-L1 expression in stage II and III colon cancer.Methods: Immunohistochemisty was used to assess the densities of CD8+, CD4+, and FOXP3+ cells, and PD-L1 expression in intraepithelial tumor site from 58 stage II and III colon cancers. These were evaluated for association with histopathologic features and overall survival.Results: PD-L1-positive tumors contained a higher number of CD8+ TILs with statistical significance (p = 0.001). CD4+ TILs showed positive correlation with PD-L1 expression (p = 0.034). There were no associations between PD-L1 expression and FOXP3+ TILs. Microsatellite instability (MSI)-high status (p = 0.001; Odd ration 18.0; 95% CI = 4.3-74.8) was the strongest prognostic factor along with mucinous/poor cell differentiation, CD8 and right tumor location was associated with PD-L1 expression (p = 0.024, 0.035 and 0.033, respectively).Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PD-L1 expression was associated with MSI-high, increased CD8+ TILs, mucinous and poor cell differentiation, and right-sided tumor location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD)-1 and elongase-6 (Elovl-6) are associated with fatty acid (FA) synthesis. We evaluated the effect of omega-3 FA on erythrocyte membrane FA contents through SCD-1 and Elovl-6 expression in the liver and kidney of a cyclosporine (CsA)-induced rat model. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control, CsA, and CsA treated with omega-3 FA groups. We measured SCD-1 and Elovl-6 expression levels via western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. Results: Erythrocyte membrane oleic acid content was lower in the CsA with omega-3 FA group compared to the CsA group. Compared to the control group, CsA-induced rats showed elevated SCD-1 expression in the kidney and liver, which omega-3 FA treatment reversed. Elovl-6 expression was increased in the liver, but decreased in the kidney in CsA group compared to control, which omega-3 FA treatment also reversed. Conclusions: Omega-3 FA supplementation decreased erythrocyte membrane oleic acid content by modulating SCD-1 and Elovl-6 expression in the kidney and liver of CsA-induced rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CKD-11101 (biosimilar darbepoetin-alfa, Chong Kun Dang Pharm.) compared with NESP® in treatment of anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03431623.Method: In this multi-centre, randomized, double-blind study, patients were treated with CKD-11101 and NESP. The efficacy evaluation period (EEP) was 24 weeks, during which patients were treated every 2 weeks. All patients who completed the EEP were treated with CKD-11101 every 2 weeks for the first 4 weeks and every 4 weeks for the safety evaluation period (SEP), which was from 24 weeks to 52 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in mean haemoglobin (Hb) level from baseline to end of EEP and mean dose needed to achieve the target Hb.Results: The mean Hb level was increased in both groups during the EEP (both p < 0.001). The difference in mean Hb level change between the two groups was 0.01 g/dL (95% CI = -0.213-0.242), indicating that CKD-11101 was equivalent to NESP. The difference in mean administration dose between groups was -1.40 mcg (95% CI = -6.859-4.059) included in the equivalent range. The incidence of AEs and ADRs was not different between the two groups, and the frequency of ADRs was favourable in both groups (1.2% in CKD-11101 vs 7.7% in the NESP to CKD-11101 conversion group).Conclusion: CKD-11101 has an equivalent therapeutic effect as NESP in chronic kidney disease patients with renal anaemia. CKD-11101 can be safely used for long-term treatment and in patients converted from NESP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim:Coronary artery calcification (CAC) score on computed tomography (CT) or vascular calcification (VC) scores on plain radiographs are associated with cardiovascular events and fracture. We investigated which VC score among several VC scores on plain radiographs is predictor of CAC, and whether VC scores are related with bone mineral density (BMD) in dialysis patients. Methods:We checked several plain radiographs (hands and pelvis [HP], feet and lateral lumbar spine), BMD and multidetector CT scans of 55 patients maintaining dialysis in this cross-sectional study. We analyzed data to find predictors for severe CAC which was defined as CAC scores >400 on CT. Results:Patients with severe CAC on CT had a higher proportion of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) score ≥5, HP score ≥3 and feet ≥1 than those without severe CAC. The CAC score on CT was positively correlated with all VC scores on plain radiographs. The AAC and CAC scores were negatively correlated with T-scores for the BMD at the forearm and positively correlated with osteoprotegerin levels. Among several VC scores on plain radiographs, the AAC ≥5 were independently associated with severe CAC on CT. Conclusions:Several plain radiographs evaluating VC scores, including a lateral lumbar spine view at the very least, can replace CT checking CAC score in dialysis patients. The AAC score ≥5 may not only reveal severe CAC but also give a hint of low bone mass at the forearm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the electrical and optical properties of single-layered films of indium tin oxide (ITO) and aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) as well as of double-layered ITO/AZO films. These transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films were deposited by sputtering. The ITO/AZO film (500/250 nm thick) had a transmittance slightly higher than that of the ITO film in the visible region, and exhibited slightly lower resistivity than that of the ITO film. These results suggested that photoelectric devices based on double-layered TCO films could be expected to exhibit higher photocurrents. To determine whether this was the case, we used the double-layered ITO/AZO film as the anode electrode in an organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell. The cell was found to exhibit better device performance than that of an OPV cell based on the single-layered ITO film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical implications of a positive central venous catheter (CVC) tip culture with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MRAB) in patients without concurrent bacteremia. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study was conducted in 9 teaching hospitals in the Republic of Korea from May 2008 to April 2012. Study subjects included adult patients (aged ≥ 18 y) who yielded an MRAB-positive CVC tip culture without concurrent MRAB bacteremia. All patients were observed for the development of subsequent MRAB bacteremia for 6 months after CVC removal. Multivariable Firth logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors independently associated with subsequent MRAB bacteremia. Results: During the study period, subsequent MRAB bacteremia was observed in 18.8% of patients (21/112). Of the 112 patients, 23 (20.5%) did not show systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). None of the 23 patients without SIRS presented with subsequent MRAB bacteremia. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that prior administration of carbapenems (odds ratio (OR) 7.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43-34.77) or corticosteroids (OR 6.67, 95% CI 1.19-37.44), and C-reactive protein ≥ 40 mg/l (OR 18.11, 95% CI 2.22-148.07) were positive predictive factors. Prior acquisition of MRAB at a site other than the catheter (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.03-0.39) was a negative predictive factor for developing MRAB bacteremia. Conclusions: Our results suggest that patients with a CVC tip colonized with MRAB should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of subsequent MRAB bacteremia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is associated with poor outcome. Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker related to fluid volume overload, and is elevated in AKI patients. The purpose of the study was to assess whether BNP levels at the time of starting CRRT could be used as a predictor of mortality in patients with AKI receiving CRRT. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study enrolling 149 patients with AKI receiving CRRT. The primary outcome was mortality during CRRT. Results: The median BNP level of 84 (56.3%) patients who expired was significantly higher than that of those who survived (1812.5 vs. 475.0 pg/mL; p = 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated BNP levels as a predictor of mortality during CRRT with an area under the curve of 0.77 ( p = 0.000), and the optimal threshold for BNP was 1054 pg/mL. Patients with BNP levels above 1054 pg/mL had a significantly higher mortality (76.6 vs. 34.7%; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Elevated BNP level is associated with mortality in patients with AKI receiving CRRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The survival of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) has improved over the past decade, but their mortality rate remains high. The aim of the current study was to identify correctable and uncorrectable factors influencing survival according to the elapsed time in patients undergoing PD. We retrospectively analyzed data from medical records of 118 patients who had undergone PD for >6 months. We analyzed laboratory findings at three time points (point of PD initiation, 6-month point of PD and 3-month point prior to death or last follow-up) during PD treatment and prescribed medications taken for >50% of the follow-up period. Three-year survival group was younger, had lower prevalence rates of ischemic heart disease ( p = 0.024) and heart failure (HF) (8.5% vs . 34.6%, p = 0.003), higher serum albumin levels (albumin 2) at the 6-month point of PD, and higher serum albumin (albumin3) and creatinine (creatinine3) levels at the 3-month point prior to death or last follow-up than nonsurvival group. Patients without underlying HF, patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers during the last 6 months ( p = 0.0042), and those having creatinine 3 >9.5 mg/dL ( p = 0.0029), and albumin 2 ( p = 0.0209) and albumin 3 >3.5 g/dL ( p = 0.0003) showed significantly higher survival curves. HF and albumin 3 were found to be independent factors for 3-year survival and long-term survival, respectively, by the multivariate Cox regression model. In conclusion, HF was useful information for predicting 3-year survival, and low serum albumin levels according to elapsed time should be corrected for survival of PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are common clinical diseases, but only a few reports of microbiological data on SSTIs in Korea have been published. In practice, specimens are rarely obtained from infected lesions unless there is visible pus or an abscess pocket. However, identification of the causative pathogen is important, because of emerging drug resistance and the increase in immunocompromised hosts. Methods: The medical records of 760 adult cases of community-acquired SSTIs (CA-SSTIs) from September 2003 to August 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. We analyzed epidemio-clinical features and microbiological distributions of CA-SSTIs and evaluated the positive culture rate of several diagnostic methods, including swab, tissue biopsy, blind needle aspiration, ultrasonography (US)-guided needle aspiration, and US-guided gun biopsy. Results: Most CA-SSTIs (76.1%) occurred in previously healthy persons without underlying diseases. Re-infections were identified in 76 (10%) patients and cirrhosis was an independent risk factor for re-infection (odds ratio 3.64, 95% confidence interval 1.36-9.76). The most commonly identified pathogen was methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, and 3rd-generation cephalosporins were the most commonly used empirical antibiotics (47.9%). US-guided needle aspiration had a high positive culture rate of 73.9% and the positive culture rate of US-guided gun biopsy was 17.5%. Conclusions: Considering the microbiological distribution of CA-SSTIs in Korea, penicillinase-stable penicillin or a 1st-generation cephalosporin should be adequate for initial antibiotic treatment. US-guided needle aspiration was a good technique for the identification of causative pathogens, and additive productivity is expected with US-guided gun biopsy culture from lesions without fluid collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsaicin (N-vanillyl-8-methyl-1-nonenamide) is a major pungent ingredient in hot peppers and induces apoptosis in malignant carcinoma cell lines. However, the adverse effects of capsaicin on neuronal development have not been fully explored. The aim of this study was to determine whether capsaicin affected murine-derived cerebellar multi-potent neural progenitor cells (NPC) or adult hippocampal neurogenesis in vivo. Capsaicin dose-dependently suppressed NPC proliferation, and higher concentrations were cytotoxic. Capsaicin decreased the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) without markedly affecting p38 kinases. Capsaicin reduced the number of newly generated cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus but did not significantly alter learning and memory performance in young adult mice. Interestingly, capsaicin decreased ERK activation in the hippocampus, suggesting that reduced ERK signaling may be involved in the capsaicin-mediated regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we fabricated and compared the photovoltaic properties of two different kinds of PEDOT:PSS buffer layer systems. The first was with the PEDOT:PSS buffer layers of different PEDOT to PSS ratios, 1 to 2.5 for Baytron P and 1 to 6 for Baytron PVP AI4083, respectively. The second system included the buffer layers with the same PEDOT to PSS ratio, but with the changed conductivities by doping with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt% of glycerol. The power conversion efficiency was governed by the series resistance of the device and the resistivity of the applied PEDOT:PSS films, while the parallel resistance and the diode rectification characteristics are affected by the ratio of PEDOT to PSS on buffer layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentation field-flow fractionation (SdFFF) provides a mass based separation, and, thus, a size based separation for particles of uniform density. In this study, SdFFF was employed for separation and determination of size distributions of silver nanoparticles of about 100 nm in diameter. The relative abundances of each population in binary mixtures of silver nanoparticles were determined by mathematically deconvoluting the SdFFF fractograms. Various experimental parameters, including the field strength (channel rotation rate), flow rate, and the carrier composition, were varied to find an optimum SdFFF condition for separation and analysis of silver nanoparticles. The field and/or flow programming were also tested to improve the resolution. The silver nanoparticles were not resolved well when pure water was used as the carrier, due to charge interactions among the particles and between the particles and the channel wall. Water with 0.1% FL-70 was chosen as the dispersing medium and also as the carrier for SdFFF analysis of silver nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we report the fabrication of bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices with combination of three materials. A blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly(2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) has been used as donor polymer. A fullerene derivative, [6, 6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) is used as an electron acceptor material. The donor blend ratio (50:50) is kept constant whereas the ratio of donor to acceptor is varied. The influence of the active layer thickness, and cathode metals on photovoltaic performance has been investigated. The results are compared with the performances of MEH-PPV:PCBM and P3HT:PCBM photovoltaic devices fabricated in similar conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room temperature ionic liquids have been used as electrolytes to investigate the performance and the characteristics in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We focused on quasi-solid state electrolyte using ionic liquids, which are non-volatile liquids having relatively high conductivities. We studied the performance of the DSSC device with different anion or cation structures of ionic liquids. The power conversion efficiency of the DSSC device using [EMIm]+[PF6]- under 100 mA/cm2 is achieved up to 4.37%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new class of high brightness and luminance efficiency of poly[2-{4-[5-(3-(3,7-dimethyloctyloxy)phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl]phenyl}-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (C10PhOxa-PPV) was synthesized by Gilch polymerization. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) and the polydispersity of C10PhOxa-PPV were found to be 2.7 × 104 and 2.6, respectively. Double-layer light-emitting device with an ITO/PEDOT/C10PhOxa-PPV/Al was fabricated and characterized. The maximum brightness, and luminance efficiency of C10PhOxa-PPV showed values of up to 8.3 cd/A and 4,426 cd/m2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]