Search

The escalating threat of bacterial infections to human health necessitates innovative antibacterial strategies and materials. Despite this need, there is still a significant demand for materials that combine high mechanical and thermal properties with biocompatibility. To address these urgent issues, our study investigates the development of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite with graphene flakes (GF) as fillers. The aim is to strengthen the unique properties of graphene to enhance antibacterial activity. Graphene oxide (GO) was used as a surfactant to achieve stable graphene dispersion in water, preserving its inherent properties while avoiding the drawbacks associated with common surfactants, such as property reduction and complex removal processes. In this study, the mechanical and thermal properties of PVA composites containing GO and GF are superior to those of pristine PVA. Especially, the PVA‐2 composite exhibited a notable enhancement in both tensile strength and elongation at break compared with the PVA composite, with increases of 7.8% and 15% respectively. Moreover, PVA‐2, 4, and 6 composites exhibit significant antibacterial efficacy, achieving 4.8 and 4.9 log CFU/cm2 for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. These results indicate that the enhanced oxidative stress induced by GO as a surfactant, combined with the physical damage caused by the increased GF nanostructures. This study highlights the potential of PVA/GF/GO composites in biomedical and tissue engineering applications, providing a promising pathway for the development of new antibacterial materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global incidence of liver diseases is rising, yet there remains a dearth of precise research models to mimic these diseases. The use of normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) to study diseased livers recovered from liver transplantation (LT) recipients presents a promising avenue. Accordingly, we have developed a machine perfusion system tailored specifically for the human whole diseased livers and present our experience from the NMP of diseased livers. Methods: Six diseased livers recovered from LT recipients with different diagnoses were collected. The diseased livers were connected to the machine perfusion system that circulated tailored perfusate, providing oxygen and nutrients. The pressure and flow of the system were recorded, and blood gas analysis and laboratory tests of perfusate and bile were examined to analyze the function of the diseased livers. Liver tissues before and after NMP were collected for histological analysis. Results: Experiments showed that the system maintained the diseased livers in a physiological state, ensuring stable hemodynamics and a suitable partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The results of blood gas analysis and laboratory tests demonstrated a restoration and sustenance of metabolism with minimal damage. Notably, a majority of the diseased livers exhibited bile production continuously, signifying their vivid functional integrity. The pathological characteristics remained stable before and after NMP. Conclusion: We successfully established the machine perfusion system tailored specifically for diseased human whole livers. Through the application of this system, we have developed a novel in vitro model that faithfully recapitulates the main features of human liver disease. This model holds immense promise as an advanced disease modeling platform, offering profound insights into liver diseases and potential implications for research and therapeutic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gemigliptin and dapagliflozin dual add‐on therapy (GEMI + DAPA) to metformin in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients who had inadequate glycaemic control on metformin alone, compared with a single add‐on of either gemigliptin (GEMI) or dapagliflozin (DAPA) to metformin. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, active‐controlled, parallel‐group, phase 3 study, 469 T2D patients treated with a stable dose of metformin for 8 weeks or longer were randomized to receive GEMI + DAPA (n = 157) and either GEMI (n = 156) or DAPA (n = 156). The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c levels from baseline at week 24. Results: Baseline characteristics including body mass index and T2D duration were similar among groups. At week 24, the least square mean changes in HbA1c from baseline were −1.34% with GEMI + DAPA, −0.90% with GEMI (difference between GEMI + DAPA vs. GEMI −0.44% [95% confidence interval {CI}: −0.58% to −0.31%], P <.01) and −0.78% with DAPA (difference between GEMI + DAPA vs. DAPA −0.56% [95% CI: −0.69% to −0.42%], P <.01). Both upper CIs were less than 0, demonstrating the superiority of GEMI + DAPA for lowering HbA1c. The rates of responders achieving HbA1c less than 7% and less than 6.5% were greater with GEMI + DAPA (84.9%, 56.6%) than with GEMI (55.3%, 32.2%) and DAPA (49.3%, 15.3%). The incidence rate of adverse events was similar across groups, with low incidence rates of hypoglycaemia, urinary tract infection and genital infection. Conclusions: These results suggest that the addition of GEMI + DAPA to metformin as triple combination therapy was effective, safe and well‐tolerated, especially for T2D patients who experienced poor glycaemic control on metformin alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts coordination between the bladder and the external urinary sphincter (EUS), leading to transient or permanent voiding impairment, which is more severe in males. Male versus female differences in spinal circuits related to the EUS as well as post‐SCI rewiring are essential for understanding of sex‐/gender‐specific impairments and possible recovery mechanisms. To quantitatively assess differences between EUS circuits in males versus females and in spinal intact (SI) versus SCI animals, we retrogradely traced and counted EUS‐related neurons. In transgenic ChAT‐GFP mice, motoneurons (MNs), interneurons (INs), and propriospinal neurons (PPNs) were retrogradely trans‐synaptically traced with PRV614‐red fluorescent protein (RFP) injected into EUS. EUS‐MNs in dorsolateral nucleus (DLN) were separated from other GFP+ MNs by tracing them with FluoroGold (FG). We found two morphologically distinct cell types in DLN: FG+ spindle‐shaped bipolar (SB‐MNs) and FG− rounded multipolar (RM‐MNs) cholinergic cells. Number of MNs of both types in males was twice as large as in females. SCI caused a partial loss of MNs in all spinal nuclei. After SCI, males showed a fourfold rise in the number of RFP‐labeled cells in retro‐DLN (RDLN) innervating hind limbs. This suggests (a) an existence of direct synaptic interactions between spinal nuclei and (b) a post‐SCI increase of non‐specific inputs to EUS‐MNs from other motor nuclei. Number of INs and PPNs deferred between males and females: In SI males, the numbers of INs and PPNs were ∼10 times larger than in SI females. SCI caused a twofold decrease of INs and PPNs in males but not in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Activation of the endocannabinoid system by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) blockade may affect the lower urinary tract function. We investigated the effect of an MAGL inhibitor, MJN110, on neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in the mouse model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Female C57BL/6 mice that underwent spinal cord transection at T8–10 level were divided into three groups consisting of (1) vehicle‐treated SCI mice, (2) 5 mg/kg, or (3) 10 mg/kg of MJN110‐treated SCI mice. MJN110 and vehicle were administered intraperitoneally for 7 days from 4 weeks after spinal cord transection. We then conducted awake cystometrograms and compared urodynamic parameters between three groups. The expression of cannabinoid (CB) receptors, TRP receptors, and inflammatory cytokines in L6‐S1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) or the bladder mucosa were evaluated and compared among three groups. Changes in the level of serum 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) and bladder MAGL were also evaluated. Results: In the cystometrogram, detrusor overactivity (DO) parameters, such as the number of nonvoiding contraction (NVC), a ratio of time to the 1st NVC to intercontraction interval (ICI), and NVC integrals were improved by MJN110 treatment, and some effects were dose dependent. Although MJN110 did not improve voiding efficiency, it decreased bladder capacity, ICI, and residual urine volume compared to vehicle injection. MJN110 treatment groups had lower CB2, TRPV1, TRPA1, and inflammatory cytokines mRNA levels in DRG and bladder mucosa. Serum 2‐AG was increased, and bladder MAGL was decreased after MAGL inhibitor treatment. Conclusions: MAGL inhibition improved LUTD including attenuation of DO after SCI. Thus, MAGL can be a therapeutic target for neurogenic LUTD after SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are Quaternary paleochannels in the left bank of the lower reaches of the Taedong River in the southeastern side of Pyongyang. We aimed to determine the possibility to find Paleolithic sites by locating terraces and paleochannels using digital elevation models (DEM) and Landsat ETM+. The study on paleochannels focused on survey of terrace of the 80–100 m high, associated with the Paleolithic site, performing topography (elevation, slope and aspect) analysis with DEM data and FCC (False Color Component), BR (Band Ratio), PCA (Principal Component Analysis), ISODATA, and SAM with Landsat ETM+ image. The results show that the analysis method using DEM and ETM+ is effective to find Paleolithic sites through surveys of terrace and paleochannel and analysis of facies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have revealed the potential of 2D moiré superlattices as a condensed matter quantum simulator. The realization of different lattice model Hamiltonians in moiré superlattices has become the focus of researches. Here, it shows that, compared to bilayer moiré superlattices where there is only one interface, the interference between moiré patterns at different interfaces in 2D multilayer structures allows the physical realization of more complicated lattice models. The concept is demonstrated by trilayer moiré superlattices (TMSLs) of MoS2, where it finds that isolated flat moiré bands appear near the valence band edge, and they can be described by the honeycomb lattice ionic Hubbard model. More importantly, the hopping strength, the on‐site Coulomb repulsion, and the staggered potential in the TMSLs are highly tunable through the control of the twist angle, the dielectric environment, and the perpendicular electric field. It is possible to achieve various transitions between distinct quantum phases in the TMSLs, spanning from weak to strong correlation regimes. Therefore, the proposed TMSLs can serve as a good platform to study the strong correlation physics in the honeycomb lattice ionic Hubbard model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study whether fund managers' industry experience is an important source of value creation in hedge fund activism. We find that the targets of industry‐expert fund managers realize higher activism announcement returns and better operating performance, particularly when fund managers' industry expertise is more valuable for targets. These targets also engage in more focused acquisition and divestiture activities in industries where fund managers have experience, allocate more employees to these industries, and cut investments more in the postacquisition period. The superior performance of targets of industry‐expert fund managers is robust to controlling for the endogeneity concern and the attrition bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced continental phosphorus input into the ocean has been suggested as a potential trigger for the transient oxygenation events during the mid‐Proterozoic; however, the response of phosphorus cycling to these marine oxygenations remains unclear. Here, we report the changes in phosphorus cycling associated with a ∼1.7 Ga transient oxygenation. Abundant authigenic aluminum phosphate–sulfate mineral svanbergite (SrAl3(PO4) (SO4) (OH)6; 8.02 ± 4.92 wt%) is identified within the ∼1.7 Ga Yunmengshan ironstones from the Xiong'er Basin, North China and other contemporaneous basins. This observation provides new evidence to support the suggestion that early diagenetic aluminum phosphate‐sulfate minerals could have represented a critical sink of marine phosphorus during the Proterozoic. We suggest that atmospheric oxygenation and concomitant changes in porewater redox chemistry may have enhanced the formation of early diagenetic phosphates, leading to a negative feedback on the oceanic phosphorus reservoir and atmospheric oxygen levels. Plain Language Summary: It becomes increasingly clear that multiple transient oxygenation events likely punctuated the low background oxygen world during the mid‐Proterozoic. This may imply that a negative feedback could have inhibited a secular rise in atmospheric oxygen, though the deoxygenation mechanisms remain unclear. Phosphorus (P) availability regulated primary production and therefore controlled the atmospheric oxygen levels during this time, and oxygenation would in turn affect phosphorus cycling. Here we investigate the P cycling during a ca. 1.7 Ga transient oxygenation using mineralogical and geochemical methods. The results show an enhanced phosphorus burial during this transient oxygenation. The elevated phosphorus and sulfate inputs from the enhanced continental weathering and oxygenation may have promoted the formation of aluminum phosphate‐sulfate minerals. This, in turn, reduced the bio‐availability of phosphorus in the marine environment, ultimately limiting marine productivity and leading to a negative feedback on the oxygenation event. This study highlights that phosphorus cycling pathway, which was previously overlooked, may have played a role in the deoxygenation during the intermittent oxygenation events in the mid‐Proterozoic. Key Points: Abundant phosphorus and sulfur precipitation as authigenic svanbergite is associated with the ∼1.7 Ga transient oxygenationThe oxygenation resulted in suboxic and acidic porewater conditions rich in P‐ and sulfate, facilitating the authigenesis of svanbergiteThe enhanced P and S burial as svanbergite represents a significant but overlooked negative feedback during the transient oxygenation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We examined sex differences of lower urinary tract function and molecular mechanisms in mice with and without spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: SCI was induced by Th8−9 spinal cord transection in male and female mice. We evaluated cystometrograms (CMG) and electromyography (EMG) of external urethral sphincter (EUS) at 6 weeks after SCI in spinal intact (SI) and SCI mice. The mRNA levels of Piezo2 and TRPV1 were measured in L6‐S1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Protein levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the bladder mucosa was evaluated using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Sex differences were found in the EUS behavior during voiding as voiding events in female mice with or without SCI occurred during EUS relaxation periods without EUS bursting activity whereas male mice with or without SCI urinated during EUS bursting activity in EMG recordings. In both sexes, SCI decreased voiding efficiency along with increased tonic EUS activities evident as reduced EUS relaxation time in females and longer active periods of EUS bursting activity in males. mRNA levels of Piezo2 and TRPV1 of DRG in male and female SCI mice were significantly upregulated compared with SI mice. NGF in the bladder mucosa showed a significant increase in male and female SCI mice compared with SI mice. However, there were no significant differences in Piezo2 or TRPV1 levels in DRG or NGF protein levels in the bladder mucosa between male and female SCI mice. Conclusions: We demonstrated that female and male mice voided during EUS relaxation and EUS bursting activity, respectively. Also, upregulation of TRPV1 and Piezo2 in L6‐S1 DRG and NGF in the bladder could be involved in SCI‐induced lower urinary tract dysfunction in both sexes of mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earth's biosphere witnessed the first major extinction event in the Phanerozoic during the Cambrian Age 4, with a genera loss up to ∼45%. The traditional view suggested that marine anoxia was the main cause of the biotic crisis, yet recent geochemical investigations yielded highly debated opinions on marine redox states during the Cambrian Age 4. Herein, we supplement new geochemical evidence for expanded marine euxinia at the extinction intervals on the Yangtze Platform, South China. Most importantly, modern‐level sedimentary δ98Mo (∼+2.34‰) records were most parsimoniously explained by transitory expansion of continental margin euxinia and concomitant intensification of sedimentary Mo sequestration via Fe‒Mn shuttles in the global ocean. The results clarify global marine redox conditions during the Cambrian Age 4, and lend firm support to a causal link between expanded marine euxinia and the extinction event. Plain Language Summary: Marine life experienced the first major mass extinction during the Cambrian Age 4 (∼509–514 Ma) right after the Cambrian explosion, with a genera loss up to ∼45%. The mass extinction was traditionally attributed to expanded marine anoxia in the global ocean based on lithological changes, but geochemical evidence for this scenario is still lacking. Molybdenum (Mo) isotopes can be used to track global marine redox states in ancient oceans. Herein, new Mo isotope data revealed transitory expansion of sulfidic waterbodies on in the global ocean at the major mass extinction intervals. Sulfidic waters enriched in H2S are lethal for marine animals. Therefore, expanded sulfidic waterbodies in the global ocean could have served as a major driver for the mass extinction event. Key Points: Dynamic marine Mo cycling via Fe‒Mn shuttles during the Cambrian Age 4 is revealedRobust Mo isotope evidence for expanded continental margin euxinia in the global ocean during mass extinctionFirm support to a causal link between expanded marine euxinia and the extinction event [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) are currently used as the core memory in computing systems because of their high speed and density. Their demand should continue to grow owing to increased data usage. A unit cell in a DRAM consists of one transistor and one capacitor, and the data are stored in the capacitor. As the size of the unit cell decreases to improve the memory density by aggressive scaling, it is important to secure sufficient capacitance in the capacitor. In this regard, technological advances in the fabrication of capacitors are of great importance; accordingly, the materials and processing of high‐k thin films require developmental innovations. Besides, it is necessary to develop electrode materials that optimize the function of high‐k thin films. In this review, recent advances in achieving sufficient capacitance in DRAM capacitors are summarized from structural and material/process perspectives, and the future direction of DRAM capacitor development is discussed. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a key technique that enables the growth of functional thin films for DRAM capacitors; thus, recent advances in the deposition of high‐k and electrode thin films grown using the ALD technique are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nagashima‐type palmoplantar keratoderma (NPPK) is an autosomal recessive form of diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) characterized by thickening and redness of palms and/or soles. In this report, we describe a female patient of Korean descent who had clinical remission of her adult‐onset NPPK. To our knowledge, she is the first reported heterozygous SERBINB7 mutation carrier to present with classic NPPK who achieved spontaneous clinical remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Prevascularization is vital to accelerate functional blood circulation establishment in transplanted engineered tissue constructs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or mural cells could promote the survival of implanted endothelial cells (ECs) and enhance the stabilization of newly formed blood vessels. However, the dynamic cell–cell interactions between MSCs, mural cells and ECs in the angiogenic processes remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the interactions of human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in an in vitro cell coculture model. Methodology: Human umbilical vascular ECs and DPSCs were directly cocultured or indirectly cocultured with transwell inserts in endothelial basal media‐2 (EBM‐2) supplemented with 5% FBS for 6 days. Expression of SMC‐specific markers in DPSCs monoculture and HUVEC+DPSC cocultures was assessed by western blot and immunofluorescence. Activin A and transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1) in conditioned media (CM) of HUVECs monoculture (E‐CM), DPSCs monoculture (D‐CM) and HUVEC+DPSC cocultures (E+D‐CM) were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. TGF‐β RI kinase inhibitor VI, SB431542, was used to block TGF‐β1/ALK5 signalling in DPSCs. Results: The expression of SMC‐specific markers, α‐SMA, SM22α and Calponin, were markedly increased in HUVEC+DPSC direct cocultures compared to that in DPSCs monoculture, while no differences were demonstrated between HUVEC+DPSC indirect cocultures and DPSCs monoculture. E+D‐CM significantly upregulated the expression of SMC‐specific markers in DPSCs compared to E‐CM and D‐CM. Activin A and TGF‐β1 were considerably higher in E+D‐CM than that in D‐CM, with upregulated Smad2 phosphorylation in HUVEC+DPSC cocultures. Treatment with activin A did not change the expression of SMC‐specific markers in DPSCs, while treatment with TGF‐β1 significantly enhanced these markers' expression in DPSCs. In addition, blocking TGF‐β1/ALK5 signalling inhibited the expression of α‐SMA, SM22α and Calponin in DPSCs. Conclusions: TGF‐β1 was responsible for DPSC differentiation into SMCs in HUVEC+DPSC cocultures, and TGF‐β1/ALK5 signalling pathway played a vital role in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick‐borne disease with high mortality in Eastern Asia. The disease is caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV), also known as Dabie bandavirus, which has a segmented RNA genome consisting of L, M, and S segments. Previous studies have suggested differential viral virulence depending on the genotypes of SFTSV; however, the critical viral factor involved in the differential viral virulence is unknown. Here, we found a significant difference in viral replication in vitro and virulence in vivo between two Korean isolates belonging to the F and B genotypes, respectively. By generating viral reassortants using the two viral strains, we demonstrated that the L segment, which encodes viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), is responsible for the enhanced viral replication and virulence. Comparison of amino acid sequences and viral replication rates revealed a point variation, E251K, on the surface of RdRp to be the most significant determinant for the enhanced viral replication rate and in vivo virulence. The effect of the variation was further confirmed using recombinant SFTSV generated by reverse genetic engineering. Therefore, our results indicate that natural variations affecting the viral replicase activity could significantly contribute to the viral virulence of SFTSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging new mutations after treatment can provide clues to acquired resistant mechanisms. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sequencing has enabled noninvasive repeated tumor mutational profiling. We aimed to investigate newly emerging mutations in ctDNA after disease progression in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Blood samples were prospectively collected from mCRC patients receiving palliative chemotherapy before treatment and at radiological evaluations. ctDNA from pretreatment and progressive disease (PD) samples were sequenced with a next‐generation sequencing panel targeting 106 genes. A total of 712 samples from 326 patients were analyzed, and 381 pretreatment and PD pairs (163 first‐line, 85 second‐line and 133 later‐line [≥third‐line]) were compared. New mutations in PD samples (mean 2.75 mutations/sample) were observed in 49.6% (189/381) of treatments. ctDNA samples from later‐line had more baseline mutations (P =.002) and were more likely to have new PD mutations (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40‐3.69) compared to first‐line. RAS/BRAF wild‐type tumors were more likely to develop PD mutations (adjusted OR 1.87, 95% CI: 1.22‐2.87), independent of cetuximab treatment. The majority of new PD mutations (68.5%) were minor clones, suggesting an increasing clonal heterogeneity after treatment. Pathways involved by PD mutations differed by the treatment received: MAPK cascade (Gene Ontology [GO]: 0000165) in cetuximab and regulation of kinase activity (GO: 0043549) in regorafenib. The number of mutations revealed by ctDNA sequencing increased during disease progression in mCRC. Clonal heterogeneity increased after chemotherapy progression, and pathways involved were affected by chemotherapy regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, enavogliflozin 0.3 mg monotherapy, in Korean people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with diet and exercise. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial conducted in 23 hospitals. Individuals with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7.0%‐10.0% after at least 8 weeks of diet and exercise modification were randomized to receive enavogliflozin 0.3 mg (n = 83) or placebo (n = 84) for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was a change in HbA1c at week 24 from baseline. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of participants achieving HbA1c <7.0%, change in fasting glucose, body weight and lipid levels. Adverse events were investigated throughout the study. Results: At week 24, the placebo‐adjusted mean change in HbA1c from baseline in the enavogliflozin group was −0.99% (95% confidence interval −1.24%, −0.74%). The proportions of patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% (71% vs. 24%) at week 24 was significantly higher in the enavogliflozin group (p <.0001). Placebo‐adjusted mean changes in fasting plasma glucose (−40.1 mg/dl) and body weight (−2.5 kg) at week 24 were statistically significant (p <.0001). In addition, a significant decrease in blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were observed, along with a significant increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. No significant increase in treatment‐related adverse events was observed for enavogliflozin. Conclusions: Monotherapy with enavogliflozin 0.3 mg improved glycaemic control in people with T2DM. Enavogliflozin therapy also exerted beneficial effects on body weight, blood pressure and lipid profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tooth development is a complex process that is tightly controlled by circadian rhythm. Melatonin (MT) is a major hormonal regulator of the circadian rhythm, and influences dentin formation and odontoblastic differentiation during tooth development; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study investigated how MT regulates odontoblastic differentiation, with a special focus on its regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. In rat dental papilla cells (DPCs), we found that MT promotes odontoblastic differentiation concurrently with enhanced mitochondrial fusion, while disruption of mitochondrial fusion by depleting optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) impairs MT‐mediated differentiation and mitochondrial respiratory functions. Through RNA sequencing, we discovered that MT significantly upregulated malic enzyme 2 (ME2), a mitochondrial NAD(P)+‐dependent enzyme, and identified ME2 as a critical MT downstream effector that orchestrates odontoblastic differentiation, mitochondrial fusion, and respiration functions. By detecting the spatiotemporal expression of ME2 in developing tooth germs, and using tooth germ reconstituted organoids, we also provided in vivo and ex vivo evidence that ME2 promotes dentin formation, indicating a possible involvement of ME2 in MT‐modulated tooth development. Collectively, our findings offer novel understandings regarding the molecular mechanism by which MT affects cell differentiation and organogenesis, meanwhile, the critical role of ME2 in MT‐regulated mitochondrial functions is also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of grain refinement on the resistance to pitting corrosion and passive film properties of lean duplex stainless steel (Fe–18.28Cr–5.68Mn–2.38Mo–0.39W–0.30N–0.035C, wt%) are studied. For this purpose, the grain size of this alloy is adjusted to 3, 7, and 17 μm through an annealing process after cold rolling. The pitting corrosion resistance is evaluated through potentiodynamic polarization tests in aqueous solutions containing Cl−. The grain size reduction enhances the resistance to pitting corrosion of the alloy. Mott–Schottky analysis and X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis on the passive films show that, as the grain size decreases, the density of point defects of the film decreases, the film thickness increases, and the cation fraction of Cr of the film increases. The improved resistance to pitting corrosion by grain refinement is attributed to the formation of the thick and dense passive film with a high Cr content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the fabrication of hydrophobic materials and their excellent applications in oil spill cleanup has attracted widespread attention. Herein, we report the rapid and straightforward preparation of ZnCo2O4 nickel foam by hydrothermal synthesis. The prepared sample surfaces possess excellent superlipophilicity and superhydrophobicity after modification by stearic acid, so it can efficiently absorb light and heavy oil in water, and the absorption efficiency is over 99%. Besides, the unmodified ZnCo2O4 nickel foam could be subjected to effective oil–water separation at standard temperature and pressure, and its separation efficiency can be more than 97.4%. After 20 continuous filtration cycles, it can maintain stable high separation efficiency and even work under harsh environmental conditions, like acid, alkali, salt solution, high and low temperature, and ultraviolet radiation. Compared with other methods of manufacturing hydrophobic materials, this method is facile, lower cost, environmentally durable, and highly efficient. Therefore, the as‐prepared ZnCo2O4 nickel foam has good application value in treating oily wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the changes in biofilm‐formation ability, hemolytic/lipase/nuclease/protease activities, and resistance to various bactericidal treatments of Staphylococcus aureus after sublethal treatment with carvacrol and thymol. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of carvacrol and thymol for S. aureus were 0.4 and 0.3 mg/ml, respectively, and sublethal concentrations (1/2 and 1/4 MIC) were determined based on these concentrations. Sublethal treatment with carvacrol and thymol did not change the protease and lipase activities but reduced the hemolytic and nuclease activities of S. aureus. After sublethal treatment with carvacrol and thymol, the biofilm‐formation ability of S. aureus was decreased, which was found to be due to the decrease in cell surface hydrophobicity. In addition, after sublethal treatment with carvacrol and thymol, the resistance of S. aureus to heating and malic acid treatments increased, whereas resistance to ultraviolet and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) decreased, and resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) did not change. The results of this study show that sublethal treatment with carvacrol and thymol can effectively suppress some virulence factors of S. aureus and that applying HOCl or ultraviolet radiation would be an effective subsequent treatment to inactivate S. aureus after sublethal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We hypothesized that ultrasonography for salivary gland stone detection would have a diagnostic accuracy similar to that confirmed by sialendoscopy, sialography, or surgery. Therefore, we evaluated the diagnostic characteristics of ultrasonography in terms of submandibular and parotid stone detection compared to confirmatory methods. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane database to October 31, 2021. The risk of bias was evaluated using the QADAS‐2 tool. Results: Ten studies involving 1393 patients were included in the analysis. The diagnostic odds ratio of ultrasonography was 162.6013 (95% confidence interval [CI] [53.9883; 489.7208] and I2 value 81.0%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.963. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were 0.8992 (95% CI [0.8534; 0.9318]; I2 = 79.9%), 0.9664 (95% CI [0.9290; 0.9844], I2 = 65.6%), 0.8076 (95% CI [0.7256; 0.8694]; I2 = 80.4%), and 0.9853 (95% CI [0.9629; 0.9943]; I2 = 77.4%), respectively. However, high‐level among‐study heterogeneity (I2 ≥ 50%) was evident, attributable to the inclusion of different glands. On subgroup analysis, significant differences in the negative predictive values (parotid gland only [0.9392], submandibular gland only [0.6718], and parotid and submandibular glands [0.8105]) were apparent. We found no significant among‐study difference in the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, or diagnostic odds ratio (P >.05). Conclusion: Ultrasonography usefully detects submandibular and parotid gland stones. Ultrasonography of the parotid gland was associated with the highest diagnostic accuracy, but further clinical studies are needed. Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 132:1785–1791, 2022 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioinspired palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of amino acid derivatives containing a vinyl iodide moiety by C−H activation enabled rapid access to a wide range of functionalized proline derivatives with an exocyclic olefin. To demonstrate the practicality of this methodology, the functionalized prolines were used as intermediates for the synthesis of several natural products: lucentamycin A, oxotomaymycin, oxoprothracarcin, and barmumycin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angular random walk and rate random walk are two dominant random noise components which are inherent in almost gyroscopes. Therefore, modelling these noise components accurately is very important. Here, a modified algorithm is proposed for estimating the two random noise components accurately. Up to now, the statistical modelling of the two random noise components has been conducted by the best linear unbiased estimator, which is based on the formulae for mean, variance and covariance of non‐overlapping Allan variance of them, that is, angular random walk and rate random walk. The modified algorithm is developed by using the best linear unbiased estimator, based on formulae for mean, variance and covariance of fully‐overlapping Allan variance which are newly derived in this paper. Efficiency of the algorithm is evaluated by simulation and experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of asymmetry into a supramolecular system via external chiral stimuli can contribute to the understanding of the intriguing homochirality found in nature. Circularly polarized light (CPL) is regarded as a chiral physical force with right‐ or left‐handedness. It can induce and modulate supramolecular chirality due to preferential interaction with one enantiomer. Herein, this review focuses on the photon‐to‐matter chirality transfer mechanisms at the supramolecular level. Thus, asymmetric photochemical reactions are reviewed, and the creation of a chiral bias upon CPL irradiation is discussed. Furthermore, the possible mechanisms for the amplification and propagation of the bias into the supramolecular level are outlined based on the nature of the photochromic building block. Representative examples, including azobenzene derivatives, polydiacetylene, bicyclic ketone, polyfluorenes, Cn‐symmetric molecules, and inorganic nanomaterials, are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic selenide composites with multiple valence transitions and high theoretical capacities have attracted great attention as lithium‐ion‐battery anodes, but their rapid capacity fading and scarce research limit their development. Herein, novel hybrid ZnSe‐SnSe2 nanoparticles embedded in N‐doped carbon nanocubes (ZSS⊂NCNs) are synthesized by a facile nucleation assembly, carbon coating, and in situ selenation route. The obtained uniform ZSS⊂NCN materials exhibit high surface area, N‐doping carbon shell, extra inner void space, and excellent resilient mechanism nanostructure, which provide amounts of active sites, outstanding electrochemical kinetics, and buffer the volume expansion in the conversion and alloy/dealloy processes. For lithium‐ion‐battery half‐cells, the uniform ZSS⊂NCN materials display a high initial coulombic efficiency of 81.9 %, an increased capacity of 846.6 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 100 cycles, and an excellent rate capability (414.1 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1). When assembled with a LiMn2O4 cathode, the ZSS⊂NCNs//LiMn2O4 full cells also present excellent electrochemical properties. Ex situ XRD analyses at different potentials in the lithiation/delithiation processes confirm a polymorphic phase transformation in the ZSS⊂NCNs. The synthesized ZSS⊂NCN enriched bimetallic selenide composites and the facile synthesis route provide a strategy for other bimetallic selenides, sulfide or phosphide composites with stable nanostructure to be utilized in energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike commercial lithium-ion batteries, the high cost and low ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes (SEs) continues to be a big hurdle in commercially available all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). Rather than the conventional dry-process and high-energy ball milling processes, the productive solution synthesis of bulk-type SEs is the most crucial issue in the successful application of high-energy-density ASSBs. In this study, the way is paved to overcome the hurdle for commercial lithium phosphorus sulfide chloride (LPSCl) SEs via a readily processable bulk-type solution based synthesis without acquiring any high-energy ball-milling processes. By incorporating an elemental sulfur additive during the preparation process, Li2S and S form a polysulfide, and P2S5 is induced to react readily to provide LPSCl with excellent ion conductivity as high as 1.8 mS cm−1. Surprisingly, the purity of bulk type precursors does not affect the final composition and ionic conductivity of sulfide electrolytes, which show the same electrochemical characteristics of ASSB cells with a high discharge capacity of 185.6 mA h g−1. The study offers a promising strategy for saving the production cost of sulfide SEs, possibly up to 92%, and their commercial ASSBs are expected to be achieving a competitive cost per energy density of ≈0.46 $ W−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike commercial lithium‐ion batteries, the high cost and low ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes (SEs) continues to be a big hurdle in commercially available all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs). Rather than the conventional dry‐process and high‐energy ball milling processes, the productive solution synthesis of bulk‐type SEs is the most crucial issue in the successful application of high‐energy‐density ASSBs. In this study, the way is paved to overcome the hurdle for commercial lithium phosphorus sulfide chloride (LPSCl) SEs via a readily processable bulk‐type solution‐based synthesis without acquiring any high‐energy ball‐milling processes. By incorporating an elemental sulfur additive during the preparation process, Li2S and S form a polysulfide, and P2S5 is induced to react readily to provide LPSCl with excellent ion conductivity as high as 1.8 mS cm−1. Surprisingly, the purity of bulk type precursors does not affect the final composition and ionic conductivity of sulfide electrolytes, which show the same electrochemical characteristics of ASSB cells with a high discharge capacity of 185.6 mA h g−1. The study offers a promising strategy for saving the production cost of sulfide SEs, possibly up to 92%, and their commercial ASSBs are expected to be achieving a competitive cost per energy density of ≈0.46 $ W−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporation of defects in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offers new opportunities for manipulating their microporosity and functionalities. The so‐called "defect engineering" has great potential to tailor the mass transport properties in MOF/polymer mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for challenging separation applications, for example, CO2 capture. This study first investigates the impact of MOF defects on the membrane properties of the resultant MOF/polymer MMMs for CO2 separation. Highly porous defect‐engineered UiO‐66 nanoparticles are successfully synthesized and incorporated into a CO2‐philic crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) matrix. A thorough joint experimental/simulation characterization reveals that defect‐engineered UiO‐66/PEGDA MMMs exhibit nearly identical filler–matrix interfacial properties regardless of the defect concentrations of their parental UiO‐66 filler. In addition, non‐equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations in tandem with gas transport studies disclose that the defects in MOFs provide the MMMs with ultrafast transport pathways mainly governed by diffusivity selectivity. Ultimately, MMMs containing the most defective UiO‐66 show the most enhanced CO2/N2 separation performance—CO2 permeability = 470 Barrer (four times higher than pure PEGDA) and maintains CO2/N2 selectivity = 41—which overcomes the trade‐off limitation in pure polymers. The results emphasize that defect engineering in MOFs would mark a new milestone for the future development of optimized MMMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As precursor cells of odontoblasts, dental papilla cells (DPCs) form the dentin–pulp complex during tooth development. Nitric oxide (NO) regulates the functions of multiple cells and organ tissues, including stem cell differentiation and bone formation. In this paper, we explored the involvement of NO in odontoblastic differentiation. We verified the expression of NO synthase (NOS) in rat odontoblasts by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate–diaphorase (NADPH‐d) staining and immunohistochemistry in vivo. The expression of all three NOS isoforms in rat DPCs was confirmed by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), immunofluorescence, and western blotting in vitro. The expression of neuronal NOS and endothelial NOS was upregulated during the odontoblastic differentiation of DPCs. Inhibition of NOS function by NOS inhibitor l‐NG‐monomethyl arginine (L‐NMMA) resulted in reduced formation of mineralized nodules and expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix protein (DMP1) during DPC differentiation. The NO donor S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μM) promoted the viability of DPCs. Extracellular matrix mineralization and odontogenic markers expression were elevated by SNAP at low concentrations (0.1, 1, and 10 μM) and suppressed at high concentration (100 μM). Blocking the generation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) with 1H‐(1,2,4)oxadiazolo‐(4,3‐a)quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ) abolished the positive influence of SNAP on the odontoblastic differentiation of DPCs. These findings demonstrate that NO regulates the odontoblastic differentiation of DPCs, thereby influencing dentin formation and tooth development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intense pulsed light (IPL)‐induced photothermal heating is relatively effective at reducing the annealing or sintering time of metal particle‐based conductive patterns in the manufacturing of printed electronics. However, defects such as cavities, delamination, and inhomogeneous shrinkage within the sintered patterns are a well‐known problem in IPL sintering. These defects are considerably influenced by undesired temperature gradients induced inside samples during IPL sintering. To solve this undesired temperature gradient problem, we propose a bidirectional IPL (B‐IPL) sintering approach using front‐ and back‐elliptical reflectors on both sides of the printed pattern. The effects of the B‐IPL energy density and number of shots on the electrical and mechanical properties of the printed patterns were systematically investigated using noncontact spectroscopic temperature sensing techniques with a µs‐timescale infrared temperature sensor system. Cross‐sectional field emission scanning electron microscopy images indicate that B‐IPL sintering significantly enhances the densification level and sintering uniformity of printed patterns compared to conventional IPL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Pattern analysis of big data can provide a superior direction for the clinical differentiation of diseases with similar endoscopic findings. This study aimed to develop a deep‐learning algorithm that performs differential diagnosis between intestinal Behçet's disease (BD), Crohn's disease (CD), and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) using colonoscopy images. Methods: The typical pattern for each disease was defined as a typical image. We implemented a convolutional neural network (CNN) using Pytorch and visualized a deep‐learning model through Gradient‐weighted Class Activation Mapping. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results: A total of 6617 colonoscopy images of 211 CD, 299 intestinal BD, and 217 ITB patients were used. The accuracy of the algorithm for discriminating the three diseases (all‐images: 65.15% vs typical images: 72.01%, P = 0.024) and discriminating between intestinal BD and CD (all‐images: 78.15% vs typical images: 85.62%, P = 0.010) was significantly different between all‐images and typical images. The CNN clearly differentiated colonoscopy images of the diseases (AUROC from 0.7846 to 0.8586). Algorithmic prediction AUROC for typical images ranged from 0.8211 to 0.9360. Conclusion: This study found that a deep‐learning model can discriminate between colonoscopy images of intestinal BD, CD, and ITB. In particular, the algorithm demonstrated superior discrimination ability for typical images. This approach presents a beneficial method for the differential diagnosis of the diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystalline or amorphous metal oxides are widely used in various optoelectronic devices as key components, such as transparent conductive electrodes, dielectrics or semiconducting active layers for thin‐film transistor (TFT) backplanes in large‐area displays, photovoltaics, and light‐emitting diodes. Although crystalline inorganic materials demonstrate outstanding optoelectronic performance, owing to their wide bandgaps, large conductivities, and high carrier mobilities, their inherent brittleness makes them vulnerable to mechanical stress, thereby limiting the use of metal‐oxide films in emerging flexible electronic applications. In this study, stress‐diffusive organic–inorganic hybrid superlattice nanostructures are developed to overcome the mechanical limitation of crystalline oxides and to provide high mechanical stability to metal‐oxide semiconductors. In particular, hybrid transparent superlattice electrodes based on crystalline indium–tin oxide exhibit high electrical conductivities of up to 555 S cm–1 (resistance variation < 3%) and effectively reduce the mechanical stress on the inorganic layer (up to 10 000 bending cycles with a radius of 1 mm). Furthermore, to ensure the viability of the hybrid superlattice flexible electronics, all solution‐processed superlattice crystalline indium–gallium‐oxide TFTs are implemented on a thin (≈5 µm) polyimide substrate, providing highly robust and excellent electrical performance (average mobility of 7.6 cm2 V–1 s–1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viruses are among the most infectious pathogens, responsible for the highest death toll around the world. Lack of effective clinical drug for most of the viruses emphasizes the rapid and accurate diagnosis at early stages of infection to prevent rapid spread of the pathogens. Nanotechnology is an emerging field with applications in various domains, where nano‐biomedical science has many significant contributions such as effective delivery of drugs/therapeutic molecules to specific organs, imaging, sensitive detection of virus, and their accurate tracking in host cells. The nanomaterials reported for virus detection and tracking mainly include magnetic and gold NPs, ZnO/Pt‐Pd, graphene, and quantum dots (QDs). In addition, the single virus tracking technology (SVT) allowed to track the life cycle stages of an individual virus for better understanding of their dynamics within the living cells. Inorganic as well as non‐metallic fluorescent materials share the advantages of high photochemical stability, a wide range of light absorption curves and polychromatic emission. Hence, are considered as potential fluorescent nano‐probes for SVT. However, there are still some challenges: (i) clinical false positive rate of some detection methods is still high; (ii) in the virus tracking process, less adaptability of QDs owing to larger size, flicker, and possible interference with virus function; and (iii) in vivo tracking of a single virus, in real time needs further refinement. In the future, smaller, non‐toxic, and chemically stable nanomaterials are needed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of detection, and monitoring of virus infections to curb the mortalities. This article is categorized under:Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious DiseaseBiology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus‐Based Structures [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malnutrition is prevalent in lung cancer (LC) patients, yet there are no globally accepted criteria for diagnosing malnutrition. Recently, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria were proposed. However, the role of these criteria in prospective LC cohorts remains unclear.Methods: We performed a multicenter, observational cohort study including 1219 LC patients. Different anthropometric measures were compared for assessment of reduced muscle mass (RMM) in the GLIM criteria. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariate Cox regressions were performed to analyze the association between the GLIM criteria and survival. Independent prognostic predictors were incorporated to develop a nomogram for individualized survival prediction, and decision curve was applied to assess the clinical significance of the nomogram.Results: Patients in the stage II (severe) malnutrition group, diagnosed using combined calf circumference (CC) plus body weight-standardized handgrip strength (HGS/W) criteria, had the highest hazard ratio (HR, 2.07; 95%CI, 1.50-2.86) compared with other methods used to evaluate RMM. The GLIM criteria diagnosed malnutrition in 24% of cases (292 patients, using the CC and HGS/W criteria) and were effective for determining the nutrition status of LC patients. GLIM-diagnosed malnutrition was an independent risk factor for survival, and malnutrition severity was monotonically associated with death hazards (P = .002). The GLIM nomogram showed good performance in predicting the survival of LC patients, and the decision-curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful.Conclusion: These findings support the effectiveness of GLIM in diagnosing malnutrition and predicting survival among LC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial bioenergetics is dynamically coupled with neuronal activities, which are altered by hypoxia‐induced respiratory neuroplasticity. Here we report structural features of postsynaptic mitochondria in the pre‐Bötzinger complex (pre‐BötC) of rats treated with chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) simulating a severe condition of obstructive sleep apnea. The subcellular changes in dendritic mitochondria and histochemistry of cytochrome c oxidase (CO) activity were examined in pre‐BötC neurons localized by immunoreactivity of neurokinin 1 receptors. Assays of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex I, IV, V activities, and membrane potential were performed in the ventrolateral medulla containing the pre‐BötC region. We found significant decreases in the mean length and area of dendritic mitochondria in the pre‐BötC of CIH rats, when compared to the normoxic control and hypoxic group with daily acute intermittent hypoxia (dAIH) that evokes robust synaptic plasticity. Notably, these morphological alterations were mainly observed in the mitochondria in close proximity to the synapses. In addition, the proportion of mitochondria presented with enlarged compartments and filamentous cytoskeletal elements in the CIH group was less than the control and dAIH groups. Intriguingly, these distinct characteristics of structural adaptability were observed in the mitochondria within spatially restricted dendritic spines. Furthermore, the proportion of moderately to darkly CO‐reactive mitochondria was reduced in the CIH group, indicating reduced mitochondrial activity. Consistently, mitochondrial ETC enzyme activities and membrane potential were lowered in the CIH group. These findings suggest that hypoxia‐induced respiratory plasticity was characterized by spatially confined mitochondrial alterations within postsynaptic spines in the pre‐BötC neurons. In contrast to the robust plasticity evoked by dAIH preconditioning, a severe CIH challenge may weaken the local mitochondrial bioenergetics that the fuel postsynaptic activities of the respiratory motor drive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spread through air spaces (STAS) has recently been demonstrated to exhibit a negative impact on lung adenocarcinoma prognosis. However, most of these studies investigated STAS in nonmucinous adenocarcinoma. Here, we investigated the incidence of STAS in invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) of the lung and evaluated whether tumor STAS was a risk factor of disease recurrence in IMA. We also examined clinicoradiologic factors in patients with IMA harboring STAS. Methods: We reviewed pathologic specimens and imaging characteristics of primary tumors from 132 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for IMA to evaluate STAS. Patients with and without STAS were compared with respect to clinical characteristics as well as computed tomography (CT) imaging using logistic regression. The relationships between all variables including STAS and survival were analyzed. Results: Among a total of 132 patients, full pathologic specimens were available for 119 patients, and STAS was observed in 86 (72.3%). IMA patients with STAS were significantly associated with older age, presence of lobulated and spiculated margins on CT scan (P = 0.009, P = 0.006, and P = 0.027). In multivariate analysis for overall survival (OS), STAS was a borderline independent poor prognostic predictor (P = 0.028). Older age, history of smoking, higher T stage, presence of lymph node metastasis, and consolidative morphologic type remained independent predictors for OS. Conclusions: STAS was associated with reduced OS and was a borderline independent poor prognostic factor in IMA. IMA with STAS was associated with older age and presence of lobulated and spiculated margins on CT scan. Key points: Significant findings of the study: Compared with other subtypes, IMA shows a higher incidence of STAS, which is an independent poor prognostic predictor even in IMA. Lobulated and spiculated margins on CT are associated with STAS. What this study adds: Considering that STAS can carry the potential for aerogenous metastasis, predicting STAS using preoperative surrogate CT imaging is desirable to avoid limited resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) causes chronic pain in two‐thirds of patients, in part originating from sensory neuropathies. The aim of the present study was to describe the phenotype of PD‐associated sensory neuropathy and to evaluate its associations with lipid allostasis, the latter motivated by recent genetic studies associating mutations of glucocerebrosidase with PD onset and severity. Glucocerebrosidase catalyzes the metabolism of glucosylceramides. Methods: We used quantitative sensory tests, pain ratings, and questionnaires and analyzed plasma levels of multiple bioactive lipid species using targeted lipidomic analyses. The study comprised 2 sets of patients and healthy controls: the first 128 Israeli PD patients and 224 young German healthy controls for exploration, the second 50/50 German PD patients and matched healthy controls for deeper analyses. Results: The data showed a 70% prevalence of PD pain and sensory neuropathies with a predominant phenotype of thermal sensory loss plus mechanical hypersensitivity. Multivariate analyses of lipids revealed major differences between PD patients and healthy controls, mainly originating from glucosylceramides and endocannabinoids. Glucosylceramides were increased, whereas anandamide and lysophosphatidic acid 20:4 were reduced, stronger in patients with ongoing pain and with a linear relationship with pain intensity and sensory losses, particularly for glucosylceramide 18:1 and glucosylceramide 24:1. Conclusions: Our data suggest that PD‐associated sensory neuropathies and PD pain are in part caused by accumulations of glucosylceramides, raising the intriguing possibility of reducing PD pain and sensory loss by glucocerebrosidase substituting or refolding approaches. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future era of hyperconnected information technology demands smart wearable devices, which provide ubiquitous human‐oriented service platforms and imperceptible computing with hands‐free and lightweight gadgets. Wearable devices have progressively developed from accessories such as glasses, wrist bands, and watches to embedded types in fibers or textiles, skin tattoos, and even implanted in the user's body. As a crucial component of smart applications, the flexible electronic system should contain embedded active electronic components such as transistors and integrated circuitry for processing data acquired in sensors and transmitting them to wireless communication systems. The substrates of these flexible electronic systems have also expanded from flexible plastic substrates to conformable ones such as fabrics and textiles. Here, recent progresses in flexible electronic systems, composed of transistor‐based circuitry and active matrix built on plastics or textile substrates, with an emphasis on fabrication using the conventional technology for electronic materials, are reviewed. In addition, emerging application areas of smart wearable technologies in a health monitoring system are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) is a mainstay treatment for severe and drug‐refractory essential tremor (ET). Although stimulation‐induced dysarthria has been extensively described, possible impairment of swallowing has not been systematically investigated yet. Methods: Twelve patients with ET and bilateral VIM‐DBS with self‐reported dysphagia after VIM‐DBS were included. Swallowing function was assessed clinically and using by flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in the stim‐ON and in the stim‐OFF condition. Presence, severity, and improvement of dysphagia were recorded. Results: During stim‐ON, the presence of dysphagia could be objectified in all patients, 42% showing mild, 42% moderate, and 16 % severe dysphagia. During stim‐OFF, all patients experienced a statistically significant improvement of swallowing function. Interpretation: VIM‐DBS may have an impact on swallowing physiology in ET‐patients. Further studies to elucidate the prevalence and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a large sample of partial block acquisitions, we examine the importance of geographic proximity in corporate governance and target returns. We find that block acquirers have a strong preference for geographically proximate targets and acquirers that purchase shares in such targets are more likely to engage in post-acquisition target governance activities than are remote block acquirers. Moreover, the targets of these acquirers realize higher announcement returns and better post-acquisition operating performance than do targets of other types of acquirers, particularly when they face greater information asymmetries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine whether equity-linked private securities offerings are used as a mechanism for tunneling among firms that belong to a Korean chaebol. We find that chaebol issuers involved in intragroup deals set the offering prices to benefit their controlling shareholders. We also find that chaebol issuers (member acquirers) realize an 8.8% (5.8%) higher (lower) announcement return than do other types of issuers (acquirers) if they sell private securities at a premium to other member firms, and if the controlling shareholders receive positive net gains from equity ownership in issuers and acquirers. These results are consistent with tunneling within business groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Studies from epidemiology suggest that ambient temperature is one of the underlying triggers and potential causes of asthma. The aim of this study was to examine the impact and the molecular mechanism of temperature‐invoked airway inflammation using an experimental model of asthma in BALB/c mice. Methods: Mice were exposed to different temperature conditions (steady 26°C, 26°C/18°C cycle, 26°C/10°C cycle) and received sensitization and challenge of ovalbumin (OVA) during a 21‐day period. HC030031, a selective transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) channel blocker, was used to investigate the underlying mechanism of TRPA1 in 'asthmatic' airways. After the final OVA challenge, in vivo lung function was measured, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and pulmonary inflammation were assessed. Results: The temperature variations, especially the largest temperature difference (16°C), exacerbated airway inflammation in OVA‐induced mice, increasing the levels of serum total‐IgE (immunoglobulin E) and IgG1, inflammatory cells and cytokines in BALF. Analysis of histopathological changes and lung function verified that repeated exposure to very cold and changed temperatures aggravated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Significant upregulation of TRPA1 expression was revealed by immunohistochemistry in the presence of the largest temperature variation (26°C/10°C cycle), while administration of HC030031 successfully inhibited TRPA1 expression, thus attenuating the asthma‐like pathological features. Conclusion: Repeated exposure to temperature variation exacerbated experimental 'asthma' and TRPA1 mediated this temperature‐dependent inflammatory effect. We evaluated the effect of temperature variation on an ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced mouse model of asthma and investigated the role of transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1). The results showed that repeated exposure to temperature variation impaired lung function. TRPA1 upregulation exacerbated inflammatory responses, while TRPA1 inhibition presented as a potential therapeutic target. See related Editorial [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, meta-analysis studies reported that hyperuricaemia is associated with higher incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), however, there are limited data on the Asian population. The aim of this observational study is to estimate the long-term impact of hyperuricaemia on the new-onset T2DM and cardiovascular events. This study is based on a single-centre, all-comers, and large retrospective cohort. Subjects that visited from January 2004 to February 2014 were enrolled using the electronic database of Korea University Guro Hospital. A total of 10 505 patients without a history of T2DM were analyzed for uric acid, fasting glucose and haemoglobin (Hb) A1c level. Inclusion criteria included both Hb A1c <5.7% and fasting glucose level <100 mg/dL without T2DM. Hyperuricaemia was defined as a uric acid level ≥7.0 mg/dL in men, and ≥6.5 mg/dL in women. To adjust baseline confounders, a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed. The impact of hyperuricaemia on the new-onset T2DM and cardiovascular events were compared with the non-hyperuricaemia during the 5-year clinical follow-up. After PSM, baseline characteristics of both groups were balanced. In a 5-year follow-up, the hyperuricaemia itself was a strong independent predictor of the incidence of new-onset T2DM (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.12 to 2.8). Hyperuricaemia was a strong independent predictor of new-onset T2DM, which suggests a substantial implication for a correlation between uric acid concentration and insulin resistance (or insulin sensitivity). Also, hyperuricaemia is substantially implicated in cardiovascular risks and the further long-term cardiovascular events in the crude population, but it is not an independent predictor of long-term cardiovascular mortality in the matched population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We examine whether outside directors with government experience add value to their firms. We find that government directors are more likely to miss board meetings and that their appointment announcements are greeted more negatively. Firms with government directors also experience poorer operating performance and more negative merger announcement returns, although their mergers are less likely to be challenged by antitrust authorities. These adverse valuation effects are largely alleviated when firms have large government sales, when they operate in regulated industries, or when government directors are politically connected. Using close gubernatorial election outcomes as a natural experiment and an instrumental variables approach to control for endogeneity bias do not change the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]