Search

Background: The optimal duration of regimens for tailored therapy based on genotypic resistance for clarithromycin has yet to be established. Aim: This study was a nationwide, multicenter, randomized trial comparing empirical therapy with tailored therapy based on genotypic resistance for first‐line eradication of Helicobacter pylori. We also compared the eradication rates of 7‐ and 14‐day regimens for each group. Patients and Methods: Patients with H. pylori infection were first randomized to receive empirical or tailored therapy. Patients in each group were further randomized into 7‐ or 14‐day regimens. Empirical therapy consisted of a triple therapy (TT) regimen (twice‐daily doses of pantoprazole 40 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, and clarithromycin 500 mg) for 7 or 14 days. Tailored therapy consisted of TT of 7 or 14 days in patients without genotypic resistance. Patients with genotypic resistance were treated with bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) regimens (twice‐daily doses of pantoprazole 40 mg, three daily doses of metronidazole 500 mg, and four times daily doses of bismuth 300 mg and tetracycline 500 mg) for 7 or 14 days. A 13C‐urea breath test assessed eradication rates. The primary outcome was eradication rates of each group. Results: A total of 593 patients were included in the study. The eradication rates were 65.7% (201/306) in the empirical therapy group and 81.9% (235/287) in the tailored therapy group for intention‐to‐treat analysis (p < 0.001). In the per‐protocol analysis, the eradication rates of the empirical therapy and tailored groups were 70.3% (201/286) and 85.5% (235/274) (p < 0.001), respectively. There was no difference in compliance between the two groups. The rate of adverse events was higher in the tailored group compared to the empirical group (p < 0.001). Discussion: Our study confirmed that tailored therapy based on genotypic resistance was more effective than empirical therapy for H. pylori eradication in Korea. However, no significant difference was found between 7‐ and 14‐day regimens for each group. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal duration of therapy for empirical and tailored therapy regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐healing proton‐exchange membranes (PEMs) made of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Nafion were synthesized using the freeze‐thaw method. Since PVA is more selective towards water than methanol, the blend membrane successfully reduced methanol permeability and improved selectivity compared to the recast Nafion membrane. The addition of PVA also helped the membrane self‐heal by promoting the formation of hydrogen bonds. In contrast to the pristine Nafion, which exhibited even more severe methanol crossover after being damaged than before, the Nafion‐PVA membrane underwent a self‐healing process and regained much of its methanol barrier function. These advantageous characteristics of the Nafion‐PVA membrane suggest its potential use in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method was developed to simulate the failure of reinforced concrete (RC) subjected to high‐loading rates using a three‐dimensional (3D) rigid‐body‐spring network (RBSN) model. The viscoplastic damage (VPD) and viscoelastic damage (VED) models were used to consider the rate dependence of the concrete. The rate dependence of the reinforcing bars was expressed using an empirical formula. The reinforcing bars were represented by a computationally efficient, semi‐discrete method within the 3D RBSN that allowed for bar positioning, irrespective of the background mesh used to represent the concrete. The residual deformation of the RC structure was expressed based on considerations of the plastic strains of the reinforcing bars. Various simulations were conducted to verify the developed model, including four‐point bending test simulations of RC beams subjected to high loading rates. A comparison of the result to those of experiments and previous simulations demonstrated the importance of the rate dependence of the reinforcing bar behavior within the simulation framework. Furthermore, RC slabs subjected to high loading rates were simulated to verify that the crack patterns and residual deformation of the RC slabs, as well as the rate dependence of the reinforcing bars, were suitably expressed in comparison with experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a numerical approach is developed for simulating the rate‐dependent behaviors of concrete without mesh sensitivity. The rheological units (e.g., dashpot) are integrated with the six directional springs in the rigid‐body spring network (RBSN) elements to reflect the rate‐dependent behavior of concrete. Previously, the viscoplastic damage model was associated with the elemental degrees of freedom. However, in the present approach, a viscoelastic constitutive law is newly defined for the normal direction as a function of the strain rate, from which the internal forces can be updated from the regularized elemental stresses. Such improvements are validated through the numerical simulations of the direct tensile test and spalling test using the modified split‐Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The simulated results show consistent structural responses without mesh dependence on the strain rate. In addition, the influences of the softening curve shapes on the crack localizations are examined. It is shown that the rheological parameters can be optimized and determined for consistent applications through virtual experiments. The proposed numerical approach enables the mesh construction procedure without concerning the mesh‐size sensitivity due to the strain rate, and various applications are expected for the simulations of detailed numerical models of concrete materials and structures under high loading rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify sonographic findings that predict clinical outcomes in neonates with portal vein gas. Methods: This retrospective study included neonates with portal vein gas detected using ultrasound (US). The US images were reviewed by a pediatric radiologist. US findings included the extent and amount of portal vein gas, mesenteric vein gas, intramural gas, bowel wall thickening or thinning, focal discontinuity of the bowel wall, ascites, free intra‐abdominal gas, pseudocyst, gas in the other solid organs, and bowel distension. The imaging findings and demographic factors between survivors and non‐survivors were statistically compared. Results: The mortality rate was 26% (39 survivors, 14 non‐survivors) when iatrogenic and idiopathic causes were excluded. The causes of portal vein gas were determined to be necrotizing enterocolitis (n = 33), bowel distension or obstruction (n = 12), fetal hydrops (n = 4), pneumothorax (n = 3), immediate postoperative state for bowel perforation (n = 1), and umbilical vein catheterization (n = 9) based on surgical findings (n = 20) and clinical information (n = 46). Gas within the mesenteric vein and the other solid organs, gestational age, and birth weight were significantly different between survivors and those who succumbed (P <.05). Conclusion: Gas within the mesenteric vein and other solid organs is a US finding that may predict poor outcomes in neonates with portal vein gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction is a mild and eco‐friendly approach for CO2 mitigation and producing value‐added products. For selective electrochemical CO2 reduction, single‐crystalline Au particles (octahedron, truncated‐octahedron, and sphere) are synthesized by consecutive growth and chemical etching using a polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (polyDDA) surfactant, and are surface‐functionalized. Monodisperse, single‐crystalline Au nanoparticles provide an ideal platform for evaluating the Au surface as a CO2reduction catalyst. The polyDDA‐Au cathode affords high catalytic activity for CO production, with >90% Faradaic efficiency over a wide potential range between −0.4 and −1.0 V versus RHE, along with high durability owing to the consecutive interaction between dimethylammonium and chloride on the Au surface. The influence of polyDDA on the Au particles, and the origins of the enhanced selectivity and stability are fully investigated using theoretical studies. Chemically adsorbed polyDDA is consecutively affected the initial adsorption of CO2 and the stability of the *CO2, *COOH, and *CO intermediates during continuous CO2 reduction reaction. The polyDDA functionalization is extended to improving the CO Faradaic efficiency of other metal catalysts such as Ag and Zn, indicating its broad applicability for CO2 reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haddad syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and Hirschsprung disease. Total colonic aganglionosis is a rare and long‐segment form of Hirschsprung disease, which is primarily diagnosed using contrast enemas. However, the diagnostic performance of contrast enemas is relatively low, making the diagnosis of total colonic aganglionosis challenging. In neonates, ultrasound may be used as an additional imaging modality for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease. We describe the unique sonographic findings of total colonic aganglionosis in a term neonate with failure to pass meconium and respiratory distress, who was subsequently diagnosed with Haddad syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The safety of gadolinium-based contrast agents is of fundamental importance.Purpose: To determine the frequency and severity of immediate-type adverse reactions to approved doses of gadoteridol in patients referred for routine gadoteridol-enhanced MRI in actual clinical practice settings.Study Type: Prospective, observational.Population: In all, 6163 subjects were enrolled (mean age: 56.7 ± 15.4 years; range: 6-93 years).Field Strength/sequence: 1.5T and 3.0T.Assessment: Assessment was of immediate adverse reactions by the investigating radiologist using the MedDRA System Organ Class and preferred term.Statistical Tests: Summary statistics for continuous variables, descriptive statistics for demographic characteristics.Results: Overall, 19 adverse events occurred in 13 (0.21%) patients, of which 15 in 10 (0.16%) patients were considered related to gadoteridol administration. These events were evenly distributed between male and female subjects and all occurred in adults. Twelve of the 15 related events in eight (0.13%) patients were considered mild in intensity (rapidly self-resolving), while the remaining three events in two patients (0.03%) were considered moderate in intensity. None were of severe intensity and no serious adverse events occurred.Data Conclusion: The rate of immediate-type adverse events following exposure to approved doses of gadoteridol is extremely low, and mostly limited to transient and self-resolving symptoms.Level Of Evidence: 2 Technical Efficacy Stage: 5 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:861-868. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of the ASTA MicroIDSys system (ASTA), a new matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) system, was evaluated for the identification of viridans group streptococci (VGS) and compared with the results obtained with the Bruker Biotyper system (Bruker Daltonics). A total of 106 Streptococcus reference strains belonging to 24 species from the bacterial strain bank was analyzed using the two MALDI‐TOF MS systems. Of the 106 reference strains tested, ASTA MicroIDSys and Bruker Biotyper correctly identified 84.9% and 81.1% at the species level, 100% and 97.2% at the group level and 100% and 98.1% at the genus level, respectively. The difference between the two systems was not statistically significant (P = 0.289). Out of 24 species, 13 species were accurately identified to the species level with 100% accurate identification rates with both systems. The accurate identification rates at the species level of ASTA MicroIDSys and Bruker Biotyper were 100% and 87.5% for the S. anginosus group; 78.4% and 73.5% for the S. mitis group; 91.7% and 91.7% for the S. mutans group; and 100% and 100% for the S. salivarius group, respectively. The ASTA MicroIDSys showed an identification performance equivalent to that of the Bruker Biotyper for VGS. Therefore, it would be useful for the identification of VGS strains in clinical microbiology laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical CO2 reduction to carbon monoxide (CO) is immensely important for sustainable CO2 recycling. In this study, we established a facile synthetic method for large‐scale production of Ag nanoparticles, which can be used for the selective electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO. Thermal decomposition and reduction of AgNO3 produced Ag nanoparticles on a gram‐scale in high yield (over 90%) with a homogeneous size distribution. The oleylamine‐capped Ag nanoparticles were quasi‐spherical with diameters of 9 ± 2 nm. Ag nanoparticles are capable of electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO with high activity and stability. The CO selectivity of the catalyst was in the vicinity of 90% over a wide potential range and reached 94.2% at −1.4 V vs. RHE. The Ag nanoparticles showed good stability over 24 h. Different surface functional groups, for example, thiol and citrate were investigated to understand their influence on the variation in CO selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiscale structures are found in nature to impart brilliant structural colors with integrated properties of multiple optical elements. However, it remains challenging to build more than one optical element into artificial photonic materials in practical manufacturing. Here, hierarchical disordered photonic superstructures (HDPSs) with optical properties arising from tailored interplay of thin‐film interference (TFI) and coherent scattering from amorphous colloidal arrays (ACAs) are fabricated through the combined use of infiltration‐driven colloidal assembly and micro‐imprinting. Uniform thin ACA films with TFI effects (ACA‐TFIs) are first coated on premium glossy photo papers, displaying near‐isotropic colors under natural light and mixed colors upon specular lighting due to the duplex optical effects. Such collective effects are easily modulated by the film thicknesses of ACA‐TFIs. Also, micro‐imprinting that can remove a patterned monolayer of particles from ACA‐TFI films causes suppressed TFI in the imprinted regions, leading to HDPS films with encoded optical features. Collectively, HDPS anti‐counterfeiting labels with covert and sophisticated optical coding are achieved and their enhanced complexity results in infinite possible optical features that are virtually impractical to forge, opening new avenues to high‐level security applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although pipoxolan (PIPO) is a smooth muscle relaxant, its anti‐inflammatory capability has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory molecular mechanisms of PIPO in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. In this study, we used the MTT assay to evaluate the cytotoxicity, applied the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to determine the inflammatory cytokines, and performed Western blotting to assess protein expression. The results showed that PIPO significantly inhibited cytokine production, including nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐6. PIPO also suppressed the pro‐inflammatory mediator expression with inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2. Moreover, PIPO prohibited the multiple inflammatory transcription factor pathways, including inhibitor kappa B/nuclear factor of the κ light chain enhancer of B cells (NF‐κB), mitogen‐activated protein kinase/activator protein‐1 (AP‐1), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/serine/threonine kinase (AKT). Besides, PIPO effectively activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase‐1 antioxidative pathway. Collectively, PIPO may attenuate the inflammatory effects via influencing the LPS/TLR4 receptor binding; suppress the expression of anti‐inflammatory transcription factors NF‐κB, AP‐1, and STAT; and activating the antioxidative transcription factor Nrf2 in LPS‐stimulated mouse RAW 264.7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of an efficient water splitting catalyst is a requirement for sustainable hydrogen production. Ni catalysts with different shapes were prepared using a solvothermal method for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The growth of the Ni particles was manipulated by controlling the reaction temperature and surfactant during the solvothermal reaction. The HER activity of the herein obtained Ni catalysts, namely semi‐spherical, dendritic, and spiky nanoparticles were evaluated in alkaline conditions. Spiky Ni nanoparticles exhibited superior HER catalytic activity compared to that of spherical and dendritic Ni nanoparticles. The effect of morphology and electrochemical active sites has been fully investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Tegoprazan is a novel potassium‐competitive acid blocker for the treatment of acid‐related disorders. Aims: To assess whether tegoprazan is non‐inferior to lansoprazole in terms of efficacy and safety in patients with gastric ulcers. Methods: In this phase 3, double‐blind, active control, multicentre study, 306 gastric ulcer patients were randomised to one of three treatment groups: tegoprazan 50 mg, tegoprazan 100 mg and lansoprazole 30 mg once daily for 4 or 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the cumulative proportion of patients with healed ulcers confirmed by endoscopy up to 8 weeks from treatment initiation. Symptoms and safety were assessed. Results: In the full analysis set, the cumulative healing rates at week 8 were 94.8% (91/96) for the tegoprazan 50 mg, 95.0% (94/99) for the tegoprazan 100 mg and 95.7% (89/93) for the lansoprazole 30 mg groups. At week 4, the respective healing rates were 90.6% (87/96), 91.9% (91/99), and 89.2% (83/93). In per protocol analysis, 4‐week healing rates were 95.4% (84/88), 94.6% (88/93) and 92.9% (79/85) for tegoprazan 50 mg, tegoprazan 100 mg and lansoprazole 30 mg, respectively. Both doses of tegoprazan were non‐inferior to lansoprazole in ulcer healing at 4 and 8 weeks. The incidence of drug‐related treatment‐emergent adverse events did not differ among groups. The increase in serum gastrin concentration was not higher in tegoprazan‐treated patients than in lansoprazole‐treated patients. Conclusions: Tegoprazan 50 or 100 mg were not inferior to lansoprazole 30 mg once daily in the treatment of gastric ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the ultrasound (US) features and rate of upgrade to malignancy in atypical apocrine lesions (AALs) of the breast, diagnosed on percutaneous needle biopsy. Methods: This retrospective study included 17 AALs diagnosed by needle biopsy in 15 patients. For 16 of the 17 AALs, subsequent surgical excision (n = 14) or 8‐gauge vacuum‐assisted biopsy (n = 2) was performed. Ultrasound features were retrospectively analyzed according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System lexicon. Results: Of 17 AALs, 13 (76.5%) were atypical apocrine hyperplasia; 3 (17.6%) were atypical apocrine adenosis; and 1 (5.9%) was combined atypical apocrine hyperplasia and atypical apocrine adenosis on needle biopsy. Subsequently, 4 of 16 AALs (25%) were upgraded to malignancy at surgical excision. On US imaging, all 17 lesions presented as masses, which were mainly irregular and noncircumscribed (n = 8) or oval/round and noncircumscribed (n = 7) with isoechogenicity or hypoechogenicity. Rarely, an AAL would show complex cystic and solid echogenicity (n = 1) or appear as a hypoechoic mass with oval shape and a circumscribed margin (n = 1). Conclusions: Atypical apocrine lesions of the breast often showed suspicious malignant features on US imaging. Given the high upgrade rate (25%), the diagnosis of an AAL by needle biopsy warrants subsequent surgical excision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prenatal ultrasonography (US) in a 39 year-old woman revealed massive fetal ascites. A fetal abdomino-amniotic shunting procedure was performed. Subsequently, plain radiographs demonstrated diffuse gaseous distention of the bowel and multiple punctate calcifications in the left upper abdomen. Postnatal US examination showed multiple echogenic foci in the liver and the left upper abdomen, bowel wall thickening in the right-sided abdomen, and undescended testes. There was no intra-abdominal free air or loculated fluid collections. Medical management was instituted secondary to the clinical suspicion of omental calcification, necrotizing enterocolitis, and undescended testes. Follow-up US examination showed resolution of portal vein gas and bowel wall thickening. The neonate recovered fully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: We hypothesize that excessive fibrin formation and inflammation induced by antiadhesive material, SurgiWrap (SW), would have an adverse effect on wound healing. It was evaluated by a thyroidectomy murine wound model. Methods: Excessive fibrin formation was induced by isthmectomy without hemostasis. Rats were allocated into isthmectomy with SurgiWrap (I+SW+), I+SW‐, I‐SW+, I‐SW‐, and isthmectomy after electrocautery for hemostasis (I+C+SW‐). The SWs were placed on the superficial and visceral layers for gross and microscopic evaluation. Results: Microscopic examination showed collagen deposition occurred in the I‐SW‐ sham group and at a higher level in I+C+SW‐. The collagen deposition decreased in groups without SW with time but increased in groups with SW. Use of SW produced more inflammation and more collagen deposition. The I+SW + group developed the largest area of collagen deposition at 4 weeks and more collagen deposition than the I‐SW + group. Conclusion: The SW induced more collagen deposition increasing with time. The collagen deposition produced by SW was worsened by excessive fibrin formation and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message Chromosome 10p deletion is a rare disorder. This is the largest deletion in chromosome 10p reported to date and the first to be diagnosed in the early neonatal period because of severe clinical manifestations. This rare case might help to understand the genotype-phenotype spectrum in infants with 10p deletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) share epidemiological and biochemical features. Both are characterized by insoluble protein aggregates with a fibrillar conformation – amylin in Type 2 DM pancreatic islets, and Aβ in AD brain. To determine whether amylin shares neurotoxic properties with Aβ, we incubated hippocampal and cortical neurons with Aβ42 and human amylin. Different from non-amyloidogenic rat amylin, both caused a dose-, time- and cell type-specific neurotoxicity supporting the notion of a similar toxic mechanism. Depending on the cell type, this finding is also supported by co-incubation of human amylin and Aβ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy ( PEG) is carried out commonly for patients with dysphagia. Clinicians, however, are often reluctant to carry out PEG in the elderly because of concerns about complications and short life expectancy. The present study aimed to assess the safety of PEG in elderly patients. Methods The medical records of 116 patients who received PEG from October 2005 to May 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Among them, 63 patients were aged 65 years and older (the elderly group), and 53 were aged less than 65 years (the younger group). Results Baseline characteristics showed no significant difference in both groups, except that pulmonary comorbidities was more common in the elderly group ( P = 0.003). Overall, PEG-related complications occurred in 23 (19.8%) patients. Wound infections were the most common (15 patients), and followed by gastrointestinal bleeding, esophageal injury, pneumomediastinum and buried bumper syndrome. Although there was no difference in the overall complications, wound infections were less frequent in the elderly group than in the younger group (4 [6.3%] out of 63 vs 11 [20.8%] out of 53, P = 0.027). There were 17 (14.7%) cases of mortality, with three patients (2.5%) dying within 30 days after the procedure and the causes of deaths were unrelated to PEG. No significant difference in mortality rate was observed between the two groups (13 [20.6%] vs 4 [7.5%], P = 0.065). Conclusions PEG can be carried out safely in elderly patients, as procedure-related complications and mortality did not increase compared with those of younger patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 481-485. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: Oral ulcers are very common and can compromise the quality of life of patients with pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate mucosal healing with curcumin in an animal oral ulcer model.Study Design: Experimental study.Methods: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were used. Round filter paper 6 mm in diameter was soaked with 15 μl 50% acetic acid and applied over the upper labial gingiva, creating a uniform circular ulcer. After creation of an oral ulcer, curcumin, the active substance in tumeric, was applied twice over the ulcer in the experimental group but not in the control group. The ulcer area was calculated by maximal (D) and minimal (d) diameter : π × D × d/4. All animals were weighed, and the area was measured on days 0, 7, and 14. On days 7 and 14, half of the animals were sacrificed and gingival specimens were acquired.Results: Curcumin treatment exhibited accelerated healing such that the gross appearance of the ulcer demonstrated a recognizable difference in wound healing between the curcumin-treated and control groups with time. Weight loss was observed after the creation of oral ulcer in the control group. However, the curcumin-treated group gained weight with time, resulting in a significant weight difference. On day 14, epithelial regeneration was completed in the treated group but incomplete in the control group.Conclusion: Topical application of curcumin enhanced the wound-healing process of oral ulcer in the animal model, which implicate that curcumin can be used as an effective and safe medical tool in the treatment of oral ulcer.Level Of Evidence: NA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate gray-scale and color Doppler sonographic (US) features of complex fibroadenoma (FA), according to the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon.Methods: From 2010 through 2013, 586 women with FAs were seen; 101 (17%) of those lesions were diagnosed as complex FAs on percutaneous needle biopsy or surgery. Among the patients with complex FAs, 67 who had US examination results available were included in this study. In addition, the results from 98 women who had simple FAs were included as controls. US features were retrospectively analyzed by two breast radiologists in consensus for shape, margin, echogenicity, posterior acoustic pattern, boundary, orientation, and associated findings. They also reassessed the BI-RADS category for FAs. Color Doppler US examination results were classified according to the amount of vascularity as absent, moderate, or marked.Results: Complex FA were larger than simple FAs were (14.5 cm versus 12.1 cm, p > 0.05). On univariate analysis, a round to irregular shape, an uncircumscribed margin, the presence of associated findings, and BI-RADS categorization as 4a and 4b were more frequently revealed in complex than in simple FAs (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that the tumor margin was a predictive factor for complex FA (odds ratio: 6.08; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-32.49, p < 0.05). On color Doppler US, the complex FAs had higher degrees of vascularity than simple FA (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Complex FAs, in comparison with simple FAs, tend to have more aggressive features and to be in higher BI-RADS categories on US examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yenipazarli (2021) studies a strategic decision of a first-party vendor on a marketplace platform on whether to transition to a third-party seller on the platform. Bansal and Roy (2021) integrate storage and order picking processes in a warehouse for multiline e-commerce order fulfillment. Global retail e-commerce sales reached $4.28 trillion in 2020. [Extracted from the article]

A catalyst of Ag with alumina has been widely used for the decomposition of odorous ammonia. In order to meet cost effectiveness, copper was added with five different doping ratios of Ag/Cu in this work, and NH3 decomposition was examined at 150-400 °C. Experimental results show that the catalyst doped with only Cu shows very weak potential to oxidize NH3 despite its excellent selectivity for nitrogen molecules than NO or N2O at temperatures over 300 °C. Analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that Ag0 is the major chemical functionality that determines the decomposition rate of NH3 at low temperature, e.g., 200 °C, while Ag+ and Ag2+ are efficient at higher temperatures. Among the five segregated copper functionalities, only Cu 2pa/2 appeared to be favorable for the activity of Ag particles. It was found from the experimental results that Ag/Cu = 1:9 could provide a cost-effective combination for the low temperature regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the efficacy and outcome of intracordal auricular cartilage injection in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Our interest developed from findings of a canine model study that reported that histologic characteristics of cartilage were preserved 2 and 3 years after intracordal autologous cartilage injection. Between May 2002 and July 2010, 29 patients with breathy dysphonia caused by unilateral vocal fold paralysis underwent intracordal auricular cartilage injection. Each subject underwent preoperative and postoperative perceptual assessments, acoustical voice analysis, and videostroboscopy. Fourteen patients were male, and the mean age was 52-years old. Patients were tracked for a mean duration of 257 days. Injections were performed through a transoral approach under general anesthesia. Perceptual assessments by GRBAS scale, acoustic parameters of jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, and maximum phonation time significantly improved at 3, 6, and 12 months after cartilage injection ( p < 0.005). No major complications were observed after injection. Initial clinical results with intracordal auricular cartilage injection are promising for patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Autologous auricular cartilage can be a safe, effective, and alternative material for vocal fold medialization, and can be a long lasting one. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 47-51, 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanograined PbTiO3 ( PT) thick films were deposited on Si, yttria-stabilized zirconia ( YSZ), and Ni substrates using an aerosol deposition ( AD) method at room temperature. The AD PT thick films on each different substrate were annealed at 500°C and 700°C for 1 h to increase the crystallinity. The stresses in the PT film were modulated by controlling the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion ( CTE) between the films and substrates during the thermal annealing process. The morphology of the AD PT films was examined from the polycrystalline dense structure (thickness ~8 μm), and the changes in the crystallographic phase, in-plane stresses, and ferroelectric properties in annealed films were investigated. In-plane stress analysis showed that the PT films annealed at 500°C and 700°C on each substrate exhibited compressive stress. Owing to the effects of compressive stress in the PT film, the film showed less tetragonality ( c/ a ratio) and enhanced ferroelectric behaviors. The change in the polarization-electric field ( P-E) hysteresis loop of the PT films was explained by the stress induced from CTE mismatch between the films and substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lateral cervical lymph node metastasis without central lymph node (CLN) metastasis is not infrequent in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). This study was designed to investigate the frequency and pattern of skip metastasis in PTC. Methods We reviewed 131 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with CLN dissection and selective lymph node dissection. Tumor location was classified in 3 areas (upper, middle, and lower third) based on preoperative ultrasonographic findings. Results All skip metastases occurred in patients whose tumors had been on the upper part of the thyroid ( p < .001). Among 9 patients with skip metastasis, level III lymph nodes (66.7%) were the lymph nodes that were most frequently involved in skip metastasis. Conclusion Primary tumors in the upper portion of the thyroid are closely linked to skip metastasis. Careful preoperative evaluation of lateral cervical lymph nodes is suggested when a tumor is in the upper portion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 887-891, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We identified farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 (FDFT1) as a host factor involved in HCV propagation. [•] Silencing of FDFT1 impaired HCV propagation in HCVcc infected cells. [•] YM-53601, an inhibitor of FDFT1 enzyme activity, abrogated HCV propagation. [•] HCV infection increased FDFT1 protein level but not FDFT1 mRNA level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Colloidal FePt-Fe2O3 core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) were chemically synthesized through a two-step process, where FePt NPs were synthesized first and then coated by a Fe2O3 shell. These NPs were attached on the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by the hydrophobic and van der Waals interaction after the surface functionalization of CNTs in acetone. The NPs-attached CNTs exhibited the threshold switching from the high-resistance state to low-resistance state at a high voltage and vice versa at a low voltage, while the bare CNTs showed ohmic transport. From the conduction mode analysis, it turns out that the threshold switching results from enhanced charge transport by overcoming the energy barrier of Fe2O3 shell at a high voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Nodal metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) usually occurs in the central compartment of the ipsilateral neck and spreads laterally. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of frozen biopsy for quantitative nodal evaluation of central neck metastasis in PTC. Methods In all, 252 patients with PTC underwent total thyroidectomy with bilateral central neck dissection (CND). All tissues from ipsilateral CND were examined by frozen biopsy. Results Among them, 53% of patients had central neck metastasis. The sensitivity and specificity of frozen biopsy for central neck metastasis were 92% and 99%, respectively. The positive predictive value and the negative predictive value were 99% and 84%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy for the exact number of metastatic nodes was 91% compared to permanent biopsy. Conclusions Frozen biopsy for quantitative analysis of central compartment is a useful tool for the precise evaluation of central lymphatic status intraoperatively with a high sensitivity and specificity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate whether genetic polymorphisms of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene NOS2A could be associated with a sustained virological response (SVR) among patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotypes 1 and 2 (HCV-1 and HCV-2) who were treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin (PEG-IFNα-RBV). We analyzed the associations between SVR to PEG-IFNα-RBV therapy and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NOS2A. This study included Taiwanese Chinese patients infected with either HCV-1 (n = 265) or HCV-2 (n = 195) with or without a SVR. Among the NOS2A SNPs examined, the combination of genotypes A/A and A/G of rs2248814 was inversely correlated with SVR in patients infected with HCV-1 ( P = 0.0048), particularly in males ( P = 0.0281). This effect was not observed in patients infected with HCV-2. The AC NOS2A haplotype comprising two SNPs (rs2248814 and rs2072324) was found to be associated with SVR, and its presence may decrease the chances for a successful outcome of treatment of patients infected with HCV-1 ( P = 0.0053). HCV-1 infected patients who carried the A-C diplotype will have a lower success rate of achieving a SVR ( P = 0.0117). In addition, a multivariate logistic regression model for predicting a SVR revealed that the presence of the A-C diplotype interactively affected the outcome of PEG-IFNα-RBV treatment. The presence of NOS2A SNPs and the association with SVR showed that NOS2A polymorphisms may influence the therapeutic outcomes of patients infected with HCV-1 under standard of care treatment. J. Med. Virol. 85:1206-1214, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human chorion-derived stem cells (h CDSC) were previously shown to demonstrate multipotent properties with promising angiogenic characteristics in monolayer-cell culture system. In our study, we investigated the angiogenic capability of h CDSC in 3-dimensional (3D) in vitro and in vivo angiogenic models for the purpose of future application in the treatment of ischaemic diseases. Human CDSC were evaluated for angiogenic and endogenic genes expressions by quantitative PCR. Growth factors secretions were quantified using ELISA. In vitro and in vivo vascular formations were evaluated by histological analysis and confocal microscopic imaging. PECAM-1+ and vWF+ vascular-like structures were observed in both in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis models. High secretions of VEGF and b FGF by h CDSC with increased expressions of angiogenic and endogenic genes suggested the possible angiogenic promoting mechanisms by h CDSC. The cooperation of h CDSC with HUVECS to generate vessel-like structures in our systems is an indication that there will be positive interactions of h CDSC with existing endothelial cells when injected into ischaemic tissues. Hence, h CDSC is suggested as the novel approach in the future treatment of ischaemic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell-based therapy using stem cells has emerged as one of the pro-angiogenic methods to enhance blood vessel growth and sprouting in ischaemic conditions. This study investigated the endogenous and induced angiogenic characteristics of hCDSC (human chorion-derived stem cell) using QPCR (quantitative PCR) method, immunocytochemistry and fibrin-matrigel migration assay. The results showed that cultured hCDSC endogenously expressed angiogenic-endogenic-associated genes ( VEGF, bFGF, PGF, HGF, Ang-1, PECAM-1, eNOS, Ve-cad, CD34, VEGFR-2 and vWF), with significant increase in mRNA levels of PGF, HGF, Ang-1, eNOS, VEGFR-2 and vWF following induction by bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). These enhanced angiogenic properties suggest that induced hCDSC provides a stronger angiogenic effect for the treatment of ischaemia. After angiogenic induction, hCDSC showed no reduction in the expression of the stemness genes, but had significantly higher levels of mRNA of Oct-4, Nanog (3), FZD9, ABCG-2 and BST-1. The induced cells were positive for PECAM-1 (platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1) and vWF (von Willebrand factor) with immunocytochemistry staining. hCDSC also showed endothelial migration behaviour when cultured in fibrin-matrigel construct and were capable of forming vessels in vivo after implanting into nude mice. These data suggest that hCDSC could be the cells of choice in the cell-based therapy for pro-angiogenic purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a manifestation of a cell-mediated immune response, but its mechanism remains unknown. Recently, we investigated whether ACD involves various neuropeptides. Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide that is known to act as a neurokinin receptor when the immune response is initiated. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a distinct typical neuropeptide and, with SP, induces the immune response. Neuropeptides in neurogenic inflammation are regulated by the inactivation of receptors and enzymes that can cause neuropeptide degradation (e.g. angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE]), but no enzyme that can degrade SP and CGRP has yet been reported. Methods We investigated changes in the expression of SP and CGRP, as representative of typical neuropeptides, in ACD skin in mouse and human and the effect of ACE expression on the degradation of these neuropeptides using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot assay. We also examined the relationship between ACD and neuropeptides in skin tissue from human ACD subjects and mice with induced ACD by analyzing cytokine expression and the results of hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence assay. Results Expression of SP, CGRP, and ACE was higher in skin tissues from animals with acute ACD than in normal animal skin. However, CGRP expression in human skin with acute ACD was lower than in normal skin, unlike expression of SP and ACE, both of which were higher in ACD human skin than in normal human skin. Conclusions We found different patterns of neuropeptide expression in human versus mouse skin. These neuropeptide activities were influenced by an increase in neuropeptide degrading enzymes. Our findings show that when SP is produced, expression of CGRP is suppressed in human skin with ACD. The reduction of CGRP expression in patients with acute ACD is caused by mast cells activated by SP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDSs) represent more reliable and consistent methods of drug dosing than oral administration. However, TDDSs can administer only low molecular weight (MW) drugs and require a power source. Disk microneedle rollers facilitate the passage of low and high MW substances through the direct perforation of the stratum corneum and dermis, without stimulating dermal nerves. Objectives We investigated in vitro whether disk microneedle rollers, developed for the Diskneedle Therapy System (DTS™) in South Korea, can deliver drugs effectively through the skin of hairless rats. Methods The disk microneedle rollers used in the DTS™ are metal and consist of several plates bearing microneedles of graded lengths (0.15 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.50 mm). To test in vitro permeation, the skin of a hairless rat was mounted in a Franz diffusion cell system and rolled with a disk roller without microneedles and with rollers fitted with microneedles of each size. Rhodamine B base (80 μl) was applied to the skin for 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours, and dye permeation was detected at 543 nm. Dye binding to the skin was also confirmed using fluorescence microscopy at six hours after the application of rhodamine B. Results Use of the disk microneedle roller increased the skin penetrance of rhodamine B base in hairless rats in accordance with microneedle length, as assessed using a fluorescence penetration test. Conclusions Disk microneedle rollers, as designed for the DTS™, can be used for transdermal drug delivery. Microneedles can be selected according to the length appropriate for each application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA replication requires cellular factors as well as viral non-structural proteins (NS protein). Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) library screening, we previously identified c-Fos as a host factor involved in HCV propagation. In the present study, we demonstrated that silencing of c-Fos expression resulted in decrease of HCV propagation in cell culture grown HCV (HCVcc)-infected cells; whereas overexpression of c-Fos significantly increased HCV propagation. We further confirmed the positive role of c-Fos in HCV propagation by both HCV-luciferase reporter assay and immunofluorescence analysis. We showed that c-Fos level was upregulated by HCV infection. Furthermore, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced c-Fos level was synergistically increased by HCV infection. These data suggest that c-Fos acts as a positive regulator of HCV propagation and may contribute to HCV-associated pathogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying interferon alpha (IFNα) treatment failure in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with chronic hepatitis, we aimed to develop an IFNα-resistant clone of HCV. By treating JFH-1-infected Huh7.5 cells with a prolonged low-dose treatment of IFNα, we selected a clone of HCV that survived against 100U/ml of IFNα. By genetic analysis of this clone, we found four substitution mutations in the C-terminal coding sequence of non-structural 5A (NS5A). By introducing these four mutations into wild-type JFH-1, we established a new HCV clone that acquired IFNα resistant phenotype. These data suggest that four amino acid substitutions in NS5A are involved in IFNα resistance and thus this newly established HCV may be a useful tool for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of IFNα resistance in HCV patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Interferon (IFN) response rate in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients has been varied with genotypes. In this study, we investigated the effects of HCV NS5A protein on IFN resistance and compared the genotypic differences of NS5A. We showed that IFN-α-, poly I:C-, and Sendai virus-induced ISRE transcriptional activities were inhibited by both genotype 1b and 2a NS5A protein. We demonstrated that not only genotype 1b but also genotype 2a NS5A exerted the similar extent of IFN-α-induced antiviral activity. We showed that NS5A derived from both genotype 1b and 2a showed no significant differential IFN responses as seen in HCV patients. These data imply that some other host factor may be involved in genotypic differences of IFN antagonism in HCV patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection leads to the induction of the apoptotic response, which is associated with bacilli killing. The early secreted mycobacterial antigen ESAT-6 of Mtb has been shown to induce apoptosis in human macrophages and epithelial cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that the stimulation of human epithelial A549 cells by ESAT-6 induces the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. We observed that ESAT-6 treatment increases intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which results in ROS accumulation, and therefore induces the onset of ER stress-induced apoptosis. Our results uncover a novel apoptotic mechanism of ESAT-6 through ER stress responses in pathologic conditions such as tuberculosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study regarding the model of discrete manufacturing and the deterministic chaotic behavior. It states that the possibility of chaos in manufacturing systems is a type of variability that is detrimental to efficiency. It also notes that chaotic dynamics is observable in a production system. The bucket brigades organize the partitions of workers to avoid imbalance. Results show that although the bucket brigades are deterministic, it has chaotic behavior capability.

Oxidative damage is associated with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, but its relationship to the development of neuropathological lesions involving accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and hyperphosphorylated tau protein remains poorly understood. We show that inducing oxidative stress in primary chick brain neurons by exposure to sublethal doses of H2O2 increases levels of total secreted endogenous Aβ by 2.4-fold after 20 h. This occurs in the absence of changes to intracellular amyloid precursor protein or tau protein levels, while heat-shock protein 90 is elevated 2.5-fold. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that aging-associated oxidative stress contributes to increasing Aβ generation and up-regulation of molecular chaperones in Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is prominent in brain where it serves a wide range of functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. PP2A holoenzymes are composed of a catalytic subunit and a tightly complexed scaffolding subunit. This core enzyme associates with regulatory subunits of the B/PR55, B′/PR56/PR61, B″/PR72 and B‴/PR93/PR110 families. We previously determined distribution and expression levels of the four members of the B/PR55 family in brain, as dysregulation of this subunit family has been specifically implicated in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer''s disease. In the present study, we used cell lines widely used in neuroscience research to determine levels of the four PR55 isoforms by qRT-PCR under different experimental conditions. We show that PR55α mRNA levels are highest in both HEK293 cells and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells whereas PR55β levels are lowest. Stepwise neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells causes the selective upregulation of PR55β, and to some extent PR55γ and PR55δ, but not PR55α mRNAs. In agreement with the qRT-PCR analysis, neuronal differentiation does not alter PR55α protein levels, whereas interestingly, PR55β and PR55γ protein levels are reduced when compared to undifferentiated cells. Our data point at specific roles for distinct regulatory B/PR55 subunits of PP2A in neuron-like cells with PR55α being the major isoform. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]