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PRDM proteins have emerged as important regulators of disease and developmental processes. To gain insight into themechanistic actions of the PRDM family, we have performed comprehensive characterization of a prototype member protein, the histone methyltransferase PRDM9, using biochemical, biophysical and chemical biology techniques. In the present paper we report the first known molecular characterization of a PRDM9-methylated recombinant histone octamer and the identification of new histone substrates for the enzyme. A single C321P mutant of the PR/SET domain was demonstrated to significantly weaken PRDM9 activity. Additionally, we have optimized a robust biochemical assay amenable to high-throughput screening to facilitate the generation of small-molecule chemical probes for this protein family. The present study has provided valuable insight into the enzymology of an intrinsically active PRDM protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hollow polyimide (PI) microspheres are prepared through an electrospraying process, followed by surface imidization. The precipitation of droplets at the interface between two immiscible liquids provides a scaffold for the formation of a thin layer while an in situ imidization reaction prevents the irreversible deformation of the hollow shell. This strategy easily yields robust hollow structures of PI microspheres. The electrospray process permitts the sizes of the hollow PI microspheres to be controlled through adjustments to the flow rate and concentration of the poly(amic acid) (PAA) solution. The electrospraying approach described here may be the most facile means yet reported for obtaining size-controlled hollow PI particles without the need for additives or surfactants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was performed to identify correlations between keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) data from CT sections, and data on the KCOT clinical manifestation and resulting dental expenses. Materials and Methods: Following local Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, a seven-years of retrospective study was performed regarding patients with KCOTs treated at the Seoul National University Dental Hospital. A total of 180 KCOT were included in this study. The following information was collected: age, gender, location and size of the lesion, radiological features, surgical treatment provided and dental expenses. Results: There was no significant association between the size of the KCOT and age, gender, and presenting preoperative symptoms. In both jaws, it was unusual to find KCOTs under 10mm. The correlation between the number of teeth removed and the size of the KCOT in the tooth bearing area was statistically significant in the mandible, whereas in the maxilla, no significant relationship was found. Dental expenses compared with the size of the KCOT were found to be significant in both jaws. Conclusion: The size of KCOT was associated with a significant increase in dental expenses for both jaws and the number of teeth removed from the mandible. These findings emphasize the importance of routine examinations and early detection of lesions, which in turn helps preserving anatomical structures and reducing dental expenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our zirconium phosphate (ZrP)-promoted Ru/Co/ZrP/SiO2 catalyst reveals a high catalytic activity and stability during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Surface modification with ZrP on SiO2 support with an appropriate amount of phosphorous component prevents cobalt particle aggregation and enhances its stability. These positive effects of ZrP are mainly induced by the spatial confinement of cobalt particles in a thermally stable ZrP matrix, and the catalytic performance was greatly improved when the P/(Zr+P) molar ratio was 0.134 on the CoZrP(0.5) catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that human fibroblasts can be immortalized using simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen. However, the mechanisms of the SV40-immortalization processes remain unclear. In the present study, the authors identified and characterized a fusion gene, WSG (I-38 VA13 pecific ene), which has an integrated sequence of SV40 and chromosome 16p13. WSG is only detectable in WI-38 VA13 cells and not in other human cell lines or tissues. Transient transfection of the constructed pEGFP-WSG certified the WSG localization at the nuclear of HeLa cells. The growth assays and the knockdown experiment indicate that WSG is involved in the WI-38 VA13 cell proliferation. These results support potential capacities of WSG to be a candidate gene involved in proliferation of the WI-38 VA13 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ubiquitination of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) by the yon Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (pVHL) plays a central role in the cellular response to changes in oxygen availability, pVHL binds to HIF only when a conserved proline in HIF is hydroxylated, a modification that is oxygen-dependent. The 1.85 angstrom structure of a 20-residue HIF-1α peptide-pVHL-ElonginB-ElonginC complex shows that HIF-1α binds to pVHL in an extended 13 strancl-like conformation. The hydroxyproline inserts into a gap in the pVHL hydrophobic core, at a site that is a hotspot for tumorigenic mutations, with its 4-hydroxyl group recognized by buried serine and histidine residues. Although the β sheet-like interactions contribute to the stability of the complex, the hydroxyproline contacts are central to the strict specificity characteristic of signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates platelet-activating factor acetyllhydrolases. Substrate specificity of pPAF-AH; Substrate specificities of PAF-AH(II), PAF-AH(Ib) and physarum PAF-AH; Studies with lipoprotein-bound pPAF-AH.

Examines membrane bound plasma platelet activating factor acetlyhydrolase (PAF-AH) acting on a substrate in the aqueous phase. Properties of PAF-AH; Probe on the aqueous mechanism of pPAF-AH; Analysis on the binding of pPAH to vesicles; Hydrolysis of PAF and PAF analogues.

α-Fe2O3, which is an attractive material for supercapacitor electrodes, has been studied to address the issue of low capacitance through structural development and complexation to maximize the use of surface pseudocapacitance. In this study, the limited performance of α-Fe2O3 was greatly improved by optimizing the nanotube structure of α-Fe2O3 and its combination with polyaniline (PANI). α-Fe2O3 nanotubes (α-NT) were fabricated in a form in which the thickness and inner diameter of the tube were controlled by Fe(CO)5 vapor deposition using anodized aluminum oxide as a template. PANI was combined with the prepared α-NT in two forms: PANI@α-NT-a enclosed inside and outside with PANI and PANI@α-NT-b containing PANI only on the inside. In contrast to α-NT, which showed a very low specific capacitance, these two composites showed significantly improved capacitances of 185 Fg−1 for PANI@α-NT-a and 62 Fg−1 for PANI@α-NT-b. In the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis, it was observed that the resistance of charge transfer was minimized in PANI@α-NT-a, and the pseudocapacitance on the entire surface of the α-Fe2O3 nanotubes was utilized with high efficiency through binding and conductivity improvements by PANI. PANI@α-NT-a exhibited a capacitance retention of 36% even when the current density was increased 10-fold, and showed excellent stability of 90.1% over 3000 charge–discharge cycles. This approach of incorporating conducting polymers through well-controlled nanostructures suggests a solution to overcome the limitations of α-Fe2O3 electrode materials and improve performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymer binder, poly(imide-co-siloxane) (PIS), was synthesized and applied to form a thin cathode layer of composites for a thermal battery that has an unusually high operating temperature of 450 °C. The PIS was prepared through cross-linking of the polyimide with polysiloxane. The morphology of FeS2/PIS composites showed that FeS2 particles was coated with the PIS cross-linked gel. The FeS2/PIS composites enabled to fabricate mechanically stable thin cathode layer that was 10–20% of the thickness of a conventional pellet-type cathode. The FeS2/PIS composites were stable up to 400 °C and maintained their morphology at this temperature. PIS coating layers decomposed at 450 °C, and a new residue was generated, which was observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the compositional change was analyzed. The FeS2/PIS composites showed enhanced thermal stability over that of FeS2 in thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal battery with the PIS polymer binder showed a 20% discharge capacity increase when compared to a conventional pellet-type cathode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Waste PET was directly converted to low-molecular-weight liquid polyols through one-step glycolysis process using EDTA as a deactivator to prevent catalytic re-polymerization. • The effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the blocking of transesterification catalysts (zinc acetate) was clarified. • Rigid polyurethane with good thermal stability and mechanical properties was synthesized from the obtained liquid polyols. An effective process for synthesizing liquid dihydroxyl group-ended oligomers directly from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using a metal chelating agent, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), is described in this study. The deactivation of transesterification catalyst was confirmed by a model process that involves the reaction of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate with diethylene glycol under different catalytic conditions. The depolymerization of PET was performed with an excess amount of diethylene glycol and Zn2+ catalysts to form intermediates. The chelating agent was then introduced as a catalytic defunctionalizer, after which the residual glycols were distilled and recovered under reduced pressure. The obtained polyols were characterized by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, and viscometry. Utilizing EDTA showed high efficiency in blocking catalysts during high-temperature distillation, resulting in maximum trimer chain-length sized and low-viscosity liquid polyols. Subsequently, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) were prepared using synthesized polyols as the soft segment, with 4,4'-methylene-bis(phenyl isocyanate) and 1,4-butanediol as the isocyanate and chain extender, respectively. The final TPUs were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the emergency department. This study aimed to evaluate the assessment of severity of sepsis by and prognostic value of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) compared with other widely used biological markers of inflammation in patients with sepsis. Methods NGAL, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein values were measured in 470 patients with suspected sepsis, and the Mortality in Emergency Department Sepsis (MEDS) score was obtained for all enrolled subjects, who were followed for up to 28 days. Results The median plasma NGAL value was increased with sepsis severity according to the MEDS score. The plasma NGAL value was higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of NGAL (0.797) was greater than that of procalcitonin (0.599) and MEDS score (0.774) in predicting 28-day hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression found that the plasma NGAL value was an independent predictor for hospital mortality in patients with sepsis. The plasma NGAL values were positively correlated with C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels, and MEDS scores. Conclusions Plasma NGAL is a valuable biological marker in the assessment of severity and prediction of prognosis of patients with sepsis in the emergency department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polymer-bound palladium catalyst was prepared as PdO nanoparticles bound on the surface of polystyrene beads. This catalytic system showed good activities in the reduction of nitro arenes and the hydrodehalogenation of aryl halides. When the nitro arenes were reacted with 10 mol% PdO and K3PO4 (1.5 equiv.) in DMF/cyclohexanol at 110 °C, the corresponding amino arenes were formed in good yields. In addition, these reaction conditions afforded hydrodehalogenated products from aryl iodides, bromides, and chlorides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The human XPC-RAD23B complex and its yeast ortholog, Rad4-Rad23, are the primary initiators of global genome nucleotide excision repair. The interaction of these proteins with damaged DNA was analyzed using model DNA duplexes containing a single fluorescein-substituted dUMP analog as a lesion. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed similarity between human and yeast proteins in DNA binding. Quantitative analyses of XPC/Rad4 binding to the model DNA structures were performed by fluorescent depolarization measurements. XPC-RAD23B and Rad4-Rad23 proteins demonstrate approximately equal binding affinity to the damaged DNA duplex (KD ~ (0.5±0.1) and (0.6±0.3) nM, respectively). Using photoreactive DNA containing 5-iodo-dUMP in defined positions, XPC/Rad4 location on damaged DNA was shown. Under conditions of equimolar binding to DNA both proteins exhibited the highest level of cross-links to 5I-dUMP located exactly opposite the damaged nucleotide. The positioning of the XPC and Rad4 proteins on damaged DNA by photocross-linking footprinting is consistent with x-ray analysis of the Rad4-DNA crystal complex. The identity of the XPC and Rad4 location illustrates the common principles of structure organization of DNA damage-scanning proteins from different Eukarya organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

D-Isosorbide (ISB) is an attractive diol candidate for copolyester production because of its biological origin and desirable properties imparted by the resulting polyesters. However, the rigid structure and relatively unreactive hydroxyl groups in ISB can decrease the reactivity (toward glycolysis reactions) of ISB-containing polymers. To confirm the influence of the sterically hindered ISB moiety on the glycolysis of copolyesters, bis(6-hydroxyhexahydrofuro[3,2- b ]furan-3-yl) terephthalate (BHDIT), a model compound for poly(isosorbide terephthalate) (PIT), was synthesized. The transesterification reactivity of BHDIT was compared with that of model compounds poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT). BHDIT exhibited significantly reduced reactivity, with a reaction rate 5 times lower than that of PET. In the glycolysis of copolyesters consisting of PIT, PET, and PCT units, the PIT units exhibited a degradation of only 5% of the PIT units, indicating considerably higher stability than other polymer units. PET glycolysis with ISB, the reverse of PIT glycolysis, exhibited a reduced reaction rate, which was 0.17% of the reaction rate with diethylene glycol. In the glycolysis involving the ISB moiety, the sterically hindered bicyclic ring and secondary alcohol structure of ISB resulted in a decreased transesterification rate that was more than two orders lower than that of PET. • Glycolysis reactivity of D-isosorbide-contained copolyesters. • Investigation of precise reactivity through model compound studies. • Enhanced catalytic conditions for transesterification involved with sterically hindered D-isosorbide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is a potential next-generation energy storage technology over lithium-ion batteries for high capacity, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions. However, several issues including polysulfides shuttle, low conductivity and limited rate-capability have hampered its practical application. Herein, a new class of cathode active material with perfect core-shell structure is reported, in which sulfur is fully encapsulated by conductivity-enhancing FeS 2 (named as S@FeS 2 ), for high-rate application. Surface-stabilized S@FeS 2 cathode exhibits a stable cycling performance under 2 - 20 times higher rates (1-2 C, charged in 30-60 min) than standard rates (e.g., 0.1-0.5 C, charged in 2-10 h), without polysulfides shuttle event. Surface analysis results reveal the unprecedented formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on S@FeS 2 cathode, which is distinguished from other sulfur-based cathodes that are not able to form the SEI layer. The data suggest that the prevention of polysulfides shuttling is owing to the surface protection effect of FeS 2 shell and the SEI layer formation overlying core-shell S@FeS 2 . This unique and potential material concept proposed in the present study will give insight into designing a prospective fast charging Li-S battery., (© 2024 The Author(s). Small published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Introduction : The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG2018) is a scoring system used to recommend the clinical management of AC. However, such a scoring system must incorporate a variety of clinical outcomes of acute cholangitis (AC). In an emergency department (ED)-based setting, where efficiency and practicality are highly desired, clinicians may find the application of various parameters challenging. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and blood urea nitrogen-to-albumin ratio (BAR) are relatively common biomarkers used to assess disease severity. This study evaluated the potential value of TG2018 scores measured in an ED to predict a variety of clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the study also compared TG2018 scores with NLR and BAR scores to demonstrate their usefulness. Methods : This retrospective observational study was performed in an ED. In total, 502 patients with AC visited the ED between January 2016 and December 2021. The primary endpoint was to evaluate whether the TG2018 scoring system measured in the ED was a predictor of intensive care, long-term hospital stays (≥14 days), percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) during admission care, and endotracheal intubation (ETI). Results : The analysis included 81 patients requiring intensive care, 111 requiring long-term hospital stays (≥14 days), 49 requiring PTBD during hospitalization, and 14 requiring ETI during hospitalization. For the TG2018 score, the adjusted OR (aOR) using (1) as a reference was 23.169 (95% CI: 9.788-54.844) for (3) compared to (1). The AUC of the TG2018 for the need for intensive care was 0.850 (95% CI: 0.815-0.881) with a cutoff of >2. The AUC for long-term hospital stays did not exceed 0.7 for any of the markers. the AUC for PTBD also did not exceed 0.7 for any of the markers. The AUC for ETI was the highest for BAR at 0.870 (95% CI: 0.837-0.899) with a cutoff value of >5.2. Conclusions : The TG2018 score measured in the ED helps predict various clinical outcomes of AC. Other novel markers such as BAR and NLR are also associated, but their explanatory power is weak.

Despite the superior clinical efficacy of the re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) form compared to the ethylester form, few studies have been conducted on improving the bioavailability of the rTG form of omega-3 oil. The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of self emulsifying formulation on the improvement of bioavailability of rTG form of omega-3 oil. To develop a re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) soft capsule, an rTG-loaded self-emulsifying delivery system (SEDS) was designed using coconut oil, polysorbate 80, and lecithin. Candidate formulations were designed from a phase-diagram study and optimal SEDS formulations containing 85% of high omega-3 (ω-3) oils were screened from the evaluation of droplet size distribution, measurement of oil floating area and emulsion turbidity. The selected, optimized rTG SEDS formulation was filled into a soft capsule (NOVASEDS) and applied to a sequence-randomized, double-blind, single-dose, and two-way crossover clinical study (n = 44), and the the bioavailability of NOVASEDS was compared with that of a 'raw' rTG capsule (rTG OMEGA3) as control. The droplet size (D 50 ) formed from the candidate formulations was approximately 30-45 μm, and the optimal formulation showed a unimodal particle distribution with the smallest oil floating area and small changes in turbidity after 24 h. C max and AUC from 0 to 24 h for NOVASEDS, calculated from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and as the sum of DHA and EPA, were significantly higher ( P  < 0.05) than corresponding values for rTG OMEGA3. In conclusion, NOVASEDS formulated by SEDS technology enabled the manufacture of a high rTG payload soft capsule with improved bioavailability in human subjects., Competing Interests: No conflict of interest exists in the submission of this manuscript, and the manuscript is approved by all authors for publication. I would like to declare on behalf of my co-authors that the work described was original research that has not been previously published and was not contemplated for publication elsewhere, in whole or in part. All the authors listed have approved the manuscript that is enclosed., (© 2023 The Authors.)

To overcome the low-energy-density limitation of supercapacitors, we aimed to achieve a material with a high specific capacitance by manipulating the nanostructure of FeS 2 , which comprises the most abundant and affordable elements. In this study, nanosheet-assembled FeS 2 (NSA-FeS 2 ) was fabricated using a novel method. Sub-micron droplets of sulfur particles stabilized with polyvinylpyrrolidone were formed in silicone oil medium, and Fe(CO) 5 was absorbed and reacted on the surface to form core-shell particles, ES/[Fe], with a sulfur core and an iron-containing outer shell. The high temperature treatment of ES/[Fe] produced NSA-FeS 2 , in which pyrite FeS 2 nanosheets grew and were partially interconnected. In a three-electrode system, the as-prepared NSA-FeS 2 and NSA-FeS 2 /polyaniline (PANI) composites exhibited specific capacitances of 763 and 976 Fg -1 , respectively, at a current density of 0.5 Ag -1 , with corresponding capacitance retentions of 93 and 96% after 3000 charge-discharge cycles. The capacitance retention of the NSA-FeS 2 /PANI composites was 49% when the current density was increased from 0.5 to 5 Ag -1 . Notably, the obtained specific capacitances exhibited the highest values in pure FeS 2 and FeS 2 -based composites, indicating the significant potential for the utilization of iron sulfide in pseudocapacitive electrode materials.

To enhance the oral bioavailability of atorvastatin calcium (ATV), a novel solidified micelle (S-micelle) was developed. Two surfactants, Gelucire 48/16 (G48) and Tween 20 (T20), were employed for micelle formation, and two solid carriers (SC), Florite PS-10 (FLO) and Vivapur 105 (VP105), were selected as solid carriers. The S-micelle was optimized using a Box-Behnken design with three independent variables, including G48:T20 ( X 1 , 1.8:1), SC:G48 + T20 ( X 2 , 0.65:1), and FLO:VP105 ( X 3 , 1.4:0.6), resulting in a droplet size ( Y 1 ) of 198.4 nm, dissolution efficiency at 15 min in the pH 1.2 medium ( Y 2 ) of 47.6%, Carr's index ( Y 3 ) of 16.9, and total quantity ( Y 4 ) of 562.5 mg. The optimized S-micelle resulted in good correlation showing percentage prediction values less than 10%. The optimized S-micelle formed a nanosized dispersion in the aqueous phase, with a higher dissolution rate than raw ATV and crushed Lipitor®. The optimized S-micelle improved the relative bioavailability of oral ATV (25 mg equivalent/kg) in rats by approximately 509 and 271% compared to raw ATV and crushed Lipitor ® , respectively. In conclusion, the optimized S-micelle possesses great potential for the development of solidified formulations for improved oral absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs.

The simultaneous drug delivery efficiency of a co-loaded single-carrier system of docetaxel (DTX)- and tariquidar (TRQ)-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) functionalized with PEG and RIPL peptide (PRN) (D^T-PRN) was compared with that of a physically mixed dual-carrier system of DTX-loaded PRN (D-PRN) and TRQ-loaded PRN (T-PRN) to overcome DTX mono-administration-induced multidrug resistance. NLC samples were prepared using the solvent emulsification evaporation technique and showed homogeneous spherical morphology, with nano-sized dispersion (<220 nm) and zeta potential values of -15 to -7 mV. DTX and/or TRQ was successfully encapsulated in NLC samples (>95% encapsulation efficiency and 73-78 µg/mg drug loading). In vitro cytotoxicity was concentration-dependent; D^T-PRN exhibited the highest MDR reversal efficiency, with the lowest combination index value, and increased the cytotoxicity and apoptosis in MCF7/ADR cells by inducing cell-cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. A competitive cellular uptake assay using fluorescent probes showed that, compared to the dual nanocarrier system, the single nanocarrier system exhibited better intracellular delivery efficiency of multiple probes to target cells. In the MCF7/ADR-xenografted mouse models, simultaneous DTX and TRQ delivery using D^T-PRN significantly suppressed tumor growth as compared to other treatments. A single co-loaded system for PRN-based co-delivery of DTX/TRQ (1:1, w / w ) constitutes a promising therapeutic strategy for drug-resistant breast cancer cells.

Background and Objectives: Presepsin (PSS) is an independent predictor for estimating disease severity and prognosis in septic patients. Few studies have reported the associations between plasma PSS and the severity and prognosis in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We investigated whether a high plasma PSS level was associated with 30-day mortality in CAP patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center study was conducted in an emergency department. The PSS level was measured in 211 adult CAP patients admitted to the hospital and followed for up to 30 days. We recorded the pneumonia severity index (PSI) and the CURB-65 score. The primary outcome was death from any cause within 30 days. Results: The plasma PSS levels were significantly elevated in the high-risk group (PSI > 130) compared with the low- (PSI < 91) or moderate-risk groups (PSI 91−130). Forty-four patients (20.9%) died within 30 days of admission. Non-survivors had significantly higher plasma PSS levels than survivors among CAP patients: 1083 (697−1736) pg/mL vs. 385 (245−554) pg/mL (p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) to predict 30-day mortality was highest for PSS (0.867), followed by procalcitonin (0.728) and lactate (0.616). The cutoff level of plasma PSS for 30-day mortality was >754 pg/mL. The combination of PSI and plasma PSS level improved the predictive ability for 30-day mortality (AUC = 0.892). Cox regression analysis showed that higher PSS levels (>754 pg/mL) and higher PSI (>126) were associated with 30-day mortality in CAP patients (hazard ratios of 19.472 and 6.375, respectively). Conclusion: Elevated plasma PSS is associated with severity and 30-day mortality in hospitalized CAP patients. Combining plasma PSS level and PSI could significantly improve the predictive ability of PSS for 30-day mortality.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients with sepsis. We evaluated the potential prognostic value of plasma presepsin to predict AKI in patients with sepsis in the emergency department. A total of 193 patients diagnosed with sepsis based on the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3) were included in this observational study. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes clinical practice guideline. Plasma presepsin levels were measured on admission to the emergency department. We compared plasma presepsin levels between patients who did and those who did not develop AKI. AKI occurred in 100 (51.8%) patients. The median plasma presepsin level was significantly higher in patients with AKI than in those without AKI (1061 pg/mL vs 495 pg/mL, P <.001). Plasma presepsin levels were significantly increased in patients with AKI stage 3 compared with those with AKI stages 1 and 2 (P =.001). The area under the curve of presepsin for predicting AKI was 0.793 (95% confidence interval: 0.729-0.848). The optimal presepsin cutoff value for predicting AKI was >572 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 77.0% and specificity of 81.7%. Plasma presepsin level is a valuable biomarker for the prediction of AKI in patients with sepsis in the emergency department., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Objectives: Hyperglycemia and hypokalemia are common problems in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The aim of this study was to determine whether the plasma glucose to potassium ratio (GPR) predicts mortality due to aSAH. Methods: We prospectively recruited aSAH patients and healthy controls between March 2007 and May 2017. Clinical outcomes included mortality and poor outcome (modified Rankin scale score of 3-6) after 3 months. Multivariable analysis was used to determine the association between plasma GPR and 3-month mortality in aSAH patients. Results: A total of 553 patients were recruited, and the mortality rate was 11%. The GPR was significantly elevated in aSAH patients compared with controls, in patients with a poor outcome than with a good outcome and in non-survivals than in survivals. Multivariable analysis showed that the plasma GPR was an independent factor associated with 3-month mortality. The area under the curve of the GPR was 0.747 in predicting 3-month mortality. Conclusion: The plasma GPR on admission has potential as a predictor of 3-month mortality in patients with aSAH., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Jung, Paik, Kim and Hong.)

Objective: The main aim of this study was to compare optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured using ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) almost simultaneously in the same patients with suspected elevated intracranial pressure. The other aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic ability for detecting elevated intracranial pressure using ONSD measured by USG (USG-ONSD) and by CT (CT-ONSD)., Patients and Methods: This prospective, observational study was undertaken from June to October 2020 in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary medical center in Seoul. ONSD was measured by USG and CT at 3 mm behind the posterior aspect of the globe., Result: A total of 199 patients were enrolled. The median USG-ONSD and CT-ONSD were significantly higher in patients with elevated intracranial pressure than in patients with normal intracranial pressure. The interclass correlation coefficient between USG-ONSD and CT-ONSD was 0.785 (95% CI 0.715-0.837). A Bland-Altman plot showed significant agreement between USG and CT measurements. The optimal cutoff for detecting elevated intracranial pressure was >5.3 mm (sensitivity of 75.4% and specificity of 90.8%) for USG and >5.0 mm (sensitivity of 68.4% and specificity of 85.2%) for CT., Conclusion: The ONSD measured using USG and CT were increased in patients with elevated intracranial pressure. Measurement of ONSD by USG and CT showed very high agreement., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Rationale: The recent discovery of meningeal lymphatics in mammals is reshaping our understanding of fluid homeostasis and cellular waste management in the brain, but visualization and experimental analysis of these vessels is challenging in mammals. Although the optical clarity and experimental advantages of zebrafish have made this an essential model organism for studying lymphatic development, the existence of meningeal lymphatics has not yet been reported in this species., Objective: Examine the intracranial space of larval, juvenile, and adult zebrafish to determine whether and where intracranial lymphatic vessels are present., Methods and Results: Using high-resolution optical imaging of the meninges in living animals, we show that zebrafish possess a meningeal lymphatic network comparable to that found in mammals. We confirm that this network is separate from the blood vascular network and that it drains interstitial fluid from the brain. We document the developmental origins and growth of these vessels into a distinct network separated from the external lymphatics. Finally, we show that these vessels contain immune cells and perform live imaging of immune cell trafficking and transmigration in meningeal lymphatics., Conclusions: This discovery establishes the zebrafish as a important new model for experimental analysis of meningeal lymphatic development and opens up new avenues for probing meningeal lymphatic function in health and disease.