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Background Regdanvimab (CT-P59) is a neutralizing antibody authorized in Republic of Korea for the treatment of adult patients with moderate or mild-COVID-19 who are not on supplemental oxygen and have high risk of progressing to severe disease (age ≥50 years or comorbidities). This study evaluated the clinical efficacy, safety and medical utilization/costs associated with real-world regdanvimab therapy. Methods This non-interventional, retrospective cohort study included adult patients with confirmed mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients treated with regdanvimab were compared with controls who had received other therapies. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients progressing to severe/critical COVID-19 or death due to SARS-CoV-2 infection up to Day 28. Propensity score matching was applied to efficacy analyses. Results Overall, 552 patients were included in the Safety and Efficacy Sets (regdanvimab, n=156; control, n=396) and 274 patients in the propensity score–matched (PSM) Efficacy Set (regdanvimab, n=113; control, n=161). In the PSM Set, the risk of severe/critical COVID-19 or death was significantly lower in the regdanvimab group (7.1% vs 16.1%, P=0.0263); supplemental oxygen was required by 8.0% and 18.6% of patients in the regdanvimab and control groups, respectively (P=0.0128). There were no unexpected safety findings in the regdanvimab group. Medical utilization analysis showed an overall cost reduction with regdanvimab compared with control treatments. Conclusions Regdanvimab significantly reduced the proportion of patients progressing to severe/critical disease or dying of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study shows the potential benefits of regdanvimab in reducing disease severity and improving medical utility in patients with COVID-19.

Obesity is a major health problem that is caused by body fat accumulation and that can lead to metabolic diseases. Owing to several side effects of the currently used antiobesity drugs, natural plants have risen as safe and potential candidates to alleviate obesity. We have previously reported the antiobesity effect of Hydrangea serrata (Thunb.) Ser. leaves extract (WHS) and its underlying mechanisms. As an extension of our preclinical studies, this study aimed to investigate the effect of WHS on body weight and body fat reduction in overweight or obese humans. A total of 93 healthy overweight or obese males and females, aged 19–65 years, with body mass indexes (BMIs) ≥ 25 and

Play has been used as an intervention or evaluation tool for children. Developing a social play evaluation tool can provide clinical criteria for intervening in social play. We aimed to develop a social play evaluation tool for preschool children based on Parten’s stages of development. We tested the construct validity of the scale using confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis, and the known-groups validity by examining the Rasch-calibrated mean score differences across age groups. A total of 40 preliminary items—17 items for associative play and 23 items for cooperative play—were examined. There were significant differences in the scores for associative play between ages 3 and 6 (F = 2.65, p = 0.049), and for cooperative play between ages 3 and 5, 3 and 6, and 4 and 6 (F = 10.44, p < 0.0001). The findings could contribute to subsequent development and validation of occupational therapy programs on play.

A strain sensor characterized by elasticity has recently been studied in various ways to be applied to monitoring humans or robots. Here, 4 types of 3D-printed auxetic lattice structures using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as raw material were characterized: truss and honeycomb with positive Poisson's ratio and chiral truss and re-entrant with negative Poisson's ratio. Each structure was fabricated as a flexible and stable strain sensor by coating graphene through a dip-coating process. The fabricated auxetic structures have excellent strength, flexibility, and electrical conductivity desirable for a strain sensor and detect a constant change in resistance at a given strain. The 3D-printed auxetic lattice 4 type structures coated with CWPU/Graphene suggest potential applications of multifunctional strain sensors under deformation.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are clinicopathologically different.We aimed to assess the feasibility of metabolomics in differentiating the metabolite profiles of synovial fluid between RA and OA using gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry.We first compared the global metabolomic changes in the synovial fluid of 19 patients with RA and OA. Partial least squares-discriminant, hierarchical clustering, and univariate analyses were performed to distinguish metabolites of RA and OA. These findings were then validated using synovial fluid samples from another set of 15 patients with RA and OA.We identified 121 metabolites in the synovial fluid of the first 19 samples. The score plot of PLS-DA showed a clear separation between RA and OA. Twenty-eight crucial metabolites, including hypoxanthine, xanthine, adenosine, citrulline, histidine, and tryptophan, were identified to be capable of distinguishing RA metabolism from that of OA; these were found to be associated with purine and amino acid metabolism.Our results demonstrated that metabolite profiling of synovial fluid could clearly discriminate between RA and OA, suggesting that metabolomics may be a feasible tool to assist in the diagnosis and advance the comprehension of pathological processes for diseases.

Obesity is a major health problem that is caused by body fat accumulation and that can lead to metabolic diseases. Owing to several side effects of the currently used antiobesity drugs, natural plants have risen as safe and potential candidates to alleviate obesity. We have previously reported the antiobesity effect of Hydrangea serrata (Thunb.) Ser. leaves extract (WHS) and its underlying mechanisms. As an extension of our preclinical studies, this study aimed to investigate the effect of WHS on body weight and body fat reduction in overweight or obese humans. A total of 93 healthy overweight or obese males and females, aged 19–65 years, with body mass indexes (BMIs) ≥ 25 and

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) is a major cause of skin aging. The aim of the present study was to determine the photoprotective effect of a 30% ethanol extract of Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell (EEB) against UVB-induced skin aging. By treating human dermal fibroblasts (Hs68) with EEB after UVB irradiation, we found that EEB had a cytoprotective effect. EEB treatment significantly decreased UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) production by suppressing the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/activator protein 1 (AP-1) signaling and enhancing the protein expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). EEB was also found to recover the UVB-induced degradation of pro-collagen by upregulating Smad signaling. Moreover, EEB increased the mRNA expression of filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin in UVB-irradiated human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT). EEB decreased UVB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by upregulating glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression via nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation in Hs68 cells. In a UVB-induced HR-1 hairless mouse model, the oral administration of EEB mitigated photoaging lesions including wrinkle formation, skin thickness, and skin dryness by downregulating MMP-1 production and upregulating the expression of pro-collagen type I alpha 1 chain (pro-COL1A1). Collectively, our findings revealed that EEB prevents UVB-induced skin damage by regulating MMP-1 and pro-collagen type I production through MAPK/AP-1 and Smad pathways.

Limited studies have investigated population pharmacokinetic (PK) models and optimal dosage regimens of meropenem for critically ill adult patients using the probability of target attainment, including patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). A population PK analysis was conducted using non-linear mixed-effect modeling. Monte Carlo simulation was used to determine for how long the free drug concentration was above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at steady state conditions in patients with various degrees of renal function. Meropenem PK in critically ill patients was described using a two-compartment model, in which glomerular filtration rate was identified as a covariate for clearance. ECMO did not affect meropenem PK. The simulation results showed that the current meropenem dosing regimen would be sufficient for attaining 40%fT&gt, MIC for Pseudomonas aeruginosa at MIC ≤ 4 mg/L. Prolonged infusion over 3 h or a high-dosage regimen of 2 g/8 h was needed for MIC &gt, 2 mg/L or in patients with augmented renal clearance, for a target of 100%fT&gt, MIC or 100%fT&gt, 4XMIC. Our study suggests that clinicians should consider prolonged infusion or a high-dosage regimen of meropenem, particularly when treating critically ill patients with augmented renal clearance or those infected with pathogens with decreased in vitro susceptibility, regardless of ECMO support.

Upon reentering the Earth’s atmosphere from space, a reentry vehicle becomes enshrouded in an ionization layer. This layer is known as the reentry plasma sheath and is caused by aerodynamic heating. Owing to the oscillation of charged particles in the reentry plasma sheath, the electromagnetic waves for communication between the vehicle and ground are attenuated. Analysis of the plasma density and attenuation of electromagnetic waves in a reentry plasma environment would require experimentation in an environment in which an actual aircraft reenters the atmosphere. Alternatively, an experiment in a large-scale plasma wind tunnel would be necessary. Unfortunately, these experiments would be extremely costly. Therefore, in this study, the reentry plasma was reproduced at laboratory scale using the hot refractory anode vacuum arc (HRAVA) method. In addition, the pressure in the vacuum chamber was used as a variable to probe the characteristics of the reentry plasma according to the altitude. The plasma density and attenuation of electromagnetic waves propagating through the plasma medium were measured using heterodyne interferometry and reflectometry capable of frequency analysis in the range of 10−35 GHz. The results confirmed that the plasma density and attenuation of the electromagnetic waves increased as the pressure in the vacuum chamber increased.

Background: Chaperon-mediated autophagy (CMA) is a target specific degradation pathway among autophagic processes. Although CMA plays critical roles in tumor progression in general, the role of CMA in tumor progression under hypoxia is poorly understood. We investigated the role of CMA in hypoxic tumor using a novel Hsp90-mediated modulator of CMA.Methods: We examined whether manassantin A (ManA), known as a potent inhibitor of HIF-1α, is a CMA modulator using biochemical, molecular, and cell biology approaches. We analyzed the effects of ManA on Hsp90 chaperone function by using Significant Analysis of Microarray, luciferase refolding assay, HS-10 resin binding assay, NMR spectroscopy, and SPR assay. We investigated tumor growth in response to monotherapy and combination therapy with ManA and anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody in vivo. To assess the clinical efficacy of CMA-related genes, we analyzed the gene expressions of HIF-1α, HSP90AA1, and transcription factor EB (TFEB) using TCGA datasets. Finally, we assessed in vivo/in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties of ManA.Results: ManA inhibits Hsp90 chaperone function through disruption of the Hsp90/F1F0-ATP synthase (chaperone/co-chaperone) complex. The inhibition of Hsp90 enhances the interaction of CMA substrates and LAMP-2A as well as TFEB nuclear localization, thus leading to CMA activation. Importantly, CMA activation not only retards tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, but also displays cooperative antitumor activity with anti-PD-1 antibody in vivo. An in-depth analysis of TCGA datasets shows that combined expression of HSP90AA1High/HIF1AHigh or TFEBLow/HIF1AHigh is strongly correlated with poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. Conclusions: ManA-induced inhibition of Hsp90 promotes CMA activity and decreases the stability of CMA substrates such as HIF-1α protein, leading to a marked reduction of hypoxic tumor growth. Therefore, targeting CMA activity via Hsp90 may present a promising therapeutic strategy for hypoxic tumor.

We previously reported the potential anti-obesity effects of the water extract of Hydrangea serrata (Thunb.) Ser. leaves (WHS) in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. As an extension of our previous study, we investigated the anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity effects of WHS and its underlying molecular mechanisms in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and genetically obese db/db mice. WHS attenuated the gene expression of adipogenic transcription factors, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, and sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1. Moreover, WHS inhibited the mitotic clonal expansion of preadipocytes by inducing G1 cell cycle arrest. Oral administration of WHS alleviated body weight gain and body fat accumulation in vivo. In addition, adipocyte hypertrophy and liver steatosis were ameliorated by WHS treatment. WHS reduced C/EBPα, PPARγ, and SREBP-1 expression and activated AMPKα phosphorylation in both white adipose tissue (WAT) and liver tissue. WHS also mildly upregulated the expression of thermogenic proteins, including uncoupling protein-1, PPARs, PPARγ coactivator-1α, and sirtuin-1, in brown adipose tissue (BAT). Furthermore, WHS altered the gut microbiota composition to resemble that of wild-type mice. Taken together, our findings suggest that WHS could alleviate adiposity by inhibiting adipogenesis in WAT and the liver and modulating the gut microbiota.

Background: Carbapenem-resistance (CR) causes poor clinical outcomes and has limited treatment options. We aim to evaluate the differences in clinical characteristics and impact of carbapenem-resistance on outcomes between Acinetobacter baumannii (ABA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAE) bacteraemia. Methods: We prospectively identified all patients with ABA and PAE bacteraemia in 10 hospitals over a 1-year period and collected their detailed clinical information. Treatment failure was defined as all-cause 30-day mortality, persistent bacteraemia, or recurrence within 30 days.Results: We included 304 ABA and 241 PAE bacteraemia cases. CR was detected in 216 ABA (71%) and 55 PAE (23%). Treatment failure was significantly higher in CR-ABA than in CR-PAE (60.6% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.001). Multivariate analyses were stratified by patient data according to CR and the appropriateness of empirical therapy. For ABA patients, severe sepsis or septic shock and high Pitt bacteraemia score were independent risk factors for treatment failure in the inappropriate empirical antibiotics group. Pneumonia was a significant risk factor in the appropriate group. For PAE patients, hospital-acquired infection and high Pitt bacteraemia score were independent risk factors for treatment failure in both groups. CR was an independent risk factor in ABA for treatment failure in both the inappropriate (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-33.75, P = 0.036) and appropriate empirical treatment groups (aOR: 4.15, 95% CI: 1.16-14.84, P = 0.029), but not for patients with PAE bacteraemia. Conclusions: We demonstrated significant differences in the clinical characteristics and impact of CR on the clinical outcomes between ABA and PAE bacteraemia. Our findings suggest that different approaches may be needed to treat ABA and PAE bacteraemia.

Recent outbreaks of zoonotic coronaviruses, such as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), have caused tremendous casualties and great economic shock. Although some repurposed drugs have shown potential therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials, specific therapeutic agents targeting coronaviruses have not yet been developed. During coronavirus replication, a replicase gene cluster, including RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), is alternatively translated via a process called -1 programmed ribosomal frameshift (−1 PRF) by an RNA pseudoknot structure encoded in viral RNAs. The coronavirus frameshifting has been identified previously as a target for antiviral therapy. In this study, the frameshifting efficiencies of MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 were determined using an in vitro −1 PRF assay system. Our group has searched approximately 9689 small molecules to identify potential −1 PRF inhibitors. Herein, we found that a novel compound, 2-(5-acetylthiophen-2yl)furo[2,3-b]quinoline (KCB261770), inhibits the frameshifting of MERS-CoV and effectively suppresses viral propagation in MERS-CoV-infected cells. The inhibitory effects of 87 derivatives of furo[2,3-b]quinolines were also examined showing less prominent inhibitory effect when compared to compound KCB261770. We demonstrated that KCB261770 inhibits the frameshifting without suppressing cap-dependent translation. Furthermore, this compound was able to inhibit the frameshifting, to some extent, of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, the novel compound 2-(5-acetylthiophen-2yl)furo[2,3-b]quinoline may serve as a promising drug candidate to interfere with pan-coronavirus frameshifting.

Background Annually, about 80% of the Korean elderly aged ≥65 years receive influenza vaccination. Repeated annual vaccination has been suggested as an important factor of poor influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE), though reported conflicting results. Methods During the consecutive A/H3N2-dominant influenza seasons between 2012 and 2015, we comparatively evaluated the VE (repeated vs. current season only) against laboratory-confirmed influenza, pneumonia and hospitalization in the elderly aged ≥65 years with influenza-like illness (ILI). Clinical and demographic data were collected prospectively, and vaccination status of prior and current seasons was verified using the immunization registry data of Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results During the first A/H3N2-dominant season in 2012–2013, influenza vaccine showed statistically significant effectiveness against influenza A infection only and when vaccinated in the current season only (VE 53%, 95% CI 15–77). In the latter two seasons (2013–2015 years), the adjusted VE for influenza A was indistinguishable between repeated vaccination and vaccination in the current season only. Conclusion During consecutive influenza A/H3N2 epidemics, poor influenza vaccine effectiveness may be more pronounced among the elderly population with a high annual vaccine uptake rate.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is a rare X-linked recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by mutation of the iduronate-2-sulfatase gene. The mutation results in iduronate-2-sulfatase deficiency, which causes the progressive accumulation of heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate in cellular lysosomes. The phenotype, age of onset, and symptoms of MPS II vary; accordingly, the disease can be classified into either the early-onset type or the late-onset type, depending on the age of onset and the severity of the symptoms. In patients with severe MPS II, symptoms typically first appear between 2 and 5 years of age. Patients with severe MPS II usually die in the second decade of life although some patients with less severe disease have survived into their fifth or sixth decade. Here, we report the establishment of a preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) strategy using multiplex nested polymerase chain reaction, direct sequencing, and linkage analysis. Unaffected embryos were selected via the diagnosis of a single blastomere, and a healthy boy was delivered by a female carrier of MPS II. This is the first successful application of PGD in a patient with MPS II in Korea.

BACKGROUND Recent data suggests the inoculum effect of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) against beta-lactam antibiotics and their association with functionality or genotypic variation of agr locus. METHODS MSSA blood isolates were collected at a tertiary care hospital in Korea from June 2014 to December 2017. The functionality of the agr operon was measured by δ-hemolysin assays. Multiplex PCR was performed to determine the agr genotype. The cefazolin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) at a high inoculum concentration (~5 × 10⁷ CFU/ml) were compared to the MICs at a standard inoculum concentration (~5 × 10⁵ CFU/ml) to identify strains with the cefazolin inoculum effect (CIE). The DNA sequencing of blaZ gene was performed to classify the blaZ genotype. RESULTS Among the 195 MSSA blood isolates, agr genotype I was most common (68.2%), followed by type III (16.4%), type IV (9.2%), and type II (6.2%). Sixty-seven (34.3%) MSSA isolates had dysfunctional agr, but neither CIE nor blaZ genotype was associated with dysfunctional agr. The MSSA with agr type III genotype exhibited significantly higher CIE positivity (agr III 43.8% vs. non-agr III 5.5%, P

Objective: To examine the construct of illness perception (IP) as measured by the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) using network analysis in patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) and w...

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of viewing motivation of TV program which are called Mukbang and Cookbang on the visit intention of food tourism. The online survey was conducted using online data panels of 334 respondents with the experience of participation of food tourism after watching TV programs that contained about famous foods and restaurants. First, the effect of TV program viewing motivation on the reliability and satisfaction was investigated. Second, the effect of the reliability and satisfaction of TV program on the visit intention was examined. The collected data were analysed by using frequency analysis, factor analysis, and regression analysis. The results showed that there were significant effects of viewing motivation of TV program on the reliability. However, TV program viewing motivation had only a partial significant effect on the satisfaction. Also, there was a significant effect of the reliability and satisfaction of TV program on the visit intention of food tourism. Based on the results, the study suggests that there is a need to provide reliable information by TV programs which can provide a better satisfaction of the increasing demand for the potential and existing food tourists.

Hepcidin's relationships with other variables are unclear. We evaluated associations of serum hepcidin with clinical parameters in ESRD patients. Ninety-nine incident dialysis patients, including 57 on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 42 on HD, were prospectively followed for 6 months. Serum hepcidin levels significantly increased during initial 6 months of dialysis. In the multivariate regression model, independent predictors of serum hepcidin levels in ESRD patients before maintenance dialysis were interleukin-6, ferritin, phosphate, iron, and aspartate transaminase. Six months after initiating dialysis, serum hepcidin levels were independently predicted by ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and aspartate transaminase in all patients, whereas by ferritin and TIBC in PD patients, and ferritin, TIBC, and 24-h urine volume in HD patients. Serum hepcidin levels are differentially associated with anemia parameters in PD compared with HD patients. Urine volume was an independent predictor of hepcidin levels in early HD patients.

Background This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of exercise intervention in reducing body weight and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Korea. Methods Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, KoreaMed, KMbase, NDSL, KCI, RISS, and DBpia databases were used to search randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials that compared exercise with non-exercise intervention among patients with non-insulin-treated T2DM in Korea. The effectiveness of exercise intervention was estimated by the mean difference in body weight changes and HbA1c level. Weighted mean difference (WMD) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as the effect size. The pooled mean differences of outcomes were calculated using a random-effects model. Results We identified 7,692 studies through literature search and selected 23 articles (723 participants). Compared with the control group, exercise intervention (17 studies) was associated with a significant decline in HbA1c level (WMD, -0.58%; 95% CI, -0.89 to -0.27; I²=73%). Although no significant effectiveness on body weight was observed, eight aerobic training studies showed a significant reduction in body weight (WMD, -2.25 kg; 95% CI, -4.36 to -0.13; I²=17%) in the subgroup analysis. Conclusion Exercise significantly improves glycemic control; however, it does not significantly reduce body weight. Aerobic training can be beneficial for patients with non-insulin-treated T2DM in Korea.

There are no recommended guidelines for monitoring parameters during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO). We evaluated whether regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) could be a monitoring parameter for mortality during V-A ECMO. We retrospectively searched our database for adult patients who underwent V-A ECMO between April 2015 and October 2016 and identified 21 patients with rScO2 data. Their baseline and clinical characteristics during the first 7 days (vital signs, arterial blood gas results, ECMO variables, rScO2, Swan-Ganz catheter parameters, transthoracic echocardiography parameters, and outcomes) were collected and evaluated for associations with 28 day mortality. The survivor group (12 patients, 57.1%) had higher rScO2 values and lower lactate levels, compared with the nonsurvivor group (nine cases, 42.9%) during the first 7 days. The areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves were 0.87 for right rScO2 (p < 0.001) and 0.86 for left rScO2 (p < 0.001). The optimal cutoff values for right and left rScO2 were 58% (sensitivity: 78.7%, specificity: 83.3%) and 57% (sensitivity: 80.0%, specificity: 70.8%), respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the risks of 28 day mortality were higher among patients with a right rScO2 of

Breathable waterproof performance fabrics have been developed to protect the human body from external moisture, and it is used in various forms. So, there are various test methods for evaluating these, and those are utilized for quality control. However, the test method for evaluating the functionality of slide fasteners is extremely limited in reality beside physical characteristics. In the reason, it is true that the assurance of functionality cannot be guaranteed in terms of finished products. Especially in military goods, the penetration of a small amount of moisture or water through sub-materials in extreme cold conditions has also caused fatal consequences. So it has become an urgent task of developing evaluation method in order to prevent these situations. In this research, we investigated the waterproof evaluation method used in the past and wanted to develop an appropriate test method so that these can be applied to slide fasteners. Therefore, by investigating the test method through preparation of samples, use of protective jigs, it was possible to develop a discriminating test method. Finally, it was expected that it could contribute to the improvement of product quality by applying to future munitions related standards.

Hydrangea serrata (THUNB.) SER. (Hydrangeaceae) leaves have been used as herbal teas in Korea and Japan. The objective of this study was to identify anti-photoaging compounds in aqueous EtOH extract prepared from leaves of H. serrata and their effects on UVB-irradiated Hs68 human foreskin fibroblasts. Phytochemical study on H. serrata leaves led to the isolation and characterization of ten compounds: hydrangenol, thunberginol A, thunberginol C, hydrangenoside A, hydrangenoside C, cudrabibenzyl A, 2,3,4'-trihydroxystilbene, thunberginol F, quercetin 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1-2)-β-D-galactopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1-2)-β-D-glucopyranoside. Cudrabibenzyl A, 2,3,4'-trihydroxystilbene, quercetin 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1-2)-β-D-galactopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1-2)-β-D-glucopyranoside were firstly isolated from H. serrata. We estimated the effects of 10 compounds on cell viability and production of pro-collagen Type I, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and hyaluronic acid (HA) after UVB irradiation. Of these compounds, hydrangenol showed potent preventive activities against reduced cell viability and degradation of pro-collagen Type I in UVB-irradiated Hs68 fibroblasts. Hydrangenol had outstanding inductive activities on HA production. It suppressed mRNA expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, hyaluronidase (HYAL)-1, HYAL-2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-1β in UVB-irradiated Hs68 fibroblasts. When Hs68 fibroblasts were exposed to hydrangenol after UVB irradiation, UVB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was suppressed. Hydrangenol also inhibited the activation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and signal transduction and activation of transcription 1 (STAT-1) by downregulating phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Our data indicate that hydrangenol isolated from H. serrata leaves has potential protective effects on UVB-induced skin photoaging.

Colibacillosis is one of the major health problems in young piglets resulting in poor health and death caused by Escherichia coli producing F18 pili and Shiga toxin 2e. It is pivotal to reduce colibacillosis in weaned piglets to enhance production performance. In this study, we evaluated synbiotics as the gut health improvement agents in the mouse model challenged with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) isolated from piglets. Prebiotic lactulose was formulated with each 5.0 × 106 CFU/mL of Pediococcus acidilactici GB-U15, Lactobacillus plantarum GB-U17, and Lactobacillus plantarum GB 1-3 to produce 3 combinations of synbiotics. A total of 40 three weeks old BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 10): a control group and 3 synbiotics treated groups. Each treatment groups were daily administrated with 5.0 × 106 CFU/mL of one synbiotics for the first week, and every 3 days during the second week. All the mice were challenged with 8.0 × 108 CFU/mL of STEC 5 days after animals began to receive synbiotics. Mice treated with synbiotics based on Pediococcus acidilactici GB-U15 and Lactobacillus plantarum GB-U17 significantly improved daily weight gain compared to mice in other groups. While mice treated with GB-U15 showed better fecal index, no significant differences were observed among groups. Gross lesion and histopathological evaluations showed that mice treated with GB-U15 moderately improved recovery from STEC infection. In conclusion, our results suggest that the synbiotics formulated with lactulose and Pediococcus acidilactici GB-U15 have potential benefits to prevent and improve colibacillosis in weaned piglets.

To investigate the electrical heating performance of two types of electro-circuit patterns, stripe-pattern (SP) and horseshoe-pattern (HP) types were designed by using graphene/poly(vinylidene fluoride- co-hexafluoropropylene) composites to fabricate electrical heating textiles for the inner layers of clothing and gloves to maintain body temperature. To confirm the electrical properties of the pattern shape and area of the coated circuit, the surface resistivity of SP and HP types was measured with various sample lengths, namely 100, 75, and 50 mm, respectively. The surface resistivity of each sample tends to increase linearly with the increasing size of the coated area. In addition, the surface resistivity of the HP is found to be higher than that of the SP. It could be confirmed that the surface resistivity increases as the curvature increases. For the electrical heating properties of the HP, a white-zone and a red-zone appeared clearly, and locally excess heat appeared at the white-zone; the resistive heat can be explained by the collision of the free electrons in the curved shape of the HP area. In order to confirm the applicability of the fabric heating elements, HP100/cotton, HP75/cotton, and HP50/cotton were fabricated by applying the HP to cotton fabric. The difference of surface temperatures at two points of each line of HP100/cotton, HP75/cotton, and HP50/cotton were about 6.0 ± 2.4℃, 6.8 ± 4.5℃, and 3.5 ± 1.7℃, respectively. It has been confirmed that the heating performance is improved, due to the collision of electrons in the curved region with decreasing HP100/cotton to HP50/cotton ratio, and the white-zone is also increased.

An electro-conductive para-aramid knit was manufactured by a dip-coating in a graphene/waterborne polyurethane(WPU) composite for confirming to use as a fabric heating element applicable to a protective clothing requiring durability. The para-aramid knit was dipped in 8 wt% graphene/WPU composite solution up to five-coat cycles. As a result of electro-conductive textile by number of dip-coating cycles, the electrical, and specifically electrical heating performances were increased number of cycles from one to five. The sample with the best electrical and electrical heating performance was the five-coat sample, and to improve those properties it was hot-pressed at 100 °C, 120 °C, 140 °C and 160 °C. After hot pressing, the entire surface of the sample was filled with graphene/WPU composite and indicated smoothly surface, thus the electrical and electrical heating performance was improved than the five-coat sample. The best performance of was indicated hot-pressed at 140 °C, with a surface resistivity and capacitance of 7.5 × 104 Ω/sq and 89.4 pF, respectively. When a voltage of 50 V was applied, the surface temperature reached 54.8 °C. The five-coat sample with hot-pressed at 140 °C could be applied to a heat-resistant para-aramid knit glove with the touch screen of a mobile phone and electric heating performance.

Excessive lipid accumulation in white adipose tissue (WAT) is the major cause of obesity. Herein, we investigated the anti-obesity effect and molecular mechanism of a botanical mixture of 30% EtOH extract from the leaves of Inula japonica and Potentilla chinensis (EEIP) in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice. In vitro, EEIP prevented lipid accumulation by downregulating the expression of lipogenesis-related transcription factors such as CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, and sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1 via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by regulating the Akt-mTOR pathways without inducing cytotoxicity. In vivo, EEIP significantly reduced body weight gain and body fat mass in the group administered concurrently with HFD (pre-) or administered during the maintenance of HFD (post-) including subcutaneous, gonadal, renal, and mesenteric fats, and improved blood lipid profiles and metabolic hormones. EEIP pre-administration also alleviated WAT hypertrophy and liver lipid accumulation by reducing C/EBPα, PPARγ, and SREBP-1 expression via AMPK activation. In the brown adipose tissue, EEIP pre-administration upregulated the expression of thermogenic factors. Furthermore, EEIP improved the HFD-induced altered gut microbiota in mice. Taken together, our data indicated that EEIP improves HFD-induced obesity through adipogenesis inhibition in the WAT and liver and is a promising dietary natural material for improving obesity.

Simple Summary Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth-leading type of cancer and the third –leading cause of death from cancer. Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) is recently accountable for 10% of all the GC worldwide. Platinum drugs such as cisplatin and oxaliplatin are the first-line choice in GC chemotherapy. The widespread use of cisplatin leads to make tumor cells develop single or multiple drug resistance via various mechanisms. DNA hypermethylation on tumor suppressor genes is one of causes leading to drug resistances. 5-Azacytidine (5-AZA) is a chemical analogue of cytidine and inhibits DNA methyltransferase, resulting in DNA hypomethylation. Our main objective was to identify synergistic effect of two important GC drugs whose mechanisms may be in complementary cooperation. We found that cisplatin enhances its anticancer activity with 5-AZA through DNA demethylation in EBVaGC. Identifying this synergistic effect of two important GC drugs can be useful to treat EBVaGC which shows resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. Abstract Epstein–Barr-virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC), first reported in 1992, currently accounts for 10% of all gastric carcinoma worldwide. EBVaGC has unique DNA hypermethylation phenotypes that allow for higher proportions of DNA methylation than any other gastric cancer. CpG islands in the gene promoter region are one of the major regions in which DNA methylation controls gene transcription. Despite cisplatin-based chemotherapy being one of the standard treatment regimens for advanced gastric cancer, including EBVaGC, cisplatin alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil has been limited by its less potent anticancer activity and the occurrence of cisplatin resistance. Accordingly, the current study evaluated the anticancer activities of a combination of cisplatin and 5-Azacytidine (5-AZA) against EBVaGC. Our findings showed that cisplatin upregulated the DNMT3A gene, whereas shRNA-targeted removal of DNMT3A mRNA contributed to cisplatin-mediated EBV lytic reactivation. Moreover, the removal of DNMT3A mRNA upregulated the ATM gene through DNA demethylation on the ATM promoter. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9-targeted removal of the ATM gene resulted in significantly reduced cell susceptibility and EBV lytic reactivation by a combination of cisplatin and DNMT3A inhibitor 5-AZA. Finally, 5-AZA exhibited a synergistic effect with cisplatin in anti-EBV and anti-EBVaGC activities by increasing drug susceptibility and EBV lytic reactivation. The aforementioned results suggest that cisplatin combined with DNA methylation inhibitors could be a novel therapeutic approach for EBVaGC.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of team-based learning (TBL) on nursing students’ communication ability, problem-solving ability, self-directed learning, and nursing knowledge related to high-risk pregnancy nursing. Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The participants were 91 nursing students allocated to an experimental group (n=45) and a control group (n=46). The experimental group received TBL lectures three times over the course of 3 weeks (100 minutes weekly) and the control group received instructor-centered lectures three times over the course of 3 weeks (100 minutes weekly). Data were collected by questionnaires from September 10 to November 8, 2019. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, paired t-test, and independent t-test. Results: After the intervention, the mean scores of problem-solving ability (t=–2.59, p=.011), self-directed learning (t=4.30, p

To evaluate the electrical heating performance by auxetic pattern, re-entrant honeycomb (RE), chiral truss (CT), honeycomb (HN), and truss (TR), using graphene/PLA (Polylactic acid) filament, were manufactured by CFDM (conveyor fused deposition modelling) 3D printer. In addition, HN and TR, which was indicated to have an excellent electrical heating property, were selected to verify the feasibility of applying fabric heating elements. The result of morphology was that the number of struts constituting the unit cell and the connected points were TR &lt, HN &lt, CT &lt, RE. It was also influenced by the surface resistivity and electrical heating performance. RE, which has the highest number of struts constituting the unit cell and the relative density, had the highest value of surface resistivity, and the lowest value was found in the opposite TR. In the electrical heating performance of samples, the heat distribution of RE was limited even when the applied voltage was increased. However, HN and TR were diffused throughout the sample. In addition, the surface temperature of RE, CT, HN, and TR was about 72.4 °C, 83.1 °C, 94.9 °C, and 85.9, respectively as applied at 30 V. When the HN and TR were printed on cotton fabric, the surface resistivity of HN/cotton and TR/cotton was about 103 Ω/sq, which showed conductive material. The results of electrical heating properties indicated that the heat distribution of HN/cotton showed only in the region where power was supplied, but the TR/cotton was gradually expanded and presented stable electric heating properties. When 30 V was applied, the surface temperature of both samples showed more than 80 °C, and the shape was maintained stably due to the high thermal conductivity of the cotton fabric. Therefore, this study ensured that HN and TR show excellent electrical heating performance among four types of auxetic patterns with continuity.

WOS:000653816200001; International audience; The East Asian marginal seas are among the most productive fisheries grounds. However, in recent decades they experienced massive proliferations of jellyfish that pose vast challenges for the management of harvested fish stocks. In the Korean Peninsula, the common bloom-formers Scyphozoan species Aurelia coerulea and Nemopilema nomurai are of major concern due to their detrimental effects on coastal socio-ecological systems. Here, we used pluriannual field observations spanning over 14 years to test the extent of climate influence on the interannual variability and bloom dynamics of A. coerulea and N. nomurai. To depict climate-jellyfish interactions we assessed partitioning effects, direct/indirect links, and the relative importance of hydroclimate forces on the variability of these species. We show that jellyfish interannual patterns and bloom dynamics are shaped by forces playing out at disparate scales. While abundance changes and earlier blooms of A. coerulea were driven by local environmental conditions, N. nomurai interannual patterns and bloom dynamics were linked with regional climate processes. Our results provide a synoptic picture of cascading effects from large scale climate to jellyfish dynamics in the Korean Peninsula that may affect fisheries sustainability due to the prominent detrimental impact these species have in the region.

Obesity is an increasing health problem worldwide as it is the major risk factor for metabolic diseases. In the present study, we investigated the anti-obesity effects of WHS by examining its effects on high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a normal diet (ND) or a high fat diet (HFD) with or without WHS. At the end of the experiment, we observed the changes in their body weight and white adipose tissue (WAT) weight and lipid profiles in plasma. We performed western blot and histological analyses of WAT and liver to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action. We also conducted fecal 16S rRNA analysis for investigating the gut microbiota. Our results indicated that pre- and post-oral administration of WHS significantly prevented body weight gain and reduced body fat weight in HFD-induced obese mice. In addition, WHS was found to improve adipocyte hypertrophy and liver fat accumulation by regulating the AMPK and AKT/mTOR pathways. WHS ameliorated hyperlipidemia by reducing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreased the energy metabolism-related hormones, leptin and insulin, in mouse plasma. Furthermore, we found that WHS modulated gut dysbiosis by normalizing HFD-induced changes. Taken together, our in vivo data implicate that WHS can be considered as a potential dietary supplement for alleviating obesity.

Mg has received much attention as a next-generation implantable material owing to its biocompatibility, bone-like mechanical properties, and biodegradability in physiological environments. The application of various polymer coatings has been conducted in the past to reduce the rapid formation of hydrogen gas and the local change in pH during the initial phase of the chemical reaction with the body fluids. Here, we propose femtosecond (fs) laser-mediated Mg surface patterning for significant enhancement of the binding strength of the coating material, which eventually reduces the corrosion rate. Analyses of the structural, physical, crystallographic, and chemical properties of the Mg surface have been conducted in order to understand the mechanism by which the surface adhesion increases between Mg and the polymer coating layer. Depending on the fs laser conditions, the surface structure becomes rough owing to the presence of several microscaled pits and grooves of nanoporous MgO, resulting in a tightly bonded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) layer. The corrosion rate of the PLGA-coated, fs laser-treated Mg is considerably slow compared with the non-treated Mg; the treated Mg is also more biocompatible compared with the non-treated Mg. The fs laser-based surface modification technique offers a simple and quick method for introducing a rough coating on Mg; further, it does not require any chemical treatment, thereby overcoming a potential obstacle for its clinical use.

This study manufactured a horseshoe pattern (HP)-type electrical heating element based on a graphene/polylactic acid (GR/PLA) filament using CFDM (conveyor-fused deposition modeling) 3D printing technology, which is a new manufacturing process technology. CFDM 3D printing HP was fabricated in the different printing directions of 0&deg, 45&deg, and 90&deg, To confirm the effects of different 3D printing directions, the morphology, surface resistivity, and electrical heating properties of the different HPs were analyzed. In addition, the CFDM 3D-printed HPs made using different printing directions were printed on cotton fabric to confirm their applicability as fabric heating elements, and their electrical heating properties were measured. Regarding the morphology of the GR/PLA-HP, each sample was stacked according to the printing direction. It was also confirmed through FE-SEM images that the graphene was arranged according to the printing direction in which the nozzle moved. In the XRD pattern analysis, the GR/PLA-HP samples showed two diffraction peaks of PLA and graphene. The sizes of those peaks were increased in the order of 90&deg, &lt, &le, 0&deg, according to the printing direction, which also affected the electrical and electric heating properties. The surface resistivities of the GR/PLA-HP samples were shown to be increased in the order of 0&deg, 90&deg, indicating that the electrical properties of GR/PLA HP printed at 0&deg, were improved compared to those of the other samples. When 30 V was applied to three GR/PLA-HP samples according to the printing direction, the surface temperatures were decreased in the order of 0&deg, and the samples were indicated as 83.6, 80.6, and 52.5 &deg, C, respectively, the same result was shown when the samples were printed on cotton fabric. Therefore, it was confirmed that the GR/PLA CFDM 3D-printed HP sample printed at 0&deg, direction showed low surface resistivity and high surface temperature, so that improving the electrical heating properties.

The accessory gene regulator (agr) locus of Staphylococcus aureus is a quorum-sensing virulence regulator. Although there are many studies concerning the effect of dysfunctional agr on the outcomes of S. aureus infection, there is no systematic review to date. We systematically searched for clinical studies reporting outcomes of invasive S. aureus infections and the proportion of dysfunctional agr among their causative strains, and we performed a meta-analysis to obtain estimates of the odds of outcomes of invasive S. aureus infection with dysfunctional versus functional agr. Of 289 articles identified by our research strategy, 20 studies were meta-analysed for crude analysis of the impact of dysfunctional agr on outcomes of invasive S. aureus infection. Dysfunctional agr was generally associated with unfavourable outcomes (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.05–1.66), and the impact of dysfunctional agr on outcome was more prominent in invasive methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections (OR 1.54, CI 1.20–1.97). Nine studies were meta-analysed for the impact of dysfunctional agr on the 30-day mortality of invasive S. aureus infection. Invasive MRSA infection with dysfunctional agr exhibited higher 30-day mortality (OR 1.40, CI 1.03–1.90) than that with functional agr. On the other hand, invasive MSSA infection with dysfunctional agr exhibited lower 30-day mortality (OR 0.51, CI 0.27–0.95). In the post hoc subgroup analysis by the site of MRSA infection, dysfunctional agr was associated with higher 30-day mortality in MRSA pneumonia (OR 2.48, CI 1.17–5.25). The effect of dysfunctional agr on the outcome of invasive S. aureus infection may vary depending on various conditions, such as oxacillin susceptibility and the site of infection. Dysfunctional agr was generally associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes and its effect was prominent in MRSA and pneumonia. Dysfunctional agr may be applicable for outcome prediction in cases of invasive MRSA infection with hardly eradicable foci such as pneumonia., This work was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) Grant funded by the Korean Government (MSIP) (NRF-2018R1A1A1A05079369).

Background Recently, new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are known to eradicate chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection and prevent the progression of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis may predispose to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. We investigated the effect of DAAs on liver fibrosis using non-invasive methods, and evaluated the correlations of these methods. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 68 patients with CHC who were treated with DAAs and reached sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment from January 2016 to October 2018. The degree of liver fibrosis was assessed using serum biomarkers, such as AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index. Liver stiffness was assessed using two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2 D-SWE). The pre- and post-treatment serum biomarker levels and SWE findings were evaluated and compared. Results A total of 68 patients with CHC were enrolled. The median age was 58 years (52.3–73 years) and 37 patients (54.4%) were female. After treatment, the median APRI was decreased from 0.701 to 0.328 (P Conclusion The serum fibrosis biomarkers and liver stiffness on 2 D-SWE were shown to be improved after the treatment with DAAs. Further research including larger number of patients is needed to compare the efficacy of each evaluating method.

This study investigated the thermal insulation properties based on electrical heating test of graphene-based multi-layer fabric heating elements to confirm the possibility of application for fabric heating element for protective clothing. Four layers were designed as layers of outer, filler, electrical heating textile, and lining. The outer fabrics used two different densities of aramid woven fabrics (LD_ARW and HD_ARW), an aramid knit (AR_KT), and nonwoven (AR_NW). Fabricated graphene/polymer coated electrical heating textile (GR) exhibits a surface temperature of about 85 °C, a current of 0.12 A, and a power of 3 W when 30 V is applied. As composed with 4-layer, the surface temperature of LD_ARW and HD_ARW used as the outer for sample indicated less than 50 °C, due to their excellent heat resistance property; whereas, when AR_KT and AR_NW were used, the temperature was about 50 °C. This is because their fine fibers form high porosity that can entrap air. As a result of the thermal insulation properties, the temperature difference of each layer was in the order ΔT(GR-N3) (GR-Lining) (GR-Outer). In particular, when AR_NW was used as the outer fabric, ΔT(GR-Outer) was decreased by about 10 °C, compared with that of the other outer fabric. By the effect of relative humidity under dry 25% RH and comfortable 55% RH, the temperature difference was decreased under 55% RH; thus, the thermal insulation property was improved under comfortable humidity condition. Therefore, the best thermal insulation performance was exhibited when AR_NW was used as outer under 55% RH, and it is expected to expand its application to fabric heating element for protective clothing.

Background Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an acute, febrile, and potentially fatal tick-borne disease caused by the SFTS Phlebovirus. Here, we evaluated the effects of steroid therapy in Korean patients with SFTS. Methods A retrospective study was performed in a multicenter SFTS clinical cohort from 13 Korean university hospitals between 2013 and 2017. We performed survival analysis using propensity score matching of 142 patients with SFTS diagnosed by genetic or antibody tests. Results Overall fatality rate was 23.2%, with 39.7% among 58 patients who underwent steroid therapy. Complications were observed in 37/58 (63.8%) and 25/83 (30.1%) patients in the steroid and non-steroid groups, respectively (P < .001). Survival analysis after propensity score matching showed a significant difference in mean 30-day survival time between the non-steroid and steroid groups in patients with a mild condition [Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score 5 days), and non-steroid groups, were 18.4, 22.4, and 27.3 days, respectively (P = .005). Conclusions After steroid therapy, an increase in complications was observed among patients with SFTS. Steroid therapy should be used with caution, considering the possible negative effects of steroid therapy within 5 days of symptom onset or in patients with mild disease (APACHE II score, Author summary Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an acute, febrile, and potentially fatal tick-borne disease caused by the SFTS Phlebovirus. Here, we evaluated the effects of steroid therapy in Korean patients with SFTS. We performed survival analysis using propensity score matching of 142 patients with SFTS diagnosed by genetic or antibody tests. In patients with SFTS, steroid therapy should be used with caution, considering the possible negative effects of steroid therapy within 5 days of symptom onset or in patients with mild disease (APACHE II score

Campanula takesimana Nakai (Campanulaceae, Korean bellflower) is one of the endemic herbs of Korea. The plant has been used as traditional medicines for treating asthma, tonsillitis, and sore throat in Korea. A hot water extract of the leaves of C. takesimana exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Repetitive chromatographic separation of the hot water extract led to the isolation of three new neolignan glucosides, campanulalignans A&ndash, C (1&ndash, 3), with 15 known compounds (4&ndash, 18). The structures of new compounds 1&ndash, 3 were elucidated by analyzing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data, along with high resolution quadrupole time of flight mass (HR-Q-TOF-MS) spectrometric data. Among the isolates, simplidin (7), 5-hydroxyconiferaldehyde (11), icariside F2 (12), benzyl-&alpha, l-arabinopyranosyl-(1&Prime, &rarr, 6&prime, )-&beta, d-glucopyranoside (13), and kaempferol 3-O-&beta, d-apiosyl (1&rarr, 2)-&beta, d-glucopyranoside (15) were isolated from the Campanulaceae family for the first time. The isolates (1, 2, and 4&ndash, 18) were assessed for their anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated PGE2 production on RAW 264.7 cells. 7R,8S-Dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (5), 3&prime, 4-O-dimethylcedrusin 9-O-&beta, glucopyranoside (6), pinoresinol di-O-&beta, d-glucoside (8), ferulic acid (10), 5-hydroxyconiferaldehyde (11), and quercetin (18) showed significant inhibitory effects on LPS-stimulated PGE2 production.

Transmitted drug resistance (TDR) in treatment-naive HIV patients can contribute to failure of initial antiretroviral therapy. In Korea, there has been a gradual increase in TDR, but the recent increase in the use of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) could affect TDR trends and INSTI resistance mutations. We evaluated the patterns of TDR in newly diagnosed HIV patients over time from 2011 to 2019. We analyzed the genotypic resistance of strains in 336 patients and sequenced the integrase gene in 71 among 336 subjects. The overall prevalence of TDR was 5.9% (20 of 336 patients), and it showed a tendency to increase over time (5.1% in 2011-2013, 6.1% in 2014-2016, and 7.2% in 2017-2019

This study evaluated the shape memory and tensile property of 3D-printed sinusoidal sample/nylon composite for various thickness and cycles. Sinusoidal pattern of five thicknesses: 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1.0 mm were 3D-printed on nylon fabric by the fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer using shape memory thermoplastic polyurethane (SMTPU). Afterward, shape memory and tensile property was investigated up to 50 shape memory cycles. The study found that 3D-printed sinusoidal sample/nylon composite had a 100% shape recovery ratio for various thicknesses up to 50 cycles. The average shape recovery rate gradually decreased from 3.0&deg, /s to 0.7&deg, /s whereas the response time gradually increased with the increase of a 3D-printed pattern thickness. The stress and initial modulus gradually increased with the increase of the cycle&rsquo, s number. Thus, the shape memory property had a similar tendency for various cycles whereas the tensile property gradually increased with the increase of the cycle number. Moreover, this study demonstrated that this 3D-printed sinusoidal sample/nylon composite can go through more than 50 cycles without losing its tensile or shape memory property. This 3D-printed sinusoidal sample/nylon composite has vast potential as smart, reinforced, and protective clothing that requires complex three-dimensional shapes.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify the determinant factors of survival in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS) who underwent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). METHODS: Sixty-nine consecutive patients with AMI-related RCS were enrolled in the study. They were treated with ECMO and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The clinical scores and coronary angiography (CAG) factors related to 100-day survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty patients (43.5%) survived for more than 100 days. The CAG showed that 19 (27.5%) patients had left main disease (LMD). There were 17 (24.6%), 27 (39.1%), and 25 (36.3%) patients with one-vessel, two-vessel, and three-vessel disease, respectively. There were significant differences between the survivors and non-survivors in the simplified acute physiology score II (SAPSII) (65.4±17.2 vs. 83.1±13.0, P