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Purpose: To investigate the aseptic survival of 1.5-stage exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: Eighty-eight cases of 1.5-stage exchange arthroplasty for PJI without reinfection were retrospectively analysed. The autoclaved femoral component and new polyethylene insert (PE) were implanted using antibiotic mixed cement. The explanted tibial component was not reinserted. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and range of motion were clinically evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up (the last time for the implant in situ). Radiographically, hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA) and component positions were measured preoperatively, postoperatively (1 month after the 1.5-stage exchange arthroplasty), and at the last follow-up. The survival rate was analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method, in which failure was defined as reoperation due to aseptic failure. Mean period to failure and failure site were analysed. Factors affecting survival were investigated in terms of demographics and inappropriateness of the postoperative HKA (HKA > 0 ± 3°) and component positions (α angle > 95 ± 3°, β angle > 90 ± 3°, γ angle > 3 ± 3°, and δ angle > 87 ± 3°). Results: The spacer in-situ time was 3.7 years (0.2–6.4). The clinical results improved hip–knee–ankle significantly at the last follow-up. Radiographically, the average HKA was valgus 0.1° postoperatively. The average α, β, γ, and δ angles of the postoperative component positions were 95.9°, 90.4°, 3.8°, and 86.7°, respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year postoperative survival rates were 90.9%, 86.4%, and 80.6%, respectively. The mean period to failure was 2.0 years (0.2–5.3). There were 18 cases of aseptic loosening (20.8%), occurring on both the femur and tibial sides in 1 knee, and only on the tibial side in 17 knees. Inappropriate coronal position of the PE (β angle > 90 ± 3°) was a significant factor affecting survival (odds ratio = 5.491; p = 0.011). Conclusion: The aseptic survival of the 1.5-stage exchange arthroplasty was acceptable when using an autoclaved femoral component and new PE. The appropriate coronal position of the PE helps ensure favourable survival of 1.5-stage exchange arthroplasty. Level of evidence: IV [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) coordinate the malignancy of cancer cells via secretory materials. Reprogrammed lipid metabolism and signaling play critical roles in cancer biology. Oleic acid (OA) serves as a source of energy under glucose-deficient conditions, but its function in cancer progression remains unclear. The present study investigated that CAFs in xenografted tumors had higher amounts of fatty acids, particularly OA, compared to normal fibroblasts, and promoted the cancer cell stemness in lung adenocarcinoma cells under glucose-deficient condition. Methods: Xenografts were established in immunodeficient mice by injection of NCI-H460 (H460) cells. Lipids and fatty acids were evaluated using the BODIPY staining and fatty-acid methyl esters analysis. The expression levels of markers for lipid metabolism and cancer stemness were determined by western blot, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR. Cancer cell subclones against stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) were produced by lentiviral vector and CRISPR/cas9 systems. The expression of SCD was examined immunochemically in human adenocarcinoma tissues, and its clinical relevance to survival rate in lung adenocarcinoma patients was assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: Transferred CAF-derived OA through lipid transporter upregulated SCD in cancer cells under glucose-deficient conditions, resulting in enhanced lipid metabolism and autophagosome maturation. By OA treatment under glucose deficient condition, cancer cell stemness was significantly enhanced through sequential activation of SCD, F-actin polymerization and nuclear translocation of yes-associated protein. These findings were confirmed by experiments using chemical inhibitors, SCD-overexpressing cells and SCD-knockout (KO) cells. When xenografted, SCD-overexpressing cells produced larger tumors compared with parental cells, while SCD-KO cells generated much smaller tumors. Analysis of tumor tissue microarray from lung adenocarcinoma patients revealed that SCD expression was the marker for poor prognosis involving tumor grade, clinical stage and survival rate. Conclusion: Our data indicate that CAFs-derived OA activated lipid metabolism in lung adenocarcinoma cells under glucose-deficient conditions, subsequently enhancing stemness and progression toward malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cathode of a protonic ceramic fuel cell must be able to facilitate ion and electron transfer, while simultaneously possessing a high catalytic activity for steam generation and the dissociation of gas-phase molecules. In this study, the performance of a cathode for protonic ceramic fuel cells is optimized by employing a triple-component composite cathode design, which integrates proton conductors, mixed electronic–ionic conductors, and a catalytic layer. Additionally, two other composite cathodes are fabricated for comparison. Owing to its higher electrical conductivity but lower catalytic activity, the composite cathode with protonic ceramic and (Ba 0.95 La 0.05) (Fe 0.8 Zn 0.2)O 3-δ (BLFZ) exhibits lower ohmic resistance but poor catalytic activity compared to the composite cathode with protonic ceramic and Ba(Co 0.4 Fe 0.4 Zr 0.1 Y 0.1)O 3-δ (BCFZY). The triple-component cathode is fabricated by infiltrating BCFZY into a composite cathode composed of BLFZ and protonic ceramic, and both the ohmic and non-ohmic resistances of the cathode are optimized in CH 4 and H 2 fuels. In particular, the performance of CH 4 fuel is significantly improved by adopting a triple-component cathode. These results suggest a possible contribution of the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode to the reformation of CH 4 at the anode. • Triple-component composite cathode (BCFZY/BLFZ/BCZY) were fabricated at low temp. • Optimization in ohmic and non-ohmic ASRs by BLFZ and BCFZY in the composite cathode. • Oxygen reduction reaction at cathode facilitates the methane reformation at anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, the NiO composite anode becomes porous after reduction. To infiltrate additional catalysts such as Pd into the NiO-composite anode before reducing NiO to Ni, a porous NiO composite anode for protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) was fabricated in this study. The porous NiO composite was fabricated by adding graphite as a pore former along with CuO as a sintering agent. The addition of graphite increased the porosity of the NiO composite anode but resulted in poor sinterability, which was addressed by adding CuO as a sintering agent to the NiO composite anode. The Pd catalyst was added to the NiO-composite anode before reducing NiO to Ni. The composite anode for PCFC with three components, namely Ni, protonic ceramics, and a Pd catalyst, was obtained by reducing NiO to Ni during the measurement. The addition of the Pd catalyst improved the anode performance in methane fuel and hydrogen fuel by enhancing the catalytic activity for the electrochemical reaction on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor hypoxia is known to promote the acquisition of more aggressive phenotypes in human transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), including drug resistance. Accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondria play a central role in the chemoresistance of TCC. However, the role of mitochondria in the hypoxia-induced drug resistance in TCC remains elusive. The present study investigated the function of mitochondria in the drug resistance using a TCC cell line under hypoxic conditions. In vitro hypoxia (0.1% O 2 , 48 h) was achieved by incubating TCC cells in air chamber. Mitochondrial events involving hypoxia-induced drug resistance were assessed. Hypoxia significantly reduced the cisplatin-induced apoptosis of TCC cells. Additionally, hypoxia substantially decreased the level of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by cisplatin treatment. Analogously, elimination of mitochondrial ROS significantly rescued cells from cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Hypoxia enhanced mitochondrial hyperpolarization, which was not related to ATP production or the reversal of ATP synthase activity. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) amplification efficiency data illustrated that hypoxia significantly prevented oxidative damage to the mitogenome. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy revealed that cisplatin-induced disruption of the mitochondrial ultrastructure was abated under hypoxic conditions. Notably, depletion of mtDNA by ethidium bromide abrogated hypoxia-induced resistance to cisplatin. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that TCC cells exposed to hypoxic conditions rendered mitochondria less sensitive to oxidative stress induced by cisplatin treatment, leading to enhanced drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite anodes of nano-sized Ni and Ba(Zr 0.85 Y 0.15)O 3-δ (BZY) were fabricated by infiltrating a single precursor solution of BZY and Ni into the BZY scaffold, and decreasing the calcination temperature to 1173 K. This decrease in the fabrication temperature of the Ni-cermet anode prevents the chemical reaction between the electrolyte and nickel, thus preventing a reduction in the conductivity of the electrolyte. By optimizing the amount of Ni in the Ni-cermet and infiltrating additional catalysts such as CeO 2 and Pd, the non-ohmic ASR of the Ni-cermet anode could be optimized. This resulted in a smaller non-ohmic ASR of anode than one that was fabricated by the conventional co-sintering method. Consequently, a high power density of 790 mW/cm2 at 973 K can be obtained from electrolyte-supported cells. • BZY-Ni composite anode were successfully fabricated at low temperature of 1173 K. • Chemical reaction of Ni and electrolyte was prevented by low temperature fabrication. • No degradation of ionic conductivity of electrolyte owing to the Ni incorporation. • Additional catalysts of CeO 2 and Pd in BZY-Ni improved the performance further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a simple and ultrasensitive strategy for the identification of foodborne pathogens utilizing a fluorescent nucleobase analogue [2-aminopurine (2-AP)]-containing split G-quadruplex that binds blocker DNA. Compared to a previous strategy that did not use blocker DNA, this strategy showed a significant increase in the signal-to-noise ratio—by approximately 300%—owing to the displacement of the blocker DNA by the target DNA that induces the formation of an active G-quadruplex structure, thereby leading to a substantial increase in the 2-AP fluorescence signal. The proposed strategy was rationally combined with polymerase chain reaction, which resulted in the successful determination of genomic DNA (within the range of 10–106 copies) derived from the food poisoning bacterium Escherichia coli, with a limit of detection of 5.2 copies and high selectivity. In addition, the practical applicability of this method was demonstrated by analyzing E. coli-spiked lettuce samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in a wide variety of consumer products owing to its beneficial properties of optical clarity, shatter resistance, and heat resistance. However, leached BPA has been shown to disturb the endocrine system and could cause cancer even at low concentrations, which has led to public concern. To reduce the toxic effects caused by BPA, it is important to monitor the BPA levels and its presence in products in a simple, rapid, and on-site manner. Here, we propose a new colorimetric strategy for the simple and rapid detection of BPA employing a DNA aptamer, a cationic surfactant, and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Using the developed system, the presence of BPA can be successfully determined based simply on a visually detectable color change from red to blue, triggered by aggregate formation of the AuNPs, which can be monitored even with the naked eye. Under the optimized conditions, this system could detect BPA with excellent selectivity and sensitivity, and its high performance was validated in the receipt obtained from local market and BPA-spiked tap water samples, ensuring its practical applicability. Moreover, the limit of the detection of the system was determined to be 97 nM, which is below the current tolerable daily intake level, demonstrating its suitability for toxicity assessment and on-site quality control in a more economical manner when compared with conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypoxia is a hallmark of the solid tumor microenvironment and is associated with poor outcomes in cancer patients. The present study was performed to investigate mechanisms underlying the hypoxia-induced phenotypic changes using human malignant mesothelioma (HMM) cells.Methods: Hypoxic conditions were achieved by incubating HMM cells in the air chamber. The effect of hypoxia on phenotype changes in HMM cells was investigated by performing in vitro clonogenicity, drug resistance, migration, and invasion assays. Signaling pathways and molecules involved in the more aggressive behaviors of HMM cells under hypoxia were investigated. A two-tailed unpaired Student's t-test or one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-test correction was used in this study.Results: Hypoxic conditions upregulated hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and HIF-2α in parallel with the upregulation of its target, Glut-1, in HMM cells. In vitro clonogenicity of HMM cells was significantly increased in hypoxic conditions, but the proliferation of cells at a high density in hypoxia was lower than that in normoxic conditions. The expression levels of HIF-2α and Oct4 were increased in hypoxic HMM cells. The percentage of cells with high CD44 expression was significantly higher in HMM cells cultured in hypoxia than those cultured in normoxia. Hypoxia significantly enhanced the resistance of HMM cells to cisplatin, which occurred through cytoprotection against cisplatin-induced apoptosis. While cisplatin treatment decreased the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax in normoxic condition, hypoxia conversely increased the ratio in HMM cells treated with cisplatin. Hypoxia increased the mobility and invasiveness of HMM cells. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition was promoted, which was indicated by the repression of E-cadherin and the concomitant increase of vimentin in HMM cells.Conclusions: The data illustrated that hypoxic conditions augmented the aggressive phenotypes of HMM cells at the biological and molecular levels. The present study provides valuable background information beginning to understand aggressiveness of HMM in tumor microenvironments, suggesting that a control measure for tumor hypoxia may be an effective therapeutic strategy to reduce the aggressiveness of cancer cells in HMM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) between anatomic femoral tunnel positions at anterior and posterior footprints. Methods: Fifty-seven patients who underwent MPFLR for patellofemoral instability with anterior or posterior femoral tunnels between 2014 and 2021 with at least 2 years of follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Based on postoperative images, the femoral tunnel positions anterior to the line connecting the adductor tubercle and medial epicondyle were assigned to the anterior group, group A, and those posterior to the line to the posterior group, group P. Thirty-two patients were included in group A (mean age, 22.4 ± 8.8 years), and another 25 patients were included in group P (mean age, 21.1 ± 6.1 years). The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, Kujala score, and complications were evaluated. Radiologically, the Caton–Deschamps index (CDI), patellar tilt angle, and patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) using the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) scale were evaluated. The patellofemoral cartilage status according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade, bone contusion, femoral tunnel enlargement, and MPFL graft signal intensity were also evaluated. Results: All clinical scores significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.01). No differences were noted between the two groups in terms of their preoperative demographic data, postoperative clinical scores (IKDC, Lysholm, Tegner, and Kujala), complications, or radiological findings (CDI, patellar tilt angle, PFOA, bone contusion, femoral tunnel enlargement, and graft signal intensity). The ICRS grade for the medial facet of the patella progressed in group A (30%, p = 0.02) but not in group P (18%, p = n.s.). Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the other compartments of the patellofemoral joint. Conclusions: The clinical outcomes were significantly improved in both groups; however, MPFLR with anterior femoral tunnel position had worse cartilage status on the medial facet of the patella than the posterior femoral tunnel position. Level of evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate clinical, radiographic, and magnetic resonance (MR) results of costal chondrocyte-derived pellet-type scaffold-free autologous chondrocyte implantation (CCP-ACI) in osteochondral defects (ODs) up to 10-mm depth during 5 years of follow-up. Methods: Ten patients with CCP-ACI performed in ODs with depth up to 10 mm were retrospectively analyzed. The minimum follow-up period was 5 years. The median age was 36.5 (range 20–55) years. The median size and the depth of the OD lesion were 4.25 cm2 (range 2–6) and 7.0 mm (6–9), respectively. Clinically, the International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and visual analog scale pain scores were evaluated. Radiographically, the hip‒knee‒ankle (HKA) angle and the Kellgren‒Lawrence (K‒L) grade were assessed. On MR imaging, the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) 2.0 score and the defect depth were evaluated. Results: All average clinical scores improved significantly by 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively. The average HKA angle and the proportion of K‒L grade did not change significantly within 5 years. The median total MOCART scores were 50 (range 45–65), 50 (35–90), 57.5 (40–90), and 65 (50–85) at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years postoperatively, respectively (p = 0.001), with significant improvement at 2 years compared to that at 6 months postoperatively. The signal intensity of the repair tissue and subchondral change significantly improved from 10 (range 10–10) to 12.5 (10–15) (p = 0.036), and from 10 (10–10) to 17.5 (0–20) (p = 0.017), respectively. Significant improvements were seen at 5 years postoperatively for the former and at 2 years postoperatively for the latter. The average depths on MR imaging were 6.7, 6.7, 6.8, 6.6, and 6.6 mm preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years postoperatively with no significant changes (n.s). Conclusion: CCP-ACI provided acceptable mid-term outcomes in ODs up to 10-mm in depth without bone grafting despite of no scaffold. The procedure can be one of minimally invasive treatment options for ODs without scaffold-related problems. Level of evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, sequence-specific DNA detection method, utilizing a fluorescent 2-aminopurine (2-AP) nucleobase analogue-containing split G-quadruplex as the key detection component, is described. In the sensor, the 2-AP-containing G-quadruplex is split into two segments and linked to a target-specific overhang sequence. The separate G-quadruplex sequences form an active G-quadruplex structure only in the presence of a complementary target DNA, which leads to a significant increase in the intensity of fluorescence from the 2-AP fluorophore. This simple, one-step, homogenous assay was successfully employed to detect target DNA with a high selectivity. In addition, the practical applicability of the detection method was demonstrated by its use in analyzing target DNAs in human serum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an investigation was carried out in which a fluorescent nucleobase analogue was incorporated into a split G-quadruplex structure and this structure was utilized as the foundation for a specific DNA sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the changes in posterior tibial slope (PTS) between retrotuberosity biplane open-wedge high tibial osteotomies (RT-OWHTOs) with and without additional anteromedial staple fixation. Methods: Seventy-nine and 77 cases of RT-OWHTOs without (Group N) and with (Group S) additional staple fixation, respectively, were retrospectively reviewed. All procedures were performed using a locking spacer plate. Demographics and preoperative knee condition were similar between the groups. Clinically, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index and range of motion were evaluated preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. Radiographically, the mechanical axis (MA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and PTS were evaluated preoperatively and within 2 years postoperatively. Hinge fractures were investigated using computed tomography at 2 weeks postoperatively. PTS loss was defined as the difference between the corresponding values at 2 weeks and 2 years postoperatively. The incidence of PTS failure (PTS loss ≥ ± 3°) was also investigated. Results: The clinical results were not significantly different between groups N and S preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. There were no significant differences in the MA, MPTA, and PTS between the groups preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively; changes in these variables did not differ significantly between the groups. The incidence of hinge fractures, all of which were categorized as Takeuchi type 1, did not differ significantly. PTS loss within 2 years postoperatively was significantly greater in group N than in group S (1.0° vs. 0.1°; p < 0.01). The incidence of the PTS failure was 16.5% (13/79) and 2.6% (2/77) in groups N and S, respectively (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Additional anteromedial staple fixation could prevent changes in the PTS in RT-OWHTO. It is a simple method for preventing an increase in the PTS after RT-OWHTO. Level of evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge that links the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NP) to their toxicity is key to evaluating and understanding mechanisms underlying toxicity and developing appropriate testing methods for NP; however, this is currently limited since only a small set of NP have been used, with typically poor control of their physical properties. In this study, eight types of polystyrene NP (PLNP) were synthesized with different functional groups, but all based on an identical core. In vitro cell-based assays were performed to determine the influence of changes in physicochemical properties, such as charge, hydrodynamic size, and protein binding potential, in relation to NP-mediated toxicity. The PLNP were incubated with nonphagocytic A549 cells or phagocytic differentiated THP-1 cells for 4 h with/without fetal bovine serum (FBS), followed by incubation for 20 h in FBS-supplemented medium with/without a washing step, to assess cell-type specificity and impact of protein corona formation. The effect of surface charge on cytotoxicity differed between A549 cells and THP-1 cells. In nonphagocytic A549 cells, the zeta potential of PLNP exhibited a negative correlation with cytotoxicity, partly due to the level of coronated protein that might affect cellular uptake. In phagocytic THP-1 cells, the zeta potential of PLNP showed a positive correlation with cytotoxicity but coronated protein levels displayed no marked association with cytotoxicity, owing to the professional uptake efficacy of phagocytic cells. The consistency of our data with THP-1 cells with the surface charge paradigm in nanotoxicology suggests that phagocytic cells are the predominant targets for lung inflammatory reactions induced by PLNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) generally have poor prognoses due to therapeutic resistance. Furthermore, there are limited treatment options for advanced UC. Therefore, novel or effective chemotherapeutic agents are needed to improve patient survival. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of temozolomide (TMZ) on UC cells so as to identify a potential method to overcome therapeutic resistance. TMZ is an alkylating agent with a target different from that of other anticancer drugs used to treat UC, such as cisplatin. TMZ enhanced the autophagic response and senescence, which was mediated via the p53 and p21 pathways. Inhibiting the autophagic response using chloroquine synergistically augmented the cytotoxic effect of TMZ on UC cells. TMZ significantly reduced the invasiveness of UC cells. Notably, the abundance of side population fraction was also significantly reduced following TMZ treatment. Considering that side population fraction is known to confer therapeutic resistance, it is noteworthy that the TMZ treatment markedly decreased side population fraction. Altogether, TMZ may have the potential to be applied as a part of an alternative treatment strategy to reduce the malignancy of UC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of composite cathodes with different cathode materials, such as (Ba 0.95 La 0.05) (Fe 0.8 Zn 0.2)O 3-δ (BLFZ), (Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5) (Co 0.8 Fe 0.2)O 3-δ (BSCF), and (La 0.8 Sr 0.2)CoO 3-δ (LSC), are investigated to find the effects of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydration on the fuel cell performance of protonic ceramic fuel cells. BLFZ, which exhibits the highest degree of hydration among these three materials, demonstrates the best electrode performance in hydrogen fuel, although BLFZ shows poor ORR activity compared with BSCF and LSC. When LSC is added into the BLFZ composite cathode to enhance the ORR activity, the electrode performance in H 2 fuel improves slightly, but that in CH 4 fuel improves significantly, thereby resulting in an increase in the power density from 0.48 to 0.72 W/cm2 in CH 4 fuel at 600 °C. By analyzing the relaxation time distribution, the contributions of the ORR and hydration reaction at the cathode to the performance of H 2 and CH 4 fuels are investigated separately. It is demonstrated that the ORR activity and hydration reaction can be optimized simultaneously by infiltrating the ORR catalysts into cathode materials with high hydration. ■ Oxygen Reduction Reaction at cathode in PCFC facilitates CH 4 reformation at anode. ■ Hydration in cathode materials is essential for high performance of PCFC. ■ BLFZ was better than BSCF owing to high degree of hydration. ■ Addition of LSC to BLFZ as ORR catalyst enhances a power density of PCFC in CH 4 fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serum uromodulin concentration has been described as a novel biomarker of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans but not dogs. Objective: To evaluate the serum uromodulin concentration in dogs with CKD and assess its diagnostic performance in distinguishing dogs with CKD from healthy dogs. Animals: Forty‐nine dogs with CKD (International Renal Interest Society [IRIS] Stage 1, n = 23; Stage 2, n = 20; Stage 3‐4, n = 6) and 25 healthy controls. Methods: Prospective, observational study. Serum uromodulin concentration was measured using a canine‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and its correlation with conventional renal markers was analyzed. Results: Serum uromodulin concentrations were significantly lower in the CKD group than in the control group (P <.001), but no significant difference was observed among stages of CKD. A negative correlation was observed between serum uromodulin concentration and conventional renal markers (blood urea nitrogen concentration, r = −.60, P <.0001; serum creatinine concentration, r = −.46, P <.0001; serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentration [SDMA], r = −.65, P <.0001). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) of uromodulin (AUC, 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94‐1.00) was higher than that of SDMA (AUC, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79‐0.95) for CKD diagnosis (P =.01). The AUC of uromodulin (AUC, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.89‐1.00) also was higher than that of SDMA (AUC, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.87) in distinguishing dogs with Stage 1 CKD from controls (P =.001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Serum uromodulin concentration is decreased in dogs with CKD. Thus, serum uromodulin may be a valuable diagnostic marker for CKD in dogs, particularly in identifying early‐stage CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an abundant component of the tumor microenvironment and have distinct features from normal fibroblasts (NFs). However, the discriminative nature of heterogeneous CAFs under glucose starvation remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the changes in the mitochondrial calcium concentration and relevant intracellular machinery in CAFs under glucose-deficient conditions. Xenografted tumor masses were dissected into multiple pieces and subjected to the CAF isolation using magnetically activated cell sorting (MACS). NFs were separated from the normal lung and skin. Under glucose starvation, CAFs from the tumor mass exhibited heterogeneity in cell proliferation, ATP production and calcium concentration. Compared to NFs, mitochondrial calcium concentration was significantly higher in glucose-starved CAFs with upregulation of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) that led to enhancement of ATP production and cell growth. Intriguingly, treatment of glucose-starved CAFs with oligomycin increased apoptosis by disrupted calcium homeostasis following overactivation of the mPTP. Moreover, oligomycin-induced apoptosis was mitigated by calcium chelation. This study demonstrated that the discriminative calcium influx to mitochondria through MCU coordinated cell growth and apoptosis in glucose-starved CAFs but not in NFs. • CAFs from a tumor mass are heterogeneous under the glucose deficient condition. • CAFs survive under glucose deficient condition by activation of TGF-β and calcium. • Calcium influx to mitochondria is critical for survival of glucose-deficient CAFs. • MCU in CAFs could be a feasible target for the development of anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Methods Results Conclusion Level of Evidence To investigate the risk factors for varus progression after arthroscopic medial meniscal posterior root tear (MMPRT) repair and to compare the clinical outcomes between two groups: one with more varus progression and the other with less varus progression.Patients who underwent isolated arthroscopic repair of MMPRT between 2015 and 2020 were enroled, and 2‐year follow‐up data were collected. Participants were categorized into two groups based on preoperative values of the weight‐bearing line (WBL) ratio: group A with <5.9% increase and group B with ≥5.9% increase. Various factors, including demographic features and radiological findings, were analysed and compared between the two groups. Intra‐meniscal signal intensity, meniscal healing, medial meniscal extrusion (MME), and articular cartilage grade were assessed preoperatively and 1‐year postoperatively using coronal magnetic resonance imaging.The final cohort consisted of 34 patients in group A and 46 in group B, with a mean age of 55.8 ± 11.2 and 59.8 ± 6.6 years, respectively. Preoperative WBL ratio and cartilage lesions in the medial compartment did not differ between the groups. Preoperative MME were significantly lower in group A than those in group B (2.6 ± 0.6 mm in group A and 3.5 ± 0.7 mm in group B, p < 0.05). Patient‐reported outcomes at the 2‐year follow‐up did not differ between the two groups (n. s.). In a logistic analysis, the odds ratio of MME was 2.1 (p < 0.05), and the cutoff value of MME was 3.02 mm.Preoperative MME is a risk factor for varus progression. However, no differences in patient‐reported outcomes were observed at 2‐year follow‐up, even in the group with greater varus progression.Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A levelized cost of energy (LCOE) is a methodology for comparing power generation costs in the transition to renewable energy (RE). However, the major limitation of evaluating RE based on the LCOE is that it does not consider indirect costs, such as the environmental and curtailment effect. This paper proposes the real LCOE (rLCOE) approach that accounts for indirect and direct generation costs. The mathematical approach to estimating indirect costs is derived from economic theory. The indirect effects, which quantify all benefits generated due to RE, is related to the variability of the share RE in the energy generation mix. The rLCOE enhances the accuracy of the economic comparison of power generation costs and the derivation of the optimal quantities of RE because external effects are incorporated into the LCOE principles. This approach has taken into account electricity demand, fuel prices, and environmental costs for each energy source to adequately compare generation costs. Simulations have been performed to demonstrate the application of the rLCOE approach in the Korean power market. Here, the unit variation of costs with the RE share were analyzed. The results show that indirect cost savings of an additional unit of RE begin to fall in scenario 3 in contrast to the result of LCOE approach indicating higher generation costs with RE share, especially, the proportion of RE in the generation mix is higher than 20%. Thus, the optimal power generation can be evaluated using the rLCOE approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method has been developed for the simple, fluorescence, turn-on detection of melamine, which utilizes DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs) as a key component. In the sensor, melamine exhibits the dual functions: one is to enhance the fluorescence signal of DNA-AgNCs by its specific interaction with thymine residues in DNA template, and the other is to prevent Hg(II)-induced fluorescence quenching of DNA-AgNCs via its strong coordination with Hg(II). These consequently enable the sensitive and selective detection of melamine. By exploiting such novel features of melamine, we significantly increased the fluorescence response up to 360%, compared to the previous counterpart that relies on DNA-AgNCs only, and successfully determined melamine down to ca. 49 nM, a value that is 400 times lower than the safety level of 20 μM set by the US Food and Drug Administration. In addition, it was confirmed that the proposed approach works fine even in the real milk samples without any additional pre-treatment steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fully integrated broadband multi-state reflectometer (MSR) covering both 2- and 16-GHz bands is developed using microelectromechanical systems and monolithic-microwave integrated-circuit technology for complex permittivity measurement of biological material. The MSR consists of a dual-band phase-locked loop, a power amplifier, a directional coupler, an impedance tuner, two RF power detectors, and a micromachined silicon planar probe with an open-ended coaxial aperture. All the active and passive circuit components have been integrated on the micromachined probe platform in a small form factor of \ 6.8 mm\ \times \ \ 50 mm\times \ \ 0.6 mm. To cover a broad bandwidth ranging from 2 to 16 GHz, the circuit components have been designed with multi-octave characteristics. The performance of the fabricated reflectometer has been verified by comparing the measured permittivities of 0.9% saline, pork muscle, and pork fat with the reference data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a miniaturized active integrated broadband reflectometer for complex permittivity measurement of biological material. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: This paper reports a simple approach for demonstrating a micro/nano hierarchical surface, ensuring both geometrical regularity and mechanical stability, for improving the hydrophobicity. The proposed dual-scale hierarchical surfaces were realized simply by combining the highly self-ordered ripple-like nano patterns with the robust micro-post arrays, based on the cost-effective nonlithographic chemical oxidation process and well-established microfabrication technologies. The wettability of the proposed nano-scale mono- and micro/nano dual-roughened surfaces was evaluated by measuring the apparent contact angles (ACAs), and analyzed theoretically with analytic models based on the Wenzel, Cassie, and combined wetting theories. Through experimental and theoretical observations, it was found that the proposed micro/nano hierarchical structures can improve the wetting property and the superhydrophobic robustness of high- and low-density micro-post arrayed surfaces, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Highly sensitive electrochemical aptasensor for detecting circulating tumor cells. • The sensor is based on dual signal amplification strategy. • Electrode surface was modified with gold nanostar structures to increase effective surface area and electrical conductivity. • Sensor was made using rolling circle amplification and hemin/G-quadruplex complex. • Sensor had high accuracy for detection of circulating tumor cells in human serum. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play an important role in diagnosing cancer and metastasis; thus, appropriate sensors are required for analyzing CTCs in patient samples. Here, we developed a simple electrochemical aptasensor for highly sensitive and selective detection of CTCs based on rolling circle amplification (RCA) coupled with the catalytic ability of the hemin/G-quadruplex complex. In detail, we first modified the surface of a screen-printed carbon electrode using a biocompatible mixture of thiol functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles and ionic liquid. Next, gold nanostar structures were prepared by electrodeposition to increase the electrode surface area and electrochemical signal, followed by EpCAM aptamer immobilization. When EpCAM-positive cancer cells are present in the sample, they bind to the EpCAM aptamer on the modified electrode, and a number of cholesterol-labeled DNA probes that act as initiators for RCA are inserted into the cell membrane. Consequently, RCA is initiated to generate multiple tandem repeats of the G-quadruplex DNA structure, which is complexed with hemin to catalyze the H 2 O 2 -mediated oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl benzidine and produces strong electrochemical signals. Using this strategy, we could sensitively determine target cancer cells down to a single cell with high selectivity even in human serum. The proposed strategy with the dual signal amplification can thus be a promising platform for simple and ultrasensitive detection of CTCs, and be used for the detection of other cancer cells and biomarkers in different clinical and biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of water and food contaminated by pathogens is a major cause of numerous diseases and deaths globally. To control pathogen contamination and reduce the risk of illness, a system is required that can quickly detect and monitor target pathogens. We developed a simple and reproducible strategy, termed three-way junction (3WJ)-induced transcription amplification, to detect target nucleic acids by rationally combining 3WJ-induced isothermal amplification with a light-up RNA aptamer. In principle, the presence of the target nucleic acid generates a large number of light-up RNA aptamers (Spinach aptamers) through strand displacement and transcription amplification for 2 h at 37 °C. The resulting Spinach RNA aptamers specifically bind to fluorogens such as 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzylidene imidazolinone and emit a highly enhanced fluorescence signal, which is clearly distinguished from the signal emitted in the absence of the target nucleic acid. With the proposed strategy, concentrations of target nucleic acids selected from the genome of Salmonellaenterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) were quantitatively determined with high selectivity. In addition, the practical applicability of the method was demonstrated by performing spike-and-recovery experiments with S. Typhi in human serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We devised a new method to detect cancer-related mutations based on target-initiated rolling circle amplification in combination with fluorescence polarization. We then applied this method to identify the presence of KRAS G13D and G12D, two of the most frequent mutations found in colorectal cancer patients, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, cost-effective and eco-friendly biosensor is developed for the colorimetric detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in naturally occurring extracellular vesicles (EVs). • An extracellular vesicle (EV)-based sensor for pesticide detection was developed. • Colorimetric detection is based on inhibition of EV acetylcholinesterase (AChE). • EVs improved the stability of intrinsic AChE compared to that of free AChE. • Optimal conditions for organophosphorus pesticide (OP) detection were established. • OPs were detected in aqueous solution and spiked human serum samples. Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are widely used in agriculture to eradicate insects. They, however, have raised public concern with respect to their potential impacts on human health. Here, a simple and sensitive colorimetric strategy was developed for the detection of OPs using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in naturally occurring extracellular vesicles (EVs). To validate this strategy, the concentration of paraoxon as a representative OP was detected by measuring the colorimetric response in the dynamic range of 10−12–10−4 M, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 53.8 pM. Because EVs, which are composed of lipid bilayers, can provide a protective environment for AChE, the detection of OPs was highly reproducible without significant loss of AChE activity over a 30-day period. Furthermore, a spike-and-recovery experiment in human serum confirmed that despite impurities that may interfere with AChE activity, our EV-based AChE assay would be applicable for real samples in field detection. Importantly, our cost-effective, stable EV-based strategy enables a simple and sensitive OP detection without the expression/integration of AChE, formation of lipids, or encapsulation of AChE into liposomes. Thus, this strategy will offer new prospects for ensuring the safety of environmental and food samples with respect to contamination with various pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence of DNA-templated copper nanoparticles (DNA-CuNPs) is not stable over time which limits applications in cellular imaging. This is due to the presence of oxygen during synthesis which oxidizes Cu(0) to Cu(II) and also produces the free hydroxyl radical. The authors have prepared DNA-CuNPs with enhanced temporal stability of fluorescence by optimizing the reaction conditions so as to minimize the deleterious effects of oxygen. The operational lifetime of DNA-CuNPs was increased from 25 min to 200 min. Fluorescence spectra of DNA-CuNPs in optimized condition show an emission peak at 650 nm when excited at 340 nm. DNA-CuNPs synthesized in this manner were used for cell imaging. As a proof of concept, the nucleus of a human colon cell line (HCT116) was stained. The method does not involve any chemicals other that copper sulfate and ascorbate. This new approach for generating DNA-CuNPs improves imaging of biological processes and provides a basis for developing other types of DNA-templated nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]