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Background: Many neurodegenerative disease treatments, such as deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's Disease, can alleviate symptoms by primarily compensating for circuit dysfunctions. However, the stimulation's effect on the underlying disease progression remains relatively unknown. Here, we report that neuromodulation can not only modulate circuit function but also modulate the in vivo spreading dynamics of α-synuclein pathology, the primary pathological hallmark observed in Parkinson's Disease. Methods: In a mouse model, pre-formed fibrils were injected into the striatum to induce widespread α-synuclein pathology. Two days after fibril injection, mice were treated for two weeks with daily optogenetic stimulation of the Secondary Motor Area, Layer V. Whole brains were then extracted, immunolabeled, cleared, and imaged with light-sheet fluorescent microscopy. Results: Repeated optogenetic stimulation led to a decrease in pathology at the site of stimulation and at various cortical and subcortical regions, while the contralateral cortex saw a consistent increase. Aligning the pathology changes with optogenetic-fMRI measured brain activity, we found that the changes in pathology and brain function had similar spatial locations but opposite polarity. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the ability to modulate and predict whole brain pathology changes using neuromodulation, opening a new horizon for investigating optimized neuromodulation therapies.

Background Inconsistent results have been reported regarding the association between the use of antidiabetic drugs and the clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate the effect of antidiabetic drugs on COVID-19 outcomes in patients with diabetes using data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) in South Korea. Methods We analyzed the NHIS data of patients aged ≥20 years who tested positive for COVID-19 and were taking antidiabetic drugs between December 2019 and June 2020. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 based on the use of antidiabetic drugs. Results A total of 556 patients taking antidiabetic drugs tested positive for COVID-19, including 271 male (48.7%), most of whom were in their sixties. Of all patients, 433 (77.9%) were hospitalized, 119 (21.4%) received oxygen treatment, 87 (15.6%) were admitted to the intensive care unit, 31 (5.6%) required mechanical ventilation, and 61 (11.0%) died. Metformin was significantly associated with the lower risks of mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR], 0.281; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.109 to 0.720; P=0.008), and death (OR, 0.395; 95% CI, 0.182 to 0.854; P=0.018). Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) were significantly associated with the lower risks of oxygen treatment (OR, 0.565; 95% CI, 0.356 to 0.895; P=0.015) and death (OR, 0.454; 95% CI, 0.217 to 0.949; P=0.036). Sulfonylurea was significantly associated with the higher risk of mechanical ventilation (OR, 2.579; 95% CI, 1.004 to 6.626; P=0.049). Conclusion In patients with diabetes and COVID-19, metformin exhibited reduced risks of mechanical ventilation and death, DPP-4i was linked with lower risks of oxygen treatment and death, while sulfonylurea was related to the increased risk of mechanical ventilation.

Background To investigate the prevalence, incidence, comorbidities, and management status of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetes-related end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in South Korea. Methods We used the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2019 to 2021, n=2,665) for the evaluation of prevalence, comorbidities, control rate of glycemia and comorbidities in DKD, and the Korean Health Insurance Service-customized database (2008 to 2019, n=3,950,857) for the evaluation of trends in the incidence and prevalence rate of diabetes-related ESKD, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors use for DKD, and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and mortality according to DKD stages. DKD was defined as albuminuria or low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

Objective The major histocompatibility complex in chicken demonstrates a great range of variations within varities, breeds, populations and that can eventually influence their immuneresponses. The preset study was conducted to understand the major histocompatibility complex-B (MHC-B) variability in five major populations of Bangladesh native chicken: Aseel, Hilly, Junglefowl, Non-descript Deshi, and Naked Neck. Methods These five major populations of Bangladesh native chicken were analyzed with a subset of 89 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the high-density MHC-B SNP panel and Kompetitive Allele-Specific polymerase chain reaction genotyping was applied. To explore haplotype diversity within these populations, the results were analyzed both manually and computationally using PHASE 2.1 program. The phylogenetic investigations were also performed using MrBayes program. Results A total of 136 unique haplotypes were identified within these five Bangladesh chicken populations, and only one was shared (between Hilly and Naked Neck). Phylogenetic analysis showed no distinct haplotype clustering among the five populations, although they were shared in distinct clades; notably, the first clade lacked Naked Neck haplotypes. Conclusion The present study discovered a set of unique MHC-B haplotypes in Bangladesh chickens that could possibly cause varied immune reponses. However, further investigations are required to evaluate their relationships with global chicken populations.

The initial step in pre-mRNA splicing involves formation of a spliceosome commitment complex (CC) or E-complex by factors that serve to bind and mark the exon-intron boundaries that will undergo splicing. The CC component U1 snRNP assembles at the 5′-splice site (ss), whereas SF1, U2AF2, and U2AF1 define the 3′-ss of the intron. A PRP40 protein bridges U1 snRNP with factors at the 3′-ss. To determine how defects in CC components impact cancers, we analyzed human gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patient tissue and clinical data from cBioPortal. cBioPortal datasets were analyzed for CC factor alterations and patient outcomes in GI cancers (bowel, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, and liver). In addition, co-expression datasets were used to determine the splicing targets of the CC. Our analysis found that frequency of genetic changes was low (1%-13%), but when combined with changes in expression levels, there was an overall surprisingly high incidence of CC component (>30%) alterations in GI cancers. Colon cancer patients carrying BRAF driver gene mutations had high incidences of CC alterations (19%-61%), whereas patients with APC , KRAS , or TP53 gene mutations had low (

Abstract Objectives We primarily aimed to evaluate whether parotid incidental lesion (PIL) in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) for staging evaluation of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) would represent a possibility of extrahepatic metastasis or second primary malignancy (SPM). Additionally, we explored the incidence of PIL in HCC patients and examined any associated risk factors. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with HCC who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT at our institution from 2010 to 2022. The pathological findings of PILs in HCC patients were investigated for confirmatory identification of the risk of HCC metastasis or SPM in parotid gland. Healthy controls received 18F-FDG PET/CT for health screening were also enrolled to compare the incidence of PILs with HCC patients. Various parameters associated with patient demographics and characteristics of HCC were analyzed to find the related factors of PILs. Results A total of 17,674 patients with HCC and 2,090 healthy individuals who had undergone 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were enrolled in the analyses. Among the 54 HCC patients who underwent pathological confirmation for PILs, benign primary parotid tumor was most commonly observed (n = 43 [79.6%]); however, no malignant lesions were detected, including HCC metastasis. The incidence of PILs was higher in patients diagnosed with HCC compared with the control group (485 [2.7%] vs. 23 [1.1%], p = 0.002). Analysis for the risk factors for PILs revealed that patient age, sex, and positive viral markers were significantly associated with the incidence of PILs in patients with HCC (all p

The new regulation was introduced to the franchise market of South Korea in that an applicant who wants to be a franchiser must set up direct retail stores and run them for at least one year before recruiting franchisees. Considering the purpose of the regulation, it is inferred that once franchisers run their own stores, their franchisees would be better off than otherwise. This paper addresses one reason that the Korea Fair Trade Commission has no choice but to introduce the regulation. Along the line, this paper investigates whether franchisees would have a more likelihood to make profit in case of franchisers operating their own stores. The result demonstrates that this case could be true since the operation of franchiser-owned stores could be helpful in reducing the cost of franchisees.

We examine how corporate social responsibility affects financial performance in the Korean market by examining a new set of data, the ESG score. Using panel regression models, we show that the ESG score is negatively related with a widely used measures of financial performance, ROA and Tobin’s Q, unlike extant studies arguing for the positive relationships. Among the three pillars of ESG performance, the social and governance scores robustly show negative relationships with ROA but the environmental score does not. The consideration of unique Korean governance structure, chaebol , does not change our findings. Our findings generally support the traditional view of corporations but argue against the stakeholder theory.

Determining the laterality of the seizure onset zone is challenging in frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) due to the rapid propagation of epileptic discharges to the contralateral hemisphere. There is hemispheric lateralization of autonomic control, and heart rate is modulated by interactions between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Based on this notion, the laterality of seizure foci in FLE might be determined using heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. We explored preictal markers for differentiating the laterality of seizure foci in FLE using HRV parameters. Twelve patients with FLE (6 right FLE and 6 left FLE) were included in the analyzes. A total of 551 (460 left FLE and 91 right FLE) 1-min epoch electrocardiography data were used for HRV analysis. We found that most HRV parameters differed between the left and right FLE groups. Among the machine learning algorithms applied in this study, the light gradient boosting machine was the most accurate, with an AUC value of 0.983 and a classification accuracy of 0.961. Our findings suggest that HRV parameter-based laterality determination models can be convenient and effective tools in clinical settings. Considering that heart rate can be easily measured in real time with a wearable device, our proposed method can be applied to a closed-loop device as a real-time monitoring tool for determining the side of stimulation.

Abstract Background Rice husk is the most silicon-rich renewable biomass and can be used as a raw material for producing silicon-based materials. With the increasing interest in utilizing rice husk as a renewable resource, the development of a robust silica extraction method is required. In this study, a one-pot alkali hydrothermal and ball-milling continuous silica extraction method was developed at the pilot scale. Results Three residence times (50, 100, and 150 min) were selected to compare the performance of the continuous extraction process depending on the residence time. The silica production was 4.09, 2.67, and 2.22 kg day−1 while the silica extraction yield was 52.8, 69.1, and 86.0% at resident times of 50, 100, and 150 min, respectively. The energy consumption for producing 1 kg of silica from rice husk was 51.6, 47.7, and 47.4 MJ kg−1 at resident times of 50, 100, and 150 min, respectively. The one-pot continuous silica extraction process was performed for 150 h to verify the stability of the process. During long-term operation, the process exhibited a constant solid content and stable silica extraction yield. The silicate solution obtained by the one-pot continuous process was successfully used to synthesize size-controlled spherical silica particles, which had a purity of 99.1 wt% and amorphous structure. Conclusions Overall, this study presents a novel continuous silica extraction method for the efficient recovery of silica from rice husk-based biorefineries. Graphical abstract

BackgroudHypertension is highly prevalent in patients with kidney transplantation caused by transplantation-related immunologic or non-immunologic risk factors. However, whether a strict definition of hypertension (≥130/80 mmHg) and subdivided blood pressure (BP) groups are associated with an increased risk of graft failure after kidney transplantation using a nationwide large cohort study are still unknown.MethodsUsing Korean National Health Insurance Service data, we included 14,249 patients who underwent kidney transplantation from 2002 to 2016. Patients were categorized into five BP groups according to the 2021 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes practice guidelines for BP management: normal BP (

Background: The application of enhanced recovery after surgery principles decreases postoperative complications (POCs), length of stay (LOS), and readmissions. Pharmacoprophylaxis decreases morbidity, but the effect of specific regimens on clinical outcomes is unclear. Methods and Materials: Records of 476 randomly selected adult patients who underwent elective colorectal surgeries (ECRS) at 10 US hospitals were abstracted. Primary outcomes were surgical site infection (SSI), venous thromboembolism (VTE), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pain, and ileus rates. Secondary outcomes included LOS and 7- and 30-day readmission rates. Results: POC rates were SSI (3.4%), VTE (1.5%), PONV (47.9%), pain (58.1%), and ileus (16.1%). Cefazolin 2 g/metronidazole 500 mg and ertapenem 1 g were associated with the shortest LOS; cefotetan 2 g and cefoxitin 2 g with the longest LOS. No SSI occurred with ertapenem and cefotetan. More Caucasians than Blacks received oral antibiotics before intravenous antibiotics without impact. Enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously daily was the most common inpatient and discharge VTE prophylaxis. All in-hospital VTEs occurred with unfractionated heparin. Most received rescue rather than around-the-clock antiemetics. Scopolamine patches, spinal opioids, and IV lidocaine continuous infusion were associated with lower PONV. Transversus abdominis plane block with long-acting local anesthetics, celecoxib, non-anesthetic ketamine bolus, ketorolac IV, lidocaine IV, and pregabalin were associated with lower in-hospital pain severity rates. Gabapentinoids and alvimopan were associated with lower ileus rates. Acetaminophen, alvimopan, famotidine, and lidocaine patches were associated with shorter LOS. Conclusions: Significant differences in pharmacotherapy regimens that may improve primary and secondary outcomes in ECRS were identified. In adult ECRS, cefotetan or ertapenem may be better regimens for preventing in-hospital SSI, while ertapenem or C/M may lead to shorter LOS. The value of OA to prevent SSI was not demonstrated. Inpatient enoxaparin, compared to UFH, may reduce VTE rates with a similar LOS. A minority of patients had a documented PONV risk assessment, and a majority used as-needed rather than around-the-clock strategies. Preoperative scopolamine patches continued postoperatively may lower PONV and PDNV severity and shorter LOS. Alvimopan may reduce ileus and shorten LOS. Anesthesia that includes TAP block, ketorolac IV, and pregabalin use may lead to reduced pain rates. Acetaminophen, alvimopan, famotidine, and lidocaine patches may shorten LOS. Given the challenges of pain management and the incidence of PONV/PDNV found in this study, additional studies should be conducted to determine optimal opioid-free anesthesia and the benefit of newer antiemetics on patient outcomes. Moreover, future research should identify latent pharmacotherapy variables that impact patient outcomes, correlate pertinent laboratory results, and examine the impact of order or care sets used for ECRS at study hospitals.

The desulfurization behavior of 316L stainless steel (STS316L) melt with the CaO-SiO2-CaF2-Al2O3-MgO slag was investigated with different CaO/SiO2 (=C/S) ratio and CaF2 content at 1873 K. As the C/S ratio increased, the sulfide capacity increased, whereas the sulfide capacity of the high C/S (=1.7) slag was not affected by CaF2 content. The overall mass transfer coefficient (kO) increased with C/S ratio, but was constant above a critical C/S value, and it was also constant across varied CaF2 content at relatively high C/S (=1.7) condition. Since the metal condition of the present study was constant, the change in kO was caused by slag phase mass transfer coefficient (ks) and sulfur distribution ratio (LS), which were affected by the physicochemical properties of the slag. Since desulfurization reaction requires consideration of both kinetic and thermodynamic factors, the ‘logCS2−−logη’ (where CS2− is sulfide capacity and η is viscosity), was proposed as a meaningful physicochemical parameter. If the slag basicity is relatively high, at which the kO is equivalent regardless of slag compositions, the desulfurization reaction is controlled by metal phase mass transfer. However, if the slag basicity becomes lower, at which the kO significantly decreases, the desulfurization reaction is assumed to be controlled by slag phase mass transfer and/or mixed controlled process.

IntroductionDespite the risk of incident chronic kidney disease among the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the association of RA and the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has not been clearly elucidated. We aimed to investigate the association of RA and the risk of ESRD.Materials and methodsA total of 929,982 subjects with (n = 154,997) or without (n = 774,985) RA from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database in Koreas (corresponding to the period between 2009 and 2017) were retrospectively analyzed. RA was defined by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), codes plus any dispensing of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The primary outcome was incident ESRD, identified by a combination of the ICD-10-CM codes and a special code assigned to patients receiving maintenance dialysis for ≥ 3 months or those with a transplant kidney.ResultsCompared to the subjects without RA, the subjects with RA resulted in an increased incidence of ESRD (incidence rates of 0.374 versus 0.810 cases per 1,000 person-years). Accordingly, compared to the subjects without RA, the risk of ESRD was significantly increased among the subjects with RA (adjusted hazard ratio 2.095, 95% confidence interval 1.902–2.308). Subgroup analyses revealed that the risk of ESRD imposed by RA is relatively higher in relatively young and healthy individuals.ConclusionRheumatoid arthritis (RA) increase the risk of ESRD. As the risk of ESRD imposed by RA is relatively higher in relatively young and healthy individuals, kidney-protective treatment, such as biologic agents, should be preferentially considered among these patients with RA.

This study extracted the data of Digital Elevation Model (DEM), tidal channel, and tidal channel density, slope based on TanDEM-X satellite of Ganghwa tidal flat. Monitoring and analysis of the decrease in the area of tidal flats in Korea are of great importance, and by judging the efficiency and accuracy in time and space, satellite data were obtained according to the analysis topic of the tidal flats. Since the west coast occupies a large proportion of domestic tidal flats, Ganghwa-do tidal flats were designated as the scope of the study. The produced materials are provided in the form of GEOTIFF(.tif) or Shape(.shp) files. To utilize the tidal flat data constructed in this way, it can be downloaded from the Environmental Big Data website (www.bigdata-environment.kr), an environmental business big data platform.

PurposeTo investigate the association between insomnia and the risk of various cancers using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database.Materials and methodsPatients who underwent a national health examination in 2009 were followed-up until 2018. Newly-diagnosed cancers were collected one year after the baseline. Insomnia was defined as having a diagnosis of F510 or G470 within one year prior to enrollment. The incidence of various cancers was compared between patients with and without insomnia.ResultsIn the overall study population (N = 3,982,012), the risk for any type of cancer was not different between controls and insomnia patients (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.990). However, it was different by age; insomnia increased the risk of any cancer in younger age groups (20-39y and 40-59y, aHR:1.310 and 1.139, respectively) but it significantly decreased the risk in the 60-79y age group (aHR: 0.939). In cancer type, colorectal cancer risk was lower (aHR: 0.872, P < 0.0001), whereas leukemia risk was higher (aHR: 1.402, P < 0.0001) in patients with insomnia than in those without it, regardless of sex. In men, the risk of stomach cancer was lower (aHR: 0.882, P = 0.0003), and the risks of lung (aHR:1.114, P = 0.0005), kidney (aHR 1.226, P = 0.0107), and prostate (aHR:1.101, P = 0.0028) cancers were higher in insomnia patients than in control patients. In women, insomnia patients compared to control patients showed a lower risk of ovarian cancer (aHR:0.856, P = 0.0344, respectively), while they had a higher risk of oral (aHR:1.616, P = 0.002), thyroid (aHR:1.072, P = 0.0192), and nerve (aHR: 1.251, P = 0.016) cancers.ConclusionInsomnia is associated with an increased or decreased risk of some cancers, depending on age, cancer type and sex.

Abstract Many efforts targeting amyloid‐β (Aβ) plaques for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease thus far have resulted in failures during clinical trials. Regional and temporal heterogeneity of efficacy and dependence on plaque maturity may have contributed to these disappointing outcomes. In this study, we mapped the regional and temporal specificity of various anti‐Aβ treatments through high‐resolution light‐sheet imaging of electrophoretically cleared brains. We assessed the effect on amyloid plaque formation and growth in Thy1‐APP/PS1 mice subjected to β‐secretase inhibitors, polythiophenes, or anti‐Aβ antibodies. Each treatment showed unique spatiotemporal Aβ clearance, with polythiophenes emerging as a potent anti‐Aβ compound. Furthermore, aligning with a spatial‐transcriptomic atlas revealed transcripts that correlate with the efficacy of each Aβ therapy. As observed in this study, there is a striking dependence of specific treatments on the location and maturity of Aβ plaques. This may also contribute to the clinical trial failures of Aβ‐therapies, suggesting that combinatorial regimens may be significantly more effective in clearing amyloid deposition.

Primary motor cortex (M1) consists of a stack of interconnected but distinct layers (L1-L6) which affect motor control through large-scale networks. However, the brain-wide functional influence of each layer is poorly understood. We sought to expand our knowledge of these layers’ circuitry by combining Cre-driver mouse lines, optogenetics, fMRI, and electrophysiology. Neuronal activities initiated in Drd3 neurons (within L2/3) were mainly confined within M1, while stimulation of Scnn1a, Rbp4, and Ntsr1 neurons (within L4, L5, and L6, respectively) evoked distinct responses in M1 and motor-related subcortical regions, including striatum and motor thalamus. We also found that fMRI responses from targeted stimulations correlated with both local field potentials (LFPs) and spike changes. This study represents a step forward in our understanding of how different layers of primary motor cortex are embedded in brain-wide circuitry.

Rice husks are a feedstock of biogenic silica because of their high silica content. After silica extraction, a solid residue comprising mostly carbohydrates is present. Solid residue valorization is important for closed-loop systems using rice husk and has minimal negative environmental impacts. In this study, we used solid rice husk that was generated by silica extractionto anaerobic digestion for producing biomethane. The rice husk residue was characterized in terms of total solids, volatile solids, pH, composition, and particle size. Changing the characteristics increased biogas production by 2.48-fold compared to that of raw rice husk. The residue produced 166.4 mL-biogas g−1 vs. and 100.4 mL CH 4 g−1 VS, much more than previously reported. Microbial community analysis, which was conducted to investigate the biological reasons for increased biogas and methane, found increased Bacteroidetes levels in the rice husk samples. Among archaeal communities, Bathyarchaeota was more abundant in all rice husk samples than in the inoculum. The rice husk residue contained more operational taxonomic units than other samples. These changes in the microbial community significantly influenced the anaerobic digestion of the rice husk residue and improved methane production. Our findings provide a basis for the cleaner utilization of rice husk residue to produce renewable energy.

Background The placement of a closed suction drain is indispensable for preventing serious infections; however, closed suction drains are inevitably accompanied by increases in local infections, pain, and length of hospital stay, and delays in breast cancer treatment including postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We analyzed predictive factors of total drainage volume and duration. Methods Among patients who were diagnosed with primary breast cancer between January 2016 and December 2017, we retrospectively analyzed those who underwent immediate implant-based breast reconstruction. Factors that could affect the total volume and duration of drainage, including lipo-prostaglandin E1 use, preoperative chemotherapy, resected breast issue weight, age, body mass index (BMI), serum white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level, were analyzed. Results The mean volume and duration of drainage were 1,213.6 mL and 14.8 days respectively. BMI and CRP on postoperative day (POD) 1 were correlated with the total drainage volume. Age, BMI, and resected breast tissue weight were correlated with the drainage duration. Multiple regression analysis showed that CRP level on POD 1, age, and resected breast tissue weight significantly affected the drainage duration. Multiple regression analysis also showed that the total drainage volume was significantly affected by BMI and CRP level on POD 1. Conclusions The factors found to affect the duration of drainage in patients undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction were CRP on POD 1, age, resected breast tissue weight, and BMI. The CRP level on POD 1 and BMI influenced the total volume of drainage.

Background/Aims Despite recent improvements in the quality of life of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fractures are one of the major complications of SLE. Furthermore, limited data are available on the incidence and predictor of osteoporotic fractures in Korean patients with SLE. Herein, we aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors for osteoporotic fractures in Korean SLE patients compared to those without SLE. Methods SLE patients aged ≥ 40 years (n = 10,434; mean age, 51.3 ± 9.1 years; women, 89.7%) were selected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, spanning a period from 2008 to 2014. Age- and sex-matched controls (n = 52,170) were randomly sampled in a 5:1 ratio from non-SLE individuals. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of osteoporotic fracture. Results The incidence of osteoporotic fractures was significantly higher in the SLE patients (19.085 per 1,000 person-years) than in matched controls (6.530 per 1,000 person-years). According to the multivariable Cox proportional analysis, patients with SLE exhibited a higher osteoporotic fracture rate than the control group (hazards ratio, 2.964; 95% confidence interval, 2.754 to 3.188), even after adjustment for confounding variables. In the subgroup analysis, male SLE patients or SLE patients aged 40 to 65 years were associated with a higher osteoporotic fracture rate than women SLE patients or SLE patients aged ≥ 65 years, respectively. Conclusions We found a 2.964-fold increased risk of osteoporotic fracture in SLE patients compared to age- and sex-matched non-SLE controls. Male or middle-aged SLE patients had a relatively higher fracture risk among patients with SLE.

Background Several oncoplastic approaches have been implemented in recent years to enhance cosmetic results and to reduce complications. The round block technique is a volume displacement technique for breast reconstruction after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). However, its indications are currently limited according to tumor location, and its cosmetic results and complications have not been clearly established. We hypothesized that the round block technique could produce favorable cosmetic results without major complications regardless of tumor location or nipple-tumor distance, below a certain resected tumor volume and tumor-breast volume ratio. Methods All breast reconstructions using the round block technique after BCS were included in this analysis. Patients’ data were reviewed retrospectively to investigate complications during follow-up, and clinical photos were used to evaluate cosmetic results. The relationships of tumor location, nipple-tumor distance, tumor volume, and the tumor-breast volume ratio with cosmetic results were investigated. Results In total, 108 breasts were reconstructed. The mean resected tumor volume was 30.2±15.0 mL. The cosmetic score was 4.5±0.6 out of 5. Tumor location, nipple-tumor distance, tumor volume, tumor-breast volume ratio, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy had no significant effects on cosmetic results or complications. There were no major complications requiring reoperation. Conclusions Breast reconstruction using the round block technique after BCS can lead to good cosmetic results without major complications regardless of the tumor location, nipple-tumor distance, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Below the maximum tumor volume (79.2 mL) and the maximum tumor-breast volume ratio (14%), favorable results were consistently obtained.

IntroductionAlthough prior studies have supported the effectiveness of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) on addressing social, emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges faced by youth at-risk, educators using MTSS often do not consider contextual factors which may also influence youth at-risk and the interventions targeting them. This study thus aimed to identify youth at-risk who should be referred to targeted instructions within MTSS by examining the risk profiles of Korean adolescents. Based on the identified risk profiles, we also tried to investigate the effect of contextual factors on deciding youth at-risk and confirm whether and/or what contextual factors should be considered when implementing targeted interventions for them.MethodTo accomplish the research goal, a latent profile analysis on risk factors of Korean adolescents was performed, using the first year data of “Korean Children and Youth Panel Study (KCYPS) 2018.”ResultsFour risk profiles were identified, using low academic motivation, low academic behavior, attention deficit, aggression, social withdrawal, and depression as indicators: the high risk, M-SEB (Moderate-social, emotional, & behavioral) risk, M-ACA (Moderate-academic) risk, and low risk group. The covariates of this study, home and school environmental variables, worked as predictors of adolescents included in the high group.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest students in the high risk group (16.8%) should be given targeted instructions combining academic and SEB support within MTSS so as to prevent negative outcomes in the future among all adolescents. Those instructions need to be planned with consideration of contextual factors accompanied by teacher's careful understanding of social dynamics surrounding each student.

After a partial mastectomy, large or ptotic breasts can be reconstructed using breast reduction techniques. Wise-pattern reduction is typically used to remove masses in any quadrant of the breast, but this technique leaves a large inverted T-shaped scar. Instead, the short scar periareolar inferior pedicle reduction (SPAIR) technique involves a periareolar line and does not result in a scar along the inframammary fold (IMF). A 49-year-old patient with macromastia and severely ptotic breasts was diagnosed with invasive cancer of the left breast. Her large breasts caused pain in her back, shoulders, and neck. She also expressed concern about postsurgical scarring along the IMF. In light of this concern, we chose the SPAIR technique, and we designed and performed the procedure as described by Hammond. During surgery, we removed 36 g of breast tumor and 380 g of breast parenchyma from the left breast. To establish symmetry, we also removed 410 g of tissue from the right breast. Postoperatively, the patient reported satisfaction regarding the reduction mammaplasty and, in particular, noted decreased back, shoulder, and neck pain. In summary, we used the SPAIR technique to achieve oncologic and aesthetic success in a patient with macromastia and a tumor located lateral to the nipple-areolar complex.

Abstract The global burden of bone-related diseases is increasing in the aging society; thus, improved bone targeted imaging for their early identification and treatment are needed. In this study, we screened novel peptide ligands for hydroxyapatite, a major inorganic component of teeth and bones, and identified a peptide enabling in vivo bone targeting and real-time fluorescence bone detection. To isolate peptides highly specific for hydroxyapatite, we used negative and positive selection from a randomized 8-mer peptide phage library and identified hydroxyapatite-specific peptides (HA-pep2, HA-pep3, and HA-pep7). Among these three peptides, HA-pep3 showed the highest binding capacity and superior dissociation constant towards hydroxyapatite surfaces over time (~ 88.3% retained on hydroxyapatite after two weeks). Furthermore, HA-pep3 was highly specific for hydroxyapatite compared to other calcium salt-based materials. Using this superior specificity, HA-pep3 showed higher accumulation in skull, spine, and joints in comparison with scrambled control peptide during real-time whole-body imaging. Ex vivo analysis of the major organs and bone from mice demonstrated that the fluorescence intensity in bone was about 3.32 folds higher in the case of HA-pep3 than the one exhibited by the scrambled control peptide. Our study identified a novel approach for targeting ligands for bone specific imaging and can be useful for drug delivery applications.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is an educational model for improving social-emotional competences of all students and a long-term education program connecting school, home, and community. Although there has been active research to establish evidence-based practice (EBP) of SEL programs worldwide, the quality of SEL intervention studies which is an integral part of evaluating EBP was rarely investigated. In addition, prior meta-analytic studies focused only on the effectiveness of SEL programs conducted in Western society. In this sense, in order to contribute to establishing EBP of SEL programs, the current research sought to analyze both quality and effectiveness of SEL intervention studies conducted in Korea where SEL has been investigated and applied in classroom since 2010. To conduct this study, we selected 22 peer-reviewed articles (about 23 SEL programs) and analyzed their quality by Evidence-Based Intervention (EBI) indicators and calculated effect sizes using a meta-analysis. The results of the quality analysis revealed that SEL intervention studies had some limitations with a statistical analysis, use of measurement, a control group design, intervention fidelity, and external validity. The global effect size of SEL programs was 0.27, and the results from the effect size analyses by controlling variables showed that group compositions, the number of sessions, and session length were accountable for the variability of effect sizes. Based on these findings, we discussed the directions for future research and practice on the EBP of SEL programs that can be appreciated by researchers worldwide.

AIM: To evaluate chorioretinal responses to intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: Seventy-one eyes from 71 patients with symptomatic CSC for less than six months were included. Thirty-five eyes received a single IAI and 36 eyes were observed without treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT), and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3mo. RESULTS: The mean SFCT in the IAI group decreased at 1mo, rebounded at 2mo and remained stable at 3mo compared to the baseline, while significant change was not noted in the observation group. The mean CSFT decreased significantly during the 3-month study period in both groups, and was significantly lower in the IAI group at 1mo (P

Whole-brain imaging approaches and optogenetic manipulations are powerful tools to map brain-wide neural circuits in vivo. To date, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides the most comprehensive evaluation of such large-scale circuitry. However, functional ultrasound imaging (fUSI) has recently emerged as a complementary imaging modality that can extend such measurements towards the context of diverse behavioral states and tasks. Nevertheless, in order to properly interpret the fUSI signal during these complicated scenarios, it must first be carefully validated against well-established technologies, such as fMRI, in highly controlled experimental settings. Here, to address this need, we compared subsequent fMRI and fUSI recordings in response to direct neuronal activation via optogenetics in the same animals under an identical anesthetic protocol. Specifically, we applied various intensities of light stimulation to the primary motor cortex (M1) of mice and compared the spatiotemporal dynamics of the elicited fMRI and fUSI signals. Overall, our general linear model analysis (t-scores) and time series analysis (z-scores) revealed that fUSI was more sensitive than fMRI for detecting optogenetically-induced neuronal activation. Local field potential recordings in the bilateral M1 and striatum also better co-localized with fUSI activation patterns than those of fMRI. Finally, the fUSI response contained distinct arterial and venous components that provide vascular readouts of neuronal activity with vessel-type specificity.

Acid hydrolysis treatment of kenaf outer bast fiber can produce pure cellulose content and hydrolyzed hemicellulose to monosaccharides. The effects of various reaction temperatures (110–130 °C), acid concentrations of sulfuric acid (0.25–1.00 N), and reaction times (60–120 min) were investigated as the optimum condition to gain pure cellulose content. A 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to analyze the carbohydrate content in the reaction of acid hydrolysis treatment. The results showed that optimum conditions for acid hydrolysis refer to two treatment prospects. First, a higher reaction temperature of 130 °C was necessary to increase the reaction for the hydrolyzes of hemicellulose—the high yield content produced by 0.25 N sulfuric acid with a short reaction time of 60 min. to improve the purity of cellulose, provided by the high sulfuric acid solution of 1.00 N for 120 min. Hemicellulose was hydrolyzed at almost 100% based on the two optimal conditions. The analysis revealed that a high temperature of acid hydrolysis was the primary treatment to hydrolyze hemicellulose to increase high pure cellulose from the kenaf outer bast fiber.

Background:. Upper blepharoplasty in elderly patients has characteristics that differ from those of younger patients. Blepharoptosis in elderly patients causes not only aesthetic problems but also functional problems such as entropion, visual disturbance, and sore eyes. We hypothesized that factors influencing patient satisfaction with upper blepharoplasty in elderly patients include aesthetic outcomes, functional outcomes, and personal factors. Methods:. This study included 57 patients aged >65 years who underwent upper blepharoplasty between April 2018 and March 2019. All surgeries were performed through the “Upper Blepharoplasty Service Project” of the public health center in Geoje City. To evaluate the individual characteristics of the patients, a preoperative questionnaire (including sociodemographic characteristics, main symptoms of discomfort in the upper eyelid, and degree of expectation of surgical results) was administered to the patients. After 6 months, a satisfaction survey was conducted accordingly. Results:. The main symptoms of discomfort were sagging of the skin of the upper eyelid. The mean score for patient satisfaction was 3.84 ± 0.40, and satisfaction with the results of surgery relative to the cost was 4.53 ± 0.63, which was the highest score. Significant verification of the regression coefficients showed that functional improvement and cognitive degree of postsurgery precautions had a significant effect on patient satisfaction, whereas aesthetic outcomes and expectations of surgical results were not correlated with patient satisfaction. Conclusion:. The findings indicated that elderly patients tended to be satisfied with functional improvement that resolved their symptoms of discomfort and personal factors such as cost and cognitive degree of precautions after upper blepharoplasty.

Summary:. Costochondritis after breast reconstruction and radiation therapy is rarely reported. Moreover, it is difficult to diagnose using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging; as such, wound debridement and reconstruction must be performed in several stages. A 51-year-old woman was diagnosed with invasive cancer of the right breast, and she underwent nipple sparing mastectomy and direct-to-implant breast reconstruction in November 2007. Thirteen years later, in September 2020, she experienced pain and swelling on her right breast. Incisional drainage and implant removal were performed in another clinic; however, the infection was not controlled. An implant-induced infection was suspected, and debridement was performed to a level where fresh tissue appeared in the upper layer of the intercostal muscle. Antibiotics and open dressing were used for 10 days; however, yellowish debris was noted, and third to fifth ribs and costal cartilages turned dark brown. Radiation-induced costochondritis was diagnosed based on clinical findings from the intraoperative field, wound course, and cartilage biopsy. Radical chest wall resection and reconstruction was performed using Teflon (Dupont/Chemours, Wilmington, Del.) and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. The patient was discharged 2 weeks after surgery without any complications. Costochondritis should be clinically diagnosed while performing the first debridement in staged operation. Radical chest wall resection is essential with chest wall reconstruction using Teflon and a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap.

Polyamine oxidase (PAOX) (N1-acetylpolyamine oxidase) is a major enzyme in the polyamine catabolism pathway that generates hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide plays a crucial role in skin aging via extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation by increasing the matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels. We analyzed the integrity of the ECM in foreskin fibroblasts using PAOX expression. PAOX increased the MMP-1 secretion and type Ι collagen degradation in 2D and 3D cultures of fibroblasts, respectively. Similarly, PAOX overexpression increased the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level of MMP-1. PAOX expression induced polyamine catabolism, decreased the spermine levels, and increased the putrescine levels. However, the exogenous polyamine treatment did not change the MMP-1 and type I collagen levels as much as PAOX expression. PAOX expression increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in fibroblasts, and exogenous hydrogen peroxide increased both the ROS production and MMP-1 secretion. Furthermore, N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant, reversed the PAOX-induced ROS production and MMP-1 secretion. PAOX induced the signaling pathways that activate activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), which are important transcription factors for MMP-1 transactivation. We concluded that PAOX increased the ROS levels in fibroblasts, leading to an increase in MMP-1 expression. Therefore, we propose that PAOX is a potential target molecule in protecting the ECM integrity.

Abstract Background Massive intraluminal bleeding requires urgent intervention and management. However, the source of bleeding on the small intestine is difficult to determine. Intestinal tumor with intussusception is a rare and normally not an urgent condition. Herein, we present a rare case of intestinal intussusception with massive bleeding due to jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) that required emergency surgical treatment. Case presentation A 51-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain and acute hematochezia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy could not determine the source of the bleeding site. Abdominal pelvic computed tomography (AP-CT) revealed GIST with intussusception, strongly suggestive of distal jejunal bleeding. Unresponsive transfusion with low blood pressure and continuous hematochezia led to emergency laparotomy. GIST, which was the leading point for intussusception, was located in the jejunum and showed mucosal ulceration of approximately 3.5 cm in diameter. Following resection and functional anastomosis, histology revealed a GIST with low mitotic count (

Background Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction following nipple-sparing mastectomy is becoming increasingly common. The weight of the breast specimen informs implant selection. However, specimens of the same weight may have different volume. Therefore, identifying the factors affecting the density of breast specimens may facilitate the selection of implants with an appropriate volume. Methods From December 2015 to May 2018, 108 patients underwent direct-to-implant reconstruction following nipple-sparing mastectomy. The weight of the breast specimens was measured using an electronic scale in the operating room. Furthermore, the volume of specimens was measured using the water displacement technique. Multiple regression analysis was performed on factors that can affect breast density, such as menopause, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTx), age, body mass index, and diabetes mellitus. Results The average density of breast specimens in patients older than 50 years (n=36) was 0.96±0.04 g/mL, which was significantly lower than the 1.01±0.08 g/mL observed in patients younger than 50 years (n=72) (P=0.007). The mean density of breast specimens in patients who underwent neoadjuvant CTx (n=25) was 0.96±0.06 g/mL, which was significantly lower than the value of 1.00±0.08 g/mL in those who did not (n=83). Conclusions It is advisable to select an implant slightly larger than the mastectomy specimen weight in patients older than 50 years or in those who have undergone neoadjuvant CTx.

Abstract The incidence of myopia is increasing worldwide, and the investigation on pathophysiology of myopia is becoming more important. This retrospective study aimed to compare the thicknesses of individual retinal layers between high-myopic and control eyes, and to evaluate the effects of age and sex on each retinal layer thickness. We assessed 164 subjects and divided them into two groups based on axial length (AL) (i.e., high-myopic group (AL ≥ 26 mm) and control group (AL

Lignocellulosic biomass can be used for producing biochemicals and biofuels through a sugar platform. However, the required pretreatment processes and hydrolysate conditioning typically involve high operational and installation costs. This study investigated the possibility of facile biofuel production using an attrition mill. After milling for one hour, 73.5% (w/w) of corn stover particles had diameters of less than 100 µm, with a mean diameter of 61.3 ± 3.3 µm. Attrition milling of corn stover produced only 0.39 ± 0.01 g L−1 soluble phenolic compounds. The enzymatic conversion of corn stover particles less than 100 µm was 79.8% after 72 h enzymatic hydrolysis. The hydrolysate (i.e., natural sugar) was not inhibitory towards the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The attrition mill did not require high temperature or pressure conditions and did not inhibit cell growth. Therefore, when the attrition mill is used for pretreatment, a simple biofuel process that does not require washing, detoxification, and solvent recovery could be feasible. Keywords: Lignocellulosic, Pretreatment, Biorefinery, Attrition mill, Mechanical pretreatment

Polyamine levels decrease with menopause; however, little is known about the mechanisms regulated by menopause. In this study, we found that among the genes involved in the polyamine pathway, polyamine oxidase (PAOX) mRNA levels were the most significantly reduced by treatment with 17β-estradiol in estrogen receptor (ESR)-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Treatment with 17β-estradiol also reduced the PAOX protein levels. Treatment with selective ESR antagonists and knockdown of ESR members revealed that estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2; also known as ERβ) was responsible for the repression of PAOX by 17β-estradiol. A luciferase reporter assay showed that 17β-estradiol downregulates PAOX promoter activity and that 17β-estradiol-dependent PAOX repression disappeared after deletions (−3126/−2730 and −1271/−1099 regions) or mutations of activator protein 1 (AP-1) binding sites in the PAOX promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that ESR2 interacts with AP-1 bound to each of the two AP-1 binding sites. These results demonstrate that 17β-estradiol represses PAOX transcription by the interaction of ESR2 with AP-1 bound to the PAOX promoter. This suggests that estrogen deficiency may upregulate PAOX expression and decrease polyamine levels.

The superoxide dismutase (SOD) family functions as a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging system by converting superoxide anions into hydrogen peroxide in the cytosol (SOD1), mitochondria (SOD2), and extracellular matrix (SOD3). In this study, we examined the potential roles of SOD family members in skin aging. We found that SOD3 expression levels were significantly more reduced in the skin tissues of old mice and humans than in young counterparts, but SOD1 and SOD2 expression levels remained unchanged with aging. Accordingly, we analyzed the effects of SOD3 on intracellular ROS levels and the integrity of the extracellular matrix in fibroblasts. The treatment of foreskin fibroblasts with recombinant SOD3 reduced the intracellular ROS levels and secretion of MMP-1 while increasing the secretion of type I collagen. The effects of SOD3 were greater in fibroblasts treated with the TNF-α. SOD3 treatment also decreased the mRNA levels and promoter activity of MMP-1 while increasing the mRNA levels and promoter activities of COL1A1 and COL1A2. SOD3 treatment reduced the phosphorylation of NF-κB, p38 MAPK, ERK, and JNK, which are essential for MMP-1 transactivation. In a three-dimensional culture of fibroblasts, SOD3 decreased the amount of type I collagen fragments produced by MMP-1 and increased the amount of nascent type I procollagen. These results demonstrate that SOD3 reduces intracellular ROS levels, suppresses MMP-1 expression, and induces type I collagen expression in fibroblasts. Therefore, SOD3 may play a role in delaying or preventing skin aging.

Background: Infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 and MERS pose a major threat to healthcare workers' (HCWs) physical and mental health. Studies exploring the positive changes gained from adapting to traumatic events, known as post-traumatic growth (PTG), have attracted much attention. However, it is unclear which factors or experiences lead to PTG among HCWs. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to investigate factors associated with PTG among HCWs who experienced the MERS outbreak in South Korea, and fully describe their experience of developing PTG.Methods: Quantitative data from 78 participants were collected using psychometric tools for Psychological distress, Resilience, and Support for coping, and Post-traumatic growth. Qualitative interviews were conducted with seven nurses. Data were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method according to the sub-themes of resilience, which was the main factor associated with PTG.Results: We found resilience to have a significant impact on PTG (ß =0.486, p = 0.001). Thus the qualitative interviews were analyzed using the core concepts of resilience. Qualitative interviews with nurses illustrated how participants experienced the development of resilience in terms of its sub-factors: hardiness, persistence, optimism, and support.Conclusion: HCWs who endured the MERS outbreak showed high levels of PTG, and the analysis of the interview data provided a fuller understanding on the experience of remaining resilient and developing PTG. These results provide practical and pragmatic information helpful for developing intervention strategies and protocols that can help HCWs transform adversity into growth and development.

Biomineralized uniform and well-organized calcium carbonate microspheres were synthesized for enzyme immobilization, and the immobilized enzyme was successfully stabilized. The physicochemical parameters of calcium carbonate were studied using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and surface area measurement. Additionally, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda adsorption/desorption analysis showed that the calcium carbonate microspheres provided efficient mesopore space for enzyme loading. As a model enzyme, carboxyl esterase (CE) was entrapped and then cross-linked to form an enzyme structure. In this aggregate, the cross-linked enzymes cannot leach out from mesopores, resulting in enzyme stability. The hydrolytic activities of the free and cross-linked enzymes were analyzed over broad temperature and pH ranges. The cross-linked enzyme displayed better activity than the free enzyme. Furthermore, the immobilized CE was found to be stable for more than 30 days, preserving 60% of its initial activity even after being reused more than 10 times. This report is expected to be the first demonstration of a stabilized cross-linked enzyme system in calcium carbonate microspheres, which can be applied in enzyme catalyzed reactions involved in bioprocessing, bioremediation, and bioconversion.

Summary: To understand the conditions necessary to initiate and terminate seizures, we investigate optogenetically induced hippocampal seizures with LFP, fMRI, and optogenetic inhibition. During afterdischarge induction using optogenetics, LFP recordings show that stimulations with earlier ictal onset times are more likely to result in afterdischarges and are more difficult to curtail with optogenetic inhibition. These results are generalizable across two initiation sites, the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. fMRI shows that afterdischarges initiated from the dorsal or ventral hippocampus exhibit distinct networks. Short-duration seizures initiated in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus are unilateral and bilateral, respectively, while longer-duration afterdischarges recruit broader, bilateral networks. When optogenetic inhibition is ineffective at stopping seizures, the network activity spreads more extensively but largely overlaps with the network activity associated with seizures that could be curtailed. These results provide insights into how seizures can be inhibited, which has implications for targeted seizure interventions. : Duffy et al. show that success in generating or curtailing seizures is related to their onset time, with inhibition proving less effective on earlier-onset afterdischarges. To identify downstream targets for intervention, fMRI is used to map the seizure network of afterdischarges initiated from the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. Keywords: seizure, epilepsy, hippocampus, fMRI, optogenetrics, generation, inhibition, stopping, network, afterdischarge

Lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment is a key step to determine the efficacy of biofuel production because of the recalcitrance of lignocellulosic feedstock. The effects of various water inputs, i.e., 0, 25, 100, and 400% (w/w), on the ball milling pretreatment of corn stover and enzymatic hydrolysis were studied under two milling temperatures (80 °C and 100 °C) and three milling times (10, 20, and 30 min). Ball milling reduced corn stover particle size and disrupted the rigid cell wall matrix. As milling time increased, corn stover size decreased remarkably. Changes in corn stover were analyzed using size distribution graphs and geometric mean diameter with respect to milling temperature and time. Milling with 0% (w/w) water resulted in the rapid grinding of corn stover. The highest glucose yield (66.96%) was obtained after milling at 80 °C for 30 min with no water. The corn stovers milled with 0% or 25% (w/w) water showed higher glucose yields when milled at 80 °C than at 100 °C, while the samples milled with 100% or 400% (w/w) water showed higher glucose yields at 100 °C. Finally, several ball milling conditions were proposed to construct a combinational pretreatment process based on the study results. These results provide a basis for minimizing water use during lignocellulosic biofuel production and improving sustainability. Keywords: Ball mill pretreatment, Physico-chemical pretreatment, Biofuel, Biorefinery, Corn stover

A continuous fed-batch alternating aerobic and anoxic (CFBAAA) activated sludge system was developed for biodegradation of the US Army’s Decontaminating Solution 2 (DS2). The high nitrogen content in DS2 (approximately 28.5% by weight) necessitated a new nitrification/denitrification process scheme for biological nitrogen removal. Nitrification, conversion of NH4+ from the DS2 degradation to NO3−, is accomplished simultaneously along with the DS2 degradation under aerobic conditions, and denitrification, conversion of accumulated NO3− to N2, is achieved under anoxic conditions in which the air supply is ceased. A one-day cycle with 16 h air-on and 8 h of air-off was used.Overall, the CFBAAA system could achieve COD removal of >97% and TN of >99% at a hydraulic retention time of 16 d, when 1% DS2 (equivalent to 17,500 mg COD L−1 and 2850 mg N L−1) was fed. In addition, due to its cyclic operation mode, the CFBAAA system could reduce 1/3 of electricity consumption compared to the conventional activated sludge system.

As mobile devices are increasingly used in various daily activities, they have become a movable storage that stores various personal/business information of users. Most mobile OSes, including Android, store personal data in databases and provide APIs for apps, which can be used to access a database managed by the system or to manage its own database. However, Android, which is our main focus here, stores data as plaintext in its database; as a result, the database content can be leaked unintentionally through several vulnerabilities. Additionally, the responsibility for the security of the database content created by an app lies with the developer of the app, while the mobile OS only provides minimal security features, such as isolation and access control. In this paper, we propose a security architecture to construct a secure database environment on Android. To this end, we entirely separate the database system from the app domain-to the best of our knowledge, this is the first such design for localized mobile databases. The separated database system manages a database with encryption; hence, data are no longer stored as plaintext. By delivering the responsibility over the system, this separation enables app developers to be free from the difficult task of managing the security of the database. The proposed system also provides tight access control over a database by using a runtime information of an app. Note that the current access control of Android is based on the Linux uid of an app. Thus, access is granted to a database if the app has the correct uid, regardless of the identity of the app. That is, our method creates a one-to-one pairing between the app and its database, and ensures that database access is granted only to the owner app. Additionally, we propose a similarity comparison method that helps to determine whether a new app is an updated of a previous version; this improves upon the current method, which relies only on a signature check and the package name of the app. To evaluate the feasibility of the proposed architecture, we conduct a series of experiments on our prototype implementation. The results show that the proposed secure database architecture is feasible with acceptable overhead.

Cancer, which is a leading cause of death, contributes significantly to reducing life expectancy worldwide. Even though paclitaxel (PTX) is known as one of the main anticancer drugs, it has several limitations, including low solubility in aqueous solutions, a limited dosage range, an insufficient release amount, and patient resistance. To overcome these limitations, we suggest the development of PTX-loaded thermosponge nanoparticles (PTX@TNP), which result in improved anticancer effects, via a simple nanoprecipitation method, which allows the preparation of PTX@TNPs with hydrophobic interactions without any chemical conjugation. Further, to improve the drug content and yield of the prepared complex, the co-organic solvent ratio was optimized. Thus, it was observed that the drug release rate increased as the drug capacity of PTX@TNPs increased. Furthermore, increasing PTX loading led to considerable anticancer activity against multidrug resistance (MDR)-related colorectal cancer cells (HCT 15), implying a synergistic anticancer effect. These results suggest that the solubilization of high drug amounts and the controlled release of poorly water-soluble PTX using TNPs could significantly improve its anticancer therapy, particularly in the treatment of MDR-p-glycoprotein-overexpressing cancers.