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Tumor cells in hypoxic conditions control cancer metabolism and angiogenesis by expressing HIF-1α. Tanshinone is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been shown to possess antitumor properties and exerts a therapeutic impact on angiogenesis. However, the precise molecular mechanism responsible for the antitumor activity of 3-Hydroxytanshinone (3-HT), a type of tanshinone, has not been fully understood. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which 3-HT regulates the expression of HIF-1α. Our findings demonstrate that 3-HT inhibits HIF-1α activity and expression under hypoxic conditions. Additionally, 3-HT inhibits hypoxia-induced angiogenesis by suppressing the expression of VEGF. Moreover, 3-HT was found to directly bind to α-enolase, an enzyme associated with glycolysis, resulting in the suppression of its activity. This inhibition of α-enolase activity by 3-HT leads to the blockade of the glycolytic pathway and a decrease in glycolysis products, ultimately altering HIF1-α expression. Furthermore, 3-HT negatively regulates the expression of HIF-1α by altering the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Our study's findings elucidate the mechanism by which 3-HT regulates HIF-1α through the inhibition of the glycolytic enzyme α-enolase and the phosphorylation of AMPK. These results suggest that 3-HT holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for hypoxia-related angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is characterized by podocyte injury or glomerular filtration dysfunction, which results in proteinuria and eventual loss of kidney function. Progress in studying the mechanism of GN, and developing an effective therapy, has been limited by the absence of suitable in vitro models that can closely recapitulate human physiological responses. We developed a microfluidic glomerulus-on-a-chip device that can recapitulate the physiological environment to construct a functional filtration barrier, with which we investigated biological changes in podocytes and dynamic alterations in the permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) on a chip. We also evaluated the potential of GN-mimicking devices as a model for predicting responses to human GN. Glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes successfully formed intact monolayers on opposite sides of the membrane in our chip device. Permselectivity analysis confirmed that the chip was constituted by a functional GFB that could accurately perform differential clearance of albumin and dextran. Reduction in cell viability resulting from damage was observed in all serum-induced GN models. The expression of podocyte-specific marker WT1 was also decreased. Albumin permeability was increased in most models of serum-induced IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and membranous nephropathy (MN). However, sera from patients with minimal change disease (MCD) or lupus nephritis (LN) did not induce a loss of permeability. This glomerulus-on-a-chip system may provide a platform of glomerular cell culture for in vitro GFB in formation of a functional three-dimensional glomerular structure. Establishing a disease model of GN on a chip could accelerate our understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of glomerulopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Design Methods Findings Conclusions Clinical Relevance The aims of this study are to examine the trajectories of nursing hours per patient day (NHPPD) over the course of hospitalization according to the patient's length of stay (LOS) and to estimate changes in the total nursing hours during hospitalization, average NHPPD, and the number of nurses additionally required when the LOS was reduced by 1 day.This retrospective longitudinal study analyzed patient data collected from a tertiary university hospital located in Seoul, South Korea. The study sample included 11,316 inpatients who were discharged between September 1 and October 31, 2022.NHPPD over the course of each patient's hospitalization was estimated using the total score of the Korean Patient Classification System‐1 (KPCS‐1), which nurses evaluated and recorded every day from admission to discharge. The NHPPD trajectories were examined using linear mixed models to analyze repeated KPCS‐1 measurements and control for the effects of patient characteristics. The changes in the average NHPPD when LOS was reduced by 1 day were estimated using maximum and minimum estimations. The impact of a 1‐day reduction in LOS on staffing requirements was calculated as the number of nurses additionally required to work each shift and to be hired.The average LOS was 5.6 days, and the short (1–6 days) and medium (7–14 days) LOS groups accounted for 78.9% and 14.3% of patients, respectively. The NHPPD trajectories showed a “rise‐peak‐decline” pattern. Patients in the short LOS group received the most NHPPD on day 1 (day of admission) or day 2, whereas the NHPPD for patients in the medium LOS group peaked on days 3–6. After peaking, the NHPPD tended to decrease toward the end of hospitalization, with the least NHPPD on the day of discharge, followed by the day before discharge. When LOS was reduced by 1 day, the average NHPPD was estimated to increase by 7.7–50.0% in the maximum estimation, and 0.9–12.5% in the minimum estimation. In response to a 1‐day reduction, 1.10–7.44 nurses were additionally required to care for 100 patients each shift and 5.28–35.70 additional nurses needed to be hired in the maximum estimation. In the minimum estimation, these values were 0.13–1.85 additional nurses per shift and 0.65–8.90 additional nurses to be hired, respectively.Since NHPPD exhibited a “rise‐peak‐decline” trajectory, reducing the LOS by 1 day was estimated to increase the average NHPPD and lead to additional staffing requirements. The additional nurse requirement for a 1‐day reduction was not constant; instead, it increased with each day subtracted from an already shorter LOS.Sufficient nurse staffing is necessary to provide increased NHPPD as a result of shortened LOS. Changes in the LOS should be considered when determining nurse staffing requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBiopolymers have the utmost significance in biomedical applications and blending synthetic polymers has shown favorable characteristics versus individual counterparts. The utilization of the blends can be restricted through the use of toxic chemical agents such as initiators or crosslinkers. In this regard, a chemical agent-free ionizing irradiation is a beneficial alternative for preparing the hydrogels for biomedical applications. In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan (CM-CS), guar gum (GG), and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) based ternary blends (TB) were crosslinked using various doses of ionizing irradiation to fabricate hydrogels. The prepared hydrogels were characterized for physicochemical properties, swelling analysis, biological assays, and drug delivery applications. Swelling analysis in distilled water revealed that the hydrogels exhibit excellent swelling characteristics. An in vitro cytocompatibility assay showed that the hydrogels have greater than 90% cell viability for the human epithelial cell line and a decreasing cell viability trend for the human alveolar adenocarcinoma cell line. In addition, the prepared hydrogels possessed excellent antibacterial characteristics against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli). Finally, the release studies of anti-inflammatory Quercus acutissima (QA) loaded hydrogels exhibited more than 80% release in phosphate-buffered saline (pH = 7.4). These findings suggest that TB hydrogels can be used as suitable carrier media for different release systems and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Language brokering (LB) is an act of interpreting and translating that immigrants often engage in to help their family members who may not be fluent in the English language. The study examined whether adhering to Asian American values (ie, values enculturation) could moderate the association between LB and internalizing symptoms (eg, depression, anxiety) among Asian American college students. Participants & Methods: An online survey was administered to a sample of 159 Asian American college students who had engaged in LB. Results: Results from the moderation analysis indicated that Asian American values enculturation significantly buffered against the adverse effects of high LB frequency on internalizing symptoms after controlling for gender and generation status. Conclusions: The current study offered insights into the toll that LB could take on Asian American college students' mental health as well as the potential protective roles of values enculturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family history (FH) of alcoholism increases the risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD); however, the contribution of childhood trauma (CT) in this respect remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between FH and AUD-related clinical characteristics (social onset, antisocial tendency, and severity of problematic alcohol consumption) through the mediating effects of childhood trauma (CT) and conduct behaviors (CB) in a Korean male population with AUD. A total of 304 patients hospitalized for AUD at 16 psychiatric hospitals completed standardized questionnaires, including self-rated scales. Mediation analyses were performed using the SPSS macro PROCESS. Individuals with positive FH (133, 44%) had greater CT and CB and more severe AUD-related clinical characteristics than those without FH (171, 56%). In the present serial mediation model, FH had significant direct and indirect effects on AUD-related clinical characteristics through CT and CB. Indirect effects were 21.3% for social onset, 46.3%, antisocial tendency, and 37.9% for problematic drinking. FH directly contributed to AUD-related clinical characteristics, and CT and CB played mediating roles. This highlights the importance of careful intervention and surveillance of adverse childhood experiences and conduct disorder to prevent and mitigate alcohol-related problems in individuals with FH of AUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression profiles of conventional reference genes (RGs), including ACTB and GAPDH, used in quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), vary depending on tissue types and environmental conditions. We searched for suitable RGs for qPCR to determine the response to radiotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines, organoids, and patient-derived tissues. Ten CRC cell lines (Caco-2, COLO 205, DLD-1, HCT116, HCT-15, HT-29, RKO, SW1116, SW480, and SW620) and organoids were selected and irradiated with 2, 10 or 21 grays (Gy) based on the previous related studies conducted over the last decade. The expression stability of 14 housekeeping genes (HKGs; ACTB, B2M, G6PD, GAPDH, GUSB, HMBS, HPRT1, IPO8, PGK1, PPIA, TBP, TFRC, UBC, and YWHAZ) after irradiation was evaluated using RefFinder using raw quantification cycle (Cq) values obtained from samples before and after irradiation. The expression stability of HKGs were also evaluated for paired fresh frozen tissues or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples obtained from CRC patients before and after chemoradiotherapy. The expression of YWHAZ and TBP encoding 14-3-3-zeta protein and TATA-binding protein were more stable than the other 12 HKGs in CRC cell lines, organoids, and patient-derived tissues after irradiation. The findings suggest that YWHAZ and TBP are potential RG candidates for normalizing qPCR results in CRC radiotherapy experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective Methods and measures Results Conclusion Work-family conflict has been shown to adversely affect individuals’ health and function, particularly among individuals with chronic pain. The current study’s longitudinal serial mediation model examined whether work-to-family conflict predicted greater pain interference through higher levels of family strain and loneliness among midlife adults with chronic pain.The study consisted of 303 participants from two waves of the national longitudinal study of Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) at wave II from 2004 to 2006 (M age = 57, SD = 11) and wave 3 from 2013 to 2014 (M age = 66, SD = 11). Participants were employed at time 1 and had chronic pain at both time points, and 54.5% of participants identified as female.Family strain at time 1 (T1) and loneliness at time 2 (T2), respectively, significantly mediated the association of work-to-family conflict (T1) on pain interference at T2. Participants with greater work-to-family conflict perceived more family strain, felt lonelier, and, in turn, reported experiencing higher interference from chronic pain.Results suggest that unmanaged work-to-family conflict could be a risk factor that exacerbates chronic pain symptoms through worsening family relationships and loneliness among midlife adults with chronic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A horospherical variety is a normal G-variety such that a connected reductive algebraic group G acts with an open orbit isomorphic to a torus bundle over a rational homogeneous manifold. The projective horospherical manifolds of Picard number one are classified by Pasquier, and it turned out that the automorphism groups of all nonhomogeneous ones are non-reductive, which implies that they admit no Kähler–Einstein metrics. As a numerical measure of the extent to which a Fano manifold is close to be Kähler–Einstein, we compute the greatest Ricci lower bounds of projective horospherical manifolds of Picard number one using the barycenter of each moment polytope with respect to the Duistermaat–Heckman measure based on a recent work of Delcroix and Hultgren. In particular, the greatest Ricci lower bound of the odd symplectic Grassmannian SGr (n , 2 n + 1) can be arbitrarily close to zero as n grows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression profiles of conventional reference genes (RGs), including ACTB and GAPDH, used in quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), vary depending on tissue types and environmental conditions. We searched for suitable RGs for qPCR to determine the response to radiotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines, organoids, and patient-derived tissues. Ten CRC cell lines (Caco-2, COLO 205, DLD-1, HCT116, HCT-15, HT-29, RKO, SW1116, SW480, and SW620) and organoids were selected and irradiated with 2, 10 or 21 grays (Gy) based on the previous related studies conducted over the last decade. The expression stability of 14 housekeeping genes (HKGs; ACTB, B2M, G6PD, GAPDH, GUSB, HMBS, HPRT1, IPO8, PGK1, PPIA, TBP, TFRC, UBC, and YWHAZ) after irradiation was evaluated using RefFinder using raw quantification cycle (Cq) values obtained from samples before and after irradiation. The expression stability of HKGs were also evaluated for paired fresh frozen tissues or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples obtained from CRC patients before and after chemoradiotherapy. The expression of YWHAZ and TBP encoding 14-3-3-zeta protein and TATA-binding protein were more stable than the other 12 HKGs in CRC cell lines, organoids, and patient-derived tissues after irradiation. The findings suggest that YWHAZ and TBP are potential RG candidates for normalizing qPCR results in CRC radiotherapy experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beneficial microorganisms can increase nutrient digestion and absorption in farmed fish. This study investigates the effects of supplemental feeding of Bacillus species isolated from the intestines of wild glass eels on the growth, survival, and gene expression of farm-raised eel larvae for 30 days after hatching. Three species of Bacillus (B. velezensis, AJBV; B. subtilis, AJBS; B. licheniformis, AJBL) without hemolytic activity were isolated, and an experiment compared the growth of eel larvae fed an artificial diet supplemented with each Bacillus species. There were no significant differences in the total length and body depth of eel larvae at 30 days after hatching in all groups. During the feeding period, 149 eels survived from the initial 1000 in the control group. On the other hand, 240, 178, and 141 eels survived in the AJBV, AJBS, and AJBL groups, respectively. However, there were no significant differences in survival rates despite the difference in the number of surviving eel larvae among the groups. In the comparison of gene expression of genes involved with growth (growth hormone, growth hormone receptor 1, insulin-like growth factor II-2) and those involved with digestive enzymes (amylase, trypsin, lipase), there were also no significant differences among the groups. Our results confirm that dietary supplementation with each of the three host-associated Bacillus does not affect the growth and survival rates of eel larvae reared on an artificial diet up to the first 30 days after hatching, nor does it significantly affect related gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a novel process that integrates the molding and patterning of solid-state polymers with the force generated from the volume expansion of the microcellular-foaming process (MCP) and the softening of solid-state polymers due to gas adsorption. The batch-foaming process, which is one of the MCPs, is a useful process that can cause thermal, acoustic, and electrical characteristic changes in polymer materials. However, its development is limited due to low productivity. A pattern was imprinted on the surface using a polymer gas mixture with a 3D-printed polymer mold. The process was controlled with changing weight gain by controlling saturation time. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to obtain the results. The maximum depth could be formed in the same manner as the mold geometry (sample depth: 208.7 μm; mold depth: 200 μm). Furthermore, the same pattern could be imprinted as a layer thickness of 3D printing (sample pattern gap and mold layer gap: 0.4 mm), and surface roughness was increased according to increase in the foaming ratio. This process can be used as a novel method to expand the limited applications of the batch-foaming process considering that MCPs can impart various high-value-added characteristics to polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the H  i gas kinematics of galaxy pairs in two clusters and a group using Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) WALLABY pilot survey observations. We compare the H  i properties of galaxy pair candidates in the Hydra I and Norma clusters, and the NGC 4636 group, with those of non-paired control galaxies selected in the same fields. We perform H  i profile decomposition of the sample galaxies using a tool, baygaud , which allows us to deblend a line-of-sight velocity profile with an optimal number of Gaussian components. We construct H  i superprofiles of the sample galaxies via stacking of their line profiles after aligning the central velocities. We fit a double Gaussian model to the superprofiles and classify them as kinematically narrow and broad components with respect to their velocity dispersions. Additionally, we investigate the gravitational instability of H  i gas discs of the sample galaxies using Toomre Q parameters and H  i morphological disturbances. We investigate the effect of the cluster environment on the H  i properties of galaxy pairs by dividing the cluster environment into three subcluster regions (i.e. outskirts, infalling, and central regions). We find that the denser cluster environment (i.e. infalling and central regions) is likely to impact the H  i gas properties of galaxies in a way of decreasing the amplitude of the kinematically narrow H  i gas (⁠|$M_{\rm {narrow}}^{\rm {H\, \small {\rm I}}}$| / |$M_{\rm {total}}^{\rm {H\, \small {\rm I}}}$|⁠), and increasing the Toomre Q values of the infalling and central galaxies. This tendency is likely to be more enhanced for galaxy pairs in the cluster environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smoking is a risk factor for gastric cancer (GC) and causes oxidative stress. Antioxidant vitamins may protect against oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the association between dietary antioxidant vitamin intake and GC risk according to smoking status and the histological subtype. This case-control study included 286 pairs of patients with GC and controls aged 20–79 years enrolled at two hospitals from 2002 to 2006, matched by age (± 2 years), sex, hospital, and participation period (± 1 years). Dietary information was collected using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). When stratified by smoking status, increased intake of vitamin C (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.17–0.84 for highest vs. lowest; P for trend = 0.033) and folate (OR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.12–0.64 for highest vs. lowest; P for trend = 0.003) decreased GC risk in nonsmokers. Vitamin C (P for interaction = 0.043) and folate (P for interaction =0.015) levels were significantly associated with smoking status. Similar results were observed in nonsmokers with diffuse and mixed types of GC, but not in those with intestinal type of GC. Therefore, we found an inverse association between higher intake of dietary vitamin C and folate with the risk of GC among nonsmokers. These protective associations were strong in nonsmokers with diffuse and mixed types of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Suicidality in obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is underestimated and it is important for clinicians to understand the factors that contribute to suicidal ideation. The present study aimed to estimate a network of the core clinical symptoms of OCD including obsessions, compulsions, and obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptom dimensions, depressive symptoms, and psychological traits, and to examine which symptoms contribute to suicidal ideation in patients with a primary diagnosis of obsessive–compulsive disorder. Methods: A total of 444 patients with OCD were assessed with the Yale–Brown Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale, the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale, and various other measures. Network analysis was conducted to estimate the network of obsessive–compulsive and depressive symptoms, psychological traits including alexithymia and impulsivity, and demographic covariates. Symptoms directly related to suicidal ideation in the network were examined for their relative contribution to suicidal ideation. Results: Suicidal ideation was directly related to degree of control over compulsive behaviors, distress associated with compulsive behaviors, time spent performing compulsive behaviors, and unacceptable thoughts, along with depressive symptoms and alexithymia. In the network of OC and depressive symptoms the most central symptoms among the former were interference due to compulsive behaviors and interference due to obsessive thoughts, and among the latter were pessimistic thoughts and reported sadness. Conclusion: The findings suggest that along with depressive symptoms and alexithymia, compulsions and unacceptable thoughts dimension may contribute to suicidality, and thus, should be carefully monitored in patients with OCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the critical role social and cultural contexts play in pain experience, limited theoretical and empirical attention has been devoted to the interplay between social, cognitive, cultural, and psychological factors in chronic pain management and the risk of opioid misuse. Methods: Using structural equation modeling, the present study tested the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) of chronic pain management and risk of opioid misuse in the context of intraindividual cultural dimensions of individualism and collectivism among 316 ethnically diverse adults with chronic pain in the United States. Results: Social cognitive predictors account for a significant amount of variance in pain dysfunction and risk of opioid misuse in adults with chronic pain. Satisfaction with pain support was positively associated with both greater pain acceptance and greater pain self‐efficacy. Individualism was found to be positively associated with satisfaction with pain support, pain self‐efficacy, and pain acceptance but negatively associated with the risk of opioid misuse. Collectivism was positively associated with the risk of opioid misuse. Conclusions: The study findings not only empirically support using SCT for adults with chronic pain, but also provide a more thorough conceptual framework that highlights the intracultural diversity and interplay among social, cognitive, and psychological factors that affect pain experience and the risk of opioid misuse among adults with chronic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor manufacturing is performed through unit processes that use various chemicals and facilities. In particular, flammable gases, such as H2, NH3, and CH4, are used, and there is a risk of explosion when such gases leak. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and a "tracer gas test" according to the SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International) S6 Environmental, Health, and Safety Guideline for Exhaust Ventilation of Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment specification were performed during the leakage of hydrogen, a highly flammable gas used in the etching process of a gas box in the semiconductor industry. The CFD simulation was conducted to investigate the safety of semiconductor production facilities in relation to the explosion risk. Flow analysis was performed for the interior of a gas box used in the etching process. A steady-state analysis was performed to predict the concentration range of the explosion limit in the case of continuous hydrogen gas leakage. The interior of the gas box used in the simulation was modeled, and the ventilation flow rate, which has a significant impact on the leakage gas concentration distribution, obtained from experiments was used. The lower flammability limit (LFL) value of the leaked gas was 4% based on H2, and LFL/4 (25% of the LFL) was analyzed as the explosion limit concentration according to the acceptance criteria of the SEMI S6 tracer gas test. To validate the CFD simulation, a tracer gas test was performed according to SEMI S6. A mixture of hydrogen (5%) and nitrogen (95%) was used as the tracer gas. The flow rate was controlled by a gas regulator valve and measured using an Aalborg mass flow meter. The measured concentration of the tracer gas was calculated using the equivalent release concentration, which was calculated when 100% of the hydrogen was released, and the risk was assessed by comparing it with the LFL/4 of H2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (US-PDT) has been adapted for use in intensive care units (ICU). US-PDT is comparable to bronchoscopy-assisted tracheostomy. However, compared to surgical tracheostomy (ST), its safety and effectiveness have not been well studied.Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of US-PDT compared to ST.Materials and Methods: A total of 90 patients who underwent US-PDT (n = 36) or ST (n = 54) between July 2019 and September 2020 were enrolled. US-PDT was performed in the ICU without a surgical assistant or bronchoscope. Data were collected retrospectively and analyzed regarding clinical characteristics, procedure times and details, complications, and mortality rate.Results: The success rate of US-PDT was 97.4% and the procedure time was shorter than ST (5.2 ± 3.1 vs. 10.5 ± 5.0 min). There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics and procedure details. There was no procedure-related mortality in either of the groups.Conclusions: US-PDT is time-efficient and as safe as ST. Based on our results, US-PDT may be considered a potential alternative to ST in high-risk patients and in those who cannot be transported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a common disease that increases the risk of fractures due to decreased bone density and weakens the bone microstructure. Preventing and diagnosing osteoporosis using the available drugs can be a costly affair with possible side effects. Therefore, natural product-derived therapeutics are promising alternatives. Our study demonstrated that the oat seedlings' extract (OSE) inhibited the receptor activator of the nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis from the bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). The OSE treatment significantly attenuated the RANKL-mediated induction of the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity as well as the number of TRAP-positive (TRAP+) multinucleated cells (MNCs) counted through the TRAP staining in a dose-dependent manner. It was also confirmed that the OSE suppressed the formation of the TRAP + MNCs in the early stage of differentiation and not in the middle and late stages. The results of the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and the western blotting showed that the OSE dramatically inhibited the mRNA and protein expressions of the osteoclastogenesis-mediated transcription factors such as the c-Fos and the nuclear factor-activated T cells c1 (NFATc1). In addition, the OSE strongly attenuated the mRNA induction of the c-Fos/NFATc1-dependent molecules such as the TRAP, the osteoclast-associatedimmunoglobulin-like receptor (OSCAR), the dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), and the cathepsin K. These results suggest that the naturally derived OSE may be useful for preventing bone diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the encounter and collision of two different cultural systems in the influx of biomedicine and Protestant Christianity during the 1888 'baby riot' in Seoul, Korea. This research scrutinizes the relationship between religion and medicine in modern Korea to illustrate why Korean people contested against the nexus of Protestant Christianity and biomedicine that had been introduced from the West. For them, biomedicine was not simply a way of treating sickness or disease, but a way in which their bodies were examined and manipulated by placing a new gaze on the human body. These disputes developed due to the significant differences between biomedicine and the traditional perspective that was based on the values of Confucian teachings. The Korean people desired to protect the belief that the human body was a locus of virtue and should be preserved without modification, which was considered as a pivotal part of their social identity. Therefore, people who lacked social and political power tried to express their opposition to the medicine and religion from the West by spreading rumors of cannibalism. Through the spread of the rumors, the people interpreted and manifested that Western medicine was cruel, ignorant, immoral and dehumanizing. This paper states that Koreans were not merely passive recipients of biomedicine and Protestant Christianity, but also appropriated the new medical and religious discourses to maintain their dignity and cultural authority against the current of colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent epidemiologic research has examined the relationship between perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and diabetes mellitus with inconclusive findings. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to explore the association between serum PFAS concentrations and the prevalence of prediabetes and pre-diagnostic diabetes in the general Korean population as well as the combined effects of exposure to mixed PFAS compounds. We analyzed data from participants aged ≥19 years enrolled in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey Cycle 4 (2018–2020). Individuals diagnosed with diabetes were excluded to minimize potential bias. We identified cases of pre-diagnostic diabetes based on the HbA1c level ≥6.5% and prediabetes as HbA1c levels of 5.7–6.49%. Serum concentrations of PFAS, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDeA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Survey-weighted logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships between PFAS levels and diabetes risk, adjusting for covariates. Additionally, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was used to investigate the combined effects of exposure to mixed PFAS compounds. In the study population excluding participants with diagnosed diabetes (n = 2709), the prevalence of pre-diagnostic diabetes and prediabetes was 4.8% and 30.1%, respectively. Significant positive associations were found between serum PFHxS and PFOS quartiles and pre-diagnostic diabetes risk. Likewise, among those without diagnosed or pre-diagnostic diabetes (n = 2579), the highest quartiles of PFDeA, PFHxS, and PFOS and the overall PFAS level were associated with an increased risk of prediabetes compared with the lowest quartiles. BKMR analysis revealed a significant positive association between overall serum PFAS level and prediabetes risk, which was most marked for PFOS. These findings highlight the potential health implications of PFAS exposure and prediabetes risk. Further research is needed to validate these associations and identify potential mechanistic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people worldwide. This study examined dysfunctional coronavirus anxiety in nonpsychotic psychiatric outpatients during the pandemic using the coronavirus anxiety scale (CAS) and examined the relationship between coronavirus anxiety and clinical symptoms using network analysis. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, 192 patients who first visited the psychiatric outpatient clinic of Severance Hospital during the COVID‐19 pandemic with chief complaints of depressed mood, anxiety, somatic symptoms, or insomnia were included. We compared the clinical characteristics of patients with and without dysfunctional coronavirus anxiety. Network analysis was conducted to estimate the network of coronavirus anxiety and depressive, anxious, and hypochondriacal psychopathology. Results: The results showed that 7.8% of patients exhibited dysfunctional coronavirus anxiety (CAS ≥ 5). Patients with dysfunctional coronavirus anxiety showed higher levels of health worry, somatic preoccupation, and subjective anxiety compared to patients without dysfunctional coronavirus anxiety. In the network analysis, the health worry node (Item 6 of the WI) showed the greatest number of connections with coronavirus anxiety nodes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that health worry may be an important bridge symptom that connects coronavirus anxiety and other clinical psychopathology. Patients with elevated health worries should be carefully monitored during the COVID‐19 pandemic for exacerbation of previous symptoms and COVID‐19‐related psychopathology. Understanding the psychological factors in the face of the pandemic and their relationships with clinical psychiatric symptoms would help people prevent and overcome mental health problems during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has several aetiologies and may be a presenting symptom of vestibular schwannoma (VS). The aim of this study was to investigate the recovery rate after steroid treatment and the prognostic factors of SSNHL with VS. This was a retrospective observational study wherein 32 patients with VS who presented with SSNHL were analysed at a tertiary referral centre. Hearing gain and prognostic factors were the main outcome measures for steroid treatment intervention. Among the 1698 patients presenting with SSNHL, VS was found in 43 (2.5%) patients. Eleven cases (34.3%) showed good recovery, with significant improvements in the pure-tone audiometry values. Even though age was a significant factor, there were no associations between steroid response and initial hearing level, presence of vertigo, tumour size, and tumour extension. Our study showed that hearing recovery of SSNHL does not exclude a VS diagnosis. We suggest that steroid treatment be considered in patients with VS presenting SSNHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation during gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (GESD) under sedation can be used instead of room air insufflation. Appropriate monitoring of the partial pressure of CO2 during GESD is necessary due to the impaired respiration. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of CO2 insufflation during GESD compared with conventional room air insufflation. Methods: Patients with a gastric epithelial neoplasm or early gastric cancer were enrolled. A total of 76 consecutive patients were randomly assigned to the CO2 insufflation group (CO2 group) or the room air insufflation group (air group). The primary outcome was the mean difference of end‐tidal CO2 (EtCO2) between two groups. Results: The upper bound of the 95% CI for the mean EtCO2 difference between the two groups before the procedure and at 15, 30 and 45 min after insufflation met the criteria for noninferiority. In a subgroup analysis of patients 70 years and older, the mean difference of EtCO2 was not significantly different between two groups. However, the air group received more analgesics than the CO2 group after the procedure (67.6% vs 35.1%, P = 0.005). In addition, in terms of improvement of abdominal pain or bowel gas after 24 h of GESD, CO2 group showed better results than air group (both P < 0.05). Conclusions: CO2 insufflation during GESD is as safe as using room air, and patients, including elderly patients, receiving CO2 achieve more rapid relief of abdominal pain and intra‐abdominal residual gas during and after the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of more awareness about the increased concern of women about their body image and shape, a scale measuring the level of concern about body shape has not been developed in Korea yet. The currently available Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) was developed and validated within a Western context. Therefore, this study created the Korean version of the BSQ (K-BSQ) to target young women with concern about body shape. This study aimed to translate the 16-item version of the BSQ and examine the reliability and validity of the resulting scale. Participants included 243 young women aged 19–39 years from South Korea. The reliability and validity were examined using Cronbach's alpha, item analysis, factor analysis, and correlation with the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT). Results showed that the reliability was high, as indicated by a Cronbach's alpha of 0.95. The factor analysis of 16 items revealed two factors. They explained 65.74 percent of the variance in the Korean version of the BSQ. In addition, K-BSQ scores were related to those of the EAT significantly (r = 0.61, p <.001). It was concluded that the K-BSQ may serve as an appropriate instrument to measure the body shape concerns of young Korean women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We explored latent profiles based on mindfulness and difficulties in emotion regulation scores, and investigated each profiles' relations to work–family–school conflict (WFSC). Participants: A total of 194 first year college students (64.4% women) participated in this study. Methods: Latent profile analysis was utilized. Results: Three profiles emerged, characterized as the "healthy" profile (57.5%), the "observant yet judgmental" profile (33.3%) and the "unhealthy without strategies" profile (9.2%). The "healthy" profile showed (a) significantly lower scores on all conflict domains compared to the "observant yet judgmental" profile, and (b) significantly lower scores on all behavior-based conflicts regardless of the domains, compared to the "unhealthy without strategies" profile. The difference between the "observant yet judgmental" profile and "unhealthy without strategies" profile appeared in family-school time. Results indicate that mindfulness and healthy emotion regulation capacity function as protective factors to WFSC. Conclusions: Our findings hold strength in explicating profiles that would otherwise have not been detected when exploring mindfulness and difficulties in emotion regulation independently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The multi-scale CFD model is developed for simulating slug flow crystallization. • The associated mathematical equations of the CFD model are explained. • An experimental study is conducted to validate the developed CFD model. • The CFD model predicts suspended flows among the gas–liquid-solid multiphase. • Effects of particulate flow pattern on crystallization are investigated. This article discusses the development of a new computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, the MVP (MP-PIC coupled with VOF and PBE) method, which predicts the slug flow crystallization phenomenon. The model is capable of predicting the flow of gas–liquid-solid phases and the associated chemical and particle changes. The MVP model is validated through a comparison with an experimental study on LAM (L-asparagine monohydrate) crystallization, and the results demonstrate its ability to accurately predict the three-phase fluid flow with particle size variation. In particular, we have been able to predict the effect of slug length change on particle mixing and predict hydrodynamic factors such as the particle streamlines and the circulation number of the particle phase via case studies. Overall, the MVP model is expected to offer a new way to accurately predict slug flow crystallization and provide valuable information for the process intensification of crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a novel quadratic resampling method for summing up γ -ray spectra with different calibration parameters. We investigated a long-term environmental background γ -ray spectrum by summing up 114 spectra measured using a 30% HPGe detector between 2017 and 2021. Gain variations in different measurement periods shift γ -ray peak positions by a fractional pulse-height bin size up to around 2 keV. The resampling method was applied to measure low-level background γ -ray peaks in the γ -ray spectrum in a wide energy range from 50 keV to 3 MeV. We additionally document temporal variations in the activities of major γ -ray peaks, such as 40K (1461 keV), 208Tl (2615 keV), and other typical nuclides, along with contributions from cosmic rays. The normal distribution of γ -ray background count rates, as evidenced by quantile–quantile plots, indicates consistent data collection throughout the measurement period. Consequently, we assert that the quadratic resampling method for accumulating γ -ray spectra surpasses the linear method (Bossew, 2005) in various aspects. • We have developed a new quadratic resampling technique that allows us to merge γ -ray spectra with varying calibration settings. • Using a 30% HPGe, we have analyzed a long-term environmental γ -ray spectrum by combining 114 spectra gathered between 2017. • Our method has successfully detected low-level background γ -ray peaks across an energy range from 50 keV to 3 MeV. • We have observed changes over time in major γ -ray peaks like 40K (1461 keV) and 208Tl (2615 keV), as well as other typical nuclides. • Quantile–quantile plots demonstrate consistent data collection over the measurement period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, microplastics have become a disturbance to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and the ingestion of these particles can have severe consequences for wildlife, aquatic organisms, and even humans. In this study, two types of biochars were manufactured through the carbonization of naturally found starfish (SF-1) and aloevera (AL-1). The produced biochars were utilized as sensing electrode materials for the electrochemical detection of ∼100 nm polystyrene microplastics (PS). SF-1 and AL-1 based biochars were thoroughly analyzed in terms of morphology, structure, and composition. The detection of microplastics over biochar based electrodes was carried out by electrochemical studies. From electrochemical results, SF-1 based electrode exhibited the detection efficiency of ∼0.2562 μA/μM∙cm2 with detection limit of ∼0.44 nM whereas, a high detection efficiency of ∼3.263 μA/μM∙cm2 was shown by AL-1 based electrode and detection limit of ∼0.52 nM for PS (100 nm) microplastics. Process contributed to enhancing the sensitivity of AL-1 based electrode might associate to the presence of metal-carbon framework over biochar's surfaces. The AL-1 biochar electrode demonstrated excellent repeatability and detection stability for PS microplastics, suggesting the promising potential of AL-1 biochar for electrochemical microplastics detection. [Display omitted] • Biochars are produced by the carbonization of naturally found starfish (SF-1) and aloevera (AL-1). • Manufactured biochars utilize as sensing electrode materials for the electrochemical detection of PS (100 nm) microplastics. • A high detection efficiency of ∼3.263 μA/μM∙cm2 is recorded by AL-1 based electrode for PS (100 nm) microplastics. • AL-1 biochar electrode demonstrates excellent repeatability and detection stability for PS microplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress plays important roles in inflammatory responses during acute lung injury (ALI). Recently, nanoconstruct (Nano)-based drug-delivery systems have shown promise in many models of inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) loaded in a biocompatible Nano using a rat model of ALI. We synthesized a Nano with a good NAC-releasing capacity using porous silica Nano, which was used to produce Nano/NAC complexes. For in vivo experiments, Sprague–Dawley rats were intraperitoneally administered NAC or Nano/NAC 30 min after intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide. After 6 h, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and lung tissues were collected. The anti-oxidative effect of the Nano/NAC complex was confirmed by demonstrating reduced levels of reactive oxygen species after treatment with the Nano/NAC in vitro. In vivo experiments also showed that the Nano/NAC treatment may protect against LPS‐induced ALI thorough anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects, which may be attributed to the inactivation of the NF‐κB and MAPK pathways. In addition, the effects of Nano/NAC treatment were shown to be superior to those of NAC alone. We suggest the therapeutic potential of Nano/NAC treatment as an anti‐inflammatory agent against ALI. Furthermore, our study can provide basic data for developing nanotechnology-based pharmacotherapeutics for ALI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the properties of Latilactobacillus curvatus MS2 isolated from Korean traditional fermented seafood as probiotics and the effect of reducing cholesterol as a synbiotic with isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO) in BALB/c mice. The isolated strain showed high resistance to acids and bile acids and exhibited a high DPPH scavenging capacity of 72.27 ± 0.38 %. In the intestinal adhesion test using HT-29 cells, the adhesion rate of MS2 was 17.10 ± 1.78 %, which was higher than the adhesion rate of the other investigated probiotics. MS2 showed good antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens, especially Staphylococcus aureus , S. epidermidis , Escherichia coli , and Vibrio vulnificus. This strain had high availability for IMO among the prebiotics of fructo-oligosaccharide, inulin and IMO. Oral administration of MS2 and IMO to BALB/c mice for 5 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in blood cholesterol levels by regulating liver lipid metabolism. These results suggest that the combination of MS2 and IMO has potential for application in functional foods. [Display omitted] • The probiotic properties of Latilactobacillus curvatus MS2 were investigated. • Dietary supplementation of MS2 downregulated the blood cholesterol levels. • Supplementation with MS2 maintained the intestinal microbial balance of BALB/c mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While biglycan (BGN) is suggested to direct diverse signaling cascades, the effects of soluble BGN as a ligand on metabolic traits have not been studied. Herein, we tested the effects of BGN on obesity in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese animals and glucose metabolism, with the underlying mechanism responsible for observed effects in vitro. Our results showed that BGN administration (1 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) significantly prevented HFD‐induced obesity, and this was mainly attributed to reduced food intake. Also, intracerebroventricular injection of BGN reduced food intake and body weight. The underlying mechanism includes modulation of neuropeptides gene expression involved in appetite in the hypothalamus in vitro and in vivo. In addition, BGN regulates glucose metabolism as shown by improved glucose tolerance in mice as well as AMPK/AKT dual pathway‐driven enhanced glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in L6 myoblast cells. In conclusion, our results suggest BGN as a potential therapeutic target to treat risk factors for metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many pregnant persons in the United States are receiving messenger RNA (mRNA) coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines, but data are limited on their safety in pregnancy.Methods: From December 14, 2020, to February 28, 2021, we used data from the "v-safe after vaccination health checker" surveillance system, the v-safe pregnancy registry, and the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to characterize the initial safety of mRNA Covid-19 vaccines in pregnant persons.Results: A total of 35,691 v-safe participants 16 to 54 years of age identified as pregnant. Injection-site pain was reported more frequently among pregnant persons than among nonpregnant women, whereas headache, myalgia, chills, and fever were reported less frequently. Among 3958 participants enrolled in the v-safe pregnancy registry, 827 had a completed pregnancy, of which 115 (13.9%) resulted in a pregnancy loss and 712 (86.1%) resulted in a live birth (mostly among participants with vaccination in the third trimester). Adverse neonatal outcomes included preterm birth (in 9.4%) and small size for gestational age (in 3.2%); no neonatal deaths were reported. Although not directly comparable, calculated proportions of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in persons vaccinated against Covid-19 who had a completed pregnancy were similar to incidences reported in studies involving pregnant women that were conducted before the Covid-19 pandemic. Among 221 pregnancy-related adverse events reported to the VAERS, the most frequently reported event was spontaneous abortion (46 cases).Conclusions: Preliminary findings did not show obvious safety signals among pregnant persons who received mRNA Covid-19 vaccines. However, more longitudinal follow-up, including follow-up of large numbers of women vaccinated earlier in pregnancy, is necessary to inform maternal, pregnancy, and infant outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examined the differences in first‐year college students' daily change trajectories in subjective happiness, depression, anxiety, stress, and state mindfulness. Method: A 5‐day, online mindfulness‐based intervention (MI) condition and stress management (SM) condition were employed in 247 first‐year college students. Results: Students in both the MI and SM conditions displayed similar significant linear declines in anxiety and stress, but there were significant differences between the two conditions, including: (1) the MI condition showing a significant linear increase in subjective happiness compared with no change in the SM condition and (2) the SM condition showed a significant linear decrease in depression compared to no significant change in the MI condition. Conclusion: Brief online interventions—whether MI or SM—can promote better mental health and reduce psychological distress. The results also lend support for MI's differential influence on first‐year college students' happiness and SM's differential influence on their depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PDE4 inhibitors are involved in anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory responses. Recently, they have been getting attention as a new class of drugs treating inflammatory airway diseases. The T lymphocyte is a major cell type present in the inflammatory infiltrate in the airway wall in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and a previous study found that treatment with a PDE4 inhibitor significantly suppressed T cell proliferation. However, the mechanism of action of PDE4 inhibitors has not been elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate major signal transduction pathways of T lymphocyte and identify the phase, during which PDE4 inhibitors affect T cell proliferation. Isolated splenic CD4+ T cells were grown under stimulation with an anti‐CD3/CD28 antibody, and/or treated with roflumilast‐n‐oxide (RNO). A western blot assay was performed using major antibodies including anti‐p‐38, anti‐p‐PI3K, anti‐p‐JNK, anti‐p‐ERK 1/2, anti‐NFAT1 (NFATc2), and anti‐NF‐kB antibodies. Additional experiments conducted on the pathway showed significant change following RNO treatment, thus providing further evidence for signal transduction pathway concerning PDE4 inhibitors. T cell proliferation was suppressed by RNO treatment. In the pathways involved in T cell proliferation, only expression of anti‐NFAT1 antibody was suppressed by RNO treatment. In additional experiments on the NFAT pathway, the very first phase (TCR signalling) remained unchanged on treatment with RNO, but RNO treatment increased IP3R expression and suppressed calcineurin activity. Calcineurin activity, reduced by RNO, increased on treatment with an IP3 receptor agonist. PED4 inhibitor, roflumilast is speculated to suppress T cell proliferation by interfering with IP3‐IP3R binding to inhibit calcium emission, blocking pathway activation from this phase onward, eventually decreasing the level of a growth factor for T cell proliferation, IL‐2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As emissions regulations are tightened, various engine and emission reduction improvements have been applied. The reduction of particulate matter (PM), a major diesel engine emission, relies solely on after-treatment in the diesel particulate filter (DPF). It is not possible to satisfy current exhaust regulations without a DPF installed downstream of a diesel engine. Therefore, in the design of DPF systems, thermal stability and durability at the high temperatures experienced during the regeneration process are considered critical in determining the substrate material, as any defects (cracking, damage, or melting) cause increased pollutant emissions. In this study, the regeneration characteristics of 10.5 in cordierite DPF substrates applied in large commercial vehicles were investigated according to pore structure. The pore structure was changed while maintaining the thermal expansion coefficient and thermal properties by changing the particle size of talc during fabrication. Two different substrate compositions were evaluated and applied in a 6-L diesel engine to analyze their thermal characteristics during normal and uncontrolled (drop-to-idle) regeneration according to PM loading. The improvement in pore structure was observed to increase the PM oxidation rate under normal regeneration and extended the PM loading limit under uncontrolled regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A Systematic design approach of elastic metagratings for retroreflection of flexural waves was proposed. • Near-perfect efficiency were accomplished for single- and multiple-angle retroreflection. • Simply configured, easily manufacturable hole-type scatterers compose the unit cells of the retroreflecting metagratings. • An optimization-based design formulation is posed for effective suppression of unwanted diffraction modes. The potential of elastic wave retroreflection is substantial for various applications such as structural identification and detection. However, realizing accurate retroreflection presents significant challenges owing to the need for high-efficiency anomalous reflection from boundaries. This study delves into the relatively less-explored field of flexural wave retroreflection in thin plates and proposes the use of metagratings for its realization. The present metagratings, which are built from unit cells created by possibly-overlapping circular holes, offer a simple fabrication process owing to their straightforward geometry. They hold an advantage over metasurfaces, which often struggle with wave steering because of their unmanageable higher-order diffraction modes. However, no systematic approach has been proposed so far to design metagratings for flexural wave retroreflection. To address this gap, we have established an optimization problem that identifies the optimal geometries and locations of the circular holes built into the proposed retroreflecting metagratings using a gradient-based optimizer. The design process involves diffraction grating theory and spatial fast Fourier transform. Both single and multiple retroreflections at various angles were considered and the numerical findings were substantiated by experimental results. The findings of this study imply that the investigated metagratings and design approaches have promising potential for more sophisticated wave manipulations. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been reported, epigenetic changes in HPA axis-related genes have not been well studied in OCD. The present study investigated whether the epigenetic regulation of FK506-binding protein 51 gene (FKBP5) intron 7 is associated with OCD status in each sex. In addition, relationships among the DNA methylation levels of FKBP5 intron 7, OCD status and early-life trauma were explored. A total of 267 patients with OCD and 201 controls aged between 18 and 40 years were recruited. Demographic and clinical assessment, FKBP5 rs1360780 genotyping, and pyrosequencing of FKBP5 intron 7 were conducted. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. First, multivariate analysis of covariance for differential DNA methylation levels between OCD patients and controls was conducted with adjustment for FKBP5 rs1360780 genotype, early-life trauma, depressive symptoms, and age as covariates in each sex. Next, path analysis was conducted to determine the mediation effects of DNA methylation levels of FKBP5 between early-life trauma and OCD status. In addition, sensitivity analyses for medication and lifetime major depression were also performed. DNA methylation at the FKBP5 intron 7 CpG site was significantly lower in men with OCD, compared to controls (mean difference −1.33%, 95% CI −2.11 to −0.55, p < 0.001). The results remained significant for drug naïve or free subjects (mean difference −1.27%, 95% CI −2.18 to −0.37, p = 0.006, in men) and for subjects without lifetime major depressive disorder (mean difference −1.60%, 95% CI −2.54 to −0.66, p < 0.001, in men). The mediation effect of DNA methylation levels was not significant between early-life trauma and OCD status. These findings suggest that epigenetic factors of HPA axis-related gene FKBP5 may play a role in the pathogenesis of OCD. Further studies are needed to determine how altered DNA methylation of FKBP5 intron 7 and HPA axis function are involved in OCD. ● FKBP5 intron 7 demethylation is known to be associated with altered glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity. ● The present study revealed FKBP5 intron 7 demethylation in men with OCD. ● The finding was consistent in drug naïve or free patients with OCD. ● The finding was consistent in OCD patients without lifetime MDD. ● The findings support the involvement of the HPA-axis epigenetic regulation in OCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas masks are critical for protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. Efforts are underway to develop advanced cartridges for next-generation gas respirators in civil-military combined use to improve wearability and protection for users (firefighters, military personnel, and environmental and safety-related workers). Herein, the performance of three newly designed cartridges for a next-generation gas respirator was evaluated using flow analysis, along with adsorption characteristics. The adsorption kinetics of cyclohexane gas on ASC (a copper-silver-hexavalent chromium impregnated activated carbon in the study) was measured by breakthrough experiments in a packed bed, and the obtained parameters were used in the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for the designed plate-type cartridges. To apply the physical properties of the adsorbent to the CFD simulation, porous materials were expressed using the granular technique and packed bed technique. The CFD model was verified through a gas adsorption experiment using a prototype cartridge. The respiration resistance and breakthrough time for the filled-adsorbent efficiency and lifespan were compared among the three designed cartridges according to the gas inflow conditions. Additionally, virtual engineering was performed by grafting the CFD results to a virtual reality (VR) system with which 3-dimensional performance visuals of the cartridges could be observed. The developed VR system provides detailed information for cartridge design and optimization. Overall, the developed procedure of virtual engineering can be used to improve CFD simulation results. [Display omitted] • Advanced cartridges for a next-generation gas respirators were developed. • Adsorption and performance were evaluated using breakthrough and prototype tests. • Cartridge performance with filters and adsorbents was evaluated by CFD with UDFs. • Pressure drop, gas adsorption and flow, blind spots could be observed in cartridges. • Virtual engineering for 3D observation was achieved by grafting a VR system to CFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As emissions regulations are tightened, various engine and emission reduction improvements have been applied. The reduction of particulate matter (PM), a major diesel engine emission, relies solely on after-treatment in the diesel particulate filter (DPF). It is not possible to satisfy current exhaust regulations without a DPF installed downstream of a diesel engine. Therefore, in the design of DPF systems, thermal stability and durability at the high temperatures experienced during the regeneration process are considered critical in determining the substrate material, as any defects (cracking, damage, or melting) cause increased pollutant emissions. In this study, the regeneration characteristics of 10.5 in cordierite DPF substrates applied in large commercial vehicles were investigated according to pore structure. The pore structure was changed while maintaining the thermal expansion coefficient and thermal properties by changing the particle size of talc during fabrication. Two different substrate compositions were evaluated and applied in a 6-L diesel engine to analyze their thermal characteristics during normal and uncontrolled (drop-to-idle) regeneration according to PM loading. The improvement in pore structure was observed to increase the PM oxidation rate under normal regeneration and extended the PM loading limit under uncontrolled regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact superconducting magnet was constructed for low-energy nuclear physics experiments at the RAON heavy-ion accelerator facility. Conduction-cooled Helmholtz coils with a radius of 40 cm generate a uniform magnetic field of up to 1.51 T at a current of 71 A. The magnet has two crossing beam windows that allows the beam to pass either parallel (solenoid mode) or perpendicular (dipole mode) to the field direction. The magnet operates at a ramping rate of 0.01 A/s without quenching and generates a highly uniform magnetic induction within 0.1% of the central value of 1.51 T over the volume of $10\times 10\times 10$ cm $^3$ corresponding to the size of an active target time projection chamber. Herein, we report our first excitation test and field mapping results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Although past research has established that men with chronic pain are more likely to misuse prescription pain medications in a myriad of ways compared with women, little is known about men's medication use in the context of their gender role beliefs. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of men's domestic gender role beliefs on their use of prescription pain medication for chronic pain. Methods Using a nationally representative data set with 304 men with chronic pain, this study examined a longitudinal moderated mediation model in which pain interference mediates the longitudinal relationship between somatic amplification and prescription pain medication use, with domestic gender role beliefs as a moderator of the aforementioned mediated relationship. Results Results indicated a significant moderated mediation model in which pain interference fully mediated the relationship between somatic amplification and prescription pain medication use, with men's domestic gender role beliefs moderating this mediated relationship. Specifically, domestic gender role beliefs moderated the relationship between pain interference and prescription pain medication use. Men with higher levels of traditional domestic gender role beliefs strengthened the mediated relationship, contributing to increased prescription pain medication use. Conclusions These findings suggest that although men's perceptions of somatic stimuli through its perceived interference contribute to their medication use, the extent to which they consume prescription pain medication depends on their beliefs in domestic gender roles during chronic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) are at risk of overdose, infectious diseases, and inadequate prenatal care. Additional risks include adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes, such as preterm birth and neonatal abstinence syndrome. Management and treatment of OUD during pregnancy are associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes. Professional organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommend offering opioid agonist pharmacotherapy (i.e., methadone or buprenorphine) combined with behavioral therapy as standard treatment for pregnant women with OUD. Other medications and herbal supplements have also been used by pregnant women for OUD. Determining which OUD treatments optimize maternal and infant outcomes is challenging given the host of potential factors that affect these outcomes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiated the MATernaL and Infant NetworK to Understand Outcomes Associated with Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder during Pregnancy (MAT-LINK) to monitor more than 2000 mothers and their infants, using data collected from geographically diverse clinical sites. Information learned from MAT-LINK will inform the future management and treatment of pregnant women with OUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the independent influence of maternal age on the risk of emergency cesarean section (CS) due to nonreassuring fetal heart rate or arrest disorder. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on women with nulliparous pregnancies, who are attempting vaginal delivery at term and have a cephalic presentation without the indication of elective CS at the onset of labor. The primary outcome was the rate of emergency CS. Independent risk factors were elucidated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 3513 women, 541 (15.4%) delivered by emergency CS during a trial of vaginal delivery, with theses being due to nonreassuring fetal heart rate (N = 150) or arrest disorder (N = 391). In univariate analysis, both individual CS rate due to nonreassuring fetal heart rate or arrest disorder and total emergent CS rate increased with maternal age. The risk of emergency CS was also significantly higher when labor induction was performed (odds ratio (OR) 2.489, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.043–3.033), while fetal weight was heavier (neonatal weight ≥3.5 kg; OR 2.396, 95% CI 1.956–2.934), and maternal BMI was higher (before pregnancy ≥25 kg/m2; OR 2.751, 95% CI 1.980–3.823, at delivery ≥28 kg/m2; OR 2.375 95% CI 1.915–2.946). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed a statistically significant increase in the risk of total emergency CS in mothers over 35 years of age, compared to that in women less than 30 years old (35–39 years group; adjusted OR 1.805 95% CI 1.347–2.418, ≥40 years group; adjusted OR 4.659 95% CI 2.709–8.013). CS due to nonreassuring fetal heart rate increased in mothers over 40 years of age (adjusted OR 5.354, 95% CI 2.386–12.017) and CS due to arrest disorder was also increased in mothers over 30 years of age (30–34 years group; adjusted OR 1.343, 95% CI 1.010–1.785, 35–39 years group; adjusted OR 1.906, 95% CI 1.357–2.679, ≥40 years group; adjusted OR 4.663, 95% CI 2.480–8.768). Similar to the result of univariate analysis, labor induction increased the risk of emergency CS (adjusted OR 2.241, 95% CI 1.828–2.747). Conclusions: Advanced maternal age is an independent risk factor of emergency CS due to nonreassuring fetal heart rate or arrest disorder during the trial of vaginal delivery. The risk of emergency CS was also increased when labor induction was performed. Therefore, the risk of emergency CS needs to be considered, especially when the labor induction is planned, in women aged 40 or more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Iron hydroxide-based adsorbents were used to remove of siloxanes from biogas. • Space velocity effects the siloxanes capture in a field experiment. • High activity (26%) in adsorption of siloxanes was obtained in a lab-scale experiment. • High removal efficiency in siloxane adsorptions was obtained during the in-situ test. Amorphous iron hydroxide-based material was selected as a suitable adsorbent for the siloxanes from biogas and landfill gas. The adsorptive characteristics of the desiloxanation (DeSiloxs) process were studied through a lab-scale experiment using a simulated gas containing a mixture of siloxanes (D4, and D5) and a field experiment on an actual environment scale. The iron hydroxide-based adsorbents exhibited high activity in adsorption of siloxanes during lab-scale experiments, where the obtained adsorption capacity was about 26.3 % with N 2 as a carrier gas. However, from an applicability point of view, the effectiveness of the siloxane removal process was significantly affected by the space velocity during the in-situ test in anaerobic digestion gas plant using wastewater sludge. In the experimental case of various space velocities (50, 100, 300 h−1), a very high removal efficiency (100 %) was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although several studies have reported an association between thyroid dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease (AD), the effect of mild thyroid dysfunction within the normal range of thyrotropin (TSH) on the development of AD remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between thyroid hormones and the pathology of AD in euthyroid subjects. Methods: Sixty-nine subjects with a TSH level between 0.5 and 4.5 μIU/L who underwent 18F-florbetaben positron emission tomography were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. The levels of serum free thyroxine (fT4) and TSH were quantified using radioimmunoassay. Neuropsychological tests were performed to assess cognitive function. Differences in cerebral amyloid-β (Aβ) burden were compared between high-normal TSH (TSH ≥2.5 μIU/mL) and low-normal TSH (TSH <2.5 μIU/mL) groups. Multiple linear regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, education level, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores, were performed to evaluate relationships between thyroid hormone levels and both cerebral Aβ burden and cognitive function. Results: The cerebral Aβ burden in the high-normal TSH group was significantly higher than in the low-normal TSH group (1.53 ± 0.31 vs. 1.35 ± 0.22, p = 0.009). The fT4 levels were negatively correlated with cerebral Aβ burden (β = −0.240, p = 0.035), and TSH levels were positively correlated with cerebral Aβ burden (β = 0.267, p = 0.020). The fT4 level was also positively associated with cognitive function, as inferred from neuropsychological test scores. Conclusions: Thyroid hormone concentrations were associated with AD pathology in euthyroid subjects. Our findings suggest that AD is likely to occur even in individuals with high-normal TSH levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross-cultural validity of a modified version of psychology of working theory (PWT; Duffy, Blustein, Diemer, & Autin, 2016) was tested in samples of United States (n = 346) and Korean (n = 319) undergraduates. Participants completed measures of economic resources, work volition, career adaptability, occupational engagement, and future decent work perceptions. The results illustrated measurement invariance between the two samples. Thus, the hypothesized models were tested separately in the two samples and the results were compared regarding parameter significance, direction, and magnitude. Overall, the modified model generally fit well with both samples. However, there were notable cross-cultural differences: economic resources significantly predicted work volition, occupational engagement, and future decent work perceptions only in the United States sample and the future decent work perceptions and occupational engagement were negatively associated in the Korean sample. Explanations about the cross-cultural differences and invariances were provided and practical and research implications were discussed. Public Significance Statement: This study examined predictors of occupational engagement and future perceptions of decent work among undergraduate samples from the United States and Korea. Although psychological factors such as the perceived ability to freely make career choice and the resources to cope with various career tasks were important for both sample, notable differences existed concerning the links between economic resources to career-related behaviors and perceptions of future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevation of total cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in patients with preeclampsia is well-known; however, whether this change precedes the onset of symptoms remains inconclusive. Here, we conducted a nested case–control study to determine the elevation of cfDNA levels in women who subsequently developed preeclampsia. Methylated HYP2 (m-HYP2) levels were determined in 68 blood samples collected from women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, along with 136 control samples, using real-time quantitative PCR. The measured m-HYP2 levels were converted to multiples of the median (MoM) values for correction of maternal characteristics. The m-HYP2 levels and MoM values in patients with preeclampsia were significantly higher than in controls during the third trimester (P < 0.001, both), whereas those for women who subsequently developed preeclampsia did not differ during the second trimester. However, when patients with preeclampsia were divided based on the onset-time of preeclampsia or 10th percentile birth weight, both values were significantly higher in women who subsequently developed early-onset preeclampsia (P < 0.05, both) and preeclampsia with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonate (P < 0.01, both) than controls. These results suggested that total cfDNA levels could be used to predict early-onset preeclampsia or preeclampsia with SGA neonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]