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Dong Woo Kang,1 Hyun Kook Lim,2 Soo-hyun Joo,1 Na Rae Lee,1 Chang Uk Lee1 1Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 2Department of Psychiatry, Yeoui-do St Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea Objective: Previous research has indicated that there are potential associations between education and total hippocampal volume in the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the correlation between education and hippocampal subfield volumes in the progression of AD has yet to be understood. This study examined the relationship between education, which is a standard proxy for cognitive reserve, and hippocampal subfield volumes in healthy and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) groups.Subjects and methods: Thirty-eight subjects with aMCI and 39 healthy control subjects underwent 3 T magnetic resonance imaging, and hippocampal subfield volumes were measured by automated segmentation. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the association between education and hippocampal subfield volumes.Results: Education had a significant negative correlation with the left parasubiculum, presubiculum, and subiculum volumes in the aMCI group. In addition, multiple subfield volumes including left parasubiculum, left/right presubiculum, left cornus ammonis (CA)3, and left CA4 showed a significant correlation with the neuropsychological test scores in the control group and aMCI group.Conclusion: These findings contribute to a better understanding of the association between education, hippocampal subfield volumes, and amnestic cognitive functions in the early phase of AD. Keywords: education, hippocampus, presubiculum, subiculum, mild cognitive impairment, cognitive reserve

Kyoung Mee Kim,1,2 Hyun Kyung Lim,1,2 Sang Hee Shim,1,2 Joohee Jung1,2 1College of Pharmacy, 2Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea Abstract: Chrysin is a flavone that is found in several plants and in honeycomb and possesses various biological activities. However, its low solubility means it has poor bioavailability, which must be resolved to enable its pharmaceutical applications. In the present study, chrysin was incorporated into methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-β-polycaprolactone nanoparticles (chrysin-NPs) using the oil-in-water technique in order to overcome problems associated with chrysin. The properties of chrysin-NPs were analyzed, and their anticancer effects were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Chrysin-NPs were 77 nm sized (as determined by dynamic laser light scattering) and showed a monodisperse distribution. The zeta potential of chrysin-NPs was –2.22 mV, and they were spherically shaped by cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). The loading efficiency of chrysin-NPs was 46.96%. Chrysin-NPs retained the cytotoxicity of chrysin in A549 cells. The therapeutic efficacies of chrysin-NPs were compared with those of chrysin in an A549-derived xenograft mouse model. Chrysin-NPs were intravenously injected at a 10 times lower dosage than chrysin 3 times per week (q2d×3/week). However, free chrysin was orally administrated 5 times per week (q1d×5/week). Chrysin-NP-treated group showed significant tumor growth delay, which was similar to that of chrysin-treated group, despite the considerably lower total dosage. These results suggest that the injectable chrysin-NPs enhance therapeutic efficacy in vivo and offer a beneficial formulation for chemotherapy. Keywords: chrysin, nanoparticle, chemotherapeutic efficacy, non-small-cell lung cancer, in vivo model

Jinhyang Choi,1,2 Eunjung Ko,1 Hye-Kyung Chung,3 Jae Hee Lee,1 Eun Jin Ju,1 Hyun Kyung Lim,4 Intae Park,1 Kab-Sig Kim,5 Joo-Hwan Lee,5 Woo-Chan Son,6 Jung Shin Lee,1,7 Joohee Jung,1,4 Seong-Yun Jeong,1,2 Si Yeol Song,1,8 Eun Kyung Choi1,3,8 1Institute for Innovative Cancer Research, 2Asan Institute for Life Sciences, 3Center for Development and Commercialization of Anti-cancer Therapeutics, 4College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women’s University, 5Bio-Synectics, 6Department of Pathology, 7Department of Internal Medicine, 8Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea Abstract: Nanoparticulation of insoluble drugs improves dissolution rate, resulting in increased bioavailability that leads to increased stability, better efficacy, and reduced toxicity of drugs. Docetaxel (DTX), under the trade name Taxotere™, is one of the representative anticancer chemotherapeutic agents of this era. However, this highly lipophilic and insoluble drug has many adverse effects. Our novel and widely applicable nanoparticulation using fat and supercritical fluid (NUFS™) technology enabled successful nanoscale particulation of DTX (Nufs-DTX). Nufs-DTX showed enhanced dissolution rate and increased aqueous stability in water. After confirming the preserved mechanism of action of DTX, which targets microtubules, we showed that Nufs-DTX exhibited similar effects in proliferation and clonogenic assays using A549 cells. Interestingly, we observed that Nufs-DTX had a greater in vivo tumor growth delay effect on an A549 xenograft model than Taxotere™, which was in agreement with the improved drug accumulation in tumors according to the biodistribution result, and was caused by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Although both Nufs-DTX and Taxotere™ showed negative results for our administration dose in the hematologic toxicity test, Nufs-DTX showed much less toxicity than Taxotere™ in edema, paralysis, and paw-withdrawal latency on a hot plate analysis that are regarded as indicators of fluid retention, peripheral neuropathy, and thermal threshold, respectively, for toxicological tests. In summary, compared with Taxotere™, Nufs-DTX, which was generated by our new platform technology using lipid, supercritical fluid, and carbon dioxide (CO2), maintained its biochemical properties as a cytotoxic agent and had better tumor targeting ability, better in vivo therapeutic effect, and less toxicity, thereby overcoming the current hurdles of traditional drugs. Keywords: Nufs-DTX, docetaxel, anticancer efficacy, toxicity

Hae Kook Lee, Jong-Hyun Jeong, Na-Young Kim, Min-hyeon Park, Tae-Won Kim, Ho-Jun Seo, Hyun-Kook Lim, Seung-Chul Hong, Jin-Hee Han Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea Objectives: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattentive and impulsive behavior. Many ADHD patients reportedly have cognitive dysfunction and sleep problems, including longer sleep latency, lower sleep efficiency, and shorter total sleep time. The purpose of this study was to examine neurocognitive functions and nocturnal sleep parameters in patients with ADHD, using a cognitive function test and actigraphy.Methods: Subjects included 37 male patients with ADHD and 32 controls (7–12 years of age). For each participant, we determined intelligence quotient (IQ) and administered the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT) and 72-hour actigraphy. The relationships between sleep parameters and cognitive functions were assessed.Results: ADHD patients significantly differed from controls in several cognitive functions and sleep variables. In the MFFT, response error rate (P

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors affecting early diffuse recurrence within 1 year of percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: Out of 146 patients who received transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation (TACE) for treatment of recurrent HCC after percutaneous ultrasound-guided RFA, we selected 23 patients with early diffuse recurrence. Early diffuse recurrence was defined as three or more new recurrent HCCs within 1 year of initial RFA. As a control group, we selected 23 patients, matched exactly for age and sex, in which there was no local tumour progression or new recurrence after RFA. To analyse the risk factors, we examined patient factors and tumour factors.Results: Recurrent tumours occurred from 30 to 365 days after RFA (median time, 203 days). Univariate analysis indicated that larger tumour size and poorly defined margin were significant risk factors (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that poorly defined margin was a significant risk factor (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Larger tumour size and poorly defined margin may be risk factors for early diffuse recurrence of HCC within 1 year of RFA. Tumours with such risk factors should be treated with a combination of TACE to minimise the potential for therapeutic failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess factors affecting tumor visibility on planning ultrasound (US) for percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation to treat small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) primarily detected on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Materials and Methods: Patients referred for planning US for percutaneous RF ablation between September 2008 and June 2009 were prospectively enrolled from nine institutions in Korea. The first small (≤ 3 cm) single HCC or new single HCC after treatment was included. The study enrolled 898 patients (684 men and 214 women, age range 32-86 years). HCCs that were invisible on planning US were compared with visible HCCs with respect to tumor size, distance between the tumor and the diaphragm, subcapsular location, etiology of liver disease, liver cirrhosis, macronodular cirrhosis on US, ascites, Child-Pugh class, serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level, body mass index (BMI), previous treatments for HCC, previous chemoembolization treatments for HCC, institutions, and experience of radiologists. Results: Among 898 HCCs, 671 (74.7%) were visible on the planning US. In multivariate analysis, tumor size, distance between the tumor and the diaphragm, liver cirrhosis, and macronodular cirrhosis were statistically significant factors affecting US detection (each P < .05). Conclusions: Smaller tumors, subphrenic location of the tumor, liver cirrhosis, and macronodular cirrhosis were independent predictors of invisible tumors on planning US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether the amount of tagged stool and fluid significantly affects the radiation exposure in low-dose screening CT colonography performed with an automatic tube-current modulation technique.Methods: The study included 311 patients. The tagging agent was barium (n = 271) or iodine (n = 40). Correlation was measured between mean volume CT dose index (CTDI (vol)) and the estimated x-ray attenuation of the tagged stool and fluid (ATT). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the effect of ATT on CTDI (vol ) and the effect of ATT on image noise while adjusting for other variables including abdominal circumference.Results: CTDI (vol) varied from 0.88 to 2.54 mGy. There was no significant correlation between CTDI (vol) and ATT (p = 0.61). ATT did not significantly affect CTDI (vol) (p = 0.93), while abdominal circumference was the only factor significantly affecting CTDI (vol) (p < 0.001). Image noise ranged from 59.5 to 64.1 HU. The p value for the regression model explaining the noise was 0.38.Conclusion: The amount of stool and fluid tagging does not significantly affect radiation exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effects of high iodine-concentration contrast material on the image quality of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) have not been well evaluated.Purpose: To compare the image quality and attenuation values of CCTA between patients administered iopromide 370 and iomeprol 400 with the use of 64-slice multidetector CT.Material and Methods: Patients were prospectively enrolled and were randomized into two groups (group A, 151 patients received iopromide 370, iodine flux = 1.48 g I/s; group B, 146 patients received iomeprol 400, iodine flux = 1.60 g I/s). CT attenuation was measured in the coronary arteries and great arteries and measurements were standardized based on an iodine flux of 1.50 g I/s. The image quality of 15 coronary artery segments was graded by two radiologists in consensus with the use of a four-point scale (1 = excellent to 4 = poor enhancement). Non-parametric statistical approaches were used to compare the two groups.Results: The median attenuation values in the coronary arteries were 454 HU and 464 HU for iopromide 370 and iomeprol 400, respectively, and they did not differ (P = 0.26). When standardizing for an iodine flux, significantly higher attenuation values were found for iopromide 370 (median = 460 HU, range = 216–791 HU) compared with iomeprol 400 (median = 435 HU, range = 195–758 HU) (P = 0.006). The median image quality score of coronary arterial segments was 1 (range 1–2) for both groups (P = 0.84).Conclusion: The attenuation values in the coronary arteries after injection of the same amount of two high iodine-concentration contrast materials at the same flow rate with different iodine fluxes are similar with no difference in image quality. With standardization for an iodine flux, the attenuation is significantly higher when using iopromide 370. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of small (5-10 mm), arterially enhancing nodules (SAENs) shown exclusively at the hepatic arterial phase of CT in a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance population and to determine risk factors for developing HCC.Methods: The study population included 112 patients (male:female = 100:12; aged 36-92 years) with 175 SAENs who were at risk of HCC. We evaluated serial changes during follow-up (1.4-41.8 months, mean 35.7 months) and analysed the initial CT findings of SAENs and the accompanying lesions to elucidate the risk factors for HCC development.Results: Of 175 SAENs, 101(57.7%) disappeared and 34(19.4%) persisted. Forty SAENs (22.9%) became HCC in 33 patients (29.5%). Presence of HCC treatment history (p = 0.005, risk ratio = 7.429), a larger size of SAEN (p = 0.003, risk ratio = 1.630), presence of coexistent HCC (p = 0.021, risk ratio = 3.777) and absence of coexistent typical arterioportal shunts (p = 0.003, risk ratio = 4.459) turned out to be independently significant risk factors for future development of HCC.Conclusion: SAENs were frequently seen in an HCC surveillance population and have a 22.9% probability of becoming HCC on a per-lesion basis. Risk increased particularly when the lesion was associated with a previous or concurrent HCC, a large size or found without a coexistent typical arterioportal shunt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with the use of artificial ascites for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) adjacent to the diaphragm and gastrointestinal tract. One hundred forty-three patients with 181 HCCs who underwent US-guided percutaneous RFA with the use of artificial ascites were retrospectively reviewed. Among the 181 HCCs, 148 HCCs were defined as problematic nodules for two major reasons: poor sonic window or possible thermal injury. We artificially induced ascites before performing RFA by dripping 5% dextrose in a water solution. We assessed the technical success of introducing artificial ascites, technical feasibility of the use of artificial ascites and complications. The technical success rate, as well as the primary and secondary technique success rate, was assessed by regular follow-up CT examinations. RFA with artificial ascites was successfully achieved in 130 of 143 patients. The primary technique effectiveness was 85.3%. During follow-up (mean, 20.4 months), remote intrahepatic recurrence occurred in 49 patients and local tumor progression occurred in 15 patients. Three (2.1%) of the 143 patients experienced major complications (hemoperitoneum, lobar infarction and biloma) related to the RFA procedure. The use of artificial ascites is a simple and useful technique to minimize collateral thermal injury and to improve the sonic window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the CT and pathologic features and the long-term results of scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after a curative resection with those of usual HCC. Methods: Twenty-one patients with a scirrhous HCC and 296 patients with a usual HCC underwent contrast-enhanced triple-phase helical CT examinations before and after the curative resection. The CT and pathological features of scirrhous HCC, along with the cumulative survival and recurrence rates after the curative resection using a Kaplan-Meier method were compared with those of a usual HCC. Results: The common CT features of scirrhous HCC were an ill-defined tumor margin (76%), peripheral rim-like enhancement on arterial and portal phases (62%), presence of area of prolonged and delayed enhancement on equilibrium phase (95%), and hepatic surface retraction (59%) and the uncommon CT features were presence of washout area (19%) and tumor capsule enhancement (5%), which were significantly different from those of usual HCC (p<0.05). Pathologically, the tumor capsule formation (29%) and tumor necrosis or hemorrhage (10%) were significantly less than those (81% and 43%, respectively) in usual HCC (p<0.05), while portal or hepatic vein involvement (33%) was significantly more common than in usual HCC (9%) (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the 5-year cumulative survival and recurrence rates between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Scirrhous HCC showed distinct CT and pathologic features from those of usual HCC. After the curative resection, the long-term results of scirrhous and usual HCCs were not significantly different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the reasons for some patients requiring two consecutive sessions of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We reviewed our database of 1,179 patients (1,624 treatments) with HCCs treated by percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided RF ablation over 6 years. We retrospectively evaluated 80 patients who required a second session after the first session. The medical records and follow-up CTs were studied. We assessed the reasons for the second session and the patient outcomes. A second session was required in 80 (4.8%) out of 1,642 treatments of percutaneous RF ablation for HCC. The reason for the second session included technical failure related to the patient or the procedure (n=26), technical failure due to residual (n=40), newly detected (n=11) or missed (n=3) tumors found at the immediate follow-up CT. All patients were retreated with a second RFA session the next day. Seventy-five (93%) of 80 patients achieved complete ablation after the second session. The remaining five patients were treated by TACE (n=1), additional RFA (as second treatment at next admission) (n=3), or were lost to follow-up (n=1). After 1 month follow-up, 72 patients (96%) showed complete ablation after the second session. The interventional oncologist should understand the technical reasons for a patient requiring a second session of RF ablation when providing treatment for HCCs and perform careful pre-procedural planning to minimize the need for multi-session procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-nine children with Asperger's syndrome and 28 typically developing children, matched on gender, chronological age and nonverbal IQ, were asked to produce a free drawing, then requested to draw a person, a house and a tree. The drawings were scored using standardized procedures for assessing accuracy, detail and complexity. There were no differences between the diagnostic groups on the tree or house drawing scores. The human figure drawing scores of children with Asperger's syndrome were significantly lower than those of the typically developing children, and there was a positive correlation between human figure drawing scores and communication sub-scores on the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, for the Asperger's group. These results suggest that the selective deficit in generating human figure representations may derive from a relative lack of interest in the social world, and/or limited practice in drawing people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study compared the long-term results of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation for high-grade dysplastic nodules (DNs) and well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Between April 1999 and December 2006, 20 patients with 21 high-grade DNs (range, 1.2-3.0 cm; mean, 1.9 cm) (group 1) and 49 with a well-differentiated HCC (range, 1.0-5.0 cm; mean, 2.3 cm) (group 2) underwent RF ablation. The technique effectiveness, local tumor progression, cancer-free and cumulative survivals using the Kaplan-Meier method were compared. The technique effectiveness rates at 1 year after RF ablation were 100% (19/19) and 94.1% (32/34) in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P > 0.05). The local tumor progression rates in groups 1 and 2 were 0% and 20.6% (7/34), respectively (P = 0.041). The local tumor progression in group 2 was seen on follow-up computed tomography 4-58 months (mean, 17 months) after RF ablation. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cancer-free survival rates in groups 1 and 2 were 95.0% and 76.9%, 56.2% and 44.6%, and 38.5% and 24.8%, respectively (P > 0.05). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative survival rates in groups 1 and 2 were 100% and 97.9%, 73.0% and 68.0%, and 63.8% and 51.1%, respectively (P > 0.05). Percutaneous RF ablation is effective for treating high-grade DNs and well-differentiated HCCs. The long-term results after RF ablation of high-grade DNs may be improved compared with those of well-differentiated HCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the reliability of surface electromyographic data (root-mean-square) for volitional motor tasks drawn from a standardized protocol was assessed. For each motor task, 5 s epochs of data were analyzed with a new method to generate a measure called the voluntary response index (VRI). The VRI consists of two components, magnitude and similarity index (SI), that were separately analyzed for repeatability. We examined three repetitions of each of 10 volitional motor tasks in 69 subjects with spinal cord injury (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] Impairment Scale [AIS], classifications C and D: 34 AIS-C and 35 AIS-D) for short-term (within-day) reliability. In 6 of the 69 subjects (3 each, AIS-C and AIS-D), the entire study was repeated after 1 week and results were assessed for intermediate- term (1 week apart) reliability. The reliability of the method for voluntary motor tasks was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), analysis of variance, coefficient of variance, and Pearson's correlation. Good reliability was found for magnitude (ICC = 0.71-0.99, Pearson's r = 0.77-0.99) and for SI (ICC = 0.65-0.96, Pearson's r = 0.72-0.93) for three repeated tests (within-day). Significant difference was found for studies completed 1 week apart for magnitude (p = 0.02) but not for SI (p = 0.57). In addition, SI showed less variation than magnitude (p < 0.001). No significant difference of magnitude and SI between tasks was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high prevalence of shoulder-related dysfunction has focused increased attention on functional activity assessment. This study (1) tested the reliability of three-dimensional shoulder complex movements during four functional tasks representing different levels of task difficulty, (2) characterized the four functional tasks, and (3) examined the relationships between age and shoulder movements. Twenty-five asymptomatic subjects, all veterans aged 30-82, performed the four functional tasks. Good within-session reliability was found (movement pattern: similarity index = 0.81 to 0.97, peak values: intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.88 to 0.99). The raising arm to overhead height task (hard task) placed the greatest demand on scapular motions and humeral elevation (p < 0.005). During the functional tasks, significant correlations existed between age and scapular tipping, humeral elevation, and scapular upward rotation (r = -0.62 to 0.50, p < 0.05). Correlation results indicated that elderly subjects have a greater potential for serratus anterior muscle weakness and shoulder capsule tightness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with benign upper gastrointestinal (UGI) conditions such as achalasia, gastroparesis and refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease often suffer from debilitating symptoms. These conditions can be complex and challenging to diagnose and treat, making them well suited for discussion within a multidisciplinary meeting (MDM). There is, however, a paucity of data describing the value of a benign UGI MDM. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of our unit's benign UGI MDM service and its outcomes. This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for all consecutive patients reviewed in the monthly benign UGI MDM between July 2021 and February 2024. The primary outcome was the incidence that MDM review changed clinical treatment. Secondary outcomes included change in diagnosis, additional investigations and referrals to subspecialists. A total of 104 patients met inclusion criteria. A total of 73 (70.2%) patients had a change in their overall management following MDM review; 25 (24.0%), 31 (29.8%) and 48 (46.2%) patients had changes in pharmacological, endoscopic and surgical interventions respectively. Most changes in pharmacological and endoscopic intervention involved treatment escalation, whereas most changes in surgical intervention involved treatment de-escalation. A total of 84 (80.8%) patients had a documented diagnosis post-MDM with 44 (42.3%) having a change in their pre-MDM diagnosis. 50 (48.1%) patients had additional investigation/s requested and 49 (47.1%) had additional referral pathway/s recommended. Over two thirds of patients had at least one aspect of their management plan changed following MDM review. These changes occurred across pharmacological, endoscopic, and surgical interventions., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The concept of a lithiophilic electrode proves inadequate in describing carbon-based electrode materials due to their substantial mismatch in surface energy with lithium metal. However, their notable capacity for lithium chemisorption can increase active lithium concentration required for nucleation and growth, thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium metal anodes (LMAs). In this study, we elucidate the effects of the supersaturated electrode which has high active lithium capacity around equilibrium lithium potential on LMAs through an in-depth electrochemical comparison using two distinct carbon electrode platforms with differing carbon structures but similar two-dimensional morphologies. In the supersaturated electrode, both the dynamics and thermodynamic states involved in lithium nucleation and growth mechanisms are significantly improved, particularly under continuous current supply conditions. Furthermore, the chemical structures of the solid-electrolyte-interface layers (SEIs) are greatly influenced by the elevated surface lithium concentration environment, resulting in the formation of more conductive lithium-rich SEI layers. The improved dynamics and thermodynamics of surface lithium, coupled with the formation of enhanced SEI layers, contribute to higher power capabilities, enhanced Coulombic efficiencies, and improved cycling performances of LMAs. These results provide new insight into understanding the enhancements in heterogeneous lithium nucleation and growth kinetics on the supersaturated electrode., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

In light of increasing concerns about microplastic pollution, it is crucial to understand the biological impacts of biodegradable PHB microplastics on marine organisms. This study included a 96-h exposure experiment to assess acute toxicity at PHB concentrations of 0 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 500 mg/L and 1000 mg/L. Additionally, a 60-day feeding trial was conducted with PHB concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg to evaluate the long-term effects on growth, physiological health and metabolic responses of Litopenaeus vannamei. Results from the exposure experiment indicated that PHB microplastics up to 100 mg/L were non-toxic to shrimp. However, the 60-day feeding trial revealed that higher concentrations led to slight reductions in survival rates and growth performance, indicating a concentration-dependent response. Analysis of antioxidant and immune enzymes showed minimal changes across most parameters. However, increases in malondialdehyde content and lysozyme activity at higher PHB levels suggested a stress response. Microbial analysis indicated higher species richness and greater community diversity in the PHB group compared to controls, as evidenced by Chao1, ACE, Shannon and Simpson indices. Linear discriminant analysis revealed that Enterobacteriales and related taxa were more prevalent in the PHB group, while Rhodobacteraceae and associated taxa dominated the control group. Pathway analysis highlighted enhanced signal transduction, cell mobility and metabolic resource reallocation in response to PHB-induced stress. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed significant regulatory changes, especially in lipid metabolism pathways. These findings suggest that while PHB microplastics trigger adaptive metabolic responses in shrimp, they do not cause acute toxicity. Significant variations in intestinal microbiome composition reflect potential shifts in gut health dynamics due to PHB ingestion. This study enhances our understanding of the ecological impacts of microplastics and underscores the necessity for further research into the environmental safety of biodegradable alternatives., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Active surveillance (AS) has been widely adopted as an alternative to immediate surgery owing to the indolent nature and favorable outcomes of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). AS is generally recommended for tumors measuring ≤1 cm without aggressive cytological subtypes, risk of gross extrathyroidal extension (ETE), lymph node metastasis (LNM), or distant metastasis. AS requires careful patient selection based on various patient and tumor characteristics, and ultrasound (US) findings. Moreover, during AS, regular US is performed to monitor any signs of tumor progression, including tumor growth, new US features of potential gross ETE, and LNM. Therefore, appropriate imaging-based assessment plays a crucial role in determining whether AS or surgery should be pursued. However, detailed recommendations concerning US evaluation are currently insufficient, necessitating the formulation of this guideline. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology has developed a consensus statement for low-risk PTMC, covering US assessment methods when considering AS as a management option and conducting follow-up imaging tests during AS. This guideline aims to provide optimal scientific evidence and expert opinion consensus regarding a standardized US-based assessment protocol for low-risk PTMC., Competing Interests: Dong Gyu Na, Jung Hwan Baek, and Soo Yeon Hahn, who hold respective positions as Section Editor and Editorial Board Members of the Korean Journal of Radiology, were not involved in the editorial evaluation or decision to publish this article. The remaining author has declared no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Korean Society of Radiology.)

Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are extensively used in the food industry, yet safety concerns remain. The lack of validated methodologies is a bottleneck towards resolving this uncertainty. Hence, the current study aims to compare two cell models by examining the toxicological impacts of two food-relevant NPs (SiO 2 and Ag) on intestinal epithelia using monolayer Caco-2 cells and full-thickness 3D tissue models of human small intestines (EpiIntestinal™). Comprehensive characterization and dosimetric analysis of the NPs were performed to determine effective doses and model realistic exposures. Neither genotoxicity nor cytotoxicity were detected in the 3D tissues after NP treatment, while the 2D cultures exhibited cytotoxic response from Ag NP treatment for 24 h at 1 μg/ml. Hyperspectral imaging and transmission electron microscopy confirmed uptake of both NPs by cells in both 2D and 3D culture models. Ag NPs caused an increase in autophagy, whereas SiO 2 NPs induced increased cytoplasmic vacuolization. Based on realistic exposure levels studied, the 3D small intestinal tissue model was found to be more resilient to NP treatment compared to 2D cell monolayers. This comparative approach towards toxicological assessment of food relevant NPs could be used as a framework for future analysis of NP behavior and nanotoxicity in the gut., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP-2) is a cysteine-rich peptide that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system of fish. To investigate the molecular function of LEAP-2 from olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, we cloned the gene encoding LEAP-2 using PCR and expressed it in Escherichia coli. Analysis of LEAP-2 expression revealed predominant transcripts in the liver and lower levels in the intestine of olive flounder, whereas their expression levels in the liver and head kidney increased, during the initial stage of infection with the aquapathogenic bacterium Edwardsiella piscicida. Recombinant LEAP-2 (rOfLEAP-2) purified from E. coli exhibited antimicrobial activity, as demonstrated by the ultrasensitive radial diffusion assay, against both Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus parauberis, and Lactococcus garvieae) and Gram-negative (Vibrio harveyi and E. coli) bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 μg/mL depending on the species tested. The antibacterial activity of rOfLEAP-2 was attributed to its ability to disrupt bacterial membranes, validated by the N-phenylnaphthalen-1-amine uptake assays and scanning electron microscope analysis against E. coli, V. harveyi, B. subtilis, and L. garvieae treated with rOfLEAP-2. Furthermore, a synergistic enhancement of antibacterial activity was observed when rOfLEAP-2 was combined with ampicillin or synthetic LEAP-1 peptide, suggesting a distinct mechanism of action from those of other antimicrobial agents. These findings provide evidence for the antibacterial efficacy of LEAP-2 from olive flounder, highlighting its potential therapeutic application against pathogenic bacteria., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study aimed to identify clinical characteristics to differentiate multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and Kawasaki disease (KD) in Taiwan, an island with a delayed cluster of MIS-C and a high incidence of KD. Additionally, we studied risk factors for developing severe complications in patients with MIS-C., Methods: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter, cohort, and observational study that linked data on patients with MIS-C between May and December 2022 and patients with KD between 2019 and 2021 from 12 medical centers. Hemodynamic compromise, defined as the need for inotropic support or fluid challenge, was recorded in patients with MIS-C. We also evaluated maximal coronary Z-scores before treatment and one month after disease onset., Results: A total of 83 patients with MIS-C and 466 patients with KD were recruited. A 1:1 age and gender-matched comparison of 68 MIS-C and KD pairs showed that MIS-C patients had a lower percentage of positive BCG red halos, lower leukocyte/platelet counts, more gastrointestinal symptoms, and a higher risk of hemodynamic compromise. In Taiwan, 38.6% of MIS-C patients experienced hemodynamic compromise, with presence of conjunctivitis and elevated levels of procalcitonin (>1.62 ng/mL) identified as independent risk factors., Conclusion: We identified two independent risk factors associated with hemodynamic compromise in MIS-C patients. The comparison between matched MIS-C and KD patients highlighted significant differences in clinical presentations, like BCG red halos, which may aid in the differential diagnosis of the two disease entities, especially in regions with a high incidence rate of KD., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024 Formosan Medical Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Nanoplastics (NPs), plastic particles ranging from 1 to 100 nm are ubiquitous environmental pollutants infiltrating ecosystems. Their small size and widespread use in various products raise concerns for human health, particularly their association with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). NPs can enter the human body through multiple routes, causing oxidative stress, and leading to the senescence and dysfunction of endothelial cells (ECs). Although there are potential natural compounds for treating CVD, there is limited research on preventing CVD induced by NPs. This study investigates the efficacy of Ecklonia cava extract (ECE) in preventing NPs-induced premature vascular senescence and dysfunction. Exposure of porcine coronary arteries (PCAs) and porcine coronary ECs to NPs, either alone or in combination with ECE, demonstrated that ECE mitigates senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity induced by NPs, thus preventing premature endothelial senescence. ECE also improved NPs-induced vascular dysfunction. The identified active ingredient in Ecklonia cava, 2,7'-Phloroglucinol-6,6'-bieckol (PHB), a phlorotannin, proved to be pivotal in these protective effects. PHB treatment ameliorated SA-β-gal activity, reduced oxidative stress, restored cell proliferation, and decreased the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins such as p53, p21, p16, and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1), well known triggers for EC senescence. Moreover, PHB also improved NPs-induced vascular dysfunction by upregulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and restoring endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. In conclusion, Ecklonia cava and its active ingredient, PHB, exhibit potential as therapeutic agents against NPs-induced premature EC senescence and dysfunction, indicating a protective effect against environmental pollutants-induced CVDs associated with vascular dysfunction., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We aimed to compare the accuracy and reliability of two segmentation tools for magnetic resonance (MR) volumetry (FreeSurfer and Neurophet AQUA) at two magnetic field strengths (1.5T and 3T). We included 101 patients for the 1.5T-3T dataset and 112 for the 3T-3T dataset from three hospitals and five open-source datasets. The mean volume difference and average volume difference percentage with the change in magnetic field strength were compared between the methods. The hippocampus volume was larger with FreeSurfer than the Neurophet AQUA. In most brain regions, the Neurophet AQUA yielded a smaller average volume difference percentage (all < 10%) than FreeSurfer (all > 10%). The Neurophet AQUA exhibited more stable connectivity and regularity of the segmented components. Regarding volume, the Neurophet AQUA had effect sizes and ICCs comparable to those of FreeSurfer across the magnetic field strengths. With FreeSurfer, the original volume difference was small, whereas the average volume difference percentage was small with the Neurophet AQUA. Image segmentation took 1 h with FreeSurfer and 5 min with the Neurophet AQUA. When choosing an automatic segmentation method, the differences in image processing time and volume variability due to changes in the magnetic field strength of these methods should be considered., (© 2024. The Author(s).)