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In this study, the corrosion behavior and degradation mechanism of Ti–Pt-coated stainless steel bipolar plates were investigated through electrochemical tests and surface analysis in a polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) operating environment. The coated bipolar plate has a corrosion current density of only 1.68 × 10−8 A/cm2, which is an order of magnitude lower than that of the bare SS316L substrate (1.94 × 10−7 A/cm2), indicating that its corrosion resistance is superior to that of bare SS316L substrate. However, in the PEMWE operating environment, the protection efficiency of the coating and the corrosion resistance of the coated bipolar plate decreased. The degradation of the coated bipolar plate can be attributed to electrolyte penetration into the blistering areas of the coating layer with micro voids. Defects in the coating layer occur because of the pressure of oxygen gas generated within the coating layer under high-potential conditions, thereby exposing the substrate to the electrolyte and corrosion.

Background: Drug-induced hypersensitivity such as anaphylaxis is an important cause of drug-related morbidity and mortality. Cefaclor is a leading cause of drug induced type I hypersensitivity in Korea, but little is yet known about genetic biomarkers to predict this hypersensitivity reaction. We aimed to evaluate the possible involvement of genes in cefaclor induced type I hypersensitivity. Methods: Whole exome sequencing (WES) and HLA genotyping were performed in 43 patients with cefaclor induced type I hypersensitivity. In addition, homology modeling was performed to identify the binding forms of cefaclor to HLA site. Results: Anaphylaxis was the most common phenotype of cefaclor hypersensitivity (90.69%). WES results show that rs62242177 and rs62242178 located in LIMD1 region were genome-wide significant at the 5 × 10−8 significance level. Cefaclor induced type I hypersensitivity was significantly associated with HLA-DRB1∗04:03 (OR 4.61 [95% CI 1.51–14.09], P

This study looked at the application of multiple bulk stable isotope ratio analysis to accurately authenticate organic rice and counteract organic fraud within the expanding global organic market. Variations of δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, and δ34S in organic, pesticide-free, and conventional rice were assessed across different milling states (brown, milled, and bran). Individual stable isotope ratio alone such as δ15N demonstrated limited capacity to correctly differentiate organic, pesticide-free, and conventional rice. A support vector machine model—incorporating δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, and δ34S in milled rice—yielded overall predictability (95%) in distinguishing organic, pesticide-free, and conventional rice, where δ18O emerged as the pivotal variable based on the feature weights in the SVM model. These findings suggest the potential of multi-isotope and advanced statistical approaches in combating organic fraud and ensuring authenticity in the food supply chain.

Background: This study aimed to compare surgical outcomes between two new robotic single-site myomectomy (RSSM)-complementary techniques: coaxial robotic single-site myomectomy (Coaxial-RSSM) and hybrid robotic single-site myomectomy (Hybrid-RSSM). Methods: Medical records for 132 women undergoing Coaxial-RSSM and 150 undergoing Hybrid-RSSM, consecutively, were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were assessed and compared after propensity score matching (PSM). Results: In the outcomes of PSM, the Coaxial-RSSM group showed significantly reduced blood loss (79.71 vs. 163.75 mL, p < 0.001) and reduced hospital duration (4.18 ± 0.62 vs. 4.63 ± 0.90) relative to the Hybrid-RSSM group. Conversely, Hybrid-RSSM allowed for a shorter operative time compared with Coaxial-RSSM (119.19 vs. 156.01 min, p = 0.007). No conversions to conventional laparoscopy or laparotomy or any need for the multi-site robotic approach occurred in either group. Postoperative complications, including ileus, fever, and wound dehiscence, showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions: Blood loss was lower with Coaxial-RSSM, and operative time was shorter for Hybrid-RSSM. A follow-up prospective study is warranted for more comprehensive comparison of surgical outcomes between the two techniques.

(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN)-based ceramics have been extensively investigated as replacements for Pb(Zr, Ti)O3-based ceramics. KNN-based ceramics exhibit an orthorhombic structure at room temperature and a rhombohedral–orthorhombic (R–O) phase transition temperature (TR–O), orthorhombic–tetragonal (O–T) phase transition temperature (TO–T), and Curie temperature of −110, 190, and 420 °C, respectively. Forming KNN-based ceramics with a multistructure that can assist in domain rotation is one technique for enhancing their piezoelectric properties. This review investigates and introduces KNN-based ceramics with various multistructures. A reactive-templated grain growth method that aligns the grains of piezoceramics in a specific orientation is another approach for improving the piezoelectric properties of KNN-modified ceramics. The piezoelectric properties of the [001]-textured KNN-based ceramics are improved because their microstructures are similar to those of the [001]-oriented single crystals. The improvement in the piezoelectric properties after [001] texturing is largely influenced by the crystal structure of the textured ceramics. In this review, [001]-textured KNN-based ceramics with different crystal structures are investigated and systematically summarized.

To date, 14C tracer studies using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) have not yet resolved lipid-soluble analytes into individual lipoprotein density subclasses. The objective of this work was to develop a reliable method for lipoprotein separation and quantitative recovery for biokinetic modeling purposes. The novel method developed provides the means for use of small volumes (10–200 µL) of frozen plasma as a starting material for continuous isopycnic lipoprotein separation within a carbon- and pH-stable analyte matrix, which, following post-separation fraction clean up, created samples suitable for highly accurate 14C/12C isotope ratio determinations by AMS. Manual aspiration achieved 99.2 ± 0.41% recovery of [5-14CH3]-(2R, 4′R, 8′R)-α-tocopherol contained within 25 µL plasma recovered in triacylglycerol rich lipoproteins (TRL = Chylomicrons + VLDL), LDL, HDL, and infranatant (INF) from each of 10 different sampling times for one male and one female subject, n = 20 total samples. Small sample volumes of previously frozen plasma and high analyte recoveries make this an attractive method for AMS studies using newer, smaller footprint AMS equipment to develop genuine tracer analyses of lipophilic nutrients or compounds in all human age ranges.

Abstract The device concept of ferroelectric-based negative capacitance (NC) transistors offers a promising route for achieving energy-efficient logic applications that can outperform the conventional semiconductor technology, while viable operation mechanisms remain a central topic of debate. In this work, we report steep slope switching in MoS2 transistors back-gated by single-layer polycrystalline PbZr0.35Ti0.65O3. The devices exhibit current switching ratios up to 8 × 106 within an ultra-low gate voltage window of $$V_{{{\mathrm{g}}}} = \pm \! 0.5$$ V g = ± 0.5 V and subthreshold swing (SS) as low as 9.7 mV decade−1 at room temperature, transcending the 60 mV decade−1 Boltzmann limit without involving additional dielectric layers. Theoretical modeling reveals the dominant role of the metastable polar states within domain walls in enabling the NC mode, which is corroborated by the relation between SS and domain wall density. Our findings shed light on a hysteresis-free mechanism for NC operation, providing a simple yet effective material strategy for developing low-power 2D nanoelectronics.

Abstract Background Non-adherence in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) results in symptoms, such as aggravation, BD recurrence, emergency room visits, re-hospitalization, and poor psychosocial outcomes. Though non-adherence rates have been reported to range between 30–50% in patients with BD, the problem of adherence is often either overlooked by the physician or denied by the patient. An essential first step to enhancing medication adherence is to objectively estimate adherence. The Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS), which is a pill bottle cap with a microprocessor, is an accurate device for assessing medication adherence. Using the MEMS, we aimed to measure medication adherence in patients with BD and evaluate the factors associated with and 6-month changes in medication adherence. Methods Participants with BD were recruited from the psychiatric outpatient clinic of the Korea University Guro Hospital. The medication adherence of each participant was assessed using the MEMS, a self-report, pill count, and clinician rating. MEMS-measured adherence was reassessed after 6 months. Patient demographics were recorded and clinical assessments were conducted. Data were analyzed using Kappa statistics and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results Of the 59 participants, 50 records were included in the analysis. Patient adherence and adherence rate assessed by the MEMS were lower than those assessed by the other measures. MEMS-measured adherence was correlated more closely with pill counts than with self-reports or clinician ratings. MEMS-measured adherence was negatively associated with prescription duration and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale—Affect Subscale Score. Six-month changes in MEMS-measured adherence were positively associated with attitude toward drugs and negatively associated with weight gain assessed by the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser Side Effect Rating Scale. Conclusions Clinicians may have to consider the limited accuracy of self-reporting and clinician rating methods and exercise caution when assessing the medication adherence of patients with BD using these methods. Our findings may assist clinicians in the assessment and improvement of medication adherence in patients with BD and, consequently, may be useful for the treatment and prevention of BD recurrence.

BackgroundMental health issues, including panic disorder (PD), are prevalent and often co-occur with anxiety and bipolar disorders. While panic disorder is characterized by unexpected panic attacks, and its treatment often involves antidepressants, there is a 20–40% risk of inducing mania (antidepressant-induced mania) during treatment, making it crucial to understand mania risk factors. However, research on clinical and neurological characteristics of patients with anxiety disorders who develop mania is limited.MethodsIn this single case study, we conducted a larger prospective study on panic disorder, comparing baseline data between one patient who developed mania (PD-manic) and others who did not (PD-NM group). We enrolled 27 patients with panic disorder and 30 healthy controls (HCs) and examined alterations in amygdala-based brain connectivity using a seed-based whole-brain approach. We also performed exploratory comparisons with healthy controls using ROI-to-ROI analyses and conducted statistical inferences at a threshold of cluster-level family-wise error-corrected p < 0.05, with the cluster-forming threshold at the voxel level of uncorrected p < 0.001.ResultsThe patient with PD-mania showed lower connectivity in brain regions related to the default mode network (left precuneous cortex, maximum z-value within the cluster = −6.99) and frontoparietal network (right middle frontal gyrus, maximum z-value within the cluster = −7.38; two regions in left supramarginal gyrus, maximum z-value within the cluster = −5.02 and −5.86), and higher in brain regions associated with visual processing network (right lingual gyrus, maximum z-value within the cluster = 7.86; right lateral occipital cortex, maximum z-value within the cluster = 8.09; right medial temporal gyrus, maximum z-value within the cluster = 8.16) in the patient with PD-mania compared to the PD-NM group. One significantly identified cluster, the left medial temporal gyrus (maximum z-value within the cluster = 5.82), presented higher resting-state functional connectivity with the right amygdala. Additionally, ROI-to-ROI analysis revealed that significant clusters between PD-manic and PD-NM groups differed from HCs in the PD-manic group but not in the PD-NM group.ConclusionHere, we demonstrate altered amygdala-DMN and amygdala-FPN connectivity in the PD-manic patient, as reported in bipolar disorder (hypo) manic episodes. Our study suggests that amygdala-based resting-state functional connectivity could serve as a potential biomarker for antidepressant-induced mania in panic disorder patients. Our findings provide an advance in understanding the neurological basis of antidepressant-induced mania, but further research with larger cohorts and more cases is necessary for a broader perspective on this issue.

IntroductionRecurrences and diagnostic instability of panic disorder (PD) are common and have a negative effect on its long-term course. Developing a novel assessment tool for anxiety that can be used in a multimodal approach may improve these problems in panic disorder patients. This study assessed the feasibility of virtual reality-based assessment in panic disorder (VRA-PD).MethodsTwenty-five patients with PD (ANX group) and 28 healthy adults (CON group) participated in the study. VRA-PD consisted of four modules based on the key components of cognitive behavior therapy for an anxiety disorder: “Baseline evaluation module” (M0), “Daily environment exposure module” (M1), “Relaxation module” (M2), and “Interoceptive exposure module” (M3). Multiple evaluations, including self-rating anxiety scores (AS) and physiological responses [heart rate variability (HRV) index], were performed in three steps at M1, M2, and M3, and once at M0. Comparisons between patients with PD and healthy controls, factor analysis of variables in VRA-PD, changes in responses within modules, and correlation analysis between variables in VRA-PD and anxiety symptoms assessed by psychological scales were performed.ResultsAll participants completed the VRA-PD without discontinuation. The ANX group reported significantly higher AS for all steps and a smaller HRV index in M1 (steps 1 and 2) and M2 (step 1). Repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed significant interaction effects for AS in M1 (F = 4.09, p = 0.02) and M2 (F = 4.20, p = 0.02), and HRV index in M2 (F = 16.22, p < 0.001) and M3 (F = 21.22, p = 0.02). The HRV index only indicated a good model fit for the three-factor model, reflecting the construct of the VRA-PD. Both AS and HRV indexes were significantly correlated with anxiety and depression symptoms.DiscussionThe current study provides preliminary evidence that the VRA-PD could be a valid anxiety behavior assessment tool.

Abstract Background To investigate preoperative clinical features and postoperative results according to the correspondence between excyclotorsion and the paretic eye in patients with congenital unilateral superior oblique palsy (USOP). Methods A retrospective review of medical charts was performed. The patients were divided into the accordance (ocular excyclotorsion in the paretic eye) and disaccordance (ocular excyclotorsion in the non-paretic eye) groups. The degree of excyclotorsion (scale, 0–4) was measured. Age, sex, hypertropia at the primary position, fixation preference, inferior oblique overaction, and degree of excyclotorsion were measured. Results Ninety-eight patients were included in this study. There were 70 (71.4%) and 28 patients (28.6%) in the accordance and disaccordance groups. Sixteen patients (22.9%) in the accordance group and 12 patients (42.9%) in the disaccordance group were aged under 2 years (p = 0.04). A fixation preference of the paretic eye was observed in 2 (2.9%) and 8 (28.6%) patients in the accordance and disaccordance groups (p 1) were observed in the disaccordance group (14 patients, 50%) and accordance group (16 patients, 22.9%) (p = 0.01). Conclusion Preoperative disaccordance between excyclotorsion and the paretic eye was observed in patients who were under 2 years of age and preferred fixation of the paretic eye. The postoperative degree of excyclotorsion was lower in the accordance group.

Abstract Background Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) has been used as a valuable ingredient in traditional medicine for thousands of years mostly in Asian countries due to its therapeutic effects in various diseases. Among the processed ginseng products, black ginseng is produced by a repeated steaming and drying process of ginseng roots and has been known for its superior efficacy based on high accumulation of minor ginsenosides as recently discovered. Despite its popularity and increasing use, the toxicity information on black ginseng still remained largely lacking, raising safety concerns. This study was therefore carried out to determine the repeated oral toxicity of black ginseng extract (BGE; CJ EnerG) with evaluation of cytotoxic activity as validation of its pharmacological activity for toxicity testing. Methods Prior to the toxicity test, we examined the cytotoxicity of BGE in six cancer cell lines derived from distinct human tissues in comparison with red ginseng extract (RGE), ginsenosides Rg5 and 20(S)-Rg3, and then assessed 28-day repeated oral toxicity in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using daily administration of up to 2000 mg/kg BGE. Results BGE showed higher cytotoxicity than RGE in all the cell lines used in this study. Interestingly, the efficacy of BGE closely resembled the cytotoxic pattern of Rg5, suggesting Rg5 as the main effector in the cytotoxic activity of BGE. During the toxicity study, BGE-treated groups showed no noticeable abnormality in clinical signs, body weight gain, food and water consumption and urinalysis. Furthermore, hematological, serum biochemical and histopathological analyses did not find any BGE-related toxicity. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that BGE has broad-spectrum in vitro cytotoxic activity, and that NOAEL of BGE in SD rats is > 2000 mg/kg, providing the essential safety information for human consumption.

Abstract Background The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) innervates and regulates the sensation of the mandibular teeth and lower lip. The position of the IAN should be monitored prior to surgery. Therefore, a study using artificial intelligence (AI) was planned to image and track the position of the IAN automatically for a quicker and safer surgery. Methods A total of 138 cone-beam computed tomography datasets (Internal: 98, External: 40) collected from multiple centers (three hospitals) were used in the study. A customized 3D nnU-Net was used for image segmentation. Active learning, which consists of three steps, was carried out in iterations for 83 datasets with cumulative additions after each step. Subsequently, the accuracy of the model for IAN segmentation was evaluated using the 50 datasets. The accuracy by deriving the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) value and the segmentation time for each learning step were compared. In addition, visual scoring was considered to comparatively evaluate the manual and automatic segmentation. Results After learning, the DSC gradually increased to 0.48 ± 0.11 to 0.50 ± 0.11, and 0.58 ± 0.08. The DSC for the external dataset was 0.49 ± 0.12. The times required for segmentation were 124.8, 143.4, and 86.4 s, showing a large decrease at the final stage. In visual scoring, the accuracy of manual segmentation was found to be higher than that of automatic segmentation. Conclusions The deep active learning framework can serve as a fast, accurate, and robust clinical tool for demarcating IAN location.

Abstract Childhood trauma (ChT) is a risk factor for psychosis. Negative lifestyle factors such as rumination, negative schemas, and poor diet and exercise are common in psychosis. The present study aimed to perform a network analysis of interactions between ChT and negative lifestyle in patients and controls. We used data of patients with early-stage psychosis (n = 500) and healthy controls (n = 202). Networks were constructed using 12 nodes from five scales: the Brief Core Schema Scale (BCSS), Brooding Scale (BS), Dietary Habits Questionnaire, Physical Activity Rating, and Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form (ETI). Graph metrics were calculated. The nodes with the highest predictability and expected influence in both patients and controls were cognitive and emotional components of the BS and emotional abuse of the ETI. The emotional abuse was a mediator in the shortest pathway connecting the ETI and negative lifestyle for both groups. The negative others and negative self of the BCSS mediated emotional abuse to other BCSS or BS for patients and controls, respectively. Our findings suggest that rumination and emotional abuse were central symptoms in both groups and that negative others and negative self played important mediating roles for patients and controls, respectively. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: CUH201411002.

Lac dye is a natural colorant derived mainly from the insect Kerria lacca (Kerr) and has been used in food and beverage as a red-coloring additive. Despite its increasing use for human consumption as an alternative for allergy-associated cochineal, its toxicity profile remained incomplete to sufficiently assess its safety for the intended use. In this study, we evaluated systemic and genetic toxicity by performing acute and subacute oral toxicity studies in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats using highly purified lac dye (LD) formulated in water and a battery of genotoxicity tests, respectively. To assess antigenic potentials, we carried out an in vivo passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test. A single dose of LD did not cause mortality at 5000 mg/kg body weight (BW), setting oral LD50 of >5000 mg/kg BW in SD rats. In the 90-day study, transient salivation without accompanying histopathological lesions in the salivary glands in 200 and 500 mg/kg BW groups and red-purple pigmentation on the surface of femora and skulls in 500 mg/kg groups were observed as nonadverse effects associated with LD, and no adverse effect was detected in all of the parameters examined, establishing a 500 mg/kg BW as no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL). Furthermore, LD was not mutagenic nor clastogenic in the genotoxicity tests. When tested for antigenicity, LD did not induce anaphylactic skin responses as opposed to the positive reaction by ovalbumin, suggesting a lack of antigenicity. Taken together, these findings provide extended toxicity information on LD with direct evidence supporting the lack of antigenicity, providing essential guidance for its safe use in humans.

Although the importance of proper pharmacological treatment for preventing the relapse/recurrence of anxiety disorders is well known, a real-world data-based study has not been conducted. We aimed to investigate the effect of the initial pharmacological patterns related to continuous treatment and the choice of medication on the relapse/recurrence of anxiety disorders. We used claim data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, South Korea, of 34,378 adults who received psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, after being newly diagnosed with anxiety disorders. We compared the relapse/recurrence rate in the patients receiving continuous pharmacological treatment with those who discontinued treatment early using Cox’s proportional-hazards model. Patients receiving continuous pharmacological treatment experienced a higher risk of relapse/recurrence than those who discontinued treatment. Using three or more antidepressants during the initial treatment period decreased the risk of relapse/recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.229 (0.204–0.256)); however, the combined use of antidepressants from the beginning of treatment increased the risk (aHR = 1.215 (1.131–1.305)). Factors other than continuous pharmacological treatment should be considered to effectively prevent the relapse/recurrence of anxiety disorders. The active use of antidepressants, including switching or adding medications based on progress and frequent follow-up visits during the acute phase, were significantly associated with a reduction in the relapse/recurrence of anxiety disorders.

Abstract We investigated the period of postoperative exodrift during follow-up and clinical factors that affect the rate of exodrift after surgery in the patients with intermittent exotropia (IXT). A retrospective review of medical records of patients with exodrift who underwent bilateral rectus recession for IXT was performed. Exodrift was defined as angle of deviation greater than 10 prism diopters (PD) at distance and near. The median survival period of postoperative exodrift was analyzed using Kaplan Meier survival analysis. The patients were divided into two groups according to the median period of postoperative exodrift (early and late group). The weighted Cox’s proportional hazards regression analysis to investigate the risk factors that affect rate of postoperative exodrift was performed. A total of 108 patients was included. The preoperative angle of deviation at distance and near were 30.3 ± 7.2 PD and 29.5 ± 8.6 PD, respectively. The median survival period of postoperative exodrift was 24 months (range, 6–48 months).The angle of deviation at postoperative day 1 in early and late group were − 3.8 ± 5.5 PD (range, − 16–8 PD) and − 7.7 ± 4.6 PD (range, − 16–4 PD) (p

Abstract With the increasing globalization of the food trade across countries and continents, reliable identification of the geographical origin of products is critical. In this study, we describe the limitations of the current origin labeling system for non-soil-based agricultural products and suggest alternative strategies for the identification of the geographical origin of such products. An origin identification model based on stable isotope ratio analysis combined with discriminant analysis is used to evaluate the similarities and dissimilarities between domestic and foreign shiitake mushrooms, including Chinese inoculated sawdust blocks and Chinese origin. The results show a classification sensitivity of 92.0%, classification specificity of 91.5%, and overall accuracy of 93.5%. In particular, δ15N was the most important isotope marker for the identification of the origin of shiitake mushrooms. Hence, the current origin labeling system for mushroom species has to be revised to establish fair trade and avoid improper origin labeling in the global shiitake market.

Abstract We evaluated the long-term surgical outcomes of medial rectus (MR) recession with the Faden operation in consecutive esotropia (CET). We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent MR recession with the Faden operation for CET between 2013 and 2018, and compared surgical outcomes between patients who underwent MR recession with the Faden operation (Faden group) and MR recession only (control group). We followed up the patients at 24 months postoperatively. Postoperative success was defined as final deviation of less than distant 5 prism diopters (PD) of eso- or exodeviation at the final visit. We compared postoperative alignment and stereoacuity between the two groups. Stereoacuity was classified as good (60 or better seconds of arc), fair (80–3000 s of arc) or nil. The Faden and control group included 11 and 13 patients, respectively. All patients in the Faden group showed orthophoria and eight patients (72.7%) showed good stereoacuity at the final visit. One patient (9.1%) in the Faden group showed adduction limitation at the final visit. Eight patients (61.5%) in the control group had successful outcomes at the final visit. Six patients (46.2%) in the control group showed good stereoacuity at the final visit. One patient (7.7%) in the control group underwent reoperation for recurrent esotropia at 18 months postoperatively. The surgical outcomes after MR recession with the Faden operation for CET were excellent in long-term follow- up. The Faden operation could be a good surgical option for CET.

This report focuses on the application of a biodegradable biowaste [human hair-(HHR)], to produce a mild steel corrosion inhibitor. The performance of HHR extract in inhibiting metallic corrosion in 1 mol/L HCl was investigated. The analysis of the metal corrosion behavior using electrochemical and weight loss techniques revealed that HHR exhibits an efficient corrosion-mitigating effect via adsorption on the metal surface following a Langmuir isotherm. Tafel-plot results revealed the mixed-mode corrosion protection behavior of HHR. Surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy provided evidence for the precipitation of a protective HHR film on the metal surface.

Background: Beneficial effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear. Methods: We examined whether pretreatment (daily from 2 hours before PCOS induction) with KRG extract in water (KRGE; 75 and 150 mg/kg/day, p.o.) could exert a favorable effect in a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS rat model. Results: Pretreatment with KRGE significantly inhibited the elevation of body and ovary weights, the increase in number and size of ovarian cysts, and the elevation of serum testosterone and estradiol levels induced by DHEA. Pretreatment with KRGE also inhibited macrophage infiltration and enhanced mRNA expression levels of chemokines [interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase in ovaries induced by DHEA. It also prevented the reduction in mRNA expression of growth factors (epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta (EGF, TGF-β)) related to inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell pathway and stimulation of the nuclear factor erythroid–derived 2-related factor 2 pathway. Interestingly, KRGE or representative ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3(s)) inhibited the activity of inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS, cytosolic p-IkB, and nuclear p–nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells, whereas they increased nuclear factor erythroid–derived 2-related factor 2 nuclear translocation. Conclusion: These results provide that KRGE could prevent DHEA-induced PCOS via antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, KRGE may be used in preventive and therapeutic strategies for PCOS-like symptoms.

Asthma: Inflammatory protein drives adult-onset disease Aging and viral infections in older individuals may combine to spur the release of an inflammatory protein implicated in late-onset asthma. A team led by Hae-Sim Park from Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea, showed that people who develop asthma after age 40 have higher blood levels of osteopontin, a multifunctional protein with roles in airway inflammation and tissue remodeling, than people who develop asthma at a younger age or healthy individuals. The researchers developed two ovalbumin-induced asthma models in younger and older mice, and found that older mice developed more severe airway hyperresponsiveness with higher levels of osteopontin, among other inflammatory markers, which were emnhanced by viral infection. Drug therapies that target osteopontin signaling could help combat the late-onset asthma.

With the popularization of smart devices, companies are adopting bring-your-own-device or mobile office policies that utilize personal smart devices for work. However, as work data are stored on individual smart devices, critical security threats are emerging, such as the leakage of confidential documents. Enterprises want to address this issue by adapting enterprise mobility management (EMM) solutions. Appwrapping is among the core technologies in EMM solutions, enabling security function insertion or misused code patching without the original application (app) source code. Studies on permission control, misused code patching, security function insertion based on static policies, etc., have been conducted, but there are limitations such as poor user convenience and overhead. In this paper, we propose an AppWrapper toolkit to support dynamic polices. Basically it can insert security function execution code into apps by using appwrapping technology without the original source code. This code uses Java reflection to invoke security functions dynamically based on preset policies. Accordingly, after the initial appwrapping, the policy can be changed easily. In addition, even when multiple security functions are required, Java reflection can invoke multiple security functions dynamically and simultaneously without conflicting with the existing code. The AppWrapper toolkit also provides a log function to check in real time where the security function is needed. Hence, the policy-setting administrator can check the log in real time and implement the security function where needed. Our experimental results show that this technique improves significantly the efficiency, effectiveness, and convenience of adding security function execution code.

Interfacing gene delivery vehicles with biomaterials has the potential to play a key role in diversifying gene transfer capabilities, including localized, patterned, and controlled delivery. However, strategies for modifying biomaterials to interact with delivery vectors must be redesigned whenever new delivery vehicles and applications are explored. We have developed a vector-independent biomaterial platform capable of interacting with various adeno-associated viral (AAV) serotypes. A water-soluble, cysteine-tagged, recombinant protein version of the recently discovered multi-AAV serotype receptor (AAVR), referred to as cys-AAVR, was conjugated to maleimide-displaying polycaprolactone (PCL) materials using click chemistry. The resulting cys-AAVR-PCL system bound to a broad range of therapeutically relevant AAV serotypes, thereby providing a platform capable of modulating the delivery of all AAV serotypes. Intramuscular injection of cys-AAVR-PCL microspheres with bound AAV vectors resulted in localized and sustained gene delivery as well as reduced spread to off-target organs compared to a vector solution. This cys-AAVR-PCL system is thus an effective approach for biomaterial-based AAV gene delivery for a broad range of therapeutic applications. Keywords: adeno-associated virus, AAVR, localized gene delivery, sustained gene delivery, controlled gene delivery

Ferrocement is a cost-effective construction material used in the low-cost constructions. It is produced with the combination of cement mortar with closely spaced wire mesh known as chicken wire mesh. Ferrocement process eliminates coarse aggregates when compared to reinforced concrete thus makes the process simple. This paper deals with the influence of various characteristics of warp knitted fabric on the flexural properties of ferrocement composites. Ferrocement composites have a wide range of applications in the construction industry and it has some limitations due to the durability issues. Among the various durability issues, corrosion is one of the main issues to be addressed to enhance the long-term service life of the ferrocement composites. The idea of using non-metallic mesh to eliminate the corrosion problem is discussed in this paper. In this experiment, warp knitted fabric reinforced ferrocement composites were produced using polypropylene warp knitted fabrics. This paper deals with the flexural properties of ferrocement composites made of warp knitted fabric coated with expoxy. This paper deals with the flexural properties of ferrocement composites made of warp knitted fabric coated with expoxy. These composites were analyzed for their flexural strength, energy absorption and ductile property. The variables in the experiment are filament thickness, warp knitted structure and number of layers in the composites. Experimental results proved that the replacement of chicken mesh wire by warp knitted fabrics has an impact in the flexural properties of the composites and the effect of variables in the experiment set up has been analyzed. There is an imporvement of 200% is observed in the first crack load and 120% improvement in the ultimate load of the warp knit fabric reinforced composite compared to control sample. Experimental results proved that there is an increase in flexural strength of ferrocement composites made up with warp knitted fabrics. Microstructure studies like SEM and EDX on ferrocement laminates confirmed good bonding between the mortar mix and warp knitted fabrics.

Industrial silica sand is a by-product obtained from the industries like paint, paper, rubber etc. It has a similar property with river sand and& M sand. This study explores the effect of high content of silica sand as a partial replacement for fine aggregate for concrete making in construction purpose. In this present research four types of silica sand from two different industrial units (coarser silica sand (VC and TC) and finer silica sand (VF and TF)) were used. The physical classification and morphology observation of silica sand through scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is examined. Fresh and hardened concrete properties were performed for the six sand samples, with two grades (M20 and M30) of concrete. No new compositions or phases were identified in silica sand concrete. Both fine and coarse silica sands were finer than river sand and M sand, as evaluated from the physical classification. The workability of silica sand mix at a fresh state improves the concrete performance up to 40%. The mix, which contains 80% coarser silica sand (TC) with 20% river sand, attained the maximum compressive strength of 34.5 Mpa and tensile strength of 3.5 Mpa at 28 days, which was the greatest of all the mixes. The combination of silica sand and river sand or M sand showed the superior impact of the concrete over the discrete concrete. SEM images showed the well-developed hydrated products like calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), calcium hydroxide (CH) and ettringite in all concrete mixes. It was observed from the XRD pattern that all concrete mixes containing silica sand have a high peak of quartz (SiO2), and calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) exhibits the formation of hydration products in the concrete. Similar stretching and bending patterns of silica sand concrete relates the pattern of nominal sand concrete as observed from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

Flexibility and homogeneity are preferred properties for the kesterite solar modules to compete with silicon counterparts. Here, Yang et al. achieve these properties by designing a thin and multi-layered precursor structure and at the same time increase the open circuit voltage and device efficiency.

A blockchain as a trustworthy and secure decentralized and distributed network has been emerged for many applications such as in banking, finance, insurance, healthcare and business. Recently, many communities in blockchain networks want to deploy machine learning models to get meaningful knowledge from geographically distributed large-scale data owned by each participant. To run a learning model without data centralization, distributed machine learning (DML) for blockchain networks has been studied. While several works have been proposed, privacy and security have not been sufficiently addressed, and as we show later, there are vulnerabilities in the architecture and limitations in terms of efficiency. In this paper, we propose a privacy-preserving DML model for a permissioned blockchain to resolve the privacy, security, and performance issues in a systematic way. We develop a differentially private stochastic gradient descent method and an error-based aggregation rule as core primitives. Our model can treat any type of differentially private learning algorithm where non-deterministic functions should be defined. The proposed error-based aggregation rule is effective to prevent attacks by an adversarial node that tries to deteriorate the accuracy of DML models. Our experiment results show that our proposed model provides stronger resilience against adversarial attacks than other aggregation rules under a differentially private scenario. Finally, we show that our proposed model has high usability because it has low computational complexity and low transaction latency.

Fuzzy authentication uses non-deterministic or noisy data, like biometrics, as an authentication factor. Although the data is extracted from the same individual or source, it can be different for each measurement. As a result, one of the main issues in fuzzy authentication is the effective processing of the fuzziness, while guaranteeing the privacy of the fuzzy data. Biometric data is a typical user-generated fuzzy data and the fuzzy extractor is one of the most promising primitives for biometric authentication these days. In 2016, Canetti et al. proposed the reusable fuzzy extractor, in which multiple keys can be generated with the same biometric data. It can also handle some outliers which occur unexpectedly (owing to an external interference when acquiring the fuzzy data, for example, the presence of dust on a fingerprint image). However, the size of the user's helper data in the reusable fuzzy extractor is quite large. This makes the network bandwidth usage required in the online authentication phase (or the storage required on the user side) considerable, which inconveniences the user. In this paper, we present a new primitive for fuzzy authentication, called a fuzzy vector signature (FVS) scheme, which significantly alleviates the burden on the user side. This means that the network bandwidth usage (or the amount of storage required on the user side) is significantly reduced. The proposed FVS scheme is reusable and robust to outliers as well. Finally, we provide a privacy-preserving fuzzy authentication protocol based on the FVS scheme.

Chrysanthemum indicum is an important ornamental and medicinal plant that is often difficult to propagate commercially because of its poor germination and low seed viability. This plant is mostly propagated by cutting, but the rooting is slow and non-uniform. The present investigation evaluated the regeneration capacity of stem cutting by examining the influence of auxins, growth medium, temperature, and explant type on adventitious root formation in C. indicum. The auxin-treated cuttings were planted in different growth substrates under greenhouse conditions. Among the different auxins tested, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) more effectively induced roots. The cutting position of stock plants influenced rooting capacity. Cutting the stock plants from the apical region enhanced root number and length in the explants. Among the different explant types, apical stem cuts with 2000 ppm IBA produced a significantly higher number of adventitious roots when grown in vermiculite and perlite (V + P) at a ratio of 1:1 at 25 °C. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that protocatechuic acid, gentisic acid, chlorogenic acid, biochanin A, salicylic acid, caffeic acid, glycitein, and luteolin were the most dominant phenolic compounds present in C. indicum. These results indicate that IBA treatment promoted the synthesis and accumulation of phenolic compounds in C. indicum stem cuttings at the time of root formation. The present results demonstrate that applying auxins is essential for early root initiation and higher rooting success and thus may be beneficial for vegetative C. indicum propagation.

Spoofing attacks in face recognition systems are easy because faces are always exposed. Various remote photoplethysmography-based methods to detect face spoofing have been developed. However, they are vulnerable to replay attacks. In this study, we propose a remote photoplethysmography-based face recognition spoofing detection method that minimizes the susceptibility to certain database dependencies and high-quality replay attacks without additional devices. The proposed method has the following advantages. First, because only an RGB camera is used to detect spoofing attacks, the proposed method is highly usable in various mobile environments. Second, solutions are incorporated in the method to obviate new attack scenarios that have not been previously dealt with. In this study, we propose a remote photoplethysmography-based face recognition spoofing detection method that improves susceptibility to certain database dependencies and high-quality replay attack, which are the limitations of previous methods without additional devices. In the experiment, we also verified the cut-off attack scenario in the jaw and cheek area where the proposed method can be counter-attacked. By using the time series feature and the frequency feature of the remote photoplethysmography signal, it was confirmed that the accuracy of spoof detection was 99.7424%.

In existing mobile computing environments, users need to choose between their privacy and the services that they can receive from an application. However, existing mobile platforms do not allow users to perform such trade‐offs in a fine‐grained manner. In this study, we investigate whether users can effectively make utility‐privacy trade‐offs when they are provided with a multilevel privacy control method that allows them to recognize the different quality of service that they will receive from an application by limiting the disclosure of their private information in multiple levels. We designed a research model to observe users’ utility‐privacy trade‐offs in accordance with the privacy control methods and other factors such as the trustworthiness of an application, quality level of private information, and users’ privacy preferences. We conducted a user survey with 516 participants and found that, compared with the existing binary privacy controls, both the service utility and the privacy protection levels were significantly increased when the users used the multilevel privacy control method.

Background: The geographical origin of Panax ginseng Meyer, a valuable medicinal plant, is important to both ginseng producers and consumers in the context of economic profit and human health benefits. We, therefore, aimed to discriminate between the cultivation regions of ginseng using the stable isotope ratios of C, N, O, and S, which are abundant bioelements in living organisms. Methods: Six Korean ginseng cultivars (3-yr-old roots) were collected from five different regions in Korea. The C, N, O, and S stable isotope ratios in ginseng roots were measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry, and then these isotope ratio profiles were statistically analyzed using chemometrics. Results: The various isotope ratios found in P. ginseng roots were significantly influenced by region, cultivar, and the interactions between these two factors (p ≤ 0.001). The variation in δ15N and δ13C in ginseng roots was significant for discriminating between different ginseng cultivation regions, and δ18O and δ34S were also affected by both altitude and proximity to coastal areas. Chemometric model results tested in this study provided discrimination between the majority of different cultivation regions. Based on the external validation, this chemometric model also showed good model performance (R2 = 0.853 and Q2 = 0.738). Conclusion: Our case study elucidates the variation of C, N, O, and S stable isotope ratios in ginseng root depending on cultivation region. Hence, the analysis of stable isotope ratios is a suitable tool for discrimination between the regional origins of ginseng samples from Korea, with potential application to other countries. Keywords: geographical origin, Panax ginseng, PCA, PLS-DA, stable isotope ratio

Objectives Life-sustaining treatment is any treatment that serves to prolong life without reversing the underlying medical conditions, and includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, haemodialysis and left ventricular assist devices. This study aimed to investigate the thoughts on life-sustaining treatment of Koreans and to assess the factors associated with deciding to not receive life-sustaining treatment if they develop a terminal disease.Design Cross-sectional study.Setting Guro-gu centre for dementia from 1 May 2018 to 31 December 2019.Participants In total, 150 individuals participated in this study.Outcome measures The questionnaire consisted of self-report items with some instructions, demographic characteristics, thoughts on life-sustaining treatment and psychosocial scales. The preferences of the participants were investigated on the assumption that they develop terminal cancer. The psychosocial scales included the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS).Results We classified our participants into two groups: individuals who wanted to receive life-sustaining treatment (IRLT) and individuals who wanted to not receive life-sustaining treatment (INLT). There were twice as many participants in the INLT group than there were in the IRLT. In making this decision, the INLT group focused more on physical and mental distress. Additionally, 32.7% of participants responded that terminal status was an optimal time for this decision, but more participants want to decide it earlier. The GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were significantly higher in the INLT group than in the IRLT group. However, the INLT group had significantly lower MSPSS family scores.Conclusion Our findings can help assess issues regarding advance directives and life-sustaining treatment, and will be a reference for designing future studies on this issue.

The ternary solid solution Bi1/2(Na0.78K0.22)1/2TiO3-BiMg1/2Ti1/2O3 (BNKT-BMT) was investigated for high-strain actuator applications. This study of the BNKT-BMT system looked at the macroscopic properties as a function of BMT doping, temperature, and virgin vs poled states in order to gain new insights into the impact of quenched compositional disorder on non-ergodic to ergodic behavior in relaxor ferroelectrics. A gradual transition toward ergodic relaxor ferroelectric behavior was observed in the electric field induced polarization and strain of the BNKT-BMT system with an increase in concentration of BMT and an increase in temperature. BNKT-0%BMT exhibits a remarkable room temperature large-signal piezoelectric strain equivalent to an effective piezoelectric coefficient (d33*) >1000 pm/V at 5.5 kV/mm during the first virgin drive cycle due to the significant strain arising from an irreversible field induced phase transition characteristic of a non-ergodic relaxor ferroelectric. The maximum room temperature large-signal effective piezoelectric coefficient d33* observed for reversible bipolar cycling drive conditions was 685 pm/V at 5.5 kV/mm for BNKT-4%BMT. At elevated temperatures, compositions with reduced BMT exhibited superior d33* performance until a relative maximum d33* was reached and strain performance subsequently declined. This is interpreted in terms of competing strain mechanisms in relaxor ferroelectrics that vary with an increase in ergodicity of the system, as governed by factors such as composition and temperature. The work has implications for industrial actuator systems, such as those in inkjet printers.

Abstract Background Seed of mature Croton tiglium Linne, also known as Tiglium seed (TS), has been widely used as a natural product due to its several health beneficial properties including anti-tumor and antifungal activities. Despite its ethnomedicinal beneficial properties, toxicological information regarding TS extract, especially its long-term toxicity, is currently limited. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate acute and subchronic toxicity of TS extract in rats after oral administration following test guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Methods Toxicological properties of TS extract were evaluated by toxicity assays to determine its single-dose acute toxicity (125, 250, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg), 14-day repeated-dose toxicity (125, 250, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg) and 13-week repeated-dose toxicity (31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) in Sprague-Dawley rats and F344 rats. Hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathological parameters were analyzed to determine its median lethal dose (LD50) and no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL). Results Oral single dose up to 2000 mg/kg of TS extract resulted in no mortalities or abnormal clinical signs. In 13-week toxicity study, TS extract exhibited no dose-related changes (mortality, body weight, food/water consumption, hematology, clinical biochemistry, organ weight, or histopathology) at dose up to 500 mg/kg, the highest dosage level suggested based on 14-day repeat-dose oral toxicity study. Conclusion Acute oral LD50 of TS extract in rats was estimated to be greater than 2000 mg/kg. NOAEL of TS extract administered orally was determined to be 500 mg/kg/day in both male and female rats. Results from these acute and subchronic toxicity assessments of TS extract under Good Laboratory Practice regulations indicate that TS extract appears to be safe for human consumption.

Asthma: Traps to target for treatment Controlling the formation of mesh-like structures of DNA and protein which induce airway damage in asthma could offer new therapeutic opportunities, especially for patients who do not respond well to conventional treatments. The structures are produced by activated cells as part of the immune response in asthma. They are known as eosinophil extracellular traps (EETs) since they are most prominently released by the activity of white blood cells called eosinophils. Hae-Sim Park and colleagues at Ajou University in South Korea studied the involvement of EETs in patients with severe asthma. Their results suggest eosinophils are more activated to create damaging EETs in patients with severe asthma than in those with less severe forms of the disease. Searching for ways to control EET formation could be a fruitful approach to helping patients with severe eosinophilic asthma.

Occupational asthma: Protein-based biomarkers show diagnostic promise Tracking the levels of two key proteins in workers’ blood may help identify those at risk of occupational asthma (OA). Exposure to toxic chemicals such as toluene diisocyanate (TDI), used in industrial foams and paints, can trigger OA. The condition often has a poor prognosis yet remains difficult to diagnose. Hae-Sim Park at Ajou University in Suwon, South Korea, and co-workers have pinpointed two proteins, clusterin and progranulin, the levels of which could indicate if a person is suffering from OA. The team measured serum levels in patients with TDI-OA, controls exposed to TDI with no symptoms and healthy un-exposed controls. Both clusterin and progranulin levels were significantly lower in TDI-OA patients than in both control groups. These two serum markers may help diagnose workers with OA and also identify those most at risk.

Abstract Background To investigate surgical factors associated with the occurrence of oculocardiac reflex (OCR) and changes in heart rate (HR) during strabismus surgery. Methods Patients who underwent strabismus surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in this study. The HR during surgery was measured at baseline, and at the following points during surgery: traction of the muscle, maximal increase after traction (adrenergic phase), and the cutting of the muscle. OCR was defined as an HR reduction of more than 20% at traction of the muscle, when compared to baseline HR. The HR at each stage during the surgery was compared between patients with and without OCR. Results A total of 162 operated muscles from 99 patients were enrolled. The incidence of OCR was 65% in patients. In patients with two muscle surgeries, there were significantly more OCRs in the first operated muscle than in the second operated muscle (p

Five new flavonoids namely, 5-hydroxy-6-isoprenyl-7,4′-dimethoxyflavonol-3-O-β-d-arabinofuranoside (1), 5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone-7-O-β-d-arabinopyranosyl-2′′-n-decan-1′′′-oate (2), 3-butanoyl-5,6,8-trihydroxy-7,4′-dimethoxyflavonol--5-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), 7, 4′-dimethoxy-5-hydroxyflavone-5-O-α-d-arabinopyranosyl-(2′′ → 1′′′)-O-α-d-arabinopyranoside (4), and 5,6-dihydroxy-7, 4′-dimethoxyflavone-5-O-α-d-glucopyranoside (5), together with two known compounds, were isolated from the methanol extract of Oryza sativa leaves and straw. Their structures of new compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectral methods, viz: COSY, HMBC and HSQC aided by mass techniques and IR spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of these compounds (1–7) were assessed by using (RAW 264.7) mouse macrophages cell line, and allelopathic effects of compounds (1–7) on the germination characteristics of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa oryzicola) and pigweed (Chenopodium album L.) were also evaluated. The compounds 1, 6 and 7 showed cytotoxicity and compounds 1–7 exhibited significant inhibitory activity on the seed germination of two weed species.

Abstract Angelica acutiloba (AA), a Japanese species of Danggui, has been used worldwide as a traditional herbal medicine with several bioactivities including anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-obesity. However, there is lack of toxicological data available to evaluate potential long-term toxicity and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of AA extract in accordance with the test guidelines published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In the 14-day repeat-dose toxicity study, no adverse effects on mortality, body weight change, clinical signs, and organ weights was found following repeat oral administration to rats for 14 days (125, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight), leading that 2000 mg/kg is the highest recommended dose of AA extract for the 13-week repeat-dose oral toxicity study. In the 13-week repeat-dose oral toxicity study, the AA extract was orally administered to groups of rats for 13 weeks (125, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight) to compare between control and AA extract groups. The administration of AA extract did not produce mortality or remarkable clinical signs during this 13-week study. And, the data revealed that there were no significant differences in food/water consumption, body weight, hematological parameters, clinical chemistry parameters, gross macroscopic findings, organ weight and histopathology in comparison to the control group. On the basis of these results, the subchronic NOAEL of the AA extract was more than 2000 mg/kg/day when tested in rats. And, the AA extract is considered safe to use orally as a traditional herbal medicine.

Abstract Among three representative species of Angelica found in Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Japan, Angelica acutiloba (AA) has been used as traditional herbal medicine with antitumor, antiinflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetes activities. In this study, the potential genotoxicity and mutagenicity of the AA extract were examined in a battery of in vitro and in vivo tests (bacterial reverse mutation assay, in vitro chromosomal aberrations assay, and in vivo micronucleus assay) in accordance with the test guidelines for toxicity testing developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Upon testing in the bacterial mutation assay (Ames test) using five Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1535 and TA1537, no significant increase the number of revertant colonies in the metabolic activation system and non-activation system was noted in the AA extract groups. Also, in the chromosome aberration test, the AA extract did not cause chromosomal aberration with or without metabolic activation by S9 mix. A bone marrow micronucleus test of mice demonstrated that the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the AA extract groups (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg BW) was equivalent to that of the negative control group. Based on these results from a standard battery of assays, the AA extract was concluded to have no genotoxic at the proper dose.

Abstract Purpose This study aims to evaluate the association between high sensitivity troponins (hsTn) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) in patients undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI). Methods Patients undergoing cMRI were prospectively enrolled. Patients with right ventricular dysfunction (

Due to high demand but limited supply, there has been an increase in the need to replace autologous bone grafts with alternatives that fulfill osteogenic requirements. In this study, two different types of bone grafts were tested for their drug carrying abilities along with their osteogenic properties. Two different types of alendronate-loaded bone grafts, Bio-Oss (bovine bone graft) and InRoad (biphasic synthetic bone graft) were observed to see how different concentrations of alendronate would affect the sustained release to enhance osteogenesis. In this study, defected ovariectomize-induced osteoporotic rat calvarias were observed for 28 days with three different concentrations of alendronate (0 mg, 1 mg, 5 mg) for both Bio-Oss and InRoad. A higher concentration (5 mg) allowed for a more controlled and sustained release throughout the 28-day comparison to those of lower concentrations (0 mg, 1 mg). When comparing Bio-Oss and InRoad through histology and Micro-CT, InRoad showed higher enhancement in osteogenesis. Through this study, it was observed that alendronate not only brings out robust osteogenesis with InRoad bone grafts, but also enhances bone regeneration in an alendronate-concentration-dependent manner. The combination of higher concentration of alendronate and multiple porous bone graft containing internal micro-channel structure of InRoad resulted in higher osteogenesis with a sustained release of alendronate.

Sorghum is a major cereal food worldwide, and is considered a potential source of minerals and bioactive compounds. Its wide adaptive range may cause variations in its agronomic traits, antioxidant properties, and phytochemical content. This extensive study investigated variations in seed characteristics, antioxidant properties, and total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) of sorghum collected from different ecological regions of 15 countries. The antioxidant potential of the seed extracts of various sorghum accessions was determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. Significant variations in TPC were observed among the sorghum accessions. All 78 sorghum accessions used in this study exhibited significant variations in TFC, with the lowest and highest amount observed in accessions C465 and J542, respectively. DPPH scavenging potential of the seed extracts for all the accessions ranged from 11.91 ± 4.83 to 1343.90 ± 81.02 µg mL−1. The ABTS assay results were similar to those of DPPH but showed some differences in the accessions. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a wide variation range in the correlation between antioxidant activity and TPC, as well as TFC, among the sorghum accessions. A wide diversity range was also recorded for the seed characteristics (1000-seed weight and seed germination rate). A dendrogram generated from UPGMA clustering, based on seed traits, antioxidant activity, TPC, and TFC was highly dispersed for these accessions. Variations among the accessions may provide useful information regarding the phytoconstituents, antioxidant properties, and phytochemical contents of sorghum and aid in designing breeding programs to obtain sorghum with improved agronomic traits and bioactive properties.

Plant phytochemical accumulation is influenced by various external factors that change with the seasons (e.g., harvesting time). Atractylodes japonica, an important medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, is used to treat several human diseases. We analyzed the influence of harvesting time on phenolic compound concentration and antioxidant activity of A. japonica roots. We investigated the correlation between phenolic compound and minerals contents and antioxidant activity in different harvests. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents varied significantly with the harvesting time. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis revealed significant changes in the concentration of various phenolics between harvests. The content of different types of phenolics were significantly higher in the samples collected in October. Among them, chlorogenic acids (133,833.30 µg/g dry weight of root extract) were the most dominant phytochemical compounds detected. Samples harvested in October had higher concentrations of flavonoids, including rutin, orientin, vitexin, and apigenin. Roots harvested in October had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity than that of those harvested later. Root mineral concentrations also varied with the harvest time. The analysis revealed that macro elements such as Ca ad Mg contents were significantly increased with delaying harvesting time, whereas a different trend was observed for the microelements including Fe, Cu, Al, and As contents in the October harvest. We also found a significant relationship between antioxidant activity and phenolic compound content. The most abundant minerals (Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, and Al) correlated positively with the antioxidant activity indicating that these elements and compounds may be associated with the A. japonica antioxidant potential. Furthermore, A. japonica root extracts inhibited NIH/3T3 cellular proliferation in a season- and dose-dependent manner. Hence, harvesting time influenced the antioxidant properties and phenolic compound accumulation of A. japonica roots. These results indicate that the harvesting time is essential for obtaining the specific phytochemicals.

Abstract We report surface plasmon (SP) lasing in metal/semiconductor nanostructures, where one-dimensional periodic silver slit gratings are placed on top of an InGaAsP layer. The SP nature of the lasing is confirmed from the emission wavelength governed by the grating period, polarization analysis, spatial coherence, and comparison with the linear transmission. The excellent performance of the device as an SP source is demonstrated by its tunable emission in the 400-nm-wide telecom wavelength band at room temperature. We show that the stimulated emission enhanced by the Purcell effect enables successful SP lasing at high energies above the gap energy of the gain. We also discuss the dependence of the lasing efficiency on temperature, grating dimension, and type of metal.

Abstract Background Pickled soybeans or vinegar beans have long been used as a folk remedy and also a supplemental nutritional source in Korea. In general the pickling process in vinegar improves the digestibility of soybeans as well as increases the availability of various (non-)nutrients in soybeans. However, detailed information about the changes in functional substances such as (poly)phenolic compounds, vitamin E, and fatty acids (FAs) in soybeans during the pickling process is quite limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the changes in the selected phenolic compounds, vitamin E, and FAs in soybeans as a function of the pickling time. Results The sum of the total phenolics in both the pickled soybeans and the pickling solutions increased by as much as 47% after pickling. Naringenin, vanillin, and catechin were the major phenolics observed in the pickled soybeans and pickling solutions. The total vitamin E content in the pickled soybeans decreased by 23% after pickling, although no vitamin E molecules were found in the pickling solution. γ–Tocopherol was abundant in the untreated soybeans, but decreased by ~29% after pickling. Both the total and major FA contents varied by less than 1% during the pickling period. In this study, a 10–20 day pickling period may be considered suitable in terms of retention of functional substances in the pickled soybeans, such as selected phenolics, vitamin E, and FAs. Conclusions Our findings provide basic information and insight into the production of functional compounds in soybeans upon immersing in brewed vinegar, and also may be helpful toward improving the health-functionality of soybean-based foods in the food industry. Graphical abstract How to change bioactive compounds during the pickling process?

Abstract Background Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) is a chronic medical condition that encompasses asthma, nasal polyposis, and hypersensitivity to aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Several previous studies have shown that part of the genetic effects of the disease may be induced by the interaction of multiple genetic variants. However, heavy computational cost as well as the complexity of the underlying biological mechanism has prevented a thorough investigation of epistatic interactions and thus most previous studies have typically considered only a small number of genetic variants at a time. Methods In this study, we propose a gene network based analysis framework to identify genetic risk factors from a genome-wide association study dataset. We first derive multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)-based epistasis networks that consider marginal and epistatic effects by using different information theoretic measures. Each SNP epistasis network is converted into a gene-gene interaction network, and the resulting gene networks are combined as one for downstream analysis. The integrated network is validated on existing knowledgebase of DisGeNET for known gene-disease associations and GeneMANIA for biological function prediction. Results We demonstrated our proposed method on a Korean GWAS dataset, which has genotype information of 440,094 SNPs for 188 cases and 247 controls. The topological properties of the generated networks are examined for scale-freeness, and we further performed various statistical analyses in the Allergy and Asthma Portal (AAP) using the selected genes from our integrated network. Conclusions Our result reveals that there are several gene modules in the network that are of biological significance and have evidence for controlling susceptibility and being related to the treatment of AERD.

Abstract Background Gambling disorder (GD) is defined as persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. The prevalence of GD has been shown to be 1.2–7.1% in the general population. GD can severely impact on personal and vocational wellbeing as well as lead to financial problems, and has been known to be difficult to treat. This review describes the available pharmacotherapy/psychosocial treatments for GD patients, and summarizes data on the effectiveness of these GD treatments. Methods This review refers to newly as well as previously published studies and guidelines. Results The description of pharmacotherapy mainly focuses on opioid receptor antagonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and mood stabilizers. Psychosocial treatments/strategies mainly include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and Gamblers Anonymous. We also introduce relatively novel treatment modalities. Conclusions This review can help clinicians to decide treatment plans for their GD patients. In addition, it can be used as a reference for designing future research.