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In this research, we introduce advanced navigation filters designed for underwater gliders, which play a crucial role in collecting oceanic data such as temperature and salinity. Due to their reliance on low-cost, low-precision MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems)-based IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units) and unique operational constraints, these gliders experience significant navigational inaccuracies. To address this, we proposed two filters, each optimized for minimal sensor use: the first integrates an accelerometer, magnetometer, and depth gauge, and the second adds a gyroscope. These filters estimate the glider’s velocity and position by converting sensor data into the navigation coordinate system. We not only conducted rigorous evaluations of our proposed filters through comprehensive simulations and Monte Carlo numerical analyses, but also fabricated an actual glider to apply these filters in real sea trials. The results of these sea trials were consistent with our simulation predictions, confirming the effectiveness of our navigation filters in practical scenarios.

Abstract Background Bacterial wilt (BW), caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Ral), results in substantial yield losses in pepper crops. Developing resistant pepper varieties through breeding is the most effective strategy for managing BW. To achieve this, a thorough understanding of the genetic information connected with resistance traits is essential. Despite identifying three major QTLs for bacterial wilt resistance in pepper, Bw1 on chromosome 8, qRRs-10.1 on chromosome 10, and pBWR-1 on chromosome 1, the genetic information of related BW pepper varieties has not been sufficiently studied. Here, we resequenced two pepper inbred lines, C. annuum ‘MC4’ (resistant) and C. annuum ‘Subicho’ (susceptible), and analyzed genomic variations through SNPs and Indels to identify candidate genes for BW resistance. Results An average of 139.5 Gb was generated among the two cultivars, with coverage ranging from 44.94X to 46.13X. A total of 8,815,889 SNPs was obtained between ‘MC4’ and ‘Subicho’. Among them, 31,190 (0.35%) were non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) corresponding to 10,926 genes, and these genes were assigned to 142 Gene Ontology (GO) terms across the two cultivars. We focused on three known BW QTL regions by identifying genes with sequence variants through gene set enrichment analysis and securing those belonging to high significant GO terms. Additionally, we found 310 NLR genes with nsSNP variants between ‘MC4’ (R) and ‘Subicho’ (S) within these regions. Also, we performed an Indel analysis on these genes. By integrating all this data, we identified eight candidate BW resistance genes, including two NLR genes with nsSNPs variations in qRRs-10.1 on chromosome 10. Conclusion We identified genomic variations in the form of SNPs and Indels by re-sequencing two pepper cultivars with contrasting traits for bacterial wilt. Specifically, the four genes associated with pBWR-1 and Bw1 that exhibit both nsSNP and Indel variations simultaneously in ‘Subicho’, along with the two NLR genes linked to qRRs-10.1, which are known for their direct involvement in immune responses, are identified as most likely BW resistance genes. These variants in leading candidate genes associated with BW resistance can be used as important markers for breeding pepper varieties.

Background/Aims Combination immunotherapy, exemplified by atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, has become the standard of care for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the lack of predictive biomarkers and limited understanding of response mechanisms remain a challenge. Methods Using data from the IMbrave150plus cohort, we applied an immune signature score (ISS) predictor to stratify HCC patients treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab or with sorafenib alone into potential high and low response groups. By applying multiple statistical approaches including a Bayesian covariate prediction algorithm, we refined the signature to 10 key genes (ISS10) for clinical use while maintaining similar predictive power to the full model. We further validated ISS10 in an independent HCC cohort treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab. Results The study identified a significant association between the ISS and treatment response. Among patients classified as high responders, those treated with the atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination exhibited improved overall and progression-free survival as well as better objective response rate compared to those treated with sorafenib. We also observed a significant correlation between ISS10 and response to nivolumab plus ipilimumab treatment. Analysis of immune cell subpopulations revealed distinct characteristics associated with ISS subtypes. In particular, the ISS10 high subtype displayed a more favorable immune environment with higher proportions of antitumor macrophages and activated T-cells, potentially explaining its better response. Conclusions Our study suggests that ISS and ISS10 are promising predictive biomarkers for enhanced therapeutic outcomes in HCC patients undergoing combination immunotherapy. These markers are crucial for refining patient stratification and personalized treatment approaches to advance the effectiveness of standard-of-care regimens.

Abstract Background Astragali radix (AR) is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese herbal medicines. It exhibits diverse biological activities, including immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties; however, some of its activities have only been demonstrated in vitro. Objective To examine the effects of orally administered AR extract on immune cells and the intestine under physiological conditions, which bridges the gap between previously observed in vitro outcomes and in vivo results. Methods AR extract was prepared by hot water extraction. Three separate animal experiments were conducted to isolate macrophages, splenocytes, and the small intestine epithelium. For the macrophage preparation experiment, an intraperitoneal injection of sterile thioglycolate was administered. The mice received oral AR extract at doses of 0.1, 0.5, or 2.5 g/kg for ten days. At the end of each experiment, cells or tissues were isolated. A portion of macrophages and splenocytes were analyzed for the phenotypic changes. The remaining cells were cultured and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or mitogen ex vivo to assess activation status, proliferation, and cytokine production. Samples of the intestine were subjected to real-time RT-PCR. Results Peritoneal macrophages from AR-treated mice exhibited increased expression of scavenger receptors, including SRA and CD36. Stimulation of these macrophages ex vivo with LPS selectively modulated the inflammatory response, including reduced expression of the costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86, which are important for T cell responses, without affecting TNF-α and IL-6 production. Splenocytes from AR-treated mice exhibited a dose-dependent increase in CD4 and CD8 T cells; however, stimulation with mitogen decreased T cell proliferation and reduced IFN-γ production, which is essential for macrophage activation. An analysis of the small intestinal epithelium revealed an attenuated antimicrobial response, including reduced IgA content in the lumen and decreased expression of mucin-2 and polymeric Ig receptor genes. Conclusion The response of immune cells following oral treatment with AR extract did not replicate the previously documented in vitro findings. Immune cells and intestinal epithelium from mice administered oral AR extract exhibited a selective anti-inflammatory phenotype. The overall findings indicate that the systemic effects after oral administration of AR extract include reduced sensitivity to inflammatory insults.

Abstract Background Dual RNA sequencing is a powerful tool that enables a comprehensive understanding of the molecular dynamics underlying plant-microbe interactions. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) poses technical hurdles in the transcriptional analysis of plant-bacterial interactions, especially in bacterial transcriptomics, owing to the presence of abundant ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which potentially limits the coverage of essential transcripts. Therefore, to achieve cost-effective and comprehensive sequencing of the bacterial transcriptome, it is imperative to devise efficient methods for eliminating rRNA and enhancing the proportion of bacterial mRNA. In this study, we modified a strand-specific dual RNA-seq method with the goal of enriching the proportion of bacterial mRNA in the bacteria-infected plant samples. The enriched method involved the sequential separation of plant mRNA by poly A selection and rRNA removal for bacterial mRNA enrichment followed by strand specific RNA-seq library preparation steps. We assessed the efficiency of the enriched method in comparison to the conventional method by employing various plant-bacterial interactions, including both host and non-host resistance interactions with pathogenic bacteria, as well as an interaction with a beneficial rhizosphere associated bacteria using pepper and tomato plants respectively. Results In all cases of plant-bacterial interactions examined, an increase in mapping efficiency was observed with the enriched method although it produced a lower read count. Especially in the compatible interaction with Xanthmonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria race 3 (Xcv3), the enriched method enhanced the mapping ratio of Xcv3-infected pepper samples to its own genome (15.09%; 1.45-fold increase) and the CDS (8.92%; 1.49-fold increase). The enriched method consistently displayed a greater number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than the conventional RNA-seq method at all fold change threshold levels investigated, notably during the early stages of Xcv3 infection in peppers. The Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were predominantly enriched in proteolysis, kinase, serine type endopeptidase and heme binding activities. Conclusion The enriched method demonstrated in this study will serve as a suitable alternative to the existing RNA-seq method to enrich bacterial mRNA and provide novel insights into the intricate transcriptomic alterations within the plant-bacterial interplay.

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant challenge in healthcare. While there are considerable researches dedicated to AKI patients, a crucial factor in their renal function recovery, is often overlooked. Thus, our study aims to address this issue through the development of a machine learning model to predict restoration of kidney function in patients with AKI. Methods Our study encompassed data from 350,345 cases, derived from three hospitals. AKI was classified in accordance with the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes. Criteria for recovery were established as either a 33% decrease in serum creatinine levels at AKI onset, which was initially employed for the diagnosis of AKI. We employed various machine learning models, selecting 43 pertinent features for analysis. Results Our analysis contained 7,041 and 2,929 patients’ data from internal cohort and external cohort respectively. The Categorical Boosting Model demonstrated significant predictive accuracy, as evidenced by an internal area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.7860, and an external AUROC score of 0.7316, thereby confirming its robustness in predictive performance. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values were employed to explain key factors impacting recovery of renal function in AKI patients. Conclusion This study presented a machine learning approach for predicting renal function recovery in patients with AKI. The model performance was assessed across distinct hospital settings, which revealed its efficacy. Although the model exhibited favorable outcomes, the necessity for further enhancements and the incorporation of more diverse datasets is imperative for its application in real-world.

Background/Aims Bariatric intervention has been reported to be an effective way to improve metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in obese individuals. The current systemic review aimed to assess the changes in MRI-determined hepatic proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) after bariatric surgery or intragastric balloon/gastric banding in MASLD patients with obesity. Methods We searched various databases including PubMed, OVID Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Primary outcomes were the changes in intrahepatic fat on MRI-PDFF and histologic features of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Results Thirty studies with a total of 3,134 patients were selected for meta-analysis. Bariatric intervention significantly reduced BMI (ratio of means, 0.79) and showed 72% reduction of intrahepatic fat on MRI-PDFF at 6 months after bariatric intervention (ratio of means, 0.28). Eight studies revealed that NAS was reduced by 60% at 3–6 months compared to baseline, 40% at 12–24 months, and 50% at 36–60 months. Nineteen studies revealed that the proportion of patients with steatosis decreased by 44% at 3–6 months, 37% at 12–24 months, and 29% at 36–60 months; lobular inflammation by 36% at 12–24 months and 51% at 36–60 months; ballooning degeneration by 38% at 12–24 months; significant fibrosis (≥F2) by 18% at 12–24 months and by 17% at 36–60 months after intervention. Conclusions Bariatric intervention significantly improved MRI-PDFF and histologic features of MASH in patients with obesity. Bariatric intervention might be the effective alternative treatment option for patients with MASLD who do not respond to lifestyle modification or medical treatment.

Relaxor-PbTiO3 ferroelectric single crystals have drawn attention aiming at high-end piezoelectric applications thanks to their excellent piezoelectric properties. Like all the other ferroelectrics, relaxor-PbTiO3 single crystals can only be piezoelectrically active upon being electrically poled. However, this poled state is thermally unstable, limiting their uses because of their relatively low depolarization temperature. Here, we show that a non-destructible permanent poled state can be realized in relaxor-PbTiO3 single crystals by forming a 0–3 composite in the presence of charged mobile point defects. We demonstrate this on solid-state grown 0.71 Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.29PbTiO3 single crystals doped with Mn (Mn-PMNT) as a donor with well-aligned and dispersed boron-rich MgO-based inclusions (MBIs). Mn-PMNTMBI sharing [001] axis with arrayed MBIs were spontaneously polarized during cooling across the Curie temperature without an external electric field. The piezoelectric coefficient and dielectric permittivity of self-poled Mn-PMNTMBI crystals were as large as 90% of that achieved by a direct-current poling treatment at room temperature, and such poled state was reproducible against repeated thermal cycles. We expect that the poling-free high-performance piezoelectric relaxor-PbTiO3 single crystals offer an avenue for piezoelectric-based devices by removing the working temperature limit as one of the inherent fundamental limitations.

Objectives: Traditional cephalometric radiographs depict a three-dimensional structure in a two-dimensional plane; therefore, errors may occur during a quantitative assessment. Cone beam computed tomography, on the other hand, minimizes image distortion, allowing essential areas to be observed without overlap. Artificial intelligence can be used to enhance low-dose cone beam computed tomography images. This study aimed to clinically validate the use of artificial intelligence-processed low-dose cone beam computed tomography for generating two-dimensional lateral cephalometric radiographs by comparing these artificial intelligence-enhanced radiographs with traditional two-dimensional lateral cephalograms and those derived from standard cone beam computed tomography. Methods: Sixteen participants who had previously undergone both cone beam computed tomography and plain radiography were selected. Group I included standard lateral cephalometric radiographs. Group II included cone beam computed tomography-produced lateral cephalometric radiographs, and Group III included artificial intelligence-processed low-dose cone beam computed tomography-produced lateral cephalometric radiographs. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of the three groups were analyzed using an artificial intelligence-based cephalometric analysis platform. Results: A total of six angles and five lengths were measured for dentofacial diagnosis. There were no significant differences in measurements except for nasion-menton among the three groups. Conclusions: Low-dose cone beam computed tomography could be an efficient method for cephalometric analyses in dentofacial treatment. Artificial intelligence-processed low-dose cone beam computed tomography imaging procedures have the potential in a wide range of dental applications. Further research is required to develop artificial intelligence technologies capable of producing acceptable and effective outcomes in various clinical situations. Clinical significance: Replacing standard cephalograms with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the craniofacial relationship has the potential to significantly enhance the diagnosis and treatment of selected patients. The effectiveness of low-dose (LD)-CBCT was assessed in this study. The results indicated that lateral cephalograms reconstructed using LD-CBCT were comparable to standard lateral cephalograms.

Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) of the chemical and biological effects must be understood to avoid potential adverse impacts to the bay’s aquatic ecosystem. RCA application as a base material for oyster reefs did not adversely affect oyster spat growth and survival, or the surrounding environment. Evaluated RCA leaching for petroleum byproducts showed that RCA as a base material for oyster reefs did not leach any hydrocarbon chemicals, and no water extractable SVOC were detected. The research found potential RCA application to the Chesapeake Bay watershed as a bottom conditioning material for oyster aquaculture. Overall, the findings support the use of RCA for oyster aquaculture.

Abstract Alternative splicing (AS) is a widely observed phenomenon in eukaryotes that plays a critical role in development and stress responses. In plants, the large number of RNA-seq datasets in response to different environmental stressors can provide clues for identification of condition-specific and/or common AS variants for preferred agronomic traits. We report RNA-seq datasets (350.7 Gb) from Capsicum annuum inoculated with one of three bacteria, one virus, or one oomycete and obtained additional existing transcriptome datasets. In this study, we investigated the landscape of AS in response to environmental stressors, signaling molecules, and tissues from 425 total samples comprising 841.49 Gb. In addition, we identified genes that undergo AS under specific and shared stress conditions to obtain potential genes that may be involved in enhancing tolerance to stressors. We uncovered 1,642,007 AS events and identified 4,354 differential alternative splicing genes related to environmental stressors, tissues, and signaling molecules. This information and approach provide useful data for basic-research focused on enhancing tolerance to environmental stressors in hot pepper or establishing breeding programs.

Abstract Recently, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) had been introduced as an innovative procedure for severe hemorrhage in the abdomen or pelvis. We aimed to investigate risk factors associated with mortality after REBOA and construct a model for predicting mortality. This multicenter retrospective study collected data from 251 patients admitted at five regional trauma centers across South Korea from 2015 to 2022. The indications for REBOA included patients experiencing hypovolemic shock due to hemorrhage in the abdomen, pelvis, or lower extremities, and those who were non-responders (systolic blood pressure (SBP)

Entecavir (ETV) may have limited antiviral efficacy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with a high baseline viral load, especially in cases of partial virologic response (PVR). This study evaluated the outcomes of prolonged ETV monotherapy, given the lack of clear evidence favoring continuation or combination therapy in such scenarios. We included 188 treatment-naïve patients on ETV 0.5 mg and compared antiviral responses between high viral load (HVL, ≥7 log10 IU/mL) and non-HVL groups for over up to 120 months in this study. Compared to the non-HVL group, the HVL group exhibited a lower cumulative virologic response (VR, p < 0.01). Antiviral resistance to entecavir (rtS202G + rtM204V + rtL180M) developed in three out of 90 patients in the HVL group. Patients with complete response at 6 months had a 100% likelihood of achieving VR, while 83.9% of patients with PVR at 6 months achieved VR by month 120 (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline HVL was a significant predictor of long-term VR at 120 months. In conclusion, CHB patients with baseline HVL and PVR at 6 months are prone to ETV resistance and inadequate response, warranting a modification in treatment strategy.

Fasting hyperlipidemia results from lipid metabolism defects associated with alterations in specific lipoprotein classes. These changes may originate from genetic predispositions or underlying metabolic disorders, including cholestasis and endocrine diseases. This retrospective study aimed to analyze variations in lipoprotein electrophoresis (LPE) profiles in hyperlipidemic dogs and investigate the associations between biliary tract diseases, endocrine disorders, and lipid metabolism. Sixty-five dogs that underwent LPE were classified into non-hyperlipidemic (NHL) and hyperlipidemic (HL) groups, with further subdivisions based on the presence of biliary tract disease, endocrine disorders, or breed predisposition (Miniature Schnauzers). Dogs in the HL group with biliary tract disease and those with underlying metabolic disorders exhibited significantly higher pre-beta fractions and cholesterol concentrations compared to the NHL group. Additionally, significant linear relationships were observed between serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels and both pre-beta fractions and cholesterol concentrations. The Schnauzer group showed lower alpha fractions and higher triglyceride and cholesterol levels than the NHL group. These findings suggest that LPE is a valuable and useful tool for detecting lipid metabolism abnormalities. Clinicians should consider the potential for altered lipid metabolism when evaluating patients with biliary tract or endocrine diseases in small animal practice.

Sucrose is a desirable component of processed soybean foods and animal feed, and thus, its content is used as an important characteristic for assessing the quality of soybean seeds. However, few studies have focused on the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with sucrose regulation in soybean seeds. This study aims to measure the sucrose content of 1014 soybean accessions and identify genes related to high sucrose levels using QTL analysis. Colorimetric analysis based on the enzymatic reaction of invertase (INV) and glucose oxidase (GOD) was employed to test the germplasms. A total of six high-sucrose genetic resources (IT186230, IT195321, IT263138, IT263276, IT263286, and IT276521) and two low-sucrose genetic resources (IT025668 and IT274054) were identified. Two F2:3 populations, IT186230 × IT025668 and Ilmi × IT186230, were then established from these germplasms. QTL analysis identified four QTLs (qSUC6.1, qSUC11.1, qSUC15.1, and qSUC17.1), explaining 7.3–27.6% of the phenotypic variation in the sugar content. Twenty candidate genes were found at the four QTLs. Notably, Glyma.17G152300, located in the qSUC17.1 QTL region, exhibited a 17-fold higher gene expression in the high-sucrose germplasm IT186230 compared to the control germplasm Ilmi, confirming its role as a major gene regulating the sucrose content in soybean. These results may assist in marker-assisted selection for breeding programs that aim to develop soybean lines with a higher sucrose content.

As a technique in artificial intelligence, a convolution neural network model has been utilized to extract average surface roughness from the geometric characteristics of a membrane image featuring micro- and nanostructures. For surface roughness measurement, e.g. atomic force microscopy and optical profiler, the previous methods have been performed to analyze a porous membrane surface on an interest of region with a few micrometers of the restricted area according to the depth resolution. However, an image from the scanning electron microscope, combined with the feature extraction process, provides clarity on surface roughness for multiple areas with various depth resolutions. Through image preprocessing, the geometric pattern is elucidated by amplifying the disparity in pixel intensity values between the bright and dark regions of the image. The geometric pattern of the binary image and magnitude spectrum confirmed the classification of the surface roughness of images in a categorical scatter plot. A group of cropped images from an original image is used to predict the logarithmic average surface roughness values. The model predicted 4.80 % MAPE for the test dataset. The method of extracting geometric patterns through a feature map-based CNN, combined with a statistical approach, suggests an indirect surface measurement. The process is achieved through a bundle of predicted output data, which helps reduce the randomness error of the structural characteristics. A novel feature extraction approach of CNN with statistical analysis is a valuable method for revealing hidden physical characteristics in surface geometries from irregular pixel patterns in an array of images.

IntroductionDespite evidence suggesting that metabolic intermediates like β-HB influence white adipose tissue (WAT) metabolism, the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) on the fat browning program and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms using both in vitro and in vivo models. We assessed the effects of β-HB on fat browning in adipocytes using 3T3-L1 cells and rat models.MethodsWe evaluated the effects of β-HB on fat browning, thermogenesis, lipid accumulation, adipokine expression, and mitochondrial biogenesis by treating mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes with sodium β-HB for 24 h or by continuously exposing preadipocytes to β-HB during the 8-day differentiation process. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control, exercise only (EX), ketogenic diet only (KD), and combined exercise and ketogenic diet (KE) groups for an 8-week intervention involving diet and/or exercise. After intervention, we evaluated WAT histology, plasma lipids and adipokines, and the expression of markers related to fat browning, thermogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis in WAT of rats.ResultsIn our adipocyte culture experiments, β-HB reduced intracellular lipid accumulation by enhancing lipolysis and stimulated the expression of thermogenic and fat browning genes like uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16), and adipokines such as fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FDNC5). Additionally, β-HB activated the AMPK-SIRT1-PGC-1α pathway, with UCP1 and PRDM16 upregulation mediated by β-HB intracellular action and SIRT1 activity. In animal experiments, KE group raised β-HB levels, decreasing body weight and blood lipids. KD with EX promoted WAT browning possibly via AMPK-SIRT1-PGC-1α, augmenting PRDM16, UCP1, FGF21, and FNDC5 expression.Conclusionβ-HB induction via KD and/or EX shows potential in promoting WAT browning by activating mitochondrial biogenesis, lipolysis, and thermogenesis, suggesting that dietary and physical intervention inducing β-HB may benefit metabolic health.

Purpose Open pelvic bone fractures are relatively rare and are considered more severe than closed fractures. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of open and closed severe pelvic bone fractures. Methods Patients with severe pelvic bone fractures (pelvic Abbreviated Injury Scale score, ≥4) admitted at a single level I trauma center between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients aged

Abstract Hypoxic responses have been implicated in critical pathologies, including inflammation, immunity, and tumorigenesis. Recently, efforts to identify effective natural remedies and health supplements are increasing. Previous studies have reported that the cell lysates and the cell wall-bound lipoteichoic acids of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum K8 (K8) exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulative effects. However, the effect of K8 on cellular hypoxic responses remains unknown. In this study, we found that K8 lysates had a potent suppressive effect on gene expression under hypoxia. K8 lysates markedly downregulated hypoxia-induced HIF1α accumulation in the human bone marrow and lung cancer cell lines, SH-SY5Y and H460. Consequently, the transcription of known HIF1α target genes, such as p21, GLUT1, and ALDOC, was notably suppressed in the K8 lysate supplement and purified lipoteichoic acids of K8, upon hypoxic induction. Intriguingly, K8 lysates decreased the expression of PHD2 and VHL proteins, which are responsible for HIF1α destabilization under normoxic conditions, suggesting that K8 may regulate HIF1α stability in a non-canonical pathway. Overall, our results suggest that K8 lysates desensitize the cells to hypoxic stresses and suppress HIF1α-mediated hypoxic gene activation.

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the utilization and outcomes of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in managing noncompressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH) among trauma patients in Korea. The evolution of REBOA and its impact on patient survival was investigated as well as predictors of mortality. Methods This retrospective study included 234 post-REBOA patients from 5 leading regional trauma centers across Korea between 2016 and 2021. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes were various clinical parameters regarding REBOA, overall treatment flow, and complications. For comparative analyses, patients were dichotomized into in-hospital non-survivors or survivors. Then, generalized additive and linear regression models were used to evaluate the trend of in-hospital mortality. Results The overall in-hospital mortality was 65.4%. The survivors had a higher proportion of responders following REBOA (87.7% vs 62.7%, p < 0.001). Key variables influencing outcomes included total occlusion time, red blood cell transfusion volume within the first 24 hours, revised trauma score, and systolic blood pressure gap. These factors significantly correlated with mortality rates in multivariate logistic regression. Conclusion Over 6 years, survival rates for NCTH patients undergoing REBOA in Korea have shown improvement. Despite diverse REBOA protocols across institutions, the results underscore the need for continued research, standardized practices, and national quality control measures to further optimize patient outcome and establish more effective treatment protocols for NCTH.

In this study, an ANN (artificial neural network) based real-time optimized control algorithm for a chilled water cooling system was developed and applied in an actual building to analyze its cooling energy saving effects through in-situ application and actual measurements. For this purpose, the cooling tower’s CndWT (condenser water temperature) and the chiller’s ChWT (chilled water temperature) were set as system control variables. To evaluate algorithm performance, the electric consumption and the COP (coefficient of performance) were compared and analyzed when ChWT and CndWTs were controlled conventionally and controlled based on the ANN. During the analysis, unexpected abnormal data was observed due to insufficient training data and limited consideration of OWBT (outdoor air wet-bulb temperature) when determining the CndWT set-point. Therefore, it is necessary to further build training data from a wider range of conditions and to set the lower limit of CndWT set-point to at least +3.6 °C above OWBT when the OWBT is higher than 23 °C, so that further energy savings can be achieved.

Abstract Background Although the prognostic value of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has been reported in several previous studies, its clinical relevance for the presence of sarcopenia has not been assessed. Methods In this study, 305 DLBCL patients were reviewed. They were categorized into normal/mild (n = 219) and moderate/severe (n = 86) CONUT groups. Sarcopenia was assessed using the L3-skeletal muscle index measured by baseline computed tomography imaging. Based on CONUT score and sarcopenia, patients were grouped: A (normal/mild CONUT and no sarcopenia), B (either moderate/severe CONUT or sarcopenia, but not both), and C (both moderate/severe CONUT and sarcopenia). Results The moderate/severe CONUT group showed higher rates of ≥ grade 3 febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, non-hematologic toxicities, and early treatment discontinuation not related to disease progression, compared to the normal/mild CONUT group. The moderate/severe CONUT group had a lower complete response rate (58.1% vs. 80.8%) and shorter median overall survival (18.5 vs. 162.6 months) than the normal/mild group. Group C had the poorest prognosis with a median survival of 8.6 months, while groups A and B showed better outcomes (not reached and 60.1 months, respectively). Combining CONUT score and sarcopenia improved the predictive accuracy of the Cox regression model (C-index: 0.763), compared to the performance of using either CONUT score (C-index: 0.754) or sarcopenia alone (C-index: 0.755). Conclusions In conclusion, the moderate/severe CONUT group exhibited treatment intolerance, lower response, and poor prognosis. Additionally, combining CONUT score and sarcopenia enhanced predictive accuracy for survival outcomes compared to individual variables.

Abstract Concentrations of 19 elements (Al, Fe, Ca, K, Mg, Na, S, Ti, Ba, Sr, Zn, V, Cu, Mn, Cr, Pb, Ni, Co, and Cd) in foliar dust samples were determined from 6 different roadside locations of Bilaspur city (Chhattisgarh), India. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated the significance of vehicular activities followed by sources such as firework events and other industrial/regional/transboundary sources in foliar dust in the area of study. Risk assessment of metal levels in foliar dust was performed using several indices based on the data collected from different sites. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) analysis indicated foliar dust was moderately and extremely polluted with S and Cd, respectively, while practically unpolluted with most other elements (Al, Fe, Ca, K, Mg, Na, Ti, Ba, Sr, Zn, V, Cu, Mn, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Co). The values of pollution (IPOLL) index and contamination factor (CF) of Cd indicated a high pollution level. Comparable results were found for the ecological risk (Eri) of Cd (above 320) with a very high Eri at all sites. In addition, the overall Eri index (RI) of foliar dust at all sites was very high due to a greater Cd contribution.

PURPOSE With the widespread of mitochondrial function, the need to accurately quantify and comprehend mitochondrial O2 respiration has gained prominence within the physiological and pathological spheres. Various in situ, in vitro, and in vivo approaches have been available to investigate numerous aspects of mitochondrial O2 consumption. This review aims to provide a specific method for researchers to consider in examining mitochondrial O2 respiration using permeabilized or homogenized tissues. These techniques allow direct access to mitochondrial O2 respiration, facilitating an exploration of mitochondrial bioenergetics under well-defined substrate conditions. METHODS Here, we present a method for measuring mitochondrial O2 consumption in permeabilized or homogenized tissues using high-resolution respirometry (Oroboros Oxygraph-2K, Oroboros Instrument). RESULTS A high-resolution respirometry provides the most direct way to assess mitochondrial O2 respiration with interpretations based on specific modeling approaches. CONCLUSIONS As many diseases are closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, ongoing advancements in this methodology may provide researchers with exciting and novel opportunities for finding the potential role of mitochondria in the etiology and treatment of various diseases.

Commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) with a hexagonal close-packed structure exhibits large anisotropy and asymmetry at room temperature. While several reasons have been put forth to explain such unique behavior, the deformation mechanism responsible for the observed anisotropy and asymmetric yielding and hardening is not clearly understood. In this study, to understand the deformation mechanism of CP Ti and investigate the origin of such unusual mechanical behavior, a micromechanical analysis was conducted using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and crystal plasticity finite element analyses. Representative volume elements of titanium sheets were generated using statistical data related to the microstructure, as analyzed using EBSD. Crystal plasticity model parameters corresponding to different deformation modes, including prismatic, basal, pyramidal slip, {101‾2} tensile twinning, and {112‾2} compressive twinning, were calibrated using the macroscopic behavior in various loading conditions. Finally, the roles of different deformation modes in dictating the anisotropic and asymmetric behavior of CP Ti are discussed.

This study examines factors influencing gift sharing on social media. An online survey gathered data from American adults. It investigates how motivations for social media content posting, gift attributes, giver characteristics, and recipient reactions affect gift-sharing behavior. Findings show self-expression motives in content posting drive sharing, while social interaction motives do not. Gifts perceived as experiential and expensive are more likely to be shared. Recipient-centric gifts positively influence gift sharing, while giver-centric gifts hinder sharing. Attitude towards the gift predicts sharing, while appreciation does not. The study enhances understanding of gift sharing on social media and offers marketing insights for leveraging this behavior.

The study investigates the medicinal properties of Tagetes erecta L. (marigold) in combating inflammation and toxicity induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The polyphenol-enriched extract from T. erecta L. petals (TE) exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects by targeting the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) complex, as evidenced in cellular and animal models. In vitro, TE effectively inhibited LPS-induced proinflammatory mediators and key genes associated with inflammation. Molecular docking analyses suggested that constituents of TE, such as patulitrin, quercetagetin, kaempferol, patuletin, and isorhamnetin, have the potential to bind to the TLR4/MD2 complex, therefore supporting its anti-inflammatory effects. Experiments on zebrafish larvae revealed that TE mitigates LPS-induced abnormalities and mortality, as well as attenuates the expression of proinflammatory genes, highlighting its therapeutic potential. Overall, the study underscores the promising medicinal value of T. erecta L., particularly TE, in addressing LPS-induced inflammation and associated disorders, thus warranting further exploration in clinical applications.

An 8-month-old castrated male British Shorthair cat presented with acute anorexia and vomiting. The overall clinical presentation included generalized depression. Physical examination revealed palpable abdominal mass, thus foreign body or intussusception was suspected. Abdominal radiographs showed segmental dilation of small intestine and ultrasonography revealed target lesion with dilated small bowel loops and disrupted normal wall layering, suggestive of intussusception. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed congenital mesenteric defects associated with small intestinal obstruction. Surgical intervention involved dissection, ligation of encircling blood vessels, and closure of mesenteric defects. The cat was discharged after 3 days, exhibiting normal postoperative recovery. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of congenital mesenteric defect associated with small intestinal obstruction in a cat. While internal hernias are rare, it is essential to include them in the differential diagnosis for cases of intestinal obstruction, particularly in patients with no history of previous surgery or trauma. The potential for strangulation and ischemia in the affected loops elevates internal hernias to a critical, life-threatening condition, emphasizing the need for prompt recognition and urgent surgical intervention as an emergency.

Bicarbonate ion-containing solutions such as seawater, natural brines, bovine serum and other mineralizing fluids have been found to contain hyperalkaline droplets of a separate, liquid condensed phase (LCP), that have higher concentrations of bicarbonate ion (HCO3−) relative to the bulk solution in which they reside. The existence and unique composition of the LCP droplets have been characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dissolved inorganic carbon analysis and refractive index measurements. Carbon dioxide can be brought into solution through an aqueous reaction to form LCP droplets that can then be separated by established industrial membrane processes as a means of concentrating HCO3−. Reaction of calcium with the LCP droplets results in calcium carbonate precipitation and mineral formation. The LCP phenomenon may bear on native mineralization reactions and has the potential to change fundamental approaches to carbon capture, sequestration and utilization.

Pneumoperitoneum usually presents as a surgical emergency, especially in patients with a history of trauma. However, we recently encountered an atypical case of pneumoperitoneum at a hysterectomy site following blunt trauma, indicating that immediate laparotomy may not always be necessary. In this report, we present the case of a 45-year-old woman who was transferred to our trauma center from a local hospital after being involved in a traffic accident the day before. Although she underwent an emergency laparotomy, no bowel perforation was detected. Instead, a rupture was found at the site of a hysterectomy that had been performed 8 months earlier. After repairing the hysterectomy site, the pneumoperitoneum resolved, and the patient was subsequently discharged without further complications.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant brain tumor and has a high mortality rate. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of malignant brain tumors. However, the use of PDT for the treatment of GBM has been limited by its low blood‒brain barrier (BBB) permeability and lack of cancer-targeting ability. Herein, brain endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles (bEVs) were used as a biocompatible nanoplatform to transport photosensitizers into brain tumors across the BBB. To enhance PDT efficacy, the photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) was linked to mitochondria-targeting triphenylphosphonium (TPP) and entrapped into bEVs. TPP-conjugated Ce6 (TPP-Ce6) selectively accumulated in the mitochondria, which rendered brain tumor cells more susceptible to reactive oxygen species-induced apoptosis under light irradiation. Moreover, the encapsulation of TPP-Ce6 into bEVs markedly improved the aqueous stability and cellular internalization of TPP-Ce6, leading to significantly enhanced PDT efficacy in U87MG GBM cells. An in vivo biodistribution study using orthotopic GBM-xenografted mice showed that bEVs containing TPP-Ce6 [bEV(TPP-Ce6)] substantially accumulated in brain tumors after BBB penetration via transferrin receptor-mediated transcytosis. As such, bEV(TPP-Ce6)-mediated PDT considerably inhibited the growth of GBM without causing adverse systemic toxicity, suggesting that mitochondria are an effective target for photodynamic GBM therapy.

Background This study evaluated the diagnostic yield and positive predictive factors of post-percutaneous core needle biopsy (PCNB) sputum cytology in diagnosing malignancy. Methods This retrospective study included patients who underwent PCNB at a single center from January 2014 to March 2022. Patient demographics, lung lesion characteristics on computed tomography, underlying lung disease, post-PCNB complications, histopathologic results of PCNB, post-PCNB sputum specimens, and final diagnoses were reviewed. The diagnostic yields and related factors were analyzed. Results Overall, 177 consecutive patients with sputum specimens obtained after PCNB for intrapulmonary lesions were enrolled. Among them, 152 patients had a final diagnosis of malignancy. Diagnostic sputum specimens with atypical or malignant cells were obtained in 12 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of sputum cytology were 7.89%, 100%, 20.90%, 100%, and 15.15%, respectively. Lesion size, air-bronchogram, lesion multiplicity, and the cell type of squamous cell and adenocarcinoma differed significantly between the groups with diagnostic versus non-diagnostic sputum (p

Abstract TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a key signalling component in the production of type-I interferons, which have essential antiviral activities, including against SARS-CoV-2. TBK1, and its homologue IκB kinase-ε (IKKε), can also induce pro-inflammatory responses that contribute to pathogen clearance. While initially protective, sustained engagement of type-I interferons is associated with damaging hyper-inflammation found in severe COVID-19 patients. The contribution of TBK1/IKKε signalling to these responses is unknown. Here we find that the small molecule idronoxil inhibits TBK1/IKKε signalling through destabilisation of TBK1/IKKε protein complexes. Treatment with idronoxil, or the small molecule inhibitor MRT67307, suppresses TBK1/IKKε signalling and attenuates cellular and molecular lung inflammation in SARS-CoV-2-challenged mice. Our findings additionally demonstrate that engagement of STING is not the major driver of these inflammatory responses and establish a critical role for TBK1/IKKε signalling in SARS-CoV-2 hyper-inflammation.

Abstract Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is a lethal disease characterized by genomic and clinical heterogeneity. By integrating 8 previously established genomic signatures for GAC subtypes, we identified 6 clinically and molecularly distinct genomic consensus subtypes (CGSs). CGS1 have the poorest prognosis, very high stem cell characteristics, and high IGF1 expression, but low genomic alterations. CGS2 is enriched with canonical epithelial gene expression. CGS3 and CGS4 have high copy number alterations and low immune reactivity. However, CGS3 and CGS4 differ in that CGS3 has high HER2 activation, while CGS4 has high SALL4 and KRAS activation. CGS5 has the high mutation burden and moderately high immune reactivity that are characteristic of microsatellite instable tumors. Most CGS6 tumors are positive for Epstein Barr virus and show extremely high levels of methylation and high immune reactivity. In a systematic analysis of genomic and proteomic data, we estimated the potential response rate of each consensus subtype to standard and experimental treatments such as radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Interestingly, CGS3 was significantly associated with a benefit from chemoradiation therapy owing to its high basal level of ferroptosis. In addition, we also identified potential therapeutic targets for each consensus subtype. Thus, the consensus subtypes produced a robust classification and provide for additional characterizations for subtype-based customized interventions.

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Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass and function, poses a significant health challenge as the global population ages. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor in sarcopenia, as evidenced by the role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics, as well as mitophagy. Resistance exercise training (RET) is a well-established intervention for sarcopenia; however, its effects on the mitochondria in aging skeletal muscles remain unclear. This review aims to elucidate the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and sarcopenia, with a specific focus on the implications of RET. Although aerobic exercise training (AET) has traditionally been viewed as more effective for mitochondrial enhancement, emerging evidence suggests that RET may also confer beneficial effects. Here, we highlight the potential of RET to modulate mtROS, drive mitochondrial biogenesis, optimize mitochondrial dynamics, and promote mitophagy in aging skeletal muscles. Understanding this interplay offers insights for combating sarcopenia and preserving skeletal muscle health in aging individuals.

BackgroundThe dosage and intensity of physical therapy are crucial factors influencing the motor recovery of the hemiplegic lower limb in patients with subacute stroke. Biofeedback using wearable sensors may provide opportunities for patients with stroke to effectively guide self-exercises with monitoring of muscular activities in hemiplegic lower limbs. This study aims to explore the feasibility and safety of in-bed self-exercises based on electromyography sensor feedback in patients with subacute stroke.MethodsThis is a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing conventional physical therapy with additional in-bed self-exercises based on electromyography sensor feedback and conventional physical therapy alone. The interventions will be adjusted according to the muscle strength and Brunnstrom recovery stage in the hemiplegic lower limbs. The primary outcome measure is the Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale. The secondary outcome measures include the number and percentage of participating sessions, number and percentage of effortful sessions, number and percentage of successful sessions, mean amplitude of muscle contractions in a session, duration and percentage of participating sessions during self-exercises, Rivermead Motor Assessment, Manual Muscle Test, Brunnstrom recovery stage, Fugl-Meyer assessment, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulation Category, modified Rankin scale, and Short-Form Health Survey 36 version 2.ResultsThe results will be described in future studies.ConclusionThis clinical trial will estimate the feasibility and safety of in-bed self-exercises based on electromyography sensor feedback in patients with subacute stroke. If the expected results are achieved in this study, stroke rehabilitation methods will be enriched.Trial registrationclinicialtrials.gov, NCT05820815.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303758.].

Background: Recent studies have reported that air pollution is related to kidney diseases. However, the global evidence on the risk of death from acute kidney injury (AKI) owing to air pollution is limited. Therefore, we investigated the association between short-term exposure to air pollution—particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5), ozone (O3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)—and AKI-related mortality using a multi-country dataset. Methods: This study included 41,379 AKI-related deaths in 136 locations in six countries during 1987–2018. A novel case time-series design was applied to each air pollutant during 0–28 lag days to estimate the association between air pollution and AKI-related deaths. Moreover, we calculated AKI deaths attributable to non-compliance with the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines. Results: The relative risks (95% confidence interval) of AKI-related deaths are 1.052 (1.003, 1.103), 1.022 (0.994, 1.050), and 1.022 (0.982, 1.063) for 5, 10, and 10 µg/m3 increase in lag 0–28 days of PM2.5, warm-season O3, and NO2, respectively. The lag-distributed association showed that the risk appeared immediately on the day of exposure to air pollution, gradually decreased, and then increased again reaching the peak approximately 20 days after exposure to PM2.5 and O3. We also found that 1.9%, 6.3%, and 5.2% of AKI deaths were attributed to PM2.5, warm-season O3, and NO2 concentrations above the WHO guidelines. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that public health policies to reduce air pollution may alleviate the burden of death from AKI and suggests the need to investigate the several pathways between air pollution and AKI death.

BackgroundExisting research on the association between cognitive function and physical activity in the older adults population with disabilities is limited. Additionally, there is a need to explore avenues for enhancing the longevity and quality of life among these individuals.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the independent and joint associations between cognitive function and levels of physical activity in the older adults population with disabilities.MethodsA total of 315 older adults adults (men = 182, women = 133), identified with disabilities based on medical evaluation, were recruited from the first survey of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). Participants underwent assessments for cognitive function, physical activity (PA), activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and grip strength.ResultsADLs (p

Nitric oxide (NO) promotes angiogenesis via various mechanisms; however, the effective transmission of NO in ischemic diseases is unclear. Herein, we tested whether NO-releasing nanofibers modulate therapeutic angiogenesis in an animal hindlimb ischemia model. Male wild-type C57BL/6 mice with surgically-induced hindlimb ischemia were treated with NO-releasing 3-methylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane (MAP3)-derived or control (i.e., non-NO-releasing) nanofibers, by applying them to the wound for 20 min, three times every two days. The amount of NO from the nanofiber into tissues was assessed by NO fluorometric assay. The activity of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) was determined by western blot analysis. Perfusion ratios were measured 2, 4, and 14 days after inducing ischemia using laser doppler imaging. On day 4, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) with F4/80 and gelatin zymography were performed. IHC with CD31 was performed on day 14. To determine the angiogenic potential of NO-releasing nanofibers, aorta-ring explants were treated with MAP3 or control fiber for 20 min, and the sprout lengths were examined after 6 days. As per either LDPI (Laser doppler perfusion image) ratio or CD31 capillary density measurement, angiogenesis in the ischemic hindlimb was improved in the MAP3 nanofiber group; further, the total nitrate/nitrite concentration in the adduct muscle increased. The number of macrophage infiltrations and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity decreased. Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), one of the major substrates for PKG, increased phosphorylation in the MAP3 group. MAP3 nanofiber or NO donor SNAP (s-nitroso-n-acetyl penicillamine)-treated aortic explants showed enhanced sprouting in an ex vivo aortic ring assay, which was partially abrogated by KT5823, a potent inhibitor of PKG. These findings suggest that the novel NO-releasing nanofiber, MAP3 activates PKG and promotes therapeutic angiogenesis in response to hindlimb ischemia.

Delayed closure of an open abdomen (OA) is a clinically challenging task despite its various modalities. It is substantially more difficult when the duration of OA treatment is prolonged due to a patient’s condition. We introduced the management of a patient who had a delayed OA treatment spanning approximately 3 months due to severe abdominal contamination. The 64-year-old male patient had an injured pelvis pressed by a road roller. After visiting a trauma center, the patient initially underwent damage control surgery and OA management; however, early primary abdominal closure failed due to severe peritonitis. After negative pressure wound therapy for several months, an acellular dermal matrix graft followed by a skin graft were successfully used as treatments. A combination of acellular dermal matrix graft, negative pressure wound therapy, and skin graft techniques is a considerable management sequence for patients subjected to delayed OA treatment.

Abstract Aim To investigate the relationship between Type D personality and adverse health outcomes [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL)] directly, and indirectly via diabetes distress and social isolation in people with type 2 diabetes. Design A secondary analysis of 524 participant's data derived from a cross‐sectional, correlational study with people with type 2 diabetes. Methods Data were analysed using the PROCESS macro of SPSS. Results Type D personality was present in 31.3% of the participants, and exerted a direct effect on HRQOL but not on HbA1c. Type D personality indirectly affected both HbA1c and HRQOL via the mediators of diabetes distress and social isolation. Nurses need to monitor people with type 2 diabetes to determine whether Type D personality is present. Those with Type D personality should be provided with interventions to reduce diabetes distress and alleviate social isolation in order to improve HbA1c and HRQOL.

Abstract Background Ketamine and etomidate are commonly used as sedatives in rapid sequence intubation (RSI). However, there is no consensus on which agent should be favored when treating patients with trauma. This study aimed to compare the effects of ketamine and etomidate on first-pass success and outcomes of patients with trauma after RSI-facilitated emergency intubation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 944 patients who underwent endotracheal intubation in a trauma bay at a Korean level 1 trauma center between January 2019 and December 2021. Outcomes were compared between the ketamine and etomidate groups after propensity score matching to balance the overall distribution between the two groups. Results In total, 620 patients were included in the analysis, of which 118 (19.9%) were administered ketamine and the remaining 502 (80.1%) were treated with etomidate. Patients in the ketamine group showed a significantly faster initial heart rate (105.0 ± 25.7 vs. 97.7 ± 23.6, p = 0.003), were more hypotensive (114.2 ± 32.8 mmHg vs. 139.3 ± 34.4 mmHg, p 0.999), final mortality (16.1% vs. 20.6, p = 0.348), length of stay in the intensive care unit (days) (8 [4, 15] (Interquartile range)), vs. 10 [4, 21], p = 0.998), ventilator days (4 [2, 10] vs. 5 [2, 13], p = 0.735), and hospital stay (days) (24.5 [10.25, 38.5] vs. 22 [8, 40], p = 0.322) in the 1:3 propensity score matching analysis. Conclusion In this retrospective study of trauma resuscitation, those receiving intubation with ketamine had greater hemodynamic instability than those receiving etomidate. However, there was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between patients sedated with ketamine and those treated with etomidate.

Abstract Bioluminescence imaging is useful for non-invasively monitoring inflammatory reactions associated with disease progression, and since NF-κB is a pivotal transcription factor that alters expressions of inflammatory genes, we generated novel NF-κB luciferase reporter (NF-κB-Luc) mice to understand the dynamics of inflammatory responses in whole body, and also in various type of cells by crossing NF-κB-Luc mice with cell-type specific Cre expressing mice (NF-κB-Luc:[Cre]). Bioluminescence intensity was significantly increased in NF-κB-Luc (NKL) mice exposed to inflammatory stimuli (PMA or LPS). Crossing NF-κB-Luc mice with Alb-cre mice or Lyz-cre mice generated NF-κB-Luc:Alb (NKLA) and NF-κB-Luc:Lyz2 (NKLL) mice, respectively. NKLA and NKLL mice showed enhanced bioluminescence in liver and macrophages, respectively. To confirm that our reporter mice could be utilized for the non-invasive monitoring of inflammation in preclinical models, we conducted a DSS-induced colitis model and a CDAHFD-induced NASH model in our reporter mice. In both models, our reporter mice reflected the development of these diseases over time. In conclusion, we believe that our novel reporter mouse can be utilized as a non-invasive monitoring platform for inflammatory diseases.

Background: Tea tree oil has antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal effects and Mastic oil has antifungal and anticancer effects. For synergistic effects of oils, blending oil containing a mixture of two to three oils is recommended. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial effects of Tea tree oil, Mastic oil, and Blending oil containing the two oils in a mixture, to verify and suggest the potential use of these oils as a substance to prevent dental caries.Methods: Tea tree oil, Mastic oil, and Blending oil with a 1:1 blend of the two oils were diluted in liquid medium to 0% (negative control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%. Streptococcus mutans was applied to each experimental group of the three diluted oils and after 8 h culture, the optical density (OD) was measured and the growth inhibition rate for S. mutans was estimated.Results: Tea tree oil had significantly low OD values across all concentrations (p＜0.05) without significant variation among different concentrations (p＞0.05). Mastic oil did not significantly vary in OD compared to the negative control across all concentrations (p＞0.05) without significant variation among different concentrations (p＞0.05). Blending oil, compared to the negative control, did not significantly vary in OD at 0.5% (p＞0.05) but significant variation was found as the concentration increased (p＜0.05). Additionally, for Tea tree oil and Mastic oil, the growth inhibition rate showed no significant variation according to concentration (p＞0.05), whereas for Blending oil, the growth inhibition rate for S. mutans showed a significant difference at 1.0% (p＜0.05) and at higher concentrations. Conclusion: Blending oil containing a Tea tree oil and Mastic oil demonstrated a significant growth inhibition effect on S. mutans from the concentration of 1.0%, which suggested its potential use as an effective antibacterial agent for dental caries.

Background/Aim Abdominal ultrasonography (USG) is recommended as a surveillance test for high-risk groups for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to analyze the current status of the national cancer surveillance program for HCC in South Korea and investigate the effects of patient-, physician-, and machine-related factors on HCC detection sensitivity. Methods This multicenter retrospective cohort study collected surveillance USG data from the high-risk group for HCC (liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B or C >40 years of age) at eight South Korean tertiary hospitals in 2017. Results In 2017, 45 experienced hepatologists or radiologists performed 8,512 USG examinations. The physicians had a mean 15.0±8.3 years of experience; more hepatologists (61.4%) than radiologists (38.6%) participated. Each USG scan took a mean 12.2±3.4 minutes. The HCC detection rate by surveillance USG was 0.3% (n=23). Over 27 months of follow-up, an additional 135 patients (0.7%) developed new HCC. The patients were classified into three groups based on timing of HCC diagnosis since the 1st surveillance USG, and no significant intergroup difference in HCC characteristics was noted. HCC detection was significantly associated with patient-related factors, such as old age and advanced fibrosis, but not with physician- or machine-related factors. Conclusions This is the first study of the current status of USG as a surveillance method for HCC at tertiary hospitals in South Korea. It is necessary to develop quality indicators and quality assessment procedures for USG to improve the detection rate of HCC.

Multiple primary malignancies (MPMs) are defined as the presence of two or more malignancies in different organs, without a subordinate relationship. Although rarely reported, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occasionally presents with simultaneous or metachronous primary malignancies in other organs. In this report, we describe a patient with lung adenocarcinoma and lymph node and bone metastases, treated with five chemotherapeutic regimens for 24 months. Changing the chemotherapy regimen based on the suspicion of metastasis of a new liver mass did not lead to improvements. This prompted a liver biopsy and a revised diagnosis of HCC. Sixth-line treatment with the concurrent use of cisplatin-paclitaxel for lung cancer and sorafenib for HCC, stabilized the disease. The concurrent treatment was not tolerated and was discontinued owing to adverse events. Considering our findings, treatment with increased efficacy and lower toxicity for MPMs is warranted.

Abstract Background Hydrogels have been widely used in many research fields owing to optical transparency, good biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, etc. Unlike typical hydrogels in the form of an unstructured bulk material, we developed aqueous dispersions of fiber-shaped hydrogel structures with high stability under ambient conditions and their application to various types of transparent soft cell culture interfaces with anisotropic nanoscale topography. Method Nanofibers based on the polyvinyl alcohol and polyacrylic acid mixture were prepared by electrospinning and hydrogelified to nano-fibrous hydrogels (nFHs) after thermal crosslinking and sulfuric acid treatment. By modifying various material surfaces with positively-charged polymers, negatively-charged superabsorbent nFHs could be selectively patterned by employing micro-contact printing or horizontally aligned by applying shear force with a wired bar coater. Results The angular distribution of bar-coated nFHs was dramatically reduced to ± 20° along the applied shear direction unlike the drop-coated nFHs which exhibit random orientations. Next, various types of cells were cultured on top of transparent soft nFHs which showed good viability and attachment while their behaviors could be easily monitored by both upright and inverted optical microscopy. Particularly, neuronal lineage cells such as PC 12 cells and embryonic hippocampal neurons showed highly stretched morphology along the overall fiber orientation with aspect ratios ranging from 1 to 14. Furthermore, the resultant neurite outgrowth and migration behaviors could be effectively controlled by the horizontal orientation and the three-dimensional arrangement of underlying nFHs, respectively. Conclusion We expect that surface modifications with transparent soft nFHs will be beneficial for various biological/biomedical studies such as fundamental cellular studies, neuronal/stem cell and/or organoid cultures, implantable probe/device coatings, etc.