Search

Purpose: Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants exhibit immature thermoregulation and are easily exposed to hypothermia. We investigated the association between hypothermia on admission with short- and long-term outcomes. Methods: Medical records of ELBW infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary medical center between June 2012 and February 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Upon admission, the axillary body temperature was measured. Moderate hypothermia was defined as admission temperature below 36 °C. Results: A total of 208 infants with gestational age of 26.4±2.3 weeks and birth weight of 746.7±154.9 g were included. Admission temperature ranged from 33.5 to 36.8? (median 36.1 ?). Univariate analyses of maternal and infant characteristics were performed for moderately hypothermic and control (normothermic to mildly hypothermic) infants. Lower gestational age, lower birth weight, and vaginal delivery correlated with moderate hypothermia. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for confounders revealed that the incidence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) was associated with moderate hypothermia in ELBW infants. Moreover, abnormal mental developmental index scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II at a corrected age of 18 to 24 months were associated with moderate hypothermia, but not with the psychomotor developmental index, incidence of blindness, deafness, or cerebral palsy. Conclusion: Moderate hypothermia at admission is not only correlated with shortterm neonatal morbidities such as hsPDA, but may also be associated with longterm neurodevelopmental impairment in ELBW infants. Future large-scale studies are required to clarify the long-term consequences of hypothermia upon admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In November 2020, an unusual increase in fungal endophthalmitis cases after cataract surgery was reported to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, South Korea. We initiated an outbreak investigation to identify the cause. We identified 156 cases nationwide, 62 confirmed and 94 probable. Most case-patients were exposed during surgery to ocular viscoelastic devices (OVDs) from the same manufacturer (company A). We isolated Fusarium spp. from 50 confirmed cases. Molecular identification of 39 fungal isolates from clinical samples and 13 isolates from OVDs confirmed F. oxysporum caused the infections. The risk ratio for fungal endophthalmitis from company A's OVDs was 86.0 (95% CI 27.4-256.9), much higher than risk from other manufacturers' products. We determined this fungal endophthalmitis outbreak was caused by a contaminated lot of OVDs and recommended discontinued use of this product. Early recognition of outbreaks and joint responses from related government agencies can reduce risk for fungal endophthalmitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High blood cholesterol levels and oxidized cholesterol are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which displays high annual incidence. Although studies on sericulture products, including pupae, silk protein, and blood lymph, as hypocholesterolemic substances have been reported, insufficient research in this field has been focused on silkworm larvae. Six larval extracts (Low temperature distilled water, LW; hot temperature distilled water, HW; and 30- 100% ethanol, E30-E100) were prepared, and their effects on cholesterol metabolism were examined. LW most potently reduced the risk of cholesterol-related disorders. Polyphenols were highly represented in LW, corresponding with its increased antioxidant potency. The cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) was strongly inhibited by LW. Hepatocytes over-expressed LDL receptor (LDLR) after LW stimulation, promoting cholesterol elimination from plasma. LW also increased ATP binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1) gene expression, upregulating HDL biogenesis. In conclusion, LW exhibited strong antioxidant activity, suppressed cholesterol biosynthesis, improved LDL uptake from plasma, and upregulated HDL biosynthesis. In aggregate, these activities could reduce blood cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cube root of the energy dissipation rate (EDR), as a standard reporting metric of atmospheric turbulence, is estimated using 1-Hz quick access recorder data from Korean-based national air carriers with two different types of aircraft [Boeing 737 (B737) and B777], archived for 12 months from January to December 2012. Various EDRs are estimated using zonal, meridional, and derived vertical wind components, and the derived equivalent vertical gust (DEVG). Wind-based EDRs are estimated by (i) second-order structure function (EDR1), (ii) power spectral density (PSD), considering the Kolmogorov's -5/3 dependence (EDR2), and (iii) maximum-likelihood estimation using the von Kármán spectral model (EDR3). DEVG-based EDRs are obtained mainly by vertical acceleration with different conversions to EDR using (iv) the lognormal mapping technique (EDR4) and (v) the predefined parabolic relationship between the observed EDR and DEVG (EDR5). For the EDR1, second-order structure functions are computed for zonal, meridional, and vertical wind within the defined inertial subrange. For the EDR2 and EDR3, individual PSDs for each wind component are computed using the Fast Fourier Transform over every 2-minute time window. Then, two EDR estimates are computed separately by employing the Kolmogorov-scale slope (EDR2) or prescribed von Kármán wind model (EDR3) within the inertial subrange. The resultant EDR estimates from five different methods follow a lognormal distribution reasonably well, which satisfies the fundamental characteristics of atmospheric turbulence. Statistics (mean and standard deviation) of log-scale EDRs are somewhat different from those found in a previous study using a higher frequency (10Hz) of in situ aircraft data in the United States, likely due to different sampling rates, aircraft types, and locations. Finally, five EDR estimates capture well the intensity and location of three strong turbulence cases that are relevant to clear-air turbulence (CAT), mountain wave turbulence (MWT), and convectively induced turbulence (CIT), with different characteristics of the observed EDRs: 1) zonal (vertical) wind-based EDRs are stronger in the CAT (CIT) case, while MWT has a peak of EDRs in both zonal and vertical wind-based EDRs, and 2) the CAT and MWT cases occurred by large-scale (synoptic-scale) forcing have more variations in EDRs before and after the incident, while the CIT case triggered by smaller mesoscale convective cell has an isolated peak of EDR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morus alba has white and/or purple fruits with a very sweet taste and low acidity. Most Korean mulberry trees have purple fruits. However, Baekokwang is a unique mulberry genetic resource in Korea with white fruits. In this study, flavonoids contents of Baekokwang mulberry leaf and fruit were analyzed using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-QTOF/ MS) technique. UPLC-DAD-QTOF/MS chromatogram showed that 15 flavonoids and 9 flavonoids were isolated and identified from the mulberry leaf and fruit. Total flavonoids contents of Baekokwang leaves and fruits were 812.7 mg and 35.0 mg, respectively. Baekokwang leaves had 4 major flavonoids including quercetin 3-O-(6'-O-malonyl) glucoside, 235.3 ppm, kaempferol 3-O-(6'-O-malonyl) glucoside, 132.3 ppm, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside (nicotiflorin), 108.1 ppm, and quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (rutin), 103.8 ppm. Baekokwang fruits had 3 major flavonoids including quercetin 3-O-(6'-O-malonyl) glucoside, 13.0 ppm, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (rutin), 7.8 ppm, and kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside (nicotiflorin), 5.7 ppm. From the above results, mulberry leaves have rich flavonoids compared to its fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberry root bark is one of potential plant sources for antioxidant materials which can be used for the relief of oxidative stress. To explore the effects of solvent type and temperature on the structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of the root bark extracts, we prepared various extracts of mulberry root bark (Morus alba L.) using 0 – 100 % ethanol (EtOH) at RT – 100ºC. EtOH concentration and temperature critically affected the extraction yields, the content of bioactive components, and antioxidant activity of the extracts. Use of high content of EtOH solvent and low temperature resulted in the low extraction yield. Meanwhile, it was revealed that the extract prepared using absolute EtOH at room temperature contained polyphenols and flavonoids with the highest contents among other extracts. Interestingly, the temperature differently affected the polyphenol and flavonoid contents according to the solvent types. In the case of 30% EtOH solvent, polyphenol and flavonoid contents increased with an increase in temperature, whereas in the case of 70 and 100 % EtOH, these contents decreased. Using the radical scavenging assay, it was confirmed that the 100% EtOH extracts had higher antioxidant activity compared to distilled water (DW) extracts regardless of temperature. Also, heating might extract more antioxidant components from the root bark. Especially, the extract prepared using 30% EtOH solvent at 100ºC showed the highest antioxidant activity. Taken together, these experimental results imply that the extraction parameters should be designed carefully considering the productivity, the extracted bioactive components, and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WD40-repeat (WDR)-containing proteins constitute an evolutionarily conserved large protein family with a broad range of biological functions. In human proteome, WDR makes up one of the most abundant protein-protein interaction domains. Members of the WDR protein family play important roles in nearly all major cellular signalling pathways. Mutations of WDR proteins have been associated with various human pathologies including neurological disorders, cancer, obesity, ciliopathies and endocrine disorders. This review provides an updated overview of the biological functions of WDR proteins and their mutations found in congenital disorders. We also highlight the significant role of WDR proteins in ciliopathies and endocrine disorders. The new insights may help develop therapeutic approaches targeting WDR motifs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some of the Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) data include a turbulence metric of the derived equivalent vertical gust (DEVG), in addition to wind and temperature. As the cube root of the eddy dissipation rate (EDR) is the International Civil Aviation Organization standard turbulence reporting metric, we attempt to retrieve the EDR from the DEVG for more reliable and consistent observations of aviation turbulence globally. Using the DEVG in the AMDAR archived from October 2015 to September 2018 covering a large portion of the Southern Hemisphere and North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans, we convert the DEVG to the EDR using two methods, after conducting quality control procedures to remove suspicious turbulence reports in the DEVG. The first method is to remap the DEVG to the EDR using a lognormal mapping scheme, while the second one is using the best-fit curve between the EDR and DEVG developed in the previous study. The DEVG-derived EDRs obtained from the two methods are evaluated against in situ EDR data reported by United States-operated carriers. For two specified regions of the trans-Pacific Ocean and Europe, where both the DEVG-derived EDRs and in situ EDRs were available, the DEVG-derived EDRs obtained by the two methods are generally consistent with in situ EDRs, with slightly better statistics by the first method than the second one. This result is encouraging for extending the aviation turbulence data globally with the single preferred EDR metric, which will contribute to the improvement of global aviation turbulence forecasting as well as to the construction of the climatology of upper-level turbulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study attempts to evaluate the skeletal maturation patterns of the triradiate cartilage (TRC) and the posterior acetabular wall (PA), which can be easily assessed on body computerized tomography (CT). It also examines the effect of gender and age on ossification of both TRC and PA. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included a total of 1324 CT scans for children between the ages of 6 and 16 years. Depending on the extent of ossification in each right or left aspect, determined by the consensus of two observers, the TRC and PA scans were categorized into Grades 4 and 3, respectively. Results The TRC for boys began to ossify at age 10 and closed completely at 14, while the PA for boys started ossification at age 11 and entirely fused at 13. The ages of ossification center appearance and complete fusion in both TRC and PA for girls were exactly two years earlier than boys. The TRC fused within one year after the closure of the PA. Conclusion The appearance and closure of the TRC and PA ossification centers show predictable patterns of development, appearance and merger earlier in females than in males. The suggestion is that development and morphogenesis of both TRC and PA ossification centers can be adequately assessed by using 3-dimensional body CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Identification: This study aims to evaluate the effects of self-management interventions (SMIs) for cancer survivors who completed primary treatment. Literature Search: Using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL®, PsycINFO®, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails (CENTRAL), the authors conducted a systematic search of randomized, controlled trials published in English from database conception through June 2016. Data Evaluation: The meta-analysis was conducted with Cochrane Review Manager, version 5.3, and R program, version 3.3.1. Synthesis: 12 studies were systematically reviewed for self-management content, mode of delivery, session composition, and type of self-management skills used. Then, a meta-analysis of nine randomized, controlled trials involving 2,804 participants was conducted comparing SMIs with usual care, attention control, and a waitlist group. Qualitative synthesis showed that (a) the major study population was comprised of breast cancer survivors; (b) SMIs focused on medical/behavioral and emotional management; (c) the most common mode of delivery was web-based; and (d) the most frequently evaluated outcomes were depression, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Quantitative results demonstrated a significant medium effect on HRQOL and a large effect on fatigue of borderline significance. The effects on anxiety, depression, and self-efficacy were not statistically significant. Conclusions: SMIs had a significant medium effect on HRQOL for cancer survivors posttreatment, but the findings should be interpreted with caution because of substantial heterogeneity. In addition, the small number of studies limits conclusions. Implications for Nursing: SMI as a nursing intervention for improving HRQOL of cancer survivors can be recommended, but more research should be undertaken to determine the most effective SMI format in terms of type, mode of delivery, and session composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoplasm is one of the primary causes of spontaneous hemothorax. When spontaneous hemothorax is present, it is essential to detect the surgically corrective cause in order to successfully control this life-threatening condition. Undergoing an imaging evaluation, such as by enhanced computed tomography (CT), is especially important in a patient with spontaneous hemothorax. Herein, we report on a case of spontaneous hemothorax that was caused by a ruptured atypical carcinoid tumor in the right lower lobe. This hypervascular and peripherally located tumor was initially missed by both an unenhanced and enhanced chest CT because intra-tumoral bleeding and the hypervascular nature of this tumor caused similar high density when compared to the loculated hemothorax along the right major fissure and the surrounding atelectatic lung. Consequently, the tumor was obscured by the massive hemothorax and surrounding atelectatic lung on the initial chest CT. However, a second chest CT taken after tube drainage of the massive hemothorax informed the correct diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) is considered an optimal therapeutic strategy for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). We aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of TTTS patients since the introduction of FLS. Methods: A retrospective study of TTTS patients born between January 2005 and December 2015 was conducted. Mortality and morbidity were compared in the FLS and non-FLS groups. The FLS group was divided into selective FLS and Solomon technique group, and subgroup analysis was performed. Results: Of 70 pregnancies diagnosed with TTTS during the study period, FLS was performed for 35 (50%). Survival of at least one infant at discharge was achieved in 100% (35/35) of pregnancies in the FLS group and 91.4% (32/35) in the non-FLS group (P=0.028). Subgroup analysis revealed that the Solomon technique group had a higher dual survival rate than the selective FLS group (81.3% vs. 57.9%, P=0.036). Neonatal mortality was significantly lower in the FLS group than in the non-FLS group (1.7% vs. 16.4%, P=0.005). Severe intraventricular hemorrhage more than grade 3 was less frequent in the FLS group than in the non-FLS group (0% vs. 18.2%, P= 0.001). The FLS group showed smaller inter-twin differences in birth weight (24.4% vs. 33.7%, P= 0.032) and lower incidence of twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (0% vs. 43.8%, P< 0.001). Conclusion: Since the introduction of FLS, the survival rate of TTTS patients has improved. The Solomon technique resulted in better dual survival rates than selective FLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Objectives: To evaluate the effects of expressive writing (EW) interventions in patients with cancer. Data Sources: Electronic databases searched included both international and Korean databases through January 2015. Data Synthesis: Of the 20 trials that met the eligibility criteria of this review, a metaanalysis was conducted of 14 articles involving 13 randomized and 1 nonrandomized trials with 1,718 patients with cancer. EW interventions were compared with a neutral writing intervention or usual care (no writing). A significant small effect was noted on relieving cancer symptoms; however, the effects on psychological and cognitive outcomes were not significant. When subgroup analysis by control condition was performed, a significant effect on health-related quality of life was found between the EW intervention group and the usual care group. Conclusions: EW had significant small effects only on cancer symptoms. The findings suggest that the traditional EW intervention protocol may need to be intensified to confirm its effect on patients with cancer. Implications for Nursing: Current evidence for EW as a nursing intervention for improving physical, psychological, and cognitive outcomes among patients with cancer is promising, but not conclusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We investigated the effects of early postnatal administration of erythropoietin (EPO) on neurodevelopmental outcomes and morbidities in preterm infants with severe grades of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of preterm infants of gestational age 23+0 weeks to 31+6 weeks, who were diagnosed with severe grades of IVH and received EPO over at least 2 weeks. We compared clinical characteristics, major complications, and neurodevelopmental impairment between the two groups. The primary outcome was severe neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 26 months of corrected age. Severe neurodevelopmental impairment was defined as a mental developmental index or psychomotor developmental index of <70 on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II or diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Results: The study included 33 preterm infants (mean gestational age 25.2±1.6 weeks and mean birth weight 775.1±224.5 g). EPO was administered at a dose of 400 or 1,000 IU/kg thrice weekly and was maintained over a mean period of 58.6± 25.9 days beginning from 10.7±6.9 days after birth. We observed no difference in perinatal characteristics between the EPO (n=14) and the control group (n=19). Similarly, severe neurodevelopmental impairment rates did not differ between the EPO (85.7%) and control groups (78.9%). The incidence of neonatal morbidities including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and retinopathy of prematurity was also similar between the EPO and control groups. Conclusion: Early administration of EPO did not reduce the risk of severe neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants with severe IVH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proper development and coordination of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis are essential for normal reproductive competence. The key factor that regulates the function of the HPG axis is gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Timely release of GnRH is critical for the onset of puberty and subsequent sexual maturation. Misregulation in this system can result in delayed or absent puberty and infertility. Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and Kallmann syndrome (KS) are genetic disorders that are rooted in a GnRH deficiency but often accompanied by a variety of non-reproductive phenotypes such as the loss of the sense of smell and defects of the skeleton, eye, ear, kidney, and heart. Recent progress in DNA sequencing technology has produced a wealth of information regarding the genetic makeup of CHH and KS patients and revealed the resilient yet complex nature of the human reproductive neuroendocrine system. Further research on the molecular basis of the disease and the diverse signal pathways involved will aid in improving the diagnosis, treatment, and management of CHH and KS patients as well as in developing more precise genetic screening and counseling regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma is a very rare and aggressive disease characterized histopathologically by an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive atypical lymphoid cytotoxic infiltrate, extensive vascular destruction, and prominent tissue necrosis. It commonly shows cutaneous lesions that primarily or secondarily mimic cellulitis at the primary site. We report on a very rare case of extranodal NK/Tcell lymphoma, nasal type of skin/soft tissue, in a 64-year-old man, and describe the radiological findings. The condition was misdiagnosed as cellulitis of the left arm based on initial noninvasive clinical and radiologic work-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Most attempted suicides have a low lethality, but hanging, drowning, and jumping from a great height have a high risk of completed suicide. The aim of this study was to assess the sociodemographic profiles of patients who attempted suicide using high lethality methods relative to all other methods of attempted suicide. Methods We retrospectively investigated all attempted suicides treated at a tertiary university hospital in Seoul between January 2008 and February 2012. The following variables were considered: the patients' attempted suicide methods, age, sex, history of attempted suicides, previous psychiatric history, occupation, and living conditions. The suicide methods were categorized into two groups: high lethality (e.g., hanging, falling, and drowning) and low lethality methods (e.g., self-poisoning and cutting). We investigated risk factors related to the choice of high lethality methods. Results A total of 560 patients were enrolled in this study. Deliberate self-poisoning was the most common method of attempted suicide (61.6%), followed by cutting (22.5%), hanging (10.4%), falling (4.1%), and drowning (1.4%). In logistic regression analyses, odds ratios for the choice of high lethality methods were 1.02 (95% CI =1.01 to 1.03, p < .01), 7.22 (95% CI =3.06 to 17.04, P < .01), and 0.59 (95% CI =0.35 to 0.99, p = .04) for age, previous attempted suicide with a high lethality method, and alcohol co-ingestion, respectively. Conclusions Our findings indicated that age and past attempted suicide using a high lethality method are associated with the use of high lethality methods for attempting suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our primary objective was to establish a cutoff value for the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1(sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio measured using the Elecsys assay to predict late-onset preeclampsia in low-risk pregnancies. Our secondary objective was to evaluate the ability of combination models using Elecsys data, second trimester uterine artery (UtA) Doppler ultrasonography measurements, and the serum fetoplacental protein levels used for Down's syndrome screening, to predict preeclampsia. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 262 pregnant women with a low risk of preeclampsia. Plasma levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated estriol, human chorionic gonadotropin, and inhibin-A were measured, and sFlt-1/PlGF ratios were calculated. All women underwent UtA Doppler ultrasonography at 20 to 24 weeks of gestation. Results: Eight of the 262 women (3.0%) developed late-onset preeclampsia. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the third trimester sFlt-1/PlGF ratio yielded the best detection rate (DR) for preeclampsia at a fixed false-positive rate (FPR) of 10%, followed by the second trimester sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, sFlt-1 level, and PlGF level. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the five best combination models for early detection of late-onset preeclampsia. The combination of the PAPP-A level and the second trimester sFlt-1/PlGF ratio yielded a DR of 87.5% at a fixed FPR of 5%, the combination of second and third trimester sFlt-1/PlGF ratios yielded a DR of 87.5% at a fixed FPR of 10%, the combination of body mass index and the second trimester sFlt-1 level yielded a DR of 87.5% at a fixed FPR of 10%, the combination of the PAPP-A and inhibin-A levels yielded a DR of 50% at a fixed FPR of 10%, and the combination of the PAPP-A level and the third trimester sFlt-1/PlGF ratio yielded a DR of 62.5% at a fixed FPR of 10%. Conclusions: The combination of the PAPP-A level and the second trimester sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, and the combination of the second trimester sFlt-1 level with body mass index, were better predictors of late-onset preeclampsia than any individual marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacies of somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in predicting the clinical prognosis of comatose patients following cardiac arrest. Methods: Forty-one patients resuscitated from out-of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) were retrospectively studied. After return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), SEP was conducted between one and three days after resuscitation, and DWI was conducted within five days of resuscitation. SEP was classified into three grades: normal, delayed conduction or unilateral loss of the N20 peak, and bilateral loss of the N20 peak. Bilateral loss of the N20 peak was considered a predictor of poor prognosis. For DWI, diffuse signal intensity (SI) abnormality in the cerebral cortex or abnormality in other brain areas in addition to the bilateral cerebral cortex was taken as a predictor of poor prognosis. For patient clinical prognosis, the Glasgow-Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) was used to evaluate neurological results at the time of discharge. Resulting CPC scores of 1 and 2 were considered as a favorable prognosis, and scores of 3, 4, and 5 were considered as a poor prognosis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the prediction of poor prognosis were analyzed for each test individually and for the combination of the two tests. Results: Among the 41 subject patients, 31 underwent SEP, 30 underwent DWI, and 20 underwent both tests. The prognosis predictor of SEP (bilateral loss of the N20 peak) predicted poor prognosis with 56.5% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, and 44.4% negative predictive value. The prognosis predictor of DWI (diffuse SI abnormality in the cerebral cortex or abnormality in other brain areas in addition to the bilateral cerebral cortex) predicted poor prognosis with 85% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% predictive value, and 76.9% predictive value. For patients who underwent both tests, the sensitivity and negative predictive value for the prediction of poor prognosis increased to 92.3% and 87.5%, respectively, and the specificity and positive predictive value were maintained at 100%. Conclusions: The accuracy of poor prognosis prediction for patients in prolonged comas after resuscitation is enhanced by combining the results of SEP and DWI along with the individual results of each test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerosing hemangioma is relatively rare, the second most common benign pulmonary neoplasm, which usually presents the peripheral location. Central location of this neoplasm is extremely rare with only a few reports. Herein, we would like to report an extremely rare case of central sclerosing hemangioma with descriptions of radiological characteristics. It was initially misdiagnosed as a papillary adenoma by bronchoscopic biopsy and mimicked central lung malignancies such as carcinoid tumors on non-invasive image evaluations. However the patient was finally confirmed with surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how to apply artificial intelligence for social innovations using two socio-political factors critical for a Behavioral Theory of the Firm (BTF) - uncertainty and conflict. The analysis leads to four approaches for applying artificial intelligence for social innovations such as the agent-based modeling, social entrepreneurship, stakeholder capital, and social contract approaches. The valuation of artificial intelligence in the projects is endogenously created while the social innovators evaluate their environments, goals, and technologies. The study offers step-by-step guidance to assess the performance of and to create implementation strategies for social innovation projects combined with artificial intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple catalytic system that uses commercially available cobalt(II) perchlorate as the catalyst and 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid as the oxidant was found to be very effective in the epoxidation of a variety of olefins with high product selectivity under mild experimental conditions. More challenging targets such as terminal aliphatic olefins were also efficiently and selectively oxidized to the corresponding epoxides. This catalytic system features a nearly nonradical-type and highly stereospecific epoxidation of aliphatic olefin, fast conversion, and high yields. Olefin epoxidation by this catalytic system is proposed to involve a new reactive CoII-OOC(O)R species, based on evidence from H218O-exchange experiments, the use of peroxyphenylacetic acid as a mechanistic probe, reactivity and Hammett studies, EPR, and ESI-mass spectrometric investigation. However, the O-O bond of a CoII-acylperoxo intermediate (CoII-OOC(O)R) was found to be cleaved both heterolytically and homolytically if there is no substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular matrices (ECM) are secreted molecules that constitute the cell microenvironment, composed of a dynamic and complex array of glycoproteins, collagens, glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. ECM provides the bulk, shape and strength of many tissues in vivo, such as basement membrane, bone and cartilage. In vitro, most animal cells can only grow when they are attached to surfaces through ECM. ECM is also the substrate for cell migration. However, ECM provides much more than just mechanical and structural support, with implications in developmental patterning, stem cell niches and cancer. ECM imparts spatial context for signalling events by various cell surface growth factor receptors and adhesion molecules such as integrins. The external physical properties of ECM may also have a role in the signalling process. ECM molecules can be flexible and extendable, and mechanical tension can expose cryptic sites, which could further interact with growth factors or their receptors. ECM proteins and structures can determine the cell behaviour, polarity, migration, differentiation, proliferation and survival by communicating with the intracellular cytoskeleton and transmission of growth factor signals. Integrins and proteoglycans are the major ECM adhesion receptors which cooperate in signalling events, determining the signalling outcomes, and thus the cell fate. This review focuses on the emerging concept of spatial cell biology of ECM, especially the current understanding of integrins and heparan sulphate proteoglycans as the essential cellular machineries that sense, integrate and respond to the physical and chemical environmental information either by directly connecting with the local adhesion sites or by regulating global cellular processes through growth factor receptor signalling pathways, leading to the integration of both external and internal signals in space and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Objectives: To test the effects of a brief psychosocial intervention using CD-ROM (BPIC) on psychosocial (fighting spirit, helplessness or hopelessness, anxiety, and depression) and behavioral (self-care behaviors) outcomes in patients with cancer receiving adjuvant therapy.Design: Quasi-experimental.Setting: A comprehensive cancer center in Seoul, South Korea.Sample: 71 patients undergoing adjuvant therapy.Methods: The study participants were assigned to either BPIC or a control group. The experimental group underwent a two-week psychosocial intervention via CD-ROM, booklet, and telephone counseling.Main Research Variables: Fighting spirit, helplessness or hopelessness, anxiety, depression, and self-care behaviors.Findings: After BPIC, the experimental group showed significantly higher scores than the control group for fighting spirit (p = 0.005) and self-care behaviors (p < 0.001). However, the groups showed no significant differences in helplessness or hopelessness (p = 0.42), anxiety (p = 0.279), and depression (p = 0.068).Conclusions: BPIC use improved fighting spirit and self-care behaviors in study participants. The results partially support the effectiveness of BPIC for adaptation among patients with cancer receiving adjuvant therapy.Implications for Nursing: A brief psychosocial intervention using multimedia can be used effectively in clinical oncology settings to accelerate adaptation among patients with cancer in the adjuvant phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereocomplex polylactide has been known as one of the choices to enhance the properties of polylactides. Numerous studies have been carried out on stereocomplex formation and characterizations, but these have a limitation in the case of high-molecular-weight polylactides. The stereocomplex formation of high-molecular-weight polylactides was observed by supercritical CO2in the presence of solvent. Furthermore, the addition of solvent increased the degree of stereocomplex formation. We evaluated the degree of stereocomplex formation as a function of pressures, solvent concentration, temperature, and times. The high degree of stereocomplex formation was achieved at 30% of dichloromethane, 350 bar, and 65 °C. Compared with the solution casting method, stereocomplex formation by supercritical CO2-solvent had a higher degree of stereocomplex formation, and dry product was obtained in situ. Significant improvements of thermal and mechanical properties have been assessed for the stereocomplex obtained by supercritical method compared with either the solution casting method or their homopolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Concern regarding the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of long-term survivors of thyroid cancer has risen due to the rapid increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer, which generally has an excellent prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of HRQOL in disease-free survivors of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and to evaluate the important determinants of HRQOL. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which we interviewed consecutive disease-free survivors of DTC. Three different validated questionnaires ("EORTC QLQ-C30" for various functional domains, the "brief fatigue inventory (BFI)" and the "hospital anxiety and depression scale" (HADS)) were used. Data from a large, population based survey of 1,000 people were used as a control. Results: The response rate for the questionnaires was 78.9% (316/401). Disease-free survivors of DTC showed a decreased HRQOL in all five functional domains (physical, role, cognitive, emotional, and social) on the EORTC QLQC30 compared with controls (P < 0.01). BFI and HADS-anxiety scores also showed greater distress in disease-free survivors of DTC than in controls (P < 0.05). A multiple regression analysis for the determinants of HRQOL showed that the HADS-anxiety, HADS-depression, and BFI scores were the most significant components of decreased HRQOL. Conclusions: Although disease-free survivors of DTC are expected to have disease-specific survival comparable to the general population, they experience a significantly decreased HRQOL. Anxiety, depression, and fatigue were the major determinants of the decreased HRQOL. Supportive psychological care should be integrated into the management of long-term survivors of DTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: A postbuckling analysis for composite stiffened structures is a representative nonlinear analysis, but is difficult to obtain analysis results and a lengthy computational time is required. In this study, an accurate and realistic postbuckling model for a stiffened composite panel is made, and optimization module is studied. In order to predict the realistic behavior in the postbuckling region, cohesive elements were introduced to the analysis model to account for skin-stiffener debonding. The global behaviors and failure loads of the analysis results were found to be similar to the experimental results. Based on this analysis model, the optimal layer design of a composite stiffened panel up to postbuckling failure was performedusing micro genetic algorithm. The optimized result showed a higher maximum failure load in the postbuckling region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cartilage tissue regeneration, it is important that an implant inserted into a defect site can maintain its mechanical integrity and endure stress loads from the body, in addition to being biocompatible and able to induce tissue growth. These factors are crucial in the design of scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering. We developed an elastic biodegradable scaffold from poly(L-lactideco-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) for application in cartilage treatment. Biodegradable PLCL co-polymer was synthesized from L-lactide and ε-caprolactone in the presence of stannous octoate as a catalyst. A highly elastic PLCL scaffold was fabricated by a gel-pressing method with 80% porosity and 300–500 μm pore size. The tensile mechanical and recovery tests were performed in order to examine mechanical and elastic properties of the PLCL scaffold. They could be easily twisted and bent and exhibited almost complete (over 94%) recoverable extension up to breaking point. For examining cartilaginous tissue formation, rabbit chondrocytes were seeded on scaffolds. They were then cultured in vitro for 5 weeks or implanted in nude mice subcutaneously. From in vitro and in vivo tests, the accumulation of extracellular matrix on the constructs showed that chondrogenic differentiation was sustained onto PLCL scaffolds. Histological analysis showed that cells onto PLCL scaffolds formed mature and well-developed cartilaginous tissue, as evidenced by chondrocytes within lacunae. From these results, we are confident that elastic PLCL scaffolds exhibit biocompatibility and as such would provide an environment where cartilage tissue growth is enhanced and facilitated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that complex loading is involved in the development and maintenance of articular cartilage in the body. It means the compressive mechanical stimulation is a very important factor for formation of articular cartilage using a tissue-engineering technique. The objective of this study is to engineer cartilaginous constructs with mechano-active scaffolds and to evaluate the effect of dynamic compression for regeneration of cartilage. The mechano-active scaffolds were prepared from a very elastic poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) with 85% porosity and 300–500 μm pore size using a gel-pressing method. The scaffold was seeded with 2 × 106 chondrocytes and the continuous compressive deformation of 5% strain was applied with 0.1 Hz for 10 days and 24 days, respectively. Then, the chondrocytes-seeded constructs were implanted subcutaneously into nude mice. Mechano-active scaffolds with complete rubber-like elasticity showed almost complete (over 97%) recovery at an applied strain of up to 500%. The amount of chondral extracellular matrix was increased significantly by mechanical stimulation on the highly elastic mechano-active scaffolds. Histological analysis showed the mechanically stimulated implants formed mature and well-developed cartilaginous tissue, as evidenced by the chondrocytes within lacunae and the abundant accumulation of sulfated GAGs. However, unhealthy lacunae shapes and hypertrophy forms were observed in the implants stimulated mechanically for 24 days, compared with those stimulated for 10 days. In conclusion, the proper periodical application of dynamic compression can encourage chondrocytes to maintain their phenotypes and enhance the production of GAGs, which would improve the quality of cartilaginous tissue formed both in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to test the reliability and validity of the Korean version of McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL-K) for use with 140 palliative care patients in Korea. Our results confirmed the suitability of using the 16 questions of the questionnaire clustered into four domains (physical, psychological, existential and support) as in the original version of the MQOL, although the distribution of items among the domains differed somewhat from the original. The MQOL-K demonstrated moderate to high internal consistency (Cronbach's α, 0.62–0.90), convergent validity without scaling error, and a good concurrent validity with European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30, sense of dignity, and general health perception. In addition, we tested the clinical validity of the MQOL-K using a known group comparison to quantify sensitivity. Regression results indicated that the existential and psychological domains had independent effects on the overall quality of life of patients in Korea. Therefore, the MQOL-K is deemed suitable for assessing the quality of life in a Korean palliative care setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentumMoench) hull was extracted with 70 ethanol and then further fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water stepwise. In the in vitrotest (SRB assay), hexane and ethyl acetate fractions showed higher inhibition effects against MCF-7 cells than other samples at the 1 mgmL level 89 and 93.2, respectively. They also displayed higher inhibition rates against Hep3B cells of 83.6 and 75.3, respectively, at 1 mgmL. The ethyl acetate fraction yielded the highest inhibition rate against A549 cells with the level of 0.25 mgmL, but it showed a lower inhibition rate than the hexane and chloroform fractions at higher levels of sample, i.e., 0.75 and 1.0 mgmL. All samples showed higher inhibition effects against AGS human gastric carcinoma than any other cancer cells. The inhibition rates against HeLa cells were 81.2 and 82.0 for the chloroform and butanol fraction with 0.5 mgmL, respectively. However, all samples yielded an inhibition rate of less than 35 against normal cells, at all treatment levels, except the ethanol extract. All extracts at doses of 25 and 50 mgkg showed decreases of more than 20 and 42, respectively, in tumor formation in sarcoma-180 implanted mice except for the aqueous fraction. From these results, it is suggested that buckwheat hull possesses anticancer properties against a variety of different cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH) is characterized by delayed or absent pubertal development secondary to gonadotrophin deficiency. HH can result from mutations of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 1, the gonadotrophin β-subunits, or various transcription factors involved in pituitary gland development. HH occurs in DAX1 mutations when associated with adrenal insufficiency (adrenal hypoplasia congenita), and is also linked with obesity in patients with mutations of leptin and its receptor, as well as mutations in prohormone convertase 1. Rarely, HH has resulted from kisspeptin receptor (GPR54) mutations, a gene implicated in the regulation of pubertal onset. When occurring with anosmia (a lack of sense of smell), HH is referred to as Kallmann’s syndrome (KS). Two KS-related loci are currently known: KAL1, encoding anosmin-1, responsible for X-linked KS, and KAL2, encoding the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), mutated in autosomal dominant KS. Anosmin-1 is an extracellular glycoprotein with some unique structural characteristics; it interacts with both urokinase-type plasminogen activator and FGFR1. It has previously been shown that anosmin-1 enhances FGFR1 signalling in a heparan sulphate-dependent manner, and proposed that anosmin-1 fine-tunes FGFR1 signalling during olfactory and GnRH neuronal development. Here, we review the known normosmic causes of HH, and discuss novel developmental and molecular mechanisms underlying KS; finally, we introduce three novel genes (NELF, PKR2, and CHD7) that may be associated with some phenotypic features of KS. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidative potential of different fractions (respective organic and aqueous fractions of n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate) of 70% methanol extract of Ecklonia cava (a brown seaweed) was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyI-2-pirryhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, ferrous ion chelating, reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition (conjugated diene hydroperoxide and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances production) assays. The 70% methanol extract showed significant (p<0.05) activities in all antioxidant assays and contained a high level of total phenolic content. It was observed that the level of hydrophilic phenolic content was higher than that of hydrophobia. Among those organic solvent fractions, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited significant activities due to the highest level of total phenolic content and their IC50 values were 0.013 mg/mL, 0.009 mg/mL and 0.33 mg/mL in DPPH, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide radical inhibition, respectively. These activities were superior to those of a commercial synthetic and natural antioxidants tested. The aqueous chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions also exhibited significant (p<0.05) activities in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and metal chelating, attributed to the high amount of hydrophilic phenolics. Moreover, E. cava extracts showed strong reducing power and a notable capacity to suppress lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium is a well known human and animal carcinogen and is a ubiquitous contaminant in the environment. Although the carcinogenic mechanism of cadmium is a multifactorial process, oxidative DNA damage is believed to be of prime importance. In particular, cadmium suppresses the capacity of cells to repair oxidative DNA damage. In this study, cadmium treatment led to a significant increase in γ-ray-induced 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) formation. Western blotting and semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR revealed that cadmium treatment caused a decrease in the expression level of human OGG1 (8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase-1; hOGG1) in human fibroblast GM00637 and HeLa S3 cells. In addition, the cadmium-mediated decrease in hOGG1 transcription was the result of decreased binding of the transcription factor Sp1 to the hOGG1 promoter. Finally, we show that an increase in the functional hOGG1 expression level could inhibit the cadmium-mediated increase in γ-ray-induced 8-oxoG accumulation as well as in γ-radiation-induced mutation frequency at the HPRT (hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase) gene locus. These results suggest that cadmium attenuates removal of γ-ray-induced 8-oxoG adducts, which in turn increases the mutation frequency, and that this effect might, at least in part, result from suppression of hOGG1 transcription via inactivation of Sp1 as a result of cadmium treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a simple, repeatable, reliable method and influential conditions for assembling a single multiwalled nanotube (MWNT) to the end of a metal coated atomic force microscope (AFM) tip. The influential conditions consist of the frequency and magnitude of the induced voltage, the concentration of carbon nanotube (CNT) solution and the shape of the tip’s apex. The optimal experimental factors needed for a single MWNT deposition using the dielectrophoretic force were obtained through repeated experiments. Applying an electric field of 0.6 to 0.7 Vpp/μm at 5 MHz, dropping a droplet of the transparent MWNT solution dispersed in the ethanol in a range of 0.5 to 1 μℓ, we obtained a CNT AFM tip with just a single MWNT attached. Furthermore, we found that the curvature of the tip’s apex is a great influential factor in a single MWNT-attached tip. We expect that the appropriate size of curvature can improve the yield of single MWNT attachment. The effectiveness of the MWNT-attached AFM tip is demonstrated by direct comparison with AFM images of a bare AFM tip for a standard sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-1 and IL-18 are members of the IL-1 family of ligands, and their receptors are members of the IL-1 receptor family. Although several biological properties overlap for these cytokines, differences exist. IL-18 uniquely induces IFN-γ from T lymphocytes and natural killer cells but does not cause fever, whereas fever is a prominent characteristic of IL-1 in humans and animals. In the present study, human epithelial cells were stably transfected with the IL-18 receptor p chain and responded to IL-18 with increased production of IL-1α, IL-6, and IL-8. Five minutes after exposure to either cytokine, phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 was present specific inhibition of p38 MAPK reduced IL-18 activity to background levels. Whereas IL-1β induced the expression of the NF-κB-reporter gene and was suppressed by competitive inhibition of NF-κB binding, IL-18 responses were weak or absent. In contrast to IL-1β IL-18 also did not activate degradation of the NF-κB inhibitor. After 4 h, both cytokines induced comparable levels of mRNA for the chemokine IL-8 but, in the same cells, steady-state levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA were high after IL-1β but low or absent after IL-18. After 30 h, IL-18-induced COX-2 appeared in part to be IL-1 dependent. Similarly, low levels of prostaglandin E2 were measured in IL-18-stimulated A549 cells and freshly obtained primary human monocytes and mouse macrophages. We conclude that in epithelial cells, IL-18 signal transduction is primarily via the MAPK p38 pathway rather than NF-κB, which may explain the absence of COX-2 and the failure of IL-18 to cause fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A soft and very elastic poly(lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL)(50:50, Mn 185 × 103) was synthesized. Tubular scaffolds were prepared by an extrusion-particulate leaching method for mechano-active vascular tissue engineering. The copolymer was very flexible but completely rubber-like elastic. Even the high porous PLCL scaffolds (90% salt wt) exhibited 200% elongation, but recovery over 85% in a tensile test. Moreover, the PLCL scaffolds maintained their high elasticity also in culture media under cyclic mechanical strain conditions. The highly porous scaffold (90% salt wt) withstood for an initial 1 week without any deformation and sustained for 2 weeks in culture media under cyclic stress of 10% amplitude and at 1 Hz frequency which are similar to the natural vascular conditions. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were seeded on to the PLCL scaffolds. The cell adhesion and proliferation on the scaffolds of various pore-size were increased with increasing pore size. For the pore sizes of 50-100 μm, 100-150 μm, 150-200 μm and 200-250 μm, the ratios of cell numbers were about 1:1.2:1.9:2.2, respectively, at both 12 h and 5 days. Similarly, the higher porous scaffolds exhibited more cell adhesion and proliferation compared to lower porous one, where the effect was more pronounced in the longer proliferation period. SMC-seeded scaffolds were implanted subcutaneously in athymic nude mice to confirm the biocompatibility. Such a high elastic property and proper biocompatibility to SMCs of PLCL scaffolds prepared in this study will be very useful to engineer SM-containing tissues such as blood vessels under mechanically dynamic environments (mechano-active tissue engineering). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A human 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase (hOGG1) is the main enzyme that repairs 8-oxoG, which is a critical mutagenic lesion. There is a great deal of interest in the up- or down-regulation of OGG1 expression after DNA damage. In this study, we investigated the effect of a DNA-alkylating agent, methylmethane sulfonate (MMS), on hOGG1 expression level and found that MMS treatment resulted in an increase in the functional hOGG1 expression in HCTll6 cells. A region between -121 and -61 of the hOGG1 promoter was found to be crucial for this induction by MMS. Site-directed mutations of the two inverted CCAAT motifs substantially abrogated the induction of the hOGG1 promoter as a result of MMS treatment. In addition, the NF-YA protein (binding to the inverted CCAAT box) was induced after exposing cells to MMS. Moreover, gel shift and supershift analyses with the nuclear extracts prepared from HCTll6 cells identified NF-YA as the transcription factor interacting with the inverted CCAAT box. Mutations of the inverted CCAAT box either prevented the binding of this factor or abolished its activation as a result of MMS treatment. Finally, this study showed that hOGG1-expressing HCT116 cells exhibited increased hOGG1 repair activity and resistance to MMS. Overall, these results demonstrate that MMS can up-regulate hOGG1 expression through the induction of the transcription factor, NFYA, and increased transcription level of the hOGG1 gene correlates with an increase in enzyme activity providing functional protection from MMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The INK4b-ARF-INK4a locus on human chromosome 9p21 (Human Genome Organization designation CDKN2B-CDKN2A), and the corresponding locus on mouse chromosome 4, encodes three distinct products: two members of the INK4 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor family and a completely unrelated protein, ARF, whose carboxyl-terminal half is specified by the second exon of INK4a but in an alternative reading frame. As INK4 proteins block the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma gene product and ARF protects p53 from degradation, the locus plays a key role in tumor suppression and the control of cell proliferation. To gain further insights into the relative importance of INK4a and ARF in different settings, we have isolated and characterized the equivalent locus in chickens. Surprisingly, although we identified orthologues of INK4b and ARF, chickens do not encode an equivalent of INK4a. Moreover, the reading frame for chicken ARF does not extend into exon 2, because splicing occurs in a different register to that used in mammals. The resultant 60-aa product nevertheless shares functional attributes with its mammalian counterparts. As well as indicating that the locus has been subject to dynamic evolutionary pressures, these unexpected findings suggest that in chickens, the tumor-suppressor functions of INK4a have been compensated for by other genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates interleukin (IL-18) for its ability to induce prostaglandin E... (PGE...) synthesis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Isolation of PBMC and whole blood; Mediation of the suppressive effect of IL-18 on PGE... production with the interferon inducing factor; IL-18 binding protein; Causes of increases in PGE... production.

Features a robust controller for tracking control of a direct-dive robot. Computed torque method which precompensates for dynamics of the modeled plant; H infinity controller which postcompensates for residual errors; Experimental methods for identifying appropriate model structure and parameters; Comparison of specific controller types; Quality control of the robot.

Cyclin E-Cdk2 kinase activation is an essential step in Myc-inducad proliferation. It is presumed that this requires sequestration of G1 cell cycle inhibitors p27Kip1 and p21Cip1 (Ckis) via a Myc-induced protein. We provide biochemical and genetic evidence to show that this sequestration is mediated via induction of cyclin D1 and/or cyclin D2 protein synthesis rates. Consistent with this conclusion, primary cells from cyclin D1-/- and cyclin D2-/- mouse embryos, unlike wild-type controls, do not respond to Myc with increased proliferation, although they undergo accelarated cell death in the absence of serum. Myc sensitivity of cyclin D1-/- cells can be restored by retroviruses expressing either cyclins D1, D2 or a cyclin D1 mutant forming kinase-defective, Cki-binding cyclin-cdk complexes. The sequestration function of D cyclins thus appears essential for Myc-inducad cell cycle progression but dispensable for apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection has a wide range of severity, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe respiratory distress and multiple organ dysfunction. To optimize the utilization of limited resources, a system is needed to rapidly classify the patients requiring monitoring and urgent intervention. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) at admission is a useful prediction tool for in-hospital mortality in patients who visited the emergency department (ED) and required isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study was conducted in adults aged 19 years or older who visited the ED and were preemptively isolated due to fever or respiratory symptoms from January 2021 to December 2021. The NEWS was calculated at the time of ED admission. The primary outcome was all-cause inhospital mortality. Results: Of the 6304 patients included in the study, 5759 survived and 545 died in the hospital. The NEWS was higher in non-survivors (6.1 ± 4.2) than in survivors (2.8 ± 2.5). When the NEWS was examined as a continuous variable, the adjusted odds ratio for in-hospital mortality was 1.176 (95% CI, 1.12-1.23). The area under the curve (AUC) of NEWS for predicting inhospital mortality was 0.756 (95% CI, 0.734-0.778). Conclusions: The NEWS at ED admission was associated with in-hospital mortality in preemptively isolated patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of NEWS in patients with suspected COVID-19 infection would help predict the severity and prognosis of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice bodies are commonly detected in adults with rheumatoid arthritis and rarely occur in children. An 11-year-old female adolescent who visited our hospital for evaluation of knee pain underwent a MRI scan, which revealed an intra-articular mass. Arthroscopic examination of the mass confirmed conglomerated rice bodies. We report a case of rice bodies that clinically presented as intra-articular masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accessory tendon of the extensor hallucis longus is a common type of extensor hallucis longus variation. This is a case of a 38-year-old female patient who initially considered conservative treatment for a suspected partial rupture, but finally underwent surgery after being diagnosed with a complete rupture of the main tendon and accessory tendon medial to the main tendon on MRI scan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hyperoxia could lead to a worse outcome after cardiac arrest. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the cumulative partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) and neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest treated with targeted temperature management.Design: Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort.Setting: An academic tertiary care hospital.Patients: A total of 187 consecutive patients treated with targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest.Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: The area under the curve of PaO2 for different cutoff values of hyperoxia (≥ 100, ≥ 150, ≥ 200, ≥ 250, and ≥ 300 mm Hg) with different time intervals (0-24, 0-6, and 6-24 hr after return of spontaneous circulation) was calculated for each patient using the trapezoidal method. The primary outcome was the neurologic outcome, as defined by the cerebral performance category, at 6 months after cardiac arrest. Of 187 subjects, 77 (41%) had a good neurologic outcome at 6 months after cardiac arrest. The median age was 54 (43-69) years, and 128 (68%) were male. The area under the curve of PaO2 with cutoff values of greater than or equal to 200, greater than or equal to 250, and greater than or equal to 300 was higher in the poor outcome group at 0-6 and 0-24 hours. The adjusted odds ratios of area under the curve of PaO2 greater than or equal to 200 mm Hg were 1.659 (95% CI, 1.194-2.305) for 0-24 hours after return of spontaneous circulation and 1.548 (95% CI, 1.086-2.208) for 0-6 hours after return of spontaneous circulation. With a higher cumulative exposure to oxygen tension, we found significant increasing trends in the adjusted odds ratio for poor neurologic outcomes.Conclusion: In a new method for PaO2 analysis, cumulative exposure to hyperoxia was associated with neurologic outcomes in a dose-dependent manner. Greater attention to oxygen supply during the first 6 hours appears to be important for outcome after cardiac arrest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell density is one of the factors required in the preparation of engineered cartilage from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Additionally, it is well known for having a significant role in chemical and physical stimulations when stem cells undergo chondrogenic differentiation. Here, we developed an engineered cartilage with a cell aggregate-hydrogel-polymer scaffold complex capable of inducing the effective regeneration of cartilage tissue similar to natural cartilage while retaining a high mechanical strength, flexibility, and morphology. Cell aggregates were generated by the hanging drop method with rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), and poly (lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) scaffolds were fabricated with 78.3 ± 5.3% porosity and a 300-500 μm pore size with a gel-pressing method. We prepared the cell aggregate-fibrin-poly (lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) scaffold complex, in which the cell aggregates were evenly dispersed in the fibrin, and they were immobilized onto the surface of the polymer scaffold while filling up the pores. To examine the chondrogenic differentiation of seeded BMSCs and the formation of chondral extracellular matrix onto the complexes, they were cultured in vitro or subcutaneously implanted into nude mice for up to eight weeks. The results of the in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the accumulation of the chondral extracellular matrices was increased on the cell aggregate-fibrin-PLCL scaffold complexes (CAPs) compared to the single cell-fibrin-PLCL scaffold complexes (SCPs). Additionally, we examined whether the mature and well-developed cartilaginous tissues and lacunae structures typical of mature cartilage were evenly distributed in the CAPs. Consequently, the cell aggregates in the hybrid scaffolds of fibrin gels and elastic PLCL scaffolds can induce themselves to differentiate into chondrocytes, maintain their phenotypes, enhance glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production, and improve the quality of cartilaginous tissue formed in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights a study of materials with theoretical evaluations validates the ability to accomplish the target performances even under mechanical strains, while systems eventually disappear under physiological conditions. It discusses that use of the zebra print for selective radiative heating demonstrates an unexpected level of temperature difference compared to use of radiative cooling emitters alone, which producing energy through resorbable silicon-based thermoelectric devices.

Purpose/Objectives: To investigate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a simultaneous stage-matched exercise and diet (SSED) intervention in breast cancer survivors.Design: Randomized, controlled trial.Setting: Oncology outpatient treatment clinics at the National Cancer Center in South Korea.Sample: 45 women with breast cancer who completed their cancer therapy.Methods: Participants were assigned to the SSED intervention group (n = 23) or a control group (n = 22). Participants in the SSED group received a 12-week individualized intervention promoting prescribed exercise and a balanced diet through stage-matched telephone counseling and a workbook.Main Research Variables: Program feasibility, behavioral outcomes (stage of motivational readiness for exercise and diet, physical activity, and diet quality), and quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes (functioning and global QOL, fatigue, anxiety, and depression).Findings: Participant evaluations of the SSED intervention indicated that it was feasible and acceptable. All women felt that the overall intervention contents were appropriate, and 95% believed that the intervention helped to promote healthy behaviors. Objective data also supported the SSED intervention's feasibility (i.e., 91% completed the trial and 100% of intervention calls were received). When compared to control, the SSED intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in motivational readiness for exercise and diet, emotional functioning, fatigue, and depression.Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest that the SSED intervention delivered via telephone counseling and workbook is feasible and beneficial for positive behavioral and QOL outcomes.Implications for Nursing: Nurse-led lifestyle interventions may improve QOL for cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electromagnetic launcher (EML) is a device used to propel and accelerate a projectile by converting electrical energy into kinetic energy. A coil gun, which is a type of EML, can propel a projectile without any mechanical friction so that there is no theoretical limit to the velocity. A multi-stage system is a way to raise the effectiveness of the coil gun. It accelerates the projectile by controlling the relations between each stage of the solenoid and projectile. Since a multi-stage system controls the time needed to apply electric current to the coil depending on the position of the projectile, the switching time is extremely important. We performed a finite element analysis using MAXWELL to determine the extent to which the velocity of a multi-stage coil gun improved compared to a single-stage coil gun. In addition, we verified the two-stage performance through timing control by designing and producing a two-stage coil gun based on our research results for a single-stage coil gun. The velocity was increased by 34 % compared to the single-stage coil gun, and the error compared to the analysis result was 16.4 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]