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Abstract The need for basement membrane extract (BME) with undefined constituents, such as Matrigel, for intestinal stem cell (ISC) culture in traditional systems poses a significant barrier that must be overcome for the development of clinical-grade, scalable, ready-to-use ISCs. Here, we propose a functional polymer-based xenogeneic-free dish for the culture of intestinal stem cells (XF-DISC), ensuring substantially prolonged maintenance of ISCs derived from 3-dimensional human intestinal organoids (ISCs3D-hIO). XF-DISC enables remarkable expandability, exhibiting a 24-fold increase in cell numbers within 30 days, with long-term maintenance of ISCs3D-hIO for more than 30 consecutive passages (>210 days). In addition, XF-DISC is fully compatible with a cell banking system. Notably, human pluripotent stem cell-derived ISCs3D-hIO cultured on XF-DISC are successfully transplanted into intestinal injury and inflammation mouse models, leading to engraftment and regeneration of damaged mouse intestinal epithelium. As a reliable and scalable xenogeneic-free ISC3D-hIO culture method, XF-DISC is highly promising for the development of regenerative ISC therapy for human intestinal diseases.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a sex-specific pathogen that is more severe in males than in females. Sex disparities in HBV infection have been attributed to hormonal differences between males and females. However, whether HBV infection affects the metabolic signatures of steroid hormones and how these influences viral replication remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether HBV infection alters steroid metabolism and its effects on HBV replication. Serum samples from male and female mice obtained after the hydrodynamic injection of replication-competent HBV plasmids were subjected to quantitative steroid profiling. Serum steroid levels in mice were analyzed using an in vitro metabolism assay with the mouse liver S9 fraction. The alteration of steroids by HBV infection was observed only in male mice, particularly with significant changes in androgens, whereas no significant hormonal changes were observed in female mice. Among the altered steroids, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels increased the most in male mice after HBV infection. An in vitro metabolism assay revealed that androgen levels were significantly reduced in HBV-infected male mice. Furthermore, the genes involved in DHEA biosynthesis were significantly upregulated in HBV-infected male mice. Interestingly, reduced dihydrotestosterone in male mice significantly inhibits viral replication by suppressing HBV promoter activity, suggesting a viral strategy to overcome the antiviral effects of steroid hormones in males. Our data demonstrated that HBV infection can cause sex-specific changes in steroid metabolism.

Neonatal chylothorax is a potentially fatal respiratory condition caused by a congenital or traumatic etiology. Conventional therapies, such as fasting, total parenteral nutrition, and intravenous octreotide, are generally successful in such cases; however, more invasive therapeutic measures, such as pleurodesis, should be considered in refractory cases. This case report presents two preterm infants with refractory chylothorax who were non-responsive to conventional treatment but were successfully managed using hypertonic glucose pleurodesis. The first case was that of a female infant born at 24+5 weeks of gestation (585 g) and diagnosed with postsurgical chylothorax at 68 days of life. Even after the initiation of fasting and intravenous octreotide administration, pleural drainage did not reduce. Therefore, the patient underwent three intermittent procedures of 50% glucose pleurodesis, which resulted in the resolution of the chylothorax and subsequent chest tube removal after 37 days. The second case was a female infant born at 34+6 weeks (3,040 g), who was diagnosed with congenital chylothorax immediately after birth. Fasting and intravenous octreotide failed to show any clinical effects; therefore, the patient underwent pleurodesis for 3 consecutive days. After the procedure, the amount of pleural drainage substantially decreased, and the chest tube was removed after 14 days. In both cases, a temporal relation between pleurodesis and chylothorax resolution was observed, suggesting that hypertonic glucose pleurodesis may be an effective and safe alternative for treating refractory chylothorax in preterm infants with minimal side effects. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal protocol for this procedure and to compare its efficacy with that of other pleurodesis agents.

In 2023, the Korean Core Data for Interoperability (KR-CDI), comprising 77 elements, was established as a compliance item for healthcare data exchange in Korea to promote patient- centered medical information exchange and reestablish national interoperability in healthcare standardization. Radiologic examinations are in the core classification of diagnostic imaging tests, and the examination name, results, and image data must be exchanged based on standard codes of terminology and transfer. Accordingly, the Korean Society of Radiology has formed a standardization committee that maps radiologic examination names to international standard codes, such as LOINC and SNOMED CT. Additionally, we propose a pilot project for the standardization and exchange of DICOM images and plan a project to map the terms of the Conclusion sections of diagnostic reports to standard codes. The Korean Society of Radiology is actively participating in these efforts.

This study investigates the variations in the microstructure and mechanical properties of a rolled Mg-3.0Al-0.8Zn-0.3Mn (AZ31, wt.%) alloy caused by ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) treatment and subsequent annealing. The UNSM-treated material has a gradient microstructure characterized by a nanoscale grain region overlying a twinned region. The nanoscale grain region close to the surface has extremely high strain energy, while the twinned region contains abundant {10–12} twins. Severe plastic deformation near the surface due to UNSM treatment leads to the formation of ultrafine grains and an increase in dislocation density, thereby remarkably improving the hardness and strength of the material. However, the excessive dislocation density reduces the tensile ductility. During subsequent annealing, static recrystallization occurs rapidly in the nanoscale grain region, and partial grain-boundary migration and dislocation recovery occur in the twinned region. Consequently, a gradient microstructure is formed along the thickness direction in the material subjected to UNSM treatment and subsequent annealing, thereby resulting in a tensile yield strength of 172 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 259 MPa, and an elongation of 15.4%. Notably, these values are higher than those of the as-rolled material, which are 132 MPa, 246 MPa, and 13.4%, respectively. This demonstrates that the sequential UNSM and annealing process results in a simultaneous improvement in the strength and ductility of the material. The strengthening mechanisms and fracture behavior are comprehensively discussed in this study.

This study aims to improve the tensile and high-cycle fatigue properties of a high-speed-extruded BA53 (Mg–5Bi–3Al, wt.%) alloy using a non-homogenized extrusion billet. Homogenization treatment of the BA53 billet leads to a significant reduction in the area fraction of Mg3Bi2 particles from 12.9% to 2.5% and an increase in the average grain size from 142 to 189 μm. The BA53 material produced via the high-speed extrusion of the cast billet (Cast-E) and that produced via the high-speed extrusion of the homogenized billet (Homo-E) both exhibit a fully recrystallized microstructure. However, Cast-E has a finer grain size and many more Mg3Bi2 particles than Homo-E. In addition, the tensile yield strength and elongation of Cast-E are 211 MPa and 9.4%, respectively, higher than those of Homo-E (198 MPa and 7.9%). This higher strength is attributed to the strengthening effects of the higher number of Mg3Bi2 particles, the finer grain size, and the higher internal strain energy. The fatigue limit for Cast-E is 100 MPa, which is 25% higher than that of Homo-E (80 MPa). This occurs because the numerous fine Mg3Bi2 particles in Cast-E inhibit the formation of persistent slip bands on the specimen surface and impede crack propagation. This study proposes a new manufacturing process that does not require billet homogenization, thus simultaneously improving the productivity of the extrusion process and the tensile and fatigue properties of the resulting BA53 alloy.

Mg alloys are extremely valuable in the automotive and aerospace industries because of their lightweight properties and excellent machinability. The applications in these industries necessitate the accurate prediction of fatigue life under cyclic loading. However, this is challenging for many wrought Mg alloys owing to their pronounced plastic anisotropy. Conventional predictive methods such as the Coffin-Manson equation require manual parameter adjustment for different conditions, thus limiting their applicability. Accordingly, a novel predictive model for low-cycle fatigue (LCF) life that combines machine learning (ML) with an energy-based physical model, referred to as the hybrid ML/E model, is proposed herein. The hybrid ML/E model leverages a substantial hysteresis-loop dataset generated from LCF tests on a rolled AZ31 Mg alloy to effectively predict fatigue life. The proposed approach addresses the inherent challenges of small fatigue datasets, hysteresis-loop perception, and algorithm selection. The hybrid ML/E model demonstrates superior predictive accuracy and robustness in various loading directions, based on validation against conventional methods. The integration of ML and physical principles offers a unified framework for the LCF life prediction of anisotropic materials and represents a significant advancement for industrial applications.

Background Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are rare tumors with aggressive but varied prognosis. Stage, Grade, Resection status, Age, Symptoms (S-GRAS) score, based on clinical and pathological factors, was found to best stratify the prognosis of European ACC patients. This study assessed the prognostic performance of modified S-GRAS (mS-GRAS) scores including modified grade (mG) by integrating mitotic counts into the Ki67 index (original grade), in Korean ACC patients. Methods Patients who underwent surgery for ACC between January 1996 and December 2022 at three medical centers in Korea were retrospectively analyzed. mS-GRAS scores were calculated based on tumor stage, mG (Ki67 index or mitotic counts), resection status, age, and symptoms. Patients were divided into four groups (0–1, 2–3, 4–5, and 6–9 points) based on total mS-GRAS score. The associations of each variable and mS-GRAS score with recurrence and survival were evaluated using Cox regression analysis, Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), and the Kaplan–Meier method. Results Data on mS-GRAS components were available for 114 of the 153 patients who underwent surgery for ACC. These 114 patients had recurrence and death rates of 61.4% and 48.2%, respectively. mS-GRAS score was a significantly better predictor of recurrence (C-index=0.829) and death (C-index=0.747) than each component (P

Abstract Low muscle mass is a risk factor for mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is not clear to what extent low muscle mass contributes to this risk, either independently or in combination with metabolic abnormalities and frailty. This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006 and 2011–2018. Low muscle mass was defined as Appendicular Skeletal Mass Index

Rational urban design helps to build sustainable cities with high ventilation capacity and pollutant removal capacity, but the effect of building height on ventilation and pollutant dispersion inside asymmetric canyons has not been fully studied. In this paper, we studied the effect of increasing the degree of building height asymmetry (DBHA) on canyon ventilation and pollutant diffusion in shallow and deep asymmetric street canyons by considering six different building height ratios (BHR = 3/4, 1/2, 1/3, 4/3, 2/1 and 3/1). The results show that increasing the DBHA in asymmetric canyons can improve the ventilation and pollutant removal capacity. For step-up canyons, increasing the downwind building height is very useful to improve ventilation and pollutant removal. For shallow/deep step-up canyons with BHR = 1/3, the air exchange rate (ACH) increased to 211.2% and 380.1% of the flat canyons, respectively. The spatially-average pollutant concentration in the pedestrian zones (leeward Kavg* ang windward Kavg*) decreases significantly with the increase of DBHA, especially for the deep step-up canyon with BHR = 1/3, the leeward Kavg* and windward Kavg* decrease to 15.3% and 3%, respectively. Also, increasing the upwind building height can also improve the ventilation capacity in the step-down canyons. For the deep step-down canyon with BHR = 3/1, the leeward Kavg* and windward Kavg* decreased to 40.6% and 24.1% of the deep flat canyon, respectively. Notably, the ventilation capacity is very low for step-down canyons with BHR = 4/3, and for step-down canyons with BHR ≥ 2/1, the ventilation capacity and pollutant removal capacity increase significantly with the increase of DBHA. Therefore, in urban planning, step-down canyons with BHR = 4/3 should be avoided and designed to satisfy the condition of BHR ≥ 2/1. These findings will be a valuable reference for urban designers to build sustainable cities with high ventilation capacity.

This study investigates the effect of the deformation mode on the precipitation behavior of an extruded Mg–8.0Al–0.5Zn–0.2Mn (AZ80) alloy. The alloy samples are compared after the application of 3.5% tension and 3.5% compression along the extrusion direction to induce slip-dominant and twinning-dominant deformation modes, respectively. The pre-compressed (PC) sample, which contained numerous {10–12} tension twins, has a reduced grain size and a higher internal strain than the pre-tensioned (PT) sample, which is attributed to the inherent internal strain that occurs during the formation and growth of the twins. As a result, the precipitation behavior of the PC sample is accelerated, leading to its short peak aging time of 32 h, which is lower than those of the PT and as-extruded samples (48 and 100 h, respectively). Furthermore, fine continuous precipitates (CPs) rapidly form within the {10–12} twins, contributing to the enhanced hardness. Discontinuous precipitates (DPs), which have a hardness comparable to the CP-containing twinned regions, in the PC sample experience less coarsening during aging than those in the PT sample due to growth inhibition by the {10–12} twins. Ultimately, the {10–12} twins generated under the twinning-dominant deformation condition lead to enhanced precipitation behaviors, including the preferential formation and refinement of CPs and the suppressed coarsening of DPs. Consequently, pre-deformation that occurs {10–12} twinning exhibits more pronounced effects on precipitation acceleration and microstructural modification than slip-inducing pre-deformation.

The Directed Energy Deposition (DED) method, which utilizes metal powder and a high-powder laser directed at specific locations on a substrate, is employed across various fields for repairing and refurbishing existing parts. In this study, two types of multi-materials were fabricated by depositing materials similar in alloy composition, and dissimilar, respectively, on an SCM440 substrate using the DED method. Unlike similar material, depositing the dissimilar material resulted in a recrystallized fine microstructure in the interlayer region, which enhanced the tensile properties of the multi-layer specimens. The yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of the multi-layer specimen with similar material were 562 MPa, 787 MPa, and 14%, respectively, while those of the specimen with dissimilar material were significantly higher at 934 MPa, 1016 MPa, and 30%. These results demonstrate that using dissimilar materials, rather than identical or similar compositions, can improve the tensile properties when repairing and refurbishing parts made of SCM440 material.

Background: Studies on the association between hematospermia and prostate cancer are insufficient. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of prostate cancer in patients with hematospermia using large United States population data. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study. Administrative claims data were extracted from the IBM® MarketScan Research Database. Patients who had undergone a prostate biopsy and newly diagnosed patients with hematospermia before prostate biopsy from January 2007 to December 2014 were included using the International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. Treatment methods were identified with the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code. Results: A total of 369,170 adult men had a prostate biopsy. The mean age of patients was 62 years (range, 18 to 100 years). Among the TRUS bx patients, the number of patients with hematospermia was 1,357 (0.4%). The prostate cancer detection rate was significantly lower in patients with hematospermia than in patients without hematospermia (30.4% vs. 48.0%, P

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the radiological changes in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) having bronchiolitis patterns on computed tomography (CT). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the final diagnosis and radiologic changes of patients suspected of having NTM-PD without cavity or bronchiectasis on CT image, between January 1, 2005 and March 31, 2021. NTM-PD was diagnosed based on the American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America criteria. The initial and final CT findings (bronchiectasis, cellular bronchiolitis, cavity formation, nodules, and consolidation) were compared between patients diagnosed with and without NTM-PD. Results This study included 96 patients and 515 CT images. The median CT follow-up duration was 1510.5 (interquartile range: 862.2–3005) days. NTM-PD was recognized in 43 patients. The clinical variables were not significantly different between patients with and without NTM-PD, except for underlying chronic airway disease (P

Abstract As childhood obesity rates increase worldwide, the prevalence of obesity-related hypertension is also on the rise. Obesity has been identified as a significant risk factor for hypertension in this age group. National Health Surveys and meta-analyses show increasing trends in obesity and pediatric hypertension in obese children. The diagnosis of hypertension in children involves percentiles relative to age, sex, and height, unlike in adults, where absolute values are considered. Elevated blood pressure (BP) in childhood is consistently associated with cardiovascular disease in adulthood, emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention. The pathogenesis of hypertension in obesity involves multiple factors, including increased sympathetic nervous system activity, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), and renal compression due to fat accumulation. Obesity disrupts normal RAAS suppression and contributes to impaired pressure natriuresis and sodium retention, which are critical factors in the development of hypertension. Risk factors for hypertension in obesity include degree, duration, and distribution of obesity, patient age, hormonal changes during puberty, high-sodium diet, sedentary lifestyle, and socioeconomic status. Treatment involves lifestyle changes, with weight loss being crucial to lowering BP. Medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers may be considered first, and surgical approaches may be an option for severe obesity, requiring tailored antihypertensive medications that consider individual pathophysiology to avoid exacerbating insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

We report a case of Taenia solium taeniasis in a 10-year-old child in Timor-Leste, confirmed by molecular analysis, suggesting T. solium transmission to humans is occurring in Timor-Leste. Proactive measures are needed to improve public understanding of prevalence, geographic spread, and health implications of human taeniasis and cysticercosis in Timor-Leste.

This study investigated the influence of the addition of Al to a Mg–7Bi (B7, wt%) alloy, particularly its recrystallization behavior during extrusion and its resulting mechanical properties. The addition of 2 wt% Al to the B7 alloy resulted in a lower grain size, a reduction in the number density of fine Mg3Bi2 particles, and a higher area fraction of relatively coarse Mg3Bi2 particles in the extrusion billet. These microstructural changes increased the nucleation sites for recrystallization, reduced the Zener pinning effect, and enhanced particle-stimulated nucleation, all of which promoted dynamic recrystallization behavior during extrusion. As a result, the area fraction of recrystallized grains in the extruded alloy increased from 77 % to 94 %. The extruded B7 alloy exhibited a strong fiber texture, whereas the extruded Mg–7Bi–2Al (BA72) alloy had a weak – texture, which was attributed to the minimal presence of unrecrystallized grains and the dispersed orientation of the recrystallized grains. The tensile yield strength (TYS) of the extruded BA72 alloy was higher than that of the extruded B7 alloy (170 and 124 MPa, respectively), which resulted from the enhanced grain-boundary and solid-solution strengthening effects. The tensile elongation (EL) of the BA72 alloy also exceeded that of the B7 alloy (20.3 % and 6.1 %, respectively), the result of the uniform formation of fine twins under tension in the former and the formation of a few coarse twins among the unrecrystallized grains in the latter. Consequently, the addition of a small amount of Al to the B7 alloy significantly improved both the strength and ductility of the extruded alloy, resulting in a remarkable increase in the product of the TYS and EL from 756 to 3451 MPa% and expanding its potential range of applications as a lightweight extruded structural component.

Abstract Genomic alterations in tumors play a pivotal role in determining their clinical trajectory and responsiveness to treatment. Targeted panel sequencing (TPS) has served as a key clinical tool over the past decade, but advancements in sequencing costs and bioinformatics have now made whole-genome sequencing (WGS) a feasible single-assay approach for almost all cancer genomes in clinical settings. This paper reports on the findings of a prospective, single-center study exploring the real-world clinical utility of WGS (tumor and matched normal tissues) and has two primary objectives: (1) assessing actionability for therapeutic options and (2) providing clarity for clinical questions. Of the 120 patients with various solid cancers who were enrolled, 95 (79%) successfully received genomic reports within a median of 11 working days from sampling to reporting. Analysis of these 95 WGS reports revealed that 72% (68/95) yielded clinically relevant insights, with 69% (55/79) pertaining to therapeutic actionability and 81% (13/16) pertaining to clinical clarity. These benefits include the selection of informed therapeutics and/or active clinical trials based on the identification of driver mutations, tumor mutational burden (TMB) and mutational signatures, pathogenic germline variants that warrant genetic counseling, and information helpful for inferring cancer origin. Our findings highlight the potential of WGS as a comprehensive tool in precision oncology and suggests that it should be integrated into routine clinical practice to provide a complete image of the genomic landscape to enable tailored cancer management.

We investigated the potential association between ketonuria during treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and its renoprotective effect in patients with type 2 diabetes. We included 192 patients who had received SGLT2 inhibitors for more than 6 months. After propensity score matching, 52 patients each were allocated into groups with or without ketonuria, respectively. The estimated glomerular filtration rate exhibited a significant improvement only in subjects with ketonuria (without ketonuria: mean difference, –0.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 [95% confidence interval (CI), –3.87 to 3.83 mL/min/1.73 m2] vs. with ketonuria: mean difference, 6.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 [95% CI, 3.16 to 10.46 mL/min/1.73 m2]; P

This comprehensive review critically examines the detrimental impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on bone health, with a specific focus on substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), phthalates, and dioxins. These EDCs, by interfering with the endocrine system’s normal functioning, pose a significant risk to bone metabolism, potentially leading to a heightened susceptibility to bone-related disorders and diseases. Notably, BPA has been shown to inhibit the differentiation of osteoblasts and promote the apoptosis of osteoblasts, which results in altered bone turnover status. PFASs, known for their environmental persistence and ability to bioaccumulate in the human body, have been linked to an increased osteoporosis risk. Similarly, phthalates, which are widely used in the production of plastics, have been associated with adverse bone health outcomes, showing an inverse relationship between phthalate exposure and bone mineral density. Dioxins present a more complex picture, with research findings suggesting both potential benefits and adverse effects on bone structure and density, depending on factors such as the timing and level of exposure. This review underscores the urgent need for further research to better understand the specific pathways through which EDCs affect bone health and to develop targeted strategies for mitigating their potentially harmful impacts.

Highlights Blue micro-light-emitting diodes (μLED)-integrated gas sensors were fabricated as monolithic structure by directly loading sensing materials onto the μLED. SnO2 nanoparticles are activated by blue μLED and exhibit outstanding sensitivity to NO2 at μ-Watt power levels. Noble metal (Au, Pd, Pt)-decorated SnO2 showed the tunable gas selectivity for 4 target gases under blue light illumination.

Background Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are widely used as adjuvant analgesics for postoperative pain. This meta-analysis compared the effects of intravenous (IV) ibuprofen and acetaminophen on postoperative opioid consumption and pain intensity after general anesthesia. Methods PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify relevant studies published up to May 2023. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of perioperative IV ibuprofen and acetaminophen on postoperative opioid consumption and pain after general anesthesia were included in the meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). Results Eight studies with 494 participants were included. Compared to IV acetaminophen, IV ibuprofen significantly reduced 24 h opioid consumption, presented as morphine equivalents (mean difference [MD]: –6.01 mg, 95% CI [–8.60, –3.42], P < 0.00001, I2 = 55%), and pain scores (on a scale of 0–10) at 4–6 h (MD: –0.83, 95% CI [–1.29, –0.37], P = 0.0004, I2 = 65%) and 12 h (MD: –0.38, 95% CI [–0.68, –0.08], P = 0.01, I2 = 11%) postoperatively. These results were statistically significant in TSA. Pain scores at 24 h postoperatively and side effects were not significantly different between the two groups in the meta-analysis, and TSA revealed that the sample size was too small to adequately evaluate the effects, requiring further studies for conclusive results. Conclusions Perioperative IV ibuprofen reduced 24 h opioid consumption and pain severity up to 12 h postoperatively compared to acetaminophen. Additional research is required to assess pain intensity beyond 12 h and side effects.

This study investigates the influence of extrusion conditions on the microstructure and tensile properties of Mg–6Al–0.3Mn–0.3Ca–0.2Y (SEN6) alloy, which is processed at various extrusion temperatures and ratios. An increase in both the extrusion temperature and ratio facilitates dynamic recrystallization during hot extrusion by enhancing thermal and strain energies, increasing the area fraction of recrystallized grains within the extruded material. As either the extrusion temperature or ratio increases, lattice rotation within the recrystallized grains intensifies, resulting in a stronger basal texture in the extruded material. During extrusion, the undissolved Al2Y, Al8Mn4Y, and Al2Ca particles within the billets are partially fragmented and realigned along the extrusion direction. However, the quantity, size, and dispersion of these particles are largely unaffected by variations in extrusion temperature and ratio. The tensile yield strength of the extruded material shows a positive correlation with increasing extrusion temperature and ratio, predominantly due to enhanced texture hardening. Specifically, the tensile yield strength of the material extruded at 400 °C with an extrusion ratio of 25 is 23.2 MPa higher than that of the material extruded at 300 °C with an extrusion ratio of 10. Despite the presence of non-recrystallized grains in materials extruded at the lower extrusion ratio of 10, compression and double twins form uniformly throughout the material during tension, as the widths of non-recrystallized grains are similar to those of recrystallized grains. Consequently, all extruded materials exhibit high tensile elongations, exceeding 20%.

Background and objectivesThe optimal timing for complete revascularization (CR) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and multivessel disease (MVD) remain uncertain.MethodsThis post-hoc analysis of the FRAME-AMI trial included AMI patients with MVD (n = 549). They were classified into immediate (n = 329) and staged CR (n = 220) groups. All percutaneous coronary interventions were performed during inex hospitalization. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, acute myocardial infarction, and repeated revascularization. Secondary endpoints included each component of the primary endpoint. Additional comparisons for the outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) were also performed.ResultsThe incidence of the primary endpoint was not significantly different in any of the AMI patients [12.7% [immediate CR] vs. 17.4% [staged CR], p = 0.905, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] of staged CR = 0.81, 95% confidence interval = 0.43–1.53, p = 0.528]. Other secondary endpoints were also not significantly different. Analyses of STEMI and Neither the primary or secondary endpoints of NSTEMI patients were significantly different.ConclusionsIn this post-hoc analysis of the FRAME-AMI trial, no significant difference in clinical outcomes was observed between the immediate and staged CR strategies for AMI with MVD and the subgroups, such as STEMI or NSTEMI. However, the results should be interpreted carefully because of the many limitations, including a limited sample size and a lack of statistical power. Trial Registration: FRAME-AMI clinicaltrials.gov, identifier (NCT02715518).

Abstract CT‐P13, a biosimilar of infliximab, is used to treat inflammatory diseases that arise from immune system complications, resulting in excessive and persistent inflammation. The subcutaneous (SC) formulation of CT‐P13 overcomes the drawback of prolonged administration associated with the intravenous (IV) infliximab biosimilar, necessitating autoinjector (AI) administration. This randomized, open‐label, two‐arm, parallel‐group, single‐dose clinical pharmacology study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of CT‐P13 SC administration via AI compared with the existing pre‐filled syringe (PFS) method. A total of 147 healthy participants were randomized into two groups, of which 139 completed the study. Blood samples were collected from before CT‐P13 SC administration to 2016 h after the start of the administration. Serum concentrations were analyzed using the Meso Scale Discovery electrochemiluminescence method. Geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval) of the AUCinf (areas under the concentration–time curve from zero to infinity) and Cmax (The maximum serum concentration) for CT‐P13 SC AI versus CT‐P13 SC PFS groups, were 94.15% (85.02%–104.26%), 92.48% (84.66%–101.01%), respectively. CT‐P13 SC AI and CT‐P13 SC PFS achieved comparable PK because the 90% CI was within the predefined equivalence margin. At the end of the study, immunogenicity results revealed that 70 (97.22%) and 73 (98.65%) participants tested positive for anti‐drug antibody (ADA) in the CT‐P13 SC AI and CT‐P13 SC PFS groups, respectively. They were tested positive for neutralizing antibodies. No other significant safety differences were observed between the treatment groups. In conclusion, both administrations demonstrated PK equivalence and were both safe and well‐tolerated.

Abstract We study the expected sensitivity to the mixing between sterile and tau neutrinos directly from the tau neutrino disappearance in the high-energy fixed target experiment. Here, the beam energy is large enough to produce tau neutrinos at the target with large luminosity. During their propagation to the detector, tau neutrinos may oscillate into sterile neutrinos. By examining the energy spectrum of the observed tau neutrino events, we can probe the mixing between sterile and tau neutrinos directly. In this paper, we consider Scattering and Neutrino Detector (SND) at SHiP experiment as a showcase, which uses 400 GeV protons from SPS at CERN, and expect to observe 7,300 tau and anti-tau neutrinos from the 2 × 1020 POT for 5 years operation. Assuming the uncertainty of 10%, we find the sensitivity |U τ4|2 ∼ 0.08 (90% CL) for ∆ m 41 2 $$ \Delta {m}_{41}^2 $$ ∼ 500 eV2 with 10% background to the signal. We also consider a far SND at the end of the SHiP Hidden Sector Decay Spectrometer (HSDS), in which case the sensitivity would be enhanced to |U τ4|2 ∼ 0.02. Away from this mass, the sensitivity becomes lower than |U τ4|2 ∼ 0.15 for ∆ m 41 2 $$ \Delta {m}_{41}^2 $$ ≲ 100 eV2 or ∆ m 41 2 $$ \Delta {m}_{41}^2 $$ ≳ 104eV2.

Abstract Photocatalysis is a promising technique due to its capacity to efficiently harvest solar energy and its potential to address the global energy crisis. However, the structure–activity relationships of photocatalyst during wavelength-dependent photocatalytic reactions remains largely unexplored because it is difficult to measure under operating conditions. Here we show the photocatalytic strain evolution of a single Au nanoparticle (AuNP) supported on a TiO2 film by combining three-dimensional (3D) Bragg coherent X-ray diffraction imaging with an external light source. The wavelength-dependent generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has significant effects on the structural deformation of the AuNP, leading to its strain evolution. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to rationalize the induced strain caused by the adsorption of ROS on the AuNP surface. These observations provide insights of how the photocatalytic activity impacts on the structural deformation of AuNP, contributing to the general understanding of the atomic-level catalytic adsorption process.

Background and Purpose In young patients (aged 18–60 years) with patent foramen ovale (PFO)-associated stroke, percutaneous closure has been found to be useful for preventing recurrent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, it remains unknown whether PFO closure is also beneficial in older patients. Methods Patients aged ≥60 years who had a cryptogenic stroke and PFO from ten hospitals in South Korea were included. The effect of PFO closure plus medical therapy over medical therapy alone was assessed by a propensity-score matching method in the overall cohort and in those with a high-risk PFO, characterized by the presence of an atrial septal aneurysm or a large shunt. Results Out of the 437 patients (mean age, 68.1), 303 (69%) had a high-risk PFO and 161 (37%) patients underwent PFO closure. Over a median follow-up of 3.9 years, recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA developed in 64 (14.6%) patients. In the propensity score-matched cohort of the overall patients (130 pairs), PFO closure was associated with a significantly lower risk of a composite of ischemic stroke or TIA (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24–0.84; P=0.012), but not for ischemic stroke. In a subgroup analysis of confined to the high-risk PFO patients (116 pairs), PFO closure was associated with significantly lower risks of both the composite of ischemic stroke or TIA (HR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.21–0.77; P=0.006) and ischemic stroke (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.23–0.95; P=0.035). Conclusion Elderly patients with cryptogenic stroke and PFO have a high recurrence rate of ischemic stroke or TIA, which may be significantly reduced by device closure.

Abstract Background Sleep has been known to affect childhood development. Sleep disturbance is likely more common in children with developmental delay (DD) than in typical development. There are few studies on the correlation between sleep disturbance and developmental features in children with DD. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the associations between the two in children with DD. Methods A total of 45 children (age range 27.0 ± 11.1) with DD were recruited and evaluated using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III). The outcomes are expressed as means and standard deviations. The correlation between SDSC and BSID-III was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation test. Multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between BSID-III domains and SDSC questionnaire subscales. Statistical significance was set at p

Abstract We developed artificial intelligence models to predict the brain metastasis (BM) treatment response after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) using longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data and evaluated prediction accuracy changes according to the number of sequential MRI scans. We included four sequential MRI scans for 194 patients with BM and 369 target lesions for the Developmental dataset. The data were randomly split (8:2 ratio) for training and testing. For external validation, 172 MRI scans from 43 patients with BM and 62 target lesions were additionally enrolled. The maximum axial diameter (Dmax), radiomics, and deep learning (DL) models were generated for comparison. We evaluated the simple convolutional neural network (CNN) model and a gated recurrent unit (Conv-GRU)-based CNN model in the DL arm. The Conv-GRU model performed superior to the simple CNN models. For both datasets, the area under the curve (AUC) was significantly higher for the two-dimensional (2D) Conv-GRU model than for the 3D Conv-GRU, Dmax, and radiomics models. The accuracy of the 2D Conv-GRU model increased with the number of follow-up studies. In conclusion, using longitudinal MRI data, the 2D Conv-GRU model outperformed all other models in predicting the treatment response after SRS of BM.

Abstract Most reported thin-film piezoelectric energy harvesters have been based on cantilever-type crystalline ferroelectric oxide thin films deposited on rigid substrates, which utilize vibrational input sources. Herein, we introduce flexible amorphous thin-film energy harvesters based on perovskite CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) thin films on a plastic substrate for highly competitive electromechanical energy harvesting. The room-temperature sputtering of CCTO thin films enable the use of plastic substrates to secure reliable flexibility, which has not been available thus far. Surprisingly, the resultant amorphous nature of the films results in an output voltage and power density of ~38.7 V and ~2.8 × 106 μW cm−3, respectively, which break the previously reported record for typical polycrystalline ferroelectric oxide thin-film cantilevers. The origin of this excellent electromechanical energy conversion is systematically explored as being related to the localized permanent dipoles of TiO6 octahedra and lowered dielectric constant in the amorphous state, depending on the stoichiometry and defect states. This is the leading example of a high-performance flexible piezoelectric energy harvester based on perovskite oxides not requiring a complex process for transferring films onto a plastic substrate.

This review article investigates solid organ transplantation-induced osteoporosis, a critical yet often overlooked issue, emphasizing its significance in post-transplant care. The initial sections provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and multifactorial pathogenesis of transplantation osteoporosis, including factors such as deteriorating post-transplantation health, hormonal changes, and the impact of immunosuppressive medications. Furthermore, the review is dedicated to organ-specific considerations in transplantation osteoporosis, with separate analyses for kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplantations. Each section elucidates the unique challenges and management strategies pertinent to transplantation osteoporosis in relation to each organ type, highlighting the necessity of an organ-specific approach to fully understand the diverse manifestations and implications of transplantation osteoporosis. This review underscores the importance of this topic in transplant medicine, aiming to enhance awareness and knowledge among clinicians and researchers. By comprehensively examining transplantation osteoporosis, this study contributes to the development of improved management and care strategies, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes in this vulnerable group. This detailed review serves as an essential resource for those involved in the complex multidisciplinary care of transplant recipients.

Background Parathyroid adenoma (PA) is a common endocrine disease linked to multiple complications, but the pathophysiology of the disease remains incompletely understood. The study aimed to identify the key regulator proteins and pathways of PA according to functionality and volume through quantitative proteomic analyses. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 15 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded PA samples from tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Proteins were extracted, digested, and the resulting peptides were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to identify proteins significantly correlated with clinical variables. Canonical pathways and transcription factors were analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Results The median age of the participants was 52 years, and 60.0% were female. Among the 8,153 protein groups analyzed, 496 showed significant positive correlations with adenoma volume, while 431 proteins were significantly correlated with parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The proteins SLC12A9, LGALS3, and CARM1 were positively correlated with adenoma volume, while HSP90AB2P, HLA-DRA, and SCD5 showed negative correlations. DCPS, IRF2BPL, and FAM98A were the main proteins that exhibited positive correlations with PTH levels, and SLITRK4, LAP3, and AP4E1 had negative correlations. Canonical pathway analysis demonstrated that the RAN and sirtuin signaling pathways were positively correlated with both PTH levels and adenoma volume, while epithelial adherence junction pathways had negative correlations. Conclusion Our study identified pivotal proteins and pathways associated with PA, offering potential therapeutic targets. These findings accentuate the importance of proteomics in understanding disease pathophysiology and the need for further research.

Abstract Background Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) represent 1–2% of pancreatic tumors, with recent guidelines recommending active surveillance for non-functioning PNETs (NF-PNETs) smaller than 2 cm. However, the management of multiple NF-PNETs, as well as the influence of tumor number on prognosis, remains under-researched. Methods This retrospective study analyzed NF-PNET patients who underwent pancreatic resection at Severance Hospital between February 1993 and August 2023, comparing the characteristics of patients diagnosed with multifocal tumors and those with unifocal tumors. A subgroup analysis of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was performed based on multifocality employing the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Results Of 187 patients, 169 (90.4%) had unifocal and 18 (9.6%) had multifocal tumors. Multifocal tumors were more likely to be diffusely spread, necessitating more total pancreatectomies (diffuse tumor location: 4.7% in unifocal vs. 38.9% in multifocal cases, p

Abstract Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) has significant physical, psychological, and socioeconomic impacts. However, the epidemiological characteristics and treatment patterns of TSCI in South Korea remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate TSCI incidence and treatment behaviors in South Korea from 2008 to 2020. We included data from 30,979 newly diagnosed TSCI patients obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). Treatment trends, location of surgery, surgical method, comorbidities, factors affecting hospital stay, and risk factors affecting readmission were analyzed. Patients were divided into the surgery group [n = 7719; (25%)] and the non-surgery group [n = 23,260; (75%)]. Surgical cases involved cervical (64%), thoracic (17%), and lumbar/sacral (19%) lesions. Anterior fusion (38%), posterior fusion (54%), and corpectomy (8%) were the surgical methods. Surgical treatments increased annually. Factors influencing hospital stay included male sex, older age, and higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Female sex and higher CCI scores were associated with readmission. In conclusion, a quarter of all TSCI patients underwent surgery, with an upward trend. Risk factors for longer hospital stays were thoracic spine injury, older age, higher CCI, and male sex. Risk factors for readmission included age range of 40–59 years, lumbar/sacral spine injuries, CCI score of 2, and female sex.

Background Perfusion imaging (PI) serves as a valuable tool for triaging patients with acute ischemic stroke for endovascular treatment (EVT). This study aims to investigate trends in PI use and its impacts on EVT rates and clinical outcomes, particularly focusing on variations across different time windows. Methods Data from a prospective, nationwide, acute stroke registry in South Korea were analyzed retrospectively. PI was regarded as treatment‐decision imaging when conducted either (1) prior to EVT, or (2) within 3 hours from hospital arrival in patients not receiving EVT. The study spanned 3 epochs: 2011–2014, 2015–2017, and 2018–2021. Based on the time from onset to arrival, patients were categorized into 2 time windows: early (0–6 hours) and late (6–24 hours). We evaluated EVT rates and clinical outcomes in patients with anterior large vessel occlusion. Results From 2011 to 2021 among 49 449 patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting within 24 hours of onset, PI use rates declined from 36.9% to 30.1%. In the early window, rates dropped from 48.4% to 32.4%, whereas in the late window, they increased from 23.5% to 27.8%. Factors such as older age, atrial fibrillation, anterior large vessel occlusion, and severe stroke were associated with higher rates in the late window. Conversely, younger age and male sex were associated with higher rates in the early window. For patients with anterior large vessel occlusion, PI use increased the likelihood of receiving EVT in the late window and minimized the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in the early window. However, 3‐month functional outcomes and mortality were. unaffected. Conclusion The study revealed distinct trends in PI use across early and late time windows, indicating varying roles of PI in these time frames. However, the definitive value and necessity of PI in guiding EVT decision‐making remain unclear, underscoring the need for further research

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction has emerged as a promising approach for converting CO2 into value-added products and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant attention as potential electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction due to their unique structural properties and tunable chemical compositions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the utilization of LDHs and MOFs as electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction. Scrutiny on various catalysts, along with their general design ways for CO2 reduction is presented. This review will provide insight into the up-to-date research progress in MOF-based materials for CO2 conversion. Furthermore, we highlight opportunities in this field and propose future research directions aimed at optimizing the performance of LDHs and MOFs for CO2 reduction applications.

Constructing artificial ion channels is a challenging task. Herein, the de novo design of transmembrane ion channels made up of amphiphilic peptide–oligourea chimeric helices is described. They consist of an oligourea segment (7‐mer) attached to the C‐terminus of a short peptide (8‐mer). Mass spectrometry (MS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses show that in an aqueous solution, two of these chimeras (HPU‐E and HPU‐N) independently form defined oligomeric structures. TEM also shows that they form fiber bundles. The third related chimera HPU‐F does not oligomerize (MS) but forms spherical nanostructures (TEM). HPU‐E and HPU‐N exhibit anion transport activity across lipid bilayers via antiport mechanism (HPU‐N > HPU‐E). The anion selectivity of HPU‐N is Cl−>NO3− > Br−>SCN− > I− > AcO−>F−, which can be due to anion binding within the channels rather than size exclusion. Patch‐clamp data support HPU‐N's Cl− selectivity (PCl−/PI− = 3.26). X‐ray crystal structure (1.77 Å) of HPU‐N reveals well‐packed α‐helices, and cryo‐electron microscopy data shows the formation of nanotubes (13.7 Å diameter pores) and transmembrane channels. The study shows that α‐peptide–oligourea‐based de novo design can yield unique bioactive molecules with defined structures and functions.

BackgroundAfter carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS), it is unclear which risk factors are related to long-term outcomes, including in-stent restenosis (ISR). This study aimed to assess the factors associated with restenosis after CAS with a median follow-up of 35.7 months.Materials and methodsPatients who underwent CAS from January 2013 to December 2018 were included if they had symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. The carotid Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) was followed up after the procedure. We defined at least 50% restenosis using the criteria that the internal carotid artery (ICA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) was greater than 224 cm/s or the ICA to common carotid artery PSV ratio was higher than 3.4. The risk factors for ISR were also assessed.ResultsOf the 189 patients, 122 had symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, and 67 had asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Patients were evaluated by CDU for a median of 35.7 months (interquartile range 19.5 to 70.0). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the longest time to ISR was 39 months, and ISR-free was better in the asymptomatic CAS group. In all groups, ISR was independently associated with current smoker [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 3.425; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.086 to 10.801] and elevated ICA PSV at baseline (aOR, 1.004; 95% CI, 1.001 to 1.007).ConclusionIndependent risk factors for ISR in the CAS group included current smoking and elevated ICA PSV at baseline. In the symptomatic CAS group, alcohol was independently associated with the ISR. ISR did not occur after 39 months from the CAS procedure in our study patients. Future studies with extended follow-up are necessary to fully understand the long-term outcomes of CAS.

BackgroundWith the progressive increase in aging populations, the use of opportunistic computed tomography (CT) scanning is increasing, which could be a valuable method for acquiring information on both muscles and bones of aging populations. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and externally validate opportunistic CT-based fracture prediction models by using images of vertebral bones and paravertebral muscles. MethodsThe models were developed based on a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 1214 patients with abdominal CT images between 2010 and 2019. The models were externally validated in 495 patients. The primary outcome of this study was defined as the predictive accuracy for identifying vertebral fracture events within a 5-year follow-up. The image models were developed using an attention convolutional neural network–recurrent neural network model from images of the vertebral bone and paravertebral muscles. ResultsThe mean ages of the patients in the development and validation sets were 73 years and 68 years, and 69.1% (839/1214) and 78.8% (390/495) of them were females, respectively. The areas under the receiver operator curve (AUROCs) for predicting vertebral fractures were superior in images of the vertebral bone and paravertebral muscles than those in the bone-only images in the external validation cohort (0.827, 95% CI 0.821-0.833 vs 0.815, 95% CI 0.806-0.824, respectively; P

This review article provides overall understanding of stainless, environment-friendly, and nonflammable Mg alloys (SEN alloys) recently developed at the Korea Institute of Materials Science. SEN alloys are produced by adding small amounts of Ca and Y (each

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) has been applied in various fields because it allows the manufacture of parts with complex shapes. In this study, 316 L stainless steel specimens with 0 and 2 wt% Nb were fabricated using direct energy deposition, and heat treatment was performed at various temperatures. The addition of Nb changed the microstructure of the steel, including the grain size and Nb segregation. When heat treatment was performed, microstructural evolution of the cell boundary, dislocation density, and deformation twin density occurred. These microstructural changes improved the tensile properties of the heat-treated specimens containing Nb. The yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of the specimens containing Nb with heat treatment at 800 °C were 530 MPa, 757 MPa, and 39%, respectively, which represent great improvements compared to specimens without Nb. These results show that the addition of Nb to 316 L stainless steel together with heat treatment at an appropriate temperature endow the additively manufactured stainless steel with excellent tensile properties.

Purpose Cutting balloon-percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (CB-PTA) is a feasible treatment option for in-stent restenosis (ISR) after carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, the longterm durability and safety of CB-PTA for ISR after CAS have not been well established. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with ISR after CAS who had been treated with CB-PTA from 2012 to 2021 in our center. Detailed information of baseline characteristics, periprocedural and long-term outcomes, and follow-up imaging was collected. Results During 2012–2021, a total of 301 patients underwent CAS. Of which, CB-PTA was performed on 20 lesions exhibiting severe ISR in 18 patients following CAS. No patient had any history of receiving carotid endarterectomy or radiation therapy. These lesions were located at the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery (n=16), proximal external carotid artery (n=1), and distal common carotid artery (n=1). The median time interval between initial CAS and detection of ISR was 390 days (interquartile range 324–666 days). The follow-up period ranged from 9 months to 9 years with a median value of 21 months. Four patients (22.2%) were symptomatic. The average of stenotic degree before and after the procedure was 79.2% and 34.7%, respectively. Out of the 18 patients receiving CB-PTA, 16 (88.9%) did not require additional stenting, and 16 (88.9%) did not experience recurrent ISR during the follow-up period. Two patients who experienced recurrent ISR were successfully treated with CB-PTA and additional stenting. No periprocedural complication was observed in any case. Conclusion Regarding favorable periprocedural and long-term outcomes in our single-center experience, CB-PTA was a feasible and safe option for the treatment of severe ISR after CAS.

This study investigates the effect of characteristics and distribution of Mg17Al12 precipitates on the uniaxial tensile and three-point bending properties of extruded Mg alloys containing high Al contents. The extruded Mg–9Al–1Zn–0.3Mn (AZ91) alloy contains lamellar-structured Mg17Al12 discontinuous precipitates along the grain boundaries, which are formed via static precipitation during natural air cooling. The extruded Mg–11Al–1Zn–0.3Mn (AZ111) alloy contains spherical Mg17Al12 precipitates at the grain boundaries and inside the grains, which are formed via dynamic precipitation during extrusion. Due to inhomogeneous distribution of precipitates, the AZ111 alloy consists of two different precipitate regions: precipitate-rich region with numerous precipitates and finer grains and precipitate-scarce region with a few precipitates and coarser grains. The AZ111 alloy exhibits a higher tensile strength than the AZ91 alloy because its smaller grain size and more abundant precipitates result in stronger grain-boundary hardening and precipitation hardening effects, respectively. However, the tensile elongation of the AZ111 alloy is lower than that of the AZ91 alloy because the weak cohesion between the dynamic precipitates and the matrix facilitates the crack initiation and propagation. During bending, a macrocrack initiates on the outer surface of bending specimen in both alloys. The AZ111 alloy exhibits higher bending yield strength and lower failure bending strain than the AZ91 alloy. The bending specimens of the AZ91 alloy have similar bending formability, whereas those of the AZ111 alloy exhibit considerable differences in bending formability and crack propagation behavior, depending on the distribution and number density of precipitates in the specimen. In bending specimens of the AZ111 alloy, it is found that the failure bending strain (εf, bending) is inversely proportional to the area fraction of precipitates in the outer zone of bending specimen (Appt), with a relationship of εf, bending = –0.1Appt + 5.86.

Abstract Background Parthanatos represents a critical molecular aspect of Parkinson's disease, wherein AIMP2 aberrantly activates PARP-1 through direct physical interaction. Although AIMP2 ought to be a therapeutic target for the disease, regrettably, it is deemed undruggable due to its non-enzymatic nature and predominant localization within the tRNA synthetase multi-complex. Instead, AIMP2 possesses an antagonistic splice variant, designated DX2, which counteracts AIMP2-induced apoptosis in the p53 or inflammatory pathway. Consequently, we examined whether DX2 competes with AIMP2 for PARP-1 activation and is therapeutically effective in Parkinson’s disease. Methods The binding affinity of AIMP2 and DX2 to PARP-1 was contrasted through immunoprecipitation. The efficacy of DX2 in neuronal cell death was assessed under 6-OHDA and H2O2 in vitro conditions. Additionally, endosomal and exosomal activity of synaptic vesicles was gauged in AIMP2 or DX2 overexpressed hippocampal primary neurons utilizing optical live imaging with VAMP-vGlut1 probes. To ascertain the role of DX2 in vivo, rotenone-induced behavioral alterations were compared between wild-type and DX2 transgenic animals. A DX2-encoding self-complementary adeno-associated virus (scAAV) was intracranially injected into 6-OHDA induced in vivo animal models, and their mobility was examined. Subsequently, the isolated brain tissues were analyzed. Results DX2 translocates into the nucleus upon ROS stress more rapidly than AIMP2. The binding affinity of DX2 to PARP-1 appeared to be more robust compared to that of AIMP2, resulting in the inhibition of PARP-1 induced neuronal cell death. DX2 transgenic animals exhibited neuroprotective behavior in rotenone-induced neuronal damage conditions. Following a single intracranial injection of AAV-DX2, both behavior and mobility were consistently ameliorated in neurodegenerative animal models induced by 6-OHDA. Conclusion AIMP2 and DX2 are proposed to engage in bidirectional regulation of parthanatos. They physically interact with PARP-1. Notably, DX2's cell survival properties manifest exclusively in the context of abnormal AIMP2 accumulation, devoid of any tumorigenic effects. This suggests that DX2 could represent a distinctive therapeutic target for addressing Parkinson's disease in patients.

Mg alloys possess an inherent plastic anisotropy owing to the selective activation of deformation mechanisms depending on the loading condition. This characteristic results in a diverse range of flow curves that vary with a deformation condition. This study proposes a novel approach for accurately predicting an anisotropic deformation behavior of wrought Mg alloys using machine learning (ML) with data augmentation. The developed model combines four key strategies from data science: learning the entire flow curves, generative adversarial networks (GAN), algorithm-driven hyperparameter tuning, and gated recurrent unit (GRU) architecture. The proposed model, namely GAN-aided GRU, was extensively evaluated for various predictive scenarios, such as interpolation, extrapolation, and a limited dataset size. The model exhibited significant predictability and improved generalizability for estimating the anisotropic compressive behavior of ZK60 Mg alloys under 11 annealing conditions and for three loading directions. The GAN-aided GRU results were superior to those of previous ML models and constitutive equations. The superior performance was attributed to hyperparameter optimization, GAN-based data augmentation, and the inherent predictivity of the GRU for extrapolation. As a first attempt to employ ML techniques other than artificial neural networks, this study proposes a novel perspective on predicting the anisotropic deformation behaviors of wrought Mg alloys.

Intracranial arterial disease (ICAD) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by distinct pathologies, including atherosclerosis. Advances in magnetic resonance technology have enabled the visualization of intracranial arteries using high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI). This review summarizes the anatomical, embryological, and histological differences between the intracranial and extracranial arteries. Next, we review the heterogeneous pathophysiology of ICAD, including atherosclerosis, moyamoya or RNF213 spectrum disease, intracranial dissection, and vasculitis. We also discuss how advances in HR-VWI can be used to differentiate ICAD etiologies. We emphasize that one should consider clinical presentation and timing of imaging in the absence of pathology-radiology correlation data. Future research should focus on understanding the temporal profile of HR-VWI findings and developing quantitative interpretative approaches to improve the decision-making and management of ICAD.

A recently developed Mg–5Bi–3Al (BA53, wt%) alloy exhibited remarkable extrudability despite its high alloying content. However, when subjected to high-speed extrusion with a die exit speed of 67 m/min, grain coarsening of recrystallized grains occurs, increasing their size from 12.1 to 26.4 μm due to excessive heat generation during extrusion. Herein, a long-range water-cooling system is installed immediately after the extrusion die to mitigate grain coarsening and attain finer grains in the high-speed extruded alloy. The results demonstrate that the use of the cooling system leads to a significant reduction in the average grain size (from 26.4 to 15.7 μm) of the BA53 alloy extruded at high speed. Furthermore, grain refinement led to notable increases in the ultimate tensile strength (from 255 to 276 MPa) and elongation (from 7.5% to 8.6%) of the alloy. These enhancements in strength and elongation are primarily attributed to the enhanced grain-boundary hardening effect and suppression of twinning during tension, both of which are consequences of grain refinement. This study underscores the effectiveness of a long-range water-cooling system, comprising water spraying over a length of 2 m, in achieving grain refinement during high-speed extrusion of the BA53 alloy and improving both the strength and ductility of the alloy after high-speed extrusion.