Exploration of Compounds with 2-Phenylbenzo[d]oxazole Scaffold as Potential Skin-Lightening Agents through Inhibition of Melanin Biosynthesis and Tyrosinase Activity.

Inspired by the potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity of phenolic compounds with a 2-phenylbenzo[d]thiazole scaffold, we explored phenolic compounds 1-15 with 2-phenylbenzo[d]oxazole, which is isosterically related to 2-phenylbenzo[d]thiazole, as novel tyrosinase inhibitors. Among these, compounds 3, 8, and 13, featuring a resorcinol structure, exhibited significantly stronger mushroom tyrosinase inhibition than kojic acid, with compound 3 showing a nanomolar IC50 value of 0.51 µM. These results suggest that resorcinol plays an important role in tyrosinase inhibition. Kinetic studies using Lineweaver-Burk plots demonstrated the inhibition mechanisms of compounds 3, 8, and 13, while docking simulation results indicated that the resorcinol structure contributed to tyrosinase binding through hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions. Additionally, these compounds effectively inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanin production in B16F10 cells and inhibited B16F10 tyrosinase activity in situ in a concentration-dependent manner. As these compounds showed no cytotoxicity to epidermal cells, melanocytes, or keratinocytes, they are appropriate for skin applications. Compounds 8 and 13 demonstrated substantially higher depigmentation effects on zebrafish larvae than kojic acid, even at 800- and 400-times lower concentrations than kojic acid, respectively. These findings suggest that 2-phenylbenzo[d]oxazole is a promising candidate for tyrosinase inhibition.

Association mapping analysis (AMA) for morpho-agronomic traits and leaf aromatic compounds using SSR markers in three types of Perilla crop collected from South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Perilla is a representative leafy vegetable in South Korea. As K-Food (Korean food) is in the spotlight around the world, there is also increasing interest in Western countries in Perilla crop, an annual plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. OBJECTIVE: To discover comprehensive information, including genetic and phylogenetic relationships among the 80 native Perilla accessions, using three types of data: simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker data, volatiles profile data, and morpho-agronomic data. METHODS: This study conducted genotypic and phenotypic analyses on 80 Perilla accessions of three types (cultivated var. frutescens, weedy var. frutescens, weedy var. crispa) from South Korea. Five groups (G1-G5) of the 80 Perilla accessions of the three types were differentiated into two different clusters [genotype-based clustering (GTC) and phenotype-based clustering (PTC)] based on an aroma sensory phenotypic test. RESULTS: A total of 314 alleles were confirmed using 55 Perilla SSR primer sets, and genetic variation in the 80 Perilla accessions was evaluated. Among the three statistical analysis methods, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and GTC using data of the 55 Perilla SSR markers revealed perfectly consistent results, whereas PTC produced a total of six clusters. The 10 Perilla SSR markers associated with and significantly correlated with both biochemical and morphological characteristics were selected. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are expected to provide valuable information for developing global South Korean Perilla cultivars for further studies in Perilla crop breeding programs.

Robotic radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer: current trends and controversies.

Minimally invasive radical hysterectomy (MIRH) is widely performed as a treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. However, in 2018, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) called the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer (LACC) trial showed that MIRH had poorer oncologic outcomes compared to laparotomy. Since then, several clinical studies have supported this finding, and most surgeons now perform MIRH with limited surgical indications. However, most of the reported studies evaluated laparoscopic radical hysterectomy rather than robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH). Robotic surgery has advantages for complex surgical procedures in the deep and narrow pelvic cavity in cervical cancer, making it necessary to evaluate the benefits and potential harms of RRH individually. Based on this systematic review, RRH is a safe and effective alternative to abdominal approach for early-stage cervical cancer. RRH offers significant perioperative benefits, including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications, without compromising oncologic outcomes such as overall survival and progression-free survival. Additionally, surgeons should aim to minimize tumor cell spillage into the peritoneal cavity by eliminating the use of uterine manipulators or vaginal colpotomy. Ongoing RCTs will reveal whether we can perform RRH without oncologic compromise in cervical cancer.

Evaluation and characteristic analysis of SSRs from the transcriptomic sequences of Perilla crop (Perilla frutescens L.).

Perilla crop is a self-fertilizing annual plant, cultivated and used mainly in East Asia. Perilla frutescens var. frutescens seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which have health benefits, and Perilla frutescens var. crispa leaves are rich in anthocyanins. However, genomic analysis such as whole genome sequencing or genetic mapping has not been performed on Perilla crop. This current study confirms the abundance and diversity of 15,991 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) classified in previous studies in the Perilla genome, selects and designs 1,538 SSR primer sets, and confirms which SSR primer sets exhibit high polymorphism. Of the 15,991 SSRs classified, there were 9,910 (62%) dinucleotide repeats, 5,652 (35.3%) trinucleotide repeats, and 429 (2.7%) tetranucleotide repeats. Among these, the most identified was (CT)n with a total of 4,817. The 15,991 SSRs had 4 to 26 repeats. Four repeats were the most frequent with 11,084 (69.3%). A total of 1,538 SSR primers were selected and designed to confirm polymorphism, of which 157 showed persistent and clear polymorphism. Among these 157 SSR primer sets, 98 (62.4%) were dinucleotide repeats, 39 (24.8%) were trinucleotide repeats, and 20 (12.7%) were tetranucleotide repeats. Among 549 SSR primers that showed polymorphism, trinucleotide repeats showed persistent polymorphism at a high rate. Therefore, when developing SSR primer sets for Perilla crop in the future, it is recommended that trinucleotide repeats be selected first. These research results will be helpful in future genomic analysis and development of SSR primers in Perilla crop.

Exploring 2-mercapto-N-arylacetamide analogs as promising anti-melanogenic agents: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Based on the hypothesis that the 2-mercaptoacetamide moiety chelates the copper ions of tyrosinase, 2-mercapto-N-arylacetamide (2-MAA) analogs were designed and synthesized as potential tyrosinase inhibitors. Four 2-MAA analogs showed low IC50 values ranging from 0.95 to 2.0 µM against mushroom tyrosinase, which was 12-26 times lower than that of kojic acid (IC50 value = 24.3 µM). However, according to a copper ion chelation experiment performed, the 2-MAA analogs did not participate in chelation with copper ions. To identify the mode of inhibition of the 2-MAA analogs, kinetic studies were performed, and the results were supported by docking results. In addition, docking simulation results suggested that the 2-MAA analogs strongly inhibited tyrosinase activity because of the hydrogen bonding of the amide NH group and the hydrophobic interaction of the aryl ring instead of chelation with copper ions. In experiments using B16F10 cells, 2-MAA analogs were shown to inhibit melanin production by inhibiting cellular tyrosinase activity. Western blotting showed that in addition to directly inhibiting tyrosinase activity, analog 7 also has an anti-melanogenic effect by inhibiting the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase. The 2-MAA analogs showed no appreciable cytotoxicity against HaCaT and B16F10 cells, making them suitable for dermal applications. In a depigmentation experiment using zebrafish embryos, analogs 1 and 2 showed more potent depigmentation effects than kojic acid even at 1000 times lower concentration than that of kojic acid. These results suggest that the 2-MAA analogs are promising anti-melanogenic agents that can inhibit most tyrosinases in various species.

Association analysis of leaf aromatic substances in cultivated and weedy types of Perilla crop using SSR markers.

In East Asia, particularly South Korea, the two cultivated varieties of Perilla are commonly grown. They are clearly distinguished by their aromatic substances and have different uses as leafy vegetables or oil crop. This study was performed for the development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to volatile compounds in Perilla leaves that show differences between cultivated var. frutescens (CF), weedy var. frutescens (WF), and weedy var. crispa (WC) of Perilla. Fifty Perilla SSR primer sets were used to analyze genetic diversity for the 80 Perilla accessions of the three types. A total of 276 alleles were detected, with an average of 5.5 alleles per locus. The average genetic diversity values for CF, WF, and WC accessions were 0.402, 0.583, and 0.437, respectively. WF accessions exhibited the highest genetic diversity among the three types of the Perilla crop. Phylogenetic tree analysis classified 80 Perilla accessions of the three types into four groups, showing 37.2 % genetic similarity. Three types of the Perilla crop were clearly distinguished except for outstanding accessions. Through the application of an association analysis involving 50 Perilla SSR primer sets and five volatile compounds (perilla aldehyde, perilla ketone, myristicin, dill apiol, (Z,E)-α-farnesene) in the three types of the Perilla accessions, we detected 11 significant marker-trait associations duplicated in both Q GLM and Q + K MLM methods. These findings serve as valuable insights for identifying the aromatic substances in Perilla plants originating from various regions of South Korea.

Association Mapping of Seed Coat Color Characteristics for Near-Isogenic Lines of Colored Waxy Maize Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers.

Waxy maize is mainly cultivated in South Korea for the production of food and snacks, and colored maize with increased anthocyanin content is used in the production of functional foods and medicinal products. Association mapping analysis (AMA) is supported as the preferred method for identifying genetic markers associated with complex traits. Our study aimed to identify molecular markers associated with two anthocyanin content and six seed coat color traits in near-isogenic lines (NILs) of colored waxy maize assessed through AMA. We performed AMA for 285 SSR loci and two anthocyanin content and six seed coat color traits in 10 NILs of colored waxy maize. In the analysis of population structure and cluster formation, the two parental lines (HW3, HW9) of "Mibaek 2ho" variety waxy maize and the 10 NILs were clearly divided into two groups, with each group containing one of the two parental inbred lines. In the AMA, 62 SSR markers were associated with two seed anthocyanin content and six seed coat color traits in the 10 NILs. All the anthocyanin content and seed coat color traits were associated with SSR markers, ranging from 2 to 12 SSR markers per characteristic. The 12 SSR markers were together associated with both of the two anthocyanin content (kuromanin and peonidin) traits. Our current results demonstrate the effectiveness of SSR analysis for the examination of genetic diversity, relationships, and population structure and AMA in 10 NILs of colored waxy maize and the two parental lines of the "Mibaek 2ho" variety waxy maize.

Pharmacoacupuncture for the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacoacupuncture (PA) is an alternative injection therapy for a broad range of conditions. This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness and safety of PA in treating frozen shoulder (FS) and aims to standardise PA characteristics in clinical practice. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing PA for FS were systematically reviewed from seven electronic databases up to August 31, 2023. Outcomes measured included the visual analogue scale (VAS) or numerical rating scale (NRS), effective rate, Constant-Murley Score (CMS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), ROM, quality of life (QoL), and adverse events. Data analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3, with the risk of bias in each trial evaluated using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool assessed the quality of evidence. RESULTS: Thirteen RCTs involving 1034 patients met the inclusion criteria, with eleven RCTs and 872 patients included in the meta-analysis. PA showed low-quality evidence of improvement in VAS, effective rate, CMS Total, and CMS Pain. Moderate-quality evidence indicated improvement in CMS ADL and CMS Mobility. PA was effective in four SF-36 subscales: physical function, social role function, mental health, and emotional role function. No significant difference in CMS strength was observed. One trial reported mild anaphylaxis reaction to bee venom as an adverse event. CONCLUSION: PA may offer potential benefits as an alternative injection therapy for FS patients. Further well-designed RCTs with rigorous methodology are required to substantiate its therapeutic efficacy and clinical utility. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42023445708).

Long-standing neuromyelitis optica with leukodystrophy-like asymptomatic MRI changes.

Patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) are unlikely to develop clinically silent lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), unlike patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We encountered a patient with NMO who showed radiological progression and leukodystrophy-like changes on MRI during a long-standing, clinically asymptomatic period.

Telomere Length in Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

We examined the leukocyte relative telomere length (RTL) in Korean adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of childhood cancer and evaluated the association of leukocyte RTL with multiple factors, including malignancy type, cancer treatment, age, and chronic health conditions (CHCs). Eighty-eight AYA survivors of childhood cancer with a median follow-up period of 73 months were recruited. RTL in pediatric cancer survivors was not significantly shorter than the predicted value for age-matched references. Neither age at diagnosis nor duration of therapy influenced the RTL. Among the 43 patients with hematologic malignancies, those who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) showed a significant shortening of the RTL compared with those who did not (p = 0.039). Among the 15 patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT, those who developed acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of grade II or higher had significantly shorter RTL than those who did not (p = 0.012). Patients with grade II CHCs had significantly shorter RTL than those without CHCs or with grade I CHCs (p = 0.001). Survivors with ≥2 CHCs also exhibited shorter RTL (p = 0.027). Overall, pediatric cancer survivors had similar telomere lengths compared to age-matched references. HSCT recipients and patients with severe or multiple CHCs had shorter telomeres. GVHD augmented telomere attrition in HSCT recipients.

In vivo Assessment of AMP2, a Novel Ceramic-Binding BMP-2, in Ovine Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Assessment of bone formation in an ovine interbody fusion study. OBJECTIVE: To compare OsteoAdapt SP, which consists of AMP-2, a modified variant of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) bound to a tricalcium phosphate-containing carrier, to autologous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) in a lumbar interbody fusion model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Treatment of lumbar disk degeneration often involves spinal fusion to reduce pain and motion at the affected spinal segment by insertion of a cage containing bone graft material. Three graft materials were compared in this study-ICBG and OsteoAdapt SP (low or high dose). METHODS: The sheep underwent lateral lumbar fusion surgery with PEEK or Titanium interbody cages packed with OsteoAdapt SP (low or high dose) or ICBG. Outcomes were evaluated at 8-, 16- and 26- weeks. Newly formed bone quality, bone mineralization, and fusion were assessed by manual palpation, qualitative and semi-quantitative histopathology, histomorphometry, computed tomography (CT), and micro-CT (mCT) analysis. RESULTS: OsteoAdapt SP was implanted into 43 animals and ICBG into 21 animals (L3-L4). No group showed evidence of systemic toxicity by multiple assessments. All levels were fused by manual palpation at 26 weeks. Serial CT scans showed increasing fusion scores over time. Both doses of OsteoAdapt SP resulted in robust new bone formation and progression of fusion in the interbody cage. Range of motion tests for treatment groups was lower compared with ICBG at 8- and 16 weeks. Similarly, histology at eight weeks demonstrated more robust new bone formation for both OsteoAdapt SP groups compared to autograft. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the preclinical safety and efficacy of OsteoAdapt SP in a clinically relevant large animal model, supporting faster and more robust new bone formation within the interbody cage, comparable to or better than the gold standard, ICBG, in all measures.

Designed Spin-Texture-Lattice to Control Anisotropic Magnon Transport in Antiferromagnets.

Spin waves in magnetic materials are promising information carriers for future computing technologies due to their ultra-low energy dissipation and long coherence length. Antiferromagnets are strong candidate materials due, in part, to their stability to external fields and larger group velocities. Multiferroic antiferromagnets, such as BiFeO3 (BFO), have an additional degree of freedom stemming from magnetoelectric coupling, allowing for control of the magnetic structure, and thus spin waves, with the electric field. Unfortunately, spin-wave propagation in BFO is not well understood due to the complexity of the magnetic structure. In this work, long-range spin transport is explored within an epitaxially engineered, electrically tunable, 1D magnonic crystal. A striking anisotropy is discovered in the spin transport parallel and perpendicular to the 1D crystal axis. Multiscale theory and simulation suggest that this preferential magnon conduction emerges from a combination of a population imbalance in its dispersion, as well as anisotropic structural scattering. This work provides a pathway to electrically reconfigurable magnonic crystals in antiferromagnets.

Investigation of the Efficacy of Benzylidene-3-methyl-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-one Analogs with Antioxidant Activities on the Inhibition of Mushroom and Mammal Tyrosinases.

Based on the fact that substances with a ß-phenyl-α,ß-unsaturated carbonyl (PUSC) motif confer strong tyrosinase inhibitory activity, benzylidene-3-methyl-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-one (BMTTZD) analogs 1-8 were prepared as potential tyrosinase inhibitors. Four analogs (1-3 and 5) inhibited mushroom tyrosinase strongly. Especially, analog 3 showed an inhibitory effect that was 220 and 22 times more powerful than kojic acid in the presence of l-tyrosine and l-dopa, respectively. A kinetic study utilizing mushroom tyrosinase showed that analogs 1 and 3 competitively inhibited tyrosinase, whereas analogs 2 and 5 inhibited tyrosinase in a mixed manner. A docking simulation study indicated that analogs 2 and 5 could bind to both the tyrosinase active and allosteric sites with high binding affinities. In cell-based experiments using B16F10 cells, analogs 1, 3, and 5 effectively inhibited melanin production; their anti-melanogenic effects were attributed to their ability to inhibit intracellular tyrosinase activity. Moreover, analogs 1, 3, and 5 inhibited in situ B16F10 cellular tyrosinase activity. In three antioxidant experiments, analogs 2 and 3 exhibited strong antioxidant efficacy, similar to that of the positive controls. These results suggest that the BMTTZD analogs are promising tyrosinase inhibitors for the treatment of hyperpigmentation-related disorders.

Ultrasensitive and Rapid Circulating Tumor DNA Liquid Biopsy Using Surface-Confined Gene Amplification on Dispersible Magnetic Nano-Electrodes.

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection has been acknowledged as a promising liquid biopsy approach for cancer diagnosis, with various ctDNA assays used for early detection and treatment monitoring. Dispersible magnetic nanoparticle-based electrochemical detection methods have been proposed as promising candidates for ctDNA detection based on the detection performance and features of the platform material. This study proposes a nanoparticle surface-localized genetic amplification approach by integrating Fe3O4-Au core-shell nanoparticles into polymerase chain reactions (PCR). These highly dispersible and magnetically responsive superparamagnetic nanoparticles act as nano-electrodes that amplify and accumulate target ctDNA in situ on the nanoparticle surface upon PCR amplification. These nanoparticles are subsequently captured and subjected to repetitive electrochemical measurements to induce reconfiguration-mediated signal amplification for ultrasensitive (∼3 aM) and rapid (∼7 min) metastatic breast cancer ctDNA detection in vitro. The detection platform can also detect metastatic biomarkers from in vivo samples, highlighting the potential for clinical applications and further expansion to rapid and ultrasensitive multiplex detection of various cancers.

Multifunctional Ablative Gastrointestinal Imaging Capsule (MAGIC) for Esophagus Surveillance and Interventions.

Objective and Impact Statement: A clinically viable technology for comprehensive esophagus surveillance and potential treatment is lacking. Here, we report a novel multifunctional ablative gastrointestinal imaging capsule (MAGIC) technology platform to address this clinical need. The MAGIC technology could also facilitate the clinical translation and adoption of the tethered capsule endomicroscopy (TCE) technology. Introduction: Recently developed optical coherence tomography (OCT) TCE technologies have shown a promising potential for surveillance of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer in awake patients without the need for sedation. However, it remains challenging with the current TCE technology for detecting early lesions and clinical adoption due to its suboptimal resolution, imaging contrast, and lack of visual guidance during imaging. Methods: Our technology reported here integrates dual-wavelength OCT imaging (operating at 800 and 1300 nm), an ultracompact endoscope camera, and an ablation laser, aiming to enable comprehensive surveillance, guidance, and potential ablative treatment of the esophagus. Results: The MAGIC has been successfully developed with its multimodality imaging and ablation capabilities demonstrated by imaging swine esophagus ex vivo and in vivo. The 800-nm OCT imaging offers exceptional resolution and contrast for the superficial layers, well suited for detecting subtle changes associated with early neoplasia. The 1300-nm OCT imaging provides deeper penetration, essential for assessing lesion invasion. The built-in miniature camera affords a conventional endoscopic view for assisting capsule deployment and laser ablation. Conclusion: By offering complementary and clinically viable functions in a single device, the reported technology represents an effective solution for endoscopic screening, diagnosis, and potential ablation treatment of the esophagus of a patient in an office setting.

Pharmacoacupuncture for the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Frozen shoulder (FS) is one of the most challenging shoulder disorders for patients and clinicians. Its symptoms mainly include any combination of stiffness, nocturnal pain, and limitation of active and passive glenohumeral joint movement. Conventional treatment options for FS are physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, injection therapy, and arthroscopic capsular release, but adverse and limited effects continue to present problems. As a result, pharmacoacupuncture (PA) is getting attention as an alternative therapy for patients with FS. PA is a new form of acupuncture treatment in traditional Korean medicine (TKM) that is mainly used for musculoskeletal diseases. It has similarity and specificity compared to corticosteroid injection and hydrodilatation, making it a potential alternative injection therapy for FS. However, no systematic reviews investigating the utilization of PA for FS have been published. Therefore, this review aims to standardize the clinical use of PA for FS and validate its therapeutic effect. Methods: The protocol was registered in Prospero (CRD42023445708) on 18 July 2023. Until Aug. 31, 2023, seven electronic databases will be searched for randomized controlled trials of PA for FS. Authors will be contacted, and manual searches will also be performed. Two reviewers will independently screen and collect data from retrieved articles according to predefined criteria. The primary outcome will be pain intensity, and secondary outcomes will be effective rate, Constant-Murley Score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, range of motion, quality of life, and adverse events. Bias and quality of the included trials will be assessed using the Cochrane handbook's risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Meta analyses will be conducted using Review Manager V.5.3 software. GRADE will be used to evaluate the level of evidence for each outcome. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted following PRISMA statement. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusion: This review will provide scientific evidence to support health insurance policy as well as the standardization of PA in clinical practice.

Clean-In-Place (CIP) wastewater management using nanofiltration (NF)-forward osmosis (FO)-direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD): Effects of draw salt.

A substantial amount of water is being used during Clean-in-Place (CIP) operation, and is transformed into wastewater that can cause eutrophication to the nearby ecosystem. The present study proposed the Nanofiltration (NF) - Forward Osmosis (FO) - Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD) to recover the cleaning agents and reclaim freshwater from the model CIP wastewater. NF steps were suggested as prefiltration steps to remove organic compounds from the CIP wastewater. NF steps reduced the lactose and protein contents by 100 % and 95.6 %, respectively. The permeates from NF steps were further managed by the integrated FO-DCMD system. Several draw salts such as NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2 were compared to investigate the influence on FO and DCMD performance. It was found that monovalent salts (NaCl and KCl) outperformed the divalent salts (MgCl2 and CaCl2) in terms of water flux for both FO and DCMD. This can be attributed to the lower viscosity and higher mass transfer coefficient. In addition, the replenishment costs of each salt were evaluated since salts loss occurred during FO and DCMD operation. The cost evaluation revealed that NaCl is most the cheapest salts per reclaimed water. All of this observation indicates that NaCl is preferred in terms of water flux and replenishment cost. The NF permeate kept concentrated using the integrated FO-DCMD or single FO with 2 M of NaCl. Compared to a single FO that showed a consistent decline in draw solution concentration, FO-DCMD could maintain the concentration of the draw solution. Despite the constant concentration, flux decline of FO was observed due to fouling formation caused by the high-temperature operation. However, the FO-DCMD could accomplish the recovery of pure water. Finally, the cleaning agents recovered by the NF-FO-DCMD showed the cleaning efficacy comparable to the fresh NaOH. These results suggest the potential of the proposed system to manage the CIP wastewater.

Associations between food consumption/dietary habits and the risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension: a cross-sectional study in Jakarta, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the current mean daily intake of 10 food groups, analyze the sociodemographic factors associated with food consumption, and determine the associations between food consumption/dietary intake and the prevalence rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and hypertension (HTN) in Jakarta, Indonesia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 600 participants aged 20-85 yrs were included in this cross-sectional study. Food consumption and dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. To determine the association between food consumption/dietary habits and the abovementioned diseases, logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The average vegetable and fruit intake was lower, while sugar and salt consumption were higher than that recommended by Indonesia's national dietary guidelines. A high intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) was associated with young age, men, "single" status, a high education level, and employment with a high monthly income. Obesity and T2D were positively correlated with high intakes of cereals and tubers, UPFs, sugars, fats, and oils. Conversely, an inverse association was found between legume, vegetable, and fruit consumption and obesity risk. An inverse correlation was also observed between vegetable consumption and T2D risk. Moreover, a high salt intake was inversely correlated with fruit consumption in terms of HTN risk. Non-indulgence in habitual late-night snacking and refrainment from consuming more than one dish at each meal were also negatively related to the prevalence of obesity, T2D, and HTN. Inverse correlations were also observed between the prevalence rates of T2D and HTN and abstaining from adding sugar to beverages. CONCLUSION: Foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium were strongly associated with the risks of obesity, T2D, and HTN. Additionally, poor eating habits were also associated with disease development.

Case Report of Efficacy of Skin Perfusion After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Following Peripheral Tissue Injury due to Usage of Inotropes and Vasopressors.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has garnered significant attention as a therapeutic principle with potential benefits across a variety spectrum of medical conditions, ranging from wound healing and ischemic conditions to neurologic disorders and radiation-induced tissue damage. HBOT involves the administration of 100% oxygen at higher atmospheric pressures, leading to increased oxygen dissolved in bodily fluids and tissues. The elevated oxygen levels are proposed to facilitate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote angiogenesis. This case report presents a compelling instance of the usefulness of HBOT in promoting skin perfusion and healing following peripheral tissue injury resulting from the administration of inotropic and vasopressor agents in septic shock patients.

Spontaneous Regression of Glioma-Mimicking Brainstem Lesion in a Child: A Case Report.

Differential diagnosis of focal brainstem lesions detected on MRI is challenging, especially in young children. Formerly, brainstem gliomas were classified mainly based on MRI features and location. However, since 2016, the World Health Organization's brainstem lesion classification requires tissue biopsy to reveal molecular characteristics. Although modern techniques of stereotactic or navigation-guided biopsy ensure accurate biopsy of the lesion with safety, biopsy of brainstem lesions is still generally not performed. Here, we report a focal brainstem lesion mimicking brainstem glioma in a 9-year-old girl. Initial MRI, MR spectroscopy, and 11C-methionine positron emission tomography (PET) features suggested low-grade glioma or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. However, repeated MR spectroscopy, perfusion MRI, and 18fluorodeoxyglucose PET findings suggested that it was more likely a non-tumorous lesion. As the patient presented not with a neurological manifestation but with precocious puberty, the attending oncologist chose to observe with regular follow-up MRI. The pontine lesion with high signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI regressed from the 6-month follow-up and became invisible on the 1.5-year follow-up MRI. We reviewed brainstem glioma-mimicking lesions in the literature and discussed the key points of differential diagnosis.