Hole-Carrier-Dominant Transport in 2D Single-Crystal Copper.

In 2D noble metals like copper, the carrier scattering at grain boundaries has obscured the intrinsic nature of electronic transport. However, it is demonstrated that the intrinsic nature of transport by hole carriers in 2D copper can be revealed by growing thin films without grain boundaries. As even a slight deviation from the twin boundary is perceived as grain boundaries by electrons, it is only through the thorough elimination of grain boundaries that the hidden hole-like attribute of 2D single-crystal copper can be unmasked. Two types of Fermi surfaces, a large hexagonal Fermi surface centered at the zone center and the triangular Fermi surface around the zone corner, tightly matching to the calculated Fermi surface topology, confirmed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) measurements and vivid nonlinear Hall effects of the 2D single-crystal copper account for the presence of hole carriers experimentally. This breakthrough suggests the potential to manipulate the majority carrier polarity in metals by means of grain boundary engineering in a 2D geometry.

Predicting cerebrovascular age and its clinical relevance: Modeling using 3D morphological features of brain vessels.

Aging manifests as many phenotypes, among which age-related changes in brain vessels are important, but underexplored. Thus, in the present study, we constructed a model to predict age using cerebrovascular morphological features, further assessing their clinical relevance using a novel pipeline. Age prediction models were first developed using data from a normal cohort (n = 1181), after which their relevance was tested in two stroke cohorts (n = 564 and n = 455). Our novel pipeline adapted an existing framework to compute generic vessel features for brain vessels, resulting in 126 morphological features. We further built various machine learning models to predict age using only clinical factors, only brain vessel features, and a combination of both. We further assessed deviation from healthy aging using the age gap and explored its clinical relevance by correlating the predicted age and age gap with various risk factors. The models constructed using only brain vessel features and those combining clinical factors with vessel features were better predictors of age than the clinical factor-only model (r = 0.37, 0.48, and 0.26, respectively). Predicted age was associated with many known clinical factors, and the associations were stronger for the age gap in the normal cohort. The age gap was also associated with important factors in the pooled cohort atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score and white matter hyperintensity measurements. Cerebrovascular age, computed using the morphological features of brain vessels, could serve as a potential individualized marker for the early detection of various cerebrovascular diseases.

The Mental Health Outcomes and Cost Estimates of Korean Medicine for Anxiety Disorder Patients.

Korean medicine (KM) is used to treat anxiety disorders, but there is limited research on its effects. This study aimed to examine the associations between improved QoL and reduced clinical symptoms and KM in patients with anxiety disorders. The medical records of patients with anxiety who were treated with KM (acupuncture, psychotherapy, Chuna therapy, aromatherapy, or herbal medicine) for at least 4 weeks were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical, QoL, and cost outcomes were measured at baseline and at weeks 4 and 12 (Anxiety: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI X-1 (state), X-2 (trait)], Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI]; anger: State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory State [STAXI-S (state), T (trait)], Anger Expression Inventory [AXI-K-I (anger-in), AXI-K-O (anger-out), AXI-K-C (anger-control); depression: Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI II], QoL: QoL-related instruments Euro Quality of Life 5 Dimensions utility score [EQ-5D], Euro QoL Visual Analog Scale [EQ-VAS]). The total costs for each item were calculated in terms of NHIS-covered costs and patients' out-of-pocket costs from the perspective of the healthcare system. The medical records of 67 patients were evaluated. The KM treatments were found to be associated with decreased anxiety (STAI X-1; STAI X-2; BAI, p < 0.0001), depression (BDI-II, p < 0.0001), and anger (AKI-K-I; AKI-K-O, p < 0.05) and increased QoL (EQ-5D; EQ-VAS, p < 0.0001). An average of USD 1360 was paid for the KM treatments for 4 weeks. The study findings suggested that KM may improve clinical symptoms and QoL outcomes in patients with anxiety disorders.

Immunostimulatory Effect of Ovomucin Hydrolysates by Pancreatin in RAW 264.7 Macrophages via Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Signaling Pathway.

Ovomucin (OM), which has insoluble fractions is a viscous glycoprotein, found in egg albumin. Enzymatic hydrolysates of OM have water solubility and bioactive properties. This study investigated that the immunostimulatory effects of OM hydrolysates (OMHs) obtained by using various proteolytic enzymes (Alcalase®, bromelain, α-chymotrypsin, Neutrase®, pancreatin, papain, Protamax®, and trypsin) in RAW 264.7 cells. The results showed that OMH prepared with pancreatin (OMPA) produced the highest levels of nitrite oxide in RAW 264.7 cells, through upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were increased with the cytokines mRNA expression. The effect of OMPA on mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway was increased the phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in a concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, OMPA could be used as a potential immune-stimulating agent in the functional food industry.

Clinical efficacy of multigene panels in the management of congenital hypothyroidism with gland in situ.

Congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) is a diverse condition with various genetic etiologies. This study aimed to investigate the utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis in guiding treatment decisions and predicting prognosis for CHT patients with gland in situ (GIS). A retrospective analysis was conducted on 33 CHT patients with GIS who underwent NGS analysis at a single institution between 2018 and 2023. Patients were classified as having permanent (PCH), transient congenital hypothyroidism, or ambiguous congenital hypothyroidism (ACH) CHT based on their response to levothyroxine discontinuation at 3 years of age. Among the 33 patients, genetic variants were identified in 26, with the most prevalent variants found in DUOX2 (26.92%), TSHR (30.77%), TG (19.35%), and DUOXA2 (19.23%). Patients with high initial thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (>50 mIU/L) and low free thyroxine levels (<0.89 ng/dL) at diagnosis tended to have compound heterozygous or homozygous variants in DUOX2, DUOXA2, and TG, and were more likely to develop PCH. In contrast, patients with heterozygous variants in these genes often exhibited ACH. TSHR variants were associated with diverse clinical manifestations, ranging from PCH to ACH, and were more common in patients with initial thyroid-stimulating hormone levels <50 mIU/L. The study highlights the potential utility of NGS analysis in predicting the clinical course and guiding treatment decisions for CHT patients with GIS. Genetic analysis may aid in determining the appropriate duration of levothyroxine therapy and monitoring strategies, particularly in cases where traditional clinical indicators are inconclusive.

Preoperative MRI-based nomogram to predict survival after curative resection in patients with gallbladder cancer: a retrospective multicenter analysis.

PURPOSE: To use preoperative MRI data to construct a nomogram to predict survival in patients who have undergone R0 resection for gallbladder cancer. METHODS: The present retrospective study included 143 patients (M:F, 76:67; 67.15 years) with gallbladder cancer who underwent preoperative MRI and subsequent R0 resection between 2013 and 2021 at two tertiary institutions. Clinical and radiological features were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify independent prognostic factors. Based on the multivariate analysis, we developed an MRI-based nomogram for determining prognoses after curative resections of gallbladder cancer. We also obtained calibration curves for 1-,3-, and 5-year survival probabilities. RESULTS: The multivariate model consisted of the following independent predictors of poor overall survival (OS), which were used for constructing the nomogram: age (years; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.07; p = 0.033); tumor size (cm; HR = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09-1.79; p = 0.008); bile duct invasion (HR = 3.54; 95% CI, 1.66-7.58; p = 0.001); regional lymph node metastasis (HR = 2.47; 95% CI, 1.10-5.57; p = 0.029); and hepatic artery invasion (HR = 2.66; 95% CI, 1.04-6.83; p = 0.042). The nomogram showed good probabilities of survival on the calibration curves, and the concordance index of the model for predicting overall survival (OS) was 0.779. CONCLUSION: Preoperative MRI findings could be used to determine the prognosis of gallbladder cancer, and the MRI-based nomogram accurately predicted OS in patients with gallbladder cancer who underwent curative resection.

Anti-biofilm effect of enzymatic hydrolysates of ovomucin in Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.

Despite modern advances in food hygiene, food poisoning due to microbial contamination remains a global problem, and poses a great threat to human health. Especially, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus are gram-positive bacteria found on food-contact surfaces with biofilms. These foodborne pathogens cause a considerable number of food poisoning and infections annually. Ovomucin (OM) is a water-insoluble gel-type glycoprotein in egg whites. Enzymatic hydrolysis can be used to improve the bioactive properties of OM. This study aimed to investigate whether ovomucin hydrolysates (OMHs) produced using five commercial enzymes (Alcalase®, Bromelain, α-Chymotrypsin, Papain, and Pancreatin) can inhibit the biofilm formation of L. monocytogenes ATCC 15313, L. monocytogenes H7962, S. aureus KCCM 11593, and S. aureus 7. Particularly, OMH prepared with papain (OMPP; 500 µg/mL) significantly inhibited biofilm formation in L. monocytogenes ATCC 15313, L. monocytogenes H7962, S. aureus KCCM 11593, and S. aureus 7 by 85.56 %, 80.28 %, 91.70 %, and 79.00 %, respectively. In addition, OMPP reduced the metabolic activity, exopolysaccharide production (EPS), adhesion ability, and gene expression associated with the biofilm formation of these bacterial strains. These results suggest that OMH, especially OMPP, exerts anti-biofilm effects against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus. Therefore, OMPP can be used as a natural anti-biofilm agent to control food poisoning in the food industry.

Comparison of medical students' perceptions of patient safety: Focusing on simulation training using a high-fidelity simulator.

Patient safety education is necessary for the provision of high-quality medical services. A significant aspect of patient safety education is simulation training, which allows medical students to experience realistic clinical environments. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of patient safety education using simulation training. We retrospectively analyzed the results of a 30-question questionnaire survey on the perceptions of patient safety before and after simulation training, which was completed by 40 medical students who participated in clinical practice between June and December 2021. A paired t-test was performed by calculating the mean and standard deviation for each item. We found that students' overall perceptions of patient safety improved after training. Specifically, after simulation training, attitudes toward patient safety were maintained at the same level as before training, while students' self-efficacy of patient safety increased. Simulation training is effective in improving students' perceptions of patient safety, and increasing students' confidence can improve their clinical performance. To maintain this effect, repeated learning is required, and theoretical classes and simulation training should be used appropriately for patient safety education in the future.

Suppressing the Shuttle Effect via Polypyrrole-Coated Te Nanotubes for Advanced Na-Te Batteries.

There is a growing demand for research and development of advanced energy storage devices with high energy density utilizing earth-abundant metal anodes such as sodium metal. Tellurium, a member of the chalcogen group, stands out as a promising cathode material due to its remarkable volumetric capacity, comparable to sulfur, and significantly high electrical conductivity. However, critical issues arise from soluble sodium polytellurides, leading to the shuttle effect. This phenomenon can result in the loss of active materials, self-discharge, and anode instability. Here, we introduce polypyrrole-coated tellurium nanotubes as the cathode materials, where polypyrrole plays a crucial role in preventing the dissolution of polytellurides, as confirmed through operando optical microscopy. The polypyrrole-coated tellurium nanotubes exhibited an outstanding rate performance and long cycle stability in sodium-tellurium batteries. These research findings are anticipated to bolster the viability of polypyrrole-coated tellurium nanotubes as promising cathode materials, making a substantial contribution to the commercialization of sodium-ion battery technology.

Fabrication of a Capacitive 3D Spacer Fabric Pressure Sensor with a Dielectric Constant Change for High Sensitivity.

Smart wearable sensors are increasingly integrated into everyday life, interfacing with the human body to enable real-time monitoring of biological signals. This study focuses on creating high-sensitivity capacitive-type sensors by impregnating polyester-based 3D spacer fabric with a Carbon Nanotube (CNT) dispersion. The unique properties of conductive particles lead to nonlinear variations in the dielectric constant when pressure is applied, consequently affecting the gauge factor. The results reveal that while the fabric without CNT particles had a gauge factor of 1.967, the inclusion of 0.04 wt% CNT increased it significantly to 5.210. As sensor sensitivity requirements vary according to the application, identifying the necessary CNT wt% is crucial. Artificial intelligence, particularly the Multilayer Perception (MLP) model, enables nonlinear regression analysis for this purpose. The MLP model created and validated in this research showed a high correlation coefficient of 0.99564 between the model predictions and actual target values, indicating its effectiveness and reliability.

Identification and characterization of plasma proteins associated with intra-amniotic inflammation and/or infection in women with preterm labor.

This study aimed to identify plasma proteins that could serve as potential biomarkers for microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) or intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI) in women with preterm labor (PTL). A retrospective cohort comprised singleton pregnant women with PTL (24-34 weeks) who underwent amniocentesis. Pooled plasma samples were analyzed by label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for proteome profiling in a nested case-control study (concomitant MIAC/IAI cases vs. non-MIAC/IAI controls [n = 10 per group]). Eight target proteins associated with MIAC/IAI were further verified by immunoassays in a large cohort (n = 230). Shotgun proteomic analysis revealed 133 differentially expressed proteins (fold change > 1.5, P < 0.05) in the plasma of MIAC/IAI cases. Further quantification confirmed that the levels of AFP were higher and those of kallistatin and TGFBI were lower in the plasma of women with MIAC and that the levels of kallistatin and TGFBI were lower in the plasma of women with IAI than in those without these conditions. The area under the curves of plasma AFP, kallistatin, and TGFBI ranged within 0.67-0.81 with respect to each endpoint. In summary, plasma AFP, kallistatin, and TGFBI may represent valuable non-invasive biomarkers for predicting MIAC or IAI in women with PTL.

Potassium Iodide Doping for Vacancy Substitution and Dangling Bond Repair in InP Core-Shell Quantum Dots.

This work highlights the novel approach of incorporating potassium iodide (KI) doping during the synthesis of In0.53P0.47 core quantum dots (QDs) to significantly reduce the concentration of vacancies (i.e., In vacancies; VIn-) within the bulk of the core QD and inhibit the formation of InPOx at the core QD-Zn0.6Se0.4 shell interfaces. The photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of ~97% and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of ~40 nm were achieved for In0.53P0.47/Zn0.6Se0.4/Zn0.6Se0.1S0.3/Zn0.5S0.5 core/multi-shell QDs emitting red light, which is essential for a quantum-dot organic light-emitting diode (QD-OLED) without red, green, and blue crosstalk. KI doping eliminated VIn- in the core QD bulk by forming K+-VIn- substitutes and effectively inhibited the formation of InPO4(H2O)2 at the core QD-Zn0.6Se0.4 shell interface through the passivation of phosphorus (P)-dangling bonds by P-I bonds. The elimination of vacancies in the core QD bulk was evidenced by the decreased relative intensity of non-radiative unpaired electrons, measured by electron spin resonance (ESR). Additionally, the inhibition of InPO4(H2O)2 formation at the core QD and shell interface was confirmed by the absence of the {210} X-ray diffraction (XRD) peak intensity for the core/multi-shell QDs. By finely tuning the doping concentration, the optimal level was achieved, ensuring maximum K-VIn- substitution, minimal K+ and I- interstitials, and maximum P-dangling bond passivation. This resulted in the smallest core QD diameter distribution and maximized optical properties. Consequently, the maximum PLQY (~97%) and minimum FWHM (~40 nm) were observed at 3% KI doping. Furthermore, the color gamut of a QD-OLED display using R-, G-, and B-QD functional color filters (i.e., ~131.1%@NTSC and ~98.2@Rec.2020) provided a nearly perfect color representation, where red-light-emitting KI-doped QDs were applied.

Application of TSPO-Specific Positron Emission Tomography Radiotracer as an Early Indicator of Acute Liver Failure Induced by Propacetamol, a Prodrug of Paracetamol.

Acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of acute liver failure (ALF), and effective treatment depends on early prediction of disease progression. ALF diagnosis currently requires blood collection 24-72 h after APAP ingestion, necessitating repeated tests and hospitalization. Here, we assessed earlier ALF diagnosis using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of translocator proteins (TSPOs), which are involved in molecular transport, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and energy metabolism, with the radiotracer [18F]GE180. We intraperitoneally administered propacetamol hydrochloride to male C57BL/6 mice to induce ALF. We performed in vivo PET/CT imaging 3 h later using the TSPO-specific radiotracer [18F]GE180 and quantitatively analyzed the PET images by determining the averaged standardized uptake value (SUVav) in the liver parenchyma. We assessed liver TSPO expression levels via real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. [18F]GE180 PET imaging 3 h after propacetamol administration (1500 mg/kg) significantly increased liver SUVav compared to controls (p = 0.001). Analyses showed a 10-fold and 4-fold increase in TSPO gene and protein expression, respectively, in the liver, 3 h after propacetamol induction compared to controls. [18F]GE180 PET visualized and quantified propacetamol-induced ALF through TSPO overexpression. These findings highlight TSPO PET's potential as a non-invasive imaging biomarker for early-stage ALF.

Predictive modelling of student dropout risk: Practical insights from a South Korean distance university.

Distance education supports lifelong learning and empowers individuals in rapidly changing societal conditions, yet it encounters high dropout rates due to a range of individual and societal obstacles. This study addresses the challenge of creating a practical prediction model by analyzing extensive real-world time-point data from a well-established online university in Seoul. Covering 144,540 instances from 2018 to 2022, the study integrates diverse datasets to compare the accuracy of models based on longitudinal, semester-wise, and gender-specific datasets. The demographic, academic, and online metrics identified significant dropout indicators, including age (particularly when binned), residential area, specific occupations, GPA, and LMS log metrics, using a stepwise backward elimination process. The study revealed that, despite societal changes, recent data from the last four semesters can be effectively used for stable prediction training. Gender-based analysis showed different factors influencing dropout risk for males and females. The Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM) algorithm excelled in prediction accuracy, with the ROC-AUC metric affirming its superiority. However, logistic regression also showed its competitive performance and offered in-depth interpretation. In South Korea's distinct educational setting, merging advanced algorithms like LGBM with the interpretive strength of logistic regression is key for effective student support strategies.

ASXLs binding to the PHD2/3 fingers of MLL4 provides a mechanism for the recruitment of BAP1 to active enhancers.

The human methyltransferase and transcriptional coactivator MLL4 and its paralog MLL3 are frequently mutated in cancer. MLL4 and MLL3 monomethylate histone H3K4 and contain a set of uncharacterized PHD fingers. Here, we report a novel function of the PHD2 and PHD3 (PHD2/3) fingers of MLL4 and MLL3 that bind to ASXL2, a component of the Polycomb repressive H2AK119 deubiquitinase (PR-DUB) complex. The structure of MLL4 PHD2/3 in complex with the MLL-binding helix (MBH) of ASXL2 and mutational analyses reveal the molecular mechanism which is conserved in homologous ASXL1 and ASXL3. The native interaction of the Trithorax MLL3/4 complexes with the PR-DUB complex in vivo depends solely on MBH of ASXL1/2, coupling the two histone modifying activities. ChIP-seq analysis in embryonic stem cells demonstrates that MBH of ASXL1/2 is required for the deubiquitinase BAP1 recruitment to MLL4-bound active enhancers. Our findings suggest an ASXL1/2-dependent functional link between the MLL3/4 and PR-DUB complexes.

Anti-Pseudomonal Effect of Nephrite-Impregnated Contact Lenses.

PURPOSE: This study compared the anti-pseudomonal effects between nephrite-impregnated contact lenses (CLs) and conventional and cosmetic CLs. METHODS: After inoculation with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa), we counted the number of bacteria on the CL surface and observed each surface using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To estimate potential harm of nephrite-impregnated CLs, we conducted a safety test using a rabbit model, treated with all CL types. RESULTS: Both conventional and cosmetic CLs (n = 258 ± 2.9 × 104, 368 ± 2.2 × 104) showed significantly decreased number of attached bacteria when compared with those without nephrite impregnation (n = 134 ± 0.8 × 104, 238 ± 2.5 × 104, p < 0.0001, respectively). AFM and SEM revealed that P. aeruginosa was less attached to the nephrite-impregnated CLs than to the conventional and cosmetic CLs, although those with nephrite impregnation had rougher surface. In the safety test, there were no significant differences in the findings between four groups, and the clarity and stability of all corneas were preserved. CONCLUSIONS: Nephrite may be used as a next-generation substance to reduce infectious keratitis caused by P. aeruginosa when added to CLs.

Distribution and pathogen prevalence of field-collected ticks from south-western Korea: a study from 2019 to 2022.

Hard ticks are known vectors of various pathogens, including the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Ehrlichia spp. This study aims to investigate the distribution and prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in southwestern Korea from 2019 to 2022. A total of 13,280 ticks were collected during the study period, with H. longicornis accounting for 86.1% of the collected ticks. H. flava, I. nipponensis and A. testudinarium comprised 9.4%, 3.6%, and 0.8% of the ticks, respectively. Among 983 pools tested, Rickettsia spp. (216 pools, 1.6% MIR) were the most prevalent pathogens across all tick species, with R. japonica and R. monacensis frequently detected in I. nipponensis and Haemaphysalis spp., respectively. Borrelia spp. (28 pools, 0.2% MIR) were predominantly detected in I. nipponensis (27 pools, 13.8% MIR, P < 0.001). Co-infections, mainly involving Rickettsia monacensis and Borrelia afzelii, were detected in I. nipponensis. Notably, this study identified R. monacensis for the first time in A. testudinarium in South Korea. These findings offer valuable insights into the tick population and associated pathogens in the region, underscoring the importance of tick-borne disease surveillance and prevention measures.

Imaging classification of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with histological large duct pattern.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the imaging features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with histological large duct pattern. METHODS: Our study included 37 patients (mean age, 66.5 years; 22 women) with surgically proven PDAC with histological large duct pattern, whose imaging features were classified into four types: Type I, solid mass; Type II, predominantly cystic mass with intracystic solid components; Type III, predominantly solid mass with intratumoral cysts; and Type IV, solid mass with peritumoral retention cysts or pseudocysts. Two radiologists independently analyzed both CT and MRI images for the morphological type, presence of abrupt main pancreatic duct (MPD) cutoff, adjacent vascular invasion, diffusion restriction, and reached consensus. RESULTS: On CT, 26 patients (70.3%) had Type I tumors, five (13.5%) had Type II, three (8.1%) had Type III, and three (8.1%) had Type IV. Among the 26 patients with Type I tumors on CT, 16 had tumors with multiple intratumoral cysts within the solid mass on MRI and were subsequently classified as Type III. Accordingly, 10 patients (27.0%) were classified as Type I, five (13.5%) as Type II, 19 (51.7%) as Type III, and three (8.1%) as Type IV on MRI. Of the 37 patients, 27 (73.0%) had an abrupt MPD cutoff, 15 (40.5%) had adjacent vascular invasion, and 25 (67.6%) had diffusion restriction on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Predominantly solid pancreatic masses with small intratumoral cysts visualized on MRI may be a characteristic imaging finding of PDAC with histological large duct pattern, and differentiate it from conventional PDAC or other cystic pancreatic tumors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Radiologists should be familiar with the various imaging features of PDAC with histological large duct pattern and should be aware that it may mimic other solid or cystic tumors of the pancreas. KEY POINTS: Imaging features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with histological large duct pattern can be classified into four types. This pathology more frequently appears as a predominantly solid mass with intratumoral cysts on MRI than on CT. Adding MRI to CT may help identify pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with histological large duct pattern.

Ajania pacifica (Nakai) K. Bremer and Humphries Extract Limits MYC Expression to Induce Apoptosis in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma.

The proto-oncogene MYC is frequently dysregulated in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and plays a critical role in disease progression. To improve the clinical outcomes of patients with DLBCL, the development of strategies to target MYC is crucial. The use of medicinal plants for developing anticancer drugs has garnered considerable attention owing to their diverse mechanisms of action. In this study, 100 plant extracts of flora from the Republic of Korea were screened to search for novel agents with anti-DLBCL effects. Among them, Ajania pacifica (Nakai) K. Bremer and Humphries extract (APKH) efficiently suppressed the survival of DLBCL cells, while showing minimal toxicity toward normal murine bone marrow cells. APKH suppressed the expression of anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members, causing an imbalance between the pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic BCL2 members. This disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release, and pro-caspase-3 activation and eventually led to DLBCL cell death. Importantly, MYC expression was markedly downregulated by APKH and ectopic expression of MYC in DLBCL cells abolished the pro-apoptotic effects of APKH. These results demonstrate that APKH exerts anti-DLBCL effects by inhibiting MYC expression. Moreover, when combined with doxorubicin, an essential component of the CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone), APKH synergistically enhanced the therapeutic effect of doxorubicin. This indicates that APKH may overcome drug resistance, which is common in patients with refractory/relapsed DLBCL. To identify compounds with anti-DLBCL activities in APKH, the chemical profile analysis of APKH was performed using UPLC-QTOF/MSe analysis and assessed for its anticancer activity. Based on the UPLC-QTOF/MSe chemical profiling, it is conceivable that APKH may serve as a novel agent targeting MYC and sensitizing drug-resistant DLBCL cells to CHOP chemotherapy. Further studies to elucidate how the compounds in APKH exert tumor-suppressive role in DLBCL are warranted.

Enhancing automated strabismus classification with limited data: Data augmentation using StyleGAN2-ADA.

In this study, we propose a generative data augmentation technique to overcome the challenges of severely limited data when designing a deep learning-based automated strabismus diagnosis system. We implement a generative model based on the StyleGAN2-ADA model for system design and assess strabismus classification performance using two classifiers. We evaluate the capability of our proposed method against traditional data augmentation techniques and confirm a substantial enhancement in performance. Furthermore, we conduct experiments to explore the relationship between the diagnosis agreement among ophthalmologists and the generation performance of the generative model. Beyond FID, we validate the generative samples on the classifier to establish their practicality. Through these experiments, we demonstrate that the generative model-based data augmentation improves overall quantitative performance in scenarios of extreme data scarcity and effectively mitigates overfitting issues during deep learning model training.