Comprehensive Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Plant Viruses in Imported Frozen Cherries and Blueberries.

The possibility of new viruses emerging in various regions worldwide has increased due to a combination of factors, including climate change and the expansion of international trading. Plant viruses spread through various transmission routes, encompassing well-known avenues such as pollen, seeds, and insects. However, research on potential transmission routes beyond these known mechanisms has remained limited. To address this gap, this study employed metatranscriptomic analysis to ascertain the presence of plant viruses in imported frozen fruits, specifically cherries and blueberries. This analysis aimed to identify pathways through which plant viruses may be introduced into countries. Virome analysis revealed the presence of six species of plant viruses in frozen cherries and blueberries: cherry virus A (CVA), prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), prune dwarf virus (PDV), prunus virus F (PrVF), blueberry shock virus (BlShV), and blueberry latent virus (BlLV). Identifying these potential transmission routes is crucial for effectively managing and preventing the spread of plant viruses and crop protection. This study highlights the importance of robust quality control measures and monitoring systems for frozen fruits, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate the risk associated with the potential spread of plant viruses.

Development and Application of Reverse Transcription Nanoplate-Based Digital PCR Assay for Sensitive and Accurate Detection of Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus in Cereal Crops.

The emergence of rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) poses a significant threat to global cereal crop cultivation, necessitating the urgent development of reliable detection and quantification techniques. This study introduces a reliable approach for the precise and sensitive quantification of the RBSDV in cereal crop samples, employing a reverse transcription digital polymerase chain reaction (RT-dPCR) assay. We assessed the specificity and sensitivity of the RT-dPCR assay proposed for precise RBSDV detection and quantification. Our findings demonstrate that RT-dPCR was specific for detection of RBSDV, with no cross-reactivity observed with other viruses infecting cereal crops. The RT-dPCR sensitivity was over 10 times that of RT-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The detection limit of RT-dPCR was 0.096 copies/µl. In addition, evaluation of RT-dPCR assay with field samples was conducted on 60 different cereal crop samples revealed that RT-dPCR (45/60) exhibited superior accuracy compared with RT-qPCR (23/60). In this study, we present a specific and accurate RT-dPCR assay for the detection and quantification of RBSDV.

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation can modulate fronto-parietal brain networks.

Objective: Recent studies have shown that transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) holds promise as a treatment for neurological or psychiatric disease through the ability to modulate neural activity in some brain regions without an invasive procedure. The objective of this study was to identify the neural correlates underlying the effects of tVNS. Methods: Twenty right-handed healthy subjects with normal hearing participated in this study. An auricle-applied tVNS device (Soricle, Neurive Co., Ltd., Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea) was used to administer tVNS stimulation. A session consisted of 14 blocks, including 7 blocks of tVNS stimulation or sham stimulation and 7 blocks of rest, and lasted approximately 7 min (1 block = 30 s). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed during the stimulation. Results: No activated regions were observed in the fMRI scans following both sham stimulation and tVNS after the first session. After the second session, tVNS activated two clusters of brain regions in the right frontal gyrus. A comparison of the activated regions after the second session of each stimulation revealed that the fMRI following tVNS exhibited four surviving clusters. Additionally, four clusters were activated in the overall stimulated area during both the first and second sessions. When comparing the fMRI results after each type of stimulation, the fMRI following tVNS showed four surviving clusters compared to the fMRI after sham stimulation. Conclusion: tVNS could stimulate some brain regions, including the fronto-parietal network. Stimulating these regions for treating neurological or psychiatric disease might require applying tVNS for at least 3.5 min.

CT imaging analysis differentiating papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity from papillary renal cell carcinoma: combined with a radiomics model.

PURPOSE: To assess the computed tomography (CT) findings of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity (PRNRP) and develop a radiomics-based model to distinguish PRNRPs from papillary renal cell carcinomas (PRCCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 31 PRNRPs and 68 PRCCs using preoperative kidney CT. We evaluated CT features that could discriminate PRNRPs from PRCCs. A radiomics signature was constructed using features selected through a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm. A radiomics-based model incorporating a radiomics signature and subjective CT parameters using multivariate logistic regression was developed. The diagnostic performance of the CT parameters, radiomics model, and their combination was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Most of PRNRPs had a round shape (93.5%), well-defined margin (100%), and persistent enhancement (77.4%). Compared with PRCC, PRNRPs exhibited distinct CT features including small size (16.7 vs. 37.7 mm, P < 0.001), heterogeneity (64.5 vs. 32.4%, P = 0.004), enhancing dot sign (16.1 vs. 1.5%, P = 0.001), and high attenuation in pre-contrast CT (44.2 vs. 35.5 HU, P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed smaller mass size (odds ratio [OR]: 0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9-1.0, P = 0.013), heterogeneity (OR: 8.8; 95% CI 1.9-41.4, P = 0.006), and higher attenuation in pre-contrast CT (OR: 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.2, P = 0.011) as significant independent factors for identifying PRNRPs. The diagnostic performance of the combination model was excellent (AUC: 0.923). CONCLUSION: Smaller tumor size, heterogeneity, and higher attenuation in pre-contrast CT were more closely associated with PRNRPs than with PRCCs. Though the retrospective design, small sample size, and single-center data of this study may affect the generalizability of the findings, combining subjective CT features with a radiomics model is beneficial for distinguishing PRNRPs from PRCCs.

Improving Accuracy and Reliability of Hearing Tests: Measurement Standards for Audiometric Devices.

Pure-tone audiometry, using an audiometer, is the fundamental hearing test for diagnosing hearing loss. The requirements of the devices and the detailed process for calibrating the related equipment are described in international standards. However, traceable calibration and uncertainty evaluation processes are not widely accepted or applied to the qualification and maintenance of audiometric equipment. Here, we briefly review standard measurement systems for audiometric devices and introduce their calibration procedures. The uncertainty of each calibration process was investigated, and its impact on hearing test results was considered. Our findings show that the traceability of each procedure can be secured, satisfying the uncertainty requirement and being sufficiently smaller than the permissible deviation from the audiometer requirement. To guarantee the objectivity and reliability of hearing tests and maintain low uncertainty, close cooperation and mutual understanding between the metrology field and the medical community are necessary.

Effect of apigetrin in pseudo-SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammatory and pulmonary fibrosis in vitro model.

SARS-CoV-2 has become a global public health problem. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the leading cause of death due to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a severe and frequently reported COVID-19 sequela. In this study, an in vitro model of ARDS and PF caused by SARS-CoV-2 was established in MH-S, THP-1, and MRC-5 cells using pseudo-SARS-CoV-2 (PSCV). Expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) and HIF-1α was increased in PSCV-infected MH-S and THP-1 cells, ARDS model, consistent with other profiling data in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients have been reported. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) siRNA and cobalt chloride were tested using this in vitro model. HIF-1α knockdown reduces inflammation caused by PSCV infection in MH-S and THP-1 cells and lowers elevated levels of CTGF, COLA1, and α-SMA in MRC-5 cells exposed to CPMSCV. Furthermore, apigetrin, a glycoside bioactive dietary flavonoid derived from several plants, including Crataegus pinnatifida, which is reported to be a HIF-1α inhibitor, was tested in this in vitro model. Apigetrin significantly reduced the increased inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) expression and secretion by PSCV in MH-S and THP-1 cells. Apigetrin inhibited the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD to the ACE2 protein. An in vitro model of PF induced by SARS-CoV-2 was produced using a conditioned medium of THP-1 and MH-S cells that were PSCV-infected (CMPSCV) into MRC-5 cells. In a PF model, CMPSCV treatment of THP-1 and MH-S cells increased cell growth, migration, and collagen synthesis in MRC-5 cells. In contrast, apigetrin suppressed the increase in cell growth, migration, and collagen synthesis induced by CMPSCV in THP-1 and MH-S MRC-5 cells. Also, compared to control, fibrosis-related proteins (CTGF, COLA1, α-SMA, and HIF-1α) levels were over two-fold higher in CMPSV-treated MRC-5 cells. Apigetrin decreased protein levels in CMPSCV-treated MRC-5 cells. Thus, our data suggest that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) might be a novel target for SARS-CoV-2 sequela therapies and apigetrin, representative of HIF-1alpha inhibitor, exerts anti-inflammatory and PF effects in PSCV-treated MH-S, THP-1, and CMPVSC-treated MRC-5 cells. These findings indicate that HIF-1α inhibition and apigetrin would have a potential value in controlling SARS-CoV-2-related diseases.

Side- and Sinus-Specific Relationships between Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Ischemic Stroke Using Imaging Analyses.

Recent studies have reported chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) as an independent risk factor for stroke. However, the association with stroke depending on the affected sinuses has not been explored. This study aimed to elucidate the side- and sinus-specific relationship between CRS and ischemic stroke through imaging analyses. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with ischemic stroke at a tertiary center. CRS was defined as having a total score of greater than or equal to 4, according to the Lund-Mackay scoring system, through brain magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. We investigated the side- and sinus-specific correlation between CRS and ischemic stroke. Subgroup analyses were performed for different age groups. CRS prevalence in patients with ischemic stroke was 18.4%, which was higher than the previously reported prevalence in the general population. Overall, there was no correlation between the directions of the CRS and ischemic stroke (p > 0.05). When each sinus was analyzed, the frontal (Cramer's V = 0.479, p < 0.001), anterior (Cramer's V = 0.396, p < 0.001)/posterior (Cramer's V = 0.300, p = 0.008) ethmoid, and sphenoid (Cramer's V = 0.383, p = 0.005) sinuses showed a statistically significant correlation with the side of stroke, but the maxillary sinus (Cramer's V = 0.138, p = 0.208) did not. In subgroup analyses, a significant right-side correlation between the two diseases was observed in the older-age subgroup (≥65 years old, Cramer's V = 0.142, p = 0.040). Diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 1.596, 95% confidence interval = 1.204-2.116) was identified as an independent risk factor for having CRS in patients with ischemic stroke. CRS of the frontal, anterior/posterior ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses has a directional relationship with ischemic stroke. Our results on which sinuses correlate with stroke advocate for the active surveillance of CRS in patients at high risk of ischemic stroke.

Automatic assessment of bowel preparation by an artificial intelligence model and its clinical applicability.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Reliable bowel preparation assessment is important in colonoscopy. However, current scoring systems are limited by laborious and time-consuming tasks and interobserver variability. We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model to assess bowel cleanliness and evaluate its clinical applicability. METHODS: A still image-driven AI model to assess the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) was developed and validated using 2361 colonoscopy images. For evaluating real-world applicability, the model was validated using 113 10-s colonoscopy video clips and 30 full colonoscopy videos to identify "adequate (BBPS 2-3)" or "inadequate (BBPS 0-1)" preparation. The model was tested with an external dataset of 29 colonoscopy videos. The clinical applicability of the model was evaluated using 225 consecutive colonoscopies. Inter-rater variability was analyzed between the AI model and endoscopists. RESULTS: The AI model achieved an accuracy of 94.0% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.939 with the still images. Model testing with an external dataset showed an accuracy of 95.3%, an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.976, and a sensitivity of 100% for the detection of inadequate preparations. The clinical applicability study showed an overall agreement rate of 85.3% between endoscopists and the AI model, with Fleiss' kappa of 0.686. The agreement rate was lower for the right colon compared with the transverse and left colon, with Fleiss' kappa of 0.563, 0.575, and 0.789, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The AI model demonstrated accurate bowel preparation assessment and substantial agreement with endoscopists. Further refinement of the AI model is warranted for effective monitoring of qualified colonoscopy in large-scale screening programs.

Migration of double-J ureteral stent in patients with ureteroileal anastomosis stricture undergoing radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder: Analysis risk factors of stent migration.

The objective was to evaluate the incidence and degree of double-J ureteral stent (DJUS) migration. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with stent migration in the orthotopic neobladder group. In this retrospective study, 61 consecutive patients were included; 35 patients (45 DJUS placements) underwent radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder and 26 patients (35 DJUS placements) underwent urinary bladder without cystectomy between July 2021 and March 2023. All the patients were treated with a DJUS for ureteric strictures. The technical success rate was 100% in each group. The DJUS migration was significantly higher in the orthotopic neobladder group, with 22 of 45 cases (48.9%), compared to the urinary bladder group, which had 4 of 35 cases (11.4%) (P ≤ .001). Among the patients in the orthotopic neobladder group who experienced DJUS migration, stent dysfunction occurred in 18 cases (81.8%), which was statistically significant (P = .003). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only the size of the DJUS was significantly and positively associated with migration (odds ratio:10.214, P = .010). DJUS migration can easily occur in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder, and smaller stent sizes are associated with a higher incidence of migration.

Identification of Viruses Infecting Phalaenopsis Orchids Using Nanopore Sequencing and Development of an RT-RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a for Rapid Visual Detection of Nerine Latent Virus.

Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most popular ornamental plants. More than thirty orchid viruses have been reported, and virus-infected Phalaenopsis orchids significantly lose their commercial value. Therefore, the development of improved viral disease detection methods could be useful for quality control in orchid cultivation. In this study, we first utilized the MinION, a portable sequencing device based on Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) to rapidly detect plant viruses in Phalaenopsis orchids. Nanopore sequencing revealed the presence of three plant viruses in Phalaenopsis orchids: odontoglossum ringspot virus, cymbidium mosaic virus, and nerine latent virus (NeLV). Furthermore, for the first time, we detected NeLV infection in Phalaenopsis orchids using nanopore sequencing and developed the reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA)-CRISPR/Cas12a method for rapid, instrument-flexible, and accurate diagnosis. The developed RT-RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a technique can confirm NeLV infection in less than 20 min and exhibits no cross-reactivity with other viruses. To determine the sensitivity of RT-RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a for NeLV, we compared it with RT-PCR using serially diluted transcripts and found a detection limit of 10 zg/µL, which is approximately 1000-fold more sensitive. Taken together, the ONT platform offers an efficient strategy for monitoring plant viral pathogens, and the RT-RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a method has great potential as a useful tool for the rapid and sensitive diagnosis of NeLV.

Technical feasibility and safety of the alternative snare technique using a 0.018-inch guide wire and 5-French catheter for double-J ureteral stent removal.

To evaluate the technical feasibility of the alternative snare technique using a 0.018-inch guide wire and 5-French (Fr) catheter for double-J ureteral stent (DJUS) removal. In this retrospective study, 11 DJUS were removed in 9 consecutive patients between July 2023 and October 2023. We evaluated patient characteristics, DJUS characteristics, and procedure characteristics. Out of 11 cases, 8 (72.7%) were successful in removing the DJUS using the alternative snare technique without major complications. The average time between DJUS insertion and removal was 47.4 ±â€…50.0 days. The most common DJUS size was an 8-Fr, with proximal tips predominantly in the proximal ureter and renal pelvis. The mean procedure time for successful cases was 15.2 ±â€…16.8 minutes. Three failed cases, attributed to obstructions like debris, were later successfully addressed using the ALN inferior vena cava filter removal kit, forceps, and modified snare technique. The alternative snare technique using a 0.018-inch guidewire and Fr catheter is safe and effective in cases of DJUS removal.

Analyzing the characteristics of mission statements in Korean medical schools based on the Korean Doctor's Role framework.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the alignment between Korean medical schools' mission statements (MSs) and Korean Doctor's Role (KDR) domains, considering school characteristics. METHODS: We analyzed the South Korean medical school's MS characteristics using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative analysis preprocessed MS text data to identify concept words, while qualitative content analysis categorized information into predefined KDR domains and extracted themes from other parts. RESULTS: At the KDR domain level, "social accountability" was the most frequent, followed by "education and research" and "patient care," while "professionalism" had the least frequency. At the competency level, the most frequent domains were "involvement in public and global health initiatives," while "self-regulation based on professional leadership" and "professionalism and self-management" were not present. CONCLUSION: The study found that the majority of MSs had a homogeneous pattern and included traditional themes. Medical schools should evaluate and incorporate missing elements in their MSs to reflect the institution's own purpose and current societal needs.

Feasibility of video-based real-time nystagmus tracking: a lightweight deep learning model approach using ocular object segmentation.

Background: Eye movement tests remain significantly underutilized in emergency departments and primary healthcare units, despite their superior diagnostic sensitivity compared to neuroimaging modalities for the differential diagnosis of acute vertigo. This underutilization may be attributed to a potential lack of awareness regarding these tests and the absence of appropriate tools for detecting nystagmus. This study aimed to develop a nystagmus measurement algorithm using a lightweight deep-learning model that recognizes the ocular regions. Method: The deep learning model was used to segment the eye regions, detect blinking, and determine the pupil center. The model was trained using images extracted from video clips of a clinical battery of eye movement tests and synthesized images reproducing real eye movement scenarios using virtual reality. Each eye image was annotated with segmentation masks of the sclera, iris, and pupil, with gaze vectors of the pupil center for eye tracking. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of model performance and its execution speeds in comparison to various alternative models using metrics that are suitable for the tasks. Results: The mean Intersection over Union values of the segmentation model ranged from 0.90 to 0.97 for different classes (sclera, iris, and pupil) across types of images (synthetic vs. real-world images). Additionally, the mean absolute error for eye tracking was 0.595 for real-world data and the F1 score for blink detection was ≥ 0.95, which indicates our model is performing at a very high level of accuracy. Execution speed was also the most rapid for ocular object segmentation under the same hardware condition as compared to alternative models. The prediction for horizontal and vertical nystagmus in real eye movement video revealed high accuracy with a strong correlation between the observed and predicted values (r = 0.9949 for horizontal and r = 0.9950 for vertical; both p < 0.05). Conclusion: The potential of our model, which can automatically segment ocular regions and track nystagmus in real time from eye movement videos, holds significant promise for emergency settings or remote intervention within the field of neurotology.

The feasibility of MR elastography with transpelvic vibration for localization of focal prostate lesion.

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of MR elastography (MRE) using a transpelvic approach. Thirty-one patients who underwent prostate MRE and had a pathological diagnosis were included in this study. MRE was obtained using a passive driver placed at the umbilicus and iliac crests. The shear stiffness, clinical data, and conventional imaging findings of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were compared. Inter-reader agreements were evaluated using the intraclass coefficient class (ICC). Prostate MRE was successfully performed for all patients (100% technical success rate). Nineteen cancer and 10 BPH lesions were visualized on MRE. The mean shear stiffness of cancer was significantly higher than that of BPH (5.99 ± 1.46 kPa vs. 4.67 ± 1.54 kPa, p = 0.045). One cancer was detected on MRE but not on conventional sequences. Six tiny cancer lesions were not visualized on MRE. The mean size of cancers that were not detected on MRE was smaller than that of cancers that were visible on MRE (0.8 ± 0.3 cm vs. 2.3 ± 1.8 cm, p = 0.001). The inter-reader agreement for interpreting MRE was excellent (ICC = 0.95). Prostate MRE with transpelvic vibration is feasible without intracavitary actuators. Transpelvic prostate MRE is reliable for detecting focal lesions, including clinically significant prostate cancer and BPH.

Trends in Distributions of Hearing Threshold Levels by Ages: A Comparison of the ISO 7029 and Newly Available Country-Specific Data.

Hearing thresholds provide essential information and references about the human auditory system. This study aimed to identify changing trends in distributions of hearing threshold levels across ages by comparing the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7029 and newly available data after publishing ISO 7029. To compare ISO 7029 and newly available hearing threshold data after publishing ISO 7029, four country-specific datasets that presented average hearing threshold levels under conditions similar to ISO 7029 were utilized. For frequencies between 125 Hz and 8,000 Hz, the deviations of hearing threshold values by ages from the hearing threshold of the youngest age group for each data point were utilized. For frequencies from 9,000 Hz to 12,500 Hz, the median threshold information was utilized. Hearing threshold data reported after publishing ISO 7029 from the four countries were mostly similar to the ISO 7029 data but tended to deviate in some age groups and sexes. As national hearing threshold trends change, the following ISO 7029 revision suggests the need to integrate hearing threshold data from different countries.

Gastrointestinal: Weight gain increases the risk of metachronous advanced colorectal neoplasm observed in post-polypectomy surveillance colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although obesity is a known risk factor for colorectal neoplasms, the correlation between weight change and colorectal neoplasm is unclear. Thus, we aim to evaluate the association between weight change and advanced colorectal neoplasm (ACRN) recurrence during post-polypectomy surveillance colonoscopy. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 7473 participants diagnosed with colorectal neoplasms between 2003 and 2010 who subsequently underwent surveillance colonoscopies until 2020. We analyzed the association between the risk of metachronous ACRN and weight change, defining stable weight as a weight change of <3% and weight gain as a weight increase of ≥3% from baseline during the follow-up period. RESULTS: During a median 8.5 years of follow-up, 619 participants (8.3%) developed ACRN. Weight gain was reported as an independent risk factor for metachronous ACRN in a time-dependent Cox analysis. A weight gain of 3-6% and ≥6% had adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) of 1.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-1.84) and 2.14 (95% CI: 1.71-2.69), respectively. Participants aged 30-49 and 50-75 years with weight gain of ≥6% showed AHRs of 2.88 (95% CI: 1.96-4.21) and 1.90 (95% CI: 1.43-2.51), respectively. In men and women, weight gain of ≥3% was significantly correlated with metachronous ACRN. CONCLUSIONS: Weight gain is associated with an increased risk of metachronous ACRN. Furthermore, weight gain is associated with the recurrence of ACRN in both men and women regardless of age.

Association between lipid levels and the risk of Parkinson's disease in individuals with diabetes mellitus: A nationwide population-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Many studies have examined the positive association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). Dyslipidemia has been reported to be prevalent in patients with diabetes; thus, lipid levels and the drugs for dyslipidemia could influence the development of PD in patients with DM. This study aimed to examine the association between lipid levels and the risk of PD in individuals with DM and evaluate whether the association changes with the use of statins. METHODS: This nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study included individuals with DM according to the International Classification of Diseases between 2009 and 2012. Among the 2,361,633 patients with DM followed up for up to 9 years, 17,046 were newly diagnosed with PD. Patients with DM were categorized into quartile groups of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. RESULTS: There was an inverse association between lipid levels and PD development in the unadjusted model; however, this relationship became less significant after adjusting the use of statins in triglyceride and total cholesterol. In the analysis stratified by statin use, total cholesterol level was associated with decreased PD risk in non-statin users with DM; however, there was no significant association between total cholesterol level and PD risk in statin users. CONCLUSION: We found an inverse relationship between lipid levels and PD risk in patients with DM, which was influenced by statin use. Future studies about optimal target lipid levels relevant to PD risk considering statin dose in DM patients are needed.

Enhanced Double Metal Cyanide Catalysts for Modulating the Rheological Properties of Poly(propylene carbonate) Polyols by Modifying Carbonate Contents.

Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) polyol is an environmentally sustainable material derived from abundant and renewable greenhouse gas, CO2. Optimizing their synthesis and properties is crucial to their application in the production of polyurethane products. In this study, we synthesized PPC polyols with varying carbonate contents using heterogeneous Zn/Co double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts, which were prepared with poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (P123) as an effective complexing agent. Analysis of the influence of calcination temperature revealed that the DMC-P123 catalyst calcined at 100 °C exhibited superior catalytic performance owing to reduced crystallinity and enhanced formation of the monoclinic phase. Additionally, by precisely controlling the CO2 pressure, high propylene carbonate contents of up to 32.8 wt % in the polyol structure were achieved. The increased carbonate content enhanced the intermolecular attraction between polyol chains, thereby promoting hydrogen bonding and significantly modulating the rheological properties of the polyol. The novel findings of this study establish a solid foundation for the synthesis of CO2-based polyols with desirable properties, serving as alternatives to conventional petroleum-based polyols.