2D Metal-Oxide Nanosheets as a Homogeneous Li-Ion Flux Regulator for High-Performance Anodeless Lithium Metal Batteries.

The anodeless battery design has recently gained significant interest by eliminating the direct use of a thick lithium (Li) foil. However, it suffers from inhomogeneous Li+ flux, resulting in dendrite growth and a short cycling life. To address this, the exfoliation of layered-structure titanium oxide to 2D nanosheets (2DTiOx) is proposed to precisely control Li+ flux at the atomic scale by maximizing Li+ affinitive Ti sites. Compared to cells without these nanosheets, the Li|2DTiOx|Cu half-cell demonstrates stable cyclability over 900 cycles, with a Coulombic efficiency (CE) over 99% at 0.5 mA cm-2 and 0.5 mAh cm-2. Similarly, a long stable cycling life over 1500 h at 1.0-3.0 mA cm-2 is observed for a 2DTiOx-based symmetric cell containing a limited Li amount from electrodeposited Li metal (e-Li|2DTiOx|e-Li). The full cells (e-Li|2DTiOx||NCM811 and e-Li|2DTiOx||LFP) coupled with NCM811 and LFP cathodes showed a long cycle life of 400 cycles at 1.0 C and 0.5 C, respectively. The exceptional battery performance is attributed to the uniform Li disposition on the 2DTiOx electrode, emphasizing the crucial role of the exposed basal plane in 2DTiOx as an efficient atomic scale Li+ flux regulator. This strategy is expected to advance next-generation lithium metal batteries (LMBs) by highlighting the significance of Li+ affinity at the Ti sites of 2DTiOx nanosheets.

Cobalt-Doped Ceria Sensitizer Effects on Metal Oxide Nanofibers: Heightened Surface Reactivity for High-Performing Chemiresistive Sensors.

Chemiresistive gas sensors based on semiconducting metal oxides typically rely on noble metal catalysts to enhance their sensitivity and selectivity. However, noble metal catalysts have several drawbacks for practical utilization, including their high cost, their propensity for spontaneous agglomeration, and poisoning effects with certain types of gases. As such, in the interest of commercializing the chemiresistive gas sensor technology, we propose an alternative design for a noble-metal-free sensing material through the case study of Co-doped ceria (Co-CeO2) catalysts embedded in a SnO2 matrix. In this investigation, we utilized electrospinning and subsequent calcination to prepare Co-CeO2 catalyst nanoparticles integrated with SnO2 nanofibers (NFs) with uniform particle distribution and particle size regulation down to the sub-2 nm regime. The resulting Co-CeO2@SnO2 NFs exhibited superior gas sensing characteristics toward isoprene (C5H8) gas, a significant biomarker for monitoring the onset of various diseases through breath diagnostics. In particular, we identified that the Co-CeO2 catalysts, owing to the transition metal doping, facilitated the spillover of chemisorbed oxygen species to the SnO2 sensing body. This resulting in the sensor having a 27.4-fold higher response toward 5 ppm of C5H8 (compared to pristine SnO2), exceptionally high selectivity, and a low detection limit of 100 ppb. The sensor also exhibited high stability for prolonged response-recovery cycles, attesting to the strong anchoring of Co-CeO2 catalysts in the SnO2 matrix. Based on our findings, the transition metal-doped metal oxide catalysts, such as Co-CeO2, demonstrate strong potential to completely replace noble metal catalysts, thereby advancing the development of the commercially viable chemiresistive gas sensors free from noble metals, capable of detecting target gases at sub-ppm levels.

Effects of Future Subjective Expectations on Cognitive Decline and Dementia among Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

This study investigated the impact of subjective expectations of the future (e.g., income, life expectancy, and national policies) on the onset of dementia and mild cognitive impairment by sex and age in middle-aged and older adults. The Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) data from 2008 to 2020, comprising 4116 people above 45 years, were used. A time-series analysis and multiple panel logistic regression were conducted to highlight subjective expectation trends and their effect on dementia and mild cognitive impairment, respectively. Low subjective expectations of the future negatively affected cognitive impairment (total: odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.03) and dementia (total: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03-1.06), and those of national policies were the biggest risk factors for cognitive impairment (total: OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.12-1.22) and dementia (total: OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.07-1.13). Individuals about to retire and with low expectations of workability were more likely to develop cognitive impairment (total: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.02-1.06). Subjective expectations of economic downturn also caused cognitive impairment, especially in women (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.07) and early stage older adults (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.10). Policymakers must consider the impact of changes in national policies and living environments on cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults.

Selective targeting of dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP-4) positive senescent chondrocyte ameliorates osteoarthritis progression.

Senescent cells increase in many tissues with age and induce age-related pathologies, including osteoarthritis (OA). Senescent chondrocytes (SnCs) are found in OA cartilage, and the clearance of those chondrocytes prevents OA progression. However, targeting SnCs is challenging due to the absence of a senescent chondrocyte-specific marker. Therefore, we used flow cytometry to screen and select senescent chondrocyte surface markers and cross-validated with published transcriptomic data. Chondrocytes expressing dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), the selected senescent chondrocyte-specific marker, had multiple senescence phenotypes, such as increased senescence-associated-galactosidase, p16, p21, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype expression, and showed OA chondrocyte phenotypes. To examine the effects of DPP-4 inhibition on DPP-4+ SnCs, sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, was treated in vitro. As a result, DPP-4 inhibition selectively eliminates DPP-4+ SnCs without affecting DPP-4- chondrocytes. To assess in vivo therapeutic efficacy of targeting DPP-4+ SnCs, three known senolytics (ABT263, 17DMAG, and metformin) and sitagliptin were comparatively verified in a DMM-induced rat OA model. Sitagliptin treatment specifically and effectively eliminated DPP-4+ SnCs, compared to the other three senolytics. Furthermore, Intra-articular sitagliptin injection to the rat OA model increased collagen type II and proteoglycan expression and physical functions and decreased cartilage destruction, subchondral bone plate thickness and MMP13 expression, leading to the amelioration of OA phenotypes. Collectively, OARSI score was lowest in the sitagliptin treatment group. Taken together, we verified DPP-4 as a surface marker for SnCs and suggested that the selective targeting of DPP-4+ chondrocytes could be a promising strategy to prevent OA progression.

Immuno-Enhancing Effects of Galium aparine L. in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Animal Models.

This study investigates the immunomodulatory potential of Galium aparine L. (GAE) in immunodeficient animals. In this study, animals were categorized into five groups: the normal group, CYP group (cyclophosphamide intraperitoneal injection), GA5 group (cyclophosphamide + 5 µg GAE), GA50 group (cyclophosphamide + 50 µg GAE), and GA500 group (cyclophosphamide + 500 µg GAE). The CYP group exhibited significantly reduced spleen weights compared to the normal group, while the groups obtaining GAE displayed a dose-dependent increase in spleen weight. Furthermore, the GAE demonstrated dose-dependent enhancement of splenocyte proliferating activity, with significant increases observed in both LPS and ConA-induced assays. NK cell activity significantly increased in the GA50 and GA500 groups compared to the CYP group. Cytokine analysis revealed a significant increase in IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels in ConA-induced splenocytes treated with GAE. Gene expression analysis identified 2434 DEG genes in the extract groups. Notable genes, such as Entpd1, Pgf, Thdb, Syt7, Sqor, and Rsc1al, displayed substantial differences in individual gene expression levels, suggesting their potential as target genes for immune enhancement. In conclusion, Galium aparine L. extract exhibits immunomodulatory properties. The observed gene expression changes further support the potential of Galium aparine L. extract as a natural agent for immune augmentation.

Effects of physical activity participation on cognitive impairment in older adults population with disabilities.

Background: Existing research on the association between cognitive function and physical activity in the older adults population with disabilities is limited. Additionally, there is a need to explore avenues for enhancing the longevity and quality of life among these individuals. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the independent and joint associations between cognitive function and levels of physical activity in the older adults population with disabilities. Methods: A total of 315 older adults adults (men = 182, women = 133), identified with disabilities based on medical evaluation, were recruited from the first survey of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). Participants underwent assessments for cognitive function, physical activity (PA), activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and grip strength. Results: ADLs (p < 0.001) and IADLs (p < 0.001) scores were significantly higher in the male normal cognitive group compared to both the male and female cognitive impairment groups. In an unadjusted model, disabled older adults individuals who did not meet the recommended PA guidelines showed an increased odds ratio for cognitive dysfunction (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.32-3.97). Those participating in PA at least 1 day per week also demonstrated an elevated odds ratio (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08-1.38) for cognitive dysfunction compared to those who engaged in regular PA. A negative correlation was observed between K-MMSE scores and grip strength (r = 0.448, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study provides robust evidence that disabled older adults individuals who do not meet the recommended guidelines for PA or who do not participate in PA at least once a week have an increased likelihood of cognitive impairment compared to those who are regularly active.

Factors predicting different times for brushing teeth during the day: multilevel analyses.

BACKGROUND: The most effective and simple intervention for preventing oral disease is toothbrushing. However, there is substantial variation in the timing of brushing teeth during the day. We aimed to identify a comprehensive set of predictors of toothbrushing after lunch and after dinner and estimated contextual (i.e., geographic) variation in brushing behavior at different times of the day. METHODS: We constructed a conceptual framework for toothbrushing by reviewing health behavior models. The main data source was the 2017 Community Health Survey. We performed a four-level random intercept logistic regression to predict toothbrushing behavior. (individual, household, Gi/Gun/Gu, and Si/Do). RESULTS: Individuals under 30 years of age had higher likelihood of brushing after lunch, while brushing after dinner was higher among those aged 40-79 years. People engaged in service/sales, agriculture/fishing/labor/mechanics, as well as student/housewife/unemployed were 0.60, 0.41, and 0.49 times less likely to brush their teeth after lunch, respectively, compared to those working in the office, but the gap narrowed to 0.97, 0.96, 0.94 for brushing after dinner. We also found significant area-level variations in the timing of brushing. CONCLUSIONS: Different patterns in association with various factors at individual-, household- and Si/Gun/Gu-levels with toothbrushing after lunch versus toothbrushing after dinner suggests a need for tailored interventions to improve toothbrushing behavior depending on the time of day.

Sprr1 and miR-130b contribute to the senescence-like phenotype in aging.

Aging is an inevitable process with senescence being one of its hallmarks. Recent advances have indicated that the elimination of senescent cells can reduce the signs of aging and increase healthy life span. Here, we identify a negative modulator of aging, Sprr1a, and in turn a negative modulator of Sprr1a, miR-130b. We show that reductions in Sprr1a levels, including via miR-130b expression, promotes cell senescence-like phenotype. We find that mediators of senescence, such as inflammatory cytokines and cell cycle regulators, are modulated by the miR-130b and Sprr1a-related pathway. For example, the levels of p16, p53 and p21 become decreased or increased upon the respective expression of Sprr1a versus miR-130b. Further, as shown in relation to p16 levels and ß-galactosidase levels, cells expressing Sprr1a exhibit significant protection from senescence-inducing factors such as radiation or Doxorubicin, suggesting that Sprr1a might contribute to protection against age-related pathologies. Taken together, we introduce two modulators of properties associated with senescence-like phenotype.

Novel Strain Leuconostoc lactis DMLL10 from Traditional Korean Fermented Kimchi as a Starter Candidate for Fermented Foods.

Leuconostoc lactis strain DMLL10 was isolated from kimchi, a fermented vegetable, as a starter candidate through safety and technological assessments. Strain DMLL10 was susceptible to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, and tetracycline. It did not show any hemolytic activity. Regarding its phenotypic results related to its safety properties, genomic analysis revealed that strain DMLL10 did not encode for any toxin genes such as hemolysin found in the same genus. It did not acquire antibiotic resistance genes either. Strain DMLL10 showed protease activity on agar containing NaCl up to 3%. The genome of DMLL10 encoded for protease genes and possessed genes associated with hetero- and homo-lactic fermentative pathways for lactate production. Finally, strain DMLL10 showed antibacterial activity against seven common foodborne pathogens, although bacteriocin genes were not identified from its genome. These results indicates that strain DMLL10 is a novel starter candidate with safety, enzyme activity, and bacteriocin activity. The complete genomic sequence of DMLL10 will contribute to our understanding of the genetic basis of probiotic properties and allow for assessment of the effectiveness of this strain as a starter or probiotic for use in the food industry.

Novel Starter Strain Enterococcus faecium DMEA09 from Traditional Korean Fermented Meju.

The Enterococcus faecium strain DMEA09 was previously isolated from traditional Korean fermented meju. The objective of the current study was to investigate the traits of E. faecium strain DMEA09 as a starter candidate, focusing on its safety and technological properties. Regarding its safety, the DMEA09 strain was found to be sensitive to nine antibiotics (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, tylosin, and vancomycin) by showing lower minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) than the cut-off values suggested by the European Union Food Safety Authority for these nine antibiotics. However, its MIC value for clindamycin was twice as high as the cut-off value. A genomic analysis revealed that strain DMEA09 did not encode the acquired antibiotic resistance genes, including those for clindamycin. The DMEA09 strain did not show hemolysis as a result of analyzing α- and ß-hemolysis. It did not form biofilm either. A genomic analysis revealed that strain DMEA09 did not encode for any virulence factors including hemolysin. Most importantly, multilocus sequence typing revealed that the clonal group of strain DMEA09 was distinguished from clinical isolates. Regarding its technological properties, strain DMEA09 could grow in the presence of 6% salt. It showed protease activity when the salt concentration was 3%. It did not exhibit lipase activity. Its genome possessed 37 putative protease genes and salt-tolerance genes for survivability under salt conditions. Consequently, strain DMEA09 shows safe and technological properties as a new starter candidate. This was confirmed by genome analysis.

Controlling the Surface Morphology of Two-Dimensional Nano-Materials upon Molecule-Mediated Crystal Growth.

The surface morphology of Mg-Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) was successfully controlled by reconstruction during systematic phase transformation from calcined LDH, which is referred to as layered double oxide (LDO). The LDH reconstructed its original phase by the hydration of LDO with expanded basal spacing when reacted with water, including carbonate or methyl orange molecules. During the reaction, the degree of crystal growth along the ab-plane and stacking along the c-axis was significantly influenced by the molecular size and the reaction conditions. The lower concentration of carbonate gave smaller particles on the surface of larger LDO (2000 nm), while the higher concentration induced a sand-rose structure. The reconstruction of smaller-sized LDH (350 nm) did not depend on the concentration of carbonate due to effective adsorption, and it gave a sand-rose structure and exfoliated the LDH layers. The higher the concentration of methyl orange and the longer the reaction time applied, the rougher the surface was obtained with a certain threshold point of the methyl orange concentration. The surface roughness generally increased with the loading mount of methyl orange. However, the degree of the surface roughness even increased after the methyl orange loading reached equilibrium. The result suggested that the surface roughening was mediated by not only the incorporation of guest molecules into the LDH but also a crystal arrangement after a sufficient amount of methyl orange was accommodated.

Astrocytic scar restricting glioblastoma via glutamate-MAO-B activity in glioblastoma-microglia assembloid.

BACKGROUND: Glial scar formation is a reactive glial response confining injured regions in a central nervous system. However, it remains challenging to identify key factors formulating glial scar in response to glioblastoma (GBM) due to complex glia-GBM crosstalk. METHODS: Here, we constructed an astrocytic scar enclosing GBM in a human assembloid and a mouse xenograft model. GBM spheroids were preformed and then co-cultured with microglia and astrocytes in 3D Matrigel. For the xenograft model, U87-MG cells were subcutaneously injected to the Balb/C nude female mice. RESULTS: Additional glutamate was released from GBM-microglia assembloid by 3.2-folds compared to GBM alone. The glutamate upregulated astrocytic monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) activity and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) deposition, forming the astrocytic scar and restricting GBM growth. Attenuating scar formation by the glutamate-MAO-B inhibition increased drug penetration into GBM assembloid, while reducing GBM confinement. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our study suggests that astrocytic scar could be a critical modulator in GBM therapeutics.

Room-temperature ammonia gas sensing via Au nanoparticle-decorated TiO2 nanosheets.

A high-performance gas sensor operating at room temperature is always favourable since it simplifies the device fabrication and lowers the operating power by eliminating a heater. Herein, we fabricated the ammonia (NH3) gas sensor by using Au nanoparticle-decorated TiO2 nanosheets, which were synthesized via two distinct processes: (1) preparation of monolayer TiO2 nanosheets through flux growth and a subsequent chemical exfoliation and (2) decoration of Au nanoparticles on the TiO2 nanosheets via hydrothermal method. Based on the morphological, compositional, crystallographic, and surface characteristics of this low-dimensional nano-heterostructured material, its temperature- and concentration-dependent NH3 gas-sensing properties were investigated. A high response of ~ 2.8 was obtained at room temperature under 20 ppm NH3 gas concentration by decorating Au nanoparticles onto the surface of TiO2 nanosheets, which generated oxygen defects and induced spillover effect as well.

High-glutathione mesenchymal stem cells isolated using the FreSHtracer probe enhance cartilage regeneration in a rabbit chondral defect model.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell source for cartilage regeneration. However, the function of MSC can vary according to cell culture conditions, donor age, and heterogeneity of the MSC population, resulting in unregulated MSC quality control. To overcome these limitations, we previously developed a fluorescent real-time thiol tracer (FreSHtracer) that monitors cellular levels of glutathione (GSH), which are known to be closely associated with stem cell function. In this study, we investigated whether using FreSHtracer could selectively separate high-functioning MSCs based on GSH levels and evaluated the chondrogenic potential of MSCs with high GSH levels to repair cartilage defects in vivo. METHODS: Flow cytometry was conducted on FreSHtracer-loaded MSCs to select cells according to their GSH levels. To determine the function of FreSHtracer-isolated MSCs, mRNA expression, migration, and CFU assays were conducted. The MSCs underwent chondrogenic differentiation, followed by analysis of chondrogenic-related gene expression. For in vivo assessment, MSCs with different cellular GSH levels or cell culture densities were injected in a rabbit chondral defect model, followed by histological analysis of cartilage-regenerated defect sites. RESULTS: FreSHtracer successfully isolated MSCs according to GSH levels. MSCs with high cellular GSH levels showed enhanced MSC function, including stem cell marker mRNA expression, migration, CFU, and oxidant resistance. Regardless of the stem cell tissue source, FreSHtracer selectively isolated MSCs with high GSH levels and high functionality. The in vitro chondrogenic potential was the highest in pellets generated by MSCs with high GSH levels, with increased ECM formation and chondrogenic marker expression. Furthermore, the MSCs' function was dependent on cell culture conditions, with relatively higher cell culture densities resulting in higher GSH levels. In vivo, improved cartilage repair was achieved by articular injection of MSCs with high levels of cellular GSH and MSCs cultured under high-density conditions, as confirmed by Collagen type 2 IHC, Safranin-O staining and O'Driscoll scores showing that more hyaline cartilage was formed on the defects. CONCLUSION: FreSHtracer selectively isolates highly functional MSCs that have enhanced in vitro chondrogenesis and in vivo hyaline cartilage regeneration, which can ultimately overcome the current limitations of MSC therapy.

Reduction of Osteoclastic Differentiation of Raw 264.7 Cells by EMF Exposure through TRPV4 and p-CREB Pathway.

In this study, we investigated the effect of EMF exposure on the regulation of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in Raw 264.7 cells. In the EMF-exposed group, the cell volume did not increase despite RANKL treatment, and the expression levels of Caspase-3 remained much lower than those in the RANKL-treated group. TRAP and F-actin staining revealed smaller actin rings in cells exposed to EMF during RANKL-induced differentiation, indicating that EMF inhibited osteoclast differentiation. EMF-irradiated cells exhibited reduced mRNA levels of osteoclastic differentiation markers cathepsin K (CTSK), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). Furthermore, as measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot, EMF induced no changes in the levels of p-ERK and p-38; however, it reduced the levels of TRPV4 and p-CREB. Overall, our findings indicate that EMF irradiation inhibits osteoclast differentiation through the TRPV4 and p-CREB pathway.

Study on the decisive factor for metal-insulator transitions in a LaVO3 Mott-Hubbard insulator.

The decisive physical parameters on electrical conduction in a LaVO3 Mott-Hubbard system are systematically investigated by analyzing pure, Ca-, and Sr-doped samples. The Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction data indicates that a drastic change occurs along the c-axis to reduce the octahedral tilt thereby relaxing the distortion for the doped compounds, in contrast to an insignificant change in the in-plane distortion. From electrical, optical, and photoemission measurements, both Ca and Sr-doping in LaVO3 induce insulator to metal transitions under a similar hole carrier concentration as suppressing the Mott-gap excitation. Fitting results on temperature-dependent resistivity based on various conduction models indicate that the most localized conduction behavior takes place for the highly distorted pure LaVO3, while disordered Fermi liquid behavior starts to appear for moderately distorted Ca-doped LaVO3. The least distorted Sr-doped LaVO3 exhibits fully delocalized conduction governed by a non-Fermi-liquid-like behavior in the whole temperature range. Our analysis indicates that the difference in the transport mechanism arises from the differing degree of hybridization of the V 3d and O 2p states in the pure and doped systems, strongly associated with the structural distortion.

Temperature-Dependent n-to-p-Type Transition of 2D Mn Oxide Nanosheets toward NO2 for Flexible Gas Sensor Application.

Rapid and on-site detection of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is important for environmental monitoring as NO2 is a highly toxic chemical emitted from automobiles and power plants. In this study, we proposed atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) Mn oxide nanosheets (NSs) assembled on a flexible heating substrate for application in flexible and wearable NO2 sensors. A liquid-phase exfoliation technique was used to obtain individual Mn oxide layers that formed a homogeneous suspension. A flexible heater was fabricated by partially embedding Ag nanotubes (NTs) on the surface of a colorless polyimide (CPI) film for use as a sensor substrate. Temperature-dependent NO2 sensing properties were investigated via control of the operating temperature using a Ag NT-embedded CPI heating film. As a result, the n-type sensing behavior of the Mn oxide NSs exhibited a response [(Rgas - Rair)/Rair × 100 (%)] of 1.20 ± 0.21% for 20 ppm NO2 at room temperature (25 °C). Meanwhile, n-p transition occurred with p-type sensing property as the operating temperature increased to 150 °C with an improved response [(Rair - Rgas)/Rair × 100 (%)] of 4.10 ± 0.42% for 20 ppm NO2. The characteristic n-p transition of Mn oxide NSs at different operating temperatures was evidenced by the surface-adsorbed oxygen ions (i.e., O2- and O-) and nitrate species (NO3- and NO32-).

Red Ginseng Extract and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Synergistically Enhance Immunity Against Cancer Cells and Antitumor Metastasis Activity in Mice.

The effects of combined administration of red ginseng (RG) extracts and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on immunostimulatory activity and tumor metastasis inhibition were investigated in mice. For the immunostimulatory activity, splenocyte proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell activity, including the production of granzyme B (GrB) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and serum level of cytokine such as IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-21 were assessed. Peyer's patch cells obtained from mice administered with RG+GABA were cultured, and the cytokine level in the culture supernatant and bone marrow (BM) cell proliferation activity were examined. The proliferative activity of splenocytes was significantly higher in the RG-GABA treatment group than in RG or GABA alone (P < .05). In the experimental tumor metastasis model, oral administration of RG+GABA showed a higher antitumor metastatic effect compared to that of RG or GABA alone. Oral administration of RG+GABA significantly augmented NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against YAC-1 tumor cells. In addition, the production of GrB and IFN-γ was stimulated in the culture supernatant of NK cells and YAC-1 cells. Serum concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-21 in mice with RG+GABA were significantly higher compared to the corresponding blood levels in mice administered with RG or GABA alone. The RG+GABA group showed significant BM cell proliferation and increased production of IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor compared to that in the monotherapy groups. Therefore, RG may have a synergistic effect with GABA for enhancing the host defense system such as BM proliferation and NK cell activity in a tumor metastasis model.

Baltimore pediatric ocular trauma study: Health disparities and outcomes in pediatric and adolescent open globe trauma.

Purpose Children represent approximately one-third of patients with serious ocular injuries. Our study evaluates associations between race and socioeconomic status in presentation and outcomes of pediatric and adolescent traumatic open globe injuries. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of traumatic open globe injuries in pediatric and adolescent patients presenting to Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Maryland Medical Center between 2006 and 2020. Variables assessed included age, gender, parent-identified race, median household income, mechanism of injury, initial and final visual acuity (VA), and length of follow-up. Results Eighty patients ranging from 4 months to 17.7 years (mean 9.3 years) presented with traumatic open globe injury. Identifications were 28 White (35%), 38 Black (48%), and 5 Hispanic (6%). Initial presenting and final VA, pediatric ocular trauma score (POTS), and length of follow-up did not differ significantly among race, gender, or income. Black patients had higher rates of blunt trauma (odds ratio (OR) 3.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95-15.24, p = 0.07), uveal prolapse (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.03-12.43; p = 0.049), and enucleation (OR 10.55; 95% CI 1.26-88.31). Hispanic patients presented at a younger age of 2.8 years mean age vs. 9.9 years (p = 0.004) for others. Conclusion Visual outcomes following traumatic open globe injury were independent of race, gender, or income. However, blunt trauma, uveal prolapse, and enucleation rates were higher in Black patients, and ocular trauma occurred at a younger age in Hispanic patients.