Overexpression of Both Human Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS) and BRG1-Bromodomain Synergistically Enhances Radioiodine Sensitivity by Stabilizing p53 through NPM1 Expression.

Improved therapeutic strategies are required to minimize side effects associated with radioiodine gene therapy to avoid unnecessary damage to normal cells and radiation-induced secondary malignancies. We previously reported that codon-optimized sodium iodide symporter (oNIS) enhances absorption of I-131 and that the brahma-associated gene 1 bromodomain (BRG1-BRD) causes inefficient DNA damage repair after high-energy X-ray therapy. To increase the therapeutic effect without applying excessive radiation, we considered the combination of oNIS and BRG1-BRD as gene therapy for the most effective radioiodine treatment. The antitumor effect of I-131 with oNIS or oNIS+BRD expression was examined by tumor xenograft models along with functional assays at the cellular level. The synergistic effect of both BRG1-BRD and oNIS gene overexpression resulted in more DNA double-strand breaks and led to reduced cell proliferation/survival rates after I-131 treatment, which was mediated by the p53/p21 pathway. We found increased p53, p21, and nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) in oNIS- and BRD-expressing cells following I-131 treatment, even though the remaining levels of citrulline and protein arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) were unchanged at the protein level.

Vibration-Based Loosening Detection of a Multi-Bolt Structure Using Machine Learning Algorithms.

Since artificial intelligence (AI) was introduced into engineering fields, it has made many breakthroughs. Machine learning (ML) algorithms have been very commonly used in structural health monitoring (SHM) systems in the last decade. In this study, a vibration-based early stage of bolt loosening detection and identification technique is proposed using ML algorithms, for a motor fastened with four bolts (M8 × 1.5) to a stationary support. First, several cases with fastened and loosened bolts were established, and the motor was operated in three different types of working condition (800 rpm, 1000 rpm, and 1200 rpm), in order to obtain enough vibration data. Second, for feature extraction of the dataset, the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) method was performed. Third, different types of classifier of ML were trained, and a new test dataset was applied to evaluate the performance of the classifiers. Finally, the classifier with the greatest accuracy was identified. The test results showed that the capability of the classifier was satisfactory for detecting bolt loosening and identifying which bolt or bolts started to lose their preload in each working condition. The identified classifier will be implemented for online monitoring of the early stage of bolt loosening of a multi-bolt structure in future works.

Glucose-Thymidine Ratio as a Metabolism Index Using 18F-FDG and 18F-FLT PET Uptake as a Potential Imaging Biomarker for Evaluating Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in cancer immunotherapy, requiring effective methods for response monitoring. This study evaluated changes in 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) and 18F-fluorothymidine (FLT) uptake by tumors following ICI treatment as potential imaging biomarkers in mice. Tumor uptakes of 18F-FDG and 18F-FLT were measured and compared between the ICI treatment and control groups. A combined imaging index of glucose-thymidine uptake ratio (GTR) was defined and compared between groups. In the ICI treatment group, tumor growth was effectively inhibited, and higher proportions of immune cells were observed. In the early phase, 18F-FDG uptake was higher in the treatment group, whereas 18F-FLT uptake was not different. There was no difference in 18F-FDG uptake between the two groups in the late phase. However, 18F-FLT uptake of the control group was markedly increased compared with the ICI treatment group. GTR was consistently higher in the ICI treatment group in the early and late phases. After ICI treatment, changes in tumor cell proliferation were observed with 18F-FLT, whereas 18F-FDG showed altered metabolism in both tumor and immune cells. A combination of 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG PET, such as GTR, is expected to serve as a potentially effective imaging biomarker for monitoring ICI treatment.

Therapeutic efficacy of modified anti-miR21 in metastatic prostate cancer.

Despite improved therapeutic efficacy of the locked nucleic acid (LNA)- and peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-modified antisense microRNAs (anti-miRs), their wider application in clinical practice is still not thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to investigate the stability and therapeutic efficacy of the modified LNA- and PNA-type anti-miRs in a murine prostate cancer model under various treatment conditions. After verifying the anti-cancer potential of anti-miR21 by targeting tumor suppressor PTEN, the potential of the modified LNA- and PNA-type anti-miR21s was compared in vitro and in vivo. We found that PNA-type anti-miR21 showed better stability and therapeutic efficacy in the xenografted mouse tumor model than the LNA-type anti-miR21. Furthermore, PNA-type anti-miR21 treatment showed reduced tumor metastasis. This study may serve as a ground for exploring diverse choices in therapeutic oligonucleotide modification techniques to improve cancer treatment.

Identification of Lymphatic and Hematogenous Routes of Rapidly Labeled Radioactive and Fluorescent Exosomes through Highly Sensitive Multimodal Imaging.

There has been considerable interest in the clinical use of exosomes as delivery vehicles for treatments as well as for promising diagnostic biomarkers, but the physiological distribution of exosomes must be further elucidated to validate their efficacy and safety. Here, we aimed to develop novel methods to monitor exosome biodistribution in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET) and optical imaging. Exosomes were isolated from cultured mouse breast cancer cells and labeled for PET and optical imaging. In mice, radiolabeled and fluorescently labeled exosomes were injected both via lymphatic and hematogenous metastatic routes. PET and fluorescence images were obtained and quantified. Radioactivity and fluorescence intensity of ex vivo organs were measured. PET signals from exosomes in the lymphatic metastatic route were observed in the draining sentinel lymph nodes. Immunohistochemistry revealed greater exosome uptake in brachial and axillary versus inguinal lymph nodes. Following administration through the hematogenous metastasis pathway, accumulation of exosomes was clearly observed in the lungs, liver, and spleen. Exosomes from tumor cells were successfully labeled with 64Cu (or 68Ga) and fluorescence and were visualized via PET and optical imaging, suggesting that this simultaneous and rapid labeling method could provide valuable information for further exosome translational research and clinical applications.

Microstructure and Texture of P-Type Bi-Sb-Te Alloy by Using Gas-Atomization and Extrusion Processes.

Microstructure and texture of P-type 75%Sb2Te3-25%Bi2Te3 alloy fabricated by using gas-atomization and extrusion processes was investigated. The microstructure of the gas-atomized powders exhibited fine grains with needle shape. After hot extrusion, grain size was characterized by fine and equiaxed grains due to dynamic recrystallization by severe deformation. (0001) basal planes of the extruded specimens were preferentially orientated parallel to extrusion direction. As extrusion temperature, fraction of the basal planes was increased.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is associated with chronic otitis media in the elderly.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and chronic otitis media (COM) are common diseases in the otorhinolaryngology field. Although clinicians frequently encounter patients presenting both diseases simultaneously, a few studies have shown relationships between them. We examined whether CRS was associated with COM in adults who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2012. A total of 27,492 participants were examined in this cross-sectional epidemiological study. Regression analyses was performed and adjusted for socio-demographics, general health behavior, and other comorbidities. All analyses used complex sampling designs; subgroup analyses were performed according to age, hearing loss, and the presence of cholesteatoma or nasal polyps. The weighted prevalence of COM and CRS was 3.6 ± 0.2 and 6.0 ± 0.2%, respectively. COM prevalence was significantly higher in subjects with CRS (5.1%) than in those without (3.5%). In the multivariate analysis, COM was more prevalent in subjects with CRS (adjusted odds ratio = 1.738; P = 0.038) after adjusting for other factors. The subgroup analysis showed that this association was significant only in older subjects (≥50 years) with nasal polyps. Non-serviceable hearing and cholesteatoma were not significantly associated with CRS. Our findings demonstrated that CRS with nasal polyps might be associated with COM in older patients.

Comparison of surface roughness and bacterial adhesion between cosmetic contact lenses and conventional contact lenses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare physical characteristics of cosmetic contact lenses (Cos-CLs) and conventional contact lenses (Con-CLs) that might affect susceptibility to bacterial adhesion on the contact lens (CL) surface. METHODS: Surface characteristics of Cos-CLs and Con-CLs made from the same material by the same manufacturer were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy. To determine the extent and rate of bacterial adhesion, Cos-CL and Con-CL were immersed in serum-free Roswell Park Memorial Institute media containing Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, the rate of removal of adherent bacteria was evaluated using hand rubbing or immersion in multipurpose disinfecting solutions (MPDS). RESULTS: The mean surface roughness (root mean square and peak-to-valley value) measured by AFM was significantly higher for Cos-CL than for Con-CL. At each time point, significantly more S. aureus and P. aeruginosa adhered to Cos-CL than to Con-CL, which correlated with the surface roughness of CL. In Cos-CL, bacteria were mainly found on the tinted surface rather than on the noncolored or convex areas. Pseudomonas aeruginosa attached earlier than S. aureus to all types of CL. However, P. aeruginosa was more easily removed from the surface of CL than S. aureus by hand rubbing or MPDS soaking. CONCLUSIONS: Increased surface roughness is an important physical factor for bacterial adhesion in Cos-CL, which may explain why rates of bacterial keratitis rates are higher in Cos-CL users in CL physical characteristics.

Influencing factors on the effect of mandibular advancement device in obstructive sleep apnea patients: analysis on cephalometric and polysomnographic parameters.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were to evaluate clinical outcome of mandibular advancement device (MAD) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients and to estimate influencing factors on MAD effect. METHODS: From the patients who were diagnosed as OSA by polysomnography at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from January 2007 to February 2009, the patients who chose MAD as initial treatment option were included. All the patients' data were collected by reviewing and analyzing medical record and radiograph retrospectively. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients (76 males and 10 females; mean age of 51.5 ± 9.8 years) with OSA were included in this study. Total success rate of MAD treatment was 47.7% (41/86 patients). Among cephalometric parameters, lower facial height (35.61 ± 4.26 vs. 38.19 ± 4.89) showed significant difference between success group and non-success group. From the polysomnographic parameters, apnea index (19.79 ± 17.32 vs. 30.08 ± 23.28), average oxygen saturation (95.03 ± 1.42 vs. 94.32 ± 1.56), lowest oxygen saturation (81.44 ± 6.64 vs. 76.87 ± 7.98), oxygen saturation under 90% (4.47 ± 5.90 vs. 9.01 ± 9.29), and oxygen desaturation index (23.58 ± 17.46 vs. 37.16 ± 22.35) showed significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: From the results, it was proved that MAD was an effective treatment option for the OSA patients. Some cephalometric and polysomnographic parameters including posterior lower facial height, apnea index, average oxygen saturation, lowest oxygen saturation, oxygen saturation under 90 %, and oxygen desaturation index could be influencing factors on MAD effect.

Cardiopulmonary coupling analysis: changes before and after treatment with a mandibular advancement device.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes of sleep quality in patients using a mandibular advancement device (MAD) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based upon cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC). METHODS: A total of 52 patients (mean age 53.7±9.6 years, range 33-74 years) were included in this study. Of them, there were 47 males (90.4%). All subjects were diagnosed with OSA after in-laboratory full-night polysomnography and reevaluated after 3-month use of a MAD. At baseline, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 33.6±17.0, Epworth sleepiness scale was 10.5±4.8, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index was 5.8±2.8. The CPC parameters were extracted from single-lead electrocardiography of polysomnography. We compared CPC parameters at baseline with those after 3-month use of a MAD. RESULTS: All respiratory indices improved with the use of MAD. However, there were no differences in the sleep architectures except N3 sleep (3.7±4.3 to 6.9±6.4%, p<0.001). The CPC parameters showed a significant improvement with the use of MAD. Low-frequency coupling (59.5±16.1 to 47.7±14.8%, p<0.001) and elevated low-frequency coupling (44.6±18.4 to 32.6±15.7%, p<0.001) significantly decreased. High-frequency coupling (28.6±16.0 to 36.5±15.7%, p=0.004) and very low frequency coupling (11.7±7.2 to 15.3±6.6%, p=0.028) significantly increased. The change of AHI significantly correlated with changes of the CPC parameters: negatively correlated with high-frequency coupling change (r=-0.572, p<0.001) and positively correlated with low-frequency and elevated low-frequency coupling changes (r=0.604 and 0.497, respectively; p<0.001 in both). However, the changes of Epworth sleepiness scale and Pittsburgh sleep quality index after MAD therapy showed no significant correlation with the changes in the CPC parameters. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the quality of sleep in patients using a MAD for their OSA based upon CPC analysis. Low-frequency coupling decreased as AHI improved, while high-frequency coupling increased as AHI improved. The CPC parameters showed that the sleep quality was improved by MAD therapy.

Investigation and Prediction of Nano-Silver Line Quality upon Various Process Parameters in Inkjet Printing Process Based on an Experimental Method.

As an emerging additive manufacturing technology, inkjet printing has been increasingly applied in microelectronics field. However, due to the impacting and rebounding behaviors of conductive ink droplets impinging onto flat substrates, it is challenging to fabricate conductive lines with desired quality, such as suitable line width and line thickness, and matching resistance when it is used for interconnecting multifarious electronic components if there is not a proper configuration of operating parameters. To address this research gap, this article aims to investigate the effect of process parameters on the quality of conductive lines, including the platform temperature, printing speed, number of layers, and delay time (droplet interarrival time), are selected to conduct a full factorial experiment. First, the approximate parameter ranges for ensuring the continuity of conductive lines are determined. Second, this study analyzes the interactive effect among process parameters on line quality. Third, an artificial neural network (ANN) is constructed to predict the quality of printed lines. Results show that the line width does not increase with an increased number of layers, while the line thickness shows an increasing trend. The low resistance and high aspect ratio of printed line are achieved by printing 5 layers with the platform temperature of 70°C, the delay time of 12.2 ms, and the printing speed of 1139.39 mm/min. Moreover, the ANN model can be used to predict line width and line thickness with excellent performance, except for the resistance due to the irregular line edge. This study provides a useful guide for the selection of appropriate printing parameters to realize a diverse range of quality properties for 3D printed conductive lines in integrated circuits.

Effects of surgical vs. nonsurgical therapy on erectile dysfunction and quality of life in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). The improvement of ED after medical therapy including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mandibular advancement devices (MADs) is still controversial. Furthermore, the efficacy of surgical treatment has been little investigated. AIM: The aim of this nonrandomized prospective study was to evaluate the effects of surgical (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty [UPPP]) and nonsurgical approaches (CPAP and MAD) on ED and quality of life (QOL) in OSAS. METHODS: OSAS patients underwent UPPP (N = 30), CPAP (N = 16), or MAD (N = 10) and completed the Korean versions of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (KIIEF-5) and the Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) before and after a median of 7 months of treatment (interquartile range, 4-15 months). All patients underwent a full-night in-laboratory polysomnography at baseline and follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measures are the KIIEF-5 and SAQLI scores. RESULTS: CPAP group showed older age, higher body mass index, and more severe OSAS than other groups. Apnea-hypopnea index and lowest oxygen saturation level improved significantly in all groups, but Epworth Sleepiness Scale score decreased significantly in UPPP and MAD groups. Significant increase of KIIEF-5 was observed in patients who underwent UPPP (P = 0.039, paired t-test), but not in nonsurgical treatment group. All groups had the tendency of better QOL after treatment, but statistical significance was found only in MAD group. Neck circumference (r = 0.360, P = 0.006) and KIIEF-5 score (r = -0.484, P < 0.001) at baseline were significantly related to the improvement of KIIEF-5. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that ED in OSAS may improve following UPPP. Better disease-specific QOL was observed after both surgical and nonsurgical therapies in OSAS. These findings suggest that interventions for OSAS can provide the alleviation of ED and increase QOL in OSAS patients with ED, especially if they had pronounced complaints of ED and wide neck circumferences.

Effect of allergic rhinitis on the expression of human ß-defensin 2 in tonsils.

BACKGROUND: Human ß-defensins (HBDs) are a newly identified family of antimicrobial peptides that are expressed by epithelia on mucosal surfaces. Exposure of airway epithelial cells to TH2-type cytokines results in a significant decrease in the antimicrobial activity of the cells. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of allergic rhinitis on the expression of HBD-2 in tonsils and adenoids. METHODS: Palatine tonsils and adenoids were obtained from 30 patients with no history of recurrent tonsillitis. The patients were divided into 2 groups: allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis groups. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to measure messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of HBD-2 mRNA in tonsil and adenoid tissue samples from the 2 patient groups. Immunofluorescent staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to evaluate the expression of HBD-2 protein in tonsil and adenoid tissues. The concentration of the cytokines interleukin (IL) 4, IL-5, and interferon γ (IFN-γ) in tissue homogenates was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Immunofluorescent staining data demonstrated the expression of HBD-2 protein in the surface epithelia of tonsils, and a marked difference in the staining intensity was observed the between 2 groups. HBD-2 mRNA and protein levels in the tonsils were significantly lower in the allergic rhinitis group than that in the nonallergic rhinitis group (P = .03 and P = .04, respectively). IL-5 and IFN-γ were not detected, and no significant difference was found in IL-4 concentrations in tonsil homogenates between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Allergic rhinitis suppresses HBD-2, an epithelial antimicrobial peptide, in the tonsils.

The airway antigen sampling system: respiratory M cells as an alternative gateway for inhaled antigens.

In this study, we demonstrated a new airway Ag sampling site by analyzing tissue sections of the murine nasal passages. We revealed the presence of respiratory M cells, which had the ability to take up OVA and recombinant Salmonella typhimurium expressing GFP, in the turbinates covered with single-layer epithelium. These M cells were also capable of taking up respiratory pathogen group A Streptococcus after nasal challenge. Inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation 2 (Id2)-deficient mice, which are deficient in lymphoid tissues, including nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue, had a similar frequency of M cell clusters in their nasal epithelia to that of their littermates, Id2(+/-) mice. The titers of Ag-specific Abs were as high in Id2(-/-) mice as in Id2(+/-) mice after nasal immunization with recombinant Salmonella-ToxC or group A Streptococcus, indicating that respiratory M cells were capable of sampling inhaled bacterial Ag to initiate an Ag-specific immune response. Taken together, these findings suggest that respiratory M cells act as a nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue-independent alternative gateway for Ag sampling and subsequent induction of Ag-specific immune responses in the upper respiratory tract.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 mediates nasal polypogenesis by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

RATIONALE: Nasal polyposis implies a refractory clinical course in case of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Although hypoxia is believed to be associated with nasal polyposis, little is known about the mechanism underlying polypogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To determine if hypoxia drives nasal polyposis by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). METHODS: Immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to evaluate EMT and hypoxic markers in human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) and in sinonasal tissues from patients with CRS with or without polyps. In addition, the effects of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α inhibitors on nasal polypogenesis were investigated in a murine model. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively, in patients with polyps as compared with patients without polyps. Under hypoxia, hNECs transformed to a mesenchymal shape, and demonstrated representative changes in EMT markers; that is, mesenchymal markers (α-SMA, vimentin, and twist) increased but epithelial markers (E-cadherin and ß-catenin) decreased. Mechanistically, E-cadherin level was recovered in hypoxia by silencing HIF-1α and decreased in normoxia by expressing HIF-1α. Furthermore, hypoxia was found to down-regulate PP2Ac phosphatase and up-regulate pSmad3, which led to α-SMA induction. In CRS sinonasal specimens, HIF-1α expression was found to correlate with E-cadherin loss and α-SMA expression. Finally, HIF-1α inhibitors suppressed nasal polypogenesis in a murine model. CONCLUSIONS: hNECs undergo EMT during hypoxia and this process is critically mediated by HIF-1α and pSmad3. This study shows that hypoxia-induced EMT is likely to contribute to nasal polyposis in CRS, and suggests that HIF-1α be viewed as a therapeutic target for nasal polyposis.

Treatment outcomes and compliance according to obesity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

The objective of this study was to assess treatment outcomes and compliance according to obesity among groups of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) receiving different treatments. A total of 297 patients with OSA treated between 2006 and 2009 underwent pre- and post-treatment polysomnography. One hundred and fifty-one patients were treated with continuous airway positive pressure (CPAP), 76 with mandible advancement device (MAD), and 70 with oropharyngeal surgery. All patients were classified according to obesity. Treatment success rate and compliance of CPAP were analyzed according to obesity. For each treatment modality, the overall treatment success rate was not significantly different between obese and non-obese patients. However, the oxygen desaturation index was different in patients who were treated with MAD and surgery. Additionally, obese patients with severe OSA showed an unfavorable response to CPAP treatment. For CPAP compliance, obese patients showed a tendency to be highly compliant with CPAP treatment at 12 months than non-obese patients. This study showed that obesity might be a factor in determining the success or failure of treatment. Additionally, obesity may be a predictive factor to determine CPAP compliance.

Comparison between mono-bloc and bi-bloc mandibular advancement devices for obstructive sleep apnea.

Although mandibular advancement device (MAD) is widely used, there are a few papers comparing the efficacy and compliance at the same time according to the type of MAD. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and compliance between mono-bloc and bi-bloc MAD in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Ninety-three patients who treated with mono-bloc MAD and 60 patients with bi-bloc MAD from January 2007 through September 2011 were retrospectively enrolled. All the patients underwent full-night polysomnography(PSG) before and 3 months after MAD was applied. The response rate was significantly higher in the patients using mono-bloc than those using bi-bloc MAD (77.4 vs. 58.3 %; P = 0.012). In contrast, the compliance rate of MAD use was significantly higher in the patients using bi-bloc than those using mono-bloc MAD (68.8 vs. 83.3 %; P = 0.044) at 1 year. According to the severity of OSA, the response rate was significantly higher in severe OSA than in mild to moderate OSA (P = 0.033 for mono-bloc MAD and P = 0.048 for bi-bloc MAD). However, there was no difference in the compliance between mild to moderate OSA and severe OSA. Our study showed that mono-bloc MAD was superior to bi-bloc MAD in efficacy while bi-bloc MAD is superior to mono-bloc MAD in compliance. We propose that both the efficacy and compliance should be considered in using MAD for treatment of OSA.

Anti-allergic effects of So-Cheong-Ryong-Tang, a traditional Korean herbal medicine, in an allergic rhinitis mouse model.

The herbal medicine, So-Cheong-Ryong-Tang (SCRT) has been empirically used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis for hundreds of years; however, its in vivo effects on allergic rhinitis have been rarely elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the anti-allergic effects of SCRT in an allergic rhinitis mouse model and to examine the underlying mechanism(s) of its anti-allergic effects. BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and alum and then challenged intranasally with OVA. SCRT (1 g/kg) was given to the treatment group, and multiple parameters of allergic responses were evaluated to determine the effects of SCRT on allergic rhinitis. SCRT reduced allergic symptoms, such as rubbing and sneezing, and eosinophil infiltration into the nasal mucosa. It also suppressed serum total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, and OVA-specific IgG1 levels and increased OVA-specific IgG2a level. SCRT significantly reduced expression of the Th2 cytokine, IL-4; however, the expression of IL-5, IFN-γ, and IL-10 was unchanged in the nasal mucosa of the treatment group (by real-time RT-PCR). In splenocyte culture, levels of both IL-4 and IL-5 decreased, and IFN-γ level increased in the treatment group; however, levels of IL-10 and TGF-ß were unaffected by administration of SCRT. This study shows that SCRT induced anti-allergic effects by decreasing, locally and systemically, the Th2 cytokine IL-4, isotype switching to IgE, and eosinophilic infiltration into the nasal mucosa in an allergic rhinitis mouse model. Thus, SCRT might be considered a potential therapeutic agent in treating allergic rhinitis.

Expression of the cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptor and glucocorticoid receptor-ß in nasal polyps.

The objective of this study was to analyze the expression of cysteinyl leukotriene 1 (CysLT1) receptor and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in nasal polyps, and to evaluate the relationship between the expression of CysLT1 receptors and that of GRs. Nasal polyps were taken from 32 patients of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis. Samples of middle turbinate from seven healthy subjects were used as controls. Specimens were immunohistochemically stained for CysLT1 receptor, GR-α and GR-ß receptor, and were quantified in the unit area of the tissues. Numbers of CysLT1 receptor-positive cells were much increased in nasal polyps than in middle turbinate (281 ± 67 vs. 157 ± 85 cells/mm(2), P = .01). There was no significant difference in the numbers of GR-α positive cells between nasal polyps and normal turbinate mucosa. GR-ß positive cells were increased in nasal polyps as compared to normal turbinate mucosa (36 ± 8 vs. 19 ± 7 cells/mm(2), P = .03). A significant relationship was found between the expression of CysLT1 receptor and GR-ß in nasal polyps (R = .525, P = .04), whereas there was no significant relationship between the expression of CysLT1 receptor and GR-α in nasal polyps. Our study shows that CysLT1 receptor expression predominates on GR-ß over-expressed polyps. This may suggest the additional effect of CysLT1 receptor antagonist for the treatment of nasal polyposis resistant to steroid alone.

Performance Analysis of Time Series Deep Learning Models for Climate Prediction in Indoor Hydroponic Greenhouses at Different Time Intervals.

Indoor hydroponic greenhouses are becoming increasingly popular for sustainable food production. On the other hand, precise control of the climate conditions inside these greenhouses is crucial for the success of the crops. Time series deep learning models are adequate for climate predictions in indoor hydroponic greenhouses, but a comparative analysis of these models at different time intervals is needed. This study evaluated the performance of three commonly used deep learning models for climate prediction in an indoor hydroponic greenhouse: Deep Neural Network, Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM), and 1D Convolutional Neural Network. The performance of these models was compared at four time intervals (1, 5, 10, and 15 min) using a dataset collected over a week at one-minute intervals. The experimental results showed that all three models perform well in predicting the temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration in a greenhouse. The performance of the models varied at different time intervals, with the LSTM model outperforming the other models at shorter time intervals. Increasing the time interval from 1 to 15 min adversely affected the performance of the models. This study provides insights into the effectiveness of time series deep learning models for climate predictions in indoor hydroponic greenhouses. The results highlight the importance of choosing the appropriate time interval for accurate predictions. These findings can guide the design of intelligent control systems for indoor hydroponic greenhouses and contribute to the advancement of sustainable food production.