Enhanced ionic conductivity in block copolymer electrolytes through interfacial passivation using mixed ionic liquids.

We present a strategic approach for enhancing the ionic conductivity of block copolymer electrolytes. This was achieved by introducing mixed ionic liquids (ILs) with varying molar ratios, wherein the imidazolium cation was paired with either tetrafluoroborate (BF4) anion or bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (TFSI) anion. Two polymer matrices, poly(4-styrenesulfonate)-b-polymethylbutylene (SSMB) and poly(4-styrenesulfonyl (trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide)-b-polymethylbutylene (STMB), were synthesized for this purpose. All the SSMB and STMB containing mixed ILs showed hexagonal cylindrical structures, but the type of tethered acid group significantly influenced the interfacial properties. STMB electrolytes demonstrated enhanced segregation strength, which was attributed to strengthened Coulomb and hydrogen bonding interactions in the ionic domains, where the ILs were uniformly distributed. In contrast, the SSMB electrolytes exhibited increased concentration fluctuations because the BF4 anions were selectively sequestered at the block interfaces. This resulted in the effective confinement of imidazolium TFSI along the ionic domains, thereby preventing ion trapping in dead zones and facilitating rapid ion diffusion. Consequently, the SSMB electrolytes with mixed ILs demonstrated significantly improved ionic conductivities, surpassing the expected values based on the arithmetic average of the conductivities of each IL, whereas the ionic conductivity of the STMB was aligned with the expected average. The methodology explored in this study holds great promise for the development of solid-state polymer electrolytes.

Preventive Effect of Vitamin C on Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis via the Regulation of IL-22 and IL-6 Production in Gulo(-/-) Mice.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are exceptionally high in IBD lesions, are known to cause abnormal immune responses to inflammatory reactions in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) through damage to the intestinal mucosal linings. Moreover, they are theorized to be an agent of IBD development. Vitamin C is widely known to be an effective antioxidant for its ability to regulate inflammatory responses through its ROS scavenging effect. Therefore, we examined vitamin C's influence on the development and progression of IBD in Gulo(-/-) mice, which cannot synthesize vitamin C like humans due to a defect in the expression of L-gulono-γ-lactone oxidase, an essential enzyme for vitamin C production. First, we found extensive oxidative stress and an inflammation increase in the colon of vitamin C-insufficient Gulo(-/-) mice. We also found decreased IL-22 production and NKp46(+) cell recruitment and the impaired activation of the p38MAPK pathway. Additionally, comparing vitamin C-insufficient Gulo(-/-) mice to vitamin C-sufficient Gulo(-/-) mice and wild-type mice, the insufficient group faced a decrease in mucin-1 expression, accompanied by an increase in IL-6 production, followed by the activation of the STAT3 and Akt pathways. The results suggest that vitamin C insufficiency induces severe colitis, meaning vitamin C could also take on a preventative role by regulating the production of cytokines and the induction of inflammation.

Alloferon Affects the Chemosensitivity of Pancreatic Cancer by Regulating the Expression of SLC6A14.

Pancreatic cancer (PCa), one of the most malignant solid tumors, has a high mortality rate. Although there have been many trials of chemotherapeutic drugs such as gemcitabine, the mortality rates remain significantly higher than for other types of cancer. Therefore, more effective ways of improving conventional therapy for PCa are needed. Cancer cells take up large amounts of glutamine to drive their rapid proliferation. Recent studies show that the amino acid transporter SLC6A14 is upregulated in some cancers alongside glutamine metabolism. Alloferon, a peptide isolated from the insect immune system, exerts anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects via its immunomodulatory function. In addition, it has anti-tumoral effects, although the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of alloferon on the PCa cell lines Panc-1 and AsPC-1. Exposure of these cells to alloferon for 3 weeks led to the downregulation of SLC6A14 expression and decreased glutamine uptake. Given that SLC6A14 plays a role in tumor progression and survival by promoting glutamine uptake into cancer cells, alloferon could be a potential adjuvant for the chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine.

Association of the SLC47A1 Gene Variant With Responses to Metformin Monotherapy in Drug-naive Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

CONTEXT: Although metformin is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, the blood sugar-lowering effect of metformin varies among populations. SLC47A1 plays an important role in metformin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between SLC47A1 rs2289669 (G > A) and the metformin response in drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Studies published until January 27, 2022, were retrieved from Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. Studies conducted in newly diagnosed or drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes who received metformin monotherapy were included. A total of 6 studies involving 953 patients were included in this meta-analysis. We extracted the study characteristics and changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels before and after treatment according to the SLC47A1 rs2289669 genotype. Changes in HbA1c levels were analyzed using mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs. SLC47A1 rs2289669 was associated with changes in HbA1c levels (A carrier vs GG; MD = -0.55; 95% CI, -0.91 to - 0.20; I²â€…= 63%). The sensitivity analysis yielded similar results to the main analysis (MD range, -0.64 to -0.37). When comparing all 3 genotypes, there were significant differences in HbA1c level changes between AA vs GG and GA vs GG, but not in GA vs AA. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed that SLC47A1 rs2289669 is associated with the glycemic response to metformin in drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes.

The Roles of IL-22 and Its Receptor in the Regulation of Inflammatory Responses in the Brain.

Interleukin (IL)-22 is a potent mediator of inflammatory responses. The IL-22 receptor consists of the IL-22Rα and IL-10Rß subunits. Previous studies have shown that IL-22Rα expression is restricted to non-hematopoietic cells in the skin, pancreas, intestine, liver, lung, and kidney. Although IL-22 is involved in the development of inflammatory responses, there have been no reports of its role in brain inflammation. Here, we used RT-PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, immunohistochemical, and microarray analyses to examine the role of IL-22 and expression of IL-22Rα in the brain, using the microglial cell line, hippocampal neuronal cell line, and inflamed mouse brain tissue. Treatment of BV2 and HT22 cells with recombinant IL-22 increased the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin E2. We also found that the JNK and STAT3 signaling pathways play an important role in IL-22-mediated increases in inflammatory mediators. Microarray analyses revealed upregulated expression of inflammation-related genes in IL-22-treated HT22 cells. Finally, we found that IL-22Rα is spontaneously expressed in the brain and is upregulated in inflamed mouse brain. Overall, our results demonstrate that interaction of IL-22 with IL-22Rα plays a role in the development of inflammatory responses in the brain.

Candidates' and policymakers' perspectives on the needs for a master's program in nursing.

BACKGROUND: Quality and safe care requires nurses with advanced knowledge and skills. Cambodia does not have a graduate-level nursing program; therefore, nurses are required to pursue advanced degrees in other countries. However, a master's degree nursing program is being established in this country. OBJECTIVES: To explore the needs of stakeholders in the master's nursing program in Cambodia to establish the curriculum. DESIGN: Students and graduates of Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing were surveyed, and policymakers were interviewed face-to-face. PARTICIPANTS: As candidates for the master's nursing program, 94 undergraduates and 37 graduates participated in the survey, and four policymakers working at the Ministry of Health and Cambodian Council of Nurses were interviewed. METHODS: Descriptive statistics and frequency analyses were utilized for quantitative data and qualitative data were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: All 131 undergraduates and graduates were willing to apply to the master's program in nursing mainly to improve their knowledge and skills. They cited financial burden as a challenge for their study. Their educational demands were closely related to Cambodia's social situation and reflected their aspiration for advanced degrees and to become nursing leaders. The policymakers unanimously agreed on the need for the program and suggested policies and strategies to operate the course and recognize the role of graduates with this qualification. They reinforced that the curriculum should be based on the law, regulation, and policy and reflect Cambodia's current situation by identifying the needs of students and hospital officials and investigating available resources. Their perspectives revealed their expectations for graduates to plan healthcare policies and support them as their coworkers. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of nursing master's course should be accompanied by a policy to support nursing students. Nursing educators and experienced senior nurses should be included in this policymaking and they must participate in the development of the curriculum. It is suggested to develop an eclectic master's program in nursing that aggregates all opinions of stakeholders.

Work hours and overtime of nurses working in Cambodian hospitals.

AIM: To examine the nature and prevalence of Cambodian nurses' work hours and overtime and related factors BACKGROUND: The chronic shortage of nursing workforce is a major cause of overtime among nurses. INTRODUCTION: Nursing shortage and working overtime among nurses negatively affect nurse and patient outcomes, but nurses' work hours and overtime in Cambodia have not been comprehensively examined. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in four Cambodian hospitals. Data were collected from 253 nurses providing direct nursing care using a questionnaire. The STROBE checklist was used for reporting this study. RESULTS: More than a fifth of staff nurses worked more than 48 h, which is the legal work hour limit in Cambodia. Two major reasons for working mandatory or voluntary overtime, on-call or 24-h on-call were (a) not wanting to let down colleagues and (b) able to get all work done. The number of patients cared for was related to whether or not nurses worked 48 h or more. CONCLUSION: Overtime work and adverse nurse scheduling are common in Cambodia. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Nurse managers and healthcare institutes in Cambodia need to monitor Cambodian nurses' work hours, which are often beyond the legal work hour limit. Moreover, it is important to understand why nurses work overtime and develop health policies, strategies, and programs that can help promote patient and nurse safety and retain qualified nursing staff. The 24-h on-call practice needs to be regulated according to the labor policy in healthcare institutes to prevent adverse nurse and patient outcomes.

Alloferon and Zanamivir Show Effective Antiviral Activity against Influenza A Virus (H1N1) Infection In Vitro and In Vivo.

The use of vaccines is the most effective and reliable method for the prevention of viral infections. However, research on evaluation of effective therapeutic agents for use in treatment after infection is necessary. Zanamivir was administered through inhalation for treatment of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 in 2009. However, the emergence of drug-resistant strains can occur rapidly. Alloferon, an immunomodulatory drug developed as an NK cell activator, exerts antiviral effects against various viruses, particularly influenza viruses. Therefore, alloferon and zanamivir were administered in combination in an effort to improve the antiviral effect of zanamivir by reducing H1N1 resistance. First, we confirmed that administration of combined treatment would result in effective inhibition of viral proliferation in MDCK and A549 cells infected with H1N1. Production of IL-6 and MIP-1α in these cells and the activity of p38 MAPK and c-Jun that are increased by H1N1 were inhibited by combined treatment. Mice were then infected intranasally with H1N1, and examination of the antiviral efficacy of the alloferon/zanamivir combination was performed. The results showed that combined treatment after infection with H1N1 prevented weight loss, increased the survival rate, and improved lung fibrosis. Combined treatment also resulted in reduced infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages into the lungs. Combined treatment effectively inhibited the activity of p38 MAPK and c-Jun in lung tissue, which was increased by infection with H1N1. Therefore, the combination of alloferon/zanamivir effectively prevents the development of H1N1-mediated inflammation in the lungs by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators and migration of inflammatory cells into lung tissue.

The challenges and achievements of graduates of the nurse bridging program in Cambodia: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: As the shortage of qualified nurses is one of the primary healthcare issues in Cambodia, a two-year Nurse Bridging Program which grants bachelor's degrees to nurses with associate degrees was introduced. OBJECTIVES: This study explores the challenges and achievements that the graduates experienced during and after the Nurse Bridging Program. DESIGN: A qualitative approach was used in this study. SETTING: The Nurse Bridging Program was conducted in a university in Cambodia from 2015 to 2016. This study was conducted 1 year after the Nurse Bridging Program. PARTICIPANTS: A group of 38 graduates participated in the online survey and 3 graduates participated in a focus group interview. METHODS: Sequential data collection for explanatory follow-up design was used in this study. The data obtained were analyzed using content and thematic analyses. RESULTS: Participants reported challenges such as unfamiliarity with research, difficulty with a foreign language, and shortage of time. They tried to overcome these challenges, and this experience improved their nursing and research competencies, which improved their job prospects and aspirations of further studies. CONCLUSIONS: The Nurse Bridging Program helped the nurses improve the quality of their work and develop their potential as nursing leaders.

2-Alkyl-4-hydroxyquinolines from a Marine-Derived Streptomyces sp. Inhibit Hyphal Growth Induction in Candida albicans.

Four 2-alkyl-4-hydroxyquinoline derivatives (1⁻4) were isolated from a semisolid rice culture of the marine-derived actinomycete Streptomyces sp. MBTG13. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic methods, and their data were in good agreement with previous reports. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited weak to moderate antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria. Unexpectedly, we found that compound 1 acted as a potent inhibitor of hyphal growth induction in the dimorphic fungus Candida albicans, with an IC50 value of 11.4 µg/mL. Growth experiments showed that this compound did not inhibit yeast cell growth, but inhibited hyphal growth induction. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis of hyphal-inducing signaling pathway components indicated that compound 1 inhibited the expression of mRNAs related to the cAMP-Efg1 pathway. The expression of HWP1 and ALS3 mRNAs (hypha-specific genes positively regulated by Efg1, an important regulator of cell wall dynamics) was significantly inhibited by the addition of compound 1. These results indicate that compound 1 acts on the Efg1-mediated cAMP pathway and regulates hyphal growth in Candida albicans.

Nicrophorusamides A and B, Antibacterial Chlorinated Cyclic Peptides from a Gut Bacterium of the Carrion Beetle Nicrophorus concolor.

Nicrophorusamides A and B (1 and 2) were discovered from a rare actinomycete, Microbacterium sp., which was isolated from the gut of the carrion beetle Nicrophorus concolor. The structures of the nicrophorusamides were established as new chlorinated cyclic hexapeptides bearing uncommon amino acid units mainly based on 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of the amino acid residues 5-chloro-l-tryptophan, d-threo-ß-hydroxyasparagine/d-asparagine, l-ornithine, l-allo-isoleucine, d-leucine, and d-valine were determined using Marfey's method and chemical derivatization with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-ß-d-glucopyranosyl isothiocyanate followed by LC/MS analysis. Nicrophorusamide A (1) showed antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive bacteria.

Cut-off values of blood mercury concentration in relation to increased body mass index and waist circumference in Koreans.

Blood mercury (methyl-mercury) from environmental exposure may be related to inflammation in our body. We investigated the cut-off values of blood mercury concentration in relation to increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. On the basis of data obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2008-2012), 11,159 subjects (5543 males and 5616 females) were analyzed cross-sectionally. Partial correlation, linear regression, and analysis of covariance (according to the mercury quartile) tests were performed to evaluate the relationship between blood mercury and BMI or waist circumference. In addition, we determined the cut-off values of blood mercury concentration in relation to increased BMI and waist circumference in both genders. Mean values of blood mercury concentration were 5.07 ± 0.07 µg/L in males and 3.59 ± 0.04 µg/L in females. After log transformation of blood mercury, significant (p < 0.001) correlation was found between blood mercury concentration and BMI or waist circumference. BMI and waist circumference showed a significant and gradual increase as mercury quartile increased in both genders. Blood mercury concentration was weakly but significantly (p < 0.001) associated with BMI and waist circumference. Cut-off values of blood mercury concentration correlated with increased BMI and waist circumference were around 3.95 µg/L in males and 3.40 µg/L in females.

Determination of rifaximin treatment period according to lactulose breath test values in nonconstipated irritable bowel syndrome subjects.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can partly explain irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and rifaximin has been observed to improve abdominal symptoms in nonconstipated IBS patients. However, there are few reports on the association of the rifaximin treatment periods with the results of a lactulose breath test (LBT). Therefore, we performed a retrospective review of patient charts to investigate the relation between the rifaximin treatment periods with LBT results in nonconstipated IBS patients. We also evaluated the time to achieve a symptomatic improvement in the IBS patients as compared to the changes in the LBT. We reviewed the charts for patients who showed IBS symptoms with documented positive results for LBT during their initial visit and who had a follow-up LBT after treatment with rifaximin. The LBT values were compared to the subjects' symptom scores. A total of 102 subjects had a follow-up LBT to assess LBT normalization. The subjects were divided into groups according to treatment periods of 4 weeks (n = 36), 8 weeks (n = 43), and 12 weeks (n = 23). The groups with a longer treatment exhibited an increase in the hydrogen gas value at 90 min and its sum during 90 min at the initial LBT. There were significant differences in hydrogen gas value at 90 min and in its sum during 90 min at the initial LBT between the groups treated for 4 and 12 weeks. The most significant treatment response was observed during the first 4 weeks for all treatment groups. Symptomatic improvement occurred earlier than LBT normalization in the treatment period over 4 weeks. The results indicate that different rifaximin treatment periods are needed in accordance with LBT levels to effectively eradicate SIBO.

New reference data on bone mineral density and the prevalence of osteoporosis in Korean adults aged 50 years or older: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2010.

This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the reference values for bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the prevalence of osteoporosis in the Korean population by applying domestic reference data. In total, 25,043 Korean adults ≥20 yr of age (11,792 men and 13,251 women) participated in the study. The BMDs of the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine were measured by DXA (Discovery-W, Hologic Inc.), and subjects with a BMD - 2.5 standard deviations or lower than the mean BMD for young adults (20-29 yr old) were considered to have osteoporosis. When applying the new reference values determined in this study from Korean subjects, the overall prevalence of osteoporosis increased in men aged ≥50 yr compared with that provided by the DXA manufacturer from Japanese subjects (12.2% vs. 7.8%, P<0.001) and decreased in postmenopausal women aged ≥50 yr (32.9% vs. 38.7%, P<0.001). According to the findings of this study, use of the reference values provided by the DXA manufacturer has resulted in the underdiagnosis of osteoporosis in Korean men and the overdiagnosis of osteoporosis in Korean women. Our data will serve as valuable reference standards for the diagnosis and management for osteoporosis in the Korean population.

Association between Nutrition Label Reading and Nutrient Intake in Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, 2007-2009 (KNHANES IV).

BACKGROUND: Nutrition labels provide various information on the nutrient contents of food. However, despite the recent increase in the interest in dietary intake and expansion of related policies, studies on the association between nutrition label reading and dietary intake are lacking in Korea. METHODS: This study analyzed the 2007-2009 KNHANES (Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) data. To examine macronutrients and micronutrients intake according to nutrition label reading, analysis of covariance was used. Multiple logistic regression analysis was also used to examine the association between adherence to dietary reference intake and nutrition label reading. RESULTS: Nutrition label reading was significantly high among women, youth, and those with high education and high household income. Nutrition label reading was associated with higher intake of calcium and vitamin C in men and the lower intake of calorie, carbohydrates and higher energy ratio of protein in women. Additionally, male nutrition label readers were associated with adherence to dietary reference intake of fiber (odds ratio [OR], 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23 to 3.26) and calcium (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.54). In women, there were no significant differences in the adherence to the dietary reference intake in fat, fiber, sodium, potassium, and calcium according to the nutrition label reading. CONCLUSION: In men, nutrition label reading was associated with healthier intake of several micronutrients, although this was not observed in women. Consideration for clearly reporting vulnerable micronutrients in nutrition labels is necessary.

Effect of organosoluble salts on the nanofibrous structure of electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate).

Electrospinning of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) in chloroform was investigated to develop non-woven biodegradable nanofibrous structures for tissue engineering. Ultrafine PHBV fibers were obtained by electrospinning of 20 wt.% PHBV solution in chloroform and the resulting fiber diameters were in the range of 1.0-4.0 microm. When small amounts of benzyl trialkylammonium chlorides were added to the PHBV solution, the average diameter was decreased to 1.0 microm and the fibers were amounted in a straight shape. Conductivity of the PHBV solution was a major parameter affecting the morphology and diameter of the electrospun PHBV fibers. PHBV non-woven structures electrospun with salt exhibited a higher degradation rate than those prepared without salt probably due to the increase of surface area of PHBV fibers.