Effect of carbon dot-doped Ti-MOF on CMC/Agar film and active packaging application on storage quality of fruits.

Ti-metal organic framework (Ti-MOF) doped with carbon dots (CDs) with enhanced antibacterial potential was synthesized using solvothermal-assisted mechanical stirring and used for the fabrication of CMC/Agar-based active packaging films. The incorporation of CD@Ti-MOF not only improved the tensile strength of the CMC/Agar film by 17.4% but also exhibited strong antioxidant activity with 100% of ABTS and 57.8% of DPPH radical scavenging using 0.64 cm2/mL of CMC/Agar/CD@Ti-MOF film. Furthermore, water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, and ultraviolet light-blocking ability (95.7% of UV-B and 84.7% of UV-A) were improved significantly. The CMC/Agar/CD@Ti-MOF film showed strong antibacterial activity and could inhibit the progress of E. coli up to 8.2 Log CFU/mL and completely stopped the growth of L.monocytogenes after 12 h of incubation. Additionally, CMC/Agar/CD@Ti-MOF film extended the shelf life of cherry tomatoes preserved at 4 °C and delayed the quality degradation, maintaining the visual aspects of the packaging.

SMC-mediated dosage compensation in C. elegans evolved in the presence of an ancestral nematode mechanism.

Mechanisms of X chromosome dosage compensation have been studied extensively in a few model species representing clades of shared sex chromosome ancestry. However, the diversity within each clade as a function of sex chromosome evolution is largely unknown. Here, we anchor ourselves to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans , for which a well-studied mechanism of dosage compensation occurs through a specialized structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complex, and explore the diversity of dosage compensation in the surrounding phylogeny of nematodes. Through phylogenetic analysis of the C. elegan s dosage compensation complex and a survey of its epigenetic signatures, including X-specific topologically associating domains (TADs) and X-enrichment of H4K20me1, we found that the condensin-mediated mechanism evolved recently in the lineage leading to Caenorhabditis through an SMC-4 duplication. Intriguingly, an independent duplication of SMC-4 and the presence of X-specific TADs in Pristionchus pacificus suggest that condensin-mediated dosage compensation arose more than once. mRNA-seq analyses of gene expression in several nematode species indicate that dosage compensation itself is ancestral, as expected from the ancient XO sex determination system. Indicative of the ancestral mechanism, H4K20me1 is enriched on the X chromosomes in Oscheius tipulae , which does not contain X-specific TADs or SMC-4 paralogs. Together, our results indicate that the dosage compensation system in C. elegans is surprisingly new, and condensin may have been co-opted repeatedly in nematodes, suggesting that the process of evolving a chromosome-wide gene regulatory mechanism for dosage compensation is constrained. Significance statement: X chromosome dosage compensation mechanisms evolved in response to Y chromosome degeneration during sex chromosome evolution. However, establishment of dosage compensation is not an endpoint. As sex chromosomes change, dosage compensation strategies may have also changed. In this study, we performed phylogenetic and epigenomic analyses surrounding Caenorhabditis elegans and found that the condensin-mediated dosage compensation mechanism in C. elegans is surprisingly new, and has evolved in the presence of an ancestral mechanism. Intriguingly, condensin-based dosage compensation may have evolved more than once in the nematode lineage, the other time in Pristionchus . Together, our work highlights a previously unappreciated diversity of dosage compensation mechanisms within a clade, and suggests constraints in evolving new mechanisms in the presence of an existing one.

The Effect of Intraoperative Overdistraction on Subsidence Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of overdistraction on interbody cage subsidence. BACKGROUND: Vertebral overdistraction due to the use of large intervertebral cage sizes may increase the risk of postoperative subsidence. METHODS: Patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion between 2016 and 2021 were included. All measurements were performed using lateral cervical radiographs at 3 time points - preoperative, immediate postoperative, and final follow-up >6 months postoperatively. Anterior and posterior distraction were calculated by subtracting the preoperative disc height from the immediate postoperative disc height. Cage subsidence was calculated by subtracting the final follow-up postoperative disc height from the immediate postoperative disc height. Associations between anterior and posterior subsidence and distraction were determined using multivariable linear regression models. The analyses controlled for cage type, cervical level, sex, age, smoking status, and osteopenia. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients and 125 fused levels were included in the study. Of the 68 fusions, 22 were single-level fusions, 35 were 2-level, and 11 were 3-level. The median final follow-up interval was 368 days (range: 181-1257 d). Anterior disc space subsidence was positively associated with anterior distraction (beta = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.38; P = 0.004), and posterior disc space subsidence was positively associated with posterior distraction (beta = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.45; P < 0.001). No significant associations between anterior distraction and posterior subsidence (beta = 0.07; 95% CI: -0.06, 0.20; P = 0.270) or posterior distraction and anterior subsidence (beta = 0.06; 95% CI: -0.14, 0.27; P = 0.541) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: We found that overdistraction of the disc space was associated with increased postoperative subsidence after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Surgeons should consider choosing a smaller cage size to avoid overdistraction and minimize postoperative subsidence.

Identification of New Isolates of Phytophthora sojae and Selection of Resistant Soybean Genotypes.

Phytophthora root and stem rot (PRR), caused by Phytophthora sojae, can occur at any growth stage under poorly drained and humid conditions. The expansion of soybean cultivation in South Korean paddy fields has increased the frequency of PRR outbreaks. This study aimed to identify four P. sojae isolates newly collected from domestic fields and evaluate race-specific resistance using the hypocotyl inoculation technique. The four isolates exhibited various pathotypes, with GJ3053 exhibiting the highest virulence complexity. Two isolates, GJ3053 and AD3617, were screened from 205 soybeans, and 182 and 190 genotypes (88.8 and 92.7%, respectively) were susceptible to each isolate. Among these accessions, five genotypes resistant to both isolates were selected. These promising genotypes are candidates for the development of resistant soybean cultivars that can effectively control PRR through gene stacking.

Device Closure or Antithrombotic Therapy After Cryptogenic Stroke in Elderly Patients With a High-Risk Patent Foramen Ovale.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In young patients (aged 18-60 years) with patent foramen ovale (PFO)-associated stroke, percutaneous closure has been found to be useful for preventing recurrent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, it remains unknown whether PFO closure is also beneficial in older patients. METHODS: Patients aged ≥60 years who had a cryptogenic stroke and PFO from ten hospitals in South Korea were included. The effect of PFO closure plus medical therapy over medical therapy alone was assessed by a propensity-score matching method in the overall cohort and in those with a high-risk PFO, characterized by the presence of an atrial septal aneurysm or a large shunt. RESULTS: Out of the 437 patients (mean age, 68.1), 303 (69%) had a high-risk PFO and 161 (37%) patients underwent PFO closure. Over a median follow-up of 3.9 years, recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA developed in 64 (14.6%) patients. In the propensity score-matched cohort of the overall patients (130 pairs), PFO closure was associated with a significantly lower risk of a composite of ischemic stroke or TIA (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24-0.84; P=0.012), but not for ischemic stroke. In a subgroup analysis of confined to the high-risk PFO patients (116 pairs), PFO closure was associated with significantly lower risks of both the composite of ischemic stroke or TIA (HR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.21-0.77; P=0.006) and ischemic stroke (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.23-0.95; P=0.035). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with cryptogenic stroke and PFO have a high recurrence rate of ischemic stroke or TIA, which may be significantly reduced by device closure.

A dual spin-controlled chiral two-/three-dimensional perovskite artificial leaf for efficient overall photoelectrochemical water splitting.

The oxygen evolution reaction, which involves high overpotential and slow charge-transport kinetics, plays a critical role in determining the efficiency of solar-driven water splitting. The chiral-induced spin selectivity phenomenon has been utilized to reduce by-product production and hinder charge recombination. To fully exploit the spin polarization effect, we herein propose a dual spin-controlled perovskite photoelectrode. The three-dimensional (3D) perovskite serves as a light absorber while the two-dimensional (2D) chiral perovskite functions as a spin polarizer to align the spin states of charge carriers. Compared to other investigated chiral organic cations, R-/S-naphthyl ethylamine enable strong spin-orbital coupling due to strengthened π-π stacking interactions. The resulting naphthyl ethylamine-based chiral 2D/3D perovskite photoelectrodes achieved a high spin polarizability of 75%. Moreover, spin relaxation was prevented by employing a chiral spin-selective L-NiFeOOH catalyst, which enables the secondary spin alignment to promote the generation of triplet oxygen. This dual spin-controlled 2D/3D perovskite photoanode achieves a 13.17% of applied-bias photon-to-current efficiency. Here, after connecting the perovskite photocathode with L-NiFeOOH/S-naphthyl ethylamine 2D/3D photoanode in series, the resulting co-planar water-splitting device exhibited a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 12.55%.

Carrageenan-based functional films hybridized with carbon dots and anthocyanins from rose petals for smart food packaging applications.

Multifunctional smart biopolymeric films were fabricated using rose petal anthocyanin (RPA) and carrageenan (CAR) doped with rose petal-derived carbon dots (RP-CDs). Response surface-optimized RPA showed the highest total anthocyanins and radical scavenging ability. Produced RP-CD exhibited UV absorption and high fluorescence with antibacterial/antioxidant abilities. Enrichment with 2 % RP-CD and 5 % RPA in the CAR matrix results in improved physicochemical, i.e., water contact angle, water vapor permeability, and UV-blocking properties of the fabricated material. Results showed that nanocomposite films scavenged radicals better than the neat CAR films. Zeta potential, FTIR, SEM, and XPS suggested improved compatibility/stability and enhanced elemental configuration of RP-CDs/RPA additives in the CAR polymer matrix. Perishable food packaging (minced pork and shrimp) demonstrated that nanocomposite films work efficiently and non-destructively and are promising tools for monitoring real-time freshness through interpretable visual changes from red to yellow. The CAR/RP-CDs/RPA-based nanocomposite indicator films are expected to be applied as various smart packaging materials. These films possess the ability to promptly detect changes in quality, preserve the quality, and prolong the shelf life of packaged foods.

Interpretation of the nine-step test for Eustachian tube function should consider mastoid cavity volume.

INTRODUCTION: The modified nine-step test is a classical method for evaluating Eustachian tube function. However, clinical interpretation of the increased maximal difference in middle ear pressure (mdMEP) in the modified nine-step test is unknown. We hypothesised that the different reservoir effects of the mastoid cavity can bias the results of the modified nine-step test. METHODS: A total of 108 consecutive participants (216 ears) were retrospectively screened. Of these, 55 participants (82 ears) who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled. The volumetric results of the mastoid cavity, parameters of the modified nine-step test (mdMEP, middle ear pressure, tympanic membrane compliance), and demographic data were analysed. RESULTS: A significant negative correlation was found between mdMEP and mastoid cavity volume (R = .467, p < .001). Ears with mdMEP >70 daPa showed poor pneumatization in the mastoid cavity, with volumes less than 3000 mm3 (10th percentile of all ears analysed). Ears with mastoid cavity volumes lower than the 25th percentile showed a significantly higher mdMEP (p < .001). Patients with mastoid cavity volumes higher than the 75th percentile were significantly younger (p < .001). Multivariate regression analysis for mdMEP showed a good fit (R = .854) using factors including middle ear pressure, admittance and, most importantly, the reciprocal of mastoid volume (Beta = 0.752, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The mdMEP, the main parameter of the modified nine-step test, was negatively correlated with the mastoid cavity volume. Therefore, the results of the modified nine-step test should be interpreted with consideration of mastoid cavity volume.

Deep learning model for individualized trajectory prediction of clinical outcomes in mild cognitive impairment.

Objectives: Accurately predicting when patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will progress to dementia is a formidable challenge. This work aims to develop a predictive deep learning model to accurately predict future cognitive decline and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) marker changes over time at the individual level for patients with MCI. Methods: We recruited 657 amnestic patients with MCI from the Samsung Medical Center who underwent cognitive tests, brain MRI scans, and amyloid-ß (Aß) positron emission tomography (PET) scans. We devised a novel deep learning architecture by leveraging an attention mechanism in a recurrent neural network. We trained a predictive model by inputting age, gender, education, apolipoprotein E genotype, neuropsychological test scores, and brain MRI and amyloid PET features. Cognitive outcomes and MRI features of an MCI subject were predicted using the proposed network. Results: The proposed predictive model demonstrated good prediction performance (AUC = 0.814 ± 0.035) in five-fold cross-validation, along with reliable prediction in cognitive decline and MRI markers over time. Faster cognitive decline and brain atrophy in larger regions were forecasted in patients with Aß (+) than with Aß (-). Conclusion: The proposed method provides effective and accurate means for predicting the progression of individuals within a specific period. This model could assist clinicians in identifying subjects at a higher risk of rapid cognitive decline by predicting future cognitive decline and MRI marker changes over time for patients with MCI. Future studies should validate and refine the proposed predictive model further to improve clinical decision-making.

Emerging Perspectives of YAP/TAZ in Human Skin Epidermal and Dermal Aging.

Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are key downstream effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway, which plays a central role in tissue homeostasis, organ development, and regeneration. While the dysregulation of YAP/TAZ has been linked to various human diseases, their involvement in the aging of human skin has only recently begun to manifest. In the skin, the YAP/TAZ effectors emerge as central regulators in maintaining homeostasis of epidermal stem cells and dermal extracellular matrix, and thus intimately linked to skin aging processes. This review underscores recent molecular breakthroughs highlighting how age-related decline of YAP/TAZ activity impacts human epidermal and dermal aging. Gaining insight into the evolving roles of YAP/TAZ in human skin aging presents a promising avenue for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at enhancing skin health and addressing age-related skin conditions.

High-temperature concomitant metal-insulator and spin-reorientation transitions in a compressed nodal-line ferrimagnet Mn3Si2Te6.

Symmetry-protected band degeneracy, coupled with a magnetic order, is the key to realizing novel magnetoelectric phenomena in topological magnets. While the spin-polarized nodal states have been identified to introduce extremely-sensitive electronic responses to the magnetic states, their possible role in determining magnetic ground states has remained elusive. Here, taking external pressure as a control knob, we show that a metal-insulator transition, a spin-reorientation transition, and a structural modification occur concomitantly when the nodal-line state crosses the Fermi level in a ferrimagnetic semiconductor Mn3Si2Te6. These unique pressure-driven magnetic and electronic transitions, associated with the dome-shaped Tc variation up to nearly room temperature, originate from the interplay between the spin-orbit coupling of the nodal-line state and magnetic frustration of localized spins. Our findings highlight that the nodal-line states, isolated from other trivial states, can facilitate strongly tunable magnetic properties in topological magnets.

CSF pulsations measured in Parkinson's disease patients using EPI-based fMRI data.

Introduction: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow is involved in brain waste clearance and may be impaired in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the CSF pulsation and the development of dementia in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients using EPI-based fMRI. Methods: We measured CSF pulsation in the 4th ventricle of 17 healthy controls and 35 PD patients using a novel CSF pulsation index termed "CSFpulse" based on echo-planar imaging (EPI)-based fMRI. The PD patients were classified into a PD with dementia high-risk group (PDD-H, n = 19) and a low risk group (PDD-L, n = 16), depending on their development of dementia within 5 years after initial brain imaging. The size of the 4th ventricle was measured using intensity-based thresholding. Results: We found that CSF pulsation was significantly higher in PD patients than in healthy controls, and that PD patients with high risk of dementia (PDD-H) had the highest CSF pulsation. We also observed an enlargement of the 4th ventricle in PD patients compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CSF pulsation may be a potential biomarker for PD progression and cognitive decline, and that EPI-based fMRI can be a useful tool for studying CSF flow and brain function in PD.

Impacts of Perinatal Nicotine Exposure on nAChR Expression and Glutamatergic Synaptic Transmission in the Mouse Auditory Brainstem.

Exposure to nicotine in utero, often due to maternal smoking, significantly elevates the risk of auditory processing deficits in offspring. This study investigated the effects of chronic nicotine exposure during a critical developmental period on the functional expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), glutamatergic synaptic transmission, and auditory processing in the mouse auditory brainstem. We evaluated the functionality of nAChRs at a central synapse and explored the impact of perinatal nicotine exposure (PNE) on synaptic currents and auditory brainstem responses (ABR) in mice. Our findings revealed developmentally regulated changes in nAChR expression in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) neurons and presynaptic Calyx of Held terminals. PNE was associated with enhanced acetylcholine-evoked postsynaptic currents and compromised glutamatergic neurotransmission, highlighting the critical role of nAChR activity in the early stages of auditory synaptic development. Additionally, PNE resulted in elevated ABR thresholds and diminished peak amplitudes, suggesting significant impairment in central auditory processing without cochlear dysfunction. This study provides novel insights into the synaptic disturbances that contribute to auditory deficits resulting from chronic prenatal nicotine exposure, underlining potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma in a periorbital lesion: two case reports and literature review.

Primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma (PCMC) is a rare malignancy of the sweat glands that most commonly affects the periorbital area. It is characterized by slow growth over a prolonged period, and its morphology can be easily confused with a benign tumor, such as an epidermal cyst. Consequently, many patients experience recurrence after undergoing multiple resections. However, there are few reports concerning the surgical management of PCMC. We present two cases of PCMC originating in the periorbital area. The first case involved a 76-year-old man with a mass measuring 3.0× 1.5 cm that had been increasing in size. The second case was a 61-year-old man with two masses, each measuring 1.0× 1.0 cm, that were also growing. Both patients underwent wide excision with a 5-mm safety margin, which was determined based on the widest view of the cross-section of the mass on the magnetic resonance imaging. Subsequently, based on the intraoperative frozen biopsy results, both patients underwent additional excision with a 5-mm safety margin in only one direction. This report shows that, when determining the surgical margin of PCMC in periorbital area, employing imaging modalities and intraoperative frozen biopsies can be helpful for narrowing the surgical margin.

Automatic segmentation and classification of frontal sinuses for sex determination from CBCT scans using a two-stage anatomy-guided attention network.

Sex determination is essential for identifying unidentified individuals, particularly in forensic contexts. Traditional methods for sex determination involve manual measurements of skeletal features on CBCT scans. However, these manual measurements are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and error-prone. The purpose of this study was to automatically and accurately determine sex on a CBCT scan using a two-stage anatomy-guided attention network (SDetNet). SDetNet consisted of a 2D frontal sinus segmentation network (FSNet) and a 3D anatomy-guided attention network (SDNet). FSNet segmented frontal sinus regions in the CBCT images and extracted regions of interest (ROIs) near them. Then, the ROIs were fed into SDNet to predict sex accurately. To improve sex determination performance, we proposed multi-channel inputs (MSIs) and an anatomy-guided attention module (AGAM), which encouraged SDetNet to learn differences in the anatomical context of the frontal sinus between males and females. SDetNet showed superior sex determination performance in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, Brier score, and specificity compared with the other 3D CNNs. Moreover, the results of ablation studies showed a notable improvement in sex determination with the embedding of both MSI and AGAM. Consequently, SDetNet demonstrated automatic and accurate sex determination by learning the anatomical context information of the frontal sinus on CBCT scans.

Healthcare burden changes by restricted physical activities in lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis: a retrospective large cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and spondylolisthesis (SPL) are characterized as degenerative spinal pathologies and share considerable similarities. However, opinions vary on whether to recommend exercise or restrict it for these diseases. Few studies have objectively compared the effects of daily physical activity on LSS and SPL because it is impossible to restrict activities ethnically and practically. We investigated the effect of restricting physical activity due to social distancing (SoD) on LSS and SPL, focusing on the aspect of healthcare burden changes during the pandemic period. METHODS: We included first-visit patients diagnosed exclusively with LSS and SPL in 2017 and followed them up for two years before and after the implementation of the SoD policy. As controls, patients who first visited in 2015 and were followed for four years without SoD were analyzed. The common data model was employed to analyze each patient's diagnostic codes and treatments. Hospital visits and medical costs were analyzed by regression discontinuity in time to control for temporal effects on dependent variables. RESULTS: Among 33,484 patients, 2,615 with LSS and 446 with SPL were included. A significant decrease in hospital visits was observed in the LSS (difference, -3.94 times/month·100 patients; p = 0.023) and SPL (difference, -3.44 times/month·100 patients; p = 0.026) groups after SoD. This decrease was not observed in the data from the control group. Concerning medical costs, the LSS group showed a statistically significant reduction in median copayment (difference, -$45/month·patient; p < 0.001) after SoD, whereas a significant change was not observed in the SPL group (difference, -$19/month·patient; p = 0.160). CONCLUSION: Restricted physical activity during the SoD period decreased the healthcare burden for patients with LSS or, conversely, it did not significantly affect patients with SPL. Under circumstances of physical inactivity, patients with LSS may underrate their symptoms, while maintaining an appropriate activity level may be beneficial for patients with SPL.

Combinatory Nanovesicle with siRNA-Loaded Extracellular Vesicle and IGF-1 for Osteoarthritis Treatments.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been found to have the characteristics of their parent cells. Based on the characteristics of these EVs, various studies on disease treatment using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived EVs with regenerative activity have been actively conducted. The therapeutic nature of MSC-derived EVs has been shown in several studies, but in recent years, there have been many efforts to functionalize EVs to give them more potent therapeutic effects. Strategies for functionalizing EVs include endogenous and exogenous methods. In this study, human umbilical cord MSC (UCMSC)-derived EVs were selected for optimum OA treatments with expectation via bioinformatics analysis based on antibody array. And we created a novel nanovesicle system called the IGF-si-EV, which has the properties of both cartilage regeneration and long-term retention in the lesion site, attaching positively charged insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to the surface of the UCMSC-derived Evs carrying siRNA, which inhibits MMP13. The downregulation of inflammation-related cytokine (MMP13, NF-kB, and IL-6) and the upregulation of cartilage-regeneration-related factors (Col2, Acan) were achieved with IGF-si-EV. Moreover, the ability of IGF-si-EV to remain in the lesion site for a long time has been proven through an ex vivo system. Collectively, the final constructed IGF-si-EV can be proposed as an effective OA treatment through its successful MMP13 inhibition, chondroprotective effect, and cartilage adhesion ability. We also believe that this EV-based nanoparticle-manufacturing technology can be applied as a platform technology for various diseases.

Unsupervised machine learning for clustering forward head posture, protraction and retraction movement patterns based on craniocervical angle data in individuals with nonspecific neck pain.

OBJECTIVES: The traditional understanding of craniocervical alignment emphasizes specific anatomical landmarks. However, recent research has challenged the reliance on forward head posture as the primary diagnostic criterion for neck pain. An advanced relationship exists between neck pain and craniocervical alignment, which requires a deeper exploration of diverse postures and movement patterns using advanced techniques, such as clustering analysis. We aimed to explore the complex relationship between craniocervical alignment, and neck pain and to categorize alignment patterns in individuals with nonspecific neck pain using the K-means algorithm. METHODS: This study included 229 office workers with nonspecific neck pain who applied unsupervised machine learning techniques. The craniocervical angles (CCA) during rest, protraction, and retraction were measured using two-dimensional video analysis, and neck pain severity was assessed using the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). CCA during sitting upright in a comfortable position was assessed to evaluate the resting CCA. The average of midpoints between repeated protraction and retraction measures was considered as the midpoint CCA. The K-means algorithm helped categorize participants into alignment clusters based on age, sex and CCA data. RESULTS: We found no significant correlation between NPQ scores and CCA data, challenging the traditional understanding of neck pain and alignment. We observed a significant difference in age (F = 140.14, p < 0.001), NPQ total score (F = 115.83, p < 0.001), resting CCA (F = 79.22, p < 0.001), CCA during protraction (F = 33.98, p < 0.001), CCA during retraction (F = 40.40, p < 0.001), and midpoint CCA (F = 66.92, p < 0.001) among the three clusters and healthy controls. Cluster 1 was characterized by the lowest resting and midpoint CCA, and CCA during pro- and -retraction, indicating a significant forward head posture and a pattern of retraction restriction. Cluster 2, the oldest group, showed CCA measurements similar to healthy controls, yet reported the highest NPQ scores. Cluster 3 exhibited the highest CCA during protraction and retraction, suggesting a limitation in protraction movement. DISCUSSION: Analyzing 229 office workers, three distinct alignment patterns were identified, each with unique postural characteristics; therefore, treatments addressing posture should be individualized and not generalized across the population.

The Role of Prebiotics in Modulating Gut Microbiota: Implications for Human Health.

The human gut microbiota, an intricate ecosystem within the gastrointestinal tract, plays a pivotal role in health and disease. Prebiotics, non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial microorganisms, have emerged as a key modulator of this complex microbial community. This review article explores the evolution of the prebiotic concept, delineates various types of prebiotics, including fructans, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, chitooligosaccharides, lactulose, resistant starch, and polyphenols, and elucidates their impact on the gut microbiota composition. We delve into the mechanisms through which prebiotics exert their effects, particularly focusing on producing short-chain fatty acids and modulating the gut microbiota towards a health-promoting composition. The implications of prebiotics on human health are extensively reviewed, focusing on conditions such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, immune function, and mental health. The review further discusses the emerging concept of synbiotics-combinations of prebiotics and probiotics that synergistically enhance gut health-and highlights the market potential of prebiotics in response to a growing demand for functional foods. By consolidating current knowledge and identifying areas for future research, this review aims to enhance understanding of prebiotics' role in health and disease, underscoring their importance in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and overall well-being.

Impact of Mobile Neurofeedback on Internet Addiction and Neurocognitive Function in Neurotypical Children: Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the positive impact of mobile neurofeedback (MNF) in neurotypical children compared to sham mobile neurofeedback. Methods: Neurotypical children aged 10-15 participated in the study. All subjects were assessed using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime Version Korean Version (K-SADS-PL-K) and confirmed to have no psychiatric symptoms. The participants were randomly assigned to the MNF active (N=31) or sham control (N=30) groups. The MNF program was administered using a mobile app for 30 min/day, 3 days/week, for 3 months. All participants and their parents completed self-report scales and participants complete neurocognitive function assessments including the continuous performance test, Stroop, children's color trails test-1 and 2, and intelligence test at baseline and after the 3-month MNF program. Results: This study involved 61 participants (mean [SD] age, 11.24 [1.84] years; 30 male participants [49.2%]). To verify the difference between the MNF group and the sham group, 2(MNF-Sham) X 2(Pre-Post) repeated measures ANOVA was performed. The main effect of the K-scale (Korea Internet addiction scale) between-group factor (MNF vs Sham) was not significant, but the main effect of the within-group factor (Pre vs Post) was significant (F=7.595, p=0.008). The interaction effect of between-group factors and within-group factors was also significant (F=5.979, p=0.017). In other self-reported scales of children and parents and neurocognitive function assessments, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Active mobile neurofeedback significantly improved children's K-scale score compared to the sham group. Therefore, mobile neurofeedback could be an easy-to-access therapeutic option for children at risk of Internet addiction. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in other scales and neurocognitive function. A 3-month intervention may not have been long enough to cause change, so longer interventions are needed for confirmation.