Income variability and incident cardiovascular disease in diabetes: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Longitudinal change in income is crucial in explaining cardiovascular health inequalities. However, there is limited evidence for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associated with income dynamics over time among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: Using a nationally representative sample from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 1 528 108 adults aged 30-64 with T2D and no history of CVD were included from 2009 to 2012 (mean follow-up of 7.3 years). Using monthly health insurance premium information, income levels were assessed annually for the baseline year and the four preceding years. Income variability was defined as the intraindividual standard deviation of the percent change in income over 5 years. The primary outcome was a composite event of incident fatal and nonfatal CVD (myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke) using insurance claims. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated after adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: High-income variability was associated with increased CVD risk (HRhighest vs. lowest quartile 1.25, 95% CI 1.22-1.27; Ptrend < .001). Individuals who experienced an income decline (4 years ago vs. baseline) had increased CVD risk, which was particularly notable when the income decreased to the lowest level (i.e. Medical Aid beneficiaries), regardless of their initial income status. Sustained low income (i.e. lowest income quartile) over 5 years was associated with increased CVD risk (HRn = 5 years vs. n = 0 years 1.38, 95% CI 1.35-1.41; Ptrend < .0001), whereas sustained high income (i.e. highest income quartile) was associated with decreased CVD risk (HRn = 5 years vs. n = 0 years 0.71, 95% CI 0.70-0.72; Ptrend < .0001). Sensitivity analyses, exploring potential mediators, such as lifestyle-related factors and obesity, supported the main results. CONCLUSIONS: Higher income variability, income declines, and sustained low income were associated with increased CVD risk. Our findings highlight the need to better understand the mechanisms by which income dynamics impact CVD risk among individuals with T2D.

Scalable Design of Ru-Embedded Carbon Fabric Using Conventional Carbon Fiber Processing for Robust Electrocatalysts.

Metal-carbon composites are extensively utilized as electrochemical catalysts but face critical challenges in mass production and stability. We report a scalable manufacturing process for ruthenium surface-embedded fabric electrocatalysts (Ru-SFECs) via conventional fiber/fabric manufacturing. Ru-SFECs have excellent catalytic activity and stability toward the hydrogen evolution reaction, exhibiting a low overpotential of 11.9 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 in an alkaline solution (1.0 M aq KOH solution) with only a slight overpotential increment (6.5%) after 10,000 cycles, whereas under identical conditions, that of commercial Pt/C increases 6-fold (from 1.3 to 7.8 mV). Using semipilot-scale equipment, a protocol is optimized for fabricating continuous self-supported electrocatalytic electrodes. Tailoring the fiber processing parameters (tension and temperature) can optimize the structural development, thereby achieving good catalytic performance and mechanical integrity. These findings underscore the significance of self-supporting catalysts, offering a general framework for stable, binder-free electrocatalytic electrode design.

One-Pot Direct Mechanochemical Silicon Replacement of Sodium Fluorosilicate into Sodium Fluorozirconate and Functionalization of Graphite for Enhanced Sodium-Ion Storage.

Efficient sodium ion storage in graphite is as yet unattainable, because of the thermodynamic instability of sodium ion intercalates-graphite compounds. In this work, sodium fluorozirconate (Na3ZrF7, SFZ) functionalized graphite (SFZ-G) is designed and prepared by the in situ mechanochemical silicon (Si) replacement of sodium fluorosilicate (Na2SiF6, SFS) and functionalization of graphite at the same time. During the mechanochemical process, the atomic Si in SFS is directly replaced by atomic zirconium (Zr) from the zirconium oxide (ZrO2) balls and container in the presence of graphite, forming SFZ-G. The resulting SFZ-G, working as an anode material for sodium ion storage, shows a significantly enhanced capacity of 418.7 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C-rate, compared to pristine graphite (35 mAh g-1) and simply ball-milled graphite (BM-G, 200 mAh g-1). In addition, the SFZ-G exhibits stable sodium-ion storage performance with 86% of its initial capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 2.0 C-rate.

Biocatalysis using Thermostable Cytochrome P450 Enzymes in Bacterial Membranes - Comparison of Metabolic Pathways with Human Liver Microsomes and Recombinant Human Enzymes.

Detailed structural characterization of small molecule metabolites is desirable during all stages of drug development, and often relies on the synthesis of metabolite standards. However, introducing structural changes into already complex, highly functionalized small molecules both regio- and stereo-selectively can be challenging using purely chemical approaches, introducing delays into the drug pipeline. An alternative is to use the cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450s) that produce the metabolites in vivo, taking advantage of the enzyme's inherently chiral active site to achieve regio- and stereoselectivity. Importantly, biotransformations are more sustainable: they proceed under mild conditions and avoid environmentally damaging solvents and transition metal catalysts. Recombinant enzymes avoid the need to use animal liver microsomes. However, native enzymes must be stabilized to work for extended periods or at elevated temperatures, and stabilizing mutations can alter catalytic activity. Here we assessed a set of novel, thermostable P450s in bacterial membranes, a format analogous to liver microsomes, for their ability to metabolize drugs through various pathways and compared them to human liver microsomes. Collectively, the thermostable P450s could replicate the metabolic pathways seen with human liver microsomes, including bioactivation to protein-reactive intermediates. Novel metabolites were found, suggesting the possibility of obtaining metabolites not produced by human or rodent liver microsomes. Importantly, no alteration in assay conditions from standard protocols for microsomal incubations was necessary. Thus, such bacterial membranes represent an analogous metabolite generation system to liver microsomes in terms of metabolites produced and ease of use, but which provides access to more diversity of metabolite structures. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In drug development it is often chemically challenging, to synthesize authentic metabolites of drug candidates for structural identification and evaluation of activity and safety. Biosynthesis using microsomes or recombinant human enzymes is confounded by the instability of the enzymes. Here we show that thermostable ancestral cytochrome P450 enzymes derived from P450 families responsible for human drug metabolism offer advantages over the native human forms in being more robust and over microbial enzymes in faithfully reflecting human drug metabolism.

Risk factors for nonunion in patients with transcondylar fracture of the distal humerus after open reduction and internal fixation.

BACKGROUND: Transcondylar fractures have been reported to rarely occur in the distal humerus, and stable fixation is difficult because of the unique fracture pattern. However, few studies have reported the risk factors for nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). This study aimed to evaluate the demographic and surgical risk factors for nonunion in patients who had undergone ORIF for transcondylar fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 68 patients who underwent ORIF for transcondylar fractures. Preoperative demographic factors, including diabetes mellitus (DM) and smoking, and operative factors, including fixation methods (eg, dual plate/single plate/tension band wiring [TBW]) were assessed as risk factors for nonunion. RESULTS: Nonunion occurred in 8 out of 68 patients (11.8%). Univariate analysis revealed that among the demographic factors, DM (4/8 [50%] vs. 8/60 [13.3%], P = .028) and smoking (3/8 [37.5%] vs. 4/60 [6.7%], P = .031) were significantly different between nonunion and union patients. Regarding operative factors, the fixation method (dual plate/single plate/TBW; 2 [25.0%]/2 [25.0%]/4 [50%] vs. 29 [48.3%]/25 [41.7%]/6 [10.0%], P = .033) showed significant differences between nonunion and union patients. Multivariate regression analysis showed that DM (odds ratio [OR], 10.560; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.308-85.247; P = .027), smoking (OR 22.371; 95% CI, 2.111-237.081; P = .010), and TBW (OR 15.390; 95% CI, 1.348-175.666; P = .028) were independent risk factors for nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: Nonunion occurred in approximately 12% of the patients who underwent ORIF in the transcondylar region of the distal humerus. The risk of nonunion was higher in patients with DM than those who smoked. In addition, among the fixation methods, the TBW technique was a significant risk factor for nonunion.

Comparison of instep and non-instep flap in the reconstruction of the weight-bearing portion of the forefoot and heel.

BACKGROUND: Instep flaps are commonly used for the reconstruction of weight-bearing areas of the foot. However, in cases of large defects or damage to the instep area, non-instep flaps such as reverse sural flaps (RSF) or free anterolateral thigh flaps (ALTF) can be employed. Previous studies have primarily focused on heel reconstruction when comparing different flaps, without considering the forefoot. This study aims to verify the clinical outcomes of these flaps and determine the appropriate donor site for weight-bearing areas of the foot including forefoot reconstruction. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 39 patients who had undergone flap reconstruction of weight-bearing area defects in the foot with a follow-up period of ≥1 year were included. The patients were categorized into two groups: Group A (n = 19) using instep flaps, and Group B (n = 20) using non-instep flap including RSFs and ALTFs. Surgical outcomes were assessed based on the success of the flap, the presence of partial necrosis, the number of additional surgeries, and complications related to the donor site. Clinical evaluation included visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and the occurrence of ulcers. RESULTS: All flaps were successful, while partial necrosis occurred in one case in Group B. There were three reclosures after flap border debridement in both groups and one donor site debridement in Group A. The VAS scores during weight-bearing were 2.0 ± 1.1 and 2.2 ± 1.5 for Groups A and B, respectively (p = .716). The AOFAS scores were 52.8 ± 6.8 and 50.2 ± 12.7 for Groups A and B, respectively (p = .435). The occurrence of ulcers was 0.4 ± 0.9 times for Group A and 0.3 ± 0.7 times for Group B, with no significant difference between the two groups (p = .453). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in clinical outcomes between the types of flaps after reconstruction of the forefoot and hindfoot. Therefore, it is recommended to choose the appropriate flap based on factors such as the size of the defect, its location, and vascular status rather than the type of flap.

Simple Functionalization of a Donor Monomer to Enhance Charge Transfer in Porous Polymer Networks for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Porous polymer networks (PPNs) are promising candidates as photocatalysts for hydrogen production. Constructing a donor-acceptor structure is known to be an effective approach for improving photocatalytic activity. However, the process of how a functional group of a monomer can ensure photoexcited charges transfer and improve the hydrogen evolution rate (HER) has not yet been studied on the molecular level. Herein, we design and synthesize two kinds of triazatruxene (TAT)-based PPNs: TATR-PPN with a hexyl (R) group and TAT-PPN without the hexyl group, to understand the relationship between the presence of the functional group and charge transfer. The hexyl group on the TAT unit was found to ensure the transfer of photoexcited electrons from a donor unit to an acceptor unit and endowed the TATR-PPN with stable hydrogen production.

Out-of-Plane Single-Copper-Site Catalysts for Room-Temperature Benzene Oxidation.

Crafting single-atom catalysts (SACs) that possess "just right" modulated electronic and geometric structures, granting accessible active sites for direct room-temperature benzene oxidation is a coveted objective. However, achieving this goal remains a formidable challenge. Here, we introduce an innovative in situ phosphorus-immitting strategy using a new phosphorus source (phosphorus nitride, P3N5) to construct the phosphorus-rich copper (Cu) SACs, designated as Cu/NPC. These catalysts feature locally protruding metal sites on a nitrogen (N)-phosphorus (P)-carbon (C) support (NPC). Rigorous analyses, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), validate the coordinated bonding of nitrogen and phosphorus with atomically dispersed Cu sites on NPC. Crucially, systematic first-principles calculations, coupled with the climbing image nudged-elastic-band (CI-NEB) method, provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure-property-activity relationship of the distorted Cu-N2P2 centers in Cu/NPC for selective oxidation of benzene to phenol production. Interestingly, Cu/NPC has shown more energetically favorable C-H bond activation compared to the benchmark Cu/NC SACs in the direct oxidation of benzene, resulting in outstanding benzene conversion (50.3 %) and phenol selectivity (99.3 %) at room temperature. Furthermore, Cu/NPC achieves a remarkable turnover frequency of 263 h-1 and mass-specific activity of 35.2 mmol g-1 h-1, surpassing the state-of-the-art benzene-to-phenol conversion catalysts to date.

Nanocatalytic Materials for Energy-Related Small-Molecules Conversions: Active Site Design, Identification and Structure-Performance Relationship Discovery.

The catalytic conversion of energy-related small-molecules is a critical process in the fields of chemical production, environmental restoration, and energy conversion and storage. Over the years, numerous nanocatalytic materials have been explored in efforts to substantially boost the inherently sluggish catalytic processes. Despite achievements, the lack of fundamental insights into the design and identification of active sites and the structure-performance relationship has been one of the main obstacles to further improvement in catalytic performance. With the development of first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations and state-of-art spectroscopic techniques, the pace of research has started to move forward again.In this Account, we illustrate our recent representative attempts to gain fundamental insights into the rational development of efficient nanocatalytic materials and thus boost the typical electrochemical and mechanochemical conversions of energy-related small-molecules, including for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and ammonia synthesis. DFT calculations and advanced spectroscopic techniques, such as synchrotron radiation-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS, hard and soft X-ray), were properly adopted for this purpose.Specifically, to achieve a fast-electrochemical hydrogen evolution process, Ir active sites with balanced hydrogen adsorption/desorption behaviors were first computationally designed via orbital modulation and experimentally identified, and they showed significantly enhanced catalytic activity toward HER in acidic media. For the electrochemical reduction of oxygen, well-designed Zn-N2 active sites and quinone functional groups were introduced into the different carbon matrixes and structurally identified by the XAS technique, utilizing hard and soft X-rays, respectively. Both experimental and DFT studies revealed that Zn-N2 active sites with their unique structure can greatly activate the adsorbed oxygen species, leading to a highly efficient and selective four-electron oxygen reduction pathway, while the quinone functional groups are able to modify the activation mode and alter it into a selective two-electron oxygen reduction pathway for H2O2 production.In another study, inspired by the dissociation of stable nitrogen molecules on the surface of Fe, dynamic strained Fe active sites were designed for mechanochemical ammonia synthesis. Combined XAS and Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed the formation of a short-range Fe4N structure by the Fe active sites and dissociated nitrogen during the ball milling process, facilitating robust hydrogenation and ammonia production under mild conditions.Thanks to the theoretical methods and advanced spectroscopic techniques, fundamental insights into the design and identification of active sites and understanding of the structure-performance relationship can be easily obtained using such tools, which will guide the development of nanocatalytic materials and boost the conversions of energy-related small-molecules for various applications.

A randomized controlled trial using surgical gloves to prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy by paclitaxel in breast cancer patients (AIUR trial).

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse effect of taxane treatment and can significantly affect patient quality of life. Currently, there are no effective treatments to alleviate symptoms of CIPN; thus, starting with prevention steps in high-risk patients is considered advantageous. However, for these prevention steps to be applicable to all patients, their side effects or accompanying discomforts should be minimal, and the intervention cost-effective. Compression therapy can be considered a prevention intervention, and using surgical gloves is feasible and cost-effective (approximately $0.6 per pair). Although previous studies on compression therapy using surgical gloves have reported decreased incidence of PN, these studies were non-randomized, limited to nab-paclitaxel treatment, and involved the use of small gloves, which may have caused discomfort. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the preventive effects of compression therapy using normal-sized surgical gloves on CIPN in patients treated with paclitaxel. METHODS: This clinical trial is designed to evaluate the preventive effects of compression therapy using surgical gloves on CIPN in women with stage II-III breast cancer who received paclitaxel chemotherapy for at least 12 weeks. This multicenter, randomized-controlled, open-label study will be conducted in six academic hospitals. Patients with medication or a medical history related to neuropathy or hand disease will be excluded. The primary outcome will be the preventive effect of compression therapy using surgical gloves, measured based on changes in the neurotoxicity component of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Taxane questionnaire. Furthermore, we will assess the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade of CIPN after 6 months. Notably, the estimated sample size, based on a p-value < 0.025 and statistical power of 0.9, will consist of 104 patients (52 per group), accounting for a 10% sample loss. DISCUSSION: This intervention can be easily implemented in clinical practice and may serve as a preventive strategy for CIPNs with strong patient adherence. If successful, this intervention could improve the quality of life and treatment adherence in patients receiving chemotherapy that can induce PN, extending beyond paclitaxel treatment alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05771974; Registered on March 16, 2023.

Chemical constituents isolated from Actinidia polygama and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and insulin secretion effect.

Actinidia polygama has been used as a traditional medicine for treating various diseases. In the present study, 13 compounds, including three new monoterpenoids (1-3), were isolated from the leaves of A. polygama to investigate the bioactive constituents of the plant. The structures were characterized by analyzing spectroscopic and chiroptical data. These compounds were preliminarily screened for their ability to increase insulin secretion levels after glucose stimulation. Of these, 3-O-coumaroylmaslinic acid (4) and jacoumaric acid (5) showed activity. In further biological studies, these compounds exhibited increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) activity without cytotoxicity in rat INS-1 pancreatic ß-cells as well as α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, both compounds increased insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) expression. Hence, these compounds may be developed as potential antidiabetic agents.

Risk factors for Pneumocystis pneumonia with acute respiratory failure among kidney transplant recipients.

PURPOSE: One of the rare life-threatening fungal infections is pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Immunocompromised patients are the main vulnerable population. We investigate the risk factors associated with the development of severe PCP infection with acute respiratory failure after kidney transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center, case-control study. PCP patients who are kidney transplant recipients and required high-flow oxygen support or mechanical ventilation between March 2009 and February 2017 were included in the study. The comparison was conducted between the non-severe and severe PCP groups. To identify associated risk factors, we performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the total 2,330 kidney transplant recipients, 50 patients (2.1%) were diagnosed with PCP. Of these, 27 patients (54.0%) had severe PCP and 7 patients (14.0%) died, all of them were severe PCP patients. In the severe PCP group, the time from transplantation to PCP diagnosis (23.4 ± 24.9 months vs. 13.7 ± 9.9 months, p = 0.090) was insignificantly faster than in the non-severe PCP group. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, the significant risk factors associated with severe PCP were as follows, age (odds ratios (OR) 1.07; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.01-1.13; p = 0.027), time from transplantation to PCP diagnosis (odds ratios (OR) 0.92; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.86-0.99; p = 0.024), lymphopenia (OR 6.48; 95% CI: 1.05-40.09; p = 0.044), and history of acute rejection within 1 year (OR 8.28; 95% CI: 1.29-53.20; p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Patients who have lymphopenia at the time of hospital admission or have been recently treated with acute rejection are more likely to progress to severe PCP, requiring intensive monitoring and aggressive treatment.

Noncytotoxic Dy3+ -activated glass emits cool white light for near ultraviolet-based white light-emitting diodes, visible lasers, and biomedical applications.

Using the melt quenching technique, a lithium zinc borate glass (LZB) system with trivalent dysprosium ions (Dy3+ ) was synthesized, and the luminescence and lasing properties of these materials were examined for the generation of white light. Structural investigation through X-ray diffraction revealed that the prepared glass had an amorphous nature. The optimized glass containing 0.5 Dy3+ had a direct optical band gap of 2.782 eV and an indirect optical band gap of 3.110 eV. A strong excitation band at 386 nm (6 H15/2 →4 I13/2 ) was recognized in the ultraviolet (UV) light region of its excitation spectrum. Emission bands could be seen in the photoluminescence spectrum at 659, 573, and 480 nm under the 386 nm excitation. These transitions of emission resembled electronic transitions such as (4 F9/2 →6 H11/2 ), (4 F9/2 →6 H13/2 ), and (4 F9/2 →6 H15/2 ). In a pristine glass matrix, the higher intensity ratio of yellow to blue can result in the production of white light. The optimized Dy3+ ion concentration was observed to be 0.5 mol%. In addition, an analysis of lifetime decay was conducted for all synthesized glasses, and their decay trends were systematically investigated. Noticeably, we assessed the photometric parameters and found that they were close to the white light standard. Furthermore, a cytotoxicity study was carried out using lung fibroblast (WI-38) cell lines for the optimized 0.5Dy3+ -doped LZB glass and it appeared to be noncytotoxic. It is clear from the results that the noncytotoxic LZB glass doped with 0.5 Dy3+ ions could be a suggestive choice for the manufacture of white light-emitting diodes and lasers using near-UVs.

Arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair has comparable radiological and clinical outcomes compared to traditional open Broström-Gould repair in high-demand patients.

PURPOSE: This study sought to confirm whether traditional open Broström-Gould repair and arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair for chronic ankle instability (CAI) would produce comparable radiological and clinical outcomes in high-demand patients. METHODS: This retrospective case-cohort study included high-demand patients, as determined by a pre-injury Tegner Activity Level ≥ 6, who underwent Broström-Gould repair and were followed up for ≥ 2 years. Patients were divided into the arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair group (AS Group) and the open Broström-Gould repair group (Open Group). Perioperative radiological assessments were performed. The Tegner Activity Levels, Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOSs), Karlsson and Peterson (K-P) scores, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot (AOFAS) scores were evaluated clinically. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients (31 from the AS Group and 34 from the Open Group) were included in the study. There were no differences in age, sex, body mass index, preoperative anterior talar translation, talar tilt, signal-to-noise ratio, FAOS, K-P score, or AOFAS score between the two groups (n.s.). The preinjury median Tegner Activity Level was 7 and unchanged at the final follow-up in both groups. Postoperative stress radiographs showed improvement; however, the groups did not differ significantly. The FAOS, K-P scores, and AOFAS scores improved in each group (P < 0.001). However, the clinical scores did not differ between the groups (all n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: Traditional open and arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair for CAI in high-demand patients had comparable radiological and clinical outcomes. Clinically, arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair may represent a viable surgical alternative to open Broström-Gould repair in high-demand patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of 1,6,7-Trihydroxy-2-(1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl)-3-methoxyxanthone Isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata via NF-κB, MAPK, and HO-1 Signaling Pathways in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 and BV2 Cells.

Neuroinflammation activated by microglia affects inflammatory pain development. This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory properties and mechanisms of 1,6,7-trihydroxy-2-(1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl)-3-methoxyxanthone (THMX) from Cudrania tricuspidata in microglia activation-mediated inflammatory pain. In RAW 264.7 and BV2 cells, THMX has been shown to reduce lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG) E2, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). THMX also decreased LPS-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the activation of p65 nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Interestingly, THMX also activated heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression. These findings suggest that THMX is a promising biologically active compound against inflammation through preventing MAPKs and NF-ĸB and activating HO-1 signaling pathways.

Serum Vitamin Levels, Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, and Their Association with Depression in Korean Women: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Nationally Representative Sample.

Background and Objectives: Serum vitamin levels, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and their association with depression is a complex issue that has been the subject of much research. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between vitamin A, B9, and E levels, cardiovascular risk factors, and depression in premenopausal and menopausal South Korean women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used the 2016-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Depression was assessed using a questionnaire to check for symptoms of depression or the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein in the morning after an overnight fast. Covariates were defined as self-reported physician diagnoses. Well-trained medical staff performed the standard procedures. Statistical analysis was performed using the complex sample analysis method of SPSS, using two separate logistic regression models (model 1: adjusted for age; model 2: adjusted for age, marital status, smoking, and alcohol consumption). Results: A total of 3313 women aged over 20 years were enrolled. The association between vitamin A levels and depression was as follows: lower levels of vitamin A were associated with an increased risk of depression in premenopausal women in model 1 and model 2. The levels of serum vitamins E and B9 were not correlated with depression in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. In the premenopausal group, depression increased in the obesity (model 1: p = 0.037; model 2: p = 0.047) and diabetes mellitus (model 1: p = 0.010; model 2: p = 0.009) groups. The menopausal group with depression had higher rates of stroke (model 1: p = 0.017; model 2: p = 0.039) and myocardial infarction (model 1: p = 0.004; model 2: p = 0.008) than the group without depression. Conclusions: Depression is correlated with lower blood levels of vitamin A in premenopausal women. Vitamin B9 and E levels were not associated with depression independent of menopausal status. Depression is associated with obesity and diabetes mellitus in premenopausal women and with stroke and myocardial infarction in postmenopausal women.

Accelerated Oral Healing by Angelica gigas Nakai from Hot Melt Extrusion Technology: An In Vitro Study.

Background and Objectives: In spite of the oral environment being healing-prone, its dynamic changes may affect wound healing. The purpose of this study was to assess the oral wound healing effect of Angelica gigas Nakai (AG) prepared by hot-melt extrusion. Materials and Methods: Human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells were treated with AG or AG via hot-melt extrusion (AGH) for 24 h to determine the optimal concentration. For evaluating the anti-inflammatory effect of AG and AGH, a nitric oxide assay was performed under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The wound-healing effects of AG and AGH were evaluated using cell proliferation/migration assays and wound-healing marker expression through qRT-PCR. Results: Both AG and AGH showed no cytotoxicity on HGH cells. Regarding nitric oxide production, AGH significantly decreased LPS-induced nitric oxide production (p < 0.05). AGH showed a significantly positive result in the cell proliferation/cell migration assay compared with that in AG and the control. Regarding wound healing marker expression, AGH showed significantly greater VEGF and COL1α1 expression levels than those in the others (p < 0.05), whereas α-SMA expression was significantly different among the groups. Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, AGH accelerated oral wound healing in vitro.

Benzotrithiophene-based Covalent Organic Framework Photocatalysts with Controlled Conjugation of Building Blocks for Charge Stabilization.

Covalent organic frameworks have recently shown high potential for photocatalytic hydrogen production. However, their structure-property-activity relationship has not been sufficiently explored to identify a research direction for structural design. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of four benzotrithiophene (BTT)-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with different conjugations of building units, and their photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production. All four BTT-COFs had slipped parallel stacking patterns with high crystallinity and specific surface areas. The change in the degree of conjugation was found to rationally tune the rate of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Based on the experimental and calculation results, the tunable photocatalytic performance could be mainly attributed to the electron affinity and charge trapping of the electron accepting units. This study provides important insights for designing covalent organic frameworks for efficient photocatalysts.

Cobalt-Porphyrin-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks with Donor-Acceptor Units as Photocatalysts for Carbon Dioxide Reduction.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as a promising platform for photocatalysts. Their crystalline porous nature allows comprehensive mechanistic studies of photocatalysis, which have revealed that their general photophysical parameters, such as light absorption ability, electronic band structure, and charge separation efficiency, can be conveniently tailored by structural modifications. However, further understanding of the relationship between structure-property-activity is required from the viewpoint of charge-carrier transport, because the charge-carrier property is closely related to alleviation of the excitonic effect. In the present study, COFs composed of a fixed cobalt (Co) porphyrin (Por) centered tetraamine as an acceptor unit with differently conjugated di-carbaldehyde based donor units, such as benzodithiophene (BDT), thienothiophene (TT), or phenyl (TA), were synthesized to form Co-Por-BDT, Co-Por-TT, or Co-Por-TA, respectively. Their photocatalytic activity for reducing carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide was in the order of Co-Por-BDT>Co-Por-TT>Co-Por-TA. The results indicated that the excitonic effect, associated with their charge-carrier densities and π-conjugation lengths, was a significant factor in photocatalysis performance.

Olefin-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks with Electronegative Channels as Cationic Highways for Sustainable Lithium Metal Battery Anodes.

Despite the enormous interest in Li metal as an ideal anode material, the uncontrollable Li dendrite growth and unstable solid electrolyte interphase have plagued its practical application. These limitations can be attributed to the sluggish and uneven Li+ migration towards Li metal surface. Here, we report olefin-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with electronegative channels for facilitating selective Li+ transport. The triazine rings and fluorinated groups of the COFs are introduced as electron-rich sites capable of enhancing salt dissociation and guiding uniform Li+ flux within the channels, resulting in a high Li+ transference number (0.85) and high ionic conductivity (1.78 mS cm-1 ). The COFs are mixed with a polymeric binder to form mixed matrix membranes. These membranes enable reliable Li plating/stripping cyclability over 700 h in Li/Li symmetric cells and stable capacity retention in Li/LiFePO4 cells, demonstrating its potential as a viable cationic highway for accelerating Li+ conduction.