Total Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Pareitropone and Analogues.

A concise synthesis of pareitropone by oxidative cyclization of a phenolic nitronate is delineated. The use of TMSOTf as an additive to promote the facile formation of a strained norcaradiene intermediate provides convenient access to highly condensed multicyclic tropones in high yields. This synthesis is modular, efficient, and scalable, highlighting the synthetic utility of radical anion coupling reactions in annulation reactions. This work is discussed in the context of total syntheses of the tropoloisoquinoline alkaloids. Also included are the preparation of several congeners and a brief description of their biological activities.

Diagnosis of osteochondral lesions of the talus on Dual-layer spectral detector CT arthrography: clinical feasibility of virtual noncontrast images.

AIM: To compare the image quality of virtual noncontrast (VNC) and true noncontrast (TNC) CT images and to evaluate the clinical feasibility of VNC CT images for assessing osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five OLT patients who underwent ankle CT arthrography (CTA) using dual-layer spectral detector CT were enrolled. Reconstruction of VNC and three-dimensional volume rendering images was performed. Afterward, image noise, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured. For the subjective evaluation, two board-certified musculoskeletal radiologists [R2-1] assessed spatial resolution, overall image quality, and lesion conspicuity. The accuracy rate for OLT grading was determined in 23 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery. RESULTS: While VNC images showed significantly less noise than TNC images, TNC images showed better SNRs and CNRs (p<.01). In the subjective analysis, TNC images showed better overall image quality (p<.001). For the 3D volume rendering images, VNC images scored significantly higher for lesion conspicuity (p<.001). The accuracy rates of CTA and CTA with VNC images for OLT grading were 79.2% and 83.3%, respectively. Regarding confidence level, when CTA and VNC images were evaluated together, the confidence level was significantly higher than that when only CTA images were evaluated (p<.001). CONCLUSION: VNC imaging can provide better confidence level of OLT grading and evaluation of the integrity of the subchondral bone plate when combined with conventional CTA without additional radiation dose to the patient. In addition, VNC images-based 3D volume rendering reconstruction would be helpful for preoperative planning in OLT patients.

Association between waist circumference change after smoking cessation and incidence of hypertension in Korean adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the association between smoking cessation and hypertension incidence, as well as the association between waist circumference change after smoking cessation and hypertension incidence. STUDY DESIGN: This was a nationwide population-based cohort study. METHODS: We used the Korean Health Screening Cohort data and included 158,505 participants who had undergone two or more health examinations between 2008 and 2011, with follow-ups throughout 2019. Smoking cessation and waist changes were captured based on difference between first and follow-up screening dates. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for hypertension risk were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models. RESULTS: There were 31,270 cases of hypertension during a median follow-up of 8.50 years. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, HR for hypertension were 1.01 (95% CI: 0.97-1.05), 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87-0.95), and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85-0.91) for recent quitters, long-term quitters, and non-smokers, respectively, compared with current smokers. HR for hypertension, compared with current smokers, were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84-0.94), 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85-0.97), and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.91-1.08) for long-term quitters with no waist gain, long-term quitters with waist gain of 0.1-5.0 cm, and long-term quitters with waist gain of ≥5.0 cm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term smoking cessation was significantly associated with decreased risk of hypertension, and long-term smoking cessation with no waist gain or less than 5.0 cm of waist gain was significantly associated with decreased risk of hypertension. However, more than 5.0 cm of waist gain can attenuate the effect of long-term smoking cessation on lowering the risk of hypertension.

Early effectiveness and toxicity outcomes of reirradiation after breast conserving surgery for recurrent or new primary breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Breast reirradiation (reRT) after breast conserving surgery (BCS) has emerged as a viable alternative to mastectomy for women presenting with recurrent or new primary breast cancer. There are limited data on safety of different fractionation regimens. This study reports safety and efficacy among women treated with repeat BCS and reRT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients who underwent repeat BCS followed by RT from 2015 to 2021 at 2 institutions were analyzed. Univariate logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of acute and late toxicities. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to evaluate overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and locoregional recurrence-free survival (LR-RFS). RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were reviewed with median follow-up of 16 months (range: 3-60 months). At time of first recurrence, 41% had invasive carcinoma with a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) component, 41% had invasive carcinoma alone and 18% had DCIS alone. All were clinically node negative. For the reirradiation course, 95% received partial breast irradiation (PBI) (57.5% with 1.5 Gy BID; 27% with 1.8 Gy daily; 10.5% with hypofractionation), and 5% received whole breast irradiation (1.8-2 Gy/fx), all of whom had received PBI for initial course. One patient experienced grade 3 fibrosis, and one patient experienced grade 3 telangiectasia. None had grade 4 or higher late adverse events. We found no association between the fractionation of the second course of RT or the cumulative dose (measured as EQD2) with acute or late toxicity. At 2 years, OS was 100%, DMFS was 91.6%, and LR-RFS was 100%. CONCLUSION: In this series of patients with recurrent or new primary breast cancer, a second breast conservation surgery followed by reirradiation was effective with no local recurrences and an acceptable toxicity profile across a range of available fractionation regimens at a median follow up of 16 months. Longer follow up is required.

Measurement of Direct-Photon Cross Section and Double-Helicity Asymmetry at sqrt[s]=510 GeV in p[over →]+p[over →] Collisions.

We present measurements of the cross section and double-helicity asymmetry A_{LL} of direct-photon production in p[over →]+p[over →] collisions at sqrt[s]=510 GeV. The measurements have been performed at midrapidity (|η|<0.25) with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. At relativistic energies, direct photons are dominantly produced from the initial quark-gluon hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force at leading order. Therefore, at sqrt[s]=510 GeV, where leading-order-effects dominate, these measurements provide clean and direct access to the gluon helicity in the polarized proton in the gluon-momentum-fraction range 0.02

Search for the Pair Production of Dark Particles X with K_{L}

We present the first search for the pair production of dark particles X via K_{L}^{0}→XX with X decaying into two photons using the data collected by the KOTO experiment. No signal was observed in the mass range of 40-110 MeV/c^{2} and 210-240 MeV/c^{2}. This sets upper limits on the branching fractions as B(K_{L}^{0}→XX)<(1-4)×10^{-7} and B(K_{L}^{0}→XX)<(1-2)×10^{-6} at the 90% confidence level for the two mass regions, respectively.

Search for Boosted Dark Matter in COSINE-100.

We search for energetic electron recoil signals induced by boosted dark matter (BDM) from the galactic center using the COSINE-100 array of NaI(Tl) crystal detectors at the Yangyang Underground Laboratory. The signal would be an excess of events with energies above 4 MeV over the well-understood background. Because no excess of events are observed in a 97.7 kg·yr exposure, we set limits on BDM interactions under a variety of hypotheses. Notably, we explored the dark photon parameter space, leading to competitive limits compared to direct dark photon search experiments, particularly for dark photon masses below 4 MeV and considering the invisible decay mode. Furthermore, by comparing our results with a previous BDM search conducted by the Super-Kamionkande experiment, we found that the COSINE-100 detector has advantages in searching for low-mass dark matter. This analysis demonstrates the potential of the COSINE-100 detector to search for MeV electron recoil signals produced by the dark sector particle interactions.

Health and job-related factors associated with work ability in older working populations of Korea.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about determinants of workability is crucial for designing interventions to increase the participation of older employees in the workforce and maintain or increase their productivity levels at work. AIMS: This study explored the impact of health conditions and job characteristics on poor work ability. METHODS: This study used data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) from 2014 to 2020, which is a nationally representative population-based panel study of Korean citizens aged ≥45 years. The KLoSA survey assessed subjective work ability using work ability score. The participants were asked if they had been diagnosed with any underlying diseases by a physician. The job characteristics were assessed in terms of working conditions and satisfaction. Generalized estimating equations were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for workers' health-related variables and job characteristics associated with poor work ability. RESULTS: The results showed that workers' health-related factors were associated with poor work ability; poor vision (OR = 1.52) and bad hearing ability (OR = 2.37); low gripping strength (OR = 2.29); poor self-rated health (OR = 3.77) and various diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, liver disease, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, mental illness, arthritis, prostate disease, gastrointestinal disease and disc disease. Additionally, high physical work demands (OR = 1.51) and low job satisfaction (OR = 4.23) were highly correlated with poor work ability. CONCLUSIONS: The findings addressing poor work abilities caused by individuals' health- and job-related factors can help prioritize worker health management and the development of more effective human capital investment strategies at the workplace.

Impact of tuberculosis on the incidence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) and the disease burden of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures, there is still a lack of well-designed, large-scale studies demonstrating associations among them. We aimed to investigate the effect of TB on the incidence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. STUDY DESIGN: This was a nationwide population-based cohort study. METHODS: This study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Service Database of South Korea. We included patients with newly diagnosed TB aged >40 years from January 2006 to December 2017. An uninfected control for each TB patient was randomly extracted by frequency matching for sex, age, income level, residence, and registration date at a 2:1 ratio. The primary outcome was the incidence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures between the two groups, adjusted for sex, age, income level, residence, comorbidities, body mass index, blood pressure, laboratory tests, alcohol drinking, and smoking. The risk factors associated with osteoporosis or osteoporotic fractures were also investigated. RESULTS: A total of 164,389 patients with TB and 328,778 matched controls were included (71.9% males). The mean duration of follow-up was 7.00 ± 3.49 years. The incidence of osteoporosis in patients with TB was 6.1 cases per 1000 person-years, which was significantly higher than that in matched controls (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.349, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.302-1.398, P < 0.001). The incidence of osteoporotic fractures was also higher in patients with TB than in controls (aHR 1.392, 95% CI 1.357-1.428, P < 0.001). Among fractures, the risk of hip fracture was the highest (aHR 1.703, 95% CI 1.612-1.798, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: TB independently contributes to the incidence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures, particularly hip fractures.

A simulated heat wave-but not herbicide exposure-alters resource investment strategy in an insect.

Animals are increasingly exposed to potential stressors related to environmental change, and multiple stressors may alter the dynamics by which animals acquire resources and invest those resources into important life-history traits. Stress may lead to the prioritization of current reproduction to maximize lifetime reproduction (i.e., terminal investment [TI]) or, in contrast, prioritize somatic investment over current reproduction to facilitate future reproductive opportunities (i.e., reproductive restraint [RR]). Tests of the TI and RR hypotheses typically use immune challenges as stressors, and have not been explicitly tested in the context of environmental change even though warming influences resource allocation patterns across taxa. Further, the multiple-stressor framework has been a useful construct to clarify the costs of complex environmental shifts to animals, but it has not been leveraged to understand such effects on investment strategy. Thus, we tested the TI and RR hypotheses by manipulating widespread features of environmental change-glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH; Roundup®) exposure and a simulated heat wave-in the variable field cricket (Gryllus lineaticeps). A simulated heat wave affected the life-history tradeoff between investment into reproduction and soma. Specifically, heat wave prioritized investment into ovary mass over non-reproductive tissue, even after accounting for food consumption, in support of the TI hypothesis. In contrast, GBH exposure did not affect any measured trait, and crickets did not discriminate between tap water and GBH solution during drinking. Therefore, some-but not all-aspects of environmental change may alter resource investment strategies in animals. We encourage continued integration of the multiple-stressor framework and life-history theory to better understand how animals respond to their rapidly changing environments.

Characterization of rhodanine derivatives as potential disease-modifying drugs for experimental mouse osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to characterize selected rhodanine derivatives as potential preclinical disease-modifying drugs for experimental osteoarthritis (OA) in mice. METHODS: Three rhodanine derivatives, designated rhodanine (R)-501, R-502, and R-503, were selected as candidate OA disease-modifying drugs. Their effects were evaluated by intra-articular (IA) injection in OA mouse models induced by DMM (destabilization of the medial meniscus) or adenoviral overexpression in joint tissues of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α or zinc importer ZIP8. The regulatory mechanisms impacted by the rhodanine derivatives were examined in primary-culture chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). RESULTS: All three rhodanine derivatives inhibited OA development caused by DMM or overexpression of HIF-2α or ZIP8. Compared to vehicle-treated group, for example, IA injection of R-501 in DMM-operated mice reduced median OARSI grade from 3.78 (IQR 3.00-5.00) to 1.89 (IQR 0.94-2.00, P = 0.0001). R-502 and R-503 also reduced from 3.67 (IQR 2.11-4.56) to 2.00 (IQR 1.00-2.00, P = 0.0030) and 2.00 (IQR 1.83-2.67, P = 0.0378), respectively. Mechanistically, the rhodanine derivatives inhibited the nuclear localization and transcriptional activity of HIF-2α in chondrocytes and FLS. They did not bind to Zn2+ or modulate Zn2+ homeostasis in chondrocytes or FLS; instead, they inhibited the nuclear localization and transcriptional activity of the Zn2+-dependent transcription factor, MTF1. HIF-2α, ZIP8, and interleukin-1ß could upregulate matrix-degrading enzymes in chondrocytes and FLS, and the rhodanine derivatives inhibited these effects. CONCLUSION: IA administration of rhodanine derivatives significantly reduced OA pathogenesis in various mouse models, demonstrating that these derivatives have disease-modifying therapeutic potential against OA pathogenesis.

Unveiling Unequivocal Charge Stripe Order in a Prototypical Cuprate Superconductor.

In the cuprates, high-temperature superconductivity, spin-density-wave order, and charge-density-wave (CDW) order are intertwined, and symmetry determination is challenging due to domain formation. We investigated the CDW in the prototypical cuprate La_{1.88}Sr_{0.12}CuO_{4} via x-ray diffraction employing uniaxial pressure as a domain-selective stimulus to establish the unidirectional nature of the CDW unambiguously. A fivefold enhancement of the CDW amplitude is found when homogeneous superconductivity is partially suppressed by magnetic field. This field-induced state provides an ideal search environment for a putative pair-density-wave state.

Isolated posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissection with ischaemic stroke: evaluating the radiological features and diagnostic feasibility of high-resolution vessel wall imaging.

AIM: To evaluate the radiological features of isolated posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissection (PICAD) and the feasibility of using high-resolution vessel-wall imaging (HR-VWI) for diagnosing PICAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and nine patients with arterial dissection involving the posterior cerebral circulation, who underwent HR-VWI between March 2012 and July 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Among them, 44 patients (14.2%) were diagnosed with isolated PICAD in consensus among a neuroradiologist, a neurointerventionist, and a neurologist. Two neuroradiologists reviewed the vessel wall images independently for evidence of dissection (dissection flap, outer diameter enlargement on T2-weighted imaging [WI], mural haematoma). Diagnostic confidence was also scored on a five-point scale. Intra- and interobserver agreement for diagnosing PICAD and detecting evidence of dissection were evaluated. RESULTS: Dissection flaps were seen on T2WI in all cases (100%) and on contrast-enhanced T1WI in 34 patients (79.1%). Outer diameter enlargement of the steno-occlusive lesions on angiography was detected in most cases (97.7%). A mural haematoma was detected on three-dimensional (3D) contrast-enhanced motion-sensitised driven-equilibrium T1WI in 97.1% of the cases. The mean diagnostic confidence score derived by two neuroradiologists was 4.72. The two reviewers showed substantial to almost perfect agreement (weighted kappa coefficient: 0.62-0.97). CONCLUSION: Use of HR-VWI as a diagnostic tool for PICAD is feasible, and a dissection flap with outer wall enlargement on HR-T2WI allows confident dissection diagnosis. The present data suggest that PICAD might be considered as a stroke aetiology in patients with unexplained ischaemic stroke in the PICA territory, and that PICA evaluation with HR-VWI is both necessary and feasible.

Supplemented phase diagrams for vitrification CPA cocktails: DP6, VS55 and M22.

DP6, VS55 and M22 are the most commonly used cryoprotective agent (CPA) cocktails for vitrification experiments in tissues and organs. However, complete phase diagrams for the three CPAs are often unavailable or incomplete (only available for full strength CPAs) thereby hampering optimization of vitrification and rewarming procedures. In this paper, we used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure the transition temperatures including heterogeneous nucleation temperatures (Thet), glass transition temperatures (Tg), rewarming phase crystallization (devitrification and/or recrystallization) temperatures (Td) and melting temperatures (Tm) while cooling or warming the CPA sample at 5 °C/min and plotted the obtained transition temperatures for different concentrations of CPAs into the phase diagrams. We also used cryomicroscopy cooling or warming the sample at the same rate to record the ice crystallization during the whole process, and we presented the cryomicroscopic images at the transition temperatures, which agreed with the DSC presented phenomena.

Gut dysbiosis in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is characterized by shifts in relative abundances of specific bacterial taxa and decreased diversity in more advanced disease.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) patients often suffer from recurrent skin infections and profound immune dysregulation in advanced disease. The gut microbiome has been recognized to influence cancers and cutaneous conditions; however, it has not yet been studied in CTCL. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the gut microbiome in patients with CTCL and in healthy controls. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted between January 2019 and November 2020 at Northwestern's busy multidisciplinary CTCL clinic (Chicago, Illinois, USA) utilizing 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing and bioinformatics analyses to characterize the microbiota present in fecal samples of CTCL patients (n = 38) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 13) from the same geographical region. RESULTS: Gut microbial α-diversity trended lower in patients with CTCL and was significantly lower in patients with advanced CTCL relative to controls (P = 0.015). No differences in ß-diversity were identified. Specific taxa were significantly reduced in patient samples; significance was determined using adjusted P-values (q-values) that accounted for a false discovery rate threshold of 0.05. Significantly reduced taxa in patient samples included the phylum Actinobacteria (q = 0.0002), classes Coriobacteriia (q = 0.002) and Actinobacteria (q = 0.03), order Coriobacteriales (q = 0.003), and genus Anaerotruncus (q = 0.01). The families Eggerthellaceae (q = 0.0007) and Lactobacillaceae (q = 0.02) were significantly reduced in patients with high skin disease burden. CONCLUSIONS: Gut dysbiosis can be seen in patients with CTCL compared to healthy controls and is pronounced in more advanced CTCL. The taxonomic shifts associated with CTCL are similar to those previously reported in atopic dermatitis and opposite those of psoriasis, suggesting microbial parallels to the immune profile and skin barrier differences between these conditions. These findings may suggest new microbial disease biomarkers and reveal a new angle for intervention.

The effect of the national scaling program on tooth loss: a claim-based matched large cohort study in Korea.

OBJECTIVE: Tooth loss affects quality of life. Scaling is a measure to prevent periodontal disease and tooth loss. This study aimed to determine the effect of scaling on tooth loss. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Secondary analysis of the Korean National Health Insurance Services database, comprising 514,866 Koreans as an initial cohort, followed for 14 years up to 2015. The study population comprised people who had received an oral check-up in 2002-2003. Using propensity score matching, we matched the intervention group (receipt of scaling) and controls (no scaling) 1:1. The outcome, tooth loss was defined as including all teeth except for third molars until 2015. The final sample included 94,738 people. Analysis used a Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: Scaling showed conflicting results in univariate and multivariable analyses. In univariate analysis, people who received scaling were more likely to lose teeth (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.05). After adjusting for confounders in the multivariable analysis, those who didn't receive scaling were more likely to lose teeth (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95, 0.99). The effects of scaling were identified in people without diabetes (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95, 0.99) but not in people with diabetes (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.89-1.06). CONCLUSIONS: Scaling was associated with less tooth loss. Regular scaling might be encouraged for vulnerable groups, such as males, older adults, lower income, handicapped, chronic diseases, and smokers.

Virological failure and HIV drug resistance among adults living with HIV on second-line antiretroviral therapy in the Asia-Pacific.

OBJECTIVES: To assess second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) virological failure and HIV drug resistance-associated mutations (RAMs), in support of third-line regimen planning in Asia. METHODS: Adults > 18 years of age on second-line ART for ≥ 6 months were eligible. Cross-sectional data on HIV viral load (VL) and genotypic resistance testing were collected or testing was conducted between July 2015 and May 2017 at 12 Asia-Pacific sites. Virological failure (VF) was defined as VL > 1000 copies/mL with a second VL > 1000 copies/mL within 3-6 months. FASTA files were submitted to Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database and RAMs were compared against the IAS-USA 2019 mutations list. VF risk factors were analysed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 1378 patients, 74% were male and 70% acquired HIV through heterosexual exposure. At second-line switch, median [interquartile range (IQR)] age was 37 (32-42) years and median (IQR) CD4 count was 103 (43.5-229.5) cells/µL; 93% received regimens with boosted protease inhibitors (PIs). Median duration on second line was 3 years. Among 101 patients (7%) with VF, CD4 count > 200 cells/µL at switch [odds ratio (OR) = 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17-0.77 vs. CD4 ≤ 50) and HIV exposure through male-male sex (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17-0.64 vs. heterosexual) or injecting drug use (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.12-0.49) were associated with reduced VF. Of 41 (41%) patients with resistance data, 80% had at least one RAM to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), 63% to NRTIs, and 35% to PIs. Of those with PI RAMs, 71% had two or more. CONCLUSIONS: There were low proportions with VF and significant RAMs in our cohort, reflecting the durability of current second-line regimens.

Association of body mass index with immune recovery, virological failure and cardiovascular disease risk among people living with HIV.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a longitudinal cohort analysis to evaluate the association of pre-treatment body mass index (BMI) with CD4 recovery, virological failure (VF) and cardiovascular risk disease (CVD) markers among people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHODS: Participants who were enrolled between January 2003 and March 2019 in a regional Asia HIV cohort with weight and height measurements prior to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation were included. Factors associated with mean CD4 increase were analysed using repeated-measures linear regression. Time to first VF after 6 months on ART and time to first development of CVD risk markers were analysed using Cox regression models. Sensitivity analyses were done adjusting for Asian BMI thresholds. RESULTS: Of 4993 PLHIV (66% male), 62% had pre-treatment BMI in the normal range (18.5-25.0 kg/m2 ), while 26%, 10% and 2% were underweight (< 18.5 kg/m2 ), overweight (25-30 kg/m2) and obese (> 30 kg/m2 ), respectively. Both higher baseline and time-updated BMI were associated with larger CD4 gains compared with normal BMI. After adjusting for Asian BMI thresholds, higher baseline BMIs of 23-27.5 and > 27.5 kg/m2 were associated with larger CD4 increases of 15.6 cells/µL [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.9-28.3] and 28.8 cells/µL (95% CI: 6.6-50.9), respectively, compared with normal BMI (18.5-23 kg/m2 ). PLHIV with BMIs of 25-30 and > 30 kg/m2 were 1.27 times (95% CI: 1.10-1.47) and 1.61 times (95% CI: 1.13-2.24) more likely to develop CVD risk factors. No relationship between pre-treatment BMI and VF was observed. CONCLUSIONS: High pre-treatment BMI was associated with better immune reconstitution and CVD risk factor development in an Asian PLHIV cohort.

Solar background noise mitigation using the orbital angular momentum mode in vertical FSO downlink transmissions.

Free-space optical communication (FSO) is used to provide network configuration flexibility. A network-flying platform-based vertical FSO connection can be employed to enhance mobile network coverage and capacity. Solar background noise can be a potential risk that disrupts the seamless connection in the vertical FSO downlink channel. In this paper, we propose signal transmission using an orbital angular momentum (OAM) beam. The OAM demodulation process can filter sunlight out of the optical receiver except for the signal corresponding to the azimuthal state. We experimentally verified that most of the solar background noise could be reduced. To verify the feasibility of the proposed scheme in a vertical FSO channel, we modeled a FSO vertical downlink with an OAM modulation/demodulation process.

The diagnostic value of phase angle, an integrative bioelectrical marker, for identifying individuals with dysmobility syndrome: the Korean Urban-Rural Elderly study.

Low phase angle, a non-invasive bioimpedance marker, is associated with elevated odds of dysmobility syndrome and its components. Phase angle (estimated cutoffs: < 4.8° in men; < 4.5° in women) can be used to detect dysmobility syndrome in community-dwelling older adults as a simple, integrative screening tool. INTRODUCTION: Dysmobility syndrome uses a score-based approach to predict fracture risk that incorporates the concepts of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity. Low phase angle (PhA), a simple, non-invasive bioelectrical impedance marker, was associated with low lean mass, high fat mass, and poor muscle function. We aimed to investigate the association between PhA and dysmobility syndrome, with the exploration of the diagnostic cutoffs. METHODS: In a community-dwelling Korean older adult cohort, dysmobility syndrome was defined as the presence of ≥ 3 of the following components: osteoporosis, low lean mass, falls in the preceding year, low grip strength, high fat mass, and poor timed up and go performance. RESULTS: Among the 1825 participants (mean age 71.6, women 66.7%), subjects were classified into sex-stratified PhA tertiles. The prevalence of dysmobility syndrome increased from the highest PhA tertile group to the lowest (15.50 to 2.45% in men; 33.41 to 12.25% in women, P for trend < 0.001). The mean PhA values decreased as the dysmobility score increased (5.33° to 4.65° in men; 4.76° to 4.39° in women, P for trend < 0.001). Low PhA (cutoff: < 4.8° in men; < 4.5° in women) was associated with twofold elevated odds of dysmobility syndrome after adjusting for age, sex, and conventional risk factors. Low PhA improved the identification of individuals with dysmobility syndrome when added to the conventional risk model (area under the curve, 0.73 to 0.75, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Low PhA was associated with dysmobility syndrome and its components, independent of age, sex, body mass index, nutritional status, and inflammation.