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1.
Med Res Rev ; 44(3): 897-918, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38084636

ABSTRACT

Fe-based nanostructures have possessed promising properties that make it suitable for chiral sensing and imaging applications owing to their ultra-small size, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, excellent photostability, tunable fluorescence, and water solubility. This review summarizes the recent research progress in the field of Fe-based nanostructures and places special emphases on their applications in chiral sensing and imaging. The synthetic strategies to prepare the targeted Fe-based structures were also introduced. The chiral sensing and imaging applications of the nanostructures are discussed in details.


Subject(s)
Nanostructures , Quantum Dots , Humans , Quantum Dots/chemistry , Nanostructures/chemistry , Diagnostic Imaging , Fluorescence , Solubility
2.
Ann Surg ; 278(3): e534-e539, 2023 09 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36728535

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between distress at initial diagnosis and disease-free survival in patients with resectable colon cancer. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Considerable research has examined the psychological impact of having a confirmed diagnosis of cancer, but relatively limited research has examined the impact of distress during the diagnostic phase on oncological outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. We included newly diagnosed colon cancer patients who had resectable surgery and underwent distress screening between July 2014 and July 2021 (N=1,362). The Korean versions of the Distress Thermometer were used to assess distress and related problems. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on distress score: low (<4), moderate (4-7), and severe (≥8). The primary outcome was disease-free survival. RESULTS: The mean distress was 5.1 (SD=2.4) and 61%, and 15% of patients had moderate and severe distress at diagnosis, respectively. The severe distress group was more likely to report fear, sadness, and concerns regarding insurance/finance, work, and childcare than the low distress group. Compared with the low distress group, the severe distress group had worse disease-free survival (Hazard Ratio=1.84, 95% CI=1.03, 3.29). The association was more evident in patients with stage IV disease (Hazard Ratio=2.53, 95% CI=1.02, 6.25). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of patients with colon cancer experience distress at diagnosis, and severe distress has a negative impact on oncologic outcomes. Active monitoring and appropriate management of distress at diagnosis should be adopted at clinical settings.


Subject(s)
Colonic Neoplasms , Humans , Disease-Free Survival , Cohort Studies , Retrospective Studies , Colonic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Colonic Neoplasms/surgery
3.
BMC Public Health ; 23(1): 370, 2023 02 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36810018

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Western Pacific Region has one of the fastest-growing populations of older adults (≥ 65 years) globally, among whom tuberculosis (TB) poses a particular concern. This study reports country case studies from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore reflecting on their experiences in managing TB among older adults. FINDINGS: Across all four countries, TB case notification and incidence rates were highest among older adults, but clinical and public health guidance focused on this population was limited. Individual country reports illustrated a range of practices and challenges. Passive case finding remains the norm, with limited active case finding (ACF) programs implemented in China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Different approaches have been trialled to assist older adults in securing an early diagnosis, as well as adhering to their TB treatment. All countries emphasised the need for person-centred approaches that include the creative application of new technology and tailored incentive programs, as well as reconceptualisation of how we provide treatment support. The use of traditional medicines was found to be culturally entrenched among older adults, with a need for careful consideration of their complementary use. TB infection testing and the provision of TB preventive treatment (TPT) were underutilised with highly variable practice. CONCLUSION: Older adults require specific consideration in TB response policies, given the burgeoning aging population and their high TB risk. Policymakers, TB programs and funders must invest in and develop locally contextualised practice guidelines to inform evidence-based TB prevention and care practices for older adults.


Subject(s)
Latent Tuberculosis , Tuberculosis , Humans , Aged , Tuberculosis/epidemiology , Incidence , Singapore , Aging
4.
Dev Biol ; 459(1): 5-8, 2020 03 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32098666

ABSTRACT

Ph.D.s in the life sciences are seeking nonacademic careers in large numbers, and private sector employment is reaching an all-time high. In this climate, trainees are seeking mentors and opportunities to understand and explore different career paths. Scientific societies such as the Society for Developmental Biology play vital roles in professional development to support members at all stages of their careers and promote a range of employment opportunities. To this end, the Professional Development and Education Committee of the society offers full day workshops and sessions at regional and annual meetings that support constituents throughout their careers. For example, a new GetHIRED! workshop the day before the 2019 annual society meeting was developed as an interactive job skills workshop for postdoctoral fellows to gain insights into the job application process. The committee also aims to advocate for innovative approaches to teaching and science literacy in both the classroom and through outreach activities. The activities offered by scientific societies can reach a broader audience than individual institutions, and have lasting impacts in the quality of their members' careers by augmenting professional development opportunities.


Subject(s)
Career Choice , Career Mobility , Societies, Scientific , Awards and Prizes , Financing, Organized , Humans , Mentors , Teaching
5.
Langmuir ; 36(2): 628-636, 2020 01 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31895565

ABSTRACT

One of the most commonly used bonds between two biomolecules is the bond between biotin and streptavidin (SA) or streptavidin homologues (SAHs). A high dissociation constant and the consequent high-temperature stability even allows for its use in nucleic acid detection under polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions. There are a number of SAHs available, and for assay design, it is of great interest to determine as to which SAH will perform the best under assay conditions. Although there are numerous single studies on the characterization of SAHs in solution or selected solid phases, there is no systematic study comparing different SAHs for biomolecule-binding, hybridization, and PCR assays on solid phases. We compared streptavidin, core streptavidin, traptavidin, core traptavidin, neutravidin, and monomeric streptavidin on the surface of microbeads (10-15 µm in diameter) and designed multiplex microbead-based experiments and analyzed simultaneously the binding of biotinylated oligonucleotides and the hybridization of oligonucleotides to complementary capture probes. We also bound comparably large DNA origamis to capture probes on the microbead surface. We used a real-time fluorescence microscopy imaging platform, with which it is possible to subject samples to a programmable time and temperature profile and to record binding processes on the microbead surface depending on the time and temperature. With the exception of core traptavidin and monomeric streptavidin, all other SA/SAHs were suitable for our investigations. We found hybridization efficiencies close to 100% for streptavidin, core streptavidin, traptavidin, and neutravidin. These could all be considered equally suitable for hybridization, PCR applications, and melting point analysis. The SA/SAH-biotin bond was temperature-sensitive when the oligonucleotide was mono-biotinylated, with traptavidin being the most stable followed by streptavidin and neutravidin. Mono-biotinylated oligonucleotides can be used in experiments with temperatures up to 70 °C. When oligonucleotides were bis-biotinylated, all SA/SAH-biotin bonds had similar temperature stability under PCR conditions, even if they comprised a streptavidin variant with slower biotin dissociation and increased mechanostability.

7.
Circulation ; 134(3): 233-47, 2016 Jul 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27407072

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Several mechanisms have been proposed to account for diabetes-induced microvasculopathy (DMV). Although Notch signaling was reported to be affected by glucose metabolism in endothelial cells during developmental angiogenesis, it has not been investigated in vascular remodeling of adult capillaries in relation to diabetes mellitus. METHODS: We induced diabetes mellitus in 8-week-old adult mice by intravenously administering streptozotocin. After 6 weeks, we harvested organs, including retina, heart, and skeletal muscle, and evaluated the capillaries with immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. We modulated endothelial Notch signaling using chemical inhibitors in wild-type mice or transgenic mice, inducing conditional knockout of Jagged1 or Mib1. RESULTS: DMV was characterized by capillary remodeling, regression, and decreased density. Notch ligand Jagged1, but not δ-like ligand 4, was markedly increased in endothelial cells of diabetic mice. Using endothelium-specific Jagged1 knockdown mice, we found that blocking Jagged1 prevented DMV even under diabetic conditions. Furthermore, in the inducible endothelium-specific Jagged1 knockdown mice, blocking Jagged1 even at 4 weeks after the establishment of DMV could reverse it, leading to normalization of retinal vasculature. A search for downstream signals revealed that diabetes mellitus decreased the nuclear localization of Notch1 intracellular domain and reduced the expression of VE-cadherin and N-cadherin in endothelial cells. Chemical Notch inhibition phenocopied DMV in normal mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that diabetes mellitus induces Jagged1 overexpression and suppresses Notch signaling in endothelial cells, leading to DMV in adult mice. We conclude that dysregulated intercellular Notch signaling may be a novel mechanism of DMV.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/pathology , Diabetic Retinopathy/metabolism , Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Jagged-1 Protein/physiology , Retinal Vessels/pathology , Animals , Apoptosis , Capillaries/pathology , Cells, Cultured , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism , Diabetic Retinopathy/prevention & control , Dibenzazepines/pharmacology , Endothelial Cells/pathology , Gene Expression Regulation , Humans , Jagged-1 Protein/biosynthesis , Jagged-1 Protein/deficiency , Male , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Mice, Transgenic , Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics , Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology , Receptor, TIE-2/genetics , Receptors, Notch/physiology , Signal Transduction , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/deficiency
8.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 110(42): 17041-6, 2013 Oct 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24085845

ABSTRACT

Breast Cancer Type 1 Susceptibility Protein (BRCA1)-deficient cells have compromised DNA repair and are sensitive to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Despite initial responses, the development of resistance limits clinical efficacy. Mutations in the BRCA C-terminal (BRCT) domain of BRCA1 frequently create protein products unable to fold that are subject to protease-mediated degradation. Here, we show HSP90-mediated stabilization of a BRCT domain mutant BRCA1 protein under PARP inhibitor selection pressure. The stabilized mutant BRCA1 protein interacted with PALB2-BRCA2-RAD51, was essential for RAD51 focus formation, and conferred PARP inhibitor as well as cisplatin resistance. Treatment of resistant cells with the HSP90 inhibitor 17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin reduced mutant BRCA1 protein levels and restored their sensitivity to PARP inhibition. Resistant cells also acquired a TP53BP1 mutation that facilitated DNA end resection in the absence of a BRCA1 protein capable of binding CtIP. Finally, concomitant increased mutant BRCA1 and decreased 53BP1 protein expression occur in clinical samples of BRCA1-mutated recurrent ovarian carcinomas that have developed resistance to platinum. These results provide evidence for a two-event mechanism by which BRCA1-mutant tumors acquire anticancer therapy resistance.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , BRCA1 Protein/metabolism , Cisplatin/pharmacology , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects , Mutation , Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors , BRCA1 Protein/genetics , BRCA2 Protein/genetics , BRCA2 Protein/metabolism , Benzoquinones/pharmacology , Cell Line, Tumor , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics , Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group N Protein , Female , HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics , HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism , Humans , Lactams, Macrocyclic/pharmacology , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Platinum/pharmacology , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases/genetics , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases/metabolism , Protein Structure, Tertiary , Rad51 Recombinase/genetics , Rad51 Recombinase/metabolism , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism
9.
Biochim Biophys Acta ; 1839(12): 1440-53, 2014 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24859459

ABSTRACT

Recent studies have discovered phenotypes induced by a transient treatment or mutation that persist for multiple generations without mutations in DNA. Both invertebrates and vertebrates exhibit such inheritance, and a range of environmental factors can act as a trigger. Now referred to as transgenerational epigenetic inheritance or TEI, this emerging field faces a big challenge-what molecular mechanisms account for inheritance of TEI phenotypes? This review describes examples of TEI and focuses on the possible role of histone methylation and small RNAs in mediating TEI.


Subject(s)
Epigenesis, Genetic/physiology , Gene-Environment Interaction , Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/metabolism , Histones/metabolism , Inheritance Patterns , Animals , DNA Methylation , Genetic Fitness , Histone Methyltransferases , Humans , Inheritance Patterns/genetics , Signal Transduction/genetics
10.
Mol Ther ; 22(8): 1518-1529, 2014 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24736277

ABSTRACT

Emerging studies suggested that murine podoplanin-positive monocytes (PPMs) are involved in lymphangiogenesis. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the therapeutic lymphangiogenesis of human PPMs by the interaction with platelets. Aggregation culture of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) resulted in cellular aggregates termed hematospheres. During 5-day culture, PPMs expanded exponentially and expressed several lymphatic endothelial cell-specific markers including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-3 and well-established lymphangiogenic transcription factors. Next, we investigated the potential interaction of PPMs with platelets that had C-type lectin-like receptor-2 (CLEC-2), a receptor of podoplanin. In vitro coculture of PPMs and platelets stimulated PPMs to strongly express lymphatic endothelial markers and upregulate lymphangiogenic cytokines. Recombinant human CLEC-2 also stimulated PPMs through Akt and Erk signaling. Likewise, platelets in coculture with PPMs augmented secretion of a lymphangiogenic cytokine, interleukin (IL)-1-ß, via podoplanin/CLEC-2 axis. The supernatant obtained from coculture was able to enhance the migration, viability, and proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cell. Local injection of hematospheres with platelets significantly increased lymphatic neovascularization and facilitated wound healing in the full-thickness skin wounds of nude mice. Cotreatment with PPMs and platelets augments lymphangiogenesis through podoplanin/CLEC-2 axis, which thus would be a promising novel strategy of cell therapy to treat human lymphatic vessel disease.


Subject(s)
Blood Platelets/metabolism , Coculture Techniques/methods , Lectins, C-Type/metabolism , Lymphangiogenesis , Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism , Monocytes/metabolism , Animals , Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy , Cells, Cultured , Disease Models, Animal , Humans , Mice , Mice, Nude , Signal Transduction , Skin/injuries , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3/metabolism
11.
J Mol Cell Cardiol ; 69: 52-66, 2014 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24361239

ABSTRACT

Angiogenesis is a multistep process which is orchestrated by intercellular signaling. We developed an in vitro model of human angiogenesis to identify a pathologic angiogenesis and intercellular signaling in high glucose condition. We co-cultivated human endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in a spheroid on an SMC monolayer for 7 days either in high glucose or in control condition. We analyzed vascular growth and expression of notch or its ligands with confocal microscopy. Abnormal angiogenesis by high glucose condition was characterized by (1) increased sprouting and branching (high glucose vs. normal: number of sprouts 20.3±1.5 vs. 13.7±2.9, p=0.024; number of branching points 7.6±2.5 vs. 2.3±2.1, p=0.047), (2) decreased vascular diameter (diameter of the tubes 13.4±6. 1µm vs. 19.1±8.8 µm, p=0.012) and (3) destabilization of the tubes. We identified that high glucose induced jagged 1 and suppressed notch1 in ECs whereas it did not affect Dll4. Constitutive jagged 1 overexpression or inhibition of notch1 in ECs induced abnormal angiogenesis as the high glucose condition did. Endothelial-specific shRNA targeting jagged 1 rescued the aberrant angiogenesis in high glucose condition. High glucose condition induced an abnormal endothelial intercellular signaling leading to aberrant angiogenesis. It is a novel mechanism of diabetic microvasculopathy which can be a therapeutic target beyond glucose control.


Subject(s)
Calcium-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Diabetic Angiopathies/metabolism , Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism , Glucose/pharmacology , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism , Neovascularization, Physiologic , Receptors, Notch/metabolism , Blotting, Western , Calcium-Binding Proteins/genetics , Cells, Cultured , Coculture Techniques , Diabetic Angiopathies/genetics , Diabetic Angiopathies/pathology , Endothelium, Vascular/cytology , Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Humans , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics , Jagged-1 Protein , Membrane Proteins/genetics , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Receptors, Notch/genetics , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Serrate-Jagged Proteins , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Spheroids, Cellular/metabolism , Spheroids, Cellular/pathology , Sweetening Agents/pharmacology
12.
Bioorg Med Chem ; 22(16): 4395-8, 2014 Aug 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24957880

ABSTRACT

Sensing technologies based on Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) and oligonucleotide-templated chemistry are perfectly suited for biomedical applications (e.g., diagnosis, prognosis and stratification of diseases) and could compete well with more traditional amplification technologies using expensive dual-labelled oligonucleotide probes. PNAs can be easily synthesised and functionalised, are more stable and are more responsive to point-mutations than their DNA counterpart. For these reasons, fluorogenic PNAs represent an interesting alternative to DNA-based molecular beacons for sensing applications in a cell-free environment, where cellular uptake is not required.


Subject(s)
Biomedical Technology , DNA Probes , Oligonucleotides/chemistry , Peptide Nucleic Acids/chemistry , DNA Probes/chemistry , Fluorescence
13.
Eur Heart J ; 34(23): 1755-65, 2013 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21920965

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The roles of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-δ in vascular biology are mainly unknown. We investigated the effects of PPAR-δ activation on the paracrine networks between endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial cells (ECs)/skeletal muscle. METHODS AND RESULTS: Treatment of EPCs with GW501516, a PPAR-δ agonist, induced specifically matrix metallo-proteinase (MMP)-9 by direct transcriptional activation. Subsequently, this increased-MMP-9 broke down insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-3, resulting in IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) activation in surrounding target cells. Treatment of conditioned medium from GW501516-stimulated EPCs enhanced the number and functions of human umbilical vein ECs and C2C12 myoblasts via MMP-9-mediated IGF-1R activation. Systemic administration of GW501516 in mice increased MMP-9 expression in EPCs, and augmented IGFBP-3 degradation in serum. In a mouse hindlimb ischaemia model, systemic treatment of GW501516 or local transplantation of GW501516-treated EPCs induced IGF-1R phosphorylation in ECs and skeletal muscle in the ischaemic limbs, leading to augmented angiogenesis and skeletal muscle regeneration. It also enhanced wound healing with increased angiogenesis in a mouse skin punch wound model. These pro-angiogenic and muscle-regenerating effects were abolished by MMP-9 knock-out. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that PPAR-δ is a crucial modulator of angio-myogenesis via the paracrine effects of EPCs, and its agonist is a good candidate as a therapeutic drug for patients with peripheral vascular diseases.


Subject(s)
Endothelial Cells/cytology , Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/biosynthesis , PPAR delta/physiology , Stem Cells/cytology , Analysis of Variance , Animals , Cell Proliferation , Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Heterografts , Hindlimb/blood supply , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells , Humans , Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3/metabolism , Ischemia/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Mice, Nude , Monocytes/cytology , Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/cytology , Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/metabolism , Muscle, Skeletal/cytology , Neovascularization, Physiologic/physiology , PPAR delta/agonists , Phosphorylation , Receptor, IGF Type 1/metabolism , Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control , Stem Cell Transplantation , Stem Cells/metabolism , Thiazoles/pharmacology
14.
J Phys Ther Sci ; 26(2): 179-82, 2014 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24648626

ABSTRACT

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of an ankle-foot orthosis worn during balance training on lower limb muscle activity and static balance of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects] The subjects were twenty-five inpatients receiving physical therapy for chronic stroke. [Methods] The chronic stroke patients were divided into two groups: thirteen patients were assigned to the ankle-foot orthosis group, while the remaining twelve patients wore only their shoes. Each group performed balance training for 20 minutes, twice per day, 5 days per week, for 6 weeks. The lower limb muscle activities of the paralyzed side tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, and the stability index were measured before and after the 6-week intervention. [Results] Comparison of the groups indicated a significant difference in the muscle activity of the paralyzed side tibialis anterior and the stability index of the eyes-open standing position. After the intervention, the ankle-foot orthosis group evidenced a significant difference in the muscle activities of the paralyzed side tibialis anterior and paralyzed side medial gastrocnemius as well as the stability index of the eyes-open standing position, eyes-closed standing position, eyes-open standing position on a sponge, and eyes-closed standing position on a sponge. The group that only wore their shoes showed significant differences in the stability indexes of eyes-open standing and eyes-open standing on a sponge. [Conclusion] Using the ankle-foot orthosis was effective during the initial training of lower limb muscle activities and the static balance training of chronic stroke patients. However, it was not effective for a variety of dynamic situations.

15.
J Phys Ther Sci ; 26(3): 377-80, 2014 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24707087

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine pillow designs suitable for supine and side-lying positions. [Subjects] Twenty female and twenty male subjects with a mean age of 22.7 years (SD = 1.3) participated in the study. [Methods] First, a three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to analyze the movements of the head and the shoulder joints during changes from supine positions to side-lying positions. Second, the height from the face to the shoulder and the height from the floor to the middle of the neck in a side-lying position were measured. Third, the weight distribution ratios of the head and the trunk were compared using general pillows (polyester sponge), memory foam, and prototype pillows. [Results] During position changes from supine positions to side-lying positions, the head moved in a fan shape, and the shoulder joint moved an average of 4.4 cm upward. The height from the face to the shoulder was 9 cm on average. The height from the floor to the middle of the neck was 11 cm on average. The weight distribution ratios between the head and the trunk were compared among general pillows (polyester sponge), memory foam, and prototype pillows. The results showed significant differences in the side-lying position. [Conclusion] Pillows with uniform heights are not suitable for a supine or side-lying position. In the case of both positions, users should be allowed to select pillows in shapes that can support the neck.

16.
Medicine (Baltimore) ; 103(21): e38208, 2024 May 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38788042

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) occurs more often in women than that in men due to various complex causes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Yukwool-tang (YWT) for MDD in women. METHODS: A total of 72 patients diagnosed with MDD and Korean version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (K-HDRS) ≥ 14 points were randomly assigned to the YWT or placebo group, and 1 bottle (30 mg) of No-S solution and placebo was administered to the YWT and placebo groups, respectively, orally thrice a day for 8 weeks. The evaluation was conducted through K-HDRS, Korean version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-K), Korean version of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (K-BHS), Korean version of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI-K), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-K), EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D), and Pattern Identifications Tool for Depression (PITD). Fifty patients completed the trial. RESULTS: In the YWT group, the K-HDRS, BDI-K, K-BHS, ISI-K, STAI-K, and EQ-5D scores changed significantly at the 8th week, but there were no significant differences with the placebo. In subgroup analysis, the K-BHS score with an initial K-HDRS score < 18 points was significantly decreased compared to placebo at the 12th week (P < .05). In the YWT group, the ratio of Stagnation of Liver Gi () was the highest, but Dual Deficiency of the Heart and Spleen () became the highest after administration, which was also the highest in the placebo group both before and after administration. CONCLUSION: YWT improved depression and accompanying symptoms in women with MDD, although it was not significant compared to placebo, and it might be effective in improving the degree of hopelessness. The effect of YWT will become relatively clear through further research that can overcome certain limitations.


Subject(s)
Depressive Disorder, Major , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Humans , Female , Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy , Double-Blind Method , Adult , Middle Aged , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome , Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use , Antidepressive Agents/administration & dosage , Antidepressive Agents/adverse effects , Republic of Korea
17.
J Pharmacopuncture ; 27(1): 27-37, 2024 Mar 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38560335

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent mental health condition, and techniques using sensory stimulation in processing traumatic memories have gained attention. The Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a psychotherapy that combines tapping on acupoints with exposure to cognitive reframing. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of EFT as a treatment for PTSD by answering the following research questions 1) What is the compliance and completion rate of patients with PTSD with regard to EFT protocol? Is the dropout rate reasonable? 2) Is the effect size of EFT protocol for PTSD sufficient to justify a future trial? Methods: Thirty participants diagnosed with PTSD were recruited. They received weekly EFT sessions for five weeks, in which they repeated a statement acknowledging the problem and accepting themselves while tapping the SI3 acupoint on the side of their hand. PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) before and after the intervention. Results: Of the 30 PTSD patients (mean age 34.1 ± 9.1, 80% female), 96.7% showed over 80% compliance to the EFT sessions, and 86.7% completed the entire study process. The mean PCL-5 total score decreased significantly after the intervention, with a large effect size (change from baseline -14.33 [95% CI -19.79, -8.86], p < 0.0001, d = 1.06). Conclusion: The study suggests that EFT is a feasible treatment for PTSD, with high session compliance and low dropout rates. The effect size observed in this study supports the need for a larger trial in the future to further investigate EFT as a treatment for PTSD. However, the lack of a control group and the use of a self-rated questionnaire for PTSD symptoms are limitations of this study. The findings of this pilot study can be used to plan a future trial.

18.
J Nanosci Nanotechnol ; 13(11): 7454-8, 2013 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24245273

ABSTRACT

Silver nanowires have unique electrical, thermal and optical properties, which support their potential application in numerous fields including catalysis, electronics, optoelectronics, sensing, and surface-enhanced spectroscopy. Especially, their application such as catalysts for alkaline fuel cells (AFCs) have attracted much interest because of their superior electrical conductivity over that of any metal and their lower cost compared to Pt. In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-incorporated bacterial cellulose (BC) membrane electrode with silver nanowire catalyst was prepared. First, acid-treated MWCNTs were incorporated into BC membranes and then freeze-dried after solvent exchange to tert-butanol in order to maintain the 3D-network macroporous structure. Second, silver nanowires synthesized by polyol process were introduced onto the surface of the MWCNTs-incorporated BC membrane through easy vacuum filtration. Finally, thermal treatment was carried out to confirm the effect of the PVP on the silver nanowire catalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction. The electrode with thermally treated silver nanowire had great electrocatalytic activity compared with non-treated one. These results suggest that the MWCNTs-incorporated BC electrode with silver nanowire catalysts after thermal treatment could be potentially used in cathodes of AFCs.


Subject(s)
Cellulose/chemistry , Electrodes , Gluconobacter/metabolism , Membranes, Artificial , Nanotubes, Carbon/chemistry , Nanowires/chemistry , Oxygen/chemistry , Catalysis , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure Analysis , Nanotubes, Carbon/ultrastructure , Nanowires/ultrastructure , Oxidation-Reduction , Particle Size , Silver/chemistry
19.
J Nanosci Nanotechnol ; 13(12): 7950-4, 2013 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24266170

ABSTRACT

Graphenes have been considered suitable candidate materials for electrodes of energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of their outstanding mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. However, there are problems when using these carbon materials for electrodes because of their low electrochemical performance. In this work, to improve the electrochemical performances of graphenes, free-standing nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxides (FNRGOs) were prepared as an anode for LIBs using a facile vacuum filtration method and thermal annealing at different temperatures. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to characterize the prepared samples, and then their electrochemical performance was investigated by galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) tests. GCD tests revealed that FNRGO prepared from thermal annealing at 500 degrees C exhibited good initial reversible capacity (502 mA h/g at 50 mA/g (0.14 C)) and enhanced cycle stability (capacity retention of 90.5% after 50th cycles at 100 mA/g (0.27 C), which demonstrated that FNRGOs were suitable candidates as anodes for LIBs.

20.
Sci Total Environ ; 857(Pt 2): 159446, 2023 Jan 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36252667

ABSTRACT

Two-dimensional (2D) iron oxide-hydroxide (FeOOH) nanomaterials as low-cost and environmental-friendly composites are promising materials for application in heavy metal elimination. However, developing 2D FeOOH adsorbents with high adsorption capacity and excellent durability toward Cr (VI) removal is still a challenge due to the intrinsically non-layered structure. Here, a novel polyethyleneimine (PEI) functionalized 2D single-layer nano-raft-like α-FeOOH (α-FeOOH NF) consisted of parallel-aligned ultrathin nanowires was obtained via a facile one-pot hydrothermal approach. It was found that the 2D α-FeOOH NF nanostructure was formed by an in-plane iterative self-assembly mechanism, where α-FeOOH nanoparticles acted as intermediates and iterative seeds with anisotropic growth. The as-prepared 2D α-FeOOH NF possessed porous structure and high surface area, which provided a strong ability to capture the Cr (VI) ions in water. Benefiting from the unique structure and PEI modification, it exhibited fast adsorption kinetic rate, high reusability, and high adsorption capacity toward Cr(VI) removal. The removal mechanism involved adsorption and reduction process. Besides, the molecular dynamic simulations disclosed a facet-dependent Cr(VI) adsorption behavior of α-FeOOH. The maximum adsorption capacity was 67.1 mg/g and the removal efficiency still maintained 83.9 % in the fifth cycle. This work demonstrated that 2D α-FeOOH NF could be a promising adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal.


Subject(s)
Nanowires , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Adsorption , Polyethyleneimine/chemistry , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Chromium/analysis , Kinetics
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