Comparative Phylogenetic Analysis of Ancient Korean Tea "Hadong Cheon-Nyeon Cha (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis)" Using Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences.

Wild teas are valuable genetic resources for studying evolution and breeding. Here, we report the complete chloroplast genome of the ancient Korean tea 'Hadong Cheon-nyeon Cha' (C. sinensis var. sinensis), which is known as the oldest tea tree in Korea. This study determined seven Camellia sinensis var. sinenesis, including Hadong Cheon-nyeon Cha (HCNC) chloroplast genome sequences, using Illumina sequencing technology via de novo assembly. The chloroplast genome sizes ranged from 157,019 to 157,114 bp and were organized into quadripartite regions with the typical chloroplast genomes. Further, differences in SNPs and InDels were detected across the seven chloroplast genomes through variance analysis. Principal component and phylogenetic analysis suggested that regional constraints, rather than functional constraints, strongly affected the sequence evolution of the cp genomes in this study. These genomic resources provide evolutionary insight into Korean tea plant cultivars and lay the foundation for a better understanding of the ancient Korean tea plant HCNC.

On-Demand Tunable Electrical Conductance Anisotropy in a MOF-Polymer Composite.

Property optimization through orientation control of metal-organic framework (MOF) crystals that exhibit anisotropic crystal structures continues to garner tremendous interest. Herein, an electric field is utilized to post-synthetically control the orientation of conductive layered Cu3(HHTP)2 (HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene) crystals dispersed in an electronically insulating poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) oligomer matrix. Optical and electrical measurements are performed to investigate the impact of the electric field on the alignment of Cu3(HHTP)2 crystals and the formation of aggregated microstructures, which leads to an ≈5000-fold increase in the conductivity of the composite. Notably, the composite thin-films containing aligned Cu3(HHTP)2 crystals exhibit significant conductivity of ≈10-3 S cm-1 despite the low concentration (≈1 wt.%) of conductive Cu3(HHTP)2. The use of an electric field to align Cu3(HHTP)2 crystals can rapidly generate various desired patterns that exhibit on-demand tunable collective charge transport anisotropy. The findings provide valuable insights toward the manipulation and utilization of conductive MOFs with anisotropic crystal structures for various applications such as adhesive electrical interconnects and microelectronics.

Scalable manufacturing of high-index atomic layer-polymer hybrid metasurfaces for metaphotonics in the visible.

Metalenses are attractive alternatives to conventional bulky refractive lenses owing to their superior light-modulating performance and sub-micrometre-scale thicknesses; however, limitations in existing fabrication techniques, including high cost, low throughput and small patterning area, have hindered their mass production. Here we demonstrate low-cost and high-throughput mass production of large-aperture visible metalenses using deep-ultraviolet argon fluoride immersion lithography and wafer-scale nanoimprint lithography. Once a 12″ master stamp is imprinted, hundreds of centimetre-scale metalenses can be fabricated using a thinly coated high-index film to enhance light confinement, resulting in a substantial increase in conversion efficiency. As a proof of concept, an ultrathin virtual reality device created with the printed metalens demonstrates its potential towards the scalable manufacturing of metaphotonic devices.

Distinct Recurrence Pattern and Survival Outcomes of Invasive Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Lung: The Potential Role of Local Therapy in Intrapulmonary Spread.

BACKGROUND: Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) is distinct from non-mucinous adenocarcinoma, but studies on recurrent IMA are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the recurrence patterns of IMA and the role of pulmonary local therapy (LT) in resectable pulmonary recurrence of IMA. METHODS: The study reviewed 403 patients with surgically resected IMA between 1998 and 2018. The recurrence patterns were categorized as solitary pulmonary recurrence (SPR), multiple pulmonary recurrence (MPR), and extra-pulmonary recurrence (EPR). The clinicopathologic characteristics, overall survival (OS), and post-recurrence survival (PRS) were analyzed according to the recurrence pattern and LT administration. RESULTS: Recurrences were found in 91 (22.6%) patients, including 18 patients with SPR, 37 patients with MPR, and 36 patients with EPR. Compared with the MPR and EPR groups, the SPR group had a longer disease-free interval (32.5 vs. 9.6 vs. 10.1 months, respectively; p < 0.01) and a better OS (5-year OS: 88.5%, 41.5%, and 22.9%, respectively; p < 0.01). In case of resectable pulmonary recurrence, pulmonary LT was administered to 15 patients with SPR and 3 patients with MPR. These patients showed a better 5-year PRS than the other patients with pulmonary recurrence (86.3% vs. 30.4%; p < 0.01). Notably, long-term survival was observed for one patient with MPR undergoing LT and two patients with SPR undergoing a second LT for a second pulmonary recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, the patients with recurrent IMA showed different prognoses according to the recurrence pattern. The patients with pulmonary recurrence of IMA undergoing LT showed a favorable prognosis, suggesting the potential role of LT for resectable pulmonary recurrence of IMA.

Computed tomography characteristics of cN0 primary non-small cell lung cancer predict occult lymph node metastasis.

RATIONALE: Occult lymph node metastasis (OLNM) is frequently found in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), despite using diagnostic methods recommended by guidelines. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risk of OLNM in NSCLC patients using the radiologic characteristics of the primary tumor on computed tomography (CT). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinicopathologic features of 2042 clinical T1-4N0 NSCLC patients undergoing curative intent pulmonary resection. Unique radiological features (i.e., air-bronchogram throughout the whole tumor, heterogeneous ground-glass opacity (GGO), mainly cystic appearance, endobronchial location), percentage of solid portion, and shape of tumor margin were analyzed via a stepwise approach. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship between OLNM and tumor characteristics. RESULTS: Compared with the other unique features, endobronchial tumors were associated with the highest risk of OLNM (OR = 3.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.29-6.62), and heterogeneous GGO and mainly cystic tumors were associated with a low risk of OLNM. For tumors without unique features, the percentage of the solid portion was measured, and solid tumors were associated with OLNM (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.86-3.35). Among part-solid tumors with solid proportion > 50%, spiculated margin, and peri-tumoral GGO were associated with OLNM. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of OLNM could be assessed using radiologic characteristics on CT. This could allow us to adequately select optimal candidates for invasive nodal staging procedures (INSPs) and complete systematic lymph node dissection. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: These data may be helpful for clinicians to select appropriate candidates for INSPs and complete surgical systematic lymph node dissection in NSCLC patients. KEY POINTS: Lymph node metastasis status plays a key role in both prognostication and treatment planning. Solid tumors, particularly endobronchial tumors, were associated with occult lymph node metastasis (OLNM). The risk of OLNM can be assessed using radiologic characteristics acquired from CT images.

Sublimation of isolated toric focal conic domains on micro-patterned surfaces.

Toric focal conic domains (TFCDs) in smectic liquid crystals exhibit distinct topological characteristics, featuring torus-shaped molecular alignment patterns with rotational symmetry around a central core. TFCDs have attracted much interest due to their unique topological structures and properties, enabling not only fundamental studies but also potential applications in liquid crystal (LC)-based devices. Here, we investigated the precise spatial control of the arrangement of TFCDs using micropatterns and sublimation of TFCDs to estimate the energy states of the torus-like structures. Through simulations, we observed that the arrangement of TFCDs strongly depends on the shape of the topographies of underlying substrates. To accurately estimate the energetic effects of non-zero eccentricity and evaluate their thermodynamic stability, we propose a geometric model. Our findings provide valuable insights into the behavior of smectic LCs, offering opportunities for developing novel LC-based devices with precise control over their topological properties.

Quadruple ultrasound, photoacoustic, optical coherence, and fluorescence fusion imaging with a transparent ultrasound transducer.

Ultrasound and optical imagers are used widely in a variety of biological and medical applications. In particular, multimodal implementations combining light and sound have been actively investigated to improve imaging quality. However, the integration of optical sensors with opaque ultrasound transducers suffers from low signal-to-noise ratios, high complexity, and bulky form factors, significantly limiting its applications. Here, we demonstrate a quadruple fusion imaging system using a spherically focused transparent ultrasound transducer that enables seamless integration of ultrasound imaging with photoacoustic imaging, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescence imaging. As a first application, we comprehensively monitored multiparametric responses to chemical and suture injuries in rats' eyes in vivo, such as corneal neovascularization, structural changes, cataracts, and inflammation. As a second application, we successfully performed multimodal imaging of tumors in vivo, visualizing melanomas without using labels and visualizing 4T1 mammary carcinomas using PEGylated gold nanorods. We strongly believe that the seamlessly integrated multimodal system can be used not only in ophthalmology and oncology but also in other healthcare applications with broad impact and interest.

Utilization of Physical Anisotropy in Metal-Organic Frameworks via Postsynthetic Alignment Control with Liquid Crystal.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent crystalline materials constructed from combinations of metal and organic units to often yield anisotropic porous structures and physical properties. Postsynthetic methods to align the MOF crystals in bulk remain scarce yet tremendously important to fully utilize their structure-driven intrinsic properties. Herein, we present an unprecedented composite of liquid crystals (LCs) and MOFs and demonstrate the use of nematic LCs to dynamically control the orientation of MOF crystals with exceptional order parameters (as high as 0.965). Unique patterns formed through a facile multidirectional alignment of MOF crystals exhibit polarized fluorescence with the fluorescence intensity of a pattern dependent on the angle of a polarizer, offering potential use in various optical applications such as an optical security label. Further, the alignment mechanism indicates that the method is applicable to numerous combinations of MOFs and LCs, which include UV polymerizable LC monomers used to fabricate free-standing composite films.

Map-Based Cloning and Characterization of a Major QTL Gene, FfR1, Which Confers Resistance to Rice Bakanae Disease.

Bakanae disease (BD), caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium fujikuroi, is a serious threat to rice production worldwide. Breeding elite rice varieties resistant to BD requires the identification of resistance genes. Previously, we discovered a resistant quantitative trait locus (QTL), qFfR1, in a Korean japonica rice variety, Nampyeong. In this study, we fine-mapped qFfR1 with a Junam*4/Nampyeong BC3F3 population and delimited its location to a 37.1 kb region on chromosome 1. Complementation experiments with seven candidate genes in this region revealed that OsI_02728 is the gene for qFfR1. This gene encodes a protein with a typical leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor-like protein structure. RNA-sequencing-based transcriptomic analysis revealed that FfR1 induces the transcription of defense genes, including lignin and terpenoid biosynthesis genes, pathogenesis-related genes, and thionin genes. These results may facilitate investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying BD resistance, including molecular patterns of Fusarium fujikuroi interacting with FfR1 and players working in signal transduction pathways downstream of FfR1, and the breeding of new BD-resistant varieties by providing a BD resistance gene with its precise selection marker. This will contribute to efficient control of BD, which is becoming more prevalent according to temperature rises due to climate change.

Tocilizumab as a Potential Adjunctive Therapy to Corticosteroids in Cryptococcal Post-infectious Inflammatory Response Syndrome (PIIRS): a Report of Two Cases.

PURPOSE: Non-HIV cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) in previously healthy individuals is often complicated by a post-infectious inflammatory response syndrome (c-PIIRS) characterized by neurologic deterioration after appropriate antifungal therapy with sterilization of CSF fungal cultures. c-PIIRS results from an excessive inflammatory response to fungal antigens released during fungal lysis, mediated by IFN-γ, IL-6, and activated T-helper cells, leading to immune-mediated host damage that responds to pulse-corticosteroid taper therapy (PCT). Typically, oral steroids may take up to a year to taper, and occasionally, patients will be refractory to steroid therapy or may demonstrate high-risk lesions such as those involving intracranial arteries. Also, patients can have problematic side effects from prolonged corticosteroids. Hence, appropriate adjunctive agents are needed to reduce corticosteroid doses in the treatment of c-PIIRS. Due to a possible role of IL-6 in pathogenesis, IL-6 receptor blockade by tocilizumab may be useful in the treatment of c-PIIRS. METHODS: Two previously healthy patients with non-HIV cPIIRS were seen at the NIH. Due to concerns for intracranial vascular rupture in an area of inflammation (Patient 1) and intractable symptoms on high-dose oral corticosteroids (Patient 2) with evidence of persistent CSF inflammation, patients were treated with 4-8 mg/kg tocilizumab every 2 weeks while maintained on a constant dose of prednisone. RESULTS: Two patients exhibited rapid immunological improvement following treatment with tocilizumab. Patient 1 remained vascularly stable, and Patient 2 had near resolution of headaches with improvement in mental status as evidenced by improved MOCA score. The two had improved CSF inflammatory parameters and no significant side effects. Both CSF cultures remained negative throughout treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Tocilizumab may be a safe adjunctive treatment for CM-related PIIRS suggesting further study.

Deformability-Based Microfluidic Microdroplet Screening to Obtain Agarolytic Bacterial Cells.

Environmental microorganisms possess enzymes that can digest macromolecules such as agarose into smaller molecules that can be utilized for growth. These enzymes could be valuable for the effective utilization of global resources. However, since most of the microorganisms on Earth remain uncultured, there is significant untapped enzymatic potential in nature. Therefore, it is necessary to develop innovative tools and strategies for exploring these enzymatic resources. To address this, we developed a method for screening microbial cells that secrete hydrogel-degrading enzymes using deformability-based microfluidic microdroplet sorting. In this method, microbial cells are encapsulated as single cells in water-in-oil (W/O) microdroplets with a hydrogel whose shape becomes deformable as the hydrogel is progressively degraded into smaller molecules. Screening is achieved using a microfluidic device that passively sorts the deformed W/O microdroplets. Using this method, we successfully sorted agarose-containing microdroplets, encapsulating single bacterial cells that hydrolyzed agarose. This method can be used to screen various hydrogel-degrading microbial cells.

Tomographic measurement of dielectric tensors at optical frequency.

The dielectric tensor is a physical descriptor of fundamental light-matter interactions, characterizing anisotropic materials with principal refractive indices and optic axes. Despite its importance in scientific and industrial applications ranging from material science to soft matter physics, the direct measurement of the three-dimensional dielectric tensor has been limited by the vectorial and inhomogeneous nature of light scattering from anisotropic materials. Here, we present a dielectric tensor tomographic approach to directly measure dielectric tensors of anisotropic structures including the spatial variations of principal refractive indices and directors. The anisotropic structure is illuminated with a polarized plane wave with various angles and polarization states. Then, the scattered fields are holographically measured and converted into vectorial diffracted field components. Finally, by inversely solving a vectorial wave equation, the three-dimensional dielectric tensor is reconstructed. Using this approach, we demonstrate quantitative tomographic measurements of various nematic liquid-crystal structures and their fast three-dimensional non-equilibrium dynamics.

Suppression of chloroplast triose phosphate isomerase evokes inorganic phosphate-limited photosynthesis in rice.

The availability of inorganic phosphate (Pi) for ATP synthesis is thought to limit photosynthesis at elevated [CO2] when Pi regeneration via sucrose or starch synthesis is limited. We report here another mechanism for the occurrence of Pi-limited photosynthesis caused by insufficient capacity of chloroplast triose phosphate isomerase (cpTPI). In cpTPI-antisense transgenic rice (Oryza sativa) plants with 55%-86% reductions in cpTPI content, CO2 sensitivity of the rate of CO2 assimilation (A) decreased and even reversed at elevated [CO2]. The pool sizes of the Calvin-Benson cycle metabolites from pentose phosphates to 3-phosphoglycerate increased at elevated [CO2], whereas those of ATP decreased. These phenomena are similar to the typical symptoms of Pi-limited photosynthesis, suggesting sufficient capacity of cpTPI is necessary to prevent the occurrence of Pi-limited photosynthesis and that cpTPI content moderately affects photosynthetic capacity at elevated [CO2]. As there tended to be slight variations in the amounts of total leaf-N depending on the genotypes, relationships between A and the amounts of cpTPI were examined after these parameters were expressed per unit amount of total leaf-N (A/N and cpTPI/N, respectively). A/N at elevated [CO2] decreased linearly as cpTPI/N decreased before A/N sharply decreased, owing to further decreases in cpTPI/N. Within this linear range, decreases in cpTPI/N by 80% led to decreases up to 27% in A/N at elevated [CO2]. Thus, cpTPI function is crucial for photosynthesis at elevated [CO2].

DGG-300273, a novel WNT/ß-catenin inhibitor, induces apoptotic cell death by activating ROS-BIM signaling in a Wnt-dependent manner in colon cancer cells.

Dysregulated Wnt signaling is associated with malignant oncogenic transformation, especially in colon cancer. Recently, numerous drugs have been developed based on tumorigenesis biomarkers, thus having high potential as drug targets. Likewise, WNT/ß-catenin pathway members are attractive therapeutic targets for colon cancer and are currently in various stages of development. However, although inhibitors of proteins regulating the WNT/ß-catenin signaling pathway have been extensively studied, they have yet to be clinically approved, and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) of their anticancer effects remain poorly understood. Herein, we show that a novel WNT/ß-catenin inhibitor, DGG-300273, inhibits colon cancer cell growth in a Wnt-dependent manner due to upregulation of the BCL2-family protein Bim and caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death. Additionally, DGG-300273-mediated cell death occurs by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), as shown by abrogation of apoptotic cell death and ROS production following pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. These results suggest that DGG-300273 represents a promising investigational drug for the treatment of Wnt-associated cancer, thus warranting further characterization and study.

Downregulation of the RNA-binding protein PUM2 facilitates MSC-driven bone regeneration and prevents OVX-induced bone loss.

BACKGROUND: Although mRNA dysregulation can induce changes in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) homeostasis, the mechanisms by which post-transcriptional regulation influences MSC differentiation potential remain understudied. PUMILIO2 (PUM2) represses translation by binding target mRNAs in a sequence-specific manner. METHODS: In vitro osteogenic differentiation assays were conducted using human bone marrow-derived MSCs. Alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red S staining were used to evaluate the osteogenic potential of MSCs. A rat xenograft model featuring a calvarial defect to examine effects of MSC-driven bone regeneration. RNA-immunoprecipitation (RNA-IP) assay was used to determine the interaction between PUM2 protein and Distal-Less Homeobox 5 (DLX5) mRNA. Ovariectomized (OVX) mice were employed to evaluate the effect of gene therapy for postmenopausal osteoporosis. RESULTS: Here, we elucidated the molecular mechanism of PUM2 in MSC osteogenesis and evaluated the applicability of PUM2 knockdown (KD) as a potential cell-based or gene therapy. PUM2 level was downregulated during MSC osteogenic differentiation, and PUM2 KD enhanced MSC osteogenic potential. Following PUM2 KD, MSCs were transplanted onto calvarial defects in 12-week-old rats; after 8 weeks, transplanted MSCs promoted bone regeneration. PUM2 KD upregulated the expression of DLX5 mRNA and protein and the reporter activity of its 3'-untranslated region. RNA-IP revealed direct binding of PUM2 to DLX5 mRNA. We then evaluated the potential of adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9)-siPum2 as a gene therapy for osteoporosis in OVX mice. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a novel role for PUM2 in MSC osteogenesis and highlight the potential of PUM2 KD-MSCs in bone regeneration. Additionally, we showed that AAV9-siPum2 is a potential gene therapy for osteoporosis.

Assessing the Association Between Endoscopic Tattooing and Lymph Node Yield in Rectal Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative endoscopic tattooing is an effective tool for intraoperative tumor localization in colon cancer. Endoscopic tattooing in rectal cancer may have unidentified benefits on lymph node yield, making it easier for pathologists to identify nodes during histopathologic assessment. There remains concern that tattoo ink may alter anatomical planes, increasing surgical difficulty. METHODS: Retrospective chart reviews from 2016 to 2021 of n = 170 patients presenting with rectal cancer were divided into two groups: with (n = 79) and without (n = 91) endoscopic tattoos. Demographics, operative details, tumor characteristics, prior chemoradiation, and pathologic details were collected. Primary outcome was total lymph node yield. Secondary outcomes were rates of adequate (> 12) nodes, margin status, and operative variables including operative time. RESULTS: No differences between pathologic stage, tumor height, high inferior mesenteric artery ligation, operative times, conversion rate, or surgical approach (open versus minimally invasive) were noted between groups. Receipt of neoadjuvant chemoradiation was less frequent in the endoscopic tattooing group (53.2% versus 76.9%, P ≤ 0.001). Total node number and rate of adequate lymph node yield were higher with endoscopic tattooing (20.5 ± 7.6 versus 16.8 ± 6.6 lymph nodes and 100.0% versus 83.5% adequate lymph node harvest, both P ≤ 0.001). Rates of positive circumferential and distal margins and complete total mesorectal excision were also similar. Regression analysis identified endoscopic tattooing (Incidence Risk Ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.31) and operative time more than 300 min (Incidence Risk Ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.77-0.99) had significant effects on lymph node harvest. Removal of patients with inadequate lymph node yield resulted in similar rates of total and positive lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic rectal tattooing is associated with increased lymph node yield (including after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy) without sacrificing oncologic or perioperative outcomes, although this effect is inconsistent when only considering patients with an adequate lymph node yield.

Persistent neurological symptoms and elevated intracranial pressures in a previously healthy host with cryptococcal meningitis.

Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis can occur in both previously healthy and immunocompromised hosts. Here, we describe a 55 year-old HIV-negative male with no known prior medical problems, who presented with three months of worsening headaches, confusion, and memory changes without fever. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated bilateral enlargement/enhancement of the choroid plexi, with hydrocephalus, temporal and occipital horn entrapments, as well as marked periventricular transependymal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) seepage. CSF analysis yielded a lymphocytic pleocytosis and cryptococcal antigen titer of 1:160 but sterile fungal cultures. Despite standard antifungal therapy and CSF drainage, the patient had worsening confusion and persistently elevated intracranial pressures. External ventricular drainage led to improved mental status but only with valve settings at negative values. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement could thus not be considered due to a requirement for drainage into the positive pressure venous system. Due to this persistent CSF inflammation and cerebral circulation obstruction, the patient required transfer to the National Institute of Health. He was treated for cryptococcal post-infectious inflammatory response syndrome with pulse-taper corticosteroid therapy, with resultant reductions in CSF pressures along with decreased protein and obstructive material, allowing successful shunt placement. After tapering of corticosteroids, the patient recovered without sequelae. This case highlights (1) the necessity to consider cryptococcal meningitis as a rare cause of neurological deterioration in the absence of fever even in apparently immunocompetent individuals and (2) the potential for obstructive phenomena from inflammatory sequelae and the prompt response to corticosteroid therapy.

Controlled Mesoscopic Growth of Polymeric Fibers Using Liquid Crystal Template.

Orientation-controlled polymeric fiber is one of the most exciting research topics to rationalize the multifunctionality for various applications. In order to realize this goal, the growth of polymeric fibers should be controlled using various techniques like extrusion, molding, drawing, and self-assembly. Among the various candidates to fabricate the orientation-controlled polymeric fibers, the template-assisted assembly guided by a liquid crystal (LC) matrix is the most promising because the template can be manipulated easily with various methods like surface anchoring, rubbing, geometric confinement, and electric field. This review introduces the recent progress toward the directed growth of polymeric fibers using the LC template. Three representative LC-templated polymerization techniques to fabricate fibers include chemical or physical polymerization from the monomers mixed in LC matrix, patterned fibers formed from LC-templated reactive mesogens, and orientation-controlled nanofibers by infiltrating vaporized monomers between LC molecules. The orientation-controlled polymeric fibers will be used in electro-optical switching tools, tunable hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces, and control of phosphorescence, which can open a way to design, fabricate, and modulate nano- to micron-scale fibers with various functions on demand.

Azo-Functionalized Thermoplastic Polyurethane for Light-Driven Shape Memory Materials.

Shape memory polymers have great potential in the fields of soft robotics, injectable medical devices, and as essential materials for advanced electronic devices. Herein, light-triggered shape-memory thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is reported using azido TPU grafted by the photoswitchable azo compound. The trans-cis transitions of the azobenzene on the side chain of the TPU induce the recoiling of the main chain, leading to shaping memory behavior. Under UV irradiation, cis-azo allows the oriented main chain to recoil to release residual stress and realize light-triggered shape memory behavior. The facile method proposed here for the preparation of azo-functionalized TPU can provide viable opportunities for soft robotics and smart TPU applications.

Anatomical and Biomechanical Characteristics of the Anterolateral Ligament: A Descriptive Korean Cadaveric Study Using a Triaxial Accelerometer.

Background and Objectives: The anterolateral ligament (ALL) could be the potential anatomical structure responsible for rotational instability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the ALL in Korean cadaveric knee joints. Materials and Methods: Twenty fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were dissected and tested. Femoral and tibial footprints of the ALL were recorded. Pivot shift and Lachman tests were measured with KiRA. Results: The prevalence of ALL was 100%. The average distance of the tibial footprint to the tip of the fibular head was 19.85 ± 3.41 mm; from the tibial footprint to Gerdy's tubercle (GT) was 18.3 ± 4.19 mm; from the femoral footprint to the lateral femoral epicondyle was 10.25 ± 2.97 mm. ALL's footprint distance was the longest at 30° of flexion (47.83 ± 8.05 mm, p < 0.01) in a knee with intact ALL-ACL and neutral rotation. During internal rotation, the footprint distance was the longest at 30° of flexion (50.05 ± 8.88 mm, p < 0.01). Internal rotation produced a significant increase at all three angles after ACL-ALL were transected (p = 0.022), where the footprint distance was the longest at 30° of flexion (52.05 ± 7.60 mm). No significant difference was observed in KiRA measurements between intact ALL-ACL and ALL-transected knees for pivot shift and Lachman tests. However, ACL-ALL-transected knees showed significant differences compared to the intact ALL-ACL and ALL-transected knees (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The ALL was identified as a distinct ligament structure with a 100% prevalence in this cadaveric study. The ALL plays a protective role in internal rotational stability. An isolated ALL transection did not significantly affect the ALL footprint distances or functional stability tests. Therefore, the ALL is thought to act as a secondary supportive stabilizer for rotational stability of the knee joint in conjunction with the ACL.