Urine Exosomal bkv-miR-B1-5p and BK Virus Nephropathy in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Urine exosomal bkv-miR-B1-5p is associated with BK virus (BKV) nephropathy (BKVN); however, its posttransplantation changes and predictability for BKVN have not been determined in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). METHODS: Urine exosomal bkv-miR-B1-5p and urine and plasma BKV DNA were measured at 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months posttransplant in 83 KTRs stratified into biopsy-proven or presumptive BKVN, BKV viruria, and no evidence of BKV reactivation. Joint model, multivariable Cox model and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used to investigate the association of each assay with the following events: a composite of biopsy-proven or presumptive BKVN, and biopsy-proven BKVN. RESULTS: Urine exosomal bkv-miR-B1-5p and urine and plasma BKV DNA showed similar posttransplant time-course changes. Joint models incorporating serial values demonstrated significant associations of all assays with the events, and Cox analyses using single time point values at 2 weeks posttransplant showed that only urine exosomal bkv-miR-B1-5p was significantly associated with the events, although it did not outperform urine BKV DNA in ROC analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Urine exosomal bkv-miR-B1-5p was associated with BKVN as were urine and plasma BKV DNA loads on serial follow-up, and might have potential as a predictive marker for BKVN during the early posttransplant period. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service (https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/), KCT0001010.

Postoperative inpatient exercise facilitates recovery after laparoscopic surgery in colorectal cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Early mobilization is an integral part of an enhanced recovery program after colorectal cancer surgery. The safety and efficacy of postoperative inpatient exercise are not well known. The primary objective was to determine the efficacy of a postoperative exercise program on postsurgical recovery of stage I-III colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: We randomly allocated participants to postoperative exercise or usual care (1:1 ratio). The postoperative exercise intervention consisted of 15 min of supervised exercise two times per day for the duration of their hospital stay. The primary outcome was the length of stay (LOS) at the tertiary care center. Secondary outcomes included patient-perceived readiness for hospital discharge, anthropometrics (e.g., muscle mass), and physical function (e.g., balance, strength). RESULTS: A total of 52 (83%) participants (mean [SD] age, 56.6 [8.9] years; 23 [44%] male) completed the trial. The median LOS was 6.0 days (interquartile range; IQR 5-7 days) in the exercise group and 6.5 days (IQR 6-7 days) in the usual-care group (P = 0.021). The exercise group met the targeted LOS 64% of the time, while 36% of the usual care group met the targeted LOS (colon cancer, 5 days; rectal cancer, 7 days). Participants in the exercise group felt greater readiness for discharge from the hospital than those in the usual care group (Adjusted group difference = 14.4; 95% CI, 6.2 to 22.6; P < 0.01). We observed a small but statistically significant increase in muscle mass in the exercise group compared to usual care (Adjusted group difference = 0.63 kg; 95% CI, 0.16 to 1.1; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Postsurgical inpatient exercise may promote faster recovery and discharge after curative-intent colorectal cancer surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP; URL http://apps.who.int/trialsearch ); Trial number: KCT0003920 .

Low-Molecular-Weight Fish Collagen Peptide (Valine-Glycine-Proline-Hydroxyproline-Glycine-Proline-Alanine-Glycine) Prevents Osteoarthritis Symptoms in Chondrocytes and Monoiodoacetate-Injected Rats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of low-molecular-weight fish collagen (valine-glycine-proline-hydroxyproline-glycine-proline-alanine-glycine; LMWCP) on H2O2- or LPS-treated primary chondrocytes and monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rat models. Our findings indicated that LMWCP treatment exhibited protective effects by preventing chondrocyte death and reducing matrix degradation in both H2O2-treated primary chondrocytes and cartilage tissue from MIA-induced osteoarthritis rats. This was achieved by increasing the levels of aggrecan, collagen type I, collagen type II, TIMP-1, and TIMP-3, while simultaneously decreasing catabolic factors such as phosphorylation of Smad, MMP-3, and MMP-13. Additionally, LMWCP treatment effectively suppressed the activation of inflammation and apoptosis pathways in both LPS-treated primary chondrocytes and cartilage tissue from MIA-induced osteoarthritis rats. These results suggest that LMWCP supplementation ameliorates the progression of osteoarthritis through its direct impact on inflammation and apoptosis in chondrocytes.

Secure tumor classification by shallow neural network using homomorphic encryption.

BACKGROUND: Disclosure of patients' genetic information in the process of applying machine learning techniques for tumor classification hinders the privacy of personal information. Homomorphic Encryption (HE), which supports operations between encrypted data, can be used as one of the tools to perform such computation without information leakage, but it brings great challenges for directly applying general machine learning algorithms due to the limitations of operations supported by HE. In particular, non-polynomial activation functions, including softmax functions, are difficult to implement with HE and require a suitable approximation method to minimize the loss of accuracy. In the secure genome analysis competition called iDASH 2020, it is presented as a competition task that a multi-label tumor classification method that predicts the class of samples based on genetic information using HE. METHODS: We develop a secure multi-label tumor classification method using HE to ensure privacy during all the computations of the model inference process. Our solution is based on a 1-layer neural network with the softmax activation function model and uses the approximate HE scheme. We present an approximation method that enables softmax activation in the model using HE and a technique for efficiently encoding data to reduce computational costs. In addition, we propose a HE-friendly data filtering method to reduce the size of large-scale genetic data. RESULTS: We aim to analyze the dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, which consists of 3,622 samples from 11 types of cancers, genetic features from 25,128 genes. Our preprocessing method reduces the number of genes to 4,096 or less and achieves a microAUC value of 0.9882 (85% accuracy) with a 1-layer shallow neural network. Using our model, we successfully compute the tumor classification inference steps on the encrypted test data in 3.75 minutes. As a result of exceptionally high microAUC values, our solution was awarded co-first place in iDASH 2020 Track 1: "Secure multi-label Tumor classification using Homomorphic Encryption". CONCLUSIONS: Our solution is the first result of implementing a neural network model with softmax activation using HE. Also, HE optimization methods presented in this work enable machine learning implementation using HE or other challenging HE applications.

Associations between Cell-Free Mitochondrial DNA and Inflammation, and Their Clinical Implications for Patients on Hemodialysis: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) has recently been in the spotlight as an endogenously produced danger molecule that can potentially elicit inflammation. However, its clinical and prognostic implications are uncertain in patients undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: We examined the association of baseline cf-mtDNA categorized as tertiles with health-related quality of life (HRQOL), inflammatory cytokines, and mortality in a multicenter prospective cohort of 334 patients on hemodialysis. To better understand cf-mtDNA-mediated inflammation, we measured cytokine production after in vitro stimulation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) with mtDNA. RESULTS: The higher cf-mtDNA tertile had a longer dialysis vintage, a greater comorbidity burden, and increased levels of inflammatory markers, including high-sensitivity-C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, CXCL16, and osteoprotegerin. In particular, mtDNA augmented inflammatory cytokine release from BMDMs by lipopolysaccharide, the levels of which are reported to be increased in hemodialysis patients. Although the patients with higher levels of cf-mtDNA generally had lower (poorer) scores for HRQOL, cf-mtDNA was not associated with all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients. CONCLUSION: cf-mtDNA was correlated with poor clinical status and modestly associated with impaired quality of life in patients on hemodialysis. In proinflammatory milieu in end-stage renal disease, these associations may be attributed to the boosting effects of cf-mtDNA on inflammation.

Development of a New Submaximal Walk Test to Predict Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Healthy Adults.

The aim of the study was to develop a simple submaximal walk test protocol and equation using heart rate (HR) response variables to predict maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). A total of 60 healthy adults were recruited to test the validity of 3 min walk tests (3MWT). VO2max and HR responses during the 3MWTs were measured. Multiple regression analysis was used to develop prediction equations. As a result, HR response variables including resting HR and HR during walking and recovery at two different cadences were significantly correlated with VO2max. The equations developed using multiple regression analyses were able to predict VO2max values (r = 0.75-0.84; r2 = 0.57-0.70; standard error of estimate (SEE) = 4.80-5.25 mL/kg/min). The equation that predicted VO2max the best was at the cadence of 120 steps per minute, which included sex; age; height; weight; body mass index; resting HR; HR at 1 min, 2 min and 3 min; HR recovery at 1 min and 2 min; and other HR variables calculated based on these measured HR variables (r = 0.84; r2 = 0.70; SEE = 4.80 mL/kg/min). In conclusion, the 3MWT developed in this study is a safe and practical submaximal exercise protocol for healthy adults to predict VO2max accurately, even compared to the well-established submaximal exercise protocols, and merits further investigation.

A new anthropometric index to predict percent body fat in young adults.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a new anthropometric index that can be employed to better predict percent body fat (PBF) among young adults and to compare with current anthropometric indices. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: All measurements were taken in a controlled laboratory setting in Seoul (South Korea), between 1 December 2015 and 30 June 2016. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-seven young adults (18-35 years) who underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were used for analysis. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to develop a body fat index (BFI) using simple demographic and anthropometric information. Correlations of DXA measured PBF (DXA_PBF) with previously developed anthropometric indices and the BFI were analysed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to compare the ability of anthropometric indices to identify obese individuals. RESULTS: BFI showed a strong correlation with DXA_PBF (r = 0·84), which was higher than the correlations of DXA_PBF with the traditional (waist circumference, r = 0·49; waist to height ratio, r = 0·68; BMI, r = 0·36) and alternate anthropometric indices (a body shape index, r = 0·47; body roundness index, r = 0·68; body adiposity index, r = 0·70). Moreover, the BFI showed higher accuracy at identifying obese individuals (area under the curve (AUC) = 0·91), compared with the other anthropometric indices (AUC = 0·71-0·86). CONCLUSIONS: The BFI can accurately predict DXA_PBF in young adults, using simple demographic and anthropometric information that are commonly available in research and clinical settings. However, larger representative studies are required to build on our findings.

Breath Acetone Measurement-Based Prediction of Exercise-Induced Energy and Substrate Expenditure.

The purpose of our study was to validate a newly developed breath acetone (BrAce) analyzer, and to explore if BrAce could predict aerobic exercise-related substrate use. Six healthy men ran on a treadmill at 70% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) for 1 h after two days of a low-carbohydrate diet. BrAce and blood ketone (acetoacetate (ACAC), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB)) levels were measured at baseline and at different time points of post-exercise. BrAce values were validated against blood ketones and respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Our results showed that BrAce was moderately correlated with BOHB (r = 0.68, p < 0.01), ACAC (r = 0.37, p < 0.01) and blood ketone (r = 0.60, p < 0.01), suggesting that BrAce reflect blood ketone levels, which increase when fat is oxidized. Furthermore, BrAce also negatively correlated with RER (r = 0.67, p < 0.01). In our multiple regression analyses, we found that when BMI and VO2max were added to the prediction model in addition to BrAce, R2 values increased up to 0.972 at rest and 0.917 at 1 h after exercise. In conclusion, BrAce level measurements of our BrAce analyzer reflect blood ketone levels and the device could potentially predict fat oxidation.

Single point insulin sensitivity estimator index for identifying metabolic syndrome in US adults: NHANES 2017-march 2020.

PURPOSE: Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE) index was recently introduced as a reliable indirect indicator of insulin resistance, applicable to large population-based research. Here, we aimed to 1) examine racial/ethnic differences in SPISE index among US adults, 2) compare predictive power of SPISE index for metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) by race/ethnicity, and 3) evaluate its predictive power for MetSyn against other well-known IR indices including Triglyceride/HDL-C, Triglyceride-glucose index, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and inverse fasting insulin. METHODS: A total of 2168 adults (814 white, 690 black, and 664 Hispanic) from NHANES 2017-March 2020 Pre-Pandemic Data was analyzed in this study. MetSyn was defined by the AHA/NHLBI criteria. SPISE index and insulin resistance indices were calculated by using physical and cardiometabolic parameters. RESULTS: SPISE index was lowest in Hispanic, followed by black and white, with no difference between white vs. black. The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics of SPISE index for predicting MetSyn was highest in white (88 %), followed by Hispanic (86 %) and black (82 %) (P < 0.05 vs. black), with optimal cutoffs of 5.03, 4.84, and 4.89, respectively. In the total cohort, the predictive power of the SPISE index for MetSyn was 85 %, higher than the other insulin resistance indices (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SPISE index outperforms various insulin resistance indices for predicting MetSyn in US adults, signifying its potential in large-scale observational studies. Race/ethnicity should be stratified when using the SPISE index as its predictive power and cutoffs for predicting MetSyn vary by race/ethnicity.

Rose Petal Extract Ameliorates Obesity in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

In Asia, Rosa spp. has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and edema. In this study, we investigated the effect of rose petal extract (RPE) on high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed with either an AIN-93G diet (normal control), a 60% HFD, or a HFD plus supplementation with RPE at 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight (HFD+R100, HFD+R200) for 14 weeks. The HFD increased the body weight gain, liver and fat weight, lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol), and the serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels of mice, while RPE supplementation significantly decreased these parameters compared with the HFD group. Furthermore, the HFD increased the protein expressions of adipogenesis- and lipogenesis-related factors and decreased the protein expression of lipolysis- and energy metabolism-related factors. Conversely, RPE supplementation significantly decreased the protein expression of adipogenesis- and lipogenesis-related factors and increased the protein expression of lipolysis- and energy metabolism-related factors compared to the HFD group. Taken together, the results provide preliminary evidence for the potential protective effects of the RPE against obesity.

Lactuca sativa L. Extract Enhances Sleep Duration Through Upregulation of Adenosine A1 Receptor and GABAA Receptors Subunits in Pentobarbital-Injected Mice.

We investigated the effects of Lactuca sativa L. extracts (Lactuc) on pentobarbital-induced sleep in mice to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its impact on sleep quality. Mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, positive control (diazepam 2 mg/kg b.w.), and three groups orally administered with Lactuc (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w.). After 2 weeks of oral administration and intraperitoneal injections, the mice were killed. We found that the Lactuc-administered groups had significantly reduced sleep latency and increased sleep duration compared with the control group. Furthermore, the oral administration of Lactuc induced a significant increase in mRNA expression and protein expression of adenosine A1 receptor in the brains compared with the expressions in the control group. In addition, the Lactuc-administered groups exhibited significantly higher levels of mRNA expressions of GABAA receptors subunits α2, ß2, γ1, and, γ2 in the brain tissue. Therefore, we suggest that Lactuc could be used to develop natural products that effectively improve sleep quality and duration.

Predicting Disparity between ASF-Managed Areas and Wild Boar Habitats: A Case of South Korea.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild boars. Since its first outbreak in South Korea in 2019, substantial efforts have been made to prevent ASF transmission by reducing the wild boar population and eliminating infected carcasses; however, the persistence of ASF transmission has posed challenges to these efforts. To improve ASF management strategies, the limitations of current management strategies must be identified by considering disparities between wild boar habitats and ASF-managed areas with environmental and anthropogenic characteristics of wild boars and their management strategies. Here, ensemble species distribution models were used to estimate wild boar habitats and potential ASF-managed areas, with elevation, distance to urban areas, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index as important variables. Binary maps of wild boar habitats and potential ASF-managed areas were generated using the maxSSS as the threshold criterion. Disparity areas of ASF management were identified by overlying regions evaluated as wild boar habitats with those not classified as ASF-managed areas. Dense forests near urban regions like Chungcheongbuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do were evaluated as disparity areas having high risk of ASF transmission. These findings hold significant potential for refining ASF management strategies and establishing proactive control measures.

The single point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) index as a predictor of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults.

PURPOSE: Recently, the single-point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) has been developed as a simple surrogate of insulin resistance based on BMI, triglycerides (TG), and HDL-C. However, no studies have focused on the predictive power of the SPISE index for identifying metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) in Korean adults. Here, this study aimed to estimate the predictive power of the SPISE index for determining MetSyn and to compare its predictive power with other insulin sensitivity/resistance indices in South Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 7837 participants from the 2019 and 2020 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were analyzed in the present study. MetSyn was defined by the AHA/NCEP criteria. In addition, HOMA-IR, inverse insulin, TG/HDL, TyG index (triglyceride-glucose index), and SPISE index were calculated based on the previous literature. RESULTS: Predictive power of the SPISE index for determining MetSyn (ROC-AUC [95 % CI] = 0.90 [0.90-0.91], sensitivity = 83.4 %, specificity = 82.2 %, cut-off point = 6.14, p < .001) was higher than that of HOMA-IR (ROC-AUC: 0.81), inverse insulin (ROC-AUC: 0.76), TG/HDL-C (ROC-AUC: 0.87), and TyG index (ROC-AUC: 0.88), the P value for ROC-AUC comparison < .001. CONCLUSION: SPISE index has demonstrated superior predictive value for diagnosing MetSyn regardless of sex and is strongly correlated with blood pressure compared with other surrogate indices of insulin resistance, attesting to its utility as a reliable indicator of insulin resistance and MetSyn in Korean adults.

Simulating Hunting Effects on the Wild Boar Population and African Swine Fever Expansion Using Agent-Based Modeling.

African swine fever (ASF) is a viral hemorrhagic fever fatal to animals of the Suidae family. It has spread from Africa to Europe and Asia, causing significant damage to wildlife and domesticated pig production. Since the first confirmed case in South Korea in September 2019, the number of infected wild boars has continued to increase, despite quarantine fences and hunting operations. Hence, new strategies are needed for the effective control of ASF. We developed an agent-based model (ABM) to estimate the ASF expansion area and the efficacy of infection control strategies. In addition, we simulated the agents' (wild boars) behavior and daily movement range based on their ecological and behavioral characteristics, by applying annual hunting scenarios from past three years (2019.09-2022.08). The results of the simulation based on the annual changes in the number of infected agents and the ASF expansion area showed that the higher the hunting intensity, the smaller the expansion area (24,987 km2 at 0% vs. 3533 km2 at 70%); a hunting intensity exceeding 70% minimally affected the expansion area. A complete removal of agents during the simulation period was shown to be possible. In conclusion, an annual hunting intensity of 70% should be maintained to effectively control ASF.

Long-term association of pericardial adipose tissue with incident diabetes and prediabetes: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study.

OBJECTIVES: We examined whether pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) is predictive of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes over time. METHODS: In total, 2,570 adults without prediabetes/diabetes from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study were followed up over 15 years. PAT volume was measured by computed tomography scans, and the new onset of prediabetes/diabetes was examined 5 years, 10 years, and 15 years after the PAT measurements. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to examine the association between the tertile of PAT and incident prediabetes/diabetes up to 15 years later. The predictive ability of PAT (vs. waist circumference [WC], body mass index [BMI], waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]) for prediabetes/diabetes was examined by comparing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: The highest tertile of PAT was associated with a 1.56 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 2.34) higher rate of diabetes than the lowest tertile; however, no association was found between the highest tertile of PAT and prediabetes in the fully adjusted models, including additional adjustment for BMI or WC. In the fully adjusted models, the AUCs of WC, BMI, WHtR, and PAT for predicting diabetes were not significantly different, whereas the AUC of WC for predicting prediabetes was higher than that of PAT. CONCLUSIONS: PAT may be a significant predictor of hyperglycemia, but this association might depend on the effect of BMI or WC. Additional work is warranted to examine whether novel adiposity indicators can suggest advanced and optimal information to supplement the established diagnosis for prediabetes/diabetes.

Gly-Pro-Val-Gly-Pro-Ser Peptide Fish Collagen Improves Skin Moisture and Wrinkles with Ameliorated the Oxidative Stress and Pro-inflammatory Factors in Skin Photoaging Mimic Models.

This study aimed to investigate whether low molecular fish collagen peptide (FC) from Oreochromis niloticus had protective effects on skin of photoaging mimic models. We observed that FC supplementation improved antioxidant enzymes activities and regulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines [e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6] by reducing the protein expressions of pro-inflammatory factors IκBα, p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 in ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiated in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, FC increased hyaluronic acid, sphingomyelin, and skin hydration by reg-ulating the mRNA expression of hyaluronic acid synthases 1∼3, serine palmitoyltransferase 1, delta 4-desaturase, sphingolipid 1, and protein expressions of ceramide synthase 4, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -2, and -9. In UV-B irradiated in vitro and in vivo, FC down-regulated the protein expression of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase, c-Fos, c-Jun, and MMP pathways and up-reg-ulated that of the transforming growth factor-ß receptor I, collagen type I, procollagen type I, and small mothers against decapentaplegic homolog pathways. Our results suggest that FC can be effective against UV-B induced skin photoaging by improving skin dryness and wrinkle formation through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Multi-Organ Relapse following COVID-19 in Myeloperoxidase-Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis: A Case Report.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a complex systemic autoimmune disease characterized by small vessel vasculitis. Typically, the relapse rate is lower in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) than in those with chronic kidney disease, prior to dialysis. Here, we report a rare case of multi-organ relapse in a patient with myeloperoxidase (MPO)-AAV who underwent hemodialysis following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A man in his 70s with type 2 diabetes and hypertension was undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for ESKD resulting from MPO-AAV glomerulonephritis. Following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, the patient was hospitalized for persistent nausea and vomiting. No significant findings were observed, including in endoscopy. However, the patient experienced severe symptoms that hindered oral intake and was refractory to pharmacological therapy. Additionally, despite receiving antibiotics and antituberculosis treatment, the patient experienced persistent unexplained pleural effusion. Moreover, the patient's level of consciousness rapidly deteriorated during hospitalization. Although C-reactive protein levels and MPO-ANCA titers were elevated, no evidence of infection was detected on brain imaging or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Therefore, we diagnosed this case as a relapse of AAV and promptly administered methylprednisolone pulse therapy and rituximab. Subsequently, all aforementioned symptoms in the patient improved, and the current ANCA levels remain negative. Thus, the relapse of AAV after COVID-19 is rare; however, it can present in several ways in patients undergoing dialysis. Therefore, clinicians should closely monitor ANCA titers and subtle symptoms, even in patients with dialysis-dependent AAV.

An 8-step approach for the systematic development of an evidence-based exercise program for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background: A tailored and reliable intervention program developed based on evidence is necessary for patients with serious health conditions. Objective: We describe the development of an exercise program for HSCT patients based on evidence from a systematic process. Methods: We developed the exercise program for HSCT patients using eight systematic steps: (1) a literature review, (2) understanding patient characteristics, (3) first expert group discussion, (4) development of the first draft of the exercise program, (5) a pre-test, (6) second expert group discussion, (7) a pilot randomized controlled trial (n=21), and (8) a focus group interview. Results: The developed exercise program was unsupervised and consisted of different exercises and intensities according to the patients' hospital room and health condition. Participants were provided with instructions for the exercise program, exercise videos via smartphone, and prior education sessions. In the pilot trial, the adherence to the exercise program was only 44.7%, however, some changes in physical functioning and body composition favored the exercise group despite the small sample size. Conclusion: Strategies to improve adherence to this exercise program and larger sample sizes are needed to adequately test if the developed exercise program may help patients improve physical and hematologic recovery after HSCT. This study may help researchers develop a safe and effective evidence-based exercise program for their intervention studies. Moreover, the developed program may benefit the physical and hematological recovery in patients undergoing HSCT in larger trials, if exercise adherence is improved. Clinical trial registration: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?seq=24233&search_page=L, identifier KCT 0008269.

The effect of a short-term ketogenic diet on exercise efficiency during graded exercise in healthy adults.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of short-term KD on exercise efficiency and hormonal response during and after the graded exercise testing. METHODS: Fourteen untrained healthy adults (8 males, 6 females, age 26.4 ± 3.1 [SD] years; BMI 24.8 ± 4.6 kg/m2; peak VO2max 54.0 ± 5.8 ml/kg FFM/min) completed 3-days of a mixed diet (MD) followed by another 3-days of KD after 3-days of washout period. Upon completion of each diet arm, participants underwent graded exercise testing with low- (LIE; 40% of VO2max), moderate- (MIE; 55%), and high-intensity exercise (HIE; 70%). Exercise efficiency was calculated as work done (kcal/min)/energy expenditure (kcal/min). RESULTS: Fat oxidation during the recovery period was higher in KD vs. MD. Despite identical workload during HIE, participants after having KD vs. MD showed higher energy expenditure and lower exercise efficiency (10.1 ± 0.7 vs. 12.5 ± 0.3%, p < .01). After KD, free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations were higher during MIE and recovery vs. resting, and beta-hydroxybutylate (BOHB) was lower at HIE vs. resting. Cortisol concentrations after KD was higher during recovery vs. resting, with no significant changes during graded exercise testing after MD. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that short-term KD is favorable to fat metabolism leading increased circulating FFA and BOHB during LIE to MIE. However, it is notable that KD may cause 1) exercise inefficiency manifested by increased energy expenditure and 2) elevated exercise stress during HIE and recovery. Trial registration: KCT0005172, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform.

Population Dynamics of American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) and Implications for Control.

Lithobates catesbeianus (American bullfrog), known to be one of the notorious invasive species, was introduced to South Korea and has proliferated in the Korean natural environment for the past 25 years. The ecological impact caused by the species is well known, and several management decisions have been implemented to cull its population. However, the effectiveness of past control decisions is largely unknown. We built a population dynamics model for L. catesbeianus in the Onseok reservoir, South Korea, using STELLA architect software. The population model was based on the demographics and ecological process of the species developing through several life stages, with respective parameters for survivorship and carrying capacity. Control scenarios with varying intensities were simulated to evaluate their effectiveness. The limitations of isolated control methods and the importance of integrated management are shown in our results. The population of the American bullfrog in the reservoir was reduced to a manageable level under intensive control of the tadpole stage, using three sets of double fyke nets and 80% direct removal of juvenile and adult stages. According to our results, integrated, intensive, and continuous control is essential for managing the invasive American bullfrog population. Finally, our modeling approach can assist in determining the control intensity to improve the efficiency of measures against L. catesbeianus.