High-efficiency thermo-optic control of a longitudinal radiation angle in a silicon-based optical phased array by leveraging the backside air trench structure.

We proposed a 2D 1 × 64 silicon optical phased array with a backside silicon-etched structure to achieve high tuning efficiency and a wide longitudinal steering range. At the radiator array, the n-i-n heater was implemented to steer the light in a longitudinal direction through the thermo-optic effect. The deep reactive ion etching process was utilized to generate the 600 µm depth air trench with a 1.8 cm2 area from the backside of the radiator array. We achieved almost 100% increment in terms of tuning efficiency, which is 1.56°/W for the proposed structure and 0.78°/W for the conventional structure.

Enhancing Prognostication and Treatment Response Evaluation in Primary CNS Lymphoma with 18F-FDG PET/CT.

BACKGROUND: The role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) in the prognostication and response evaluation of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) remains inadequately defined. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 268 consecutive newly diagnosed patients with PCNSL between 2006 and 2020. Of these patients, 105 and 110 patients were included to evaluate the prognostic value of baseline and post-treatment 18F-FDG-PET/CT scans, respectively. Tumor uptake was considered positive when it exceeded that of the contralateral brain upon visual assessment. Quantitative analysis of baseline 18F-FDG-PET/CT included measurement of the maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax), total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). RESULTS: The median age of the 268 patients was 62 years (range: 17-85), with 55% being male. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 24.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.9-29.1), and the median overall survival (OS) was 34.5 months (95% CI, 22.9-46.1). The average SUVmax was 15.3 ± 5.7 and the mean TMTV and TLG were 12.6 ± 13.9 cm3 and 135.0 ± 152.7 g, respectively. Patients with a baseline TMTV ≥17.0 cm3 had significantly shorter OS (12.5 vs. 74.0 months, p=0.011). Post-treatment metabolic response by 18F-FDG-PET/CT significantly predicted PFS (median: 10.5 vs. 46.0 months, p=0.001) and OS (median: 21.0 vs. 62.0 months, p=0.002), whereas anatomic response by contrast-enhanced MRI showed no statistically significant differences in PFS (p=0.130) or OS (p=0.540). CONCLUSION: Baseline TMTV and post-treatment metabolic response, as assessed by 18F-FDG-PET/CT, are significant prognostic factors in patients with PCNSL.

Effects of combined intense pulsed light and cyclosporine 0.05% eyedrops in ocular surface matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels in patients with moderate-to-severe MGD.

To investigate the changes in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels in patients with moderate-to-severe MGD after combined treatment with intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and cyclosporine 0.05%. Thirty-six patients concurrently treated with IPL and cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic drops were retrospectively enrolled. Tear break up time (TBUT), corneal and conjunctival staining scores, Schirmer test, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire responses were recorded. Meibum quality, consistency, and eyelid margin telangiectasia were evaluated. MMP-9 levels were examined by the positivity and signal intensity of red lines (scored 0-4). IPL was performed four times with a vascular filter at 2-week intervals, followed by a 1-month follow-up after treatment cessation. Immediately after each IPL treatment, gentle meibomian gland expression was performed in both the upper and lower eyelids using meibomian gland expressor forceps. TBUT (1.88 ± 1.02 s to 3.12 ± 1.08 s, p < 0.001), corneal and conjunctival staining (6.19 ± 2.11 to 3.12 ± 1.89, p < 0.001), Oxford staining grade (2.66 ± 0.89 to 1.35 ± 0.76, p < 0.001), and OSDI (52.97 ± 21.86 to 36.36 ± 22.45, p < 0.001) scores significantly improved after the combined treatment. Meibum quality, consistency and lid margin telangiectasia showed significant post-treatment improvement in both the upper and lower eyelids. MMP-9 positivity showed a significant decrease (97-69%, p = 0.026) with a reduction in signal intensity (2.72 ± 0.87 to 2.09 ± 0.95, p = 0.011). The combination of IPL therapy and 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops effectively treats moderate-to-severe MGD by reducing symptoms and signs of MGD and by decreasing ocular surface MMP-9-associated inflammation.

How obesity affects adipocyte turnover.

Cellular turnover is fundamental for tissue homeostasis and integrity. Adipocyte turnover, accounting for 4% of the total cellular mass turnover in humans, is essential for adipose tissue homeostasis during metabolic stress. In obesity, an altered adipose tissue microenvironment promotes adipocyte death. To clear dead adipocytes, macrophages are recruited and form a distinctive structure known as crown-like structure; subsequently, new adipocytes are generated from adipose stem and progenitor cells in the adipogenic niche to replace dead adipocytes. Accumulating evidence indicates that adipocyte death, clearance, and adipogenesis are sophisticatedly orchestrated during adipocyte turnover. In this Review, we summarize our current understandings of each step in adipocyte turnover, discussing its key players and regulatory mechanisms.

α-CsPbI3 Quantum Dots ReRAM with High Air Stability Working by Valance Change Filamentary Mechanism.

The current memory system is facing obstacles to improvement, and ReRAM is considered a powerful alternative. All-inorganic α-CsPbI3 perovskite-based ReRAM working by electrochemical mechanism is reported, but the electrochemically active electrode raised difficulty in long-term stable operation, and bulk α-CsPbI3 device can not show resistive switching behavior with an inert metal top electrode. Herein, by making the α-CsPbI3 into QDs and applying it to the device with inert Au as the top electrode, the devices working by valence change mechanism are successfully fabricated. The large surface-to-volume ratio made an abundant amount of iodine vacancies and facile migration of vacancies allowed the device to work by valence change mechanism. The devices show reliable electrical characteristics, 800 cycles endurance and retention for over 4 × 104 s, and air stability for 1 month. This work demonstrates that applying the QDs can improve the stability and enable a new type of working mechanism in ReRAM.

Immobilization and Catalytic Conversion of Polysulfide by In-Situ Generated Nickel in Hollow Carbon Fibers for High-Rate Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are considered promising energy-storage systems because of their high theoretical energy density, low cost, and eco-friendliness. However, problems such as the shuttle effect can result in the loss of active materials, poor cyclability, and rapid capacity degradation. The utilization of a structural configuration that enhances electrochemical performance via dual adsorption-catalysis strategies can overcome the limitations of Li-S batteries. In this study, an integrated interlayer structure, in which hollow carbon fibers (HCFs) were modified with in-situ-generated Ni nanoparticles, was prepared by scalable one-step carbonization. Highly hierarchically porous HCFs act as the carbon skeleton and provide a continuous three-dimensional conductive network that enhances ion/electron diffusion. Ni nanoparticles with superior anchoring and catalytic abilities can prevent the shuttle effect and increase the conversion rate, thereby promoting the electrochemical performance. This synergistic effect resulted in a high capacity retention of 582 mAh g-1 at 1 C after 100 cycles, providing an excellent rate capability of up to 3 C. The novel structure, wherein Ni nanoparticles are embedded in cotton-tissue-derived HCFs, provides a new avenue for enhancing electrochemical performance at high C rates. This results in a low-cost, sustainable, and high-performance hybrid material for the development of practical Li-S batteries.

Clinical and pathological significance of Orai1 channel expression in human diabetic nephropathy.

Background: Targeted therapies for diabetic nephropathy (DN) are lacking, partly due to their irreversible nature. The role of Orai1, a store-operated Ca2+ channel, in DN remains debated, with conflicting evidence on its effect on proteinuria in animal models. We aimed to elucidate the functional relevance of Orai1 expression for clinicopathological parameters in patients with DN. Methods: In this study, we included 93 patients diagnosed with DN between 2009 and 2019. Immunohistochemical staining for Orai1 was performed on paraffin-embedded kidney sections. The significance of Orai1 expression in human DN was assessed by examining its correlation with DN's pathological and clinical parameters using Pearson's correlation coefficient and univariate logistic regression. Results: Orai1 was significantly overexpressed in DN patients compared to control. A strong correlation was observed between increased Orai1 expression and higher Renal Pathology Society DN classification, enhanced interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores. Positive correlations with serum creatinine levels and prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and albuminuria category were noted but the estimated GFR was inversely related to Orai1 expression. Orai1's association with advanced CKD stages persisted even after adjusting for confounding variables in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Orai1 expression is closely associated with histological and clinical severities of DN, suggesting its potential as a predictive biomarker for disease progression and prognosis. These findings provide new perspectives on therapeutic interventions targeting Orai1 in DN.

Serum cortisol and neuroticism for post-traumatic stress disorder over 2 years in patients with physical injuries.

AIM: This study aimed to explore the relationships between serum cortisol levels, personality traits, and the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) over 2 years among individuals with physical injuries. METHODS: Participants were consecutively recruited from a trauma center and followed prospectively for 2 years. At baseline, serum cortisol levels were measured, and personality traits were categorized into five dimensions (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness), using the Big Five Inventory-10. The diagnosis of PTSD during follow-up (at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-injury) was determined using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5. Binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the interactions between cortisol levels, personality traits, and PTSD development. RESULTS: Among 923 patients analyzed, 112 (12.1%) were diagnosed with PTSD at some point during the study period, with prevalence rates decreasing from 8.8% at 3 months to 3.7% at 24 months post-injury. Direct associations between cortisol levels or personality traits and PTSD were not observed. However, a significant interaction between lower cortisol levels and higher Neuroticism in relation to PTSD risk was identified, especially during the early follow-up periods (3 to 6 months), but this association waned from the 12-month follow-up onward. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal Neuroticism-dependent associations between serum cortisol levels and PTSD development, exhibiting temporal variations. These results suggest that PTSD development may be influenced by a complex, time-sensitive interplay of biological and psychosocial factors, underscoring the importance of considering individual differences in stress reactivity and personality in PTSD research and treatment.

Compact Solid Electrolyte Interface Realization Employing Surface-Modified Fillers for Long-Lasting, High-Performance All-Solid-State Li-Metal Batteries.

The implementation of polymer-based Li-metal batteries is hindered by their low coulombic efficiency and poor cycling stability attributed to continuous electrolyte decomposition. Enhancement of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) stability is key to mitigating electrolyte decomposition. This study proposes surface-functionalized silica mesoball fillers to fabricate a composite polymer electrolyte (MSBM-CPE). As a result of surface modification, the polyethylene oxide matrix benefits from the uniform distribution of the filler, which provides a large surface area and Lewis acid sites. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the dissociation energy of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide in the filler is fourfold higher (-1.95 eV) than that of the filler-free electrolyte. Consequently, the MSMB-CPE diffusivity is 30 times higher than its filler-free counterpart. The MSMB-CPE of ionic conductivity of 1.16 × 10-2 S cm-1 @60 °C and a venerable Li-ion transference number of 0.81. The excellent compatibility of MSMB-CPE with the Li anode is demonstrated by its stable symmetric cell performance under high current density (200 µA cm-2 @60 °C) for over 5000 h. Approximately 85.60% retention capacity of the [Li/MSMB-CPE/LiFePO4] full cell after 700 cycles. Furthermore, compositional analysis reveals that the SEI layer in MSMB-CPE is smooth with fewer by-products at the electrolyte/Li interface.

Fully Automatic Quantitative Measurement of Equilibrium Radionuclide Angiocardiography Using a Convolutional Neural Network.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to generate deep learning-based regions of interest (ROIs) from equilibrium radionuclide angiography datasets for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measurement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Manually drawn ROIs (mROIs) on end-systolic and end-diastolic images were extracted from reports in a Picture Archiving and Communications System. To reduce observer variability, preprocessed ROIs (pROIs) were delineated using a 41% threshold of the maximal pixel counts of the extracted mROIs and were labeled as ground-truth. Background ROIs were automatically created using an algorithm to identify areas with minimum counts within specified probability areas around the end-systolic ROI. A 2-dimensional U-Net convolutional neural network architecture was trained to generate deep learning-based ROIs (dlROIs) from pROIs. The model's performance was evaluated using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Bland-Altman plots were used to assess bias and 95% limits of agreement. RESULTS: A total of 41,462 scans (19,309 patients) were included. Strong concordance was found between LVEF measurements from dlROIs and pROIs (CCC = 85.6%; 95% confidence interval, 85.4%-85.9%), and between LVEF measurements from dlROIs and mROIs (CCC = 86.1%; 95% confidence interval, 85.8%-86.3%). In the Bland-Altman analysis, the mean differences and 95% limits of agreement of the LVEF measurements were -0.6% and -6.6% to 5.3%, respectively, for dlROIs and pROIs, and -0.4% and -6.3% to 5.4% for dlROIs and mROIs, respectively. In 37,537 scans (91%), the absolute LVEF difference between dlROIs and mROIs was <5%. CONCLUSIONS: Our 2-dimensional U-Net convolutional neural network architecture showed excellent performance in generating LV ROIs from equilibrium radionuclide angiography scans. It may enhance the convenience and reproducibility of LVEF measurements.

Sargassum horneri extract fermented by Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SH803 mediates adipocyte metabolism in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by regulating oxidative damage and inflammation.

Sargassum horneri (S. horneri), a brown seaweed excessively proliferating along Asian coastlines, are damaging marine ecosystems. Thus, this study aimed to enhance nutritional value of S. horneri through lactic acid bacteria fermentation to increase S. horneri utilization as a functional food supplement, and consequently resolve coastal S. horneri accumulation. S. horneri supplemented fermentation was most effective with Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SH803, thus this product (F-SHWE) was used for further in vitro studies. F-SHWE normalized expressions of oxidative stress related genes NF-κB, p53, BAX, cytochrome C, caspase 9, and caspase 3, while non-fermented S. horneri (SHWE) did not, in a H2O2-induced HT-29 cell model. Moreover, in an LPS-induced HT-29 cell model, F-SHWE repaired expressions of inflammation marker genes ZO1, IL1ß, IFNγ more effectively than SHWE. For further functional assessment, F-SHWE was also treated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. As a result, F-SHWE decreased lipid accumulation, along with gene expression of adipogenesis markers PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPß, aP2, and Lpl; lipogenesis markers Lep, Akt, SREBP1, Acc, Fas; inflammation markers IFN-γ and NF-κB. Notably, gene expression of C/EBPß, IFN-γ and NF-κB were suppressed only by F-SHWE, suggesting the enhancing effect of fermentation on obesity-related properties. Compositional analysis attributed the protective effects of F-SHWE to acetate, an organic acid significantly higher in F-SHWE than SHWE. Therefore, F-SHWE is a novel potential anti-obesity agent, providing a strategy to reduce excess S. horneri populations along marine ecosystems.

The Association Between the We Can Do This Campaign and Vaccination Beliefs in the United States, January 2021-March 2022.

Public health campaigns addressing COVID-19 vaccination beliefs may be effective in changing COVID-19 vaccination behaviors, particularly among people who remain vaccine hesitant. The "We Can Do This" COVID-19 public education campaign (the Campaign) was designed to increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake. This study aims to evaluate whether Campaign dose was associated with changes in vaccination beliefs related to COVID-19 vaccine concerns and perceived risks, the importance of COVID-19 vaccines, the perceived benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, normative beliefs about COVID-19 vaccination, and perceptions about general vaccine safety and effectiveness. The study linked data from four waves of a nationally representative longitudinal panel of U.S. adults (January 2021-March 2022) with Campaign paid digital media data (April 2021-May 2022). We used mixed-effects linear regressions to examine the association between Campaign paid digital impressions and changes in vaccination beliefs. The results provide evidence that Campaign digital impressions were significantly associated with changes in respondent beliefs regarding COVID-19 vaccine concerns and perceived risks, perceived benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, and perceptions about general vaccine safety and effectiveness. Findings suggest that public education campaigns may influence vaccine confidence and uptake by increasing positive vaccination beliefs and reducing vaccine concerns.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and subsequent diagnoses of major psychiatric disorders: a nationwide population-based study.

We evaluated the risk of being diagnosed with various psychiatric disorders after an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis using data from South Korea's National Health Insurance Service from 2002 to 2019, which covers approximately 97% of the country's population. ADHD and control groups were selected after propensity score matching was performed for individuals diagnosed with ADHD and their age- and sex-matched counterparts from the general population. Comorbid psychiatric disorders included depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, tic disorder, and schizophrenia. The incidence of newly diagnosed psychiatric disorders was compared between the groups. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and adjusted for ADHD medication prescription. After matching, 353,898 individuals were assigned to each of the two groups. Compared to the control group, the ADHD group showed a significantly higher risk of being subsequently diagnosed with depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and tic disorder. The onset age of depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia in the ADHD group was 16-17 years, approximately 5 years earlier than that in the control group. The risk for depression was the highest in individuals with high income levels, and that for schizophrenia was the highest among rural patients. The median length of the follow-up time until the diagnosis of each comorbid psychiatric disorder was 7.53, 8.43, 8.53, and 8.34 years for depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and tic disorder, respectively. Individuals with ADHD had an overall higher risk of being diagnosed with subsequent psychiatric disorders than did the controls. Hence, they should be carefully screened for other psychiatric symptoms from an early age and followed up for an extended duration, along with appropriate interventions for ADHD symptoms, including psychosocial treatments and educational approaches.

Diffuse-Type Histology Is Prognostic for All Siewert Types of Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: The optimal treatment for gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJA) remains controversial. We evaluated the treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with locally advanced GEJA according to the histological type. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-institution retrospective cohort study of patients with locally advanced GEJA who underwent curative-intent surgical resection between 2010 and 2020. Perioperative therapies as well as clinicopathologic, surgical, and survival data were collected. The results of endoscopy and histopathological examinations were assessed for Siewert and Lauren classifications. RESULTS: Among the 58 patients included in this study, 44 (76%) were clinical stage III, and all received neoadjuvant therapy (72% chemoradiation, 41% chemotherapy, 14% both chemoradiation and chemotherapy). Tumor locations were evenly distributed by Siewert Classification (33% Siewert-I, 40% Siewert-II, and 28% Siewert-III). Esophagogastrectomy (EG) was performed for 47 (81%) patients and total gastrectomy (TG) for 11 (19%) patients. All TG patients received D2 lymphadenectomy compared to 10 (21%) EG patients. Histopathological examination showed the presence of 64% intestinal-type and 36% diffuse-type histology. The frequencies of diffuse-type histology were similar among Siewert groups (37% Siewert-I, 36% Siewert-II, and 33% Siewert-III). Regardless of Siewert type and compared to intestinal-type, diffuse histology was associated with increased intraabdominal recurrence rates (P=0.03) and decreased overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.33; P=0.02). With a median follow-up of 31.2 months, 29 (50%) patients had a recurrence, and the median overall survival was 50.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: Present in equal proportions among Siewert types of esophageal and gastric cancer, a diffuse-type histology was associated with high intraabdominal recurrence rates and poor survival. Histopathological evaluation should be considered in addition to anatomic location in the determination of multimodal GEJA treatment strategies.

Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis AGMB00912 alleviates salmonellosis and modulates gut microbiota in weaned piglets: a pilot study.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis AGMB00912 (LA) in reducing Salmonella Typhimurium infection in weaned piglets. The investigation focused on the influence of LA on the gut microbiota composition, growth performance, and Salmonella fecal shedding. The results indicated that LA supplementation significantly improved average daily gain and reduced the prevalence and severity of diarrhea. Fecal analysis revealed reduced Salmonella shedding in the LA-supplemented group. Furthermore, LA notably altered the composition of the gut microbiota, increasing the levels of beneficial Bacillus and decreasing those of harmful Proteobacteria and Spirochaetes. Histopathological examination showed less intestinal damage in LA-treated piglets than in the controls. The study also observed that LA affected metabolic functions related to carbohydrate, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism, thereby enhancing gut health and resilience against infection. Short-chain fatty acid concentrations in the feces were higher in the LA group, suggesting improved gut microbial activity. LA supplementation enriched the population of beneficial bacteria, including Streptococcus, Clostridium, and Bifidobacterium, while reducing the number of harmful bacteria, such as Escherichia and Campylobacter. These findings indicate the potential of LA as a probiotic alternative for swine nutrition, offering protective effects to the gut microbiota against Salmonella infection.

Clinicopathological Characteristics and Lymph Node Metastasis Rates in Early Gastric Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma: Implications for Endoscopic Resection.

Background/Aims: Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a rare subtype of gastric cancer. We aimed to identify the clinicopathological features and rate of lymph node metastasis (LNM) to investigate the feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric LELC confined to the mucosa or submucosa. Methods: We compared the clinicopathological characteristics of 116 early gastric LELC patients and 5,753 early gastric well- or moderately differentiated (WD or MD) tubular adenocarcinoma patients treated by gastrectomy. Results: Compared to WD or MD early gastric cancer (EGC) patients, early LELC patients were younger and had a higher prevalence of proximally located tumors. Despite more frequent deep submucosal invasion (86.2% vs 29.8%), lymphatic invasion was less frequent (6.0% vs 16.2%) in early LELC patients than in WD or MD EGC patients. Among tumors with deep submucosal invasion, the tumor size was smaller, lymphatic invasion was less frequent (6.0% vs 40.2%) and the rate of LNM was lower (10.0% vs 19.4%) in patients with LELC than in those with WD or MD EGC. The overall rate of LNM in early LELC patients was 8.6% (10/116). The risk of LNM in patients with mucosal, shallow submucosal invasive, or deep submucosal invasive LELC was 0% (0/6), 0% (0/10), and 10% (10/100), respectively. Conclusions: Early LELC is a distinct subtype of EGC with more frequent deep submucosal invasion but less lymphatic invasion and LNM than WD or MD EGCs. Endoscopic submucosal dissection may be considered curative for patients with early LELC confined to the mucosa or shallow submucosa, given its negligible rate of LNM.