Optical coherence tomography-guided versus angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with complex lesions (OCCUPI): an investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomised, open-label, superiority trial in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Despite the detailed imaging information provided by optical coherence tomography (OCT) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), clinical benefits of this imaging technique in this setting remain uncertain. The aim of the OCCUPI trial was to compare the clinical benefits of OCT-guided versus angiography-guided PCI for complex lesions, assessed as the rate of major adverse cardiac events at 1 year. METHODS: This investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomised, open-label, superiority trial conducted at 20 hospitals in South Korea enrolled patients aged 19-85 years for whom PCI with drug-eluting stents was clinically indicated. After diagnostic angiography, clinical and angiographic findings were assessed to identify patients who met the criterion of having one or more complex lesions. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive PCI with OCT guidance (OCT-guidance group) or angiography guidance without OCT (angiography-guidance group). Web-response permuted-block randomisation (mixed blocks of four or six) was used at each participating site to allocate patients. The allocation sequence was computer-generated by an external programmer who was not involved in the rest of the trial. Outcome assessors were masked to group assignment. Patients, follow-up health-care providers, and data analysers were not masked. PCI was done according to conventional standard methods with everolimus-eluting stents. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, or ischaemia-driven target-vessel revascularisation), 1 year after PCI. The primary analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population. The margin used to establish superiority was 1·0 as a hazard ratio. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03625908) and is completed. FINDINGS: Between Jan 9, 2019, and Sept 22, 2022, 1604 patients requiring PCI with drug-eluting stents for complex lesions were randomly assigned to receive either OCT-guided PCI (n=803) or angiography-guided PCI (n=801). 1290 (80%) of 1604 patients were male and 314 (20%) were female. The median age of patients at randomisation was 64 years (IQR 57-70). 1588 (99%) patients completed 1-year follow-up. The primary endpoint occurred in 37 (5%) of 803 patients in the OCT-guided PCI group and 59 (7%) of 801 patients in the angiography-guided PCI group (absolute difference -2·8% [95% CI -5·1 to -0·4]; hazard ratio 0·62 [95% CI 0·41 to 0·93]; p=0·023). Rates of stroke, bleeding events, and contrast-induced nephropathy were not significantly different across the two groups. INTERPRETATION: Among patients who required drug-eluting stent implantation for complex lesions, OCT guidance resulted in a lower incidence of major adverse cardiac events at 1 year compared with angiography guidance. These findings indicate the existence of a therapeutic benefit of OCT as an intravascular imaging technique for PCI guidance in patients with complex coronary lesions. FUNDING: Abbott Vascular and Cardiovascular Research Center. TRANSLATION: For the Korean translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Efficient Polycrystalline Single-Cation Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes by Simultaneous Intracrystal and Interfacial Defect Passivation.

Polycrystalline perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have shown great promise with high efficiency and easy processability. However, PeLEDs using single-cation polycrystalline perovskite emitters have demonstrated low efficiency due to defects within the grains and at the interfaces between the perovskite layer and the charge injection contact. Thus, simultaneous defect engineering of perovskites to suppress exciton loss within the grains and at the interfaces is crucial for achieving high efficiency in PeLEDs. Here, 1,8-octanedithiol which is a strong nucleophile, is used to increase the luminescence efficiency of a single-cation perovskite by suppressing non-radiative recombination within the grains of their polycrystalline emitter film as well as at their interface with an anode. The dithiol additive performs a multifunctional role in defect passivation, spatial confinement of excitons, and prevention of exciton quenching at the interface between the perovskite layer and the underlying hole-injection layer. Photoluminescence studies demonstrate that incorporating the dithiol additive significantly enhances the charge carrier dynamics in perovskites, resulting in an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of up to 23.46% even in a simplified PeLED that does not use a hole-injection layer. This represents the highest level of EQE achieved among devices utilizing polycrystalline single-cation perovskites.

Clinical outcome of ampicillin or ampicillin/sulbactam versus glycopeptides in ampicillin-susceptible Enterococcus faecalis/faecium bacteremia: a 10-year retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Glycopeptides for ampicillin-susceptible Enterococcus faecalis/faecium bacteremia are readily prescribed depending on the severity of the condition. However, there is limited data on the outcomes of glycopeptide use compared to ampicillin-containing regimens for ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis/faecium bacteremia. From an antibiotic stewardship perspective, it is important to determine whether the use of glycopeptides is associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis/faecium bacteremia. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital between January 2010 and September 2019. We collected data from patients with positive blood cultures for Enterococcus species isolates. The clinical data of patients who received ampicillin-containing regimens or glycopeptides as definitive therapy for ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis/faecium bacteremia were reviewed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for 28-day mortality. RESULTS: Ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis/faecium accounted for 41.2% (557/1,353) of enterococcal bacteremia cases during the study period. A total of 127 patients who received ampicillin-containing regimens (N = 56) or glycopeptides (N = 71) as definitive therapy were included in the analysis. The 28-day mortality rate was higher in patients treated with glycopeptides (19.7%) than in those treated with ampicillin-containing regimens (3.6%) (p = 0.006). However, in the multivariate model, antibiotic choice was not an independent predictor of 28-day mortality (adjusted OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 0.6-23.6). CONCLUSIONS: Glycopeptide use was not associated with improved mortality in patients with ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis/faecium bacteremia. This study provides insights to reduce the inappropriate use of glycopeptides in ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis/faecium bacteremia treatment and promote antimicrobial stewardship.

The association between BMI and BRAFV600E mutation may differ by primary tumor size.

Objective: Previous reports suggest that a high body mass index (BMI) increases the risk of thyroid carcinoma. However, it remains unclear whether a high BMI is associated with the risk of the BRAFV600E mutation. We aimed to assess whether a high BMI is associated with an increased risk of the BRAFV600E mutation. Design and Methods: We screened 6558 PTC patients who had undergone BRAFV600E mutation testing between January 2009 and December 2017. After exclusion, 6438 PTC patients were enrolled. We used logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline plots of the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were illustrated to model the relationship between BMI and the BRAFV600E mutation. Results: Of the 6438 patients, 5102 (79.2%) had the BRAFV600E mutation, and 4954 (76.9%) were female. The median BMI was 23.8 (21.6-26.2) kg/m2. The primary tumor size was ≤1 cm in 4226 patients (65.6%) and >1 cm in 2212 patients (34.4%). The BRAFV600E mutation was significantly associated with high BMI only in patients with a primary tumor size >1 cm (OR: 1.034; 95% CI: 1.003-1.065; P = 0.029), whereas no clear association was found in patients with a primary tumor size ≤1 cm (OR: 1.007; 95% CI: 0.984-1.030; P = 0.570). Gender was not a significant factor in either group. Conclusions: Our study found that a higher BMI was positively associated with the BRAFV600E mutation in patients with a primary tumor size >1 cm. These results suggest that the association between BMI and the BRAFV600E mutation status differs depending on primary tumor size. Significance Statement: Obesity has been suggested as a potential risk factor for thyroid carcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess the association between BMI and the BRAFV600E mutation. In this study, the BRAFV600E mutation was significantly associated with a high BMI only in a primary tumor size >1 cm (OR: 1.034; P = 0.029). No clear association was found in patients with a primary tumor size ≤1 cm (OR: 1.007; P = 0.570). The association between BMI and the BRAFV600E mutation status differs depending on the primary tumor size.

Co-assembly-Directed Enhancement of the Thermochromic Reversibility and Solvatochromic Selectivity of Supramolecular Polydiacetylene.

The construction of functional materials via the co-assembly of multimolecular systems has recently emerged as a fascinating topic. The co-assembled multicomponent could promote the evolution of supramolecular assemblies into a high-order nanoarchitecture with improved functional properties. We report the successful preparation of a dual-functional polydiacetylene (MCPDA-Tz-CA) having thermochromic and solvatochromic properties via facile co-assembly of MCDA-Tz and cyanuric acid (MCDA-Tz-CA) followed by ultraviolet-induced polymerization. Molecular packing patterns from powder X-ray diffraction and density functional theory calculations of molecular self-assembly processes confirm highly ordered co-assembled lamellar structures. MCPDA-Tz-CA showed excellent reversible thermochromism properties when the temperature was increased from 30 to 150 °C with a reversible blue-to-red color transition that could be detected by the naked eye. Also, MCPDA-Tz-CA displayed selective blue-to-red solvatochromism against dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide. Detailed investigations revealed that the enhanced thermochromic reversibility and solvatochromic selectivity could be attributed to the hydrogen-bonding interactions and the formation of a network structure in the MCDA-Tz/cyanuric acid co-assembly. Our research opens a promising route for improving the performance of functional materials via noncovalent multicomponent arrangements at the molecular level.

Effect of different bedding depths of rice hulls on growth performance and carcass traits of White Pekin ducks.

Duck meat is recognized as a healthier poultry product that contains higher amounts of unsaturated and essential fatty acids, iron, and excellent amounts of protein. It has been found to possess the ability to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and subsequently, blood pressure in the human body; and improve the immunity system. The current study investigated the appropriate bedding depths of rice hulls as a preferred bedding material by evaluating the growth performance and carcass traits of White Pekin ducks raised for 42 days. A total of 288 one-day-old White Pekin ducklings were randomly allotted to floor cages with one of four bedding depths at 4 cm, 8 cm, 12 cm, and 16 cm. Ducklings were fed standard duck starter (days 1-21) and finisher (days 22-42) diets. The birds were stocked at a rate of 6 birds/m2 with 6 replicates per treatment. Growth performance evaluation for the body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake were measured to calculate the weekly feed conversion ratio. Breast, leg, and carcass yield were assessed as carcass traits. The muscle color and proximate composition were also analyzed for meat quality. Footpad dermatitis was also evaluated on day 42. Ducks reared on 16 cm bedding depth over the 42 days recorded higher (p < 0.05) body weight, average daily, average daily feed intake, and improved feed conversion ratios compared to other groups. The crude fat in breast meat also lowered (p < 0.05) in ducks reared at 16 cm (1.02%) when compared to ducks raised at 4 cm bedding depth (2.11%). Our results showed improved redness (p < 0.05) when the depth of bedding materials was elevated. Except for the breast meat fat, the dissimilar bedding depths did not affect (p < 0.05) the breast and leg meat composition, footpad dermatitis, and mortality for the current study. In conclusion, this study indicated that the bedding depths would directly or indirectly affect the growth performance and meat color of White Pekin ducks; and the bedding depth of rice hulls at 16 cm improved the growth performance of White Pekin ducks for 42 days.

Surface-binding molecular multipods strengthen the halide perovskite lattice and boost luminescence.

Reducing the size of perovskite crystals to confine excitons and passivating surface defects has fueled a significant advance in the luminescence efficiency of perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, the persistent gap between the optical limit of electroluminescence efficiency and the photoluminescence efficiency of colloidal perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs) suggests that defect passivation alone is not sufficient to achieve highly efficient colloidal PeNC-LEDs. Here, we present a materials approach to controlling the dynamic nature of the perovskite surface. Our experimental and theoretical studies reveal that conjugated molecular multipods (CMMs) adsorb onto the perovskite surface by multipodal hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions, strengthening the near-surface perovskite lattice and reducing ionic fluctuations which are related to nonradiative recombination. The CMM treatment strengthens the perovskite lattice and suppresses its dynamic disorder, resulting in a near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield of PeNC films and a high external quantum efficiency (26.1%) of PeNC-LED with pure green emission that matches the Rec.2020 color standard for next-generation vivid displays.

Clinical characteristics of apixaban prescription in AF patients with single dose-reduction criterion: the ASPIRE (efficAcy and safety of aPixaban in rEal-world practice in Korean frail patients with atrial fibrillation) study.

Background: Data on off-label reduced dose risk among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who qualify for a single-dose reduction of apixaban is scarce. Objectives: We prospectively assessed apixaban dosing and clinical characteristics in AF patients meeting a dose reduction criterion. Methods: The multicentre, prospective cohort study, the efficAcy and Safety of aPixaban In REal-world practice in Korean frail patients with AF (ASPIRE), encompasses patients with AF who met the criteria for a single-dose reduction of apixaban and were given varying doses of apixaban, either the on-label standard dose or the off-label reduced dose. Results: Of 2,000 patients (mean age 74.3 ± 7.9 years, 55.8% women), 29.7% were ≥80 years, 62.6% weighed ≤60 kg, and 7.8% had serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL. Of these, 51.3% were prescribed an off-label reduced dose of apixaban. The off-label group was characterized with older age, more comorbidities, and antiplatelet agents, while the on-label group had more prior strokes. Physicians preferred off-label reduced dose in the "marginal zone," defined as age 75-80 years, weight 60-65 kg, and creatinine levels 1.2-1.5 mg/dL. Conclusions: In real-world clinical setting of the Korean population, off-label reduced dose apixaban was administered to nearly half of the patients who qualified for a single dose reduction. This reduced dosage was more commonly prescribed to patients with frail characteristics, while patients with a history of stroke were more often given the standard dose as per the label. A future study is planned to contrast the safety and effectiveness of the standard dose against the reduced dose of apixaban in this population.

Pre- and post-hemodialysis differences in heart failure diagnosis by current heart failure guidelines in patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are on hemodialysis (HD) have reduced vascular compliance and are likely to develop heart failure (HF). In this study, we estimated the prevalence of HF pre- and post-HD in ESRD using the current guidelines. METHODS: We prospectively investigated HF in ESRD patients on HD using echocardiography pre- and post-HD. We used the structural and functional abnormality criteria of the 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 62.6 years, and 40.1% were male. Forty-five patients (83.3%) had hypertension, 28 (51.9%) had diabetes, and 20 (37.0%) had ischemic heart disease. The mean N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide BNP (NT-proBNP) level was 12,388.8 ± 2,592.2 pg/dL. The mean ideal body weight was 59.3 kg, mean hemodialysis time was 237.4 min, and mean real filtration was 2.8 kg. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 62.4%, and mean left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was 52.0 mm in pre-HD. Post-HD echocardiography showed significantly lower left atrial volume index (33.3 ± 15.9 vs. 40.6 ± 17.1, p = 0.030), tricuspid regurgitation jet V (2.5 ± 0.4 vs. 2.8 ± 0.4 m/s, p < 0.001), and right ventricular systolic pressure (32.1 ± 10.3 vs. 38.4 ± 11.6, p = 0.005) compared with pre-HD. There were no differences in LVEF, E/E' ratio, or left ventricular global longitudinal strain. A total of 88.9% of pre-HD patients and 66.7% of post-HD patients had either structural or functional abnormalities in echocardiographic parameters according to recent HF guidelines (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that the majority of patients undergoing hemodialysis satisfy the diagnostic criteria for HF according to current HF guidelines. Pre-HD patients had a 22.2% higher incidence in the prevalence of functional or structural abnormalities as compared with post-HD patients.

Polydopamine Adhesion: Catechol, Amine, Dihydroxyindole, and Aggregation Dynamics.

While polydopamine (PDA) possesses the surface-independent adhesion property of mussel-binding proteins, significant differences exist between them. Particularly, PDA's short and rigid backbone differs from the long and flexible protein sequence of mussel-binding proteins. Given that adhesion relies on achieving a conformal contact with large surface coverage, PDA has drawbacks as an adhesive. In our study, we investigated the roles of each building block of PDA to build a better understanding of their binding mechanisms. Initially, we anticipated that catecholamine oligomers form specific binding with substrates. However, our study showed that the universal adhesion of PDA is initiated by the solubility limit of growing oligomers by forming agglomerates, complemented by multiple binding modes of catechol. Notably, in the absence of amines, poly(catechol) either remained in solution or formed minor suspensions without any surface coating, underscoring the essential role of amines in the adhesion process by facilitating insoluble aggregate formation. To substantiate our findings, we induced poly(catechol) aggregation using quaternized poly(4-vinylpyridine) (qPVP), leading to subsequent surface adhesion upon agglomerate formation.

Conjugation through Si-O-Si bonds, silsesquioxane (SQ) half cage copolymers, extended examples via SiO0.5/SiO1.5 units: multiple emissive states in violation of Kasha's rule.

We previously reported that phenyl- and vinyl-silsesquioxanes (SQs), [RSiO1.5]8,10,12 (R = Ph or vinyl) functionalized with three or more conjugated moieties show red-shifted absorption- and emission features suggesting 3-D conjugation via a cage centered LUMOs. Corner missing [PhSiO1.5]7(OSiMe3)3 and edge opened, end capped [PhSiO1.5]8(OSiMe2)2 (double decker, DD) analogs also offer red shifted spectra again indicating 3-D conjugation and a cage centered LUMO. Copolymerization of DD [PhSiO1.5]8(OSiMevinyl)2 with multiple R-Ar-Br gives copolymers with emission red-shifts that change with degree of polymerization (DP), exhibit charge transfer to F4TNCQ and terpolymer averaged red-shifts suggesting through chain conjugation even with two (O-Si-O) end caps possibly via a cage centered LUMO. Surprisingly, ladder (LL) SQ, (vinylMeSiO2)[PhSiO1.5]4(O2SiMevinyl) copolymers offer emission red-shifts even greater for analogous copolymers requiring a different explanation. Here we assess the photophysical behavior of copolymers of a more extreme SQ form: the half cage [PhSiO1.5]4(OSiMe2Vinyl)4, Vy4HC SQs. We again see small red-shifted absorptions coupled with significant red-shifted emissions, even with just a half cage, thus further supporting the existence of pπ-dπ and/or σ*-π* conjugation through Si-O-Si bonds and contrary to most traditional views of Si-O-Si linked polymers. These same copolymers donate an electron to F4TCNQ generating the radical anion, F4TCNQ-. as further proof of conjugation. Column chromatographic separation of short from longer chain oligomers reveals a direct correlation between DP and emission λmax red-shifts as another indication of conjugation. Further, one- and two-photon absorption and emission spectroscopy reveals multiple excited fluorescence-emitting states in a violation of Kasha's rule wherein emission occurs only from the lowest excited state. Traditional modeling studies again find HOMO LUMO energy levels residing only on the aromatic co-monomers rather than through Si-O-Si bonds as recently found in related polymers.

Effectiveness of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine against meningococcal carriage and genotype character changes: A secondary analysis of prospective cohort study in Korean military trainees.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the changes and molecular epidemiology of meningococcal carriage in military recruits after quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY) vaccination. METHODS: Oropharyngeal swabs were obtained at the beginning and end of the 5-week training. Carriage rates before and after vaccination were compared to estimate vaccine effectiveness (VE). Cultured isolates were characterized by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). RESULTS: Of 866 vaccinated participants, the overall carriage rate was 10.6% prior to MenACWY vaccination and it tended to decrease to 9.5% after 5 weeks of vaccination (P = 0.424). Carriage rate of serogroup ACWY decreased significantly after vaccination (VEACWY = 72.6%, 95% CI: 36.3-88.2), and serogroup C was particularly reduced (VEC = 83.0%, 95% CI: 50.6-94.1), whereas non-groupable isolates increased significantly after vaccination (VENG = -76.1%, 95% CI: -176.2 to -13.1). Among 99 carriage isolates with complete MLST profiles, 45 different sequence types with nine clonal complexes (CCs) were identified, and 35.3% of the carriage isolates belonged to hypervirulent strains such as CC-32, CC-41/44, and CC-269. CONCLUSIONS: MenACWY vaccination in military recruits led to reduced carriage rates of serogroups C, W, and Y within a short 5-week period. However, serogroup B isolates belonging to the hypervirulent lineage remained after the implementation of MenACWY vaccination.

Runs of homozygosity analysis for selection signatures in the Yellow Korean native chicken.

OBJECTIVE: Yellow Korean native chicken (KNC-Y) is one of the five pure Korean indigenous chicken breeds that were restored through a government project in 1992. KNC-Y is recognized for its superior egg production performance compared to other KNC lines. In this study, we performed runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis to discover selection signatures associated with egg production traits in the KNC-Y population. METHODS: A total of 675 DNA samples from KNC-Y were genotyped to generate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data using custom 60K Affymetrix SNP chips. ROH analysis was performed using PLINK software, with predefined parameters set for the analysis. The threshold of ROH island was defined as the top 1% frequency of SNPs withing the ROH among the population. RESULTS: In the KNC-Y population, a total of 29,958 runs of homozygosity (ROH) fragments were identified. The average total length of ROH was 120.84 Mb, with each ROH fragment having an average length of 2.71 Mb. The calculated ROH-based inbreeding coefficient (FROH) was 0.13. Furthermore, we revealed the presence of ROH islands on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 11. Within the identified regions, a total of 111 genes were annotated, and among them were genes related to economic traits, including PRMT3, ANO5, HDAC4, LSS, PLA2G4A, and PTGS2. Most of the overlapping quantitative trait locus regions with ROH islands were found to be associated with production traits. CONCLUSION: This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of ROH in the KNC-Y population. Notably, among the findings, the PTGS2 gene is believed to play a crucial role in influencing the laying performance of KNC-Y.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the sand bubbler crab Scopimera longidactyla Shen 1932 (Decapoda: Dotillidae) and its phylogenetic analysis.

The sand bubbler crab, Scopimera longidactyla Shen, 1932 (Arthropoda: Malacostraca: Decapoda: Thoracotremata: Dotillidae), is commonly found along tropical and subtropical sandy shores of China, Korea, and Taiwan. Ecologically, it plays an important role in the productivity of sandy shores through their feeding and burrowing activities. In this study, the first complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of S. longidactyla was analyzed using next-generation sequencer. Its mitogenome, circular in structure, spans 15,965 bp with a GC content of 29.97%, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and one putative control region. Its mitogenome arrangement and composition are identical to its two congeners, S. globosa and S. intermedia. Phylogenetic analysis fully supports for the monophyly of the genus Scopimera and the sister relationship between S. longidactyla and S. globosa. The complete mitogenome of S. longidactyla and its phylogenetic implications will provide valuable insights for further studies in phylogenetic and evolutionary biology.

Laying hen responses to multi-strain Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation from 25 to 37 weeks of age.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Bacillus-based probiotics supplemented at two different levels to modulate the productive performance, egg quality, tibia traits, and specific cecal bacteria counts of Hy-Line Brown layers from 25 to 37 weeks of age. METHODS: A total of 216 twenty-five-week-old hens were randomly distributed into 3 experimental diets with 12 replicates of 6 birds per cage. Diets included basal diet supplemented with 0 (CON), 3×108 (PRO1), or 3×109 (PRO2) colony-forming unit (CFU) of the test probiotic containing Bacillus subtilis PB6, Bacillus subtilis FXA, and Bacillus licheniformis G3 per kilogram of feed. RESULTS: Improved egg weights and mass at 29 weeks; and feed intake at 31 weeks (p<0.10) were noticed with the probiotic-supplemented PRO1 and PRO2 diets. Considering egg quality, the shell thickness, Haugh units, and yolk color were improved; but yolk cholesterol was lowered (p<0.05) with PRO1 and PRO2 diets at 29 weeks. At both 33 and 37 weeks, the egg-breaking strength, shell color and thickness, albumen height, Haugh units, and yolk color were improved; but yolk cholesterol was similarly lowered (p<0.05) with the PRO1 and PRO2 diets. Improved tibia Ca, ash, weights, and density; and raised cecal counts of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli (p<0.05) were noticed with PRO1 and PRO2 diets. Improved tibia P but reduced Clostridia counts (p<0.10) were also observed with the PRO1 and PRO2 diets. CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplementation of Bacillus subtilis PB6, Bacillus subtilis FXA, and Bacillus licheniformis G3 at 3×108 CFU/kg of feed is adequate to significantly improve egg quality, lower yolk cholesterol, enhance several tibia traits, and raise the populations of beneficial cecal bacteria. Modest improvements in several productive parameters and tibia P but reduced Clostridia were also observed; and could warrant further investigation of probiotic effects beyond the current test period.

Xylanase supplementation in energy-deficient corn-based diets: impact on broiler growth, nutrient digestibility, chyme viscosity and carcass proximates.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the current study was to investigate the impact of various concentrations of xylanase in energy-deficient corn-based diets on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and digesta viscosity in broilers from 7 to 35 days of age. METHODS: A total of 280 seven-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly allocated to one of the five dietary treatments following a completely randomized design with 8 replicates and 7 birds per cage. The treatments were: i) positive control (PC, without xylanase); ii) NC-1 (80 kcal/kg ME reduced from PC); iii) NC-2 (100 kcal/kg ME reduced from PC); iv) NCX-1 (NC-1 + 2,000 U/kg xylanase); and v) NCX-2 (NC-2 + 3,000 U/kg xylanase). Body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were determined weekly to evaluate growth performance. One bird per pen was sacrificed for ileal digesta collection to determine the viscosity and digestibility of energy, dry matter, crude protein on days 24 and 35, however breast and leg meat samples were obtained for proximate analysis (moisture, crude protein, fat, and ash) on day 35. RESULTS: Birds fed diets supplemented with xylanase regardless of the amount had higher (p<0.05) body weights, daily gains, and improved feed efficiency compared to NC diets all throughout the experimental period. Feed intake was not affected (p>0.05) by the addition of xylanase. Moreover, lowered (p<0.05) viscosity of the ileal digesta were observed upon xylanase inclusion in the diets compared to the birds fed NC diets on day 24. Ileal nutrient digestibility and meat proximate composition were not affected (p>0.05) by xylanase. CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that the xylanase at 2,000 U/kg and 3,000 U/kg levels compensates for the 80 kcal/kg and 100 kcal/kg dietary energy levels, respectively, without having adverse effects on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and digesta viscosity of broilers.

Transradial Versus Transfemoral Access for Bifurcation Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Using Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of transradial access (TRA) over transfemoral access (TFA) for bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are uncertain because of the limited availability of device selection. This study aimed to compare the procedural differences and the in-hospital and long-term outcomes of TRA and TFA for bifurcation PCI using second-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs). METHODS: Based on data from the Coronary Bifurcation Stenting Registry III, a retrospective registry of 2,648 patients undergoing bifurcation PCI with second-generation DES from 21 centers in South Korea, patients were categorized into the TRA group (n = 1,507) or the TFA group (n = 1,141). After propensity score matching (PSM), procedural differences, in-hospital outcomes, and device-oriented composite outcomes (DOCOs; a composite of cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization) were compared between the two groups (772 matched patients each group). RESULTS: Despite well-balanced baseline clinical and lesion characteristics after PSM, the use of the two-stent strategy (14.2% vs. 23.7%, P = 0.001) and the incidence of in-hospital adverse outcomes, primarily driven by access site complications (2.2% vs. 4.4%, P = 0.015), were significantly lower in the TRA group than in the TFA group. At the 5-year follow-up, the incidence of DOCOs was similar between the groups (6.3% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.639). CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that TRA may be safer than TFA for bifurcation PCI using second-generation DESs. Despite differences in treatment strategy, TRA was associated with similar long-term clinical outcomes as those of TFA. Therefore, TRA might be the preferred access for bifurcation PCI using second-generation DES. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03068494.

Translating proteome and transcriptome dynamics of periodontal ligament stem cell-derived secretome/conditioned medium in an in vitro model of periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have been proposed as therapeutic candidates in periodontal diseases and periodontium defects. Paracrine factors of PDLSCs, namely, secretome, can contribute to tissue regeneration comparable to direct stem cell application. This study explored restoration effects of PDLSC-derived secretome/conditioned medium (PDLSC-CM) on PDLSCs themselves in an inflammatory microenvironment and identified its action mechanisms using proteomics and transcriptomic profiling. METHODS: PDLSC-CM was prepared from cells under healthy culture conditions. Mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were then performed to analyze the PDLSC-CM proteome. Osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs under inflammatory conditions or in the presence of PDLSC-CM was then characterized in assays of alkaline phosphatase activity, intracellular calcium levels, protein expression of osteogenic markers, and matrix mineralization. Furthermore, the transcriptomic profile was assessed to identify significantly enriched signaling pathways and associated molecular networks by RNA sequencing. RESULTS: LC-MS/MS proteomics identified a total of 203 proteins and distinguished 187 significant protein changes in PDLSC-CM compared to control-CM. LPS-treated PDLSCs significantly attenuated osteogenic differentiation. When PDLSCs were treated with PDLSC-CM alone, their osteogenic activity was significantly upregulated compared to the control group. Moreover, the LPS-impaired osteogenesis of PDLSCs was reconstituted by PDLSC-CM treatment. RNA sequencing revealed 252, 1,326, and 776 differentially expressed genes in the control vs. LPS, control vs. PDLSC-CM, and LPS vs. LPS + PDLSC-CM groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study suggest that PDLSC-CM restores the osteogenic potential of PDLSCs in an inflammatory environment through secretory functions representing potential repair and regenerative mechanisms.

Hemodialysis Efficiency Predictor in End-Stage Kidney Disease Using Real-Time Heart Rate Variability.

BACKGROUND: Autonomic dysfunction as a long-term complication may occur in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients and can be diagnosed using heart rate variability (HRV) analyzed from electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings. There is limited data about HRV using real-time ECG to predict hemodialysis (HD) efficiency in patients with ESKD who are routinely doing HD in the real world. METHODS: A total of 50 patients (62.1 ± 10.7 years) with ESKD underwent continuous real-time ECG monitoring (237.4 ± 15.3 min) during HD for HRV using remote monitoring system. Their electrolyte levels were checked before and after HD. We compared HRV according to electrolyte levels. RESULTS: During the monitor, we checked the ECG and electrolyte levels simultaneously a total of 2374 times for all of the patients. Both time and frequency domain HRV were higher when the patients had lower K+ level (<0.5 mEq/L) and P+ level change (<2 mEq/L) before and after HD as compared to those with a higher K+ level (≥0.5 mEq/L) and P+ level change (≥2 mEq/L). Additionally, patients with lower K+ and P+ level change groups had higher incidences of arrhythmic events including atrial/ventricular premature complexes, despite no difference of mean heart rate (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher HRV was independently associated with a poorly controlled K+ and P+ level during HD in patients with ESKD. This is consistently evidenced by the independent association between higher HRV, K+ and P+ levels in real time, suggesting that low electrolyte changes before and after HD alone may cause cardiac autonomic dysfunction.

Longitudinal immune kinetics of COVID-19 booster versus primary series vaccination: Insight into the annual vaccination strategy.

Background: Data on the durability of booster dose immunity of COVID-19 vaccines are relatively limited. Methods: Immunogenicity was evaluated for up to 9-12 months after the third dose of vaccination in 94 healthy adults. Results: Following the third dose, the anti-spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response against the wild-type was boosted markedly, which decreased gradually over time. However, even 9-12 months after the booster dose, both the median and geometric mean of anti-spike IgG antibody levels were higher than those measured 4 weeks after the second dose. Breakthrough infection during the Omicron-dominant period boosted neutralizing antibody titers against Omicron sublineages (BA.1 and BA.5) and the ancestral strain. T-cell immune response was efficiently induced and maintained during the study period. Conclusions: mRNA vaccine booster dose elicited durable humoral immunity for up to 1 year after the third dose and T-cell immunity was sustained during the study period, supporting an annual COVID-19 vaccination strategy.