Real-Time Monitoring of Molecules in Aqueous Solution via a Surface-Functionalized Ag-Anodic Aluminum Oxide Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Platform.

Real-time monitoring of molecular species in aqueous solutions is crucial for diverse scientific applications, from biomedical diagnostics to environmental analysis. In this study, we investigate the selective detection and discrimination of specific molecules in aqueous solution samples using a Ag-coated anodized aluminum oxide (Ag-AAO) surface functionalized with thiol molecules. Our investigation harnesses the power of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) synergized with principal component analysis (PCA) to elucidate the distinctive signatures of aqueous dopamine and l-tyrosine molecules. By scrutinizing the Raman spectra of surface-treated molecules, we unveil nuanced variations driven by the unique functional groups of the thiol molecules and their dynamic interactions with the target molecules in solution. Notably, we observe different alterations in the SERS spectra of Ag-AAO surface-functionalized boronic acid molecules for detection of dopamine and l-tyrosine, even at a concentration as low as 10-8 M. Moreover, the spectral PCA elucidates the discrimination of dopamine and l-tyrosine within the aqueous environment attributed to the different molecular interactions near SERS-active hotspots. Our findings facilitate real-time monitoring of minute analytes with exceptional molecular selectivity, ushering in an era of precise chemical analysis in aqueous solutions.

Integration of Palliative Care in Neurosurgical Critical Care : Insights from a Single-Center Perspective.

Objective: Palliative care is a specialized approach designed to enhance the quality of life for both patients and their families, offering patient-centered care through comprehensive assessment and care planning. However, the integration of palliative care within neuro-critical care settings has been relatively understudied. This descriptive study aims to identify the characteristics, palliative care needs, and outcomes of patients referred to palliative care services during admission to the neurosurgical intensive care unit (NS-ICU). Methods: A retrospective analysis of adults admitted to the NS-ICU at a referral hospital between December 2019 and December 2021 was conducted. The study focused on those referred to the inpatient palliative care team with diagnoses of non-traumatic brain hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, or brain neoplasm. Excluded were patients who died before palliative care consultation or lacked sufficient information. The investigation assessed demographic and clinical characteristics at consultation, along with post-consultation hospital outcomes derived from medical records and interview notes. Results: In this study involving 38 enrolled patients, the median age was 65, with 42.1% females. The most prevalent diagnosis was non-traumatic brain hemorrhage (47.4%). Reasons for palliative care consultation included psychosocial support (95%), goal-of-care discussions (68%), decision-making support (50%), and communication facilitation (39%). The median time from NS-ICU admission to consultation was 3.5 days (range: 1-8 days), and all interviews involved family members. Key decision topics encompassed mechanical ventilation (23.7%) and tracheostomy (21.1%). Patient preferences for life-sustaining treatment could be estimated in only 47.4% of cases, often resulting in treatment disagreement. Among the 38 patients, 26 (68.4%) died during admission. Before the consultation, full code status, partial code status, and comfort care alone were reported as 32%, 66%, and 2%, respectively; post-consultation, these figures shifted to 11%, 42%, and 47%, respectively. Conclusion: Palliative care was predominantly sought for psychosocial support and discussions concerning goals of care. Despite challenges in ascertaining patient treatment preferences, palliative care consultations proved invaluable in aiding family members and facilitating treatment decision-making. Our study suggests the potential integration of palliative care within neuro-critical care, contributing to a heightened utilization of comfort care at the end-of-life.

FDA-approved PDE4 inhibitors alleviate the dominant toxicity of ALS-FTD-associated CHCHD10S59L by reducing the PINK1/Parkin pathway.

Background Mutations in coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 10 ( CHCHD10 ) have been identified as a genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and/or frontotemporal dementia(ALS-FTD). In our previous studies using in vivo Drosophila model expressing CHCHD10 S59L , and human cell models expressing CHCHD10 S59L , we have identified that the PINK1/Parkin pathway is activated and causes cellular toxicity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that pseudo-substrate inhibitors for PINK1 and mitofusin2 agonists mitigated the cellular toxicity of CHCHD10 S59L . Evidences using in vitro, in vivo genetic, and chemical tools indicate that inhibiting PINK1 would be the most promising treatment for CHCHD10 S59L -induced diseases. Methods An in vivo human cell culture and in vivo Drosophila models expressing CHCHD10 S59L mutant were utilized in this study to evaluate the effect of PDE4 inhibitors in PINK-parkin mediated cytotoxicity through immunohistochemical and seahorse assays. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Dunnett's test for statistical significance. Results We investigated cellular pathways that can modulate the PINK1/Parkin pathway and reduce CHCHD10 S59L -induced cytotoxicity. Here, we report that FDA-approved PDE4 inhibitors reduced CHCHD10 S59L -induced morphological and functional mitochondrial defects in human cells and an in vivo Drosophila model expressing C2C10H S81L . Multiple PDE4 inhibitors decreased PINK1 accumulation and downstream mitophagy induced by CHCHD10 S59L . Conclusion These findings suggest that PDE4 inhibitors currently available in the market may be repositioned to treat CHCHD10 S59L -induced ALS-FTD and possibly other related diseases, and that disease treatment with PDE4 inhibitors should include careful consideration of the PINK1/Parkin pathway, as it is generally recognized as a protective pathway.

SARS-CoV-2 detection in COVID-19 patients' sample using Wooden quoit conformation structural aptamer (WQCSA)-Based electronic bio-sensing system.

The COVID-19 epidemic and its continuous spread pose a serious threat to public health. Coronavirus strains known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) variants have undergone genomic changes. The severity of the symptoms, the efficiency of vaccinations, and the transmission capacity of the virus can be impacted by these alterations. Point-of-care diagnostic assays can identify particular genetic or protein sequences that are exclusive to each variety. Currently, ultrafast, responsive, and accurate antibody detection faces several challenges. Here, we outline the fabrication, implementation, and sensing performance benchmarking of an ultrafast (5 s) and inexpensive (0.15 USD) assay with label-free sensing of SARS-CoV-2 S (Spike)/N (Nucleocapsid) protein and other variants in real patient samples. A label-free DNA aptameric capacitive bio-sensing device was used to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our novel, cutting-edge bio-sensing device contains a Wooden quoits conformation structural aptamer (WQCSA)-based inter-digitated capacitor electronic (WQCSA-IDCE) system. WQCSA-aptamer was used as a switch-turn on response to achieve ultrasensitivity in the variable area of the SARS-CoV-2. The molecular beacon (MB) method was also used to measure the fluorescently colored SARS-CoV-2 S/N protein. These sensors can be used with several types of label-free DNA aptamers to act as rapid, affordable, and label-free biosensors for a variety of critical acute respiratory virus syndrome disorders.

Association between TGF-ß/BMP signaling pathway polymorphisms and the risk of primary ovarian insufficiency in Korean women.

BACKGROUND: Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of the leading female infertility diseases in which ovarian function stops before the age of 40. Reports that POI is associated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway-associated genes (e.g., TGF-ß, and BMP15) have been continuous since publication that the TGF-ß superfamily acts as important regulators for ovary and placenta function in humans. Mechanistically, the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, and estrogen is affected by the TGF-ß superfamily in granulosa cells, which are involved in the development of theca cells, oocytes, and granulosa cells. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the association between genes related to the TGF-ß/BMP signaling pathway and the risk of POI pathogenesis. METHODS: Possible associations between six gene polymorphisms and POI susceptibility were examined in 139 patients with POI and 345 control subjects. RESULTS: Allele combination of TGFBR1 rs334348 G > A and TGFBR3 rs1805110G > A exhibited association with decreased POI risk (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.165; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.032-0.847; P = 0.031). Also, TGFBR1 rs1590 G > T and rs334348 G > A and TGFBR3 rs1805110 G > A allele combination exhibited association with decreased POI risk (OR = 0.553; 95% CI 0.374-0.816; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that polymorphisms in the TGF-ß signaling pathway genes can be useful biomarkers for POI diagnosis and treatment.

A synergistic effect of herb and acupuncture on the methamphetamine.

Background: Herbal medicine Ja-Geum-Jeong (JGJ) has been used for the treatment of detoxification in Eastern Asia. However, the mechanisms involved are not clearly defined. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if herb medication inhibits Methamphetamine (METH)'s reinforcing effect and also examined if a combination of herb medication and acupuncture produces a synergistic effect on METH. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given acute METH intraperitoneally and the locomotor activity and ultrasonic vocalization (USV) calls were measured. Rats were administered JGJ orally and acupuncture was given at HT7 or SI5. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists were injected into the Central amygdala (CeA) to investigate a possible neuroscientific mechanism. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) were measured to immunohistochemically and electrically confirm the behavioral data. Results: Locomotor activity and USV calls were increased by METH (P < 0.05) and these increases were inhibited by JGJ (P < 0.05). Also, JGJ had no effect on the normal group given saline, and acupuncture at SI5 acupoint, but not at HT7 acupoint, produced a synergistic effect when combined with JGJ (P < 0.05). The JGJ's inhibition was blocked by the inactivation of CeA (P < 0.05), and MSG mimicked JGJ (P < 0.05). TH and FSCV measures showed the same pattern with the behavioral data (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Results of the present study suggest that JGJ had inhibitory effects on the METH which was mediated through the activation of CeA and that combination of acupuncture and herb produced synergistic effect.

Prognostic impact of intraoperative rupture in early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer: an ancillary study of GORILLA-3002.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether intraoperative rupture affects oncological outcomes in patients with early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted on patients with early-stage EOC based on surgical and final pathological reports between 2007 and 2021. Oncologic outcomes were compared between the unruptured group (International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] stage IA/IB) and ruptured group (FIGO stage IC1). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for the imbalance in prognostic factors between the groups. RESULTS: Overall, 197 (58.3 %) patients comprised the unruptured group (FIGO stage IA/IB), and 141 (41.7 %) were in the intraoperatively ruptured group (FIGO stage IC1). No significant difference in the 5-year PFS was observed between the two groups before PSM (92.65 % vs. 92.80 %, P = 0.93). After PSM, the 5-year PFS showed a noticeable decrease in the ruptured group compared to the unruptured group, although this difference showed borderline statistical significance (96.90 % vs. 89.82 %, P = 0.061). This trend was particularly discernible in cases with aggressive tumor characteristics; intraoperative rupture remained an independent prognostic factor for shorter PFS in patients with high-grade histology (adjusted hazard ratio = 14.4, 95 % confidence interval = 2.8-74.1). CONCLUSIONS: Although not statistically significant, intraoperative rupture may negatively affect PFS in these patients after PSM. Therefore, rupture during surgery should be avoided as it can cause upstaging and unnecessary chemotherapy.

Effects of High-Speed Shearing Treatment on the Physical Properties of Carbohydrate-Binder Mixture during Gelatinization for Preparing Freeze-Dried Soup Products.

Modernization has led to a large convenience food market, and the demand for freeze-dried (FD) soup products is increasing in the Republic of Korea. FD soup products are easy to eat without cooking and can be stored for long periods. However, it is often difficult to ensure sensory satisfaction after rehydration of FD soup products; in particular, the ingredients are not evenly dispersed. Therefore, a stable dispersion or reconstitution of the FD soup products is required after rehydration. Here, the effects of high-speed shearing homogenization on the physical properties of a carbohydrate-binder mixture comprising maltodextrin, potato starch, and rice flour were investigated during hydrothermal gelatinization. To find a suitable treatment condition, different homogenization eras, speeds, and concentrations of the binder mixture were considered; in particular, the homogenization eras were set by considering the hydrothermal property of the binder mixture profiled using differential scanning calorimetry. The viscosity of the binder mixture and the compression strength and microstructure of the FD binder block, including the dispersion stability after rehydration, were evaluated. The quality of the FD binder block was improved by homogenization above 5000 rpm when the core temperature of the binder mixture reached approximately To at 14.5-21.8% concentrations. The improved FD binder block exhibited a fine surface and tiny porous microstructure compared with the control (with continuous agitation at 250 rpm). The control block was divided into two phases, whereas the improved block maintained the initial dispersion stability at 50 °C for 1 h. These results are expected to be referenced for the purpose of improving the quality of the FD soup products.

Association of Polymorphisms in FSHR, ESR1, and BMP15 with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency and Meta-Analysis.

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) can lead to menstrual disturbance, resulting in ovarian dysfunction before age 40. Prevalence of POI is usually less than 1%; however, ethnicity or population characteristics may affect prevalence. POI is a heterogeneous disease that results from abnormalities in immunological and hormonal factors. Genetic factors can also contribute to POI. Here, we examine FSHR, ESR1, and BMP15 polymorphisms in patients with POI, and controls. We examined a hormonal gene that is important for pregnancy, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), as well as estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and associated it with FSHR expression, ovulation rate, and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15). We examined 139 Korean patients under age 40 with POI, and 350 Korean control participants without POI. Genotyping was performed by a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and TaqMan assays. Each identified genotype was subjected to statistical analysis to determine the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In combination genotype analyses, FSHR rs6165 A > G combined with ESR1 rs9340799 A > G, AG/GG (OR: 5.693; 95% CI: 1.088-29.792), as well as FSHR rs6166 A > G combined with ESR1 rs9340799 C > T, AG/GG (OR: 5.940; 95% CI: 1.134-31.131), were significantly associated with POI prevalence. Furthermore, an FSHR rs6165 A > G and BMP rs17003221 C > T, AG/CC combination was associated with POI prevalence (OR: 1.874; 95% CI: (1.059-3.316; p-value: 0.031)). In meta-analysis, FSHR rs6165 AA vs. AG + GG is associated with POI (p = 0.0013), and ESR1 rs2234693 AA vs. AG + GG is also associated with POI (p = 0.0101). Here, we compared the genotypes of FSHR, ESR1, and BMP15 in patients with POI, and controls. We found significant differences in genotype combinations between polymorphisms in FSHR and other genes. Through meta-analysis, we found that ESR1 rs9340799 and rs2234693 are associated with POI prevalence, and that BMP15 rs17003221 increases POI risk. These findings help to improve POI diagnosis in Korean women.

Untargeted Metabolomics and Gut Microbiota Modulation Study of Fermented Brown Rice for Obesity.

Obesity or excess adipose tissue mass increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Obesity might be prevented by consuming plant-based probiotic fermented foods. This study aimed to determine whether adding Pediococcus acidilactici MNL5 to fermented brown rice (FBR) enhances its metabolites, lipase activity, and antioxidant efficiency. UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis revealed significant changes in untargeted metabolite profiles, while, compared with those of raw brown rice (RBR), FBR contained more antioxidant and lipase inhibitors. We evaluated the FBR in HFD (high-fat-diet)-induced obese mice by employing biochemical, histological, gut microbiome, and serum metabolomics approaches. FBR MD (250 mg/kg) decreased body weight (BW) and fat content compared with RBR. With subsequent FBR MD, mice fed a HFD may have reduced serum lipid levels. A HFD with a mid-dose FBR improved the gut microbiota diversity, composition, and structure; reduced the abundance of obesity-related genera such as Helicobacter, Clostridium, and Desulfovibrio; and promoted the abundance of beneficial genera such as Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, and Lactobacillus, which are inversely correlated with BW, total cholesterol, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C. In addition, FBR MD has been associated with increased levels of palmitic acid, EPA, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid, indole, dodecanoic acid, and amino acids. FBR, in its entirety, has exhibited promise as a functional material for ameliorating obesity.

Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes in hospitalized adult patients infected with respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus.

BACKGROUND: Because patients infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been reported to be older than patients infected with influenza virus, the more frequent incidence of complications in RSV-infected patients may be age-related. This study compared clinical characteristics and outcomes in hospitalized adults infected with RSV with findings in age- and sex-matched adults infected with influenza virus. METHODS: The medical records of hospitalized adult patients infected with RSV or influenza virus at two university hospitals from 2013 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Virus infection was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Each RSV-infected patient was matched by age and sex with two influenza virus-infected patients, and their clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters and hospital courses were compared. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 552 patients, 184 infected with RSV and 368 infected with influenza virus. Fever (71.2% vs. 79.9%, p = .022) and cough (70.1% vs. 80.4%, p = .007) were significantly less frequent in the RSV than in the influenza group, whereas white blood cell counts (9132/mm3 vs. 7616/mm3, p < .001) and C-reactive protein concentrations (10.25 vs. 8.88 mg/dL, p = .029) were significantly higher in the RSV group. The frequency of oxygen therapy was higher (60.3% vs. 48.6%, p = .010) and hospital stay was longer (8 vs. 6 days, p = .003) in RSV than in influenza virus-infected patients. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical symptoms were less frequent, but disease was more severe, in hospitalized adult patients infected with RSV than in age- and sex-matched patients infected with influenza. Greater attention should be paid to diagnosing and preventing RSV infection in adults.

Tailoring rectal cancer surgery: Surgical approaches and anatomical insights during deep pelvic dissection for optimal outcomes in low-lying rectal cancer.

This review article explores advanced surgical approaches and anatomical insights for tailoring rectal cancer surgery, particularly focusing on low-lying rectal cancer. With the evolution of imaging technologies, precise preoperative planning has become possible, enhancing the visualization of anatomy surrounding the rectum and enabling more accurate assessments of circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement. The article emphasizes the dynamic nature of rectal cancer treatment, advocating for individualized surgical planning based on comprehensive preoperative imaging and intraoperative assessment. This approach aims to optimize patient care by integrating recent advancements and anatomical insights into clinical practice for the management of low-lying rectal cancer. Particularly, the article discusses the importance of customizing the excision of Denonvilliers' fascia (DVF) based on tumor characteristics for optimal oncologic and functional outcomes, especially for anteriorly located tumors. It highlights the need for precise dissection techniques to ensure a negative CRM while preserving critical anatomical structures. Additionally, the review addresses the surgical management of tumors at the anorectal ring and introduces the Gate Approach for deep anterolateral pelvic dissection. Special attention is given to tumors impacting the membranous and prostate urethra, emphasizing tailored surgical approaches to balance complete tumor resection with the preservation of urogenital functions.

Association of remnant cholesterol with sarcopenia in Korean adults: a nationwide population-based study using data from the KNHANES.

Background: Mounting evidence indicates the importance of the interplay between skeletal muscles and lipid metabolism. Remnant cholesterol (remnant-C) is considered one of the principal residual risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders; however, there are limited studies on the impact of remnant-C on sarcopenia. Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) between 2008 and 2011 were used in this nationwide population-based study. In total, 17,408 participants were enrolled in this study. The subjects were categorized into four groups according to the quartile of remnant-C values. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between remnant-C and muscle mass measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: A total of 1,791 participants (10.3%) presented low muscle mass, and there was a sequential increase in the percentage of low muscle mass across remnant-C quartiles (Q1, 5.2%; Q2, 8.7%; Q3, 11.5%; Q4, 15.7%). In the full adjusted model, those in the highest remnant-C quartile group showed significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for low muscle mass compared with those in the lowest remnant-C group after adjusting for various confounding factors (OR = 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.68, P <0.05). A wide range of subgroups and sensitivity analyses showed consistent results, supporting the robustness of our findings. Conclusions: Increased remnant-C value was associated with a high risk of low muscle mass in the Korean population. Remnant-C may be a novel marker for the prediction and management of sarcopenia in aging societies.

Comparative Genomic Analyses of E. coli ST2178 Strains Originated from Wild Birds in Pakistan.

The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistance (MDR) pathogenic Escherichia coli due to horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors (VFs) is a global health concern, particularly in developing countries. While numerous studies have focused on major sequence types (STs), the implication of minor STs in ARG dissemination and their pathogenicity remains crucial. In this study, two E. coli strains (PEC1011 and PEC1012) were isolated from wild bird feces in Pakistan and identified as ST2178 based on their complete genome sequences. To understand this minor ST, 204 genome assemblies of ST2178 were comparatively analyzed with the isolates' genomes. The phylogenetic analyses revealed five subclades of ST2178. Subclade E strains were predominantly isolated from human specimens, whereas subclades A and B strains including strains PEC1011 and PEC1012, respectively, were frequently isolated from animal. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) exhibited the positive correlation with ARGs but not with VFs in this ST. Plasmid-borne ARGs exhibited higher correlation with plasmid-borne MGEs, indicating the role of diverse mobile plasmid structures in ARG transmission. Subclade E exhibited diverse plasmid-borne ARG repertoires correlated with MGEs, marking it as a critical surveillance target. In the case of VFs, they exhibited phylogeny-dependent profiles. Strain PEC1012 harbored various plasmid-borne ARGs, which are similar with conserved ARG repertoires in subclade A. The presence of unique ARG insertion in pPEC1012 highlights the importance of subclade A in ARG dissemination. This study comprehensively elucidates the landscape of ST2178, identifying critical phylogenetic subclades and their characteristics in ARG and VF occurrence.

Essential knowledge and technical tips for total mesorectal excision and related procedures for rectal cancer.

Total mesorectal excision (TME) has greatly improved rectal cancer surgery outcomes by reducing local recurrence and enhancing patient survival. This review outlines essential knowledge and techniques for performing TME. TME emphasizes the complete resection of the mesorectum along embryologic planes to minimize recurrence. Key anatomical insights include understanding the rectal proper fascia, Denonvilliers fascia, rectosacral fascia, and the pelvic autonomic nerves. Technical tips cover a step-by-step approach to pelvic dissection, the Gate approach, and tailored excision of Denonvilliers fascia, focusing on preserving pelvic autonomic nerves and ensuring negative circumferential resection margins. In Korea, TME has led to significant improvements in local recurrence rates and survival with well-adopted multidisciplinary approaches. Surgical techniques of TME have been optimized and standardized over several decades in Korea, and minimally invasive surgery for TME has been rapidly and successfully adopted. The review emphasizes the need for continuous research on tumor biology and precise surgical techniques to further improve rectal cancer management. The ultimate goal of TME is to achieve curative resection and function preservation, thereby enhancing the patient's quality of life. Accurate TME, multidisciplinary-based neoadjuvant therapy, refined sphincter-preserving techniques, and ongoing tumor research are essential for optimal treatment outcomes.

External Steering of Vine Robots via Magnetic Actuation.

This article explores the concept of external magnetic control for vine robots to enable their high curvature steering and navigation for use in endoluminal applications. Vine robots, inspired by natural growth and locomotion strategies, present unique shape adaptation capabilities that allow passive deformation around obstacles. However, without additional steering mechanisms, they lack the ability to actively select the desired direction of growth. The principles of magnetically steered growing robots are discussed, and experimental results showcase the effectiveness of the proposed magnetic actuation approach. We present a 25-mm-diameter vine robot with an integrated magnetic tip capsule, including 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) localization system and camera, and demonstrate a minimum bending radius of 3.85 cm with an internal pressure of 30 kPa. Furthermore, we evaluate the robot's ability to form tight curvature through complex navigation tasks, with magnetic actuation allowing for extended free-space navigation without buckling. The suspension of the magnetic tip was also validated using the 6 DOF localization system to ensure that the shear-free nature of vine robots was preserved. Additionally, by exploiting the magnetic wrench at the tip, we showcase preliminary results of vine retraction. The findings contribute to the development of controllable vine robots for endoluminal applications, providing high tip force and shear-free navigation.

Concomitant or antecedent intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm is not a prognostic factor in resected pancreatic cancer.

Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)-associated pancreatic cancer is becoming a common subtype of pancreatic cancer found in resected specimens. The prognostic of this subtype is still under evaluation. The study aims to evaluate the prognosis of IPMN-associated pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared to the conventional pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods: In this study, patients with resected pancreatic neoplasms and IPMN treated at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, from January 2016 to December 2020, were analyzed. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and correlations between the variables of interest and the disease specific OS was assessed by multivariate analysis. Results: Of 187 patients undergoing resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma or IPMN, 125 (67%) had pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 33 (18%) had IPMN-associated pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and 29 (16%) had IPMN. Resected IPMN was associated with long-term OS for most of the patients. Similar OS was identified in this study in upfront resected pancreatic cancer associated or not with IPMN. No statistical differences in median OS were identified between resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma and IPMN-associated pancreatic adenocarcinoma (48 vs. 44 months, P=0.44). Size of the tumor [hazard ratio (HR), 1.33], resected stage III (HR, 1.31), perineural invasion (HR, 1.58), lymphovascular invasion (HR, 1.44), positive lymph nodes (HR, 1.34), and neoadjuvant treatment (HR, 1.70) were associated with worse outcomes. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that resected pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis and IPMN-associated pancreatic adenocarcinoma has the same prognosis as a conventional pancreatic adenocarcinoma. More than half of the cases of IPMN-associated adenocarcinoma already had positive lymph nodes. The impact of neoadjuvant treatment in this group of patients should be investigated in larger cohorts.

FOXM1 affects oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and the DNA damage response by regulating p21 in aging oocytes.

Fertilization capacity and embryo survival rate are decreased in postovulatory aging oocytes, which results in a reduced reproductive rate in female animals. However, the key regulatory genes and related regulatory mechanisms involved in the process of postovulatory aging in oocytes remain unclear. In this study, RNA-Seq revealed that 3237 genes were differentially expressed in porcine oocytes between the MII and aging stages (MII + 24 h). The expression level of FOXM1 was increased at the aging stage, and FOXM1 was also observed to be enriched in many key biological processes, such as cell senescence, response to oxidative stress, and transcription, during porcine oocyte aging. Previous studies have shown that FOXM1 is involved in the regulation of various biological processes, such as oxidative stress, DNA damage repair, mitochondrial function, and cellular senescence, which suggests that FOXM1 may play a crucial role in the process of postovulatory aging. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of FOXM1 on oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, DNA damage, and apoptosis during oocyte aging. Our study revealed that aging oocytes exhibited significantly increased ROS levels and significantly decreased GSH, SOD, T-AOC, and CAT levels than did oocytes at the MII stage and that FOXM1 inhibition exacerbated the changes in these levels in aging oocytes. In addition, FOXM1 inhibition increased the levels of DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell senescence in aging oocytes. A p21 inhibitor alleviated the effects of FOXM1 inhibition on oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and DNA damage and thus alleviated the degree of senescence in aging oocytes. These results indicate that FOXM1 plays a crucial role in porcine oocyte aging. This study contributes to the understanding of the function and mechanism of FOXM1 during porcine oocyte aging and provides a theoretical basis for preventing oocyte aging and optimizing conditions for the in vitro culture of oocytes.

Exploring metastasis and recurrence patterns in low-risk grade 3 endometrial cancer: A multicenter retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Females with low-risk endometrial cancer typically have low lymph node metastasis risk and promising prognosis without lymphadenectomy. However, the impact of grade 3 endometrial cancer on nodal involvement, recurrence, and prognosis within this specific subgroup remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the prognosis, patterns of metastasis, and recurrence in a subgroup of females with grade 3 early-stage low-risk endometrioid endometrial cancer. METHODS: We identified patients from the endometrial cancer cohorts of seven institutional hospitals. The study included patients who underwent hysterectomy between January 2013 and December 2021 with preoperative endometrioid histological type, less than half myometrial invasion, no tumor spread outside the corpus on imaging, normal CA-125 level, and histological grade 3. The clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of the patients were collected. Recurrence-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log rank test. RESULTS: Overall, 36 patients were included in this analysis. Of the 33 patients who underwent lymphadenectomy, 1 (1/33, 3.0 %) had lymph node metastasis and 27 (75.0 %) received adjuvant therapy. At a median follow-up of 58 months, three females (8 %) had recurrence and all cases involved lymph nodes. The 5-year recurrence-free survival was 88.7 %. No significant difference was observed in the recurrence-free survival between females who did and did not undergo lymphadenectomy (p = 0.554). CONCLUSION: Females diagnosed with low-risk grade 3 endometrial cancer typically have favorable prognosis. However, lymph node metastasis and recurrence risks still exist, with all recorded instances of recurrence involving lymph nodes.

Operation Temperature Effects on a Microwave Gas Sensor with and without Sensitive Material.

Microwave gas sensors have garnered attention for their high sensitivity and selectivity in the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, traditional gas sensors generally rely on sensitive materials that degrade over time and are easily affected by the environment, compromising their stability and accuracy. This study proposes a microwave VOC gas sensor based on the condensation effect. The sensor adopts a novel design without sensitive materials, utilizing the condensation effect to detect acetone gas. The sensor system consists of a microwave sensor and a temperature control device. As the sensor temperature is lowered below the boiling point of acetone, the condensation of acetone gas on the sensor surface is achieved, enabling accurate detection of acetone gas. Experimental results indicate that the accumulated amount of acetone on the sensor surface is positively correlated with its response, with the maximum response of 3000 ppm acetone gas reaching 0.34 dB. Additionally, this study investigated the detection mechanism of the sensor after adding the sensitive material MXene and compared the performance of the sensor at different temperatures (-10 °C, 0 °C, and 60 °C). The results show that at -10 °C the sensor mainly captures acetone through physical adsorption, while at 25 and 60 °C, it primarily responds through chemical adsorption, with a maximum response of 0.29 dB. The VOC sensor based on the condensation effect without sensitive materials not only achieves the same sensitivity as traditional microwave sensors but also demonstrates stronger stability and anti-interference capabilities.