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BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignancy with limited therapeutic options for advanced stages. This study aimed to identify novel therapeutic targets for GC by profiling HSP90 client kinases. METHODS: We used mass spectrometry-based activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) with a desthiobiotin-ATP probe, combined with sensitivity analysis of HSP90 inhibitors, to profile kinases in a panel of GC cell lines. We identified kinases regulated by HSP90 in inhibitor-sensitive cells and investigated the impact of MASTL knockdown on GC cell behavior. Global proteomic analysis following MASTL knockdown was performed, and bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the resulting data. RESULTS: Four kinases-MASTL, STK11, CHEK1, and MET-were identified as HSP90-regulated in HSP90 inhibitor-sensitive cells. Among these, microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL) was upregulated in GC and associated with poor prognosis. MASTL knockdown decreased migration, invasion, and proliferation of GC cells. Global proteomic profiling following MASTL knockdown revealed NEDD4-1 as a potential downstream mediator of MASTL in GC progression. NEDD4-1 was also upregulated in GC and associated with poor prognosis. Similar to MASTL inhibition, NEDD4-1 knockdown suppressed migration, invasion, and proliferation of GC cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our multi-proteomic analyses suggest that targeting MASTL could be a promising therapy for advanced gastric cancer, potentially through the reduction of tumor-promoting proteins including NEDD4-1. This study enhances our understanding of kinase signaling pathways in GC and provides new insights for potential treatment strategies.
Subject(s)
Cell Proliferation , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases , Proteome , Proteomics , Stomach Neoplasms , Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism , Stomach Neoplasms/genetics , Stomach Neoplasms/pathology , Stomach Neoplasms/drug therapy , Humans , Cell Line, Tumor , Proteomics/methods , Proteome/metabolism , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics , Cell Movement/drug effects , HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism , HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics , Nedd4 Ubiquitin Protein Ligases/metabolism , Nedd4 Ubiquitin Protein Ligases/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Microtubule-Associated ProteinsABSTRACT
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 600â µm depth air trench with a 1.8â 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.
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Existing hormone replacement therapy for menopause has drawbacks, necessitating new treatment agents. Silkworms have demonstrated estrogenic properties, offering promising alternatives. We assessed the therapeutic effects of freeze-dried silkworm powder (SWP) on menopausal symptoms using an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model. The experimental design comprised a sham surgery group (Sham), an OVX control group, a low-dose SWP group post-OVX (80 mg/kg, OVX-SWP-L), a high-dose SWP group post-OVX (160 mg/kg, OVX-SWP-H), and an estradiol treatment group post-OVX (OVX-E2). Treatments were administered orally thrice weekly over eight weeks; body weight was monitored weekly. The SWP-treated groups (SWP-L and SWP-H) exhibited less weight gain and increased uterine thickness than the OVX control. Molecular analyses demonstrated that SWP significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), ERK, and AKT. Furthermore, biochemical assays revealed reduced serum neutral lipids across all SWP treatment groups. Notably, HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly increased in the SWP-L group compared to the OVX group. Serum estradiol concentrations were elevated in all the SWP groups, with significant increases in the high-dose group. These findings indicate that SWP may promote the activation of estrogen receptor signaling and improve symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency during menopause.
Subject(s)
Bombyx , Menopause , Ovariectomy , Signal Transduction , Animals , Female , Menopause/drug effects , Mice , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Estradiol/blood , Estrogen Receptor alpha/metabolism , Uterus/drug effects , Phosphorylation , Disease Models, Animal , Powders , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism , Receptors, Estrogen/metabolismABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival differences due to sex remain controversial. Previous studies adjusted for prehospital variables, but not sex-based in-hospital management disparities. We aimed to investigate age and sex-related differences in survival outcomes in OHCA patients after adjustment for sex-based in-hospital management disparities. METHODS: This retrospective observational study used a prospective multicenter OHCA registry to review data of patients from October 2015 to December 2020. The primary outcome was good neurological outcome defined as cerebral performance category score 1 or 2. We performed multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analysis according to age. RESULTS: Totally, 8988 patients were analyzed. Women showed poorer prehospital characteristics and received fewer coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary interventions, targeted temperature management, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation than men. Good neurological outcomes were lower in women than in men (5.8% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, prehospital variables, and in-hospital management, women were more likely to have good neurological outcomes than men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.74, p = 0.012). The restricted cubic spline curve showed a reverse sigmoid pattern of adjusted predicted probability of outcomes and dynamic associations of sex and age-based outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Women with OHCA were more likely to have good neurological outcome after adjusting for age, prehospital variables, and sex-based in-hospital management disparities. There were non-linear associations between sex and survival outcomes according to age and age-related sex-based differences.
Subject(s)
Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest , Humans , Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest/therapy , Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest/mortality , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Retrospective Studies , Sex Factors , Age Factors , Healthcare Disparities/statistics & numerical data , Registries , Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the association between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the incidence of falls from the perspective of geriatric morbid conditions. METHODS: Data were sourced from the triennial National Survey of Older Koreans conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (2017-2020). In total, 8,135 male participants aged 65 and older were included, and information was gathered through questionnaires and physical measurements. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the impact of BPH on the risk of falls, and subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the influence of BPH on specific types of falls. RESULTS: Of the participants, 15.2% (1,238 of 8,135) reported that their BPH treatment exceeded 3 months, and 8.0% (648 of 8,135) reported experiencing falls, with 61.4% (398/648) of these falls resulting in injuries. A significant association was identified between BPH and both falls (odds ratio [OR], 1.798; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.479-2.185) and falls with injuries (OR, 2.133; 95% CI, 1.689-2.694). A subgroup analysis indicated a correlation between BPH and falls in groups having one (OR, 1.912; 95% CI, 1.356-2.694) and 2 or more conditions (OR, 1.856; 95% CI, 1.455-2.367) involving visual and auditory impairments, cognitive decline, depression, lower motor weakness, and limitations in daily activities. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that BPH contributes to the incidence of falls among older men, particularly those with comorbid conditions. Considering the heightened fall risk among elderly individuals suffering from multiple morbidities, particularly those with BPH, targeted interventions are essential for mitigating the risk of falls in this vulnerable group.
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When cells are exposed to freezing temperatures, high concentrations of cryoprotective agents (CPA) prevent ice crystal formation, thus enhancing cell survival. However, high concentrations of CPAs can also cause cell toxicity. Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from polar marine environments exhibit lower toxicity and display effects similar to traditional CPA. In this study, we sought to address these issues by i) selecting strains that produce EPS with novel cryoprotective activity, and ii) optimizing culture conditions for EPS production. Sixty-six bacteria producing mucous substances were isolated from the Ross Sea (Antarctic Ocean) using solid marine agar plates. Among them, Pseudoalteromonas sp. RosPo-2 was ultimately selected based on the rheological properties of the produced EPS (p-CY02). Cryoprotective activity experiments demonstrated that p-CY02 exhibited significantly cryoprotective activity at a concentration of 0.8% (w/v) on mammalian cells (HaCaT). This activity was further improved when combined with various concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) compared to using DMSO alone. Moreover, the survival rate of HaCaT cells treated with 5% (v/v) DMSO and 0.8% (w/v) p-CY02 was measured at 87.9 ± 2.8% after freezing treatment. This suggests that p-CY02 may be developed as a more effective, less toxic, and novel non-permeating CPA. To enhance the production of EPS with cryoprotective activity, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was implemented, resulting in a 1.64-fold increase in production of EPS with cryoprotective activity.
Subject(s)
Cell Survival , Cryoprotective Agents , Culture Media , Polysaccharides, Bacterial , Pseudoalteromonas , Pseudoalteromonas/metabolism , Polysaccharides, Bacterial/pharmacology , Polysaccharides, Bacterial/biosynthesis , Polysaccharides, Bacterial/metabolism , Cryoprotective Agents/pharmacology , Cryoprotective Agents/metabolism , Culture Media/chemistry , Antarctic Regions , Humans , Cell Survival/drug effects , Dimethyl Sulfoxide/pharmacology , Dimethyl Sulfoxide/metabolism , HaCaT Cells , Cell Line , Seawater/microbiologyABSTRACT
The global increase in antibiotic consumption is related to increased adverse effects, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). This study investigated the chemical properties of Zingiber officinale Rosc (ZO) extract and its ameliorative effects using a lincomycin-induced AAD mouse model. Intestinal tissues were evaluated for the expression of lysozyme, claudin-1, and α-defensin-1, which are associated with intestinal homeostasis. The cecum was analyzed to assess the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The chemical properties analysis of ZO extracts revealed the levels of total neutral sugars, acidic sugars, proteins, and polyphenols to be 86.4%, 8.8%, 4.0%, and 0.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the monosaccharide composition of ZO was determined to include glucose (97.3%) and galactose (2.7%). ZO extract administration ameliorated the impact of AAD and associated weight loss, and water intake also returned to normal. Moreover, treatment with ZO extract restored the expression levels of lysozyme, α-defensin-1, and claudin-1 to normal levels. The decreased SCFA levels due to induced AAD showed a return to normal levels. The results indicate that ZO extract improved AAD, strengthened the intestinal barrier, and normalized SCFA levels, showing that ZO extract possesses intestinal-function strengthening effects.
Subject(s)
Zingiber officinale , alpha-Defensins , Mice , Animals , Muramidase , Claudin-1/genetics , Diarrhea/chemically induced , Diarrhea/drug therapy , Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects , SugarsABSTRACT
This review systematically addresses the correlation between the microbiome and prostate cancer and explores its diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Recent research has indicated an association between the urinary and gut microbiome composition and prostate cancer incidence and progression. Specifically, the urinary microbiome is a potential non-invasive biomarker for early detection and risk evaluation, with altered microbial profiles in prostate cancer patients. This represents an advancement in non-invasive diagnostic approaches to prostate cancer. The role of the gut microbiome in the efficacy of various cancer therapies has recently gained attention. Gut microbiota variations can affect the metabolism and effectiveness of standard treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. This review explores the potential of gut microbiome modification through dietary interventions, prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation for improving the treatment response and mitigating adverse effects. Moreover, this review discusses the potential of microbiome profiling for patient stratification and personalized treatment strategies. While the current research identifies the pivotal role of the microbiome in prostate cancer, it also highlights the necessity for further investigations to fully understand these complex interactions and their practical applications in improving patient outcomes in prostate cancer management.
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Electroencephalography (EEG) signals are the brain signals acquired using the non-invasive approach. Owing to the high portability and practicality, EEG signals have found extensive application in monitoring human physiological states across various domains. In recent years, deep learning methodologies have been explored to decode the intricate information embedded in EEG signals. However, since EEG signals are acquired from humans, it has issues with acquiring enormous amounts of data for training the deep learning models. Therefore, previous research has attempted to develop pre-trained models that could show significant performance improvement through fine-tuning when data are scarce. Nonetheless, existing pre-trained models often struggle with constraints, such as the necessity to operate within datasets of identical configurations or the need to distort the original data to apply the pre-trained model. In this paper, we proposed the domain-free transformer, called DFformer, for generalizing the EEG pre-trained model. In addition, we presented the pre-trained model based on DFformer, which is capable of seamless integration across diverse datasets without necessitating architectural modification or data distortion. The proposed model achieved competitive performance across motor imagery and sleep stage classification datasets. Notably, even when fine-tuned on datasets distinct from the pre-training phase, DFformer demonstrated marked performance enhancements. Hence, we demonstrate the potential of DFformer to overcome the conventional limitations in pre-trained model development, offering robust applicability across a spectrum of domains.
Subject(s)
Algorithms , Brain-Computer Interfaces , Humans , Electroencephalography/methods , Brain/physiology , Electric Power SuppliesABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) overexpression is a prognostic factor and a therapeutic target for breast cancer; however, anti-HER2 therapies are ineffective in patients with bladder cancer. The authors investigated the effect of HER2 overexpression (HER2 + ) on the prognosis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent initial transurethral resection of bladder tumors between 2005 and 2013 and were registered in the Korea National Health Insurance Database, which provides data on overall survival (OS). Sixty-one patients with clinically nonmetastatic de novo MIBC were included in this study. As a subgroup, 33 patients who underwent immediate radical cystectomy (RC) were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify prognostic factors for survival. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify the favorable T stage. RESULTS: Among the 61 patients with d-MIBC, 14 were HER2 + and 47 HER2 - . Age less than 70 years [hazard ratio (HR): 0.312, CI: 0.16-0.59, P <0.001] and HER2 + status (HR: 0.40, CI: 0.19-0.85, P =0.02) were favorable prognostic factors for OS after adjusting for clinical variables. In the RC subgroup, HER2 + status was a significant predictive factor for the pT2 stage (HR): 36.8, CI: 4.83-797.41, P <0.01). Age less than 70 years (HR: 0.15, CI: 0.05-0.42, P <0.001) and HER2 + status (HR: 0.11, CI: 0.02-0.54, P =0.01) were favorable prognostic factors for OS after adjusting for RC pathological variables. CONCLUSIONS: HER2 + status could be a marker for an indolent subset of MIBC and could predict favorable survival regardless of RC status. Moreover, HER2 + status not only consistently predicted a favorable T stage after RC, but also predicted better survival than pathological outcomes.
Subject(s)
Cystectomy , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Humans , Aged , Retrospective Studies , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/pathology , Prognosis , Muscles/pathology , Neoplasm InvasivenessABSTRACT
AIMS: To examine the association between testosterone deficiency (TD) and nocturia in males, with specific attention to age and cardiovascular disease (CVD) comorbidity. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2016, assessing 6137 adult male participants. TD was defined by a serum total testosterone (TT) concentration less than 300 ng/dL. Nocturia was determined based on participants' responses to a standard NHANES question regarding the frequency of urination during the night. RESULTS: The study observed a significant association between TD and nocturia (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.211 [1.060-1.384], p = 0.005). Moreover, a U-shape pattern was noted in the relationship between serum TT concentration and the relative odds of nocturia. Subgroup analysis revealed a robust correlation between TD and nocturia in those over 60 years old, and those with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and CVDs. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a positive correlation between TD and nocturia, particularly among elderly individuals with CVD. This association underscores the potential therapeutic significance of addressing TD in the management of nocturia. Furthermore, longitudinal studies are needed to establish a causal relationship between TD and nocturia.
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases , Nocturia , Adult , Humans , Male , Aged , Middle Aged , Nocturia/epidemiology , Nutrition Surveys , Cross-Sectional Studies , TestosteroneABSTRACT
Introduction: Predicting the response to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy in high-risk patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is crucial, as failure may necessitate interventions, such as radical cystectomy or salvage therapy. With the recent classification of genetic class 2a (which has HER2 protein abundance as its signature mutation of ERBB2), evaluating its prognostic role and relationship with BCG response could yield important results. Methods: This retrospective study included 160 patients with NMIBC who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumors at Gangneung Asan Hospital between 2000 and 2013 and were stratified based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) risk criteria. In addition, we analyzed a subset of 67 patients who had received BCG induction therapy to identify factors predictive of BCG treatment response. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the impact of clinicopathological factors, HER2 positivity, and EORTC risk on recurrence, progression, survival, and BCG response. Each variable's prognostic significance was determined using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. The tumor microenvironments (TMEs) were evaluated in relation to HER2 and EORTC risk. Results: Patients with HER2+ had a higher median age, a greater prevalence of high-grade tumors, and more frequent recurrences. The univariate analysis demonstrated that the HER2+, intermediate (vs. low-risk) high (vs. low-risk), and EORTC recurrence risk groups were significantly associated with recurrence. In patients treated with BCG, only the HER2+ status predicted recurrence. In the univariate analysis for progression, age, high EORTC progression risk (vs. low-to-intermediate), HER2+, and programmed death-ligand 1 positive (PD-L1+) were significant factors. In multivariate analyses for progression, age, high EORTC progression risk, and PD-L1+ were significant factors for progression. HER2 expression was associated with the TME, influencing the proportion of PD-L1+ cells, as well as other markers of PD-1, CD8, and Ki67. Conclusion: The HER2+ status may be related to genetic characteristics that appear more frequently in older age, which suggests a potential for predicting the recurrence and response to BCG treatment. Additionally, analyzing TME trends of aggressive adaptive immune response characterized by HER2 expression provides insight into recurrence and BCG response mechanisms.
Subject(s)
Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Neoplasms , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Humans , B7-H1 Antigen , BCG Vaccine/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Neoplasm Staging , Disease Progression , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/genetics , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/therapy , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/pathology , Tumor MicroenvironmentABSTRACT
Xinghamide A (1), a new nonapeptide, was discovered in Streptomyces xinghaiensis isolated from a halophyte, Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort. Based on high-resolution mass and NMR spectroscopic data, the planar structure of 1 was established, and, in particular, the sequence of nine amino acids was determined with ROESY and HMBC NMR spectra. The absolute configurations of the α-carbon of each amino acid residue were determined with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl-l-and -d-leucine amide (Marfey's reagents) and 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-ß-d-glucopyranosyl isothiocyanate, followed by LC-MS analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity of xinghamide A (1) was evaluated by inhibitory abilities against the nitric oxide (NO) secretion and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.
Subject(s)
Amino Acids , Streptomyces , Amino Acids/chemistry , Streptomyces/metabolism , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , Chromatography, LiquidABSTRACT
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health concern. Due to the increase in TBI incidence and the aging population, an increasing number of patients with TBI are taking antithrombotic agents for their underlying disease. When TBI occurs in patients with these diseases, there is a conflict between the disease, which requires an antithrombotic effect, and the neurosurgeon, who must minimize intracranial hemorrhage. Nevertheless, there are no clear guidelines for the reversal or resumption of antithrombotic agents when TBI occurs in patients taking antithrombotic agents. In this review article, we intend to classify antithrombotic agents and provide information on them. We also share previous studies on the reversal and resumption of antithrombotic agents in patients with TBI to help neurosurgeons in this dilemma.
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Penetrating brain injury (PBI) is a rare type of traumatic brain injury, which accounts for 0.4% of all head trauma cases. In this study, we describe a 14-year-old male adolescent who sustained a transorbital penetrating injury caused by a fencing knife. Although the patient visited the hospital after the foreign body had been removed, we diagnosed a PBI based on identification of a linear injury trajectory extending from an orbital roof fracture to the contralateral parietal lobe, using three-dimensional reconstruction of the hemorrhage. The patient fully recovered after conservative treatment. We hope that sharing our experience will serve as a guideline for the clinical management of PBI.
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In the modern era, chronic kidney failure due to diabetes has spread across the globe. Prunetin (PRU), a component of herbal medicines, has a broad variety of pharmacological activities; these may help to slow the onset of diabetic kidney disease. The anti-nephropathic effects of PRU have not yet been reported. The present study explored the potential nephroprotective actions of PRU in diabetic rats. For 28 days, nephropathic rats were given oral doses of PRU (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg). Body weight, blood urea, creatinine, total protein, lipid profile, liver marker enzymes, carbohydrate metabolic enzymes, C-reactive protein, antioxidants, lipid peroxidative indicators, and the expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2) mRNA genes were all examined. Histological examinations of the kidneys, liver, and pancreas were also performed. The oral treatment of PRU drastically lowered the blood glucose, HbA1c, blood urea, creatinine, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lipid profile, and hexokinase. Meanwhile, the levels of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase were all elevated, but glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase dropped significantly. Inflammatory marker antioxidants and lipid peroxidative markers were also less persistent due to this administration. PRU upregulated the IRS-1 and GLUT-2 gene expression in the nephropathic group. The possible renoprotective properties of PRU were validated by histopathology of the liver, kidney, and pancreatic tissues. It is therefore proposed that PRU (80 mg/kg) has considerable renoprotective benefits in diabetic nephropathy in rats.
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PURPOSE: Placing dental implants in areas with low bone density or in conditions where bone healing is suppressed is challenging for clinicians. An experiment using a rodent model was performed with the aim of determining the efficacy of host modulation by increasing the systemic level of cholesterol sulfate (CS) using Irosustat in the context of the bone healing process around dental implants. METHODS: In 16 ovariectomised female Sprague-Dawley rats, 2 implant fixtures were placed in the tibial bones (1 fixture on each side). At 1 week after surgery, the high-CS group (n=8) received Irosustat-mixed feed, while the control group (n=8) was fed conventionally. Block specimens were obtained at 5 weeks post-surgery for histologic analysis and the data were evaluated statistically (P<0.05). RESULTS: Unlike the high-CS group, half of the specimens in the control group demonstrated severe bone resorption along with a periosteal reaction in the cortex. The mean percentages of bone-to-implant contact (21.5%) and bone density (28.1%) near the implant surface were significantly higher in the high-CS group than in the control group (P<0.05), as was the number of Haversian canals (by 5.3). CONCLUSIONS: Host modulation by increasing the CS level may enhance the osseointegration of dental implants placed under conditions of impaired bone healing.
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In this study, the characteristics in the lead-free piezoelectric ceramic 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (0.5BZT-0.5BCT) were investigated to assess its potential for Rosen-type piezoelectric transformers. This piezoelectric ceramic has a piezoelectric charge coefficient d33 of 430 pC/N, an electromechanical coupling factor kp of 49%, a dielectric constant εr of 2836, a remnant polarization Pr of 4.98 µC/cm2, and a coercive electric field Ec of 2.41 kV/cm. Sb2O3 was soft doped with 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 mol%, respectively, and exhibited excellent physical properties at 0.1 mol%. Based on this, a piezoelectric transformer was fabricated and measured, and it showed better output characteristics than pure 0.5BZT-0.5BCT. The amplification ratio (Vout/Vin) was optimized based on the device geometry and properties of the piezoelectric material. Moreover, the output characteristics of the Rosen-type piezoelectric transformer were simulated with the PSpice program. Output values of the fabricated and simulated piezoelectric transformers for the r vibrational frequency were compared and analyzed. Accordingly, the step-up amplification ratios Vout/Vin of the fabricated and simulated devices at the vibrational frequency were compared as well. This piezoelectric transformer could replace silicon steel transformers and be used for the creation of black light and for laptop chargers.
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Ten traditional herbal extracts effective against diarrhea, infectious diseases, and bacterial activity were selected and analyzed for Peyer's patch cell-mediated intestinal immunomodulatory activity in vitro and in vivo. Among the 10 herbal extracts, Zingiber officinale Rosc. (ZO) extract induced the highest secretion of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the cells of Peyer's patches. Furthermore, animal experiments showed that IA production was enhanced with the oral administration of ZO extract (100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) for 10 days. In addition, 6-, 8-, 10-gingerol, and 6-, 8-, 10-shogaol, the six major index compounds of ZO extract, were analyzed using HPLC. Our study findings confirm the intestinal immunomodulatory activity of ZO extract and lay a strong foundation for future analytical studies aimed at determining the active components of ZO extracts.