ABSTRACT
Despite the growing support for the multiple developmental pathways to phenotypic callous-unemotional (CU) traits (i.e., primary, and secondary CU variants), there remains limited research on childhood manifestations of CU variants in non-Western, community samples. Using a latent profile analysis with data sourced from the longitudinal, nationwide Korean sample (N = 1597, 48.7% girls), we discerned heterogeneous groups of children, based on externalizing problems, CU traits, and emotional reactivity level. The optimal five-profile solution identified distinct subgroups: low-risk, primary CU (characterized by low emotional reactivity and externalizing problem), reactive (low CU/moderate emotion reactivity and externalizing problem), and two secondary CU groups (i.e., secondary-high CU and secondary-moderate CU; both high in emotional reactivity and externalizing problems). The two secondary CU variants demonstrated differences from the primary CU variants, in that both are high in preschool externalizing problems (age 6) and school-age conduct problems (age 11). However, the secondary-moderate CU group displayed greater levels of anxiety at age 11 compared to secondary-high CU, indicating divergent developmental trajectories of secondary CU variants. These findings expand our understanding of CU variants among Korean preschoolers and highlight the role of emotional reactivity in distinguishing such subtypes and identifying their developmental outcomes across time.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: While studies have suggested an association between periodontal disease and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the strength of this association and its specific links to various types of cardiovascular disease have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to examine how gingivitis and tooth loss affect cardiovascular diseases, probing their individual impacts. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, encompassing 3,779,490 individuals with no history of cardiovascular disease, utilizing data from the National Health Examination and the Korean National Health Insurance database from 2006 to 2019. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to estimate the association between tooth loss, gingivitis, and cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: Following a median follow-up of 10.38 years, 17,942 new cardiovascular disease cases were identified, comprising 10,224 cases of angina pectoris, 6,182 cases of acute myocardial infarction, and 9,536 cases of stroke. It was observed that the risk of stroke was significantly higher in the tooth loss group compared to the control group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.15). In the group with gingivitis and tooth loss, the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease was significantly higher than in the control group (aHR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.20; aHR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.14). The gingivitis group exhibited a higher risk associated with stroke (aHR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.10) among individuals aged 50 and above. However, statistically significant associations between periodontal disease and angina pectoris were not observed, nor between periodontal disease and acute myocardial infarction except among those aged above 50. Furthermore, the association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease was found to be stronger among individuals over the age of 50, males, those with obesity, and smokers compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results emphasize the association of tooth loss and gingivitis with cardiovascular disease, specifically stroke, underlining the critical need for preventive oral healthcare. Tailored interventions are necessary to reduce the heightened risk of cardiovascular disease events, especially stroke, among older, obese individuals and smokers.
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases , Gingivitis , Tooth Loss , Humans , Gingivitis/epidemiology , Gingivitis/complications , Male , Tooth Loss/epidemiology , Tooth Loss/complications , Female , Middle Aged , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Risk Factors , Proportional Hazards Models , Stroke/epidemiology , Angina Pectoris/epidemiology , East Asian PeopleABSTRACT
Purpose: After the declaration by the World Health Organization signaling the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries lifted mandatory mask-wearing regulations. This study aimed to investigate factors such as risk perception and political ideology associated with continued adherence to mask-wearing among specific populations, particularly when it is no longer deemed necessary. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including a sample of 1001 respondents stratified by sex, age (≥ 18 years), and region from January 31 to February 2, 2023, after the mandatory mask regulation was lifted in South Korea. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to estimate the relationships between risk perceptions, political ideology, and mask-wearing maintenance, adjusting for factors such as sex, age, occupation, and trust in the government. Results: Our results indicated significant associations between age, self-reported household economic status, political ideology, affective risk perception, and perceived effectiveness of the government's COVID-related measures with indoor mask-wearing. Specifically, liberals were more likely to keep mask-wearing indoors than conservatives (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-3.59); and those who perceived a greater affective risk of COVID-19 (aOR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.96-3.10), along with those who perceived the government's countermeasures as inadequate, were more inclined to maintain the habit of wearing masks indoors (aOR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.19-3.03). Conclusion: Our study highlighted the multifaceted factors influencing mask-wearing behavior in the post-COVID-19 era. Even after adjusting for various confounding factors, such as age, sex, and trust in the government, an association remained between affective risk perception, political ideology, and mask-wearing behavior. However, further research for psychological mechanisms is needed to foster a culture of preventive behaviors proportional to the risk of infection.
ABSTRACT
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been found to have the characteristics of their parent cells. Based on the characteristics of these EVs, various studies on disease treatment using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived EVs with regenerative activity have been actively conducted. The therapeutic nature of MSC-derived EVs has been shown in several studies, but in recent years, there have been many efforts to functionalize EVs to give them more potent therapeutic effects. Strategies for functionalizing EVs include endogenous and exogenous methods. In this study, human umbilical cord MSC (UCMSC)-derived EVs were selected for optimum OA treatments with expectation via bioinformatics analysis based on antibody array. And we created a novel nanovesicle system called the IGF-si-EV, which has the properties of both cartilage regeneration and long-term retention in the lesion site, attaching positively charged insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to the surface of the UCMSC-derived Evs carrying siRNA, which inhibits MMP13. The downregulation of inflammation-related cytokine (MMP13, NF-kB, and IL-6) and the upregulation of cartilage-regeneration-related factors (Col2, Acan) were achieved with IGF-si-EV. Moreover, the ability of IGF-si-EV to remain in the lesion site for a long time has been proven through an ex vivo system. Collectively, the final constructed IGF-si-EV can be proposed as an effective OA treatment through its successful MMP13 inhibition, chondroprotective effect, and cartilage adhesion ability. We also believe that this EV-based nanoparticle-manufacturing technology can be applied as a platform technology for various diseases.
Subject(s)
Extracellular Vesicles , Insulin-Like Growth Factor I , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Osteoarthritis , RNA, Small Interfering , Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism , Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism , Humans , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Osteoarthritis/therapy , Osteoarthritis/metabolism , RNA, Small Interfering/genetics , Animals , Matrix Metalloproteinase 13/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase 13/geneticsABSTRACT
Fluorescence-encoded infrared (FEIR) spectroscopy is a recently developed technique for solution-phase vibrational spectroscopy with detection sensitivity at the single-molecule level. While its spectroscopic information content and important criteria for its practical experimental optimization have been identified, a general understanding of the electronic and nuclear properties required for highly sensitive detection, i.e., what makes a molecule a "good FEIR chromophore," is lacking. This work explores the molecular factors that determine FEIR vibrational activity and assesses computational approaches for its prediction. We employ density functional theory (DFT) and its time-dependent version (TD-DFT) to compute vibrational and electronic transition dipole moments, their relative orientation, and the Franck-Condon factors involved in FEIR activity. We apply these methods to compute the FEIR activities of normal modes of chromophores from the coumarin family and compare these predictions with experimental FEIR cross sections. We discuss the extent to which we can use computational models to predict the FEIR activity of individual vibrations in a candidate molecule. The results discussed in this work provide the groundwork for computational strategies for choosing FEIR vibrational probes or informing the structure of designer chromophores for single-molecule spectroscopic applications.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cancer may share similar risk factors, indicating possible common pathogenic pathways. We aimed to describe the site-specific cancer risk based on the relationship of AMD with visual disability (VD) status. METHODS: This was a population-based cohort study using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database (2009-2019) including patients who participated in a national health screening programme in 2009. The subjects were categorised based on the presence of AMD and VD. The occurrence of cancer was identified using principal diagnosis according to the International Classification of Disease, 10th revision codes in claims data. The Cox regression hazard model was used to compare HRs of site-specific cancer. RESULTS: Among 4 088 814 participants, 51 596 had AMD of which 3683 subjects had VD. The mean follow-up period was 9.6 years. The overall cancer risk was generally null, but the risk of hypervascular cancer such as thyroid cancer (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.10, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.20) and renal cancer (aHR 1.16, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.33) was higher and the risk of stomach cancer (aHR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.94) was lower in the AMD group than in the non-AMD group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a possible association between AMD and several cancers. Increased renal and thyroid cancer risk among patients with AMD could indicate that AMD is associated with hypervascular cancer. Further studies in which additional databases are used and the underlying detailed mechanisms evaluated are needed to validate our results.
ABSTRACT
Although the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by healthcare workers (HCWs) effectively blocks hazardous substances and pathogens, it does not fully rule out the possibility of infection, as pathogens surviving on the fabric surface pose a substantial risk of cross-infection through unintended means. Therefore, PPE materials that exhibit effective biocidal activity while minimizing contamination by viscous body fluids (e.g., blood and saliva) and pathogen-laden droplets are highly sought. In this study, petal-like nanostructures (PNSs) are synthesized through the vertical rearrangement of colloidal lamellar bilayers via evaporation-induced self-assembly of octadecylamine, silica-alumina sol, and diverse photosensitizer. The developed method is compatible with various fabrics and imparts visible-light-activated antimicrobial and superhydrophobic-based antifouling activities. PNS-coated fabrics could provide a high level of protection and effectively block pathogen transmission as exemplified by their ability to roll off viscous body fluids reducing bacterial droplet adhesion and to inactivate various microorganisms. The combination of antifouling and photobiocidal activities results in the complete inactivation of sprayed pathogen-laden droplets within 30 min. Thus, this study paves the way for effective contagious disease management and the protection of HCWs in general medical environments, inspiring further research on the fabrication of materials that integrate multiple useful functionalities.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents , Biofouling , Humans , Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional/prevention & control , Personal Protective Equipment , Health Personnel , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: To overcome the limitations of current alternative therapies for chronic kidney disease (CKD), tissue engineering-mediated regeneration strategies have demonstrated the possibilities for complete kidney tissue regeneration. Given the challenges associated with the reproducibility of renal basal cells, the incorporation of intermediate mesoderm (IM) cells and bioactive materials to control bioactivities of cells with supported scaffolds should be considered as a viable approach to enable the regeneration of the complex kidney structure via renal differentiation. METHODS: We developed PMEZ scaffolds by combining crucial bioactive components, such as ricinoleic acid-grafted Mg(OH)2 (M), extracellular matrix (E), and alpha lipoic acid-conjugated ZnO (Z) integrated into biodegradable porous PLGA (P) platform. Additionally, we utilized differentiating extracellular vesicles (dEV) isolated during intermediate mesoderm differentiation into kidney progenitor cells, and IM cells were serially incorporated to facilitate kidney tissue regeneration through their differentiation into kidney progenitor cells in the 3/4 nephrectomy mouse model. RESULTS: The use of differentiating extracellular vesicles facilitated IM differentiation into kidney progenitor cells without additional differentiation factors. This led to improvements in various regeneration-related bioactivities including tubule and podocyte regeneration, anti-fibrosis, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammation. Finally, implanting PMEZ/dEV/IM scaffolds in mouse injury model resulted in the restoration of kidney function. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has demonstrated that utilizing biodegradable PLGA-based scaffolds, which include multipotent cells capable of differentiating into various kidney progenitor cells along with supporting components, can facilitate kidney tissue regeneration in the mouse model that simulates CKD through 3/4 nephrectomy.
ABSTRACT
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized particles that are released from cells and reflect the characteristics of the mother cell. Recently, the EVs have been used in several types of studies across many different fields. In the field of EV research, multiple cell culture and EV isolation techniques have been highlighted in importance. Various strategies, including exclusive component culture media, three-dimensional (3D) cultures, and hypoxic conditions, have been proposed for the cell culture to control function of the EVs. Ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, precipitation, and tangential flow filtration (TFF) have been utilized for EV isolation. Although isolated EVs have their own functionalities, several researchers are trying to functionalize EVs by applying various engineering approaches. Gene editing, exogenous, endogenous, and hybridization methods are the four well-known types of EV functionalization strategies. EV engineered through these processes has been applied in the field of regenerative medicine, including kidney diseases, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, nervous system-related diseases, and others. In this review, it was focused on engineering approaches for EV functionalization and their applications in regenerative medicine.
ABSTRACT
FJH-KO obtained from Antarctic krill, especially Euphausia superba, has been reported to contain high amounts of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and to exhibit anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its antithrombotic effects have not yet been reported. This study aimed to investigate the antithrombotic effects of FJH-KO in carrageenan-induced thrombosis mouse models and human endothelial cells. Thrombosis was induced by carrageenan injection, whereas the mice received FJH-KO pretreatment. FJH-KO attenuated carrageenan-induced thrombus formation in mouse tissue vessels and prolonged tail bleeding. The inhibitory effect of FJH-KO was associated with decreased plasma levels of thromboxane B2, P-selectin, endothelin-1, ß-thromboglobulin, platelet factor 4, serotonin, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6. Meanwhile, FJH-KO induced plasma levels of prostacyclin I2 and plasminogen. In vitro, FJH-KO decreased the adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to human endothelial cells stimulated by TNF-α via eNOS activation and NO production. Furthermore, FJH-KO inhibited the expression of TNF-α-induced adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, our study demonstrates that FJH-KO protects against carrageenan-induced thrombosis by regulating endothelial cell activation and has potential as an antithrombotic agent.
Subject(s)
Euphausiacea , Fatty Acids, Omega-3 , Thrombosis , Humans , Animals , Mice , Carrageenan/adverse effects , Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Fibrinolytic Agents/adverse effects , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Thrombosis/chemically induced , Thrombosis/drug therapy , Fatty Acids, Omega-3/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Tissue regeneration after injury involves the dedifferentiation of somatic cells, a natural adaptive reprogramming that leads to the emergence of injury-responsive cells with fetal-like characteristics. However, there is no direct evidence that adaptive reprogramming involves a shared molecular mechanism with direct cellular reprogramming. Here, we induced dedifferentiation of intestinal epithelial cells using OSKM (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc) in vivo. The OSKM-induced forced dedifferentiation showed similar molecular features of intestinal regeneration, including a transition from homeostatic cell types to injury-responsive-like cell types. These injury-responsive-like cells, sharing gene signatures of revival stem cells and atrophy-induced villus epithelial cells, actively assisted tissue regeneration following damage. In contrast to normal intestinal regeneration involving Ptgs2 induction, the OSKM promotes autonomous production of prostaglandin E2 via epithelial Ptgs1 expression. These results indicate prostaglandin synthesis is a common mechanism for intestinal regeneration but involves a different enzyme when partial reprogramming is applied to the intestinal epithelium.
Subject(s)
Cellular Reprogramming , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells , Cellular Reprogramming/genetics , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolismABSTRACT
Melanoma, a highly malignant and aggressive form of skin cancer, poses a significant global health threat, with limited treatment options and potential side effects. In this study, we developed a temperature-responsive hydrogel for skin regeneration with a controllable drug release. The hydrogel was fabricated using an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). PVA was chosen for its adhesive properties, biocompatibility, and ability to address hydrophobicity issues associated with NIPAAm. The hydrogel was loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), an anticancer drug, for the treatment of melanoma. The NIPAAm-PVA (N-P) hydrogel demonstrated temperature-responsive behavior with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) around 34 °C. The addition of PVA led to increased porosity and faster drug release. In vitro biocompatibility tests showed nontoxicity and supported cell proliferation. The N-P hydrogel exhibited effective anticancer effects on melanoma cells due to its rapid drug release behavior. This N-P hydrogel system shows great promise for controlled drug delivery and potential applications in skin regeneration and cancer treatment. Further research, including in vivo studies, will be essential to advance this hydrogel system toward clinical translation and impactful advancements in regenerative medicine and cancer therapeutics.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We investigated the association of plant and animal protein intake with grip strength in Koreans aged ≥ 50 yrs. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The data was collected from 3,610 men and 4,691 women (≥ 50 yrs) from the 2016-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We calculated the total energy intake, and the intake of animal and plant protein and collected dietary data using 1-day 24-h dietary recalls. Low grip strength (LGS) was defined as the lowest quintile (men: up to 26.8 kg, women: up to 15.7 kg). The association of protein intake with grip strength was examined using Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The results proved that participants with LGS had lower daily energy, protein and fat intake, and percent energy from protein than those with normal or high grip strength (P < 0.0001). Total energy intake, animal protein, and plant protein were positively associated with grip strength. A higher intake of total plant protein (P for trend = 0.004 for men, 0.05 for women) and legumes, nuts, and seeds (LNS) protein (P for trend = 0.01 for men, 0.02 for women) was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of LGS. However, non-LNS plant protein intake was not associated with LGS (P for trend = 0.10 for men, 0.15 for women). In women, a higher total animal protein intake was significantly associated with decreased LGS (P for trend = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Higher total plant protein and LNS protein intake are negatively associated with LGS.
ABSTRACT
Importance: There are racial and ethnic inequities in exclusionary school discipline (ESD) (ie, a disciplinary action that removes students from their classroom or school environment, eg, referrals, suspensions, and/or expulsions) practices in the US. Exclusionary school discipline has been associated with negative education, health, and criminal justice outcomes. Objectives: To investigate whether experiencing an ESD event was associated with decreased grade point average (GPA) and whether minoritized students (eg, Black or Latine [description used in database]) are disproportionately affected compared with White students. Design, Setting, and Participants: In a cohort study using retrospective administrative longitudinal data of children in the 6th to 10th grades (August 18, 2014, to May 26, 2017) in a large, single urban school district in California, linear mixed models were applied to compare the timing of the first exclusionary event and the average change in GPA and evaluate the relative variation among minoritized students experiencing an exclusionary event. Data analysis was conducted from August 18, 2018, to August 21, 2023. Exposure: Year at which students experienced first ESD events over the study period. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome of interest was change in average grade point average (GPA); students' GPA averaged across courses was averaged across each year. Results: Of the 16â¯849 students (8756 [52.0%] male), 21.4% experienced at least 1 ESD event. The mean (SD) age was 14.3 (1.6) years, and 7.5% identified as Black, 25.6% Latine, and 10.0% White. Black and Latine students experienced exclusionary events at nearly 10 and 3 times more than White students (mean [SD]: Black, 6.69 [12.80] events; Latine, 2.01 [6.18] events; White, 0.71 [4.46] events; P < .001). When controlling for gender, maternal educational level, race and ethnicity, and school year, having experienced an ESD event in the first year was associated with an average decrease in GPA by 0.88 (95% CI, -0.91 to -0.84) points compared with no ESD events; experiencing ESD events also had significant differences in the second (-0.63 [95% CI, -0.67 to -0.59]) and third (-0.52 [95% CI, -0.57 to -0.47]) years. Black and Latine race and ethnicity was associated with the greatest decrease in GPA compared with White students (Black, -0.56 [95% CI, -0.61 to -0.51]; Latine, -0.51 [95% CI, -0.54 to -0.47]; P < .001). Conclusion and Relevance: This study observed racial and ethnic inequities in ESD prevalence and its association with educational attainment. The findings suggest that it may be beneficial for pediatricians and other health care professionals to screen for exclusion, as experiencing ESD events may affect health across the life course. In addition, it may be useful to categorize ESD events as an adverse childhood experience and abolish the practice from schools as a disciplinary measure.
Subject(s)
Academic Success , Ethnicity , Child , Humans , Male , Adolescent , Female , Cohort Studies , Retrospective Studies , StudentsABSTRACT
Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition that affects daily working life. Characterization of the factors associated with endometriosis in the working population can facilitate the development of prevention and intervention strategies for those at risk of endometriosis. This population-based retrospective study was conducted using the 2007-2015 National Health Insurance Service-Female Employees database. Overall, 151,386 female workers aged 15-64 years were included in the study. Participants with endometriosis were identified using the diagnosis codes in the claims data. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the effect of sociodemographic, lifestyle, health, and occupational factors on endometriosis risk. Of the 151,386 participants, 4,457 were diagnosed with endometriosis. The risk of endometriosis was significantly higher in 41-60 years group (HR = 1.47 (95% CI, 1.06-2.04)) and in those with body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2 (HR = 1.16 (95% CI, 1.05-1.27)) than 15-20 years group and those with normal BMI, respectively. According to the international standard industrial classification, occupational groups with financial and insurance activities, public administration and defence, compulsory social security, and manufacturing were at a higher risk of endometriosis. Although there was no significant association between the risk of endometriosis and type of work, the cumulative prevalence of endometriosis from 2007 to 2015 continued to rise in office workers, manual workers, and both types of workers together. The risk of endometriosis was closely linked to the occupational characteristics of female workers. This study provides a foundation for developing occupational safety and health guidelines for female workers.
Subject(s)
Endometriosis , Humans , Female , Endometriosis/epidemiology , Endometriosis/etiology , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Republic of Korea/epidemiologyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been found to be useful in the prognostication of immune-mediated neurological disorders because it roughly reflects the systemic innate immune response compared to the adaptive immune response. However, studies on the validity of NLR in demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system have shown conflicting results. Therefore, we aimed to investigate NLR in the idiopathic transverse myelitis (ITM) cohort. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the cohort data of patients with ITM between January 2006 and February 2020. The medical data of all patients with myelitis were reviewed to exclude patients with disease-associated myelopathy according to predefined exclusion criteria. The relationship between the natural log-transformed NLR (lnNLR) and the clinical, paraclinical, and imaging data was evaluated. Factors associated with neurological disability were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model. Predictive factors for moderate-to-severe neurological disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score ≥ 4) were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 124 participants were included in the analysis. The lnNLR correlated with EDSS and lesion length. Linear mixed-effects analysis showed that age, lesion length, and lnNLR were independently associated with neurological disabilities. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that lnNLR (odds ratio [OR] = 4.266, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.220-14.912, p = 0.023) and lesion length (OR = 1.848, 95% CI = 1.249-2.734, p = 0.002) were independent predictive factors of the worst neurological disability. CONCLUSION: NLR may be used as an independent prognostic factor for predicting poor neurological outcomes in patients with ITM.
Subject(s)
Myelitis, Transverse , Humans , Neutrophils , Retrospective Studies , Lymphocytes , PatientsABSTRACT
This study evaluated the photobiocidal performance of four widely distributed visible-light-activated (VLA) dyes against two bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli) and two bacteriophages (phages MS2 and phi 6): rose bengal (RB), crystal violet, methylene blue, and toluidine blue O (TBO). The photobiocidal performance of each dye depended on the relationship between the type of dye and microorganism. Gram-negative E. coli and the non-enveloped structure of phage MS2 showed more resistance to the photobiocidal reaction than Gram-positive S. epidermidis and the enveloped structure of phage phi 6. RB had the highest potential to yield reactive oxygen species. However, the photobiocidal performance of RB was dependent on the magnitude of the surface charge of the microorganisms; for example, anionic RB induced a negative surface charge and thus electrical repulsion. On the other hand, the photobiocidal performance of TBO was observed to be less affected by the microorganism type. The comparative results presented in our study have significant implications for selecting photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) dyes suitable for specific situations and purposes. Furthermore, they contribute to the advancement of PACT-related technologies by enhancing their applicability and scalability.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents , Tolonium Chloride , Tolonium Chloride/chemistry , Tolonium Chloride/pharmacology , Methylene Blue/chemistry , Rose Bengal/chemistry , Gentian Violet , Photosensitizing Agents/chemistry , Escherichia coli , Coloring AgentsABSTRACT
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been linked to fat accumulation in the liver and lipid metabolism imbalance. Sesamin, a lignan commonly found in sesame seed oil, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, the precise mechanisms by which sesamin prevents hepatic steatosis are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms by which sesamin may improve lipid metabolism dysregulation. A in vitro hepatic steatosis model was established by exposing HepG2 cells to palmitate sodium. The results showed that sesamin effectively mitigated lipotoxicity and reduced reactive oxygen species production. Additionally, sesamin suppressed lipid accumulation by regulating key factors involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis, such as fatty acid synthase (FASN), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), forkhead box protein O-1, and adipose triglyceride lipase. Molecular docking results indicated that sesamin could bind to estrogen receptor α (ERα) and reduce FASN and SREBP-1c expression via the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase ß (CaMKKß)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Sesamin attenuated palmitate-induced lipotoxicity and regulated hepatic lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells by activating the ERα/CaMKKß/AMPK signaling pathway. These findings suggest that sesamin can improve lipid metabolism disorders and is a promising candidate for treating hepatic steatosis.
Subject(s)
Lignans , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease , Humans , Estrogen Receptor alpha/metabolism , Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1/genetics , Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1/metabolism , AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Kinase , Molecular Docking Simulation , Liver/metabolism , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/metabolism , Lignans/pharmacology , Lipid Metabolism , Hep G2 Cells , Signal Transduction , Palmitates/metabolismABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In South Korea, the number of people with dementia is rising at a worrisome rate, and many of them also have acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a disease with a high mortality rate. HYPOTHESIS: We speculated that dementia and drug compliance have significant impact on the mortality of patients with AMI. METHODS: The study derived data from the National Health Insurance Service-Senior for a retrospective cohort study. The total number of patients diagnosed with AMI for the first time between 2007 and 2013 was 16 835, among whom 2021 had dementia. Medication possession ratio (MPR) was used to assess medication adherence. RESULTS: AMI patients with dementia had unfavorable baseline characteristics; they had significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.34-2.66; p < .001) and lower MPR (aspirin: 21.9% vs. 42.8%; p < .001). AMI patients were stratified by presence of dementia and medication adherence, and the survival rate was the highest among those with no dementia and good adherence, followed by those with no dementia and poor adherence, those with dementia and good adherence, and those with dementia and poor adherence. The multivariable analysis revealed that dementia (HR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.53-1.75; p < .001) and poor adherence to medication (HR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.49-1.71; p < .001) had a significant association with all-cause mortality in AMI patients. CONCLUSIONS: AMI patients with dementia have a higher mortality rate. Their prognosis is negatively affected by their poorer medication adherence than patients without dementia.