Psychometric Testing of the Korean version of the Self-Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory Version 3.

PURPOSE: This methodological study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Self-Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory version 3 (SC-CHDI v3) in a Korean context. METHODS: The SC-CHDI v3 was translated into Korean following a rigorous translation process. Participants were 452 patients who had experienced coronary heart disease (CHD), all recruited from a tertiary hospital in Korea. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to test construct validity. Concurrent validity was examined by correlating scores from the Korean version of the SC-CHDI v3 with those from the Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale. Internal consistency was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. RESULTS: The Korean version of the SC-CHDI v3 consists of 21 items, excluding two from the original instrument. The self-care maintenance subscale identified a two-factor structure: "treatment adherence" and "health-promoting behaviors." The goodness-of-fit indices were satisfied: χ2 = 18.19, p = .110, comparative fit index (CFI) = .97, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = .95, and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = .04. The self-care monitoring subscale consisted of a one-dimensional structure ("monitoring behaviors") and the goodness-of-fit indices were satisfied: χ2 = 19.19, p = .059, CFI = .99, TLI = .99, and SRMR = .04. The self-care management subscales had a two-factor structure of "consulting behaviors" and "problem-solving behaviors." The goodness-of-fit indices were satisfied: χ2 = 16.44, p = .037, CFI = .99, TLI = .98, and SRMR = .03. Scores from the Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale showed a positive correlation with the Korean version of SC-CHDI v3 subscales. Reliability estimates were ≥ .80 for all subscales except for the self-care maintenance subscale. CONCLUSIONS: The Korean version of the SC-CHDI v3 consists of 21 items in 3 subscales and is a valid and reliable instrument. Therefore, healthcare providers can effectively utilize it to assess the self-care levels of patients with CHD.

Factors influencing psychological distress among breast cancer survivors using machine learning techniques.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Breast cancer patients experience significant distress relating to their diagnosis and treatment. Managing this distress is critical for improving the lifespan and quality of life of breast cancer survivors. This study aimed to assess the level of distress in breast cancer survivors and analyze the variables that significantly affect distress using machine learning techniques. A survey was conducted with 641 adult breast cancer patients using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer tool. Participants identified various factors that caused distress. Five machine learning models were used to predict the classification of patients into mild and severe distress groups. The survey results indicated that 57.7% of the participants experienced severe distress. The top-three best-performing models indicated that depression, dealing with a partner, housing, work/school, and fatigue are the primary indicators. Among the emotional problems, depression, fear, worry, loss of interest in regular activities, and nervousness were determined as significant predictive factors. Therefore, machine learning models can be effectively applied to determine various factors influencing distress in breast cancer patients who have completed primary treatment, thereby identifying breast cancer patients who are vulnerable to distress in clinical settings.

Latent profile analysis for assessing symptom clusters in women with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To identify symptom clusters among breast cancer survivors and investigate differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and distress based on these discerned symptom clusters using latent profile analysis. METHODS: We enrolled 655 adult breast cancer survivors aged 19 years and older, registered with the Cancer Survivor Integrated Supportive Center from May 2020 to July 2022. The study measured five symptoms-pain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and depression-using a Visual Analogue Scale ranging from 0 to 10 points. Distress was measured using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer, with scores ranging from 0 to 10 points. HRQoL was determined using the EuroQol-5 Dimension questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using the Jamovi and Mplus 8.8 software programs. RESULTS: The Cluster with Few Symptoms (46.8%) was the most common, whereas the Psychological Cluster with a very high degree of depression and anxiety accounted for 20.0%, and the Moderate symptom cluster with symptoms of 3 or more points accounted for 14.4%. Distress scores were relatively high in the Psychological Cluster and the Pain-Fatigue-Insomnia Cluster, and were lowest in the Cluster with Few Symptoms (F = 103.92, p < 0.001). HRQoL scores were highest in the Cluster with Few Symptoms and lowest in the Pain-Fatigue-Insomnia Cluster (F = 177.62, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of breast cancer survivors who had completed the major treatment experienced persistent high symptoms such as depression and anxiety or pain, fatigue, and insomnia. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: These findings provide foundational data for developing tailored intervention strategies and programs based on symptom experiences.

Dual-functional metal-organic framework for chemisorption and colorimetric monitoring of cyanogen chloride.

Given the growing concern over the deployment of toxic chemicals in warfare, the rapid and accurate removal and detection of cyanogen chloride (CK) as a blood agent has become increasingly critical. However, conventional physisorbents and chemisorbents used in military respirators are insufficient for the effective removal of CK. In this study, we demonstrate the chemisorption and sensing abilities of Co2(m-DOBDC) (m-DOBDC4- = 4,6-dioxo-1,3-benzenedicarboxylate) for CK via electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) in humid environments. Unlike the chemisorption in triethylenediamine (TEDA) impregnated carbon materials, which generates by-products through hydrolysis, the electron-rich C5 sites in m-DOBDC4- ligands give rise to cyano substitution with CK. This leads to the formation of stable C-C bonds and chloride ions (Cl-) coordinating with open Co2+ sites. Such a mechanism prevents the generation of toxic by-products like cyanic acid and hydrochloric acid. Breakthrough experiments conducted in a packed-bed system conclusively demonstrated the superior CK removal capacity of Co2(m-DOBDC) (1662 min/g), compared to TEDA-impregnated activated carbon (323 min/g) under humid conditions. Considering that MOF-74 series, isostructural with Co2(m-DOBDC), barely adsorb CK under similar conditions, this finding marks a significant advancement in developing novel sorbents for CK removal. Moreover, this chemisorption not only exhibited rapid and highly efficient CK removal but also enabled colorimetric monitoring via the distinctive color change induced by the coordination of Cl- acting as σ donors. These findings facilitate the development of adsorption and sensing equipment to protect military personnel from toxic chemical threats.

Far-infrared irradiation increases the uptake of LDL cholesterol by downregulating PCSK9 through the activation of TRPV4 calcium channels in HepG2 cells.

This study investigated the effects of far-infrared (FIR) irradiation on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) uptake by human hepatocellular carcinoma G2 (HepG2) cells via the regulation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). FIR irradiation for 30 min significantly decreased PCSK9 expression (p < 0.01) in HepG2 cells. FIR irradiation substantially increased the low-density lipoprotein receptor (p < 0.0001) and LDL-C uptake (p < 0.01). Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels mimicked the effects of FIR irradiation, significantly decreasing the protein expression of PCSK9 (p < 0.05). Conversely, inhibition of TRP channels using ruthenium red reversed the reduction in PCSK9 protein expression following FIR irradiation (p < 0.01). The specific activation of TRPV4 using 4α-PDD mimicked the effect of FIR irradiation (p < 0.01), whereas PCSK9 reduction by FIR irradiation was significantly reversed by the inhibition of TRPV4 using RN1734 (p < 0.05). These findings implied that FIR irradiation emitted from a ceramic lamp specifically increased TRPV4 activity. These findings provide insights into a novel therapeutic approach using FIR irradiation for LDL-C regulation and its implications for cardiovascular health.

Influence of Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake on Potential Lipid Metabolite Diagnostic Markers in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study.

Non-invasive diagnostics are crucial for the timely detection of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), significantly improving survival rates. Despite advancements, specific lipid markers for RCC remain unidentified. We aimed to discover and validate potent plasma markers and their association with dietary fats. Using lipid metabolite quantification, machine-learning algorithms, and marker validation, we identified RCC diagnostic markers in studies involving 60 RCC and 167 healthy controls (HC), as well as 27 RCC and 74 HC, by analyzing their correlation with dietary fats. RCC was associated with altered metabolism in amino acids, glycerophospholipids, and glutathione. We validated seven markers (l-tryptophan, various lysophosphatidylcholines [LysoPCs], decanoylcarnitine, and l-glutamic acid), achieving a 96.9% AUC, effectively distinguishing RCC from HC. Decreased decanoylcarnitine, due to reduced carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) activity, was identified as affecting RCC risk. High intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was negatively correlated with LysoPC (18:1) and LysoPC (18:2), influencing RCC risk. We validated seven potential markers for RCC diagnosis, highlighting the influence of high PUFA intake on LysoPC levels and its impact on RCC occurrence via CPT1 downregulation. These insights support the efficient and accurate diagnosis of RCC, thereby facilitating risk mitigation and improving patient outcomes.

Development and Clinical Validation of a Hook Effect-Based Lateral Flow Immunoassay Sensor for Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Detection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rapid detection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks is vital for patient recovery after spinal surgery. However, distinguishing CSF-specific transferrin (TF) from serum TF using lateral flow immunoassays (LFI) is challenging due to their structural similarities. This study aims to develop a novel point-of-care diagnostic assay for precise CSF leak detection by quantifying total TF in both CSF and serum. METHODS: Capitalizing on the substantial 100-fold difference in TF concentrations between CSF and serum, we designed a diagnostic platform based on the well-known "hook effect" resulting from excessive analyte presence. Clinical samples from 37 patients were meticulously tested using the novel LFI sensor, alongside immunofixation as a reference standard. RESULTS: The hook effect-based LFI sensor exhibited outstanding performance, successfully discriminating positive clinical CSF samples from negative ones with remarkable statistical significance (positive vs negative t -test; P = 1.36E-05). This novel sensor achieved an impressive 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in CSF leak detection, demonstrating its robust diagnostic capabilities. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study introduces a rapid, highly specific, and sensitive point-of-care test for CSF leak detection, harnessing the distinctive TF concentration profile in CSF compared with serum. This novel hook effect-based LFI sensor holds great promise for improving patient outcomes in the context of spinal surgery and postsurgical recovery. Its ease of use and reliability make it a valuable tool in clinical practice, ensuring timely and accurate CSF leak detection to enhance patient care.

L-DOPA regulates neuroinflammation and Aß pathology through NEP and ADAM17 in a mouse model of AD.

Dopamine plays important roles in cognitive function and inflammation and therefore is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Drugs that increase or maintain dopamine levels in the brain could be a therapeutic strategy for AD. However, the effects of dopamine and its precursor levodopa (L-DOPA) on Aß/tau pathology in vivo and the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been studied in detail. Here, we investigated whether L-DOPA treatment alters neuroinflammation, Aß pathology, and tau phosphorylation in 5xFAD mice, a model of AD. We found that L-DOPA administration significantly reduced microgliosis and astrogliosis in 5xFAD mice. In addition, L-DOPA treatment significantly decreased Aß plaque number by upregulating NEP and ADAM17 levels in 5xFAD mice. However, L-DOPA-treated 5xFAD mice did not exhibit changes in tau hyperphosphorylation or tau kinase levels. These data suggest that L-DOPA alleviates neuroinflammatory responses and Aß pathology but not tau pathology in this mouse model of AD.

Defluorination of PFAS by Acidimicrobium sp. strain A6 and potential applications for remediation.

Acidimicrobium sp. strain A6 is a recently discovered autotrophic bacterium that is capable of oxidizing ammonium while reducing ferric iron and is relatively common in acidic iron-rich soils. The genome of Acidimicrobium sp. strain A6 contains sequences for several reductive dehalogenases, including a gene for a previously unreported reductive dehalogenase, rdhA. Incubations of Acidimicrobium sp. strain A6 in the presence of perfluorinated substances, such as PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid, C8HF15O2) or PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, C8HF17O3S), have shown that fluoride, as well as shorter carbon chain PFAAs (perfluoroalkyl acids), are being produced, and the rdhA gene is expressed during these incubations. Results from initial gene knockout experiments indicate that the enzyme associated with the rdhA gene plays a key role in the PFAS defluorination by Acidimicrobium sp. strain A6. Experiments focusing on the defluorination kinetics by Acidimicrobium sp. strain A6 show that the defluorination kinetics are proportional to the amount of ammonium oxidized. To explore potential applications for PFAS bioremediation, PFAS-contaminated biosolids were augmented with Fe(III) and Acidimicrobium sp. strain A6, resulting in PFAS degradation. Since the high demand of Fe(III) makes growing Acidimicrobium sp. strain A6 in conventional rectors challenging, and since Acidimicrobium sp. strain A6 was shown to be electrogenic, it was grown in the absence of Fe(III) in microbial electrolysis cells, where it did oxidize ammonium and degraded PFAS.

Radical-Driven Crystal-Amorphous-Crystal Transition of a Metal-Organic Framework.

Self-assembly-based structural transition has been explored for various applications, including molecular machines, sensors, and drug delivery. In this study, we developed new redox-active metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) called DGIST-10 series that comprise π-acidic 1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide (NDI)-based ligands and Ni2+ ions, aiming to boost ligand-self-assembly-driven structural transition and study the involved mechanism. Notably, during the synthesis of the MOFs, a single-crystal-amorphous-single-crystal structural transition occurred within the MOFs upon radical formation, which was ascribed to the fact that radicals prefer spin-pairing or through-space electron delocalization by π-orbital overlap. The radical-formation-induced structural transitions were further confirmed by the postsynthetic solvothermal treatment of isolated nonradical MOF crystals. Notably, the transient amorphous phase without morphological disintegration was clearly observed, contributing to the seminal structural change of the MOF. We believe that this unprecedented structural transition triggered by the ligand self-assembly magnifies the structural flexibility and diversity of MOFs, which is one of the pivotal aspects of MOFs.

Solvent-induced structural transformation in a one-dimensional coordination polymer.

We have rationally designed a one-dimensional coordination polymer (1D CP), termed 1D-DGIST-18, that exhibits intrinsic structural flexibility. This 1D CP enables its expansion into a three-dimensional network through supramolecular interactions involving coordinated solvents and/or ligands. The strategic selection of solvents for solvent exchange, prior to drying, significantly influences the structures of 1D-DGIST-18 by removing certain coordinating solvents and modulating π-π stacking. Consequently, a hierarchical porosity emerges, ranging from micro- to meso- to macroporous structures, which is attributed to its inherent structural dynamics. Additionally, the formation of excimers endows 1D-DGIST-18, when immersed in acetone, with 'turn-on' fluorescence, as evidenced by fluorescence decay profiles. These structural transitions within 1D-DGIST-18 are further elucidated using single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. The insights from this study provide a foundation for the design of materials with structural dynamics and tunable properties.

Protective Effect of Whole Wheat on Muscle Atrophy in C2C12 Cells via Akt/FoxO1 Signaling Pathways.

Skeletal muscles are important for body movement, postural maintenance, and energy metabolism. Muscle atrophy is caused by various factors, including lack of exercise, age, genetics, and malnutrition, leading to the loss of muscle mass. The Akt/FoxO signaling pathway plays a key role in the regulation of muscle protein synthesis and degradation. Whole wheat contains functional ingredients that may indirectly contribute to muscle health and function and can help prevent or slow the progression of muscle atrophy. In this study, the protective effects of three wheat cultivars (Seodun, Ol, and Shinmichal 1) against hydrogen peroxide-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 cells were investigated. We found that whole-wheat treatment reduced reactive oxygen species production, prevented glutathione depletion, and increased myotube diameter, thereby reducing muscle atrophy by activating myoblast differentiation. Generally, "Shinmichal 1" exhibited the highest activation of the Akt/FoxO signaling pathway. In contrast, "Seodun" showed similar or slightly higher activities than those of the H2O2-treated only group. In conclusion, whole wheat exerts a protective effect against muscle atrophy by activating the Akt/FoxO signaling pathway. This study indicates that whole wheat may help prevent muscle atrophy.

Trajectories of Wok Adjustment and Influencing Factors Among Newly Registered Nurses.

PURPOSE: This study explored the work adjustment trajectory and its predictors and characteristics among newly registered nurses. METHODS: A total of 245 newly registered nurses working in a university hospital provided general baseline characteristics and completed a work adjustment questionnaire along with self-report measures of clinical competency, psychological capital, preceptor exchange, social support, and role conflict when they started working independently (baseline) and at 7 and 12 months after employment. Data were collected from July 2020 to August 2022. The collected data were subjected to a group-based trajectory model, χ2 test, F test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple logistic regression using SAS 9.4, and SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: Group-based trajectory modeling classified three newly registered nurse groups: nurses with a high work adjustment level in all subscales from the beginning of employment (early adjustment group, 16.1%), nurses with a moderate level of adjustment from beginning to end (standard adjustment group, 60.6%), and nurses with a low level of work adjustment from early to mid-term, rising later (delayed adjustment group, 23.3%). Higher hope, optimism, and emotional support predicted early and standard adjustments. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the trajectory characteristics, newly registered nurses need to improve their work adjustment. The early and standard adjustment groups should continuously monitor their levels of work adjustment while monitoring their hopes, optimism, and emotional support. In particular, the delayed adjustment group required customized educational programs and strengthened peer support.

Partial-Interpenetration-Controlled UiO-Type Metal-Organic Framework and its Catalytic Activity.

An unprecedented correlation between the catalytic activity of a Zr-based UiO-type metal-organic framework (MOF) and its degree of interpenetration (DOI) is reported. The DOI of an MOF is hard to control owing to the high-energy penalty required to construct a partially interpenetrated structure. Surprisingly, strong interactions between building blocks (inter-ligand hydrogen bonding) facilitate the formation of partially interpenetrated structures under carefully regulated synthesis conditions. Moreover, catalytic conversion rates for cyanosilylation and Knoevenagel condensation reactions are found to be proportional to the DOI of the MOF. Among MOFs with DOIs in the 0-100% range, that with a DOI of 87% is the most catalytically active. Framework interpenetration is known to lower catalytic performance by impeding reactant diffusion. A higher effective reactant concentration due to tight inclusion in the interpenetrated region is possibly responsible for this inverted result.

Comprehensive Qualitative and Quantitative Colorimetric Sensing of Volatile Organic Compounds Using Monolayered Metal-Organic Framework Films.

Cross-responsive chemical sensors are in high demand owing to their ability to distinguish a broad range of analytes. In this study, a vapochromic sensor array based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which exhibits distinct patterns when exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and humidity, is developed. Conventional sensor arrays consist of various receptors that produce different responses. The vapochromic MOF-based sensor comprises dicopper paddlewheel clusters and dimethylamine azobenzene as binary colorimetric sensing moieties. Upon exposure to VOCs, the constructed sensor encompasses a broad spectrum of colors, ranging from green to red. Furthermore, the color of the MOF is influenced by the solvent used during the pretreatment. Consequently, monolayered MOF thin films can be adapted to multicomponent array systems by immersing the MOF in different solvents. This system provides both qualitative and quantitative sensing, generating unique color patterns corresponding to specific VOC types. Notably, the sensor successfully discriminates each of 14 common VOCs and water and accurately categorizes unknown samples. Moreover, the system undergoes reversible color changes in response to humidity, obviating the need for high-temperature regeneration steps. This novel approach offers insights into the versatile applications of MOFs by creating a colorimetric sensor array capable of detecting various analytes.

Unlocking High Porosity: Post-Synthetic Solvothermal Treatment of Cu-Paddlewheel Based Metal-Organic Cages.

Metal-organic cages (MOCs) have garnered significant attention due to their unique discrete structures, intrinsic porosity, designability, and tailorability. However, weak inter-cage interactions, such as van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding can cause solid-state MOCs to lose structural integrity during desolvation, leading to the loss of porosity. In this work, a novel strategy to retain the permanent porosity of Cu-paddlewheel-based MOCs, enabling their use as heterogeneous catalysts is presented. Post-synthetic solvothermal treatments in non-coordinating solvents, mesitylene, and p-xylene, effectively preserve the packing structures of solvent-evacuated MOCs while preventing cage agglomeration. The resulting MOCs exhibit an exceptional N2 sorption capacity, with a high surface area (SBET = 1934 m2 g-1 for MOP-23), which is among the highest reported for porous MOCs. Intriguingly, while the solvothermal treatment reduced Cu(II) to Cu(I) in the Cu-paddlewheel clusters, the MOCs with mixed-valenced Cu(I)/Cu(II) maintained their crystallinity and permanent porosity. The catalytic activities of these MOCs are successfully examined in copper(I)-catalyzed hydrative amide synthesis, highlighting the prospect of MOCs as versatile reaction platforms.

JYNNEOS vaccine safety monitoring in the Republic of Korea, 2022: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: With the recent global mpox outbreak, the JYNNEOS vaccine (Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic) was developed as a third-generation smallpox vaccine and initially favored for mpox immunization. Vaccine-associated side effects contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Consequently, tracking adverse events post-immunization is crucial for safety management. This study used data from the national active vaccine safety surveillance conducted in Korea from August 25 to November 24, 2022 to detect potential safety signals and adverse events. METHODS: Data on health conditions following vaccination were gathered from web-based surveys and reported via active surveillance through the Immunization Registry Information System. This follow-up system functioned via a text message link, surveying adverse events and health conditions beginning on the second day post-vaccination. Information about specific adverse events, including both local and systemic reactions, was collected. RESULTS: The study included 86 healthcare workers who had received at least 1 dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine. Among the respondents, 79.1% reported experiencing at least 1 adverse event, with the majority being local reactions at the injection site. The incidence of adverse events was higher following the first dose (67.9%) than after the second dose (34.4%). The most frequently reported adverse event for both doses was mild pain at the injection site. CONCLUSION: The study provides crucial information on the safety of the JYNNEOS vaccine, demonstrating that most adverse events were manageable and predominantly localized to the injection site. Nonetheless, additional research is needed on the safety of various vaccine administration techniques and the vaccine's effects on broader demographics.

Unsaponifiable Matter from Wheat Bran Cultivated in Korea Inhibits Hepatic Lipogenesis by Activating AMPK Pathway.

Unsaponifiable matter (USM) from wheat bran, a by-product obtained from wheat milling, is abundant in health-promoting compounds such as phytosterols, tocopherols, policosanols, and alkylresorcinols. This study aimed to examine the effects of USM from the wheat bran of normal and waxy type wheat, Saekeumkang (SKK) and Shinmichal (SMC), on hepatic lipid accumulation in free fatty acid (FFA)-induced hepatocytes and to investigate the cellular mechanism. The total phytochemical contents were 46.562 g/100 g USM and 38.130 g/100 g USM from SKK and SMC, respectively. FFA treatment increased intracellular lipid accumulation by approximately 260% compared to the control group; however, treatment with USM from SKK and SMC significantly attenuated lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, USM downregulated the expression of lipogenic factors such as fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory-element-binding protein 1c by approximately 40% compared to the FFA treatment group. Treatment with USM promoted lipolysis and positively regulated the expression of the proteins involved in ß-oxidation, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and its downstream protein, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A. Moreover, the blockade of AMPK activation significantly abolished the inhibitory effects of USM on hepatic lipid accumulation. These results indicated that the USM from both SKK and SMC can alleviate lipid accumulation in hepatocytes in an AMPK-dependent manner. Therefore, USM from wheat bran may be useful as a therapeutic intervention for treating metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

Rural-urban differences of sarcopenia and spinal health in the older women: a comparative observational study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the correlation between spinal sarcopenia, spinal sagittal balance (SSB), and spinal function in older women living in rural areas versus those of the older urban women in our previous study. METHODS: Twenty-five older rural-dwelling women aged more than 70 years were compared with 24 older urban-dwelling women from our previous study. Demographic variables, conventional and spinal sarcopenic indices, variable functional outcome parameters, occupational state, and exercise participation rate were evaluated. We also measured the isometric back extensor strength, radiological parameters for SSB on whole-spine radiography, and volumetric parameters of the lumbar extensor muscle on computed tomography. RESULTS: There were no significant intergroup differences in demographic variables or the prevalence of sarcopenia. Older women in rural areas had greater handgrip strength than those in urban areas (22.7±3.7 kg v 20.0±3.4 kg, p=0.010). However, their mean lumbar lordosis angle was lower (31.7±15.3° v 42.3±11.2°, p=0.012). Isometric back extensor strength was lower in rural women than in urban women. The vocational activity participation rate of rural women was significantly higher (84% v 12.5%, p<0.001), whereas their exercise participation rate was significantly lower (60% v 92%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Older women in rural areas had greater handgrip strength and vocational participation rates but lower back extensor strength and exercise participation rates. Therefore, more attention is needed for healthcare services to support their spinal health and exercise habits.

Discovery of benzimidazole-indazole derivatives as potent FLT3-tyrosine kinase domain mutant kinase inhibitors for acute myeloid leukemia.

The FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene encodes a class III receptor tyrosine kinase that is expressed in hematopoietic stem cells. The mutations of FLT3 gene found in 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leads to an abnormal constitutive activation of FLT3 kinase of the receptor and results in immature myeloblast cell proliferation. Although small molecule drugs targeting the FLT3 kinase have been approved, new FLT3 inhibitors are needed owing to the side effects and drug resistances arising from kinase domain mutations, such as D835Y and F691L. In this study, we have developed benzimidazole-indazole based novel inhibitors targeting mutant FLT3 kinases through the optimization of diverse chemical moieties substituted around the core skeleton. The most optimized compound 22f exhibited potent inhibitory activities against FLT3 and FLT3/D835Y, with IC50 values of 0.941 and 0.199 nM, respectively. Furthermore, 22f exhibited strong antiproliferative activity against an AML cell line, MV4-11 cells with a GI50 of 0.26 nM. More importantly, 22f showed single-digit nanomolar GI50 values in the mutant FLT kinase expressed Ba/F3 cell lines including FLT-D835Y (GI50 = 0.29 nM) and FLT3-F691L (GI50 = 2.87 nM). Molecular docking studies indicated that the compound exhibits a well-fitted binding mode as a type 1 inhibitor in the homology model of active conformation of FLT3 kinase.