Hybrid Nanoparticles of Extracellular Vesicles and Gemcitabine Prodrug-Loaded Liposomes with Enhanced Targeting Ability for Effective PDAC Treatment.

Liposomes are applied to various anticancer treatments as representative drug delivery carriers. However, liposomes do not have their own targeting properties; therefore, there are limitations in drug delivery to specific tissues or cells. High targetability in drug delivery is an important factor in improving bioavailability and drug efficacy and reducing side effects; recent research has been actively investigated to modify the surface of liposomes to give them specific functions. In this study, we studied a drug delivery system for anticancer treatment that enhances targeting ability through fusion with exosomes on the surface of liposomes. We designed exosome-liposome hybrid nanoparticles loaded with a gemcitabine prodrug as a treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Membrane fusion with exosomes shows excellent targeting ability to pancreatic cancer cells due to intrinsic targeting ability and expansion of the macropinocytosis pathway.

Leveraging real-world data to predict cancer cachexia stage, quality of life, and survival in a racially and ethnically diverse multi-institutional cohort of treatment-naïve patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Introduction: Cancer-associated cachexia (CC) is a progressive syndrome characterized by unintentional weight loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue, and poor outcomes that affects most patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The ability to identify and classify CC stage along its continuum early in the disease process is challenging but critical for management. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of CC stage overall and by sex and race and ethnicity among treatment-naïve PDAC cases using clinical, nutritional, and functional criteria. Secondary objectives included identifying the prevalence and predictors of higher symptom burden, supportive care needs, and quality of life (QoL), and examining their influence on overall survival (OS). Materials and methods: A population-based multi-institutional prospective cohort study of patients with PDAC was conducted between 2018 and 2021 by the Florida Pancreas Collaborative. Leveraging patient-reported data and laboratory values, participants were classified at baseline into four stages [non-cachexia (NCa), pre-cachexia (PCa), cachexia (Ca), and refractory cachexia (RCa)]. Multivariate regression, Kaplan Meier analyses, and Cox regression were conducted to evaluate associations. Results: CC stage was estimated for 309 PDAC cases (156 females, 153 males). The overall prevalence of NCa, PCa, Ca, and RCa was 12.9%, 24.6%, 54.1%, and 8.4%, respectively. CC prevalence across all CC stages was highest for males and racial and ethnic minorities. Criteria differentiated NCa cases from other groups, but did not distinguish PCa from Ca. The most frequently reported symptoms included weight loss, fatigue, pain, anxiety, and depression, with pain significantly worsening over time. The greatest supportive care needs included emotional and physical domains. Males, Black people, and those with RCa had the worst OS. Conclusions: Using clinical, nutritional, and functional criteria, nearly one-quarter of the PDAC cases in our diverse, multi-institutional cohort had PCa and 62.5% had Ca or RCa at the time of diagnosis. The PCa estimate is higher than that reported in prior studies. We recommend these criteria be used to aid in CC classification, monitoring, and management of all incident PDAC cases. Findings also highlight the recommendation for continued emotional support, assistance in alleviating pain, and supportive care needs throughout the PDAC treatment journey.

Vagococcus jeotgali sp. nov., isolated from cutlassfish jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood.

A novel, Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, and non-motile bacterial strain, designated B2T-5T, was isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood. Colonies grown on gifu anaerobic medium agar plates were cream-coloured, irregular, and umbonate with curled margins. Optimal growth of strain B2T-5T occurred at 20 °C, pH 8.0, and in the presence of 1% (w/v) NaCl. Strain B2T-5T was negative for oxidase and catalase activity. Hippurate was not hydrolysed and acetoin was not produced. The major cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1 ω9c and C16 : 0. The cell-wall peptidoglycan was of the A4α type containing l-Lys-d-Asp. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylcholine. According to the phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain B2T-5T was most closely related to Vagococcus teuberi DSM 21459T, showing 98.2% sequence similarity. Genome sequencing of strain B2T-5T revealed a genome size of 2.0 Mbp and a G+C content of 33.8 mol%. The average nucleotide identities of strain B2T-5T with Vagococcus teuberi DSM 21459T, Vagococcus bubulae SS1994T, and Vagococcus martis D7T301T were 75.0, 74.7, and 75.1%, respectively. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genotypic data, strain B2T-5T represents a novel species of the genus Vagococcus, for which the name Vagococcus jeotgali sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B2T-5T (=KCTC 21223T=JCM 35937T).

Nasal symbiont Staphylococcus epidermidis restricts influenza A virus replication via the creation of a polyamine-deficient cellular environment.

Studies on the immune-regulatory roles played by the commensal microbes residing in the nasal mucosa consider the contribution of antiviral immune responses. Here, we sought to identify the nasal microbiome, Staphylococcus epidermidis-regulated antiviral immune responses and the alteration of polyamine metabolites in nasal epithelium. We found that polyamines were required for the life cycle of influenza A virus (IAV) and depletion of polyamines disturbed IAV replication in normal human nasal epithelial (NHNE) cells. Inoculation of S. epidermidis also suppressed IAV infection and the concentration of polyamines including putrescine, spermidine, and spermine was completely attenuated in S. epidermidis-inoculated NHNE cells. S. epidermidis activated the enzyme involved in the production of ornithine from arginine and downregulated the activity of the enzyme involved in the production of putrescine from ornithine in nasal epithelium. S. epidermidis also induced the activation of enzymes that promote the extracellular export of spermine and spermidine in NHNE cells. Our findings demonstrate that S. epidermidis is shown to be able of creating an intracellular environment lacking polyamines in the nasal epithelium and promote the balance of cellular polyamines in favor of the host to restrict influenza virus replication.

Effect of sequential delivery of 1- and 2-MHz bipolar microneedling radiofrequency energy on thermal tissue reactions in a minipig model.

BACKGROUND: Bipolar microneedling radiofrequency (RF) treatment generates different patterns of thermal reactions, depending on the skin impedance and RF treatment parameters, including the frequency, power, conduction time, settings of sub-pulse packs, and penetrating depth and type of microneedles used. We compared the effect of sequential delivery of 1- and 2-MHz bipolar RF energy to in vivo minipig skin on thermal tissue reaction. METHODS: RF treatments at frequencies of 1 and 2 MHz were sequentially delivered to minipigs' skin in vivo. A histological study was performed to analyze RF-induced skin reactions at 1-h and at 3-, 7-, and 14-days post-treatment. RESULTS: The skin specimens demonstrated that the two different frequencies of RF treatment generated mixed patterns of the peri-electrode coagulative necrosis (PECN) according to the experimental settings and tissue impedance. In the PECN zone, the tissue coagulation induced by the first RF treatment was surrounded by the effect of the later RF treatment at the other RF frequency. In the inter-electrode non-necrotic thermal reaction zone, the effect of the latter RF treatment was widespread and deep through the dermis, which had received RF treatment at the other frequency first. The delivery of pulsed-type RF energy at sub-pulse packs of 6 or 10 provided effective RF delivery over long conduction time without excessive thermal damage of the epidermis. Nonetheless, by sequential delivery of two different RF frequencies, RF-induced tissue reactions were found to be markedly enhanced. CONCLUSION: The sequential delivery of 1- and 2-MHz RF energy induces novel histological patterns of tissue reactions, which can synergistically enhance the thermostimulatory effects of each RF setting. Moreover, variations in patterns of tissue reactions can be generated by regulating the order of frequencies and the number of sub-pulse packs of RF used.

Investigating the relationship between CSAT scores and prefrontal fNIRS signals during cognitive tasks using a quantum annealing algorithm.

Academic achievement is a critical measure of intellectual ability, prompting extensive research into cognitive tasks as potential predictors. Neuroimaging technologies, such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), offer insights into brain hemodynamics, allowing understanding of the link between cognitive performance and academic achievement. Herein, we explored the association between cognitive tasks and academic achievement by analyzing prefrontal fNIRS signals. A novel quantum annealer (QA) feature selection algorithm was applied to fNIRS data to identify cognitive tasks correlated with CSAT scores. Twelve features (signal mean, median, variance, peak, number of peaks, sum of peaks, range, minimum, kurtosis, skewness, standard deviation, and root mean square) were extracted from fNIRS signals at two time windows (10- and 60-s) to compare results from various feature variable conditions. The feature selection results from the QA-based and XGBoost regressor algorithms were compared to validate the former's performance. In a two-step validation process using multiple linear regression models, model fitness (adjusted R2) and model prediction error (RMSE) values were calculated. The quantum annealer demonstrated comparable performance to classical machine learning models, and specific cognitive tasks, including verbal fluency, recognition, and the Corsi block tapping task, were correlated with academic achievement. Group analyses revealed stronger associations between Tower of London and N-back tasks with higher CSAT scores. Quantum annealing algorithms have significant potential in feature selection using fNIRS data, and represents a novel research approach. Future studies should explore predictors of academic achievement and cognitive ability.

The influence of postoperative morbidity on long-term quality of life outcomes following pelvic exenteration.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic exenteration provides significant survival benefits for selected patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer. However, in-hospital postoperative morbidity such as abdominal abscess, sepsis, and anastomotic leak remain highly prevalent, which can have short/long-term impacts on patient quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of postoperative morbidity on QoL outcomes in patients following pelvic exenteration. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included patients who underwent pelvic exenteration at a tertiary teaching hospital in Sydney, between 2008 and 2023. QoL measures were collected at baseline, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months using the short-form 36 (SF-36v2) survey. The predictors included variables relating to postoperative morbidity, including hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS), post-discharge mortality and the number of postoperative complications. Mixed-effects analyses were used to determine the influence of these postoperative outcomes on physical and mental QoL trajectories. RESULTS: This study included 674 patients, with a median age of 61 years. Shorter hospital and ICU LOS, and fewer or no postoperative complications were associated with higher physical QoL scores across all time points. Conversely, postoperative morbidity did not exhibit a significant impact on mental QoL scores. Furthermore, there was a longitudinal improvement in mental QoL outcomes compared to baseline, independent of postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION: Postoperative morbidity significantly impacted physical QoL outcomes after pelvic exenteration, whereas mental QoL outcomes were not influenced. Interventions aimed at mitigating postoperative morbidity may hold the potential to enhance long-term QoL outcomes following pelvic exenteration.

Sporosarcina jeotgali sp. nov., Sporosarcina oncorhynchi sp. nov., and Sporosarcina trichiuri sp. nov., Isolated from Jeotgal, a Traditional Korean Fermented Seafood.

Three novel, Gram-stain-positive, obligate aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive bacterial strains, designated B2O-1T, T2O-4T, and 0.2-SM1T-5T, were isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood. Strains B2O-1T, T2O-4T, and 0.2-SM1T-5T exhibited distinct colony colors, characterized by pink, yellow, and red opaque circular colonies, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that three strains formed a paraphyletic clade within the genus Sporosarcina and shared < 99.0% similarity with Sporosarcina aquimarina KCTC 3840T and Sporosarcina saromensis KCTC 13119T in their 16S rRNA gene sequences. The three strains exhibiting Orthologous Average Nucleotide Identity values < 79.3% and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values < 23.1% within the genus Sporosarcina affirmed their distinctiveness. Strains B2O-1T, T2O-4T, and 0.2-SM1T-5T contained MK-7 as a sole respiratory menaquinone and A4α type peptidoglycan based on lysine with alanine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid. The common polar lipids include diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Strain T2O-4T contained one unidentified phospholipid, whereas strain 0.2-SM1T-5T contained two unidentified phospholipids. Cellular fatty acid profiles, with C15:0 anteiso as the major fatty acid, supported the affiliation of the three strains to the genus Sporosarcina. Based on the polyphasic characteristics, strains B2O-1T (= KCTC 43506T = JCM 36032T), T2O-4T (= KCTC 43489T = JCM 36031T), and 0.2-SM1T-5T (= KCTC 43519T = JCM 36034T) represent three novel species within the genus Sporosarcina, named Sporosarcina jeotgali sp. nov., Sporosarcina oncorhynchi sp. nov., and Sporosarcina trichiuri sp. nov., respectively.

The Expression Patterns of Immune Checkpoint Molecules in Colorectal Cancer: An Analysis Based on Microsatellite Status.

Recently, immunotherapy has arisen as a novel treatment approach for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), but the effectiveness of immunotherapy varies in these patients. We hypothesized that immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs), which are the targets of immunotherapy, are often exhibited concomitantly. Our objective was to investigate the patterns of ICM expression in patients with CRC and the differences in ICM expression based on microsatellite instability status. The immunohistochemical expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3), and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) in the tumor center and periphery was assessed in patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer. We enrolled 83 patients with CRC: a total of 40 microsatellite-stable (MSS) and 43 microsatellite-instability-high (MSI-H) cancer patients. PD-L1 was more frequently expressed in the tumor center in the MSI-H patients with than that in the MSS patients (18 [41.9%] vs. 3 [7.5%], respectively; p < 0.001), and the same trend was observed for TIM-3 expression (30 [69.8%] vs. 19 [47.5%], respectively; p = 0.047). The concomitant expression of two or more ICMs was more frequently observed than no expression or the expression of a single molecule in both the MSS and MSI-H groups; a total of 34 (79.7%) patients with MSI-H cancer and 23 (57.5%) with MSS cancer showed ICM expression at the tumor center, whereas 34 (79.7%) patients with MSI-H cancer and 22 (55%) with MSS cancer showed expression at the tumor periphery. Patients with the genetic characteristics of MSI-H cancer showed higher expression levels of ICMs than those in patients with MSS cancer, and predominantly, two or more ICMs were concurrently expressed. Our findings highlight the potential efficacy of the dual-blockade approach in immunotherapy, particularly in patients with MSI-H CRC.

Development of a novel, high-efficacy oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 platform equipped with two distinct retargeting modalities.

To retarget oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) to cancer-specific antigens, we designed a novel, double-retargeted oHSV platform that uses single-chain antibodies (scFvs) incorporated into both glycoprotein H and a bispecific adapter expressed from the viral genome to mediate infection predominantly via tumor-associated antigens. Successful retargeting was achieved using a nectin-1-detargeted HSV that remains capable of interacting with herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), the second canonical HSV entry receptor, and is, therefore, recognized by the adapter consisting of the virus-binding N-terminal 82 residues of HVEM fused to the target-specific scFv. We tested both an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)- and a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-specific scFv separately and together to target cells expressing one, the other, or both receptors. Our results show not only dose-dependent, target receptor-specific infection in vitro, but also enhanced virus spread compared with single-retargeted virus. In addition, we observed effective infection and spreading of the EpCAM double-retargeted virus in vivo. Remarkably, a single intravenous dose of the EpCAM-specific virus eliminated all detectable tumors in a subcutaneous xenograft model, and the same intravenous dose seemed to be harmless in immunocompetent FVB/N mice. Our findings suggest that our double-retargeted oHSV platform can provide a potent, versatile, and systemically deliverable class of anti-cancer therapeutics that specifically target cancer cells while ensuring safety.

Association of periodontal disease treatment with mortality in patients with dementia: a population-based retrospective cohort study (2002-2018).

Dementia is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In this study, we analyzed the association of periodontal treatment with the risk of death in patients with dementia. The analyzed data were obtained by linking the National Health Insurance Corporation claims data between 2002 and 2018 to the Statistics Korea death registry. In total, 1,131,406 patients with dementia aged ≥ 65 years had undergone dental treatment during the study period. Time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model was performed. The mortality rate was approximately 10% among the patients with dementia. The 17-years cumulative survival rates for patients who received periodontal treatment and their untreated counterparts were 83.5% and 71.5%, respectively. The crude hazard ratio of the periodontal group was approximately twice as high as that of the non-periodontal group (1.99; P < 0.001). Furthermore, in the regression model that was adjusted for socio-demographic variables and systematic chronic diseases, the risk of death in the non-periodontal group was approximately 1.83 times higher than that of the periodontal group (P < 0.00). These findings suggest that preventive periodontal treatment may decrease mortality risk in older people with dementia.

Supportive Communication Between Emerging Adults With Cancer and Nurses During Diagnosis and Cancer Treatment: An Exploratory Qualitative Study Using Interviews.

BACKGROUND: Having a cancer diagnosis during early adulthood can be a significant challenge for an individual. Nurses' supportive communication plays a vital role during the diagnosis and treatment period to lessen psychological distress and promote coping. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study aimed to examine (1) the experiences of emerging adults with cancer (EAs) aged between 18 and 25 years in communicating with nurses during diagnosis and treatment and (2) nurses' experiences of providing supportive communication with this patient group. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with EAs and nurses with experience caring for this patient group. Thematic analysis was conducted, guided by interpretive hermeneutic perspectives. RESULTS: Eight EA participants and 7 nurse participants participated in interviews. Five themes emerged: (1) having casual conversations with nurses helped EAs cope during cancer treatment and (2) helped EAs fulfill the need for social connectedness, (3) nurses as a different form of peer-like support, (4) nurses used themselves as a therapeutic tool to foster trust and emotional safety of EAs, and (5) nurses needed to maintain professional boundaries while being compassionate. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted a rather underdocumented aspect of supportive communication: meeting psychosocial needs through casual, day-to-day conversations. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Having casual conversations with nurses appeared to help EAs' psychological coping during cancer treatment. These casual conversations, which on the surface seemed clinically insignificant, fulfilled their psychosocial needs. Considering the valuable interpersonal engagement that led to emotional benefits for EAs, communication training for cancer nurses needs to build their capacity to maintain both relational and emotional boundaries.

Serum lipids as predictive markers for death by suicide.

Serum lipid levels have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviors. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the association between serum lipid levels and death by suicide among suicide attempters according to sex. Suicide attempters visiting emergency departments between 2007 and 2011 were followed up until the date of all-cause death or December 31, 2012. Sex-stratified Cox proportional hazards regression and competing risk models were constructed to obtain the hazard ratios (HR) of serum lipid measures and suicide. For each significant lipid variable in the final models, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and cumulative incidence function (CIF) were employed to compare the time to suicide between the high- and low-lipid groups based on the best cutoff point from the receiver operating characteristic curve. In 408 female attempters (65.8 %), the HR in the Cox regression model and subdistribution HR in the competing risk model for increased total cholesterol (TC) were 0.968 and 0.970, respectively. In the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and CIF, increased death by suicide was demonstrated in the low-TC group (< 165 mg/dL). Lower serum TC levels among female suicide attempters may predict suicide. More careful monitoring is warranted in women with lower TC levels who recently attempted suicide.

Experiences and perspectives of colorectal cancer survivors and general practitioners on the delivery of survivorship care in general practice: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Many colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors experience ongoing sequelae from their cancer treatment. Limited evidence exists regarding how CRC survivors and general practitioners (GPs) manage these sequelae in the community. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of CRC survivors and GPs on current approaches to monitoring and managing sequelae of CRC treatment. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods study using cross-sectional national surveys and qualitative interviews with CRC survivors and GPs to explore: (1) treatment sequelae experienced by CRC survivors, (2) how these were monitored and managed by general practitioners, and (3) suggestions to improve ongoing management of the treatment sequelae. Survey responses were reported descriptively. Qualitative data were thematically analysed using an interpretive descriptive approach. RESULTS: Seventy participants completed surveys: 51 CRC survivors and 19 GPs, and four interviews were conducted with GPs. CRC survivors experienced a range of treatment sequelae, but often did not discuss these with their GPs (experienced vs discussed: 86% vs 47% for fatigue/lack of energy, 78% vs 27% for psychological/emotional concern, 63% vs 22% for impaired sleep, 69% vs 29% for weight loss/gain, 59% vs 16% for sexual and intimacy concerns). GPs reported inadequate information transfer from cancer services and workload as major barriers to optimal care. CONCLUSIONS: System-level changes that facilitate adequate information transfer from cancer services to GPs upon CRC treatment completion, as well as addressing time constraint issues essential for comprehensive monitoring and management of CRC treatment sequelae, could enhance the care of CRC survivors in the community setting.

Quantitative Analysis and Molecular Docking Simulation of Flavonols from Eruca sativa Mill. and Their Effect on Skin Barrier Function.

Eruca sativa is a commonly used edible plant in Italian cuisine. E. sativa 70% ethanol extract (ES) was fractionated with five organic solvents, including n-hexane (EHex), chloroform (ECHCl3), ethyl acetate (EEA), n-butyl alcohol (EBuOH), and water (EDW). Ethyl acetate fraction (EEA) had the highest antioxidant activity, which was correlated with the total polyphenol and flavonoid content. ES and EEA acted as PPAR-α ligands by PPAR-α competitive binding assay. EEA significantly increased cornified envelope formation as a keratinocyte terminal differentiation marker in HaCaT cells. Further, it significantly reduced nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The main flavonol forms detected in high amounts from EEA are mono-and di-glycoside of each aglycone. The main flavonol form of EEA is the mono-glycoside of each aglycone detected, and the most abundant flavonol mono-glycoside is kaempferol 3-glucoside 7.4%, followed by quercetin-3-glucoside 2.3% and isorhamnetin 3-glucoside 1.4%. Flavonol mono-glycosides were shown to be a potent PPAR-α ligand using molecular docking simulation and showed the inhibition of nitric oxide. These results suggest that the flavonol composition of E. sativa is suitable for use in improving skin barrier function and inflammation in skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis.

Effects of Parallel Contact Cooling on Pulsed-Type, Bipolar Radiofrequency-Induced Tissue Reactions in an in vivo Porcine Model.

Background: Skin cooling during laser or radiofrequency (RF) treatments is a method to minimize thermal damage to the epidermis, reduce pain, and decrease post-treatment downtime. We evaluated the effect of parallel contact cooling (PCC) on RF-induced thermal reactions in minipig skin in vivo after bipolar microneedling RF treatment. Methods: RF treatments were administered at frequencies of 0.5, 1, and 2 MHz with single (500 ms), six (1000 ms), and ten (5000 ms) sub-pulse packs to minipig skin with or without PCC. Subsequently, thermometric imaging and histology were used to analyze skin reactions to RF. Results: Thermometric images showed that PCC promptly lowered skin temperature in the RF-treated area, with this effect persisting for over 60s. Regardless of the PCC, RF treatments lasting for 500 ms with a single pulse pack resulted in peri-electrode coagulative necrosis (PECN) zones and inter-electrode non-necrotic thermal reaction (IENT) zones in the dermis. In contrast, treatment lasting 5000 ms with 10 sub-pulse packs produced distinct IENT without notable PECN over a wide dermal area. Skin specimens obtained at 1 h and 3, 7, and 14 days after PCC-assisted RF treatments showed a higher degree of thermal tissue reactions in the deeper dermal regions compared to those after RF treatments without PCC. Conclusion: PCC-assisted RF treatment, utilizing an invasive bipolar microneedling device, enhanced RF-induced skin reactions in the mid to deep dermis while preserving the epidermis and upper papillary dermis from excessive thermal tissue injury.

Evaluating a shared care pathway intervention for people receiving chemotherapy to reduce post-treatment unplanned hospital presentations: a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) was to explore whether a community nursing intervention for outpatients receiving systemic therapy reduced unplanned hospital presentations and improved physical and psychosocial health outcomes over the first three cycles of treatment compared to a control group receiving standard care. METHODS: The number of and reasons for unplanned presentations were obtained for 170 intervention and 176 control group adult patients with solid tumours starting outpatient chemotherapy. Poisson regression was used to compare the number of presentations between the intervention and control groups. Patients self-completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Cancer Behavior Inventory and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) at the start of the first four cycles. Linear regression techniques were used to compare quality of life outcomes. RESULTS: The reduction in unplanned presentations in the intervention group relative to the control group was 12% (95% CI, - 25%, 37%; P = 0.48). At the start of cycle 4, there was no difference in anxiety (difference = 0.47 (95% CI, - 0.28, 1.22; P = 0.22)), depression (difference = 0.57 (95% CI, - 0.18, 1.31; P = 0.13)) or EORTC QLQ-C30 summary score (difference = 0.16 (95% CI, - 2.67, 3.00; P = 0.91)). Scores for self-efficacy as measured by the Cancer Behavior Inventory were higher in the intervention group (difference = 4.3 (95% CI, 0.7, 7.9; P = 0.02)). CONCLUSION: This RCT did not demonstrate a benefit in reducing unplanned presentations to hospital. The trial identified improved cancer-based self-efficacy in patients receiving the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12614001113640, registered 21/10/2014.

Genomic attributes and characterization of novel exopolysaccharide-producing bacterium Halomonas piscis sp. nov. isolated from jeotgal.

Halophilic bacterial strains, designated SG2L-4T, SB1M4, and SB2L-5, were isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented food. Cells are Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, catalase-positive, and oxidase-negative. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain SG2L-4T is closely related to Halomonas garicola KACC 18117T with a similarity of 96.2%. The complete genome sequence of strain SG2L-4T was 3,227,066 bp in size, with a genomic G + C content of 63.3 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain SG2L-4T and H. garicola KACC 18117T were 90.5 and 40.7%, respectively. The optimal growth conditions for strain SG2L-4T were temperatures between 30 and 37°C, a pH value of 7, and the presence of 10% (w/v) NaCl. The polar lipids identified included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown phospholipid, an unknown glycolipid, and an unknown polar lipid. The major cellular fatty acids were C16:0, summed features 8 (C18:1ω6c and/or C18:1ω7c), C19:0 cyclo ω8c, and summed features 3 (C16:1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone with nine isoprene units (Q-9). Based on the phenotypic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic results, strain SG2L-4T represents a novel species within the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas piscis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG2L-4T (=KCTC 92842T = JCM 35929T). Functional annotation of the genome of strain SG2L-4T confirmed the presence of exopolysaccharide synthesis protein (ExoD) and capsular polysaccharide-related genes. Strain SG2L-4T also exhibited positive results in Molisch's test, indicating the presence of extracellular carbohydrates and exopolysaccharides (EPS) production. These findings provide valuable insights into the EPS-producing capabilities of H. piscis sp. nov. isolated from jeotgal, contributing to understanding its potential roles in food and biotechnological applications.

Ptychographic lens-less birefringence microscopy using a mask-modulated polarization image sensor.

Birefringence, an inherent characteristic of optically anisotropic materials, is widely utilized in various imaging applications ranging from material characterizations to clinical diagnosis. Polarized light microscopy enables high-resolution, high-contrast imaging of optically anisotropic specimens, but it is associated with mechanical rotations of polarizer/analyzer and relatively complex optical designs. Here, we present a form of lens-less polarization-sensitive microscopy capable of complex and birefringence imaging of transparent objects without an optical lens and any moving parts. Our method exploits an optical mask-modulated polarization image sensor and single-input-state LED illumination design to obtain complex and birefringence images of the object via ptychographic phase retrieval. Using a camera with a pixel size of 3.45 µm, the method achieves birefringence imaging with a half-pitch resolution of 2.46 µm over a 59.74 mm2 field-of-view, which corresponds to a space-bandwidth product of 9.9 megapixels. We demonstrate the high-resolution, large-area, phase and birefringence imaging capability of our method by presenting the phase and birefringence images of various anisotropic objects, including a monosodium urate crystal, and excised mouse eye and heart tissues.