External Disruption of Ocular Development in Utero.

The intricate steps of human ocular embryology are impacted by cellular and genetic signaling pathways and a myriad of external elements that can affect pregnancy, such as environmental, metabolic, hormonal factors, medications, and intrauterine infections. This review focuses on presenting some of these factors to recognize the multifactorial nature of ocular development and highlight their clinical significance. This review is based on English-language articles sourced from PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar; keywords searched included "ocular development in pregnancy," "ocular embryology," "maternal nutrition," "ophthalmic change," and "visual system development." While some animal models show the disruption of ocular embryology from these external factors, there are limited post-birth assessments in human studies. Much remains unknown about the precise mechanisms of how these external factors can disrupt normal ocular development in utero, and more significant research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of these disruptive effects further. Findings in this review emphasize the importance of additional research in understanding the dynamic association between factors impacting gestation and neonatal ocular development, particularly in the setting of limited resources.

Blood sphingolipid as a novel biomarker in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: Sphingolipids are signaling molecules and structural components of the axolemma and myelin sheath. Plasma sphingolipid levels may reflect disease status of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). We aimed to examine plasma sphingolipids as disease severity biomarkers for NMOSD and compare their characteristics with those of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP). METHODS: We measured plasma sphingolipids, sNfL, and sGFAP levels in NMOSD cases with anti-aquaporin-4-antibody. An unbiased approach, partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), was utilized to determine whether sphingolipid profiles differ according to the disease state of NMOSD (presence, moderate-to-severe disability [Expanded Disease Severity Scale, (EDSS) > 3.0], and relapses). RESULTS: We investigated 81 patients and 10 controls. PLS-DA models utilizing sphingolipids successfully differentiated patients with EDSS > 3.0, but failed to identify the presence of disease and relapses. Ceramide-C14-a significant contributor to differentiating EDSS > 3.0-positively correlated with EDSS, while its levels were independent of age and the presence of relapses. This characteristic was unique from those of sNfL and sGFAP, which were affected by age and relapses as well as EDSS. CONCLUSION: Plasma sphingolipids may be useful NMOSD biomarkers for disability with distinct characteristics compared to sNfL and sGFAP.

Abnormal Silicon Etching Behaviors in Nanometer-Sized Channels.

Modern semiconductor fabrication is challenged by difficulties in overcoming physical and chemical constraints. A major challenge is the wet etching of dummy gate silicon, which involves the removal of materials inside confined spaces of a few nanometers. These chemical processes are significantly different in the nanoscale and bulk. Previously, electrical double-layer formation, bubble entrapment, poor wettability, and insoluble intermediate precipitation have been proposed. However, the exact suppression mechanisms remain unclear due to the lack of direct observation methods. Herein, we investigate limiting factors for the etching kinetics of silicon with tetramethylammonium hydroxide at the nanoscale by using liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy, three-dimensional electron tomography, and first-principles calculations. We reveal suppressed chemical reactions, unstripping phenomena, and stochastic etching behaviors that have never been observed on a macroscopic scale. We expect that solutions can be suggested from this comprehensive insight into the scale-dependent limiting factors of fabrication.

Corrigendum to "The Association of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference with the Risk of Achilles Tendon Problems: A Nationwide Population-Based Longitudinal Cohort Study".

[This corrects the article on p. 488 in vol. 15, PMID: 37274500.].

Improved hydrolysis of sewage sludge by air-assisted non-thermal plasma for enhanced biomethane recovery.

Conventional pretreatment technologies have been assessed to resolve the slow hydrolysis of sewage sludge, but high operating costs have prevented their wide use. This study investigated non-thermal plasma (NTP) technologies as an alternative to promote anaerobic digestion (AD). Various contact time (CT) and temperature (T) conditions were used to assess how NTP pretreatment improves the methane conversion of organics in sewage sludge. A multi-response surface model (RSM) using a central composite design (CCD) identified the optimal CT (4.6 h) and T (45 °C). This statistical optimization of NTP pretreatment led to an enhanced biochemical methane potential of 297 ± 46 mL CH4 g-1 COD by reducing operating cost as power consumption as low as 0.08 USD L-1. The result was comparable to those of other advanced oxidation processes (0.14 - 0.60 USD L-1) demonstrating that accelerated hydrolysis of sewage sludge using NTP pretreatment show potential for improving renewable energy recovery from sewage sludge.

Ultraviolet light blocking optically clear adhesives for foldable displays via highly efficient visible-light curing.

In developing an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel for a foldable smartphone (specifically, a color filter on encapsulation) aimed at reducing power consumption, the use of a new optically clear adhesive (OCA) that blocks UV light was crucial. However, the incorporation of a UV-blocking agent within the OCA presented a challenge, as it restricted the traditional UV-curing methods commonly used in the manufacturing process. Although a visible-light curing technique for producing UV-blocking OCA was proposed, its slow curing speed posed a barrier to commercialization. Our study introduces a highly efficient photo-initiating system (PIS) for the rapid production of UV-blocking OCAs utilizing visible light. We have carefully selected the photocatalyst (PC) to minimize electron and energy transfer to UV-blocking agents and have chosen co-initiators that allow for faster electron transfer and more rapid PC regeneration compared to previously established amine-based co-initiators. This advancement enabled a tenfold increase in the production speed of UV-blocking OCAs, while maintaining their essential protective, transparent, and flexible properties. When applied to OLED devices, this OCA demonstrated UV protection, suggesting its potential for broader application in the safeguarding of various smart devices.

Renal cell carcinoma metastasis to the penis: A case report and literature review.

Metastasis to the penis from RCC or any other primary cancer site is unusual; when it does occur, it often involves multiple organs. A 75-year-old man presented with penile pain and swelling. Three months earlier, he had open radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy and was diagnosed with clear-cell RCC with tumor thrombosis in the IVC. The follow-up imaging indicated metastasis in the penis, prompting a total penectomy due to worsening pain. The excised mass displayed features consistent with metastatic RCC. This case underscores the need to consider rare metastatic sites, such as metastasis of RCC to the penis, in RCC patients.

Particulate matter (PM10) exacerbates on MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like behaviors through the inhibition of ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway.

Particulate matter (PM), released into the air by a variety of natural and human activities, is a key indicator of air pollution. Although PM is known as the extensive health hazard to affect a variety of illness, few studies have specifically investigated the effects of PM10 exposure on schizophrenic development. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the impact of PM10 on MK-801, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, induced schizophrenia-like behaviors in C57BL/6 mouse. Preadolescent mice were exposed PM10 to 3.2 mg/m3 concentration for 4 h/day for 2 weeks through a compartmentalized whole-body inhalation chamber. After PM10 exposure, we conducted behavioral tests during adolescence and adulthood to investigate longitudinal development of schizophrenia. We found that PM10 exacerbated schizophrenia-like behavior, such as psychomotor agitation, social interaction deficits and cognitive deficits at adulthood in MK-801-induced schizophrenia animal model. Furthermore, the reduced expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the phosphorylation of BDNF related signaling molecules, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), were exacerbated by PM10 exposure in the adult hippocampus of MK-801-treated mice. Thus, our present study demonstrates that exposure to PM10 in preadolescence exacerbates the cognitive impairment in animal model of schizophrenia, which are considered to be facilitated by the decreased level of BDNF through reduced ERK-CREB expression.

Prognostic Implications of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients With Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist regarding the prognostic implications of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods and Results: Of 13,104 patients in the nationwide Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institutes of Health, 3,083 patients with NSTEMI who underwent PCI were included in the present study. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 3 years, a composite of all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction, unplanned repeat revascularization, and admission for heart failure. NT-proBNP was measured at the time of initial presentation for the management of NSTEMI, and patients were divided into a low (<700 pg/mL; n=1,813) and high (≥700 pg/mL; n=1,270) NT-proBNP group. The high NT-proBNP group had a significantly higher risk of MACE, driven primarily by a higher risk of cardiac death or admission for heart failure. These results were consistent after confounder adjustment by propensity score matching and inverse probability weighting analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with NSTEMI who underwent PCI, an initial elevated NT-proBNP concentration was associated with higher risk of MACE at 3 years, driven primarily by higher risks of cardiac death or admission for heart failure. These results suggest that the initial NT-proBNP concentration may have a clinically significant prognostic value in NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI.

Multiple transcription factors of Arabidopsis thaliana that are activated by LEAFY COTYLEDON 2 regulate triacylglycerol biosynthesis.

Plant triacylglycerols (TAG) are used in food and various industrial feedstocks. LEAFY COTYLEDON 2 (LEC2), a master positive regulator of TAG biosynthesis, regulates a complex network of transcription factors (TFs) during seed development. Aside from WRINKLED1 (WRI1), the TFs regulated by LEC2 related to TAG biosynthesis have not yet been identified. Previously, we identified 25 seed-expressing TFs that were upregulated in Arabidopsis leaves that overexpressed senescence-induced LEC2. In this study, each of the 25 TFs was transiently expressed in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana to identify unknown TFs that regulate TAG biosynthesis. The TAG content of the transformed leaves was analyzed using thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography. We observed that five TFs, ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSIVE REGULATOR 21 (ARR21), AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE 6 (AIL6), APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSIVE FACTOR 55 (ERF55), WRKY DNA-BINDING PROTEIN 8 (WRKY8), and ARABIDOPSIS NAC DOMAIN CONTAINING PROTEIN 38 (ANAC038) increased TAG synthesis in the leaves. Among these, the promoters of AIL6, ERF55, WRKY8, and ANAC038 contain RY motifs, which are LEC2-binding sites activated by LEC2. AIL6 overexpression in Arabidopsis increased the total fatty acid (FA) content in seeds and altered the FA composition, with increases in 16:0, 18:1, and 18:2 and decreases in 18:0, 18:3, and 20:1 compared with those in the wild type (WT). AIL6 overexpression activates several FA and TAG biosynthesis genes. Therefore, our study successfully identified several new TFs regulated by LEC2 in TAG biosynthesis and showed that AIL6 increased the TAG content in seeds.

A combined extract containing Schisandra chinensis (SCE) reduced hepatic triglyceride accumulation in rats fed a high-sucrose diet.

Excessive hepatic lipid accumulation is closely linked to inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndromes. We hypothesized that a combined extract containing Schisandra chinensis (SCE) could alleviate hepatic lipid accumulation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-sucrose diet (HSD) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 6): normal diet (ND), HSD (60% kcal from sucrose), and HSD + SCE (HSD with 2.44% SCE). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed that SCE contains chlorogenic acid (5.514 ± 0.009 mg/g) and schisandrin (0.179 ± 0.002 mg/g) as bioactive components. SCE did not alter the body weight, fat mass, lean mass, or glucose levels. Strikingly, SCE effectively reduced the plasma triglyceride (TG) and hepatic TG levels compared to the HSD group. Adiposity reduction is due to decreased activity of hepatic de novo lipogenic enzymes. These results indicated that SCE has nutraceutical potential for the prevention and treatment of hepatic steatosis. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01464-1.

Association of ambient air pollution with hemoglobin levels and anemia in the general population of Korean adults.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence has suggested significant associations between ambient air pollution and changes in hemoglobin levels or anemia in specific vulnerable groups, but few studies have assessed this relationship in the general population. This study aimed to evaluate the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and hemoglobin concentrations or anemia in general adults in South Korea. METHODS: A total of 69,830 Korean adults from a large-scale nationwide survey were selected for our final analysis. Air pollutants included particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 micrometers (PM10), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). We measured the serum hemoglobin concentration to assess anemia for each participant. RESULTS: In the fully adjusted model, exposure levels to PM10, SO2, and CO for one and two years were significantly associated with decreased hemoglobin concentrations (all p < 0.05), with effects ranging from 0.15 to 0.62% per increase in interquartile range (IQR) for each air pollutant. We also showed a significant association of annual exposure to PM10 with anemia (p = 0.0426); the odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for anemia per each increase in IQR in PM10 was estimated to be 1.039 (1.001-1.079). This association was also found in the 2-year duration of exposure (OR = 1.046; 95% CI = 1.009-1.083; adjusted Model 2). In addition, CO exposure during two years was closely related to anemia (OR = 1.046; 95% CI = 1.004-1.091; adjusted Model 2). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence that long-term exposure to air pollution, especially PM10, is significantly associated with reduced hemoglobin levels and anemia in the general adult population.

Attraction and achievement as two attributes of gamification in healthcare: an evolutionary concept analysis.

PURPOSE: This study conducted a conceptual analysis of gamification in healthcare utilizing Rogers' evolutionary concept analysis methodology to identify its attributes and provide a method for its applications in the healthcare field. Gamification has recently been used as a health intervention and education method, but the concept is used inconsistently and confusingly. METHODS: A literature review was conducted to derive definitions, surrogate terms, antecedents, influencing factors, attributes (characteristics with dimensions and features), surrogate concepts, consequences, implications, and hypotheses from various academic fields. A total of 56 journal articles in English and Korean, published between August 2 and August 7, 2023, were extracted from databases such as PubMed Central, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Association for Computing Machinery Digital Library, the Research Information Sharing Service , and the Korean Studies Information Service System, using the keywords "gamification" and "healthcare." These articles were then analyzed. RESULTS: Gamification in healthcare is defined as the application of game elements in health-related contexts to improve health outcomes. The attributes of this concept were categorized into two main areas: attraction and achievement. These categories encompass various strategies for synchronization, enjoyable engagement, visual rewards, and goal-reinforcing frames. CONCLUSION: Through a multidisciplinary analysis of the concept's attributes and influencing factors, this paper provides practical strategies for implementing gamification in health interventions. When developing a gamification strategy, healthcare providers can reference this analysis to ensure the game elements are used both appropriately and effectively.

Ball-Valve Syndrome Secondary to Large Fundic Adenoma.

Gastroduodenal intussusception is a rare presentation in adults. A mass lesion in the stomach typically acts as a lead point that invaginates into the pylorus and duodenum causing intussusception. In a subset of these cases, episodic symptoms of obstruction occur because of intermittent prolapse of the lesion, termed "ball-valve syndrome." We present a 73-year-old woman with intermittent abdominal pain and nausea who was discovered to have gastroduodenal intussusception secondary to a large prolapsing fundic adenoma through the pylorus and into the duodenum. The case highlights this rare complication from gastric lesions along with the importance of surgical intervention for definitive management.

Abundance of the Membrane Proteome in Yeast Cells Lacking Spc1, a Non-catalytic Subunit of the Signal Peptidase Complex.

The signal peptidase complex (SPC) mediates processing of signal peptides of secretory precursors. But, recent studies show that the eukaryotic SPC also cleaves internal transmembrane segments of some membrane proteins, and its non-catalytic subunit, Spc1/SPCS1 plays a critical role in this process. To assess the impact of Spc1 on membrane proteostasis, we carried out quantitative proteomics of yeast cells with and without Spc1. Our data show that the abundance of the membrane proteome in yeast cells lacking Spc1 is in general reduced compared to that in wild-type cells, implicating its role in controlling the cellular levels of membrane proteins.

Use of approved Lu-177 radiopharmaceuticals in patients with end-stage renal disease: A review of the literature and proposed treatment algorithm.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) can be a very useful treatment for patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer but it is routinely avoided in those with advanced kidney disease because it can adversely affect the renal function. Accordingly, no clear guidelines exist on the use of PRRT for patients on hemodialysis (HD). We performed a literature review to identify publications on HD patients who received PRRT with Lutetium-177 (Lu177) Dotatate and Y-90 and obtained information on Lu177 pharmacokinetics and early testing data from the manufacturer. We also perused the most recent North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS)/European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) recommendations. Seven relevant publications with a total of 15 patients were included. Patients received dose-adjusted fractions of PRRT with HD occurring usually within 24 h. There were no immediate or long-term serious adverse events attributed to the radioligand, although data was limited. Using available evidence and input from a multidisciplinary group, we have created an institutional workflow. Dose-adjusted PRRT can be offered to patients undergoing HD under careful, multidisciplinary supervision.

Interferon-gamma signaling promotes cartilage regeneration after injury.

Osteoarthritis is a common chronic disease and major cause of disability and chronic pain in ageing populations. In this pathology, the entire joint is involved, and the regeneration of articular cartilage still remains one of the main challenges. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying cartilage regeneration in young mice using a full-thickness cartilage injury (FTCI) model. FTCI-induced cartilage defects were created in the femoral trochlea of young and adult C57BL/6 mice. To identify key molecules and pathways involved in the early response to cartilage injury, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of cartilage RNA at 3 days after injury. Young mice showed superior cartilage regeneration compared to adult mice after cartilage injury. RNA-seq analysis revealed significant upregulation of genes associated with the immune response, particularly in the IFN-γ signaling pathway and qRT-PCR analysis showed macrophage polarization in the early phase of cartilage regeneration (3 days) in young mice after injury, which might promote the removal of damaged or necrotic cells and initiate cartilage regeneration in response to injury. IFN-γR1- and IFN-γ-deficient mice exhibited impaired cartilage regeneration following cartilage injury. DMM-induced and spontaneous OA phenotypes were exacerbated in IFN-γR1-/- mice than in wild-type mice. Our data support the hypothesis that IFN-γ signaling is necessary for cartilage regeneration, as well as for the amelioration of post-traumatic and age-induced OA.

Comprehensive understanding of the mutant 'giant' Arthrospira platensis developed via ultraviolet mutagenesis.

Introduction: Cyanobacteria are typically of a size that can be observed under a microscope. Here, we present cyanobacteria of a size that can be observed with the naked eye. Arthrospira platensis NCB002 strain showed differentiated morphological characteristics compared to previously reported Arthrospira spp. Methods: Arthrospira platensis NCB002 was obtained by the UV irradiation of Arthrospira sp. NCB001, which was isolated from freshwater and owned by NCell Co., Ltd. A. platensis NIES-39 was obtained from the National Institute for Environmental Studies (Tsukuba, Japan). We used various analytical techniques to determine its overall characteristics. Results and discussion: The draft genome of strain NCB002 consists of five contigs comprising 6,864,973 bp with a G+C content of 44.3 mol%. The strain NCB002 had an average length of 11.69 ± 1.35 mm and a maximum of 15.15 mm, which is 23.4-50.5 times longer than the length (0.3-0.5 mm) of previously known Arthrospira spp., allowing it to be harvested using a thin sieve. Transcriptome analysis revealed that these morphological differences resulted from changes in cell wall formation mechanisms and increased cell division. Our results show that NCB002 has outstanding industrial value and provides a comprehensive understanding of it.

Recombinant expression and tryptophan-assisted analysis of human sweet taste receptor T1R3's extracellular domain in sweetener interaction studies.

The human palate can discern multiple tastes; however, it predominantly perceives five fundamental flavors: sweetness, saltiness, sourness, bitterness, and umami. Sweetness is primarily mediated through the sweet taste receptor, a membrane-bound heterodimeric structure comprising T1R2-T1R3. However, unraveling the structural and mechanistic intricacies of the sweet taste receptor has proven challenging. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by expressing an extracellular N-terminal domain encompassing the cysteine-rich domain of human hT1R3 (hT1R3-TMD) in Escherichia coli. The expressed protein was obtained as inclusion bodies, purified by metal affinity chromatography, and refolded using the dilution-refolding method. Through rigorous analysis, we confirmed the successful refolding of hT1R3-TMD and elucidated its structural characteristics using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Notably, the refolded protein was found to exist as either a monomer or a dimer, depending on its concentration. A tryptophan fluorescence quenching assay revealed that the dissociation constants for sucrose, sucralose, and brazzein were >9500 µM, 2380 µM and 14.3 µM, respectively. Our findings highlight the utility of this E. coli expression system for producing functional hT1R3-TMD for investigations and demonstrate the efficacy of the tryptophan fluorescence quenching assay in revealing complex interactions between sweet taste receptors and various sweeteners.