Association of Soda Drinks and Fast Food with Allergic Diseases in Korean Adolescents: A Nationwide Representative Study.

INTRODUCTION: A high consumption of carbonated soft drinks (i.e., soda drinks) and fast food is potentially associated with the observed global rise in adolescent allergic diseases. Thus, our study aimed to examine the potential associations between the consumption of soda drinks and fast food and allergic conditions, identifying specific relationships across subgroups and each allergic condition (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis). METHODS: This study uses large-scale data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (total n = 865,614). Soda drinks and fast food were defined by a self-reported questionnaire and allergic conditions by physician-diagnosed within 1 year. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the weighted odds ratios (ORs), along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), for allergic diseases associated with the intake of soda drinks and fast food. RESULTS: Among 865,614 adolescents in grades 7-12 (male, 51.40%), patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were 18,568 (2.15%), 153,536 (17.74%), and 59,014 (6.82%), respectively. Current asthma was associated with soda drinks (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.12) and fast food consumption (1.25; 1.17-1.33). Interestingly, stronger associations were observed for female high schoolers, compared to male high schoolers and middle schoolers, in relation to the consumption of soda drinks (1.31; 1.19-1.44) and fast food (1.46; 1.26-1.69) with asthma. Current allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis had no significant association with fast food consumption and soda drinks. CONCLUSION: This first large-scale study suggests that fast food and soda drinks consumption are potentially associated with current asthma, with stronger associations observed in females than males, underscoring the need for sex-specific allergy prevention programs.

Relation Between Masticatory Performance and Skeletal Properties in Patients With Skeletal Class III Malocclusion.

This study aimed to measure masticatory performance (MP) using ß-carotene gummy jelly to investigate its relationship with skeletal properties in decompensated patients diagnosed with skeletal class III malocclusion. The study included 78 patients (38 men and 40 women) diagnosed with skeletal class III malocclusion without temporomandibular joint disorder and periodontal disease. MP was measured using a new masticatory measuring device and ß-carotene in the gummy jelly. Lateral and posteroanterior cephalograms were obtained, and skeletal properties (Me deviation, ANB, SNB, APDI, Wits, ODI, facial axis, body length, ramus length, SN-GoGn, anterior facial height, posterior facial height, saddle angle, articular angle, and gonial angle) were evaluated. MP differences according to age and sex and the effect of skeletal properties on MP were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. The MP of all patients was 3690.55±1428.77 mm², MP of the male group was 4043.05±1498.09 mm², and MP of the female group was 3355.68±1272.19 mm². Among the items investigated, the variable that affected MP was posterior facial height. Posterior facial height showed a positive correlation (P=0.022). There was no significant difference between MP and other skeletal properties (P>0.05). The severity of the hypodivergency in skeletal class III could affect MP. The relationship between facial asymmetry or skeletal relation and MP could not be explained in this study.

Utility of accelerated T2-weighted turbo spin-echo imaging with deep learning reconstruction in female pelvic MRI: a multi-reader study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical feasibility of T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (T2-TSE) imaging with deep learning reconstruction (DLR) in female pelvic MRI compared with conventional T2 TSE in terms of image quality and scan time. METHODS: Between May 2021 and September 2021, 52 women (mean age, 44 years ± 12) who underwent 3-T pelvic MRI with additional T2-TSE using a DLR algorithm were included in this single-center prospective study with patient's informed consents. Conventional, DLR, and DLR T2-TSE images with reduced scan times were independently assessed and compared by four radiologists. The overall image quality, differentiation of anatomic details, lesion conspicuity, and artifacts were evaluated using a 5-point scale. Inter-observer agreement of the qualitative scores was compared and reader protocol preferences were then evaluated. RESULTS: In the qualitative analysis of all readers, fast DLR T2-TSE showed significantly better overall image quality, differentiation of anatomic regions, lesion conspicuity, and lesser artifacts than conventional T2-TSE and DLR T2-TSE, despite approximately 50% reduction in scan time (all p < 0.05). The inter-reader agreement for the qualitative analysis was moderate to good. All readers preferred DLR over conventional T2-TSE regardless of scan time and preferred fast DLR T2-TSE (57.7-78.8%), except for one who preferred DLR over fast DLR T2-TSE (53.8% vs. 46.1%). CONCLUSION: In female pelvic MRI, image quality and accelerated image acquisition for T2-TSE can be significantly improved by using DLR compared to conventional T2-TSE. Fast DLR T2-TSE was non-inferior to DLR T2-TSE in terms of reader preference and image quality. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: DLR of T2-TSE in female pelvic MRI enables fast imaging along with maintaining optimal image quality compared with parallel imaging-based conventional T2-TSE. KEY POINTS: • Conventional T2 turbo spin-echo based on parallel imaging has limitations for accelerated image acquisition while maintaining good image quality. • Deep learning image reconstruction showed better image quality in both images obtained using the same or accelerated image acquisition parameters compared with conventional T2 turbo spin-echo in female pelvic MRI. • Deep learning image reconstruction enables accelerated image acquisition while maintaining good image quality in the T2-TSE of female pelvic MRI.

The teaching of geriatric dentistry in South Korean dental schools.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the curriculum of geriatric dentistry for undergraduates in Korean dental schools. BACKGROUND: For development purposes, it was necessary to compare geriatric dentistry education programmes in South Korea to programmes in the United States and Europe. METHODS: The most recent curriculum and related information on geriatric dentistry at the undergraduate level in all 11 dental schools in South Korea were collected by both official letter and e-mail. A symposium for gathering expert opinions to improve geriatric dentistry education in South Korea was also held. The collected data were analysed, and the expert opinions at the symposium were summarised. RESULTS: Six of 11 schools had a didactic course as compulsory and three schools as elective. The course was usually conducted as a form of integrated lectures, and the level of standardisation of lecture content was very low. There were no topics for older people who cannot access dental clinics due to functional frailty or disability. No dental school-affiliated hospitals had an independent department for geriatric dentistry. No schools provided clinical teaching for geriatric dentistry. There were no outreach programmes for geriatric dentistry. CONCLUSIONS: The educational curriculum for geriatric dentistry in South Korea was insufficient to cope with social and demographic changes. Curriculum content should include clinical practice education and needs to be focused on frail and dependent older adult patients. An essential educational curriculum and core competency for geriatric dentistry should be prepared.

Modified Reduced Field-of-View Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Prostate: Comparison With Reduced Field-of-View Imaging and Single Shot Echo-Planar Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the image quality and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with modified reduced field of view (FOV) based on 2-dimensional (2D)-selective radiofrequency excitations by tilting the excitation plane in prostate with reduced FOV using parallel-transmit-accelerated 2D-selective radiofrequency excitation and single-shot echo planar imaging (ssEPI). METHODS: Fifty patients who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging including 3 DWIs were included. Two observers independently performed qualitative image analyses using 5-point scale. Apparent diffusion coefficient measurements were performed for quantitative analysis. RESULTS: Modified reduced FOV provided the highest qualitative scores for all categories compared with reduced FOV and ssEPI (P < 0.000). Both reduced FOV DWIs showed higher ADC values compared with ssEPI (P < 0.001); however, the ADC ratios between the lesion and peripheral zone were not significantly different (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The modified reduced FOV DWI showed better overall image quality, differentiability of anatomic regions, and lesion conspicuity with fewer artifacts compared with DWI with reduced FOV and ssEPI.

Clinical Feasibility of High-Resolution Contrast-Enhanced Dynamic T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Upper Abdomen Using Compressed Sensing.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of high-resolution contrast-enhanced dynamic T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) using compressed sensing (CS) in magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: This study retrospectively included 35 patients who underwent dynamic T1WI using volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) with CS reconstruction (CS-VIBE) and 35 patients with conventional VIBE for comparison. Two observers assessed the liver and pancreas edges, hepatic artery, motion artifacts, and overall image quality. Quantitative analysis was performed by measuring signal intensity and image noise. RESULTS: The results showed that CS-VIBE achieved significantly better anatomic delineation of the liver and pancreas edges and hepatic artery clarity than VIBE (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in motion artifacts in dynamic phases and overall image quality. The signal intensities and INs of CS-VIBE were higher than VIBE. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution dynamic T1WI using CS provides better anatomic delineation with comparable or better overall image quality than conventional VIBE.

Photoprotective Activity of Topsentin, A Bis(Indole) Alkaloid from the Marine Sponge Spongosorites genitrix, by Regulation of COX-2 and Mir-4485 Expression in UVB-Irradiated Human Keratinocyte Cells.

Skin is an important barrier to protect the body from environmental stress. However, exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) and various environmental oxidative stresses can cause skin inflammation. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme that mediates the formation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) against internal and external inflammatory stimulations. Therefore, the inhibition of COX-2 is an important approach to maintain skin health and prevent skin inflammation and carcinogenesis. Topsentin, a bis(indolyl)imidazole alkaloid isolated from the marine sponge Spongosorites genitrix, has been reported to exhibit anti-tumor and anti-microbial activities. However, the effect of topsentin on skin inflammation and its underlying molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. In the present study, we identified the photoprotective effects of topsentin on UVB irradiated human epidermal keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Topsentin suppresses COX-2 expression and its upstream signaling pathways, AP-1 and MAPK. Furthermore, topsentin inhibits miR-4485, a new biomarker selected from a microarray, and its target gene tumor necrosis factor alpha induced protein 2 (TNF-α IP2). The photoprotective effect of topsentin was also confirmed in a reconstructed human skin model. These findings suggest that topsentin may serve as a potential candidate for cosmetic formulations with skin inflammatory-mediated disorder.

Mucin gene polymorphisms are associated with endometriosis in Korean women.

OBJECTIVE: Mucin family members mucin 1 (MUC1) and mucin 4 (MUC4) play an important role in transformation and adhesion, and are known markers for the detection of cancer. However, the pathophysiology of endometriosis associated with the mucin gene is unclear. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between MUC1 and MUC4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk for endometriosis. METHODS: We performed a case-controlled study of 29 endometriosis clinical samples and 27 functional cysts as control. Sixteen SNPs (rs145224844, rs139620330, rs144273480, rs1611770, rs146141676, rs201798179, rs201815857, rs199840128, rs200788986, rs141460657, rs183700327, rs199768496, rs191544901, rs200639498, rs148332231, and rs11465209) of MUC1 gene and eight SNPs (rs1104760, rs1106502, rs882605, rs2291651, rs2291652, rs2291653, rs2291654, and rs375068067) of the MUC4 gene were identified. We amplified SNP sites by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primer sets followed by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: The single mutation analysis of MUC4 showed that MUC4 mutations had no effect on the risk for endometriosis, but the frequencies of haplotypes [T/T + T/T + C/C] (rs2291653, 2291654 and rs375068067) were associated with endometriosis. CONCLUSION: The MUC1 genotype may not be correlated with endometriosis susceptibility. However, MUC4 polymorphisms are associated with the risk for endometriosis in Korean women.

QSAR Model for Predicting the Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Binding Affinity and Dependence Potential of Synthetic Cannabinoids.

In recent years, there have been frequent reports on the adverse effects of synthetic cannabinoid (SC) abuse. SCs cause psychoactive effects, similar to those caused by marijuana, by binding and activating cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) in the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to establish a reliable quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model to correlate the structures and physicochemical properties of various SCs with their CB1R-binding affinities. We prepared tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 14 SCs and their derivatives (naphthoylindoles, naphthoylnaphthalenes, benzoylindoles, and cyclohexylphenols) and determined their binding affinity to CB1R, which is known as a dependence-related target. We calculated the molecular descriptors for dataset compounds using an R/CDK (R package integrated with CDK, version 3.5.0) toolkit to build QSAR regression models. These models were established, and statistical evaluations were performed using the mlr and plsr packages in R software. The most reliable QSAR model was obtained from the partial least squares regression method via Y-randomization test and external validation. This model can be applied in vivo to predict the addictive properties of illicit new SCs. Using a limited number of dataset compounds and our own experimental activity data, we built a QSAR model for SCs with good predictability. This QSAR modeling approach provides a novel strategy for establishing an efficient tool to predict the abuse potential of various SCs and to control their illicit use.

Porous Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Scaffolds Prepared by Non-Solvent-Induced Phase Separation for Tissue Engineering.

Highly porous poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) scaffolds were fabricated using non-solvent-induced phase separation with chloroform as the solvent and tetrahydrofuran as the non-solvent. The microporosity, nanofiber morphology, and mechanical strength of the scaffolds were adjusted by varying the fabrication parameters, such as the polymer concentration and solvent composition. The influence of these parameters on the structure and morphology of PHB organogels and scaffolds was elucidated using small-angle neutron scattering and scanning electron microscopy. The organogels and scaffolds in this study have a complex hierarchical structure, extending over a wide range of length scales. In vitro viability assays were performed using the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), and all PHB scaffolds demonstrated the excellent cell viability. Microporosity had the greatest impact on HaCaT cell proliferation on PHB scaffolds, which was determined after a 3-day incubation period with scaffolds of different morphologies and mechanical properties. The superior cell viability and the controlled scaffold properties and morphologies suggested PHB scaffolds fabricated by non-solvent-induced phase separation using chloroform and tetrahydrofuran as promising biomaterials for the applications of tissue engineering, particularly of epidermal engineering. Electronic Supplementary Material: Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s13233-020-8109-x.

Comparison of the SRmax, SRave, and color map of strain-elastography in differentiating malignant from benign breast lesions.

BACKGROUND: The maximum value of the strain ratio (SR) is a newly developed measure in strain-elastography. PURPOSE: To prospectively compare the diagnostic performance of three different measures of strain-elastography, the maximum value of the SR (SRmax), the average value of the SR (SRave), and the color map, for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We obtained the SRmax and SRave of 314 lesions from 290 patients with the tissue to nodule SR and color map using a five-degree scoring system. The diagnostic performances of the SRmax, SRave, and color map were compared after obtaining the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) of each parameter. RESULTS: The AUC of the SRmax (0.7674) was larger than the AUCs of the SRave (0.7138) and color map (0.6324), with statistical significance ( P = 0.0383 for SRmax vs. SRave, P = 0.0000 for SRmax vs. color map). The AUC of the SRave was larger than that of the color map; however, there was no significant difference. The optimal cut-off point of the SRmax that balanced the sensitivity (91.12%) and specificity (50.81%) was 5.16. CONCLUSION: The SRmax is a more reliable diagnostic tool than the SRave and color map for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions.

Loneliness and social isolation among older adults in a community exercise program: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Loneliness and social isolation (L&SI) are associated with physical and cognitive decline in older adults. Walk 'n' Talk for your Life (WTL) is a community-based program of socialization, health education, falls prevention exercise and walking for community-dwelling older adults. This qualitative study was done to gain further insight into the experience and impacts of the WTL on seniors' L&SI. METHODS: One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen participants who had completed the WTL . Interview questions focused on eliciting a better understanding of how the WTL impacted participants' feelings of L&SI. Content analysis was used to classify the qualitative data . RESULTS: This qualitative evaluation helped to obtain a richer understanding of WTL participants' reasons for loneliness and the benefits of the program on participants' experience of L&SI. Participants felt WTL helped motivate them to socialize and reduced their feelings of loneliness by providing a sense of 'belonging' which appeared to be mediated by the group exercise/walking component of the program. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insight into participants' experiences of L&SI. Further research in a broader population of older adults is mandated to determine the efficacy of community exercise programs in reducing L&SI.

Red Ginseng Attenuates Aß-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Aß-mediated Pathology in an Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits. Amyloid beta (Aß) peptide is known to be a major cause of AD pathogenesis. However, recent studies have clarified that mitochondrial deficiency is also a mediator or trigger for AD development. Interestingly, red ginseng (RG) has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on AD pathology. However, there is no evidence showing whether RG extract (RGE) can inhibit the mitochondrial deficit-mediated pathology in the experimental models of AD. The effects of RGE on Aß-mediated mitochondrial deficiency were investigated in both HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cells and the brains of 5XFAD Aß-overexpressing transgenic mice. To examine whether RGE can affect mitochondria-related pathology, we used immunohistostaining to study the effects of RGE on Aß accumulation, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis in hippocampal formation of 5XFAD mice. In vitro and in vivo findings indicated that RGE significantly improves Aß-induced mitochondrial pathology. In addition, RGE significantly ameliorated AD-related pathology, such as Aß deposition, gliosis, and neuronal loss, and deficits in adult hippocampal neurogenesis in brains with AD. Our results suggest that RGE may be a mitochondria-targeting agent for the treatment of AD.

Comparison between MRI with MR cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography for differentiating malignant from benign mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas.

OBJECTIVE: To compare diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for differentiating malignant from benign intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) of the pancreas. METHODS: This retrospective study included 55 patients with 47 surgically confirmed IPMNs (12 malignant, 35 benign) and eight MCNs (two malignant, six benign) who underwent contrast-enhanced pancreas MRI and EUS. Contrast enhancement was not routinely used at EUS examination. Two observers independently evaluated the MRIs, and another reviewed EUS images. They recorded their confidence for malignancy with each imaging modality. We calculated diagnostic performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (A z ), and to determine the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive (NPV) values. RESULTS: The A z values of MRI were higher than those of EUS (0.712 and 0.688 for MRI vs. 0.543 for EUS; p = 0.007). The diagnostic accuracies (74.5%), specificity (78.0% and 80.5%) and PPV (50.0%) of MRI in two observers were higher than those (56.4%, 58.5% and 29.2%, respectively) of EUS (p = 0.013-0.049). CONCLUSION: MRI showed better diagnostic performance than EUS for differentiating malignant from benign pancreatic IPMN and MCN. KEY POINTS: • The A z values of MRI were higher than those of EUS. • The diagnostic accuracies of MRI were higher than those of EUS. • The specificities of MRI were higher than those of EUS.

The new designer drug buphedrone produces rewarding properties via dopamine D1 receptor activation.

Substituted cathinones are synthetic analogs of the active components of natural products and are widely abused worldwide. However, the rewarding properties of these agents have not yet been evaluated. In this study, we investigated the abuse potential of buphedrone [2-(methylamino)-1-phenylbutan-1-one, α-methylamino-butyrophenone] and its effects on the mesolimbic dopaminergic system in mice using conditioned place preference (CPP) analysis, a self-administration test, a locomotor activity test, a behavioral sensitization test and Western blot analysis. Treatment with buphedrone supported CPP and self-administration, enhanced locomotor activity and produced behavioral sensitization when mice were challenged with methamphetamine. SCH23390, a D1 dopamine antagonist, prevented buphedrone-induced CPP, whereas raclopride, a D2 dopamine antagonist, had no effect. SCH23390 also blocked locomotor activity increase by buphedrone, while raclopride partially attenuated locomotor activation. Western blot analysis revealed that repeated buphedrone treatment increased D1 dopamine receptor expression in the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens in mice. Collectively, these findings suggest the abuse potential of buphedrone and demonstrate the involvement of the dopaminergic system in the establishment of its rewarding properties.

Impact of region of interest (ROI) size on the diagnostic performance of shear wave elastography in differentiating solid breast lesions.

Background Shear wave elastography (SWE) using a region of interest (ROI) can demonstrate the quantitative elasticity of breast lesions. Purpose To prospectively evaluate the impact of two different ROI sizes on the diagnostic performance of SWE for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions. Material and Methods A total of 154 breast lesions were included. Two types of ROIs were investigated: one involving an approximately 2-mm diameter, small round ROIs placed over the stiffest area of the lesion, as determined by SWE (ROI-S); and another ROI drawn along the margin of the lesion using a touch pen or track ball to encompass the entire lesion (ROI-M). Maximum elasticity (Emax), mean elasticity (Emean), minimum elasticity (Emin), and standard deviation (SD) were measured for the two ROIs. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) as well as the sensitivity and specificity of each elasticity value were determined. Results The AUCs for ROI-S were higher than those for ROI-M when differentiating benign and malignant breast solid lesions. The Emax, Emean, Emin, and SD of the elasticity values for ROI-S were 0.865, 0.857, 0.816, and 0.849, respectively, and for ROI-M were 0.820, 0.780, 0.724, and 0.837, respectively. However, only Emax ( P = 0.0024) and Emean ( P = 0.0015) showed statistically significant differences. For ROI-S, the sensitivity and specificity of Emax were 78.8% and 84.3%, respectively, and those for Emean were 80.8% and 81.4%, respectively. Conclusion Using ROI-S with Emax and Emean has better diagnostic performance than ROI-M for differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions.

Targeting the psychosocial and functional fitness challenges of older adults with hearing loss: a participatory approach to adaptation of the walk and talk for your life program.

OBJECTIVE: Explore the acceptability of a socialisation, health education and falls prevention programme (Walk and Talk for Your Life: WTL) as an adjunct to group auditory rehabilitation (GAR) and how it might be adapted for older adults with hearing loss (HL). DESIGN: Content theme analysis (CTA) of guided interviews explored the experience of HL, the acceptability of a WTL programme and suggestions on how to adapt the WTL programme to better suit the needs of older adults with HL. STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty-eight (20 women, 8 men) adults (>55 years of age) with HL were interviewed. Seventeen had participated in past WTL programmes and eleven were sampled from the community. RESULTS: Interviewees reported difficulty socialising and a tendency to withdraw from social interactions. Addition of GAR to a WTL programme was found to be highly acceptable. Interviewees suggested that to best suit their needs, sessions should take place in a location with optimal acoustics; include small groups integrating hearing-impaired and hearing-intact participants; include appropriate speaking ground rules; and include an option for partner involvement. CONCLUSIONS: The adapted WTL programme provides a holistic and unique approach to the treatment of HL that has the potential to positively impact the hearing-impaired elderly.

Capsule, septum, and T2 hyperintense foci for differentiation between large hepatocellular carcinoma (≥5 cm) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma on gadoxetic acid MRI.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the added value of capsule, septum, and T2 hyperintense foci for differentiating large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; ≥ 5 cm) from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) using gadoxetic acid MRI. METHODS: The study included 116 patients (94 men, 22 women; mean age, 56.8 years) with surgically confirmed HCCs (n = 87, 5.0-18.0 cm) or ICCs (n = 29, 5.0-14.0 cm) who underwent gadoxetic acid MRI. Three observers independently reviewed MRIs in two sessions, examining enhancement patterns only and then adding capsule, septum, and T2 hyperintense foci. Reviewers used a five-point scale to score accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: A significant increase was observed in accuracy when ancillary features (96.1-98.3%) were added compared to enhancement pattern only (83.6-88.4%; p ≤ 0.02). Sensitivity was significantly increased with combined reading (97.1-98.3%) compared to enhancement features only (81.6-88.5%; p ≤ 0.006) for two observers, with no difference in specificity (84.5-89.7% vs. 86.2-98.3%; p > 0.05). We found substantial to excellent interobserver agreement for ancillary features (0.598-0.976). CONCLUSION: Adding capsule, septum, and T2 hyperintense foci to enhancement patterns for gadoxetic acid MRI increased diagnostic performance for characterizing large HCC by differentiating it from ICC. KEY POINTS: • Capsule, septum, and T2 hyperintense foci were useful for characterizing large HCC. • Adding ancillary features to enhancement pattern increased accuracy for diagnosing large HCC. • Interobserver agreement was substantial to excellent for ancillary features.

Impairment of opiate-mediated behaviors by the selective TRPV1 antagonist SB366791.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), the archetypal member of the vanilloid TRP family, was initially identified as the receptor for capsaicin, the pungent ingredient in hot chili peppers. We previously demonstrated that TRPV1 in the dorsal striatum significantly contributes to morphine reward by using the conditioned place preference paradigm in mice; however, it is unknown whether TRPV1 has the same effect in other reward models. In this study, we investigated the role of TRPV1 in morphine reward by using a self-administration paradigm in rats. We found that treatment with a selective TRPV1 antagonist, SB366791, significantly decreased morphine self-administration on a fixed-ratio 1 schedule or a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. In addition, treatment with another selective TRPV1 antagonist, AMG9810, not only significantly prevented morphine self-administration but also prevented morphine-induced c-fos expression in the nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, administration of SB366791 decreased an anxiolytic-like effect during the morphine abstinence period. Moreover, treatment with SB366791 significantly decreased morphine-priming reinstatement. Taken together, our findings suggest that blockade of TRPV1 receptors could provide an approach to limiting morphine addiction.

The new stimulant designer compound pentedrone exhibits rewarding properties and affects dopaminergic activity.

Cathinone derivatives are new recreational drugs known to produce psychostimulant effects. However, unlike other psychostimulants, the addictive potential of cathinone derivatives has not been widely studied. Here, we investigated the effects of pentedrone, a type of cathinone derivative, on the dopaminergic system using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. We also evaluated the addictive potential of pentedrone using conditioned place preference and self-administration. We found that pentedrone increased the mRNA expression of dopamine 1 receptor, dopamine 2 receptor and dopamine transporter, as well as induced phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein in PC-12 cells. Additionally, pentedrone at 3 and 10 mg/kg significantly increased conditioned place preference in mice, while pentedrone at 0.3 mg/kg/infusion significantly increased self-administration in rats. Finally, we found that acute administration of pentedrone enhanced locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these data suggest that the addictive properties of pentedrone may be due to its effects on the dopaminergic system.