Additive Destabilization of Porous Magnesium Borohydride Framework with Core-Shell Structure.

Design of interfaces with thermodynamic and kinetic specificity is of great importance for hydrogen storage from both an applied and fundamental perspective. Here, in order to destabilize the metal hydride and protect the dehydrogenated products from oxidizing, a unique core-shell structure of porous Mg(BH4 )2 -based framework with a thin layer (no more than 5 nm) of MgCl2 additives on the surface, has been proposed and synthesized via a wet-chemical method. The local structure and electronic state of the present complex system are systematically investigated to understand the correlation between the distribution of additives and dehydrogenation property of Mg(BH4 )2 . A significant improvement is achieved for hydrogen desorption with chlorides: initial hydrogen release from MgCl2 decorated γ-phase Mg(BH4 )2 particles commences at 100 °C and reaches a maximum of 9.4 wt% at 385 °C. Besides the decreased decomposition temperature, an activation barrier of about 76.4 kJ mol-1 lower than that of Mg(BH4 )2 without MgCl2 is obtained. Moreover, MgCl2 decoration can also prevent the whole decomposed system (both Mg- and B- elements) from oxidizing, which is a necessary condition to reversibility.

Solid-State Radical C-H Trifluoromethylation Reactions Using Ball Milling and Piezoelectric Materials.

The application of piezoelectricity for the generation of trifluoromethyl (CF3 ) radicals is reported together with the development of a method for the mechanochemical C-H trifluoromethylation of aromatic compounds. As compared to conventional solution-based approaches, this mechanoredox C-H trifluoromethylation enables cleaner and more sustainable access to a wide range of trifluoromethylated N-heterocycles and peptides, which are important structural motifs in modern drug discovery. This study thus represents an important milestone for future applications of mechanoredox systems to medicinal and pharmaceutical science.

Single-Center Pharmacokinetic Study and Simulation of a Low Meropenem Concentration in Brain-Dead Organ Donors.

Meropenem is an ultrabroad-spectrum antibiotic of the carbapenem family. In brain-dead organ donors, administration of standard meropenem dosages does not reach therapeutic levels. Our objectives were to determine the plasma concentration of meropenem after the administration of standard meropenem dose and to estimate an improved dosage regimen for these patients. One gram of meropenem was administered as a 1-h infusion every 8 h for 1 to 3 days, and blood samples were collected. The plasma concentration of meropenem was measured and subjected to pharmacokinetic analysis. Simcyp simulation was performed to predict the optimum plasma levels and dosage based on the patients' individual pharmacokinetic parameters. The maximum plasma concentration of meropenem was 3.29 µg/ml, which was lower than four times the MIC of 8 µg/ml. Although the mean creatinine clearance of patients was moderately low (67.5 ml/min), the apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) and time-averaged total body clearance (CL) of meropenem were markedly elevated (4.97 liters/kg and 2.06 liters/h/kg, respectively), owing to massive fluid loading to decrease the high sodium levels and to treat shock or dehydration. The simulation revealed that dose and infusion time of meropenem should be increased based on patients' Vss and CL, and a loading dose is recommended to reach rapidly the target concentration. In conclusion, a standard meropenem regimen is insufficient to achieve optimal drug levels in brain-dead patients, and an increase in dose and extended or continuous infusion with intravenous bolus administration of a loading dose are recommended for these patients.

Ligand for translocator protein reverses pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Ligands of the translocator protein (TSPO) elicit pleiotropic neuroprotective effects that represent emerging treatment strategies for several neurodegenerative conditions. To investigate the potential of TSPO as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD), the current study assessed the effects of the TSPO ligand Ro5-4864 on the development of neuropathology in 3xTgAD mice. The effects of the TSPO ligand on neurosteroidogenesis and AD-related neuropathology, including ß-amyloid accumulation, gliosis, and behavioral impairment, were examined under both early intervention (7-month-old young-adult male mice with low pathology) and treatment (24-month-old, aged male mice with advanced neuropathology) conditions. Ro5-4864 treatment not only effectively attenuated development of neuropathology and behavioral impairment in young-adult mice but also reversed these indices in aged 3xTgAD mice. Reduced levels of soluble ß-amyloid were also observed by the combination of TSPO ligands Ro5-4864 and PK11195 in nontransgenic mice. These findings suggest that TSPO is a promising target for the development of pleiotropic treatment strategies for the management of AD.

Postnatal early overnutrition causes long-term renal decline in aging male rats.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the influence of postnatal early overnutrition on renal pathophysiological changes in aging rats. METHODS: Three or 10 male pups per mother were assigned to either the small litter (SL) or normal litter (control) groups, respectively, during the first 21 d of life. The effects of early postnatal overnutrition were determined at 12 mo. RESULTS: SL rats weighed more than controls between 4 d and 6 mo of age (P < 0.05). However, between 6 and 12 mo, body weights in both groups were not different. In the SL group, at 12 mo, systolic blood pressure was higher and creatinine clearance was lower than the same in controls (P < 0.05). Numbers of CD68 (ED1)-positive macrophages and apoptotic cells in renal cortex were higher in SL rats (P < 0.05). Furthermore, index scores for glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were higher in the SL group (P < 0.05). Significantly less glomeruli per section area were found in aging SL rats (P < 0.05). Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry showed decreased intrarenal renin expression in SL rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early postnatal overnutrition can potentiate structural and functional abnormalities in the aging kidney and can lead to systolic hypertension with reduced intrarenal renin activity.

Current technologies for heavy metal removal from food and environmental resources.

Exposure to heavy metals in water and food poses a significant threat to human well-being, necessitating the efficient removal of these contaminants. The process of urban development exacerbates heavy metal pollution, thereby increasing risks to both human health and ecosystems. Heavy metals have the capacity to enter the food chain, undergo bioaccumulation and magnify, ultimately resulting in adverse effects on human health. Therefore, implementing effective pollution control measures and adopting sustainable practices are crucial for mitigating exposure and associated health risks. Various innovative approaches, including adsorption, ion exchange, and electrochemical technology, are currently being actively investigated to cope with the issue of heavy metal contamination. These innovative methods offer benefits such as efficient recycling, cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness. In this review, we summarize recent advances for removing heavy metals from water, soil and food, providing valuable guidance for environmental engineers and researchers seeking to address contamination challenges.

Effect and Safety of Diluted Vasopressin Injection for Bleeding Control During Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy in Reproductive Women With Uterine Fibroids: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial (VALENTINE Trial).

BACKGROUND/AIM: Vasopressin injected during myomectomy is known to effectively reduce bleeding but is sometimes associated with intraoperative vasoconstriction and hypertension due to systemic absorption. Although there is a growing preference for the use of diluted vasopressin, evidence of its effect and safety is still lacking. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled pilot trial to evaluate the effect and safety of vasopressin diluted in a constant volume during robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM), where a total of 39 women with uterine fibroids were randomly assigned into the following three groups (group 1, 0.2 IU/ml; group 2, 0.1 IU/ml; group 3, 0.05 IU/ml with a total of 100 ml of normal saline). The primary endpoint was to compare estimated blood loss (EBL), and the secondary endpoints were to compare postoperative value and drop ratio of hemoglobin, operation time, transfusion, hospitalization, and complications among the three groups. RESULTS: There were no differences in the number and largest size of uterine fibroids, total weight of uterine fibroids, console time, and volumes of intravenous fluid administered during RALM among the three groups, whereas combined operation was performed more commonly in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3 (53.9% vs. 0 to 7.7%; p=0.01). The primary and secondary endpoints were also not different among the three groups. However, two patients in group 1 (15.4%) showed vasopressin-related hypertension. CONCLUSION: Vasopressin diluted in a volume of 100 ml showed an effective hemostatic effect and safety during RALM (Trial No. NCT04874246 in ClinicalTrial.gov).

Torque Onset Angle of the Knee Extensor as a Predictor of Walking Related Balance in Stroke Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the torque onset angle (TOA) of the isokinetic test for knee extensors in the paretic side and walking related balance in subacute stroke patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with first-ever strokes who have had at least two isokinetic tests within 6 months of onset. 102 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The characteristics of walking related balance were measured with the Berg Balance Scale sub-score (sBBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), 10-m Walk Test (10MWT) and Functional Independence Measure sub-score (sFIM). The second isokinetic test values of the knee extensor such as peak torque, peak torque to weight ratio, hamstring/quadriceps ratio, TOA, torque stop angle, torque at 30 degrees, and peak torque asymmetry ratio between paretic and non-paretic limb were also taken into account. Pearson's correlation, simple regression and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the correlation between TOA and walking related balance. RESULTS: TOA of the knee extensor of the paretic limb showed significant correlations with BBS, sBBS, TUG, 10MWT, and sFIM according to Pearson's correlation analysis. TOA also had moderate to good correlations with walking related balance parameters in partial correlation analysis. In multiple regression analysis, TOA of the paretic knee extensor was significantly associated with walking related balance parameters. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that TOA of the paretic knee extensor is a predictable parameter of walking related balance. Moreover, we suggest that the ability to recruit muscle quickly is important in walking related balance.

Assessing Microleakage at 2 Different Implant-Healing Abutment Interfaces.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate implants from different manufacturers and determine whether implant-healing abutment interface has a significant impact on implant seal. METHODS: An air-injection pressure measurement test was performed on implants with either line-contact (modified TSIII [TSM] and Bone Level Tapered [BLT]) or partial face-contact (BlueDiamond [BD], SuperLine [SL], ISII, and UFII) interface design from 6 different manufacturers. Forty implants per implant type were analysed. Pressure data were evaluated with Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post hoc analysis (statistical significance was set at P < .05). RESULTS: BLT implants leaked when the mean pressure was increased to 199.9 kPa. The following implants showed mean leakage pressures of 182.9 (TSM), 157.4 (BD), 112.9 (SL), 101.8 (ISII), and 30.6 (UFII). There was a significant difference between line-contact and partial face-contact implants (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The implant interface design has a significant impact on implant microbial leakage. Implants with a line-contact interface exhibited a higher resistance to leakage than those with partial face-contact.

Efficient Fluoride Wastewater Treatment Using Eco-Friendly Synthesized AlOOH.

Fluoride ion is essential for health in small amounts, but excessive intake can be toxic. Meeting safety regulations for managing fluoride ion emissions from industrial facilities with both cost-effective and eco-friendly approaches is challenging. This study presents a solution through a chemical-free process, producing a boehmite (AlOOH) adsorbent on aluminum sheets. Utilizing cost-effective Al foil and DI water, rather than typical precursors, yields a substantial cost advantage. The optimized AlOOH adsorbent demonstrated a high fluoride ion removal rate of 91.0% in simulated wastewater with fluoride ion concentrations below 20 ppm and displayed a similar performance in industrial wastewater. Furthermore, the AlOOH adsorbent exhibited excellent reusability through a simple regeneration process and maintained stable performance across a wide pH range of 4 to 11, demonstrating its capability to adsorb fluoride ions under diverse conditions. The efficiency of the AlOOH adsorbent was validated by a high fluoride ion removal efficiency of 90.9% in a semi-batch mode flow cell, highlighting its potential applicability in engineered water treatment systems. Overall, the AlOOH adsorbent developed in this study offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable solution for effectively removing fluoride ion from surface waters and industrial wastewaters.

Screening of antioxidant capacity of Nepali medicinal plants with a novel singlet oxygen scavenging assay.

Pollutant exposure due to industrial development increases oxidative stress in human bodies. Dietary intake of antioxidant shows a protective effect against oxidative damage induced by oxidative stress. Therefore, the development of natural antioxidants is needed. In this study, the antioxidant activities of some Nepali medicinal plant extracts were measured. Using Rose bengal and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine, a novel assay was utilized to evaluate the singlet oxygen scavenging capacity, and showed a strong correlation with other antioxidant assays. Also, antioxidant capacities based on four assays including the singlet oxygen scavenging assay were highly correlated (≥ 0.858) with the total phenolic contents in the medicinal plant extracts. Among the selected extracts, Persicaria capitata, Elaphoglossum marginatum and Eurya acuminata showed the highest antioxidant capacities. Overall, this study presents a novel approach for evaluating singlet oxygen scavenging capacity, and performed a screening of antioxidant capacities of 54 Nepali herbal medicines. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01175-z.

Factors associated with cervical cancer screening behaviors among young married female (aged 20-29) immigrants in South Korea.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that affect the participation of female immigrants in their 20s in the national cervical cancer screening programs. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Services from 2016 to 2017. A total of 17,730 women who agreed to undergo cervical cancer screening during 2016-2017 were included in the study. RESULTS: Of the 17,730 women, 8,149 (46%) participated in cervical cancer screening, whereas, 9,581 (54%) did not. Logistic regression analysis of factors related to cervical cancer screening showed that the odds ratio (OR) of screening was higher in short duration of stay (OR, 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.35), Chinese nationality (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.28-1.59), unemployment (OR, 1; 95% CI, reference), participation in general health screening (OR, 4.16; 95% CI, 3.24-5.33), and comorbidities (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.09-1.24) when compared to the other populations. The highest OR was associated with participation in general health screening. CONCLUSION: Appropriate programs should be developed to increase participation of socially vulnerable groups in cervical cancer screening. Such programs will improve awareness regarding cervical cancer screening and reduce disparities in healthcare.

Trends in Gynecologic Carcinosarcoma Based on Analysis of the Surveillance Epidemiology End Result (SEER) Database.

Carcinosarcomas (malignant mixed Mullerian tumors) of a female genital organ are rare tumors associated with a poor survival. The purpose of this study was to identify site-specific differences in the incidence and prognosis in carcinosarcomas originating in the uterus, cervix, or ovary. The data of patients with gynecologic carcinosarcomas were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2000 and 2016. The characteristics of gynecologic carcinosarcomas were compared using Pearson X2 and Fisher's exact tests. Kaplan-Meier models were used for cause-specific survival (CSS) analysis. The cohort included 7086 females, including 5731 cases of uterine carcinosarcoma, 161 cervical carcinosarcomas, and 1193 ovarian carcinosarcomas. The age-adjusted incidence rates of uterine, cervical, and ovarian carcinosarcoma were 3.9, 0.1, and 0.6 per 1,000,000, respectively. In the distribution of carcinosarcoma incidence by race, compared with the uterus or cervix, those originating from the ovary were unequally distributed in Caucasians (84.4% versus 69.6%, 67.7%; p < 0.001). The incidence of uterine carcinosarcoma steadily increased over time, from 2.2 in 2000 to 5.5 in 2016 (per 1,000,000), while cervical or ovarian carcinosarcoma showed no significant difference in incidence. The five-year CSS rates based on the site of origin (uterus, cervix, and ovary) were 39.9%, 33.1%, and 25.8%, respectively. The incidence rates of gynecologic carcinosarcoma, especially uterine carcinosarcoma, are gradually increasing. Although uterine carcinosarcoma is associated with a higher incidence than the others, it has a better prognosis compared with ovarian and cervical carcinosarcoma. The survival rates were worst in ovarian carcinosarcoma.

AMPK activation with glabridin ameliorates adiposity and lipid dysregulation in obesity.

In this study, we demonstrate that activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) with glabridin alleviates adiposity and hyperlipidemia in obesity. In several obese rodent models, glabridin decreased body weight and adiposity with a concomitant reduction in fat cell size. Further, glabridin ameliorated fatty liver and plasma levels of triglyceride and cholesterol. In accordance with these findings, glabridin suppressed the expression of lipogenic genes such as sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor (SREBP)-1c, fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD)-1 in white adipose tissues and liver, whereas it elevated the expression of fatty acid oxidation genes such as carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT)1, acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α in muscle. Moreover, glabridin enhanced phosphorylation of AMPK in muscle and liver and promoted fatty acid oxidation by modulating mitochondrial activity. Together, these data suggest that glabridin is a novel AMPK activator that would exert therapeutic effects in obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Is whitening toothpaste safe for dental health?: RDA-PE method.

The relative dentin abrasivity-profilometry equivalent values were compared using non-contact profilometry with three subtypes of regular toothpaste and two subtypes of whitening toothpaste containing sodium bicarbonate and 35% hydrogen peroxide. Bovine dentin specimens were assigned to six groups: regular toothpaste (R): R1 (BAMBOO SALT GUM OINTMENT); R2 (MEDIAN TARTAR ORIGINAL); R3 (PERIOE Alpha), Reference slurry: RS (calcium pyrophosphate), whitening toothpaste (W): W1 (NET. WT); W2 (Vussen 28 WHITENING). Relative dentin abrasion-profilometry equivalent (RDA-PE) was determined by brushing 10,000 times (n=8). The pH of the toothpaste was measured (n=5) and the abrasive constituents of the toothpaste was analyzed by FE-SEM and EDS. The RDA-PE values ranged from 26 to 166, and the pH level ranges were 4.928-9.153. The RDA-PE value of the whitening toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide was not high compared with that of the regular toothpaste. The RDA-PE values of whitening toothpaste could vary depending on the mechanism and ingredients of the whitening agents.

The impact of Morse taper implant design on microleakage at implant-healing abutment interface.

The microbial leakage at the implant-abutment interface (IAI) is one cause of peri-implant infection that puts long-term implant stability at risk. The present study compared two types of Morse taper implants in terms of sealing performance at the implanthealing abutment interface. Three implant systems, one of which exhibited a partial face-contact design (TSO) and the other two a line-contact design (TSM and BLT), were analyzed in vitro using two quantitative implant leakage measuring techniques: air-injection pressure measurement test and microbial examination. An in-house-developed device was used to determine implant leakage by recording the initial drop in pressure while injecting air through the implant. The microbial examination measured the absorbances of culture mediums in which the inoculated implants were contained. Significant difference was found between the partial face- and line-contact groups (p<0.001). Both tests revealed that partial face-contact implants are more prone to leakage than line-contact implants.

Revisiting the Complications of Orthodontic Miniscrew.

Miniscrew has been used widely as an effective orthodontic anchorage with reliable stationary quality, ease of insertion and removal techniques, immediate or early loading, flexibility in site insertion, less trauma, minimal patient cooperation, and lower price. Nonetheless, it is not free of complications, and they could impact not only the miniscrew success rate but also patients' oral health. In this article, literature was searched and reviewed electronically as well as manually to evaluate the complications of orthodontic miniscrew. The selected articles are analyzed and subcategorized into complications during and after insertion, under loading, and during and after removal along with treatment if needed according to the time. In addition, the noteworthy associated factors such as the insertion and removal procedures, characteristics of both regional and local anatomic structures, and features of the miniscrew itself that play a significant role in the performance of miniscrews are also discussed based on literature evidence. Clinicians should notice these complications and their related factors to make a proper treatment plan with better outcomes.

Examination of Microcystin Adsorption by the Type of Plastic Materials Used during the Procedure of Microcystin Analysis.

The incidence of eutrophication is increasing due to fertilizer abuse and global warming. Eutrophication can induce the proliferation of cyanobacteria such as Microcystis, which produces microcystins. Microcystins are toxic to specific organs such as the liver and the heart. Thus, monitoring of microcystins is strongly required to control drinking water and agricultural product qualities. However, microcystins could be adsorbed by plastic materials during sample storage and preparation, hindering accurate analysis. Therefore, the current study examined the recovery rate of microcystins from six plastics used for containers and eight plastics used for membrane filters. Among the six plastics used for containers, polyethylene terephthalate showed the best recovery rate (≥81.3%) for 48 h. However, polypropylene, polystyrene, and high- and low-density polyethylenes showed significant adsorption after exposure for 1 hr. For membrane materials, regenerated cellulose (≥99.3%) showed the highest recovery rate of microcystins, followed by polyvinylidene fluoride (≥94.1%) and polytetrafluoroethylene (≥95.7%). The adsorption of microcystins appeared to be strongly influenced by various molecular interactions, including hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interaction. In addition, microcystins' functional residues seemed to be critical factors affecting their adsorption by plastic materials. The present study demonstrates that polyethylene terephthalate and regenerated cellulose membrane are suitable plastic materials for the analysis of microcystins.

Nutraceutical potential of polyphenol-rich Sargassum species grown off the Korean coast: a review.

Sargassum, a brown seaweed, has been used traditionally as food and medicine in Korea, China, and Japan. Sargassum spp. contain bioactive substances associated with health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Thirty Sargassum spp. inhabit the Korean coast. However, their health benefits have yet to be systematically summarized. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to review the health benefits of these 30 Sargassum spp. grown off the Korean coast based on their health benefits, underlying mechanisms, and identified bioactive compounds. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01050-x.

Adipocytokine orosomucoid integrates inflammatory and metabolic signals to preserve energy homeostasis by resolving immoderate inflammation.

Orosomucoid (ORM), also called alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, is an abundant plasma protein that is an immunomodulator induced by stressful conditions such as infections. In this study, we reveal that Orm is induced selectively in the adipose tissue of obese mice to suppress excess inflammation that otherwise disturbs energy homeostasis. Adipose Orm levels were elevated by metabolic signals, including insulin, high glucose, and free fatty acid, as well as by the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which is found in increased levels in the adipose tissue of morbid obese subjects. In both adipocytes and macrophages, ORM suppressed proinflammatory gene expression and pathways such as NF-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinase signalings and reactive oxygen species generation. Concomitantly, ORM relieved hyperglycemia-induced insulin resistance as well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha-mediated lipolysis in adipocytes. Accordingly, ORM improved glucose and insulin tolerance in obese and diabetic db/db mice. Taken together, our results suggest that ORM integrates inflammatory and metabolic signals to modulate immune responses to protect adipose tissue from excessive inflammation and thereby from metabolic dysfunction.