Improved Consistency of Lung Nodule Categorization in CT Scans with Heterogeneous Slice Thickness by Deep Learning-Based 3D Super-Resolution.

: Accurate volumetric assessment of lung nodules is an essential element of low-dose lung cancer screening programs. Current guidance recommends applying specific thresholds to measured nodule volume to make the following clinical decisions. In reality, however, CT scans often have heterogeneous slice thickness which is known to adversely impact the accuracy of nodule volume assessment.

Albumin-Bilirubin Grade as a Valuable Predictor of Recurrence and Prognosis in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Radiofrequency Ablation.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an important local treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of tumor recurrence after RFA and analyze predictors of tumor recurrence and survival in patients with HCC. We retrospectively reviewed data from treatment-naïve patients with HCC who underwent RFA for HCC treatment between 2008 and 2017 at four tertiary hospitals in South Korea.

Machine learning optimal ordering in global routing problems in semiconductors.

In this work, we propose a new method for ordering nets during the process of layer assignment in global routing problems. The global routing problems that we focus on in this work are based on routing problems that occur in the design of substrates in multilayered semiconductor packages. The proposed new method is based on machine learning techniques and we show that the proposed method supersedes conventional net ordering techniques based on heuristic score functions.

Emerging and Promising Keywords in Biomolecules and Therapeutics for 21st Century Diseases.

Recent technological advancements and environmental changes are leading to an increase in various diseases such as obesity, fibrosis, metabolic disorders, and degenerative diseases associated with aging. Additionally, micro- and nanoplastics are emerging as as potential contributors to many of these conditions, posing a serious threat to human health. This special issue aims to explore new directions and opportunities for future drug development through recent review articles published in the issue, focusing on these key medical topics.

The early development of a combined micro- and full-field X-ray fluorescence analysis system using white X-rays at PLS-II.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is widely used to analyze elemental distributions in samples. Micro-XRF (µ-XRF), the most basic conventional XRF technique, offers good spatial resolution through precise 2D scanning with a micrometre-sized X-ray source. Recently, synchrotron based XRF analysis platforms have achieved nano-XRF with highly focused X-rays using polycapillary optics or mirrors, leveraging the excellent coherence of synchrotron radiation.

Clinical Course and Prognostic Factors in Non-Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Subretinal Fluid.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical course and prognostic factors of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) without macular neovascularization (MNV) in patients presenting with pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and the associated subretinal fluid (SRF).

Methods: Morphological characteristics of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images were analyzed to determine anatomic outcomes. Factors associated with the progression to late AMD, defined as complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA) or MNV, were investigated.

Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein Enhances Angiogenesis in Ovarian Tumors by Activating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 Signaling.

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a regulatory protein that plays pivotal roles in cellular processes including the cell cycle, apoptosis, microtubule stabilization, embryo development, stress responses, and cancer. However, the molecular mechanism by which it promotes tumor angiogenesis is still unclear. In this study, we explored the mechanisms underlying stimulation of angiogenesis by a novel TCTP.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Interstitial Lung Abnormalities in Low-Dose Chest CT in Health Screening: Exploring the Predictors of Clinically Significant Interstitial Lung Diseases Using Artificial Intelligence-Based Quantitative CT Analysis.

Purpose: This study examined longitudinal changes in interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) and predictors of clinically significant interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) in a screening population with ILAs.

Materials And Methods: We retrieved 36891 low-dose chest CT records from screenings between January 2003 and May 2021. After identifying 101 patients with ILAs, the clinical findings, spirometry results, and initial and follow-up CT findings, including visual and artificial intelligence-based quantitative analyses, were compared between patients diagnosed with ILD ( = 23, 23%) and those who were not ( = 78, 77%).

Engineering soft-hard tissue interfaces in dental and craniofacial system by spatially controlled bioactivities.

The interface between soft and hard tissues is constituted by a gradient change of cell types and matrix compositions that are optimally designed for proper load transmission and injury protection. In the musculoskeletal system, the soft-hard tissue interfaces at tendon-bone, ligament-bone, and meniscus-bone have been extensively researched as regenerative targets. Similarly, extensive research efforts have been made to guide the regeneration of multi-tissue complexes in periodontium.

Simultaneous reduction of greenhouse gas and NH emissions by combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers in maize-cabbage cropping systems.

Intensive nitrogen (N) fertilization enhances crop yield but also increases ammonia (NH) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CO, CH and NO), requiring sustainable fertilization regimes. The co-application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can decrease the use of inorganic fertilizer, reduce environmental pollution, and enhance soil fertility. A simultaneous investigation of the effects of combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on NH volatilization, GHG emissions, and soil fertility is, however, lacking.

Penfluridol suppresses MYC-driven ANLN expression and liver cancer progression by disrupting the KEAP1-NRF2 interaction.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comprises the majority of primary liver cancers and possesses a low 5-year survival rate when in the advanced stages. Anillin (ANLN), a key player in cell growth and cytokinesis, is implicated in HCC development. Currently, no treatment agents are known to suppress ANLN.

A Real-World, Prospective, Observational Study of Rivaroxaban on Prevention of Stroke and Non-Central Nervous Systemic Embolism in Renally Impaired Korean Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: XARENAL.

Background And Objectives: Several real-world studies have been done in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF); however, information on its safety profile in patients with renal impairment is limited. XARENAL, a real-world study, aimed to prospectively investigate the safety profile of rivaroxaban in patients with NVAF with renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CrCl], 15-49 mL/min).

Methods: XARENAL is an observational single-arm cohort study in renal impairment NVAF patients.

Giant , a novel cultivar rich in madecassoside and asiaticoside, suppresses α‑melanocyte‑stimulating hormone‑induced melanogenesis through MC1R binding.

The present study investigated the anti‑melanogenesis effects of Giant (GCA), a new cultivator of (CA) cataloged by the Korea Forest Service in 2022, and compared its efficacy with that of traditional CA. GCA has a high yield per unit area and enhanced antioxidant properties. The anti‑melanogenic effects of GCA were investigated using B16F10 melanoma cells and a 3D human skin‑equivalent model.

Micro-thin hydrogel coating integrated in 3D printing for spatiotemporal delivery of bioactive small molecules.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing incorporated with controlled delivery is an effective tool for complex tissue regeneration. Here, we explored a new strategy for spatiotemporal delivery of bioactive cues by establishing a precise-controlled micro-thin coating of hydrogel carriers on 3D-printed scaffolds. We optimized the printing parameters for three hydrogel carriers, fibrin cross-linked with genipin, methacrylate hyaluronic acid, and multidomain peptides, resulting in homogenous micro-coating on desired locations in 3D printed polycaprolactone microfibers at each layer.

The Multifaceted Role of Epithelial Membrane Protein 2 in Cancer: from Biomarker to Therapeutic Target.

Tetraspanin superfamily proteins not only facilitate the trafficking of specific proteins to distinct plasma membrane domains but also influence cell-to-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Among these proteins, Epithelial Membrane Protein 2 (EMP2), a member of the growth arrest-specific gene 3/peripheral myelin protein 22 (GAS3/PMP22) family, is known to affect key cellular processes. Recent studies have revealed that EMP2 modulates critical signaling pathways and interacts with adhesion molecules and growth factor receptors, underscoring its potential as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Effect of low muscle mass on total mortality related to metabolic disease in chronic kidney disease patients.

Low muscle mass is a risk factor for mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is not clear to what extent low muscle mass contributes to this risk, either independently or in combination with metabolic abnormalities and frailty. This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2006 and 2011-2018.

Clinical feasibility of deep learning-accelerated single-shot turbo spin echo sequence with enhanced denoising for pancreas MRI at 3 Tesla.

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of the single-shot turbo spin echo sequence using deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR) (HASTE) with enhanced denoising for pancreas MRI.

Methods: Patients who underwent pancreas MRI from March to April 2021 were included. Four T2-weighted images (non-FS conventional HASTE vs.

Photothermal Enhancement of Ion Current for Red Blood Cell Flow Cytometry.

Blood cell counting typically requires complex machinery. Flow cytometers used for this purpose involve precise optical alignment, costly detectors, and pretreatment with fluorescent labels. Coulter countertype devices, which monitor ion current, are simpler.

Catechin and flavonoid glycosides from the Ulmus genus: Exploring their nutritional pharmacology and therapeutic potential in osteoporosis and inflammatory conditions.

This review investigates the therapeutic effects of Ulmus species extracts, traditionally used as tea ingredients in East Asia, on bone health and inflammatory conditions. Through the analysis of 9757 studies, narrowing down to 56 pertinent ones, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of Ulmus extracts. The focus was on catechin glycosides (CG) and flavonoid glycosides (FG), key compounds identified for their potential benefits.