Biological hazards of micro- and nanoplastic with adsorbents and additives.

With the increased worldwide production of plastics, interest in the biological hazards of microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP), which are widely distributed as environmental pollutants, has also increased. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the toxicological effects of MP and NP on and systems based on studies conducted over the past decade. We summarize key findings on how the type, size, and adsorbed substances of plastics, including chemical additives, impact organisms.

Effect of Different Types of Antithrombotic Agents on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Small Bowel Bleeding Who Underwent Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy: A KASID Multicenter Study.

Background And Aim: The impact of different anti-thrombotic agents on patients with suspected small bowel bleeding (SSBB) who underwent balloon-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) is unclear. We aimed to examine the clinical effects and predictive factors of DAE based on the thromboembolic agents used.

Methods: We enrolled 399 patients with SSBB from a web-based DAE registry across 30 medical centers in South Korea.

Tc-DMSA and Tc-DTPA identified renal dysfunction due to microplastic polyethylene in murine model.

In the previous study (Im et al., 2022), we revealed microplastic (MP) was accumulated and cleared through the kidneys via PET imaging. Here, we aimed to identify the renal dysfunction due to polyethylene (PE) MP in the kidney tissue.

Microplastic polyethylene induced inner ear dysfunction in murine model.

While the hazardous effects of microplastics (MPs) are increasingly reported, it remains uncertain if MPs induce inner ear dysfunction. Nonetheless, prevalence of inner ear dysfunction was observed across all age groups. In this study, we investigated whether MP polyethylene affect inner ear function in a murine model.

Enhancing Laser-Induced Graphene via Integration of Gold Nanoparticles and Titanium Dioxide for Sensing and Robotics Applications.

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a promising material for various applications due to its unique properties and facile fabrication. However, the electrochemical performance of LIG is significantly lower than that of pure graphene, limiting its practical use. Theoretically, integrating other conductive materials with LIG can enhance its performance.

Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on Chloride Diffusion, Strength, and Microstructure of Ultra-High Performance Concrete.

This study delved into the integration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), exploring aspects such as mechanical properties, microstructure analysis, accelerated chloride penetration, and life service prediction. A dispersed CNT solution (0.025 to 0.

Discordance Rate and Risk Factor of Other Diagnostic Modalities for Small Bowel Tumors Detected by Device-Assisted Enteroscopy: A Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Disease (KASID) Multicenter Study.

Background/aims: Despite advances in imaging and endoscopic technology, diagnostic modalities for small bowel tumors are simultaneously performed. We investigated the discrepancy rate between each modality and predictive factors of discrepancy in patients with definite small bowel tumors.

Methods: Data of patients with definite small bowel tumors who underwent both device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) and computed tomography (CT) were retrieved from web-based enteroscopy registry database in Korea.

Preoperative increased pronation angle of the first metatarsus associated with correction loss after hallux valgus surgery: A semi-weight-bearing computed tomography study.

Background: The effect of preoperative first metatarsal pronation on postoperative prognosis of hallux valgus (HV) surgery is under investigation. Utilizing semi-weight-bearing computed tomography, the preoperative pronation angle was assessed to quantify its impact on postoperative prognosis.

Methods: In a retrospective analysis of 31 feet, those with re-increased hallux valgus angle postoperatively were classified as the non-maintained group, and the remainder as the maintained group.

Peptide-Decorated Microneedles for the Detection of Microplastics.

The escalating utilization of plastics in daily life has resulted in pervasive environmental pollution and consequent health hazards. The challenge of detecting and capturing microplastics, which are imperceptible to the naked eye, is exacerbated by their diminutive size, hydrophobic surface properties, and capacity to absorb organic compounds. This study focuses on the application of peptides, constituted of specific amino acid sequences, and microneedles for the rapid and selective identification of microplastics.

Float-stacked graphene-PMMA laminate.

Semi-infinite single-atom-thick graphene is an ideal reinforcing material that can simultaneously improve the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of matrix. Here, we present a float-stacking strategy to accurately align the monolayer graphene reinforcement in polymer matrix. We float graphene-poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) membrane (GPM) at the water-air interface, and wind-up layer-by-layer by roller.

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells from human iPSC-derived teratomas for osteochondral defect regeneration.

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold great promise for personalized medicine, as they can be differentiated into specific cell types, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Therefore, our study sought to assess the feasibility of deriving MSCs from teratomas generated from human iPSCs. Teratomas serve as a model to mimic multilineage human development, thus enriching specific somatic progenitors and stem cells.

Comparison of PET tracing and biodistribution between Cu-labeled micro-and nano-polystyrene in a murine inhalation model.

Introduction: Recent studies showed the presence of microplastic in human lungs. There remains an unmet need to identify the biodistribution of microplastic after inhalation. In this study, we traced the biodistribution of inhaled micro-sized polystyrene (mPS) and/or nano-sized PS (nPS) using Cu with PET in mice.

Prenatal to peripubertal exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induced endometrial atrophy and fibrosis in female mice.

Di(2-ethylhexy) phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer that is ubiquitously found in the environment. Using a mouse model, we investigated the impact of early life DEHP exposure ranging from the prenatal to peripubertal developmental period of the female reproductive system. Pregnant female mice were allocated to three groups as follows: control, 100 mg/kg/day, and 500 mg/kg/day DEHP treatment.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics of a Lateral Ligament Injury in Acute Ankle Sprains Among Athletes.

Background: It is important to identify the location and pattern of lateral ligament injuries that are related to the development and prognosis of chronic ankle instability in athletes with ankle sprains.

Purpose: To describe the location and pattern of lateral ligament injuries on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in elite-level or amateur athletes with acute ankle sprains and to further assess the risk of associated concomitant injuries.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Impact of Autoimmune Gastritis on Occurrence of Metachronous Gastric Neoplasms after Endoscopic Resection for Gastric Neoplasms.

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is characterized by antibody production against the gastric parietal cells, reducing the number of functional parietal cells. It is also associated with an increased susceptibility to gastric neuroendocrine tumors and gastric cancer.

Deep learning in negative small-bowel capsule endoscopy improves small-bowel lesion detection and diagnostic yield.

Objectives: Although several studies have shown the usefulness of artificial intelligence to identify abnormalities in small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) images, few studies have proven its actual clinical usefulness. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine whether meaningful findings could be obtained when negative SBCE videos were reanalyzed with a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model.

Methods: Clinical data of patients who received SBCE for suspected small-bowel bleeding at two academic hospitals between February 2018 and July 2020 were retrospectively collected.

Association between regular physical activity and lower incidence of colorectal cancer in patients with diabetes mellitus: a nationwide cohort study.

Aim: The aim of this work was to investigate the association between changes in physical activity (PA) status and the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with diabetes.

Method: This nationwide population study included 1 439 152 patients with diabetes who underwent a health screening provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service between January 2009 and December 2012 and a follow-up screening after 2 years. Based on changes in PA status, participants were categorized into four groups: remained inactive, remained active, active-to-inactive and inactive-to-active.

Protocol for preparing layer-engineered van der Waals materials through atomic spalling.

Here, we present a protocol for preparing layer-engineered van der Waals (vdW) materials via an atomic spalling process. We describe steps for fixing bulk crystals and introduce the appropriate stressor materials. We then detail a deposition technique for internal stress regulation of stressor film, followed by layer-engineered atomic-scale spalling to exfoliate vdW materials with a controlled number of layers from bulk crystals.

Performance of Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy for Non-ERCP Indications in Patients with Surgically Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy.

Background And Aims: Surgically altered gastrointestinal (GI) tract anatomy hinders deep enteroscopy. While enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with altered GI anatomy has been heavily investigated, the role of non-ERCP balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) has yet to be fully elucidated.Please check and confirm the author names and initials are correct.

[Use of Device-Assisted Enteroscopy in Small Bowel Disease: An Expert Consensus Statement by the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases].

The introduction of device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) in the beginning of the 21st century has revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the small intestine. In contrast to capsule endoscopy, the other main diagnostic modality of small bowel diseases, DAE has the unique advantages of allowing the observation of the region of interest in detail and enabling tissue acquisition and therapeutic intervention. As DAE becomes an essential procedure in daily clinical practice, there is an increasing need for correct guidelines on when and how it is to be performed and what technical factors should be taken into consideration.

Adoptive therapy with amyloid-β specific regulatory T cells alleviates Alzheimer's disease.

: Neuroinflammation is a primary feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), for which an increasing number of drugs have been specifically developed. The present study aimed to define the therapeutic impact of a specific subpopulation of T cells that can suppress excessive inflammation in various immune and inflammatory disorders, namely, CD4CD25Foxp3 regulatory T cells (Tregs). : To generate Aβ antigen-specific Tregs (Aβ Tregs), Aβ 1-42 peptide was applied and subsequent splenocyte culture.

Increased Resting-State Positron Emission Tomography Activity After Cochlear Implantation in Adult Deafened Cats.

Objectives: Cochlear implants are widely used for hearing rehabilitation in patients with profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, Cochlear implants have variable.

Results: and central neural plasticity is considered to be a reason for this variability.

Appendiceal Orifice Inflammation Is Associated with Lower Rate of Complete Endoscopic Remission in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

Appendiceal orifice inflammation (AOI) is commonly considered a skip lesion in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the clinical significance of AOI in UC patients remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical feature and long-term outcomes of AOI by comparing UC patients with and without AOI.