Synthesis of zirconium-based metal-organic framework/gelatin aerogel for removing phosphate and fluoride from aqueous solutions.

This study describes the preparation of novel hybrid aerogels derived from gelatin (Gel), incorporating Br-functionalized zirconium-based metal-organic framework (UiO-66-Br; MOF) as modifying agent to effectively eliminate phosphate and fluoride ions from aqueous environments. The adsorption performance of MOF decorated Gel (Gel-xMOF) hybrid aerogels was investigated under different conditions, including agitation time, adsorbent dosage, solution pH, initial phosphate and fluoride concentrations, coexisting ions, and temperature. The functional groups of the gelatin network, coupled with UiO-66-Br, enhanced the adsorption performance of phosphate and fluoride ions from aqueous solutions.

Enhancement Strategy for Protocatechuic Acid Production Using with Focus on Continuous Fermentation Scale-Up and Cytotoxicity Management.

Protocatechuate acid (PCA) is a phenolic acid naturally synthesized by various organisms. Protocatechuic acid is synthesized by plants for physiological, metabolic functions, and self-defense, but extraction from plants is less efficient compared to the microbial culture process. The microbial synthesis of protocatechuic acid is sustainable and, due to its high yield, can save energy consumption when producing the same amount.

Synthesis and Characterization of UV-Curable Resin with High Refractive Index for a Luminance-Enhancing Prism Film.

A novel monomer, 9-bis[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]fluorene di(mercaptopropionate), with a highly refractive index, purity, and excellent UV-curable properties, is synthesized through an optimized Fischer esterification process, reacting 9,9-bis[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]fluorene with 3-mercaptopropionic acid. The structural characterization of this monomer is performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The synthesis conditions are optimized using a design-of-experiments approach.

Automated quantitative pupillometry as a predictor for transtentorial brain herniation in patients with malignant acute ischemic stroke.

Brain herniation can be a life-threatening condition, resulting in poor prognosis and higher fatality rates. We examined whether quantitative characteristics of sequential pupillary light reflex (PLR) could serve as biomarkers for identifying brain herniation in fatal acute stroke cases with anterior circulation involvement admitted to neurological intensive care unit (Neuro-ICU). Automatic pupillometer assessed PLR automatically every 4-6 hours, measuring eight specific features: NPi (Neurological pupil index) score, initial resting and constriction pupil size, constriction change, constriction velocity, constriction latency, and dilation velocity.

Harnessing the Power of Machine Learning Guided Discovery of NLRP3 Inhibitors Towards the Effective Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The NLRP3 inflammasome, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by activating inflammatory cytokines such as IL1β and IL18. Targeting NLRP3 has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for RA. In this study, a multidisciplinary approach combining machine learning, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling, structure-activity landscape index (SALI), docking, molecular dynamics (MD), and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area MM/PBSA assays was employed to identify novel NLRP3 inhibitors.

Rome IV functional defecation disorder: time for a change in symptom criteria for improved clinical relevance?

Introduction: Defecatory disorders are common affecting up to 8% of the population. Rome IV diagnostic criteria are used to define this condition and therefore select patients for the gold standard therapy, anorectal biofeedback. The aim of this study was to test the current Rome IV FDD criteria in a real-world population by utilizing the response to biofeedback as a validation tool.

CT-P39 Compared With Reference Omalizumab in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Results From a Double-Blind, Randomized, Active-Controlled, Phase 3 Study.

Background: This study compared the therapeutic equivalence of CT-P39 (an omalizumab biosimilar) and EU-approved reference omalizumab (ref-OMA) in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Methods: This double-blind, randomized, active-controlled Phase 3 study (NCT04426890) included two 12-week treatment periods (TPs). In TP1, patients received CT-P39 300 mg, ref-OMA 300 mg, CT-P39 150 mg, or ref-OMA 150 mg.

Brain-inspired learning rules for spiking neural network-based control: a tutorial.

Robotic systems rely on spatio-temporal information to solve control tasks. With advancements in deep neural networks, reinforcement learning has significantly enhanced the performance of control tasks by leveraging deep learning techniques. However, as deep neural networks grow in complexity, they consume more energy and introduce greater latency.

Prospective Evaluation of Accelerated Brain MRI Using Deep Learning-Based Reconstruction: Simultaneous Application to 2D Spin-Echo and 3D Gradient-Echo Sequences.

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the effect of accelerated deep learning-based reconstruction (Accel-DL) on improving brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) quality and reducing scan time compared to that in conventional MRI.

Materials And Methods: This study included 150 participants (51 male; mean age 57.3 ± 16.

Genomic profiling of intimal sarcoma reveals molecular subtypes with distinct tumor microenvironments and therapeutic implications.

Background: Intimal sarcoma is a rare and aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma with limited treatment options. We explored genomic profiles of intimal sarcoma to uncover therapeutic implications.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed tumor tissues from patients with intimal sarcoma who visited the Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) using whole-exome, whole-transcriptome, and clinical next-generation sequencing (NGS), integrated with intimal sarcoma NGS data from two public cohorts.

Effect of crystallization and finish line curvature on the marginal integrity of lithium disilicate crowns.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of crystallization and finish line curvature on the integrity of lithium disilicate crowns fabricated by using partially crystallized (P) and fully crystallized (F) blocks.

Materials And Methods: Forty-eight lithium disilicate crowns were fabricated based on the designated lithium disilicate blocks and finish line curvatures. The specimens were divided into four groups (n = 12 each): P block with a curved finish line (PC), P block with a straight finish line (PS), F block with a curved finish line (FC), and F block with a straight finish line (FS).

enhancement of CD8+ T cell activity using functionalized hydrogel encapsulating tonsil-derived lymphatic endothelial cells.

This study investigates a method for programming immune cells using a biomaterial-based system, providing an alternative to traditional cell manipulation techniques. It addresses the limitations of engineered adoptive T cell therapies, such as T cell exhaustion, by introducing a gelatin-hyaluronic acid (GH-GMA) hydrogel system. We characterized tonsil mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs), lymphatic endothelial cells (T-LECs), stimulated T-CD8 T cells (STCs), and GH-GMA biomaterials.

Advancing Natural Killer Cell Therapy: Genetic Engineering Strategies for Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy.

Natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal innate immune system components that exhibit spontaneous cytolytic activity against abnormal cells, such as infected and tumor cells. NK cells have shown significant promise in adoptive cell therapy because of their favorable safety profiles and minimal toxicity in clinical settings. Despite their advantages, the therapeutic application of unmodified NK cells faces challenges, including limited in vivo persistence, particularly in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

How to Fabricate Hyaluronic Acid for Ocular Drug Delivery.

This review aims to examine existing research on the development of ocular drug delivery devices utilizing hyaluronic acid (HA). Renowned for its exceptional biocompatibility, viscoelastic properties, and ability to enhance drug bioavailability, HA is a naturally occurring biopolymer. The review discussed specific mechanisms by which HA enhances drug delivery, including prolonging drug residence time on ocular surfaces, facilitating controlled drug release, and improving drug penetration through ocular tissues.

Seasonal Dynamics of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Republic of Korea.

Tick-borne diseases are a public health problem and a significant burden on the livestock industry. The seasonal abundance of ticks and tick-borne pathogens strongly correlates with the prevalence of these diseases. To investigate the seasonal variation in ticks and tick-borne pathogens, ticks were collected from Gangwon State, Korea, and the tick-borne pathogens , , , and were examined.

Correction: Hong et al. Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Licochalcone A through ROS-Mediated Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Bladder Cancer Cells. 2019, , 3820.

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The Intensity of BCL2A1 Expression Increases According to the Stage Progression of Acute Histologic Chorioamnionitis in the Extra-Placental Membranes of Spontaneous Preterm Birth.

Our prior findings showed that BCL2A1 in neutrophils is highly expressed in the extra-placental membranes (EPMs) of both the human spontaneous preterm-birth (PTB) (i.e., PTL or preterm PROM) and nonhuman-primate PTB model.

Comparison of Biocompatibility of 3D-Printed Ceramic and Titanium in Micropig Ankle Hemiarthroplasty.

Background: Ankle arthritis is a common degenerative disease that progresses as cartilage damage in the lower tibia and upper talus progresses, resulting in loss of joint function. In addition to typical arthritis, there is also structural bone loss in the talus due to diseases such as talar avascular necrosis. Total talus replacement surgery is the procedure of choice in end-stage ankle arthritis and consists of a tibial, talar component and an insert.

Transcriptomic Changes in Human Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Across Culture Passages.

Background/objectives: Tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) are in the limelight in regenerative medicine due to their high proliferation and differentiation potential. It is important to conduct studies to determine the optimal conditions for achieving the maximum yield while maintaining the optimal differentiation capacity of TMSCs.

Methods: This study explores the impact of serial subculture on TMSCs by analyzing gene expression at passages 2, 4, 6, and 8.

Side- and Disease-Dependent Changes in Human Aortic Valve Cell Population and Transcriptomic Heterogeneity Determined by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing.

Background: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a highly prevalent disease, especially in the elderly population, but there are no effective drug therapies other than aortic valve repair or replacement. CAVD develops preferentially on the fibrosa side, while the ventricularis side remains relatively spared through unknown mechanisms. We hypothesized that the fibrosa is prone to the disease due to side-dependent differences in transcriptomic patterns and cell phenotypes.

Radical Mastectomy Efficiently Improves Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Dogs with Malignant Mammary Tumors.

The incidence of mammary gland tumors in dogs is a significant issue, characterized by notable rates of malignancy, recurrence, and disease burden. However, the lack of comprehensive information and correlated studies has presented challenges in establishing an effective surgical treatment strategy. In this study, a cohort of 95 dogs diagnosed with mammary tumors underwent evaluation using various surgical methods, medications, ovariohysterectomy, and assessments of margin completeness to analyze clinical outcomes.

Safety Profile of Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery Compared to Conventional Microscopic Approach: A Pooled Analysis of 2 Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: To compare the safety profiles of biportal endoscopic spinal surgery (BESS) and microscopic spinal surgery (MSS) for lumbar disc herniation and spinal stenosis by analyzing the associated adverse events.

Methods: We pooled data from 2 prospective randomized controlled trials involving 220 patients (110 in each group) who underwent single-level lumbar surgery. Participants aged 20-80 years with radiating pain due to lumbar disc herniation or spinal stenosis were included in this study.