Complete genome of Nakamurella sp. PAMC28650: genomic insights into its environmental adaptation and biotechnological potential.

The mechanisms underlying the survival of bacteria in low temperature and high radiation are not yet fully understood. Nakamurella sp. PAMC28650 was isolated from a glacier of Rwenzori Mountain, Uganda, which species belonged to Nakamurella genus based on 16S rRNA phylogeny, ANI (average nucleotide identity), and BLAST Ring Image Generator (BRIG) analysis among Frankineae suborder.

Biomimetic Nanopillar-Based Biosensor for Label-Free Detection of Influenza A Virus.

Since the first emergence of influenza viruses, they have caused the flu seasonally worldwide. Precise detection of influenza viruses is required to prevent the spreading of the disease. Herein, we developed an optical biosensor using peptide-immobilized nanopillar structures for the label-free detection of influenza viruses.

Complete genome sequencing and comparative CAZyme analysis of Rhodococcus sp. PAMC28705 and PAMC28707 provide insight into their biotechnological and phytopathogenic potential.

Study of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) can reveal information about the lifestyle and behavior of an organism. Rhodococcus species is well known for xenobiotic metabolism; however, their carbohydrate utilization ability has been less discussed till date. This study aimed to present the CAZyme analysis of two Rhodococcus strains, PAMC28705 and PAMC28707, isolated from lichens in Antarctica, and compare them with other Rhodococcus, Mycobacterium, and Corynebacterium strains.

Gestational diabetes in Korea: Temporal trends in prevalence, treatment, and short-term consequences from a national health insurance claims database between 2012 and 2016.

Aims: This population-based cross-sectional study aimed to investigate recent trends in the prevalence and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Korea. We also investigated trends in annual prevalence rate of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and cesarean section (C-section) in GDM patients.

Methods: We used data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment-National Patient Sample (HIRA-NPS) database, 2012-2016.

Complete genome sequence of Sphingobium sp. strain PAMC 28499 reveals a potential for degrading pectin with comparative genomics approach.

Background: Spingobium sp. PAMC 28499 is isolated from the glaciers of Uganda. Uganda is a unique region where hot areas and glaciers coexist, with a variety of living creatures surviving, but the survey on them is very poor.

System for Fabrication of Large-Area Roll Molds by Step-and-Repeat Liquid Transfer Imprint Lithography.

The effective production of nanopatterned films generally requires a nanopatterned roll mold with a large area. We report on a novel system to fabricate large-area roll molds by recombination of smaller patterned areas in a step-and-repeat imprint lithography process. The process is accomplished in a method similar to liquid transfer imprint lithography (LTIL).

Complete genome sequencing of Shigella sp. PAMC 28760: Identification of CAZyme genes and analysis of their potential role in glycogen metabolism for cold survival adaptation.

Shigella sp. PAMC 28760 (isolated from Himantormia sp. lichen in Antarctica) is a gram-negative, non-sporulating bacterium that has cellulolytic and amylolytic characteristics as well as glycogen metabolic pathways.

Formation of Interstitial Hot-Spots Using the Reduced Gap-Size between Plasmonic Microbeads Pattern for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Analysis.

To achieve an effective surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor with periodically distributed "hot spots" on wafer-scale substrates, we propose a hybrid approach combining physical nano-imprint lithography and a chemical deposition method to form a silver microbead array. Nano-imprint lithography (NIL) can lead to mass-production and high throughput, but is not appropriate for generating strong "hot-spots." However, when we apply electrochemical deposition to an NIL substrate and the reaction time was increased to 45 s, periodical "hot-spots" between the microbeads were generated on the substrates.

Adapting to insulin resistance in obesity: role of insulin secretion and clearance.

Aims/hypothesis: The aim of this study was to quantify the relative contributions of increased insulin secretion rate (ISR) and decreased insulin clearance rate (ICR) in the compensatory hyperinsulinaemia characteristic of insulin-resistant individuals without diabetes.

Methods: Obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m) individuals without diabetes (n = 91) were identified from a registry of volunteers. Volunteers underwent the following measurements: oral glucose tolerance; insulin resistance (steady-state plasma glucose [SSPG] concentration during the insulin suppression test [IST]); ISR (using the graded glucose infusion test [GGIT]); and ICR (using the IST and GGIT).

An innovative scheme for sub-50 nm patterning via electrohydrodynamic lithography.

The fabrication of large-area and well-ordered nanostructures using lithographic techniques is challenging. We have developed novel approaches for sub-50 nm nanopatterning using an electrohydrodynamic lithography (EHL) technique by tailoring experimental parameters such as applied voltage, stamp features, filling ratio, and choice of resist film. We obtain a sub-50 nm pattern replica from a master stamp that contains an array of line patterns having 50 nm widths.

Association of grade of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and glycated albumin to glycated hemoglobin ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the glycated albumin (GA) to glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (GA/HbA1c) ratio and grade of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on ultrasonography (US) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed with data obtained from 186 T2DM patients. Participants were assessed for serum GA/HbA1c ratio and fatty liver using US.

The U-shaped relationship between fibroblast growth factor 21 and microvascular complication in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum FGF21 level and all microvascular complication including cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: A total 227 T2DM patients were enrolled and serum FGF21 levels were assessed. Diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy (DPN), and CAN were evaluated.

Association of serum omentin levels with cardiac autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a hospital-based study.

Background: Whereas a few studies have reported associations of serum omentin levels with subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes, little information is available with respect to the associations of serum omentin levels and diabetic microvascular complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of serum omentin levels and vascular complications including cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: We recruited 97 patients who evaluated complications of diabetes.

The relationship between vitamin D status and cardiac autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: This study evaluates cardiac autonomic neuropathy and heart rate variability according to the vitamin D status in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A total of 163 patients were recruited. Cardiac autonomic neuropathy was assessed using five tests according to Ewing's protocol.

Contribution of subcutaneous abdominal fat on ultrasonography to carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Whereas visceral abdominal adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with cardiometabolic risk, there is debate regarding the role of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAT). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of subcutaneous and visceral abdominal fat with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: A total of 234 patients (men 131, women 103, mean age: 53 years) with T2DM were enrolled.

Differential associations of central and brachial blood pressure with carotid atherosclerosis and microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background: We examined the relationship between central blood pressure (BP), brachial BP with carotid atherosclerosis and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: We recruited 201 patients who were evaluated for central BP, brachial BP, carotid ultrasonography, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), ankle-brachial index (ABI) and microvascular complications. Central BP were calculated using a radial automated tonometric system.

Associations of serum fetuin-A levels with insulin resistance and vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: We examined the relationship between serum fetuin-A, insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome (MS) and vascular complications including cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: A total of 172 T2DM patients were recruited and evaluated for diabetic microangiopathies (nephropathy, retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy) including CAN. Serum fetuin-A levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the IR was assessed by the index of homeostasis model [homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)].

Association of serum adipocytokine levels with cardiac autonomic neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients.

Background: Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a common complication of diabetes associated with poor prognosis. In addition, the autonomic imbalance is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in diabetes. It is thought that adipocytokines contribute to the increased risk of vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Organic microchemical performance of solvent resistant polycarbosilane based microreactor.

We report the successful fabrication of preceramic polymer allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS) derived microchannels with excellent organic solvent resistance and optical transparency via economic imprinting process, followed by UV and post thermal curing process at 160 degrees C for 3 h. The microchemical performance of the fabricated microreactors was evaluated by choosing two model micro chemical reactions under organic solvent conditions; syntheses of 2-aminothiazole in DMF and dimethylpyrazole in THF, and compared with glass-based microreactor having identical dimensions and batch system with analogy. It is clear that AHPCS derived microreactor showed excellent solvent resistance and chemical stability compare with glass derived microreactor made by high cost of photolithography and thermal bonding process.

The effect of Ginkgo biloba on the expression of intermediate-early antigen (c-fos) in the experimentally induced anosmic mouse.

Objective: Treatment of olfactory dysfunction is very difficult and has limited modality. Treatment with steroids has been used in patients with olfactory dysfunction but the side effects of steroid need to be weighed against its potential benefits. In the present study, the effect of systemic administration of dexamethasone and EGb 761 on damage to olfactory mucosa produced by zinc sulfate was examined.

Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis: consideration of prognostic factors and treatment modality.

Objectives: Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is rare, rapidly progressive, potentially life-threatening disease, and it usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. We present our clinical experience with 12 cases and we attempt to identify the prognostic features and proper treatment protocols.

Patients And Methods: All the cases of mucormycosis were proven by histology or culture.

Infratemporal fossa mucocele with trigeminal nerve compression.

We present a rare case of an infratemporal fossa mucocele with facial paresthesia in a 36-year-old man. Both computerized tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a cystic lesion occupying the left infratemporal fossa. Marsupialization using transmaxillary and endoscopic intranasal approaches was performed to drain the mucocele into the nasal cavity and the application of mitomycin C to preserve the drainage of mucocele, which may be a good surgical option for the complete excision of infratemporal fossa cystic lesions without causing postoperative morbidity.

A case of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the mastoid presenting with chronic suppurative otitis media.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, also known as inflammatory pseudotumors, include a diverse group of lesions characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and variable fibrotic responses. Their occurrence in the temporal bone is unusual. We present a case of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the mastoid bone in a 55-year-old female who complained of repeated otorrhea and a hearing impairment.