Development of an AI-Based Predictive Algorithm for Early Diagnosis of High-Risk Dementia Groups among the Elderly: Utilizing Health Lifelog Data.

Background/objectives: This study aimed to develop a predictive algorithm for the early diagnosis of dementia in the high-risk group of older adults using artificial intelligence technologies. The objective is to create an accessible diagnostic method that does not rely on traditional medical equipment, thereby improving the early detection and management of dementia.

Methods: Lifelog data from wearable devices targeting this high-risk group were collected from the AI Hub platform.

Engineering Human Circulating Monocytes/Macrophages by Systemic Deliverable Gene Editing.

Delivery of plasmid DNA to transfect human primary macrophages is extremely difficult, especially for genetic engineering. Engineering macrophages is imperative for the treatment of many diseases including infectious diseases, cancer, neurological diseases, and aging. Unfortunately, plasmid does not cross the nuclear membranes of terminally differentiated macrophages to integrate the plasmid DNA (pDNA) into their genome.

Effect of Surface Modification for Carbon Cathode Materials on Charge-Discharge Performance of Li-Air Batteries.

Li-air batteries have attracted considerable attention as rechargeable secondary batteries with a high theoretical energy density of 11,400 kWh/g. However, the commercial application of Li-air batteries is hindered by issues such as low energy efficiency and a short lifetime (cycle numbers). To overcome these issues, it is important to select appropriate cathode materials that facilitate high battery performance.

fabrication of silver/polyimide composite films with enhanced heat dissipation.

In this study, silver/polyimide (Ag/PI) composite films with enhanced heat dissipation properties were prepared. Ag was formed by reducing AgNO at various locations according to the reduction method. Two different types of soluble PIs capable of solution processing were used, namely Matrimid and hydroxy polyimide (HPI).

Systematic Study of Effective Hydrothermal Synthesis to Fabricate Nb-Incorporated TiO for Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Fuel cells are expected to serve as next-generation energy conversion devices owing to their high energy density, high power, and long life performance. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is important for determining the performance of fuel cells; therefore, using catalysts to promote the ORR is essential for realizing the practical applications of fuel cells. Herein, we propose Nb-incorporated TiO as a suitable alternative to conventional Pt-based catalysts, because Nb doping has been reported to improve the conductivity and electron transfer number of TiO.

Cytoplasmic Trafficking of Nanoparticles Delivers Plasmid DNA for Macrophage Gene-editing.

Background: Successful delivery of gene-editing tools using nano-carriers is dependent on the ability of nanoparticles to pass through the cellular membrane, move through the cytoplasm, and cross the nuclear envelope to enter the nucleus. It is critical that intracellular nanoparticles interact with the cytoskeletal network to move toward the nucleus, and must escape degradation pathways including lysosomal digestion. Without efficient intracellular transportation and nuclear entry, nanoparticles-based gene-editing cannot be effectively used for targeted genomic modification.

Characterization and Photocatalytic Performance of Potassium-Doped Titanium Oxide Nanostructures Prepared via Wet Corrosion of Titanium Microspheres.

Potassium doped titanium oxide (KTiO) nanowires were prepared by the wet corrosion process (WCP) and their photocatalytic effects were systematically characterized. For the synthesis of KTiO, the potassium hydroxide concentration of the WCP was varied in order to obtain nanostructures with different surface area and surface charge. Structural and crystalline properties of KTiO were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

Facile Gene Delivery Derived from Branched Low Molecular Weight Polyethylenimine by High Efficient Chemistry.

Convenient methods for the preparation of gene delivery platforms based on branched low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI) were described. Firstly, PEI lipids, with a low molecular weight PEI headgroup and hexadecyl chain tail group, were prepared through a highly efficient ring-opening reaction of glycidyl hexadecyl ether (EpoxyC16) by amine from PEI. Then, the PEI lipids were used as a component of cationic liposomes and as a surfactant for the preparation of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticle (NP) via solvent extraction/evaporation method.

Diarylheptanoids suppress proliferation of pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells through modulating shh-Gli-FoxM1 pathway.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer, and it has the lowest 5-year survival rates. It is necessary to develop more potent anti-pancreatic cancer drugs to overcome the fast metastasis and resistance to surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and combinations of these. We have identified several diarylheptanoids as anti-pancreatic cancer agents from Alpinia officinarum (lesser galangal) and Alnus japonica.

Preparation and Photocatalytic Activity of Potassium- Incorporated Titanium Oxide Nanostructures Produced by the Wet Corrosion Process Using Various Titanium Alloys.

Nanostructured potassium-incorporated Ti-based oxides have attracted much attention because the incorporated potassium can influence their structural and physico-chemical properties. With the aim of tuning the structural and physical properties, we have demonstrated the wet corrosion process (WCP) as a simple method for nanostructure fabrication using various Ti-based materials, namely Ti-6Al-4V alloy (TAV), Ti-Ni (TN) alloy and pure Ti, which have 90%, 50% and 100% initial Ti content, respectively. We have systematically investigated the relationship between the Ti content in the initial metal and the precise condition of WCP to control the structural and physical properties of the resulting nanostructures.

Analysis of Dysphagia Patterns Using a Modified Barium Swallowing Test Following Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to evaluate specific dysphagia patterns and to identify the factors affecting dysphagia, especially aspiration, following treatment of head and neck cancer.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis of 57 patients was performed. Dysphagia was evaluated using a modified barium swallow (MBS) test.

New cytotoxic sesquiterpenoids from Siegesbeckia glabrescens.

Two new sesquiterpenoids, siegenolides A (1) and B (2), and two known sesquiterpenes 3 and 4 were isolated from Siegesbeckia glabrescens. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, and they were further evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against human cancer cells (MCF-7, AsPC-1, SW480, HCT 116, HepG2, HeLa). Compounds 1-4 showed differential cytotoxic effects on the target cancer cells with IC50 values in the range of 0.

Metachronous adenoid cystic carcinoma in the peripheral lung and at base of the tongue.

Primary lung adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is extremely rare and accounts for approximately 0.1%-0.2% of all lung cancers.

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via the tri-vestibular routes: results of a preclinical cadaver feasibility study.

The concept of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an emerging experimental alternative to conventional surgery that eliminates skin incisions using an endoscope passed through a natural orifice (e.g., mouth, urethra, or anus).

Robot-assisted versus endoscopic submandibular gland resection via retroauricular approach: a prospective nonrandomized study.

The aim of this study was to compare the short-term clinicopathological results of robot-assisted and endoscopic resection of the submandibular gland by the retroauricular approach. We present a prospective, non-random, study of 35 patients who had endoscope-assisted (n=22), or robot-assisted (n=13), resection of the submandibular gland using a retroauricular approach. Patients selected one of the two methods, and short-term clinical outcomes were then compared, including maximum diameter of the tumour and gland, length of incision, total operating time, amount of operative bleeding, amount and duration of drainage, duration of hospital stay, cosmesis, and complications.

Nineteen-year oncologic outcomes and the benefit of elective neck dissection in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Background: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the oncologic outcomes of salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and to confirm the benefits of elective neck dissection.

Methods: We reviewed the records of 61 consecutive patients with ACC. Surgery was performed in all patients.

Direct electron transfer with enzymes on nanofiliform titanium oxide films with electron-transport ability.

Direct electron transfer (DET) from biomolecules to electrode is a process without electron-mediators, thus superior selectivity and sensitivity is expected in order to monitor electron transfer between electrode and biomolecules without any mediator interference. However, DET is difficult because a redox center which is an electron active center of proteins such as enzymes is buried deep. So, a unique electrode nanostructure to reach the redox center is a critical factor.

Characteristics, management of the neck, and oncological outcomes of malignant minor salivary gland tumours in the oral and sinonasal regions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of malignant tumours of the minor salivary glands in the oral and sinonasal regions, to make sure that the neck was managed correctly, and to identify oncological outcomes, retrospectively, at a single hospital. A total of 60 patients were reviewed. Forty-nine patients had intraoral lesions and 11 had sinonasal lesions.

Transoral robotic surgery for hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: 3-year oncologic and functional analysis.

The recent trend in treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer is organ preservation in order to maintain swallowing and speech function as well as improve quality of life. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) can remove hypopharyngeal lesions successfully without an external incision, preserving physiologic functions of affected organs. However, studies have yet to assess the oncologic and functional results of TORS for the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer.

Clinical approaches for understanding the expression levels of pattern recognition receptors in otitis media with effusion.

Objectives: Bacterial infections in the normally sterile environment of the middle ear cavity usually trigger host immune response, whereby the innate immune system plays a dominant role as the host's first line of defense. We evaluated the expression levels of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) -2, -4, -5, -9, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing proteins (NODs) -1 and -2, all of which are related to bacterial infection in pediatric patients with otitis media with effusion (OME).

Methods: The study sample consisted of 46 pediatric patients with OME, all of whom had ventilation tubes inserted.

Feasibility of three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging as a prognostic factor in patients with sudden hearing loss.

The aim of this study was to confirm the feasibility of high signal on three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (3D FLAIR MRI) as one of the prognostic factors in recovery of sudden idiopathic hearing loss. A retrospective study was conducted using patients who were diagnosed with unilateral sudden idiopathic hearing loss from January 2008 to December 2010. A total of 120 patients were enrolled in for this study.

Clinical manifestations and prognosis of patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

Purpose: Patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome have a poorer prognosis than those with Bell palsy despite the use of various treatment modalities. We compared the clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and outcomes in patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome and Bell palsy.

Materials And Methods: Patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome were compared with patients with Bell palsy treated using oral steroids and with those treated with both steroids and an antiviral agent.

Age-related changes in the expression of NMDA, serotonin, and GAD in the central auditory system of the rat.

Conclusions: We suggest that age-induced changes of serotonin, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) expression in rats are dependent on the specific location in the central auditory system (CAS).

Objectives: Despite the importance of understanding changes in neurotransmitters during presbycusis, only a few studies have assessed age-associated changes in neurotransmitter at each level of the CAS. We therefore evaluated effects of aging on neurotransmission in the CAS of rats.

The extended indication of parotidectomy using the modified facelift incision in benign lesions: retrospective analysis of a single institution.

Background: Recently, the modified facelift incision (FLI) has gained increasing popularity for its cosmetic benefits in parotidectomy. However, many surgeons remain concerned with the adequacy of the exposure and are unwilling to use the FLI for anterior or superior tumors of the parotid gland because these tumors are closer to the superficially positioned facial nerve branch. To evaluate the changing trends in parotidectomy incisions for benign lesions at a single institute, and to compare the surgical outcomes between the modified Blair incision (BI) and FLI, and determine the adequacy and possible indications or limitations of the FLI, especially for tumors located in the anterior or superior parotid gland.