MicroRNA-129-3p Suppresses Tumor Progression and Chemoradioresistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

(1) Background: MicroRNA-129 (miR-129) participates in tumor progression and chemoresistance in various cancer types. In this study, the role of miR-129-3p, the main mature form of miR-129, in tumor progression and chemoradiotherapy resistance in head and neck cancer was evaluated. (2) Methods: RT-PCR, western blotting, cell proliferation assays, cell apoptosis assays, and cell invasion and migration assays were used.

"Popping the Ion-Basket": Enhancing Thermoelectric Performance of Conjugated Polymers by Blending with Latently Dissociable Perovskite Quantum Dots.

A novel additive method to boost the Seebeck coefficient of doped conjugated polymers without a significant loss in electrical conductivity is demonstrated. Perovskite (CsPbBr) quantum dots (QDs) passivated by ligands with long alkyl chains are mixed with a conjugated polymer in a solution phase to form polymer-QD blend films. Solution sequential doping of the blend film with AuCl solution not only doped the conjugated polymer but also decomposed the QDs, resulting in a doped conjugated polymer film embedded with separated ions dissociated from the QDs.

Application of Orofacial Muscle Strength Measurement to Screen for Penetration/Aspiration Risk in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

Background: Early identification of penetration/aspiration (P/A) risk in older adults with sarcopenia is crucial to prevent complications and maintain quality of life.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of orofacial muscle strength measurements for predicting the risk of P/A in older adults with sarcopenia.

Methods: In this observational and prospective study, we collated consecutive data from community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with sarcopenia at a musculoskeletal disorder clinic.

Junctional Role of Anionic Domain of Mussel Foot Protein Type 4 in Underwater Mussel Adhesion.

Mussel byssi form a robust underwater adhesive system, anchoring to various surfaces in harsh marine environments. Central to byssus is foot protein type 4 (fp-4), a junction protein connecting collagenous threads to proteinaceous plaque. This study investigated an anionic plaque-binding domain of fp-4 (fp-4a) and its interactions with cationic foot proteins (fp-1, fp-5, and fp-151 as model substitutes for fp-2) and metal ions (Ca, Fe, and V).

Canine Stem Cell-derived Exosomes for Lung Inflammation: Efficacy of Intratracheal Intravenous Administration in an Acute Lung Injury Mouse Model.

Background/aim: Acute lung injury (ALI) is an important pathological process in acute respiratory distress syndrome; however, feasible and effective treatment strategies for ALI are limited. Recent studies have suggested that stem cell-derived exosomes can ameliorate ALI; however, there remains no consensus on the protocols used, including the route of administration. This study aimed to identify the appropriate route of administration of canine stem cell-derived exosomes (cSC-Exos) in ALI.