Neutrophil extracellular traps promote pre-metastatic niche formation in the omentum by expanding innate-like B cells that express IL-10.

Disseminated cancer cells in the peritoneal fluid often colonize omental fat-associated lymphoid clusters but the mechanisms are unclear. Here, we identify that innate-like B cells accumulate in the omentum of mice and women with early-stage ovarian cancer concomitantly with the extrusion of chromatin fibers by neutrophils called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Studies using genetically modified NET-deficient mice, pharmacologic inhibition of NETs, and adoptive B cell transfer show that NETs induce expression of the chemoattractant CXCL13 in the pre-metastatic omentum, stimulating recruitment of peritoneal innate-like B cells that in turn promote expansion of regulatory T cells and omental metastasis through producing interleukin (IL)-10.

Growths of SiC Single Crystals Using the Physical Vapor Transport Method with Crushed CVD-SiC Blocks Under High Vertical Temperature Gradients.

A recent study reported the rapid growth of SiC single crystals of ~1.5 mm/h using high-purity SiC sources obtained by recycling CVD-SiC blocks used as materials in semiconductor processes. This method has gained attention as a way to improve the productivity of the physical vapor transport (PVT) method, widely used for manufacturing single crystal substrates for power semiconductors.

Regulation of Colonic Inflammation and Macrophage Homeostasis of IFN-γ-Primed Canine AMSCs in Experimental Colitis in Mice.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown potential in treating immune-mediated diseases due to their immunomodulatory properties, which can be enhanced by priming with inflammatory cytokines like interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of IFN-γ-primed canine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AMSCs) in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Canine AMSCs were primed with 50 ng/mL recombinant canine IFN-γ for 48 h, and the effects were compared to those seen in naïve (unprimed) AMSCs.

Identification of Reference Gene for Quantitative Gene Expression in Early-Term and Late-Term Cultured Canine Fibroblasts Derived from Ear Skin.

Fibroblasts are cells that reside within the fibrous or loose connective tissues of most mammalian organs. For research purposes, fibroblasts are often subjected to long-term culture under defined conditions, during which their properties can significantly change. It is essential to understand and document these changes to obtain reliable outcomes.

Histological and Molecular Biological Changes in Canine Skin Following Acute Radiation Therapy-Induced Skin Injury.

Radiation therapy is a crucial cancer treatment, but it can damage healthy tissues, leading to side effects like skin injuries and molecular alterations. This study aimed to elucidate histological and molecular changes in canine skin post-radiation therapy (post-RT) over nine weeks, focusing on inflammation, stem cell activity, angiogenesis, keratinocyte regeneration, and apoptosis. Four male beagles received a cumulative radiation dose of 48 Gy, followed by clinical observations, histological examinations, and an RT-qPCR analysis of skin biopsies.

Red ginseng extract inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced platelet-leukocyte aggregates in mice.

Background: Platelet-leukocyte aggregates (PLAs) play important roles in cardiovascular disease and sepsis. Red ginseng extract (RGE) has been well-studied for its antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the potential inhibitory effects of RGE on PLA have not been investigated.

AI-enabled ECG index for predicting left ventricular dysfunction in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients are associated with prognosis. This study investigated the feasibility of predicting left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in STEMI patients using an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled ECG algorithm developed to diagnose STEMI. Serial ECGs from 637 STEMI patients were analyzed with the AI algorithm, which quantified the probability of STEMI at various time points.

Developing Catalysts for Membrane Electrode Assemblies in High Performance Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolyzers.

Extensive research is underway to achieve carbon neutrality through the production of green hydrogen via water electrolysis, powered by renewable energy. Polymer membrane water electrolyzers, such as proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) and anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE), are at the forefront of this research. Developing highly active and durable electrode catalysts is crucial for commercializing these electrolyzers.

Cell-adhesive double network self-healing hydrogel capable of cell and drug encapsulation: New platform to construct biomimetic environment with bottom-up approach.

This study presents the development and characterization of a novel double-network self-healing hydrogel based on N-carboxyethyl chitosan (CEC) and oxidized dextran (OD) with the incorporation of crosslinked collagen (CEC-OD/COL-GP) to enhance its biological and physicochemical properties. The hydrogel formed via dynamic imine bond formation exhibited efficient self-healing within 30 min, and a compressive modulus recovery of 92 % within 2 h. In addition to its self-healing ability, CEC-OD/COL-GP possesses unique physicochemical characteristics including transparency, injectability, and adhesiveness to various substrates and tissues.

Airway epithelial CD47 plays a critical role in inducing influenza virus-mediated bacterial super-infection.

Respiratory viral infection increases host susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections, yet the precise dynamics within airway epithelia remain elusive. Here, we elucidate the pivotal role of CD47 in the airway epithelium during bacterial super-infection. We demonstrated that upon influenza virus infection, CD47 expression was upregulated and localized on the apical surface of ciliated cells within primary human nasal or bronchial epithelial cells.

Improved physical and structural properties of high-protein powders by fluidized-bed agglomeration.

High-protein powders (milk protein isolate (MPI) and soybean protein isolate (SPI)) were treated with maltodextrin solution (10% or 20%) or water as a binder and then subjected to fluidized-bed agglomeration. The MPI agglomerates were compared with the SPI agglomerates as a function of maltodextrin (MD) concentration. The particle size, wettability, and porosity values of SPI agglomerates were much higher than those of the raw powder when compared to the MPI agglomerates.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma in Achilles tendon allograft in rabbits.

Background: Achilles tendon is composed of dense connective tissue and is one of the largest tendons in the body. In veterinary medicine, acute ruptures are associated with impact injury or sharp trauma. Healing of the ruptured tendon is challenging because of poor blood and nerve supply as well as the residual cell population.

Harnessing microRNA-enriched extracellular vesicles for liquid biopsy.

Extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) can be detected in body fluids and hold great potential as cancer biomarkers. Extracellular miRNAs are protected from degradation by binding various proteins and through their packaging into extracellular vesicles (EVs). There is evidence that the diagnostic performance of cancer-associated extracellular miRNAs can be improved by assaying EV-miRNA instead of total cell-free miRNA, but several challenges have hampered the advancement of EV-miRNA in liquid biopsy.

Chiral recognition and discrimination studies of tyrosine enantiomers on (-)-18-crown-6-tetracarboxylic acid as a chiral selector by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and docking simulations.

Considering the substantial significance of chiral biomolecules, such as amino acids, in our daily routines, we performed chiral recognition and discrimination of tyrosine (Tyr) enantiomers on (-)-(18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid [(-)-18-C-6-TA] as crown-ether type chiral selector (CS) by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and docking simulations. In this study, successful discrimination of the enantiomers of Tyr was achieved, as evidenced by the proton chemical shift differences (ΔΔδ) of Tyr enantiomers observed in the H NMR spectra with (-)-18-C-6-TA CS. We compared the results of these two techniques with the findings obtained from high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) investigations.

Clinical Characteristics, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumor (TSH PitNET): A Single-Center Experience.

Backgruound: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (TSH PitNET) is a rare subtype of PitNET. We investigated the comprehensive characteristics and outcomes of TSH PitNET cases from a single medical center. Also, we compared diagnostic methods to determine which showed superior sensitivity.

Skin microbe-dependent TSLP-ILC2 priming axis in early life is co-opted in allergic inflammation.

Although early life colonization of commensal microbes contributes to long-lasting immune imprinting in host tissues, little is known regarding the pathophysiological consequences of postnatal microbial tuning of cutaneous immunity. Here, we show that postnatal exposure to specific skin commensal Staphylococcus lentus (S. lentus) promotes the extent of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like inflammation in adults through priming of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s).

Ethnic Differences in Thrombotic Profiles of Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients and Relationship to Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Comparison of East Asian and White subjects.

Background: East Asians (EAs), compared to white Caucasians (W), have a lower risk of ischemic heart disease and a higher risk of bleeding with antithrombotic medications. The underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood.

Objectives: We sought to compare thrombotic profiles of EA and W patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and relate these to cardiovascular outcomes.

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Effects of Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure with and without Dexmedetomidine in Anesthetized Dogs.

Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) elevation during capnoperitoneum can cause adverse cardiovascular and respiratory effects. This study aimed to determine if a sequentially increased IAP affects cardiovascular and respiratory variables in anesthetized dogs and evaluate the effects of the constant-rate infusion of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on cardiovascular and respiratory variables with increased IAP. Five dogs were anesthetized and instrumented, and a Veress needle was equipped to adjust the IAP using a carbon dioxide insufflator.

Do political parties always prefer loyalists? Evidence from South Korea.

This paper examines the relationship between ideological polarization and party disloyalty, focusing on the moderating role of the status of a political party in the legislature, i.e., the ruling party or the opposition party.

Insensitive Effects of Inflammatory Cytokines on the Reference Genes of Synovial Fluid Resident-Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA-MSCs) provide an understanding of a variety of cellular and immunological responses within the inflammatory milieu. Sustained exposure of MSCs to inflammatory cytokines is likely to exert an influence on genetic variations, including reference genes (RGs). The sensitive effect of cytokines on the reference genes of RA-SF-MSCs may be a variation factor affecting patient-derived MSCs as well as the accuracy and reliability of data.

Diagnostic Value of a Wearable Continuous Electrocardiogram Monitoring Device (AT-Patch) for New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in High-Risk Patients: Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: While conventional electrocardiogram monitoring devices are useful for detecting atrial fibrillation, they have considerable drawbacks, including a short monitoring duration and invasive device implantation. The use of patch-type devices circumvents these drawbacks and has shown comparable diagnostic capability for the early detection of atrial fibrillation.

Objective: We aimed to determine whether a patch-type device (AT-Patch) applied to patients with a high risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation defined by the congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, sex scale (CHADS-VASc) score had increased detection rates.

The pattern of intra-/inter-hemispheric interactions of left and right hemispheres in visual word processing.

This study aimed to investigate the intra-/inter-hemispheric interactions during visual word processing, by manipulating stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) in a primed-lateralized lexical decision task. To assess intra-/inter-hemispheric priming effects, identical prime-target pairs were presented in the same or opposite unilateral visual fields. The study found that the right visual field advantage (RVFA) was observed when Korean words were presented sequentially within hemispheres, indicating that the inherent characteristics of the two hemispheres, rather than differences in memory or linguistic aspects of lexical processing, contributed to the hemispheric asymmetry.