Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy for spinal metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma: its oncologic outcomes and risk of vertebral compression fracture.

Spinal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) require high-dose irradiation for durable pain and tumor control. Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) enables the delivery of high-dose radiation. However, but vertebral compression fracture (VCF) can be problematic.

Choriocapillaris layer imaging with swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in lamellar and full-thickness macular hole.

Purpose: To present characteristics of choriocapillaris layer imaging with swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in eyes with macular hole (MH).

Methods: Patients with MH were included. Vascular density of choriocapillaris (VDC) and central flow void areas were obtained using SS-OCTA.

Corrigendum: Marital Satisfaction, Sex, Age, Marriage Duration, Religion, Number of Children, Economic Status, Education, and Collectivistic Values: Data from 33 Countries.

[This corrects the article on p. 1199 in vol. 8, PMID: 28785230.

Enhanced DC-Operated Electroluminescence of Forwardly Aligned p/MQW/n InGaN Nanorod LEDs via DC Offset-AC Dielectrophoresis.

We introduce an orientation-controlled alignment process of p-GaN/InGaN multiquantum-well/n-GaN (p/MQW/n InGaN) nanorod light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by applying the direct current (DC) offset-alternating current (AC) or pulsed DC electric fields across interdigitated metal electrodes. The as-forwardly aligned p/MQW/n InGaN nanorod LEDs by a pulsed DC dielectrophoresis (DEP) assembly process improve the electroluminescence (EL) intensities by 1.8 times compared to the conventional AC DEP assembly process under DC electric field operation and exhibit an enhanced applied current and EL brightness in the current-voltage and EL intensity-voltage curves, which can be directly used as the fundamental data to construct DC-operated nanorod LED devices, such as LED areal surface lightings, scalable lightings (micrometers to inches) and formable surface lightings.

Neuraminidase inhibitory activity by compounds isolated from aerial parts of Rhinacanthus nasutus.

Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz (Acanthaceae) is known as traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases, such as cancer, fungal infections, herpes virus infections and several types of skin diseases in South-East Asian countries. In this study, eight compounds 1-8 were isolated from the aerial parts of R.

Various Characteristics of Hybrid between River Puffer, and Tiger Puffer, , and Their Hybrid Triploid.

A comparison of the growth, hematological values, fatty acids, and gonadal and growth hormonal changes of river puffer, , tiger puffer, , their hybrids (river puffer × tiger puffer) and hybrid triploids was performed during 3 months of their early growth period. Several features were observed during these 3 months: hybrids showed the highest levels of specific growth rate, 1.48%; hybrid triploids showed the smallest change in viscera fat (<0.

Increased NO emission by inhibited plant growth in the CO leaked soil environment: Simulation of CO leakage from carbon capture and storage (CCS) site.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO) concentrations is continuing to increase due to anthropogenic activity, and geological CO storage via carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can be an effective way to mitigate global warming due to CO emission. However, the possibility of CO leakage from reservoirs and pipelines exists, and such leakage could negatively affect organisms in the soil environment. Therefore, to determine the impacts of geological CO leakage on plant and soil processes, we conducted a greenhouse study in which plants and soils were exposed to high levels of soil CO.

Hippo effector YAP directly regulates the expression of PD-L1 transcripts in EGFR-TKI-resistant lung adenocarcinoma.

Developments of EGFR-TKI and immunotherapy targeting the PD1/PD-L1 pathway are considered most important medical breakthroughs in lung cancer treatment. Nowadays, 3rd generation EGFR TKI is widely used for T790M positive 1st and 2nd EGFR-TKI resistant lung cancer patients. Immunotherapy is powerful option for lung cancer patients without drug targets and chemotherapy resistant patients.

The novel YAP target gene, SGK1, upregulates TAZ activity by blocking GSK3β-mediated TAZ destabilization.

YAP (Yes-associated protein) and TAZ (transcription activator with PDZ binding motif) are important in tissue regeneration and cancer development, highlighting the importance of discovering partners that regulate their oncogenicity. SGK1 (serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1), initially identified as a homolog of Akt in phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling, acts as a serine/threonine protein kinase in multiple oncogenic pathways. However, possible links between SGK1 and Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling remain unexplored.

Determination of 26 anti-diabetic compounds in dietary supplements using a validated UPLC method.

The purpose of this study was to validate a rapid, simple and accurate method using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) for the simultaneous determination of 26 anti-diabetic compounds in illegally adulterated dietary supplements. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, precision, accuracy, recovery and stability. All compounds were separated with a resolution of over 1.

Phenethyl isothiocyanate suppresses cancer stem cell properties in vitro and in a xenograft model.

Background: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of cells within the bulk of a tumor that have the ability to self-renew and differentiate, and are thus associated with cancer invasion, metastasis, and recurrence. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and is used as a cancer chemopreventive agent; however, its effects on CSCs are little known.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of PEITC on CSCs in this study by examining CSC properties.

Inhibitory effects of 2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate on allergic inflammatory responses in rat basophilic leukemia cells.

Mast cells play crucial roles in the initiation of allergic inflammatory responses by releasing various mediators such as histamines, cytokines, and leukotrienes. In addition, signaling cascade pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, contribute to the regulation of mast cell degranulation. Accordingly, different research strategies have been pursued to develop anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drugs by regulating these signaling pathways.

Prediction of renal cortical defect and scar using neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in children with febrile urinary tract infection.

Aim: This study is aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for cortical defect on initial and follow-up Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan in children with the first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI).

Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 179 children with the first febrile UTI who underwent DMSA scan and laboratory tests. In patients with abnormal DMSA scan findings, follow-up DMSA scan was performed at least 6 months after the initial scan.

The Role of Religiousness/Spirituality and Social Networks in Predicting Depressive Symptoms among Older Korean Americans.

This study (1) examined the effects of religiousness/spirituality and social networks as predictors of depressive symptoms in older Korean Americans and (2) compared the best predictors of depressive symptoms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 200 older Korean Americans residing in the New York City area in 2009. Best-subsets regression analyses were used to evaluate the best predictors of depressive symptoms.

Multiple-Color-Generating Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) Thin-Film Solar Cells via Dichroic Film Incorporation for Power-Generating Window Applications.

There are four prerequisites when applying all types of thin-film solar cells to power-generating window photovoltaics (PVs): high power-generation efficiency, longevity and high durability, semitransparency or partial-light transmittance, and colorful and aesthetic value. Solid-type thin-film Cu(In,Ga)S (CIGS) or Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) (CIGSSe) PVs nearly meet the first two criteria, making them promising candidates for power-generating window applications if they can transmit light to some degree and generate color with good aesthetic value. In this study, the mechanical scribing process removes 10% of the window CIGSSe thin-film solar cell with vacant line patterns to provide a partial-light-transmitting CIGSSe PV module to meet the third requirement.

Tumor Differentiation as a Prognostic Factor for Major Salivary Gland Malignancies.

Objective The effect of tumor differentiation on prognosis of major salivary gland malignancies is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of tumor differentiation on prognosis by stage in patients with major salivary gland malignancies and to analyze which patient factors are associated with tumor differentiation. Study Design and Setting Cross-sectional analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Recent trends in oropharyngeal cancer funding and public interest.

Objectives/hypothesis: The incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) has increased in the United States. This has been driven by an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive OPC. Our objective is to determine trends in National Institutes (NIH)-supported research funding and public interest in OPC.

Predictors of quality of life among ethnically diverse breast cancer survivors.

Purpose: Few studies have examined predictors of quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer survivors over time.

Methods: Breast cancer survivors (n=116) were asked to complete measures of QOL, mood, spirituality, and social support every 6 months from 2-4 years post treatment.

Results: Overall QOL at 4 years was predicted by previous physical and functional well-being, the breast cancer-specific items, and vigor and current levels of social support (Adj R=.

Gender-specific relationship between alcohol consumption and injury in the South Korean adults: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Alcohol-related injuries have been concerned worldwide. However, there have been no large cross-sectional epidemiologic studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between alcohol and the prevalence of injury according to gender in a representative sample of the South Korean population.

Autodisplay of the La/SSB protein on LPS-free E. coli for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome.

The objective of this study was to present an immunoassay for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome based on the autodisplayed La/SSB protein on the outer membrane of intact E. coli (strain UT-5600) and LPS-free E. coli (ClearColi™).

Development of a Rapid Reverse Blot Hybridization Assay for Detection of Clinically Relevant Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Blood Cultures Testing Positive for Gram-Negative Bacteria.

Rapid and accurate identification of the causative pathogens of bloodstream infections is crucial for the prompt initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy to decrease the related morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a newly developed PCR-reverse blot hybridization assay (REBA) for the rapid detection of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) and their extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC β-lactamase, and carbapenemase resistance genes directly from the blood culture bottles. The REBA-EAC (ESBL, AmpC β-lactamase, carbapenemase) assay was performed on 327 isolates that were confirmed to have an ESBL producer phenotype, 200 positive blood culture (PBCs) specimens, and 200 negative blood culture specimens.

Correction Equation for Estimation of Actual Potassium Concentration in Hemolyzed Specimen.

Background: A spuriously elevated serum potassium value could possibly cause medical decision errors because it leads to masked hypokalemia or pseudohyperkalemia. The aim of this study was to develop a correction equation for falsely elevated potassium level caused by hemolysis.

Methods: A total of 988 samples with a hemolysis index (HI) value greater than the potassium alert HI value were recollected within two hours from initial collection.