Isogenic Transplantation of Hybrid Artificial Pleural Tissue Consisting of Rat Cells and Polyglycolic Acid Nanofiber Sheet Induces Restoration of Mesothelial Defects in Rat Model.

Background: Impairment of the visceral pleura following thoracic surgery often leads to air leaks and intrathoracic adhesions. For preventing such complications, mesothelial cell proliferation at the pleural defects can be effective. To develop new materials for pleural defects restoration, we constructed a hybrid artificial pleural tissue (H-APLT) combining polyglycolic acid (PGA) nanofiber sheets with a three-dimensional culture of mesothelial cells and fibroblasts and evaluated its therapeutic efficacy in a rat pleural defect model.

Construct validity, responsiveness, and interpretability of the Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Inventory (SCI-FAI).

Objective: We investigated the construct validity, responsiveness, and interpretability of the Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Inventory (SCI-FAI) to determine its usefulness in measuring the functional level of gait.

Patients And Methods: This was a prospective observational study following the checklist of the Consensus-Based Standards for Selecting Health Measurement Instruments. The SCI-FAI consists of three items: Gait Parameter, Assistive Devices, and Temporal.

Association between the gene polymorphism-determined earwax properties and external auditory canal microbiota in healthy adults.

Unlabelled: The concept of genome-microbiome interactions, in which the microenvironment determined by host genetic polymorphisms regulates the local microbiota, is important in the pathogenesis of human disease. In otolaryngology, the resident bacterial microbiota is reportedly altered in non-infectious ear diseases, such as otitis media pearls and exudative otitis media. We hypothesized that a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the ATP-binding cassette sub-family C member 11 () gene, which determines earwax properties, regulates the ear canal microbiota.

Synthesis of Nonplanar Push-Pull Chromophores with Various Heterocyclic Moieties via [2 + 2] Cycloaddition-Retroelectrocyclization Reaction.

A series of 1,1,4,4-tetracyanobuta-1,3-diene (TCBD) derivatives with various heterocyclic moieties, including pyridine, carbazole, indole, and benzothiadiazole, was newly synthesized through a [2 + 2] cycloaddition-retroelectrocyclization reaction. Symmetric electron-rich 1,3-butadiynes with end-capped heterocyclic substituents were reacted with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), yielding the target TCBD products in 60-80% yields under ambient or mild heating conditions. The thermal stability and optical and electrochemical properties of both 1,3-butadiyne precursors and the corresponding TCBD derivatives were investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV).

Paddlewheel-type and half-paddlewheel-type diruthenium(II,II) complexes with 1,8-naphthyridine-2-carboxylate.

Paddlewheel-type diruthenium(II,II) complexes are paramagnetic with two unpaired electrons ( = 1) and can be utilized as versatile building blocks for higher-order structures, such as supramolecular complexes, coordination polymers, and metal-organic frameworks, although they are generally highly air-sensitive. In this study, we developed an air-stable paddlewheel-type diruthenium(II,II) complex with two electron-withdrawing 1,8-naphthyridine-2-carboxylate (npc) ligands, [Ru(μ-npc)(OCMe)] (1). The two acetate ligands in 1 can be replaced by other carboxylate ligands; the solvothermal reactions of 1 with benzoic acid (HOCPh) yields the heteroleptic [Ru(μ-npc)(OCPh)] (2), whereas its reaction with 1,8-naphthyridine-2-carboxylic acid (Hnpc) produces the homoleptic [Ru(μ-npc)(η-npc)] (3).

Nanosecond Nanothermometry in an Electron Microscope.

Thermal transport in nanostructures plays a critical role in modern technologies. As devices shrink, techniques that can measure thermal properties at nanometer and nanosecond scales are increasingly needed to capture transient, out-of-equilibrium phenomena. We present a novel pump-probe photon-electron method within a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to map temperature dynamics with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions.

Open-label, phase Ia study of STING agonist BI 1703880 plus ezabenlimab for patients with advanced solid tumors.

BI 1703880, a novel STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) agonist, has demonstrated preclinical antitumor activity. As STING activation can upregulate programmed death ligand 1 and human leukocyte antigen in tumor cells, a combination of BI 1703880 and an anti-programmed cell death protein 1-antibody, such as ezabenlimab, may improve efficacy. This first-in-human phase Ia study (NCT05471856) is evaluating BI 1703880 plus ezabenlimab in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Te-Regulated Black Arsenic Phosphorus Monocrystalline Film with Excellent Uniformity for High Performance Photodetection.

Two-dimensional (2D) black arsenic phosphorus (b-AsP) material has been attracting considerable attention for its extraordinary properties. However, its application in large-scale device fabrication remains challenging due to the limited scale and irregular shape. Here, we found the special effect of Te upon growth of b-AsP and developed a novel Te-regulated steady growth (Te-SG) strategy to obtain high-quality b-AsP single crystal.

Defining the Critical Requisites for Accurate Simulation of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Dynamics: Patient Characteristics and Data Collection Protocol.

Mathematical models of viral dynamics are crucial in understanding infection trajectories. However, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load data often includes limited sparse observations with significant heterogeneity. This study aims to: (1) understand the impact of patient characteristics in shaping the temporal viral load trajectory and (2) establish a data collection protocol (DCP) to reliably reconstruct individual viral load trajectories.

Successful Diagnosis of Sengers Syndrome Using a Comprehensive Genomic Analysis.

Background: Sengers syndrome is an autosomal recessive mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome characterized by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital cataracts, skeletal myopathy, exercise intolerance, and lactic acidosis. Dysfunction of acylglycerol kinase (AGK) is responsible for the disease, and several AGK gene variants have been reported.

Methods: We employed a comprehensive genomic analysis approach, including whole-genome sequencing and RNA sequencing, combined with various bioinformatics tools.

Characteristics of suitable cases for treatment with nemolizumab based on clinical findings and cutaneous adverse events.

Nemolizumab is an effective treatment for pruritus in atopic dermatitis, but it has a relatively high incidence of cutaneous adverse events (cAEs). To optimize the use of nemolizumab, we investigated the relationship between baseline severity in specific body areas and the frequency of cAEs. Our findings revealed that cases who discontinued treatment with nemolizumab had more severe erythema and edema/papulation on the trunk than those who continued nemolizumab.

Global Publication Trends and Research Hotspots of Diabetes and Osteoporosis.

Background: Diabetes and osteoporosis, as chronic diseases with high incidence, have caused deep concern in the field of global public health due to their high morbidity and mortality. More importantly, the complex and close relationship between diabetes and osteoporosis has gradually become the focus of scientific research. It is very meaningful to carry out bibliometric analysis in the research field of diabetes and osteoporosis to describe the current international trend and present a visual representation of the past and emerging trends of diabetes and osteoporosis in the past decade.

Adrenomedullin 2/Intermedin Exerts Cardioprotective Effects by Regulating Cardiomyocyte Mitochondrial Function.

Background: Adrenomedullin 2 (AM2) plays critical roles in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. However, the specific involvement of AM2 in cardiac hypertrophy has not been comprehensively elucidated, warranting further investigation into its molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications.

Methods: Cardiac hypertrophy was induced in adult mice lacking AM2 (AM2-/-) using transverse aortic constriction surgery.

Downscaling of Non-Van der Waals Semimetallic WN with Resistivity Preservation.

The bulk phase of transition metal nitrides (TMNs) has long been a subject of extensive investigation due to their utility as coating materials, electrocatalysts, and diffusion barriers, attributed to their high conductivity and refractory properties. Downscaling TMNs into two-dimensional (2D) forms would provide valuable members to the existing 2D materials repertoire, with potential enhancements across various applications. Moreover, calculations have anticipated the emergence of uncommon physical phenomena in TMNs at the 2D limit.

Normal tissue complication probability model for severe radiation-induced lymphopenia in patients with pancreatic cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Background And Purpose: Radiation-induced lymphopenia (RIL) may be associated with a worse prognosis in pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to develop a normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model to predict severe RIL in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Materials And Methods: We reviewed pancreatic cancer patients treated at our facility for model training and internal validation.

Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Apnea, Myocardial Infarct Size, and Coronary Collaterals in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Multidisciplinary Study.

Purpose: We designed a study investigating the cardioprotective role of sleep apnea (SA) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), focusing on its association with infarct size and coronary collateral circulation.

Methods: We recruited adults with AMI, who underwent Level-III SA testing during hospitalization. Delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed to quantify AMI size (percent-infarcted myocardium).

Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism With Novel Pathogenic Variants in FGFR1 and GNRHR.

Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) can cause delayed secondary sexual characteristics and contribute to juvenile osteoporosis, with multiple causative genes having been reported. We treated a 27-year-old man diagnosed with central hypogonadism, presenting with delayed secondary sexual characteristics and juvenile osteoporosis, using bone resorption inhibitors and testosterone therapy. Genetic testing revealed missense variants both in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 () and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor () genes, a combination that has not been previously reported.

Unraveling the landscape of pediatric pancreatic tumors: Insights from Japan.

Pediatric pancreatic tumors, though rare, pose significant diagnostic and management challenges. The recent, 22-year nationwide survey on pediatric pancreatic tumors in Japan by Makita offers valuable insights into this uncommon entity, revealing striking geographical variations and questioning current treatment paradigms. This editorial commentary analyzes the study's key findings, including the predominance of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms and their younger age of onset, which contrast sharply with Western data.

A new method to evaluate staircase phenomenon in skeletal muscle using piezoelectric sensor.

Objective: The staircase phenomenon, which refers to the increases in the force of contraction with repetitive stimulation of the muscle, has been studied for many years, but the method is difficult and not widely used. Our objective was to evaluate the staircase phenomenon in skeletal muscle using a piezoelectric sensor.

Methods: Thirty-five subjects without neuromuscular diseases (normal controls), 11 patients with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), and 19 patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (MyD) were studied.

Association of Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Risk stratification for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) remains challenging.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) on SCD in NICM patients.

Methods: Our study cohort included 173 consecutive patients (age 53 ± 14 years, 73% men) scheduled for primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) implantation who underwent preimplant cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Among Attendees From a Large Health Care System During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Background: Few studies have evaluated home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR) during the pandemic, compared to prepandemic center-based CR (CBCR), with respect to patient characteristics, participation rates, and its efficacy on clinical metrics, health-related quality of life (QoL), and modifiable risk factors.

Objectives: We aimed to describe patient characteristics and participation rates for those attending HBCR compared to patients who attended CBCR and compare the effects of HBCR vs CBCR on clinical metrics, health-related QoL, and modifiable risk factors in CR patients pre vs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study comparing 511 HBCR patients and 765 CBCR patients from the Mayo Clinic Health System.

Association between ventricular arrhythmia (premature ventricular contractions burden and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia) and cardiovascular events in patients without structural heart disease.

Background: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) are common arrhythmias in cardiovascular clinical settings. However, the clinical significance of PVCs and NSVT in the absence of structural heart disease has not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PVCs, NSVT, and clinical outcomes.