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Dive A, Kim K, Kang S, Wan LF, Wood BC. First-principles evaluation of dopant impact on structural deformability and processability of Li 7La 3Zr 2O 12. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:13762-13772. [PMID: 37464810 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp04382c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) and related ceramic solid electrolytes feature excellent stability and reasonable ionic conductivity, but processing remains challenging. High-temperature co-sintering is required for successful integration with the electrode, which is energetically costly and can lead to unacceptable cathode degradation. The introduction of dopants can promote lower-temperature processing by improving deformability and disrupting lattice integrity; however, an unbiased, systematic study correlating these properties to the dopant chemistry and composition is lacking. Here, we rely on a set of static and dynamic metrics derived from first-principles simulations to estimate the impact of doping on LLZO processability by quantifying LLZO structural deformability. We considered three distinct dopants (Al, Ba, and Ta) as representatives of substitutional incorporation on Li, La, and Zr sites. Our descriptors indicate that doping in general positively impacts lattice deformability, although significant sensitivities to dopant identity and concentration are observed. Amongst the tested dopants, Al doping (on the Li site) appears to have the greatest impact, as signaled across nearly the entire set of computed features. We suggest that these proxy descriptors, once properly calibrated against well-controlled experiments, could enable the use of first-principles simulations to computationally screen new ceramic electrolyte compositions with improved processability.
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Kim K, Lee MY, Chang Y, Ryu S. Nightshift work and irregular menstrual cycle: 8-year follow-up cohort study. Occup Med (Lond) 2024; 74:152-160. [PMID: 38330390 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irregular menstruation is a major health problem among women, although its association with nightshift work remains controversial. AIMS To study the association between nightshift work and irregular menstrual cycle among female workers and investigate any differences according to sleep quality, working hours or obesity. METHODS This study included female workers who underwent health examinations from 2012 to 2019. Nightshift work, working hours, sleep quality and menstrual cycles were assessed using self-administered questionnaires. Irregular menstrual cycle was defined as self-reported irregular or ≥36 days. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by multivariable logistic regression; adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for incident irregular menstrual cycle were calculated by Cox proportional hazard models with time-dependent analysis. RESULTS The study participants were 87 147 in the cross-sectional study and 41 516 in the longitudinal study. After adjusting for all covariates in the cross-sectional analyses, the odds ratio for prevalent irregular menstrual cycle among female nightshift workers versus the reference was 1.26 (95% CI 1.2-1.33). In the cohort study, the adjusted hazard ratio for incident irregular menstrual cycle among nightshift workers was 1.95 (95% CI 1.61-2.35) in the period after 6 years. No significant differences were observed among subgroups stratified by sleep quality, working hours or obesity. CONCLUSIONS Nightshift work is associated with an increased risk of both prevalent and incident irregular menstrual cycle in female workers without significant interactions by sleep quality, working hours or obesity.
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Kim K, Kim Y, Lee J, Lee M, Ahn C, Park MJ, Na H, Jeung EB. 3-carene supresses inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4, interleukin-5 and interleukin-13 in a murine model of asthma. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY : AN OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE POLISH PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2024; 75:195-203. [PMID: 38736266 DOI: 10.26402/jpp.2024.2.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Asthma is a common airway disease associated with allergic inflammation. Environmental factors, such as pollens, pollution, insect-borne antigens, or commercial chemicals, cause this disease. The common symptoms of this airway allergic reaction are increasing mucus, narrowing of the airway wall, coughing, and chest tightness. Medications, such as steroids, alleviate the disease but with severe side effects. Several studies have reported the anti-inflammatory effects of tree-based essential oil components, particularly 3-carene. Therefore, this study used 3-carene to determine if it alleviates asthmatic symptoms in the murine model. First, BALB/c mice were sensitized to an ovalbumin and aluminium hydroxide mixture on day 7th and 14th. From days 21st to 23rd, the mice were challenged with 3-carene and budesonide. The lung trachea, plasma, and bronchiolar lavage fluid (BAL fluid) were collected on day 24. The 3-carene treatment suppressed the cytokine gene expression, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13, reducing the lung epithelial cell thickness in the asthmatic model. These results suggest that essential oil 3-carene has an anti-asthmatic effect.
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Kim SJ, Jo Y, Park SJ, Ji E, Lee JY, Choi E, Baek JY, Jang IY, Jung HW, Kim K, Ryu D, Yoo HJ, Kim BJ. Metabolomic profiles of ovariectomized mice and their associations with body composition and frailty-related parameters in postmenopausal women. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02338-x. [PMID: 38493245 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02338-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menopause, a dramatical estrogen-deficient condition, is considered the most significant milestone in women's health. PURPOSE To investigate the metabolite changes attributed to estrogen deficiency using random forest (RF)-based machine learning (ML) modeling strategy in ovariectomized (OVX) mice as well as determine the clinical relevance of selected metabolites in older women. METHODS AND RESULTS Untargeted and targeted metabolomic analyses revealed that metabolites related to TCA cycle, sphingolipids, phospholipids, fatty acids, and amino acids, were significantly changed in the plasma and/or muscle of OVX mice. Subsequent ML classifiers based on RF algorithm selected alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), arginine, carnosine, ceramide C24, phosphatidylcholine (PC) aa C36:6, and PC ae C42:3 in plasma as well as PC aa 34:1, PC aa C34:3, PC aa C36:5, PC aa C32:1, PC aa C36:2, and sphingosine in muscle as top featured metabolites that differentiate the OVX mice from the sham-operated group. When circulating levels of AKG, arginine, and carnosine, which showed the most significant changes in OVX mice blood, were measured in postmenopausal women, higher plasma AKG levels were associated with lower bone mass, weak grip strength, poor physical performance, and increased frailty risk. CONCLUSIONS Metabolomics- and ML-based methods identified the key metabolites of blood and muscle that were significantly changed after ovariectomy in mice, and the clinical implication of several metabolites was investigated by looking at their correlation with body composition and frailty-related parameters in postmenopausal women. These findings provide crucial context for understanding the diverse physiological alterations caused by estrogen deficiency in women.
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Park HJ, Kim K, Lee EY, Hillman PF, Nam SJ, Lim KM. Methylanthranilate, a Food Fragrance Attenuates Skin Pigmentation through Downregulation of Melanogenic Enzymes by cAMP Suppression. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2024; 32:231-239. [PMID: 38296651 PMCID: PMC10902701 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2023.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Methyl anthranilate (MA) is a botanical fragrance used in food flavoring with unexplored potential in anti-pigment cosmetics. MA dose-dependently reduced melanin content without affecting cell viability, inhibited dendrite elongation and melanosome transfer in the co-culture system of human melanoma cells (MNT-1) and human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), and downregulated melanogenic genes, including tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 and 2 (TRP-1, TRP-2). Additionally, MA decreased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production and exhibited a significant anti-pigmentary effect in Melanoderm™. These results suggest that MA is a promising anti-pigmentary agent for replacing or complementing existing anti-pigmentary cosmetics.
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Bachman TN, Nouraie SM, Williams LE, Boisen ML, Kim K, Borovetz HS, Schaub R, Kormos RL, Simon MA. Feasibility of a Composite Measure of Pulmonary Vascular Impedance and Application to Patients with Chronic RV Failure Post LVAD Implant. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2024; 15:1-11. [PMID: 38129334 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-023-00671-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary vascular impedance (PVZ) describes RV afterload in the frequency domain and has not been studied extensively in LVAD patients. We sought to determine (1) feasibility of calculating a composite (c)PVZ using standard of care (SoC), asynchronous, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and flow (PAQ) waveforms; and (2) if chronic right ventricular failure (RVF) post-LVAD implant was associated with changes in perioperative cPVZ.PAP and PAQ were obtained via SoC procedures at three landmarks: T(1), Retrospectively, pre-operative with patient conscious; and T(2) and T(3), prospectively with patient anesthetized, and either pre-sternotomy or chest open with LVAD, respectively. Additional PAP's were taken at T(4), following chest closure; and T(5), 4-24 h post chest closure. Harmonics (z) were calculated by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) with cPVZ(z) = FFT(PAP)/FFT(PAQ). Total pulmonary resistance Z(0); characteristic impedance Zc, mean of cPVZ(2-4); and vascular stiffness PVS, sum of cPVZ(1,2), were compared at T(1,2,3) between +/-RVF groups.Out of 51 patients, nine experienced RVF. Standard hemodynamics and changes in cPVZ-derived parameters were not significant between groups at any T.In conclusion, cPVZ calculated from SoC measures is possible. Although data that could be obtained were limited it suggests no difference in RV afterload for RVF patients post-implant. If confirmed in larger studies, focus should be placed on cardiac function in these subjects.
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Lee MS, Bunin DI, Furimsky AM, Nguyen D, Parman T, Kim K, Rausch L, Lin MT, Gupta P, Brown JE, Kroopnick JM, Blithe DL. Novel progestogenic androgens for male contraception: design, synthesis, and activity of C7 α-substituted testosterone†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:851-863. [PMID: 37669128 PMCID: PMC10724455 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Male contraceptive development has included use of testosterone (T) with or without a progestin or the use of a single molecule such as progestogenic androgens (PA) for suppression of testicular T production. Expanding upon the vast amount of data accumulated from nortestosterone (NT), NT analogs, and their prodrugs, a new series of PA, the C7 methyl, and ethyl α-substituted T analogs 7α-Methyltestosterone (7α-MT) and 7α-Ethyltestosterone (7α-ET), respectively, were hypothesized and designed to have superior androgenic and progestogenic activities when compared with parent T. Results from androgen receptor and progesterone receptor competitive binding and transcriptional activation assays showed favorable activities for these T analogs. Additionally, 7α-MT and 7α-ET were shown to be active substrates for aromatase in vitro, mitigating a potential negative impact on bone mineral density with long-term use. In conjunction with this observation, the diminished metabolism of these T analogs by 5α-reductase may reduce potential concerns for prostatic growth. In the Hershberger in vivo rat bioassay, 7α-MT and 7α-ET showed superior androgenic and anabolic activities as compared with T. These C7 α-substituted T analogs also showed clear progestogenic activity in the McPhail bioassay which evaluated endometrial glandular arborization in a rabbit model. The discovery of aromatizable molecules with reduced metabolism by 5α-reductase that have androgenic, anabolic, and progestogenic properties indicates that the core and/or prodrugs of 7α-MT and 7α-ET are promising molecules for further development as male contraceptive PAs.
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Yang HR, Zahan MN, Yoon Y, Kim K, Hwang DH, Kim WH, Rho IR, Kim E, Kang C. Unveiling the Potent Fibrino(geno)lytic, Anticoagulant, and Antithrombotic Effects of Papain, a Cysteine Protease from Carica papaya Latex Using κ-Carrageenan Rat Tail Thrombosis Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16770. [PMID: 38069092 PMCID: PMC10706441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
While fibrinolytic enzymes and thrombolytic agents offer assistance in treating cardiovascular diseases, the existing options are associated with a range of adverse effects. In our previous research, we successfully identified ficin, a naturally occurring cysteine protease that possesses unique fibrin and fibrinogenolytic enzymes, making it suitable for both preventing and treating cardiovascular disorders linked to thrombosis. Papain is a prominent cysteine protease derived from the latex of Carica papaya. The potential role of papain in preventing fibrino(geno)lytic, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic activities has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we examined how papain influences fibrinogen and the process of blood coagulation. Papain is highly stable at pH 4-11 and 37-60 °C via azocasein assay. In addition, SDS gel separation electrophoresis, zymography, and fibrin plate assays were used to determine fibrinogen and fibrinolysis activity. Papain has a molecular weight of around 37 kDa, and is highly effective in degrading fibrin, with a molecular weight of over 75 kDa. Furthermore, papain-based hemostatic performance was confirmed in blood coagulation tests, a blood clot lysis assay, and a κ-carrageenan rat tail thrombosis model, highlighting its strong efficacy in blood coagulation. Papain shows dose-dependent blood clot lysis activity, cleaves fibrinogen chains of Aα, Bβ, and γ-bands, and significantly extends prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Moreover, the mean length of the infarcted regions in the tails of Sprague-Dawley rats with κ-carrageenan was shorter in rats administered 10 U/kg of papain than in streptokinase-treated rats. Thus, papain, a cysteine protease, has distinct fibrin and fibrinogenolytic properties, suggesting its potential for preventing or treating cardiovascular issues and thrombosis-related diseases.
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Harris W, Hellman S, Lin E, Kim K, Yorke ED, Santanam L, Platzman A, Kuligowski J, Tang G. Improving Patient Compliance for More Efficient Deep Inspiration Breath Hold Treatment through Innovation and Education. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e391-e392. [PMID: 37785316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.1513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Visual guidance has been widely proven to improve the reproducibility and stability of Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) treatments. Here, we present a quality improvement project by implementing the use of visual guidance in a multi-campus institution to improve clinical efficiency, including the design of a novel mount for the visual aid and the creation of a patient education video to better prepare lung and GI patients for their DIBH treatments. MATERIALS/METHODS Prior to institution-wide implementation, the clinical feasibility of utilizing visual guidance for DIBH treatments was determined by a pilot study with 10 lung/GI patients. A commercial visual guidance device was used, which consisted of a tablet-like device, attached to a mount affixed to the treatment couch. The device is positioned over the patient's head, displaying the real-time vertical motion of a block with infrared markers on the patient's abdomen. The original mount for the device locks onto the superior end of the treatment couch, which occupies space used for immobilization devices and limits the number of patients eligible for visual guidance when the isocenter is inferior, as for GI patients. A novel in-house mount was designed to overcome this limitation. Also, a patient education video was created to introduce the concept of DIBH and the visual aid device. Visual guidance is offered at the first treatment; its use is optional, and patients may start or stop using it at any time. If the device is not used, the patient relies on audio coaching from the radiation therapists (RTTs), which is the standard practice in our clinic. RESULTS All 10 patients in the pilot who were offered the visual aid used it, found it helpful and continued to use it throughout their treatment, with no issues reported. The median number of fractions for all 10 patients was 5(3-15). The in-house mount was manufactured from 3D printed and machined components. The treatment couch was 3D scanned, and the mount was designed to clamp laterally on the couch top and align with the indexing indentations. The in-house mount is easy to use and is more versatile than the commercial mount, enabling use for patients with inferior isocenters. Prior to treatment, patients were encouraged to view the <3 min long patient education video that consisted of a combination of animation and real-actor content. Verbal instructions for use were also given by RTTs at the first treatment. Upon successful completion of the pilot study, the use of visual guidance was implemented institution-wide across 5 campuses for all lung and GI DIBH patients, being utilized on an average of 14 patients/week. CONCLUSION A quality improvement project was developed and successfully implemented to introduce the use of visual guidance for lung and GI DIBH patients at a large institution, improving the efficiency of DIBH treatment for both the patients and RTTs.
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Park HJ, Kim K, Kim YB, Chang JS, Shin KH. Patterns and Longitudinal Changes in The Practice of Breast Cancer Radiotherapy in Korea: Korean Radiation Oncology Group 22-01. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e197-e198. [PMID: 37784841 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.1069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) To analyze contemporary practice patterns in breast cancer radiotherapy (RT) and to assess longitudinal changes therein over 5 years in Korea. MATERIALS/METHODS A nationwide survey was conducted among board-certified radiation oncologists in Korea by the Division for Breast Cancer of the Korean Radiation Oncology Group in March 2022. The survey consisted of 44 questions related to six domains: hypofractionated (HypoFx) whole breast RT, accelerated partial breast RT (APBI), regional nodal irradiation (RNI), RT for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), postmastectomy RT (PMRT), and tumor bed boost. RESULTS In total, 70 radiation oncologists from 61 of 101 (60%) institutions participated in the survey. HypoFx RT was used by 62 respondents (89%), which has significantly increased from 36% in 2017. The HypoFx RT was commonly administered at 40-42.5 Gy in 15-16 fractions. APBI was used by 12 respondents (17%), which has increased from 5% in 2017. The use of RNI did not change significantly: ≥ pN2 (6%), ≥ pN1 (33%), and ≥ pN1 with pathological risk factors (61%). However, the indications for use of internal mammary lymph node (IMN) irradiation have expanded. In particular, the rates of routine treatment of IMN (11% from 6% in 2017) and treatment in cases of ≥ pN2 (27% from 14% in 2017) have doubled; however, the rate of treatment for only IMN involvement, identified on imaging, has decreased to 31% from 47% in 2017. With regard to DCIS, the use of hypoFx RT increased to 75% from 25%, and the rate of omission on of RT after breast-conserving surgery decreased to 38% from 48% in 2017. The use of hypoFx RT for PMRT also increased to 36% from 8% in 2017. CONCLUSION The adoption of HypoFx RT after breast-conserving surgery in invasive breast cancer and DCIS has increased significantly, whereas that for PMRT has increased moderately, compared to 2017. Further studies are required to determine the optimal use of RNI.
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Feils AS, Erbe AK, Birstler J, Kim K, Hoch U, Currie SL, Nguyen T, Yu D, Siefker-Radtke AO, Tannir N, Tolaney SM, Diab A, Sondel PM. Associations between KIR/KIR-ligand genotypes and clinical outcome for patients with advanced solid tumors receiving BEMPEG plus nivolumab combination therapy in the PIVOT-02 trial. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:2099-2111. [PMID: 36823323 PMCID: PMC10264535 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03383-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Bempegaldesleukin (BEMPEG), a CD122-preferential IL2 pathway agonist, has been shown to induce proliferation and activation of NK cells. NK activation is dependent on the balance of inhibitory and excitatory signals transmitted by NK receptors, including Fc-gamma receptors (FCγRs) and killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) along with their KIR-ligands. The repertoire of KIRs/KIR-ligands an individual inherits and the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FCγRs can influence NK function and affect responses to immunotherapies. In this retrospective analysis of the single-arm PIVOT-02 trial, 200 patients with advanced solid tumors were genotyped for KIR/KIR-ligand gene status and FCγR SNP status and evaluated for associations with clinical outcome. Patients with inhibitory KIR2DL2 and its ligand (HLA-C1) observed significantly greater tumor shrinkage (TS, median change -13.0 vs. 0%) and increased PFS (5.5 vs. 3.3 months) and a trend toward improved OR (31.2 vs. 19.5%) compared to patients with the complementary genotype. Furthermore, patients with KIR2DL2 and its ligand together with inhibitory KIR3DL1 and its ligand (HLA-Bw4) had improved OR (36.5 vs. 19.6%), greater TS (median change -16.1 vs. 0%), and a trend toward prolonged PFS (8.4 vs. 3.6 months) as compared to patients with the complementary genotype. FCγR polymorphisms did not influence OR/PFS/TS.These data show that clinical response to BEMPEG plus nivolumab treatment in the PIVOT-02 trial may be associated with the repertoire of KIR/KIR-ligands an individual inherits. Further investigation and validation of these results may enable KIR/KIR-ligand genotyping to be utilized prospectively for identifying patients likely to benefit from certain cancer immunotherapy regimens.
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Kim K, Song SH, Kim IJ, Jeon YK. Correction: Is dual-energy absorptiometry accurate in the assessment of bone status of patients with chronic kidney disease? Osteoporos Int 2023:10.1007/s00198-023-06834-3. [PMID: 37358609 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-023-06834-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
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Lee HJ, Im S, Jung D, Kim K, Chae JA, Lim J, Park JW, Shin D, Char K, Jeong BG, Park JS, Hwang E, Lee DC, Park YS, Song HJ, Chang JH, Bae WK. Coherent heteroepitaxial growth of I-III-VI 2 Ag(In,Ga)S 2 colloidal nanocrystals with near-unity quantum yield for use in luminescent solar concentrators. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3779. [PMID: 37355655 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39509-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Colloidal Ag(In,Ga)S2 nanocrystals (AIGS NCs) with the band gap tunability by their size and composition within visible range have garnered surging interest. High absorption cross-section and narrow emission linewidth of AIGS NCs make them ideally suited to address the challenges of Cd-free NCs in wide-ranging photonic applications. However, AIGS NCs have shown relatively underwhelming photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) to date, primarily because coherent heteroepitaxy has not been realized. Here, we report the heteroepitaxy for AIGS-AgGaS2 (AIGS-AGS) core-shell NCs bearing near-unity PL QYs in almost full visible range (460 to 620 nm) and enhanced photochemical stability. Key to the successful growth of AIGS-AGS NCs is the use of the Ag-S-Ga(OA)2 complex, which complements the reactivities among cations for both homogeneous AIGS cores in various compositions and uniform AGS shell growth. The heteroepitaxy between AIGS and AGS results in the Type I heterojunction that effectively confines charge carriers within the emissive core without optically active interfacial defects. AIGS-AGS NCs show higher extinction coefficient and narrower spectral linewidth compared to state-of-the-art heavy metal-free NCs, prompting their immediate use in practicable applications including displays and luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs).
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Kim K, Lee J. Adaptive Scheme of Denoising Autoencoder for Estimating Indoor Localization Based on RSSI Analytics in BLE Environment. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:5544. [PMID: 37420709 DOI: 10.3390/s23125544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
In indoor environments, estimating localization using a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is difficult because of the noise from signals reflected and refracted by walls and obstacles. In this study, we used a denoising autoencoder (DAE) to remove noise in the RSSI of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals to improve localization performance. In addition, it is known that the signal of an RSSI can be exponentially aggravated when the noise is increased proportionally to the square of the distance increment. Based on the problem, to effectively remove the noise by adapting this characteristic, we proposed adaptive noise generation schemes to train the DAE model to reflect the characteristics in which the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) considerably increases as the distance between the terminal and beacon increases. We compared the model's performance with that of Gaussian noise and other localization algorithms. The results showed an accuracy of 72.6%, a 10.2% improvement over the model with Gaussian noise. Furthermore, our model outperformed the Kalman filter in terms of denoising.
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Hoefges A, McIlwain SJ, Erbe AK, Mathers N, Xu A, Melby D, Tetreault K, Le T, Kim K, Pinapati RS, Garcia B, Patel J, Heck M, Feils AS, Tsarovsky N, Hank JA, Morris ZS, Ong IM, Sondel PM. Antibody landscape of C57BL/6 mice cured of B78 melanoma via immunotherapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.24.529012. [PMID: 36896021 PMCID: PMC9996675 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.24.529012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Hoefges et al. utilized a whole-proteome peptide array approach to show that C57BL/6 mice develop a large repertoire of antibodies against linear peptide sequences of their melanoma after receiving a curative immunotherapy regimen consisting of radiation and an immunocytokine. Antibodies can play an important role in innate and adaptive immune responses against cancer, and in preventing infectious disease. Flow cytometry analysis of sera of immune mice that were previously cured of their melanoma through a combined immunotherapy regimen with long-term memory showed strong antibody-binding against melanoma tumor cell lines. Using a high-density whole-proteome peptide array, we assessed potential protein-targets for antibodies found in immune sera. Sera from 6 of these cured mice were analyzed with this high-density, whole-proteome peptide array to determine specific antibody-binding sites and their linear peptide sequence. We identified thousands of peptides that were targeted by 2 or more of these 6 mice and exhibited strong antibody binding only by immune, not naive sera. Confirmatory studies were done to validate these results using 2 separate ELISA-based systems. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of the "immunome" of protein-based epitopes that are recognized by immune sera from mice cured of cancer via immunotherapy.
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Kim K. Prescription of Aceis and Arbs on an Individualized Basis for Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
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Kim E, Kim K, Park S, Youn J. Real-World Eligibility and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Empagliflozin in Patients with Heart Failure. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
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Aoki H, Kawataki M, Kim K, Saito T, Inagaki Y, Shimokaze T, Ishikawa H, Toyoshima K. Reopening of ductus arteriosus in idiopathic premature constriction or closure of ductus arteriosus: A case series. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2023; 16:75-80. [PMID: 36872790 DOI: 10.3233/npm-221013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no consensus on managing pregnancy when the fetus is diagnosed with idiopathic premature constriction or closure of the ductus arteriosus (PCDA). Knowing whether the ductus reopens is valuable information for managing idiopathic PCDA. We conducted a case-series study to investigate the natural perinatal course of idiopathic PCDA and examined factors associated with ductal reopening. METHODS We retrospectively collected information about the perinatal course and echocardiographic findings at our institution, which, on principle, does not determine delivery timing based on fetal echocardiographic results. We also examined perinatal factors related to the reopening of the ductus arteriosus. RESULTS Thirteen cases of idiopathic PCDA were included in the analysis. The ductus reopened in 38% of cases. Among cases diagnosed in < 37 weeks of gestation, 71% reopened, which was confirmed seven days after diagnosis (interquartile range 4-7). Diagnosis earlier in gestation was associated with ductal reopening (p = 0.006). Two cases (15%) developed persistent pulmonary hypertension. No fetal hydrops or death occurred. CONCLUSIONS The ductus is likely to reopen when prenatally diagnosed before 37 weeks gestation. There were no complications due to our pregnancy management policy. In idiopathic PCDA, especially if the prenatal diagnosis is made before 37 weeks of gestational age, continuing the pregnancy with careful monitoring of the fetus's well-being is recommended.
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Byun J, Kim Y, Seo J, Kim E, Kim K, Jo A, Lee W, Park B. Development and evaluation of photon-counting Cd 0.875Zn 0.125Te 0.98Se 0.02 detector for measuring bone mineral density. Phys Eng Sci Med 2023; 46:245-253. [PMID: 36592283 DOI: 10.1007/s13246-022-01213-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) has been actively researched and developed by researchers in various fields. In medical applications, especially photon-counting, CZT enables improved image quality, multi-material decomposition, and improved dose efficiency. Moreover, band gap engineering and selenium addition on CZT improved electrical, spectroscopic and structural properties, thereby supporting performance of CZT as a photon-counting detector. In this study, it is shown that Cd0.875Zn0.125Te0.98Se0.02 (CZTS) shows sufficient performance without loss of detection efficiency. We carried out a study involving the application of this CZTS on calculating bone mineral density (BMD) values, because this application has a novelty of new material for BMD sensor which follows the CdTe- or CdZnTe- based BMD detector. Anatomical images from different energy bins contained different information of attenuation although the images were taken in the same region at the same time. Moreover, calculated BMD values had a proper tendency depending on the amount of bone in that region. The final BMD value was 1.1972 g/cm2, which is close to the real value of 1.2 g/cm2. The introduction with a bone filter and a smaller pixel size will improve the accuracy and precision of photon-counting CZTS detectors for measuring BMD values. However, in this study the CZTS showed the feasibility that a photon-counting CZTS detector can help the measurement of BMD values and the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
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Patetta M, Kim K, Commander C, Bream P. Abstract No. 175 Weighted Tip Extensions Result in Fewer GJ Tube Migrations. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2022.12.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
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Lee J, Islam M, Yoo Y, Kim S, Kim R, Jang Y, Lee S, Hwang H, Shin H, Hwang J, Kim K, Park B, Ahn D, Lee Y, Kim T, Kim I, Yoon J, Tae H. Changes of antioxidant enzymes in the kidney after cardiac arrest in the rat model. Braz J Med Biol Res 2023; 56:e12408. [PMID: 36790289 PMCID: PMC9925192 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2023e12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, cardiac arrest (CA) is a leading cause of death and disability. Asphyxial CA (ACA)-induced kidney damage is a crucial factor in reducing the survival rate. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of antioxidant enzymes in histopathological renal damage in an ACA rat model at different time points. A total of 88 rats were divided into five groups and exposed to ACA except for the sham group. To evaluate glomerular function and oxidative stress, serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Crtn) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in renal tissues were measured. To determine histopathological damage, hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid-Schiff staining, and Masson's trichrome staining were performed. Expression levels of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD-2), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Survival rate of the experimental rats was reduced to 80% at 6 h, 55% at 12 h, 42.9% at 1 day, and 33% at 2 days after return of spontaneous circulation. Levels of BUN, Crtn, and MDA started to increase significantly in the early period of CA induction. Renal histopathological damage increased markedly from 6 h until two days post-CA. Additionally, expression levels of antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased at 6 h, 12 h, 1 day, and 2 days after CA. CA-induced oxidative stress and decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD-1, SOD-2, CAT, GPx) from 6 h to two days could be possible mediators of severe renal tissue damage and increased mortality rate.
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Min K, Piao XM, Kim SK, Park SH, Kang H, Kim W, Kim K, Park H, Yun S. Bifidobacterium species BB_003 enhances antitumor immunity in patients with NMIBC and improve recurrence-free survival. Eur Urol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(23)00656-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Hassan E, Kessel CE, Park JM, Elwasif WR, Whitfield RE, Kim K, Snyder PB, Batchelor DB, Bernholdt DE, Cianciosa MR, Green DL, Law KJH. Core-Pedestal Plasma Configurations in Advanced Tokamaks. FUSION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/15361055.2022.2145826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Hamid O, Lewis K, Weise A, McKean M, Papadopoulos K, Crown J, Thomas S, Kaczmar J, Lakhani N, Kim T, Kim K, Rabinowits G, Spira A, Mani J, Chen S, Gullo G. 150P Phase I study of fianlimab: A human lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) monoclonal antibody, in combination with cemiplimab in advanced melanoma (mel) - Subgroup analysis. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2022.100262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Ko H, Park Y, Kim J, Yang G, Byun H, Kim Y, Jung W, Park G, Lee H, Hong C, Kim K, Chang J. Axillary-Lateral Thoracic Vessel Juncture Radiotherapy Dose Constraints for Predicting Long-Term Lymphedema Risk in Patients with Breast Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.07.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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