Comparison of in-shoe plantar pressure between Korean combat boots and running shoes

INTRODUCTION

Combat boots are special shoes designed for soldiers to wear during activities in rough terrain, such as long marches or military training. Combat boots have been known to cause high plantar pressure and increase the injury rate of the lower extremities. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the difference in in-shoe plantar pressure between Korean combat boots and running shoes. We hypothesised that the newest Korean combat boots would have comparable plantar pressure distribution with running shoes.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited 30 asymptomatic male participants, who are candidates for military services, from the local area. Two types of shoes (the newly developed Korean combat boots and running shoes) were examined. Pedobarographic measurements were collected using the pedar-X in-shoe pressure measurement system. Peak pressure (PP), pressure time integral (PTI), contact area and contact time were analysed.

RESULTS

Both PP and PTI at the region of central and lateral forefeet (FF) were significantly higher in combat boots. The contact area of combat boots was significantly lower at the region of the hallux, second-fifth toes, medial FF, central FF and midfoot. Contact time at the region of central FF and medial heel was significantly higher in combat boots.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the plantar pressure distribution of combat boots can be helpful for developing combat boots and preventing injury. Based on the results of our study, the next-generation Korean combat boots should be developed to increase contact area and distribute impulse under the head of the metatarsal bone.

Cell-free supernatant of Lactococcus lactis IDCC 2301 exerts anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-induced macrophages via NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of cell-free supernatant of Lactococcus lactis IDCC 2301 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Expression of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were qualitatively analysed. The expression of signal transductors in inflammatory cascades was quantified by western blot. Treatment with cell-free supernatant of L. lactis IDCC 2301 significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukins including IL-1β and IL-6. The levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) were also remarkably reduced in LPS-induced macrophages after the treatment. Furthermore, L. lactis IDCC 2301 reduced the levels of both dephosphorylated and phosphorylated forms of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), IκB-α, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), c-Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNK), and p38 in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Therefore, L. lactis IDCC 2301 shows anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways.

Detection of novel drug-adverse drug reaction signals in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: analysis of Korean real-world biologics registry data

This study aimed to detect signals of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and targeted therapies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. Utilizing the KOrean College of Rheumatology BIOlogics & Targeted Therapy Registry (KOBIO) data, we calculated relative risks, excluded previously reported drug-ADR pairs, and externally validated remaining pairs using US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and single centre's electronic health records (EHR) data. Analyzing data from 2279 RA and 1940 AS patients, we identified 35 significant drug-ADR pairs in RA and 26 in AS, previously unreported in drug labels. Among the novel drug-ADR pairs from KOBIO, 15 were also significant in the FAERS data. Additionally, 2 significant drug-laboratory abnormality pairs were found in RA using CDM MetaLAB analysis. Our findings contribute to the identification of 14 novel drug-ADR signals, expanding our understanding of potential adverse effects related to biological DMARDs and targeted therapies in RA and AS. These results emphasize the importance of ongoing pharmacovigilance for patient safety and optimal therapeutic interventions.

A step-by-step guide to ileoanal J-pouch MRI interpretation

BACKGROUND

Multidisciplinary management of patients with an ileoanal pouch requires dedicated imaging to identify structural problems of the pouch associated with dysfunction. The purpose of this study is to provide a framework for interpretation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the ileoanal pouch to enable surgeons and radiologists to work cohesively, optimise diagnosis and ultimately improve patient care.

METHODS

We propose a protocol for structured MRI assessment of the ileal pouch, aiming to provide surgeons a systematic report of the anatomy, its variations and pouch complications. This guide consists of studying the characteristics of the bowel, mesentery and anal canal.

RESULTS

The presented checklist is designed to systematically interpret and identify abnormalities of the ileoanal pouch on MRI. It focuses on the characteristics of the bowel (encompassing pre-pouch ileum, pouch and rectal cuff), mesentery and anal canal. The different elements of the checklist are presented in the associated supplementary video.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of clinical assessment, endoscopic evaluations and imaging is fundamental to achieving accurate diagnosis of ileoanal pouch surgery complications and pouch dysfunction.

Search for Boosted Dark Matter in COSINE-100

We search for energetic electron recoil signals induced by boosted dark matter (BDM) from the galactic center using the COSINE-100 array of NaI(Tl) crystal detectors at the Yangyang Underground Laboratory. The signal would be an excess of events with energies above 4 MeV over the well-understood background. Because no excess of events are observed in a 97.7  kg·yr exposure, we set limits on BDM interactions under a variety of hypotheses. Notably, we explored the dark photon parameter space, leading to competitive limits compared to direct dark photon search experiments, particularly for dark photon masses below 4 MeV and considering the invisible decay mode. Furthermore, by comparing our results with a previous BDM search conducted by the Super-Kamionkande experiment, we found that the COSINE-100 detector has advantages in searching for low-mass dark matter. This analysis demonstrates the potential of the COSINE-100 detector to search for MeV electron recoil signals produced by the dark sector particle interactions.

National prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy during the initial phase pandemic

OBJECTIVE

Although previous studies have explored the causes of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic, there is a lack of generality and reproducibility in these studies. Therefore, we aimed to comprehensively identify the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy through a representative nationwide cross-sectional study conducted in South Korea.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We used a nationwide, representative, and large-scale dataset from the 2021 Community Health Survey. By analyzing 193,495 participants, we investigated the nationwide incidence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the various causes thereof.

RESULTS

The national prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 5.7% (95% CI, 5.5-5.8). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was associated with an increased incidence of the following factors: (1) demographic factors including early-middle adulthood [vs. late; odds ratio (OR), 1.51; 95% CI, 1.38-1.65] and male sex (vs. female sex; OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14); (2) physically healthy subjects; (3) lower socio-economic status (vs. high household income; OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.19-1.38); (4) having mental illness (vs. normal mental status; OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.13-1.38); and (5) unhealthy habits such as current smoking (vs. non-smoking; OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.13-1.31); and insufficient physical activity (vs. sufficient; OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17). Common reasons for vaccine hesitancy were concerns about side effects (41.34%), health problems (24.60%), and inability to select the type of vaccine (14.13%).

CONCLUSIONS

This representative large-scale nationwide study conducted in South Korea investigated the nationwide prevalence and determinants of vaccine hesitancy. Our results provide useful public health information, especially on novel aspects of vaccination strategies, for policymakers to improve the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of Clostridioides difficile infection in the intensive care unit: a KASID multi-centre study

BACKGROUND

Despite the growing clinical and economic burden of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), data on CDI in the intensive care unit (ICU) in the Asia-Pacific region are lacking.

METHODS

This retrospective study analysed 191 patients who were treated with CDI in the ICUs of three hospitals in South Korea from January 2017 to May 2021. Backward-stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing the treatment response and mortality.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients (30.4%) were considered immunocompromised. The mean Charlson comorbidity index was 5.65 ± 2.39 (10-year survival rate: 21%), the APACHE II score was 20.86 ± 7.78 (mortality rate: 40%), the ATLAS score was 5.45 ± 1.59 (cure rate: 75%), and the SOFA score was 7.97 ± 4.03 (mortality rate: 21.5%). Fifty-eight (30.4%) of the CDI cases were severe and 40 (20.9%) were fulminant. Oral vancomycin or oral metronidazole was the most frequently first-line treatments (N = 57; 32.6%). The 10-day response rate was 59.7% and the eight-week overall mortality rate was 41.4%. Fulminant CDI (OR 0.230; 95% CI 0.085-0.623) and each one-unit increment in the SOFA score (OR 0.848; 95% CI 0.759-0.947) were associated with treatment failure. High APACHE II (OR 0.355; 95% CI 0.143-0.880) and SOFA (OR 0.164; 95% CI 0.061-0.441) scores were associated with higher mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

High-risk patients in the ICU had a higher mortality rate and a lower cure rate of CDI. Further research is required to provide more accurate prediction scoring systems and better clinical outcomes.

Synthesis of Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles using Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) root extract for chemo-photothermal anticancer therapy

Green synthesis strategies have been widely applied for the preparation of versatile nanomaterials. Gold nanospheres with an average size of 6.95 ± 2.25 nm were green synthesized by using a 70% ethanol extract of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) root as a reducing agent. A seed-mediated synthesis was conducted to prepare Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles using gold nanospheres as seeds. Remarkably, Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles with an average size of 80.4 ± 11.9 nm were synthesized. Scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and elemental mappings revealed bimetallic nanoparticles with Au-Ag alloy core and Au-rich shells. A face-centered cubic structure of Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. For Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles, the ratio of Ag/Au was 0.20 which was detected and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Gold nanospheres and Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles were functionalized by PEGylation, folic acid conjugation and grafting onto graphene oxide. Finally, docetaxel was loaded for evaluating the in vitro cell viability on cancer cells. Successful functionalization was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectra. The anticancer activity of the docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles was higher than that of their non-docetaxel-loaded counterparts. The highest anticancer activity on human gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS) was observed in the docetaxel-loaded gold nanospheres that were functionalized by PEGylation, folic acid conjugation and grafting onto graphene oxide. Additionally, grafting onto graphene oxide and docetaxel loading induced high intracellular reactive oxygen species generation. For chemo-photothermal (PTT) anticancer therapy, cell viability was investigated using near-infrared laser irradiation at 808 nm. The highest chemo-PTT anticancer activity on AGS cells was observed in the docetaxel-loaded Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles. Therefore, the newly prepared docetaxel-loaded Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles in the current report have potential applications in chemo-PTT anticancer therapy.

Steady-state memory-phenotype conventional CD4+ T cells exacerbate autoimmune neuroinflammation in a bystander manner via the Bhlhe40/GM-CSF axis

Memory-phenotype (MP) CD4⁺ T cells are a substantial population of conventional T cells that exist in steady-state mice, yet their immunological roles in autoimmune disease remain unclear. In this work, we unveil a unique phenotype of MP CD4⁺ T cells determined by analyzing single-cell transcriptomic data and T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires. We found that steady-state MP CD4⁺ T cells in the spleen were composed of heterogeneous effector subpopulations and existed regardless of germ and food antigen exposure. Distinct subpopulations of MP CD4⁺ T cells were specifically activated by IL-1 family cytokines and STAT activators, revealing that the cells exerted TCR-independent bystander effector functions similar to innate lymphoid cells. In particular, CCR6^high subpopulation of MP CD4⁺ T cells were major responders to IL-23 and IL-1β without MOG_35-55 antigen reactivity, which gave them pathogenic Th17 characteristics and allowed them to contribute to autoimmune encephalomyelitis. We identified that Bhlhe40 in CCR6^high MP CD4⁺ T cells as a key regulator of GM-CSF expression through IL-23 and IL-1β signaling, contributing to central nervous system (CNS) pathology in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Collectively, our findings reveal the clearly distinct effector-like heterogeneity of MP CD4⁺ T cells in the steady state and indicate that CCR6^high MP CD4⁺ T cells exacerbate autoimmune neuroinflammation via the Bhlhe40/GM-CSF axis in a bystander manner.

Potential applications of PEGylated green gold nanoparticles in cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis

We investigated the effect of green tea extract PEGylated gold nanoparticles (P-AuNPs) making use of its targeted and sustained drug delivery against cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis. AuNPs were synthesized by reduction reaction of gold salts with green tea extract following the concept of green synthesis. Mostly spherical-shaped P-AuNPs were synthesized with an average size of 14.3 ± 3.3 nm. Pre-treatment with P-AuNPs (1, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) before CYP (150 mg/kg, i.p.) challenge suggested its uroprotective properties. P-AuNPs significantly reversed all pain-like behaviours and toxicities produced by CYP resulting in a decreased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, C-reactive protein, and creatinine level. P-AuNPs increased anti-oxidant system by increasing the level of reduced glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase and superoxide dismutase, and reduced nitric oxide production in bladder tissue. Additionally, it attenuated hypokalaemia and hyponatremia, along with a decrease in Evans blue content in bladder tissue and peritoneal cavity. CYP-induced bladder tissue damage observed by macroscopic and histological findings were remarkably attenuated by P-AuNPs, along with reduced fibrosis of collagen fibre in bladder smooth muscles shown by Masson's trichrome staining. Additionally, alterations in hematological parameters and clinical scoring were also prevented by P-AuNPs suggesting its uroprotective effect.

Stent expansion evaluated by optical coherence tomography and subsequent outcomes

Background

Regarding stent expansion indexes, previous optical coherence tomography (OCT) studies have shown minimal stent area (MSA) to be most predictive of adverse events.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the impact of various stent expansion indexes by post-stent OCT on long-term clinical outcomes, and hence to find OCT-defined optimal stent expansion criteria.

Methods

Of the patients registered in the Yonsei OCT registry, a total of 1071 patients with 1123 native coronary artery lesions treated with new-generation drug-eluting stents under the OCT guidance and analyzable final post-stent OCT were included. Stent expansion indexes and different suboptimal stent expansion criteria were evaluated for their association with device-oriented clinical endpoints (DoCE) including cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction (TVMI) or stent thrombosis, and target lesion revascularization. Major safety events (MSE) included cardiac death, TVMI or stent thrombosis.

Results

The median follow-up period was 40.6 (interquartile range 22.0–50.0) months. As a continuous variable, MSA, adaptive volumetric stent expansion (stent volume/adaptive reference lumen volume) and overall volumetric stent expansion (stent volume/post-stent lumen volume) were significantly predictive of DoCE. As a categorical criteria, MSA <5.0 mm2 (hazard ratio [HR] 3.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53–9.45), MSA/distal reference lumen area <90% (HR 2.13; 95% CI 1.10–4.14), and overall volumetric stent expansion ≥96.6% (HR 2.38; 95% CI 1.09–5.22) were independently associated with DoCE after adjusting for confounders, and a total malapposition volume ≥7.0 mm3 (HR 3.38; 95% CI 1.05–10.93) was linked to MSE.

Conclusions

This OCT study highlights that sufficient stent expansion to achieve adequate absolute MSA and relative MSA by distal reference lumen area and alleviate significant malapposition is important to improve clinical outcome, but overall stent overexpansion may have deleterious effect.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Enhanced nitrate reductase activity offers Arabidopsis ecotype Landsberg erecta better salt stress resistance than Col-0

The nitrogen utilization efficiency of plants varies depending on the plant species. In modern agriculture, nitrogen fertilizer is used to increase crop production, with the amount of fertilizer addition increasing steadily worldwide. This study included the two most used ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana, Landsberg erecta (Ler) and Col-0, which were used to identify differences at the molecular level. We found that the efficiency of nitrogen utilization and salt stress resistance differed between these two ecotypes of the same species. We demonstrated distinct salt stress resistance between Ler and Col-0 depending on the differences in nitrate level, which was explained by different regulation of the NIA2 gene expression in these two ecotypes. Our results demonstrate that the genes and promoters regulate expression of these genes and contribute to trait differences. Further studies are required on genes and promoter elements for an improved understanding of the salinity stress resistance mechanism in plants.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

Selective Expansion of Tregs Using the IL-2 Cytokine Antibody Complex Does Not Reverse Established Alopecia Areata in C3H/HeJ Mice

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease mediated by NKG2D-expressing cytotoxic T lymphocytes destroying hair follicles in the skin. It is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, but there is no effective treatment modality approved by the FDA. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial for suppressing autoreactive T cells, and in the skin, they promote hair growth by inducing anagen. Based on this, we tested the therapeutic potential of expanded Tregs in AA using the C3H/HeJ mouse model. In mice with AA, NKG2D-expressing CD8 T cells widely infiltrate both haired and hairless skin areas, which have tissue-resident memory T-cell phenotypes. Tregs in the skin express CD25, CTLA-4, GATA-3, and Jagged1 and efficiently proliferate with IL-2 cytokine antibody complex. However, expanding Tregs in the skin did not induce anagen in normal mice, indicating that they are necessary but not sufficient for anagen induction. Also, they fail to suppress autoreactive CD8 T cells in the skin to reverse established AA in C3H/HeJ mice. These results suggest that Treg expansion alone is not sufficient for AA treatment, and combined immunotherapy is required.

Folic Acid and Chitosan-Functionalized Gold Nanorods and Triangular Silver Nanoplates for the Delivery of Anticancer Agents

Background

Advances in the field of nanotechnology have shed light on the applications of nanoparticles for cancer treatment.

Methods

Folic acid and chitosan-functionalized gold nanorods (FACS-R) and triangular silver nanoplates (FACS-T) were synthesized and their properties were elucidated by UV-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution X-ray diffraction.

Results

The average size of the FACS-R was determined to be a transverse length of 13.1 ± 1.8 nm and a longitudinal length of 47.2 ± 8.9 nm with an aspect ratio of 3.6. The average size of FACS-T was measured to be 31.8 ± 7.7 nm. Colloidal solutions of FACS-R and FACS-T were stable on the shelf at ambient temperature for 14 days in the dark. Anticancer agents were encapsulated in FACS-R and FACS-T. FACS-T showed a higher encapsulation efficiency with docetaxel, paclitaxel and diallyl disulfide than FACS-R. The cell viability on human gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS), human epithelial cervix adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29) after treatment with anticancer agent-encapsulated FACS-R and FACS-T was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Interestingly, paclitaxel-encapsulated FACS-R and FACS-T showed the highest percentages of early and late apoptosis on HeLa cells. A cell cycle analysis demonstrated increased G2/M arrest on HeLa cells with docetaxel and paclitaxel-encapsulated FACS-R and FACS-T. The FACS-T induced more G2/M arrest on HeLa cells than the FACS-R. To assess applications in near-infrared photothermal therapy (PTT), the cell viability on HeLa cells with the anticancer agent-encapsulated FACS-R and FACS-T was assessed in the presence or absence of 808 nm laser irradiation. The results showed that 808 nm laser irradiation significantly decreased cell viability.

Conclusion

Collectively, the triangular silver nanoplates were more effective than the gold nanorods for PTT. We believe that as-prepared nanoparticles have remarkable features and will become promising future nanomedicine.

Resolving the Mutually Exclusive Immune Responses of Chitosan with Nanomechanics and Immunological Assays

Multifaceted functions displayed by both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties of chitosan hinder its effective development as an immunomodulatory agent. Herein, the contributions of the bending stiffness of chitosan with regard to its immune regulatory properties toward inflammation are investigated. The anti-inflammatory properties of chitosan molecular weight (MW) with a shorter (≈1 kDa) or longer (≈15 kDa) than the persistent length (L_P ) are compared using immunological assays and nanomechanics-based experiments on the surface forces apparatus (SFA). Interestingly, 1 kDa chitosan significantly enhances the generation of anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells (Tregs) through the Dectin-1-dependent pattern recognition receptor (PRR) on antigen-presenting cells. SFA analyses also show a similar trend of interaction forces between chitosan and diverse PRRs depending on their MW. The results obtained in the immunological and nanomechanical experiments are consistent and imply that the binding features of PRRs vary depending on the MW of chitosan, which may alter immune activity. In accordance, in vivo administration of only 1 kDa represses inflammatory responses and suppresses the progression of experimental colitis. This study elucidates a previously unexplored bending stiffness-dependent immune regulatory property of chitosan and suggests the applicability of low MW (rod-like) chitosan as a pharmaceutical ingredient to treat diverse inflammatory disorders.

Postnatal regulation of B-1a cell development and survival by the CIC-PER2-BHLHE41 axis

B-1 cell development mainly occurs via fetal and neonatal hematopoiesis and is suppressed in adult bone marrow hematopoiesis. However, little is known about the factors inhibiting B-1 cell development at the adult stage. We report that capicua (CIC) suppresses postnatal B-1a cell development and survival. CIC levels are high in B-1a cells and gradually increase in transitional B-1a (TrB-1a) cells with age. B-cell-specific Cic-null mice exhibit expansion of the B-1a cell population and a gradual increase in TrB-1a cell frequency with age but attenuated B-2 cell development. CIC deficiency enhances B cell receptor (BCR) signaling in transitional B cells and B-1a cell viability. Mechanistically, CIC-deficiency-mediated Per2 derepression upregulates Bhlhe41 levels by inhibiting CRY-mediated transcriptional repression for Bhlhe41, consequently promoting B-1a cell formation in Cic-null mice. Taken together, CIC is a key transcription factor that limits the B-1a cell population at the adult stage and balances B-1 versus B-2 cell formation.

Mechanical parts picking through geometric properties determination using deep learning

In this study, a system for automatically picking mechanical parts required in the industrial automation field was proposed. In particular, using deep learning, bolts and nuts were recognized and geometric information of these parts was extracted. By applying YOLOv3 specialized in high recognition rate and fast processing speed, the recognition of target object, location, and postural information were obtained. The geometric information for the bolt can be obtained by creating two bounding boxes and calculating the orientation vector formed by these center values of two bounding boxes after successfully detecting two individual bounding boxes. Moreover, to obtain more precise geometric information on bolts and nuts, image distortion compensation on the detected object was done after detecting the center value of the bolt and nut through YOLOv3. Based on this result, it was proven that an automatic picking of the mechanical parts using a five-axis robot was successfully implemented.

High Estimated 24-Hour Urinary Sodium Excretion Is Related to Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVES

High salt intake results in various harmful effects on human health including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and reduced bone density. Despite this, there are very few studies in the literature that have investigated the association between sodium intake and osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, we aimed to explore these associations in a Korean population.

METHODS

This study used cross-sectional data from adult subjects aged 50-75 years from two consecutive periods of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V-VII (2010-2011 and 2014-2016). The estimated 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (24HUNa) was used as a surrogate marker of salt intake. In the 2010-2011 dataset, knee OA (KOA) was defined as the presence of the radiographic features of OA and knee pain. The association between KOA and salt intake was analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods. For the sensitivity analysis, the same procedures were conducted on subjects with self-reported OA (SR-OA) with knee pain in the 2010-2011 dataset and any site SR-OA in the 2014-2016 dataset.

RESULTS

Subjects with KOA had significantly lower energy intake, but higher 24HUNa than those without KOA. The restricted cubic spline plots demonstrated a J-shaped distribution between 24HUNa and prevalent KOA. When 24HUNa was stratified into five groups (<2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5 and ≥5 g/day), subjects with high sodium intake (≥5 g/day) had a higher risk of KOA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-2.62) compared to the reference group (3-4 g/day) after adjusting for covariates. The sensitivity analysis based on SR-OA with knee pain showed that high sodium intake was also significantly associated with increased prevalence of OA (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.10-3.10) compared with the reference group. Regarding SR-OA at any site in the 2014-2016 dataset, estimated 24HUNa showed a significantly positive association with the presence of SR-OA after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

This nationwide Korean representative study showed a significant association between symptomatic KOA and high sodium intake (≥5 g/day). Avoidance of a diet high in salt might be beneficial as a non-pharmacologic therapy for OA.

Commensal Microbiome Expands Tγδ17 Cells in the Lung and Promotes Particulate Matter-Induced Acute Neutrophilia

Particulate matter (PM) induces neutrophilic inflammation and deteriorates the prognosis of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and infections, including COVID-19. Here, we addressed the role of γδ T cells and intestinal microbiome in PM-induced acute neutrophilia. γδ T cells are a heterogeneous population composed of Tγδ1, Tγδ2, Tγδ17, and naïve γδ T cells (TγδN) and commensal bacteria promote local expansion of Tγδ17 cells, particularly in the lung and gut without affecting their Vγ repertoire. Tγδ17 cells are more tissue resident than Tγδ1 cells, while TγδN cells are circulating cells. IL-1R expression in Tγδ17 cells is highest in the lung and they outnumber all the other type 17 cells such as Th17, ILC3, NKT17, and MAIT17 cells. Upon PM exposure, IL-1β-secreting neutrophils and IL-17-producing Tγδ17 cells attract each other around the airways. Accordingly, PM-induced neutrophilia was significantly relieved in γδ T- or IL-17-deficient and germ-free mice. Collectively, these findings show that the commensal microbiome promotes PM-induced neutrophilia in the lung via Tγδ17 cells.

Diallyl disulphide-loaded spherical gold nanoparticles and acorn-like silver nanoparticles synthesised using onion extract: catalytic activity and cytotoxicity

Onion (Allium cepa) extract was used for the green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles. Each colloidal solution exhibited surface plasmon resonance, with a peak at 532 nm for gold nanoparticles and 391 nm for silver nanoparticles. Microscopic results confirmed the presence of spherical shapes. The X-ray diffraction pattern demonstrated a face-centered cubic structure. Both nanoparticles had negative zeta potentials and retained colloidal stability in cell culture medium. Catalytic applications were evaluated for 4-nitrophenol reduction and methyl orange degradation reactions by monitoring with UV-visible spectrophotometry. Furthermore, the nanoparticles demonstrated no significant cytotoxicity against human pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma cells (PANC-1) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29). PEGylation and diallyl disulphide loading of the gold and silver nanoparticles meaningfully reduced the cell viability of both cell lines. Furthermore, diallyl disulphide loading resulted in more cytotoxicity against PANC-1 cells than against HT-29 cells. Additionally, the gold nanoparticles were more cytotoxic than the silver nanoparticles upon diallyl disulphide loading. Interestingly, after PEGylation and diallyl disulphide loading, the silver nanoparticles exhibited acorn-like shapes, while the gold nanoparticles retained spherical shapes. This result suggested that nanoparticles green-synthesised by onion extract have possibilities as nanocatalysts and drug delivery nanocarriers for catalytic and nanomedicine applications.