Effect of collagen endometrial patch loaded with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on endometrial regeneration in rats with a thin endometrium

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a collagen endometrial patch (EM patch) loaded with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) on endometrial regeneration in a rat model with thin endometrium.

Materials and methods

Thin endometrium was induced in female rats and divided into treatment groups as outlined: control, group 1(G1), local injection of ADSCs into the uterus, group 2 (G2), an EM patch without ADSCs, group 3 (G3), and an EM patch loaded with ADSCs, group 4 (G4). The rats were euthanized at either two weeks or four weeks after modeling and treatment followed by histological and biochemical analyses to examine the regenerative effects on the injured endometrium.

Results

Transplantation of the ADSC-loaded EM patch significantly promoted endometrial proliferation and increased the luminal epithelial area. Two weeks after treatment, the mean number of von Villebrand factor (vWF)+ or cluster of differentiation (CD) 31+-stained blood vessels was significantly higher in G4 than in G1 and G2. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TGF-β and FGF2 were significantly upregulated in G4 compared to those in the control. G4 exhibited significantly increased LIF mRNA levels and immunoreactivity compared with the other groups at both two weeks and four weeks after treatment. Cell tracking after ADSCs treatment revealed the presence of a substantial number of ADSCs grafted in the uterine tissues of G4, whereas a low number of ADSCs that were focally clustered were present in G2.

Conclusion

Transplantation of EM patches loaded with ADSCs resulted in the histological and biochemical restoration of an injured endometrium. The strategic integration of EM patches and ADSCs holds significant promise as an innovative therapeutic approach for effectively treating impaired endometrial conditions.

Recellularized lymph node scaffolds with human adipose-derived stem cells enhance lymph node regeneration to improve lymphedema

To overcome the limitations of lymphedema treatment, human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) were injected into decellularized lymph nodes to produce a recellularized lymph node-scaffold, and the effect of lymphangiogenesis was investigated in lymphedema animal models. Axillary lymph nodes were harvested from Sprague Dawley rats (7 weeks old, 220-250 g) for decellularization. The decellularized lymph nodes were performed and PKH26-labeled hADSCs (1 × 10⁶/50 µL) were injected in the decellularized lymph node-scaffolds. Forty rats were equally divided into four groups: lymphedema as control group, hADSC group, decellularized lymph node-scaffold group, and recellularized lymph node-scaffold group. The lymphedema model was made by removing inguinal lymph nodes, and hADSCs or scaffolds were transplanted. Histopathological assessments were performed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. Lymphangiogenesis was evaluated by Immunofluorescence staining and western blot. Decellularized lymph nodes showed virtually complete absence of cellular material and maintenance of lymph node architecture. The hADSCs were significantly observed in recellularized lymph node-scaffolds group. The recellularized lymph node-scaffold group was histologically similar to normal lymph nodes. The vascular endothelial growth factor A and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1) in immunofluorescence staining were highly expressed in recellularized lymph node-scaffolds group. Also, the expression of LYVE-1 protein significantly increased in recellularized lymph node-scaffold group compared with others. Recellularized lymph node -scaffold had a much better therapeutic effect than stem cells or decellularized lymph node-scaffold alone, and induced stable lymphangiogenesis.

Effects of genomic estimated breeding value and dietary energy to protein ratio on growth performance, carcass trait, and lipogenic gene expression in Hanwoo steer

"Genome-based precision feeding" is a concept that involves the application of customised diets to different genetic groups of cattle. We investigated the effects of the genomic estimated breeding value (gEBV) and dietary energy to protein ratio (DEP) on growth performance, carcass traits, and lipogenic gene expression in Hanwoo (Korean cattle) steers. Forty-four Hanwoo steers (BW = 636 kg, age = 26.9 months) were genotyped using the Illumina Bovine 50 K BeadChip. The gEBV was calculated using genomic best linear unbiased prediction. Animals were separated into high gEBV of marbling score or low-gMS groups based on the upper and lower 50% groupings of the reference population, respectively. Animals were assigned to one of four groups in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: high gMS/high DEP (0.084 MJ/g), high gMS/low DEP (0.079 MJ/g), low gMS/high DEP, and low gMS/low DEP. Steers were fed concentrate with a high or low DEP for 31 weeks. The BW tended to be higher (0.05 < P < 0.1) in the high-gMS groups compared to the low-gMS groups at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 20 weeks. The average daily gain (ADG) tended to be lower (P = 0.08) in the high-gMS group than in the low-gMS group. Final BW and measured carcass weight (CW) were positively correlated with the gEBV of carcass weight (gCW). The DEP did not affect ADG. Neither the gMS nor the DEP affected the MS and beef quality grade. The intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the longissimus thoracis (LT) tended to be higher (P = 0.08) in the high-gMS groups than in the low-gMS groups. The mRNA levels of lipogenic acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid binding protein 4 genes in the LT were higher (P < 0.05) in the high-gMS group than in the low-gMS group. Overall, the IMF content tended to be affected by the gMS, and the genetic potential (i.e., gMS) was associated with the functional activity of lipogenic gene expression. The gCW was associated with the measured BW and CW. The results demonstrated that the gMS and the gCW may be used as early prediction indexes for meat quality and growth potential of beef cattle.

Prasugrel-based de-escalation vs. conventional therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention in ACS patients according to the renal function

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): A consortium of six companies in Korea (Daiichi Sankyo, Boston Scientific, Terumo, Biotronik, Qualitech Korea, and Dio).

Background

Patients with coronary artery disease and impaired renal function are at higher risk for both bleeding and ischemic adverse events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Purpose

We assessed the efficacy and safety of a prasugrel based de-escalation strategy in patients with impaired renal function.

Methods

We conducted a post-hoc analysis of the HOST-REDUCE-POLYTECH-ACS study. Patients with available estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (n=2,311) were categorized into three groups. (high eGFR: ≥90 mL/min; intermediate eGFR: ≥60 and &lt;90 mL/min; low eGFR: &lt;60 mL/min). The endpoints were bleeding outcomes (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 2, or higher), ischemic outcomes (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, repeat revascularization, and ischemic stroke), and net adverse clinical events (all cause death, BARC 2 or greater bleeding, MI, stent thrombosis, repeat revascularization, and ischemic stroke) at 1 year follow-up. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% Confidence interval (CI) were calculated from the multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Covariates that were considered clinically meaningful were included. The probability risk ratio was obtained by dividing ischemic hazard function from the bleeding hazard function.

Results

With respect to net adverse clinical events, prasugrel de-escalation was beneficial regardless of baseline renal function (p for interaction = 0.508). The relative reduction in bleeding risk from prasugrel de-escalation was higher in the low eGFR group compared with that from both the intermediate and high eGFR groups (relative reduction: 64% [HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15–0.83] vs. 50% [HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28-0.90] and 52% [HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.21-1.13] for low, intermediate, and high eGFR groups, p for interaction=0.646). Ischemic risk from prasgurel de-escalation was not significant in all eGFR groups ([HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.47-2.98], [HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.53-1.69], and [HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.26-1.39)], respectively, p for interaction=0.119). The probability risk ratio was highest in low eGFR group (1.06 vs. 1.26 vs. 1.36, for high, intermediate, and low eGFR groups, respectively, p for trend&lt;0.001), suggesting higher relative bleeding risk above ischemic risk. Within those randomized to the de-escalation strategy, the mean probability risk ratio was not significantly different according to renal function (0.89, vs. 0.84 vs. 0.80 respectively, p for trend = 0.053), which was in contrast to those randomized to the conventional strategy where the mean probability risk ratio increased significantly as renal function decreased (1.24 vs. 1.67 vs. 1.94 respectively, p for trend&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

The beneficial effect of prasugrel-based de-escalation strategy was consistent regardless of the baseline renal function, which was mostly driven by a reduction in bleeding risk which was greatest in those with low eGFR.

Nurses' Perspectives of the Patient Care Experience Assessment Items Using Importance-Performance Analysis

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the importance and performance of hospital nurses for patient experience evaluation items from the perspective of care providers and to identify the items that need improvement.

BACKGROUND

Patient experience includes customized treatment and services that focus on patient satisfaction and needs, with healthcare providers participating as partners.

METHODS

The study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey design, and data were collected on the importance and performance of 15 out of 24 patient experience evaluation items. The sample population consisted of 193 direct care nurses from two hospitals in South Korea.

RESULTS

The results showed the items with significant differences in importance and performance ("concentrate here" areas) such as "description of a drug" (t = 2.26, p = .025), "listening to patients" (t = 6.64, p < .001), "description of adverse drug reactions" (t = 10.19, p < .001), "clean hospital environment" (t = 2.95, p = .004), and "easy notification of complaints" (t = 8.37, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the importance of awareness and performance in patient-experience evaluation items from the nurses' perspective. While some items were recognized as important but not performing well, others were identified as important and performing well. Implications for Nursing Management As identified in this study, nursing managers should strive to develop nursing practice standards and educational programs for nurses to improve patient experiences. It is crucial that these changes are reflected in policies.

Deep learning-based reconstruction of virtual monoenergetic images of kVp-switching dual energy CT for evaluation of hypervascular liver lesions: Comparison with standard reconstruction technique

OBJECTIVE

To investigate clinical applicability of deep learning(DL)-based reconstruction of virtual monoenergetic images(VMIs) of arterial phase liver CT obtained by rapid kVp-switching dual-energy CT for evaluation of hypervascular liver lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively included 109 patients who had available late arterial phase liver CT images of the liver obtained with a rapid switching kVp DECT scanner for suspicious intra-abdominal malignancies. Two VMIs of 70 keV and 40 keV were reconstructed using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR-V) for arterial phase scans. VMIs at 40 keV were additionally reconstructed with a vendor-agnostic DL-based reconstruction technique (ClariCT.AI, ClariPi, DL 40 keV). Qualitative, quantitative image quality and subjective diagnostic acceptability were compared according to reconstruction techniques.

RESULTS

In qualitative analysis, DL 40 keV images showed less image noise (4.55 vs 3.11 vs 3.95, p < 0.001), better image sharpness (4.75 vs 4.16 vs 4.3, p < 0.001), better image contrast (4.98 vs 4.72 vs 4.19, p < 0.017), better lesion conspicuity (4.61 vs 4.23 vs 3.4, p < 0.001) and diagnostic acceptability (4.59 vs 3.88 vs 4.09, p < 0.001) compared with ASiR-V 40 keV or 70 keV image sets. In quantitative analysis, DL 40 keV significantly reduced image noise relative to ASiR-V 40 keV images (49.9%, p < 0.001) and ASiR-V 70 keV images (85.2%, p = 0.012). DL 40 keV images showed significantly higher CNR_{lesion to the liver} and SNR_liver than ASiR-V 40 keV image and 70 keV images (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

DL-based reconstruction of 40 keV images using vendor-agnostic software showed greater noise reduction, better lesion conspicuity, image contrast, image sharpness, and higher overall image diagnostic acceptability than ASiR for 40 keV or 70 keV images in patients with hypervascular liver lesions.

Current Status of Experimental Animal Skin Flap Models: Ischemic Preconditioning and Molecular Factors

Skin flaps are necessary in plastic and reconstructive surgery for the removal of skin cancer, wounds, and ulcers. A skin flap is a portion of skin with its own blood supply that is partially separated from its original position and moved from one place to another. The use of skin flaps is often accompanied by cell necrosis or apoptosis due to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), inhibitor of kappa B (IκB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and oxygen free radicals are known causative agents of cell necrosis and apoptosis. To prevent I/R injury, many investigators have suggested the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines, stem-cell therapies, and drug-based therapies. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a strategy used to prevent I/R injury. IPC is an experimental technique that uses short-term repetition of occlusion and reperfusion to adapt the area to the loss of blood supply. IPC can prevent I/R injury by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine activity. Various stem cell applications have been studied to facilitate flap survival and promote angiogenesis and vascularization in animal models. The possibility of constructing tissue engineered flaps has also been investigated. Although numerous animal studies have been published, clinical data with regard to IPC in flap reconstruction have never been reported. In this study, we present various experimental skin flap methods, IPC methods, and methods utilizing molecular factors associated with IPC.

Site-Selective Antibody-Drug Conjugation by a Proximity-Driven S to N Acyl Transfer Reaction on a Therapeutic Antibody

Immunoglobulin Gs (IgGs) contain many Lys and Cys residues, which results in an unwanted complex product mixture with conventional drug conjugation methods. We selectively acylated the ε-NH₂ of K248 on trastuzumab using an IgG Fc-binding peptide (FcBP) equipped with a 5-norbornene-2-carboxylic acid thioester (AbClick-1). AbClick-1 locates its thioester close to the ε-NH₂ of K248 while binding to trastuzumab. Consequently, the thioester underwent proximity-driven selective acylation of ε-NH₂ through an S to N acyl transfer reaction. Furthermore, N-tert-butyl maleimide accelerated the cross-linking reaction with an approximately 95% yield of the desired product by scavenging the byproduct (FcBP-SH). Only K248 was modified selectively with the 5-norbornene-2-carbonyl group, which was further modified by click reaction to afford an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with two drugs per antibody. The resulting ADCs showed remarkable in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity. Our results demonstrate that a thioester is a promising chemical entity for proximity-driven site-selective conjugation of antibodies.

Synergy through Integration of Wearable EEG and Virtual Reality for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia Screening

Virtual reality (VR) technologies have shown promising potential in the early diagnosis of dementia by enabling accessible and regular assessment. However, previous VR studies were restricted to the analysis of behavioral responses, so information about degenerated brain dynamics could not be directly acquired. To address this issue, we provide a cognitive impairment (CI) screening tool based on a wearable EEG device integrated into a VR platform. Subjects were asked to use a hardware setup consisting of a frontal six-channel EEG device mounted on a VR device and to perform four cognitive tasks in VR. Behavioral response profiles and EEG features were extracted during the tasks, and classifiers were trained on extracted features to differentiate subjects with CI from healthy controls (HCs). Notably, the performance of the patient classification consistently improved when EEG characteristics measured during cognitive tasks were additionally included in feature attributes than when only the task scores or resting-state EEG features were used, suggesting that our protocol provides discriminative information for screening. These results propose that the integration of EEG devices into a VR framework could emerge as a powerful and synergistic strategy for constructing an easily accessible EEG-based dementia screening tool.

A novel index reflecting both anatomical and physiologic parameters in coronary artery disease, the FFR adjusted SYNTAX score (FaSs)

Background

Various physiology-based indices have been proposed to predict adverse clinical events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), such as the sum of three vessel-fractional flow reserve (3v-FFR), and the functional SYNTAX score (fSS). However, these values could not fully reflect the anatomical factors, which remains as a barrier for clinical application of these indices.

Purpose

To propose a novel index which can reflect both anatomical and physiologic features in CAD patients, and evaluate the additional predictive value for cardiovascular adverse events compared to previous indices.

Methods

For an index which can reflect both anatomical and physiologic features, we proposed the FFR adjusted SYNTAX score (FaSs). The FaSs is calculated by adding the product of the SYNTAX score and `1-FFR', for all three major coronary arteries. Among the 1136 patients who enrolled at 3V FFR-FRIENDS study, we investigated 866 patients, after excluding those who had missing variables. The 3v-FFR, fSS and FaSs were calculated, derived from the baseline FFR and SYNTAX score. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median value of each index. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE, a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction and ischemia-driven revascularization) at 2 years follow-up.

Results

Among the total population, MACE occurred in 35 (4.04%) patients. Using the median value in a multivariable COX regression model, only FaSs was associated with an increased risk of MACE, (Hazard Ratio [HR] 5.256, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.014–13.720), while 3v-FFR (HR 1.383, 95% CI 0.685–2.790) and fSS (HR 1.640, 95% CI 0.830–3.243) were not significantly associated with a higher risk of MACE. This was also observed in the Kaplan Meier survival curve analysis (log-rank p value: p&lt;0.001 for FaSs, 0.153 for 3v-FFR, and 0.061 for fSS; Figure 1) The sensitivity and specificity of the FaSs was 85.7% and 51.6%, which was higher compared to the 3v-FFR (62.9% and 49.3%, respectively) and fSS (57.1% and 58.5%, respectively). When these indices were combined with clinical risk factors (age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, chronic renal failure, LVEF&lt;40%), FaSs was superior compared with 3v-FFR and fSS assessed in regards of the predictive accuracy for MACE (Figure 2).

Conclusion

The FaSs, which is a novel index calculated by a formula using the SYNTAX score and FFR, showed a superior predictive value for MACE compared to previous indices. Our results confirm the importance of considering both anatomical and physiologic parameters in evaluating the patient's risk for cardiovascular adverse outcomes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Overcome the barriers of the skin: exosome therapy

Exosomes are nano-sized cargos with a lipid bilayer structure carrying diverse biomolecules including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. These small vesicles are secreted by most types of cells to communicate with each other. Since exosomes circulate through bodily fluids, they can transfer information not only to local cells but also to remote cells. Therefore, exosomes are considered potential biomarkers for various treatments. Recently, studies have shown the efficacy of exosomes in skin defects such as aging, atopic dermatitis, and wounds. Also, exosomes are being studied to be used as ingredients in commercialized skin treatment products. In this review, we discussed the need for exosomes in skin therapy together with the current challenges. Moreover, the functional roles of exosomes in terms of skin treatment and regeneration are overviewed. Finally, we highlighted the major limitations and the future perspective in exosome engineering.

Diagnostic Performance of 2018 KLCA-NCC Practice Guideline for Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced MRI in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B or Cirrhosis: Comparison with LI-RADS Version 2018

Objective

To evaluate the performance of the 2018 Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center (KLCA-NCC) Practice Guidelines (hereafter, PG) for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, compared to the Liver Imaging-Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) version 2018 (hereafter, v2018).

Materials and Methods

From January 2013 to October 2015, treatment-naïve hepatic lesions (≥ 1 cm) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI in consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B or cirrhosis were retrospectively evaluated. For each lesion, three radiologists independently analyzed the imaging features and classified the lesions into categories according to the 2018 KLCA-NCC PG and LI-RADS v2018. The imaging features and categories were determined by consensus. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to compare the per-lesion diagnostic performance of the 2018 KLCA-NCC PG and LI-RADS v2018 using the consensus data.

Results

In total, 422 lesions (234 HCCs, 45 non-HCC malignancies, and 143 benign lesions) from 387 patients (79% male; mean age, 59 years) were included. In all lesions, the definite HCC (2018 KLCA-NCC PG) had a higher sensitivity and lower specificity than LR-5 (LI-RADS v2018) (87.2% [204/234] vs. 80.8% [189/234], p < 0.001; 86.2% [162/188] vs. 91.0% [171/188], p = 0.002). However, in lesions of size ≥ 2 cm, the definite HCC had a higher sensitivity than the LR-5 (86.8% [164/189] vs. 82.0 (155/189), p = 0.002) without a reduction in the specificity (80.0% [48/60] vs. 83.3% [50/60], p = 0.15). In all lesions, the sensitivity and specificity of the definite/probable HCC (2018 KLCA-NCC PG) and LR-5/4 did not differ significantly (89.7% [210/234] vs. 91.5% [214/234], p = 0.204; 83.5% [157/188] vs. 79.3% [149/188], p = 0.071).

Conclusion

For the diagnosis of HCC of size ≥ 2 cm, the definite HCC (2018 KLCA-NCC PG) had a higher sensitivity than LR-5, without a reduction in specificity. The definite/probable HCC (2018 KLCA-NCC PG) had a similar sensitivity and specificity to that those of the LR-5/4.

Sulfamoylbenzamide-based Capsid Assembly Modulators for Selective Inhibition of Hepatitis B Viral Replication

As the spread of infections caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) threatens public health worldwide, investigations from multiple perspectives and of various mechanisms of action are urgently required to increase the HBV cure rate. Targeting the encapsidation of the nuclear capsid protein (core protein, HBc) has emerged as an attractive strategy for inhibiting the viral assembly process; however, a drug targeting this mechanism has not yet been approved. We synthesized novel sulfamoylbenzamides (SBAs) as capsid assembly modulators of HBV and found that the effects and safety profiles of compounds 3 and 8 have potential therapeutic applicability against HBV. The formation of tubular particles was time-dependent in the presence of 3, indicating a new mode of protein assembly by SBA compounds. Our findings provide a new entity for developing safe and efficient treatments for HBV infection.

Polyphyllin D Shows Anticancer Effect through a Selective Inhibition of Src Homology Region 2-Containing Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-2 (SHP2)

Natural products have continued to offer tremendous opportunities for drug development, as they have long been used in traditional medicinal systems. SHP2 has served as an anticancer target. To identify novel SHP2 inhibitors with potential anticancer activity, we screened a library containing 658 natural products. Polyphyllin D was found to selectively inhibit SHP2 over SHP1, whereas two other identified compounds (echinocystic acid and oleanolic acid) demonstrated dual SHP1 and SHP2 inhibition. In a cell-based assay, polyphyllin D exhibited cytotoxicity in Jurkat cells, an acute lymphoma leukemia cell line, whereas the other two compounds were ineffective. Polyphyllin D also decreased the level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), a proliferation marker in Jurkat cells. Furthermore, knockdown of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)N6 (SHP1) or PTPN11 (SHP2) decreased p-ERK levels. However, concurrent knockdown of PTPN6 and PTPN11 in Jurkat cells recovered p-ERK levels. These results demonstrated that polyphyllin D has potential anticancer activity, which can be attributed to its selective inhibition of SHP2 over SHP1.

Photoconjugation of an Fc-Specific Peptide Enables Efficient DAR 2 Antibody-Drug Conjugate Formation

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in current clinical usage have been constructed via the nonspecific conjugation of drugs to antibodies, rendering the manufacturing processes difficult. In this study, a high-affinity IgG Fc-binding peptide equipped with a photoreactive amino acid was developed and successfully conjugated to Glu-382 of trastuzumab in a site-specific manner. The resulting conjugate was employed to generate a DAR 2 ADC product using click chemistry.

Role of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound as a Second-Line Diagnostic Modality in Noninvasive Diagnostic Algorithms for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and its role as a second-line imaging modality after gadoxetate-enhanced MRI (Gd-EOB-MRI) in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among at risk observations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively enrolled participants at risk of HCC with treatment-naïve solid hepatic observations (≥ 1 cm) of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LR)-3/4/5/M during surveillance and performed Gd-EOB-MRI. A total of one hundred and three participants with 103 hepatic observations (mean size, 28.2 ± 24.5 mm; HCCs [n = 79], non-HCC malignancies [n = 15], benign [n = 9]; diagnosed by pathology [n = 57], or noninvasive method [n = 46]) were included in this study. The participants underwent CEUS with sulfur hexafluoride. Arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) and washout on Gd-EOB-MRI and CEUS were evaluated. The distinctive washout in CEUS was defined as mild washout 60 seconds after contrast injection. The diagnostic ability of Gd-EOB-MRI and of CEUS as a second-line modality for HCC were determined according to the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and the Korean Liver Cancer Association and National Cancer Center (KLCA-NCC) guidelines. The diagnostic abilities of both imaging modalities were compared using the McNemar's test.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of CEUS (60.8%) was lower than that of Gd-EOB-MRI (72.2%, p = 0.06 by EASL; 86.1%, p < 0.01 by KLCA-NCC); however, the specificity was 100%. By performing CEUS on the inconclusive observations in Gd-EOB-MRI, HCCs without APHE (n = 10) or washout (n = 12) on Gd-EOB-MRI further presented APHE (80.0%, 8/10) or distinctive washout (66.7%, 8/12) on CEUS, and more HCCs were diagnosed than with Gd-EOB-MRI alone (sensitivity: 72.2% vs. 83.5% by EASL, p < 0.01; 86.1% vs. 91.1% by KCLA-NCC, p = 0.04). There were no false-positive cases for HCC on CEUS.

CONCLUSION

The addition of CEUS to Gd-EOB-MRI as a second-line diagnostic modality increases the frequency of HCC diagnosis without changing the specificities.

LI-RADS M (LR-M) criteria and reporting algorithm of v2018: diagnostic values in the assessment of primary liver cancers on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI

PURPOSE

To evaluate diagnostic values of the liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) M (LR-M) category based on novel explicit criteria that accept both targetoid and nontargetoid LR-M features and the suggested reporting algorithm of LI-RADS v2018 to assess primary liver cancers (PLCs) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (Gd-EOB-MRI).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 165 patients at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with pathologically confirmed PLCs (HCC, n = 113; intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [iCCA], n = 23; and combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma [cHCC-CCA], n = 29). Two radiologists independently analyzed Gd-EOB-MRI features and determined LI-RADS category for each tumor and categorized the likely etiology either as HCC or non-HCC malignancy if LR-M was assigned. Diagnostic performances for HCC or those for malignancy were compared according to imaging criteria.

RESULTS

LR-M was assigned in 95.7%/91.3% of iCCAs; 55.2%/58.6% of cHCC-CCAs; and 21.2%/17.7% of HCCs in reviewers 1/2. Combination of LR-5 plus LR-M resulted in sensitivity of 95.2%/97.6% to diagnose PLCs as malignant, which were significantly higher than that of LR-5 plus "LR-M with ≥ 1 targetoid appearances" (84.8%/91.5%, Ps < 0.01). In comparison to LR-5, LR-5 plus "LR-M of HCC as likely etiology" resulted in significant increase in sensitivity (73.5%/79.6% versus 87.6%/92.9%, Ps < 0.001) but significant decrease in specificity (76.9%/75.0% versus 57.7%/50.0%, P = 0.002 and < 0.001) in the diagnosis of HCC.

CONCLUSION

The LR-M criteria v2018 are useful to differentiate non-HCC malignancies from HCCs and to accurately diagnose PLCs as a malignancy. Reporting the likely etiology in LR-M may facilitate a more sensitive detection of HCC, but along with a considerable decrease in specificity.

Therapeutic Effects against Tissue Necrosis of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Combined with Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Random-Pattern Skin Flap Rat Models

INTRODUCTION

Remote ischemic preconditioning (rIPC) is a preventive strategy against ischemia-reperfusion injury. To reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury of random-pattern skin flaps, we investigated the therapeutic effects of rIPC combined with human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) in a rat model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In total, 24 female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 6 each): control (skin flap only), rIPC, hADSCs, and rIPC + hADSCs. rIPC was performed in the hind limb of the rats over three cycles of 5 min of occlusion and 5 min of reperfusion, using a tourniquet. A rectangular (3 × 9 cm) dorsal skin flap was used. hADSCs (5 × 10⁵ cells/100 µL) labeled with fluorescent dye were transplanted into the normal subcutaneous tissue at the skin flap boundary. After 14 days, the therapeutic effects of rIPC and hADSCs were evaluated via analysis of the necrotic flap area, histopathologic assessment, and immunohistochemistry (von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and CD31).

RESULTS

The necrotic area of the skin flap significantly decreased in the rIPC + hADSCs group (32.75 ± 1.43%) compared with the control (40.60 ± 3.27%, P < 0.01) and rIPC groups (38.84 ± 0.77%, P < 0.05). Dye-labeled hADSCs migrated to the skin flap from the injection site. In the rIPC + hADSCs group, the epithelial tissue and skin appendage had regenerated, and the smooth muscle and subcutaneous fat layers were preserved. Many more vWF- and CD31-positive vessels were observed in the rIPC + hADSCs group compared with the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The rIPC + hADSCs treatment appeared to reduce skin flap necrosis and activated neovascularization in rats. Therefore, it may be a good strategy for clinical treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Microvascular Flow Imaging of Residual or Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Transarterial Chemoembolization: Comparison with Color/Power Doppler Imaging

Objective

To determine the feasibility of microvascular flow imaging (MVFI) in comparison with color/power Doppler imaging (CDI/PDI) for detection of intratumoral vascularity in suspected post-transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) residual or recurrent hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) by using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) or hepatic angiography (HA) findings as the reference standard.

Materials and Methods

One hundred HCCs (mean size, 2.2 cm) in 100 patients treated with TACE were included in this prospective study. CDI, PDI, and MVFI were performed in tandem for evaluating intratumoral vascularity of the lesions by using an RS85 ultrasound scanner (Samsung Medison Co., Ltd.). Intratumoral vascularity in each technique was assessed by two radiologists in consensus by using a 5-point scale. Then, one of the two radiologists and another radiologist performed additional image review in the reverse order (MVFI-PDI-CDI) for evaluation of intra- and interobserver agreements. Results were then compared with those of either HA or CEUS as the reference. The McNemar test, logistic regression analysis, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used.

Results

CEUS or HA revealed intratumoral vascularity in 87% (87/100) of the tumors. Sensitivity (79.3%, 69/87) and accuracy (80.0%, 80/100) of MVFI were significantly higher than those of CDI (sensitivity, 27.6% [24/87]; accuracy, 37.0% [37/100]) or PDI (sensitivity, 36.8% [32/87]; accuracy, 44.0% [44/100]) (all p < 0.05). CDI, PDI, and MVFI presented excellent intraobserver (ICCs > 0.9) and good interobserver agreements (ICCs > 0.6).

Conclusion

MVFI demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy than did CDI and PDI for the detection of intratumoral vascularity in suspected residual or recurrent HCCs after TACE.

Effects of 1% Lidocaine Instillation on Overactive Bladder Induced by Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Rats

PURPOSE

Lidocaine is a common local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic drug that acts via the local anesthetic effect of blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in peripheral neurons. To evaluate lidocaine as a therapeutic agent, we investigated optimal concentrations and effects of intravesical lidocaine instillation in a bladder outlet obstruction (BOO)-induced rat model of overactive bladder (OAB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine the therapeutic dosage of lidocaine, 16 female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (mean weight = 200 ± 20 g) were divided into four treatment groups: those receiving saline, 0.5% lidocaine, 1% lidocaine, and 2% lidocaine (n = 4 per group). Twenty-four additional SD rats were divided into two groups to investigate the effect of 1% lidocaine treatment in rats with BOO and normal rats (n = 12 per group). Cystometry was performed by infusing physiological saline and lidocaine into the bladder at a slow infusion rate (0.04 mL/min). Cystometric parameters were analyzed using PowerLab®. The expression of c-Fos, a protein expressed by C-fibers in the spinal cord (L6), was investigated via western blotting.

RESULTS

Among the test lidocaine doses, only 1% lidocaine increased the intercontraction interval (ICI) (control mean = 500.56 ± 24.4 s; treatment mean = 641.0 ± 49.3 s; p < .01) without changes in threshold pressure and basal pressure. In the BOO-induced OAB group, the ICI increased significantly after instillation of 1% lidocaine (control mean = 135.8 ± 12.87 s; OAB-group mean = 274.2 ± 33.21 s; p < .01). Detrusor overactivity and non-voiding contraction were observed in the control group but not in rats with BOO after lidocaine instillation. The expression of c-Fos in C-fibers in the spinal cord (L6) decreased significantly after 1% lidocaine treatment in rats with BOO.

CONCLUSION

Intravesical instillation of 1% lidocaine improves cystometric parameters without deterioration of contractility by blocking excessive C-fiber activity in the rat model of BOO-induced OAB. Therefore, instillation of 1% lidocaine has minimal effects on normal nerves while blocking nerves that contribute to OAB. Our findings suggest that intravesical instillation of 1% lidocaine is a useful treatment for OAB.

Diagnosis and Surveillance of Incidental Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: 2017 Consensus Recommendations of the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology

The occurrence of incidentally detected pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) is continuously increasing. Radiologic examinations including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography have been widely used as the main diagnostic and surveillance methods for patients with incidental PCLs. Although most incidentally detected PCLs are considered benign, they have the potential to become malignant. Currently, we have several guidelines for the management of incidental PCLs. However, there is still debate over proper management, in terms of accurate diagnosis, optimal follow-up interval, and imaging tools. Because imaging studies play a crucial role in the management of incidental PCLs, the 2017 consensus recommendations of the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology for the diagnosis and surveillance of incidental PCLs approved 11 out of 16 recommendations. Although several challenges remain in terms of optimization and standardization, these consensus recommendations might serve as useful tools to provide a more standardized approach and to optimize care of patients with incidental PCLs.

High Acceleration Three-Dimensional T1-Weighted Dual Echo Dixon Hepatobiliary Phase Imaging Using Compressed Sensing-Sensitivity Encoding: Comparison of Image Quality and Solid Lesion Detectability with the Standard T1-Weighted Sequence

Objective

To compare a high acceleration three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) sequence using the combined compressed sensing (CS)-sensitivity encoding (SENSE) method with a conventional 3D GRE sequence using SENSE, with respect to image quality and detectability of solid focal liver lesions (FLLs) in the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) of gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI.

Materials and Methods

A total of 217 patients with gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI at 3T (54 in the preliminary study and 163 in the main study) were retrospectively included. In the main study, HBP imaging was done twice using the standard mDixon-3D-GRE technique with SENSE (acceleration factor [AF]: 2.8, standard mDixon-GRE) and the high acceleration mDixon-3D GRE technique using the combined CS-SENSE technique (CS-SENSE mDixon-GRE). Two abdominal radiologists assessed the two MRI data sets for image quality in consensus. Three other abdominal radiologists independently assessed the diagnostic performance of each data set and its ability to detect solid FLLs in 117 patients with 193 solid nodules and compared them using jackknife alternative free-response receiver operating characteristics (JAFROC).

Results

There was no significant difference in the overall image quality. CS-SENSE mDixon-GRE showed higher image noise, but lesser motion artifact levels compared with the standard mDixon-GRE (all p < 0.05). In terms of lesion detection, reader-averaged figures-of-merit estimated with JAFROC was 0.918 for standard mDixon-GRE, and 0.953 for CS-SENSE mDixon-GRE (p = 0.142). The non-inferiority of CS-SENSE mDixon-GRE over standard mDixon-GRE was confirmed (difference: 0.064 [−0.012, 0.081]).

Conclusion

The CS-SENSE mDixon-GRE HBP sequence provided comparable overall image quality and non-inferior solid FFL detectability compared with the standard mDixon-GRE sequence, with reduced acquisition time.

Identification of Vaccinia-H1 Related Phosphatase as an Anticancer Target for 1,2,3,4,6-O-Pentagalloylglucose

Protein tyrosine phosphatases are involved in diverse human diseases, including cancer, diabetes and inflammatory disorders. Loss of Vaccinia-H1 related phosphatase (VHR) has been shown to arrest at the G1-S and G2-M transitions of the cell cycle, and to increases cell death of prostate cancer cells through JNK activation, suggesting that VHR can be considered as an anticancer target. In this study, 658 natural products were screened through in vitro enzyme assay to identify VHR inhibitor. Among the VHR-inhibitory compounds, 1,2,3,4,6-O-pentagalloylglucose (PGG) was selected for further study as it has been reported to show antitumor effects against tumor model mice, but its direct target has not been identified. PGG inhibited the catalytic activity of VHR (K_i =53 nm) in vitro. Furthermore, the incubation of HeLa cervical cancer cells with PGG dramatically decreased cell viability and markedly increased the protein levels of the cleaved PARP, a hallmark of apoptosis. In addition, treatment of HeLa cells with PGG significantly reduced the protein levels of cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and STAT3 phosphorylation. Taken together, these results suggest that PGG could be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of cervical cancer through VHR inhibition.

Stretchable ECM Patch Enhances Stem Cell Delivery for Post-MI Cardiovascular Repair

Current cell-based therapies administered after myocardial infarction (MI) show limited efficacy due to subpar cell retention in a dynamically beating heart. In particular, cardiac patches generally provide a cursory level of cell attachment due to the lack of an adequate microenvironment. From this perspective, decellularized cell-derived ECM (CDM) is attractive in its recapitulation of a natural biophysical environment for cells. Unfortunately, its weak physical property renders it difficult to retain in its original form, limiting its full potential. Here, a novel strategy to peel CDM off from its underlying substrate is proposed. By physically stamping it onto a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, the resulting stretchable extracellular matrix (ECM) membrane preserves the natural microenvironment of CDM, thereby conferring a biological interface to a viscoelastic membrane. Its various mechanical and biological properties are characterized and its capacity to improve cardiomyocyte functionality is demonstrated. Finally, evidence of enhanced stem cell delivery using the stretchable ECM membrane is presented, which leads to improved cardiac remodeling in a rat MI model. A new class of material based on natural CDM is envisioned for the enhanced delivery of cells and growth factors that have a known affinity with ECM.

Correction: Monitoring metal-amyloid-β complexation by a FRET-based probe: design, detection, and inhibitor screening

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/C8SC04943B.].

Identification of chebulinic acid as a dual targeting inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatases relevant to insulin resistance

Natural products as antidiabetic agents have been shown to stimulate insulin signaling via the inhibition of the protein tyrosine phosphatases relevant to insulin resistance. Previously, we have identified PTPN9 and DUSP9 as potential antidiabetic targets and a multi-targeting natural product thereof. In this study, knockdown of PTPN11 increased AMPK phosphorylation in differentiated C2C12 muscle cells by 3.8 fold, indicating that PTPN11 could be an antidiabetic target. Screening of a library of 658 natural products against PTPN9, DUSP9, or PTPN11 identified chebulinic acid (CA) as a strong allosteric inhibitor with a slow cooperative binding to PTPN9 (IC₅₀ = 34 nM) and PTPN11 (IC₅₀ = 37 nM), suggesting that it would be a potential antidiabetic candidate. Furthermore, CA stimulated glucose uptake and resulted in increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. Taken together, we demonstrated that CA increased glucose uptake as a dual inhibitor of PTPN9 and PTPN11 through activation of the AMPK signaling pathway. These results strongly suggest that CA could be used as a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Monitoring metal-amyloid-β complexation by a FRET-based probe: design, detection, and inhibitor screening

A FRET-based method was developed for monitoring metal–amyloid-β complexation and identifying inhibitors against such interaction.

Aggregation of amyloidogenic peptides could cause the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. These amyloidogenic peptides can coordinate to metal ions, including Zn(ii), which can subsequently affect the peptides' aggregation and toxicity, leading to neurodegeneration. Unfortunately, the detection of metal–amyloidogenic peptide complexation has been very challenging. Herein, we report the development and utilization of a probe (A-1) capable of monitoring metal–amyloid-β (Aβ) complexation based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Our probe, A-1, is composed of Aβ_1–21 grafted with a pair of FRET donor and acceptor capable of providing a FRET signal upon Zn(ii) binding even at nanomolar concentrations. The FRET intensity of A-1 increases upon Zn(ii) binding and decreases when Zn(ii)-bound A-1 aggregates. Moreover, as the FRET intensity of Zn(ii)-added A-1 is drastically changed when their interaction is disrupted, A-1 can be used for screening a chemical library to determine effective inhibitors against metal–Aβ interaction. Eight natural products (out of 145 compounds; >80% inhibition) were identified as such inhibitors in vitro, and six of them could reduce Zn(ii)–Aβ-induced toxicity in living cells, suggesting structural moieties useful for inhibitor design. Overall, we demonstrate the design of a FRET-based probe for investigating metal–amyloidogenic peptide complexation as well as the feasibility of screening inhibitors against metal-bound amyloidogenic peptides, providing effective and efficient methods for understanding their pathology and finding therapeutic candidates against neurodegenerative disorders.

Therapeutic effects of a mesenchymal stem cell‑based insulin‑like growth factor‑1/enhanced green fluorescent protein dual gene sorting system in a myocardial infarction rat model

The present study was conducted in order to improve gene expression efficiency of insulin‑like growth factor‑1 (IGF‑1)‑transfected mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using a non‑viral carrier and a simplified method of dual gene selection. The therapeutic efficacy of this MSC‑based IGF‑1/enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) dual gene sorting system was evaluated in a rat myocardial infarction (MI) model. IGF‑1 and EGFP genes were expressed in MSCs in vitro. The purity of dual gene‑expressing MSCs was 95.1% by fluorescence‑activated cell sorting. Transfected MSCs injected into rats were identified based on green fluorescence, with an increased signal intensity observed in rats injected with sorted cells, compared with unsorted cells. IGF‑1 expression levels were additionally increased in the sorted group, and decreases in infarct size, fibrotic area and fraction of apoptotic cells were observed. These results demonstrated that IGF‑1 overexpression protects against fibrosis and apoptosis in the myocardium and reduces infarct size following MI. Additionally, the present vector sorting system may potentially be applied to other types of stem cell‑based gene therapy.

Ginkgolic acid as a dual-targeting inhibitor for protein tyrosine phosphatases relevant to insulin resistance

Several protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) that disrupt the insulin-signaling pathway were investigated by siRNAs to identify potential antidiabetic targets. Individual knockdown of PTPN9 and DUSP9 in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes increased AMPK phosphorylation, respectively, and furthermore, concurrent knockdown of both PTPN9 and DUSP9 synergistically increased AMPK phosphorylation. Next, 658 natural products were screened to identify dual inhibitors of both PTPN9 and DUSP9. Based on the selectivity and inhibition potency of the compounds, ginkgolic acid (GA) was selected for further study as a potential antidiabetic drug candidate. GA inhibited the enzymatic activity of PTPN9 (K_i = 53 µM) and DUSP9 (K_i = 2.5 µM) in vitro and resulted in a significant increase of glucose-uptake in differentiated C2C12 muscle cells and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, GA increased phosphorylation of AMPK in 3T3L1 adipocytes. In this study, GA as a dual targeting inhibitor of PTPN9 and DUSP9 increased glucose uptake in 3T3L1 and C2C12 cells by activating the AMPK signaling pathway. These results strongly suggest GA could be used as a therapeutic candidate for type 2 diabetes.

TRIENNIAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM: Molecular mechanisms related to bovine intramuscular fat deposition in the longissimus muscle

The intramuscular fat (IMF) content of the LM, also known as marbling, is particularly important in determining the price of beef in Korea, Japan, and the United States. Deposition of IMF is influenced by both genetic (e.g., breed, gender, and genotype) and nongenetic factors (e.g., castration, nutrition, stressors, animal weight, and age). Castration of bulls markedly increases deposition of IMF, resulting in improved beef quality. Here, we present a comparative gene expression approach between bulls and steers. Transcriptomic and proteomic studies have demonstrated that the combined effects of increases in lipogenesis, fatty acid uptake, and fatty acid esterification and decreased lipolysis are associated with increased IMF deposition in the LM. Several peripheral tissues (LM, adipose tissues, and the liver) are involved in lipid metabolism. Therefore, understanding the significance of the tissue network in lipid metabolism is important. Here, we demonstrate that lipid metabolism in LM tissues is crucial for IMF deposition, whereas lipid metabolism in the liver plays only a minor role. Metabolism of body fat and IMF deposition in bovine species has similarities with these processes in metabolic diseases, such as obesity in humans and rodents. Extensive studies on metabolic diseases using epigenome modification (DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA), microbial metagenomics, and metabolomics have been performed in humans and rodents, and new findings have been reported using these technologies. The importance of applying "omics" fields (epigenomics, metagenomics, and metabolomics) to the study of IMF deposition in cattle is described. New information on the molecular mechanisms of IMF deposition may be used to design nutritional or genetic methods to manipulate IMF deposition and to modify fatty acid composition in beef cattle. Applying nutrigenomics could maximize the expression of genetic potential of economically important traits (e.g., marbling) in animals.

Xanthohumol inhibits cellular proliferation in a breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB231) through an intrinsic mitochondrial-dependent pathway

AIMS

Xanthohumol isolated from hops has been reported to exhibit anticancer effects in diverse human cancers. However, its effect on breast cancer has not yet been clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of xanthohumol on breast cancer cell proliferation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After treatment with 5 μM, 10 μM, and 20 μM xanthohumol for 48 h, cells from the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 were studied using colony assay, flow cytometry, and western blotting.

RESULTS

The survival rate of the MDA-MB231 cells treated with 10 μM and 20 μM xanthohumol for 48 h decreased significantly by 64.7 ± 1.8% and 40.1 ± 1.8%, respectively. The numbers of SubG0/G1 cells in the group treated with 10 μM and 20 μM xanthohumol increased significantly to 11.3 ± 0.2 and 18.4 ± 0.1, respectively. A ladder pattern of DNA fragmentation was also observed. Xanthohumol increased the expression of Bax in the mitochondria, which correspondingly decreased in the cytoplasm. The activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9 was shown to increase significantly in the treated groups but not in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Xanthohumol inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells through a mitochondria- and caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. This result suggests that xanthohumol might serve as a novel therapeutic drug for breast cancer.

Mitochondria-Targeting Chromogenic and Fluorescence Turn-On Probe for the Selective Detection of Cysteine by Caged Oxazolidinoindocyanine

We report a chromogenic and fluorescence turn-on probe based on crotonoyl ester-functionalized oxazolidinoindole for the selective detection of cysteine in neutral buffer. The probe rapidly formed indocyanophenolate through the Michael addition and a subsequent cyclization reaction of cysteine, inducing both a dramatic bathochromic shift (>130 nm) and a large fluorescence turn-on response (F/F0 12) in the UV-vis and fluorescence spectra and affording a micromolar limit of detection (LOD = 5.0 μM) of cysteine in HEPES buffer. When cysteine was added, the probe exhibited a dual optical change with strong green fluorescence and dramatic red color by the oxazolidinoindole-to-hydroxyethylindolium transformation. Further cellular application of the probe was successfully performed for the mitochondrial imaging of HeLa cells.

ULTRASOUND SPECTROSCOPY

We introduce the concept of "Ultrasound Spectroscopy". The premise of ultrasound spectroscopy is that by acquiring ultrasound RF data at multiple power and frequency settings, a rich set of features can be extracted from that RF data and used to characterize the underlying tissues. This is beneficial for a variety of problems, such as accurate tissue classification, application-specific image generation, and numerous other quantitative tasks. These capabilities are particularly relevant to point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) applications, where operator experience with ultrasound may be limited. Instead of displaying B-mode images, a POCUS application using ultrasound spectroscopy can, for example, automatically detect internal abdominal bleeding. In this paper, we present ex vivo tissue phantom studies to demonstrate the accuracy of ultrasound spectroscopy over previous approaches. Our studies suggest that ultrasound spectroscopy provides exceptional accuracy and informative features for classifying blood versus other tissues across image locations and body habitus.

Effects of Ambient Temperature on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Immune Cell Populations in Korean Cattle Steers

Exposure to cold may affect growth performance in accordance with the metabolic and immunological activities of animals. We evaluated whether ambient temperature affects growth performance, blood metabolites, and immune cell populations in Korean cattle. Eighteen Korean cattle steers with a mean age of 10 months and a mean weight of 277 kg were used. All steers were fed a growing stage-concentrate diet at a rate of 1.5% of body weight and Timothy hay ad libitum for 8 weeks. Experimental period 1 (P1) was for four weeks from March 7 to April 3 and period 2 (P2) was four weeks from April 4 to May 1. Mean (8.7°C) and minimum (1.0°C) indoor ambient temperatures during P1 were lower (p<0.001) than those (13.0°C and 6.2°C, respectively) during P2. Daily dry matter feed intake in both the concentrate diet and forage groups was higher (p<0.001) during P2 than P1. Average daily weight gain was higher (p<0.001) during P2 (1.38 kg/d) than P1 (1.13 kg/d). Feed efficiency during P2 was higher (p = 0.015) than P1. Blood was collected three times; on March 7, April 4, and May 2. Nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were higher on March 7 than April 4 and May 2. Blood cortisol, glucose, and triglyceride concentrations did not differ among months. Blood CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+CD25+ T cell percentages were higher, while CD8+CD25+ T cell percentage was lower, during the colder month of March than during May, suggesting that ambient temperature affects blood T cell populations. In conclusion, colder ambient temperature decreased growth and feed efficiency in Korean cattle steers. The higher circulating NEFA concentrations observed in March compared to April suggest that lipolysis may occur at colder ambient temperatures to generate heat and maintain body temperature, resulting in lower feed efficiency in March.

The Reliability of Histoculture Drug Response Assay (HDRA) in Chemosensitivity Tests for Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

Cancers are highly individual in their response to chemotherapy, however attempts to predict tumor response to drugs using in vitro cell culture have largely failed. A new technology, the histoculture drug response assay (HDRA), appears to have solved many previous problems. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability of HDRA in a chemosensitivity test for breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tumor specimens from breast cancer patients were evaluated by HDRA using different chemotherapeutic agents. Each specimen was tested using a blind method in order to determine the reproducibility of HDRA results for the same tissue and with a triplicated assay in order to determine reproducibility by different examiners. The evaluative power of this assay and the chemosensitivity of drugs for each specimen was determined.

RESULTS

Specimens of 92.9% (65/70) were successfully cultured and evaluated for chemosensitivity. The reproducibility of HDRA for the same tissue was 75% (100% agreement) and 100% (over 70% agreement), respectively. And the reproducibility by different examiners was 78.9% (100% agreement) and 94.7% (over 70% agreement), respectively. Each specimen demonstrated a response to at least one agent.

CONCLUSION

The evaluative power and reproducibility of HDRA were high, therefore it might serve as a reliable clinical method for chemosensitivity testing. However, there is a need for clinical trial in which patients are initially randomized for treatment either by HDRA direction or by clinician's choice.

Long-term control of diabetes in immunosuppressed nonhuman primates (NHP) by the transplantation of adult porcine islets

Pig islets are an alternative source for islet transplantation to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D), but reproducible curative potential in the pig-to-nonhuman primate (NHP) model has not been demonstrated. Here, we report that pig islet grafts survived and maintained normoglycemia for >6 months in four of five consecutive immunosuppressed NHPs. Pig islets were isolated from designated pathogen-free (DPF) miniature pigs and infused intraportally into streptozotocin-induced diabetic rhesus monkeys under pretreatment with cobra venom factor (CVF), anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) induction and maintenance with anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody and low-dose sirolimus. Ex vivo expanded autologous regulatory T cells were adoptively transferred in three recipients. Blood glucose levels were promptly normalized in all five monkeys and normoglycemia (90-110 mg/dL) was maintained for >6 months in four cases, the longest currently up to 603 days. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests during the follow-up period showed excellent glucose disposal capacity and porcine C-peptide responses. Adoptive transfer of autologous regulatory T cells was likely to be associated with more stable and durable normoglycemia. Importantly, the recipients showed no serious adverse effects. Taken together, our results confirm the clinical feasibility of pig islet transplantation to treat T1D patients without the need for excessive immunosuppressive therapy.