Evaluation of sterols as markers of fungal spoilage in red pepper powder

Red pepper powder (RPP) made from ground dried red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is prone to adulteration with fungal-spoiled RPP to gain unfair profits in Korea. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fungal infection on the ergosterol and phytosterol content of RPP and evaluate the potential of the sterol content as a marker for identifying fungal-spoiled RPP. Ergosterol was detected only in fungal-spoiled RPP and not in unspoiled RPP [ Collapse

Key Words

• Adulteration
• Alternaria alternata
• Colletotrichum acutatum
• Ergosterol
• Fungal spoilage
• Phytosterols

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Affiliation(s)

Eunji Choi Department of Food and Nutrition, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, South Korea.
Hyang Sook Chun Department of Food Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, South Korea.
Joong-Hyuck Auh Department of Food Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, South Korea.
Sangdoo Ahn Department of Chemistry, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, South Korea.
Byung Hee Kim Department of Food and Nutrition, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, South Korea.

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Geographical discrimination of Asian red pepper powders using 1H NMR spectroscopy and deep learning-based convolution neural networks

This study investigated an innovative approach to discriminate the geographical origins of Asian red pepper powders by analyzing one-dimensional 1H NMR spectra through a deep learning-based convolution neural network (CNN). 1H NMR spectra were collected from 300 samples originating from China, Korea, and Vietnam and used as input data. Principal component analysis - linear discriminant analysis and support vector machine models were employed for comparison. Bayesian optimization was used for hyperparameter optimization, and cross-validation was performed to prevent overfitting. As a result, all three models discriminated the origins of the test samples with over 95 % accuracy. Specifically, the CNN models achieved a 100 % accuracy rate. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping analysis verified that the CNN models recognized the origins of the samples based on variations in metabolite distributions. This research demonstrated the potential of deep learning-based classification of 1H NMR spectra as an accurate and reliable approach for determining the geographical origins of various foods.

A colorimetric and fluorescent signaling probe for assaying Pd2+ in practical samples

We developed an optical signaling probe to detect Pd2+ ions in Pd-containing catalyst and drug candidate. The Pd2+ signaling probe (Res-DT) was readily prepared by reacting the versatile fluorochrome resorufin with phenyl chlorodithioformate. In a phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH 7.4) containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a signal-boosting surfactant, Res-DT exhibited a pronounced colorimetric response with a chromogenic yellow to magenta shift, leading to a substantial increase in the fluorescence intensity. The Pd2+ signaling performance of Res-DT was attributed to the Pd2+-promoted hydrolysis of the dithioate moiety. The probe displayed high selectivity toward Pd2+ ions and remained unaffected by commonly encountered coexisting components. Moreover, the detection limit of Res-DT for Pd2+ ions was 10 nM, and the signaling was achieved within 7 min. Furthermore, to demonstrate the real-world applicability of Res-DT, a Pd2+ assay was performed in Pd-containing catalyst and drug candidate using an office scanner as an easily accessible measurement device. Our results highlight the prospects of Res-DT as a tool to detect Pd2+ ions in various practical samples, with potential applications in catalysis, medicine, and environmental science.

Low-Loss Pogo Pin Probe Card with a Coupling Isolation Structure up to 50 GHz

A design for a millimeter wave RF probe card that removes resonance is proposed. The designed probe card optimizes the position of the ground surface and the signal pogo pins to resolve the resonance and signal loss issues that occur when connecting a dielectric socket and a PCB. At millimeter wave frequencies, the height of the dielectric socket and pogo pin matches the length of half a wavelength, allowing the socket to act as a resonator. When the leakage signal from the PCB line is coupled to the 2.9 mm high socket with pogo pins, resonance at a frequency of 28 GHz is generated. The probe card uses the ground plane as a shielding structure to minimize this resonance and radiation loss. The importance of the signal pin location is verified via measurements in order to address the discontinuity caused by field polarity switching. A probe card fabricated using the proposed technique exhibits an insertion loss performance of -8 dB up to 50 GHz and eliminates resonance. A signal with an insertion loss of -3.1 dB can be transmitted to a system-on-chip in a practical chip test.

First Observation of the β3αp Decay of ^{13}O via β-Delayed Charged-Particle Spectroscopy

The β-delayed proton decay of ^{13}O has previously been studied, but the direct observation of β-delayed 3αp decay has not been reported. Rare 3αp events from the decay of excited states in ^{13}N^{⋆} provide a sensitive probe of cluster configurations in ^{13}N. To measure the low-energy products following β-delayed 3αp decay, the Texas Active Target (TexAT) time projection chamber was employed using the one-at-a-time β-delayed charged-particle spectroscopy technique at the Cyclotron Institute, Texas A&M University. A total of 1.9×10^{5} ^{13}O implantations were made inside the TexAT time projection chamber. A total of 149 3αp events were observed, yielding a β-delayed 3αp branching ratio of 0.078(6)%. Four previously unknown α-decaying excited states were observed in ^{13}N at 11.3, 12.4, 13.1, and 13.7 MeV decaying via the 3α+p channel.

First Direct Measurement Constraining the ^{34}Ar(α,p)^{37}K Reaction Cross Section for Mixed Hydrogen and Helium Burning in Accreting Neutron Stars

The rate of the final step in the astrophysical αp process, the ^{34}Ar(α,p)^{37}K reaction, suffers from large uncertainties due to a lack of experimental data, despite having a considerable impact on the observable light curves of x-ray bursts and the composition of the ashes of hydrogen and helium burning on accreting neutron stars. We present the first direct measurement constraining the ^{34}Ar(α,p)^{37}K reaction cross section, using the Jet Experiments in Nuclear Structure and Astrophysics gas jet target. The combined cross section for the ^{34}Ar,Cl(α,p)^{37}K,Ar reaction is found to agree well with Hauser-Feshbach predictions. The ^{34}Ar(α,2p)^{36}Ar cross section, which can be exclusively attributed to the ^{34}Ar beam component, also agrees to within the typical uncertainties quoted for statistical models. This indicates the applicability of the statistical model for predicting astrophysical (α,p) reaction rates in this part of the αp process, in contrast to earlier findings from indirect reaction studies indicating orders-of-magnitude discrepancies. This removes a significant uncertainty in models of hydrogen and helium burning on accreting neutron stars.

P11.40.A Clinicopathological Analysis of High risk Pituitary Adenomas According to the 2017 WHO Classification System for Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors (PitNET)

Background

The 2017 WHO classification of pituitary tumors has revealed “high-risk pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs)”, which were known to have high probability for recurrence. Tumor invasion was not included in the pathological grading and classification due to frequent lack of proper pathologic assessment. However, it mentioned tumor invasion as an important prognostic feature in identifying clinically aggressive adenomas.

Material and Methods

We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected dataset from January 2018 to March 2021. Patient’s clinical presentation, radiologic features, pathologic findings, and clinical outcome were gathered. Inter-group analysis was performed for high-risk versus low-risk tumors, and invasive versus non-invasive tumors.

Results

Among total 116 cases of PitNETs, high-risk and low-risk tumors were identified in 32 and 84 cases, respectively. The inter-group comparison showed no differences in clinical presentation, radiologic features, pathologic findings, and clinical outcomes.Invasive and non-invasive tumors were identified in 49 and 67 cases, respectively. The invasive group tumors were more symptomatic ( 29 (59.2%) vs. 30 (44.8%), p= 0.031), with larger tumor size over 40mm (9 (18.4%) vs. 1 (1.5%), p = 0.002), and more likely to have Knosp grade higher than 3. The gross-total resection was less achievable (7 (14.3%) vs 26 (38.8%), p = 0.007) However, Ki-67 index showed no significantly difference between the invasive group and non-invasive group (2.0 vs 2.0 , p= 0.556).

Conclusion

According to our study results, the pathologic diagnosis of a high-risk tumor does not necessarily seem to properly reflect the clinical aggressiveness. Tumor invasion, however, seems to better represent the aggressive tumors that requires proper and active treatment.

P-655 Insulin like growth factor-1 levels in follicular fluids of patients with poor ovarian response undergoing in vitro fertilization

Study question

Does follicular fluid insulin like growth factor level (IGF-1) in poor responders (PR) differ from normoresponders? Is there a correlation between IGF-1 and IVF outcomes?

Summary answer

Follicular IGF-1 levels are decreased in poor-responders A positive correlation exists between IGF-1 and number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes, fertilized oocytes and transferred embryos

What is known already

IGFs are mainly synthesized in liver with growth hormone stimulation. IGF-1 component in follicular fluid has been reported to play a crucial role in follicular and embryonic development. In addition to previously reported positive correlation between follicular IGF-I levels and number of high quality embryos, a significant decrease in IGF-1 levels with PR and advanced maternal age has also been reported. GH supplementation in poor responders undergoing IVF has been suggested to improve IVF outcomes. A recent Cochrane analysis reported that GH slightly increases the number of oocytes retrieved and there is an uncertain effect on live birth rates (LBR).

Study design, size, duration

Study was designed prospectively. A power analysis, of 91% determined a need for 186 patients. Therefore 186 women undergoing IVF between October 2019 and December 2020 were included. 72 (%38,7) patients were assigned to PRs group according to Bologna criteria (BC) and 114 patients (%61.3) were recruited as controls. Antagonist protocol was used for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. hCG was administered for ovulation trigger.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Following the ovarian hyperstimulation follicular fluid samples were collected during oocyte retrieval. When the total desired number of patients was reached, frozen and preserved follicle fluids were thawed at room temperature. IGF-1 levels in samples were measured using hIGF-1 ELISA kit (BT®, China). Follicular IGF-1 levels in PRs were compared to normoresponders and correlation between IGF-1 levels and AMH levels, number of retrieved oocytes, MII and fertilized oocytes, transferred embriyos and LBR were evaluated.

Main results and the role of chance

Mean IGF-1 levels of normoresponders and Bologna subgroups (B1, B2, B3, B4) were 13.79±14.50 ng/ml vs 5.75±1.86, 5.47±2.83, 5.96±2.16 and 5.03±1.85 ng/ml respectively (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in clinical pregnancy (CP) per transfer and LBR per transfer between normoresponders and PRs (CPR/ET: 55.1% vs 43.7%, p:0.375; 26.5% vs 12.5% , p: 0.257). In the ROC analysis for the prediction of collection of fewer than 4 oocytes at retrieval (according to BC definition of PR), statistically determined IGF-1 value was 7.02 with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 38.6%. Patients with an IGF-1 value below 7.02 had a higher risk of having an oocyte number less than 4According to the results of Spearman's correlation analysis, IGF-1 levels were negatively correlated with age and number of previous failed cycles (r:-0.250, p:0,001; r:-0.153, p:0,039 respectively). IGF-1 levels were positively correlated with AMH levels, oocyte, MII oocyte, fertilized oocyte numbers and number of transferred embriyos (r: 0.221, p: 0.007; r: 0.283, p < 0.001; r: 0.293, p < 0.001; r: 0.282, p < 0.001; r: 0.194, p: 0.008 respectively). There was a positive correlation between IGF-1 levels and cycle cancellation rates (r: 0.637, p < 0,001). There was no correlation between IGF-1 levels and LBR (p:0.118).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Small number of patients was the main limitation of study.Results were not interpreted as LBR in all cases, as 21% (n:24) of the cases had still ongoing pregnancies

Wider implications of the findings

Detecting lower follicular levels of IGF-1 which plays a crucial role in GH activity may highligt the effect of GH supplementation in poor responders undergoing IVF in terms of improved outcomes. However, there is need for more solid data to employ GH in IVF treatment modalities of poor-responders.

Trial registration number

not applicable

Neutron-upscattering enhancement of the triple-alpha process

The neutron inelastic scattering of carbon-12, populating the Hoyle state, is a reaction of interest for the triple-alpha process. The inverse process (neutron upscattering) can enhance the Hoyle state’s decay rate to the bound states of ¹²C, effectively increasing the overall triple-alpha reaction rate. The cross section of this reaction is impossible to measure experimentally but has been determined here at astrophysically-relevant energies using detailed balance. Using a highly-collimated monoenergetic beam, here we measure neutrons incident on the Texas Active Target Time Projection Chamber (TexAT TPC) filled with CO₂ gas, we measure the 3α-particles (arising from the decay of the Hoyle state following inelastic scattering) and a cross section is extracted. Here we show the neutron-upscattering enhancement is observed to be much smaller than previously expected. The importance of the neutron-upscattering enhancement may therefore not be significant aside from in very particular astrophysical sites (e.g. neutron star mergers).

The triple-alpha process plays a role in nucleosynthesis, in the formation of ¹²C. Here, the authors discuss the rate and role of the neutron upscattering phenomenon on the triple-alpha process in a multi-step process.

Combined analysis of inorganic elements and sugars for the identification of red pepper powder containing undeclared ingredients

This study sought to identify adulterated red pepper powder (RPP) containing undeclared ingredients, such as salts, glucose, Monascus red pigments, and other plant ingredients (e.g., wheat flour, garlic powder, onion powder) using element and sugar analysis methods. Analytical data were obtained for 66 samples of authentic RPP and 12 samples of adulterated RPP. The variables selected to identify the authenticity of RPP include Na, Cl, K, maltohexaose, and maltoheptaose, which partly or totally originate from RPP, salts, or Monascus red pigments. All the 12 samples of commercial seasoned RPP used as models of adulterated RPP and all the 20 blind samples containing ≥10% (w/w) of commercial seasoned RPP were correctly identified by applying the range of the five variables found for the authentic RPP samples. Our findings suggest that combined analyses of the above five constituents could be used to identify adulterated RPP containing undeclared ingredients. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Adulteration of high-priced spice products, including red pepper powder (RPP), has increasingly become a public concern worldwide as it endangers consumer health and represents economic fraud. This study provides analytical methods that can accurately determine the authenticity of RPP. They would become effective means for protecting producers and suppliers against unfair competition and consumers against health threats.

Colorimetric screening of elevated urinary mercury levels by a novel Hg2+-selective probe of resorufin phosphinothioate

Urinary mercury levels are the most reliable indicators of mercury exposure but identifying them requires complex techniques and heavy instruments. In this research, we reported a simple and convenient urinary mercury analysis method using a readily available office scanner. Probe MP-1 synthesized by the reaction of resorufin and dimethylthiophosphinoyl chloride revealed Hg²⁺-selective chromogenic and fluorescent signaling behavior. Signaling was realized through Hg²⁺-induced deprotection of the phosphinothioate protecting group in the resorufin-based probe MP-1 to yield the parent fluorochrome. A pronounced colorimetric response of color change from light yellow to pink alongside a turn-on type fluorescence enhancement was perceived exclusively toward Hg²⁺ ions over other metal ions and anions. The colorimetry provided a more advantageous ratiometric approach than the simple fluorometric analysis exhibiting an off–on type response, with a detection limit of 12 nM (2.4 ppb). The Hg²⁺ signaling of the MP-1 probe was not disturbed by the presence of coexisting metal ions and anions. The sensitive and convenient diagnosis of clinically important neurological symptoms and fatal inorganic mercury levels in urine was successfully demonstrated using a standard office scanner.

A Hg²⁺ selective signaling probe, resorufin phosphinothioate, for the colorimetric diagnosis of clinically elevated mercury levels in urine samples using an office scanner was developed.

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.

Hydrazone Photoswitches for Structural Modulation of Short Peptides

Molecules that undergo light-driven structural transformations constitute the core components in photoswitchable molecular systems and materials. Among various families of photoswitches, photochromic hydrazones have recently emerged as a novel class of photoswitches with superb properties, such as high photochemical conversion, spectral tunability, thermal stability, and fatigue resistance. Hydrazone photoswitches have been adopted in various adaptive materials at different length scales, however, their utilization for modulating biomolecules still has not been explored. Herein we present new hydrazone switches that can photomodulate the structures of short peptides. Systematic investigation on a set of hydrazone derivatives revealed that installation of the amide group does not significantly alter the photoswitching behaviors. Importantly, a hydrazone switch comprising an upper phenyl ring and a lower quinolinyl ring was effective for structural control of peptides. We anticipate that this work, as a new milestone in the research of hydrazone switches, will open a new avenue for structural and functional control of biomolecules.

Development and Validation of a Simple Method to Quantify Contents of Phospholipids in Krill Oil by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

This study focuses on developing a quantification method for phosphatidylcholine (PC) and total phospholipid (PL) in krill oil using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Signals derived from the choline and phosphate groups were selected as indicator variables for determining PC and total PL content; calibration curves with a correlation coefficient of >0.988 were constructed with calibration samples prepared by mixing krill oil raw material and fish oil in different ratios. The limit of detection (LOD, 0.35–3.29%) of the method was suitable for the designed assay with good accuracy (97.90–100.33%). The relative standard deviations for repeatability (0.90–2.31%) were acceptable. Therefore, both the methods using absorbance and that using second-derivative were confirmed to be suitable for quantitative analysis. When applying this method to test samples, including supplements, the PC content and total PL content were in good agreement with an average difference of 2–3% compared to the 31P NMR method. These results confirmed that the FT-IR method can be used as a convenient and rapid alternative to the 31P NMR method for quantifying PLs in krill oil.

Distinguishing Korean and Chinese red pepper powder using inductively coupled plasma and X-ray fluorescence-based analysis

This study aimed to distinguish between Korean and Chinese red pepper powder (RPP) using inorganic elemental analysis data combined with orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Elemental concentrations were obtained for 31 Korean and 31 Chinese RPP samples that were collected in Korea. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy detected 11 elements in these samples. Rb and Cl concentrations were selected as the variables which best allowed distinguishing between Korean and Chinese RPP using an S-plot from OPLS-DA. Rb and Cl concentrations in the Korean RPP samples were ≤ 1.6 mg/100 g (measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy) and ≤ 215 mg/100 g, respectively. A blind trial demonstrated that Korean RPP containing ≥ 50 g/100 g of Chinese RPP could be identified by applying predetermined ranges of Rb and Cl concentrations, suggesting that analysis of these two elements is a possible approach to distinguish between Korean and Chinese RPP.

Tumor immune microenvironment is influenced by frameshift mutations and tumor mutational burden in gastric cancer

PURPOSE

Immunoscore can effectively predict prognosis in patients with colon cancer; however, its clinical application is limited. We modified the Immunoscore and created a tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) classification system for gastric carcinoma. Unlike previous studies that used small sample sizes or focused on particular immune-cell subtypes, our simplified system enables pathologists to classify gastric carcinomas intuitively using H&E-stained sections.

METHODS

Samples from 326 patients with advanced gastric carcinoma were reviewed and analyzed by pathologists using simple determination and digital image analysis. Comprehensive results of cancer-panel sequencing, Epstein-Barr‒virus (EBV) status, and PD-L1, HER2, ATM, PTEN, MET, FGFR2, and EGFR immunohistochemistry were evaluated with respect to the TIM class.

RESULTS

The TIM was classified as "hot" (n = 22), "immunosuppressed" (n = 178), "excluded" (n = 83), or "cold" (n = 43). TIM category was significantly associated with numbers of frameshift mutations (P < 0.001) and high tumor mutational burden (P < 0.004), and predicted overall survival. It was also significantly associated with age, histological type, degree of fibrosis, PD-L1 expression, loss of ATM and PTEN expression (P < 0.001), sex, EBV positivity, and HER2 overexpression (P < 0.04). "Hot" tumors were frequent in PD-L1 expressing and EBV-positive samples, and in those with ATM and PTEN loss. "Excluded" tumors were frequent in HER2-positive cases, whereas "cold" tumors were more frequent in younger patients with poorly cohesive histology and high fibrosis levels.

CONCLUSIONS

TIM classification system for gastric carcinoma has prognostic significance and results in classes that are associated with molecular characteristics.

Discriminant Analysis of the Geographical Origin of Asian Red Pepper Powders Using Second-Derivative FT-IR Spectroscopy

This study aimed to discriminate between the geographical origins of Asian red pepper powders distributed in Korea using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analyses. Second-derivative spectral data were obtained from a total of 105 red pepper powder samples, 86 of which were used for statistical analysis, and the remaining 19 were used for blind testing. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test confirmed that eight peak variables exhibited significant origin-dependent differences, and the canonical discriminant functions derived from these variables were used to correctly classify all the red pepper powder samples based on their origins. The applicability of the canonical discriminant functions was examined by performing a blind test wherein the origins of 19 new red pepper powder samples were correctly classified. For simplicity, the four most significant variables were selected as discriminant indicator variables, and the applicable range for each indicator variable was set for each geographical origin. By applying the indicator variable ranges, the origins of the red pepper powders of all the statistical and blind samples were correctly identified. The study findings indicate the feasibility of using FT-IR spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis for identifying the geographical origins of red pepper powders.

Perinatal exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces hepatic lipid accumulation mediated by diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1

INTRODUCTION

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticizer in consumer products and medical devices. It is also suspected to exacerbate the development of fatty liver. However, the mechanisms underlying excessive lipid synthesis and its deposition in the liver are yet to be identified. This study was aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of hepatic lipid accumulation in adult male offspring after perinatal exposure to DEHP.

METHOD

Corn oil and DEHP (0.75 mg/kg/day) were administered once per day to dam from gestation day 6 to postnatal day (PND) 21 by oral gavage. After the weaning period, DEHP treated male pups were categorized into early life stage- and lifelong period group. Male rats both control and early life stage group administered corn oil, and lifelong period group administered DEHP from PND 22 to 70. Histological examination and triglyceride (TG) levels in the liver were analyzed. Expressions of transcription factors associated with lipid accumulation in the liver were analyzed.

RESULTS

Both early life stage- and lifelong period group, hepatic TG levels, and mRNA and protein expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) were significantly higher than control (TG: all p < 0.05, mRNA & protein: p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The average body weight from PND 35 to 63, and mRNA and protein expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c in lifelong period group were significantly lower than control (all p < 0.05); however, alanine transaminase were significantly higher than control (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Perinatal exposure to DEHP may induce the hepatic lipid accumulation through up-regulation of DGAT1 expression.

β Decay of ^{61}V and its Role in Cooling Accreted Neutron Star Crusts

The interpretation of observations of cooling neutron star crusts in quasipersistent x-ray transients is affected by predictions of the strength of neutrino cooling via crust Urca processes. The strength of crust Urca neutrino cooling depends sensitively on the electron-capture and β-decay ground-state-to-ground-state transition strengths of neutron-rich rare isotopes. Nuclei with a mass number of A=61 are predicted to be among the most abundant in accreted crusts, and the last remaining experimentally undetermined ground-state-to-ground-state transition strength was the β decay of ^{61}V. This Letter reports the first experimental determination of this transition strength, a ground-state branching of 8.1_{-3.1}^{+4.0}%, corresponding to a log ft value of 5.5_{-0.2}^{+0.2}. This result was achieved through the measurement of the β-delayed γ rays using the total absorption spectrometer SuN and the measurement of the β-delayed neutron branch using the neutron long counter system NERO at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. This method helps to mitigate the impact of the pandemonium effect in extremely neutron-rich nuclei on experimental results. The result implies that A=61 nuclei do not provide the strongest cooling in accreted neutron star crusts as expected by some predictions, but that their cooling is still larger compared to most other mass numbers. Only nuclei with mass numbers 31, 33, and 55 are predicted to be cooling more strongly. However, the theoretical predictions for the transition strengths of these nuclei are not consistently accurate enough to draw conclusions on crust cooling. With the experimental approach developed in this work, all relevant transitions are within reach to be studied in the future.

Calretinin-Positive Mucosal Innervation (C-mi) as a Potential Biomarker to Predict Fibrosis in Crohn’s Disease (CD): A Pilot Study

Introduction/Objective

There is no reliable biomarker to predict the degree of fibrosis in CD. Quantification of C-mi has been used as a surrogate for enteric neural structures in Hirschsprung disease. The quantity of C-mi at the proximal margin may correlate with the degree of fibrosis in resected CD.

Methods

Ileocolonic resection cases for 20 CD and 3 trauma (control) were retrieved. Cases with severe mucosal inflammation at the margins were excluded. The proximal and distal margin sections were subjected to calretinin immunohistochemistry. Random mucosal images were captured from scanned slides (x200, JPEG), submucosa was edited out, and C-mi was calculated by image processing and analysis. rC-mi was defined as the mean C-mi of proximal margin normalized by that of distal margin. Cases with rC-mi less than the mean rC-mi + 2 SD of the controls were excluded. The maximum thicknesses of submucosa and muscularis propria were measured at the most stenotic site, microscopically. Pearson’s correlation test and Student’s t-test were performed to correlate the parameters and compare the means, respectively.

Results

A total of 216 images were captured (mean 9.3 images per case; range 7 to 10). The mean rC-mi of CD (1.26) was greater than the controls (mean 0.43) (p&lt;0.05). The mean rC-mi + 2 SD of the control group was 0.91, thus 2 CD cases were excluded from final analysis. The rC-mi of CD showed an inverse relationship with maximum submucosal thickness (mean 3.4 mm, range 0.2 to 5.9) at the site of stenosis (r=-0.47; p&lt;0.05), but not with muscularis propria.

Conclusion

The rC-mi of CD was inversely correlated with submucosal fibrosis. Altered stromal integrity, impaired intercellular signaling, progressive reduction and loss of telocytes induced by submucosal fibrosis may reduce the regenerative capacity of enteric neural structures in CD. Therefore, a decreasing trend in rC-mi may predict fibrosis progression in CD.

Axion Dark Matter Search around 6.7 μeV

An axion dark matter search with the CAPP-8TB haloscope is reported. Our results are sensitive to axion-photon coupling g_{aγγ} down to the QCD axion band over the axion mass range between 6.62 and 6.82  μeV at a 90% confidence level, which is the most sensitive result in the mass range to date.