Observation of Seven Astrophysical Tau Neutrino Candidates with IceCube

We report on a measurement of astrophysical tau neutrinos with 9.7 yr of IceCube data. Using convolutional neural networks trained on images derived from simulated events, seven candidate ν_{τ} events were found with visible energies ranging from roughly 20 TeV to 1 PeV and a median expected parent ν_{τ} energy of about 200 TeV. Considering backgrounds from astrophysical and atmospheric neutrinos, and muons from π^{±}/K^{±} decays in atmospheric air showers, we obtain a total estimated background of about 0.5 events, dominated by non-ν_{τ} astrophysical neutrinos. Thus, we rule out the absence of astrophysical ν_{τ} at the 5σ level. The measured astrophysical ν_{τ} flux is consistent with expectations based on previously published IceCube astrophysical neutrino flux measurements and neutrino oscillations.

Impacts of Temperature on the Growth, Feed Utilization, Stress, and Hemato-Immune Responses of Cherry Salmon (Oncorhynchus masou)

Cherry salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) hold commercial value in aquaculture, and there is a need for controlled laboratory studies to isolate the specific effects of temperature on their growth, feeding, and well-being. We examined the effects of different temperatures (10 °C, 14 °C, 18 °C, and 22 °C) on juvenile cherry salmon (average mass 29.1 g) in triplicate tanks per treatment over eight weeks. The key parameters assessed included growth rate, feed efficiency, stress response, and hemato-immune responses. Our objectives were to determine the most and less favorable temperatures among the four designated temperatures and to assess the adverse effects associated with these less favorable temperatures. The results showed that body weight, growth rates, feed intake, and feed efficiency were significantly higher at 10 °C and 14 °C compared to 18 °C and 22 °C. Reduced appetite and feeding response were observed at 22 °C. Red blood cell parameters were significantly lower at 22 °C. At 10 °C, the results showed significantly increased plasma cortisol levels, gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity, body silvering, and decreased condition factors, suggesting potential smoltification. The potential smoltification decreased with increasing temperatures and disappeared at 22 °C. Furthermore, the plasma lysozyme concentrations significantly increased at 18 °C and 22 °C. In conclusion, our study identifies 10 °C and 14 °C as the temperatures most conducive to growth and feed performance in juvenile cherry salmon under these experimental conditions. However, temperatures of 22 °C or higher should be avoided to prevent compromised feeding, reduced health, disturbed immune responses, impaired growth, and feed performance.

Observation of high-energy neutrinos from the Galactic plane

The origin of high-energy cosmic rays, atomic nuclei that continuously impact Earth's atmosphere, is unknown. Because of deflection by interstellar magnetic fields, cosmic rays produced within the Milky Way arrive at Earth from random directions. However, cosmic rays interact with matter near their sources and during propagation, which produces high-energy neutrinos. We searched for neutrino emission using machine learning techniques applied to 10 years of data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. By comparing diffuse emission models to a background-only hypothesis, we identified neutrino emission from the Galactic plane at the 4.5σ level of significance. The signal is consistent with diffuse emission of neutrinos from the Milky Way but could also arise from a population of unresolved point sources.

Search for the Pair Production of Dark Particles X with K_{L}^{0}→XX, X→γγ

We present the first search for the pair production of dark particles X via K_{L}^{0}→XX with X decaying into two photons using the data collected by the KOTO experiment. No signal was observed in the mass range of 40-110  MeV/c^{2} and 210-240  MeV/c^{2}. This sets upper limits on the branching fractions as B(K_{L}^{0}→XX)<(1-4)×10^{-7} and B(K_{L}^{0}→XX)<(1-2)×10^{-6} at the 90% confidence level for the two mass regions, respectively.

Search for Unstable Sterile Neutrinos with the IceCube Neutrino Observatory

We present a search for an unstable sterile neutrino by looking for a resonant signal in eight years of atmospheric ν_{μ} data collected from 2011 to 2019 at the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. Both the (stable) three-neutrino and the 3+1 sterile neutrino models are disfavored relative to the unstable sterile neutrino model, though with p values of 2.8% and 0.81%, respectively, we do not observe evidence for 3+1 neutrinos with neutrino decay. The best-fit parameters for the sterile neutrino with decay model from this study are Δm_{41}^{2}=6.7_{-2.5}^{+3.9}  eV^{2}, sin^{2}2θ_{24}=0.33_{-0.17}^{+0.20}, and g^{2}=2.5π±1.5π, where g is the decay-mediating coupling. The preferred regions of the 3+1+decay model from short-baseline oscillation searches are excluded at 90% C.L.

Strong Constraints on Neutrino Nonstandard Interactions from TeV-Scale ν_{μ} Disappearance at IceCube

We report a search for nonstandard neutrino interactions (NSI) using eight years of TeV-scale atmospheric muon neutrino data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. By reconstructing incident energies and zenith angles for atmospheric neutrino events, this analysis presents unified confidence intervals for the NSI parameter ε_{μτ}. The best-fit value is consistent with no NSI at a p value of 25.2%. With a 90% confidence interval of -0.0041≤ε_{μτ}≤0.0031 along the real axis and similar strength in the complex plane, this result is the strongest constraint on any NSI parameter from any oscillation channel to date.

Plasma concentration of dopamine varies depending on breed, sex, and the genotype of DRD4 in horses

Dopamine (DA) is known to be a key modulator of animal behaviors. Thus, the plasma concentration of DA might be used as a biomarker for the behavioral characteristics of horses. The behavioral characteristics of horses vary depending on the breed, age, and sex. Moreover, the DA receptor genotypes are also related to horse behaviors. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the DA concentration variations of horse plasma by breed, age, sex, or genotype of its receptor. The horses were divided by breed into Thoroughbred (n = 13), Pony (n = 9), Warmblood (n = 4), and Haflinger (n = 5). The age variable was divided into three different groups: post-pubertal (2–5 years, n = 6), adult (6–13 years, n = 19), and aged horses (15–24 years, n = 6). The sex variable was divided into geldings (n = 8) and mares (n = 23). Approximately 10 mL of blood was collected, and an ELISA kit was used to measure the plasma concentration of DA. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to identify the genetic variation in the DA D4 receptor gene (DRD4). SPSS statistical software was used for statistical analysis. The DA concentrations in geldings were significantly lower than those in mares. There was no significant difference in DA concentrations among breed and age groups. Horses with the GG and GA genotypes had significantly higher plasma concentrations of DA compared to horses with the AA genotype for the G292A gene. Briefly, the plasma concentration of DA varied depending on the sex and genotype of G292A. These factors should be considered when the concentration of DA is used as a biomarker for the behavioral characteristics of horses. In conclusion, the DA concentration or DRD4 genotype of horse plasma has the potential to be used as a biomarker that can predict the behavioral characteristics of horses.

Effects of Stocking Density on Stress, Hematological Responses, and Growth of Black Rockfish Sebastes schlegelii

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of stocking density on juvenile Black Rockfish Sebastes schlegelii (average weight = 12 g) in terms of stress, hematological responses, and growth performance during a 4-month growth trial in a flow-through system. The initial stocking densities were 1.3 kg/m³ (low), 1.8 kg/m³ (medium), and 2.3 kg/m³ (high), and the final densities were 4.9 kg/m³ (low), 5.6 kg/m³ (medium), and 6.3 kg/m³ (high). At the end of the trial, the high stocking density significantly affected growth characteristics, levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1, and hematological indices (hematocrit, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin level) compared to the medium and low stocking densities. The plasma cortisol and immunoglobulin-M levels were significantly higher at the high density than at the other two densities. Taken together, while the low and medium stocking densities (final densities of up to 5.6 kg/m³ ) did not affect stress and hematological indices or growth, the high stocking density (final density of 6.3 kg/m³ ) significantly impacted those variables, which suggests an allostatic load at that density. Thus, the use of a final stocking density less than 6.3 kg/m³ should be considered to avoid compromising the stress and health condition and growth of Black Rockfish at this size and temperature range.

Comparative Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Long-term Direct Medical Costs in Patients With Hip Fractures and a Matched Cohort: A Large-database Study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies on medical costs in patients with hip fractures have focused on medical costs incurred for a short period after the injury. However, patients often had comorbidities before their hip fractures that would have affected medical costs even had they not sustained a fracture. Consequently, these studies may have overestimated the costs associated with hip fractures and did not characterize the duration of increased medical costs adequately. Without knowing this crucial information, it is difficult to craft thoughtful health policy to support these patients' needs.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) To compare the direct medical costs for 5 years before fracture and up to 5 years after injury in a group of patients who underwent hip fracture surgery with a matched group of patients who did not experience a hip fracture, (2) to analyze the duration over which the increased direct medical costs associated with a hip fracture continues, and (3) to analyze whether there is a difference in direct medical costs according to age group using a nationwide claims database in South Korea.

METHODS

The National Health Insurance Service Sample cohort in South Korea consisted of 1 million patients who were selected using a systematic, stratified, random sampling method from 48,222,537 individuals on December 31, 2006. Under a compulsory social insurance system established by the National Health Insurance Act, all patients were followed until 2015. Patients with hip fractures and matched controls were selected from the National Health Insurance Service sample of South Korea. Patients with hip fractures were defined as those who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of femoral neck fracture or intertrochanteric fracture and who underwent surgical treatment. We excluded patients with hip fractures before January 1, 2007 to ensure a minimum 5-year period that was free of hip fractures. Patients with hip fractures were matched with patients of the same age and gender at the date of admission to an acute care hospital for surgery (time zero). If patients with hip fractures died during the follow-up period, we performed matching among patients whose difference from the time of death was within 1 month. This method of risk-set matching was repeated sequentially for the next patient until the last patient with a hip fracture was matched. We then sequentially performed 1:5 random sampling for each risk set. A total of 3583 patients in the hip fracture cohort (patients with hip fractures) and 17,915 patients in the matched cohort (those without hip fractures) were included in this study. The mean age was 76 ± 9 years, and 70% were women in both groups. Based on the Charlson comorbidity index score, medication, and medical history, the patients with hip fractures had more comorbidities. Person-level direct medical costs per quarter were calculated for 5 years before time zero and up to 5 years after time zero. Direct medical costs were defined as the sum of that insurer's payments (that is, the National Health Insurance Service's payments), and that patient's copayments, excluding uncovered payments. We compared direct medical costs between patients with hip fractures and the patients in the matched cohort using a comparative interrupted time series analysis. The difference-in-difference estimate is the ratio of the differences in direct medical costs before and after time zero in the hip fracture cohort to the difference in direct medical costs before and after time zero in the matched cohort; the difference in difference estimates were calculated each year after injury. To identify changes in direct medical cost trends in patients with hip fractures and all subgroups, joinpoint regression was estimated using statistical software.

RESULTS

The direct medical costs for the patients with hip fractures were higher than those for patients in the matched cohort at every year during the observation period. The difference in direct medical costs between the groups before time zero has increased every year. The direct medical costs in patients with hip fractures was the highest in the first quarter after time zero. Considering the differential changes in direct medical costs before and after time zero, hip fractures incurred additional direct medical costs of USD 2514 (95% CI 2423 to 2606; p < 0.01) per patient and USD 264 (95% CI 166 to 361; p < 0.01) per patient in the first and second years, respectively. The increase in direct medical costs attributable to hip fracture was observed for 1.5 to 2 years (difference-in-difference estimate at 1 year 3.0 [95% CI 2.8 to 3.2]; p < 0.01) (difference-in-difference estimate at 2 years 1.2 [95% CI 1.1 to 1.3]; p < 0.01; joinpoint 1.5 year). In the subgroups of patients younger than 65, patients between 65 and 85, and patients older than 85 years of age, the increase in direct medical costs attributable to hip fracture continued up to 1 year (difference-in-difference estimate ratio at 1 year 2.7 [95% CI 2.1 to 3.4]; p < 0.01; joinpoint 1 year), 1.5 to 2 years (difference-in-difference estimate ratio at 1 year 2.8 [95% CI 2.6 to 3.1]; p < 0.01; difference-in-difference estimate ratio at 2 years 1.2 [95% CI 1.1 to 1.3]; p < 0.01; joinpoint 1.5 years), and 39 months to 5 years (difference-in-difference estimate ratio at 1 year 5.2 [95% CI 4.4 to 6.2]; p < 0.01; difference-in-difference estimate ratio at 5 years 2.1 [95% CI 1.4 to 3.1]; p < 0.01; joinpoint 39 months) from time zero, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The direct medical costs in patients with hip fractures were higher than those in the matched cohort every year during the 5 years before and after hip fracture. The increase in direct medical costs because of hip fractures was maintained for 1.5 to 2 years and was greater in older patients. Based on this, we suggest that health policies should focus on patients' financial and social needs, with particular emphasis on the first 2 years after hip fracture with stratification based on patients' ages.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, economic analysis.

Skin manifestations and clinical features of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): A retrospective multicenter study of 125 patients

BACKGROUND

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe adverse drug reaction generally accompanied by skin manifestations as the first and most frequent symptoms. However, skin manifestations and associated clinical features of DRESS have not been fully explored and evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe the skin manifestations of DRESS in detail and analyze their association with demographic characteristics and extra-cutaneous clinical features.

METHODS

We conducted this retrospective study on patients with DRESS diagnosed between September 2009 and August 2021 at three medical institutes and validated using the RegiSCAR score. Data regarding demographics, skin manifestations, and clinical characteristics were retrieved through thorough chart reviews.

RESULTS

Among 182 potential cases of DRESS, the validated 125 cases were analyzed. A widespread rash extending over more than 50% of the body surface area was observed in 122 patients (97.6%) and typical facial edema was experienced by 67 patients (53.6%). Polymorphous maculopapules were the most common rash morphology (106, 84.8%): specifically, exfoliative (59, 47.2%), urticarial (57, 45.6%), and purpuric forms (39, 31.2%) were common. Mucosal involvement was observed in 41 patients (32.8%). Patients with carboxamide antiepileptics (carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine) experienced more edema (P = .014) and typical facial edema than those with allopurinol (P = .021). The RegiSCAR score was higher in patients with purpura (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Skin manifestations of DRESS exhibit a wide range of skin lesions and can vary according to the culprit drugs. Early suspicion and prompt intervention are needed to improve prognosis.

Search for Relativistic Magnetic Monopoles with Eight Years of IceCube Data

We present an all-sky 90% confidence level upper limit on the cosmic flux of relativistic magnetic monopoles using 2886 days of IceCube data. The analysis was optimized for monopole speeds between 0.750c and 0.995c, without any explicit restriction on the monopole mass. We constrain the flux of relativistic cosmic magnetic monopoles to a level below 2.0×10^{-19}  cm^{-2} s^{-1} sr^{-1} over the majority of the targeted speed range. This result constitutes the most strict upper limit to date for magnetic monopoles with β≳0.8 and up to β∼0.995 and fills the gap between existing limits on the cosmic flux of nonrelativistic and ultrarelativistic magnetic monopoles.

Effects of hydrogenated fat-spray-coated β-carotene supplement on plasma β-carotene concentration and conception rate after embryo transfer in Hanwoo beef cows

We hypothesised that hydrogenated fat (HF)-spray-coated β-carotene (βC) supplement could be used to increase plasma βC concentration and conception rates after embryo transfer (ET) in Hanwoo beef cows. In Experiment 1, 12 multiparous Hanwoo cows were fed one of four experimental diets in a triplicate 4 × 4 Latin square design for a 28-day period. Treatments included no βC addition (control), HF-uncoated βC (HFuβC), HF-spray-coated βC (HFβC), and HF-spray-coated βC and vitamin A (HFβCA). The cows under βC-supplemented treatments were fed 400 mg/day of βC, and a daily intake for vitamin A of HFβCA treatment was 30 000 IU/day as retinyl acetate. Blood was collected on days 0, 26, 27, and 28 to analyse βC and other metabolite concentrations. In Experiment 2, 199 Hanwoo cows with low fertility were randomly assigned to either control (n = 99) or HFβC treatments (n = 100) based on the results of Experiment 1. The oestrus of the cows was synchronised for ET. The HFβC group was fed from 4 weeks before to 4 weeks after ET with a daily intake of 400 mg βC. Pregnancy for conception rates was diagnosed on day 60 after ET, and blood was collected for βC concentrations on the day before ET. Supplementing βC resulted in a high plasma βC concentration (P < 0.001). Supplementing HFβC or HFβCA resulted in higher βC concentrations than HFuβC (P < 0.001); however, there was no difference between HFβC and HFβCA groups. Plasma retinol concentration was lower in the HFβCA treatment than in the control and HFβC groups (P < 0.05). Blood metabolites were unaffected by the treatments. The retinol:βC ratio was lower in the βC-supplemented treatments than in the controls, and was lower in HFβC and HFβCA than in HFuβC groups (P < 0.001). Plasma βC concentration was positively correlated with plasma high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol (P < 0.05). Plasma retinol concentration was negatively associated with plasma protein (P < 0.01), but positively associated with plasma creatinine (P < 0.001) and urea (P < 0.01). Supplementing HFβC to low-fertility cows resulted in higher plasma βC concentration (P < 0.001) and conception rates (P = 0.024) than those in the controls. In conclusion, HFβC had a better bioavailability than HFuβC, and an increase in conception rates by supplementing HFβC may be beneficial for producing more calves given the low pregnancy rates of bovine ET in Korea.

Solar background noise mitigation using the orbital angular momentum mode in vertical FSO downlink transmissions

Free-space optical communication (FSO) is used to provide network configuration flexibility. A network-flying platform-based vertical FSO connection can be employed to enhance mobile network coverage and capacity. Solar background noise can be a potential risk that disrupts the seamless connection in the vertical FSO downlink channel. In this paper, we propose signal transmission using an orbital angular momentum (OAM) beam. The OAM demodulation process can filter sunlight out of the optical receiver except for the signal corresponding to the azimuthal state. We experimentally verified that most of the solar background noise could be reduced. To verify the feasibility of the proposed scheme in a vertical FSO channel, we modeled a FSO vertical downlink with an OAM modulation/demodulation process.

The SπRIT time projection chamber

The Superconducting Analyzer for MUlti-particles from RAdioIsotope (SAMURAI) Pion-Reconstruction and Ion-Tracker Time Projection Chamber (SπRIT TPC) was designed to enable measurements of heavy ion collisions with the SAMURAI spectrometer at the RIKEN radioactive isotope beam factory and provides constraints on the equation of state of neutron-rich nuclear matter. The SπRIT TPC has a 50.5 cm drift length and an 86.4 × 134.4 cm² pad plane with 12 096 pads that are equipped with the generic electronics for TPCs. The SπRIT TPC allows for an excellent reconstruction of particles and provides isotopic resolution for pions and other light charged particles across a wide range of energy losses and momenta. The details of the SπRIT TPC are presented, along with discussion of the TPC performance based on cosmic rays and charged particles emitted in heavy ion collisions.

Probing the Symmetry Energy with the Spectral Pion Ratio

Many neutron star properties, such as the proton fraction, reflect the symmetry energy contributions to the equation of state that dominate when neutron and proton densities differ strongly. To constrain these contributions at suprasaturation densities, we measure the spectra of charged pions produced by colliding rare isotope tin (Sn) beams with isotopically enriched Sn targets. Using ratios of the charged pion spectra measured at high transverse momenta, we deduce the slope of the symmetry energy to be 42<L<117  MeV. This value is slightly lower but consistent with the L values deduced from a recent measurement of the neutron skin thickness of ^{208}Pb.

Study of the K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] Decay at the J-PARC KOTO Experiment

The rare decay K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] was studied with the dataset taken at the J-PARC KOTO experiment in 2016, 2017, and 2018. With a single event sensitivity of (7.20±0.05_{stat}±0.66_{syst})×10^{-10}, three candidate events were observed in the signal region. After unveiling them, contaminations from K^{±} and scattered K_{L} decays were studied, and the total number of background events was estimated to be 1.22±0.26. We conclude that the number of observed events is statistically consistent with the background expectation. For this dataset, we set an upper limit of 4.9×10^{-9} on the branching fraction of K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] at the 90% confidence level.

Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis: follow-up and nested case-control studies using a national sample cohort

A total of 25,306 psoriasis participants were matched to 101,224 controls, and the occurrence of osteoporosis was analyzed. Additionally, 79,212 osteoporosis patients were matched to 79,212 controls and a previous history of psoriasis was analyzed. Psoriasis increased the risk of osteoporosis among participants aged ≥ 40 years.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between psoriasis and osteoporosis using two different studies.

METHODS

Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort of participants aged ≥ 40 years were collected from 2002 to 2013. Psoriasis and osteoporosis were included using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes. In study I (a follow-up study), a total of 25,306 psoriasis participants were matched to 101,224 controls with respect to age, sex, income, and region of residence, and the occurrence of osteoporosis was analyzed. Crude (simple) and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were analyzed using a stratified Cox proportional hazard model. In study II (a nested case-control study), a total of 79,212 osteoporosis patients were matched to 79,212 controls and a previous history of psoriasis was analyzed. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were analyzed using a conditional logistic regression analysis. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age group and sex.

RESULTS

The adjusted HR of osteoporosis was 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.13, P < 0.001) in study I. In the subgroup analysis according to age and sex, the results were consistent except for ≥ 60-year-old women. The adjusted OR of psoriasis was 1.21 (95% CI = 1.16-1.27, P < 0.001) in study II. All subgroups demonstrated high adjusted ORs of osteoporosis for psoriasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Psoriasis increased the risk of osteoporosis among participants aged ≥ 40 years in Korea.

Non-relaxor behaviour of low-frequency vibration spectra of relaxor ferroelectric PbCo1/3Nb2/3O3: evidences from Brillouin and Raman scattering measurements

This paper presents the results of studies of a low-frequency vibration spectrum of PbCo_1/3Nb_2/3O₃ (PCN) relaxor ferroelectric crystal using the Brillouin and Raman light scattering in the temperature range from 80 to 750 K. The analysis of the temperature behaviour of the longitudinal acoustic phonon in Brillouin scattering spectra showed no anomalies in the vicinity of 'diffuse phase transition' (T _m = 250 K) in PCN. Polarized Raman light scattering spectra were obtained in PCN over the entire temperature range studied. Analysis of low-frequency optical mode behaviour in PCN during temperature change also revealed no correlations with dielectric permeability anomaly in the vicinity of T _m: softening of optical phonon at 43 cm^-1 frequency in VV polarization is observed at 170 K. In the same temperature range, there are anomalies (a 'narrow' and weak component) in quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS) obtained in temperature behaviour with VH polarization in Raman spectra in PCN. A 'wide' and intense QELS component, obtained in Raman spectra with VV polarization, shows anomalies in the vicinity of T _m. We associate the anomalies of optical phonons and QELS with structure distortions in the formation of phase stratification and the dynamics of polar nano-regions.

The adverse effects of selenomethionine on skeletal muscle, liver, and brain in the steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss (average weight: 22.3 g) were fed one of five selenomethionine diets (1.09, 8.79, 15.37, 30.79, or 61.58 mg Se/kg diet). After 4 weeks, hepatic catalase activity over 15.37 mg Se/kg diets was significantly decreased, and the glutathione peroxidase activity over 30.79 mg Se/kg diets was elevated compared to the controls. In the brain, the dopamine levels at 61.58 mg Se/kg diet and the serotonin levels over 15.37 mg Se/kg diets were significantly increased, whereas the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid, and dopamine turnover, and the 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and serotonin turnover over 30.79 mg Se/kg diets were decreased. In muscle, the 3-nitrotyrosine level over 15.37 mg Se/kg diets, acetylcholine esterase activity over 30.79 mg Se/kg diets, and histological alterations over 8.79 mg Se/kg diets were increased. Our current results showed that selenomethionine disrupted dopamine and serotonin metabolism in the brain and damaged the neuromuscular system in skeletal muscle.

Differential Seawater Adaptability in Three Different Sizes of Under-yearling Steelhead Trout

Seawater adaptability of steelhead trout increases along with the increase in the size of the fish, independent of parr-smolt transformation. Three 96 h seawater challenge tests were conducted to determine the size at which seawater adaptability of steelhead trout develops. Plasma Na⁺ and Cl^- levels, moisture content, gill Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase activity, and mortality during the 96 h after direct transfer to seawater (32 ppt) were determined. Plasma Na⁺ and Cl^- levels in 50 g fish continuously increased during the 96 h after the transfer to seawater (p<0.05), but the levels in 100 and 150 g fish leveled off after 24 h (p<0.05). Both 100 and 150 g size steelhead trout maintained muscle moisture content (%) better than 50 g size fish (p<0.05). Gill Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase activity in the 100 g size group increased in a time-dependent manner after transfer to seawater (p<0.05), whereas activity in the 50 and 150 g sizes did not increase (p>0.05), for which a possible explanation was discussed. A mere 2.6% mortality in both the 50 and 150 g size groups was observed. In conclusion, the current results indicate that 50 g size steelhead trout did not show development of a high level of hypoosmoregulatory capacity, whereas fish in the 100 and 150 g size groups showed a high level in our experimental conditions. Therefore, the steelhead trout larger than a 100 g size is recommended for transfer to seawater culture.

SCF-Slimb is critical for Glycogen synthase kinase-3β-mediated suppression of TAF15-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder characterized pathologically by motor neuron degeneration and associated with aggregation of RNA-binding proteins. TATA-binding protein-associated factor 15 (TAF15) accumulates as cytoplasmic aggregates in neuronal cells, and clearance of these aggregates is considered a potential therapeutic strategy for ALS. However, the exact pathogenic mechanism of TAF15-induced neurotoxicity remains to be elucidated. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) plays a critical role in the protection of ALS pathology. In the present study, we use a transgenic fly model over-expressing human TAF15 to study the protective effects of Shaggy/GSK3β on TAF15-induced neuronal toxicity in Drosophila brain. Transgenic flies were examined for locomotor activity and lithium treatment. The expression level and solubility of TAF15 were assessed with western blotting, whereas immunohistochemistry was used to assess TAF15 aggregation in Drosophila brain. We have revealed that Shaggy/GSK3β was abnormally activated in neurons of TAF15-expressing flies and its inhibition can suppress the defective phenotypes, thereby preventing retinal degeneration and locomotive activity caused by TAF15. We have also found that Shaggy/GSK3β inhibition in neuronal cells leads to a reduction in TAF15 levels. Indeed, the F-box proteins Slimb and archipelago genetically interact with TAF15 and control TAF15 protein level in Drosophila. Importantly, SCF^slimb is a critical regulator for Shaggy/GSK3β-mediated suppression of TAF15-induced toxicity in Drosophila. The present study has provided an in vivo evidence supporting the molecular mechanism of GSK3β inhibition for protection against TAF15-linked proteinopathies.

Effects of Hemicastration on Testes and Testosterone Concentration in Stallions

The endocrine system is critical to the maintenance of testicular function. The homeostasis of sex hormone levels is orchestrated by positive and negative feedback systems controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This study investigated the long-term effects of hemicastration on testicular size and function in stallions. Four Thoroughbred stallions, 4-6 years of age, were included in this study. Several parameters, including testicular weight and volume, plasma testosterone concentrations, VASA-positive germ cell populations and cross-sectional areas of the seminiferous tubules were compared in stallions that underwent two hemicastrations, approximately 11 months apart. The weights and volumes of testes harvested at the second hemicastration were significantly higher than those of testes collected at the first hemicastration. However, VASA-positive germ cell populations and the cross-sectional areas of seminiferous tubules were not significantly different between testes harvested at the first and second hemicastrations. Similarly, plasma testosterone concentrations measured weekly for 3 weeks before the first hemicastration, 3 weeks after the first hemicastration, and 3 weeks before the second hemicastration were not significantly different. Our results suggest that hemicastration results in compensatory enlargement of the remaining testis and compensatory steroidogenesis to maintain normal reproductive function in stallions.

Inhibition of biofilm and virulence properties of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by sub-inhibitory concentrations of aminoglycosides

Aminoglycosides are a commonly used class of antibiotics; however, their application has been discontinued due to the emergence of multi-drug resistance bacterial strains. In the present study, the subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) of several aminoglycosides were determined and tested as an antibiofilm and for their anti-virulence properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, which is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen. P. aeruginosa PAO1 exhibits multiple mechanisms of resistance, including the formation of biofilm and production of several virulence factors, against aminoglycoside antibiotics. The sub-MIC of these antibiotics exhibited biofilm inhibition of P. aeruginosa in alkaline TSB (pH 7.9). Moreover, various concentrations of these aminoglycosides also eradicate the mature biofilm of P. aeruginosa. In the presence of sub-MIC of aminoglycosides, the morphological changes of P. aeruginosa were found to change from rod-shaped to the filamentous, elongated, and streptococcal forms. Similar growth conditions and sub-MIC of aminoglycosides were also found to attenuate several virulence properties of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Molecular docking studies demonstrate that these aminoglycosides possess strong binding properties with the LasR protein, which is a well-characterized quorum-sensing receptor of P. aeruginosa. The present study suggests a new approach to revitalize aminoglycosides as antibiofilm and antivirulence drugs to treat infections caused by pathogenic bacteria.

Efficacy and Safety of Flow-Diverter Therapy for Recurrent Aneurysms after Stent-Assisted Coiling

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Flow-diverter treatment for previously stented aneurysms has been reported to be less effective and prone to complications. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of flow diverters for recurrent aneurysms after stent-assisted coiling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent flow-diverter placement for recurrent aneurysms after stent-assisted coiling between March 2015 and March 2019 were recruited. Clinical and radiographic characteristics and clinical and angiographic outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 133 patients who underwent flow-diverter insertion, 17 (male/female ratio = 5:12; mean age, 53.8 years) were treated for recurrent aneurysms after stent placement with (n = 16) or without (n = 1) coiling. Eight patients initially presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage; 7, with headache; and 2, with visual field defects. Angiographic morphology included large/giant saccular in 12 patients, dissecting in 2, fusiform in 1, traumatic pseudoaneurysm in 1, and ruptured blood blister-like aneurysm in 1. The duration between the first treatment and flow-diverter placement ranged from 2 weeks to 15 months (median, 6 months). Flow-diverter placement was successful in all cases without any complications. All patients had favorable outcomes (mRS, 0-2), without any newly appearing symptoms. Aneurysms were followed up with conventional angiography at least once in 6-18 months. Sixteen aneurysms showed complete occlusion, and 1 aneurysm was enlarged.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this case series investigating flow-diverter placement for recurrent aneurysms after stent-assisted coiling suggested that the procedure is safe and effective. Further study in a larger population may be warranted.

Chitooligosaccharides as Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, Antihemolytic and Anti-Virulence Agent against Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus aureus nosocomial infections with a high mortality rate in human and animals have been reported to associate with bacterial biofilm formation, along with the secretion of numerous virulence factors. Therefore, the inhibition of biofilm formation and attenuation of virulence determinants are considered as a promising solution to combat the spread of S. aureus infections. Modern trends in antibiofilm therapies have opted for the active agents that are biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic and cost-effective. Owning the aforementioned properties, chitosan, a natural N-acetylated carbohydrate biopolymer derived from chitin, has been favorably employed. Recently, the chitosan structure has been chemically modified into Chitooligosaccharides (COS) to overcome its limited solubility in water, thus widening chitosan applications in modern antibiofilm research. In the present study, we have investigated the antibacterial, antibiofilm and anti-virulence activities against S. aureus of COS of different molecular weights dissolved in neutral water.

METHODS

The study of bactericidal activity was performed using the micro-dilution method while the biofilm inhibition assay was performed using crystal-violet staining method and confirmed by scanning electron microscopic analysis. The inhibition of amyloid protein production was confirmed by Congo Red staining.

RESULTS

Results showed that low molecular weight COS exhibited bactericidal activity and reduced the bacterial amylogenesis, hemolytic activity as well as H₂O₂ resistance properties, while slightly inhibiting biofilm formation. The present study provides a new insight for further applications of the water-soluble COS as a safe and cost-effective drug for the treatment of S. aureus biofilm-associated infections.

CONCLUSION

Reducing the molecular weight of chitosan in the form of COS has become an effective strategy to maintain chitosan biological activity while improving its water solubility. The low molecular weight COS investigated in this study have effectively performed antibacterial, antibiofilm and antivirulence properties against S. aureus.

Antibiofilm Action of ZnO, SnO2 and CeO2 Nanoparticles Towards Grampositive Biofilm Forming Pathogenic Bacteria

BACKGROUND

The ability to form biofilm and produce several virulence factors has caused numerous human pathogens to become tremendously resistant towards traditional antibiotic treatments, thus, new alternative strategies are urgently in demand. One of the strategies that have recently been developed involves the application of metallic Nanoparticles (NPs). Up to the present, promising results in terms of antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities have been observed in a wide range of metal NPs.

METHODS

The present study has selected three metal oxides such as ZnO, SnO2 and CeO2 NPs to comparatively investigate their antibiofilm and antibacterial properties against two Gram-positive human pathogens, which are Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.

RESULTS

The anti-biofilm activities of ZnO, SnO2 and CeO2 NPs against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes were assayed by crystal violet staining and confirmed by microscopic visualization using SEM. The synthesis of amyloid protein by S. aureus and exopolysaccharide by L. monocytogenes in the presence of ZnO, SnO2 and CeO2 NPs was evaluated by Congo red assay.

DISCUSSION

Results have shown that ZnO, SnO2 and CeO2 NPs effectively inhibited biofilm formation of both L. monocytogenes and S. aureus. The microscopic analysis also confirmed the antibiofilm activity of these NPs. It was also found that only ZnO NPs inhibited cell growth as well as the production of amyloid protein in S. aureus.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these results indicated that ZnO, SnO2 and CeO2 NPs can be considered as potential agents for treating the infections caused by L. monocytogenes and S. aureus, especially those associated with biofilm formation. Based on the present study, further studies are required to understand their mechanisms at both phenotypic and molecular levels, as well as their in vivo cytotoxicity, thereby enabling the applications of these metal oxide NPs in biomedical fields and food industry.

Hearing outcomes of cochlear implant recipients with pre-operatively identified cochlear dead regions

Objectives: To determine how patients who did not meet UK TA166 NICE criteria for cochlear implantation (CI) but were subsequently found to have cochlear dead regions (DRs) performed with CI.Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was performed on CI recipients: 152 controls and 40 in the DR group. Of these, 34 pairs were matched by pre-operative Bamford-Kowal-Bench (BKB) scores and compared.Results: The forty DR patients had a median age at implantation of 56 years. Their mean pre-operative BKB score of 23% increased to 78% after CI. Thirty-seven experienced improvements in BKB scores. In matched case-control analysis, the improvement in mean BKB score with CI was no different (p = 0.19) between the DR group and control group; a similar proportion of patients benefitted in each group.Discussion: This study is the largestreport to date of performance of patients with DRs, before and after CI. The DR group gain similar benefit as the controls.Conclusion: Patients with DRs, who did not meet TA166 NICE criteria, received the same benefit as those who did. TEN testing to detect DRs should be included in routine CI work-up where standard criteria are not met.

P313ADGRL2 is an essential surface molecule for cardiac lineage specification and heart development

Background

Specific surface markers that enable monitoring of cell subsets would be valuable for establishing the conditions under which pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) differentiate into cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) and cardiomyocytes (CMCs).

Methods and results

To verify whether a specific marker is expressed during heart development, we assessed its expression using the CLARITY technique. After immersion in a solution with a refractive index matching that of the CLARITY hybrid, the mouse embryo became transparent. After immunostaining the cleared embryo sample, Adgrl2 was exclusively observed in cardiac cells expressing α-SA at embryonic day E9.5 and E10.5. Our clarified 3D images and movies show that four chambers of the heart are fully developed at E10.5 but not at E9.5. At E9.5, Adgrl2 is observed at the ventricle and atrium, while Adgrl2 is present in all chambers of the heart at E10.5. Next, we performed LacZ (β-Gal) staining in heterozygous Adgrl2 KO embryos to evaluate Adgrl2 expression. As a result, LacZ staining showed that Adgrl2 was predominantly expressed in the heart during the embryonic developmental stage. Adgrl2 knockout in mice was embryonically lethal because of severe heart, but not vascular, defects. To examine the use of Adgrl2 as a bona fide CPC marker during heart development, we tracked Adgrl2 expression during early embryonic development. The heart of Adgrl2−/− embryos at E10.5 exhibited occlusion of the RV, and the expression levels of Gata4 and Nkx2.5 were not as high as those in wild-type and Adgrl2+/− embryos. Interestingly, the heart of Adgrl2−/− embryos, unlike those of wild-type and Adgrl2+/− embryos between E13.5 and E15.5 had a single ventricle revealing a ventricular septal defect. The specific expression pattern of Adgrl2 in PSC-derived cardiac lineage cells as well as in embryonic heart, adult mice, and human heart tissues.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that Adgrl2 plays a pivotal and functional role across all strata of the cardiomyogenic lineage, as early as the precursor stage of heart development. These findings shed light on heart development and regeneration.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Grants from “Strategic Center of Cell and Bio Therapy” (grant number: HI17C2085) and “Korea Research-Driven Hospital” (HI14C1277)

P3479Sequential stimulation and inhibition of lysophosphatidic acid receptor 4 are critical for cardiac differentiation and repair

Background

The clinical application of cell therapy to repair the damaged heart needs to understand the precise differentiation process of stem cells and the characteristics of cardiac progenitor cells.

Purpose

We examined the cardiac-specific markers that expressed on the cell surface and determined their functional significance during cardiac differentiation.

Methods and results

We screened cell-surface expressing proteins on cardiac progenitor cells at differentiation day 3 compared to undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Among candidates, we identified lysophosphatidic acid receptor 4 (LPAR4) that is a G protein-coupled receptor. During in vitro differentiation of mouse PSCs toward cardiac cells, LPAR4 expression peaked for 3–5 days and then and declined immediately. Also in vivo, LPAR4 was specifically expressed in the early stage of heart development in embryos and disappeared completely in adults, suggesting that stimulatory signal of LPAR4 at an early stage should be shut off for further progression of differentiation. We next have identified the LPAR4 downstream signaling molecule, p38MAPK, by comparing PSCs and LPAR4 knockdown PSCs. In both mouse and human PSCs, ODP (LPAR4 specific agonist) followed by p38MAPK blocker (SB203580) treatment significantly increased cardiac differentiation efficiency. Furthermore, we investigated whether LPAR4 is the maker for adult cardiac progenitor cells. We found that LPAR4-positive cells were rarely present in normal adult mouse hearts, but LPAR4-positive cells were increased when the heart was damaged. LPAR4-positive cells from adult hearts differentiated into cardiomyocytes. After myocardial infarction (MI), the sequential stimulation and inhibition of LPAR4 with ODP and p38MAPK blocker resulted in the reduction of infarct size and improvement of left ventricular dysfunction.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that LPAR4 is a cardiac progenitor-specific marker and its functional significance during cardiac differentiation and regeneration. Our findings provide a new insight in cell-free cardiac repair by the modulation of progenitor-specific downstream signaling.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Grants from “Strategic Center of Cell and Bio Therapy” (grant number: HI17C2085) and “Korea Research-Driven Hospital” (HI14C1277)

Preoperative N stage evaluation in advanced gastric cancer patients using multidetector CT: can the sum of the diameters of metastatic LNs be used for N stage evaluation?

AIM

To compare the diagnostic performance of total counts of metastatic lymph nodes (LN-sum) and conventional multidetector (MD) computed tomography (CT) staging in the nodal evaluation of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 127 consecutive patients who underwent preoperative MDCT and gastrectomy for AGC were identified. Metastatic LNs on MDCT were defined as LNs with a short axis ≥8 mm, marked or heterogeneous enhancement, and morphological features (central necrosis, round shape, clustering). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the N-stage using LN-sum and conventional MDCT staging were generated and compared. In addition, metastatic LN counts between the MDCT and the histopathological examinations and correlation between LN-sum and histopathological nodal status were analysed.

RESULTS

The total counts of metastatic LNs on MDCT was significantly smaller than those detected in histopathological assessments (p<0.0001). LN-sum showed significant correlation with the pathological N stage and the number of metastatic LNs (rho=0.69, 0.73, p<0.0001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.896, and 0.835, for N stage ≥N2 and N3, with cut-off values of 12.5 and 23.5 mm, respectively. LN-sum provided better diagnostic performance than conventional MDCT staging for discriminating N0-2 versus N3; sensitivity, accuracy, PPV and NPV of LN-sum were significantly higher (80.4 versus 52.2%, 81.1 versus 68.5%, 71.2 versus 57.1%, and 88 versus 74.1%).

CONCLUSION

LN-sum may be sufficiently useful in assessing the N3 stage of AGC and may help to plan appropriate therapy for AGC patients.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan oligosaccharide-capped gold nanoparticles as an effective antibiofilm drug against the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

The infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a serious concern in human health. The bacterium is an opportunistic pathogen which has been reported to cause nosocomial and chronic infections through biofilm formation and synthesis of several toxins and virulence factors. Furthermore, the formation of biofilm by P. aeruginosa is known as one of the resistance mechanisms against conventional antibiotics. Natural compounds from marine resources have become one of the simple, cost-effective, biocompatible and non-toxicity for treating P. aeruginosa biofilm-related infections. Furthermore, hybrid formulation with nanomaterials such as nanoparticles becomes an effective alternative strategy to minimize the drug toxicity problem and cytotoxicity properties. For this reason, the present study has employed chitosan oligosaccharide for the synthesis of chitosan oligosaccharide-capped gold nanoparticles (COS-AuNPs). The synthesized COS-AuNPs were then characterized by using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), and Energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX). The synthesized COS-AuNPs were applied for inhibiting P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. Results have shown that COS-AuNPs exhibited inhibition to biofilm as well as eradication to pre-existing mature biofilm. Simultaneously, COS-AuNPs were also able to reduce bacterial hemolysis and different virulence factors produced by P. aeruginosa. Overall, the present study concluded that the hybrid nanoformulation such as COS-AuNPs could act as a potential agent to exhibit inhibitory properties against the P. aeruginosa pathogenesis arisen from biofilm formation.

Risk of malignancy in patients with psoriasis: a 15-year nationwide population-based prospective cohort study in Korea

BACKGROUND

The association between psoriasis and risk of malignancy has not been thoroughly evaluated in a large longitudinal cohort of Asian population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long-term risk of malignancy in Korean adult patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide population-based prospective cohort study with a 15-year observational period. During the baseline period (1997-2000), total 1 773 786 Korean subjects who received health insurance from the National Health Insurance System were enrolled and 5788 subjects were defined as a psoriasis group. The number of new-onset malignancy was collected during the observational period (2001-2015).

RESULTS

Patients with psoriasis had a higher adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for development of overall malignancy [aHR 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.18] and gastric cancer (aHR 1.31, 95% CI 1.08-1.58) compared to controls. The risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancer were significantly increased only in patients with psoriasis who received systemic treatments (aHR 2.86, 95% CI 1.07-7.61 and aHR 3.93, 95% CI 1.47-10.47, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Psoriasis is associated with long-term risk for overall malignancy in Koreans, which was primarily driven by the increased risk of gastric cancer.

Toxicity of dietary selenomethionine in juvenile steelhead trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss: tissue burden, growth performance, body composition, hematological parameters, and liver histopathology

The steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is the species most at risk from selenium (Se) exposure in the San Francisco Bay Delta (SFBD). However, although steelhead trout are usually exposed to environmental Se in the juvenile stage, data to test their sensitivity to excess Se, especially its organic form, in the juvenile stage are scarce. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess the sensitivity of juvenile steelhead trout to ecologically relevant forms of Se using integrated sensitive endpoints. Fish (mean weight: 22.3 g) were fed one of five diets containing 1.1 (control), 8.8, 15.4, 30.8, and 61.6 μg Se/g diet dw (Se1.1, Se8.8, Se15.4, Se30.8, and Se61.6, respectively) in the form of selenomethionine for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, Se significantly accumulated in a dose-dependent manner in all tissues at different rates. The growth rate and plasma cholesterol were significantly depressed in fish fed diets containing Se30.8 and above. Hematological parameters and mortality were significantly elevated in fish fed the Se61.6 diet. Marked histopathological alterations were observed in fish fed the Se8.8 diet (the lowest observed effect concentration, LOEC) and above. The current results suggest that the steelhead trout is more sensitive to excess Se than nonanadromous rainbow trout used in previous studies because of its lower LOEC despite the use of selenomethionine and the shorter experimental duration. Additionally, it should be noted that the current Se levels found in the SFBD are already a threat to the threatened population of steelhead trout on the central California coast.

Lifetime measurement of the first excited 5/2+ state in 133Cs using NaI(Tl) and LaBr3(Ce) detectors

We report a new high-precision lifetime measurement of the first excited 5/2⁺ state of ¹³³Cs using NaI(Tl) and LaBr₃(Ce) detectors. The time difference between the coincident decays of two successive states was measured using fast-timing electronics. The 356-keV (1/2⁺→5/2⁺) gamma transition was tagged by the successive 81-keV (5/2⁺→7/2⁺) transition of ¹³³Cs. The half-life of the first excited 5/2⁺¹³³Cs state was measured as T_1/2=6.283±0.004 (stat.) ±0.011(syst.) ns.

Fucoidan-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticle-Mediated Biofilm Inhibition, Attenuation of Virulence and Motility Properties in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa due to biofilm formation has transformed this opportunistic pathogen into a life-threatening one. Biosynthesized nanoparticles are increasingly being recognized as an effective anti-biofilm strategy to counter P. aeruginosa biofilms. In the present study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were biologically synthesized and stabilized using fucoidan, which is an active compound sourced from brown seaweed. Biosynthesized fucoidan-stabilized AuNPs (F-AuNPs) were subjected to characterization using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX). The biosynthesized F-AuNPs were then evaluated for their inhibitory effects on P. aeruginosa bacterial growth, biofilm formation, virulence factor production, and bacterial motility. Overall, the activities of F-AuNPs towards P. aeruginosa were varied depending on their concentration. At minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (512 µg/mL) and at concentrations above MIC, F-AuNPs exerted antibacterial activity. In contrast, the sub-inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) levels of F-AuNPs inhibited biofilm formation without affecting bacterial growth, and eradicated matured biofilm. The minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) were identified as 128 µg/mL. Furthermore, sub-MICs of F-AuNPs also attenuated the production of several important virulence factors and impaired bacterial swarming, swimming, and twitching motilities. Findings from the present study provide important insights into the potential of F-AuNPs as an effective new drug for controlling P. aeruginosa-biofilm-related infections.

Abstract P1-12-02: Withdrawn

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

Citation Format: Chung IY, Hur H, Lee J, Lee JW, Youn HJ, Han K, Kim NW, Jung S-Y, Kim Z, Kim KS, Lee MH, Han S-H, Jung SH. Withdrawn [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-12-02.

Abstract P2-14-21: Not presented

This abstract was not presented at the conference.

Citation Format: Lee S, Ahn SH, Lee JW, Chung IY, Ko BS, Kim HJ, Kim J, Shon G, Son BH. Not presented [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-14-21.

Abstract P1-08-21: Association of depression and anxiety disorder with the risk of mortality in breast cancer: A national health insurance service study in South Korea

PURPOSE: To examine whether depression, anxiety disorder and their co-occurrence would increase the risk of mortality in patients with breast cancer, and whether antidepressant treatment would reduce the same.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were retrieved from the database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Of 145,251 patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2007 and 2014, 20,870 patients diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorder one year before breast cancer diagnosis were excluded. Thus, data of 124,381 patients were included in this study.

RESULTS: Anxiety disorder was more prevalent than depression in patients with breast cancer, and similar factors were associated with both depression and anxiety disorder. Overall, female sex, older age, residence in metropolitan areas, lower income, higher comorbidity, carcinoma in situ, and the receipt of any type of cancer therapies were associated with an increased risk of depression or anxiety disorder. Depression and anxiety disorder were associated with an increased risk of mortality (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.26, 95% CI=1.18–1.36; HR=1.14, 95% CI=1.08–1.22, respectively) and their co-occurrence further increased the risk (HR=1.38, 95% CI=1.24–1.54). Antidepressant treatment was related to a reduced risk of mortality. Compared to patients with no depression, among those with depression, the risk of mortality was 2.18 times higher (95% CI=1.69–2.81) in patients who did not receive antidepressant treatment and 1.25 times higher (95% CI =1.17–1.32) in those who received antidepressant treatment.

CONCLUSION: The current findings suggest that psychiatric comorbidities are markers of increased mortality risk in patients with breast cancer. This underscores the need for screening and treating depression and anxiety disorders to improve survival in breast cancer.

Citation Format: Kim YS, Shim E-J, Lee JW, Cho J, Jung HK, Kim NH, Lee JE, Min J, Noh WC, Park S-H. Association of depression and anxiety disorder with the risk of mortality in breast cancer: A national health insurance service study in South Korea [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-08-21.

Abstract P6-09-09: Analysis of serial circulating tumor cell count during neoadjuvant systemic therapy in breast cancer patients

Background: We aimed to evaluate the clinical implication of circulating tumor cell (CTC) counts in correlation with prognosis and radiologic/pathologic response to therapy in locally advanced breast cancer patients undergoing preoperative systemic therapy.

Methods: From Feb 2014 to May 2017, 207 patients without distant metastasis were prospectively enrolled from AMC. CTC counts were analyzed before-during-after the therapy. CTC isolation was performed using a SMART BIOPSY™ SYSTEM Isolation kit (Cytogen, Inc., Seoul, Korea). Recurrence-free and overall survival was analyzed according to CTC counts.

Result: The mean follow-up period was 22.46 months and mean age was 46.48 years. One or more CTC was identified in 132 of 203 patients(65.0%) before NST, in 135 of 186 patients(72.0%) during NST and 103 of 171 patients(60.2%) after NST. Initial tumor burden at diagnosis -tumor size, lymph node metastasis- was not correlated with CTC positivity. Overall, CTC count ((≥1 CTC, ≥2 CTCs, and ≥5 CTCs) was not correlated with response to therapy. Using RECIST criteria, 86.5% (179/204) were responders (complete, partial response, CR/PR) and 12.1% (25/204) were non-responders (stable, progressive disease, SD/PD). 14.5% (30/207) showed a pathologic complete response (pCR), yet no association was found between CTC count/changes and radiologic/pathologic response to therapy. Also, CTC count was not correlated with prognosis among the whole population. However, HR+ tumors, CTC detection before NST was significantly associated with treatment response by RECIST criteria (responder vs. non-responder) (p=0.003, p=0.017 and p=0.023, respectively).

Conclusions: Our findings support limited value of CTC count for locally advanced breast cancers undergoing neoadjuvant systemic therapy.

Citation Format: Gwark S-C, Kim J, Kim YH, Kim MS, Park JY, Lee SB, Sohn G, Chung IY, Ko BS, Kim HJ, Lee JW, Son BH, Ahn SH. Analysis of serial circulating tumor cell count during neoadjuvant systemic therapy in breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-09.

Abstract P2-02-09: Not presented

This abstract was not presented at the conference.

Citation Format: An J, Yang J, Lee W-H, Kim JB, Kim J-k, Kim H, Paek SH, Lee JW, Woo J, Kwon H, Lim W, Paik NS, Kim Y-K, Moon B-I. Not presented [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-02-09.

Abstract P2-08-22: Clinical implication of HER2/neu status in hormone receptor positive pure mucinous breast cancer

Background: Mucinous carcinoma of the breast is a rare type of breast cancer with favorable outcome compared with other types of breast cancer. The current guideline does not recommend chemotherapy/anti-HER2 therapy for mucinous breast cancer with hormone receptor-positive subtype regardless of HER2/neu status. In this study, we evaluated the survival of pure mucinous breast cancer according to tumor stage and subtype.

Methods: Between 1989 and 2014, in Asan Medical Center, Korea, total 473 pure mucinous carcinomas (stage I-III) undergone curative surgery were reviewed retrospectively. 5yr disease-free and overall survival were analyzed according to size, lymph node metastasis, hormone receptor/HER2 status and given therapy.

Result: Total of 473 patients with pure mucinous breast cancer were analyzed and median follow-up duration was 78.00 months. 439 patients were hormone receptor-positive, 374 were node negative, 55 were HER2/neu positive. Among 374 patients with hormone receptor-positive and node-negative, tumor size was &lt;1cm in 46 patients, 1-2.9cm in 259 patients, ≥3cm in 69 patients. In HR-positive/Node-positive BCs, 90.8%(59/65)were given chemotherapy and 35.3%(6/17) were also given trastuzumab. Sixteen patients given trastuzumab were only included in the analysis to assess the benefit of trastuzumab among HER2 positive BCs.

Overall, 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 94.1% and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 95.9%. Using Cox regression analysis, lymph node metastasis was the only significant prognostic factor for both DFS (HR4.0, 95%CI:1.8-9.0, p=0.001) and OS (HR3.5, 95%CI:1.3-8.9, p=0.008). Among HR-positive/node-negative with tumor size ≥3cm, HER2/neu positivity was only significantly associated with 5yr-DFS (71.4% in HER2/neu+ vs. 96.4% in HER2/neu-, HR9.5, 95%CI:1.3-67.5, p=0.024). This observation was consistently combining both 'HR-positive/node-negative/&gt;3cm' and 'HR-positive/node positive' BCs (N=127) that HER2 positive tumors showed worse survival (HR 3.7, 95%CI:1.2-10.8, p=0.015). Intriguingly, within this subgroup of HR-positive/node-negative/&gt;3cm' and 'HR-positive/node positive' BCs, among HER2 positive tumors, while 5yr-DFS was 63.7% in patients who didn't receive trastuzumab, 100% were disease free in patients who were given trastuzumab.

Conclusions: Overall, nodal status was the most significant prognostic factor for pure mucinous breast cancer. In hormone receptor-positive, lymph node negative mucinous breast cancer with tumor of ≥3cm, HER2 positive BCs showed worse survival, suggesting a potential role of anti-HER2 strategy in this subgroup.

Citation Format: Gwark S-C, Lee JW, Lee SB, Sohn G, Kim J, Chung IY, Ko BS, Kim HJ, Son BH, Ahn SH. Clinical implication of HER2/neu status in hormone receptor positive pure mucinous breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-08-22.

Abstract P2-07-10: Not presented

This abstract was not presented at the conference.

Citation Format: Lee H-B, Kim KE, Ju YW, Jung J-G, Ryu H-S, Lee SB, Lee JW, Lee HJ, Kim M-S, Kwon S, Kim J, Kim C, Moon H-G, Noh D-Y, Ahn S-H, Park I-A, Kim S, Yoon S, Kim A, Han W. Not presented [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-07-10.

Abstract P4-01-11: Genomic alterations of cell-free DNA in early breast cancer patients with recurrence

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), as a non-invasive strategy, provides substantial benefit to overcome tumor heterogeneity. Surveillance of recurrence after standard treatment in early breast cancer (BC) using cfDNA, enables to detect minimal residual disease (MRD), also to identify genomic alterations driving recurrences. We aimed to assess the role of cfDNA in detecting MRD by investigating genomic alterations of 1)primary, recurred tumor and 2)cfDNA at time of recurrence using deep targeted sequencing. Fifty-four early BC patients were enrolled prospectively between 2014 and 2017 at time of recurrence. Median disease free interval was 28.5 months (rage 6.2-49.8). 62.7% (32/51) were hormone receptor (HR) positive (28 HRpos/HER2neg, 4 HRpos/HER2pos), 11.8% (6/51) were HRneg/HER2pos and 25.5% (13/51) were triple negative BCs. 59.3% (32/54) patients developed loco-regional recurrence (15 local recurrence only, 13 regional only, 4 with both) and distant metastasis was observed among 40.7% (22/54) patients. Cell-free DNA was extracted from 5cc blood at time of recurrence. Deep targeted sequencing was performed using customized NGS panel –encompassing 426 cancer-related target coding region, 242 fusion and amplification-related region- of cfDNA and FFPE(formalin fixed paraffin embedded) tumor samples archived from surgical resection or biopsy. Deep targeted sequencing data was successfully performed in 72.1% (31/43) plasma samples and sequencing yield was significantly lower when stored for more than 2yrs (46.2% vs 83.3%).

Mutations of cfDNA and tumor (primary, recurred) were analyzed. Mean sequencing depth of cfDNA and FFPE were x425.7 and x777.6 respectively. Median number of pathogenic mutations found in primary tumor, cfDNA and recurred tumor were 27(range 12-99), 25(range 8-85) and 9(range 0-23). Among mutations found in primary tumor, 27.4% were shared mutations (range 8.1%-72.7%) with recurred tumor and 26.1% were shared mutations (range 4.7%-69.2%) observed in cfDNA sample. Among mutations found in recurred tumor, 40.9% were observed in cfDNA (range 17.7-87.5%). In primary tumor, median number of mutations with allelic fraction (MAF)&gt;10% were 12 (range 4-21) and at least one mutation was found in cfDNA at time of recurrence. Among mutations with MAF&gt;10%, 59.4% and 69.1% were found in cfDNA and recurred tumor. Known oncogenic mutations of PIK3CA, TP53, GATA3, AKT1, ESR1, RELN, ERBB2, ERBB3, BRCA1 mutation were found. PIK3CA gene (p.H1047R) was found in two cases both in primary tumor and cfDNA at recurrence (MAF 11.4% vs 5.3% and 12.3% vs 15.4%) suggesting de novo driver mutation. One patient developed regional recurrence during adjuvant aromatase inhibitor with ESR1 V392I mutation in both cfDNA and recurred tumor (MAF 48.1 and 54.5%), while another patient's recurred tumor during aromatase inhibitor harbored ESR1 D538G mutation exclusively in recurred tumor with MAF &lt;1%. Both patients had no ESR1 hotpot mutation in primary tumor.

Our data showed sequencing yield of 83.3% in plasma samples within 2yr. Pathogenic mutations in primary tumor, especially when MAF&gt;10%, half of them was observed in cfDNA at time of recurrence. ESR1 mutation should be included in cfDNA surveillance for patients undergoing endocrine therapy even absent in primary tumor.

Citation Format: Kim J, Jo WK, Kim KY, Kim BJ, Lee SB, Lee HJ, Yu JH, Kim HJ, Chung IY, Ko BS, Kim S-B, Jung KH, Ahn JH, Chang S, Lee JW, Son BH, Ahn SH. Genomic alterations of cell-free DNA in early breast cancer patients with recurrence [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-01-11.

Abstract P2-08-60: Withdrawn

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

Citation Format: Lee S, Ahn SH, Son BH, Lee JW, Chung IY, Ko BS, Kim HJ, Kim J, Shon G. Withdrawn [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-08-60.

Clinical usefulness of two-phase 18F-sodium-fluoride (18F-NaF) bone PET/CT for evaluating treatment response of bone metastases from breast cancer: Case report

We report the case of a breast cancer patient in whom a two-phase ¹⁸F-sodium-fluoride (¹⁸F-NaF) bone PET/CT was useful for detecting hidden bone metastases and assessing treatment response. The patient underwent a two-phase bone PET/CT to evaluate a newly developed lesion found on bone scintigraphy following surgery. In the perfusion and bone phase PET/CT images, focally increased perfusion and bony uptake were found in the sacrum and L5 vertebra, suggesting bone metastases of breast cancer. Therefore, the patient subsequently underwent palliative treatment. In another twoPET/CT studies (each including two-phase bone images) performed after 3and 6months of follow-up, the perfusion phase images showed an improvement of the lesion uptake more clearly than in the bone phase images in the visual and semi-quantitative analyses, and thus the perfusion phase images were more useful for clarifying the treatment response earlier than the bone phase images. This is the first case showing the clinical usefulness of ¹⁸F-NaF bone PET/CT with the perfusion imaging technique for evaluating bone metastases and the therapeutic response of metastatic bone lesions.

Search for K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] and K_{L}→π^{0}X^{0} Decays at the J-PARC KOTO Experiment

A search for the rare decay K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] was performed. With the data collected in 2015, corresponding to 2.2×10^{19} protons on target, a single event sensitivity of (1.30±0.01_{stat}±0.14_{syst})×10^{-9} was achieved and no candidate events were observed. We set an upper limit of 3.0×10^{-9} for the branching fraction of K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] at the 90% confidence level (C.L.), which improved the previous limit by almost an order of magnitude. An upper limit for K_{L}→π^{0}X^{0} was also set as 2.4×10^{-9} at the 90% C.L., where X^{0} is an invisible boson with a mass of 135  MeV/c^{2}.