Distinct microbiome composition and reduced interactions in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Introduction: The results of microbiome composition in patients with malignancy have been inconsistent across studies and are affected by various factors. This study aimed to identify microbiome composition of saliva, feces, and blood in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Results: Overall, 31 patients with pancreatic cancer and 24 healthy controls were sex- and age-matched.

High-temperature-induced FKF1 accumulation promotes flowering through the dispersion of GI and degradation of SVP.

Floral transition is influenced by photoperiod and ambient temperature, which are integrated to modulate development via a molecular mechanism that remains to be elucidated. Here we demonstrate that the F-box protein FLAVIN-BINDING, KELCH REPEAT, F-BOX 1 (FKF1) and its interacting partner GIGANTEA (GI), central regulators of photoperiodic flowering, target SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) for 26S-proteasome-dependent degradation to regulate the temperature-responsive developmental transition to flowering. At low temperatures, GI is sequestered in liquid-like nuclear condensates.

Spatial transcriptomics reveal high T cell and monocyte status as predictive and prognostic markers in pancreatic cancer.

Background: In the present study, we intended to discover predictive or prognostic factors of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We intended to investigate the differences between PDAC cases that are treated with upfront surgery (UFS) and surgery after neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy (NAT), and cases with good and poor responses to NAT, using digital spatial profiling (DSP) and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis.

Methods: Forty-eight PDAC cases that were surgically resected with or without NAT were included.

Novel mRNA biomarker-based liquid biopsy for the detection of resectable pancreatic cancer.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies and most often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Identification of markers for the early diagnosis of PDAC is crucial. In this study, we aimed to identify novel mRNA biomarkers for diagnosing PDAC, focusing on early-stage tumorigenesis and associated immunological changes.

Synthesis of a Nitrile- and Ether-Rich Covalent Organic Framework as a Filler and Its Application for Proton Exchange Membranes.

In the fabrication of proton exchange membranes (PEMs), incorporating nanomaterials into the polymer matrix is a promising strategy for enhancing membrane stability. However, this approach often results in a trade-off with proton conductivity. To address this limitation and develop efficient additives, we synthesized a novel covalent organic framework with a high density of ether and nitrile groups (COF-EN) via nucleophilic substitution as a nanofiller.

Prognostic Value of the Metabolic Response on Serial F-FDG PET/CT in Pancreatic Cancer.

Background/aims: The prognostic value of serial F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (F-FDG PET/CT) for patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer who undergo conversion surgery or continue chemotherapy without surgery has not been well-established.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was conducted at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between March 2013 and February 2022. Patients underwent PET/CT at baseline and subsequent radiologic evaluations following chemotherapy.

Choledocholithiasis as a risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma: a nationwide retrospective cohort study.

Background: Choledocholithiasis has been reported to be associated with the occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA); however, the association has not yet been sufficiently demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate the association between choledocholithiasis (common bile duct stones) and CCA.

Methods: This nationwide retrospective cohort study used the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database of individuals diagnosed with choledocholithiasis between 2008 and 2009 in South Korea.

Identification of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who might benefit from third-line chemotherapy.

Background: Survival rates of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) have been improved with palliative chemotherapy series. The current preferred first-line regimen consists of combination therapy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin (LV), irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) or gemcitabine plus albumin-bound paclitaxel (GNP). After failure of first-line chemotherapy, there are a few options for subsequent therapy including switch to the unused first-line regimen or nano-liposomal irinotecan and 5-FU/LV.

A randomized non-inferiority trial investigating antibiotic adjustments based on blood culture in acute cholangitis.

Objectives: This study evaluated the adequacy of using blood cultures alone for antibiotic therapy in mild-to-moderate acute cholangitis after adequate biliary drainage.

Methods: A prospective, multi-centre, non-inferiority, randomized trial was conducted from August 2015 to September 2023 across 12 tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to groups.

Survival benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy after conversion surgery in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Background: Oncologic outcomes of conversion surgery for advanced pancreatic cancer (PC) have scarcely been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the outcomes of conversion surgery with preoperative treatment of FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel (GnP) for patients with advanced PC including locally advanced or metastatic PC.

Methods: Using the National Health Insurance database between 2005 and 2020, we identified patients who underwent conversion surgery after chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX or GnP for advanced PC.

The origin of patient-derived cancer organoids from pathologically undiagnosed specimen in patients with pancreatobiliary cancers.

Purpose: Tissue confirmation of pancreatobiliary cancer is often difficult because of the location of the tumor and structure of the surrounding blood vessels. Patient-derived cancer organoids (PDCOs) reflect the genomic characteristics of individual cancers. Although diverse attempts to construct PDCOs for various pancreatobiliary cancer models are ongoing, no research results have yet confirmed the possibility of performing a precise diagnosis on PDCOs derived from pathologically negative patient samples.

Phytochrome-interacting factors PIF4 and PIF5 directly regulate autophagy during leaf senescence in Arabidopsis.

During leaf senescence, autophagy plays a critical role by removing damaged cellular components and participating in nutrient remobilization to sink organs. However, how AUTOPHAGY (ATG) genes are regulated during natural leaf senescence remains largely unknown. In this study, we attempted to identify upstream transcriptional regulator(s) of ATG genes and their molecular basis during leaf senescence in Arabidopsis through the combined analyses of promoter binding, autophagy flux, and genetic interactions.

Highly sensitive multiplexed colorimetric lateral flow immunoassay by plasmon-controlled metal-silica isoform nanocomposites: PINs.

Lateral flow assay (LFA) systems use metal nanoparticles for rapid and convenient target detection and are extensively studied for the diagnostics of various diseases. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are often used as probes in LFAs, displaying a single red color. However, there is a high demand for colorimetric LFAs to detect multiple biomarkers, requiring the use of multicolored NPs.

Valence Electronic Structure of Interfacial Phenol in Water Droplets.

Biochemistry and a large part of atmospheric chemistry occur in aqueous environments or at aqueous interfaces, where (photo)chemical reaction rates can be increased by up to several orders of magnitude. The key to understanding the chemistry and photoresponse of molecules in and "on" water lies in their valence electronic structure, with a sensitive probe being photoelectron spectroscopy. This work reports velocity-map photoelectron imaging of submicrometer-sized aqueous phenol droplets in the valence region after nonresonant (288 nm) and resonance-enhanced (274 nm) two-photon ionization with femtosecond ultraviolet light, complementing previous liquid microjet studies.

The Trends and Outcomes of Initial Palliative Chemotherapy in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer in Korea Based on National Health Insurance Service Data.

: The survival rate of patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) has improved gradually since the introduction of FOLFIRINOX (FFX) and gemcitabine + albumin-bound paclitaxel (GnP) regimens. However, the trends and outcomes of initial palliative chemotherapy before and after the advent of these regimens and their contribution to survival rates are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate this in patients with PC in Korea using claims data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS).

Covalent-Frameworked 2D Crown Ether with Chemical Multifunctionality.

Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of a novel 2D crystalline framework, named , which mainly consists of carbon and oxygen in a 2:1 molar ratio and features crown ether holes in its skeletal structure. The covalent-frameworked 2D crown ether can be synthesized on a gram-scale and exhibits fine chemical stability in various environments, including acid, base, and different organic solvents. The efficiently activates KI through the strong coordination of K with crown ether holes in a rigid framework, which enhances the nucleophilicity of I and significantly improves its catalytic activity for CO fixation with epoxides.

Virucidal activity of Cu-doped TiO nanoparticles under visible light illumination: Effect of Cu oxidation state.

Copper (Cu) is an effective antimicrobial material; however, its activity is inhibited by oxidation. Titanium dioxide (TiO) photocatalysis prevents Cu oxidation and improves its antimicrobial activity and stability. In this study, the virucidal efficacy of Cu-doped TiO nanoparticles (Cu-TiO) with three different oxidation states of the Cu dopant (i.

Pushing the Resolution Limit of Stimulated Emission Depletion Optical Nanoscopy.

Optical nanoscopy, also known as super-resolution optical microscopy, has provided scientists with the means to surpass the diffraction limit of light microscopy and attain new insights into nanoscopic structures and processes that were previously inaccessible. In recent decades, numerous studies have endeavored to enhance super-resolution microscopy in terms of its spatial (lateral) resolution, axial resolution, and temporal resolution. In this review, we discuss recent efforts to push the resolution limit of stimulated emission depletion (STED) optical nanoscopy across multiple dimensions, including lateral resolution, axial resolution, temporal resolution, and labeling precision.

Confined growth of Ag nanogap shells emitting stable Raman label signals for SERS liquid biopsy of pancreatic cancer.

To develop a reliable surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunoassay as a new liquid biopsy modality, SERS nanoprobes emitting strong and stable signals are necessary. However, Ag nanoparticles used as SERS nanoprobes are prone to rapid fading of SERS signals by oxidation. This has driven the development of a new strategy for Ag-based SERS nanoprobes emitting stable and strong SERS signals over time.

Analysis of Recent Improvement of Survival Outcomes in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer Who Underwent Upfront Surgery.

Background/aims: : Recently, patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) who underwent resection have exhibited improved survival outcomes, but comprehensive analysis is limited. We analyzed the trends of contributing factors.

Methods: : Data of patients with resected PC were retrospectively collected from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database and separately at our institution.

Outcomes of Palliative Chemotherapy for Ampulla of Vater Adenocarcinoma: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

Background/aims: : Palliative chemotherapy (PC) is not standardized for patients with advanced ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma (AA). This multicenter, retrospective study evaluated first-line PC outcomes in patients with AA.

Methods: : Patients diagnosed with AA between January 2010 and December 2020 who underwent PC were enrolled from 10 institutions.

Simultaneously enhancing the resolution and signal-to-background ratio in STED optical nanoscopy via differential depletion.

STED (stimulated emission depletion) far-field optical nanoscopy achieves resolution beyond the diffraction limit by depleting fluorescence at the periphery of excitation with a donut-shaped depletion laser. What is traded off with the superior resolution of STED nanoscopy is the unwanted elevation of structured background noise which hampers the quality of STED images. Here, we alleviate the background noise problem by adopting the differential stimulated emission depletion (diffSTED) approach.

Analysis of Phase Heterogeneity in Lipid Membranes Using Single-Molecule Tracking in Live Cells.

In live cells, the plasma membrane is composed of lipid domains separated by hundreds of nanometers in dynamic equilibrium. Lipid phase separation regulates the trafficking and spatiotemporal organization of membrane molecules that promote signal transduction. However, visualizing domains with adequate spatiotemporal accuracy remains challenging because of their subdiffraction limit size and highly dynamic properties.

Interweaving Elastic and Hydrogen Bond-Forming Polymers into Highly Tough and Stress-Relaxable Binders for High-Performance Silicon Anode in Lithium-Ion Batteries.

A central challenge in practically using high-capacity silicon (Si) as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries is alleviating significant volume change of Si during cycling. One key to resolving the failure issues of Si is exploiting carefully designed polymer binders exhibiting mechanical robustness to retain the structural integrity of Si electrodes, while concurrently displaying elasticity and toughness to effectively dissipate external stresses exerted by the volume changes of Si. Herein, a highly elastic and tough polymer binder is proposed by interweaving polyacrylic acid (PAA) with poly(urea-urethane) (PUU) elastomer for Si anodes.

A Multifunctional Interlocked Binder with Synergistic In Situ Covalent and Hydrogen Bonding for High-Performance Si Anode in Li-ion Batteries.

Silicon has garnered significant attention as a promising anode material for high-energy density Li-ion batteries. However, Si can be easily pulverized during cycling, which results in the loss of electrical contact and ultimately shortens battery lifetime. Therefore, the Si anode binder is developed to dissipate the enormous mechanical stress of the Si anode with enhanced mechanical properties.