Advanced Detection of Pancreatic Cancer Circulating Tumor Cells Using Biomarkers and Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) typically develops without symptoms, and its aggressive progression combined with late-stage diagnosis underscores the critical need for improved early detection strategies. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood are potential biomarkers for PDAC. In this study, the detection of pancreatic cancer-associated CTCs was evaluated using two magnetic-based diagnostic systems in a comparative approach.

Estimating nesting habitat characteristics for the Kentish plover (Anarhynchus alexandrinus) with the effect of substrate and vegetation using a Bayesian network approach.

Coastal habitats play an important role in the nesting ecology of shorebirds; however, these habitats are increasingly threatened by human activity and ongoing habitat loss. The conservation of shorebird populations thus necessitates understanding the utilization pattern of artificial coastal habitats by these birds. Substrate particle size and vegetation cover are key environmental factors influencing the nest site selection and nest success in ground-nesting shorebirds such as plovers.

Augmented Effect of Combined Robotic Assisted Gait Training and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-irradiation Technique on Muscle Activation and Ankle Kinematics in Hemiparetic Gait: A Preliminary Study.

BackgroundProprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) alone has limited effectiveness in restoring gait, while robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) improves motor relearning through repetitive, task-specific movements. Combining PNF with robotic gait training (PRGT) may enhance locomotor recovery by promoting proprioceptive awareness and muscle activation alongside repetitive gait retraining in stroke patients.ObjectiveThis study compares the immediate effects of PRGT and RAGT on ankle dorsiflexion and muscle activity in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients and healthy controls.

Walking While Acting Sad and Happy Emotions Influences Risk Factors of Knee Osteoarthritis.

Greater knee adduction moment is associated with increased risk and progression of knee osteoarthritis, and this biomechanical risk factor is modulated through kinematic gait modifications. Emotions are known to influence walking kinematics and speed, but the effect of different emotions on knee mechanics is unclear. To test this, 20 healthy participants walked while instrumented gait data was recorded.

Universal Chiral Nanopaint for Metal Oxide Biomaterials.

Chirality is widespread in nature and governs the properties of various materials including inorganic nanomaterials. However, previously reported chiral inorganic materials have been limited to a handful of compositions owing to the physicochemical restrictions that impart chirality. Herein, chiral nanopaint applicable to diverse inorganic materials is presented.

Sesamolin suppresses adipocyte differentiation through Keap1-dependent Nrf2 activation in adipocytes.

Sesamolin, a lignan isolated from sesame oils, has been found to possess neuroprotective, anticancer, and free radical scavenging properties. We hypothesized that sesamolin could stimulate the activity of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) and inhibit adipocyte differentiation of preadipocytes. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of sesamolin on adipocyte differentiation and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Butein derivatives prevent obesity and improve insulin resistance through the induction of energy expenditure in high-fat diet-fed obese mice.

Obesity is a global public health problem and is related with fatal diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Medical and lifestyle-related strategies to combat obesity have their limitations. White adipose tissue (WAT) browning is a promising strategy for increasing energy expenditure in individuals with obesity.

Effects of Topical Anti-Glaucoma Medications on Outcomes of Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: Comparison with Age- and Sex-Matched Controls.

Background: This study analyzed the effects of topical anti-glaucoma medications on the surgical outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) in nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO).

Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent EDCR for NLDO between September 2012 and April 2021. Thirty patients with topical anti-glaucoma medications and 90 age- and sex-matched controls were included.

Activation of Nrf2 by sulfuretin stimulates chondrocyte differentiation and increases bone lengths in zebrafish.

Elongation of most bones occur at the growth plate through endochondral ossification in postnatal mammals. The maturation of chondrocyte is a crucial factor in longitudinal bone growth, which is regulated by a complex network of paracrine and endocrine signaling pathways. Here, we show that a phytochemical sulfuretin can stimulate hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation in vitro and in vivo.

Magnetothermal-based non-invasive focused magnetic stimulation for functional recovery in chronic stroke treatment.

Magnetic heat-based brain stimulation of specific lesions could promote the restoration of impaired motor function caused by chronic stroke. We delivered localized stimulation by nanoparticle-mediated heat generation within the targeted brain area via focused magnetic stimulation. The middle cerebral artery occlusion model was prepared, and functional recovery in the chronic-phase stroke rat model was demonstrated by the therapeutic application of focused magnetic stimulation.

Stage 2: Who Are the Best Candidates for Robotic Gait Training Rehabilitation in Hemiparetic Stroke?

We aimed to compare the effects of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) in patients with FAC < 2 (low initial functional ambulation category [LFAC]) and FAC ≥ 2 (high initial functional ambulation category [HFAC]) on sensorimotor and spasticity, balance and trunk stability, the number of steps and walking distance in subacute hemiparetic stroke. Fifty-seven patients with subacute hemiparetic stroke (mean age, 63.86 ± 12.

Butein-Enriched Fractions of (Lam.) Taub. Flower Decrease Weight Gains and Increase Energy Expenditure in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

(Lam.) Taub. has been applied to treat inflammatory, metabolic, and infectious diseases.

Machine-Deep-Ensemble Learning Model for Classifying Cybersickness Caused by Virtual Reality Immersion.

This study aims to classify cybersickness (CS) caused by virtual reality (VR) immersion through a machine-deep-ensemble learning model. The heart rate variability and respiratory signal parameters of 20 subjects were measured, while watching a VR video for ∼5 minutes. After the experiment, the subjects were examined for CS and questioned to determine their CS states.

Ubiquitin Specific Protease 29 Functions as an Oncogene Promoting Tumorigenesis in Colorectal Carcinoma.

Colorectal carcinoma is the third foremost cause of cancer-related deaths and accounts for 5.8% of all deaths globally. The molecular mechanisms of colon cancer progression and metastasis control are not well studied.

Nrf2 induces Ucp1 expression in adipocytes in response to β3-AR stimulation and enhances oxygen consumption in high-fat diet-fed obese mice.

Cold-induced norepinephrine activates β3-adrenergic receptors (β3-AR) to stimulate the kinase cascade and cAMP-response element-binding protein, leading to the induction of thermogenic gene expression including uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1). Here, we showed that stimulation of the β3-AR by its agonists isoproterenol and CL316,243 in adipocytes increased the expression of Ucp1 and Heme Oxygenase 1 (Hmox1), the principal Nrf2 target gene, suggesting the functional interaction of Nrf2 with β3-AR signaling. The activation of Nrf2 by tert-butylhydroquinone and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by glucose oxidase induced both Ucp1 and Hmox1 expression.

Application of electrospray-scanning mobility particle sizer for the measurement of sub-10 nm chemical mechanical planarization slurry abrasive size distribution.

A scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) was used for measuring the size of a sub-10 nm chemical mechanical planarization slurry abrasive. An atomizer and an electrospray were used for aerosolization of slurry abrasives. It was difficult to measure the exact particle size distribution using the atomizer due to the agglomeration peak generated by the relatively large droplet size.

The Design of CNN Architectures for Optimal Six Basic Emotion Classification Using Multiple Physiological Signals.

This study aimed to design an optimal emotion recognition method using multiple physiological signal parameters acquired by bio-signal sensors for improving the accuracy of classifying individual emotional responses. Multiple physiological signals such as respiration (RSP) and heart rate variability (HRV) were acquired in an experiment from 53 participants when six basic emotion states were induced. Two RSP parameters were acquired from a chest-band respiration sensor, and five HRV parameters were acquired from a finger-clip blood volume pulse (BVP) sensor.

Comparative effectiveness of budesonide inhalation suspension and montelukast in children with mild asthma in Korea.

The comparative effectiveness of low-dose budesonide inhalation suspension (BIS) versus oral montelukast (MON) in managing asthma control among children with mild asthma was assessed in Korea. Claims from Korea's national health insurance database for children (2-17 years) with mild asthma (GINA 1 or 2) who initiated BIS or MON during 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Pre- and post-index windows were 1 year each.

The effects of functional action-observation training on gait function in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Functional action observation (FAO) is likely to activate the corticospinal tract and is likely to increase the potential ability of a functional task.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of FAO training on gait ability in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.

Methods: Thirty-five patients with hemiparesis caused by stroke participated in this study.

Arbitrary cross-section SEM-cathodoluminescence imaging of growth sectors and local carrier concentrations within micro-sampled semiconductor nanorods.

Future one-dimensional electronics require single-crystalline semiconductor free-standing nanorods grown with uniform electrical properties. However, this is currently unrealistic as each crystallographic plane of a nanorod grows at unique incorporation rates of environmental dopants, which forms axial and lateral growth sectors with different carrier concentrations. Here we propose a series of techniques that micro-sample a free-standing nanorod of interest, fabricate its arbitrary cross-sections by controlling focused ion beam incidence orientation, and visualize its internal carrier concentration map.

The Feasibility of (18)F-Fluorothymidine PET for Prediction of Tumor Response after Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Chemoradiotherapy with S-1/Oxaliplatin in Patients with Resectable Esophageal Cancer.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether (18)F-fluorothymidine (FLT) PET is feasible for the early prediction of tumor response to induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods: This study was prospectively performed as a collateral study of "randomized phase II study of preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy with or without induction chemotherapy with S-1/oxaliplatin in patients with resectable esophageal cancer". (18)F-FLT positron emission tomography (PET) images were obtained before and after two cycles of induction chemotherapy, and the percent change of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was calculated.

Inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia after stent placement with rhenium 188-filled balloon dilation in a canine iliac artery model.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of beta-irradiation therapy with rhenium 188 ((188)Re) mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3)-filled balloon dilation to prevent neointimal hyperplasia after stent placement in a canine iliac artery model.

Materials And Methods: A total of 15 stents were implanted into the iliac arteries of eight dogs (one or two stents in each dog). Rhenium 188 MAG3-filled balloon dilation was performed immediately after placement of 10 bare stents-20 Gy in group II (n = 5) and 40 Gy in group III (n = 5)-and conventional balloon dilation was performed immediately after placement of the remaining five bare stents (group I).

Rhenium-188 mercaptoacetyltriglycine-filled balloon dilation in the treatment of recurrent urethral strictures: initial experience with five patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of beta-irradiation therapy with use of a rhenium-188 mercaptoacetyltriglycine ((188)Re-MAG(3))-filled balloon for the prevention of restenosis in urethral strictures refractory to repetitive surgical or interventional procedures.

Materials And Methods: Five male patients with traumatic (n = 4) or postoperative anastomotic (n = 1) recurrent urethral strictures were included. One to four sessions of 20-30 Gy beta-irradiation at a 1-mm tissue depth with (188)Re-MAG(3)-filled balloon dilation were undertaken in each patient.

Effects of irradiation using a radioisotope-filled balloon on tissue hyperplasia caused by stent placement in a canine urethral model.

Purpose: To evaluate 20 Gy and 40 Gy of intraluminal beta-irradiation using a 188Re-7mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3)-filled balloon catheter to reduce tissue hyperplasia caused by covered stent placement for 12 weeks of follow-up in a canine urethral model.

Material And Methods: Ten dogs underwent 188Re-MAG3-filled balloon dilatation immediately after stent placement; 20 Gy at 1-mm tissue depth in group I (n = 5) and 40 Gy in group II (n = 5), whereas 5 dogs (group III) underwent conventional balloon dilatation only.

Results: There were no significant differences among the three groups for percentage diameter of stenosis, although this was highest in group III.