Search Results (88)

Cracks and concentrated stresses can develop in precast concrete slabs, depending on the quality of the joints. The open-type joint method was adopted herein to fabricate a full-scale precast concrete slab joint. The open-type joint method features an exposed joint configuration that allows for direct installation of shear connectors without temporary formwork, improving constructability and load transfer efficiency. Full-scale load testing was carried out using a four-point loading experiment, revealing that the precast concrete slab had a yield load of 550 kN and maximum load of 733 kN. A slab using the cast-in-place method was measured to have a yield load of 500 kN and maximum load of 710 kN. A finite element analysis (FEA) model modeled the precast concrete slab, and the displacement and maximum load were analyzed. The FEA showed a maximum error within 7%. Therefore, the FEA results can predict the structural performance of the load–displacement of the precast concrete slab. The support vector regression model predicted key structural performance indicators such as concrete compressive strength, maximum load, displacement, and principal stress. The prediction results indicated that the average error converged within 3%. The prediction results of the SVR model can complement FEA by estimating outcomes without the need for complex modeling. Thus, the precast concrete slab using the open-type joint method was able to achieve structural performance equivalent to that of the slab using the cast-in-place technique. Furthermore, FEA and machine learning will be able to predict the structural performance of precast concrete slabs using the open-type joint method. Full article

This study investigated the genetic diversity and structure of thirteen wild populations of Crassostrea gigas in Korea. The purpose of this investigation was to provide foundational data for selecting reference populations to enhance genetic diversity. Overall, the genetic diversity of Korean C. gigas was relatively low. Analysis using AMOVA, genetic differentiation, and DAPC revealed a genetic structure that was consistent with one group. This study identified reference populations to be used for selective breeding to increase the genetic diversity of Korean C. gigas and provided essential data on genetic diversity and structure for future selective breeding efforts in C. gigas. Full article

Background/Objectives: COVID-19 continues to challenge public health due to emerging variants. To mitigate this, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) recommends annual COVID-19 vaccination, but uptake remains suboptimal. This study evaluates the public health and economic impact of annual mRNA COVID-19 vaccination for adults aged 50 and older in South Korea during the 2024–2025 season, focusing on hospitalizations and costs. Methods: We estimated hospitalizations prevented by the mRNA-1273 XBB.1.5 containing vaccine by calculating symptomatic infection incidence rates, hospitalization rates among unvaccinated individuals, vaccine effectiveness (VE) against hospitalization, and vaccination rates. Incidence rates among the unvaccinated with an annual vaccine were derived by adjusting overall infection rates based on vaccination coverage and VE against COVID-19 hospitalization rates. Hospitalization costs were obtained from a real-world dataset, integrating the KDCA’s COVID-19 confirmed cases with National Health Insurance claims data. Comparative analyses between mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 used published meta-analysis results. Results: Assuming vaccination rates remain consistent with the 2023–2024 season, mRNA-1273 is projected to prevent 37,200 hospitalizations and save USD 77.2 million in healthcare costs during the 2024–2025 season compared to no annual vaccination. Compared to BNT162b2, it is expected to prevent an additional 13,260 hospitalizations saving USD 27.5 million. If vaccination rates increased to match influenza, hospitalizations prevented by mRNA-1273 could rise to 79,800 with USD 164.2 million in healthcare savings compared to no annual vaccination. Conclusion: Annual mRNA COVID-19 vaccination with mRNA-1273 substantially reduces hospitalizations and healthcare costs. Increasing vaccination rates are essential to maximize public health benefits. Full article

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer originating from melanocytes, represents a significant public health concern according to the World Health Organization. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, particularly affecting populations in Europe and North America, with an increasing incidence in Asia. The rise emphasizes the need for diversified treatment approaches. Conventional treatments for melanoma, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies like the FDA-approved Opdivo and Relatlimab, often come with severe side effects and high relapse rates. Consequently, natural products have gained considerable attention for their potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes and reduce adverse effects. This systematic review evaluates the anti-cancer properties of natural products against melanoma, examining 52 studies from PubMed and Google Scholar. Our analysis focuses on the antioxidant, anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastatic, and apoptosis-inducing activities of these compounds, also discussing the regulatory factors involved. The findings advocate for intensified research into natural products as complementary agents in melanoma treatment, aiming to improve efficacy and patient quality of life. Further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials are essential to validate their effectiveness and integrate them into standard care protocols. Full article

This study explores whether molecular hydrogen (H₂) administration can alleviate cognitive and immunological disturbances in a mouse model of vascular dementia (VaD). Adult male C57BL/6 mice underwent bilateral common carotid artery stenosis to induce VaD and were subsequently assigned to three groups: VaD, VaD with hydrogen-rich water treatment (VaD + H₂), and Sham controls. Behavioral assessments using open field and novel object recognition tests revealed that VaD mice exhibited anxiety-deficient behavior and memory impairment, both of which were reversed by H₂ treatment. Histological examinations showed pyknotic neuronal morphologies and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the VaD hippocampus, whereas H₂ administration mitigated these alterations. Furthermore, VaD-induced downregulation of BCL2 was reversed in the VaD + H₂ group, in parallel with increased IL-4 expression. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that VaD disrupted T regulatory cell homeostasis by significantly increasing their proportion, an effect reversed by H₂ treatment, thereby restoring immunological balance. Transcriptomic evaluations confirmed that VaD suppressed key neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory genes, while H₂ treatment restored or enhanced their expression. Collectively, these findings highlight the neuroprotective and immuno-modulatory potential of molecular hydrogen, suggesting that H₂ supplementation may promote neuronal resilience, modulate T cell differentiation, and support cognitive recovery in vascular dementia. Full article

Background: Drought stress has become one of the biggest concerns in threating the growth and yield of carrots (Daucus carota L.). Recent studies have shed light on the physiological and molecular metabolisms in response to drought in the carrot plant; however, tissue-specific responses and regulations are still not fully understood. Methods: To answer this curiosity, this study investigated the interplay among carrot tissues, such as leaves (L); storage roots (SRs); and lateral roots (LRs) under drought conditions. This study revealed that the SRs played a crucial role in an early perception by upregulating key genes, including DcNCED3 (ABA biosynthesis) and DcYUCCA6 (auxin biosynthesis). The abundance of osmolytes (proline; GABA) and carbohydrates (sucrose; glucose; fructose; mannitol; and inositol) was also significantly increased in each tissue. In particular, LRs accumulated high levels of these metabolites and promoted growth under drought conditions. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the SR acts as a central regulator in the drought response of carrots by synthesizing ABA and auxin, which modulate the accumulation of metabolites and growth of LRs. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of tissue-specific carrot responses to drought tolerance, emphasizing that the SR plays a key role in improving drought resistance. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic substance in the aquatic ecosystem, which can represent a high risk to fish. Fish are exposed to heavy metals through waterborne and dietary pathways, some of which are absorbed by the body and can accumulate in specific tissues without being eliminated. The accumulation varies depending on several factors such as dose, exposure route, exposure time, metal types, and biological status of the fish, and environmental parameters such as DO, salinity, pH, and metal speciation. As Cd speciation occurs in the water, the amount accumulated in the fish can vary, and consuming Cd-accumulated fish can pose a risk to human health. Cd introduced into the body of fish can directly affect blood properties through the circulatory system. Cd introduced into the circulatory system of fish can reach all tissues through the blood flow, and the accumulation of specific tissues is different depending on the blood flow by the energy and oxygen demand of each tissue. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the toxic effects of Cd exposure in fish and identify indicators to assess the extent of Cd bioaccumulation toxicity in fish induced by Cd exposure. Full article

Numerous studies have explored alternative protein sources to fishmeal (FM) to enhance fish diets, yet limited research exists on their effects on maturation. This study assessed the impact of replacing FM with soy protein concentrate (SPC) supplemented with lysine and methionine on growth and gonadal development in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Three diets were tested: a control (Con) diet with 60% FM and two diets replacing FM with 25% (LF1) and 50% (LF2) SPC. Fish were fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 12 months. Growth performance and feed intake were not significantly different between groups. However, the gonadosomatic index varied with diet. Muscle composition and amino acid levels were similar across treatments, though n-3 fatty acids were higher in Con. Spermatogonia was increased, and spermatogenesis was impaired in SPC groups. At 12 months, oocytes in Con diets had absorbed yolk globules, whereas this was absent in SPC groups. Growth-related genes in the brain (growth hormones and insulin-like growth factor) were increased with higher SPC, while follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones decreased. Estrogen receptor α levels were elevated in SPC groups. Vitellogenin gene expression in gonads was highest in Con, while liver expression peaked in LF2. The expression of digestive enzymes, chymotrypsin2, and trypsin2 was highest in LF2, while lipase genes were lower. In summary, up to 50% FM replacement with SPC, with amino acid supplementation, supported growth performance and muscle composition without adverse effects on growth in olive flounder but influenced gonadal development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aortic dissection (AD) and aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) are fatal diseases with similar clinical characteristics. Immediate computed tomography (CT) with a contrast medium is required to confirm the presence of AD or IMH. This retrospective study aimed to use CT images to differentiate AD and IMH from normal aorta (NA) using a deep learning algorithm. Methods: A 6-year retrospective study of non-contrast chest CT images was conducted at a university hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from January 2016 to July 2021. The position of the aorta was analyzed in each CT image and categorized as NA, AD, or IMH. The images were divided into training, validation, and test sets in an 8:1:1 ratio. A deep learning model that can differentiate between AD and IMH from NA using non-contrast CT images alone, called YOLO (You Only Look Once) v4, was developed. The YOLOv4 model was used to analyze 8881 non-contrast CT images from 121 patients. Results: The YOLOv4 model can distinguish AD, IMH, and NA from each other simultaneously with a probability of over 92% using non-contrast CT images. Conclusions: This model can help distinguish AD and IMH from NA when applying a contrast agent is challenging. Full article

This study identified the effects of substituting fishmeal (FM) with soy protein concentrate (SPC) supplemented with lysine and methionine in the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) diet on the expression of genes related to growth, stress, immunity, and digestion. Three experimental diets were prepared; the control diet (Con) contained 60% FM, and the experimental diets contained 25% (SPC25) and 50% (SPC50) FM replaced by SPC. After the 140-day feeding period, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed availability, biological indices, and chemical composition of the muscle were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments. The gene expression levels of growth-related genes (IGF, GFB-3), immune-related genes (IL-8 and caspase), and stress-related genes (SOD, GPX, PRX, TRX) were higher in Con fish than in those fed the SPC25 and SPC50 diets. Chymo-TRY2, TRY2, and TRY3 in the stomach of fish fed the SPC25 diet were higher than fish fed the Con or SPC50 diets. TRY2 and lipase of fish fed the SPC25 diet were higher than those of fish fed the other diets but TRY3 was not significantly affected by the treatments in the intestine. In conclusion, substituting 25% FM with SPC was the most effective diet for the expression of growth, immune, stress, and digestive enzyme genes. Full article

Alcohol-related hangovers impact both physical and mental wellness, largely due to acetaldehyde levels produced through alcohol metabolism. The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of the Wilac L probiotic complex (Levilactobacillus brevis WiKim0168 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides WiKim0172 isolated from kimchi) in improving hangovers post-alcohol consumption. This study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, crossover placebo-controlled clinical trial from August 2023 to February 2024. Subjects (n = 26) were randomized into six test groups consuming three products, the Wilac L probiotic complex, Wilac L35 (Wilac L probiotic complex with Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai), or placebo, in different orders with crossover after a wash-out interval of 7–10 days. Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations were measured 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 15 h after alcohol consumption. The blood acetaldehyde levels measured with Wilac L probiotic complex supplementation were significantly lower than the control at 0.25 (p = 0.0381), 0.5 (p = 0.0498), and 1 h (p = 0.0260) post-consumption. The blood acetaldehyde levels after Wilac L35 consumption compared to the control are significant at 0.25 (p = 0.0115), 0.5 (p = 0.0054), 1 (p = 0.0285), 2 (p = 0.0113), and 6 h (p = 0.0287) post-consumption. No significant adverse events were reported. The Wilac L probiotic complex is associated with decreased blood acetaldehyde levels and improved subjective hangover symptoms. Full article

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potential cure for myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDSs) and other hematologic malignancies. This study investigates post-transplantation genetic evolution and telomere dynamics in hematopoietic cells, with a focus on clonal hematopoiesis (CH). We conducted a longitudinal analysis of 21 MDS patients who underwent allo-HSCT between September 2009 and February 2015. Genetic profiles of hematopoietic cells from both recipients and donors were compared at equivalent pre- and post-transplantation time points. Targeted sequencing identified CH-associated mutations, and real-time quantitative PCR measured telomere length. Furthermore, we compared CH incidence between recipients and age-matched controls from the GENIE cohort from routine health checkups. Post-allo-HSCT, 38% of recipients developed somatic mutations not detected before transplantation, indicating de novo CH originating from donor cells. Compared to age-matched healthy controls, recipients showed a significantly higher incidence of CH, suggesting increased susceptibility to genetic changes post-transplant. Telomere length analysis also revealed accelerated shortening in transplanted cells, highlighting the heightened stress and proliferation demands in the new microenvironment. Our findings reveal a notable incidence of donor-derived CH in allo-HSCT recipients, alongside significant telomere attrition. This suggests the potential influence of the marrow microenvironment on genetic and molecular changes in hematopoietic cells. Full article

Globally, cancer patients frequently use T&CM during their treatment for various reasons. The primary concerns regarding the use of T&CM among cancer patients are the potential risks associated with interactions between pharmaceuticals and T&CM, as well as the risk of noncompliance with conventional cancer treatments. Despite the higher prevalence of T&CM use in Asia, driven by cultural, historical, and resource-related factors, no prior review has tried to estimate the prevalence and influencing factors of T&CM use and disclosure among cancer patients in this region. This study aims to examine the prevalence and disclosure rates of T&CM use among cancer patients in Asia to assess various factors influencing its use across different cancer treatment settings in Asia. Systematic research on T&CM use was conducted using four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHAL) from inception to January 2023. Quality was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS). A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of T&CM use, and data analysis was performed using Stata Version 16.0. Among the 4849 records retrieved, 41 eligible studies conducted in 14 Asian countries were included, involving a total of 14,976 participants. The pooled prevalence of T&CM use was 49.3%, ranging from 24.0% to 94.8%, and the disclosure rate of T&CM use was 38.2% (11.9% to 82.5%). The most commonly used T&CM modalities were herbal medicines and traditional medicine. Females were 22.0% more likely to use T&CM than males. A subgroup analysis revealed the highest prevalence of T&CM use was found in studies conducted in East Asia (62.4%) and those covered by both national and private insurance (55.8%). The disclosure rate of T&CM use to physicians remains low. Moreover, the factors influencing this disclosure are still insufficiently explored. Since the disclosure of T&CM use is a crucial indicator of patient safety and the quality of cancer treatment prognosis, future research should focus on identifying the determinants of non-disclosure. Full article

In observing the electrocatalytic current of nanoparticles (NPs) using single-entity electrochemistry (SEE), the surface state of the NPs significantly influences the SEE signal. This study investigates the influence of capping agents on the electrocatalytic properties of gold (Au) NPs using SEE. Two inner-sphere reactions, hydrazine oxidation and glucose oxidation, were chosen to explore the SEE characteristics of Au NPs based on the capping agent presence. The results revealed that “capping agent-free” Au NPs exhibited signal magnitudes and frequencies consistent with theoretical expectations, indicating superior stability and catalytic performance in electrolyte solutions. In contrast, citrate-capped Au NPs showed signals varying depending on the applied potential, with larger magnitudes and lower frequencies than expected, likely due to an aggregation of NPs. This study suggests that capping agents play a crucial role in the catalytic performance and stability of Au NPs in SEE. By demonstrating that minimizing capping agent presence can enhance effectiveness in SEE, it provides insights into the future applications of NPs, particularly highlighting their potential as nanocatalysts in energy conversion reactions and environmental applications. Full article

Traumatic damage to the spinal cord (SCI) frequently leads to irreversible neurological deficits, which may be related to apoptotic neurodegeneration in nerve tissue. The MLC901 treatment possesses neuroprotective and neuroregenerative activity. This study aimed to explore the regenerative potential of MLC901 and the molecular mechanisms promoting neurogenesis and functional recovery after SCI in rats. A calibrated forceps compression injury for 15 s was used to induce SCI in rats, followed by an examination of the impacts of MLC901 on functional recovery. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores were utilized to assess neuronal functional recovery; H&E and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were also used to observe pathological changes in the lesion area. Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SEPs) were measured using the Nicolet^® Viking Quest™ apparatus. Additionally, we employed the Western blot assay to identify PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway-related proteins and to assess the levels of GAP-43 and GFAP through immunohistochemistry staining. The study findings revealed that MLC901 improved hind-limb motor function recovery, alleviating the pathological damage induced by SCI. Moreover, MLC901 significantly enhanced locomotor activity, SEPs waveform, latency, amplitude, and nerve conduction velocity. The treatment also promoted GAP-43 expression and reduced reactive astrocytes (GFAP). MLC901 treatment activated p-AKT reduced p-GSK-3β expression levels and showed a normalized ratio (fold changes) relative to β-tubulin. Specifically, p-AKT exhibited a 4-fold increase, while p-GSK-3β showed a 2-fold decrease in T rats compared to UT rats. In conclusion, these results suggest that the treatment mitigates pathological tissue damage and effectively improves neural functional recovery following SCI, primarily by alleviating apoptosis and promoting neurogenesis. The underlying molecular mechanism of this treatment mainly involves the activation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway. Full article