Toxicology Training Unit in Emergency Department Reduces Admission to other Specialties and Hospital Length of Stay

Objective

To evaluate the outcome of intoxicated patients presented to Accident and Emergency Department (AED) in Hong Kong with Toxicology Training Unit accreditation and AED without toxicology team.

Method

A retrospective observational study with data collection from all intoxicated cases reported through Pre-hospital Activated Charcoal Programme, a protocol driven poisoning reporting system, from 1/7/2011 to 30/6/2013 (2 years). Data on basic demographic data (e.g. sex, age), receiving AED, admission rate to other specialty, length of stay in hospital exclude psychiatry ward admission and clinical outcome were collected and analysed. Five AEDs with Toxicology Training Unit (study group) and 7 AEDs without toxicology team (control group) were included.

Results

A total of 329 intoxicated cases were included in this study. The basic epidemiological data were similar in both groups. There was a significantly lower in hospital admissions in study group (16.9%) than in control group (69.3%; p<0.001) and significant shorter median of hospital stay of 22.1 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 12.8-43.5 hours) in study group compare to 42.7 hours (IQR 20.4-76.1 hours) in control group (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings show that the establishment of the toxicology training unit can achieve significant reduction in admissions to other specialty and the length of stay in hospital in the management of patients with acute intoxication.

Broadband Light Absorption and Efficient Charge Separation Using a Light Scattering Layer with Mixed Cavities for High-Performance Perovskite Photovoltaic Cells with Stability

CH₃ NH₃ PbI₃ is one of the promising light sensitizers for perovskite photovoltaic cells, but a thick layer is required to enhance light absorption in the long-wavelength regime ranging from PbI₂ absorption edge (500 nm) to its optical band-gap edge (780 nm) in visible light. Meanwhile, the thick perovskite layer suppresses visible-light absorption in the short wavelengths below 500 nm and charge extraction capability of electron-hole pairs produced upon light absorption. Herein, we find that a new light scattering layer with the mixed cavities of sizes in 100 and 200 nm between transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide and mesoporous titanium dioxide electron transport layer enables full absorption of short-wavelength photons (λ < 500 nm) to the perovskite along with enhanced absorption of long-wavelength photons (500 nm < λ < 780 nm). Moreover, the light-driven electric field is proven to allow efficient charge extraction upon light absorption, thereby leading to the increased photocurrent density as well as the fill factor prompted by the slow recombination rate. Additionally, the photocurrent density of the cell with a light scattering layer of mixed cavities is stabilized due to suppressed charge accumulation. Consequently, this work provides a new route to realize broadband light harvesting of visible light for high-performance perovskite photovoltaic cells.

Synergistic interaction of Re complex and amine functionalized multiple ligands in metal-organic frameworks for conversion of carbon dioxide

A metal-organic framework (MOF) is composed of secondary building units (SBUs) of metal ions and organic ligands to link each SBU. Moreover, the photosynthetic synthesis of a valuable CO chemical from carbon dioxide (CO₂) represents an important class of appealing methods. Herein, we find that a molecular photocatalyst with high selectivity and activity can be designed via a fine balance in the proximity of Re complex (ReI(CO)₃(BPYDC)(Cl), BPYDC = 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarboxylate) and -NH₂ functionalized multiple ligands composing a MOF photocatalyst, denoted as Re-MOF-NH₂. These ligands in Re-MOF-NH₂ has been confirmed by infrared, UV-visible, and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Moreover, we show from extended X-ray absorption fine structure and in-situ infrared spectra that the bond corresponding to Re-CO upon introduction of -NH₂ functional groups is divided into asymmetric bonds of 1.4 Å and 2.3 Å along with different CO₂ vibrations, thus making the configuration of carbonyl groups in a Re metal complex become asymmetric in addition to aiding formation of CO₂ intermediates within Re-MOF-NH₂. Indeed, both of the uneven electron distribution in asymmetric carbonyl groups for Re-CO and the intermolecular stabilization of carbamate intermediates are proven to give the approximately 3-fold increase in photocatalytic activity for conversion of CO₂ into CO.

Copper Nanocrystals Encapsulated in Zr-based Metal-Organic Frameworks for Highly Selective CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol

We show that the activity and selectivity of Cu catalyst can be promoted by a Zr-based metal-organic framework (MOF), Zr₆O₄(OH)₄(BDC)₆ (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate), UiO-66, to have a strong interaction with Zr oxide [Zr₆O₄(OH)₄(-CO₂)₁₂] secondary building units (SBUs) of the MOF for CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol. These interesting features are achieved by a catalyst composed of 18 nm single Cu nanocrystal (NC) encapsulated within single crystal UiO-66 (Cu⊂UiO-66). The performance of this catalyst construct exceeds the benchmark Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalyst and gives a steady 8-fold enhanced yield and 100% selectivity for methanol. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data obtained on the surface of the catalyst show that Zr 3d binding energy is shifted toward lower oxidation state in the presence of Cu NC, suggesting that there is a strong interaction between Cu NC and Zr oxide SBUs of the MOF to make a highly active Cu catalyst.

Fermented Red Ginseng Potentiates Improvement of Metabolic Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome Rat Models

Metabolic syndrome including obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension is a cluster of risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Fermentation of medicinal herbs improves their pharmacological efficacy. Red ginseng (RG), a widely used traditional herbal medicine, was reported with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. Aim in the present study was to investigate that the effects of fermented red ginseng (FRG) on a high-fructose (HF) diet induced metabolic disorders, and those effects were compared to RG and losartan. Animals were divided into four groups: a control group fed a regular diet and tap water, and fructose groups that were fed a 60% high-fructose (HF) diet with/without RG 250 mg/kg/day or FRG 250 mg/kg/day for eight weeks, respectively. Treatment with FRG significantly suppressed the increments of body weight, liver weight, epididymal fat weight and adipocyte size. Moreover, FRG significantly prevented the development of metabolic disturbances such as hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Staining with Oil-red-o demonstrated a marked increase of hepatic accumulation of triglycerides, and this increase was prevented by FRG. FRG ameliorated endothelial dysfunction by downregulation of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and adhesion molecules in the aorta. In addition, FRG induced markedly upregulation of Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter type 4 (Glut4) in the muscle. These results indicate that FRG ameliorates obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and fatty liver in HF diet rats. More favorable pharmacological effects on HF diet induced metabolic disorders were observed with FRG, compared to an equal dose of RG. These results showed that the pharmacological activity of RG was enhanced by fermentation. Taken together, fermentated red ginseng might be a beneficial therapeutic approach for metabolic syndrome.

Encapsulation of redox polysulphides via chemical interaction with nitrogen atoms in the organic linkers of metal-organic framework nanocrystals

Lithium polysulphides generated during discharge in the cathode of a lithium-sulphur redox cell are important, but their dissolution into the electrolyte from the cathode during each redox cycle leads to a shortened cycle life. Herein, we use in situ spectroelectrochemical measurements to demonstrate that sp² nitrogen atoms in the organic linkers of nanocrystalline metal-organic framework-867 (nMOF-867) are able to encapsulate lithium polysulphides inside the microcages of nMOF-867, thus helping to prevent their dissolution into the electrolyte during discharge/charge cycles. This encapsulation mechanism of lithiated/delithiated polysulphides was further confirmed by observations of shifted FTIR spectra for the C = N and C-N bonds, the XPS spectra for the Li-N bonds from nMOF-867, and a visualization method, demonstrating that nMOF-867 prevents lithium polysulphides from being dissolved in the electrolyte. Indeed, a cathode fabricated using nMOF-867 exhibited excellent capacity retention over a long cycle life of 500 discharge/charge cycles, with a capacity loss of approximately 0.027% per cycle from a discharge capacity of 788 mAh/g at a high current rate of 835 mA/g.

Combination with Red ginseng and Polygoni Multiflori ameliorates highfructose diet induced metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, impaired glucose tolerance and fatty liver, can be caused by modification of diet by means of overconsumption of high fructose diet. This study was designed to investigate whether combination with Red ginseng and Polygoni Multiflori Radix (RGPM), widely used traditional herbal medicine, ameliorates on highfructose (HF) diet-induced metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

SD rats were fed the 60% HF diet with/without rosiglitazone, and RGPM 100, 300 mg/kg/day, respectively. All groups received regular diet or HF diet, respectively, for 8 weeks. The last three groups treatment of rosiglitazone and RPGM orally for a period of 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Chronic treatment with RGPM significantly decreased body weight, fat weight and adipocyte size. RGPM significantly prevented the development of the metabolic disturbances such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and impaired glucose tolerance. RGPM also led to increase in high density lipoprotein level in the HF group. RGPM suppressed high-fructose diet induced vascular inflammation marker expression such as adhesion molecules and ET-1 in aorta as well as increasing of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in plasma. Similarly, RGPM attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation by inhibition of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression.

CONCLUSION

An administration of RGPM may be a beneficial therapy for the treatment of metabolic syndrome through the improvement of hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, vascular inflammation and insulin resistance.

Associations of Low Muscle Mass and the Metabolic Syndrome in Caucasian and Asian Middle-aged and Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

Age-related declines in skeletal muscle mass may confer significant metabolic consequences for older adults. Associations of low muscle mass and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Caucasians, and comparisons with associations observed in Asian populations, have not been reported. We examined associations of low muscle mass and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Asian and Caucasian middle-aged and older men and women using criteria for low muscle mass.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Two population-based studies of Australian (Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort Study; TASOAC; N=1005) and Korean (Korean Sarcopenic Obesity Study; KSOS; N=376) community-dwelling adults, mean age 62 and 58 years, respectively.

MEASUREMENTS

Appendicular lean mass (aLM) determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and normalised to height squared (aLM/Ht2), weight (aLM/Wt) or body mass index (aLM/BMI). Participants in the lowest sex-specific 20% for aLM measures were defined as having low muscle mass. MetS was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.

RESULTS

Although Australians demonstrated generally unfavourable anthropometric and metabolic characteristics compared to Koreans, prevalence of MetS was similar (29.5% in Australians and 31.4% in Koreans, respectively). Low aLM/Ht2 was associated with significantly reduced likelihood of MetS in both Australians (OR: 0.30, 95% CI 0.19 - 0.46) and Koreans (OR: 0.31, 95% CI 0.16 - 0.62). Conversely, low aLM/BMI was associated with increased odds for MetS in Australians (OR: 1.78, 95% CI 1.12 - 2.84), but not Koreans (OR: 1.33, 95% CI = 0.67 - 2.64).

CONCLUSION

Low aLM/BMI is associated with significantly increased likelihood of MetS in Australian adults, but not Koreans, suggesting potential differences in effects of low muscle mass relative to body mass on cardiometabolic health in Caucasian and Asian middle-aged and older adults. Low muscle mass relative to height is associated with reduced likelihood of MetS in both populations.

In vivo photothermal treatment by the peritumoral injection of macrophages loaded with gold nanoshells

Photothermal treatment methods have been widely studied for their target specificity and potential for supplementing the limitations of conventional surgical treatments. In this study, we conducted in vivo photothermal treatments using macrophages containing nanoshells as live vectors. We injected macrophages at the peritumoral sites and observed that they had penetrated into the tumor approximately 48 hours after injection. Afterwards, we irradiated with a near-infrared laser for 2 minutes at 1 W/cm(2), causing cancer cell death. Our study identified the optimal conditions of the photothermal treatment and confirmed the feasibility of its use in in vivo treatments.

In-situ observation for growth of hierarchical metal-organic frameworks and their self-sequestering mechanism for gas storage

Although structures with the single functional constructions and micropores were demonstrated to capture many different molecules such as carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen with high capacities at low temperatures, their feeble interactions still limit practical applications at room temperature. Herein, we report in-situ growth observation of hierarchical pores in pomegranate metal-organic frameworks (pmg-MOFs) and their self-sequestering storage mechanism, not observed for pristine MOFs. Direct observation of hierarchical pores inside the pmg-MOF was evident by in-situ growth X-ray measurements while self-sequestering storage mechanism was revealed by in-situ gas sorption X-ray analysis and molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that meso/macropores are created at the early stage of crystal growth and then enclosed by micropore crystalline shells, where hierarchical pores are networking under self-sequestering mechanism to give enhanced gas storage. This pmg-MOF gives higher CO₂ (39%) and CH₄ (14%) storage capacity than pristine MOF at room temperature, in addition to fast kinetics with robust capacity retention during gas sorption cycles, thus giving the clue to control dynamic behaviors of gas adsorption.

Analysis of comedone, sebum and porphyrin on the face and body for comedogenicity assay

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Many ingredients used in cosmetics evoke a comedogenic response. Rabbit ear model (REM) is a useful method that can replace human in examining materials and products in early developmental stage. However, a number of studies pointed out its disadvantage that it overreacts to comedogenic materials. The purpose of this study was to find the most appropriate region for evaluating comedogenicity in human skin.

METHODS

Sixty-six female subjects (age 32.48 ± 10 years; range 20-52 years) with mild to moderate facial acne lesions were included in this study. The whole face, upper chest, and back of volunteers were photographed. Lesion (closed and open comedones) counting, instrumentation of sebum secretion level, and analysis of porphyrin number were performed. The entire study was performed under environmental conditions of specific relative temperature and humidity, controlled and maintained identically for each volunteer.

RESULTS

In case of closed comedone, forehead showed a significant correlation with frontal cheek, lateral cheek, chin, and upper back. Meanwhile, significant correlations were observed between frontal cheek and chin as well as lateral cheek and chest. As for open comedone, forehead showed a significant correlation with chin site. A significant correlation was also observed between front cheek and lateral cheek as well as between upper chest and back. Analyzing the correlation between the occurrence of comedones and sebum in each region, a significant correlation between closed comedone and sebum was observed in frontal and lateral cheek. Analyzing the correlation between the occurrence of comedones and porphyrine in each region, a significant correlation between open comedone and porphyrin was observed in chin.

CONCLUSION

When evaluating the comedogenicity of cosmetics ingredients or products, this study recommends using both of the methods of testing on back and directly testing on face according to the characteristics of the materials. In case of mild potent ingredients or products in particular, verification through usability test that the directly test on face will help securing reliability.

The Atopic Dermatitis Antecubital Severity score: validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change in patients with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

The Atopic Dermatitis Antecubital Severity (ADAS) score is a new objective scale for the assessment of the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD). It is calculated by multiplying the intensity of inflammatory signs by the size of an antecubital eczema lesion.

AIM

To test the validity, reliability, and sensitivity to changes of the ADAS score compared with those of the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score.

METHODS

Forty patients with AD were enrolled and treated with a moisturizer. At baseline, and in weeks 1 and 2, two independent evaluators measured the ADAS score, the EASI score, and the investigator's global assessment score rated on a six-point scale.

RESULTS

The ADAS score showed a higher validity than the EASI score. The superiority of the ADAS to the EASI was prominent in mild AD. Inter-evaluator reliability was excellent in both the ADAS score and the EASI. The sensitivity to changes was higher in the ADAS score than in the EASI score.

CONCLUSIONS

The ADAS score may be used as a simple scoring system with good validity, reliability, and sensitivity to changes, especially in patients with mild-to-moderate AD.

Metal nanocrystals embedded in single nanocrystals of MOFs give unusual selectivity as heterogeneous catalysts

The growth of nanocrystalline metal-organic frameworks (nMOFs) around metal nanocrystals (NCs) is useful in controlling the chemistry and metric of metal NCs. In this Letter, we show rare examples of nMOFs grown in monocrystalline form around metal NCs. Specifically, Pt NCs were subjected to reactions yielding Zr(IV) nMOFs [Zr6O4(OH)4(fumarate)6, MOF-801; Zr6O4(OH)4(BDC)6 (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate), UiO-66; Zr6O4(OH)4(BPDC)6 (BPDC = 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate), UiO-67] as a single crystal within which the Pt NCs are embedded. These constructs (Pt⊂nMOF)nanocrystal are found to be active in gas-phase hydrogenative conversion of methylcyclopentane (MCP) and give unusual product selectivity. The Pt⊂nUiO-66 shows selectivity to C6-cyclic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane and benzene that takes place with 100 °C lower temperature than the standard reaction (Pt-on-SiO2). We observe a pore size effect in the nMOF series where the small pore of Pt⊂nMOF-801 does not produce the same products, while the larger pore Pt⊂nUiO-67 catalyst provides the same products but with different selectivity. The (Pt⊂nMOF)nanocrystal spent catalyst is found to maintain the original crystallinity, and be recyclable without any byproduct residues.

Supercapacitors of nanocrystalline metal-organic frameworks

The high porosity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been used to achieve exceptional gas adsorptive properties but as yet remains largely unexplored for electrochemical energy storage devices. This study shows that MOFs made as nanocrystals (nMOFs) can be doped with graphene and successfully incorporated into devices to function as supercapacitors. A series of 23 different nMOFs with multiple organic functionalities and metal ions, differing pore sizes and shapes, discrete and infinite metal oxide backbones, large and small nanocrystals, and a variety of structure types have been prepared and examined. Several members of this series give high capacitance; in particular, a zirconium MOF exhibits exceptionally high capacitance. It has the stack and areal capacitance of 0.64 and 5.09 mF cm(-2), about 6 times that of the supercapacitors made from the benchmark commercial activated carbon materials and a performance that is preserved over at least 10000 charge/discharge cycles.

Effect of 1-methyl-D-tryptophan and adoptive transfer of dendritic cells on polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal content injection

A mouse model of polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal content injection (CCI) was developed with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the mechanism of sepsis. This model has a similar survival pattern to the conventional model with the added benefits of ability to vary the severity of sepsis and greater consistency. Administration of 1-methyl-D-tryptophan (1-MT) to inhibit indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in mice with CCI-induced sepsis increased the survival rate and tended to up-regulate IL-10/IL-12 serum concentrations. The effectiveness of 1-MT was confirmed by increases in IL-10 over IL-12 in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) treated with LPS and 1-MT and a superior survival rate 24 hr after injection of these double treated BMDCs in the CCI-induced sepsis model. Therefore, CCI is both a useful and reliable technique for investigating polymicrobial sepsis. The present findings using this newly developed model suggest that inhibition of IDO alleviates the severity of polymicrobial sepsis and modulates the immune response even in cases of severe systemic septic inflammation.

Ascorbic acid enhances adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 murine preadipocyte through differential expression of collagens

Background

Adipogenesis from preadipocytes into mature adipocyte is precisely coordinated by transcription factors such as CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), cytokines, and hormones, which is accompanied by extracellular matrix remodeling. Besides anti-oxidant activity, ascorbic acid (ASC) is participating in collagen biosynthesis and increase production and processing of collagens. Moreover, several studies demonstrated that ASC enhanced differentiation from preadipocytes into mature adipocytes.

Methods

The adipogenic effect of ascorbic acid was evaluated in chemical induced 3T3-L1 by Oil Red O staining. This effect was elucidated by immunoblotting which detected the expression level of collagens and transcription factors in adipogenesis. The immunocytochemical determination of type I collagen was performed in 3T3-L1 adipocyte to show the change of extracellular matrix during adipogenesis.

Results

In this study, Oil Red O staining in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was increased dose-dependently by addition of ASC. These ASC-treated adipocytes increased collagen processing of α1(I) and α1(V) and expressed α1(VI) and α2(VI) collagens differentially. ASC also stimulated expression of C/EBPα and PPARγ, which is preceded by collagen enhancement. In addition, inhibition of ASC activity by ethyl-3,4-dihydroxybenzoate showed reduction of lipid accumulation by removal of large lipid droplets, not by inhibition of lipid production. This observation went with loss of α1(I) deposition on adipocyte surface, increase of α1(V) and α2(VI) collagens and decrease of C/EBPs.

Conclusion

Our findings imply that various actions of ASC on adipogenesis through differential collagen expression may provide diverse applications of ASC to adipose tissue technology.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, obesity and the metabolic syndrome among Korean children

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Evidence of the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and cardiovascular risk factors in children is limited. We investigated the associations between serum vitamin D levels (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) and obesity and metabolic syndrome and its components in Korean children.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We recruited 1660, nine-year-old, Korean children (904 boys and 756 girls) who voluntarily participated in this study while being examined during school-based health examinations. We measured anthropometric variables (height and weight), metabolic parameters (blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, and HDL cholesterol levels) and serum vitamin D levels. We analyzed the data using multivariate logistic regression models. Mean 25(OH)D levels were lower in children defined as obese or abdominally obese (P <0.001). When serum levels of 25(OH)D were divided into quartiles, BMI, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels were lower, and HDL cholesterol levels were higher, as vitamin D levels increased. Using children from the highest quartile of 25(OH)D levels as a referent, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) for obesity in those in the third, second, and lowest quartiles of 25(OH)D levels were 1.55 (1.01-2.40), 1.87 (1.22-2.85), and 2.59 (1.71-3.90), respectively (P for trend <0.001). For abdominal obesity the ORs (CI) were 2.08 (1.20-3.60), 2.32 (1.36-3.95), and 2.96 (1.75-5.00) (P for trend<0.001), and for metabolic syndrome they were 2.60 (1.08-6.30), 4.00 (1.73-9.26), and 4.25 (1.84-9.85), respectively (P for trend <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We found low vitamin D levels in Korean children to be associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Insufficient serum vitamin D levels in children may be a risk factor of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Association of glypican-4 with body fat distribution, insulin resistance, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Glypican-4 was identified as a novel adipokine capable of enhancing insulin signaling and modulating adipocyte differentiation. We investigated associations between glypican-4 and body composition, insulin resistance, arterial stiffness, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in nondiabetic Asian subjects.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

We analyzed baseline cross-sectional data from the Korean Sarcopenic Obesity Study, an ongoing prospective cohort study. NAFLD was diagnosed by unenhanced computed tomography using the liver attenuation index. We also examined the effects of a 3-month combined aerobic and resistance exercise program on glypican-4 levels and cardiometabolic risk factors.

RESULTS

Circulating glypican-4 levels were higher in men than in women (1.83 [1.19, 2.78] ng/mL vs 1.17 [0.66, 2.00] ng/mL, P < .001) and had a significant positive relationship with the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (r = 0.20, P = .014) and the ratio of visceral to sc fat area (r = 0.30, P < .001). Furthermore, glypican-4 levels in women were correlated with cardiometabolic risk factors, including insulin resistance and arterial stiffness, and were independently associated with NAFLD by multiple logistic regression analysis (P = .017, R² = 0.33). The 3-month combined exercise training program significantly improved several cardiometabolic parameters and reduced retinol binding protein-4 levels. Changes in glypican-4 levels after the exercise program were significantly different between subjects with an increased WHR compared with those with a decreased WHR (P = .034).

CONCLUSION

A gender-based difference in circulating glypican-4 levels was apparent as these were increased in women with NAFLD and related to body fat distribution, insulin resistance, and arterial stiffness.

Real-time phase-contrast imaging of photothermal treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: an in vitro study of macrophages as a vector for the delivery of gold nanoshells

Photothermal treatment (PTT) using nanoparticles has gained attention as a promising alternative therapy for malignant tumors. One strategy for increasing the selectivity of PTT is the use of macrophages as a cellular vector for delivering nanoparticles. The aim of the present study is to examine the use of macrophages as a cellular vector for efficient PTT and determine the appropriate irradiation power and time of a near-infrared (NIR) laser using real-time phase-contrast imaging. Thermally induced injury and death of cancer cells were found to begin at 44°C to 45°C, which was achieved using the PTT effect with gold nanoshells (NS) and irradiation with a NIR laser at a power of 2 W for 5 min. The peritoneal macrophage efficiently functioned as a cellular vector for the NS, and the cancer cells surrounding the NS-loaded macrophages selectively lost their cellular viability after being irradiated with the NIR laser.