Identification of bitter peptides in aged Cheddar cheese by crossflow filtration-based Fractionation, Peptidomics, statistical screening and sensory analysis

Despite bitterness being a common flavor attribute of aged cheese linked to casein-derived peptides, excessive bitterness is a sensory flaw that can lead to consumer rejection and economic loss for creameries. Our research employs a unique approach to identify bitter peptides in cheese samples using crossflow filtration-based fractionation, mass spectrometry-based peptidomics, statistics and sensory analysis. Applying peptidomics and statistical screening tools, rather than traditional chemical separation techniques, to identify bitter peptides allows for screening the whole peptide profile. Five peptides-YPFPGP (β-casein [60-65]), YPFPGPIPN (βA2-casein [60-68]), LSQSKVLPVPQKAVPYPQRDMPIQA (β-casein [165-189]), YPFPGPIHNS (βA1-casein [60-69]) and its serine phosphorylated version YPFPGPIHN[S] (βA1-casein [60-69])- demonstrated high levels of bitterness with mean bitterness intensity values above 7 on a 15-point scale. In the future, this data can be combined with the microbial and protease profile of the Cheddar samples to help understand how these factors contribute to bitter taste development.

Dephasing Dynamics Accessed by High Harmonic Generation: Determination of Electron-Hole Decoherence of Dirac Fermions

We reveal the critical effect of ultrashort dephasing on the polarization of high harmonic generation in Dirac fermions. As the elliptically polarized laser pulse falls in or slightly beyond the multiphoton regime, the elliptically polarized high harmonic generation is produced and exhibits a characteristic polarimetry of the polarization ellipse, which is found to depend on the decoherence time T2. T2 could then be determined to be a few femtoseconds directly from the experimentally observed polarimetry of high harmonics. This shows a sharp contrast with the semimetal regime of higher pump intensity, where the polarimetry is irrelevant to T2. An access to the dephasing dynamics would extend the prospect of high harmonic generation into the metrology of a femtosecond dynamic process in the coherent quantum control.

Quantum spin nematic phase in a square-lattice iridate

Spin nematic is a magnetic analogue of classical liquid crystals, a fourth state of matter exhibiting characteristics of both liquid and solid1,2. Particularly intriguing is a valence-bond spin nematic3-5, in which spins are quantum entangled to form a multipolar order without breaking time-reversal symmetry, but its unambiguous experimental realization remains elusive. Here we establish a spin nematic phase in the square-lattice iridate Sr2IrO4, which approximately realizes a pseudospin one-half Heisenberg antiferromagnet in the strong spin-orbit coupling limit6-9. Upon cooling, the transition into the spin nematic phase at TC ≈ 263 K is marked by a divergence in the static spin quadrupole susceptibility extracted from our Raman spectra and concomitant emergence of a collective mode associated with the spontaneous breaking of rotational symmetries. The quadrupolar order persists in the antiferromagnetic phase below TN ≈ 230 K and becomes directly observable through its interference with the antiferromagnetic order in resonant X-ray diffraction, which allows us to uniquely determine its spatial structure. Further, we find using resonant inelastic X-ray scattering a complete breakdown of coherent magnon excitations at short-wavelength scales, suggesting a many-body quantum entanglement in the antiferromagnetic state10,11. Taken together, our results reveal a quantum order underlying the Néel antiferromagnet that is widely believed to be intimately connected to the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity12,13.

Automated Segmentation of Intracranial Thrombus on NCCT and CTA in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Using a Coarse-to-Fine Deep Learning Model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Identifying the presence and extent of intracranial thrombi is crucial in selecting patients with acute ischemic stroke for treatment. This article aims to develop an automated approach to quantify thrombus on NCCT and CTA in patients with stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 499 patients with large-vessel occlusion from the Safety and Efficacy of Nerinetide in Subjects Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy for Stroke (ESCAPE-NA1) trial were included. All patients had thin-section NCCT and CTA images. Thrombi contoured manually were used as reference standard. A deep learning approach was developed to segment thrombi automatically. Of 499 patients, 263 and 66 patients were randomly selected to train and validate the deep learning model, respectively; the remaining 170 patients were independently used for testing. The deep learning model was quantitatively compared with the reference standard using the Dice coefficient and volumetric error. The proposed deep learning model was externally tested on 83 patients with and without large-vessel occlusion from another independent trial.

RESULTS

The developed deep learning approach obtained a Dice coefficient of 70.7% (interquartile range, 58.0%-77.8%) in the internal cohort. The predicted thrombi length and volume were correlated with those of expert-contoured thrombi (r = 0.88 and 0.87, respectively; P < .001). When the derived deep learning model was applied to the external data set, the model obtained similar results in patients with large-vessel occlusion regarding the Dice coefficient (66.8%; interquartile range, 58.5%-74.6%), thrombus length (r = 0.73), and volume (r = 0.80). The model also obtained a sensitivity of 94.12% (32/34) and a specificity of 97.96% (48/49) in classifying large-vessel occlusion versus non-large-vessel occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed deep learning method can reliably detect and measure thrombi on NCCT and CTA in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering endstation at the 1C beamline of Pohang Light Source II

An endstation for resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS), dedicated to operations in the hard X-ray regime, has been constructed at the 1C beamline of Pohang Light Source II. At the Ir L₃-edge, a total energy resolution of 34.2 meV was achieved, close to the theoretical estimation of 34.0 meV, which considers factors such as the incident energy bandpass, intrinsic analyzer resolution, geometrical broadening of the spectrometer, finite beam-size effect and Johann aberration. The performance of the RIXS instrument is demonstrated by measuring the RIXS spectra of Sr₂IrO₄. The endstation can be easily reconfigured to measure energy-integrated intensities with very low background for diffuse scattering and diffraction experiments.

Outcomes with Endovascular Treatment of Patients with M2 Segment MCA Occlusion in the Late Time Window

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Randomized trials in the late window have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in large-vessel occlusions. Patients with M2-segment MCA occlusions were excluded from these trials. We compared outcomes with endovascular thrombectomy in patients with M2-versus-M1 occlusions presenting 6-24 hours after symptom onset.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analyses were on pooled data from studies enrolling patients with stroke treated with endovascular thrombectomy 6-24 hours after symptom onset. We compared 90-day functional independence (mRS ≤ 2), mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and successful reperfusion (expanded TICI = 2b-3) between patients with M2 and M1 occlusions. The benefit of successful reperfusion was then assessed among patients with M2 occlusion.

RESULTS

Of 461 patients, 367 (79.6%) had M1 occlusions and 94 (20.4%) had M2 occlusions. Patients with M2 occlusions were older and had lower median baseline NIHSS scores. Patients with M2 occlusion were more likely to achieve 90-day functional independence than those with M1 occlusion (adjusted OR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.25-3.65). There were no significant differences in the proportion of successful reperfusion (82.9% versus 81.1%) or mortality (11.2% versus 17.2%). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage risk was lower in patients with M2-versus-M1 occlusions (4.3% versus 12.2%, P = .03). Successful reperfusion was independently associated with functional independence among patients with M2 occlusions (adjusted OR = 2.84; 95% CI, 1.11-7.29).

CONCLUSIONS

In the late time window, patients with M2 occlusions treated with endovascular thrombectomy achieved better clinical outcomes, similar reperfusion, and lower symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates compared with patients with M1 occlusion. These results support the safety and benefit of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with M2 occlusions in the late window.

Association of Left Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia with Posterior Circulation Stroke and the Functional Outcome of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation-Related Cardioembolic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A cardiogenic embolus could reach the posterior circulation through the right vertebral artery because of a relatively larger diameter in cases of left vertebral artery hypoplasia. Hence, we investigated whether left vertebral artery hypoplasia is associated with cardiac embolisms with atrial fibrillation in the posterior circulation and its functional outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this monocentric retrospective study, patients with acute cardioembolic stroke with atrial fibrillation were enrolled and underwent CT or neck MRA, which visualized the aortic arch and subclavian arteries. The laterality and size of vertebral artery hypoplasia were recorded. Posterior circulation stroke, basilar artery occlusion, and the functional outcomes after 3 months were investigated.

RESULTS

This study included 407 patients; the patients with left vertebral artery hypoplasia experienced a higher rate of posterior circulation stroke (19 versus 73; 42.2% versus 20.2%; P = .001) and basilar artery occlusion (5 versus 10; 11.1% versus 2.8%; P = .005) than the patients without left vertebral artery hypoplasia. Multivariate analysis revealed that left vertebral artery hypoplasia showed an association with lower odds of achieving a good functional outcome 3 months after the stroke (OR = 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9; P = .027).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cardioembolic stroke and left vertebral artery hypoplasia had posterior circulation stroke, basilar artery occlusion, and poor functional outcomes after 3 months.

Predictors and Impact of Sulcal SAH after Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients with Isolated M2 Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Data on SAH after M2 mechanical thrombectomy are limited. We aimed to determine the prevalence of sulcal SAH after mechanical thrombectomy for M2 occlusion, its associated predictors, and the resulting clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for isolated M2 occlusion. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of sulcal SAH after M2 mechanical thrombectomy. Angiographic and clinical outcomes were compared. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of sulcal SAH and unfavorable outcome (90-day mRS, 3-6).

RESULTS

Of the 209 enrolled patients, sulcal SAH was observed in 33 (15.8%) patients. The sulcal SAH group showed a higher rate of distal M2 occlusion (69.7% versus 22.7%), a higher of rate of superior division occlusion (63.6% versus 43.8%), and a higher M2 angulation (median, 128° versus 106°) than the non-sulcal SAH group. Of the 33 sulcal SAH cases, 23 (66.7%) were covert without visible intraprocedural contrast extravasation. Distal M2 occlusion (OR, 12.04; 95% CI, 4.56-35.67; P < .001), superior division (OR, 3.83; 95% CI, 1.43-11.26; P = .010), M2 angulation (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P < .001), and the number of passes (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.22-2.09; P < .001) were independent predictors of sulcal SAH. However, covert sulcal SAH was not associated with an unfavorable outcome (P = .830).

CONCLUSIONS

After mechanical thrombectomy for M2 occlusion, sulcal SAH was not uncommon and occurred more frequently with distal M2 occlusion, superior division, acute M2 angulation, and multiple thrombectomy passes (≥3). The impact of covert sulcal SAH was mostly benign and was not associated with an unfavorable outcome.

Nanoscale Antiferromagnetic Domain Imaging using Full-Field Resonant X-ray Magnetic Diffraction Microscopy

The physical properties of magnetic materials frequently depend not only on the microscopic spin and electronic structures, but also on the structures of mesoscopic length scales that emerge, for instance, from domain formations, or chemical and/or electronic phase separations. However, experimental access to such mesoscopic structures is currently limited, especially for antiferromagnets with net zero magnetization. Here, full-field microscopy and resonant magnetic X-ray diffraction are combined to visualize antiferromagnetic (AF) domains of the spin-orbit Mott insulator Sr₂ IrO₄ with area over ≈0.1 mm² and with spatial resolution as high as ≈150 nm. With the unprecedented wide field of views and high spatial resolution, an intertwining of two AF domains on a length comparable to the measured average AF domain wall width of 545 nm is revealed. This mesoscopic structure comprises a substantial portion of the sample surface, and thus can result in a macroscopic response unexpected from its microscopic magnetic structure. In particular, the symmetry analysis presented in this work shows that the inversion symmetry, which is preserved by the microscopic AF order, becomes ill-defined at the mesoscopic length scale. This result underscores the importance of this novel technique for a thorough understanding of the physical properties of antiferromagnets.

Time-resolved assessment of cortical venous drainage on multiphase CT angiography in patients with acute ischemic stroke

PURPOSE

Cortical vein opacification is not routinely assessed in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and the value of temporal assessment of venous outflow is not known. We evaluated the utility of assessing cortical venous drainage over time using multiphase CT angiography (mCTA).

METHODS

Cortical venous drainage was assessed in patients from the Precise and Rapid Assessment of Collaterals Using Multi-Phase CTA in the Triage of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke for IA Therapy prospective multicenter cohort study of patients with symptoms of AIS with ICA and/or middle cerebral artery occlusion on baseline mCTA. Opacification of vein of Labbe, sphenoparietal sinus, superficial middle cerebral vein, and vein of Trolard of the affected hemisphere was graded as no (0), partial (1), or full (2) opacification in each mCTA phase. The venous opacification scores for each phase were added to generate a total venous score (TVS) (range 0-24). Primary outcome was 90-day modified Rankin score. Repeated measures analysis was used to assess the effect of phase timing on venous score on outcome.

RESULTS

Of 432 patients, 284 (65.7%) had proximal arterial occlusions. Median venous opacification score per phase (range 0-8) was 3 (IQR 1-6) in the first phase and increased in the second and third phases [median (IQR): 6 (5-8) and 8 (6-8), respectively] of the mCTA. In a multivariable analysis adjusting for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and Alberta stroke program early CT score, a significant association between TVS and 90-day mRS was noted ([adjusted cOR for TVS 6-11: 0.16 (95% CI 0.05-0.51); TVS 12-17: 0.18 (95% CI 0.06-0.57); TVS 18-24: 0.20 (0.06-0.63)]. Repeated measures analysis of venous scores from all three phases showed a significant effect of time/phase on TVS (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study concludes that venous opacification over time on multiphase CTA is associated with 90-day clinical outcome. There was however no added benefit of venous scoring vis-a-vis arterial collateral assessment in predicting outcome.

Clinical impact of intravascular ultrasound guidance in patients of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with drug eluting stent

Background

There is little data about clinical role of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided Percutaneous (PCI) in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

From 2005 to 2018, a total of 8,129 patients who underwent PCI with STEMI were investigated from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health database. Patients with Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, bare metal stent implantation, thrombolytic treatment, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery were excluded. We categorized patients into two groups based on the treatment strategy: IVUS-guided PCI group (n=1,544), and coronary angiography guidance (CAG)-guided PCI group (n=6,585). The primary endpoint was composite of major adverse cardiovascular (MACE), including, cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), repeat target vessel revascularization (TVR) and stent thrombosis (ST).

Results

IVUS-guided PCI was performed in 19% patients (1544/8129). After propensity score matching, there were no statistically difference in the rate of cardiac death (0% in IVUS vs. 0.26% in CAG, p=0.947), MI (2.01% vs. 2.01%, p=0.408), TVR (1.23% vs. 0.91%, p=0.131), ST (0.32% vs. 0.45%, p=0.828) and composite of MACE at 1 year between two groups (2.01% vs. 2.40%, p=0.843). Independent risk factors for MACE were diabetes mellitus and multi-vessel disease, but not IVUS-guided PCI (HR 1.167, 95% CI, 0.896–1.520, p=0.251).

Conclusion

This study suggests that routine usage of IVUS in the setting of STEMI may not be necessary. Large-scaled random study will be needed for further evaluation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Local Intra-arterial Thrombolysis during Mechanical Thrombectomy for Refractory Large-Vessel Occlusion: Adjunctive Chemical Enhancer of Thrombectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Data on adjunctive intra-arterial thrombolysis during mechanical thrombectomy for refractory thrombus are sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of local intra-arterial urokinase as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy for refractory large-vessel occlusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion between January 2016 and December 2019. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the use of intra-arterial urokinase as an adjunctive therapy during mechanical thrombectomy for refractory thrombus: the urokinase and nonurokinase groups. Herein, refractory thrombus was defined as the target occlusion with minimal reperfusion (TICI 0 or 1) despite >3 attempts with conventional mechanical thrombectomy. The baseline characteristics, procedural outcomes, and clinical outcome were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen cases of refractory thrombus were identified. A total of 45 and 69 patients were in the urokinase and the nonurokinase groups, respectively. The urokinase group compared with the nonurokinase group showed a higher rate of successful reperfusion (82.2% versus 63.8%, P = .034), with lower procedural times (54 versus 69 minutes, P = .137). The rates of good clinical outcome, distal embolism, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were similar between the 2 groups. The use of intra-arterial urokinase (OR = 3.682; 95% CI, 1.156-11.730; P = .027) was an independent predictor of successful reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of local intra-arterial urokinase as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy may be an effective and safe method that provides better recanalization than the conventional mechanical thrombectomy for refractory thrombus in patients with embolic large-vessel occlusion.

Infarct Growth despite Successful Endovascular Reperfusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Infarct volume inversely correlates with good recovery in stroke. The magnitude and predictors of infarct growth despite successful reperfusion via endovascular treatment are not known.

PURPOSE

We aimed to summarize the extent of infarct growth in patients with acute stroke who achieved successful reperfusion (TICI 2b-3) after endovascular treatment.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching MEDLINE and Google Scholar for articles published up to October 31, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies of >10 patients reporting baseline and post-endovascular treatment infarct volumes on MR imaging were included. Only patients with TICI 2b-3 were included. We calculated infarct growth at a study level as the difference between baseline and follow-up MR imaging infarct volumes.

DATA ANALYSIS

Our search yielded 345 studies, and we included 10 studies reporting on 973 patients having undergone endovascular treatment who achieved successful reperfusion.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The mean baseline infarct volume was 19.5 mL, while the mean final infarct volume was 37.5 mL. A TICI 2b reperfusion grade was achieved in 24% of patients, and TICI 2c or 3 in 76%. The pooled mean infarct growth was 14.8 mL (95% CI, 7.9-21.7 mL). Meta-regression showed higher infarct growth in studies that reported higher baseline infarct volumes, higher rates of incomplete reperfusion (modified TICI 2b), and longer onset-to-reperfusion times.

LIMITATIONS

Significant heterogeneity among studies was noted and might be driven by the difference in infarct growth between early- and late-treatment studies.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest considerable infarct growth despite successful endovascular treatment reperfusion and call for a faster workflow and the need for specific therapies to limit infarct growth.

Proximate ferromagnetic state in the Kitaev model material α-RuCl3

α-RuCl₃ is a major candidate for the realization of the Kitaev quantum spin liquid, but its zigzag antiferromagnetic order at low temperatures indicates deviations from the Kitaev model. We have quantified the spin Hamiltonian of α-RuCl₃ by a resonant inelastic x-ray scattering study at the Ru L₃ absorption edge. In the paramagnetic state, the quasi-elastic intensity of magnetic excitations has a broad maximum around the zone center without any local maxima at the zigzag magnetic Bragg wavevectors. This finding implies that the zigzag order is fragile and readily destabilized by competing ferromagnetic correlations. The classical ground state of the experimentally determined Hamiltonian is actually ferromagnetic. The zigzag state is stabilized by quantum fluctuations, leaving ferromagnetism – along with the Kitaev spin liquid – as energetically proximate metastable states. The three closely competing states and their collective excitations hold the key to the theoretical understanding of the unusual properties of α-RuCl₃ in magnetic fields.

RuCl₃ has stood out as a prime candidate in the search for quantum spin liquids; however, its antiferromagnetic ordering at low temperature suggests deviations from typical QSL models. Here, using resonant inelastic x-ray scattering, the authors provide a comprehensive determination of the low energy effective Hamiltonian.

A study of the microbiological profile of filler-induced skin necrosis

Skin necrosis is one of the most severe complications following filler injections, and can result in permanent aesthetic defects. Although an increasing number of studies have addressed the management of dermal filler complications, no study has described the spectrum of microbial pathogens. The aim of this study was to delineate the bacterial profile and prognostic factors of filler-related skin necrosis by reviewing the clinical and microbiological features of these patients. A retrospective medical record review of patients undergoing treatment for skin necrosis induced by fillers was conducted. In total, 10 cases were identified, with injection sites being the nasolabial fold (70%; n = 7), nasal dorsum (20%; n = 2) and nasal tip (10%; n = 1). Reviewing the culture results, the true culture-positive rate was found to be 50% after cases of contamination were excluded. To avoid permanent sequelae, all physicians should be aware of possible secondary infections when treating filler-induced skin necrosis.

Direct observation of excitonic instability in Ta2NiSe5

Coulomb attraction between electrons and holes in a narrow-gap semiconductor or a semimetal is predicted to lead to an elusive phase of matter dubbed excitonic insulator. However, direct observation of such electronic instability remains extremely rare. Here, we report the observation of incipient divergence in the static excitonic susceptibility of the candidate material Ta2NiSe5 using Raman spectroscopy. Critical fluctuations of the excitonic order parameter give rise to quasi-elastic scattering of B2g symmetry, whose intensity grows inversely with temperature toward the Weiss temperature of TW ≈ 237 K, which is arrested by a structural phase transition driven by an acoustic phonon of the same symmetry at TC = 325 K. Concurrently, a B2g optical phonon becomes heavily damped to the extent that its trace is almost invisible around TC, which manifests a strong electron-phonon coupling that has obscured the identification of the low-temperature phase as an excitonic insulator for more than a decade. Our results unambiguously reveal the electronic origin of the phase transition.

Randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, multicentre, phase III clinical trial with two stages to assess the safety and efficacy of letibotulinum toxin a vs. onabotulinum toxin a for subjects with moderate to severe crow's feet

BACKGROUND

Letibotulinum toxin A (LeBA) was approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (known as the Korea Food & Drug Administration) for cosmetic indications in 2012. However, the efficacy and safety of this newly introduced LeBA have not been investigated in crow's feet lines (CFL) treatment and standardization before its universal use.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this multicentre, double-blind, randomized, parallel, active-controlled Phase III clinical trial with two stages (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03408236) was to investigate the non-inferiority of LeBA vs. the existing onabotulinum toxin A (OnBA) for the treatment of CFL.

METHODS

A total of 240 subjects were randomized to either the test (LeBA) or control (OnBA) group. At the baseline and at weeks 4 while maximum smiling (primary efficacy assessment), 8, 12 and 16, investigator's on-site evaluation, independent evaluator, evaluation by the subjects, subjects' satisfaction assessment and safety assessment were performed.

RESULTS

At week 4, the response rate of primary efficacy assessment was 69.75% and 68.33% in the test (LeBA) and control (OnBA) groups, respectively, without a significant difference. Other minor secondary evaluation results showed significant differences suggesting that LeBA offered better improvement than OnBA, but the overall results did not show significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that LeBA was as effective and safe as OnBA for the treatment of CFL at the same doses.

Systemic contact dermatitis induced by Rhus allergens in Korea: exercising caution in the consumption of this nutritious food

Systemic contact dermatitis (SCD) develops when a person who was previously sensitized to an allergen is exposed to the same allergen via the systemic route. In East Asia, the use of lacquer for polishing furniture is common and a part of the traditional culture. Contact exposure to tableware polished with Rhus lacquer may lead to sensitization. In Korea, SCD is commonly observed after systemic exposure to Rhus, a nutritious food item consumed because of the common belief of it improving the immune system. In this study, we reviewed the medical records of 21 Korean patients with SCD caused by Rhus ingestion. We found that the most significant epidemiological factor for SCD was the season of the year. Furthermore, 66.67% of the patients presented with leucocytosis and 23.81% showed increased liver enzyme levels. It is important to educate people on the risks associated with the systemic ingestion of Rhus.

Author Correction: Evidence of higher-order topology in multilayer WTe2 from Josephson coupling through anisotropic hinge states

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Evidence of higher-order topology in multilayer WTe2 from Josephson coupling through anisotropic hinge states

Td-WTe₂ (non-centrosymmetric and orthorhombic), a type-II Weyl semimetal, is expected to have higher-order topological phases with topologically protected, helical one-dimensional hinge states when its Weyl points are annihilated. However, the detection of these hinge states is difficult due to the semimetallic behaviour of the bulk. In this study, we have spatially resolved the hinge states by analysing the magnetic field interference of the supercurrent in Nb-WTe₂-Nb proximity Josephson junctions. The Josephson current along the a axis of the WTe₂ crystal, but not along the b axis, showed a sharp enhancement at the edges of the junction, and the amount of enhanced Josephson current was comparable to the upper limits of a single one-dimensional helical channel. Our experimental observations suggest a higher-order topological phase in WTe₂ and its corresponding anisotropic topological hinge states, in agreement with theoretical calculations. Our work paves the way for the study of hinge states in topological transition-metal dichalcogenides and analogous phases.

3D micro fractal pipettes for capillary based robotic liquid handling

Miniaturized and mobile liquid handling devices are essential elements to biological or clinical applications. This will innovate the conventional liquid handling methods such as manual or automated pipetting systems. Here, we propose the micro fractal pipette as the candidate device for this objective. It is made of epoxy polymer and printed by innovative 3D nanoprinting technology based on two-photon absorption polymerization with sub-micrometer resolution. We demonstrated the efficient liquid handling performance by using the micro fractal pipette between the source droplet and the target hydrogel substrate. This is due to the high porosity (78%) and the 8.5 times larger cavity surface area compared to the full pyramid. The biomimetic inner cavity microchannel networks contribute to the low pressure drop. The proposed micro fractal pipette could also innovate the versatile and miniaturized liquid handling system, promising to various biological or clinical applications.

Montel mirror based collimating analyzer system for high-pressure resonant inelastic X-ray scattering experiments

Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) is increasingly playing a significant role in studying highly correlated systems, especially since it was proven capable of measuring low-energy magnetic excitations. However, despite high expectations for experimental evidence of novel magnetic phases at high pressure, unequivocal low-energy spectral signatures remain obscured by extrinsic scattering from material surrounding the sample in a diamond anvil cell (DAC): pressure media, Be gasket and the diamond anvils themselves. A scattered X-ray collimation based medium-energy resolution (∼100 meV) analyzer system for a RIXS spectrometer at the Ir L₃-absorption edge has been designed and built to remediate these difficulties. Due to the confocal nature of the analyzer system, the majority of extrinsic scattering is rejected, yielding a clean low-energy excitation spectrum of an iridate Sr₂IrO₄ sample in a DAC cell. Furthermore, the energy resolution of different configurations of the collimating and analyzing optics are discussed.

Design of optimal digital filter and digital signal processing for a CdZnTe high resolution gamma-ray system

We have developed an online digital signal processing system based on an FPGA. The system consists of pile-up rejection, baseline restorer, peak detection and pole-zero cancellation for evaluation of deposited energy in the detector. The shaping algorithm employed is a Moving Window Deconvolution (MWD) to shape digitized data into a trapezoidal form. For the purpose of verification, the developed digital system was tested for ¹³⁷Cs gamma rays. The entire system is programmed using the LabVIEW environment.

Incidence of oral anticoagulant interruption among stroke patients with atrial fibrillation and subsequent stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We analyzed the incidence and causes of oral anticoagulant (OAC) cessation and subsequent stroke after OAC withdrawal in a cohort of Korean stroke patients with atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

The Korean Atrial Fibrillation Evaluation Registry in Ischemic Stroke patients (K-ATTENTION) is a multicenter cohort study, merging stroke registries from 11 tertiary centers in Korea. The number of OAC interruption episodes and the reasons were reviewed from hospital records. Stroke after OAC withdrawal was defined when a patient experienced ischaemic stroke within 31 days after OAC withdrawal. Clinical variables were compared between patients who experienced stroke recurrence during OAC interruption and those who did not experience recurrence.

RESULTS

Among 3213 stroke patients with atrial fibrillation, a total of 329 episodes of OAC interruption were detected in 229 patients after index stroke (mean age 72.9 ± 8.3 years, 113 female patients). The most frequent reason for OAC withdrawal was poor compliance [103 episodes (31.3%)] followed by extracranial bleeding [96 episodes (29.2%)]. Stroke after OAC withdrawal was noted in 13 patients. Mean age, vascular risk factor profile and mean CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score were not significantly different between patients with and without recurrent stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable number of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation experienced temporary interruption of OAC after index stroke, which was associated with stroke recurrence of 4.0 cases per 100 interruption episodes.

Possible Quantum Paramagnetism in Compressed Sr_{2}IrO_{4}

The effect of compression on the magnetic ground state of Sr_{2}IrO_{4} is studied with x-ray resonant techniques in the diamond anvil cell. The weak interlayer exchange coupling between square-planar 2D IrO_{2} layers is readily modified upon compression, with a crossover between magnetic structures around 7 GPa mimicking the effect of an applied magnetic field at ambient pressure. Higher pressures drive an order-disorder magnetic phase transition with no magnetic order detected above 17-20 GPa. The persistence of strong exchange interactions between J_{eff}=1/2 magnetic moments within the insulating IrO_{2} layers up to at least 35 GPa points to a highly frustrated magnetic state in compressed Sr_{2}IrO_{4}, opening the door for realization of novel quantum paramagnetic phases driven by extended 5d orbitals with entangled spin and orbital degrees of freedom.

P4390Sex-specific association between secondhand smoke exposure and metabolic syndrome in 118,609 Korean never-smokers verified by both self-reported questionnaire and cotinine

Background

No study has reported the relationship between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in self-reported never-smokers verified by nicotine metabolite.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between SHS exposure and MetS in self-reported and cotinine-verified never-smokers.

Methods

A total of 118,609 self-reported and cotinine-verified never-smokers (38,385 men; age 34.8±7.1 years) who participated in Kangbuk Samsung Health Study (KSHS) and Kangbuk Samsung Cohort study (KSCS) between 2011 and 2016 were included. Cotinine-verified never-smoker was defined as individuals having urinary cotinine <50 ng/mL. SHS exposure was defined as having experienced passive smoking indoors at home or the workplace.

Results

The prevalence of SHS exposure in the overall population was 22.6%, with rates of 27.4% for males and 20.3% for females (p<0.001). The overall prevalence of MetS was 6.8%; the prevalence in males was higher than that in females (10.7% versus 4.9%, p<0.001). In both males and females, the prevalence of MetS in group with SHS exposure was higher than that in group without SHS exposure (11.3% versus 10.4%, p=0.010 for males; 5.8% versus 4.6%, p<0.001 for females). However, there was significant gender interaction for the relationships between SHS exposure and MetS (p for interaction=0.010). A multivariate regression model was adjusted for the baseline variables including age, body mass index, frequency of alcohol drinking and vigorous exercise, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and hsCRP. The results showed that SHS exposure only in females was associated with MetS (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.17 [1.06, 1.29] for females; 1.02 [0.94, 1.11] for males). In particular, females with SHS exposure of ≥1 hours/day, ≥3 times/week, and ≥10 years increased the prevalence of MetS compared to those without SHS exposure (1.21 [1.02, 1.45], 1.30 [1.14, 1.49], and 1.12 [0.99, 1.28], respectively.

Conclusions

This study showed that the SHS exposure in females was significantly associated with MetS in self-reported never-smokers with low urinary cotinine levels (<50 ng/mL), suggesting that more active anti-smoking programs in the home and public are needed to reduce the risk of MetS.

4947Association between secondhand smoke exposure and diabetes mellitus in 131,724 Korean never smokers using self-reported questionnaire and cotinine: gender differences

Background

No study has reported the relationship between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and diabetes mellitus in self-reported never-smokers verified by nicotine metabolite.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between SHS exposure and diabetes mellitus in self-reported and cotinine-verified never-smokers.

Methods

A total of 131,724 self-reported and cotinine-verified never-smokers (42,681 men; age 35.0±7.1 years) enrolled in Kangbuk Samsung Health Study (KSHS) and Kangbuk Samsung Cohort study (KSCS) between 2011 and 2016 were included. Cotinine-verified never-smoker was defined as individuals having urinary cotinine <50 ng/mL. SHS exposure was defined as having experienced passive smoking indoors at home or the workplace. Diabetes mellitus was defined as having a fasting blood glucose level of ≥7.0mmol/L, hemoglobin A1C ≥6.5% or taking anti-diabetic medication(s).

Results

The frequency of diabetes mellitus in the overall population was 1.6%; the frequency in males was higher than that in females (2.2% versus 1.3%, p<0.001). The overall frequency of SHS exposure was 22.9%, with rates of 27.6% for males and 20.7% for females (p<0.001). The frequency of diabetes mellitus in group with SHS exposure was higher than that in group without SHS exposure only in females (1.8% versus 1.2%, p<0.001 for females; 2.2% versus 2.2%, p=0.956 for males). There was significant gender interaction for the relationships between SHS exposure and diabetes mellitus (p for interaction <0.001). A multivariate regression model was adjusted for the baseline variables including age, waist circumference, body mass index, frequency of alcohol drinking and vigorous exercise, systolic blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and hsCRP. Only in females, SHS exposure was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.40 [1.20, 1.65] for females; 1.00 [0.85, 1.19] for males). Higher frequency and longer duration of SHS exposure were also significantly associated with diabetes mellitus (p<0.001) for all trends). In particular, females with SHS exposure of ≥1 hours/day, ≥3 times/week, and ≥10 years increased the risk of diabetes mellitus 51–64% above that for those without SHS exposure (1.64 [1.25, 2.13], 1.51 [1.21, 1.87], and 1.59 [1.30, 1.95], respectively.

Conclusions

This study showed that the SHS exposure in females was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus in self-reported never-smokers verified by urinary cotinine and this association was proportional to the frequency and duration of SHS exposure. These findings suggest the importance of banning smoking in the home and public to reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

RHEB gene therapy maintains the chondrogenic characteristics and protects cartilage tissue from degenerative damage during experimental murine osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by cartilage degeneration resulting from hypertrophic changes in chondrocytes caused by altered gene expression. The involvement of Ras homolog enriched in brain (RHEB) in OA regulation is unclear.

METHODS

Human knee articular cartilage samples - were analyzed for structural and biological changes by histology, immunohistochemistry, real time PCR and western blotting. OA-mouse model developed by surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) were treated with adenovirus harboring Rheb gene to analyze onset and progression of OA. Histological scoring, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL assay was performed to assess cartilage damage across the entire joint.

RESULTS

Human and mouse OA cartilage is degenerated and has markedly reduced levels of RHEB. Human OA-degenerated chondrocytes (DC) exhibited a fibroblastic phenotype and 80 % of degenerative cartilage were senescent, with higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Gene expression analysis of DC revealed almost no COL2A1 expression and reduced SOX9 and RHEB expression. Transient transfection of RHEB rescued the DC phenotype and reduced senescence and ROS levels markedly. RHEB overexpression also increased COL2A1 and SOX9 expression. In an OA-mouse model, the Rheb protein level decreased as the severity of OA increased. Ectopic expression of Rheb using adenovirus in mouse-OA cartilage suppressed surgically-induced OA pathogenesis accompanied by modulation of Adamts5, Mmp 13, Col 10, and Col2a1 expression. Rheb induction significantly reduced apoptosis in OA-cartilage.

CONCLUSION

RHEB plays an important role in maintaining the chondrogenic characteristics of chondrocytes, and has potential in preventing progression of OA in the destabilize the medial meniscus (DMM) mouse model of OA.

1423Adherence to triple component antihypertensive regimen is higher in single-pill combination than two-pill regimen: data from a randomized controlled trial using medication event monitoring system

Background

Simplicity of regimen is known to be an important determinant of medication adherence and using single-pill combination (SPC) in hypertension treatment resulted in better adherence and persistence than free-equivalent combination. However, this finding has been studied only in dual-component antihypertensive treatments and in observational studies using medication possession ratio as an index of adherence. Medication event monitoring system (MEMS) is considered to be the gold standard in estimating medication adherence.

Purpose

To investigate the superiority in adherence of triple-component SPC compared to equivalent two-pill regimen using MEMS

Methods

This is a multi-center open-label randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria were hypertensive patients whose clinic blood pressure is not adequately controlled (systolic >140 mmHg or diastolic >90 mmHg) with combination antihypertensive regimen comprising two of three classes (angiotensin receptor blocker, calcium channel blocker and thiazide diuretics) for at least 4 weeks. Eligible patients were randomized either to single-pill (triple-component SPC, olmesartan/amlodipine/ hydrochlorothiazide 20/5/12.5 mg) or two-pill (dual-component SPC + one free pill, olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide 20/12.5 mg + amlodipine 5 mg) groups and maintained for 12 weeks. Medications were dispensed in MEMS. Primary outcomes were the difference of percentage of dose taken (PDT) and percentage of days with prescribed dose taken correctly (PDTc) between single- and two-pill therapy, calculated from MEMS data.

Results

From 8 hospitals, 146 hypertensive patients were randomized into single- and two-pill groups. Final analysis was done in 65 and 66 patients in each group from which adherence index could be obtained. Baseline clinical characteristics of the two groups were not different. The single-pill group had significantly higher PDT and PDTc compared to the two-pill group. (median (25–75 percentile) (%), PDT 95.1 (87.9 - 100.0) vs 91.2 (79.8 - 96.5); PDTc 93.1 (79.8 - 96.5) vs 91.3 (70.7 - 96.4), p = both 0.04, by Wilcoxon rank sum test)

Percent dose taken

Conclusion

Single-pill combination of triple-component antihypertensive regimen showed superior adherence compared to equivalent two-pill therapy. Reducing pill burden by using SPC is a relevant strategy to enhance the adherence to multi-drug antihypertensive therapy.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Daiichi-Sankyo

Unique Crystal Structure of Ca_{2}RuO_{4} in the Current Stabilized Semimetallic State

The electric-current stabilized semimetallic state in the quasi-two-dimensional Mott insulator Ca_{2}RuO_{4} exhibits an exceptionally strong diamagnetism. Through a comprehensive study using neutron and x-ray diffraction, we show that this nonequilibrium phase assumes a crystal structure distinct from those of equilibrium metallic phases realized in the ruthenates by chemical doping, high pressure, and epitaxial strain, which in turn leads to a distinct electronic band structure. Dynamical mean field theory calculations based on the crystallographically refined atomic coordinates and realistic Coulomb repulsion parameters indicate a semimetallic state with partially gapped Fermi surface. Our neutron diffraction data show that the nonequilibrium behavior is homogeneous, with antiferromagnetic long-range order completely suppressed. These results provide a new basis for theoretical work on the origin of the unusual nonequilibrium diamagnetism in Ca_{2}RuO_{4}.

Association between time to treatment and functional outcomes according to the Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score in endovascular stroke therapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The rate at which the chance of a good outcome of endovascular stroke therapy (EVT) decays with time when eligible patients are selected by baseline diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI) and whether ischaemic core size affects this rate remain to be investigated.

METHODS

This study analyses a prospective multicentre registry of stroke patients treated with EVT based on pretreatment DWI-MRI that was categorized into three groups: small [Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (DWI-ASPECTS)] (8-10), moderate (5-7) and large (<5) cores. The main outcome was a good outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale 0-2). The interaction between onset-to-groin puncture time (OTP) and DWI-ASPECTS categories regarding functional outcomes was investigated.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 985 patients (age 69 ± 11 years; male 55%) were analysed. Potential interaction effects between the DWI-ASPECTS categories and OTP on a good outcome at 90 days were observed (P_interaction  = 0.06). Every 60-min delay in OTP was associated with a 16% reduced likelihood of a good outcome at 90 days amongst patients with large cores, although no associations were observed amongst patients with small to moderate cores. Interestingly, the adjusted rates of a good outcome at 90 days steeply declined between 65 and 213 min of OTP and then remained smooth throughout 24 h of OTP (P_nonlinearity  = 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that the probability of a good outcome after EVT nonlinearly decreased, with a steeper decline at earlier OTP than at later OTP. Discrepant effects of OTP on functional outcomes by baseline DWI-ASPECTS categories were observed. Thus, different strategies for EVT based on time and ischaemic core size are warranted.

Spin waves and spin-state transitions in a ruthenate high-temperature antiferromagnet

Ruthenium compounds serve as a platform for fundamental concepts such as spin-triplet superconductivity¹, Kitaev spin liquids^2-5 and solid-state analogues of the Higgs mode in particle physics^6,7. However, basic questions about the electronic structure of ruthenates remain unanswered, because several key parameters (including Hund's coupling, spin-orbit coupling and exchange interactions) are comparable in magnitude and their interplay is poorly understood, partly due to difficulties in synthesizing large single crystals for spectroscopic experiments. Here we introduce a resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS)^8,9 technique capable of probing collective modes in microcrystals of 4d electron materials. We observe spin waves and spin-state transitions in the honeycomb antiferromagnet SrRu₂O₆ (ref. ¹⁰) and use the extracted exchange interactions and measured magnon gap to explain its high Néel temperature^11-16. We expect that the RIXS method presented here will enable momentum-resolved spectroscopy of a large class of 4d transition-metal compounds.

Moderate hearing loss is related with social frailty in a community-dwelling older adults: The Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study (KFACS)

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether hearing loss is associated with social frailty in older adults.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of cohort study data. Hearing was measured using of Pure-tone audiometry. Hearing loss was determined based on the average of hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz in the ear that had better hearing. Social frailty was defined based on the summation of the following 5 social components (1. Neighborhood meeting attendance 2. Talking to friend(s) sometimes 3.Someone gives you love and affection 4. Living alone 5. Meeting someone every day). Participants who had no correspondence to the components were considered non-social frailty; those with 1-2 components were considered social prefrailty; and those having 3 or more components were considered social frailty.

RESULTS

The prevalence of non-social frailty, social prefrailty, social frailty was 27.6%, 60.7% and 11.7% respectively. Of the five questions, two components (Neighborhood meeting attendance and Presence of someone who shows love and affection to the participants) were associated with hearing loss (p < 0.001). Compared to non-social frailty, the odds ratio of social frailty for hearing loss was 2.24 (95% CI 1.48-3.38) after adjusting for age, residential area, economic status, smoking, depressive disorder and MMSE, and 2.17 (95% CI 1.43-3.30) after further adjustments with physical frailty.

CONCLUSION

Hearing loss was associated with social frailty even after controlling confounding factors even including physical frailty.

Room temperature photoluminescence of PbS quantum dots: Capping agent and thermal effect

The most efficient method for obtaining high concentration, monodispersed quantum dots is the sol gel method. This manuscript reports room temperature photoluminescence (PL) of lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots with the effect of a capping agent. Lead sulfide quantum dots were prepared from a waveguide sol gel material with an organic-inorganic capping agent. The quantum dots were made using silica, a photoreactive methylmethacrylate group and a zirconia sol gel solution to give various concentrations of PbS quantum dots. UV-visible absorption spectra linearly increased with increasing PbS quantum dot concentration up to 10 649 ppm, after which increase was nonlinear. At room temperature, strong photoluminescence was achieved with a weak excitation light source, and the intensity increased almost linearly. This indicated that the quantum dots were distributed uniformly in the sol gel matrix. The thermal process slightly reduced the luminescence intensity. A red shift due to band gap energy was observed from 1.55 eV to 1.49 eV.

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.

Increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with alopecia areata: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata (AA) is a hair follicle-specific autoimmune disorder. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with various autoimmune disorders for its immunomodulatory effects. However, in previous studies, there had been inconsistent association found between AA and vitamin D deficiency.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the differences of the mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency between AA patients and non-AA population.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies on AA and serum vitamin D levels and/or prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was performed searching MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases.

RESULTS

In all, 14 studies including a total of 1255 AA subjects and 784 non-AA control were analysed. The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was significantly lower in AA subjects (-8.52 ng/dL; 95% confidential interval; -5.50 to -11.53). The AA subjects had higher odds of vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio of 3.89; 2.02 to 7.49, mean prevalence of 73.8%; 59.1 to 84.6%). However, it was difficult to find clear correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and extent of hair loss in AA subjects.

CONCLUSION

The AA subjects had lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, and vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent compared to non-AA controls. Hence, vitamin D deficiency should be assessed in AA patients. Furthermore, nutritional supplementation of vitamin D or topical vitamin D analogues can be considered for AA patients with vitamin D deficiency. The limitation of this study is the highly heterogeneity of the included studies.

Versatile effects of magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles in PLGA scaffold-mediated chondrogenesis

Artificial scaffolds made up of various synthetic biodegradable polymers have been reported to have many advantages including cheap manufacturing, easy scale up, high mechanical strength, convenient manipulation, and molding into an unlimited variety of shapes. However, the synthetic biodegradable polymers still have the insufficiency for cartilage regeneration owing to their acidic degradation products. To reduce acidification by degradation of synthetic polymers, we incorporated magnesium hydroxide (MH) nanoparticles into porous polymer scaffold not only to effectively neutralize the acidic hydrolysate but also to minimize the structural disturbance of scaffolds. The neutralization effect of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid; PLGA)/MH scaffold was confirmed with the maintenance of neutral pH, contrary to a PLGA scaffold with low pH. Further, the scaffolds were applied to evaluate the chondrogenic differentiation of the human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. In in vitro study, the PLGA/MH scaffold enhanced the chondrogenesis markers and reduced the calcification, compared to the PLGA scaffold. Additionally, the PLGA/MH scaffold reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines, compared to the PLGA scaffold, as the cell death decreased. Moreover, the addition of MH reduced necrotic cell death at the early stage of chondrogenic differentiation. Further, the necrotic cell death by the PLGA scaffold was mediated by cleavage of caspase-1, the so-called interleukin 1-converting enzyme, and MH alleviated it as well as nuclear factor kappa B expression. Furthermore, the PLGA/MH scaffold highly supported chondrogenic healing of rat osteochondral defect sites in in vivo study. Therefore, it was suggested that a synthetic polymer scaffold containing MH could be a novel healing tool to support cartilage regeneration and further treatment of orthopedic patients.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Synthetic polymer scaffolds have been widely utilized for tissue regeneration. However, they have a disadvantage of releasing acidic products through degradation. This paper demonstrated a novel type of synthetic polymer scaffold with pH-neutralizing ceramic nanoparticles composed of magnesium hydroxide for cartilage regeneration. This polymer showed pH-neutralization property during polymer degradation and significant enhancement of chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. It reduced not only chondrogenic calcification but also release of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, it has an inhibitory effect on necrotic cell death, particularly caspase-1-mediated necrotic cell death (pyroptosis). In in vivo study, it showed higher healing rate of the damaged cartilage in a rat osteochondral defect model. We expected that this novel type of scaffold can be effectively applied to support cartilage regeneration and further treatment of orthopedic patients.

Quartz-based flat-crystal resonant inelastic x-ray scattering spectrometer with sub-10 meV energy resolution

Continued improvement of the energy resolution of resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) spectrometers is crucial for fulfilling the potential of this technique in the study of electron dynamics in materials of fundamental and technological importance. In particular, RIXS is the only alternative tool to inelastic neutron scattering capable of providing fully momentum resolved information on dynamic spin structures of magnetic materials, but is limited to systems whose magnetic excitation energy scales are comparable to the energy resolution. The state-of-the-art spherical diced crystal analyzer optics provides energy resolution as good as 25 meV but has already reached its theoretical limit. Here, we demonstrate a novel sub-10 meV RIXS spectrometer based on flat-crystal optics at the Ir-L3 absorption edge (11.215 keV) that achieves an analyzer energy resolution of 3.9 meV, very close to the theoretical value of 3.7 meV. In addition, the new spectrometer allows efficient polarization analysis without loss of energy resolution. The performance of the instrument is demonstrated using longitudinal acoustical and optical phonons in diamond, and magnon in Sr₃Ir₂O₇. The novel sub-10 meV RIXS spectrometer thus provides a window into magnetic materials with small energy scales.

Feasibility of Permanent Stenting with Solitaire FR as a Rescue Treatment for the Reperfusion of Acute Intracranial Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Solitaire FR can be used not only as a tool for mechanical thrombectomy but also as a detachable permanent stent. Our aim was to assess the feasibility and safety of permanent stent placement with the Solitaire FR compared with other self-expanding stents for intracranial artery recanalization for acute ischemic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2011 through January 2016, we retrospectively selected 2979 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Among them, 27 patients who underwent permanent stent placement (13 patients with the Solitaire FR [Solitaire group] and 14 patients with other self-expanding stents [other stent group]) were enrolled. The postprocedural modified TICI grade and angiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed. The safety and efficacy of permanent stent placement of the Solitaire FR for acute large-artery occlusion were evaluated.

RESULTS

Stent placement was successful in all cases. Modified TICI 2b-3 reperfusion was noted in 84.6% of the Solitaire group and in 78.6% of the other stent group. Procedural time was significantly shorter in the Solitaire group than in the other stent group (P = .022). Shorter procedural time was correlated with favorable outcome (ρ = 0.46, P = .035). No significant differences were found in the modified TICI grade, NIHSS score, mRS, and hemorrhagic transformation rate between the 2 groups. The acute in-stent thrombosis rate at discharge was significantly lower when a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was injected during the procedure (P = .013).

CONCLUSIONS

Permanent stent placement with the Solitaire FR compared with other self-expanding stents appears to be feasible and safe as a rescue tool for refractory intra-arterial therapy.

Direct measurement of the mechanism by which magnesium specifically modifies the mechanical properties of DNA

We examine the effect of physiological cations Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ on the mechanical properties of bundles of λ-phage DNA using silicon nanotweezers (SNTs). Integrating SNTs with a microfluidic device allows us to perform titration experiments while measuring the effect in real-time. The results show that only for Mg2+ and in particular, at the intra-nuclear concentration (100 mM), the interaction occurs.

Raman Scattering from Higgs Mode Oscillations in the Two-Dimensional Antiferromagnet Ca_{2}RuO_{4}

We present and analyze Raman spectra of the Mott insulator Ca_{2}RuO_{4}, whose quasi-two-dimensional antiferromagnetic order has been described as a condensate of low-lying spin-orbit excitons with angular momentum J_{eff}=1. In the A_{g} polarization geometry, the amplitude (Higgs) mode of the spin-orbit condensate is directly probed in the scalar channel, thus avoiding infrared-singular magnon contributions. In the B_{1g} geometry, we observe a single-magnon peak as well as two-magnon and two-Higgs excitations. Model calculations using exact diagonalization quantitatively agree with the observations. Together with recent neutron scattering data, our study provides strong evidence for excitonic magnetism in Ca_{2}RuO_{4} and points out new perspectives for research on the Higgs mode in two dimensions.

Association between obesity and femoral neck strength according to age, sex, and fat distribution

Indicators of total and abdominal obesity were negatively associated with femoral neck strength indices. There are age-, sex-, and fat distribution-specific differences in the magnitude of these associations. These suggested that indicators of obesity with different magnitude according to age, sex, and fat distribution associated with poor bone health.

INTRODUCTION

Fat regulates bone metabolism, but the associations of total and abdominal obesity with bone health are inconsistent. We investigated the association between indicators of obesity and composite indices of femoral neck (FN) strength reflecting the risk of hip fracture.

METHODS

This population-based cross-sectional study examined data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Participants were divided into groups according to age (25-49/≥50 years) and sex. We examined total fat mass (TFM) and percentage fat mass (pFM) as indicators of total obesity and truncal fat mass (TrFM) as an indicator of abdominal obesity. We calculated the composite indices of FN strength and anthropometric clinical indicators of abdominal obesity.

RESULTS

TFM, pFM, and TrFM were negatively associated with the composite indices, irrespective of age and sex (P < 0.001-0.005). Most anthropometric clinical indicators of abdominal obesity showed negative associations with the composite indices regardless of age and sex (P < 0.001-0.048), except for women aged 25-49 years. In men, magnitudes of the negative contributions of TFM to the composite indices were significantly stronger at age 25-49 years than at age ≥50 years. Magnitudes of negative associations of TFM with the composite indices were greater in men than in women. TrFM had a more detrimental effect than TFM on FN strength in men aged 25-49 years and in women of both ages.

CONCLUSION

Indicators of total and abdominal obesity negatively associated with FN strength, and magnitudes of their effects on bone health differed according to age, sex, and fat distribution.

Correlation between socio-economic status and atopic dermatitis in Korean adults: the Korea national health and nutrition examination survey (2007-2014)

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common allergic diseases. Its prevalence has been increasing in recent decades. Socio-economic status is well-known risk factor of allergic diseases.

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between socio-economic status and AD in Korean adults.

METHODS

Data were acquired from 47 351 men and women, ≥19 years of age who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) conducted from 2007 to 2014. The presence of AD was based on self-reported physician diagnosis of AD in the Health Interview Surveys.

RESULTS

The prevalence of AD was 3.1%, which decreased with increasing age. In univariate analysis, adults with AD were prone to be female, younger, never-married, well educated, lower household members, and urban dwelling (all P < 0.01). Monthly family income and smoking status were not associated with the presence of AD. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and asthma was higher in AD subjects (all P < 0.01), while obesity was not associated with adult AD. After adjusting for confounders, logistic regression analysis showed female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.483, 95% CI: 1.268-1.734), age (P < 0.01), marital status (Single: aOR: 1.307, 95% CI: 1.012-1.690; Never-married: aOR: 1.938, 95% CI: 1.513-2.482), urban residence (aOR: 1.281, 95% CI: 1.045-1.569) and asthma (aOR: 1.788, 95% CI: 1.416-2.258) were associated with higher prevalence of AD (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Female sex, age, marital status, urban residence, and the presence of asthma are important risk factors of the prevalence of AD in Korean adults.

Efficacy and safety of non-invasive body tightening with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive skin-tightening devices have become increasingly popular in response to increasing demand for improvements in skin laxity and tightening with minimal risk and recovery time.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of HIFU for skin tightening in the face and body.

METHODS

A total of 32 Korean subjects enrolled in this prospective clinical trial. The subjects were treated with HIFU to both cheeks, lower abdomen, and thigh. Skin elasticity was measured before and after treatment using a Cutometer (CT575, Courage and Khazaka^® , Cologne, Germany). Three blinded, experienced dermatologists evaluated paired pre- and post-treatment (week 4 and 12) photographs according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Participants also completed self-assessments using GAIS. Subjects rated their pain on a numeric rating scale (NRS) immediately, 7 days, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

Skin elasticity measured via a Cutometer was significantly improved 12 weeks after treatment at all treated sites (P<.05). Both IGAIS and SGAIS showed significant improvements 12 weeks after treatment. Immediately after treatment the mean NRS score was 3.00±1.586, but no pain was reported at 4 and 12 weeks post-treatment. No serious adverse effects were observed during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

HIFU safely and effectively improves skin elasticity and clinical contouring of the face and body.