Skin rash is a well-known predictive marker of the response to cetuximab (Cmab) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, the mechanism of skin rash development is not well understood. ...Following exposure to EGFR-targeted therapies, changes in IL-8 levels have been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between skin rash and inflammatory cytokine levels, including IL-8. Between 2014 and 2017, we prospectively enrolled 38 mCRC patients who underwent chemotherapy with either Cmab or bevacizumab (Bmab) at two hospitals. We performed multiplex cytokine ELISA with 20 inflammatory cytokines including E-selectin, GM-CSF, IFN-alpha, IFN-γ, IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta, P-selectin, sICAM-1, and TNF-alpha at baseline before cycle 1, 24 h after cycle 1, before cycle 2 (= 14 d), and before cycle 3 (= 28 d). Cytokine levels were compared using ANOVA after log-transformation. IL-8 genotypes in 30 patients treated with Cmab were determined using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Depending on the RAS mutational status, 30 and eight patients were treated with Cmab and Bmab-based chemotherapy, respectively. Skin rash developed in 23 (76.6%) of the 30 patients treated with Cmab plus FOLFIRI, after cycle 1. Only the mean log-transformed serum IL-8 level in patients with skin toxicity was statistically lower (2.83 ± 0.15) than in patients who did not experience skin toxicity (3.65 ± 0.27) and received Bmab (3.10 ± 0.26) (ANOVA test, p value = 0.0341). In addition, IL-8 polymorphism did not affect IL-8 levels, skin toxicity, or tumor response in Cmab treated patients. This study suggests that the inflammatory cytokine levels might be affected by Cmab exposure and are associated with the development of skin rash in mCRC patients. Further studies are warranted to evaluate this interaction in Cmab treated patients.
Voltage control of interfacial magnetism has been greatly highlighted in spintronics research for many years, as it might enable ultralow power technologies. Among a few suggested approaches, ...magneto-ionic control of magnetism has demonstrated large modulation of magnetic anisotropy. Moreover, the recent demonstration of magneto-ionic devices using hydrogen ions presented relatively fast magnetization toggle switching, t sw ∼ 100 ms, at room temperature. However, the operation speed may need to be significantly improved to be used for modern electronic devices. Here, we demonstrate that the speed of proton-induced magnetization toggle switching largely depends on proton-conducting oxides. We achieve ∼1 ms reliable (>103 cycles) switching using yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), which is ∼100 times faster than the state-of-the-art magneto-ionic devices reported to date at room temperature. Our results suggest that further engineering of the proton-conducting materials could bring substantial improvement that may enable new low-power computing scheme based on magneto-ionics.
•Water recycling in microalgae cultivation enhanced the growth of microalgae.•Presence of extracellular product may enhance bacterial growth.•Harvesting method affects the water reusability.•Water ...reuse resulted in positive energy.•Reuse of water can reduce nutrient related energy requirement.
Microalgal biofuels are not yet economically viable due to high material and energy costs associated with production process. Microalgae cultivation is a water-intensive process compared to other downstream processes for biodiesel production. Various studies found that the production of 1L of microalgal biodiesel requires approximately 3000L of water. Water recycling in microalgae cultivation is desirable not only to reduce the water demand, but it also improves the economic feasibility of algal biofuels as due to nutrients and energy savings. This review highlights recently published studies on microalgae water demand and water recycling in microalgae cultivation. Strategies to reduce water footprint for microalgal cultivation, advantages and disadvantages of water recycling, and approaches to mitigate the negative effects of water reuse within the context of water and energy saving are also discussed.
Differentiating clinical stages based solely on positive findings from amyloid PET is challenging. We aimed to investigate the neuroanatomical characteristics at the whole-brain level that ...differentiate prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD) from cognitively unimpaired amyloid-positive individuals (CU A+) in relation to amyloid deposition and regional atrophy. We included 45 CU A+ participants and 135 participants with amyloid-positive prodromal AD matched 1:3 by age, sex, and education. All participants underwent
F-florbetaben positron emission tomography and 3D structural T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. We compared the standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) and volumes in 80 regions of interest (ROIs) between CU A+ and prodromal AD groups using independent t-tests, and employed the least absolute selection and shrinkage operator (LASSO) logistic regression model to identify ROIs associated with prodromal AD in relation to amyloid deposition, regional atrophy, and their interaction. After applying False Discovery Rate correction at < 0.1, there were no differences in global and regional SUVR between CU A+ and prodromal AD groups. Regional volume differences between the two groups were observed in the amygdala, hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, insula, parahippocampal gyrus, and inferior temporal and parietal cortices. LASSO logistic regression model showed significant associations between prodromal AD and atrophy in the entorhinal cortex, inferior parietal cortex, both amygdalae, and left hippocampus. The mean SUVR in the right superior parietal cortex (beta coefficient = 0.0172) and its interaction with the regional volume (0.0672) were also selected in the LASSO model. The mean SUVR in the right superior parietal cortex was associated with an increased likelihood of prodromal AD (Odds ratio OR 1.602, p = 0.014), particularly in participants with lower regional volume (OR 3.389, p < 0.001). Only regional volume differences, not amyloid deposition, were observed between CU A+ and prodromal AD. The reduced volume in the superior parietal cortex may play a significant role in the progression to prodromal AD through its interaction with amyloid deposition in that region.
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a powerful tool for nanoscale film deposition. It can uniformly deposit films at a monolayer level even in complex 3D structures, while the deposition temperature is ...relatively low with its potential scalability. In this work, surface tuning of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathodes is successfully demonstrated by modifying the surface of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) with nanoscale lanthanum strontium cobaltite (LSC) using ALD. The ALD‐LSC surface‐tuning layer can enhance the charge transfer kinetics at the cathode surface, while the backbone LSCF cathode provides a means for ionic and electronic transport. Microstructural analysis shows that the ALD‐LSC on LSCF has excellent step coverage, which is enabled by the conformal characteristic of the ALD process. It is found that the electrochemical performance of SOFCs can be enhanced enormously by surface tuning of the cathodes with nanoscale LSC film corresponding to 1–12 nm. Using density functional theory calculations, the enhanced catalytic activity of the surface‐tuned SOFC cathode using ALD‐LSC could be confirmed. This result demonstrates the possibility of nanoscale surface tuning of SOFC cathodes by using the ALD process to improve the surface activity.
Surface tuning of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathode using lanthanum strontium cobaltite fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD‐LSC) has been successfully demonstrated to improve surface catalytic activity. For samples with an ALD‐LSC thickness of 8 nm, the peak power density was recorded at 394 mW cm–2 (@600 °C), 1.8 times higher than the performance of the bare one.
Because of poor engraftment and safety concerns regarding mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, MSC-derived exosomes have emerged as an alternative cell-free therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). ...However, the diffusion of exosomes out of the infarcted heart following injection and the low productivity limit the potential of clinical applications. Here, we developed exosome-mimetic extracellular nanovesicles (NVs) derived from iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs)-incorporated MSCs (IONP-MSCs). The retention of injected IONP-MSC-derived NVs (IONP-NVs) within the infarcted heart was markedly augmented by magnetic guidance. Furthermore, IONPs significantly increased the levels of therapeutic molecules in IONP-MSCs and IONP-NVs, which can reduce the concern of low exosome productivity. The injection of IONP-NVs into the infarcted heart and magnetic guidance induced an early shift from the inflammation phase to the reparative phase, reduced apoptosis and fibrosis, and enhanced angiogenesis and cardiac function recovery. This approach can enhance the therapeutic potency of an MSC-derived NV therapy.
Neural probe engineering is a dynamic field, driving innovation in neuroscience and addressing scientific and medical demands. Recent advancements involve integrating nanomaterials to improve ...performance, aiming for sustained in vivo functionality. However, challenges persist due to size, stiffness, complexity, and manufacturing intricacies. To address these issues, a neural interface utilizing freestanding CNT‐sheets drawn from CNT‐forests integrated onto thermally drawn functional polymer fibers is proposed. This approach yields a device with structural alignment, resulting in exceptional electrical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties while retaining biocompatibility for prolonged periods of implantation. This Structurally Aligned Multifunctional neural Probe (SAMP) employing forest‐drawn CNT sheets demonstrates in vivo capabilities in neural recording, neurotransmitter detection, and brain/spinal cord circuit manipulation via optogenetics, maintaining functionality for over a year post‐implantation. The straightforward fabrication method's versatility, coupled with the device's functional reliability, underscores the significance of this technique in the next‐generation carbon‐based implants. Moreover, the device's longevity and multifunctionality position it as a promising platform for long‐term neuroscience research.
The Structurally Aligned Multifunctional neural Probe (SAMP), which integrates forest‐drawn CNT sheets integrated onto thermally drawn polymer fibers, is presented with an emphasis on its manufacturing novelty and in vivo capabilities: 1) Easy fabrication techniques resulting in structurally aligned fiber implants; 2) Versatile and reliable in vivo performance; 3) Robust long‐term operation in vivo system.
This paper reports on the properties of microscale water hyacinth fiber pulp (WHF) filled tapioca starch biopolymer (TSB) composites. The volume fraction of WHF in the TSB matrix is varied, that is, ...1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%. A casting method is used for making sample films of the biocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture surface of the biocomposite for the tensile samples displays good fiber distribution in the matrix, and interface bonding between WHF and TSB. The 10% fiber biocomposite deliveres the highest value of tensile strength (TS) of 6.68 MPa, and tensile modulus (TM) of 210.95 MPa; however, this combination also has the lowest fracture strain of 7.30%. In this case, there was 549% improvement of TS and 973% of TM in comparison to TSB. The biocomposite with 10% WHF content also showes the highest thermal resistance and the lowest moisture absorption. It shows potential for future commercial applications.
Modifying the loading of hyacinth fiber in tapioca starch composites results in significantly different moisture absorption, thermal, and mechanical properties. The addition of microscale pulp fibers increases the performance of biocomposites. This biocomposite shows potential for commercial applications due to its superior properties.
Understanding the mechanisms underlying the metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUHNW) and metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotypes is important for developing strategies to prevent ...cardiometabolic diseases. Here, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to identify the MUHNW and MHO genetic indices. The study dataset comprised genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes and epidemiological data from 49,915 subjects categorised into four phenotypes-metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), MUHNW, MHO, and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO). We conducted two GWASs using logistic regression analyses and adjustments for confounding variables (model 1: MHNW versus MUHNW and model 2: MHO versus MUHO). GCKR, ABCB11, CDKAL1, LPL, CDKN2B, NT5C2, APOA5, CETP, and APOC1 were associated with metabolically unhealthy phenotypes among normal weight individuals (model 1). LPL, APOA5, and CETP were associated with metabolically unhealthy phenotypes among obese individuals (model 2). The genes common to both models are related to lipid metabolism (LPL, APOA5, and CETP), and those associated with model 1 are related to insulin or glucose metabolism (GCKR, CDKAL1, and CDKN2B). This study reveals the genetic architecture of the MUHNW and MHO phenotypes in a Korean population-based cohort. These findings could help identify individuals at a high metabolic risk in normal weight and obese populations and provide potential novel targets for the management of metabolically unhealthy phenotypes.
With the rising demand for epoxy materials for use in structural and coating applications in marine environments, it is necessary to improve the inherently poor properties such as seawater resistance ...and toughness by the addition of appropriate modifiers. Herein, a composite filler composed of silica nanoparticles (NPs) and poly(ethersulfone) (PES) is demonstrated for the fabrication of an epoxy composite. The composite filler is synthesized via a simple reaction between the amine groups in aminated PES and the epoxide groups in the glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS)-treated silica NPs, resulting in a silica–PES core–shell NPs (PES@silica) composite. These epoxy nanocomposites exhibit improved flexural strength and fracture toughness due to incorporation of silica NPs as well as covalently linking PES to epoxy. In addition, the flame retardancy and seawater resistance of the PES@silica/epoxy nanocomposites are significantly improved by the thermally and chemically robust PES and silica NPs.
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