Imaging inflammation using an activated macrophage probe with Slc18b1 as the activation-selective gating target

Activated macrophages have the potential to be ideal targets for imaging inflammation. However, probe selectivity over non-activated macrophages and probe delivery to target tissue have been challenging. Here, we report a small molecule probe specific for activated macrophages, called CDg16, and demonstrate its application to visualizing inflammatory atherosclerotic plaques in vivo. Through a systematic transporter screen using a CRISPR activation library, we identify the orphan transporter Slc18b1/SLC18B1 as the gating target of CDg16.

Prenatal exposure to air pollutants and the risk of congenital heart disease: a Korean national health insurance database-based study

Abstract Air pollution and heavy metal exposure are emerging public health concerns. Prenatal exposure to air pollutants and heavy metals has been implicated in the development of congenital heart disease (CHD). However, the relationship between exposure to airborne heavy metals and CHD has not yet been investigated. Therefore, in this large population-based study, we investigated the association between air pollutants, including airborne heavy metals, and the risk of CHD using national health insurance claims data from South Korea. Data regarding 1,129,442 newborns and their mothers were matched with air pollutant levels during the first 8 weeks of gestation. In the five-air pollutant model, we found significant positive correlations between prenatal exposure to sulfur dioxide (SO2; odds ratio [OR] 6.843, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.746–8.149) and cadmium (Cd; OR 1.513, 95% CI 1.187–1.930) and the risk of ventricular septal defects in newborns. This study highlights the association between prenatal exposure to air pollutants, including airborne heavy metals, and an elevated CHD risk. Further research is essential to validate and expand these findings, with the ultimate goal of enhancing public health outcomes

Comparative Analysis of the Aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Industry in Northeast Asian Countries: A Suggestion for the Development of Korea’s MRO Industry

Aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) has become more important to the air transport industry during the pandemic since it plays a crucial role in improving safety, ensuring profitability, and achieving sustainability in the industry. The growth of the Northeast Asian MRO market is forecasted to be remarkable, making the region the next MRO powerhouse. This study investigates the MRO industry in Northeast Asian countries (China, Japan, and Korea) to gain insights for strategical development of the industry. SWOT analysis was used to understand external macro-environment and internal conditions comprehensively, with comparative analysis then performed to find each country’s competitiveness. SWOT analysis of the external environment of the aviation MRO industry in Northeast Asia finds opportunities from increased competition in the air transport industry and technological development and threats caused by aircraft advancements (less scheduled maintenance checks) and a limited workforce. Internal conditions are analyzed using six factors: cost, workforce, geographic presence, quality with shorter turnaround time, technological advancement, and certification. The results indicate that Korea’s MRO industry has strong human resources but weak technological capabilities. The competitive advantage of the Chinese MRO industry stems from both a large number of aircraft and lower costs. While Japan possesses superior MRO technology, high labor costs reduce their industrial competitiveness. Based on a comparative analysis, this study provides strategic insights into the improvements that can be made in the Korean MRO industry. Since composite MRO of newer aircraft presents a small technological gap which can be overcome with high-quality human resources, Korea should focus its resources and policies on promoting the composite MRO industry due to its high growth potential

Relationship between Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase-Activating Protein Gene and Peripheral Arterial Disease in Elderly Patients Undergoing General Surgery: A Retrospective Observational Study

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are at a higher risk of developing postoperative complications. Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (ALOX5AP) plays an important role in atherosclerosis pathogenesis. In this study, the relationship between PAD and several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ALOX5AP (rs17216473, rs10507391, rs4769874, rs9551963, rs17222814, and rs7222842) was investigated in elderly patients undergoing general surgery. The medical records of 129 patients aged > 55 years who underwent elective general surgery between May 2018 and August 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The A/A in rs17216473, A/A in rs10507391, G/G in rs4769874, and A/A in rs9551963 were calculated as 0 points and the rest as 1 point to define the genetic risk score. The prevalence of PAD tended to increase with higher genetic risk scores (patients had less ALOX5AP gene polymorphism of A/A in rs17216473, A/A in rs10507391, G/G in rs4769874, or A/A in rs9551963) (p = 0.005). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the genetic risk score (p = 0.009) and age (p = 0.007) were positively correlated with the prevalence of PAD. Genetic polymorphisms of ALOX5AP and age were associated with the prevalence of PAD in this study