Prognostic Role of TMED3 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Multi-Cohort Analysis

Transmembrane p24 trafficking protein 3 (TMED3) is a metastatic suppressor in colon cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, its function in the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is unknown. Here, we report that TMED3 could be a new prognostic marker for ccRCC. Patient data were extracted from cohorts in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Differential expression of TMED3 was observed between the low stage (Stage I and II) and high stage (Stage III and IV) patients in the TCGA and ICGC cohorts and between the low grade (Grade I and II) and high grade (Grade III and IV) patients in the TCGA cohort. Further, we evaluated TMED3 expression as a prognostic gene using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, multivariate analysis, the time-dependent area under the curve (AUC) of Uno’s C-index, and the AUC of the receiver operating characteristics at 5 years. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that TMED3 overexpression was associated with poor prognosis for ccRCC patients. Analysis of the C-indices and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve further supported this. Multivariate analysis confirmed the prognostic significance of TMED3 expression levels (P = 0.005 and 0.006 for TCGA and ICGC, respectively). Taken together, these findings demonstrate that TMED3 is a potential prognostic factor for ccRCC

Clinical characteristics of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease according to their epitopes

BackgroundThe detection of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein autoantibodies (MOG-Ab) is essential for the diagnosis of MOG-Ab-associated disease (MOGAD). The clinical implications of different epitopes recognized by MOG-Ab are largely unknown. In this study, we established an in-house cell-based immunoassay for detecting MOG-Ab epitopes and examined the clinical characteristics of patients with MOG-Ab according to their epitopes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of patients with MOG-Ab-associated disease (MOGAD) in our single center registry, and collected serum samples from enrolled patients. Human MOG variants were generated to detect epitopes recognized by MOG-Ab. The differences in clinical characteristics according to the presence of reactivity to MOG Proline42 (P42) were evaluated.ResultsFifty five patients with MOGAD were enrolled. Optic neuritis was the most common presenting syndrome. The P42 position of MOG was a major epitope of MOG-Ab. The patients with a monophasic clinical course and childhood-onset patients were only observed in the group that showed reactivity to the P42 epitope.ConclusionWe developed an in-house cell-based immunoassay to analyze the epitopes of MOG-Ab. The P42 position of MOG is the primary target of MOG-Ab in Korean patients with MOGAD. Further studies are needed to determine the predictive value of MOG-Ab and its epitopes

A Study on the Manufacture of Permanent Magnet Traction Control Valve for Electronic Stability Control in Electric Vehicles

Most solenoid valves in use today require a magnetic coil to be continuously energized to maintain the magnetization of the magnetic body in order to operate. The problem is that if the power is still supplied, the power consumption will continue. In addition, problems such as shortening the lifespan of solenoid valve internal parts due to the increase in the internal temperature of the electronic stability control (ESC) due to the continuous heating of the magnetic coil, and malfunction due to instantaneous power failure may occur. In this study, we conducted a study on the permanent magnet traction control valve (TCV) for ESC that can minimize the unnecessary power consumption of electric vehicle batteries. For optimal permanent magnet design, polarity direction setting and permanent magnet specifications were studied through FE simulation. A permanent magnet TCV was fabricated and an electromagnetic force test was conducted to compare and evaluate it with the FE simulation result. By using a permanent magnet, it was possible to lower the initial current value for the TCV to drive, therefore, it was possible to develop a permanent magnet TCV that can minimize the unnecessary power consumption of electric vehicle batteries

Stereoselective synthesis of (-)-blepharocalyxin D

The Prins cyclization strategy was successfully applied in the stereoselective synthesis of (-)-blepharocalyxin D (1), a cytotoxic dimeric diarylheptanoid isolated from Alpinia blepharocalyx. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.close171

Total synthesis of (-)-blepharocalyxin D

(Chemical Equation Presented) The Prins cyclization strategy was successfully applied in the total synthesis of (-)-blepharocalyxin D, a cytotoxic dimeric diarylheptanoid isolated from Alpinia blepharocalyx.close25

Removal of Heavy Metal Ions by using Calcium Carbonate Extracted from Starfish Treated by Protease and Amylase

CaCO3 extracted from starfish by using the commercial protein lyase having α-amylase, β-amylase, and protease is applied to remove heavy metal ions. The extracted CaCO3 shows excellent characteristics in removing heavy metal ions such as Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, and Cr6+ compared with conventional materials such as crab shells, sawdust, and activated carbon except for removing Zn2+. SEM images reveal that the extracted CaCO33 has a good morphology and porosity. We characterize the removal efficiencies of the extracted CaCO3 for the heavy metal ions according to the concentrations, pH, temperatures, and conditions of empty bed contact times

Effects of Yukmigeehwang-hwan Extracts on the Elastase Activity and DPPH and NO Scavenging Activities Original Articles

Objectives: Elastic fibers are found in the skin, lungs, arteries, veins and other structures. Elastases destroy the elastic fibers and cause the emphysema and pulmonary hypertension. Oxidative stress is needed for these pathologic changes. Accordingly, present study was designed to investigate the effect of Yukmigeehwang-hwan extracts (YHE) on elastase activity and anti-oxidative effects of YHE. Methods: The inhibitory effects on elastase and DPPH and NO free radical scavenging activities of YHE were measured. Results: The elastase activity was significantly inhibited by YHE. YHE significantly scavenged DPPH and NO free radicals as well. Conclusion: YHE showed the elastase-inhibiting effects and anti-oxidative activities in vitro. These results suggest that YHE may have potential roles in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema and pulmonary hypertension