Risk factors associated with death due to severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in hospitalized Korean patients (2018–2022)

Objectives Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) has no vaccine or treatment and an extremely high fatality rate. We aimed to analyze and evaluate the risk factors for death associated with SFTS. Methods Among reports from 2018 to 2022, we compared and analyzed 1,034 inpatients aged 18 years or older with laboratory-confirmed SFTS who underwent complete epidemiological investigations. Results Most of the inpatients with SFTS were aged 50 years or older (average age, 67.6 years). The median time from symptom onset to death was 9 days, and the average case fatality rate was 18.5%. Risk factors for death included age of 70 years or older (odds ratio [OR], 4.82); agriculture-related occupation (OR, 2.01); underlying disease (OR, 7.20); delayed diagnosis (OR, 1.28 per day); decreased level of consciousness (OR, 5.53); fever/chills (OR, 20.52); prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (OR, 4.19); and elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (OR, 2.91), blood urea nitrogen (OR, 2.62), and creatine (OR, 3.21). Conclusion The risk factors for death in patients with SFTS were old age; agriculture-related occupation; underlying disease; delayed clinical suspicion; fever/chills; decreased level of consciousness; and elevated activated partial thromboplastin time, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatine levels

Purification and proteomic identification of putative upstream regulators of polo-like kinase-1 from mitotic cell extracts

AbstractPolo-like kinase-1 (Plk1) is phosphorylated on Thr210 for activation during mitosis. Here, we investigated the question of which kinase(s) is the specific upstream kinase of mitotic Plk1. Upstream kinases of Plk1 were purified from mitotic cell extracts through column chromatography procedures, and identified by mass spectrometry. Candidates for Plk1 kinase included p21-activated kinase, aurora A, and mammalian Ste20-like kinases. Immunoprecipitates of these proteins from mitotic cell extracts phosphorylated Plk1 on Thr210. Even if the activity of Aurora A was blocked with a specific inhibitor, Plk1 phosphorylation still occurred, suggesting that function of Plk1 could be controlled by these kinases for proper mitotic progression, as well as by Aurora A in very late G2 phase for the beginning of mitosis.Structured abstractMINT-7996332: PAK1(uniprotkb:Q13153)physically interacts(MI:0915) withPLK1(uniprotkb:P53350) bypull down(MI:0096)MINT-7996345: PAK3(uniprotkb:O75914)physically interacts(MI:0915) withPLK1(uniprotkb:P53350) bypull down(MI:0096

Transparent graphene films with a tunable piezoresistive response

We demonstrate a graphene-coated polymer film as a transparent piezoresistive strain sensor. Strain sensitivity was tuned by controlling the thickness and density of the graphene layer as well as the adhesion force between graphene and the substrate. Chemically reducing the graphene oxide, thereby maximizing its adhesion to the substrate, while minimizing the coating density and thickness resulted in excellent transparency and high gauge factors. The fabrication method presented allows design optimization of transparent, high-performance, and sensitivity-tunable piezoresistive sensors, which can make inroads into such applications as wide-area strain sensors, self-sensing flexible electronics, and intelligent structural health monitoring.close0

Two levels above and one level below pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fracture with partial or intact neurology

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures is controversial regarding short or long segment pedicle screw fixation. Although long level fixation is better, it can decrease one motion segment distally, thus increasing load to lower discs.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We retrospectively analyzed 31 unstable thoracolumbar fractures with partial or intact neurology. All patients were operated with posterior approach using pedicle screws fixed two levels above and one level below the fracture vertebra. No laminectomy, discectomy or decompression procedure was done. Posterior fusion was achieved in all. Post operative and at final follow-up radiological evaluation was done by measuring the correction and maintenance of kyphotic angle at thoracolumbar junction. Complications were also reported including implant failure.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Average follow-up was 34 months. All patients had full recovery at final follow-up. Average kyphosis was improved from 26.7° to 4.1° postoperatively and to 6.3° at final follow-up. And mean pain scale was improved from 7.5 to 3.9 postoperatively and to 1.6 at final follow-up, All patients resumed their activity within six months. Only 4 (12%) complications were noted including only one hardware failure.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Two levels above and one level below pedicle screw fixation in unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture is useful to prevent progressive kyphosis and preserves one motion segment distally.</p

Bilateral Traumatic Anterior Dislocation of the Hip with an Unstable Lumbar Burst Fracture

Traumatic anterior dislocation of the hip is rare. Bilateral traumatic anterior dislocation is an even rarer injury; indeed, only 5 cases have been reported in the English literature. We describe a case of a bilateral traumatic anterior dislocation of the hip and a concomitant unstable lumbar burst fracture following a mechanism of injury distinctly different from other reports

Rapid Hepatobiliary Excretion of Micelle-Encapsulated/Radiolabeled Upconverting Nanoparticles as an Integrated Form

In the field of nanomedicine, long term accumulation of nanoparticles (NPs) in the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) such as liver is the major hurdle in clinical translation. On the other hand, NPs could be excreted via hepatobiliary excretion pathway without overt tissue toxicity. Therefore, it is critical to develop NPs that show favorable excretion property. Herein, we demonstrated that micelle encapsulated Cu-64-labeled upconverting nanoparticles (micelle encapsulated Cu-64-NOTA-UCNPs) showed substantial hepatobiliary excretion by in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) and also upconversion luminescence imaging (ULI). Ex vivo biodistribution study reinforced the imaging results by showing clearance of 84% of initial hepatic uptake in 72 hours. Hepatobiliary excretion of the UCNPs was also verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination. Micelle encapsulated Cu-64-NOTA-UCNPs could be an optimal bimodal imaging agent owing to quantifiability of Cu-64, ability of in vivo/ex vivo ULI and good hepatobiliary excretion property.

Characteristics and outcomes of endoscopically resected colorectal cancers that arose from sessile serrated adenomas and traditional serrated adenomas

Background/AimsThe efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection of colorectal cancer derived from sessile serrated adenomas or traditional serrated adenomas are still unknown. The aims of this study were to verify the characteristics and outcomes of endoscopically resected early colorectal cancers developed from serrated polyps.MethodsAmong patients who received endoscopic resection of early colorectal cancers from 2008 to 2011, cancers with documented pre-existing lesions were included. They were classified as adenoma, sessile serrated adenoma, or traditional serrated adenoma according to the baseline lesions. Clinical characteristics, pathologic diagnosis, and outcomes were reviewed.ResultsOverall, 208 colorectal cancers detected from 198 patients were included: 198 with adenoma, five with sessile serrated adenoma, and five with traditional serrated adenoma. The sessile serrated adenoma group had a higher prevalence of high-grade dysplasia (40.0% vs. 25.8%, P<0.001) than the adenoma group. During follow-up, local recurrence did not occur after endoscopic resection of early colorectal cancers developed from serrated polyps. In contrast, two cases of metachronous recurrence were detected within a short follow-up period.ConclusionsCautious observation and early endoscopic resection are recommended when colorectal cancer from serrated polyp is suspected. Colorectal cancers from serrated polyp can be treated successfully with endoscopy

Primary Malignant Pericardial Mesothelioma Presenting as Acute Pericarditis

We report on a 21-year-old man with fever, dyspnea, and pleuritic chest pain. An electrocardiography showed ST elevation in multiple lead and thoracic echocardiography revealed moderate pericardial effusion. He was initially diagnosed with acute pericarditis, and treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicines with clinical and laboratory improvement. After 1 month of medication, his symptoms recurred. An echocardiography showed constrictive physiology and the patient was treated with steroid on the top of current medication. The patient had been well for 7 months until dyspnea and edema developed, when an echocardiography showed marked increased pericardial thickness and constriction. Pericardial biopsy was performed and primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma was diagnosed. Malignancy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent pericarditis

Evaluation of PCR inhibitory effect of enrichment broths and comparison of DNA extraction methods for detection of Salmonella Enteritidis using real-time PCR assay

The best enrichment broth and DNA extraction scheme was determined for rapid and sensitive detection of Salmonella Enteritidis in steamed pork using real-time PCR. The inhibitory effect of commonly used Salmonella enrichment broths, Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) and Muller-Kauffmann tetrathionate with novobiocin (MKTTn), on real-time PCR was confirmed. The inhibition of PCR was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in RV and MKTTn, as compared with buffered peptone water (BPW) or phosphate-buffered saline. The inhibitory effect of the selective enrichment media was successfully removed by using a modified DNA extraction, PrepMan Ultra Reagent with an additional washing step or the DNeasy Tissue Kit. In three experiments, when applied to detection of Salmonella Enteritidis in steamed pork, the real-time PCR coupled with single 24 h enrichment with BPW performed better than double 48 h enrichment with BPW plus RV or MKTTn. The simple real-time PCR assay using BPW proved to be a rapid and sensitive test for detection of low concentrations of Salmonella Enteritidis in steamed pork samples as compared with the conventional culture method