Binding Mode Identification for 7-keto-8-Aminopelargonic Acid Synthase (AtKAPAS) Inhibitors

In this study, we determined the 3D structure of Arabidopsis thaliana KAPAS by homology modeling. We then investigated the binding mode of compounds obtained from the in-house library using computational docking methods. From the flexible docking study, we achieved high dock scores for the active compounds denoted in this study as compound 3 and compound 4. Thus, we highlight the flexibility of specific residues, Lys 312 and Phe 172, when used in active sites

Effect of grain boundaries on ion migration in stabilized δ-Bi2O3 thin- film electrolyte

Solid electrolytes with high oxygen-ion conductivity are of significant interest for many applications. Over the past several decades, numerous studies have been conducted on the effect of grain boundaries on the process of increasing the ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes. Given that nanocrystalline thin- or thick-films have been investigated in relation to lowering the operating temperature of solid electrolytes to less than 650 °C, more rigorous and quantitative assessments are necessary to determine how the ion transport characteristics are affected by the numerous interfaces formed in nano-grains devices. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Dysprosium and Gadolinium Double Doped Bismuth Oxide Electrolytes for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Herein, we developed a novel double dopant bismuth oxide electrolyte system with dysprosium (Dy) and gadolinium (Gd). The effect of the co-dopants on phase stability and electrical properties was investigated. Phase transformation from cubic to rhombohedral was observed as Gd dopant concentration increased and consequently resulted in conductivity degradation. The stabilization of high temperature cubic phase was achieved with a total dopant concentration as low as ∼12 mol% with 8 mol% Dy and 4 mol% Gd double dopant composition (8D4GSB) and this composition showed one of the highest total conductivity reported at this low temperature regime. In addition, the long-term stability of DGSB electrolytes was investigated.1

Surgical management of pilon fractures with large segmental bone defects using fibular strut allografts: a report of two cases

We present two patients with open pilon fractures with large bone defects treated successfully with fibular strut allografts. The patients were initially treated by massive irrigation, wound debridement, and temporary external fixation. After complete wound healing, the bone defects were managed. Because autologous iliac crest or fibular bone grafts were impossible to be harvested due to multiple fractures, the bone defects were reconstructed with fibular strut allografts. Fixation was performed with a periarticular distal tibia locking plate. At 2 months postoperatively, the patients ambulated with partial weight-bearing; at 6 months, they had full range of motion of the ankle joint and full weight-bearing

A highly active and durable lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite cathode for Intermediate-Temperature solid Oxide fuel cel

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising techniques for high energy efficiency, fuel flexibility, and low pollutant emissions. For commercialization of SOFCs, it is required to decrease the operating temperature. At this intermediate temperature region, the cathodic polarization resistance significant due to the thermally activated oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). To compensate this, highly active cathode materials have been considered and lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (LSCF6428, La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ) has been attracted as a cathode material for SOFCs because of its high mixed electronic and ionic conducting (MIEC) nature. However, one of the major concerns of LSCF6428 is the degradation during the long-term operation. Currently, Sr segregation has been reported as one of the major reasons for the LSCF degradation. In this study, we investigated LSCF2882 (La0.2Sr0.8Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ) and compared with LSCF6428 as a SOFC cathode. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement were applied to analyze phase structures. By electrical conductivity relaxation (ECR) technique, Oxygen surface exchange coefficients (kchem) and chemical diffusion coefficients (Dchem) of LSCF2882 were evaluated and we observed enhancements compare to LSCF6428. For interpretation of enhanced oxygen transport kinetics, we tried to visualize the interstitial oxygen conduction pathways and the bond valence sum (BVS) mapping method was utilized by Valence program. BVS mapping results show clearly demonstrating the 3D network of the interstitial pathways at 600oC in LSCF2882. Electrochemical performances were investigated by EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) and single cell performance was also evaluated. In addition, long-term stability test was performed for over 500 hours. LSCF2882 showed better performances and it exhibited no degradation during the stability test. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Clinical effectiveness and safety of sirolimus in pediatric patients with complex vascular anomalies: necessitating personalized and comprehensive approaches

BackgroundManaging complex vascular anomalies in pediatric care requires comprehensive approaches. Sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor with immunosuppressive and anti-angiogenic properties, offers promise. We evaluated sirolimus's effectiveness and safety in pediatric patients with complex vascular anomalies at a tertiary children's hospital.MethodsOur study included 20 patients, aged 1 month to 19 years, with diverse vascular anomalies resistant to conventional therapies or located in high-risk areas precluding surgery. The evaluation of response encompassed measuring the reduction in the size of the targeted vascular or lymphatic lesions as observed on radiologic imaging, along with considering improvements reported by the patients.ResultsPatients used sirolimus for a median of 2.1 years, ranging from 0.6–4.3 years. Results indicated that 60% of patients achieved complete or partial response (CR/PR), whereas 40% had stable disease (SD). Notably, no disease progression occurred. Lesion size assessment was complex, yet patients' self-reported improvements were considered. Three patients reinitiated sirolimus after discontinuation due to worsening lesions. Sirolimus treatment demonstrated good tolerability, with minor complications except for one case of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. Group comparisons based on response highlighted better outcomes in patients with vascular tumors (CR/PR group 58.0% vs. SD group 0.0%, P = 0.015) or localized measurable lesions (83.3% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.005).ConclusionOur study underscores sirolimus's potential for treating complex vascular anomalies in pediatric patients. Challenges associated with optimal treatment duration and concurrent interventions necessitate a comprehensive approach and genetic testing to optimize outcomes

Changes in postural stability after cerebrospinal fluid tap test in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

IntroductionIn patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), the characteristics of balance disturbance are not as well understood as those related to gait. This study examined changes in postural stability in quiet standing after the cerebrospinal fluid tap test (CSFTT) in these patients. Furthermore, the study explored the relationship between the amount of spontaneous body sway and both gait and executive function.Materials and methodsAll patients diagnosed with iNPH underwent CSFTT. We evaluated their center of pressure (COP) measurements on a force plate during quiet standing, both pre- and post-CSFTT. Following the COP measurements, we calculated COP parameters using time and frequency domain analysis and assessed changes in these parameters after CSFTT. At pre-CSFTT, we assessed the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). We investigated the relationship between COP parameters and the TUG and FAB scores at pre-CSFTT.ResultsA total of 72 patients with iNPH were initially enrolled, and 56 patients who responded positively to CSFTT were finally included. Post-CSFTT, significant improvements were observed in COP parameters through time domain analysis. These included the velocity of COP (vCOP), root-mean-square of COP (rmsCOP), turn index, torque, and base of support (BOS), compared to the pre-CSFTT values (p < 0.05). In the frequency domain analysis of COP parameters post-CSFTT, there was a decrease in both the peak and average of power spectral density (PSD) values in both the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions below 0.5 Hz (p < 0.05). In addition, the TUG scores showed a positive correlation with vCOP, rmsCOP, turn index, torque, BOS, and both the peak and average PSD values in the AP and ML directions below 0.5 Hz (p < 0.05). The FAB scores demonstrated a negative correlation with vCOP, rmsCOP, turns index, BOS, and both peak and average PSD values in the AP direction below 0.5 Hz (p < 0.05).ConclusionIn patients with iNPH who responded to CSFTT, there was an improvement in spontaneous body sway during quiet standing after CSFTT. Increased spontaneous sway is associated with impaired gait and frontal lobe function. This may be linked to impaired cortico-cortical and cortico-subcortical circuits in patients with iNPH

Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma Presenting as Prevesical Mass Mimicking Urachal Tumor

Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is a mesenchymal neoplasm that usually occurs as a primary tumor of the uterine corpus, but rarely arises in other sites, such as the ovary, pelvic cavity, mesentery, omentum and intestine. Herein, we present a rare case of low-grade ESS presented as prevesical mass. A 60-yr-old woman who had undergone total hysterectomy for endometriosis eleven years ago was presented with incidentally detected prevesical pelvic mass. Since malignant transformation of urachal remnants was possible, the mass was suspected to be a urachal tumor. Extraction of the mass was performed, and the histopathologic diagnosis was low-grade ESS. In summary, prevesical tumor is rare but in patients with endometriosis, we suggest endometriosis and its possible malignant changes should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of prevesical mass

A Clinical Pilot Study Showing the Safety and Efficacy of Intramuscular Injection of Atelocollagen for Prevention of Paraspinal Muscle Atrophy after Spine Surgery

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of intramuscular injection of atelocollagen for the prevention of paraspinal muscle atrophy after spine surgery. Atelcollagen has been widely used as an intradermal filler to restore soft tissue defect. Many studies demonstrated that atelocollagen provides good therapeutic results by promoting cell proliferation and enhances the healing effect on injured connective tissues such as tendons and fasciae, while causing few complications. Methods A total of 118 patients who underwent single level of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PILF) between December 2017 and April 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. In the study group of 60 patients, 3 mL of gel-type 3% atelocollagen solution was prepared and injected into the multifidus muscle during wound closure. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by the improvement of back pain, elevation of a muscle enzyme, and inflammatory markers. Radiologic efficacy was evaluated with a comparison of density and cross-sectional area (CSA) of multifidus and erector spinae muscle in CT images. Results Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for back pain was not significantly lower in the study group postoperatively compared with the control group. The reduction of postoperative paraspinal muscle density and CSA was significantly lower in the study group. The serum level of muscle enzyme and inflammatory markers were significantly lower in the study group. No major procedure-related complications were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion Intramuscular injection of atelocollagen is safe and feasible for the prevention of paraspinal muscle atrophy after spine surgery. This novel method seems advantageous for accelerating wound healing without causing inflammation