Nanozyme‑Engineered Hydrogels for Anti‑Inflammation and Skin Regeneration

Inflammatory skin disorders can cause chronic scarring and functional impairments,posing a significant burden on patients and the healthcare system.Conventional therapies,such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,are limited in efficacy and associated with adverse effects.Recently,nanozyme(NZ)-based hydrogels have shown great promise in addressing these challenges.NZ-based hydrogels possess unique therapeutic abilities by combining the therapeutic benefits of redox nanomaterials with enzymatic activity and the water-retaining capacity of hydrogels.The multifaceted therapeutic effects of these hydrogels include scavenging reactive oxygen species and other inflammatory mediators modulating immune responses toward a pro-regenerative environment and enhancing regenerative potential by triggering cell migration and differentiation.This review highlights the current state of the art in NZ-engineered hydrogels(NZ@hydrogels)for anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration applications.It also discusses the underlying chemo-mechano-biological mechanisms behind their effectiveness.Additionally,the challenges and future directions in this ground,particularly their clinical translation,are addressed.The insights provided in this review can aid in the design and engineering of novel NZ-based hydrogels,offering new possibilities for targeted and personalized skin-care therapies.

Dietary eubiotics of microbial muramidase and glycan improve intestinal villi,ileum microbiota composition and production trait of broiler

Background Optimal gut health is important to maximize growth performance and feed efficiency in broiler chickens.A total of 1,365 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly divided into 5 treatments groups with 21 replicates,13 birds per replicate.The present research investigated effects of microbial muramidase or a precision glycan alone or in combination on growth performance,apparent total tract digestibility,total blood carotenoid content,intestinal villus length,meat quality and gut microbiota in broiler chickens.Treatments included:NC:negative control(basal diet group);PC:positive control(basal diet+0.02%probiotics);MR:basal diet+0.035%microbial muramidase;PG:basal diet+0.1%precision glycan;and MRPG:basal diet+0.025%MR+0.1%PG,respectively.Results MRPG group increased the body weight gain and feed intake(P<0.05)compared with NC group.Moreover,it significantly increased total serum carotenoid(P<0.05)and MRPG altered the microbial diversity in ileum contents.The MRPG treatment group increased the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes,and family Lachnospiraceae,Ruminococcaceae,Oscillospiraceae,Lactobacillaceae,Peptostreptococcaceae and decreased the abundance of the phylum Campilobacterota,Bacteroidota and family Bacteroidaceae.Compared with the NC group,the chickens fed MRPG showed significantly increased in duodenum villus length at end the trial.Conclusion In this study,overall results showed that the synergetic effects of MR and PG showed enhancing growth performance,total serum carotenoid level and altering gut microbiota composition of broilers.The current research indicates that co-supplementation of MR and PG in broiler diets enhances intestinal health,consequently leading to an increased broiler production.

Pedicled abdominal flap using deep inferior epigastric artery perforators for forearm reconstruction: A case report

BACKGROUND Pedicled abdominal flaps are a widely used surgical technique for forearm reconstruction in patients with soft tissue defects.However,some drawbacks include restricted flap size,partial flap loss,and donor-site morbidity.To address these concerns,we present a case of a pedicled abdominal flap using the deep inferior epigastric artery perforators(DIEP)for forearm reconstruction in a patient with a large soft tissue defect.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with forearm injury caused by a pressing machine.A 15 cm×10 cm soft tissue defect with complete rupture of the ulnar side structures of the forearm was found.One week after orthopedic management of the neurovascular injury and fractures using the first stage of Masquelet technique,the patient was referred to the plastic and recon-structive surgery department for wound coverage.Surgical debridement and negative-pressure wound therapy revealed a 20 cm×15 cm soft tissue defect.A pedicle abdominal flap with the DIEP was used to cover the defect.Three weeks later,the flap was detached from the abdomen,and the abdominal defect was directly closed.Subsequently,the second stage of Masquelet technique was performed at the fracture site at week 10.Finally,all donor and recipient sites healed without complications,such as flap dehiscence,infection,hematoma,or necrosis.Fracture site osteosynthesis was achieved without complications.CONCLUSION Pedicled abdominal flap using the DIEP provides a reliable option for forearm reconstruction in patients with large soft tissue defects.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in a 15-year-old female with multiple splenic nodules:A case report

BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting young females.SLE can invade any organ,and various forms of splenic invasion have been reported.Manifestations include splenomegaly and splenic infarction,rupture,and calcification.The study encountered a rare case of splenic involvement,with nodules of various sizes without calcifications or ruptures.CASE SUMMARY A 15-year-old girl presented with arthralgia,weight loss,fever,increased levels of inflammatory markers,and positive antinuclear antibody test results.The patient was diagnosed with SLE.She was asymptomatic while taking steroids and hydroxychloroquine.Ten months after discharge,the patient developed a fever and abdominal pain.Lupus enteritis was suspected,and abdominopelvic computed tomography(AP-CT)was performed.There were no specific findings in the gastrointestinal tract,but multiple splenic nodules were observed.Infection or hemangioma was considered;however,no specific radiological findings were observed.A biopsy of the spleen was performed to determine the possibility of malignancy.The histological findings of the spleen included extensive periarteriolar necrosis with hematoxylin bodies and numerous karyorrhectic debris.Based on the biopsy results,the patient was diagnosed with an SLE flare-up and was maintained on high-dose steroids and immunosuppressants.CONCLUSION As disease activity increased,multiple nodules in the spleen that were previously unseen were observed using AP-CT and histologically confirmed.Spleen invasion by SLE can appear in multiple nodular forms and patterns.Therefore,physicians should consider these findings when differentiating these nodules from infections and malignancies.

Endoscopic radial incision and cutting method for adult congenital duodenal webs:A case report

BACKGROUND Congenital duodenal webs are rare in adults and can lead to various symptoms such as nausea,vomiting,and postprandial fullness.The treatment for this disease is mostly surgical.Endoscopic treatment techniques have been developed and attempted for this disease.Endoscopic radial incision and cutting(RIC)techniques are reportedly very effective in benign anastomotic stricture.This case report highlights the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic RIC as a minimally invasive treatment for adult congenital duodenal webs.CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old female patient with indigestion was referred to a tertiary hospital.The patient complained of postprandial fullness in the epigastric region.Previous physical examinations or blood tests indicated no abnormalities.Computed tomography revealed an eccentric broad-based delayed-enhancing mass-like lesion in the second portion of the duodenum.Endoscopy showed an enlarged gastric cavity and a significantly dilated duodenal bulb;a very small hole was observed in the distal part of the second portion,and scope passage was not possible.Gastrografin upper gastrointestinal series was performed,revealing an intraduodenal barium contrast-filled sac with a curvilinear narrow radiolucent rim,a typical"windsock"sign.Endoscopic RIC was performed on the duodenal web.The patient recovered uneventfully.Follow-up endoscopy showed a patent duodenal lumen without any residual stenosis.The patient reported complete resolution of symptoms at the 18-month follow-up.CONCLUSION Endoscopic RIC may be an effective treatment for congenital duodenal webs in adults.

Wet tissue adhesive polymeric powder hydrogels for skeletal muscle regeneration

Volumetric muscle loss(VML)frequently results from traumatic incidents and can lead to severe functional disabilities.Hydrogels have been widely employed for VML tissue regeneration,which are unfortunately ineffective because of the lack of intimate contact with injured tissue for structural and mechanical support.Adhesive hydrogels allow for strong tissue connections for wound closure.Nevertheless,conventional adhesive hydrogels exhibit poor tissue adhesion in moist,bleeding wounds due to the hydration layer at the tissue–hydrogel interfaces,resulting in insufficient performance.In this study,we developed a novel,biocompatible,wet tissue adhesive powder hydrogel consisting of dextran-aldehyde(dex-ald)and gelatin for the regeneration of VML.This powder absorbs the interfacial tissue fluid and buffer solution on the tissue,spontaneously forms a hydrogel,and strongly adheres to the tissue via various molecular interactions,including the Schiff base reaction.In particular,the powder composition with a 1:4 ratio of dex-ald to gelatin exhibited optimal characteristics with an appropriate gelation time(258 s),strong tissue adhesion(14.5 kPa),and stability.Dex-ald/gelatin powder hydrogels presented strong adhesion to various organs and excellent hemostasis compared to other wet hydrogels and fibrin glue.A mouse VML injury model revealed that the dex-ald/gelatin powder hydrogel significantly improved muscle regeneration,reduced fibrosis,enhanced vascularization,and decreased inflammation.Consequently,our wet-adhesive powder hydrogel can serve as an effective platform for repairing various tissues,including the heart,muscle,and nerve tissues.

Realizing High Thermoelectric Performance in n-Type Se-Free Bi_(2)Te_(3)Materials by Spontaneous Incorporation of FeTe_(2)Nanoinclusions

Bi_(2)Te_(3)-based materials have drawn much attention from the thermoelectric community due to their excellent thermoelectric performance near room temperature.However,the stability of existing n-type Bi_(2)(Te,Se)_(3)materials is still low due to the evaporation energy of Se(37.70 kJ mol^(-1))being much lower than that of Te(52.55 kJ mol^(-1)).The evaporated Se from the material causes problems in interconnects of the module while degrading the efficiency.Here,we have developed a new approach for the high-performance and stable n-type Se-free Bi_(2)Te_(3)-based materials bymaximizing the electronic transport while suppressing the phonon transport,at the same time.Spontaneously generated FeTe_(2)nanoinclusions within the matrix during the melt-spinning and subsequent spark plasma sintering is the key to simultaneous engineering of the power factor and lattice thermal conductivity.The nanoinclusions change the fermi level of the matrix while intensifying the phonon scattering via nanoparticles.With a fine-tuning of the fermi level with Cu doping in the n-type Bi_(2)Te_(3)-0.02FeTe_(2),a high power factor of∼41×10^(-4)Wm^(-1)K^(-2)with an average zT of 1.01 at the temperature range 300-470 K are achieved,which are comparable to those obtained in n-type Bi_(2)(Te,Se)_(3)materials.The proposed approach enables the fabrication of high-performance n-type Bi_(2)Te_(3)-based materials without having to include volatile Se element,which guarantees the stability of the material.Consequently,widespread application of thermoelectric devices utilizing the n-type Bi_(2)Te_(3)-based materials will become possible.

Phytogenic feed additives alleviate pathogenic Escherichia coli-induced intestinal damage through improving barrier integrity and inhibiting inflammation in weaned pigs

Background:This study was conducted to investigate the effects of each phytogenic feed additive(PFA;PFA1,bitter citrus extract;PFA2,a microencapsulated blend of thymol and carvacrol;PFA3,a mixture of bitter citrus extract,thymol,and carvacrol;PFA4,a premixture of grape seed,grape marc extract,green tea,and hops;PFA5,fenugreek seed powder)on the growth performance,nutrient digestibility,intestinal morphology,and immune response in weaned pigs infected with Escherichia coli(E.coli).Results:A total of 634-week-old weaned pigs were placed in individual metabolic cages and assigned to seven treatment groups.The seven treatments were as follows:1)NC;basal diet without E.coli challenge,2)PC;basal diet with E.coli challenge,3)T1;PC+0.04%PFA1,4)T2;PC+0.01%PFA2,5)T3;PC+0.10%PFA3,6)T4;PC+0.04%PFA4,7)T5;PC+0.10%PFA5.The experiments lasted in 21 d,including 7 d before and 14 d after the first E.coli challenge.In the E.coli challenge treatments,all pigs were orally inoculated by dividing a total of 10 mL of E.coli F18 for 3 consecutive days.The PFA-added groups significantly increased(P<0.05)average daily gain and feed efficiency and decreased(P<0.05)the fecal score at d 0 to 14 post-inoculation(PI).Tumor necrosis factorαwas significantly lower(P<0.05)in the PFA-added groups except for T1 in d 14 PI compared to the PC treatment.The T3 had a higher(P<0.05)immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A concentration compared to the PC treatment at d 7 PI.Also,T3 showed significantly higher(P<0.05)villus height:crypt depth and claudin 1 expression in ileal mucosa,and significantly downregulated(P<0.05)the expression of calprotectin compared to the PC treatment.Conclusions:Supplementation of PFA in weaned pigs challenged with E.coli alleviated the negative effects of E.coli and improved growth performance.Among them,the mixed additive of bitter citrus extract,thymol,and carvacrol showed the most effective results,improving immune response,intestinal morphology,and expression of tight junctions.

Microstructural characteristics and low-cycle fatigue properties of AZ91 and AZ91-Ca-Y alloys extruded at different temperatures

The commercial AZ91 alloy and nonflammable SEN9(AZ91-0.3Ca-0.2Y,wt%)alloy are extruded at 300°C and 400°C.Their microstructure,tensile and compressive properties,and low-cycle fatigue(LCF)properties are investigated,with particular focus on the influence of the extrusion temperature.In the AZ91 and SEN9 materials extruded at 300°C(300-materials),numerous fine Mg_(17)Al_(12)particles are inhomogeneously distributed owing to localized dynamic precipitation during extrusion,unlike those extruded at 400°C(400-materials).These fine particles suppress the coarsening of recrystallized grains,decreasing the average grain size of 300-materials.Although the four extruded materials have considerably different microstructures,the difference in their tensile yield strengths is insignificant because strong grain-boundary hardening and precipitation hardening effects in 300-materials are offset almost completely by a strong texture hardening effect in 400-materials.However,owing to their finer grains and weaker texture,300-materials have higher compressive yield strengths than400-materials.During the LCF tests,{10-12}twinning is activated at lower stresses in 400-materials than in 300-materials.Because the fatigue damage accumulated per cycle is smaller in 400-materials,they have longer fatigue lives than those of 300-materials.A fatigue life prediction model for the investigated materials is established on the basis of the relationship between the total strain energy density(ΔW_(t))and the number of cycles to fatigue failure(N_(f)),and it is expressed through a simple equation(ΔW_(t)=10·N_(f)-0.59).This model enables fatigue life prediction of both the investigated alloys regardless of the extrusion temperature and strain amplitude.

Defect engineering of ternary Cu-In-Se quantum dots for boosting photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation

Heavy-metal-free ternary Cu–In–Se quantum dots(CISe QDs)are promising for solar fuel production because of their low toxicity,tunable band gap,and high light absorption coefficient.Although defects significantly affect the photophysical properties of QDs,the influence on photoelectrochemical hydrogen production is not well understood.Herein,we present the defect engineering of CISe QDs for efficient solar-energy conversion.Lewis acid–base reactions between metal halide–oleylamine complexes and oleylammonium selenocarbamate are modulated to achieve CISe QDs with the controlled amount of Cu vacancies without changing their morphology.Among them,CISe QDs with In/Cu=1.55 show the most outstanding photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation with excellent photocurrent density of up to 10.7 mA cm-2(at 0.6 VRHE),attributed to the suitable electronic band structures and enhanced carrier concentrations/lifetimes of the QDs.The proposed method,which can effectively control the defects in heavy-metal-free ternary QDs,offers a deeper understanding of the effects of the defects and provides a practical approach to enhance photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation.

Effects of land-use types and the exotic species,Hypochaeris radicata,on plant diversity in human-transformed landscapes of the biosphere reserve,Jeju Island,Korea

Land-use and plant invasion influence biodiversity.Understanding the effects of land-use types and invasive plants on the ecosystem is crucial for better management and the development of strategic plans for increasing biodiversity in Jeju Island,Korea,a designated Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Education,Scientific,and Cultural Organization.The effect of the most dominant invasive exotic species,Hypochaeris radicata,on the four land-use types of Jeju Island was investigated.Plant composition,soil characteristics,and plant diversity among four land-use types(cropland,green space,neglected land,and residential)were compared.Among the land-use types,croplands had the most diverse plant composition and the highest richness in exotic and native plant species.Croplands,such as tangerine orchards,which are widely distributed throughout Jeju Island,showed the highest plant diversity because of medium intensity disturbance caused by weed removal.The relative cover of H.radicata did not differ between land-use types.However,H.radicata invasion was negatively related with plant species richness,making this invasive species a threat to the biodiversity of native herbs present in land-use areas.H.radicata adapts to areas with a broad range of soil properties and a variety of land-use types.Therefore,it is crucial to monitor land-use types and patterns of plant invasion to guide the implementation of consistent management and conservation strategies for maintaining ecosystem integrity of the transformed habitat in Jeju Island.

Maintenance of gut microbiome stability for optimum intestinal health in pigs——a review

Pigs are exposed to various challenges such as weaning,environmental stressors,unhealthy diet,diseases and infections during their lifetime which adversely affects the gut microbiome.The inability of the pig microbiome to return to the pre-challenge baseline may lead to dysbiosis resulting in the outbreak of diseases.Therefore,the maintenance of gut microbiome diversity,robustness and stability has been influential for optimum intestinal health after perturbations.Nowadays human and animal researches have focused on more holistic approaches to obtain a robust gut microbiota that provides protection against pathogens and improves the digestive physiology and the immune system.In this review,we present an overview of the swine gut microbiota,factors affecting the gut microbiome and the importance of microbial stability in promoting optimal intestinal health.Additionally,we discussed the current understanding of nutritional interventions using fibers and pre/probiotics supplementation as non-antibiotic alternatives to maintain microbiota resilience to replace diminished species.

Association between Occupational Change Trajectories and Mental Health: Results from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging

Objectives:This study was to longitudinally investigate the association between occupational change trajectories and mental health in the Korean population aged 45 years and older from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging(KLo-SA).Methods:After excluding missing values,the data of 6,224 participants from thefirst to eighth waves of the KLo-SA were analyzed using t-test,Analysis of variance(ANOVA),Group-based Trajectory Model(GBTM)from 1–5th KLoSA and Time-Lagged Generalized estimating equation(GEE)model from 5–8th KLoSA to analyze the association between occupational change trajectories and mental health in the Korean population aged 45 years and older.Results:An analysis of the association between occupational change trajectories and mental health demonstrated that,among all age group,the“sustained in unemployment”group had a worse MMSE and CESD score compared to“sustained WC”group.unlike the under-54 age group,those aged≥55 years demonstrated reductions in the MMSE and CESD scores in the sustained unemployment and the changed working condition from Standard BC to Unemployment groups,whereas those who underwent a change from the Standard WC to unemployment group only demonstrated a reduction in MMSE scores.Conclusions:There was a close relationship between occupational change trajectories and mental health.Therefore,this study can serve as the foundation for policies and institutional measures to manage the deteriorate mental health in the late middle-aged and older population.

Development of 3D bicontinuous metal-intermetallic composites through subsequent alloying process after liquid metal dealloying

This study presents a novel process for the fabrication of metal-intermetallic composites with a 3D bicontinuous structure, achieved through a combination of liquid metal dealloying(LMD) and subsequent alloying. Initially, porous Ti structures are produced using the LMD process, followed by immersion in a molten Mg-3Al(wt%) metal. Due to the higher thermodynamic miscibility of Al with Ti compared to Mg, the concentration of Al in the Ti matrix increases as the immersion time increases. This results in a sequential phase transition within the Ti matrix: α-Ti → Ti_(3)Al → Ti Al. The phase transition considerably affects the hardness and strength of the composite material,with the Mg-Ti_(3)Al-Ti Al composite exhibiting a maximum hardness nearly twice as high as that of the conventional Mg-Ti composite. This innovative process holds potential for the development of various bicontinuous metal-intermetallic composites.

Usefulness of transcatheter arterial embolization for eighty-three patients with secondary postpartum hemorrhage:Focusing on difference in angiographic findings

BACKGROUND Transcatheter arterial embolization(TAE)has been widely used as an effective and a safe treatment method and was often used as an alternative to the surgical management,but there are limited studies on the efficacy and the safety for patients undergoing their secondary postpartum hemorrhage(PPH).AIM To evaluate the usefulness of TAE for secondary PPH focusing on the angiographic findings.METHODS We conducted a research from January 2008 to July 2022 on all 83 patients(mean:32 years,range:24-43 years)presented with secondary PPH and they were treated with TAE in two university hospitals.The medical records and angiography were retrospective reviewed in order to evaluate the patients’characteristics,delivery details,clinical status and peri-embolization management,angiography and embolization details,technical/clinical success and complications.The group with active bleeding sign and the group without it were also compared and analyzed.RESULTS On angiography,46(55.4%)patients showed active bleeding signs such as contrast extravasation(n=37)or pseudoaneurysm(n=8)or both(n=1),and 37(44.6%)patients showed non-active bleeding signs such as only spastic uterine artery(n=2)or hyperemia(n=35).In the active bleeding sign group there were more multiparous patients,low platelet count,prothrombin time prolongation,and high transfusion requirements.The technical success rates were 97.8%(45/46)in active bleeding sign group and 91.9%(34/37)in non-active bleeding sign group,and the overall clinical success rates were 95.7%(44/46)and 97.3%(36/37).An uterine rupture with peritonitis and abscess formation occurred to one patient after the embolization,therefore hysterostomy and retained placenta removal were performed which was a major complication.CONCLUSION TAE is an effective and a safe treatment method for controlling secondary PPH regardless of angiographic findings.

Transcatheter embolization for hemorrhage from aberrant testicular artery after partial nephrectomy:A case report

BACKGROUND Arterial bleeding typically involves the renal artery following partial nephrectomy;in this study,we present a case of bleeding originating from the testicular artery that has not been reported in previous studies.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old man suffered hemorrhage from a perinephric branch of the aberrant left testicular artery after an open nephron-sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma.Clinical signs of bleeding were manifested by the patient,such as fresh blood drainage from the catheter,decreased hemoglobin levels,and significant vital sign changes.Since computed tomography did not show evidence of active bleeding,transcatheter angiography was conducted to identify the bleeding site.Fluoroscopic spot images confirmed bleeding derived from a perinephric branch of the testicular artery originating from the segmental artery of the left renal artery.Using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate,successful transcatheter arterial embolization of the affected branch was performed.Immediately after the embolization procedure,the bleeding ceased,and the patient experienced complete recovery devoid of complications.CONCLUSION In patients with postoperative arterial hemorrhage after partial nephrectomy,the testicular artery can be a rare but notable source of bleeding.Accurate bleeding site localization via angiographic evaluation,followed by transcatheter arterial embolization,can be instrumental for safe,prompt,and effective hemostasis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as organized liver abscess:A case report

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is difficult to treat and has a high mortality rate,emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.If characteristic radiologic findings and underlying liver disease are present,a diagnosis can be made without a biopsy.However,when HCC is accompanied by a liver abscess,diagnosis might be delayed by atypical radiologic findings.This case report aims to assist in the diagnosis of HCC,which can manifest in various forms.CASE SUMMARY A 75-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with worsening fever and mental changes.He was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis six months earlier.Abdominal computed tomography(CT)raised our suspicion of an organized liver abscess.A follow-up CT scan after four weeks of antibiotic treatment showed a decrease in the liver lesion size.However,high fever recurred,and C-reactive protein increased to 14 mg/L.Aspiration of the liver lesion was performed,but no bacteria were identified.Blood culture revealed the presence of fungi.The patient received an additional four weeks of antibiotics and antifungal agents before being discharged.Approximately 10 mo later,a CT scan showed an increase in the lesion size,and biopsy was performed.The biopsy revealed an organized abscess with focal carcinomatous changes,for which surgery was performed.Postoperative histopathological examination revealed HCC,clear-cell variant.The nontumor liver tissue showed cirrhosis and an organized abscess.CONCLUSION Even if a liver abscess is suspected in a patient with cirrhosis,the possibility of HCC should be considered.

Docurity: A New Cryptographic Primitive for Collaborative Cloud Systems

Recently,there has been a sudden shift from using traditional office applications to the collaborative cloud-based office suite such as Microsoft Office 365.Such cloud-based systems allow users to work together on the same docu-ment stored in a cloud server at once,by which users can effectively collaborate with each other.However,there are security concerns unsolved in using cloud col-laboration.One of the major concerns is the security of data stored in cloud ser-vers,which comes from the fact that data that multiple users are working together cannot be stored in encrypted form because of the dynamic characteristic of cloud collaboration.In this paper,we propose a novel mode of operation,DL-ECB,for AES by which we can modify,insert,and delete the ciphertext based on changes in plaintext.Therefore,we can use encrypted data in collaborative cloud-based platforms.To demonstrate that the DL-ECB mode can preserve the confidential-ity,integrity,and auditability of data used in collaborative cloud systems from adversaries,we implement and evaluate the prototype of the DL-ECB mode.

Effects of dietary coenzyme Q10 supplementation during gestation on the embryonic survival and reproductive performance of high‑parity sows

Background Fertility declines in high-parity sows.This study investigated whether parity-dependent declines in embryonic survival and reproductive performance could be restored by dietary coenzyme Q10(CoQ10)supplementation.Methods Two experiments were performed.In Exp.1,30 young sows that had completed their 2nd parity and 30 high-parity sows that had completed their 10^(th)parity,were fed either a control diet(CON)or a CON diet supple-mented with 1 g/kg CoQ10(+CoQ10)from mating until slaughter at day 28 of gestation.In Exp.2,a total of 314 post-weaning sows with two to nine parities were fed the CON or+CoQ10 diets from mating throughout gestation.Results In Exp.1,both young and high-parity sows had a similar number of corpora lutea,but high-parity sows had lower plasma CoQ10 concentrations,down-regulated genes involved with de novo CoQ10 synthesis in the endome-trium tissues,and greater levels of oxidative stress markers in plasma and endometrium tissues.High-parity sows had fewer total embryos and alive embryos,lower embryonic survival,and greater embryo mortality than young sows.Dietary CoQ10 supplementation increased the number of live embryos and the embryonic survival rate to levels simi-lar to those of young sows,as well as lowering the levels of oxidative stress markers.In Exp.2,sows showed a parity-dependent decline in plasma CoQ10 levels,and sows with more than four parities showed a progressive decline in the number of total births,live births,and piglets born effective.Dietary supplementation with CoQ10 increased the number of total births,live births,and born effective,and decreased the intra-litter covariation coefficients and the percentage of sows requiring farrowing assistance during parturition.Conclusions Dietary CoQ10 supplementation can improve the embryonic survival and reproductive performance of gestating sows with high parity,probably by improving the development of uterine function.

Exploring ideal operative time for best outcomes in gastric cancer surgery:A multi-institutional study based on KLASS-07 database

Objective:While a rushed operation can omit essential procedures,prolonged operative time results in higher morbidity.Nevertheless,the optimal operative time range remains uncertain.This study aimed to estimate the ideal operative time range and evaluate its applicability in laparoscopic cancer surgery.Methods:A prospectively collected multicenter database of 397 patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy were retrospectively reviewed.The ideal operative time range was statistically calculated by separately analyzing the operative time of uneventful surgeries.Finally,intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared among the shorter,ideal,and longer operative time groups.Results:The statistically calculated ideal operative time was 135.4-165.4 min.The longer operative time(LOT)group had a lower rate of uneventful,perfect surgery than the ideal or shorter operative time(IOT/SOT)group(2.8%vs.8.8%and 2.2%vs.13.4%,all P<0.05).Longer operative time increased bleeding,postoperative morbidities,and delayed diet and discharge(all P<0.05).Particularly,an uneventful,perfect surgery could not be achieved when the operative time exceeded 240 min.Regardless of ideal time range,SOT group achieved the highest percentage of uneventful surgery(13.4%),which was possible by surgeon's ability to retrieve a higher number of lymph nodes and perform≥150 gastrectomies annually.Conclusions:Operative time longer than the ideal time range(especially≥240 min)should be avoided.If the essential operative procedure were faithfully conducted without compromising oncological safety,an operative time shorter than the ideal range leaded to a better prognosis.Efforts to minimize operative time should be attempted with sufficient surgical experience.