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The two-dimensional (2D) assembly of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a confined geometry is a rare phenomenon that has not been experimentally verified for complex systems. In this study, this process was investigated in detail using two types of block copolymers with hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks and a series of AuNPs of three different sizes protected by hydrophobic ligands. In aqueous solutions, the selected block copolymers self-assembled into vesicular nanostructures with a hydrophobic domain in the wall, which functions as a confined geometrical space for hydrophobic AuNPs (i.e., it exerts a confinement effect and restricts the movement of AuNPs). Small-angle X-ray scattering studies revealed that AuNPs of different sizes assembled differently in the same confined geometry of the vesicular wall. In addition, optimal conditions for the formation of a regular NP array in the hydrophobic domain were determined. The AuNPs successfully self-assembled into a regular 2D lattice structure, forming a shell around the vesicle, when their size matched the thickness of the hydrophobic domain of the vesicular nanostructure. This study provides guidelines for the fabrication of nanoparticle arrays with controlled structures, which could enhance the functionality of materials and their physical properties.

Quantum dots (QDs) exhibit size-dependent optical properties, where both the absorption and fluorescence energy levels vary with QD size. However, this dependence results in a discontinuity of intrinsically accessible energy levels for the bandgap, posing challenges in achieving precise energy tuning within a specific range. Herein, we demonstrate emission energy control of QDs with identical absorption energy levels by manipulating the spatial arrangement of QDs within QD–polymer complexes through hydrophobic interactions. The phase behavior of the QD–polymer complexes was modulated by adjusting the mass fraction of hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks in the block copolymer, utilizing two types of amphiphilic block copolymers and varying temperatures. The QDs were spontaneously trapped within the hydrophobic region of the polymer template in water, resulting in spherical, cylindrical, and vesicle structures of QD–polymer complexes, corresponding to spherical, cylindrical, and layered assemblies of QDs, respectively. Depending on the QDs’ location within the QD–polymer complex, the surface area in contact with water varied, leading to different degrees of oxidation and, consequently, a change in the fluorescence energy level of QDs. This study introduces a novel method to fine tune the emission energy (<15 eV) of QDs by adjusting the polymer form factor without complicated procedures.

Purpose To examine, with a navigation, whether the final component alignments correlate with alignment of the bone resection surfaces in cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to evaluate the factors affecting alignment deviation. Methods A total of 222 patients (276 knees) who underwent navigation-assisted TKA between September 2012 and January 2014 due to osteoarthritis were retrospectively reviewed. The deviation between the alignment of bone resection surfaces and the final alignment of femoral and tibial components was measured. Factors associated with alignment deviation of greater than 2° (outliers) were evaluated. These included age, sex, body mass index, bone mineral density ( T score), preoperative and postoperative mechanical femorotibial angle, preoperative and postoperative flexion contractures, and the difference between medial and lateral gaps in knee extension or flexion. Results Outliers consisted of 24 cases (8.6%) on the femoral coronal plane, 4 cases (1.4%) on the tibial coronal plane, and 48 cases (17.4%) on the tibial sagittal plane. In the coronal plane (femur and tibia), the outliers were associated with preoperative [ p  < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 0.774; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.672–0.891] and postoperative ( p  < 0.001; OR 0.240; 95% CI 0.123–0.468) flexion contractures; a difference of 3 mm or more between the medial and lateral gaps in knee extension ( p  < 0.041; OR 5.805; 95% CI 1.075–31.343); and a T score of less than −2.5( p  < 0.024; OR 5.899; 95% CI 1.258–27.664). In the sagittal plane of the tibia, the outliers were associated with preoperative ( p  < 0.001; OR 0.886; 95% CI 0.829–0.946) and postoperative ( p  < 0.031; OR 0.803; 95% CI 0.659–0.980) flexion contractures. Conclusion There was a deviation between the alignments of the bone resection surfaces and the final alignments of components. With larger preoperative and postoperative flexion contractures in the coronal and sagittal planes, there were more outlier risks. The outliers in the coronal plane were associated with a difference of 3 mm or more between the medial and lateral gaps in knee extension and poor bone quality. Awareness of such alignment deviation and related factors can help diminish the outliers after TKA. Level of evidence IV.

The serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level lacks the specificity required for precise colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis. To address this limitation, we investigated CEA-expressing circulating epithelial cells (CCECs) as a diagnostic biomarker for CRC. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, obtained from patient samples, were suspended in Matrigel and subjected to cyto-centrifugation for immunohistochemistry staining, enhancing cell immobilization on glass slides. Using this method, we successfully identified CCECs in 63% of CRC patients, whereas they were present in only 5% of non-cancer cohorts. Subsequently, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated the superior diagnostic capability of the CCEC count (area under the curve [AUC]-ROC: 0.817; p  = 0.003) compared to serum CEA levels (AUC-ROC: 0.747; p  = 0.021). Furthermore, a strong correlation emerged between tissue CEA expression and CCEC counts, with CCECs exclusively detectable in patients with CEA-positive tumors. The CCEC count also exhibited a high predictive value for estimating lymphovascular invasion and distant metastasis. To further enhance the clinical utility of CCECs, we established an integrated CEA score by combining serum CEA levels and CCEC counts. This scoring system exhibited superior AUC-ROCs for distinguishing malignancy and estimating tumor metastatic potential compared to individual biomarkers. Our study underscores the promise of CCECs as a biomarker for distinguishing and diagnosing CRC.

We retrospectively assessed the results of percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (KP) by clinical and radiological methods. To evaluate the outcome of KP as a treatment for osteoporotic burst fractures. Many surgeons are concerned about the possibility of neurological complications after percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic burst fractures, secondary to intra-canal cement leakage. We performed KP as a treatment for osteoporotic burst fractures. We studied 12 patients/13 vertebrae. The two control groups consisted of patients who only underwent conservative treatment and those who underwent posterior instrumentation and fusion. We measured each preoperative/postoperative vertebral kyphotic deformity angle (KDA) using simple lateral spine images and checked for leakage of cement, as well. The preoperative/postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back pain, degree of daily activity, and postoperative complications were evaluated. The mean improvement in KDA after KP was 9.7+/-2.2 degrees . The mean preoperative and postoperative VAS scores for back pain were 8.3+/-0.4 and 3.1+/-0.17, respectively. Regarding the control group, the mean postoperative VAS score for the conservative group and the posterior surgery group decreased by 4.5+/-0.17 and 3.2+/-0.19, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the KP and posterior surgery groups (p=0.125). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the KP and conservative treatment groups (p=0.012). KP is safe and useful for treating osteoporotic burst fractures.

Background/Objectives: Flavonoids are widely used as lead structures in drug discovery, and their pharmacological and metabolic properties are strongly influenced by structural features such as positional isomerism. This study aimed to compare the metabolic profiles and underlying mechanisms of two isoflavone-based positional isomers, ACF-02 (2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one) and ACF-03 (2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one). Methods: The metabolic pathways of synthetically prepared ACF-02 and ACF-03 were investigated using an in vitro incubation system with human liver microsomes (HLMs) supplemented with an NADPH-regenerating system, followed by liquid chromatography–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS/MS) analysis. Metabolites were identified based on LC–HRMS/MS data and molecular networking-based node connectivity with the parent compounds. Major metabolites were further characterized by CYP phenotyping using recombinant CYP450 isoforms, and the potential for drug–drug interactions of ACF-03 was evaluated using a CYP probe substrate cocktail approach. Results: HLM incubation of ACF-02 and ACF-03 produced both hydroxylated and O-demethylated metabolites, with O-demethylation as the predominant pathway; notably, the most abundant O-demethylated metabolite differed in an isomer-dependent manner, occurring at the B2 ring for ACF-02 and at the A ring for ACF-03, with distinct CYP isoform involvement. Molecular networking supported the relationships between the parent compounds and their metabolites, and both compounds exhibited relatively high metabolic stability with limited CYP inhibition. Conclusions: Despite differing only in the position of a single methyl substituent, ACF-02 and ACF-03 exhibited distinct isomer-dependent metabolic profiles. These findings demonstrate that even subtle positional isomerism can significantly influence metabolic behavior and should be carefully considered during lead optimization and drug design.

Background/Objectives: Cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for respiratory disorders, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, its clinical translation via pulmonary delivery is limited by poor aqueous solubility, chemical instability, and low local bioavailability. This study aimed to develop and optimize a sodium stearate (NaSt)-based spray-dried dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation to enhance the aerosol performance, dissolution, and storage stability of CBD. Methods: CBD microparticles were prepared by spray drying using NaSt as the primary excipient. The feed preparation method, spray-drying parameters, and CBD:NaSt ratios were systematically optimized. The resulting powders were evaluated for aerodynamic properties using cascade impaction, dissolution behavior in simulated lung fluid, solid-state characteristics, and accelerated stability under stress conditions. Results: The optimized formulation, SD-4, a spray-dried CBD:NaSt formulation prepared at a 20:80 weight ratio using Process B, demonstrated excellent aerosolization performance, with a fine particle fraction (FPF) exceeding 50% and a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 5.08 ± 0.1 μm. Dissolution testing revealed more than a three-fold increase in drug release compared with raw CBD, attributed to amorphous dispersion within the NaSt matrix and surfactant-induced micellization. Accelerated stability studies confirmed improved retention of the amorphous state and drug content, while antioxidant incorporation further reduced oxidative degradation. Conclusions: The NaSt-based spray-dried formulation significantly improved aerosol deposition efficiency, dissolution rate, and physicochemical stability of CBD. This formulation strategy may provide a promising platform for pulmonary delivery of poorly water-soluble compounds.

A baculovirus expression system (BES) for the production of recombinant proteins requires rapid and easy virus titer determination. In this study, a novel direct titration method was developed using a novel Sf9-QE cell line to easily and economically determine virus titers in a short time. This direct titration method can determine virus titers by directly counting the initially infected cells. This method requires the rapid identification of the initial virus-infected cells. The genome of Sf9-QE cells, which fluoresce upon virus infection, was found to contain at least seven copy numbers of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgene. This result suggests that Sf9-QE cells in the early stages of virus infection can be identified by the high expression of EGFP. It was also shown that for accurate virus titration using the direct titration method, Sf9-QE cells should be used within 3 d of subculturing. Additionally, counting fluorescent cells to establish virus infection should be performed within 15 to 30 h after virus infection for reliable virus titration. The direct titration method using Sf9-QE cells provides a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective alternative for determining baculovirus titers in BES research.

We investigated the effect of gate bias stress (GBS) on the electrical characteristics of ferroelectric oxide thin-film transistors (FeOxTFTs) with poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene). Generally, conventional oxide thin-film transistors (OxTFTs) with dielectric gate insulators exhibit a small negative shift under negative gate bias stress (NBS) and a large positive shift under positive gate bias stress (PBS) in transfer characteristic curves. In contrast, the FeOxTFTs show a small positive shift and a large negative shift under NBS and PBS, respectively. It was confirmed that sufficient changes in the electrical characteristics are obtained by 10 min NBS and PBS. The changed electrical characteristics such as threshold voltage shift, memory on- and memory off-current were maintained for more than 168 h after NBS and 24 h after PBS. It is deduced that, since the dipole alignment of the ferroelectric layer is maximized during GBS, these changes in electrical properties are caused by the remnant dipole moments still being retained during the gate sweep. The memory on- and memory off-current are controlled by GBS and the best on/off current ratio at 107 was obtained after NBS. By repeatedly alternating NBS and PBS, the electrical characteristics were reversibly changed. Our results provide the scientific and technological basis for the development of stability and performance optimization of FeOxTFTs.

Lead sulfide quantum dots (PbS QDs) have emerged as one of the promising photoactive materials for shortwave infrared (SWIR) photodiodes because of their uncooled processability, cost efficiency, and broadband tunability. In this study, PbS QD-based SWIR photodiodes were fabricated by using poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and zinc oxide nanoparticles as hole and electron transporting materials, respectively. The P3HT films with different thicknesses of approximately 32, 71, and 141 nm were fabricated by using the solutions with the P3HT/chlorobenzene composition conditions of 5, 10, and 20 mg/mL, respectively. Herein, the PbS QD-based SWIR photodiodes showed an increase in current by SWIR light irradiation, and in particular, the device with a 71-nm-thick P3HT hole transport layer (HTL) exhibited the most superior photo-induced current, i.e., current amplification upon SWIR light. Since the difference (approximately 0.13 − 0.41 nm) in surface roughness among P3HT films with different thicknesses was much less than the size (4.5 − 5.0 nm) of PbS QDs, the results could be understood through the influence of the P3HT HTL thickness on the electrical characteristics of PbS QD-based SWIR photodiodes. Further analysis of the photodiode performance according to the P3HT HTL’s thickness reveals that the transport properties of photogenerated charge carriers through the hole transport layer have a crucial role in the photo-induced current and therefore decisively influence the photoresponsivity. These results suggest that P3HT HTLs affect the transport and extraction processes of photogenerated holes so that proper optimization of their thickness can contribute to enhancing the photoresponse efficiency of PbS QD-based SWIR photodiodes.