Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is an enzyme that plays a pivotal role in immune regulation by metabolizing tryptophan into kynurenine, leading to T cell suppression and promoting immune tolerance. However, persistent activation of IDO1 can lead to prolonged immune stimulation in inflammatory conditions such as skin diseases and chronic inflammation. In this study, we developed modified peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) conjugated with cationic lipid chains to target IDO1 pre-mRNA and evaluated their anti-inflammatory effects in human keratinocytes. The modified PNAs demonstrated enhanced solubility, robust binding affinity, and effective penetration into keratinocytes. Quantitative PCR results showed significant downregulation of IDO1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, and PTGS2 in interferon γ (IFNγ)-treated keratinocytes. These findings suggest that cell-penetrating PNAs targeting IDO1 hold potential as a therapeutic approach for inflammatory skin disorders and chronic inflammation.

Objective: To compare a deep learning (DL)-accelerated non-enhanced abbreviated MRI (AMRI DL) protocol with standard AMRI (AMRI STD) of the liver in terms of image quality and malignant focal lesion detection. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 155 consecutive patients (110 male; mean age 62.4 ± 11 years) from two sites who underwent standard liver MRI and additional AMRIDL sequences, specifically DL-accelerated single-shot fast-spin echo (SSFSE DL) and DL-accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging (DWIDL). Additional MRI phantom experiments assessed signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Three reviewers evaluated AMRIDL and AMRI STD protocols for image quality using a five-point Likert scale and identified malignant hepatic lesions. Image quality scores and per-lesion sensitivities were compared between AMRIDL and AMRI STD using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, respectively. Results: Phantom experiments demonstrated comparable SNR and higher CNR for SSFSE DL compared to SSFSE STD, with similar ADC values for DWIDL and DWI STD. Among the 155 patients, 130 (83.9%) had chronic liver disease or a history of intra- or extrahepatic malignancy. Of 104 malignant focal lesions in 64 patients, 58 (55.8%) were hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), 38 (36.5%) were metastases, four (3.8%) were cholangiocarcinomas, and four (3.8%) were lymphomas. The pooled per-lesion sensitivity across three readers was 97.6% for AMRIDL, comparable to 97.6% for AMRI STD. Compared with AMRI STD, AMRIDL demonstrated superior image quality regarding structural sharpness, artifacts, and noise (all P < 0.001) and reduced the average scan time by approximately 50% (2 min 29 sec vs. 4 min 11 sec). In patients with chronic liver disease, AMRIDL achieved a 96.6% per-lesion sensitivity for HCC detection, similar to 96.5% for AMRI STD (P > 0.05). Conclusion The AMRIDL protocol offers comparable sensitivity for detecting malignant focal lesions, including HCC while significantly enhancing image quality and reducing scan time by approximately 50% compared to AMRI STD.

Objective: To compare a deep learning (DL)-accelerated non-enhanced abbreviated MRI (AMRI DL) protocol with standard AMRI (AMRI STD) of the liver in terms of image quality and malignant focal lesion detection. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 155 consecutive patients (110 male; mean age 62.4 ± 11 years) from two sites who underwent standard liver MRI and additional AMRIDL sequences, specifically DL-accelerated single-shot fast-spin echo (SSFSE DL) and DL-accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging (DWIDL). Additional MRI phantom experiments assessed signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Three reviewers evaluated AMRIDL and AMRI STD protocols for image quality using a five-point Likert scale and identified malignant hepatic lesions. Image quality scores and per-lesion sensitivities were compared between AMRIDL and AMRI STD using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, respectively. Results: Phantom experiments demonstrated comparable SNR and higher CNR for SSFSE DL compared to SSFSE STD, with similar ADC values for DWIDL and DWI STD. Among the 155 patients, 130 (83.9%) had chronic liver disease or a history of intra- or extrahepatic malignancy. Of 104 malignant focal lesions in 64 patients, 58 (55.8%) were hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), 38 (36.5%) were metastases, four (3.8%) were cholangiocarcinomas, and four (3.8%) were lymphomas. The pooled per-lesion sensitivity across three readers was 97.6% for AMRIDL, comparable to 97.6% for AMRI STD. Compared with AMRI STD, AMRIDL demonstrated superior image quality regarding structural sharpness, artifacts, and noise (all P < 0.001) and reduced the average scan time by approximately 50% (2 min 29 sec vs. 4 min 11 sec). In patients with chronic liver disease, AMRIDL achieved a 96.6% per-lesion sensitivity for HCC detection, similar to 96.5% for AMRI STD (P > 0.05). Conclusion The AMRIDL protocol offers comparable sensitivity for detecting malignant focal lesions, including HCC while significantly enhancing image quality and reducing scan time by approximately 50% compared to AMRI STD.

Objective: To compare a deep learning (DL)-accelerated non-enhanced abbreviated MRI (AMRI DL) protocol with standard AMRI (AMRI STD) of the liver in terms of image quality and malignant focal lesion detection. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 155 consecutive patients (110 male; mean age 62.4 ± 11 years) from two sites who underwent standard liver MRI and additional AMRIDL sequences, specifically DL-accelerated single-shot fast-spin echo (SSFSE DL) and DL-accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging (DWIDL). Additional MRI phantom experiments assessed signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Three reviewers evaluated AMRIDL and AMRI STD protocols for image quality using a five-point Likert scale and identified malignant hepatic lesions. Image quality scores and per-lesion sensitivities were compared between AMRIDL and AMRI STD using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, respectively. Results: Phantom experiments demonstrated comparable SNR and higher CNR for SSFSE DL compared to SSFSE STD, with similar ADC values for DWIDL and DWI STD. Among the 155 patients, 130 (83.9%) had chronic liver disease or a history of intra- or extrahepatic malignancy. Of 104 malignant focal lesions in 64 patients, 58 (55.8%) were hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), 38 (36.5%) were metastases, four (3.8%) were cholangiocarcinomas, and four (3.8%) were lymphomas. The pooled per-lesion sensitivity across three readers was 97.6% for AMRIDL, comparable to 97.6% for AMRI STD. Compared with AMRI STD, AMRIDL demonstrated superior image quality regarding structural sharpness, artifacts, and noise (all P < 0.001) and reduced the average scan time by approximately 50% (2 min 29 sec vs. 4 min 11 sec). In patients with chronic liver disease, AMRIDL achieved a 96.6% per-lesion sensitivity for HCC detection, similar to 96.5% for AMRI STD (P > 0.05). Conclusion The AMRIDL protocol offers comparable sensitivity for detecting malignant focal lesions, including HCC while significantly enhancing image quality and reducing scan time by approximately 50% compared to AMRI STD.

Objective: To compare a deep learning (DL)-accelerated non-enhanced abbreviated MRI (AMRI DL) protocol with standard AMRI (AMRI STD) of the liver in terms of image quality and malignant focal lesion detection. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 155 consecutive patients (110 male; mean age 62.4 ± 11 years) from two sites who underwent standard liver MRI and additional AMRIDL sequences, specifically DL-accelerated single-shot fast-spin echo (SSFSE DL) and DL-accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging (DWIDL). Additional MRI phantom experiments assessed signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Three reviewers evaluated AMRIDL and AMRI STD protocols for image quality using a five-point Likert scale and identified malignant hepatic lesions. Image quality scores and per-lesion sensitivities were compared between AMRIDL and AMRI STD using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, respectively. Results: Phantom experiments demonstrated comparable SNR and higher CNR for SSFSE DL compared to SSFSE STD, with similar ADC values for DWIDL and DWI STD. Among the 155 patients, 130 (83.9%) had chronic liver disease or a history of intra- or extrahepatic malignancy. Of 104 malignant focal lesions in 64 patients, 58 (55.8%) were hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), 38 (36.5%) were metastases, four (3.8%) were cholangiocarcinomas, and four (3.8%) were lymphomas. The pooled per-lesion sensitivity across three readers was 97.6% for AMRIDL, comparable to 97.6% for AMRI STD. Compared with AMRI STD, AMRIDL demonstrated superior image quality regarding structural sharpness, artifacts, and noise (all P < 0.001) and reduced the average scan time by approximately 50% (2 min 29 sec vs. 4 min 11 sec). In patients with chronic liver disease, AMRIDL achieved a 96.6% per-lesion sensitivity for HCC detection, similar to 96.5% for AMRI STD (P > 0.05). Conclusion The AMRIDL protocol offers comparable sensitivity for detecting malignant focal lesions, including HCC while significantly enhancing image quality and reducing scan time by approximately 50% compared to AMRI STD.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is an enzyme that plays a pivotal role in immune regulation by metabolizing tryptophan into kynurenine, leading to T cell suppression and promoting immune tolerance. However, persistent activation of IDO1 can lead to prolonged immune stimulation in inflammatory conditions such as skin diseases and chronic inflammation. In this study, we developed modified peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) conjugated with cationic lipid chains to target IDO1 pre-mRNA and evaluated their anti-inflammatory effects in human keratinocytes. The modified PNAs demonstrated enhanced solubility, robust binding affinity, and effective penetration into keratinocytes. Quantitative PCR results showed significant downregulation of IDO1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, and PTGS2 in interferon γ (IFNγ)-treated keratinocytes. These findings suggest that cell-penetrating PNAs targeting IDO1 hold potential as a therapeutic approach for inflammatory skin disorders and chronic inflammation.

Objective: To compare a deep learning (DL)-accelerated non-enhanced abbreviated MRI (AMRI DL) protocol with standard AMRI (AMRI STD) of the liver in terms of image quality and malignant focal lesion detection. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 155 consecutive patients (110 male; mean age 62.4 ± 11 years) from two sites who underwent standard liver MRI and additional AMRIDL sequences, specifically DL-accelerated single-shot fast-spin echo (SSFSE DL) and DL-accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging (DWIDL). Additional MRI phantom experiments assessed signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Three reviewers evaluated AMRIDL and AMRI STD protocols for image quality using a five-point Likert scale and identified malignant hepatic lesions. Image quality scores and per-lesion sensitivities were compared between AMRIDL and AMRI STD using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, respectively. Results: Phantom experiments demonstrated comparable SNR and higher CNR for SSFSE DL compared to SSFSE STD, with similar ADC values for DWIDL and DWI STD. Among the 155 patients, 130 (83.9%) had chronic liver disease or a history of intra- or extrahepatic malignancy. Of 104 malignant focal lesions in 64 patients, 58 (55.8%) were hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), 38 (36.5%) were metastases, four (3.8%) were cholangiocarcinomas, and four (3.8%) were lymphomas. The pooled per-lesion sensitivity across three readers was 97.6% for AMRIDL, comparable to 97.6% for AMRI STD. Compared with AMRI STD, AMRIDL demonstrated superior image quality regarding structural sharpness, artifacts, and noise (all P < 0.001) and reduced the average scan time by approximately 50% (2 min 29 sec vs. 4 min 11 sec). In patients with chronic liver disease, AMRIDL achieved a 96.6% per-lesion sensitivity for HCC detection, similar to 96.5% for AMRI STD (P > 0.05). Conclusion The AMRIDL protocol offers comparable sensitivity for detecting malignant focal lesions, including HCC while significantly enhancing image quality and reducing scan time by approximately 50% compared to AMRI STD.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is an enzyme that plays a pivotal role in immune regulation by metabolizing tryptophan into kynurenine, leading to T cell suppression and promoting immune tolerance. However, persistent activation of IDO1 can lead to prolonged immune stimulation in inflammatory conditions such as skin diseases and chronic inflammation. In this study, we developed modified peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) conjugated with cationic lipid chains to target IDO1 pre-mRNA and evaluated their anti-inflammatory effects in human keratinocytes. The modified PNAs demonstrated enhanced solubility, robust binding affinity, and effective penetration into keratinocytes. Quantitative PCR results showed significant downregulation of IDO1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, and PTGS2 in interferon γ (IFNγ)-treated keratinocytes. These findings suggest that cell-penetrating PNAs targeting IDO1 hold potential as a therapeutic approach for inflammatory skin disorders and chronic inflammation.

Background: Various molecular methods are used to rapidly detect gastrointestinal pathogens, highlighting the importance of understanding the performance of the associated kits in detail. We comprehensively assessed the performance of Kogene PowerChek multiplex real-time PCR kits (PowerChek Bacterial/Viral Kits) with the FilmArray GI Panel. Methods: Residual stool specimens (N = 246), initially tested utilizing the FilmArray GI Panel (May 2023–Jan 2024), were reanalyzed using PowerChek Bacterial/Viral Kits. Discrepancies were resolved by performing additional molecular assays and reviewing culture results when available. True positives (TPs)/true negatives were defined by concordant results in at least two assays. We determined cycle threshold (Ct)/crossing point (Cp) distributions between the TP and false positive (FP) groups and analyzed melting curves for the FilmArray GI Panel FPs. Results: The positive-percent agreement (PPA) of the PowerChek Bacterial/Viral Kits was 50–100%, with lower values for Salmonella spp., rotavirus, and astrovirus, whereas the FilmArray GI Panel showed 100% PPA across all targets. Both platforms demonstrated > 99% negative-percent agreement, except for enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and adenovirus (PowerChek Bacterial/Viral Kits) or EPEC, enteroaggregative E. coli, norovirus, and Salmonella spp. (FilmArray GI Panel). The FPs showed higher Ct/Cp values with both kits, and these values were significantly higher for adenovirus (PowerChek Viral Kit), EPEC, and norovirus (FilmArray GI Panel). Melting curve analysis of four norovirus FPs (FilmArray GI Panel) revealed atypical patterns in three cases. Conclusions The FilmArray GI Panel demonstrated higher sensitivity than the PowerChek Kits. For norovirus, melting curve analysis will help avoid FPs.

Background: We aimed to evaluate whether composite blood biomarkers including aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) and cytokeratin 18 (CK-18; a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] marker) have clinically applicable performance for the diagnosis of NASH, advanced liver fibrosis, and high-risk NASH (NASH+significant fibrosis). Methods: A total of 116 subjects including healthy control subjects and patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were analyzed to assess composite blood-based and imaging-based biomarkers either singly or in combination. Results: A composite blood biomarker comprised of AKR1B10, CK-18, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) showed excellent performance for the diagnosis of, NASH, advanced fibrosis, and high-risk NASH, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.934 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.888 to 0.981), 0.902 (95% CI, 0.832 to 0.971), and 0.918 (95% CI, 0.862 to 0.974), respectively. However, the performance of this blood composite biomarker was inferior to that various magnetic resonance (MR)-based composite biomarkers, such as proton density fat fraction/MR elastography- liver stiffness measurement (MRE-LSM)/ALT/AST for NASH, MRE-LSM+fibrosis-4 index for advanced fibrosis, and the known MR imaging-AST (MAST) score for high-risk NASH. Conclusion Our blood composite biomarker can be useful to distinguish progressive forms of NAFLD as an initial noninvasive test when MR-based tools are not available.