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Abstract Background Bone remodeling is a critical process that maintains skeletal integrity, orchestrated by the balanced activities of osteoclasts, which resorb bone, and osteoblasts, which form bone. Osteoclastogenesis, the formation of osteoclasts, is primarily driven by NFATc1, a process activated through c-Fos and NF-κB signaling pathways in response to receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL). Dysregulation of RANKL signaling is a key contributor to pathological bone loss, as seen in conditions such as osteoporosis. Methods We investigated the effects of denatonium, a known bitter compound, on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. We used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze gene expression profiles in osteoclast precursors treated with denatonium. Transcription factor prediction analysis was conducted to identify key targets of denatonium action. Additionally, we performed Western blotting to examine the phosphorylation status of AKT and p65, crucial components of the NF-κB pathway. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were employed to assess the binding of p65 to promoter regions of osteoclast-related genes. Finally, we tested the therapeutic potential of denatonium in a mouse model of osteoporosis. Results Our findings demonstrated that denatonium significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by targeting the p65 pathway. RNA-seq analysis revealed a downregulation of osteoclast-related genes following denatonium treatment, corroborated by transcription factor prediction analysis, which highlighted p65 as a key target. Denatonium effectively blocked the phosphorylation of AKT and p65, key steps in NF-κB activation. ChIP assays further confirmed that denatonium reduced the enrichment of p65 at promoter regions critical for osteoclast differentiation. In vivo, denatonium treatment in an osteoporosis animal model led to a significant restoration of bone health, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic agent. Conclusions This study identifies denatonium as an inhibitor of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, potentially acting through suppression of the p65 signaling pathway. The ability of denatonium to downregulate osteoclast-related genes and inhibit key signaling events highlights its potential as a candidate for further investigation in the context of bone loss and osteoporosis.

Abstract Background Improving cancer survival rates highlights post-treatment fertility implications for reproductive-aged women. To provide fertility care for cancer survivors, nurses need instruments to assess and communicate reproductive concerns with cancer survivors and healthcare providers. This study aimed to translate the Reproductive Concerns after Cancer Scale (RCAC) into Korean and examine its psychometric properties in young female cancer survivors in South Korea. Methods The RCAC was translated into Korean, involving expert bilingual translators for initial translation and reverse translation for cultural and semantic accuracy. In detail, the RCAC was translated into Korean and evaluated in a preliminary study involving 10 cancer survivors. Subsequently, a revised version of the instrument was administered to 182 cancer survivors and a psychometric evaluation was conducted. The process included verifying content validity, and then assessing construct validity using exploratory factor analysis and criterion validity. The reliability of the instrument was quantified by measuring its internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha. Results The translated RCAC demonstrated an item-level content validity index of 1.0 and a scale-level index of 1.0. The content was finalized based on preliminary survey findings, which revealed that all participants thought the instrument was clear. The Korean version of the RCAC demonstrated a satisfactory level of validity per exploratory factor analysis, which resulted in a 14-item instrument consisting of three subscales: “fertility potential” (six items), “health problem” (five items), and “acceptance” (three items). The items and subscales explained 57.6% of the variance. Criterion validity was confirmed through an analysis of the correlation between the Korean version of the RCAC and both the FACT-G (r = -0.36, p < .001) and PHQ-9 (r = 0.38, p < .001). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the Korean version of the RCAC was 0.83. Conclusions The Korean version of the RCAC is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing reproductive concerns in female cancer survivors. Thus, this instrument can be used to provide tailored care to female cancer survivors of reproductive age by clarifying and assess their reproductive concerns. This may support the development of guidelines or policies to provide care for those with reproductive concerns who require nursing care.

Objectives With the recent global mpox outbreak, the JYNNEOS vaccine (Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic) was developed as a third-generation smallpox vaccine and initially favored for mpox immunization. Vaccine-associated side effects contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Consequently, tracking adverse events post-immunization is crucial for safety management. This study used data from the national active vaccine safety surveillance conducted in Korea from August 25 to November 24, 2022 to detect potential safety signals and adverse events. Methods Data on health conditions following vaccination were gathered from web-based surveys and reported via active surveillance through the Immunization Registry Information System. This follow-up system functioned via a text message link, surveying adverse events and health conditions beginning on the second day post-vaccination. Information about specific adverse events, including both local and systemic reactions, was collected. Results The study included 86 healthcare workers who had received at least 1 dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine. Among the respondents, 79.1% reported experiencing at least 1 adverse event, with the majority being local reactions at the injection site. The incidence of adverse events was higher following the first dose (67.9%) than after the second dose (34.4%). The most frequently reported adverse event for both doses was mild pain at the injection site. Conclusion The study provides crucial information on the safety of the JYNNEOS vaccine, demonstrating that most adverse events were manageable and predominantly localized to the injection site. Nonetheless, additional research is needed on the safety of various vaccine administration techniques and the vaccine's effects on broader demographics.

Abstract CAGE, a cancer/testis antigen, was originally isolated from the sera of patients with gastric cancers. Previously, we have shown the role of CAGE in resistance to chemotherapy and target therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CAGE in osimertinib resistance and determine the prognostic value of CAGE in patients with pulmonary adenocarcinomas. The clinicopathological correlation with CAGE and autophagy flux in patients was examined using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The possible role of autophagy in osimertinib resistance was analyzed using immune blot, immune fluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry. This study found that immunohistochemical staining (IHC) showed CAGE expression in more than 50% of patients with pulmonary adenocarcinomas (pADCs). CAGE expression was increased in pADCs after the acquisition of EGFR-TKIs resistance. High expression of CAGE was correlated with shorter overall survival and progression free survival in patients with pADCs. Thus, CAGE mediates osimertinib resistance and predicts poor prognosis in patients with pADCs. Osimertinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells (PC-9/OSI) were established and mechanistic studies of CAGE-mediated osimertinib resistance were performed. PC-9/OSI cells showed increased autophagic flux and CAGE expression compared with parental sensitive PC-9 cells. PC-9/OSI cells showed higher tumorigenic, metastatic, and angiogenic potential compared with parental PC-9 cells. CAGE CRISPR-Cas9 cell lines showed decreased autophagic flux, invasion, migration potential, and tumorigenic potential compared with PC-9/OSI cells in vitro and in vivo. CAGE plays a crucial role in the cancer progression by modulating autophagy and can predict the poor prognosis of patients with pulmonary adenocarcinomas. Our findings propose CAGE as a potential therapeutic target for developing anticancer drugs that can overcome osimertinib resistance.

BackgroundUser engagement is crucial for digital therapeutics (DTx) effectiveness; due to variations in the conceptualization of engagement and intervention design, assessment and retention of engagement remain challenging. ObjectiveWe investigated the influence of the perceived acceptability of experimental intervention components and satisfaction with core intervention components in DTx on user engagement, while also identifying potential barriers and facilitators to user engagement. MethodsWe conducted a mixed methods study with a 2 × 2 factorial design, involving 12 outpatients with atopic dermatitis. Participants were randomized into 4 experimental groups based on push notification (“basic” or “advanced”) and human coach (“on” or “off”) experimental intervention components. All participants engaged in self-monitoring and learning courses as core intervention components within an app-based intervention over 8 weeks. Data were collected through in-app behavioral data, physician- and self-reported questionnaires, and semistructured interviews assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to evaluate user engagement, perceived acceptability of experimental intervention components (ie, push notification and human coach), satisfaction with core intervention components (ie, self-monitoring and learning courses), and intervention effectiveness through clinical outcomes. ResultsThe primary outcome indicated that group 4, provided with “advanced-level push notifications” and a “human coach,” showed higher completion rates for self-monitoring forms and learning courses compared to the predetermined threshold of clinical significance. Qualitative data analysis revealed three key themes: (1) perceived acceptability of the experimental intervention components, (2) satisfaction with the core intervention components, and (3) suggestions for improvement in the overall intervention program. Regarding clinical outcomes, the Perceived Stress Scale and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores presented the highest improvement in group 4. ConclusionsThese findings will help refine the intervention and inform the design of a subsequent randomized trial to test its effectiveness. Furthermore, this design may serve as a model for broadly examining and optimizing overall engagement in DTx and for future investigation into the complex relationship between engagement and clinical outcomes. Trial RegistrationClinical Research Information Service KCT0007675; http://tinyurl.com/2m8rjrmv

Recently, clinical trials of adeno-associated virus-mediated replacement therapy have suggested long-term therapeutic effects for several genetic diseases of the liver, including hemophilia. However, there remain concerns regarding decreased therapeutic effects when the liver is regenerated or when physiological proliferation occurs. Although genome editing using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 system provides an opportunity to solve this problem, low knock-in efficiency may limit its application for therapeutically relevant expression. Here, we identified a novel gene, APOC3, in which a strong promoter facilitated the expression of knocked-in genes in hepatocytes. We also investigated the effects of APOC3 editing using a small Cas9 protein derived from Campylobacter jejuni (CjCas9) in a hemophilic model. We demonstrated that adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery of CjCas9 and donor led to moderate levels of human factor 9 expression in APOC3-humanized mice. Moreover, knock-in-driven expression induced substantial recovery of clotting function in mice with hemophilia B. There was no evidence of off-target editing in vitro or in vivo. Collectively, our findings demonstrated therapeutically relevant expression using a precise and efficient APOC3-editing platform, providing insights into the development of further long-term therapeutics for diverse monogenic liver diseases.

BackgroundDigital health technologies are becoming increasingly available to children and young people and their families. However, there are no scoping reviews that provide both an overview of the characteristics of digital interventions for children and young people and potential challenges to be considered when developing and implementing them. ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically review scientific publications to identify the current characteristics and potential complications of digital interventions for children and young people. MethodsThis scoping review was conducted using the framework of Arksey and O’Malley and adheres to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for scoping reviews. A search of 5 databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL) and Google Scholar was performed for eligible clinical trials published between January 1, 2018, and August 19, 2022. ResultsThe initial search of the 5 databases yielded 3775 citations; duplicates and those not meeting the inclusion criteria were eliminated. In total, 34 articles were included in the final review and relevant information, such as the descriptive characteristics and potential challenges, were classified. Mental health (26/34, 76%) was the most common target for the digital intervention for children and young people, exceeding physical health (8/34, 24%) by more than 3 times. In addition, a substantial number of digital interventions were dedicated solely to children and young people. Digital interventions for children and young people were more likely to be delivered via computers (17/34, 50%) rather than smartphones (13/34, 38%). More than one-third of the studies (13/34, 38%) applied cognitive behavioral theory as the theory of digital interventions. The duration of the digital intervention for children and young people was more likely to vary depending on the target user rather than the target disease. Intervention components were classified into 5 categories: guidance, task and activity, reminder and monitoring, supportive feedback, and reward system. Potential challenges were subcategorized into ethical, interpersonal, and societal challenges. For ethical challenges, the consent of children and young people or caregivers, potential risk of adverse events, and data privacy issues were considered. For interpersonal challenges, the engagement of children and young people was affected by the preference or barrier of caregivers to participate in studies. For societal challenges, restricted ethnicity in recruitment, limited availability of digital technology, differences in internet use patterns between girls and boys, unified clinical settings, and language barriers were described. ConclusionsWe identified potential challenges and provided suggestions about ethical, interpersonal, and societal aspects to consider when developing and deploying digital-based interventions for children and young people. Our findings provide a thorough overview of the published literature and may serve as a comprehensive, informative foundation for the development and implementation of digital-based interventions for children and young people.

Background: We investigated whether the distribution of mechanoreceptors in three sections of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) differed. Methods: The ATFL was obtained from 29 ankles of 21 fresh-frozen cadavers and divided into fibular attachment, mid-ligament, and talar attachment parts. Histologically, mechanoreceptors were classified as Ruffini (type I), Vater–Pacini (type II), Golgi–Mazzoni (type III), and free nerve ending corpuscles (type IV); the presence of these mechanoreceptors was compared among the three ATFL sections. Results: Type I mechanoreceptors were significantly more numerous than the other receptor types. Comparing the three sections of the ATFL, the number of type I mechanoreceptors differed significantly between the mid-ligament and fibular attachment (p = 0.006), while the number of type III mechanoreceptors differed significantly between the talar and fibular attachments (p = 0.005) and between the mid-ligament and talar attachment (p = 0.011). Conclusions: The four types of mechanoreceptors were distributed differently among the three sections of the ATFL. Type I mechanoreceptors were more numerous in all sections compared to the other receptors.

Abstract Bone undergoes a constant and continuous remodeling process that is tightly regulated by the coordinated and sequential actions of bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts. Recent studies have shown that histone demethylases are implicated in osteoblastogenesis; however, little is known about the role of histone demethylases in osteoclast formation. Here, we identified KDM4B as an epigenetic regulator of osteoclast differentiation. Knockdown of KDM4B significantly blocked the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells. Mice with myeloid-specific conditional knockout of KDM4B showed an osteopetrotic phenotype due to osteoclast deficiency. Biochemical analysis revealed that KDM4B physically and functionally associates with CCAR1 and MED1 in a complex. Using genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing, we revealed that the KDM4B–CCAR1–MED1 complex is localized to the promoters of several osteoclast-related genes upon receptor activator of NF-κB ligand stimulation. We demonstrated that the KDM4B–CCAR1–MED1 signaling axis induces changes in chromatin structure (euchromatinization) near the promoters of osteoclast-related genes through H3K9 demethylation, leading to NF-κB p65 recruitment via a direct interaction between KDM4B and p65. Finally, small molecule inhibition of KDM4B activity impeded bone loss in an ovariectomized mouse model. Taken together, our findings establish KDM4B as a critical regulator of osteoclastogenesis, providing a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis.

Objectives An epidemiological investigation was conducted into a hepatitis C virus (HCV) outbreak at an outpatients clinic in Seoul (2011–2012). The aim of the study was to analyze the scale of infection, identify the source of infection, and route of transmission to prevent hepatitis C transmission in the future. Methods A retrospective study of the outpatients and health care workers (n = 7,285) in the target outpatient clinic during 2011–2012 was conducted. The history of the study population infection with hepatitis C, electronic medical records, field visits, and health care worker interviews were examined for the period between March 1st, 2006 and March 25th, 2016. The blood samples were collected and tested for anti-HCV antibodies, HCV RNA and HCV gene in 2016. Results The rate of anti-HCV positive results was 4.4% in the study population. The risk factors associated with an anti-HCV positive result were ≥ 10 clinic visits, and receiving an invasive procedure including a nerve block and a block of the peripheral branch of the spinal nerve (p < 0.05). There were 112 HCV RNA positive cases out of 320 anti-HCV positive test result cases, amongst which 100 cases had the dominant HCV genotype 2a which formed either 1 cluster (n = 56) or 2 clusters (n = 25). This result indicated exposure to a high-association infection source. Conclusion Anti-HCV antibodies and genotypic analysis showed an epidemiological association between the outbreak of HCV and invasive procedures performed (2011–2012) at an outpatients clinic in Seoul.

In Korea, typhoid fever is a rare disease due to improved living standards. However, typhoid fever remains a major burden in developing countries and regions, such as India and Southeast Asia. In this study, we isolated Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) from eight patients with typhoid fever who were travelers returning from India. The strains isolated were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility profiling and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis. All strains were resistant to nalidixic acid and azithromycin. Among them, four isolates were highly resistant to ciprofloxacin (MIC ≥32 μg/ml); these strains have not been confirmed in Korea PulseNet DB. According to WGS, the ciprofloxacin-resistant strains belong to the global dominant multidrug-resistant (MDR) haplotype H58 (SNP glpA C1047T, SptP protein Q185* (premature stop codon)) and do not harbor the MDR plasmid. H58-associated SNPs in membrane and metabolism genes, including yhdA, yajI, hyaE, tryE, rlpB and metH, are present. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis assigned the H58 strains to sublineage II, whereas the non-H58 strains are closely related to haplotype H50. The presence of high-level ciprofloxacin-resistant S. Typhi haplotype H58 in Korea was first confirmed as due to influx from overseas via travelers. This study provides information about intercontinental drug-resistant transmission between countries and suggests that travelers need to be careful about personal hygiene.

β2-Adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) is implicated in muscle metabolic activities such as glycogen metabolism, glucose uptake, lipolysis and muscle growth. However, the functional role of β2-AR in the differentiation of skeletal muscle is largely unknown. Here, we examined the functional role of β2-AR in L6 myoblast differentiation using the long-term-acting β2-AR-specific agonist formoterol. We observed that formoterol treatment strongly suppressed L6 myoblast differentiation and the expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Showing that both long-acting agonist (formoterol) and short-acting agonist (terbutaline) inhibited the induction of MHC protein, whereas β2-AR antagonist (ICI-118,551) upregulated MHC expression, we clearly demonstrated that β2-AR is involved in L6 myoblast differentiation. Furthermore, our pharmacological inhibition study revealed that the PI3K–AKT pathway is the main signaling pathway for myotube formation. Formoterol inhibited the activation of PI3K–AKT signaling, but not that of ERK signaling. Moreover, formoterol selectively inhibited AKT activation by IGF-I, but not by insulin. Collectively, our findings reveal a previously undocumented role of β2-AR activation in modulating the differentiation of L6 myoblasts.

Osmoregulation is essential for the survival of aquatic organisms, particularly teleost fish facing osmotic challenges in environments characterized by variable salinity. While the gills are known for ion exchange, the intestine’s role in water and salt absorption is gaining attention. Here, we investigated the adaptive responses of the intestine to salinity stress in guppies (Poecilia reticulata), observing significant morphological and transcriptomic alterations. Guppies showed superior salt tolerance compared to zebrafish (Danio rerio). Increasing salinity reduced villus length and intestinal diameter in guppies, while zebrafish exhibited damage to villus structure and loss of goblet cells. Transcriptomic analysis identified key genes involved in osmoregulation, tissue remodeling, and immune modulation. Upregulated genes included the solute carrier transporters slc2al and slc3al, which facilitate ion and water transport, as well as a transcription factor AP-1 subunit and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit beta, both of which participate in tissue repair and growth responses. In contrast, many genes related to the innate immune system (such as Tnfaip6) were downregulated, suggesting a shift toward the prioritization of osmoregulatory functions over immune responses. Interestingly, the differential expression of adaptation genes was linked to variations in epigenetic modifications and transcription factor activity. Transcription factors crucial for adapting to salt stress, such as bhlhe40, cebpd, and gata6, were progressively upregulated in guppies but remained downregulated in zebrafish. Our findings highlight the intricate mechanisms of adaptation to salinity stress in P. reticulata, providing insights into osmoregulatory mechanisms involving the intestine in aquatic organisms.

Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai is known as a monotypic genus endemic to South Korea. Currently, several pharmacological studies have revealed that A. distichum extract exhibits diverse biological functions, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we present the anti-osteoporotic activity of A. distichum extract by inhibiting osteoclast formation. First, we show that the methanolic extract of the leaves of A. distichum, but not extracts of the branches or fruits, significantly inhibits receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Second, our transcriptome analysis revealed that the leaf extract (LE) blocks sets of RANKL-mediated osteoclast-related genes. Third, the LE attenuates the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase. Finally, treatment with the LE effectively prevents postmenopausal bone loss in ovariectomized mice and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in zebrafish. Our findings show that the extract of A. distichum efficiently suppressed osteoclastogenesis by regulating osteoclast-related genes, thus offering a novel therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis.

By means of electrospinning with the thermal annealing process, we investigate a highly efficient sensing platform driven by a hierarchical hetero-nanostructure for the sensitive detection of biologically relevant molecules, consisting of single crystalline ruthenium dioxide nanorods (RuO2 NRs) directly grown on the surface of electrospun tungsten trioxide nanofibers (WO3 NFs). Electrochemical measurements reveal the enhanced electron transfer kinetics at the prepared RuO2 NRs-WO3 NFs hetero-nanostructures due to the incorporation of conductive RuO2 NRs nanostructures with a high surface area, resulting in improved relevant electrochemical sensing performances for detecting H2O2 and L-ascorbic acid with high sensitivity.

This study examines the role of shadow education as a contributor to educational inequality in South Korea. Using data from the Korean Educational Longitudinal Study (KELS), this paper analyzes the effects of private tutoring at 10th and 12th grade level on College Scholastic Aptitude Test (CSAT) scores. We reduce biases in prior research by using multi-time measures of private tutoring and instrumental variables approaches. Our findings show that shadow education increases the CSAT scores. We also find that shadow education significantly contributes to educational inequality even after controlling for various socio-economic characteristics.

Background. The chronic postischemia pain (CPIP) model is an animal model using ischemia/reperfusion injury that mimics the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome type I. Glutathione (GSH) prevents ischemia/reperfusion injury by scavenging free radicals. We conducted this study to investigate the protective effect of GSH in CPIP rats via changes of mechanical allodynia and phospholyration of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit GluN1. Methods. We divided 45 rats into 5 groups: sham, CPIP, CPIP + GSH 100 mg/kg, CPIP + GSH 200 mg/kg, and CPIP + GSH 500 mg/kg. Rats in the sham and CPIP groups received normal saline and rats in the other groups received GSH at the designated doses thirty minutes prior to reperfusion. Withdrawal thresholds were evaluated before sugery as well as 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery. pGluN1 level in the spinal cord was also measured. Results. GSH treated rats show a significant increase in the withdrawal thresholds of both hind paws as compared with the CPIP group dose-dependently. The expression of pGluN1 in the GSH treated rats significantly decreased as compared to the CPIP group (all P < 0.05). Conclusion. These findings suggest that GSH inhibited the development of mechanical allodynia and central sensitization in CPIP rats.

Background:: On May 19, 2017, the cluster of 6 acute respiratory infections due to adenovirus in the swimming department of a physical education school (School J) was reported to Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to identify the transmission route of the infection and to control the outbreak. MATERIALS AND Methods A retrospective cohort study (Study 1) was conducted on students and teachers of the athletic departments using the swimming pool, and a prospective surveillance (Study 2) was conducted on all students and teachers of the School J. A case was defined as any student and school personnel who developed more than two of the following symptoms from April 10 to July 2, 2017: fever, sore throat, cough, rhinorrhea, or headache. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated to compare the attack rates according to potential risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors for infection in the outbreak. Result 47 cases were identified: 33 (55.9%) cases occurred among 59 students and teachers in Study 1 and 14 (3.9%) among 362 students and school personnel in Study 2. There were 18 laboratory confirmed adenovirus infection cases. The common symptoms were headache (71.7%), fever (69.6%), rhinorrhea (63.0%), sputum (56.5%), and sore throat (54.3%). 23.9% of the cases were accompanied with diarrhea and 19.6% with eye congestion. None of the cases developed pneumonia. 32.6% of the cases were hospitalized. In Study 1, attack rate in the swimming department was higher than that in others (RR: 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-3.60). In Study 2, being a member of the shooting department (RR: 20.70; 95% CI: 4.90-87.47) and being a first year high school student (RR: 10.95; 95% CI: 2.90-41.33) were identified as risk factors for the infections. Genetic analyses of the adenoviruses showed 100% identical sequence in homology and confirmed the human adenovirus B55 (HAdV-B55). No adenovirus was detected at examining the water and environment of the swimming pool and dormitory. Conclusion The outbreak is inferred to be occurred via propagated transmission among the students in the same athletic department, while the students with symptoms of respiratory infection continued performing school activities without any restrictions. Infection control measures such as early detection of symptoms of respiratory infection and restriction of group activity are necessary to prevent respiratory infection outbreak in the communal living setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To gain insights into the regulatory networks related to anthocyanin biosynthesis and identify key regulatory genes, we performed an integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome in sprouts germinated from three colored potato cultivars: light-red Hongyoung, dark-purple Jayoung, and white Atlantic. We investigated transcriptional and metabolic changes using statistical analyses and gene-metabolite correlation networks. Transcript and metabolite profiles were generated through high-throughput RNA-sequencing data analysis and ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The identification and quantification of changes in anthocyanin were performed using molecular formula-based mass accuracy and specific features of their MS2 spectra. Correlation tests of anthocyanin contents and transcriptional changes showed 823 strong correlations (correlation coefficient, R2>0.9) between 22 compounds and 119 transcripts categorized into flavonoid metabolism, hormones, transcriptional regulation, and signaling. The connection network of anthocyanins and genes showed a regulatory system involved in the pigmentation of light-red Hongyoung and dark-purple Jayoung potatoes, suggesting that this systemic approach is powerful for investigations into novel genes that are potential targets for the breeding of new valuable potato cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiO/NiCo2O4 nanotubes with a diameter of approximately 100 nm are synthesized using Ni and Co precursors via electro-spinning and subsequent calcination processes. The tubular structure is confirmed via transmission electron microscopy imaging, whereas the structures and elemental compositions of the nanotubes are determined using x-ray diffraction, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. N2 adsorption isotherm data reveal that the surface of the nanotubes consists of micropores, thereby resulting in a significantly higher surface area (∼20 m2 g−1) than expected for a flat-surface structure (<15 m2 g−1). Herein, we present a study of the catalytic activity of our novel NiO/NiCo2O4 nanotubes for CO and acetaldehyde oxidation. The catalytic activity of NiO/NiCo2O4 is superior to Pt below 100 °C for CO oxidation. For acetaldehyde oxidation, the total oxidation activity of NiO/NiCo2O4 for acetaldehyde is comparable with that of Pt. Coexistence of many under-coordinated Co and Ni active sites in our structure is suggested be related to the high catalytic activity. It is suggested that our novel NiO/NiCo2O4 tubular structures with surface microporosity can be of interest for a variety of applications, including the catalytic oxidation of harmful gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-ascorbic acid (AsA) is an essential supplement for the differentiation of a wide variety of cells in culture and induces osteoblastic differentiation through the formation of collagen matrix and the induction of the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in some osteogenic cells. Despite their widespread nutritional use, the precise mechanism of AsA in osteoblastogenesis remains unclear. In order to investigate the effect of AsA on the differentiation of osteoblast, this study examined the expression of RANKL, OPG (osteoprotegerin), collagen synthesis and ALP activity in osteoblast-like cells (MG63), assessed by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. The results showed that an AsA treatment slightly down-regulated OPG mRNA expression, whereas the mRNA expression of RANKL and collagen were unaffected. AsA significantly increased the ALP activity after 6 days, which was inhibited by DRB, a casein kinase II (CKII) inhibitor. In addition, Western blot analysis showed that AsA induced the activation of CKII. EMSA analysis also indicated that AsA dose-dependently decreased the DNA binding affinity of the lkaros transcription factor, which is a bifunctional differentiation factor. Moreover, the cells treated with AsA and DRB showed increased Ikaros activity compared with the AsA treatment only. Overall, these results suggest that AsA stimulates osteoblast differentiation through the enhancement of ALP activity and the suppression of Ikaros activity. Moreover, this process might be related to CKII regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucoidan, high-molecular-weight sulfated polysaccharides, has various biological activities. Since activated glial cells by neurodegenerative conditions overproduce nitric oxide (NO) which causes neurotoxicity, inhibition of NO production may have beneficial therapeutic effects in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we examined the inhibitory effect of fucoidan on NO production induced by a combination of TNF-α and IFN-γ in glial cells. Fucoidan inhibited NO production through the inhibition of the AP-1 activation and p38 pathway, assessed by EMSA and western blot analysis. To further understand the mechanism for the inhibitory effects of fucoidan, C6 cells were treated with TNF-α or IFN-γ alone. Interestingly, fucoidan treatment reduced IFN-γ-induced NO production but did not affect the production of NO induced by TNF-α. Moreover, pretreatment with monoclonal antibody against scavenger receptor B1 (SRBI) further increased in the production of NO induced by IFN-γ whereas TNF-α-induced NO production was not affected. These results suggest that SRB1 activation is responsible for increasing IFN-γ -induced NO production. Overall, the data indicate that p38 and AP-1 play a critical role in fucoidan-mediated NO inhibition in glial cells and fucoidan inhibits IFN-γ -induced NO production that may be subject to regulation by activation of SRB1. Thus fucoidan may be useful for the prevention of both NO and glial cell-mediated neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]