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The integration of metal–organic frameworks (MOF) into three-dimensional (3D) architectures has emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing the performance of energy storage devices. However, current approaches to achieve this integration are limited, especially for combining two-dimensional (2D) materials with MOFs to form complex 3D structures. In this study, 3D MXene-based microspheres encapsulating MOF-derived ZnSe@NC nanoparticles (3D MX/ZnSe@NC) were successfully fabricated by spray drying. The 3D structure effectively prevented restacking of MXene nanosheets and provided a large surface area with abundant ion storage sites. The uniform distribution of the ZnSe@NC nanoparticles within the MXene matrix not only prevented the aggregation of ZnSe crystals during cycling but also enhanced the electrical conductivity. Therefore, 3D MX/ZnSe@NC exhibited remarkable cycling stability (238 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 1000 cycles) and excellent rate performance (110 mA h g−1 at 2.0 A g−1), promoting its use as an anode material for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Furthermore, the K-ion storage mechanism was investigated to elucidate the reasons for the high performance of 3D MX/ZnSe@NC. The facile synthesis method and exceptional performance highlight the potential of 3D MX/ZnSe@NC as a high-performance anode material for PIBs. These findings contribute to the development of advanced electrode materials for next-generation energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Potassium ion batteries (KIBs) have attracted considerable attention as a next‐generation large‐scale energy storage system. Due to the large diameter of K+ ions, developing advanced electrode materials to achieve high‐performance KIBs is challenging. In this paper, one‐dimensional (1D) hybrid nanostructures comprising a MoSe2 core and a CoSe2/N‐doped carbon shell (denoted as MC‐Se@NC) are successfully synthesized by thermal treatment of Co‐based metal‐organic framework (ZIF‐67)‐coated MoO3 nanorods. The unique 1D morphology and synergistic effect between the different elements provide sufficient electrochemical reaction sites and facilitate the reaction kinetics. Further, the N‐doped carbon coating alleviates the volume fluctuation and pulverization of the active materials during cycling and improves the electrode conductivity. Accordingly, when applied to KIBs, the MC‐Se@NC anode delivers a high reversible capacity of 327 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 150 cycles, and remarkable rate capability of 190 mA h g−1 at 2.0 A g−1. Furthermore, to explore the practical application of MC‐Se@NC anode, a K‐ion full cell consisting of MC‐Se@NC anode and Prussian blue cathode is fabricated and characterized. As a demonstration, a light‐emitting diode (LED) is successfully powered by the K‐ion full cell. These excellent electrochemical properties of MC‐Se@NC present possibilities for the commercialization of KIB‐based large‐scale energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) have received much attention as next‐generation energy storage systems owing to the abundance. Nevertheless, they face great challenges in the design of optimum electrode materials for practical applications. Herein, we prepared a unique two‐dimensional structured composite consisting of N‐doped carbon‐coated CoSe2 nanocrystals and MXene nanosheets (CoSe2@NC/MX) for efficient electrochemical Na‐ and K‐ion storage. In this strategy, a Co‐based zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF‐67) was deposited on the surface of MXene nanosheets, and the subsequent selenization process resulted in the transformation of the ZIF‐67 into CoSe2@NCs. The unique structure can shorten the transport pathways for electrons/ions and provide sufficient space to accommodate the volume change of the active materials. Furthermore, the N‐doped carbon matrix and MXene can enhance the robustness of the electrode materials. Accordingly, the composites exhibited enhanced electrochemical performance in terms of cycle stability (317 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 A g−1) and rate capability (343 mA h g−1 at 7.0 A g−1) for SIBs. For KIBs, they exhibited a high reversible capacity of 358 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 100 cycles and 276 mA h g−1 at a high rate of 2.0 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portulaca oleracea L. is a traditional oriental medicine known for its pharmacological effects. The present study aimed to investigate the immunostimulatory effects of PPCE on cyclophosphamide-stimulated rat model and in isolated spleen cells. The result showed that PPCE exerted an immunostimulatory effect in vivo and in vitro. Specifically, PPCE significantly enhanced splenocyte proliferation and upregulated inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) and NK cell activity in vitro. The immunostimulatory effect was further investigated through various immunological assays. Oral administration of PPCE increased the swimming time and number of immune cells in rats. Histological analysis revealed that PPCE administration exerted splenic recovery. Thus, P. oleracea L. based complex extracts may be used as an immunostimulatory agent in medicine or functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the immunity-enhancing effects of Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (OJ). To examine the immune protective effect in vitro, primary mouse splenocytes were treated with water or ethanol extracts of OJ in the absence or presence of cyclophosphamide (CY), which is a cytotoxic, immunosuppressive agent. The extracts increased the propagation of splenocytes and inhibited CY-induced cytotoxicity. Further, to examine the immunostimulatory effects in vivo, adult Wistar rats were orally administered OJ extracts with or without CY treatment. With the administration of OJ extracts, CY-treated immunosuppressed rats showed improved physical endurance, as assessed by the forced swim test. In addition, extract administration increased not only the number of immunity-related cells but also the levels of plasma cytokines. OJ extracts also recovered splenic histology in CY-treated rats. These findings suggest that an OJ regimen can enhance immunity by increasing immune cell propagation and specific plasma cytokine levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the antiobesity effects of Monascus pilosus-fermented black soybean (F-BS) in C57BL/6 mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. F-BS (oral, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg per body weight, twice per day) ameliorated obesity by reducing body and liver weight increases, and regulating blood glucose and cholesterol levels in C57BL/6 mice fed a control or HFD with oral administration of F-BS for 12 weeks. F-BS suppressed the growth of epididymal, retroperitoneal, and perirenal fat pads by preventing increases in the adipocyte size. Moreover, the levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, and leptin were significantly lowered by F-BS administration in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicated that F-BS is a beneficial food supplement for preventing obesity, controlling blood glucose, and lowering cholesterol. Future research strategies should address the mechanisms that selectively regulate obesity, including hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A reliable standard model is required to evaluate the efficacy of new drugs for companion animals, especially dogs. Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD), also known as allergic inflammatory skin disease, is a common condition. Currently, the house dust mite animal model is used in the research of cAD; however, this model exhibits significant individual variation and is difficult to standardize. In this study, we used ovalbumin as an antigen to sensitize and stimulate dogs, thereby establishing a stable model mimicking the T-helper 2 (Th2) response seen in cAD. Our objective was to create a cAD model that could be employed to evaluate the efficacy of novel drugs and mimic the Th2 dominant allergic response observed in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis of dogs., Methods: In this study, six beagles were used. Normal saline was applied to two animals, and ovalbumin to four, on their dorsal skin., Results: The ovalbumin-treated groups exhibited clinical cAD symptoms, such as pruritus and erythema. Moreover, plasma levels of the cAD markers immunoglobulin E and CCL17 chemokine were higher in the ovalbumin-treated group than in the vehicle control group. The skin thickness of the epidermis was significantly increased in the ovalbumin-treated group, with infiltration of inflammatory cells observed in the thickened dermis region. In conclusion, treatment of canine skin with an optimal concentration of ovalbumin induced typical cAD-like symptoms, and histological and molecular analyses confirmed an enhanced Th2-related immune response., Conclusion: Therefore, we successfully established a suitable Th2-dominant response mimicking cAD, which will facilitate targeted research of atopic dermatitis in dogs., Competing Interests: H-GO were employed by R&D Division, HUVET Co., Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Shin, Jin, Tae, Oh and Hwang.)

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Gastrodia elata rhizome (GR) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury in dogs. We evaluated serum biochemical and hematological parameters, with emphasis on alanine transaminase (ALT), alanine phosphates (ALP), and nitric oxide (NO) levels, in dogs with TAA-induced liver injury., Materials and Methods: The animals were divided into a control group (Con), TAA group, Silymarin group (Sil, 50 mg/kg), Gastrodia rhizome low dose (GRL) (low) + TAA, GRH (high) + TAA, and GR high-dose group (GRH) control group. GRL and GRH were given daily at 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. TAA was given on days 1, 4, and 7 at a dose of 300 mg/kg., Results: GR significantly reduced liver injury in treated animals, as indicated by lowered levels of ALT (about 32% at day 21 in both GRL + TAA and GRH + TAA groups), ALP (about 17% and 21% at day 21 in both GRL + TAA, GRH + TAA groups, respectively), and NO (about 36% at day 21 in both GRL + TAA, GRH + TAA groups) compared to the TAA control group. Hematological parameters showed mild changes during the experiment. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed gastrodin, a major component of the GR extract, constitutes 2.6% of the extract., Conclusion: The GR demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects against TAA-induced liver injury in dogs. The study provides evidence for the potential therapeutic use of GR in the management of liver diseases., Competing Interests: The authors declared no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research.)

Background and Aim: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, painful, degenerative inflammatory disease of the synovial joints. Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease OA pain can have severe side effects, such as gastric irritation, ulcers, and heart problems. Natural products are extensively used to minimize OA-associated pain and inflammatory reactions. Lilium lancifolium is commonly used to alleviate several diseases through its anti-inflammatory effects. This study examined the impact of L. lancifolium extract on alleviating pain and inflammation associated with articular cartilage damage., Materials and Methods: Hydro-ethanol extracts of the L. lancifolium bulb were used. The experimental animals (adult beagle dogs) were divided into four groups: sham, which received neither treatment nor surgery; placebo, which received an empty gelatin capsule; glucosamine, which received glutamine (60 mg/kg); and L. lancifolium , which received an L. lancifolium extract-filled (60 mg/kg) gelatin capsule for 8 weeks. OA was induced by an expert orthopedic surgeon in 2-year-old dogs through resection of cranial cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament. Inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, lameness score, radiology, and histological changes were assessed., Results: Our experiments showed that long-term oral therapy with L. lancifolium alleviated inflammation and increased histological damage. L. lancifolium treatment effectively reduced cytokines, such as interleukin-6, metalloproteinase-9, leukotriene-4, prostaglandin, and cyclo-oxygenase in dogs with OA, suggesting the potential to minimize inflammatory reactions in OA. L. lancifolium showed anti-inflammatory qualities in dogs with OA. This effect was comparable with that of glucosamine OA treatment., Conclusion: L. lancifolium supplementation represents a possible therapeutic and management option in this model of OA., Competing Interests: JC, YP, JiC, GOA, EJ, and HO are the employees of HUVET Co. Ltd, Republic of Korea., (Copyright: © Cho, et al.)

Background and Aim: Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a hereditary susceptibility to the development of allergic symptoms in response to repeated exposure to generally innocuous substances known as "allergens." Allergens can be plants, animals, mold, mites, or milk. At present, serological enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kits are used for immunoglobulin E (IgE)-specific allergen detection due to their simplicity and accuracy. This study aimed to detect allergens in dogs with CAD and determine how they differ according to season, breed, age, and sex using a serological test in six provinces in South Korea for 12 months. This will allow practitioners to easily understand the risk factors related to CAD., Materials and Methods: In this study, IgE allergen-specific ELISA kits were used. The allergens were detected in serum samples collected from different regions considering season, sex, breed, and age. Allergens were divided into the following Ten categories: 1. Dairy, yeast, and egg, 2. grains, 3. vegetables, 4. meat, 5. seafood, 6. animals, 7. mold, 8. insects, 9. mites, and 10. trees., Results: The percentage of allergens detected in males (54.8%) was higher than that of females (45.2%); 54.2% of allergens occurred in 3-year-old dogs or older. Moreover, regarding frequency, 65.6% of overall allergens occur during autumn; Chungcheongnam-do and Jeollabuk-do showed 20.7% and 20.9%, respectively. Additionally, among allergens categories, notable allergen occurrence was as follows: 38.3% corn; 28.7% potatoes; 22.7% duck; 24.4%,codfish; 31.2% animal wool; 95.6% Aspergillus fumigatus ; 31.9% flea; 41.8% oak; and 25.0% sheep's sorrel grass., Conclusion: This study showcases the frequency of 60 allergens in six provinces detected in dogs with CAD; most likely from food or the environment using serological ELISA kits. Environmental sensitizer results can be considered for humans suffering from allergies to avoid a similar environment. A large-scale study can be performed to evaluate the allergens in the state. However, neither a skin test nor feed analysis was conducted, which is a limitation of this study., Competing Interests: YP, JiC, and HO are the employees of HUVET Co. Ltd. Korea., (Copyright: © Adam, et al.)

Background: Lymphoma-associated malignant pleural effusions (L-MPE) can mimic tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) characterized by lymphocytic exudate with high adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels. Furthermore, the low cytological yield of L-MPE makes differentiation between L-MPE and TPE more challenging. However, there are few data regarding differential diagnosis of L-MPE and TPE., Methods: All consecutive patients diagnosed with L-MPE or TPE between January 2011 and December 2016 were retrospectively recruited using the Electronic Medical Record database. Clinical symptoms and laboratory and pleural fluid data [including serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein, and pleural fluid ADA levels] were compared between L-MPE and TPE. Useful variables in the differential diagnosis of L-MPE and TPE were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis., Results: Seventeen patients with L-MPE and 216 patients with TPE were included in this study. In the multivariate analysis, fever was negatively associated with L-MPE [odds ratio (OR): 0.175, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.033-0.941, P=0.042], while serum LDH levels were positively associated with L-MPE (OR: 1.005, 95% CI: 1.003-1.007, P<0.001). Serum LDH >460 U/L provided a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 81% to distinguish L-MPE and TPE. In contrast, serum C-reactive protein and pleural fluid ADA levels were not significantly different between the groups., Conclusions: Patients with L-MPE and TPE present very similar clinical, laboratory, and pleural fluid characteristics. Fever and serum LDH levels may be helpful in guiding the differential diagnosis of L-MPE and TPE. Lymphoma should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis in patients with lymphocytic pleural effusion and high ADA levels., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Pedicle screw fixation is the gold standard for the treatment of spinal diseases. However, many studies have reported the issue of loosening pedicle screws after spinal surgery, which is a serious concern. To address this problem, diverse types of pedicle screws have been examined to identify those with good fixation strength and osseointegration in spine bone. The porcine spine is a good alternative for the human spine in the evaluation of pedicle screws due to the anatomical size, mechanical characteristics, and cost. Although several studies have reported that pedicle screws are efficient in the porcine model, no study has described detailed protocols for the evaluation of a pedicle screw using the porcine model. Here, we describe a detailed method for evaluating transpedicular screws using an in vivo porcine lumbar spine model. The technical details for anesthesia, spine surgery, and harvest provided here will facilitate with the evaluation of the transpedicular screw fixation model.

Red ginseng and its extracts have been used as traditional medicines and functional foods in countries worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine the bioavailability of pectin lyase-modified red ginseng extracts (GS-E3D), and the effects of GS-E3D on adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, as well as on metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver in high-fat diet fed obese C57BL/6 mice. Mice were divided into 5 groups: normal diet group, high fat diet-vehicle group, high fat diet + 0.1 g/kg GS-E3D (0.1-GS-E3D), high fat diet + 0.3 g/kg (0.3-GS-E3D), high fat diet + 1.0 g/kg (1.0-GS-E3D). Treatment of GS-E3D reduced differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with low cytotoxicity. In the animal model, compared to the high fat diet control, serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG, and leptin level were reduced in treatment animals in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we found that GS-E3D could decrease total hepatic lipid droplets. These results suggest that GS-E3D, as a dietary supplement, has beneficial effects on obesity and may have useful effects in health-care products.

It has been generally accepted that calcium intake prevents bone loss, and frequent fracture resulted from osteoporosis. However, it is still elusive as to how effective sole calcium intake is in preventing or attenuating the severity of osteoporosis. Here, we demonstrate the effects of eggshell-casein phosphopeptide (ES-CPP), and compared these effects those of calcium supplement, for restoring ovariectomy-mediated bone loss. CPP, synthesized from the hydrolysis of casein (0.5%) using trypsin, was added to the grinded ES and was then administered to the ovariectomized (OVX) rat at 100 mg/kg for 4 weeks. Urine and feces from each group were collected each day, and were used to calculate the apparent calcium absorption rate in a day. After 4 weeks incubation, blood and femoral bones were isolated for the analysis of parameters representing osteoporosis. The apparent calcium absorption rate was significantly increased in the ES-CPP treated groups, in comparison to both the OVX and the commercial calcium supplement (CCS) treated group. Notably, treatment with ES-CPP markedly enhanced the calcium content in femoral bone and the relative weight of femoral bone to body weight, though calcium content in serum was barely changed by treatment with ES-CPP. Parameters of osteoporosis, such as osteocalcin in serum and bone mineral density, were rescued by treatment with ES-CPP, compared to treatment with commercial calcium supplement. This finding strongly suggests the possible use of ES-CPP in preventing or attenuating the severity of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Among several diagnostic tests, a Helicobacter pylori stool antigen (HpSA) test may offer a useful noninvasive method for diagnosing infection without sacrificing animals. In this study, male C57BL/6 mice (n=6) were infected with H. pylori ATCC 49503 (1×10(8) CFU/mouse) by intragastric inoculation three times at 2-day intervals, and H. pylori infected stool specimens were collected 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 days after infection to assess reliability of the HpSA test. Five of six specimens were positive at 5-21 days after infection, and the sensitivity of the HpSA test was 83.33%. The presence of H. pylori infection was confirmed by the rapid urease test and genomic DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and showed the same results as the HpSA. However, the rapid urease test and genomic DNA PCR are invasive tests and require animal sacrifice to detect H. pylori in gastric biopsy samples. We suggest that an HpSA test kit would be useful and effective for monitoring H. pylori in various laboratory animals, as H. pylori can be easily monitored without sacrificing animals.

As malfunction/absence of immune cells causes a variety of immunosuppressive disorders and chemical synthetic drugs for curing these diseases have many adverse effects, vigorous studies are being conducted. The Acanthopanax family has been used as traditional medicines for gastric ulcer, diabetes, etc. and culinary materials in East-South Asia. In this study, the immunostimulating properties of A. sessiliflorus were evaluated. A. sessiliflorus increased not only the splenocyte number but also immune-related cytokines such as TNF-α. However, it could not upregulate the expressions of IFN-γ and IL-2. A. sessiliflorus increased the swimming time, and comparison of organ weights relative to body weights for immune-related organs such as the spleen and thymus after a forced swim test showed that it could recover the spleen and thymus weights. It also increased the expression of TNF-α and slightly increased the concentration of IFN-γ but not IL-2. From the results, we concluded that as A. sessiliflorus has not only a host defense effect but also a stress-ameliorating property, further study it will be a promising material of immunostimulating material.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent disorder that affects millions of men worldwide. ED is now considered an early manifestation of atherosclerosis, and consequently, a precursor of systemic vascular disease. This study was designed to investigate the effects of male silkworm pupa powder (SWP) on the levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, nitrite, and glutathione (GSH); lipid peroxidation; libido; and erectile response of the corpus cavernosum of the rat penis. We induced ED in the study animals by oral administration of 20% ethanol over 8 weeks. The SWP-treated male rats were divided into 3 groups that were orally administered 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. The libido of the SWP-administered male rats was higher than that of the ethanol control group. In addition, the erectile response of the corpus cavernosum was restored in males on SWP administration, to a level similar to that of the normal group without ED. The testosterone concentration did not increase significantly. The lipid peroxidation in the corpus cavernosum of the male rats administered SWP decreased significantly. In contrast, compared to the ethanol group, SWP-administered male rats showed increased GSH levels in the corpus cavernosum. The level of nitrite and NOS expression in the corpus cavernosum of SWP-administered male rats increased significantly. These results indicated that SWP effectively restored ethanol-induced ED in male rats.

Yerba Mate, derived from the leaves of the tree, Ilex paraguariensis, is widely-used as a tea or as an ingredient in formulated foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Yerba Mate extract on weight loss, obesity-related biochemical parameters, and diabetes in high-fat diet-fed mice.To this end, by using in vivo animal models of dietary-induced obesity, we have made the interesting observations that Yerba Mate has the ability to decrease the differentiation of pre-adipocytes and to reduce the accumulation of lipids in adipocytes, both of which contribute to a lower growth rate of adipose tissue, lower body weight gain, and obesity. Our data from in vivo studies revealed that Yerba Mate treatment affects food intake, resulting in higher energy expenditure, likely as a result of higher basal metabolism in Yerba Mate-treated mice. Furthermore, in vivo effects of Yerba Mate on lipid metabolism included reductions in serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and glucose concentrations in mice that were fed a high fat diet. In conclusion, Yerba Mate can potentially be used to treat obesity and diabetes.

Constipation is one of the most common functional digestive complaints worldwide. We investigated the laxative effects of figs (Ficus carica L) in a beagle model of constipation induced by high protein diet and movement restriction. The experiments were consecutively conducted over 9 weeks divided into 3 periods of 3 weeks each. All 15 beagles were subjected to a non-treatment (control) period, a constipation induction period, and a fig paste treatment period. We administered fig paste (12 g/kg daily, by gavage) for 3 weeks following a 3-week period of constipation induction in dogs. Segmental colonic transit time (CTT) was measured by counting radiopaque markers (Kolomark) using a radiograph performed every 6 h after feeding Kolomark capsules, until capsules were no longer observed. Fig paste significantly increased fecal quantity in constipated dogs, and segmental CTT was also reduced following fig paste administration. There were no significant differences in feed intake, water intake, body weight, or blood test results, between the constipation and fig paste administration periods. Our results demonstrate that fig is an effective treatment for constipation in beagles. Specifically, stool weight increased and segmental CTT decreased. Fig pastes may be useful as a complementary medicine in humans suffering from chronic constipation.