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Increasing evidence suggests a significant impact of higher psychological well-being (PWB) on health outcomes; however, such associations have been studied exclusively in middle-aged to older adults. This study examined the aging effect on PWB measures as well as the moderating effect of age on the link between PWB and inflammation, using salivary markers by comparing the younger adults (n = 127; M

BackgroundPatients with severe asthma may present with characteristics representing overlapping phenotypes, making them eligible for more than one class of biologic. Our aim was to describe the profile of adult patients with severe asthma eligible for both anti-IgE and anti-IL5/5R and to compare the effectiveness of both classes of treatment in real life.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study that included adult patients with severe asthma from 22 countries enrolled into the International Severe Asthma registry (ISAR) who were eligible for both anti-IgE and anti-IL5/5R. The effectiveness of anti-IgE and anti-IL5/5R was compared in a 1:1 matched cohort. Exacerbation rate was the primary effectiveness endpoint. Secondary endpoints included long-term-oral corticosteroid (LTOCS) use, asthma-related emergency room (ER) attendance, and hospital admissions.ResultsIn the matched analysis (n = 350/group), the mean annualized exacerbation rate decreased by 47.1% in the anti-IL5/5R group and 38.7% in the anti-IgE group. Patients treated with anti-IL5/5R were less likely to experience a future exacerbation (adjusted IRR 0.76; 95% CI 0.64, 0.89; p ConclusionsIn real life, both anti-IgE and anti-IL5/5R improve asthma outcomes in patients eligible for both biologic classes; however, anti-IL5/5R was superior in terms of reducing asthma exacerbations and LTOCS use. Background: Patients with severe asthma may present with characteristics representing overlapping phenotypes, making them eligible for more than one class of biologic. Our aim was to describe the profile of adult patients with severe asthma eligible for both anti-IgE and anti-IL5/5R and to compare the effectiveness of both classes of treatment in real life. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study that included adult patients with severe asthma from 22 countries enrolled into the International Severe Asthma registry (ISAR) who were eligible for both anti-IgE and anti-IL5/5R. The effectiveness of anti-IgE and anti-IL5/5R was compared in a 1:1 matched cohort. Exacerbation rate was the primary effectiveness endpoint. Secondary endpoints included long-term-oral corticosteroid (LTOCS) use, asthma-related emergency room (ER) attendance, and hospital admissions. Results: In the matched analysis (n = 350/group), the mean annualized exacerbation rate decreased by 47.1% in the anti-IL5/5R group and 38.7% in the anti-IgE group. Patients treated with anti-IL5/5R were less likely to experience a future exacerbation (adjusted IRR 0.76; 95% CI 0.64, 0.89; p < 0.001) and experienced a greater reduction in mean LTOCS dose than those treated with anti-IgE (37.44% vs. 20.55% reduction; p = 0.023). There was some evidence to suggest that patients treated with anti-IL5/5R experienced fewer asthma-related hospitalizations (IRR 0.64; 95% CI 0.38, 1.08), but not ER visits (IRR 0.94, 95% CI 0.61, 1.43). Conclusions: In real life, both anti-IgE and anti-IL5/5R improve asthma outcomes in patients eligible for both biologic classes; however, anti-IL5/5R was superior in terms of reducing asthma exacerbations and LTOCS use.

BACKGROUND In order to successfully treat scabies and to prevent its spread, it is important to identify the factors that can influence the outcome of scabies treatment. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to evaluate the risk factors associated with treatment resistance scabies during use of an effective topical medication. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients with scabies infestations confirmed by potassium hydroxide (KOH) examinations. Patient characteristics, clinical features and treatment history were collected. The treatment resistance group included patients with persistent scabies infestations for more than 28 days after initiation of antiscabies treatment with 5% permethrin cream. RESULTS In total, 138 patients with scabies infestations treated between January 2017 and December 2020 were included in this study. Of these, 100 (72.5%) patients were treated successfully, while 38 (27.5%) patients experienced treatment resistance. In the univariable analysis, risk factors for treatment resistance scabies included impaired cognitive function (OR = 2.66, 95% CI, 1.15-6.14), limited mobility (OR = 2.97, 95% CI, 1.30-6.83), inpatient status (vs. outpatient, OR = 3.3, 95% CI, 1.28-8.54), topical steroid use before diagnosis (OR = 3.52, 95% CI, 1.61-7.81), systemic steroid use before diagnosis (OR = 3.57, 95% CI, 1.26-10.34) and a positive KOH exam after the first treatment (OR = 7.25, 95% CI, 3.24-17.11). In the multivariable analysis, limited mobility (OR = 3.46, 95% CI, 1.02-12.11) and topical steroid use before diagnosis (OR = 3.65, 95% CI, 1.41-9.75) were significant predictive factors for treatment resistance scabies. CONCLUSIONS Scabies patients with limited mobility and topical steroid use before diagnosis are at high risk of treatment resistance. Dermatologists should take these findings into consideration when treating patients with scabies infestations.

Fas‐associated factor 1 (FAF1) has gained a reputation as a member of the FAS death‐inducing signalling complex. However, the role of FAF1 in the immunity response is not fully understood. Here, we report that, in the human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell line ARPE‐19 cells, FAF1 expression level was downregulated by Toxoplasma gondii infection, and PI3K/AKT inhibitors reversed T. gondii‐induced FAF1 downregulation. In silico analysis for the FAF1 promoter sequence showed the presence of a FOXO response element (FRE), which is a conserved binding site for FOXO1 transcription factor. In accordance with the finding, FOXO1 overexpression potentiated, whereas FOXO1 depletion inhibited intracellular FAF1 expression level. We also found that FAF1 downregulation by T. gondii is correlated with enhanced IRF3 transcription activity. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathway with specific inhibitors had no effect on the level of T. gondii‐induced IRF3 phosphorylation but blocked IRF3 nuclear import and ISGs transcription. These results suggest that T. gondii can downregulate host FAF1 in PI3K/AKT/FOXO1‐dependent manner, and the event is essential for IRF3 nuclear translocation to active the transcription of ISGs and thereby T. gondii proliferation.

Objective To investigate the effect of local injection of mineralized hybrid nanoparticles loading dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) complex (P-NPs) on the bone remodeling on atrophic alveolar ridges (AAR) ahead of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Settings and sample population Four beagles were randomly allocated into Group C (OTM only) and Group NP (OTM with P-NPs injection). Experimental model of AAR was prepared in 8 mandibular quadrants after extraction of the third premolars (n=4 per Group). Materials and methods Reciprocal traction of the second and fourth premolars was performed toward AAR for 8 weeks. P-NPs were prepared by loading recombinant DMP-1 and MMP-13 complex into calcium carbonate (CaCO3 )-mineralized hybrid nanoparticles, and injected at 0, 3, 6 weeks. The rate of OTM and the bone remodeling characteristics were compared between Groups using fluorescent microscopic analysis and micro-structural histomorphometric analysis. Results Group NP revealed higher bone volume fraction and higher trabecular ratio with lower bone mineral density than Group C on AAR area. Meanwhile, the root movement towards AAR was facilitated in Group NP representing more bodily movement than Group C. Conclusion Non-invasive intervention of P-NPs injection suggested a clinical potential to facilitate translational movement into the AAR with sustaining woven bone-like microstructural environment.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of uncontrolled diabetes. The pathogenesis of DPN is associated with chronic inflammation in dorsal root ganglion (DRG), eventually causing structural and functional changes. Studies on DPN have primarily focused on neuronal component, and there is limited knowledge about the role of satellite glial cells (SGCs), although they completely enclose neuronal soma in DRG. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is a pro-inflammatory acute-phase protein found in high levels in diverse neuroinflammatory and metabolic disorders. In diabetic DRG, the expression of LCN2 was increased exclusively in the SGCs. This upregulation of LCN2 in SGCs correlated with increased inflammatory responses in DRG and sciatic nerve. Furthermore, diabetes-induced inflammation and morphological changes in DRG, as well as sciatic nerve, were attenuated in Lcn2 knockout (KO) mice. Lcn2 gene ablation also ameliorated neuropathy phenotype as determined by nerve conduction velocity and intraepidermal nerve fiber density. Mechanistically, studies using specific gene KO mice, adenovirus-mediated gene overexpression strategy, and primary cultures of DRG SGCs and neurons have demonstrated that LCN2 enhances the expression of mitochondrial gate-keeping regulator pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-2 (PDK2) through PPARβ/δ, thereby inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and increasing production of glycolytic end product lactic acid in DRG SGCs and neurons of diabetic mice. Collectively, our findings reveal a crucial role of glial LCN2-PPARβ/δ-PDK2-lactic acid axis in progression of DPN. Our results establish a link between pro-inflammatory LCN2 and glycolytic PDK2 in DRG SGCs and neurons and propose a novel glia-based mechanism and drug target for therapy of DPN. MAIN POINTS: Diabetes upregulates LCN2 in satellite glia, which in turn increases pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-2 (PDK2) expression and lactic acid production in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Glial LCN2-PDK2-lactic acid axis in DRG plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy.

Game development artifacts resulting from the creation process of video games, such as design documents, style guides, test builds, and marketing materials, provide rich contextual informa...

Introduction The association between nutrition and oral health has been studied in the elderly. This study aimed to examine the impacts of undernutrition and the mothers' socioeconomic and oral health statuses on the incidence of dental caries in Korean preschool children. Methods Data of 610 children aged 3-5 years and their mothers who underwent oral examinations and responded to the questionnaires in the 6th KNAHNES were used. Caries prevalence was measured by dft and dt among the primary teeth in children and DMFT among mothers. Dietary reference intake values were used to evaluate nutritional status, a nutritional quality index and the mean nutrient adequacy ratio. Complex sample correlation analysis was performed by using children's dft and dt statuses as dependent variables. Multilevel linear regression was applied to investigate the impacts of undernutrition and mothers' socioeconomic and oral health status on children's dft and dt statuses. Statistical significance was set as P Results Factors significantly related to dft in children were age and food. Food insecurity was the only factor significantly associated with dt in children. Children's sex and mother's DMFT were likely to be relevant to dft in children. Children's age and a nutritional quality index value less than 1 were also likely to be relevant to the dt of children. Conclusions Children with an undernourished status had a higher caries experience. A comprehensive community dental health promotion programme should be developed to prevent the incidence of dental caries in vulnerable undernourished children.

A low lymphocyte count puts immune-compromised patients at risk of mortality. hIL-7-hyFc is a homodimeric interleukin-7 (IL-7), a potent T-cell amplifier, fused to the hybridizing IgD/IgG4 immunoglobulin domain. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation, phase I study to assess the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity profiles of hIL-7-hyFc administered s.c. and i.m. to healthy volunteers. Thirty subjects randomly received hIL-7-hyFc or its matching placebo in an 8:2 ratio at 20, 60 μg/kg s.c., or 60 μg/kg i.m. The hIL-7-hyFc was slowly absorbed and its terminal half-life was 63.26 hours after i.m. administration. The hIL-7-hyFc increased absolute lymphocyte count, mostly in T-cells, which peaked 3 weeks after administration and then lasted for several additional weeks. The hIL-7-hyFc was well-tolerated after a single s.c. and i.m. administration. Injection site reaction was the most common treatment-emergent adverse event, which resolved spontaneously without treatment. The hIL-7-hyFc can be developed into a beneficial treatment option for patients with compromised T-cell immunity. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02860715.

Lignin is the second most earth-abundant biopolymer having aromatic unit structures, but it has received less attention than other natural biomaterials. Recent advances in the development of lignin-based materials, such as mesoporous carbon, flexible thin films, and fiber matrix, have found their way into applications to photovoltaic devices, energy-storage systems, mechanical energy harvesters, and catalytic components. In this Review, we summarize and suggest another dimension of lignin valorization as a building block for the synthesis of functional materials in the fields of energy and environmental applications. We cover lignin-based materials in the photovoltaic and artificial photosynthesis for solar energy conversion applications. The most recent technological evolution in lignin-based triboelectric nanogenerators is summarized from its fundamental properties to practical implementations. Lignin-derived catalysts for solar-to-heat conversion and oxygen reduction are discussed. For energy-storage applications, we describe the utilization of lignin-based materials in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors (e.g., electrodes, binders, and separators). We also summarize the use of lignin-based materials as heavy-metal adsorbents for environmental remediation. This Review paves the way to future potentials and opportunities of lignin as a renewable material for energy and environmental applications.

Background and objective PPFE is characterized by fibrosis in the pleura and subpleural lung parenchyma in the upper lobes, while other types of ILD, mainly UIP, can be observed in about half of the patients in their lower lobes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of the radiologically defined PPFE in patients with IPF. Methods Clinical data and chest CT images were retrospectively analysed in 445 patients with IPF (biopsy-proven cases, n = 165). The radiological criteria of PPFE were defined as follows: (i) bilateral subpleural dense fibrosis with or without pleural thickening in the upper lobes, (ii) evidence of disease progression and (iii) no clinical evidence of identifiable aetiologies. Results The median follow-up period was 43.0 months. The mean age of the patients was 66.4 years and 76.4% were male. PPFE was identified in 28 patients (6.3%). The PPFE group showed lower BMI and lung function (FVC and TLC) at baseline, more frequent pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum, higher decline rates in lung function and poorer prognosis during follow-up than the no-PPFE group. PPFE was an independent risk factor (HR = 2.953, 95% CI: 1.350-6.460, P = 0.007) for pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum, but not for mortality in patients with IPF. Conclusion Among patients with IPF, the PPFE group, when compared to the no-PPFE group, showed lower BMI and lung function and showed more frequent complications and poorer survival during follow-up.

Libraries play a central role for youth and digital learning. As libraries transition to learning spaces, youth librarians can engage in aspects of democratic design that empowers youth. P...

Finely controlled circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) supramolecular polymerization based on a tetraphenylethene core with four l- or d-alanine branch side chains (l-1 and d-1) in the solution state is presented, resulting from the tuning of mechanical stimulus. Weak, green emissions of l-1 and d-1 in tetrahydrofuran (THF) were converted into strong blue emissions by tuning the mechanical stimulus. The strong blue emissions were caused by an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect during the formation of a supramolecular polymer. Lag time in the supramolecular polymerization was drastically reduced by the mechanical stimulus, which was indicative of the acceleration of the supramolecular polymerization. A significant enhancement of circular dichroism (CD) and CPL signals of l-1 and d-1 was observed by tuning the rotational speed of the mechanical stimulus, implying that the chiral supramolecular polymerization was accelerated by the mechanical stimulus.

Bromelain (BR), a protease extracted from Ananas comosus, reportedly possesses pharmacological activities including the reduction of thrombogenesis, and antihypertensive, and antimicrobial effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of BR on oral cancer cells. The effect of BR on the viability of Ca9‐22 and SCC25 cells was determined using the MTT assay. These cells were also treated with different doses of BR, and Western blotting was conducted to monitor apoptosis. Finally, flow cytometry analysis was performed to identify sub‐G1 populations of oral cancer cells. After treatment, the viability of both Ca9‐22 and SCC25 cells was markedly reduced, in a dose‐dependent manner. BR induced poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and lamin A/C degradation, and generated cleavage products. Flow cytometry analysis showed that BR treatment significantly increased the sub‐G1 population. Our findings therefore indicate that BR has potential as a novel, natural anticarcinogenic medicine.

The dopamine D2 receptor encoded by DRD2 has been implicated in multiple psychiatric disorders, mediated at least in part by two intronic variants affecting mRNA splicing, rs1076560 and rs2283265, and a less frequent enhancer variant, rs12364283, which increases DRD2 mRNA expression. This study tests whether these functionally validated variants confer susceptibility towards heroin addiction in a Pakistani population. A total of 540 heroin addicts and 467 healthy controls were genotyped, basic allele and genotype tests were performed. Neither rs1076560 nor rs2283265 significantly associated with heroin addiction. The enhancer rs12364283 occurs more frequently in heroin-dependent cases than controls (MAF 13% versus 7%, respectively), revealing significant association with heroin addiction (p=3.0E-06, OR 2.1). This study identifies rs12364283 of DRD2 as a potential risk factor for heroin addiction in the Pakistani study population. This enhancer variant had previously been shown to increase DRD2 mRNA expression (Zhang et al. 2007), a possible factor in increased vulnerability to heroin addiction. Further studies are needed to validate this association of rs12364283.

Introduction Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2α analogue, which has been used as a first-line drug for open-angle glaucoma. Common side effects of latanoprost include hyperpigmentation. While it usually occurs on irides or periocular skin, diffuse facial hyperpigmentation is rarely reported. Case presentation A 71-year-old woman was presented with diffuse gray-brown colored maculopatches on her face. The symptom appeared 1 week after she started to use latanoprost eye drops for glaucoma. Biopsy specimen revealed vacuolar degeneration of dermo-epidermal junction and pigment incontinence in dermis. Objective The aim of this paper is to introduce a rare adverse effect of latanoprost and effective way of treatment. Methods We stopped her from using latanoprost. She was also treated with 532-nm potassium titanyl phosphate laser and low-fluence 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, while using topical agents. Result After 10 weeks, we observed hyperpigmentation of her face was effectively and safely treated. The patient was satisfied with the result. Conclusion Diffuse facial pigmentation could be one of the latanoprost-induced adverse effects and the laser treatments with topical agents we used can make it improve faster.

The functional and physical interaction between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has been the subject of intense study. To test the effect of this interaction on macrophage inflammatory activation, the human macrophage-like monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 was treated with oligomycin, rotenone, or sodium azide, which induce mitochondrial dysfunction (MD) by blocking the electron transport chain (ETC). MD induced by these agents triggered activation of various sensors and markers of ER stress. This linkage affected macrophage function since LPS-induced expression of IL-23 was enhanced by the MD inducers, and this enhancing effect was abolished by inhibition of pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) activity. This MD-mediated ER stress may be universal since it was observed in human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells and colon cancer SW480 cells. On the other hand, MD regulated LPS-induced activation of the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway in a manner not affected by inhibition of PERK or inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) activities. These results indicate that the occurrence of MD can lead to ER stress and these two events, separately or in combination, can affect various cellular processes.

Objectives Emerging oncotherapeutic strategies require the induction of an immunostimulatory tumor microenvironment (TME) containing numerous tumor‐reactive CD8+ T cells. Interleukin‐7 (IL‐7), a T‐cell homeostatic cytokine, induces an antitumor response; however, the detailed mechanisms underlying the contributions of the IL‐7 to TME remain unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the induction of antitumor response by hybrid Fc‐fused long‐acting recombinant human IL‐7 (rhIL‐7‐hyFc) through regulation of both adaptive and innate immune cells in the TME. Methods We evaluated rhIL‐7‐hyFc‐mediated antitumor responses in murine syngeneic tumor models. We analysed the cellular and molecular features of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and changes in the TME after rhIL‐7‐hyFc treatment. Furthermore, we evaluated the antitumor efficacy of rhIL‐7‐hyFc combined with chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Results Systemic delivery of rhIL‐7‐hyFc induced significant therapeutic benefits by expanding CD8+ T cells with enhanced tumor tropism. In tumors, rhIL‐7‐hyFc increased both tumor‐reactive and bystander CD8+ TILs, all of which displayed enhanced effector functions but less exhausted phenotypes. Moreover, rhIL‐7‐hyFc suppressed the generation of immunosuppressive myeloid cells in the bone marrow of tumor‐bearing mice, resulting in the immunostimulatory TME. Combination therapy with chemotherapy and CPIs, rhIL‐7‐hyFc elicited a strong antitumor response and even under a T lymphopenic condition by restoring CD8+ T cells. When combined with chemotherapy and CPIs, rhIL‐7‐hyFc administration enhanced antitumor response under intact andlymphopenic conditions by restoring CD8+ T cells. Conclusion Taken together, these data demonstrate that rhIL‐7‐hyFc induces antitumor responses by generating T‐cell‐inflamed TME and provide a preclinical proof of concept of immunotherapy with rhIL‐7‐hyFc to enhance therapeutic responses in the clinic., In this study, we found that a systemic administration of a hybrid Fc‐fused long‐acting recombinant human IL‐7 (rhIL‐7‐hyFc) induces antitumor activity by promoting an inflamed tumor microenvironment. rhIL‐7‐hyFc significantly augments CD8+ T‐cell responses while inhibiting the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells in tumors. This finding suggests that rhIL‐7‐hyFc can be a potential new cytokine‐based agent for cancer immunotherapy.

Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma (MCAH) is a rare cutaneous disease entity characterized by multiple red-to-brown or violaceous papules usually located on the acral regions, such as the face and the distal arms and legs. It affects elderly women more than men and rarely occurs at a young age. The exact pathogenic mechanism of MCAH is not yet clearly understood. We report an exceptionally rare case of a 14-year-old boy who presented with multiple asymptomatic erythematous papules and a single flat brownish plaque on the left chest. The brownish plaque lesion histologically showed proliferation of dilated small vessels in the upper-mid dermis and numerous oddly shaped multinucleate cells intermingled with lymphocytes and macrophages. The erythematous papules also showed dilated small vessels in the upper-mid dermis and multiple interstitial histiocytic infiltrations, but no multinucleate cells were detected. In immunohistochemistry studies, CD68 and vimentin staining were positive for both specimens. Based on the clinicopathological findings and immunohistochemistry studies, MCAH was diagnosed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of MCAH occurring in young age and showing two different clinical and histological phases at the same time.

Microenvironment, such as hypoxia common to cancer, plays a critical role in the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) program, which is a major route of cancer metastasis and confers γ‐radiation resistance to cells. Herein, we showed that transgelin 2 (TAGLN2), an actin‐binding protein, is significantly induced in hypoxic lung cancer cells and that Snail1 is simultaneously increased, which induces EMT by downregulating E‐cadherin expression. Forced TAGLN2 expression induced severe cell death; however, a small population of cells surviving after forced TAGLN2 overexpression showed γ‐radiation resistance, which might promote tumor relapse and recurrence. These surviving cells showed high metastatic activity with an increase of EMT markers including Snail1. In these cells, TAGLN2 activated the insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor β (IGF1Rβ)/PI3K/AKT pathway by recruitment of focal adhesion kinase to the IGF1R signaling complex. Activation of the IGF1Rβ/PI3K/AKT pathway also induced inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), which is involved in Snail1 stabilization. Therefore, both the IGF1Rβ inhibitor (AG1024) and the PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) or AKT inactivation with MK2206 lower the cellular level of Snail1. Involvement of GSK3β was also confirmed by treatment with lithium chloride, the inducer of GSK3β phosphorylation, or MG132, the 26S proteasomal inhibitor, which also stabilized Snail1. In conclusion, the present study provides important evidence that hypoxia‐inducible TAGLN2 is involved in the selection of cancer cells with enhanced EMT properties to overcome the detrimental environment of cancer cells.

Summary Jatropha curcas (physic nut), a non‐edible oilseed crop, represents one of the most promising alternative energy sources due to its high seed oil content, rapid growth and adaptability to various environments. We report ~339 Mbp draft whole genome sequence of J. curcas var. Chai Nat using both the PacBio and Illumina sequencing platforms. We identified and categorized differentially expressed genes related to biosynthesis of lipid and toxic compound among four stages of seed development. Triacylglycerol (TAG), the major component of seed storage oil, is mainly synthesized by phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase in Jatropha, and continuous high expression of homologs of oleosin over seed development contributes to accumulation of high level of oil in kernels by preventing the breakdown of TAG. A physical cluster of genes for diterpenoid biosynthetic enzymes, including casbene synthases highly responsible for a toxic compound, phorbol ester, in seed cake, was syntenically highly conserved between Jatropha and castor bean. Transcriptomic analysis of female and male flowers revealed the up‐regulation of a dozen family of TFs in female flower. Additionally, we constructed a robust species tree enabling estimation of divergence times among nine Jatropha species and five commercial crops in Malpighiales order. Our results will help researchers and breeders increase energy efficiency of this important oil seed crop by improving yield and oil content, and eliminating toxic compound in seed cake for animal feed.

In Korea, there is a high dependency on oriental medicine and folk remedies (Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol, 25, 2005, 110). In addition, inaccurate information available through the Internet is increasing (Korean J Dermatol, 44, 2006, 137). So, there is always a possibility that patients may have difficulty obtaining accurate information about atopic dermatitis (AD). The aim was to determine the awareness, treatment behavior and treatment satisfaction of patients with AD and their caregivers. In October 2017, patients diagnosed with AD at nine hospitals were enrolled in this study. A questionnaire was completed by each patient. A total of 371 subjects were surveyed. In response to the question asking about knowledge of AD, the correct answer rate was 55.4%. Bathing using soap, body scrub and moisturizer showed favorable outcomes. A total of 54.9% patients responded that they were reluctant to use steroid ointment. When asked about their previous treatment, 39.6% reported using oriental medicine and 26.5% had tried folk remedies. The hospital treatment satisfaction score was 6.6. Patients usually applied their knowledge in their daily lives. However, there was a lot of inaccurate knowledge. Therefore, it is important for patients to understand the characteristics of this disease and obtain correct information.

Background and aim Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling play significant roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Thus, we evaluated whether new therapeutic probiotics have anti-colitic effects, and we investigated their mechanisms related to NF-κB and ER-stress pathways. Methods Luciferase, nitric oxide, and cytokine assays using HT-29 or RAW264.7 cells were conducted. Mouse colitis was induced using dextran sulfate sodium and confirmed by disease activity index and histology. Macrophages and T-cell subsets in isolated peritoneal cavity cells and splenocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. Gene and cytokine expression profiles were determined using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA1) and Pediococcus pentosaceus inhibited nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells, but only LA1 inhibited Tnfa and induced Il10 expression. LA1 increased the lifespan of dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice and attenuated the severity of colitis by inducing M2 macrophages in peritoneal cavity cells and Th2 and Treg cells in splenocytes. The restoration of goblet cells in the colon was accompanied by the induction of Il10 expression and the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, we found that LA1 exerts an anti-colitic effect by improving ER stress in HT-29 cells as well as in vivo. Conclusions We showed that LA1 significantly interferes with ER stress and suppresses NF-κB activation. Our findings suggest that LA1 can be used as a potent immunomodulator in IBD treatment, and the regulation of ER stress may have significant implications in treating IBD.

Biocatalytic transformation has received increasing attention in the green synthesis of chemicals because of the diversity of enzymes, their high catalytic activities and specificities, and mild reaction conditions. The idea of solar energy utilization in chemical synthesis through the combination of photocatalysis and biocatalysis provides an opportunity to make the "green" process greener. Oxidoreductases catalyze redox transformation of substrates by exchanging electrons at the enzyme's active site, often with the aid of electron mediator(s) as a counterpart. Recent progress indicates that photoinduced electron transfer using organic (or inorganic) photosensitizers can activate a wide spectrum of redox enzymes to catalyze fuel-forming reactions (e.g., H2 evolution, CO2 reduction) and synthetically useful reductions (e.g., asymmetric reduction, oxygenation, hydroxylation, epoxidation, Baeyer-Villiger oxidation). This Review provides an overview of recent advances in light-driven activation of redox enzymes through direct or indirect transfer of photoinduced electrons.

Background Multiple variants in SNCA, encoding alpha‐synuclein, a main component of Lewy bodies, are implicated in Parkinson's disease. Methods We searched for cis‐acting SNCA variants using allelic mRNA ratios in human brain tissues. In a SNCA 3′UTR (2,520 bp) luciferase reporter gene assay, translation in SH‐SY5Y cells in the presence of the rs17016074 G/A alleles was measured. To assess clinical impact, we queried neurocognitive genome‐wide association studies. Results Allelic ratios deviated up to twofold, measured at a marker SNP in the middle of a long 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR), but not at a marker at its start, suggesting regulation of 3′UTR processing. 3′UTR SNP rs17016074 G/A, minor allele frequency (MAF)