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Hae Sun Seo,1,* Sun Haeng Lee,1,* Mi Hong Yim,2 Yoon Kyoung Jeong,3 Gyu Tae Chang,3 Ye-Ji Ahn,4 Jae Dong Lee,5 Won Seok Chung,6 Se Young Ahn,7 Young Min Ahn,7 Byung Cheol Lee,7 Ji-Won Noh,7 Boram Lee8 1Department of Korean Pediatrics, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea; 2Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea; 3Department of Korean Pediatrics, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, South Korea; 4Haeundae Hamsoa Korean Medicine Clinic, Busan, South Korea; 5Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea; 6Department of Korean Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea; 7Department of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea; 8KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Boram Lee, KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34054, South Korea, Tel +82-42-868-9622, Fax +82-42-868-9395, Email qhfka9357@kiom.re.krIntroduction: Integrative Korean medicine treatment (IKM), including herbal medicine (HM) and acupuncture, has been widely used for obesity and overweight in children and adolescents in South Korea. We investigated the real-world usage status and the potential effect of the IKM for obesity and overweight in children and adolescents.Methods: Multicenter medical charts were retrospectively reviewed of obese and overweight children and adolescents who visited Korean medicine institutions with the goal of weight control for the first time and received IKM, to analyze the usage status and effect of IKM. We defined IKM responders as those with an improved obesity grade on the body mass index (BMI) percentile and analyzed their characteristics.Results: Medical charts of 209 patients (183 obese and 26 overweight) with a mean age of 11.45 years were examined. Patients visited the institution a mean of 5.95 times, and HM alone and HM plus acupuncture were frequently used IKM. HM was prescribed to 205 patients, 167 of whom received an HM prescription containing Ephedrae Herba. An HM of the decoction type was prescribed to 189 patients, and the average treatment duration was 76.54 days. After IKM, the percentile and z-score of BMI and weight significantly declined and height percentile and z-score were significantly enhanced, without serious adverse events. In the IKM responders, age, and the proportion of girls and overweight were significantly higher, and the percentile and z-score of height, weight, and BMI were significantly lower.Conclusion: This is the first study to examine the real-world usage of IKM for obesity and overweight in children and adolescents. A significant improvement in obesity-related outcome measures after IKM, illustrated the potential effect of IKM.Keywords: pediatric obesity, childhood overweight, traditional Korean medicine, herbal medicine, acupuncture

Ye Ji Ahn1,2 Tae Hoon Kong1,2 Jin Sil Choi1,2 Wan Su Yun,3 Jaehong Key,3 Young Joon Seo1,21Research Institute of Hearing Enhancement, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, South Korea; 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, South Korea; 3Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju, South KoreaAbstract: Stem cells possess a promising potential in the clinical field. The application and effective delivery of stem cells to the desired target organ or site of injury plays an important role. This review describes strategies on understanding the effective delivery of stem cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) using an external magnet to enhance stem cell migration in vivo and in vitro. Fourteen total publications among 174 articles were selected. Stem cell type, SPION characteristics, labeling time, and magnetic force in vivo are considered important factors affecting the effective delivery of stem cells to the homing site. Most papers reported that the efficiency was increased when magnet is applied compared to those without. Ten studies analyzed the homing competency of SPION-labeled MSCs in vitro by observing the migration of the cell toward the external magnet. In cell-based experiments, the mechanism of magnetic attraction, the kind of nanoparticles, and various stem cells were studied well. Meta-analysis has shown the mean size of nanoparticles and degree of recovery or regeneration of damaged target organs upon in vivo studies. This strategy may provide a guideline for designing studies involving stem cell homing and further expand stem cell.Keywords: stem cells, homing, SPION, magnetic attraction, stem cell therapy, systematic review

The incidence of adjacent segment problems after lumbar fusion has been found to vary, and risk factors for these problems have not been precisely verified, especially based on structural changes determined by magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to describe the incidence and clinical features of adjacent segment disease (ASD) after lumbar fusion and to determine its risk factors. We assessed the incidence of ASD in patients who underwent lumbar or lumbosacral fusions for degenerative conditions between August 1995 and March 2006 with at least a 1-year follow-up. Patients less than 35 years of age at the index spinal fusion, patients with uninstrumented fusion, and patients who had not achieved successful union were excluded. Of the 1069 patients who underwent fusions, 28 (2.62%) needed secondary operations because of ASD and were included in this study. In order to identify the risk factors, we matched a disease group and a control group. The disease group consisted of 26 of the 28 patients with ASD, excluding the 2 patients for whom we did not have initial MRI data. Each patient in the disease group was matched by age, sex, fusion level and follow-up period with a control patient. The assumed risk factors included disc and facet degeneration, instability, listhesis, rotational deformity, and disc wedging. The mean age of the 28 patients with ASD requiring surgical treatment was 58.4 years, which did not differ significantly from that of the population in which ASD did not develop (58.2 years, p = 0.894). Of the 21 patients who underwent floating fusion, only 1 developed distal ASD. Facet degeneration was a significant risk factor (p < 0.01) on logistic regression analysis. The incidence of distal ASD was much lower than that of proximal ASD. Pre-existing facet degeneration may be associated with a high risk of adjacent segment problems following lumbar fusion procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: JX-594 is a targeted oncolytic poxvirus designed to selectively replicate in and destroy cancer cells with cell-cycle abnormalities and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-ras pathway activation. Direct oncolysis plus granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) expression also stimulates shutdown of tumour vasculature and antitumoral immunity. We aimed to assess intratumoral injection of JX-594 in patients with refractory primary or metastatic liver cancer. METHODS: Between Jan 4, 2006, and July 4, 2007, 14 patients with histologically confirmed refractory primary or metastatic liver tumours (up to 10.9 cm total diameter) that were amenable to image-guided intratumoral injections were enrolled into this non-comparative, open-label, phase I dose-escalation trial (standard 3x3 design; two to six patients for each dose with 12-18 estimated total patients). Patients received one of four doses of intratumoral JX-594 (10(8) plaque-forming units [pfu], 3x10(8) pfu, 10(9) pfu, or 3x10(9) pfu) every 3 weeks at Dong-A University Hospital (Busan, South Korea). Patients were monitored after treatment for at least 48 h in hospital and for at least 4 weeks as out-patients. Adverse event-monitoring according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (version 3) and standard laboratory toxicity grading for haematology, liver and renal function, coagulation studies, serum chemistry, and urinalysis were done. The primary aims were to ascertain the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and safety of JX-594 treatment. Data were also collected on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy. Analysis was per protocol. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00629759. FINDINGS: Of 22 patients with liver tumours who were assessed for eligibility, eight patients did not meet inclusion criteria. Therefore, 14 patients, including those with hepatocellular, colorectal, melanoma, and lung cancer, were enrolled. Patients were heavily pretreated (5.6 previous treatments, SD 2.8, range 2.0-12.0) and had large tumours (7.0 cm diameter, SD 2.7, range 1.8-10.9). Patients received a mean of 3.4 (SD 2.2, range 1.0-8.0) cycles of JX-594. All patients were evaluable for toxicity. All patients experienced grade I-III flu-like symptoms, and four had transient grade I-III dose-related thrombocytopenia. Grade III hyperbilirubinaemia was dose-limiting in both patients at the highest dose; the MTD was therefore 1x10(9) pfu. JX-594 replication-dependent dissemination in blood was shown, with resultant infection of non-injected tumour sites. GM-CSF expression resulted in grade I-III increases in neutrophil counts in four of six patients at the MTD. Tumour responses were shown in injected and non-injected tumours. Ten patients were radiographically evaluable for objective responses; non-evaluable patients had contraindications to contrast medium (n=2) or no post-treatment scans (n=2). According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), three patients had partial response, six had stable disease, and one had progressive disease. INTERPRETATION: Intratumoral injection of JX-594 into primary or metastatic liver tumours was generally well-tolerated. Direct hyperbilirubinaemia was the dose-limiting toxicity. Safety was acceptable in the context of JX-594 replication, GM-CSF expression, systemic dissemination, and JX-594 had anti-tumoral effects against several refractory carcinomas. Phase II trials are now underway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) have become public health concerns worldwide. Both conditions have severe consequences and are associated with significant medical costs and productivity loss. Additionally, Helicobacter pylori infection may be a risk factor for the development of these conditions. However, whether eradicating H. pylori infection directly causes weight loss or improves insulin sensitivity is unknown., Methods: In this study, we confirmed the effect of sleeve gastrectomy according to the state of the gastric microbiota in 40 patients with obesity, DM, and H. pylori infection. Patients with obesity were divided into four groups: non-DM without H. pylori infection (ND), non-DM with H. pylori infection (ND-HP), DM, and DM with H. pylori infection (DM-HP) using 16S V3-V4 sequencing., Results: In the DM group, ALT, hemoglobin, HbA1c, blood glucose, and HSI significantly decreased, whereas high-density lipoprotein significantly increased. However, in the H. pylori-positive group, no significant difference was observed. The diversity of gastric microbiota decreased in the order of the ND > DM > ND-HP > DM-HP groups. We also conducted a correlation analysis between the preoperative microbes and clinical data. In the ND-HP group, most of the top 20 gastric microbiota were negatively correlated with glucose metabolism. However, H. pylori infection was positively correlated with pre-insulin levels., Conclusion: Therefore, these findings indicate that patients with obesity and diabetes clearly benefit from surgery, but H. pylori infection may also affect clinical improvement., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Bloodstains found at a crime scene can help estimate the events that occurred during the crime. Reconstructing the crime scene by analyzing the bloodstain pattern contributes to understanding the bloody event. Therefore, it is essential to classify bloodstains through bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) and accurately estimate the actions that took place at that time. In this study, we investigate the potential of using machine learning and deep learning to determine an action related to bloodstain data through the accessment of the corresponding bloodstain type by creating a prototype classification model. There are 14 types of bloodstain according to the classification system based on appearance. In this study, we test the classification potential of each bloodstain data for three bloodstain patterns such as Swing, Cessation, and Impact. Through experiments, it is shown that our prototype classification model for the selected bloodstains is developed and the accuracy of the resulting model is evaluated to be 80 %., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: The corresponding author reports financial support was provided by his government. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans leads to various complications, including spinal cord compression (SCC). Although SCC is a well-known complication in MPS, data comparing its clinical features across different MPS types remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the timing, location, and underlying causes of SCC in MPS, as well as to compare the risk and clinical characteristics by MPS type. We conducted a retrospective cohort study, reviewing the medical records of 183 patients with all types of MPS who were followed at Samsung Medical Center from January 1995 to March 2024. The distribution of patients diagnosed with SCC by MPS type was 33.3% for type I, 10.5% for type II, 55.0% for type IV, and 100% for type VI. The median age at SCC diagnosis was 16.3 years. Compared to type II, the risk of SCC was higher for type I (2.4 times, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9-6.2), type IV (3.5 times; 95% CI: 1.5-8.1), and type VI (4.5 times, 95% CI: 1.2-16.4). Enzyme replacement therapy did not reduce the risk of SCC (P = .70). Moreover, SCC most frequently occurred at the C0 to C4 and T11 to L2 spinal levels. In the cervical spine, ligament thickening, and skeletal deformities were the predominant causes, whereas in the thoracolumbar spine, kyphoscoliosis and intervertebral disc issues were the main contributors. Although there was no significant difference in the location of SCC (P = .99), the underlying causes varied significantly by MPS type (P < .001). SCC is a common complication in MPS, but its risk and pathophysiology vary by MPS type. Therefore, an individualized approach is needed for early detection and appropriate intervention., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

In plants, balancing growth and environmental responses is crucial for maximizing fitness. Close proximity among plants and canopy shade, which negatively impacts reproduction, elicits morphological adjustments such as hypocotyl growth and leaf hyponasty, mainly through changes in light quality and auxin levels. However, how auxin, synthesized from a shaded leaf blade, distally induces elongation of hypocotyl and petiole cells remains to be elucidated. We demonstrated that ASYMMETRIC LEAVES1 (AS1) promotes leaf hyponasty through the regulation of auxin biosynthesis, polar auxin transport, and auxin signaling genes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). AS1 overexpression leads to elongation of the abaxial petiole cells with auxin accumulation in the petiole, resulting in hyponastic growth, which is abolished by the application of an auxin transport inhibitor to the leaf blade. In addition, the as1 mutant exhibits reduced hypocotyl growth under shade conditions. We observed that AS1 protein accumulates in the nucleus in response to shade or far-red light. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis identified the association of AS1 with the promoters of YUCCA8 (YUC8) and INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID INDUCIBLE 19 (IAA19). In addition, AS1 forms complexes with PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs in the nucleus and synergistically induces YUC8 and IAA19 expression. Our findings suggest that AS1 plays a crucial role in facilitating phenotypic plasticity to the surroundings by connecting light and phytohormone action., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Lilies are highly regarded for their ornamental appeal and striking flowers, which are of significant importance in horticulture. Understanding the genetic makeup of these plants is crucial for breeding and developing new cultivars. This study presents a comprehensive cytogenetic analysis of 45 S and 5 S rDNA loci in 34 wild Lilium species. To reveal the genetic relationships within the genus, advanced visualization methods, such as heatmaps and 3D network plots, were utilized. The results of this study identified both conserved and divergent genetic features, which offer insights into the evolutionary history and potential genetic compatibility of these species. Notably, the clustering of species based on rDNA locus patterns highlights the need for potential taxonomic re-evaluation and reveals candidates for cross-breeding. This integrated approach emphasizes the importance of combining cytogenetic data with traditional morphological classifications to refine our understanding of the Lilium species. Future research should expand the range of analyzed species, incorporate additional molecular markers to further elucidate genetic relationships, and support the development of resilient and diverse ornamental crops. The findings of this study provide a novel framework for genetic analysis of Lilium, offering valuable insights for both scientific understanding and practical breeding programs., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to The Genetics Society of Korea.)

As COVID-19 has become endemic, SARS-CoV-2 variants are becoming increasingly diverse, underscoring the escalating importance of global genomic surveillance. This study analyzed 86,762 COVID-19 samples identified in the Republic of Korea from September 2022 to November 2023. The results revealed a consistent increase in the prevalence of the XBB variants following the dominance of BN.1, with various XBB sub-lineages co-circulating in the Republic of Korea. The overall nucleotide diversity (π) among the SARS-CoV-2 genomes was 0.00155. Evolutionary analysis revealed that the average time interval between the first detection and estimated date of the most recent common ancestor of Korean XBB sub-lineages was 47 d, suggesting that the novel variants were efficiently identified in the Korean surveillance system. The mutation rate was determined to be in the range of 5.6 × 10 -4 to 9.1 × 10 -4 substitutions/site/year. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the genetic diversity and evolutionary interpretation of the XBB sub-lineages during the XBB wave in the Republic of Korea, highlighting the importance of continued genomic surveillance for emerging variants., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Rationale: Bertolotti syndrome (BS) is characterized by radiculopathy caused by structural anomalies. Despite the structural deformity, conservative treatment is predominantly recommended due to surgery-related complications. Because of the diagnosis complexity, the incidence and contributing factors of BS, remain controversial. We report the case of a patient with BS who was treated with integrative Korean medicine (IKM). Moreover, we evaluated the epidemiological characteristics of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) from medical records of patients diagnosed with LSTV at 4 different medical clinics of Korean medicine., Patient Concerns: A 33-year-old male patient with low back pain and severe radiculopathy was diagnosed with BS (Castellvi Type II) on magnetic resonance imaging at a local orthopedic clinic. Additionally, the medical records of patients with BS who had been treated with IKM in 4 different institutions of Korean medicine were analyzed, and the characteristics of patients suffering from BS were identified., Diagnoses, Interventions, and Outcomes: The patient underwent IKM treatment for 40 days as an inpatient. The patient's condition was assessed using the Euroqol 5-dimension index and Oswestry Disability Index, and symptom severity was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale. IKM was effective in improving pain and functional disability without causing any adverse effects. In a retrospective review of medical records, the study identified symptom trends reported by patients with LSTV., Lessons: IKM demonstrates potential efficacy in BS management, with notable trends in LSTV-related symptomatology warranting further investigation., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Purpose of Review: To review the current medical therapies available for treatment of obesity in children and adolescents less than 18 years old in the United States and outline the approach to their use., Recent Findings: Obesity is a chronic disease with increasing prevalence in children and adolescents in the United States. Over the past few years, more FDA-approved medical treatments for obesity, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, have emerged for patients less than 18 years old. Furthermore, there are medications with weight loss effects that can be used off-label for obesity in pediatric patients. However, access to many of these medications is limited due to age restrictions, insurance coverage, and cost. Medical options are improving to provide treatment for obesity in pediatric populations. FDA and off-label medications should be considered when appropriate to treat children and adolescents with obesity. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and long-term safety of FDA-approved and off-label medications for obesity treatment in pediatric patients., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Long-term hepatic damage is associated with human morbidity and mortality owing to numerous pathogenic factors. A variety of studies have focused on improving liver health using natural products and herbal medicines. We aimed to investigate the effect of enzyme-treated Zizania latifolia ethanol extract (ETZL), which increases the content of tricin via enzymatic hydrolysis, for 8 weeks on liver-related outcomes, lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, and fatigue compared to a placebo. Healthy Korean adult males aged 19-60 years were randomized into ETZL treatment and placebo groups, and alcohol consumption was 24.96 and 28.64 units/week, respectively. Alanine transaminase, a blood marker associated with liver cell injury, significantly decreased after 8 weeks compared to the baseline in the ETZL treatment group ( p = 0.004). After 8 weeks, the treatment group showed significant changes in the levels of high-density lipoprotein and hepatic steatosis index compared to the baseline ( p = 0.028 and p = 0.004, respectively). ETZL treatment tended to reduce antioxidant-activity-related factors, total antioxidant status, and malondialdehyde, but there was no significant difference. In the multidimensional fatigue scale, ETZL treatment showed a significant reduction in general fatigue and total-fatigue-related values after 8 weeks compared to the baseline ( p = 0.012 and p = 0.032, respectively). Taken together, the 8-week treatment of enzyme-treated Zizania latifolia ethanol extract demonstrated positive effects on liver-related outcomes, lipid metabolism, and mental fatigue without adverse effects on safety-related parameters.

Increased awareness of negative psychological symptoms and the negative impact of the pandemic has led to a rising demand for wellness-related travel experiences. There is a need for research on tourists' experiential and reflective engagement in order to maximize positive outcomes such as overall satisfaction, positive WOM, and recommendations. These positive outcomes are crucial for attracting tourists and strengthening destinations' brands. As there are few empirical studies, research on the effects of engagement on satisfaction and behavioral intentions is necessary. This study aimed to examine the relationships between wellness motivation, engagement, satisfaction, and destination loyalty among wellness tourists. It also aimed to examine the mediating effects of two engagement factors, experiential and reflective engagement, between wellness motivation and positive outcomes. A total of 319 respondents were used for the analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted. The results found that wellness motivation is composed of six wellness motivation components, namely physical motivation, transcendence, relaxation, social motivation, self-esteem, and escape, each representing first-order factors. Wellness motivation is positively associated with reflective and experiential engagement. Engagement positively affects satisfaction and destination loyalty. This study provides several implications, theoretically and practically.

Objective: Biliary atresia (BA) patients develop chronic liver disease after the Kasai operation and are eventually indicated for liver transplantation (LT). The purposes of this study were to analyze long-term outcomes after LT and risk factors that affect complications to reduce graft failure., Study Design: Overall, 145 pediatric patients who underwent LT between June 1996 and June 2020 after a diagnosis of BA were included. We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records and evaluated patient and graft survival, cumulative incidence of complications, risk factors, and the results of policy changes., Results: Patient and graft survival rates in over 20 years were 95.8% and 91.0%, respectively. Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease was frequently observed in the early period of immunosuppression within the first 1-2 years after LT. The incidence of cholangitis and rejection steadily increased over time. Weight-to-portal vein size was evaluated as a risk factor for cholangitis and bile duct strictures (OR = 12.82, p  = 0.006 and OR = 16.54, p  = 0.015, respectively). When evaluated using 2013 as a reference point, the split graft indication was expanded and the group that received LT after 2013 had a significantly lower survival over time compared with that of the group that received LT before 2013 ( p  = 0.006)., Conclusion: This study revealed time differences in prevalence of complications. The evaluation of weight-to-duct or vessel size is a more important factor in considering complications than the graft-to-recipient weight ratio. Survival outcomes may have been altered by a policy change that affects the donor type ratio in transplantation., Competing Interests: The 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., (© 2024 Kwon, Ahn, Yang, Kim, Choe, Lee and Kim.)

This review aims to summarize pharmacological interventions that may affect adiposity and metabolic equilibrium in individuals with obesity. Pharmacological therapy is frequently used to treat medical conditions that are both directly related to obesity (such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes) and indirectly related to obesity (such as asthma, insomnia, and type 1 diabetes). This pharmacological therapy may result in weight gain and alterations in the metabolic profile. Many medication classes are implicated in the pharmacologic causes of weight gain, including antipsychotics, glucocorticoids, beta-adrenergic blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, insulin, neuropathic agents, sleep agents, and steroids. This article describes the mechanisms of action and pathways of pharmacological interventions causing obesity., (© 2024 The New York Academy of Sciences.)

Introduction: To develop a calcium silicate (CaSi)-based cement containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and cement deliver device for new root canal filling technique, and to assess the flow behavior, leakage, and root canal filling quality of CaSi containing DMSO., Methods: CaSi containing DMSO (CSC-DMSO) and CaSi containing PEG (CSC-PEG) were prepared, and the flow characteristics of both cements were compared in gypsum and resin channels using a high-speed camera. Eight root canals were obturated by CSC-DMSO or CSC-PEG using a cement delivery device, and root canal filling quality was assessed in terms of filling length using periapical radiographs. The filling length was evaluated by 'apico-coronal extension,' measuring length in reference to apical constriction. Microleakage was measured for thirty human molars that were randomly filled with CSC-DMSO, CSC-PEG, or gutta-percha and AH plus. Preliminary obturation of CSC-DMSO with cement delivery device in human teeth was analyzed in terms of filling length and void, using periapical radiographs. Statistical analysis was performed with the Kruskal Wallis test for simulated root canal fillings and one-way ANOVA for leakage test., Results: The flow speed of CSC-DMSO reduced in gypsum channels compared to resin channels, but CSC-PEG did not exhibit significant differences in the channels. The median absolute value of apico-coronal extension was significantly lower in CSC-DMSO compared to CSC-PEG (p < 0.05). Microleakage did not statistically differ between the groups (p > 0.05). In the preliminary obturation, the mean apico-coronal extension of CSC-DMSO was -0.297 ± 0.724 mm, while CSC-PEG was not feasible due to excess apical extrusions., Conclusions: CSC-DMSO could be considered as an alternative filling material for root canal obturation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes are associated with childhood obesity and increased cardiovascular risk. In this review, we will discuss and summarize extensive clinical and experimental studies that metabolically imbalanced environment exposure in early life plays a critical role in influencing later susceptibility to chronic inflammatory diseases and metabolic syndrome. The effect of maternal obesity and metabolic disorders, including gestational diabetes cause Large-for-gestational-age (LGA) children to link future development of adverse health issues such as obesity, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by immune reprogramming to adverse micro-environment. This review also addresses intrauterine environment-driven myeloid reprogramming by epigenetic regulations and the epigenetic markers as an underlying mechanism. This will facilitate future investigations regarding maternal-to-fetal immune regulation and the epigenetic mechanisms of obesity and cardiovascular diseases., Competing Interests: The 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 Kweon, Mun, Choi, Kim and Ahn.)

Background: Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder characterised by abnormal neurovasculature and inflammation in the central region of the face. The efficacy of pulsed-dye laser and intense pulsed light treatments for rosacea have been demonstrated in several clinical trials. However, there is currently no research on the efficacy of long-pulsed alexandrite laser (LPAL) therapy alone for rosacea-related facial redness and its effect on skin microbiota., Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of LPAL therapy on facial redness in rosacea and assess changes in skin microbiota composition., Methods: Subjects with rosacea (n = 21, mean age: 39.2 ± 11.3 years) were recruited from two medical institutions and received monthly LPAL treatments (Clarity II™, Lutronic Corp.) for 3 months. At each visit, clinical photographs were taken, and erythema was measured using a spectrometer. At the initial and final visits, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skin Sensitivity Questionnaire (SSQ) were evaluated. Skin swabs were obtained at the initial and final visit, and facial microbiome composition was analysed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing., Results: After three LPAL treatment sessions, the average facial erythema index, measured using Mexameter® decreased significantly from 360.0 ± 96.7 at baseline to 312.0 ± 94.5 at the final visit (p < .05). The DLQI and SSQ showed significant improvement of symptoms. Skin microbiome diversity and relative abundance were altered significantly, particularly in the genera Clostridium, Lawsonella, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus., Conclusions: LPAL therapy alone showed favourable efficacy for the treatment of facial redness in rosacea, with some impacts on the skin microbiota composition., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The Kir4.1 channel, an inwardly rectifying potassium ion (K + ) channel, is located in the hair cells of the organ of Corti as well as the intermediate cells of the stria vascularis. The Kir4.1 channel has a crucial role in the generation of endolymphatic potential and maintenance of the resting membrane potential. However, the role and functions of the Kir4.1 channel in the progenitor remain undescribed. To observe the role of Kir4.1 in the progenitor treated with the one-shot ototoxic drugs (kanamycin and furosemide), we set the proper condition in culturing Immortomouse-derived HEI-OC1 cells to express the potassium-related channels well. And also, that was reproduced in mice experiments to show the important role of Kir4.1 in the survival of hair cells after treating the ototoxicity drugs. In our results, when kanamycin and furosemide drugs were cotreated with HEI-OC1 cells, the Kir4.1 channel did not change, but the expression levels of the NKCC1 cotransporter and KCNQ4 channel are decreased. This shows that inward and outward channels were blocked by the two drugs (kanamycin and furosemide). However, noteworthy here is that the expression level of Kir4.1 channel increased when kanamycin was treated alone. This shows that Kir4.1, an inwardly rectifying potassium channel, acts as an outward channel in place of the corresponding channel when the KCNQ4 channel, an outward channel, is blocked. These results suggest that the Kir4.1 channel has a role in maintaining K + homeostasis in supporting cells, with K + concentration compensator when the NKCC1 cotransporter and Kv7.4 (KCNQ4) channels are deficient., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article., (Copyright © 2023 Jin Sil Choi et al.)

Obesity is considered a high-risk disease and a global epidemic, and the number of obese patients is rising at an alarming rate worldwide. High-fat diet-induced dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota is considered an essential factor related to obesity. Bariatric surgery induces a sharp decrease in fat content and effectively improves the metabolism of obese individuals. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of a high-fat diet-induced obesity and the alterations in gastric and intestinal microbiota resulting from sleeve gastrectomy on clinical outcomes. We performed 16S sequencing of gastric and fecal samples obtained from rats in three treatment groups: normal chow diet, high-fat diet (HFD), and sleeve gastrectomy after HDF for 14 weeks. The area under the curve of fasting glucose and the levels of leptin and low-density lipoproteins were significantly different between groups. Microbial taxa that were highly correlated with several clinical parameters were identified for each group. Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate, taurine and hypotaurine, butanoate, nitrogen, and pyrimidine metabolism and aminoacyl-transfer ribonucleic acid biosynthesis were affected by bariatric surgery and were significantly associated with changes in the composition of gastric and fecal microbiomes. Connectivity and co-occurrence were higher in fecal samples than in gastric tissues. Our results elucidated the positive effects of sleeve gastrectomy in obesity and shed light on changes in the microbiomes of gastric and fecal samples., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background and Aims: Deficiency in the thiol transferase glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1) in aging mice promotes, in a sexually dimorphic manner, dysregulation of macrophages and atherogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms are not known. Here we tested the hypothesis that macrophage-restricted overexpression of Grx1 protects atherosclerosis-prone mice against macrophage reprogramming and dysfunction induced by a high-calorie diet (HCD) and thereby reduces the severity of atherosclerosis., Methods: We generated lentiviral vectors carrying cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) promoter-driven enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or Grx1 constructs and conducted bone marrow (BM) transplantation studies to overexpress Grx1 in a macrophage-specific manner in male and female atherosclerosis-prone LDLR -/- mice, and fed these mice a HCD to induce atherogenesis. Atherosclerotic lesion size was determined in both the aortic root and the aorta. We isolated BM-derived macrophages (BMDM) to assess protein S-glutathionylation levels and loss of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) activity as measures of HCD-induced thiol oxidative stress. We also conducted gene profiling on these BMDM to determine the impact of Grx1 activity on HCD-induced macrophage reprogramming., Results: Overexpression of Grx1 protected macrophages against HCD-induced protein S-glutathionylation, reduced monocyte chemotaxis in vivo, limited macrophage recruitment into atherosclerotic lesions, and was sufficient to reduce the severity of atherogenesis in both male and female mice. Gene profiling revealed major sex differences in the transcriptional reprogramming of macrophages induced by HCD feeding, but Grx1 overexpression only partially reversed HCD-induced transcriptional reprogramming of macrophages., Conclusions: Macrophage Grx1 plays a major role in protecting mice atherosclerosis mainly by maintaining the thiol redox state of the macrophage proteome and preventing macrophage dysfunction., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

To combat the irreversible decline in renal function associated with kidney disease, it is essential to establish non-invasive biomarkers for assessing renal microcirculation. However, the limited resolution and/or vascular sensitivity of existing diagnostic imaging techniques hinders the visualization of complex cortical vessels. Here, a 3D renal ultrafast Doppler (UFD) imaging system that uses a high ultrasound frequency (18 MHz) and ultrahigh frame rate (1 KHz per slice) to scan the entire volume of a rat's kidney in vivo is demonstrated. The system, which can visualize the full 3D renal vascular branching pyramid at a resolution of 167 µm without any contrast agent, is used to chronically and noninvasively monitor kidneys with acute kidney injury (AKI, 3 days) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD, 8 weeks). Multiparametric UFD analyses (e.g., vessel volume occupancy (VVO), fractional moving blood volume (FMBV), vessel number density (VND), and vessel tortuosity (VT)) describe rapid vascular rarefaction from AKI and long-term vascular degeneration from DKD, while the renal pathogeneses are validated by in vitro blood serum testing and stained histopathology. This work demonstrates the potential of 3D renal UFD to offer valuable insights into assessing kidney perfusion levels for future research in diabetes and kidney transplantation., (© 2023 The Authors. Advanced Science published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Resin-based dental composites have been developed to restore decayed teeth or modify tooth color due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. Such composites may have intrinsic toxicity due to components released into the mouth during the early stage of polymerization, and afterward as a result of erosion or material decomposition. In addition, resin-based dental composites have potential environmental pollutant by elution of monomers and degradation. Since certain monomers of resin matrices are synthesized from bisphenol A (BPA), which acts as an estrogenic endocrine disruptor, these resin matrices may have estrogenic activity. Therefore, the estrogenic endocrine-disrupting activity of various dental composites should be evaluated. In this study, we evaluated the estrogenic endocrine-disrupting activity of 10 resin composites by using a BRET-based estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ dimerization assays and ER transactivation assay. BPA, BisDMA, BisGMA, BisEMA, TEGDMA, HMBP, and DMPA mediated ERα dimerization, and BPA, BisDMA, and DMPA also mediated ERβ dimerization. Except for UDMA and CQ, all the compounds were identified as estrogen agonists or antagonists. In-depth information for the safe use of dental composites was acquired, and it was confirmed how the component of dental composites acts in the ER signaling pathway. Further studies on the low-dose and long-term release of these compounds are needed to ensure the safe use of these resin-based dental composites., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Large old trees, which provide ecosystem services and serve as a historical and cultural heritage, are exposed to various environmental threats, such as habitat fragmentation and climate change, necessitating diagnosis of tangible and intangible stresses and their effects on tree growth for effective management. This study investigated the photosynthetic characteristics of 25 large old Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino trees in Chungcheong Province, Korea, and identified the physical environmental factors affecting their physiological responses. Maximum assimilation rate (A max ) was the highest in July (summer), transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (g s ) increased from May (spring) to September (fall), and water use efficiency (WUE) was the highest in May (spring) and decreased until September (fall). A max decreased as tree height increased. Ambient CO 2  and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) were negatively correlated with photosynthetic parameters throughout the growth season and in July (summer) and September (fall), respectively. Physical environmental factors exhibited complex effect on physiological activities, which increased with wide growth space and decreased with deep soil covering and high impervious ground surface ratio. Physiological responses differed with surface types within the growth space, with bare land showing higher mean A max , E, and g s than areas with mulching material or concrete. This study quantitatively determined the physiological activities of large old Z. serrata and proposes appropriate management measures for ensuring their healthy growth in abiotic stress environment., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The bacterial wilt disease caused by soilborne bacteria of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) threatens important crops worldwide. Only a few immune receptors conferring resistance to this devastating disease are known so far. Individual RSSC strains deliver around 70 different type III secretion system effectors into host cells to manipulate the plant physiology. RipE1 is an effector conserved across the RSSC and triggers immune responses in the model solanaceous plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Here, we used multiplexed virus-induced gene silencing of the nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat receptor family to identify the genetic basis of RipE1 recognition. Specific silencing of the N. benthamiana homologue of Solanum lycopersicoides Ptr1 (confers resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato race 1) gene (NbPtr1) completely abolished RipE1-induced hypersensitive response and immunity to Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum. The expression of the native NbPtr1 coding sequence was sufficient to restore RipE1 recognition in Nb-ptr1 knockout plants. Interestingly, RipE1 association with the host cell plasma membrane was necessary for NbPtr1-dependent recognition. Furthermore, NbPtr1-dependent recognition of RipE1 natural variants is polymorphic, providing additional evidence for the indirect mode of activation of NbPtr1. Altogether, this work supports NbPtr1 relevance for resistance to bacterial wilt disease in Solanaceae., (© 2023 The Authors. Molecular Plant Pathology published by British Society for Plant Pathology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

A highly sensitive and facile colorimetric assay is introduced for detecting biogenic gaseous H 2 S using peroxidase (POD)-like catalytic activity of silver core/gold shell nanoplates (Ag@Au NPls). H 2 S can react with Ag@Au NPls to form Ag 2 S or Au 2 S on their surface, which can reduce POD-like activity of Ag@Au NPls and consequently decrease the absorbance at 650 nm due to oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). For in situ and multiple detection of H 2 S, we utilized a microplate cover with 24 polydimethylsiloxane inner wells where Ag@Au NPls reacted with H 2 S gas followed by treatment with TMB/H 2 O 2 . As a result, the change in absorbance at 650 nm showed a linear relationship with the H 2 S concentration in the range 0.33 to 2.96 μM (0.36 absorbance/μM H 2 S in PBS, R 2  = 0.994) with a limit of detection of 263 nM and a relative standard deviation of 4.4%. Finally, this assay could detect H 2 S released from Eikenella corrodens, used as a model bacterium, in a short time (20 min) or at a low number of bacteria (1 × 10 4 colony forming units/mL). Therefore, this assay is expected to be applied for the study of H 2 S signaling in bacterial physiology, as well as measure H 2 S production released from other oral bacteria that cause halitosis and oral diseases, leading to the subsequent diagnosis., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

Some nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) indirectly detect pathogen effectors by monitoring their host targets. In Arabidopsis thaliana, RIN4 is targeted by multiple sequence-unrelated effectors and activates immune responses mediated by RPM1 and RPS2. These effectors trigger cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana, but the corresponding NLRs have yet not been identified. To identify N. benthamiana NLRs (NbNLRs) that recognize Arabidopsis RIN4-targeting effectors, we conducted a rapid reverse genetic screen using an NbNLR VIGS library. We identified that the N. benthamiana homolog of Ptr1 (Pseudomonas tomato race 1) recognizes the Pseudomonas effectors AvrRpt2, AvrRpm1, and AvrB. We demonstrated that recognition of the Xanthomonas effector AvrBsT and the Pseudomonas effector HopZ5 is conferred independently by the N. benthamiana homolog of Ptr1 and ZAR1. Interestingly, the recognition of HopZ5 and AvrBsT is contributed unequally by Ptr1 and ZAR1 in N. benthamiana and Capsicum annuum. In addition, we showed that the RLCK XII family protein JIM2 is required for the NbZAR1-dependent recognition of AvrBsT and HopZ5. The recognition of sequence-unrelated effectors by NbPtr1 and NbZAR1 provides an additional example of convergently evolved effector recognition. Identification of key components involved in Ptr1 and ZAR1-mediated immunity could reveal unique mechanisms of expanded effector recognition., (© 2023 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2023 New Phytologist Foundation.)

This study explores the relationships among social capital, community festival participation, and subjective well-being (SWB). It examines the mediating role of festival participation between social capital and SWB. The dataset Social Well-being Survey in Asia from the Philippines and Thailand was collected using nationwide surveys in 2016. The total number of respondents was 1057 in the Philippines and 982 in Thailand. The results affirm several determinants related to SWB, which is composed of happiness and overall life satisfaction. The models show significant relationships among festival participation, social capital, and SWB. The results indicate strong associations among social capital with family and relatives, festival participation, and SWB. The interaction effects between the two countries are included. Structural and cognitive social capital with kinship groups were important determinants in facilitating festival participation, and positively associated with SWB. Moreover, the results identify the mediating effect of festival participation between social capital with family and relatives and SWB. The results can provide similarities and differences in the relationships among social capital and kinship groups, community festival participation, and SWB between the Philippines and Thailand. This study offers important empirical evidence of a cross-cultural study in the context of the Philippines and Thailand.

Recognition of pathogen effectors is a crucial step for triggering plant immunity. Resistance (R) genes often encode for nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs), and NLRs detect effectors from pathogens to trigger effector-triggered immunity (ETI). NLR recognition of effectors is observed in diverse forms where NLRs directly interact with effectors or indirectly detect effectors by monitoring host guardees/decoys (HGDs). HGDs undergo different biochemical modifications by diverse effectors and expand the effector recognition spectrum of NLRs, contributing robustness to plant immunity. Interestingly, in many cases of the indirect recognition of effectors, HGD families targeted by effectors are conserved across the plant species while NLRs are not. Notably, a family of diversified HGDs can activate multiple non-orthologous NLRs across plant species. Further investigation on HGDs would reveal the mechanistic basis of how the diversification of HGDs confers novel effector recognition by NLRs., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Intergeneric and interspecific hybridization has been employed for the breeding of Phalaenopsis to transfer desirable traits between species, producing novel phenotypes with improved size, color, form, and flower-bearing ability. These characteristics are often enhanced; however, many of these hybrids are triploids and have reduced or complete sterility, for example, Phalaenopsis Queen Beer 'Mantefon', an important novelty-type cultivar in Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and Republic of Korea. Despite the increasing demand for the crop for ornamental purposes, little is known about its cytogenetics, which is essential for breeding and, consequently, crop improvement. In this study, karyotyping using fluorescence in situ hybridization, meiotic chromosome behavior analysis, pollen staining, and in vitro viability germination tests were performed to understand the cause of hybrid sterility and pollen abnormality in Phalaenopsis Queen Beer 'Mantefon' from a cytogenetic perspective. Viability tests revealed pollen infertility at all flower developmental stages, confirmed by the absence of pollen tube growth. Aberrant chromosomal behavior was observed in pollen mother cells (PMCs), frequently forming univalents, chromosomal bridges, and laggards during the entire meiotic process. PMCs were also divided irregularly into sporads with varying numbers of micronuclei, which may be responsible for pollen sterility in this cultivar. Altogether, the cytogenetic analyses provided insights into the pollen development of Phalaenopsis Queen Beer 'Mantefon' and the conceivable causes of its infertility.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract containing gypenoside L (GPE) on improving the cognitive aspects of fatigue and performance of the motor system. One hundred healthy Korean adults aged 19-60 years were randomized to the treatment (GPE for 12 weeks) and control groups, and efficacy and safety-related parameters were compared between the two groups. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) and O 2 pulse were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (p = 0.007 and p = 0.047, respectively). After 12 weeks, the treatment group showed significant changes such as decreases in the levels of free fatty acids (p = 0.042). In addition, there were significant differences in the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (p < 0.05) and value of temporal fatigue between the treatment and control groups on the multidimensional fatigue scale (p < 0.05). Moreover, the level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the blood was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (p = 0.047). In summary, oral administration of GPE has a positive effect on resistance to exercise-induced physical and mental fatigue., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Competing Interests: Drs. Ahn and Taormina are the 2023-2024 Obesity Medicine Fellow representatives to the Obesity Medicine Fellowship Council (OMFC). Dr. Tchang, an OMFC member, co-directs the Obesity Medicine fellowship program at Weill Cornell Medicine, and Drs. Srivastava, Schmidt and Kaplan currently serve as the Vice-Chair, Administrative Director, and Chair of the OMFC, respectively.

Background and Aims: In obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, leptin promotes insulin resistance and contributes to the progression of NASH via activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the pathogenic mechanisms that trigger HSC activation in leptin-deficient obesity are still unknown. This study aimed to determine how HSC-targeting lipocalin-2 (LCN2) mediates the transition from simple steatosis to NASH., Approach and Results: Male wild-type (WT) and ob/ob mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks to establish an animal model of NASH with fibrosis. Ob/ob mice were subject to caloric restriction or recombinant leptin treatment. Double knockout (DKO) mice lacking both leptin and lcn2 were also fed an HFD for 20 weeks. In addition, HFD-fed ob/ob mice were treated with gadolinium trichloride to deplete Kupffer cells. The LX-2 human HSCs and primary HSCs from ob/ob mice were used to investigate the effects of LCN2 on HSC activation. Serum and hepatic LCN2 expression levels were prominently increased in HFD-fed ob/ob mice compared with normal diet-fed ob/ob mice or HFD-fed WT mice, and these changes were closely linked to liver fibrosis and increased hepatic α-SMA/matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein levels. HFD-fed DKO mice showed a marked reduction of α-SMA protein compared with HFD-fed ob/ob mice. In particular, the colocalization of LCN2 and α-SMA was increased in HSCs from HFD-fed ob/ob mice. In primary HSCs from ob/ob mice, exogenous LCN2 treatment induced HSC activation and MMP9 secretion. By contrast, LCN2 receptor 24p3R deficiency or a STAT3 inhibitor reduced the activation and migration of primary HSCs., Conclusions: LCN2 acts as a key mediator of HSC activation in leptin-deficient obesity via α-SMA/MMP9/STAT3 signaling, thereby exacerbating NASH., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.)

Reducing atmospheric loads of greenhouse gases (GHGs), especially CO 2 and CH 4 , has been considered the key to alleviating global crises we are facing, such as climate change, sea level elevation and ocean acidification. To this end, development of strategies and technologies for carbon capture, sequestration and utilization (CCSU) is urgently needed. Although physicochemical methods have been the most actively studied in the early stages of developing CCSU technologies, there have recently been growing interests in developing microbe-based CCSU processes. In this article, we discuss advantages of microbe-based CCSU technologies over physicochemical approaches and even plant-based approaches. Next, various parts of the global carbon cycle where microorganisms can contribute, such as sequestering atmospheric GHGs, facilitating the carbon cycle, and slowing down the depletion of carbon reservoirs are described, emphasizing the impacts of microbes on the carbon cycle. Strategies to upgrade microbes and increase their performance in assimilating GHGs or converting GHGs to value-added chemicals are also provided. Moreover, several examples of exploiting microbes to address environmental crises are discussed. Finally, we discuss things to overcome in microbe-based CCSU technologies and provide future perspectives., (© 2022 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Mutation breeding has produced promising results, with exceptional attributes including pest/disease and environmental tolerance and desirable ornamental traits. Among the tools used in mutation breeding, chemical mutation is the most inexpensive way to develop novel plants. Succulents have gained popularity with high market demand because they require minimal watering and have plastic-like visuals. Ornamental succulents with rare leaf morphologies are costly. An LD 50 study was conducted beforehand to determine the survival rates of colchicine-treated Echeveria 'Peerless'. Mutants in the first generation (MV 1 ) were identified and analyzed. Determining whether mutagenic characteristics are carried to the subsequent generation (MV 2 ) is a key component in breeding programs. Additional investigation was performed by producing MV 2 plants through vegetative propagation to determine mutagenic retention. For MV 2 , mutants exhibited shortened leaves, increased leaf width and thickness, and fewer leaves, which significantly differed from the control, indicating compactness, wider leaf apex, and varying leaf color. To confirm the mutations, stomatal analysis was conducted, wherein there was a decrease in density and an increase in stomatal size. Likewise, chromosome counting and flow cytometry analysis confirmed the induction of polyploidization. Colchicine induction to develop new cultivars with novel phenotypic and cytogenetic characters is suitable for ornamental succulents.

Purpose: To determine the clinical effects of ocular surface and Meibomian gland parameters on tear film stability among individuals with Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), those with aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE), individuals with both conditions and normal controls., Methods: Patients were divided into four groups: normal controls, patients with ADDE, patients with MGD, and patients who fulfilled diagnostic criteria for ADDE and MGD (Mixed Group). Data for ocular symptom score, lid margin abnormality, ocular staining, tear break-up time, meiboscore, and lipid layer thickness (LLT) measured by a Lipiview interferometer, Schirmer test, and MGD severity score were collected., Results: A total of 109 patients (109 eyes) were evaluated. In patients with MGD, LLT was significantly lower than the ADDE patients. However, the Schirmer test value was the highest in the MGD group. The LLT negatively correlated with meiboscore and MGD severity score in the MGD group. Significant correlation between Schirmer test value and meiboscore was definite in the MGD group., Conclusions: Tear fluid secretion is more increased and lipid layer thickness is more decreased in MGD patients than in ADDE patients. Decreased lipid layer thickness caused by MGD-related tear film instability may stimulate reflex tear secretion. The obstructive MGD is more prevalent than hypersecretary MGD.Key messagesThe tear film stability is affected by Mebomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The measurement of the tear film parameters including lipid layer thickness suggests that the obstructive MGD is more prevalent than hypersecretary MGD and the aqueous layer compensates the decreased lipid layer caused by MGD.

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among CSR activities, brand trust, supportive communication intention, and brand loyalty in a halal restaurant franchise. This study attempts to understand the brand loyalty formation among foreigners visiting a halal ethnic restaurant franchise in South Korea. This study can contribute to the body of empirical evidence showing that CSR activities for different stakeholders can increase brand loyalty mediated by trust. Data were collected from an online survey platform, and visitors were recruited in one of the largest halal franchise restaurants in Korea. This study used a convenience sampling technique, and 225 questionnaires were used for final analysis. Structural equation modeling was likewise used in this research. The results reveal that CSR activities include four constructs: for communities, employees, the environment, and customers. These four dimensions reflect voluntary activities for core stakeholders and are positively associated with enhancement of trustful relationships between customers and restaurants. Among four CSR dimensions, CSR activities to employee are the most influential dimension, followed by CSR to community and to environment. However, the insignificant effect of CSR activities to customers on trust is found. Furthermore, trust positively influences supportive communication intention and brand loyalty. The proposed model of this present study can shed light on how to enhance brand loyalty and sustain trustful and emotional value of an ethnic restaurant franchise. The results can provide important implications for planning CSR engagement from a practical and managerial perspective in the restaurant industry., Competing Interests: The 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 © 2022 Toshmirzaev, Ahn, Kiatkawsin, Sutherland and Zielinski.)

Acute pancreatitis is a severe inflammatory disease of the pancreas. In experimental acute pancreatitis, cerulein induces the expression of interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) by activating Janus kinase (JAK) 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 in pancreatic acinar cells. Ligands of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‑γ (PPAR‑γ) and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 3 inhibit IL‑6 expression by suppressing JAK2/STAT3 in cerulein‑stimulated pancreatic acinar AR42J cells. Lutein, an oxygenated carotenoid, upregulates and activates PPAR‑γ to regulate inflammation in a renal injury model. The present study aimed to determine whether lutein activated PPAR‑γ and induced SOCS3 expression in unstimulated AR42J cells, and whether lutein inhibited activation of JAK2/STAT3 and IL‑6 expression via activation of PPAR‑γ and SOCS3 expression in cerulein‑stimulated AR42J cells. The anti‑inflammatory mechanism of lutein was determined using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blot analysis and enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay in AR42J cells stimulated with or without cerulein. In another experiment, cells were treated with lutein and the PPAR‑γ antagonist GW9662 or the PPAR‑γ agonist troglitazone prior to cerulein stimulation to determine the involvement of PPAR‑γ activation. The results indicated that lutein increased PPAR‑γ and SOCS3 levels in unstimulated cells. Cerulein increased phospho‑specific forms of JAK2 and STAT3, and mRNA and protein expression of IL‑6, but decreased SOCS3 levels in AR42J cells. Cerulein‑induced alterations were suppressed by lutein or troglitazone. GW9662 alleviated the inhibitory effect of lutein on JAK2/STAT3 activation and IL‑6 expression in cerulein‑stimulated cells. In conclusion, lutein inhibited the activation of JAK2/STAT3 and reduced IL‑6 levels via PPAR‑γ‑mediated SOCS3 expression in pancreatic acinar cells stimulated with cerulein.

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is known to participate in bacteria-induced inflammatory response in periodontal diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify H 2 S produced by oral bacteria for diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases including halitosis and periodontal disease. In this study, we introduce a paper-based colorimetric assay for detecting bacterial H 2 S utilizing silver/Nafion/polyvinylpyrrolidone membrane and a 96-well microplate. This H 2 S-sensing paper showed a good sensitivity (8.27 blue channel intensity/μM H 2 S, R 2 = 0.9996), which was higher than that of lead acetate paper (6.05 blue channel intensity/μM H 2 S, R 2 = 0.9959). We analyzed the difference in H 2 S concentration released from four kinds of oral bacteria ( Eikenella corrodens , Streptococcus sobrinus , Streptococcus mutans , and Lactobacillus casei ). Finally, the H 2 S level in Eikenella corrodens while varying the concentration of cysteine and treatment time was quantified. This paper-based colorimetric assay can be utilized as a simple and effective tool for in vitro screening of H 2 S-producing ability of many bacteria as well as salivary H 2 S analysis.

Purpose: Macular edema including cystoid macular edema is one of the main causes of unfavorable visual outcomes after cataract surgery. The macular thickness and the occurrence of macular edema after uncomplicated cataract surgery was evaluated using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in this study., Methods: Macular map images were taken by OCT before surgery and at 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months postsurgery. The subjects were classified into two groups (group 1, patients with no macular edema; group 2, patients with macular edema). Group 2 was defined as increase in central macular thickness (CMT) by 30% compared with that before surgery. The risk factors for macular edema were evaluated. Group 2 was divided into two subgroups: subclinical macular edema (group 2A) and cystoid macular edema (group 2B) and they were assessed in terms of the clinical course of best-corrected visual acuity and CMT., Results: A total of 376 patients were enrolled in this study, of which 36 (9.57%, group 2) showed macular edema measured by OCT after the surgery. Univariate analysis for group 1 and 2 revealed that intracameral injection of epinephrine during phacoemulsification was associated with the development of macular edema. In group 2, five patients (1.33%) developed cystoid macular edema. Statistically significant differences in the clinical course of CMT were observed at 2 months (201.2 ± 23.1, 250.0 ± 29.8, and 371.0 ± 160.3 in group 1, group 2A, and group 2B, respectively; p < 0.001) and 1 month postoperatively (198.5 ± 23.6, 237.8 ± 40.9, and 314.0 ± 104.5 in group 1, group 2A, and group 2B, respectively; p < 0.001). Group 2B required additional treatment and eventually achieved best-corrected visual acuity of >0.2 with CMT in the normal range., Conclusions: The intracameral injection of epinephrine may cause macular edema after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Examination of CMT using OCT is recommended for the early detection of macular edema.

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) causes bacterial canker, a devastating disease threatening the Actinidia fruit industry. In a search for non-host resistance genes against Psa, we find that the nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptor (NLR) protein ZAR1 from both Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana (Nb) recognizes HopZ5 and triggers cell death. The recognition requires ZED1 in Arabidopsis and JIM2 in Nb plants, which are members of the ZRK pseudokinases and known components of the ZAR1 resistosome. Surprisingly, Arabidopsis ZAR1 and RPM1, another NLR known to recognize HopZ5, confer disease resistance to HopZ5 in a strain-specific manner. Thus, ZAR1, but not RPM1, is solely required for resistance to P. s. maculicola ES4326 (Psm) carrying hopZ5, whereas RPM1 is primarily required for resistance to P. s. tomato DC3000 (Pst) carrying hopZ5. Furthermore, the ZAR1-mediated resistance to Psm hopZ5 in Arabidopsis is insensitive to SOBER1, which encodes a deacetylase known to suppress the RPM1-mediated resistance to Pst hopZ5. In addition, hopZ5 enhances P. syringae virulence in the absence of ZAR1 or RPM1 and that SOBER1 abolishes such virulence function. Together the study suggests that ZAR1 may be used for improving Psa resistance in Actinidia and uncovers previously unknown complexity of effector-triggered immunity and effector-triggered virulence., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Genetics Society of China. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Despite its high incidence rate, vertebral fragility fracture (VFF) is frequently underdiagnosed due to the absence of marked symptoms. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of our suggested physical examinations and compared them with that of plain radiographs. Patients over 65 years of age with sudden back pain within the preceding 3 weeks were enrolled. Physical examinations in three different positions and a closed-fist percussion test were performed, and the presence of VFF was evaluated through confirmatory radiographic tools. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of each physical examination and compared them with the interpretation of plain radiographs and examined the patient-reported pain locations based on the VFF level. A total of 179 patients were enrolled. The forward bending in supine (FB-SU) test demonstrated superior diagnostic values (sensitivity: 90.6%, specificity: 71.2%), which outperformed those of plain radiographs (sensitivity: 68.9%, specificity: 71.9%). The location of patient-reported pain was generally close to or lower than the index fracture level. FB-SU showed the highest diagnostic accuracy and was more valuable than plain radiographs in diagnosing acute VFF. FB-SU is a simple and affordable screening test. If positive, physicians should highly suspect VFF even when based on vague evidence of acute fracture provided by plain radiographs.

In this paper, the mechanical behavior of a functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) plate is numerically investigated. According to the concept of a hierarchical model, the displacement is decomposed into the in-field functions and the assumed thickness-wise monomial. The former is defined on the plate midsurface and is approximated by the 2-D meshfree natural element method (NEM). The FG-CNTRC plate is modeled as a homogenized orthotropic body, and its effective elastic properties are determined by referring to MD simulation and the linear rule of mixtures. Regarding the thickness-wise distribution of CNTs, one uniform and three functionally gradient distributions are taken. Through comparative numerical experiments, the reliability of the numerical method is justified with the maximum relative difference of 6.12%. The effects of the volume fraction and vertical distribution of CNTs, the plate width-thickness and aspect ratios, and the boundary conditions on the bending, free vibration, and buckling behaviors of FG-CNTRC plates are examined. It is found that the mechanical behavior of FG-CNTRC plates is significantly dependent of these major parameters.