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The current study aimed to compare the effects of increasing concentrations of dietary threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), and glycine (Gly) on growth performance, stress biomarkers, and intestinal function in broiler chickens under multiple stress conditions. Five hundred sixty broiler chickens at 21 d old were randomly allotted to 5 treatments with 8 replicates. Birds in a positive control (PC) treatment were raised under low stock density (16.9 birds/m2 per cage) with recommended environmental conditions, whereas birds in 4 treatments were subjected to multiple stress conditions: a cyclic heat stress of 30 ± 0.3 °C for 10 h and 23 ± 0.2 °C for 14 h per day with high stock density (25.3 birds/m2 per cage). A basal diet was assigned to both PC and negative control (NC) treatments. Three additional diets were individually formulated to contain double concentrations of digestible Thr, Trp, or Gly + Ser compared with their concentrations in the basal diet. The experiment lasted for 14 d. Results showed that NC treatment had less growth performance (P

Objective The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, digesta viscosity, and dietary nutrient utilization in broiler chickens through a meta-analysis. The effects were further examined by a meta-regression analysis with activity levels of β-mannanase in broiler diets. Methods A total of 23 studies, which were conducted in 11 countries and completed between December 2003 and August 2023, were selected for this meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference and its 95% confidence interval were calculated as the effect size metrics using random effect model, with I2 value being utilized to measure heterogeneity. Investigated measurements included body weight gain (BWG), feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), VH:CD ratio, digesta viscosity, nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (AMEn), apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and nitrogen (N). All statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.3.3. Results Results revealed significant positive effects of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on BWG (p = 0.005), FCR (p

Abstract The importance of 3D reconstruction of coronary arteries using multiple coronary angiography (CAG) images has been increasingly recognized in the field of cardiovascular disease management. This process relies on the camera matrix’s optimization, needing correspondence info for identical point positions across two images. Therefore, an automatic method for determining correspondence between two CAG images is highly desirable. Despite this need, there is a paucity of research focusing on image matching in the CAG images. Additionally, standard deep learning image matching techniques often degrade due to unique features and noise in CAG images. This study aims to fill this gap by applying a deep learning-based image matching method specifically tailored for the CAG images. We have improved the structure of our point detector and redesigned loss function to better handle sparse labeling and indistinct local features specific to CAG images. Our method include changes to training loss and introduction of a multi-head descriptor structure leading to an approximate 6% improvement. We anticipate that our work will provide valuable insights into adapting techniques from general domains to more specialized ones like medical imaging and serve as an improved benchmark for future endeavors in X-ray image-based correspondence matching.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neurological disease that may be associated with hypertension, autoregulatory failure, and the use of calcineurin inhibitors following heart transplantation (HT). In this article, we present a case series of PRES, discussing its potential causes and management strategies. Among the 126 HT recipients at our hospital, four were diagnosed with PRES. Three of these patients developed PRES within 7 days after HT. Prior to the onset of PRES, all patients experienced sustained hypertension, and strict blood pressure (BP) control was maintained. Three of the four patients recovered without PRES recurrence, while one patient died of sepsis after an episode of altered consciousness. Hypertension was observed in all patients prior to the onset of PRES, and the majority experienced symptom improvement with BP control. While most cases of PRES were reversible with conservative treatment, including the administration of antiepileptics, one irreversible case resulted in in-hospital mortality. Thus, PRES can have serious outcomes and is not invariably benign.

Abstract Premature physeal arrest can cause progressive deformities and functional disabilities of the lower limbs. This study addressed the outcomes after physeal bar resection with or without guided growth (temporary hemiepiphysiodesis) for the treatment of angular limb deformities. We retrospectively analyzed 27 patients (mean 9 years; range, 3–12 years) who underwent physeal bar resection of the distal femur (15 patients), proximal tibia (3 patients), and distal tibia (9 patients) between 2002 and 2020. Fifteen patients underwent physeal bar resection only (Group A), and the other twelve underwent simultaneous guided growth (Group B). The correction angle (angle change between the preoperative and last follow-up values) was compared and analyzed. The overall mean correction angle was 2.9° (range, − 9 to 18.3°). A total of 12 (45%) patients had a > 5° angular deformity improvement (mean, 9.6°; range, 5–18.3°), 9 (33%) had a 5° worsening of the angular deformity (mean, 6.7°; range, 5.2–9°). The correction angle in Group B (mean 7.6° ± 6.2) was significantly higher than that in Group A (mean − 0.77° ± 6.3) (P = 0.01). We found six (40%) and zero patients with a > 5° angular deformity increase in Groups A and B, respectively (P

Disruption of the blood-central nervous system barrier (BCB) is increasingly recognized as a pathological factor in diseases and trauma of the central nervous system. Despite the neuropathological impact, current treatment modalities do not target the BCB; strategies to reconstitute the impaired BCB have been restricted to nutritional and dietary remedies. As an integral cell type in the neurovascular unit, pericytes are crucial to the development, maintenance, and repair of the BCB. As such, pericytes are well poised as cellular agents for reconstitution of the impaired BCB. Here, we summarize recent revelations regarding the role of BCB disruption in diseases and trauma of the central nervous system and highlight how pericytes are harnessed to provide targeted therapeutic effect in each case. This review will also address how recent advances in pericyte derivation strategies can serve to overcome practical hurdles in the clinical use of pericytes.

IntroductionRestoring a balanced, healthy gut microbiota through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has the potential to be a treatment option for sepsis, despite the current lack of evidence. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FMT on sepsis in relation to the gut microbiota through a sepsis model in juvenile mice.MethodsThree-week-old male mice were divided into three groups: the antibiotic treatment (ABX), ABX-FMT, and control groups. The ABX and ABX-FMT groups received antibiotics for seven days. FMT was performed through oral gavage in the ABX-FMT group over the subsequent seven days. On day 14, all mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce abdominal sepsis. Blood cytokine levels and the composition of fecal microbiota were analyzed, and survival was monitored for seven days post-CLP.ResultsInitially, the fecal microbiota was predominantly composed of the phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. After antibiotic intake, an extreme predominance of the class Bacilli emerged. FMT successfully restored antibiotic-induced fecal dysbiosis. After CLP, the phylum Bacteroidetes became extremely dominant in the ABX-FMT and control groups. Alpha diversity of the microbiota decreased after antibiotic intake, was restored after FMT, and decreased again following CLP. In the ABX group, the concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 increased more rapidly and to a higher degree compared to other groups. The survival rate in the ABX group was significantly lower (20.0%) compared to other groups (85.7%).ConclusionFMT-induced microbiota restoration demonstrated a protective effect against sepsis. This study uniquely validates the effectiveness of FMT in a juvenile mouse sepsis model, offering potential implications for clinical research in critically ill children.

BackgroundSleep deprivation in adolescents is a common but serious public health issue. Adolescents often have a progressive circadian delay and suffer from insufficient sleep during weekdays due to the school schedule. Temporal patterns in internet search activity data can provide relevant information for understanding the characteristic sleep problems of the adolescent population. ObjectiveWe aimed to reveal whether adolescents exhibit distinct temporal seasonal and weekly patterns in internet search activity on insomnia compared to adults. MethodsWe hypothesized that adolescents exhibit larger variations in the internet search volume for insomnia, particularly in association with the school schedule (e.g., academic vacations and weekends). We extracted the daily search volume for insomnia in South Korean adolescents (13-18 years old), adults (19-59 years old), and young adults (19-24 years old) during the years 2016-2019 using NAVER DataLab, the most popular search engine in South Korea. The daily search volume data for each group were normalized with the annual median of each group. The time series of the search volume was decomposed into slow fluctuation (over a year) and fast fluctuation (within a week) using fast Fourier transform. Next, we compared the normalized search volume across months in a year (slow fluctuation) and days in a week (fast fluctuation). ResultsIn the annual trend, 2-way ANOVA revealed a significant (group) × (month) interaction (P

A review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using electroacupuncture (EA) to treat patients with foot drop was performed to analyze the effectiveness of EA for this condition. Relevant studies (n = 183) from 7 databases (Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Korean Studies Information Service System, Research Information Sharing Service, and Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System) were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 12 RCTs met the selection criteria. In all 12 studies, EA showed significantly positive changes. In most indicators, positive changes were observed in the EA group compared with that in the control group. Significant increases were confirmed in muscle strength-related indicators such as the Fugl–Meyer motor scale, surface electromyography, active range of motion, and gait-related indicators such as the Tinetti score, maximum walking speed, and Berg balance scale. No notable adverse events were reported. EA is suggested as an effective treatment for post-stroke foot drop; however, more RCTs are required.

In this paper, we describe a neural network-based application that recommends multiple items using dialog context input and simultaneously outputs a response sentence. Further, we describe a multi-item recommendation by specifying it as a set of clothing recommendations. For this, a multimodal fusion approach that can process both cloth-related text and images is required. We also examine achieving the requirements of downstream models using a pretrained language model. Moreover, we propose a gate-based multi-modal fusion and multiprompt learning based on a pretrained language model. Specifically, we propose an automatic evaluation technique to solve the one-to-many mapping problem of multi-item recommendations. A fashion-domain multimodal dataset based on Koreans is constructed and tested. Various experimental environment settings are verified using an automatic evaluation method. The results show that our proposed method can be used to obtain confidence scores for multi-item recommendation results, which is different from traditional accuracy evaluation.

Abstract Background Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures, poses significant challenges to affected individuals globally. While several established risk factors for epilepsy exist, the association with cigarette smoking remains debated. This study aims to conduct systematic review and meta-analysis to elucidate the potential association between smoking and the likelihood of epilepsy. Methods The search was performed on March 31st, 2023, using the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. We included cohort, cross-sectional, and case–control studies in our meta-analysis, conducting subgroup analyses based on smoking history, sex, and epilepsy type to yield specific insights. Results We identified 2550 studies, of which 17 studies were finally included in this study. The pooled odds ratio of epilepsy was 1.14 (0.96–1.36) in smokers compared to non-smokers. In current smokers compared to non-smokers, the odds ratio was 1.46 (1.13–1.89), while, in former smokers compared to non-smokers, the odds ratio was 1.14 (0.83–1.56). Conclusions While the overall association between smoking and epilepsy did not reach statistical significance, a notable association was found among current smokers. The study emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation as a potential preventive measure against epilepsy, especially given the proconvulsive effects of nicotine. Future research should address limitations and explore specific clinical scenarios to enhance our understanding of the complex relationship between cigarette use and epilepsy. Systematic review registration CRD42022342510.

Ginseng, the roots of Panax species, is an important medicinal herb used as a tonic. As ginsenosides are key bioactive components of ginseng, holistic chemical profiling of them has provided many insights into understanding ginseng. Mass spectrometry has been a major methodology for profiling, which has been applied to realize numerous goals in ginseng research, such as the discrimination of different species, geographical origins, and ages, and the monitoring of processing and biotransformation. This review summarizes the various applications of ginsenoside profiling in ginseng research over the last three decades that have contributed to expanding our understanding of ginseng. However, we also note that most of the studies overlooked a crucial factor that influences the levels of ginsenosides: genetic variation. To highlight the effects of genetic variation on the chemical contents, we present our results of untargeted and targeted ginsenoside profiling of different genotypes cultivated under identical conditions, in addition to data regarding genome-level genetic diversity. Additionally, we analyze the other limitations of previous studies, such as imperfect variable control, deficient metadata, and lack of additional effort to validate causation. We conclude that the values of ginsenoside profiling studies can be enhanced by overcoming such limitations, as well as by integrating with other -omics techniques.

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of decreasing P concentrations in diets and phytase supplementation on growth performance, stress response, and intestinal health in broiler chickens. A total of four hundred 8-d-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicates. Three treatment diets were formulated to contain different concentrations of available P (aP): adequate P (0.44 % aP), low P (0.30 % aP), and very low P (0.10 % aP) levels. One additional diet was prepared by supplementing 1,000 FTU/kg phytase in very low-P diets to maintain its aP concentrations equal to those in low-P diets. The experiment lasted for 25 d. It was observed that growth performance and toe ash concentrations were decreased (P < 0.05) in birds fed very low-P diets compared with those fed other treatment diets. Birds fed very low-P diets exhibited a greater (P < 0.05) blood heterophil:lymphocyte ratio than those fed other treatment diets. Jejunal villus height in birds fed adequate P diets or low-P diets was greater (P < 0.05) than those fed very low-P diets or very low-P diets with phytase. The malondialdehyde concentrations in the jejunal mucosa were greater (P < 0.05) for very low-P treatment than for other treatments. The expression levels of IL-4 and OCLN in the jejunal mucosa were less (P < 0.05) for adequate P treatment than for low-P treatment and very low-P with phytase treatment. Expression levels of P transporter genes in the jejunal mucosa were not affected by dietary treatments. In conclusion, feeding very low-P diets impaired growth performance, bone development, and jejunal morphology in broiler chickens with elevated stress response and intestinal lipid peroxidation. However, feeding low-P diets or very low-P diets with phytase maintained bone development, stress response, and antioxidant status in broiler chickens. The gene expression of intestinal P transporters were not influenced by decreasing P concentrations in diets and phytase supplementation in very low-P diets under the current experimental condition.

Abstract The small mammalian fauna plays pivotal roles in ecosystem dynamics and as crucial biodiversity indicators. However, recent research has raised concerns about the decline of mammalian species due to climate change. Consequently, significant attention is directed toward studying various big flagship mammalian species for conservation. However, small mammals such as the hog badgers (Mustelidae: Arctonyx) remain understudied regarding the impacts of climate change in Asia. The present study offers a comprehensive analysis of climate change effects on two mainland hog badger species, utilizing ensemble species distribution modeling. Findings reveal concerning outcomes, as only 52% of the IUCN extent is deemed suitable for the Great Hog Badger (Arctonyx collaris) and a mere 17% is ideal for the Northern Hog Badger (Arctonyx albogularis). Notably, projections suggest a potential reduction of over 26% in suitable areas for both species under future climate scenarios, with the most severe decline anticipated in the high‐emission scenario of SSP585. These declines translate into evident habitat fragmentation, particularly impacting A. collaris, whose patches shrink substantially, contrasting with the relatively stable patches of A. albogularis. However, despite their differences, niche overlap analysis reveals an intriguing increase in overlap between the two species, indicating potential ecological shifts. The study underscores the importance of integrating climate change and habitat fragmentation considerations into conservation strategies, urging a reassessment of the IUCN status of A. albogularis. The insights gained from this research are crucial for improving protection measures by ensuring adequate legal safeguards and maintaining ecological corridors between viable habitat patches, which are essential for the conservation of hog badgers across mainland Asia. Furthermore, emphasizing the urgency of proactive efforts, particularly in countries with suitable habitats can help safeguard these small mammalian species and their ecosystems from the detrimental impacts of climate change.

Background Because of the variability in patient responses to clopidogrel and to reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications, adjusting the antiplatelet regimen based on platelet function testing has become a widespread practice in neurointervention. We aimed to explore current patterns related to this practice. Methods We conducted a survey targeting neurointerventionalists, comprising multiple‐choice questions and opportunities for free‐text responses when necessary. The survey was distributed via a professional society distribution list (the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology) and 2 consortium emailing lists (WovenEndoBridge and Neurointerventional Research Consortia). The data obtained from the responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 133 neurointerventionalists, representing 79 institutions within 27 countries, responded to the survey. A total of 62% of respondents tested for clopidogrel resistance before any neurovascular stent placements. A total of 80% used VerifyNow point‐of‐care P2Y12 assay; other assays included multiplate analyzer, platelet function analyzer, and CYP2C19 genotype assay. Respondents reported 25 different therapeutic thresholds, with the P2Y12 reaction unit range between 60 and 180 most commonly used (16.4%). A total of 61% reported they would switch to ticagrelor in the case of persistent resistance. On the other hand, when patients are supratherapeutic, 48% did not make any changes, whereas 42% reduced clopidogrel dose. Finally, 93% opined that a well‐established protocol for management of clopidogrel resistance was needed. Conclusions Neurointerventional practice patterns around clopidogrel resistance remain heterogeneous. Our results underscore the need for evidence‐based guidance on the management of clopidogrel resistance in neurointervention.

In ecosystems subjected to environmental disturbances such as mud volcanoes, understanding the dynamics of fish communities is essential for ecological assessment and conservation. This study employs environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for the first time to explore fish communities within a challenging and unique environment—a mud volcano-polluted river. High-throughput sequencing was utilized to assess alpha and beta diversity, revealing distinct patterns in fish community composition in response to mud discharge activity. The results indicate that affected sites exhibit remarkably different communities during active and inactive mud discharge, with the impact extending downstream to the river mouth. Notably, the application of eDNA metabarcoding identified a vulnerable species, Rasbora lateristriata, emphasizing its utility in detecting high-risk species. Despite challenges in species identification and reference databases, the use of longer 16S rRNA fragments offered enhanced taxonomic resolution and interspecific sequence variation. This approach showcases the potential of eDNA metabarcoding in assessing fish diversity and community dynamics in polluted aquatic ecosystems, emphasizing its significance in biodiversity surveys and ecological monitoring. The study underscores the value of eDNA metabarcoding as an efficient and comprehensive tool for studying freshwater ecosystems and highlights the need for expanding reference databases to address genetic coverage gaps, particularly in less-studied environments.

In the context of bioelectrochemical systems (BES), a profound understanding of the taxonomic composition within indigenous microbial communities is crucial. Their metabolic versatility assumes a foundational role in dictating the functionality of BES, yielding diverse applications for bioenergy production and bioremediation in anthropogenically impacted estuaries. Employing high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA and predictive metagenomic analyses of three different estuaries samples (eutrophicated urban reservoir, mud volcano impacted river, and its river mouth), this study delves into the intricate interplay between these communities and their metabolic functions in response to human-induced perturbations, with a specific focus on their applicability to BES. Our findings illuminate remarkable distinctions among the three samples, manifesting in variations in microbial composition and functional metabolic pathways within the respective ecosystems. The mud volcano-affected river, characterized by the highest microbial diversity, exhibited the most diverse array of functional metabolic processes, prominently dominated by chemoheterotrophy (67.43%). In contrast, the river mouth displayed a distinct penchant for autotrophy (33.33%). The eutrophicated urban reservoir showcased a balanced coexistence of chemoheterotrophy (41.18%) and autotrophy (35.29%). Regarding metabolic potential for BES application, most of metabolism potential were associated with anodic activity, while cathodic activity was restricted to autotrophy and its relatives. The results suggested that the microbial communities anthropogenically impacted estuaries were potentially used for anodic and cathodic reactions in BES as electrogens to generate bioelectricity and reduce of pollutants.

Abstract Elderly individuals commonly experience the risk of dysphagia or difficulties in eating and swallowing food safely. Three-dimensional (3D) food printing is a promising technique widely used in customized food development. This paper reviewed the potential of 3D food printing in nutritional customization and textural modification of personalized food for the elderly with dysphagia. 3D food printing can be used to re-formulate the food ink by combining more than one type of food materials to ensure high calorie and nutrient intake, improve sensory quality, and prevent malnutrition; thus, understanding the functional properties of such macronutrients compounds is essential to design food ink that meets personalized nutrient requirements. Hydrocolloids have been commonly used to modify the desired soft texture and consistent viscoelastic properties of 3D-printed elderly food, as well as improve printability and structural stability. The food standard guidelines have been established and used to categorize texture-modified foods to ensure easy to eat and safe swallowing for the elderly with swallowing difficulties. Finally, the production of personalized food using 3D printing may provide more food options, facilitate safe oral intake, and increase calorie intake to improve the healthy mealtime experience for the elderly.

The study assessed the utility of mitochondrial DNA for identifying a deceased rorqual discovered off the western coast of India. Both the COI and Cytb genes exhibited remarkable 99-100% similarity with the GenBank sequence of Balaenoptera musculus through a global BLAST search, confirming their affiliation with this species. Inter-species genetic distances for COI and Cytb genes ranged from 6.75% to 9.80% and 7.37% to 10.96% respectively, compared with other Balaenopteridae species. The Bayesian phylogenies constructed based on both COI and Cytb genes demonstrated clear and separate clustering for all Balaenopteridae species, further reaffirming their distinctiveness, while concurrently revealing a cohesive clustering pattern of the generated sequences within the B. musculus clade. Beyond species confirmation, this study provides valuable insights into the presence of live and deceased B. musculus individuals within Indian marine ecosystems. This information holds significant potential for guiding conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) in India over the long term.

Introduction Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting the voluntary motor nervous system. Several observational studies have provided conflicting results regarding the association between smoking and ALS. Therefore, Therefore, our objective was to investigate this association through systematic review, meta-analysis, and dose-response analysis. Methods On January 16th, 2023, we initially extracted records from medical databases, which included Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. We included case-control and cohort studies as eligible studies. Subgroup analyses were performed based on sex, study design, and current smoking. Restricted cubic spline analysis was utilized to assess the dose-response relationship between smoking (pack-year) and ALS. Results Twenty-eight case-control and four cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. The unadjusted OR for the overall association between smoking and ALS was 1.14 (95% CI: 1.06-1.22, I2=44%, p

Abstract Despite the increasing availability of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) community spectral libraries for untargeted metabolomics over the past decade, the majority of acquired MS/MS spectra remain uninterpreted. To further aid in interpreting unannotated spectra, we created a nearest neighbor suspect spectral library, consisting of 87,916 annotated MS/MS spectra derived from hundreds of millions of MS/MS spectra originating from published untargeted metabolomics experiments. Entries in this library, or “suspects,” were derived from unannotated spectra that could be linked in a molecular network to an annotated spectrum. Annotations were propagated to unknowns based on structural relationships to reference molecules using MS/MS-based spectrum alignment. We demonstrate the broad relevance of the nearest neighbor suspect spectral library through representative examples of propagation-based annotation of acylcarnitines, bacterial and plant natural products, and drug metabolism. Our results also highlight how the library can help to better understand an Alzheimer’s brain phenotype. The nearest neighbor suspect spectral library is openly available for download or for data analysis through the GNPS platform to help investigators hypothesize candidate structures for unknown MS/MS spectra in untargeted metabolomics data.

The evolutionary history of emperors, particularly in the Atlantic and Indo-West Pacific Oceans, remains largely unmapped. This study explores the maternal lineage evolution of Lethrinids by examining the complete mitogenome of Lethrinus atlanticus, which is endemic to the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Utilizing advanced next-generation sequencing, we found that the mitogenome spans 16,789 base pairs and encompasses 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and an AT-rich control region (CR). Our analysis indicates a preference for AT base pairs in the L. atlanticus mitogenome (53.10%). Most PCGs begin with the ATG codon, except for COI, which starts with GTG. Relative synonymous codon usage reveals high frequencies for alanine, leucine, proline, serine, and threonine. The ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions suggests strong negative selection across all PCGs in Lethrinus species. Most transfer RNAs exhibit typical cloverleaf structures, with the exception of tRNA-serine (GCT), which lacks a dihydrouracil stem. Comparative analysis of conserved sequence blocks across the CRs of three Lethrinus species shows notable differences in length and nucleotide composition. Phylogenetic analysis using concatenated PCGs clearly distinguishes all Lethrinus species, including L. atlanticus, and sheds light on the evolutionary relationships among Spariformes species. The estimated divergence time of approximately 20.67 million years between L. atlanticus and its Indo-West Pacific relatives provides insights into their historical separation and colonization during the late Oligocene. The distribution of Lethrinids may be influenced by ocean currents and ecological factors, potentially leading to their speciation across the Eastern Atlantic and Indo-West Pacific. This study enhances our understanding of the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships within Lethrinus species. Further exploration of other emperor fish mitogenomes and comprehensive genomic data could provide vital insights into their genetic makeup, evolutionary history, and environmental adaptability in marine ecosystems globally.

This study offers an in-depth analysis of the mitochondrial genome of Selene dorsalis (Gill 1863), a species native to the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. The circular mitochondrial DNA molecule measures 16,541 base pairs and comprises 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region (CR). The nucleotide composition exhibits a notable adenine-thymine (AT) bias, accounting for 53.13%, which aligns with other species in the Carangidae family. Most PCGs initiate with the ATG codon, with the exception of Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I, which starts with GTG. Analysis of relative synonymous codon usage reveals that leucine and serine are the most prevalent amino acids in the mitochondrial genome of S. dorsalis and its congeners (S. vomer and S. setapinnis). All tRNAs display the typical cloverleaf structure, though tRNA Serine (S1) lacks a dihydrouracil arm. Pairwise comparisons of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions for all PCGs yielded values below ‘1’, indicating strong purifying selection. The CR spans 847 bp, representing 5.12% of the mitochondrial genome, and is characterized by high AT content (62.81%). It is situated between tRNA-Pro (TGG) and tRNA-Phe (GAA). The CR contains conserved sequence blocks, with CSB-1 being the longest at 22 bp and CSB-D the shortest at 18 bp. Phylogenetic analysis, using Bayesian and Maximum-likelihood trees constructed from concatenated PCGs across 72 species, successfully differentiates S. dorsalis from other carangids. This study also explores how ocean currents and gyres might influence lineage diversification and parapatric speciation of Selene species between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. These results highlight the importance of the mitochondrial genome in elucidating the structural organization and evolutionary dynamics of S. dorsalis and its relatives within marine ecosystems.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) impair growth and development. While EDCs can occur naturally in aquatic ecosystems, they are continuously introduced through anthropogenic activities such as industrial effluents, pharmaceutical production, wastewater, and mining. To elucidate the chronic toxicological effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on aquatic organisms, we collected experimental data from a standardized chronic exposure test using Daphnia magna (D. magna), individuals of which were exposed to a potential EDC, trinitrotoluene (TNT). The chronic toxicity effects of this compound were explored through differential gene expression, gene ontology, network construction, and putative adverse outcome pathway (AOP) proposition. Our findings suggest that TNT has detrimental effects on the upstream signaling of Tcf/Lef, potentially adversely impacting oocyte maturation and early development. This study employs diverse bioinformatics approaches to elucidate the gene-level toxicological effects of chronic TNT exposure on aquatic ecosystems. The results provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of the adverse impacts of TNT through network construction and putative AOP proposition.

8-Prenylgenistein (8PG), a genistein derivative, is present in fermented soybeans (Glycine max), including cheonggukjang (CGJ), and exhibits osteoprotective, osteogenic, and antiadipogenic properties. However, the hepatoprotective effects of 8PG and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified the high binding affinity of 8PG with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), which acts as a potent AMPK activator that counteracts hepatic steatosis. Notably, 8PG exhibited better pharmacokinetics with greater absorption and higher plasma binding than the positive controls for the target proteins. Moreover, 8PG exerted non-carcinogenic activity in rats and significantly increased AMPK phosphorylation. Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, did not antagonize 8PG-activated AMPK in HepG2 cells. 8PG significantly attenuated palmitate-induced lipid accumulation and enhanced phosphorylated AMPK and its downstream target, acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Further, 8PG activated nuclear SIRT1 at the protein level, which promoted fatty acid oxidation in palmitate-treated HepG2 cells. Overall, 8PG acts as a potent AMPK activator, further attenuating hepatic steatosis via the SIRT1-mediated pathway and providing new avenues for dietary interventions to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

The endangered and poorly known Swamp Grass-babbler, Laticilla cinerascens (Passeriformes: Pellorneidae), confronts critical threats and vulnerability due to its specific habitat requirements and restricted populations in the northeastern region of the Indian Subcontinent. This study investigates the distribution of the species, habitat quality, geometry and shape complexity of connectivity among the protected areas (PAs), and responses to climate change in Northeast India under different climate change pathways by utilizing ensemble distribution models, and ecological metrics. From the total distribution extent (1,42,000 km2), approximately 9366 km2 (6.59 %) is identified as the suitable habitat for this threatened species. Historically centered around Dibru Saikhowa National Park (DSNP), the species faced a drastic decline due to anthropogenic activities and alteration in land use and lover cover. The study also reveals a significant decline in suitable habitat for L. cinerascens in future climate scenarios, with alarming reductions under SSP126 (>10 % in the timeframe 2041–2060 and > 30 % from 2061 to 2080), SSP245 (>90 % in both time periods), and SSP585 (>90 % in both timeframes) from the present scenario. At present, DSNP has the most suitable habitat within the distribution range but is projected to decline (>90 %) under more severe climate change scenarios, as observed in other PAs. Landscape fragmentation analysis indicates a shift in habitat geometry, highlighting the intricate impact of climate change. It predicts a substantial 343 % increase (in the SSP126) in small habitat patches in the future. Connectivity analysis among PAs shows a significant shift, with a decline exceeding 20 %. The analysis of shape complexity and connectivity geometry reveals a significant increase of over 220 % in the fragmentation of connectivity among PAs between 2061 and 2080 under the SSP585 climate change scenario compared to the present conditions. The study underscores the urgent need for conservation actions, emphasizing the complex interplay of climate change, habitat suitability, and fragmentation. Prioritizing PAs with suitable habitats and assessing their connectivity is crucial. Adaptive management strategies are essential to address ongoing environmental changes and safeguard biodiversity. Future research in critical areas is needed to establish long-term monitoring programs to lead/extend effective conservation strategies.

A novel halotolerant actinobacterium, designated as RG38T, capable of producing black extracellular melanin pigment on SP2 agar, was isolated from the roots of Tagetes patula. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed the highest similarity to Streptomyces collinus NBRC 12759T (99.3%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain RG38T clustered within the genus Streptomyces forming a monophyletic cluster with its close relatives. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH), and amino-acid identity (AAI) values between strain RG38T and related species within the genus Streptomyces were below the standard threshold for prokaryotic species delineation. The DNA G + C content of the strain RG38T was determined to be 73.3%. The genome size measured 7,150,598 bp comprising 17 contigs and encompassed 6,053 protein coding genes. AntiSMASH analysis of the whole genome revealed 35 putative biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) responsible for various secondary metabolites. Among these clusters, two gene clusters exhibited 100% similarity to the chromomycin A3, albaflavenone, and anthracimycin, respectively. These compounds were reported to possess significant anticancer and antibacterial activities. LC–MS-based analysis, coupled with further isolation studies, confirmed the production of chromomycins A2 (1), A3 (2), and their derivatives, along with their antibiotic activities. These findings underscore the potential of this novel strain as a novel resource for the discovery of diverse antimicrobial compounds. This study is the first to report an antimicrobial compound producing Streptomyces species isolated from medicinal plant T. patula. Based on a polyphasic study, the strain RG38T isolated from an unexplored habitat with a high potential for new natural products represents a novel species within the genus Streptomyces. Accordingly, we propose the name Streptomyces tagetis sp. nov. for this novel species, with the type strain is RG38T (=KCTC 49624T = TBRC 15113T).

The spotted seal (Phoca largha) in the Yellow Sea has declined due to poaching and habitat destruction. To aid conservation efforts, Argos satellite tracking were used to monitor the movements of a free ranging spotted seal around Baengnyeongdo Island. The satellite-transmitting tag successfully attached to the seal provided 1,556 location data collected during 107 days. The seal mostly moved between two haul-out sites, Yeonbong Rock and Mulbeom Rock. From October 6th to December 12th, the seal stayed within a 7 km radius of Yeonbong Rock. However, as the signal was lost, it was not possible to identify when the seal started to migrate from Baengnyeongdo Island to winter breeding area. This study provide understanding into the habitat preferences and movement patterns of spotted seals around Baengnyeongdo Island, contributing to the conservation and management of this species. Further research with more individuals and different age groups is essential to understand their habitat preference and develop effective conservation measures for the spotted seal population in the Yellow Sea.

To determine the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating restless legs syndrome (RLS), we conducted a literature review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that utilized acupuncture as an intervention for patients diagnosed with RLS. Relevant clinical studies (n = 158) from seven databases (the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, KISS, RISS, and OASIS) were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and analyzed. Moreover, 6 RCTs were selected for review. In all six studies, it was indicated people who underwent acupuncture treatment showed significant improvements in their overall health. An increase in the treatment efficacy rate, sleep quality, and quality of life indicators after the acupuncture treatment was confirmed. The severity of pain as assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) scores and International RLS Study Group Rating Scale (IRLSRS) scores and the severity of RLS symptoms were significantly reduced. Any significant side effects were not reported. Acupuncture is suggested as an effective and safe treatment method for RLS. However, further large-scale RCT studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Abstract It has been suggested that stress responses induced by fasting have analgesic effects on nociception by elevating the levels of stress-related hormones, while there is limited understanding of pain control mechanisms. Here, we investigated whether acute or intermittent fasting alleviates formalin-induced pain in mice and whether spinal orexin A (OXA) plays a role in this process. 6, 12, or 24 h acute fasting (AF) and 12 or 24 h intermittent fasting (IF) decreased the second phase of pain after intraplantar formalin administration. There was no difference in walking time in the rota-rod test and distance traveld in the open field test in all groups. Plasma corticosterone level and immobility time in the forced swim test were increased after 12 h AF, but not after 12 h IF. 12 h AF and IF increased not only the activation of OXA neurons in the lateral hypothalamus but also the expression of OXA in the lateral hypothalamus and spinal cord. Blockade of spinal orexin 1 receptor with SB334867 restored formalin-induced pain and spinal c-Fos immunoreactivity that were decreased after 12 h IF. These results suggest that 12 h IF produces antinociceptive effects on formalin-induced pain not by corticosterone elevation but by OXA-mediated pathway.

Polysomnography (PSG) is currently the sole method for detecting breathing disorders that occur during sleep, such as apnea and hypopnea. However, PSG monitoring is quite inconvenient for test subjects. This study proposes a non-contact method for detecting sleep-related breathing disorders that uses frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar. The proposed method effectively extracts respiratory signals from radar signals and uses the degree of reduction in the amplitude of the respiratory signals and the duration of the reduction interval as data to detect breathing disorder intervals. The experimental results show that the respiratory signals extracted using the proposed method are similar to the actual respiratory signals. Furthermore, the breathing disorder intervals detected during sleep using FMCW radar are consistent with the actual apnea and hypopnea intervals as confirmed by the PSG results. These results demonstrate that the proposed method is suitable for non-contact detection of breathing disorders during sleep using FMCW radar.

The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of functional nutrients including various functional amino acids, vitamins, and minerals on chicken intestinal epithelial cells (cIECs) treated with oxidative stress. The cIECs were isolated from specific pathogen free eggs. Cells were exposed to 0 mM supplement (control), 20 mM threonine (Thr), 0.4 mM tryptophan (Trp), 1 mM glycine (Gly), 10 μM vitamin C (VC), 40 μM vitamin E (VE), 5 μM vitamin A (VA), 34 μM chromium (Cr), 0.42 μM selenium (Se), and 50 μM zinc (Zn) for 24 h with 6 replicates for each treatment. After 24 h, cells were further incubated with fresh culture medium (positive control, PC) or 1 mM H2O2 with different supplements (negative control, NC and each treatment). Oxidative stress was measured by cell proliferation, whereas tight junction barrier function was analyzed by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran permeability and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Results indicated that cell viability and TEER values were less (p < 0.05) in NC treatments with oxidative stress than in PC treatments. In addition, FITC-dextran values were greater (p < 0.05) in NC treatments with oxidative stress than in PC treatments. The supplementations of Thr, Trp, Gly, VC, and VE in cells treated with H2O2 showed greater (p < 0.05) cell viability than the supplementation of VA, Cr, Se, and Zn. The supplementations of Trp, Gly, VC, and Se in cells treated with H2O2 showed the least (p < 0.05) cellular permeability. In addition, the supplementation of Thr, VE, VA, Cr, and Zn in cells treated with H2O2 decreased (p < 0.05) cellular permeability. At 48 h, the supplementations of Thr, Trp, and Gly in cells treated with H2O2 showed the greatest (p < 0.05) TEER values among all treatments, and the supplementations of VC and VE in cells treated with H2O2 showed greater (p < 0.05) TEER values than the supplementations of VA, Cr, Se, and Zn in cells treated with H2O2. In conclusion, Thr, Trp, Gly, and VC supplements were effective in improving cell viability and intestinal barrier function of cIECs exposed to oxidative stress.

Abstract Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most prevalent cause of spinal cord dysfunction in the aging population. Significant neurological deficits may result from a delayed diagnosis as well as inadequate neurological recovery following surgical decompression. Here, we review the pathophysiology of DCM with an emphasis on how blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption is a critical yet neglected pathological feature affecting prognosis. In patients suffering from DCM, compromise of the BSCB is evidenced by elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to serum protein ratios and abnormal contrast-enhancement upon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In animal model correlates, there is histological evidence of increased extravasation of tissue dyes and serum contents, and pathological changes to the neurovascular unit. BSCB dysfunction is the likely culprit for ischemia–reperfusion injury following surgical decompression, which can result in devastating neurological sequelae. As there are currently no therapeutic approaches specifically targeting BSCB reconstitution, we conclude the review by discussing potential interventions harnessed for this purpose.

Abstract In this study, the potential of Chlorella sorokiniana JD1-1 for biodiesel production was evaluated using domestic wastewater (DWW) as a diluent for locally-generated livestock wastewater (LWW). This strategy aimed to provide sustainable wastewater treatment, reduce environmental impacts, enhance cost-effectiveness, and promote biodiesel production. LWW was diluted with tap water and DWW at ratios of 75%, 50%, and 25% (v/v), and the effects on microalgal growth, nutrient removal efficiency, and lipid yield were evaluated. Although the maximum biomass concentration was observed in the artificial growth medium (BG-11) (1170 mg L−1), 75% dilution using tap water (610 mg L−1) and DWW (780 mg L−1) yielded results comparable to the exclusive use of DWW (820 mg L−1), suggesting a potential for substitution. Total nitrogen (TN) removal rates were consistently high under all conditions, particularly in samples with higher concentrations of LWW. Conversely, total phosphorus (TP) concentrations decreased under most conditions, although some displayed large increases. Further studies are necessary to optimize the nutrient balance while maintaining economic feasibility and maximizing biodiesel production.

Climate change has severely impacted many species, causing rapid declines or extinctions within their essential ecological niches. This deterioration is expected to worsen, particularly in remote high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, which are home to diverse flora and fauna, including many mountainous ungulates. Unfortunately, many of these species lack adaptive strategies to cope with novel climatic conditions. The Red Goral (Naemorhedus baileyi) is a cliff-dwelling species classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN due to its small population and restricted range extent. This species has the most restricted range of all goral species, residing in the temperate mountains of northeastern India, northern Myanmar, and China. Given its restricted range and small population, this species is highly threatened by climate change and habitat disruptions, making habitat mapping and modeling crucial for effective conservation. This study employs an ensemble approach (BRT, GLM, MARS, and MaxEnt) in species distribution modeling to assess the distribution, habitat suitability, and connectivity of this species, addressing critical gaps in its understanding. The findings reveal deeply concerning trends, as the model identified only 21,363 km2 (13.01%) of the total IUCN extent as suitable habitat under current conditions. This limited extent is alarming, as it leaves the species with very little refuge to thrive. Furthermore, this situation is compounded by the fact that only around 22.29% of this identified suitable habitat falls within protected areas (PAs), further constraining the species’ ability to survive in a protected landscape. The future projections paint even degraded scenarios, with a predicted decline of over 34% and excessive fragmentation in suitable habitat extent. In addition, the present study identifies precipitation seasonality and elevation as the primary contributing predictors to the distribution of this species. Furthermore, the study identifies nine designated transboundary PAs within the IUCN extent of the Red Goral and the connectivity among them to highlight the crucial role in supporting the species’ survival over time. Moreover, the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary (DWLS) and Hkakaborazi National Park are revealed as the PAs with the largest extent of suitable habitat in the present scenario. Furthermore, the highest mean connectivity was found between DWLS and Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary (0.0583), while the lowest connectivity was observed between Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary and Namdapha National Park (0.0172). The study also suggests strategic management planning that is a vital foundation for future research and conservation initiatives, aiming to ensure the long-term survival of the species in its natural habitat.

Background: Aging is a progressive process characterized by weakness in brain function. Although metabolomics studies on the brain related with aging have been conducted, it is not yet fully understood. A systematic metabolomics study was performed to search for biomarkers and monitor altered metabolism in various brain tissues of the cortex, cerebellum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus of young (8 months old) and old rats (22 months old). Methods: Simultaneous profiling analysis of amino acids (AAs), organic acids (OAs), and fatty acids (FAs) in the brain tissues of young and old rats were performed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Under optimal conditions, AA, OA, and FA profiling methods showed good linearity (r ≥0.995) with limit of detection of ≤30 and 73.2 ng and limit of quantification of ≤90.1 and 219.5 ng, respectively. Repeatability varied from 0.4 to 10.4 and 0.8 to 14.8% relative standard deviation and accuracy varied from –11.3 to 10.3 and –12.8 to 14.1% relative error, respectively. In the profiling analysis, total 32, 43, 45, and 30 metabolites were determined in cortex, cerebellum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus, respectively. In statistical analysis, eight AAs (alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, serine, proline, and phenylalanine) in the cortex and four metabolites (alanine, phenylalanine, 3-hydoxypropionic acid, and eicosadienoic acid) in the cerebellum were significantly evaluated (Q-value

Abstract The identification of molecular structure is essential for understanding chemical diversity and for developing drug leads from small molecules. Nevertheless, the structure elucidation of small molecules by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments is often a long and non-trivial process that relies on years of training. To achieve this process efficiently, several spectral databases have been established to retrieve reference NMR spectra. However, the number of reference NMR spectra available is limited and has mostly facilitated annotation of commercially available derivatives. Here, we introduce DeepSAT, a neural network-based structure annotation and scaffold prediction system that directly extracts the chemical features associated with molecular structures from their NMR spectra. Using only the 1H-13C HSQC spectrum, DeepSAT identifies related known compounds and thus efficiently assists in the identification of molecular structures. DeepSAT is expected to accelerate chemical and biomedical research by accelerating the identification of molecular structures.

Abstract Microbiota in the mosquito plays an important role in their behavior and vector competence. The composition of their microbiome is strongly influenced by the environment, especially their habitat. The microbiome profiles of adult female Anopheles sinensis mosquitoes from malaria hyperendemic and hypoendemic areas in Republic of Korea were compared using 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing. In different epidemiology groups, the alpha and beta diversity analyses were significant. The major bacterial phylum was Proteobacteria. The most abundant species in the microbiome of hyperendemic mosquitoes were the genera Staphylococcus, Erwinia, Serratia, and Pantoea. Notably, a distinct microbiome profile characterized by the dominance of Pseudomonas synxantha was identified in the hypoendemic area, suggesting a potential correlation between the microbiome profiles and the incidence of malaria cases.

Abstract Overgrowth of long bones was noted in pediatric patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Hyperaemia during creating a metaphyseal hole and the microinstability made by the drill hole may induce overgrowth. This study aimed to determine whether metaphyseal hole creation accelerates growth and increases bone length and compare the effects of growth stimulation between metaphyseal hole creation and periosteal resection. We selected 7- to 8-week-old male New Zealand white rabbits. Periosteal resection (N = 7) and metaphyseal hole creation (N = 7) were performed on the tibiae of skeletally immature rabbits. Seven additional sham controls were included as age-matched controls. In the metaphyseal hole group, the hole was made using a Steinman pin at the same level of periosteal resection, and the cancellous bone beneath the physis was removed by curettage. The vacant space in the metaphysis below the physis was filled with bone wax. Tibiae were collected 6 weeks after surgery. The operated tibia was longer in the metaphyseal hole group (10.43 ± 0.29 cm vs. 10.65 ± 0.35 cm, P = 0.002). Overgrowth was higher in the metaphyseal hole group (3.17 ± 1.16 mm) than in the sham group (− 0.17 ± 0.39 mm, P

Abstract Background Children with spina bifida (SB) may have congenital or acquired foot deformities due to neurological defects in the spinal cord. As the musculoskeletal system keeps growing, foot deformities can develop or become aggravated. Thus, healthcare providers should provide constant monitoring and proper orthopedic management. Since foot deformities can affect not only the gait but also the daily life of children with SB, it is necessary to investigate the impact of foot deformities on everyday life. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between foot deformity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among independently ambulating children with SB. Methods This cross-sectional study examined the associations between foot deformity and HRQoL using two patient-reported outcome measures (Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire, Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument) in 93 children with SB aged 7–18 years between January 2020 and July 2021. Results Children with foot deformity (n = 54) reported lower scores in all subscales (physical, school and play, emotional, and footwear) of the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for children than those without foot deformity (n = 39; p

Human behavior is a dominant factor in road accidents, contributing to more than 70% of such incidents. However, gathering detailed data on individual drivers' behavior is a significant challenge in the field of road safety. As a result, researchers often narrow the scope of their studies thus limiting the generalizability of their findings. Our study aims to address this issue by identifying demographic-related variables and their indirect effects on road accident frequency. The theoretical basis is set through existing literature linking demographics to risky driving behavior and through the concept of "close to home" effect, finding that the upwards of 62% of accidents happen within 11km of a driver's home. Using regression-based machine learning models, our study, looking at England, UK, explores the theoretical linkages between demographics of an area and road accident frequency, finding that census data is able to explain over 28% of the variance in road accident rates per capita. While not replacing more in-depth research on driver behavior, this research validates trends found in the literature through the use of widely available data with the use of novel methods. The results of this study support the use of demographic data from the national census that is obtainable at a large spatial and temporal scale to estimate road accident risks; additionally, it demonstrates a methodology to further explore potential indirect relationships and proxies between behaviors and road accident risk.

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the tooth that involves a complex interaction of microorganisms and various cell lines around the infected site. To prevent and treat this disease, several options are available, such as scaling, root planning, antibiotic treatment, and dental surgeries, depending on the stage of the disease. However, these treatments can have various side effects, including additional inflammatory responses, chronic wounds, and the need for secondary surgery. Consequently, numerous studies have focused on developing new therapeutic agents for more effective periodontitis treatment. This review explores the latest trends in bioactive substances with therapeutic effects for periodontitis using various search engines. Therefore, this study aimed to suggest effective directions for therapeutic approaches. Additionally, we provide a summary of the current applications and underlying mechanisms of bioactive substances, which can serve as a reference for the development of periodontitis treatments.

Oxidative propane dehydrogenation with CO2 (ODPC) is an economical and ecofriendly process that produces propylene and consumes CO2 simultaneously. In this study, the catalyst composition for the ODPC reaction was optimized using a closed-loop optimization framework. A machine learning (ML) model was trained to predict the propylene yield and CO2 conversion using an in-house experimental database obtained from metal oxide catalysts containing various elements. The trained ML model optimized the chemical composition of the catalysts and simultaneously maximized the propylene yield and CO2 conversion using a metaheuristic algorithm. The proposed catalysts were prepared and their ODPC performance was evaluated. The data were included in the initial database to retrain the ML model. After this closed-loop optimization for 4 cycles, the proposed catalysts, which comprised four or five metal components, exhibited an enhanced ODPC performance compared with that of the initial database, which contained up to three metal components. Density functional theory calculations and characterization techniques were performed to investigate the role of each metal in the proposed catalyst. This study suggested a framework to optimize the chemical composition of multi-component catalysts to enhance the propylene yield and CO2 activity in the ODPC reaction.

Abstract Background Natural products can serve as one of the alternatives, exhibiting high potential for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2. Herein, we report a screening platform to test the antiviral efficacy of a natural product library against SARS-CoV-2 and verify their activity using lung organoids. Methods Since SARS-CoV-2 is classified as a risk group 3 pathogen, the drug screening assay must be performed in a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory. To circumvent this limitation, pseudotyped viruses (PVs) have been developed as replacements for the live SARS-CoV-2. We developed PVs containing spikes from Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 and improved the infection in an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-dependent manner. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived lung organoids were generated to test the SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic efficacy of natural products. Results Flavonoids from our natural product library had strong antiviral activity against the Delta- or Omicron-spike-containing PVs without affecting cell viability. We aimed to develop strategies to discover the dual function of either inhibiting infection at the beginning of the infection cycle or reducing spike stability following SARS-CoV-2 infection. When lung cells are already infected with the virus, the active flavonoids induced the degradation of the spike protein and exerted anti-inflammatory effects. Further experiments confirmed that the active flavonoids had strong antiviral activity in lung organoid models. Conclusion This screening platform will open new paths by providing a promising standard system for discovering novel drug leads against SARS-CoV-2 and help develop promising candidates for clinical investigation as potential therapeutics for COVID-19. Graphical Abstract

The hispid hare, Caprolagus hispidus, belonging to the family Leporidae is a small grassland mammal found in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Despite having an endangered status according to the IUCN Red List, it lacks studies on its distribution and is threatened by habitat loss and land cover changes. Thus, the present study attempted to assess the habitat suitability using the species distribution model approach for the first time and projected its future in response to climate change, habitat, and urbanization factors. The results revealed that out of the total geographical extent of 188,316 km2, only 11,374 km2 (6.03%) were identified as suitable habitat for this species. The results also revealed that habitat significantly declined across its range (>60%) under certain climate change scenarios. Moreover, in the present climate scenario protected areas such as Shuklaphanta National Park (0.837) in Nepal exhibited the highest mean extent of habitat whereas, in India, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (0.631) is found to be the most suitable habitat. Notably, two protected areas in Uttarakhand, India, specifically Corbett National Park (0.530) and Sonanandi Wildlife Sanctuary (0.423), have also demonstrated suitable habitats for C. hispidus. Given that protected areas showing a future rise in habitat suitability might also be regarded as potential sites for species translocation, this study underscores the importance of implementing proactive conservation strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on this species. It is essential to prioritize habitat restoration, focused protection measures, and further species-level ecological exploration to address these challenges effectively. Furthermore, fostering transboundary collaboration and coordinated conservation actions between nations is crucial to safeguarding the long-term survival of the species throughout its distribution range.