Search

A facultative anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain AGMB14963 T was isolated from the feces of a dairy cow. A 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain AGMB14963 T belongs to the genus Gallibacterium, with Gallibacterium salpingitidis F150 T being the closest species (95.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Whole-genome sequence analysis revealed that strain AGMB14963 T had a 37.0% G + C genomic DNA content and a genome size of 2.58 Mb. In addition, the strain contained 53 tRNA and 2 rRNA genes. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strains AGMB14963 T and G. salpingitidis F150 T were 82.3 and 24.9%, respectively. Further, strain AGMB14963 T was positive for oxidase and catalase, but negative for urease. Optimal growth of strain AGMB14963 T occurred at 37 ℃, pH 8, and in 0.5% NaCl-containing medium. The predominant cellular fatty acids (> 10%) in strain AGMB14963 T were C 14:0 , C 16:0 , and summed feature 3. Strain AGMB14963 T produced lactic acid and isobutyric acid as the major end products of glucose fermentation. Polar lipids consisted of one phospholipid and one phosphoaminolipid. According to the genomic, physiologic, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain AGMB14963 T represents a novel species of the genus Gallibacterium, for which the name Gallibacterium faecale sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AGMB14963 T (= KCTC 25487  T  = NBRC 116419  T )., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer undergoing continuous adjuvant hormone therapy often experience delayed recurrence with tamoxifen use, potentially causing adverse effects. However, the lack of biomarkers hampers patient selection for extended endocrine therapy. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying delayed recurrence and identify biomarkers. When miRNA expression was assessed in luminal breast cancer tissues with and without delayed recurrence using NanoString, a significant increase in the expression of miR483-3p was observed in samples from patients with delayed recurrence compared with those without. miR483-3p expression was elevated in tamoxifen resistant (TAMR) EFM19 cells than in non-resistant EFM19 cells. Notably, genes associated with cancer metastasis (AMOTL2, ANKRD1, CTGF, and VEGF) were upregulated in TAMR EFM19 cells, although cell motility and proliferation were reduced. Transfection of miR483-3p mimics into both non-resistant EFM19 and MCF7 cells resulted in increased expression of cancer metastasis-related genes, but decreased proliferation and migration. Given that miR483-3p can bind to the 3'UTR region of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and potentially affect its protein expression, we examined OGT protein levels and found that transfection with miR483-3p mimics selectively reduced OGT expression. Overall, breast cancer cells subjected to long-term hormone therapy displayed elevated miR483-3p expression, reducing motility and dormancy induction via decreased OGT expression. These findings suggest that miR483-3p is a potential biomarker for long-term endocrine therapy., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics approval and consent to participate: For human samples, approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Chung-Ang University Hospital (IRB number 2301-019-539). A waiver of informed consent was granted by the Institutional Review Board of Chung-Ang University Hospital., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Glioma, a type of brain tumor, is influenced by mechanical forces in its microenvironment that affect cancer progression. However, our understanding of the contribution of compression and its associated mechanisms remains limited. The objective of the present study was to create an environment in which human brain glioma H4 cells experience pressure and thereby investigate the compressive mechanosensors and signaling pathways. Subsequent time‑lapse imaging and wound healing assays confirmed that 12 h of compression significantly increased cell migration, thereby linking compression with enhanced cell motility. Compression upregulated the expression of Piezo1, a mechanosensitive ion channel, and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), a TGF‑β superfamily member. Knockdown experiments targeting PIEZO1 or GDF15 using small interfering RNA resulted in reduced cell motility, with Piezo1 regulating GDF15 expression. Compression also upregulated CTLA4, a critical immune checkpoint protein. The findings of the present study therefore suggest that compression enhances glioma progression by stimulating Piezo1, promoting GDF15 expression and increasing CTLA4 expression. Thus, these findings provide important insights into the influence of mechanical compression on glioma progression and highlight the involvement of the Piezo1‑GDF15 signaling pathway. Understanding tumor responses to mechanical forces in the brain microenvironment may guide the development of targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate tumor progression and improve patient outcomes.

Oxidative stress is the key cause of the etiopathogenesis of several diseases associated with constipation. This study examined whether the green pine cone can improve the symptoms of constipation based on the antioxidant activities. The changes in the key parameters for the antioxidant activity and laxative effects were examined in the loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats after being treated with the methanol extracts of green pine cone (MPC, unripe fruits of Pinus densiflora ). MPC contained several bioactive compounds, including diterpenoid compounds such as dehydroabietic acid, taxodone, and ferruginol. In addition, it exhibited high scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals. These effects of MPC successfully reflected the improvement in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADP) H oxidase transcription, superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) phosphorylation levels in the mid colon of Lop+MPC-treated SD rats. Furthermore, significant improvements in the stool parameters, gastrointestinal (GI) transit, intestine length, and histopathological structure of the mid colon were detected in the Lop-induced constipation rats after MPC treatment. The other parameters, including the regulators for the adherens junction (AJ) and tight junction (TJ), and GI hormone secretion for laxative effects, were improved significantly in Lop+MPC-treated SD rats. These effects were also verified in Lop+MPC-treated primary rat intestine smooth muscle cells (pRISMCs) through analyses for antioxidant defense mechanisms. Overall, the finding of this study offers novel scientific evidence that MPC could be considered as a significant laxative for chronic constipation based on its antioxidant activity.

Cancer remains a significant medical challenge, necessitating the discovery of novel therapeutic agents. Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) from plants have emerged as a promising source of anticancer compounds, offering unique structural diversity and potent biological activity. This review identifies and discusses cytotoxic RiPPs across various plant families, focusing on their absolute chemical structures and reported cytotoxic activities against cancer cell lines. Notably, plant-derived RiPPs such as rubipodanin A and mallotumides A-C demonstrated low nanomolar IC 50 values against multiple cancer cell types, highlighting their therapeutic potential. By integrating traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with modern genomic and bioinformatic approaches, this study underscores the importance of plant RiPPs as a resource for developing innovative cancer treatments. These findings pave the way for further exploration of plant RiPPs, emphasizing their role in addressing the ongoing challenges in oncology and enhancing the repertoire of effective anticancer therapies.

While Pacific oysters are important commercial aquaculture species worldwide, the effect of hormonal regulation and environmental conditions on growth and taste profile have not been fully known. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) systems are known to play a major role in regulating neuroendocrine functions across various physiological processes and are particularly involved in growth. IGFs expression also is directly related to the nutritional status of vertebrates, however, full mechanism has not been clearly identified in bivalves. In this study, differences in growth, IGFs expression, and taste according to cultivation site of Pacific oysters were investigated. Oysters were collected in three different spawning sites located on the south coast of Korea in July 2022 and hardened until June 2023. Then, the oysters were cultured in two different growing sites (Tongyeong site, TS; Geoje site, GS) for six months. The total weight of oysters, along with their condition index and tissue weight rate, was significantly higher in TS. Additionally, IGF expression was higher in TS during most of the sampled months. However, oysters from the GS scored higher in taste evaluations. The IGFs system in oysters shows a similar trend to previous studies, with higher levels in faster-growing individuals, suggesting oysters in TS were more adequately nourished by the surrounding environment in this research. However, in taste evaluation, oysters from the GS showed better results than those from the TS. Despite these results, determining whether one site is superior in certain aspects is still not fully possible, which warrants further investigations., Competing Interests: The authors declare no potential conflict of interest., (© Copyright 2024 The Korean Society of Developmental Biology.)

Background/Objectives: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes symptoms similar to a mild cold for adults, but in case of infants, it causes bronchitis and/or pneumonia, and in some cases, mortality. Mucosal immunity within the respiratory tract includes tissue-resident memory T (T RM ) cells and tissue-resident memory B (B RM ) cells, which provides rapid and efficient protection against RSV re-infection. Therefore, vaccine strategies should aim to generate mucosal immune responses. However, the interactions between RSV vaccines and mucosal immune responses within the respiratory tract are poorly understood. We evaluated a mucosal immune system following immunization by RSV vaccine with poly-sorbitol transporter (RSV-PST), a nanoparticle adjuvant. Methods: We intranasally immunized the RSV-PST and identified the systemic and mucosal immune responses. Furthermore, we challenged with RSV A2 strain after immunization and investigated the protective effects. Results: Consequently, antigen-specific CD8 + T RM cells were markedly elevated in the lung parenchyma, yet exhibited impaired cytokine expression. In contrast, humoral immunity, with systemic antibody production from serum, but not in the respiratory tract, was significantly increased by RSV-PST immunization. Interestingly, the production of respiratory mucosal antigen-specific IgG after RSV A2 challenge dramatically increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the RSV-PST immunized group in the presence of FTY720, and the lung-infected RSV titer was significantly lower in this group. Furthermore, after RSV A2 challenge, CD69 + IgG + B RM cells were significantly increased in lung tissues in the RSV-PST group. Conclusions: The RSV-PST vaccine has protective effects against RSV infection by promoting both systemic and local humoral immunity rather than cellular immunity.

Dongchimi, a traditional Korean watery kimchi, relies on complex interactions among diverse lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to maintain its freshness and quality. Recently, dongchimi has gained attention as a health-promoting food due to its content of probiotics and prebiotics. In this study, six probiotic strains were employed into dongchimi fermentation, and its sensory and microbial characteristics were evaluated. The LAB-enriched dongchimi demonstrated improved sensory preference (63%) and significantly higher LAB counts (average 5.2 × 10 7 CFU/ml) compared to traditional dongchimi. Furthermore, microbial diversity between the LAB-enriched and traditional dongchimi was analyzed during the fermentation process using both culture-dependent Sanger sequencing and culture-independent metabarcoding techniques, employing 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was identified as the dominant probiotic strain in both types of dongchimi, while other probiotics, including Bifidobacterium bifidum, B. animalis, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Heyndrickxia coagulans, were exclusively detected in the LAB-enriched dongchimi. In conclusion, Lactiplanti. plantarum and Limosi. fermentum were identified as the most effective probiotics for dongchimi fermentation. These results offer critical insights into the microbial ecology and probiotic strains essential for optimizing synbiotic dongchimi, thereby reinforcing health claims related to probiotics and prebiotics., 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 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background/Objectives: Aortic stenosis (AS) is a critical valvular heart disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality if not managed promptly. Previous studies have highlighted the "weekend effect", where the day of admission impacts outcomes in various cardiac conditions. This study evaluates the impact of weekend versus weekday admissions on outcomes in patients admitted with acutely decompensated aortic stenosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample database, focusing on patients emergently admitted with decompensated aortic stenosis. Patient outcomes were compared between those admitted on weekends (midnight Friday to midnight Sunday) and weekdays. Results: Among 94,320 patients included, 4537 (4.81%) were admitted on weekends. Weekend admissions were associated with significantly higher mortality (aOR 1.86; 95% CI 1.27-2.74) and longer hospital stays (mean increase 3.18 days; p < 0.001) compared to weekday admissions. Complication rates were also higher on weekends, including cardiogenic shock (aOR 2.1; 95% CI 1.54-2.87; p < 0.001), acute kidney injury (aOR 2.48; 95% CI 2.09-2.94; p < 0.001), and acute respiratory failure (aOR 2.88; 95% CI 2.38-3.49; p < 0.001). Additionally, weekend admissions had lower rates of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) (aOR 0.49; 95% CI 0.40-0.62; p < 0.01) than weekday admissions. Conclusions: Patients with aortic stenosis admitted on weekends face significantly higher mortality, extended hospital stays, and increased complication rates compared to weekday admissions. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) rates were also lower for patients admitted on weekends. The "weekend effect" markedly influences outcomes, underscoring the need for hospital and administrative strategies to mitigate these adverse effects. Implementing standardized protocols and optimizing resource allocation during weekends could potentially reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes, offering a path to more equitable healthcare delivery.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of a smartphone-based oral and whole-body exercise programme on oral function in older adults., Methods: Individuals aged 65 years or above were randomized into three groups (non-app use, app use and control group), and a combined oral and whole-body exercise programme was conducted for 5 weeks. Oral muscle strength, saliva flow rate, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) were measured before and after the intervention. The changes in each group were analysed at the end of the programme using paired sample t-tests, and the differences among the groups were analysed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and ANOVA., Results: The anterior tongue strength increased by 2.80 kPa after the intervention in the non-app use group; however, the change was not statistically significant. In the app use group, the anterior tongue strength significantly increased by 4.48 kPa. The saliva flow rate increased by 0.54 and 0.71 g/min in the non-app and app use groups, respectively, after the intervention (p < 0.05), and the change was greater in the app use group than in the other groups (p < 0.01). There were no significant changes in the posterior tongue strength, cheek strength, OHIP-14 or GOHAI scores over the course of the study., Conclusions: A smartphone-based combined oral and whole-body exercise programme can improve anterior tongue strength and saliva flow rate in older participants. The programme, however, did not result in significant changes in posterior tongue strength, cheek strength and perceived oral health., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is one of the most difficult cancers in men and is characterized by a poor prognosis and a high risk of metastasis. The overexpression of the disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L), which is a specific methyltransferase for histone H3 at lysine residue 79 (H3K79), has been related to poor outcomes in patients with CRPC. Therefore, targeting DOT1L is considered a potential therapeutic approach to overcome the significant medical challenges of CRPC. In our previous study, we designed selenopsammaplin A (SPA) analogs as non-nucleoside DOT1L inhibitors to suppress human breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. However, the antitumor activity and the precise underlying mechanism of SPA analogs in PC cells remain unclear. Herein, we administered SPA-10091-HCl, a DOT1L-targeting degrader, to effectively hinder the growth and DOT1L-mediated H3K79 methylation in CRPC (PC3 and DU145) cells. Mechanistically, SPA-10091-HCl selectively degrades DOT1L protein through the nuclear ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, thereby suppressing H3K79 methylation in CRPC cells. SPA-10091-HCl inhibits CRPC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, with the E-cadherin expression upregulation and N-cadherin and vimentin expression downregulation. Additionally, prolonged SPA-10091-HCl treatment induced apoptosis by regulating apoptosis-associated protein expressions, including Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bcl-2. Moreover, SPA-10091-HCl effectively inhibited tumor growth in the PC3 cells-implanted xenograft mouse model without any overt toxicity. These results indicate SPA-10091-HCl as a potential candidate for further development as a chemotherapeutic agent against CRPC., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest, (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is primarily attributed to the abnormal upregulation of hepatic lipogenesis, which is especially caused by the overactivation of the liver X receptor/sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (LXR/SREBP-1c) pathway in hepatocytes. In this study, we report the rational design and synthesis of a novel series of squaramides via bioisosteric replacement, which was evaluated for its inhibitory activity on the LXR/SREBP-1c pathway using dual cell-based assays. Compound 31 was found to significantly downregulate LXR, SREBP-1c, and their target genes associated with lipogenesis. Further investigation revealed that compound 31 may indirectly inhibit the LXR/SREBP-1c pathway by activating the upstream regulator sirtuin 6 (SIRT6). Encouragingly, compound 31 substantially attenuated lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells and in the liver of high-fat-diet-fed mice. These findings suggest that compound 31 holds promise as a candidate for the development of treatments for MASLD and other lipid metabolism-related diseases.

Diospyros lotus has been traditionally used in Asia for medicinal purposes, exhibiting a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti‑inflammatory properties. While the anti‑itch effect of D. lotus leaves has been reported, studies on the detailed mechanism of action in microglia and astrocytes, which are members of the central nervous system, have yet to be revealed. The present study aimed to investigate effects of D. lotus leaf extract (DLE) and its main component myricitrin (MC) on itch‑related cytokines and signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑stimulated microglia. The effect of DLE and MC on activation of astrocyte stimulated by microglia was also examined. Cytokine production was evaluated through reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis. Signaling pathway was analyzed by performing western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The effect of microglia on astrocytes activation was evaluated via western blotting for receptors, signaling molecules and itch mediators and confirmed through gene silencing using short interfering RNA. DLE and MC suppressed the production of itch‑related cytokine IL‑6 and IL‑31 in LPS‑stimulated microglia. These inhibitory effects were mediated through the blockade of NF‑κB, MAPK and JAK/STAT pathways. In astrocytes, stimulation by microglia promoted the expression of itch‑related molecules such as oncostatin M receptor, interleukin 31 receptor a, inositol 1,4,5‑trisphosphate receptor 1, lipocalin‑2 (LCN2), STAT3 and glial fibrillary acidic protein. However, DLE and MC significantly inhibited these receptors. Additionally, astrocytes stimulated by microglia with IL‑6, IL‑31, or both genes silenced did not show activation of LCN2 or STAT3. The findings of the present study demonstrated that DLE and MC could suppress pruritic activity in astrocytes induced by microglia‑derived IL‑6 and IL‑31. This suggested the potential of DLE and MC as functional materials capable of alleviating pruritus.

Germline genetic context may play a significant role in the development and evolution of cancer, particularly in childhood cancers such as neuroblastoma. This study investigates the role of putatively functional germline variants in neuroblastoma, even if they do not directly increase disease risk. Our whole-exome sequencing analysis of 125 patients with neuroblastoma reveals a positive correlation between germline variant burden and somatic mutations. Moreover, patients with higher germline variant burden exhibit worse outcomes. Similar findings are observed in the independent neuroblastoma cohort where a higher germline variant burden correlates with a higher somatic mutational burden and a worse overall survival outcome. However, contrasting results emerge in adult-onset cancer, emphasizing the importance of germline genetics in neuroblastoma. The enrichment of putatively functional germline variants in cancer predisposition genes is borderline significant when compared to healthy populations (P = 0.077; Odds Ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence intervals, 0.94-2.21) and significantly more pronounced against adult-onset cancers (P = 0.016; Odds Ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence intervals, 1.10-3.91). Additionally, the presence of these variants proves to have prognostic significance in neuroblastoma (log-rank P < 0.001), and combining germline with clinical risk factors notably improves survival predictions., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of abdominal fat reduction in mini-pigs, utilizing at 1060 nm diode laser with a wavelength of 1060 nm., Patients and Methods: The laser system non-invasively disrupts adipose tissue; its effectiveness and safety were evaluated by ultrasound imaging and histological analysis. Laser irradiation was performed with various powers, and the cooling function was activated to prevent skin surface damage., Results: The dermal tissue temperature increased to at least 43°C during laser exposure, leading to a decrease in abdominal fat thickness after 30 days. Blood tests revealed no significant changes in kidney and liver function but showed increased blood levels of nonessential free acids (NEFAs), likely due to the release of fatty tissue-derived free fatty acids. Histological evaluation demonstrated rapid transformation of adipose tissue into collagen, muscle fibers, and intracellular fibrous tissue., Conclusion: The 1060 nm laser showed promise as a non-invasive and safe tool for reducing abdominal fat., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest in this work., (© 2024 Lee et al.)

As an obstinate cancer pancreatic cancer (PC) poses a major challenge due to limited treatment options which include resection surgery, radiation therapy, and gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. In cancer cells, protein kinase C βI (PKCβI) participates in diverse cellular processes, including cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptotic pathways. In the present study, we created a scaffold to develop PKCβI inhibitors using evodiamine-based synthetic molecules. Among the candidate inhibitors, Evo312 exhibited the highest antiproliferative efficacy against PC cells, PANC-1, and acquired gemcitabine-resistant PC cells, PANC-GR. Additionally, Evo312 robustly inhibited PKCβI activity. Mechanistically, Evo312 effectively suppressed the upregulation of PKCβI protein expression, leading to the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in PANC-GR cells. Furthermore, Evo312 exerted an antitumor activity in a PANC-GR cell-implanted xenograft mouse model. These findings position Evo312 as a promising lead compound for overcoming gemcitabine resistance in PC through novel mechanisms.

Natural products with high antioxidant activity are considered as innovative prevention strategies to effectively prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the early stage because the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to the development of drusen is reported as an important cause of this disease. To investigate the prevention effects of the methanol extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla L. (MEE) on AMD, its effects on the antioxidant activity, inflammatory response, apoptosis pathway, neovascularization, and retinal tissue degeneration were analyzed in N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E)-landed spontaneously arising retinal pigment epithelia (ARPE)-19 cells and BALB/c mice after exposure to blue light (BL). The MEE contained 10 active components and showed high free radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and nitric oxide (NO) radicals. The pretreatments of high-dose MEE remarkably suppressed the production of intracellular ROS (88.2%) and NO (25.2%) and enhanced (SOD) activity (84%) and the phosphorylation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in A2E + BL-treated ARPE-19 cells compared to Vehicle-treated group. The activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mediated pathway, inflammasome activation, and expression of inflammatory cytokines was significantly inhibited in A2E + BL-treated ARPE-19 cells after the MEE pretreatment. The activation of the apoptosis pathway and increased expression of neovascular proteins (36% for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9) were inhibited in the MEE pretreated groups compared to the Vehicle-treated group. Furthermore, the thickness of the whole retina (31%), outer nuclear layer (ONL), inner nuclear layer (INL), and photoreceptor layer (PL) were significantly increased by the MEE pretreatment of BALB/c mice with BL-induced retinal degeneration. Therefore, these results suggest that the MEE, with its high antioxidative activity, protects against BL-induced retinal degeneration through the regulation of the antioxidative system, inflammatory response, apoptosis, and neovascularization in the AMD mouse model.

Silica nanoparticles are innovative solutions of surgical glue that can readily adhere to various tissue-like substrates without the need for time-consuming chemical reactions or ultraviolet irradiation. Herein, 10 nm-sized silica nanoparticle (SiNP 10 ) treatment exhibited maximum adhesion strength in the porcine heart tissue model, which was approximately 7.15 times higher than that of the control group of non-treatment. We assessed the effects of silica nanoparticle treatment on in vivo skin wounds by scoring tissue adhesion and inflammation using histological images. Compared to the commercial cyanoacrylate skin adhesive (Dermabond), suppression of inflammatory cytokine levels in the incision wound skin was observed. We further quantified the expression of angiogenic growth factors and connective tissue formation-related proteins. On day 5 after wound closing treatment, the expression levels of PDGF-BB growth factor were significantly higher in SiNP 10 treatment (0.64 ± 0.03) compared to Dermabond (0.07 ± 0.05). This stimulated angiogenesis and connective tissue formation in the skin of the incision wound may be associated with the promoting effects of SiNP 10 treatment on wound closure and tissue adhesion.

Complement component 3 (C3) deficiency has recently been reported as one of the novel causes of constipation. To identify a unique gene specific to constipation caused by C3 deficiency, the total RNA extracted from the mid colon of C3 knockout (C3 KO) mice was hybridized to oligonucleotide microarrays, and the function of the candidate gene was verified in in vitro and in vivo models. C3 KO mice used for microarrays showed definite phenotypes of constipation. Overall, compared to the wild type (WT), 1237 genes were upregulated, and 1292 genes were downregulated in the C3 KO mice. Of these, the major genes included were lysine (K)-specific demethylase 5D ( KDM5D ), olfactory receptor 870 ( Olfr870 ), pancreatic lipase ( PNLIP ), and alkaline phosphatase intestinal ( ALPI ). Specifically, the ALPI gene was selected as a novel gene candidate based on alterations during loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation and intestinal bowel disease (IBD). The upregulation of ALPI expression treated with acetate recovered the expression level of mucin-related genes in primary epithelial cells of C3 KO mice as well as most phenotypes of constipation in C3 KO mice. These results indicate that ALPI plays an important role as the novel gene associated with C3 deficiency-induced constipation.

Porcine oocytes undergo in vitro maturation (IVM) for 42-44 h. During this period, most oocytes proceed to metaphase and then to pro-metaphase if the nucleus has sufficiently matured. Forty-four hours is sufficient for oocyte nuclear maturation but not for full maturation of the oocyte cytoplasm. This study investigated the influences of extension of the IVM duration with rapamycin treatment on molecular maturation factors. The phospho-p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) level was enhanced in comparison with the total p44/42 MAPK level after 52 h of IVM. Oocytes were treated with and without 10 μM rapamycin (10 R and 0 R, respectively) and examined after 52 h of IVM, whereas control oocytes were examined after 44 h of IVM. Phospho-p44/42 MAPK activity was upregulated the 10 R and 0 R oocytes than in control oocytes. The expression levels of maternal genes were highest in 10 R oocytes and were higher in 0 R oocytes than in control oocytes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity was dramatically increased in 0 R oocytes but was similar in 10 R and control oocytes. The 10 R group exhibited an increased embryo development rate, a higher total cell number per blastocyst, and decreased DNA fragmentation. The mRNA level of development-related ( POU5F1 and NANOG ) mRNA, oocyte-apoptotic ( BCL2L1 ) genes were highest in 10 R blastocysts. These results suggest that prolonged IVM duration with rapamycin treatment represses ROS production and increases expression of molecular maturation factors. Therefore, this is a good strategy to enhance the developmental capacity in porcine oocytes., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (© Copyright 2024 Korean Society of Animal Science and Technology.)

Background: Tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDCT/auto-SCT) and incorporation of 131 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ( 131 I-MIBG) treatment have shown positive outcomes in high-risk neuroblastoma. However, more optimized treatment strategies are still needed., Procedure: The NB-2014 study was a nonrandomized, prospective trial that examined survival outcomes in metastatic high-risk neuroblastoma patients using response-adapted consolidation therapy. We used post-induction residual 123 I-MIBG status at metastatic sites as a treatment response marker. Patients achieving complete resolution of MIBG uptake at metastatic sites underwent a reduced first HDCT/auto-SCT with a 20% dose reduction in HDCT. After the first HDCT/auto-SCT, patients with remaining MIBG uptake received dose-escalated (18 mCi/kg) 131 I-MIBG treatment. In contrast, those with complete resolution of MIBG at metastatic sites received a standard dose (12 mCi/kg) of 131 I-MIBG. We compared survival and toxicity outcomes with a historical control group from the NB-2009., Results: Of 65 patients treated, 63% achieved complete resolution of MIBG uptake at metastatic sites following induction chemotherapy, while 29% of patients still had MIBG uptake at metastatic sites after the first HDCT/auto-SCT. The 3-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 68.2% ± 6.0% and 86.5% ± 4.5%, respectively. Compared to NB-2009, EFS was similar (p = .855); however, NB-2014 had a higher OS (p = .031), a lower cumulative incidence of treatment-related mortality (p = .036), and fewer acute and late toxicities., Conclusions: Our results suggest that response-adaptive consolidation therapy based on chemotherapy response at metastatic sites facilitates better treatment tailoring, and appears promising for patients with metastatic high-risk neuroblastoma., (© 2024 The Author(s). Pediatric Blood & Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Lithium (Li) metal is regarded as a next-generation anode material owing to its high energy density. However, issues such as dendritic growth and volume changes during charging and discharging pose significant challenges for commercialization. We propose using lithiophilic reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbonized zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (C-ZIF-8) composites as host materials for Li to address these problems. The rGO/C-ZIF-8 composites are synthesized through a simple redox reaction followed by carbonization and are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The roles of chemical composition, characteristics, and morphology are demonstrated. As a result of these favorable structural and functional properties, the Li symmetric cell with rGO/C-ZIF-8 exhibits a stable voltage profile for more than 100 h at 1 mA cm -2 without short-circuiting. A relatively low Li plating/stripping overpotential of ~101.5 mV at a high current density of 10 mA cm -2 is confirmed. Moreover, a rGO/C-ZIF-8-Li full cell paired with a LiFePO 4 cathode demonstrates good cyclability and rate capability.

Introduction: Heart failure is a pressing public health concern, affecting millions in the United States and projected to rise significantly by 2030. Iron deficiency, prevalent in nearly half of ambulatory heart failure patients, contributes to anemia and diminishes patient outcomes. In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of iron deficiency anemia on acute heart failure hospitalizations outcomes., Methods: Utilizing the 2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, a retrospective observational study assessed 112,864 adult patients hospitalized with heart failure and 7,865 cases also had a concomitant diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA)., Results: Among 112,864 heart failure hospitalizations in 2019, approximately 7% had concomitant iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Heart failure patients with IDA exhibited distinct demographic characteristics, with females comprising 51.1% ( p  < 0.01) and higher rates of complicated hypertension ( p  < 0.01), complicated diabetes ( p  < 0.01), and peripheral vascular disease ( p  < 0.01). Adjusted mean LOS for patients with IDA was significantly longer at 1.31 days (95% CI 0.71-1.47; p  < 0.01), persisting in both HFpEF and HFrEF subgroups. While total hospital charges were comparable in HFpEF, HFrEF patients with IDA incurred significantly higher charges ($13427.32, 95% CI: 1463.35-$25391.29, p  = 0.03) than those without IDA. Complications such as atrial fibrillation and acute kidney injury were notably more prevalent in HFpEF and HFrEF patients with IDA., Conclusion: The study highlighted that iron deficiency in heart failure patients leads to extended hospital stays, increased costs, and heightened risks of specific complications, particularly in HFrEF. Our study emphasized the implications of IDA in patients with heart failure ranging from prolonged hospitalizations and increased costs. Addressing iron deficiency is crucial, given its substantial impact on heart failure hospitalizations and outcomes, emphasizing the need for proactive diagnosis and management.

Body odor is considered a diagnostic indicator of various infectious and chronic diseases. But, few studies have examined the odor markers for various toxic effects in the mammalian system. This study attempted to identify the novel diagnostic odor biomarkers for chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in animals. The changes in the concentration of odors were analyzed in the urine of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats treated with two dosages (100 or 200 mg/kg) of 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The TCP treatment induced significant toxicity, including a decrease in body weight, an increase in serum biochemical factors, and histopathological changes in the liver of SD rats. During this hepatotoxicity, the concentrations of six odors (ethyl alcohol, acrolein (2-propenal), methanesulfonyl chloride, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclotrisiloxane, and 2-heptanone) in urine changed significantly after the TCP treatment. Among them, acrolein, an acrid and pungent compound, showed the highest rate of increase in the TCP-treated group compared to the Vehicle-treated group. In addition, this increase in acrolein was accompanied by enhanced spermine oxidase (SMOX) expression, an acrolein metabolic enzyme, and the increased level of IL-6 transcription as a regulator factor that induces SMOX production. The correlation between acrolein and other parameters was conformed using correlagram analyses. These results provide scientific evidence that acrolein have potential as a novel diagnostic odor biomarker for TCP-induced hepatotoxicity., Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-024-00253-0., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Korean Society of Toxicology 2024. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Acrylic resins are widely used as the main components in removable orthodontic appliances. However, poor oral hygiene and maintenance of orthodontic appliances provide a suitable environment for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, strontium-modified phosphate-based glass (Sr-PBG) was added to orthodontic acrylic resin at 0% (control), 3.75%, 7.5%, and 15% by weight to evaluate the surface and physicochemical properties of the novel material and its in vitro antifungal effect against Candida albicans (C. albicans). Surface microhardness and contact angle did not vary between the control and 3.75% Sr-PBG groups (p > 0.05), and the flexural strength was lower in the experimental groups than in the control group (p < 0.05), but no difference was found with Sr-PBG content (p > 0.05). All experimental groups showed an antifungal effect at 24 and 48 h compared to that in the control group (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that 3.75% Sr-PBG exhibits antifungal effects against C. albicans along with suitable physicochemical properties, which may help to minimize the risk of adverse effects associated with harmful microbial living on removable orthodontic appliances and promote the use of various materials., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

An intermolecular nickel-catalyzed reductive 1,2-alkylarylation of acrylates with cyclopropylamine NHP esters and aryl iodides is reported. This operationally simple protocol provides direct access to 1-alkylcyclopropylamine scaffolds. The mild conditions are compatible with four-membered α-amino strained rings as well as five- and six-membered ring systems. The products undergo cyclization to access α-arylated spirocyclic γ-lactams─a motif present in several pharmaceuticals.

Precision measurements by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) on the International Space Station of the deuteron (D) flux are presented. The measurements are based on 21×10^{6} D nuclei in the rigidity range from 1.9 to 21 GV collected from May 2011 to April 2021. We observe that over the entire rigidity range the D flux exhibits nearly identical time variations with the p, ^{3}He, and ^{4}He fluxes. Above 4.5 GV, the D/^{4}He flux ratio is time independent and its rigidity dependence is well described by a single power law ∝R^{Δ} with Δ&#95;{D/^{4}He}=-0.108±0.005. This is in contrast with the ^{3}He/^{4}He flux ratio for which we find Δ&#95;{^{3}He/^{4}He}=-0.289±0.003. Above ∼13  GV we find a nearly identical rigidity dependence of the D and p fluxes with a D/p flux ratio of 0.027±0.001. These unexpected observations indicate that cosmic deuterons have a sizable primarylike component. With a method independent of cosmic ray propagation, we obtain the primary component of the D flux equal to 9.4±0.5% of the ^{4}He flux and the secondary component of the D flux equal to 58±5% of the ^{3}He flux.

Lipid droplets (LDs) store energy and supply fatty acids and cholesterol. LDs are a hallmark of chronic nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recently, studies have focused on the role of hepatic macrophages in NAFLD. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is used for labeling the characteristic targets in bioimaging analysis. Cx3cr1 -GFP mice are widely used in studying the liver macrophages such as the NAFLD model. Here, we have developed a tool for two-photon microscopic observation to study the interactions between LDs labeled with LD2 and liver capsule macrophages labeled with GFP in vivo. LD2 , a small-molecule two-photon excitation fluorescent probe for LDs, exhibits deep-red (700 nm) fluorescence upon excitation at 880 nm, high cell staining ability and photostability, and low cytotoxicity. This probe can clearly observe LDs through two-photon microscopy (TPM) and enables the simultaneous imaging of GFP + liver capsule macrophages (LCMs) in vivo in the liver capsule of Cx3cr1 -GFP mice. In the NAFLD mouse model, Cx3cr1 + LCMs and LDs increased with the progress of fatty liver disease, and spatiotemporal changes in LCMs were observed through intravital 3D TPM images. LD2 will aid in studying the interactions and immunological roles of hepatic macrophages and LDs to better understand NAFLD.

Innate immune cells generate a multifaceted antitumor immune response, including the conservation of essential nutrients such as iron. These cells can be modulated by commensal bacteria; however, identifying and understanding how this occurs is a challenge. Here we show that the food commensal Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMB19 augments antitumor immunity in syngeneic and xenograft mouse tumor models. Its capsular heteropolysaccharide is the major effector molecule, functioning as a ligand for TLR2. In a two-pronged manner, it skews tumor-associated macrophages to a classically active phenotype, leading to generation of a sustained CD8 + T cell response, and triggers macrophage 'nutritional immunity' to deploy the high-affinity iron transporter lipocalin-2 for capturing and sequestering iron in the tumor microenvironment. This process induces a cycle of tumor cell death, epitope expansion and subsequent tumor clearance. Together these data indicate that food commensals might be identified and developed into 'oncobiotics' for a multi-layered approach to cancer therapy., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature America, Inc.)

A perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based microfluidic device with cross-junction microchannels was fabricated with the purpose of producing uniform droplets. The microchannels were developed using CO 2 laser engraving. PFPE was chosen as the main material because of its excellent solvent resistance. Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) was mixed with PFPE to improve the hydrophilic properties of the inner surface of the microchannels. The microchannels of the polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic device had a blackened and rough surface after laser engraving. By contrast, the inner surface of the microchannels of the PFPE-PEGDA microfluidic device exhibited a smooth surface. The lower power and faster speed of the laser engraving resulted in the development of microchannels with smaller dimensions, less than 30 μm in depth. The PFPE and PFPE-PEGDA microfluidic devices were used to produce uniform water and oil droplets, respectively. We believe that such a PFPE-based microfluidic device with CO 2 -laser-engraved microchannels can be used as a microfluidic platform for applications in various fields, such as biological and chemical analysis, extraction, and synthesis.

Proteus mirabilis is a commensal bacterium dwelling in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans and animals. Although New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) producing P. mirabilis is emerging as a threat, its epidemiology in our society remains largely unknown. LHPm1, the first P. mirabilis isolate harboring NDM-1, was detected from a companion dog that resides with a human owner. The whole-genome study revealed 20 different antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes against various classes of antimicrobial agents, which corresponded to the MIC results. Genomic regions, including MDR genes, were identified with multiple variations and visualized in a comparative manner. In the whole-genome epidemiological analysis, multiple phylogroups were identified, revealing the genetic relationship of LHPm1 with other P. mirabilis strains carrying various AMR genes. These genetic findings offer comprehensive insights into NDM-1-producing P. mirabilis, underscoring the need for urgent control measures and surveillance programs using a "one health approach"., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

A novel Gram-negative, obligate anaerobe, non-motile, flagella-lacking, catalase- and oxidase-negative, coccobacilli-shaped bacterial strain designated AGMB02718 T was isolated from swine feces. The 16S rRNA gene analysis indicated that strain AGMB02718 T belonged to the genus Mesosutterella with the highest similarity to M. multiformis 4NBBH2 T (= DSM 106860 T ) (sequence similarity of 96.2%), forming a distinct phylogenetic lineage. Its growth occurred at 25-45°C (optimal 37°C) and in 0.5-1% NaCl (optimal 0.5%). Strain AGMB02718 T was asaccharolytic and contained menaquinone 6 (MK-6) and methylmenaquinone 6 (MMK-6) as the predominant respiratory quinones. The major cellular fatty acids in the isolate were C 18:1 ω 9 c and C 16:0 . Based on the whole-genome sequencing analysis, strain AGMB02718 T had a 2,606,253 bp circular chromosome with a G + C content of 62.2%. The average nucleotide identity value between strain AGMB02718 T and M. multiformis 4NBBH2 T was 72.1%, while the digital DNA-DNA hybridization value was 20.9%. Interestingly, genome analysis suggested that strain AGMB02718 T possessed a low-toxicity lipopolysaccharide (LPS) because the genome of the isolate does not include lpxJ and lpxM genes for Kdo 2 -Lipid A (KLA) assembly, which confers high toxicity to LPS. Moreover, in vitro macrophage stimulation assay confirmed that AGMB02718 T produced LPS with low toxicity. Because the low-toxicity LPS produced by the Sutterellaceae family is involved in regulating host immunity and low-toxicity LPS-producing strains can help maintain host immune homeostasis, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of strain AGMB02718 T against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As a result, strain AGMB02718 T was able to prevent the inflammatory response in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Therefore, this strain represents a novel species of Mesosutterella that has a protective effect against DSS-induced colitis, and the proposed name is Mesosutterella faecium sp. nov. The type strain is AGMB02718 T (=GDMCC 1.2717 T  = KCTC 25541 T )., 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 Yu, Oh, Ryu, Bak, Heo, Moon, Jeong and Lee.)

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for secondary malignant neoplasms (SMN) in pediatric solid tumors, focusing on the effects of tandem high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT)., Materials and Methods: Patients (aged < 19 years) diagnosed with or treated for pediatric solid tumors between 1994 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. The cumulative incidence of SMN was estimated using competing risk methods by considering death as a competing risk., Results: A total of 1,435 patients (413 with brain tumors and 1,022 with extracranial solid tumors) were enrolled. Seventy-one patients developed 74 SMNs, with a 10-year and 20-year cumulative incidence of 2.680±0.002% and 10.193±0.024%, respectively. The types of SMN included carcinoma in 28 (37.8%), sarcoma in 24 (32.4%), and hematologic malignancy in 15 (20.3%) cases. Osteosarcoma and thyroid carcinoma were the most frequently diagnosed tumors. Multivariate analysis showed that radiotherapy (RT) > 2, 340 cGy, and tandem HDCT were significant risk factors for SMN development. The SMN types varied according to the primary tumor type; carcinoma was the most frequent SMN in brain tumors and neuroblastoma, whereas hematologic malignancy and sarcomas developed more frequently in patients with sarcoma and retinoblastoma, respectively., Conclusion: The cumulative incidence of SMN in pediatric patients with solid tumors was considerably high, especially in patients who underwent tandem HDCT or in those who received RT > 2,340 cGy. Therefore, the treatment intensity should be optimized based on individual risk assessment and the long-term follow-up of pediatric cancer survivors.

We searched for antideuterons (d[over ¯]'s) in the 4.7×10^{9} cosmic-ray events observed during the BESS-Polar II flight at solar minimum in 2007-2008 but found no candidates. The resulting 95% C.L. upper limit on the d[over ¯] flux is 6.7×10^{-5}  (m^{2} s sr GeV/n)^{-1} in an energy range from 0.163 to 1.100  GeV/n. The result has improved by more than a factor of 14 from the upper limit of BESS97, which had a potential comparable to that of BESS-Polar II in the search for cosmic-origin d[over ¯]'s and was conducted during the former solar minimum. The upper limit of d[over ¯] flux from BESS-Polar II is the first result achieving the sensitivity to constrain the latest theoretical predictions.

Based on the current situation of Korean culture and society, the population of companion animals in South Korea is growing rapidly along with zoonotic risks. The current data regarding zoonotic infections in companion dogs reported in Korea is sparse. This study aims to investigate the seroprevalence of seven potential zoonotic pathogens in companion dogs in South Korea: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdoferi, Ehrlichia canis, Coxiella burnetii, Brucella canis, Leptospira spp. and canine influenza A virus. A total of 284 serum samples were collected from 2018 to 2021, and the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against 7 zoonotic pathogens were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Samples were divided into five groups and analysed based on age. IgG antibodies against six of the seven pathogens were detected. The highest seropositivity rate was detected for canine influenza A virus exposure (59.1%) for which the rates were the highest in dogs under 1 year old and declined with age. Positivity rates of the other pathogens were relatively low: 1.76% for Leptospira spp., 1.40% for A. phagocytophilum and E. canis, 1.06% for B. canis and 0.35% for B. burgdoferi. No antibodies against C. burnetii were detected in this study. The exposure of dogs in South Korea to six zoonotic pathogens was serologically confirmed, highlighting a potential risk for human infection. The zoonotic risk of companion dogs cannot be neglected, and implementation of One Health approach should be advocated to establish effective preventive measures., (© 2024 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

To identify an economically viable waste management system for bioplastics, thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) were anaerobically digested under hydrogen (H 2 )/carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and nitrogen (N 2 ) gas-purged conditions to compare methane (CH 4 ) production and biodegradation. Regardless of the type of bioplastics, CH 4 production was consistently higher with H 2 /CO 2 than with N 2 . The highest amount of CH 4 was produced at 307.74 mL CH 4 /g volatile solids when TPS digested with H 2 /CO 2 . A stepwise increased in CH 4 yield was observed, with a nominal initial increment followed by accelerated methanogenesis conversion as H 2 was depleted. This may be attributed to a substantial shift in the microbial structure from hydrogenotrophic methanogen (Methanobacteriales and Methanomicrobiales) to heterotrophs (Spirochaetia). In contrast, no significant change was observed with PBAT, regardless of the type of purged gas. TPS was broken down into numerous derivatives, including volatile fatty acids. TPS produced more byproducts with H 2 /CO 2 (i.e., 430) than with N 2 (i.e., 320). In contrast, differential scanning calorimetry analysis on PBAT revealed an increase in crystallinity from 10.20 % to 12.31 % and 11.36 % in the H 2 /CO 2 - and N 2 -purged conditions, respectively, after 65 days of testing. PBAT surface modifications were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results suggest that the addition of H 2 /CO 2 can enhance the CH 4 yield and increase the breakdown rate of TPS more than that of PBAT. This study provides novel insights into the CH 4 production potential of two bioplastics with different biodegradabilities in H 2 /CO 2 -mediated anaerobic digestion systems., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: [Chang Gyun Kim reports financial support was provided by Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute. Chang Gyun Kim reports administrative support was provided by Inha University.]., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Oxidative stress caused by light and high temperature arises during in vitro maturation (IVM), resulting in low-quality embryos compared with those obtained in vivo. To overcome this problem, we investigated the influence of piperine (PIP) treatment during maturation of porcine oocytes on subsequent embryo development in vitro. Porcine oocytes were cultured in IVM medium supplemented with 0, 50, 100, 200, or 400 μM PIP. After parthenogenetic activation, the blastocyst (BL) formation was significantly higher and the apoptosis rate was significantly lower using 200 μM PIP-treated oocytes (200 PIP). In the 200 PIP group, the level of reactive oxygen species at the metaphase II stage was decreased, accompanied by an increased level of glutathione and increased expression of antioxidant processes (Nrf2, CAT, HO-1, SOD1, and SOD2). Consistently, chromosome misalignment and aberrant spindle organization were alleviated and phosphorylated p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity was increased in the 200 PIP group. Expression of development-related (CDX2, NANOG, POU5F1, and SOX2), anti-apoptotic (BCL2L1 and BIRC5), and pro-apoptotic (BAK, FAS, and CASP3) processes was altered in the 200 PIP group. Ultimately, embryo development was improved in the 200 PIP group following somatic cell nuclear transfer. These findings suggest that PIP improves the quality of porcine oocytes by reducing oxidative stress, which inevitably arises via IVM. In-depth mechanistic studies of porcine oocytes will improve the efficiencies of assisted reproductive technologies., 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 Inc.)

Accumulating evidence hints heterochromatin anchoring to the inner nuclear membrane as an upstream regulatory process of gene expression. Given that the formation of neural progenitor cell lineages and the subsequent maintenance of postmitotic neuronal cell identity critically rely on transcriptional regulation, it seems possible that the development of neuronal cells is influenced by cell type-specific and/or context-dependent programmed regulation of heterochromatin anchoring. Here, we explored this possibility by genetically disrupting the evolutionarily conserved barrier-to-autointegration factor (Baf) in the Drosophila nervous system. Through single-cell RNA sequencing, we demonstrated that Baf knockdown induces prominent transcriptomic changes, particularly in type I neuroblasts. Among the differentially expressed genes, our genetic analyses identified teashirt (tsh), a transcription factor that interacts with beta-catenin, to be closely associated with Baf knockdown-induced phenotypes that were suppressed by the overexpression of tsh or beta-catenin. We also found that Baf and tsh colocalized in a region adjacent to heterochromatin in type I NBs. Notably, the subnuclear localization pattern remained unchanged when one of these two proteins was knocked down, indicating that both proteins contribute to the anchoring of heterochromatin to the inner nuclear membrane. Overall, this study reveals that the Baf-mediated transcriptional regulation of teashirt is a novel molecular mechanism that regulates the development of neural progenitor cell lineages., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a prevalent condition characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate, leading to a brief loss of consciousness and postural control. Recurrent episodes of VVS significantly impact the quality of life and are a common reason for emergency department visits. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as tilt training, physical counter pressure maneuvers, and yoga, have been proposed as potential treatments for VVS. However, their efficacy in preventing VVS remains uncertain., Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched up to March 2023 for randomized controlled trials comparing non-pharmacological interventions with control in preventing VVS recurrence. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate of VVS episodes., Results: A total of 1130 participants from 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall mean effect size for non-pharmacological interventions versus control was 0.245 (95 % CI: 0.128-0.471, p-value <0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that yoga had the largest effect size (odds ratio 0.068, 95 % CI: 0.018-0.250), while tilt training had the lowest effect size (odds ratio 0.402, 95 % CI: 0.171-0.946) compared to control. Physical counter pressure maneuvers demonstrated an odds ratio of 0.294 (95 % CI: 0.165-0.524) compared to control., Conclusion: Non-pharmacological interventions show promise in preventing recurrent VVS episodes. Yoga, physical counter pressure maneuvers, and tilt training can be considered as viable treatment options. Further research, including randomized studies comparing pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these interventions for VVS treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declared no conflict of interest., (Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural polyphenol and a free radical scavenger with antioxidant properties. This study investigated the protective effects of EA during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes. To determine the optimal concentration, IVM medium was supplemented with various concentrations of EA. Treatment with 10 μM EA (10 EA) resulted in the highest cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, and total cell number per blastocyst and the lowest percentage of apoptotic cell in parthenogenetic blastocysts. In the 10 EA group, abnormal spindle and chromosome misalignment were rescued and the ratio of phosphorylated p44/42 to total p44/42 was increased. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species and glutathione levels were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, and antioxidant genes (Nrf2, HO-1, CAT, and SOD1) were significantly upregulated in the 10 EA group. mRNA expression of developmental-related (CDX2, POU5F1, and SOX2) and anti-apoptotic (BCL2L1) genes was significantly upregulated in the 10 EA group, while mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes (BAK, FAS, and CASP3) was significantly downregulated. Ultimately, following somatic cell nuclear transfer, the blastocyst formation rate was significantly increased and the percentage of apoptotic cell in blastocysts was significantly decreased in the 10 EA group. In conclusion, addition of 10 EA to IVM medium improved oocyte maturation and the subsequent embryo development capacity through antioxidant mechanisms. These findings suggest that EA can enhance the efficiencies of assisted reproductive technologies., Competing Interests: Disclosure of competing interest The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)