Exploring bacteriophages to combat gut dysbiosis: A promising new frontier in microbiome therapy.

Dysbiosis is the imbalance in the composition and function of the microbial community in the human body that leads to various multifactorial diseases, including autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. To address this problem, numerous research has demonstrated the potential of bacteriophages as therapeutic agents to regulate dysbiosis in the human body. Furthermore, phage-based products such as endolysins, proteins, and peptides have also been demonstrated to influence the regulation of dysbiosis.

Emergence Point of the Infratrochlear Nerve With Reference to the Nasion and Its Clinical Implications in Craniofacial Surgery.

Background: Infratrochlear nerve (ITN) block is widely used in craniofacial surgery to provide anesthesia and reduce perioperative discomfort. Accurate localization of the emergence point of the ITN (EP-ITN) using external landmarks may improve the precision of the block.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the anatomical location of the EP-ITN in the medial orbital margin with reference to the nasion, and to evaluate whether the nasion may serve as a consistent external landmark for ITN block procedure.

Ferritin Complex Vaccine against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) Using Screened Immunogenic Sequences from Fv-Antibody Library.

A ferritin complex vaccine against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was developed using an autodisplayed Fv-antibody library. The Fv-antibody represented the variable region of the heavy chain of IgG (V) and the Fv-antibody library was prepared by randomizing the complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) of V. As the first step, four Fv-antibodies with a binding affinity to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of PEDV spike protein (SP) were screened from the Fv-antibody library.

Novel Device for Intraoperative Quantitative Measurements of Extraocular Muscle Tensile Strength.

Understanding the tensile properties of extraocular muscles (EOMs) is crucial for successful strabismus surgery and accurate predictions of surgical outcomes. Assessments of EOM tensile strength are traditionally highly dependent on the expertise of the ophthalmic surgeon, since they involve manually pulling the EOM in opposite directions. This approach only provides subjective measurements that are not quantifiable.

Evidence of autophagic and Wnt/β-catenin signaling occurrence during Schmallenberg virus (SBV) infection on BHK-21 cells.

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a ruminant pathogen that is widely distributed around the world, but little is known about its interactions with permissive cells or about its pathogenetic mechanisms. This study highlighted, through a phenotypic approach, the changes in the expression of some autophagy and Wnt/β-catenin pathway markers that SBV causes on baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells. Western blot analysis revealed that SBV caused autophagy induction at 48 h post infection.

Genome-wide CRISPR screens identify PTGES3 as a novel AR modulator.

The androgen receptor (AR) is a critical driver of prostate cancer (PCa). To study regulators of AR protein levels and oncogenic activity, we created the first live cell quantitative endogenous AR fluorescent reporters. Leveraging this novel AR reporter, we performed genome-scale CRISPRi flow cytometry sorting screens to systematically identify genes that modulate AR protein levels.

Identification and Characterization of PLUTO-201, a Novel Long Non-Coding RNA Associated with Poor Outcomes in Prostate Cancer.

Unlabelled: Despite extensive investigation, the factors promoting aggressive prostate cancer are poorly understood. By performing a comprehensive analysis of whole-genome transcriptome data to identify differential expression across 1,567 patients with prostate cancer, we now report the identification of a novel lncRNA, Prostate Locus of Uncharacterized Transcript Outlier 201 (PLUTO-201), which is strongly associated with metastasis and poor overall survival in men with prostate cancer. We find that overexpression/knockdown of PLUTO-201 in pre-clinical models of prostate cancer modulates proliferation rates and markers of an aggressive phenotype through regulation of steroid biosynthesis and expression of the MHC class I complex, driving increased growth in androgen-depleted conditions and decreased susceptibility to T cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Comparison of orbital structures between age-related distance esotropia and acute acquired concomitant esotropia.

Purpose: To compare orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of age-related distance esotropia (ARDE) with those of age-matched healthy controls and acute acquired concomitant esotropia (AACE) patients.

Methods: Coronal MRI scans of 16 ARDE cases, 15 AACE cases, 26 elderly controls cases, and 22 young controls cases were analyzed to measure (1) the displacement angles of the lateral rectus (LR) and medial rectus (MR), (2) the LR tilting angle, (3) the ratio of the MR-to-LR cross-sectional areas (CSAs), and (4) the superior rectus (SR) downward displacement ratio (SDR).

Results: ARDE patients showed significant LR sagging relative to elderly controls, by 5.

Deep-Learning Method for the Diagnosis and Classification of Orbital Blowout Fracture Based on Computed Tomography.

Background: Blowout fractures (BOFs) are common injuries. Accurate and rapid diagnosis based on computed tomography (CT) is important for proper management. Deep-learning techniques can contribute to accelerating the diagnostic process and supporting timely and accurate management, particularly in environments with limited medical resources.

Neuro-ophthalmic findings of Visual Snow Syndrome in Korea.

Purpose: To investigate the neuro-ophthalmologic characteristics, potential triggers, and treatment responses of visual snow syndrome (VSS) in a Korean population.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients diagnosed with VSS at a tertiary hospital from March 2021 to February 2024.

Management Practice for Hordeolum and Chalazion: A Survey of the Korean Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (KSOPRS) Members.

Purpose: To determine the current management pattern for hordeolum and chalazion among members of the Korean Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (KSOPRS).

Methods: An anonymous web-based survey was emailed to 260 current members of the KSOPRS. The survey comprised five sections: differential diagnosis, treatment strategies for hordeolum, treatment strategies for chalazion, postsurgical care, and pediatric-specific approaches.

Digital therapeutics approach for young children with myopia using SAT-001 (DAYS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Myopia is a prevailing refractive disorder and rapidly increases the risk of vision-threatening conditions. Earlier intervention is crucial to suppress myopia progression; however, the pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies currently available have limitations. SAT-001 is a novel digital therapeutic software developed for myopia control and is designed to overcome the limitations of existing therapies.

The Infratrochlear Nerve Block Reduces the Incidence of Postoperative Nausea Vomiting in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Strabismus Surgery-A Retrospective Study.

: Strabismus surgery in pediatric patients is associated with a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Patients showing pain are more prone to develop PONV. As the infratrochlear nerve (ITN) block can ameliorate perioperative pain following strabismus surgery, we hypothesized that ITN block may influence PONV in pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery.

Ferritin nanoparticle complex with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus spike protein induces neutralizing antibody response against PEDV in mouse models.

As the spike protein is the major antigen that contains various neutralizing epitopes against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), numerous vaccine trials employing the spike protein have been established. In this study, we developed a ferritin-based nanoparticle vaccine for PEDV by combining gene delivery functions of recombinant adenoviruses. To generate nanoparticles, the S1 subunit of the spike protein was genetically linked to the N-terminus of the human ferritin heavy chain (hFTHC), and recombinant adenoviruses were generated to deliver the genetic material.

Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy Outcomes: The Role of Obstruction Levels and Preoperative Dacryocystography.

Purpose: To determine the surgical outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) by analyzing preoperative dacryocystography (DCG) findings.

Methods: This retrospective study included 304 cases involving 197 patients. The following 6 obstruction levels on DCG were categorized: (1) patent, (2) canaliculus, (3) common canaliculus, (4) lacrimal sac, (5) duct-sac junction, and (6) nasolacrimal duct obstructions.

Expression of recombinant swine ferritin heavy chain with enhanced solubility in Escherichia coli and simplified purification of ferritin nanoparticles.

Ferritin is a versatile biomolecule used in various medical applications such as drug delivery, vaccines, biological imaging, and diagnostics. The purity and concentration of the ferritin nanoparticles are crucial for achieving excellent outcomes. In this study, we expressed and purified the recombinant swine ferritin heavy chain (rsFTH) as a new candidate for recombinant ferritin nanoparticles.

Optic neuropathy as an early manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a case report and literature review.

Introduction: Ophthalmic involvement occurs in up to 40% of patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), usually confined to the anterior segment. Herein, we describe patients presenting with optic neuropathy as an early manifestation of GPA, without other signs of ocular or adnexa involvement.

Methods: We report a case of isolated optic neuropathy without other ocular or adnexal involvement and examine the reported clinical features of 17 additional patients through a literature review.

Topography of the Corrugator Supercilii Muscle Relative to the Eyebrow and Its Clinical Application in Botulinum Toxin Injections.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the topography of the corrugator supercilii muscle (CSM) relative to the eyebrow with the aim of providing topographical guidance for botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections in the East Asian population. Thirty-six hemifaces of 18 donated bodies for anatomical studies were dissected. Prior to dissection, four specific points on the eyebrow were marked to serve as reference points.

Advances in lacrimal gland organoid development: Techniques and therapeutic applications.

The human lacrimal gland (LG), located above the outer orbital region within the frontal bone socket, is essential in maintaining eye surface health and lubrication. It is firmly anchored to the orbital periosteum by the connective tissue, and it is vital for protecting and lubricating the eye by secreting lacrimal fluid. Disruption in the production, composition, or secretion of lacrimal fluid can lead to dry eye syndrome, a condition characterized by ocular discomfort and potential eye surface damage.

Optimization of Conditions for Expression of Dengue Serotype 2 EDIII Protein in and Immune Responses of Adjuvant-Free EDIII Ferritin Nanoparticles Against Dengue Virus in BALB/c Mice.

Self-assembling ferritin nanoparticle technology is a widely used vaccine development platform for enhancing the efficacy of subunit vaccines by displaying multiple antigens on nanocages. The dengue virus (DENV) envelope domain III (EDIII) protein, the most promising antigen for DENV, has been applied in vaccine development, and it is essential to evaluate the relative immunogenicity of the EDIII protein and EDIII-conjugated ferritin to show the efficiency of the ferritin delivery system compared with EDIII. In this study, we optimized the conditions for the expression of the EDIII protein in , protein purification, and refolding, and these optimization techniques were applied for the purification of EDIII ferritin nanoparticles.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine based on ferritin complexes with screened immunogenic sequences from the Fv-antibody library.

In this study, the vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was developed using ferritin complexes with the immunogenic sequences screened against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) from the Fv-antibody library. The Fv-antibody library was prepared on the outer membrane of by the expression of the V region of immunoglobulin G (IgG) with a randomized complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3). Four Fv-antibodies to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) were screened from the Fv-antibody library, which had a comparable binding constant () between SARS-CoV-2 SP and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor.

Evaluating the antibacterial activity of engineered phage ФEcSw endolysin against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strain Sw1.

Objective: The emergence of bacteriophage-encoded endolysins hold significant promise as novel antibacterial agents, particularly against the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, we investigated the phage ФEcSw endolysin to enhance the lytic activity against multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli Sw1 through site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) guided by in silico identification of critical residues.

Methods: A computational analysis was conducted to elucidate the protein folding pattern, identify the active domains, and recognize critical residues of ФEcSw endolysin.

Enhanced Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses Elicited by Adenoviral Delivery of SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Motif Fused to Human Fc.

: The receptor binding motif (RBM) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is critical for viral entry into host cells. Development of a vaccine targeting this region is a promising strategy for COVID-19 prevention. To enhance the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, we developed an adenoviral vector expressing the RBM from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that fused to the human Fc (hFc) domain.