Laboratory approaches in desensitization for ABO-incompatible transplantation.

ABO-incompatible transplantation, once considered contraindicated due to the risk of hyperacute rejection, has become a viable option owing to advances in immunosuppression and desensitization methods. Accurate measurement and effective reduction of anti-ABO isoagglutinin titers are essential for the success of ABO-incompatible transplantation. This review summarizes the principles of hemagglutination and the measurement of isoagglutinin titers, highlighting variables that influence agglutination sensitivity.

Alterations in mitochondrial base editors enhance targeted editing efficiency for mouse model generation.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) base editors are powerful tools for investigating mitochondrial diseases. However, their editing efficiency can vary significantly depending on the target site within the mtDNA. In this study, we developed two improved versions of the mitochondrial adenine base editor (Hifi-sTALED and αnHifi-sTALED) by modifying components other than the TadA8e-V28R deaminase variant.

A LEGO®-inspired pipette-free approach for a fully-integrated molecular diagnostic kit isothermally operated at near body temperature for the detection of antibacterial resistance.

Herein, we introduce a LEGO®-inspired molecular diagnostic microdevice fully integrated with DNA extraction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and colorimetric detection functionalities for rapid detection of antibacterial resistance in a pipette-free manner. The microdevice system is composed of a ready-to-use microdevice containing all necessary reagents and stamps that offer sample-to-answer diagnosis in a pipette-free manner. In particular, antimicrobial resistance was analyzed through LAMP at a significantly reduced temperature of approximately 40 °C, combined with DNA extraction and detection, which were performed at room temperature (RT).

Energetic Disorder in Doped P3HT: A Crucial Factor in Overcoming Coulomb Binding for Free Charge Generation.

Doping of conjugated polymers, which offers precise control over energy levels and electrical conductivity, has faced setbacks because of its low doping efficiency. The majority of generated charge carriers become bound to dopant counterions through Coulomb interaction, leaving only a small fraction of free charges. Although the inherent energetic disorder in polymers may reduce the theoretically predicted Coulomb potential barrier and facilitate the release of bound charges to become mobile, this hypothesis has not been thoroughly quantified.

High-performance organic thermoelectric materials based on n-type conjugated polymers chemical isomerization-induced charge transport modulation.

High-performance n-type conjugated polymer-based thermoelectric (TE) materials remain scarce, despite their critical necessity in realizing wearable TE generators. Here, we sought to optimize TE charge transport in the n-type conjugated polymer poly(benzodifurandione) (PBFDO) the incorporation of the isomeric monomer, benzodipyrandione (BPDO). BFDO segments in the PBFDO chain were systematically converted to BPDO segments chemical isomerization driven by hydrothermal treatment.

Advancements in Mass Spectrometry-Based Glycomics in Food and Nutritional Science.

This review highlights advancements in mass spectrometry (MS)-based glycomics in food and nutritional science. Carbohydrates, which are vital for human health, exhibit complex structures, making their analysis challenging. MS has become an indispensable tool for elucidating the structures of carbohydrates, including glycans, through soft ionization techniques such as MALDI and ESI.

Design and application of a realistic and multifunctional retinal phantom for standardizing ophthalmic imaging systems.

Retinal imaging is essential for diagnosing and treating retinal diseases. However, the lack of standardized and realistic optical phantoms limits the calibration and validation of imaging systems. Here we developed a realistic retinal phantom based on the concept of a super phantom designed to replicate the morphological and functional characteristics of the human retina.

Pre-transplant sensitization and its effect on heart transplant rejection and survival outcomes.

Background: Sensitization of heart transplant (HT) recipients increases the risk of rejection. Assessment of sensitization using a calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) is crucial for evaluating transplant compatibility and predicting outcomes. This study investigated the impact of cPRA and pre-existing and de novo Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) on HT outcomes and aimed to identify recipients at a high risk of rejection.

Current practices in peripheral blood stem cell processing and cryopreservation: a nationwide survey of Korean transplant centers.

Purpose: Processing methods for hematopoietic stem cells vary significantly across institutions, with no standardized guidelines currently in place. This lack of standardization presents challenges in ensuring consistent quality and outcomes of stem cell transplantation procedures. This study investigated current practices in peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) processing and storage among transplant centers in Korea to establish a foundation for the development of standardized guidelines.

Isolation and characterization of sp. nov. from freshwater, sp. nov. from moss on soil and sp. nov. from moss on a tree.

Three Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile and reddish-pigmented bacterial strains, designated GW2-5, WM1 and Tmos10, were isolated from distinct environments in the Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the three strains belonged to the genus . The type strain GW2-5ᵀ grew at temperatures of 10-35 °C (optimum: 25 °C), pH levels of 6.

A Structural Study on Canola Oil-Fermented Microbial Emulsions Using BT1 Strain.

The demand for sustainable bioderived surfactants, such as microbial surfactants, is steadily increasing. While prior studies have mainly focused on developing new production methods for biosurfactants, identifying their chemical identities, or elucidating underlying metabolic mechanisms, research on the structure of emulsions formed by these surfactants and their internal fluid-fluid interfaces remain relatively scarce. In this study, we present a novel microbial emulsion produced by fermenting canola oil with BT1 strain and investigate its detailed structure.

Prediction of Medial Tibiofemoral Joint Reaction Force Using Custom Instrumented Insoles and Neural Networks for Walking and Running Tasks.

Medial tibiofemoral joint reaction force is a clinically relevant variable for knee osteoarthritis progression and can be estimated using complex musculoskeletal models. Musculoskeletal model estimation of this variable is time-consuming, expensive, requires trained researchers, and is restricted to lab settings. We aimed to simplify the measurement of the medial knee joint contact force during walking and running using custom instrumented insoles and deep learning methods.

Association of Fc gamma-binding protein rs1464897604 polymorphism with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in lung transplant recipients.

Background: Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a major challenge after lung transplantation (LT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), sharing pathological similarities but lacking identified common genetic mutations.

Methods: We conducted a comparative analysis of whole-genome sequencing data from lung tissue samples of patients with BOS after LT and HSCT to identify shared and distinct genetic alterations. Common variants were validated using Sanger sequencing of peripheral blood samples.

Evaluating the appropriateness of fresh frozen plasma transfusions in two tertiary teaching hospitals.

Background: Despite efforts to standardise practice using evidence-based guidelines, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) remains the blood component most frequently prescribed inappropriately. This study assessed the appropriateness of FFP transfusion in two tertiary teaching hospitals and analysed the characteristics of appropriate and inappropriate transfusions.

Methods: Patients who had undergone FFP transfusion between October and December 2022 at two tertiary teaching hospitals were retrospectively analysed.

Impact of diagnosis-to-treatment interval on mortality in patients with early-stage breast cancer: a retrospective nationwide Korean cohort.

Background: The diagnosis-to-first-treatment interval (DFTI) is an important prognostic factor and a major concern for patients with breast cancer as well as their clinicians. It may be particularly important for patients with early-stage breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between DFTI and risk of mortality in patients with new-onset early-stage breast cancer.

Extracellular vesicle as therapeutic agents in anti-aging: Mechanistic insights and future potential.

Aging is a multifaceted biological process marked by a gradual decline in physiological functions, driven by cellular senescence, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and stem cell exhaustion. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), naturally occurring nanoscale vesicles secreted by various cell types, have gained attention as potential therapeutic agents due to their ability to mediate intercellular communication by delivering bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and RNAs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of EV biogenesis, cargo composition, and their mechanistic roles in counteracting aging processes.

PROTAC Delivery Strategies for Overcoming Physicochemical Properties and Physiological Barriers in Targeted Protein Degradation.

Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), heterobifunctional molecules that hijack the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to degrade specific proteins, hold great promise in treating diseases driven by traditionally "undruggable" targets. However, their large molecular weight, high hydrophobicity, and other physicochemical hurdles contribute to their limited bioavailability, suboptimal pharmacokinetics, and attenuated therapeutic efficacy. Consequently, diverse formulation innovations have been investigated to optimize PROTAC delivery.

Differential river-to-sea transfers and CH dominance of greenhouse gas emissions in urbanized and impounded estuaries.

Estuaries are biogeochemical hotspots where greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are significantly affected by anthropogenic disturbances, such as water pollution and impoundment. To investigate how upstream pollution affects GHG concentrations and fluxes in impounded estuaries, ten seasonal samplings were conducted over two years in three impounded estuaries in South Korea. The highest levels of all three GHGs were observed in the upper Han estuary, which traverses the megacity of Seoul, with an average CO-equivalent GHG emission of 41 mmol m d (CO: 38 %, CH: 53 %, NO: 9 %).

Australian infection prevention and control leads' perceptions of their roles and responsibilities in residential aged care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

Background: Residents of residential aged care facilities were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. In 2020, the Australian Government mandated the appointment of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) leads. The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of IPC leads working in Australian residential aged care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, to improve preparation for future pandemics.

Carbide-Induced Thermal Shock Synthesis of High-Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles Anchored on WO Nanofibers for High-Performance Gas Sensors.

The synthesis of high-entropy alloy nanoparticles (HEA NPs) on oxide supports with a uniform and homogeneous distribution has been a significant challenge in traditional carbothermal shock (CTS) methods. In this study, we introduce a carbide-induced thermal shock (CITS) process for synthesizing HEA NPs anchored on tungsten trioxide (WO) nanofibers. Utilizing one-dimensional (1D) tungsten carbide (WC) nanofibers (NFs) as scaffolds, we facilitated their oxidation to WO while preserving structural integrity.

An innovative approach using CRISPR-ribonucleoprotein packaged in virus-like particles to generate genetically engineered mouse models.

Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are crucial for investigating disease mechanisms, developing therapeutic strategies, and advancing fundamental biological research. While CRISPR gene editing has greatly facilitated the creation of these models, existing techniques still present technical challenges and efficiency limitations. Here, we establish a CRISPR-VLP-induced targeted mutagenesis (CRISPR-VIM) strategy, enabling precise genome editing by co-culturing zygotes with virus-like particle (VLP)-delivered gene editing ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) without requiring physical manipulation or causing cellular damage.

Three Novel Bacterial Species, Roseateles flavus sp. nov., Roseateles paludis sp. nov., and Roseateles hydrophilus sp. nov., Isolated from Various Water-Related Environments.

A polyphasic study was conducted to determine the taxonomic positions of three bacterial strains, designated as strains 2.12, DJS-2-20, and UHG3, isolated from the water of an agricultural water pipe, wetland, and artificial lake, respectively. These strains were Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, and oxidase positive.

Radial glia integrin avb8 regulates cell autonomous microglial TGFβ1 signaling that is necessary for microglial identity.

Microglial diversity arises from the interplay between inherent genetic programs and external environmental signals. However, the mechanisms by which these processes develop and interact within the growing brain are not yet fully understood. Here, we show that radial glia-expressed integrin beta 8 (ITGB8) activates microglia-expressed TGFβ1 to drive microglial development.

Halomonas pelophila sp. nov., isolated from mud and Halomonas aquatica sp. nov., isolated from marine water.

Two Gram-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, cream-coloured, short rod-shaped, and motile bacterial strains, designated CS7 and SSM6, were isolated from mud and marine water collected in Incheon, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that both strains belonged to the genus Halomonas. Strain CS7 exhibited the highest 16S rRNA similarity with Halomonas urmiana TBZ3 (99.