Identification and application of promoters and terminators for plant synthetic biology.

Plant synthetic biology is an emerging field that combines bioinformatics, computational gene circuit design, and plant science. It has the potential to be applied in various areas, including the production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biofuels, and various biomaterials, including plant natural products (PNP). This review highlights recent advancements in plant synthetic biology, particularly in the development and application of biological parts such as promoters and terminators, which play a crucial role in precise gene expression regulation.

Distinct cerebral cortical microstructural changes in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus.

Objective: The aims of the study were to investigate differences in cortical mean diffusivity (MD) among idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) patients, Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, and healthy controls, and to analyze mean MD among INPH and AD groups in INPH-specific areas showing distinctive cortical MD changes for distinguishing INPH from AD.

Methods: Forty-two INPH patients, 51 AD patients, and 23 healthy controls were imaged with MRI, including diffusion tensor imaging MR images, for surface-based analysis across the entire brain.

Results: Compared with healthy controls, INPH patients showed a statistically significant reduction in MD in the high convexity of the frontal, parietal, and occipital cortical regions.

Oral Candidiasis Associated with Aging and Salivary Hypofunction in Stomatitis Patients.

Stomatitis is a broad term for oral mucosal inflammation, and oral candidiasis represents one of its common subtypes caused by fungal infection. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between oral candidiasis and reduced salivary flow in patients diagnosed with stomatitis and to identify clinical predictors of oral candidiasis. A total of 259 patients (mean age 59.

Elevated TIM3 expression on bone marrow T cells drives immune dysfunction in early relapsed blood cancer after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains the leading cause of treatment failure in patients with hematologic malignancies. To better understand the mechanisms underlying early relapse (ER), we comprehensively explored the expression of inhibitory receptors (IRs) in bone marrow (BM) T cells at differentiation stage and examined transcriptional differences. Among the evaluated IRs, TIM3 was significantly upregulated in CD3T cells of patients with ER compared to patients with complete remission (CR).

Differentiating oncocytic carcinoma from oncocytic adenoma: a comprehensive evaluation of preoperative characteristics and diagnostic approaches in a retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: Oncocytic carcinoma (OCA) has been reclassified from follicular thyroid carcinoma due to its unique features. Its rarity has resulted in limited studies on differentiating OCA from oncocytic adenoma (OA). This study aimed to compare the clinicopathologic and preoperative features of OCA and OA and evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasonography and cytology.

Biomimetic Catechol-Incorporated Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering of Functional Salivary Glands.

Replacing damaged salivary glands with in vitro-generated artificial glands offers a fundamental solution for salivary gland dysfunction. However, this approach remains challenging due to the gland's complex structure and cellular heterogeneity. Since natural organogenesis of salivary glands successfully orchestrates these complex processes, replicating the developmental niche in vitro is considered a promising solution.

Diagnostic performance of FDG PET/CT radiomics in predicting microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma compared to conventional metabolic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET/CT radiomics in predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to compare it with conventional metabolic parameters of FDG PET/CT through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of FDG PET/CT in predicting MVI in HCC patients. We calculated the pooled area under the curve (AUC) for predicting MVI using FDG PET/CT analyzed with radiomics methods and compared the results with those predicted through visual or semi-quantitative analysis.

Gossypin induces apoptosis and autophagy via the MAPK/JNK pathway in HT‑29 human colorectal cancer cells.

Gossypin, a flavone found in , exhibits antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti‑inflammatory and anticancer effects. The present study investigated the potential of gossypin to induce apoptosis and autophagy in HT‑29 human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, and assessed its association with the MAPK/JNK pathway. Cell viability assays, DAPI staining, flow cytometry, acridine orange staining, western blotting, hematoxylin and eosin staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and immunohistochemistry were performed.

Easy Access to Bioorthogonal Click-to-Release Reagent Bishydroxy--cyclooctene (CTCO) and Harnessing of Its Rapid Labeling and Dissecting Feature in Multicycle Imaging.

Bifunctional -cyclooctene (bTCO) with a carbamate or carbonate at the allylic position and tetrazine provide a promising bioorthogonal click chemistry pair for the click-to-release approach, successfully employed in various biotechnological applications. Herein, we demonstrate a simple and straightforward method to synthesize CTCO, a symmetrical bTCO derivative with two hydroxyl groups at the allylic positions. The efficiently synthesized CTCO at first was selectively functionalized with a fluorophore (CTCO-FL), and the conjugate was labeled onto monoclonal antibodies (Ab-CTCO-FL).

Self-Powered Oxygen Microbubble Generator for Decontamination of Anaerobic Biofilm-Fouled Bioimplants.

Biomedical devices often feature a microgap: confined, minuscule spaces that foster bacterial infiltration and biofilm formation. For instance, peri-implantitis with prevalence rates of 4.7-45% at the patient level is a major complication driven by biofilm infections, characterized by chronic inflammation and implant failure.

Comparison of Regulatory T-Cell Subpopulations in Antithymocytic Globulin Versus Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide for Preventing Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation-A Retrospective Study.

Antithymocytic globulin (ATG) and post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) are frequently used regimens for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. However, there is a lack of data about the difference in regulatory T-cell (Treg) subpopulations between these two regimens. Peripheral blood samples were collected on day +21 following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT), and the Treg subpopulations were analyzed using flow cytometry.

Intraoperative Facet Joint Block Reduces Pain After Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) results in less tissue damage than in other surgeries, but immediate postoperative pain occurs. Notably, facet joint widening occurs in the vertebral body after OLIF. We hypothesized that the application of a facet joint block to the area of widening would relieve facet joint pain.

Clinical features of secondary BPPV: A nation-wide multicenter study.

BackgroundBenign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral vestibular disorder, and its prevalence is substantial. While primary BPPV has been well studied, the understanding of secondary BPPV is still limited.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of secondary BPPV in a national multicenter retrospective analysis.

2-Ethylhexanol induces autism-like neurobehavior and neurodevelopmental disorders in zebrafish.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors. The rising prevalence of ASD necessitates intensified research. 2-Ethylhexanol, is a synthetically produced branched-chain alcohol used in plasticizer synthesis.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Summary of the Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines 2024 from Nuclear Medicine Perspective, Part-II.

Thyroid cancer, one of the most common endocrine tumors, generally has a favorable prognosis but remains a significant medical and societal concern due to its high incidence. Early diagnosis and treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) significantly affect long-term outcomes, requiring the selection and application of appropriate initial treatments to improve prognosis and quality of life. Recent advances in technology and health information systems have enhanced our understanding of the molecular genetics of thyroid cancer, facilitating the identification of aggressive subgroups and enabling the accumulation of research on risk factors through big data.

Nuclear Medicine Imaging in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Summary of the Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines 2024 from Nuclear Medicine Perspective, Part-I.

Thyroid cancer, one of the most common endocrine tumors, generally has a favorable prognosis but remains a significant medical and societal concern due to its high incidence. Early diagnosis and treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) significantly affect long-term outcomes, requiring the selection and application of appropriate initial treatments to improve prognosis and quality of life. Recent advances in technology and health information systems have enhanced our understanding of the molecular genetics of thyroid cancer, facilitating the identification of aggressive subgroups and enabling the accumulation of research on risk factors through big data.

Loss of dental pulp potentially increased the risk of Alzheimer's dementia.

Background/purpose: Chronic periodontitis and tooth loss contribute to cognitive decline. Since many biological processes are shared by loss of teeth and loss of pulps, this study investigated the potential association between loss of pulp and the development of dementia.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted to investigate the association between dental treatment and the development of dementia.

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide plus anti-thymocyte globulin decreased serum IL-6 levels when compared with post-transplant cyclophosphamide alone after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background: Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) are common prophylactic strategies for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). Interleukin (IL)-6 is a surrogate marker for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and acute GVHD.

Method: The clinical outcomes and complications of haplo-HSCT with PTCy plus ATG versus PTCy monotherapy were compared according to serum IL-6 levels at Chungnam National University Hospital (Daejeon, South Korea) from January 2019 to February 2023.

Controlled ligation and elongation of uniformly truncated amyloid nanofibrils.

This study investigates the production and inter-fibril interactions of uniformly truncated amyloid nanofibrils. By varying extrusion cycles (0, 50, and 100) and using carbonate filters with 100 nm and 200 nm pore sizes, precise fibril length control was achieved. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed that the mean length of the truncated fibrils corresponded to the respective pore size as extrusion cycles increased.

Effects of Movement Sonification Auditory Feedback on Repetitions and Brain Activity During the Bench Press.

Garner, C, Nachtegall, A, Roth, E, Sterenberg, A, Kim, D, Michael, T, and Lee, S. Effects of movement sonification auditory feedback on repetitions and brain activity during the bench press. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): 2022-2028, 2024-Auditory stimulation and feedback have been found to enhance aspects of motor performance such as motor learning, sense of agency, and movement execution.

Myelopathy Due to Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis Associated With ANCA Vasculitis: A 10-Year Follow-up Case Report.

This case report describes a rare presentation of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated hypertrophic pachymeningitis in a 49-year-old woman with cranial and spinal lesions. Initial management comprised decompressive laminectomy and steroid therapy, with the subsequent addition of immunosuppressant therapy following symptom recurrence. After a ten-year follow-up, significant symptom improvement and return of motor function were noted.

Adverse effects of diethyl phthalate and butyl benzyl phthalate on circadian rhythms and sleep patterns in zebrafish larvae.

The zebrafish, a diurnal vertebrate, is commonly used in circadian rhythm studies due to its genetic and neurological similarities to humans. Circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep, neurotransmitter, behavior, and physiological responses to environmental changes, can be disrupted by various environmental factors. Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are pervasive endocrine disruptors that individuals are frequently exposed to in daily life.

Deep learning-based binary classification of beta-amyloid plaques using 18 F florapronol PET.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate a deep learning model to classify amyloid plaque deposition in the brain PET images of patients suspected of Alzheimer's disease.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who were suspected of having a mild cognitive impairment or dementia, and brain amyloid 18 F florapronol PET/computed tomography images were obtained from 2019 to 2022. Brain PET images were visually assessed by two nuclear medicine specialists, who classified them as either positive or negative.

Novel Therapeutic Effects of L. Methanol Extracts in Macular Degeneration Caused by Blue Light in A2E-Laden ARPE-19 Cells and Retina of BALB/c Mice.

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 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).