Unlocking the serine mischarging paradox and inhibiting lactyltransferase activity of AlaRS by a single-point mutation.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are critical for accurate genetic translation, attaching amino acids to their corresponding transfer RNA molecules. Alanyl-tRNA synthetase (AlaRS) often misactivates Ser or Gly instead of Ala, which is detrimental unless corrected by its editing functions. The paradox of misactivating larger Ser by AlaRS was considered inevitable due to its inherent design, sharing an essential acidic residue to accommodate the activated adenylated intermediates from both cognate and non-cognate amino acids.

Efficient (S)-acetoin production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by modulating α-acetolactate decarboxylase stereospecificity.

Acetoin, a four-carbon α-hydroxyketone with a chiral center, exists as two stereoisomers-(R)- and (S)-acetoin-both of which hold potential pharmaceutical applications. While microbial production of (R)-acetoin has been well studied, fermentative production of (S)-acetoin remains limited due to its reliance on non-enzymatic spontaneous decarboxylation of unstable intermediates. As a result, costly precursors like diacetyl or 2,3-butanediol are often used, posing challenges for economic scale-up.

Metabolic Engineering of for Enhanced Production of Naringenin-Derived Flavonoids: Apigenin and Acacetin.

Apigenin and acacetin are flavonoids with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, making them attractive for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. However, their low natural abundance presents a challenge to large-scale production. In this study, we engineered for the biosynthesis of apigenin and acacetin from naringenin.

Effect of electroencephalography-based motor imagery neurofeedback on mu suppression during motor attempt in patients with stroke.

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to explore the neurophysiological effects of motor imagery neurofeedback using electroencephalography (EEG), specifically focusing on mu suppression during serial motor attempts, and to assess its potential benefits in patients with subacute stroke.

Methods: A total of 15 patients with hemiplegia following subacute ischemic stroke were prospectively enrolled in this randomized cross-over study. This study comprised two experiments: neurofeedback and sham.

Automated CT segmentation for lower extremity tissues in lymphedema evaluation using deep learning.

Objectives: Clinical assessment of lymphedema, particularly for lymphedema severity and fluid-fibrotic lesions, remains challenging with traditional methods. We aimed to develop and validate a deep learning segmentation tool for automated tissue component analysis in lower extremity CT scans.

Materials And Methods: For development datasets, lower extremity CT venography scans were collected in 118 patients with gynecologic cancers for algorithm training.

Engineering Yarrowia lipolytica for enhanced lipid productivity in nutrient-rich conditions: A scalable approach to microbial lipid production.

Climate change is reducing crop yields and increasing price volatility for commodities like cocoa and palm oil, thereby driving the need for sustainable alternatives such as microbial lipid production. The oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is a promising platform for lipid synthesis. However, its lipid accumulation has traditionally relied on nitrogen limitation, posing challenges for achieving high yields under nutrient-rich conditions.

Clinical effect of pulmonary rehabilitation during radiotherapy in lung cancer: A randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: Radiotherapy for lung cancer can cause lung injury, which may lead to decreased pulmonary function, worsened clinical symptoms, reduced quality of life, and poor prognosis. Given that patients with compromised lung function are more likely to undergo radiotherapy, adjunct treatments to enhance its safety should be explored. We performed this study to determine whether outpatient-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) provides positive clinical effects for patients with lung cancer undergoing radiotherapy.

Regular aerobic exercise ameliorates radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis: An animal study.

Background And Purpose: A definitive treatment for radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF), a common side effect of radiation therapy for thoracic cancer, remains to be established. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs, including regular aerobic exercise, may ameliorate RIPF. However, a scientific basis supporting the protective effect of exercise against RIPF is lacking.

Brain alterations and neurologic disorder progression induced by lymphatic dysfunction in the head and neck region.

The potential negative impact of lymphatic dysfunction caused by head and neck cancer treatment remains underexplored. Emerging evidence suggests that waste clearance and fluidic balance in the brain are connected to the peripheral lymphatic system in the head and neck region, implying that lymphatic injury in this area could contribute to brain damage. This study aimed to investigate the pathological alterations in the brain induced by peripheral lymphatic dysfunction in the head and neck region using the lymphatic obstruction animal model.

Enhancing D-lactic acid production from methane through metabolic engineering of Methylomonas sp. DH-1.

Background: Methane is an abundant and low-cost carbon source with great potential for conversion into value-added chemicals. Methanotrophs, microorganisms that utilize methane as their sole carbon and energy source, present a promising platform for biotechnological applications. This study aimed to engineer Methylomonas sp.

Advancements in Biological Conversion of C1 Feedstocks: Sustainable Bioproduction and Environmental Solutions.

The use of one-carbon (C1) feedstocks, including carbon dioxide (CO), carbon monoxide (CO), formate (HCOH), methanol (CHOH), and methane (CH), presents a significant opportunity for sustainable bioproduction and environmental conservation. This Perspective explores the development of biological methods for converting C1 feedstocks into valuable products, emphasizing major progress from engineering native C1 assimilation pathways to the creation of synthetic autotrophs and methylotrophs that utilize these carbon sources. Additionally, we discuss hybrid approaches that merge biological and electrochemical systems, particularly for the conversion of CO.

Efficient Production of the Colorless Carotenoid Phytoene in through Metabolic Engineering.

Phytoene, a colorless carotenoid with unique ultraviolet (UV)-B absorption properties, offers potential for applications in functional food, cosmetics, and therapeutics. However, their low natural yield poses a challenge for large-scale production. This study aims to enhance phytoene production in the oleaginous yeast by introducing a heterologous phytoene synthase gene combined with metabolic engineering approaches.

Ultrasonographic features of the skin and subcutis: correlations with the severity of breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Purpose: Assessing the severity of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) requires various clinical tools, yet no standardized methodology is available. Ultrasonography shows promise for diagnosing lymphedema and evaluating its severity. This study explored the clinical utility of ultrasonography in patients with BCRL.

Efficient production of (S)-limonene and geraniol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae through the utilization of an Erg20 mutant with enhanced GPP accumulation capability.

Monoterpenes and monoterpenoids such as (S)-limonene and geraniol are valuable chemicals with a wide range of applications, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has proven to be an effective host to produce various terpenes and terpenoids. (S)-limonene and geraniol are produced from geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) through the enzymatic actions of limonene synthase (LS) and geraniol synthase (GES), respectively.

Attitude Toward Virtual Rehabilitation and Active Video Games Among Therapists in Korea: A Nationwide Survey.

In this study, we conducted a survey targeting 191 physical therapists (PTs) and 159 occupational therapists (OTs) in South Korea to explore attitudes toward virtual rehabilitation. Utilizing the Korean version of the ADOPT VR by Glegg et al., OT exhibited significantly more experience with virtual reality (VR) and active video games (AVG) than PT.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of a Korean Version of the Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation Scale.

Objective: : To translate and culturally adapt the Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation (INCR) questionnaire into Korean and perform psychometric validation.

Methods: : The original English version of the INCR, in which patients are asked to rate the importance of 55 topics, was translated into Korean (INCR-K) and culturally adapted. The INCR-K was tested on 101 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants at Kangwon National University Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital in Korea.

Regulation of acetate tolerance by small ORF-encoded polypeptides modulating efflux pump specificity in Methylomonas sp. DH-1.

Background: Methanotrophs have emerged as promising hosts for the biological conversion of methane into value-added chemicals, including various organic acids. Understanding the mechanisms of acid tolerance is essential for improving organic acid production. WatR, a LysR-type transcriptional regulator, was initially identified as involved in lactate tolerance in a methanotrophic bacterium Methylomonas sp.

Critical roles of metal-ligand complexes in the controlled synthesis of various metal nanoclusters.

Metal nanoclusters (NCs), an important class of nanoparticles (NPs), are extremely small in size and possess quasi-molecular properties. Due to accurate stoichiometry of constituent atoms and ligands, NCs have strong structure-property relationship. The synthesis of NCs is seemingly similar to that of NPs as both are formed by colloidal phase transitions.

Incidence of dysphagia requiring medical attention in various types of cancers: A nationwide population-based cohort study.

Purpose: Most previous reports on dysphagia in cancer have focused on specific cancer types, particularly head and neck cancer. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the incidence of dysphagia in patients with various cancers using a nationwide database in South Korea.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using the National Health Insurance Service database.