Cannabis sativa (Hemp) seed-derived peptides WVYY and PSLPA modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway in human keratinocytes.

Cannabis sativa (Hemp) seeds are used widely for cosmetic and therapeutic applications, and contain peptides with substantial therapeutic potential. Two key peptides, WVYY and PSLPA, extracted from hemp seed proteins were the focal points of this study. These peptides have emerged as pivotal contributors to the various biological effects of hemp seed extracts. Consistently, in the present study, the biological effects of WVYY and PSLPA were explored. We confirmed that both WVYY and PSLPA exert antioxidant and antibacterial effects and promote wound healing. We hypothesized the involvement of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in these observed effects, given that Nrf2 is reported to be a central player in the regulation of these observed effects. Molecular-level investigations unequivocally confirmed the role of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in the observed effects of WVYY and PSLPA, specifically their antioxidant effects. Our study highlights the therapeutic potential of hemp seed-derived peptides WVYY and PSLPA, particularly with respect to their antioxidant effects, and provides a nuanced understanding of their effects. Further, our findings can facilitate the investigation of targeted therapeutic applications and also underscore the broader significance of hemp extracts in biological contexts.

The Suppression of Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L1 Promotes the Transdifferentiation of Auditory Supporting Cells into Hair Cells by Regulating the mTOR Pathway.

In mammals, hearing loss is irreversible due to the lack of the regenerative capacity of the auditory epithelium. However, stem/progenitor cells in mammalian cochleae may be a therapeutic target for hearing regeneration. The ubiquitin proteasome system plays an important role in cochlear development and maintenance. In this study, we investigated the role of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) in the process of the transdifferentiation of auditory supporting cells (SCs) into hair cells (HCs). The expression of UCHL1 gradually decreased as HCs developed and was restricted to inner pillar cells and third-row Deiters' cells between P2 and P7, suggesting that UCHL1-expressing cells are similar to the cells with Lgr5-positive progenitors. UCHL1 expression was decreased even under conditions in which supernumerary HCs were generated with a γ-secretase inhibitor and Wnt agonist. Moreover, the inhibition of UCHL1 by LDN-57444 led to an increase in HC numbers. Mechanistically, LDN-57444 increased mTOR complex 1 activity and allowed SCs to transdifferentiate into HCs. The suppression of UCHL1 induces the transdifferentiation of auditory SCs and progenitors into HCs by regulating the mTOR pathway.

Assessment of the Quality of Sinus Elevation with Lateral Window Approach Procedure Videos on YouTube: A Content-quality Analysis.

Although the lateral window approach allows for greater graft material delivery and bone formation, it is more challenging and invasive, prompting keen interest among dentists to master this method. YouTube is increasingly used for medical training; however, concerns regarding the quality of instructional videos exist. This study proposes new criteria for evaluating YouTube videos on maxillary sinus elevation with the aim of establishing standards for assessing instructional content in the field. We sourced 100 maxillary sinus elevation videos from YouTube and, following exclusion criteria, analyzed 65 remaining videos. The video characteristics, content quality, and newly developed criteria were evaluated. Statistical analyses, employing ordinal logistic regression, identified the factors influencing the quality of instructional videos and evaluated the significance of our new criteria. Although video interaction and view rate exhibited positive relations to content quality, they were not significant (P=0.818 and 0.826, respectively). Notably, videos of fair and poor quality showed a significant negative relation (P<0.001). Audio commentary, written commentary, and descriptions of preoperative data displayed positive but statistically insignificant relationships (P=0.088, 0.228, and 0.612, respectively). The comparison of video evaluation results based on the developed criteria with content quality scores revealed significant negative relationships for good, fair, and poor videos (P<0.001, Exp(B)=-4.306, -7.853, -10.722, respectively). Among the various video characteristics, only image quality showed a significant relationship with content quality. Importantly, our newly developed criteria demonstrated a significant relationship with video content quality, providing valuable insights for assessing instructional videos on maxillary sinus elevation and laying the foundation for robust standards.

Imaging of the vascular distribution of the outer ear using optical coherence tomography angiography for highly accurate positioning of a hearable sensor.

Novel hearable technology is securely and comfortably positioned within the ear canal minimizing inaccuracies caused by accessory movements during activities. Despite extensive research on hearable technologies within the outer ear, there is a lack of research in the field of vascular imaging and quantitative analysis in the outer ear in vivo, which is one of the crucial factors to select the appropriate sensor position. Therefore, in this paper, we introduced optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA)-based qualitative and quantitative analyses to visualize the inner vasculature of the outer ear to acquire vascular maps for microvascular assessments in vivo. By generating maximum amplitude projection images from three-dimensional blood vascular volume, we identified variations of blood vessel signal caused by the different biological characteristics and curvature of the ear among individuals. The performance of micro-vascular mapping using the proposed method was validated through the comparison and analysis of individual vascular parameters using extracted 20 vascular-related variables. In addition, we extracted pulsatile blood flow signals, demonstrating its potential to provide photoplethysmographic signals and ear blood maps simultaneously. Therefore, our proposed OCTA-based method for ear vascular mapping successfully provides quantitative information about ear vasculature, which is potentially used for determining the position of system-on-chip sensors for health monitoring in hearable devices.

IL-10-induced modulation of macrophage polarization suppresses outer-blood-retinal barrier disruption in the streptozotocin-induced early diabetic retinopathy mouse model.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is associated with ocular inflammation leading to retinal barrier breakdown, vascular leakage, macular edema, and vision loss. DR is not only a microvascular disease but also involves retinal neurodegeneration, demonstrating that pathological changes associated with neuroinflammation precede microvascular injury in early DR. Macrophage activation plays a central role in neuroinflammation. During DR, the inflammatory response depends on the polarization of retinal macrophages, triggering pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) activity. This study aimed to determine the role of macrophages in vascular leakage through the tight junction complexes of retinal pigment epithelium, which is the outer blood-retinal barrier (BRB). Furthermore, we aimed to assess whether interleukin-10 (IL-10), a representative M2-inducer, can decrease inflammatory macrophages and alleviate outer-BRB disruption. We found that modulation of macrophage polarization affects the structural and functional integrity of ARPE-19 cells in a co-culture system under high-glucose conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrated that intravitreal IL-10 injection induces an increase in the ratio of anti-inflammatory macrophages and effectively suppresses outer-BRB disruption and vascular leakage in a mouse model of early-stage streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Our results suggest that modulation of macrophage polarization by IL-10 administration during early-stage DR has a promising protective effect against outer-BRB disruption and vascular leakage. This finding provides valuable insights for early intervention in DR.

Multi-tissue profiling of oxylipins reveal a conserved up-regulation of epoxide:diol ratio that associates with white adipose tissue inflammation and liver steatosis in obesity.

BACKGROUND: Obesity drives maladaptive changes in the white adipose tissue (WAT) which can progressively cause insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD). Obesity-mediated loss of WAT homeostasis can trigger liver steatosis through dysregulated lipid pathways such as those related to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-derived oxylipins. However, the exact relationship between oxylipins and metabolic syndrome remains elusive and cross-tissue dynamics of oxylipins are ill-defined. METHODS: We quantified PUFA-related oxylipin species in the omental WAT, liver biopsies and plasma of 88 patients undergoing bariatric surgery (female N = 79) and 9 patients (female N = 4) undergoing upper gastrointestinal surgery, using UPLC-MS/MS. We integrated oxylipin abundance with WAT phenotypes (adipogenesis, adipocyte hypertrophy, macrophage infiltration, type I and VI collagen remodelling) and the severity of MASLD (steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis) quantified in each biopsy. The integrative analysis was subjected to (i) adjustment for known risk factors and, (ii) control for potential drug-effects through UPLC-MS/MS analysis of metformin-treated fat explants ex vivo. FINDINGS: We reveal a generalized down-regulation of cytochrome P450 (CYP)-derived diols during obesity conserved between the WAT and plasma. Notably, epoxide:diol ratio, indicative of soluble epoxide hydrolyse (sEH) activity, increases with WAT inflammation/fibrosis, hepatic steatosis and T2DM. Increased 12,13-EpOME:DiHOME in WAT and liver is a marker of worsening metabolic syndrome in patients with obesity. INTERPRETATION: These findings suggest a dampened sEH activity and a possible role of fatty acid diols during metabolic syndrome in major metabolic organs such as WAT and liver. They also have implications in view of the clinical trials based on sEH inhibition for metabolic syndrome. FUNDING: Wellcome Trust (PS3431_WMIH); Duke-NUS (Intramural Goh Cardiovascular Research Award (Duke-NUS-GCR/2022/0020); National Medical Research Council (OFLCG22may-0011); National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (Z01 ES025034); NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre.

The role of the North Atlantic Ocean on the increase in East Asia's spring extreme hot day occurrences across the early 2000s.

The occurrence frequency of East Asia's extreme hot day in boreal spring has increased since 1979. Using observational data and a Linear baroclinic model experiment, our study suggests that the occurrence of hot day is mainly due to anomalous high pressure over East Asia associated with a horizontal stationary wave train originating from a positive phase of the North Atlantic Tripole (NAT) sea surface temperature (SST) in spring. The effect of a positive phase of the NAT SST is evident in the 2000s, apparently associated with the linear trend of the North Atlantic SST like a positive phase of the NAT SST. Before 2000s, in contrast, SST forcing in the Indian Ocean and eastern tropical Pacific, which is associated with a negative phase of the NAT SST, may contribute to induce the East Asian hot days through atmospheric teleconnections. This implies that the relationship between a positive phase of the NAT SST and the occurrence of hot days in East Asia has been changed during the 2000s.

Risk factors of reattempt among suicide attempters in South Korea: A nationwide retrospective cohort study.

This study aimed to identify underlying demographic and clinical characteristics among individuals who had previously attempted suicide, utilizing the comprehensive Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database. Data of patients aged 18 and above who had attempted suicide between January 1 and December 31, 2014, recorded in HIRA, were extracted. The index date was identified when a suicide attempt was made within the year 2014. The medical history of the three years before the index date and seven years of follow-up data after the index date were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier estimate was used to infer reattempt of the suicide attempters, and Cox-proportional hazard analysis was used to investigate risk factors associated with suicide reattempts. A total of 17,026 suicide attempters were identified, of which 1,853 (10.9%) reattempted suicide; 4,925 (28.9%) patients had been diagnosed with depressive disorder. Of the reattempters, 391 (21.1%) demonstrated a history of suicide attempts in the three years before the index date, and the mean number of prior attempts was higher compared to that of the non-reattempters (1.7 vs.1.3, p-value < 0.01). Prior psychiatric medication, polypharmacy, and an increase in the number of psychotropics were associated with suicide reattempt in overall suicide attempters. (Hazard ratio (HR) = 3.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.56-4.00; HR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.87-3.14; HR = 19.66, 95% CI = 15.22-25.39 respectively). The risk of reattempt decreased in individuals receiving antidepressant prescriptions compared to those unmedicated, showing a reduction of 78% when prescribed by non-psychiatrists and 89% when prescribed by psychiatrists. Similar risk factors for suicide reattempts were observed in the depressive disorder subgroup, but the median time to reattempt was shorter (556.5 days) for this group compared to that for the overall attempters (578 days). Various risk factors including demographics, clinical characteristics, and medications should be considered to prevent suicide reattempts among suicide attempters, and patients with depressive disorder should be monitored more closely.

Qualitative evaluation of artificial intelligence-generated weight management diet plans.

Importance: The transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly via large language models, is increasingly being manifested in healthcare. Dietary interventions are foundational to weight management efforts, but whether AI techniques are presently capable of generating clinically applicable diet plans has not been evaluated. Objective: Our study sought to evaluate the potential of personalized AI-generated weight-loss diet plans for clinical applications by employing a survey-based assessment conducted by experts in the fields of obesity medicine and clinical nutrition. Design setting and participants: We utilized ChatGPT (4.0) to create weight-loss diet plans and selected two control diet plans from tertiary medical centers for comparison. Dietitians, physicians, and nurse practitioners specializing in obesity medicine or nutrition were invited to provide feedback on the AI-generated plans. Each plan was assessed blindly based on its effectiveness, balanced-ness, comprehensiveness, flexibility, and applicability. Personalized plans for hypothetical patients with specific health conditions were also evaluated. Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcomes measured included the indistinguishability of the AI diet plan from human-created plans, and the potential of personalized AI-generated diet plans for real-world clinical applications. Results: Of 95 participants, 67 completed the survey and were included in the final analysis. No significant differences were found among the three weight-loss diet plans in any evaluation category. Among the 14 experts who believed that they could identify the AI plan, only five did so correctly. In an evaluation involving 57 experts, the AI-generated personalized weight-loss diet plan was assessed, with scores above neutral for all evaluation variables. Several limitations, of the AI-generated plans were highlighted, including conflicting dietary considerations, lack of affordability, and insufficient specificity in recommendations, such as exact portion sizes. These limitations suggest that refining inputs could enhance the quality and applicability of AI-generated diet plans. Conclusion: Despite certain limitations, our study highlights the potential of AI-generated diet plans for clinical applications. AI-generated dietary plans were frequently indistinguishable from diet plans widely used at major tertiary medical centers. Although further refinement and prospective studies are needed, these findings illustrate the potential of AI in advancing personalized weight-centric care.

A new feather mite species of the genus Mycterialges Gaud & Atyeo, 1981 (Acari, Xolalgidae) from the Oriental Stork, Ciconiaboyciana (Ciconiiformes, Ciconiidae) in Korea.

A new feather mite species, Mycterialgesboycianaesp. nov. (Xolalgidae), was identified from the Oriental Stork, Ciconiaboyciana Swinhoe, 1873, in Korea. Males of M.boycianaesp. nov. are distinguished from Mycterialgesmesomorphus Gaud & Atyeo, 1981, in having a single triangular prodorsal shield, sinuous margins of the opisthosoma located between setae e2 and h2 on the hysteronotal shield, an oval-shaped epiandrum without posterior extensions, a shorter tibia + tarsus IV than femoragenu IV, and an absent ambulacral disc of leg IV. Females differ in having a prodorsal shield with a posterior margin that is blunt-angular, and a concave posterior margin of the hysteronotal shield with posterior extensions. This study presents the first record of the feather mite genus Mycterialges in birds of the genus Ciconia (Ciconiidae). Additionally, we determined the phylogenetic relationship among Ingrassiinae using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit (COI).

Transcriptional Changes in Damask Rose Suspension Cell Culture Revealed by RNA Sequencing.

Damask roses (Rosa x damascena) are widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceutics. Here, we established an in vitro suspension cell culture for calli derived from damask rose petals. We analyzed rose suspension cell transcriptomes obtained at two different time points by RNA sequencing to reveal transcriptional changes during rose suspension cell culture. Of the 580 coding RNAs (1.3%) highly expressed in the suspension rose cells, 68 encoded cell wall-associated proteins. However, most RNAs encoded by the chloroplasts and mitochondria are not expressed. Many highly expressed coding RNAs are involved in translation, catalyzing peptide synthesis in ribosomes. Moreover, the amide metabolic process producing naturally occurring alkaloids was the most abundant metabolic process during the propagation of rose suspension cells. During rose cell propagation, coding RNAs involved in the stress response were upregulated at an early stage, while coding RNAs associated with detoxification and transmembrane transport were upregulated at the late stage. We used transcriptome analyses to reveal important biological processes and molecular mechanisms during rose suspension cell culture. Most non-coding (nc) RNAs were not expressed in the rose suspension cells, but a few ncRNAs with unknown functions were highly expressed. The expression of ncRNAs and their target coding RNAs was highly correlated. Taken together, we revealed significant biological processes and molecular mechanisms occurring during rose suspension cell culture using transcriptome analyses.

Ginseng root-derived exosome-like nanoparticles protect skin from UV irradiation and oxidative stress by suppressing activator protein-1 signaling and limiting the generation of reactive oxygen species.

Background: Recently, plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs) have been isolated, and active research was focusing on understanding their properties and functions. In this study, the characteristics and molecular properties of ginseng root-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (GrDENs) were examined in terms of skin protection. Methods: HPLC-MS protocols were used to analyze the ginsenoside contents in GrDENs. To investigate the beneficial effect of GrDENs on skin, HaCaT cells were pre-treated with GrDENs (0-2 × 109 particles/mL), and followed by UVB irradiation or H2O2 exposure. In addition, the antioxidant activity of GrDENs was measured using a fluorescence microscope or flow cytometry. Finally, molecular mechanisms were examined with immunoblotting analysis. Results: GrDENs contained detectable levels of ginsenosides (Re, Rg1, Rb1, Rf, Rg2 (S), Gyp17, Rd, C-Mc1, C-O, and F2). In UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells, GrDENs protected cells from death and reduced ROS production. GrDENs downregulated the mRNA expression of proapoptotic genes, including BAX, caspase-1, -3, -6, -7, and -8 and the ratio of cleaved caspase-8, -9, and -3 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, GrDENs reduced the mRNA levels of aging-related genes (MMP2 and 3), proinflammatory genes (COX-2 and IL-6), and cellular senescence biomarker p21, possibly by suppressing activator protein-1 signaling. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the protective effects of GrDENs against skin damage caused by UV and oxidative stress, providing new insights into beneficial uses of ginseng. In particular, our results suggest GrDENs as a potential active ingredient in cosmeceuticals to promote skin health.

Cutting-Edge HEK293T Protein-Integrated Lipid Nanostructures: Boosting Biocompatibility and Efficacy.

Recently, artificial exosomes have been developed to overcome the challenges of natural exosomes, such as production scalability and stability. In the production of artificial exosomes, the incorporation of membrane proteins into lipid nanostructures is emerging as a notable approach for enhancing biocompatibility and treatment efficacy. This study focuses on incorporating HEK293T cell-derived membrane proteins into liposomes to create membrane-protein-bound liposomes (MPLCs), with the goal of improving their effectiveness as anticancer therapeutics. MPLCs were generated by combining two key elements: lipid components that are identical to those in conventional liposomes (CLs) and membrane protein components uniquely derived from HEK293T cells. An extensive comparison of CLs and MPLCs was conducted across multiple in vitro and in vivo cancer models, employing advanced techniques such as cryo-TEM (tramsmission electron microscopy) imaging and FT-IR (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). MPLCs displayed superior membrane fusion capabilities in cancer cell lines, with significantly higher cellular uptake. Additionally, MPLCs maintained their morphology and size better than CLs when exposed to FBS (fetal bovine serum), suggesting enhanced serum stability. In a xenograft mouse model using HeLa and ASPC cancer cells, intravenous administration of MPLCs MPLCs accumulated more in tumor tissues, highlighting their potential for targeted cancer therapy. Overall, these results indicate that MPLCs have superior tumor-targeting properties, possibly attributable to their membrane protein composition, offering promising prospects for enhancing drug delivery efficiency in cancer treatments. This research could offer new clinical application opportunities, as it uses MPLCs with membrane proteins from HEK293T cells, which are known for their efficient production and compatibility with GMP (good manufacturing practice) standards.

Cone cell dysfunction attenuates retinal neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy mouse model.

Aberrant neovascularization is the most common feature in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which leads to the retinal detachment and visual defects in neonates with a low gestational age eventually. Understanding the regulation of inappropriate angiogenic signaling benefits individuals at-risk. Recently, neural activity originating from the specific neural activity has been considered to contribute to retinal angiogenesis. Here, we explored the impact of cone cell dysfunction on oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), a mouse model commonly employed to understand retinal diseases associated with abnormal blood vessel growth, using the Gnat2cpfl3 (cone photoreceptor function loss-3) strain of mice (regardless of the sex), which is known for its inherent cone cell dysfunction. We found that the retinal avascular area, hypoxic area, and neovascular area were significantly attenuated in Gnat2cpfl3 OIR mice compared to those in C57BL/6 OIR mice. Moreover, the HIF-1α/VEGF axis was also reduced in Gnat2cpfl3 OIR mice. Collectively, our results indicated that cone cell dysfunction, as observed in Gnat2cpfl3 OIR mice, leads to attenuated retinal neovascularization. This finding suggests that retinal neural activity may precede and potentially influence the onset of pathological neovascularization.

Genetic Diversity and DNA Barcoding of Thrips in Bangladesh.

Thrips are economically important pests, and some species transmit plant viruses that are widely distributed and can damage vegetables and cash crops. Although few studies on thrips species have been conducted in Bangladesh, the variation and genetic diversity of thrips species remain unknown. In this study, we collected thrips samples from 16 geographical locations throughout the country and determined the nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mtCOI) gene in 207 thrips individuals. Phylogenetic analysis revealed ten genera (Thrips, Haplothrips, Megalothrips, Scirtothrips, Frankliniella, Dendrothripoides, Astrothrips, Microcephalothrips, Ayyaria, and Bathrips) and 19 species of thrips to inhabit Bangladesh. Among these, ten species had not been previously reported in Bangladesh. Intraspecific genetic variation was diverse for each species. Notably, Thrips palmi was the most genetically diverse species, containing 14 haplotypes. The Mantel test revealed no correlation between genetic and geographical distances. This study revealed that thrips species are expanding their host ranges and geographical distributions, which provides valuable insights into monitoring the diversity of and control strategies for these pests.

3D printing modality effect: Distinct printing outcomes dependent on selective laser sintering (SLS) and melt extrusion.

A direct and comprehensive comparative study on different 3D printing modalities was performed. We employed two representative 3D printing modalities, laser- and extrusion-based, which are currently used to produce patient-specific medical implants for clinical translation, to assess how these two different 3D printing modalities affect printing outcomes. The same solid and porous constructs were created from the same biomaterial, a blend of 96% poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and 4% hydroxyapatite (HA), using two different 3D printing modalities. Constructs were analyzed to assess their printing characteristics, including morphological, mechanical, and biological properties. We also performed an in vitro accelerated degradation study to compare their degradation behaviors. Despite the same input material, the 3D constructs created from different 3D printing modalities showed distinct differences in morphology, surface roughness and internal void fraction, which resulted in different mechanical properties and cell responses. In addition, the constructs exhibited different degradation rates depending on the 3D printing modalities. Given that each 3D printing modality has inherent characteristics that impact printing outcomes and ultimately implant performance, understanding the characteristics is crucial in selecting the 3D printing modality to create reliable biomedical implants.

Harnessing Metabolic Indices as a Predictive Tool for Cardiovascular Disease in a Korean Population without Known Major Cardiovascular Event.

BACKGRUOUND: This study evaluated the usefulness of indices for metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and insulin resistance (IR), as predictive tools for cardiovascular disease in middle-aged Korean adults. METHODS: The prospective data obtained from the Ansan-Ansung cohort database, excluding patients with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The primary outcome was the incidence of MACCE during the follow-up period. RESULTS: A total of 9,337 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 1,130 (12.1%) experienced MACCE during a median follow-up period of 15.5 years. The metabolic syndrome severity Z-score, metabolic syndrome severity score, hepatic steatosis index, and NAFLD liver fat score were found to significantly predict MACCE at values above the cut-off point and in the second and third tertiles. Among these indices, the hazard ratios of the metabolic syndrome severity score and metabolic syndrome severity Z-score were the highest after adjusting for confounding factors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) score for predicting MACCE was 0.716, and the metabolic syndrome severity Z-score had an AUC of 0.619. CONCLUSION: The metabolic syndrome severity score is a highly reliable indicator and was closely associated with the 10-year ASCVD risk score in predicting MACCE in the general population. Given the specific characteristics and limitations of metabolic syndrome severity scores as well as the indices of NAFLD and IR, a more practical scoring system that considers these factors is essential to achieve greater accuracy in forecasting cardiovascular outcomes.

Biochemical Profiling of Urine Metabolome in Premature Infants Based on LC-MS Considering Maternal Influence.

In this study, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics profiling was conducted to elucidate the urinary profiles of premature infants during early and late postnatal stages. As a result, we discovered significant excretion of maternal drugs in early-stage infants and identified crucial metabolites like hormones and amino acids. These findings shed light on the maternal impact on neonatal metabolism and underscore the beneficial effects of breastfeeding on the metabolism of essential amino acids in infants. This research not only enhances our understanding of maternal-infant nutritional interactions and their long-term implications for preterm infants but also offers critical insights into the biochemical characteristics and physiological mechanisms of preterm infants, laying a groundwork for future clinical studies focused on neonatal development and health.

Association between Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity and Incident Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Korean Adults.

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with vascular dysfunction, one of the signs of which is arterial stiffness. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), which is considered the gold standard measure of arterial stiffness, can be estimated using two commonly assessed clinical variables: age and blood pressure. This study aimed to evaluate the association between estimated PWV (ePWV) and the prevalence and incidence of NAFLD among Korean adults. Methods: This study used data from the Ansan-Ansung cohort study, a subset of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, and included 8,336 adult participants with and without NAFLD at baseline. The participants were subdivided into three tertile groups according to ePWV. Results: At baseline, the prevalence of NAFLD was 10.5, 27.5, and 35.0% in the first (lowest), second, and third (highest) tertiles of ePWV, respectively. During the 18-year follow-up period, 2,467 (42.9%) incident cases of NAFLD were identified among 5,755 participants who did not have NAFLD at baseline. After adjustment for clinically relevant variables, participants in the second (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.40) and third (adjusted HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.24-1.64) tertiles of ePWV had a significantly higher risk of incident NAFLD than those in the first tertile. Conclusion: Higher ePWV is independently associated with an elevated risk of NAFLD in the general population.