Lipo-pam™ adjuvanted herpes zoster vaccine induces potent gE-specific cellular and humoral immune responses.

Herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, is caused by the reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Decreased VZV-specific T-cell immune responses significantly contribute to the development of HZ. Shingrix is a recombinant zoster vaccine that is currently used to prevent HZ. However, Shingrix has high reactogenicity and pain at the injection site due to QS21, one of the adjuvant components. In this study, we developed a new herpes zoster vaccine formulation called CVI-VZV-001, containing gE protein and a novel liposome-based adjuvant Lipo-pam™, which consists of two TLR agonists. We evaluated the immunogenicity of CVI-VZV-001 in mouse and rabbit models. CVI-VZV-001 elicited robust gE-specific T-cell immune responses and gE-specific antibody production. Specifically, CVI-VZV-001 induced polyfunctional CD4+ T cell populations that secrete multiple cytokines. Furthermore, CVI-VZV-001 sustained the gE-specific immune responses for up to six months after immunization. To ensure CVI-VZV-001's safety for further development, we conducted a good laboratory practice (GLP) toxicity test, which confirmed that CVI-VZV-001 is safe for use. At present, CVI-VZV-001 is undergoing phase I clinical trials. This study suggests that CVI-VZV-001 can be a potent candidate for the HZ vaccine with high immunogenicity and safety.

Exploration and genetic analyses of canopy leaf pigmentation changes in soybean (Glycine max L.): unveiling a novel phenotype.

KEY MESSAGE: Pigmentation changes in canopy leaves were first reported, and subsequent genetic analyses identified a major QTL associated with levels of pigmentation changes, suggesting Glyma.06G202300 as a candidate gene. An unexpected reddish-purple pigmentation in upper canopy leaves was discovered during the late reproductive stages in soybean (Glycine max L.) genotypes. Two sensitive genotypes, 'Uram' and PI 96983, exhibited anomalous canopy leaf pigmentation changes (CLPC), while 'Daepung' did not. The objectives of this study were to: (i) characterize the physiological features of pigmented canopy leaves compared with non-pigmented leaves, (ii) evaluate phenotypic variation in a combined recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (N = 169 RILs) under field conditions, and (iii) genetically identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for CLPC via joint population linkage analysis. Comparison between pigmented and normal leaves revealed different Fv/Fm of photosystem II, hyperspectral reflectance, and cellular properties, suggesting the pigmentation changes occur in response to an undefined abiotic stress. A highly significant QTL was identified on chromosome 6, explaining ~ 62.8% of phenotypic variance. Based on the QTL result, Glyma.06G202300 encoding flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase (F3'H) was identified as a candidate gene. In both Uram and PI 96983, a 1-bp deletion was confirmed in the third exon of Glyma.06G202300 that results in a premature stop codon in both Uram and PI 96983 and a truncated F3'H protein lacking important domains. Additionally, gene expression analyses uncovered significant differences between pigmented and non-pigmented leaves. This is the first report of a novel symptom and an associated major QTL. These results will provide soybean geneticists and breeders with valuable knowledge regarding physiological changes that may affect soybean production. Further studies are required to elucidate the causal environmental stress and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Biosensor-Assisted Engineering for Diverse Microbial Cellular Physiologies.

Recent advancements in biosensor technology have revolutionized the field of microbial engineering, enabling efficient and precise optimization of strains for the production of valuable chemicals. This review comprehensively explores the innovative integration of biosensors to enhance microbial cell factories, with a particular emphasis on the crucial role of high-throughput biosensor-assisted screening. Biosensor-assisted approaches have enabled the identification of novel transporters, the elucidation of underlying transport mechanisms, and the fine-tuning of metabolic pathways for enhanced production. Furthermore, this review illustrates the utilization of biosensors for manipulating cellular behaviors, including interactions with environmental factors, and the reduction of nongenetic cell-to-cell variations. This review highlights the indispensable role of biosensors in advancing the field of microbial engineering through the modulation and exploitation of diverse cellular physiological processes.

Direct Itaconate Production from Brown Macroalgae Using Engineered Vibrio sp. dhg.

Itaconate is a promising platform chemical with broad applicability, including the synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate). Most studies on microbial itaconate production entail the use of crop-based feedstock, which imposes constraints due to its limited supply. Brown macroalgae have recently gained attention as next-generation biomass owing to their high biomass productivity and carbohydrate content and amenability to mass production. Therefore, the use of macroalgae for itaconate production warrants exploration. In this study, the direct production of itaconate from brown macroalgae was demonstrated using engineered Vibrio sp. dhg, which has emerged as an efficient platform host for brown macroalgal biorefineries. Specifically, to enhance production, cis-aconitate decarboxylase (Cad) from Aspergillus terreus was heterologously expressed and isocitrate dehydrogenase (icd) was deleted. Notably, the resulting strain, VIC, achieved itaconate titers of 2.5 and 1.5 g/L from a mixture of alginate and mannitol (10 g/L of each) and 40 g/L of raw Saccharina japonica (S. japonica), respectively. Overall, this study highlights the utility of brown macroalgae as feedstock, as well as that of Vibrio sp. dhg as a platform strain for improving itaconate bioproduction.

The Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Cognition in Diffuse Axonal Injury in a Rat Model.

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) following sudden acceleration and deceleration can lead to cognitive function decline. Various treatments have been proposed. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive stimulation technique, is a potential treatment for enhancing neuroplasticity in cases of brain injury. The therapeutic efficacy of rTMS on cognitive function remains unconfirmed. This study investigated the effects of rTMS and the underlying molecular biomechanisms using a rat model of DAI. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 18) were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving rTMS after DAI and the other without brain stimulation. All rats were subjected to sudden acceleration and deceleration using a DAI modeling machine to induce damage. MRI was performed to confirm the DAI lesion. The experimental group received rTMS at a frequency of 1 Hz over the frontal cortex for 10 min daily for five days. To assess spatial memory, we conducted the Morris water maze (MWM) test one day post-brain damage and one day after the five-day intervention. A video tracking system recorded the escape latency. After post-MWM tests, all rats were euthanized, and their brain tissues, particularly from the hippocampus, were collected for immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses. The escape latency showed no difference on the MWM test after DAI, but a significant difference was observed after rTMS between the two groups. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses indicated increased expression of BDNF, VEGF, and MAP2 in the hippocampal brain tissue of the DAI-T group. In conclusion, rTMS improved cognitive function in the DAI rat model. The increased expression of BDNF, VEGF, and MAP2 in the DAI-T group supports the potential use of rTMS in treating cognitive impairments associated with DAI.

Genetic Control of Tolerance to Drought Stress in Wild Soybean (Glycine soja) at the Vegetative and the Germination Stages.

Drought stress, which is becoming more prevalent due to climate change, is a significant abiotic factor that adversely impacts crop production and yield stability. Cultivated soybean (Glycine max), a versatile crop for humans and animals, exhibits sensitivity to drought, resulting in reduced growth and development under drought conditions. However, few genetic studies have assessed wild soybean's (Glycine soja) response to drought stress. In this work, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and analysis of wild soybean accessions to identify loci responsible for drought tolerance at the vegetative (n = 187) and the germination stages (n = 135) using the available resequencing data. The GWAS analysis of the leaf wilting score (LWS) identified eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosomes 10, 11, and 19. Of these, wild soybeans with both SNPs on chromosomes 10 (adenine) and 11 (thymine) produced lower LWS, indicating that these SNPs have an important role in the genetic effect on LWS for drought tolerance at the vegetative stage. At the germination stage, nine SNPs associated with five phenotypic measurements were identified on chromosomes 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, and 17, and the genomic regions identified at the germination stage were different from those identified for the LWS, supporting our previous finding that there may not be a robust correlation between the genes influencing phenotypes at the germination and vegetative stages. This research will benefit marker-assisted breeding programs aimed at enhancing drought tolerance in soybeans.

Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling Root Morphological Traits in an Interspecific Soybean Population Using 2D Imagery Data.

Roots are the hidden and most important part of plants. They serve as stabilizers and channels for uptaking water and nutrients and play a crucial role in the growth and development of plants. Here, two-dimensional image data were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling root traits in an interspecific mapping population derived from a cross between wild soybean 'PI366121' and cultivar 'Williams 82'. A total of 2830 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were used for genotyping, constructing genetic linkage maps, and analyzing QTLs. Forty-two QTLs were identified on twelve chromosomes, twelve of which were identified as major QTLs, with a phenotypic variation range of 36.12% to 39.11% and a logarithm of odds value range of 12.01 to 17.35. Two significant QTL regions for the average diameter, root volume, and link average diameter root traits were detected on chromosomes 3 and 13, and both wild and cultivated soybeans contributed positive alleles. Six candidate genes, Glyma.03G027500 (transketolase/glycoaldehyde transferase), Glyma.03G014500 (dehydrogenases), Glyma.13G341500 (leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase), Glyma.13G341400 (AGC kinase family protein), Glyma.13G331900 (60S ribosomal protein), and Glyma.13G333100 (aquaporin transporter) showed higher expression in root tissues based on publicly available transcriptome data. These results will help breeders improve soybean genetic components and enhance soybean root morphological traits using desirable alleles from wild soybeans.

Application of modified porcine xenograft by collagen coating in the veterinary field: pre-clinical and clinical evaluations.

Introduction: This study aimed to identify a collagen-coating method that does not affect the physicochemical properties of bone graft material. Based on this, we developed a collagen-coated porcine xenograft and applied it to dogs to validate its effectiveness. Methods: Xenografts and collagen were derived from porcine, and the collagen coating was performed through N-ethyl-N'-(3- (dimethylamino)propyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) activation. The physicochemical characteristics of the developed bone graft material were verified through field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), brunauer emmett teller (BET), attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), and water absorption test. Subsequently, the biocompatibility and bone healing effects were assessed using a rat calvarial defect model. Results: The physicochemical test results confirmed that collagen coating increased bone graft materials' surface roughness and fluid absorption but did not affect their porous structure. In vivo evaluations revealed that collagen coating had no adverse impact on the bone healing effect of bone graft materials. After confirming the biocompatibility and effectiveness, we applied the bone graft materials in two orthopedic cases and one dental case. Notably, successful fracture healing was observed in both orthopedic cases. In the dental case, successful bone regeneration was achieved without any loss of alveolar bone. Discussion: This study demonstrated that porcine bone graft material promotes bone healing in dogs with its hemostatic and cohesive effects resulting from the collagen coating. Bone graft materials with enhanced biocompatibility through collagen coating are expected to be widely used in veterinary clinical practice.

Joubert syndrome presenting bilateral peroneal neuropathies: A case report.

RATIONALE: Joubert syndrome (JS) is a rare genetic disorder that presents with various neurological symptoms, primarily involving central nervous system dysfunction. Considering the etiology of JS, peripheral nervous system abnormalities cannot be excluded; however, cases of JS accompanied by peripheral nervous system abnormalities have not yet been reported. Distinct radiological findings on brain magnetic resonance imaging were considered essential for the diagnosis of JS. However, recently, cases of JS with normal or nearly normal brain morphology have been reported. To date, there is no consensus on the most appropriate diagnostic method for JS when imaging-based diagnostic approach is challenging. This report describes the case of an adult patient who exhibited bilateral peroneal neuropathies and was finally diagnosed with JS through genetic testing. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS: A 27-year-old man visited our outpatient clinic due to a gait disturbance that started at a very young age. The patient exhibited difficulty maintaining balance, especially when walking slowly. Oculomotor apraxia was observed on ophthalmic evaluation. During diagnostic workups, including brain imaging and direct DNA sequencing, no conclusive findings were detected. Only nerve conduction studies revealed profound bilateral peroneal neuropathies. We performed whole genome sequencing to obtain a proper diagnosis and identify the gene mutation responsible for JS. LESSONS: This case represents the first instance of peripheral nerve dysfunction in JS. Further research is needed to explore the association between JS and peripheral nervous system abnormalities. Detailed genetic testing may serve as a valuable tool for diagnosing JS when no prominent abnormalities are detected in brain imaging studies.

Assessing the role of cold front passage and synoptic patterns on air pollution in the Korean Peninsula.

Various numerical experiments using WRF (Weather Research & Forecasting Model) and CMAQ (Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System) were performed to analyze the phenomenon of rapidly high concentration PM2.5 after the passage of a cold front in an area with limited local emissions. The episode period was from January 14 to 23, 2018, and analysis was conducted by dividing it into two stages according to the characteristics of changes in PM2.5 concentrations during the period. Through the analysis of observational data during the episode period, we confirmed meteorological impacts (decrease in temperature, increase in wind speed and relative humidity) and an increase in air pollution (PM10 and PM2.5) attributed to the passage of a cold front. Using CMAQ's IPR (Integrated Process Rate) analysis, the contribution of the horizontal advection process was observed in transporting PM2.5 to Gangneung at higher altitudes, and the PM2.5 concentrations at the surface increased because the vertical advection process was influenced by the terrain. Notably, in Stage 2 (64 µg·m-3), a higher contribution of the vertical advection process compared to Stage 1 (35 µg·m-3) was observed, which is attributed to the differences in synoptic patterns following the passage of the cold front. During Stage 2, following the cold front, atmospheric stability (dominance of high-pressure system) led to air subsidence and the presence of a temperature inversion layer, creating favorable meteorological conditions for the accumulation of air pollutants. This study offers the mechanisms of air pollution over the Korean Peninsula under non-stationary meteorological conditions, particularly in relation to the passage of the cold front (low-pressure system). Notably, the influence of a cold front can vary according to the synoptic patterns that develop following its passage.

Predictive ability of the Chinese visceral adiposity index for incident hypertension in working-aged Koreans.

OBJECTIVES: The Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) was developed to assess visceral adipose tissue in the Asian population. This study evaluated the predictive ability of the CVAI for incident hypertension in Korean adults. METHODS: The study participants included 128,577 Koreans without hypertension. They were grouped in quartiles according to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), visceral adipose index (VAI), and CVAI values. The Cox proportional hazard assumption was used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for incident hypertension (adjusted HR [95% CI]) according to quartile level across a follow-up period of 6.9 years. Subgroup analyses were conducted by gender and obesity. The area under the curve was calculated to compare the predictive abilities of all indices (BMI, WC, VAI, and CVAI) for incident hypertension. RESULTS: The CVAI was proportionally associated with the risk of hypertension in all participants (quartile 1: reference; quartile 2: 1.71 [95% CI, 1.59 to 1.82]; quartile 3: 2.41 [95% CI, 2.25 to 2.58]; and quartile 4: 3.46 [95% CI, 3.23 to 3.71]). Time dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the CVAI was superior to BMI, WC, and VAI in predicting hypertension at the 2-year, 4-year, 6-year, and 8-year follow-ups. This finding was also observed in the gender and obesity subgroups. The predictive ability of the CVAI was greater in the women and non-obese subgroups than in the men and obese subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The CVAI was a stronger predictor of hypertension than BMI, WC, and VAI.

Assessment of transcranial Doppler indices after MgSO4 administration in severe preeclamptic women with neurologic symptoms.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of intravenous MgSO4 on maternal cerebral hemodynamics as well as the association between altered Doppler indices of the ophthalmic arteries and ocular lesions in patients with preeclampsia. METHODS: After each of the 15 included patients was diagnosed with preeclampsia, MgSO4 was infused followed by transcranial Doppler tests of the indices of the ophthalmic, anterior, middle, posterior cerebral, vertebral, and basilar arteries, followed by a second MgSO4 infusion. The peak, mean, diastolic velocity, and pulsatile and resistance indices of each artery were automatically measured during testing. Based on the emergent data, the cerebral perfusion pressure, resistance-area product, and cerebral flow index were calculated. RESULTS: The cerebral perfusion pressure of the posterior cerebral arteries significantly decreased following the infusion of MgSO4 (p < 0.05). Before the infusion of MgSO4, cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral flow index of the ophthalmic arteries were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the preeclamptic pregnant patients with ocular lesions compared those without ocular lesions. After the infusion of MgSO4, the cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral flow index of both ophthalmic arteries were slightly decreased, but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Altered Doppler indices following the infusion of MgSO4 suggest significant changes in the hemodynamics of the posterior cerebral and ophthalmic arteries that are particularly related to the neurological signs and symptoms of women with preeclampsia. These findings may improve the understanding of the mechanism of the cerebral complications of preeclampsia. Advancing comprehension of these underlying mechanisms is postulated to play a pivotal role in the mitigation of hypertensive encephalopathy associated with preeclampsia.

Gender differences in the upper airway, craniofacial morphological and polysomnographic parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep associated with arousals with or without oxygen desaturation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess and analyse the morphological and neurological factors associated with obstructive sleep apnoea using polysomnography study data and two-dimensional cephalometric analysis of airway and skeletal parameters and their correlation in the patients with varying severities of obstructive sleep apnoea. METHODS: This study included 892 patients who underwent a complete work up, including a thorough history, clinical examination, standard polysomnography study and 2D cephalometric analysis to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea. This study divided the participants into two groups based on the AHI score from the PSG study: AHI < 15 and AHI > 15 groups. The groups were further divided into male and female groups to study the prevalence of OSA. The analysis involved 13 cephalometric parameters: Seven linear and six angular measurements. The airway parameters measured in this study were minimum posterior airway space (PAS_min), hyoid bone to the mandibular plane (H_MNP) and soft palate length (SPL). All the subjects in this study underwent a standard overnight polysomnography study at the sleep centre in Samsung Medical Center. RESULTS: A total of 892 adult participants (M: F = 727:165, mean age: 50.6 ± 13.2 years and age range: 18-85 years). AHI >15 group was significantly older with higher BMI, NC and WC compared to the AHI < 15 groups in both male and female groups. There was statistical significance observed in N1, N3, AI, ODI, lowest saturation (%) and apnoea max length between the groups (p < .001). The arousal index (AI), especially the respiratory arousal index was considerably higher in the male group. There were significantly higher values in all the PSG parameters in the male group. In the airway parameters, hyoid bone position and soft palate length showed significant differences (p < .001), whereas the PAS did not show any differences (p = .225) between the AHI <15 and AHI >15 groups. The overall skeletal cephalometric parameters showed no significant differences between the groups, whereas the gonial angle and AB to mandibular plane angle showed significant differences in the female group (p = .028, p = .041 respectively). CONCLUSION: The partial correlation of cephalometric parameters with AHI showed a stronger correlation between the H_MNP and AHI in both men and women. The position of the hyoid bone and the soft palate length influences the progression of OSA, especially in male patients. This study found no direct association between the minimum PAS and varying severities of OSA in men and women. We speculate that more than the craniofacial morphological factors such as the sagittal and vertical position of the maxilla and the mandible, the position of the hyoid bone might be more responsible for the severity of OSA.

Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery for glomus tympanicum removal: A case series on the necessity of preoperative embolization.

BACKGROUND: Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) has become popular in recent years in the treatment of glomus tympanicum tumors (GTT). The most significant risk for TEES is bleeding. In some cases, preoperative vascular embolization is performed to mitigate bleeding during TEES. However, guidelines regarding the necessity and efficacy of preoperative vascular embolization have not been established yet. CASE PRESENTATION: This report aimed to assess the necessity and usefulness of preoperative vascular embolization in TEES for GTT by comparing the surgical findings of TEES without preoperative vascular embolization (Case 1) and TEES with preoperative vascular embolization (Case 2). Compared to Case 1, Case 2 included less bleeding and a more convenient procedure. However, no significant difference was observed. CONCLUSIONS: For GTT confined to the middle ear cavity (Glasscock-Jackson Grade II or less), when performed by a proficient otolaryngologist, TEES alone is sufficient without preoperative vascular embolization.

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in a Patient with Chronic Back Pain Caused by Multiple Schmorl's Nodes: A Case Report.

Background and Objectives: Schmorl's nodes (SNs), formed by the herniation of intervertebral discs into adjacent vertebral bodies, are generally asymptomatic and do not require treatment. However, certain types of SNs can cause intractable back pain. Case Presentation: A 63-year-old man presented to our hospital with back pain after a fall 1 month prior. Physical examination revealed back pain that worsened with movement and paraspinal tenderness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed immediately after presentation revealed subacute to chronic compression fractures with SNs at the upper endplates of the 11th and 12th thoracic and 1st lumbar vertebrae. Pain (numeric rating scale (NRS), 7-8/10) persisted despite 6 months of conservative treatment and MRI revealed increased signal intensity in T2-weighted images in the regions around the SNs. Based on these findings, an epidural nerve block was performed, and then repeated; however, no significant improvement was observed. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) was performed at the 11th and 12th thoracic and 1st lumbar vertebrae. Pain levels decreased substantially 1 week after PVP (NRS, 3-4/10). Subsequent treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids for two weeks further reduced pain levels (NRS, 1-2/10), following which steroid use was discontinued and NSAID use became intermittent. At the six-month follow-up, pain levels remained low and the patient reported an improvement in activity levels of 90% or more. Conclusions: This case report demonstrates that PVP safely and effectively improved symptoms in a patient with multiple SNs and intractable back pain. Nevertheless, further research, particularly large-scale randomized prospective studies, is necessary to validate the long-term efficacy and safety of this intervention.

Enhanced joint impact of western hemispheric precursors increases extreme El Niño frequency under greenhouse warming.

Sea surface temperature variability over the north tropical Atlantic (NTA) and over the subtropical northeast Pacific (SNP), which is referred to as the North Pacific Meridional Mode, during the early boreal spring is known to trigger El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. The future changes of the influence of those northwestern hemispheric precursors on ENSO are usually examined separately, even though their joint impacts significantly differ from the individual impacts. Here, we show that the impacts of both NTA and SNP on ENSO significantly increase under greenhouse warming and that the degrees of enhancement are closely linked. The wetter mean state over the off-equatorial eastern Pacific is a single contributor that controls the impacts of both NTA and SNP on ENSO. The enhanced joint impacts of the northwestern hemispheric precursors on ENSO increase the occurrences of extreme El Niño events and the ENSO predictability under greenhouse warming.

Genome-wide association study to identify novel loci and genes for Fusarium root rot resistance in sweet potato using genotyping-by-sequencing.

Fusarium root rot, caused by Fusarium solani, is a major post-harvest disease in sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.). An effective strategy for controlling this disease is the development of resistant varieties. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on 96 sweet potato genotypes to identify novel candidate loci and dissect the genetic basis of Fusarium root rot resistance. Genotyping was performed using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), and 44,255 SNPs were identified after filtering. The genotypes (n = 96) were evaluated through resistance tests in 2021 and 2022, separately and combined. The GWAS identified two significant SNP markers (LG3_22903756 and LG4_2449919) on chromosomes 3 and 4 associated with Fusarium root rot resistance, respectively. Lesion length showed significant differences between homozygous A and G alleles of LG3_22903756, which can potentially be used to develop molecular markers for selecting accessions resistant to Fusarium root rot. Expression analysis of 11 putative genes flanking the significant SNPs revealed the alteration in the expression of nine genes, indicating their possible involvement in Fusarium root rot resistance. The results of this study will aid in the marker-assisted selection and functional analysis of candidate genes for Fusarium root rot resistance in sweet potatoes.

Recent Progress in Metabolic Engineering of Escherichia coli for the Production of Various C4 and C5-Dicarboxylic Acids.

As an alternative to petrochemical synthesis, well-established industrial microbes, such as Escherichia coli, are employed to produce a wide range of chemicals, including dicarboxylic acids (DCAs), which have significant potential in diverse areas including biodegradable polymers. The demand for biodegradable polymers has been steadily rising, prompting the development of efficient production pathways on four- (C4) and five-carbon (C5) DCAs derived from central carbon metabolism to meet the increased demand via the biosynthesis. In this context, E. coli is utilized to produce these DCAs through various metabolic engineering strategies, including the design or selection of metabolic pathways, pathway optimization, and enhancement of catalytic activity. This review aims to highlight the recent advancements in metabolic engineering techniques for the production of C4 and C5 DCAs in E. coli.

Evaluation of endometrial thickness in breast cancer patients with tamoxifen treatment - Difference between 2-dimensional ultrasonography and elastosonography.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to confirm the clinical significance of elastographic endometrium measurement in comparison with conventional ultrasonography for tamoxifen users with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, 98 women receiving tamoxifen as postoperative breast cancer treatment were included. Patient medical charts were reviewed, and related medical, obstetric, and gynecological information and histories relevant to breast cancer were evaluated. Patient clinical imaging data included endometrial thickness measurements using both conventional ultrasonography and elastography, and the differences between these two modalities in delta values were statistically analyzed along with possible influencing factors. RESULTS: Endometrial thickness measured using 2-dimensional ultrasonography had a mean value of 5.81 mm (standard deviation [SD] = 3.09), and elastosonography showed a mean value of 3.07 mm (SD = 1.62). A paired t-test was conducted and a significant difference between them was confirmed (P-value <0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age and duration of tamoxifen treatment significantly influenced the degree of difference between endometrial thickness measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Elastosonography may be a more successful and useful tool for measuring actual endometrial thickness than generalized 2-dimensional ultrasonography. In clinical cases with limited use of elastosonography and consequent inability for thorough evaluation of endometrial thickness, practitioners should exercise caution in deciding whether or not to adopt invasive diagnostic procedures, such as endometrial curettage, especially for young patients of reproductive age or those with prolonged treatment of breast cancer with tamoxifen.

Atypical progress of frozen shoulder after COVID-19 vaccination: A case report.

BACKGROUND: After vaccination was mandated worldwide, various adverse effects associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, including shoulder pain, have been reported. Here, we report a case of new-onset shoulder pain after BNT162b2 (Comirnaty, Pfizer-BioNTech) mRNA vaccination. CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old man visited our rehabilitation center with left shoulder range of motion (ROM) limitation that had persisted for more than 5 mo. The history included no specific noteworthy events, except vaccination. The pain in the patient's left deltoid muscle appeared 1 day after the second BNT162b2 vaccination and intensified to severe pain. The patient self-administered aspirin, with which the pain subsided immediately, whereas ROM limitation persisted. At the first visit, the patient complained of dull pain and ROM restriction of the left shoulder (flexion 130°, abduction 110°, and external rotation 40°). Among the diagnostic studies conducted for the evaluation of the shoulder, magnetic resonance imaging showed a thickened coracohumeral ligament. Nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography showed no electrodiagnostic abnormalities. The patient received comprehensive rehabilitation for 7 mo and had an overall improvement in pain and ROM of the left shoulder. CONCLUSION: In this case of severe shoulder pain after COVID-19 vaccination that subsided immediately with aspirin treatment, the exact cause and mechanism of pain are unclear. However, the clinical symptoms and diagnostic workups in our report suggest the possibility that the COVID-19 vaccination triggered an immunochemical response that resulted in shoulder pathology.