Development of a highly effective recombinant protein from human collagen type III Alpha 1 (COL3A1) to enhance human skin cell functionality.

Collagen type III, a member of the fibrillar collagen group, is a major component of the extracellular matrix in various internal organs, the vascular systems, and skin. It is essential to maintain the structural integrity and functionality of these tissues, and plays a significant role in wound healing, often found alongside collagen type I. Despite being the second most abundant collagen in human tissues after type I, its biological functions on various skin properties have not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we have isolated and developed an effective recombinant protein derived from human collagen type III alpha 1 chain (hCOL3A1). Our findings demonstrate that the recombinant proteins hCOL3A1-THR-M1 and M4 stimulate cell proliferation and collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and enhance wound healing. Notably, hCOL3A1-THR- M1 (referred to as HUCOLLATIN3) specifically penetrates both the epidermal and dermal layers in a full-thickness skin model. These results collectively indicate that hCOL3A1-THR-M1 holds promise as a potential biomaterial to prevent skin aging. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(9): 424-429].

Effects of 5α-reductase inhibition by dutasteride on reproductive gene expression and hormonal responses in zebrafish embryos.

Steroid 5α-reductase (SRD5A) is a crucial enzyme involved in steroid metabolism, primarily converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Dutasteride, an inhibitor of SRD5A types 1 and 2, is widely used for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. An adverse outcome pathway (AOP) has been documented wherein SRD5A inhibition decreases DHT synthesis, leading to reduced levels of 17ß-estradiol (E2) and vitellogenin (VTG), subsequently impairing fecundity in fish (AOP 289). However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the impact of SRD5A inhibition on zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). Exposure to dutasteride resulted in decreased DHT, E2, and VTG levels, showing a positive correlation. Dutasteride also downregulated the expression of reproduction-related genes (srd5a2, cyp19a1, esr1, esr2a, esr2b, and vtg), with interrelated reductions observed across these levels. Docking studies suggested that dutasteride's effects may operate independently of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) interactions. Furthermore, co-exposure of dutasteride (0.5 or 2 µM) with 0.5 µM DHT revealed gene expression levels comparable to the control group. These findings underscore DHT's pivotal role in modulating estrogenic function and the interplay between estrogenic and androgenic responses in vertebrates. Our proposed AOP model offers insights into mechanistic gaps, thereby enhancing current understanding and bridging knowledge disparities.

Comparison of three HPLC analytical methods: ELSD, RID, and UVD for the analysis of xylitol in foods.

In this study, xylitol, a common sweetener and sucrose substitute in low-calorie foods, was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). During the establishment of the analytical method, three representative detection approaches, ultraviolet detector (UVD), evaporative light scattering detector, and refractive index detector, were compared and applied to determine the xylitol content in various foods distributed in Korea. The results were compared for method validation, measurement uncertainty, and applicability. As a result, HPLC-UVD showed the lowest limit of detection (0.01 mg/L) and limit of quantification (0.04 mg/L) among the three methods. It showed a low range of relative expanded uncertainty (1.12-3.98%) and could quantify xylitol in the wide range of the samples, even trace amounts of xylitol. Therefore, a total of 160 food items, including chewing gum, candy, beverage, tea, other processed products, and beverage base, were applied with three replicates by the proposed HPLC-UVD method.

Validation of Optimization Methods for Sensory Characteristics Using Rate-All-That-Apply and Intensity Scales: A Case Study of Apple Juice.

Preference mapping (PM), which integrates consumer and descriptive analysis (DA) data to identify attributes that drive consumer liking, is widely employed for product optimization. However, a limited group of trained panelists cannot fully represent the diverse consumer population or reliably predict market acceptance. Consequently, numerous studies have explored consumer-based methodologies as potential replacements for DA; however, their efficacy for product optimization remains limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the potential of optimizing products using two consumer-based profiling techniques as alternatives to DA in external preference mapping (EPM). Overall, 8 trained panelists profiled 12 sensory attributes of 7 commercial apple juices, whereas 160 consumers assessed the same attributes using a 5-point rate-all-that-apply (RATA) scale and a 10 cm intensity scale (IS). Danzart's response surface ideal modeling was employed to identify optimal products using DA, RATA, and IS through barycenter calculations, focusing on three products from the original consumer test located around the group ideal point. Overall, the ideal products of the group and their sensory characteristics were successfully identified using DA, RATA, and IS. Regarding sensory intensities, high concordance was observed between DA and RATA (Rv = 0.92) and between DA and IS (Rv = 0.91). Overall liking and preference scores for products mixed at the optimal ratio for each method showed no significant differences in preference among the ideal products identified using DA, RATA, and IS. This study suggests that both RATA and IS are viable alternatives to DA in EPM for identifying ideal sensory profiles.

Unraveling the Deposition and Dissolution Behavior of the Ag-Modified Li Surface Based on Electrochemical Atomic Force Microscopy.

Lithium is a promising anode material for advanced batteries because of its high capacity and low redox potential. However, its practical use is hindered by nonuniform Li deposition and dendrite formation, leading to safety concerns in Li metal batteries. Our study shows that Ag-based materials enhance the uniformity of Li deposition on Ag-modified Li (AgLi) surfaces, thereby addressing these key challenges. This improvement is due to the strong affinity of Ag for Li, which promotes uniform deposition and dissolution. Additionally, the AgLi surface demonstrated an improved cycling stability, which is crucial for long-term battery reliability. Emphasizing our analytical approach, we utilized comprehensive techniques such as Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM) to locally analyze the electrical properties and unravel the Li deposition/dissolution mechanisms. KPFM analysis provided crucial insights into surface potential variations, while EC-AFM highlighted topographical changes during the Li deposition and dissolution processes, contributing significantly to the development of safer and more efficient Li metal batteries.

Antioxidant Activity of Extracts of Balloon Flower Root (Platycodon grandiflorum), Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume), and Grape (Vitis vinifera) and Their Effects on Beef Jerky Quality.

This research examines the total polyphenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of natural ingredients such as balloon flower root extract (BFE), Japanese apricot extract (JAE) and grape extract (GE). In addition, their effect on beef jerky quality characteristics was investigated when the extracts were used as alternatives to potassium sorbate (PS) and vitamin E (VE). BFE had higher (p < 0.05) total flavonoid content (TFC) (6.85 mg CAT eq/g), total polyphenol content (TPC) (10.52 mg RUT eq/g), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (62.96%), and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity (87.60%) compared to other extracts. Although all extracts showed lower activity than BHT in all antioxidant activity tests, the BFE and JAE showed higher (p < 0.05) activity than the GE in the DPPH and FRAP assays. In contrast, in the ABTS assay, both BFE and GE showed increased activity (p < 0.05) compared to JAE. The jerky was prepared by adding 0.05% (v/v) each of BFE, JAE and GE. Furthermore, a control sample of jerky was also prepared by adding 0.10% (w/v) PS and 0.05% VE, respectively. On day 30, the redness (a*) values of the BFE and PS samples were also found to be significantly higher than those of the other samples (p < 0.05). Additionally, the yellowness (b*) values of the BFE sample were also found to be significantly higher than those of the other samples (p < 0.05). The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) on day 30 were lower in the jerky treated with PS, VE, and GE compared to those treated with BFE and JAE (p < 0.05). In the sensory analysis, beef jerky with BFE had significantly higher overall acceptability scores on days 1 and 30 (p < 0.05). The addition of BFE to beef jerky influenced the increase in a* and b* values on day 30. The addition of GE effectively suppressed lipid oxidation to a level comparable to that of the PS and VE at day 30. Furthermore, the addition of BFE enhanced the overall acceptability of sensory characteristics.

Validation, measurement uncertainty, and determination of polysorbate-labeled foods distributed in Korea.

This study reports the improvement and validation of a colorimetric method to quantify polysorbates (20, 60, 65, and 80) in food by measuring absorbance at 620 nm using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The method was validated for linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), precision, accuracy, and measurement uncertainty. The coefficient of determination was linear (r 2 ≥ 0.9991) over the measured concentration range of 50-1000 mg/L. The LOD and LOQ were 2.3-4.9 and 7.0-15.0 mg/kg, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision were 91.9-104.1% and 0.1-1.1% RSD, and 91.6-103.8% and 0.4-5.0% RSD, respectively. The result of inter-laboratory recovery was 90.9-99.8% and the measurement uncertainty was < 16% with the compliance of the CODEX recommendation. Sauce, bread, whipped cream, rice cake, ice cream, and various other polysorbate-labeled food products (n = 229, detection range; N.D.-16,442.3 mg/kg) distributed in Korea were analyzed to confirm the applicability of the analytical method. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-024-01544-w.

Effects of Sling-Suspension-Based Active Shoulder Joint Exercise on Shoulder Joint Subluxation, Pain, Muscle Strength, and Upper Limb Function in Patients with Subacute Stroke.

Background and Objectives: We investigated the effects of sling-suspension-based active shoulder joint exercise training on shoulder joint subluxation, pain, muscle strength, and upper extremity function in patients with subacute stroke. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients with subacute stroke were randomly assigned to either the sling-suspension-based active shoulder joint exercise (SASE) group (n = 14) or the motorized upper extremity exercise (MUEE) group (n = 14). The SASE group actively performed shoulder joint flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, external and internal rotation, and horizontal abduction and adduction using a sling suspension system, whereas the MUEE group underwent an exercise program using a motorized upper extremity exercise machine. All participants underwent a 4-week intervention with 30 min of exercise once a day for 5 days a week. Additionally, both groups received general physical therapy and functional electrical stimulation for 30 min twice a day for 5 days a week. Shoulder joint subluxation was measured by radiographic examination before and after training, and pain was evaluated in the splenius, upper trapezius, and infraspinatus muscles using pressure parameters. In addition, a manual muscle tester was used to assess the muscle strength of the shoulder joint flexors, extensors, abductors, adductors, and external and internal rotators, and the Fugl-Mayer Assessment (FMA) and Manual Functional Test (MFT) were used to evaluate upper extremity function. Results: A significant group-time interaction was observed for pain, with F-values of F(1, 26) = 7.470, p < 0.011 for the splenius and F(1, 26) = 9.623, p < 0.005 for the upper trapezius. A significant time-group interaction was observed for the muscle strength of the shoulder, with F-values of F(1, 26) = 13.211, p < 0.001; F(1, 26) = 4.974, p = 0.035 and F(1, 26) = 9.674, p = 0.004 for flexors, abductors, and external rotators, respectively. A significant time-group interaction was observed in the FMA, with F-values of F(1, 26) = 13.243, p < 0.001. When comparing the interaction effects between time and group for MFT scores, a significant difference was observed, with F-values of F(1, 26) = 32.386, p < 0.001. Conclusions: This study confirmed that sling-suspension-based active shoulder joint exercises are effective in improving shoulder joint subluxation, pain, muscle strength, and upper extremity function in patients with subacute stroke.

Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy and Electrochemical Atomic Force Microscopy Investigations of Lithium Nucleation and Growth: Influence of the Electrode Surface Potential.

Lithium metal is promising for high-capacity batteries because of its high theoretical specific capacity of 3860 mAh g-1 and low redox potential of -3.04 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode. However, it encounters challenges, such as dendrite formation, which poses risks of short circuits and safety hazards. This study examines Li deposition using electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). KPFM provides insights into local surface potential, while EC-AFM captures the surface response evolution to electrochemical reactions. We selectively removed metallic coatings from current collectors to compare lithium deposition on coated and exposed copper surfaces. Observations from the Ag-coated Cu (Ag/Cu), Pt-coated Cu (Pt/Cu), and Au-coated Cu (Au/Cu) samples revealed variations in lithium deposition. Ag/Cu and Au/Cu exhibited two-dimensional growth, whereas Pt/Cu exhibited three-dimensional growth, highlighting the impact of electrode materials on morphology. These insights advance the development of safer lithium metal batteries.

Validation and measurement uncertainty of analytical methods for various azo dye adulterants in Curcuma longa L.

Food adulteration involving the illegal addition of dyes to foodstuffs has become an alarming issue in recent years. This study developed and validated a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-DAD (diode array detector) method for the simultaneous determination of nine azo dyes (Butter Yellow, Sudan Orange G, Para Red, Sudan I, Sudan II, Sudan III, Sudan IV, Sudan Red 7B, and Scarlet 808). Moreover, a qualitative analysis method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed to more accurately identify peaks detected in HPLC-DAD. The calibration curve represented good linearity (r2 ≥ 0.9998) over the measured concentration range of 0.5-25 mg/kg. limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.01-0.04 and 0.04-0.12 mg/kg, respectively. Accuracy and precision were 96.0-102.6 and 0.16-2.01 (relative standard deviation%), respectively. Additionally, the measurement uncertainty and HorRat value were estimated. Several Curcuma longa L. distributed in Korea were collected and monitored for azo dye contaminants. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The proposed HPLC-DAD method represents a significant advancement in the field, offering a reliable means of quantifying azo dyes and identifying their presence even at trace levels in adulterated turmeric. This not only contributes to ensuring the safety and integrity of turmeric products but also establishes precedent for robust analytical techniques in addressing food safety challenges.

Identification of Interleukin (IL)-33 Inhibitory Constituents from Canavalia gladiata Pods.

Interleukin (IL)-33, a member of the IL-1 cytokine family, plays a vital role in immune system regulation and inflammation, with oxidative stress being implicated in its expression. During the search for compounds from natural sources with potential as therapeutic agents for allergic diseases via IL-33 signal modulation, we discovered significant IL-33 inhibitory activity in the methanol extract of Canavalia gladiata (sword bean) pods. Through chromatographic separation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, we isolated 11 compounds (1-11) from the methanol extract. Furthermore, we assessed the inhibitory effects of these substances on IL-33/ST2 signaling in processes related to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Among them, compounds 7, 10, and 11 exhibited substantial IL-33 inhibitory efficacy, with values reaching 78%, 86%, and 79% at 100 µM, respectively. Remarkably, compounds 7, 10, and 11 demonstrated significant and dose-dependent inhibition of IL-33 signaling at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 µM. Computational molecular docking and dynamic simulations further elucidated the underlying mechanisms. These findings have promising pharmacological implications for allergy prevention and treatment associated with flavonoid glycosides derived from C. gladiata.

Effects of Raman Labeling Compounds on the Stability and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Performance of Ag Nanoparticle-Embedded Silica Nanoparticles as Tagging Materials.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) tagging using silica(SiO2)@Ag nanoparticles (NPs) is easy to handle and is being studied in various fields, including SERS imaging and immunoassays. This is primarily due to its structural advantages, characterized by high SERS activity. However, the Ag NPs introduced onto the SiO2 surface may undergo structural transformation owing to the Ostwald ripening phenomenon under various conditions. As a result, the consistency of the SERS signal decreases, reducing their usability as SERS substrates. Until recently, research has been actively conducted to improve the stability of single Ag NPs. However, research on SiO2@Ag NPs used as a SERS-tagging material is still lacking. In this study, we utilized a Raman labeling compound (RLC) to prevent the structural deformation of SiO2@Ag NPs under various conditions and proposed excellent SiO2@Ag@RLC-Pre NPs as a SERS-tagging material. Using various RLCs, we confirmed that 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) is the RLC that maintains the highest stability for 2 months. These results were also observed for the SiO2@Ag NPs, which were unstable under various pH and temperature conditions. We believe that SERS tags using SiO2@Ag NPs and 4-MBA can be utilized in various applications on based SERS because of the high stability and consistency of the resulting SERS signal.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Barley Sprout Fermented by Lactic Acid Bacteria in RAW264.7 Macrophages and Caco-2 Cells.

The anti-inflammatory effects of supernatants produced from sprouted barley inoculated with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KCTC3104 (Lp), Leuconostoc mesenteroides KCTC3530 (Lm), Latilactobacillus curvatus KCTC3767 (Lc), or a mixture of these lactic acid bacteria were investigated using RAW264.7 macrophages. BLp and BLc, the lyophilized supernatants of fermented sprouted barley inoculated with Lp and Lc, respectively, effectively reduced the nitric oxide (NO) levels hypersecreted by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 and LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells. BLp and BLc effectively reduced the NO levels in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, and these effects tended to be concentration-dependent. BLc and BLp also exhibited strong DPPH radical scavenging activity and immunostimulatory effects. BLp and BLc significantly suppressed the levels of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells, indicating their anti-inflammatory effects. These effects were greater than those of unfermented barley sprout (Bs). The functional components of Bs, BLp, and BLc were analyzed by HPLC, and it was found that lutonarin and saponarin were significantly increased in the fermented sprouted barley sample inoculated with Lp and Lc (BLp and BLc).

Adverse effects of the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride on Daphnia magna: Endocrine system and lipid metabolism disruption.

Finasteride, a steroid 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, is commonly used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and hair loss. However, despite continued use, its environmental implications have not been thoroughly investigated. Thus, we investigated the acute and chronic adverse impacts of finasteride on Daphnia magna, a crucial planktonic crustacean in freshwater ecosystems selected as bioindicator organism for understanding the ecotoxicological effects. Chronic exposure (for 23 days) to finasteride negatively affected development and reproduction, leading to reduced fecundity, delayed first brood, reduced growth, and reduced neonate size. Additionally, acute exposure (< 24 h) caused decreased expression levels of genes crucial for reproduction and development, especially EcR-A/B (ecdysone receptors), Jhe (juvenile hormone esterase), and Vtg2 (vitellogenin), with oxidative stress-related genes. Untargeted lipidomics/metabolomic analyses revealed lipidomic alteration, including 19 upregulated and 4 downregulated enriched lipid ontology categories, and confirmed downregulation of metabolites. Pathway analysis implicated significant effects on metabolic pathways, including the pentose phosphate pathway, histidine metabolism, beta-alanine metabolism, as well as alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. This comprehensive study unravels the intricate molecular and metabolic responses of D. magna to finasteride exposure, underscoring the multifaceted impacts of this anti-androgenic compound on a keystone species of freshwater ecosystems. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the environmental repercussions of widely used pharmaceuticals to protect biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems.

Prediction model of browning inhibitor concentration and its optimal composition for mass processing of ready-to-eat fresh-cut 'Fuji' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) strains.

In this study, we optimized the composition of the browning inhibitor for apples and established a prediction model for the browning inhibitor concentration in mass-processed fresh-cut apples based on electrical conductivity measurements. The "Fuji" apples that were harvested in Chungju, Korea, were used for this study. Vitamin C mixture (VCM) and trehalose (Tre) were used as browning inhibitors at a 4% ratio. The browning reaction under Δ3 of BI (browning index) for 5 days was defined as the target shelf-life of the apple flesh. The ΔBI of VCM and Tre was lower than that of VCM by 4%. It is revealed that the electrical conductivity of the browning inhibitor was highly correlated with its concentration and the number of soaked apples. Finally, the regression of the conductivity was fitted as Y = -0.0024 (number of soaked apples) + 0.5111 (R2 = 0.9931). In the validation test, the conductivity must be maintained at 0.4373 S/m or higher to maintain the target anti-browning level of Δ3 or less, which corresponded to ∼80% of the initial qualitative level after manufacture. The conductivity measurement of the browning inhibitor is suitable for monitoring and predicting its concentration in the mass processing of fresh-cut apple production due to the convenience of this method. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The conductivity measurement of browning inhibitors can be applied not only to the mass processing of apple production but also to the anti-browning treatment of other fruits and vegetables, due to the convenience of this method. From these research results, it is expected to derive a formula that can predict the concentration of browning inhibitors through simple experiments for other fruits or vegetables.

Self-Powered Electrical Bandage Based on Body-Coupled Energy Harvesting.

Self-powered electrical bandages (SEBs), integrated with wearable energy harvesters, can provide an effective and autonomous electrical stimulation (ES) solution for rapid and scarless wound healing. A continuously operating, wireless, and applicable-to-comprehensive-wound ES device is essential for the quick restoration of wounds and convenience. This work illustrates a SEB powered by body-coupled energy harvesting. The SEB continuously treats the wound with 60-Hz sinusoidal electrical potential gained from the coupling of the human body and ambient electrical waves. It is demonstrated that enough level of electrical potential can be applied to the wound, further enhanced by strong capacitive coupling arising from the use of high-permittivity poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene):CaCu3Ti4O12 (P(VDF-TrFE):CCTO) nanocomposite. The potential clinical efficacy of the SEB is illustrated by preclinical analysis of human fibroblasts and mouse wound model, thus confirming the successful expedition of wound recovery. This work suggests a new class of wearable devices to provide ES events and its potential for extension to other conventional wound care materials and device technology.

Mycoproteins and their health-promoting properties: Fusarium species and beyond.

Filamentous fungal mycoproteins have gained increasing attention as sustainable alternatives to animal and plant-based proteins. This comprehensive review summarizes the nutritional characteristics, toxicological aspects, and health-promoting effects of mycoproteins, focusing on those derived from filamentous fungi, notably Fusarium venenatum. Mycoproteins are characterized by their high protein content, and they have a superior essential amino acid profile compared to soybeans indicating excellent protein quality and benefits for human nutrition. Additionally, mycoproteins offer enhanced digestibility, further highlighting their suitability as a protein source. Furthermore, mycoproteins are rich in dietary fibers, which have been associated with health benefits, including protection against metabolic diseases. Moreover, their fatty acids profile, with significant proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids and absence of cholesterol, distinguishes them from animal-derived proteins. In conclusion, the future of mycoproteins as a health-promoting protein alternative and the development of functional foods relies on several key aspects. These include improving the acceptance of mycoproteins, conducting further research into their mechanisms of action, addressing consumer preferences and perceptions, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. To fully unlock the potential of mycoproteins and meet the evolving needs of a health-conscious society, continuous interdisciplinary research, collaboration among stakeholders, and proactive engagement with consumers will be vital.

A combined in vitro-in silico method for assessing the androgenic activities of bisphenol A and its analogues.

Interactions between endocrine-disruptor chemicals (EDCs) and androgen receptor (AR) have adverse effects on the endocrine system, leading to human reproductive dysfunction. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an EDC that can damage both the environment and human health. Although numerous BPA analogues have been produced as substitutes for BPA, few studies have evaluated their endocrine-disrupting abilities. We assessed the (anti)-androgenic activities of BPA and its analogues using a yeast-based reporter assay. The BPA analogues tested were bisphenol S (BPS), 4-phenylphenol (4PP), 4,4'-(9-fluorenyliden)-diphenol (BPFL), tetramethyl bisphenol F (TMBPF), and tetramethyl bisphenol A (TMBPA). We also conducted molecular docking and dynamics simulations to assess the interactions of BPA and its analogues with the ligand-binding domain of human AR (AR-LBD). Neither BPA nor its analogues had androgenic activity; however, all except BPFL exerted robust anti-androgenic effects. Consistent with the in vitro results, anti-androgenic analogues of BPA formed hydrogen bonding patterns with key residues that differed from the patterns of endogenous hormones, indicating that the analogues display in inappropriate orientations when interacting with the binding pocket of AR-LBD. Our findings indicate that BPA and its analogues disrupt androgen signaling by interacting with the AR-LBD. Overall, BPA and its analogues display endocrine-disrupting activity, which is mediated by AR.

Highly efficient microbial inactivation enabled by tunneling charges injected through two-dimensional electronics.

Airborne pathogens retain prolonged infectious activity once attached to the indoor environment, posing a pervasive threat to public health. Conventional air filters suffer from ineffective inactivation of the physics-separated microorganisms, and the chemical-based antimicrobial materials face challenges of poor stability/efficiency and inefficient viral inactivation. We, therefore, developed a rapid, reliable antimicrobial method against the attached indoor bacteria/viruses using a large-scale tunneling charge-motivated disinfection device fabricated by directly dispersing monolayer graphene on insulators. Free charges can be stably immobilized under the monolayer graphene through the tunneling effect. The stored charges can motivate continuous electron loss of attached microorganisms for accelerated disinfection, overcoming the diffusion limitation of chemical disinfectants. Complete (>99.99%) and broad-spectrum disinfection was achieved <1 min of attachment to the scaled-up device (25 square centimeters), reliably for 72 hours at high temperature (60°C) and humidity (90%). This method can be readily applied to high-touch surfaces in indoor environments for pathogen control.

Utility of abbreviated MRI in the post-treatment evaluation of rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Post-treatment evaluation of patients with rectal cancer (RC) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) burdens medical resources, necessitating an exploration of abbreviated protocols. PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of abbreviated MRI (A-MRI) for the post-treatment evaluation of RC patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included RC patients who underwent non-contrast rectal MRI and standard liver MRI, as well as abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) for post-treatment evaluation. A-MRI comprised diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-weighted imaging of the upper abdomen and the pelvic cavity. Three radiologists independently reviewed A-MRI, CECT, and standard liver MRI in the detection of viable disease. The diagnostic performances were compared using a reference standard considering all available information, including pathology, FDG-PET, endoscopic results, and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: We included 78 patients (50 men, 28 women; mean age=60.9 ± 10.2 years) and observed viable disease in 34 (43.6%). On a per-patient-basis analysis, A-MRI showed significantly higher sensitivity (95% vs. 81%, P = 0.04) and higher accuracy (93% vs. 82%, P < 0.01), compared to those of CECT, while A-MRI showed comparable sensitivity (91% vs. 91%, P = 0.42) and accuracy (97% vs. 98%, P = 0.06) to that of standard liver MRI. On a per-lesion-based analysis, A-MRI exhibited significantly superior lesion detectability than that of CECT (figure of merit 0.91 vs. 0.77, P < 0.01) and comparable to that of standard liver MRI (figure of merit 0.91 vs. 0.92, P = 0.75). CONCLUSION: A-MRI exhibited higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy than those of CECT in the post-treatment evaluation of RC, while it showed comparable performances with standard liver MRI. A-MRI provides diagnostic added value in the follow-up of RC patients.