2,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone: A Promising Anti-Inflammatory Agent Targeting Toll-like Receptor 4/Myeloid Differentiation Factor 2-Mediated Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Production during Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Systemic Inflammation.

The biochemical properties of 2,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone (DHP) have not been extensively studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether DHP could alleviate inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and endotoxemia. The results indicated that DHP effectively reduced mortality and morphological abnormalities, restored heart rate, and mitigated macrophage and neutrophil recruitment to inflammatory sites in LPS-microinjected zebrafish larvae. Additionally, the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-12 (IL-12), was significantly reduced in the presence of DHP. In RAW 264.7 macrophages, DHP inhibited the LPS-induced inflammatory response by downregulating pro-inflammatory mediators and decreasing the expression of myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), phosphorylation of IL-1 receptor-associated protein kinase-4 (p-IRAK4), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that DHP occupies the hydrophobic pocket of myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) and blocks the dimerization of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). A molecular dynamics simulation confirmed that DHP stably bound to the hydrophobic pocket of MD2. Furthermore, the DHP treatment inhibited mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production during the LPS-induced inflammatory response in both RAW 264.7 macrophages and zebrafish larvae, which was accompanied by stabilizing mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, our study highlights the therapeutic potential of DHP in alleviating LPS-induced inflammation and endotoxemia. The findings suggest that DHP exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the TLR4/MD2 signaling pathway and reducing the level of mtROS production. These results contribute to a better understanding of the biochemical properties of DHP and support its further exploration as a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory conditions and endotoxemia.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus DS0079 (YBS1) by Inhibition of Adipocyte Differentiation through Regulation of p38 MAPK/PPARγ Signaling.

Obesity is spawned by an inequality between the portion of energy consumed and the quantity of energy expended. Disease entities such as cardiovascular disease, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and cancer, which are correlated with obesity, influence society and the economy. Suppression of adipogenesis, the process of white adipocyte generation, remains a promising approach for treating obesity. Oil Red O staining was used to differentiate 3T3-L1 cells for screening 20 distinct Lactobacillus species. Among these, Lactobacillus acidophilus DS0079, referred to as YBS1, was selected for further study. YBS1 therapy decreased 3T3-L1 cell development. Triglyceride accumulation and mRNA expression of the primary adipogenic marker, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), including its downstream target genes, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 and adiponectin, were almost eliminated. YBS1 inhibited adipocyte differentiation at the early stage (days 0-2), but no significant difference was noted between the mid-stage (days 2-4) and late-stage (days 4-6) development. YBS1 stimulated the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) during the early stages of adipogenesis; however, this effect was eliminated by the SB203580 inhibitor. The data showed that YBS1 administration inhibited the initial development of adipocytes via stimulation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, which in turn controlled PPARγ expression. In summary, YBS1 has potential efficacy as an anti-obesity supplement and requires further exploration.

Paucibacter sediminis sp. nov., isolated from sediment in a freshwater pond.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, oxidase-positive, weakly catalase-positive, motile by means of a single polar flagellum, rod-shaped bacterium designated as strain S2-9T was isolated from sediment sampled in Wiyang pond, Republic of Korea. Growth of this strain was observed at 10-40 °C (optimum, 35 °C) and pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and in the presence of 0-0.5 % NaCl in Reasoner's 2A broth. The major fatty acids (>10 %) of strain S2-9T were C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (comprising a mixture of C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c). Ubiquinone-8 was detected as the respiratory quinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Strain S2-9T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Paucibacter oligotrophus CHU3T (98.7 %), followed by 'Paucibacter aquatile' CR182 (98.4 %), all type strains of Pelomonas species (98.1-98.3 %), Mitsuaria chitosanitabida NBRC 102408T (97.9 %), Kinneretia asaccharophila KIN192T (97.8 %), Mitsuaria chitinivorans HWN-4T (97.4 %), and Paucibacter toxinivorans 2C20T (97.4 %). Phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences showed that strain S2-9T formed a tight phylogenetic lineage with Paucibacter species (CHU3T, CR182, and 2C20T). Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain S2-9T and Paucibacter strains were 76.6-79.3% and 19.5-21.5 %, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain S2-9T was 68.3 mol%. Notably, genes responsible for both sulphur oxidation and reduction and denitrification were found in the genome of strain S2-9T, suggesting that strain S2-9T is involved in the nitrogen and sulphur cycles in pond ecosystems. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic results, strain S2-9T represents a novel species of the genus Paucibacter, for which the name Paucibacter sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S2-9T (= KACC 22267T= JCM 34541T).

Multilevel contributors to racial and ethnic inequities in the resolution of abnormal mammography results.

PURPOSE: Multiple ecological levels influence racial inequities in the completion of diagnostic testing after receiving abnormal mammography results (diagnostic resolution). Yet, few studies examine more than two ecological levels. We investigated the contributions of county, imaging facility, and patient characteristics on our primary and secondary outcomes, the achievement of diagnostic resolution by (1)Black women and Latinas, and (2) the entire sample. We hypothesized that women of color would be less likely to achieve resolution than their White counterparts, and this relationship would be mediated by imaging facility features and moderated by county characteristics. METHODS: Records for 25,144 women with abnormal mammograms between 2011 and 2019 from the Carolina Mammography Registry were merged with publicly available county data. Diagnostic resolution was operationalized as the percentage of women achieving resolution within 60 days of receiving abnormal results and overall time to resolution and examined using mixed effects logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively. RESULTS: Women of color with abnormal screening mammograms were less likely to achieve resolution within 60 days compared with White women (OR 0.83, CI 0.78-0.89; OR 0.74, CI.60-0.91, respectively) and displayed longer resolution times (HR 0.87, CI 0.84-0.91; HR 0.78, CI 0.68-0.89). Residential segregation had a moderating effect, with Black women in more segregated counties being less likely to achieve resolution by 60 days but lost statistical significance after adjustment. No mediators were discovered. CONCLUSION: More work is needed to understand how imaging center and community characteristics impact racial inequities in resolution and resolution in general.

2,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone Exerts Bone Formation and Antiosteoporotic Activity by Stimulating the ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

2,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone (DHP) is an organic compound derived from Garcinia xanthochymus, but there have been no reports on its biochemical functions and bioavailability. In this study, we evaluated whether DHP affects osteoblast differentiation and activation in MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells, as well as antiosteoporotic activity in zebrafish larvae. Nontoxic concentrations of DHP-treated MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activation and mineralization in a concentration-dependent manner, accompanied by higher expression of osteoblast-specific markers, including Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osterix, and ALP. Consistent with the data in MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells, DHP upregulated osteoblast-specific marker genes in zebrafish larvae and simultaneously enhanced vertebral formation. We also revealed that DHP increased the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß) at Ser9 and the total expression of ß-catenin in the cytosol and markedly increased the localization of ß-catenin into the nucleus. Furthermore, DHP restored the prednisolone (PDS)-induced marked decrease in ALP activity and mineralization, as well as osteoblast-specific marker expression. In PDS-treated zebrafish, DHP also alleviated PDS-induced osteoporosis by restoring vertebral formation and osteoblast-related gene expression. Taken together, these results suggest that DHP is a potential osteoanabolic candidate for treating osteoporosis by stimulating osteoblast differentiation.

Metabolomics Reveals Lysinibacillus capsici TT41-Induced Metabolic Shifts Enhancing Drought Stress Tolerance in Kimchi Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis).

Climate change has increased variable weather patterns that affect plants. To address these issues, we developed a microbial biocontrol agent against drought stress in kimchi cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis). We selected three bacterial strains (Leifsonia sp. CS9, Bacillus toyonensis TSJ7, and Lysinibacillus capsici TT41) because they showed a survival rate of up to 50% and good growth rate when treated with 30% PEG 6000. The three strains were treated with kimchi cabbage to confirm their enhanced drought stress resistance under non-watering conditions. Among the three strains, the TT41 treated group showed a significant increase in various plant parameters compared with the negative control on the 7th day. We performed extensive profiling of primary and secondary metabolites from kimchi cabbage and the TT41 strain. Multivariate and pathway analyses revealed that only the TT41 group clustered with the well-watered group and showed almost the same metabolome on the 7th day. When treated with TT41, lactic acid was identified as an indicator metabolite that significantly improved drought stress tolerance. Furthermore, lactic acid treatment effectively induced drought stress tolerance in kimchi cabbage, similar to that achieved with the TT41 strain.

Complete genome sequence of Moraxella sp. strain DOX410, a bacterium potentially degrading 1,4-dioxane isolated from river sediment.

Moraxella sp. strain DOX410 was isolated from a systematic enrichment culture to investigate strains with 1,4-dioxane degradation potential. The genome of strain DOX410 consists of five complete contigs and contained genes related to degradation of the aromatic ring structure of 1,4-dioxane.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated bone formation and its implications for anti-osteoporosis strategies: Exploring the relation between GABA and GABA receptors.

Osteoporosis is a significant global health concern, linked to reduced bone density and an increased fracture risk, with effective treatments still lacking. This study explored the potential of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its receptors as a novel approach to promote osteogenesis and address osteoporosis. GABA concentrations up to 10 mM were well-tolerated by MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast, stimulating osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In vivo experiments with zebrafish larvae demonstrated the ability of GABA to improve vertebral formation and enhanced bone density, indicating the potential therapeutic value for osteoporosis. Notably, GABA countered the adverse effects of prednisolone on vertebral formation, bone density, and osteogenic gene expression in zebrafish larvae, suggesting a promising therapeutic solution to counteract corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Moreover, our study highlighted the involvement of GABA receptors in mediating the observed osteogenic effects. By using GABAA, GABAB, and GABAC receptor antagonists, we demonstrated that blocking these receptors attenuated GABA-induced osteoblast differentiation and vertebral formation in both MC3T3-E1 cells and zebrafish larvae, underscoring the importance of GABA receptor interactions in promoting bone formation. In conclusion, these findings underscore the osteogenic potential of GABA and its ability to mitigate the detrimental effects of corticosteroids on bone health. Targeting GABA and its receptors could be a promising strategy for the development of novel therapeutic interventions to address osteoporosis. However, further investigations are warranted to fully elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of GABA and its clinical applications in treating osteoporosis.

Investigating rutin as a potential transforming growth factor-ß type I receptor antagonist for the inhibition of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung condition characterized by the abnormal regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we investigated the potential of rutin, a natural flavonoid, in attenuating transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß)-induced ECM regulation and EMT through the inhibition of the TGF-ß type I receptor (TßRI)-mediated suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) signaling pathway. We found that non-toxic concentrations of rutin attenuated TGF-ß-induced ECM-related genes, including fibronectin, elastin, collagen 1 type 1, and TGF-ß, as well as myoblast differentiation from MRC-5 lung fibroblast cells accompanied by the downregulation of α-smooth muscle actin. Rutin also inhibited TGF-ß-induced EMT processes, such as wound healing, migration, and invasion by regulating EMT-related gene expression. Additionally, rutin attenuated bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice, thus providing a potential therapeutic option for IPF. The molecular docking analyses in this study predict that rutin occludes the active site of TßRI and inhibits SMAD-mediated fibrotic signaling pathways in lung fibrosis. These findings highlight the potential of rutin as a promising anti-fibrotic prodrug for lung fibrosis and other TGF-ß-induced fibrotic and cancer-related diseases; however, further studies are required to validate its safety and effectiveness in other experimental models.

Insights from a Web-based survey into the psychosocial experiences of adults with dyslexia: Findings from a final comment question.

Not seemingly measuring up to Western societies' educational and occupational expectations for success, adults with dyslexia are at risk for discrimination, humiliation, low self-esteem, low self-efficacy, depression, and anxiety. We analysed 113 responses to the final comment question that was incorporated at the end of a quantitative survey on the socioemotional experiences of adults with dyslexia. The final comment question was not intended for conveying personal experiences, yet the final comment responses were personal, in-depth, and substantive - indicators of quality recommended in survey research. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and develop themes. One overarching theme was yearnings for understanding and acceptance. Its associated subthemes included (1) "This stuff is torture", (2) "Thank God I'm not normal, (3) educational experience, (4) coping strategies, (5) family support, and (6) generational dyslexia. This study contributes to the small but growing body of literature on the socioemotional experiences of adults with dyslexia. Among the implications for practice, policy and research, a larger challenge at the broader society level that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion for individuals with dyslexia is forefront.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV Vaccine Awareness among Korean American Immigrants in Alabama: Would Internet Use Improve Health Awareness?

INTRODUCTION: Although the HPV vaccine is known to prevent associated cancers, studies found a low awareness among Korean Americans (KA). This study aimed to examine the HPV and HPV vaccine awareness among KA in Alabama. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 278 KA residing in Alabama to understand the levels of HPV and HPV vaccine awareness and associated factors. RESULTS: Those who heard of HPV were 31.7% and 29.5% for HPV vaccine. Those who were older than 50 years old and married were less likely to hear of HPV and HPV vaccine. Those who were female and had annual health check-ups were more likely to hear of both. Using the Internet for health information was positively associated with HPV vaccine awareness. DISCUSSION: HPV education tailored to sociodemographic and using the Internet might be an effective strategy in improving the HPV and HPV vaccine awareness levels.

Identification and characterization of Brevibacillus halotolerans B-4359: a potential antagonistic bacterium against red pepper anthracnose in Korea.

Our study aimed to identify potential biocontrol agents (BCAs) against major phytopathogens under in vitro conditions by screening the Freshwater Bioresources Culture Collection (FBCC), Korea. Of the identified 856 strains, only 65 exhibited antagonistic activity, among which only one representative isolation, Brevibacillus halotolerans B-4359 was selected based on its in vitro antagonistic activity and enzyme production. Cell-free culture filtrate (CF) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of B-4359 were shown to be effective against the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum acutatum. Notably, B-4359 was found to promote spore germination in C. acutatum instead of exhibiting a suppressive effect when the bacterial suspension was mixed with the spore suspension of C. acutatum. However, B-4359 showed an excellent biological control effect on the anthracnose of red pepper fruits. Compared to other treatments and untreated control, B-4359 played a more effective role in controlling anthracnose disease under field conditions. The strain was identified as B. halotolerans using BIOLOG and 16S rDNA sequencing analyses. The genetic mechanism underlying the biocontrol traits of B-4359 was characterized using the whole-genome sequence of B-4359, which was closely compared with related strains. The whole-genome sequence of B-4359 consisted of 5,761,776 bp with a GC content of 41.0%, including 5,118 coding sequences, 117 tRNA, and 36 rRNA genes. The genomic analysis identified 23 putative secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. Our results provide a deep understanding of B-4359 as an effective biocontrol agent against red pepper anthracnose for sustainable agriculture.

Derrone Targeting the TGF Type 1 Receptor Kinase Improves Bleomycin-Mediated Pulmonary Fibrosis through Inhibition of Smad Signaling Pathway.

Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) has a strong impact on the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether derrone promotes anti-fibrotic effects on TGF-ß1-stimulated MRC-5 lung fibroblast cells and bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Long-term treatment with high concentrations of derrone increased the cytotoxicity of MRC-5 cells; however, substantial cell death was not observed at low concentrations of derrone (below 0.05 µg/mL) during a three-day treatment. In addition, derrone significantly decreased the expressions of TGF-ß1, fibronectin, elastin, and collagen1α1, and these decreases were accompanied by downregulation of α-SMA expression in TGF-ß1-stimulated MRC-5 cells. Severe fibrotic histopathological changes in infiltration, alveolar congestion, and alveolar wall thickness were observed in bleomycin-treated mice; however, derrone supplementation significantly reduced these histological deformations. In addition, intratracheal administration of bleomycin resulted in lung collagen accumulation and high expression of α-SMA and fibrotic genes-including TGF-ß1, fibronectin, elastin, and collagen1α1-in the lungs. However, fibrotic severity in intranasal derrone-administrated mice was significantly less than that of bleomycin-administered mice. Molecular docking predicted that derrone potently fits into the ATP-binding pocket of the TGF-ß receptor type 1 kinase domain with stronger binding scores than ATP. Additionally, derrone inhibited TGF-ß1-induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocations of Smad2/3. Overall, derrone significantly attenuated TGF-ß1-stimulated lung inflammation in vitro and bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in a murine model, indicating that derrone may be a promising candidate for preventing pulmonary fibrosis.

Solitalea lacus sp. nov., isolated from pond sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, oxidase-positive, catalase-negative, motile by gliding, creamy white-pigmented bacterium, designated strain S2-8T, isolated from a sediment sample from a Wiyang pond in the Republic of Korea, was subjected to polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Growth was observed at 10-40 °C (optimum: 30 °C), pH 7-8 and 0-0.5% NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain S2-8T belonged to the family Sphingobacteriaceae in the phylum Bacteroidota and was closely related to Solitalea longa HR-AVT, Solitalea canadensis DSM 3403T and Solitalea koreensis R2A36-4T with 97.2, 96.7 and 93.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values for these type strains were 72.0-75.2% and 21.2-21.9 %, respectively. The major respiratory quinone is menaquinone-7. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified amino acids and four unidentified lipids. The G+C content of genomic DNA was 37.9 mol%. Based on polyphasic taxonomic analysis, it was observed that strain S2-8T is a novel species belonging to the genus Solitalea, for which the name Solitalea lacus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S2-8T (= KACC 22266T= JCM 34533T).

Microbacterium elymi sp. nov., Isolated from the Rhizospheric Soil of Elymus tsukushiensis, a Plant Native to the Dokdo Islands, Republic of Korea.

Microbacterium elymi KUDC0405T was isolated from the rhizosphere of Elymus tsukushiensis from the Dokdo Islands. The KUDC0405T strain was Gram-stain-positive, non-spore forming, non-motile, and facultatively anaerobic bacteria. Strain KUDC0405T was a rod-shaped bacterium with size dimensions of 0.3-0.4 × 0.7-0.8 µm. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, KUDC0405T was most closely related to Microbacterium bovistercoris NEAU-LLET (97.8%) and Microbacterium pseudoresistens CC-5209T (97.6%). The dDDH (digital DNA-DNA hybridization) values between KUDC0405T and M. bovistercoris NEAU-LLET and M. pseudoresistens CC-5209T were below 17.3% and 17.5%, respectively. The ANI (average nucleotide identity) values among strains KUDC0405T, M. bovistercoris NEAU-LLET, and M. pseudoresistens CC-5209T were 86.6% and 80.7%, respectively. The AAI (average amino acid identity) values were 64.66% and 64.97%, respectively, between KUDC0405T and its closest related type strains. The genome contained 3,596 CDCs, three rRNAs, 46 tRNAs, and three non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). The genomic DNA GC content was 70.4%. The polar lipids included diphosphatydilglycerol, glycolipid, phosphatydilglycerol, and unknown phospholipid, and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C17:0 and iso-C16:0. Strain KUDC0405T contained MK-12 as the major menaquinone. Based on genotypic, phylogenetic, and phenotypic properties, strain KUDC0405T should be considered a novel species within the genus Microbacterium, for which we propose the name M. elymi sp. nov., and the type strain as KUDC0405T (=KCTC 49411T, =CGMCC1.18472T).

Complete Genome Sequence of a Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacterium, Alcaligenes faecalis Strain NLF5-7, Isolated from Livestock Wastewater.

The complete genome sequence of Alcaligenes faecalis strain NLF5-7, which was isolated from livestock wastewater, is reported. The genome of strain NLF5-7 contains genes for assimilatory sulfate reduction, dissimilatory sulfate reduction and oxidation, and an SOX system, based on its functional genetic characteristics.

Draft Genome Sequence of a Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacterium, Aquamicrobium lusatiense NLF2-7, Isolated from Livestock Wastewater.

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Aquamicrobium lusatiense NLF2-7, a Gram-negative, aerobic, non-flagellum-forming, rod-shaped bacterium that was isolated from livestock wastewater in South Korea. The assembled genome sequence is 5,201,486 bp, with 4,972 protein-coding sequences in 12 contigs, and possess the genes for the sulfur oxidation pathway.

Patient-Physician Relationships and Mammography Use in Korean American Women.

Breast cancer is prevalent and fatal in Korean American women (KAW) and KAW report low screening rates. This study examined the impact of patient-physician relationships on mammography use in KAW, focusing on patient-physician ethnic and gender concordance, distrust in health professionals, and accessibility to health care. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 340 KAW in North Carolina, and logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with mammography use. Having a non-Korean physician, regular check-ups, and physician recommendations were positively associated with getting mammography. Neither gender concordance nor distrust in health professionals predicted adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines. The findings highlight the critical roles of routine health care practice and usual source of care in compliance with the screening guidelines in KAW. Additional research is warranted to explore breast cancer screening recommendation behaviors and patterns of Korean American physicians compared to non-Korean counterparts.

Mammogram Uptake among Korean American Women in the South: Do Health Beliefs Matter?

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is commonly diagnosed in Korean American women (KAW), and its incidence rates continue to increase. Despite the increasing burden of breast cancer diagnosis, screening rates among KAW remain low. There is a growing body of literature on breast cancer screening behaviors in this population; however, current knowledge regarding cultural influences and KAW's mammogram use is limited, particularly in the southern part of the United States. Using the Health Belief Model, this study examined the association of culturally embedded health beliefs and mammogram use among KAW. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 538 KAW recruited in North Carolina. A hierarchical binary logistic regression was conducted to examine cultural health beliefs associated with mammogram use. FINDINGS: Preventive health orientation (OR=1.16, CI=1.02-1.32) and perceived susceptibility (OR=1.32, CI=1.10-1.58) were positively associated with having a mammogram in the past two years, while fear (OR=0.58, CI=0.36-0.94) was negatively related to getting screened in the past two years. CONCLUSIONS: The current study findings inform future intervention strategies to promote mammogram screening among KAW in sociocultural context.

Pinostrobin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and endotoxemia by inhibiting LPS binding to the TLR4/MD2 complex.

Pinostrobin is a natural flavonoid with valuable pharmacological properties, including anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-oxidant activities. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of pinostrobin have not been well studied. In this study, we investigated whether pinostrobin attenuates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and endotoxemia. Additionally, the target molecule of pinostrobin was identified through molecular docking simulation. Pinostrobin decreased LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 production, and reduced the expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. Furthermore, pinostrobin inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor-α in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages accompanied by inhibiting nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB. The anti-inflammatory effect of pinostrobin was further confirmed in LPS-microinjected zebrafish larvae by diminishing the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils, and proinflammatory gene expression. Moreover, LPS-microinjected zebrafish larvae showed a decrease in heart rate and an increase in mortality and abnormalities. However, pinostrobin significantly attenuated these adverse effects. Molecular docking showed that pinostrobin fits into myeloid differentiation factor (MD2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) with no traditional hydrogen bonds (pose 1). The 2D ligand interaction diagram showed that pinostrobin forms a carbon hydrogen bond with LYS89 in MD2 and many non-covalent interactions, including π-alkyl or alkyl and van der Waals interactions, indicating that pinostrobin hinders LPS binding between MD2 and TLR4 and consequently inhibits TLR4/MD2-mediated inflammatory responses. These data suggest that pinostrobin attenuates LPS-induced inflammation and endotoxemia by binding to the TLR4/MD2 complex.