Cyanide profiling in stone fruit syrups: A comparative study of distillation techniques, a novel derivatization method, and cyanide composition in Maesil (Prunus Mume) syrup.

Cyanide ion was derivatized with o-phthalaldehyde and 3-mercaptopropionic acid for high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector analysis. The structure was elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Method validation was conducted for three distillation methods to analyze cyanogenic glycosides, cyanohydrins, and free cyanide in fruit syrup. Acid-aided distillation only detected free cyanide, while direct distillation detected both free cyanide and cyanohydrins, and enzyme-aided distillation reflected all three types. These approaches were applied to stone fruit syrups in South Korean markets and households. Among tested, maesil (Prunus mume) syrup contained the highest amount of total cyanide, reaching a maximum of 21.9 mg/kg (cyanide ion equivalent), compared to other syrups. Investigation of cyanide composition changes during maesil syrup production revealed that free cyanide occupies the lowest proportion. Cyanogenic glycosides degraded gradually during aging, while cyanohydrins remained the majority after 12 months aging.

Asian Neonatal Network Collaboration (AsianNeo): a study protocol for international collaborative comparisons of health services and outcomes to improve quality of care for sick newborn infants in Asia - survey, cohort and quality improvement studies.

INTRODUCTION: Reducing neonatal deaths in premature infants in low- and middle-income countries is key to reducing global neonatal mortality. International neonatal networks, along with patient registries of premature infants, have contributed to improving the quality of neonatal care; however, the involvement of low-to-middle-income countries was limited. This project aims to form an international collaboration among neonatal networks in Asia (AsianNeo), including low-, middle- and high-income countries (or regions). Specifically, it aims to determine outcomes in sick newborn infants, especially very low birth weight (VLBW) infants or very preterm infants, with a view to improving the quality of care for such infants. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Currently, AsianNeo comprises nine neonatal networks from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand. AsianNeo will undertake the following four studies: (1) institutional questionnaire surveys investigating neonatal intensive care unit resources and the clinical management of sick newborn infants, with a focus on VLBW infants (nine countries/regions); (2) a retrospective cohort study to describe and compare the outcomes of VLBW infants among Asian countries and regions (four countries/regions); (3) a prospective cohort study to develop the AsianNeo registry of VLBW infants (six countries/regions); and (4) implementation and evaluation of educational and quality improvement projects in AsianNeo countries and regions (nine countries/regions). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Board of the National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan (reference number 2020-244, 2022-156). The study findings will be disseminated through educational programmes, quality improvement activities, conference presentations and medical journal publications.

Stage dependent microbial dynamics in hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent normal liver tissues.

The interactive pathway of the gut-liver axis underscores the significance of microbiome modulation in the pathogenesis and progression of various liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to investigate the disparities in the composition and functionality of the hepatic microbiota between tumor tissues and adjacent normal liver tissues, and their implications in the etiology of HCC. We conducted a comparative analysis of the hepatic microbiome between adjacent normal liver tissues and tumor tissues from HCC patients. Samples were categorized according to the modified Union for International Cancer Control (mUICC) staging system into Non-tumor, mUICC stage I, mUICC stage II, and mUICC stage III groups. Microbial richness and community composition were analyzed, and phylogenetic profiles were examined to identify significantly altered microbial taxa among the groups. Predicted metabolic pathways were analyzed using PICRUSt2. Our analysis did not reveal significant differences in microbial richness and community composition with the development of HCC. However, phylogenetic profiling identified significantly altered microbial taxa among the groups. Sphingobium, known for degrading polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), exhibited a significantly negative correlation with clinical indices in HCC patients. Conversely, Sphingomonas, a gut bacterium associated with various liver diseases, showed a positive correlation. Predicted metabolic pathways suggested a correlation between atrazine degradation and valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis with mUICC stage and tumor size. Our results underscore the critical link between hepatic microbial composition and function and the HCC tumor stage, suggesting a potentially pivotal role in the development of HCC. These findings highlight the importance of targeting the hepatic microbiome for therapeutic strategies in HCC.

IKKε-deficient macrophages impede cardiac repair after myocardial infarction by enhancing the macrophage-myofibroblast transition.

The regulatory role of the inhibitor of NF-kB kinase ε (IKKε) in postmyocardial infarction (MI) inflammation remains uncertain. Using an MI mouse model, we examined the cardiac outcomes of IKKε knockout (KO) mice and wild-type mice. We employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and phosphorylated protein array techniques to profile cardiac macrophages. IKKε KO mice exhibited compromised survival, heightened inflammation, pronounced cardiac fibrosis, and a reduced ejection fraction. A distinct cardiac macrophage subset in IKKε KO mice exhibited increased fibrotic marker expression and decreased phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) levels, indicating an enhanced macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) post-MI. While cardiac inflammation is crucial for initiating compensatory pathways, the timely resolution of inflammation was impaired in the IKKε KO group, while the MMT in macrophages accelerated post-MI, leading to cardiac failure. Additionally, our study highlighted the potential of 5-azacytidine (5-Aza), known for its anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects, in restoring p-p38 levels in stimulated macrophages. The administration of 5-Aza significantly reduced the MMT in cardiac macrophages from the IKKε KO group. These findings underscore the regulation of the inflammatory response and macrophage transition by the IKKε-p38 axis, indicating that the MMT is a promising therapeutic target for ischemic heart disease.

Single-Atom Catalysts in Conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks: Enabling Reversible Gas Sensing at Room Temperature.

Conductive metal-organic frameworks (cMOFs) offer high porosity and electrical conductivity simultaneously, making them ideal for application in chemiresistive sensors. Recently, incorporating foreign elements such as catalytic nanoparticles into cMOFs has become a typical strategy to enhance their sensing properties. However, this approach has led to critical challenges, such as pore blockage that impedes gas diffusion, as well as limited improvement in reversibility. Herein, single-atom catalyst (SAC)-functionalized cMOF is presented as a robust solution to the current limitations. Facile functionalization of SACs in a cMOF can be achieved through electrochemical deposition of metal precursors. As a proof of concept, a Pd SAC-functionalized cMOF is synthesized. The Pd SACs are stabilized at the interplanar sites of cMOF with Pd-N4 coordination while preserving the porosity of the MOF matrix. Notably, the microenvironment created by Pd SACs prevents irreversible structural distortion of cMOFs and facilitates a reversible charge transfer with NO2. Consequently, the cMOF exhibits a fully recoverable NO2 response, which was not previously attainable with the nanoparticle functionalization. Additionally, with the combination of preserved porosity for gas diffusion, it demonstrates the fastest level of response and recovery speed compared to other 2D-cMOFs of this class.

Production of genetically stable and Odontoglossum ringspot virus-free Cymbidium orchid 'New True' plants via meristem-derived protocorm-like body (PLB) subcultures.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to produce Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV)-free Cymbidium orchid 'New True' plants from ORSV-infected mother plants by culturing their meristems and successively repeating subcultures of protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) derived from the meristems. RESULTS: Initially, ORSV was confirmed as the causative agent of viral symptoms in orchid leaves via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Meristems from infected plants were cultured to generate PLBs, which in sequence were repeatedly subcultured up to four times. RT-PCR and quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that while ORSV was undetectable in shoots derived from the first subculture, complete elimination of the virus required at least a second subculture. Genetic analysis using inter-simple sequence repeat markers indicated no somaclonal variation between regenerated plants and the mother plant, suggesting that genetic consistency was maintained. CONCLUSION: Overall, our findings demonstrate that subculturing PLBs for a second time is ideal for producing genetically stable, ORSV-free Cymbidium orchids, thus offering a practical means of generating genetically stable, virus-free plants and enhancing plant health and quality in the orchid industry.

The valine-arginine dipeptide repeat protein encoded by mammalian telomeric RNA appears highly expressed in mitosis and may repress global translation.

Translation of mammalian telomeric G-rich RNA via the Repeat Associated non-AUG translation mechanism can produce two dipeptide repeat proteins: repeating valine-arginine (VR) and repeating glycine-leucine (GL). Their potentially toxic nature suggests that one or both must play a needed role in the cell. Using light microscopy combined with antibody staining we discovered that cultured human cells stain brightly for VR during mitosis with VR staining co-localizing with ribosomes. In vitro , VR protein represses translation in a firefly luciferase assay. Affinity purification combined with mass spectrometry identified ribosomal proteins as the major class of VR interacting proteins. Extension to mouse embryonic cerebral cortical development showed strong staining in the ventricular zone where high mitotic index neural progenitor cells proliferate and in the cortical plate where new neurons settle. These observations point to VR playing a key role in mitosis very possibly depressing global translation, a role mediated by the telomere. Teaser: The telomeric valine-arginine dipeptide repeat protein is highly expressed in mitotic cells in culture and in mouse embryonic neural tissue.

Recent Progress in Multifunctional Stimuli-Responsive Combinational Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Biofilm-Forming Bacterial Infections.

Drug-resistant infectious diseases pose a substantial challenge and threat to medical regimens. While adaptive laboratory evolution provides foresight for encountering such situations, it has inherent limitations. Novel drug delivery systems (DDSs) have garnered attention for overcoming these hurdles. Multi-stimuli responsive DDSs are particularly effective due to their reduced background leakage and targeted drug delivery to specific host sites for pathogen elimination. Bacterial infections create an acidic state in the microenvironment (pH: 5.0-5.5), which differs from normal physiological conditions (pH: 7.4). Infected areas are characterized by the overexpression of hyaluronidase, gelatinase, phospholipase, and other virulence factors. Consequently, several effective stimuli-responsive DDSs have been developed to target bacterial pathogens. Additionally, biofilms, structured communities of bacteria encased in a self-produced polymeric matrix, pose a significant challenge by conferring resistance to conventional antimicrobial treatments. Recent advancements in nano-drug delivery systems (nDDSs) show promise in enhancing antimicrobial efficacy by improving drug absorption and targeting within the biofilm matrix. nDDSs can deliver antimicrobials directly to the biofilm, facilitating more effective eradication of these resilient bacterial communities. Herein, this review examines challenges in DDS development, focusing on enhancing antibacterial activity and eradicating biofilms without adverse effects. Furthermore, advances in immune system modulation and photothermal therapy are discussed as future directions for the treatment of bacterial diseases.

Applications of Single-Cell Omics Technologies for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Cardiovascular Research.

Single-cell omics technologies have transformed our investigation of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic landscapes at the individual cell level. In particular, the application of single-cell RNA sequencing has unveiled the complex transcriptional variations inherent in cardiac cells, offering valuable perspectives into their dynamics. This review focuses on the integration of single-cell omics with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in the context of cardiovascular research, offering a unique avenue to deepen our understanding of cardiac biology. By synthesizing insights from various single-cell technologies, we aim to elucidate the molecular intricacies of heart health and diseases. Beyond current methodologies, we explore the potential of emerging paradigms such as single-cell/spatial omics, delving into their capacity to reveal the spatial organization of cellular components within cardiac tissues. Furthermore, we anticipate their transformative role in shaping the future of cardiovascular research. This review aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field, offering a comprehensive perspective on the synergistic potential of transcriptomic analyses, iPSC applications, and the evolving frontier of spatial omics.

Mammographic density assessment: comparison of radiologists, automated volumetric measurement, and artificial intelligence-based computer-assisted diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence-based computer-assisted diagnosis (AI-CAD) is increasingly used for mammographic exams, and its role in mammographic density assessment should be evaluated. PURPOSE: To assess the inter-modality agreement between radiologists, automated volumetric density measurement program (Volpara), and AI-CAD system in breast density categorization using the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) density categories. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 1015 screening digital mammograms that were performed in Asian female patients (mean age = 56 years ± 10 years) in our health examination center between December 2022 and January 2023. Four radiologists with two different levels of experience (expert and general radiologists) performed density assessments. Agreement between the radiologists, Volpara, and AI-CAD (Lunit INSIGHT MMG) was evaluated using weighted kappa statistics and matched rates. RESULTS: Inter-reader agreement between expert and general radiologists was substantial (k = 0.65) with a matched rate of 72.8%. The agreement was substantial between expert or general radiologists and Volpara (k = 0.64-0.67) with a matched rate of 72.0% but moderate between expert or general radiologists and AI-CAD (k = 0.45-0.58) with matched rates of 56.7%-67.0%. The agreement between Volpara and AI-CAD was moderate (k = 0.53) with a matched rate of 60.8%. CONCLUSION: The agreement in breast density categorization between radiologists and automated volumetric density measurement program (Volpara) was higher than the agreement between radiologists and AI-CAD (Lunit INSIGHT MMG).

Opto-seq reveals input-specific immediate-early gene induction in ventral tegmental area cell types.

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a critical node in circuits governing motivated behavior and is home to diverse populations of neurons that release dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, or combinations of these neurotransmitters. The VTA receives inputs from many brain regions, but a comprehensive understanding of input-specific activation of VTA neuronal subpopulations is lacking. To address this, we combined optogenetic stimulation of select VTA inputs with single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and highly multiplexed in situ hybridization to identify distinct neuronal clusters and characterize their spatial distribution and activation patterns. Quantification of immediate-early gene (IEG) expression revealed that different inputs activated select VTA subpopulations, which demonstrated cell-type-specific transcriptional programs. Within dopaminergic subpopulations, IEG induction levels correlated with differential expression of ion channel genes. This new transcriptomics-guided circuit analysis reveals the diversity of VTA activation driven by distinct inputs and provides a resource for future analysis of VTA cell types.

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of BenTooth: A natural product blend of burdock root, persimmon leaf extracts, and quercetin on periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease represents a condition that exhibits substantial global morbidity, and is characterized by the infection and inflammation of the periodontal tissue effectuated by bacterial pathogens. The present study aimed at evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of BenTooth, an edible natural product mixture comprising burdock root extract, persimmon leaf extract and quercetin, against periodontitis both in vitro and in vivo. BenTooth was examined for antimicrobial properties and its impact on cellular responses related to inflammation and bone resorption. Its effects were also assessed in a rat model of ligature-induced periodontitis. BenTooth demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis and S. mutans. In RAW264.7 cells, it notably diminished the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, as well as reduced interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels triggered by P. gingivalis-derived lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, BenTooth inhibited osteoclastogenesis mediated by the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand. In the rat model, BenTooth consumption mitigated the ligature-induced expansion in distance between the cementoenamel junction and the alveolar bone crest and bolstered the bone volume fraction. These results present BenTooth as a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and remediation of periodontal diseases.

Trueness, physical properties, and surface characteristics of additive-manufactured zirconia crown.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to conduct a comparison of trueness and physical and surface properties among five distinct types of additive manufactured (AM) zirconia crowns and zirconia crowns produced using the subtractive manufacturing (SM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Zirconia crowns were fabricated using five distinct techniques, each varying in the method of slurry transfer and photocuring source. Each experimental group utilized either one of the four digital light processing (DLP)-based techniques (DLP spreading, DLP spreading gradation, DLP vat and DLP circular spreading) or the stereolithography (SLA)-based technique (SLA spreading). The control (CON) group employed SM. To assess accuracy, trueness was measured between the scan and reference data. To analyze the physical properties, voids were examined using high-energy spiral micro-computed tomography scans, and the crystal structure analysis was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Surface roughness was assessed through laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: Differences in the trueness of internal surfaces of crowns were found among the groups (P < 0.05). Trueness varied across the measurement surfaces (occlusal, lateral, and marginal) in all the groups except for the DLP spreading gradation group (P < 0.05). Voids were observed in all AM groups. All groups showed similar XRD patterns. All AM groups showed significantly greater surface roughness compared to the CON group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The AM zirconia crowns showed bubbles and a rougher surface compared to the SM crowns. All groups exhibited typical zirconia traits and trueness levels within clinically acceptable limits, suggesting that current zirconia AM techniques could be suitable for dental applications.

Higher Physical Activity is Associated with Reduced Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Korean Men.

PURPOSE: Identifying and managing risk factors for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is crucial because it impacts the quality of life of elderly individuals. Lifestyle factors, including physical activity (PA), and their relationship with LUTS have not been well studied. This objective of this study was to investigate the association between PA and LUTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 7,296 men were included in this cross-sectional study. PA was quantified in metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours per week, and LUTS severity was assessed using the international prostate symptom score. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between PA and LUTS, including voiding and storage symptoms. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 57.8 years, and the prevalence of LUTS was 41.3%. After adjusting for potential confounders, PA was inversely associated with the prevalence and severity of moderate-to-severe LUTS, showing a dose-response pattern (all p for trend <0.01). Compared to the minimal activity group, which engaged in <5 MET-hours per week of PA, the odds ratios for moderate to severe LUTS were 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72-0.97) for men engaging in 15-30 MET-hours per week, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71-0.95) for 30-60 MET-hours per week, and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.62-0.84) for ≥60 MET-hours per week. The possible protective effect of PA was still observed in the additional analysis for voiding and storage symptoms showing the same dose-response pattern (all p for trend <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A higher PA level was associated with a lower prevalence and severity of total, voiding, and storage LUTS in a dose-dependent manner in Korean men.

Effect of Ishige okamurae Extract on Osteoclastogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo.

We demonstrated the effect of Ishige okamurae extract (IOE) on the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-promoted osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 cells and confirmed that IOE inhibited RANKL-induced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and osteoclast differentiation. IOE inhibited protein expression of TRAP, metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), the calcitonin receptor (CTR), and cathepsin K (CTK). IOE treatment suppressed the expression of activated T cell cytoplasmic 1 and activator protein-1, thus controlling the expression of osteoclast-related factors. Moreover, IOE significantly reduced RANKL-phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). It also reduced the RANKL-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB and nuclear translocation of p65. IOE inhibited Dex-induced bone loss and osteoclast-related gene expression in zebrafish larvae. HPLC analysis shows that IOE consists of 3.13% and 3.42% DPHC and IPA, respectively. Our results show that IOE has inhibitory effects on osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo and is a potential therapeutic for osteoporosis.

Long-term cardiovascular outcome in women with preeclampsia in Korea: a large population-based cohort study and meta-analysis.

Recent studies reported the long-term cardiovascular risk of preeclampsia. However, only a few studies have investigated the association between preeclampsia and long-term cardiovascular disease in Asian populations, although there could be racial/ethnic differences in the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of preeclampsia on cardiovascular disease in an Asian population. This study included 68,658 parous women in the Health Examinees Study (HEXA) cohort of South Korea and compared the risk of long-term cardiovascular disease, including ischemic heart disease and stroke, according to the history of preeclampsia. We also performed a meta-analysis combining current study data with data from existing literature in the Asian population. Among the study population, 3413 (5.23%) women had a history of preeclampsia, and 767 (1.12%) and 404 (0.59%) women developed ischemic heart disease and stroke for 22 years. Women with a history of preeclampsia were at a higher risk for both ischemic heart disease (adjusted hazard ratio 1.66 [1.19-2.04]) and stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 1.48 [1.02-2.16]) than those without. In the meta-analysis, the pooled hazard ratio of ischemic heart disease and stroke were also increased in women with a history of preeclampsia (ischemic heart disease 1.65 [1.51-1.82]; stroke 1.78 [1.52-2.10]).

Trends in underweight and severe underweight disparities in Korean adults and older adults: a nationwide, repeated cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the disparities in underweight prevalence among the general population in high-income countries. We investigated the trends in underweight prevalence and disparities across sociodemographic groups among Korean adults and older adults. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A series of cross-sectional data on Korean national health checkups for adults aged ≥20 years were analyzed from 2005 to 2016. MEASUREMENTS: Based on body mass index (kg/m2), underweight was graded as mild (17.0-18.49), moderate (16.0-16.9), and severe (<16.0). Underweight prevalence was compared across sociodemographic subgroups in 2015-2016. Trends in underweight disparities were examined from 2005-2006 to 2015-2016. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs; 95% confidence intervals, CIs) were calculated using logistic regression. RESULTS: Approximately 11-22 million adults were included in each wave. In 2015-2016, the overall prevalence of underweight was 3.6% (men 2.0%, women 5.2%); severe underweight was 0.2% (men 0.1%, women 0.3%). The prevalence of underweight varied by sex and age groups. In men, those aged ≥80 years had the highest prevalence (overall 7.33%, severe underweight 0.84%). In women, those aged 20-29 years had the highest prevalence of overall underweight (14.57%), whereas those aged ≥80 years had the highest prevalence of severe underweight (1.38%). Compared with individuals in the lowest income quartile, men in the highest income had lower ORs of overall (0.59, 95% CI 0.59-0.60) and severe underweight (0.46, 95% CI 0.44-0.48); women in the highest income quartile had a higher OR of overall (1.12, 95% CI 1.12-1.13) but a lower OR of severe underweight (0.89, 95% CI 0.86-0.92). From 2005-2006 to 2015-2016, severe underweight consistently declined in older men but remained constant in women aged ≥80 years, widening sex disparities among older adults. Severe underweight decreased or leveled off in the highest income quartile but steadily increased in the lowest quartile, worsening income disparities. CONCLUSION: In this nationwide study, underweight was more prevalent among women, older adults aged ≥80 years, and low-income individuals. Disparities in severe underweight widened across sociodemographic subgroups over time.

Effects of Ecklonia stolonifera Extract on Metabolic Dysregulation in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that long-term and low-dose supplementation with an ethanol extract of Ecklonia stolonifera may confer protection against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into two groups, one of which was fed an HFD (40 kcal% fat) and the other an HFD+E. stolonifera (0.006%, w/w, ∼5 mg/kg body weight/day) for 16 weeks. E. stolonifera supplementation significantly reduced body weight from week 3 and until the end of the experiment. E. stolonifera-supplemented mice also exhibited lower fat mass (epididymal, perirenal, and mesenteric fat) and smaller adipocyte size than HFD control mice. The two groups displayed similar food intakes, but E. stolonifera markedly decreased lipogenesis and increased lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation in adipose tissue. Moreover, E. stolonifera significantly decreased plasma and hepatic lipid levels, hepatic lipid droplet accumulation, plasma aminotransferase levels, and liver weight by decreasing lipogenesis and increasing fatty acid oxidation. As E. stolonifera-supplemented mice showed improvements in hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation, compared to control mice, it is possible that the beneficial effects of E. stolonifera on obesity might be associated with decreased inflammation and insulin resistance. Collectively, these results indicate that E. stolonifera could be used as a novel means of preventing and treating obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders.

The Anti-Diabetic Pinitol Improves Damaged Fibroblasts.

Pinitol (3-O-Methyl-D-chiro-inositol) has been reported to possess insulin-like effects and is known as one of the anti-diabetic agents to improve muscle, liver, and endothelial cells. However, the beneficial effects of pinitol on the skin are not well known. Here, we investigated whether pinitol had effects on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and human dermal equivalents (HDEs) irradiated with ultraviolet A (UVA), which causes various damages including photodamage in the skin. We observed that pinitol enhanced wound healing in UVA-damaged HDFs. We also found that pinitol significantly antagonized the UVA-induced up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), and the UVA-induced down-regulation of collagen type I and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) in HDEs. Electron microscopy analysis also revealed that pinitol remarkably increased the number of collagen fibrils with regular banding patterns in the dermis of UVA-irradiated human skin equivalents. Pinitol significantly reversed the UVA-induced phosphorylation levels of ERK and JNK but not p38, suggesting that this regulation may be the mechanism underlying the pinitol-mediated effects on UVA-irradiated HDEs. We also observed that pinitol specifically increased Smad3 phosphorylation, which is representative of the TGF-ß signaling pathway for collagen synthesis. These data suggest that pinitol exerts several beneficial effects on UVA-induced damaged skin and can be used as a therapeutic agent to improve skin-related diseases.

Surgical considerations and techniques using intraoperative indocyanine green angiography for ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistula.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of microsurgery with intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography as a treatment approach for ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). METHODS: Between January 2010 and July 2021, our institution encountered a total of eight cases of ethmoidal DAVF. In each of these cases, microsurgical treatment was undertaken utilizing a bilateral sub-frontal interhemispheric approach, with the aid of intraoperative ICG angiography. RESULTS: ICG angiography identified bilateral venous drainage with single dominance in four cases (50%) of ethmoidal DAVF, a finding that eluded detection during preoperative transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFCA). The application of microsurgical treatment, in conjunction with intraoperative ICG angiography, resulted in consistently positive clinical outcomes for all patients, as evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at the 6-month postoperative follow-up assessment; six patients showed GOS score of 5, while the remaining two patients attained a GOS score of 4. CONCLUSIONS: The use of intraoperative ICG angiography enabled accurate identification of both dominant and non-dominant venous drainage patterns, ensuring complete disconnection of the fistula and reducing the risk of recurrence.