Aster × chusanensis Growth and Phenolic Acid Composition under Different Cultivation Temperatures.

Plants of the Asteraceae family have been cultivated worldwide for economic, medicinal, and ornamental purposes, including genera such as Aster, Helianthus, and Cosmos. Numerous studies examined their secondary metabolites; however, those of Aster × chusanensis, which is a natural hybrid species in South Korea, are unclear, and optimized propagation methods should be identified. We analyzed phenolic acid concentrations in each part of Aster × chusanensis through HPLC. Further, we investigated the growth characteristics and secondary metabolite concentrations under various growth temperatures using division propagation, followed by growing at 20, 25, and 30 °C in a growth chamber. Chlorogenic acid was the primary compound, which was particularly high in the leaves. The growth characteristics did not differ significantly between temperatures, and 30 °C was most efficient for phenolic acid biosynthesis. Our results provide valuable information on optimized propagation and secondary metabolite concentrations under different temperatures of Aster × chusanensis.

Lysine-Rich Polypeptide Modulates Forkhead Box O3 and Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase-Protein Kinase B Pathway To Induce Apoptosis in Breast Cancer.

The PI3K/AKT/FOXO3 pathway is one of the most frequently involved signaling pathways in cancer, including breast cancer. Therefore, we synthesized a novel lysine-rich polypeptide (Lys-PP) using de novo assembly method and evaluated its anticancer effect. We characterized the structural and physicochemical properties of Lys-PP using various techniques. Later, we used integrated approaches such as in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analysis to confirm the anticancer and therapeutic effect of Lys-PP. First, RNA sequencing suggests Lys-PP disrupted the central carbon metabolic pathway through the modulation of prolactin signaling. Additionally, docking analysis also confirmed the significant association of PI3K/AKT and FOXO3 pathway to induce an apoptotic effect on cancer. Second, Lys-PP exhibited a significant cytotoxicity effect against MDA-MB-231 but no cytotoxic effects on RAW 264.7 and HEK-293, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of Lys-PP-induced apoptosis by an increase in FOXO3a protein expression and a decrease in PI3K/AKT pathway was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and fluorescent microscopy. Later, immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin and eosin staining on MDA-MD-231 showed increased FOXO3a expression and cell death in the xenograft mice model. Further, liver function, metabolic health, or lipid profile upon Lys-PP showed the absence of significant modulation in the biomarkers except for kidney-related biomarkers. Overall, our comprehensive study provides the first evidence of Lys-PP antibreast cancer action, which could serve as a potential treatment in an alternative or complementary medicine practice.

Response surface methodology mediated optimization of phytosulfokine and plant growth regulators for enhanced protoplast division, callus induction, and somatic embryogenesis in Angelica Gigas Nakai.

BACKGROUND: Angelica Gigas (Purple parsnip) is an important medicinal plant that is cultivated and utilized in Korea, Japan, and China. It contains bioactive substances especially coumarins with anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anti-obesity, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties. This medicinal crop can be genetically improved, and the metabolites can be obtained by embryonic stem cells. In this context, we established the protoplast-to-plant regeneration methodology in Angelica gigas. RESULTS: In the present investigation, we isolated the protoplast from the embryogenic callus by applying methods that we have developed earlier and established protoplast cultures using Murashige and Skoog (MS) liquid medium and by embedding the protoplast in thin alginate layer (TAL) methods. We supplemented the culture medium with growth regulators namely 2,4-dichlorophenoxyaceticacid (2,4-D, 0, 0.75, 1.5 mg L- 1), kinetin (KN, 0, 0.5, and 1.0 mg L- 1) and phytosulfokine (PSK, 0, 50, 100 nM) to induce protoplast division, microcolony formation, and embryogenic callus regeneration. We applied central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) for the optimization of 2,4-D, KN, and PSK levels during protoplast division, micro-callus formation, and induction of embryogenic callus stages. The results revealed that 0.04 mg L- 1 2,4-D + 0.5 mg L- 1 KN + 2 nM PSK, 0.5 mg L- 1 2,4-D + 0.9 mg L- 1 KN and 90 nM PSK, and 1.5 mg L- 1 2,4-D and 1 mg L- 1 KN were optimum for protoplast division, micro-callus formation and induction embryogenic callus. MS basal semi-solid medium without growth regulators was good for the development of embryos and plant regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated successful protoplast culture, protoplast division, micro-callus formation, induction embryogenic callus, somatic embryogenesis, and plant regeneration in A. gigas. The methodologies developed here are quite useful for the genetic improvement of this important medicinal plant.

Smartwatch-based functional assessment for upper extremity impairment after musculoskeletal injuries: A pilot study.

Introduction: Wearable sensors are increasingly applied to rehabilitation for arm movement analysis. However, simple and clinically relevant applications are scarce. Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of single smart watch-based parameters for functional assessment in upper limb rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries using a commercial smart watch. Method: Ten patients with unilateral shoulder pain and range-of-motion limitations were enrolled. They wore Galaxy Watch® and performed three sets of upper extremity tasks consisting of gross activities-of-daily-living tasks, Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI), and the acceleration and angular velocities were acquired. The motion segment size (MSS), representing motion smoothness from a clinical perspective, and various sensor-based parameters were extracted. The correlation between the parameters and clinical outcome measures were analyzed. The percent relative range (PRR) of the significant parameters was also calculated. Results: For overhead and behind body activity task set, mean MSS for elbow flexion/extension axis significantly correlated with WMFT score (R = 0.784, p = .012). For planar tasks, mean MSS for the forearm supination/pronation (R = 0.815, p = .007) and shoulder rotation (R = 0.870, p = .002) axes significantly correlated with WMFT score. For forearm and fine movement task set, mean MSS of the elbow flexion/extension angle showed significant correlation with WMFT (R = 0.880, p < .001) and UEFI (R = 0.718, p = .019). The total performance time (R = -0.741, p = .014) also showed significant correlation with WMFT score. The PRR for mean MSS in forearm supination (71.5%, planar tasks) and mean MSS in x-direction (49.8%, forearm and fine motor movements) were similar to the PRR of WMFT (58.5%), suggesting sufficient variation range across different degree of impairments. Conclusion: The commercial smart watch-based parameters showed consistent potential for use in clinical functional assessments.

Evaluation of shear bond strength based on substructure materials and ceramic veneering techniques.

PURPOSE: Bilayered restorations have both the strength of the substructure material and the esthetics of the veneer material; however, they should have appropriate bonding between the two materials. This study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) according to the substructure material and veneering technique used in bilayered restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experimental group was divided into four groups (n = 15 per group) based on the substructure materials (cobalt-chromium [Co-Cr] alloy and 3 mol% yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal [3Y-TZP]) and veneering techniques (pressing and layering). Veneering was performed with disk shape (diameter: 5 mm, height: 2 mm) on a substructure using each veneering technique. Shear stress was applied to the interface of the substructure and the veneering ceramic using a universal testing machine. The shear bond strength, according to the substructure and veneering technique, was analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance with a post-hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference test. The failure mode was observed, and the surface was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. RESULTS: The shSBS of the Co-Cr alloy and 3Y-TZP substructure was not different (p > 0.05); however, the pressing technique showed a higher SBS than the layering technique (p < 0.05). The SBS did not differ depending on the veneering technique in the Co-Cr alloys (p > 0.05), whereas the SBS in the pressing technique was higher than that in the layering technique for 3Y-TZP (p < 0.05). In the layering technique, the Co-Cr alloy showed a higher SBS than 3Y-TZP (p < 0.05). In the failure mode, mixed failure occurred most frequently in all groups. Extensive elemental interdiffusion was observed through the opaque layer in the Co-Cr alloy, regardless of the veneering technique. In 3Y-TZP, a wider range of elemental interdiffusion was observed in the pressing technique than in the layering technique. CONCLUSIONS: In bilayered restorations with a 3Y-TZP substructure, the pressing technique yielded higher bonding strength than layering. Using the layering technique, 3Y-TZP showed a lower SBS than the Co-Cr alloy. In bilayered restorations using 3Y-TZP as a substructure, the veneering technique and thermal compatibility of the materials must be considered.

Regulation of Hippo-YAP signaling axis by Isoalantolactone suppresses tumor progression in cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a devastating malignancy characterized by aggressive tumor growth and limited treatment options. Dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway and its downstream effector, Yes-associated protein (YAP), has been implicated in CCA development and progression. In this study, we investigated the effects of Isoalantolactone (IALT) on CCA cells to elucidate its effect on YAP activity and its potential clinical significance. Our findings demonstrate that IALT exerts cytotoxic effects, induces apoptosis, and modulates YAP signaling in SNU478 cells. We further confirmed the involvement of the canonical Hippo pathway by generating LATS1/LATS2 knockout cells, highlighting the dependence of IALT-mediated apoptosis and YAP phosphorylation on the Hippo-LATS signaling axis. In addition, IALT suppressed cell growth and migration, partially dependent on YAP-TEAD activity. These results provide insights into the therapeutic potential of targeting YAP in CCA and provide a rationale for developing of YAP-targeted therapies for this challenging malignancy.

Environmental Factors Modulate Saxitoxins (STXs) Production in Toxic Dinoflagellate Alexandrium: An Updated Review of STXs and Synthesis Gene Aspects.

The marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium is known to form harmful algal blooms (HABs) and produces saxitoxin (STX) and its derivatives (STXs) that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in humans. Cell growth and cellular metabolism are affected by environmental conditions, including nutrients, temperature, light, and the salinity of aquatic systems. Abiotic factors not only engage in photosynthesis, but also modulate the production of toxic secondary metabolites, such as STXs, in dinoflagellates. STXs production is influenced by a variety of abiotic factors; however, the relationship between the regulation of these abiotic variables and STXs accumulation seems not to be consistent, and sometimes it is controversial. Few studies have suggested that abiotic factors may influence toxicity and STXs-biosynthesis gene (sxt) regulation in toxic Alexandrium, particularly in A. catenella, A. minutum, and A. pacificum. Hence, in this review, we focused on STXs production in toxic Alexandrium with respect to the major abiotic factors, such as temperature, salinity, nutrients, and light intensity. This review informs future research on more sxt genes involved in STXs production in relation to the abiotic factors in toxic dinoflagellates.

Polyphyletic origin of saxitoxin biosynthesis genes in the marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium revealed by comparative transcriptomics.

The marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium is known to form harmful algal blooms, and at least 14 species within the genus can produce saxitoxins (STXs). STX biosynthesis genes (sxt) are individually revealed in toxic dinoflagellates; however, the evolutionary history remains controversial. Herein, we determined the transcriptome sequences of toxic Alexandrium (A. catenella and A. pacificum) and non-toxic Alexandrium (A. fraterculus and A. fragae) and characterized their sxt by focusing on evolutionary events and STX production. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed higher homology of the sxt in toxic Alexandrium than in non-toxic species. Notably, non-toxic Alexandrium spp. were found to have lost two sxt core genes, namely sxtA4 and sxtG. Expression levels of 28 transcripts related to eight sxt core genes showed that sxtA, sxtG, and sxtI were relatively high (>1.5) in the toxic group compared to the non-toxic group. In contrast, the non-toxic group showed high expression levels in sxtU (1.9) and sxtD (1.7). Phylogenetic tree comparisons revealed distinct evolutionary patterns between 28S rDNA and sxtA, sxtB, sxtI, sxtD, and sxtU. However, similar topology was observed between 28S rDNA, sxtS, and sxtH/T. In the sxtB and sxtI phylogeny trees, toxic Alexandrium and cyanobacteria were clustered together, separating from non-toxic species. These suggest that Alexandrium may acquire sxt genes independently via horizontal gene transfer from toxic cyanobacteria and other multiple sources, demonstrating monocistronic transcripts of sxt in dinoflagellates.

Adlercreutzia faecimuris sp. nov., producing propionate and acetate isolated from mouse feces.

A novel strictly anaerobic bacterium, strain JBNU-10 T, was isolated from BALB/c mouse feces. Cells of the strain JBNU-10 T were Gram-stain positive, non-motile and rod-shaped. Optimum growth occurred at 37℃, with 1% (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain JBNU-10 T belonged to the genus Adlercreutzia and were closely related to Adlercreutzia muris WCA-131-CoC-2 T (95.90%). The genome sequencing of strain JBNU-10 T revealed a genome size of 2,790,983 bp, a DNA G + C content of 69.4 mol%. It contains a total of 2,266 CDSs, 5 rRNA genes and 49 tRNA genes. According to the data obtained strain JBNU-10 T shared ANI value below 77.6- 67.7%, dDDH value below 23.8% with the closely type species. Strain JBNU-10 T possessed iso-C16:0 DMA, C18:1 CIS 9 FAME, and C18:0 DMA as the major fatty acids and had DMMK-6. The major end products of fermentation is propionate and acetate. Based on phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain JBNU-10 T represent a novel species of the genus Adlercreutzia. The type strain is JBNU-10 T (= KCTC 25028 T = CCUG 75610 T).

Development of saxitoxin biosynthesis gene sxtB-targeted qPCR assay for the quantification of toxic dinoflagellates Alexandrium catenella (group I) and A. pacificum (group IV) occurring in the Korean coast.

Toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium can produce saxitoxins (STXs) and cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), and thus they are monitored for environmental safety management. Microscopic discrimination of dinoflagellates is difficult to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic species due to their similar morphology. Meanwhile, an alternative quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay is sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective for harmful species monitoring. Herein, we developed a novel qPCR assay to detect the STXs biosynthesis gene sxtB of Alexandrium catenella and A. pacificum, the leading cause of PSP outbreaks in Asian coasts and worldwide. The newly designed sxtB TaqMan probes target the species without any positive signal in other relative dinoflagellates. Deming regression analysis revealed that the sxtB copy number of A. catenella and A. pacificum was 3.6 and 4.1 copies per cell, respectively. During the blooming periods (April 13th-14th, 2020), only A. catenella cells were detected through the qPCR assay, ranging from 5.0 × 10 to 2.5 × 104 eq cells L-1. In addition, sxtB qPCR quantified more accurately compared to large subunit (LSU) rRNA targeting qPCR assay that overestimate cell density. Besides, the sensitivity of sxtB was higher compared to the microscope when the species were rarely present (5.0 × 102 cells L-1). These suggest that the sxtB qPCR assay can be applied to toxic Alexandrium monitoring in the Korean coast, even in the early stage of bloomings.

Exploring Differences in Surgical Outcomes Depending on the Arterial Cannulation Strategy for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Single-Center Study.

Background: Type A aortic dissection (AD) and intramural hematoma (IMH) are critical medical conditions. Emergency surgery is typically performed under cardiopulmonary bypass immediately after diagnosis, which involves lowering the body temperature to induce total circulatory arrest. Selection of the arterial cannulation site is a critical consideration in cardiac surgery and becomes more challenging in patients with AD. This study explored the strengths and weaknesses of different cannulation methods by comparing each cannulation strategy and analyzing the reasons for patients' outcomes, especially mortality and cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs). Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgery for type A AD or IMH between 2008 and 2023, using the moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest approach at a single center. Results: Among the 146 patients reviewed, 32 underwent antegrade cannulation via axillary, innominate artery, aortic, or transapical cannulation, while 114 underwent retrograde cannulation via the femoral artery. The analysis of surgical outcomes revealed a significant difference in the total surgical time, with 356 minutes for antegrade and 443 minutes for retrograde cannulation (p<0.001). The mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was significantly longer in the retrograde group (5±16 days) than in the antegrade group (3±5 days, p=0.013). Nevertheless, no significant difference was found between the groups in the 30-day mortality or postoperative CVA rates (p=0.2 and p=0.7, respectively). Conclusion: Surgeons should consider an appropriate cannulation strategy for each patient instead of adhering strictly to a specific approach in AD surgery.

Effects of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ID-D01 Probiotic Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Gut Microbiota in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

The gut microbiota composition in animals and humans has recently been found to be influenced by exercise. Although Limosilactobacillus reuteri strains have notable probiotic properties that promote human health, understanding of its effects in combination with exercise and physical activity is limited. Therefore, this study examined the effects of L. reuteri ID-D01, a human-derived probiotic, on exercise performance and fatigue in Sprague-Dawley rats. Organ weight, maximal running distance, serum biochemistry, muscle performance, microbial community composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were assessed. Results indicated that ID-D01 supplementation significantly improved endurance performance. Rats in the probiotic group demonstrated a significant increase in maximal running distance compared with that in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, levels of fatigue markers, such as lactate and creatine phosphokinase, were significantly reduced in the ID-D01-administered groups, suggesting its potential to alleviate exercise-induced fatigue. Microbiome analysis revealed a distinct shift in gut microbiota composition in response to ID-D01 administration. The group that received ID-D01 probiotics exhibited a significant increase in the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, particularly Akkermansia spp., compared with that in the control groups. Furthermore, they showed elevated production of SCFAs, such as acetate and butyrate. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that ID-D01 can enhance exercise performance and reduce fatigue. Herein, we highlighted that human-derived probiotics could improve physical performance, as observed by changes in gut microbiota composition and SCFA production.

Effect of the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, DWP16001, as an add-on therapy to insulin for diabetic dogs: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a novel class of anti-hyperglycaemic agents. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and the adjuvant glycaemic control effect of an SGLT2 inhibitor, DWP16001, in diabetic dogs receiving insulin treatment. METHODS: Nineteen diabetic dogs receiving insulin treatment (NPH, porcine lente and glargine insulin) were divided into two groups according to dosing frequency: DWP TOD group (n = 10) and DWP SID group (n = 9). In the DWP TOD group, 0.025 mg/kg of DWP16001 was administered once every 3 days, whereas, in the DWP SID group, 0.025 mg/kg of DWP16001 was administered once a day. Food intake was maintained during the trial period. Hypoglycaemia, ketoacidosis or unexpected life-threatening reactions were assessed as adverse effects before and after DWP16001 administration. We compared insulin requirement reduction and blood glucose level control between two groups. RESULTS: No specific adverse effects were observed during the clinical trial, and haematological parameter remained unchanged. Moreover, the fasting glucose levels and daily insulin dose in the DWP TOD group were lower than the pre-administration values, but not significantly different for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure, fructosamine and insulin dose decreased significantly in the DWP SID group compared to the DWP TOD group at 8 weeks (p < 0.05) without affecting food consumption. Among these patients, 10 patients were monitored while receiving DWP16001 for 12 months (DWP TOD group n = 5, DWP SID group n = 5). The fasting glucose and fructosamine levels and daily insulin dose were reduced in both groups at 12 months compared with those before receiving DWP16001. CONCLUSION: When DWP16001, an SGLT2 inhibitor, was supplied to dogs with type 1 diabetes, no adverse effects were observed, and it was confirmed that the administered insulin dose can be reduced in controlling blood glucose.

Biocomposite thermoplastic polyurethanes containing evolved bacterial spores as living fillers to facilitate polymer disintegration.

The field of hybrid engineered living materials seeks to pair living organisms with synthetic materials to generate biocomposite materials with augmented function since living systems can provide highly-programmable and complex behavior. Engineered living materials have typically been fabricated using techniques in benign aqueous environments, limiting their application. In this work, biocomposite fabrication is demonstrated in which spores from polymer-degrading bacteria are incorporated into a thermoplastic polyurethane using high-temperature melt extrusion. Bacteria are engineered using adaptive laboratory evolution to improve their heat tolerance to ensure nearly complete cell survivability during manufacturing at 135 °C. Furthermore, the overall tensile properties of spore-filled thermoplastic polyurethanes are substantially improved, resulting in a significant improvement in toughness. The biocomposites facilitate disintegration in compost in the absence of a microbe-rich environment. Finally, embedded spores demonstrate a rationally programmed function, expressing green fluorescent protein. This research provides a scalable method to fabricate advanced biocomposite materials in industrially-compatible processes.

Differences in Treatment Outcomes According to the Insertion Method Used in Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a key treatment method used with patients in cardiac arrest who do not respond to medical treatment. A critical step in initiating therapy is the insertion of ECMO cannulas. Peripheral ECMO cannulation methods have been preferred for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Methods: Patients who underwent ECPR at Daegu Catholic University Medical Center between January 2017 and May 2023 were included in this study. We analyzed the impact of 2 different peripheral cannulation strategies (surgical cutdown vs. percutaneous cannulation) on various factors, including survival rate. Results: Among the 99 patients included in this study, 66 underwent surgical cutdown, and 33 underwent percutaneous insertion. The survival to discharge rates were 36.4% for the surgical cutdown group and 30.3% for the percutaneous group (p=0.708). The ECMO insertion times were 21.3 minutes for the surgical cutdown group and 10.3 minutes for the percutaneous group (p<0.001). The factors associated with overall mortality included a shorter low-flow time (hazard ratio [HR], 1.045; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.019-1.071; p=0.001) and whether return of spontaneous circulation was achieved (HR, 0.317; 95% CI, 0.127-0.787; p=0.013). Low-flow time was defined as the time from the start of cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the completion of ECMO cannula insertion. Conclusion: No statistically significant difference in in-hospital mortality was observed between the surgical and percutaneous groups. However, regardless of the chosen cannulation strategy, reducing ECMO cannulation time was beneficial, as a shorter low-flow time was associated with significant benefits in terms of survival.

Corrigendum to "Development and Asian-wide validation of the Grade for Interpretable Field Triage (GIFT) for predicting mortality in pre-hospital patients using the Pan-Asian Trauma Outcomes Study (PATOS)" [The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific 34 (2023) 100733].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100733.].

Estradiol mediates greater germinal center responses to influenza vaccination in female than male mice.

Adult females of reproductive age develop greater antibody responses to inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) than males. How sex, age, and sex steroid concentrations impact B cells and durability of IIV-induced immunity and protection over 4 months post-vaccination (mpv) was analyzed. Vaccinated adult females had greater germinal center B cell and plasmablast frequencies in lymphoid tissues, higher neutralizing antibody responses 1-4 mpv, and better protection against live H1N1 challenge than adult males. Aged mice, regardless of sex, had reduced B cell frequencies, less durable antibody responses, and inferior protection after challenge than adult mice, which correlated with diminished estradiol among aged females. To confirm that greater IIV-induced immunity was caused by sex hormones, four core genotype (FCG) mice were used, in which the testes-determining gene, Sry, was deleted from chromosome Y (ChrY) and transferred to Chr3 to separate gonadal sex (i.e., ovaries or testes) from sex chromosome complement (i.e., XX or XY complement). Vaccinated, gonadal female FCG mice (XXF and XYF) had greater numbers of B cells, higher antiviral antibody titers, and reduced pulmonary virus titers following live H1N1 challenge than gonadal FCG males (XYM and XXM). To establish that lower estradiol concentrations cause diminished immunity, adult and aged females received either a placebo or estradiol replacement therapy prior to IIV. Estradiol replacement significantly increased IIV-induced antibody responses and reduced morbidity after the H1N1 challenge among aged females. These data highlight that estradiol is a targetable mechanism mediating greater humoral immunity following vaccination among adult females.IMPORTANCEFemales of reproductive ages develop greater antibody responses to influenza vaccines than males. We hypothesized that female-biased immunity and protection against influenza were mediated by estradiol signaling in B cells. Using diverse mouse models ranging from advanced-age mice to transgenic mice that separate sex steroids from sex chromosome complement, those mice with greater concentrations of estradiol consistently had greater numbers of antibody-producing B cells in lymphoid tissue, higher antiviral antibody titers, and greater protection against live influenza virus challenge. Treatment of aged female mice with estradiol enhanced vaccine-induced immunity and protection against disease, suggesting that estradiol signaling in B cells is critical for improved vaccine outcomes in females.

Genome-based taxonomic identification and safety assessment of an Enterococcus strain isolated from a homemade dairy product.

The aim of this study was to explore the taxonomic identification and evaluate the safety of a bacterium, Enterococcus lactis IDCC 2105, isolated from homemade cheese in Korea, using whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis. It sought to identify the species level of this Enterococcus spp., assess its antibiotic resistance, and evaluate its virulence potential. WGS analysis confirmed the bacterial strain IDCC 2105 as E. lactis and identified genes responsible for resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin, specifically msrC, and eatAv, which are chromosomally located, indicating a minimal risk for horizontal gene transfer. The absence of plasmids in E. lactis IDCC 2105 further diminishes the likelihood of resistance gene dissemination. Additionally, our investigation into seven virulence factors, including hemolysis, platelet aggregation, biofilm formation, hyaluronidase, gelatinase, ammonia production, and ß-glucuronidase activity, revealed no detectable virulence traits. Although bioinformatic analysis suggested the presence of collagen adhesion genes acm and scm, these were not corroborated by phenotypic virulence assays. Based on these findings, E. lactis IDCC 2105 presents as a safe strain for potential applications, contributing valuable information on its taxonomy, antibiotic resistance profile, and lack of virulence factors, supporting its use in food products.

Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun Cu-Doped TiO2 Nanofibers and Enhancement of Photocatalytic Performance Depending on Cu Content and Electron Beam Irradiation.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a widely studied material with many attractive properties such as its photocatalytic features. However, its commercial use is limited due to issues such as deactivation in the visible spectrum caused by its wide bandgap and the short lifetime of photo-excited charge carriers. To overcome these challenges, various modifications could be considered. In this study, we investigated copper doping and electron beam treatment. As-spun TiO2 nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning a TiO2 sol, which obtained viscosity through a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrix. Cu-doped TiO2 nanofibers with varying dopant concentrations were synthesized by adding copper salts. Then, the as-spun nanofibers were calcined for crystallization. To evaluate photocatalytic performance, a photodegradation test of methylene blue aqueous solution was performed for 6 h. Methylene blue concentration was measured over time using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results showed that Cu doping at an appropriate concentration and electron-beam irradiation showed improved photocatalytic efficiency compared to bare TiO2 nanofibers. When the molar ratio of Cu/Ti was 0.05%, photodegradation rate was highest, which was 10.39% higher than that of bare TiO2. As a result of additional electron-beam treatment of this sample, photocatalytic efficiency improved up to 8.93% compared to samples without electron-beam treatment.