Calcium Chloride Treatment Enhances Antigen Production in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines for Serotypes SAT1 and SAT3.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection causing acute and severe vesicular lesions in cattle and pigs, which has prompted global vaccination policies. This study presents a technique for enhancing antigen yield in SAT1 BOT and SAT3 ZIM by treatment with calcium chloride (CaCl2). We tested changes in cell viability in BHK-21 suspension cells treated with varying concentrations of CaCl2. The optimal CaCl2 concentration was determined based on antigen yield. The timing of CaCl2 supplementation relative to FMD virus inoculation was tested. Finally, the optimal medium for antigen production was identified. We observed a concentration-dependent decrease in BHK-21 cell viability at >7.5 mM CaCl2. A CaCl2 concentration of 3 mM yielded the most antigens. CaCl2 supplementation relative to FMD virus infection was optimal 2 h before or with viral inoculation. CD-BHK 21 medium supplemented with CaCl2 was the most productive medium. Specifically, SAT1 BOT and SAT3 ZIM showed improved antigen production in CD-BHK 21 medium with 3 mM CaCl2, while Provero-1 and Cellvento BHK-200 media showed no significant enhancement. Overall, CaCl2 supplementation enhanced FMD antigen productivity. This study provides a useful framework for enhancing antigen production efficiently in the FMD vaccine industry.

Transcriptomic profiling and the first spatial expression analysis of candidate genes in the salivary gland of the East Asian medicinal leech, Hirudo nipponia.

Hirudo nipponia, a blood-sucking leech native to East Asia, possesses a rich repertoire of active ingredients in its saliva, showcasing significant medical potential due to its anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects against human diseases. Despite previous studies on the transcriptomic and proteomic characteristics of leech saliva, which have identified medicinal compounds, our knowledge of tissue-specific transcriptomes and their spatial expression patterns remains incomplete. In this study, we conducted an extensive transcriptomic profiling of the salivary gland tissue in H. nipponia based on de novo assemblies of tissue-specific transcriptomes from the salivary gland, teeth, and general head region. Through gene ontology (GO) analysis and hierarchical clustering, we discovered a novel set of anti-coagulant factors-i.e., Hni-Antistasin, Hni-Ghilanten, Hni-Bdellin, Hni-Hirudin-as well as a previously unrecognized immune-related gene, Hni-GLIPR1 and uncharacterized salivary gland specific transcripts. By employing in situ hybridization, we provided the first visualization of gene expression sites within the salivary gland of H. nipponia. Our findings expand on our understanding of transcripts specifically expressed in the salivary gland of blood-sucking leeches, offering valuable resources for the exploration of previously unidentified substances with medicinal applications.

Valorization of petroleum refinery oil sludges via anaerobic co-digestion with food waste and swine manure.

Valorization of oil sludge has been gaining attention to improve the sustainability of the petroleum industry. This study aimed to assess the possibility of anaerobic co-digestion of oil scum and secondary sludge with food waste (or swine manure). Oil scum and secondary sludge were obtained from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of a petrochemical plant. Physicochemical properties, hazardous materials, and microbial community were characterized and biochemical methane potential was performed by a simplex-lattice mixture design. More than 87% (wet wt.) of the oil scum consisted of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) (21,762 mg/L) that are difficult to be degraded by anaerobes. The secondary sludge showed low TPHs (5 mg/L) and a bacterial community similar to that of municipal WWTPs. The heavy metal (Cu, As, Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn, and V) concentrations in the oil scum and secondary sludge were similar (20-600 mg/L). The maximum methane potentials of the oil sludge and secondary sludges were 20 ± 2 and 56 ± 3 mL CH4/g-volatile solid, respectively. The co-digestion with food waste or swine manure led to a synergy effect on methane production of the co-digestion substrate (10-40% increase compared to the calculated value; v/v) by balancing the C/N ratio. Due to the high TPH contents, oil scum is not appropriate for co-digestion. The co-digestion of secondary sludge with food waste and/or swine manure is recommended. It is necessary to consider whether the concentration of heavy metals is at a level that inhibits the anaerobic co-digestion depending on the operating conditions such as mixing ratios and solid contents.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract suppresses intestinal human breast cancer resistance protein expression in mice: Correlation with gut microbiota.

In this study, we investigated the effects of treatment with Gingko biloba leaf extract (GLE) on intestinal transporter expression and gut microbiota composition in mice and the correlation between intestinal transporter expression and gut microbiota composition in mice. When GLE was orally administered to mice, intestinal BCRP expression was significantly suppressed. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that the maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve values of sulfasalazine were increased more than twice by treatment with GLE compared with those in the control group. GLE treatment significantly decreased the populations of Proteobacteria and Deferribacteres at the phylum level. Correlation analysis showed that BCRP expression was positively or negatively correlated with the composition of gut bacteria. In Caco-2 cells, GLE treatment did not affect BCRP expression, but treatment with the lysates of GLE-treated mouse feces significantly suppressed BCRP expression. These findings demonstrate that the suppression of intestinal BCRP expression following GLE treatment may occur through modulation of the gut microbiota composition. Thus, the present study suggests that modulation of gut microbiota composition may cause drug transporter-mediated herb-drug interactions.

Overview of global status and challenges for end-of-life crystalline silicon photovoltaic panels: A focus on environmental impacts.

Recent developments in photovoltaic (PV) technology have enabled a reduction of fossil fuel usage and subsequent carbon dioxide (CO2) release from energy production. However, end-of-life (EoL) crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV panels have become an emerging waste issue. This overview attempts to update and forecast the global status of renewable energy capacity and c-Si PV waste generation under different scenarios and to present a summary of the recent literature on recycling technologies and life cycle assessment (LCA) of EoL c-Si PV panels with a focus on reclaimable resources. For most LCA studies in the 1980s and the 2000s, the EoL phase of PV systems has often neglected or oversimplified (e.g., disposal after low-rate recovery) the fact that various recycling procedures and reclaimable resources from each stage cannot be appropriately considered. A limited number of studies have been available since the 2010s that highlight the high-rate recovery from EoL PV panels. However, the differences in functional unit, system boundary and impact analysis methodology make it difficult to compare the results directly, and spatio-temporal uncertainties are yet to be thoroughly quantified due to the lack of workable localized data. More efforts are needed to identify complementary environmental impacts (i.e., burden and credit) from the individual recycling processes. Correspondingly impacts from transport need to be fully incorporated for the optimization of the recycling process which has been neglected in most of the previous studies.

Removal of aqueous-phase Pb(II), Cd(II), As(III), and As(V) by nanoscale zero-valent iron supported on exhausted coffee grounds.

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) is recognized as an excellent adsorbent for metallic contaminants. Nevertheless, NZVI itself tends to agglomerate, so that its performance deterioriates without supporting materials. The use of exhausted coffee grounds as a supporting material for NZVI is expected to resolve this problem and provide the social benefits of waste minimization and resource recycling. In this study, NZVI was supported on exhausted coffee grounds (NZVI-Coffee ground) to enhance its dispersion. The aims of this study were to characterize NZVI-Coffee ground with a focus on atomic dispersion, evaluate NZVI-Coffee ground as an adsorbent for typical metallic contaminants and arsenic, and assess the effects of solution chemistry on the adsorption process. In order to achieve these goals, characterization, adsorption kinetics, adsorption equilibrium, and the effects of pH and temperature on adsorption were studied. Pb(II), Cd(II), As(III), and As(V) were selected as target contaminants. The characterization study showed that atomic dispersion was enhanced four-fold by supporting NZVI on coffee grounds. The enhanced dispersion resulted in rapid kinetic characteristics and large adsorption capacity. The optimum pH for adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) was 4-6, and that for As(III) and As(V) was 2-4. The pH effect can be explained by surface protonation/deprotonation and adsorbate speciation. Only the adsorption of Pb(II) was an exothermic process; those of other species were endothermic. In every tested case, the adsorption process was spontaneous. According to the results, NZVI-Coffee ground is an effective adsorbent for the removal of aqueous phase Pb(II), Cd(II), As(III), and As(V).

Oxidation resistance of nanoscale zero-valent iron supported on exhausted coffee grounds.

In this study, nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) was supported by exhausted coffee grounds. Exhausted coffee grounds are a crucial waste generated in enormous amounts. Since supported nanoscale particles have a lower free energy than bare particles, oxidation resistance of supported NZVI on coffee grounds (NZVI-Coffee ground) is postulated. The main aim of this study was to ascertain the enhanced oxidation resistance of NZVI-Coffee ground. Synthesized materials were dried and stored in the air at temperatures of 4, 20, and 35 °C. Changes in the surface characteristics and cadmium removal efficiency of the supported NZVI were investigated. Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that supported NZVI underwent less oxidation compared to bare NZVI. Cadmium removal efficiencies of supported NZVI did not deteriorate with age, while those of bare NZVI decreased by 9.5 ±â€¯0.1, 13.0 ±â€¯0.1, and 18.3 ±â€¯0.2% compared to their initial removal efficiencies when stored 8 weeks at 4, 20, and 35 °C, respectively. This is because the surface free energy of the NZVI decreased via strong interaction with the functional groups of the coffee grounds. According to the results, exhausted coffee grounds are an effective supporting material for NZVI to enhance its storage stability.

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Obesity: Recommendations from the Committee on Pediatric Obesity of the Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition.

The Committee on Pediatric Obesity of the Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition newly developed the first Korean Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity in Children and Adolescents to deliver an evidence-based systematic approach to childhood obesity in South Korea. The following areas were systematically reviewed, especially on the basis of all available references published in South Korea and worldwide, and new guidelines were established in each area with the strength of recommendations based on the levels of evidence: 1) definition and diagnosis of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents; 2) principles of treatment of pediatric obesity; 3) behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with obesity, including diet, exercise, lifestyle, and mental health; 4) pharmacotherapy; and 5) bariatric surgery.

Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric obesity: recommendations from the Committee on Pediatric Obesity of the Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition.

The Committee on Pediatric Obesity of the Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition newly developed the first Korean Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity in Children and Adolescents to deliver an evidence-based systematic approach to childhood obesity in South Korea. The following areas were systematically reviewed, especially on the basis of all available references published in South Korea and worldwide, and new guidelines were established in each area with the strength of recommendations based on the levels of evidence: (1) definition and diagnosis of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents; (2) principles of treatment of pediatric obesity; (3) behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with obesity, including diet, exercise, lifestyle, and mental health; (4) pharmacotherapy; and (5) bariatric surgery.

Fermented Red Ginseng Alleviates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression and 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid-Induced Colitis in Mice by Regulating Macrophage Activation and T Cell Differentiation.

A variety of products have been developed with red ginseng (RG, the steamed roots of Panax ginseng Meyer). To clarify the immunomodulating effects of water-extracted RG (wRG), 50% ethanol-extracted RG (eRG), enzyme-treated eRG (ERG) and probiotic-fermented eRG (FRG), we examined their immunopotentiating and immunosuppressive effects in mice with cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression (CI) or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis (TC). Oral administration of RG in CI mice significantly increased blood IFN- γ levels. Treatment with RG also increased the tumoricidal effects of CI mouse splenic cytotoxic T (Tc) and NK cells against YAC-1 cells. Treatment with RGs, in particular FRG and wRG, significantly increased Th1 cell differentiation. Treatment with RG except wRG increased Treg cell differentiation. However, wRG alone increased IL-6 and IL-17 expression in the colon of CI mice. Furthermore, RG alleviated colitis in TC mice. FRG most potently suppressed TNBS-induced colon shortening, NF- κ B activation and TNF- α and IL-17 expression and increased IL-10 expression. RGs inhibited TNF- α expression and increased IL-10 expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated primary macrophages in vitro while the differentiation of splenic T cells into type 1 T (Th1) and regulatory T (Treg) cells was increased by FRG in vitro. In conclusion, FRG can alleviate immunosuppression and inflammation by inhibiting macrophage activation and regulating Th1 and Treg cell differentiation.

A case of Clostridium difficile infection complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome treated with fecal microbiota transplantation.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a life-threatening disorder caused mainly by pneumonia. Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a common nosocomial diarrheal disease. Disruption of normal intestinal flora by antibiotics is the main risk factor for CDI. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for serious medical conditions can make it difficult to treat CDI complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome. Fecal microbiota transplantation is a highly effective treatment in patients with refractory CDI. Here we report on a patient with refractory CDI and acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by pneumonia who was treated with fecal microbiota transplantation.

Clinical features and role of viral isolates from stool samples of intussuception in children.

PURPOSE: To detect major acute gastroenteritis virus (rotavirus, norovirus, astrovirus, and enteric adenovirus) and non-enteric type of adenovirus (AdV) in the stools of intussusception patients and to investigate the clinical role of detected viruses. METHODS: From March 2012 to February 2013, major acute gastroenteritis virus and non-enteric type of AdV were isolated from stool samples that collected from 44 patients treated for intussusception in Chungnam National University Hospital. Patients were divided according to age and isolated virus. RESULTS: Virus was detected in 28 (63%) stool specimens. The virus detection rate was significantly lower in patients aged under 12 months (p = 0.04). Twenty-two patients (78.6%) had non-enteric adenovirus, 4 (14.3%) had norovirus, 1 (3.6%) had sapovirus, and 1 (3.6%) had astrovirus. AdV subgroup C (AdV 1, 2, 5, and 6) comprised the majority with 20 cases (90.9%). A monthly increment-and-decrement pattern of intussusception was similar to that of viral detection in the stool samples. Enema reductions were successful in 39 patients and surgical manual reductions were performed in 5 patients. Virus was detected in 24 patients (61.5%) of enema reduction group and 4 patients (80.0%) of surgical manual reduction group. All of the detected viruses were non-enteric adenovirus subgroup C (AdV 1, 5, and 6) in surgical reduction patients. CONCLUSIONS: The virus detection rate was high in the stools of intussusception patients. The pattern of seasonal intussusception occurrence rate was parallel with seasonal these viral detection rate in the stool samples. These findings suggest that viral infection plays an important role in the development of intussusception and further research is warranted.

Comparison of pyrolytic products produced from inorganic-rich and demineralized rice straw (Oryza sativa L.) by fluidized bed pyrolyzer for future biorefinery approach.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of inorganic constituents on the fast pyrolysis of the biomass and to determine the yields as well as physicochemical properties of pyrolytic products. The pyrolytic products were obtained from raw and demineralized rice straw using a fluidized bed type pyrolyzer at different temperatures. As pyrolysis temperature increased, total biooil yield gradually decreased from 46.6 to 29.6 wt.% for the raw-straw, and from 55.4 to 35.3 wt.% for the demineralized rice straw. For demineralized rice straw, higher pyrolysis temperatures promoted gasification reactions but reduced char formations. However, char yield for the raw-straw was relatively unaffected by temperature due to an increase in carbonization reactions that were catalyzed by some inorganics. Certain inorganic constituents in the biomass were distinctively distributed in the biooil, and ICP-ES and GC/MS analysis indicated that some inorganics may be chemically bound to cell wall components.

Tissue-specific expression of human calcineurin-binding protein 1 in mouse synovial tissue can suppress inflammatory arthritis.

Calcineurin (CN) is a calcium- and calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase. In immune cells, CN controls the activity of a wide range of transcription factors, including nuclear factor of activated T, nuclear factor-kappa B, c-fos, and Elk-1. CN plays an important role in synoviocyte activation and arthritis progression in vivo and this function is tightly linked to dysregulated intracellular Ca(2+) store and Ca(2+) response triggered by proinflammatory cytokines. In the present study, transgenic mice expressing human calcineurin-binding protein 1 (hCabin1) were generated, driven by type II collagen promoter, and the efficiency of these mice was investigated by experimental arthritis. These transgenic mice successfully expressed hCabin1 in joint tissue as well as other organs such as liver, heart, and brain. The overexpression of hCabin1 reduced the disease severity during collagen-induced arthritis. In fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from hCabin1 transgenic mice, the productions of these cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ, were decreased and matrix metalloproteinases were also depressed in transgenic mice FLS. In addition, these effects were only found in the joint tissue, which is a major inflammation site. These findings will provide a better knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis and a potential animal model of the chronic inflammatory conditions, including atherosclerosis and transplantation.

Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on endotoxin-induced labyrinthitis.

OBJECTIVE: There are no reports on the therapeutic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on otitis media-induced labyrinthitis. The present study examined whether GBE can protect against cochlear damage induced by intratympanic instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced labyrinthitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed in 20 healthy young male guinea pigs. The control group (n=10) received an intratympanic instillation of LPS (20 µl, 3mg/ml). The experimental group (n=10) received intratympanic instillation of LPS immediately after instillation of GBE (10mg/kg) and then experimental groups received GBE (100mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection every day for 3 days. Instillation of LPS or LPS immediately after GBE was done in the right ear; the untreated left ear was considered normal. Physiological and morphological changes were evaluated. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of treatment of GBE revealed significantly less hearing loss than LPS group (p<0.05). The ratio of the value of cochlear blood flow (CBF) compared to untreated left side was significantly higher in the GBE treated group than in the LPS-treated group (p<0.05). This result indicated the recovery of CBF in GBE treated group compared to LPS treated group. In the LPS group, scanning electron microscopy revealed hair cell damage with edema. Missing stereocilia in the third layer of the outer hair cell was revealed. However, both the inner hair cells and the outer hair cells had normal appearance in the GBE group. LPS group showed that cochlear Evans blue extravasation was increased strongly in the stria vascularis, spiral limbus, and in the spiral ligament compared with the GBE treated group. CONCLUSION: GBE significantly minimizes cochlear damage against LPS-induced otitis media with labyrinthitis in a guinea pig model. GBE has potential as an adjunctive therapy to antibiotics in the treatment of acute otitis media with complicated labyrinthitis.

Magnesium supplementation through seaweed calcium extract rather than synthetic magnesium oxide improves femur bone mineral density and strength in ovariectomized rats.

Commercially available seaweed calcium extract can supply high amounts of calcium as well as significant amounts of magnesium and other microminerals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree to which the high levels of magnesium in seaweed calcium extract affects the calcium balance and the bone status in ovariectomized rats in comparison to rats supplemented with calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide. A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley female rats (7 weeks) were divided into four groups and bred for 12 weeks: sham-operated group (Sham), ovariectomized group (OVX), ovariectomized with inorganic calcium and magnesium supplementation group (OVX-Mg), and ovariectomized with seaweed calcium and magnesium supplementation group (OVX-SCa). All experimental diets contained 0.5% calcium. The magnesium content in the experimental diet was 0.05% of the diet in the Sham and OVX groups and 0.1% of the diet in the OVX-Mg and OVX-SCa groups. In the calcium balance study, the OVX-Mg and OVX-SCa groups were not significantly different in calcium absorption compared to the OVX group. However, the femoral bone mineral density and strength of the OVX-SCa group were higher than those of the OVX-Mg and OVX groups. Seaweed calcium with magnesium supplementation or magnesium supplementation alone did not affect the serum ALP and CTx levels in ovariectomized rats. In summary, consumption of seaweed calcium extract or inorganic calcium carbonate with magnesium oxide demonstrated the same degree of intestinal calcium absorption, but only the consumption of seaweed calcium extract resulted in increased femoral bone mineral density and strength in ovariectomized rats. Our results suggest that seaweed calcium extract is an effective calcium and magnesium source for improving bone health compared to synthetic calcium and magnesium supplementation.

Short-term administration of water-soluble silicon improves mineral density of the femur and tibia in ovariectomized rats.

Silicon is important for the proper growth and development of bone and connective tissues. This study was designed to investigate if water-soluble silicon could be used for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Silicon (Si 20 mg/kg body weight/day) was administrated orally to 17-week-old ovariectomized (OVX) rats for 4 weeks. Silicon did not alter weight gain in OVX rats. Silicon supplementation significantly increased the bone mineral density of the femur (p < 0.05, vs. OVX control group) and tibia in OVX rats (p < 0.05, vs. OVX control group). Serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, two bone formation biomarkers tested, were not significantly altered, but urinary calcium and phosphorous excretion tended to decrease with silicon supplementation. OVX rats with silicon supplementation showed a relatively higher serum CTx compared to the nonsupplemented OVX group (p < 0.01, vs. OVX control group). According to these results, short-term soluble silicon supplementation improved bone mineral density in OVX-induced osteoporosis.