Proteomic analyses of the phase transition from acidogenesis to solventogenesis using solventogenic and non-solventogenic Clostridium acetobutylicum strains.

The fermentation carried out by the solvent-producing bacterium, Clostridium acetobutylicum, is characterized by two distinct phases: acidogenic and solventogenic phases. Understanding the cellular physiological changes occurring during the phase transition in clostridial fermentation is important for the enhanced production of solvents. To identify protein changes upon entry to stationary phase where solvents are typically produced, we herein analyzed the proteomic profiles of the parental wild type C. acetobutylicum strains, ATCC 824, the non-solventogenic strain, M5 that has lost the solventogenic megaplasmid pSOL1, and the synthetic simplified alcohol forming strain, M5 (pIMP1E1AB) expressing plasmid-based CoA-transferase (CtfAB) and aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase (AdhE1). A total of 68 protein spots, corresponding to 56 unique proteins, were unambiguously identified as being differentially present after the phase transitions in the three C. acetobutylicum strains. In addition to changes in proteins known to be involved in solventogenesis (AdhE1 and CtfB), we identified significant alterations in enzymes involved in sugar transport and metabolism, fermentative pathway, heat shock proteins, translation, and amino acid biosynthesis upon entry into the stationary phase. Of these, four increased proteins (AdhE1, CAC0233, CtfB and phosphocarrier protein HPr) and six decreased proteins (butyrate kinase, ferredoxin:pyruvate oxidoreductase, phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase, adenylosuccinate synthase, pyruvate kinase and valyl-tRNA synthetase) showed similar patterns in the two strains capable of butanol formation. Interestingly, significant changes of several proteins by post-translational modifications were observed in the solventogenic phase. The proteomic data from this study will improve our understanding on how cell physiology is affected through protein levels patterns in clostridia.

Microbial lysates repurposed as liquid egg substitutes.

Microbial lysates, rich in protein and essential nutrients, demonstrate remarkable capabilities in forming gels and stable foams when heated and whisked, similar to liquid eggs. These characteristics make them an excellent alternative to animal-derived liquid eggs, contributing to sustainable food production and consumption while maintaining high nutritional value. Their versatility positions microbial lysates as promising ingredients in culinary applications, offering a sustainable and nutritious substitute.

The association between amniotic fluid-derived inflammatory mediators and the risk of retinopathy of prematurity.

Prenatal and perinatal infections and inflammation appear to associated with the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In this study, we evaluated whether inflammatory mediators in amniotic fluid (AF) retrieved during cesarean delivery influence the development of ROP in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. This retrospective study included 16 and 32 VLBW infants who did and did not develop any stage of ROP, respectively. Each infant with ROP was matched with 2 infants without ROP based on days of ventilation care, gestational age, and birth weight. AF was obtained during cesarean delivery, and the levels of intra-amniotic inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-8, MMP-9, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured using a Human Magnetic Luminex assay (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN). The differences in the levels of inflammatory mediators according to the presence or absence of ROP were compared. In patients who developed ROP, the level of MMP-2 in the AF was significantly increased (P = .011), whereas the levels of IL-10 and TNF-α were significantly decreased (P = .028 and .046, respectively) compared with those in infants who did not develop ROP. The levels of the other mediators were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Multivariate regression analysis showed that MMP-2 was a risk factor for the development of ROP (odds ratio, 2.445; 95% confidence interval, 1.170-5.106; P = .017). The concentration of MMP-2 in AF is an independent factor in the development of ROP. Further studies are needed to determine whether the levels of inflammatory mediators in AF affect the ROP severity.

Diagnostic efficacy, performance and safety of side-cut core needle biopsy for thyroid nodules: comparison of automated and semi-automated biopsy needles.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to compare the utility of the semi-automated and automated side-cut core biopsy needles for thyroid nodules. METHODS: Between January 2014 and March 2020, biopsy was performed for 278 thyroid nodules using the semi-automated core needle and for 225 nodules using the automated core needle. Nondiagnostic rate, inconclusive rate, diagnostic performance and complication rates were evaluated and compared between two core needle types. RESULTS: There were 1.2% (6/503) nondiagnostic results and 15.9% (80/503) inconclusive results. Nondiagnostic rate between two needle types was not significantly different. The semi-automated type (33/278, 11.9%) showed lower inconclusive rate than the automated type (47/225, 20.9%) (p = 0.006). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy for diagnosis of malignancy of the semi-automated type were 70.18, 100, 100, 84.96 and 88.89%, respectively; the corresponding rates of automated type were 70.45, 100, 100, 86.6, and 89.84%. There were 12 minor complications: four hematomas (4/278, 1.4%) for the semi-automated type and eight hematomas (8/225, 3.6%) for the automated type, which difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Core needle biopsy for thyroid nodules using either the semi-automated or automated needle is a safe diagnostic tool. Semi-automated needle has lower inconclusive rate than automated needle.

Genome-wide identification of the subcellular localization of the Escherichia coli B proteome using experimental and computational methods.

Escherichia coli K-12 and B strains have most widely been employed for scientific studies as well as industrial applications. Recently, the complete genome sequences of two representative descendants of E. coli B strains, REL606 and BL21(DE3), have been determined. Here, we report the subproteome reference maps of E. coli B REL606 by analyzing cytoplasmic, periplasmic, inner and outer membrane, and extracellular proteomes based on the genome information using experimental and computational approaches. Among the total of 3487 spots, 651 proteins including 410 non-redundant proteins were identified and characterized by 2-DE and LC-MS/MS; they include 440 cytoplasmic, 45 periplasmic, 50 inner membrane, 61 outer membrane, and 55 extracellular proteins. In addition, subcellular localizations of all 4205 ORFs of E. coli B were predicted by combined computational prediction methods. The subcellular localizations of 1812 (43.09%) proteins of currently unknown function were newly assigned. The results of computational prediction were also compared with the experimental results, showing that overall precision and recall were 92.16 and 92.16%, respectively. This work represents the most comprehensive analyses of the subproteomes of E. coli B, and will be useful as a reference for proteome profiling studies under various conditions. The complete proteome data are available online (http://ecolib.kaist.ac.kr).

A Complex Cortical Malformation Caused by a Mutation in the Tubulin-Encoding TUBB3 Gene.

Tubulinopathy commonly refers to complex congenital and non-progressive brain malformations caused by mutations in the tubulin genes. Among tubulin-encoding genes, TUBB3 has rarely been reported as a cause of complex cortical malformations. Herein, we report a case of tubulinopathy in a 21-month-old boy who presented with delayed development. He could not walk on his own and was not able to speak more than five words. Physical examination revealed right esotropia and hypotonia of the lower extremities. MRI showed dysmorphic brainstem and dysmorphic and hypertrophic basal ganglia. The right thalamus was relatively smaller than the left one. The cerebellum showed disorganization of the cerebellar folia. DNA sequencing revealed a missense mutation of the TUBB3 gene.

The Role of 18F-FDG PET/CT for Evaluation of Cervical Metastatic Lymph Nodes in a Patient with Metallic Artifacts from Dental Prosthesis: a Case Report.

Cervical metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma from an unknown primary site occurs in approximately 2-4% of head and neck tumor cases. Without identification of the primary site, proper management cannot be achieved, resulting in significant morbidity and a lower cure rate. For the primary site assessment, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using the radiotracer 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is the imaging modality of choice and has been shown to be superior to CT alone. Here, we report a case of cervical metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma in an 82-year-old man. 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed a tongue-base lesion, although neck CT detected no lesions because of artifacts from dental prosthesis, which was suspected as the primary site. The final diagnosis was confirmed as tongue-base cancer with neck lymph node metastases through biopsy. These results suggest that 18F-FDG PET/CT is a valuable diagnostic tool in patients with cervical metastatic lymph nodes because it can demonstrate primary tumors in patients with dental prosthesis.

Omental Torsion and Infarction Secondary to Omental Hernia in the Right Inguinal Canal.

Omental torsion secondary to inguinal hernia has rarely been reported as a cause of acute abdominal pain. However, in our case, omental infarction due to prolonged inguinal hernia-associated omental torsion led to the formation of a large omental mass with marginal fibrosis, and the patient presented with chronic abdominal pain. A 74-year-old man presented with complaints of lower abdominal pain for 1 month; subsequently, bilateral inguinal hernias were identified through inguinal ultrasonography. CT scans revealed that the greater omentum was trapped within the right inguinal canal, leading to omental torsion. The greater omentum, distal to the pedicle, appeared as a 30 cm-sized oblong fibrofatty mass in the right lower abdomen and pelvic cavity. Laparoscopic omentectomy with hernia repair was successfully performed.

Giant Intramyocardial Aneurysm in a Patient with Intercoronary Communication between the Left Circumflex Artery and Right Coronary Artery: A Case Report.

Coronary artery aneurysm is a rare disease. It occurs in the epicardial space, mostly along the course of major coronary arteries. Here, we report a case of a giant incidental aneurysm embedded in the basal posterior wall of the left ventricle. A 43-year-old woman was referred to our institution for the evaluation of cardiac palpitations that had been present from the previous 2 months. She reported no medical history (such as Kawasaki's disease or hypertension) or previous operative history. Echocardiogram and subsequent cardiac CT revealed a giant aneurysm in the left ventricle, with a direct fistulous connection to a dilated and tortuous left circumflex artery, which showed direct communication with the straight right coronary artery.

Effect of Korean red ginseng on insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic healthy overweight and obese adults.

BACKGROUND: Korean red ginseng is one of the most popular herbs worldwide due to the belief that it contains ingredients that possess a variety of health enhancing effects including anti-diabetic effects. The objective of this study was to determine whether Korean red ginseng supplement has an effect on insulin sensitivity in healthy overweight or obese adults without overt diabetes and hypertension. METHODS: In a double-blinded, placebo controlled, randomized trial, a total of 68 participants (BMI >=23 kg/m2) received either 6 g of Korean red ginseng rootlets (n=34) or a placebo each day over a 12 week period. RESULTS: Similar insulin levels and insulin sensitivity index were observed at baseline in the Korean red ginseng and control groups. Korean red ginseng had no significant effect on improving the insulin sensitivity over time. Korean red ginseng does not improve the insulin sensitivity of overweight and obese subjects who do not have diabetes or hypertension.

A case of incidentally discovered subclinical cushing syndrome in a patient with chronic fatigue and anxiety.

Subclinical Cushing syndrome (SCS) is a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis abnormality characterized by autonomous cortisol secretion in patients with no typical signs or symptoms of Cushing syndrome. SCS patients may have adverse metabolic and cardiovascular effects due to slight, but continuous glucocorticoid secretion. Glucocorticoids also affect behavior, mood, neural activity, and a number of specific biochemical processes in the central nervous system. Here, we report a case of SCS due to an adrenal incidentaloma in a hypertensive diabetic patient who presented with chronic fatigue and anxiety that disappeared after the removal of the adrenal adenoma.

A case of scrub typhus complicated by acute calculous cholecystitis.

We report a case of acute calculous cholecystitis through scrub typhus. A 69-year-old woman presented with a history of general myalgia, fever, and right abdominal pain. She referred to our hospital for surgical treatment of clinically suspected acute cholecystitis. Physicians concluded the cause of cholecystitis as gall bladder (GB) stone and proper antibiotics treatment of scrub typhus was started later. The patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi organ failure through scrub typhus. Five days after admission, the patient was treated with proper antibiotics and discharged on the 13th day after starting doxycycline treatment without any sequelae. In areas endemic for tsutsugamushi disease, even though a patient with GB stone presents with symptoms of acute cholecystitis, careful history and physical examination are required to reveal the existence of eschars or skin eruptions.

Association of chronic viral hepatitis B with insulin resistance.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between chronic viral hepatitis B (CVHB) and insulin resistance (IR) in Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 7880 adults (3851 men, 4029 women) who underwent a comprehensive medical examination were enrolled in this study. Subjects diagnosed with either diabetes mellitus, or any other disorder that could influence their insulin sensitivity, were rejected. Anthropometry, metabolic risk factors, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody, hepatitis B core antibody, fasting plasma glucose and insulin were measured for all subjects. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), quantitative insulin check index (QUICKI), and Mf(fm) index were used for determining insulin sensitivity. Each participant was categorized into a negative, recovery, or CVHB group. To compare variables between groups, a t-test and/or one-way analysis of variance were used. Partial correlation coefficients were computed to present the association between insulin resistance and other variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent association between CVHB and IR. RESULTS: The mean age of men and women were 48.9 and 48.6 years, respectively. Subjects in the CVHB group had significantly higher waist circumference [(86.0 ± 7.7 cm vs 87.3 ± 7.8 cm, P = 0.004 in men), (78.3 ± 8.6 cm vs 80.5 ± 8.5 cm, P < 0.001 in women)], cystatin C [(0.96 ± 0.15 mg/dL vs 1.02 ± 0.22 mg/dL, P < 0.001 in men), (0.84 ± 0.15 mg/dL vs 0.90 ± 0.16 mg/dL, P < 0.001 in women)], fasting insulin [(5.47 ± 3.38 µU/mL vs 6.12 ± 4.62 µU/mL, P < 0.001 in men), (4.57 ± 2.82 µU/mL vs 5.06 ± 3.10 µU/mL, P < 0.001 in women)] and HOMA index [(1.24 ± 0.86 vs 1.43 ± 1.24, P < 0.001 in men), (1.02 ± 0.76 vs 1.13 ± 0.87, P = 0.033 in women)] compared to control group. The HOMA index revealed a positive correlation with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.378, P < 0.001), waist circumference (r =0.356, P < 0.001), percent body fat (r = 0.296, P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.202, P < 0.001), total cholesterol (r = 0.134, P < 0.001), triglycerides (r = 0.292, P < 0.001), cystatin C (r = 0.069, P < 0.001) and uric acid (r = 0.142, P < 0.001). The QUICKI index revealed a negative correlation with BMI (r = -0.254, P < 0.001), waist circumference (r = 0-0.243, P < 0.001), percent body fat (r = -0.217, P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (r = -0.132, P < 0.001), total cholesterol (r = -0.106, P < 0.001), triglycerides (r = -0.205, P < 0.001), cystatin C (r = -0.044, P < 0.001) and uric acid (r = -0.096, P < 0.001). For subjects identified with IR, the odds ratio of an accompanying diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B was 1.534 (95% CI: 1.158-2.031, HOMA index criteria) or 1.566 (95% CI: 1.124-2.182, QUICKI criteria) after adjustment for age, gender, BMI, and amount of alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that CVHB is associated with IR. CVHB may need to be monitored for occurrence of IR and diabetes mellitus.

Changes in skin color after smoking cessation.

This study was performed to assess changes in skin color over 1 month after smoking cessation. The study population consisted of 49 men who participated in a smoking cessation program from March 2010 to June 2010 at a public health centre in Yangsan, South Korea. Thirty-four men who stop smoking completely were included in our study. Instrumental evaluations of skin color were performed using Mexameter (MX 18; Courage and Khazaka Electronic GmbH) at the beginning of the study and at 1-week and 4-week follow-up visits. Skin color was evaluated by measurement of 2 main color bases-melanin and haemoglobin-with the results expressed as melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI). Both MI and EI were significantly reduced at the 4-week follow-up visit on all 7 sites measured. We anticipate that desirable effects on skin color after smoking cessation will play a positive role in maintaining smoking abstinence in routine clinical practice.

A Case of Wilson's Disease in Patient with Mildly Elevated Liver Enzymes.

Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting copper transport; it results in the accumulation of copper in the liver, brain, and other organs. Wilson's disease is the most common inherited liver disease with more than 500 cases reported in Korea. An impairment in biliary excretion process leads to copper accumulation in the liver, which progressively damages the liver, leading to cirrhosis. Since effective treatment is available for this disease, early and correct diagnosis is very important. Here, we report a case of Wilson's disease with mildly elevated liver enzyme levels in a 29-year-old breast-feeding woman with weight loss.

Delayed ventricular septal rupture after percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction.

In the era before reperfusion therapy, ventricular septal rupture complicated 1approximate3% of acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) usually 3-5 days after onset. Studies have reported a positive correlation between the incidence of septal perforation and total occlusion of the coronary arteries. A 70-year old female patient was referred to the emergency room with the diagnosis of acute anterior myocardial infarction (MI) and recent cerebral infarction. The coronary angiogram showed a 90% stenosis at the mid-portion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), and the lesion was successfully treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation. After PCI, the anterior wall motion improved on the follow-up echocardiogram. However, on the 20th hospital day, the patient condition deteriorated suddenly with pulmonary congestion. The echocardiography revealed a 1.3 cm ventricular septal defect at the apical septum with a left-to-right shunt. We report this rare case of delayed septal rupture in a patient with patent LAD after PCI and recovery of wall motion.