Efficacy and Safety of Lurasidone vs. Quetiapine XR in Acutely Psychotic Patients With Schizophrenia in Korea: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lurasidone (160 mg/day) compared to quetiapine XR (QXR; 600 mg/day) in the treatment of acutely psychotic patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of double-blind treatment with lurasidone 160 mg/day (n=105) or QXR 600 mg/day (n=105). Primary efficacy measure was the change from baseline to week 6 in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score and Clinical Global Impressions severity (CGI-S) score. Adverse events, body measurements, and laboratory parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Lurasidone demonstrated non-inferiority to QXR on the PANSS total score. Adjusted mean±standard error change at week 6 on the PANSS total score was -26.42±2.02 and -27.33±2.01 in the lurasidone and QXR group, respectively. The mean difference score was -0.91 (95% confidence interval -6.35-4.53). The lurasidone group showed a greater reduction in PANSS total and negative subscale on week 1 and a greater reduction in end-point CGI-S score compared to the QXR group. Body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference in the lurasidone group were reduced, with significantly lower mean change compared to QXR. Endpoint changes in glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels were also significantly lower. The most common adverse drug reactions with lurasidone were akathisia and nausea. CONCLUSION: Lurasidone 160 mg/day was found to be non-inferior to QXR 600 mg/day in the treatment of schizophrenia with comparable efficacy and tolerability. Adverse effects of lurasidone were generally tolerable, and beneficial effects on metabolic parameters can be expected.

Charge-recombinative triplet sensitization of alkenes for DeMayo-type [2 + 2] cycloaddition.

Synthetic photochemistry has undergone significant development, largely owing to the development of visible-light-absorbing photocatalysts (PCs). PCs have significantly improved the efficiency and precision of cycloaddition reactions, primarily through energy or electron transfer pathways. Recent research has identified photocatalysis that does not follow energy- or electron-transfer formalisms, indicating the existence of other, undiscovered photoactivation pathways. This study unveils an alternative route: a charge-neutral photocatalytic process called charge-recombinative triplet sensitization (CRTS), a mechanism with limited precedents in synthetic chemistry. Our investigations revealed CRTS occurrence in DeMayo-type [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions catalyzed by indole-fused organoPCs. Our mechanistic investigations, including steady-state and transient spectroscopic analyses, electrochemical investigations, and quantum chemical calculations, suggest a mechanism involving substrate activation through photoinduced electron transfer, followed by charge recombination, leading to substrate triplet state formation. Our findings provide valuable insights into the underlying photocatalytic reaction mechanisms and pave the way for the systematic design and realization of innovative photochemical processes.

Efficient photoredox catalysis in C-C cross-coupling reactions by two-coordinated Au(I) complex.

Photocatalysis provides a versatile approach to redox activation of various organic substrates for synthetic applications. To broaden the scope of photoredox catalysis, developing catalysts with strong oxidizing or reducing power in the excited state is imperative. Catalysts that feature highly cathodic oxidation potentials and long lifetimes in their excited states are particularly in demand. In this research, we demonstrate the catalytic utility of two-coordinate Au(I) complex photocatalysts that exhibit an exclusive ligand-to-ligand charge-transfer (LLCT) transition in C-C cross-coupling reactions between N-heterocycles and (hetero)aryl halides, including redox-resistant (hetero)aryl chlorides. Our photocatalysis system can steer reactions under visible-light irradiation at a catalyst loading as low as 0.1 mol% and exhibits a broad substrate scope with high chemo- and regioselectivity. Our mechanistic investigations provide direct spectroscopic evidence for each step in the catalysis cycle and demonstrate that the LLCT-active Au(I) complex catalysts offer several benefits, including strong visible-light absorption, a 210 ns-long excited-state lifetime without short-lived components, and a 91% yield in the production of free-radical intermediates. Given the wide structural versatility of the proposed catalysts, we envision that our research will provide useful insights into the future utilization of the LLCT-active Au(I) complex for organic transformations.

Clinical data on treatment regimen and use of medication among patients with hemophilia B in Korea.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the clinical treatment status, such as treatment regimen, bleeding events, and drug dose, in patients with hemophilia B in South Korea. METHODS: In this retrospective chart review, data of patients with hemophilia B from eight university hospitals were collected. Demographic and clinical data, treatment data, such as regimen and number of injections, dose of factor IX concentrate, and bleeding data were reviewed. Descriptive analyses were performed with annual data for 2019, 2020, and 2021, as well as the three years consecutively. RESULTS: The medical records of 150 patients with hemophilia B between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021, were collected. Among these, 72 (48.0%) were severe, 47 (31.3%) were moderate, and 28 (18.7%) were mild. The results showed approximately two times more patients receiving prophylaxis as those receiving on-demand therapy, with 66.1% of patients receiving prophylaxis in 2019, 64.9% in 2020, and 72.1% in 2021. Annualized bleeding rates were 2.2% (± 3.1) in 2019, 1.8% (± 3.0) in 2020, and 1.8% (± 2.9) in 2021 among patients receiving prophylaxis. For the doses of factor IX concentrate, patients receiving prophylaxis received an average of 41.6 (± 11.9) IU/Kg/Injection in 2019, 45.7 (± 12.9) IU/Kg/Injection in 2020, and 60.1 (± 24.0) IU/Kg/Injection in 2021. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically, prophylaxis is more prevalent than reported. Based on insights gained from current clinical evidence, it is expected that the unmet medical needs of patients can be identified, and physicians can evaluate the status of patients and actively manage hemophilia B using more effective treatment strategies.

Isolation, characterization, and application of a lytic bacteriophage SSP49 to control Staphylococcus aureus contamination on baby spinach leaves.

Staphylococcus aureus, a major foodborne pathogen, is frequently detected in fresh produce. It often causes food poisoning accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Additionally, the abuse of antibiotics to control S. aureus has resulted in the emergence of antibiotics-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin resistant S. aureus. Therefore, bacteriophage, a natural antimicrobial agent, has been suggested as an alternative to antibiotics. In this study, a lytic phage SSP49 that specifically infects S. aureus was isolated from a sewage sample, and its morphological, biological, and genetic characteristics were determined. We found that phage SSP49 belongs to the Straboviridae family (Caudoviricetes class) and maintained host growth inhibition for 30 h in vitro. In addition, it showed high host specificity and a broad host range against various S. aureus strains. Receptor analysis revealed that phage SSP49 utilized cell wall teichoic acid as a host receptor. Whole genome sequencing revealed that the genome size of SSP49 was 137,283 bp and it contained 191 open reading frames. The genome of phage SSP49 did not contain genes related to lysogen formation, bacterial toxicity, and antibiotic resistance, suggesting its safety in food application. The activity of phage SSP49 was considerably stable under various high temperature and pH conditions. Furthermore, phage SSP49 effectively inhibited S. aureus growth on baby spinach leaves both at 4 °C and 25 °C while maintaining the numbers of active phage during treatments (reductions of 1.2 and 2.1 log CFU/cm2, respectively). Thus, this study demonstrated the potential of phage SSP49 as an alternative natural biocontrol agent against S. aureus contamination in fresh produce.

Improving Recovery of Diatoms Bio-Silica Using Chemical Treatment with VAUS TM.

High-temperature baking is a typical method to remove organic matter from diatoms, but it's not suitable for bio-silica because of the high crystallinity. This study provides a method using the VAUS™ to remove organic matter from diatoms more quickly and biocompatibly. Organic matter was removed by using VAUS™, while NaOCl was utilized to remove the organic matter from the silicate frustule. The optimal frequency for organic matter removal was investigated to domestically produced M. nummuloides . The removal efficiency of TOC/TN was calculated and analyzed. The C and Si elements were analyzed in EDS, while visual confirmation of organic matter removal was analyzed by using XRD. TOC RE% at a frequency of 35kHz exhibited the highest value, indicating a statistically significant difference. XRD analysis demonstrated that the organic matter was almost removed using NaOCl compared to the high-temperature baked M. nummuloides. In the EDS analysis, there were significant differences in the C and Si elements with respect to frequency. This is very similar to the values from the positive control group, high temperature baked M. nummuloides . This new procedure of applying periodic negative pressure to NaOCl pre-treatment is considered to be an effective method of chemically removing organic matter from diatoms.

Hominis Placenta modulates PTSD-like behaviors in SPSS-induced PTSD mice: Regulating energy metabolism and neuronal activity.

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include re-experiencing trauma, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in cognition and mood. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Dysfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) and dysregulation of glutamatergic and GABAergic systems were shown during PTSD. Therefore, regulating hormonal change or glutamate energy metabolism are considered as a therapeutic approach to alleviate this condition. Herbal medicine may be effective in treating PTSD due to its ability to target multiple underlying mechanisms with various compounds. Hominis placenta (HP) is a traditional medicine widely used in East Asia for various conditions. However, the effect on PTSD has not been clarified. We aimed to investigate the effects of HP treatment in single-prolonged stress with shock (SPSS)-induced PTSD mice and explore its possible mechanisms. HP treatment at ST36 acupoints, combined with herbal medicine and acupuncture point stimulation, was applied three times/week for 2 weeks. HP treatment effectively alleviated anxiety and cognitive decline in SPSS-induced PTSD mice, as detected by Open field and the Y-maze test. Additionally, HP decreased the corticosterone levels and proinflammatory cytokines in the serum, modulated brain energy metabolism, and inhibited glutamate excitotoxicity, while regulating neuronal activity through modulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, as demonstrated by western blot and immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry analyses. These findings reveal that HP treatment effectively alleviates PTSD-like behaviors by regulating energy metabolism and neuronal activity though modulation of the HPA-axis and BDNF levels in PTSD mice, indicating that HP treatment is a promising therapeutic approach for PTSD.

Using Deep Learning Techniques as an Attempt to Create the Most Cost-Effective Screening Tool for Cognitive Decline.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to use deep learning (DL) to develop a cost-effective and accessible screening tool to improve the detection of cognitive decline, a precursor of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study integrating a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests adjusted for individual demographic variables such as age, sex, and education level. METHODS: A total of 2,863 subjects with subjective cognitive complaints who underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment were included. A random forest classifier was used to discern the most predictive test combinations to distinguish between dementia and nondementia cases. The model was trained and validated on this dataset, focusing on feature importance to determine the cognitive tests that were most indicative of decline. RESULTS: Subjects had a mean age of 72.68 years and an average education level of 7.62 years. The DL model achieved an accuracy of 82.42% and an area under the curve of 0.816, effectively classifying dementia. Feature importance analysis identified significant tests across cognitive domains: attention was gauged by the Trail Making Test Part B, language by the Boston Naming Test, memory by the Rey Complex Figure Test delayed recall, visuospatial skills by the Rey Complex Figure Test copy score, and frontal function by the Stroop Test Word reading time. CONCLUSION: This study showed the potential of DL to improve AD diagnostics, suggesting that a wide range of cognitive assessments could yield a more accurate diagnosis than traditional methods. This research establishes a foundation for future broader studies, which could substantiate the approach and further refine the screening tool.

Development of a Standardized Suicide Prevention Program for Gatekeeper Intervention in Korea (Suicide CARE Version 2.0) to Prevent Adolescent Suicide: Version for Teachers.

OBJECTIVE: The increasing concern over adolescent suicide necessitates suicide prevention training for school teachers, as students spend a significant portion of their time at school. This study's objective is to develop a suicide prevention program tailored for teachers. METHODS: The program was developed by a multidisciplinary research team, drawing on a review of both domestic and international suicide prevention programs, related scholarly articles, and Korean psychological autopsy interviews of adolescents. This was complemented by a survey of teachers to assess the program's practicality and usability. RESULTS: The developed program comprises three parts, consistent with other versions: Careful Observation, Active Listening, and Risk Evaluation and Expert Referral. Careful Observation focuses on training teachers to recognize verbal, behavioral, and situational warning signs of suicidal ideation in students; Active Listening involves strategies for encouraging students to express their suicidal thoughts and techniques for being an empathetic and attentive listener; Risk Evaluation and Expert Referral provides instruction on how to assess suicide risk and assist students safely. CONCLUSION: It is anticipated that this program will equip teachers with valuable knowledge and skills, contributing to a reduction in adolescents suicide rates.

Elevated Risk of Stroke in Young Adults After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Nationwide Study of 1 Million Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Although stroke is commonly perceived as occurring in older adults, traumatic brain injury, one of the risk factors for stroke, is a leading cause of death in the younger adults. This study evaluated stroke risk in young-to-middle-aged adults based on traumatic brain injury severity and stroke subtypes. METHODS AND RESULTS: For this retrospective, population-based, cohort study, data of adults aged 18 to 49 years who were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury were obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2010 and 2017. Traumatic brain injury history was measured based on the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), codes. Posttraumatic brain injury stroke risk was analyzed using a time-dependent Cox regression model. At baseline, 518423 patients with traumatic brain injury and 518 423 age- and sex-matched controls were included. The stroke incidence rate per 1000 person-years was 3.82 in patients with traumatic brain injury and 1.61 in controls. Stroke risk was approximately 1.89 times as high in patients with traumatic brain injury (hazard ratio, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.84-1.95]). After excluding stroke cases that occurred within 12 months following traumatic brain injury, these significant associations remained. In the subgroup analysis, patients with brain injury other than concussion had an approximately 9.34-fold risk of intracerebral hemorrhage than did the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke prevention should be a priority even in young-to-middle-aged adult patients with traumatic brain injury. Managing stroke risk factors through regular health checkups and modifying health-related behaviors is necessary to prevent stroke.

Prognostic Value of Preoperative N Subcategories in Patients with Stage IIIA N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Purpose To evaluate the preoperative risk factors in patients with pathologic IIIA N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent upfront surgery and to evaluate the prognostic value of new N subcategories. Materials and Methods Patients with pathologic stage IIIA N2 NSCLC who underwent upfront surgery in a single tertiary center from January 2015 to April 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Each patient's clinical N (cN) was assigned to one of six subcategories (cN0, cN1a, cN1b, cN2a1, cN2a2, and cN2b) based on recently proposed N descriptors. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the significant prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Results A total of 366 patients (mean age ± SD, 62.0 years ± 10.1; 202 male patients [55%]) were analyzed. The recurrence rate was 55% (203 of 366 patients) over a median follow-up of 37.3 months. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that cN (hazard ratios [HRs] for cN1 and cN2b compared with cN0, 1.66 [95% CI: 1.11, 2.48] and 2.11 [95% CI: 1.32, 3.38], respectively) and maximum lymph node (LN) size at N1 station (≥12 mm; HR, 1.62 [95% CI: 1.15, 2.29]), in addition to clinical T category (HR, 1.51 [95% CI: 1.14, 1.99]), were independent prognostic factors for RFS. For OS, clinical N subcategories (cN1, cN2a2, and cN2b vs cN0; HRs, 1.91 [95% CI: 1.11, 3.27], 1.89 [95% CI: 1.13, 2.18], and 2.02 [95% CI: 1.07, 3.80], respectively) and LN size at N1 station (HR, 1.75 [95% CI: 1.12, 2.71]) were independent prognostic factors. For clinical N1, OS was further stratified according to LN size (log-rank test, P < .001). Conclusion Assessing the proposed N subcategories by reporting single versus multistation involvement of N2 disease and maximum size of metastatic LN, reflecting metastatic burden, at preoperative CT may offer useful prognostic information for planning optimal treatment strategies. Keywords: CT, Lung, Staging, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2024.

Replication kinetics and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant sublineages recovered in the Republic of Korea.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the correlation between the infectivity and transmissibility of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron sublineages BA.1, BA. 2, BA.4, and BA.5. METHODS: We assessed viral replication kinetics and infectivity at the cellular level. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimens were obtained from patients with coronavirus disease 2019, confirmed using whole-genome sequencing to be caused by the Omicron sublineages BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, or BA.5. These specimens were used to infect Vero E6 cells, derived from monkey kidneys, for the purpose of viral isolation. Viral stocks were then passaged in Vero E6 cells at a multiplicity of infection of 0.01, and culture supernatants were harvested at 12-hour intervals for 72 hours. To evaluate viral replication kinetics, we determined the cycle threshold values of the supernatants using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and converted these values to genome copy numbers. RESULTS: The viral load was comparable between BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5, whereas BA.1 exhibited a lower value. The peak infectious load of BA.4 was approximately 3 times lower than that of BA.2 and BA.5, while the peak load of BA.2 and BA.5 was about 7 times higher than that of BA.1. Notably, BA.1 demonstrated the lowest infectivity over the entire study period. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the global BA.5 wave may have been amplified by the higher viral replication and infectivity of BA.5 compared to other Omicron sublineages. These analyses could support the rapid assessment of the impact of novel variants on case incidence.

Establishing Three-Dimensional Explant Culture of Human Dental Pulp Tissue.

Mesenchymal stem cells in the dental tissue indicate a disposition for differentiation into diverse dental lineages and contain enormous potential as the important means for regenerative medicine in dentistry. Among various dental tissues, the dental pulp contains stem cells, progenitor cells and odontoblasts for maintaining dentin homeostasis. The conventional culture of stem cells holds a limit as the living tissue constitutes the three-dimensional (3D) structure. Recent development in the organoid cultures have successfully recapitulated 3D structure and advanced to the assembling of different types. In the current study, the protocol for 3D explant culture of the human dental pulp tissue has been established by adopting the organoid culture. After isolating dental pulp from human tooth, the intact tissue was placed between two layers for Matrigel with addition of the culture medium. The reticular outgrowth of pre-odontoblast layer continued for a month and the random accumulation of dentin was observed near the end. Electron microscopy showed the cellular organization and in situ development of dentin, and immunohistochemistry exhibited the expression of odontoblast and stem cell markers in the outgrowth area. Three-dimensional explant culture of human dental pulp will provide a novel platform for understanding stem cell biology inside the tooth and developing the regenerative medicine.

Broncho-Vaxom Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Acute Lung Injury.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a condition associated with acute respiratory failure, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. It involves cellular changes such as disruption of the alveolar-capillary membrane, excessive neutrophil migration, and release of inflammatory mediators. Broncho-Vaxom® (BV), a lyophilized product containing cell membrane components derived from eight bacteria commonly found in the respiratory tract, is known for its potential to reduce viral and bacterial lung infections. However, the specific effect of BV on ALI has not been clearly defined. This study explored the preventive effects of BV and its underlying mechanisms in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mouse model. Oral BV (1 mg/kg) gavage was administered one hour before the intratracheal injection of LPS to evaluate its preventive effect on the ALI model. The pre-administration of BV significantly mitigates inflammatory parameters, including the production of inflammatory mediators, macrophage infiltration, and NF-κB activation in lung tissue, and the increase in inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Moreover, BV (3 µg/mL) pretreatment reduced the expression of M1 macrophage markers, interleukins (IL-1ß, IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α, and cyclooxygenase-2, which are activated by LPS, in both mouse alveolar macrophage MH-S cells and human macrophage THP-1 cells. These findings showed that BV exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing inflammatory mediators through the NF-κB pathway, suggesting its potential to attenuate bronchial and pulmonary inflammation.

Role of endoscopy in eosinophilic esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated disease involving inflammation of the esophagus. Endoscopy is essential in the diagnosis and treatment of EoE and shows typical findings, including esophageal edema, rings, exudates, furrows, and stenosis. However, studies involving pediatric and adult patients with EoE suggest that even a normally appearing esophagus can be diagnosed as EoE by endoscopic biopsy. Therefore, in patients with suspected EoE, biopsy samples should be obtained from the esophagus regardless of endoscopic appearance. Moreover, follow-up endoscopies with biopsy after therapy initiation are usually recommended to assess response. Although previous reports of endoscopic ultrasonography findings in patients with EoE have shown diffuse thickening of the esophageal wall, including lamina propria, submucosa, and muscularis propria, its role in EoE remains uncertain and requires further investigation. Endoscopic dilation or bougienage is a safe and effective procedure that can be used in combination with medical and/or dietary elimination therapy in patients with esophageal stricture for the management of dysphagia and to prevent its recurrence.

The Complexity of Borderline Personality Disorder: Network Analysis of Personality Factors and Defense Styles in the Context of Borderline Personality Organization.

OBJECTIVE: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is known to share characteristics with a variety of personality disorders (PDs) and exhibits diverse patterns of defense mechanisms. To enhance our understanding of BPD, it's crucial to shift our focus from traditional categorical diagnostics to the dimensional traits shared with other PDs, as the borderline personality organization (BPO) model suggests. This approach illuminates the nuanced spectrum of BPD characteristics, offering deeper insights into its complexity. While studies have investigated the comorbidity of BPD with other PDs, research exploring the relationship between various personality factors and defense mechanisms within BPD itself has been scarce. The present study was undertaken to investigate the complex interrelationships between various personality factors and defense styles in individuals diagnosed with BPD. METHODS: Using a network analysis approach, data from 227 patients diagnosed with BPD were examined using the Defense Style Questionnaire and Personality Disorder Questionnaire-4+ for assessment. RESULTS: Intricate connections were observed between personality factors and defense styles. Significant associations were identified between various personality factors and defense styles, with immature defense styles, such as maladaptive and image-distorting being particularly prominent in BPD in the centrality analysis. The maladaptive defense style had the highest expected influence centrality. Furthermore, the schizotypal, dependent, and narcissistic personality factors demonstrated relatively high centrality within the network. CONCLUSION: Network analysis can effectively delineate the complexity of various PDs and defense styles. These findings are expected to facilitate a deeper understanding of why BPD exhibits various levels of organization and presents with heterogeneous characteristics, consistent with the perspectives proposed by the BPO.

Sargassum horneri extract fermented by Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SH803 mediates adipocyte metabolism in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by regulating oxidative damage and inflammation.

Sargassum horneri (S. horneri), a brown seaweed excessively proliferating along Asian coastlines, are damaging marine ecosystems. Thus, this study aimed to enhance nutritional value of S. horneri through lactic acid bacteria fermentation to increase S. horneri utilization as a functional food supplement, and consequently resolve coastal S. horneri accumulation. S. horneri supplemented fermentation was most effective with Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SH803, thus this product (F-SHWE) was used for further in vitro studies. F-SHWE normalized expressions of oxidative stress related genes NF-κB, p53, BAX, cytochrome C, caspase 9, and caspase 3, while non-fermented S. horneri (SHWE) did not, in a H2O2-induced HT-29 cell model. Moreover, in an LPS-induced HT-29 cell model, F-SHWE repaired expressions of inflammation marker genes ZO1, IL1ß, IFNγ more effectively than SHWE. For further functional assessment, F-SHWE was also treated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. As a result, F-SHWE decreased lipid accumulation, along with gene expression of adipogenesis markers PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPß, aP2, and Lpl; lipogenesis markers Lep, Akt, SREBP1, Acc, Fas; inflammation markers IFN-γ and NF-κB. Notably, gene expression of C/EBPß, IFN-γ and NF-κB were suppressed only by F-SHWE, suggesting the enhancing effect of fermentation on obesity-related properties. Compositional analysis attributed the protective effects of F-SHWE to acetate, an organic acid significantly higher in F-SHWE than SHWE. Therefore, F-SHWE is a novel potential anti-obesity agent, providing a strategy to reduce excess S. horneri populations along marine ecosystems.

Complete genome sequences of two tombusvirus-like viruses identified in Echinacea purpurea seeds.

Echinacea is an herbaceous plant originating from North America that is cultivated for gardening and landscaping because of its showy flowers. Using high-throughput sequencing, we identified two viral contigs from echinacea seeds that were related to the family Tombusviridae. These two viruses were similar to oat chlorotic stunt virus (OCSV) and other unassigned tombusviruses; therefore, we tentatively named them Echinacea-associated tombusviruses 1 and 2 (EaTV1 and EaTV2, respectively). The EaTVs represent putative readthrough sites and have no poly(A) tails, aligning with the common features of family Tombusviridae. The EaTVs are included in a monophyletic group of OCSV and several unassigned tombusviruses. Because OCSV is the only member of Avenavirus to date, EaTVs are tentative members of Avenavirus, or they are close sister species to OCSV with several unassigned tombusviruses. RNA-dependent RNA polymerases and coat proteins were well conserved among EaTVs and unassigned tombusviruses; however, their similarities were not correlated, implying divergent and complex evolution.

Irisin alleviates CFA-induced inflammatory pain by modulating macrophage polarization and spinal glial cell activation.

Although the potent anti-inflammatory effects of irisin have been documented in various inflammatory disorders, its efficacy against inflammatory pain remains unexplored. Herein, we examined the therapeutic effects of irisin in a mouse model of inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Mice were divided into three groups: normal control, CFA-injected (CFA), and CFA plus irisin-treated (CFA+Irisin). The irisin-treated group exhibited a gradual reduction in mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia when compared with the CFA group. Moreover, treatment with irisin significantly upregulated the expression of M2 macrophage markers (interleukin [IL]-4 and IL-10) and downregulated M1 macrophage markers (IL-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in the local paw tissue, dorsal root ganglion, and spinal cord tissue. However, there was no significant difference in the total number of F4/80+ macrophages in the paw tissue and dorsal root ganglion, indicating phenotypic exchange. Treatment with irisin also downregulated the expression of the glial cell activation-related markers Iba-1 and GFAP in the spinal cord tissue. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we detected the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), MyD88, and interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) in paw tissues, dorsal root ganglion, and spinal tissues, revealing that irisin could downregulate the expression of these proteins. Irisin alleviated inflammatory pain by modulating local tissue inflammation and peripheral and central neuroinflammation and reducing glial cell activation and M2 macrophage polarization by modulating the TLR4-MyD88-IRF5 signaling pathway. Accordingly, irisin is a promising candidate for treating inflammatory pain in various diseases.

Increased Trend of Adenovirus Activity After the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea: Analysis of National Surveillance Data.

The adenovirus detection rate is <10% throughout the year in South Korea; however, during the summer of 2023, it showed an unusual increase. We analyzed the adenovirus detection rate using data from the Korea Respiratory Integrated Surveillance System before and after coronavirus disease (COVID-19) collected from 2019 to week 36 of 2023. Before the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019, the mean detection rate was 8.2%, which decreased to 6.1% during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022. In 2023, the mean detection rate was 14.3% in week 36 and the highest in week 34, at 42.2%, and adenovirus was predominantly detected in the summer. The detection rate by age group showed substantially high activity among 0-12-yr-olds after the pandemic. This age group had a steady mean rate of 9.5% during the pandemic, without seasonality. In 2023, the detection rate surged in the 0-6-yr and 7-12-yr age groups, peaking at 61.6% and 57.1%, respectively. The dominant epidemic serotypes were HAdV-1 and HAdV-2 during and HAdV-3 after the pandemic. The multifaceted non-pharmaceutical interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic considerably impacted the prevalence of common respiratory viruses and complicated respiratory virus patterns after the pandemic. Constant surveillance is crucial for epidemic preparedness to monitor the possible surge of certain respiratory viruses.