ABSTRACT
An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, catalase-positive, rod-shaped, and motile bacteria, designated as a strain WR6T was isolated from soil in Republic of Korea. Strain WR6T grew at temperatures of 10- 37°C, at pH of 5.0-9.0, and at NaCl concentrations of 0-3.0% (w/v). Phylogenetic and 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequence analysis confirmed that strain WR6T affiliated to the genus Mesorhizobium, with the nearest relative being Mesorhizobium waimense ICMP 19557T (98.5%). The genome of strain WR6T was 5,035,462 bp with DNA G+C content of 62.6%. In strain WR6T , Q-10 was sole ubiquinone; summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18: 1ω6c) and C19:0 cyclo ω8c were predominant fatty acids; and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine were major polar lipids. Based on these polyphasic taxonomic data, strain WR6T represents a novel species in the genus Mesorhizobium. Accordingly, we propose the name Mesorhizobium koreense sp. nov., with the type strain WR6T (=KCTC 92695T =NBRC 116021T ).
ABSTRACT
Four Gram-stain-positive and two Gram-stain-negative bacterial strains, designated as W4T, FW7T, TW48T, UW52T, PT-3T, and RJY3T, were isolated from soil samples collected from the Republic of Korea. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strains W4T and FW7T belonged to the genus Microbacterium, strains TW48T and UW52T were affiliated to the genus Paenibacillus, strain PT-3T was related to the genus Flavobacterium, and strain RJY3T was associated with the genus Aquabacterium. The closest phylogenetic taxa to W4T, FW7T, TW48T, UW52T, PT-3T, and RJY3T were Microbacterium bovistercoris NEAU-LLET (97.7â%), Microbacterium protaetiae DFW100M-13T (97.9â%), Paenibacillus auburnensis JJ-7T (99.6â%), Paenibacillus allorhizosphaerae JJ-447T (95.7â%), Flavobacterium buctense T7T (97.1â%), and Aquabacterium terrae S2T (99.5â%), respectively. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the novel strains and related reference type strains were <95.0â% and <70.0â%, respectively. The major cellular fatty acid in strains W4T, FW7T TW48T, and UW52T was antiso-C15â:â0. Similarly, strain PT-3T revealed iso-C15â:â0, iso-C15â:â1 G, iso-C17â:â0 3-OH, and iso-C15â:â0 3-OH as its principal fatty acids. On the other hand, RJY3T exhibited summed feature 3 (C16â:â1 ω7c and/or C16â:â1 ω6c), C16â:â0, summed feature 8 (C18â:â1 ω7c and/or C18â:â1 ω6c), and C12â:â0 as its predominant fatty acids. Overall, the polyphasic taxonomic data indicated that strains W4T, FW7T, TW48T, UW52T, PT-3T, and RJY3T represent novel species within the genera Microbacterium, Paenibacillus, Flavobacterium, and Aquabacterium. Accordingly, we propose the names Microbacterium humicola sp. nov., with the type strain W4T (=KCTC 49888T=NBRC 116001T), Microbacterium terrisoli sp. nov., with the type strain FW7T (=KCTC 49859T=NBRC 116000T), Paenibacillus pedocola sp. nov., with the type strain TW48T (=KCTC 43470T=NBRC 116017T), Paenibacillus silviterrae sp. nov., with the type strain UW52T (=KCTC 43477T=NBRC 116018T), Flavobacterium terrisoli sp. nov., with the type strain PT-3T (=KCTC 92106T=NBRC 116012T), and Aquabacterium humicola sp. nov., with the type strain RJY3T (=KCTC 92105T=NBRC 115831T).
Subject(s)
Bacterial Typing Techniques , Base Composition , DNA, Bacterial , Fatty Acids , Flavobacterium , Microbacterium , Nucleic Acid Hybridization , Paenibacillus , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Soil Microbiology , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Paenibacillus/classification , Paenibacillus/genetics , Paenibacillus/isolation & purification , Republic of Korea , Flavobacterium/genetics , Flavobacterium/classification , Flavobacterium/isolation & purification , Microbacterium/geneticsABSTRACT
A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, white-coloured, rod-shaped bacteria, designated as a strain dW9T, was isolated from soil. Strain dW9T was catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Strain dW9T grew at temperature of 20-37°C and at pH of 5.0-7.0. Phylogenetic and 16S rRNA gene analysis indicated that strain dW9T belonged to the genus Paenibacillus with its closest relative being Paenibacillus filicis S4T (97.4% sequence similarity). The genome size of dW9T was 7,787,916 bp with DNA G+C content of 51.3%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of dW9T with its closest relatives were found to be <22.0% and <74.0%, respectively. The only respiratory quinone was MK-7, and the major fatty acids were antiso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0. Overall, the comprehensive taxonomic analysis revealed that strain dW9T met all the fundamental criteria to be classified as a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus. Accordingly, we propose the name Paenibacillus gyeongsangnamensis sp. nov., with the type strain dW9T (=KCTC 43431T =NBRC 116022T).
Subject(s)
Bacterial Typing Techniques , Base Composition , DNA, Bacterial , Fatty Acids , Nucleic Acid Hybridization , Paenibacillus , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S , Soil Microbiology , Paenibacillus/isolation & purification , Paenibacillus/genetics , Paenibacillus/classification , Paenibacillus/metabolism , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Fatty Acids/analysis , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Genome, Bacterial , Vitamin K 2/analysis , Vitamin K 2/analogs & derivativesABSTRACT
Three Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, and non-motile bacteria, labelled as W11T, SW19T, and YR1T, were isolated from soil, and performed their polyphasic taxonomic investigation. The phylogenetic and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strains W11T, SW19T, and YR1T belonged to the genera Agromyces, Rathayibacter, and Nocardioides, respectively. Strain W11T was closely affiliated with Agromyces cavernae SYSU K20354T (98.1%), strain SW19T showed the closest affiliation with Rathayibacter rubneri ZW T2_19T (97.0%), and strain YR1T was most closely related to Nocardioides marmorisolisilvae KIS18-7T (98.0%). The genome sizes of strains W11T, SW19T, and YR1T were 4,181,720 bp, 4,740,677 bp, and 4,228,226 bp, respectively, with DNA G+C contents of 70.5%, 64.2%, and 69.7%, respectively. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of W11T, SW19T, and YR1T with their respective reference species were <79.6% and <23.6%, respectively. The predominant cellular fatty acids detected in strain W11T were anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, and anteiso-C17:0. In strain SW19T, they were summed feature 9 (C16:0 10-methyl and/or iso-C17:1ω 9c), anteiso-C17:0, and anteiso-C15:0. Strain YR1T exhibited C18:1ω 9c, C18:0 10-methyl, TBSA, and anteiso-C15:0 as its major cellular fatty acids. Overall, the polyphasic taxonomic comparisons indicated that strains W11T, SW19T, and YR1T represent novel species within the genera Agromyces, Rathayibacter, and Nocardioides, respectively. Accordingly, we propose the names Agromyces silvae sp. nov., with the type strain W11T (=KCTC 49818T =NBRC 115999T), Rathayibacter soli sp. nov., with the type strain SW19T (=KCTC 49860T =NBRC 116108T), and Nocardioides terrisoli sp. nov., with the type strain YR1T (=KCTC 49863T =NBRC 116165T).
Subject(s)
Bacterial Typing Techniques , Base Composition , DNA, Bacterial , Fatty Acids , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Soil Microbiology , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Fatty Acids/analysis , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Nucleic Acid Hybridization , Genome, BacterialABSTRACT
Cannabis sativa L. has been widely used by humans for centuries for various purposes, such as industrial, ceremonial, medicinal, and food. The bioactive components of Cannabis sativa L. can be classified into two main groups: cannabinoids and terpenes. These bioactive components of Cannabis sativa L. leaf and inflorescence extracts were analyzed. Mice were systemically administered 30 mg/kg of Cannabis sativa L. leaf extract 1 h before lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration, and behavioral tests were performed. We conducted an investigation into the oxygen saturation, oxygen tension, and degranulation of mast cells (MCs) in the deep cervical lymph nodes (DCLNs). To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Cannabis sativa L. extracts in BV2 microglial cells, we assessed nitrite production and the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The main bioactive components of the Cannabis sativa L. extracts were THCA (a cannabinoid) and ß-caryophyllene (a terpene). Cannabis sativa L. leaf extract reduced the immobility time in the forced swimming test and increased sucrose preference in the LPS model, without affecting the total distance and time in the center in the open field test. Additionally, Cannabis sativa L. leaf extract improved oxygen levels and inhibited the degranulation of MCs in DCLNs. The Cannabis sativa L. extracts inhibited IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, nitrite, iNOS, and COX-2 expression in BV2 microglia cells. The efficacy of Cannabis sativa L. extracts was suggested to be due to the entourage effect of various bioactive phytochemicals. Our findings indicate that these extracts have the potential to be used as effective treatments for a variety of diseases associated with acute inflammatory responses.
ABSTRACT
While two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs)-based photodetectors offer prospects for high integration density and flexibility, their thinness poses a challenge regarding low light absorption, impacting photodetection sensitivity. Although the integration of TMDCs with metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) has been known to be promising for photodetection with a high absorption coefficient of PNCs, the low charge mobility of PNCs delays efficient photocarrier injection into TMDCs. In this study, we integrated MoS2 with in situ formed core/shell PNCs with short ligands that minimize surface defects and enhance photocarrier injection. The PNCs/MoS2 heterostructure efficiently separates electrons and holes by establishing type II band alignment and consequently inducing a photogating effect. The synergistic interplay between photoconductive and photogating effects yields a high responsivity of 2.2 × 106 A/W and a specific detectivity of 9.0 × 1011 Jones. Our findings offer a promising pathway for developing low-cost, high-performance phototransistors leveraging the advantages of two-dimensional (2D) materials.
ABSTRACT
Two strictly aerobic and rod-shaped bacteria, labelled as DB1703T and DB2414ST, were obtained from an automobile air conditioning system. Strain DB1703T was Gram-stain-negative, while strain DB2414ST was Gram-stain-positive. Both strains were catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Strains DB1703T and DB2414ST were able to grow at 18-42â°C. Strain DB1703T grew within a NaCl range of 0-3â% and a pH range of 6.0-8.0; while strain DB2414ST grew at 0-1â% and pH 6.5-8.5. The phylogenetic and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strains DB1703T and DB2414ST belonged to the genera Enterovirga and Knoellia, respectively. Strain DB1703T showed the closest phylogenetic similarity to Enterovirga rhinocerotis YIM 100770T (94.8â%), whereas strain DB2414ST was most closely related to Knoellia remsis ATCC BAA-1496T (97.7â%). The genome sizes of strains DB1703T and DB2414ST were 4â652â148 and 4â282â418 bp, respectively, with DNA G+C contents of 68.8 and 70.5âmol%, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data showed Q-10 as the sole ubiquinone in DB1703T and ML-8 (H4) in DB2414ST. The predominant cellular fatty acid in DB1703T was summed feature 8 (C18â:â1 ω7c and/or C18â:â1 ω6c), whereas iso-C16â:â0, C17â:â1 ω8c, and iso-C15â:â0 were dominant in DB2414ST. Overall, the polyphasic taxonomic comparisons showed that strains DB1703T and DB2414ST were distinct from their closest taxa and represent novel species within the genera Enterovirga and Knoellia, respectively. Accordingly, we propose the names Enterovirga aerilata sp. nov., with the type strain DB1703T (=KCTC 72724T=NBRC 114759T), and Knoellia koreensis sp. nov., with the type strain DB2414ST (=KCTC 49355T=NBRC 114620T).
Subject(s)
Air Conditioning , Automobiles , Bacterial Typing Techniques , Base Composition , DNA, Bacterial , Fatty Acids , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Ubiquinone , Fatty Acids/analysis , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Republic of KoreaABSTRACT
An aerobic bacterium, designated as PT-12T, was isolated from soil collected from agriculture field, and its taxonomic position was validated through a comprehensive polyphasic methodology. The strain was identified as Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped, and catalase- and oxidase-positive. The yellow-colored colonies showed growth ability at temperature range of 18-37 °C, NaCl content of 0-1.0% (w/v), and at a pH of 6.0-8.0. The 16S rRNA gene and phylogenetic analysis showed that strain PT-12T affiliated with the genus Sphingomonas in the family Sphingomonadaceae, and displayed the highest 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence similarity with Sphingomonas limnosediminicola 03SUJ6T (98.4%). The genome size of strain PT-12T was 2,656,862 bp and the DNA G + C content estimated from genome was 63.5%. The highest values of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) were observed between strain PT-12T and Sphingomonas segetis YJ09T, accounting to 76.2% and 20.2%, respectively. In addition, both ANI and dDDH values between strain PT-12T and other phylogenetically related neighbors ranged between 69.6% and 76.2% and 18.4% and 20.2%, respectively. Chemotaxonomic features exhibited Q-10 as the only ubiquinone; homospermidine as the major polyamine; summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c), C16:0, and 10-methyl C18:0 as the notable fatty acids; and phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingoglycolipid as dominating polar lipids. Overall, the comprehensive polyphasic data supported that strain PT-12T represents a novel bacterial species within the genus Sphingomonas. Accordingly, we propose the name Sphingomonas flavescens sp. nov. The type strain is PT-12T (= KCTC 92114T = NBRC 115717T).
Subject(s)
Phospholipids , Sphingomonas , Phospholipids/chemistry , Sphingomonas/genetics , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Soil , Bacterial Typing Techniques , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Spermidine , Soil Microbiology , Fatty Acids/chemistry , Sequence Analysis, DNAABSTRACT
Arecae pericarpium (AP), the fruit peel of the betel palm, is a traditional Oriental herbal medicine. AP is used to treat various diseases and conditions, such as ascites, edema, and urinary retention, in traditional Korean medicine. Recent studies have demonstrated its anti-obesity and antibacterial effects; however, its anti-neuroinflammatory effects have not yet been reported. Therefore, we investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of AP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse microglia in this study. To determine the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of AP on BV2 microglial cells, we examined the production of nitric oxide (NO) using Griess assay and assessed the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory mediators, such as inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, using a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, we determined the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases and IκBα via Western blotting to understand the regulating mechanisms of AP. AP treatment decreased NO production in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Additionally, AP suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2 and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. AP also inhibited the activation of p38 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Therefore, AP exerts anti-neuroinflammatory effects via inactivation of the p38 and NF-κB pathways.
ABSTRACT
Background: As the imbalance in organ demand and supply is getting worse, <1000 patients waiting for organ transplants die each year in South Korea. To enhance positive attitudes to deceased organ-tissue donation through systematic education, we developed an educational program with delivery pathways for premedical and medical students. Methods: Online and offline self-learning educational materials on deceased organ-tissue donation were generated and posted on the Vitallink Academy YouTube site. Thirty-two pre- and 15 posteducation questionnaires were developed using a web-based survey platform, and conducted before and immediately after the education process. The education proceeded in 3 steps: (1) group study sessions on selected topics, (2) poster submissions by each group and the selection of excellent poster by the organizing committee, and (3) excellent poster presentation and questions and answers. Results: A total of 141 students in the first year of premedical classes at the Seoul National University College of Medicine participated in this program. Only 24.2% of responders agreed that anyone who was diagnosed with brain death should donate. The proportion of students with positive attitudes toward organ-tissue donation increased from 74.7% to 97.7% (Pâ <â 0.001) with our education. Likewise, interest in deceased organ-tissue donation-related issues increased from 33.3% to 84.9% (Pâ <â 0.001). The expressed willingness for organ-tissue donation also increased from 76.8% to 96.5% (Pâ <â 0.001). The proportion of accepting brain death as the determination of death increased from 61.6% to 89.5% (Pâ <â 0.001). Moreover, 81.4% changed their approach and planned to register with an organ donor card. Conclusions: In this study, significant improvements were observed in knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward organ-tissue donation with our newly developed co-participatory education program for premedical students. Hence, target-specific education can be regarded as a valuable approach to enhancing public awareness of deceased organ-tissue donation.
ABSTRACT
During the study of microbial ecology of forest soil, two circular, white-colored bacterial colonies were isolated and labeled as strains TW38T and TW40T. Both strains were catalase positive and oxidase negative. Strains TW38T and TW40T demonstrated growth within a temperature range of 10-37 °C and 18-37 °C, respectively, and thrived within a pH range of 5.5-9.0 and 6.0-8.0, respectively. Both strains grew at 0-2.0% (w/v) NaCl concentrations. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that strains TW38T and TW40T affiliated to the genus Paenibacillus, with the closest neighbors being Paenibacillus montanisoli RA17T (98.6%) and Paenibacillus arachidis E3T (95.4%), respectively. In both strains, the sole respiratory quinone was MK-7, the signature fatty acid was antiso-C15:0, and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylcholine. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and the average nucleotide identity values between TW38T, TW40T, and closest reference strains were < 29.0% and < 85.0%, respectively. The DNA G+C content of TW38T and TW40T was 54.5% and 57.1%, respectively. In general, the phylogenetic, genomics, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic data support the differentiation of TW38T and TW40T from other closest members of the genus Paenibacillus. Thus, we conclude both strains TW38T and TW40T represent novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus silvisoli sp. nov. and Paenibacillus humicola sp. nov. are proposed, respectively. The type strain of Paenibacillus silvisoli is TW38T (= KCTC 43468T = NBRC 116015T) and type strain of Paenibacillus humicola is TW40T (= KCTC 43469T = NBRC 116016T).
Subject(s)
Cardiolipins , Paenibacillus , Phylogeny , Forests , Paenibacillus/genetics , DNAABSTRACT
Protein complexes are highly dynamic entities that display substantial diversity in their assembly, post-translational modifications, and non-covalent interactions, allowing them to play critical roles in various biological processes. The heterogeneity, dynamic nature, and low abundance of protein complexes in their native states present challenges to study using conventional structural biology techniques. Here we develop a native nanoproteomics strategy for the enrichment and subsequent native top-down mass spectrometry (nTDMS) analysis of endogenous cardiac troponin (cTn) complex directly from human heart tissue. The cTn complex is enriched and purified using peptide-functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles under non-denaturing conditions to enable the isotopic resolution of cTn complex, revealing their complex structure and assembly. Moreover, nTDMS elucidates the stoichiometry and composition of the cTn complex, localizes Ca2+ binding domains, defines cTn-Ca2+ binding dynamics, and provides high-resolution mapping of the proteoform landscape. This native nanoproteomics strategy opens a paradigm for structural characterization of endogenous native protein complexes.
Subject(s)
Heart , Protein Processing, Post-Translational , Humans , Mass Spectrometry/methods , Actin Cytoskeleton , TroponinABSTRACT
Introduction: Gastric delta cells (D-cells) secrete somatostatin, which is the primary paracrine suppressor of acid secretion. The number and distribution of D-cells were investigated in children exhibiting endoscopic findings of duodenogastric and gastroesophageal reflux. This study aimed to determine whether the number of D-cells in the gastric body differs from that in the gastric antrum in children using endoscopic findings. Methods: We retrospectively used immunohistochemical assessments to determine the number of D-cells in the gastric body and antrum in 102 children who presented with abdominal symptoms. The number and distribution of D-cells were investigated according to symptoms, endoscopic findings of gastroesophageal reflux and duodenogastric reflux, and Helicobacter pylori infection status. Results: The average age of the patients was 13.3 ± 3.3 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.68. The mean number of D-cells per high-power field in the antrum and body did not significantly differ by symptoms. However, these values were significantly lower in the gastric body than in the antrum for all symptoms (p < 0.05). Children with reflux had a higher mean number of D-cells (9.6 ± 8.8) in the gastric body than did those without reflux (4.3 ± 3.4) (p = 0.007). Furthermore, the number of D-cells in the gastric body was marginally significantly lower in Helicobacter pylori-positive children (4.9 ± 6.5) than in Helicobacter pylori-negative children (8.5 ± 8.2) (p = 0.053). Conclusion: The number of D-cells in the gastric body decreased in Helicobacter pylori-positive children but significantly increased in children with duodenogastric reflux. Therefore, somatostatin peptide secretion by D-cells may be a major pathophysiological pathway in gastrointestinal reflux disease.
ABSTRACT
A milky-white-coloured, aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped and motile bacterial strain (GW78T) was isolated from forest soil. GW78T was catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. The strain was able to grow optimally at 37â°C and at pH 7.0 in Reasoner's 2A media. The phylogenetic and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of GW78T showed its affiliation with the genus Paenibacillus. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of GW78T revealed 98.3â% similarity to its nearest neighbour Paenibacillus mucilaginosus VKPM B-7519T. Its chemotaxonomic properties included MK-7 as the sole menaquinone, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and phosphatidylethanolamine as major polar lipids, and anteiso-C15â:â0, C16â:â1 ω11c and anteiso-C17â:â0 as predominant fatty acids. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity results with its closest relatives were <74.0â% and <14.0â%, respectively. Overall, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, phylogenetic and genomic evidence, and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data allow the differentiation of GW78T from other members of the genus Paenibacillus. Thus, we propose that strain GW78T represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, with the name Paenibacillus caseinilyticus sp. nov. The type strain is GW78T (=KCTC 43430T=NBRC 116023T).
Subject(s)
Fatty Acids , Paenibacillus , Fatty Acids/chemistry , Phospholipids/chemistry , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Base Composition , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Bacterial Typing Techniques , Soil Microbiology , ForestsABSTRACT
Multivalent ion batteries have emerged as promising solutions to meet the future demands of energy storage applications, offering not only high energy density but also diverse socio-economic advantages. Among the various options for cathodes, quinone-based organic compounds have gained attention as suitable active materials for multivalent ion batteries due to their well-aligned ion channels, flexible structures, and competitive electrochemical performance. However, the charge carriers associated with anions that are often exploited in multivalent ion battery systems operate by way of a "non-rocking-chair" mechanism, which requires the use of an excess amount of electrolyte and results in a significant decrease in the energy density. In this review, by categorizing the various charge carriers exploited in previous studies on multivalent ion batteries, we summarize recently reported quinone-based organic cathodes for multivalent ion batteries and emphasize the importance of accurately identifying the charge carriers for calculating the energy density. We also propose potential future directions toward the practical realization of multivalent ion batteries, in link with their efficient energy storage applications.
ABSTRACT
Direct methane protonic ceramic fuel cells are promising electrochemical devices that address the technical and economic challenges of conventional ceramic fuel cells. However, Ni, a catalyst of protonic ceramic fuel cells exhibits sluggish reaction kinetics for CH4 conversion and a low tolerance against carbon-coking, limiting its wider applications. Herein, we introduce a self-assembled Ni-Rh bimetallic catalyst that exhibits a significantly high CH4 conversion and carbon-coking tolerance. It enables direct methane protonic ceramic fuel cells to operate with a high maximum power density of ~0.50 W·cm-2 at 500 °C, surpassing all other previously reported values from direct methane protonic ceramic fuel cells and even solid oxide fuel cells. Moreover, it allows stable operation with a degradation rate of 0.02%·h-1 at 500 °C over 500 h, which is ~20-fold lower than that of conventional protonic ceramic fuel cells (0.4%·h-1). High-resolution in-situ surface characterization techniques reveal that high-water interaction on the Ni-Rh surface facilitates the carbon cleaning process, enabling sustainable long-term operation.
ABSTRACT
Guggulsterone (GS) is a phytosterol used to treat inflammatory diseases. Although many studies have examined the anti-inflammatory activities of GS, the detailed mechanisms of GS in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and endotoxemia have not yet been examined. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of GS on LPS-induced inflammation. In murine peritoneal macrophages, the anti-inflammatory activity of GS was primarily mediated by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction. HO-1 induction by GS was mediated by GSH depletion and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The ROS generated by GS caused the phosphorylation of GSK3ß (ser9/21) and p38, leading to the translocation of nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which ultimately induced HO-1. In addition, GS pretreatment significantly inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), iNOS-derived NO, and COX-2 protein and mRNA expression, and production of COX-derived prostaglandin PGE2, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In a mouse model of endotoxemia, GS treatment prolonged survival and inhibited the expression of inflammatory mediators, including IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. GS treatment also inhibited LPS-induced liver injury. These results suggest that GS-induced HO-1 could exert anti-inflammatory effects via ROS-dependent GSK (ser21/9)-p38 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2.
Subject(s)
Endotoxemia , Lipopolysaccharides , Animals , Mice , Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Endotoxemia/chemically induced , Endotoxemia/drug therapy , Inflammation/drug therapy , Inflammation/metabolism , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/genetics , Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/metabolismABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Prior studies on models based on deep learning (DL) and measuring the cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) on chest radiographs have lacked rigorous agreement analyses with radiologists or reader tests. We validated the performance of a commercially available DL-based CTR measurement model with various thoracic pathologies, and performed agreement analyses with thoracic radiologists and reader tests using a probabilistic-based reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 160 posteroanterior view chest radiographs (no lung or pleural abnormalities, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, consolidation, and n = 40 in each category) to externally test a DL-based CTR measurement model. To assess the agreement between the model and experts, intraclass or interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were compared between the model and two thoracic radiologists. In the reader tests with a probabilistic-based reference standard (Dawid-Skene consensus), we compared diagnostic measures-including sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV)-for cardiomegaly between the model and five other radiologists using the non-inferiority test. RESULTS: For the 160 chest radiographs, the model measured a median CTR of 0.521 (interquartile range, 0.446-0.59) and a mean CTR of 0.522 ± 0.095. The ICC between the two thoracic radiologists and between the model and two thoracic radiologists was not significantly different (0.972 versus 0.959, p = 0.192), even across various pathologies (all p-values > 0.05). The model showed non-inferior diagnostic performance, including sensitivity (96.3% versus 97.8%) and NPV (95.6% versus 97.4%) (p < 0.001 in both), compared with the radiologists for all 160 chest radiographs. However, it showed inferior sensitivity in chest radiographs with consolidation (95.5% versus 99.9%; p = 0.082) and NPV in chest radiographs with pleural effusion (92.9% versus 94.6%; p = 0.079) and consolidation (94.1% versus 98.7%; p = 0.173). CONCLUSION: While the sensitivity and NPV of this model for diagnosing cardiomegaly in chest radiographs with consolidation or pleural effusion were not as high as those of the radiologists, it demonstrated good agreement with the thoracic radiologists in measuring the CTR across various pathologies.
ABSTRACT
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a pancreatic inflammatory disease associated with histological changes, including fibrosis, acinar cell loss and immune cell infiltration, and leads to damage of the pancreas, which results in pain, weight loss and loss of pancreas function. Catechin or catechin hydrate (CH) has antioxidant, anticancer and immuneregulatory effects. However, unlike other catechins, the antifibrotic effects of (+)CH have not been widely studied in many diseases, including CP. Therefore, the antifibrotic effects of (+)CH against CP were evaluated in the present study. To assess the prophylactic effects of CH, (+)CH (1, 5 or 10 mg/kg) or ethanol was administered 1 h before first cerulein (50 µg/kg) injection. To assess the therapeutic effects, (+)CH (5 mg/kg) or ethanol was administered after cerulein injection for one or two weeks. In both methods, cerulein was injected intraperitoneally into mice once every hour, six times a day, four times a week, for a total of three weeks, to induce CP. The data showed that (+)CH markedly inhibited glandular destruction and inflammation during CP. Moreover, (+)CH prevented pancreatic stellate cell (PSC) activation and the production of extracellular matrix components, such as fibronectin 1 and collagens, which suggested that it may act as a novel therapeutic agent. Furthermore, the mechanism and effectiveness of (+)CH on pancreatic fibrosis were investigated in isolated PSCs. (+)CH suppressed the activation of Smad2 and fibrosis factors that act through transforming growth factorß (TGFß) or plateletderived growth factor. These findings suggest that (+)CH exhibits antifibrotic effects in ceruleininduced CP by inactivating TGFß/Smad2 signaling.
Subject(s)
Catechin , Pancreatic Diseases , Pancreatitis, Chronic , Animals , Mice , Catechin/pharmacology , Ceruletide , Pancreatitis, Chronic/chemically induced , Pancreatitis, Chronic/drug therapy , Pancreas , Ethanol/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) have exhibited several advantages, such as high biocompatibility, improvement of skin conditions, and the prevention of skin aging. However, traditional methods of extraction for plant substances, such as heating under reflux or solvent extraction, are complicated, time-consuming, and low in purity. Accordingly, a simple and efficient platform is necessary for purely isolating natural substances from plants. In this study, we report a newly designed platform for removing impurities to purify PDEVs. The proposed platform comprises three parts: (i) inflow of samples, (ii) depletion of impurities, and (iii) collection of PDEVs. The platform is designed to flow from top to bottom using gravity without the need for electric components. The platform allows the delimitation of impurities, such as the pathogenic bacteria in PDEVs, by capturing magnetic beads coated with Concanavalin A (Con A). We validate the practicality of our platform using extracellular vesicles derived from liquorice (LdEVs). Notably, the LdEVs purified using the Con A-coated magnetic beads provide better cell uptake and wound recovery than the commercialized extract LdEVs. This highlights the therapeutic potential of fresh LdEVs purified using our platform, particularly in preventing skin aging. The findings of this study hold significant practical implications for the cosmeceutical and therapeutic field, providing a promising approach for the extraction and purification of natural substances from plants to harness their benefits effectively.