Microbial-transcriptome integrative analysis of heat stress effects on amino acid metabolism and lipid peroxidation in poultry jejunum.

Despite the significant threat of heat stress to livestock animals, only a few studies have considered the potential relationship between broiler chickens and their microbiota. Therefore, this study examined microbial modifications, transcriptional changes and host-microbiome interactions using a predicted metabolome data-based approach to understand the impact of heat stress on poultry. After the analysis, the host functional enrichment analysis revealed that pathways related to lipid and protein metabolism were elevated under heat stress conditions. In contrast, pathways related to the cell cycle were suppressed under normal environmental temperatures. In line with the transcriptome analysis, the microbial analysis results indicate that taxonomic changes affect lipid degradation. Heat stress engendered statistically significant difference in the abundance of 11 microorganisms, including Bacteroides and Peptostreptococcacea. Together, integrative approach analysis suggests that microbiota-induced metabolites affect host fatty acid peroxidation metabolism, which is correlated with the gene families of Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase long chain (ACADL), Acyl-CoA Oxidase (ACOX) and Acetyl-CoA Acyltransferase (ACAA). This integrated approach provides novel insights into heat stress problems and identifies potential biomarkers associated with heat stress.

Caco-2 cell-derived biomimetic electrochemical biosensor for cholera toxin detection.

Cholera is a highly contagious and lethal waterborne disease induced by an infection with Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) secreting cholera toxin (CTx). Cholera toxin subunit B (CTxB) from the CTx specifically binds with monosialo-tetra-hexosyl-ganglioside (GM1) found on the exterior cell membrane of an enterocyte. Bioinspired by the pathological process of CTx, we developed an electrochemical biosensor with GM1-expressing Caco-2 cell membrane (CCM) on the electrode surface. Briefly, the electrode surface was functionalized with CCM using the vesicle fusion method. We determined the CTxB detection performances of Caco-2 cell membrane-coated biosensor (CCB) using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). the CCB had an excellent limit of detection of ∼11.46 nM and a detection range spanning 100 ng/mL - 1 mg/mL. In addition, the CCB showed high selectivity against various interfering molecules, including abundant constituents of intestinal fluid and various bacterial toxins. The long-term stability of the CCBs was also verified for 3 weeks using EIS. Overall, the CCB has excellent potential for practical use such as point-of-care and cost-effective testing for CTxB detection in developing countries.

Association of serum uric acid Levels with metabolic syndromes in Korean adolescents.

Introduction: The study findings investigated uric acid reference values and their association with a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors among adolescents using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the KNHANES database from 2016 to 2018, involving a total of 2,462 participants aged between 10 and 18 years. Based on age- and sex-specific percentile curves for serum uric acid (SUA) levels from the KNHANES, we examined the correlation between cardiometabolic risk factors and serum uric acid levels. Results: The percentile values of SUA varied with sex and age. In male subjects, SUA levels tended to increase from 10 to 14 years of age and plateaued after 14 years of age. Moreover, the overall uric acid level in females was found to be lower than that in males; the levels tended to increase at approximately 10 to 12 years old but were relatively consistent according to age. Mean uric acid levels increased according to obesity status in both males and females. However, correlation analysis revealed that SUA levels were associated with several metabolic risks even after adjusting for obesity. The detailed metabolic syndrome (MetS) components that were observed to be associated with an increase in uric acid levels were different between males and females, but overall, high uric acid levels increased MetS risk. Additionally, a significant increase in MetS-related odds ratio (OR) for components, including waist circumference (WC), triglyceride (TG) levels, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), was observed. However, differences between sexes were apparent, with a more pronounced increase in OR based on SUA levels in girls. Discussion: SUA levels were closely associated with MetS and its components, even in nonobese subjects. Therefore, high SUA levels in children and young adolescents should be closely monitored to prevent MetS.

Updated reference ranges for aminotransferase levels of Korean children and young adolescents based on the risk factors for metabolic syndrome.

We investigated the reference values of liver enzymes based on cardiometabolic risks among children and adolescents using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 8091 subjects aged 10-18 years were included from the data from 2007-2017. Overall, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and the AST/ALT ratio varied with sex and age. AST levels tended to decrease with age, but ALT levels had a U-shaped curve, which resulted in a gradual increase in the AST/ALT ratio after age 13. The prevalence of MetS was strongly associated with elevated AST or ALT and a decreased AST/ALT ratio. The prevalence ratios of the development of MetS were also elevated in groups with high levels of AST and ALT and a low AST/ALT ratio. Particularly in the combined ALT and AST/ALT analyses, borderline-high levels also showed a high prevalence ratio of MetS. Liver enzymes were also involved in the increase in the adjusted mean values for each risk factor for MetS. Here, we provided updated reference values for liver enzymes based on the analysis between population-based data and cardiometabolic risk factors; AST, ALT and the AST/ALT ratio might be useful in the early diagnosis and treatment of MetS.

Metabolic risk assessment in children and adolescents using the tri-ponderal mass index.

We assessed the risk of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents who were classified using the tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) with data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Data from 10 to 18-year-old subjects that were overweight or obese (n = 1362) were extracted from the KNHANES 2007-2018. Weight classifications were determined by TMI and included overweight and Class I, Class II, and Class III obesity. The standard deviation scores (SDS) of weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) as well as cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure, serum glucose levels, total cholesterol (T-C), triglycerides, HDL-c, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), worsened with the severity of obesity. Most risk factors showed a linear association with the severity increase, except for fasting glucose levels, T-C, and LDL-c. The prevalence of cardiometabolic risks also increased with the severity of obesity, which developed earlier in boys than in girls. The risk of metabolic syndrome significantly increased with the severity of obesity in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. TMI reflected the severity of obesity and predicted the risk of metabolic syndrome and its components. Therefore, clinical applications of TMI could be a useful to identify the incidence of childhood obesity and metabolic syndromes.

Structural insights into inhibition of PRRSV Nsp4 revealed by structure-based virtual screening, molecular dynamics, and MM-PBSA studies.

BACKGROUND: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome respiratory sickness in weaned and growing pigs, as well as sow reproductive failure, and its infection is regarded as one of the most serious swine illnesses worldwide. Given the current lack of an effective treatment, in this study, we identified natural compounds capable of inhibiting non-structural protein 4 (Nsp4) of the virus, which is involved in their replication and pathogenesis. RESULTS: We screened natural compounds (n = 97,999) obtained from the ZINC database against Nsp4 and selected the top 10 compounds for analysing protein-ligand interactions and physicochemical properties. The five compounds demonstrating strong binding affinity were then subjected to molecular dynamics simulations (100 ns) and binding free energy calculations. Based on analysis, we identified four possible lead compounds that represent potentially effective drug-like inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: These methods identified that these natural compounds are capable of inhibiting Nsp4 and possibly effective as antiviral therapeutics against PRRSV.

Comparison of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with and without diabetic ketoacidosis at the time of type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

PURPOSE: We investigated the possible effects of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on the clinical outcomes of pediatric patients. METHODS: Medical records of children and adolescents with newly diagnosed T1DM seen in the Ajou University Hospital from January 2008 to August 2020 were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Among 129 diagnosed T1DM patients, 40.3% presented with DKA. Although demographic and basic characteristics did not differ between DKA and non-DKA patients, DKA patients needed a significantly higher insulin dosage than non-DKA patients for 2 years after diagnosis. However, control of glycated hemoglobin was not different between the DKA and non-DKA groups during the observation period. In the biochemical analysis, C-peptide, insulin-like growth factor-1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, free T4, and T3 values were lower, but thyroid-stimulating hormone, initial serum glucose, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values were higher in DKA patients than non-DKA patients at the diagnosis of T1DM; however, these differences were temporarily present and disappeared with insulin treatment. Other clinical outcomes, such as height, thyroid function, and urine microalbumin level, did not vary significantly between the DKA and non-DKA groups during 5 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: DKA at initial presentation reflects the severity of disease progression, and the deleterious effects of DKA seem to impact insulin secretion. Although no difference in long-term prognosis was found, early detection of T1DM should help to reduce DKA-related islet damage and the socioeconomic burden of T1DM.

Perioperative transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography to assess vocal cord function in thyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of vocal cord iatrogenic injury is crucial, as is perioperative vocal cord evaluation. METHODS: Vocal cord mobility detected via transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography was compared with that detected via laryngoscopy (the reference). The vocal cord visualization rate of ultrasonography for evaluation of mobility was explored. RESULTS: The diagnostic odds ratio of transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography was 303.2212 (95% CI, [86.7944; 1059.3198]). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.944. The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value were 0.9154 [0.8471; 0.9548], 0.9771 [0.9541; 0.9887], and 0.9915 [0.9868; 0.9946], respectively. The vocal cord visualization of ultrasonography used to evaluate vocal cord mobility was high (0.9572 [0.9091; 0.9804]). CONCLUSIONS: Since transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography has the advantage in vocal cord visualization, it can be considered when laryngoscopy is unavailable or patients refuse laryngoscopy. Also, it is diagnostically accurate regardless of the used landmarks, VCP definition, and timing for application.

Regulation of Swine Growth by Backfat Tissue during Growing and Finishing Stages.

Recently, interest in the function of pig backfat (BF) has increased in the field of livestock animals, and many transcriptome-based studies using commercial pig breeds have been conducted. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies regarding the biological mechanisms of Korean native pigs (KNPs) and Yorkshire pig crossbreeds. In this study, therefore, BF samples of F1 crossbreeds of KNPs and Yorkshire pigs were investigated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their related terms using RNA-sequencing analysis. DEG analysis identified 611 DEGs, of which 182 were up-regulated and 429 were down-regulated. Lipid metabolism was identified in the up-regulated genes, whereas growth and maturation-related terminologies were identified in the down-regulated genes. LEP and ACTC1 were identified as highly connected core genes during functional gene network analysis. Fat tissue was observed to affect lipid metabolism and organ development due to hormonal changes driven by transcriptional alteration. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of BF contribution to crossbreeds of KNPs and Yorkshire pigs during growth periods.

Preferred display white prediction model based on mixed chromatic adaptation between "prototypical display white" and surround lighting color.

The correlated color temperature (CCT) of the monitor white needs to be controlled for the preferred image reproduction according to the surround lighting changes. The preferred display white prediction model according to the surround lighting color is proposed both for the emissive transparent display and opaque displays. To develop the model, the preferred CCT of the monitor white of a simulated emissive transparent display and an opaque display were investigated under four different surround lighting CCTs by conducting psychophysical experiments with twenty subjects.

Transparent effect on the gray scale perception of a transparent OLED display.

Gray scale perception of transparent OLED displays was explored. The difference in luminance between transparent and non-transparent stimuli in the overall gray range was compared. The transparent effect appeared in gray scale perception. The range of the transparent effect was determined experimentally. To explore the practical application of this effect, we proposed a new tone-curve based on the transparent effect. In the preference experiment, participants indicated a higher preference score for the new tone-curve. This implied that the transparent effect is valid and applicable to real situations.

Blue light effect on retinal pigment epithelial cells by display devices.

Blue light has high photochemical energy and induces cell apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Due to its phototoxicity, retinal hazard by blue light stimulation has been well demonstrated using high intensity light sources. However, it has not been studied whether blue light in the displays, emitting low intensity light, such as those used in today's smartphones, monitors, and TVs, also causes apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelial cells. We attempted to examine the blue light effect on human adult retinal epithelial cells using display devices with different blue light wavelength ranges, the peaks of which specifically appear at 449 nm, 458 nm, and 470 nm. When blue light was illuminated on A2E-loaded ARPE-19 cells using these displays, the display with a blue light peak at a shorter wavelength resulted in an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, the reduction of cell viability and induction of caspase-3/7 activity were more evident in A2E-loaded ARPE-19 cells after illumination by the display with a blue light peak at a shorter wavelength, especially at 449 nm. Additionally, white light was tested to examine the effect of blue light in a mixed color illumination with red and green lights. Consistent with the results obtained using only blue light, white light illuminated by display devices with a blue light peak at a shorter wavelength also triggered increased cell death and apoptosis compared to that illuminated by display devices with a blue light peak at longer wavelength. These results show that even at the low intensity utilized in the display devices, blue light can induce ROS production and apoptosis in retinal cells. Our results also suggest that the blue light hazard of display devices might be highly reduced if the display devices contain less short wavelength blue light.

Black perception in a transparent OLED display.

Black perception (perceived blackness of gray 0) of transparent OLED displays was studied in this paper. In pre-test, maximum luminances of acceptable black level under various surround conditions were found in a non-transparent display. In the first experiment, the luminance of a transparent patch was compared with that of an opaque one in order to find the effect of transparency on black perception. As a result, participants perceived the transparent patch darker than the opaque one even when the two were in similar luminance levels, which we termed as the "Transparency Effect." In the second experiment, the perceived brightness of gray 0 with various background brightness conditions was investigated to observe the effect of induced black perception. Most participants perceived the luminance of gray 0 darker with brighter background luminance, but some did not. It might result from transparency of gray 0 which had a role as a window presenting the area overlapped with a transparent OLED display.

TMEM175 Is an Organelle K(+) Channel Regulating Lysosomal Function.

Potassium is the most abundant ion to face both plasma and organelle membranes. Extensive research over the past seven decades has characterized how K(+) permeates the plasma membrane to control fundamental processes such as secretion, neuronal communication, and heartbeat. However, how K(+) permeates organelles such as lysosomes and endosomes is unknown. Here, we directly recorded organelle K(+) conductance and discovered a major K(+)-selective channel KEL on endosomes and lysosomes. KEL is formed by TMEM175, a protein with unknown function. Unlike any of the ∼80 plasma membrane K(+) channels, TMEM175 has two repeats of 6-transmembrane-spanning segments and has no GYG K(+) channel sequence signature-containing, pore-forming P loop. Lysosomes lacking TMEM175 exhibit no K(+) conductance, have a markedly depolarized ΔΨ and little sensitivity to changes in [K(+)], and have compromised luminal pH stability and abnormal fusion with autophagosomes during autophagy. Thus, TMEM175 comprises a K(+) channel that underlies the molecular mechanism of lysosomal K(+) permeability.

Simple extraction method using syringe filter for detection of ethephon in tomatoes by negative-ion mode liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

In this study, a simple, rapid, and sensitive method was developed for the extraction of ethephon from homogenized tomatoes that does not require a cleanup procedure. In a syringe filter, three distinct layers - aqueous, acetonitrile, and n-hexane - are clearly separated after storage at -80 °C for 5-10 min. A Dionex IonPac column was used to separate the analyte before detection using negative-ion mode liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The matrix effect of the tested analyte was negligibly small and the matched calibration showed a good linearity over a concentration range of 0.01-1.0 mg/kg with a correlation coefficient (R(2) ) of 0.9998. The recovery at three fortification levels (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) was between 82.9 and 108.6% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) <5.0%. The limit of quantification (0.03 mg/kg) was lower than the maximum residue limit (3 mg/kg) set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Republic of Korea. From a field trial, the method developed herein was applied to calculate the decline pattern and predict the pre-harvest residue limits of ethephon in tomatoes. In conclusion, the proposed sample preparation is feasible for the detection of hydrophilic analytes in tomatoes.

Expression of α1 receptor and nitric oxide synthase in oophorectomized and estrogen-supplemented rat bladder and urethra.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of estrogen on the expression of the α1 receptor and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat urethra and bladder after oophorectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five mature female Sprague-Dawley rats (aged 10-11 weeks, 235-250 g) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control group, oophorectomy group (Opx), or oophorectomy and estradiol replacement group (Opx+ Est). The degree of expression of α1 receptor (α1A and D) and NOS (neuronal NOS [nNOS] and endothelial NOS [eNOS]) in bladder and urethral tissues was investigated by using immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. RESULTS: In the bladder, the expression rates of α1 receptor (α1A and α1D) increased in the Opx group but decreased in the Opx+Est group. These changes were not statistically significant. The α1A and α1D receptor of the urethra decreased in the Opx group but increased in the Opx+Est group. These changes were not statistically significant. In the bladder and urethra, the expression rates of nNOS and eNOS significantly increased in the Opx group but decreased in the Opx+Est group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that estrogen depletion increases NOS and α1 receptor expression in the rat bladder. However, these changes could be restored by estrogen replacement therapy.

Erythropoietin exerts cell protective effect by activating PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways in C6 Cells.

Even though erythropoietin (EPO) is a neurotropic cytokine that is recognized widely for its role in the development, maintenance, protection, and repair of the nervous system, there are few reports concerning EPO-mediated influences on the glial cells in the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of EPO on C6 glioma cells (C6 cells). Erythropoietin did not attenuate inflammatory response, such as nitrite production, iNOS gene expression, and pro-inflammatory cytokines when LPS/TNF-alpha mixture was treated. However, EPO increased C6 cell viability by exerting cell protective effect against staurosporine stimulation. Erythropoietin increased the transient Akt expression at 30 minutes and induced the gradual elevation of ERK1/2 and p38 expression as time progressed. The cell protective effect of EPO was also significantly attenuated with pretreatment of specific PI3K, pERK1/2, or pP38 inhibitor. In summary, these results suggest that EPO may exert its cell protective functions via the direct cell protective activity rather than via its anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, the PI3K/Akt and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways may be responsible for cell survival against cytotoxicity.

mTOR regulates lysosomal ATP-sensitive two-pore Na(+) channels to adapt to metabolic state.

Survival in the wild requires organismal adaptations to the availability of nutrients. Endosomes and lysosomes are key intracellular organelles that couple nutrition and metabolic status to cellular responses, but how they detect cytosolic ATP levels is not well understood. Here, we identify an endolysosomal ATP-sensitive Na(+) channel (lysoNa(ATP)). The channel is a complex formed by two-pore channels (TPC1 and TPC2), ion channels previously thought to be gated by nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The channel complex detects nutrient status, becomes constitutively open upon nutrient removal and mTOR translocation off the lysosomal membrane, and controls the lysosome's membrane potential, pH stability, and amino acid homeostasis. Mutant mice lacking lysoNa(ATP) have much reduced exercise endurance after fasting. Thus, TPCs make up an ion channel family that couples the cell's metabolic state to endolysosomal function and are crucial for physical endurance during food restriction.

Characterization of oxalic acid pretreatment on lignocellulosic biomass using oxalic acid recovered by electrodialysis.

The properties of pretreated biomass and hydrolysate obtained by oxalic acid pretreatment using oxalic acid recovered through electrodialysis (ED) were investigated. Most of the oxalic acid was recovered and some of the fermentation inhibitors were removed by ED. For the original hydrolysate, the ethanol production was very low and fermentable sugars were not completely consumed by Pichia stipitis during fermentation. Ethanol yield was less than 0.12 g/g in all stage. For the ED-treated hydrolysate, ethanol production was increased by up to two times in all stages compared to the original hydrolysate. The highest ethanol production was 19.38 g/l after 72 h which correspond to the ethanol yield of 0.33 g/g. Enzymatic conversion of the cellulose to glucose for all the pretreated biomass was in the range of 76.03 and 77.63%. The hydrolysis rate on each pretreated biomass was not significantly changed when oxalic acid recovered by ED was used for pretreatment.