Hypomethylation of ATP1A1 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis and Cancer Progression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Dysregulated DNA methylation in cancer is critical in the transcription machinery associated with cancer progression. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype, but no treatment targeting TNBC biomarkers has yet been developed. To identify specific DNA methylation patterns in TNBC, methyl-binding domain protein 2 (MBD) sequencing data were compared in TNBC and the three other major breast cancer subtypes. Integrated analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression identified a gene set showing a correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression. ATPase Na+/K+-transporting subunit alpha 1 (ATP1A1) was found to be specifically hypomethylated in the coding sequence (CDS) region and to show increased expression in TNBC. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database also showed that hypomethylation and high expression of ATP1A1 were strongly associated with poor survival in patients with TNBC. Furthermore, ATP1A1 knockdown significantly reduced the viability and tumor-sphere formation of TNBC cells. These results suggest that the hypomethylation and overexpression of ATP1A1 could be a prognostic marker in TNBC and that the manipulation of ATP1A1 expression could be a therapeutic target in this disease.

Digital Literacy and Associated Factors in Older Adults Living in Urban South Korea: A Qualitative Study.

This study aimed to explore digital literacy among community-dwelling older adults in urban South Korea. A semistructured interview guide was developed using the Digital Competence ( 2.0 framework, which emphasizes the competencies for full digital participation in five categories: information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, content creation, safety, and problem-solving. The data were analyzed using combined inductive and deductive content analysis. Inductive analysis identified three main categories: perceived ability to use digital technology, responses to digital technology, and contextual factors. In the results of deductive analysis, participants reported varying abilities in using digital technologies for information and data literacy, communication or collaboration, and problem-solving. However, their abilities were limited in handling the safety or security of digital technology and lacked in creating digital content. Responses to digital technology contain subcategories of perception (positive or negative) and behavior (trying or avoidance). Regarding contextual factors, aging-related physical and cognitive changes were identified as barriers to digital literacy. The influence of families or peers was viewed as both a facilitator and a barrier. Our participants recognized the importance of using digital devices to keep up with the trend of digitalization, but their digital literacy was mostly limited to relatively simple levels.

Toward Advanced Superomniphobicity: Hierarchical Insights from Serif-T Nanostructures to Microscale Wrinkles.

Developing a superomniphobic surface that exceeds the static and dynamic repellency observed in nature's springtails for various liquids presents a significant challenge in the realm of surface and interface science. However, progress in this field has been particularly limited when dealing with low-surface-tension liquids. This is because dynamic repellency values are typically at least 2 orders of magnitude lower than those observed with water droplets. Our study introduces an innovative hierarchical topography demonstrating exceptional dynamic repellency to low-surface-tension liquids. Inspired by the structural advantages found in springtails, we achieve a static contact angle of >160° and the complete rebound of droplet impact with a Weber number (We) of ∼104 using ethanol. These results surpass all existing benchmarks that have been reported thus far, including those of natural surfaces. The key insight from our research is the vital role of the microscale air pocket size, governed by wrinkle wavelength, in both static and dynamic repellency. Additionally, nanoscale air pockets within serif-T nanostructures prove to be essential for achieving omniphobicity. Our investigations into the wetting dynamics of ethanol droplets further reveal aspects such as the reduction in contact time and the occurrence of a fragmentation phenomenon beyond We ∼ 350, which has not been previously observed.

Antioxidant and anti-hepatitis A virus activities of Ecklonia cava Kjellman extracts.

Ecklonia cava is a nutrient-rich algae species that contains abundant physiological phytochemicals, including peptides, carotenoids, fucoidans, and phlorotannins. However, elucidation of the antiviral effects of this algae and identification of new functional ingredients warrant further investigation. This study was aimed at investigating the potential anti-hepatitis A virus activities of extracts of E. cava prepared in different solvents. E. cava extracts were prepared using hot water and 70 % ethanol. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were confirmed by analyzing the total phenolic content, as well as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging activities. The inhibitory effects of the extracts against hepatitis A virus were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The E. cava extract yield was 22.5-27.2 % depending on the extraction solvent. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity was 70.44 % and 91.05 % for hot water and ethanol extracts at a concentration of 1000 ppm. The 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging activity of the ethanol extract was the highest (93.57 %) at 1000 µg/mL. Fourier-transform infrared was used to identify the functional groups (phlorotannin and alginate) in the extraction solvents. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed a potential bioactive compound previously unidentified in E. cava. Finally, we identified the antiviral activity of E. cava extracts against hepatitis A virus replication. These findings demonstrate that E. cava could be used as an anti-hepatitis A virus functional food and biological material.

Pedicle Lengthening with Reducing Size Mismatch in Free Anterolateral Free Flap.

When plastic surgeons reconstruct the defects for recurrent cancer, a longer vascular pedicle is often necessary because usable vessels are sacrificed in previous surgeries or radiotherapy. In this case, we would like to present another method for free anterolateral thigh flap pedicle elongation. A 59-year-old man was referred to our clinic for reconstruction after unilateral total maxillectomy and orbital exenteration due to recurrent squamous cell carcinoma. We need to cover the full-thickness defect in the left orbital area (8×7 cm sized), intraoral area (5×7 cm sized), and orbital floor. Due to prior surgeries and radiotherapy, we needed a vascular pedicle up to 15 cm for a distant recipient vessel. When harvesting the flap, we transected just proximal to the bifurcation site, harvested a muscular branch to vastus intermedius together, and used it for pedicle elongation by vessel turning over. A 17×6 cm sized musculocutaneous flap was harvested, and the total length of the pedicle was 15 cm. As the anastomosis was done at the distal portion of the vastus intermedius branch, there was no size mismatch with the superior thyroid artery. Both skin defects and the orbital floor were covered without any tension. The reconstruction was successful without any flap compromise 1 year after surgery. This case suggests another option for microsurgeons to lengthen the flap pedicle and reduce size mismatch using anatomical variability of the lateral circumflex femoral artery.

Effect of Feature Shape and Dimension of a Confinement Geometry on Selectivity of Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction.

The local confinement effect, which can generate a high concentration of hydroxide ions and reaction intermediates near the catalyst surface, is an important strategy for converting CO2 into multi-carbon products in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. Therefore, understanding how the shape and dimension of the confinement geometry affect the product selectivity is crucial. In this study, we report for the first time the effect of the shape (degree of confinement) and dimension of the confined space on the product selectivity without changing the intrinsic property of Cu. We demonstrate that geometry influences the outcomes of products, such as CH4 , C2 H4 , and EtOH, in different ways: the selectivity of CH4 and EtOH is affected by shape, while the selectivity of C2 H4 is influenced by dimension of geometry predominantly. These phenomena are demonstrated, both experimentally and through simulation, to be induced by the local confinement effect within the confined structure. Our geometry model could serve as basis for designing the confined structures tailored for the production of specific products.

Everyday Digital Literacy Questionnaire for Older Adults: Instrument Development and Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: The need for digital literacy in aging populations is increasing in the digitalizing society. Digital literacy involves the identification, evaluation, and communication of information through various digital devices or relevant programs. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to develop an Everyday Digital Literacy Questionnaire (EDLQ), a digital literacy assessment scale, and subsequently evaluate its psychometric properties using a population of community-dwelling older adults in South Korea. METHODS: The EDLQ was developed using an instrument development design. A nationwide survey was conducted, and the study included 1016 community-dwelling older adults (age ≥60 years). To evaluate the psychometric properties, the participants were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=508 each), and the internal consistency (Cronbach α and McDonald ω), structural validity (exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis), hypothesis-testing construct validity using the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), and measurement invariance were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the initial 30 items of the EDLQ, 22 items with a 3-factor solution had a total explained variance of 77%. The domains included "information and communication" (9 items), "content creation and management" (4 items), and "safety and security" (9 items). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with this 3-factor solution (χ2206=345.1; normed χ2206=1.7; comparative fit index=0.997; Tucker-Lewis index=0.997; root-mean-square error of approximation=0.036; standardized root-mean-square residual=0.050; composite reliability=0.903-0.959; average variance extracted=0.699-0.724; R2=0.616-0.773). Hypothesis-testing construct validity with the eHEALS revealed a strong correlation (r=0.75). Cronbach α and McDonald ω coefficients were .98 and 0.98, respectively. The fit indices for measurement invariance, including the configural, metric, and scalar invariance models, demonstrated a satisfactory fit to the data. Our findings suggest that the psychometric properties of the 22-item EDLQ are valid and reliable for assessing digital literacy among older Korean adults. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we developed a digital literacy measure with strong psychometric properties that made it suitable for assessing the digital literacy of community-dwelling older adults in Korea. To broaden its applicability, however, further assessment of its feasibility for use with different languages and cultures is necessary. Moreover, more empirical research on digital literacy and related factors in older adults can facilitate the development of personalized digital health care services and educational interventions in the digital society.

Basal cell adenoma of parotid gland: two case reports and literature review.

Most of salivary tumors are benign in nature and are typically diagnosed and classified based on their histopathological presentation. Basal cell adenoma of the salivary glands is a rare, benign disease accounting for 1% to 3% of salivary gland tumors. Despite its low incidence, basal cell adenoma is the third most common benign tumor of the salivary gland after pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin's tumor. It usually appears as a firm and slow-growing mass. Due to the prognosis, differential diagnosis with basal cell adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is required. In this report, we present two cases; a 62-year-old woman who presented with an asymptomatic, and slow-growing mass and a 64-year-old woman with a static-sized mass in the parotid gland. In both cases, the mass was completely excised, postoperative pathology reports confirmed the diagnosis of basal cell adenoma. We also review the literature and discuss this rare entity.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of solar salt brined kimchi.

Salt is an essential ingredient in the kimchi fermentation process. Solar salt has antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity properties. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of solar salt brined kimchi. Purified salt (PS), dehydrated solar salt (DSS), 1-year aged solar salt (SS1), and 3-years aged solar salt (SS3) were investigated. Anti-inflammatory effects were determined by analyzing cytotoxicity, nitric oxide (NO) production, and inflammation-related gene expression in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW264.7 cells. Antioxidant activities of DSS, SS1, and SS3 were higher than that of PS. Solar salt significantly inhibited NO production with low cytotoxicity and decreased inflammation-related gene expression. Kimchi containing solar salt (DSSK, SS1K, and SS3K) showed higher antioxidant activity than PSK. Additionally, DSSK, SS1K, and SS3K significantly inhibited NO production and decreased the expression of inflammation-related genes. Owing to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, using solar salt in kimchi preparation could have potential health benefits.

Association of Depressive Mood and Frailty With Mortality and Health Care Utilization: Korean National Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of depressive mood and frailty with mortality and health care utilization (HCU) and identify the coexisting effect of depressive mood and frailty in older adults. DESIGN: A retrospective study using nationwide longitudinal cohort data. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 27,818 older adults age 66 years from the National Screening Program for Transitional Ages between 2007 and 2008, part of the National Health Insurance Service-Senior cohort. METHODS: Depressive mood and frailty were measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale and Timed Up and Go test, respectively. Outcomes were mortality and HCU, including long-term care services (LTCS), hospital admissions, and total length of stay (LOS) from the index date to December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression and zero-inflated negative binomial regression were performed to identify differences in outcomes by depressive mood and frailty. RESULTS: Participants with depressive mood and frailty represented 50.9% and 2.4%, respectively. The prevalence of mortality and LTCS use in the overall participants was 7.1% and 3.0%, respectively. More than 3 hospital admissions (36.7%) and total LOS above 15 days (53.2%) were the most common. Depressive mood was associated with LTCS use [hazard ratio (HR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.42] and hospital admissions [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08]. Frailty had associations with mortality risk (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.44-2.68), LTCS use (HR 4.86, 95% CI 3.45-6.84), and LOS (IRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06-1.60). The coexistence of depressive mood and frailty was associated with increased LOS (IRR 1.55, 95% CI 1.16-2.07). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our findings highlight the need to focus on depressive mood and frailty to reduce mortality and HCU. Identifying combined problems in older adults may contribute to healthy aging by reducing adverse health outcomes and the burden of health care costs.

Optimization and Evaluation for the Capacitive Deionization Process of Wastewater Reuse in Combined Cycle Power Plants.

Combined cycle power plants (CCPPs) use large amounts of water withdrawn from nearby rivers and generate wastewater containing ions and pollutants. Despite the need for wastewater reclamation, few technologies can successfully convert the wastewater into make-up water for CCPPs. Therefore, this study aimed to apply capacitive deionization (CDI) for wastewater reclamation in CCPPs. Using a bench-scale experimental unit, which included ion exchange membranes and carbon electrodes, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the operating conditions of the CDI process to increase the total dissolved solids (TDS) removal and product water ratio. The optimal conditions were found to be a voltage of 1.5 V, a flow rate of 15 mL/min, and an adsorption/desorption ratio of 1:0.8. The changes in CDI performance with time were also studied, and the foulants on the membranes, spacers, and electrodes were examined to understand the fouling mechanism. The TDS removal decreased from 93.65% to 55.70% after 10 days of operation due to the deposition of scale and organic matter. After chemical cleaning, the TDS removal rate recovered to 93.02%, which is close to the initial condition.

Exploring Optimal Water Splitting Bifunctional Alloy Catalyst by Pareto Active Learning.

Design of bifunctional multimetallic alloy catalysts, which are one of the most promising candidates for water splitting, is a significant issue for the efficient production of renewable energy. Owing to large dimensions of the components and composition of multimetallic alloys, as well as the trade-off behavior in terms of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) overpotentials for bifunctional catalysts, it is difficult to search for high-performance bifunctional catalysts with multimetallic alloys using conventional trial-and-error experiments. Here, an optimal bifunctional catalyst for water splitting is obtained by combining Pareto active learning and experiments, where 110 experimental data points out of 77946 possible points lead to effective model development. The as-obtained bifunctional catalysts for HER and OER exhibit high performance, which is revealed by model development using Pareto active learning; among the catalysts, an optimal catalyst (Pt0.15 Pd0.30 Ru0.30 Cu0.25 ) exhibits a water splitting behavior of 1.56 V at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 . This study opens avenues for the efficient exploration of multimetallic alloys, which can be applied in multifunctional catalysts as well as in other applications.

Hierarchical Topography with Tunable Micro- and Nanoarchitectonics for Highly Enhanced Cardiomyocyte Maturation via Multi-Scale Mechanotransduction.

Enhancing cardiomyocyte (CM) maturation by topographical cues is a critical issue in cardiac tissue engineering. Thus far, single-scale topographies with a broad range of feature shapes and dimensions have been utilized including grooves, pillars, and fibers. This study reports for the first time a hierarchical structure composed of nano-pillars (nPs) on micro-wrinkles (µWs) for effective maturation of CMs. Through capillary force lithography followed by a wrinkling process, vast size ranges of topographies are fabricated, and the responses of CMs are systematically investigated. Maturation of CMs on the hierarchical structures is highly enhanced compared to a single-scale topography: cardiac differentiation of H9C2s (rat cardiomyocytes) on the hierarchical topography is ≈ 2.8 and ≈ 1.9 times higher than those consisting of single-scale µWs and nPs. Both nPs and µWs have important roles in cardiac maturation, and the aspect ratio (height/diameter) of the nPs and the wavelength of the µWs are important in CM maturation. This enhancement is caused by strong focal adhesion and nucleus mediated mechanotransduction of CMs from the confinement effects of the different wavelengths of µWs and the cellular membrane protrusion on the nPs. This study demonstrates how a large family of hierarchical structures is used for cardiac maturation.

Development of an Ecological Momentary Assessment-Triggered Text Message Library for Peripheral Artery Disease.

This study developed an ecological momentary assessment (EMA)-triggered text message library based on the behavior change wheel framework to encourage exercise engagement in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). This study was conducted in three steps. In Step 1, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 patients with PAD. Their accounts of their exercise experiences revealed six barriers and three facilitators through thematic analysis. In Step 2, based on the findings from the prior step, the EMA survey was developed; its items included barriers to exercise, PAD-related leg symptoms, and general conditions. In Step 3, intervention functions to overcome exercise barriers were mapped, and 120 text messages were generated. Responses to the exercise barriers in the EMA survey triggered the automatic text messages. Additional studies are needed to examine the end-user acceptability of the text message library and the effectiveness of EMA-triggered text message interventions.

Effects of salt type on the metabolites and microbial community in kimchi fermentation.

The taste of kimchi is greatly affected by the salt type used during fermentation. Here, we investigated the effects of salts with different mineral contents on the microbial community and metabolite profiles of fermented kimchi using multivariate statistical analysis. We evaluated different types of salt used to prepare kimchi, namely, solar salt aged for 1 year, solar salt aged for 3 years, dehydrated solar salt, and purified salt. The main microorganisms detected in kimchi were Weissella koreensis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Latilactobacillus sakei. Leuconostoc and Weissella were mainly present in kimchi supplemented with solar salt. However, a high proportion of L. sakei was present in kimchi supplemented with purified salt and dehydrated salt. Additionally, using GC-MS-based metabolite analysis, we revealed that the content of free sugars, organic acids, and amino acids differed in kimchi fermented with different salt types. Therefore, we demonstrated that salt type had a pronounced effect on the resultant microbial community and the type and concentration of metabolites present in fermented kimchi.

Effects of Serious Games on Depression in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a severe psychological concern that negatively affects health in older adults. Serious games applied in various fields are considered appropriate interventions, especially in mental health care. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effects of serious games on depression in older adults. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and effectiveness of serious games for depression in older adults. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted. In total, 5 electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library) were searched to identify relevant studies published until July 6, 2021. A total of 2 reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisals. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. For the meta-analysis, the effect size was calculated as the standardized mean difference (SMD) by using a random effects model. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies with 1280 older adults were included in the systematic review, and 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Serious game interventions were classified into 3 types: physical activity (PA), cognitive function, and both PA and cognitive function. The meta-analysis demonstrated that serious games reduced depression in older adults (SMD -0.54, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.29; P<.001). Serious games had a more significant effect size in community or home settings (SMD -0.61, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.26; P<.001) than in hospital settings (SMD -0.46, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.08; P=.02); however, the difference between groups was not significant. Among the types of games, games for PA (SMD -0.60, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.25; P<.001) and games for both (SMD -0.73, 95% CI -1.29 to -0.17; P=.01) had a significant effect on reducing depression in older adults. However, no significant correlations were observed between the duration or number of serious games and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Serious games were beneficial in reducing depression in older adults. Regardless of the study setting, serious games appeared to reduce depression. Particularly, serious games including PA had a significant impact on reducing depression. Furthermore, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish substantial evidence for the effectiveness of serious games on depression in older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021242573; https://tinyurl.com/26xf7ym5.

Measures of tonic and phasic activity of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system in children with autism spectrum disorder: An event-related potential and pupillometry study.

A growing body of research suggests that locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system may function differently in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding the dynamics of both tonic (resting pupil diameter) and phasic (pupil dilation response [PDR] and event-related potential [ERP]) indices may provide meaningful insights about the nature of LC-NE function in ASD. Twenty-four children with ASD and 27 age- and nonverbal-IQ matched typically developing (TD) children completed two experiments: (1) a resting eye-tracking task to measure tonic pupil diameter, and (2) a three-stimulus oddball paradigm to measure phasic responsivity using PDR and ERP. Consistent with prior reports, our results indicate that children with ASD exhibit increased tonic (resting pupil diameter) and reduced phasic (PDR and ERP) activity of the LC-NE system compared to their TD peers. For both groups, decreased phasic responsivity was associated with increased resting pupil diameter. Lastly, tonic and phasic LC-NE indices were primarily related to measures of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and not ASD, symptomatology. These findings expand our understanding of neurophysiological differences present in ASD and demonstrate that aberrant LC-NE activation may be associated with atypical arousal and decreased responsivity to behaviorally-relevant information in ASD.

Mobile health platform based on user-centered design to promote exercise for patients with peripheral artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a cardiovascular disease that can be improved by risk factor modification. Mobile health (mHealth) intervention is an effective method of healthcare delivery to promote behavior changes. An mHealth platform can encourage consistent involvement of participants and healthcare providers for health promotion. This study aimed to develop an mHealth platform consisting of a smartphone application (app) synchronized with a wearable activity tracker and a web-based portal to support exercise intervention in patients with PAD. METHODS: This study was conducted based on an iterative development process, including analysis, design, and implementation. In the analysis phase, a literature review and needs assessment through semi-structured interviews (n = 15) and a questionnaire-based survey (n = 138) were performed. The initial prototype design and contents were developed based on the users' requirements. In the implementation phase, multidisciplinary experts (n = 4) evaluated the heuristics, following which the mHealth platform was revised. User evaluation of the usability was performed by nurses (n = 4) and patients with PAD (n = 3). RESULTS: Through the development process, the functional requirements of the platform were represented through visual display, reminder, education, self-monitoring, goal setting, goal attainment, feedback, and recording. In-app videos of exercise and PAD management were produced to provide information and in-app automatic text messages were developed for user motivation. The final version of the platform was rated 67.86 out of 100, which indicated "good" usability. CONCLUSIONS: The mHealth platform was designed and developed for patients with PAD and their healthcare providers. This platform can be used to educate and promote individualized exercise among patients with PAD.

Oral administration of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia muciniphila strains from humans improves atopic dermatitis symptoms in DNCB induced NC/Nga mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease, and its pathogenesis is closely associated with microbial homeostasis in the gut, namely the gut-skin axis. Particularly, recent metagenomics studies revealed that the abundance of two major bacterial species in the gut, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia muciniphila, may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD, but the effect of these species in AD has not yet been elucidated. To evaluate the potential beneficial effect of F. prausnitzii or A. muciniphila in AD, we conducted an animal model study where F. prausnitzii EB-FPDK11 or A. muciniphila EB-AMDK19, isolated from humans, was orally administered to 2,5-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD models using NC/Nga mice at a daily dose of 108 CFUs/mouse for six weeks. As a result, the administration of each strain of F. prausnitzii and A. muciniphila improved AD-related markers, such as dermatitis score, scratching behavior, and serum immunoglobulin E level. Also, the F. prausnitzii and A. muciniphila treatments decreased the level of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), triggering the production of T helper (Th) 2 cytokines, and improved the imbalance between the Th1 and Th2 immune responses induced by DNCB. Meanwhile, the oral administration of the bacteria enhanced the production of filaggrin in the skin and ZO-1 in the gut barrier, leading to the recovery of functions. Taken together, our findings suggest that F. prausnitzii EB-FPDK11 and A. muciniphila EB-AMDK19 have a therapeutic potential in AD, which should be verified in humans.

Monitoring Wound Healing with Topically Applied Optical NanoFlare mRNA Nanosensors.

An effective wound management strategy needs accurate assessment of wound status throughout the whole healing process. This can be achieved by examining molecular biomarkers including proteins, DNAs, and RNAs. However, existing methods for quantifying these biomarkers such as immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction are usually laborious, resource-intensive, and disruptive. This article reports the development and utilization of mRNA nanosensors (i.e., NanoFlare) that are topically applied on cutaneous wounds to reveal the healing status through targeted and semi-quantitative examination of the mRNA biomarkers in skin cells. In 2D and 3D in vitro models, the efficacy and efficiency of these nanosensors are demonstrated in revealing the dynamic changes of mRNA biomarkers for different stages of wound development. In mouse models, this platform permits the tracking and identification of wound healing stages and a normal and diabetic wound healing process by wound healing index in real time.