Identifying a key spot for electron mediator-interaction to tailor CO dehydrogenase's affinity.

Fe‒S cluster-harboring enzymes, such as carbon monoxide dehydrogenases (CODH), employ sophisticated artificial electron mediators like viologens to serve as potent biocatalysts capable of cleaning-up industrial off-gases at stunning reaction rates. Unraveling the interplay between these enzymes and their associated mediators is essential for improving the efficiency of CODHs. Here we show the electron mediator-interaction site on ChCODHs (Ch, Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans) using a systematic approach that leverages the viologen-reactive characteristics of superficial aromatic residues. By enhancing mediator-interaction (R57G/N59L) near the D-cluster, the strategically tailored variants exhibit a ten-fold increase in ethyl viologen affinity relative to the wild-type without sacrificing the turn-over rate (kcat). Viologen-complexed structures reveal the pivotal positions of surface phenylalanine residues, serving as external conduits for the D-cluster to/from viologen. One variant (R57G/N59L/A559W) can treat a broad spectrum of waste gases (from steel-process and plastic-gasification) containing O2. Decoding mediator interactions will facilitate the development of industrially high-efficient biocatalysts encompassing gas-utilizing enzymes.

Comparison of Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir and Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1 and 2 in South Korea.

Background/Aims: This study compared the effectiveness and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) in real-life clinical practice. Methods: The data from genotype 1 or 2 chronic hepatitis C patients treated with GLE/PIB or sofosbuvir + ribavirin or SOF/LDV in South Korea were collected retrospectively. The analysis included the treatment completion rate, sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) test rate, treatment effectiveness, and adverse events. Results: Seven hundred and eighty-two patients with genotype 1 or 2 chronic hepatitis C who were treated with GLE/PIB (n=575) or SOF/LDV (n=207) were included in this retrospective study. The baseline demographic and clinical characteristics revealed significant statistical differences in age, genotype, ascites, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma between the GLE/PIB and SOF/LDV groups. Twenty-two patients did not complete the treatment protocol. The treatment completion rate was high for both regimens without statistical significance (97.7% vs. 95.7%, p=0.08). The overall SVR12 of intention-to-treat analysis was 81.2% vs. 80.7% without statistical significance (p=0.87). The overall SVR12 of per protocol analysis was 98.7% vs. 100% without statistical significance (p=0.14). Six patients treated with GLE/PIB experienced treatment failure. They were all male, genotype 2, and showed a negative hepatitis C virus RNA level at the end of treatment. Two patients treated with GLE/PIB stopped medication because of fever and abdominal discomfort. Conclusions: Both regimens had similar treatment completion rates, effectiveness, and safety profiles. Therefore, the SOF/LDV regimen can also be considered a viable DAA for the treatment of patients with genotype 1 or 2 chronic hepatitis C.

Deep learning-based image reconstruction for the multi-arterial phase images: improvement of the image quality to assess the small hypervascular hepatic tumor on gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI.

PURPOSE: To evaluated the impact of a deep learning (DL)-based image reconstruction on multi-arterial-phase magnetic resonance imaging (MA-MRI) for small hypervascular hepatic masses in patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 55 adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with small hepatic hypervascular mass (≤ 3 cm) between December 2022 and February 2023. All patients underwent MA-MRI, subsequently reconstructed with a DL-based application. Qualitative assessment with Linkert scale including motion artifact (MA), liver edge (LE), hepatic vessel clarity (HVC) and image quality (IQ) was performed. Quantitative image analysis including signal to noise ratio (SNR), contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and noise was performed. RESULTS: On both arterial phases (APs), all qualitative parameters were significantly improved after DL-based image reconstruction. (LE on 1st AP, 1.22 vs 1.61; LE on 2nd AP, 1.21 vs 1.65; HVC on 1st AP, 1.24 vs 1.39; HVC on 2nd AP, 1.24 vs 1.44; IQ on 1st AP, 1.17 vs 1.45; IQ on 2nd AP, 1.17 vs 1.47, all p values < 0.05). The SNR, CNR and noise were significantly improved after DL-based image reconstruction. (SNR on AP1, 279.08 vs 176.14; SNR on AP2, 334.34 vs 199.24; CNR on AP1, 106.09 vs 64.14; CNR on AP2, 129.66 vs 73.73; noise on AP1, 1.51 vs 2.33; noise on AP2, 1.45 vs 2.28, all p values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MA-MRI with DL-based image reconstruction improved the qualitative and quantitative parameters. Despite the short acquisition time, high-quality MA-MRI is now achievable.

Efficient regeneration of protoplasts from Solanum lycopersicum cultivar Micro-Tom.

Protoplast regeneration has become a key platform for genetic and genome engineering. However, we lack reliable and reproducible methods for efficient protoplast regeneration for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars. Here, we optimized cell and tissue culture methods for protoplast isolation, microcallus proliferation, shoot regeneration, and plantlet establishment of the tomato cultivar Micro-Tom. A thin layer of alginate was applied to protoplasts isolated from third to fourth true leaves and cultured at an optimal density of 1 × 105 protoplasts/ml. We determined the optimal culture media for protoplast proliferation, callus formation, de novo shoot regeneration, and root regeneration. Regenerated plantlets exhibited morphologically normal growth and sexual reproduction. The entire regeneration process, from protoplasts to flowering plants, was accomplished within 5 months. The optimized protoplast regeneration platform enables biotechnological applications, such as genome engineering, as well as basic research on plant regeneration in Solanaceae species.

Survival benefit of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced ampulla of Vater cancer.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no standard adjuvant therapy for patients with resected ampulla of Vater (AoV) cancer. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with advanced AoV cancer who underwent curative resection. METHODS: This single-centered, retrospective study included 29 patients with advanced AoV cancer who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2006 and 2018. The impact of CCRT on advanced AoV cancer was analyzed. RESULTS: The 1-, 3-, and 5-yr recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates for patients with advanced AoV cancer were 82.8%, 48.3%, and 40.8%, respectively, and the overall survival (OS) rates were 89.7%, 62.1%, and 51.7%, respectively. Lymphovascular invasion was found to be a significant risk factor for RFS and OS in patients with advanced AoV cancer in the univariate analysis, whereas T stage and lymph node metastasis were significantly associated with OS in the multivariate analysis. Compared to the patients who did not receive adjuvant CCRT, those who received adjuvant CCRT did not show statistically significant improvements in the RFS and OS, although they had a significantly lower average age and significantly higher platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant CCRT did not improve survival outcomes in patients with advanced AoV cancer. These findings contribute to existing knowledge on the effectiveness of CCRT in this patient population and provide important insights for clinical decision-making.

Ultrasonographic assessment of abnormal fetal growth related to uteroplacental-fetal biometrics and Doppler (U-AID) indices: Protocol for multicenter retrospective cohort study trial.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is one of the leading causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Many studies have reported an association between FGR and fetal Doppler indices focusing on umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and ductus venosus (DV). The uteroplacental-fetal circulation which affects the fetal growth consists of not only UA, MCA, and DV, but also umbilical vein (UV), placenta and uterus itself. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of large-scale cohort studies that have assessed the association between UV, uterine wall, and placental thickness with perinatal outcomes in FGR, in conjunction with all components of the uteroplacental-fetal circulation. Therefore, this multicenter study will evaluate the association among UV absolute flow, placental thickness, and uterine wall thickness and adverse perinatal outcome in FGR fetuses. This multicenter retrospective cohort study will include singleton pregnant women who undergo at least one routine fetal ultrasound scan during routine antepartum care. Pregnant women with fetuses having structural or chromosomal abnormalities will be excluded. The U-AID indices (UtA, UA, MCA, and UV flow, placental and uterine wall thickness, and estimated fetal body weight) will be measured during each trimester of pregnancy. The study population will be divided into two groups: (1) FGR group (pregnant women with FGR fetuses) and (2) control group (those with normal growth fetus). We will assess the association between U-AID indices and adverse perinatal outcomes in the FGR group and the difference in U-AID indices between the two groups.

Clinical impact of ampulla of Vater cancer subtype classification based on immunohistochemical staining.

BACKGROUND: The histological subtype is an important prognostic factor for ampulla of Vater (AoV) cancer. This study proposes a classification system for the histological subtyping of AoV cancer based on immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and its prognostic significance. METHODS: Seventy-five AoV cancers were analyzed for cytokeratin 7 (CK7), CK20, and causal-type homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2) expression by IHC staining. We differentiated the subtypes (INT, intestinal; PB, pancreatobiliary; MIX, mixed; NOS, not otherwise specified) into classification I: CK7/CK20, classification II: CK7/CK20 or CDX2, classification III: CK7/CDX2 and examined their associations with clinicopathological factors. RESULTS: Classifications I, II, and III subtypes were INT (7, 10, and 10 cases), PB (43, 37, and 38 cases), MIX (13, 19, and 18 cases), and NOS (12, 9, and 9 cases). Significant differences in disease-free survival among the subtypes were observed in classifications II and III using CDX2; the PB and NOS subtype exhibited shorter survival time compared with INT subtype. In classification III, an association was revealed between advanced T/N stage, poor differentiation, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), the PB and NOS subtypes, and recurrence risk. In classification III, the subtypes differed significantly in T/N stage and LVI. Patients with the PB subtype had advanced T and N stages and a higher incidence of LVI. CONCLUSIONS: Classification using CDX2 revealed subtypes with distinct prognostic significance. Combining CK7 and CDX2 or adding CDX2 to CK7/CK20 is useful for distinguishing subtypes, predicting disease outcomes, and impacting the clinical management of patients with AoV cancer.

Effect of Microstructural Change under Pressure during Isostatic Pressing on Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Isotropic Carbon Blocks.

In this study, carbon blocks were fabricated using isotropic coke and coal tar pitch as raw materials, with a variation in pressure during cold isostatic pressing (CIP). The CIP pressure was set to 50, 100, 150, and 200 MPa, and the effect of the CIP pressure on the mechanical and electrical properties of the resulting carbon blocks was analyzed. Microstructural observations confirmed that, after the kneading, the surface of isotropic coke was covered with the pitch components. Subsequently, after the CIP, granules, which were larger than isotropic coke and the kneaded particles, were observed. The formation of these granules was attributed to the coalescence of kneaded particles under the applied pressing pressure. This granule formation was accompanied by the development of pores, some remaining within the granules, while others were extruded, thereby existing externally. The increase in the applied pressing pressure facilitated the formation of granules, and this microstructural development contributed to enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. At a pressing pressure of 100 MPa, the maximum flexural strength was achieved at 33.3 MPa, and the minimum electrical resistivity was reached at 60.1 µΩm. The higher the pressing pressure, the larger the size of the granules. Pores around the granules tended to connect and grow larger, forming crack-like structures. This microstructural change led to degraded mechanical and electrical properties. The isotropic ratio of the carbon blocks obtained in this study was estimated based on the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The results confirmed that all carbon blocks obtained proved to be isotropic. In this study, a specimen type named CIP-100 exhibited the best performance in every aspect as an isotropic carbon block.

Tunnel engineering of gas-converting enzymes for inhibitor retardation and substrate acceleration.

Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH), formate dehydrogenase (FDH), hydrogenase (H2ase), and nitrogenase (N2ase) are crucial enzymatic catalysts that facilitate the conversion of industrially significant gases such as CO, CO2, H2, and N2. The tunnels in the gas-converting enzymes serve as conduits for these low molecular weight gases to access deeply buried catalytic sites. The identification of the substrate tunnels is imperative for comprehending the substrate selectivity mechanism underlying these gas-converting enzymes. This knowledge also holds substantial value for industrial applications, particularly in addressing the challenges associated with separation and utilization of byproduct gases. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the emerging field of tunnel engineering, presenting a range of approaches and analyses. Additionally, we propose methodologies for the systematic design of enzymes, with the ultimate goal of advancing protein engineering strategies.

Hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as organized liver abscess: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is difficult to treat and has a high mortality rate, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. If characteristic radiologic findings and underlying liver disease are present, a diagnosis can be made without a biopsy. However, when HCC is accompanied by a liver abscess, diagnosis might be delayed by atypical radiologic findings. This case report aims to assist in the diagnosis of HCC, which can manifest in various forms. CASE SUMMARY: A 75-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with worsening fever and mental changes. He was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis six months earlier. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) raised our suspicion of an organized liver abscess. A follow-up CT scan after four weeks of antibiotic treatment showed a decrease in the liver lesion size. However, high fever recurred, and C-reactive protein increased to 14 mg/L. Aspiration of the liver lesion was performed, but no bacteria were identified. Blood culture revealed the presence of fungi. The patient received an additional four weeks of antibiotics and antifungal agents before being discharged. Approximately 10 mo later, a CT scan showed an increase in the lesion size, and biopsy was performed. The biopsy revealed an organized abscess with focal carcinomatous changes, for which surgery was performed. Postoperative histopathological examination revealed HCC, clear-cell variant. The nontumor liver tissue showed cirrhosis and an organized abscess. CONCLUSION: Even if a liver abscess is suspected in a patient with cirrhosis, the possibility of HCC should be considered.

Rice Basic Helix-Loop-Helix 079 (OsbHLH079) Delays Leaf Senescence by Attenuating ABA Signaling.

Leaf senescence represents the final phase of leaf development and is characterized by a highly organized degenerative process involving the active translocation of nutrients from senescing leaves to growing tissues or storage organs. To date, a large number of senescence-associated transcription factors (sen-TFs) have been identified that regulate the initiation and progression of leaf senescence. Many of these TFs, including NAC (NAM/ATAF1/2/CUC2), WRKY, and MYB TFs, have been implicated in modulating the expression of downstream senescence-associated genes (SAGs) and chlorophyll degradation genes (CDGs) under the control of phytohormones. However, the involvement of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) TFs in leaf senescence has been less investigated. Here, we show that OsbHLH079 delays both natural senescence and dark-induced senescence: Overexpression of OsbHLH079 led to a stay-green phenotype, whereas osbhlh079 knockout mutation displayed accelerated leaf senescence. Similar to other sen-TFs, OsbHLH079 showed a gradual escalation in expression as leaves underwent senescence. During this process, the mRNA levels of SAGs and CDGs remained relatively low in OsbHLH079 overexpressors, but increased sharply in osbhlh079 mutants, suggesting that OsbHLH079 negatively regulates the transcription of SAGs and CDGs under senescence conditions. Additionally, we found that OsbHLH079 delays ABA-induced senescence. Subsequent RT-qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that OsbHLH079 downregulates the expression of ABA signaling genes, such as OsABF2, OsABF4, OsABI5, and OsNAP. Taken together, these results demonstrate that OsbHLH079 functions in delaying leaf yellowing by attenuating the ABA responses.

Intracellular Growth Inhibition and Host Immune Modulation of 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole in Murine Brucellosis.

Catalase, an antioxidant enzyme widely produced in mammalian cells and bacteria, is crucial to mitigating oxidative stress in hostile environments. This function enhances the intracellular survivability of various intracellular growth pathogens, including Brucella (B.) abortus. In this study, to determine whether the suppression of catalase can inhibit the intracellular growth of B. abortus, we employed 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-AT), a catalase inhibitor, in both RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and an ICR mouse model during Brucella infection. The intracellular growth assay indicated that 3-AT exerts growth-inhibitory effects on B. abortus within macrophages. Moreover, it contributes to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the formation of nitric oxide. Notably, 3-AT diminishes the activation of the nucleus transcription factor (NF-κB) and modulates the cytokine secretion within infected cells. In our mouse model, the administration of 3-AT reduced the B. abortus proliferation within the spleens and livers of infected mice. This reduction was accompanied by a diminished immune response to infection, as indicated by the lowered levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 and altered CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio. These results suggest the protective and immunomodulatory effects of 3-AT treatment against Brucella infection.

Quantitative electroencephalography as a potential biomarker in migraine.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) as a diagnostic tool for migraine and as an indicator of treatment response by comparing QEEG characteristics between migraine patients and controls, and monitoring changes in these characteristics alongside clinical symptoms in response to treatment BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that patients with migraine exhibit distinctive characteristics in QEEG measurements, which could be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers and as a tool for monitoring treatment response. METHODS: A total of 720 patients were included in the study, comprising 619 patients with migraine and 101 subjects as a control group. QEEG measurements were analyzed for absolute power across specific frequency bands: delta wave (0.5-4 Hz), theta wave (4-8 Hz), alpha wave (8-12 Hz), beta wave (12-25 Hz), and high beta wave (25-30 Hz). The absolute power was normalized against a normative dataset from NeuroGuide, with electrodes being highlighted for significance if they exceeded 1.96. Clinical symptoms were also monitored for correlation with QEEG changes. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that patients with migraine exhibited significantly higher absolute power across all frequencies, most markedly within the high beta frequency range. When considering electrodes with z-scores exceeding the threshold of 1.96 in the high beta range, a significant association with migraine diagnosis was observed (per 1 electrode increase, OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01-1.11; p = .012). Moreover, pre- and posttreatment changes in QEEG measurements corresponded with changes in clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: Patients with migraine have distinctive QEEG measurements, particularly regarding absolute power and the number of electrodes that surpassed the z-score threshold in high beta wave activity. These findings suggest the potential of QEEG as a diagnostic biomarker and as a tool for monitoring treatment response in migraine patients, warranting further large-scale studies for confirmation and expansion.

Clinicopathological characteristics of extrahepatic biliary neuroendocrine neoplasms in the gallbladder, extrahepatic biliary tract, and ampulla of Vater: A single-center cross-sectional study.

Backgrounds/Aims: In 2019, the grading and staging system for neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) was significantly changed. In this study, we report the clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients with extrahepatic biliary NENs who underwent curative resection with or without adjuvant treatment. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a database of 16 patients who developed NENs, neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), and mixed endocrine non-endocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) after curative resection. Among them, eight patients had ampulla of Vater (AoV) tumors, and eight patients had non-AoV tumors. Results: G1 and G2 were more frequently observed in the AoV group than in the non-AoV group (12.5% and 62.5%, respectively). In contrast, NEC and MiNEN were more common in the non-AoV group (50.0%). High Ki-67 index (> 20%) and perineural invasion (PNI) were more frequently observed in the non-AoV group. Advanced age (> 65 years), mitotic count > 20 per 2 mm2, and Ki-67 index > 20% were strongly correlated with patient survival (p = 0.018, 0.009, and 0.044, respectively). Advanced age (> 65 years) and mitotic count > 20 per 2 mm2 were significantly correlated with disease recurrence (p = 0.033 and 0.010, respectively). Conclusions: AoV and non-AoV tumors had significant differences in the histologic grade, Ki67, and PNI. Patients with non-AoV tumors had an increased risk for survival and recurrence than those in the AoV group. For extrahepatic biliary NENs, early detection of tumors, adequate surgery, and aggressive adjuvant treatment for high-risk patients are important to achieve long-term survival and prevent disease recurrence.

Micro-level Factors Associated with Youth Drug Use Among an Urban at-Risk Youth Sample.

BACKGROUND: Youth drug use has reached global epidemic proportions with unequal distribution among communities with low income, immigrants, or ethnic status. PURPOSE: This study seeks to understand the association between micro-level factors and youth drug use behavior among 2693 low-income, ethnic, and immigrant youths in Pomona, CA, USA. The study uneath's unique evidence and intervention elements necessary to resolve youth drug use in Pomona. METHODS: We used social cognitive theory as a conceptual framework, and performed correlation and multiple linear regression analysis in a cross-sectional design. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results reveal that attitudes, perceptions, and behavior related to friends, participants, family, and adults in the participant's life and ease of access to drugs are associated with youth drug use. Variables related to friends and participants show a relatively stronger association with youth drug use in comparison to variables related to parents and adults in participants' lives. Equally, drug and non-drug antisocial behavior of friends and participants show a stronger association with youth drug use relative to prosocial behavior. Also, when a diverse set of predictor variables are combined together, their association to the outcome variable is stronger than that of a single variable. RECOMMENDATIONS: Future interventions in Pomona should prioritize strategies which target participants and friends over activities targeting parents and adults. Interventions targeting antisocial behavior should be prioritized over prosocial behavior. Program implementers should also develop unique evidence and tools which will help parents influence the drug use behavior of youths in Pomona and similar communities.

Periodontitis promotes bacterial extracellular vesicle-induced neuroinflammation in the brain and trigeminal ganglion.

Gram-negative bacteria derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), also known as outer membrane vesicles, have attracted significant attention due to their pathogenic roles in various inflammatory diseases. We recently demonstrated that EVs secreted by the periodontopathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and that their extracellular RNA cargo can promote the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, in the brain. To gain more insight into the relationship between periodontal disease (PD) and neuroinflammatory diseases, we investigated the effect of Aa EVs in a mouse model of ligature-induced PD. When EVs were administered through intragingival injection or EV-soaked gel, proinflammatory cytokines were strongly induced in the brains of PD mice. The use of TLR (Toll-like receptor)-reporter cell lines and MyD88 knockout mice confirmed that the increased release of cytokines was triggered by Aa EVs via TLR4 and TLR8 signaling pathways and their downstream MyD88 pathway. Furthermore, the injection of EVs through the epidermis and gingiva resulted in the direct retrograde transfer of Aa EVs from axon terminals to the cell bodies of trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons and the subsequent activation of TG neurons. We also found that the Aa EVs changed the action potential of TG neurons. These findings suggest that EVs derived from periodontopathogens such as Aa might be involved in pathogenic pathways for neuroinflammatory diseases, neuropathic pain, and other systemic inflammatory symptoms as a comorbidity of periodontitis.

Couple-Oriented Interventions for Mental Health: A Scoping Review.

The purpose of this research was to systematically examine and collate evidence on couple-oriented interventions for mental health to identify trends in the literature, review research strategies, and suggest directions for future research. A systematic search included studies relating to couple-oriented interventions for preventing mental disorders and/or promoting mental health. We identified a total of 52 studies, which included 55 articles. Our findings revealed that interventions were delivered through various modes, including face-to-face, telephone, and online, with the majority of couple-oriented interventions operating in conjoint sessions. The most common intervention was for selective prevention targeting patients with cancer and their partners. This review provided evidence of the applicability of theoretical frameworks, dyad analysis, and measurements associated with couple-oriented interventions. Findings can help family nurse practitioners and health care professionals advance strategies to develop and implement evidence-based, couple-oriented interventions for primary prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health.