Comparison of Clinical Outcomes in the Slow-Developing Blastocysts With or Without Preimplantation Genetic Testing-Aneuploidy on Day 6 in the Frozen-Thawed Cycle.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the potential of the slow-developing blastocysts using preimplantation genetic testing-aneuploidy (PGT-A) in patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer, stratified by age. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed including a total of 743 cycles, the first frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle with single embryo transfer, who underwent treatment between January 2020 and July 2023 in a single fertility centre, Gangnam CHA Fertility Center. A total of 743 cycles, in which we performed intracellular sperm injection and freeze-all strategy, from 743 patients were included. The patient group was divided into 4 groups as follows: group 1 (G1), 208 FET on day 5; group 2 (G2), 177 FET with PGT-A on day 5; group 3 (G3), 220 FET on day 6; group 4 (G4), 138 FET with PGT-A on day 6. We also divided into 2 groups-under 35 years of age and over 35 years of age-and performed the analysis separately for each group. RESULTS: In the under 35 years of age group, there were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates in G1 and G2 (67.2% vs. 63.8%, not statistically significantly different). Also, G4 had a higher clinical pregnancy rate than G3, but it was not significant (51.8% vs. 54.7%, not statistically significantly different). In the 35 years or older group, G2 had higher pregnancy rates than G1 and lower miscarriage rates (clinical pregnancy rate: 43.3% vs. 67.7%, P = 0.001, miscarriage rate: 22.5% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.001). In addition, G4 had a higher pregnancy rate than G3 and a lower miscarriage rate (clinical pregnancy rate: 31.8% vs. 46.9%, P = 0.003, miscarriage rate: 22.9% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: In the under-35-year-old group, PGT-A on day 5 and day 6 showed a high pregnancy rate and a low miscarriage rate. Therefore, using PGT-A seems advantageous for patients of an advanced maternal age.

Yohimbine Inhibits PDGF-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration via FOXO3a Factor.

Yohimbine (YHB) has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardiac function-enhancing properties. Additionally, it has been reported to inhibit the proliferation, migration, and neointimal formation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation by suppressing the phospholipase C-gamma 1 pathway. However, the transcriptional regulatory mechanism of YHB controlling the behavior of VSMCs is not fully understood. In this study, YHB downregulated the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins, such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), and cyclin E, by modulating the transcription factor FOXO3a in VSMCs induced by PDGF. Furthermore, YHB decreased p-38 and mTOR phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, YHB significantly reduced the phosphorylation at Y397 and Y925 sites of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and this effect was greater at the Y925 site than Y397. In addition, the expression of paxillin, a FAK-associated protein known to bind to the Y925 site of FAK, was significantly reduced by YHB treatment in a dose-dependent manner. A pronounced reduction in the migration and proliferation of VSMCs was observed following co-treatment of YHB with mTOR or p38 inhibitors. In conclusion, this study shows that YHB inhibits the PDGF-induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs by regulating the transcription factor FOXO3a and the mTOR/p38/FAK signaling pathway. Therefore, YHB may be a potential therapeutic candidate for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and vascular restenosis.

Ultra-Fast Vitrification: Minimizing the Toxicity of Cryoprotective Agents and Osmotic Stress in Mouse Oocyte Cryopreservation.

Globally, women have been adopting oocyte cryopreservation (OC) for fertility preservation for various reasons, such as inevitable gonadotoxic treatment for specific pathologic states and social preferences. While conventional vitrification (C-VIT) has improved the success rate of OC, challenges of possible toxicities of high-concentration cryoprotective agents and osmotic stress persist. To overcome these challenges, we evaluated the ultra-fast vitrification (UF-VIT) method, which reduces the equilibration solution stage exposure time compared to C-VIT by observing mouse oocyte intracellular organelles and embryonic development. Consequently, compared to fresh mouse oocytes, UF-VIT presented significant differences only in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) intensity and mitochondrial (MT) distribution. Meanwhile, C-VIT showed substantial differences in the survival rate, key ER and MT parameters, and embryonic development rate. UF-VIT exhibited considerably fewer negative effects on key MT parameters and resulted in a notably higher blastocyst formation rate than C-VIT. Meiotic spindle (spindle and chromosomes) morphology showed no significant changes between the groups during vitrification/warming (VW), suggesting that VW did not negatively affect the meiotic spindle of the oocytes. In conclusion, UF-VIT seems more effective in OC owing to efficient cytoplasmic water molecule extraction, osmotic stress reduction, and minimization of cell contraction and expansion amplitude, thus compensating for the drawbacks of C-VIT.

Akt, IL-4, and STAT Proteins Play Distinct Roles in Prostaglandin Production in Human Follicular Dendritic Cell-like Cells.

This study aimed to explore the role of Akt protein in the induction and inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) in human follicular dendritic cell (FDC)-like cells. FDC-like cells and B cells were isolated from human tonsils. PG production was assessed using enzyme immunoassay, while the upstream cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein levels were measured using immunoblotting with FDC-like cells transfected with Akt siRNA to analyze the impact of Akt knockdown. The COX-2 expression and PG production induced with IL-1ß were significantly increased by Akt knockdown. However, IL-1ß did not significantly alter either total or phosphorylated Akt protein levels. Akt knockdown resulted in the augmentation of COX-2 expression induced by B cells, although the addition of B cells did not significantly modulate both total and phosphorylated Akt proteins. In contrast, IL-4 specifically exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on COX-2 protein induction and PG production via STAT6. The inhibitory activity of IL-4 was not hampered by Akt knockdown. Interestingly, COX-2 expression levels induced with IL-1ß were markedly modulated with STAT1 and STAT3 knockdown. STAT1 silencing resulted in further augmentation of COX-2, whereas STAT3 silencing prohibited IL-1ß from stimulating COX-2 expression. The current results suggest that Akt, IL-4, and STAT1 play inhibitory roles in PG production in FDC-like cells and expand our knowledge of the immune inflammatory milieu.

Effect of sperm selection using hyaluronan on fertilization and quality of cleavage-stage embryos in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles of couples with severe teratozoospermia.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hyaluronan-selected/physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI) on fertilization and quality of cleavage-stage embryos in infertile couples with ≤1% of spermatozoa with normal strict morphology (severe teratozoospermia). Seventy-seven couples underwent PICSI between October 2017 and December 2018 (PICSI group), while 75 couples underwent conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) between January 2016 and September 2017 (ICSI group). Good quality embryos (GQEs) were evaluated based on morphology. Patient and cycle characteristics were comparable between the PICSI and ICSI groups, except for age and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level (38.4 ± 3.9 years vs. 36.3 ± 4.3 years, p = .002 and 2.06 ± 1.99 ng/mL vs. 2.97 ± 3.25 ng/mL, p = .040). The fertilization rate per oocyte inseminated and GQE rate were significantly higher in the PICSI group than in the ICSI group (82.7% vs. 71.7%, p ˂ .001 and 52.8% vs. 34.0%, p ˂ .001). Furthermore, the absence of GQEs was found to be lower in the PICSI group (13.0% vs. 30.7%, p = .008). Multivariate analysis adjusted for age and AMH level identified PICSI as an unfavorable and independent factor for the absence of GQEs (adjusted odds ratio, 0.333; 95% confidence interval, 0.125-0.890). PICSI seems to be superior to ICSI in terms of fertilization and embryo quality in couples with severe teratozoospermia.

Effect of digital scans on marginal and internal discrepancies of zirconia crowns.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A few studies have compared the accuracy of newly introduced intraoral scanners (IOSs); however, limited evidence is available concerning which system provides the best marginal and internal adaptation of zirconia crowns. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the marginal and internal discrepancies of zirconia crowns fabricated with 4 digital scanners by a silicone replica technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A maxillary central incisor was prepared for a ceramic crown and duplicated to form 10 metal abutments. Four groups of zirconia crowns with different scanning methods were produced for each die: 1 laboratory scanner, L (Ceramill Map 400), and 3 different IOSs, CS (CS3600), TR (TRIOS3), and CE (CEREC Omnicam). The marginal and internal discrepancies were measured by a silicone replica technique under a static load of 50 N. The replica specimens were sectioned buccolingually and mesiodistally and then examined by using a stereomicroscope (JTZ-7XT) at ×200 magnification. Fifteen reference points were measured on each specimen. One-way ANOVAs with the Duncan multiple range tests were used for statistical analysis of the data (α=.05). RESULTS: The mean marginal discrepancies of zirconia crowns were 12.7 µm for group L, 12.6 µm for group CS, 14.8 µm for group TR, and 15.8 µm for group CE. No significant differences were found in marginal and incisal discrepancies among 4 groups. However, groups CS and L showed significantly better cervical and axial discrepancies than groups TR and CE. Group TR showed significantly better axial discrepancy than group CE. CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia crowns made by using the CS3600 and the laboratory scanner with a conventional impression showed significantly better internal discrepancies than those made by using TRIOS3 and CEREC Omnicam.

Fit of lithium disilicate crowns fabricated from conventional and digital impressions assessed with micro-CT.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although the number of lithium disilicate crowns fabricated with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology has increased, the accuracy of the prostheses produced by using digital pathways remains unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare marginal and internal discrepancies of lithium disilicate crowns fabricated from digital and conventional impressions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A typodont mandibular first molar was prepared for a lithium disilicate crown, and 20 duplicate dies were fabricated by milling poly(methyl methacrylate) resin blocks from laboratory scans. Four groups of 5 lithium disilicate crowns each were created by using a CS3500 (Carestream Dental) intraoral digital impression; Trios (3shape) intraoral digital impression; Ceramill Map400 (Amann Girrbach) extraoral digital impression; and a heat-press technique as a control group. All of the IPS e.max CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent AG) crowns were produced using a 5-axis milling engine (Ceramill Motion2). The lithium disilicate crowns were cemented with zinc phosphate cement under finger pressure. Marginal and internal discrepancies were measured using micro-computed tomography (SkyScan1172). One-way ANOVAs with the Tukey honest significant differences test were used for statistical analysis of the data (α=.05). RESULTS: The mean marginal discrepancies of CS3500 lithium disilicate crowns were 129.6 µm, 200.9 µm for Ceramill Map400, and 207.8 µm 176.1 µm for the heat-press technique; and the internal discrepancy volumes for CS3500 were 25.3 mm3, 40.7 mm3 for Trios, 29.1 mm3 for Ceramill Map400, and 29.1 and 31.4 mm3 for the heat-press technique. The CS3500 group showed a significantly better marginal discrepancy than the other 3 groups and a smaller internal discrepancy volume than the Trios group (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were found between IPS e.max CAD crowns produced using 2 intraoral digital impressions, whereas no differences were found between IPS e.max CAD crowns produced from an extraoral digital impression and IPS e.max Press crowns produced using a heat-press technique.

Production of novel vinegar having antioxidant and anti-fatigue activities from Salicornia herbacea L.

BACKGROUND: Salicornia herbacea L. is a halophyte that grows in salt marshes and contains significant amounts of salts and minerals. Because it is known as a folk medication to treat diseases, various processed products such as powder, globular type of powder, laver and extract have been developed. However, it is difficult to process as a drink because of its high salinity. In the present study, glasswort vinegar (GV) containing high amounts of organic acids and minerals was developed via two-step fermentation with unpolished rice substrates and investigated its antioxidant and anti-fatigue activities. RESULTS: GV showed various free radical scavenging effects, reducing power, oxidized-LDL inhibition and superoxide dismutase-like activities. Compared with the control group (orally administered 7 g kg(-1) distilled water), the GV supplementation group showed increased running endurance and had higher glycogen accumulation in liver and muscles of rats exhausted by exercise. Furthermore, the GV-administered group demonstrated significantly elevated lactate and ATP metabolism, promoting enzyme activities such as muscle creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, whereas serum fatigue biomarkers such as ammonia, lactate and inorganic acid were markedly decreased. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that GV can be used as a functional food for the development of a dietary beverage to alleviate fatigue.

Mechanism of 1-Cys type methionine sulfoxide reductase A regeneration by glutaredoxin.

Glutaredoxin (Grx), a major redox regulator, can act as a reductant of methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA). However, the biochemical mechanisms involved in MsrA activity regeneration by Grx remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the regeneration mechanism of 1-Cys type Clostridium oremlandii MsrA (cMsrA) lacking a resolving Cys residue in a Grx-dependent assay. Kinetic analysis showed that cMsrA could be reduced by both monothiol and dithiol Grxs as efficiently as by in vitro reductant dithiothreitol. Our data revealed that the catalytic Cys sulfenic acid intermediate is not glutathionylated in the presence of the substrate, and that Grx instead directly formed a complex with cMsrA. Mass spectrometry analysis identified a disulfide bond between the N-terminal catalytic Cys of the active site of Grx and the catalytic Cys of cMsrA. This mixed disulfide bond could be resolved by glutathione. Based on these findings, we propose a model for regeneration of 1-Cys type cMsrA by Grx that involves no glutathionylation on the catalytic Cys of cMsrA. This mechanism contrasts with that of the previously known 1-Cys type MsrB.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Gobionotothen gibberifrons (Perciformes, Nototheniidae).

The humped rockcod, Gobionotothen gibberifrons, is an Antarctic fish of the genus Gobionotothen in the family Nototheniidae and order Perciformes. To date, little biological information has been recorded about the genus Gobionotothen. Here, we report the first complete mitogenome of the genus Gobionotothen. The mitochondrial genome of G. gibberifrons is 18,631 bp in length, comprising 13 protein-coding genes, 24 tRNA genes (trnP-UGG and trnT-UGU were duplicated), 2 rRNA genes, and non-coding control regions. The base composition was 53.74% for A + T and 46.26% for G + C. This new mitochondrial genome of G. gibberifrons provides basic information for further phylogenetic analysis, suggesting the necessity to exploit a variety of newly discovered mitogenome sequences to infer inconclusive evolutionary relationships in Antarctic fishes.

Structure of Nm23-H1 under oxidative conditions.

Nm23-H1/NDPK-A, a tumour metastasis suppressor, is a multifunctional housekeeping enzyme with nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity. Hexameric Nm23-H1 is required for suppression of tumour metastasis and it is dissociated into dimers under oxidative conditions. Here, the crystal structure of oxidized Nm23-H1 is presented. It reveals the formation of an intramolecular disulfide bond between Cys4 and Cys145 that triggers a large conformational change that destabilizes the hexameric state. The dependence of the dissociation dynamics on the H2O2 concentration was determined using hydrogen/deuterium-exchange experiments. The quaternary conformational change provides a suitable environment for the oxidation of Cys109 to sulfonic acid, as demonstrated by peptide sequencing using nanoUPLC-ESI-q-TOF tandem MS. From these and other data, it is proposed that the molecular and cellular functions of Nm23-H1 are regulated by a series of oxidative modifications coupled to its oligomeric states and that the modified cysteines are resolvable by NADPH-dependent reduction systems. These findings broaden the understanding of the complicated enzyme-regulatory mechanisms that operate under oxidative conditions.

Novel oxidative modifications in redox-active cysteine residues.

Redox-active cysteine, a highly reactive sulfhydryl, is one of the major targets of ROS. Formation of disulfide bonds and other oxidative derivatives of cysteine including sulfenic, sulfinic, and sulfonic acids, regulates the biological function of various proteins. We identified novel low-abundant cysteine modifications in cellular GAPDH purified on 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) by employing selectively excluded mass screening analysis for nano ultraperformance liquid chromatography-electrospray-quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry, in conjunction with MODi and MODmap algorithm. We observed unexpected mass shifts (Δm=-16, -34, +64, +87, and +103 Da) at redox-active cysteine residue in cellular GAPDH purified on 2D-PAGE, in oxidized NDP kinase A, peroxiredoxin 6, and in various mitochondrial proteins. Mass differences of -16, -34, and +64 Da are presumed to reflect the conversion of cysteine to serine, dehydroalanine (DHA), and Cys-SO2-SH respectively. To determine the plausible pathways to the formation of these products, we prepared model compounds and examined the hydrolysis and hydration of thiosulfonate (Cys-S-SO2-Cys) either to DHA (Δm=-34 Da) or serine along with Cys-SO2-SH (Δm=+64 Da). We also detected acrylamide adducts of sulfenic and sulfinic acids (+87 and +103 Da). These findings suggest that oxidations take place at redox-active cysteine residues in cellular proteins, with the formation of thiosulfonate, Cys-SO2-SH, and DHA, and conversion of cysteine to serine, in addition to sulfenic, sulfinic and sulfonic acids of reactive cysteine.

Exploring the benefits of inoculated cowpeas under different climatic conditions in Namibia.

Cowpeas (Vigna uniculata L. Walp) are grown by many smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa for food and their ability to fix nitrogen even under stress. Their performance depends on the indigenous rhizobial strains that live in symbiotic association with the roots; it can be enhanced if the seeds are inoculated with more effective ones. Data of the effectiveness of the technique under a variety of climatic conditions is rare. Here, we thus use a model to upscale two field experiments conducted in Namibia to include different climate change scenarios. The simulations show that non-inoculated cowpeas have mean yields of 0.5 t/ha and inoculated cowpeas 1 t/ha. If climatic conditions are favorable (cool and wet), estimated yield differences increase to over 1 t/ha. In dry years (< 200 mm), the average yield difference is only 0.1 t/ha. In the far future (2080-2100), instances of dry and hot years will increase. Using inoculated cowpea seeds instead of non-inoculated ones thus does not benefit farmers as much then as in the near future (2030-2050). In conclusion, using cowpea seeds inoculated with an efficient rhizobial strain can significantly increase yields under varying climatic conditions, but yield advantages decrease markedly in very dry and hot years.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Trematomus newnesi (Perciformes, Nototheniidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of Trematomus newnesi was sequenced using an Illumina platform. The 18,602 bp mitogenome contains 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNAs, and 23 tRNAs (tRNAMet is duplicated). The eight stop codons are TAA, TAG, CTT, GTA, AAT, ACT, AGG, and TTA. Two start codons ATG and GTG are present. The GC content is 44.4% and AT content is 55.6%. A phylogenetic tree was generated using 13 species from three families. The results showed that T. newnesi is closely related to Pagothenia borchgrevinki in Nototheniidae. This study provides fundamental data for further genetic evolutionary studies on T. newnesi.

Recurrence of Classic Scabies in a Patient Who had Unchanged Tie String of the T-Cannula.

A 64-year old woman who underwent lung transplantation and had T-cannula contracted classic scabies from her daughter. The patient was treated with 5% permethrin 10 times and had two consecutive negative follow-up microscopic examinations. However, the patient had recurrent symptoms and diagnosed with recurrent classic scabies 22 days after the last treatment. Unchanged tie string and unapplied topical agent around the T-cannula skin lesion may be reasons for recurrence. Thus, accurate application of topical treatment and changing the tie string of the t-cannula is needed to prevent a recurrence.

Development of an End-of-Life Nursing Care Protocol for Intensive Care Units: Delphi Survey Method.

Because of the lack of guidelines and standardized protocols for end-of-life nursing care in intensive care units in Korea, many nurses have reported facing difficulties when providing care for patients. This study attempted to develop a standardized end-of-life nursing protocol for use in intensive care units. A draft of the end-of-life nursing care protocol was developed after a literature review. A Delphi survey was carried out twice with 30 experts, and the content validity ratio of the items was investigated. The draft end-of-life nursing care protocol was divided into 3 separate stages with 24 items: 8 initial end-of-life care assessment items, 5 ongoing end-of-life care items, and 11 post-end-of-life care items. The content validity ratios of the first and second rounds were 0.33 or greater in each category, demonstrating the validity of the proposed draft as a standardized protocol. Furthermore, at the suggestion of the experts, an extra item was added in the last stage, resulting in 25 items. The results of this study are expected to help leading hospitals in South Korea outline the roles and range of tasks for end-of-life care in an intensive care unit and thereby resolve difficulties for nurses. Furthermore, this will improve the medical services that family members receive during end-of-life care.

A preliminary X-ray study of human nucleoside diphosphate kinase A under oxidative conditions.

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) catalyzes transfer of the γ-phosphoryl group from a nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) to a nucleoside diphosphate. The high-energy phosphate for this reaction is usually supplied by ATP. NDPK plays a primary role not only in maintaining cellular pools of all NTPs but also in the regulation of important cellular processes. NDPK-A (or Nm23-H1), one of eight human NDPKs, acts as a metastasis suppressor for some tumour types. A recent study showed that homohexameric human NDPK-A is regulated in response to oxidative stress. The activity of NDPK-A is reduced, with a concomitant increase in the population of dimeric NDPK-A, under oxidative conditions. In this study, human NDPK-A has been crystallized under oxidative conditions and X-ray data have been collected to 2.80 Šresolution using synchrotron radiation. The crystal belonged to the primitive cubic space group P2(1)3, with unit-cell parameters a = b = c = 106.8 Å. There is one NDPK-A dimer in the asymmetric unit. The preliminary electron-density map shows a large conformational change of the C-terminal domain of NDPK-A induced by a novel disulfide bond that is formed under oxidative conditions.

Blood transcriptome resources of chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) and gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) penguins from the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica.

The Chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) and Gentoo (P. papua) penguins are distributed throughout Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. In this study, high-quality de novo assemblies of blood transcriptomes from these penguins were generated using the Illumina MiSeq platform. A total of 22.2 and 21.8 raw reads were obtained from Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, respectively. These reads were assembled using the Oases assembly platform and resulted in 26,036 and 21,854 contigs with N50 values of 929 and 933 base pairs, respectively. Functional gene annotations through pathway analyses of the Gene Ontology, EuKaryotic Orthologous Groups, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were performed for each blood transcriptome, resulting in a similar compositional order between the two transcriptomes. Ortholog comparisons with previously published transcriptomes from the Adélie (P. adeliae) and Emperor (Aptenodytes forsteri) penguins revealed that a high proportion of the four penguins' transcriptomes had significant sequence homology. Because blood and tissues of penguins have been used to monitor pollution in Antarctica, immune parameters in blood could be important indicators for understanding the health status of penguins and other Antarctic animals. In the blood transcriptomes, KEGG analyses detected many essential genes involved in the major innate immunity pathways, which are key metabolic pathways for maintaining homeostasis against exogenous infections or toxins. Blood transcriptome studies such as this may be useful for checking the immune and health status of penguins without sacrifice.

Characterization of a T7-like lytic bacteriophage (phiSG-JL2) of Salmonella enterica serovar gallinarum biovar gallinarum.

PhiSG-JL2 is a newly discovered lytic bacteriophage infecting Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum but is nonlytic to a rough vaccine strain of serovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum (SG-9R), S. enterica serovar Enteritidis, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and S. enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum. The phiSG-JL2 genome is 38,815 bp in length (GC content, 50.9%; 230-bp-long direct terminal repeats), and 55 putative genes may be transcribed from the same strand. Functions were assigned to 30 genes based on high amino acid similarity to known proteins. Most of the expected proteins except tail fiber (31.9%) and the overall organization of the genomes were similar to those of yersiniophage phiYeO3-12. phiSG-JL2 could be classified as a new T7-like virus and represents the first serovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum phage genome to be sequenced. On the basis of intraspecific ratios of nonsynonymous to synonymous nucleotide changes (Pi[a]/Pi[s]), gene 2 encoding the host RNA polymerase inhibitor displayed Darwinian positive selection. Pretreatment of chickens with phiSG-JL2 before intratracheal challenge with wild-type serovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum protected most birds from fowl typhoid. Therefore, phiSG-JL2 may be useful for the differentiation of serovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum from other Salmonella serotypes, prophylactic application in fowl typhoid control, and understanding of the vertical evolution of T7-like viruses.

The effects of medication adherence and health literacy on health-related quality of life in older people with hypertension.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of medication adherence and health literacy on health-related quality of life in vulnerable older people with hypertension. BACKGROUND: Health literacy is particularly critical for providing accurate information regarding correct medication intake to improve medication adherence. Additionally, health-related quality of life is directly related to impairment from chronic disease. DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used. The participants were 160 low-income older people with hypertension registered in 16 public health centres in Busan, South Korea. They had received "visiting nursing services" for at least 6 months until the latest date and had belonged to the priority group of visiting nursing services. METHODS: The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, the Newest Vital Signs and EuroQol-5 Dimensions were used to assess medication adherence, health literacy and health-related quality of life, respectively. RESULTS: Medication adherence and health literacy were significantly associated with health-related quality of life in vulnerable older people with hypertension, although exercise and subjective health were more significant factors affecting health-related quality of life than medical adherence and health literacy. Level of education, monthly income and employment status were not associated with health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: To effectively promote health-related quality of life in this population, medication adherence and health literacy of patients should be considered when developing health interventions, including subjective health and exercise. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: To effectively promote health-related quality of life in vulnerable older people, medication adherence and health literacy of patients should be assessed, and patient-centred intervention strategies that consider their individual differences should be developed.