Hanamia caeni gen. nov., sp. nov., a Member of the Family Chitinophagaceae Isolated from Activated Sludge in Korea.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, yellowish-pigmented, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated strain BO-59T, was isolated from the activated sludge of a wastewater treatment plant in Hanam City, South Korea. Phylogenetic study based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence positioned BO-59T in a distinct lineage in the family Chitinophagaceae, sharing less than 92.8% sequence similarity with members of the closely related genera Ferruginibacter, Flavitalea, Pseudoflavitalea, Flavisolibacter, Niastella, and Terrimonas. Phylogenomic- and genomic relatedness analyses revealed that strain BO-59T is clearly distinguished from other genera in the family Chitinophagaceae by average nucleotide identity < 66.9%) and the genome-to-genome distance (< 29.5%) values. The strain BO-59T contained MK-7 as the predominant quinone, and iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3OH, and iso-C15:1 G as major fatty acids (> 10%). The DNA G + C content was 39.1 mol% based on genome sequence analysis. The polar lipids of strain BO-59T were phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid and three unidentified polar lipids. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, physiological, and biochemical characteristics indicated that strain BO-59T represents a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Hanamia caeni gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BO-59T (= KACC 19646T = LMG 30865 T).

Investigation of B,C-ring truncated deguelin derivatives as heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitors for use as anti-breast cancer agents.

On the basis of deguelin, a series of the B,C-ring truncated surrogates with N-substituted amide linkers were investigated as HSP90 inhibitors. The structure activity relationship of the template was studied by incorporating various substitutions on the nitrogen of the amide linker and examining their HIF-1α inhibition. Among them, compound 57 showed potent HIF-1α inhibition and cytotoxicity in triple-negative breast cancer lines in a dose-dependent manner. Compound 57 downregulated expression and phosphorylation of major client proteins of HSP90 including AKT, ERK and STAT3, indicating that its antitumor activity was derived from the inhibition of HSP90 function. The molecular modeling of 57 demonstrated that 57 bound well to the C-terminal ATP-binding pocket in the open conformation of the hHSP90 homodimer with hydrogen bonding and pi-cation interactions. Overall, compound 57 is a potential antitumor agent for triple-negative breast cancer as a HSP90 C-terminal inhibitor.

Caregiver Burden and Work Productivity Among Japanese Working Family Caregivers of People with Dementia.

BACKGROUND: We examined the association between caregiver burden and work productivity (i.e., absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall work impairment) among working family caregivers of people with dementia and whether job characteristics (i.e., job demands, job control, supervisor and coworker support) moderate this association. METHODS: A cross-sectional correlational study design using a web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among 379 Japanese working family caregivers of people with dementia (105 female, age range 20-77) in May 2016, which measured caregiver burden, work productivity, care situation, job characteristics, and demographics. Caregiver burden was designated as an independent variable and each aspect of work productivity as a dependent variable in a hierarchical multiple regression analysis, adjusting for demographics. Interaction terms between caregiver burden and each job characteristic were also included in the model. RESULTS: Caregiver burden was significantly and positively associated with presenteeism (ß = 0.219, p < 0.001) and overall work impairment (ß = 0.181, p < 0.001), while the association of caregiver burden with absenteeism was not significant (ß = - 0.003, p = 0.953). Interaction effects of caregiver burden × coworker support on presenteeism (ß = - 0.189, p = 0.023) and overall work impairment (ß = - 0.172, p = 0.034) were significant. According to simple slope analyses, caregiver burden was greater at lower levels of coworker support compared to higher levels of coworker support for both presenteeism and overall work impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that higher caregiver burden is associated with a decrease in work productivity. Additionally, coworker support appears to buffer the association of caregiver burden with presenteeism and overall work impairment among working family caregivers of people with dementia.

Correction to: Caregiver Burden and Work Productivity Among Japanese Working Family Caregivers of People with Dementia.

The authors have noted that the number of participants in the final sample should be 377, rather than 379. In this correction, the two mistaken cases were removed and analyses were repeated with 377 cases.

Pharmacologic recruitment of regulatory T cells as a therapy for ischemic acute kidney injury.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key components of the peripheral tolerance system and have become an immunotherapeutic agent for treating inflammatory processes. This therapeutic option, however, is hampered by problems arising from isolating and expanding desirable Tregs. Here we used an alternative approach with a pharmacologic agent to stimulate Tregs to achieve immunosuppressive effects. Pretreatment of mice with the naturally occurring sphingosine N,N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS) was found to increase both tissue-infiltrating T effectors (Teffs, CD4(+)Foxp3(-)) and Tregs (CD4(+)Foxp3(+)) in the early phase of bilateral renal ischemia/reperfusion injury. DMS itself had no effects on renal function or histopathology, but rapidly and transiently increased both Teffs and Tregs and increased the expression of chemokines CXCL9, CCL5, and CXCL10 in non-ischemic kidneys (sham operation). This renoprotection was abolished by administration of the Treg suppressing agents, anti-CTLA-4 or anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies, suggesting that Tregs play a key role in DMS-induced renoprotection. Thus, Tregs recruited to the kidney by DMS ameliorate acute kidney injury and provide a new approach to control inflammatory diseases.

Metal-organic framework assisted vanadium oxide nanorods as efficient electrode materials for water oxidation.

The water oxidation process, which comprises the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), is a critical catalytic mechanism for sustainable technologies like water electrolysis and fuel cells. Herein, we develop a unique metal-organic framework aided vanadium pentoxide nanorods (MOF-V2O5 NRs-500) that can be used as an OER electrocatalyst under alkaline solutions. The crystal structure, surface chemical state, and porosity of MOF-V2O5 NRs-500 can be altered by annealing in an oxygen atmosphere. The resultant MOF-V2O5 NRs-500 demonstrate high catalytic activity against OER in basic conditions, with a low overpotential of 300 mV at a derived current density of 50 mA cm-2, and extraordinary durability of more than 50 h. Superior electrochemical performance might be attributed to the high exposure level of active sites emanating from porous MOF-V2O5 NRs-500. Furthermore, the porous MOF-V2O5 NRs-500 skeleton may provide homogenous mass transport channels as well as quick electron transfer.

Highly ordered nanoarrays catalysts embedded in carbon nanotubes as highly efficient and robust air electrode for flexible solid-state rechargeable zinc-air batteries.

The development of multicomponent materials is the most efficient and successful way for creating advanced multifunctional catalysts. Herein, the bimetal FeCo nanoarrays enclosed N-CNTs have a high surface on carbon cloth support, which promotes efficient electron transport and prevents nanoparticle aggregation. Taking advantage of the high-level use of active material and fast charge transfer, the developed electrocatalyst exhibits excellent multifunctional electrocatalyst such as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The N-CNTs@MOF FeCo nanoarrays @CC exhibit higher activity than reference catalysts including MOF FeCo nanoarrays@CC, FeCo nanoarrays@CC, and CC. Interestingly, the synthesized multifunctional catalyst, which serves as the air electrode in zinc-air batteries with liquid electrolytes as well as solid-state gel electrolytes possesses outstanding charging-discharge performance and long service life. This study provides enormous potential for the real implementation of portable, even wearable, and efficient rechargeable batteries in the future.

Coupled mechanical creep and bio-compression and residual settlement in a multi-stage municipal solid waste landfill, Korea.

Based on a field monitored dataset measured at landfill #1 over 21 years, the characteristics of settlement coupling mechanical creep and biodegradation and the residual settlement were analyzed. Since landfill #1 is a multi-stage municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill where dykes are constructed after landfilling for subsequent waste fills, the waste decomposition between the lower and upper lifts was quite different and it is difficult to discern between the mechanical creep and bio-compression on the settlement curves. The compression ratio coupled with mechanical creep and bio-compression and the residual compression ratio were determined as 0.233 and 0.068, respectively. This implies that biodegradation was gradually and significantly reduced in the MSW settlement behavior after the residual settlement began. The starting date of residual settlement was distributed between 3821 and 5402 days from the initial date of landfilling. The settlement coupling mechanical creep and biodegradation (SMB) was 2.9 times larger than the residual settlement (SRS), and the duration of SMB is determined to be 0.3 times that of SRS. In addition, the remnant methane gas content existed in the landfill gas, and low-level biodegradation was still generated in the waste buried for more than 10 years after the residual settlement began.

Insights into plastome of Fagonia indica Burm.f. (Zygophyllaceae): organization, annotation and phylogeny.

The enhanced understanding of chloroplast genomics would facilitate various biotechnology applications; however, the chloroplast (cp) genome / plastome characteristics of plants like Fagonia indica Burm.f. (family Zygophyllaceae), which have the capability to grow in extremely hot sand desert, have been rarely understood. The de novo genome sequence of F. indica using the Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology determined 128,379 bp long cp genome, encode 115 unique coding genes. The present study added the evidence of the loss of a copy of the IR in the cp genome of the taxa capable to grow in the hot sand desert. The maximum likelihood analysis revealed two distinct sub-clades i.e. Krameriaceae and Zygophyllaceae of the order Zygophyllales, nested within fabids.

Efficient Production of Adipic Acid by a Two-Step Catalytic Reaction of Biomass-Derived 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid.

Efficient catalytic ring-opening coupled with hydrogenation is a promising but challenging reaction for producing adipic acid (AA) from 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA). In this study, AA synthesis is carried out in two steps from FDCA via tetrahydrofuran-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (THFDCA) over a recyclable Ru/Al2 O3 and an ionic liquid, [MIM(CH2 )4 SO3 H]I (MIM=methylimidazolium) to deliver 99 % overall yield of AA. Ru/Al2 O3 is found to be an efficient catalyst for hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of FDCA to deliver THFDCA and 2-hydroxyadipic acid (HAA), respectively, where ruthenium is more economically viable than well-known palladium or rhodium hydrogenation catalysts. H2 chemisorption shows that the alumina phase strongly affects the interaction between Ru nanoparticles (NPs) and supports, resulting in materials with high dispersion and small size of Ru NPs, which in turn are responsible for the high conversion of FDCA. An ionic liquid system, [MIM(CH2 )4 SO3 H]I is applied to the hydrogenolysis of THFDCA for AA production. The [MIM(CH2 )4 SO3 H]I exhibits superior activity, enables simple product isolation with high purity, and reduces the severe corrosion problems caused by the conventional hydroiodic acid catalytic system.

Wind shear data at two different terrain types.

The measurement of this data aims to evaluate the wind shear variability at three selected sites in Malaysia. The sites are Kudat in Sabah, Kijal in Terengganu and Langkawi in Kedah. Both sites in Kudat and Kijal is located in coastal areas with few buildings or trees, while the site in Langkawi is a coastal area with many buildings or trees. The variables were measured using the sensors that mounted on the wind mast with the maximum height from 55 m to 70 m from ground level. The variables measured were wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and pressure, while the wind shear data were directly generated using the power law equation. The averaged wind shear based on measured multiple height wind speed at selected sites is larger than the 1/7 law (0.143). Also, the value of wind shear was higher in order Langkawi > Kudat > Kijal. Ultimately, the wind shear data are essential and can be reused in the wind energy potential study, especially for data extrapolation to desired wind turbine hub height.

Site-specific expression of IQGAP1, a key mediator of cytoskeleton, in mouse renal tubules.

IQGAP1 is a multifunctional junction molecule that is involved in cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, cell polarity, and cell-cell adhesion. It is highly expressed in the kidney and has recently been identified in the glomerular basement membrane as a nephrin-associated protein. However, the distribution of IQGAP1 in renal tubular epithelial cells is unknown. We performed confocal microscopic studies to localize IQGAP1 in each nephron segment using dual immunofluorescence staining with various antibodies against segment-specific markers. We found that IQGAP1 was strongly expressed in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), collecting duct, and macula densa and moderately in the thick ascending limb and proximal tubule. In the DCT, the IQGAP1-F-actin complex forms a comb-like structure with multiple parallel spikes sitting on the basal membrane. In the macula densa cells, IQGAP1 is strongly expressed in the apical membrane, whereas in type A intercalated cells, IQGAP1 is expressed in the basolateral membrane, where it colocalizes with anion exchanger 1, and in principal cells, it is diffusely expressed. In conclusion, we showed the expression and subcellular localization of IQGAP1 in various nephron segments. The site-specific expression pattern of this potent modulator of multiple biological pathways in the renal tubules suggests that IQGAP1 may have multiple important roles in various renal functions.

Mechanical stresses in carotid plaques using MRI-based fluid-structure interaction models.

Risk assessment in patients with carotid atherosclerosis relies on the degree of luminal stenosis. Incorporating morphological information on plaque composition obtained noninvasively through the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could include other variables besides the degree of stenosis into carotid plaque risk assessment. Knowledge of the morphologic composition of the plaque allows determination of mechanic stresses exerted on the protective fibrous cap, which may be of importance in the assessment of plaque vulnerability. Based on image processing of transverse MRI scans, longitudinal 2D fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations of carotid atherosclerotic plaques were performed facilitating in-vivo estimation of longitudinal internal fibrous cap stresses. The FSI simulation combined finite element analysis (FEA) with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of blood-flow variables. Preliminary results from two symptomatic patients revealed longitudinal stress levels (max. 254.1 and 143.2 kPa) approaching established criteria for plaque rupture at known predilection sites of plaque rupture. Determination of longitudinal fibrous cap stresses may prove useful in assessing plaque vulnerability and improve risk stratification in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.

Microwave-enhanced catalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol over nickel oxides under low temperature.

Microwave-enhance catalytic degradation (MECD) of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) using nickel oxide was studied. A mix-valenced nickel oxide was obtained from nickel nitrate aqueous solution through a precipitation with sodium hydroxide and an oxidation by sodium hypochlorite (assigned as PO). Then, the as-prepared PO was irradiated under microwave irradiation to fabricate a high active mix-valenced nickel oxide (assigned as POM). Further, pure nanosized nickel oxide was obtained from the POM by calcination at 300, 400 and 500 degrees C (labeled as C300, C400 and C500, respectively). They were characterized by X-ray (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). Their catalytic activities towards the degradation of 4-CP on the efficiency of the degradation were further investigated under continuous bubbling of air through the liquid-phase and quantitative evaluation by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Also, the effects of temperature, pH and kinds of catalysts on the efficiency of the degradation have been investigated. The results showed that the 4-CP was degraded completely by MECD method within 20 min under pH 7, T=40 degrees C and C=200 g dm(-3) over POM catalyst. The relative activity was affected significantly with the oxidation state of nickel.

Adverse effects of hydroxyurea used for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms

Hydroxyurea is administered to control elevated blood counts in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) to reduce the risk of thrombosis and mortality. We reviewed the side effects of hydroxyurea, development of secondary malignancies, and drug resistance observed in some patients.Current Concepts: The low incidences of malformed births, intrauterine deaths, and spontaneous abortions associated with hydroxyurea therapy suggest that adverse pregnancy and fetal effects are unlikely. However, animal studies have reported malformations; therefore, the use of hydroxyurea during pregnancy is not recommended. Low-grade adverse events associated with hydroxyurea therapy include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, upper gastrointestinal discomfort, and diarrhea. These symptoms are usually resolved by dose adjustment or temporary discontinuation. Approximately 10% of patients with MPNs are resistant to hydroxyurea, and another 10% are unable to tolerate it owing to side effects. Drug intolerance and resistance are the most common causes of inadequate cytoreductive control in patients with MPNs. Second-line cytoreductive agents should be considered to overcome the high risk of thrombosis and poor survival. The evolution to secondary hematologic cancers is related to the duration of the disease, not hydroxyurea administration.Discussion and Conclusion: In pregnant patients accidentally exposed to hydroxyurea, the risk should be discussed with the patient to determine whether to continue the pregnancy. Hydroxyurea administration increases the risk of skin cancer but does not affect the incidence of other secondary hematologic or solid cancers. Ropeginterferon or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, including ruxolitinib, are recommended as alternative treatments if the patient is intolerant or resistant to hydroxyurea, as this is associated with poorer survival.

Epiretinal Membrane of Combined Hamartoma of Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium Versus Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane

Purpose@#To evaluate the postoperative changes in macular vessel density and the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) in the epiretinal membrane (ERM) of a combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHRRPE). And we compared these results with those of idiopathic ERM.Method: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 15 patients (15 eyes) with an epiretinal membrane of a CHRRPE, and 21 patients (21 eyes) with idiopathic ERM who were treated with pars plana vitrectomy and removal of the ERM. The best corrected visual acuity, central macula thickness, foveal and perifoveal vessel density, foveal avascular zone (FAZ), and mfERG rings 1 and 2 P1 amplitudes were analyzed before and 6 months after ERM removal. @*Results@#The average macular vessel density in the CHRRPE with ERM was reduced (p = 0.047) compared to an idiopathic epiretinal membrane, but the central foveal vessel density was significantly increased (p = 0.003). In CHRRPE, the preoperative FAZ was significantly reduced, and while it increased significantly 6 months postoperatively. After removing the ERM, the P1 amplitude increased significantly on mfERG, but there was no significant difference compared to the idiopathic ERM. @*Conclusions@#The macular mean superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vascular density was reduced in CHRRPE and the foveal SCP vascular density and FAZ were increased. Considering the increased size of the FAZ area after surgery, physical removal of the ERM affected the structural recovery of the fovea, but resulted in no significant improvement of the macular superficial microvascular system.

Long-acting interferon: pioneering disease modification of myeloproliferative neoplasms

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal disorders of hematopoietic stem cells. The malignant clones produce cytokines that drive self-perpetuating inflammatory responses and tend to transform into more aggressive clones, leading to disease progression. The progression of MPNs follows a biological sequence from the early phases of malignancy, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia, to advanced myelofibrosis and leukemic transformation. To date, the treatment of MPNs has focused on preventing thrombosis by decreasing blood cell counts and relieving disease-related symptoms. However, interferon (IFN) has been used to treat MPNs because of its ability to attack cancer cells directly and modulate the immune system. IFN also has the potential to modulate diseases by inhibiting JAK2 mutations, and recent studies have demonstrated clinical and molecular improvements. Long-acting IFN is administered less frequently and has fewer adverse effects than conventional IFN. The current state of research on long-acting IFN in patients with MPNs is discussed, along with future directions.

Roles of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Atherosclerotic Calcification

The accumulation of calcium in atherosclerotic plaques is a prominent feature of advanced atherosclerosis, and it has a strong positive correlation with the total burden of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic calcification usually appears first at the necrotic core, indicating that cell death and inflammatory processes are involved in calcification. During atherosclerotic inflammation, various cell types, such as vascular smooth muscle cells, nascent resident pericytes, circulating stem cells, or adventitial cells, have been assumed to differentiate into osteoblastic cells, which lead to vascular calcification. Among these cell types, vascular smooth muscle cells are considered a major contributor to osteochondrogenic cells in the atherosclerotic milieu. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the osteochondrogenic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic plaques.

Correlation between Serum Erythropoietin and Cerebral Collateral Flow in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patient / 가정의학회지

Background@#Erythropoietin (EPO), which is associated with anemia, exerts neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke. In cases of stenosis or narrowing of the main cerebral blood vessel, the prognosis is favorable if collateral blood circulation is well developed in acute stroke. Several studies have investigated the relationship between EPO administration and stroke outcomes. The present study investigated the correlation between serum EPO level and cerebral collateral circulation, which could result in favorable clinical outcomes. @*Methods@#The study subjects were patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke who underwent initial brain magnetic resonance imaging between January 2020 and March 2022. Following brain computed tomography perfusion for collateral flow, serum EPO levels were measured. Collaterals were assessed according to the Mass system and divided into good collateral (GC) or poor collateral (PC) groups. Serum EPO levels were determined using a chemiluminescence immunoassay method. A correlation coefficient analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between serum EPO levels and GC. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined the cutoff value of EPO for GC. @*Results@#Serum EPO levels were significantly higher in the GC than that in the PC group (P9.1 mIU/mL) could be a marker of GC in patients with acute ischemic stroke that predicts good clinical outcomes.

Recent Progress in Immunotherapy for Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Under the standard of care, patients with advanced GC (AGC) have a median survival time of approximately 12–15 months. With the emergence of immunotherapy as a key therapeutic strategy in medical oncology, relevant changes are expected in the systemic treatment of GC. In the phase III ATTRACTION-2 trial, nivolumab, a monoclonal anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) antibody, as a third- or later-line treatment improved overall survival (OS) compared with placebo in patients with AGC. Furthermore, nivolumab in combination with 5-fluorouracil and platinum as a first-line treatment improved OS in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-negative AGC in the global phase III CheckMate-649 study. Another anti-PD-1 antibody, pembrolizumab, in combination with trastuzumab and cytotoxic chemotherapy as a first-line treatment, significantly improved the overall response rate in patients with HER2-positive AGC. Therefore, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are essential components of the current treatment of GC. Subsequent treatments after ICI combination therapy, such as ICI rechallenge or combination therapy with agents having other modes of action, are being actively investigated to date. On the basis of the success of immunotherapy in the treatment of AGC, various clinical trials are underway to apply this therapeutic strategy in the perioperative and postoperative settings for patients with early GC. This review describes recent progress in immunotherapy and potential immunotherapy biomarkers for GC.