Emerging and Promising Keywords in Biomolecules and Therapeutics for 21st Century Diseases.

Recent technological advancements and environmental changes are leading to an increase in various diseases such as obesity, fibrosis, metabolic disorders, and degenerative diseases associated with aging. Additionally, micro- and nanoplastics are emerging as as potential contributors to many of these conditions, posing a serious threat to human health. This special issue aims to explore new directions and opportunities for future drug development through recent review articles published in the issue, focusing on these key medical topics.

Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein Enhances Angiogenesis in Ovarian Tumors by Activating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 Signaling.

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a regulatory protein that plays pivotal roles in cellular processes including the cell cycle, apoptosis, microtubule stabilization, embryo development, stress responses, and cancer. However, the molecular mechanism by which it promotes tumor angiogenesis is still unclear. In this study, we explored the mechanisms underlying stimulation of angiogenesis by a novel TCTP.

Simultaneous reduction of greenhouse gas and NH emissions by combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers in maize-cabbage cropping systems.

Intensive nitrogen (N) fertilization enhances crop yield but also increases ammonia (NH) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CO, CH and NO), requiring sustainable fertilization regimes. The co-application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can decrease the use of inorganic fertilizer, reduce environmental pollution, and enhance soil fertility. A simultaneous investigation of the effects of combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on NH volatilization, GHG emissions, and soil fertility is, however, lacking.

Penfluridol suppresses MYC-driven ANLN expression and liver cancer progression by disrupting the KEAP1-NRF2 interaction.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comprises the majority of primary liver cancers and possesses a low 5-year survival rate when in the advanced stages. Anillin (ANLN), a key player in cell growth and cytokinesis, is implicated in HCC development. Currently, no treatment agents are known to suppress ANLN.

A Real-World, Prospective, Observational Study of Rivaroxaban on Prevention of Stroke and Non-Central Nervous Systemic Embolism in Renally Impaired Korean Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: XARENAL.

Background And Objectives: Several real-world studies have been done in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF); however, information on its safety profile in patients with renal impairment is limited. XARENAL, a real-world study, aimed to prospectively investigate the safety profile of rivaroxaban in patients with NVAF with renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CrCl], 15-49 mL/min).

Methods: XARENAL is an observational single-arm cohort study in renal impairment NVAF patients.

The Multifaceted Role of Epithelial Membrane Protein 2 in Cancer: from Biomarker to Therapeutic Target.

Tetraspanin superfamily proteins not only facilitate the trafficking of specific proteins to distinct plasma membrane domains but also influence cell-to-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Among these proteins, Epithelial Membrane Protein 2 (EMP2), a member of the growth arrest-specific gene 3/peripheral myelin protein 22 (GAS3/PMP22) family, is known to affect key cellular processes. Recent studies have revealed that EMP2 modulates critical signaling pathways and interacts with adhesion molecules and growth factor receptors, underscoring its potential as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Implications of Global Lung Function Initiative Spirometry Reference Equations in Northeast Asian Patients With COPD.

Background: Accurate spirometry interpretation is critical in the diagnosis and management of COPD. With increasing efforts for a unified approach by the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI), this study evaluated the application of race-specific 2012 GLI and race-neutral 2022 GLI reference equations compared with Choi's reference equations, which are derived and widely used in South Korea, for spirometry interpretation in Northeast Asian patients with COPD.

Research Question: What are the effects of applying race-specific 2012 GLI, race-neutral 2022 GLI, and Choi's reference equations on the diagnosis, severity grade, and clinical outcome associations of COPD?

Study Design And Methods: Serial spirometry data from the Korea COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) consisting of 3,477 patients were used for reanalysis using 2012 GLI, 2022 GLI, and Choi's reference equations.

Vigeo Promotes Myotube Differentiation and Protects Dexamethasone-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy via Regulating the Protein Degradation, AKT/mTOR, and AMPK/Sirt-1/PGC1α Signaling Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo.

Sarcopenia, a condition caused by an imbalance between muscle growth and loss, can severely affect the quality of life of elderly patients with metabolic, inflammatory, and cancer diseases. Vigeo, a nuruk-fermented extract of three plants ( Maxim (ESM), (Miq.) Nakai (AJN), and Koidzumi (AJK)) has been reported to have anti-osteoporotic effects.

Unveiling the unprecedented - Very late brain metastasis in cholangiocarcinoma: A case report and comprehensive analysis.

Rationale: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) frequently invades nearby lymph nodes, the liver, and lungs. The liver and lungs are also common anatomic sites for the first recurrence of CCA. However, metastasis to the brain is exceptionally rare.

Risk factors of acute exacerbation and disease progression in young patients with COPD.

Objective: We aimed to elucidate the clinical factors associated with acute exacerbation and disease progression in young patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: This retrospective longitudinal observational study included patients with COPD aged between 20 and 50 years with post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV)/forced vital capacity (FVC)<0.7.

The Influence of Environmental Factors on Site Selection Augment Breeding Success in Honey Bees: An Insight of Honey Bee Genetic Resource Conservation.

Honey bee reproductive behavior involves a complicated mating system that embodies a number of factors, including environmental and human-induced factors. Controlled breeding in isolated mating stations is a prerequisite to maintain the genetic resources of honey bees through natural mating. The concept of controlled mating is a challenge in most beekeeping operations due to its low mating success rate.

Impact of Smoking and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on All-Cause, Respiratory, and Cardio-Cerebrovascular Mortality.

Introduction: Mortality differences in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) between nonsmokers and smokers remain unclear. We compared the risk of death associated with smoking and COPD on mortality.

Methods: The study included participants aged ≥40 years who visited pulmonary clinics and were categorised into COPD or non-COPD and smoker or nonsmoker on the basis of spirometry results and cigarette consumption.

Eosinophilia Is a Favorable Marker for Pneumonia in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) expressing eosinophilia experience slightly fewer episodes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), than those without eosinophilia. However, the severity and burden of hospitalized pneumonia patients with COPD involving eosinophilia have not been assessed.

Methods: We evaluated the differences in clinical characteristics between patients with CAP and COPD with or without eosinophilia by a post hoc analysis of a prospective, multi-center, cohort study data.

Dual regulation of NEMO by Nrf2 and miR-125a inhibits ferroptosis and protects liver from endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced injury.

The surge of severe liver damage underscores the necessity for identifying new targets and therapeutic agents. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induces ferroptosis with Gα overexpression. NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO) is a regulator of inflammation and necroptosis.