Quality Variation of Pork Bellies by Cutting Manner and Quality Grade.

In the meat industry, the quality grading system is commonly applied to classify carcasses based on quality and value. Presently, to facilitate consumer convenience, pork bellies are prepared into slices and retailed in supermarkets and butchers. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of quality grade (QG) and retail cutting manner on the quality properties of pork bellies.

RhoBTB3 Functions as a Novel Regulator of Autophagy by Suppressing AMBRA1 Stability.

Autophagy is essential for cell survival and cellular homeostasis under various stress conditions. Therefore, autophagy dysfunction is associated with the pathogenesis of various human diseases. We explored the regulatory role of RhoBTB3 in autophagy and its interaction with activating molecules in AMBRA1.

METTL3-Mediated N 6 -Methyladenosine mRNA Modification and cGAS-STING Pathway Activity in Kidney Fibrosis.

Background: Chemical modifications on RNA profoundly affect RNA function and regulation. m6A, the most abundant RNA modification in eukaryotes, plays a pivotal role in diverse cellular processes and disease mechanisms. However, its importance is understudied in human CKD samples regarding its influence on pathological mechanisms.

HY7207 Alleviates Hepatic Steatosis, Inflammation, and Liver Fibrosis in Mice with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty acid disease (NAFLD) is caused by a build-up of fat in the liver, inducing local inflammation and fibrosis. We evaluated the effects of probiotic lactic acid-generating bacteria (LAB) derived from a traditional fermented beverage in a mouse model of NAFLD. The LAB isolated from this traditional Korean beverage were screened using the human hepatic cell line HepG2, and HY7207 (HY7207), which was the most effective inhibitor of fat accumulation, was selected for further study.

Small Additives Make Big Differences: A Review on Advanced Additives for High-Performance Solid-State Li Metal Batteries.

Solid-state lithium (Li) metal batteries, represent a significant advancement in energy storage technology, offering higher energy densities and enhanced safety over traditional Li-ion batteries. However, solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) face critical challenges such as lower ionic conductivity, poor stability at the electrode-electrolyte interface, and dendrite formation, potentially leading to short circuits and battery failure. The introduction of additives into SSEs has emerged as a transformative approach to address these challenges.

Genotyping-by-Sequencing Analysis Reveals Associations between Agronomic and Oil Traits in Gamma Ray-Derived Mutant Rapeseed ( L.).

Rapeseed ( L.) holds significant commercial value as one of the leading oil crops, with its agronomic features and oil quality being crucial determinants. In this investigation, 73,226 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 95 rapeseed mutant lines induced by gamma rays, alongside the original cultivar ('Tamra'), using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) analysis were examined.

Instantaneous Thermal Energy for Swift Synthesis of Single-Atom Catalysts for Unparalleled Performance in Metal-Air Batteries and Fuel Cells.

Based on experimental and computational evidence, phthalocyanine (Pc) compounds in the form of quaternary-bound metal-nitrogen (N) atoms are the most effective catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the heat treatment process used in their synthesis may compromise the ideal structure, causing the agglomeration of transition metals. To overcome this issue, a novel method is developed for synthesizing iron (Fe) single-atom catalysts with ideal structures supported by thermally exfoliated graphene oxide (GO).

Assessment of Attractant Combinations for the Management of Red Palm Weevils () in the United Arab Emirates.

This study examined red palm weevil ecology in the United Arab Emirates to develop effective food baits, pheromone, and eco-friendly trapping methods. Three phases of investigation were conducted (from June to December 2023) on date palm farms in Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi. The first two phases, each 15 days long, were conducted in Ras Al Khaimah, whereas the third phase, 18 days long, was conducted in Abu Dhabi.

AI-Based Geometry Recognition for Evaluating the Feasibility of Intensified Reaction and Separation Systems.

Reactive distillation (RD) provides notable advantages over conventional processes, regarding reduced energy requirements and CO emissions. However, as the benefits of RD may not be universally applicable, a comprehensive feasibility assessment is necessary. This study introduced an automated feasibility evaluation procedure for an RD column using an AI-based region recognition approach, reducing the reliance on expert knowledge and heuristics in graphical methods.

Flexible & Stretchable EMG Sensor for Lower Extremity Amputee.

EMG signals can be widely used for indicators of muscle activity, and it can be used for robot control. However, the practical use of the EMG sensor for the amputee has been limited due to harsh conditions in the socket where strong pressure and friction exist. In this paper, thus we suggested a flexible and stretchable EMG Sensor.

Hemoglobin Subunit Theta 1 Promotes Proliferation by Reducing Reactive Oxygen Species in Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Lung adenocarcinoma is a crucial contributor to cancer-related mortality; however, effective treatments remain challenging. The present study aimed to investigate the role of hemoglobin subunit theta 1 (HBQ1), an α subunit of hemoglobin whose expression has recently been reported in non-erythroid cells, in lung adenocarcinoma. Comparative analysis showed that HBQ1 expression was significantly higher in lung adenocarcinoma tissues compared to normal lung tissues.

Engineering of a Fluorescent Protein for a Sensing of an Intrinsically Disordered Protein through Transition in the Chromophore State.

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) not only play important roles in biological processes but are also linked with the pathogenesis of various human diseases. Specific and reliable sensing of IDPs is crucial for exploring their roles but remains elusive due to structural plasticity. Here, we present the development of a new type of fluorescent protein for the ratiometric sensing and tracking of an IDP.

A bivalent form of a RBD-specific synthetic antibody effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is severely impacting the world, and tremendous efforts have been made to deal with it. Despite many advances in vaccines and therapeutics, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants remains an intractable challenge. We present a bivalent Receptor Binding Domain (RBD)-specific synthetic antibody, specific for the RBD of wild-type (lineage A), developed from a non-antibody protein scaffold composed of LRR (Leucine-rich repeat) modules through phage display.

Chromatin accessibility analysis and architectural profiling of human kidneys reveal key cell types and a regulator of diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease that progresses to kidney failure. However, the key molecular and cellular pathways involved in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) pathogenesis are largely unknown. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of adult human kidneys by examining cell type-specific chromatin accessibility by single-nucleus ATAC-seq (snATAC-seq) and analyzing three-dimensional chromatin architecture via high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C method) of paired samples.

3D-Printed Thermoplastic Polyurethane Electrodes for Customizable, Flexible Lithium-Ion Batteries with an Ultra-Long Lifetime.

3D printing technology has demonstrated great potential in fabricating flexible and customizable high-performance batteries, which are highly desired in the forthcoming intelligent and ubiquitous energy era. However, a significant performance gap, especially in cycling stability, still exists between the 3D-printed and conventional electrodes, seriously limiting the practical applications of 3D-printed batteries. Here, for the first time, a series of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based 3D-printed electrodes is developed via fused deposition modeling for flexible and customizable high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Hybrid Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase with Dendrite-Free Lithium Deposition and High Ion Transport Kinetics.

Interfacial issues and dendritic Li deposition in lithium metal batteries (LMBs) hamper the practical application of liquid or solid-state cells. Here, a hybrid solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), based on hydroxyl-functionalized boron nitride (BN) nanosheets and poly(vinyl alcohol), is designed to solve the unstable nature of the Li anode-electrolyte interface. Rather than acquiring a rich Li halide environment through intense electrolyte decomposition, the hybrid SEI effectively regulates electrolyte decomposition and guarantees uniform Li plating via boosting interfacial Li ion transport at the interface.

Identification of Loci Governing Agronomic Traits and Mutation Hotspots via a GBS-Based Genome-Wide Association Study in a Soybean Mutant Diversity Pool.

In this study, we performed a genotyping-by-sequencing analysis and a genome-wide association study of a soybean mutant diversity pool previously constructed by gamma irradiation. A GWAS was conducted to detect significant associations between 37,249 SNPs, 11 agronomic traits, and 6 phytochemical traits. In the merged data set, 66 SNPs on 13 chromosomes were highly associated (FDR p < 0.

Genome wide association study to detect genetic regions related to isoflavone content in a mutant soybean population derived from radiation breeding.

Isoflavones are major secondary metabolites that are exclusively produced by legumes, including soybean. Soy isoflavones play important roles in human health as well as in the plant defense system. The isoflavone content is influenced by minor-effect quantitative trait loci, which interact with polygenetic and environmental factors.

Enhanced half-life and antitumor activity of interleukin-15 through genetic fusion of a serum albumin-specific protein binder.

Human interleukin-15 (hIL-15) has attracted a considerable attention as a promising cancer immunotherapeutic due to its function to directly stimulate the proliferation and cytotoxic activity of NK and T cells. Nevertheless, a relatively short half-life of hIL-15 requires repeated administration and higher doses, causing serious side effects. Here, we demonstrate an enhanced blood half-life and biological activity of hIL-15 through genetic fusion of a human serum albumin-specific protein binder (rHSA).

Ecological Responses of (Odonata: Libellulidae) to Temperature: Following Converse Bergmann's Rule.

Ecological rules such as Bergmann's rule and the temperature-size rule state that body-size decline is a universal response to warm temperatures in both homeotherms and poikilotherms. In the present study, we investigated the biological responses of , an endangered dragonfly species in Korea, by comparing body size in two habitats with large differences in water temperature, Mungyong-si (MG, terraced paddy fields) and Muui-do (MU, a mountainous wetland). To conserve the dragonfly populations, the collected larvae were photographed and released, and their head widths and body lengths were measured.

Computational epitope binning reveals functional equivalence of sequence-divergent paratopes.

The therapeutic efficacy of a protein binder largely depends on two factors: its binding site and its binding affinity. Advances in library display screening and next-generation sequencing have enabled accelerated development of strong binders, yet identifying their binding sites still remains a major challenge. The differentiation, or "binning", of binders into different groups that recognize distinct binding sites on their target is a promising approach that facilitates high-throughput screening of binders that may show different biological activity.

Mutation effects on FAS1 domain 4 based on structure and solubility.

Mutations in the fasciclin 1 domain 4 (FAS1-4) of transforming growth factor β-induced protein (TGFBIp) are associated with insoluble extracellular deposits and corneal dystrophies (CDs). The decrease in solubility upon mutation has been implicated in CD; however, the exact molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we performed molecular dynamics simulations followed by solvation thermodynamic analyses of the FAS1-4 domain and its three mutants-R555W, R555Q, and A546T-linked to granular corneal dystrophy type 1, Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy and lattice corneal dystrophy, respectively.

Analysis of genetic diversity and relationships of Perilla frutescens using novel EST-SSR markers derived from transcriptome between wild-type and mutant Perilla.

Background: Perilla frutescens (Lamiaceae) is distributed in East Asia and is classified into var. frutescens and crispa. P.

Differential Gene Expression Associated with Altered Isoflavone and Fatty Acid Contents in Soybean Mutant Diversity Pool.

Soybean seeds are consumed worldwide owing to their nutritional value and health benefits. In this study we investigated the metabolic properties of 208 soybean mutant diversity pool (MDP) lines by measuring the isoflavone and fatty acid contents of the seed. The total isoflavone content (TIC) ranged from 0.