Strategic Optimization of the Middle Domain IIIA in RBP-Albumin IIIA-IB Fusion Protein to Enhance Productivity and Thermostability.

The protein therapeutics market, including antibody and fusion proteins, has experienced steady growth over the past decade, underscoring the importance of optimizing amino acid sequences. In our previous study, we developed a fusion protein, R31, which combines retinol-binding protein (RBP) with albumin domains IIIA and IB, linked by a sequence (AAAA), and includes an additional disulfide bond (N227C-V254C) in IIIA. This fusion protein effectively inhibited hepatic stellate cell activation.

Patient satisfaction and feasibility with a novel drug-injectable urethral catheter set for hyaluronic acid administration: a multicenter randomized trial.

Reducing the risk of urethral strictures after transurethral surgery for patients with bladder cancer requires effective strategies. We compared the clinical outcomes of a novel drug-injectable urethral catheter set (NIUS) with hyaluronic acid (HA) with those of the conventional intraurethral HA injection method. This six-center, prospective, randomized, single-blind trial included 192 male patients aged ≥ 20 years scheduled to undergo transurethral surgery.

Taxonomical, Physiological, and Biochemical Characteristics of DSTA20 from Hypersaline Environments of Taean Salt Pond, Republic of Korea.

, a halophilic unicellular chlorophyte, produces bioactive compounds and biofuels applicable to various industries. Despite its industrial significance, comprehensive studies on the morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of the genus remain challenging. In this study, we characterized an axenically isolated green alga from a salt pond in Taean, Republic of Korea, and assessed its industrially relevant traits.

Versatile and Fast Electrochemical Activation Method for Carbon Nanotube Fibers with Diverse Active Materials.

In this study, the challenge of non-electrochemical activity in carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) is addressed by developing a modified chlorosulfonic acid (CSA) densification process specifically developed for directly spun CNTFs. This post-treatment method, well-known for enhancing the physical properties of CNTFs, utilizes the double diffusion phenomenon to efficiently integrate a diverse range of active materials, from conductive polymers like polyaniline (PANI) to metal oxides like nickel oxide (NiO), into the fibers. This universal and cost-effective approach not only simplifies the integration process but also significantly boosts both the electrochemical and physical properties of the fibers.

Ethanolic Extract of Exhibits Antimelanogenic Effects in B16F10 Cells through Multiple Mechanisms That Suppress Tyrosinase.

, renowned for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, remains relatively unexplored in its impact on melanogenesis. This study delves into the antimelanogenic potential of the ethanol extract derived from (BPE). Our investigations reveal the robust antioxidant capabilities of the BPE, along with its effective inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity.

Dual-Hydrogen Bond Donor-Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Fibers: Enhancing Anion-Sensing Performance Through Functionalization Approaches.

In this study, chemiresistive anion sensors are developed using carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) functionalized with squaramide-based dual-hydrogen bond donors (SQ1 and SQ2) and systematically compared the sensing properties attained by two different functionalization methods. Model structures of the selectors are synthesized based on a squaramide motif incorporating an electron-withdrawing group. Anion-binding studies of SQ1 and SQ2 are conducted using UV-vis titrations to elucidate the anion-binding properties of the selectors.

Comparative genomic analysis of copepod humoral immunity genes with sex-biased expression in Labidocera rotunda.

Studies of innate immune system function in invertebrates have contributed significantly to our understanding of the mammalian innate immune system. However, in-depth research on innate immunity in marine invertebrates remains sparse. We generated the first de novo genome and transcriptome sequences of copepod Labidocera rotunda using Illumina paired-end data and conducted a comparative genome analysis including five crustaceans (four copepods and one branchiopod species).

The Inhibitory Effects of Maclurin on Fatty Acid Synthase and Adipocyte Differentiation.

Obesity is a complex health condition characterized by excessive adipose tissue accumulation, leading to significant metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. Fatty acid synthase (FAS), a key enzyme in lipogenesis, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for obesity due to its role in adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation. This study employed a multidisciplinary approach involving in silico and in vitro analyses to investigate the anti-adipogenic properties of maclurin, a natural phenolic compound derived from .

Doctor shopping trend of patients before undergoing rotator cuff repair in Korea: a multicenter study.

Background: This study aims to investigate the trend of doctor shopping among patients with rotator cuff tear (RCT) before undergoing surgery and to examine the relevance of these findings to the public.

Methods: A survey was conducted of 326 patients from 10 hospitals (male, 176; female, 150) who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) for symptomatic RCT between September 2019 and February 2020. A questionnaire was used to obtain data regarding the type of medical care service, medical institutions visited before surgery, number of treatments received, and cost of treatment.

Aromadendrin Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in BEAS-2B Cells and Lungs of Mice.

Aromadendrin is a phenolic compound with various biological effects such as anti-inflammatory properties. However, its protective effects against acute lung injury (ALI) remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the ameliorative effects of aromadendrin in an experimental model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI.

Effect of patent complete revascularization on the akinetic myocardial segments.

Objectives: The aims of the study were (i) to examine the changes in echocardiographic parameters and (ii) to compare the fate of myocardial segments with akinesia and without akinesia on preoperative echocardiography after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods: One hundred one patients who underwent complete revascularization, who were assessed by preoperative, before discharge, postoperative 3- and 12-month echocardiographic examinations, and who showed all patent grafts at postoperative 1-year angiograms were included. Echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction was assessed, and a 16-segment model was adopted for regional analysis of the left ventricle.

A Novel Deep Learning-based Artificial Intelligence System for Interpreting Urolithiasis in Computed Tomography.

Background And Objective: Our aim was to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) system for detection of urolithiasis in computed tomography (CT) images using advanced deep learning capable of real-time calculation of stone parameters such as volume and density, which are essential for treatment decisions. The performance of the system was compared to that of urologists in emergency room (ER) scenarios.

Methods: Axial CT images for patients who underwent stone surgery between August 2022 and July 2023 comprised the data set, which was divided into 70% for training, 10% for internal validation, and 20% for testing.

Primary Metabolic Response of to Simulated Specialist Herbivory under Elevated CO Conditions.

This study explores how elevated carbon dioxide (CO) levels affects the growth and defense mechanisms of plants. We focused on Bunge (Aristolochiaceae), a wild plant that exhibits growth reduction under elevated CO in the previous study. The plant has Gray (Papilionidae) as a specialist herbivore.

Modulation of macrophage transcript and secretion profiles by Sargassum Serratifolium extract is associated with the suppression of muscle atrophy.

Recent research has emphasized the role of macrophage-secreted factors on skeletal muscle metabolism. We studied Sargassum Serratifolium ethanol extract (ESS) in countering lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced changes in the macrophage transcriptome and their impact on skeletal muscle. Macrophage-conditioned medium (MCM) from LPS-treated macrophages (LPS-MCM) and ESS-treated macrophages (ESS-MCM) affected C2C12 myotube cells.

The beneficial effects of ethanolic extract of Sargassum serratifolium in DNCB-induced mouse model of atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic complex inflammatory skin disorder that requires sustainable treatment methods due to the limited efficacy of conventional therapies. Sargassum serratifolium, an algal species with diverse bioactive substances, is investigated in this study for its potential benefits as a therapeutic agent for atopic dermatitis. RNA sequencing of LPS-stimulated macrophages treated with ethanolic extract of Sargassum serratifolium (ESS) revealed its ability to inhibit a broad range of inflammation-related signaling, which was proven in RAW 264.

Factors Considered by Experienced Urologists when Selecting Alpha-Blockers for Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia according to Age.

Introduction: The objectives of the study were to examine the opinions of urology specialists on whether there are actual differences in efficacy among α1-blockers and to identify the factors that should be considered when prescribing these medications according to age.

Methods: We surveyed 50 South Korean urology specialists with over 3 years of clinical experience in secondary or tertiary hospitals in July-August 2021. The survey covered urologists' demographics, awareness of α1-blocker prescription differences, and key factors in α1-blocker selection based on LUTS severity and patient age.

The complete chloroplast genome of Vved. (Asphodelaceae), an endemic species of Kyrgyz Republic.

Vved. 1971 is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Asphodelaceae and an endemic species of the Kyrgyz Republic; however, its complete chloroplast genome sequence has not been reported. Here, we investigated the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of using next-generation sequencing.

The application of a dual-lead locking screw could enhance the reduction and fixation stability of the proximal humerus fractures: a biomechanical evaluation.

Introduction: Bicortical screw fixation, which penetrates and fixes the near and far cortex of bone, has been conventionally used to achieve compressive fixation for fracture using screws. Open reduction and internal fixation using the locking plate are widely used for treating proximal humerus fractures. However, minimal contact between the bone and the locking plate can lead to an insufficient reduction.

The Beneficial Roles of spp. in Skin Disorders.

As the body's largest organ, the skin is located at the internal and external environment interface, serving as a line of defense against various harmful stressors. Recently, marine-derived physiologically active ingredients have attracted considerable attention in the cosmeceutical industry due to their beneficial effects on skin health. , a genus of brown macroalgae, has traditionally been consumed as food and medicine in several countries and is rich in bioactive compounds such as meroterpenoids, sulfated polysaccharides, fucoidan, fucoxanthin, flavonoids, and terpenoids.

Detoxifying Cyanides Using Cyanase Enzyme Complexes Composed of Carbonic Anhydrase via Irreversible Covalent Bonds.

Cyanase is a possible solution to reduce the environmental impact of cyanide. However, the enzyme's dependence on HCO limits its industrial applications. To overcome this problem, carbonic anhydrase is utilized in this study.

Advancements in Sustainable Plant-Based Alternatives: Exploring Proteins, Fats, and Manufacturing Challenges in Alternative Meat Production.

The rise in plant-based food consumption is propelled by concerns for sustainability, personal beliefs, and a focus on healthy dietary habits. This trend, particularly in alternative meat, has attracted attention from specialized brands and eco-friendly food companies, leading to increased interest in plant-based alternatives. The dominant plant-based proteins, derived mainly from legumes, include soy protein isolates, which significantly impact sensory factors.