SARS-CoV-2 vaccine based on ferritin complexes with screened immunogenic sequences from the Fv-antibody library.

In this study, the vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was developed using ferritin complexes with the immunogenic sequences screened against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) from the Fv-antibody library. The Fv-antibody library was prepared on the outer membrane of by the expression of the V region of immunoglobulin G (IgG) with a randomized complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3). Four Fv-antibodies to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) were screened from the Fv-antibody library, which had a comparable binding constant () between SARS-CoV-2 SP and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor.

Evaluating the antibacterial activity of engineered phage ФEcSw endolysin against multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli strain Sw1.

Objective: The emergence of bacteriophage-encoded endolysins hold significant promise as novel antibacterial agents, particularly against the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, we investigated the phage ФEcSw endolysin to enhance the lytic activity against multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli Sw1 through site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) guided by in silico identification of critical residues.

Methods: A computational analysis was conducted to elucidate the protein folding pattern, identify the active domains, and recognize critical residues of ФEcSw endolysin.

Enhanced Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses Elicited by Adenoviral Delivery of SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Motif Fused to Human Fc.

: The receptor binding motif (RBM) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is critical for viral entry into host cells. Development of a vaccine targeting this region is a promising strategy for COVID-19 prevention. To enhance the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, we developed an adenoviral vector expressing the RBM from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that fused to the human Fc (hFc) domain.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Diagnose Lacrimal Passage Obstructions Based on Dacryocystography Images.

Dacryocystography (DCG) has been used to illustrate the morphological and functional aspects of the lacrimal drainage system in the evaluation of patients with maxillofacial trauma and epiphora. This study developed deep-learning models for the automatic classification of the status of the lacrimal passage based on DCG. The authors collected 719 DCG images from 430 patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Thermostable bFGF Improves Cell Lifespan by Enhancing Cell Activity in the Long-Term Culture of Human Orbicularis Oculi Stem Cells.

Stem cells derived from human orbicularis oculi muscle (hOOM) are a valuable resource for cell therapy. However, when stem cells are continuously cultured, their abilities tend to deteriorate over time. One method to address this issue is to use basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to maintain the stem cell functionality.

Mapping the proteomic landscape and anti-inflammatory role of Streptococcus parauberis extracellular vesicles.

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) are nanoscale membrane-bound structures involved in intercellular communication and transport of bioactive molecules. In this study, we described the proteomic insight and anti-inflammatory activity of Streptococcus parauberis BEVs (SpEVs). Proteomics analysis of SpEVs identified 6209 distinct peptides and 1039 proteins.

Strenuous expression of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus ORF3 protein suggests host resistance.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus is attenuated upon adaptation to cell culture. Exclusively genomic mutations have been traced to the ORF3 gene of the laboratory strains. Previous attempts to express the protein were unsuccessful.

MLPH is a novel adipogenic factor controlling redox homeostasis to inhibit lipid peroxidation in adipocytes.

Abnormal adipose tissue formation is associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and liver and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, identifying the novel factors that control adipogenesis is crucial for understanding these conditions and developing targeted treatments. In this study, we identified the melanosome-related factor MLPH as a novel adipogenic factor.

Treatment Outcome of Conjunctival Cyst Ablation by Pattern Scan Laser.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of conjunctival cyst ablation using pattern scan laser photoablation.

Methods: Ninety-four cases of symptomatic conjunctival cysts were included. After staining the surface of a conjunctival cyst with a dark-purple marker pen, an incision was made into the conjunctival cyst using a 26-gauge needle.

Insights into the Pathogenesis and Development of Recombinant Japanese Encephalitis Virus Genotype 3 as a Vaccine.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, has caused epidemics and severe neurological diseases in Asian countries. In this study, we developed a cDNA infectious clone, pBAC JYJEV3, of the JEV genotype 3 strain (EF571853.1) using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vector.

Depletion of proteasome subunit PSMD1 induces cancer cell death via protein ubiquitination and DNA damage, irrespective of p53 status.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by high incidence and fatality rates worldwide. In our exploration of prognostic factors in HCC, the 26s proteasome subunit, non-ATPase 1 (PSMD1) protein emerged as a significant contributor, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic target in this aggressive cancer. PSMD1 is a subunit of the 19S regulatory particle in the 26S proteasome complex; the 19S particle controls the deubiquitination of ubiquitinated proteins, which are then degraded by the proteolytic activity of the complex.

A one-step immunoassay based on switching peptides for diagnosis of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) using screened Fv-antibodies.

In this study, a one-step immunoassay for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) based on Fv-antibodies and switching peptides was developed, and the assay results of PEDV were obtained by just mixing samples without any further reaction or washing steps. The Fv-antibodies with binding affinity to the spike protein of PEDV were screened from the Fv-antibody library using the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein as a screening probe. Screened Fv-antibodies with binding affinities to the RBD antigen were expressed, and the binding constants () were calculated to be 83-142 nM.

One-step immunoassay of SARS-CoV-2 using screened Fv-antibodies and switching peptides.

The Fv-antibodies were correponded to V region of immunoglobulin G, which were composed of three complementarity determining regions (CDRs) for the specific binding of antigens. In this work, the Fv-antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) were screened from an autodisplayed Fv-antibody library which was expressed on E. coli outer membrane, and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SP was used as a screening probe.

NADH elevation during chronic hypoxia leads to VHL-mediated HIF-1α degradation via SIRT1 inhibition.

Background: Under conditions of hypoxia, cancer cells with hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) from heterogeneous tumor cells show greater aggression and progression in an effort to compensate for harsh environmental conditions. Extensive study on the stability of HIF-1α under conditions of acute hypoxia in cancer progression has been conducted, however, understanding of its involvement during the chronic phase is limited.

Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of SIRT1 on HIF1 stability in a typical chronic hypoxic conditon that maintains cells for 24 h under hypoxia using Western blotting, co-IP, measurement of intracellular NAD + and NADH levels, semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis, invasion assay, gene knockdown.

HDAC-Specific Inhibitors Induce the Release of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus via the COPII-Coated Vesicles.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is an alpha-coronavirus causing acute diarrhea and high mortality in neonatal suckling piglets, resulting in huge economic losses for the global swine industry. The replication, assembly and cell egression of PEDV, an enveloped RNA virus, are mediated via altered intracellular trafficking. The underlying mechanisms of PEDV secretion are poorly understood.

Recent advances in understanding DNA methylation of prostate cancer.

Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, is widely studied in cancer. DNA methylation patterns have been shown to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors in various cancers, including prostate cancer. It may also contribute to oncogenesis, as it is frequently associated with downregulation of tumor suppressor genes.

Ubiquitination Links DNA Damage and Repair Signaling to Cancer Metabolism.

Changes in the DNA damage response (DDR) and cellular metabolism are two important factors that allow cancer cells to proliferate. DDR is a set of events in which DNA damage is recognized, DNA repair factors are recruited to the site of damage, the lesion is repaired, and cellular responses associated with the damage are processed. In cancer, DDR is commonly dysregulated, and the enzymes associated with DDR are prone to changes in ubiquitination.

Anatomical Relationship between the Inferior Temporal Septum and the Temporal Branch of the Facial Nerve for Clinical Applications.

Background: The inferior temporal septum (ITS) is a fibrous adhesion between the superficial temporal fascia and the superficial layer of the deep temporal fascia. This study identified detailed the anatomical relationship between the ITS and the temporal branch of the facial nerve (TBFN) for facial nerve preservation during temple interventions.

Methods: Among 33 Korean cadavers, 43 sides of TBFNs in temporal regions were dissected after identifying the ITS between the superficial temporal fascia and superficial layer of the deep temporal fascia through blunt dissection.

Superimposition Study to Determine the Angular Arterial Distribution and Its Clinical Application.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of the angular artery (AA) in the medial canthal area with the aim of defining an arterial course to prevent AA injury during facial surgery in this region.

Methods: The authors dissected 36 hemifaces of 18 cadavers. The horizontal distance from the vertical level through the medial canthus to the AAs was measured.

Quality of life in intermittent exotropia for Korean children and their parents.

Background: Patients with strabismus are more likely to have mental health problems, including high rates of depressive symptoms and social phobia. Intermittent exotropia (IXT) typically occurs in early childhood and is more common in Asian populations. We aim to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) concerns in children with intermittent exotropia (IXT) using the Intermittent Exotropia Questionaire (IXTQ), and their associations with the clinical severity of IXT and the parents' HRQOL concerns.

Hepatic progesterone receptor membrane component 1 attenuates ethanol-induced liver injury by reducing acetaldehyde production and oxidative stress.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is caused by excessive abuse of alcohol. One of the most representative causes of ALD is the action of acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a toxic material produced when alcohol is metabolized through some enzymes, and it causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and tissue injury.