Comparative Analysis of Different Extracellular Matrices for the Maintenance of Bovine Satellite Cells.

Cultured meat produced using satellite cells has emerged to address issues such as overpopulation, the ethical conundrums associated with the breeding environment, and the methane gas emissions associated with factory farming. To date, however, the challenges of maintaining satellite cells in vitro and reducing the costs of the culture media are still substantial. Gelatin, collagen, and fibronectin are commonly used extracellular matrices (ECMs) that facilitate signal integration with the cells and promote cell adhesion.

The influence of cooling die temperature gradients on the texture of high-moisture meat analogs.

In this study, we used protein blends and rheological methods to simulate the structural changes in high-moisture meat analogs (HMMA) within the cooling die and clarified the complex interactions between changes in protein composition and HMMA's textural characteristics. Rheological analysis revealed a decrease in rheological parameters with an increase in the cooling die temperature, although no structural collapse was observed in gel stability. Although the hardness of HMMA decreased with an increase in the cooling die temperature, it facilitated the alignment of protein structures, resulting in an enhanced texturization index.

Microstructural and textural characteristics of blend gels and high-moisture meat analogs of soy protein isolate and faba bean protein concentrate.

In this study, the effects of faba bean protein concentrate (FPC) and soy protein isolate (SPI) on the microstructure and texture of high-moisture meat analogs (HMMA) were extensively analyzed using rheological methodologies. Rheological analyses revealed that introducing FPC disrupted the gel structure and hindered the formation of a protein network among the SPIs. The gel stability also indicated that higher FPC content increased the susceptibility to continuous oscillation, potentially resulting in structural collapse.

Thermorheological properties and structural characteristics of soy and pumpkin seed protein blends for high-moisture meat analogs.

This study explored the effects of soy protein isolate (SPI) and pumpkin seed protein concentrate (PSC) blends on the thermorheological properties and microstructure of high-moisture meat analogs. Using a Discovery Hybrid Rheometer, we observed that increasing PSC content weakened SPI network formation, resulting in decreased gel stability and a more porous, less aligned structure. Microstructural analyses (FE-SEM and FT-IR) revealed a correlation between protein network disruption and increased PSC content.

Generation of mouse and rat xenogeneic ovaries for production of mouse oocyte.

The system forming ovarian follicles is developed to investigate folliculogenesis in a confined environment to obtain functional oocytes. Several studies have reported the successful generation of fully functional oocytes using mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mouse female germline stem cells (fGSCs) as sources of stem cells for gametogenesis models. In addition, human oogonia have been generated through heterologous co-culture of differentiated human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) with mouse germline somatic cells, although oocyte formation remains challenging.

Tri-component hydrocolloid as egg white replacement in meringues: gellan gum with soy protein isolate and maltodextrin.

Background: In the quest for sustainable food ingredients, the present study delves into the potential of a tri-component hydrocolloid blend, comprising gellan gum (GG), soy protein isolate (SPI) and maltodextrin (MD), as a replacement for egg white in meringue production. The research aims to elucidate the intricate physical properties of meringue containing this tri-component structure, focusing on foaming dynamics, rheological behavior and the textural properties of the resulting meringue cookies.

Results: Experiments were conducted with various hydrocolloids (k-carrageenan, GG, and locust bean gum) and GG was identified as optimal for improving foaming capacity and foaming stability.

Strong intramolecular charge-transfer effect strengthening naphthoquinone-based chemosensor: Experimental and theoretical evaluation.

An aminophenol-linked naphthoquinone-based fluorometric and colorimetric chemosensor 2-chloro-3-((3-hydroxyphenyl) amino) naphthalene-1,4-dione (2CAN-Dione) was synthesized for selective detection of Sn ion in aqueous solution. The amine and conversion of carbonyl into carboxyl groups play a vital role in the sensing mechanism when Sn is added to 2CAN-Dione. Comprehensive characterization of the sensor was carried out using standard spectral and analytical approaches.

Comparative Study on the Immunogenicity of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines in Patients Receiving Adjuvant and Palliative Chemotherapy.

This study was conducted to investigate potential differences in vaccine efficacy between patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy and receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Additionally, the study proved the influence of vaccination timing on vaccine efficacy during active chemotherapy. Anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG binding antibody assays and surrogate neutralizing antibody assays were performed after BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccination in 45 solid cancer patients (23 adjuvant and 22 palliative chemotherapy) and in 24 healthy controls before vaccination (baseline), at every two to four weeks after the first (post-dose 1) and the second vaccination (post-dose 2).

Pediatric humoral immune responses and infection risk after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and two-dose vaccination during SARS-CoV-2 omicron BA.5 and BN.1 variants predominance in South Korea.

Background: Humoral immune responses and infection risk after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination during the Omicron BA.5 and BN.1 variants predominant period remains unexplored in pediatric population.

Current Status of Flow Cytometric Immunophenotyping of Hematolymphoid Neoplasms in Korea.

Background: Flow cytometric immunophenotyping of hematolymphoid neoplasms (FCI-HLN) is essential for diagnosis, classification, and minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring. FCI-HLN is typically performed using in-house protocols, raising the need for standardization. Therefore, we surveyed the current status of FCI-HLN in Korea to obtain fundamental data for quality improvement and standardization.

Particulate matter 10 induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in rhesus macaques skin fibroblast.

Background: Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant that affects human health worldwide. PM can pass through the skin barrier, thus causing skin diseases such as heat rash, allergic reaction, infection, or inflammation. However, only a few studies have been conducted on the cytotoxic effects of PM exposure on large-scale animals.

The moderating role of circadian gene polymorphisms in the relationship between sleep disturbance and circulating lymphocyte subsets in colorectal cancer patients.

Aim: We investigated the impact of sleep disturbance on immune status in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with consideration of the moderating role of circadian clock gene polymorphisms.

Methods: A prospective longitudinal study design was used to collect information regarding sleep disturbance. Blood samples for immunologic assays were obtained the day before the first (baseline) and last cycles of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) chemotherapy.

The fibronectin concentration that optimally maintains porcine satellite cells.

Objective: 'Cultured meat' has been suggested as means of solving the problems associated with overpopulation and gas emissions. Satellite cells are a major component in the production of cultured meat; however, these cells cannot be maintained in vitro over long periods. Fibronectin is a glycoprotein that affects biological processes such as cell adhesion, differentiation, and migration.

The technical potential of a sous-vide processing method for developing high-moisture textured soy protein.

This study explored the potential of sous-vide processing as a novel technique for transforming low-moisture textured soy protein (TSP) into a product with high moisture content and texture comparable to meat. We hypothesized that the sous-vide treatment would enable precise control of the TSP microstructure. In the ensuing process, the TSP maintained the moisture content at approximately 70% and changed color towards darker tones.

Under-diagnosis of vector-borne diseases among individuals suspected of having Scrub Typhus in South Korea.

Due to environmental and ecological changes and suitable habitats, the occurrence of vector-borne diseases is increasing. We investigated the seroprevalence of four major vector-borne pathogens in human patients with febrile illness who were clinically suspected of having Scrub Typhus (ST) caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. A total of 187 samples (182 patient whole blood and sera samples, including 5 follow-up) were collected.

Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis of Isolates from a Patient with Persistent Fungemia and Determination of the Molecular Mechanisms of Multidrug Resistance.

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to determine the molecular mechanisms of multidrug resistance for 10 serial bloodstream isolates obtained from a neutropenic patient during 82 days of amphotericin B (AMB) or echinocandin therapy. For WGS, a library was prepared and sequenced using a Nextera DNA Flex Kit (Illumina) and the MiseqDx (Illumina) instrument. All isolates harbored the same Msh2p substitution, V239L, associated with multilocus sequence type 7 and a Pdr1p substitution, L825P, that caused azole resistance.

The Effects of Co-Culture of Embryonic Stem Cells with Neural Stem Cells on Differentiation.

Researching the technology for in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into neural lineages is very important in developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy. Thus, studies on in vitro differentiation of ESCs into neural lineages by co-culture are expected to improve our understanding of this process. A co-culture system has long been used to study interactions between cell populations, improve culture efficiency, and establish synthetic interactions between populations.

Influence of a post-processing heat treatment method on the textural properties of textured vegetable protein.

Textured vegetable protein (TVP) is gaining popularity as the market for meat analogues grows, but research on processing to improve the texture of TVPs is needed. Heat treatments can change the textural properties during the processing of meat and meat analogues. Therefore, this study analyzed the textural characteristics of low-moisture TVPs following heat treatments using steaming, oven-cooking, microwaving, and vacuum-autoclaving, which combines vacuum packaging and autoclaving.

Development of an Auxiliary Device for Patellar and Femoral Joint Tangential Axial Radiographic Imaging and a Method for Obtaining an Optimal Radiographic Image Using the Development.

This study evaluated the accuracy of tangential axial radiography of the patellar and femoral joint using an auxiliary device based on three image evaluation criteria, which we named the patellofemoral joint radiography auxiliary device (PJR). To compare the PJR method with conventional radiographic methods, such as Laurin, Merchant, and Settegast, a whole-body phantom (PBU-31) was used and three image evaluation items were set. The radiographic method, the smallest inclination of the patellar and showed the best half lateral image of the patella, is Settegast, and the measurement is 9.

Application of Nanoparticles and Melatonin for Cryopreservation of Gametes and Embryos.

Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, a technique widely applied in human infertility clinics and to preserve desirable genetic traits of livestock, has been developed over 30 years as a component of the artificial insemination process. A number of researchers have conducted studies to reduce cell toxicity during cryopreservation using adjuvants leading to higher gamete and embryo survival rates. Melatonin and Nanoparticles are novel cryoprotectants and recent studies have investigated their properties such as regulating oxidative stresses, lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation in order to protect gametes and embryos during vitrification.