Microglial NLRP3-gasdermin D activation impairs blood-brain barrier integrity through interleukin-1β-independent neutrophil chemotaxis upon peripheral inflammation in mice.

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disintegration is a key contributor to neuroinflammation; however, the biological processes governing BBB permeability under physiological conditions remain unclear. Here, we investigate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in BBB disruption following peripheral inflammatory challenges. Repeated intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide administration causes NLRP3-dependent BBB permeabilization and myeloid cell infiltration into the brain.

Performance of new race-free eGFR equations for predicting complications in chronic kidney disease: From the KNOW-CKD study.

Background The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) developed new race-free eGFR equations and recommended using these new equations in 2021. However, clinical implication of these new equations is not determined in Korean adults. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate performances of these new race-free eGFR equations in predicting complications in Korean chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of truncated 1'-homologated 4'-selenonucleosides as PPARγ/δ dual modulators.

This study explores the synthesis and evaluation of truncated 1'-homologated 4'-selenonucleosides as dual modulators of PPARγ and PPARδ. Starting with d-lyxose, a 4'-selenosugar was synthesized and condensed with a nucleobase via an S2 reaction, followed by modifications at the C2- and N-positions, yielding compounds 3a-l. Structure-activity trend analysis identified compound 3h, featuring 2-chloro and N-3-iodobenzylamine substituents, as a potent PPARγ partial agonist and PPARδ antagonist (PPARγ K = 2.

Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Spectroscopic Single Molecule Localization Microscopy.

Spectroscopic single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) has revolutionized the visualization and analysis of molecular structures and dynamics at the nanoscale level. The technique of combining high spatial resolution of SMLM with spectral information, enables multicolor super-resolution imaging and provides insights into the local chemical environment of individual molecules. However, spectroscopic SMLM faces significant challenges, including limited spectral resolution and compromised localization precision because of signal splitting and the difficulties in analyzing complex, multidimensional datasets, that limit its application in studying intricate biological systems and materials.

Bayesian predictive modeling of indoor ultrafine particles to enhance mid-cost monitoring.

Monitoring airborne nanoparticles has a vital role in indoor air quality control due to their hazardous effects on human health. Detecting particles becomes more challenging as their sizes decrease. While research-grade instruments like the scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) can provide detailed and useful information, they are not practical for personal use due to their size and cost.

The sperm hook as a functional adaptation for migration and self-organized behavior.

In most murine species, spermatozoa exhibit a falciform apical hook at the head end. The function of the sperm hook is not yet clearly understood. In this study, we investigate the role of the sperm hook in the migration of spermatozoa through the female reproductive tract in (C57BL/6), using a deep tissue imaging custom-built two-photon microscope.

Production of the antimalarial drug precursor amorphadiene by microbial terpene synthase-like from the moss Sanionia uncinata.

The microbial terpene synthase-like of the moss Sanionia uncinata displays the convergent evolution of a rare plant metabolite amorpha-4,11-diene synthesis. Despite increasing demand for the exploration of biological resources, the diversity of natural compounds synthesized by organisms inhabiting various climates remains largely unexplored. This study focuses on the moss Sanionia uncinata, known as a predominant species within the polar climates of the Antarctic Peninsula, to systematically explore its metabolic profile both in-field and in controlled environments.

Patient-reported mental health problems and clinical outcomes in adults with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease.

Background: Mental health affects well-being and physical health. Among adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD), mental health (MH) problems are common and can induce adverse clinical outcomes. We examined the association between patient-reported MH problems and clinical outcomes in adults with non-dialysis CKD.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of sugar-modified truncated carbanucleosides as A and A adenosine receptor ligands to explore conformational effect to the receptors.

This study investigated the impact of conformation on the binding affinity of carbanucleosides to A and A adenosine receptors (ARs). A series of nucleosides, including saturated, unsaturated, North (N)-methano, and South (S)-methanocarbanucleosides was prepared, and their binding affinities to AAR and AAR were assessed. Biological evaluations revealed that all synthesized (S)-methanocarbanucleosides had negligible binding to both receptors, and most (N)-methanocarbanucleosides exhibited high binding affinities.

Association between urine creatinine excretion and bone mineral density in chronic kidney disease: Results from the KNOW-CKD study.

Background: Decreased lean body mass or muscle mass is associated with decreased bone mineral density in individuals with preserved renal function. However, the association between muscle mass and bone mineral density in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is not well known. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between muscle mass estimated from urine creatinine (UCr) and bone mineral density in Korean CKD patients.

Statin Use and the Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification in CKD: Findings From the KNOW-CKD Study.

Introduction: Statin treatment can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Paradoxically, previous studies have shown that the use of statin is associated with the progression coronary artery calcification (CAC), a well-known predictor of CVD, in individuals with preserved renal function or in patients on dialysis. However, little is known about the association in patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Polystyrene microplastics induce activation and cell death of neutrophils through strong adherence and engulfment.

Ingested microplastics (MPs) can accumulate throughout whole body, which may induce the dysfunction of immune system. However, it remains unclear how MP exposure affects innate immune responses at the cellular level. We found that mouse neutrophils strongly bind and then engulf polystyrene MPs.

Nanoscale single-vesicle analysis: High-throughput approaches through AI-enhanced super-resolution image analysis.

The analysis of membrane vesicles at the nanoscale level is crucial for advancing the understanding of intercellular communication and its implications for health and disease. Despite their significance, the nanoscale analysis of vesicles at the single particle level faces challenges owing to their small size and the complexity of biological fluids. This new vesicle analysis tool leverages the single-molecule sensitivity of super-resolution microscopy (SRM) and the high-throughput analysis capability of deep-learning algorithms.

Targeted Delivery of Nanoparticle-Conveyed Neutrophils to the Glioblastoma Site for Efficient Therapy.

Glioblastoma is a common brain tumor that poses considerable challenges in drug delivery. In this study, we investigated the potential of cell-based nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery to the glioblastoma sites. The anticancer drug of temozolomide (TMZ)-loaded T7-cholesterol nanoparticle micelles efficiently delivered nanoparticles to neutrophils and, subsequently, to the tumors.

Ringdown Gravitational Waves from Close Scattering of Two Black Holes.

We have numerically investigated close scattering processes of two black holes (BHs). Our careful analysis shows for the first time a nonmerging ringdown gravitational wave induced by dynamical tidal deformations of individual BHs during their close encounter. The ringdown wave frequencies turn out to agree well with the quasinormal ones of a single BH in perturbation theory, despite its distinctive physical context from the merging case.

Neutrophil Migration Is Mediated by VLA-6 in the Inflamed Adipose Tissue.

Adipose tissue, well known for its endocrine function, plays an immunological role in the body. The inflamed adipose tissue under LPS-induced systemic inflammation is characterized by the dominance of pro-inflammatory immune cells, particularly neutrophils. Although migration of macrophages toward damaged or dead adipocytes to form a crown-like structure in inflamed adipose tissue has been revealed, the neutrophilic interaction with adipocytes or the extracellular matrix remains unknown.

Prediction of TKI response in EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients-derived organoids using malignant pleural effusion.

Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) are valuable in predicting response to cancer therapy. PDOs are ideal models for precision oncologists. However, their practical application in guiding timely clinical decisions remains challenging.

Impact of obesity on renal function in elderly Korean adults: a national population-based cohort study.

Background: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for chronic kidney disease and its progression. However, the impact of obesity on the renal function of the elderly population is uncertain. We investigated the association between obesity and renal outcomes in the elderly.

Ischemic stroke outcome after promoting CD4+CD25+ Treg cell migration through CCR4 overexpression in a tMCAO animal model.

The importance of neuroinflammation during the ischemic stroke has been extensively studied. The role of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells during the recovery phase have shown infarct size reduction and functional improvement, possibly through the mitigation of inflammatory immune responses. We aimed to investigate the molecular factors involved in microglia-Treg cell communication that result in Treg trafficking.