Kisspeptin Retards Tumor Growth of Lewis Lung Carcinoma Cells Through p38 MAPK-mediated Senescence.

Background/aim: Kisspeptin has multifaceted roles in both normal and pathological conditions. Although lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer worldwide, the role of kisspeptin in lung cancer remains poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of kisspeptin on lung cancer.

Interim safety and immunogenicity analysis of the EuCorVac-19 COVID-19 vaccine in a Phase 3 randomized, observer-blind, immunobridging trial in the Philippines.

EuCorVac-19 (ECV-19) is a recombinant receptor binding domain (RBD) COVID-19 vaccine that displays the RBD (derived from the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain) on immunogenic liposomes. This study compares the safety and immunogenicity of ECV-19 to the COVISHIELD (CS) adenoviral-vectored vaccine. Interim analysis is presented of a randomized, observer-blind, immunobridging Phase 3 trial in the Philippines in 2600 subjects, with treatment and biospecimen collection between October 2022 and January 2023.

Adenoviral Vector System: A Comprehensive Overview of Constructions, Therapeutic Applications and Host Responses.

Adenoviral vectors are crucial for gene therapy and vaccine development, offering a platform for gene delivery into host cells. Since the discovery of adenoviruses, first-generation vectors with limited capacity have evolved to third-generation vectors flacking viral coding sequences, balancing safety and gene-carrying capacity. The applications of adenoviral vectors for gene therapy and anti-viral treatments have expanded through the use of in vitro ligation and homologous recombination, along with gene editing advancements such as CRISPR-Cas9.

Rapid and High-Density Antibody Immobilization Using Electropolymerization of Pyrrole for Highly Sensitive Immunoassay.

Polypyrrole (Ppy) is a biologically compatible polymer that is used as a matrix, in which drugs and enzymes can be incorporated by doping. Here, we suggest an inventive application of Ppy as a biorecognition film encapsulated with an antibody (Ab) as an alternative strategy for the on-site multistep functionalization of thiol-based self-assembled monolayers. The fabrication steps of the recognition films were followed by dropping pyrrole and Ab mixed solutions onto the electrode and obtaining a thin film by direct current electropolymerization.

Improvement in Testosterone Production by for the Alleviation of Andropause Symptoms.

has a number of beneficial effects, including protective effects against age-related disorders. In this study, the effects of on testosterone production and andropause symptoms were evaluated. We first treated TM3 mouse Leydig cells, responsible for testosterone production, with aqueous extract at different concentrations.

In Silico Intensive Analysis for the E4 Gene Evolution of Human Adenovirus Species D.

Adenovirus (Ad) is a ubiquitous pathogen capable of infecting a wide range of animals and humans. Human Adenovirus (HAdV) can cause severe infection, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. To date, over 110 types of HAdV have been classified into seven species from A to G, with the majority belonging to the human adenovirus species D (HAdV-D).

Genomic Evolution and Recombination Dynamics of Human Adenovirus D Species: Insights from Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis.

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) can infect various epithelial mucosal cells, ultimately causing different symptoms in infected organ systems. With more than 110 types classified into seven species (A-G), HAdV-D species possess the highest number of viruses and are the fastest proliferating. The emergence of new adenovirus types and increased diversity are driven by homologous recombination (HR) between viral genes, primarily in structural elements such as the penton base, hexon and fiber proteins, and the E1 and E3 regions.

Cutting Balloon Angioplasty for Severe In-Stent Restenosis after Carotid Artery Stenting: Long-Term Outcomes and Review of Literature.

Purpose: Cutting balloon-percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (CB-PTA) is a feasible treatment option for in-stent restenosis (ISR) after carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, the longterm durability and safety of CB-PTA for ISR after CAS have not been well established.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with ISR after CAS who had been treated with CB-PTA from 2012 to 2021 in our center.

One-year antibody durability induced by EuCorVac-19, a liposome-displayed COVID-19 receptor binding domain subunit vaccine, in healthy Korean subjects.

Objective: EuCorVac-19 (ECV-19), an adjuvanted liposome-displayed receptor binding domain (RBD) COVID-19 vaccine, previously reported interim Phase 2 trial results showing induction of neutralizing antibodies 3 weeks after prime-boost immunization. The objective of this study was to determine the longer-term antibody response of the vaccine.

Methods: To assess immunogenicity 6 and 12 months after vaccination, participants in the Phase 2 trial (NCT04783311) were excluded if they: 1) withdrew, 2) reported COVID-19 infection or additional vaccination, or 3) exhibited increasing Spike (S) antibodies (representing possible non-reported infection).

Improvement in Delivery of Ischemic Stroke Treatments but Stagnation of Clinical Outcomes in Young Adults in South Korea.

Background: There is limited information on the delivery of acute stroke therapies and secondary preventive measures and clinical outcomes over time in young adults with acute ischemic stroke. This study investigated whether advances in these treatments improved outcomes in this population.

Methods: Using a prospective multicenter stroke registry in Korea, young adults (aged 18-50 years) with acute ischemic stroke hospitalized between 2008 and 2019 were identified.

Protective Effects of Against -Induced Inflammation in C57BL/6 Mice.

modulates the host inflammatory response, resulting in chronic gastritis, which contributes to gastric cancer pathogenesis. We verified the effect of on infection by inhibiting -induced inflammatory activity. Five-week-old C57BL/6 mice ( = 8) were administered leaf extract (10 or 20 mg/kg per day) for 6 weeks.

Interim analysis from a phase 2 randomized trial of EuCorVac-19: a recombinant protein SARS-CoV-2 RBD nanoliposome vaccine.

Background: Numerous vaccine strategies are being advanced to control SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. EuCorVac-19 (ECV19) is a recombinant protein nanoparticle vaccine that displays the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) on immunogenic nanoliposomes.

Methods: Initial study of a phase 2 randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the immunogenicity, safety, and tolerance of ECV19 was carried out between July and October 2021.

Disposable electrocatalytic sensor for whole blood NADH monitoring.

Monitoring nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is important because NADH is involved in cellular redox reactions and cellular energy production. Currently, few biosensors quantify NADH in whole blood. However, they still have limitations due to several defects, including poor repeatability, long analysis time, and their requirement of extra sample pretreatment.

The Effect of a Combination of and on Alleviation of Testosterone Deficiency in Aged Rat Models.

With aging, men inevitably encounter irreversible changes, including progressive loss of testosterone and physical strength, and increased fat mass. To assess the alleviatory effects of EUAJ on andropause symptoms, including in vivo testosterone deficiency, we administered EUAJ for 6 weeks in 22-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Before EUAJ (3:1) (: = 3:1, KGC08EA) administration, testosterone decline in 22-week-old SD rats was confirmed compared to 7-week-old SD rats (NC group).

Anti-Obesity Effect of Porcine Collagen Peptide in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice by Regulating Adipogenesis.

Obesity is one of the most common diseases caused by an imbalance in the intake and expenditure of energy, and it is associated with various metabolic complications. This study aimed at investigating the anti-obesity effects and mechanisms of porcine collagen peptide (PCP) using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. The PCP treatment significantly inhibited the adipocyte differentiation and attenuated the mRNA expression of transcription factors (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha [C/EBP] and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma [PPAR]) and the lipogenic gene (fatty acid synthase [FAS]) expression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

Effects of red ginseng oil(KGC11) on testosterone-propionate-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of the prostate, which occurs frequently in middle-aged men. In this study, we report the effect of red ginseng oil (KGC11) on BPH.

Methods: The BPH-induced Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups: control, BPH, KGC11 25, 50, 100, 200, and finasteride groups.

Relationship between Coronary Iodine Concentration Determined Using Spectral CT and the Outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Chronic Total Occlusion.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of coronary iodine concentration (CIC) by using spectral CT in the assessment of the outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO).

Materials And Methods: In total, 50 consecutive patients underwent preprocedural coronary CT angiography with spectral CT prior to their staged PCI for CTO between June 2017 and July 2018. Iodine density maps, referred to as iodine-no-water maps throughout, with spectral CT provided the CIC at proximal CTO (CTO-CIC).

Chikungunya Virus nsP2 Impairs MDA5/RIG-I-Mediated Induction of NF-κB Promoter Activation: A Potential Target for Virus-Specific Therapeutics.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was first identified in 1952 as a causative agent of outbreaks. CHIKV is transmitted by two mosquito species, and . Symptoms after CHIKV infection in human are typically fever and joint pain, but can also include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, polyarthralgia, and rash.

Zika Virus-Encoded NS2A and NS4A Strongly Downregulate NF-κB Promoter Activity.

Since Zika virus (ZIKV) was first detected in Uganda in 1947, serious outbreaks have occurred globally in Yap Island, French Polynesia and Brazil. Even though the number of infections and spread of ZIKV have risen sharply, the pathogenesis and replication mechanisms of ZIKV have not been well studied. ZIKV, a recently highlighted Flavivirus, is a mosquito-borne emerging virus causing microcephaly and the Guillain-Barre syndrome in fetuses and adults, respectively.

Cranberry Powder Attenuates Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats.

Cranberry powder (CR) is reported to be effective against lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and recurrent urinary tract infections. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men older than 50 years is a common cause of LUTS. Here, we attempted to evaluate if CR is also effective for treating BPH using a BPH-induced rat model, which was orally administered CR.

Entry of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis-Associated Human Adenovirus Type 37 in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells.

Purpose: Ocular infection by human adenovirus species D type 37 (HAdV-D37) causes epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, a severe, hyperacute condition. The corneal component of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis begins upon infection of corneal epithelium, and the mechanism of viral entry dictates subsequent proinflammatory gene expression. Therefore, it is important to understand the specific pathways of adenoviral entry in these cells.

Detailed visual assessment of striatal dopaminergic depletion in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: unremarkable or not?

Background: Dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging may enable clinicians to discriminate idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) from other parkinsonian disorders. However, a specific pattern of dopaminergic loss in DAT imaging of iNPH patients remains to be further elucidated.

Methods: In this preliminary study, 11 patients with iNPH in our hospital between March 2017 and February 2019 were finally enrolled.

Three-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network for Prostate MRI Segmentation and Comparison of Prostate Volume Measurements by Use of Artificial Neural Network and Ellipsoid Formula.

The purposes of this study were to assess the performance of a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) for automatic segmentation of prostates on MR images and to compare the volume estimates from the 3D CNN with those of the ellipsoid formula. The study included 330 MR image sets that were divided into 260 training sets and 70 test sets for automated segmentation of the entire prostate. Among these, 162 training sets and 50 test sets were used for transition zone segmentation.