Robust genome editing activity and the applications of enhanced miniature CRISPR-Cas12f1.

With recent advancements in gene editing technology using the CRISPR/Cas system, there is a demand for more effective gene editors. A key factor facilitating efficient gene editing is effective CRISPR delivery into cells, which is known to be associated with the size of the CRISPR system. Accordingly, compact CRISPR-Cas systems derived from various strains are discovered, among which Un1Cas12f1 is 2.

Comparative Analysis of Symmetry Parameters in the E2 Inner Core of the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex.

Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have facilitated the high-resolution structural determination of macromolecular complexes in their native states, providing valuable insights into their dynamic behaviors. However, insufficient understanding or experience with the cryo-EM image processing parameters can result in the loss of biological meaning. In this paper, we investigate the dihydrolipoyl acetyltransferase (E2) inner core complex of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) and reconstruct the 3D maps using five different symmetry parameters.

Kidney stone analysis: an EAU section of urolithiasis (EULIS) survey on current practices and perspectives worldwide.

Purpose: To investigate the current thoughts and perspectives on kidney stone analysis amongst urologists and urology residents worldwide.

Methods: In October 2022 an online survey supported by the EULIS was circulated amongst urologists and urology residents worldwide. The survey was based on the current EAU guidelines regarding stone analysis and its role in urolithiasis management.

Clinical Utility of Deep Learning Assistance for Detecting Various Abnormal Findings in Color Retinal Fundus Images: A Reader Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of a deep learning-based detection device for multiple abnormal findings on retinal fundus photographs for readers with varying expertise.

Methods: Fourteen ophthalmologists (six residents, eight specialists) assessed 399 fundus images with respect to 12 major ophthalmologic findings, with or without the assistance of a deep learning algorithm, in two separate reading sessions. Sensitivity, specificity, and reading time per image were compared.

Automated Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Diagnosis via Artificial Intelligence-Based 3D T1 MRI Volumetric Analysis.

Background And Purpose: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is reversible dementia that is underdiagnosed. The purpose of this study was to develop an automated diagnostic method for iNPH using artificial intelligence techniques with a T1-weighted MRI scan.

Materials And Methods: We quantified iNPH, Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, and healthy controls on T1-weighted 3D brain MRI scans using 452 scans for training and 110 scans for testing.

Lipo-pam™ adjuvanted herpes zoster vaccine induces potent gE-specific cellular and humoral immune responses.

Herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, is caused by the reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Decreased VZV-specific T-cell immune responses significantly contribute to the development of HZ. Shingrix is a recombinant zoster vaccine that is currently used to prevent HZ.

Development of a biomarker-based platform for comprehensive skin characterization using minimally invasive skin sampling and quantitative real-time PCR.

Background: Classifying diverse skin types is crucial for promoting skin health. However, efficiently identifying and analyzing relevant biomarkers from a vast array of available genetic data is challenging. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a precise and efficient platform for analyzing specific skin biomarkers using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) with the minimal invasive skin sampling method (MISSM).

Removal of circulating mitochondrial N-formyl peptides via immobilized antibody therapy restores sepsis-induced neutrophil dysfunction.

During recovery from septic shock, circulating mitochondrial N-formyl peptides predispose to secondary infection by occupying formyl peptide receptor 1 on the neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte) membrane, suppressing cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i)-dependent responses to secondarily encountered bacteria. However, no study has yet investigated therapeutic clearance of circulating mitochondrial N-formyl peptides in clinical settings. Thus, we studied how to remove mitochondrial N-formyl peptides from septic-shock plasma and whether such removal could preserve cell-surface formyl peptide receptor 1 and restore sepsis-induced polymorphonuclear leukocyte dysfunction by normalizing [Ca2+]i flux.

Automated Comprehensive CT Assessment of the Risk of Diabetes and Associated Cardiometabolic Conditions.

Background CT performed for various clinical indications has the potential to predict cardiometabolic diseases. However, the predictive ability of individual CT parameters remains underexplored. Purpose To evaluate the ability of automated CT-derived markers to predict diabetes and associated cardiometabolic comorbidities.

Pheromone-Based Mating Disruption of (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Chestnut Orchards.

Chestnuts ( Siebold and Zucc.) are one of the major agroforestry products in Korea, and is a major pest of the chestnut fruit. Pheromone-based mating disruption (MD) has emerged as a promising eco-friendly approach to reduce population levels and ultimately mitigate fruit damage.

Noninvasive ROS imaging and drug delivery monitoring in the tumor microenvironment.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are overproduced in certain tumors can be considered an indicator of oxidative stress levels in the tissue. Here, we report a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based probe capable of detecting ROS levels in the tumor microenvironment (TME) using ROS-responsive manganese ion (Mn)-chelated, biotinylated bilirubin nanoparticles (Mn@bt-BRNPs). These nanoparticles are disrupted in the presence of ROS, resulting in the release of free Mn, which induces T1-weighted MRI signal enhancement.

Automated Detection of Steno-Occlusive Lesion on Time-of-Flight MR Angiography: An Observer Performance Study.

Background And Purpose: Intracranial steno-occlusive lesions are responsible for acute ischemic stroke. However, the clinical benefits of artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods for detecting pathologic lesions in intracranial arteries have not been evaluated. We aimed to validate the clinical utility of an AI model for detecting steno-occlusive lesions in the intracranial arteries.

Korea4K: whole genome sequences of 4,157 Koreans with 107 phenotypes derived from extensive health check-ups.

Background: Phenome-wide association studies (PheWASs) have been conducted on Asian populations, including Koreans, but many were based on chip or exome genotyping data. Such studies have limitations regarding whole genome-wide association analysis, making it crucial to have genome-to-phenome association information with the largest possible whole genome and matched phenome data to conduct further population-genome studies and develop health care services based on population genomics.

Results: Here, we present 4,157 whole genome sequences (Korea4K) coupled with 107 health check-up parameters as the largest genomic resource of the Korean Genome Project.

Direct and Indirect Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Imaging with PET/MRI in a Tumor Xenograft Model.

Background Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are a promising cancer therapy; however, reliable and repeatable methods for tracking and monitoring CAR T cells in vivo remain underexplored. Purpose To investigate direct and indirect imaging strategies for tracking the biodistribution of CAR T cells and monitoring their therapeutic effect in target tumors. Materials and Methods CAR T cells co-expressing a tumor-targeting gene (anti-CD19 CAR) and a human somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (hSSTr2) reporter gene were generated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Value of Immediate Flat Panel Perfusion Imaging after Endovascular Therapy (AFTERMATH): A Proof of Concept Study.

Background And Purpose: Potential utility of flat panel CT perfusion imaging (FPCT-PI) performed immediately after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is unknown. We aimed to assess whether FPCT-PI obtained directly post-MT could provide additional potentially relevant information on tissue reperfusion status.

Materials And Methods: This was a single-center analysis of all patients with consecutive acute stroke admitted between June 2019 and March 2021 who underwent MT and postinterventional FPCT-PI ( = 26).

Improving CNV Detection Performance in Microarray Data Using a Machine Learning-Based Approach.

Copy number variation (CNV) is a primary source of structural variation in the human genome, leading to several disorders. Therefore, analyzing neonatal CNVs is crucial for managing CNV-related chromosomal disabilities. However, genomic waves can hinder accurate CNV analysis.