Soft X-ray tomography analysis of mitochondria dynamics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Background: Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that constantly undergo processes of fission and fusion. The changes in mitochondrial dynamics shape the organellar morphology and influence cellular activity regulation. Soft X-ray tomography (SXT) allows for three-dimensional imaging of cellular structures while they remain in their natural, hydrated state, which omits the need for cell fixation and sectioning.

Prediction model of in-hospital cardiac arrest using machine learning in the early phase of hospitalization.

In hospitals, the deterioration of a patient's condition leading to death is often preceded by physiological abnormalities in the hours to days beforehand. Several risk-scoring systems have been developed to identify patients at risk of major adverse events; however, such systems often exhibit low sensitivity and specificity. To identify the risk factors associated with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), we conducted a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan.

SDHAF2 facilitates mitochondrial respiration through stabilizing succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase assemblies.

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) plays pivotal roles in maintaining cellular metabolism, modulating regulatory control over both the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation to facilitate energy production within mitochondria. Given that SDH malfunction may serve as a hallmark triggering pseudo-hypoxia signaling and promoting tumorigenesis, elucidating the impact of SDH assembly defects on mitochondrial functions and cellular responses is of paramount importance. In this study, we aim to clarify the role of SDHAF2, one assembly factor of SDH, in mitochondrial respiratory activities.

Fuzheng Huayu recipe inhibits bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats by inhibiting M2 polarization of macrophages via the oxidative phosphorylation pathway.

Fuzheng Huayu recipe (FZHYR) is a Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of fibrosis. The effects of FZHYR on pulmonary fibrosis and macrophage polarization were investigated . FZHYR inhibited pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis and M2 polarization of macrophages in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (BPF) of rat model.

Deciphering microbial community dynamics along the fermentation course of soy sauce under different temperatures using metagenomic analysis.

Fermented soy sauce consists of microorganisms that exert beneficial effects. However, the microbial community dynamics during the fermentation course is poorly characterized. Soy sauce production is classified into the stages of mash fermentation with koji (S0), brine addition (S1), microbial transformation (S2), flavor creation (S3), and fermentation completion (S4).

bFGF stimulated plasminogen activation factors, but inhibited alkaline phosphatase and SPARC in stem cells from apical Papilla: Involvement of MEK/ERK, TAK1 and p38 signaling.

Introduction: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays a critical role in odontoblast differentiation and dentin matrix deposition, thereby aiding pulpo-dentin repair and regeneration.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of bFGF on plasminogen activation factors, TIMP-1), ALP; and SPARC (osteonectin) expression/production of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP) in vitro; and the involvement of MEK/ERK, p38, Akt, and TAK1 signaling.

Methods: SCAP were exposed to bFGF with/without pretreatment and co-incubation with various signal transduction inhibitors (U0126, SB203580, LY294002, and 5Z-7-oxozeaenol).

Microbial Communities Along 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin Concentration Gradient in Soils Polluted with Agent Orange Based on Metagenomic Analyses.

The 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD), a contaminant in Agent Orange released during the US-Vietnam War, led to a severe environmental crisis. Approximately, 50 years have passed since the end of this war, and vegetation has gradually recovered from the pollution. Soil bacterial communities were investigated by 16S metagenomics in habitats with different vegetation physiognomies in Central Vietnam, namely, forests (S0), barren land (S1), grassland (S2), and developing woods (S3).

A Crucial Role of Mitochondrial Dynamics in Dehydration Resistance in .

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles as they continuously undergo fission and fusion. These dynamic processes conduct not only mitochondrial network morphology but also activity regulation and quality control. has a remarkable capacity to resist stress from dehydration/rehydration.

Butyrate Stimulates Histone H3 Acetylation, 8-Isoprostane Production, RANKL Expression, and Regulated Osteoprotegerin Expression/Secretion in MG-63 Osteoblastic Cells.

Butyric acid as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor is produced by a number of periodontal and root canal microorganisms (such as , , etc.). Butyric acid may affect the biological activities of periodontal/periapical cells such as osteoblasts, periodontal ligament cells, etc.

Clinical efficacy of low dose recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator for the treatment of acute intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of initial thrombolysis by recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in compared with anticoagulant therapy in patients with acute intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE).  Methods: Sixty-six patients with acute intermediate-risk PE were randomly assigned to receive rt-PA or LMWH between June 2014 and June 2017 in our department. We obtained information regarding the difference in the right ventricle/left ventricle (RV/LV) ratio, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), clinical symptoms improvement, PE-related mortality, hemodynamic decompensation, recurrent PE, and major and minor bleeding.

Lysophosphatidylcholine induces cytotoxicity/apoptosis and IL-8 production of human endothelial cells: Related mechanisms.

Increased levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein oxLDL) are shown to elevate the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, stroke, and myocardial infarction. This is possibly due to the toxic effects of oxLDLs on vascular cells. Various oxLDLs including lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and 7-ketocholesterol injure vascular endothelial cells and stimulate inflammatory reaction.

Vitamin D and new-onset atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, which affects 1.5% to 2% of the general population. More than six million Europeans suffer from AF.

Extract of promotes neuronal regeneration in the hippocampus after exposure to acrylamide.

Previous studies have demonstrated a neuroprotective effect of extract of against neuronal damage, but have mainly focused on antioxidation of extract of . To date, limited studies have determined whether extrasct of has a protective effect on neuronal damage. In the present study, acrylamide and 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg extract of were administered for 4 weeks by gavage to establish mouse models.

TGF-β1 stimulates cyclooxygenase-2 expression and PGE production of human dental pulp cells: Role of ALK5/Smad2 and MEK/ERK signal transduction pathways.

Background/purposes: TGF-β1 is an important growth factor that may influence the odontoblast differentiation and matrix deposition in the reactionary/reparative dentinogenesis to dental caries or other tooth injuries. TGF-β1 exerts its effects through various signaling pathways, such as Smads and MAPKs. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a membrane-associated enzyme that produces prostaglandin E (PGE) at sites of pulpal injury and inflammation, which leads to tissue swelling, redness and pain.

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Regulates Gene and Protein Expression Related to Proliferation, Differentiation, and Matrix Production of Human Dental Pulp Cells.

Introduction: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays differential effects on the proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix turnover in various tissues. However, limited information is known about the effect of bFGF on dental pulp cells. The purposes of this study were to investigate whether bFGF influences the cell differentiation and extracellular matrix turnover of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) and the related gene and protein expression as well as the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway.

Clinical and Radiographic Characteristics of Vertical Root Fractures in Endodontically and Nonendodontically Treated Teeth.

Introduction: A vertical root fracture (VRF) is a root fracture extending along the longitudinal axis of roots and is often noted in endodontically treated teeth. However, the clinical and radiographic characteristics of VRFs are not completely known.

Methods: A total of 65 teeth with 68 vertical fractured roots in 58 Chinese patients were investigated.

Effects of Adherence to Statin Therapy on Health Care Outcomes and Utilizations in Taiwan: A Population-Based Study.

Aim: Good medication adherence may decrease the probability of worse outcomes and reduce unnecessary medical care costs. This study aims to evaluate medication adherence for people on statin therapy.

Methods: National health insurance databases were analyzed from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2007.

Role of ALK5/Smad2/3 and MEK1/ERK Signaling in Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1-modulated Growth, Collagen Turnover, and Differentiation of Stem Cells from Apical Papilla of Human Tooth.

Introduction: Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in cell proliferation, matrix formation, and odontogenesis. This study investigated the effects of TGF-β1 on stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) and its signaling by MEK/ERK and Smad2.

Methods: SCAPs were exposed to TGF-β1 with/without pretreatment and coincubation by SB431542 (an ALK5/Smad 2/3 inhibitor) or U0126 (a MEK/ERK inhibitor).

[Operating rules of cotton-pave moxibustion and its samples for clinical application in dermatopathy].

In clinical researches, the authors find that cotton-pave moxibustion has obvious effect for treatment of common dermatopathy, such as herpes zoster. This therapy has some advantages such as easy operation, obvious clinical effect, slight and short burning pain and easy to be accepted by patients. The purpose of this paper is to make the operation of cotton-pave moxibustion standardized, spread and popularize the application of this therapy in dermatopathy through detailed description to the operation method and points for attention of cotton-pave moxibustion and its typical cases.

Total sleep deprivation inhibits the neuronal nitric oxide synthase and cytochrome oxidase reactivities in the nodose ganglion of adult rats.

Sleep disorders are a form of stress associated with increased sympathetic activity, and they are a risk factor for the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. Given that nitric oxide (NO) may play an inhibitory role in the regulation of sympathetic tone, this study set out to determine the NO synthase (NOS) reactivity in the primary cardiovascular afferent neurons (i.e.