Metabolic engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica for the production and secretion of the saffron ingredient crocetin.

Background: Crocetin is a multifunctional apocarotenoid natural product derived from saffron, holding significant promises for protection against various diseases and other nutritional applications. Historically, crocetin has been extracted from saffron stigmas, but this method is hindered by the limited availability of high-quality raw materials and complex extraction processes. To overcome these challenges, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology can be applied to the sustainable production of crocetin.

Radiographic Characteristics of Caudal Segment in Multilevel Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: The Bony Buttress Formation.

Objective: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with anterior plating is a commonly performed procedure for cervical disc diseases. While the clinical outcomes of most reported multilevel ACDF cases are excellent, symptomatic pseudarthrosis remains a challenge, often requiring revision surgeries. This study aims to present the radiological characteristics of multilevel ACDF constructs, which can be considered during intraoperative management to prevent pseudarthrosis.

Histone Deacetylase 9 Deletion Inhibits Hepatic Steatosis and Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Male Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Aim: The goal of this study was to determine the role of histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) in the development of diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and white adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunctions.

Methods: We fed male and female mice with global Hdac9 knockout (KO) and their wild-type (WT) littermates an obesogenic high-fat/high-sucrose/high-cholesterol (35%/34%/2%, w/w) diet for 20 weeks.

Results: Hdac9 deletion markedly inhibited body weight gain and liver steatosis with lower liver weight and triglyceride content than WT in male mice but not females.

Application of personalized nutrition counseling according to glycemic response in obese adults: A randomized dietary intervention study.

This randomized clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effects of personalized nutrition counseling according to blood glucose response and dietary intake, which can be measured using a flash continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device, on weight changes and eating habits in obese adults. The participants of this study comprised obese adults over 30 years of age, which were randomly assigned to either the (1) personalized nutrition group (PN) or (2) control group (CON) with a study period of up to 12 weeks. Body weight, body mass index, body fat mass, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio significantly decreased in the PN group when compared with the CON group (P < 0.

Current methods for plastic waste recycling: Challenges and opportunities.

The practical use of plastics has rapidly increased owing to their superior physicochemical properties. Despite their excellent physicochemical properties, the short lifespan of plastics has inevitably led to a substantial generation of plastic waste. As such, strategic mitigation of the hazardous potential of plastic waste has been regarded as significant in waste management.

National trends in surgical treatment and clinical outcomes among patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the Republic of Korea.

Objective: In this study, changes in treatment methods and patient prognosis were analyzed using a Korean nationwide medical insurance information database.

Methods: Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage who received surgical treatment for cerebral aneurysm from 2005 to 2020 were included. The specific surgery type was classified using the surgical code and according to whether stents were used.

Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated CRISPR-Cas13a Delivery for the Control of Bacterial Infection.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) can assist in the delivery of nucleic acid inside animal cells, as demonstrated by their use in COVID-19 vaccine development. However, LNPs applicable to bacteria have not been reported. Here, the screening of 511 LNPs containing random combinations of different lipid components identified two LNPs, LNP 496 and LNP 470, that efficiently delivered plasmids into Escherichia coli BW25113.

Immunogenicity and protection of a triple repeat domain III mRNA vaccine against Zika virus.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes and often asymptomatic in most individuals. Infection during pregnancy can lead to severe birth defects such as congenital microcephaly, and currently, there is no approved vaccine for ZIKV. Several studies are investigating the development of ZIKV vaccine using DNA and RNA as well as recombinant protein technologies; however, the outcomes thus far have not been consistently noteworthy.

High-precision and low-noise dielectric tensor tomography using a micro-electromechanical system mirror.

Dielectric tensor tomography is an imaging technique for mapping three-dimensional distributions of dielectric properties in transparent materials. This work introduces an enhanced illumination strategy employing a micro-electromechanical system mirror to achieve high precision and reduced noise in imaging. This illumination approach allows for precise manipulation of light, significantly improving the accuracy of angle control and minimizing diffraction noise compared to traditional beam steering approaches.

Engineered cross-feeding creates inter- and intra-species synthetic yeast communities with enhanced bioproduction.

Microorganisms can be engineered to sustainably produce a variety of products including fuels, pharmaceuticals, materials, and food. However, highly engineered strains often result in low production yield, due to undesired effects such as metabolic burden and the toxicity of intermediates. Drawing inspiration from natural ecosystems, the construction of a synthetic community with division of labor can offer advantages for bioproduction.

Improved biohydrogen production using Ni/ZrCeO loaded on foam reactor through steam gasification of sewage sludge.

The pervasive generation of sewage sludge (SES) and deficiencies in its disposal methods have resulted in several significant environmental and human health challenges. This study explored the catalytic effect of nickel (Ni)-based CeO, ZrO, Zr.Ce.

Iron-based electrode material composites for electrochemical sensor application in the environment: A review.

This review explores the expanding role of electrochemical sensors across diverse domains such as environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and food quality assurance. In recent years, iron-based electrocatalysts have emerged as promising candidates for enhancing sensor performance. Notable for their non-toxicity, abundance, catalytic activity, and cost-effectiveness, these materials offer significant advantages.

Effectiveness and safety of steamed ginger extract on mild osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of steamed ginger extract (GGE03) in subjects with mild knee osteoarthritis (OA). In total, 100 subjects were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to the GGE03 (0.48 g day as GGE03) or placebo (0 g day as GGE03) group and administered 1.

Clinical Efficacy of MiSight 1 day Soft Contact Lenses in Korean Myopic Children.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses (MiSight CL) in Korean children with mild-to-moderate myopia. In addition, the study compared the effects of MiSight CL in children who had or had not previously used orthokeratology contact lenses (Ortho-K).

Methods: A total of 66 children aged 5 to 16 years, who were prescribed MiSight CL, were included in the study.

Complete genome sequence of a new virus, a tentative member of the family Geminiviridae, infecting hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium) in South Korea.

The family Convolvulaceae comprises approximately 50-60 genera with approximately 1600-1700 species, exhibiting a rich diversity of morphological characteristics and occupying a broad range of ecological habitats. High-throughput sequencing identified a tentative new virus in the family Geminiviridae infecting Calystegia sepium var. japonica in South Korea.

Determination of biogenic amine-producing lactic acid bacteria in kimchi varieties through in vitro analysis and low temperature fermentation.

Unlabelled: This study analyzed biogenic amine (BA) content in three varieties (types) of kimchi ( kimchi, kimchi, and kimchi), identified the causative bacteria, and evaluated the gene expression associated with the BA formation during kimchi fermentation at 4 °C. Histamine content exceeding the toxicity limit was detected in a single kimchi product. Tyramine content in most kimchi products was approximately half of the toxicity limit.

Synthetic, marine, light-driven, autotroph-heterotroph co-culture system for sustainable β-caryophyllene production.

Applying low-cost substrate is critical for sustainable bioproduction. Co-culture of phototrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms can be a promising solution as they can use CO and light as feedstock. This study aimed to create a light-driven consortium using a marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp.

Prospects and challenges of nanopesticides in advancing pest management for sustainable agricultural and environmental service.

The expanding global population and the use of conventional agrochemical pesticides have led to the loss of crop yield and food shortages. Excessive pesticide used in agriculture risks life forms by contaminating soil and water resources, necessitating the use of nano agrochemicals. This article focuses on synthesis moiety and use of nanopesticides for enhanced stability, controlled release mechanisms, improved efficacy, and reduced pesticide residue levels.

Analysis of host factor networks during hepatitis B virus infection in primary human hepatocytes.

Background: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects around 250 million people worldwide, causing approximately 887,000 deaths annually, primarily owing to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current approved treatments for chronic HBV infection, such as interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogs, have certain limitations as they cannot completely eradicate covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Considering that HBV replication relies on host transcription factors, focusing on host factors in the HBV genome may provide insights into new therapeutic targets against HBV.