Comparative analysis of whole exome sequencing kits for the canine genome.

Objectives: As the public's interest in companion dogs grows, health issues in these animals are also emerging, necessitating the optimization of whole exome sequencing (WES) as a valuable method for disease prediction. While WES targeting the human genome is well established, WES targeting the canine genome is understudied, and there is a need to find effective analysis kits.

Methods: We compared and analyzed the performance of three WES kits from Twist and Agilent using the canine genome as the target to perform genetic analysis of canine diseases effectively.

Upadacitinib counteracts hepatic lipid deposition via the repression of JAK1/STAT3 signaling and AMPK/autophagy-mediated suppression of ER stress.

Upadacitinib (UPA) has been utilized to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and axial spondyloarthritis by modulating inflammation via the JAK pathway. However, its impact on hepatic lipogenesis remains insufficiently studied. This research evaluated protein expression through Western blotting, lipid accumulation with oil red O staining, autophagosomes in hepatocytes via MDC staining, and hepatic apoptosis via cell viability and caspase 3 activity assays.

Extract, Including Caffeoylquinic Acids as the Main Constituents, Induces PPAR β/δ-Dependent Muscle-Type Change and Myogenesis in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice.

To probe the functions of (AG) extract containing various caffeoylquinic acids on dyslipidemia, obesity, and skeletal muscle-related diseases focused on the roles of skeletal muscle, we measured the levels of biomarkers involved in oxidative phosphorylation and type change of skeletal muscle in CC cells and skeletal muscle tissues from apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO) mice. After AG extract treatment in cell and animal experiments, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to estimate the levels of proteins that participated in skeletal muscle type change and oxidative phosphorylation. AG extract elevated protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), phosphorylated 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor beta/delta (PPARβ/δ), myoblast determination protein 1 (MyoD), and myoglobin in skeletal muscle tissues.

Surgical management of multiple coronary artery to coronary sinus fistulas with giant left circumflex artery and multivalvular infective endocarditis.

Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is characterized as a congenital or acquired abnormal communication between a coronary artery and any of the four chambers of the heart (coronary-cameral fistula) or great vessels (coronary arteriovenous fistula) bypassing the capillaries within myocardium. CAF is a rare disease, challenging to diagnose and treat depending on the anatomical location and type of the fistula and accompanying diseases. This study aims to report a case with multiple coronary artery to coronary sinus (CS) fistulas with giant left circumflex artery and multivalvular infective endocarditis.

Exploring horticultural traits and disease resistance in Capsicum baccatum through segmental introgression lines.

Segmental introgression and advanced backcross lines were developed and validated as important tools for improving agronomically important traits in pepper, offering improved sensitivity in detecting quantitative trait loci for breeding. Segmental introgression lines (SILs) and advanced backcross lines (ABs) can accelerate genetics and genomics research and breeding in crop plants. This study presents the development of a complete collection of SILs and ABs in pepper using Capsicum annuum cv.

Genome-wide association study of resistance to anthracnose in pepper (Capsicum chinense) germplasm.

Background: Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. that has a significant impact on worldwide pepper production. Colletotrichum scovillei is the most common pathogenic anthracnose-causing species in the Republic of Korea.

Description of sp. nov., isolated from seawater.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile by gliding and moderately halophilic rod-shaped bacterium HN-2-9-2 was isolated from seawater in Tongyeong, Republic of Korea. The strain grew at concentrations of 0.5‒7 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 5.

Description of Brachybacterium sillae sp. nov., a thermophilic bacterium isolated from a hot spring.

The taxonomic position of strain EF45031, isolated from the Neungam Carbonate hot spring, was examined using the polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain EF45031 shared the highest percentage of 16S rRNA gene sequence with Brachybacterium nesterenkovii CIP 104813 (97.7%).

Buspirone Induces Weight Loss and Normalization of Blood Pressure via the Stimulation of PPAR Dependent Energy Producing Pathway in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Introduction: Buspirone, as a partial agonist for a 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 1A (5-HT1A), has been prescribed as an anxiolytic drug for patients. In addition, the lowering effect of serotonin on blood pressure was reported in hypertensive animal model. We investigated the therapeutic mechanism of buspirone against lipid metabolism disturbed by hypertension of early stage via hypertensive and obese animal model.

Clinical Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures Using Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery.

Background: Multiple rib fractures are common in blunt chest trauma. Until recently, most surgical rib fixations for multiple rib fractures were performed via open thoracotomy. However, due to the invasive nature of tissue dissection and the resulting large wound, an alternative endoscopic approach has emerged that minimizes the postoperative complications caused by the manipulation of injured tissue and lung during an open thoracotomy.

Fermentation of Extract with Halophilic CP6 Results in Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Activities.

Microbial fermentation provides a valorization strategy, through biotransformation, to convert plant-derived raw materials into health-promoting agents. In this study, we have investigated the antioxidative activity of fermented with various strains from specific environments and demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of CP6 fermented extract (FAME) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw264.7 macrophages.

Isolation and Characterization of Thermophilic Bacteria from Hot Springs in Republic of Korea.

Thermophiles that produce extracellular hydrolases are of great importance due to their applications in various industries. Thermophilic enzymes are of interest for industrial applications due to their compatibility with industrial processes, and the availability of the organisms is essential to develop their full potential. In this study, a culture-dependent approach was used to identify thermophilic bacteria from five hot springs in Republic of Korea.

Description of Microbacterium neungamense sp. nov. isolated from a hot spring.

The Gram-positive, nonmotile, rod-shaped bacterium EF45044 was isolated from a hot spring in Chungju, South Korea. The strain was able to grow at concentrations of 0‒5% (w/v) NaCl, at pH 6.0‒10.

Fimasartan Ameliorates Deteriorations in Glucose Metabolism in a High Glucose State by Regulating Skeletal Muscle and Liver Cells.

Purpose: Since diabetes and hypertension frequently occur together, it is thought that these conditions may have a common pathogenesis. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-diabetic function of the anti-hypertensive drug fimasartan on C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle and HepG2 human liver cells in a high glucose state.

Materials And Methods: The anti-diabetic effects and mechanism of fimasartan were identified using Western blot, glucose uptake tests, oxygen consumption rate (OCR) analysis, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunofluorescence staining for diabetic biomarkers in C2C12 cells.

Stimulation of Alpha-1-Adrenergic Receptor Ameliorates Obesity-Induced Cataracts by Activating Glycolysis and Inhibiting Cataract-Inducing Factors.

Background: Obesity, the prevalence of which is increasing due to the lack of exercise and increased consumption of Westernized diets, induces various complications, including ophthalmic diseases. For example, obesity is involved in the onset of cataracts.

Methods: To clarify the effects and mechanisms of midodrine, an α1-adrenergic receptor agonist, in cataracts induced by obesity, we conducted various analytic experiments in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, a rat model of obesity.

A large-scale metagenomic study for enzyme profiles using the focused identification of the NGS-based definitive enzyme research (FINDER) strategy.

Excavating the molecular details of many diverse enzymes from metagenomes remains challenging in agriculture, food, health, and environmental fields. We present a versatile method that accelerates metabolic enzyme discovery for highly selective gene capture in metagenomes using next-generation sequencing. Culture-independent enzyme mining of environmental DNA is based on a set of short identifying degenerate sequences specific for a wide range of enzyme superfamilies, followed by multiplexed DNA barcode sequencing.

Quadriplegia after Mitral Valve Replacement in an Infective Endocarditis Patient with Cervical Spine Spondylitis.

The simultaneous incidence of infective endocarditis and cervical spondylitis with an epidural abscess is rare, and quadriplegia as a complication after cardiac surgery is very rare. We recently observed quadriplegia after mitral valve replacement in an infective endocarditis patient with cervical spine spondylitis. With early symptom detection, immediate examination, and prompt surgical treatment, the patient successfully recovered without neurological symptoms.

Acute Type A Aortic Dissection in a Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis.

We describe the occurrence of acute type A aortic dissection in a patient with situs inversus totalis. A 37-year-old man presented to the emergency department with acute chest pain. Initial chest X-ray findings showed a right-sided heart and a left-sided liver.

Aspirin Improves Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Atherosclerosis through Regulation of the PPAR-AMPK-PGC-1 Pathway in Dyslipidemic Conditions.

This study is aimed at elucidating how aspirin could systemically and simultaneously normalize nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis through both and studies in hyperlipidemic conditions. We evaluated the effects and mechanism of aspirin on the levels of various biomarkers related to NAFLD, atherosclerosis, and oxidative phosphorylation in cells and animals of hyperlipidemic conditions. The protein levels of biomarkers (PPAR, AMPK, and PGC-1) involved in oxidative phosphorylation in both the vascular endothelial and liver cells were elevated by the aspirin in hyperlipidemic condition.

Stimulation of Alpha-Adrenergic Receptor Ameliorates Cellular Functions of Multiorgans beyond Vasomotion through PPAR.

Cells can shift their metabolism between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation to enact their cell fate program in response to external signals. Widely distributed -adrenergic receptors (ARs) are physiologically stimulated during exercise, were reported to associate with the activating energetic AMPK pathway, and are expected to have biological effects beyond their hemodynamic effects. To investigate the effects and mechanism of AR stimulation on the physiology of the whole body, various and experiments were conducted using the AR agonist midodrine, 2-amino--[2-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethyl]-acetamide.

Characterization of glucose uptake metabolism in visceral fat by 18 F-FDG PET/CT reflects inflammatory status in metabolic syndrome.

Objective: The inflammatory activity of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is elevated in metabolic syndrome (MS), and associated with vulnerability to atherosclerosis. Inflammation can be assessed by glucose uptake in atherosclerotic plaques. We investigated whether the glucose uptake of VAT, assessed by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT), is associated with systemic inflammatory status, and related to the number of MS components.

A 31-year-old pericardial textiloma.

Gossypibomas are uncommon but important complications of surgery. This case report is of a gossypiboma found accidentally 31 years after heart surgery. A 41-year-old man had lost 5 kg in the previous three months and suffered from intermittent epigastric discomfort.

Corrigendum to "Caffeoylquinic Acid-Rich Extract of F. Schmidt Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver through the Regulation of PPAR and Adiponectin in ApoE KO Mice".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2017/3912567.].

6-Gingerol Normalizes the Expression of Biomarkers Related to Hypertension via PPAR in HUVECs, HEK293, and Differentiated 3T3-L1 Cells.

Hypertension is a disease with a high prevalence and high mortality rates worldwide. In addition, various factors, such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and the abnormality of organs related to blood pressure, are involved in the development of hypertension. However, at present, there are few available drugs for hypertension that do not induce side effects.

Extract Containing Caffeoylquinic Compounds Protects Human Keratinocytes through the TRPV4-PPAR-AMPK Pathway.

(AG) has been used in cooking and as a medicine to treat various diseases for over hundreds of years in Korea. To speculate the protective effects of AG on skin barrier, we estimated the protein levels of biomarkers related to skin barrier protection in human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells treated with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), or 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The protein levels for keratin, involucrin, defensin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPAR), 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 2 (SPTLC2), and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) were evaluated using western blotting or immunocytochemistry in HaCaT cells.