Assessing the contribution of Tidal Flats to climate change and carbon neutrality through modeling approaches.

Tidal coastal ecosystems show promising potential as natural carbon sinks in mitigating climate change. Under the combined effect of carbon deposition, capturing, converting, and storing atmospheric CO into coastal sediments over a long period, tidal flats are of great significance to the ecology. In addition to preventing coastal erosion, the organic carbon buried in tidal flats should play an important role in mitigating climate change and achieving the carbon neutrality target.

Hydrogeologic Heterogeneity Impacts on Fresh-Saltwater Interaction in Jeju Volcanic Island, Korea.

Jeju volcanic island of South Korea is characterized by hydrogeological heterogeneity, which has resulted in complex environments in a coastal aquifer system. The shape of the fresh-saltwater transition zone (FSTZ) and depth-dependent tidal influences on fresh-saltwater interaction in the eastern part of Jeju Island were examined by assessing geological logs from drilling cores, vertical profiles of specific conductance (SC) and temperature from geophysical logging, and performing time series analysis of groundwater level and multi-depth SC (collected from multiple sensors installed at various borehole depths). A sharp interface and step-like FSTZ were developed in the hyaloclastite and lava layers, respectively.

Effect of diet changes in benthic ecosystems owing to climate change on the physiological responses of Turbo sazae in waters around Jeju Island, Korea.

The benthic ecosystem in temperate regions is becoming barren owing to the replacement of macroalgae by calcareous algae as a result of climate change-induced increases in water temperature. The aim of this study was to observe how the top shell, Turbo sazae, an invertebrate that feeds on macroalgae, adapts to a benthic environment with a reduced macroalgae population owing to replacement by calcareous algae. Using tank experiments, the top shells were cultured for 18 weeks.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of bupropion versus aripiprazole augmentation in adults with treatment-resistant depression: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea.

Background: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) affects 10-30% of patients with major depressive disorder, leading to increased comorbidities, higher mortality, and significant economic and social burdens. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of bupropion and aripiprazole as augmentation therapies for TRD.

Methods: This population-based, retrospective cohort study included adults aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of depressive disorder who met the criteria for TRD.

Cold-active enzymes from deep marine psychrophiles: harnessing their potential in enhanced food production and sustainability.

Exploring the untapped potential of deep-sea microorganisms, particularly their cold-active enzymes, or psychrozymes, offers exciting possibilities for revolutionizing various aspects of the food processing industry. This review focuses on these enzymes, derived from the largely unexplored depths of the deep ocean, where microorganisms have developed unique adaptations to extreme conditions. Psychrozymes, as bioactive molecules, hold significant promise for food industry applications.

Dual inhibition of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase interacting multifunctional protein-2 and α-synuclein by steroid derivative is neuroprotective in Parkinson's model.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase interacting multifunctional protein-2 (AIMP2), a parkin substrate, possesses self-aggregating properties, potentiating α-synuclein aggregation and neurotoxicity in PD. Thus, targeting both α-synuclein and AIMP2 would present an effective treatment for PD pathologies. Herein, we developed small compounds with dual inhibitory activity against AIMP2 and α-synuclein.

Interferon-Induced Transmembrane Protein 1 (IFITM1) Is Downregulated in Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, is caused by mutations in the gene, which encodes the GTPase-activating protein neurofibromin. The pathogenesis of the tumor progression of benign plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) remain unclear. Here, we found that interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) was downregulated in MPNST tissues compared to those in PN tissues from patients with NF1.

Pharmacogenetic Approach to Tramadol Use in the Arab Population.

Tramdol is one of most popular opioids used for postoperative analgesia worldwide. Among Arabic countries, there are reports that its dosage is not appropriate due to cultural background. To provide theoretical background of the proper usage of tramadol, this study analyzed the association between several genetic polymorphisms (CYP2D6/OPRM1) and the effect of tramadol.

Enantioselective Michael addition of 3-hydroxy-2-pyridone to nitroolefins using cinchona-derived bifunctional organocatalysts.

Despite the extensive use of N-heteroarenes in pharmaceuticals and natural products, efficient methods for selective alkylation at the C-4 position of 2-pyridone are scarce. We developed an enantioselective Michael addition of 3-hydroxy-2-pyridone to nitroolefins at the C-4 position using cinchona-derived bifunctional squaramide organocatalysts, achieving up to 95% yield and >99% ee. This selectivity is driven by the bifunctional organocatalysts' hydrogen bonding interactions with 3-hydroxy-2-pyridone and nitroolefins under mild conditions.

Glutathione Dynamics in the Tumor Microenvironment: A Potential Target of Cancer Stem Cells and T Cells.

Glutathione (GSH), the main cellular antioxidant, dynamically influences tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which comprises cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, and non-cellular components, including the extracellular matrix, metabolites, hypoxia, and acidity. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) and T cells are minor but significant cell subsets of the TME. GSH dynamics influences the fate of CSCs and T cells.

Updates on the mechanisms of toxicities associated with monoclonal antibodies targeting growth factor signaling and immune cells in cancer.

Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based immunotherapy currently is considered to be an optimal therapeutic approach to cancer treatment, either in combination with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy or alone. Various solid tumors and hematological malignancies have been characterized by distinct molecular targets, which could be utilized as innovative anticancer agents. Notably, receptor tyrosine kinases, including HER2, EGFR, VEGFR, and PDGFR, which act as receptors for growth factors, serve as crucial target proteins, expanding their role in the cancer therapeutic market.

Discontinuation of blood pressure-lowering, glucose-lowering, and lipid-lowering medications after bariatric surgery in patients with morbid obesity: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea.

Background: Limited evidence exists on the patterns of medication use for hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia after bariatric surgery among Asian patients.

Objectives: To investigate the patterns in the use of blood pressure-lowering, glucose-lowering, and lipid-lowering medications following BS in Korean patients with morbid obesity.

Setting: This study is a retrospective cohort study using the Health Insurance Review and Assignment claims database of South Korea (from 2019 to 2021).

Critical role of endoplasmic reticulum stress on bisphenol A-induced cytotoxicity in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in plastic and paper products, and its exposure can occur through skin contact or oral ingestion. The hazardous effects of BPA absorbed through the skin may be more severe; however, few studies have investigated the skin toxicity of BPA. This study investigated the effects of BPA on human epidermal keratinocyte cell lines, which is relevant for skin exposure.

Fasting potentiates diclofenac-induced liver injury via inductions of oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stresses and apoptosis, and inhibition of autophagy by depleting hepatic glutathione in mice.

Diclofenac, a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, can cause liver damage via its metabolic activation by hepatic CYP450s and UGT2B7. Fasting can affect drug-induced liver injury by modulating the hepatic metabolism, but its influence on diclofenac hepatotoxicity is unknown. Thus, we investigated diclofenac-induced liver damage after fasting in mice, and the cellular events were examined.

The Application of Knowledge-Based Clinical Decision Support Systems to Detect Antibiotic Allergy.

Prevention of drug allergies is important for patient safety. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of antibiotic allergy-checking clinical decision support system (CDSS), K-CDS. A retrospective chart review study was performed in 29 hospitals and antibiotic allergy alerts data were collected from May to August 2022.

Advantages of Using 3D Spheroid Culture Systems in Toxicological and Pharmacological Assessment for Osteogenesis Research.

Bone differentiation is crucial for skeletal development and maintenance. Its dysfunction can cause various pathological conditions such as rickets, osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, or Paget's disease. Although traditional two-dimensional cell culture systems have contributed significantly to our understanding of bone biology, they fail to replicate the intricate biotic environment of bone tissue.

AMPK Alchemy: Therapeutic Potentials in Allergy, Aging, and Cancer.

All cells are equipped with intricate signaling networks to meet the energy demands and respond to the nutrient availability in the body. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is among the most potent regulators of cellular energy balance. Under ATP -deprived conditions, AMPK phosphorylates substrates and affects various biological processes, such as lipid/glucose metabolism and protein synthesis.

Structural Insights into the Penicillin-Binding Protein 4 (DacB) from .

, a major cause of mortality from a single infectious agent, possesses a remarkable mycobacterial cell envelope. Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs) are a family of bacterial enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan. PBP4 (DacB) from (MtbPBP4) has been known to function as a carboxypeptidase, and the role and significance of carboxypeptidases as targets for anti-tuberculosis drugs or antibiotics have been extensively investigated over the past decade.

Role of autophagy in betaine-promoted hepatoprotection against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice.

Betaine, a compound found in plants and sea foods, is known to be beneficial against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but its hepatoprotective and anti-steatogenic mechanisms have been not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying betaine-mediated alleviation of NAFLD induced by a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) in mice, with special focus on the contribution of betaine-stimulated autophagy to NAFLD prevention. Male ICR mice were fed a CDAHFD with or without betaine (0.

Therapeutic strategy using novel RET/YES1 dual-target inhibitor in lung cancer.

Lung cancer represents a significant global health concern and stands as the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The identification of specific genomic alterations such as EGFR and KRAS in lung cancer has paved the way for the development of targeted therapies. While targeted therapies for lung cancer exhibiting EGFR, MET and ALK mutations have been well-established, the options for RET mutations remain limited.

Inhibitory effects of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus Harms extract on the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis in a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model.

Background: The biological function of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus Harm (ASH) has been investigated on various diseases; however, the effects of ASH on arthritis have not been investigated so far. This study investigates the effects of ASH on rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO) was used for ASH extract preparation, and its primary components, pimaric and kaurenoic acids, were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS).

Doxorubicin Attenuates Free Fatty Acid-Induced Lipid Accumulation via Stimulation of p53 in HepG2 Cells.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, and there is a global increase in its incidence owing to changes in lifestyle and diet. Recent findings suggest that p53 is involved in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; however, the association between p53 expression and the disease remains unclear. Doxorubicin, an anticancer agent, increases the expression of p53.

Anti- Activity of Six Major Compounds Isolated from .

Gastric problems are often caused by the well-known () bacterium. One of the biggest obstacles to the treatment of infections is increasing the antibiotic resistance. During our search for naturally derived anti- compounds, six major compounds were isolated from the methylene chloride (CHCl) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions of a that showed anti- activity.