Biochemical and neurophysiological effects of deficiency of the mitochondrial import protein TIMM50.

TIMM50, an essential TIM23 complex subunit, is suggested to facilitate the import of ~60% of the mitochondrial proteome. In this study, we characterized a disease-causing mutation in human fibroblasts and noted significant decreases in TIM23 core protein levels (TIMM50, TIMM17A/B, and TIMM23). Strikingly, TIMM50 deficiency had no impact on the steady-state levels of most of its putative substrates, suggesting that even low levels of a functional TIM23 complex are sufficient to maintain the majority of TIM23 complex-dependent mitochondrial proteome.

Experience of Older Adults and Their Family Members in the Kidney Transplant Evaluation.

Importance: Transplant can be a valuable treatment option for older adults with kidney failure, and recent initiatives encourage more frequent referral to transplant centers. However, the evaluation process can be challenging, and most older adults do not ultimately receive a kidney.

Objective: To elucidate the perspectives and experiences of older adults with advanced kidney disease and their family members regarding the kidney transplant evaluation process.

Utility of Orthosis in the Conservative Treatment of Proximal Phalanx Fractures: A Preliminary Study in Healthy Participants.

Background: The standard treatment for the conservative management of a proximal phalanx fracture of the little finger involves immobilizing the fracture site with a cast. However, cast immobilization presents challenges in maintaining hygiene during treatment and restricts the fine motor movements of the fingers. In this study, we developed a removable orthosis that immobilizes only the ring and little fingers.

Carbon Nanotube-Based Segregated Thermoplastic Nanocomposites Structured via Electromagnetic Melt Processing.

A cutting-edge method that uses electromagnetic (EM) energy for the melt processing of thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites (TPNCs) is reported. The properties and microstructures of TPNCs produced via the proposed EM-processing method and TPNCs via conventional heat processing are contrasted. The EM-processed TPNCs prepared with EM-susceptible carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibited a significant enhancement in transport and mechanical properties, outperforming the conventionally processed TPNCs.

Unraveling the Nanomechanical and Vibrational Properties of the Mayaro Virus.

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging mosquito-borne viral pathogen whose infection results in arthritogenic disease. Despite ongoing research efforts, MAYV biology is largely unknown. Physical virology can assess MAYV nanoparticle metastability, assembly/disassembly, and polymorphism, allowing us to understand virion architecture and dynamics.

Hierarchically Promoted Light Harvesting and Management in Photothermal Solar Steam Generation.

Solar steam generation (SSG) presents a promising approach to addressing the global water crisis. Central to SSG is solar photothermal conversion that requires efficient light harvesting and management. Hierarchical structures with multi-scale light management are therefore crucial for SSG.

Unlocking the potential of melanotransferrin (CD228): implications for targeted drug development and novel therapeutic avenues.

Introduction: Melanotransferrin (CD228), a cell membrane-anchored protein, has emerged as a significant cancer antigen due to its high expression in various solid tumors. This review synthesizes the current understanding and therapeutic potential of CD228.

Areas Covered: We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.

Diagnosis of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases based on the combination of label-free quantitative multiphoton fiber histology and machine learning.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD), characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, often suffers from low diagnostic accuracy and consistency. Traditional H&E staining primarily reveals cellular inflammation with limited detail on fibrosis. To address these issues, we introduce a pioneering label-free quantitative multiphoton fiber histology (MPFH) technique that delineates the intricate characteristics of collagen and elastin fibers for ILDs diagnosis.

Toxicity of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in elutriates prepared with estuarine and freshwater sediments.

PFAS has a ubiquitous environmental occurrence, posing challenges to sediment management. To address data gaps concerning release of PFAS from sediment to the water column during dredged material aquatic placement or other sediment resuspension activity, we generated elutriates from PFAS-contaminated sediments. Sediments were obtained from both freshwater and estuarine environments, with a field-collected sediment representative of contaminated areas and a spiked sediment with concentrations exceeding levels frequently measured at contaminated sites.

Single-cell data-driven design of armed oncolytic virus and combination therapy to activate a cooperative innate-adaptive immunity against cancer.

Oncolytic viruses have been considered promising cancer immunotherapies. However, oncovirotherapy agents impart durable responses in only a subset of cancer patients. Thus, exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the heterogeneous responses in patients can provide guidance to develop more effective oncolytic virus therapies.

Preparation and characterization of natural microcapsules EYG (egg yolk granules) with OPO(1,3-dioleic acid-2-palmitic acid triglyceride): Unique application of EYG riches in low/high-density lipoproteins on OPO stability.

Glycerol 1,3-dioleic acid, 2-palmitate (OPO) structural lipids are one of the important types of breast milk replacement lipids. Due to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the OPO structure, causing it to be extremely unstable. This study aimed to embed OPO through homogenization and spray drying based on egg yolk granules (EYG, riches in low/high-density lipoproteins) to prepare OPO natural microcap1sules.

Enhancing external quantum efficiency in a sky-blue OLED by charge transfer via Si quantum dots.

Organic light-emitting diodes aim to achieve high efficiency by using excitons to achieve a 100% quantum efficiency (QE). However, developing functional organic materials for this purpose can be time-consuming. To address this challenge, a new method has been proposed to incorporate inorganic quantum dots into the organic luminescent layer to enable unlimited exciton formation and approach the 100% QE limit.

Effects of Different Self-Adhesive Resin Cements and Curing Through Zirconia on Gingival Fibroblasts.

Introduction: Self-adhesive resin cements (SARCs) are widely used for fixed prostheses. These cements and their eluted products may affect periodontal tissues. This study aimed to investigate the response of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) to eluates from SARCs in vitro, simulating clinical conditions after prosthesis fixation, to gain insights into their potential effects on gingival health.

Sulfur-functionalized sawdust biochar for enhanced cadmium adsorption and environmental remediation: A multidisciplinary approach and density functional theory insights.

Pristine biochar typically exhibits limited capacity for heavy metal adsorption due to its inadequate pore development and insufficient surface functionality. This study introduces an innovative chemical strategy to enhance the surface of sawdust biochar with sulfur-based functional groups (C=S, C-S, S-S, S, S-H, -SO, -SO) to significantly improve cadmium (Cd) adsorption. Sulfur-doping using HSO, NaS, and NaSO markedly increased the sulfur content from 0.

Modulation of the endocannabinoid system by (S)-ketamine in an animal model of depression.

Ketamine (KET) is recognized as rapid-acting antidepressant, but its mechanisms of action remain elusive. Considering the role of endocannabinoids (eCB) in stress and depression, we investigated if S-KET antidepressant effects involve the regulation of the eCB system using an established rat model of depression based on selective breeding: the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) and their controls, the Flinders Resistant Line (FRL). S-KET (15 mg/kg) effects were assessed in rats exposed to the open field and forced swimming test (FST), followed by analysis of the eCB signaling in the rat prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain region involved in depression neurobiology.

Efficacy and safety of intradialytic parenteral nutrition using ENEFLUID® in malnourished patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: An exploratory, multicenter, randomized, open-label study.

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) using ENEFLUID® (310 kcal, 550 mL) in mild-moderate malnutrition patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. A total of 40 adult patients with a Nutritional Risk Index-Japanese Hemodialysis (NRI-JH) score of 5-10 were enrolled in this multicenter, randomized, open-label study. Patients in the intervention group received IDPN using ENEFLUID® via the dialysis circuit 3 times a week for 12 weeks; those in the control group did not.

Booster vaccination and post COVID-19 condition during the Omicron variant-dominant wave: A large population-based study.

Objectives: The effect of the COVID-19 booster vaccination and the long-term consequences concerning preventing post COVID-19 condition (PCC) remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the association of COVID-19 booster vaccination dose and vaccination timing before infection with the risk of PCC during the Omicron variant-dominant wave.

Methods: This population-based study included confirmed COVID-19 patients (extracted from the Health Center Real-time Information-sharing System) aged 20-69 years, who were infected between July 1 and August 31, 2022.

Gastrointestinal bacteria growth inhibition by a toilet sanitary good for disaster shelter.

Japan has experienced several large earthquakes in the past 30 years. Emergency evacuation shelters become overcrowded immediately after disasters. Deteriorating sanitary conditions in toilets are associated with a higher risk of infectious pathogen transmission.

Serotoninergic Mechanisms of Action in the Relaxant Properties of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 on the Intestine.

Background: Perturbations of intestinal serotonergic neurotransmission seem to be involved in bowel dysmotility associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea. Oral administration of probiotics is an emerging strategy to improve IBS symptoms, possibly via influencing local serotonin metabolism and neurotransmission. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 (S.

Association Between Amount of Physical Activity and Clinical Outcomes After Treatment for Cardiovascular Disease in Cancer Survivors.

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity before the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and clinical outcomes in cancer survivors.

Methods And Results: We analyzed 904 cancer survivors (median age [interquartile range] 75 [68-80] years; 297 [32.9%] patients were female) who required hospitalization for treatment of CVD.