Vitamin B12 Deficiency Manifesting As Pancytopenia, Lymphadenopathy, and Fever: A Clinical Mimic of Hematologic Malignancies.

Pancytopenia is a complex medical condition characterized by decreased levels of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets (PLTs). It can arise from impaired production, peripheral destruction, or a combination of both. The causes of pancytopenia range from reversible factors like infections and medication reactions to irreversible conditions. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a notable reversible cause that can take years to manifest in adults due to stored reserves. However, deficiencies caused by impaired absorption, especially due to the lack of intrinsic factors (IFs), can lead to rapid deterioration within two to five years. A healthy 39-year-old male with an athletic lifestyle presented with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, and fainting over a few days. These symptoms were preceded by weeks of persistent body aches, headaches, weakness, daily fevers, chills, and night sweats. Vital signs were stable. The physical examination revealed conjunctival pallor and lymphadenopathy in the submandibular and superficial cervical regions. Initial blood tests showed normocytic anemia (Hgb 4.9, MCV 80), leukopenia (2.99), thrombocytopenia (142), and elevated liver enzymes (AST 199, ALT 96, and total bilirubin of 2.04). The peripheral smear showed tear-drop cells and hypochromic cells. The initial impression was hematologic malignancy, including but not limited to leukemia, lymphoma, or myelofibrosis given clinical findings such as B-symptoms like night sweats, neck lymphadenopathy, and subjective daily fever, along with pancytopenia. The patient received a bolus of normal saline and a transfusion of two units of packed RBCs. CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed no adenopathy or splenomegaly. Although initial clinical assessment pointed toward a potential hematologic malignancy, comprehensive testing, including SPEP, reticulocyte count/fraction, serum folate, and serum vitamin B12, revealed only severe vitamin B12 deficiency, with a level of less than 150, with the presence of IF antibodies. Treatment involved intensive in-patient vitamin B12 injections followed by a detailed outpatient regimen. The patient completed a daily dose of vitamin B12 injections for seven consecutive days, followed by weekly injections for the next four weeks. Subsequent laboratory results demonstrated an increase in WBC count to 8.39, Hgb level to 13.2, and PLT count of 249, indicating a continued positive response to the vitamin B12 replacement therapy. In summary, pancytopenia poses a diagnostic challenge that demands careful evaluation of patient data and comprehensive testing. Vitamin B12 deficiency, which encompasses pernicious anemia (PA), is among the reversible factors to consider. This aspect holds significance before opting for more invasive measures like a bone marrow biopsy. Nutritional deficiencies need to be considered first as differentials in pancytopenia, even in the absence of typical signs of vitamin B12 deficiency (like macrocytosis and hypersegmented neutrophils) and in the presence of compelling clinical indications pointing to a hematologic malignancy.

Evaluation of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and its degradation products in human exhaled breath and indoor air in a community setting.

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is a widely utilized volatile chemical in industrial applications, including dry cleaning and metal degreasing. Exposure to PCE potentially presents a significant health risk to workers as well as communities near contamination sites. Adverse health effects arise not only from PCE, but also from PCE degradation products, such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and vinyl chloride (VC). PCE, TCE, and VC can contaminate water, soil, and air, leading to exposure through multiple pathways, including inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. This study focused on a community setting in Martinsville, Indiana, a working-class Midwestern community in the United States, where extensive PCE contamination has occurred due to multiple contamination sites (referring to 'plumes'), including a Superfund site. Utilizing proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-TOF-MS), PCE, TCE, and VC concentrations were measured in the exhaled breath of 73 residents from both within and outside the plume areas. PCE was detected in 66 samples, TCE in 26 samples, and VC in 68 samples. Our results revealed a significant positive correlation between the concentrations of these compounds in exhaled breath and indoor air (Pearson correlation coefficients: PCE = 0.75, TCE = 0.71, and VC = 0.89). This study confirms the presence of PCE and its degradation products in exhaled breath in a community exposure investigation, demonstrating the potential of using exhaled breath analysis in monitoring exposure to environmental contaminants. This study showed the feasibility of utilizing PTR-TOF-MS in community investigations to assess exposure to PCE and its degradation products by measuring these compounds in exhaled breath and indoor air.

The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Pandemic Viral Infections.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), of diverse origin and content, are membranous structures secreted by a broad range of cell types. Recent advances in molecular biology have highlighted the pivotal role of EVs in mediating intercellular communication, facilitated by their ability to transport a diverse range of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, DNA, RNA and metabolites. A striking feature of EVs is their ability to exert dual effects during viral infections, involving both proviral and antiviral effects. This review explores the dual roles of EVs, particularly in the context of pandemic viruses such as HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. On the one hand, EVs can enhance viral replication and exacerbate pathogenesis by transferring viral components to susceptible cells. On the other hand, they have intrinsic antiviral properties, including activation of immune responses and direct inhibition of viral infection. By exploring these contrasting functions, our review emphasizes the complexity of EV-mediated interactions in viral pathogenesis and highlights their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention. The insights obtained from investigating EVs in the context of HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 provide a deeper understanding of viral mechanisms and pathologies, and offer a new perspective on managing and mitigating the impact of these global health challenges.

Rapid and High-Density Antibody Immobilization Using Electropolymerization of Pyrrole for Highly Sensitive Immunoassay.

Polypyrrole (Ppy) is a biologically compatible polymer that is used as a matrix, in which drugs and enzymes can be incorporated by doping. Here, we suggest an inventive application of Ppy as a biorecognition film encapsulated with an antibody (Ab) as an alternative strategy for the on-site multistep functionalization of thiol-based self-assembled monolayers. The fabrication steps of the recognition films were followed by dropping pyrrole and Ab mixed solutions onto the electrode and obtaining a thin film by direct current electropolymerization. The efficiency of Ab immobilization was studied by using fluorescence microscopy and electrochemical (EC) methods. Finally, the Ab density was increased and immobilized in 1 min, and the sensing performance as an EC immunosensor was demonstrated using α-fetoprotein with a limit of detection of 3.13 pg/mL and sensing range from 1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL. This study demonstrates the potential for electrochemical functionalization of biomolecules with high affinity and rapidity.

Efficient recovery and recycling/upcycling of precious metals using hydrazide-functionalized star-shaped polymers.

There is a growing demand for adsorption technologies for recovering and recycling precious metals (PMs) in various industries. Unfortunately, amine-functionalized polymers widely used as metal adsorbents are ineffective at recovering PMs owing to their unsatisfactory PM adsorption performance. Herein, a star-shaped, hydrazide-functionalized polymer (S-PAcH) is proposed as a readily recoverable standalone adsorbent with high PM adsorption performance. The compact chain structure of S-PAcH containing numerous hydrazide groups with strong reducibility promotes PM adsorption by enhancing PM reduction while forming large, collectable precipitates. Compared with previously reported PM adsorbents, commercial amine polymers, and reducing agents, S-PAcH exhibited significantly higher adsorption capacity, selectivity, and kinetics toward three PMs (gold, palladium, and platinum) with model, simulated, and real-world feed solutions. The superior PM recovery performance of S-PAcH was attributed to its strong reduction capability combined with its chemisorption mechanism. Moreover, PM-adsorbed S-PAcH could be refined into high-purity PMs via calcination, directly utilized (upcycled) as catalysts for dye reduction, or regenerated for reuse, demonstrating its high practical feasibility. Our proposed PM adsorbents would have a tremendous impact on various industrial sectors from the perspectives of environmental protection and sustainable development.

Diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT versus diffusion-weighted MRI in detection of residual or recurrent tumors after definitive (chemo) radiotherapy for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in treatment, residual or recurrent tumors after definitive (chemo) radiotherapy for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remain a challenge in clinical management and require accurate and timely detection for optimal salvage therapy. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of Fluorine 18 (18F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in detecting residual or recurrent tumors after definitive (chemo) radiotherapy for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal SCC. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 30 patients who presented with new symptoms after definitive (chemo) radiotherapy for laryngeal (n = 21) and hypopharyngeal (n = 9) carcinoma. Both 18F-FDG PET/CT and DW-MRI were performed and histopathologic analysis served as the standard of reference. RESULTS: Histopathology showed 20 patients as positive and 10 as negative for tumors. 18F-FDG PET/CT detected all tumors correctly but was falsely positive in one case. DW-MRI detected tumors in 18 out of 20 positive patients and correctly excluded tumors in all negative patients. The sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG PET/CT were 100% and 90%, respectively, while the values for DW-MRI were 90% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that 18F-FDG PET/CT is slightly superior to DW-MRI in detecting residual or recurrent tumors after definitive (chemo) radiotherapy for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal SCC. The combined use of 18F-FDG PET/CT and DW-MRI can potentially improve specificity in therapy response evaluation.

Exploring novel immunotherapy biomarker candidates induced by cancer deformation.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) demands urgent attention for the development of effective treatment strategies due to its aggressiveness and limited therapeutic options [1]. This research is primarily focused on identifying new biomarkers vital for immunotherapy, with the aim of developing tailored treatments specifically for TNBC, such as those targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. To achieve this, the study places a strong emphasis on investigating Ig genes, a characteristic of immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly genes expressing Ig-like domains with altered expression levels induced by "cancer deformation," a condition associated with cancer malignancy. Human cells can express approximately 800 Ig family genes, yet only a few Ig genes, including PD-1 and PD-L1, have been developed into immunotherapy drugs thus far. Therefore, we investigated the Ig genes that were either upregulated or downregulated by the artificial metastatic environment in TNBC cell line. As a result, we confirmed the upregulation of approximately 13 Ig genes and validated them using qPCR. In summary, our study proposes an approach for identifying new biomarkers applicable to future immunotherapies aimed at addressing challenging cases of TNBC where conventional treatments fall short.

Molecular characterization of positively selected genes contributing aquatic adaptation in marine mammals.

BACKGROUND: Marine mammals, which have evolved independently into three distinct lineages, share common physiological features that contribute to their adaptation to the marine environment. OBJECTIVE: To identify positively selected genes (PSGs) for adaptation to the marine environment using available genomic data from three taxonomic orders: cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sirenians. METHODS: Based on the genomes within each group of Artiodactyla, Carnivora and Afrotheria, we performed selection analysis using the branch-site model in CODEML. RESULTS: Based on the branch-site model, 460, 614, and 359 PSGs were predicted for the cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sirenians, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that genes associated with hemostasis were positively selected across all lineages of marine mammals. We observed positive selection signals for the hemostasis and coagulation-related genes plasminogen activator, urokinase (PLAU), multimerin 1 (MMRN1), gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX), and platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1). Additionally, we found out that the sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 9 (SCN9A), serine/arginine repetitive matrix 4 (SRRM4), and Ki-ras-induced actin-interacting protein (KRAP) are under positive selection pressure and are associated with cognition, neurite outgrowth, and IP3-mediated Ca2 + release, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study will contribute to our understanding of the adaptive evolution of marine mammals by providing information on a group of candidate genes that are predicted to influence adaptation to aquatic environments, as well as their functional characteristics.

In vitro Fertilization Outcomes of Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer with Hatched Blastocysts versus with Hatching Blastocysts.

This study aimed to elucidate the effect of hatching status on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles. Frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles performed at a single fertility center between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively assessed. Analyses were restricted to 6,821 frozen-thawed blastocyst transfers in women aged 24-47 years. For optimal comparability, double embryo transfer (ET) cycles consisting of one hatching and one hatched blastocyst were excluded. The implantation and pregnancy rates were evaluated and compared between the hatching and hatched blastocyst transfer groups based on patients' age (<38 vs. ≥38 years), blastocyst grade (good vs. bad grade), and the number of transferred embryos (single ET vs. double ET). Hatched blastocyst transfer was associated with higher implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in the single ET group (15.7% and 15.6%, respectively; p<0.001). The transfer of two hatched blastocysts had higher implantation and clinical pregnancy rates compared to the transfer of two hatching blastocysts (19.5% and 20.4%, respectively; p<0.001) in the double ET group. In the hatched blastocyst transfer group, the clinical pregnancy and implantation rates were higher, regardless of each woman's age and embryo quality. The IVF treatment outcomes were improved when the blastocysts were hatched during FET cycles. Hence, hatched blastocyst transfer in FET cycles could be considered a superior method in IVF practice.

GPT-4 Performance for Neurologic Localization.

Background and Objectives: In health care, large language models such as Generative Pretrained Transformers (GPTs), trained on extensive text datasets, have potential applications in reducing health care disparities across regions and populations. Previous software developed for lesion localization has been limited in scope. This study aims to evaluate the capability of GPT-4 for lesion localization based on clinical presentation. Methods: GPT-4 was prompted using history and neurologic physical examination (H&P) from published cases of acute stroke followed by questions for clinical reasoning with answering for "single or multiple lesions," "side," and "brain region" using Zero-Shot Chain-of-Thought and Text Classification prompting. GPT-4 output on 3 separate trials for each of 46 cases was compared with imaging-based localization. Results: GPT-4 successfully processed raw text from H&P to generate accurate neuroanatomical localization and detailed clinical reasoning. Performance metrics across trial-based analysis for specificity, sensitivity, precision, and F1-score were 0.87, 0.74, 0.75, and 0.74, respectively, for side; 0.94, 0.85, 0.84, and 0.85, respectively, for brain region. Class labels within the brain region were similarly high for all regions except the cerebellum and were also similar when considering all 3 trials to examine metrics by case. Errors were due to extrinsic causes-inadequate information in the published cases, and intrinsic causes-failures of logic or inadequate knowledge base. Discussion: This study reveals capabilities of GPT-4 in the localization of acute stroke lesions, showing a potential future role as a clinical tool in neurology.

Anti-pollutant effect of oleic acid against urban particulate matter is mediated via regulation of AhR- and TRPV1-mediated signaling in vitro.

Urban Particulate Matter (UPM) induces skin aging and inflammatory responses by regulating skin cells through the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Although oleic acid, an unsaturated free fatty acid (FFA), has some functional activities, its effect on UPM-induced skin damage has not been elucidated. Here, we investigated signaling pathways on how oleic acid is involved in attenuating UPM induced cell damage. UPM treatment increased XRE-promoter luciferase activity and increased translocation of AhR to the nucleus, resulting in the upregulation of CYP1A1 gene. However, oleic acid treatment attenuated the UPM effects on AhR signaling. Furthermore, while UPM induced activation of TRPV1 and MAPKs signaling which activated the downstream molecules NFκB and AP-1, these effects were reduced by cotreatment with oleic acid. UPM-dependent generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction of cellular proliferation were also attenuated by the treatment of oleic acid. These data reveal that cell damage induced by UPM treatment occurs through AhR signaling and TRPV1 activation which in turn activates ERK and JNK, ultimately inducing NFκB and AP-1 activation. These effects were reduced by the cotreatment of oleic acid on HaCaT cells. These suggest that oleic acid reduces UPM-induced cell damage through inhibiting both the AhR signaling and activation of TRPV1 and its downstream molecules, leading to a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine and recovery of cell proliferation.

Human Motor Neurons Elicit Pathological Hallmarks of ALS and Reveal Potential Biomarkers of the Disease in Response to Prolonged IFNγ Exposure.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder marked by progressive motor neuron degeneration and muscle denervation. A recent transcriptomic study integrating a wide range of human ALS samples revealed that the upregulation of p53, a downstream target of inflammatory stress, is commonly detected in familial and sporadic ALS cases by a mechanism linked to a transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) dysfunction. In this study, we show that prolonged interferon-gamma (IFNγ) treatment of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived spinal motor neurons results in a severe cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP-43. TDP-43 dysfunction resulting from either IFNγ exposure or an ALS-associated TDP-43 mutation was associated with the activation of the p53 pathway. This was accompanied by the hyperactivation of neuronal firing, followed by the complete loss of their electrophysiological function. Through a comparative single-cell transcriptome analysis, we have identified significant alterations in ALS-associated genes in motor neurons exposed to IFNγ, implicating their direct involvement in ALS pathology. Interestingly, IFNγ was found to induce significant levels of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in motor neurons without affecting the levels of any other immune checkpoint proteins. This finding suggests a potential role of excessive PD-L1 expression in ALS development, given that PD-L1 was recently reported to impair neuronal firing ability in mice. Our findings suggest that exposing motor neurons to IFNγ could directly derive ALS pathogenesis, even without the presence of the inherent genetic mutation or functional glia component. Furthermore, this study provides a comprehensive list of potential candidate genes for future immunotherapeutic targets with which to treat sporadic forms of ALS, which account for 90% of all reported cases.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the North American sclerophyllous evergreen shrub, Quercus turbinella (Fagaceae).

Quercus turbinella (section Quercus; Fagaceae) is an evergreen shrub characteristic in central Arizona and it concerns one of the most abundant and economically important genera of Quercus in the Northern Hemisphere. Here, we have sequenced the complete chloroplast genome to provide insight into the phylogenetic relationship of Q. turbinella. The whole genome is 161,208 bp in length with two inverted repeat regions of 25,827 bp each, which separate a large single-copy region of 90,552 bp and a small single-copy region of 19,002 bp. A total of 136 genes were annotated, including 88 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNAs, and 40 transfer RNAs. The result of the maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis strongly suggested that Quercus turbinella had a close relationship to Quercus macrocarpa with strong bootstrap support.

Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of stem cell dynamics in hair follicle regeneration.

Hair follicles, which are connected to sebaceous glands in the skin, undergo cyclic periods of regeneration, degeneration, and rest throughout adult life in mammals. The crucial function of hair follicle stem cells is to maintain these hair growth cycles. Another vital aspect is the activity of melanocyte stem cells, which differentiate into melanin-producing melanocytes, contributing to skin and hair pigmentation. Sebaceous gland stem cells also have a pivotal role in maintaining the skin barrier by regenerating mature sebocytes. These stem cells are maintained in a specialized microenvironment or niche and are regulated by internal and external signals, determining their dynamic behaviors in homeostasis and hair follicle regeneration. The activity of these stem cells is tightly controlled by various factors secreted by the niche components around the hair follicles, as well as immune-mediated damage signals, aging, metabolic status, and stress. In this study, we review these diverse stem cell regulatory and related molecular mechanisms of hair regeneration and disease conditions. Molecular insights would provide new perspectives on the disease mechanisms as well as hair and skin disorder treatment.

Enhancing immunogenic responses through CDK4/6 and HIF2α inhibition in Merkel cell carcinoma.

Approximately 50% of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) patients facing this highly aggressive skin cancer initially respond positively to PD-1-based immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the recurrence of MCC post-immunotherapy emphasizes the pressing need for more effective treatments. Recent research has highlighted Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) as pivotal cell cycle regulators gaining prominence in cancer studies. This study reveals that the CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib can enhance PD-L1 gene transcription and surface expression in MCC cells by activating HIF2α. Inhibiting HIF2α with TC-S7009 effectively counteracts palbociclib-induced PD-L1 transcription and significantly intensifies cell death in MCC. Simultaneously, co-targeting CDK4/6 and HIF2α boosts ROS levels while suppressing SLC7A11, a key regulator of cellular redox balance, promoting ferroptosis- a form of immunogenic cell death linked to iron. Considering the rising importance of immunogenic cell death in immunotherapy, this strategy holds promise for improving future MCC treatments, markedly increasing immunogenic cell death various across various MCC cell lines, thus advancing cancer immunotherapy.

Exploring the Molecular and Developmental Dynamics of Endothelial Cell Differentiation.

The development and differentiation of endothelial cells (ECs) are fundamental processes with significant implications for both health and disease. ECs, which are found in all organs and blood vessels, play a crucial role in facilitating nutrient and waste exchange and maintaining proper vessel function. Understanding the intricate signaling pathways involved in EC development holds great promise for enhancing vascularization, tissue engineering, and vascular regeneration. Hematopoietic stem cells originating from hemogenic ECs, give rise to diverse immune cell populations, and the interaction between ECs and immune cells is vital for maintaining vascular integrity and regulating immune responses. Dysregulation of vascular development pathways can lead to various diseases, including cancer, where tumor-specific ECs promote tumor growth through angiogenesis. Recent advancements in single-cell genomics and in vivo genetic labeling have shed light on EC development, plasticity, and heterogeneity, uncovering tissue-specific gene expression and crucial signaling pathways. This review explores the potential of ECs in various applications, presenting novel opportunities for advancing vascular medicine and treatment strategies.

Biomonitoring of Exposures to Solvents and Metals in Electronics Manufacturing Facilities in Batam, Indonesia.

Concerns about chemical exposure in the electronics manufacturing industry have long been recognized, but data are lacking in Southeast Asia. We conducted a study in Batam, Indonesia, to evaluate chemical exposures in electronics facilities, using participatory research and biological monitoring approaches. A convenience sample of 36 workers (28 exposed, 8 controls) was recruited, and urine samples were collected before and after shifts. Five solvents (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, benzene, and xylenes) were found in 46%-97% of samples, and seven metals (arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, tin, antimony, lead, and vanadium) were detected in 60%-100% of samples. Biological monitoring and participatory research appeared to be useful in assessing workers' exposure when workplace air monitoring is not feasible due to a lack of cooperation from the employer. Several logistical challenges need to be addressed in future biomonitoring studies of electronics workers in Asia in factories where employers are reluctant to track workers' exposure and health.

Genomic potential and physiological characteristics of C1 metabolism in novel acetogenic bacteria.

Acetogenic bacteria can utilize C1 compounds, such as carbon monoxide (CO), formate, and methanol, via the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway (WLP) to produce biofuels and biochemicals. Two novel acetogenic bacteria of the family Eubacteriaceae ES2 and ES3 were isolated from Eulsukdo, a delta island in South Korea. We conducted whole genome sequencing of the ES strains and comparative genome analysis on the core clusters of WLP with Acetobacterium woodii DSM1030T and Eubacterium limosum ATCC8486T. The methyl-branch cluster included a formate transporter and duplicates or triplicates copies of the fhs gene, which encodes formyl-tetrahydrofolate synthetase. The formate dehydrogenase cluster did not include the hydrogenase gene, which might be replaced by a functional complex with a separate electron bifurcating hydrogenase (HytABCDE). Additionally, duplicated copies of the acsB gene, encoding acetyl-CoA synthase, are located within or close to the carbonyl-branch cluster. The serum bottle culture showed that ES strains can utilize a diverse range of C1 compounds, including CO, formate, and methanol, as well as CO2. Notably, ES2 exhibited remarkable resistance to high concentrations of C1 substrates, such as 100% CO (200 kPa), 700 mM formate, and 500 mM methanol. Moreover, ES2 demonstrated remarkable growth rates under 50% CO (0.45 h-1) and 200 mM formate (0.34 h-1). These growth rates are comparable to or surpassing those previously reported in other acetogenic bacteria. Our study introduces novel acetogenic ES strains and describes their genetic and physiological characteristics, which can be utilized in C1-based biomanufacturing.

Association between physical activity and health-related quality of life in middle-aged and elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders: Findings from a national cross-sectional study in Korea.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the association between physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in middle-aged and elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: This study used data from the 2016-2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We included only those over 40 years of age diagnosed with one or more of the following: osteoarthritis, rheumatism, and osteoporosis. In total, 4,731 participants (783 men and 3,948 women) were included as the study population. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between physical activity and HRQoL. RESULTS: In the case of middle-aged and elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, the likelihood of HRQoL worsening was significantly lower for those who regularly engaged in physical activity compared with that of those who did not engage in physical activity at all (men: OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.90; women: OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.53-0.79). Stratified analysis by the type and intensity of physical activity revealed that the possibility of poor HRQoL was lowest when leisure-related moderate-intensity physical activities were performed (men: OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22-0.89; Women: OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.36-0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that engaging in regular physical activity contributes to preventing exacerbation of HRQoL, even if the individual suffers from musculoskeletal disorders. It is necessary to provide an appropriate type and intensity of physical activity in consideration of the patients' pain and severity.