In vivo magnetogenetics for cell-type-specific targeting and modulation of brain circuits.

Neuromodulation technologies are crucial for investigating neuronal connectivity and brain function. Magnetic neuromodulation offers wireless and remote deep brain stimulations that are lacking in optogenetic- and wired-electrode-based tools. However, due to the limited understanding of working principles and poorly designed magnetic operating systems, earlier magnetic approaches have yet to be utilized. Furthermore, despite its importance in neuroscience research, cell-type-specific magnetic neuromodulation has remained elusive. Here we present a nanomaterials-based magnetogenetic toolbox, in conjunction with Cre-loxP technology, to selectively activate genetically encoded Piezo1 ion channels in targeted neuronal populations via torque generated by the nanomagnetic actuators in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate this cell-type-targeting magnetic approach for remote and spatiotemporal precise control of deep brain neural activity in multiple behavioural models, such as bidirectional feeding control, long-term neuromodulation for weight control in obese mice and wireless modulation of social behaviours in multiple mice in the same physical space. Our study demonstrates the potential of cell-type-specific magnetogenetics as an effective and reliable research tool for life sciences, especially in wireless, long-term and freely behaving animals.

Social, clinical and biological barriers to hepatitis B virus suppression with nucleos/tide analogue therapy: who is at risk and what should we do about it?

Optimising treatment outcomes for people living with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is key to advancing progress towards international targets for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat. Nucleos/tide analogue agents (most commonly tenofovir or entecavir) are well-tolerated and suppress viraemia effectively in the majority of those who are offered therapy. However, outcomes are not consistent, and we explore the factors that may contribute to incomplete therapeutic responses. We discuss situations in which therapy is not accessible, affordable or acceptable, reflecting the impact of social, cultural and economic barriers, stigma and discrimination, low awareness, poor access to health systems and comorbidity. These challenges are amplified in certain vulnerable populations, increasing the risk of adverse outcomes-which include liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma-among people who already experience marginalisation and health inequities. We also tackle the physiological and biological mechanisms for incomplete virological suppression in individuals receiving HBV treatment, considering the possible impact of inadequate tissue drug levels, poor drug-target avidity and genomic resistance. These factors are interdependent, leading to a complex landscape in which socioeconomic challenges increase the challenge of consistent daily therapy and set the scene for selection of drug resistance. By putting a spotlight on this neglected topic, we aim to raise awareness, prompt dialogue, inform research and advocate for enhanced interventions. As criteria for HBV treatment eligibility relax, the population receiving therapy will expand, and there is a pressing need to optimise outcomes and close the equity gap.

A study on the formative usability testing for modular powered wheelchair.

The increasing prevalence of mobility impairments underscores the urgent need for accessible and affordable mobility aids. To overcome the mobility limitations of people with disabilities, there is an increasing need for the development of lightweight and portable powered wheelchairs that can be easily loaded. This study aimed to perform an early health technology assessment and a formative usability evaluation on a modular (detachable) powered wheelchair. It aimed to gauge device satisfaction among users, pinpoint areas for improvement, and detect any unforeseen errors to inform future development. Engaging 16 participants, including powered wheelchair users, healthcare professionals, and caregivers, the research evaluated the wheelchair's functionality in various scenarios, emphasizing safety, effectiveness, and convenience. Statistical analyses of task performance and satisfaction surveys highlighted that, while powered wheelchair users successfully completed tasks focusing on driving and power control, healthcare professionals and caregivers encountered difficulties with the wheelchair's assembly and disassembly. Despite general positivity, the surveys indicated mixed satisfaction levels regarding safety, validity, and convenience, with specific issues related to frame durability, seat comfort, and control mechanisms. These findings suggest that refining the wheelchair's design and addressing user concerns could significantly enhance satisfaction and mobility services. Future efforts will include a thorough review of an advanced prototype and further satisfaction assessments.

We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature by addressing a critical gap in the understanding of user-centric design and usability testing for powered wheelchairs.By emphasizing the importance of early assessments and incorporating user feedback into the development process, our research offers practical insights for creating more accessible and user-friendly mobility solutions.This contribution is particularly relevant in the context of advancing assistive technology and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Reduction of Z alpha-1 antitrypsin polymers in human iPSC-hepatocytes and mice by LRRK2 inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) is a life-threatening condition caused by the inheritance of the serpin family A member 1 "Z" genetic variant driving alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) protein misfolding in hepatocytes. There are no approved medicines for this disease. METHODS: We conducted a high-throughput image-based small molecule screen using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell-hepatocytes (iPSC-hepatocytes). Identified targets were validated in vitro using 3 independent patient iPSC lines. The effects of the identified target, leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), were further evaluated in an animal model of A1ATD through histology and immunohistochemistry and in an autophagy-reporter line. Autophagy induction was assessed through immunoblot and immunofluorescence analyses. RESULTS: Small-molecule screen performed in iPSC-hepatocytes identified LRRK2 as a potentially new therapeutic target. Of the commercially available LRRK2 inhibitors tested, we identified CZC-25146, a candidate with favorable pharmacokinetic properties, as capable of reducing polymer load, increasing normal AAT secretion, and reducing inflammatory cytokines in both cells and PiZ mice. Mechanistically, this effect was achieved through the induction of autophagy. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the use of CZC-25146 and leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 inhibitors in hepatic proteinopathy research and their further investigation as novel therapeutic candidates for A1ATD.

SRPK3 Is Essential for Cognitive and Ocular Development in Humans and Zebrafish, Explaining X-Linked Intellectual Disability.

OBJECTIVE: Intellectual disability is often the outcome of neurodevelopmental disorders and is characterized by significant impairments in intellectual and adaptive functioning. X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) is a subset of these disorders caused by genetic defects on the X chromosome, affecting about 2 out of 1,000 males. In syndromic form, it leads to a broad range of cognitive, behavioral, ocular, and physical disabilities. METHODS: Employing exome or genome sequencing, here we identified 4 missense variants (c.475C > G; p.H159D, c.1373C > A; p.T458N, and c.1585G > A; p.E529K, c.953C > T; p.S318L) and a putative truncating variant (c.1413_1414del; p.Y471*) in the SRPK3 gene in 9 XLID patients from 5 unrelated families. To validate SRPK3 as a novel XLID gene, we established a knockout (KO) model of the SRPK3 orthologue in zebrafish. RESULTS: The 8 patients ascertained postnatally shared common clinical features including intellectual disability, agenesis of the corpus callosum, abnormal eye movement, and ataxia. A ninth case, ascertained prenatally, had a complex structural brain phenotype. Together, these data indicate a pathological role of SRPK3 in neurodevelopmental disorders. In post-fertilization day 5 larvae (free swimming stage), KO zebrafish exhibited severe deficits in eye movement and swim bladder inflation, mimicking uncontrolled ocular movement and physical clumsiness observed in human patients. In adult KO zebrafish, cerebellar agenesis and behavioral abnormalities were observed, recapitulating human phenotypes of cerebellar atrophy and intellectual disability. INTERPRETATION: Overall, these results suggest a crucial role of SRPK3 in the pathogenesis of syndromic X-linked intellectual disability and provide new insights into brain development, cognitive and ocular dysfunction in both humans and zebrafish. ANN NEUROL 2024.

Myeloid Sarcoma of the Colon Initially Presenting as a Paracolic Abscess in a Patient with Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Myeloid sarcoma, a rare extramedullary manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), can occur in various anatomic sites but seldom involves the gastrointestinal tract. We report the unusual case of a 49-year-old man with a history of AML who initially presented with abdominal pain and imaging findings suggestive of a paracolic abscess. However, the lesion rapidly progressed to a large descending colon mass with peritoneal involvement over five weeks. Surgical resection and histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma. This case highlights the potential of myeloid sarcoma to mimic an inflammatory colonic process at initial presentation prior to manifesting as an overt mass lesion. Although exceedingly rare, myeloid sarcoma should be considered in patients with a history of AML presenting with colon lesions, particularly in those with an aggressive clinical course. Early recognition may expedite appropriate treatment and prevent unnecessary procedures. This report also underscores the importance of correlating imaging findings with clinical history and histopathology findings to establish an accurate diagnosis.

[Classification of Uterine Adenomyosis: A Pictorial Essay]. / ìžê¶ì„ ê·¼ì¦ì˜ 분류 체계: 임상화보.

MRI is a crucial tool for diagnosing adenomyosis and identifying its related pathologies. To accurately diagnose adenomyosis, it is necessary to recognize both the typical MRI findings and atypical features of the condition. Recently, a standardized classification system has been developed to facilitate precise presurgical diagnosis of adenomyosis and to determine the appropriate treatment method. Differentiating between various subtypes based on MRI-based classification and identifying different MRI phenotypes can aid in categorizing patients with adenomyosis into specific treatment groups and monitoring their response to therapy.

Highly Emissive Lanthanide-Based 0D Metal Halide Nanocrystals for Efficient Ultraviolet Photodetector.

Recently, lanthanide-based 0D metal halides have attracted considerable attention for their applications in X-ray imaging, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), sensors, and photodetectors. Herein, lead-free 0D gadolinium-alloyed cesium cerium chloride (Gd3+-alloyed Cs3CeCl6) nanocrystals (NCs) are introduced as promising materials for optoelectronic application owing to their unique optical properties. The incorporation of Gd3+ in Cs3CeCl6 (CCC) NCs is proposed to increase the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) from 57% to 96%, along with significantly enhanced phase and chemical stability. The structural analysis is performed by density functional theory (DFT) to confirm the effect of Gd3+ in Cs3Ce1- xGdxCl6 (CCGC) alloy system. Moreover, the CCGC NCs are applied as the active layer in UVPDs with different Gd3+ concentration. The excellent device performance is shown at 20% of Gd3+ in CCGC NCs with high detectivity (7.938 × 1011 Jones) and responsivity (0.195 A W-1) at -0.1 V at 310 nm. This study paves the way for the development of lanthanide-based metal halide NCs for next-generation UVPDs and other optoelectronic applications.

Mini-access ascending aorto-bifemoral bypass surgery for the treatment of aortic steno-occlusive disease.

Objectives: Mid-aortic syndrome is a rare condition characterized by severe aortic narrowing, leading to high upper body blood pressure and organ hypoperfusion, necessitating surgical intervention. Although central bypassing is considered ideal, it involves extensive incisions. To overcome these limitations, less-invasive approaches have been developed. This study aims to introduce a mini-access approach using video-endoscopy and to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of mini-access ascending aorto-bifemoral bypass surgery. Methods: From November 2020 to May 2022, we performed ascending aorta to bifemoral artery bypass operations on 7 patients to treat steno-occlusive diseases in the downstream aorta. A Y-graft was created, and procedures were conducted under general anesthesia using video-endoscopy with limited skin incisions. Results: Intraoperatively, there were no major complications, and none of the patients required cardiopulmonary bypass support. Furthermore, there were no postoperative mortalities or major complications. Postoperatively, the mean ankle-brachial index significantly improved from 0.59/0.59 to 0.96/0.92 (P = .004), and the mean glomerular filtration rate increased from 61.1 to 85.3 mL/min/1.73 mm2 (P = .012). Additionally, symptoms of claudication resolved in all patients. Conclusions: Videoscope-assisted mini-access aortic bypass surgery not only provides favorable early postoperative outcomes but also represents a technically feasible alternative to traditional surgical approaches for the treatment of steno-occlusive aortic diseases.

Effects of infant care posture and weight on static postural balance.

BACKGROUND: Studies investigating postural balance during various infant care postures have not been reported yet. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure static postural balance when holding an infant dummy in-arms and carrying an infant dummy on back according to different infant dummy weights. METHODS: Sixteen healthy young subjects participated in a balance test. Infant dummies with weights of 4.6 kg (1-month) and 9.8 kg (12-month) were used in this study. All subjects were asked to naturally stand on a force platform in two infant care postures (holding an infant in-arms and carrying an infant on one's back). Center of pressure (COP) was measured from the force platform. Quantitative variables were derived from the COP. Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine main effects of infant care postures, infant weight, and their interactions on COP variables. RESULTS: Back carrying a 12-month infant dummy had the greatest amplitude in all COP variables. Back carrying posture showed significantly greater mean distance and peak power, faster mean velocity, and wider COP area compared to holding posture (P< 0.05). There were significant weight effects of most COP variables mainly in AP direction (P< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results could contribute to the prevention of musculoskeletal diseases or prevention of fall due to various infant care activities by developing an assisting device to improve postural balance.

Investigating Distinct Skin Microbial Communities and Skin Metabolome Profiles in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder influenced by genetic predisposition, environmental factors, immune dysregulation, and skin barrier dysfunction. The skin microbiome and metabolome play crucial roles in modulating the skin's immune environment and integrity. However, their specific contributions to AD remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the distinct skin microbial communities and skin metabolic compounds in AD patients compared to healthy controls (HCs). Seven patients with AD patients and seven HCs were enrolled, from whom skin samples were obtained for examination. The study involved 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis as well as the use of gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) to detect metabolites associated with AD in the skin. We observed significant differences in microbial diversity between lesional and non-lesional skin of AD patients and HCs. Staphylococcus overgrowth was prominent in AD lesions, while Cutibacterium levels were decreased. Metabolomic analysis revealed elevated levels of several metabolites, including hypoxanthine and glycerol-3-phosphate in AD lesions, indicating perturbations in purine metabolism and energy production pathways. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between hypoxanthine and glycerol-3-phosphate and clinical severity of AD and Staphylococcus overgrowth. These findings suggest potential biomarkers for monitoring AD severity. Further research is needed to elucidate the causal relationships between microbial dysbiosis, metabolic alterations, and AD progression, paving the way for targeted therapeutic interventions.

The influence of mindfulness meditation combined with progressive muscle relaxation training on the clinical efficacy and quality of life of patients with sarcopenia receiving haemodialysis: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of mindfulness meditation combined with progressive muscle relaxation training on the clinical efficacy and quality of life in patients with sarcopenia receiving maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). METHODS: Eligible patients with sarcopenia in our hospital were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 24) and an intervention group (n = 25). The control group received conventional dialysis treatment, while the intervention group underwent mindfulness meditation combined with progressive muscle relaxation training during the interdialysis period in addition to conventional dialysis treatment. The effect of the intervention was evaluated after 12 weeks. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the baseline values of various parameters between the two groups. Exercise capacity (sit-to-stand test,handgrip,time to 10 sit-ups) significantly improved in the intervention group after 12 weeks (32.68 ± 8.32 vs 26.50 ± 6.83; 37.42 ± 10.12 vs 28.12 ± 8.51; 19.8 ± 5.40 vs 25.29 ± 7.18) (p < 0.05). In terms of the kidney disease quality of life (KDQOLTM) score, all other dimensions except sexual function, social functioning, burden of kidney disease and work status dimensions showed significant improvement compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). In the control group, only the dialysis staff encouragement (DSE) and patient satisfaction (PS) dimensions showed slight improvements compared to the baseline (p > 0.05). When compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvements in 10 dimensions of exercise capacity and KDQOLTM scores for physical function, role-physical, general health, energy, symptom/problem list, sleep, DSE, pain, cognitive function, emotional well-being and patient PS after 12 weeks (61.30 ± 5.38 vs 42.98 ± 5.73; 57.50 ± 3.55 vs 50.70 ± 3.62) (p < 0.05). Some inflammatory markers, such as the levels of interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (30.29 ± 2.96 vs 17.65 ± 3.22; 8.93 ± 0.99 vs 3.02 ± 0.34), showed a decrease during the intervention, while albumin and prealbumin levels were significantly increased compared with the baseline (30.62 ± 1.65 vs 35.60 ± 1.68; 0.32 ± 0.05 vs 0.44 ± 0.07) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined intervention training can improve the motor ability and quality of life of patients with sarcopenia within a short period of time.

Clinical outcomes of etoposide and cytarabine as consolidation in elderly patients with primary CNS lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: A consolidation strategy has not been established for transplant-ineligible elderly patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). In this study, we aimed to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes of etoposide and cytarabine (EA) as consolidation chemotherapy for transplant-ineligible patients with PCNSL following high-dose methotrexate (MTX)-based induction chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2015 and 2021, newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible patients with PCNSL with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were consecutively enrolled. All enrolled patients were over 60 years old and received EA consolidation after achieving a complete or partial response following induction chemotherapy. RESULTS: Of the 85 patients who achieved a complete or partial response to MTX-based induction chemotherapy, 51 received EA consolidation chemotherapy. Among the 25 (49.0%, 25/51) patients in partial remission before EA consolidation, 56% (n = 14) achieved complete remission after EA consolidation. The median overall survival and progression-free survival were 43 and 13 months, respectively. Hematological toxicities were most common, and all patients experienced grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Forty-eight patients experienced febrile neutropenia during consolidation chemotherapy, and 4 patients died owing to treatment-related complications. CONCLUSION: EA consolidation chemotherapy for transplant-ineligible, elderly patients with PCNSL improved response rates but showed a high relapse rate and short progression-free survival. The incidences of treatment-related mortality caused by hematologic toxicities and severe infections were very high, even after dose modification. Therefore, the use of EA consolidation should be reconsidered in elderly patients with PCNSL.

Detection of Clarithromycin Resistance in Helicobacter pylori Using MmaxSure™ H. pylori & ClaR Assay.

INTRODUCTION: Clarithromycin resistance is a crucial factor in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of MmaxSure™ H. pylori & ClaR Assay (MmaxSure™) in the diagnosis and detection of clarithromycin resistance in H. pylori. METHODS: Subjects who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy between April 2020 and October 2022 were enrolled. The diagnostic performances of MmaxSure™ and dual priming oligonucleotide (DPO)-based multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were compared with the rapid urease test and culture. Secondary gene sequencing analysis was performed in discordant cases of PCR tests. RESULTS: A total of 156 gastric biopsy samples were analyzed. In H. pylori detection, MmaxSure™ showed a 95.9% sensitivity (95% CI: 90.6-98.6), a 42.7% specificity (95% CI: 26.3-60.7), and a kappa value of 0.457. For the detection of A2143G mutation samples, MmaxSure™ showed a 91.2% sensitivity (95% CI: 76.3-98.1), a 93.4% specificity (95% CI: 87.5-97.1), and a kappa value of 0.804. There were a total of 10 discordant cases compared to gene sequencing in A2143G mutation detection for MmaxSure™. CONCLUSION: In this study, MmaxSure™ showed comparable diagnostic performance to DPO-PCR in the detection of the H. pylori and A2143G mutation. Further research is needed to confirm the clinical effectiveness of the MmaxSure™ assay in H. pylori eradication.

To identify important MRI features to differentiate hepatic mucinous cystic neoplasms from septated hepatic cysts based on random forest.

OBJECTIVE: To identify important MRI features to differentiate hepatic mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) from septated hepatic cysts (HC) using random forest and compared with logistic regression algorithm. METHODS: Pathologically diagnosed hepatic cysts and hepatic MCNs with pre-operative contrast-enhanced MRI in our hospital from 2010 to 2023 were collected and only septated lesions on enhanced MRI were enrolled. A total of 21 septated HC and 18 MCNs were included in this study. Eighteen MRI features were analyzed and top important features were identified based on random forest (RF) algorithm. The results were evaluated by the prediction performance of a RF model combining the important features and compared with the performance of the logistic regression (LR) algorithm. Finally, for each identified feature, diagnostic probability, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Four variables, i.e., the septation arising from wall without indentation, multiseptate, intracapsular cyst sign, and solitary lesion were extracted as top important features with significance for MCNs by the random forest algorithm. The RF model using these variables had an AUC of 0.982 (0.95CI, 0.950-1.000), compared with the LR model based on two identified features with AUC of 0.931 (0.95CI, 0.846-1.000), p = 0.202. Among the four important features, multiseptate had the highest specificity (95.2%) and good sensitivity (72.2%, lower than the septation from wall without indentation, 94.4%) to diagnose MCNs. CONCLUSION: Four out of 18 MRI features were extracted as reliably important factors to differ hepatic MCNs from septated HC. The combination of these four features in a RF model could achieve satisfactory diagnostic efficacy.

Increase of Intraocular Pressure after Application of 0.125% Atropine Eye Drops in Children Using Ortho-K Contact Lenses.

Introduction: This report describes a case of elevated intraocular pressure following the use of 0.125% atropine eye drops in a child wearing orthokeratology lenses. Case Presentation: A 9-year-old boy presented to our clinic with myopia, and he had been wearing orthokeratology lenses overnight for 23 months. He was treated previously with a once-daily administration of topical 0.125% atropine eye drops to reduce myopic progression. Three days after treatment, his intraocular pressure was 36 mm Hg in the right eye and 32 mm Hg in the left eye. Two days after the discontinuation of atropine eye drops and overnight orthokeratology lenses, the intraocular pressure was 18/20 mm Hg in both eyes. Conclusion: Low-dose atropine eye drops can cause intraocular pressure elevation in patients wearing overnight orthokeratology lenses. Although it may resolve promptly, short-term follow-up with intraocular pressure checks may be necessary for the early diagnosis and treatment of this complication.

Risk of Developing Hypertension in Atopic Dermatitis Patients Receiving Long-term and Low-dose Cyclosporine: A Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporine (CS) is a first-line immunosuppressive agent used to manage moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). To date, the risk of developing hypertension associated with the long-term use of low-dose CS in AD patients is understudied. OBJECTIVE: To determine the cumulative dose-dependent effect of CS on the risk of developing hypertension in patients with AD. METHODS: A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort with 1,844,009 AD patients was built from the Korean National Health Insurance System database from 2005 to 2009. A Cox proportional-hazard regression analysis was performed according to patients' CS treatment history adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: Current use of CS was associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.442; 95% confidence interval, 3.761-5.247). Among the current CS users, a higher cumulative dose of CS (≥39,725 mg) or longer cumulative use of CS (≥182 days), was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension. CONCLUSION: The incidence of CS-associated hypertension is very low when using low-dose treatment regimens for AD. However, the current use or a high cumulative dose of CS for treating patients with AD increases the risk of developing hypertension. Precaution is needed when prescribing CS for long-term treatment of AD.

Soil Geobacteraceae are the key predictors of neurotoxic methylmercury bioaccumulation in rice.

Contamination of rice by the potent neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) originates from microbe-mediated Hg methylation in soils. However, the high diversity of Hg methylating microorganisms in soils hinders the prediction of MeHg formation and challenges the mitigation of MeHg bioaccumulation via regulating soil microbiomes. Here we explored the roles of various cropland microbial communities in MeHg formation in the potentials leading to MeHg accumulation in rice and reveal that Geobacteraceae are the key predictors of MeHg bioaccumulation in paddy soil systems. We characterized Hg methylating microorganisms from 67 cropland ecosystems across 3,600 latitudinal kilometres. The simulations of a rice-paddy biogeochemical model show that MeHg accumulation in rice is 1.3-1.7-fold more sensitive to changes in the relative abundance of Geobacteraceae compared to Hg input, which is recognized as the primary parameter in controlling MeHg exposure. These findings open up a window to predict MeHg formation and accumulation in human food webs, enabling more efficient mitigation of risks to human health through regulations of key soil microbiomes.

ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF CRATAEGUS PINNATIFIDA EXTRACT AGAINST ENTROCOCCUS FAECALIS A ROOT CANAL DISEASE-CAUSING BACTERIA.

Studies have substantiated the anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects of (C. pinnatifida); however, research on its antibacterial activity using organic solvent remains limited. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to validate the antibacterial activity of C. pinnatifida as a natural extract against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), a multidrug-resistant bacterium. E. faecalis was treated with different concentrations of C. pinnatifida to determine the optimal concentration for the most effective antibacterial effect. Fifteen different concentrations were applied for 6 and 24 h. The experimental method centered on confirming antibacterial activity using colony-forming units. The experimental results demonstrated a proportional increase in antibacterial activity with elevated C. pinnatifida concentration. Notably, 99.99% and 100% antibacterial activity were observed at 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL concentrations, respectively. Our results suggest that C. pinnatifida holds potential as an antibacterial agent against the multidrug-resistant E. faecalis.