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Paclitaxel‐coated balloons have demonstrated improved efficacy compared with uncoated percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for femoropopliteal artery disease. While applying a long balloon, twisting of the balloon can be occurred. We reported two cases with twisting of the Ranger drug‐coated balloon for treating superficial femoral artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to modulate optical and electrical properties of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors has sparked considerable interest in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Herein, we introduce a facile strategy for modulating optoelectronic properties of monolayer MoSe2 with external light. Photochromic diarylethene (DAE) molecules formed a 2-nm-thick uniform layer on MoSe2, switching between its closed- and open-form isomers under UV and visible irradiation, respectively. We have discovered that the closed DAE conformation under UV has its lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level lower than the conduction band minimum of MoSe2, which facilitates photoinduced charge separation at the hybrid interface and quenches photoluminescence (PL) from monolayer flakes. In contrast, open isomers under visible light prevent photoexcited electron transfer from MoSe2 to DAE, thus retaining PL emission properties. Alternating UV and visible light repeatedly show a dynamic modulation of optoelectronic signatures of MoSe2. Conductive atomic force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy also reveal an increase in conductivity and work function of MoSe2/DAE with photoswitched closed-form DAE. These results may open new opportunities for designing new phototransistors and other 2D optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Step length asymmetry is a characteristic feature of gait in post-stroke patients. A novel anterioposterior weight-shift training method with visual biofeedback (AP training) was developed to improve the forward progression of the trunk. This study aimed to investigate the effect of AP training on gait asymmetries, patterns, and gait-related function in subacute stroke patients. Forty-six subacute stroke patients were randomly assigned to the AP training group or the control group. The AP training group received conventional gait training and AP training five times per week for 4 weeks. The control group received the same intensity of conventional gait training with patient education for self-anterior weight shifting. Plantar pressure analysis, gait analysis, energy consumption, and gait-related behavioral parameters were assessed before and after training. The AP training group showed significant improvement in step length asymmetry, forefoot contact area and pressure, Berg balance scale score, and Fugl-Meyer assessment scale of lower extremity score compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant between-group difference with respect to energy cost and kinetic and kinematic gait parameters. In conclusion, AP training may help improve the asymmetric step length in stroke patients, and also improve anterior weight shifting, balance, and motor function in subacute stroke survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by persistent inflammation and joint destruction. A lipid mediator (LM, namely, 17S-monohydroxy docosahexaenoic acid, resolvin D5, and protectin DX in a ratio of 3:47:50) produced by soybean lipoxygenase from DHA, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we determined the effect of LM on collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) in mice and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation in RAW264.7 cells. LM effectively downregulated the expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and cathepsin K, inhibited osteoclast formation, and suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro. In vivo , LM at 10 μg/kg/day significantly decreased paw swelling and inhibited progression of arthritis in CAIA mice. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-17, and interferon-γ) levels in serum were decreased, whereas IL-10 levels were increased following LM treatment. Furthermore, LM alleviated joint inflammation, cartilage erosion, and bone destruction in the ankles, which may be related to matrix metalloproteinase and Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that LM attenuates arthritis severity, restores serum imbalances, and modifies joint damage. Thus, LM represents a promising therapy for relieving RA symptoms. [Display omitted] • Lipid mediators (LM) produced by soybean lipoxygenase from DHA attenuated RANKL- induced osteoclast formation. • LM improved RA symptoms and inflammatory situation in CAIA mice. • LM alleviated cartilage degradation and bone erosion in CAIA mice. • LM regulated the synovial inflammation by inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supramolecular polymers have unique characteristics such as self‐healing and easy processing. However, the scope of their structures is limited to mostly either flexible, random coils or rigid, straight chains. By broadening this scope, novel properties, functions, and applications can be explored. Here, DNA is used as a model system to engineer innovative, nanoscaled morphologies of supramolecular polymers. Each polymer chain consists of multiple copies of the same short (38–46 nucleotides long) DNA strand. The component DNA strands first dimerize into homo‐dimers, which then further assemble into long polymer chains. By subtly tuning the design, a range of polymer morphologies are obtained; including straight chains, spirals, and closed rings with finite sizes. Such structures are confirmed by AFM imaging and predicted by molecular coarse simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-flagellated, rod-shaped bacterium, designated GSB7T, was isolated from seawater collected at the Yellow Sea coast of South Korea. Catalase and oxidase activities were positive. Growth occurred at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0), 10–40 °C (optimum 30 °C) and with 0–8% NaCl (optimum 1–2%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain GSB7T belonged to the genus Marivivens, showing the sequence similarities of 96.3, 96.1, and 96.0% with Marivivens niveibacter HSLHS2T, Limimaricola hongkongensis DSM17492T, and Marivivens donghaensis AM-4T, respectively. The respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 and the major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c), C18:1ω7c 11-methyl, C16:0 and C10:0 3-OH. The polar lipids comprised phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid, and five unidentified lipids. The DNA G + C content calculated from the whole-genome sequence was 60.6 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic characteristics presented in this study, strain GSB7T is suggested to represent a novel species of the genus Marivivens, for which the name Marivivens aquimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GSB7T (= KCTC 82026T = JCM 34042T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lipid mediators (LM) produced by soybean lipoxygenase from DHA attenuated the inflammation in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. • LM improved AD symptoms and inflammatory situation in DNCB-induced mice. • LM modulated gut microbiota diversity, and restored the microbial composition in DNCB-induced mice. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily results from immune dysregulation. We determined the potential therapeutic benefits of lipid mediators (LM, 17S-monohydroxy DHA, resolvin D5, and protectin DX in a ratio of 3:47:50) produced by soybean lipoxygenase from DHA. The underlying molecular mechanisms involved in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells as well as its effect in an AD mouse model induced by DNCB in BALB/c mice were examined. The results indicated that LM effectively attenuates the production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1β) and chemokines (IL-8 and MCP-1) by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. The oral administration of LM at 5 or 10 μg/kg/day significantly reduced skin lesions, epidermal thickness, and mast cell infiltration in AD mice. Furthermore, LM reduced the production of IgE and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in the serum, modulated gut microbiota diversity, and restored the microbial composition. Overall, our findings suggest that LM represents a potential therapeutic agent for improving AD symptoms through its ability to suppress inflammatory cytokines and alter the composition of gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Self-assembly kinetics of SCGA were temperature-dependent. • Yield and particle size were decreased with increasing temperature. • Fastest formation and crystallization rates were observed at 4 and 20℃, respectively. • Nucleation enabled the formation of SCGA at 60℃. • Temperature and nucleation changed the physicochemical properties of SCGA. Self-assembly (formation and crystallization) kinetics of short-chain glucan aggregates (SCGAs) prepared at isothermal conditions (4, 20, 40, and 60℃) with or without nucleation (4℃, 1 h) were investigated. The fastest formation and crystallization rates of SCGA were observed when short-chain glucan was stored at 4℃ and 20℃, respectively. SCGA was not formed at 60℃. However, nucleation resulted in SCGA forming-ability at 60℃. Moreover, nucleation increased the yield in all temperature conditions. SCGA with nucleation decreased the crystal melting transition temperature range. All SCGAs had nanosized particles (<500 nm) with B-type crystal patterns regardless of temperature and nucleation. Consequently, self-assembly temperature and presence of nucleation step could change the physicochemical characteristics of SCGA, and manipulation of the nucleation step is expected to be an effective method to increase the yield of SCGA and produce SCGA at high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cordyceps militaris is an edible and potentially medicinal mushroom. It contains various biologically active compounds, including exopolysaccharides. In this study, the abilities as antioxidants and prebiotics of exopolysaccharides of C. militaris (CMP) and its low-molecular-weight polysaccharide of CMP (LCMP) obtained using glycoside hydrolase digestion were investigated. CMP and LCMP had obvious DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of 13.71%, 38.33% and 23.94%, and 30.36%, 69.32% and 43.82%, respectively, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. In the gut microbiota consortium, treatment with CMP or LCMP increased Bacteroidetes growth and decreased Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratios, compared with the negative or glucose-treated controls. Based on changes in the consortium, the media treated with CMP and LCMP had increases in acetic, lactic, and 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid metabolites. In particular, LCMP-treated media had increases in production of two phenolic acids, benzoic acid and hydrocinnamic acid. Prebiotic activity tests found that CMP and LCMP had growth-promoting activities (mean values 0.34–0.77 and 0.46–0.95, respectively) similar to those of inulin (mean values 0.43–1.11). These results indicated that LCMP was a beneficial antioxidant and an excellent prebiotic that enhanced proliferation of probiotics and phenolic acid abundance. This may provide a basis for the understanding of the effects of prebiotics on health. Cordyceps militaris , Exopolysaccharides (EPS), Prebiotics, Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), Phenolic acids. • Enzymatic digestion of EPS can increased antioxidant and prebiotic activities. • LCMP could beneficially regulate F/B ratios in the gut microbial consortium. • SCFAs and phenolic acids were produced by gut microbiota from treatment of LCMP. • LCMP can prevent a gut dysbiosis and maintain the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is difficult to eradicate as it leads to chronic inflammation in the digestive tract due to immune system malfunction. The present study demonstrated the protective effect of 7S,15R-dihydroxy-16S,17S-epoxy-docosapentaenoic acid (diHEP-DPA), which had been previously synthesized, on a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced BALB/c mouse model of UC. UC was induced with 4% DSS drinking water for 7 days. Initially, the anti-inflammatory effect of diHEP-DPA was confirmed by demonstrating that lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP1 cells treated with diHEP-DPA decreased IL-6, TNF-α and nitrite levels by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and Griess reagent kit. The results indicated that the administration of diHEP-DPA at 20 µg/kg significantly reduced the severity of colitis, as determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the colon tissue and serum were significantly reduced in the diHEP-DPA + DSS-treated group compared with in the control group, as determined by FACS and ELISA kit. It was also observed that diHEP-DPA decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitrite levels in the colon tissues of diHEP-DPA + DSS-treated mice, as indicated using commercial MPO and nitric oxide kits. The diHEP-DPA+DSS-treated mice also exhibited decreased expression levels of phosporylated (p)-inhibitor κB protein, p-p65 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the colon tissue by inhibiting inflammation, which were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and weatern blot analysis. Overall, the present study demonstrated the protective effect of diHEP-DPA against a severe colitis condition in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]