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Tadpole polymers, also known as lasso polymers, feature molecular structures that combine a single ring with a single linear side branch, leading to distinct conformational, dynamical, and rheological characteristics compared to their corresponding counterparts, particularly pure linear and pure ring polymers. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these distinctive behaviors, comprehensive mesoscopic Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations of dilute solution systems of tadpole polymers were conducted using a bead–rod chain model under both equilibrium and flow conditions. Three types of tadpole polymer chains were prepared by varying the ring-to-linear ratio within the tadpole chain and comparing them with the corresponding linear and ring chains. Depending on this ratio, tadpole polymer chains exhibit entirely different structural properties and rotational dynamics, both in equilibrium and under shear flow. As the linear proportion within the tadpole chain increased, the structural, dynamic, and rheological properties of the tadpole polymer chains became more similar to those of pure linear polymers. Conversely, with an increasing ring proportion, these properties began to resemble those of pure ring polymers. Based on these observed tendencies, a simple general scaling expression is proposed for tadpole polymer properties that integrates scaling expressions for both pure linear and pure ring polymers. Our results indicate that the conformational, dynamic, and rheological properties of tadpole polymers, as predicted by these simple scaling expressions, are in good agreement with the simulated values, a result we consider statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a heterogeneous disorder that affects the kidney structure and function. This study investigated the effect of the interaction between genetic factors and dietary pattern on kidney dysfunction in Korean adults. Methods: Baseline data were obtained from the Ansan and Ansung Study of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study involving 8230 participants aged 40–69 years. Kidney dysfunction was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 90 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Genomic DNAs genotyped on the Affymetrix® Genome-Wide Human SNP array 5.0 were isolated from peripheral blood. A genome-wide association study using a generalized linear model was performed on 1,590,162 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). To select significant SNPs, the threshold criterion was set at P-value < 5 × 10−8. Linkage disequilibrium clumping was performed based on the R2 value, and 94 SNPs had a significant effect. Participants were divided into two groups based on their generic risk score (GRS): the low-GR group had GRS > 0, while the high-GR group had GRS ≤ 0. Results: Three distinct dietary patterns were extracted, namely, the "prudent pattern," "flour-based and animal food pattern," and "white rice pattern," to analyze the effect of dietary pattern on kidney function. In the "flour-based and animal food pattern," higher pattern scores were associated with a higher prevalence of kidney dysfunction in both the low and high GR groups (P for trend < 0.0001 in the low-, high-GR groups of model 1; 0.0050 and 0.0065 in the low-, high-GR groups of model 2, respectively). Conclusions: The results highlight a significant association between the 'flour-based and animal food pattern' and higher kidney dysfunction prevalence in individuals with both low and high GR. These findings suggest that personalized nutritional interventions based on GR profiles may become the basis for presenting GR-based individual dietary patterns for kidney dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of hydrogeologic framework model (HFM)‐based steady‐ and transient‐state numerical simulations is performed first using a coupled subsurface flow‐transport numerical model to analyze groundwater flow and salt transport in an actual three‐dimensional complex coastal aquifer system before and during groundwater pumping. A series of analytic hierarchy process (AHP)‐based multi‐criteria evaluations is then performed applying a multi‐criteria decision‐making approach to determine optimal pumping location and rate for a new pumping well in the complex coastal aquifer system during groundwater pumping. The complex coastal aquifer system is composed of six anisotropic fractured porous geologic media (five rock formations and one fault) and three isotropic porous geologic media (three soil formations) and shows high geometric irregularity and significant heterogeneity and anisotropy of the nine geologic media. Results of the steady‐state numerical simulations show successful model calibration with 26 measured groundwater levels and two observed seawater intrusion front lines. The latter two are determined by spatial interpolation and extrapolation of electrical conductivity logging data and electrical resistivity survey data, respectively. Based on the status and prospect of necessary water uses and available groundwater resources, the field observations of groundwater and seawater intrusion, and the analyses of the steady‐state numerical simulation after the model calibration, six candidate pumping locations are selected for the new pumping well. In addition, from six preliminary individual transient‐state numerical simulations, maximum pumping rates at the six candidate pumping locations are calculated first, and a set of six incremental candidate pumping rates is then assigned at each of the six candidate pumping locations. Results of the transients‐state numerical simulations show that groundwater flow and salt transport are spatially and temporally changed, and seawater intrusion is further intensified by groundwater pumping. In addition, the magnitudes of such spatial and temporal changes and intensification are significantly different depending on the candidate pumping locations and rates. Results of the steady‐ and transient‐state numerical simulations also show that both complexity (geometric irregularity, heterogeneity, and anisotropy including the fault) and topography have significant effects on the spatial distributions and temporal changes of groundwater flow and salt transport in the coastal aquifer system before and during groundwater pumping. In addition, results of statistical estimations of the mesh Peclet and Courant numbers confirm acceptabilities of minimizing numerical dispersion in the steady‐ and transient‐state numerical simulations. Based on the analyses of the transient‐state numerical simulations, eight multiple criteria are chosen to judge, prioritize, and rank the six candidate pumping locations and six candidate pumping rates for optimal pumping. Results of the multi‐criteria evaluations determine the optimal pumping location and rate for the new pumping well among the six candidate pumping locations and six candidate pumping rates. In addition, results of consistency checks confirm consistencies of judgments in the multi‐criteria evaluations. Key Points: Numerical simulations with successful model calibration show that spatial and temporal changes in groundwater flow and salt transport significantly depend on candidate pumping locations and ratesStatistical estimations of the mesh Peclet and Courant numbers confirm acceptabilities of minimizing numerical dispersion in the numerical simulationsMulti‐criteria evaluations determine optimal pumping location and rate, and consistency checks confirm consistencies of judgments in the multi‐criteria evaluations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinary systems biology is an innovative approach that integrates biological data at the molecular and cellular levels, allowing for a more extensive understanding of the interactions and functions of complex biological systems in livestock and veterinary science. It has tremendous potential to integrate multi-omics data with the support of vetinformatics resources for bridging the phenotype–genotype gap via computational modeling. To understand the dynamic behaviors of complex systems, computational models are frequently used. It facilitates a comprehensive understanding of how a host system defends itself against a pathogen attack or operates when the pathogen compromises the host's immune system. In this context, various approaches, such as systems immunology, network pharmacology, vaccinology and immunoinformatics, can be employed to effectively investigate vaccines and drugs. By utilizing this approach, we can ensure the health of livestock. This is beneficial not only for animal welfare but also for human health and environmental well-being. Therefore, the current review offers a detailed summary of systems biology advancements utilized in veterinary sciences, demonstrating the potential of the holistic approach in disease epidemiology, animal welfare and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the significant threat of heat stress to livestock animals, only a few studies have considered the potential relationship between broiler chickens and their microbiota. Therefore, this study examined microbial modifications, transcriptional changes and host-microbiome interactions using a predicted metabolome data-based approach to understand the impact of heat stress on poultry. After the analysis, the host functional enrichment analysis revealed that pathways related to lipid and protein metabolism were elevated under heat stress conditions. In contrast, pathways related to the cell cycle were suppressed under normal environmental temperatures. In line with the transcriptome analysis, the microbial analysis results indicate that taxonomic changes affect lipid degradation. Heat stress engendered statistically significant difference in the abundance of 11 microorganisms, including Bacteroides and Peptostreptococcacea . Together, integrative approach analysis suggests that microbiota-induced metabolites affect host fatty acid peroxidation metabolism, which is correlated with the gene families of Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase long chain ( ACADL ), Acyl-CoA Oxidase ( ACOX ) and Acetyl-CoA Acyltransferase ( ACAA ). This integrated approach provides novel insights into heat stress problems and identifies potential biomarkers associated with heat stress.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting substance commonly found in plastics and receipts, is associated with adverse effects, including endocrine disorders, reduced fertility, and metabolic issues. To gain insights into its effects on biological systems, we observed the adverse effects of BPA in male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice exposed to BPA at the lowest observed adverse effect level for 6 weeks, in comparison with the control groups. We constructed a comprehensive transcriptome profile using 20 different tissues to analyze the changes in the whole-body systems. This involved employing differential gene expression, tissue-specific gene, and gene co-expression network analyses. The study revealed that BPA exposure led to significant differences in the transcriptome in the thymus, suggesting activation of T-cell differentiation and maturation in response to BPA treatment. Furthermore, various tissues exhibited immune response activation, potentially due to the migration of immune cells from the thymus. BPA exposure also caused immune-related functional changes in the colon, liver, and kidney, as well as abnormal signaling responses in the sperm. The transcriptome analysis serves as a valuable resource for understanding the functional impact of BPA, providing profound insights into the effects of BPA exposure and emphasizing the need for further research on potential associated health risks., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

This paper presents a novel approach to the correction of zygomatic malposition and secondary reconstruction orbital floor fractures, highlighting the use of hydrated acellular dermal matrix (ADM), specifically CGDerm One-Step, in a case where traditional solid implants failed to maintain structural integrity and volume. A 27-year-old woman with persistent facial deformities following a traumatic incident underwent a transformative procedure that utilized ADM for volume correction and structural support, addressing significant challenges such as enophthalmos and facial contour depression. This approach was necessitated by the descent of the entire orbital floor and a previously placed implant (Medpor), leading to unsatisfactory volume correction. By integrating ADM with titanium-reinforced fan plates (Synpor), the surgery successfully restored the patient's facial symmetry and addressed her functional concerns, including diplopia and limited eye movement. Postoperative evaluations demonstrated the long-term effectiveness of this method, with significant improvements in facial contour and eye symmetry. Our findings suggest that ADM, particularly in its hydrated form, offers a reliable alternative to traditional bone grafts and implants for correcting complex craniofacial deformities, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. This case underscores the importance of adaptable, tissue-mimicking materials in facial reconstructive surgery, offering insights into their potential for broader application in post-traumatic facial corrections.

Background: This case report highlights a rare instance of concurrent keloid and epidermal cyst development at an ear cartilage harvest site following rhinoplasty in a 25-year-old woman. Both conditions, which typically stem from skin trauma, seldom occur together, demonstrating the exceptional characteristics of this case., Case Summary: The patient underwent successful surgical removal of both the keloid and the epidermal cyst. Postoperative treatment included the use of silicone sheets, gel, and oral tranilast to reduce scarring. No recurrence was observed over a 6-mo follow-up period, indicating effective management of the condition., Conclusion: The effective management of complex skin trauma cases underscores the need for individualized treatment strategies in plastic surgery., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflicts of interest., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

The Korean Association of Urogenital Tract Infection and Inflammation (KAUTII) and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency updated the guidelines for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine against sexually transmitted HPV infections in Korea to respond to changing epidemiologic trends, evolving scientific evidence, and advances in laboratory diagnostics and research. Main purpose and recommendation of vaccination against HPV are as follows: (1) the purpose of HPV vaccine is to reduce the risk of genital warts and HPV-related cancers including cervical and vulvar cancer, head and neck cancer, anal cancer, and penile cancer; (2) in Korea, bivalent (16, 18) vaccines, quadrivalent vaccines (6, 11, 16, 18), and 9-valent vaccines (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58) are used depending on the type of HPV; (3) bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines are national immunizations targeting girls aged 11-12 years and low-income young females aged 18-26 years (age and range of inoculation: routinely administered at 11 or 12 years of age, 2 doses at 0 and 6 months for 12-14 years of age; for females aged 15-26 years, 3 doses depending on the type of vaccine; vaccination can be given to those aged up to 45 years through consultation with a clinician); (4) in the case of administering 2 doses, at least 5 months apart; in the case of administering 3 doses, it is recommended to keep 4 weeks between the 1st and 2nd doses, 12 weeks between the 2nd and 3rd doses, and 5 months between the 1st and 3rd doses; (5) immunocompromised patients such as those with HIV, malignant neoplasms, and autoimmune diseases, and those undergoing transplantation or immunosuppressive therapy should receive 3 doses. HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy., Competing Interests: The authors have nothing to disclose., (© The Korean Urological Association.)