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Female Sencar mice (6 weeks old) were administered 1 mg of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) by oral gavage once a week for 5 weeks. At 20 weeks after the first dose of DMBA, 68% of mice developed mammary tumors (the average 1.08 tumors per mouse) and 45% had lymphomas/leukemias. Feeding 1% dibenzoylmethane (DBM) in AIN 76A diet, starting at 2 weeks before the first dose of DMBA and continuing until the end of the experiment, inhibited both the multiplicity and incidence of DMBA-induced mammary tumor by 97%. The incidence of lymphomas/leukemias was completely inhibited by 1% DBM diet. In contrast, feeding 2% curcumin diet had little or no effect on the incidence of mammary tumors, and the incidence of lymphomas/leukemias was reduced by 53%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hyperglycemia is the most important factor for the onset and progress of diabetic complications. A growing body of evidence indicates that the increase in reactive carbonyl intermediates such as methylglyoxal (MG) is a consequence of hyperglycemia in diabetes. Several studies have shown that higher levels of MG are present in diabetic patients' plasma compared to non-diabetics. Glyoxal (GO) and MG, the two major alpha-dicarbonyl compounds found in humans, are very reactive and lead to nonenzymatic glycation in vivo. Glycation is a complex series of reactions between reducing sugars and amino compounds, and it will lead to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs and dicarbonyl species are both linked to possible clinical significance in chronic and age-related diseases. It is well-known that tea is rich in polyphenolic compounds and that it has potential health benefits, including the prevention of diabetes. We have shown in a previous study that all tea polyphenols have very good MG trapping abilities. In this study, using time course, we have further indicated that one molecule form black tea, theaflavins-3,3'-digallate, can trap two molecules of MG under simulated physiological conditions. In addition, we have discovered that commercial carbonated beverages contain extremely high levels of MG. The potential hazardous effects of dietary MG on humans remain to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsaicin (CAP), the active component of chili peppers, exerts a range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, obesity-prevention, metabolic control, and biological rhythm-modulating effects, primarily through the activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor. The research explores the role of TRPV1 and its interaction with hepatic circadian clock regulation in modulating lipid metabolism and liver health. The effect of CAP on lipid metabolism and the potential mechanism was examined in HepG2 cells and high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFFD)-induced obese mice. In vitro , CAP (50 μM) decreased lipid droplet overaccumulation (from 152.8 ± 2.30 to 110.13 ± 3.91%), enhanced mitochondrial function (from 57.94 ± 1.93 to 86.74 ± 1.83%), and alleviated circadian desynchrony through a Trpv1 -dependent mechanism in HepG2 cells. In vivo , CAP (5 mg/kg) reduced the body weight gain (from 50.61 ± 3.77 to 38.36 ± 2.04%), restored the hepatic circadian rhythm, and modulated the expression of lipid-related genes through the involvement of TRPV1 in mice. This study highlighted the potential of CAP to attenuate Reverbα -mediated lipid metabolic dysfunction through a Trpv1 -dependent mechanism, revealing a complex interplay between circadian regulation and lipid metabolism.

Agaricus bisporus peptides with a saltiness-enhancing effect (24%) were obtained through favorable enzymatic hydrolysis conditions. To identify the molecular characteristics of saltiness-enhancing peptides, A. bisporus protein was extracted and hydrolyzed under the selected optimal conditions. The resulting peptides were further separated through ultrafiltration and gel chromatography and characterized by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Molecular docking was then performed with the transmembrane channel-like 4 (TMC4), leading to the identification of four key peptides: WDDVRGW, GRGGYFDEF, ARSIGVS, and WDEVRGE. The synthetic WDDVRGW was proved to be a salty peptide and saltiness-enhancing peptide. The aqueous solution of 0.05% WDDVRGW displayed a saltiness of 3.66 ± 0.13, and 0.005% WDDVRGW with 0.4% NaCl solution presented a saltiness of 4.93 ± 0.05, showing a saltiness enhancement of 11.4%. Both synthetic and enzymatic hydrolyzed peptides exhibited higher saltiness-enhancing effects at lower NaCl concentrations. A. bisporus peptides can maintain a high saltiness-enhancing effect (>15%) after the thermal process at 105-125 °C for 120 min, exhibiting desirable thermal stability. The initial pH of 8.0 in the thermal reaction solution was more beneficial to the formation of saltiness-enhancing peptides.

The methionine/glucose (Met/Glc) and methionine/glucose-derived Amadori rearrangement product (MG-ARP) models were established to analyze their differences in flavor profiles and aroma potentiality. The principal component analysis revealed the advantage of MG-ARP in the formation of low temperature-induced processing flavor. MG-ARP exhibited superior potential in the rapid formation and high intensity of processed flavor than the Met/Glc except for the inefficiency in pyrazine production. The extra-added Glc tended to react with recovered Met to compete against α-dicarbonyl compounds to suppress the Strecker degradation and pyrazine formation. The additional Met effectively improved the precursor availability and facilitated the conversion of C 6 -α-dicarbonyl compounds to short-chained α-dicarbonyl compounds for pyrazine formation rather than their dehydration and cyclization to generate furans. The oxidation of Met favored the nonoxidative carbohydrate degradation leading to MGO formation and the aldolization of dihydropyrazines, which synergistically enriched the varieties of pyrazines, especially for the promoted formation of long-chain substituted pyrazines., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Curcuminoids, found in turmeric ( Curcuma longa L.), include curcumin (CUR), demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). Although CUR and DMC are well-studied, the anti-inflammatory effects of BDMC remain less explored. Recent studies highlight BDMC's stronger NF-κB inhibition compared to CUR and DMC in cell models, along with its ability to target pathways associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in DSS-induced colitis mice, reflected by lower disease activity scores and reduced inflammation. This study assessed CUR and BDMC in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model. Dietary administration of CUR or BDMC strengthened tight junction (TJ) proteins, reduced inflammatory cytokine secretion, and attenuated intestinal inflammatory protein expression, thereby alleviating DSS-induced IBD in mice. Furthermore, gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid analyses revealed that CUR and BDMC effectively regulated gut microbial imbalance and promoted the relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria. Furthermore, CUR showed low absorption and was primarily excreted in feces, while BDMC had higher absorption levels. In conclusion, while both BDMC and CUR have potential as adjunct therapies for IBD, BDMC at a concentration of 0.1% showed strong anti-inflammatory effects and enhanced TJ proteins, suggesting that BDMC, even at lower concentrations than CUR, holds promising therapeutic potential and prospects.

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a medical emergency resulting from coronary artery occlusion. Patients with acute MI often experience disturbed sleep and circadian rhythm. Most previous studies assessed the premorbid sleep and circadian rhythm of patients with MI and their correlations with cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about post-MI sleep and circadian rhythm and their impacts on prognosis. The use of actigraphy with different algorithms to evaluate sleep and circadian rhythm after acute MI has the potential for predicting outcomes and preventing future disease progression., Objective: We aimed to evaluate how sleep patterns and disrupted circadian rhythm affect the prognosis of MI, using actigraphy and heart rate variability (HRV). Nonparametric analysis of actigraphy data was performed to examine the circadian rhythm of patients., Methods: Patients with MI in the intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled alongside age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Actigraphy was used to evaluate sleep and circadian rhythm, while HRV was monitored for 24 hours to assess autonomic nerve function. Nonparametric indicators were calculated to quantify the active-rest patterns, including interdaily stability, intradaily variability, the most active 10 consecutive hours (M10), the least active 5 consecutive hours (L5), the relative amplitude, and the actigraphic dichotomy index. Follow-ups were conducted at 3 and 6 months after discharge to evaluate prognosis, including the duration of current admission, the number and duration of readmission and ICU admission, and catheterization. Independent sample t tests and analysis of covariance were used to compare group differences. Pearson correlation tests were used to explore the correlations of the parameters of actigraphy and HRV with prognosis., Results: The study included 34 patients with MI (mean age 57.65, SD 9.03 years) and 17 age- and gender-matched controls. MI patients had significantly more wake after sleep onset, an increased number of awakenings, and a lower sleep efficiency than controls. Circadian rhythm analysis revealed significantly lower daytime activity in MI patients. Moreover, these patients had a lower relative amplitude and dichotomy index and a higher intradaily variability and midpoint of M10, suggesting less sleep and wake activity changes, more fragmentation of the rest-activity patterns, and a more delayed circadian rhythm. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between the parameters of circadian rhythm analysis, including nighttime activity, time of M10 and L5, and daytime and nighttime activity SD , and patient prognosis., Conclusions: Patients with acute MI experienced significantly worse sleep and disturbed circadian rhythm compared with healthy controls. Our actigraphy-based analysis revealed a disturbed circadian rhythm, including reduced daytime activities, greater fluctuation in hourly activities, and a weak rest-activity rhythm, which were correlated with prognosis. The evaluation of sleep and circadian rhythm in patients with acute MI can serve as a valuable indicator for prognosis and should be further studied., (©Wei-Chih Chin, Pao-Hsien Chu, Lung-Sheng Wu, Kuang-Tso Lee, Chen Lin, Chien-Te Ho, Wei-Sheng Yang, I-Hang Chung, Yu-Shu Huang. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 04.02.2025.)

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted health care toward virtual and online models, impacting both users and providers. Numerous user concerns and perceived risks related to telemedicine are continually evolving and adjusting in response to the pandemic. In many countries, there has been a substantial increase in the use of virtual health care visits, which offers a unique opportunity for researchers to explore these user concerns., Objective: This study aimed to first reconstruct the risk dimensions associated with telemedicine, then identify the risk factors affecting users' adoption, and finally propose effective solutions to mitigate these concerns. By integrating the newly constructed perceived risk with the technology acceptance model (TAM), we scrutinized various dimensions of perceived risk and their influence on users' perceptions of ease of use, perceived usefulness, and use intention (UI)., Methods: Our target population consists of adults aged ≥18 years who have used or may use telemedicine services, recruited through an anonymous, voluntary, open, web-based survey. We collected responses and used part of them to reconstruct risk dimensions using exploratory factor analysis. Subsequently, we analyzed the intricate relationship between perceived risk, the TAM, and the acceptance of telemedicine using structural equation modeling with another part of the responses., Results: A total of 1600 valid responses were collected. Eight distinct risk dimensions were reconstructed, revealing a substantial negative impact of performance risk on UI. The psychological and social risk was the strongest barrier to the ease of using telemedicine. Time risk, provider risk, and privacy risk were not statistically significant to the TAM. The resulting model elucidates a remarkable 66% variance in UI for telemedicine services., Conclusions: This study substantially advances the field of telemedicine research by reconstructing and redefining 8 risk dimensions and confirming the statistical significance of 5 perceived risks on the adoption of telemedicine services. These insights are poised to facilitate the promotion and enhancement of telemedicine services in the health care sector., (©Tzu-Chi Wu, Chien-Ta Ho. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 03.02.2025.)

The feasibility of preparing microcapsules of water-soluble ingredient via complex coacervation was explored. Gelatin and gum arabic were used as wall materials to encapsulate glutathione (GSH) through water in oil (W/O) emulsion. Soy lecithin at a concentration of 3 % (w/w) was used as an emulsifier, and the aqueous phase containing 15 % GSH (w/w) was emulsified with soybean oil at a ratio of 5:5 (w/w), which resulted in a stable W/O emulsion. Furthermore, GSH microcapsules produced under optimal conditions, core/wall ratio 1:1, wall material content 1 % (gelatin: gum arabic = 1:1), stirring rate 400 r/min, added 0.25 g glutamine transaminase (TGases) per gram of gelatin, exhibited good morphology, high encapsulation efficiency and yield, which being 92.88 % and 92.10 %, respectively. After comparing the effects of four different oil emulsions on the microencapsulation of GSH, it was found that all had excellent encapsulation efficiency, indicating that no specific oil phase was required for emulsions preparation. GSH microencapsulation by complex coacervation significantly enhanced its stability, reduced the loss ratio of GSH by 23.5 % when capsules were heated at 150 °C for 2 h. Moreover, GSH microencapsulation increased its retention by 23.25 % and 43.88 % during capsules storage at 40 °C and under light exposure, respectively. In addition, GSH microcapsules effectively prevented its degradation during simulated gastrointestinal digestion induced by salivary amylase, pepsin and acidic environments, while rapidly released GSH under trypsin and alkaline environments. This study provided new insights into water-soluble ingredients microencapsulation and its efficient application in the food and nutraceutical industries., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Untargeted flavoromics and targeted quantitative analysis of key aroma compounds, and analysis of dynamic change of aroma precursors concentration were used to investigate the aroma evolution of traditional braised pork and the underlying mechanism. The results indicated that lipid oxidation dominated at early cooking stage (0th-45th min), resulting in an increased concentration of most aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, such as hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, (E)-2-octenal, benzaldehyde, 1-octen-3-ol, and 2,3-octanedione, accompanied with an enhanced unpleasant fatty odor. From 45th to 73rd min, the seasonings alleviated excessive oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids accompanied with decreased aldehydes. Moreover, the diffusion of glucose and amino acids from seasonings to lean meat promoted the consumption of endogenous ribose and amino acids in meat through Maillard reaction, and facilitated the formation of dimethyl trisulfide, dimethyl disulfide, methanethiol, and 2-furfural, which contributed to the meaty, sauce-like, and sweety aroma, thus formed the characteristic aroma of traditional braised pork., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent condition that affects approximately 350 million people worldwide. Several studies have identified changes in amino acids in the blood of MDD patients, suggesting their potential as biomarkers to better understand their role in depression. Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB) and its active compound gastrodin (GAS) are recognized for their antidepressant properties. However, their effects on amino acid profiles and their potential role in alleviating depression remain poorly understood. Understanding how GEB and GAS influence amino acid metabolism may offer novel insights into their mechanisms in alleviating depression, potentially leading to more targeted therapeutic strategies., Aim of the Study: This study aimed to investigate the potential role of supplementing GEB and its active compound GAS to reverse altered amino acid profiles in depressed rats., Materials and Methods: To achieve this, six-week-old SD rats were induced depressive-like behaviors by the UCMS rat model for 5 weeks. Groups receiving GEB or GAS were administered orally via gavage daily within the UCMS model. Serum samples were collected and analyzed using a targeted metabolomics approach employing LC-MS for amino acid profiling., Results: A total of 38 amino acid metabolites were identified, 17 of which were significantly altered following UCMS. UCMS rats exhibited perturbed arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism pathways. Changes in key amino acids in these metabolic pathways were reversed following supplementation with GEB and GAS, which also alleviated depressive symptoms., Conclusions: In conclusion, UCMS-induced depression in rats causes changes in some amino acid metabolites similar to those found in human depression, validating its relevance as a model for studying depression. Additionally, the research suggests that GEB and GAS may exert antidepressant effects by regulating amino acid metabolism., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Widespread exposure to endocrine disruptors is associated with metabolic dysfunction and reproductive toxicity. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) has attracted attention as it offers protection against obesity and metabolic disorders due to its potent antioxidative and diverse biological properties but its influence and underlying mechanism of action on adipose tissue function and DEHP-induced testicular injury remain unknown. Our results showed that THC (100 mg kg -1 day -1 ) administration for 27 weeks enlarged adipocytes while attenuating macrophage infiltration and IL-6 expression in the adipose tissue of male C57BL/6J mice exposed to 5 mg kg -1 day -1 of DEHP. Moreover, THC ameliorated DEHP-induced deregulation of adiponectin but not leptin. DEHP caused testicular histological damage, spermatogenesis impairment, apoptosis, inflammation, and AGE, which were improved by THC. THC treatment elevated Nrf2/HO-1 and decreased Glut1 in interstitial Leydig cells, which may contribute to its beneficial effects on the testis. Our results further demonstrated that THC also ameliorated circulating adiponectin and testicular adipoR1-AMPK signaling, partially accounting for the improvement of DEHP-caused testicular dysfunction. The finding of this study revealed that THC is a promising candidate for improving adipose and testicular dysfunction caused by DEHP.

Obesity-induced muscle alterations, such as inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and myosteatosis, lead to a decline in muscle mass and function, often resulting in sarcopenic obesity. Currently, there are no definitive treatments for sarcopenic obesity beyond lifestyle changes and dietary supplementation. Feruloylacetone (FER), a thermal degradation product of curcumin, and its analog demethoxyferuloylacetone (DFER), derived from the thermal degradation of bisdemethoxycurcumin, have shown potential antiobesity effects in previous studies. This study investigates the impact of FER and DFER on obesity-related glucose intolerance and muscle atrophy. High-fat diet (HFD) feeding resulted in muscle mass reduction and increased intramuscular triglyceride accumulation, both of which were mitigated by FER and DFER supplementation. The supplements activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, enhanced muscle protein synthesis, and decreased markers of muscle protein degradation. Additionally, FER and DFER supplementation improved glucose homeostasis in HFD-fed mice. The supplements also promoted the formation of a gut microbial consortium comprising Blautia intestinalis , Dubosiella newyorkensis , Faecalicatena fissicatena , Waltera intestinalis , Clostridium viride , and Caproiciproducens galactitolivorans , which contributed to the reduction of obesity-induced chronic inflammation. These findings suggest, for the first time, that FER and DFER may prevent obesity-related complications, including muscle atrophy and insulin resistance, thereby warranting further research into their long-term efficacy and safety.

Through a quantitative analysis of saltiness perception, favorable enzymatic hydrolysis parameters were confirmed for the preparation of saltiness-enhancing peptide mixtures from Coprinus comatus . The enzymatic hydrolysate was fractionated into four fractions (F1-F4) by gel chromatography, with F3 exhibiting the strongest saltiness-enhancing effect (22% increase). LC-MS/MS analysis of F3 identified 36 peptides, and their secondary structures and interactions with the TMC4 receptor were examined through circular dichroism spectroscopy and molecular docking. Molecular docking analysis revealed Asn588, Ser165, Asp5, and Arg168 as key amino acid residues, with the peptide GDNVGF showing the lowest binding energy. Synthetic GDNVGF (0.01%) in 70 mmol/L NaCl enhanced saltiness by 17%. When 0.7% GDNVGF was added to the aqueous solution, its saltiness was equivalent to that of 36.89 mmol/L NaCl, which suggested that GDNVGF functions both as a saltiness-enhancing peptide and a salty peptide. The taste changes of peptides during thermal reactions were further investigated. The thermal stability of Coprinus comatus peptides was good, but their saltiness-enhancing effect slightly reduced due to thermal degradation. The Maillard reaction further diminished this effect, though the umami level remained satisfactory, offering new insights into using Coprinus comatus peptides as low-sodium salt substitutes.

The guidance cue netrin-1 promotes both growth cone attraction and growth cone repulsion. How netrin-1 elicits diverse axonal responses, beyond engaging the netrin receptor DCC and UNC5 family members, remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that murine netrin-1 induces biphasic axonal responses in cortical neurons: Attraction at lower concentrations and repulsion at higher concentrations using both a microfluidic-based netrin-1 gradient and bath application of netrin-1. We find that repulsive turning in a netrin gradient is blocked by knockdown of UNC5C, whereas attractive turning is impaired by knockdown of DCC. TRIM9 is a brain-enriched E3 ubiquitin ligase previously shown to bind and cluster the attractive receptor DCC at the plasma membrane and regulate netrin-dependent attractive responses. However, whether TRIM9 also regulated repulsive responses to netrin-1 remained to be seen. In this study, we show that TRIM9 localizes and interacts with both the attractive netrin receptor DCC and the repulsive netrin receptor, UNC5C. We find that deletion of murine Trim9 alters both attractive and repulsive axon turning and changes in growth cones size in response to murine netrin-1. TRIM9 was required for netrin-1-dependent changes in the surface levels of DCC and UNC5C in the growth cone during morphogenesis. We demonstrate that DCC at the membrane regulates the growth cone area and show that TRIM9 negatively regulates FAK activity in the absence of both repulsive and attractive concentrations of netrin-1. Together, our work demonstrates that TRIM9 interacts with and regulates both DCC and UNC5C during attractive and repulsive axonal responses to netrin-1., (© 2025 International Society for Neurochemistry.)

Eurotium cristatum is the primary fungus in Fu brick tea (FBT) and plays a crucial role in its special flavor. This study investigated the effect of inoculation with different E. cristatum strains (i.e., ZJ, GX, GZ, HN, and SX) on the microbial communities and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of FBT. A total of 113 VOCs were identified in all samples, with the concentration of VOCs (alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones) significantly higher in GXE FBT than in other samples. The core VOCs of GXE (19), GZE (16), HNE (19), SXE (15), and ZJE (13) FBT were identified using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and relative odor activity value (ROAV) analysis. Methional (a27), butanal (a41), 1-octen-3-one (a69), and ethyl acetate (a77) were key markers for inoculated FBTs, and 1-octen-3-ol, dimethyl disulfide, and acetoin-M were the specific markers of HNE. Linalool and (E)-2-octenal were particularly prominent in GXE, and isoamyl acetate-D was an important aroma component of GZE. Differences in microbial diversity were observed among the different inoculated fermented FBTs, and E. cristatum inoculation remarkably influenced the richness and diversity of bacterial communities. The VOCs were closely associated with fungi and bacteria, and 19 potentially dominant microorganisms (10 fungal and 9 bacterial genera) correlated with VOCs were identified. Among them, Aspergillus (fungi) and Pseudomonas (bacteria) exerted the greatest role. The FBT inoculated with E. cristatum from ZJ had the highest content of theaflavins and theabrownins, which intensified the red and yellow colors of the tea. E. cristatum greatly decreased the free amino acids and fatty acids, contributing to the aroma formation of FBT. Therefore, inoculating FBT with E. cristatum remarkably influenced the microbial communities and improved its flavor profile. This work provides a theoretical foundation on the role of E. cristatum in the formation and regulation of FBT flavor., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Studies show that photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) boosts cellular ATP production and cell growth and reduces inflammation. Additionally, mechanical tension affects gene expression, impacting cellular functions like proliferation and migration. Objective: We investigated the impact of PBMT on OCCM-30 cementoblast cells under tensile stress, focusing on cell survival, differentiation, and inflammatory responses, particularly relating to orthodontic tooth movement and root resorption. Methods: Cultured OCCM-30 cells under negative pressure received PBMT with a 10.6 μm wavelength in continuous mode at 1.0 W power for 3, 5, or 10 sec, corresponding to energy densities of 3, 5, or 10 J/cm 2 . We assessed cell viability with the Presto Blue assay and inflammatory markers Interleukin 6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) through western blots at 1, 12, 24 h, and 7 days post-irradiation. Results: PBMT improved cell viability over time while maintaining levels of inflammatory markers. alkaline phosphatase levels dropped initially but increased after 7 days, suggesting enhanced cementoblast differentiation. IL-6 levels rose gradually, with 3J and 5J treatments showing significantly higher levels than the control. iNOS levels spiked within the first 24 h, then declined by day 7. COX-2 levels consistently rose, with the 5J treatment showing greater increases. Conclusions: PBMT appears to support cementoblast survival and differentiation while managing inflammation, potentially aiding root repair during orthodontic treatments and reducing inflammatory root resorption.

This study aimed to prepare and screen salty peptides and elucidate the factors triggering their saltiness properties and saltiness-enhancing effects. Electronic tongue results indicated that samples treated with Alcalase (AJ) exhibited the highest saltiness intensity (5.05 ± 0.11) and greater saltiness-enhancing compared to those treated with Flavourzyme (AF), Neutrase (AZ), and Papain (AM). Peptides identified by LC-MS/MS were docked to the TMC4 receptor, resulting in 23 peptides with good docked results. The key amino acid residues (Thr431, Arg433, Phe440, Phe432, and Ser273) were discovered. The salty peptides WPGFK (633.75 Da), YFDWPGFK (1059.17 Da), and YFDWPGFKT (1160.27 Da) were selected for salt reduction and molecular characterization studies. Electronic tongue results showed that the 0.01 % WPGFK solution matched the saltiness of the 0.24 % NaCl solution and demonstrated superior saltiness-enhancing compared to YFDWPGFK and YFDWPGFKT. Primary sequence analysis of three salty peptides suggested that the WPG amino acid segment might play a crucial role in generating saltiness. Circular dichroism (CD) analysis of the secondary structure indicated that increased random coil and decreased β-turn contents resulted in higher saltiness perception and increased random coil content led to greater saltiness-enhancing ability., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to enhance the evaluation of facial symmetry crucial for planning and assessing outcomes of orthognathic surgery (OGS). An innovative approach combining three-dimensional (3D) facial contour lines with hyperdimensional (HD) computing was developed for this purpose. Data were collected using 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from 2016 to 2021. A comprehensive dataset was compiled, including images from 150 normal individuals and 2500 patients, totaling 5150 preoperative and postoperative facial images. A machine learning model was trained to analyze these images, and 3D contour data were used to create a facial symmetry quantification system with HD computing. Additionally, 3D CBCT data from 200 patients before and after OGS were retrospectively reviewed for clinical application. The developed facial symmetry algorithm demonstrated an overall accuracy of 84.1 %. Postoperative facial symmetry scores improved significantly, with a mean score increase of 53 %, from 2.40 to 3.63. The study culminated in the creation of a web-based system that leverages HD computing and 3D contour mapping to automate facial symmetry assessment. This system offers a user-friendly interface for rapid and accurate evaluations, facilitating better communication between clinicians and patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Misdiagnosed vaccine-related "allergies" lead to unnecessary vaccine deferrals and incomplete vaccinations, leaving patients unprotected against COVID-19. To overcome limitations and queues for Allergist assessment, the "VAS-Track" pathway was developed to evaluate patients via a multi-disciplinary triage model including nurses, non-specialists, and Allergists., Objective: We assessed the effectiveness and safety of VAS-Track and evaluate its real-world impact in terms of vaccination rates and COVID-19 protection., Methods: Patients referred to VAS-Track between September 2021 and March 2022 were recruited. Subgroup analysis was performed with prospective pre- and post-clinic antibody levels., Results: Nurse-assisted screening identified 10,412 (76%) referrals as inappropriate. 369 patients were assessed by VAS-Track. Overall, 100% of patients were recommended to complete vaccination and 332 (90%) completed their primary series. No patients reported any significant allergic reactions following subsequent vaccination. Vaccination completion rates between patients seen by non-specialists and additional Allergist review were similar (90% vs. 89%, p = 0.617). Vaccination rates were higher among patients with prior history of immediate-type reactions (odds ratio: 2.43, p = 0.025). Subgroup analysis revealed that only 20% (56/284) of patients had seropositive COVID-19 neutralizing antibody levels (≥ 15 AU/mL) prior to VAS-Track, which increased to 92% after vaccine completion (pre-clinic antibody level 6.0 ± 13.5 AU/mL vs. post-clinic antibody level 778.8 ± 337.4 AU/mL, p > 0.001)., Conclusions: A multi-disciplinary allergy team was able to streamline our COVID-19 VAS services, enabling almost all patients to complete their primary series, significantly boosting antibody levels and real-world COVID-19 protection. We propose similar multidisciplinary models to be further utilized, especially in the settings with limited allergy services.

Fraxinus L., a member of the Oleaceae family with approximately 60 species worldwide, is widely distributed in the warm temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. It is not only used as a folk medicine for treating various illnesses but is also documented in medical books. The traditional Chinese medicine "Qin Pi" originated from this genus and is known for its efficacy in treating conditions such as intestinal inflammation, redness and pain in the eyes, abomination of redness and leucorrhoea, and bacterial infections. This paper aims to fill the gap in the existing literature by providing a comprehensive review and critical analysis of the Fraxinus genus plant. The discussion in this paper covers various aspects of the plant, including its botany, traditional and modern applications, phytochemistry, bioactivity, role in ecosystems, phytogenetic evolution, economic benefits, and future challenges. By synthesizing this information, the review aims to offer valuable insights for the advancement, utilization, and further research of the Fraxinus spp.. Phytochemical studies have identified a total of 281 chemical constituents in Fraxinus spp., including secoiridoids, coumarins, and flavonoids. These Fraxinus spp. plants exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, this paper delves into potential research directions within the genus and addresses the challenges associated with achieving a comprehensive understanding of Fraxinus spp. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Fraxinus spp., highlighting their bioactivity mechanism and the opportunity to facilitate the advancement of new pharmaceuticals., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there are no competing interests or that could influence the work described in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) technology boasts several salient features, including fast detection, portability, simple sample preparation, and nondestructive detection, making it a highly appealing tool in tea research. By harnessing its prowess in detecting and analyzing volatile compounds present in tea, GC-IMS has found numerous applications within the broad realm of tea studies. These applications encompass discerning geographical origins, analyzing aroma profiles, classifying tea grades, distinguishing harvest seasons, monitoring aroma variations during processing, and storage, differentiating tea varieties and categories. In the current study, the development history and performance characteristics of GC-IMS technology are presented. Furthermore, the relevant research studies of the application of GC-IMS in tea field are summarized, highlighting its practical applications and impacts. Additionally, the promotion strategies and improvement methods for enhancing of GC-IMS in the qualitative analysis of volatile compounds are put forward. Looking ahead, the potential avenues for the application of GC-IMS in tea quality control, online monitoring of tea manufacturing, detection of tea adulteration, and tea storage environment management are proposed. The versatility and precision of GC-IMS make it a promising technology that can to some extent change the tea industry's understanding and assurance of product quality., (© 2025 Institute of Food Technologists®.)

The characteristic aroma compounds of traditional braised pork were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry (GC-MS-O), odor-activity values, and aroma recombination and omission experiments. A total of 56 volatile compounds were detected by GC-MS, among which hexanal, octanal, nonanal, (E)-2-octenal, 2,3-octanedione, 1-octen-3-ol, 2-pentylfuran, methanethiol, and dimethyl trisulfide were identified as the key aroma compounds by molecular sensory science. Partial least squares regression analysis indicated that some aroma compounds significantly contributed to fatty (hexanal, heptanal, 2-pentylfuran, nonanal, and (E)-2-octenal), meaty (methanethiol, dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, and octanal), sauce-like flavor (3-hydroxy-2-butanone and 2-furfural), and sweet, caramel (2,3-octanedione, 1-octen-3-ol). Lean meat produced more aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and sulfur-containing compounds than subcutaneous fat. The seasonings (saccharose, cooking wine, and soy sauce) facilitated the formation of ethyl L-lactate, 2-acetylfuran, 2-furfural, 5-methyl-2-furaldehyde, 2-methyl-pyrazine, and 2-acetylpyrrole. Meanwhile they reduced the content of lipid oxidation products, thereby stimulated the characteristic aroma of the Chinese traditional braised pork., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Proton-transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-TOF-MS), combined with electronic nose ( E -nose), was first used to track the change of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soy sauce in this study. The results showed that 163 VOCs with different mass numbers were identified. Based on the differences in VOCs, the entire fermentation cycle was divided into four stages (0D and 15D; 30D-75D; 90D; 105D-120D). The key stage of aroma formation was on day 90, when the VOC content reached its peak. It was clear that the key feature differential component was nonanal and phenethyl acetate by partial least squares discriminant analysis model, which showed significant correlation with the fermentation time. Moreover, the Quadratic Discriminant Analysis and Linear Discriminant Analysis models can accurately predict the fermentation cycle of soy sauce. The results of study demonstrated the potential of PTR-TOF-MS for comprehensive online monitoring and distinguishing of VOCs change during soy sauce fermentation., Competing Interests: We declare that we have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Lysine (Lys) glycated by xylose (Xyl) at α-NH 2 [ N α (1-deoxy-D-xylulos-1-yl)lysine ( N α -Xyl-Lys ARP)] or ε-NH 2 [ N ε -(1-deoxy-D-xylulos-1-yl)lysine ( N ε -Xyl-Lys ARP)] significantly impacted the thermal degradation pathways of Amadori rearrangement products (ARPs). N α -Xyl-Lys ARP was found to undergo retro-aldolization on the sugar fragment more readily to form glyoxal/methylglyoxal than N ε -Xyl-Lys ARP. Furans and pyrazines formation during the degradation of the diglycated lysine [ N α , N ε -di(1-deoxy-d-xylulos-1-yl)lysine ( N α ,N ε -di-Xyl-Lys ARP)] was delayed at 120 °C relative to N ε -Xyl-Lys ARP. This was attributed to the complex degradation of N α ,N ε -di-Xyl-Lys ARP, which slowed the substantial formation of deoxypentosones and the effective release of Lys. At 140 °C, the dual glycated N α ,N ε -di-Xyl-Lys ARP was more conducive to promoting the redistribution of electrons and facilitating molecular rearrangement. This accelerated the efficient decomposition of dual glycated groups in N α ,N ε -di-Xyl-Lys ARP and enabled glyoxal to actively participate in Strecker degradation. Thus, the production of furans and pyrazines was substantially increased, and the variety of pyrazines was expanded from three types to eight types. An appropriate increase to pH 7.5 effectively avoided the overprotonation of hydroxyl and amino groups (pH 5.5), simultaneously enhancing furans and pyrazines yield while minimizing the formation of pyridines under alkaline conditions.

In MRT carriages, more passengers are watching videos on their smartphones during daily commutes, yet the impact of these viewing conditions on visual strain remains unexplored. This study examined eyestrain in 24 male and 24 female participants while watching videos on smartphones in two postures (sitting and standing) and over two durations (15 min and 30 min) in Taipei MRT carriages. We measured critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) reduction, visual fatigue scale (VFS) scores, and viewing distance (VD) for each trial. Results revealed significant effects of sex, posture, and viewing duration on visual strain, with notable two-way interactions (sex × posture and posture × time) influencing most outcomes. Women showed greater CFF reduction while sitting compared to standing (3.47 Hz vs. 1.90 Hz, p < 0.001) and maintained shorter VDs while seated (25.5 cm vs. 34.3 cm, p < 0.001). However, they reported higher VFS scores when standing (8.94 vs. 4.60, p < 0.001), indicating increased discomfort while standing in the moving MRT carriage. Men exhibited higher CFF reduction (2.81 Hz) than women while standing (1.90 Hz) (p < 0.01), but this difference was not observed while sitting. Eyestrain indicators significantly worsened after 30 min of viewing compared to 15 min, with stronger effects on VFS scores and VDs. This finding supports the recommendation to take breaks after 20 min of smartphone use, even in MRT carriages. Although subjective eyestrain is not always recognized, watching videos on smartphones while seated can result in unexpectedly high levels of objective visual fatigue, indicated by CFF reduction. Our findings suggest that eyestrain patterns in MRT carriages differ from those reported in previous studies. Seated passengers, particularly females with shorter VD, may experience unrecognized eyestrain that could impact eye health, while standing passengers may face greater discomfort. These results highlight the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to mitigate eyestrain in digital public transportation environments., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

A color-deepening effect of theaflavins on the theanine-glucose thermal reaction model was revealed. Generated chromogenic intermediates in the initial stage and an accelerated browning rate through the promoted degradation of theanine-glucose Amadori rearrangement product in the intermediate and final stages are responsible for the color-deepening effect. Four pink-to-red theaflavin-theanine intermediates were verified as theaflavinies referencing the nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry information on theaflavins and l-theanine, including one accurately identified as theaflavinie 4. Theaflavinie 4 showed two maximum absorption peaks at 401 and 506 nm with parallel intensities, which resulted in a significant dichromic color change from pale pink to orange and red. Theaflavinies also could undergo further thermal reactions to yield brown polymers under higher temperatures (130 and 140 °C). This research provided new insight into realizing thermally formed polymers during black tea processing, which may be formed by oxidation products and amino acids or proteins through non-enzymatic thermal reactions.

The complex composition of braised pork, including lean meat, pigskin, and fat, makes it difficult for sensory evaluation of its texture properties. This study investigated the correlation between sensory texture attributes and physicochemical properties to achieve an objective and comprehensive evaluation of the texture of braised pork. Sensory analysis demonstrated that the overall texture acceptability of braised pork was significantly and negatively influenced by sensory texture attributes (including sensory hardness, chewiness, and toughness), while it was positively impacted by sensory adhesiveness, softness, and juiciness. Shear force and texture profile analysis (TPA) variables, reflecting mastication behavior, were used to characterize the textural properties of braised pork. They were closely related to water distribution, with a higher proportion of immobilized water (P 21 ), indicating a higher water holding capacity and a more tender texture. Correlation analysis between sensory texture attributes and physicochemical properties through partial least squares regression further revealed significant associations between shear force, TPA variables, and sensory texture attributes. Moreover, the proportion of immobilized water (P 21 ) significantly and negatively affected sensory hardness and chewiness, whereas the proportion of free water (P 22 ) significantly influenced sensory toughness. Sensory texture attributes could be well predicted by the physicochemical properties by projecting test samples onto calibration models established by known samples. Therefore, a combination of sensory and instrumental measures can reliably reflect the texture properties of braised pork. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The combination of sensory and instrumental methods is an effective strategy to accurately and objectively evaluate the texture properties of braised pork, which overcomes the limitations caused by the complexity of the composition and texture traits of braised pork. The accurate evaluation and standardization of texture properties is an important premise for the repeatable and stable cooking of traditional braised pork. Furthermore, this research method and findings can also be applied to guide the procedural optimization of smart appliances (e.g., induction cookers) for cooking braised pork., (© 2024 Institute of Food Technologists.)

A novel gradient-temperature heating regime was proposed to improve the texture of braised pork. Compared with one-stage pressure heat treatment of around 107 °C, the gradient-temperature heat regime of preheating at 60 °C, followed by a slow increase of temperature to 107 °C and simmering at 97 °C increased the retention of immobilized water and reduced the shear force of meat. In this cooking regime, preheating treatment at 50-60 °C could promote the dissociation of thin and thick myofilaments, which contributed to a weakened shrinkage of myofibrils during the subsequent high temperature heating process. Pressure-heating treatment with a slow increasing temperature and the medium-temperature simmering significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the oxidation of sulfhydryl groups and the loss of α-helical, which weakened the excessive aggregation of protein and promoted the formation of myofibril network. Both the weakened shrinkage and the formation of myofibril network during gradient-temperature heating contributed to the decreased shear force and an increased immobilized water. Hence, the reduction of the oxidation and aggregation of the proteins is the key to improve the tenderness of the braised meat., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background/purpose: Invisible orthodontic treatments are becoming increasingly popular, and numerous brands of invisible aligners are now available. However, concerns remain about the safety of the materials used in these products. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxic effects of both original and thermoformed thermoplastic materials used in orthodontic aligners on human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells in vitro., Materials and Methods: The experiment used six different brands, each containing three types of thermoplastic materials, Polyethylene terephthalateco-1, 4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PETG), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and copolyester polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The original sheets and the thermoformed materials were soaked in a culture medium for seven and fourteen days, and then applied to cultured human periodontal ligament cells. Cells were harvested on the first, third, and fifth days after application, and their viability was analyzed using the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay., Results: The findings revealed that some thermoformed materials, notably PETG, exhibited lower survival rates compared to their non-thermoformed versions. However, other materials such as TP and PET maintained over 70% cell viability, indicating only minor cytotoxic effects., Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for further research into the long-term biocompatibility of these materials but generally affirm their safety for use in orthodontic aligners under the tested conditions., Competing Interests: All authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article., (© 2024 Association for Dental Sciences of the Republic of China. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V.)

Background and Aim: The association between long-term proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) use and malignancies had long been discussed, but it still lacks consensus. Our study investigated the association between PPI use and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence following curative surgery., Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 6037 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy. Patients were divided into four groups according to their PPI usage. (non-users: < 28 cumulative defined daily dose [cDDD]; short-term users: 28-89 cDDD; mid-term users: 90-179 cDDD, and long-term users: ≥ 180 cDDD, respectively). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models., Results: Among the 6037 HCC patients, 2043 (33.84%) were PPI users. PPI users demonstrated better median RFS (3.10 years, interquartile range [IQR] 1.49-5.01) compared with non-users (2.73 years, IQR 1.20-4.74; with an adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] of 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44-0.74, P < 0.001). When considering the cumulative dosage of PPI, only long-term PPI users had significant lower risk of HCC recurrence than non-PPI group (adj-HR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.35-0.70; P < 0.001). Moreover, the impact of long-term PPIs use on improving RFS was significant in most of the subgroup analysis, except in patients with advanced tumor stages, with non-cirrhosis, or with a history of chronic kidney disease. However, there were no significant differences in median OS between PPI users and non-users (4.23 years, IQR 2.73-5.86 vs 4.04 years, IQR 2.51-5.82, P = 0.369)., Conclusion: Long-term PPI use (≥ 180 cDDD) may be associated with a better RFS in HCC patients after hepatectomy., (© 2024 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Soy isoflavones from soy sauce residues have important biological activities. However, the anti-aging and reproduction-promoting effects of glycitein are still rarely reported. Here, we systematically evaluated and explored the anti-aging and reproduction-promoting effects of glycitein in Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans ). Firstly, we analyzed the effects of glycitein on the lifespan under normal and heat stress, reproduction, locomotion, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of C. elegans . The results showed that 100 μmol L -1 glycitein increased the anti-stress ability of nematodes and activated the antioxidant defense system. Secondly, transcriptomic and proteomic technologies were further used to explore in-depth the anti-aging and reproduction-promoting mechanisms of glycitein in C. elegans . The results showed that both differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) including PDE-2 and MSRA-1 and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including skpo-2 and cytochrome P450 ( cyp-35A3 , cyp-35A5 , cyp-35C1 , cyp-35D1 ) were associated with the extension of the lifespan and the exertion of antioxidant capacity. VIT-1, plx-2 , and Y73F8A.35 were related to promoting reproduction. ASP-1, DNJ-10, and abu-1 were related to the anti-stress ability of glycitein. Pathway analysis revealed that the longevity regulation pathway and FOXO signaling pathway were regulated by the changes in genes and proteins to improve the lifespan of the nematode. Moreover, hydrogenase regulation, longevity regulation, and lipid metabolism were regulated by the changes in genes and proteins to promote the reproduction of nematodes. This study not only demonstrates a viable strategy for utilizing soy sauce residues, but also provides a theoretical foundation and developmental insights for the future application of glycitein.

In this paper, an in-depth study on Fraxinus mandshurica (FM) was conducted, focusing on the chemical constituents, in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of flavonoids, acute oral toxicity testing, network pharmacology, and molecular docking in the leaves of FM. The in vitro antioxidant results revealed that the total flavonoid extract (TFE), kaempferol, quercetin, and rutin exhibited similar antioxidant activities, with TFE demonstrating significantly better scavenging ability against hydroxyl radical compared to the other flavonoids. Moreover, in vivo antioxidant findings indicated that TFE led to a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities along with a decrease in malondialdehyde levels in the liver tissues of mice in an ethanol-induced oxidative stress model, outperforming quercetin. The acute oral toxicity test established 5000 mg/kg of bw as the LD 50 for TFE in rats. Through network pharmacological analysis, it was observed that all seven flavonoids in FM exhibited spontaneous binding to their respective key targets, reinforcing their potential antioxidant properties. Consequently, based on the experimental outcomes, TFE appears to be a safe and promising antioxidant source, indicating its potential as a new natural antioxidant resource.

Background: Diagnosing maxillary occlusal cant involves varied methods, yet classification remains incomplete. This includes determining if the cant results from equal faults on both sides or if one side exhibits overdevelopment while the other underdevelops. This study introduces an innovative average 3D skull template for classifying maxillary occlusal cant instances., Methods: Sixty adult patients were divided into two groups: 30 with a mesoprosopic facial type and 30 with a leptoprosopic facial type. Using seven pairs of anatomical landmarks (N, Or (L, R), Lo (L, R), Zy (L, R)), the average skull models were aligned and superimposed onto the patients' skull models. Image resizing facilitated optimal registration area fitting. Vertical distances from the U6 mesial buccal cusp tip to the FH plane were measured to analyze occlusal cant, classified into three classes: overdevelopment (Class A), underdevelopment (Class B) and equal fault on both sides (Class C)., Results: In the mesoprosopic group, Class B t was most common (40%), followed by Class A (27%) and Class C (33%). In the leptoprosopic facial type group, Class B remained prevalent (50%), followed by Class A (43%) and Class C (7%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between facial types and the three classes., Conclusions: Contrary to expectations, equal fault patterns were not predominant; instead, underdevelopment of the maxilla constituted the majority of occlusal cant cases. Utilizing average 3D skeletofacial models as templates emerges as an effective tool and alternative for diagnosing the instance of maxillary occlusal cant., Risk Studies/level of Evidence: Therapeutic, II., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that the article content was composed in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.)

The increased incidence of obesity, which become a global health problem, requires more functional food products with minor side and excellent effects. Calebin A (CbA) is a non-curcuminoid compound, which is reported to be an effective treatment for lipid metabolism and thermogenesis. However, its ability and mechanism of action in improving obesity-associated hyperglycemia remain unclear. This study was designed to explore the effect and mechanism of CbA in hyperglycemia via improvement of inflammation and glucose metabolism in the adipose tissue and liver in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. After 10 weeks fed HFD, obese mice supplemented with CbA (25 and 100 mg/kg) for another 10 weeks showed a remarkable reducing adiposity and blood glucose. CbA modulated M1/M2 macrophage polarization, ameliorated inflammatory cytokines, and restored adiponectin as well as Glut 4 expression in the adipose tissue. In the in vitro study, CbA attenuated pro-inflammatory markers while upregulated anti-inflammatory IL-10 in LPS + IFNγ-generated M1 phenotype macrophages. In the liver, CbA attenuated steatosis, inflammatory infiltration, and protein levels of inflammatory TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, CbA markedly upregulated Adiponectin receptor 1, AMPK, and insulin downstream Akt signaling to improve glycogen content and increase Glut2 protein. These findings indicated that CbA may be a novel therapeutic approach to treat obesity and hyperglycemia phenotype targeting on adipose inflammation and hepatic insulin signaling., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors confirm that no conflicts of interest for the work described in this manuscript., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Given the widespread application of ChatGPT, we aim to evaluate its proficiency in the emergency medicine specialty written examination. Additionally, we compare the performance of GPT-3.5, GPT-4, GPTs, and GPT-4o. The research seeks to ascertain whether custom GPTs possess the essential capabilities and access to knowledge bases necessary for providing accurate information, and to explore the effectiveness and potential of personalized knowledge bases in supporting the education of medical residents. We evaluated the performance of ChatGPT-3.5, GPT-4, custom GPTs, and GPT-4o on the Emergency Medicine Specialist Examination in Taiwan. Two hundred single-choice exam questions were provided to these AI models, and their responses were recorded. Correct rates were compared among the four models, and the McNemar test was applied to paired model data to determine if there were significant changes in performance. Out of 200 questions, GPT-3.5, GPT-4, custom GPTs, and GPT-4o correctly answered 77, 105, 119, and 138 questions, respectively. GPT-4o demonstrated the highest performance, significantly better than GPT-4, which, in turn, outperformed GPT-3.5, while custom GPTs exhibited superior performance compared to GPT-4 but inferior performance compared to GPT-4o, with all p < 0.05. In the emergency medicine specialty written exam, our findings highlight the value and potential of large language models (LLMs), and highlight their strengths and limitations, especially in question types and image-inclusion capabilities. Not only do GPT-4o and custom GPTs facilitate exam preparation, but they also elevate the evidence level in responses and source accuracy, demonstrating significant potential to transform educational frameworks and clinical practices in medicine.