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White-rot fungi are the most important group of lignin biodegraders. Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 has higher ligninolytic activity than that of model white-rot fungi. However, the underlying mechanism responsible for lignin degradation by white-rot fungi remains unknown, and the induced compounds isolated from white-rot fungi for lignin degradation have never been studied. In the present study, we tried to screen ligninolytic-inducing compounds produced by P. sordida YK-624. After large-scale incubation of P. sordida YK-624, the culture and mycelium were separated by filtration. After the separation and purification, purified compounds were analyzed by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The sterilized unbleached hardwood kraft pulp was used for the initial evaluation of ligninolytic activity. Ergosterol was isolated and identified and it induced the lignin-degrading activity of this fungus. Moreover, we investigated ergosterol metabolites from P. sordida YK-624, and the ergosterol metabolites ergosta-4,7,22-triene-3,6-dione and ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one were identified and then chemically synthesized. These compounds significantly improved the lignin-degrading activity of the fungus. This is the first report on the ligninolytic-inducing compounds produced by white-rot fungi.

Background/Aim: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) significantly reduces quality of life and increases reliance on healthcare resources. Despite many individuals opting for vitamin D supplementation to alleviate CLBP, its efficacy remains debatable. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in treating this condition. Patients and Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in adults with CLBP, focusing exclusively on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A comprehensive literature search was conducted up to May 2024 across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Results: Ten RCTs meeting our inclusion criteria were analyzed. The results indicated that vitamin D supplementation did not significantly reduce pain scores compared to control groups (SMD: -0.130, 95%CI= -0.260 to 0.000; I²=0%), regardless of participants' baseline vitamin D levels. Moreover, long-term supplementation showed no notable improvement in CLBP outcomes (SMD: -0.097, 95%CI= -0.290 to -0.097; I²=19.878%). Additionally, supplementation with active forms of vitamin D (SMD: -0.321, 95%CI= -0.670 to 0.028; I²=0.000%) did not result in significant pain relief for chronic lower back pain. Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation does not substantially alleviate CLBP. Nevertheless, it may still be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Further research is necessary to explore its long-term effects and the underlying mechanisms that may explain the observed lack of benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pruritus is a distressing condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Recent research has increasingly focused on the potential role of vitamin D, given its immunomodulatory properties, in managing this condition. This meta-analysis seeks to systematically assess the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in alleviating chronic pruritus across diverse clinical contexts. We conducted an extensive search through multiple databases, covering literature up to July 2024, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of vitamin D on chronic pruritus. Eligible studies were those that provided data on changes in pruritus severity, as measured by standardized tools, before and after vitamin D treatment. The data were synthesized using a random-effects model to address variability among the studies. This meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42024579353). The findings indicate that vitamin D supplementation is associated with a significant reduction in pruritus severity, the skin lesion area, and levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), compared to controls. These results suggest that vitamin D could be a promising therapeutic option for chronic pruritus, though further rigorous studies are required to validate these findings and to elucidate the mechanisms involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Thyroid diseases are prevalent endocrine disorders that significantly affect overall health. Although the impact of pre-existing thyroid dysfunction on total knee replacement (TKR) outcomes has been studied, the potential for TKR to increase the risk of developing thyroid disorders remains unexplored. Patients and Methods: We examined electronic medical records from a large U.S. research network in the TriNetX research network. The study focused on patients with osteoarthritis, comparing those who had total knee replacement surgery (TKR) between 2005 and 2018 to a non-TKR group who did not have the surgery. Propensity score matching was employed to control for critical confounders. The hazard ratios (HRs) for the risk of thyroid diseases in TKR patients versus non-TKR controls were assessed. Results: Postmatching, the TKR cohort demonstrated a significantly higher risk of developing thyroid diseases compared to the non-TKR cohort (unadjusted HR=1.218, 95%CI=1.169-1.269). This elevated risk persisted after adjusting for confounders (adjusted HR=1.126, 95%CI=1.061-1.196). Stratification analysis indicated that female TKR patients and those aged ≥65 years were at higher risk of developing thyroid diseases than their respective control groups. Conclusion: This study suggests a potential link between TKR and an increased risk of thyroid diseases, particularly among older adults and females. Potential mechanisms include inflammatory processes, surgical stress, autoimmune responses, and pharmacological effects. Healthcare providers should be vigilant in monitoring and managing thyroid dysfunction in TKR patients. Further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and develop preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has underscored the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) in managing obesity among healthy adults. This meta-analysis reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from major databases up to May 2024, focusing on the effects of L. plantarum on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and metabolic parameters. This study has been registered in PROSPERO (number: CRD 42024531611). The analysis of nine studies revealed significant weight reduction and BMI decreases with L. plantarum supplementation compared to a placebo. Notably, using more than two strains together enhanced these effects. Improvements were also observed in abdominal fat and inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence from nine RCTs to test the hypothesis that L. plantarum supplementation effectively reduces body weight and BMI in healthy adults compared to a placebo. However, variations in study designs, probiotic strains, and intervention durations call for more robust trials to confirm these benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covering: up to 2023 Conjugated polyynes are natural compounds characterized by alternating single and triple carbon–carbon bonds, endowing them with distinct physicochemical traits and a range of biological activities. While traditionally sourced mainly from plants, recent investigations have revealed many compounds originating from bacterial strains. This review synthesizes current research on bacterial-derived conjugated polyynes, delving into their biosynthetic routes, underscoring the variety in their molecular structures, and examining their potential applications in biotechnology. Additionally, we outline future directions for metabolic and protein engineering to establish more robust and stable platforms for their production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The risk of new-onset fibromyalgia after total knee replacement (TKR) in osteoarthritis patients is not well-established. This study aimed to assess the risk of developing fibromyalgia post-TKR, considering potential variations across age and sex. Patients and Methods: Utilizing a multicenter retrospective cohort design and data from the TriNetX research network, electronic health records of osteoarthritis patients who underwent TKR and the same number of matched controls were analyzed. Propensity-score matching was performed by matching critical confounders. Hazard ratios were evaluated to assess fibromyalgia risk in the TKR cohort compared to non-TKR controls. Results: The hazard ratio of future fibromyalgia for the TKR cohort was 2.08 (95% confidence interval=1.74-2.49) for 1 year after the index date, 1.81 (95% confidence interval=1.62-2.02) for 3 years, and 1.69 (95% confidence interval=1.54-1.86) for 5 years compared with non-TKR controls. The significant association remained in sensitivity models and stratification analyses in different age and sex subgroups. Conclusion: Clinicians should be vigilant about the potential for fibromyalgia development post-TKR and consider tailored interventions; our findings emphasize the need for further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms and identify modifiable risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Aiming to resolve debates on honey's efficacy for radiotherapy-induced severe oral mucositis in head and neck cancer, we conducted a meta-analysis focused on randomized trials, primarily assessing severe mucositis incidence. Secondary outcomes included weight loss, pain management, and honey types. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, WOS, and the Cochrane Library up to December 2023. The analysis concentrated on randomized controlled trials that assessed the efficacy of honey, targeting the incidence of mucositis as the main outcome. Additional outcomes explored were weight loss, intolerable pain, and the specific types of honey used in interventions. Data analysis was performed using CMA software, and a funnel plot was employed to identify publication bias. Results: The analysis of 176 records resulted in the inclusion of 10 studies with 599 patients receiving radiotherapy. The research showed that honey significantly reduced the occurrence of grade 3-4 mucositis (severe mucositis), provided significant pain relief, and had a positive effect on reducing weight loss. Regarding the type of honey used, no significant differences were found in their effectiveness in alleviating severe mucositis. Conclusion: Honey serves as an effective intervention for individuals with oral mucositis. It can be considered as an adjuvant in the management of clinical radiotherapy-associated oral mucositis, particularly for patients requiring prolonged use of anti-analgesic or antifungal medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is linked to immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation. While previous studies indicate a higher prevalence of ocular manifestations in HS, the specific risk of keratopathy and keratitis remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to assess the risk of keratitis and keratopathy in individuals with HS. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study conducted with data from the TriNetX database, 53,716 patients with HS were matched to an equivalent number of non-HS controls using propensity score matching. The study covered the period from January 1st, 2005, to December 31st, 2017. Hazard ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were computed to evaluate the occurrences of keratitis and keratopathy over a 5-year duration in patients with HS, compared to non-HS controls. Results: HS was associated with a 1.52 times higher risk of keratitis over a 5-year period (95%CI=1.24- 1.86) and a 1.47 times higher risk of keratopathy (95%CI=1.18-1.84). These risks remained consistent in sensitivity analyses. The elevated risk of keratitis was observed across both sexes. However, the risk of keratopathy was significantly higher in women with HS (HR=1.61, 95%CI=1.24-2.10) and individuals aged 18-64 years (HR=1.32, 95%CI=1.04-1.68). Conclusion: HS was linked to an elevated risk of both keratitis and keratopathy over a 5-year period. Ophthalmologic manifestations are recommended to be considered in HS standard care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by graphene and transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), a considerable focus has been centered on investigating and exploring two-dimensional (2D) layered materials that possess excellent electronic, optical, physical, and chemical properties. Owing to their nontoxic nature, inherent stability, and exceptional optical and electrical sensitivity, 2D lead-free double perovskites have attracted considerable research attention. In this work, we present the fabrication of Au–Au/Ag yolk–shell plasmonic nanomaterial-decorated 2D Cs2AgBiBr6 based biosensors for sensitive and selective detection of the cardiac biomarker cardiac troponin I (cTnI). The Cs2AgBiBr6-based biosensor showed outstanding sensing capabilities, achieving a detection limit of 10 pg/mL, which is considerably below the typical concentration of cTnI in the human blood, highlighting the potential utility of plasmonic nanomaterials and Cs2AgBiBr6 in highly sensitive sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]