Strategies to promote the completion of patient-reported outcome measures by culturally and linguistically diverse and Indigenous Peoples in clinical care settings: A systematic review.

Purpose: There is evidence of low completion of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) by people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and Indigenous Peoples with chronic health conditions. We aimed to systematically identify ways to support and promote PROM completion by CALD communities and Indigenous Peoples in clinical care settings.

Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collections and CINAHL databases from 1 January 2000 to 19 September 2024.

Lyotropic Liquid Crystal Mediated Assembly of Donor Polymers Enhances Efficiency and Stability of Blade-Coated Organic Solar Cells.

Conjugated polymers can undergo complex, concentration-dependent self-assembly during solution processing, yet little is known about its impact on film morphology and device performance of organic solar cells. Herein, lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) mediated assembly across multiple conjugated polymers is reported, which generally gives rise to improved device performance of blade-coated non-fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells. Using D18 as a model system, the formation mechanism of LLC is unveiled employing solution X-ray scattering and microscopic imaging tools: D18 first aggregates into semicrystalline nanofibers, then assemble into achiral nematic LLC which goes through symmetry breaking to yield a chiral twist-bent LLC.

Euglena gracilis-derived β-glucan ameliorates particulate matter (PM)-induced airway inflammation by modulating nuclear factor kappa B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling pathways in A549 cells and BALB/c mice.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of β-glucan derived from Euglena gracilis (EGB), an edible microalga, on particulate matter (PM)-induced airway inflammation in A549 cells and BALB/c mice. EGB effectively suppressed the mRNA and protein levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8) and mediators (iNOS, COX-2), while inhibiting the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways triggered by PM exposure and reducing nuclear NF-κB levels. Additionally, EGB decreased PM-induced ROS production and increased the protein levels of NRF2 and HO-1, along with genes encoding antioxidant enzymes (catalase, GPx, SOD1), associated with elevated nuclear NRF2 levels.

Evaluating the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Self-Help via an OTT Platform on Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Prospective Non-Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: Previous research showed the benefits of mindfulness meditation on the mental health and quality of life of breast cancer patients. Traditionally, these programs relied on in-person interactions, but the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated alternative delivery methods. This study evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of a mindfulness-based self-help (MBSH) program via Netflix for breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

The Impact of Subjective Socioeconomic Status and Job Satisfaction on Psychological Symptoms of Economically Active People With Disabilities.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of subjective socioeconomic status (SES) and job satisfaction on psychological symptoms of economically active people with disabilities. Data from the Korean Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled (PSED) from 2016 to 2018 were assessed using a longitudinal analysis. A total of 1591 individuals were included as the study population.

sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from the gut of marine sandworm ().

A novel Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative and ovoid cocci, designated as A1S7, was isolated from the gut of a marine sandworm (). Strain A1S7 exhibited optimal growth at temperatures of 20-30 ℃, pH 6-8 and in the presence of 2-4% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain A1S7 belonged to the genus , exhibiting a similarity of 99.

Factors associated with COVID-19 infection in pregnant women: Focusing on maternal anxiety.

Objective: Given the critical importance of maternal mental health for the well-being of both the mother and fetus, it is essential to thoroughly investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection on mental health. This study aims to identify the factors associated with COVID-19 infection and mental health, underscoring the necessity of effective mental health management for pregnant women.

Methods: Data were analyzed from 97 pregnant women who visited Gachon University Gil hospital in South Korea.

Polystyrene microplastics induce activation and cell death of neutrophils through strong adherence and engulfment.

Ingested microplastics (MPs) can accumulate throughout whole body, which may induce the dysfunction of immune system. However, it remains unclear how MP exposure affects innate immune responses at the cellular level. We found that mouse neutrophils strongly bind and then engulf polystyrene MPs.

Hybrid Nanoparticles of Extracellular Vesicles and Gemcitabine Prodrug-Loaded Liposomes with Enhanced Targeting Ability for Effective PDAC Treatment.

Liposomes are applied to various anticancer treatments as representative drug delivery carriers. However, liposomes do not have their own targeting properties; therefore, there are limitations in drug delivery to specific tissues or cells. High targetability in drug delivery is an important factor in improving bioavailability and drug efficacy and reducing side effects; recent research has been actively investigated to modify the surface of liposomes to give them specific functions.

Effect of sequential delivery of 1- and 2-MHz bipolar microneedling radiofrequency energy on thermal tissue reactions in a minipig model.

Background: Bipolar microneedling radiofrequency (RF) treatment generates different patterns of thermal reactions, depending on the skin impedance and RF treatment parameters, including the frequency, power, conduction time, settings of sub-pulse packs, and penetrating depth and type of microneedles used. We compared the effect of sequential delivery of 1- and 2-MHz bipolar RF energy to in vivo minipig skin on thermal tissue reaction.

Methods: RF treatments at frequencies of 1 and 2 MHz were sequentially delivered to minipigs' skin in vivo.

The influence of postoperative morbidity on long-term quality of life outcomes following pelvic exenteration.

Introduction: Pelvic exenteration provides significant survival benefits for selected patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer. However, in-hospital postoperative morbidity such as abdominal abscess, sepsis, and anastomotic leak remain highly prevalent, which can have short/long-term impacts on patient quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of postoperative morbidity on QoL outcomes in patients following pelvic exenteration.

Investigating the relationship between CSAT scores and prefrontal fNIRS signals during cognitive tasks using a quantum annealing algorithm.

Academic achievement is a critical measure of intellectual ability, prompting extensive research into cognitive tasks as potential predictors. Neuroimaging technologies, such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), offer insights into brain hemodynamics, allowing understanding of the link between cognitive performance and academic achievement. Herein, we explored the association between cognitive tasks and academic achievement by analyzing prefrontal fNIRS signals.

Nasal symbiont Staphylococcus epidermidis restricts influenza A virus replication via the creation of a polyamine-deficient cellular environment.

Studies on the immune-regulatory roles played by the commensal microbes residing in the nasal mucosa consider the contribution of antiviral immune responses. Here, we sought to identify the nasal microbiome, Staphylococcus epidermidis-regulated antiviral immune responses and the alteration of polyamine metabolites in nasal epithelium. We found that polyamines were required for the life cycle of influenza A virus (IAV) and depletion of polyamines disturbed IAV replication in normal human nasal epithelial (NHNE) cells.

sp. nov., isolated from cutlassfish jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood.

A novel, Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, and non-motile bacterial strain, designated B2T-5, was isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood. Colonies grown on gifu anaerobic medium agar plates were cream-coloured, irregular, and umbonate with curled margins. Optimal growth of strain B2T-5 occurred at 20 °C, pH 8.

Leveraging real-world data to predict cancer cachexia stage, quality of life, and survival in a racially and ethnically diverse multi-institutional cohort of treatment-naïve patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Introduction: Cancer-associated cachexia (CC) is a progressive syndrome characterized by unintentional weight loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue, and poor outcomes that affects most patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The ability to identify and classify CC stage along its continuum early in the disease process is challenging but critical for management.

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of CC stage overall and by sex and race and ethnicity among treatment-naïve PDAC cases using clinical, nutritional, and functional criteria.

The Expression Patterns of Immune Checkpoint Molecules in Colorectal Cancer: An Analysis Based on Microsatellite Status.

Recently, immunotherapy has arisen as a novel treatment approach for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), but the effectiveness of immunotherapy varies in these patients. We hypothesized that immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs), which are the targets of immunotherapy, are often exhibited concomitantly. Our objective was to investigate the patterns of ICM expression in patients with CRC and the differences in ICM expression based on microsatellite instability status.

Development of a novel, high-efficacy oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 platform equipped with two distinct retargeting modalities.

To retarget oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) to cancer-specific antigens, we designed a novel, double-retargeted oHSV platform that uses single-chain antibodies (scFvs) incorporated into both glycoprotein H and a bispecific adapter expressed from the viral genome to mediate infection predominantly via tumor-associated antigens. Successful retargeting was achieved using a nectin-1-detargeted HSV that remains capable of interacting with herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), the second canonical HSV entry receptor, and is, therefore, recognized by the adapter consisting of the virus-binding N-terminal 82 residues of HVEM fused to the target-specific scFv. We tested both an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)- and a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-specific scFv separately and together to target cells expressing one, the other, or both receptors.

Sporosarcina jeotgali sp. nov., Sporosarcina oncorhynchi sp. nov., and Sporosarcina trichiuri sp. nov., Isolated from Jeotgal, a Traditional Korean Fermented Seafood.

Three novel, Gram-stain-positive, obligate aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive bacterial strains, designated B2O-1, T2O-4, and 0.2-SM1T-5, were isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood. Strains B2O-1, T2O-4, and 0.

Supportive Communication Between Emerging Adults With Cancer and Nurses During Diagnosis and Cancer Treatment: An Exploratory Qualitative Study Using Interviews.

Background: Having a cancer diagnosis during early adulthood can be a significant challenge for an individual. Nurses' supportive communication plays a vital role during the diagnosis and treatment period to lessen psychological distress and promote coping.

Objective: This exploratory study aimed to examine (1) the experiences of emerging adults with cancer (EAs) aged between 18 and 25 years in communicating with nurses during diagnosis and treatment and (2) nurses' experiences of providing supportive communication with this patient group.

Experiences and perspectives of colorectal cancer survivors and general practitioners on the delivery of survivorship care in general practice: a mixed methods study.

Background: Many colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors experience ongoing sequelae from their cancer treatment. Limited evidence exists regarding how CRC survivors and general practitioners (GPs) manage these sequelae in the community. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of CRC survivors and GPs on current approaches to monitoring and managing sequelae of CRC treatment.

Association of periodontal disease treatment with mortality in patients with dementia: a population-based retrospective cohort study (2002-2018).

Dementia is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In this study, we analyzed the association of periodontal treatment with the risk of death in patients with dementia. The analyzed data were obtained by linking the National Health Insurance Corporation claims data between 2002 and 2018 to the Statistics Korea death registry.

Effects of Parallel Contact Cooling on Pulsed-Type, Bipolar Radiofrequency-Induced Tissue Reactions in an in vivo Porcine Model.

Background: Skin cooling during laser or radiofrequency (RF) treatments is a method to minimize thermal damage to the epidermis, reduce pain, and decrease post-treatment downtime. We evaluated the effect of parallel contact cooling (PCC) on RF-induced thermal reactions in minipig skin in vivo after bipolar microneedling RF treatment.

Methods: RF treatments were administered at frequencies of 0.