Optically tunable catalytic cancer therapy using enzyme-like chiral plasmonic nanoparticles.

Cascade enzymatic reactions in living organisms are fundamental reaction mechanisms in coordinating various complex biochemical processes such as metabolism, signal transduction, and gene regulation. Many studies have attempted to mimic cascade reactions using nanoparticles with enzyme-like activity; however, precisely tuning each reaction within complex networks to enhance the catalytic activity remains challenging. Here, we present enzyme-like chiral plasmonic nanoparticles for optically tunable catalytic cancer therapy.

Precision repair of zone-specific meniscal injuries using a tunable extracellular matrix-based hydrogel system.

Meniscus injuries present significant therapeutic challenges due to their limited self-healing capacity and the diverse biological and mechanical properties across the tissue. Conventional repair strategies do not replicate the complex zonal characteristics within the meniscus, resulting in suboptimal outcomes. In this study, we introduce an innovative fetal/adult and stiffness-tunable meniscus decellularized extracellular matrix (DEM)-based hydrogel system designed for precision repair of heterogeneous, zonal-dependent meniscus injuries.

Tunable and Degradable Dynamic Thermosets from Compatibilized Polyhydroxyalkanoate Blends.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are versatile, biobased polyesters that are often targeted for use as degradable thermoplastic replacements for polyolefins. Given the substantial chemical diversity of PHA, their potential as cross-linked polymers could also enable similar platforms for reversible, degradable thermosets. In this work, we genetically engineered KT2440 to synthesize poly(3-hydroxybutyrate--3-hydroxyundecenoate) (PHBU), which contains both 3-hydroxybutyrate and unsaturated 3-hydroxyundecenoate components.

Development of Machine Learning Models for Estimating Metabolizable Protein Supply from Feed in Lactating Dairy Cows.

Accurate prediction of protein utilization in dairy cows is essential for optimizing nutrition and milk yield to achieve sustainable cattle production. This study aimed to develop novel machine learning models to predict rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) and duodenal microbial nitrogen (MicN) based on dietary protein intake. A dataset comprising 1779 observations from 436 scientific publications was used to train support vector regression (SVR) and random forest regression (RFR) models.

MRI-based Deep Learning Algorithm for Assisting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Detection: A Bicenter Prospective Study.

Background Although artificial intelligence is actively being developed for prostate MRI, few studies have prospectively validated these tools. Purpose To compare the diagnostic performance of a commercial deep learning algorithm (DLA) and radiologists' clinical reports for cancer detection in participants from two hospitals using histopathologic findings from biopsy specimens as the reference standard. Materials and Methods This prospective bicenter study enrolled participants suspected of having prostate cancer (PCa) who were scheduled for biopsy based on clinical information, including prostate MRI, from December 2022 to July 2023.

EasyPubPlot: A Shiny Web Application for Rapid Omics Data Exploration and Visualization.

Computational toolkits for data exploration and visualization from widely used omics platforms often lack flexibility and customization. While many tools generate standardized output, advanced programming skills are necessary to create high-quality visualizations. Therefore, user-friendly tools that simplify this crucial, yet time-consuming, step are essential.

The Profile of Gut Microbiota in Carcinogenesis Driven by Mutant EGFR in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Purpose: Accumulating evidence has clarified that gut dysbiosis is involved in lung cancer development and progression. Although the relationship between tumors and gut microbiota has been extensively studied using clinical samples, no studies have examined the association between mutant EGFR-induced lung carcinogenesis and dysbiosis in gut microbiota. Therefore, we investigated the gut microbiota profiles in stool samples from human lung-specific conditional EGFR-mutant transgenic mice during lung tumor carcinogenesis.

AXL kinase inhibitor exhibits antitumor activity by inducing apoptotic cell death in triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer associated with a poor prognosis and decreased patient survival. It is intimately linked to AXL overexpression and AXL hyperactivation. Here, we explored the therapeutic potential of AX-0085, a small molecule AXL inhibitor.

Inflamed Tissue-Targeting Polyphenol-Condensed Antioxidant Nanoparticles with Therapeutic Potential.

Inflammation is essential for pathogen eradication and tissue repair; However, chronic inflammation can bring on multi-organ dysfunction due to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Among various anti-inflammatory agents, polyphenol-based nanotherapeutics offer potential advantages, including enhanced stability, targeted delivery, multiple therapeutic functions, and personalized therapy tailored to the severity. Despite these advantages, the development of biocompatible nanomedicines capable of selective accumulation in inflamed tissues and efficient inhibition of ROS-induced inflammatory signaling pathways remains a considerable challenge.

Histone H3 lysine 9 tri-methylation is associated with pterygium.

Background: Pterygium, abnormal growths of conjunctival tissue onto the cornea, are common ocular surface conditions with a high risk of recurrence after surgery and potential ophthalmic complications. The exact cause of pterygium remains unclear, and the triggers are still unknown. This study aims to investigate the relationship between pterygium and epigenetics to uncover the cause of pterygium and identify biomarkers for its diagnosis.

Supplemental metaphyseal fixation of severe comminuted distal radius fracture with a mini plate.

Backgrounds: The treatment of complex distal radius fractures, particularly those involving both intra-articular disruption and significant metaphyseal comminution, remains a considerable surgical challenge. While volar locking plates have become a widely accepted standard for stabilizing these fractures, alone they may not address all fracture patterns. This study presents a surgical approach that incorporates the use of a mini-plate to provide targeted support for the metaphyseal region.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibition preserves mitochondrial function and cell survival during the early onset of isoniazid-induced oxidative stress.

A comprehensive understanding of isoniazid (INH)-mediated hepatotoxic effects is essential for developing strategies to predict and prevent severe liver toxicity in tuberculosis treatment. In this study, we used multi-omics profiling in vitro to investigate the toxic effects of INH, revealing significant involvement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial impairment, redox imbalance, and altered metabolism. Additional analysis using transcriptomics data from repeated time-course INH treatments on human hepatic microtissues revealed that cellular responses to ER stress and oxidative stress happened prior to disturbances in mitochondrial complexes.

Formative versus reflective measurement models in nursing research: a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional study in Korea.

Purpose: This study aimed to empirically verify the impact of measurement model selection on research outcomes and their interpretation through an analysis of children's emotional and social problems measured by the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) using both reflective and formative measurement models. These models were represented by covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) and partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM), respectively.

Methods: This secondary data analysis evaluated children's emotional and social problems as both reflective and formative constructs.

Three-point flanged optic piercing intrascleral fixation of multifocal intraocular lenses.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of a three-point flanged optic piercing intrascleral fixation technique for replacing a dislocated multifocal intraocular lens (IOL).

Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Methods: In total, 13 eyes from 13 patients with a dislocated single-piece C-loop or double C-loop diffractive multifocal IOL were enrolled to undergo dislocated multifocal IOL replacement through three-point flanged optic piercing 120 degrees apart intrascleral fixation using 7-0 polypropylene sutures at 2.

Diagnostic In Vivo Sensing of COVID-19 Antibody Detection Using DNA-Linking Graphene Oxide Synthetic Mimic Skin Tattoo Probes.

COVID-19 antibody detection is dependent on highly specialized, time-consuming techniques, such as PCR separation, DNA amplification, and other methods such as spectrophotometric absorption. For these reasons, specialized technical training is necessary because individual diagnostic treatment is difficult. We have attempted to perform rapid sensing with a detection time of only 30 s.

Cytokine-Induced Killer Cell Immunotherapy Reduces Recurrence in Patients with Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background/objectives: Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell immunotherapy has shown promise in reducing recurrence and improving survival outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of CIK cell therapy in a real-world clinical setting.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 49 patients who received CIK cell therapy after curative resection or radiofrequency ablation, compared with 49 matched control patients via 1:1 propensity score matching.

OmpA hinders host autophagy via the CaMKK2-reliant AMPK-pathway.

Outer membrane protein A (OmpA) plays a vital role in the interactions between and host cells. Autophagy is a defense mechanism that hinders the intracellular replication of bacteria, thereby safeguarding cells against microbial infections. While it has been observed that triggers cellular autophagy, the precise role of its virulence protein OmpA in this process remains uncertain.

Dual Biomarker Strategies for Liquid Biopsy: Integrating Circulating Tumor Cells and Circulating Tumor DNA for Enhanced Tumor Monitoring.

The liquid biopsy has gained significant attention in cancer diagnostics, with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) being recognized as key biomarkers for tumor detection and monitoring. However, each biomarker possesses inherent limitations that restrict its standalone clinical utility, such as the rarity and heterogeneity of CTCs and the variable sensitivity and specificity of ctDNA assays. This highlights the necessity of integrating both biomarkers to maximize diagnostic and prognostic potential, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the tumor biology and therapeutic response.

Artificial intelligence applied to electrocardiogram to rule out acute myocardial infarction: the ROMIAE multicentre study.

Background And Aims: Emerging evidence supports artificial intelligence-enhanced electrocardiogram (AI-ECG) for detecting acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but real-world validation is needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of AI-ECG in detecting AMI in the emergency department (ED).

Methods: The Rule-Out acute Myocardial Infarction using Artificial intelligence Electrocardiogram analysis (ROMIAE) study is a prospective cohort study conducted in the Republic of Korea from March 2022 to October 2023, involving 18 university-level teaching hospitals.

PreS1 deletions in genotype C HBV leads to severe hepatic inflammation and hepatocarcinogenesis via the IRE1-JNK axis.

Background & Aims: Deletion of 15-21 nucleotides covering the preS1 start codon frequently occurs in patients with chronic HBV (CHB) with HBV genotype C and has been reported to be related to progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism causing the distinct phenotype of this HBV variant remains largely unknown. We investigated the mechanism by which preS1Del is related to liver disease progression and enhanced HBV replication, focusing on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

Regioisomeric Effect on the Stereoscopic Conformational Transition of Polymer Monolayers at the Aqueous Interface.

Amphiphilic polymers form molecular monolayers at aqueous interfaces, stabilizing the discontinuity between two phases and acting as macromolecular surfactants. These polymer monolayers exhibit superior mechanical stability compared to traditional surfactants, making them useful in various applications, including structured liquids, drug delivery, lung surfactant therapy, protein encapsulation, extraction separation, and templates for synthesis. Despite their significance, the molecular-level understanding of the structure of polymer monolayers and their relationship to their physical properties remain obscure.

The sV184A Variant in HBsAg Specific to HBV Subgenotype C2 Leads to Enhanced Viral Replication and Apoptotic Cell Death Induced by PERK-eIF2α-CHOP-Mediated ER Stress.

HBV genotype C, particularly subgenotype C2, is associated with an elevated risk of HCC and aggressive disease activity. We previously identified a nonsynonymous sV184A variant in the HBsAg region, predominantly in HBV subgenotype C2. This study investigates the mechanistic role of the sV184A variant in promoting liver disease progression.

The effects of Cheonwangbosim-dan, a traditional herbal medicine prescription, on scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Cheonwangbosim-dan (CWBSD) as a traditional herbal medicine prescription has been used for cognitive dysfunction in terms of heart blood deficiency, however, there were few researches for cognitive dysfunction and its mode of action.

Aim Of The Study: This study was aimed to examine the effects of CWBSD on hypocholinergic-induced memory impaired mice and unveil its mechanism of action on cognitive function.

Materials And Methods: The standardized CWBSD was used in the present study.

Gait impairment associated with neuroimaging biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease.

Research links gait impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD) to cognitive abnormalities, brain atrophy, or amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, with the exact cause unclear. This study investigated the relationship between gait, neuroimaging biomarkers, and cognition across the AD spectrum. We recruited 48 AD dementia patients, 27 with prodromal AD, and 41 cognitively unimpaired individuals, analyzing associations among gait parameters, cognitive scores, Aβ deposition, and cortical atrophy.

Adult male-specific inverse association between dry eye disease and intraocular pressure: KNHANES 2010-2012.

Purpose: To investigate the association between dry eye disease (DED) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the general adult population of South Korea.

Methods: We enrolled 13,194 adults (age ≥19 years) who had participated in the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2010 to 2012. IOP was measured using Goldman applanation tonometry.