The fluoroquinolone compounds potentiate the antifungal activity of the echinocandins against Aspergillus fumigatus.

The antifungal drugs of the echinocandin family show high efficacy against Aspergillus fumigatus. However, their paradoxical effect, which restores fungal growth at high drug concentrations, and the emergence of resistant strains necessitate improvements. We identified 13 fluoroquinolone compounds from a chemical library containing 10,000 compounds that potentiate the antifungal activity of caspofungin.

Enhanced Fe═O Generation via Peroxymonosulfate Activation by an Edge-Site Engineered Single-Atom Iron Catalyst.

As an oxidant, the ferryl-oxo complex (Fe═O) offers excellent reactivity and selectivity for degrading recalcitrant organic contaminants. However, enhancing Fe═O generation on heterogeneous surfaces remains challenging because the underlying formation mechanism is poorly understood. This study introduces edge defects onto a single-atom Fe catalyst (FeNC-edge) to promote Fe═O generation via peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation.

Gradient Porous and Carbon Black-Integrated Cellulose Acetate Aerogel for Scalable Radiative Cooling.

Passive temperature controls like passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC)-heating (PDRH), and thermal insulation are essential to meet the growing demand for energy-efficient thermal solutions. When combined with advanced functions like electromagnetic interference shielding, these technologies can significantly enhance scalability. However, existing approaches using single thin films or uniform porous materials face inherent limitations in optimizing versatile functions, while lightweight, insulating aerogels can extend their multifunctionality by manipulating pores and fillers.

Comparison of Biocompatibility of 3D-Printed Ceramic and Titanium in Micropig Ankle Hemiarthroplasty.

Background: Ankle arthritis is a common degenerative disease that progresses as cartilage damage in the lower tibia and upper talus progresses, resulting in loss of joint function. In addition to typical arthritis, there is also structural bone loss in the talus due to diseases such as talar avascular necrosis. Total talus replacement surgery is the procedure of choice in end-stage ankle arthritis and consists of a tibial, talar component and an insert.

Molecular phylogeny, morphology, and ultrastructure of a Mesomycetozoea member, Sphaeroforma nootkatensis isolated from Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, on the Southern coast of Korea.

This study discovered the first Asian population of Sphaeroforma nootkatensis (SphX), a member of Mesomycetozoea, in the southern coastal region of South Korea. Although investigating parasites in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas), a single-cell microorganism was isolated from gill tissues. Comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of its 18S rDNA revealed its placement within the order Ichthyophonida, class Mesomycetozoea.

Structural comparison of substrate-binding pockets of serine β-lactamases in classes A, C, and D.

β-lactams have been the most successful antibiotics, but the rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria threatens their effectiveness. Serine β-lactamases (SBLs), among the most common causes of resistance, are classified as A, C, and D, with numerous variants complicating structural and substrate spectrum comparisons. This study compares representative SBLs of these classes, focusing on the substrate-binding pocket (SBP).

High heritability of human facial traits reveals associations with , and loci in Korean families.

Facial features are determined by interactions between genetic and environmental factors. However, genes underlying facial similarities in individuals from the same family remain less explored. To identify genetic variants associated with heritable facial features, we investigated familial (parent-offspring) associations and estimated familial correlation and heritability using 39 facial measurements in 408 individuals from 117 Korean families.

Enhancing Skin Regeneration Efficacy of Human Dermal Fibroblasts Using Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Coated Biodegradable Polymer.

Background: Polylactic acid (PLA) is extensively used in the medical and cosmetic industries for skin regeneration and as a dermal filler due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, the effectiveness of PLA as a cosmetic filler is limited by its slow degradation rate and poor cell attachment properties. Recent studies have focused on enhancing the performance of PLA by combining it with other materials.

Rapid DNA Repair in Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Bone Regeneration by Nanoparticle-Based Codelivery of Nrf2-mRNA and Dexamethasone.

Directional differentiation is a key factor determining the result of stem cell therapy. Herein, we developed a polyethylenimine (PEI)-coated poly(lactic--glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticle (mPDN) carrying both nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA and dexamethasone (Dex) to human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The combination of Dex and Nrf2-mRNA delivered by mPDN promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs.

Unwanted Loss of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) During in Situ Chemical Oxidation Sample Preservation: Mechanisms and Solutions.

To assess the performance of hazardous waste sites remediation technologies, like in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) with persulfate ( ) researchers must periodically measure concentrations of target contaminants. Due to the presence of relatively high concentrations of the residual oxidant expected in many samples, the standard analytical method requires the addition of a relatively high concentration of ascorbic acid to prevent the oxidation process from continuing after sample collection. We discovered that addition of ascorbic acid quencher results in a radical chain reaction that transforms two common halogenated solvents (i.

Molecular and ultrastructural characterization of a novel cryptic species of the Mesomycetozoea clade isolated from Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, on the west coast of Korea.

In the present study, a cryptic species (IchX) was isolated from the hemolymph of the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, collected from the west coast region of South Korea. Following comprehensive molecular analysis, a partial sequence resembling the small subunit of the ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene was obtained, indicating that this species belonged to the class Mesomycetozoea, also known as Ichthyosporea. Detailed phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA sequences placed IchX in a distinct clade within the order Dermocystida, class Mesomycetozoea, and showed that IchX is closely related to Ichthyosporea sp.

Variations in the Antivirulence Effects of Fatty Acids and Virstatin against Strains.

The expression of two major virulence factors of , cholera toxin (CT) and toxin co-regulated pilus (TCP), is induced by environmental stimuli through a cascade of interactions among regulatory proteins known as the ToxR regulon when the bacteria reach the human small intestine. ToxT is produced via the ToxR regulon and acts as the direct transcriptional activator of CT (), TCP ( gene cluster), and other virulence genes. Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and several small-molecule inhibitors of ToxT have been developed as antivirulence agents against .

Novel Thienopyrimidine-Hydrazinyl Compounds Induce DRP1-Mediated Non-Apoptotic Cell Death in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells.

Apoptosis induction with taxanes or anthracyclines is the primary therapy for TNBC. Cancer cells can develop resistance to anticancer drugs, causing them to recur and metastasize. Therefore, non-apoptotic cell death inducers could be a potential treatment to circumvent apoptotic drug resistance.

Cost-effectiveness of hospital-based treatment compared with community treatment centres: an analysis of Korea National Health Insurance claims data.

Objectives: We compared the cost-effectiveness of hospital-based treatment and that of community treatment centres (CTCs).

Design: We performed statistical analysis to compare the expenses incurred by COVID-19 patients who received hospital care with those incurred by COVID-19 patients who went to CTCs.

Setting And Participants: A study was conducted on 411 530 COVID-19 inpatients and 243 329 CTC patients from January 2020 to December 2021.

Lack of mismatch repair enhances resistance to methylating agents for cells deficient in oxidative demethylation.

The human alkylation B (AlkB) homologs, ALKBH2 and ALKBH3, respond to methylation damage to maintain genomic integrity and cellular viability. Both ALKBH2 and ALKBH3 are direct reversal repair enzymes that remove 1-methyladenine (1meA) and 3-methylcytosine (3meC) lesions commonly generated by alkylating chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, the existence of deficiencies in ALKBH proteins can be exploited in synergy with chemotherapy.

Removal Efficiency of Bottom Ash and Sand Mixtures as Filter Layers for Fine Particulate Matter.

Permeable pavement is a technology that allows rainwater to infiltrate into the pavement. Permeable pavements not only help reduce surface runoff by allowing rainwater to infiltrate into the pavement, but also improve water quality with the filter layer that removes particulate matter pollutants. This study evaluated the particulate matter removal efficiency of bottom ash-sand mixtures as filter layers for removing fine (≤10 μm) or ultrafine (≤2.

Trivalent Copper Ion-Mediated Dual Oxidation in the Copper-Catalyzed Fenton-Like System in the Presence of Histidine.

The Cu(II)/HO system is recognized for its potential to degrade recalcitrant organic contaminants and inactivate microorganisms in wastewater. We investigated its unique dual oxidation strategy involving the selective oxidation of copper-complexing ligands and enhanced oxidation of nonchelated organic compounds. L-Histidine (His) and benzoic acid (BA) served as model compounds for basic biomolecular ligands and recalcitrant organic contaminants, respectively.

Identifying Suitable Patients for Overcoming Androgen Deprivation Monotherapy in De Novo Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer.

Background: Although metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) treatments have evolved, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains a widely used regimen. Therefore, this study sought patients who did not progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) but received ADT monotherapy and factors affecting overall survival (OS) in de novo mHSPC.

Methods: De novo mHSPC patients who received ADT treatment were included.

First report of Perkinsus marinus occurrence associated with wild Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas from the west coast of Korea.

This study reports the occurrence of Perkinsus marinus associated with wild Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) specimens collected along the west coast of Korea. Confirmation of P. marinus presence was achieved by conventional PCR using World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH)-recommended primers that specifically targeted regions of the rDNA locus (ITS1, 5.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and the Risk of Falls in Older Men: Insights From a Population-Based Study on Geriatric Morbid Conditions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the association between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the incidence of falls from the perspective of geriatric morbid conditions.

Methods: Data were sourced from the triennial National Survey of Older Koreans conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (2017-2020). In total, 8,135 male participants aged 65 and older were included, and information was gathered through questionnaires and physical measurements.