Inhibition of AXL ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis attenuation of M2 macrophage polarization.

Rationale: Although a relationship between the Gas6/AXL pathway and pulmonary fibrosis (PF) has been suggested, the precise mechanisms and clinical implications of the AXL pathway in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are still unclear.

Methods: Constitutive and conditional AXL-knockout mice were generated and injected with bleomycin (BLM) to induce pulmonary fibrosis. The expression of AXL and macrophage subtypes in BLM-injected mice and patients with IPF was analysed using flow cytometry.

Insecticide resistance mutations of Anopheles species in the Republic of Korea.

The number of reported malaria cases transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes in the Republic of Korea (ROK) increased from 420 in 2022 to 746 in 2023, a 77.6% increase. Eight Anopheles species are currently reported in the ROK, including six species belonging to the Anopheles Hyrcanus Group and one species each belonging to the Barbirostris Group and Lindesayi Group.

Seasonal effect of PM exposure in patients with COPD: a multicentre panel study.

: Exposure to particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM) is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but most studies lack individual PM measurements. Seasonal variation and their impact on clinical outcomes remain understudied.

Comparative analysis of functional end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer.

Background: Despite advancements in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for right-sided colon cancer, the choice between functional end-to-end anastomosis and end-to-side anastomosis remains a topic of debate. This study aimed to compare these 2 techniques in terms of postoperative complications and disease-free survival.

Methods: This retrospective analysis included 1,202 patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for nonmetastatic colon cancer at Samsung Medical Center between January 2007 and February 2016.

Prognostic value of pseudotime from texture parameters of FDG PET/CT in locally advanced rectal cancer with neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Texture analysis generates image parameters from F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT). Although some parameters correlate with tumor biology and clinical attributes, their types and implications can be complex. To overcome this limitation, pseudotime analysis was applied to texture parameters to estimate changes in individual sample characteristics, and the prognostic significance of the estimated pseudotime of primary tumors was evaluated.

Time-series InSAR measurement using ICOPS and estimation of along-track surface deformation using MAI during the 2021 eruption of Fagradalsfjall Volcano, Iceland.

The eruption in Fagradalsfjall Volcano, located in Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, from several centuries' dormant states, occurred for the first time on March 19, 2021. Observations of Fagradalsfjall Volcano were conducted in 2021, and the eruption period lasted for six months until 18 September 2021. Six days pair of interferograms were generated from ninety synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data.

Genetic diversity and Wolbachia infection in the Japanese encephalitis virus vector Culex tritaeniorhynchus in the Republic of Korea.

Background: Culex tritaeniorhynchus, a major vector of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), is found across a broad geographical range, including Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. Understanding the population structure and genetic diversity of pathogen vectors is increasingly seen as important for effective disease control. In China and Japan, two countries in close proximity to the Republic of Korea (ROK), Cx.

Automated Pipeline for Robust Cat Activity Detection Based on Deep Learning and Wearable Sensor Data.

The health, safety, and well-being of household pets such as cats has become a challenging task in previous years. To estimate a cat's behavior, objective observations of both the frequency and variability of specific behavior traits are required, which might be difficult to come by in a cat's ordinary life. There is very little research on cat activity and cat disease analysis based on real-time data.

Seasonal fluctuation of insecticide resistance mutation frequencies in field populations of Anopheles and Culex species in Korea.

Members of the Anopheles Hyrcanus Group, Culex pipiens complex, and Culex tritaeniorhynchus are prevalent vector species in the Republic of Korea (ROK), transmitting Plasmodium vivax and various arboviruses. Extensive use of insecticides to control these mosquitoes has led to insecticide resistance. In this study, we monitored 3 target site mutations associated with insecticide resistance (kdr for pyrethroid resistance, ace1 for organophosphate resistance, and rdl for phenylpyrazole resistance) in these mosquito groups over four consecutive years to understand the seasonal dynamics of resistance in different areas with distinct ecological characteristics.

Comparative analysis of analgesic efficacy and functional recovery in open pancreaticoduodenectomy: a randomized controlled trial of local anesthetic wound infiltration, transversus abdominis plane block, and intramuscular electrical stimulation.

Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is associated with severe postoperative pain. Optimized pain management can potentially elevate patients' postoperative quality of life. This study focused on comparing the analgesic efficacy and subsequent functional recovery of three techniques, continuous local wound infiltration (LWI), four-quadrant transversus abdominis plane (4QTAP) block, and needle electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (NETOIMS), in patients subjected to open PD.

Deep learning-based anomaly detection using one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D CNN) in machine centers (MCT) and computer numerical control (CNC) machines.

Computer numerical control (CNC) and machine center (MCT) machines are mechanical devices that manipulate different tools using computer programming as inputs. Predicting failures in CNC and MCT machines before their actual failure time is crucial to reduce maintenance costs and increase productivity. This study is centered around a novel deep learning-based model using a 1D convolutional neural network (CNN) for early fault detection in MCT machines.

Unraveling new avenues in pancreatic cancer treatment: A comprehensive exploration of drug repurposing using transcriptomic data.

Pancreatic cancer, a malignancy notorious for its late-stage diagnosis and low patient survival rates, remains a formidable global health challenge. The currently available FDA-approved treatments for pancreatic cancer, notably chemotherapeutic agents, exhibit suboptimal efficacy, often accompanied by concerns regarding toxicity. Given the intricate nature of pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and the time-intensive nature of in silico drug discovery approaches, drug repurposing emerges as a compelling strategy to expedite the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

PM exposure during pregnancy affects childhood asthma via placental epigenetic changes: Neuronal differentiation and proliferation and Notch signaling pathways.

Particulate matter (PM) exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of developing asthma in children. However, the placental mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. This study aims to evaluate the mechanisms associated with PM exposure during pregnancy and asthma susceptibility via placental epigenetic dysregulation.

Microplastic particles in human blood and their association with coagulation markers.

Recent studies have indicated potential health risks associated with microplastics (MPs) exposure, including alterations in blood coagulation homeostasis. This cross-sectional study aimed to quantitatively examine MPs in human blood and assess their association with coagulation markers. We recruited 36 healthy adults, collected whole blood samples, and analyzed MPs using Fourier-transform infrared (µ-FTIR) spectroscopy.

Short-Term Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Patients Using Various Antidepressants Compared with Patients Using Fluoxetine.

Background: The objective is to compare the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) within a year in patients prescribed various antidepressants (ADs) and those prescribed fluoxetine as a control group.

Methods: This study used standardized data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service claims database (n=1,456,489). Patients aged ≥10 years with no previous use of ADs and no history of diabetes mellitus, regardless of whether they were diagnosed with any depressive disorder, were eligible for this study.

Expanded application of unilateral biportal endoscopy in adult thoracic disease: report of three cases and literature review.

Background: Traditional surgery for degenerative thoracic disorder can be extremely invasive and accompanied by complications. Unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE), a newly developed technique in the field of spin surgery, is minimally invasive and its popularity and indications have been increasing. In this study, we report three cases of different thoracic diseases treated using UBE.

Development of Korean CARcinogen EXposure: occupation-based exposure matrix.

Objectives: Information systems focusing on occupational carcinogen exposure, whether categorized by industry or occupation, play a pivotal role in the prevention of occupational cancers. Recently, the Korean CARcinogen EXposure (K-CAREX) system was developed to assess carcinogen exposure by industry. However, corresponding information categorized by occupation has yet to be developed.

Diet-Wide Association Study for the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in Three Population-Based Cohorts.

Background: Dietary factors are well-known modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D), but many studies overlook the interrelationships between these factors, even though foods are often consumed together and contain a variety of nutrients.

Objectives: In this study, we employed a diet-wide association study approach to investigate the links between various dietary factors and T2D onset, taking into account complex dietary patterns.

Methods: We analyzed 16,666 participants without T2D from three Korean population-based cohorts: the Multi-Rural Communities Cohort ( = 8302), the Atherosclerosis Risk of a Rural Area Korean General Population cohort ( = 4990), and the Kanghwa cohort ( = 3374).

Novel Glycidyl Carbamate Functional Epoxy Resin Using Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene.

Herein, a novel glycidyl carbamate functional epoxy resin (GCE) is synthesized by the additional reaction of the isocyanate group of tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) with the hydroxyl group of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and glycidol. The successful synthesis of the GCE is confirmed by FT-IR and H NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, a dual-curing adhesive system is developed using acrylic acid and trimethylolpropane triacrylate with varying GCE contents, and its adhesive performance is assessed by testing adhesive strength, pencil hardness, and surface energy.

Pictorial Review of Rare Pancreatic Tumors and Tumor-like Lesions: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation.

Rare pancreatic tumors and non-neoplastic tumor-like lesions present a diagnostic challenge due to their uncommon occurrence and overlapping imaging characteristics with more prevalent pancreatic neoplasms. Advances in imaging technologies and diagnostic criteria have contributed to increased detection of these rare entities in clinical practice. This pictorial review focuses on the radiologic-pathologic correlation of rare pancreatic tumors, including colloid carcinoma, acinar cell carcinoma, pancreatoblastoma, primary pancreatic lymphoma, and non-neoplastic tumor-like lesions such as hamartomas and inflammatory pseudotumors.

Distribution of Dietary Phospholipids in Selected Agri-Foods: Versatile Nutraceutical Ingredients.

Phospholipids (PLs) play a crucial role in the nutraceutical field due to their various health benefits, including supporting acetylcholine production, enhancing cell membrane fluidity, and promoting cognitive functions. This study aimed to investigate the PL composition of selected agri-foods, including grains, vegetables, and fruits, and assess the effects of cooking methods. The major PLs identified in most agri-foods were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC).

Optimizing Compassion Training in Medical Trainees Using an Adjunct mHealth App: A Preliminary Single-Arm Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

Background: While structured compassion training programs have shown promise for increasing compassion among medical trainees, a major challenge is applying the concepts and practices taught during the program into the complex, dynamic, time-pressured, and often hectic hospital workplace.

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of Compassion Coach, a mobile health (mHealth) smartphone app designed to bolster a 6-week mindfulness and self-compassion training program for medical trainees.

Methods: In Compassion Coach, notifications to remind, encourage, and measure the perceived impact of informal mindfulness and compassion practices taught during the program were delivered at 7 AM, 12 PM, and 7 PM, respectively, 3 times per week over the course of the training program.

Risk of dementia in patients with age-related medical conditions: a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the impact of age-related medical conditions on the incidence of dementia, considering factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hearing difficulties.

Methods: Data from 513 640 patients at Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital were analyzed using the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model. Patients with and without age-related medical conditions were assigned to experimental and control groups, respectively, with propensity score matching.