Bacterial components-driven intrahepatic CXCR5 B cells are important population for MASH progression through inducing inflammation.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is characterized by severe liver inflammation and fibrosis due to an imbalanced immune response caused by enhanced bacterial components. The progression of MASH is closely linked to increased permeability of intestinal mucosal barrier facilitating enter of bacterial components into hepatic portal venous system. B cells are important immune cells for adaptive responses and enhance hepatic inflammation through cytokine production and T cell activation.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy up-regulates PD-L1 in radioresistant colorectal cancer.

Background: Combining radiotherapy (RT) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is a promising strategy that can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs. However, little is known about RT-induced changes in the expression of immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1, and their clinical implications in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to investigate the association between responsiveness to RT and changes in PD-L1 expression in human CRC tissue and cell lines.

A Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Study of Esomeprazole Comparing a Dual Delayed-Release Formulation (YYD601) to a Conventional Formulation Following Multiple Administrations in Healthy Adult Subjects.

Background: YYD601 is a new dual delayed-release formulation of esomeprazole, developed to enhance plasma exposure and prolong the duration of acid suppression.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetic (PK), and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles of YYD601 20 mg following single and multiple oral administrations in healthy, fasting adult Koreans, and to compare these outcomes to those of the conventional esomeprazole 20 mg capsule.

Methods: A randomized, open-label, two-period crossover study was conducted in 28 participants, who were divided into two treatment groups: one group received YYD601 20 mg, and the other received conventional esomeprazole 20 mg, once daily for five consecutive days.

SLC35A2 modulates paramyxovirus fusion events during infection.

Paramyxoviruses are significant human and animal pathogens that include mumps virus (MuV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and the murine parainfluenza virus Sendai (SeV). Despite their importance, few host factors implicated in paramyxovirus infection are known. Using a recombinant SeV expressing destabilized eGFP (rSeVCdseGFP) in a loss-of-function CRISPR screen, we identified the CMP-sialic acid transporter (CST) gene SLC35A1 and the UDP-galactose transporter (UGT) gene SLC35A2 as essential for paramyxovirus infection.

Intestinal TM6SF2 protects against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis through the gut-liver axis.

Transmembrane-6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) regulates hepatic fat metabolism and is associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). TM6SF2 genetic variants are associated with steatotic liver disease. The pathogenesis of MASH involves genetic factors and gut microbiota alteration, yet the role of host-microbe interactions in MASH development remains unclear.

Acute and Chronic Health Risk Assessment for Automobile Users Due to Inhalation Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and Carbonyl Compounds.

Since automobiles are the primary means of transportation in modern society, the assessment of health effects from acute and chronic exposure to pollutants in automobiles is crucial. In this study, the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbonyl compounds, and odor-including substances in newly manufactured automobiles were analyzed, and exposure factors reflecting automobile user characteristics were selected for health risk assessment. Toluene exhibited the highest concentration (203.

The Improvement in Sleep Quality by Zizyphi Semen in Rodent Models Through GABAergic Transmission Regulation.

: Sleep, a process physiologically vital for mental health, faces disruptions in various sleep disorders linked to metabolic and neurodegenerative risks. seed (Zizy) has long been recognized for its diverse pharmacological attributes, including analgesic, sedative, insomnia, and anxiety alleviation. : In this study, the sleep-prolonging effects of Zizy extract (100, 200 mg/kg), along with their characterizing compounds jujuboside A (JuA) (5, 10 mg/kg), were evaluated in a mouse model under a pentobarbital-induced sleep.

Limitations of a proper SFTSV mouse model using human C-type lectin receptors.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a tick-borne virus with a human mortality rate of up to 30%, posing a significant threat to public health. However, the lack of suitable research models has impeded the development of effective human vaccines. In this study, we engineered transgenic mice (3xTg) using a novel construct that simultaneously expresses three C-type Lectin receptors, identified as critical SFTSV entry receptors.

Reactive Oxygen Species Resistive Redox Mediator in Lithium-Oxygen Batteries.

The utilization of redox mediators (RMs) in lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) has underscored their utility in high overpotential during the charging process. Among the currently known RMs, it is exceptionally challenging to identify those with a redox potential capable of attenuating singlet oxygen (O) generation while resisting degradation by reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as O and superoxide (O ). In this context, computational and experimental approaches for rational molecular design have led to the development of 7,7'-bi-7-azabicyclo[2.

Clinical significance of various pathogens identified in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD: a multi-center study in South Korea.

Background: Respiratory infection is a major cause of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). We investigated the presence of bacterial and viral pathogens and clinical features in patients with AECOPD.

Methods: This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD from 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015-2018.

Clinical Impact of TP53 Mutations in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Who Were Treated with Targeted Therapies or Immunotherapy.

Purpose: TP53 mutations are common in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We evaluated their clinical impact in patients treated with targeted agents or immunotherapy in the KCSG HN15-16 TRIUMPH trial.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with TP53 mutations in the TRIUMPH trial, a multicenter, biomarker-driven umbrella trial in Korea.

Control of Electrolyte Desolvation Energy Suppressing the Cointercalation Mechanism and Organic Electrode Dissolution.

Despite numerous studies aimed at solving the detrimental dissolution issue of organic electrode materials (OEMs), a fundamental understanding of their dissolution mechanism has not yet been established. Herein, we systematically investigate how changes in electrolyte composition affect the ion-solvent interactions propagating to OEM dissolution by changing the cation. The cyclability of OEM is significantly different by alkali cations, where the OEM with K is stable even after 300 cycles and that with Li is drastically decayed within 100 cycles.

The feasibility of utilizing the open dynamic interaction network (ODIN) app to assess rEMA data across 30 days among those recovering from alcohol use disorders.

Preliminary data from a prospective micro-longitudinal study (30 days) that examined the co-evolution of return to use risk among people diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in residential substance treatment is presented. Data assessed the feasibility of using the open dynamic interaction network (ODIN) responsive ecological momentary assessment (rEMA). rEMA collected daily estimates on affect, urges, sober-support engagement, and use.

Quality of life outcomes in terminal cancer patients attending regional cancer centers in South Korea: protocol for a prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Patients with cancer experience physical, mental, and social pain that affects themselves and their families. The increasing cancer incidence and advances in treatment have increased the number of cancer survivors in Korea, and there is an influx of patients in Seoul and other metropolitan areas, leading to shortages of continuous care and comprehensive life support facilities. Patients must travel long distances for treatment, which poses logistical and quality-of-life challenges.

Does the outcome of acupuncture differ according to the location of sham needling points in acupuncture trials for migraine? A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Various acupuncture clinical trials have been conducted on migraine; however, the conclusions remain controversial especially when acupuncture was compared with sham acupuncture. Sham acupuncture is sometimes performed at the same acupuncture points used for verum acupuncture despite the evidence on acupuncture point specificity. Four databases were searched for sham acupuncture or waiting list-controlled acupuncture trials for migraine on December 25, 2023.

SARS-CoV-2 resistance analyses from the Phase 3 PINETREE study of remdesivir treatment in nonhospitalized participants.

Remdesivir inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp; Nsp12). Here, we conducted viral resistance analyses from the Phase 3 PINETREE trial of remdesivir in nonhospitalized participants at risk of severe COVID-19. Nasopharyngeal swabs (collected at baseline [Day 1], Days 2, 3, 7, and 14) were eligible for analysis if their viral load was above the lower limit of quantification for the RT-qPCR assay (2228 copies/mL).

Efficacy of ETB-F01, Heat-Killed Strain EB-AMDK19, in Patients with Respiratory Symptoms: A Multicenter Clinical Trial.

Respiratory symptoms are prevalent in the general population, and they are associated with a decline in lung function and increased mortality. The gut-lung connection suggests intestinal dysbiosis may impact lung diseases, with showing promise in regulating extraintestinal diseases. However, its application in patients with respiratory symptoms lacks clinical trial evidence.

Draft genome sequence of LHWP2 isolated from dead ark clam revealing potential nitrogen metabolism pathways.

We present the draft genome sequence of LHWP2, a notable member of the Planctomycetes-Verrucomicrobia-Chlamydiae group, isolated from a dead ark clam. The 6,211,343-bp genome contains 5,304 coding gene sequences with a guanine-cytosine content of 56.5 %.

Development of the Korean Quality Improvement Platform in Surgery (K-QIPS) program: a nationwide project to improve surgical quality and patient safety.

Purpose: Improvements in surgical quality and patient safety are critical components of the healthcare system. Despite excellent cancer survival rates in Korea, there is a lack of standardized postoperative complication management systems. To address this gap, the Korean Surgical Society initiated the development of the Korean Quality Improvement Platform in Surgery (K-QIPS) program.

Screening for Lung Cancer, Overdiagnosis, and Healthcare Utilization: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

Introduction: Guideline-discordant low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening may cause lung cancer (LC) overdiagnosis, but its extent and consequences are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-initiated, non-reimbursed LDCT screening in a predominantly non-smoking population and its impact on LC epidemiology and healthcare utilization.

Methods: This nationwide cohort study analyzed data from Korea's National Health Information Database and 11 academic hospital screening centers (1999-2022).

Comparison of Short- and Long-Term Dual-Antiplatelet Therapy After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: One-Year Outcomes.

Background: The optimal duration and net clinical benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have not been elucidated in real-world situations.

Methods: Using nationwide claims data from 2013 to 2021, we selected patients who underwent TAVR and categorized them into two groups: short- and long-term (≤ 3 and > 3 months, respectively) DAPT group. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline characteristics.

Clinical and Imaging Features of a Focal Intrahepatic Biliary Stricture Visualized Only as Duct Dilatation.

Purpose: We assessed the proportion of patients with a focal intrahepatic stricture (FIHS) that was a precursor lesion or malignancy and visualized only as a duct dilatation.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study assessed patients who underwent surgery or biopsy for an FIHS on CT or MRI between January 2010 and March 2022. The number and proportion of non-precursor benign lesions, precursors, and malignancies were calculated.

Crosstalk between lipocalin-2 and IL-6 in traumatic brain injury: Closely related biomarkers.

Clinical biomarkers are crucial for diagnosing and predicting outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, we performed an unbiased analysis of plasma proteins in acute TBI patients using bead-based multiplex assays and identified a strong positive correlation between LCN2 and IL-6 levels. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that LCN2 and IL-6 are closely related circulating biomarkers for TBI.

Hollow core optical fiber enabled by epsilon-near-zero material.

Hollow core optical fibers of numerous guiding mechanisms have been studied in the past decades for their advantages on guiding light in air core. This work demonstrates a new hollow core optical fiber based on a different guiding mechanism, which confines light with a cladding made of epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) material through total internal reflection. We show that the addition of a layer of ENZ material coating (e.