Optomechanical Properties of Swine Skin Tissue Treated With a Nontoxic Optical Clearing Agent.

This study evaluated the optomechanical and structural properties of individual macroscopic layers in swine skin tissues treated with a nontoxic optical clearing agent. The clearing agent was prepared by dissolving 2,2'-thiodiethanol in a phosphate-buffered solution and applied for up to 6 days. Prolonged clearing increased both the total and unscattered transmittance.

Murine Aortic Valve Cell Heterogeneity at Birth.

Background: Heart valve function requires a highly organized ECM (extracellular matrix) network that provides the necessary biomechanical properties needed to withstand pressure changes during each cardiac cycle. Lay down of the valve ECM begins during embryogenesis and continues throughout postnatal stages when it is remodeled into stratified layers and arranged according to blood flow. Alterations in this process can lead to dysfunction and, if left untreated, heart failure.

Impact of hematopoietic cell transplantation and quizartinib in newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukemia and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplications in the QuANTUM-First trial.

QuANTUM-First (NCT02668653) was a randomized phase 3 trial in newly diagnosed FLT3-ITDQpositive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients treated with quizartinib or placebo plus standard induction and consolidation chemotherapy and/or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), followed by single-agent maintenance therapy. We evaluated the impact of allo-HCT performed in first complete remission (CR1) or composite CR1 (CRc1) on overall survival (OS), considering treatment randomization. Post-hoc extended Cox regression multivariable analyses were conducted in patients who achieved CR/CRc by the end of induction, including allo-HCT in CR1/CRc1 as a time-dependent variable to identify prognostic and predictive factors for OS.

CPAP Titration Pressure in Split-Night, Full-Night, and Home Auto-Titration: A Prospective Comparative Analysis of Patients With Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Purpose: This prospective study aimed to compare titration pressures obtained using three methods-full-night titration (FN-T), split-night titration (SN-T), and home auto-titration (HA-T)- in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Additionally, factors contributing to pressure differences relative to FN-T were investigated.

Methods: SN-T was performed on 74 patients suspected of having OSA.

Compositional study of Ti-Nb oxide (TiNbO, TiNbO, TiNbO, and TiNbO) anodes for high power Li ion batteries.

Titanium niobium oxides (TNOs) are attractive anode materials for high power density Li-ion batteries. However, the details of capacity storage in TNOs are not fully understood today as it depends on the Ti and Nb composition and their changes in the oxidation state. This is further complicated by a wide variation in gravimetric capacities reported in the literature for TNO anodes.

A novel fluorescein sodium-based screening platform for the identification of sphingoid base-producing mutants.

The efficient identification of microbial strains capable of producing rare sphingoid bases, such as sphingosine and sphinganine, is critical for advancing microbial fermentation processes and addressing increasing industrial demands. , a non-conventional yeast, naturally overproduces tetraacetyl phytosphingosine (TAPS); however, the production of other valuable sphingoid bases, including sphingosine, sphinganine, and triacetyl sphingosine, remains a key target. In this study, we developed a novel screening method utilizing fluorescein sodium, a selective fluorescent dye that specifically reacts with non-acetylated sphingoid bases-sphinganine, sphingosine, and phytosphingosine-while exhibiting no reactivity with TAPS.

Metabolic Signaling as a Driver of T Cell Aging.

Aging significantly diminishes T cell immunity, increasing susceptibility to infections and reducing vaccine efficacy in older individuals. Metabolism plays a key role in T cell function, shaping their energy requirements, activation, and differentiation. Recent studies highlight altered metabolic signaling as a pivotal factor in T cell aging, influencing the ability of T cells to maintain quiescence, respond to activation, and differentiate into functional subsets.

Regulation of Ferroptosis in Cancer and Immune Cells.

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, is driven by lipid peroxidation and shaped by metabolic and antioxidant pathways. In immune cells, ferroptosis susceptibility varies by cell types, lipid composition, and metabolic demands, influencing immune responses in cancer, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Therapeutically, targeting ferroptosis holds promise in cancer immunotherapy by enhancing antitumor immunity or inhibiting immunosuppressive cells.

Regulatory T Cell Metabolism: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment?

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are essential for maintaining immune homeostasis by suppressing excessive immune responses. In the context of cancer, however, Tregs promote immune evasion and tumor progression, particularly through their unique adaptations within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent research has emphasized how metabolic characteristics shape Treg activation, migration, and immunosuppressive function, revealing the impact of metabolic pathways on Treg fitness in homeostasis and within the TME.

Tissue-Specific Metabolic Reprogramming in Innate Lymphoid Cells and Its Impact on Disease.

Recent advances have highlighted the crucial role of metabolic reprogramming in shaping the functions of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which are vital for tissue immunity and homeostasis. As tissue-resident cells, ILCs dynamically respond to local environmental cues, with tissue-derived metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and amino acids directly modulating their effector functions. The metabolic states of ILC subsets-ILC1, ILC2, and ILC3-are closely linked to their ability to produce cytokines, sustain survival, and drive proliferation.

Multimodal Metaverse Healthcare: A Collaborative Representation and Adaptive Fusion Approach for Generative Artificial-Intelligence-Driven Diagnosis.

The metaverse enables immersive virtual healthcare environments, presenting opportunities for enhanced care delivery. A key challenge lies in effectively combining multimodal healthcare data and generative artificial intelligence abilities within metaverse-based healthcare applications, which is a problem that needs to be addressed. This paper proposes a novel multimodal learning framework for metaverse healthcare, MMLMH, based on collaborative intra- and intersample representation and adaptive fusion.

Prospective Preference Assessment of a Pharmacological Clinical Trial to Alter the Progression of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis After ACL Reconstruction.

Background: Understanding the factors contributing to willingness to participate in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is crucial to optimizing recruitment and understanding whether interested participants represent the patient population that may benefit from the studied treatment.

Purpose: To understand patients' willingness to participate in a future RCT of an oral medication to prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after ACLR.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Impact of physical activity on all-cause mortality in individuals with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Background: Little information is available regarding whether active physical activity lowers mortality risk in individuals with bronchiectasis.

Methods: We used the Korean National Health Insurance Service database from 2010 to 2016 to evaluate the association between changes in physical activity and mortality risk in individuals with bronchiectasis. Of 552,510 individuals with newly diagnosed bronchiectasis, we enrolled 165,842 individuals who had two consecutive health examinations before and after bronchiectasis diagnosis, within two years, as the study aimed to measure changes in exercise habits between the two time points.

Small molecule inhibition of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 alters cell metabolism proteins and exerts anti- or pro-tumorigenic effects contingent upon chemosensitivity status in high grade serous ovarian cancer.

High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal of all gynecologic malignancies in which the majority of patients eventually develop chemoresistant recurrent disease. Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is a deubiquitinating enzyme canonically known for its involvement in neurodegeneration, but recently has been shown to play a key role in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, UCHL1 has garnered attention across a multitude of cancer subtypes as it has the ability to be targeted through small molecule inhibition.

Comparative analysis of alpha-fetoprotein, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, and prostate-specific antigen among conventional cigarette smokers, heated tobacco product users and quitters.

Introduction: The association of Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) use on cancer-related biomarkers remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the levels of tumor markers, specifically alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), between combustible cigarette (CC) smokers, any HTP users, and quitters.

Methods: This cross-sectional study compared tumor marker levels (AFP, CA 19-9, CEA, PSA) among 750 adult males: 250 CC smokers, 250 any HTP users, and 250 quitters.

An in-depth review on utilizing ultrasound biomicroscopy for assessing the iridocorneal angle and ciliary body in canines.

In this review, we explore the transformative role of Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) in veterinary ophthalmology, focusing on its utility in evaluating the iridocorneal angle and ciliary body in dogs. We begin by outlining UBM's foundational principles, providing a holistic understanding of its operational mechanics. This is followed by an exploration of the techniques and considerations for optimal UBM imaging, including the use of topical anesthesia, probe positioning, and maintaining a controlled measurement environment.

Endoscopic Butterfly Myringoplasty: Comparison of Tragal Cartilage Graft and Dermal Allograft.

Objectives: Tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) is a common reason for visits to otolaryngology clinics. For decades, various surgical methods and grafts have been employed to treat TMP. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of tragal cartilage grafts (TCG) and dermal allografts (DAG) in myringoplasty for treating TMP.

A nationwide survey on the curriculum and educational resources related to the Clinical Skills Test of the Korean Medical Licensing Examination: a cross-sectional descriptive study.

Purpose: The revised Clinical Skills Test (CST) of the Korean Medical Licensing Exam aims to provide a better assessment of physicians' clinical competence and ability to interact with patients. This study examined the impact of the revised CST on medical education curricula and resources nationwide, while also identifying areas for improvement within the revised CST.

Methods: This study surveyed faculty responsible for clinical clerkships at 40 medical schools throughout Korea to evaluate the status and changes in clinical skills education, assessment, and resources related to the CST.

Role of Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetate as an Additive in Electrolyte on Intermediate Stabilization in Electrochemical CO2 Reduction.

Although an electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (ECO2RR) can provide an ideal route to produce CH4, its selectivity is significantly hindered due to kinetically complex steps. To improve CH4 selectivity, this study focuses on microenvironmental engineering using an additive of ethylene diamine tetraacetate (EDTA) in electrolyte. EDTA interacts with the Cu catalyst, altering its electronic structure and promoting CO2 activation, in addition, it forms additional hydrogen bonding with key intermediates of *CO and *CHO leading to their stabilization.

Progress and Perspectives in 2D Piezoelectric Materials for Piezotronics and Piezo-Phototronics.

The emergence of two-dimensional (2D) materials has catalyzed significant advancements in the fields of piezotronics and piezo-phototronics, owing to their exceptional mechanical, electronic, and optical properties. This review provides a comprehensive examination of key 2D piezoelectric and piezo-phototronic materials, including transition metal dichalcogenides, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and phosphorene, with an emphasis on their unique advantages and recent research progress. The underlying principles of piezotronics and piezo-phototronics in 2D materials is discussed, focusing on the fundamental mechanisms which enable these phenomena.

Establishment of a Biomarker-Directed Clinical Endpoint Model for Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease Patients.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic cell death in the substantia nigra. While the interplay between dopamine loss and symptoms is well-recognized, a respective quantitative link has yet to be established. The objective was to establish a biomarker-directed clinical endpoint model for early-stage PD patients.

Current concepts in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Rotator cuff repair has experience great development, transitioning from open surgical techniques to minimally invasive arthroscopic methods. This review explores its historical development, current repair techniques, biomechanical considerations, and advances in materials and biological augmentation. It also addresses strategies for managing partial-thickness and massive tears, compares single-row and double-row repairs, and highlights the importance of individualized postoperative rehabilitation.

Outcomes of footprint medialization and bone marrow stimulation in chronic retracted rotator cuff tears.

Background: This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of chronic retracted rotator cuff tears where complete footprint coverage cannot be achieved, using two treatments: footprint medialization with bone marrow stimulation and conventional incomplete repair.

Methods: This retrospective study included 87 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with incomplete footprint coverage. The included patients were divided into group 1 (54 patients with footprint medialization and bone marrow stimulation) and group 2 (33 patients with conventional repair).

Gene-Lifestyle Interactions in Renal Dysfunction: Polygenic Risk Modulation via Plant-Based Diets, Coffee Intake, and Bioactive Compound Interactions.

This study aimed to investigate genetic variants associated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and their interactions with lifestyle factors and bioactive compounds in large hospital-based cohorts, assessing their impact on renal dysfunction risk. Participants were categorized into two groups based on eGFR: High-GFR (control; = 51,084) and Low-GFR (renal dysfunction; = 7617), using an eGFR threshold of 60 mL/min/1.73 m.

Impact of Alcohol Intake on Skeletal Muscle: A Large Cross-Sectional Analysis in Japanese Adults.

Aims: To clarify the impact of alcohol intake on skeletal muscle mass (SMM) using data from Japanese health checkup recipients (8405 males and 11,509 females). The fat-free (FF) index was regarded as the FF mass divided by height squared (kg/m).

Methods: The subjects were classified into four groups (type A (never drinker), B (chance or mild drinker), C (moderate drinker), and D (severe drinker)) according to the amount of alcohol consumed.