GRIM-19-mediated induction of mitochondrial STAT3 alleviates systemic sclerosis by inhibiting fibrosis and Th2/Th17 cells.

The gene associated with the retinoid-IFN-induced mortality-19 (GRIM-19) protein is a regulator of a cell death regulatory protein that inhibits STAT3, which is a critical transcription factor for interleukin (IL)-17-producing T (Th17) cells and a key integrator of extracellular matrix accumulation in systemic sclerosis (SSc). This protein is also a component of mitochondrial complex I, where it directly binds to STAT3 and recruits STAT3 to the mitochondria via the mitochondrial importer Tom20. In this study, the role of GRIM19 and its relationship with STAT3 in SSc development was investigated using a murine model of SSc.

STING-STAT6 Signaling Pathway Promotes IL-4 and IFN-α Fibrotic T Cell Activation and Exacerbates Scleroderma in SKG Mice.

Systemic sclerosis (SS) is an autoimmune disease and pathological mechanisms of SS are unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of T cells in the progression of SS using SKG mice and humanized mice. SKG mice have a spontaneous point mutation in ZAP70.

IL-21 drives skin and lung inflammation and fibrosis in a model for systemic sclerosis.

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, abnormal inflammation, and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, notably the skin and lungs, significantly impairing quality of life. There is currently no cure for SSc, and its etiology remains largely unknown, presenting a primary barrier to effective treatment. We investigated the role of interleukin-21 (IL-21) in the pathogenesis of SSc.

Improvement of jelly 3D printing using ultrasound treatment and calcium chloride.

This study investigated the effects of ultrasound treatment or calcium chloride (CaCl) addition on the physical properties of jelly formulations. Elastic modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), tan δ, shear modulus, yield stress (τ), phase angle (δ), and gel strength were the parameters selected to describe the requirements of jelly printing, such as fidelity, shape retention, and extrudability. Ultrasound treatment of the jelly formulation without pectin increased the G' and shear moduli values, while decreasing the δ and gel strength.

Assembly-Driven Oxidative Degradation of Melarsomine Triggered by Cyanuric Acid.

Molecular self-assembly can trigger or regulate specific chemical reactions that would otherwise be infeasible when molecules exist individually. Supramolecular structures can significantly affect the rate of chemical reactions; therefore, optimizing supramolecular structures by manipulating intermolecular interactions is crucial for achieving the desired reactivity. Melamine is known to form hydrogen bonds with cyanuric acid, resulting in the formation of a supramolecular network.

The blood pressure control effect of the sodium-restricted dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet: a systematic review.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is highly effective in controlling blood pressure (BP). Although Na restriction is not a primary focus within the DASH diet, it is recommended that it be added to control BP. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the characteristics and BP-lowering effects of Na-restricted DASH diet interventions.

Evaluation of Drug Blood-Brain-Barrier Permeability Using a Microfluidic Chip.

The blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is made up of blood vessels whose permeability enables the passage of some compounds. A predictive model of BBB permeability is important in the early stages of drug development. The predicted BBB permeabilities of drugs have been confirmed using a variety of in vitro methods to reduce the quantities of drug candidates needed in preclinical and clinical trials.

The relationship between self-reported sensory decline and cognitive frailty in older persons.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between self-reported sensory decline, including poor hearing and vision, and cognitive frailty in older persons. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2020 National Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Older Koreans. Binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between self-reported sensory decline and cognitive frailty.

MicroRNA-21a-5p inhibition alleviates systemic sclerosis by targeting STAT3 signaling.

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA)-21-5p participates in various biological processes, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. However, its role in the development of fibrosis in the in vivo model of systemic sclerosis (SSc) has not been reported. This study investigated the effects of miRNA-21a-5p overexpression and inhibition on SSc fibrosis using a bleomycin-induced SSc mouse model.

The Impact of Oxygen Concentration on the Postcuring of 3D-Printed Dental Resin.

Purpose: This study investigated the impact of reducing the oxygen concentration via nitrogen injection during the postcuring process of 3D-printed dental materials.

Materials And Methods: Resin specimens for dental crown and bridge (15-mm diameter, both 1-mm and 2-mm heights) were 3D-printed and rinsed. Subsequently, the postcuring process was conducted on nine groups categorized according to atmospheric conditions within the curing device (20% [control], 10%, and 5% oxygen) and curing times (10, 15, and 20 minutes).

Dynamic insights into infection risk over time in two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Infections following postmastectomy implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) can compromise surgical outcomes and lead to significant morbidity. This study aimed to discern the timing of infections in two-stage IBR and associated risk factors.

Method: A review of electronic health records was conducted on 1096 breasts in 1058 patients undergoing two-stage IBR at Seoul National University Hospital (2015-2020).

Robust anion exchange membranes based on ionic liquid grafted chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/quaternary ammonium functionalized silica for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.

In this study, 1-bromohexyl-1methylpiperidinium bromide (Br-6-MPRD) ionic liquid grafted quaternized chitosan (QCS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blends were composited with glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (GTMAC) quaternized silica (QSiO) at different dosages. Glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinked the membranes and then processed into hydroxide form with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. The resultant IL-QCS/PVA/QSiO membranes exhibit significantly improved ionic conductivity, moderate water absorption and swelling ratio compared with the pristine IL-QCS/PVA anion exchange membrane (AEM).

Automatic Assessment of Upper Extremity Function and Mobile Application for Self-Administered Stroke Rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation training is essential for a successful recovery of upper extremity function after stroke. Training programs are typically conducted in hospitals or rehabilitation centers, supervised by specialized medical professionals. However, frequent visits to hospitals can be burdensome for stroke patients with limited mobility.

Self-Assembled Tamoxifen-Selective Fluorescent Nanomaterials Driven by Molecular Structural Similarity.

Most supramolecular systems were discovered by using a trial-and-error approach, leading to numerous synthetic efforts to obtain optimal supramolecular building blocks for selective guest encapsulation. Here, we report a simple coassembly strategy for preparing tamoxifen-selective supramolecular nanomaterials in an aqueous solution. The synthetic amphiphile molecule, 1,1,2,2-tetraphenylethylene (TPE), promotes large tamoxifen aggregate disassembly into smaller, discrete aggregates such as ribbon-like and micellar assemblies in coassembled solutions, enhancing the solubility and dispersion.

Silent struggles to self-manage high blood pressure among deaf sign language users: a qualitative study.

Aims: Tailored self-management support of hypertension, considering language and communication, is important for minorities, specifically in the deaf community. However, little is known about the experiences of hypertension self-management in deaf individuals who use sign language. This study aimed to explore the factors and processes of self-management in deaf sign language users with hypertension.

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein accelerates systemic sclerosis by increasing inflammatory cytokines, Th17 cells, and fibrosis.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) induces a dysfunctional immune response, inflammation, autoantibody production, and coagulopathy, which are symptoms that bear resemblance to those of autoimmune diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: While there is a single case report suggesting an association between COVID-19 and SSc, the effects of COVID-19 on SSc are not yet fully understood. Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells were transfected with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein gene, in the presence of TGF-β.

Seasonal dynamics response mechanism of benthic microbial community to artificial reef habitats.

Artificial reefs (ARs) have been globally deployed to enhance and restore coastal resource and ecosystems. Microorganisms play an essential role in marine ecosystems, while the knowledge regarding the impact of ARs on microecology is still limited, particularly data concerning the response of benthic microbial community to AR habitats. In this study, the seasonal dynamics of benthic microbial community in AR and adjacent non-artificial reef (NAR) areas surrounding Xiaoshi Island were investigated with high-throughput sequencing technology.

Understanding health literacy of deaf persons with hypertension in South Korea: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Health literacy is strongly associated with health inequality among persons with deafness, and hypertension (HTN) is the most prevalent chronic disease among persons with deafness in South Korea. Despite its importance, research regarding the health literacy levels of persons with deafness with HTN in South Korea is lacking. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the health literacy levels of persons with deafness with HTN in South Korea, including linguistic, functional, and internet health literacy.

Associations with smartphone usage and life satisfaction among older adults: Mediating roles of depressive symptoms and cognitive function.

This study aimed to investigate the serial mediating effects of depressive symptoms and cognitive function on the relationship between smartphone usage and life satisfaction among older people. Multiple linear regression analyses for complex randomly sampled data were used to identify the association between the status/level of smartphone usage, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and life satisfaction. Furthermore, the Sobel test was conducted to assess the serial mediating effects of depressive symptoms and cognitive function on the relationship between smartphone usage and life satisfaction.

Surgical delay increases the survival of expanded random-pattern flap in pediatric patients.

Despite the aid of tissue expansion, the ideal design of random pattern flap is not always available in patients with extensive skin lesions. We investigated the effectiveness of surgical delay on expanded flaps in pediatric patients. Retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who underwent tissue expansion surgery for extensive skin lesions at Seoul National University Children's Hospital.

Deep Learning-Based Diagnostic System for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Based on Videofluoroscopy in Patients With Repaired Cleft Palates.

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), which is the incomplete closure of the velopharyngeal valve during speech, is a typical poor outcome that should be evaluated after cleft palate repair. The interpretation of VPI considering both imaging analysis and perceptual evaluation is essential for further management. The authors retrospectively reviewed patients with repaired cleft palates who underwent assessment for velopharyngeal function, including both videofluoroscopic imaging and perceptual speech evaluation.

Rehabilitation after Repair of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: There is no consensus established on postoperative rehabilitation after medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) repair, including when and how physicians can apply range of motion (ROM) exercise, weight-bearing (WB), brace use, and return to sports (RTS). The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on postoperative rehabilitation characteristics of MMPRT repair regarding ROM, WB, brace use, and RTS.

Methods: A literature search was performed using the Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase databases.