Scaffold implantation intravenous delivery: a comparative preclinical animal study evaluating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha adipose-derived stem cells in liver fibrosis treatment.

Purpose: Regenerative medicine is expected to offer an alternative to liver transplantation for treating liver diseases in the future, with one significant challenge being the establishment of an effective stem cell administration route. This study assessed the antifibrogenic effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in a liver fibrosis mouse model, focusing on 2 methods of delivery: intravenous injection and scaffold implantation.

Methods: An extracellular matrix mimic scaffold was utilized for culturing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha-overexpressing ASCs (tASCs).

A novel strategy for sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma: autotaxin Inhibition by PF-8380.

By inhibiting the conversion of lysophosphatidylcholine into lysophosphatidic acid, a process pivotal to tumor progression, the autotaxin (ATX) inhibitor PF-8380 offers a new anticancer therapeutic strategy, distinct from the action mechanism of sorafenib. This study explored the potential anticancer effects of the PF-8380 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, especially sorafenib-resistant strains. The investigation included both in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the impact of PF-8380 treatment on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and autophagy markers.

Elucidating the Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity Effect of Co-Doped NiO Deposited on Ni Foam for Highly Stable Zn-Air Batteries.

The urgent need to alleviate global warming and limit the consumption of fossil fuels has prompted the development of rechargeable Zn-air batteries (ZABs) considering their superior energy density, safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, the sluggish reaction kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the unfavorable properties of conventional OER catalysts (including low electrical conductivity and the use of active site-blocking binders) hinder the development of practically viable ZABs. Herein, we report a distinct approach for directly synthesizing cobalt-doped nickel oxide (Co-NiO) with a chiral structure on porous Ni foam via a one-step hydrothermal process.

Analysis of functional connectivity changes from childhood to old age: A study using HCP-D, HCP-YA, and HCP-A datasets.

We present a new clustering-enabled regression approach to investigate how functional connectivity (FC) of the entire brain changes from childhood to old age. By applying this method to resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data aggregated from three Human Connectome Project studies, we cluster brain regions that undergo identical age-related changes in FC and reveal diverse patterns of these changes for different region clusters. While most brain connections between pairs of regions show minimal yet statistically significant FC changes with age, only a tiny proportion of connections exhibit practically significant age-related changes in FC.

Thermodynamic Parameter Estimation for Modified Oligonucleotides Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

This study investigates the thermodynamic parameters of 1300 RNA/DNA hybrid duplexes, including both natural and chemically modified forms, using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Modified duplexes consist of phosphorothioate (PS) backbones and 2'--methoxyethyl (MOE) modifications, both commonly used in therapeutic oligonucleotides. Hybridization enthalpy and entropy were calculated from MD trajectories using molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) and molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MMGBSA) approaches.

Kidney function and bone mineral density in chronic kidney disease patients.

Background: Bone mineral density (BMD) predicts fracture risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in the general population. However, few studies have investigated risk factors for bone loss in patients with CKD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether renal function is associated with the rate of BMD decline.

Helium cold atmospheric pressure plasma reduces erastin induced inflammation and ferroptosis in human gingival fibroblasts.

Oral soft tissue damage can lead to hard tissue damage in the oral cavity, such as periodontal lesions, periapical disorders, cysts, and oral tumors. Cold plasma is known to alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress and promote tissue regeneration, yet the effects of helium plasma on human gingival cells remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined whether helium (He) cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) can induce anti-inflammatory and anti-ferroptotic effects in oral soft tissues by ionizing He gas.

Innovations in noninvasive sensory stimulation treatments to combat Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide. There is no known cure for AD, highlighting an urgent need for new, innovative treatments. Recent studies have shed light on a promising, noninvasive approach using sensory stimulation as a potential therapy for AD.

Longitudinal trends in schizophrenia among older adults: a 12-year analysis of prevalence and healthcare utilization in South Korea.

As populations age worldwide, it is essential to explore the changing landscape of schizophrenia across different age groups. We analyzed cases of schizophrenia reported over a 12-year period (2010-2021) using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) database of South Korea. We explored changes in the prevalence of schizophrenia, physical comorbidity burden, and healthcare utilization by age.

Genome-wide identification of Tegillarca granosa ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family related to arsenic toxicity.

Arsenic is a widespread environmental contaminant recognized for its high mobility and potential toxicity. Arsenic levels at Suncheon Bay, one of the primary Tegillarca granosa culturation sites in South Korea, were identified as higher than the habitat's threshold effect level (TEL). After 12 and 48 h of arsenic exposure, a total of 939 and 842 DEGs were identified in the gill and mantle, respectively.

Radiomic Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Breast Cancer with Mutation: A Single Center Study.

: Radiomics is a non-invasive and cost-effective method for predicting the biological characteristics of tumors. In this study, we explored the association between radiomic features derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and genetic alterations in patients with breast cancer. : We reviewed electronic medical records of patients with breast cancer patients with available targeted next-generation sequencing data available between August 2018 and May 2021.

Correction: Choi et al. Prognostic Value of Radiomic Analysis Using Pre- and Post-Treatment F-FDG-PET/CT in Patients with Laryngeal Cancer and Hypopharyngeal Cancer. 2024, , 71.

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Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Assessment and Treatment Outcome Evaluation: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group.

Background: Tinnitus is a multifactorial condition with no universally accepted assessment guidelines. The Korean Tinnitus Study Group previously established consensus statements on the definition, classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. As a continuation of this effort, this study aims to establish expert consensus on tinnitus assessment and treatment outcome evaluation, specifically tailored to the Korean clinical context.

Effects of Chlorella protothecoides-derived polydeoxyribonucleotides on skin regeneration and wound healing.

The skin acts as a crucial barrier and, upon injury, initiates complex wound-healing processes involving various cell types. Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRNs) are well-known for their efficacy in enhancing skin regeneration and wound healing. This study sought to investigate the effectiveness of PDRNs derived from Chlorella protothecoides, a sustainable and scalable microalgal source, in promoting skin regeneration and wound healing.

Frequency of depression in Huntington's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundHuntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease characterized by a combination of motor, cognitive, and mental health issues, with depression being the most common. Despite its importance, the relationship between depression and disease progression is still debatable.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to examine the frequency of depression across different disease stages in individuals with HD.

Faster recovery in patients with facial nerve palsy treated with contralateral botulinum toxin injection: a case-control study.

Purpose: Botulinum toxin (BTX, Botox) is increasingly used as an adjunct therapy to oral steroids in the management of facial paralysis, with positive outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the additive effect of BTX injection on the non-paralyzed side and propose optimal injection timing for recovery time.

Methods: A total of 48 atraumatic facial paralysis patients who visited Seoul St.

Identification, characterization, and anti-inflammatory activity of a lipocalin-like protein cloned from .

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of OJlipo1, a lipocalin-like protein derived from . Through cloning and expressing OJlipo1 in , and subsequent rigorous characterization including amino acid analysis and mass spectrometry, its potential against inflammation was evaluated. Studies on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.

Promethazine: A Review of Therapeutic Uses and Toxicity.

Background: Promethazine was first approved in 1951 and has since been used as a treatment option for a variety of indications. A histamine H receptor competitive antagonist with antihistaminic, sedative, anti-kinetotic, antiemetic, and antimuscarinic effects, promethazine is utilized for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits.

Objective: This review of promethazine explores its pharmacology and history of toxicities, and discusses current recommendations from patient safety organizations, which implicate its role in therapy.

Trends in Proportions of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections Among Reported Respiratory Tract Infection Cases in Children Aged 0 to 5 Years in Western Pacific and Southeast Asia Regions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children globally. This study aimed to incorporate new data to update estimates of RSV burden in children through 5 years of age in Western Pacific and Southeast Asia Regions.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to examine the proportion of RSV among cases of respiratory tract infection (RTI) in children in Western Pacific and Southeast Asia Regions using random effects models.

Laser-Induced Nanowire Percolation Interlocking for Ultrarobust Soft Electronics.

Metallic nanowires have served as novel materials for soft electronics due to their outstanding mechanical compliance and electrical properties. However, weak adhesion and low mechanical robustness of nanowire networks to substrates significantly undermine their reliability, necessitating the use of an insulating protective layer, which greatly limits their utility. Herein, we present a versatile and generalized laser-based process that simultaneously achieves strong adhesion and mechanical robustness of nanowire networks on diverse substrates without the need for a protective layer.

Sustainable removal of gaseous Hg using sulfur functionalized biochar: Adsorption experiment and life cycle assessment.

Maximizing the sorption capacity of gaseous Hg by sulfur-functionalized biochar can lead to increased energy consumption and the production of secondary environmental pollutants such as greenhouse gases. This study evaluates the environmental impact of producing sulfurized biochar through a life cycle assessment (LCA), weighing these impacts against the benefits of enhanced Hg removal efficiencies. The biochar's Hg adsorption capacity, which ranges between 3 and 22 μg-Hg/g-biochar, is influenced by several factors: it increases with higher sulfur loading (0-15 %), higher O levels (0-21 %), and longer pyrolysis times (1-5 h).

Impact of Uterine Leiomyomas on Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Young Reproductive-Aged Women: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign gynecological tumors in women of reproductive age and are often associated with localized symptoms. However, emerging evidence suggests a link between uterine leiomyomas and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke (IS). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between uterine leiomyomas and the risk of CVD events in young women aged 20-39 years using a large, nationwide, population-based cohort.

Aetiology of chronic liver disease is a valuable factor for stratifying adverse outcomes of acute decompensation: prospective observational study.

Background/aims: Acute decompensation (AD) is defined as the development of complications related to portal hypertension and liver dysfunction that affect the progression of chronic liver disease (CLD) or liver cirrhosis (LC). Variations exist in patient demographics and prognostic outcomes of AD based on the aetiology of CLD, encompassing LC. However, limited research has been conducted to analyse these discrepancies across aetiologies.

Malignant Pilomatricoma with Lung Metastases: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Malignant pilomatricoma, an extremely rare tumor arising from hair follicles, most commonly occurs on the head, neck, and back. This tumor exhibits several noteworthy characteristics. First, it frequently recurs if it is incompletely excised and can occasionally metastasize to the lungs, bones, and lymph nodes.

Transformation of sperm structure in Octopus vulgaris: From spermatogenesis to spermatophoric release.

The present study describes the differentiation process of male germ cells in Octopus vulgaris, the morphology of sperm in the testis and spermatophore, and the sperm released after the spermatophoric reaction. During spermatogenesis, the male sperm cell gradually elongates from a round shape, with cytoplasm shifting toward the head and the acrosome forming. Additionally, in the spermatid stage, the flagellum develops within the posterior nuclear channel and extends outside the cytoplasm.