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.

The Psychobiological Toll of Chronic Conflict: Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Emotion Dysregulation, and Physiology in a Conflict-Exposed Community in South Sudan.

Background: Mass conflict and related displacement in South Sudan has created a significant mental health need, however extant research on the impact of conflict is limited among South Sudanese people and has predominantly relied on Western-developed self report measures.

Method: A total of 195 South Sudanese adults who work in both civil society and government leadership positions participated in a psychophysiological assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) and self-reported PTSD and emotion dysregulation symptoms to participation in the Trauma-Informed Community Empowerment (TICE) Framework, developed and implemented by the Global Trauma Project (GTP). We utilized measures of heart rate variability to determine parasympathetic activity, which may be associated with difficulties responding to stressors as well as long-term physical health morbidity and mortality.

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.

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.

The Role of Beta-Defensin 2 in Preventing Preterm Birth with Chorioamnionitis: Insights into Inflammatory Responses and Epithelial Barrier Protection.

Antimicrobial peptides, such as beta-defensin 2 (BD2), are vital in controlling infections and immune responses. In this study, we investigated the expression and role of BD2 in the amniotic membrane and human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) from patients with preterm birth and chorioamnionitis, focusing on its regulation of inflammatory cytokines and its protective effect on the epithelial barrier. Our results show increased BD2 expression in chorioamnionitis, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation increased BD2 release from hAECs in a dose- and time-dependent manner.