Cardiovascular disease risk in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus compared to diabetes mellitus and the general population.

To evaluate the incidence and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) comparing them to diabetes patients and the general population. This nationwide cohort study focused on incident SLE patients aged over 40 years, matched with diabetes patients and the general population (1:4:4 ratio). CVD was defined as ischaemic heart disease, ischaemic stroke, and cardiac arrest.

Developmental deficits, synapse and dendritic abnormalities in a Clcn4 KO autism mice model: endophenotypic target for ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is linked to ion channel dysfunction, including chloride voltage-gated channel-4 (CLCN4). We generated Clcn4 knockout (KO) mice by deleting exon 5 of chromosome 7 in the C57BL/6 mice. Clcn4 KO exhibited reduced social interaction and increased repetitive behaviors assessed using three-chamber and marble burying tests.

Muscle-Guided Mapping of the Post-Traumatic Heterotopic Ossification of the Elbow: A Novel CT-Based Study.

Background: Heterotopic ossification (HO) involves abnormal bone formation in soft tissues near joints, commonly occurring after elbow trauma or surgery, leading to pain and functional limitations. Previous studies have primarily characterized HO distribution based on bony landmarks, lacking a detailed investigation into the characteristics of its distribution in periarticular soft tissue in post-traumatic elbows. This study aimed to (1) develop a muscle-guided classification system using computed tomography (CT) to map HO relative to elbow muscle-tendon units and (2) investigate correlations between HO location and severity.

Label-free quantitative imaging of conjunctival goblet cells.

Purpose: To introduce and validate quantitative oblique back-illumination microscopy (qOBM) as a label-free, high-contrast imaging technique for visualizing conjunctival goblet cells (GCs) and assessing their functional changes.

Methods: qOBM was developed in conjunction with moxifloxacin-based fluorescence microscopy (MBFM), which was used for validating GC imaging. Initial validation was conducted with polystyrene beads, followed by testing on normal mouse conjunctiva under both ex-vivo and in-vivo conditions.

Eco-friendly decolorization of synthetic dyes using radiation-induced whole cell biocatalyst with enhanced copper resistance.

Toxic and carcinogenic compounds, such as synthetic dyes and polyphenols, were widely employed and released as pollutants in a variety of industries, including textiles, food, and cosmetics. Biological oxidation process that used oxidizing enzymes to breakdown pollutant compounds were environmentally favorable. However, due to the cell toxicity of metal ions supplements used for the biosynthesis of oxidizing enzymes like laccase, their efficient application for biological degradation is limited.

Revisiting the Metabolism of Donepezil in Rats Using Non-Targeted Metabolomics and Molecular Networking.

: Although donepezil, a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, has been in use since 1996, its metabolic characteristics remain poorly characterized. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the in vivo metabolism of donepezil using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) based on a molecular networking (MN) approach integrated with a non-targeted metabolomics approach. : After the oral administration of donepezil (30 mg/kg) in rats, urine, feces, and liver samples were collected for LC-HRMS analysis.

Plasma Treatment of Metal Surfaces for Enhanced Bonding Strength of Metal-Polymer Hybrid Structures.

The adhesion between metals and polymers plays a pivotal role in numerous industrial applications, especially within the automotive and aerospace sectors, where there is a growing demand for materials that are both lightweight and durable. This study introduces an innovative technique to improve the adhesion between a metal and a polymer in hybrid structures through the synergistic use of anodization and plasma treatment. By forming a nanoporous oxide layer on aluminum surfaces, anodization enhances the interface for polymer binding.

Beeswax Alcohol (BWA, Raydel) Improved Blood Oxidative Variables and Ameliorated Severe Damage of Zebrafish Kidneys, Testes, and Ovaries Impaired by 24-Week Consumption of a High-Cholesterol and High-Galactose Diet: A Comparative Analysis with Coenzyme Q.

Objectives: The present study describes the comparative effect of 24-week supplementation of beeswax alcohol (BWA, Raydel, 0.5% and 1.0%, wt/wt) and coenzyme Q (CoQ, 0.

and Extracts Mixture Target Pyroptosis in Ischemic Stroke via the NLRP3 Pathway.

Ischemic stroke, caused by blocked cerebral blood flow, requires prompt intervention to prevent severe motor and cognitive impairments. Despite extensive drug development efforts, the failure rate of clinical trials remains high, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of a natural herbal extract mixture of Bunge (AM) and Georgi (SB), traditionally used in Eastern Asian herbal medicine (EAHM) for ischemic stroke treatment.

Comparison of Robot-Assisted, Laparoscopic, and Open Radical Prostatectomy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis from KSER Update Series.

: We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate and compare the perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) with open radical prostatectomy (ORP) in patients with prostate cancer. A comprehensive literature search was performed in Pubmed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library for papers published before May 2021. Only studies of patients with prostate cancer that assessed perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes and reported outcome values were included.

Editorial Perspective: Advancements in Microfluidics and Biochip Technologies.

Microfluidics and biochip technologies continue to play a key role in driving innovation across biomedical, environmental and engineering disciplines [...

Analysis of the Reliability of Feather Sections for Corticosterone Measurement in Pekin Ducks.

The aim of this study was to identify the feather section, among the whole feather, rachis, and vane, with the highest reliability for corticosterone measurement in 10 Pekin ducks aged 42 days. In total, 60 samples (i.e.

Inferior Outcomes of Fludarabine-Cyclophosphamide-Rituximab Chemotherapy in Korean Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients with Concurrent Thrombocytopenia and Anemia.

: Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies combined with alkylator-based chemotherapy enhance survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, the risks of infection and bone marrow suppression may mean that new, targeted therapies are more appropriate for some patients than fludarabine-cyclophosphamide-rituximab (FCR). In the Republic of Korea, where insurance limits coverage to novel agents, FCR therapy should be carefully considered for patients with CLL.

Differential Gene Expression Analysis in a Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Rat Model via RNA Sequencing: Identification of Key Molecular Pathways and Therapeutic Insights.

Background/objectives: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a degenerative condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in chronic pain and impaired mobility. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LSS remain unclear. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to investigate differential gene expression in a rat LSS model and identify the key genes and pathways involved in its pathogenesis.

Pinitol Improves Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Rats Through Upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling.

Diabetic foot ulcers represent a severe complication of diabetes, often resulting in amputation and high mortality rates. Currently, there are no treatments for diabetic foot ulcers other than antibiotics and dressings. In this study, we evaluated the wound-healing effects of an antidiabetic agent pinitol in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-damaged human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat models with a foot wound.

Protective Effects of Tormentic Acid on Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction-Induced Renal Injury, Inflammation, and Fibrosis: A Comprehensive Approach to Reducing Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Ferroptosis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses through mechanisms involving inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress, leading to the gradual structural and functional deterioration of the kidneys. Tormentic acid (TA), a triterpenoid compound with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, shows significant potential in counteracting these pathological processes. This study explored the protective role of TA in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced CKD model.

The Role of Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy in Determining the Treatment Strategy for Duodenal Follicular Lymphoma: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

: In this single-center retrospective study, we aimed to verify the extent of duodenal follicular lymphoma (DFL) and investigate the role and clinical significance of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) in the treatment process. : We analyzed the clinical and imaging data of 40 patients diagnosed with DFL. : Imaging workup and bone marrow biopsies revealed DFL only in the gastrointestinal tract (stage I) in 22 patients and in local lymph nodes (stage II), distant lymph nodes (stage II), pancreas (stage IIE), and extranodal regions (stage IV) in 1, 3, 1, and 13 patients, respectively.

Anti-Inflammatory and Prebiotic Potential of Ethanol Extracts and Mucilage Polysaccharides from Korean Yams ( and ).

Korean yams are abundant in bioactive compounds with significant health-promoting properties. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of ethanol and water extracts from and in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

Relationship between muscle activation and sagittal knee joint biomechanics in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common conditions affecting the knee joint, yet its pathomechanics remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in muscle activation and gait patterns and to analyze the relationship between muscle activation and kinetic gait patterns in patients with PFPS.

Methods: This study included 31 patients with PFPS and 28 healthy volunteers without any symptoms.

Revealing catalyst restructuring and composition during nitrate electroreduction through correlated operando microscopy and spectroscopy.

Electrocatalysts alter their structure and composition during reaction, which can in turn create new active/selective phases. Identifying these changes is crucial for determining how morphology controls catalytic properties but the mechanisms by which operating conditions shape the catalyst's working state are not yet fully understood. In this study, we show using correlated operando microscopy and spectroscopy that as well-defined CuO cubes evolve under electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction conditions, distinct catalyst motifs are formed depending on the applied potential and the chemical environment.

Kinematic and kinetic characteristics of individuals with coping lateral ankle sprain during landing and walking/running tasks: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: We aimed to synthesize the kinematics and kinetics during landing and walking/running tasks of ankle copers compared with patients with chronic ankle instability and controls.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Tri-planar lower extremity biomechanics (joint angle and moment at maximum and initial contact, and joint displacement) were synthesized using standard mean difference and 95 % confidence intervals.

External delay and dispersion correction of automatically sampled arterial blood with dual flow rates.

Objective: Arterial sampling for PET imaging often involves continuously measuring the radiotracer activity concentration in blood using an automatic blood sampling system (ABSS). We proposed and validated an external delay and dispersion correction procedure needed when a change in flow rate occurs during data acquisition. We also measured the external dispersion constant of [11C]CURB, [18F]FDG, [18F]FEPPA, and [18F]SynVesT-1.

Phase angle in bioelectrical impedance analysis for assessing congestion in acute heart failure.

Background: The phase angle (PhA) in bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) reflects the cell membrane integrity or body fluid equilibrium. We examined how the PhA aligns with previously known markers of acute heart failure (HF) and assessed its value as a screening tool.

Methods: PhA was measured in 50 patients with HF and 20 non-HF controls along with the edema index (EI), another BIA parameter suggestive of edema.

HfO-based ferroelectric synaptic devices: challenges and engineering solutions.

HfO-based ferroelectric memories have garnered significant attention for their potential to serve as artificial synaptic devices owing to their scalability and CMOS compatibility. This review examines the key material properties and challenges associated with HfO-based ferroelectric artificial synaptic devices as well as the recent advancements in engineering strategies to improve their synaptic performance. The fundamental physics and material properties of HfO-based ferroelectrics are reviewed to understand the theoretical origin of the aforementioned technical issues in ferroelectric HfO-based synaptic devices.