An appropriate DNA input for bisulfite conversion reveals LINE-1 and Alu hypermethylation in tissues and circulating cell-free DNA from cancers.

The autonomous and active Long-Interspersed Element-1 (LINE-1, L1) and the non-autonomous Alu retrotransposon elements, contributing to 30% of the human genome, are the most abundant repeated sequences. With more than 90% of their sequences being methylated in normal cells, these elements undeniably contribute to the global DNA methylation level and constitute a major part of circulating-cell-free DNA (cfDNA). So far, the hypomethylation status of LINE-1 and Alu in cellular and extracellular DNA has long been considered a prevailing hallmark of ageing-related diseases and cancer.

Hypermethylation at 45S rDNA promoter in cancers.

The ribosomal genes (rDNA genes) encode 47S rRNA which accounts for up to 80% of all cellular RNA. At any given time, no more than 50% of rDNA genes are actively transcribed, and the other half is silent by forming heterochromatin structures through DNA methylation. In cancer cells, upregulation of ribosome biogenesis has been recognized as a hallmark feature, thus, the reduced methylation of rDNA promoter has been thought to support conformational changes of chromatin accessibility and the subsequent increase in rDNA transcription.

Accelerating Additive-Assisted Defect Passivation via the Structural Isomer Effect for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells.

Defects in hybrid perovskites have hindered the development of highly efficient and stable hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Therefore, researchers have used additives to passivate defects in hybrid perovskites; however, detailed studies on multifunctional group additives with structural isomers are limited. In this letter, we report the improved defect passivation ability of additives through the structural isomer effect and enhanced photovoltaic performance using this effect.

Clustered ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles as potential T/Tdual-modal magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents and application to tumor model.

Many studies have been conducted on the use of ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles (USIONs) (d < 3 nm) as potential positive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-contrast agents (CAs); however, there is dearth of research on clustered USIONs. In this study, nearly monodispersed clustered USIONs were synthesized using a simple two-step one-pot polyol method. First, USIONs (d = 2.

Distinct audiometric patterns in congenital round window atresia: A comparative study with common congenital middle ear anomalies.

Objective: Little is known about the hearing characteristics in patients with congenital round window atresia (CRWA). This study aimed to investigate hearing characteristics in patients with CRWA by comparing them with two relatively common congenital middle ear anomalies: congenital stapedial fixation (CSF) and congenital ossicular discontinuity (COD).

Methods: Literature searches yielded five patients with surgically confirmed CRWA (seven ears), who were included in the CRWA group, along with one of our patients.

Endoscopic malleostapedotomy versus incudostapedotomy for stapes fixation with or without lateral chain fixation: A comparative outcomes study.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate and compare the surgical outcomes of endoscopic malleostapedotomy (EMS) and endoscopic incudostapedotomy (EIS).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 36 consecutive ears in 33 patients who underwent stapes surgery using either EMS (EMS group) or EIS (EIS group). Operational practicability across surgical steps, postoperative hearing, operation time, switch of approach, and complications were compared between the two groups.

Improvement of Transfusion Practice in Cardiothoracic Surgery Through Implementing a Patient Blood Management Program.

Background: In this study, we examined the impact of a patient blood management (PBM) program on red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices in cardiothoracic surgery.

Methods: The PBM program had 3 components: monitoring transfusions through an order communication system checklist, educating the medical team about PBM, and providing feedback to ordering physicians on the appropriateness of transfusion. The retrospective analysis examined changes in the hemoglobin levels triggering transfusion and the proportions of appropriate RBC transfusions before, during, and after PBM implementation.

Effect of diaphragmatic breathing training with visual biofeedback on respiratory function in patients with multiple rib fractures: A randomized-controlled study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diaphragmatic breathing training with visual biofeedback on respiratory function in patients with multiple rib fractures.

Patients And Methods: Between June 2021 and October 2021, a total of 16 patients (15 males, 1 female; mean age: 49.50±11.

Optimal Extent of Neck Dissection for a Head and Neck Lymph Node Metastasis from a Remote Primary Site.

Background: Despite its rarity and limited documentation, therapeutic neck dissection (ND) for cervical lymph node (LN) metastases from distant primary sites is increasingly practiced, potentially enhancing survival rates. However, the optimal ND extent remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the safety of excluding upper neck levels from ND.

High-Quantum-Yield Ultrasmall LnO (Ln = Eu, Tb, or Dy) Nanoparticle Colloids in Aqueous Media Obtained via Photosensitization.

Fluorescent nanoparticles used in biomedical applications should be stable in their colloidal form in aqueous media and possess a high quantum yield (QY). We report ultrasmall LnO (Ln = Eu, Tb, or Dy) nanoparticle colloids with high QYs in aqueous media. The nanoparticles are grafted with hydrophilic and biocompatible poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) to ensure colloidal stability and biocompatibility and with organic photosensitizer 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDA) for achieving a high QY.

Complement receptor type 1 and 2 (CR1 and CR2) gene polymorphisms and plasma protein levels are associated with the Dengue disease severity.

The pathological outcome of dengue disease results from complex interactions between dengue virus (DENV) and host genetics and immune response. Complement receptor types 1 and 2 (CR1 and CR2) mediate complement activation through the alternative pathway. This study investigated the possible association of genetic polymorphisms and plasma levels of CR1 and CR2 with dengue disease.

Delayed Tracheal Perforation After Thyroidectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Thyroidectomy is a safe procedure that is frequently performed for benign or malignant thyroid disease. Complications after thyroidectomy occur in approximately 3%-5% of patients. Tracheal perforation is a very rare post-thyroidectomy complication, and delayed tracheal perforation without intraoperative tracheal injury is even rarer; only 25 case reports have been published globally, with varied management.

Outcome prediction model and prognostic biomarkers for COVID-19 patients in Vietnam.

Background: Accurate prognosis is important either after acute infection or during long-term follow-up of patients infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. This study aims to predict coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity based on clinical and biological indicators, and to identify biomarkers for prognostic assessment.

Methods: We included 261 Vietnamese COVID-19 patients, who were classified into moderate and severe groups.

Transcanal Endoscopic Stapedial and Tensor Tympani Tenotomy for Middle Ear Myoclonus: A Retrospective Case Series of Surgical Outcomes.

Objective: To describe and analyze the surgical outcomes of transcanal endoscopic resection of the stapedial tendon (ST) and tensor tympani tendon (TT) in the management of middle ear myoclonus (MEM).

Study Design: A retrospective case series.

Setting: Tertiary academic center.

Bilateral Congenital Ossicular Anomalies: Are the Anomalies Symmetric for Both Ears?

Objective: To evaluate whether bilateral congenital ossicular anomalies (COAs) differ regarding ossicular anomalies and hearing loss severities between the ears of the individual.

Study Design: Retrospective case review.

Setting: Tertiary referral academic center.

Perioperative Red Blood Cell Transfusion Is Associated With Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Heart Valve Surgery.

Background: We examined the relationship between blood transfusion and long-term adverse events to evaluate the clinical impact of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery.

Methods: From the National Health Insurance Service database, individuals undergoing heart valve surgery were verified, including aortic valve (AV), mitral valve (MV), tricuspid valve (TV), and complex valves (more than 2 valve surgeries). The interested outcomes were incidence of death, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and admission for myocardial infarction during follow-up.

Drug repurposing in psoriasis, performed by reversal of disease-associated gene expression profiles.

Psoriasis is a skin disease which results in scales on the skin caused by flaky patches. Psoriasis is triggered by various conditions such as drug reactions, trauma, and skin infection etc. Globally, there are 125 million people affected by psoriasis and yet there is no effective treatment available, and it emphasizes the need for discovery of efficacious treatments.

Clinical Features of Hepatitis C Virus-related Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure in a Korean Population.

Background/aims: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a widely recognized concept in which acute decompensation (AD) in patients with cirrhosis results in organ failure and high short-term mortality. On the other hand, few studies reflecting the various etiologies of cirrhosis are available. This study examined the clinical features of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related ACLF.

Mono and Multiple Tumor-Targeting Ligand-Coated Ultrasmall Gadolinium Oxide Nanoparticles: Enhanced Tumor Imaging and Blood Circulation.

Hydrophilic and biocompatible PAA-coated ultrasmall GdO nanoparticles (d = 1.7 nm) were synthesized and conjugated with tumor-targeting ligands, i.e.

A Watch-Type Electrocardiography Is a Reliable Tool for Detecting Paroxysmal Cardiac Arrhythmias.

Background: A substantial proportion of cardiac arrhythmias are paroxysmal in nature, and 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) and Holter monitoring often fail to detect paroxysmal arrhythmias. We designed and evaluated a watch-type, electrocardiograph-recording, wearable device (w-ECG) to overcome the limitations of 12-lead ECG and Holter monitoring. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 96 patients with symptoms assumed to be related to cardiac arrhythmias.

Safety and immunogenicity of Nanocovax, a SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein vaccine: Interim results of a double-blind, randomised controlled phase 1 and 2 trial.

Background: Nanocovax is a recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 subunit vaccine composed of full-length prefusion stabilized recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoproteins (S-2P) and aluminium hydroxide adjuvant.

Methods: We conducted a dose-escalation, open label trial (phase 1) and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (phase 2) to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the Nanocovax vaccine (in 25 mcg, 50 mcg, and 75 mcg doses, aluminium hydroxide adjuvanted (0·5 mg/dose) in 2-dose regime, 28 days apart (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04683484).

Polyethylenimine-Coated Ultrasmall Holmium Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxicities, and Water Proton Spin Relaxivities.

Water proton spin relaxivities, colloidal stability, and biocompatibility of nanoparticle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents depend on surface-coating ligands. In this study, hydrophilic and biocompatible polyethylenimines (PEIs) of different sizes (M = 1200 and 60,000 amu) were used as surface-coating ligands for ultrasmall holmium oxide (HoO) nanoparticles. The synthesized PEI1200- and PEI60000-coated ultrasmall HoO nanoparticles, with an average particle diameter of 2.

Establishment of an in-house real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 using the first World Health Organization international standard in a resource-limited country.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 remains public health burdens and many unresolved issues worldwide. Molecular assays based on real-time RT-PCR are critical for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical specimens from patients suspected of COVID-19.

Objective: We aimed to establish and validate an in-house real-time RT-PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.