Urinary trace elements and thyroid nodule formation in a longitudinal cohort of older women: Findings from KoGES.

Thyroid nodules are common in older populations, but the role of trace elements in their development and growth remains unclear. Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the association between trace elements and thyroid nodules. This study investigated the associations between urinary concentrations of various trace elements and the prevalence and incidence of thyroid nodules in older women, a population at higher risk for thyroid disorders.

Recent advances in AI-driven protein-ligand interaction predictions.

Structure-based drug discovery is a fundamental approach in modern drug development, leveraging computational models to predict protein-ligand interactions. AI-driven methodologies are significantly improving key aspects of the field, including ligand binding site prediction, protein-ligand binding pose estimation, scoring function development, and virtual screening. In this review, we summarize the recent AI-driven advances in various protein-ligand interaction prediction tasks.

PALB2 germline pathogenic variants: frequency, clinical features, and functional analysis of c.3350+5G>A variant in 3987 Korean cancer patients.

Background: Germline PALB2 variants increase the risks of various cancers. However, these have not been comprehensively investigated in Korean patients with cancer. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of PALB2 germline variants in Korean patients with cancer and compare these findings with existing data.

An accelerated molecular dynamics study for investigating protein pathways using the bond-boost hyperdynamics method.

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is an important tool for understanding protein dynamics and the thermodynamic properties of proteins. However, due to the high computational cost of MD simulations, it is still challenging to explore a wide conformational space. To solve this problem, a variety of accelerated MD (aMD) schemes have been proposed over the past few decades.

Plasma proteomics for cognitive decline and dementia-A Southeast Asian cohort study.

Introduction: The prognostic utility of plasma proteomics for cognitive decline and dementia in a Southeast Asian population characterized by high cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) burden is underexplored.

Methods: We examined this in a Singaporean memory clinic cohort of 528 subjects (n = 300, CeVD; n = 167, incident cognitive decline) followed-up for 4 years.

Results: Of 1441 plasma proteins surveyed, a 12-protein signature significantly predicted cognitive decline (q-value < .

The International Work Addiction Scale (IWAS): A screening tool for clinical and organizational applications validated in 85 cultures from six continents.

Background And Aims: Despite the last decade's significant development in the scientific study of work addiction/workaholism, this area of research is still facing a fundamental challenge, namely the need for a valid and reliable measurement tool that shows cross-cultural invariance and, as such, allows for worldwide studies on this phenomenon.

Methods: An initial 16-item questionnaire, developed within an addiction framework, was administered alongside job stress, job satisfaction, and self-esteem measures in a total sample of 31,352 employees from six continents and 85 cultures (63.5% females, mean age of 39.

Bow stability and postural sway during aiming and shooting in elite compound archery.

This study explored the effects of postural sway and bow movements on shooting accuracy in elite compound archery, differentiating pre- and post-arrow release phases. International-level compound archers executed 72 shots each in a competition-like environment. During both the aiming and shooting phases, bow displacement and tremor index were measured with a motion capture system, while postural sway indices, such as centre of pressure (COP) displacement and speed, were derived using a force platform.

Identification of 16 novel Alzheimer's disease loci using multi-ancestry meta-analyses.

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia. While many AD-associated genetic determinants have been identified, few studies have analyzed individuals of non-European ancestry.

Methods: We conducted a multi-ancestry genome-wide association study (GWAS) of clinically diagnosed AD and AD-by-proxy using whole genome sequencing data from the National Institute on Aging Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS), National Institute of Mental Health, UK Biobank (UKB), and All of Us (AoU) consisting of 49,149 cases (12,074 clinically diagnosed and 37,075 AD-by-proxy) and 383,225 controls.

Essential genes encoded by the mating-type locus of the human fungal pathogen .

Fungal sexual reproduction is controlled by the mating-type () locus. In contrast to a majority of species in the phylum Basidiomycota that have tetrapolar mating-type systems, the opportunistic human pathogen employs a bipolar mating-type system, with two mating types ( and α) determined by a single locus that is unusually large (~120 kb) and contains more than 20 genes. While several genes are associated with mating and sexual development, others control conserved cellular processes (e.

OmpA hinders host autophagy via the CaMKK2-reliant AMPK-pathway.

Outer membrane protein A (OmpA) plays a vital role in the interactions between and host cells. Autophagy is a defense mechanism that hinders the intracellular replication of bacteria, thereby safeguarding cells against microbial infections. While it has been observed that triggers cellular autophagy, the precise role of its virulence protein OmpA in this process remains uncertain.

Topography of the Corrugator Supercilii Muscle Relative to the Eyebrow and Its Clinical Application in Botulinum Toxin Injections.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the topography of the corrugator supercilii muscle (CSM) relative to the eyebrow with the aim of providing topographical guidance for botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections in the East Asian population. Thirty-six hemifaces of 18 donated bodies for anatomical studies were dissected. Prior to dissection, four specific points on the eyebrow were marked to serve as reference points.

Consensus on the Cosmetic Use of a Novel Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Product (NEWLUX) for Facial Expression Muscles: 2024 Guidelines and Discussions by Korean Experts.

Background: Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) is widely used in aesthetic facial rejuvenation medicine. The exponential growth in using BoNTA for cosmetic purposes in Korea necessitates an update to the existing practice guidelines, building upon the consensus established by Korean experts in 2013.

Aims: This work aims to provide an updated Korean consensus guideline for the safe and effective use of a novel BoNTA product (NEWLUX) for facial expression muscles.

Prenatal and Childhood Exposure to Humidifier Disinfectants and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Insights from a Retrospective Cohort Design.

Humidifier disinfectants (HDs), also known toxic indoor chemicals, have been linked to adverse health outcomes in children. However, their association with ADHD development remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of ADHD among HD claimants and assess the association between HD exposure and ADHD risk.

Enhanced Capacitive Performance of Microwave-Driven CNTs on Carbonized Cigarette Filter Waste for Sustainable Energy Storage.

Microplastic pollution represents a significant global environmental issue, with cigarette filters being a major contributor due to their slow biodegradation. To address this issue while creating valuable materials, we developed a novel approach to synthesize nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes on carbonized cigarette filter powder (NCNT@cCFP) using a microwave irradiation and nickel-catalyzed process. The successful incorporation of nitrogen (~6.

Matrix Linear Models for Connecting Metabolite Composition to Individual Characteristics.

High-throughput metabolomics data provide a detailed molecular window into biological processes. We consider the problem of assessing how association of metabolite levels with individual (sample) characteristics, such as sex or treatment, depend on metabolite characteristics such as pathways. Typically, this is done using a two-step process.

Clustering-Based Identification of BMI-Associated Metabolites with Mechanistic Insights from Network Analysis in Korean Men.

Background: Epidemiological studies using metabolomics often encounter challenges due to metabolite profiles being influenced by multiple modifiable behavioral factors, including regular exercise, smoking, drinking, and weight control. This study aimed to identify modifiable behavioral factors reflected in metabolites by clustering subjects based on their metabolite profiles. Networks of metabolites were constructed to visualize their relationships and the differences between clustering groups.

Application of Membrane Capacitive Deionization as Pretreatment Strategy for Enhancing Salinity Gradient Power Generation.

Salinity gradient power (SGP) technologies, including pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) and reverse electrodialysis (RED), have the potential to be utilized for the purpose of harvesting energy from the difference in salinity between two water streams. One challenge associated with SGP is a reduction in power density due to membrane fouling when impaired water is utilized as a low-salinity water stream. Accordingly, this study sought to explore the feasibility of membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI), a low-energy water treatment technique, as a novel pretreatment method for SGP.

Personalized 3D-Printed Prostheses for Bone Defect Reconstruction After Tumor Resection in the Foot and Ankle.

Three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology is revolutionizing orthopedic oncology by providing precise, customized solutions for complex bone defects following tumor resection. Traditional modular endoprostheses are prone to complications such as fretting corrosion and implant failure, underscoring the need for innovative approaches. This case series reports on three patients treated with 3D-printed, patient-specific prostheses and cutting guides.

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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Dual Biomarker Strategies for Liquid Biopsy: Integrating Circulating Tumor Cells and Circulating Tumor DNA for Enhanced Tumor Monitoring.

The liquid biopsy has gained significant attention in cancer diagnostics, with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) being recognized as key biomarkers for tumor detection and monitoring. However, each biomarker possesses inherent limitations that restrict its standalone clinical utility, such as the rarity and heterogeneity of CTCs and the variable sensitivity and specificity of ctDNA assays. This highlights the necessity of integrating both biomarkers to maximize diagnostic and prognostic potential, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the tumor biology and therapeutic response.

Imipramine, an Acid Sphingomyelinase Inhibitor, Promotes Newborn Neuron Survival in the Hippocampus After Seizure.

Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder, is triggered by various insults, including traumatic brain injury and stroke. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase), an enzyme that hydrolyzes sphingomyelin into ceramides, is implicated in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis. Ceramides, which have pro-apoptotic properties, contribute to oxidative damage and lysosomal dysfunction, exacerbating neuronal injury.

Effects of Microplastic Accumulation on Neuronal Death After Global Cerebral Ischemia.

Brain ischemia, a condition in which the brain is deprived of blood flow, can lead to a stroke due to blocked or unstable blood vessels. Global cerebral ischemia (GCI), characterized by an interruption in blood flow, deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that trigger cell death, which kills nerve cells. Microplastics (MPs), tiny environmental pollutants, can enter the human body through contaminated food, water, disposable items, cosmetics, and more.

Advanced Hydrogel Systems for Local Anesthetic Delivery: Toward Prolonged and Targeted Pain Relief.

Local anesthetics (LAs) have been indispensable in clinical pain management, yet their limitations, such as short duration of action and systemic toxicity, necessitate improved delivery strategies. Hydrogels, with their biocompatibility, tunable properties, and ability to modulate drug release, have been extensively explored as platforms for enhancing LA efficacy and safety. This narrative review explores the historical development of LAs, their physicochemical properties, and clinical applications, providing a foundation for understanding the integration of hydrogels in anesthetic delivery.

Sc(OTf)-Catalyzed C-C Bond Cleavage of Unactivated Acylazaarenes with 1,2-Diamines to Afford Azaarenes and Imidazoles.

We report a method for cleaving the C(O)-spC bonds of unactivated acylazaarenes via benzimidazoline intermediates using a mild redox neutral catalytic system involving scandium triflate. This method avoids the need for preactivation or transition metal catalysts, enabling efficient C-C bond cleavage in a broad range of substrates, including 2-acylimidazoles, 2-acylpyridines, 2-acylpyrole, and even nonchelating 3-acylindole, in which direct C-C bond cleavage has not been previously achieved.