Efficacy of anal duct ligation and muscle closure: A novel sphincter-preserving surgical technique for fistula-in-ano.

Aim: Although various sphincter-preserving techniques exist for treating anal fistulas, none have demonstrated clear superiority. Therefore, the aim of this study was to introduce a novel sphincter-preserving technique for anal duct ligation and muscle closure (ALMC) and analyse its perioperative outcomes.

Method: The data for patients who underwent ALMC for fistula-in-ano at Seoul Song Do Hospital between 2009 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed.

The GC-content at the 5' ends of human protein-coding genes is undergoing mutational decay.

Background: In vertebrates, most protein-coding genes have a peak of GC-content near their 5' transcriptional start site (TSS). This feature promotes both the efficient nuclear export and translation of mRNAs. Despite the importance of GC-content for RNA metabolism, its general features, origin, and maintenance remain mysterious.

Outcomes in the Asian subgroup of the phase III randomised HIMALAYA study of tremelimumab plus durvalumab in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background & Aims: In the global, phase III HIMALAYA study in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC), STRIDE (Single Tremelimumab Regular Interval Durvalumab) improved overall survival (OS) vs. sorafenib; durvalumab was non-inferior to sorafenib. HBV is the predominant HCC aetiology in most of Asia vs.

Anti-Pseudomonal Effect of Nephrite-Impregnated Contact Lenses.

Purpose: This study compared the anti-pseudomonal effects between nephrite-impregnated contact lenses (CLs) and conventional and cosmetic CLs.

Methods: After inoculation with , we counted the number of bacteria on the CL surface and observed each surface using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To estimate potential harm of nephrite-impregnated CLs, we conducted a safety test using a rabbit model, treated with all CL types.

North Korean CO emissions reconstruction using DMZ ground observations, TROPOMI space-borne data, and the CMAQ air quality model.

Emission uncertainty in North Korea can act as an obstacle when developing air pollution management plans in the country and neighboring countries when the transboundary transport of air pollutants is considered. This study introduces a novel approach for adjusting and reallocating North Korean CO emissions, aiming to complement the limited observational and emissions data on the country's air pollutants. We utilized ground observations from demilitarized zone (DMZ) and vertical column density (VCD) data from a TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI), which were combined with the Community Multi-Scale Air Quality (CMAQ) chemistry transport model simulations.

Saponins Derived from the Korean Endemic Plant Inhibit Diffuse-type Gastric Cancer Cells.

Diffuse-type gastric cancer (GC) is a type of stomach cancer that occurs in small clusters of cells that are widely spread. It does not typically manifest with symptoms until the advanced stages and often goes undetected in routine imaging tests. In addition, there is no specific targeted therapy for diffuse-type GC and it has a high mortality risk.

mRNA nuclear export: how mRNA identity features distinguish functional RNAs from junk transcripts.

The division of the cellular space into nucleoplasm and cytoplasm promotes quality control mechanisms that prevent misprocessed mRNAs and junk RNAs from gaining access to the translational machinery. Here, we explore how properly processed mRNAs are distinguished from both misprocessed mRNAs and junk RNAs by the presence or absence of various 'identity features'.

Forsythia velutina Nakai extract: A promising therapeutic option for atopic dermatitis through multiple cell type modulation.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex condition characterized by impaired epithelial barriers and dysregulated immune cells. In this study, we demonstrated Forsythia velutina Nakai extract (FVE) simultaneously inhibits basophils, macrophages, keratinocytes, and T cells that are closely interrelated in AD development.

Methods: We analyzed the effect of FVE on nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in macrophages, basophil degranulation, T cell activation, and tight junctions in damaged keratinocytes.

Three-dimensional evaluation of dentopalatal changes after rapid maxillary expansion in growing children.

Introduction: In growing children with transverse malocclusion problems, various types of rapid maxillary expanders (RMEs) have been effectively used in skeletal and dental expansions. We evaluated 3-dimensional dentopalatal changes in growing children who underwent maxillary expansion using RMEs and bonded RMEs.

Methods: We investigated dentopalatal changes in 20 patients treated with bonded RMEs, 19 with RMEs, and 38 control patients.

Decision and Practice of End-of-Life Care in Lung Disease Patients with Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze end-of-life care practices in lung disease patients with physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLSTs).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from medical records regarding the end-of-life care practices of POLST decisions for patients with lung disease hospitalized at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Data were collected from January 1 to June 30, 2021.

Identification of novel pathogenic roles of BLZF1/ATF6 in tumorigenesis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor showing Golgi-localized mutant KIT.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) frequently show KIT mutations, accompanied by overexpression and aberrant localization of mutant KIT (MT-KIT). As previously established by multiple studies, including ours, we confirmed that MT-KIT initiates downstream signaling in the Golgi complex. Basic leucine zipper nuclear factor 1 (BLZF1) was identified as a novel MT-KIT-binding partner that tethers MT-KIT to the Golgi complex.

An Objective Structured Clinical Exam on Breaking Bad News for Clerkship Students: In-Person Versus Remote Standardized Patient Approach.

Introduction: Telemedicine training for medical students is critical as that modality becomes integral to patient care. This formative standardized patient (SP) objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) lets students discuss miscarriage diagnosis and treatment virtually.

Methods: The SP OSCE was a mandatory session during the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship.

Retention of Zirconia Crowns Compared to Stainless Steel Crowns: An Ex-Vivo Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the retention of 3M stainless steel crowns (SSCs), Kinder Krowns zirconia crowns (ZCs), and EZCrowns ZCs on extracted primary mandibular second molars ex-vivo.

Methods: A total of 45 extracted primary mandibular second molars were allocated randomly to either of the three groups. All teeth were mounted in Dentsply acrylic molds and then prepared for crown cementation.

The Skin-Whitening and Antioxidant Effects of Protocatechuic Acid (PCA) Derivatives in Melanoma and Fibroblast Cell Lines.

The skin is the most voluminous organ of the human body and is exposed to the outer environment. Such exposed skin suffers from the effects of various intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors. Skin aging is characterized by features such as wrinkling, loss of elasticity, and skin pigmentation.

Role of neoadjuvant treatment in resectable pancreatic cancer according to vessel invasion and increase of CA19-9 levels.

Background/purpose: The efficacy of neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) for resectable pancreatic cancer remains debatable, particularly in patients with portal vein (PV)/superior mesenteric vein (SMV) contact and elevated serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9. This study investigated the clinical significance of PV/SMV contact and CA19-9 levels, and the role of NAT in resectable pancreatic cancer.

Methods: A total of 775 patients who underwent surgery for resectable pancreatic cancer between 2007 and 2018 were included.

The Risk-Reducing Effect of Aspirin in Lynch Syndrome Carriers: Development and Evaluation of an Educational Leaflet.

Carriers of germline mutations in genes associated with Lynch syndrome are at increased risk for colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, and other cancers. There is evidence that daily consumption of aspirin may reduce cancer risk in these individuals. There is a need for educational resources to inform carriers of the risk-reducing effects of aspirin or to support decision-making.

Comparisons of short-term outcomes of anastomotic methods of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy: out-layer continuous suture modified Blumgart method.

Purpose: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most troublesome complication after pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ). This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of 2 different methods of duct-to-mucosa PJ; out-layer continuous suture anastomosis (OCA) and the modified Blumgart method (mBM).

Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent curative-intent, open PD between 2015 and 2020.

Stacking ensemble learning model to predict 6-month mortality in ischemic stroke patients.

Patients with acute ischemic stroke can benefit from reperfusion therapy. Nevertheless, there are gray areas where initiation of reperfusion therapy is neither supported nor contraindicated by the current practice guidelines. In these situations, a prediction model for mortality can be beneficial in decision-making.

Shear Bond Strength of Different Restorative Materials to Primary Tooth Dentin Treated with Silver Diamine Fluoride.

To investigate shear bond strength (SBS) of three restorative materials on primary dentin after silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application.
Thirty primary teeth were randomized into three groups of 10 teeth. Each tooth was split mesiodistally and randomized into experimental (artificial caries plus SDF) and control (sound dentine without SDF) groups.

The Efficacy of Atelocollagen to Inhibit Fibrotic Proliferation in Tenon Tissue: In vitro Study.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of atelocollagen in preventing the fibrotic change of human tenon tissue induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1).

Methods: Primary cultured human Tenon's fibroblasts (HTFs) were incubated with TGFβ1 alone and with various concentrations of atelocollagen, respectively. Cell viability was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8).