Impact of coronary artery calcium on progression of diastolic dysfunction: a cohort study.

Background: The relationship between coronary artery calcium (CAC) and progression of diastolic dysfunction (DD) during longitudinal follow-up is uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and progression of DD according to severity of CAC and understand their synergistic effect on mortality.

Methods: This was a population-based cohort study.

Florigen-producing cells express FPF1-LIKE PROTEIN 1 to accelerate flowering and stem growth in Arabidopsis.

Plants induce the expression of the florigen FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) in response to seasonal changes. FT is expressed in a distinct subset of phloem companion cells in Arabidopsis. Using tissue-specific translatome analysis, we discovered that the FT-expressing cells also express FLOWERING PROMOTING FACTOR 1 (FPF1)-LIKE PROTEIN 1 (FLP1), specifically under long-day conditions with the red/far-red ratio of natural sunlight.

Microvascular Resistance Reserve and Prognosis After Heart Transplantation.

Background: Impaired microcirculatory function after heart transplantation is associated with increased risk for acute cellular rejection. Microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) is a novel index for assessing microcirculatory function, irrespective of epicardial coronary artery stenosis, but it has not been validated in transplanted hearts.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of MRR in heart transplantation.

Comparison of the degree of patient satisfaction between transoral thyroidectomy and open thyroidectomy: a survey-based study.

Background: Recent advances in thyroid surgery techniques have increased the number of patients undergoing transoral thyroidectomy, and many patients are concerned about post-thyroidectomy cosmetic effects. This study aimed to compare patient satisfaction after transoral versus conventional thyroidectomy.

Methods: This study was conducted from August 2021 to January 2022 at Gangnam Severance Hospital (Seoul, South Korea).

Bioadhesive levan-based coaxial nanofibrous membranes with enhanced cell adhesion and mesenchymal stem cell differentiation.

Conventional electrospun nanofibrous membranes have been widely used for tissue engineering scaffolds because they can mimic extracellular matrix (ECM), which plays a significant role in cell proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation. However, the inadequate mechanical strength and biological functions of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds limit the range of their practical applications. In this study, we prepared a uniform levan-based core-shell composite (csCAL) nanofibrous membrane using the coaxial electrospinning technique.

Impact of renal function on treatment strategies and clinical outcomes in acute myocardial infarction patients with multivessel disease.

Objective: The impact of renal function on revascularization outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction and multivessel disease remains unclear. This study compared long-term outcomes of complete (CR) and incomplete revascularization (IR) in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 or <60 mL/min/1.73 m METHODS: Using data from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health, 5962 patients (mean age: 65.

Refining of cancer-specific genes in microsatellite-unstable colon and endometrial cancers using modified partial least square discriminant analysis.

Despite similarities in microsatellite instability (MSI) between colon and endometrial cancer, there are many clinically important organ-specific features. The molecular differences between these 2 MSI cancers are underexplored because the usual differentially expressed gene analysis yields too many noncancer-specific normally expressed genes. We aimed to identify cancer-specific genes in MSI colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) and MSI endometrial carcinoma (ECs) using a modified partial least squares discriminant analysis.

Intravascular Imaging Predictors Associated With Cardiovascular Events After Complex PCIs.

Background: Intravascular imaging-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients with complex coronary artery lesions compared with angiography-guided PCI. However, the prognostic impact of suboptimal findings on intravascular imaging such as stent underexpansion, malapposition, or dissection is unclear in the era of contemporary drug-eluting stents.

Methods: From RENOVATE-COMPLEX-PCI (Randomized Controlled Trial of Intravascular Imaging Guidance Versus Angiography-Guidance on Clinical Outcomes After Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) which compared imaging-guided PCI with angiography-guided PCI in patients with complex lesions, post-PCI intravascular imaging findings, including minimum stent area (MSA), relative stent underexpansion (MSA≤80% of the average reference lumen area), malapposition, or dissection, were assessed in nonleft main target lesions.

Outcomes of Deferring Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Without Physiologic Assessment for Intermediate Coronary Lesions.

Background And Objectives: Outcomes of deferring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without invasive physiologic assessment for intermediate coronary lesions is uncertain. We sought to compare long-term outcomes between medical treatment and PCI of intermediate lesions without invasive physiologic assessment.

Methods: A total of 899 patients with intermediate coronary lesions between 50% and 70% diameter-stenosis were randomized to the conservative group (n=449) or the aggressive group (n=450).

Effects of proton pump inhibitors on gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular outcomes in myocardial infarction patients treated with DAPT.

Background: A discrepancy exists between the European and American guideline recommendations for the routine use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

Aims: This study aimed to determine the association between the co-prescription of PPIs and DAPT and the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding and ischaemic events in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: A search was conducted using a nationwide Korean claims database to identify patients with AMI undergoing PCI with DAPT.

Study Protocol of Expanded Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro-EXP).

Background: Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery.

Ridge Augmentation Using a Self-Retaining Block Bone Material in Damaged Extraction Sockets: A Multi-Centre Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Aim: To compare the dimensional stability of a self-retaining synthetic block bone (srBB) and synthetic bone particles (SBP) for alveolar ridge augmentation (ARA) in damaged extraction sockets.

Materials And Methods: ARA was randomly performed in two centres on 57 participants presenting damaged extraction socket in a non-molar tooth: (i) srBB and collagen membrane (srBB group, n = 29) or (ii) SBP and collagen membrane (SBP group, n = 28). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed immediately after ARP (baseline, T0) and at 6 months (T1).

Chronic total occlusion location and outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention or medical therapy: ten-year follow-up of a single-center registry.

Introduction And Objectives: The clinical benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) remain controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether PCI for CTO located in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) could have beneficial effects on clinical outcomes.

Methods: Patients were retrospectively selected from a single-center CTO registry and followed up for approximately 10 years.

Optically readable synaptic modulators based on Tamm plasmon for adaptive multispectral image processing.

The increasing demand for visual data processing reveals the limitations of traditional electronic systems in speed, energy efficiency, and adaptability. While optical computing offers a promising alternative, current systems often lack the flexibility required for multispectral and adaptive visual tasks. Here, we present an efficient way for highly adaptive, multispectral image filtering based on active Tamm plasmon resonators.

Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of hypertension for Korean children and adolescents: the Korean Working Group of Pediatric Hypertension.

Pediatric hypertension (HTN) is a significant, growing health concern worldwide and also in Korea. Diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of HTN in Korean children and adolescents are uncertain due to limitations in using the current international guidelines, since the recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and European Society of Hypertension (ESH) guidelines differ. Furthermore, these are guidelines for Western youth, who are racially and ethnically different from Koreans.

Potent P2Y inhibitors in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock.

Background: Although potent P2Y inhibitors, such as ticagrelor and prasugrel, are standard treatment in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), evidence for their efficacy and safety compared with clopidogrel is limited in patients with AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Methods: Among 28,949 patients from the nationwide pooled registry of KAMIR-NIH and KAMIR-V, a total of 1482 patients (5.1%) with AMI and cardiogenic shock who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention of the culprit vessel were selected.

Enhancing CRISPR-Cas-based gene targeting in tomato using a dominant-negative .

The CRISPR-Cas-based gene targeting (GT) method has enabled precise modifications of genomic DNA ranging from single base to several kilobase scales through homologous recombination (HR). In plant somatic cells, canonical non-homologous end-joining (cNHEJ) is the predominant mechanism for repairing double-stranded breaks (DSBs), thus limiting the HR-mediated GT. In this study, we implemented an approach to shift the repair pathway preference toward HR by using a dominant-negative mutant protein (KUDN) to disrupt the initiation of cNHEJ.

Outcomes of intravascular imaging-guided percutaneous coronary intervention according to lesion complexity.

Background: Recent trials have shown that intravascular imaging (IVI)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves clinical outcome, as compared to angiography-guided PCI, in complex coronary artery lesions. However, it is unclear whether this benefit is affected by overall lesion complexity in each patient.

Aims: The present study sought to investigate the impact of overall lesion complexity on the benefit of IVI-guided PCI.

Differential Prognosis of True Bifurcation Lesions According to Left Main Versus Non-Left Main Location and Treatment Strategy.

Background: Although true bifurcation lesions are associated with a high risk of procedural complications, the differential prognostic implications of percutaneous coronary intervention for true bifurcations according to lesion location are unclear. This study aimed to identify whether clinical outcomes of true bifurcation lesions differed between left main coronary artery (LM) and non-LM bifurcations and to determine the optimal treatment strategy for subtypes of bifurcation lesions in the current-generation drug-eluting stent era.

Methods: The ULTRA-BIFURCAT (Combined Insights From the Unified COBIS III, RAIN, and ULTRA Registries) was created by merging 3 bifurcation-dedicated registries from Korea and Italy.

Transcriptome of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Reveals Two Molecular Subtypes with Distinct Tumor Microenvironment and Prognosis.

Although patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) generally have a poor prognosis and there are currently no effective treatment options, survival and response to therapy vary between patients. Genomic and transcriptomic profiles of ATC have been reported; however, a comprehensive study of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of ATC is still lacking. This study aimed to elucidate the TME characteristics associated with ATC and their prognostic implications.

Machine learning prediction of in-hospital mortality and external validation in patients with cardiogenic shock: the RESCUE score.

Introduction And Objectives: Despite advances in mechanical circulatory support, mortality rates in cardiogenic shock (CS) remain high. A reliable risk stratification system could serve as a valuable guide in the clinical management of patients with CS. This study aimed to develop and externally validate a risk prediction model for in-hospital mortality in CS patients using machine learning (ML) algorithms.

Drug-Coated Balloon-Based Treatment of Left Main True Bifurcation Lesion.

Background: There is a paucity of data regarding drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment in the context of left main (LM) true bifurcation lesions.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DCB-based treatment for unprotected LM true bifurcation lesions.

Methods: A total of 39 patients with LM true bifurcation lesion (Medina: 1,1,1/0,1,1/1,0,1) who were successfully treated with DCB alone or in combination with drug-eluting stent (DES) were retrospectively enrolled into the DCB-based group.

Encapsulation of synthesized purpurin-18-N-aminoimide methyl ester in lipid nanovesicles for use as agents in photodynamic cancer therapy.

This study aimed to synthesize purpurin-18-N-aminoimide methyl ester (P18 N AI ME) and encapsulate it into lipid nanovesicles (LNVs) for potential application as photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents in cancer therapy. PDT, a light-induced treatment, offers several advantages over conventional cancer treatments, such as minimal invasiveness and localized action. P18 N AI ME, a chlorine class photosensitizer model drug, was synthesized in an attempt to treat tumor in deeper tissues by interacting long-wavelength light.

Current understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and management of peri-implant diseases: a narrative review for the consensus report of the Korean Academy of Periodontology.

Over the past few decades, dental implants have been successfully utilized to replace teeth lost due to periodontal disease and other conditions. However, similar to natural teeth, dental implants are vulnerable to inflammatory peri-implant diseases, which can compromise their long-term viability. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of peri-implant diseases and discuss effective strategies for their diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.