Predictors for the Development of Hypergastrinemia in Maintenance Treatment for Mild Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Using a Half-dose Proton Pump Inhibitor.

Background/aims: Serum gastrin levels may be elevated following proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. We aim to elucidate the predictors for the development of hypergastrinemia in maintenance treatment for mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) using a half-dose PPI.

Methods: This study analyzed data from a prospective randomized trial to compare continuous versus on-demand maintenance treatment modalities in patients with mild GERD.

Elasticity of Swollen and Folded Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Using the MARTINI Coarse-Grained Model.

One of the key advantages of using a hydrogel is its superb control over elasticity obtained through variations of constituent polymer and water. The underlying molecular nature of a hydrogel is a fundamental origin of hydrogel mechanics. In this article, we report a Polyacrylamide (PAAm)-based hydrogel model using the MARTINI coarse-grained (CG) force field.

Highly accurate Korean draft genomes reveal structural variation highlighting human telomere evolution.

Given the presence of highly repetitive genomic regions such as subtelomeric regions, understanding human genomic evolution remains challenging. Recently, long-read sequencing technology has facilitated the identification of complex genetic variants, including structural variants (SVs), at the single-nucleotide level. Here, we resolved SVs and their underlying DNA damage-repair mechanisms in subtelomeric regions, which are among the most uncharted genomic regions.

Cohort profile: Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Rare Pediatric Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases in Korea (OUTSPREAD study).

Rare endocrine diseases are complex conditions that require lifelong specialized care due to their chronic nature and associated long-term complications. In Korea, a lack of nationwide data on clinical practice and outcomes has limited progress in patient care. Therefore, the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) study was initiated.

Establishing cutoff values for visual amyloid positivity in [F]flutemetamol PET.

Background: This study aimed to establish the optimal cutoff values for visual amyloid positivity using standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) in [F]flutemetamol (FMM) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Given the variability in amyloid assessment, our goal was to determine cutoff values that enhance diagnostic accuracy and assist clinicians in reliably identifying amyloid positivity.

Results: The identified cutoff values for visual amyloid positivity were > 1.

Insignificant difference in medication adherence to dyslipidemia drugs between visually impaired and non-disabled people in South Korea: A nationwide cohort study using claims records.

Incidence of visual impairment (VI) and dyslipidemia is increasing with aging. Although good medication adherence (MA) is a crucial factor in achieving therapeutic goals for dyslipidemia, there is a paucity of studies measuring MA in the visually impaired with dyslipidemia. We investigated whether patients with VI had worse MA to dyslipidemia drugs than non-disabled people and determined the factors affecting MA among patients with VI.

Analysis of Changes in Viral Load and Inflammatory Cytokines, as Well as the Occurrence of Secondary Infections, in SFTS Patients Treated with Specific Treatments: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an acute febrile illness caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV). We conducted this study to propose a scientific evidence-based treatment that can improve prognosis through changes in viral load and inflammatory cytokines according to the specific treatment of SFTS patients. This prospective and observational study was conducted at 14 tertiary referral hospitals, which are located in SFTS endemic areas in Korea, from 1 May 2018 to 31 October 2020.

Development of Test Cases for Automated Vehicle Driving Safety Assessment Using Driving Trajectories.

For consumers to have confidence in the safety of automated vehicles (AVs), AVs must be assessed using systematically developed scenarios to verify driving safety and reliability. In particular, verification using scenarios has been widely performed for the assessment and certification of AVs. This study aims to develop test cases based on driving trajectories to assess the driving safety of AVs.

Biological Function Analysis of MicroRNAs and Proteins in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by alpha-synuclein aggregation into Lewy bodies in the neurons. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is considered the most suited source for investigating PD pathogenesis and identifying biomarkers. While microRNA (miRNA) profiling can aid in the investigation of post-transcriptional regulation in neurodegenerative diseases, information on miRNAs in the CSF of patients with PD remains limited.

The Importance of Bright Spotty Lesions on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Predicting Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Myelitis.

: Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) stands as one of the most debilitating complications in patients with myelitis owing to its challenging management. Bright spotty lesions (BSLs) are frequently observed in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), but few reports have discussed CNP in myelitis. We aim to demonstrate that BSLs could be one of the potential prognostic factors for CNP development in myelitis.

Urinary GADD45G Protein Excretion Is Associated with IgA Nephropathy Progression.

: Growth arrest and DNA damage 45G (GADD45G) is a family of proteins involved in DNA damage response and cell growth arrest. In this study, we show evidence that urinary GADD45G protein is associated with the progression of IgA nephropathy. : Patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy without reversible acute kidney injury at study initiation and with at least one subsequent serum creatinine (SCr) measurement were included.

A Study on the Battery Recycling Process and Risk Estimation.

The demand for the use of secondary batteries is increasing rapidly worldwide in order to solve global warming and achieve carbon neutrality. Major minerals used to produce cathode materials, which are key raw materials for secondary batteries, are treated as conflict minerals due to their limited reserves, and accordingly, research on the battery recycling industry is urgent for the sustainable secondary battery industry. There is a significant risk of accidents because there is a lack of prior research data on the battery recycling process and various chemicals are used in the entire recycling process.

Age-associated interplay between zinc deficiency and Golgi stress hinders microtubule-dependent cellular signaling and epigenetic control.

Golgi abnormalities have been linked to aging and age-related diseases, yet the underlying causes and functional consequences remain poorly understood. This study identifies the interaction between age-associated zinc deficiency and Golgi stress as a critical factor in cellular aging. Senescent Golgi bodies from human fibroblasts show a fragmented Golgi structure, associated with a decreased interaction of the zinc-dependent Golgi-stacking protein complex Golgin45-GRASP55.

Multiple burr hole and erythropoietin combination therapy: optimal early surgical intervention for patients with acute stroke episode of moyamoya disease or moyamoya syndrome.

Objective: The optimal timing of bypass surgery for patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) or moyamoya syndrome (MMS) following an acute stroke episode remains unclear, mainly owing to the risk of postoperative complications. In this study, we aim to validate the safety and efficacy of early intervention using multiple burr hole (MBH) and erythropoietin (EPO) therapy, thereby refining the management strategy for patients with acute stroke episode of MMD or MMS.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 70 patients with MMD or MMS who underwent MBH and EPO therapy.

The association between residing in regions with population decline and receiving management education or treatment in patients with hypertension.

Background: Many districts in rural areas of Korea are facing population decline due to the aging population phenomenon. This study examined the associations of rural residency with the likelihood of receiving hypertension management education and nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatment.

Methods: Data from the 2022 Korea Community Health Survey were used to identify individuals aged 19 years or above diagnosed with hypertension.

Freestanding Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors Nanomembrane from 2D to 3D Materials and Their Applications.

Wide-bandgap semiconductors (WBGS) with energy bandgaps larger than 3.4 eV for GaN and 3.2 eV for SiC have gained attention for their superior electrical and thermal properties, which enable high-power, high-frequency, and harsh-environment devices beyond the capabilities of conventional semiconductors.

COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for 2024-2025 in Korea.

The Korean Society of Infectious Diseases has been regularly publishing guidelines for adult immunization since 2007. Following the release of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination recommendations in 2023, significant changes have occurred due to the emergence of new variant strains and the waning immunity from previous vaccinations. This article provides a comprehensive update as of November 2024, incorporating the latest evidence and guidelines.

Piezocatalysis-combined advanced oxidation processes for organic pollutant degradation in water system.

The piezoelectric catalyst process has emerged as a promising technology for energy harvesting, effectively converting natural mechanical energies, such as wind, water flow, and waves, into usable electrical energy using piezoelectric materials. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in applying this technology to water treatment to address environmental challenges. Concurrently, research efforts have focused on enhancing the efficiency of piezoelectric catalysis by integrating it with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).

Rational design and therapeutic potential of MyD88 inhibitory peptide in psoriasis.

Myeloid differentiation primary-response 88 (MyD88) is a crucial adaptor protein for initiating immune responses via Toll-like receptors (TLRs). This study employed a rational peptide design approach to develop MyD88 inhibitory peptides targeting the MyD88 interaction interface. The designed peptide, MyDIP2-4, was evaluated for its efficacy in inhibiting MyD88-dependent signaling in human and mouse cell lines.

A Novel RAGE Modulator Induces Soluble RAGE to Reduce BACE1 Expression in Alzheimer's Disease.

β-secretase (BACE1) is instrumental in amyloid-β (Aβ) production, with overexpression noted in Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology. The interaction of Aβ with the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) facilitates cerebral uptake of Aβ and exacerbates its neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation, further augmenting BACE1 expression. Given the limitations of previous BACE1 inhibition efforts, the study explores reducing BACE1 expression to mitigate AD pathology.

Inhibition of HDAC6 elicits anticancer effects on head and neck cancer cells through Sp1/SOD3/MKP1 signaling axis to downregulate ERK phosphorylation.

Oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxides is linked to various cancer-related biological events. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3), an antioxidant enzyme that removes superoxides, contributes to redox homeostasis and has the potential to regulate tumorigenesis. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a major HDAC isoform responsible for mediating the deacetylation of non-histone protein substrates, also plays a role in cancer progression.

Association between calcium channel blocker use and the risk of interstitial lung disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A longitudinal cohort study.

Introduction: Ca2+ signaling in fibroblasts would be one of the important mediators of lung fibrosis. This study investigated the relationship between calcium channel blocker usage and the risk of developing interstitial lung disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Material And Methods: This cohort study used data from the Korean National Health Screening Cohort spanned from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2015.

Phyletic patterns of bacterial growth temperature in and reveal gradual and sporadic evolution towards cold adaptation.

Bacterial species adapt to cold environments with diverse molecular mechanisms enabling their growth under low ambient temperature. The emergence of cold-adapted species at macro-evolutionary scale, however, has not been systematically explored. In this study, we performed phylogenetic analysis on the growth temperature traits in the genera that occupy broad environmental and host niches and contain known cold-adapted species.