SEPO-FI: Deep-learning based software to calculate fusion index of muscle cells.

The fusion index is a critical metric for quantitatively assessing the transformation of in vitro muscle cells into myotubes in the biological and medical fields. Traditional methods for calculating this index manually involve the labor-intensive counting of numerous muscle cell nuclei in images, which necessitates determining whether each nucleus is located inside or outside the myotubes, leading to significant inter-observer variation. To address these challenges, this study proposes a three-stage process that integrates the strengths of pattern recognition and deep-learning to automatically calculate the fusion index.

Relationship Between Poor Sleep and Depressive Symptoms in Korean Elite Youth Athletes.

: Sleep and mental health are crucial to elite youth athletes, who face combined pressures of training, competition, school, and social commitments. We examined the association between sleep and depression in elite youth athletes. : We analyzed data of 248 Korean world-class youth athletes (aged 13-19 years).

Ellagic Acid from and Antimalarial Activity of Korean Medicinal Plants.

This study investigates the antimalarial potential of extracts and compounds from various plants used in traditional Korean medicine, in response to the increasing resistance of to standard treatments such as chloroquine and artemisinin. The antimalarial activity screening was conducted on 151 extracts, identifying the top seven candidates, including (50% ethanol and 100% methanol extract), , (hot water and 50% ethanol extract), , and . Among these, was identified as the top priority for further analysis due to its high antimalarial activity and high yield of bioactive compounds.

Functional and Structural Changes in the Inner Ear and Cochlear Hair Cell Loss Induced by Hypergravity.

Gravitational changes have been shown to cause significant abnormalities in various body systems, including the cardiovascular, immune, vestibular, and musculoskeletal systems. While numerous studies have examined the response of the vestibular system to gravitational stimulation, research on functional changes in the peripheral inner ear remains limited. The inner ear comprises two closely related structures: the vestibule and cochlea.

Comparison of Robot-Assisted, Laparoscopic, and Open Radical Prostatectomy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis from KSER Update Series.

: We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate and compare the perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) with open radical prostatectomy (ORP) in patients with prostate cancer. A comprehensive literature search was performed in Pubmed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library for papers published before May 2021. Only studies of patients with prostate cancer that assessed perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes and reported outcome values were included.

Editorial Perspective: Advancements in Microfluidics and Biochip Technologies.

Microfluidics and biochip technologies continue to play a key role in driving innovation across biomedical, environmental and engineering disciplines [...

Inchworm Robots Utilizing Friction Changes in Magnetorheological Elastomer Footpads Under Magnetic Field Influence.

The application of smart materials in robots has attracted considerable research attention. This study developed an inchworm robot that integrates smart materials and a bionic design, using the unique properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) to improve the performance of robots in complex environments, as well as their adaptability and movement efficiency. This research stems from solving the problem of the insufficient adaptability of traditional bionic robots on different surfaces.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Concurrent Chemoradiation Versus Adjuvant Chemotherapy Following Concurrent Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Background/objectives: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation therapy (NACT + CCRT) and adjuvant chemotherapy following CCRT (CCRT + ACT) have inconsistent effects on the survival of women with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) compared to CCRT. Moreover, the effects of NACT + CCRT and CCRT + ACT have not been clearly compared. This study compared the effects of NACT + CCRT and CCRT + ACT on survival using a network meta-analysis to select the optimal treatment in women with LACC.

Impacts of Postoperative Adjuvant Therapies on the Survival of Women with High-Risk Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer: A Cohort Study.

The survival outcomes according to postoperative adjuvant therapeutic strategy in women with high-risk early-stage endometrial cancer (EEC) have not been clearly compared. This study examined the impacts of various postoperative adjuvant therapies on the survival of women with high-risk EEC. Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data related to Korean cancer registration data were used.

Endoscopic Stenting of a Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stent with a Hole in Each Cavity in Malignant Hilar Biliary Obstruction: A Preclinical Proof-of-Concept Study and Initial Human Experience.

Background And Aim: Stent placement for biliary drainage in patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) has been a topic of long-standing debate, and the best approach remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and removability of multi-hole fully covered self-expandable metal stents (MH-FCSEMSs) in a preclinical experiment using swine hilar bile duct obstruction (HBDO) models and to assess the feasibility and safety of stent placement in patients with MHBO.

Methods: Three minipigs underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-guided endobiliary-radio frequency ablation (EB-RFA) to establish Bismuth type II hilar bile duct stenosis models.

Aetiology of chronic liver disease is a valuable factor for stratifying adverse outcomes of acute decompensation: prospective observational study.

Background/aims: Acute decompensation (AD) is defined as the development of complications related to portal hypertension and liver dysfunction that affect the progression of chronic liver disease (CLD) or liver cirrhosis (LC). Variations exist in patient demographics and prognostic outcomes of AD based on the aetiology of CLD, encompassing LC. However, limited research has been conducted to analyse these discrepancies across aetiologies.

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.

Is presumed clinical stage I endometrial cancer using PET-CT and MRI accurate in predicting surgical staging?

Objective: To evaluate upstaging, lymph node (LN) metastasis, and recurrence in patients with presumed stage I endometrial cancer using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT).

Methods: Retrospective review of 422 patients with presumed clinical stage I endometrial cancer diagnosed via MRI and PET-CT (July 2014-June 2023). Surgical staging included pelvic lymph nodes (PLNs) and para-aortic lymph nodes (PALNs), classifying patients as low/intermediate- or high-risk groups.

Polydiacetylene (PDA) Embedded Polymer-Based Network Structure for Biosensor Applications.

Biosensors, which combine physical transducers with biorecognition elements, have seen significant advancement due to the heightened interest in rapid diagnostic technologies across a number of fields, including medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. In particular, polydiacetylene (PDA) is gaining attention as an ideal material for label-free colorimetric biosensor development due to its unique color-changing properties in response to external stimuli. PDA forms through the self-assembly of diacetylene monomers, with color change occurring as its conjugated backbone twists in response to stimuli such as temperature, pH, and chemical interactions.

Digital Financial Literacy and Life Satisfaction: Evidence from South Korea.

Digital financial literacy is an emerging concept that refers to the ability to effectively use digital tools, platforms, and services to manage personal finances. While previous studies have explored the behavioral effects of digital financial literacy, less is known about its broader well-being implications for financial consumers. In this study, we aim to examine the association between digital financial literacy and life satisfaction in a developed country context.

OsWRKY26 negatively regulates bacterial blight resistance by suppressing expression.

Plants are susceptible to infection by various pathogens with high epidemic potential. pv () causes bacterial blight in rice, one of the most significant diseases in both temperate and tropical regions. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of , a sucrose-inducible transcription factor, that plays a role in the plant defense responses following infection.

Isolation, culture, and characterization of primary endothelial cells and pericytes from mouse sciatic nerve.

Background: The recovery of injured peripheral nerves relies on angiogenesis, where newly formed blood vessels act as pathways guiding Schwann cells across the wound to support axon regeneration. While some research has examined this process, the specific mechanisms of angiogenesis in peripheral nerve healing remain unclear. In vitro models are vital tools to investigate these mechanisms; however, no current in vitro culture methods exist for isolating vascular cells, such as endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes, specifically from sciatic nerves.

Amphiphilic Polyaspartamide Derivatives with Cholesterol Introduction Enhanced Ex Vivo mRNA Transfection Efficiency to Natural Killer Cells.

Engineered natural killer (NK) cells eliminate cancer cells by overexpressing a chimeric antigen receptor, producing highly efficient and safe NK cell therapies. This study investigated the polyplex formulation for the fusion protein GreenLantern-natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) mRNA to evaluate its delivery efficacy into NK cells, wherein NKG2D on the surface of NK cells recognized its counterpart NKG2D ligands on cancer cells. Amphiphilic polyaspartamide derivatives Chol-PAsp(DET/CHE) were prepared by adding cyclohexylethylamine (CHE) and diethylenetriamine (DET) in the side chains and cholesterol (Chol) at the α-terminus to enhance endosomal escapability and optimize hydrophobicity.

South Korean study to prevent cognitive impairment and protect brain health through multidomain interventions via face-to-face and video communication platforms in mild cognitive impairment (SUPERBRAIN-MEET): A randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: We investigated the efficacy of a multidomain intervention (MI) via face-to-face and video communication platforms using a tablet personal computer application in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: Three hundred participants with MCI and ≥ 1 modifiable dementia risk factor, aged 60-85 years, were randomly assigned to either the MI group, who underwent a 24-week intervention, or the control group, who received usual care.

Results: The overall adherence rate to MI was 84.

Deep Learning-assisted Diagnosis of Extrahepatic Common Bile Duct Obstruction Using MRCP Imaging and Clinical Parameters.

Background: Extrahepatic Common Bile Duct Obstruction (EHBDO) is a serious condition that requires accurate diagnosis for effective treatment. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a widely used noninvasive imaging technique for visualizing bile ducts, but its interpretation can be complex.

Objective: This study aimed to develop a deep learning-based classification model that integrates MRCP images and clinical parameters to assist radiologists in diagnosing EHBDO more accurately.

Out-of-Distribution Detection via outlier exposure in federated learning.

Among various out-of-distribution (OOD) detection methods in neural networks, outlier exposure (OE) using auxiliary data has shown to achieve practical performance. However, existing OE methods are typically assumed to run in a centralized manner, and thus are not feasible for a standard federated learning (FL) setting where each client has low computing power and cannot collect a variety of auxiliary samples. To address this issue, we propose a practical yet realistic OE scenario in FL where only the central server has a large amount of outlier data and a relatively small amount of in-distribution (ID) data is given to each client.

Constructing a knee osteoarthritis transplant via the neutrality aggregation operators under spherical fuzzy Z-numbers framework.

Understanding the biomechanics of osteoarthritis is necessary for designing a biomedical knee implant to reduce pain, increase mobility, and enhance the patient's quality of life. The most appropriate implant design may be chosen by using Multi-Attribute Group Decision-Making (MAGDM) techniques, which include a number of variables including material characteristics, biomechanical performance, cost-effectiveness, and patient-specific requirements. Compared to conventional fuzzy set structures, Spherical Fuzzy -Number Sets ( S) provide an enhanced method for resolving uncertainty in MAGDM and are more suited for handling complicated decision-making situations.

Predicting distant metastatic sites of cancer using perturbed correlations of miRNAs with competing endogenous RNAs.

Cancer metastasis is the dissemination of tumor cells from the primary tumor site to other parts of the body via the lymph system or bloodstream. Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer associated death. Despite the significant advances in cancer research and treatment over the past decades, metastasis is not fully understood and difficult to predict in advance.

Exercise improves body composition, physical fitness, and blood levels of C-peptide and IGF-1 in 11- to 12-year-old boys with obesity.

Introduction: Exercise is vital in preventing and treating obesity. Despite its importance, the understanding of how exercise influences childhood obesity at the biochemical level is limited. In this study, we explore the effects of a 16-week exercise program (EP) on body composition, physical fitness, and the blood levels of hormones related to obesity.

Korean Gastric Cancer Association-Led Nationwide Survey on Surgically Treated Gastric Cancers in 2023.

Purpose: Since 1995, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been periodically conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2023.

Materials And Methods: The survey was conducted from March to December 2024 using a standardized case report form.