Gut Microbial Dysbiosis and Implications in Solid Organ Transplantation.

The gut microbiome has been shown to play a significant role in solid organ transplantation, potentially influencing graft function and patient outcomes. Dysbiosis, characterized by reduced microbial diversity and an increase in pathogenic taxa, has been linked to higher incidences of allograft rejection, graft dysfunction, and post-transplant mortality. Several studies suggest that the gut microbiome might be able to serve as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target, potentially guiding personalized immunosuppressive therapies and other interventions to improve outcomes after solid organ transplantation.

Trans-Coronary Sinus Intra-Septal Radiofrequency Ablation (TIRA) for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: First-in-Human Results.

Background: Current treatments for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), including medication, surgery, and alcohol septal ablation (ASA), have limitations in terms of efficacy and safety. To address these challenges, we developed the trans-coronary intra-septal radiofrequency ablation (TIRA) device.

Methods: This first-in-human trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of the TIRA device.

Metabolic Syndrome, Kidney-Related Adiposity, and Kidney Microcirculation: Unraveling the Damage.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of interrelated risk factors, including insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and visceral adiposity, all of which contribute to kidney microvascular injury and the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the specific impact of each component of MetS on kidney microcirculation remains unclear. Given the increasing prevalence of obesity, understanding how visceral fat-particularly fat surrounding the kidneys-affects kidney microcirculation is critical.

A Comprehensive Health Screening Program Reveals the Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

: We investigated the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and associated risk factors in Korean subjects who underwent comprehensive health screening examinations. : This single health screening center-based cross-sectional study included a total of 73,574 consecutive participants older than 30 years who underwent a health screening examination, including fundus photography, between October 2003 and December 2010. Weighted prevalence and risk factors for AMD were evaluated.

Deprivation and Aspiration Strains as Function of Mental Health Among Chinese Adults: Study of a National Sample.

China is in a period of rapid transformation of economic and social development. The imbalance in the distribution of social benefits, focusing on adjustment and reorganization, has led to an increase in relative deprivation. Studies have shown that relative deprivation leads to a decline in personal mental health.

Improving the Health and Environmental Health Literacy of Professionals: Evaluating the Effect of a Virtual Intervention on Phthalate Environmental Health Literacy.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provided updated guidance in 2021, recommending that reproductive health professionals should include discussion of environmental exposures with their patients. However, environmental health is seldom included in medical training, with endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates-linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes-being among the least discussed. We developed a one-hour virtual educational intervention to train reproductive health professionals on the routes of phthalate exposure, potential associated health impacts, and suggestions on how to discuss exposure reduction with patients.

Feasibility of Schema Therapy for Recurrent Depression in a Disaster Relief Worker with Prior Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Using Prolonged Exposure Therapy.

This report presents the follow-up treatment course of a previously published case that demonstrated the effectiveness of prolonged exposure (PE) therapy for a disaster relief worker. The patient, a municipal employee in Fukushima Prefecture, developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mood disorders after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent disasters. This follow-up focuses on the period from 2021 to early 2024, during which the patient experienced symptom recurrence after his father's death.

Prenatal Ultrasound Findings and Chromosomal Outcomes of Pregnancies with Mosaic Embryo Transfer.

Background: To investigate prenatal ultrasound findings and the chromosomal outcomes of mosaic embryo transfer.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on pregnant women who underwent mosaic embryo transfer following blastocyst-stage preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) at CHA Gangnam Medical Center from January 2021 to July 2024. Trophectoderm biopsy specimens were collected using standard protocols, and next-generation sequencing profiles were defined as mosaics when displaying copy number counts in the 20-80% range.

Enhancing Salty Taste Perception in Stroke Patients via Anodal Electrical Stimulation to the Chin.

A lower salt intake is an effective management strategy for hypertension and ultimately stroke. However, this strategy compromises the taste of food. To overcome this, a taste manipulation strategey using electronic taste simulation (ETS) has been established, but this has only been studied in healthy individuals.

Epigenetic Regulation and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: From MeCP2 to the TCF20/PHF14 Complex.

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) affect approximately 15% of children and adolescents worldwide. This group of disorders is often polygenic with varying risk factors, with many associated genes converging on shared molecular pathways, including chromatin regulation and transcriptional control. Understanding how NDD-associated chromatin regulators and protein complexes orchestrate these regulatory pathways is crucial for elucidating NDD pathogenesis and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.

Transcriptomic Changes in Human Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Across Culture Passages.

Background/objectives: Tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) are in the limelight in regenerative medicine due to their high proliferation and differentiation potential. It is important to conduct studies to determine the optimal conditions for achieving the maximum yield while maintaining the optimal differentiation capacity of TMSCs.

Methods: This study explores the impact of serial subculture on TMSCs by analyzing gene expression at passages 2, 4, 6, and 8.

Long Non-Coding RNAs as Diagnostic Biomarkers for Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Ischemic stroke is a serious cerebrovascular disease, highlighting the urgent need for reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis. Recent reports suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can be potential biomarkers for ischemic stroke. Therefore, our study seeks to investigate the potential diagnostic value of lncRNAs for ischemic stroke by analyzing existing research.

Conventional Cytogenetic Analysis of Solid Tumor Abnormalities: A 25-Year Review of Proficiency Test Results from the College of American Pathologists/American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Cytogenetics Committee.

The joint College of American Pathologists/American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Cytogenetics Committee works to ensure the competency and proficiency of clinical cytogenetic testing laboratories through proficiency testing (PT) programs for various clinical tests offered by such laboratories, including the evaluation of cytogenetic abnormalities in solid tumors. Review and analyze 25 years (1999-2023) of solid tumor chromosome analysis PT results, utilizing G-banded karyograms. A retrospective review of results from 1999 to 2023 was performed, identifying the challenges addressing solid tumors.

Deeply Saddening Life Events Play a Carcinogenic Role by Inducing Mutations in and Genes.

Background/objectives: In the past few decades, many studies have been conducted to find out that psychological stress and cancer are closely linked. Moreover, it was reported that stress can induce mutations in gene level. Therefore, in this study we want to examine a relationship between stressful life events, gene mutation and cancer.

Bayesian Regression Analysis for Dependent Data with an Elliptical Shape.

This paper proposes a parametric hierarchical model for functional data with an elliptical shape, using a Gaussian process prior to capturing the data dependencies that reflect systematic errors while modeling the underlying curved shape through a von Mises-Fisher distribution. The model definition, Bayesian inference, and MCMC algorithm are discussed. The effectiveness of the model is demonstrated through the reconstruction of curved trajectories using both simulated and real-world examples.

7--Carboxylic Acid-Substituted 3--Alkyl Difluoroquercetin; An Aztreonam-Potentiating Agent Against Carbapenemase-Producing Through Simultaneous Inhibition of Metallo-β-Lactamase and Efflux Pump.

Previously, we reported that 3--alkyl difluoroquercetins (di-F-Q) potentiates the antimicrobial activity of aztreonam (ATM) against metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing through simultaneous inhibition of MBLs and efflux pumps. However, the ATM-potentiating activity of the 3--alkyl di-F-Q was observed only at high and potentially toxic concentrations (32 mg/L). As both MBLs and efflux pumps reside in the periplasm of Gram-negative bacteria, their inhibitors should accumulate in the periplasmic space.

Clinical Utility of Broad-Range PCR Testing and Impact on Outcomes in Adults with Suspected Infection.

: The development of broad-range polymerase chain reaction (BR-PCR) and next-generation sequencing techniques has significant implications for antimicrobial stewardship by increasing clinicians' ability to provide a tailored antimicrobial regimen. We sought to explore the clinical utility of BR-PCR testing and its impact on antimicrobial treatment among an adult cohort in a large hospital system. : We retrospectively evaluated samples that underwent BR-PCR testing between 2017 and 2021 and summarized their clinical characteristics and impact on antimicrobial therapy.

"Beyond the Knife"-Applying Theranostic Technologies to Enhance Outcomes in Neurosurgical Oncology.

The current standard of care for brain tumor management includes maximal safe surgical resection followed by concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Recent advances in image-guided surgical techniques have enhanced the precision of tumor resections, yet there remains a critical need for innovative technologies to further improve patient outcomes. Techniques such as fluorescence image-guided neurosurgery in combination with stereotactic radiosurgery have improved outcomes for patients with brain tumors.

Within- and Between-Person Correlates of Affect and Sleep Health Among Health Science Students.

Background/objectives: To examine the relationships between state affect and sleep health at within- and between-person levels among health science students.

Methods: A correlational design was used and 54 health science students were included. The participants completed baseline and 7-day ambulatory assessments in a free-living setting.

Pediatric Fibrous Dysplasia of the Skull Base: Update on Management and Treatment.

Background: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is often difficult for skull base surgeons to address. FD arises due to the abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts, ultimately resulting in immature osseous tissue replacing normal cancellous bone. When the skull base is involved, it can result in cranial nerve compression.

rTMS Modulation of Behavioral and Biological Measures in 3xTg-AD Mice.

Background/objectives: The biological basis for behavioral manifestations of Alzheimer's disease remains unclear. Emotional and behavioral alterations of Alzheimer's disease can result in substantial caregiver burden and lack effective management. This study expands upon previous work investigating behavioral alterations in mice with Alzheimer's disease and a potential treatment of increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

Personalized Dose Selection for Treatment of Patients with Neuropsychiatric Disorders Using tDCS.

: Individualizing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) parameters can improve precision in neuropsychiatric disorders. One important decision for the clinician is the selection of an appropriate montage-conventional or high-definition (HD)-to implement dose-controlled tDCS while maintaining the patient's safety. : The present study simulated tDCS administration using T1-weighted brain images of 50 dementia, 25 depression patients, and 25 healthy individuals for two conventional and HD montages, targeting the regions of interest (ROIs) in the dorsal and ventral pathways that support language processing.

MicroRNA-150 Deletion from Adult Myofibroblasts Augments Maladaptive Cardiac Remodeling Following Chronic Myocardial Infarction.

MicroRNA (miR: small noncoding RNA)-150 is evolutionarily conserved and is downregulated in patients with diverse forms of heart failure (HF) and in multiple mouse models of HF. Moreover, miR-150 is markedly correlated with the outcome of patients with HF. We previously reported that systemic or cardiomyocyte-derived miR-150 in mice elicited myocardial protection through the inhibition of cardiomyocyte death, without affecting neovascularization and T cell infiltration.

Research Progress of Liquid Biopsy Based on DNA Methylation in Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment.

Liquid biopsy has been gradually applied to the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors because of its non-invasive and real-time reflection of the tumor status, as well as the convenience of sample collection, which allows the detection of primary or metastatic malignant tumors and reflects the heterogeneity of the tumors. DNA methylation, which is a type of epigenetic modification, is essential in the progression of tumors. This review introduces the common DNA methylation analysis methods and discusses their advantages and disadvantages, focusing on the new progress of DNA methylation-based liquid biopsy in tumor diagnosis and treatment.

Integrated Single-Cell Analysis Revealed Novel Subpopulations of Foamy Macrophages in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques.

Foam cell formation is a hallmark of atherosclerosis, yet the cellular complexity within foam cells in human plaques remains unexplored. Here, we integrate published single-cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomic, and chromatin accessibility sequencing datasets of human atherosclerotic lesions across eight distinct studies. Through this large-scale integration of patient-derived information, we identified foamy macrophages enriched for genes characteristic of the foamy signature.