Risk Factors for Progressive Disease After Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: This study analyzed the clinical features of patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), who developed progressive disease (PD) after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 256 patients with R/M HNSCC treated with ICIs at 11 medical centers. Associations between the treatment outcomes-best response, overall survival, and progression-free survival-and various clinical factors were analyzed.

A Dynamic Shift in Estrogen Receptor Expression During Granulosa Cell Differentiation in the Ovary.

This study uncovers a dynamic shift in estrogen receptor expression during granulosa cell (GC) differentiation in the ovary, highlighting a transition from estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) to estrogen receptor beta (ESR2). Using a transgenic mouse model with Esr1-iCre-mediated Esr2 deletion, we demonstrate that ESR2 expression is absent in GCs derived from ESR1-expressing ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) cells. Single-cell analysis of the OSE-GC lineage reveals a developmental trajectory from Esr1-expressing OSE cells to Foxl2-expressing pre-GCs, culminating in GCs exclusively expressing Esr2.

NTRC mediates the coupling of chloroplast redox rhythm with nuclear circadian clock in plant cells.

The intricate interplay between cellular circadian rhythms, primarily manifested in the chloroplast redox oscillations-characterized by diel hyperoxidation/reduction cycles of 2-Cys Peroxiredoxins-and the nuclear transcription/translation feedback loop (TTFL) machinery within plant cells, demonstrates a remarkable temporal coherence. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the integration of these circadian rhythms remain elusive. Here, we elucidate that the chloroplast redox protein, NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase type-C (NTRC), modulates the integration of the chloroplast redox rhythms and nuclear circadian clocks by regulating intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species and sucrose.

The association between health literacy, private health insurance, and medical expenditure in South Korea.

Background: Health literacy (HL) is crucial for effective healthcare utilization, but its relationship with private health insurance (PHI) enrollment and medical expenditure in South Korea remains unexplored.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the associations between HL, PHI enrollment, and annual out-of-pocket (OOP) medical expenditure in South Korea's universal healthcare system.

Methods: Using data from the 2021 Korea Health Panel Study, we analyzed 5,469 participants aged 19-65.

Exploiting latent microbial potentials for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates: A holistic approach.

Plastics are versatile, however, nonbiodegradable polymers that are primarily derived from fossil fuels and pose notable environmental challenges. However, biopolymers, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), poly(lactic acid), starch, and cellulose have emerged as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. Among these, PHAs stand out as strong contenders as they are completely bio-based and biodegradable and are synthesized by microbes as an energy reserve under stress conditions.

Erratum to: Corrigendum: 2023 Korean Society of Menopause - Osteoporosis Guidelines Part I.

This corrects the article on p. 126 in vol. 30, PMID: 39315504.

Enhanced physicochemical, rheological and antioxidant properties of highly succinylated succinoglycan exopolysaccharides obtained through succinic anhydride esterification reaction.

Highly succinylated succinoglycan (HS-SG) was prepared by reacting succinic anhydride with succinoglycan (SG) exopolysaccharide isolated from Sinorhizobium meliloti. The rheological, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant effects of HS-SG were evaluated in comparison with SG. NMR and FTIR analyses confirmed that HS-SG retained the characteristic glycosidic structure of SG while showing a relative increase in succinyl functional groups.

Phase transitions and morphology control of Langmuir Blodget (LB) films of graphene oxide.

Hypothesis: Understanding the Langmuir film formation process of flexible and soft materials like graphene oxide (GO) is essential, as it shows different trends compared to the conventional surface pressure-area (π-A) and compressional modulus (ε) isotherms of hard materials. Additionally, the size distribution and mechanical properties of the GO are assumed to affect the distinctive Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film morphologies, such as overlaps and wrinkles.

Experiment: To gain a deeper insights of phase transitions in GO LB films, we propose a novel analysis of elastic tensile modulus versus surface pressure (|ε|-π) isotherms.

Vitamin D deficiency may accelerate cognitive decline in female apolipoprotein E ε4 non-carriers.

Background & Aims: The impact of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) on cognition remains controversial. Evidences suggest that variability based on apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status and gender, given APOE ε4's influence on vitamin D metabolism and women's heightened vitamin D sensitivity. We investigated the interplay between APOE ε4, gender, and VDD in cognitive decline among older adults.

Clinical feasibility of deep learning-driven magnetic resonance angiography collateral map in acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke.

To validate the clinical feasibility of deep learning-driven magnetic resonance angiography (DL-driven MRA) collateral map in acute ischemic stroke. We employed a 3D multitask regression and ordinal regression deep neural network, called as 3D-MROD-Net, to generate DL-driven MRA collateral maps. Two raters graded the collateral perfusion scores of both conventional and DL-driven MRA collateral maps and measured the grading time.

Recent progress in CRISPR/Cas9 system for eye disorders.

Ocular disorders encompass a broad spectrum of phenotypic and clinical symptoms resulting from several genetic variants and environmental factors. The unique anatomy and physiology of the eye facilitate validation of cutting-edge gene editing treatments. Genome editing developments have allowed researchers to treat a variety of diseases, including ocular disorders.

Facile Strategy for Reducing Cell-to-Module Efficiency Gap in Organic Solar Cells by Controlling the Preaggregation of Photoactive Solutions.

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have recently achieved efficiencies of >20% in single-junction unit cells owing to rapid advancements in materials and device technologies. Large-area OSCs face several challenges that adversely affect their efficiency compared to small unit cells. These challenges include increased resistance loads derived from their larger dimensions, as well as limitations related to morphology, miscibility, and crystallinity.

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.

Horticultural activity in soil inoculated with Streptomyces rimosus improved depressive mood with altered electroencephalogram and serum metabolism in adults.

This study investigated the psychophysiological and metabolomic changes during horticultural activities involving the inhalation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in individuals experiencing depressive mood based on the presence or absence of the soil microbe Streptomyces rimosus, which emits VOCs. Thirty participants met the specific depression and anxiety criteria and engaged in horticultural activities using soil inoculated with S. rimosus (experimental group) or medium (control group).

Hematospermia does not increase the risk of prostate cancer detection in prostate biopsy.

Background: Studies on the association between hematospermia and prostate cancer are insufficient. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of prostate cancer in patients with hematospermia using large United States population data.

Materials And Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study.

Mutated IL-32θ (A94V) inhibits COX2, GM-CSF and CYP1A1 through AhR/ARNT and MAPKs/NF-κB/AP-1 in keratinocytes exposed to PM.

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) in the air harms human health. Most studies on particulate matter's (PM) effects have primarily focused on respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, IL-32θ, one of the IL-32 isoforms, has been demonstrated to modulate cancer development and inflammatory responses.

Therapeutic effects of CGS21680, a selective A receptor agonist, via BDNF-related pathways in R106W mutation Rett syndrome model.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the X-linked methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), leading to cognitive and motor skill regression. Therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been reported; however, BDNF treatment has limitations, including the inability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, a short half-life, and potential for adverse effects when administered via intrathecal injection, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, we focused on the adenosine A receptor (AR), which modulates BDNF and its downstream pathways, and investigated the therapeutic potential of CGS21680, an AR agonist, through in vitro and in vivo studies using R106W RTT model.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly in a dog: a case report.

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA), also called Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome, is an extremely rare Müllerian duct anomaly accompanied by Wolffian duct anomalies. A 10-year-old intact female Yorkshire Terrier weighing 3.35 kg was presented with anorexia, depression, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Is early use of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) necessary even in diabetic patients without cardiovascular disease: a prospective study regarding the effect of SGLT2i on left ventricular diastolic function.

Background: There are insufficient studies to determine whether sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) will help reduce early diabetic cardiomyopathy, especially in patients without documented cardiovascular disease.

Methods: We performed a single center, prospective observation study. A total of 90 patients with type 2 diabetes patients without established heart failure or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were enrolled.

The immune-inflammatory responses on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the neurovascular unit in perioperative neurocognitive disorder.

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) refer to a wide spectrum of cognitive impairment persisting days to even after a year postoperative with significant morbidity and mortality. However, despite much efforts involving perioperative managements, PNDs are still prevalent with no standard preventative and therapeutic strategy. To overcome PNDs, a better understanding of pathophysiology of PNDs is crucial and a large number of studies have proven that immune-inflammatory responses from surgical stress are involved in the abnormal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and destabilization of neurovascular unit (NVU) that lead to PNDs.

Cognitive response to energy variations in Non-Contact tactile sensations interface using Laser-Induced plasma.

Laser-induced plasma technology provides a novel method for generating tactile sensations without physical contact, offering precise and controlled stimulation. However, the impact of varying energy levels on human cognitive and perceptual responses is not yet fully understood. This study aimed to present tactile sensations using laser-induced plasma in a non-contact manner and investigate the cognitive characteristics linked to changes in the plasma's energy parameters, specifically Pulse Width (PW) and Set Current (SC).

Molecular epidemiology, evolution, and transmission dynamics of raccoon rabies virus in Connecticut.

In North America, raccoon rabies virus (RRV) is a public health concern due to its potential for rapid spread, maintenance in wildlife, and impact on human and domesticated animal health. RRV is an endemic zoonotic pathogen throughout the eastern USA. In 1991, an outbreak of RRV in Fairfield County, Connecticut, spread through the state and eventually throughout the Northeast and into Canada.

Research on unintroduced new drugs in South Korea from 2011 to 2020: approaches to prioritization and strategy.

In recent years, with the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries around the world have realized that improving patient access to new medicines can have a significant impact on public health and economic stability. The aim of this study was to identify new drugs that are urgently needed among those not yet available in South Korea from 2011 to 2020, and to develop strategies to improve access by analyzing the causes of delay. Through a 3-step screening process that included a literature review of new drugs, surveys of domestic clinicians and academics, and consideration of expedited review status by regulatory authorities, 34 out of 244 unreleased new drugs were prioritized for rapid introduction.

Activation of Immune Responses Through the RIG-I Pathway Using TRITC-Dextran Encapsulated Nanoparticles.

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are highly conserved motifs originating from microorganisms that act as ligands for pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which are crucial for defense against pathogens. Thus, PAMP-mimicking vaccines may induce potent immune activation and provide broad-spectrum protection against microbes. Dextran encapsulation can regulate the surface characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) and induces their surface modification.

Dehydroandrographolide succinate attenuates dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by regulating Akt/GSK3β and MuRF-1 pathways.

Andrographis paniculata (AGPA) is known for its wide-ranging biological activities, including antiviral, antipyretic, and anticancer properties. However, its effects on muscle atrophy have not been well understood. This study investigates the impact of andrographolide (AD) and dehydroandrographolide succinate (DAS), key components of AGPA, on skeletal muscle atrophy using in vitro and in vivo models.