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.

Effects of Metabolites Derived from Guava ( L.) Leaf Extract Fermented by on Hepatic Energy Metabolism via SIRT1-PGC1α Signaling in Diabetic Mice.

Background/objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered a serious risk to public health since its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide despite numerous therapeutics. Insulin resistance in T2DM contributes to chronic inflammation and other metabolic abnormalities that generate fat accumulation in the liver, eventually leading to the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Recently, the possibility that microbial-derived metabolites may alleviate MAFLD through enterohepatic circulation has emerged, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Comparative toxicity study of hyaluronic acid fillers crosslinked with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether or poly (ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether.

Dermal fillers comprising injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) are widely used for soft tissue augmentation, often using crosslinking agents such as 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) or poly (ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDE). Here, we assessed the physical properties, toxicity, and inflammatory reactions of HA fillers crosslinked with either BDDE (HA-BDDE filler) or PEGDE (HA-PEGDE filler) in in vitro and in vivo investigations. The HA-PEGDE filler exhibited higher G', tan δ, G*, and complex viscosity values compared to the HA-BDDE filler, while maintaining similar cohesivity.

The SGLT2 inhibitor remogliflozin induces vasodilation in the femoral artery of rabbits via activation of a Kv channel, the SERCA pump, and the cGMP signaling pathway.

This study explored the vasodilatory mechanisms of the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor remogliflozin using femoral arteries of rabbits. Remogliflozin dilated femoral arterial rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment with the Ca-sensitive K channel inhibitor (paxilline), the ATP-sensitive K channel inhibitor (glibenclamide), or the inwardly rectifying K channel inhibitor (Ba) did not alter the vasodilatory effect.

Long-term efficacy and safety of perampanel monotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed or currently untreated recurrent focal-onset seizures: Results from the open-label extension phase of FREEDOM (Study 342).

Objective: FREEDOM (Study 342; NCT03201900) assessed the long-term treatment effect of perampanel monotherapy in adolescent and adult patients (12-74 years of age) with untreated focal-onset seizures (FOS), with or without focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (FBTCS).

Methods: In the Core Study, after a 4-week Pretreatment Phase, perampanel was up-titrated to 4 mg/day during a 6-week Titration Period followed by a 26-week Maintenance Period. Patients experiencing seizure(s) during the 4-mg/day Maintenance Period could have perampanel up-titrated to 8 mg/day over 4 weeks then could enter the 26-week 8-mg/day Maintenance Period.

Therapeutic potential of a systemically applied humanized monoclonal antibody targeting Toll‑like receptor 2 in atopic‑dermatitis‑like skin lesions in a mouse model.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent, persistent inflammatory skin disorder distinguished by pruritic and irritated skin. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are specialized receptors that recognize specific patterns associated with pathogens and tissue damage, triggering an innate immune response that protects the host from invading pathogens. Previously, it was demonstrated that intradermal injection of the humanized anti-TLR2 monoclonal antibody (Ab) Tomaralimab effectively relieved AD-like skin inflammation in BALB/c mouse models exposed to house dust mite extracts.

Blood eosinophil count and treatment patterns of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in South Korea using real-world data.

Background/aims: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management guidelines have increasingly emphasised the importance of exacerbation prevention, and the role of blood eosinophil count (BEC) as a biomarker for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) response. This study aimed to describe the distribution and stability of BEC and understand real-world treatment patterns among COPD patients in South Korea.

Methods: This was a retrospective database analysis using data obtained from the KOrea COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) registry between January 2012 and August 2018.

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.

Curcumin and Its Potential to Target the Glycolytic Behavior of Lactate-Acclimated Prostate Carcinoma Cells with Docetaxel.

Dysregulated cellular metabolism is known to be associated with drug resistance in cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated the impact of cellular adaptation to lactic acidosis on intracellular energy metabolism and sensitivity to docetaxel in prostate carcinoma (PC) cells. The effects of curcumin and the role of hexokinase 2 (HK2) in this process were also examined.

Caffeine-Induced Upregulation of and Enhances Intestinal Integrity by Reducing Vitellogenin in Aged Model.

Intestinal aging is characterized by declining protein homeostasis via reduced proteasome activity, which are hallmarks of age-related diseases. Our previous study showed that caffeine intake improved intestinal integrity with age by reducing vitellogenin (VIT, yolk protein) in . In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms by which caffeine intake improves intestinal integrity and reduces vitellogenin (VIT) production in aged .

Nanotechnology for Healthcare: Plant-Derived Nanoparticles in Disease Treatment and Regenerative Medicine.

Nanotechnology has revolutionised biomedical research, offering innovative healthcare solutions. Plant-based nanotechnology is emerging as a sustainable alternative, minimising environmental impacts and enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. This paper explores the potential of plant-derived nanoparticles (PNPs) in medicine, highlighting their biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and eco-friendliness.

Identification of Novel Inhibitors of Starch Excess 4 (SEX4).

This study identified several inhibitors of Starch Excess 4 (SEX4), an enzyme in plants' starch decomposition. Our research aims to inhibit starch breakdown by SEX4 with its potential to significantly impact food security, leading to starch accumulation in plants such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and significant crops like grains and rice. We recognized potential candidates by screening approximately 1840 chemical compounds using the phosphatase assay against NPP.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes Based on Changes in Glycosylated Hemoglobin Levels During First and Second Trimesters of Pregnancy in Women with Pregestational Diabetes: Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study in South Korea.

This study compared glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and assessed maternal and neonatal outcomes according to HbA1c variations among women with pregestational diabetes. This retrospective, multicenter Korean study involved mothers with diabetes who had given birth in 17 hospitals. A total of 292 women were divided into three groups based on HbA1c levels during the first and second trimesters: women with HbA1c levels maintained at <6.

Exploring Voice Acoustic Features Associated with Cognitive Status in Korean Speakers: A Preliminary Machine Learning Study.

: To develop a non-invasive cognitive impairment detection system using speech data analysis, addressing the growing global dementia crisis and enabling accessible early screening through daily health monitoring. : Speech data from 223 Korean patients were collected across eight tasks. Patients were classified based on Korean Mini-Mental State Examination scores.

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.

Gaps and Similarities in Research Use LOINC Codes Utilized in Korean University Hospitals: Towards Semantic Interoperability for Patient Care.

Background: The accuracy of Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) mappings is reportedly low, and the LOINC codes used for research purposes in Korea have not been validated for accuracy or usability. Our study aimed to evaluate the discrepancies and similarities in interoperability using existing LOINC mappings in actual patient care settings.

Methods: We collected data on local test codes and their corresponding LOINC mappings from seven university hospitals.

Cell-Penetrating Peptide Like Anti-Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 Peptide Conjugate-Based Self-Assembled Nanoparticles for Immunogenic Photodynamic Therapy.

The tumor-specific efficacy of the most current anticancer therapeutic agents, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), oligonucleotides, and photosensitizers, is constrained by limitations such as poor cell penetration and low drug delivery. In this study, we addressed these challenges by developing, a positively charged, amphiphilic Chlorin e6 (Ce6)-conjugated, cell-penetrating anti-PD-L1 peptide nanomedicine (CPPD1) with enhanced cell and tissue permeability. The CPPD1 molecule, a bioconjugate of a hydrophobic photosensitizer and strongly positively charged programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) binding cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), is capable of self-assembling into nanoparticles with an average size of 199 nm in aqueous solution without the need for any carriers.

A Narrative Review with Strategic Analysis of Home Care Services for Older Adults in Seoul, South Korea: Toward a Comprehensive Care Approach.

Purpose: This study aimed to establish a role framework and organizational redesign for home care services in response to the evolving internal and external environments in South Korea. The specific objectives were: (1) to perform a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis based on the external and internal factors related to home care services; (2) to propose key ideas for restructuring services and human resources; and (3) to suggest strategies for enhancing the quality of home-based care services.

Patients And Methods: The policy landscape for older adult healthcare in Seoul, South Korea along with the current state and challenges of home care services were reviewed.