Sulfonic acid functionalized β-amyloid peptide aggregation inhibitors and antioxidant agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Combining machine learning, computational, in vitro and in vivo approaches.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized as a neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by plaque formation by accumulating β-amyloid (Aβ), leading to neurocognitive function and impaired mental development. Thus, targeting Aβ represents a promising target for the development of therapeutics in AD management. Several functionalized sulfonic acid molecules have been reported, including tramiprosate prodrug, which is currently in clinical trial III and exhibits a good response in mild to moderate AD patients.

Pine (Pinus koraiensis) Nut Oil Ameliorates Cholesterol Homeostasis and Inflammation via Modulating the miR-34a/122 Pathways in the Liver of Rats Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet.

Background: Pine (Pinus koraiensis) nut oil (PNO) has been reported to have various beneficial effects on hepatic triglyceride accumulation and atherosclerosis in animal models. MicroRNAs (miRs) are involved in various diseases by modulating physiological processes. However, the mechanism underlying PNO's effects on the regulation of miRs involved in hepatic cholesterol homeostasis and inflammation remains unclear.

Functional analysis of AtTX11/12 TIR-domain proteins identifies key residues for basal and temperature-insensitive growth inhibition.

Plant Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domains function as NADases and ribosyl-transferases generating second messengers that trigger hypersensitive responses. TIR-X (TX) proteins contain a TIR domain with or without various C-terminal domains and lack the canonical nucleotide-binding site and leucine-rich repeat domain. In a previous study, we identified an Arabidopsis thaliana activation-tagging line with severe growth defects caused by the overexpression of the AtTX12 gene.

Direct effects of antipsychotics on potassium channels.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) and are severe psychiatric conditions that contribute to disability and increased healthcare costs globally. Although first-, second-, and third-generation antipsychotics are available for treating BD and SCZ, most have various side effects unrelated to their unique functions. Many antipsychotics affect K channels (Kv, K, Kir, K, and other channels), which change the functions of various organs.

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in surface soils and street dusts in Detroit, Michigan.

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic contaminants that were produced and used in large quantities for their stability, inertness, and other desirable electrical, cooling, and lubricating properties. Due to their environmental persistence and improper disposal, these contaminants have become broadly distributed in the environment. This study examines the levels, composition, distribution, and potential sources of these compounds in surface soils and street dusts collected at 19 residential and industrial areas in Detroit, Michigan.

Quantifying the variation patterns and environmental controls of forest litterfall: A regional synthesis of ecological data across South Korea.

Enhancing the strength of forest carbon sinks is critical in the wake of the accelerating global climate change and intensifying greenhouse effect. However, the regional patterns and environmental controls of forest litter, a major carbon pool and entry pathway from tree-to-soil systems, remain uncertain. Herein, we consolidated up to a decade of data from six ecological studies (totaling 28 stands) conducted across South Korea between 1999 and 2022 (spanning 23 years) to examine variations in total and component-based litterfall with geo-topography and climate.

Artificial intelligence-enhanced comprehensive assessment of the aortic valve stenosis continuum in echocardiography.

Background: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the primary modality for diagnosing aortic stenosis (AS), yet it requires skilled operators and can be resource-intensive. We developed and validated an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system for evaluating AS that is effective in both resource-limited and advanced settings.

Methods: We created a dual-pathway AI system for AS evaluation using a nationwide echocardiographic dataset (developmental dataset, n = 8427): 1) a deep learning (DL)-based AS continuum assessment algorithm using limited 2D TTE videos, and 2) automating conventional AS evaluation.

LM22A-4-loaded smart mesoporous balls enhance neuroprotection and functional recovery after ischemic stroke.

Stroke is globally recognized as the second leading cause of death, significantly impairing both motor and cognitive functions. Enhancing regeneration after stroke is crucial for restoring these functions and necessitates strategies to promote neuroregeneration to achieve better post-stroke outcomes. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a key role in neuroregeneration by influencing motor ability, learning, memory, and rehabilitation after stroke.

Gender differences in awareness and practices of cancer prevention recommendations in Korea: a cross-sectional survey.

Objectives: Gender is a major determinant of health behaviors that influences cancer prevention awareness and practices. This study investigated the relationship of the awareness and practice rates of cancer prevention recommendations with gender and socioeconomic status.

Methods: We used data from the Korean National Cancer Prevention Awareness and Practice Survey (2023).

Machine learning-integrated droplet microfluidic system for accurate quantification and classification of microplastics.

Microplastic (MP) pollution poses serious environmental and public health concerns, requiring efficient detection methods. Conventional techniques have the limitations of labor-intensive workflows and complex instrumentation, hindering rapid on-site field analysis. Here, we present the Machine learning (ML)-Integrated Droplet-based REal-time Analysis of MP (MiDREAM) system.

Economic evaluation of mass screening as a strategy for hepatitis C virus elimination in South Korea.

Background: This study examines Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening scenarios to meet World Health Organization (WHO) elimination targets (incidence ≤5 per 100,000, mortality ≤2 per 100,000) and assesses their timeframes and cost-effectiveness.

Methods: A closed cohort model of Koreans aged 30-79 in 2020 projected HCV incidence and mortality over 20 years. Economic evaluations used a dynamic transmission model, considering prevalent and annual incident cases.

Image quality assessment and white matter hyperintensity quantification in two accelerated high-resolution 3D FLAIR techniques: Wave-CAIPI and deep learning-based SPACE.

Aim: To compare the image quality obtained using two accelerated high-resolution 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) techniques for the brain-deep learning-reconstruction SPACE (DL-SPACE) and Wave-CAIPI FLAIR.

Materials And Methods: A total of 123 participants who underwent DL-SPACE and Wave-CAIPI FLAIR brain imaging were retrospectively reviewed. In a qualitative analysis, two radiologists rated the quality of each image, including the overall image quality, artifacts, sharpness, fine-structure conspicuity, and lesion conspicuity based on Likert scales.

Prognostic Value of POST-Treatment Extent of Tumor (POSTTEXT) System in Patients with Hepatoblastoma.

Purpose: To assess prognostic values of the POST-Treatment Extent of Tumor (POSTTEXT) system and clinical factors after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in hepatoblastoma patients and evaluate benefits of posttreatment imaging and clinical factors concomitant with Children's Hepatic Tumors International Collaboration-Hepatoblastoma Stratification (CHIC-HS) system.

Materials And Methods: This single-center retrospective study of hepatoblastoma cases (2006-2022) included pediatric patients receiving ≥ 4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with pre- and post-treatment imaging and complete medical records. Clinical data included age, sex, and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels.

Physiological effects of suspended sediments on marine fish across habitat, development, and behavioral factors.

This study evaluated the physiological responses of four marine fish species (Lateolabrax japonicus, Sebastes schlegelii, Platichthys stellatus, and Paralichthys olivaceus) to suspended sediments (SS) generated by marine sand mining. Using oxygen consumption rate (OCR), osmolality, and mortality as endpoints, the effects of SS concentrations ranging from 0 to 10,000 mg L were assessed. L.

Influence of saline water and heavy rain on the fate of chlorinated ethenes in groundwater characterized by compound-specific isotope and microbial data.

Chlorinated ethenes are prevalent contaminants in industrial wastewater that detrimentally affect human health. As elevated tetrachloroethene (PCE) concentrations (18.0-18.

Current understanding of human bioaccumulation patterns and health effects of exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent organic pollutant of global concern due to its environmental presence,bioaccumulative potential and toxicological impacts. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding PFOS exposure, bioaccumulation patterns and adverse health outcomes in human population. Analysis of worldwide biomonitoring data, and epidemiological studies reveals PFOS systemic effects, including immunological dysfunction (decreased vaccine response), developmental toxicity (reduced birth weight), hepatic metabolic disruption, potential carcinogenogenicity, and reproductive abnormalities.

Impact of Heterosigma akashiwo on the environmental behavior of microplastics: Aggregation, sinking, and resuspension dynamics.

Aggregation processes of microalgae have significant effects on the vertical distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the marine environment. This study explored how the harmful microalga Heterosigma akashiwo affects the aggregation and sinking characteristics of four types of MPs: low and high-density polyethylene (PE) spheres, and small and large polypropylene (PP) fragments. The aggregation of MPs was primarily driven by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) rather than direct attachment to the cells, contributing to their sinking.

Association of the skin microbiome with the biomechanical scar properties in patients with burns.

Background And Objectives: Skin microbiome dysbiosis can cause skin barrier dysfunction and stimulate scar property change. Skin barrier disruption post-burn injury leads to an imbalance in skin microbe diversity and distribution. We aimed to examine the changes in the skin microbiome of re-epithelialized burn scars.

A synchronized event-cue feedback loop integrating a 3D printed wearable flexible sensor-tactor platform.

Wearable devices designed for the somatosensory system aim to provide event-cue feedback electronics and therapeutic stimulation to the peripheral nervous system. This prompts a neurological response that is relayed back to the central nervous system. Unlike virtual reality tools, these devices precisely target peripheral mechanoreceptors by administering specific stimuli.

Hemostatic Efficacy of TachoSil in Loop Electrosurgical Excisional Procedure: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the hemostatic efficacy of the fibrin sealant patch (TachoSil) after loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP) and its influence on other complications and quality of life (QoL).

Materials And Methods: This single-blind, prospective, randomized study involved patients undergoing LEEP with or without TachoSil (1:1) between August 2014 and August 2015 in Asan Medical Center, Korea. Primary outcome measures were bleeding duration and the frequency of additional treatment owing to vaginal bleeding within 2 weeks after LEEP.

Abelacimab versus Rivaroxaban in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Abelacimab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to the inactive form of factor XI and blocks its activation. The safety of abelacimab as compared with a direct oral anticoagulant in patients with atrial fibrillation is unknown.

Methods: Patients with atrial fibrillation and a moderate-to-high risk of stroke were randomly assigned, in a 1:1:1 ratio, to receive subcutaneous injection of abelacimab (150 mg or 90 mg once monthly) administered in a blinded fashion or oral rivaroxaban (20 mg once daily) administered in an open-label fashion.

Generative deep learning approach to predict posttreatment optical coherence tomography images of age-related macular degeneration after 12 months.

Purpose: Predicting long-term anatomical responses in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients is critical for patient-specific management. This study validates a generative deep learning (DL) model to predict 12-month posttreatment optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and evaluates the impact of incorporating clinical data on predictive performance.

Methods: A total of 533 eyes from 513 treatment-naïve nAMD patients were analyzed.

Rare Indocyanine-Induced Anaphylactic Shock During Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Breast Reconstruction: A Case Report.

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a water-soluble green substance that is detectable through infrared cameras and emits greenish light. Approved for medical use in the 1950s, ICG has gained prominence as a real-time visualization tool. Widely recognized as a generally safe substance, ICG is applied in diverse fields.

Simple Approach to Cosmetic Medial Epicanthoplasty: A Modification of the Skin Redraping Method.

Background: The medial epicanthal fold is a common ethnic trait in East Asian faces, and there is a significant demand for its correction for cosmetic reasons. Numerous epicanthoplasty techniques have been proposed; however, visible scarring and unnatural canthal shapes have been challenges. This study aimed to introduce a simpler approach for medial epicanthoplasty to address these issues and evaluate its outcomes.

Accuracy of Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Based on Distance from Haptic to Principal Object Plane.

Purpose: To investigate the impact of the distance from the most-anterior surface of the optic to the principal object plane (POP) and from the foremost haptic to the principal object plane (H-POP) on the intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation.

Setting: A tertiary hospital.

Design: Optical simulation and retrospective cross-sectional study.