Improvement in Central Sensitization Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With Severe Preoperative Pain and Affects Postoperative Quality of Life: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: Central sensitization (CS) is associated with quality of life (QOL) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, how CS changes after TKA and whether these changes have clinical relevance remain unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify changes in CS after TKA and to assess the clinical significance of these changes.

Characterisation of the Novel HLA-C*03:657 Allele in a Korean Individual by Next-Generation Sequencing.

HLA-C*03:657 differs from HLA-C*03:04:01:02 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 82 in exon 2.

Bioactive Functionalized Chitosan Thermo-Responsive Hydrogels as Promising Platforms for Therapeutic, Regenerative Oral, and Maxillofacial Applications.

Due to their superior physicochemical features, chitosan thermosensitive hydrogels are multipurpose platforms that are frequently used in the biomedical industry. Many investigations have been conducted recently to modify their pore dimensions, expansion, biodegradability, stimulus-reaction characteristics, and other characteristics in order to better tailor them to the complex craniofacial tissues. They have been the focus of various studies that have attempted to load biological cargos for therapeutic and regenerative uses in the oro-facial tissues.

Knockout of Pro-Apoptotic BAX and BAK1 Genes in HEK293T Cells Enhances Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Production: AAV2 and AAV9.

Increasing demand for adeno-associated virus (AAV) used in gene therapy highlights the need to enhance AAV production. When intracellular AAV2 and extracellular AAV9 were produced in HEK293T cells using the triple transfection method, apoptosis occurred during the AAV production. To mitigate apoptosis induced by AAV production, the pro-apoptotic BAX/BAK1 genes were knocked out in HEK293T cells.

Noninvasive in vivo imaging of macrophages: understanding tumor microenvironments and delivery of therapeutics.

Macrophages are pivotal in the body's defense and response to inflammation. They are present in significant numbers and are widely implicated in various diseases, including cancer. While molecular and histological techniques have advanced our understanding of macrophage biology, their precise function within the cancerous microenvironments remains underexplored.

Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism in Asian Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/aims: Although incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been gradually increasing throughout Asia, incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Asia is relatively lower than that in Western and is not well known. This study aimed to evaluate incidence of VTE in Asian IBD patients using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Studies were identified through literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases (from inception inclusive April 2024) for English studies.

Second-generation anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer's disease: current landscape and future perspectives.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. Monoclonal antibodies (MABs) serve as a promising therapeutic approach for AD by selectively targeting key pathogenic factors, such as amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, tau protein, and neuroinflammation. Specifically, based on their efficacy in removing Aβ plaques from the brains of patients with AD, the U.

Reno-protective effects of xanthine oxidase inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The effect of lowering uric acid levels on renal function in patients with diabetic kidney disease remains unclear. Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported conflicting results regarding the effects of xanthine oxidase inhibitors on renal function. This study aimed to examine the renoprotective effects of xanthine oxidase inhibitors (febuxostat and topiroxostat) in patients with diabetic kidney disease.

Metabarcoding for the Monitoring of the Microbiome and Parasitome of Medically Important Mosquito Species in Two Urban and Semi-urban Areas of South Korea.

Interactions between microbial communities and the host can modulate mosquito biology, including vector competence. Therefore, future vector biocontrol measures will utilize these interactions and require extensive monitoring of the mosquito microbiome. Metabarcoding strategies will be useful for conducting vector monitoring on a large scale.

Chromosome-scale genome assembly of Korean goosegrass (Eleusine indica).

Goosegrass, belonging to the genus Eleusine within the Chloridoideae subfamily, is often one of the problematic weeds with strong invasiveness, competing with crops for essential survival resources. Although a chromosome-level genome assembly of E. indica from China was published last year, the present research focuses on a population of E.

Impacts of irrigation expansion on moist-heat stress based on IRRMIP results.

Irrigation rapidly expanded during the 20 century, affecting climate via water, energy, and biogeochemical changes. Previous assessments of these effects predominantly relied on a single Earth System Model, and therefore suffered from structural model uncertainties. Here we quantify the impacts of historical irrigation expansion on climate by analysing simulation results from six Earth system models participating in the Irrigation Model Intercomparison Project (IRRMIP).

Family caregivers' perception of pressure ulcer prevention devices and equipment for patients with cerebrovascular and spinal disease.

Background: Family caregivers play a crucial role in preventing pressure ulcers in patients with cerebrovascular and spinal diseases. Despite the availability of advanced devices, including Internet of Things(IoT) based smart mattresses, the adoption and effectiveness of these technologies are influenced by caregivers' experiences and perceptions.

Objective: To investigate the experiences and perceptions of family caregivers regarding pressure ulcer prevention devices and equipment, with a focus on the factors influencing the intention to adopt IoT-based smart mattresses.

Functional analysis of quorum sensing-mediated pathogenicity in Burkholderia contaminans SK875 using transposon mutagenesis.

Burkholderia contaminans SK875, a member of Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), are known to cause lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. To gain deeper insights into its quorum sensing (QS)-mediated pathogenicity, we employed a transposon (Tn) insertion-based random mutagenesis approach. A Tn mutant library comprising of 15,000 transconjugants was generated through conjugation between wild-type (WT) recipient B.

A microglial kinase ITK mediating neuroinflammation and behavioral deficits in traumatic brain injury.

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation has been implicated in the neuropathology of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Recently, the expression of interleukin-2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK) has been detected in brain microglia, regulating their inflammatory activities. However, the role of microglial ITK in TBI has not been investigated.

Comprehensive Analysis of Apigetrin's Effects on Liver Cancer Cells: Insights from Bioinformatics, In Vitro Studies, and Next-Generation Transcriptome Sequencing.

Despite numerous attempts to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the development of liver cancer, it continues to pose a significant worldwide health challenge. Transcriptome sequencing, a powerful tool in molecular biology, has played a pivotal role in uncovering the intricate gene expression profiles underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we identified a total of 808 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 584 exhibiting downregulation, and 224 showing upregulation following apigetrin treatment.

Brief Report: Preventing Infusion-related Reactions With Intravenous Amivantamab: Results From SKIPPirr, a Phase 2 Study.

Introduction: Amivantamab, an EGFR-MET bispecific antibody, is approved for multiple indications in EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as monotherapy or combined with other agents. Intravenous amivantamab is associated with a 67% infusion-related reactions (IRR) rate.

Methods: The phase 2 SKIPPirr study (NCT05663866) enrolled patients with EGFR-mutated (Ex19del/L858R) advanced NSCLC after progression on osimertinib and platinum-based chemotherapy who received intravenous amivantamab plus oral lazertinib (amivantamab-lazertinib), a third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Optimization of Immunotherapy-Based Combinations for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Background: Despite numerous meta-analyses comparing the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy-based combination therapies, the optimal therapeutic combinations remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the optimal application of all immunotherapy-based combination therapy for advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma, focusing on efficacy and safety.

Methods: We systemically searched the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PubMed for studies regarding the first-line immunotherapy-based combination therapy in patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma until April 15, 2024.

Multi-modal learning-based algae phyla identification using image and particle modalities.

Algal blooms in freshwater, which are exacerbated by urbanization and climate change, pose significant challenges in the water treatment process. These blooms affect water quality and treatment efficiency. Effective identification of algal proliferation based on the dominant species is important to ensure safe drinking water and a clean water supply.

Metabolomics and network pharmacology approach to identify potential bioactive compounds from Trichoderma sp. against oral squamous cell carcinoma.

This study aimed to profile metabolites from five Trichoderma strains and assess their cytotoxic and pharmacological activities, particularly targeting oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). UHPLC-TOF-MS analysis revealed the presence of 25 compounds, including heptelidic acid, viridiol isomers, and sorbicillinol from the different Trichoderma extracts. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed moderate permeability and low interaction with P-glycoprotein, suggesting good drug absorption with minimal interference in cellular uptake.

The value of magnetic resonance imaging in predicting vesicovaginal fistula in cervical cancer with bladder invasion treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Objectives: To assess the predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging for vesicovaginal fistula development in cervical cancer patients with bladder invasion treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of 43 cervical cancer patients with bladder invasion between 1999 and 2015. Bladder invasion was confirmed through magnetic resonance imaging (scores ≥3) or cystoscopic findings, with or without biopsy.

Evaluation of hazardous substances emitted during mask use.

This study evaluated the inhalation of mask-derived materials by simulating real breathing conditions and examined how the amount of inhaled materials varies with breathing flow rate and duration. Three types of non-certified reusable masks and two types of certified disposable masks were selected. For each mask, five different hazardous materials were captured and analyzed in three replicates with two breathing flow rates of 30 L/min and 85 L/min and two breathing time combinations of 15 min and 60 min.

Expansion of medical school admission quotas in Korea, is it really necessary?

Background: In 2024, the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare enforced a policy to increase the number of medical school students by 2,000 over the next 5 years, despite opposition from doctors. This study aims to predict the trend of excess or shortage of medical personnel in Korea due to the policy of increasing the number of medical school students by 2035.

Methods: Data from multiple sources, including the Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Health Insurance Corporation, and the Korean Medical Association, were used to estimate supply and demand.

Explainable vision transformer for automatic visual sleep staging on multimodal PSG signals.

Polysomnography (PSG) is crucial for diagnosing sleep disorders, but manual scoring of PSG is time-consuming and subjective, leading to high variability. While machine-learning models have improved PSG scoring, their clinical use is hindered by the 'black-box' nature. In this study, we present SleepXViT, an automatic sleep staging system using Vision Transformer (ViT) that provides intuitive, consistent explanations by mimicking human 'visual scoring'.

Adjusting on-scene CPR duration based on transport time interval in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a nationwide multicenter study.

The optimal duration of on-scene cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients remains uncertain. Determining this critical time period requires outweighing the potential risks associated with intra-arrest transport while minimizing delays in accessing definitive hospital-based treatments. This study evaluated the association between on-scene CPR duration and 30-day neurologically favorable survival based on the transport time interval (TTI) in patients with OHCA.