Management of a Large Nosocomial Outbreak From an Index of Crusted Scabies in a Tertiary Care Hospital, 2023: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background: In 2023, we experienced an outbreak from a case of undiagnosed crusted scabies, resulting in a significant number of exposed individuals and secondary cases. In this report, we describe the outbreak control measures, the attack rate, and the risk factors for acquisition of scabies among healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods: This study was conducted in a 2,700-bed tertiary care hospital in Seoul, South Korea.

Global distribution and sustainable management of Asian corn borer (ACB), (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): recent advancement and future prospects.

The Asian corn borer (ACB), (Guenée, 1854), is a serious pest of several crops, particularly a destructive pest of maize and other cereals throughout most of Asia, including China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Cambodia. It has long been known as a pest in South-east Asia and has invaded other parts of Asia, Solomon Islands, parts of Africa and certain regions of Australia and Russia. Consequently, worldwide efforts have been increased to ensure new control strategies for management.

Novel Isothermal Amplification Integrated with CRISPR/Cas13a and Its Applications for Ultrasensitive Detection of SARS-CoV-2.

We herein developed an ultrasensitive and rapid strategy to identify genomic nucleic acids by integrating a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 13a (Cas13a) into our recently developed isothermal technique, nicking and extension chain reaction system-based amplification (NESBA) reaction. In this technique, named CESBA, the NESBA reaction isothermally produces a large amount of RNA amplicons from the initial target genomic RNA (gRNA). The RNA amplicons bind to the crispr RNA (crRNA) and activate the collateral cleavage activity of Cas13a, which would then cleave the reporter probe nearby, consequently producing the final signals.

A virus-inspired RNA mimicry approach for effective cancer immunotherapy.

Current cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, often present significant challenges such as severe side effects, drug resistance, and damage to healthy tissues. To address these issues, we introduce a virus-inspired RNA mimicry approach, specifically through the development of uridine-rich nanoparticles (UNPs) synthesized using the rolling circle transcription (RCT) technique. These UNPs are designed to mimic the poly-U tail sequences of viral RNA, effectively engaging RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) such as MDA5 and LGP2 in cancer cells.

Palovarotene in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: review and perspective.

Introduction: Palovarotene is a retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist that was studied in phase-2 and phase-3 clinical trials for the inhibition of new heterotopic ossification (HO) in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Despite numerous setbacks and regulatory delays, palovarotene is now the first approved FOP treatment in the U.S.

Enhancing RT-PCR Throughput and Sensitivity through Large-Scale Sample Pooling Using a Nano-Hybrid Membrane.

During the pandemic surge, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, pooling samples emerged as an efficient strategy to identify infected individuals in large groups. While pooling enhances RT-PCR throughput, reducing costs and resources, it dilutes positive samples with negative ones, lowering sensitivity and increasing false negatives. This study proposes a new method to address the trade-off between pool sizes and RT-PCR accuracy.

Sustained Release of HIF-2α Inhibitors Using Biodegradable Porous Silicon Carriers for Enhanced Immunogenic Cell Death of Malignant Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer with limited treatment options, often associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and marked by hypoxic tumor microenvironments that promote resistance to therapies. Belzutifan, an FDA-approved hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) inhibitor, has shown promise in inhibiting tumor growth; however, its clinical efficacy is hindered by its low solubility, rapid clearance, and limited bioavailability. In this study, we present a strategy using porous silicon (pSi) microparticles and nanoparticles as carriers for the sustained delivery of benzoate to MCC cells.

Structural insights into antibody-based immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of primary liver cancer and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While traditional approaches like surgical resection and tyrosine kinase inhibitors struggle against the tumor's immune evasion, monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based immunotherapies have emerged as promising alternatives. Several therapeutic antibodies that counter the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, leading to FDA approvals for advanced HCC treatment.

Cost-effectiveness of hearing aids in South Korea: a multistate Markov model analysis.

Objectives: This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of using hearing aids among individuals aged 50 and older with varying levels of hearing loss in South Korea.

Methods: A state-transition Markov model was employed to assess the cost-effectiveness of hearing aid utilization from a societal perspective. We simulated a cohort of patients aged 50, tracking their progression through normal, mild, moderate, and severe stages of hearing loss until death or age 80.

NKX6.3 modulation of mitotic dynamics and genomic stability in gastric carcinogenesis.

Background: Gastric cancer remains a significant global health challenge, characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality rates. Mitotic integrity and genomic stability are crucial in maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing tumorigenesis. The transcription factor NKX6.

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.

Integrating acute care surgery in South Korea: enhancing trauma and non-trauma emergency care.

Background: Trauma surgery is a fundamental aspect of medicine. According to the 2023 mortality report from Statistics Korea, external factors such as intentional self-harm and transportation incidents are leading causes of death among individuals aged 10 to 30, accounting for 7.9% of overall mortality.

Role of cardiolipin in skeletal muscle function and its therapeutic implications.

Cardiolipin, a unique phospholipid predominantly present in the inner mitochondrial membrane, is critical for maintaining mitochondrial integrity and function. Its dimeric structure and role in supporting mitochondrial dynamics, energy production, and mitophagy make it indispensable for skeletal muscle health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cardiolipin biosynthesis, remodeling processes, and essential functions within mitochondria.

Medical students' attitudes toward AI in education: perception, effectiveness, and its credibility.

Background: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized both medical education and healthcare by delivering innovative tools that enhance learning and improve overall outcomes. The study aimed to assess students' perceptions regarding the credibility and effectiveness of AI as a learning tool and to explore the dynamics of integrating AI in medical education.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out across medical colleges in Pakistan.

Deer antler velvet (Cervus elaphus sibiricus) promotes fracture healing via partial BMP2-Smad mediated osteoblast differentiation.

Unlabelled: BACKGROUND CERVUS ELAPHUS SIBIRICUS: (CES) has been traditionally used in Korean clinics to promote fracture healing based on its function of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening bones. However, experimental data supporting its efficacy are still insufficient. The aim of this study investigated the bone-union properties of CES in a femoral fracture animal model and its corresponding molecular mechanisms.

A comprehensive overview of FFRG and IHCC allograft cartilages in revision rhinoplasty: a systematic review.

Background: This study aims to compare the complications and satisfaction associated with favorable allografts, Fresh Frozen Rib Graft (FFRG) and Irradiated Homologous Costal Cartilage (IHCC), in revision rhinoplasty.

Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were adhered to in the conduct of this systematic review. No limitations were applied to the types of studies included.

Efficacy of latissimus dorsi and teres major tendon transfer in anterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears and posterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Background: There are various options of tendon transfer according to the different types of irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs). However, there were no clear treatment options for the IRCTs involving the anterior, superior and posterior rotator cuff tears (global IRCTs). Latissimus dorsi and teres major (LDTM) could be transferred anteriorly or posteriorly in global IRCTs.

Genetic profiling of extended-spectrum β-Lactamase and carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 from clinical samples among diarrheal patients in Shashemene, Ethiopia.

Background: Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, associated with diarrhea, poses a global health risk. In Ethiopia, where diarrhea is common, there is limited knowledge about these resistant strains and a lack of data on Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase production.

Clinical characteristics of Plasmodium vivax malaria infection in children and adolescents in the Republic of Korea during the period 2000 to 2016: a retrospective study.

Background: Although Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) malaria is in the pre-elimination phase in the Republic of Korea (ROK), it continues to affect children and adolescents, who account for approximately 4-6% of the 300 to 500 annual cases. Despite this, research focusing on P.

Systematic ocular phenotyping of 8,707 knockout mouse lines identifies genes associated with abnormal corneal phenotypes.

Purpose: Corneal dysmorphologies (CDs) are typically classified as either regressive degenerative corneal dystrophies (CDtrs) or defective growth and differentiation-driven corneal dysplasias (CDyps). Both eye disorders have multifactorial etiologies. While previous work has elucidated many aspects of CDs, such as presenting symptoms, epidemiology, and pathophysiology, the genetic mechanisms remain incompletely understood.

Transient activation of YAP/TAZ confers resistance to morusin-induced apoptosis.

Background: The Hippo signaling pathway involves a kinase cascade that controls phosphorylation of the effector proteins YAP and TAZ, leading to regulation of cell growth, tissue homeostasis, and apoptosis. Morusin, a compound extracted from Morus alba, has shown potential in cancer therapy by targeting multiple signaling pathways, including the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, JAK/STAT, MAPK/ERK, and apoptosis pathways. This study explores the effects of morusin on YAP activation and its implications for apoptosis resistance.

Population-Based vs. Health System and Insurer Records: Significant Underdiagnosis of Pcos - A Systematic Review.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent cardio-metabolic disorders in women. However, PCOS diagnosis is often missed or delayed, which may have serious physical and mental health consequences. The extent of underdiagnosis remains unknown.

Exosome-based targeted delivery of NF-κB ameliorates age-related neuroinflammation in the aged mouse brain.

Neuroinflammation, a significant contributor to various neurodegenerative diseases, is strongly associated with the aging process; however, to date, no efficacious treatments for neuroinflammation have been developed. In aged mouse brains, the number of infiltrating immune cells increases, and the key transcription factor associated with increased chemokine levels is nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Exosomes are potent therapeutics or drug delivery vehicles for various materials, including proteins and regulatory genes, to target cells.

Angulation of the dural venous sinuses in the posterior cranial fossa: an anatomical study and its implications for venous circulation.

The purpose of the current study was to determine the angulation of the dural venous sinuses in soft tissue, to evaluate differences between types of tissue, and to discuss the potential influence of these angulations on intracranial venous hemodynamics and related pathologies. Angulations formed in different segments of the transverse, sigmoid, and superior sagittal sinuses were measured in 13 adult human cadaveric heads (26 sides). After the soft tissues were removed, measurements were also taken from the underlying bone.