Identification of a Novel HLA-DRB3 Allele, DRB3*03:85, in a Korean Individual.

DRB3*03:85 is distinguished from HLA-DRB3*03:01:01:01 by a single nonsynonymous substitution at codon 122 in exon 3.

MED12 mutation induces RTK inhibitor resistance in NSCLC via MEK/ERK pathway activation by inflammatory cytokines.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is frequently associated with mutations in receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as EGFR and ALK. While RTK inhibitors (RTKIs) have proven effective in treating patients with specific RTK mutations, the emergence of resistance to these therapies remains a significant clinical obstacle. As such, there is still an unmet need for the identification of new biomarkers that can predict resistance to RTK inhibitors in clinical use.

Integrated hydroprocessing and microbial biotransformation of coconut oil to α,ω-diacids.

The convergence of chemical and biological technologies offers unprecedented opportunities for sustainable chemical production. Oxygenated oil-based biomass requires a chemical process to refine it into less-toxic hydrocarbons to be used for microbial biotransformation to produce value-added chemicals. This study demonstrates the transformation of hydrotreated vegetable oils, specifically coconut oil, into α,ω-diacids (DCAs), which are essential for bio-based polymer production.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics in Older-Onset and Common-Age-of-Onset Gout: A Prospective Gout Cohort Study.

Objectives: Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by monosodium urate crystal deposition in the joints. Its clinical presentation varies by age of onset. This study compared the clinical features and treatment patterns of older-onset gout and common-age-of-onset gout.

Clinical remission at two years post-diagnosis of asthma and its association with clinical outcomes: A retrospective cohort study in asthma patients with maintenance inhaler therapy.

Clinical remission (CR) has emerged as a potential therapeutic goal in patients with severe asthma eligible for biologic agents. However, its impact on long-term outcomes in asthma patients managed with maintenance inhaler therapy remains unclear. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated adult asthma patients on maintenance inhalers to investigate the long-term outcomes associated with achieving CR.

Interconvertible and rejuvenated Lewis acidic electrolyte additive for lean electrolyte lithium sulfur batteries.

Realizing practical lithium-sulfur batteries with high energy density requires lean electrolyte design. However, under low electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratios, highly concentrated lithium polysulfides in the electrolyte phase limit cycling and capacity. Here, we report that a small amount of Lewis acidic calcium cation in the electrolyte addresses the problems of lean electrolyte lithium-sulfur batteries.

Integrative RNA-sequencing analysis of COPD-related genes in association with individual PM exposure.

Background: Airborne fine particulate matter (PM) is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. Here, we examined distinct gene and pathway characteristics across varying personal and ambient PM exposure durations within a prospective COPD cohort and the associations between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and clinical phenotypes.

Methods: Blood samples for RNA-sequencing were collected from 50 patients with COPD who underwent spirometry and quantitative computed tomography.

Radiologic emphysema predicts accelerated lung function decline in patients with asthma.

Background: Radiologic emphysema is increasingly observed in patients with asthma, yet its prognostic significance remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether emphysema identified on chest computed tomography (CT) predicts accelerated lung function decline among asthma patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult asthma patients who received inhaled corticosteroid therapy and underwent serial pulmonary function tests over a minimum follow-up of one year at two tertiary hospitals.

Impact of the Race-Neutral Equation on Mortality Risk Prediction in Korean Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background And Objective: Recently, GLI-2022, a race-neutral reference equation, was proposed for spirometric interpretation. However, the impact of using the GLI-2022 in predicting mortality risk has not been fully investigated. This study determined whether the GOLD grades based on GLI-2022 or race-specific equations are overestimated or underestimated in terms of mortality risk prediction among Korean patients with COPD.

Development and Validation of a Clinical Scoring System Predicting 30-Day Mortality in Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Background And Objectives: Acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a frequent and fatal complication of IPF, with highly variable individual outcomes that are challenging to predict.

Methods: This study included patients (≥ 19 years) who met the diagnostic criteria for AE-IPF. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality following hospital admission.

Clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential: a risk factor for future exacerbation in patients with COPD.

Background: There are limited data regarding the clinical significance of clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) in patients with COPD. We aimed to evaluate whether CHIP could serve as a biomarker for the long-term prognosis of patients with COPD.

Methods: Next-generation sequencing was used to detect CHIP in peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples.

Can oxygen desaturation during gastrointestinal endoscopy under conscious sedation predict obstructive sleep apnea?

Objective: This study explored whether oxygen desaturation during gastrointestinal endoscopy under conscious sedation could serve as a predictive marker for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods: In this retrospective chart review, adults who underwent both polysomnography (PSG) and gastrointestinal endoscopy under conscious sedation were divided into two groups based on the lowest oxygen saturation: desaturation group (≤90 %) and non-desaturation group (>90 %). PSG metrics were compared, and associations between procedural desaturation and OSA severity were analyzed using linear-by-linear association and Pearson correlation tests.

Deep Learning-Based Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation Prediction Using Flow-Volume and Volume-Time Curve Imaging: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and progressive respiratory condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation and symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production. Acute exacerbations (AE) of COPD (AE-COPD) are key determinants of disease progression; yet, existing predictive models relying mainly on spirometric measurements, such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second, reflect only a fraction of the physiological information embedded in respiratory function tests. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled more sophisticated analyses of full spirometric curves, including flow-volume loops and volume-time curves, facilitating the identification of complex patterns associated with increased exacerbation risk.

PEX5 acts as a negative regulator of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro and inflammatory calvarial bone destruction in vivo.

Peroxisomal biogenesis factor 5 (PEX5), a peroxisomal import receptor, is well recognized for its role in protein trafficking and oxidative stress regulation. However, its function in bone metabolism remains unclear. Given the established impact of oxidative stress on osteoclast differentiation, this study explores the previously uncharacterized role of PEX5 in osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.

ERK2-mediated phosphorylation of ZEB1 at S322 enhances PD-L1 expression and EMT, leading to pancreatic cancer progression.

Background: Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) drives aggressive behaviour and unfavourable outcomes in this disease. The zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) transcription factor is pivotal in orchestrating EMT, promoting tumor cell mobility, metastasis, and immune evasion through phosphorylation events.

Dual Action of var. Extract on Myogenesis and Muscle Atrophy.

: Muscle atrophy, defined by diminished muscle mass and function, is a notable concern associated with aging, disease, and glucocorticoid treatment. var. extract (PMLE) demonstrates multiple bioactive properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory activities; however, its role in muscle atrophy has not been extensively investigated to date.

Early clinical remission and its role in lung function decline and exacerbation in adult Korean patients with asthma.

Introduction: Despite advancements in asthma management, many patients continue to experience poor disease control, lung function decline, and frequent exacerbations. Clinical remission (CR) has been proposed as a novel treatment target and surrogate marker for long-term outcomes. This study evaluates whether early CR at 1 year after inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) initiation influences lung function decline and exacerbation risk in asthma.

Protective catalytic layer powering activity and stability of electrocatalyst for high-energy lithium-sulfur pouch cell.

Designing an electrocatalyst that simultaneously satisfies high catalytic activity and surface stability is essential for realizing high-performance lithium-sulfur (Li||S) batteries. Here, we propose an advanced electrocatalyst by constructing a thin protective catalytic layer (PCL) on the surface of metal nanoparticle catalysts. This few atomic layer thicknesses of the PCL composed of pyridinic N embedded graphitic carbon allows electrons to transfer from a metal nanoparticle to pyridinic N, resulting in an optimized p-orbital level of pyridinic N of PCL favorable for highly active conversion reaction of lithium sulfide.

Pembrolizumab-induced simultaneous and multiple immune-related adverse events including myasthenia gravis, myositis, hepatitis, and pityriasis lichenoides in a non-small cell lung cancer patient.

Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor on T cells, enhances the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) may arise, necessitating careful monitoring during treatment. Here, we present the case of a 47-year-old woman who developed multiple irAEs following pembrolizumab therapy.

Risk factors for loss to follow-up in patients with gout: A Korean prospective cohort study.

Objectives: Gout, a common form of inflammatory arthritis, is often managed with urate-lowering therapy, but many patients only adhere to treatment during gout attacks, resulting in poor follow-up and suboptimal management. This study aimed to identify characteristics associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU) and develop strategies for better patient management.

Methods: Data were analyzed from the Urate Lowering TheRApy in gout (ULTRA) registry, a prospective cohort of Korean gout patients recruited since September 2021.

Identification and quantification of soybean 11S and 7S globulins using RP-UPLC.

Variations in the proportions of the two major soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed globulins, glycinin (11S) and β-conglycinin (7S), significantly affect the nutritional and functional properties of soy-based products, but comprehensive methods for the identification and quantification of individual subunits of these proteins are currently lacking.

Emerging and Promising Keywords in Biomolecules and Therapeutics for 21st Century Diseases.

Recent technological advancements and environmental changes are leading to an increase in various diseases such as obesity, fibrosis, metabolic disorders, and degenerative diseases associated with aging. Additionally, micro- and nanoplastics are emerging as as potential contributors to many of these conditions, posing a serious threat to human health. This special issue aims to explore new directions and opportunities for future drug development through recent review articles published in the issue, focusing on these key medical topics.

Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein Enhances Angiogenesis in Ovarian Tumors by Activating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 Signaling.

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a regulatory protein that plays pivotal roles in cellular processes including the cell cycle, apoptosis, microtubule stabilization, embryo development, stress responses, and cancer. However, the molecular mechanism by which it promotes tumor angiogenesis is still unclear. In this study, we explored the mechanisms underlying stimulation of angiogenesis by a novel TCTP.