Evaluation Strategies for Tissue-engineered Tracheas: From Characterization to Assessment.

The trachea plays a critical role in maintaining airway patency, ventilation, and mucociliary clearance, supported by its unique anatomical and structural features. Tracheal defects resulting from congenital anomalies, malignancies, trauma, or prolonged intubation present significant clinical challenges. Traditional reconstruction methods, such as end-to-end anastomosis and patch grafts, are often limited by technical feasibility and suboptimal outcomes.

Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) as a Serum Biomarker for Fibrotic Ovarian Aging: A Clinical Validation Study Based on Translational Transcriptomic Targets.

Chronological age is an imprecise proxy for reproductive capacity, necessitating biomarkers that reflect the underlying pathophysiology of the ovary. Fibrotic remodeling of the ovarian stroma is a key hallmark of biological ovarian aging, yet it cannot be assessed by current clinical tools. This study aimed to identify and validate a novel serum biomarker for fibrotic ovarian aging by applying supervised machine learning (ML) to human ovarian transcriptomic data.

Dietary management of pediatric patients with kidney disease: recommendations by The Korean Society of Pediatric Nephrology and The Korean Society of Clinical Nutrition.

Pediatric kidney disease has a relatively lower prevalence than do other pediatric conditions and has a notably different etiology from kidney diseases observed in adults. Furthermore, the pediatric population is unique in that they experience ongoing growth and development, distinguishing them from adult patients. Consequently, pediatric patients with kidney disease require more specialized and meticulous nutritional management than do adults.

Graft Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tendon-Bone Interface Augmentation: Status and Prospects-A Narrative Review.

Sutures and suture anchors are commonly used in rotator cuff repairs as they offer cost-effective and mechanically robust solutions for tendon-bone interface (TBI) healing. However, in large to massive rotator cuff tears, where substantial tendon loss and limited intrinsic healing potential are present, conventional repair techniques alone often fail to restore the native biomechanics and structural integrity. Consequently, retear rates in these cases remain unacceptably high.

Patient safety in the 'Room of Horrors' simulation: a multi-method study of student, novice, and experienced nurses.

Background: Patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare, with unsafe care causing significant harm. Nurses play a vital role in promoting safety and must be equipped with the skills to identify and manage safety hazards. The Room of Horrors (ROH) simulation was developed to enhance these skills by presenting learners with a simulated patient scenario containing safety hazards.

miR-9-5p regulates CCL5 mediated inflammatory responses in macrophages exposed to PM10.

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with heightened inflammatory responses in macrophages, contributing to the development of respiratory diseases and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. While miR-9-5p has been implicated in various inflammatory pathways, its role in regulating C-C chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) expression under PM exposure remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of PM and PM on miR-9-5p expression and its potential association with CCL5 expression regulation in macrophages.

Determining the timing and extent of amputation in symmetrical peripheral gangrene: a report of three cases from Korea.

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is a severe condition marked by symmetric acral necrosis without obstruction of the major blood vessels. This case report examines the critical decisions involved in choosing between early and delayed amputation, as well as determining the extent of the necessary amputation. We present three cases: one involving antiphospholipid syndrome, another with disseminated intravascular coagulation, and a third associated with diabetes mellitus.

Impact of Cardiothoracic Residents on Perioperative Outcomes in Lung Cancer Surgery.

Objectives: To investigate the impact of cardiothoracic residents on the quality of lung cancer surgery through a retrospective single-center cohort study.

Methods: Patients who underwent lung cancer surgery during the resident-involved period (R-Inv; 23.03-23.

Comparing programmed, modified natural and natural cycle frozen embryo transfer on obstetric outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome: a national cohort study.

Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with adverse reproductive and obstetric outcomes, particularly in pregnancies achieved through assisted reproductive technologies. This study aimed to compare obstetric outcomes among programmed cycle-frozen embryo transfer (PC-FET), modified natural cycle-frozen embryo transfer (mNC-FET), and natural cycle-frozen embryo transfer (NC-FET) in women with PCOS using a nationwide Korean health claims database.

Methods: This population-based cohort study utilized data from the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Information Database of South Korea.

Postoperative results after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy with lateral hinge fracture.

BackgroundLateral hinge fracture (LHF) is a known complication of open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO), potentially resulting in postoperative instability, displacement, loss of correction, malunion, and non-union. This study tested the hypothesis that patients who develop LHF after OWHTO can achieve clinical outcomes comparable to those without LHF, without requiring additional surgical intervention.MethodsThis retrospective study included 96 patients who underwent OWHTO with a locking plate between 2019 and 2021.

Comparative Effects of Facial Roller and Gua Sha Massage on Facial Contour, Muscle Tone, and Skin Elasticity: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: This study aimed to compare the effects of facial roller and gua sha massage on anthropometric facial contours, muscle tone, and skin elasticity parameters during an 8-week intervention period.

Methods: Thirty-four women aged 20-50 years were randomly assigned to facial roller (n = 17) or gua sha (n = 17) groups. Participants performed the designated massage technique for 10 min, five times per week for 8 weeks.

Prognostic impact of low muscle mass on clinical outcomes in patients who undergo lung transplant.

Background: Low muscle mass (LMM) is recognized as a poor prognostic factor in various chronic lung diseases. However, its prognostic impact on recipients of lung transplants remains inconclusive.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent lung transplantation at a tertiary referral center in South Korea.

A Comparative Study on the Effects of Repeated Subacromial Injections of Parecoxib and Triamcinolone in a Rat Model of Normal Rotator Cuff.

Backgroud: This study aimed to investigate changes after repeated subacromial drug injections in a rat model of normal rotator cuff.

Methods: Thirty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups 1 (no injection, n = 3), 2 (parecoxib, n = 18; 6 subgroups, n = 3 each; 0.5 mg/kg), and 3 (triamcinolone, n = 18; 6 subgroups, n = 3 each; 0.

A new method to assess lumbar vertebral body rotation on simple radiographs.

Introduction And Objectives: A number of sophisticated methods have been used to identify the degree of vertebral rotation. This is an experimental model using saw bone and motorized device to identify the possible parameter of vertebral body axial rotation on simple radiographs.

Materials And Methods: A sawbones model of the lumbar spine was used in this study.

Anti-Leukotriene Receptor Blockers Improve Tendon-Bone Interface Healing in a Rat Model of Acute Rotator Cuff Tear.

Background: Excessive expression of proinflammatory cytokines after rotator cuff (RC) surgery impairs the quality of tendon-bone interface (TBI) healing. There is evidence that the asthma drug montelukast (MS) inhibits the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. This study was conducted to verify the effect of MS administration on TBI healing after RC repair.

Impact of Small Area Level Deprivation on Colorectal Cancer Survival: Findings from the Regional Cancer Registry in Korea.

Background/objectives: Research on the relationship between small-area-level deprivation and cancer survival, particularly for colorectal cancer (CRC), is lacking. Therefore, we investigated the relationship among small area-level deprivation, individual-level factors, and CRC survival using data from the Busan Regional Cancer Registry.

Methods: We analyzed 34,999 patients with CRC from the Busan Regional Cancer Registry from 2003 to 2020.

Diagnosing Complete Response to Preoperative Chemoradiation in Esophageal Cancer Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Response Criteria.

Objective: To assess the performance of novel qualitative diagnostic criteria using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify the pathologic complete response (pCR) of primary tumors in esophageal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT).

Materials And Methods: Patients who underwent nCRT, subsequent MRI, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), endoscopy, or esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between October 2021 and October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The DCE-MRI response of primary tumors was interpreted using five grades by thoracic radiologists as follows: G1 (compatible with CR), G2 (probable CR), G3 (probable partial response [PR]), G4 (compatible with PR), and G5 (stable or progressive disease).

Patient-specific predictors of successful frozen embryo transfer using the freeze-all protocol: a retrospective observational study.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine various patient factors affecting first programmed embryo transfer (ET) outcomes under the freeze-all policy at a single tertiary university infertility center.

Methods: This retrospective observational study reviewed the medical records of 243 couples who underwent their first ET using blastocysts collected under the freeze-all antagonist-controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol from 2015 to 2023. Patients were grouped into pregnant and nonpregnant groups, and their data, including demographics, COS and ET outcomes, and embryo storage duration, were analyzed.

Nurse-involved early mobilization in the intensive care unit: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Early mobilization is one proposed strategy for reducing complications and optimizing patient outcomes. Nurses play an essential role in patient monitoring and co-ordination.

Aims: To assess the effects of a nurse-involved early mobilization programme on muscle strength and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay and identify the components of an early mobilization programme.

Connective tissue disease is associated with the risk of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following lung transplantation in Korea.

Background: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare complication of lung transplantation with poorly understood risk factors and clinical characteristics. This study aimed to examine the occurrence, risk factors, and clinical data of patients who developed PRES following lung transplantation.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 147 patients who underwent lung transplantation between February 2013 and December 2023.

Impact of positive psychological capital and shared leadership on nurses' organizational well-being: a descriptive survey study.

Background: Organizational well-being is a critical issue that should be addressed within nursing organizations as it boosts the morale and work motivation of its members by enhancing their satisfaction and happiness.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of positive psychological capital, shared leadership, and organizational well-being among nurses, and examine the impact of positive psychological capital and shared leadership on organizational well-being.

Methods: A descriptive survey research design was used, involving 177 nurses with at least one year of work experience at highly specialized hospitals in Korea treating patients with severe conditions.

Effects of respiratory sarcopenia on the postoperative course in elderly lung cancer patient: a retrospective study.

Objectives: Recently, sarcopenia has been linked to unfavorable outcomes in various surgical procedures, including lung cancer surgery. This study aimed to investigate the impact of respiratory sarcopenia (RS) on postoperative and long-term outcomes in elderly patients undergoing lung cancer surgery.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients aged 70 years and older who underwent lobectomy with curative intent for lung cancer between 2017 and 2019.

Elevated IL-6 Expression in Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Regulates RANKL Mediated Inflammation in Osteoarthritis.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to play a pivotal role in modulating cartilage regeneration and immune responses, particularly in the context of diseases that involve both degenerative processes and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis (OA). However, the precise mechanism through which IL-6 and other immune-regulatory factors influence the therapeutic efficacy of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) transplantation in OA treatment remains to be fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate the relationship between IL-6 expression in autologous ASCs isolated from OA patients and their impact on immune modulation, particularly focusing on the regulation of Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor Kappa-Β Ligand (RANKL), a key mediator of immune-driven cartilage degradation in OA.

Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin, a Treatment for Hyperlipidemia, Inhibits Supraspinatus Fatty Infiltration and Improves Bone-Tendon Interface Healing in a Rotator Cuff Tear Rat Model.

Background: Multiple factors, such as muscle fatty infiltration (FI), tendon collagen content, and collagen arrangement, determine bone-tendon interface (BTI) healing after rotator cuff (RC) repair.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of systemic administration of ezetimibe-atorvastatin (EZE/ATZ) combination on muscle FI and tendon collagen density and arrangement in an RC repair rat model.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Metformin inhibits muscle atrophy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in a rat model of acute rotator cuff tears.

Background: Muscle atrophy after the rupture of a rotator cuff (RC) tendon is a major factor that increases the risk of secondary complications and rerupture. Metformin, a type 2 diabetes treatment, can be used to modulate intracellular signaling pathways that promote muscle growth. This study aimed to verify whether systemic metformin administration could prevent supraspinatus (SS) atrophy after RC rupture in a rat model.