Generation of human embryonic stem cell line expressing dCas9-TET1 fusion protein for epigenetic editing.

CRISPR-based epigenome editing systems can induce site-specific transcriptional activation or repression of target genes. Ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) is a transcriptional activation effector involved in the cytosine demethylation of CpG dinucleotides in gene regulatory regions. In this study, we generated a human embryonic stem cell line that stably expresses catalytically dead Cas9 (dCas9) fused to the catalytic domain of TET1 via lentiviral transduction.

Clusters of post-acute COVID-19 symptoms: a latent class analysis across 9 databases and 7 countries.

Objective: Prior evidence has suggested the multisystem symptomatic manifestations of post-acute COVID-19 condition (PCC). Here we conducted a network cluster analysis of 24 World Health Organization-proposed symptoms to identify potential latent subclasses of PCC.

Study Design And Setting: Individuals with a positive test of or diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 after September 2020 and with at least 1 symptom within ≥90 to 365 days following infection were included.

SMART-M24: A Prognostic Nomogram for Long-Term Mortality in Acute Ischemic Stroke Beyond 24 H from Symptom Onset.

Prognostication after acute ischemic stroke is crucial for long-term care plans. Although hyperacute management significantly affects outcomes, prognostic factors for patients receiving delayed care remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate predictors and develop a method for estimating long-term mortality in patients with delayed hospital arrival 24 h after stroke symptom onset.

Beyond the Image-Advancing Culturally Safe Radiology for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.

Despite the growing recognition of cultural safety in Australian healthcare, radiology remains an area where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to face substantial barriers. Although medical education has integrated broader Indigenous health training, clinical radiology has often been overlooked. The common misconception that radiology is a technical, patient-detached specialty has contributed to a lack of culturally competent training for radiologists and radiographers.

Comparative study of CYP450 gene regulation in human pluripotent stem cell-derived liver 2D cell and 3D organoid models.

Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived hepatic models, including 2D hepatocyte-like cells (2D HLCs) and hepatic organoids (HOs), are valuable in vitro models for evaluating the safety and efficacy of drugs. However, 2D HLCs show limited expression and activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450 (CYP450), which are involved in detoxification, a major liver function. HOs have more mature properties than 2D HLCs, particularly enhanced CYP450 gene expression.

-Derived Exosomes Enhance Skin Barrier Integrity by Upregulating Key Barrier-Related Proteins.

Introduction: The human skin, comprising the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat layers, serves as a critical barrier against external stimuli. The integrity of this barrier function is essential for preventing skin damage and diseases. When compromised, it can lead to various dermatological issues.

Reverse Block Sequence in Self-Immolative Poly(benzyl ether)-Based Amphiphiles for Tailoring End Groups and Self-Assembly Behavior.

This paper reports a modular design of self-immolative poly(benzyl ether) (PBE) amphiphiles that allows precise control over polymer chain structure, end-group placement, and degradation behavior. By tuning block sequences and exposing reactive end groups, these amphiphiles undergo efficient head-to-tail depolymerization upon external stimuli. Structural variations in the monomers enable micelle formation with end groups displayed on the surface, while the carboxylate content in the hydrophilic block influences global micelle morphology.

A Photodermatologic Perspective on Shingles: A Narrative Review Exploring the Skin Microbiome as a Variable in the Effect of UV Radiation on VZV Reactivation.

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), a member of the herpes virus family, causes varicella (chicken pox) upon primary infection and later manifests as herpes zoster ([HZ] or shingles) upon reactivation. VZV-specific T-cell immunity acquired during primary infection aids recovery, with the virus lying latent in neuronal ganglia until it transports to the skin axonally during reactivation. It has been well-established that reduced T-cell recognition and proliferation, as well as immunosuppression more generally, contribute to VZV reactivation.

Rose-Bengal-Tethered Polymer Encapsulant for Carbon-Nanohorn Conjugates: Theranostic Potential for Multimodal Imaging and Phototherapy.

This paper presents the molecular design of a rose-bengal-containing functional polymer for the encapsulation of carbon nanohorns (CNHs). The polymer chain consists of hydrophilic monomers and dangling oxirane moieties that tether the rose bengal units. It exhibits high biocompatibility with CNHs and excellent coating ability, resulting in a carbon-based nanoconjugate with a core-shell nanostructure.

Dietary Patterns, Kidney Function, and Sarcopenia in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass and function. It is a risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes, including falls, disability, and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The progression of CKD leads to metabolic disturbances and pathophysiological changes.

Radiological safety assessment of monazite industry worker due to NORM inhalation.

Monazite is used as a raw material for the production of rare earth elements. The workers in the monazite industry are exposed to radiation from the raw material. Therefore, internal radiation dose should be assessed for radiological safety assessment of the workers.

The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Slowing Cognitive Decline Among Elderly Patients With Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review explores the impact of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Omega-3 fatty acids are widely recognized for their neuroprotective properties, but the evidence regarding their efficacy in mitigating cognitive decline remains mixed. Through a comprehensive analysis of eleven randomized controlled trials, we aimed to assess the role of DHA in improving cognitive functions and slowing brain atrophy.

Comparative Efficacy of MRI and CT in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, and accurate imaging is essential for effective diagnosis, management, and prognosis. This systematic review evaluates the diagnostic capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to computed tomography (CT) in assessing TBI across various severities. Through a comprehensive search strategy, studies were selected that directly compared MRI and CT in TBI diagnosis, incorporating advanced MRI techniques such as susceptibility-weighted imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery.

Incidence of post-acute COVID-19 symptoms across healthcare settings in seven countries: an international retrospective cohort study using routinely-collected data.

Background: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified a range of symptomatic manifestations to aid in the clinical diagnosis of post-COVID conditions, herein referred to as post-acute COVID-19 symptoms. We conducted an international network cohort study to estimate the burden of these symptoms in North American, European, and Asian populations.

Methods: A federated analysis was conducted including 10 databases from the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Spain, France, South Korea, and the United States, between September 1st 2020 and latest data availability (which varied from December 31st 2021 to February 28th 2023), covering primary and secondary care, nationwide registries, and claims data, all mapped to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model (OMOP CDM).

Review of Image-Processing-Based Technology for Structural Health Monitoring of Civil Infrastructures.

The continuous monitoring of civil infrastructures is crucial for ensuring public safety and extending the lifespan of structures. In recent years, image-processing-based technologies have emerged as powerful tools for the structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructures. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements, applications, and challenges associated with image processing in the field of SHM.

Exploring patient ideas, concerns, and expectations in surgeon-patient consultations.

Objectives: This study explores patient perspectives (ideas, concerns, and expectations) in surgeon-patient consultations.

Methods: We examined 54 video-recorded consultations using applied conversation analysis. Consultations took place from 2012 to 2017 in an Australian metropolitan hospital clinic centre and involved seven surgeons across six specialties.

Evaluating Linkage Quality of Population-Based Administrative Data for Health Service Research.

Background: To overcome the limitations of relying on data from a single institution, many researchers have studied data linkage methodologies. Data linkage includes errors owing to legal issues surrounding personal information and technical issues related to data processing. Linkage errors affect selection bias, and external and internal validity.

Role of Brassica rapa SWEET genes in the defense response to Plasmodiophora brassicae.

Background: Interactions of plants with biotic stress factors including bacteria, fungi, and viruses have been extensively investigated to date. Plasmodiophora brassicae, a protist pathogen, causes clubroot disease in Cruciferae plants. Infection of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa) plants with P.