Two new polyketides and a new γ-lactone-derived furanone from a soil fungus Trichoderma spirale BHM2-5.

Two previously undescribed polyketides, bukhansanketides A (1) and B (2), along with a γ-lactone-derived furanone, (S)-(-)-bukhansanfuranone (3), were isolated from Trichoderma spirale BHM2-5, together with four known compounds (4-7). Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS data, as well as DP4+ probability analysis, the modified Mosher's method, or VCD calculations. All isolated compounds (1-7) were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against A549, SK-OV-3, and HCT-8 cancer cell lines.

Recommendation for use of a long-acting monoclonal antibody to prevent respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants and young children.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in infants and young children. In April 2024, the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approved nirsevimab (Beyfortus), a long-acting monoclonal antibody, as a passive immunization to prevent RSV-associated LRTI among infants and young children. Nirsevimab was launched in Korea in February 2025.

A Novel Peptide Antibiotic Targeting Gram-Negative Infections Designed from Adenylate Kinase.

We explored the lipopolysaccharide-binding properties of adenylate kinase from (MtAdk) to facilitate the design of novel peptide antibiotics. Notably, we de novo designed 11-mer peptides derived from the AMP-binding domain (Lys44 to Asp54) of MtAdk. Among 71 designed peptides, DD-S067 was the most effective, especially against carbapenem-resistant (CRAB), with minimal development of drug resistance.

Spin-selective transport through chiral ferromagnetic nanohelices.

Chiral crystals with well-defined handedness in atomic arrangements exhibit properties such as spin selectivity, asymmetric magnetoresistance, and skyrmions. Although similar geometry-induced phenomena in chiral organic molecule-based systems were observed, synthesizing uniform inorganic nanostructures with desired chirality using a scalable method remains challenging. We electrochemically synthesized chiral ferromagnetic cobalt-iron nanohelices from nanoparticles in anodized aluminum oxide templates.

Impact of obesity on palpation-guided distal radial access for coronary procedures: subgroup analysis of the multicenter, prospective KODRA registry.

Background: There is limited data on the impact of body mass index (BMI) on distal radial access (DRA). Using a large-scale prospective registry, the influence of obesity on DRA outcomes was evaluated, including cannulation and complications.

Methods: Using data from the prospective, multicenter KODRA (Korean Prospective Registry for Evaluation the Safety and Efficacy of Distal Radial Approach) registry data, 4,638 patients who planned palpation-guided distal radial artery puncture were enrolled into two groups, both with body mass index (BMI) information available: obese (n = 2,205; BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) and non-obese (n = 2,433).

Anti-Parkinsonian 4-hydroxy-2-pyridones from an endolichenic fungus, Tolypocladium sp. (strain CNC14).

4-Hydroxy-2-pyridone alkaloids have attracted considerable attention because of their intriguing structures and diverse bioactivities. In our previous study, 4-hydroxy-2-pyridone alkaloids were shown to exhibit potent activity against neuron-associated targets. To discover this class of neuroactive compounds, an array of endolichenic fungal extracts was screened by analyzing LC-UV-MS profiles.

Purchase of both proximal and distal fragments by the calcar screw is critical when using a locking plate in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures : the role of the calcar screw as a medial bridging screw.

Aims: Inferior positioning of the calcar screw is important in the purchase of medial screws when treating proximal humeral fractures with a locking plate. However, the impact of the overall trajectory of the calcar screw has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the failure of a calcar screw to purchase both proximal and distal fragments would contribute to an increased risk of failure of fixation in these patients.

Nanosphere loaded with curcumin attenuates adipogenesis and lipid metabolism by modulating AKT/mTORC1/PPARγ phosphorylation.

Curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenol derived from turmeric, exhibits diverse biological activities as a natural supplement. However, its low gastrointestinal absorption significantly limits its oral bioavailability. In this study, we investigated the effects of curcumin-loaded nanospheres (CN) on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells and obesity development in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

Temporal modulation of antiplatelet therapy in high-risk patients undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention: the TAILORED-CHIP randomized clinical trial.

Background And Aims: Limited data exist on optimal antiplatelet strategies for high-risk patients undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of tailored antiplatelet treatment with temporal modulation of the intensity of platelet inhibition in patients undergoing complex high-risk PCI.

Methods: We randomly assigned 2018 patients with high-risk anatomical or clinical characteristics undergoing complex PCI to a tailored antiplatelet strategy with early escalation (low-dose ticagrelor at 60 mg twice daily plus aspirin <6 months) and late de-escalation (clopidogrel monotherapy >6 months) or dual antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel plus aspirin for 12 months).

Use of Double Cages for Biportal Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Comparison of 3-Dimensional-Printed Titanium and Polyetheretherketone Cages.

Background: This study aimed to compare a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed titanium cage with a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage in biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (BETLIF) using a double cage construct, evaluate differences in fusion stability and subsidence between the 2 cage types, and analyze factors influencing subsidence.

Methods: We retrospectively examined 89 patients who underwent BETLIF using a double cage (3D-printed titanium, 48 levels; PEEK, 46 levels). Fusion status and subsidence were assessed using dynamic plain lateral lumbar spine radiographs and computed tomography images at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively.

Cytotoxic Peptidic Metabolites Isolated from the Soil-Derived Fungus .

Twelve undescribed peptidic compounds, bukhansantaibols A-K (-) and bukhansantaibals A-B (-), were isolated from the soil fungus through LC-MS and bioactivity-guided purification. Their structures were elucidated by the analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra, HRESIMS, and acid hydrolysis using modified Marfey's method. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against HCT-8 (colon cancer) and SK-OV-3 (ovarian cancer) cells.

Developing a Consensus-Based POCUS Protocol for Critically Ill Patients During Pandemics: A Modified Delphi Study.

: During pandemics, emergency departments face the challenge of managing critically ill patients with limited resources. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a crucial diagnostic tool in such scenarios. This study aimed to develop a standardized POCUS protocol using expert consensus via a modified Delphi survey to guide physicians in managing these patients more effectively.

Anti-thyroglobulin antibody levels post-thyroidectomy and papillary thyroid carcinoma recurrence.

Background: The global incidence of thyroid cancer, particularly papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), is rising due to more frequent incidental findings. Despite a high 10-year survival rate of 93%, up to 28% of PTC patients experience locoregional recurrence. Postoperative monitoring typically relies on serum thyroglobulin (Tg), but the presence of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) interferes with Tg measurement, necessitating reliable detection methods.

Combined effects of traffic-related air pollution, climate factors, and greenness on respiratory disease risk in infants.

Prenatal exposure to climate factors, air pollution, and green space has been linked to respiratory diseases in infants. However, the role of the combined effects of exposure to these factors on respiratory ailments remains unclear. Here we investigate the association of combined exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), climate factors, and green space during the prenatal period with respiratory diseases in infants.

Risk factors and mortality for amputations in the diabetic foot: a nationwide cohort study.

Objective: To investigate risk factors and mortality associated with major amputations in people with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), and to differentiate them from minor amputations STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a nationwide, retrospective longitudinal study using cohort data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (2002-2020), including people with DFUs who underwent lower extremity amputation. People were categorized into minor and major amputation groups. Comparative analyses were conducted using variables available from health insurance data.

Improvement of bioactive substances in soy-milk and soy-yogurt with kiwifruit juices () and investigation of their antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials.

Fruit-based food products enhance functional properties. This research is the first to examine fluctuations in biofunctional substances (isoflavone; CLA; GABA) and biological abilities (antioxidant; antidiabetic) in soy-milk (SM) and soy-yogurts (SY) using Lactobacillus strains with kiwifruit juice (0 → 5 → 10 %). Total isoflavones significantly decreased with 1231.

Risk factors for lateral neck lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid ultra micro carcinoma with implications for active surveillance.

Papillary thyroid ultra-microcarcinoma (PTUMC), defined as a tumor ≤ 0.5 cm in size, can be considered for active surveillance management. However, lateral neck node metastases also occur in patients with PTUMCs.

Characteristics of 3D-Printed Polycaprolactone Tracheal Scaffolds Implanted In Vivo.

Background: A 3D-printing technology using polycaprolactone (PCL) has shown promise for the development of patient-customized tracheal constructs. However, no studies have compared the mechanical properties of various grades of PCL using animal experiments under the same conditions. In this study, the mechanical properties and tissue reconstruction abilities of research-grade (RG) and medical-grade (MG) PCL scaffolds were compared in rabbit tracheal defect models.

Initial Growth Mechanism and Microstructural Evolution of Sub-10 nm Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Films.

Thin-film components employed in modern semiconductor fabrication are becoming increasingly ultrathin, often exhibiting porous, nonuniform structures with open surfaces that exhibit properties distinct from those of the bulk materials. Precise characterization of these ultrathin layers is essential to optimize device performance. However, conventional characterization techniques often lack the sensitivity necessary for the analysis of films thinner than 10 nm.

PolyIC as an adjuvant outperforms anti-VEGF in combination with anti-PD-L1 therapy in mouse liver tumor models.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with antiangiogenic therapy have become the standard of care for advanced HCC, albeit with limited therapeutic benefit. Our previous studies demonstrated the immunomodulatory and antitumor effects of polyIC, a synthetic dsRNA. Here, we compared the efficacy of anti-programmed death ligand 1 (αPD-L1) plus polyIC versus αPD-L1 plus anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (αVEGF) in mouse tumor models.

Drainage-only strategy on weekend for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography on the risk of procedure-related adverse events: a prospective observational study.

Background: The feasibility of performing complete endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for acute cholangitis during weekends or holidays remains controversial due to concerns over increased risks of adverse events (AEs) in off-hour procedures.

Objectives: To evaluate whether weekend drainage-only ERCP affects the incidence of AEs compared to standard weekday ERCP, and to identify risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP).

Design: Prospective observational study.

MXene/Borophene Heterostructures: Mechanistic Insights into Cathode Stability and Capacity in Aluminum-Ion Batteries.

The development of Aluminum dual-ion batteries (ADIBs) is hindered by the structural instability and limited capacity of cathode caused by AlCl intercalation. A deeper understanding of cathode-anion interactions and the fundamental reaction mechanisms is necessary to address these challenges. Herein, MXene-borophene, VCT/B heterostructures are proposed as high-performance cathodes for ADIBs, which combines the high electronic conductivity and tunable surfaces of MXenes with the mechanical strength and effective charge transport properties of borophene.

Starch nanoparticle platform for oral delivery of sinigrin in colitis therapy.

Sinigrin, a glucosinolate known for its potential therapeutic effects on ulcerative colitis (UC), suffers from rapid gastric clearance and low bioavailability when administered orally. To address these limitations, we developed a novel delivery system using starch nanoparticles (SNPs) to encapsulate sinigrin via a sinigrin-lecithin complex (SNG-L). This approach significantly improved sinigrin's encapsulation efficiency, stability against acidic degradation, and controlled release in simulated intestinal conditions.

Wearable co-thinking device to assist strawberry packaging task.

This study develops a wearable co-thinking device to support strawberry packaging, ultimately alleviating the workload on agricultural workers and boosting productivity. This innovative device, worn by the worker, can recognize, analyze, and collaborate with the worker in real time. This device can significantly enhance work performance and reduce the mental load/burden of workers.

Developing interventions in favor of infant safety among immigrant mothers in South Korea: A brief report.

Background: Over the past 5 years, the accident rate for children aged 1 to 6 has shown a decreasing trend, whereas the rate for infants (0-1 year) has been increasing in South Korea. This study aims to implement an intervention to improve infant safety among Vietnamese immigrant mothers in South Korea.

Design And Methods: This study utilized a pre- and post-test design with 15 Vietnamese immigrant mothers who were recruited from the Multicultural Family Support Center in C city, Korea.