Superior Efficacy of Bismuth-Containing Rifabutin Quadruple Therapy over Rifabutin Triple Therapy as Salvage Treatment.

Background/aims: Helicobacter pylori is a pathogen that causes chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer diseases and is a carcinogen responsible for the development of malignancies, including gastric cancer. In the current era of high antimicrobial resistance, rifabutin-based triple therapy is recommended as a salvage therapy. Bismuth has not only a strong bacteriostatic effect but also a synergic effect when combined with antibiotics.

Correlation Analysis of Suture Anchor Pull-Out Strength with Cortical Bone Thickness and Cancellous Bone Density on a Finite Element Model.

This study aimed to assess, using finite element analysis (FEA), the mechanical effects of cortical bone thickness and cancellous bone density on the pull-out strength of suture anchors. A PEEK anchor was modeled and embedded in synthetic bone blocks with cortical thicknesses ranging from 1 to 5 mm and cancellous densities of 10 PCF, 20 PCF, and 30 PCF. Axial tensile loading simulations were conducted for all combinations, and selected cases were validated through experimental pull-out tests using commercial synthetic bone, demonstrating agreement within ±6%.

Origin and transmission of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci in hospitalized patients: a genomic and epidemiological analysis.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is an emergent threat, with Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales (CPE) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) posing substantial challenges. We investigated CPE/VRE acquisition and spread in hospitalized patients by analysing resistance genes and microbiomes using whole genome sequencing (WGS) and exploring epidemiological and clinical risk factors.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients from the infectious disease department of a tertiary hospital.

Intersection-Free Fractal-Like Structuring of Recombinant Adhesive Proteins for Surface Functionalization.

The advancement of biomaterials through innovative surface functionalization techniques is essential for enhancing the performance and functionality. Recombinant adhesive proteins (RAPs), engineered from mussel foot proteins and antimicrobial peptides, present unique opportunities for surface functionalization of biomaterials. Here, we reveal a previously unexplored property of RAPs: fractal-like structural growth that promotes efficient surface coverage and functionalization.

Association between Albumin Administration and Pulmonary Complications in Patients with Septic Shock: An Analysis Using the MIMIC-IV Database.

Background: Albumin administration in patients with septic shock has shown potential benefits, but its association with the development of pulmonary complications remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the impact of albumin administration on acute respiratory distress syndrome development in patients with septic shock.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed clinical data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database and included adult patients with septic shock.

Artificial Intelligence-Driven Nanoarchitectonics for Smart Targeted Drug Delivery.

The development of data-driven and targeted drug delivery systems is essential for advancing precision therapeutics. Despite substantial progress in nanocarrier development, conventional platforms continue to face major challenges in clinical translation due to biological complexity, off-target accumulation, and limited adaptability to dynamic physiological environments. The integration of nanoarchitectonics and artificial intelligence (AI) offers an advanced strategy for engineering delivery systems that are structurally programmable, stimuli-responsive, and autonomously optimized.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of niclosamide nanohybrid for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.

Effective and reliable treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infections are a key part of global COVID-19 management. Based on vitro studies, niclosamide has been considered as a potential drug candidate for SARS-CoV-2, but its clinical development has been limited due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Here we report results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 300 patients (Clinical Trial Registration Number: KCT0007307) that assessed the efficacy and safety of the niclosamide nanohybrid CP-COV03 at two different doses.

Factors associated with HIV-related stigma among adults living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in the Asia-Pacific region.

People with HIV (PWH) continue to experience stigma across community, social, and healthcare settings, yet data from the Aisa-Pacific region remains limited. We conducted a cross-sectional study at five HIV clinics in Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand from July 2019 to June 2020 to assess HIV-related stigma and associated factors. Perceived stigma was measured using the 40-item Berger's HIV Stigma Scale.

Chronic kidney disease, proteinuria, and the risk of infective endocarditis in patients with diabetes: a nationwide retrospective cohort study.

Aims: The association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and/or proteinuria and the risk of infective endocarditis (IE) in patients with CKD without replacement therapy remains unclear. This study evaluated the effect of CKD and/or proteinuria on the risk of IE among patients with diabetes.

Methods: In this nationwide population-based cohort study, data on patients with diabetes who underwent a health checkup in 2009 were obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database.

Comparing the mortality of patients with sepsis using empirical piperacillin/tazobactam and cefepime: analysis of the MIMIC-IV database.

Objectives: We compared the effectiveness of piperacillin/tazobactam and cefepime as empirical antibiotics for sepsis.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients diagnosed with sepsis, receiving either piperacillin/tazobactam or cefepime as empirical treatment. Relevant data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database.

Impact of lowering the maximum speed limit of city roads on pedestrian traffic accident patients: A nationwide before-and-after study.

Traffic accidents (TAs) remain the leading cause of death globally; therefore, numerous efforts have been made to improve their occurrence and outcomes. Lowering the maximum road speed limit, named Safe Speed-5030, implemented in South Korea on April 17, 2021, is an example. This before-and-after study investigated the impact of this policy on pedestrian TA (P-TA) patients.

Sexual Risk Compensation and Retention in PrEP Care in Korea: An HIV PrEP Demonstration Study.

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine (TDF-FTC) is effective in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), however, its feasibility has not been evaluated in the Republic of Korea (Korea). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the feasibility of PrEP in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Korea. This is the first demonstration study in Korea, in which PrEP medication, laboratory tests, and clinic visit fees were provided without charge to participants.

Paving the Way for Next-Generation All-Solid-State Batteries: Dry Electrode Technology.

For the effective implementation of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), the progress of dry electrode technology is essential. Considering the urgent challenges posed by global warming, advancing affordable ASSBs is crucial for reliable and sustainable electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems. Despite the substantial progress in research on solid electrolytes, ASSBs continue to face fundamental challenges, including high manufacturing costs, considerable environmental impact, and insufficient interfacial stability.

The inhibition of photocatalytic activity of rutile nanoparticles surface encrustation with La(OH) quantum dots.

Strategic materials for UV filters focus on creating substances that effectively block UV radiation while ensuring safety and stability. This study demonstrates the use of La(OH) quantum dots (QDs) to modify the surface of rutile TiO nanoparticles, aiming to reduce their photocatalytic activity under UV exposure, thus improving sunscreen safety. In-depth material characterisation techniques, including X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were carried out and UV filtering properties were confirmed through UV-visible spectroscopy and evaluation of photocatalytic activity (PCA).

Prevention of rebleeding after primary haemostasis using haemostatic powder in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Background: Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Rebleeding rates following endoscopic treatment can reach up to 25% within 72 hours in patients with high-risk lesions.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a haemostatic powder (Nexpowder) in reducing rebleeding rates after conventional endoscopic treatment in patients with NVUGIB.

Re-Evaluation of ELISA for the Detection of Bovine Tuberculosis and a New Proposal for Its Use in Eradication Efforts on Outbreak Farms.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic infectious disease and a chronic wasting illness. Accordingly, detecting and eradicating bTB remains a significant challenge in South Korea. This study evaluated the efficacy of a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) protocol for detecting bTB in cattle.

Characteristics and Prevalence of Sequelae after COVID-19: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Background: The World Health Organization has declared the end of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. However, this did not indicate the end of COVID-19. Several months after the infection, numerous patients complain of respiratory or nonspecific symptoms; this condition is called long COVID.

Prognostic factors for long-term mortality after surgery of left-sided infective endocarditis.

Background: Infective endocarditis has low prevalence but a high mortality rate. Left-sided infective endocarditis (LSIE) has a higher mortality rate than right-sided infective endocarditis. Surgical treatment is occasionally considered for LSIE; however, few data are available on the long-term prognostic factors for LSIE after surgical treatment.

Quantum-Dot Ceramic Composites for Oxidative Stress Mitigation under Broad-Spectrum Radiation Exposure.

Nanomaterials offer a promising approach to mitigating radiation-induced oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, developing a nanomaterial that provides protection across a wide range of radiation conditions is challenging due to the photoelectric effects linked to the atomic number () of the materials. Quantum dots (QDs) in a composite system, owing to their small size and when used at low concentrations, minimize photoelectric effects and secondary electron generation.

Predictors of bloodstream infection and its impact on mortality in septic arthritis: A 15-year review.

Background: Septic arthritis is frequently complicated by bloodstream infection (BSI), which can lead to metastatic infections and sepsis. In the current study, we aimed to identify risk factors for septic arthritis-related BSI and assess its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective review spanning 15 years (January 2009 to May 2023) was conducted on patients diagnosed with septic arthritis.

Elucidating prognostic significance of purine metabolism in colorectal cancer through integrating data from transcriptomic, immunohistochemical, and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is widely recognized for its high prevalence and significant mortality rates, and purine metabolism has been serving as a potential therapeutic target. However, purine metabolism has not yet been validated as a prognostic marker through immunohistochemical analysis. In this study, we utilized a combination of bulk transcriptome analysis, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to assess the clinical relevance of purine metabolism in CRC.

Risk of aortic aneurysm or dissection following use of fluoroquinolones: a retrospective multinational network cohort study.

Background: Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), but some studies have suggested they may increase the risk of aortic aneurysm or dissection (AA/AD). However, no large-scale international study has thoroughly assessed this risk.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a large, distributed network analysis across 14 databases from 5 countries (United States, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia).

Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patient in Korea: A Review and Algorithm Proposed by Expert Consensus Group.

pneumonia (PJP) is a life-threatening infection commonly observed in immunocompromised patients, necessitating prompt diagnosis and treatment. This review evaluates the diagnostic performance of various tests used for PJP diagnosis through a comprehensive literature review. Additionally, we propose a diagnostic algorithm tailored to non-human immunodeficiency virus immunocompromised patients, considering the specific characteristics of current medical resources in Korea.