Establishment of a Depression Model Using Dexamethasone-treated Three-dimensional Cultured Rat Cortical Cells.

Objective: models are useful for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying impaired neuroplasticity in depression. In this study, we developed a three-dimensional spheroid model in which we investigated the effects of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone on key pathways involved in neuroplasticity, specifically BDNF, sirtuin 1, and mTORC1 signaling.

Methods: A micro-spheroid device was fabricated using photolithography and soft lithography, and cortical spheroids were generated from primary rat cortical cells.

SRT2104 enhances dendritic outgrowth and spine formation through Sirtuin 1-mediated mTORC1 signaling.

Impaired neuroplasticity is a one of the key pathological mechanism of depression. Sirtuin 1 plays a crucial role in neuroplasticity; however, its precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study examined whether sirtuin 1 regulates dendritic outgrowth and spine formation via mTORC1 signaling in rat primary cortical cells under dexamethasone-induced neurotoxic conditions.

Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Fexuprazan and Lansoprazole for the Prevention of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug-Induced Peptic Ulcer.

Background/aims: To compare the efficacy and safety of fexuprazan and lansoprazole for preventing peptic ulcers (PUs) induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Methods: This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, active-controlled study was conducted across 32 hospitals in South Korea. Patients with musculoskeletal disease requiring long-term treatment with celecoxib, naproxen, or meloxicam were randomized to receive either fexuprazan 20 mg/day (n=212) or lansoprazole 15 mg/day (n=211) for 24 weeks.

Decoy DNA Protects Molecular Tension Probes from DNase Degradation.

DNA-based molecular probes are essential tools for visualizing and quantifying mechanotransduction at the single-molecule level. However, their application in live-cell environments is severely limited by DNase-mediated degradation, which shortens probe lifespan and introduces false-positive signals. Here, we present a decoy DNA strategy where an excess of unmodified double-stranded DNA competitively binds DNases, effectively preserving functional DNA probes.

Quantitative Super-Resolution Imaging of Molecular Tension.

DNA-based molecular tension probes have revolutionized the localization of mechanical events in live cells with super-resolution. However, imaging the magnitude of these forces at super-resolution has been challenging. Here, qtPAINT (quantitative tension points accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography) is introduced as a strategy to image the magnitude of molecular tension with super-resolution accuracy.

Integrin force loading rate in mechanobiology: From model to molecular measurement.

Integrins are critical transmembrane receptors that connect the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the intracellular cytoskeleton, playing a central role in mechanotransduction - the process by which cells convert mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals. The dynamic assembly and disassembly of integrin-mediated adhesions enable cells to adapt continuously to changing mechanical cues, regulating essential processes such as adhesion, migration, and proliferation. In this review, we explore the molecular clutch model as a framework for understanding the dynamics of integrin - ECM interactions, emphasizing the critical importance of force loading rate.

Hidden route of protein damage through oxygen-confined photooxidation.

Oxidative modifications can disrupt protein folds and functions, and are strongly associated with human aging and diseases. Conventional oxidation pathways typically involve the free diffusion of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which primarily attack the protein surface. Yet, it remains unclear whether and how internal protein folds capable of trapping oxygen (O) contribute to oxidative damage.

A Pharmacokinetic and Bioavailability Study of Phlorotannins Following Intravenous and Oral Administration in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

This study examines the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of phlorotannins from in rats following intravenous and oral administration. Known for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and many other bioactivities, these phlorotannins, particularly dieckol, 8,8'-bieckol, and phlorofucofuroeckol-A (PFF-A), were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Intravenous administration at 10 mg/kg allowed detectability in plasma for up to 36 h for dieckol and 8,8'-bieckol, but only 2 h for PFF-A.

Altering Cell Junctional Tension in Spheroids through E-Cadherin Engagement Modulation.

Cadherin-mediated tension at adherens junctions (AJs) is fundamental for cell-cell adhesion and maintaining epithelial integrity. Despite the importance of manipulating AJs to dissect cell-cell interactions, existing three-dimensional (3D) multicellular models have not adequately addressed the precise manipulation of these junctions. To fill this gap, we introduce E-cadherin-modified tension gauge tethers (TGTs) at the junctions within spheroids.

Influence of Smoking and Controlled Medical Conditions on the Risks of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion in South Korea: A Population-Based Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of controlled medical conditions and risk of lifetime smoking history on the prevalence of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) database from 2017-2021.

Methods: The study population consisted of individuals aged ≥ 40 years who had completed ophthalmological questionnaires, underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examinations, and had at least one good-quality readable fundus photograph. Age, sex, hypertension status, diabetes status, dyslipidemia status, body mass index status, a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a lifetime smoking history of ≥ 100 cigarettes, and glaucoma were subjected to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

The adaptability of the Pulsta valve to the diverse main pulmonary artery shape of native right ventricular outflow tract disease.

Background: Pulsta valve is increasingly used for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) in patients with a large native right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). This study aims to elucidate the outcomes of Pulsta valve implantation within the native RVOT and assess its adaptability to various native main pulmonary artery (PA) anatomies.

Methods: A multicenter retrospective study included 182 patients with moderate to severe pulmonary regurgitation in the native RVOT who underwent PPVI with Pulsta valves® between February 2016 and August 2023 at five Korean and Taiwanese tertiary referral centers.

The impact of physical activity changes on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in young patients with CHD: a 3-year follow-up study.

Objective: This study examined the relationship between changes in physical activity and their impact on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life over a 3-year span in patients with CHD.

Methods: We evaluated 99 young patients with CHD, aged 13-18 years at the outset. Physical activity, health-related quality of life, and exercise capacity were assessed via questionnaires and peak oxygen uptake measurements at baseline and after 3 years; changes in measures were estimated between the two time points and categorised into quartiles.

Preoperative Balloon-Occluded Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Followed by Surgical Resection: Pathological Evaluation of Necrosis.

This study investigates the clinical and pathological outcomes of preoperative balloon-occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (B-TACE) in patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The data are from 25 consecutive patients who underwent sequential treatment of subsegmental B-TACE and hepatic surgery for single HCC. Radiological and pathological evaluation of oily subsegmentectomy, defined as the iodized oil-laden necrotic area that includes the entire HCC and surrounding liver parenchyma, were performed.

Association between knee osteoarthritis and mortality: a serial propensity score-matched cohort study.

Background/aims: The association between symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality is established; however, findings from studies that utilized regression analysis were limited, attributed to the strong association between OA and metabolic risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the association between knee OA and mortality through propensity score matching.

Methods: This was a cohort study including Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2013) participants aged ≥ 50 years.

Cell-permeable peptide nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotide platform targeting human betacoronaviruses.

Introduction: Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with therapeutic potential have recently been reported to target the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs)-based ASOs have been regarded as promising drug candidates, but intracellular delivery has been a significant obstacle. Here, we present novel modified PNAs, termed OPNAs, with excellent cell permeability that disrupt the RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 by introducing cationic lipid moiety onto the nucleobase of PNA oligomer backbone.

Discriminative-Region Multi-Label Classification of Ultra-Widefield Fundus Images.

Ultra-widefield fundus image (UFI) has become a crucial tool for ophthalmologists in diagnosing ocular diseases because of its ability to capture a wide field of the retina. Nevertheless, detecting and classifying multiple diseases within this imaging modality continues to pose a significant challenge for ophthalmologists. An automated disease classification system for UFI can support ophthalmologists in making faster and more precise diagnoses.

Intermediate-stage (BCLC stage B) infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma: safety and efficacy of chemoembolization.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of chemoembolization in patients with intermediate-stage infiltrative Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study evaluated outcomes in treatment-naïve patients who received chemoembolization as first-line treatment for intermediate-stage infiltrative HCC between 2002 and 2022. Of the 2029 treatment-naïve patients who received chemoembolization as first-line treatment for intermediate-stage HCC, 244 (12%) were identified as having the infiltrative type.

Transarterial chemoembolization for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma without macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis: analysis of factors prognostic of clinical outcomes.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of TACE and factors predicting survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without macrovascular invasion (MVI) or extrahepatic spread (EHS).

Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 236 treatment-naïve patients who underwent TACE as first-line treatment for advanced HCC without MVI or EHS between January 2007 and December 2021.

Results: Following TACE, the median overall survival (OS) was 24 months.

Impact of Pulmonary Arterial Elastance on Right Ventricular Mechanics and Exercise Capacity in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.

Background And Objectives: Pathophysiological changes of right ventricle (RV) after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) are coupled with a highly compliant low-pressure pulmonary artery (PA) system. This study aimed to determine whether pulmonary vascular function was associated with RV parameters and exercise capacity, and its impact on RV remodeling after pulmonary valve replacement.

Methods: In a total of 48 patients over 18 years of age with repaired TOF, pulmonary arterial elastance (Ea), RV volume data, and RV-PA coupling ratio were calculated and analyzed in relation to exercise capacity.

Relationship between the Consciousness State and the Default Mode Network in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Introduction: This study investigated the relationship between Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) and the neural networks between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and precuneus (PCun)/posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) in disorders of consciousness (DOC) patients with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT).

Measures: Twenty-five consecutive patients with TBI admitted to the rehabilitation department of a university hospital were enrolled in this study. The Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) was used to evaluate the consciousness state.

Repeat uterine artery embolization (UAE) for recurrent postpartum hemorrhage in patients who underwent UAE after a previous delivery: a multicenter study.

Objective: To evaluate angiographic findings and outcomes of repeat uterine artery embolization (UAE) for recurrent postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in patients who previously underwent UAE for PPH after a previous delivery.

Materials And Methods: Among 1805 patients who underwent UAE for PPH from 2007 to 2020 at four participating hospitals, the data of 21 (1.16%) patients who underwent UAE for PPH after subsequent delivery were collected and analyzed retrospectively.

The clinical efficacy of a mixture of ivy leaf extract and coptidis rhizome in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with poor prognosis and cough is the one of most common and major symptoms in IPF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome (Synatura®) in patients with IPF. This was a prospective, open-label, single-center, and single-arm study in Korea from October 2019 to September 2020.

Super-Resolution Tension PAINT Imaging with a Molecular Beacon.

DNA-PAINT enabled super-resolution imaging through the transient binding of fluorescently-labelled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) imagers to target ssDNA. However, its performance is constrained by imager background fluorescence, resulting in relatively long image acquisition and potential artifacts. We designed a molecular beacon (MB) as the PAINT imager.