33 Unresolved Questions in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Significant advances in science and engineering often emerge at the intersections of disciplines. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are inherently interdisciplinary, uniting researchers from chemistry, physics, biology, medicine, materials science, and engineering. This convergence has fostered novel ways of thinking and enabled the development of materials, tools, and technologies that have transformed both basic and applied research, as well as how we address critical societal challenges.

Dynamic birefringence and chirality of magnetically controllable assemblies of anisotropic plasmonic nanoparticles in dispersion.

The ability to control the orientation and arrangement of plasmonic nanoparticles with shape anisotropy offers a promising route to achieving highly tunable optical properties. In this study, we introduce a synthetic approach for magnetically controllable plasmonic nanoparticles (MPs) consisting of an anisotropic gold core encapsulated by an iron oxide shell. The superparamagnetic property of the iron oxide shell enables rapid, reversible, and remotely controlled alignment of MPs, allowing for dynamic manipulation of their optical properties.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Modified with Galloylated DNA for Magnetically Enhanced DNA-Directed Assembly.

A straightforward, one-step method is presented for DNA functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) using galloylated DNA through multidentate metal-phenol interactions. The DNA-modified IONPs exhibit excellent stability under diverse buffer conditions and display intriguing DNA binding properties, influenced by the superparamagnetic property of IONPs. The DNA denaturation behavior can be categorized into two regimes: the magnetic-dominant regime and the DNA-dominant regime.

Alleviation of Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Obesity Suppression by a Probiotic Strain That Induces GLP-1 Secretion.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone secreted from enteroendocrine cells that can promote weight loss and blood glucose improvement. We screened probiotic strains that effectively stimulate GLP-1 secretion from human enteroendocrine cells and then investigated the efficacy of this strain in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mouse model of obesity. GB104 greatly induced GLP-1 secretion by increasing expression of the proglucagon gene (), but not the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 gene () in the human enteroendocrine cell line NCI-H716.

Transferrin receptor controls both autophagosome formation and closure via phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate synthesis.

Autophagosome formation involves multiple sequential steps that need to be coordinated and linked. Here, we describe in mammalian cells that the transferrin receptor (TfR) links LC3 family conjugation to phagophore membranes, an early step in autophagosome biogenesis, with subsequent autophagosome closure. TfR depletion impairs autophagic flux and its overexpression stimulates this catabolic process in an iron-independent manner.

Spectroscopic insights into charge-carrier dynamics modulated by donor-acceptor molecular distribution in organic photovoltaic materials.

Understanding the relationship between molecular distribution and charge-carrier dynamics is crucial for optimizing organic photovoltaic (OPV) performance. In this study, we employed advanced spectroscopic techniques, including flash-photolysis time-resolved microwave conductivity (FP-TRMC) to probe free-charge dynamics. Utilizing a model electron donor-acceptor dyad (P3HT-NDI), where poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is covalently linked to naphthalene diimide (NDI), and a blended system (P3HT/NDI), we investigated the impact of acceptor distribution uniformity on the charge-carrier dynamics.

Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of : Inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways, and Activation of ROS/PI3K/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway in LPS-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells.

This study explores the anti-inflammatory potential of by examining its impact on inflammation-related signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Fractions obtained using hexane (HE), dichloromethane (DCM), and ethyl acetate (EA) were found to suppress LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).

Exploring the Role of Practical and Emotional Death Preparation in Reducing Emotional Distress Among Family Caregivers of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Family caregivers (FCs) play a vital role in supporting terminally ill patients with cancer by providing emotional, physical, and practical care throughout the illness trajectory [...

Alpha-synuclein mutations mislocalize cytoplasmic p300 compromising autophagy, which is rescued by ACLY inhibition.

Triplications and certain point mutations in the SNCA gene, encoding alpha-synuclein (α-Syn), cause Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we demonstrate that the PD-causing A53T α-Syn mutation and elevated α-Syn expression perturb acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) and p300 biology in human neurons and in the CNS of zebrafish and mice. This dysregulation is mediated by activation of ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), a key enzyme that generates acetyl-CoA in the cytoplasm, via two mechanisms.

Efficacy and safety of herbal medicine treatment on postsurgical recovery in gastric cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the second most prevalent cancer in Korea, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although advancements in early detection and treatment have improved survival rates, management of postsurgical recovery remains vital. Herbal medicine (HM) has emerged as a potential adjunct therapy for enhancing the recovery and quality of life (QoL) of patients post-GC surgery.

Contrasting effects of mismatch locations on Z-DNA formation under bending force.

Z-DNA is a non-canonical, left-handed helical structure that plays crucial roles in various cellular processes. DNA mismatches, which involve the incorporation of incorrect Watson-Crick base pairs, are present in all living organisms and contribute to the mechanism of Z-DNA formation. However, the impact of mismatches on Z-DNA formation remains poorly understood.

How does autophagy impact neurological function?

Autophagies describe a set of processes in which cells degrade their cytoplasmic contents via various routes that terminate with the lysosome. In macroautophagy (the focus of this review, henceforth autophagy), cytoplasmic contents, including misfolded proteins, protein complexes, dysfunctional organelles, and various pathogens, are captured within double membranes called autophagosomes, which ultimately fuse with lysosomes, after which their contents are degraded. Autophagy is important in maintaining neuronal and glial function; consequently, disrupted autophagy is associated with various neurologic diseases.

Patterns of Medical Utilization in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Life-Limiting Conditions in Korea: A Cohort Study Based on National Health Insurance Data.

Background: Children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYAs) with severe illnesses require intensive treatment, often relying on medical devices and advanced medical services. Modern medical technology has improved the lifespans of these patients. In addition, CAYAs represent a vulnerable group, resulting in a significant caregiving burden on the entire family.

Effectiveness and safety of combined treatment with herbal medicines and palliative chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer: A systematic review, and meta-analysis.

Background: Advanced gastric cancer (AGC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with its treatment complicated by challenges such as high recurrence rates, severe side effects, and limited effectiveness of current therapies. Herbal medicine (HM) has emerged as an adjunct to palliative chemotherapy (PC), potentially improving tumor response and reducing side effects. This study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of HM in palliative therapy for inoperable stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ AGC patients.

Patient Acceptance of Death and Symptom Control/Quality of Care Among Terminal Cancer Patients Under Inpatient Hospice Care: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Patient attitude to death is associated with outcomes in hospice care settings. This Korean study investigated the association between terminal cancer patient death acceptance and symptom control and quality of care (QoC) as perceived by family caregivers (FCs).

Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted in nine inpatient hospice care units, and the data of 108 dyads (terminal cancer patients who responded to the revised Death Attitude Profile and their primary FCs) were analyzed.

Association between alcohol consumption and sleep difficulty in a nationwide Korean survey.

Background: The data on the association between alcohol intake and sleep quality in a community-based setting are lacking. This study examined overall sleep difficulty according to alcohol habits among Korean adults.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed data from 4937 adults who responded to questions about sleep difficulty and drinking habits from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Synergistic Effect of HAD-B1 and Osimertinib Against Gefitinib Resistant HCC827 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells.

In this study, we investigated the synergistic effect of co-administration of osimertinib and HAD-B1 using gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells, HCC827-GR. HAD-B1 is composed of 4 natural drugs, Panax Notoginseng Radix, Panax ginseng C. A.

Validity and reliability of the integrated palliative care outcome scale (IPOS) in Korea: a multicenter study of terminally ill cancer patients.

Background: The Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) is a key tool for assessing the quality of palliative care using patient-reported outcomes. This study aimed to culturally adapt and translate the IPOS to Korean and verify its psychometric properties for use in palliative care settings.

Methods: The IPOS was translated and culturally adapted, followed by validation in 119 terminally ill cancer patients and 28 healthcare providers across six Hospice and Palliative Care Units from September 2023 to January 2024.

Shape-Dependent Locomotion of DNA-Linked Magnetic Nanoparticle Films.

The shape-dependent aero- and hydro-dynamics found in nature have been adopted in a wide range of areas spanning from daily transportation to forefront biomedical research. Here, we report DNA-linked nanoparticle films exhibiting shape-dependent magnetic locomotion, controlled by DNA sequences. Fabricated through a DNA-directed layer-by-layer assembly of iron oxide and gold nanoparticles, the multifunctional films exhibit rotational and translational motions under magnetic fields, along with reversible shape morphing via DNA strand exchange reactions.

Nuclear proteasomes buffer cytoplasmic proteins during autophagy compromise.

Autophagy is a conserved pathway where cytoplasmic contents are engulfed by autophagosomes, which then fuse with lysosomes enabling their degradation. Mutations in core autophagy genes cause neurological conditions, and autophagy defects are seen in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Thus, we have sought to understand the cellular pathway perturbations that autophagy-perturbed cells are vulnerable to by seeking negative genetic interactions such as synthetic lethality in autophagy-null human cells using available data from yeast screens.

A Randomized, Multi-Center, Open Label Study to Compare the Safety and Efficacy between Afatinib Monotherapy and Combination Therapy with HAD-B1 for the Locally Advanced or Metastatic NSCLC Patients with EGFR Mutations.

Background: Lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), poses a significant health challenge globally due to its high mortality. Afatinib, a second-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), has shown superior efficacy over traditional chemotherapy in NSCLC treatment. However, issues like secondary resistance and adverse effects call for alternative therapies.

Immunostimulatory activity of the aqueous extract from the leaves of subsp. through TLR4‑dependent JNK activation in RAW264.7 cells.

subsp. (SRP) is an endemic plant of Korea, exclusively found on Ulleungdo Island. SRP is widely used as both a traditional medicine and food source.

Association between Neck Circumference and Thyroid Disease: Findings of a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Korea.

Background: There were contradictory reports about the relationship between neck circumference (NC) and thyroid status. This study aimed to compare the NCs of Korean adults with or without thyroid disease.

Methods: The data of 8,198 subjects (aged 40-80 yr) that participated in the 2019-2020 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were subjected to analysis.

Decreased aggressive care at the end of life among advanced cancer patients in the Republic of Korea: a nationwide study from 2012 to 2018.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the trends of aggressive care at the end-of-life (EoL) for patients with advanced cancer in Korea and to identify factors affecting such care analyzing nationwide data between 2012 to 2018.

Methods: This was a population-based, retrospective nationwide study. We used administrative data from the National Health Insurance Service and the Korea Central Cancer Registry to analyze 125,350 patients aged 20 years and above who died within one year of a stage IV cancer diagnosis between 2012 and 2018.