Alterations in mitochondrial base editors enhance targeted editing efficiency for mouse model generation.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) base editors are powerful tools for investigating mitochondrial diseases. However, their editing efficiency can vary significantly depending on the target site within the mtDNA. In this study, we developed two improved versions of the mitochondrial adenine base editor (Hifi-sTALED and αnHifi-sTALED) by modifying components other than the TadA8e-V28R deaminase variant.

CRIF1 gene therapy ameliorates inflammatory bowel disease by suppressing TH17 cells and fibrosis through mitochondrial function regulation.

Background: CR6-interacting factor 1 (CRIF1) is a nuclear transcriptional regulator and a mitochondrial inner membrane protein. Although serious modifications of the tissue architecture of the small intestine have been reported in CRIF1-deficient mice, how this may affect the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. We investigated the effects of CRIF1 on mice with colitis.

Artificial uterus with fluidics-driven system using material-switching digital light processing 3D bioprinting.

Despite various attempts to replicate complex organ structures using 3D bioprinting technologies, the fabrication of a tissue-engineered endometrium with integrated vasculature remains a significant challenge in the field. In this study, we developed three bioinks by combining glycidyl methacrylate-modified GelMA (GelMAGMA) hydrogel precursor with endometrial stem cells, stromal cells, and endothelial cells to create a vascularized endometrial construct. Utilizing a one-step material-switching DLP 3D bioprinter capable of multi-material printing, we successfully fabricated an engineered endometrial construct with a vascular channel extending through both the functional and basal layers.

Early cellular events of osteomucosal healing in the tooth extraction socket.

Healing after dentoalveolar trauma, such as tooth extraction, is unique to the oral cavity that involves osteomucosal healing - healing of soft and hard tissues at the same time - through a series of healing stages. The healing process of soft or hard tissues is well-documented previously; however, inter-dependency and cross-talks during the progression of their simultaneous healing processes remain unclear. In this study, we investigated spatial and temporal changes of epithelial, connective, and bone tissues, as well as the presence of osteoclasts, during the early stages of osteomucosal healing.

The VI-P of the leptomeninges.

The velum interpositum (VI) is a membranous extension of the leptomeninges under the hippocampus. In this issue of Neuron, Hohsfield et al. characterize cellular properties of the VI in mice and its role as a gateway for myeloid cells infiltrating the brain parenchyma.

Impact of Pulmonary Hypertension and Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants with Presumed Pulmonary Hypoplasia.

: Pulmonary hypertension and hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) involve seemingly opposite physiological features-decreased pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary overcirculation, respectively-but the literature demonstrates variable respiratory consequences in association with each of these morbidities. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the two factors representing pulmonary circulation provide different contributions to respiratory outcomes in preterm infants with and without pulmonary hypoplasia. : The medical records of preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) infants admitted to our unit during the study period from January 2013 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed.

A large-scale dataset for training deep learning segmentation and tracking of extreme weather.

As Earth's climate continues to undergo changes, it is imperative to gain understanding of how high-impact, extreme weather events will change. Researchers are increasingly relying on data-driven, learning-based approaches for the detection and tracking of extreme weather events. While several attempts to generate datasets of hand-labeled weather or climate have been made, a significant challenge has been to gather a sufficient number of expert-annotated samples.

An innovative approach using CRISPR-ribonucleoprotein packaged in virus-like particles to generate genetically engineered mouse models.

Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are crucial for investigating disease mechanisms, developing therapeutic strategies, and advancing fundamental biological research. While CRISPR gene editing has greatly facilitated the creation of these models, existing techniques still present technical challenges and efficiency limitations. Here, we establish a CRISPR-VLP-induced targeted mutagenesis (CRISPR-VIM) strategy, enabling precise genome editing by co-culturing zygotes with virus-like particle (VLP)-delivered gene editing ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) without requiring physical manipulation or causing cellular damage.

NaCl Modification: A Novel Strategy for Boosting Oxygen Evolution Activity of Ir Catalysts in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis.

The development of high-performance, low-content Ir catalysts is essential for enhancing the cost efficiency of anode catalysts and accelerating the widespread adoption of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) for sustainable hydrogen production. Existing strategies, such as reducing catalyst particle size and alloying with non-precious metals, have shown limited success in surpassing the intrinsic activity of commercial IrO catalysts. This study presents a novel synthesis strategy for IrO catalyst using NaCl as a structure modifier, delivering a catalyst (IrO_NaCl) that achieves an impressive current density of 2.

Progress and challenges in Nipah vaccine development and licensure for epidemic preparedness and response.

Introduction: Nipah virus is a high-consequence pathogen that causes sporadic outbreaks with high mortality, and there are currently no vaccines or therapeutics available for Nipah. Vaccine development against Nipah faces challenges due to its current epidemiology with limited outbreak sizes, which impedes the feasibility of conducting vaccine efficacy trials focused on disease endpoints.

Areas Covered: We review the progress of Nipah vaccine candidates in human clinical trials and highlight the challenges in evaluating the vaccine efficacy due to the sporadic nature of Nipah outbreaks, given the epidemic potential of Nipah virus and its implications for pandemic preparedness.

Genome-wide identification and functional validation of the WW domain containing oxidoreductase gene associated with sleep duration.

Individual differences in sleep duration have been reported, and genetic components of sleep duration have been identified showing various heritability. To identify genetic variants that contribute to sleep duration, we conducted a human genome-wide identification on sleep duration and performed confirmatory experiments using a Drosophila model. Genome-wide association study in human was analyzed to determine the association of the genetic variants with self-aware sleep duration from two community-based cohort, Ansan (cohort 1, n = 4635) and Ansung (cohort 2, n = 4205), recruited from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study.

Changes in Internet Activities and Influencing Factors for Problematic Internet Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korean Adolescents: Repeated Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: As adolescents increasingly engage with digital experiences, the internet serves as a platform for social interaction, entertainment, and learning. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, with remote learning and restricted physical interactions driving changes in internet behavior. Adolescents spent more time on gaming and social media, reflecting a notable shift in use patterns.

Isoprenaline-Modified Polyethyleneimine as an Efficient Gene Delivery System for Targeted Asthma Therapy and Airway Remodeling Inhibition.

This study introduces a novel gene delivery system, polyethyleneimine modified with isoprenaline (PEI-isoprenaline), to enhance targeted gene delivery in the context of asthma therapy and airway remodeling. In vitro investigations used Beas2B cells to assess the biocompatibility of isoprenaline, PEI-isoprenaline, and small interfering RNA (siRNA)/PEI-isoprenaline complexes, with cytotoxicity evaluations confirming their safety. The transfection efficiency of the siRNA/PEI-isoprenaline complex was scrutinized in THP-1 cells and displayed superior performance in delivering siRNA to cells expressing the β2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2).

enhancement of CD8+ T cell activity using functionalized hydrogel encapsulating tonsil-derived lymphatic endothelial cells.

This study investigates a method for programming immune cells using a biomaterial-based system, providing an alternative to traditional cell manipulation techniques. It addresses the limitations of engineered adoptive T cell therapies, such as T cell exhaustion, by introducing a gelatin-hyaluronic acid (GH-GMA) hydrogel system. We characterized tonsil mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs), lymphatic endothelial cells (T-LECs), stimulated T-CD8 T cells (STCs), and GH-GMA biomaterials.

Comprehensive phenotypic assessment of nonsense mutations in mitochondrial ND5 in mice.

Mitochondrial dysfunction induced by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations has been implicated in various human diseases. A comprehensive analysis of mitochondrial genetic disorders requires suitable animal models for human disease studies. While gene knockout via premature stop codons is a powerful method for investigating the unique functions of target genes, achieving knockout of mtDNA has been rare.

Machine-learning-based evaluation of the usefulness of lactate for predicting neonatal mortality in preterm infants.

Background: Unlike in adult and pediatric patients, the usefulness of lactate in preterm infants has not been thoroughly discussed. This study aimed to evaluate whether the lactate level in the first hours of life is an important factor associated with neonatal death in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants.

Methods: Electronic medical records from a level 4 neonatal intensive care unit in South Korea were reviewed to obtain perinatal and neonatal outcomes.

Metabolome Shift in Leaves Induced by the Novel Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium, HyangYak-01.

, a traditional herb, is widely recognized for its pharmacologically active components, such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. These components render it a highly sought-after ingredient in various industries, including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This study aimed to enhance the production and activity of these pharmacological constituents of using the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium HyangYak-01 during its cultivation.

Development of colonic stent simulator using three-dimensional printing technique: a simulator development study in Korea.

Background/aims: Colonic stenting plays a vital role in the management of acute malignant colonic obstruction. The increasing use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) and the diverse challenges posed by colonic obstruction at various locations underscore the importance of effective training for colonic stent placement.

Methods: All the components of the simulator were manufactured using silicone molding techniques in conjunction with three-dimensional (3D) printing.

Medical Costs of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease, South Korea, 2015-2019.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) prevalence is a rising public health concern. We assessed the long-term healthcare systems perspective of costs incurred by 147 NTM-PD patients at a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Median cumulative total medical cost in managing NTM-PD patients was US $5,044 (interquartile range US $3,586-$9,680) over 49.

The Economic Burden of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella and Invasive Non-Typhoidal Infection: A Systematic Literature Review.

Non-typhoidal (NTS) infection and invasive non-typhoidal (iNTS) infection cause a significant global health and economic burden. This systematic review aims to investigate the reported economic burden of NTS and iNTS infection, identify research gaps, and suggest future research directions. Data from PubMed and Embase databases up to April 2022 were reviewed, and articles were screened based on predefined criteria.

Impact of the restraint decision tree for physical restraint use in South Korean neurointensive care units.

Background: Nurses in neurointensive care units (NCUs) commonly use physical restraint (PR) to prevent adverse events like unplanned removal of devices (URDs) or falls. However, PR use should be based on evidenced decisions as it has drawbacks. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research-based PR protocol to support decision-making for nurses, especially for neurocritical patients.

Scaling up a brief alcohol intervention to prevent HIV infection in Vietnam: a cluster randomized, implementation trial.

Background: Evidence-based interventions (EBIs) often address normative behaviors. If a behavior is also common among clinicians, they may be skeptical about the necessity or effectiveness of an EBI. Alternatively, clinicians' attitudes and behaviors may be misaligned, or they may lack the knowledge and self-efficacy to deliver the EBI.

Risk factors for PDA ligation and neurodevelopmental outcomes at corrected 18-24 months in very low birth weight infants.

Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is commonly encountered morbidity which often occurs as up to 60% of extremely preterm infants born at < 29 weeks gestational age (GA).

Purpose: This study aims to assess the clinical risk factors associated with PDA ligation among very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) and evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcomes of those who underwent PDA ligation.

Methods: A total of 540 VLBWI were initially diagnosed with PDA in our 50-bed level IV NICU at Seoul St.

glycolipids promote virulence by thwarting immune cell clearance.

[group B (GBS)] is a leading cause of neonatal meningitis, with late-onset disease (LOD) occurring after gastrointestinal tract colonization in infants. Bacterial membrane lipids are essential for host-pathogen interactions, and the functions of glycolipids are yet to be fully elucidated. GBS synthesizes three major glycolipids: glucosyl-diacylglycerol (Glc-DAG), diglucosyl-DAG (Glc-DAG), and lysyl-Glc-DAG (Lys-Glc-DAG).