Mitochondrial dysfunction by glyoxalase 1 deficiency disrupts definitive endoderm and alveolar development of human pluripotent stem cells.

Normal mitochondrial function is essential for human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cell differentiation into definitive endoderm (DE). However, the underlying mechanisms that maintain mitochondrial homeostasis during DE differentiation are not fully elucidated. Here we report that glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) is a novel regulator of DE differentiation and subsequent alveolar development in hiPS cells via maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis.

Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Educational Intervention Addressing Fine Particulate Matter Exposure on the Mental Health of Elementary School Children.

: This study assessed the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based fine dust education program, grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM), on elementary students' fine dust knowledge, related behaviors, and mental health (depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality). : From September to November 2024, 95 students (grades 4-6) living near a coal-fired power plant in midwestern South Korea were assigned to either an intervention group (n = 44) or a control group (n = 51). The intervention group completed a three-session CBT-based education program; the control group received stress management education.

Smartphone App-Guided Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation improves exercise capacity, dyspnea, quality of life, and survival in patients with chronic respiratory disease. However, center-based pulmonary rehabilitation programs remain unavailable in many health care facilities due to several barriers. To address this, we developed a smartphone app that enabled individuals to perform pulmonary rehabilitation at home.

Predictors of clinical failure after stenting for malignant esophageal stricture: a single-institution retrospective analysis.

Background: The placement of an esophageal self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is an effective palliative treatment for inoperable malignant esophageal stricture. However, despite successful stent placement, some patients continue to experience persistent dysphagia. We aimed to evaluate the predictive factors of clinical outcomes after endoscopic SEMS placement for malignant esophageal stricture.

Comparative analyses of venom and salivary gland-specific anti-microbial peptide and proteins of some hymenopteran and heteropteran insects.

To test the hypothesis that the expression profiles, evolutionary patterns, and functionalities of anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) and proteins in some hymenopteran and heteropteran species are influenced by their distinct ecological traits, we conducted venom and salivary gland-specific transcriptome analyses. We compared the expression and evolutionary patterns of anti-microbial peptide and proteins across 22 hymenopteran and 9 heteropteran species. Additionally, we investigated the structural properties of selected defensins and assessed their anti-microbial and hemolytic activities.

The dimethyloxalylglycine-functionalized nanofibers for regeneration of infected developing dental roots.

regeneration in restorative dentistry targets the repair of tissues directly at the injury site by utilizing engineered biomaterials to guide endogenous cell activity. This approach aims to simplify treatment procedures and achieve more predictable outcomes, thus to supports the regeneration of damaged tissues and potentially restores tooth vitality, reducing the need for more invasive treatments. This study explores the potential of poly(ε-caprolactone) fibers (PCLF) functionalized with a hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) stabilizing small molecule dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) for regeneration in the context of dental root repair in developing immature teeth.

Synergistic epigenetic modulation by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and Wnt3a drives osteogenic trans-differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes through and .

Background: In elderly patients, bone regeneration is impeded by age-related shifts in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation propensity toward adipogenesis over osteogenesis. We investigated whether DNA demethylation by 5‑aza‑2'‑deoxycytidine (5azaC) synergizes with Wnt Family Member 3A (Wnt3a) signaling to induce osteogenic potential in 3T3‑L1 pre-adipocytes, generating osteoblast-like cells.

Methods: 3T3‑L1 pre-adipocytes were treated with 5azaC and/or Wnt3a.

Diagnostic value of visual stethoscopes for detecting bronchospasm in a patient under general anesthesia - A case report.

Background: Bronchospasm is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication during anesthesia that requires prompt recognition and management. Traditional auscultation plays a key role but is limited in objective interpretation and continuous monitoring.

Case: We report a case of intraoperative bronchospasm during laparoscopic surgery, detected early through real-time acoustic visualization using a digitalized esophageal stethoscope.

Development and application of an LC-MS/MS method for urinary DNA adduct profiling in residents of environmentally vulnerable areas.

DNA adducts, formed by the covalent binding of reactive electrophiles to DNA, serve as biomarkers of genotoxic exposure and early biological effects. However, non-invasive, high-throughput biomonitoring methods remain underdeveloped. This study developed and validated a robust LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of six urinary DNA adducts and applied it to assess environmental exposure among residents of polluted and control areas.

Relationship between Serum Cadmium Concentration and Lung function: A Study Using KNHANES data.

Background: Occupational and environmental exposures to cadmium affects lung. Cadmium accumulation alters intracellular signaling and impairs innate immunity which leads to chronic inflammation. Various factor such as gender, age, smoking status and comorbidities are known to be associated with blood cadmium levels.

Recent Applications of Lung Organoid and Lung-on-a-Chip Technologies for Evaluating the Toxicity of Fine Particulate Matter.

There is mounting epidemiologic and experimental evidence of the harmful effects of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on human lung health. However, the current utilization of two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and animal models falls short in accurately recapitulating the complexity, functions, and development of the human lung.

Different nuances between patient- and surgeon-reported outcomes in intramedullary ependymoma surgery.

Objective: With regard to intramedullary ependymoma surgery, most studies have presented surgeon-reported outcomes (SROs) such as McCormick grade, but few have evaluated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) using quality-of-life questionnaires. This retrospective study of patients who underwent surgery for intramedullary ependymoma was performed to analyze PROs and compare them with SROs.

Methods: PROs were assessed using EQ-5D-5L (5-level version of the 5-dimension EuroQoL questionnaire) data collected preoperatively and at least 6 months postoperatively from patients with histologically confirmed ependymoma treated with surgery between September 2016 and December 2023.

Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome Presenting as Diarrhea and Weight Loss: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare, non-hereditary disorder characterized by diffuse, non-neoplastic gastrointestinal polyposis along with ectodermal abnormalities, such as alopecia, skin hyperpigmentation, and nail dystrophy. It typically affects individuals aged >50 years and can lead to severe complications, including protein-losing enteropathy, chronic diarrhea, and malnutrition, if not diagnosed early. We report the case of a 68-year-old male who presented with a 2-month history of diarrhea, weight loss, and hair loss.

Improved bone regeneration with bone targeted scaffold.

The sustained release and bone tissue-specific localization of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) are crucial factors in overcoming the shortcomings in its clinical use. In a previous study, we introduced a bone-targeted, lipoplex-loaded, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted bilayer scaffold, termed polycaprolactone-bioink-nanoparticle (PBN). We confirmed the bone-specific and sustained release of BMP-2 with PBN in silico and in vitro and demonstrated improved bone formation in vivo.

Environmental disease monitoring by regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea: a narrative review.

This study explores the development, roles, and key initiatives of the Regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea, detailing their evolution through four distinct phases and their impact on environmental health policy and local governance. It chronicles the establishment and transformation of these centers from their inception in May 2007, through four developmental stages. Originally named Environmental Disease Research Centers, they were subsequently renamed Environmental Health Centers following legislative changes.

Integrative RNA-sequencing analysis of COPD-related genes in association with individual PM exposure.

Background: Airborne fine particulate matter (PM) is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. Here, we examined distinct gene and pathway characteristics across varying personal and ambient PM exposure durations within a prospective COPD cohort and the associations between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and clinical phenotypes.

Methods: Blood samples for RNA-sequencing were collected from 50 patients with COPD who underwent spirometry and quantitative computed tomography.

Solitary Subcutaneous Nodular Lymphoid Lesions in Dogs: Histopathologic and Immunophenotypic Comparison of B-Cell Pseudolymphoma and Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-Cell Lymphoma.

This report describes two cases of solitary subcutaneous nodular lymphoid lesions in dogs. Case 1 involved a 6-year-old male Maltese and Case 2 a 5-year-old female Yorkshire Terrier. Both presented with firm, non-ulcerated dorsal subcutaneous nodules and were unresponsive to corticosteroids.

Clinical outcomes of Botox injection according to subgroups of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction: A single institutional retrospective analysis.

The Chicago Classification version 4.0 categorizes esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) into 4 subgroups based on peristalsis patterns. Recent proposals introduce new terminology, grouping EGJOO with distal esophageal spasm and a hypercontractile esophagus as major mixed motility disorders (MMMDs), while classifying ineffective esophageal motility and normal peristalsis as isolated or ineffective esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (IEGJOO).

Quantitative computed tomography imaging classification of cement dust-exposed patients-based Kolmogorov-Arnold networks.

Background: Occupational health assessment is critical for detecting respiratory issues caused by harmful exposures, such as cement dust. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) imaging provides detailed insights into lung structure and function, enhancing the diagnosis of lung diseases. However, its high dimensionality poses challenges for traditional machine learning methods.

Removal of an aspirated dental bridge in the right main bronchus after endotracheal tube extubation: A case report.

Rationale: Foreign body aspiration into bronchial tubes is a serious medical problem. Here, we report a case of bronchial foreign body removal using flexible bronchoscopy with a balloon catheter and cryoadhesions.

Patient Concerns: The patient was diagnosed with septic shock and was treated in the intensive care unit.

Clinical features and differential diagnosis in symptomatic localized terminal ileitis or ulcer.

Despite advancements in diagnostic techniques, the accurate identification and management of localized terminal ileitis or ulcers (LTIU) remains challenging, with a wide range of associated diseases presenting with similar clinical and endoscopic features. This retrospective observational study aimed to determine the etiology and discrimination of various diseases in patients with symptomatic LTIU. Data on demographics, clinical manifestations, and endoscopic findings were collected and analyzed statistically using descriptive and inferential methods, including frequency analysis and chi-square tests.

Fludarabine attenuates inflammation and dysregulated autophagy in alveolar macrophages via inhibition of STAT1/IRF1 pathway.

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI), including its most severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), is a common cause of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Although its clinical characteristics have been well characterized, the relevant mechanism remains unclear. An imbalance in autophagy leads to alveolar remodeling and triggers the pathogenesis of ARDS.

Deep learning based dual stage model for accurate nasogastric tube positioning in chest radiographs.

Accurate placement of nasogastric tubes (NGTs) is crucial for ensuring patient safety and effective treatment. Traditional methods relying on manual inspection are susceptible to human error, highlighting the need for innovative solutions. This study introduces a deep-learning model that enhances the detection and analysis of NGT positioning in chest radiographs.

Corrigendum to "Ambient particulate matter and surrounding greenness in relation to sleep quality among pregnant women: A nationwide cohort study" [Heliyon 10 (5) (March 2024) e26742].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.

Combinational regenerative inductive effect of bio-adhesive hybrid hydrogels conjugated with hiPSC-derived myofibers and its derived EVs for volumetric muscle regeneration.

In regenerative medicine, extracellular vesicles (EVs) possess the potential to repair injured cells by delivering modulatory factors. However, the therapeutic effect of EVs in large-scale tissue defects, which are subject to prolonged timelines for tissue architecture and functional restoration, remains poorly understood. In this study, we introduce EVs and cell-tethering hybrid hydrogels composed of tyramine-conjugated gelatin (GelTA) that can be crosslinked with EVs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myofibers (hiPSC-myofibers) and hiPSC-muscle precursor cells.