The Change of Noncoding RNA Expression in Olfactory Bulb of Hepatic Encephalopathy Mouse Model: Transcriptomic Analysis and Cellular Analysis.

Objectives: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with cirrhosis and chronic liver disease primarily driven by ammonia (NH3) toxicity, which leads to neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. Recent studies have identified olfactory dysfunction as a potential early indicator of HE, linked to ammonia-induced neurotoxicity in the brain.

Methods: After confirming physiological alterations in olfactory cells induced by ammonia, we assessed gene expression changes in olfactory bulbs of bile duct ligation (BDL) mice as an HE mouse model.

Recent Changes in Trends of Nationwide Incidence of Glaucoma and Associated Visual Impairment in South Korea.

We analyzed recent changes in the incidence of glaucoma and associated visual impairment (VI) in Korea over a 16-year period. We utilized nationwide, longitudinal cohort data from the Korea National Health Insurance System (KNHIS) National Health Screening Cohort from 2004 to 2019 to evaluate the age-standardized incidence rate (SIR) of glaucoma and glaucoma-related VI. VI was determined based on KNHIS health examinations and the National Registry for Visual Disability.

Functional characterization of a novel plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium enhancing root growth and salt stress tolerance.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are soil microorganisms through which phytohormones and other bioactive compounds are produced, thereby enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance. In this study, a novel PGPR strain was identified from the rhizosphere of Lycium chinense seedlings, which produce protein-rich fruit. Whole-genome sequencing and annotation revealed that the genome of this strain, designated Pseudomonas sp.

Circular RNA circAtxn10 regulates skeletal muscle cell differentiation by targeting miR-143-3p and Chrna1.

Skeletal muscle differentiation is a complex process regulated by a network of genes and transcription factors. Recent studies have revealed the roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in modulating gene expression during myogenesis. In this study, we focused on the functional interplay between circAtxn10, miR-143-3p, and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha 1 (Chrna1) in skeletal muscle differentiation.

Impact of metabolic health and weight transition on COVID-19 risk: A population-based cohort study.

Objectives: Obesity and metabolic health are known factors influencing COVID-19 severity. However, the effect of changes in metabolic health and weight status on COVID-19 outcomes remains unclear. To investigate the association between changes in metabolic health and weight status over time and COVID-19-related risks.

FGFR4 promotes CAF activation through the CXCL10-CXCR3 axis in colon cancer.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote the malignant phenotype of cancer through crosstalk with tumor and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying CAF activation require in-depth study to develop strategies targeting CAFs during cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we investigated the role of FGFR4 in CAF regulation in colon cancer.

Increased risk of colorectal adenoma and benign colorectal polyp associated with infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Although the association between () infection and the risk of colorectal adenomas (CRAs) is suggested, specific analysis of the histological subtype of CRA is limited. The aim of the study was to conduct a meta-analysis on the risk of histological classifications of CRA as benign colorectal polyp (BCP), CRA, and advanced CRA to investigate the effects of .

Methods: A comprehensive literature searches of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases through January 2024.

Association of Maternal Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter During Pregnancy with Anterior Segment Dysgenesis Risk: A Matched Case-Control Study.

To assess the association of residential-level maternal particulate matter of 2.5 μm diameter or less (PM) exposure during pregnancy with anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) risk. This study used data from children diagnosed with ASD (i.

Rate of Progression Among Different Age Groups in Glaucoma With High Myopia: A 10-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study.

Purpose: To investigate the rate of structural and functional progression in different age groups of highly myopic glaucoma patients and identify risk factors associated with rate of change in functional parameters.

Design: Retrospective clinical cohort study.

Methods: This study included open-angle, normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients with high myopia who had been followed-up for at least 8 years.

SMOTE-Enhanced Explainable Artificial Intelligence Model for Predicting Visual Field Progression in Myopic Normal Tension Glaucoma.

Prcis: The AI model, enhanced by SMOTE to balance data classes, accurately predicted visual field deterioration in patients with myopic normal tension glaucoma. Using SHAP analysis, the key variables driving disease progression were identified.

Purpose: To develop and validate a Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE)-enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) model for predicting visual field progression in myopic normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients.

Metabolic imbalance and brain tumors: The interlinking metabolic pathways and therapeutic actions of antidiabetic drugs.

Brain tumors are complex, heterogeneous malignancies, often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests the important role of metabolic syndrome, such as that observed in diabetes mellitus, in the progression of brain tumors. Several studies indicated that hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and altered adipokine profiles influence tumor growth, proliferation, and treatment resistance.

Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium and Maculopathy in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) is the only pharmacological intervention approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating interstitial cystitis (IC) to date. However, PPS may induce an adverse event, maculopathy, which can be a significant challenge. To determine the risk of PPS-induced maculopathy in patients with IC.

Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of benzalkonium chloride-preserved, alternatively preserved and preservative-free eyedrops in the treatment of glaucoma.

Introduction: The primary therapeutic approach to glaucoma involves the long-term use of intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering eyedrops. However, the prevalent use of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) as a preservative in glaucoma eyedrops has been associated with ocular side effects, prompting a demand for alternatively preserved (AP) or preservative-free (PF) eyedrops. Studies comparing various preservatives have shown conflicting evidence concerning the safety of BAK-preserved (BP) eyedrops, some studies indicating no notable concerns and others reporting adverse effects.

Digital Screen Time and Myopia: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis.

Importance: The association of digital screen time with myopia has been documented, but the dose-response association and safe exposure threshold remain unclear.

Objective: To evaluate the dose-response association of time spent on digital screens with myopia risk.

Data Sources: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.

High-fat diet triggers transcriptomic changes in the olfactory bulb.

Metabolic imbalance contributes to cognitive impairment, anxiety, depressive behavior, and impaired olfactory perception. Recent studies have focused on olfactory dysfunction in patients with obesity and diabetes accompanied by cognitive dysfunction, considering that the synaptic signal from the olfactory bulb is directly transmitted to memory consolidation-related brain regions. This study investigated transcriptomic changes in the olfactory bulb in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice compared to that in normal-diet-fed mice.

MicroRNA-129-3p Suppresses Tumor Progression and Chemoradioresistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

(1) Background: MicroRNA-129 (miR-129) participates in tumor progression and chemoresistance in various cancer types. In this study, the role of miR-129-3p, the main mature form of miR-129, in tumor progression and chemoradiotherapy resistance in head and neck cancer was evaluated. (2) Methods: RT-PCR, western blotting, cell proliferation assays, cell apoptosis assays, and cell invasion and migration assays were used.

CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein β (C/EBPβ) Regulates Calcium Deposition in Smooth Muscle Cells.

Calcium deposition in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), a form of ectopic ossification in blood vessels, can result in rigidity of the vasculature and an increase in cardiac events. Here, we report that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) potentiates calcium deposition in VSMCs and mouse aorta induced by inorganic phosphate (Pi) or vitamin D. Based on cDNA microarray and RNA sequencing data of Pi-treated rat VSMCs, C/EBPβ was found to be upregulated and thus selected for further evaluation.

Frequent complications of deficient patellae after component removal in 1.5-stage exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection.

Purpose: To compare the complication rates between deficient patellae (remnant patellae after component removal) and non-resurfaced patellae after 1.5-stage exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection and identify risk factors for complications of deficient patellae.

Methods: Complications in 76 deficient patellae (group D) and 41 non-resurfaced patellae (group N), with a minimum follow-up of 2 years after 1.

as a Prognostic Biomarker: Linking Copy Number Variation to EMT and Survival in Colon Cancer.

The role of biomarkers in cancer treatment varies significantly depending on the cancer stage. Thus, in clinical practice, tailoring biomarkers to meet the specific needs and challenges of each cancer stage can increase the precision of treatment. Because they reflect underlying genetic alterations that influence cancer progression, copy number variation (CNV) biomarkers can play crucial prognostic roles.

CBL-b E3 ligase-mediated neddylation and activation of PARP-1 induce vascular calcification.

Vascular calcification (VC) refers to the accumulation of mineral deposits on the walls of arteries and veins, and it is closely associated with increased mortality in cardiovascular disease patients, particularly among high-risk patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8 (NEDD8) is a ubiquitin-like protein that plays a pivotal role in various cellular functions, primarily through its conjugation to target proteins and subsequent relay of biological signals. However, the role of NEDDylation in VC has not been investigated.

Mature microRNA-binding protein QKI suppresses extracellular microRNA let-7b release.

Argonaute (AGO), a component of RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs), is a representative RNA-binding protein (RBP) known to bind with mature microRNAs (miRNAs) and is directly involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing. However, despite the biological significance of miRNAs, the roles of other miRNA-binding proteins (miRBPs) remain unclear in the regulation of miRNA loading, dissociation from RISCs and extracellular release. In this study, we performed protein arrays to profile miRBPs and identify 118 RBPs that directly bind to miRNAs.

Assessing Glaucoma Severity and Progression in Individuals with Asymmetric Axial Length: An Intrapatient Comparative Study.

Purpose: To investigate whether a difference exists in intereye glaucoma severity and progression in patients with asymmetric axial length.

Design: Long-term observational study.

Participants: Patients older than 20 years with a diagnosis of glaucoma at Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea, between 2010 and 2020.

Nationwide incidence of and risk factors for undergoing incisional glaucoma surgery following infantile cataract surgery.

Nationwide incidence and risk factors for incisional glaucoma surgery post-infantile cataract (IC) surgery in children remain poorly understood. We conducted a population-based cohort study using the Korean national health claims database to identify IC patients diagnosed before age 1 who had IC surgery among all Korean born between 2008 and 2018 (n = 9,593,003). We estimated the annual occurrence of undergoing incisional glaucoma surgery following IC surgery in the general population aged 0-10.

Targeting of CYP2E1 by miRNAs in alcohol-induced intestine injury.

Although binge alcohol-induced gut leakage has been studied extensively in the context of reactive oxygen species-mediated signaling, it was recently revealed that post-transcriptional regulation plays an essential role as well. Ethanol (EtOH)-inducible cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1), a key enzyme in EtOH metabolism, promotes alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis and inflammatory liver disease, at least in part by mediating changes in intestinal permeability. For instance, gut leakage and elevated intestinal permeability to endotoxins have been shown to be regulated by enhancing CYP2E1 mRNA and CYP2E1 protein levels.