First Report of in Bats and Ticks Collected from Bat Habitats.

The zoonotic infectious disease, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV), , was first identified in China in 2009 and reported in the Republic of Korea in 2013. The primary vector is the tick (.) , which is endemic to the Asia-Pacific region and has a wide range of hosts.

Concentration-Dependent Nanosheet and Nanotube Networks: Ice-Water Interface Control for Antifreeze Application.

Cyclic peptides (CPs) are versatile building blocks whose conformational constraints foster ordered supramolecular architectures with potential in biomedicine, nanoelectronics, and catalysis. Herein, we report the development of biomimetic antifreeze materials by conjugating CPs bearing ice-binding residues to 4-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) via click chemistry. The concentration-dependent self-assembly of these CP-PEG conjugates induces programmable morphological transitions, forming nanotube networks above the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) and two-dimensional nanosheet networks near the CAC.

Moderating role of triglycerides in the relationship between amyloid-β, hippocampal atrophy, and cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: The role of triglycerides in Alzheimer's disease dementia (ADD) progression remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate how triglyceride levels influence the relationship between amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, hippocampal atrophy, and cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-stage ADD.

Methods: A total 188 older adults (170 with MCI, 18 with early ADD) from the Gwangju Alzheimer's Disease and Related cohort underwent amyloid PET and structural magnetic resonance imaging.

Nationwide Survey on Endoscopic Papillectomy for Ampullary Adenoma: Current Practices and Variability.

Background/aims: Ampullary adenomas are precancerous lesions requiring accurate diagnosis and timely intervention to prevent malignant transformation. Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) has emerged as a less invasive alternative to surgery; however, technical variations in practice remain. This study evaluated contemporary real-world approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of ampullary adenomas among pancreatobiliary endoscopists.

Co-doping aluminum and boron enhances the stability and electrochemical properties of nickel-rich cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Enhancement of the performance of lithium-ion batteries is a critical strategy for addressing the challenges associated with cost and raw materials. By doping boron (B), aluminum (Al), and aluminum/boron (Al/B) utilizing the sol-gel method, we demonstrate a substantial improvement in the cycling performance of Ni-rich lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) as an electrode. While the initial specific capacitance of the doped samples may be lower than that of the pristine NMC, these samples demonstrate a notable increase in specific capacitance during subsequent cycles, reaching a peak around the 10 cycle and nearing the highest specific capacitance observed in NMC cathodes.

Reverse beta-oxidation for biochemical production: insights into the functional properties of key enzymes.

The reverse β-oxidation (rBOX) pathway is emerging as a promising alternative to fossil fuel-based chemical production, providing a versatile platform for the synthesis of various valueadded biochemicals. Efficient application of rBOX depends on the selection of enzymes with high catalytic activity, suitable substrate specificity, and strong functional compatibility within the pathway. In this review, we focus on the structural and biochemical characteristics of four key enzymes-thiolase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, enoyl-CoA hydratase, and enoyl-CoA reductase-and explore how their individual features and combinations influence pathway performance.

Ilimaquinone-induced lipophagy diminishes lipid accumulation via AMPK activation.

Lipid metabolism plays an important role in aging and longevity, and lipophagy-a specialized form of autophagy that targets lipid vesicles-regulates lipid homeostasis and alleviates metabolic diseases such as metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Ilimaquinone (IQ), a sesquiterpene extracted from the sea, is well-known for its various biological effects; however, its effects on lipid metabolism and longevity have not yet been elucidated. In this study, IQ acted in a dose-dependent manner, extending the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C.

Needs analysis of leadership education based on the medical leadership competency framework in Korean medical schools.

Purpose: Leadership in healthcare is vital, but it remains fragmented within medical school curricula. It is often confined to isolated courses lacking cohesive integration. Using the Medical Leadership Competency Framework (MLCF), this study examines leadership curricula and competencies in Korean medical schools, providing a foundation for educational strategies that enhance leadership development.

Shiga Toxin Type 2 Aggravates G1/S Phase Cell Cycle Arrest, Mediating Caspase-Independent Cell Death under Hyperosmotic Conditions in the Kidney.

Shiga toxin (Stx) is a virulence factor produced by serotype 1 and Stx-producing (STEC). It causes severe renal damage, leading to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The main target organ of Stx, the kidney, plays a role in maintaining water homeostasis in the body by increasing an osmotic gradient from the cortex to the medulla.

Prognostic Value of A/T/N Biomarkers: Comparing Plasma and Imaging Modalities in Alzheimer Disease.

Background: Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-β plaques (A), tau tangles (T), and neurodegeneration (N), collectively defining the ATN framework. While imaging biomarkers are well-established, the prognostic value of plasma biomarkers in predicting cognitive decline remains underexplored. This study compares plasma and imaging A/T/N biomarkers in predicting cognitive decline and evaluate the impact of combining biomarkers across modalities.

KU4 inhibits adipocyte senescence in aged mice through necdin regulation of p53 activity.

Previously, we reported that KU4 (LKU4) ameliorates diet-induced metabolic disorders by regulating adipose tissue (AT) physiology. Since metabolic disorders and age-related pathological conditions mutually exacerbate each other, this study hypothesizes that LKU4 may protect against adipose senescence during aging. Thus, this study demonstrates that LKU4 administration suppresses age-related metabolic dysfunction and aging phenotypes in AT of 24-month-old mice.

Effective Strategies To Enhance Dehydration Kinetics in Metal Oxide Pellets for Thermal Energy Storage Materials.

Thermochemical energy storage using Mg(OH) is attractive due to its high energy density, low cost, and nontoxicity. However, its practical application is limited by the high dehydration temperature required to achieve sufficient reaction rates. Although metal salt additives are known to enhance dehydration kinetics, prior studies have mainly focused on powders, with limited research on pellets.

Evolving Strategies for the Optimal Management of Common Bile Duct Stones.

Management of common bile duct (CBD) stones has evolved substantially with the advent of endoscopic techniques and dedicated high-end devices. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become a widespread essential technique for managing CBD stones, with high success rates in standard cases. However, for patients with large stones, stones in an impacted state, and stones in anatomically challenging regions, advanced strategies using various dedicated devices may be needed.

Development of a prediction tool for kidney function decline in children with chronic kidney disease.

Background: A paucity of literature exists on the development of predictive tools for the decline of kidney function in pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this study is to develop and internally validate a tool for the short-term prediction of a kidney function decline in pediatric patients with CKD.

Methods: A total of 539 patients participating in the KNOW-PedCKD (KoreaN cohort study for Outcomes in patients With Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease) were evaluated for 48 variables related to sociodemographic characteristics, laboratory data, and treatment use.

Left ventricular geometry and the risk of heavy coronary artery calcification in patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease: the KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD).

Background: The association between abnormal left ventricular geometry (LVG) patterns and the presence of coronary artery calcification is unclear in patients with CKD.

Methods: A total of 2,038 patients with pre-dialysis CKD at stages 1 to 5 were categorized by LVG patterns, which were echocardiographically determined by the presence or absence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and relative wall thickness (RWT): normal, concentric remodeling, eccentric LVH, and concentric LVH. The study outcome was the presence of heavy coronary artery calcification, which is defined as coronary artery calcium score >1,000 Agatston units.

Integrated Experimental and FLUKA Simulation for Enhanced Radiation Safety in Open-Ceiling Radiographic Testing Facilities.

Radiographic testing (RT) is a critical non-destructive testing (NDT) method for ensuring the structural integrity of pipe welds through quantitative detection of internal defects. However, radiation safety concerns often lead to overly conservative regulatory restrictions, particularly affecting open-ceiling radiographic facilities through excessive limitations on irradiation direction and shielding, thereby reducing productivity. This study conducted quantitative analyses and on-site radiation measurements under varying irradiation angles and shielding conditions in an open-ceiling RT facility located within a pipe fabrication workshop.

How Do Patient Outcomes in Mechanical Thrombectomy for Large-Core Stroke Vary Based on Neuroimaging Modalities Used for Patient Selection? A Multicenter Multinational Study.

The role of different imaging modalities-non-contrast CT (NCCT), CT perfusion (CTP), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-in selecting patients with large-core stroke for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a subject of ongoing debate. This study aims to determine whether patients with large-core acute ischemic stroke (AIS) undergoing EVT triaged with CTP or DWI in addition to NCCT had different clinical outcomes compared to those only triaged with NCCT. We queried the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) for patients enrolled between 2014 and 2023 who presented with anterior-circulation AIS and large ischemic core (ASPECTS < 6) who underwent EVT in 41 stroke centers in the USA, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Evaluation of quality, composition and anti-inflammatory effects of yuzu seed oil obtained by different drying pretreatments.

Yuzu () seeds, a by-product of juice processing, are a valuable source of oil and bioactive compounds. This study investigates the effects of air drying (40 °C and 60 °C), and freeze-drying methods for yuzu seeds on the physicochemical and functional properties of mechanically extracted yuzu seed oil. 40 °C air drying was most effective, yielding the highest oil (11.

Sulfiredoxin stimulates luteinization in vitro by promoting progesterone production in rats.

In Brief: Sulfiredoxin (Srxn1) is essential for corpus luteum formation during ovulation. Inhibition of Srxn1 with J14 suppressed LH-stimulated progesterone production, key gene expressions (Cyp11a1, StAR), and markers of luteinization. This highlights Srxn1's role in promoting LH-induced luteinization through the ERK, C/EBPβ, and Cyp11a1 pathways.

Distribution and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in raccoon dogs in Korea.

Enterocytozoon is a genus of microsporidian parasites, with Enterocytozoon bieneusi being a well-known species. It infects various mammalian hosts, including humans, and exhibits zoonotic potential. Out of the 97 fecal and intestinal samples collected from wild raccoon dogs in Korea, 12 (12.

Advances in large-scale DNA engineering with the CRISPR system.

In recent years, DNA engineering technology has undergone significant advancements, with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based target-specific DNA insertion emerging as one of the most rapidly expanding and widely studied approaches. Traditional DNA insertion technologies employing recombinases typically involve introducing foreign DNA into genes in vivo by either pre-engineering recognition sequences specific to the recombinase or through genetic crossing to incorporate the requisite recognition sequence into the target gene. However, CRISPR-based gene insertion technologies have advanced to streamline this engineering process by combining the CRISPR-Cas module with recombinase enzymes.

Effects of atorvastatin-loaded PEGylated liposomes delivered by magnetic stimulation for stroke treatment.

Background: Focused magnetic stimulation (MagStim) can temporarily and safely open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for target delivery. We investigated whether opening the BBB with MagStim and delivering atorvastatin-loaded PEGylated liposomes (LipoStatin) would work synergistically for subacute post-stroke treatment.

Methods: Two weeks after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), an injection of 15 mg/ml magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was performed, followed by 30 minutes of MagStim, in subacute stroke models.

Rutin Enhances Intestinal Barrier Function and Protects Against X-Ray Radiation-Induced Barrier Dysfunction in Human Epithelial Caco-2 Cells.

The small intestinal epithelium plays a critical role in nutrient absorption but is highly sensitive to radiation-induced injury. Despite this vulnerability, therapeutic strategies to prevent or restore radiation-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction remain limited. Polyphenols are known to protect the intestinal barrier by mitigating and repairing damage.

Abamectin disrupts sperm function through the alteration of PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation in boar spermatozoa.

The potential toxicity of abamectin (ABM), a macrocyclic lactone insecticide widely used in agriculture, in non-target organisms has raised concerns. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of ABM on sperm function, focusing on motility, kinematics, ATP levels, viability, protein kinase A (PKA) activity, and tyrosine phosphorylation. Boar spermatozoa were incubated with various ABM concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, and 100 µM) under capacitating conditions and assessed through computer-assisted sperm analysis, Hoechst 33258/chlortetracycline staining, ATP and viability assays, and Western blotting.

Conventional versus advanced imaging selection for endovascular treatment of basilar artery occlusion strokes.

Introduction: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is an effective treatment for basilar artery occlusion (BAO) stroke in select patients. While there is a growing body of literature suggesting that advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography perfusion (CTP) and magnetic resonance (MR) may not be necessary for selecting anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke patients for EVT, whether advanced imaging may be superior to conventional imaging (non-contrast CT and CT angiography) in identifying good treatment candidates among BAO patients is less clear.

Patients And Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of BAO EVT patients treated from 2013 to 2022 in the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry.