Factors Predicting the Effect of a Complex Decongestive Therapy in Patients with Mild Lymphedema Following Mastectomy for Early Stage Breast Cancer.

Background: Complex decongestive therapy (CDT) is being used in breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). The degree of initial edema and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) are known to be related with the therapeutic effect of CDT. D-dimer can indirectly reflect lymphangiogenesis because IL-6 regulates D-dimer and vascular endothelial growth factor, which is the most important lymphangiogenic factor. We assessed whether D-dimer could be used for the prediction of therapeutic effect of CDT, as well as BIA and initial edema. Methods: The participants were patients who took inpatient treatment for BCRL from July 2016 to May 2020. Percent excess volume (PEV) was calculated by dividing the difference in volume of both arms by the edema arm, and the difference in PEV before and after 2 weeks of CDT was defined as the CDT effect. BIA and D-dimer tests were performed before treatment. Results: The single frequency bioimpedance analysis (SFBIA) ratio and D-dimer showed significant correlations with ß coefficients of 0.581 and 0.402 (p < 0.01), respectively, and the explanatory power of these models was confirmed to be 0.704.The areas under the curve of initial PEV, SFBIA ratio, D-dimer for determining the CDT effect were identified as 0.849, 0.795, and 0.725, respectively. Conclusions: Initial PEV, SFBIA ratio, and blood D-dimer levels could be used as predictors for CDT treatment effect. Their usefulness order was in the order of initial PEV, SFBIA ratio, and D-dimer. These factors could be used as predictors to establish therapeutic plan in patients with mild lymphedema.

An Analysis of Age-Related Body Composition Changes and Metabolic Patterns in Korean Adults Using FDG-PET/CT Health Screening Data.

Background: F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computed tomography (CT) can be used to measure bone mineral density (BMD), cross-sectional muscle area (CSMA), Hounsfield units (HU) of liver and muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and glucose metabolism. The present study aimed to identify age-related changes in body composition and glucose metabolism in Korean using opportunistic FDG-PET/CT imaging. Methods: We analyzed FDG-PET/CT, clinical history, and laboratory data abstracted from the medical records of patients who underwent health screening at a single institute between 2017 and 2022. Results: In total, 278 patients were included in the analysis (male:female=140:138). Age and body mass index were positively correlated in female, but negatively correlated in male. BMD decreased with age more in female, and CSMA decreased with age more in male. Muscle HU decreased with age for both sexes. In female, SAT and VAT increased with age; and in male, SAT decreased slightly while VAT remained stable. Muscle glucose metabolism showed no association with age in male but increased with age in female. CSMA correlated positively with BMD overall; and positively correlated with VAT and SAT in male only. In female only, both SAT and VAT showed negative correlations with glucose metabolism and correlated positively with muscle glucose metabolism. Liver HU values were inversely correlated with VAT, especially in female; and positively correlated with muscle glucose metabolism in female only. Conclusion: FDG-PET/CT demonstrated distinct patterns of age-related changes in body composition and glucose metabolism, with significant differences between sexes.

Molecular Events in Response to Triclosan-Induced Oxidative Stress in CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated p53-Targeted Mutants in Daphnia magna.

Triclosan (TCS), a widely used antimicrobial agent, has been implicated in the oxidative stress induction and disruption of cellular processes in aquatic organisms. As TCS is ubiquitous in the aquatic environment, many previous studies have documented the effects of exposure to TCS on aquatic organisms. Nevertheless, most of the research has concentrated on the molecular and physiological responses of TCS, but there are still limited studies on the function of specific genes and the consequences of their absence. In this study, we focused on p53, a gene that is crucial for molecular responses such as autophagy and apoptosis as a result of TCS exposure. In order to ascertain the role and impact of the p53 gene in TCS-induced molecular responses, we examined the molecular responses to TCS-induced oxidative stress in wild-type (WT) and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated p53 mutant (MT) water fleas. The result has been accomplished by examining changes in molecular mechanisms, including in vivo end points, enzyme activities, adenosine triphosphate release rate, and apoptosis, to determine the role and impact of the p53 gene on TCS-induced molecular responses. The results indicated that the sensitivity of MT water fleas to TCS was greater than that of WT water fleas; however, the difference in sensitivity was significant at short exposures within 48 h and decreased toward 48 h. Accordingly, when we confirmed the oxidative stress after 24 h of exposure, the oxidative stress to TCS exposure was stronger in the MT group, with an imbalance of redox. To identify the mechanisms of tolerance to TCS in WT and MT Daphnia magna, we checked mitochondrial and ER-stress-related biomarkers and found an increase in apoptosis and greater sensitivity to TCS exposure in the MT group than in the WT. Our results suggest that the absence of p53 caused alterations in molecular processes in response to TCS exposure, resulting in increased sensitivity to TCS, and that p53 plays a critical role in response to TCS exposure.

A facile strategy for synthesizing isosorbide-based polyurethane structural adhesives and core-shell rubber.

A structural adhesive series of biomass-based polyurethane (Biomass-PU) is synthesized using polypropylene glycol (PPG2000), isosorbide-based polyol (RPO300) as polyols, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) as an isocyanate and 4-tert-butylphenol (BP) as a capping agent. Three different equivalent ratios of PPG2000/RPO300, 9/1 (Biomass-PU1), 7/3 (Biomass-PU2), and 1/1 (Biomass-PU3), are evaluated to determine the effect of isosorbide-based polyol content on the properties and the optimizing formulation of biomass-PU structure adhesive. The 9/1 ratio of PPG2000/RPO300 substantially leads to the improvement of impact strength by up to 35 MPa, and the PPG2000/RPO300 = 9/1 ratio exhibits better thermal properties and impact strength than those of other ratios. To achieve more compatibility between biomass-PU structure adhesive and core-shell rubber (CSR) toughener, novel CSRs are successfully synthesized using acryl-PU as a shell and biomass-based PU as a core. The chemical structure of biomass-PU structure adhesives is analyzed through FT-IR Spectroscopy and NCO% titration. Thermal properties are evaluated using TGA and DSC analysis. Their molecular weights are measured by GPC. Also, the core-shell rubber (CSR) with a polyurethane shell is prepared to reinforce the impact strength of Biomass-PU structure adhesive.

Effectiveness of cyclosporine nanoemulsion eye drops in patients with mild-to-moderate dry eyes: objective and subjective evaluation.

BACKGROUND: To compare and evaluate objective and subjective clinical parameters between 0.05% cyclosporine nanoemulsion (CsN) and 0.15% hyaluronic acid (HA) administration in patients with mild-to-moderate dry eyes. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-masked, single-center, and placebo-controlled parallel study, patients with mild-to-moderate dry eyes were randomly allocated to be treated with 0.05% CsN or 0.15% HA twice daily. Patients were followed-up at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Objective and subjective parameters were evaluated during each visit. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were enrolled in this study. Compared with baseline, tear film break-up time and fluorescein staining scores at 4, 8, and 12 weeks significantly improved in the CsN group. However, the Schirmer I test showed no statistically significant change until week 12. Using the Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE) score, both groups gradually showed significant improvement compared with baseline values. However, the Dry Eye-Related Quality-of-life Score Questionnaire (DEQS) showed no statistically significant change during the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: Both 0.05% CsN and 0.15% HA administration twice a day effectively improved the objective signs and subjective symptoms of patients with mild-to-moderate dry eyes. However, patients treated with 0.05% CsN experienced greater and faster improvement.

Comparison of treatment results between microvascular decompression and gamma knife radiosurgery in primary trigeminal neuralgia.

This study aims to analyze and evaluate the comparative clinical outcomes associated with microvascular decompression (MVD) and gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS), focusing on pain relief, pain recurrence, and complications encountered in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Among 155 surgical procedures performed for TN (90 GKRS, and 65 MVD) between March 1997 and December 2020, the exclusion criteria encompassed prior surgical interventions, the presence of other pathological conditions such as tumors, vascular diseases, and multiple sclerosis, as well as patients who were lost to follow-up. Ultimately, 101 patients received their initial treatment for primary TN (47 GKRS, and 54 MVD) and were followed up for more than 1 year. The MVD procedures utilized the suboccipital retrosigmoid sinus approach, whereas GKRS was conducted with MR imaging guidance, employing a single 4mm isocenter, with median GKRS doses of 80 Gy. We retrospectively analyzed patient characteristics, including sites of divisions, distributions of pain, and clinical outcomes. The assessment of outcomes was performed utilizing the Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Intensity Score and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), with evaluations taking place preoperatively and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Postoperative VAS scores for patients undergoing either MVD or GKRS demonstrated a significant improvement when compared with their preoperative counterparts. The reduction in postoperative VAS scores within the MVD group was significantly more substantial than that observed in patients who underwent GKRS at the initial postoperative evaluations (P = .037). The maintenance of pain relief after MVD proved significantly superior to that following GKRS (P < .01). Both MVD and GKRS present as safe and efficacious therapeutic options for individuals diagnosed with primary TN, though MVD displayed superior initial outcomes in terms of pain relief and its maintenance. However, for older patients or those with medical contraindications to invasive procedures, GKRS emerges as a viable and less invasive alternative for initial treatment in cases of primary TN.

Establishment and long-term expansion of adult hepatobiliary organoids co-cultured with liver endothelial cells.

The liver has a unique ability to regenerate in response to injury or disease with hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells (BECs) driving the regenerative response. Liver progenitor cells (LPCs) also play role in regeneration with the ability to differentiate into either hepatocytes or BECs. However, during chronic liver disease, the regenerative capacity of the liver is impaired. The use of LPCs is a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with chronic liver diseases. LPCs can be expanded in vitro as self-renewing organoids, however, most approaches to LPC organoids do not include critical cells from the LPC niche in 3D organoid cultures. In this study, we highlight the role of liver endothelial cells (LiECs), as a part of LPC niche, in supporting the hepatobiliary organoids in long-term culture even in the absence of defined growth supplements, such as Wnt agonists. Furthermore, LiECs alter the gene expression profile of hepatobiliary organoids involved in inflammation, migration, extracellular matrix organization, and receptor signaling pathway through paracrine manner. Our findings expand the role of LiECs for regulating stemness of LPCs and elucidate a role for niche cells in a LPC organoid co-culture model with a reduction in growth supplements.

Impact of body mass index on repeat coronary revascularization rates in patients with LDL-C below 55 mg/dL and LDL-C below 70 mg/dL: a 42-month cohort study in Korea.

Background: Previous studies revealed a linear relationship between body mass index (BMI) and repeat coronary revascularization rate in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, this relationship has not been demonstrated in Korean patients who meet old and new target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of Korean dyslipidemia guidelines. Therefore, we conducted this study to find out the effect of BMI on repeat coronary revascularization rate in patients with LDL-C <55 mg/dL and patients with LDL-C <70 mg/dL. Methods: This cohort study was followed for 42 months in Daegu Catholic Medical Center, Korea. We included 429 patients with LDL-C <70 mg/dL 1 year after PCI. We compared repeat revascularization rates using Kaplan-Meier survival curves between the normal weight group (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 23 kg/m2) and the pre-obesity and obesity group (23 kg/m2 ≤ BMI) in patients with LDL-C <55 mg/dL and patients with LDL-C <70 mg/dL. Results: During a follow-up period, there was no significant difference in repeat coronary revascularization-free survival between a group with LDL-C <55 mg/dL and a group with LDL-C <70 mg/dL (79.6% vs. 76.2%, P=0.32). In normal weight patients, LDL-C <55 mg/dL group showed higher repeat coronary revascularization-free survival than LDL-C <70 mg/dL group (89.3% vs. 77.1%, P=0.05). There was no significant difference in repeat revascularization-free survival between the normal weight group and the pre-obesity and obesity group in patients with LDL-C <70 mg/dL (77.1% vs. 75.7%, P=0.67). However, the normal weight group showed significantly higher repeat revascularization-free survival compared to the pre-obesity and obesity group in patients with LDL-C <55 mg/dL (89.3% vs. 74.3%, P=0.03). Normal body weight and LDL-C <55 mg/dL [hazard ratio (HR): 0.421, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.193-0.916, P=0.02] was the only independent predictor for repeat revascularization. Conclusions: In Korean PCI patients with normal body weight whose LDL-C level is less than 70 mg/dL, but more than 55 mg/dL, should be treated with more intensive therapy to lower LDL-C to less than 55 mg/dL. For obese patients who have succeeded in reducing LDL-C below 55 mg/dL, it seems that weight loss should be attempted to a normal body weight level.

Topological van der Waals Contact for Two-Dimensional Semiconductors.

The relentless miniaturization inherent in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology has created challenges at the interface of two-dimensional (2D) materials and metal electrodes. These challenges, predominantly stemming from metal-induced gap states (MIGS) and Schottky barrier heights (SBHs), critically impede device performance. This work introduces an innovative implementation of damage-free Sb2Te3 topological van der Waals (T-vdW) contacts, representing an ultimate contact electrode for 2D materials. We successfully fabricate p-type and n-type transistors using monolayer and multilayer WSe2, achieving ultralow SBH (∼24 meV) and contact resistance (∼0.71 kΩ·µm). Simulations highlight the role of topological surface states in Sb2Te3, which effectively mitigate the MIGS effect, thereby significantly elevating device efficiency. Our experimental insights revealed the semiohmic behavior of Sb2Te3 T-vdW contacts, with an exceptional photoresponsivity of 716 A/W and rapid response times of approximately 60 µs. The findings presented herein herald topological contacts as a superior alternative to traditional metal contacts, potentially revolutionizing the performance of miniaturized electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Multicenter, prospective, observational study for urinary exosomal biomarkers of kidney allograft fibrosis.

Severity of deceased donor kidney fibrosis impacts graft survival in deceased-donor kidney transplantation. Our aim was to identify potential miRNA biomarkers in urinary exosomes that mirror interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) severity. Among 109 urine samples from deceased donors, 34 displayed no IFTA in the zero-day biopsy (No IFTA group), while the remaining 75 deceased donor kidneys exhibited an IFTA score ≥ 1 (IFTA group). After analyzing previous reports and electronic databases, six miRNAs (miR-19, miR-21, miR-29c, miR-150, miR-200b, and miR-205) were selected as potential IFTA biomarker candidates. MiR-21, miR-29c, miR-150, and miR-205 levels were significantly higher, while miR-19 expression was significantly lower in the IFTA group. MiR-21 (AUC = 0.762; P < 0.001) and miR-29c (AUC = 0.795; P < 0.001) showed good predictive accuracy for IFTA. In the No IFTA group, the eGFR level at 1 week after transplantation was significantly higher compared to the IFTA group (41.34 mL/min/1.73m2 vs. 28.65 mL/min/1.73m2, P = 0.012). These findings signify the potential of urinary exosomal miRNAs as valuable biomarker candidates for evaluating the severity of IFTA in deceased donor kidneys before they undergo recovery.

Incidence of Acute Endophthalmitis after Secondary Intraocular Lens Implantation: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to analyze the incidence of acute endophthalmitis after secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in South Korea. METHODS: This study used information from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)-National Health Information Database (NHID). We identified patients who underwent secondary IOL implantation or IOL exchange surgeries during 2002-2021 due to diagnoses of IOL dislocation or mechanical complication of IOL. Postoperative endophthalmitis (POE) was defined as patients having received intravitreal antibiotic injection or vitrectomy for acute endophthalmitis diagnosed within 42 days after the claim for secondary IOL surgeries. All statistical analyses were performed with a significance level p < 0.05, and we used the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard model to identify risk factors. RESULTS: From 2002 to 2021, 39,364 patients received secondary IOL implantation, and acute POE was diagnosed in 62 patients. The overall incidence of acute POE was 0.16% during the 20-year period. More than half of the patients were diagnosed with POE within the first week after surgery. In the univariate analysis, there was a higher incidence of endophthalmitis in the group with pre-existing glaucoma (hazard ratio [HR], 1.945; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.036-3.652; p=0.0385) and the group undergoing concurrent vitrectomy (hazard ratio [HR], 2.329; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003-5.405; p=0.0491). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of acute endophthalmitis after secondary IOL implantation in South Korea was similar to that of other countries. This is the largest retrospective claims data-based study of acute endophthalmitis after secondary IOL implantation in patients in South Korea.

Propensity Score-matched Analysis Comparing Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Minor Liver Resections of the Anterolateral Segments: an International Multi-center Study of 10,517 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of robotic minor liver resections (RMLR) versus laparoscopic (L) MLR of the anterolateral segments. BACKGROUND: Robotic liver surgery has been gaining prominence over the years with increasing usage for a myriad of hepatic resections. Robotic liver resections(RLR) has demonstrated non-inferiority to laparoscopic(L)LR while illustrating advantages over conventional laparoscopy especially for technically difficult and major LR. However, the advantage of RMLR for the anterolateral(AL) (segments II, III, IVb, V and VI) segments, has not been clearly demonstrated. METHODS: Between 2008 to 2022, 15,356 of 29,861 patients from 68 international centres underwent robotic(R) or laparoscopic minor liver resections (LMLR) for the AL segments Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed for matched analysis. RESULTS: 10,517 patients met the study criteria of which 1,481 underwent RMLR and 9,036 underwent LMLR. A PSM cohort of 1,401 patients in each group were identified for analysis. Compared to the LMLR cohort, the RMLR cohort demonstrated significantly lower median blood loss (75ml vs. 100ml, P<0.001), decreased blood transfusion (3.1% vs. 5.4%, P=0.003), lower incidence of major morbidity (2.5% vs. 4.6%, P=0.004), lower proportion of open conversion (1.2% vs. 4.5%, P<0.001), shorter post operative stay (4 days vs. 5 days, P<0.001), but higher rate of 30-day readmission (3.5% vs. 2.1%, P=0.042). These results were then validated by a 1:2 PSM analysis. In the subset analysis for 3,614 patients with cirrhosis, RMLR showed lower median blood loss, decreased blood transfusion, lower open conversion and shorter post operative stay than LMLR. CONCLUSION: RMLR demonstrated statistically significant advantages over LMLR even for resections in the AL segments although most of the observed clinical differences were minimal.

PARP1-TRIM44-MRN loop dictates the response to PARP inhibitors.

PARP inhibitors (PARPi) show selective efficacy in tumors with homologous recombination repair (HRR)-defects but the activation mechanism of HRR pathway in PARPi-treated cells remains enigmatic. To unveil it, we searched for the mediator bridging PARP1 to ATM pathways by screening 211 human ubiquitin-related proteins. We discovered TRIM44 as a crucial mediator that recruits the MRN complex to damaged chromatin, independent of PARP1 activity. TRIM44 binds PARP1 and regulates the ubiquitination-PARylation balance of PARP1, which facilitates timely recruitment of the MRN complex for DSB repair. Upon exposure to PARPi, TRIM44 shifts its binding from PARP1 to the MRN complex via its ZnF UBP domain. Knockdown of TRIM44 in cells significantly enhances the sensitivity to olaparib and overcomes the resistance to olaparib induced by 53BP1 deficiency. These observations emphasize the central role of TRIM44 in tethering PARP1 to the ATM-mediated repair pathway. Suppression of TRIM44 may enhance PARPi effectiveness and broaden their use even to HR-proficient tumors.

Neural correlates of reward valuation in individuals with nonsuicidal self-injury under uncertainty.

BACKGROUND: Attitudes toward risk and ambiguity significantly influence how individuals assess and value rewards. This fMRI study examines the reward valuation process under conditions of uncertainty and investigates the associated neural mechanisms in individuals who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) as a coping mechanism for psychological pain. METHODS: The study involved 44 unmedicated individuals who reported five or more NSSI episodes in the past year, along with 42 age-, sex-, handedness-, IQ-, and socioeconomic status-matched controls. During the fMRI scans, all participants were presented with decision-making scenarios involving uncertainty, both in terms of risk (known probabilities) and ambiguity (unknown probabilities). RESULTS: In the NSSI group, aversive attitudes toward ambiguity were correlated with increased emotion reactivity and greater method versatility. Whole-brain analysis revealed notable group-by-condition interactions in the right middle cingulate cortex and left hippocampus. Specifically, the NSSI group showed decreased neural activation under ambiguity v. risk compared to the control group. Moreover, reduced hippocampal activation under ambiguity in the NSSI group was associated with increased emotion regulation problems. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the first evidence of reduced brain activity in specific regions during value-based decision-making under conditions of ambiguity in individuals with NSSI. These findings have important clinical implications, particularly concerning emotion dysregulation in this population. This study indicates the need for interventions that support and guide individuals with NSSI to promote adaptive decision-making in the face of ambiguous uncertainty.

Glycated albumin may have a complementary role to glycated hemoglobin in glucose monitoring in childhood acute leukemia.

PURPOSE: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as a glycemic index may have limited value in pediatric patients with acute leukemia as they often present with anemia and/or pancytopenia. To address this issue, we evaluated the usefulness of glycated albumin (GA) as a glycemic monitoring index in pediatric patients with acute leukemia. METHODS: Medical records of 25 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 63 patients with acute leukemia, and 115 healthy children from Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, were retrospectively investigated for serum GA, HbA1c, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, along with demographic data. RESULTS: GA, HbA1c, and FBG levels did not differ between the control and acute leukemia groups. In the T2DM group, positive correlations were observed among GA, HbA1c, and FBG (P<0.01). Although GA level was not associated with the HbA1c level in the control group, GA and HbA1c levels showed a positive correlation in the acute leukemia group (P=0.045). Regression analysis revealed GA and HbA1c levels to be positively correlated in the acute leukemia and T2DM groups even after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index z-score (P=0.007, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: GA may be a useful complementary parameter to HbA1c for glycemic monitoring in pediatric patients with acute leukemia, similar to its use in patients with T2DM.

Effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide and polynucleotide on rotator cuff healing and fatty infiltration in a diabetic rat model.

Failure rate after chronic rotator cuff repair is considerably high. Moreover, diabetes mellitus is known as a compromising factor of rotator cuff tear. The effect of Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and polynucleotide (PN) on tendon healing and fatty infiltration is unclear as tissue regeneration activator in diabetic state. Therefore, a diabetic rat model with chronic rotator cuff tear was made for mechanical, histologic and blood tests. In the animal study using a diabetic rat cuff repair model, the administration of PDRN and PN increased the load to failure of repaired cuffs and improved tendon healing and decreased fatty infiltration. Also, the plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor were elevated in PDRN and PN administrated groups. We concluded that PDRN and PN appear to boost tendon recovery and reduce the presence of fatty infiltration following cuff repair in diabetic state. Also, PN showed a later onset and a longer duration than PDRN associated with the mean plasma growth factors.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease presenting as bronchiolitis pattern on CT without cavity or bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the radiological changes in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) having bronchiolitis patterns on computed tomography (CT). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the final diagnosis and radiologic changes of patients suspected of having NTM-PD without cavity or bronchiectasis on CT image, between January 1, 2005 and March 31, 2021. NTM-PD was diagnosed based on the American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America criteria. The initial and final CT findings (bronchiectasis, cellular bronchiolitis, cavity formation, nodules, and consolidation) were compared between patients diagnosed with and without NTM-PD. RESULTS: This study included 96 patients and 515 CT images. The median CT follow-up duration was 1510.5 (interquartile range: 862.2-3005) days. NTM-PD was recognized in 43 patients. The clinical variables were not significantly different between patients with and without NTM-PD, except for underlying chronic airway disease (P < 0.001). Nodule and consolidation were more frequently observed on the initial CT scans of patients with NTM-PD compared with those without (P < 0.05). On the final follow-up CT scan, bronchiectasis (P < 0.001), cavity (P < 0.05), nodule (P < 0.05), and consolidation (P < 0.05) were more frequently observed in patients with NTM-PD. Among the 43 patients with NTM-PD, 30 showed a radiological progression on CT, with bronchiectasis (n = 22) being the most common finding. The incidence of bronchiectasis increased over time. CONCLUSION: The bronchiolitis pattern on CT images of patients with NTM-PD showed frequent radiological progression during the follow-up period.

Low-temperature pulverization-specific Sargassum horneri extract accelerates wound healing and attenuates inflammation in a mouse burn model.

Burn injuries, affecting local skin disruption as well as inducing systemic inflammatory responses, are presented as a global public health problem. To enhance the effects of burn wound healing, treatment must simultaneously regulate both re-epithelialization and hyperinflammation. Extracts of Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) have shown a potential to enhance skin wound healing through antioxidative properties, immune enhancement, and modulation of inflammatory responses. However, despite its promising application for burn wound healing, specific investigation into S. horneri-derived compounds for enhancing wound healing has not yet been conducted. In this research, we investigated the burn wound-healing effect of the low-temperature pulverization-specific S. horneri extract (LPSHE), which could not be detected using the room-temperature grinding method. In a mouse burn model with third-degree burn injuries, LPSHE accelerated re-epithelialization by promoting the increase in F-actin formation and reduced burn-induced ROS levels. Additionally, LPSHE significantly regulated hyperinflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further investigation into molecular mechanisms using HaCaT keratinocytes also demonstrated beneficial effects on burn wound healing. Taken together, our findings suggested that LPSHE is a promising therapeutic candidate for enhancing burn wound healing. Furthermore, this research underscored the importance of low-temperature pulverization in discovering novel natural compounds from marine organisms.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Using Left and Right Liver Grafts in Adult-to-adult Living-donor Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using the Korean Organ Transplantation Registry.

BACKGROUND: Living-donor liver transplantation has been widely performed as an alternative to the scarce liver grafts from deceased donors. More studies are reporting favorable outcomes of left liver graft (LLG). This study compared the clinical outcomes between living-donor liver transplantation using LLG and right liver graft (RLG) with similar graft-to-recipient body weight ratios. METHODS: This study analyzed 4601 patients from a multicenter observational cohort using the Korean Organ Transplantation Registry between 2014 and 2021. After matching the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score and graft-to-recipient body weight ratios because of the extremely different number in each group, the LLG and RLG groups comprised 142 (25.1%) and 423 (74.9%) patients, respectively. RESULTS: For donors, the median age was higher in the LLG group than in the RLG group (34 y [range, 16-62 y] versus 30 y [16-66 y] ; P = 0.002). For recipients, the LLG group showed higher 90-d mortality than the RLG group (11 [7.7%] versus 9 [2.1%]; P = 0.004). The long-term graft survival was significantly worse in the LLG group (P = 0.011). In multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis for graft survival, LLG was not a significant risk factor (hazard ratio, 1.01 [0.54-1.87]; P = 0.980). Otherwise, donor age (≥40 y; 2.18 y [1.35-3.52 y]; P = 0.001) and recipients' body mass index (<18.5 kg/m2; 2.98 kg/m2 [1.52-5.84 kg/m2]; P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for graft survival. CONCLUSIONS: Although the short-term and long-term graft survival was worse in the LLG group, LLG was not an independent risk factor for graft survival in multivariate analysis. LLGs are still worth considering for selected donors and recipients regarding risk factors for graft survival.