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The marine gastropod mollusc Nassarius sinarum has attracted attention due to its status as a potential invasive species and the ecological impact it may have on local environments and the fishing industry. It was observed exclusively within China initially, but its distribution now seems to have expanded into Japan and Korea. Accurate identification of N. sinarum , particularly in its juvenile stage, is vital for understanding its ecological influences and distribution patterns. This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of N. sinarum samples from Korea. It includes morphological examination, scanning electron microscopy images and molecular sequencing. Two live specimens were collected from the Yeongsan River estuary in Korea and their morphological features were analysed and compared to those of samples from China and Japan. The samples’ species were confirmed by molecular identification, based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and histone H3 (H3) genetic markers. It was observed that juvenile N. sinarum shells lack key species-characteristic morphological traits, such as a thick outer lip and diminishing axial ribs. However, COI marker-based molecular identification affirmed that these Korean specimens were N. sinarum . The H3 region was registered with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) for the first time. Phylogenetic analysis of the H3 region did not resolve species distinctions within the Nassarius , suggesting that the H3 marker is not suitable for species identification within this genus. In this context, multiple genetic markers, when used appropriately, can also be applied to genus-level searches, enhancing species identification accuracy and reducing misidentification. The sequences provided in this study can serve as a valuable reference for future DNA barcoding research. Additional samples and surveys should be conducted through collaborative efforts amongst national and institutional organisations to further clarify the ecological status of N. sinarum and to investigate its distribution and potential impact around East Asia. Finally, a new Korean name, (No-lan-jul-job-ssal-mu-nui-go-dung; 노란줄좁쌀무늬고둥) has been proposed for N. sinarum .

The availability of autologous adult stem cells is one of the essential prerequisites for human stem cell therapy. Urine-derived stem cells (USCs) are considered as desirable cell sources for cell therapy because donor-specific USCs are easily and non-invasively obtained from urine. Efficient isolation, expansion, and differentiation methods of USCs are necessary to increase their availability. Here, we developed a method for efficient isolation and expansion of USCs using Matrigel, and the rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y-27632. The prepared USCs showed significantly enhanced migration, colony forming capacity, and differentiation into osteogenic or chondrogenic lineage. The USCs were successfully reprogramed into induced pluripotent stem cells (USC-iPSCs) and further differentiated into kidney organoid and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). Using flavonoid molecules, the isolation efficiency of USCs and the production of HPCs from the USC-iPSCs was increased. Taken together, we present an improved isolation method of USCs utilizing Matrigel, a ROCK inhibitor and flavonoids, and enhanced differentiation of USC-iPSC to HPC by flavonoids. These novel findings could significantly enhance the use of USCs and USC-iPSCs for stem cell research and further application in regenerative stem cell-based therapies.

The participant was a boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who displayed severe food selectivity, which raised concerns about imbalanced nutrient consumption. The intervention used combined stimulus fading with simultaneous stimulus presentation without escape extinction (EE) and was implemented by teachers in a school setting. In intervention I, which used only stimulus fade-in of non-preferred foods, favorable results were not obtained. In intervention II, simultaneous stimulus presentation of a preferred food combined with stimulus fade-in of non-preferred foods, Silva’s consumption was stabilized at 100% consumption of three non-preferred foods. When intervention II was terminated, the child’s mother requested the inclusion of two additional non-preferred foods, so the intervention was extended based on a fading protocol planned with and to be used by the mother. The effects of the intervention were maintained at the 3-month post-intervention follow-up. The child’s parents and teachers showed high acceptance of this intervention. The current study offers further evidence that combining antecedent-based interventions without EE has the potential to yield favorable results with some children.

OCT4 is a master transcription factor that regulates the pluripotency of pluripotent stem cells and cancer stem cells along with other factors, including SOX2, KLF4, and C-MYC. Three different transcripts, OCT4A , OCT4B , and OCT4B1 , are known to be generated by alternative splicing and eight OCT4 pseudogenes have been found in the human genome. Among them, we examined OCT4 and three pseudogenes ( POU5F1P1 , POU5F1P3 , and POU5F1P4 ) because of their high expression possibility in cancer. In addition, previous studies indicated that OCT4 expression is augmented in cervical cancer and associated with poor prognosis, whereas OCT4 is down-regulated and correlated with good clinical outcomes in breast cancer. Because of these conflicting reports, we systematically evaluated whether expression of OCT4 and its pseudogenes can serve as oncogenic markers in various human cancers using the Oncomine database. Moreover, copy number alterations and mutations in OCT4 gene and its pseudogenes were analyzed using cBioPortal and the relationship between expression of OCT4 and pseudogenes and survival probability of cancer patients were explored using Kaplan-Meier plotter, OncoLnc, PROGgeneV2, and PrognoScan databases. Multivariate survival analysis was further conducted to determine the risk of the expression of the occurrence of OCT4 and its pseudogenes on certain cancer types using data from the Kaplan-Meier plotter. Overall, an association between expression of OCT4 and pseudogenes and cancer prognosis were established, which may serve as a therapeutic target for various human cancers.

Bell's palsy significantly impacts patients' quality of life, with approximately 30% not fully recovering. In South Korea, Korean Medicine (KM) is widely used as a complementary approach for facial palsy, with 50.86% of patients utilizing KM in 2021. Although quantitative studies have shown KM's effectiveness, there is a lack of research on lived experiences of the participants on KM treatment. We aim to identify the meaning of using KM among the patients with Bell's palsy. This study will be conducted in compliance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Patients with Bell's palsy who had or have received KM treatment and whose onset was less than two years prior to the interview date will be recruited by purposive and snowball sampling. One-on-one interviews will be conducted in person using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews and recruitment will continue until meaning saturation is reached. The interviews will be conducted in South Korea in a private area near the patient's residence to make them feel comfortable. The data will be analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. This study will explore the lived experiences of patients using KM for Bell's palsy and seek to understand the essence of their experiences. Utilizing Colaizzi's phenomenological approach, common themes in patients' experiences of receiving KM treatment will be uncovered. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into healthcare professionals, potentially enhancing clinical practice and patient-centered care in the treatment of Bell's palsy.

Blood tests (BTs), specifically liver and/or kidney function tests, are employed in Korean Medicine (KM) practice to ensure the safety of herbal medicine. The widespread concomitant use of conventional and herbal medicines in South Korea requires BTs due to the unpredictable liver injury and drug–herb interactions. However, BTs ordered by Korean Medicine doctors (KMDs) are currently not covered by the National Health Insurance (NHI), which further leads to a lack of data on the demographics and utilization of BT in KM practice. This study surveys the frequency and features of BT utilization through a national sampling of KMDs. Between February 10 and 20, 2023, a questionnaire was developed and electronically distributed to 25,574 KMDs across the nation, comprising all licensed and qualified to practice KM at the time of the survey. We assessed respondents’ characteristics, perceptions, current use and usage patterns, including frequency and indication of BT, and unmet BT needs. Of the 830 KMD (3.25% of all the licensed) respondents, 363 incorporate BTs in their workups, while 467 do not. Liver function tests ( n  = 351) are the most common, followed by kidney function ( n  = 235) and diabetes ( n  = 188) tests. The time of ordering BT varied by institution, with KM hospitals most often in “the patient’s first visit” (45.71%), and KM clinics “before and after prescription of herbal medicine.” (43.75% in specialized clinics; 36.95% in non-specialized). The purposes of ordering BTs were to complement the assessment of health conditions (67.22%), monitor herb-induced liver injury (58.68%), and follow up after KM treatment (55.10%). Meanwhile, 97% of the current non-users of BT hope to use it in the future, with 90.36% suggesting that BTs be covered by the NHI. Understanding the current BT practice pattern may guide the creation of guidelines for proper BT usage in KM practice. In addition, stakeholders must recognise the importance of BTs in real-world KM practice to monitor patients’ condition or reactions after herbal medicine administration.

Progressive renal failure causes uremia-related immune dysfunction, which features a chronic inflammatory milieu. Given the central role of end-stage renal disease (ESRD)-related immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), much attention has been focused on how uremic toxins affect cellular immunity and the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in ESRD patients. Here, we investigated the characteristics of monocytes and CD4 + T cells in ESRD patients and the immune responses induced by indoxyl sulfate (IS), a key uremic toxin, in order to explore the pathogenic effects of these cells on vascular endothelial cells. In ESRD patients, monocytes respond to IS through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and consequently produce increased levels of TNF-α. Upon stimulation with TNF-α, human vascular endothelial cells produce copious amounts of CX3CL1, a chemokine ligand of CX3CR1 that is highly expressed on CD4 + CD28 − T cells, the predominantly expanded cell type in ESRD patients. A migration assay showed that CD4 + CD28 − T cells were preferentially recruited by CX3CL1. Moreover, activated CD4 + CD28 − T cells exhibited cytotoxic capability allowing for the induction of apoptosis in HUVECs. Our findings suggest that in ESRD, IS-mediated immune dysfunction may cause vascular endothelial cell damage and thus, this toxin plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of CVD.

Importance The rapidly growing use of ultrasound in South Korea has revolutionized the real-world application of acupuncture, making it a safer, more accurate treatment. However, little is known about the challenges Korean medicine doctors (KMDs) encounter, as well as the procedures and resources necessary for hygienic, safe ultrasound-guided acupuncture. Objective This study aimed to investigate the purpose, indications, and procedure for ultrasound-guided acupuncture in Korean medicine (KM) practice and the challenges KMDs encounter in using ultrasonography. Methods Eleven KMDs with expertise in practicing or teaching ultrasonography were consulted in detail. The purpose of ultrasonography in real-world practice, the overall process, resources utilized in ultrasound-guided procedures, and the unaddressed needs of KMDs were investigated. Results Ultrasound guidance, employed for various diseases in KM practice, is crucial for pharmacopuncture and acupotomy to increase accuracy and safety. Ultrasoundguided acupuncture involves covering the probe, putting on sterile gloves, and scanning with disinfectants, though the exact steps vary among experts. They also suggested that a lack of insurance coverage was a common obstacle for KMDs utilizing ultrasonography. Conclusions and Relevance Acupuncture with ultrasound guidance has become a prevalent procedure in South Korea. Standard procedure guidelines and insurance coverage for ultrasonography used for acupuncture procedures are essential to ensure safe, accurate procedures.

Hypertension is the leading cause of death in human being, which shows high prevalence and associated complications that increase the mortality and morbidity. Controlling blood pressure (BP) is very important because it is well known that lowering high BP effectively improves patients’ prognosis. This review aims to provide a focused update of the 2018 Korean Hypertension Society Guidelines for the management of hypertension. The importance of ambulatory BP and home BP monitoring was further emphasized not only for the diagnosis but also for treatment target. By adopting corresponding BPs, the updated guideline recommended out-of-office BP targets for both standard and intensive treatment. Based on the consensus on corresponding BPs and Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) revisit, the updated guidelines recommended target BP in high-risk patients below 130/80 mmHg and it applies to hypertensive patients with three or more additional cardiovascular risk factors, one or more risk factors with diabetes, or hypertensive patients with subclinical organ damages, coronary or vascular diseases, heart failure, chronic kidney disease with proteinuria, and cerebral lacunar infarction. Cerebral infarction and chronic kidney disease are also high-risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, due to lack of evidence, the target BP was generally determined at < 140/90 mmHg in patients with those conditions as well as in the elderly. Updated contents regarding the management of hypertension in special situations are also discussed.

To determine the prognostic significance of kinesin superfamily gene (KIF) expression in patients with brain cancer, including low-grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma (GBM), we comprehensively analyzed KIFs in 515 LGG and 595 GBM patients. Among KIFs, KIF4A, 9, 18A, and 23 showed significant clinical implications in both LGG and GBM. The mRNA and protein expression levels of KIF4A, 9, 18A, and 23 were significantly increased in LGG and GBM compared with those in the normal control groups. The mRNA expression levels of KIF4A, 9, 18A, and 23 in LGG were significantly increased in the high-histologic-grade group compared with those with a low histologic grade. Genomic analysis showed that the percent of mRNA upregulation of KIF4A, 9, 18A, and 23 was higher than that of other gene alterations, including gene amplification, deep deletion, and missense mutation. In addition, LGG patients with KIF4A, 18A, and 23 gene alterations were significantly associated with a poor prognosis. In survival analysis, the group with high expression of KIF4A, 9, 18A, and 23 mRNA was significantly associated with a poor prognosis in both LGG and GBM patients. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that high mRNA expression of KIF4A, 18A, and 23 in LGG and GBM patients showed significant positive correlations with the cell cycle, E2F targets, G 2 M checkpoint, Myc target, and mitotic spindle. By contrast, high mRNA expression of KIF9 in both LGG and GBM patients was significantly negatively correlated with the cell cycle, G 2 M checkpoint, and mitotic spindle pathway. However, it was significantly positively correlated with EMT and angiogenesis. This study has extended our knowledge of KIF4A, 9, 18A, and 23 in LGG and GBM and shed light on their clinical relevance, which should help to improve the treatment and prognosis of LGG and GBM.