Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a phenolic compound derived from licorice, exhibits various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor, and antioxidant effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer effects are not well understood in SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells. Melanoma, a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant cancer, remains a significant health challenge. This study investigates the anti-cancer effects of ISL, focusing on identifying reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis mechanisms on SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells. Our results show that ISL treatment induces apoptosis in SK-MEL-28 cells, as evidenced by the cleavage of caspase-9, -7, -3, and PARP. ISL increased Bax expression, decreased Bcl-2 expression, and promoted cytochrome C release into the cytosol. ISL also reduced the expression of cell cycle markers, including cyclin D1, D3, and survivin. Notably, ISL treatment markedly increased intracellular ROS levels and pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine, a ROS scavenger, abrogated the ISL-induced inhibition of the p38/mTOR/STAT3 pathway and prevented apoptosis.Moreover, ISL significantly diminished the constitutive phosphorylation of mTOR and STAT3 in SK-MEL-28 cells by blocking the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, an upstream kinase of mTOR. Pharmacological inhibition of mTOR attenuated the STAT3 signaling, indicating that mTOR acts as an upstream kinase of STAT3 in these cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ISL inhibits SK-MEL-28 cell growth by downregulating cell survival proteins and inducing apoptosis through ROS generation.

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a phenolic compound derived from licorice, exhibits various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor, and antioxidant effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer effects are not well understood in SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells. Melanoma, a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant cancer, remains a significant health challenge. This study investigates the anti-cancer effects of ISL, focusing on identifying reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis mechanisms on SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells. Our results show that ISL treatment induces apoptosis in SK-MEL-28 cells, as evidenced by the cleavage of caspase-9, -7, -3, and PARP. ISL increased Bax expression, decreased Bcl-2 expression, and promoted cytochrome C release into the cytosol. ISL also reduced the expression of cell cycle markers, including cyclin D1, D3, and survivin. Notably, ISL treatment markedly increased intracellular ROS levels and pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine, a ROS scavenger, abrogated the ISL-induced inhibition of the p38/mTOR/STAT3 pathway and prevented apoptosis.Moreover, ISL significantly diminished the constitutive phosphorylation of mTOR and STAT3 in SK-MEL-28 cells by blocking the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, an upstream kinase of mTOR. Pharmacological inhibition of mTOR attenuated the STAT3 signaling, indicating that mTOR acts as an upstream kinase of STAT3 in these cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ISL inhibits SK-MEL-28 cell growth by downregulating cell survival proteins and inducing apoptosis through ROS generation.

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a phenolic compound derived from licorice, exhibits various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor, and antioxidant effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer effects are not well understood in SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells. Melanoma, a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant cancer, remains a significant health challenge. This study investigates the anti-cancer effects of ISL, focusing on identifying reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis mechanisms on SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells. Our results show that ISL treatment induces apoptosis in SK-MEL-28 cells, as evidenced by the cleavage of caspase-9, -7, -3, and PARP. ISL increased Bax expression, decreased Bcl-2 expression, and promoted cytochrome C release into the cytosol. ISL also reduced the expression of cell cycle markers, including cyclin D1, D3, and survivin. Notably, ISL treatment markedly increased intracellular ROS levels and pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine, a ROS scavenger, abrogated the ISL-induced inhibition of the p38/mTOR/STAT3 pathway and prevented apoptosis.Moreover, ISL significantly diminished the constitutive phosphorylation of mTOR and STAT3 in SK-MEL-28 cells by blocking the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, an upstream kinase of mTOR. Pharmacological inhibition of mTOR attenuated the STAT3 signaling, indicating that mTOR acts as an upstream kinase of STAT3 in these cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ISL inhibits SK-MEL-28 cell growth by downregulating cell survival proteins and inducing apoptosis through ROS generation.

This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the baseline characteristics and patterns of antibiotic usage among hospitals based on their participation in the Korea National Antimicrobial Use Analysis System (KONAS). We obtained claims data from the National Health Insurance for inpatients admitted to all secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals between January 2020 and December 2021 in Korea. 15.9% (58/395) of hospitals were KONAS participants, among which the proportion of hospitals with > 900 beds (31.0% vs.2.6%, P < 0.001) and tertiary care (50.0% vs. 5.2%, P < 0.001) was higher than that among non-participants. The consumption of antibiotics targeting antimicrobial-resistant gram positive bacteria (33.7 vs. 27.1 days of therapy [DOT]/1,000 patient-days, P = 0.019) and antibiotics predominantly used for resistant gram-negative bacteria (4.8 vs. 3.7 DOT/1,000 patient-days, P = 0.034) was higher in KONAS-participating versus -non-participating hospitals. The current KONAS data do not fully represent all secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals in Korea; thus, the KONAS results should be interpreted with caution.

Background and Objectives: Although the shortage of donor is a common problem worldwide, a significant portion of unutilized hearts are classified as marginal donor (MD) hearts. However, research on the correlation between the MD and the prognosis of heart transplantation (HTx) is lacking. This study was conducted to investigate the clinical impact of MD in HTx. Methods: Consecutive 73 HTxs during 2014 and 2021 in a tertiary hospital were analyzed.MD was defined as follows; a donor age >55 years, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, cold ischemic time >240 minutes, or significant cardiac structural problems. Preoperative characteristics and postoperative hemodynamic data, primary graft dysfunction (PGD), and the survival rate were analyzed. Risk stratification by Index for Mortality Prediction after Cardiac Transplantation (IMPACT) score was performed to examine the outcomes according to the recipient state. Each group was sub-divided into 2 risk groups according to the IMPACT score (low <10 vs. high ≥10). Results: A total of 32 (43.8%) patients received an organ from MDs. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was more frequent in the non-MD group (34.4% vs. 70.7, p=0.007) There was no significant difference in PGD, 30-day mortality and long-term survival between groups. In the subgroup analysis, early outcomes did not differ between low- and high-risk groups. However, the long-term survival was better in the low-risk group (p=0.01). Conclusions The outcomes of MD group were not significantly different from non-MD group. Particularly, in low-risk recipient, the MD group showed excellent early and longterm outcomes. These results suggest the usability of selected MD hearts without increasing adverse events.

Colonoscopic polypectomy is effective in decreasing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC). Premalignant polyps discovered during colonoscopy are associated with the risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia. Postpolypectomy surveillance is the most important method for managing advanced metachronous neoplasia. A more efficient and evidence-based guideline for postpolypectomy surveillance is required because of the limited medical resources and concerns regarding colonoscopy complications. In these consensus guidelines, an analytic approach was used to address all reliable evidence to interpret the predictors of CRC or advanced neoplasia during surveillance colonoscopy. The key recommendations state that the high-risk findings for metachronous CRC following polypectomy are as follows: adenoma ≥10 mm in size; 3 to 5 (or more) adenomas; tubulovillous or villous adenoma; adenoma containing high-grade dysplasia; traditional serrated adenoma; sessile serrated lesion containing any grade of dysplasia; serrated polyp of at least 10 mm in size; and 3 to 5 (or more) sessile serrated lesions. More studies are needed to fully comprehend the patients who are most likely to benefit from surveillance colonoscopy and the ideal surveillance interval to prevent metachronous CRC.

Sodium hypochlorite is commonly used as a household bleaching agent (for example, the Clorox brand). Sodium hypochlorite poisoning with ingestion of a bleaching agent is often observed in clinical practice.Current Concepts: Ingestion (intentional or accidental) is the most common route of exposure to household bleaching agents. Accidental ingestion of household bleaching agents is rarely clinically important. However, ingestion of a large amount of a dilute formulation or a high-concentration preparation of bleaching agents can result in severe and rarely fatal corrosive injury. Therefore, prompt supportive care is essential because a specific antidote is currently unavailable. Severe poisoning requires hospital admission. Emergency endoscopy and thoracic and abdominal computed tomography are warranted to aid with diagnosis and management of hypochlorite-induced corrosive injury in patients with severe poisoning, who develop clinical features suggestive of corrosive injury.Discussion and Conclusion: Intentional poisoning, which accounts for most cases of household bleaching agent poisonings in Korea, is likely to cause severe corrosive injuries. Therefore, it is necessary to gain deeper and accurate understanding of the clinical aspects and treatment of poisoning by household bleaching agents.

Purpose: : This study aimed to identify intensive care units (ICU) nurses’ experience of traumatic events, deliberate rumination, self-disclosure, social support, and post-traumatic growth (PTG), and to explore relationships among the variables. Methods: : Participants were 157 nurses who have provided direct patient care for six months or more in ICUs at a university hospital. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVAs, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regressions using the SPSS/WIN version 23.0. Results: : The PTG was found to be significantly associated with deliberate rumination (r=0.36, p<.001), self-disclosure (r=0.39, p<.001), and social support (r=0.54, p<.001). Factors that affect PTG significantly were found in the order of social support (β=0.40, p<.001), self-disclosure (β=0.25, p<.001), and deliberate rumination (β=0.24, p<.001). The final regression model explained 40.1% of the variance of PTG (F=26.33, p<.001). Conclusion : The influencing factors identified in this study on PTG, including social support, self-disclosure, and deliberate rumination should be included in programs to promote PTG for ICU nurses who may experience traumatic events repeatedly.

Colonoscopic polypectomy is effective in decreasing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC). Premalignant polyps discovered during colonoscopy are associated with the risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia. Postpolypectomy surveillance is the most important method for the management of advanced metachronous neoplasia. A more efficient and evidence-based guideline for postpolypectomy surveillance is required because of limited medical resources and concerns regarding colonoscopy complications. In these consensus guidelines, an analytic approach was used to address all reliable evidence to interpret the predictors of CRC or advanced neoplasia during surveillance colonoscopy. The key recommendations state that the high-risk findings for metachronous CRC following polypectomy are as follows: (1) adenoma ≥10 mm in size; (2) 3 to 5 (or more) adenomas; (3) tubulovillous or villous adenoma; (4) adenoma containing high-grade dysplasia; (5) traditional serrated adenoma; (6) sessile serrated lesion (SSL) containing any grade of dysplasia; (7) serrated polyp of at least 10 mm in size; and (8) 3 to 5 (or more) SSLs. More studies are needed to fully comprehend the patients most likely to benefit from surveillance colonoscopy and the ideal surveillance interval to prevent metachronous CRC.

Background: Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have been associated with various safety concerns including weight gain, bladder cancer, and congestive heart failure (CHF). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of lobeglitazone, a novel TZD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in real practice. Methods: In this non-interventional, multi-center, retrospective, and observational study conducted at 15 tertiary or secondary referral hospitals in Korea, a total of 2,228 patients with T2DM who received lobeglitazone 0.5 mg for more than 1 year were enrolled. Results: Overall adverse events (AEs) occurred in 381 patients (17.10%) including edema in 1.97% (n=44). Cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases were identified in 0.81% (n=18) and 0.81% (n=18), respectively. One case of CHF was reported as an AE. Edema occurred in 1.97% (n=44) of patients. Hypoglycemia occurred in 2.47% (n=55) of patients. Fracture occurred in 1.17% (n=26) of all patients. Lobeglitazone significantly decreased HbA1c level, resulting in a mean treatment difference of -1.05%± 1.35% (P<0.001), and decreased total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, it increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, regardless of statin administration. The patients who received lobeglitazone 0.5 mg showed an apparent reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline during the first 6 months of treatment. The HbA1c levels remained stable between months 6 and 42. Conclusion Lobeglitazone has long-term safety profile, good glycemic-lowering effect and long-term durability of glycemic control in real-world clinical settings.