Background: Despite advancements in laboratory animal facility management, pinworm infections remain a persistent issue in immunodeficient mouse colonies. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial to mitigating potential scientific and economic consequences. Effective control requires both the administration of anthelmintic agents and rigorous environmental decontamination. However, the safety and efficacy of these treatments in genetically modified mouse models remains uncertain.Case presentation Aspiculuris tetraptera infestation was identified in multiple immunodeficient mouse models housed in a laboratory facility. Diagnosis was confirmed through fecal flotation for egg detection and necropsy for adult worm examination in the large intestines. Mice received three subcutaneous ivermectin injections at two-week intervals, coupled with environmental decontamination using ivermectin spray for four consecutive weeks. Following treatment, all colonies tested negative for A. tetraptera without any mortality. Conclusions A combination of subcutaneous ivermectin injection and environmental spray application effectively eradicated A. tetraptera infestation in immunodeficient mouse colonies. The treatment protocol led to the complete elimination of eggs and adult worms, offering a practical strategy for managing pinworm infections in genetically modified mouse models. Limitations include the small sample size, and the lack of a comprehensive evaluation of physiological and metabolic safety in immunodeficient mice. Further validation will be required to confirm the broader applicability of this approach.

Background: The effects of propofol, a commonly used intravenous anesthetic, on the breast cancer tumor microenvironment are not well understood. This study examined the influence of propofol on natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) ligand expression, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated immune evasion, and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells. Methods: We studied three human breast cancer cell lines representing distinct receptor subtypes: MCF-7 (estrogen receptor - and progesterone receptor-positive), MDA-MB-453 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive), and HCC-70 (triple-negative). Cells were treated with propofol at concentrations of 0 μg/ml (control; C), 4 μg/ml (P4), or 8 μg/ml (P8). Assessments included mRNA and protein expression of NKG2D ligands, NK cell cytotoxicity, protein levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2, and concentrations of soluble NKG2D ligands. Results: In MCF-7 and HCC-70 cell lines, propofol upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of NKG2D ligands in a dose-dependent manner, enhancing NK cell-mediated lysis. In contrast, in MDA-MB-453 cell lines, propofol downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of NKG2D ligands, resulting in diminished NK cell-mediated lysis. Across all receptor subtypes, propofol did not affect the expression of MMP-1 or MMP-2 or the concentration of soluble NKG2D ligands. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that propofol exerts receptor subtype-dependent effects on NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance in breast cancer cell lines, potentially mediated by changes in the transcription of NKG2D ligands rather than by alterations in MMP expression or their proteolytic activity.

Objective: Lipid-lowering drugs are known to cause various muscle-related side effects;however, it remains unclear whether their use contributes to reduced muscle mass and sarcopenia. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the use of lipid-lowering drugs and both muscle mass and the prevalence of sarcopenia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from 18,668 adults aged ≥20 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2011.Sarcopenia was defined based on appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The association between hyperlipidemia medication and the prevalence of sarcopenia was estimated using complex samples logistic regression. Results: Patients with hyperlipidemia exhibited lower ASM/wt than those without hyperlipidemia. After adjusting for potential confounders, including current lipid profiles, ASM/wt did not differ significantly between the general population and hyperlipidemic patients not receiving medication. However, individuals taking lipid-lowering drugs demonstrated significantly lower ASM/wt. This trend was mirrored in sarcopenia prevalence, with odds ratios of 2.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.95–4.28) in men and 1.68 (95% CI, 1.26–2.24) in women (p<0.01 for both). Notably, only participants on lipid-lowering drugs showed a progressive decline in ASM/wt and an increased risk of sarcopenia with longer duration of hyperlipidemia. Conclusion These results suggest that the use of lipid-lowering drugs may contribute to a decrease in muscle mass and a higher risk of sarcopenia. However, the generalizability of these results is limited, and further longitudinal studies are required to confirm the association.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a promising cell source for regenerative medicine. Clinical applications require a large number of functional red blood cells (RBCs), making it essential to ensure the proliferation of actively dividing, nucleated erythroblasts derived from iPSCs. Small molecules can enhance the efficiency and frequency of iPSC-derived cell differentiation. Sirtuin 1, a key enzyme in multiple biological processes, has been implicated in enhancing iPSC-derived cell differentiation. However, the specific effects of Sirtuin 1 on erythroblast proliferation from iPSCs remain unclear. Here, we developed a protocol to examine the effects of Sirtuin 1 on erythroblasts after endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT). We found that Sirtuin 1 activation increased the frequency of CD71＋CD235a＋erythroblasts at the early stage after EHT, suggesting a role for Sirtuin 1 in the proliferation of these specified erythroblasts. These findings reveal that Sirtuin 1 activation benefits erythroblast proliferation and could be considered for translational application in large-scale RBC culture.

Piezo2, a mechanosensitive ion channel, serves as a crucial mechanotransducer in dental primary afferent (DPA) neurons and is potentially involved in hypersensitivity to mild mechanical irritations observed in dental patients. Given Piezo2's widespread expression across diverse subpopulations of DPA neurons, this study aimed to characterize the mechanosensory properties of Piezo2-expressing DPA neurons with a focus on distinct features of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and neuropeptide profiles. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, we observed mechanically activated action potentials (APs) and classified AP waveforms based on the presence or absence of a hump during the repolarization phase. Single-cell reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction combined with patch-clamp recordings revealed specific associations between AP waveforms and molecular properties, including tetrodotoxin-resistant VGSCs (Na_V1.8 and Na_V1.9) and TRPV1 expression. Reanalysis of the transcriptomic dataset of DPA neurons identified correlations between neuropeptides-including two CGRP isoforms (α-CGRP and β-CGRP), Substance P, and Galanin-and the expression of Na_V1.8 and Na_V1.9, which were linked to defined AP subtypes. These molecular associations were further validated in Piezo2⁺ DPA neurons using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Together, these findings highlight the electrophysiological and neurochemical heterogeneity of Piezo2-expressing DPA neurons and their specialized roles in distinct mechanosensory signal transmission.
Ion Channels/physiology* ; Mechanotransduction, Cellular/physiology* ; Animals ; Neurons, Afferent/metabolism* ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Mice ; TRPV Cation Channels/metabolism* ; Action Potentials ; Rats

Compared with other treatments, surgical resection is an effective treatment method with the lowest local recurrence rate and the highest survival rate for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To achieve excellent results after surgical treatment, it is essential to carefully select patients who are suitable for hepatic resection and minimize postoperative complications and liver function decline through standardized surgical methods and pre- and postoperative management. However, domestic and international treatment guidelines only broadly recommend the application of hepatic resection for HCC with a single tumor and good liver function. Hence, practical treatment guidelines are required that can be standardized and used according to the varying clinical environments, including indications for hepatic resection, preoperative evaluation, basic principles of hepatic resection, minimally invasive hepatic resection, pre- and postoperative patient management, surgical treatment considerations in specific infection situations, and follow-up after surgical resection. Accordingly, an expert group from the Korean Liver Cancer Association Research Committee has developed practical recommendations based on expert consensus regarding the surgical treatment of HCC through a Delphi study.

Background: This study investigates changes in infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses in healthcare institutions during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to provide evidence for preparing effective responses to future emerging infectious diseases. Methods: A survey was conducted from August 9 to 27, 2021, targeting infection control nurses working in infection control departments of general hospitals in South Korea with more than 100 beds. Results: A total of 118 (38.3%) healthcare institutions responded, and 113 questionnaires ultimately analyzed. Changes in infection control organizations observed during the COVID-19 pandemic included alterations in infection control department staffing (34.5%), work arrangements (92.0%), IT systems development (45.1%), facilities and equipment (92.9%), and systems for responding to emerging infectious diseases (99.1%). Over 50% of infection control tasks were performed either frequently or daily during the pandemic, with the most significant workload increase observed in epidemiological investigations (77.9%). The most challenging task for infection control nurses was establishing and operating epidemic management systems (82.3%). Among personal factors hindering their work, a sense of responsibility for their duties scored the highest (mean 4.73/5 points). The primary structural and environmental barrier was insufficient staffing (mean 4.36/5 points). The most critical need for improving infection control efforts was increased staffing in infection control departments and enhanced administrative support (mean 4.63/5 points). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses. Based on the lessons learned, healthcare institutions must systematically restructure infection control organizations and enhance the expertise of infection control nurses to respond effectively to future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.

This study aimed to explore the participation experiences of patients with type 2 diabetes in an Automated Personalized Self-Care program, assess the changes in self-care behavior and glycemic control, and evaluate the stages of change and readiness to change using the transtheoretical model (TTM). Methods: We examined 16 patients with type 2 diabetes who participated in a diabetes self-care program using a mobile application. Purposive sampling continued until data saturation. Using a mixed method study, we analyzed the participants’ characteristics, self-care behavior, stage of change, and readiness to change quantitatively and analyzed the qualitative data using Elo and Kyngas’s content analysis method. Results: The compliance group (CG) showed improved self-care behavior and glycemic control. In the CG, the proportion of participants in the action stage was higher in the exercise and diet domains and lower in the blood glucose testing and medication domains than in the non-compliance group (NCG). Readiness to change, motivation for health behaviors, and social motivation were higher in the CG, whereas personal motivation was higher in the NCG. In this qualitative study, three categories and 11 subcategories were identified. The findings suggest the CG regarded their experience in the program more frequently as positive, whereas the NCG perceived greater barriers to using the mobile application in the program. Conclusion: Based on the differences identified between the CG and NCG, TTM-based strategies are needed to facilitate the progression of NCG to the action stage.

Background: This study investigates changes in infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses in healthcare institutions during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to provide evidence for preparing effective responses to future emerging infectious diseases. Methods: A survey was conducted from August 9 to 27, 2021, targeting infection control nurses working in infection control departments of general hospitals in South Korea with more than 100 beds. Results: A total of 118 (38.3%) healthcare institutions responded, and 113 questionnaires ultimately analyzed. Changes in infection control organizations observed during the COVID-19 pandemic included alterations in infection control department staffing (34.5%), work arrangements (92.0%), IT systems development (45.1%), facilities and equipment (92.9%), and systems for responding to emerging infectious diseases (99.1%). Over 50% of infection control tasks were performed either frequently or daily during the pandemic, with the most significant workload increase observed in epidemiological investigations (77.9%). The most challenging task for infection control nurses was establishing and operating epidemic management systems (82.3%). Among personal factors hindering their work, a sense of responsibility for their duties scored the highest (mean 4.73/5 points). The primary structural and environmental barrier was insufficient staffing (mean 4.36/5 points). The most critical need for improving infection control efforts was increased staffing in infection control departments and enhanced administrative support (mean 4.63/5 points). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses. Based on the lessons learned, healthcare institutions must systematically restructure infection control organizations and enhance the expertise of infection control nurses to respond effectively to future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.

Background: This study investigates changes in infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses in healthcare institutions during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to provide evidence for preparing effective responses to future emerging infectious diseases. Methods: A survey was conducted from August 9 to 27, 2021, targeting infection control nurses working in infection control departments of general hospitals in South Korea with more than 100 beds. Results: A total of 118 (38.3%) healthcare institutions responded, and 113 questionnaires ultimately analyzed. Changes in infection control organizations observed during the COVID-19 pandemic included alterations in infection control department staffing (34.5%), work arrangements (92.0%), IT systems development (45.1%), facilities and equipment (92.9%), and systems for responding to emerging infectious diseases (99.1%). Over 50% of infection control tasks were performed either frequently or daily during the pandemic, with the most significant workload increase observed in epidemiological investigations (77.9%). The most challenging task for infection control nurses was establishing and operating epidemic management systems (82.3%). Among personal factors hindering their work, a sense of responsibility for their duties scored the highest (mean 4.73/5 points). The primary structural and environmental barrier was insufficient staffing (mean 4.36/5 points). The most critical need for improving infection control efforts was increased staffing in infection control departments and enhanced administrative support (mean 4.63/5 points). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses. Based on the lessons learned, healthcare institutions must systematically restructure infection control organizations and enhance the expertise of infection control nurses to respond effectively to future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.