Purpose: Accumulating evidence has clarified that gut dysbiosis is involved in lung cancer development and progression. Although the relationship between tumors and gut microbiota has been extensively studied using clinical samples, no studies have examined the association between mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–induced lung carcinogenesis and dysbiosis in gut microbiota. Therefore, we investigated the gut microbiota profiles in stool samples from human lung-specific conditional EGFR-mutant transgenic mice during lung tumor carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: Stool samples were collected before tamoxifen treatment (V1) and at each time point following mutant EGFR expression in lung tissue (V2) and lung tumor appearance (V3). Fecal 16S rRNA taxonomy was analyzed to assess microbial diversity, composition, and dynamic changes at each time point. Results: We found that microbiota richness and diversity were significantly elevated when tumors developed and grew in the lung. Phylogenetic analysis of the microbial community revealed that Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Rhodospirillaceae, Odoribacteraceae, and Desulfovibrionaceae showed a significant increase at the V3 stage compared to the V1 stage at the family level. In contrast, Lactobacillaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Muribaculaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, and Rikenellaceae significantly decreased at the V3 stage compared to the V1 stage. Furthermore, Lactobacillus species, also known as short chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, were relatively abundant at the V1 stage but were depleted with the occurrence of lung tumors at the V3 stage. Conclusion Changes in gut microbiota, such as Lactobacillus species, may be a predictive factor for the emergence and progression of tumors in an animal model of lung adenocarcinoma induced by mutant EGFR.

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation in arterial walls, leading to plaque formation. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of vitamin A, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and potential in regulating vascular injury. 9-cisretinoic acid (9cRA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and activates the retinoid X receptor. This study investigates whether potassium retinoate (PA9RA), a synthetic combination of ATRA and 9cRA, offers superior efficacy in treating atherosclerosis compared to established treatments such as clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Male ApoE -/- mice were fed a Western-type diet and treated with PA9RA, clopidogrel, or atorvastatin for 10 weeks. The body weight, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathology, including atherosclerotic lesion area and liver steatosis were assessed. PA9RA treatment led to a significant reduction in body weight and inguinal fat, with the 45 mg/kg/day dose showing marked efficacy in decreasing atherosclerotic lesion size and ameliorating liver steatosis. Histopathological evaluation revealed decreased foam cell formation and improved liver histology in PA9RA-treated groups compared to controls. Notable side effects included epidermal hyperplasia and gastric hyperplasia at high doses of PA9RA. PA9RA exhibits superior efficacy over clopidogrel and atorvastatin in ameliorating atherosclerosis and fatty liver in ApoE –/–mice. This study highlights PA9RA's potential as a promising therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess long-term safety and efficacy.

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation in arterial walls, leading to plaque formation. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of vitamin A, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and potential in regulating vascular injury. 9-cisretinoic acid (9cRA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and activates the retinoid X receptor. This study investigates whether potassium retinoate (PA9RA), a synthetic combination of ATRA and 9cRA, offers superior efficacy in treating atherosclerosis compared to established treatments such as clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Male ApoE -/- mice were fed a Western-type diet and treated with PA9RA, clopidogrel, or atorvastatin for 10 weeks. The body weight, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathology, including atherosclerotic lesion area and liver steatosis were assessed. PA9RA treatment led to a significant reduction in body weight and inguinal fat, with the 45 mg/kg/day dose showing marked efficacy in decreasing atherosclerotic lesion size and ameliorating liver steatosis. Histopathological evaluation revealed decreased foam cell formation and improved liver histology in PA9RA-treated groups compared to controls. Notable side effects included epidermal hyperplasia and gastric hyperplasia at high doses of PA9RA. PA9RA exhibits superior efficacy over clopidogrel and atorvastatin in ameliorating atherosclerosis and fatty liver in ApoE –/–mice. This study highlights PA9RA's potential as a promising therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess long-term safety and efficacy.

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation in arterial walls, leading to plaque formation. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of vitamin A, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and potential in regulating vascular injury. 9-cisretinoic acid (9cRA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and activates the retinoid X receptor. This study investigates whether potassium retinoate (PA9RA), a synthetic combination of ATRA and 9cRA, offers superior efficacy in treating atherosclerosis compared to established treatments such as clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Male ApoE -/- mice were fed a Western-type diet and treated with PA9RA, clopidogrel, or atorvastatin for 10 weeks. The body weight, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathology, including atherosclerotic lesion area and liver steatosis were assessed. PA9RA treatment led to a significant reduction in body weight and inguinal fat, with the 45 mg/kg/day dose showing marked efficacy in decreasing atherosclerotic lesion size and ameliorating liver steatosis. Histopathological evaluation revealed decreased foam cell formation and improved liver histology in PA9RA-treated groups compared to controls. Notable side effects included epidermal hyperplasia and gastric hyperplasia at high doses of PA9RA. PA9RA exhibits superior efficacy over clopidogrel and atorvastatin in ameliorating atherosclerosis and fatty liver in ApoE –/–mice. This study highlights PA9RA's potential as a promising therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess long-term safety and efficacy.

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation in arterial walls, leading to plaque formation. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of vitamin A, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and potential in regulating vascular injury. 9-cisretinoic acid (9cRA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and activates the retinoid X receptor. This study investigates whether potassium retinoate (PA9RA), a synthetic combination of ATRA and 9cRA, offers superior efficacy in treating atherosclerosis compared to established treatments such as clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Male ApoE -/- mice were fed a Western-type diet and treated with PA9RA, clopidogrel, or atorvastatin for 10 weeks. The body weight, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathology, including atherosclerotic lesion area and liver steatosis were assessed. PA9RA treatment led to a significant reduction in body weight and inguinal fat, with the 45 mg/kg/day dose showing marked efficacy in decreasing atherosclerotic lesion size and ameliorating liver steatosis. Histopathological evaluation revealed decreased foam cell formation and improved liver histology in PA9RA-treated groups compared to controls. Notable side effects included epidermal hyperplasia and gastric hyperplasia at high doses of PA9RA. PA9RA exhibits superior efficacy over clopidogrel and atorvastatin in ameliorating atherosclerosis and fatty liver in ApoE –/–mice. This study highlights PA9RA's potential as a promising therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess long-term safety and efficacy.

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, characterized by inflammation and lipid accumulation in arterial walls, leading to plaque formation. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of vitamin A, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and potential in regulating vascular injury. 9-cisretinoic acid (9cRA) is an active metabolite of vitamin A and activates the retinoid X receptor. This study investigates whether potassium retinoate (PA9RA), a synthetic combination of ATRA and 9cRA, offers superior efficacy in treating atherosclerosis compared to established treatments such as clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Male ApoE -/- mice were fed a Western-type diet and treated with PA9RA, clopidogrel, or atorvastatin for 10 weeks. The body weight, organ weight, serum biochemistry, and histopathology, including atherosclerotic lesion area and liver steatosis were assessed. PA9RA treatment led to a significant reduction in body weight and inguinal fat, with the 45 mg/kg/day dose showing marked efficacy in decreasing atherosclerotic lesion size and ameliorating liver steatosis. Histopathological evaluation revealed decreased foam cell formation and improved liver histology in PA9RA-treated groups compared to controls. Notable side effects included epidermal hyperplasia and gastric hyperplasia at high doses of PA9RA. PA9RA exhibits superior efficacy over clopidogrel and atorvastatin in ameliorating atherosclerosis and fatty liver in ApoE –/–mice. This study highlights PA9RA's potential as a promising therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess long-term safety and efficacy.

Background: Pain assessment and patient education are essential for successful postoperative pain management. However, the provision of personnel for performing these tasks is often insufficient. Recently, attempts have been made to implement smartphone applications for educating and monitoring surgical patients. We developed a smartphone application (app) for postoperative pain management, and conducted a feasibility study. Methods: This single-center prospective observational study included 60 patients aged < 70 years who underwent elective surgery. This study evaluated the SmartAPS application, which offers tools for postoperative pain assessment and educational materials for pain management. The primary outcome was the active usage rate, defined as responding at least twice daily on postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 2. Additionally, we investigated patient satisfaction with the app and educational videos as well as any challenges encountered during use. Results: Sixty patients were enrolled in the study and active app use was achieved in 56.7% of them. Response rates peaked at 85.0% for pain intensity and 83.3% for opioid-related side effects at 14:00 on POD 1 but dropped to 56.7% and 58.3%, respectively, at 18:00 on POD 2. Among the patients who responded to the survey regarding the app usage, 84.0% reported satisfaction with the app and 80% found it beneficial for managing postoperative pain. Furthermore, 92.0% did not encounter difficulties using the app, indicating a generally positive user experience. Conclusions Our findings support the utility of the SmartAPS application in acute pain services, highlighting its potential for improving postoperative pain management.

Background: Pain assessment and patient education are essential for successful postoperative pain management. However, the provision of personnel for performing these tasks is often insufficient. Recently, attempts have been made to implement smartphone applications for educating and monitoring surgical patients. We developed a smartphone application (app) for postoperative pain management, and conducted a feasibility study. Methods: This single-center prospective observational study included 60 patients aged < 70 years who underwent elective surgery. This study evaluated the SmartAPS application, which offers tools for postoperative pain assessment and educational materials for pain management. The primary outcome was the active usage rate, defined as responding at least twice daily on postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 2. Additionally, we investigated patient satisfaction with the app and educational videos as well as any challenges encountered during use. Results: Sixty patients were enrolled in the study and active app use was achieved in 56.7% of them. Response rates peaked at 85.0% for pain intensity and 83.3% for opioid-related side effects at 14:00 on POD 1 but dropped to 56.7% and 58.3%, respectively, at 18:00 on POD 2. Among the patients who responded to the survey regarding the app usage, 84.0% reported satisfaction with the app and 80% found it beneficial for managing postoperative pain. Furthermore, 92.0% did not encounter difficulties using the app, indicating a generally positive user experience. Conclusions Our findings support the utility of the SmartAPS application in acute pain services, highlighting its potential for improving postoperative pain management.

Background: Pain assessment and patient education are essential for successful postoperative pain management. However, the provision of personnel for performing these tasks is often insufficient. Recently, attempts have been made to implement smartphone applications for educating and monitoring surgical patients. We developed a smartphone application (app) for postoperative pain management, and conducted a feasibility study. Methods: This single-center prospective observational study included 60 patients aged < 70 years who underwent elective surgery. This study evaluated the SmartAPS application, which offers tools for postoperative pain assessment and educational materials for pain management. The primary outcome was the active usage rate, defined as responding at least twice daily on postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 2. Additionally, we investigated patient satisfaction with the app and educational videos as well as any challenges encountered during use. Results: Sixty patients were enrolled in the study and active app use was achieved in 56.7% of them. Response rates peaked at 85.0% for pain intensity and 83.3% for opioid-related side effects at 14:00 on POD 1 but dropped to 56.7% and 58.3%, respectively, at 18:00 on POD 2. Among the patients who responded to the survey regarding the app usage, 84.0% reported satisfaction with the app and 80% found it beneficial for managing postoperative pain. Furthermore, 92.0% did not encounter difficulties using the app, indicating a generally positive user experience. Conclusions Our findings support the utility of the SmartAPS application in acute pain services, highlighting its potential for improving postoperative pain management.

Background: Pain assessment and patient education are essential for successful postoperative pain management. However, the provision of personnel for performing these tasks is often insufficient. Recently, attempts have been made to implement smartphone applications for educating and monitoring surgical patients. We developed a smartphone application (app) for postoperative pain management, and conducted a feasibility study. Methods: This single-center prospective observational study included 60 patients aged < 70 years who underwent elective surgery. This study evaluated the SmartAPS application, which offers tools for postoperative pain assessment and educational materials for pain management. The primary outcome was the active usage rate, defined as responding at least twice daily on postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 2. Additionally, we investigated patient satisfaction with the app and educational videos as well as any challenges encountered during use. Results: Sixty patients were enrolled in the study and active app use was achieved in 56.7% of them. Response rates peaked at 85.0% for pain intensity and 83.3% for opioid-related side effects at 14:00 on POD 1 but dropped to 56.7% and 58.3%, respectively, at 18:00 on POD 2. Among the patients who responded to the survey regarding the app usage, 84.0% reported satisfaction with the app and 80% found it beneficial for managing postoperative pain. Furthermore, 92.0% did not encounter difficulties using the app, indicating a generally positive user experience. Conclusions Our findings support the utility of the SmartAPS application in acute pain services, highlighting its potential for improving postoperative pain management.