Primary cilia function as critical sensory organelles that mediate multiple signaling pathways, including the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, which is essential for organ patterning and morphogenesis. Disruptions in Hh signaling have been implicated in supernumerary tooth formation and molar fusion in mutant mice. Cilk1, a highly conserved serine/threonine-protein kinase localized within primary cilia, plays a critical role in ciliary transport. Loss of Cilk1 results in severe ciliopathy phenotypes, including polydactyly, edema, and cleft palate. However, the role of Cilk1 in tooth development remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the role of Cilk1 in tooth development. Cilk1 was found to be expressed in both the epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of developing molars. Cilk1 deficiency resulted in altered ciliary dynamics, characterized by reduced frequency and increased length, accompanied by downregulation of Hh target genes, such as Ptch1 and Sostdc1, leading to the formation of diastemal supernumerary teeth. Furthermore, in Cilk1^-/-;PCS1-MRCS1^△/△ mice, which exhibit a compounded suppression of Hh signaling, we uncovered a novel phenomenon: diastemal supernumerary teeth can be larger than first molars. Based on these findings, we propose a progressive model linking Hh signaling levels to sequential changes in tooth patterning: initially inducing diastemal supernumerary teeth, then enlarging them, and ultimately leading to molar fusion. This study reveals a previously unrecognized role of Cilk1 in controlling tooth morphology via Hh signaling and highlights how Hh signaling levels shape tooth patterning in a gradient-dependent manner.
Animals ; Hedgehog Proteins/physiology* ; Mice ; Signal Transduction/physiology* ; Tooth, Supernumerary ; Molar ; Cilia/physiology* ; Odontogenesis/physiology* ; Patched-1 Receptor ; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/physiology* ; Mice, Knockout ; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Capsosiphon fulvescens (C. fulvescens) ethanolic extract on inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW296.7 macrophages. Methods: The protective effects of C. fulvescens ethanolic extract on LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages were assessed using biochemical analysis, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. To examine reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, flow cytometry analysis, and immunofluorescence staining were used. Furthermore, the modulatory effect of C. fulvescens ethanolic extract on NF-κB activation was investigated. Results: C. fulvescens ethanolic extract significantly attenuated LPS-induced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and notably reduced the secretion and mRNA levels of LPS-mediated matrix metalloproteinases. In addition, C. fulvescens ethanolic extract decreased ROS production and suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions: C. fulvescens ethanolic extract alleviates inflammation as well as oxidative stress by modulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. C. fulvescens can be used as a potential therapeutic agent to suppress inflammation and oxidative stress-associated diseases.

Purpose: Because family caregivers provide a considerable amount of daily care to persons living with dementia, they are at risk of experiencing poor life satisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to examine factors associated with the life satisfaction of family caregivers of persons living with dementia. Methods: Data were collected through surveys from family caregivers (N=183), and a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the factors associated with their life satisfaction. Results: The final model indicated that perceiving support from intimate others as helpful (β=.22, p<.001) was associated with greater life satisfaction, whereas a negative relationship with the care recipients (β=−.15, p=.046) and greater psychological burden (β=−.40, p<.001) were associated with poorer life satisfaction (Adjusted R2=0.49, F=20.42, p<.001). Conclusion Public policy should focus on providing greater support to family caregivers. Furthermore, healthcare professionals should implement intervention programs for family caregivers that focus on lowering their psychological burden.

Background and Objectives: It is unknown whether the presence of low body mass index (BMI) influences the incidence of laryngeal cancer. In a national population-based study, we investigated their relationship retrospectively.Subjects and Method Using the data of Korean Health Insurance claims database, we selected adults aged 20 years or older who underwent a national health examination from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008 and were followed up until 2015 for the occurrence of laryngeal cancer. The hazard ratio of laryngeal cancer according to BMI and smoking status in the subjects was analyzed and adjusted for factors such as age, sex, alcohol consumption, and exercise status. Results: Finally, a total of 13675470 subjects were included in the study, and we found that laryngeal cancer occurred in 3731 of those subjects. The risk of developing laryngeal cancer was significantly associated with underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) even after adjustment (hazard ratio of 1.27; 95% confidence interval of 1.11-1.46). There was also a difference according to smoking status. Underweight was not associated with laryngeal cancer in never-smokers, but in ex-smokers and current smokers. Conclusion Being underweight can increase the risk of laryngeal cancer. In particular, this risk can increase if you drink and smoke at the same time.

Purpose: Because family caregivers provide a considerable amount of daily care to persons living with dementia, they are at risk of experiencing poor life satisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to examine factors associated with the life satisfaction of family caregivers of persons living with dementia. Methods: Data were collected through surveys from family caregivers (N=183), and a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the factors associated with their life satisfaction. Results: The final model indicated that perceiving support from intimate others as helpful (β=.22, p<.001) was associated with greater life satisfaction, whereas a negative relationship with the care recipients (β=−.15, p=.046) and greater psychological burden (β=−.40, p<.001) were associated with poorer life satisfaction (Adjusted R2=0.49, F=20.42, p<.001). Conclusion Public policy should focus on providing greater support to family caregivers. Furthermore, healthcare professionals should implement intervention programs for family caregivers that focus on lowering their psychological burden.

Background and Objectives: It is unknown whether the presence of low body mass index (BMI) influences the incidence of laryngeal cancer. In a national population-based study, we investigated their relationship retrospectively.Subjects and Method Using the data of Korean Health Insurance claims database, we selected adults aged 20 years or older who underwent a national health examination from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008 and were followed up until 2015 for the occurrence of laryngeal cancer. The hazard ratio of laryngeal cancer according to BMI and smoking status in the subjects was analyzed and adjusted for factors such as age, sex, alcohol consumption, and exercise status. Results: Finally, a total of 13675470 subjects were included in the study, and we found that laryngeal cancer occurred in 3731 of those subjects. The risk of developing laryngeal cancer was significantly associated with underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) even after adjustment (hazard ratio of 1.27; 95% confidence interval of 1.11-1.46). There was also a difference according to smoking status. Underweight was not associated with laryngeal cancer in never-smokers, but in ex-smokers and current smokers. Conclusion Being underweight can increase the risk of laryngeal cancer. In particular, this risk can increase if you drink and smoke at the same time.

Background and Objectives: It is unknown whether the presence of low body mass index (BMI) influences the incidence of laryngeal cancer. In a national population-based study, we investigated their relationship retrospectively.Subjects and Method Using the data of Korean Health Insurance claims database, we selected adults aged 20 years or older who underwent a national health examination from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008 and were followed up until 2015 for the occurrence of laryngeal cancer. The hazard ratio of laryngeal cancer according to BMI and smoking status in the subjects was analyzed and adjusted for factors such as age, sex, alcohol consumption, and exercise status. Results: Finally, a total of 13675470 subjects were included in the study, and we found that laryngeal cancer occurred in 3731 of those subjects. The risk of developing laryngeal cancer was significantly associated with underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) even after adjustment (hazard ratio of 1.27; 95% confidence interval of 1.11-1.46). There was also a difference according to smoking status. Underweight was not associated with laryngeal cancer in never-smokers, but in ex-smokers and current smokers. Conclusion Being underweight can increase the risk of laryngeal cancer. In particular, this risk can increase if you drink and smoke at the same time.

Purpose: Because family caregivers provide a considerable amount of daily care to persons living with dementia, they are at risk of experiencing poor life satisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to examine factors associated with the life satisfaction of family caregivers of persons living with dementia. Methods: Data were collected through surveys from family caregivers (N=183), and a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the factors associated with their life satisfaction. Results: The final model indicated that perceiving support from intimate others as helpful (β=.22, p<.001) was associated with greater life satisfaction, whereas a negative relationship with the care recipients (β=−.15, p=.046) and greater psychological burden (β=−.40, p<.001) were associated with poorer life satisfaction (Adjusted R2=0.49, F=20.42, p<.001). Conclusion Public policy should focus on providing greater support to family caregivers. Furthermore, healthcare professionals should implement intervention programs for family caregivers that focus on lowering their psychological burden.

Background: s/Aims: Reported incidence of extrahepatic bile duct cancer is higher in Asians than in Western populations. Korea, in particular, is one of the countries with the highest incidence rates of extrahepatic bile duct cancer in the world. Although research and innovative therapeutic modalities for extrahepatic bile duct cancer are emerging, clinical guidelines are currently unavailable in Korea. The Korean Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery in collaboration with related societies (Korean Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery Society, Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology, Korean Society of Medical Oncology, Korean Society of Radiation Oncology, Korean Society of Pathologists, and Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine) decided to establish clinical guideline for extrahepatic bile duct cancer in June 2021. Methods: Contents of the guidelines were developed through subgroup meetings for each key question and a preliminary draft was finalized through a Clinical Guidelines Committee workshop. Results: In November 2021, the finalized draft was presented for public scrutiny during a formal hearing. Conclusions The extrahepatic guideline committee believed that this guideline could be helpful in the treatment of patients.

Background and Objectives: It is unknown whether the presence of low body mass index (BMI) influences the incidence of laryngeal cancer. In a national population-based study, we investigated their relationship retrospectively.Subjects and Method Using the data of Korean Health Insurance claims database, we selected adults aged 20 years or older who underwent a national health examination from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008 and were followed up until 2015 for the occurrence of laryngeal cancer. The hazard ratio of laryngeal cancer according to BMI and smoking status in the subjects was analyzed and adjusted for factors such as age, sex, alcohol consumption, and exercise status. Results: Finally, a total of 13675470 subjects were included in the study, and we found that laryngeal cancer occurred in 3731 of those subjects. The risk of developing laryngeal cancer was significantly associated with underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) even after adjustment (hazard ratio of 1.27; 95% confidence interval of 1.11-1.46). There was also a difference according to smoking status. Underweight was not associated with laryngeal cancer in never-smokers, but in ex-smokers and current smokers. Conclusion Being underweight can increase the risk of laryngeal cancer. In particular, this risk can increase if you drink and smoke at the same time.