This study examined the inhibitory effects of pluviatolide, a lignan derived from Podophyllum hexandrum, on mast cell activation and IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity, focusing on FcεRI-dependent and calcium-mediated pathways. Using bone marrowderived mast cells (BMMCs) and rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells, we found that pluviatolide significantly decreased β-hexosaminidase release and suppressed the expression and secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in a concentration-dependent manner, without causing cytotoxicity. While we initially hypothesized that it would selectively modulate antigen-specific FcεRI signaling, pluviatolide also inhibited degranulation induced by calcium ionophore and thapsigargin, indicating its effects extend to receptorindependent, Ca2+-dependent activation mechanisms. Immunoblot analyses revealed decreased phosphorylation of proximal kinases (Lyn, Syk), adaptor proteins (LAT, PLCγ1), MAPKs (ERK1/2, JNK, p38), and NF-κB p65. In a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mouse model, oral administration of pluviatolide significantly reduced Evans blue extravasation and mast cell degranulation in ear tissues. These findings demonstrate that pluviatolide suppresses both early and late-phase mast cell responses through multi-nodal inhibition of activation pathways, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for both IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated allergic disorders.

Obesity is a systemic vascular disease characterized by the convergence of metabolic excess and adipose dysfunction, leading to endothelial injury and plasticity. Beyond hemodynamic stress, chronic nutritional and inflammatory stimuli trigger oxidative and pro-thromboinflammatory pathways, reduce nitric oxide bioavailability, and promote endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). This process contributes to fibrotic remodeling, plaque vulnerability, arterial stiffening, and microvascular rarefaction. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)—microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs)—play pivotal roles as regulators within the vascular wall and across tissues via extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from adipose tissue and perivascular fat. We synthesize evidence demonstrating that ncRNAs integrate TGF-β/ Smad, NF-κB, HIF-1γ, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways with the endothelial metabolic state, including the epigenetic regulation of EndMT linked to fatty acid oxidation. Single-cell and lineage-tracing studies identify nascent EndMT subpopulations in obese tissues, while in vitro models reveal cytokine and lipotoxic triggers that shift ncRNA networks, stabilizing mesenchymal programs. Translationally, circulating and EV-associated ncRNAs mirror adiposity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction, improving with weight loss. This underscores their potential as dynamic biomarkers for patient stratification, particularly when integrated with vascular imaging and functional assays. Furthermore, we discuss therapeutic strategies such as miRNA antagomirs, lncRNA gapmers, and circRNA inhibitors, addressing the critical challenge of endothelium-targeted delivery through approaches like ligand-directed nanoparticles, endothelial-tropic liposomes, and engineered EVs. This review positions obesity-associated vascular disease as an ncRNA-driven network disorder and outlines pathways toward precision diagnostics and RNA-based interventions.

Objectives: . Allergic rhinitis (AR) significantly impacts quality of life and incurs socioeconomic costs. The influence of smoking habits, including the use of conventional cigarettes (CCs) and electronic cigarettes (ECs), on the prevalence and management of AR remains a subject of debate. This study aims to explore the association between smoking status (CC and EC use) and the prevalence and management of AR among Koreans by analyzing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VII (2018) and VIII (2019–2021). Methods: . This cross-sectional study involved 22,290 participants aged 19 years and older from the KNHANES. Participants self-reported their smoking status, and urinary cotinine levels were measured to assess nicotine exposure. We employed statistical analyses, including logistic regression, to examine the relationships between smoking status, cotinine levels, and the prevalence and management of AR. Results: . In univariable logistic regression analysis, EC users exhibited a 35.8% increased risk of AR compared to non-smokers, whereas CC users experienced a 27.7% reduced risk. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a 20.3% lower risk of AR among CC users; however, no significant association was observed for EC users. Higher cotinine levels (>500 ng/mL) were associated with a lower prevalence of AR. Specifically, heavy CC users with high cotinine levels demonstrated a 35% reduced risk of AR. Nonetheless, after adjusting for confounders, this association was no longer significant, indicating that other variables might influence this relationship. Conclusion . Smoking status is associated with the prevalence of AR in Koreans. Notably, heavy use of CCs is negatively correlated with the prevalence of AR.

The blending effect refers to a phenomenon where the color difference between the restorative material and surrounding tooth structure appears smaller when they are adjacent to each other. The effect can be affected by the translucency of restorative material. This study evaluated the influence of cavity depth on the color adjustment potential (CAP) and translucency of a single-shade composite resin compared to multi-shade composite resins. A single-shade composite (Omnichroma) and two multi-shade composites (FiltekTM Z350 XT and Estelite® Sigma Quick) were tested in 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm cavity depths/thicknesses. CAP was assessed using the ΔEab* color difference between single and dual specimens. Translucency was measured using the translucency parameter (TP). The single-shade composite demonstrated significantly higher CAP and TP values compared to multi-shade composites across all depths/thicknesses (p < 0.0167). CAP decreased with increasing cavity depth for all composites. In 1.5 mm cavities, the single-shade composite achieved a clinically imperceptible color match (ΔEab* < 3.7). The higher translucency of the single-shade composite likely contributes to its enhanced blending effect and CAP. These results suggest that single-shade composites offer superior shade-matching ability due to their structural color phenomenon and high translucency. However, the decrease in CAP with increasing cavity depth indicates potential limitations in deeper restorations. Clinicians should consider appropriate techniques or additional products for optimal aesthetic outcomes in deeper cavities when using single-shade composites.

This study aimed to evaluate the surface hardness and wear resistance of a novel glass-hybrid restorative material in comparison with those of high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC). Additionally, this study examined how the application of a nano-filled resin coating affected these mechanical properties. This study utilized 80 disk-shaped samples prepared from two distinct GI materials: Equia Forte HT Fil and Fuji IX GP. Half of the specimens from each material group were treated with an Equia Forte Coat. Vickers hardness tests were conducted on a set of 40 specimens, and wear resistance was measured on a separate set of 40 specimens. Equia Forte HT Fil showed significantly higher hardness than Fuji IX GP (p < 0.05). The nano-filled resin coating did not significantly affect the hardness in both groups (p > 0.05). In wear depth measurements, uncoated Equia Forte HT Fil showed significantly lower wear depth compared to uncoated Fuji IX GP (p < 0.05). After coating application, both GI groups showed significantly decreased wear depth (p < 0.05). In terms of both hardness and wear resistance, the properties of the glass-hybrid restorative material were superior to those of the high-viscosity GIC. Nano-filled resin coating exhibited no significant positive effect on the hardness of either GI cement material but significantly increased their wear resistance.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of dyslipidemia, thereby heightening the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases. Hence, prior to the diagnosis of OSA, it is essential to investigate the association with dyslipidemia in at-risk individuals. Methods: Using raw data obtained from the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we examined the details of 2,882 participants aged 40 years and older, who were not diagnosed with sleep apnea and did not use lipid-lowering medications. Participants who had reported snoring, fatigue, or witnessed apnea episodes, were categorized into the “OSA Risk Group” (OSARG), and logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between serum lipid levels and dyslipidemia. Results: OSARG participants were found to have a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and increased prevalence of dyslipidemia. After adjusting for sex, age, education, economic status, housing type, obesity, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, only hypertriglyceridemia remained significantly associated with the OSARG, and the odds ratio for OSA was significantly higher among those patients with hypertriglyceridemia (1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.83). Conclusion Among adults aged 40 years and older, compared with those not at risk, individuals at risk of OSA were characterized by a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia. These findings thus indicate that the management of hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia may be warranted prior to the diagnosis of OSA in this population.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of dyslipidemia, thereby heightening the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases. Hence, prior to the diagnosis of OSA, it is essential to investigate the association with dyslipidemia in at-risk individuals. Methods: Using raw data obtained from the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we examined the details of 2,882 participants aged 40 years and older, who were not diagnosed with sleep apnea and did not use lipid-lowering medications. Participants who had reported snoring, fatigue, or witnessed apnea episodes, were categorized into the “OSA Risk Group” (OSARG), and logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between serum lipid levels and dyslipidemia. Results: OSARG participants were found to have a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and increased prevalence of dyslipidemia. After adjusting for sex, age, education, economic status, housing type, obesity, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, only hypertriglyceridemia remained significantly associated with the OSARG, and the odds ratio for OSA was significantly higher among those patients with hypertriglyceridemia (1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.83). Conclusion Among adults aged 40 years and older, compared with those not at risk, individuals at risk of OSA were characterized by a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia. These findings thus indicate that the management of hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia may be warranted prior to the diagnosis of OSA in this population.