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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Transcription factor CP2-like protein 1 (Tfcp2l1), a naïve pluripotency transcription factor, is expressed in both early embryonic and adult tissues, where it enforces pluripotency of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and stemness features of cancer cells, respectively. However, the detailed molecular pathways by which Tfcp2l1 is regulated in early embryonic development and cancer cells remain unknown. Here, we identified the pseudophosphatase dual specificity phosphatase 27 (Dusp27), also known as serine/threonine/tyrosine-interacting like-2, as a novel Tfcp2l1-interacting protein through a sterile alpha motif-like domain in the C-terminus of Tfcp2l1 in murine ESCs. The interaction between Dusp27 and Tfcp2l1 was dependent on the cell cycle status and increased during mitosis. Expression of Dusp27 was upregulated during naïve pluripotency and repressed during spontaneous differentiation of murine ESCs. Ectopic expression of Dusp27 enhanced the transcriptional activity of Tfcp2l1 and promoted features associated with the naïve pluripotent state, while suppressing meso-endodermal lineage differentiation. The present study demonstrates that Dusp27 is a novel positive regulator of Tfcp2l1 through a physical interaction and thereby fine-tunes the pluripotency status and meso-endodermal differentiation of murine ESCs.

This study aims to evaluate the color stability and surface roughness of the single-shade composite resin after finishing and polishing for primary molars. A single-shade composite resin (OM, OMNICHROMA) and two multi-shade composite resins (FT, FiltekTM Z350XT; ES, ESTELITE® SIGMA QUICK) were included. The specimens were divided into three subgroups using different polishing methods: control, Sof-Lex XT, and Sof-Lex Diamond. For color stability tests, cavities were prepared on extracted primary second molars and restored with experimental composite resins. Each specimen was immersed in the coffee solution for 48 hours. The color difference of each specimen was calculated. For surface roughness tests, cylindrical specimens were crafted with experimental composite resins. Surface roughness was analyzed using an atomic force microscope and a scanning electron microscope. In the color stability tests, FT demonstrated a significantly lower ΔEab than ES among the control groups, but no significant differences were observed between the ΔEab values of OM and FT or OM and ES. Additionally, no significant differences were found between the Sof-Lex XT and Sof-Lex Diamond subgroups in the three composite groups. Moreover, no significant differences in the surface roughness were found between the three composite groups, regardless of the polishing methods. The single-shade composite resin demonstrated comparable color stability and surface roughness to that of the multi-shade composite resins regardless of the polishing methods used in restoring primary molars. The single-shade composite resin is expected to be applicable in clinical pediatric dentistry reducing chair time due to the easy shade matching procedures.

Purpose: The clinical characteristics of headaches vary by age among pediatric patients. Red flag signs are key factors in differentiating secondary headaches and should be considered in the context of the patient’s age. Methods: This study involved a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients presenting with headaches. Patients were categorized by age into three groups: pre-school age (under 6 years), school-age (6 to 12 years), and adolescence (over 12 years). Demographic data, headache characteristics, laboratory findings, and neuroimaging results were evaluated. Overall, 17 potential red flags were assessed. Results: A total of 687 patients were included, of whom 102 were of pre-school age, 314 were school-aged, and 271 were adolescents. The frequency of overweight/obesity was found to increase with age. The pre-school age group experienced a shorter period from symptom onset to presentation and a briefer duration of pain. In contrast, adolescents displayed a longer period from symptom onset, a greater frequency of headaches occurring at least three times per week, and a higher rate of headache episodes lasting over 3 days. Children under 6 years old were more commonly diagnosed with secondary headaches than older children. Across age groups, secondary headaches were suspected when systemic symptoms such as fever were present, when the headache had a sudden onset, when the patient responded poorly to medication, or when abnormal neurological signs and symptoms were observed. Conclusion The clinical features of pediatric patients vary by age group. Clinicians should consider red flag signs in the context of patient age and individual characteristics.