Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality after liver transplantation (LT). Although the impact of secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) is well investigated, the impact of primary TR with tricuspid valve incompetence (TVI) on LT outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of primary TR with TVI on LT outcomes in a large-volume LT center. Methods: We retrospectively examined 5 512 consecutive LT recipients who underwent routine pretransplant echocardiography between 2008 and 2020. Patients were categorized based on the presence of anatomical TVI, specifically defined by incomplete coaptation, coaptation failure, prolapse, and flail leaflets of tricuspid valve (TV). Propensity score (PS)-based inverse probability weighting (IPW) was used to balance clinical and cardiovascular risk variables. The outcomes were one-year cumulative all-cause mortality and 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results: Anatomical TVI was identified in 14 patients (0.3%). Although rare, these patients exhibited significantly lower post-LT one-year survival rates (64.3% vs. 91.5%, P < 0.001) and higher 30-day MACE rates (42.9% vs. 16.9%, P = 0.026) than patients without TVI. They also had worse survival irrespective of echocardiographic evidence of PH (P < 0.001) and exhibited higher one-year mortality (IPW-adjusted hazard ratio: 4.09, P = 0.002) and increased 30-day MACE rates (IPW-adjusted odds ratio: 1.24, P = 0.048). Conclusions Primary TR with anatomical TVI was associated with significantly reduced one-year survival and increased post-LT MACE rates. These patients should be prioritized similarly to those with secondary TR with severe PH, with appropriate pretransplant evaluations and treatments to improve survival outcomes.

This study explored the evolving trends in pediatric dentistry research, focusing on the changes in research trends in the Journal of the Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (JKAPD) and comparing them with those in other international journals and previous studies. We selected the JKAPD (Korea), Pediatric Dentistry (PD, USA), European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD, Europe), and The Japanese Journal of Pediatric Dentistry (JJPD, Japan) as subjects for this study, as each one is considered the core academic journals of the corresponding region. Data from the four journals were collected by reviewing articles published over 20 years from 2004 to 2023. Sixteen classification criteria were established, and 4,231 papers were assigned a classification number. This study included 1,205 studies from the JKAPD, 1,320 from the PD, 1,070 from the EAPD, and 636 from the JJPD. Publication trends were similar across the pediatric dental journals; however, the JJPD showed no correlation with other journals. Dental caries and prevention of dental caries were the most published topics in all journals (15.4%), followed by systemic diseases or patients with special health care needs (9.9%), conservative treatment and restorative materials (9.2%), and dental growth and developmental disturbances (8.8%). The thematic distribution of articles in the JKAPD observed in this study is consistent with that of previous studies. Although there were regional variations, the distribution of publication trends did not significantly change before or after the 21st century. This study offers valuable insights for comparing and analyzing trends in domestic and international research and providing an opportunity to examine which social and environmental changes have influenced these trends.

This study investigated the plaque removal efficacy of a suction-type sonic toothbrush compared to a conventional manual toothbrush in preschool children aged 30 to 59 months. Using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design with a 2-week washout period, 20 pediatric participants were allocated to two study phases, each using either the suction-type sonic toothbrush or the manual toothbrush with caregiver assistance. The plaque removal effectiveness was assessed through the Silness and Löe plaque index and quantitative light-induced fluorescence values, including ΔR30 and ΔR120 indicators of plaque index. The result showed no statistically significant differences in plaque removal efficacy between the two toothbrushes, although both showed similar improvements. Caregiver feedback revealed high acceptability of the suction-type sonic toothbrush due to its convenience and engaging features, such as a light and suction function, which enhanced the tooth brushing experience. Although limited by the short follow-up period and small sample size, the findings suggest that suction-type sonic toothbrushes may offer practical benefits for young children requiring caregiver assistance.

Purpose: This study aimed to systematically evaluate school-based suicide prevention programs for adolescents, focusing on their impact on suicide attempts, knowledge and attitudes about suicide, and help-seeking behaviors. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, KMBASE, KoreaMed, and ScienceON. Randomized controlled trials of school-based interventions for middle and high school students were included. The Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used to assess study quality. Results: Out of 1,738 screened records, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. SOS (Signs of Suicide) and SEYLE (Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe) programs significantly reduced suicide attempts by 40% and 55%, respectively. Sources of Strength improved help-seeking behavior (ES=0.62, p<.001), though results were inconsistent across interventions. All programs enhanced knowledge and attitudes about suicide, but methodological limitations, such as variability in implementation and reporting, affected reliability. Conclusion School-based suicide prevention programs effectively reduce suicide attempts and improve awareness but show mixed results for help-seeking behaviors. Standardized, scalable interventions and rigorous evaluations are needed to enhance their impact.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of a self-management education program on dietary self-care behaviors, patient role performance, self-efficacy, and physiological indicators in hemodialysis patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from February to May 2024 with 43 hemodialysis patients(22 experimental, 21 control at the artificial kidney units of Hospital A and Hospital Y in K region. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, achi-square test, and ANCOVA with SPSS/WIN 26.0. The reliability of the measurement tools was assessed using Cronbach’s ⍺. Results: The experimental group that participated in the self-management education program showed significant improvements in dietary self-care behavior (t=81.87, p=.011), patient role performance (t=27.86, p=.035), and self-efficacy (t=17.88, p=.003) compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in serum potassium (F=0.06, p=.813) and phosphorus (F=0.02, p=.903) levels. In contrast, serum protein (F=6.94, p=.012) and albumin (F=8.05, p=.007) levels significantly increased in the experimental group. Conclusion The self-management education program was effective in improving dietary self-care behaviors, patient role performance, and self-efficacy among hemodialysis patients. However, its impact on physiological indicators was limited to specific parameters. Therefore, this program may be effectively implemented in clinical settings to enhance self-care adherence, improve patient role performance, and ultimately reduce complications in hemodialysis patients.

Purpose: This study aimed to systematically evaluate school-based suicide prevention programs for adolescents, focusing on their impact on suicide attempts, knowledge and attitudes about suicide, and help-seeking behaviors. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, KMBASE, KoreaMed, and ScienceON. Randomized controlled trials of school-based interventions for middle and high school students were included. The Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used to assess study quality. Results: Out of 1,738 screened records, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. SOS (Signs of Suicide) and SEYLE (Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe) programs significantly reduced suicide attempts by 40% and 55%, respectively. Sources of Strength improved help-seeking behavior (ES=0.62, p<.001), though results were inconsistent across interventions. All programs enhanced knowledge and attitudes about suicide, but methodological limitations, such as variability in implementation and reporting, affected reliability. Conclusion School-based suicide prevention programs effectively reduce suicide attempts and improve awareness but show mixed results for help-seeking behaviors. Standardized, scalable interventions and rigorous evaluations are needed to enhance their impact.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of a self-management education program on dietary self-care behaviors, patient role performance, self-efficacy, and physiological indicators in hemodialysis patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from February to May 2024 with 43 hemodialysis patients(22 experimental, 21 control at the artificial kidney units of Hospital A and Hospital Y in K region. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, achi-square test, and ANCOVA with SPSS/WIN 26.0. The reliability of the measurement tools was assessed using Cronbach’s ⍺. Results: The experimental group that participated in the self-management education program showed significant improvements in dietary self-care behavior (t=81.87, p=.011), patient role performance (t=27.86, p=.035), and self-efficacy (t=17.88, p=.003) compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in serum potassium (F=0.06, p=.813) and phosphorus (F=0.02, p=.903) levels. In contrast, serum protein (F=6.94, p=.012) and albumin (F=8.05, p=.007) levels significantly increased in the experimental group. Conclusion The self-management education program was effective in improving dietary self-care behaviors, patient role performance, and self-efficacy among hemodialysis patients. However, its impact on physiological indicators was limited to specific parameters. Therefore, this program may be effectively implemented in clinical settings to enhance self-care adherence, improve patient role performance, and ultimately reduce complications in hemodialysis patients.

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a phenolic compound derived from licorice, exhibits various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor, and antioxidant effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer effects are not well understood in SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells. Melanoma, a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant cancer, remains a significant health challenge. This study investigates the anti-cancer effects of ISL, focusing on identifying reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis mechanisms on SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells. Our results show that ISL treatment induces apoptosis in SK-MEL-28 cells, as evidenced by the cleavage of caspase-9, -7, -3, and PARP. ISL increased Bax expression, decreased Bcl-2 expression, and promoted cytochrome C release into the cytosol. ISL also reduced the expression of cell cycle markers, including cyclin D1, D3, and survivin. Notably, ISL treatment markedly increased intracellular ROS levels and pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine, a ROS scavenger, abrogated the ISL-induced inhibition of the p38/mTOR/STAT3 pathway and prevented apoptosis.Moreover, ISL significantly diminished the constitutive phosphorylation of mTOR and STAT3 in SK-MEL-28 cells by blocking the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, an upstream kinase of mTOR. Pharmacological inhibition of mTOR attenuated the STAT3 signaling, indicating that mTOR acts as an upstream kinase of STAT3 in these cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ISL inhibits SK-MEL-28 cell growth by downregulating cell survival proteins and inducing apoptosis through ROS generation.

Purpose: Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, demanding precise genomic testing for individualized treatment strategies. Targeted-panel sequencing (TPS) has improved personalized oncology but often lacks comprehensive coverage of crucial cancer alterations. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) addresses this gap, offering extensive genomic testing. This study demonstrates the medical potential of WGS. Materials and Methods: This study evaluates target-enhanced WGS (TE-WGS), a clinical-grade WGS method sequencing both cancer and matched normal tissues. Forty-nine patients with various solid cancer types underwent both TE-WGS and TruSight Oncology 500 (TSO500), one of the mainstream TPS approaches. Results: TE-WGS detected all variants reported by TSO500 (100%, 498/498). A high correlation in variant allele fractions was observed between TE-WGS and TSO500 (r=0.978). Notably, 223 variants (44.8%) within the common set were discerned exclusively by TE-WGS in peripheral blood, suggesting their germline origin. Conversely, the remaining subset of 275 variants (55.2%) were not detected in peripheral blood using the TE-WGS, signifying them as bona fide somatic variants. Further, TE-WGS provided accurate copy number profiles, fusion genes, microsatellite instability, and homologous recombination deficiency scores, which were essential for clinical decision-making. Conclusion TE-WGS is a comprehensive approach in personalized oncology, matching TSO500’s key biomarker detection capabilities. It uniquely identifies germline variants and genomic instability markers, offering additional clinical actions. Its adaptability and cost-effectiveness underscore its clinical utility, making TE-WGS a valuable tool in personalized cancer treatment.

Purpose: This study aimed to systematically evaluate school-based suicide prevention programs for adolescents, focusing on their impact on suicide attempts, knowledge and attitudes about suicide, and help-seeking behaviors. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, KMBASE, KoreaMed, and ScienceON. Randomized controlled trials of school-based interventions for middle and high school students were included. The Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used to assess study quality. Results: Out of 1,738 screened records, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. SOS (Signs of Suicide) and SEYLE (Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe) programs significantly reduced suicide attempts by 40% and 55%, respectively. Sources of Strength improved help-seeking behavior (ES=0.62, p<.001), though results were inconsistent across interventions. All programs enhanced knowledge and attitudes about suicide, but methodological limitations, such as variability in implementation and reporting, affected reliability. Conclusion School-based suicide prevention programs effectively reduce suicide attempts and improve awareness but show mixed results for help-seeking behaviors. Standardized, scalable interventions and rigorous evaluations are needed to enhance their impact.