Background: Lapsi (Choerospondias axillaris), a plant native to Nepal, has been traditionally used in Asian countries to treat cardiovascular conditions. However, its effects on immune regulatory function remain largely unexplored.This study aimed to in vivo evaluate the immunoregulatory properties of Lapsi fruit extract in mice on immunotoxic responses with analysis on in vitro mechanism for immune suppression, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response.Male Balb/c mice were intragastrically administered various doses of the extract for 21 days. In some mice, immune suppression was induced with cyclophosphamide, and subsequent immune recovery was assessed. In addition, RAW264.7 cells and THP-1-derived macrophages were treated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide and different concentrations of the extract. Results: Administration of extract increased the IgG2a/IgG1 ratio while reducing serum IgE and IgG1 level compared with control mice. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-17 levels were lower in splenic culture supernatants of mice administered extract. Lapsi extract also effectively reversed cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression by enhancing serum levels of IgA and IgG2a, of interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 secreted by splenic T cells, and of IgG1 and IgG2a secreted by B cells, as well as by increasing immune cell counts. In cell cultures, the extract decreased the levels of inflammation markers, including nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, prostaglandin E2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β). Mechanistic analysis showed that Lapsi extract modulated the NF-κB p65, MAPK, and inflammasome pathways. Conclusions Lapsi extract may act as both an immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory agent, indicating its potential as a candidate immunomodulatory activity under polyclonal and CP-suppressed conditions; however, further disease-specific studies, along with isolation and characterization of active phytochemicals, are warranted to evaluate its therapeutic applicability.

The comprehensive in vitro proarrhythmia assay (CiPA) initiative, led by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), provides a framework for predicting drug-induced arrhythmia risk. To support domestic CiPA implementation, we evaluated the proarrhythmic risk of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. Sildenafil has been misused recreationally, with reports of highdose non-medical intake. To simulate misuse, in vitro assays were conducted using concentrations up to 100× the maximum therapeutic plasma concentration (Cmax). The assessment followed the three core components of the CiPA paradigm. Patch clamp assays were conducted in Human Embryonic Kidney 293 (HEK293) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transiently expressing Nav1.5, Cav1.2, and hERG ion channels. In silico modeling was performed using the CiPAORdv1.0 model based on IC₅₀ and Hill coefficient values. Functional evaluation included multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), and in vivo electrocardiography (ECG) analysis in rats was performed to observe QT interval prolongation. Sildenafil significantly inhibited hERG currents by 40.5% at 100× Cmax. In silico modeling predicted a low Torsades de Pointes (TdP) risk based on qNet biomarkers. In contrast, MEA recordings showed a concentration-dependent prolongation of corrected field potential duration (FPDc), with a significant 13.3% increase at 100× Cmax. The TdP risk estimated from MEA modeling was 64%. In vivo ECG analysis revealed significant QT prolongation at 50× Cmax. Despite low in silico TdP predictions, functional assays suggest that high concentrations of sildenafil as in misuse may pose a clinically relevant risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmia.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary factors act on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).This study examined the relationship between the overall diet quality and LUTS. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study analyzed the data from examinees who visited a general hospital in Korea (October 13, 2014−March 12, 2020). The number of subjects in the study was 6,506 adult men. The recommended food score was used to evaluate the overall quality of the diet, and the International Prostate Symptom Score was used to quantify LUTS. Logistic regression analysis was used to derive the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the relationship between the dietary quality and LUTS. The influence of age, education, marital history, income, occupation, smoking, drinking, exercise, metabolic syndrome, body mass index (BMI), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was analyzed to determine the net influence of the overall diet quality on LUTS. RESULTS: The group with high overall dietary quality showed a lower incidence of LUTS than the group with relatively lower dietary quality (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79–0.99). These results were also observed after correcting for other risk factors and associated variables: age, education, smoking, metabolic syndrome, BMI, and PSA level. CONCLUSION The overall diet quality and LUTS were correlated. Nevertheless, further research will be needed to find the relationship between diet quality and LUTS.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary factors act on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).This study examined the relationship between the overall diet quality and LUTS. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study analyzed the data from examinees who visited a general hospital in Korea (October 13, 2014−March 12, 2020). The number of subjects in the study was 6,506 adult men. The recommended food score was used to evaluate the overall quality of the diet, and the International Prostate Symptom Score was used to quantify LUTS. Logistic regression analysis was used to derive the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the relationship between the dietary quality and LUTS. The influence of age, education, marital history, income, occupation, smoking, drinking, exercise, metabolic syndrome, body mass index (BMI), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was analyzed to determine the net influence of the overall diet quality on LUTS. RESULTS: The group with high overall dietary quality showed a lower incidence of LUTS than the group with relatively lower dietary quality (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79–0.99). These results were also observed after correcting for other risk factors and associated variables: age, education, smoking, metabolic syndrome, BMI, and PSA level. CONCLUSION The overall diet quality and LUTS were correlated. Nevertheless, further research will be needed to find the relationship between diet quality and LUTS.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary factors act on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).This study examined the relationship between the overall diet quality and LUTS. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study analyzed the data from examinees who visited a general hospital in Korea (October 13, 2014−March 12, 2020). The number of subjects in the study was 6,506 adult men. The recommended food score was used to evaluate the overall quality of the diet, and the International Prostate Symptom Score was used to quantify LUTS. Logistic regression analysis was used to derive the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the relationship between the dietary quality and LUTS. The influence of age, education, marital history, income, occupation, smoking, drinking, exercise, metabolic syndrome, body mass index (BMI), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was analyzed to determine the net influence of the overall diet quality on LUTS. RESULTS: The group with high overall dietary quality showed a lower incidence of LUTS than the group with relatively lower dietary quality (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79–0.99). These results were also observed after correcting for other risk factors and associated variables: age, education, smoking, metabolic syndrome, BMI, and PSA level. CONCLUSION The overall diet quality and LUTS were correlated. Nevertheless, further research will be needed to find the relationship between diet quality and LUTS.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary factors act on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).This study examined the relationship between the overall diet quality and LUTS. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study analyzed the data from examinees who visited a general hospital in Korea (October 13, 2014−March 12, 2020). The number of subjects in the study was 6,506 adult men. The recommended food score was used to evaluate the overall quality of the diet, and the International Prostate Symptom Score was used to quantify LUTS. Logistic regression analysis was used to derive the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the relationship between the dietary quality and LUTS. The influence of age, education, marital history, income, occupation, smoking, drinking, exercise, metabolic syndrome, body mass index (BMI), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was analyzed to determine the net influence of the overall diet quality on LUTS. RESULTS: The group with high overall dietary quality showed a lower incidence of LUTS than the group with relatively lower dietary quality (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79–0.99). These results were also observed after correcting for other risk factors and associated variables: age, education, smoking, metabolic syndrome, BMI, and PSA level. CONCLUSION The overall diet quality and LUTS were correlated. Nevertheless, further research will be needed to find the relationship between diet quality and LUTS.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary factors act on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).This study examined the relationship between the overall diet quality and LUTS. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study analyzed the data from examinees who visited a general hospital in Korea (October 13, 2014−March 12, 2020). The number of subjects in the study was 6,506 adult men. The recommended food score was used to evaluate the overall quality of the diet, and the International Prostate Symptom Score was used to quantify LUTS. Logistic regression analysis was used to derive the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the relationship between the dietary quality and LUTS. The influence of age, education, marital history, income, occupation, smoking, drinking, exercise, metabolic syndrome, body mass index (BMI), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was analyzed to determine the net influence of the overall diet quality on LUTS. RESULTS: The group with high overall dietary quality showed a lower incidence of LUTS than the group with relatively lower dietary quality (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79–0.99). These results were also observed after correcting for other risk factors and associated variables: age, education, smoking, metabolic syndrome, BMI, and PSA level. CONCLUSION The overall diet quality and LUTS were correlated. Nevertheless, further research will be needed to find the relationship between diet quality and LUTS.

Purpose: This study explored current pediatric palliative care (PPC) in South Korea and suggests future directions based on the perspectives of full-time PPC workers. Methods: A mixed-methods secondary analysis was conducted using survey data from nurses and social workers involved in a government PPC project. The survey assessed services provided by hospitals, nurses, and social workers, and gathered perceptions of challenging tasks, evidence needs, the significance of PPC, and future expectations through open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using frequency and conventional content analyses. Results: Eighteen full-time workers from nine of the ten project hospitals participated. Eight hospitals provided pain and symptom management and all offered counseling and education for patients and parents. Only one provided respite care and legacy-making services. Bereavement care was offered in all hospitals primarily through individual counseling and there were also three self-help groups. Nurses have diverse roles including in practice, education, leadership, research, and consultation. Social workers address psychosocial and economic challenges, rehabilitation and social reintegration. The workers highlighted the challenges in end-of-life care and communication, stressing the need for protocols and further training.PPC was seen as meaningful by patients and families, as well as staff. Conclusion Despite significant progress in PPC in South Korea, quantitative capacity remains limited. Further qualitative improvements in policies, practices, human resource development, and healthcare training are essential. This study provides insights into current PPC practices and their limitations. The development of practical evidence to enhance employment stability warrants further investigation.

Purpose: Wrestlers have a lot of direct skin-to-skin contact between wrestlers during matches, and many studies show that wrestlers are vulnerable to the spread of skin infections. However, there have been few studies on skin infections in Korean wrestlers. The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of skin diseases in wrestlers and other athletes. Methods: Athletes who visited for skin diseases in the Department of Family Medicine in the Jincheon National Training Center in 2018 were investigated. We calculated the duration of skin disease per training period (DSD/TP) as the number of visits×7 days×1,000/official training days. Athletes with a DSD/TP above the median value or equal to were defined as the high DSD/TP group, and the others were defined as the low DSD/TP group. A chi-square test was used to compare the odds ratio [OR] for these groups about infectious and noninfectious skin diseases. Results: Thirty wrestlers and 89 other sports players visited the infirmary with skin diseases. The probability of belonging to the high DSD/TP group was significantly higher when the wrestlers visited for skin infections than the other athletes (OR, 7.714; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.699–22.048). However, there was no significant difference in noninfectious skin diseases between wrestling and other sports (OR, 0.569; 95% CI, 0.246–1.320). Conclusion This is the first study that shows Korean national wrestlers with skin diseases receive more treatment for infectious skin diseases than other sports. This study can provide important information on the prevention of wrestlers for skin infections.

Purpose: By utilizing both protein and mRNA expression patterns, we can identify more detailed and diverse immune cells, providing insights into understanding the complex immune landscape in cancer ecosystems. Materials and Methods: This study was performed by obtaining publicly available Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing (CITE-seq) data of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A total of 94674 total cells were analyzed, of which 32412 were T cells. There were 228 protein features and 16262 mRNA features in the data.The Seurat package was used for quality control and preprocessing, principal component analysis was performed, and Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection was used to visualize the clusters. Protein and mRNA levels in the CITE-seq were analyzed. Results: We observed that a subset of T cells in the clusters generated at the protein level divided better. By identifying mRNA markers that were highly correlated with the CD4 and CD8 proteins and cross-validating CD26 and CD99 markers using flow cytometry, we found that CD4 + and CD8+ T cells were better discriminated in PBMCs. Weighted Nearest Neighbor clustering results identified a previously unobserved T cell subset. Conclusion In this study, we used CITE-seq data to confirm that protein expression patterns could be used to identify cells more precisely. These findings will improve our understanding of the heterogeneity of immune cells in the future and provide valuable insights into the complexity of the immune response in health and disease.