For patients with a few remaining abutment teeth, traditional removable partial dentures and implant-supported fixed prostheses are common treatment options.However, removable dentures often struggle to provide stability, especially as bone resorption occurs over time. Implant-supported fixed prostheses offer longterm stability but are costly and affected by anatomical and medical factors. A newer option is implant-assisted removable partial dentures, which use a minimal number of implants combined with a surveyed crown. This approach enhances support, retention, and stability while reducing financial and surgical burdens. It also improves the prognosis of the remaining teeth, increases patient satisfaction, and enhances masticatory function, making it a promising alternative to conventional removable dentures.

Objectives: The success of Helicobacter pylori eradication using clarithromycin-based triple therapy relies on the bacteria being sensitive to clarithromycin. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of two frequently used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods (AllplexTM H. pylori & ClariR Assay [Seegene] and Ezplex® HP-CLA Real-time PCR [SML Genetree]) to detect H. pylori infection and identify point mutations associated with clarithromycin resistance. Methods: Patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy between August 2023 and April 2024 at Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital were enrolled in this study. The diagnostic performance of the Allplex method was evaluated against the rapid urease test (RUT), culture, and Ezplex HP-CLA methods. Point mutation detection using the Allplex and Ezplex methods was compared with the results of gene sequencing. The rates of H. pylori eradication following Ezplex-based tailored therapy were also analyzed. Results: Eighty-seven gastric biopsy specimens were analyzed. For diagnosing H. pylori infections, Allplex demonstrated kappa values of 0.670 compared with RUT, 0.468 compared with culture, and 0.880 compared with Ezplex. Among the 87 bacterial isolates subjected to gene sequencing to detect clarithromycin resistance-associated point mutations, the Allplex and Ezplex methods demonstrated 74 and 76 concordant results, respectively. The H. pylori eradication rate using Ezplex-based tailored therapy was 90.7%. Conclusions This study demonstrated that both the Allplex and Ezplex methods are helpful for diagnosing H. pylori infections and detecting clarithromycin resistance. Furthermore, the Ezplex method was clinically effective for guiding tailored therapy to yield successful H. pylori eradication.

Background/Aims: Adiponectin, a hormone primarily produced by adipocytes, typically shows an inverse relationship with body mass index (BMI). However, some studies have reported a positive correlation between the two. Thus, this study aimed to examine the relationship between adiponectin level and BMI in diabetic patients, focusing on the impact of past obesity on current adiponectin levels. Methods: We conducted an observational study analyzing data from 323 diabetic patients at Kyungpook National University Hospital. Based on past and current BMIs, participants were categorized into never-obese (nn, n = 106), previously obese (on, n = 43), and persistently obese (oo, n = 73) groups based on a BMI threshold of 25 kg/m2. Adiponectin level and BMI were key variables. Kaplan–Meier analysis assessed their impact on all-cause mortality up to August 2023, with survival differences based on adiponectin quartiles and follow-up starting from patient enrollment (2010–2015). Results: The analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between adiponectin level and past maximum BMI. The on group exhibited approximately 10% lower adiponectin levels compared to the nn group. This association remained significant after adjusting for current BMI, age, and sex, highlighting the lasting influence of previous obesity on adiponectin levels. Furthermore, survival analysis indicated that patients in the lowest adiponectin quartile had reduced survival, with a statistically significant trend (p = 0.062). Conclusions Findings of this study suggest that lower adiponectin levels, potentially reflecting past obesity, are associated with decreased survival in diabetic patients, underscoring a critical role of adiponectin in long-term health outcomes.

Objective: To quantitatively analyze and compare the forces and moments generated by thermoformed polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and direct-printed TC-85 clear aligners (CAs), with various margin designs, during premolar rotation. Methods: In total, 132 CAs were fabricated and divided into four groups (n = 33 per group). Group C consisted of thermoformed PETG aligners with a 2 mm gingival margin. Group E comprised direct-printed TC-85 aligners with equi-gingival margin, whereas Group G utilized direct-printed TC-85 aligners with 2 mm gingival margins.Finally, Group T featured direct-printed TC-85 aligners with an additional 1 mm thickness at the mesial embrasure. The forces and moments were measured using a 6-axis force/moment transducer at 2°, 3°, and 4° of rotation. All measurements were conducted at 37°C to simulate intraoral conditions. Forces were measured in the buccolingual, anteroposterior, and vertical directions, while moments were measured in the mesiodistal, buccolingual, and rotational planes. Results: The PETG aligners (Group C) showed significantly increased buccal and posterior force across the rotation angles (P < 0.05), whereas the intrusive force remained consistent. In contrast, the TC-85 aligners maintained consistent forces across all rotation angles.Direct-printed aligners demonstrated significantly lower intrusive forces than PETG aligners (P < 0.001). Group T exhibited reduced unwanted forces while maintaining effective rotational moments. Furthermore, all direct-printed aligners showed more predictable force delivery patterns than thermoformed aligners. Conclusions Direct-printed TC-85 aligners demonstrated superior force consistency and reduced unwanted side effects compared with traditional PETG aligners. Although marginal design modifications did not significantly improve rotational efficiency, they effectively reduced unwanted intrusive forces.

Reliable preclinical models for assessing drug-induced cardiotoxicity are essential to reduce the high rate of drug withdrawals during development. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have emerged as a promising platform for such assessments due to their expression of cardiacspecific ion channels and electrophysiological properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of eight arrhythmogenic drugs—E4031, nifedipine, mexiletine, JNJ303, flecainide, moxifloxacin, quinidine, and ranolazine—on hiPSC-CMs derived from both healthy individuals and a long QT syndrome (LQTS) patient using multielectrode array systems. The results demonstrated dose-dependent changes in field potential duration and arrhythmogenic risk, with LQTS-derived hiPSC-CMs showing increased sensitivity to hERG channel blockers such as E4031. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential of hiPSC-CMs to model disease-specific cardiac responses, providing insights into genetic predispositions and personalized drug responses.Despite challenges related to the immaturity of hiPSC-CMs, their ability to recapitulate human cardiac electrophysiology makes them a valuable tool for preclinical cardiotoxicity assessments. This study underscores the utility of integrating patientderived hiPSC-CMs with advanced analytical platforms, such as multi-electrode array systems, to evaluate drug-induced electrophysiological changes. These findings reinforce the role of hiPSC-CMs in drug development, facilitating safer and more efficient screening methods while supporting precision medicine applications.

BACKGROUND: Embryo-endometrium cross-talk is one of the critical processes for implantation, and unsuccessful cross-talk leads to infertility. We established an endometrium-embryo (or embryoid bodies, hEBs) in vitro model in 2D and 3D conditions and assessed its potential through the fusion of embryos and the expression of specific markers. METHODS: C57BL/6 mouse embryos and human embryoid body (hEB) derived from embryonic stem cells were prepared as embryo models. Mouse endometrium (EM) and human endometrium cell line, HEC-1-A, were prepared, and 2D or 3D EMs were generated. The viability of the 3D endometrium was analyzed, and the optimal ratio of the gelation was revealed. The invasion of the embryos or hEBs was examined by immunostaining and 3D image rendering. RESULTS: The embryos and the alternative hEBs were effectively fused into 2D or 3D vitro EM models in both mouse and human models. The fused embryos and hEBs exhibited migration and further development. Notably, the established in vitro model expressed Oct4 and E-Cadherin, markers for early embryonic development; human CG Receptor and Progesterone Receptor, critical for implantation and pregnancy maintenance; and TSH Receptor, Epiregulin, and Prolactin, indicators of endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. CONCLUSION This study marks a significant advancement in the field, as we have successfully established a novel in vitro model for studying embryo-endometrium cross-talk. This model, a crucial tool for understanding fertility and the causes of miscarriage due to failed implantation, provides a unique platform for investigating the complex processes of successful implantation and pregnancy, underscoring its potential impact on reproductive health.

Background: This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of multidrug-resistant/ rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) in the Republic of Korea. Methods: Data of notified people with tuberculosis between July 2018 and December 2021 were retrieved from the Korea Tuberculosis Cohort database. MDR/RR-TB was further categorized according to isoniazid susceptibility as follows: multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), rifampicin-monoresistant tuberculosis (RMR-TB), and RR-TB if susceptibility to isoniazid was unknown. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with MDR/RR-TB. Results: Between 2018 and 2021, the proportion of MDR/RR-TB cases among all TB cases and TB cases with known drug susceptibility test results was 2.1% (502/24,447). The proportions of MDR/RR-TB and MDR-TB cases among TB cases with known drug susceptibility test results were 3.3% (502/15,071) and 1.9% (292/15,071), respectively. Among all cases of rifampicin resistance, 31.7% (159/502) were RMR-TB and 10.2% (51/502) were RR-TB. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that younger age, foreigners, and prior tuberculosis history were significantly associated with MDR/ RR-TB. Conclusion Rapid identification of rifampicin resistance targeting the high-risk populations, such as younger generations, foreign-born individuals, and previously treated patients are necessary for patient-centered care.

Purpose: This study assessed the reproducibility and clinical value of the vascular index (VI), derived from superb microvascular imaging (SMI) using Doppler ultrasonography, for evaluating renal function in transplanted kidneys. Methods: This retrospective study included 63 renal transplant patients who underwent grayscale and Doppler ultrasonography with SMI from January 2022 to February 2023. The VI of the transplanted kidneys was measured using three methods (VI_box, VI_F1, VI_F2). The VI was compared across chronic kidney disease (CKD) groups categorized by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD risk groups based on eGFR and albuminuria. The correlation between VI and renal function was evaluated. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to identify predictors of eGFR. Results: Significant differences in VI were observed among CKD groups based on eGFR (VI_box, P=0.001; VI_F1, P<0.001; VI_F2, P<0.001) and KDIGO CKD groups based on eGFR and albuminuria (VI_box, P=0.039; VI_F1, P=0.001; VI_F2, P<0.001). VI_F1 and VI_F2 demonstrated moderate/high correlations with eGFR (r=0.627, P<0.001 and r=0.657, P<0.001, respectively) and serum creatinine (r=-0.626, P<0.001 and r=-0.649, P<0.001, respectively). VI_box moderately correlated with eGFR (r=0.445, P<0.001). Multivariate regression identified the urine albumincreatinine ratio (ACR) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.122; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.007 to, 0.000; P=0.030) and VI_F2 (aOR, 1.114; 95% CI, 0.466 to 1.235; P<0.001) were independently associated with eGFR. Conclusion The VI measured by drawing a region of interest along the border of the transplanted kidney in SMI (VI_F2) is highly reproducible and correlates well with eGFR. Both VI_F2 and ACR independently predict eGFR.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block with periarticular multimodal drug injection (PMDI) on postoperative pain management and surgical outcomes in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). We hypothesized that PENG block with PMDI would exhibit superior effects on postoperative pain control after THA compared to PMDI alone. Materials and Methods: From April 2022 to February 2023, 58 patients who underwent THA were randomly assigned into two groups: PENG block with PMDI group (n=29) and PMDI-only group (n=29). Primary outcomes were postoperative numeric rating scale (NRS) at rest and during activity at 6, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications (nausea and vomiting), Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) score, length of hospital stay, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, Harris Hip Score (HHS), and total morphine usage after surgery. Results: There was no significant difference in postoperative pain for either resting NRS or active NRS. Postoperative nausea and vomiting, RCSQ score, length of hospital stay, WOMAC index, HHS, and total morphine usage exhibited no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion Both groups showed no significant differences in postoperative pain and clinical outcomes, indicating that the addition of PENG block to PMDI does not improve pain management after applying the posterolateral approach of THA. PMDI alone during THA would be an efficient, fast, and safe method for managing postoperative pain. This article was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Gov ID: NCT05320913).

Screening tests for specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) to food allergens, such as the multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST), are widely used in patients with suspected food allergies in South Korea. We evaluated whether MAST could effectively screen wheatdependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) and α-gal syndrome (AGS). We retrospectively reviewed patients with WDEIA and AGS diagnosed with unequivocal history and positive sIgE results for omega-5 gliadin and α-gal using ImmunoCAP, respectively. The clinical manifestations and results of MAST and ImmunoCAP (sIgE to wheat for WDEIA and beef/pork for AGS) were reviewed. In the MAST and ImmunoCAP results, class 0 (<0.35 units in each test) was considered negative. Medical records of 45 patients with WDEIA and 39 patients with AGS were reviewed. For WDEIA, 37 (82.2%) of patients had a history of anaphylaxis.Among those positive for omega-5 gliadin sIgE, 39 (87.7%) and 25 (55.6%) tested positive for gluten- and wheat-sIgE using ImmunoCAP, respectively. MAST performed on 15 patients yielded positive results for wheat-sIgE in 5 (33.3%). For AGS, 23 (59.0%) of patients had a history of anaphylaxis. Among those positive for α-gal sIgE, 32 (85.7%) and 37 (96.4%) tested positive for pork- and beefsIgE using ImmunoCAP, respectively, whereas MAST could not detect sIgE for pork and beef (0%, 0/17). MAST for sIgE to food allergens cannot screen WDEIA and AGS. The tests for sIgE to a specific component of food allergen, such as omega-5 gliadin for WDEIA and α-gal for AGS, should be used to screen WDEIA and AGS.