Aim To investigate the effects of m6A demethylase ALKBH5 on cardiomyocytes pyroptosis in mice with myocardial infarction(MI).Methods The MI model of left anterior descending coronary artery ligation surgery was established by knocking down ALKBH5 using adeno-associated virus,and the hypox-ia model of mouse cardiomyocytes(HL-1)was estab-lished by knocking down small interfering RNA.The effects of ALKBH5 on the pyroptosis of MI mice and hypoxic HL-1 cells were observed.Subsequently,mechanism studies were conducted at the cellular lev-el,and the binding of ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2 to NL-RP3 mRNA was detected through RNA pull down and RNA immunoprecipitation(RIP)experiments.The MeRIP-qPCR method was used to determine the effects of ALKBH5 on the mRNA m6A level of NLRP3.Acti-nomycin D for RNA stability experiments were conduc-ted to detect the effects of ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2 on the stability of NLRP3 mRNA.Results Knocking down ALKBH5 in vivo and in vitro both inhibited NL-RP3 inflammasome activation and alleviated pyroptosis in MI mice and hypoxic HL-1 cells.Mechanistically,the results showed that NLRP3 mRNA could bind to ALKBH5 protein in HL-1 cells;knocking down ALK-BH5 could increase the m6A level of NLRP3 and re-duce the stability of NLRP3 mRNA;subsequently,it was confirmed that NLRP3 mRNA and IGF2BP2 pro-tein bound to each other;knocking down IGF2BP2 in-creased the mRNA stability of NLRP3.The Rescue ex-periment showed that knocking down IGF2BP2 re-versed the decrease in NLRP3 mRNA expression caused by knocking down ALKBH5.Conclusions ALKBH5 mediated m6A modification of NLRP3 pro-motes cardiomyocytes pyroptosis in mice with myocardi-al infarction.

Purpose: To report the findings of a perception survey on intestinal malrotation conducted by the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) in 2021. Methods: The perceptions on intestinal malrotation regarding clinical decision making of the KAPS members were collected through web-based survey. Results: A total of 22 surgeons were answered for this study. The results were presented and discussed at the 37th annual meeting of KAPS, which was held in Seoul on June 18, 2021. Conclusion This study provides the clinical decisions of the KAPS members on the intestinal malrotation. The study is expected to be an important reference for improving pediatric surgeons’ understanding and treatment of intestinal malrotation.

Purpose: Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare but progressive cholangiopathy and the leading cause of pediatric liver transplantation worldwide. The Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) has conducted three national surveys (2001, 2011, and 2023) to assess long-term trends in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of BA. This study provides a comparative analysis of the 2nd and 3rd national surveys, with reference to selected findings from the 1st survey. Methods: This study included 453 patients from the 3rd national survey (2011–2021) and 435 patients from the 2nd survey (2001–2010), all of whom underwent Kasai portoenterostomy. Data were collected via electronic case report forms from pediatric surgical centers nationwide. Comparisons were made regarding demographics, clinical features, diagnostic patterns, operative details, follow-up outcomes, and survival. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to evaluate long-term survival. Results: The mean number of BA patients per year remained stable between surveys (43.5 in the 2nd, 41.18 in the 3rd), though centralization of care increased, with 61.5% of cases managed by two major institutions in the 3rd survey. The median age at surgery decreased, and the use of preoperative imaging (especially magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) increased. The 10-year native liver survival rate declined from 59.8% to 53.7%, while overall 10-year survival improved slightly (92.9% to 93.2%). Postoperative complications, such as cholangitis and liver failure, persisted but were better categorized. The 3rd survey also reported improved mortality (4.9%) and reduced follow-up loss (11.5%) compared to the 2nd survey. Conclusion While overall survival after Kasai operation has remained high and even improved, native liver survival has slightly declined. The findings reflect earlier diagnosis, more consistent diagnostic imaging, and increasing centralization of care. These trends underscore the importance of long-term nationwide data collection in guiding future strategies for BA management in Korea.

Objective:To investigate the epidemic characteristics of human brucellosis and the awareness of brucellosis prevention and control knowledge among occupational populations in Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province.Methods:The data of brucellosis cases reported from January to December 2023 in the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System's Infectious Disease Surveillance System where the current residence was Xuzhou City, were collected. The epidemiological distribution characteristics across the three dimensions (time, region, and population) were analyzed, and the etiological characteristics of Brucella strains collected from sentinel hospitals in Xuzhou City during the same period were analyzed. Meanwhile, in September 2023, a survey was conducted on the awareness of brucellosis prevention and control knowledge among occupational populations in 7 counties (cities, districts) with a high incidence of brucellosis in Xuzhou City. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors. Results:In 2023, a total of 124 human brucellosis cases were reported in Xuzhou City, with an annual incidence rate of 1.37/100 000. Brucellosis occurred in all months of the year, with a peak incidence from May to August, accounting for 46.77% (58/124). The incidence rate of brucellosis in Feng County, Pei County, Suining County, Xinyi City and Pizhou City (1.86/100 000) was higher than that in Gulou District, Yunlong District, Quanshan District, Jiawang District and Tongshan District (0.71/100 000), with a statistically significant difference (χ 2 = 19.15, P < 0.001). Among 124 cases of brucellosis, 81 cases (65.32%) were males and 43 cases (34.68%) were females. The incidence rate of brucellosis in males (1.78/100 000) was higher than that in females (0.96/100 000), with a statistically significant difference (χ 2 = 11.08, P < 0.001). The 55 - 64 age group reported a relatively higher number of cases (45 cases, 36.29%), with an incidence rate of 3.97/100 000. The main occupation was farmers (85 cases, 68.55%). In 2023, a total of 9 strains of Brucella were collected from the sentinel hospitals in Xuzhou City, all of which were Brucella melitensis, mainly classified as biotype 3 (7/9). In 2023, a total of 984 occupational population with brucellosis were surveyed in Xuzhou City, and the overall awareness rate of brucellosis prevention and control knowledge was 3.25% (32/984). By binary logistic regression analysis, the awareness rates of brucellosis prevention and control knowledge among veterinarians and those with high school or vocational school education, college education or above were relatively high [ OR (95% CI): 21.24 (1.52 - 297.74), 13.32 (3.48 - 50.96), 18.90 (3.68 - 97.13), P < 0.05]. Conclusions:In 2023, the incidence rate of human brucellosis in Xuzhou City is at a relatively high level, with men, middle-aged and elderly people, and farmers as the main population. The awareness rate of brucellosis prevention and control knowledge among occupational population is relatively low, and it is necessary to strengthen publicity, education, and behavioral intervention.

Purpose To quantitatively compare the diffusion parameters of mono-and biexponential diffusion-weighted imaging models,and to obtain optimal sets of b-values in diffusion-weighted MRI for obtaining monoexponential apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)close to perfusion-insensitive intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM)model ADC(ADCIVIM)in identifying of pulmonary solid benign and malignant lesions.Materials and Methods IVIM was performed in 40 patients with solid nodule and masse in Xi'an Gaoxin Hospital from July 2021 to August 2022 using a 3.0T MR imager.Two experienced diagnostic radiologists subjectively evaluated the IVIM images.A single index model was used to calculate ADC values(ADC0-1 000,ADC20-1 000,ADC50-1 000,ADC80-1 000,ADC150-1 000,ADC300-1 000,ADC500-1 000,ADC300,500,1 000,ADC300,800,1 000,ADC300,500,ADC300,800 and ADC300,1 000).The reference standard ADCIVIM value were calculated using a double-exponential model.The physician's measurements between two physicians were measured.The malignant and benign groups were compared and receiver operator characteristic curve for all parameters were analyzed.Results The measurement consistency of ADC values under b value sets and ADCIVIM was very good,and the intraclass correlation coefficient was more significant than 0.75.The differences between ADCIVIM and ADC values in each b group were statistically significant(t=-6.016--2.500,all P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of ADCIVIM was the largest(0.906),with an optimal threshold of 1.271×10-3 mm2/s,a sensitivity of 80.0%and a specificity of 93.0%.The diagnostic efficacy close to ADCIVIM were ADC300,800(AUC=0.891),ADC50-1 000(AUC=0.827)and ADC300,800,1 000(AUC=0.795),respectively.The optimal threshold of ADC300,800 was 1.140×10-3 mm2/s,the sensitivity and specificity were 80.0%and 93.7%,respectively.Conclusion Combining b-values 300 s/mm2 and 800 s/mm2 is recommended as routine scanning parameters for identifying the insensitive monoexponential ADC between benign and malignant solid pulmonary lesions.

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)expresses abundant glycolytic enzymes and displays comprehensive glucose metabolism reprogramming.Aldolase A(ALDOA)plays a prominent role in glycolysis;however,little is known about its role in HCC development.In the present study,we aim to explore how ALDOA is involved in HCC proliferation.HCC proliferation was markedly suppressed both in vitro and in vivo following ALDOA knockout,which is consistent with ALDOA overexpression encouraging HCC prolifera-tion.Mechanistically,ALDOA knockout partially limits the glycolytic flux in HCC cells.Meanwhile,ALDOA translocated to nuclei and directly interacted with c-Jun to facilitate its Thr93 phosphorylation by P21-activated protein kinase;ALDOA knockout markedly diminished c-Jun Thr93 phosphorylation and then dampened c-Jun transcription function.A crucial site Y364 mutation in ALDOA disrupted its interaction with c-Jun,and Y364S ALDOA expression failed to rescue cell proliferation in ALDOA deletion cells.In HCC patients,the expression level of ALDOA was correlated with the phosphorylation level of c-Jun(Thr93)and poor prognosis.Remarkably,hepatic ALDOA was significantly upregulated in the promotion and progression stages of diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC models,and the knockdown of Aldoa strikingly decreased HCC development in vivo.Our study demonstrated that ALDOA is a vital driver for HCC development by activating c-Jun-mediated oncogene transcription,opening additional avenues for anti-cancer therapies.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed. Objective: This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based recommendations. Methods: The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved. Results: This guideline provides treatment guidance on advanced systemic treatment modalities for AD. In particular, the guideline offers up-to-date treatment recommendations for biologics and Janus-kinase inhibitors used in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe AD.It also provides guidance on other therapies for AD, along with tailored recommendations for children, adolescents, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Conclusion KADA’s updated AD treatment guidelines incorporate the latest evidence and expert opinion to provide a comprehensive approach to AD treatment. The guidelines will help clinicians optimize patient-specific therapies.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed. Objective: This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based practices. Methods: The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved. Results: The guidelines provide detailed recommendations on foundational therapies, including the use of moisturizers, cleansing and bathing practices, allergen avoidance, and patient education. Guidance on topical therapies, such as topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, is also provided to help manage inflammation and maintain skin barrier function in patients with AD. Additionally, recommendations on conventional systemic therapies, including corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate, are provided for managing moderate to severe AD. Conclusion KADA’s updated AD guidelines offer clinicians evidence-based strategies focused on basic therapies, topical therapies, and conventional systemic therapies, equipping them to enhance quality of care and improve patient outcomes in AD management.

Background: In 2006, the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) working group released the diagnostic criteria for Korean atopic dermatitis (AD). Recently, more simplified, and practical AD diagnostic criteria have been proposed. Objective: Based on updated criteria and experience, we studied to develop and share a consensus on diagnostic criteria for AD in Koreans. Materials and Methods: For the diagnostic criteria, a questionnaire was constructed by searching the English-language literature in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. A modified Delphi method composed of 3 rounds of email questionnaires was adopted for the consensus process. Fifty-four KADA council members participated in the 3 rounds of votes and expert consensus recommendations were established. Results: Diagnostic criteria for AD include pruritus, eczema with age-specific pattern, and chronic or relapsing history. Diagnostic aids for AD encompass xerosis, immunoglobulin E reactivity, hand–foot eczema, periorbital changes, periauricular changes, perioral changes, nipple eczema, perifollicular accentuation, and personal or family history of atopy. Conclusion This study streamlined and updated the diagnostic criteria for AD in Korea, making them more practicable for use in real-world clinical field.