Methods: A total of 31 C5 motor palsies in 26 patients were included in this case series. Patients underwent 16 anterior cervical discectomy and fusions, six laminoplasties, and four laminectomies with fusion procedures. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and strength scores were recorded during pre- and postoperative follow-up visits. Statistical analysis was conducted using Fisher’s exact test and a paired t-test with analysis of variance. Results: The mean preoperative motor strength grades for the deltoid and biceps were 2.1 and 3.2, respectively. At final follow-up, mean deltoid and bicep motor grades had significantly improved compared to preoperative values (p <0.0001, p <0.0001, respectively). Significant improvements were also observed in NDI scores (39.3 to 26.7, p <0.05) and VAS pain scores (4.42 to 2, p <0.05) at final follow-up. Conclusions This study is the first to report outcomes of surgical management for spontaneous, de novo C5 motor palsies. Following surgical intervention, patients experienced favorable recovery of deltoid and bicep motor strength. Both anterior and posterior approaches resulted in successful motor recovery when appropriately selected based on preoperative imaging and surgical planning.

Chrysoeriol, a flavonoid naturally found in several plants, including Danggui Susan, a traditional herbal medicine, exhibits promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its potential to prevent cardiovascular diseases, primarily through inhibiting platelet activation and aggregation, has attracted significant interest. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antiplatelet effects of chrysoeriol. The compound effectively suppressed collagen-induced platelet aggregation without inducing cytotoxicity. Chrysoeriol elevated intracellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP), enhanced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP 3R) phosphorylation, and reduced cytosolic calcium (Ca2+ ) mobilization, all of which contributed to its antiplatelet action. Furthermore, chrysoeriol inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, JNK, and p38 MAPK, pathways involved in the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA 2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production. These effects were accompanied by reduced TXA2 production and secretion of dense granules (ATP and serotonin). Chrysoeriol also impaired thrombin-induced clot retraction, further suggesting its capacity to regulate platelet responses and cytoskeletal rearrangements. These findings highlight chrysoeriol’s multi-target mechanisms, including modulation of cyclic nucleotides, kinase pathways, and platelet function, offering potential as a therapeutic agent to prevent thrombotic cardiovascular events.

Mutations in p53 have been implicated in poor prognosis and reduced sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment in colon cancer.While p53-dependent mechanisms have been widely studies, less is known about how p53 deficiency reshapes cellular signaling and contributes to 5-FU resistance. In this study, we aimed to profile proteomic alterations associated with p53 loss by comparing colon cancer cells with and without p53 expression. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) related to cell cycle regulation were of particular interest, as 5-FU treatment induced G1 phase arrest in HCT116 p53 wild-type (WT) cells, whereas p53 knockout (KO) cells predominantly showed S phase arrest. We identified several DEPs in p53 deficient cells following 5-FU treatment. Notably, F3 expression was increased, while aldehyde dehydrogenase family 1 member A4 (ALDH1A3), histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), and protein S100-A4 (S100A4) were decreased. The expression levels of these genes were associated with overall survival in patients with colon cancer. These findings highlight proteomic alterations linked to p53 deficiency and support a proposed model in which differential regulation of specific proteins may be associated with reduced sensitivity to 5-FU, providing a basis for future mechanistic and functional studies.

Peripheral nerve injury and oxidative stress can severely impair Schwann cell function by disrupting the expression of key myelin proteins, promoting intracellular lipid accumulation, and damaging mitochondrial integrity. These pathological changes are central to various neurodegenerative disorders and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, yet effective therapeutic approaches remain limited. Clemastine, an FDA-approved antihistamine with known remyelination-enhancing effects in the central nervous system, has not been thoroughly explored for its protective role in peripheral myelinating cells under oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the time-dependent protective effects of Clemastine in S16 Schwann cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a model of oxidative injury. Treatment with Clemastine significantly increased the expression of myelin-related proteins such as myelin protein zero (MPZ), alongside in increase in AMPK phosphorylation at Thr172. However, co-treatment with H2O2 ensued oxidative damage, leading to reduced pAMPK(T172) and MPZ expression, elevated ROS levels, and increased lipid accumulation. These results suggest that oxidative stress can attenuate Clemastine’s effects in association with disrupted redox balance and energy metabolism. Subsequent treatment with Metformin (Met), a pharmacological activator of AMPK, was associated with partial recovery from H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Overall, our findings support the potential of a combinatorial approach using Clemastine and Met to promote myelin-related protein expression and lipid metabolic balance in Schwann cells under oxidative stress, rather than establishing a definitive synergistic or causal mechanism.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate how genetic predisposition to drinking and gastric cancer (GC) modifies the association between alcohol consumption and GC risk in the Korean population. Materials and Methods: Polygenic risk scores for GC (PRS-GC) and alcohol consumption (PRS-Alcohol) were formulated using genome-wide association results from BioBank Japan. Validation was performed using Korean cohorts (SNUBH-GENIE cohort), incorporating 8,846 controls and 531 patients with GC. Subsequently, these PRSs were applied to an independent Korean cohort of 67,771 participants, including 313 patients with GC during the follow-up for 14 years (KoGES cohort). Results: In KoGES cohort, the influence of alcohol consumption on GC risk was significantly altered by the PRS-GC and exhibited a synergistic interaction effect. PRS-Alcohol itself shows a negative correlation with GC risk. However, when actual alcohol consumption significantly exceeded genetically predicted levels, the risk of alcohol-related GC was notably increased (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.72). Heavy drinkers in the high–PRS-GC/low–PRS-Alcohol group had a 2.16 times higher risk of GC than non-to-light drinkers, which was prominent in males. Conclusion Korean drinkers with higher PRS-GC who consume alcohol more than genetically predicted levels are susceptible to GC. PRS-GC and PRS-Alcohol may be beneficial for assessing the impact of alcohol consumption on GC risk in Koreans.

Food choice is strongly influenced by taste preferences, and spicy-flavored products have become increasingly diverse in the processed food market. This study aimed to compared nutrition label-based nutrient contents between spicy and non-spicy products, focusing on the sodium and sugar contents, and to evaluated the potential impact of tastebased food choices on nutrient intake. Nine hundred and seventy-eight processed food products available in Korea were collected through an online market survey, including ready-to-heat Guk (soups) (n=231), Tang (soups) (n=220), Jjigae (stews) (n=132), Jeongol (stews/hot pots) (n=206), and instant noodles consumed with broth, including cup-type (n=87) and bag-type (n=102). Information on price, nutrition labeling, and food labeling characteristics was collected. Products were classified as spicy or non-spicy according to predefined criteria, and the nutrient contents per serving and per 100 g were compared.Significant differences in sodium, sugar, and several nutrient contents were observed according to spiciness in ready-to-heat Guk, Tang, Jjigae, Jeongol, and instant noodles.In particular, spicy Guk, Tang, Jjigae, and packaged instant noodles had higher sodium contents compared with non-spicy products. In addition, spicy Guk and Tang products contained higher sugar contents than their non-spicy counterparts. These differences were supported by correlation analysis among nutrients. The findings suggest that taste-based food choices may influence nutrient intake, particularly sodium and sugar consumption.Therefore, consumers should carefully review nutrition labeling and select products appropriate for their health status rather than relying primarily on taste preference or market trends.

Purpose: Asthma is characterized by chronic type 2/eosinophilic inflammation in the airway mucosa. This study aimed to explore the clinical value of 2 cutoffs of blood eosinophil counts (≥ 300/μL and ≥ 150/μL) in eosinophilic asthma, with relation to eosinophilderived neurotoxin (EDN), a surrogate marker of eosinophilic activity. Methods: To compare clinical features and eosinophil-related mediators according to 2 cutoffs of peripheral blood eosinophil counts (≥ 300/μL and ≥ 150/μL), 137 adult asthmatics who had maintained antiasthmatic medications, including inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta 2 agonist, without biologics, were enrolled. EDN levels in serum, urine and sputum were measured by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. Results: Patients with asthma and higher blood eosinophil counts ( ≥ 300/μL) had a higher prevalence of severe asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, partly controlled/uncontrolled status, and higher levels of sputum eosinophils and EDN in serum/sputum than those with lower blood eosinophil counts (< 300/μL). When compared between patients with asthma having higher blood eosinophils ( ≥ 150/μL) and those with lower eosinophils ( < 150/μL), there were no differences in symptom severity, control status or lung function parameters. Conclusion These findings suggest that blood eosinophil count ≥ 300/μL may identify asthma patients at higher risk for severity and heightened eosinophil activity, supporting its utility as a biomarker in a real clinical setting.

Background: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythema, papules, ocular symptoms, and heightened sensitivity. Patients with neurogenic symptoms such as burning or stinging remain particularly difficult to manage. Current guidelines often underrepresent energy-based devices (EBDs), pigmentary sequelae, psychosocial burden, and ocular comorbidities. Objective: To examine Korean dermatologists’ expert perspectives on rosacea management, focusing on skin sensitivity, neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary changes, psychosocial impact, ocular involvement, and EBD use. Methods: A web-based, 29-item survey was administered to 25 board-certified Korean dermatologists (May–June 2025). Quantitative and qualitative responses were analyzed. Results: Erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular phenotypes with sensitivity skin predominated. EBDs (pulsed dye laser, intense pulsed light) were frequently used but limited by cost and sensitivity issues. Neurogenic symptoms were recognized but rarely treated with neuromodulators. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was infrequent, yet monitoring was inconsistent.Psychosocial and ocular aspects were acknowledged but seldomly systematically addressed.Respondents expressed interest in emerging adjunctive treatments such as cold plasma, skin boosters, and holistic care approaches. Conclusion Korean dermatologists adopt individualized strategies for rosacea, yet practice gaps remain regarding neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary complications, and psychosocial and ocular comorbidities. Findings support the need for updated multidisciplinary, phenotype-driven guidelines aligned with real-world practice.

Background: Many smart care technologies have been developed recently, but it remains unclear which of them are necessary for use in long-term care hospitals (LTCHs). Methods: A total of 114 physicians, registered nurses (RNs), nurse assistants (NAs), and care assistants (CAs) from eight LTCHs completed a survey assessing perceived needs for 10 smart care technologies using 5-point Likert scales. One-sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA with Scheffé post-hoc tests, Friedman tests, and simple linear regression were used to examine differences by occupation and hospital characteristics. Additionally, focus group interviews with 10 participants were done. Results: Mean perceived need for smart care technologies was 3.99, with the highest ratings for smart mattresses (4.14), all-in-one patient transfer robots (4.09), and smart monitoring systems (4.06). Regarding the most preferred by occupation, physicians chose smart monitoring systems (4.19) and leg-care devices (4.19), RNs chose smart mattresses (4.11), NAs chose radar-based fall detection devices (4.22), and CAs chose all-in-one patient transport robots (4.36). Perceived need for smart care technologies was higher in LTCHs with lower monthly family fees and in those without a rehabilitation service, explaining 42.8% and 10.8% of the variability, respectively. Conclusion Smart care technologies were seen as necessary in LTCHs, but the types of technologies considered most important differed by occupational role and hospital characteristics.

Background: Older patients aged ≥75 years are underrepresented in major statin trials, leaving the optimal statin intensity after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) undefined. We aimed to compare functional outcomes and short-term safety between high-intensity statin therapy (HIST) and moderate-intensity statin therapy (MIST) in patients aged ≥75 years with AIS or transient ischemic attack. Methods: Using a prospective stroke registry at a single tertiary center (2019–2022), we retrospectively analyzed 337 patients aged ≥75 years with AIS or transient ischemic attack who maintained statin therapy for 3 months (HIST n=117; MIST n=220). The primary outcome was a favorable 3-month functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2). Secondary outcomes included stroke recurrence, adverse effects, and statin discontinuation. Multivariable logistic regression with pre-specified sensitivity analyses was performed. Results: Favorable outcomes at 3 months were more frequent with HIST (70.9% vs. 55.9%; p=0.010). After multivariable adjustment, HIST was independently associated with a favorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–3.53), consistent across sensitivity analyses: per-protocol (aOR=3.48, 95% CI 1.97–6.17) and atrial fibrillation-adjusted (aOR=2.21, 95% CI 1.26–3.89). No significant differences were observed in statin discontinuation, stroke recurrence, or adverse effects. Conclusion In older patients with AIS, HIST was independently associated with better functional outcomes without evidence of increased harm, broadly consistent with current guideline recommendations for HIST when tolerated. Prospective studies are needed to confirm a causal relationship.