Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and amoebic keratitis. Despite its clinical significance, effective treatments remain challenging due to a limited understanding of its pathogenic mechanism. This study developed a genetic manipulation system in Acanthamoeba to facilitate gene function and drug screening studies. We applied the Cre/loxP system to integrate the gene encoding the tdTomato fluorescent protein into the genome of Acanthamoeba castellanii via homologous recombination. The polyubiquitin gene and its untranslated regions were identified and verified, after which the tdTomato gene was cloned between the untranslated regions of the polyubiquitin gene. The construct was then introduced into the Acanthamoeba genome using a modified pLPBLP vector containing loxP sites. Cre recombinase was utilized to remove the neomycin resistance cassette flanked by loxP sites, and genetically modified cells were selected by clonal dilution. The integration of the tdTomato gene, confirmed through PCR and fluorescence microscopy, showed stable expression in both trophozoites and cysts without the need for antibiotic selection. We demonstrated the feasibility of antibiotic-free reporter gene expression in Acanthamoeba. The system provides a valuable tool for functional genomics, allowing us to explore gene functions in Acanthamoeba and develop reliable drug screening models. Furthermore, the ability to express genes without the continuous use of selection markers opens up new possibilities for studying the pathobiology of this pathogen and advancing the development of novel therapeutic strategies against Acanthamoeba infections.

Objective: Suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental illness, economic, and cultural elements. Mental and behavioral disorders are significant contributors to suicide risk, and individuals who attempt self-harm often present with comorbidities. This study aims to identify the significance of characteristics and comorbidities among hospitalized patients who engaged in self-harm and have been diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders. Methods: We targeted patients aged 19 or older who attempted self-harm and were hospitalized from the 2022 Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey covering the period from 2008 to 2021. After applying sampling weights, the estimated total sample size was 10,140. The analysis was conducted using a general linear model for complex samples, incorporating analysis of variance and regression analyses. Additionally, network analysis was used to explore relationships among comorbidities. Results: The incidence of self-harm varied seasonally, peaking in spring, with higher rates observed in winter. Hospitalization duration was significantly longer when surgical interventions were required or when comorbidities were present. The average length of hospitalization was 20.52 days, but patients with alcohol-related addictions had a significantly longer stay (71.57 days). For each additional comorbidity, the hospitalization duration increased by 1.889 days. About 46.78% of patients had one or more comorbidities, with strong associations between mental disorders (F00–F99) and cases of poisoning or external injuries (S00–T98). Conclusion This study underscores the importance of managing comorbidities in patients with mental illness to reduce the clinical and social costs of self-harm.

Purpose: The associated factors for hypertensive retinopathy (HTR) are rarely investigated. This study aimed to identify the associated factors for HTR using a systematic review. Methods: The review included cross-sectional, case-controlled, and cohort studies on HTR risk factors published in Korean and English with full texts available from PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Korean databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Results: Eleven studies were finally selected, and three studies including patients with hypertension without diabetes mellitus, older age, male sex, alcohol consumption, the duration of hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, microalbuminuria, high creatinine levels, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular changes were identified as factors associated with HTR. Conversely, in the remaining eight studies, younger age, non-smoking status, and renal function indicators (albuminuria, high creatinine levels, chronic kidney disease, and uric acid) were identified as associated factors. Conclusions Regardless of the inclusion of patients with diabetes mellitus, impaired kidney functions were determined as significant factors associated with retinopathy in patients with HTR. However, considering a limited number of evidence and lack of evidence to confirm causality, we recommend further research on renal function and HTR.

This study explores the development, roles, and key initiatives of the Regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea, detailing their evolution through four distinct phases and their impact on environmental health policy and local governance. It chronicles the establishment and transformation of these centers from their inception in May 2007, through four developmental stages. Originally named Environmental Disease Research Centers, they were subsequently renamed Environmental Health Centers following legislative changes. The analysis includes the expansion in the number of centers, the transfer of responsibilities to local governments, and the launch of significant projects such as the Korean Children’s Environmental Health Study (Ko-CHENS ). During the initial phase (May 2007–February 2009), the 10 centers concentrated on research-driven activities, shifting from a media-centered to a receptor-centered approach. In the second phase, prompted by the enactment of the Environmental Health Act, six additional centers were established, broadening their scope to address national environmental health issues. The third phase introduced Ko-CHENS, a 20-year national cohort project designed to influence environmental health policy by integrating research findings into policy frameworks. The fourth phase marked a decentralization of authority, empowering local governments and redefining the centers' roles to focus on regional environmental health challenges. The Regional Environmental Health Centers have significantly evolved and now play a crucial role in addressing local environmental health issues and supporting local government policies. Their capacity to adapt and respond to region-specific challenges is essential for the effective implementation of environmental health policies, reflecting geographical, socioeconomic, and demographic differences.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between mast cell (MC) density in rosacea-affected skin and the expression of key inflammatory mediators, including IL-6, TNF-α, and cathelicidin LL-37. By comparing lesions rich in MCs with those having fewer MCs, we sought to elucidate the role of MCs in the inflammatory mechanisms underlying rosacea pathogenesis.

Methods: Specimens were collected from 20 patients diagnosed with rosacea who attended the outpatient clinic between 2008 and 2013. Each specimen underwent staining using hematoxylin/eosin, Giemsa, IL-6, LL-37, and TNF-α for both histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. The number of stained cells was counted across 10 randomly selected dermal layers at a magnification of ×400 using light microscopy. The results were categorized based on the number of MCs counted: more than 10 MCs were classified as MC-rich, and 10 or fewer MCs as MC-poor.

Results: Among the 20 patients (10 MC-rich and 10 MC-poor), the MC-rich group demonstrated significantly higher MC counts than the MC-poor group (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the expression levels of IL-6, LL-37, or TNF-α between the two groups. Additionally, MC density did not show any significant associations with patient demographics, clinical characteristics, or systemic comorbidities.

Conclusion: Increased MC density was not associated with differences in IL-6, TNF-α, or LL-37 expression in rosacea lesions. These findings suggest that MC infiltration may not directly influence the inflammatory mediator profile in rosacea. Further research is required to identify distinctive pathological features or markers that can elucidate the mechanisms of rosacea.

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.

The loss of occlusal vertical dimension due to multiple tooth loss and wear can lead to a collapsed occlusion, resulting in both functional and aesthetic problems.This case report describes a patient exhibiting mandibular prognathism as a result of vertical dimension loss. A comprehensive oral rehabilitation involving an increase in vertical dimension was required. A minimal number of implants were placed, and implant-supported surveyed crowns were fabricated, allowing for the design of a stable and retentive implant-assisted removable partial denture. The treatment resulted in both functional and aesthetic improvements. The anterior rotational pattern of the mandible was alleviated, and the implant-assisted partial denture provided clinically high levels of patient satisfaction. This case report details the diagnostic and therapeutic processes involved in this treatment.

In cases of partially edentulous patients with insufficient remaining teeth, rotational movement of the denture occurs and prognosis of the remaining teeth is uncertain when restoring with a removable partial denture. Recently, implant-assisted removable partial dentures, where a small number of implants are placed and surveyed crowns are fabricated on the implants to be used as abutments, have been suggested. In this case, the patient had only one remaining tooth in the mandible and implants were placed in both posterior regions to be used as surveyed crowns to restore the patient with an implant-assisted removable partial denture. This approach improved the support, retention, and stability of the denture, resulting in functionally and aesthetically satisfactory outcomes.

Crossbite refers to a condition where there are remaining teeth, but none of the teeth are in occlusal contact, resulting in the loss of vertical support. When posterior vertical stop is lost, it is important to appropriately restore this support and create a harmonious occlusal plane. In this case, the patient had lost posterior support but declined surgical intervention due to a history of osteoporosis and the associated risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). To restore the vertical space required for prosthetic rehabilitation, the vertical dimension was increased. The missing posterior teeth were replaced using removable partial dentures. Cross-mounting was performed, and the metal copings of the surveyed crowns and the framework of the final removable partial denture were 3D printed. After the treatment was completed, the patient expressed satisfaction with both functions and aesthetics. Regular follow-ups were conducted to monitor oral hygiene and occlusal stability.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects not only the gastrointestinal tract but also extraintestinal organs, leading to various extraintestinal manifestations and complications. Among these, musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis are the most commonly observed. These conditions arise from complex mechanisms, including chronic inflammation, malnutrition, gut dysbiosis, and glucocorticoid use, all of which contribute to reduced bone density, muscle loss, and joint inflammation. Osteoporosis and sarcopenia may co-occur as osteosarcopenia, a condition that heightens the risk of fractures, impairs physical performance, and diminishes quality of life, particularly in elderly patients with IBD. Holistic management strategies, including lifestyle modifications, calcium, and vitamin D supplementation, resistance training, and pharmacological interventions, are essential for mitigating the impact of these conditions. Spondyloarthritis, which affects both axial and peripheral joints, further complicates disease management and significantly compromises joint health. Timely diagnosis and appropriate medical interventions, such as administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and biologics, are critical for preventing chronic joint damage and disability. Moreover, a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both metabolic and inflammatory aspects is essential for optimizing physical function and improving treatment outcomes in patients who have IBD with musculoskeletal involvement.