Search Results (404)

Background/Objectives: The expansion of National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage for dental implants in South Korea has substantially increased implant placements among older adults. While implants offer functional and esthetic benefits, their lack of periodontal ligaments alters occlusal force distribution, potentially increasing biomechanical stress on adjacent or opposing teeth. This study aimed to investigate the association between the increased number of dental implants and the incidence of cracked teeth following the introduction of implant insurance. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the Clinical Data Warehouse of Seoul St. Mary’s Dental Hospital. Patients who underwent molar crown restorations between 2014 and 2022 were included. The incidence and clinical features of cracked teeth were compared before (2014–2015) and after (2016–2022) the introduction of implant insurance. Statistical analyses assessed differences in symptom presentation, pulp status, and treatment outcomes. Results: Among 5044 molars restored with crowns, 1692 were diagnosed with cracks. The incidence of cracked teeth significantly increased after NHI coverage for implants (25.5% vs. 32.6%, p < 0.001). Cases after insurance implementation showed fewer signs and symptoms at initial presentation (67.4% vs. 50.0%, p < 0.001), reduced irreversible pulpitis (37.2% vs. 25.8%, p < 0.001), and increased preservation of pulp vitality (46.9% vs. 57.8%, p < 0.001). These shifts may reflect changes in occlusal adjustment practices and earlier clinical intervention. Conclusions: The findings suggest a temporal link between increased implant placement and the rising incidence of cracked teeth. Implant-induced occlusal changes may contribute to this trend. Careful occlusal evaluation and follow-up are essential after implant placement, and further prospective studies are warranted to confirm causality and refine prevention strategies. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of depression and anxiety disorders on mortality in women diagnosed with gynecologic cancers, utilizing nationwide retrospective cohort data. Methods: Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database, covering women diagnosed with cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancers between 2007 and 2014, were analyzed. Women diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorders within one year after cancer diagnosis were identified and compared with a control group comprising patients with gynecologic cancers who did not develop either disorder during the same post-diagnosis period. Mortality was evaluated as the primary outcome. Results: Of 85,327 women analyzed, 784 (0.9%) were diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorders. Patients with depression or anxiety exhibited significantly higher mortality (38.4% vs. 29.9%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that depression significantly increased mortality risk (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.27–1.66), whereas anxiety alone showed no significant effect (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.74–1.27). Combined depression and anxiety showed the highest mortality risk (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.31–1.65). Conclusions: Depression and anxiety disorders are significant predictors of increased mortality in women with gynecologic cancers, emphasizing the necessity for integrated mental health assessment and interventions in oncologic care to improve both survival and quality of life. Full article

The one-dimensional (1D) Sb(III)-based organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite (AImd)₂¹_∞[SbI₅] (AImd = 1-allylimidazolium) crystallizes in the orthorhombic, centrosymmetric space group Pnma. The structure consists of corner-sharing [SbI₆] octahedra forming 1D chains separated by allylimidazolium cations. Void analysis through Mercury CSD software confirmed a densely packed lattice with a calculated void volume of 1.1%. Integrated quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and non-covalent interactions index (NCI) analyses showed that C–H···I interactions between the cations and the ¹_∞[SbI₅]²⁻ network predominantly stabilize the supramolecular assembly followed by N–H···I hydrogen bonds. The calculated growth morphology (GM) model fits very well to the experimental morphology. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy allowed us to determine the optical band gap to 3.15 eV. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations employing the B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, and PBE0 functionals were benchmarked against experimental data. CAM-B3LYP best reproduced Sb–I bond lengths, while PBE0 more accurately captured the HOMO–LUMO gap and the associated electronic descriptors. These results support the assignment of an inorganic-to-organic [Sb–I] → π* charge-transfer excitation, and clarify how structural dimensionality and cation identity shape the material’s optoelectronic properties. Full article

The development of vaccines against viral infections has advanced rapidly over the past century, propelled by innovations in laboratory and molecular technologies. These advances have expanded the range of vaccine platforms beyond live-attenuated and inactivated vaccines to include recombinant platforms, such as subunit proteins and virus-like particles (VLPs), and more recently, mRNA-based vaccines, while also enhancing methods for evaluating vaccine performance. Despite these innovations, a persistent challenge remains: the inherent complexity and heterogeneity of immune responses continue to impede efforts to achieve consistently effective and durable protection across diverse populations. Single-cell technologies have emerged as transformative tools for dissecting this immune heterogeneity, providing comprehensive and granular insights into cellular phenotypes, functional states, and dynamic host–pathogen interactions. In this review, we examine how single-cell epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and multi-omics approaches are being integrated across all stages of vaccine development—from infection-informed discovery to guide vaccine design, to high-resolution evaluation of efficacy, and refinement of cell lines for manufacturing. Through representative studies, we highlight how insights from these technologies contribute to the rational design of more effective vaccines and support the development of personalized vaccination strategies. Full article

The Flexible Combined Imager (FCI) instrument aboard the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG-I) geostationary satellite, launched in December 2022 and operational since September 2024, by providing shortwave infrared (SWIR), medium infrared (MIR) and thermal infrared (TIR) data, with an image refreshing time of 10 min and a spatial resolution ranging between 500 m in the high-resolution (HR) and 1–2 km in the normal-resolution (NR) mode, may represent a very promising instrument for monitoring thermal volcanic activity from space, also in operational contexts. In this work, we assess this potential by investigating the recent Mount Etna (Italy, Sicily) eruption of February–March 2025 through the analysis of daytime and night-time SWIR observations in the NR mode. The time series of a normalized hotspot index retrieved over Mt. Etna indicates that the effusive eruption started on 8 February at 13:40 UTC (14:40 LT), i.e., before information from independent sources. This observation is corroborated by the analysis of the MIR signal performed using an adapted Robust Satellite Technique (RST) approach, also revealing the occurrence of less intense thermal activity over the Mt. Etna area a few hours before (10.50 UTC) the possible start of lava effusion. By analyzing changes in total SWIR radiance (TSR), calculated starting from hot pixels detected using the preliminary NHI algorithm configuration tailored to FCI data, we inferred information about variations in thermal volcanic activity. The results show that the Mt. Etna eruption was particularly intense during 17–19 February, when the radiative power was estimated to be around 1–3 GW from other sensors. These outcomes, which are consistent with Multispectral Instrument (MSI) and Operational Land Imager (OLI) observations at a higher spatial resolution, providing accurate information about areas inundated by the lava, demonstrate that the FCI may provide a relevant contribution to the near-real-time monitoring of Mt. Etna activity. The usage of FCI data, in the HR mode, may further improve the timely identification of high-temperature features in the framework of early warning contexts, devoted to mitigating the social, environmental and economic impacts of effusive eruptions, especially over less monitored volcanic areas. Full article

This paper predicts offered wage rates and job requirements in the logistics industry by utilizing data from online job postings collected through two methods: search tools and web scraping. We apply conventional estimation techniques, such as ordinary least squares and kernel density estimation, to analyze the collected data. Additionally, for the first time, we employ nowcasting methods (linear regression, decision tree, and K-nearest neighbor methods) in this context to generate robust results. Our main findings are as follows: First, the average real wage derived from online job postings aligns with officially published GDP per capita data for the studied countries and regions. Second, we identify significantly positive causal effects of work experience on real wages in the logistics industry. Third, skill requirements exhibit year-over-year variations. Finally, the decision tree method generates the closest nowcasted results in line with the actual web scraped data. The proposed methodologies and their findings establish a reliable approach using search tools and web scraping to define and predict labor demand for stakeholders in this sector as well as others. Full article

Hispanic youth have one of the highest rates of unmet physical and mental health needs. This study aims to examine how child and adolescent healthcare access creates pathways to behavioral/mental health among a national sample of 1711 U.S. Hispanic youth. Using psychometric network analysis, unique pathways in which child healthcare access (i.e., transportation and health service-related factors) and behavioral/mental health were identified. Findings indicate relationships among depression, anxiety, school settings, and friendships. These associations offer a starting point for interventionists and policymakers to ensure that interventions are not targeted individually but from an ecological systems framework. This study may raise awareness of Hispanic youth’s barriers and better equip scientists to plan and implement approaches to address identified barriers. Full article

Background/Objective: Few studies have examined the direct relationship between cervical cancer and immune-related diseases. Therefore, this study aims to identify the association between cervical cancer and various underlying medical conditions using data from the Korean National Health Insurance System (NHIS). Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using NHIS data from 2006 to 2022. A total of 1,344,628 women aged 19 years and older were included, of whom 68,275 were diagnosed with cervical cancer. Comorbidities were evaluated. The statistical analyses conducted included independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression models to determine relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The mean age of the patients with cervical cancer was significantly lower than that of the general population group. Body mass index and hypertension prevalence were higher in the cervical cancer group than in the general population group. Significant associations were observed between cervical cancer and respiratory tuberculosis (RR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.27–1.38, p < 0.001), ischemic heart disease (RR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.69–1.76, p < 0.001), chronic rheumatic heart disease (RR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.44–1.64, p < 0.001), chronic viral hepatitis (RR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.31–1.36, p < 0.001), and hematological malignancies (RR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.67–2.09, p < 0.001). Conversely, cerebrovascular disease was associated with a reduced risk of cervical cancer (RR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.57–0.60, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights the increased risk of cervical cancer in individuals with specific underlying diseases. These findings underscore the need for tailored screening and prevention strategies in high-risk populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has restricted access to healthcare, increasing the risk of poor disease control among patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). This study aimed to compare adherence to inhalers in patients with COPD before and during the COVID-19 lockdown and determine the characteristics of patients who were adherent to inhaler medications. Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients with severe COPD aged 40 or older using South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database, which documents all healthcare utilization covered for insured individuals. Medication adherence, measured by the proportion of days covered (PDC), was compared before and during the COVID-19 lockdown using a paired t-test. A multivariable logistic regression model was conducted to identify the characteristics of the adherent patients (socio-demographic, including age, sex, income level, insurance type, and residential area), health-conditions (disease severity, underlying diseases, and disability), and pharmacotherapy characteristics (prescriber practice setting, polypharmacy, medication treatment duration, and inhaler type). Result: A total of 15,971 COPD patients were identified (79.2% men). During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, there was a significant decrease in medication adherence to COPD inhalers compared to 2019 (49.8% in 2020 vs. 56.3% in 2019, respectively; p < 0.001). Moreover, the proportion of those adherent (≥80%) during the COVID-19 lockdown decreased (22.0% → 18.0%). Patients who remained adherent to inhaler therapy during the COVID-19 lockdown were typically aged in their 60s, beneficiaries of Medical Aid, residents of rural areas, clinic users, and patients without cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: Patients with COPD encountered significant challenges in accessing inhalers during the COVID-19 lockdown. Healthcare authorities should develop targeted strategies to ensure continued medication access for patients at increased risk of poor medication adherence, particularly during periods of restricted healthcare access, such as public health emergencies or pandemic lockdowns. Full article

Antenatal inflammation/infection is a major cause of neonatal apnoea and hypoventilation. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) is a key inflammatory mediator associated with depression of fetal and neonatal breathing. We aimed to determine whether antenatal ibuprofen, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor that reduces synthesis of PGE₂, restores fetal breathing movements (FBM) in late-gestation fetal sheep exposed to systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Fetal sheep (125 days gestation, d; term ~148 d) were instrumentally monitored for continuous measurement of FBM and physiological parameters. At 130 d fetuses were randomly allocated between groups receiving i.v. saline (CTL_SAL, n = 9), escalating doses of LPS (i.v.) over 3 days (LPS_SAL, n = 8), or ibuprofen one hour after each LPS dose (LPS_IBU, n = 8). Regular plasma samples were collected for PGE₂ assessment. At 135 d, cerebrospinal fluid and brainstem tissue were collected at autopsy for assessments of PGE₂ expression, and immunohistochemical quantification of astrocytes and microglia within key brainstem respiratory centres was performed to assess inflammation. LPS exposure increased PGE₂ levels in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and the RTN/pFRG (p < 0.05) and decreased the incidence, amplitude and amount of the accentuated (>5 mmHg) FBMs. Ibuprofen reduced plasma and RTN/pFRG PGE₂ expression (p < 0.01 and p = 0.031, respectively) but did not restore FBMs. Astrocyte and microglial density increased in the RTN/pFRG, NTS and raphe nucleus in LPS_IBU fetuses, compared to LPS_SAL (p < 0.05). Antenatal ibuprofen treatment did not restore depressed FBM, despite reducing the circulating and brainstem PGE₂ levels in LPS-exposed fetal sheep. Other inflammatory pathways or more specific targeting of PGE₂ may be more effective in preventing apnoea caused by exposure to intrauterine infection/inflammation. Full article

Aligned with the worldwide shift towards promotional and preventative health care, the South African government has introduced a re-engineered primary health care plan, facilitated through a National Health Insurance (NHI) platform. Community health workers (CHWs) are key role-players in most universal health care systems. This article shares insider perspectives from 31 CHWs in one of the South African NHI pilot districts. Based on their perspectives, the authors share recommendations to strengthen the NHI plan. Recommendations comprise of the inclusion of a dedicated CHW team leader and reporting nurse, ongoing CHW education and training with an accompanying portfolio of evidence, and awareness campaigns on the role of CHWs within the South African re-engineered primary health care plan and NHI platform. Full article

Background: While the potential anti-cancer effects of antidepressants have been investigated, limited research has been conducted incorporating age-specific analyses for individual tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This study aims to elucidate the associations between TCAs and SSRIs with gynecologic cancers and to identify specific age groups and cancer types that may benefit from the chemopreventive effects of these medications. Methods: A case-control study comprised 97,736 female patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancers between 2002 and 2016. Each newly diagnosed case of cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer was matched with four controls. Both cases and controls were then stratified by age to perform subgroup analyses. Associations between antidepressant use and cancer risk were evaluated using multivariable conditional logistic regression models. Results: The TCA class was significantly associated with reduced risks of cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers, displaying adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of 0.799, 0.775, and 0.813, respectively. The SSRI class also indicated reduced risks, with aORs of 0.736, 0.638, and 0.567 for the same cancer types. Particularly noteworthy were females aged 40–64, who demonstrated the most significant associations between gynecologic cancers and using TCAs or SSRIs. Conclusions: TCAs and SSRIs are associated with reduced risks of developing cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers. The middle-aged population may have the most significant potential for future research on drug repurposing against gynecologic cancers, and both cervical and uterine cancers are potential targets for drug repurposing involving TCAs or SSRIs. Full article

COVID-19-associated invasive fungal infections (CAIFIs) contribute to increased mortality and morbidity rates. This study explores the epidemiology, laboratory parameters, radiological characteristics, treatments, and 30-day mortality risks of CAIFI in critically ill intubated patients while also evaluating factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in this population. Adults admitted to a tertiary hospital from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 who were diagnosed with severe COVID-19, required invasive mechanical ventilation, and developed invasive fungal infection (IFI) during hospitalization were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. Among 150 patients, 65 (43.3%) required PMV, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 64%. Candida albicans (47%) and Aspergillus fumigatus (27%) were the most prevalent pathogens. Multivariate analysis revealed that COVID-19 vaccination (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 0.155, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 0.029–0.835, p = 0.030) and higher serum protein levels (aOR = 0.900, 95% CI = 0.819–0.989, p = 0.028) were significantly associated with a reduced risk of PMV. Meanwhile, elevated glucose levels (hazard ratio, HR = 1.047, 95% CI = 1.003–1.093, p = 0.036) and an increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HR = 1.024, 95% CI = 1.009–1.039, p = 0.002) were correlated with a greater 30-day mortality risk. Tracheostomy emerged as a protective factor, significantly reducing the risk of 30-day mortality (HR = 0.273, 95% CI = 0.127–0.589, p = 0.001). In this single-center study, patients with CAIFI exhibit a high mortality rate. Clinicians should maintain vigilance for IFI in critically ill COVID-19 patients with mechanical ventilation. Full article

A novel rod-shaped, Gram-negative, motile, aerobic and heavy metal-resistant bacterial strain, designated TN1-12^T, was isolated from stream bank soil in Paldal district, Suwon City, Republic of Korea. Growth occurred at 10–40 °C (opt 30 °C), NaCl concentrations up to 2% (w/v) and pH 5.0–8.0 (opt pH 7.0). Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, the closest relatives of strain, TN1-12^T, are Massilia putida 6NM-7^T (98.21% similarity), Massilia forsythiae GN2-R2^T (98.00%), Massilia rhizosphaerae NEAU-GH312^T (97.79%), Massilia aurea AP13^T (97.78%) and Massilia niabensis 5420S-26^T (97.71%). The predominant ubiquinone is Q-8. The G+C content of the DNA is 66.7 mol%. The major polar lipids are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids are C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH), 17:0 cyclo and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c). DNA–DNA hybridization and Average Nucleotide Identity data showed values below 26% and 85%, respectively, confirming that TN1-12^T represents a novel species. Based on the genotypic, chemotaxonomic and physiological data presented in this study, we propose that strain TN1-12^T represents a novel species within the genus Massilia with the name Massilia paldalensis sp. nov. (=KACC 23946^T = CGMCC 1.65296^T). Full article