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Despite increasing knowledge about the brain mechanisms underlying major depressive disorder (MDD), efforts to explore the neural underpinnings of emotional processing among individuals with MDD and their relationship with neural abnormalities and the maintenance of depression, are still ongoing. This exploratory fMRI study examined the nature of neural responses to emotional faces and their relationship with dysfunctional attitudes among unmedicated individuals with MDD. Twenty-five unmedicated individuals with MDD and 23 control participants completed a facial emotion perception task and self-report questionnaires, including the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS). Participants with MDD (vs. control participants) showed less accuracy in identifying mildly (50%) and intensely (100%) happy, and mildly (50%) sad faces. Whole-brain analyses reflected increased activation in bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, left posterior (in response to 50% and 100% sad vs. neutral faces) left anterior (in response to 50% sad vs. neutral faces), right anterior, and right middle cingulate cortices (in response to 100% sad vs. neutral faces) among participants with MDD. No group differences were observed in neural responses to happy faces. Hyperactivity in the left inferior frontal gyrus during negative emotion perception was correlated with the DAS' Performance Evaluation scores in the MDD group. This study highlighted that hyperactivity in the inferior frontal gyrus during negative facial emotion processing is associated with dysfunctional attitudes among people with MDD. The findings warrant further fMRI research to yield neural evidence for cognitive models of depression., Author(s): Bo-Ram Kim [sup.1] , Ji-Won Hur [sup.2] , Da-Som Park [sup.1] , Hye-Ri Moon [sup.2] , Sung-Won Choi [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.410884.1, 0000 0004 0532 6173, Department of [...]

The complex nonlinear characteristics of atmospheric chemistry necessitate the development of new methods for calculating source–receptor (S–R) relationships for secondary air pollutants. In this study, the monthly characteristics and S–R relationships of anthropogenic total nitrate (i.e., the sum of N from nitric acid, inorganic nitrate, and peroxyacetyl nitrate) in Northeast Asia were simulated and analyzed. The Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ), Fifth-Generation NCAR/Penn State Mesoscale (MM5), and Sparse Matrix Operator Kernel Emissions (SMOKE) models were employed for air quality modeling, meteorological fields, and emissions processing, respectively. The study area encompassed Republic of Korea, Japan, and most of China. Five source/receptor regions were defined to derive the S–R relationships: three in China, one in Republic of Korea, and one in Japan. To produce data for the calculation of the S–R relationship, several experiments were conducted with a 20% reduction in NOx emission sources. As a result of the S–R relationships, China was rarely impacted by the other two countries. The total depositions in other countries were significantly dominated by China (i.e., 43.5% and 40.7% in Republic of Korea and Japan, respectively, and up to 82.3% in December for Republic of Korea). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an improved wet scavenging process for particles in air quality modeling, focusing on the Korean Peninsula. New equations were incorporated into the air quality chemical transport model (CTM) to enhance the simulation of particulate matter (PM) concentrations. The modified air quality CTM module, utilizing size-dependent scavenging formulas, was applied to simulate air quality for April 2018, a month characterized by significant precipitation. Results showed that the modified model produced more accurate predictions of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations compared to the original air quality CTM model. The maximum monthly average differences were 5.46 µg/m3 for PM10 and 2.87 µg/m3 for PM2.5, with pronounced improvements in high-concentration regions. Time-series analyses for Seoul and Busan demonstrated better agreement between modeled and observed values. Spatial distribution comparisons revealed enhanced accuracy, particularly in metropolitan areas. This study highlights the importance of incorporating region-specific, size-dependent wet scavenging processes in air quality models. The improved model shows promise for more accurate air quality predictions, potentially benefiting environmental management and policy-making in the region. Future research should focus on integrating more empirical data to further refine the wet scavenging process in air quality modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A female narrow-ridged finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) stranded on a beach on Jeju Island showed epithelial proliferative skin lesions on its body. Two false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), caught using nets near Gangneung and Samcheok, respectively, had multiple plaques on their penile epidermis. Histological examination of the epidermis revealed that all the lesions had common features, including accentuated rete pegs, ballooning changes, and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion (INI) bodies. Based on the histopathological results, herpesvirus infection was suspected, and thus further analysis was conducted using herpesvirus-specific primers. Based on nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests using the herpesvirus-detectable primers, the PCR products demonstrated two fragments: a 222-base-pair (bp) sequence of the DNA polymerase gene, SNUABM_CeHV01, showing 96.4% identity with a bottlenose dolphin herpesvirus from the Jeju narrow-ridged finless porpoise; and a 222 bp sequence of the DNA polymerase gene, SNUABM_CeHV02, showing 95.95% identity with the same bottlenose dolphin herpesvirus from the Gangneung and Samcheok false killer whales. The significance of this study lies in its ability to demonstrate the existence of novel cetacean herpesviruses in South Korean seawater, representing an important step forward in studying potentially harmful pathogens that affect endangered whale and dolphin populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by cyclic normoxic and hypoxic conditions (intermittent hypoxia, IH) induced by the repeated closure of the upper-airway respiratory tract. As a pathomechanism of OSA, IH results in various comorbidities via chronic inflammation and related pathways. However, the role of other inflammatory cells, such as lymphocytes, has not been well-explored. This study aimed to examine the effects of IH on the distribution and balance of T cell subsets and other related cytokines, and mechanisms in the immune system. We modified OSA mouse model (male C57BL/6N male) using our customized chamber that controls specific sleep and oxygenic cycles. To induce hypoxia, the IH group was repeatedly exposed to 5% O2 and 21% O2 lasting for 120 s each for 7 h daily for 4 weeks. Mice were then subjected to a recovery period of 4 weeks, in which IH stimulation was ceased. T cells and related cytokines were analyzed using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, the IH group had significantly lower levels of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells but higher levels of Th 17, IL-4, HIF-1, and inflammatory cytokines. After the recovery period, these altered changes in the immune cells were recovered, and we found no significant difference in their levels between the control and recovery groups. This study revealed that the Th17/Treg ratio is increased by intermittent hypoxia, and this imbalance can explain immune-related diseases, including recently reported allergies, autoimmune, and even cancer diseases, arising from OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the influence of the root canal morphology and various treatment variables on the outcomes of root canal treatments (RCTs) in mandibular second molars, assessed through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. Methods: A total of 150 CBCT images were examined, comprising 100 cases of persistent endodontic infections and 50 of previously treated root canals with normal apices in the mandibular second molars. CBCT was utilized to evaluate the root canal configuration, the radiographic quality of coronal restorations and treated canal systems, and the presence of periapical lesions. Statistical analyses were performed to explore the correlations between these factors. Results: The presence of a C-shaped root canal configuration did not demonstrate a significant correlation with periapical lesions (p = 0.05). Factors influencing endodontic treatment outcomes included missing canals (p = 0.018), underfilling or overfilling (p = 0.045), and inadequate coronal restoration (p = 0.006). Missing a canal was identified as the variable most significantly associated with periapical lesions (OR = 3.103). Inhomogeneous root canal obturation was more commonly observed in C-shaped root canals (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Regardless of the root canal morphology of mandibular second molars, successful RCT depends on thorough disinfection to eliminate any untreated canals, precise three-dimensional filling of the canals at the correct working length, and a securely sealed coronal restoration to prevent leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Doppler‐derived pulmonary pulse transit time (pPTT) is an auspicious hemodynamic marker in chronic pulmonary diseases. The aim is to compare four distinct pPTT measurements and its relation to right cardiac and pulmonary function. Methods: Prospectively, 25 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients (four patients excluded) and 32 healthy subjects underwent repeated distinct pPTT measurements, standard echocardiography, and pulmonary function testing on the same day. pPTT was defined as the interval from the R or Q‐wave in the electrocardiogram to the corresponding pulse wave Doppler peak late systolic (S) 2 or diastolic (D) pulmonary vein flow velocity (pPTT R‐S, Q‐S, R‐D, Q‐D). Reproducibility was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis, coefficient of variation (COV), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and power calculations. Associations with right ventricular RV tissue and pulse wave Doppler velocities (RV E', RV S', RV A', RV E, RV A, RV E/E', RV E/A), TAPSE, right ventricular fractional area change, left ventricular systolic and diastolic function (LV ejection fraction, E, A, E/A, E/E', septal E', lateral E'), LA diameters, as well as forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity (FVC) predicted (%), and in liters were analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference and no bias between pPTT measures (p range:.1–.9). COV was in COPD 1.2%–2.3%, in healthy subjects 1.0%–3.1%. ICC ranged from.92 (COPD) to.96 (healthy subjects). In COPD significant correlations were found for pPTT R‐S, Q‐S and R‐D with RV E', (all > ρ:.49, < p =.0364), pPTT R‐S, Q‐S with RV E/E' (both > ρ:.49, < p =.0291), pPTT Q‐S with RV S´ (ρ:.58, p =.0134), RV A (ρ:.59, p =.0339) and heart rate > ρ: −.39, < p =.0297). pPTT R‐S, R‐D showed significant correlations with FVC predicted (%) (ρ:.48 p =.0224) and FVC (l) (ρ:.47 p =.0347). Conclusions: All pPTT measures exhibited high reproducibility. In COPD patients pPTT measures correlate with diastolic right ventricular function. Defining Q as starting point seems clinically advantageous considering electromechanical desynchrony in patients with conduction disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainty in cancer survivorship poses a substantial challenge to survivors' coping mechanisms and psychological well-being. This study investigated the intricate interplay among family function, uncertainty, self-care, and depression in this context, with a primary focus on discerning the mediating and moderating roles of uncertainty in the relationship between family function, self-care, and depression among blood cancer survivors. Cross-sectional data from 147 survivors in South Korea underwent analysis using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlations, and the PROCESS macro in SPSS version 26.0. The results revealed that family function significantly predicted both self-care and depression. Notably, uncertainty mediated the relationship between family function and these outcomes. Furthermore, the impact of family function on depression was moderated by uncertainty, indicating a relatively weaker association in survivors facing higher uncertainty levels. This study contributes valuable insights by elucidating the role of uncertainty in regulating how family function influences self-care and depression among survivors of blood cancer. It emphasizes the critical need to enhance family function and alleviate uncertainty for the improved adjustment of cancer survivorship. The findings underscore the importance of targeted support for individuals grappling with different levels of uncertainty, aiming to prevent or mitigate depressive symptoms through the reinforcement of family function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]