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(1) Background/objectives: This study aims to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of factors influencing fertility intentions among South Koreans. This research is crucial given South Korea's lowest-in-the-world fertility rate of 0.72 in 2023, necessitating rapid and effective policies to address this demographic challenge; (2) Methods: Articles published from database inception through April 2024 were collected from five Korean databases using keywords based on the PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome) framework. Following PRISMA guidelines, 35 articles were selected. The effect sizes and network of predictors related to fertility intention were analyzed using the R statistical package; (3) Results: A meta-analysis of the effect sizes of factors influencing fertility intentions revealed that the husband's involvement in parenting (ESr = 0.131), women's education level (ESr = 0.127), socioeconomic status (ESr = 0.116), and the expected gender of the child (ESr = 0.068) showed statistically significant positive effects. Conversely, women's age (ESr = −0.175), parental stress (ESr = −0.146), and household labor ratio (ESr = −0.117) showed statistically significant negative effects. The network analysis further elucidated the complex interrelationships among these factors; (4) Conclusions: This study suggests the need for multifaceted policy approaches to address Korea's low fertility, emphasizing promoting men's participation in parenting, supporting women's education and career development, reducing parenting stress, supporting work–family balance, and ensuring economic stability. These findings provide important insights for policymakers and researchers addressing the complex issue of low fertility in South Korea and may inform more effective interventions to boost fertility rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options. Parishin A, a natural compound derived from Gastrodia elata, possesses multiple therapeutic properties. However, its effects on OSCC remain unexplored. Purpose: This study explores the anti-cancer potential of Parishin A on OSCC and its mechanisms. Methods: OSCC cell lines YD-10B and Ca9-22 were treated with varying Parishin A concentrations. Cell viability was detected using the CCK-8 assay, and colony formation was evaluated in agarose gel. Migration and invasion ability were assessed through wound healing and Matrigel invasion assays. The protein expression levels involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were examined via Western blotting. Results: Parishin A inhibited OSCC cell viability in both dose- and time-dependent manners, with significant reductions at 20, 40, 60, and 80 μM, without affecting normal human gingival fibroblasts. Colony formation decreased substantially at ≥40 μM higher Parishin A concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. Also, migration and invasion assays showed significant suppression by Parishin A treatment concentration ≥40 μM in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by decreased wound closure and invasion. Western blot analyses revealed increased E-cadherin levels and decreased N-cadherin and vimentin levels, suggesting EMT inhibition. Parishin A also decreased the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings support the potential of Parishin A as an anti-OSCC agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective and Background: This research aimed to examine the role of C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5) and C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8; also known as IL‐8) in neutrophilic inflammation triggered by peri‐implantitis and to shed light on the underlying mechanisms that link them to the development of this condition. Materials: This study included 40 patients who visited the Department of Periodontology at Kyungpook University Dental Hospital. They were divided into two groups based on their condition: healthy implant (HI) group (n = 20) and peri‐implantitis (PI) group (n = 20). Biopsy samples of PI tissue were collected from the patients under local anesthesia. HI tissue was obtained using the same method during the second implant surgery. To construct libraries for control and test RNAs, the QuantSeq 3′ mRNA‐Seq Library Prep Kit (Lexogen, Inc., Austria) was used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Samples were pooled based on representative cytokines obtained from RNA sequencing results and subjected to Reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis were performed to visually assess expression levels and analyze tissue histology. Student's t‐test was employed to conduct statistical analyses. Results: Initially, heatmaps were used to examine gene expression variations between the HI and PI groups based on the results of RNA sequencing. Notably, among various cytokines, CXCL5 and CXCL8 had the highest expression levels in the PI group compared with the HI group, and they are known to be associated with inflammatory responses. In the gingival tissues, the expression of genes encoding cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and CXCL5/CXCL8 was assessed via RT‐qPCR. The mRNA expression level of CXCL5/CXCL8 significantly increased in the PI group compared with the HI group (p <.045). Contrarily, the mRNA expression level of interleukin 36 receptor antagonist (IL36RN) significantly decreased (p <.008). IHC enabled examination of the distribution and intensity of CXCL5/CXCL8 protein expression within the tissue samples. Specifically, increased levels of CXCL5/CXCL8 promote inflammatory responses, cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion within the peri‐implant tissues. These effects are mediated through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB signaling pathway. Conclusions: This study found that the PI sites had higher gene expression level of CXCL8/CXCL5 in the soft tissue than HI sites, which could help achieve more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance poses challenges to humans and animals, especially to the poultry sector in control of fowl typhoid with antibiotics, leading to increased mortality and food insecurity. Therefore, it is essential to develop more effective medications as alternatives to antibiotics. Currently, zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles are of such significant interest due to their antibacterial properties. This study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles against fowl typhoid in broilers. Ninety broiler chicks were raised under suitable management conditions. On day 10 of age, chicks were divided into six groups: control negative, control positive, T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , and T 4 . On day 19 of age, chicks in all groups except control negative were infected with Salmonella gallinarum (0.2 mL, 10 8 CFU/mL). After appearance of clinical signs, the treatments (Florfenicol; 50 mg/L drinking water [T 1 ], and zinc oxide + copper oxide nanoparticles; 25 + 10 mg/kg/d [T 2 ], 37.5 + 15 mg/kg/d [T 3 ], and 50 + 20 mg/kg/d [T 4 ]) were administered to chicks. Chicks were sacrificed on 26th and 30th day of age, and samples of blood and tissue were obtained. Hematological analysis with gross and histopathological examination of spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius was performed. Results revealed that there was no visible congestion in spleen and thymus of T 3 and T 4 at 11th day post infection. Antibody level against new castle's disease and lymphoproliferative response showed no significant difference in all groups. However, phagocytic response in nanoparticles treated groups exhibited a notable ( p < 0.01) distinction compared to control positive. Notably, T 3 demonstrated the highest level of phagocytic activity. Hematological parameters, including lymphocytes, heterophils, eosinophils, and heterophils/lymphocytes ratio in groups T 2 , T 3 , and T 4 , indicated significant ( p < 0.01) difference compared to control positive. However, lymphocytes, heterophils, and heterophils/lymphocytes ratio in groups T 2 , T 3 , and T 4 showed no significant difference when compared to T 1 . Nanoparticle treated groups showed decreased ( p < 0.01) congestion of spleen and thymus as compared to control positive. Overall, zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles have potential to serve as an alternative to florfenicol in treatment of fowl typhoid., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (© Copyright 2024 Korean Society of Animal Science and Technology.)

Background/aim: Skin wound healing is a physiological process restoring the structural and functional integrity of injured skin. During this process, wound management preventing bacterial infection and complications is important for the regeneration of skin layers and adnexa, as well as the protective function of the skin. Therefore, the development of an effective ointment to promote wound healing without complications is beneficial., Materials and Methods: This study developed Raepenol™ cream, comprising a base cream and natural compounds including paeonol, D-panthenol and extract of Centella asiatica, and assessed its therapeutic effect in wound healing. A rat model of skin wound healing and a mouse model of imiquimod-induced pruritus were employed. The effect of Raepenol™ cream was evaluated by wound size and histological analysis, including the integrity of skin structures and inflammatory response., Results: Raepenol™ cream treatment effectively restored the structural integrity of the skin in rats, including wound closure, regeneration of skin adnexa, and reconstitution of collagen, comparable to commercial ointment. Additionally, Raepenol™ cream significantly suppressed pruritus by inhibiting mast cell infiltration or retention in the inflammatory site of mouse ears., Conclusion: Raepenol™ cream effectively promoted wound healing and relieved pruritus in animal models. These results suggest that it could be a promising option for wound care and pruritus relief, offering potential advantages over current ointments., (Copyright © 2024, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by dysregulated immune responses and a multifactorial etiology. While imatinib has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of immune-related diseases, its potential effects in IBD treatment remain underexplored., Materials and Methods: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of imatinib in colitis treatment. A dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model was used to mimic IBD in mice. Imatinib was administered orally to mice simultaneously with DSS treatment. The effects of imatinib on DSS-induced colitis were evaluated by analyzing colitis-related pathology, including the disease activity index (DAI), histological lesions, inflammatory markers, and tight junction integrity. Additionally, western blot analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to assess inflammatory markers, tight-junction proteins, and cell death., Results: In the DSS-induced colitis model, imatinib treatment exerted protective effects by attenuating weight loss, restoring colon length, reducing spleen weight, and improving the DAI score and histological lesions. Additionally, imatinib reduced the level of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Furthermore, imatinib treatment restored tight-junction integrity and decreased the expression of apoptosis marker proteins., Conclusion: Overall, imatinib treatment significantly alleviated the symptoms of DSS-induced colitis by influencing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, tight junction proteins, and apoptotic markers in mice. These findings highlight imatinib as a potential therapeutic candidate for IBD., (Copyright © 2024, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: Silibinin, has been investigated for its potential benefits and mechanisms in addressing vanadium pentoxide (V2O5)-induced pulmonary inflammation. This study explored the anti-inflammatory activity of silibinin and elucidate the mechanisms by which it operates in a mouse model of vanadium-induced lung injury., Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old male BALB/c mice were exposed to V2O5 to induce lung injury. Mice were pretreated with silibinin at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Histological analyses were performed to assess cell viability and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and activation of the MAPK and NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathways, as well as the NLRP3 inflammasome, were evaluated using real-time PCR, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Whole blood analysis was conducted to measure white blood cell counts., Results: Silibinin treatment significantly improved cell viability, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in V2O5-induced lung injury. It also notably suppressed the activation of the MAPK and NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathways, along with a marked reduction in NLRP3 inflammasome expression levels in lung tissues. Additionally, silibinin-treated groups exhibited a significant decrease in white blood cell counts, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils., Conclusion: These findings underscore the potent anti-inflammatory effects of silibinin in mice with V2O5-induced lung inflammation, highlighting its therapeutic potential. The study not only confirms the efficacy of silibinin in mitigating inflammatory responses but also provides a foundational understanding of its role in modulating key inflammatory pathways, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies against pulmonary inflammation induced by environmental pollutants., (Copyright © 2024, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)