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Polyethylene oxide (PEO)/lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) is among the most promising candidates for developing solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) for all‐solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries (ASSLMBs). However, practical applications of the PEO/LiTFSI system face challenges due to its relatively low ionic conductivity and low Li+ transference number. To address these issues, a method is proposed that incorporates multiple components, including zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF‐67) as fillers and ionic liquid electrolytes (ILEs) as plasticizers, into a PEO/LiTFSI matrix. By optimizing the fabrication process, ultra‐thin membranes of the integrated electrolyte PEO/LiTFSI‐ILE‐ZIF‐67 (PLiZ) with a thickness of 32 µm are developed, achieving high ionic conductivity (1.19 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C), broad electrochemical stability (5.66 V), and high lithium‐ion mobility (0.8). As a result, the fabricated ASSLMBs exhibited excellent cycle stability at both room temperature and 60 °C, delivering an initial specific discharge capacity of 166.4 mAh g−1 and an impressive capacity retention of 83.7% after 1000 cycles at 3C under 60 °C, corresponding to a low fading rate of 0.0163% per cycle. Additionally, the designed SPEs demonstrated high safety properties, as shown by the successful cutting and folding of a working LiFePO4/PLiZ/Li pouch cell. Therefore, this study presents a comprehensively improved method for developing high‐performance ASSLMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The mechanisms of action of phosphine are diverse and include neurotoxicity, metabolic inhibition, and oxidative stress; however, its efficacy at low temperatures is unclear. Methods: Comparative metabolomics is suitable for investigating the response of the spotted-wing fly Drosophila suzukii to exposure toward a combination of cold stimuli and fumigant PH3. Results: Under this combined exposure, 52 metabolites exhibiting significant differences in stress were identified and their physiological roles were analyzed in the Drosophila metabolic pathway. Most metabolites were involved in amino acids, TCA cycle, and nucleic acids. In addition, the alteration levels of cell membrane lipids, such as glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and glycerolipids, clearly showed changes in the combined treatment compared to PH3 and low temperatures alone. Aconitic acid, a component of the TCA cycle, was completely inhibited by the combined treatment. Conclusions: These results suggest that treatment-specific indicators could be useful biomarkers to indicate the synergistic effects of PH3 and low temperature on energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective disinfection processes have been investigated to provide pathogen-free drinking water. Due to growing concern about the potential negative effects of cyanobacteria in portable water, their treatment has gained more attention recently. This study aims to compare the inhibition efficiencies of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli; E. coli), Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis; B. subtilis), and cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa; M. aeruginosa) using UV-C and solar irradiation, and their combination process with H2O2. Over 6 log removal value (LRV) of E. coli and B. subtilis was achieved within 1 min of UV-C irradiation (0.76 ± 0.02 mW/cm2). The solar and solar/H2O2 (50 mg/L) processes effectively reduced (>99%) both bacteria after 20 min. E. coli was more sensitive to hydroxyl radicals (•OH) compared to the B. subtilis due to a different cell wall structure, resulting in a 0.18–0.62 higher LRV than B. subtilis. However, solar-based processes did not effectively inhibit M. aeruginosa (>52.23%). The UV-C/H2O2 (50 mg/L) process showed the highest inhibition rate for M. aeruginosa (77.83%) due to the generation of •OH, leading to oxidative damage to cells. Additionally, chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) was measured to indicate cell lysis of M. aeruginosa. The removal rate of Chl-a extracted by viable M. aeruginosa was higher using the UV-C process (93.03%) rather than the UV-C/H2O2 process (80.95%), because UV-C irradiation could be most effective in damaging Chl-a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium (Li) metal is regarded as a next-generation anode material owing to its high energy density. However, issues such as dendritic growth and volume changes during charging and discharging pose significant challenges for commercialization. We propose using lithiophilic reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbonized zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (C-ZIF-8) composites as host materials for Li to address these problems. The rGO/C-ZIF-8 composites are synthesized through a simple redox reaction followed by carbonization and are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The roles of chemical composition, characteristics, and morphology are demonstrated. As a result of these favorable structural and functional properties, the Li symmetric cell with rGO/C-ZIF-8 exhibits a stable voltage profile for more than 100 h at 1 mA cm−2 without short-circuiting. A relatively low Li plating/stripping overpotential of ~101.5 mV at a high current density of 10 mA cm−2 is confirmed. Moreover, a rGO/C-ZIF-8-Li full cell paired with a LiFePO4 cathode demonstrates good cyclability and rate capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood coagulation mediated by pig tissue factor (TF), which is expressed in pig tissues, causes an instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction during pig-to-human xenotransplantation. Previously, we generated a soluble pig tissue factor pathway inhibitor α fusion immunoglobulin (TFPI-Ig) which inhibits pig TF activity more efficiently than human TFPI-Ig in human plasma. In this study, we generated several pig TFPI-Ig mutants and tested the efficacy of these mutants in preventing pig-to-human xenogeneic blood coagulation. Structurally important amino acid residues of pig TFPI-Ig were changed into different residues by site-directed mutagenesis. Subsequently, a retroviral vector encoding each cDNA of several pig TFPI-Ig mutants was cloned and transduced into CHO-K1 cells. After establishing stable cell lines expressing each of the pig TFPI-Ig mutants, soluble proteins were produced and purified for evaluating their inhibitory effects on pig TF-mediated blood coagulation in human plasma. The replacement of K36 and K257 with R36 and H257, respectively, in pig TFPI-Ig more efficiently blocked pig TF activity in human plasma when compared with the wild-type pig TFPI-Ig. These results may provide additional information to understand the structure of pig TFPIα, and an improved pig TFPI-Ig variant that more efficiently blocks pig TF-mediated blood coagulation during pig-to-human xenotransplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The aim of the report is to report the outcomes of the medial rectus (MR) disinsertion procedure for the management of large-angle esotropia (ET) patients. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case series of patients with large-angle ET who underwent an MR disinsertion procedure between March 2012 to April 2022. The procedure happened accidentally during muscle surgery. The demographic and clinical data, including sex, age, visual acuity, pre- and postoperative angle of strabismus, duction limitations, results of intraoperative forced duction tests, and follow-up duration were collected from medical records. Results: Five patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 62.2 ± 9.8 years, and the mean follow-up was 24.8 ± 8.7 months. The ET at the primary position of gaze was 92.0 ± 17.9 prism diopters (PD) before MR disinsertion and 38.0 ± 29.5 PD after MR disinsertion only. Abduction deficiency was −4 before after MR disinsertion, which improved to −1 at the last follow-up. Conclusions: The results of MR disinsertion were not as frustrating as anticipated. MR disinsertion may be considered in patients with large-angle sensory ET who refuse surgery on the opposite eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive hepatic lipid accumulation is closely linked to inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndromes. We hypothesized that a combined extract containing Schisandra chinensis (SCE) could alleviate hepatic lipid accumulation. Male Sprague–Dawley rats fed a high-sucrose diet (HSD) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 6): normal diet (ND), HSD (60% kcal from sucrose), and HSD + SCE (HSD with 2.44% SCE). Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry revealed that SCE contains chlorogenic acid (5.514 ± 0.009 mg/g) and schisandrin (0.179 ± 0.002 mg/g) as bioactive components. SCE did not alter the body weight, fat mass, lean mass, or glucose levels. Strikingly, SCE effectively reduced the plasma triglyceride (TG) and hepatic TG levels compared to the HSD group. Adiposity reduction is due to decreased activity of hepatic de novo lipogenic enzymes. These results indicated that SCE has nutraceutical potential for the prevention and treatment of hepatic steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study investigated the sublethal effects of three insecticides (spirotetramat, cyantraniliprole, and pymetrozine) on Aphis gossypii. The effects of sublethal concentrations (LC10, LC30, LC50, and LC70) of the insecticides on the developmental period, survival rate, adult longevity, fecundity, and deformity rate were compared with those of the control. Spirotetramat and cyantraniliprole caused malformation in the F1 but not the F2 generation of A. gossypii. The net reproductive rate (R0) decreased significantly compared to that of the control (43.8) for all insecticides except cyantraniliprole at the LC10 (37.5). Therefore, sublethal concentrations (over the LC30) of the three insecticides could aid in the management of A. gossypii by affecting its population density. The toxicity and sublethal effects of three insecticides (spirotetramat, cyantraniliprole, and pymetrozine) on Aphis gossypii, a major agricultural pest, were investigated. The nymphal stage showed greater susceptibility than the adult stage to all the insecticides, with a difference of up to 8.9 times at the LC50 of spirotetramat. The effects of sublethal concentrations (LC10, LC30, LC50, and LC70) of the insecticides on the on the developmental period, survival rate, adult longevity, fecundity, and deformity rate were compared with those of the control. Compared with the control, cyantraniliprole and pymetrozine did not significantly affect the developmental period in the parental or F1 generation when applied at the nymphal stage at any concentration. Nonviable nymphs occurred in the F1 generation when both nymphs and adults were treated with spirotetramat and cyantraniliprole but not in the F2 generation. The age-specific maternity (lxmx) of A. gossypii treated with sublethal concentrations (LC10, LC30) decreased with increasing concentration. Spirotetramat at the LC30 resulted in significant differences in all life table parameters (R0, rm, λ, T, DT) compared with those of the control. Similarly, compared with that of the control (43.8), the net reproductive rate (R0) significantly decreased for all the insecticides except cyantraniliprole at the LC10 (37.5). Therefore, this study indicated that sublethal concentrations (over the LC30) of spirotetramat, cyantraniliprole, or pymetrozine might be useful for the density management of A. gossypii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish are susceptible to blood-sucking parasite infections, which cause severe anemia, dyspnea, and ultimately death. However, veterinary drugs available for fish to treat such infectious diseases are lacking; thus, livestock drugs have been repurposed as aquatic animal drugs. Febantel (FBT) and fenbendazole (FBZ) are representative antiparasitic agents for livestock such as cattle, swine, and poultry, and are considered suitable as aquatic animal drugs. Therefore, we investigated the safety and efficacy of FBT and FBZ in fish and performed a risk assessment to determine the maximum residue limit in fish. Most studies indicate that FBT is rapidly converted to FBZ, which is metabolized to oxfendazole and oxfendazole sulfone. FBZ was frequently detectable in the plasma and tissues (e.g., muscle, skin, and the liver) in significant quantities than other metabolites. We regarded the liver as the target organ because reversible hepatocytic changes were observed in fish after administration of 100 mg/kg FBT for 9 days. No toxicological effects, such as increased mortality or decreased appetite, were observed when the fish were administered 50 mg/kg FBT for 3 days. The efficacy of the drugs was verified in various parasites, including H. heterocerca, H. okamotoi or Z. japonica, and M. seriolae, as causative agents of beko disease through laboratory and field trials. Although toxicity studies on FBZ in fish are limited, its safety has been demonstrated from toxicity studies in a wide range of animal models. The risk from using FBT and FBZ was negligible for human health because the ratio of the estimates of dietary exposure and acceptable daily intake was 78.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the world becomes a super-aged society, cognitive decline is public health problems that are increasing rapidly. A healthy diet has great potential for maintaining cognitive health. A diet that could delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases has been developed: the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, a hybrid form of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. In this review, the effects of the MIND diet on improving cognitive function, including memory, are summarized. In most studies, the higher the adherence to the MIND diet, the higher the cognitive function evaluation score, and the lower the incidence of dementia. This is because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the major nutritional components of the MIND diet: folate, carotenoids, polyphenols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Adherence to the MIND diet, containing various bioactive food ingredients, is related to cognitive improvement in the elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barefoot running has been increasing in popularity, yet there is a gap in understanding concerning the biomechanics of mid-distance barefoot running, especially between genders and runners of different running-experience levels. This study examines the effects of running-experience, gender, and their interaction on running biomechanics following 5 km barefoot running. Before and after a 5 km run, three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics of the lower limb joints and plantar pressure during barefoot running were collected from 20 participants. Participants were stratified by their running-experience levels (novice and marathon-experienced) and gender. This study revealed significant gender effects on lower limb biomechanics following a 5 km barefoot run. Increased plantar pressure under the lateral aspect of the foot was observed in the female cohort, while the male cohort exhibited reduced plantar pressure under the lateral heel. This study suggests that modified lower limb running biomechanics and modified lateral foot loading after 5 km barefoot running may create a different foot loading environment for female and male runners that should be accommodated in barefoot runningand minimalist shoe design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric double-layer capacitors have attracted considerable attention for energy storage because of their excellent power capability, high stability, and long cycle life. Activated carbon is the most widely employed electrode material for electric double-layer capacitors owing to its high specific surface area, hierarchical porous structure, and high electrical conductivity. However, to increase the energy density of the devices, new synthetic methods for enhancing their specific capacitances are required. We developed a facile preparation method for petroleum pitch-based activated carbon and investigated the optimal conditions to improve its electrochemical performance in terms of rate capability, specific capacitance, and cycle life. The obtained activated carbon exhibited a high specific capacitance (163.67 F/g at 0.1 A/g), which can be attributed to the efficient charge transport due to the micropores developed in the open macroporous walls of the carbon structure and the high electrical conductivity. Our approach provides an efficient strategy for synthesizing activated carbon with excellent properties. The results reveal a correlation between the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of activated carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of job embeddedness and resilience on the relationship between job rotation stress and nursing work performance among clinical nurses. Methods: We conducted a nationwide online survey with 205 nurses employed at advanced general or general hospitals. Data were collected from August 17 to October 5, 2021. We analyzed the data using various descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Scheffe test, Welch test, Games-Howell test, Pearson's correlation coefficients, multiple regression, and the PROCESS macro with a 95% bias-corrected bootstrap confidence interval. These analyses were conducted using SPSS Windows Software version 23.0 and SPSS PROCESS macro version 3.5.2. Results: Nurses' job embeddedness mediated the relationship between job rotation stress and nursing work performance (B=-0.02, p<.05). Furthermore, their resilience moderated this mediated relationship, also known as moderated mediation, with job embeddedness as the mediating factor (B=-0.02, p<.05). Conclusion: These findings imply that, when devising a strategy to improve the nursing work performance of nurses undergoing job rotation, their resilience levels should be considered. Reducing job rotation stress while concurrently enhancing job embeddedness is essential for enhancing the nursing work performance of nurses with high levels of resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first identified in South Korea during the 2019–2020 seasonal influenza epidemic. The social distancing measures, as effective non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), adopted to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 might have influenced influenza activity. We evaluated IFV(influenza virus) activity during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect of NPI intensity on influenza transmission. Methods: IFV activity and epidemic duration during COVID-19 pandemic were predicted under a counterfactual scenario with no NPIs against COVID-19. The Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model was used to quantify the effects of NPIs on the transmission of influenza virus. Influenza-like illness/1000 outpatients and IFV positivity rate from the 2011–2012 to 2021–2022 seasons were used in this study. Results: Comparison of the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 seasonal influenza activities with those in 2013–2019 showed that COVID-19 outbreaks and associated NPIs such as face mask use, school closures, and travel restrictions reduced the influenza incidence by 91%. Without NPIs against COVID-19, the rates of influenza-like illness and IFV positivity would have been high during the influenza epidemic season, as in previous seasons. NPI intensity decreased the transmission of influenza; the magnitude of the reduction increased as the intensity of social-distancing measures increased (weak social distancing; step-by-step daily recovery: 58.10%, strong social distancing; special quarantine measures: 95.12%). Conclusions: Our results suggest that NPIs and personal hygiene can be used to suppress influenza transmission. NPIs against COVID-19 may be useful strategies for the prevention and control of influenza epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rottlerin is isolated from Mallotus japonicus, a plant rich in polyphenols. Rottlerin is a selective PKCδ-inhibitor and is also known as an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation and anti-neoplastic agent. However, its anti-obesity effect is yet to be established. Therefore, this study tested whether rottlerin inhibits adipogenesis and de novo lipogenesis via the LRP6/mTOR/SREBP1C pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Rottlerin dramatically decreased lipid accumulation assessed by Oil Red O as evidence to support the cellular phenotype (p < 0.001). Pivotal messenger RNA and protein expressions associated with de novo lipogenesis (SREBP1C, ACC1, FAS, and SCD1) and adipogenesis (PPARγ and C/EBPα) were subsequentially verified by rottlerin in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Further investigation revealed that rottlerin reduced the AKT/mTOR pathway via diminished total protein of LRP6 (p < 0.05). Collectively, these findings establish a causal link between rottlerin, LRP6, and the altered nutrient-sensing mTOR pathway, in which rottlerin regulates de novo lipogenesis and adipogenesis in white adipocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increase in older adults receiving kidney transplantation (KT), little is known about their experience and adaptation process after KT. The current study aimed to explore the process of adaptation after KT in older adult recipients using a qualitative design and grounded theory methodology. Sixteen recipients who had KT at age ≥60 years and received follow-up care were recruited at a university hospital in South Korea. Data were collected from July to December 2017 through in-depth interviews with individual participants. The core theme of the adaptation process after KT in older adult recipients was A Journey of Straining to Save the Last Lifeline. The adaptation process comprised three stages: confusion, depression, and compromise. Tailored interventions based on the in-depth understanding of the adaptation process found in the current study are needed to improve adaptation after KT in older adult recipients. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16(4), 183–193.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the incidence and risk factors of seizures related to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in Korean patients infected with HIV. Of the 34 patients, 14 (41.2%) developed epileptic seizures during a median follow-up of 82 months. The median time from PML diagnosis to seizure onset was 44 months, ranging from 0 to 133 months. Patients with PML who developed seizures more commonly had cognitive impairment and multiple or diffuse lesions on brain MRI. These findings highlight the increased seizure risk among HIV-infected patients with PML at any stage of the disease, particularly in cases with extensive involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insecticidal activity of 38 commercialized pesticides against Atractomorpha lata nymphs in Korea was studied. Seven pesticides showed greater than 70% insecticidal activity against A. lata nymphs after 48 h of treatment, and similar results were observed for adult A. lata using the spray method. The insecticidal activity of the seven pesticides, except for thiacloprid, against Oxya sinuosa adults was similar to that against A. lata. Clothianidin, tetraniliprole, and thiacloprid showed higher toxicity when plants and insects were treated together than when insects were treated directly, indicating that pesticides have ingestion toxicity against A. lata. Clothianidin and thiacloprid have been observed to have knockdown effects on both A. lata nymphs and adults. Tetraniliprole showed 86.7% mortality until 7 days after treatment in the residual effect test of pesticide exposure under field conditions. Therefore, this study provides basic data for A. lata control; tetraniliprole was found to be an effective insecticide for the control of A. lata nymphs and adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (T-LGL) is often accompanied by pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). A high depth of next generation sequencing (NGS) was used for detection of the mutational profiles in T-LGL alone (n = 25) and T-LGL combined with PRCA (n = 16). Beside STAT3 mutation (41.5%), the frequently mutated genes included KMT2D (17.1%), TERT (12.2%), SUZ12 (9.8%), BCOR (7.3%), DNMT3A (7.3%), and RUNX1 (7.3%). Mutations of the TERT promoter showed a good response to treatment. 3 of 41 (7.3%) T-LGL patients with diverse gene mutations were revealed as T-LGL combined with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) after review of bone marrow slide. T-LGL combined with PRCA showed unique features (low VAF level of STAT3 mutation, low lymphocyte count, old age). Low ANC was detected in a STAT3 mutant with a low level of VAF, suggesting that even the low mutational burden of STAT3 is sufficient for reduction of ANC. In retrospective analysis of 591 patients without T-LGL, one MDS patient with STAT3 mutation was revealed to have subclinical T-LGL. T-LGL combined with PRCA may be classified as unique subtype of T-LGL. High depth NGS can enable sensitive detection of concomitant MDS in T-LGL. Mutation of the TERT promoter may indicate good response to treatment of T-LGL, thus, its addition to an NGS panel may be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blood transfusion is an essential part of medicine. However, many countries have been facing a national blood crisis. To address this ongoing blood shortage issue, there have been efforts to generate red blood cells (RBCs) in vitro, especially from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). However, the best source of hiPSCs for this purpose is yet to be determined. Methods: In this study, hiPSCs were established from three different hematopoietic stem cell sources—peripheral blood (PB), cord blood (CB) and bone marrow (BM) aspirates (n = 3 for each source)—using episomal reprogramming vectors and differentiated into functional RBCs. Various time-course studies including immunofluorescence assay, quantitative real-time PCR, flow cytometry, karyotyping, morphological analysis, oxygen binding capacity analysis, and RNA sequencing were performed to examine and compare the characteristics of hiPSCs and hiPSC-differentiated erythroid cells. Results: hiPSC lines were established from each of the three sources and were found to be pluripotent and have comparable characteristics. All hiPSCs differentiated into erythroid cells, but there were discrepancies in differentiation and maturation efficiencies: CB-derived hiPSCs matured into erythroid cells the fastest while PB-derived hiPSCs required a longer time for maturation but showed the highest degree of reproducibility. BM-derived hiPSCs gave rise to diverse types of cells and exhibited poor differentiation efficiency. Nonetheless, erythroid cells differentiated from all hiPSC lines mainly expressed fetal and/or embryonic hemoglobin, indicating that primitive erythropoiesis occurred. Their oxygen equilibrium curves were all left-shifted. Conclusions: Collectively, both PB- and CB-derived hiPSCs were favorably reliable sources for the clinical production of RBCs in vitro, despite several challenges that need to be overcome. However, owing to the limited availability and the large amount of CB required to produce hiPSCs, and the results of this study, the advantages of using PB-derived hiPSCs for RBC production in vitro may outweigh those of using CB-derived hiPSCs. We believe that our findings will facilitate the selection of optimal hiPSC lines for RBC production in vitro in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study compared the feeding behavior of Riptortus pedestris and Halyomorpha halys on six soybean cultivars. In addition, the damage caused by R. pedestris and H. halys was field-surveyed. The non-penetration waveform was the shortest in Pungsannamul and the longest in Daepung-2ho. In the case of feeding waveforms of the xylem and phloem, it was the longest in Pungsannamul and the shortest in Daepung-2ho, respectively. When six soybean cultivars were planted in two fields, and the seed damage caused by hemipterans was investigated; in both fields, the proportions of damage type B and damage type C were the highest in Pungsannamul and the lowest in Daepung-2ho. The above results will be used as basic information in the control of hemipteran insect pests. Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) and Halyomorpha halys (Stål) are the major pests that feed on soybean pods, seeds, and fruits. Higher populations and damage occur during the soybean maturity stages (podding to harvest). To compare the feeding behavior of R. pedestris and H. halys, we used the six most cultivated cultivars (Daepung-2ho, Daechan, Pungsannamul, Daewon, Seonpung, and Seoritae) in Korea using the electropenetrography (EPG) technique. Both R. pedestris and H. halys, the NP (non-penetration), a non-probing waveform, was the shortest in the Pungsannamul (298 and 268 min) and the longest in the Daepung-2ho (334 and 339 min), respectively. The feeding waveforms Pb (phloem feeding: E1-Salivation and E2-Sap feeding) and G (xylem feeding) were the longest in Pungsannamul and the shortest in Daepung-2ho. In addition, as a result of investigating the damage rate by planting six cultivars of beans in the field, as expected, the proportions of damage types B and C were highest in Pungsannamul and lowest in Daepung-2ho. These results reveal that both bug species ingest xylem sap from leaflets and stems using a salivary sheath strategy to acquire water and nutrients from soybean pods/seeds with cell-rupture tactics. This study provides perceptive information to understand the feeding behavior, field occurrence, and damage patterns of R. pedestris and H. halys, which may have key implications for the management of hemipteran pests by determining the specificity and susceptibility of host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We sought to determine whether the delta neutrophil index (DNI), a marker that is reported to be used to predict the diagnosis, prognosis, and disease severity of bacteremia and sepsis, is useful in differentiating bacterial infection without bacteremia (BIWB) from viral infections (VI) in pediatric febrile patients in the emergency department (ED). Method: We conducted a retrospective analysis of febrile patients' medical records from the pediatric ED of the teaching hospital. The patients with BIWB and those with VI were identified with a review of medical records. The primary outcome was the diagnostic performance of DNI in differentiating BIWB from VI. The secondary outcome was a comparison of the diagnostic performances of DNI, CRP, WBC, and neutrophil count between the two groups. Results: A total of 151 (26.3%) patients were in the BIWB group, and 423 (73.7%) were in the VI group. There was no significant difference in DNI between the two groups (3.51 ± 6.90 vs. 3.07 ± 5.82, mean ± SD, BIWB vs. VI). However, CRP levels were significantly higher in the BIWB group than in the VI group (4.56 ± 5.45 vs. 1.39 ± 2.12, mean ± SD, BIWB vs. VI, p < 0.05). The AUROCs of DNI, WBC count, neutrophil levels, RDW, and CRP levels were 0.5016, 0.5531, 0.5631, 0.5131, and 0.7389, respectively, and only CRP levels were helpful in differentiating BIWB from VI. Conclusion: In the absence of bacteremia, DNI would not be helpful in differentiating BIWB from VI in pediatric febrile patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the effect of combined phosphine (PH3) fumigation and low-temperature treatment on the control of Drosophila suzukii. In the low-temperature, single-treatment experiment, there was no significant difference in insecticidal activity between 1 °C and 5 °C except in D. suzukii adults. Adults showed 98.0% mortality after exposure to 1 °C for 7 d. Regarding fumigation treatment with PH3 alone, adults were the most susceptible, and pupae had the highest tolerance. Combined low-temperature treatment and fumigation showed a synergistic effect, except in the egg stage, and showed slight synergistic effects in larvae and pupae regardless of the combined treatment order. In pupae, the combination group exposed to 1 °C for 24 h after exposure to PH3 for 4 h had the lowest LCT99 value, at 10.49 mg·h/L. The sorption rate of PH3 on grapes decreased to 85.49% after 4 h of exposure, with a 15% loading ratio (w/v), and there was no significant difference in various criteria of phytotoxicity in exposed grapes compared to control, even after 14 d of combined treatment. Therefore, this study indicates that combined PH3 fumigation and low-temperature treatment could be useful in D. suzukii control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens and white-backed planthopper (WBPH) Sogatella furcifera are major rice pests in many parts of Asia. This study was conducted to elucidate the action mechanisms in sublethal exposures of imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor on the feeding behavior of the planthopper. The sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor inhibited the phloem feeding of the BPH and WBPH and decreased their reproduction longevity. Additionally, sulfoxaflor was effective in inhibiting feeding in the BPH, and imidacloprid was more effective in inhibiting feeding in the WBPH. Therefore, sublethal effects of insecticide vary according to insect pest species. The brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens and white-backed planthopper (WBPH) Sogatella furcifera are serious rice insect pests that cannot overwinter in Korea and migrate from southeast Asian countries and China. In this study, we investigated the sublethal effects of imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor on the biological parameters and feeding behavior of planthoppers. These sublethal concentrations significantly decreased the net reproduction rate (R0), the intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and the mean generation time (T). For BPHs, the total durations of nonpenetration (NP) waveform by imidacloprid (LC10 = 164.74 and LC30 = 176.48 min) and sulfoxaflor (LC10 = 235.57 and LC30 = 226.93 min) were significantly different from those in the control group (52.73 min). In addition, on WBPHs, the total durations of NP waveform by imidacloprid (LC10 = 203.69 and LC30 = 169.9 min) and sulfoxaflor (LC10 = 134.02 and LC30 = 252.14 min) were significantly different from those in the control group (45.18 min). Moreover, the LC10 and LC30 of these insecticides significantly decreased the phloem feeding time. In conclusion, imidacloprid had a better effect on the inhibition of feeding of the WBPH, and sulfoxaflor showed a better effect on the inhibition of feeding of the BPH. Therefore, it is suggested that treatment with sublethal concentrations of the above insecticides will reduce the feeding of BPHs and WBPHs on rice phloem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American Heart Association suggests that consuming ω-6 fatty acids (5–10% of total energy) can prevent cardiovascular disease by improving lipoprotein profiles. However, some studies warn of deleterious effects of these due to eicosanoid biosynthesis. We explored the five years for clinical evidence of ω-6 fatty acids on several diseases including inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Predefined criteria identified a total of 21 articles in 5 databases. Some studies indicated that dietary arachidonic acid was not related to increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In cohort studies, ω-6 fatty acids prevented the onset of digestive and lung cancer. ω-6 Fatty acids improved blood lipoprotein profiles. Moreover, consuming ω-6 fatty acids delayed diabetes mellitus and chronic renal disease and had positive effects on muscle recovery and glaucoma. In conclusion, ω-6 fatty acids have beneficial effects on cancers, blood lipoprotein profiles, diabetes, renal disease, muscle function, and glaucoma without inflammation response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the impact of health literacy, self-efficacy, and social support on the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of Korean patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Methods: A cross-sectional design was used, and a total of 189 participants were enrolled. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and patient medical records between September and November of 2021. Health literacy, self-efficacy, social support, and HRQoL were measured. The HRQoL was measured using the 12-item Short Form Survey, which included Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS). Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression with SPSS/WIN 26.0 program. Results: The findings revealed statistically significant differences in the PCS according to gender, presence of hypertension, exercise, and sleep state. Furthermore, there were statistically significant differences in the MCS according to disease period and stress management. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that higher social support was a significant factor of better PCS (p<.005). Higher health literacy, self-efficacy, and social support were significant factors of better MCS (p<.005). Conclusion: Nurses should play a key role in providing social support to ACS patients, particularly to female patients and patients with hypertension and poor sleep state and no regular exercise for better PCS. Also, nurses should think about how to promote health literacy, self-efficacy, and social support for better MCS, particularly in ACS patients who had undergone PCI, had longer diagnosis periods, and had no stress management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new functional composite was synthesized in this study comprising magnetic-cored dendrimer (MCD) modified with citric acid (CA), succinic acid (SA), and vanillic acid (VA) terminal groups. The CA-MCD, SA-MCD, and VA-MCD exhibited average particle size of 8–18 nm and superparamagnetic behavior. Adsorption potential of the composite was assessed by monitoring methylene blue (MB) removal from contaminated water. The CA-MCD attained adsorption equilibrium in 30 min while SA-MCD and VA-MCD achieved equilibrium in 60 min. The Langmuir model better fitted the adsorption results than the Freundlich model, indicating a monolayer mode of MB adsorption on the composite. Maximum adsorption capacity of CA-MCD, SA-MCD, and VA-MCD was 216.30 mg/g, 184.29 mg/g, and 196.58 mg/g, respectively. The CA-MCD exhibited best adsorption performance by removing 99% MB at pH = 11. In reusability experiments, the CA-MCD, SA-MCD, and VA-MCD maintained over 90% MB adsorption for both 15 mg/L and 50 mg/L solutions in the third cycle. Overall, the organic acid–functionalized MCDs with high adsorption capacity and reusability potential showed utility for practical application for wastewater decontamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lupus anticoagulant (LA) is composed of heterogeneous autoantibodies, which have a close association with thrombotic events. Due to its heterogeneity, two methods for increasing sensitivity are recommended for LA. An investigation of the thrombotic risk and anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-β2-glycoprotein I (aB2GPI) antibody profiles was conducted based on the results of using two parallel methods (dilute Russell viper venom time (dRVVT), silica clotting time (SCT)) in a real world clinical laboratory. Of 5120 patients, 684 patients (13%) were LA positive, and 422 patients (8%) experienced thrombotic events including pregnancy complication. Development of thrombotic events was more likely to occur in patients who were positive for both dRVVT and SCT compared with those who were positive for dRVVT or SCT only. In addition, significantly higher positive rates of aCL and aB2GPI and the persistently positive rate of LA at intervals of 12 weeks or longer were observed in patients who were positive for both dRVVT and SCT compared with those who were positive for dRVVT or SCT only. Considering three laboratory tests (LA, aCL, and aB2GPI), high thrombotic risk was observed for patients with both dRVVT and SCT positive LA results. A report on LA results that divides LA positive into two types (LA-single positive and LA-both positive) may be beneficial to clinicians in detection of high-risk thrombotic patients. Highlights: 1. Development of thrombotic events was more likely to occur in patients who were positive for both dRVVT and SCT and high positive rates of aCL and aB2GPI were observed in these patients compared with those who were positive for dRVVT or SCT only. 2. Results from repeated performance of the LA test at intervals of 12 weeks or longer showed a high persistently positive rate in both positive dRVVT and SCT groups. 3. Because thrombotic risk is increased by simultaneous positivity of both dRVVT and SCT tests, a report on LA results that divides LA positive into two types (LA-single positive and LA-both positive) can be beneficial to clinicians in detection of high-risk thrombotic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A synergistic effect on Drosophila suzukii control was observed by combining EF fumigation with cold-temperature treatment. D. suzukii showed higher mortality at 1 °C after exposure to cold temperature. The egg stage showed the highest tolerance in the ethyl formate fumigation-only treatment according to the LCT99 value in a 12 L desiccator. Among the combination treatment methods, cold treatment after EF fumigation was found to be the most effective for D. suzukii control, and mortality increased as the duration of exposure to cold temperature increased. Although the sorption of EF was very high, the concentration of fumigant during treatment had a significant effect on insecticidal activity during combination treatment. Therefore, the combination of EF fumigation and cold-temperature treatment can be used to control D. suzukii. Drosophila suzukii is a quarantine pest that is rapidly spreading in berries. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of combination treatment with ethyl formate (EF) and cold temperature for D. suzukii control on imported grapes. A higher insecticidal effect was observed at 1 °C than at 5 °C at all developmental stages, and the pupal stage showed the strongest tolerance to cold temperature. After EF fumigation alone, eggs showed the highest tolerance at 216.67 mg·h/L (LCT99 value), and adults showed the highest susceptibility at <27.24 mg·h/L. Among the combination treatment methods, cold temperature after fumigation resulted in the best synergistic effect. The effect of this combination was significant, with 23.3% higher mortality for eggs, 22.4% for larvae, and 23.4% for pupae than observed with EF fumigation alone. Furthermore, the period of complete D. suzukii control in the 12 L desiccator was shorter in the combination treatment group at the LCT80 value than at the LCT50 value of the egg stage. EF showed a very high sorption rate (24%) after 4 h of exposure at a grape loading ratio of 15% in a 0.65 m3 fumigation chamber. As the grape loading ratio for combination treatment decreased, D. suzukii mortality increased, but when EF was administered at the LCT80 value, there was little difference in the mortalities of the eggs and larvae but not the pupae. All D. suzukii developmental stages were completely controlled within 7 days after combination treatment, and phytotoxicity was not observed in grapes. These results suggest that the combination of cold-temperature treatment and EF fumigation could be used for D. suzukii control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contact system activation can play a role in microthrombus formation of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This study investigated whether the activity of prekallikrein and high–molecular-weight kininogen (HMWK) correlated DIC progression. Contact system factors (prekallikrein, HMWK, activated factor XII), coagulation factors (IX, XI, XII) and tissue factor were measured in 140 patients who clinically suspected of having DIC. Prekallikrein and HMWK activity levels showed significant linear relationships with DIC score and antithrombin level, whereas prekallikrein and HMWK antigen levels did not. The activated factor XII, factor XII, factor XI and tissue factor were significant risk factors of overt-DIC. This finding suggests that consumption of prekallikrein and HMWK contributes to microvascular thrombosis in DIC. Measurements of prekallikrein and HMWK activity could be used as potential diagnostic markers for overt-DIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: ADAMTS13 deficiency increases the circulating level of von Willebrand factor (vWF). Low ADAMTS13 and high vWF can provide a milieu for microthrombosis, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This study investigated the prognostic values of ADAMTS13–vWF axis markers and their correlation with DIC severity. Methods: ADAMTS13–vWF axis markers (vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), vWF ristocetin cofactor (vWF:Rco), ADAMTS13 activity, and anti‐ADAMTS13 antibody) were measured in patients (n = 152) suspected of having DIC along with the well‐known DIC markers including antithrombin and protein C. Result: The vWF:Ag level was significantly increased, and ADAMTS13 activity was significantly decreased in overt DIC. The vWF:Ag level (hazard ratio 7.365, p =.009), ADAMTS13 activity/vWF:Ag ratio (hazard ratio 3.777, p =.037), ADAMTS13 activity/vWF:Rco ratio (hazard ratio 3.027, p =.028), and platelet count/vWF:Ag ratio (hazard ratio 8.538, p <.001) were significant prognostic markers in Cox regression analysis and correlated well with DIC score and antithrombin and protein C levels. Conclusion: The platelet count/vWF:Ag was the strongest prognostic marker among ADAMTS13–vWF axis markers. The measurement of vWF:Ag may improve prognostic insights of DIC in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to analyze student responses to chemistry constructed response items to obtain detailed information on science NAEA (National Assessment of Educational Achievement) in South Korea and to draw suggestions for enhancing curriculum, teaching, and learning. For this purpose, we analyzed 7444 answers that could be generalized as 1.29% of the 9th grade students by the two-stage stratified cluster sampling method. The types of answers to constructed item were classified, and the response rate distribution curve according to the achievement score for each achievement level was drawn and analyzed. In this way, analyzing the descriptive answers is an advantage of the constructed response items; that is, students' responses vary widely, and they can systematically analyze the various types of misconceptions they have. As a result, students at the basic level tended to have misconceptions about the quantity of thermal energy, whereas students above proficient level had misconceptions about thermal equilibrium. Therefore, both the understanding and misconceptions of students differed according to achievement levels, so customized teaching and learning based on achievement levels should be developed. And the implications for curricula and improvement of teachers' expertise in assessment of constructed items are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facial expression conveys nonverbal communication information to help humans better perceive physical or psychophysical situations. Accurate 3D imaging provides stable topographic changes for reading facial expression. In particular, light‐field cameras (LFCs) have high potential for constructing depth maps, thanks to a simple configuration of microlens arrays and an objective lens. Herein, machine‐learned NIR‐based LFCs (NIR‐LFCs) for facial expression reading by extracting Euclidean distances of 3D facial landmarks in pairwise fashion are reported. The NIR‐LFC contains microlens arrays with asymmetric Fabry−Perot filter and NIR bandpass filter on CMOS image sensor, fully packaged with two vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting lasers. The NIR‐LFC not only increases the image contrast by 2.1 times compared with conventional LFCs, but also reduces the reconstruction errors by up to 54%, regardless of ambient illumination conditions. A multilayer perceptron (MLP) classifies input vectors, consisting of 78 pairwise distances on the facial depth map of happiness, anger, sadness, and disgust, and also exhibits exceptional average accuracy of 0.85 (p<0.05). This LFC provides a new platform for quantitatively labeling facial expression and emotion in point‐of‐care biomedical, social perception, or human−machine interaction applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We aimed to investigate parameters for prediction of post-operative blood loss and re-operation in patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: Thrombin generation assay, activated partial thromboplastin time, activated clotting time and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) tests were performed at 4 time points in 65 patients: before skin incision (T1), after heparin injection (T2), after protamine reversal (T3) and before skin closure (T4). Results: Pre-operative endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak thrombin levels were significantly lower in patients with high post-operative blood loss (≥ 800 mL) within 24 h than in those with low blood loss (< 800 mL). Clotting time (CT), maximal clotting firmness, clotting firmness time and alpha angle values of ROTEM measured at T2, T3 or T4 were significant predictors for high post-operative blood loss. An increase in CT-EXTEM over 4 time points was significant in patients who had a re-operation within 48 h compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: This study indicates that pre-operative ETP could predict high post-operative blood loss and that intra-operative ROTEM also helps to stratify risks of high post-operative blood loss and re-operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to assess the status of physical activity (PA) and to identify the association with physiological indicators, hand grip strength, stress, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among cancer survivors. Methods: Data of 999 Korean cancer survivors aged 19 and older were extracted from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (VII, 2016- 2018; VIII-1, 2019). Complex samples analysis was performed using the SPSS/WIN 26.0 program. Results: The percentage of recommended levels of aerobic PA, walking, and muscle strength training was 43.8%, 19.3%, and 21.6%, respectively. Compared to the PA group, the non-aerobic PA group had a higher ratio in abnormal systolic blood pressure and triglyceride level; the non-walking group had a higher ratio in abnormal diastolic blood pressure, and normal total cholesterol and abnormal high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels; and the non-muscle strength training group had a higher hs-CRP level. The non-aerobic PA or non-muscle strength training group had low hand grip strength. The non-walking group perceived high stress, and all non-PA subgroups showed low HRQoL. Conclusion: This study provides useful results for predicting PA types that can be utilized to improve physiological function, stress, and HRQoL for cancer survivors, thus providing empirical evidence for developing PA intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a few antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) occurs with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), the relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and anti-ADAMTS13 (anti-a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) antibody remains uncertain. We investigated the relationship between high-risk thrombotic aPL and anti-ADAMTS13 antibody. Two hundred and thirty-seven patients with positive lupus anticoagulant and/or anticardiolipin antibody were included. Anti-β2GPI (anti-β2-glycoprotein I), anti-β2GPIdI (anti-β2-glycoprotein I domain I), anti-PS/PT (anti-phosphatidylserine and prothrombin), ADAMTS13 activity, and anti-ADAMTS13 antibody were measured. Double positivity of anti-β2GPI and anti-PS/PT increased thrombotic risk more than three-fold and showed increased positivity of anti-ADAMTS13 antibody in comparison with the double negative group. Double positivity of anti-β2GPIdI and anti-PS/PT presented both effects even more. In the linear regression analysis, double positivity of anti-β2GPI and anti-PS/PT independently affected the anti-ADAMTS13 antibody level (β = 1.982, P = 0.042). Our results revealed that double positivity of anti-β2GPI or anti-β2GPIdI and anti-PS/PT increased not only thrombotic risk but also the positivity of anti-ADAMTS13 antibody, especially indicating anti-β2GPIdI showed a higher synergistic effect with anti-PS/PT. We suggest a possible association of anti-ADAMTS13 antibody with a high thrombotic risk of APS. Double positivity of anti-β2GPI (anti-β2-glycoprotein I) and anti-PS/PT (anti-phosphatidylserine and prothrombin) antibodies enhanced not only thrombotic risk but also positivity of anti-ADAMTS13 (anti-a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) antibody. Furthermore, double positivity of anti-β2GPIdI (anti-β2-glycoprotein I domain I) combined with anti-PS/PT even more elevated both thrombosis and positivity of anti-ADAMTS13 antibody. Double positivity of β2GPI and anti-PS/PT was found as an independently significant contributing factor to anti-ADAMTS13 antibody level. We suggest the association between anti-ADAMTS13 antibody and the pathophysiology of antiphospholipid syndrome, which should be further evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barefoot running has been associated with lowered joint loading, but it remains unclear whether the biomechanical benefits are evident after mid-distance running. A musculoskeletal model was adopted for estimating lower limb joint loading for barefoot (n = 10) versus shod (n = 10) 5 km running. The barefoot group reduced peak joint reaction force at the hip and knee, and presented muscle force reductions compared to shod controls with significant group effects and interaction effects (p <.05). These changes were primarily group effects as time point effects were not significant. These findings should be considered when designing barefoot running shoes, running programmes, and injury prevention programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In diabetic retinopathy (DR), neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) and kallikrein-kinin system are considered as contributing factors. However, the detail activation mechanisms has not been fully understood. Since the NET could provide negative-charged surface for factor XII activation and the activated factor XII (XIIa) can initiate kallikrein-kinin system, this study investigated whether patients with DR show activation of NET, factor XII and kallikrein-kinin system. Methods The markers related to NET (DNA-histone complex) and kallikrein-kinin system (high-molecular-weight kininogen, prekallikrein, bradykinin) and factor XIIa were measured in 253 patients with diabetes. To access ex vivo effect of glucose, DNA-histone complex and factor XIIa were measured in whole blood stimulated by glucose. Results The circulating level of DNA-histone complex and factor XIIa were significantly higher in patients with DR than those without DR. In logistic regression analysis, DNA-histone complex, factor XIIa, and high-molecular-weight kininogen were the risk factors of DR. In recursive partitioning analysis, among patients with diabetes duration less than 10 years, patients with high level of DNA-histone complex (>426 AU) showed high risk of DR. In ex vivo experiment, glucose significantly elevated both DNA-histone complex and factor XIIa. Conclusion Our findings suggest that activation of factor XII and kallikrein-kinin system combined with NET formation actively occur in patients with DR and circulating levels of DNA-histone complex, factor XIIa and HMWK can be potential biomarkers to estimate the risk of DR. Strategies against factor XII activation may be beneficial to inhibit DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although uterine leiomyoma causes many problems, including infertility, there are few studies that have investigated the epidemiologic characteristics of uterine leiomyoma in South Korea. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence and incidence of uterine leiomyoma in South Korea and analyze the treatment trends. Materials and Methods: Women of reproductive age (15–54 years) were selected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) sample cohort dataset, which was collected from 2002 to 2013. Patients with uterine leiomyoma were identified by ICD-10 (International Codes of Disease, 10th Edition) and intervention codes. Prevalence and incidence were calculated from the NHIS cohort dataset and the treatment trends were analyzed for diagnosed patients. Results: The prevalence in overall age groups increased from 0.96% in 2002 to 2.43% in 2013, and the 1-year incidences of all age groups increased. The 26–30 age group showed the highest rate of 1-year incidence increase (2.14-folds, 0.33% in 2003 to 0.70% in 2013). The proportion of myomectomy increased from 22% in 2002 to 49% in 2013, whereas the proportion of hysterectomy decreased from 78% to 45%. Conclusions: The prevalence and incidence of uterine leiomyoma are increasing in South Korea as time progresses, and the rate of incidence increase is higher in younger reproductive women. Overall trends in uterine leiomyoma treatment are shifting to the methods of the saving uterus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is a destructive pest of Solanaceous crops. This study investigated the effects of X-ray irradiation on development, DNA damage and recovery in P. operculella. Eggs, larvae (*3rd and 5th), pupae, and adults were irradiated with various doses of X-ray irradiation. Egg hatching was inhibited at 70 Gy, and the pupation and adult emergence of 3rd-instar larvae were inhibited at 150 Gy and 70 Gy, respectively. Some 5th-instar larvae pupated at 150 Gy but failed to emerge as adults at 150 Gy. The adult emergence of pupae that spawned at 150 Gy, but egg hatching of F1 generation was completely inhibited. In addition, the adult emergence of irradiated-pupae was completely inhibited at 200 Gy. Adults spawned at 150 Gy, but the hatching of the F1 generation was completely suppressed. The levels of DNA damage and repair in P. operculella adults were investigated using the alkaline comet assay. The results indicated that X-ray irradiation increased DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner and showed that DNA damage was repaired in a time-dependent manner. However, damage from a high radiation doses was not completely repaired. This result suggests that at least 150 Gy radiation should be used for the control P. operculella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A proteomic method combining two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF) was used to compare the protein expression profiles of phosphine-resistant (PH3-R) and -susceptible (PH3-S) strains of Sitophilus oryzae. Thirty-nine differentially expressed protein spots were identified between the PH3-R and PH3-S strains; 20 protein spots were upregulated, and 19 protein spots were downregulated in the PH3-R strain compared with their expression in the PH3-S strain. In particular, cytochrome oxidase subunit I showed 15-fold higher expression in the PH3-R strain than in the PH3-S strain. Additionally, citrate synthase 2, delta-1-pyrolline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase, and triose-phosphate isomerase were highly expressed in the PH3-R strain. In summary, our study has improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms of phosphine resistance in the rice weevil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light‐field imaging has attracted much attention in constructing 3D objects with a simple configuration and capturing all the spatial and directional data in a single photographic exposure. Here, an ultrathin light‐field camera (ULFC) for high contrast and high‐resolution light‐field imaging using a metal–insulator–metal optical absorber based inverted microlens arrays (MIM‐iMLA) is reported. A metal–insulator–metal based optical absorber (MIM‐OA) between microlenses exhibits high light absorption in the full visible region, thereby highly blocking microlens crosstalk. The MIM‐iMLA double the image contrast and improve MTF50 by up to 32%, compared to conventional light‐field image. In addition, the MIM‐iMLA substantially reduces an image plane distance and brings the objective lens position closer to the MLA. The ULFC exhibits a short total track length of 5.1 mm, demonstrating high contrast light‐field image acquisition and high accuracy 3D depth map estimation after light‐field rendering. This ultrathin and high contrast light‐field camera can provide a new platform for miniaturized 3D cameras in biomedical applications, biometrics, automated inspection, or mobile camera applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the adsorption structures of cytosine on Si(100). Multiple adsorption configurations that could result from Lewis acid–base reactions or cycloadditions were optimized, and the structural and energetic parameters of the obtained adsorption structures were compared. Row‐bridged bidentate configurations with SiOCNCNSi linkages to two silicon atoms in adjacent dimer rows were found to be more stable than other configurations. The SiN bond was formed by NH dissociative adsorption, while the SiO bond was dative. In the monodentate structures, the CH or NH dissociative adsorption structures were more energetically favorable than the datively bonded ones. Cycloaddition through the π‐electrons of the CN or CC bonds of the cytosine ring resulted in relatively unstable adsorption products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) are promising substitutes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the earth-abundancy of potassium. However, practical KIB applications are hindered by slow diffusion kinetics and severe structural deterioration as the large cation is cycled in and out of the electrode. Here, a high-capacity electrode, oxygen-deficient loose-layered potassium titanate (LL-KTO), is synthesized to electrochemically store potassium via a "stacked ↔ sliced structural transformation" with net-zero structural deterioration. Owing to the positive structural energy compensation from oxygen vacancies, LL-KTO delaminates and restacks with K+ ions reversibly upon charging and discharging, in contrast to rigid oxide electrodes. As a result, it achieves a capacity of 201 mA h g−1 over 1800 cycles at 100 mA g−1, on par with values for titanium-oxide based LIBs. Peukert's constant, fractal dimension and host-to-guest ion ratio are further demonstrated as matrices to evaluate the performances of electrodes and show that LL-KTO with stacked ↔ sliced structural transformation pushes the kinetic boundary and approaches the thermodynamic limit of ion batteries. This work addresses the disadvantages of large ion storage by designing a new ion-storing mechanism and provides an important guide to design future energy storage systems and a method to compare electrode materials across different systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]