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This study is the first report of parasite and fungal disease separated from domestically reared Atlantic salmon in Korea; the characteristics of the pathogens were identified, and histopathological analysis was conducted. Fungal and parasitic diseases were detected in Atlantic salmon and were isolated as Saprolegnia parasitica and Neoparamoeba perurans based on morphological and genetic analysis. External symptoms observed in Atlantic salmon infected with S. parasitica include fin ulcers and hemorrhage, abdominal hemorrhage, and necrosis of the gills and gill covers. The histopathological analysis results showed necrosis, hemorrhaging, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the abdominal muscles, while only inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the gill covers. The clinical symptoms observed in Atlantic salmon infected with N. perurans included excessive mucus secretion in the gills, a dense amoebic presence on the gill filaments, respiratory distress, and opening of the mouth and gill covers after death. Through histopathological analysis, we observed lesions in epithelial cells, characterized by the proliferation of epithelial cells and the fusion of secondary lamellae. Numerous lamellae were observed to be attached or fused with each other. To ensure the successful establishment of the Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry in Korea, it is essential to swiftly quarantine infected fish based on the morphological characteristics of S. parasitica and N. perurans revealed in this study, along with the external symptoms of Atlantic salmon infected with these pathogens. Developing disease control strategies based on the findings of this research is imperative.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory disease, results from dysregulation of the immune responses. The IBD prevalence rate was 321.2 per 100,000 people in 2021 and, compared with that in 2006 (200 per 100,000 people), had increased at a rate of +46%. Therefore, the development of a safe and new treatment for IBD is urgently needed. Weissella koreensis, a strain of lactic acid bacteria (LABs), was isolated from kimchi and shown to inhibit a pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Its anti-inflammatory effect was further assessed using a mouse model of colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The administration of TNBS significantly increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) expression, macroscopic score, and colonic shortening. Oral administration of W. koreensis KJ suppressed the TNBS-induced response and significantly inhibited the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in the intestinal tissues. In particular, W. koreensis KJ reversed the TNBS-induced decrease in the expression of these tight junction proteins. Therefore, since W. koreensis KJ isolated from kimchi, which increases gut tight junction proteins, attenuating colitis by suppressing inflammatory cytokines, it can be used as a therapeutic candidate for treating colitis such as IBD.

Dual immunoglobulin domain-containing cell adhesion molecule (DICAM) is a type I transmembrane protein that presents in various cells including renal tubular cells. This study evaluated the expression and protective role of DICAM in renal tubular cell injury. HK-2 cells were incubated and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 30 μg/mL) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 100 μM) for 24 h. To investigate the effect of the gene silencing of DICAM, small interfering RNA of DICAM was used. Additionally, to explain its role in cellular response to injury, DICAM was overexpressed using an adenoviral vector. DICAM protein expression levels significantly increased following treatment with LPS or H2O2 in HK-2 cells. In response to oxidative stress, DICAM showed an earlier increase (2–4 h following treatment) than neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) (24 h following treatment). DICAM gene silencing increased the protein expression of inflammation-related markers, including IL-1β, TNF-α, NOX4, integrin β1, and integrin β3, in H2O2-induced HK-2 cell injury. Likewise, in the LPS-induced HK-2 cell injury, DICAM knockdown led to a decrease in occludin levels and an increase in integrin β3, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. Furthermore, DICAM overexpression followed by LPS-induced HK-2 cell injury resulted in an increase in occludin levels and a decrease in integrin β1, integrin β3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, suggesting an alleviating effect on inflammatory responses. DICAM was elevated in the early stage of regular tubular cell injury and may protect against renal tubular injury through its anti-inflammatory properties. DICAM has a potential as an early diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for renal cell injury.

Fermented foods containing probiotic Leuconostoc mesenteroides 201607 (LM) were used to extract exopolysaccharides. An incomplete understanding exists regarding the immunomodulatory characteristics of exopolysaccharides (EPSs), which are important constituents of bacterial biofilms. In this instance, we examined the immunomodulatory capacity of EPSs from fermented food extracted from L. mesenteroides 201607. Partially purified exopolysaccharide from L. mesenteroides 201607 (PP-LMEPS) consists of glucose (57.1%), rhamnose (29.53%), and galactose (13.36%). The maximum EPS yield was attained after 30 h of incubation at 37 °C and an initial pH of 7.0. When lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 was exposed to PP-LMEPS, the inflammatory cytokines were considerably decreased or elevated dose-dependently. Upon the exposure of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells to PP-LMEPS, a dose-dependent modulation of inflammatory cytokines was observed. This suggests that the extracted EPS possesses immunomodulatory characteristics, as evidenced by a significant decrease or increase in inflammatory cytokine levels. However, further research is warranted to fully elucidate the precise mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications of the immunomodulatory properties of PP-LMEPS.

In the past decades, as the world has placed emphasis on green energy, solar energy has become a favorable option. Different piled foundations have been designed to strengthen the structure supporting the solar panels. These piled foundations include rectangular and circular hollow section piles, as well as H-shaped piles. With various environmental loadings, lateral soil displacement will be encountered when large solar panels are installed on the supporting structure at an inclined angle. Presently, helical pipe piles are widely used in solar farms as part of the supporting structure. In this paper, the pile–soil interaction of steel pipe piles and helical pipe piles with wind loads is analyzed using ABAQUS. The Finite Element Method (FEM) models are assessed with varying strength moduli and cohesions of clay. Further, this paper examines the pile soil system, considering different clay stiffnesses, including very soft, soft, firm, stiff, very stiff, and hard. It is found that the helical piles’ horizontal capacity increases with soil strength and Young’s modulus, but the capacity increment rate reacts differently. This study has a guiding effect on the construction of solar farms using the “tracker” solar system.

Smoking cigarettes is known to lower the risk of preeclampsia. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of smoking on the expression of soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and endoglin (sEng)-1 and the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in pregnant mice. We developed a smoking mouse model using a gas-filling system. One or two cigarettes per day were exposed to each of the five pregnant mice for five days a week throughout pregnancy. AhR agonist and antagonist were injected. Serum levels and expression in the placenta of sFlt-1, VEGF, and sEng-1 were analyzed and compared among the cigarette smoke and no-exposure groups after delivery. Compared to the no-smoke exposure group, the serum level of sFlt-1 was significantly decreased in the two-cigarette-exposed group (p < 0.001). When the AhR antagonist was added to the two-cigarette-exposed group, sFlt-1 levels were significantly increased compared to the two-cigarette group (p = 0.002). The levels of sFlt-1 in the AhR antagonist group did not change regardless of two-cigarette exposure (p = 0.064). With the AhR agonist, sFlt-1 decreased significantly compared to the control (p = 0.001) and AhR antagonist group (p = 0.002). The sFlt-1 level was significantly decreased after the injection of the AhR agonist compared to the control group (p = 0.001). Serum levels of VEGF were significantly decreased in the one-cigarette-exposed group compared to the control group; however, there was no difference between the control and the two-cigarette-exposed groups. The placental expression of sFlt-1, VEGF, and sEng were inconsistent. This study offers insights into the potential role of AhR on antiangiogenic sFlt-1 associated with preeclampsia. It may support the invention of a new treatment strategy for preeclampsia using AhR activation.

Arecae pericarpium (AP), the fruit peel of the betel palm, is a traditional Oriental herbal medicine. AP is used to treat various diseases and conditions, such as ascites, edema, and urinary retention, in traditional Korean medicine. Recent studies have demonstrated its anti-obesity and antibacterial effects; however, its anti-neuroinflammatory effects have not yet been reported. Therefore, we investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of AP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse microglia in this study. To determine the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of AP on BV2 microglial cells, we examined the production of nitric oxide (NO) using Griess assay and assessed the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory mediators, such as inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, using a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, we determined the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases and IκBα via Western blotting to understand the regulating mechanisms of AP. AP treatment decreased NO production in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Additionally, AP suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2 and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. AP also inhibited the activation of p38 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Therefore, AP exerts anti-neuroinflammatory effects via inactivation of the p38 and NF-κB pathways.

Decreased medial cheek fat volume during aging leads to loss of a youthful facial shape. Increasing facial volume by methods such as adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) injection can produce facial rejuvenation. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can increase adipogenesis in subcutaneous fat by modulating cilia on ASCs, which is accompanied by increased HSP70 and decreased NF-κB expression. Thus, we evaluated the effect of HIFU on increasing facial adipogenesis in swine (n = 2) via modulation of ASC cilia. Expression of CD166, an ASC marker, differed by subcutaneous adipose tissue location. CD166 expression in the zygomatic arch (ZA) was significantly higher than that in the subcutaneous adipose tissue in the mandible or lateral temporal areas. HIFU was applied only on the right side of the face, which was compared with the left side, where HIFU was not applied, as a control. HIFU produced a significant increase in HSP70 expression, decreased expression of NF-κB and a cilia disassembly factor (AURKA), and increased expression of a cilia increasing factor (ARL13B) and PPARG and CEBPA, which are the main regulators of adipogenesis. All of these changes were most prominent at the ZA. Facial adipose tissue thickness was also increased by HIFU. Adipose tissue volume, evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging, was increased by HIFU, most prominently in the ZA. In conclusion, HIFU increased ASC marker expression, accompanied by increased HSP70 and decreased NF-κB expression. Additionally, changes in cilia disassembly and length and expression of adipogenesis were observed. These results suggest that HIFU could be used to increase facial volume by modulating adipogenesis.

Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) have emerged as a promising tool for studying cardiac physiology and drug responses. However, their use is largely limited by an immature phenotype and lack of high-throughput analytical methodology. In this study, we developed a high-throughput testing platform utilizing hPSC-CMs to assess the cardiotoxicity and effectiveness of drugs. Following an optimized differentiation and maturation protocol, hPSC-CMs exhibited mature CM morphology, phenotype, and functionality, making them suitable for drug testing applications. We monitored intracellular calcium dynamics using calcium imaging techniques to measure spontaneous calcium oscillations in hPSC-CMs in the presence or absence of test compounds. For the cardiotoxicity test, hPSC-CMs were treated with various compounds, and calcium flux was measured to evaluate their effects on calcium dynamics. We found that cardiotoxic drugs withdrawn due to adverse drug reactions, including encainide, mibefradil, and cetirizine, exhibited toxicity in hPSC-CMs but not in HEK293-hERG cells. Additionally, in the effectiveness test, hPSC-CMs were exposed to ATX-II, a sodium current inducer for mimicking long QT syndrome type 3, followed by exposure to test compounds. The observed changes in calcium dynamics following drug exposure demonstrated the utility of hPSC-CMs as a versatile model system for assessing both cardiotoxicity and drug efficacy. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of hPSC-CMs in advancing drug discovery and development, which offer a physiologically relevant platform for the preclinical screening of novel therapeutics.

Microglia-induced inflammatory signaling and neuronal oxidative stress are mutually reinforcing processes central to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that extracts of dried Pheretima aspergillum (Lumbricus) can inhibit tissue fibrosis, mitochondrial damage, and asthma. However, the effects of Lumbricus extracts on neuroinflammation and neuronal damage have not been previously studied. Therefore, to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Lumbricus extract for neurodegenerative diseases, the current study assessed the extract’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in BV2 microglial cultures stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) along with its neuroprotective efficacy in mouse hippocampal HT22 cell cultures treated with excess glutamate. Lumbricus extract dose-dependently inhibited the LPS-induced production of multiple proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β) and reversed the upregulation of proinflammatory enzymes (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2). Lumbricus also activated the antioxidative nuclear factor erythroid 2-relayed factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathway and inhibited LPS-induced activation of the nuclear factor-κB/mitogen-activated protein kinases/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammatory pathway. In addition, Lumbricus extract suppressed the glutamate-induced necrotic and apoptotic death of HT22 cells, effects associated with upregulated expression of antiapoptotic proteins, downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins, and reduced accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Chromatography revealed that the Lumbricus extract contained uracil, hypoxanthine, uridine, xanthine, adenosine, inosine, and guanosine. Its effects against microglial activation and excitotoxic neuronal death reported herein support the therapeutic potential of Lumbricus for neurodegenerative diseases.

The fabrication of Ti-Mg composite biomaterials was investigated using spark plasma sintering (SPS) with varying Mg contents and sintering pressures. The effects of powder mixing, Mg addition, and sintering pressure on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composite materials were systematically analyzed. Uniform dispersion of Mg within the Ti matrix was achieved, confirming the efficacy of ethanol-assisted ball milling for consistent mixing. The Young’s modulus of the composite materials exhibited a linear decrease with increasing Mg content, with Ti-30vol%Mg and Ti-50vol%Mg demonstrating reduced modulus values compared to pure Ti. Based on density measurements, compression tests, and Young’s modulus results, it was determined that the sinterability of Ti-30vol%Mg saturates at a sintering pressure of approximately 50 MPa. Moreover, our immersion tests in physiological saline underscore the profound significance of our findings. Ti-30vol%Mg maintained compressive strength above that of cortical bone for 6-to-10 days, with mechanical integrity improving under higher sintering pressures. These findings mark a significant leap towards the development of Ti-Mg composite biomaterials with tailored mechanical properties, thereby enhancing biocompatibility and osseointegration for a wide range of biomedical applications.

In the original publication [...]

This work investigates the stability conditions for linear systems with time-varying delays via an augmented Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF). Two types of augmented LKFs with cross terms in integrals are suggested to improve the stability conditions for interval time-varying linear systems. In this work, the compositions of the LKFs are considered to enhance the feasible region of the stability criterion for linear systems. Mathematical tools such as Wirtinger-based integral inequality (WBII), zero equalities, reciprocally convex approach, and Finsler’s lemma are utilized to solve the problem of stability criteria. Two sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the asymptotic stability of the systems using linear matrix inequality (LMI). First, asymptotic stability criteria are induced by constructing the new augmented LKFs in Theorem 1. Then, simplified LKFs in Corollary 1 are proposed to show the effectiveness of Theorem 1. Second, asymmetric LKFs are shown to reduce the conservatism and the number of decision variables in Theorem 2. Finally, the advantages of the proposed criteria are verified by comparing maximum delay bounds in four examples. Four numerical examples show that the proposed Theorems 1 and 2 obtain less conservative results than existing outcomes. Particularly, Example 2 shows that the asymmetric LKF methods of Theorem 2 can provide larger delay bounds and fewer decision variables than Theorem 1 in some specific systems.

Background and Objectives: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains a significant burden. Traditional herbal medicines have shown cardioprotective effects in treating HFrEF. However, the implications of herbal formulation considering the dynamic immunohistological changes in the myocardium following acute ischemic injury have been insufficiently discussed. This review investigated the efficacy and mechanisms reported in studies using rat or mouse models of HFrEF induced by left descending coronary artery ligation. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases. Information was extracted regarding study characteristics, disease model induction protocols, intervention characteristics, treatment protocols, outcomes, and suggested mechanisms. Hierarchical cluster analysis of test drugs was performed based on constituent herb similarities. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation RoB tool. Results: Overall, 26 studies met the eligibility criteria. HF model induction periods after LADCA ligation ranged from 1 day to 12 weeks. Most studies administered the test drug for four weeks. Commonly used herbs included Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Carthamus tinctorius, and Lepidium apetalum, which demonstrated anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects through various signaling pathways. The overall RoB was relatively high. No significant association was found between model induction periods and herbal formulations or examined mechanisms. Conclusions: Future research should consider the time-dependent immunohistological features of the myocardium during HF treatment.

Bladder cancer prognosis remains a pressing clinical challenge, necessitating the identification of novel biomarkers for precise survival prediction and improved quality of life outcomes. This study proposes a comprehensive strategy to uncover key prognostic biomarkers in bladder cancer using DNA methylation analysis and extreme survival pattern observations in matched pairs of cancer and adjacent normal cells. Unlike traditional approaches that overlook cancer heterogeneity by analyzing entire samples, our methodology leverages patient-matched samples to account for this variability. Specifically, DNA methylation profiles from adjacent normal bladder tissue and bladder cancer tissue collected from the same individuals were analyzed to pinpoint critical methylation changes specific to cancer cells while mitigating confounding effects from individual genetic differences. Utilizing differential threshold settings for methylation levels within cancer-associated pathways enabled the identification of biomarkers that significantly impact patient survival. Our analysis identified distinct survival patterns associated with specific CpG sites, underscoring these sites’ pivotal roles in bladder cancer outcomes. By hypothesizing and testing the influence of methylation levels on survival, we pinpointed CpG biomarkers that profoundly affect the prognosis. Notably, CpG markers, such as cg16269144 (PRKCZ), cg16624272 (PTK2), cg11304234, and cg26534425 (IL18), exhibited critical methylation thresholds that correlate with patient mortality. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches to enhancing prognostic accuracy and refining therapeutic strategies for bladder cancer patients. The identified biomarkers pave the way for personalized prognostication and targeted interventions, promising advancements in bladder cancer management and patient care.

For the purpose of predicting the state of health of already used lithium-ion batteries from 85 kWh electric vehicles, a simplified equivalent circuit model is utilized to estimate the electrochemical time constant from constant current discharge profiles. The grading process among as-obtained LIB cells is classified into three level types according to the remaining capacity and direct current resistance. Theoretically, the logarithmic equation describing cycling behavior is derived and utilized in the prediction of the state of health of the used cells. After the selection of the electrochemical time constant obtained from the best-fitting results in constant current discharge data, the suitable cycle number until the 20th cycle was selected for the prediction of the state of health after the 250th cycling data, which revealed that a narrow error range below 5% was for high and medium battery grades. Also, this error range became abruptly wider in lowest grade batteries, indicating that our proposed model for cycling behavior was highly useful in the prediction of the future state of health of the used batteries.

The use of naturally sourced organic materials with chirality, such as the M13 bacteriophage, holds intriguing implications, especially in the field of nanotechnology. The chirality properties of bacteriophages have been demonstrated through numerous studies, particularly in the analysis of liquid crystal phase transitions, developing specific applications. However, exploring the utilization of the M13 bacteriophage as a template for creating chiral nanostructures for optics and sensor applications comes with significant challenges. In this study, the chirality of the M13 bacteriophage was leveraged as a valuable tool for generating helical hybrid structures by combining it with nanoparticles through an evaporation-induced three-dimensional (3D) printing process. Utilizing on the self-assembly property of the M13 bacteriophage, metal nanoparticles were organized into a helical chain under the influence of the M13 bacteriophage at the meniscus interface. External parameters, including nanoparticle shape, the ratio between the bacteriophage and nanoparticles, and pulling speed, were demonstrated as crucial factors affecting the fabrication of helical nanostructures. This study aimed to explore the potential of chiral nanostructure fabrication by utilizing the chirality of the M13 bacteriophage and manipulating external parameters to control the properties of the resulting hybrid structures.

Ungernia sewertzowii (US) and U. victoris (UV) are medicinal plants and sources of biologically active compounds for pharmaceutical needs. The leaves of US contain 0.29–0.81% sum of alkaloids with a predominance of lycorine, which is 0.04–0.46% in leaves and 0.15–0.38% in bulbs. Lycorine is used to treat acute and chronic bronchitis. The leaves of UV contain 0.27–0.71% sum of alkaloids with a predominance of galanthamine—0.13–1.15%. Galanthamine is used to treat mild-to-moderate dementia (Alzheimer’s disease). The natural populations of US and UV are in danger as sources of income for local people. To resolve this problem, two protocols for microclonal propagation were developed to replace natural raw materials with in vitro regenerated plants. Callusogenesis of US and UV was induced on Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient media with 2.4D (0.5 mg/L) in combination with BAP (0.5 mg/L), Kin (0.5 mg/L), or Zea (0.5 mg/L). Direct (for US) and indirect (for US and UN) organogenesis were observed on MS with BAP (0.5 mg/L) or Kin (0.5 mg/L) in combination with IAA (0.5 mg/L) or NAA (0.5 mg/L). Direct organogenesis resulted in 3–5 bulbs of US on one explant; indirect organogenesis resulted in up to 100–150 bulbs of US and UV on one explant within 6 months, or five to six subcultures after transferring the callus to the nutrient medium. The tissue cultures of US and UV were characterized by very low data on antioxidant activity based on IC50 values for DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, whereas in vitro regenerated plants (leaves and bulbs) had higher data. We concluded that in vitro regenerated plants are valuable sources of lycorine and galanthamine, which allow the protection of the natural populations of these two species from extinction.

Globally, the public health domain is increasingly emphasizing the need for surfaces that can resist bacterial contamination, as the consumption of bacteria-infected substance may cause illnesses. Thus, this study aimed to modify polyurethane (PU) synthetic leather surfaces by coating their upper layer with fluorine-functionalized nano-silica particles (FNPs). This simple modification imparted omniphobic characteristics, realizing anti-biofouling and self-cleaning properties. The effectiveness in preventing bacterial adhesion was confirmed by the dip-inoculation method using Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bacterial adhesion was evaluated based on bacterial counts using the pour plate method and by directly enumerating from scanning electron microscopy images. The attachment of bacteria to the modified omniphobic FNPs-coated PU leather surface decreased by over 98.2% compared to that on the bare surface. We expect that the method developed in this study will significantly reduce or even eliminate the potential risks associated with various biological cross-contamination scenarios, thereby enhancing hygiene standards.

Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) is a computational imaging technology that can acquire high-resolution large-area images for applications ranging from biology to microelectronics. In this study, we utilize multifocal plane imaging to enhance the existing FPM technology. Using an RGB light emitting diode (LED) array to illuminate the sample, raw images are captured using a color camera. Then, exploiting the basic optical principle of wavelength-dependent focal length variation, three focal plane images are extracted from the raw image through simple R, G, and B channel separation. Herein, a single aspherical lens with a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.15 was used as the objective lens, and the illumination NA used for FPM image reconstruction was 0.08. Therefore, simultaneous multifocal plane FPM with a synthetic NA of 0.23 was achieved. The multifocal imaging performance of the enhanced FPM system was then evaluated by inspecting a transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) sample. The FPM system was able to simultaneously inspect the individual OLED pixels as well as the surface of the encapsulating glass substrate by separating R, G, and B channel images from the raw image, which was taken in one shot.

Given the significant role of culture and place in dementia caregiving, we conducted a qualitative study with Korean American family caregivers of persons with dementia. Guided by the sociocultural model of dementia caregivers’ service use, we explored the categories of care decisions, caregiving situations, and formal service use within the context of culture and place. Data from in-depth interviews with 16 Korean American dementia caregivers living in the greater Los Angeles area were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Across the three conceptual categories, we derived eight themes: (1) personal motivation; (2) family context; (3) attitude toward formal care; (4) strains; (5) rewards; (6) language and geographic region; (7) knowledge and awareness; and (8) social support and cultural stigma. Our findings demonstrate not only varied experiences in care decisions, caregiving situations, and formal service use but also their interconnectedness. Supporting the influential role of culture and place in dementia caregiving, the findings include positive and negative elements within each domain and provide implications for programs and services to respond to identified needs and barriers.

This retrospective study reports the isolation and characterization of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from a household cat in South Korea. The cat, which was presented with respiratory symptoms, was identified during a retrospective analysis of samples collected between April 2021 and March 2022. Genomic sequencing revealed that the isolated virus belonged to the Omicron variant (BA.1), coinciding with its global emergence in early 2022. This case study provides evidence for the potential of direct human-to-cat transmission of the Omicron variant in South Korea during its period of widespread circulation. Our findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in both human and animal populations to track viral evolution and potential spillover events.

Mitochondria are key orchestrators of antiviral responses that serve as platforms for the assembly and activation of innate immune-signaling complexes. In response to viral infection, mitochondria can be triggered to release immune-stimulatory molecules that can boost interferon production. These same molecules can be released by damaged mitochondria to induce pathogenic, antiviral-like immune responses in the absence of infection. This review explores how members of the tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) protein family, which are recognized for their roles in antiviral defense, regulate mitochondria-based innate immune activation. In antiviral defense, TRIMs are essential components of immune signal transduction pathways and function as directly acting viral restriction factors. TRIMs carry out conceptually similar activities when controlling immune activation related to mitochondria. First, they modulate immune-signaling pathways that can be activated by mitochondrial molecules. Second, they co-ordinate the direct removal of mitochondria and associated immune-activating factors through mitophagy. These insights broaden the scope of TRIM actions in innate immunity and may implicate TRIMs in diseases associated with mitochondria-derived inflammation.

Consuming poisoned shellfish can lead to severe health problems and even death. Alexandrium catenella (Group I) and A. pacificum (Group IV) cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in Korea, and PSP is detected more in a wider area. However, the association between toxic dinoflagellates and shellfish poisoning is unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the toxicity, detoxification, and compositional differences in PSP in Mytilus edulis exposed to PSP caused by A. catenella and A. pacificum. High-performance liquid chromatography with post-column oxidation was used to analyze PSP toxicity in poisoned M. edulis. PSP in M. edulis increased as the A. catenella and A. pacificum cell density increased. However, the cell density of A. catenella peaked faster than that of A. pacificum, and a high level of toxicity was detected. In the detoxification experiment, PSP in M. edulis decreased rapidly within 24 h in filtered seawater. However, PSP was continuously detected without decreasing below the detection limit until the last day of the experiment. In addition, the carbamate composition (GTX1+4) was detected as the main toxic composition in poisoned M. edulis, unlike in vegetative cells. GTX1+4 can poison shellfish quickly when toxic dinoflagellates appear in the marine environment. However, poisoned shellfish take a long time to be completely detoxified. Moreover, if shellfish continuously feed on poisonous dinoflagellates, their toxicity can increase rapidly due to biotransformation. Our results can help identify the mechanisms of shellfish toxicity and detoxification after PSP caused by toxic dinoflagellates.

The Oh-Park methodology was proposed to overcome the limitations of Steinberg’s theory for evaluating the structural safety of space-borne electronics and has been experimentally verified at the printed circuit board (PCB) specimen level for various types of electronic packages, such as ball grid arrays (BGAs), column grid arrays (CGAs), and small-outline packages (SOPs). However, it is necessary to validate the design methodology because the PCB mounted on the housing is affected by the elastic mode of the mechanical housing. In addition, although the validity of the existing theory based on critical strain has been verified for horizontally mounted structures, there are cases where PCBs are mounted vertically. Therefore, it is essential to consider the dynamic influence of the boundary conditions of mounted electronics. In this study, electronics specimens with corresponding boundary conditions were fabricated, and a fatigue-life test was performed. In addition, a structural analysis using Steinberg’s theory and the Oh-Park methodology was performed, and the results were compared with those of the fatigue-life test. The results showed that the analysis using the Oh-Park methodology accurately represented the test results, and the validity of the Oh-Park methodology for vertical electronics was verified experimentally.

α-mangostin (α-MG) demonstrates antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus species. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the antibacterial activity of α-MG-rich mangosteen pericarp extract (MPE)-loaded liposomes against Staphylococcus isolates from companion animal skin diseases in vitro and evaluated their therapeutic potential in a murine model of superficial skin infection caused by S. pseudintermedius. α-MG-rich extract was purified from mangosteen pericarp and then complexed with γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD), forming the inclusion complexes. Nanoliposomes containing MPE and γ-CD complexes were prepared by adding lecithin and casein. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of MPE-loaded liposomes were determined using agar dilution and broth microdilution methods. The therapeutic potential of MPE-loaded liposomes was evaluated in vivo on tape-stripped skin lesions infected with S. pseudintermedius. Purified MPE and MPE-loaded liposomes contained 402.43 mg/g and 18.18 mg/g α-MG, respectively. MPE-loaded liposomes showed antibacterial activity against clinical Staphylococcus isolates in vitro but did not show antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacterial isolates. MPE-loaded liposomes demonstrated consistent MICs and MBCs against Staphylococcus isolates. These liposomes significantly reduced bacterial numbers and lesional sizes in a superficial skin infection model. Moreover, they reconstructed the epidermal barrier in skin lesions. The therapeutic concentrations of MPE-loaded liposomes did not induce cytotoxicity in canine progenitor epidermal keratinocyte cells. In conclusion, MPE-loaded liposomes hold promise for the development of a prospective topical formulation to treat superficial pyoderma in companion animals.

Greenhouse gas emissions from ships are estimated to be approximately 1002 million tons per year; this is the largest carbon dioxide (CO2) emission source among nonroad transportation. Previous studies have generally estimated CO2 emissions using fuel- or power-based emission factors based on fuel consumption or engine power. In this study, CO2 emissions from vessels were measured using a portable emission measurement system. Emission characteristics were analyzed according to the vessel’s operation conditions and compared with the results of other studies. Generally, the higher the rpm value, the more CO2 is emitted, and the emissions at the maximum rpm differ depending on the type and size of the engine. In order to minimize the emissions by ships, those from high seas should be reduced rather than nearby ports. In addition, a method of establishing optimal operating conditions in consideration of economic and environmental perspectives was proposed. Fuel-based emission factors elicited in this study were constant regardless of engine rpm. The fuel-based emission factors of each engine were found to be similar at 3144.22 and 3150.58 kg-CO2/tonne-fuel. Therefore, distinguishing CO2 emission factors according to engine type is not necessary, and additional research is required to understand the emission factors of each fuel type.

This study investigates the properties of various adhesives and assesses the effects of the coating and drying conditions of aluminum surface treatment agents on adhesion strength and chemical resistance. The adhesion between aluminum and the polymer film is improved through the application of a surface treatment agent to the aluminum surface. This study examines the initial adhesive strength of a manufactured pouch film with respect to the drying temperature and time and evaluates its adhesive strength in the presence of moisture. The results indicate that the residual moisture on the aluminum surface weakens the adhesive strength and significantly affects electrolyte resistance. A noticeable reduction in strength was observed after water spraying, when the drying temperature and time were relatively low during the initial strength measurement. Among the adhesives used for aluminum and CPP lamination, olefin adhesives exhibit less susceptibility to electrolyte effects and have higher adhesive strengths compared to urethane and ester adhesives. Leveraging these characteristics, flexible pouch cells were manufactured and their stability was evaluated. The results confirm that the flexible cells demonstrate excellent stability, exhibiting potential for application in wearable devices.

Drs. John and Ford reported in biomedicines that a variant transcript encoding receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1), namely ENST00000545203 or variant 3 (ROR1V3), was a predominant ROR1 transcript of neoplastic or normal cells in the Bioinformatic database, including GTEx and the 33 datasets from TCGA. Unlike the full-length ROR1 transcript, Drs. John and Ford deduced that ROR1V3 encoded a cytoplasmic ROR1 protein lacking an apparent signal peptide necessary for transport to the cell surface, which they presumed made it unlikely to function as a surface receptor for Wingless/Integrated (Wnt) factors. Moreover, they speculated that studies evaluating ROR1 via immunohistochemistry using any one of several anti-ROR1 mAbs actually may have detected cytoplasmic protein encoded by ROR1V3 and that anti-cancer therapies targeting surface ROR1 thus would be ineffective against “cytoplasmic ROR1-positive” cancers that express predominately ROR1V3. We generated lentivirus vectors driving the expression of full-length ROR1 or the ROR1v3 upstream of an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) of the gene encoding a red fluorescent reporter protein. Although we find that cells that express ROR1 have surface and cytoplasmic ROR1 protein, cells that express ROR1v3 neither have surface nor cytoplasmic ROR1, which is consistent with our finding that ROR1v3 lacks an in-frame initiation codon for ribosomal translation into protein. We conclude that the detection of ROR1 protein in various cancers cannot be ascribed to the expression of ROR1v3.

To solve the difficulties in applying the compressive creep test method for normal concrete to UHPC and to verify the validity of the recently proposed ASTM C 1856 standard test method, this study performed compressive creep tests on UHPC with the variables of specimen size, sustained load intensity, fiber length, and strain measuring method. The experimental results show that the strain meter method using the standard rod had limitations due to the error in the verification process using the standard rod and the observation error of the measurer, and a sustained load intensity of 15% to 40% of the actual compressive strength is preferable. It was found that it is possible to perform a compressive creep test for UHPC using a specimen with a size of ϕ75 mm or more, and the fiber length did not affect the creep behavior of the UHPC up to 19.5 mm. As a result of comparing the UHPC creep test results with the creep prediction model, the B3 model was found to most accurately predict the UHPC creep behavior. The creep coefficient pattern of the B3 model was very similar to the measured results and well reflects the effects of the mixing ratio and compressive strength of UHPC.

The public sector should reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions from the building stock, thereby serving as a role model for the private sector. In Korea, public buildings are leading the green remodeling business initiative as part of a carbon-neutral strategy. Building envelope retrofitting is essential for the green remodeling of existing buildings because it significantly affects the buildings’ aesthetic appearance, occupant comfort, and energy usage. From the perspectives of constructability and cost, prefabricated envelope systems offer various advantages and can contribute to the growth of the green remodeling business. To develop an effective prefabricated envelope system, a thorough analysis of the existing building stock must be conducted. Therefore, this study aims to investigate existing public office buildings in Korea to obtain a better understanding of the considerations necessary for developing prefabricated envelope systems. The survey utilized the image search and road-view functions of map services, following an appropriate sample design. Based on the survey results, the characteristics of the building types and envelopes, as well as considerations for developing prefabricated envelope systems are discussed. Furthermore, this study quantitatively analyzed the energy conservation potential through building energy simulations.

This study comprehensively evaluates the field applicability of hydraulic modified sulfur (HMS) as a concrete additive. We assessed the microstructural characteristics, mechanical properties, and durability performance of HMS at various replacement ratios in a laboratory setting. In addition, a field study was conducted by removing an existing conventional concrete pavement measuring (6000 × 12,000 × 70 mm, W × L × T) and overlaying it with HMS concrete. The experimental results revealed that HMS enhanced the mechanical and durability performance when used as a cement replacement at rates below 9%. These results satisfied the quality control standards and performance criteria specified in the Korean standard specification for cement-concrete pavements. The comparative analysis revealed that HMS concrete outperformed conventional concrete mixtures by 62.6% in sulfuric acid penetration depth, 14.8% in compressive strength retention after sulfuric acid immersion, and 53.1% in chloride-ion penetration resistance. Furthermore, no anomalies were detected during the 3-month follow-up period.

The formation of heterojunctions for efficient charge separation has been practiced for the preparation of efficient semiconductor-based photocatalysts for applications such as hydrogen production and environmental remediation. In this study, we synthesized a composite structure with a heterojunction between SnS2 and TiO2 through a microwave-assisted hydrothermal process, in which SnS2 nanoparticles grew on nanocrystalline TiO2 nanosheets preferentially at the exposed {101} facets. Appropriate exposure of the {001} and {101} facets of the TiO2 nanosheet in the composite with a preferential growth of SnS2 nanoparticles at the {101} facets was the origin of the charge separation following a direct Z-scheme mechanism to result in enhanced photocatalytic performances in photodegradation of organic dyes such as methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) compared to that of SnS2 and TiO2 alone. A plot of photodegradation rates vs. SnS2 ratios in the composites gave an overall volcano-shaped curve with a maximum at the SnS2 ratio of about 33% at which small SnS2 nanoparticles were populated at the {101} facets of the TiO2 nanosheets with a high surface area (118.2 m2g−1). Our results suggest the microwave-assisted hydrothermal process can be a good synthetic approach for composite-based photocatalysts with a preferential heterojunction structure.

To facilitate the utility of field effect transistor (FET)-type sensors, achieving sensitivity enhancement beyond the Nernst limit is crucial. Thus, this study proposed a novel approach for the development of ferroelectric FETs (FeFETs) using lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ferroelectric films integrated with indium–tungsten oxide (IWO) channels synthesized via a cost-effective sol-gel process. The electrical properties of PZT-IWO FeFET devices were significantly enhanced through the strategic implementation of PZT film treatment by employing intentional annealing procedures. Consequently, key performance metrics, including the transfer curve on/off ratio and subthreshold swings, were improved. Moreover, unprecedented electrical stability was realized by eliminating the hysteresis effect during double sweeps. By leveraging a single-gate configuration as an FeFET transformation element, extended-gate (EG) detection methodologies for pH sensing were explored, thereby introducing a pioneering dimension to sensor architecture. A measurement paradigm inspired by plane gate work was adopted, and the proposed device exhibited significant resistive coupling, consequently surpassing the sensitivity thresholds of conventional ion-sensitive field-effect transistors. This achievement represents a substantial paradigm shift in the landscape of ion-sensing methodologies, surpassing the established Nernst limit (59.14 mV/pH). Furthermore, this study advances FeFET technology and paves the way for the realization of highly sensitive and reliable ion sensing modalities.

Background/Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) causes movement and posture challenges due to central nervous system damage, requiring lifelong management. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was limited access to facility-based treatments, which increased the demand for home-based therapies and digital resources. We analyzed the qualitative and quantitative aspects of YouTube videos focusing on CP therapy for children. Methods: A total of 95 videos were evaluated for content quality using the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) tool and Global Quality Scale (GQS). The therapeutic program efficacy was assessed via the International Consensus on Therapeutic Exercise and Training (i-CONTENT) tool, Consensus on Therapeutic Exercise Training (CONTENT) scale, and Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT), and popularity was measured by the video power index (VPI). Results: YouTube-based therapeutic videos for children with CP generally exhibit reliability in video content and effectiveness in therapeutic programming, and no correlations were found between video popularity and quality. However, the qualitative analysis reveals insufficient mention of uncertainty in the treatment principles within the video content as well as a lack of detailed treatment descriptions encompassing aspects such as intensity, frequency, timing, setting, outcome measurement during and post-treatment, and safety considerations within therapeutic programs. In particular, this tendency was consistent regardless of the uploader’s expertise level and the classification of the neuromotor therapy type in contrast to that of the exercise type. Conclusions: YouTube-based content for CP children still has significant limitations in how substantive viewers, such as caregivers, can acquire tailored information and apply practical information to their exercise and treatment programs.

Previous studies reported that digital psychotherapy was a clinically beneficial intervention for suicide ideation. However, the effects of digital psychotherapy on other aspects of suicide beyond ideation remain unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of digital psychotherapy on suicide and depression. Articles were identified by searching Cochrane, Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO in line with the PRISMA statement, yielding nine randomized controlled trials. The difference between conditions regarding suicide and depression in the effect size of the individual article was calculated using Hedges’ g. Most digital psychotherapy interventions were based on cognitive behavioral therapy and delivered via apps or the web for at least six weeks. Suicide outcomes primarily focused on suicide ideation. The findings showed digital psychotherapy achieved a significantly larger effect size for suicide (g = 0.488, p < 0.001) and depression (g = 0.316, p < 0.001), compared to controls. Specifically, digital psychotherapy showed a significant effect on both suicide ideation (g = 0.478, p < 0.001) and other suicidal variables (g = 0.330, p < 0.001). These results suggest the effectiveness of digital psychotherapy in reducing suicide and depression compared to traditional face-to-face therapy. Future research should consider a wider range of outcomes and examine the long-term effectiveness of digital psychotherapy to better understand its effects on suicide prevention.

Therapeutic electrical stimulation, such as transcranial cortical stimulation and peripheral somatosensory stimulation, is used to improve motor function in patients with stroke. We hypothesized that these stimulations exert neuroprotective effects during the subacute phase of ischemic stroke by regulating novel common signaling pathways. Male C57BL/6J mouse models of ischemic stroke were treated with high-definition (HD)-transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS; 20 Hz, 89.1 A/mm2), HD-transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; intensity, 55 A/mm2; charge density, 66,000 C/m2), or electroacupuncture (EA, 2 Hz, 1 mA) in the early stages of stroke. The therapeutic effects were assessed using behavioral motor function tests. The underlying mechanisms were determined using transcriptomic and other biomedical analyses. All therapeutic electrical tools alleviated the motor dysfunction caused by ischemic stroke insults. We focused on electrically stimulating common genes involved in apoptosis and cell death using transcriptome analysis and chose 11 of the most potent targets (Trem2, S100a9, Lgals3, Tlr4, Myd88, NF-kB, STAT1, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and Iba1). Subsequent investigations revealed that electrical stimulation modulated inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and TNF-α, by regulating STAT1 and NF-kB activation, especially in amoeboid microglia; moreover, electrical stimulation enhanced neuronal survival by activating neurotrophic factors, including BDNF and FGF9. Therapeutic electrical stimulation applied to the transcranial cortical- or periphery-nerve level to promote functional recovery may improve neuroprotection by modulating a common neuronal death pathway and upregulating neurotrophic factors. Therefore, combining transcranial cortical and peripheral somatosensory stimulation may exert a synergistic neuroprotective effect, further enhancing the beneficial effects on motor deficits in patients with ischemic stroke.

Bioluminescence, the light produced by biochemical reactions involving luciferases in living organisms, has been extensively investigated for various applications. It has attracted particular interest as an internal light source for theranostic applications due to its safe and efficient characteristics that overcome the limited penetration of conventional external light sources. Recent advancements in protein engineering technologies and protein delivery platforms have expanded the application of bioluminescence to a wide range of theranostic areas, including bioimaging, biosensing, photodynamic therapy, and optogenetics. This comprehensive review presents the fundamental concepts of bioluminescence and explores its recent applications across diverse fields. Moreover, it discusses future research directions based on the current status of bioluminescent systems for further expansion of their potential.

Allomyrina dichotoma larvae (ADL) is an insect type that is used ethnopharmacologically to treat various diseases; however, its use as an antiaging treatment has not been widely studied. Previously, we found that an ethyl acetate (EA) fraction derived from an ADL extract (ADLE) has a high polyphenol content and antioxidant properties. In this study, we identified the underlying molecular mechanism for the protective effect of the EA fraction against UVB-induced photodamage in vitro and ex vivo. UVB treatment increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and DNA damage; the latter of which was significantly decreased following cotreatment with the EA fraction. Biological markers of aging, such as p16INK4a, p21WAF1, and senescence-associated β-gal levels, were induced by UVB treatment but significantly suppressed following EA-fraction treatment. UVB-induced upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and downregulation of COL1A1 were also reversed by EA-fraction treatment in both cells and a 3D skin model, which resulted in increased keratin and collagen deposition. Moreover, EA-fraction treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPKs (p38, ERK, and JNK) and nuclear factor (NF-)-kB and decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in UVB-treated cells. The results indicate that an EA fraction from ADLE ameliorates UVB-induced degradation of COL1A1 by inhibiting MMP expression and inactivating the MAPK/NF-κB p65/AP-1 signaling pathway involved in this process.

Memristor crossbars offer promising low-power and parallel processing capabilities, making them efficient for implementing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in terms of delay time, area, etc. However, mapping large CNN models like ResNet-18, ResNet-34, VGG-Net, etc., onto memristor crossbars is challenging due to the line resistance problem limiting crossbar size. This necessitates partitioning full-image convolution into sub-image convolution. To do so, an optimized mapping of memristor crossbars should be considered to divide full-image convolution into multiple crossbars. With limited crossbar resources, especially in edge devices, it is crucial to optimize the crossbar allocation per layer to minimize the hardware resource in term of crossbar area, delay time, and area–delay product. This paper explores three optimization scenarios: (1) optimizing total delay time under a crossbar’s area constraint, (2) optimizing total crossbar area with a crossbar’s delay time constraint, and (3) optimizing a crossbar’s area–delay-time product without constraints. The Lagrange multiplier method is employed for the constrained cases 1 and 2. For the unconstrained case 3, a genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the area–delay-time product. Simulation results demonstrate that the optimization can have significant improvements over the unoptimized results. When VGG-Net is simulated, the optimization can show about 20% reduction in delay time for case 1 and 22% area reduction for case 2. Case 3 highlights the benefits of optimizing the crossbar utilization ratio for minimizing the area–delay-time product. The proposed optimization strategies can substantially enhance the neural network’s performance of memristor crossbar-based processing-in-memory architectures, especially for resource-constrained edge computing platforms.

The study of blowfly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) biodiversity and distribution is crucial for forensic investigations. Abiotic and biotic factors, such as season and habitat type, have a significant impact on blowfly populations. However, only a few forensic entomology studies have been conducted in South Korea, particularly in the Gyeongsangnam-do region. To address this, an extensive year-long survey was conducted to analyze the compositions, habitat preferences, distribution, and seasonal abundance of forensically relevant blowflies in urban and forested habitats of Gyeongsangnam-do, with sampling conducted twice a month using mouse carcass-baited traps set for 48 h each time. A total of 3470 adult blowflies were recorded, encompassing five genera and 13 species, with a noted absence of specimens during the winter months. The predominant species was Lucilia porphyrina, accounting for 37.2% of the total sample, followed by Chrysomya pinguis (27.6%), Lucilia sericata (7.6%), and Lucilia illustris (7.1%). The species composition was consistent across all surveyed regions; however, seasonal variation in species diversity was evident, with a peak in spring and a decline in summer. Notably, certain species exhibited clear preferences for either urban (Calliphora calliphoroides and L. sericata) or forested habitats (L. porphyrina and Ch. pinguis). This pioneering study elucidates the diverse blowfly communities in Gyeongsangnam-do, highlighting significant seasonal and habitat-dependent variations. These findings enrich our understanding of blowfly ecology in this region, offering valuable insights for forensic applications and underscoring the necessity for ongoing entomological surveillance and research.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder primarily targeting joints, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. The introduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors has markedly improved RA management by reducing inflammation. However, these medications are associated with adverse skin reactions, which can vary greatly among patients due to genetic differences. Objectives: This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with skin adverse events by TNF-α in RA patients. Methods: A cohort study was conducted, encompassing patients with RA who were prescribed TNF-α inhibitors. This study utilized machine learning algorithms to analyze genetic data and identify markers associated with skin-related adverse events. Various machine learning algorithms were employed to predict skin and subcutaneous tissue-related outcomes, leading to the development of a risk-scoring system. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified independent risk factors for skin and subcutaneous tissue-related complications. Results: After adjusting for covariates, individuals with the TT genotype of rs12551103, A allele carriers of rs13265933, and C allele carriers of rs73210737 exhibited approximately 20-, 14-, and 10-fold higher incidences of skin adverse events, respectively, compared to those with the C allele, GG genotype, and TT genotype. The machine learning algorithms used for risk prediction showed excellent performance. The risk of skin adverse events among patients receiving TNF-α inhibitors varied based on the risk score: 0 points, 0.6%; 2 points, 3.6%; 3 points, 8.5%; 4 points, 18.9%; 5 points, 36.7%; 6 points, 59.2%; 8 points, 90.0%; 9 points, 95.7%; and 10 points, 98.2%. Conclusions: These findings, emerging from this preliminary study, lay the groundwork for personalized intervention strategies to prevent TNF-α inhibitor-associated skin adverse events. This approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes by minimizing the risk of adverse effects while optimizing therapeutic efficacy.

Colorectal neoplasms are prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the safety and efficacy of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are not well understood. This retrospective analysis included ESD procedures performed in 1266 patients with CKD across five tertiary medical institutions from January 2015 to December 2020. Patients were categorized based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which ranged from CKD1 to CKD5 (including those on dialysis). We found that en bloc resection rates remained high across all CKD stages, affirming the procedural efficacy of ESD. Notably, the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, such as ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, significantly increased with an advancing CKD stage, with a corresponding increase in the Charlson Comorbidity Index, highlighting the complexity of managing these patients. Despite these challenges, the complete resection rate was lower in the CKD5 group (50%) than in the CKD1 group (83.4%); however, procedural complications, such as perforation and bleeding, did not significantly differ among the groups. The predictive models for complete resection and major complications showed no significant changes with a decreasing eGFR. These findings underscore that ESD is a feasible and safe treatment for colorectal neoplasms in patients with CKD, successfully balancing the inherent procedural risks with clinical benefits.

This study presents a virtual energy storage system (VESS) scheduling method that strategically integrates fixed and dynamic energy storage (ES) solutions to optimize energy management in commercial buildings. Fixed ES, such as batteries, provides stable flexibility but is expensive and can be inefficiently operated. In contrast, dynamic ES can be utilized as needed but requires validation of their flexibility. By combining fixed ES with dynamic ES utilizing vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities, this approach enhances grid stability and manages energy costs more effectively. Empirical validation using real-world data from Korea demonstrates significant improvements in total net benefits by reducing energy costs, which are crucial for the economic sustainability of commercial energy use. Additionally, the analysis of Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient with demand identifies where benefits occur in the scheduling process. The integrated system reduces the need for costly upgrades to the utility grid, suggesting a strategic advantage for large-scale adoption. This study establishes a framework for the broader implementation of such integrated systems, highlighting the potential for substantial improvements in energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced grid reliability.

This paper reviews alarm processing methods in electrical power systems, focusing on evolving strategies beyond traditional fault analysis to accommodate modern grid complexities. Historically, alarm processing has predominantly aimed at fault analysis, increasingly merging with technological advances in communication and computing. However, it still needs to fully meet the challenges posed by the dynamic characteristics of modern power systems. This review points out certain inadequacies in current practices, notably their limited adaptation to new grid conditions. The authors propose a novel generation of alarm processing methodologies designed for future grids, emphasizing managing rare events and enhancing operator decision-making through advanced anomaly detection and explainable artificial intelligence. This synthesis presents a prospective direction for future research and applications in alarm processing, advocating for methodologies better suited to supporting system operators amidst technological advancements.

Background and Aims: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive bariatric procedure to induce weight loss through restrictive physiology. This study was designed to evaluate the fluoroscopic measurement of gastric dimensions after ESG as a predictor of Total Body Weight Loss (TBWL) over time. Methods: Post-ESG patients were enrolled prospectively between August 2013 and August 2019. An upper gastrointestinal (GI) fluoroscopy was obtained within 7 days after the procedure. Two blinded, independent radiologists reviewed fluoroscopic images and measured the gastric lumen transverse diameter in three separate areas of the fundus, body, and antrum. The primary outcome was achieving a TBWL of ten percent or more after ESG. Results: In total, 162 patients were included in the analysis (65% female) and had a mean body mass index (BMI) of 39 ± 6 at baseline. Patients had a mean maximum TBWL of 16.5 ± 8.3%. Respectively, 92%, 75%, and 50% of patients achieved a TBWL of 5%, 10%, or 15% or more. The mean post-procedural UGI gastric fundus/antrum transverse measurement ratio was 1.2 ± 0.6. A higher fundus-to-antrum ratio was significantly associated with a TBWL of 10% or more during follow-up in the multivariable model (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.31–4.71; p-value 0.005). The prediction score based on the fundus-to-antrum ratio hd an area under the ROC curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.75–0.83) for predicting a TBWL of 10% or more during follow-up. Conclusions: Measuring gastric the fundus/antrum ratio within one week of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a consistent and independent predictive measure of sustained TBWL during long-term follow-up.

Background and Objectives: Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an effective technique for removing colorectal neoplasms with large or cancerous lesions. However, there are few studies on post-ESD electrocoagulation syndrome (PECS), a complication of colorectal ESD. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the various risk factors for PECS after colorectal ESD. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 1413 lesions from 1408 patients who underwent colorectal ESD at five tertiary hospitals between January 2015 and December 2020. We investigated the incidence and risk factors associated with PECS. Based on the data, we developed a risk-scoring model to predict the risk of PECS after colorectal ESD. Results: The incidence rate of PECS was 2.6% (37 patients). In multivariate analysis, the use of anti-platelet agents (odds ratio (OR), 2.474; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.088–5.626; p < 0.031), a lesion larger than 6 cm (OR 3.755; 95% CI, 1.237–11.395; p = 0.028), a deep submucosal invasion (OR 2.579; 95% CI, 1.022–6.507; p = 0.045), and an ESD procedure time ≥ 60 min (OR 2.691; 95% CI, 1.302–5.560; p = 0.008) were independent risk factors of PECS after colorectal ESD. We developed a scoring model for predicting PECS using these four factors. As the score increased, the incidence of PECS also increased, from 1.3% to 16.6%. PECS occurred more frequently in the high-risk group (≥2) (1.8% vs. 12.4%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, the risk factors for PECS after colorectal ESD were the use of anti-platelet agents, a lesion larger than 6 cm, a deep submucosal invasion, and an ESD procedure time ≥ 60 min. The risk-scoring model developed in this study using these factors could be effective in predicting and preventing PECS.

This study examines relationships between breastfeeding practices and postpartum weight retention (PPWR) at 6 and 12 months postpartum among 379 first-time mothers participating in a clinical trial in Singapore. We categorized feeding modes at 6 months into exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding, and exclusive formula feeding. Participants were analyzed in two groups based on their PPWR assessment at 6 and 12 months postpartum, with complete datasets available for each assessment. We calculated PPWR by subtracting pre-pregnancy weight from self-reported weight at 6 and 12 months postpartum, defining substantial PPWR as ≥5 kg retention. Modified Poisson regression models adjusted for potential confounders were performed. At 6 and 12 months, 35% (n = 132/379) and 31% (n = 109/347) of women experienced substantial PPWR, respectively. Compared to exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding (risk ratio 1.85; 95% confidence interval 1.15, 2.99) and exclusive formula feeding (2.11; 1.32, 3.28) were associated with a higher risk of substantial PPWR at 6 months. These associations were slightly attenuated at 12 months and appeared stronger in women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity. This study suggests that breastfeeding by 6 months postpartum may help mitigate PPWR, particularly with exclusive breastfeeding. It also draws attention to targeted interventions to promote breastfeeding among women with overweight or obesity.

Four tunicamycin class compounds, tunicamycin VII (1), tunicamycin VIII (2), corynetoxin U17a (3), and tunicamycin IX (4), were isolated from the culture broth of the marine-derived actinomycete Streptomyces sp. MBTG32. The strain was identified using the 16S rDNA sequencing technique, and the isolated strain was closely related to Streptomyces bacillaris. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic data and comparisons with previously reported NMR data. Compounds 1–4 showed potent antibacterial activities against Gram-positive bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC values of 0.13–0.25 µg/mL. Through a recombinant enzyme assay and overexpression analysis, we found that the isolated compounds exerted potent inhibitory effects on S. aureus MurNAc-pentapeptide translocase (MraY), with IC50 values of 0.08–0.21 µg/mL. The present results support that the underlying mechanism of action of tunicamycins isolated from marine-derived Streptomyces sp. is also associated with the inhibition of MraY enzyme activity in S. aureus.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have received attention owing to their biodegradability and biocompatibility, with studies exploring PHA-producing bacterial strains. As vegetable oil provides carbon and monomer precursors for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (P(3HB-co-3HHx)), oil-utilizing strains may facilitate PHA production. Herein, Cupriavidus necator BM3-1, which produces 11.1 g/L of PHB with 5% vegetable oil, was selected among various novel Cupriavidus necator strains. This strain exhibited higher preference for vegetable oils over sugars, with soybean oil and tryptone determined to be optimal sources for PHA production. BM3-1 produced 33.9 g/L of exopolysaccharides (EPS), which was three-fold higher than the amount produced by H16 (10.1 g/L). EPS exhibited 59.7% of emulsification activity (EI24), higher than that of SDS and of EPS from H16 with soybean oil. To evaluate P(3HB-co-3HHx) production from soybean oil, BM3-1 was engineered with P(3HB-co-3HHx) biosynthetic genes (phaCRa, phaARe, and phaJPa). BM3-1/pPhaCJ produced 3.5 mol% of 3HHx and 37.1 g/L PHA. BM3-1/pCB81 (phaCAJ) produced 32.8 g/L PHA, including 5.9 mol% 3HHx. Physical and thermal analyses revealed that P(3HB-co-5.9 mol% 3HHx) was better than PHB. Collectively, we identified a novel strain with high vegetable oil utilization capacity for the production of EPS, with the option to engineer the strain for P(3HB-co-3HHx).