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Abstract Background We investigated whether electrical stimulation via indium tin oxide (ITO) could enhance the in vitro culture of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs), which are important in vitro models for studying the mechanisms underlying many aspects of cardiology. Methods Cardiomyocytes were obtained from 1-day-old neonatal rat heart ventricles. To evaluate function of NRVMs cultured on ITO with electrical stimulation, the cell viability, change of cell morphology, immunochemistry using cardiac-specific antibodies, and gene expression were tested. Results Defined sarcomeric structure, cell enlargement, and increased distribution of NRVMs appeared in the presence of electrical stimulation. These characteristics were absent in NRVMs cultured under standard culture conditions. In addition, the expression levels of cardiomyocyte-specific and ion channel markers were higher in NRVMs seeded on ITO-coated dishes than in the control group at 14 days after seeding. ITO-coated dishes could effectively provide electrical cues to support the in vitro culture of NRVMs. Conclusions These results provide supporting evidence that electrical stimulation via ITO can be effectively used to maintain culture and enhance function of cardiomyocytes in vitro.

A new bulky fluorinated anion based ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis (nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonyl imidate) (Im1, 3BNFSI), was synthesized through ion exchange condensation process and employed for electrolyte preparation. Nonaqueous liquid electrolytes were prepared using synthesized ionic liquid: lithium bis (nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonyl imidate) salt, propylene carbonate, and dimethoxy ethane solvents by mechanical agitation; and considered for applications in lithium ion batteries. Maximum electrical conductivity 2.21 mS.cm−1 and wide electrochemical stability window (4.3 V) were achieved for the prepared electrolytes using different electrochemical techniques. The highest specific capacity (132.75 mA h.g−1) was achieved for LiFePO4/ionic liquid electrolytes/Li coin cell, suggesting them as an auspicious candidate for high performance lithium ion batteries. Keywords: Ionic liquids, Discharge capacity, Lithium ion battery, Chronoamperometry

In this study, we investigated the operational characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) by applying the copper-filled trench and via structures for improved heat dissipation. Therefore, we used a basic T-gate HEMT device to construct the thermal structures. To identify the heat flow across the device structure, a thermal conductivity model and the heat transfer properties corresponding to the GaN, SiC, and Cu materials were applied. Initially, we simulated the direct current (DC) characteristics of a basic GaN on SiC HEMT to confirm the self-heating effect on AlGaN/GaN HEMT. Then, to verify the heat sink effect of the copper-filled thermal structures, we compared the DC characteristics such as the threshold voltage, transconductance, saturation current, and breakdown voltage. Finally, we estimated and compared the lattice temperature of a two-dimensional electron gas channel, the vertical lattice temperature near the drain-side gate head edge, and the transient thermal analysis for the copper-filled thermal trench and via structures. Through this study, we could optimize the operational characteristics of the device by applying an effective heat dissipation structure to the AlGaN/GaN HEMT.

This study investigates metal-insulator-semiconductor high electron mobility transistor DC characteristics with different gate dielectric layer compositions and thicknesses, and lattice temperature effects on gate leakage current by using a two-dimensional simulation. We first compared electrical properties, including threshold voltage, transconductance, and gate leakage current with the self-heating effect, by applying a single Si3N4 dielectric layer. We then employed different Al2O3 dielectric layer thicknesses on top of the Si3N4, and also investigated lattice temperature across a two-dimensional electron gas channel layer with various dielectric layer compositions to verify the thermal effect on gate leakage current. Gate leakage current was significantly reduced as the dielectric layer was added, and further decreased for a 15-nm thick Al2O3 on a 5-nm Si3N4 structure. Although the gate leakage current increased as Al2O3 thickness increased to 35 nm, the breakdown voltage was improved.

Abstract Background Aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) is an easy and useful predictor of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatic disease, and it significantly correlates with the degree of hepatic fibrosis in adult patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study aimed to evaluate the use of APRI in assessing the severity of MASLD in children and adolescents. Methods Medical records of 115 patients (males: 78; females: 37) with MASLD were retrospectively reviewed. The correlations between the APRI and clinical parameters that indicate the severity of MASLD were analyzed. Their ages ranged between 7.3 and 18.8 years old. Patients with hepatitis B or C infections were excluded from the study. The APRI score was calculated, and transient elastography for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was performed for all the patients. Results The mean APRI score was 0.46 ± 0.26, ranging between 0.16 and 1.57. The LSM values ranged between 2.94 and 7.72 kPa. Body mass index-standard deviation score, transaminase levels, and HbA1c levels were higher in a group with abnormal LSM when divided into two groups according to LSM. The APRI score was greater in the group with abnormal LSM (0.40 ± 0.17 vs. 0.64 ± 0.40, P

IntroductionPlant protection products (PPPs) such as pesticides and herbicides are experiencing increased use worldwide. In the context of PPP authorization and registration, water exposure assessments (drinking water and aquatic exposure) use numerical modeling to simulate relevant hydrological processes and exposure pathways. A common practice for estimating PPP leaching to groundwater, PPP loading onto surface water via tile drainage, or PPP transport via runoff utilizes multiple one-dimensional models, each representing a separate exposure pathway. Separate analysis of individual exposure pathways can result in disparate assumptions being made that represent relative worst-case scenarios for each pathway, rather than an integrated reasonable worst-case scenario for all pathways.MethodsThe interplay between PPP degradation, leaching to groundwater, transport in tile drainage, and runoff is well-suited for simulation using an integrated surface–subsurface hydrologic and chemical fate and transport model. This study presents functionality added to HydroGeoSphere (HGS), a three-dimensional, fully integrated, surface–subsurface hydrologic model. HGS was verified against other recognized models: PRZM, HYDRUS, PEARL, PELMO, and MACRO. Added features include automatic irrigation, non-linear adsorption, temperature and soil water content-dependent degradation, and solute uptake by plant roots.Results and DiscussionHGS results for leaching of PPP mass to groundwater showed the highest correlation, lowest error, and lowest bias relative to PEARL model results. Simulation of macropore flow to tile drains in HGS produced an intermittent tile drain flow in summer that resulted in generally lower peak effluent concentrations compared to the MACRO model. Simulation of runoff in HGS produced a higher total runoff compared to the PRZM model, attributed to lower evapotranspiration in HGS. Use of the integrated HGS model resulted in a greater agreement in water balance components relative to using multiple models to simulate individual hydrologic pathways.

Abstract Energy harvesting technology is mainly used as a power source for driving Internet of Things (IoT) devices. However, the output power of conventional harvesting devices are limited, suitable only for low‐power‐consumption IoT sensors based on Bluetooth communication. In contrast to Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi‐Fi) communication offers superior real‐time monitoring and transmission capabilities, but requires more power in the range of hundreds of milliwatts or higher. Therefore, the hybridization of three energy conversion devices, namely, piezoelectric magneto‐mechano‐electric (MME) generator, electromagnetic (EM) induction coil, and triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is proposed as a standalone power source for Wi‐Fi communication sensors. By integrating these three mechanisms, the hybrid MME energy harvester can achieve an output power exceeding 50 mW at the second harmonic resonance condition under the alternating current (AC) magnetic field of 10 Oe. Furthermore, it can successfully drive the Wi‐Fi sensor, enabling continuous real‐time monitoring without the degradation of charged power in a supercapacitor. These results highlight that energy harvesting technology is not limited to low‐power devices but can also be applied to Wi‐Fi communication sensors and beyond.

Abstract INTRODUCTION This study investigated the changes in functional capacity with disease progression in a well‐characterised cohort of patients diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) presentations. METHODS We recruited 126 behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD), 40 progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA), 64 semantic dementia (SD), 45 logopenic progressive aphasia (LPA), and 115 AD patients. Functional capacity was measured annually over ∼7 years using the Disability Assessment for Dementia. RESULTS Linear mixed effects models revealed the bvFTD group demonstrated disproportionate functional impairment at baseline and over the study period. Functional capacity among the other syndromes showed a more uniform pattern of decline, with less severe functional impairment at baseline and ∼7%–10% mean annual decline. Baseline correlations indicated different mechanisms supporting basic and complex functional proficiency among the groups. DISCUSSION Our findings demonstrate distinct functional profiles across dementia syndromes with disease progression. Identifying progression milestones across syndromes will improve clinical management. Highlights bvFTD shows severe functional impairment at baseline and over time. PNFA, SD, LPA, AD: less severe baseline functional impairment; more uniform decline. General cognition is related to IADLs, but not BADLs, in all groups. Behavioural disturbances relate to IADLs and BADLs in bvFTD and SD. Behavioural‐ADL relations are more mixed in PNFA, LPA, and AD.

Recent advances in medicine have led to an increase in the number of children and adolescents treated for various chronic diseases and cancer. Increasingly sophisticated genetic analysis techniques have also clarified some genetic factors that contribute to bone fragility. Osteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone mass and skeletal fragility, can result from primary or secondary causes that originate in childhood and adolescence, which are critical periods for bone mineral acquisition. It is essential to identify children and adolescents at risk of fractures due to osteoporosis, and early intervention is crucial. Conservative management strategies, such as treating underlying diseases, replacing deficient hormones, providing nutritional support to meet calcium and vitamin D requirements, and encouraging regular physical activity, should be prioritized. Pharmacological treatment should be initiated in a timely manner following a comprehensive bone health examination. Intravenous pamidronate therapy has been safely and effectively administered to children and adolescents, although long-term follow-up is necessary. Further investigation is needed regarding bone fragility fractures of unknown etiology and the application of new medications for pediatric use.

Abstract Background Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. We report a case of ADEM presenting with bilateral optic neuritis temporally associated with the ChAdOx1 vaccine against SARS-COVID19 virus. Case presentation A 36-year-old female presented with bilateral optic neuritis following her first dose of the ChAdOx1 vaccine. Initial MRI Brain showed evidence of demyelination within the subcortical white matter, with no radiological involvement of the optic nerves. Visual evoked potentials were consistent with bilateral optic neuritis which was confirmed radiologically on follow up MRI. She was treated with intravenous steroids with improvement both in symptoms and radiological appearance. A pseudo-relapse occurred which was treated with a further course of intravenous steroids followed by an oral taper. The clinical, radiological and serological results were most consistent with diagnosis of ADEM. Conclusions ADEM is an exceedingly rare complication of ChAdOx1 vaccine despite millions of doses. While it is imperative clinicians remain aware of neurological complications of vaccines, the importance of vaccination to control a pandemic should not be undermined.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to present age- and sex-specific distributions of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and to evaluate their relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents. A total of 7404 participants aged 10–18 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey were included as the reference population. The TyG index was calculated as ln(fasting triglyceride [mg/dL] × fasting glucose [mg/dL]/2). The percentile of the TyG index exhibited a steady linear relationship with age for both sexes. TyG index significantly correlated with waist circumference (WC) standard deviation score (SDS; r = 0.110, p

The gamma-ray exposure doses in decontamination operation after a nuclear accident were evaluated with a consideration of various geometrical conditions and specific gamma-ray energies. The calculation domain is organized with three residence types and each form is divided into two kinds of geometrical arrangements. The position-wise air KERMA values were calculated with an assumption of evenly distributed gamma-ray source based on Monte Carlo radiation transport analysis using the MCNP code. The radioactivity is initially set to be unity to be multiplied by the deposition value measured in the actual accident condition. The workforce data set depending on the target object was determined by modifying the Fukushima report. The external exposure doses for decontamination workers were derived from the calculated KERMA values and the workforce analysis. These results can be used to efficiently determine the workforce required by the characteristics of the area and the structure to be decontaminated within the dose limits.

Abstract We investigated the prognostic influences of BCL1 and BCL2 expression on disease-free survival in breast cancer patients. BCL1 and BCL2 expression statuses were assessed by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays from 393 breast cancer patients. The Kaplan–Meier estimator and log-rank test were used for survival analyses. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of survival analyses. BCL1 expression revealed no impact on survival. The high BCL2 group showed superior disease-free survival compared with the low BCL2 group (p = 0.002), especially regarding local recurrence-free survival (p = 0.045) and systemic recurrence-free survival (p = 0.002). BCL2 expression was a significant prognostic factor by univariable analysis (HR, 0.528; 95% CI, 0.353–0.790; p = 0.002) and by multivariable analysis (HR, 0.547; 95% CI, 0.362–0.826; p = 0.004). High BCL2 expression was associated with higher disease-free survival in the hormone receptor (HRc)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative (HRc(+)/HER2(−)) subtype only (p = 0.002). The high BCL2 group was associated with positive estrogen receptor (ER), positive progesterone receptor (PR), low histologic grade, and age ≤ 50 years. BCL1 expression had no prognostic impact, but BCL2 expression was a significant independent prognostic factor. High BCL2 expression was associated with higher disease-free survival, especially regarding local recurrence and systemic recurrence. The prognostic effect of BCL2 expression was effective only in the HRc(+)/HER2(−) subtype. Favorable clinicopathologic features and a strong association with the ER/PR status could partly explain the superior prognosis of the high BCL2 group. BCL2 expression could be utilized to assess the prognosis of breast cancer patients in clinical settings.

Objective: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as chronic hepatic steatosis and is becoming prevalent, along with the increasing trend for obesity in children and adolescents. A non-invasive and reliable tool is needed to differentiate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis from simple steatosis. This study evaluated the association between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and the ultrasonographic fatty liver indicator (US-FLI), and the possibility of using the TyG index for prediction of severity of pediatric NAFLD. Methods: One hundred and twenty one patients who were diagnosed with NAFLD by ultrasonography were included. They were categorized into three groups according to body mass index (BMI). Ninety-two were obese, and 19 and 10 were overweight and normal weight, respectively. Results: The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was highest in the group with obesity (p=0.044). The TyG index and US-FLI did not differ significantly among the three BMI groups (p=0.186). Fourteen (11.6%) of the 121 patients had US-FLI ≥6, in whom the BMI-SDS and TyG index were higher (p=0.017, p=0.004), whereas HOMA-IR did not differ significantly from the group with US-FLI <6 (p=0.366). US-FLI was associated with BMI-SDS and the TyG index. TyG index was significantly associated with US-FLI after adjustment for BMI-SDS. The cut-off value for the TyG index for predicting US-FLI ≥6 was 8.91, with an area under the curve of 0.785. Conclusion: TyG index was associated with the degree of hepatic steatosis, suggesting that it might be a useful tool for predicting the severity of pediatric NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study was performed to evaluate the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) distribution and assess its relationship with cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents. A total of 8091 subjects aged 10–18 years were included from a nationally representative survey. Participants were classified into three groups: (1)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death worldwide, and dyslipidemia is a major risk factor. Atherosclerosis can begin in childhood and continue into adulthood, thereby contributing to CVD development. Obesity is the most common cause of dyslipidemia, and the prevalence of childhood obesity and dyslipidemia is increasing worldwide, making it a public health concern. As clinical evidence has accumulated, guidelines for dyslipidemia in children have been continuously revised since 1992. The limitations of screening tests for individuals with a family history of dyslipidemia emphasize the necessity of universal screening, and non-HDL cholesterol assessment is recommended as a screening test for dyslipidemia in children. The guidelines for dyslipidemia in Korean children and adolescents published in 2017 recommend that non-HDL cholesterol screening tests be performed in non-fasting conditions at 9–11 years and 17–21 years of age. The main purpose of this article is to describe the history and rationale of lipid screening recommendations in children and adolescents and to review the currently recommended screening methods and treatments for dyslipidemia. (Ewha Med J 2022;45(3):e4)

The Committee on Dyslipidemia of Korean Pediatric and Adolescents of the Korean Society of Pediatric Endocrinology has newly developed evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for dyslipidemia in Korean children and adolescents. These guidelines were formulated with the Grading of Recommendations, which include both the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. In the absence of sufficient evidence, conclusions were based on expert opinion. These guidelines are based on the 2011 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Guidelines, which focus on the prevention of cardiovascular disease in children and draw from a comprehensive review of evidence. These guidelines contain the definition of and screening process for dyslipidemia and introduce new dietary methods: the Cardiovascular Health Integrated Lifestyle Diet (CHILD)-1, the CHILD-2-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the CHILD-2-triglyceride. Potential drug therapies for dyslipidemia along with their main effects and doses were also included.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) on the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis and to evaluate whether -202 A/C IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) promoter polymorphism affects growth velocity in females with central precocious puberty (CPP) during treatment. Methods Data was collected from 97 females younger than 9 years, diagnosed with precocious puberty and treated with GnRHa for at least 1 year at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital from 2014 to 2015. Their body height, weight, change in height standard deviation score (∆SDS), serum IGF-1, serum IGFBP-3, bone age, and -202 A/C IGFBP-3 promoter polymorphism were measured before and after GnRHa treatment. The interrelationships between the variables were calculated. Results During treatment, height SDS, IGF-1 SDS, IGFBP-3 SDS, and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio significantly decreased. A significant correlation was observed between ∆IGF-1 SDS and ∆height SDS (r=0.405, P

The proteins of the chromosomal passenger complex help chromosomes condense before cell division, but how this complex arrives at chromosomes was not known. Here the authors show that PRMT6 methylates histone H3 to recruit the chromosomal passenger complex.

MicroRNA (miRNA) are small, noncoding RNA molecules that play pivotal roles in gene expression, various biological processes, and development of disease. MiRNAs exhibit distinct expression patterns depending on time points and tissues, indicating their relevance to the development, differentiation, and somatic growth of organisms. MiRNAs are also involved in puberty onset and fertility. Although puberty is a universal stage in the life cycles of most organisms, the precise mechanisms initiating this process remain elusive. Genetic, hormonal, nutritional, environmental, and epigenetic factors are presumed contributors. The intricate regulation of puberty during growth also suggests that miRNAs are involved. This study aims to provide insight into the understanding of miRNAs roles in the initiation of puberty by reviewing the existing research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Hip fractures are associated with notable mortality rates in elderly patients. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the mortality rate and influencing factors associated with mortality in the elderly patients with hip fractures. Methods Between October 2000 and December 2009, 807 elderly patients with hip fractures were enrolled in this study. There were 197 men and 610 women. The mean age at injuries were 78 years (range, 65–99 years). The fractures consisted of 390 femoral neck fractures and 417 intertrochanteric fractures. The mortality rate was evaluated between patients who underwent surgical and nonsurgical treatments. The influencing factors associated with mortality rate were evaluated statistically. Results Overall, 691 (85.6%) patients treated surgically and 116 (14.4%) patients treated nonsurgically were included. The overall mortality rates one and two years after injuries were 16.6 and 39.4%, respectively. In surgical treatment group, the mortality rate one and two years after injuries were 12.0 and 35.7%, respectively. In nonsurgical treatment group, the mortality rates were 44.0 and 61.2%, respectively (p

Longitudinal bone growth mainly occurs during adolescence and can be enhanced by growth hormones. We hypothesized that water extracts from roots of Allium fistulosum L. (Welsh onion, WO; 15 or 45 mg/kg bw/day) and Portulaca oleracea L. (PO; 15 or 45 mg/kg bw/day) can stimulate longitudinal bone growth in weanling male rats for 4 weeks. Femur and tibia lengths were higher in the WO-H and PO-H groups than in the control. The proliferative and hypertrophic zones of the growth plate were greater in the legs of WO-H and PO-H rats than in the control; a similar increase was observed in the positive-control (growth hormone, 20 μg/kg bw/day). WO-H and PO-H treatments were found to potentiate insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling (pIRS-2 → pAkt) in MG-63 osteoblasts compared to control. WO-H and PO increased cell proliferation possibly by activating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling via elevated BMP-2 and Smad4 expression in MG-63 cells. In conclusion, WO and PO are potential to promote the proliferation of the leg growth plate similar to growth hormone.

Saponin derived from natural extracts can alleviate muscle atrophy. Dioscorea nipponica Makino (DNM) is commonly used in herbal medicine and contains various steroidal saponins, although its efficacy and mechanisms of action for treating muscle atrophy remain unknown. Here, differentiated myoblast cells treated with DNM showed increased MyoD and MyoG expression and effectively promoted muscle formation. DNM effectively inhibited muscle atrophy induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) monotherapy, and combination treatment with protodioscin and protogracillin (among the tested DNM constituents) showed a synergistic effect on differentiated myoblast cells. DNM and this combination repressed TNFα-induced increased MuRF1 and Atrogin1/MAFbx expression by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) expression. DNM also effectively promoted the recovery of muscle formation in injured mice. Therefore, DNM and its multi-constituents can potentially be used as therapeutic agents for muscle-related diseases and represent prospective food supplements.

Background: Recent studies suggest a link between the Klotho protein, sex hormones, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), indicating that α-Klotho levels may rise during puberty, including in central precocious puberty (CPP) cases. This study aimed to explore α-Klotho levels in girls with CPP to assess its potential as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for this condition. Methods: In total, 139 girls, comprising 82 patients diagnosed with CPP and 57 healthy prepubertal controls, were enrolled in this study. From March 2020 to May 2023, we assessed both α-Klotho levels and clinical parameters. α-Klotho concentrations were measured using an α-Klotho ELISA kit. For the girls with CPP, we additionally analyzed samples taken 6 months after GnRH agonist treatment. Results: α-Klotho levels were higher in the CPP group compared with the control (CPP group: 2529 ± 999 ng/mL; control group: 1802 ± 675 pg/mL) (P < 0.001), and its level modest decreased after 6 months of GnRH agonist treatment (2147± 789 pg/mL) (P < 0.001). The association between α-Klotho and IGF-1 SDS, follicular stimulating hormone and baseline luteinizing hormone was assessed by partial correlation after adjusting for age, BMI SDS (r= 0.416, p= <0.001; r= 0.261, p= 0.005; r= 0.278, p= 0.002), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified an α-Klotho cut-off differentiating CPP from controls, with a cut-off of 1914 pg/mL distinguishing girls with CPP from controls with a sensitivity of 69.5% and specificity of 70.2%; the area under the curve was 0.723. Conclusion: The findings of our study are the first step towards deciphering the role of α-Klotho in puberty induction. With additional data and further research, α-Klotho could potentially be utilized as a significant diagnostic and monitoring tool for CPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]