Pi-seq-A customizable multichannel syringe pump for microfluidics.

The advent of single cell technologies resulted in growing demand for microfluidics in the biological sciences. Commercial platforms have remained expensive, inflexible, and non-customizable black boxes. We developed an open source, multichannel, zero-backflow microfluidics device based on syringe pumps controlled by a Raspberry Pi computer.

Characterization of Factors Associated With Death in Deceased Patients With Mitochondrial Disorders: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background And Objectives: Mitochondrial disorders are multiorgan disorders resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to characterize death-associated factors in an international cohort of deceased individuals with mitochondrial disorders.

Methods: This cross-sectional multicenter observational study used data provided by 26 mitochondrial disease centers from 8 countries from January 2022 to March 2023.

Superloaded Multiplexed scRNA-seq Data Preserves Primary Immune Cell Heterogeneity but Necessitates Stringent Doublet Removal.

Background: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has improved our ability to characterize rare cell populations. In practice, cells from different tissues or donors are simultaneously loaded onto the instrument (multiplexed) at the recommended (standard loading) or higher (superloading) numbers to save time and money. Although cost-effective, superloading can stymie computational analyses owing to high multiplet rates and sample complexity.

Use of a Continuum-Based Framework to Advance General Health Integration in Community Behavioral Health Clinics.

Objective: This study assessed the utility and effectiveness of the new general health integration (GHI) framework among community behavioral health organizations designated as certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs) or in the process of applying to become a CCBHC.

Methods: Nineteen licensed community behavioral health clinics, 18 of which had CCBHC status, participated in a 12-month learning collaborative. They used the GHI framework to assess their integration stage for 15 subdomains within eight domains of evidence-based practice.

Enhancing public health outcomes with AI-powered clinical surveillance: Precise detection of COVID-19 variants using qPCR and nanopore sequencing.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of integrating the Varia5 multiplex assay (qPCR) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) for monitoring SARS-CoV-2, focusing on their overall performance in identifying various virus variants.

Methods: This study included 140 naso-pharyngeal swab samples from individuals with suspected COVID-19. We utilized our self-developed Varia5 multiplex assay, which targets five viral genes linked to COVID-19 mutations, in conjunction with comprehensive genomic analysis performed through whole genome sequencing (WGS) using the Oxford Nanopore system.

Design, Synthesis, and Antioxidant and Anti-Tyrosinase Activities of ()-5-Benzylidene-2-(naphthalen-1-ylamino)thiazol-4(5)-one Analogs: In Vitro and In Vivo Insights.

Fifteen compounds (-) constructed on a hybrid structure combining a β-phenyl-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl template and a 2-aminothiazol-4(5)-one scaffold were designed and synthesized as potential novel anti-tyrosinase substances. Two compounds ( and ) showed more potent inhibition against mushroom tyrosinase than kojic acid, and the inhibitory activity of (IC value: 1.60 μM) was 11 times stronger than that of kojic acid.

Recent Advances in Electromagnetic Devices: Design and Optimization.

Electromagnetic devices are a continuous driving force in cutting-edge research and technology, finding applications in diverse fields such as optics [...

AI-Driven Innovations for Early Sepsis Detection by Combining Predictive Accuracy With Blood Count Analysis in an Emergency Setting: Retrospective Study.

Background: Sepsis, a critical global health challenge, accounted for approximately 20% of worldwide deaths in 2017. Although the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score standardizes the diagnosis of organ dysfunction, early sepsis detection remains challenging due to its insidious symptoms. Current diagnostic methods, including clinical assessments and laboratory tests, frequently lack the speed and specificity needed for timely intervention, particularly in vulnerable populations such as older adults, intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and those with compromised immune systems.

Generative deep learning approach to predict posttreatment optical coherence tomography images of age-related macular degeneration after 12 months.

Purpose: Predicting long-term anatomical responses in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients is critical for patient-specific management. This study validates a generative deep learning (DL) model to predict 12-month posttreatment optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and evaluates the impact of incorporating clinical data on predictive performance.

Methods: A total of 533 eyes from 513 treatment-naïve nAMD patients were analyzed.

Genome sequence of WestPM, a phage infecting isolated from beach environmental samples.

Bacteriophage WestPM is a siphoviral-like phage infecting isolated from environmental samples collected on Pensacola Beach, FL. The genome of this phage is 39,693 bp long and contains 59 predicted protein-coding genes and zero tRNA genes. Based on gene content similarity, WestPM is grouped in the actinobacteriophage EA11 subcluster.

Composition of soil fungal communities and microbial activity along an elevational gradient in Mt. Jiri, Republic of Korea.

Approximately 64% of the Republic of Korea comprises mountainous areas, which as cold and high-altitude regions are gravely affected by climate change. Within the mountainous and the alpine-subalpine ecosystems, microbial communities play a pivotal role in biogeochemical cycling and partly regulate climate change through such cycles. We investigated the composition and function of microbial communities, with a focus on fungal communities, in Republic of Korea's second tallest mountain, Mt.

Machine learning classification and biochemical characteristics in the real-time diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma using Raman spectroscopy.

This study aimed to identify biomolecular differences between benign gastric tissues (gastritis/intestinal metaplasia) and gastric adenocarcinoma and to evaluate the diagnostic power of Raman spectroscopy-based machine learning in gastric adenocarcinoma. Raman spectroscopy-based machine learning was applied in real-time during endoscopy in 19 patients (aged 51-85 years) with high-risk for gastric adenocarcinoma. Raman spectra were captured from suspicious lesions and adjacent normal mucosa, which were biopsied for matched histopathologic diagnosis.

The first engkabang jantong () genome survey data.

The engkabang jantong () is one of the most indispensable tree species for reforestation due to its high survival rate and rapid growth rate. Due to relatively low genetic interest of this tree species, its genomic landscape has since faced scarcity, impeding our further elucidation on genes that are involved in expressing its aforementioned superior properties. In this study, we performed genome survey and microsatellite analysis of engkabang jantong.

An 18-year comprehensive safety study on microfocused ultrasound and monopolar radiofrequency combined with cosmetic injectables in 1,040 patients.

Microfocused ultrasound (MFU) and (MRF) are non-invasive modalities widely used for skin rejuvenation and are often combined with injectables, including neuromodulators and soft tissue fillers. However, large-scale, long-term safety data on such combination therapies are lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a retrospective chart review at two private practice dermatology clinics in South Korea from June 2005 to December 2023.

First-line pembrolizumab-axitinib versus sunitinib in metastatic RCC: subgroup analysis of patients enrolled in the phase 3 KEYNOTE-426 in Eastern Asia.

Background: The phase 3 open-label KEYNOTE-426 study demonstrated that first-line pembrolizumab plus axitinib improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) versus sunitinib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in a global population. This subgroup analysis investigated the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab-axitinib versus sunitinib in patients enrolled in KEYNOTE-426 in East Asia (Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan).

Methods: Adults with clear cell mRCC were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive intravenous pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks with oral axitinib 5 mg twice daily or oral sunitinib 50 mg once daily (4 weeks on/2 weeks off).

Association of Increased Risk of Injury in Adults With Hearing Loss: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

This nationwide retrospective cohort study examines the association between adults with hearing loss (HL) and subsequent injury risk. Utilizing data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (2000-2017), the study included 19,480 patients with HL and 77,920 matched controls. Over an average follow-up of 9.

Therapeutic effects of CGS21680, a selective A receptor agonist, via BDNF-related pathways in R106W mutation Rett syndrome model.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the X-linked methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), leading to cognitive and motor skill regression. Therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been reported; however, BDNF treatment has limitations, including the inability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, a short half-life, and potential for adverse effects when administered via intrathecal injection, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, we focused on the adenosine A receptor (AR), which modulates BDNF and its downstream pathways, and investigated the therapeutic potential of CGS21680, an AR agonist, through in vitro and in vivo studies using R106W RTT model.

Developing competency-based medical education for dental education in Taiwan: A pilot study of tooth extraction entrustable professional activities.

Background/purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the initial implementation of competency-based medical education (CBME) through entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in Taiwan dental education, focusing on tooth extraction EPAs across undergraduate year (UGY), postgraduate year (PGY), and oral and maxillofacial surgery-residency (OS-R) levels.

Materials And Methods: Using the Delphi method, an advisory team developed and validated three levels of trial EPAs, which were implemented through the Emyway platform. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate teachers' and students' experiences and satisfaction with Emyway and the EPAs.

Adjoint method-based Fourier neural operator surrogate solver for wavefront shaping in tunable metasurfaces.

We present a Fourier neural operator (FNO)-based surrogate solver for the efficient optimization of wavefronts in tunable metasurface controls. Existing methods, including the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm and the adjoint optimization, are often computationally demanding due to their iterative processes, which require numerical simulations at each step. Our surrogate solver overcomes this limitation by providing highly accurate gradient estimations with respect to changes in tunable meta-atoms without the need for direct simulations.

The Multi-targeted Effect of Fascaplysin on the Proliferation and Dedifferentiation of Schwann Cells Inhibits Peripheral Nerve Degeneration by Blocking CDK4/6 and Androgen Receptor.

Peripheral neurodegenerative diseases induced by irreversible peripheral nerve degeneration (PND), such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, have a high prevalence worldwide and reduce the quality of life. However, there is no agent effective against the irreversible PND. After peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cells play an important role in regulating PND.

Molecular epidemiology, evolution, and transmission dynamics of raccoon rabies virus in Connecticut.

In North America, raccoon rabies virus (RRV) is a public health concern due to its potential for rapid spread, maintenance in wildlife, and impact on human and domesticated animal health. RRV is an endemic zoonotic pathogen throughout the eastern USA. In 1991, an outbreak of RRV in Fairfield County, Connecticut, spread through the state and eventually throughout the Northeast and into Canada.

Infant action understanding: the roles of active training and motor development.

Introduction: This study examined the potential interplay between motor development and intervention in support of action understanding.

Methods: Eighty nine-month-old infants completed a tool-use training session and goal imitation paradigm that assessed action understanding in counterbalanced order. A metric of motor development was obtained using the Early Motor Questionnaire.

Research on unintroduced new drugs in South Korea from 2011 to 2020: approaches to prioritization and strategy.

In recent years, with the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries around the world have realized that improving patient access to new medicines can have a significant impact on public health and economic stability. The aim of this study was to identify new drugs that are urgently needed among those not yet available in South Korea from 2011 to 2020, and to develop strategies to improve access by analyzing the causes of delay. Through a 3-step screening process that included a literature review of new drugs, surveys of domestic clinicians and academics, and consideration of expedited review status by regulatory authorities, 34 out of 244 unreleased new drugs were prioritized for rapid introduction.

Simultaneous Epigenetic and Gene Expression Profiling at Single Cell Resolution Uncovers Stem-Like Treg Subsets Induced With Oligonucleotide Expansion in Humans.

Tregs play a central role in maintaining immune tolerance. Recent progress in the clinical application of Tregs underscores their potential for cell therapy. Nevertheless, a notable hurdle remains in producing functional Tregs .

Associations of Accelerometer-Derived Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Atrioventricular Block in a Healthy Elderly Population.

Background: There is limited information on protective factors related to atrioventricular (AV) block.

Objective: This study examines the association between accelerometer-derived moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and AV block in healthy elderly individuals.

Methods: A total of 23,590 UK Biobank participants ≥60 years involved in a wrist-worn accelerometer study with no history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and coronary heart disease were analyzed.