Risk Factors for Infection-Attributable Mortality in Patients With Bacteremia: A Competing Risk Analysis.

Background: Identifying risk factors for mortality in patients with bacteremia (SAB) is crucial due to its high fatality. However, data on risk factors for infection-attributable deaths considering competing risk events such as non-infection-attributable deaths remain limited. We performed a competing risk analysis to elucidate risk factors associated with 30-day infection-attributable mortality in a large cohort of patients with SAB.

enhancement of CD8+ T cell activity using functionalized hydrogel encapsulating tonsil-derived lymphatic endothelial cells.

This study investigates a method for programming immune cells using a biomaterial-based system, providing an alternative to traditional cell manipulation techniques. It addresses the limitations of engineered adoptive T cell therapies, such as T cell exhaustion, by introducing a gelatin-hyaluronic acid (GH-GMA) hydrogel system. We characterized tonsil mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs), lymphatic endothelial cells (T-LECs), stimulated T-CD8 T cells (STCs), and GH-GMA biomaterials.

Prevention of radiotherapy-induced pro-tumorigenic microenvironment by SFK inhibitors.

Radiotherapy is a widely employed technique for eradication of tumor using high-energy beams, and has been applied to approximately 50% of all solid tumor patients. However, its non-specific, cell-killing property leads to inevitable damage to surrounding normal tissues. Recent findings suggest that radiotherapy-induced tissue damage contributes to the formation of a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment.

Drug repositioning of mesalamine via supramolecular nanoassembly for the treatment of drug-induced acute liver failure.

Acute liver failure (ALF) is characterized by rapid hepatic dysfunction, primarily caused by drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Due to the lack of satisfactory treatment options, ALF remains a fatal clinical disease, representing a grand challenge in global health. For the drug repositioning to ALF of mesalamine, which is clinically approved for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we propose a supramolecular prodrug nanoassembly (SPNs).

Masking Ability of Subtractively and Additively Manufactured Dental Ceramic Restorations: A Systematic Review.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review on the masking ability of subtractively and additively manufactured dental ceramics.

Materials And Methods: The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The electronic search was carried out through MEDLINE, Scopus, and Website of Science databases with a date restriction being from 2001 onwards.

Evaluation of Glutathione T in the Human Brain Using J-Difference MRS at 3 T: Multicenter Multivendor Study.

The need to quantify brain glutathione (GSH) accurately by J-difference spectroscopy has stimulated assessment of the TE effects on GSH edited signals at the popular field strength 3 T. We performed multiple-TE J-difference MRS at two sites to evaluate the GSH T relaxation and TE dependence of the GSH signal resolution. Two 10-ms spectrally selective Gaussian editing RF pulses were implemented in 3 T MEGA-PRESS sequences at two sites having different vendors.

Recurrence-free survival after hepatectomy using propofol-based total intravenous anaesthesia and sevoflurane-based inhalational anaesthesia: a randomised controlled study.

Background: While evidence from preclinical and observational cohort studies have suggested potential disparities in tumour behaviour associated with the choice of intra-operative anaesthetics, clinical evidence of tumour recurrence and metastasis remains inconclusive. We aimed to compare the impact of intra-operative anaesthesia on oncologic outcomes following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: Adult patients scheduled for elective hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma were assigned randomly (1:1) to either propofol-based total intravenous anaesthesia or sevoflurane-based inhalational anaesthesia.

Clinical predictors and noninvasive imaging in Fontan-associated liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Despite the development of several imaging modalities for diagnosing Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD), there is no optimal protocol for the follow-up of FALD. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify factors related to liver fibrosis using biopsy reports and to identify alternative noninvasive modalities that could better reflect liver histological changes in FALD.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA guidelines Table S2.

Insecticide resistance mutations of Anopheles species in the Republic of Korea.

The number of reported malaria cases transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes in the Republic of Korea (ROK) increased from 420 in 2022 to 746 in 2023, a 77.6% increase. Eight Anopheles species are currently reported in the ROK, including six species belonging to the Anopheles Hyrcanus Group and one species each belonging to the Barbirostris Group and Lindesayi Group.

Spectral scattering characteristics of subwavelength-sized spherical particles near Mie resonance modes probed by tightly focused Terahertz waves.

The complex dynamics of terahertz (THz) wave scattering by subwavelength-scale structures remain largely unexplored. This article examines the spectral scattering characteristics of subwavelength-sized spherical particles probed by tightly focused THz waves through numerical simulations and experimental techniques. The simulations reveal that the scattering intensity for lower Mie resonance modes (magnetic dipole and electric dipole modes) remains largely unaffected when THz waves are focused down to 0.

Association between recorded physical activity and cancer progression or mortality in individuals diagnosed with cancer in South Africa.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the association between progression and mortality in individuals with stage 1 cancer and their recorded physical activity before the diagnosis of the cancer.

Methods: We included 28 248 members with stage 1 cancers enrolled in an oncology programme in South Africa. Physical activity was recorded using fitness devices, logged gym sessions and participation in organised fitness events.

Investigating the effect of mindfulness training for stress management in military training: the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and emotional regulation.

Background: Military personnel face an increased risk of developing mental disorders owing to the stressful environments they encounter. Effective stress management strategies are crucial to mitigate this risk. Mindfulness training (MT) is promising as a stress management approach in such demanding settings.

Use of acupuncture among chronic disease patients attending primary healthcare facilities: a cross-sectional study in Korea.

Background: Given the crucial role of integrating acupuncture treatment into primary care for managing chronic diseases, this study endeavors to identify the utilization of acupuncture among chronic disease patients seeking primary care services in Korea. Additionally, it aims to evaluate their knowledge level and perceptions related to acupuncture use.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among chronic disease patients attending a primary care clinic in Korea.

Optimizing injection accuracy for Baxter's nerve entrapment: an ultrasonography-guided approach based on anatomical surface landmarks.

Introduction: The clinical feasibility and applicability of surface landmarks for Baxter nerve entrapment to proximal and distal sites is unclear. This study provides anatomical guidelines for optimal transducer placement using two specific landmarks, the most inferior tip of the medial malleolus (A) and the most protruding posterior tip of the calcaneus (B), to enhance the diagnostic and therapeutic injection efficacy for proximal and distal entrapment sites.

Materials And Methods: Eighty-six feet from 45 fresh cadavers (25 male and 20 female) were dissected to determine Baxter's nerve (BN) localization.

Clinical Outcomes of Total or Partial Renal Artery Embolization in Patients with Spontaneous Renal Bleeding.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate renal artery embolization in patients with spontaneous renal artery bleeding based on detailed angiographic findings and a comprehensive analysis of its efficacy and clinical outcomes.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the outcomes of renal artery embolization in 18 cases among 15 patients (11 men and 4 women; mean age: 57.9 years) treated for spontaneous renal bleeding at our institution between March 2017 and October 2023.

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Risk of Thyroid Cancer: An International Multisite Cohort Study.

Concerns have been raised that glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) may increase the risk of thyroid cancer, but evidence remains conflicting. We therefore investigated if GLP1-RA use, compared with use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is), was associated with thyroid cancer risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. This multisite cohort study with subsequent meta-analysis included six population-based databases from Canada (Ontario), Denmark, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan.

Monofluorinated acetal electrolyte for high-performance lithium metal batteries.

High degree of fluorination for ether electrolytes has resulted in improved cycling stability of lithium metal batteries due to stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and good oxidative stability. However, the sluggish ion transport and environmental concerns of high fluorination degree drive the need to develop less fluorinated structures. Here, we depart from the traditional ether backbone and introduce bis(2-fluoroethoxy)methane (F2DEM), featuring monofluorination of the acetal backbone.

Bio-Orchestration of Cellular Organization and Human-Preferred Sensory Texture in Cultured Meat.

For cultured meat to effectively replace traditional meat, it is essential to develop scaffolds that replicate key attributes of real meat, such as taste, nutrition, flavor, and texture. However, one of the significant challenges in replicating meat characteristics with scaffolds lies in the considerable gap between the stiffness preferred by cells and the textural properties desired by humans. To address this issue, we focused on the microscale environment conducive to cell growth and the macro-scale properties favored by humans.

Air and Thermally Stable Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbene Ruthenium Complexes for Efficient Ring Expansion Metathesis Polymerization.

Ring expansion metathesis polymerization (REMP) has emerged as a potent strategy for obtaining cyclic polymers over the past two decades. The scope of monomers, however, remains limited due to the poor functional group tolerance and stability of the catalyst, necessitating a rational catalyst design to address this constraint. Here, we present ruthenium complexes featuring tethered cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene ligands for REMP, aiming to deepen our understanding of the structure-property relationship in newly designed catalysts.

The Design of a Low-Noise CMOS Image Sensor Using a Hybrid Single-Slope Analog-to-Digital Converter.

In this study, we describe a low-noise complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor (CIS) with a 10/11-bit hybrid single-slope analog-to-digital converter (SS-ADC). The proposed hybrid SS-ADC provides a resolution of 11 bits in low-light and 10 bits in high-light. To this end, in the low-light section, the digital-correlated double sampling method using a double data rate structure was used to obtain a noise performance similar to that of the 11-bit SS-ADC under low-light conditions, while maintaining linear in-out characteristics.

A 0.73 dB Multi-Gain Low Noise Amplifier Design with Fast Mode-Switching for 5G/4G Applications.

In this paper, a sub-1dB Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) with several gain modes, including amplification and attenuation modes required for the fifth and fourth generations (5G/4G) of mobile network applications, is proposed. Its current consumption is adaptive for every gain mode and varies to lower currents for lower amplifications due to the importance of current consumption for mobile network applications. The proposed LNA features an innovative architecture with a three-core input structure supporting multi-gain modes, achieving high gain and ultra-low noise performance.

Pulse Shape Discrimination of n/γ in Liquid Scintillator at PMT Nonlinear Region Using Artificial Neural Network Technique.

Reactor-emitted electron antineutrinos can be detected via the inverse beta decay reaction, which produces a characteristic signal: a two-fold coincidence between a prompt positron event and a delayed neutron capture event within a specific time frame. While liquid scintillators are widely used for detecting neutrinos reacting with matter, detection is difficult because of the low interaction of neutrinos. In particular, it is important to distinguish between neutron (n) and gamma (γ) signals.

Sensitivity Analysis of an Optical Interferometric Surface Stress Ethanol Gas Sensor with a Freestanding Nanosheet.

Ethanol (EtOH) gas detection has garnered considerable attention owing to its wide range of applications in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics, and fuel management. The development of highly sensitive EtOH-gas sensors has become a focus of research. This study proposes an optical interferometric surface stress sensor for detecting EtOH gas.