Companion-based multi-level finite element method for computing multiple solutions of nonlinear differential equations.

The utilization of nonlinear differential equations has resulted in remarkable progress across various scientific domains, including physics, biology, ecology, and quantum mechanics. Nonetheless, obtaining multiple solutions for nonlinear differential equations can pose considerable challenges, particularly when it is difficult to find suitable initial guesses. To address this issue, we propose a pioneering approach known as the Companion-Based Multilevel Finite Element Method (CBMFEM).

Hierarchically-structured ratchet skimmer with superhydrophilicity for continuous recovery of high-viscosity oil.

Oil spill accidents have series environmental and economic impacts, increasing the demand for efficient technologies to recover oil from contaminated waters. In this study, a hierarchically structured ratchet surface with superhydrophilicity was presented as a novel oil skimming mechanism for the recovery of high-viscosity oil, particularly low-sulfur fuel oil (LSFO), which has recently been used as marine fuel in open water environments. The interaction between the superhydrophilic ratchet and oil provides favorable conditions for oil retention at the water surface.

Associations between circulating interleukin-18 levels and adult-onset Still's disease: a meta-analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the link between circulating interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels and adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD).

Methods: A thorough search was performed on MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science to find relevant articles. A meta-analysis was conducted to compare serum/plasma IL-18 levels in AOSD patients to those in control subjects.

Assessment of disease activity and quality of life of Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) follows a treat-to-target approach, as recommended by guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). RA treatment recommendations include an emphasis on frequent disease activity assessments to optimize therapy, recognizing the possibility of timely therapies to slow progression and improve long-term results. The evaluation of joint inflammation, pain, physical function, and clinical indicators is required for comprehensive RA therapy.

Uncertainty Quantification in Automated Detection of Vertebral Metastasis Using Ensemble Monte Carlo Dropout.

The accurate and early detection of vertebral metastases is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Although deep-learning models have shown potential in this area, their lack of prediction reliability and robustness limits their clinical utility. To address these challenges, we propose a novel technique called Ensemble Monte Carlo Dropout (EMCD) for uncertainty quantification (UQ), which combines the Monte Carlo dropout and deep ensembles.

Assessing the utility of epigenetic clocks for health prediction in South Korean.

Epigenetic clocks have been developed to track both chronological age and biological age, which is defined by physiological biomarkers and the risk of adverse health outcomes. Epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) has been found to predict various diseases, aging-related factors, and mortality. However, epigenetic clocks have predominantly been developed with individuals of European or Hispanic ancestry, and their association with health outcomes and environmental factors has not been sufficiently assessed in East Asian populations.

Comparative Analysis of Phytochemical and Functional Profiles of Arabica Coffee Leaves and Green Beans Across Different Cultivars.

This study analyzed the phytochemical composition and functional properties of leaves and green beans from seven Arabica coffee cultivars. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured using spectrophotometric methods, while caffeine, chlorogenic acid (CGA), and mangiferin levels were quantified via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Volatile compounds were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Correlation between impaired brachial flow-mediated dilation and hemorrhagic transformation after acute reperfusion therapy.

Objective: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) represents a critical complication of reperfusion therapy, often resulting in unfavorable functional outcomes. Our objective was to explore the correlation between endothelial function, assessed through flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and the occurrence of HT in patients undergoing acute reperfusion therapy.

Materials And Methods: In our retrospective analysis, we investigated patients with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) who underwent acute reperfusion therapy and assessment through FMD, calculated as %FMD = (peak diameter - baseline diameter)/baseline diameter×100.

Association between urgency urinary incontinence and cause-specific mortality: a population-based analysis.

Purpose: Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) is a prevalent condition with significant implications for quality of life, yet its association with mortality was less examined by a few studies. Using data from representative U.S.

Analysis of hotspots and emerging trends in school foodservice research using CiteSpace.

Background/objectives: The school foodservice is a facility that offers catering services to students and exerts a significant influence on their well-being and academic performance. Hence, it is crucial to comprehend the present global research status and development trends of school foodservice over the last decade, investigate their future direction of progress and enhancement strategies, offer guidance to school canteen managers and policymakers, and foster the wholesome advancement of school foodservice.

Materials/methods: The Web of Science (WoS) core collection was utilized as the data source to search for publications pertaining to the topics of school foodservices, school meals, and school foodservice/cafeterias.

Biomass enhancement and activation of transcriptional regulation in sorghum seedling by plasma-activated water.

Introduction: Recent advancements in agricultural technology have highlighted the potential of eco-friendly innovations, such as plasma-activated water (PAW), for enhancing seed germination, growth, and biomass production.

Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of PAW irrigation on young sorghum seedlings through phenotypic and transcriptional analyses. We measured growth parameters, including seedling height, stem thickness, and biomass, across five sorghum varieties: BTx623, Sodamchal, Noeulchal, Baremae, and Hichal.

Effect of urate-lowering therapy on all-cause and CVD-specific mortality in gout and hyperuricemia: a meta-analysis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between urate-lowering therapy (ULT) and both all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality in patients diagnosed with gout or hyperuricemia.

Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were thoroughly searched to gather literature on overall and/or CVD-specific hazard ratios (HRs) of patients with gout or hyperuricemia. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the mortality risks of UTL users in gout or hyperuricemia populations.

Survey on Alopecia Areata Patients' Reported Factors that Determine Severity of Alopecia Areata: A Nationwide Multicenter Study.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is characterized by hair loss on the scalp and body, significantly impacting patients' quality of life based on its severity.

Objective: This study aims to identify crucial factors influencing the perception of severe AA from the patients' viewpoint.

Methods: A web-based survey was conducted among AA patients attending dermatology departments at 21 university hospitals in Korea.

Clinical Manifestation of Alopecia Areata After COVID-19 Infection or Vaccination.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is characterized by an autoimmune inflammatory response to hair follicles. Several studies have suggested that infection and vaccination can trigger an autoimmune process around hair follicles. Moreover, reports of AA and various other autoimmune diseases have increased since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic became established.

Regulatory T cells crosstalk with tumor cells and endothelium through lymphotoxin signaling.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) with multifaceted functions suppress anti-tumor immunity by signaling surrounding cells. Here we report Tregs use the surface lymphotoxin (LT)α1β2 to preferentially stimulate LT beta receptor (LTβR) nonclassical NFκB signaling on both tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to accelerate tumor growth and metastasis. Selectively targeting LTβR nonclassical NFκB pathway inhibits tumor growth and migration in vitro.

Characteristics and Prognosis of Breast Cancer Patients With Prior Hormone Replacement Therapy: Insights From the Korean Breast Cancer Society Registry.

By investigating the characteristics and prognosis of breast cancer (BC) patients who have undergone hormone replacement therapy (HRT), this study addresses a gap in the existing literature. A total of 17,355 postmenopausal patients with BC were analyzed using data from the Korea Breast Cancer Society database (2000-2014). Among them, 3,585 (20.

Formal [4 + 2] combined ionic and radical approach of vinylogous enaminonitriles to access highly substituted sulfonyl pyridazines.

Pyridazine derivatives hold significant interest due to their broad applications in pharmaceuticals and materials science, where they serve as valuable scaffolds for bioactive compounds and functional materials. Here, we report a formal [4 + 2] reaction for the synthesis of 5'-sulfonyl-4'-aryl-3-cyano substituted pyridazine compounds from the reaction between vinylogous enaminonitriles and sulfonyl hydrazides. The key features of our pyridazine synthesis include the transamidation of vinylogous enaminonitriles with sulfonyl hydrazide, radical sulfonylation of the resulting intermediate, and subsequent 6-endo-trig radical cyclization.

Microbial consortia in commercial salmon products: A comparative study using cultivation-dependent and high-throughput sequencing approaches.

Despite the widespread consumption of salmon products, an all-round microbiological survey on fresh salmon and smoked salmon products sold on the market directly to consumers remains to be undertaken. The present study conducted a comprehensive microbial investigation employing both conventional cultivation-based techniques and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. A total of 120 fresh salmon and 95 smoked salmon products were systematically collected across all four seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter), accompanied by temperature assessments of each product's interior.

The Impact of Technostress, Nursing Informatics Competency and Knowledge-Sharing Behaviour on Nursing Work Performance Among Tertiary Hospital Nurses.

Aims: To examine the impact of technostress, nursing informatics competency and knowledge-sharing behaviour on clinical nurses' work performance.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Method: We recruited nurses with over 6 months of experience from three tertiary hospitals in Daegu, Korea.

Effects of LM1215 on and .

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify novel vaginal probiotics with the potential to prevent vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Materials And Methods: Eighteen strains of were isolated from healthy Korean women, and their antimicrobial effects against and were assessed. Three strains ( LM1203, LM1209, and LM1215) were selected for further investigation, focusing on their growth inhibition, biofilm regulation, and cellular mechanisms against these vaginal pathogens.

Risk of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Computed Tomography: A 16 Institutional Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: Concern about contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) may delay the timely administration of contrast media for computed tomography (CT). The precise causative effect of iodinated contrast media on CI-AKI and its relevant risk factors remains an area of ongoing investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the risk of CI-AKI following contrast-enhanced CT and its predisposing risk factors.