Cysteinyl Leukotrienes in Allergic Inflammation.

The cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), LTC, LTD, and LTE, are potent lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid through the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. These mediators produce both inflammation and bronchoconstriction through three distinct G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)-CysLT, CysLT, and OXGR1 (also known as CysLT or GPR99). While CysLT-mediated functions in the effector phase of allergic inflammation and asthma have been established for some time, recent work has demonstrated novel roles for these mediators and their receptors in the induction and amplification of type 2 inflammation.

Patterned wireless transcranial optogenetics generates artificial perception.

Synthesizing perceivable artificial neural inputs independent of typical sensory channels remains a fundamental challenge in the development of next-generation brain-machine interfaces. Establishing a minimally invasive, wirelessly effective, and miniaturized platform with long-term stability is crucial for creating a clinically meaningful interface capable of mediating artificial perceptual feedback. In this study, we demonstrate a miniaturized fully implantable wireless transcranial optogenetic encoder designed to generate artificial perceptions through digitized optogenetic manipulation of large cortical ensembles.

A skin-interfaced microfluidic platform supports dynamic sweat biochemical analysis during human exercise.

Blood lactate concentration is an established circulating biomarker for measuring muscle acidity and can be evaluated for monitoring endurance, training routines, or athletic performance. Sweat is an alternative biofluid that may serve similar purposes and offers the advantage of noninvasive collection and continuous monitoring. The relationship between blood lactate and dynamic sweat biochemistry for wearable engineering applications in physiological fitness remains poorly defined.

Bioinspired Nanotopography for Combinatory Osseointegration and Antibacterial Therapy.

The ongoing global health has highlighted the critical issue of secondary infections, particularly antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, which have been significant contributors to mortality rates. Orthopedic implants, while essential for trauma and orthopedic surgeries, are particularly susceptible to these infections, leading to severe complications and economic burdens. The traditional use of antibiotics in treating these infections poses further challenges including the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

An integrated microfluidic and fluorescence platform for probing in vivo neuropharmacology.

Neurotechnologies and genetic tools for dissecting neural circuit functions have advanced rapidly over the past decade, although the development of complementary pharmacological method-ologies has comparatively lagged. Understanding the precise pharmacological mechanisms of neuroactive compounds is critical for advancing basic neurobiology and neuropharmacology, as well as for developing more effective treatments for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, integrating modern tools for assessing neural activity in large-scale neural networks with spatially localized drug delivery remains a major challenge.

Determination of Sulfites in Dried Fruits by Paper Spray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Sulfite, a widely used food additive, is subject to regulated labeling. The extraction of sulfite as the stable hydroxymethylsulfonate (HMS) form and its quantitative analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been recognized for their good sensitivity, selectivity, and versatility across various food materials. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective and simpler method for sulfite quantitation, while maintaining the superior sensitivity and selectivity of mass spectrometry (MS).

Remote optogenetic control of the enteric nervous system and brain-gut axis in freely-behaving mice enabled by a wireless, battery-free optoelectronic device.

Wireless activation of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in freely moving animals with implantable optogenetic devices offers a unique and exciting opportunity to selectively control gastrointestinal (GI) transit in vivo, including the gut-brain axis. Programmed delivery of light to targeted locations in the GI-tract, however, poses many challenges not encountered within the central nervous system (CNS). We report here the development of a fully implantable, battery-free wireless device specifically designed for optogenetic control of the GI-tract, capable of generating sufficient light over large areas to robustly activate the ENS, potently inducing colonic motility ex vivo and increased propulsion in vivo.

Functional bio-inspired hybrid fliers with separated ring and leading edge vortices.

Recent advances in passive flying systems inspired by wind-dispersed seeds contribute to increasing interest in their use for remote sensing applications across large spatial domains in the Lagrangian frame of reference. These concepts create possibilities for developing and studying structures with performance characteristics and operating mechanisms that lie beyond those found in nature. Here, we demonstrate a hybrid flier system, fabricated through a process of controlled buckling, to yield unusual geometries optimized for flight.

Increased epithelial mTORC1 activity in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Background: The airway epithelium plays a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), but the mechanisms by which airway epithelial cells (EpCs) maintain inflammation are poorly understood.

Objective: We hypothesized that transcriptomic assessment of sorted airway EpCs across the spectrum of differentiation would allow us to define mechanisms by which EpCs perpetuate airway inflammation.

Methods: Ethmoid sinus EpCs from adult patients with CRS were sorted into 3 subsets, bulk RNA sequenced, and analyzed for differentially expressed genes and pathways.

A Miniaturized, Battery-Free, Wireless Wound Monitor That Predicts Wound Closure Rate Early.

Diabetic foot ulcers are chronic wounds that affect millions and increase the risk of amputation and mortality, highlighting the critical need for their early detection. Recent demonstrations of wearable sensors enable real-time wound assessment, but they rely on bulky electronics, making them difficult to interface with wounds. Herein, a miniaturized, wireless, battery-free wound monitor that measures lactate in real-time and seamlessly integrates with bandages for conformal attachment to the wound bed is introduced.

Review of the Oscillation of Research Regulations for Bioethics in the Republic of Korea: Comparison with Japan.

The Bioethics Act in the Republic of Korea has undergone great fluctuations akin to the pendulum of a clock. Since Professor Hwang's research ethics issue, domestic embryonic stem cell research has lost its vitality. This study argues that the Republic of Korea needs a reference point that does not waiver.

The theoretical systems of OFDI location determinants in global north and global south economies.

With economic transformation and industrial development, Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) from southern countries has increased rapidly. The theoretical system established by global north countries with their dominant position in the international investment market has been impacted by global south countries. The existing OFDI theory has always been based on developed countries and can only explain some international investment behavior of southern countries.

Strain-Insensitive Stretchable Fiber Conductors Based on Highly Conductive Buckled Shells for Wearable Electronics.

Based on their high applicability to wearable electronics, fiber-based stretchable electronics have been developed via different strategies. However, the electrical conductivity of a fiber electrode is severely degraded, following deformation upon stretching. Despite the introduction of conductive buckled structures to resolve this issue, there still exist limitations regarding the simultaneous realizations of high conductivity and stretchability.

Type 2 inflammation drives an airway basal stem cell program through insulin receptor substrate signaling.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is a type 2 (T2) inflammatory disease associated with an increased number of airway basal cells (BCs). Recent studies have identified transcriptionally distinct BCs, but the molecular pathways that support or inhibit human BC proliferation and differentiation are largely unknown.

Objective: We sought to determine the role of T2 cytokines in regulating airway BCs.

Tailored Self-Assembled Monolayer using Chemical Coupling for Indium-Gallium-Zinc Oxide Thin-Film Transistors: Multifunctional Copper Diffusion Barrier.

Controlling the contact properties of a copper (Cu) electrode is an important process for improving the performance of an amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistor (TFT) for high-speed applications, owing to the low resistance-capacitance product constant of Cu. One of the many challenges in Cu application to a-IGZO is inhibiting high diffusivity, which causes degradation in the performance of a-IGZO TFT by forming electron trap states. A self-assembled monolayer (SAM) can perfectly act as a Cu diffusion barrier (DB) and passivation layer that prevents moisture and oxygen, which can deteriorate the TFT on-off performance.

A bioresorbable peripheral nerve stimulator for electronic pain block.

Local electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves can block the propagation of action potentials, as an attractive alternative to pharmacological agents for the treatment of acute pain. Traditional hardware for such purposes, however, involves interfaces that can damage nerve tissue and, when used for temporary pain relief, that impose costs and risks due to requirements for surgical extraction after a period of need. Here, we introduce a bioresorbable nerve stimulator that enables electrical nerve block and associated pain mitigation without these drawbacks.

Accelerated biodegradation of iron-based implants via tantalum-implanted surface nanostructures.

In recent years, pure iron (Fe) has attracted significant attention as a promising biodegradable orthopedic implant material due to its excellent mechanical and biological properties. However, in physiological conditions, Fe has an extremely slow degradation rate with localized and irregular degradation, which is problematic for practical applications. In this study, we developed a novel combination of a nanostructured surface topography and galvanic reaction to achieve uniform and accelerated degradation of an Fe implant.

Correlation Between Intravascular Injection Rate, Pain Intensity, and Degree of Cervical Neural Foraminal Stenosis During a Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Block.

Purpose: Cervical transforaminal epidural blocks (CTEBs) are useful for the treatment of cervical radicular pain. However, during CTEBs, inadvertent intravascular injection can introduce particulate steroids into the bloodstream, thus leading to serious complications. Moreover, the risk factors associated with intravascular injection during CTEBs have not been identified.

Nano-Topographical Control of Ti-Nb-Zr Alloy Surfaces for Enhanced Osteoblastic Response.

Nano-scale surface roughening of metallic bio-implants plays an important role in the clinical success of hard tissue reconstruction and replacement. In this study, the nano-topographical features of titanium-niobium-zirconium (TNZ) alloy surfaces were controlled by using the target-ion induced plasma sputtering (TIPS) technique to improve the in vitro osteoblastic response. The TIPS technique is a novel strategy for etching the surface of metallic bio-implants using bombardment of target metal cations, which were accelerated by an extremely high negative bias voltage applied to the substrates.

The impact of surface treatment in 3-dimensional printed implants for early osseointegration: a comparison study of three different surfaces.

3D printing technology has been gradually applied to various areas. In the present study, 3D-printed implants were fabricated with direct metal laser sintering technique for a dental single root with titanium. The 3D implants were allocated into following groups: not treated (3D-None), sandblasted with a large grit and acid-etched (3D-SLA), and target-ion-induced plasma-sputtered surface (3D-TIPS).

Occupational health nurses' personal attitudes toward smoking: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate if experience in smoking intervention training influences attitudes toward smoking, discuss the role of health management programs of small- and medium-sized enterprises, and analyze the current attitude of occupational health nurses regarding the hazards of smoking and responsibility to smokers to effectively facilitate smoking cessation support programs.

Methods: We conducted an anonymous self-administered cross-sectional survey of 108 nurses employed in occupational health services outsourcing specialized agency in Korea. We assessed the difference in attitude about smoking according to training experience in smoking interventions and perceived competence in counseling smokers using chi-square test and Fisher's exact test.

Construction of tantalum/poly(ether imide) coatings on magnesium implants with both corrosion protection and osseointegration properties.

Poly(ether imide) (PEI) has shown satisfactory corrosion protection capability with good adhesion strength as a coating for magnesium (Mg), a potential candidate of biodegradable orthopedic implant material. However, its innate hydrophobic property causes insufficient osteoblast affinity and a lack of osseointegration. Herein, we modify the physical and chemical properties of a PEI-coated Mg implant.

Frontal electroencephalogram activity during emergence from general anaesthesia in children with and without emergence delirium.

Background: Emergence delirium (ED) in children after general anaesthesia causes significant distress in patients, their family members, and clinicians; however, electroencephalogram (EEG) markers predicting ED have not been fully investigated.

Methods: This prospective, single-centre observational study enrolled children aged 2-10 yr old under sevoflurane anaesthesia. ED was assessed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) IV or 5 criteria.

Ultrasensitive and Stretchable Conductive Fibers Using Percolated Pd Nanoparticle Networks for Multisensing Wearable Electronics: Crack-Based Strain and H Sensors.

The need for wearable electronic devices continues to grow, and the research is under way for stretchable fiber-type sensors that are sensitive to the surrounding atmosphere and will provide proficient measurement capabilities. Currently, one-dimensional fiber sensors have several limitations for their extensive use because of the complex structures of the sensing mechanisms. Thus, it is essential to miniaturize these materials with durability while integrating multiple sensing capabilities.