Eco-friendly synthesis of rod-like hydroxyapatite on spherical carbon: A dual-function composite for selective cobalt removal and enhanced oxygen evolution reaction.

The presence of cobalt ions (Co) and radionuclides (Co) in industrial and radioactive effluents pose serious threats to environmental ecosystems and human health. This paper presents the synthesis of dual-functional hydroxyapatite (HAp)-incorporated spherical carbon (SC) composite (HAp/SC) towards the selective adsorption of cobalt from wastewater and the utilization of the Co-adsorbed HAp/SC composite (Co- HAp/SC) as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we prepared a series of HAp/SC composites by varying HAp weight percentages of 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %, and 50 %.

Efficacy of combining aspirin with hydroxychloroquine in pregnancies at high risk for pre-eclampsia: a prospective, multicentre, open-label, single-arm clinical trial, investigator-initiated study (HUGS study).

Introduction: The use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) during pregnancies complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus or refractory antiphospholipid antibody syndrome has demonstrated a significant ability to prevent pre-eclampsia (PE). As such, the potential for the administration of HCQ to prevent PE in other high-risk pregnancies is an important clinical research agenda among maternal and fetal medicine specialists. Mechanistically, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of HCQ can offer vascular protection and inhibit the placental dysfunction-associated thrombotic changes underlying the pathophysiology of PE, fetal growth restriction (FGR) and fetal death in utero (FDIU).

Individual domain characteristics determined by second-harmonic generation diffractometer for multi-domain multiferroics.

We investigated the multi-domain states of a multiferroic La-doped BiFeO (BLFO) thin film by examining diffraction patterns in optical second-harmonic generation (SHG) measurement. By directing a laser onto the domain wall within the domain-patterned sample, we observed clear diffraction signatures of SHG waves generated from two ferroelectric domains. We explained the experimental results of the diffraction patterns, including the intensity distribution and the polarization characteristics, using Fresnel propagation of SHG waves.

Whirligig beetle uses lift-based thrust for fastest insect swimming.

Whirligig beetles (Gyrinidae) are the fastest-swimming insects. The one-centimeter long aquatic beetle can reach a peak acceleration of 100 m s and a top velocity of 100 body lengths per second. Previous studies have suggested that drag-based thrust by their hind legs is responsible for their propulsion.

Optimal free-surface pumping by an undulating carpet.

Examples of fluid flows driven by undulating boundaries are found in nature across many different length scales. Even though different driving mechanisms have evolved in distinct environments, they perform essentially the same function: directional transport of liquid. Nature-inspired strategies have been adopted in engineered devices to manipulate and direct flow.

Applying modified-data mining techniques to assess public transportation vulnerable urban and suburban city areas.

To guarantee the right to move for residents in areas where public transportation is insufficient, research is needed to identify vulnerable areas and prepare measures. This paper defines the vulnerable regions of public transportation within various city types in Korea. In order to identify appropriate areas to apply the Demand Responsive Transit (DRT), the regions with vulnerability were compared with a specific city (Yangsan-) which already the DRT system was successfully adopted.

The Multifaceted Clinical Characteristics of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: From Pregnancy to Long-Term Outcomes.

Background: The aim of this study was to capture multifaceted clinical characteristics of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection from diagnosis to treatment using a multidisciplinary approach including obstetrics, pediatrics, pathology, and otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

Methods: This is a retrospective study including 30 consecutive cases of congenital CMV infection that were diagnosed at a single tertiary hospital located in Seoul, Korea from January 2009 to December 2020. Congenital CMV infection was defined as a positive result by polymerase chain reaction from urine, saliva or cerebrospinal fluid or positive CMV IgM from neonatal blood sampled within 3 weeks after birth.

Ipsilateral Motor Evoked Potentials in a Preschool-age Child With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Report.

To the best of our knowledge, the upper age limit at which post-neonatal cerebral palsy (CP) can manifest remains uncertain. This uncertainty is attributed to the lack of objective parameters for assessing the developing brain. In a previous study, we reported that an ipsilateral corticospinal projection associated with brain injury, as manifested in the paretic hand of a CP patient, had never been observed in individuals aged > 2 years.

Recent Progress in Functional Nanomaterials towards the Storage, Separation, and Removal of Tritium.

Tritium is a sustainable next-generation prime fuel for generating nuclear energy through fusion reactions to fulfill the increasing global energy demand. Owing to the scarcity-high demand tradeoff, tritium must be bred inside a fusion reactor to ensure sustainability and must therefore be separated from its isotopes (protium and deuterium) in pure form, stored safely, and supplied on demand. Existing multistage isotope separation technologies exhibit low separation efficiency and require intensive energy inputs and large capital investments.

Abnormal Vaginal Flora in Cervical Incompetence Patients - the Impact of Escherichia coli.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of abnormal vaginal colonization in women with cervical incompetence and to analyze its impact on obstetric and neonatal outcomes and placental inflammation. We included 138 pregnant women diagnosed with cervical incompetence and delivered in our hospital. Patients with major fetal anomaly or multifetal pregnancy were excluded.

Nanoscale Enhancement of the Local Optical Conductivity near Cracks in Metallic SrRuO Film.

Cracking has been recognized as a major obstacle degrading material properties, including structural stability, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. Recently, there have been several reports on the nanosized cracks (nanocracks), particularly in the insulating oxides. In this work, we comprehensively investigate how nanocracks affect the physical properties of metallic SrRuO (SRO) thin films.

Effect of chewing gum on anxiety in women undergoing elective cesarean section: a randomized controlled study.

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a common problem in pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section. We aimed to determine the anxiolytic effects of chewing gum in pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia.

Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Fabrication of a Liquid Scintillator based on 7-Diethylamino-4-Methylcoumarin for Radiation Detection.

Organic liquid scintillation detectors are widely used to measure the presence of radiation. With these devices, there are advantages in that they are easy to manufacture, large in size, and have a short fluorescence decay time. However, they are not suitable for gamma spectroscopy because they are composed of a low-atomic-number material.

A randomized clinical trial of antibiotic treatment duration in preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes: 7 days vs until delivery.

Background: Antibiotic treatment in preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes can prolong the interval from membrane rupture to delivery and improve neonatal outcomes. However, the duration of antibiotic treatment for preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes has been rarely compared in prospective studies.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the optimal duration of antibiotic treatment for pre-labor rupture of membranes.

Maternal Baseline Risk Factors for Abnormal Vaginal Colonisation among High-Risk Pregnant Women and the Association with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Abnormal vaginal colonisation can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth through intra-amniotic inflammation. Despite the concern, little is known about its risk factors and impact in pregnant women at high-risk for spontaneous preterm birth. Thus, we conducted this single-centre retrospective cohort study including 1381 consecutive women who were admitted to the high-risk pregnancy unit.

Hydroxychloroquine reduces hypertension and soluble fms-like kinase-1 in a Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester-induced preeclampsia rat model.

Objective: Hydroxychloroquine, a drug used for malaria and autoimmune diseases reportedly has beneficial effects against preeclampsia in pregnant women with lupus. However, its mechanism against preeclampsia remains unclear. We investigated the effect of hydroxychloroquine on an Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester-induced preeclampsia rat model.

What Are More Efficient Transportation Services in a Rural Area? A Case Study in Yangsan City, South Korea.

Population aging and population decline are experienced not only in South Korea but also in other countries around the world. In particular, public transportation operations, which have been centered on existing large buses, are struggling with a continuous deficit owing to the rapid population decline in rural areas, thus leading to a social issue. To address this issue, nations worldwide have attempted to find various alternatives.

Do the Causes of Spontaneous Preterm Delivery Affect Placental Inflammatory Pathology and Neonatal Outcomes?

Objective: To investigate the severity of histologic chorioamnionitis /funisitis according to the indication for preterm delivery and their corresponding neonatal outcomes. Method: This study included 411 singleton women who delivered between 21+0 and 31+6 week of gestation due to preterm labor (PTL, n = 165), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM, n = 202), or incompetent internal os of the cervix (IIOC, n = 44). The primary outcome measure was the rate of severe histological chorioamnionitis/funisitis.

Motor organization of unilateral polymicrogyria associated with ipsilateral brainstem atrophy - a case report.

Background: Polymicrogyria refers to the disruption of normal cerebral cortical development late in neuronal migration or in early cortical organization. Although patients with polymicrogyria feature relatively favorable motor outcomes, polymicrogyric lesions accompanied by extensive unilateral hemispheric atrophy and ipsilateral brainstem atrophy may induce poorer motor outcomes. This study is the first to employ transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to characterize changes to motor organization and white matter tracts induced by polymicrogyria.