Ultrafast Synthesis of Hard Carbon Anodes for Sodium-ion Batteries: An Intense-Pulsed-Light-Assisted Approach to Photothermal Carbonization of Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films.

The conventional carbonization process for synthesizing hard carbons (HCs) requires high-temperature furnace operations exceeding 1000 °C, leading to excessive energy consumption and lengthy processing times, which necessitates the exploration of more efficient synthesis methods. This study demonstrates the rapid preparation of HC anodes using intense pulsed light (IPL)-assisted photothermal carbonization without the prolonged and complex operations typical of traditional carbonization methods. A composite film of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is carbonized at high temperatures in less than 1 min.

Single-molecule analysis of transcription activation: dynamics of SAGA coactivator recruitment.

Transcription activators are said to stimulate gene expression by 'recruiting' coactivators, yet this vague term fits multiple kinetic models. To directly analyze the dynamics of activator-coactivator interactions, single-molecule microscopy was used to image promoter DNA, a transcription activator and the Spt-Ada-Gcn5 acetyltransferase (SAGA) complex within yeast nuclear extract. SAGA readily but transiently binds nucleosome-free DNA without an activator, while chromatin association occurs primarily when an activator is present.

Revisiting Age-Related Normative Hearing Levels in Korea.

Background: Hearing level reference values based on the results of recent audiometry have not been established for the general population of South Korea. This study aimed to evaluate the mean hearing levels of each age group and to measure the annual progression of hearing loss.

Methods: We used the database of the eighth and ninth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2020 to 2022, and included participants with normal tympanic membranes and without occupational noise exposure.

Comparing prediction accuracy for 30-day readmission following primary total knee arthroplasty: the ACS-NSQIP risk calculator versus a novel artificial neural network model.

Background: Unplanned readmission, a measure of surgical quality, occurs after 4.8% of primary total knee arthroplasties (TKA). Although the prediction of individualized readmission risk may inform appropriate preoperative interventions, current predictive models, such as the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) surgical risk calculator (SRC), have limited utility.

The Possible Impact of Zinc-Enriched Multivitamins on Treatment-Naïve Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Patients.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common oral mucosal disorder characterized by painful ulcerations and frequent recurrences, which can significantly impair quality of life. This study explores the efficacy of zinc-enriched multivitamin supplementation (ZnVita, containing 22.5 mg of elemental zinc) for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis in treatment-naïve patients, aiming to diminish the reliance on immunomodulatory drugs.

Isolation of New Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria from the Vaginal Microbiome of Postmenopausal Women and their Probiotic Characteristics.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), traditionally consumed as fermented foods, are now being applied to the medical field beyond health-functional food as probiotics. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously discover and evaluate new strains with suitable probiotic characteristics, mainly focusing on safety. In this study, we isolated eight new strains from postmenopausal vaginal fluid using culturomics approaches, an emerging area of interest.

Challenges in extracting and characterizing electrolytes from automotive lithium-ion cells.

Background: The demand for lithium-ion cells in the automotive industry is rapidly growing due to the increasing electrification of the transportation sector. The electrolyte composition plays a critical role in determining the lifetime and performance of these large-format cells. Additionally, advancements in this field are leading to frequent changes in both electrode materials and electrolyte formulations.

Protection against tuberculosis by vaccination of secreted chorismate mutase (Rv1885c) combined with a hepatitis B virus (HBV)-derived peptide, Poly6, and alum adjuvants.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health issue due to the limited efficacy of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, highlighting the need for the development of an improved TB vaccine. In this study, we created a novel TB subunit vaccine consisting of TB-secreted chorismate mutase (TBCM) (Rv1885c) and a hepatitis B virus (HBV)-derived peptide (Poly6), which elicits Type I interferon responses, both with and without an alum adjuvant. We evaluated the immunogenicity, protective efficacy, and therapeutic efficacy of this vaccine candidate in an in vivo mouse model.

Evaluating major element hydrogeochemistry and fluoride occurrence in groundwater of crystalline bedrock aquifers and associated controlling factors of Eumseong basin area, South Korea.

Long-term intake of high-fluoride water can cause fluorosis in bones and teeth or damage to organs. Fluoride in groundwater is primarily derived from reactions with rocks containing fluorine-related minerals, and fluoride concentrations are elevated in groundwater that has been reacting with these rocks for a long time. The purpose of this study is to investigate the origin and distribution of fluoride in groundwater and to assess the influence of various factors, including geology, on fluoride concentrations in groundwater.

Protocol for a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial to investigate the feasibility and safety of in-bed self-exercises based on electromyography sensor feedback in patients with subacute stroke.

Background: The dosage and intensity of physical therapy are crucial factors influencing the motor recovery of the hemiplegic lower limb in patients with subacute stroke. Biofeedback using wearable sensors may provide opportunities for patients with stroke to effectively guide self-exercises with monitoring of muscular activities in hemiplegic lower limbs. This study aims to explore the feasibility and safety of in-bed self-exercises based on electromyography sensor feedback in patients with subacute stroke.

Anion-Rich Interface via a Self-Assembled Monolayer toward a Long-Lifespan Li Metal Battery.

Due to the extremely high energy density of Li metal, Li metal batteries are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems. However, interfacial issues, particularly the unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and lithium dendritic growth, hinder practical application. Herein, we induce an anion-rich interface near the Li metal by introducing positively charged self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on ceramic-coated separators to simultaneously stabilize the SEI and homogenize the Li deposition.

Effects of Fiber Orientation on the Bearing Strength of 3D-Printed Composite Materials Produced by Fused Filament Fabrication.

Among 3D printing technologies, fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a fast, simple, and low-cost technology that is being explored in a variety of industries. FFF produces composites using thermoplastic filaments, limiting the applicability of welding. Therefore, mechanical fastening is required to join FFF composites with metals or dissimilar materials.

Does Frequent Use of Advanced Energy Devices Improve Hysterectomy Outcomes?

: The objective of this study was to assess the efficient use of advanced energy devices by examining the impact of their usage frequency on surgical outcomes of total laparoscopic hysterectomies. : A retrospective study was conducted between 2020 and 2023 by a single surgeon. The patients' medical records and surgical videos were reviewed.

Impact of Diaphragm-Strengthening Core Training on Postural Stability in High-Intensity Squats.

This study analyzed the effects of an 8-week diaphragmatic core training program on postural stability during high-intensity squats and examined its efficacy in injury prevention and performance enhancement. Thirty-seven male participants were randomly assigned to three groups: diaphragmatic core training group (DCTG, n = 12), core training group (CTG, n = 13), and control group (CG, n = 12). Outcome measurements included diaphragm thickness, respiratory function (mean and maximal respiratory pressures), and squat postural stability (distance between the sacral and upper body center points, peak trunk extension moment, peak knee flexion moment, and dynamic postural stability index).

The Impact of Physical Hazards on Workers' Job Satisfaction in the Construction Industry: A Case Study of Korea.

This study investigates the impact of workplace physical hazards on job satisfaction in the construction industry, focusing on the mediating role of mental threats and the moderating effects of perceived job quality and security. The study findings indicate that exposure to physical hazards significantly contributes to mental stress, leading to reduced job satisfaction. Importantly, a heightened awareness of physical risks amplifies the mental burden, further decreasing job satisfaction.

Rational design and therapeutic potential of MyD88 inhibitory peptide in psoriasis.

Myeloid differentiation primary-response 88 (MyD88) is a crucial adaptor protein for initiating immune responses via Toll-like receptors (TLRs). This study employed a rational peptide design approach to develop MyD88 inhibitory peptides targeting the MyD88 interaction interface. The designed peptide, MyDIP2-4, was evaluated for its efficacy in inhibiting MyD88-dependent signaling in human and mouse cell lines.

Landscape profiling of PET depolymerases using a natural sequence cluster framework.

Enzymes capable of breaking down polymers have been identified from natural sources and developed for industrial use in plastic recycling. However, there are many potential starting points for enzyme optimization that remain unexplored. We generated a landscape of 170 lineages of 1894 polyethylene terephthalate depolymerase (PETase) candidates and performed profiling using sampling approaches with features associated with PET-degrading capabilities.

The human zinc-binding cysteine proteome.

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that regulates a wide range of physiological processes, most often through zinc binding to protein cysteine residues. Despite being critical for modulation of protein function, the cysteine sites in the majority of the human proteome that are subject to zinc binding remain undefined. Here, we develop ZnCPT, a deep and quantitative mapping of the zinc-binding cysteine proteome.

Clinical significance of various pathogens identified in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD: a multi-center study in South Korea.

Background: Respiratory infection is a major cause of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). We investigated the presence of bacterial and viral pathogens and clinical features in patients with AECOPD.

Methods: This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD from 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015-2018.

Functional Liver Imaging Score (FLIS) as imaging parameter for predicting post-hepatectomy complications in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Background: Liver dysfunction has been reported as a risk factor for predicting complications after hepatectomy. In patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) who underwent hepatectomy, a Functional Liver Imaging Score (FLIS), derived from gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has never been investigated as a predictor of clinically significant post-hepatectomy complications.

Purpose: To evaluate whether FLIS can predict post-hepatectomy complications in patients with LC.

Quasi-One-Dimensional Spin Dynamics in a Molecular Spin Liquid System.

The molecular triangular lattice system, β^{'}-EtMe_{3}Sb[Pd(dmit)_{2}]_{2}, is considered as a candidate material for the quantum spin liquid state, although ongoing debates arise from recent controversial results. Here, the results of electron spin resonance and muon-spin relaxation measurements on β^{'}-EtMe_{3}Sb[Pd(dmit)_{2}]_{2} are presented. Both results indicate characteristic behaviors related to quasi-one-dimensional spin dynamics, whereas the direction of anisotropy found in electron spin resonance is in contradiction with previous theories.

Prognostic impact of lymphovascular invasion in node-negative gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) has been identified as a prognostic factor in various cancers, but its significance in node-negative gastric cancer remains unclear. Gastric cancer prognosis is notably affected by lymph node metastasis, with LVI potentially indicating metastatic spread.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 5,699 patients who underwent curative radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 1989 and 2018.

Clinical Potential of Novel Microbial Therapeutic LP51 Based on Xerosis-Microbiome Index.

Xerosis, characterized by dry, rough skin, causes discomfort and aesthetic concerns, necessitating effective treatment. Traditional treatments often show limited efficacy, prompting the need for innovative therapies. This study highlights the efficacy of microbiome therapeutic LP51, derived from a healthy vaginal microbiome, in improving xerosis.

Perspectives on Microbiome Therapeutics in Infectious Diseases: A Comprehensive Approach Beyond Immunology and Microbiology.

Although global life expectancy has increased over the past 20 years due to advancements in managing infectious diseases, one-fifth of people still die from infections. In response to this ongoing threat, significant efforts are underway to develop vaccines and antimicrobial agents. However, pathogens evolve resistance mechanisms, complicating their control.