The molecular framework balancing growth and defense in response to PEP-induced signals in Arabidopsis.

Elevated stress signaling compromises plant growth by suppressing proliferative and formative division in the meristem. Plant Elicitor Peptide (PEP), an endogenous danger signal triggered by biotic and abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), suppresses proliferative division, alters xylem vessel organization, and disrupts cell-to-cell symplastic connections in roots. To gain insight into the dynamic molecular framework that modulates root development under elevated danger signals, we performed a time-course RNA-sequencing analysis of the root meristem after synthetic PEP1 treatment.

Spontaneous Metal-Chelation Strategy for Highly Dense Ni Single-Atom Catalysts with Asymmetric Coordination in CO Electroreduction.

Developing metal-nitrogen-doped carbon single-atom catalysts (M-NC SACs) with high loadings for the electrochemical CO reduction reaction (eCORR) remains challenging owing to the risk of metal aggregation. Herein, the study presents a facile strategy for synthesizing M-NC SACs using metal-chelating ligands, eliminating the need for additional processing steps. Specifically, using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as a strong metal-chelating ligand, the formation of Ni nanoparticles is effectively prevented and a high loading of ≈2.

Enhancing English Proficiency in Korean Schoolchildren with Problematic Behaviors: Efficacy of Digital Game-Based Learning.

Language learning through computer games has been suggested to enhance language abilities compared with traditional learning methods. Training in language skills may also improve self-control and reduce problematic behaviors in children and adolescents. We hypothesized that computer game-based language training could be more effective than classical language instruction.

Unhealthy Alcohol Use: Screening and Behavioral Counseling Interventions.

Background: Despite the increase in daily alcohol intake in recent decades and the implementation of national health screenings, effective management strategies for alcohol consumption remain outdated. This review evaluates intervention studies on screening and behavioral counseling for unhealthy alcohol use, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of interventions and improving health outcomes.

Methods: On the basis of the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation)- ADOLOPMENT framework, systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials were examined to investigate the effectiveness of screening and counseling interventions in reducing unhealthy alcohol use.

Preoperative nutritional scores to predict mortality after liver transplantation: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Malnutrition is a well-known risk factor for mortality and morbidity. We investigated whether preoperative malnutrition, diagnosed using an objective nutritional index, was associated with postoperative mortality in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT).

Methods: This retrospective cohort observational study assessed the preoperative nutritional status of 440 patients who underwent LT, using the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), and Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score.

Tobacco Cessation: Screening and Interventions.

Background: Tobacco use has been the leading cause of disease and death in South Korea. Early detection of tobacco use and evidence-based interventions play pivotal roles in facilitating tobacco cessation.

Methods: In accordance with the earlier iterations of the Lifetime Health Maintenance Program (2009) and recent recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF; 2021), two themes were chosen for investigation: the identification of and intervention for tobacco use.

Release of sputum neutrophil granules is associated with pulmonary function and disease severity in childhood asthma.

Background: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and human neutrophil lipocalin or neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (HNL/NGAL) are stored in neutrophil granulocytes and secreted upon activation of the cells. They have been proposed to reflect the degree of inflammation in the airways. However, their role as potential markers of disease severity in childhood asthma remains unknown.

Healthcare Experts' Advisory Unit and Support (HAUS) Program for Medical Device Development in Korea: Introduction of Clinical Unmet Needs-Based Intended Use Establishment (CLUE) Templates.

Background: A clear and precise definition of the "intended use" in developing new medical devices can determine the success of entering the healthcare market. For this, practical collaboration between the clinical and engineering experts is necessary, and an appropriate tool is required for effective information collection and decision-making in the process.

Methods: The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences, in cooperation with the Korean Medical Device Development Fund, implemented the Healthcare Experts' Advisory Unit and Support (HAUS) program to match advisory clinical experts in medical device development projects.

Linearly programmable two-dimensional halide perovskite memristor arrays for neuromorphic computing.

The exotic properties of three-dimensional halide perovskites, such as mixed ionic-electronic conductivity and feasible ion migration, have enabled them to challenge traditional memristive materials. However, the poor moisture stability and difficulty in controlling ion transport due to their polycrystalline nature have hindered their use as a neuromorphic hardware. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites have emerged as promising artificial synapses owing to their phase versatility, microstructural anisotropy in electrical and optoelectronic properties, and excellent moisture resistance.

Tidal Breathing Analysis as a Prognostic Index for Airway Obstruction Trajectory and Asthma in Preterm Infants.

Introduction: An easy-to-implement and accurate lung function assessment tool for preterm infants is crucial to manage lifelong respiratory morbidities. We aimed to determine which pulmonary function parameters in preterm infants can predict the trajectory of airway obstruction and asthma development after 4 years of age.

Methods: We evaluated 52 preterm infants who had undergone both tidal breathing flow-volume loop (TBFVL) and multiple-breath washout (MBW) analyses in infancy and spirometry after the age of 4 years.

Exploring the Clinical Utility of Targeted MECP2 Testing in Real-World Practice.

Background: This study aimed to explore the clinical utility of targeted MECP2 testing in a large cohort of females with neurodevelopmental delays. Our aim was to identify suitable candidates for testing based on prevailing diagnostic criteria.

Methods: Eligible participants with global developmental delay/arrest or regression before age 36 months underwent MECP2 testing.

Exploring the Congruence of actigraphy and the Pediatric Autism Insomnia rating Scale.

Objective/background: Insomnia is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We recently developed and validated the 21-item Pediatric Autism Insomnia Rating Scale (PAIRS). This report explores the associations and agreements between actigraphy and PAIRS.

Association between sleep patterns and alcohol use disorders in workers.

Alcohol use among workers that is intended to aid sleep may lead to alcohol use disorders. This study aimed to explore the association between sleep patterns and alcohol use disorders in workers. Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 were used for this study.

Elucidating the Role of Alkali Metal Carbonates in Impact on Oxygen Vacancies for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells.

Effectively suppressing nonradiative recombination at the SnO/perovskite interface is imperative for perovskite solar cells. Although the capabilities of alkali salts at the SnO/perovskite interface have been acknowledged, the effects and optimal selection of alkali metal cations remain poorly understood. Herein, a novel approach for obtaining the optimal alkali metal cation (A-cation) at the interface is investigated by comparatively analyzing different alkali carbonates (ACO; LiCO, NaCO, KCO, RbCO, and CsCO).

De novo missense variants in HDAC3 leading to epigenetic machinery dysfunction are associated with a variable neurodevelopmental disorder.

Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) is a crucial epigenetic modulator essential for various developmental and physiological functions. Although its dysfunction is increasingly recognized in abnormal phenotypes, to our knowledge, there have been no established reports of human diseases directly linked to HDAC3 dysfunction. Using trio exome sequencing and extensive phenotypic analysis, we correlated heterozygous de novo variants in HDAC3 with a neurodevelopmental disorder having variable clinical presentations, frequently associated with intellectual disability, developmental delay, epilepsy, and musculoskeletal abnormalities.

Stability and Validity of Self-Reported Depression and Anxiety in Autistic Youth.

The aim of this study was to assess test-retest reliability and diagnostic validity of self-report instruments of depression and anxiety in autistic youth. Participants were 55 autistic youth aged 8-17 years presenting with depressive or anxiety symptoms. They were interviewed with the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children (K-SADS-PL) and completed the Children's Depression Inventory, Second Edition - Self Report Short (CDI 2:SR[S]) and the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) twice, separated by a two-week interval.

Association Between Economic Activity and Depressive Symptoms Among Women With Parenting Children.

Background: Balancing parenting and work life poses challenges for women with children, potentially making them vulnerable to depression owing to their dual responsibilities. Investigating working mothers' mental health status is important on both the individual and societal levels. This study aimed to explore the relationship between economic activity participation and depressive symptoms among working mothers.

Effect of Chronic Kidney Disease on All-Cause Mortality After Hip Fracture Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated: (1) The impact of comorbid chronic kidney disease (CKD) on postoperative mortality in patients with a hip fracture; (2) mortality variations by dialysis type, potentially indicating CKD stage; (3) the efficacy of different hip fracture surgical methods in reducing mortality for patients with CKD. This study included 25,760 patients from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Senior cohort (2002-2019) who underwent hip fracture surgery. Participants were categorized as CKD and Non-CKD.