Genomic Epidemiology of Strains That Caused the Fire Blight Outbreak in Korea.

Fire blight, a devastating bacterial disease affecting rosaceous plants such as apples and pears, is caused by . The disease, known for its rapid spread and destructive potential, can lead to severe symptoms and often result in the death of infected plants. In Korea, the observation of was first recorded in 2015, and subsequent dissemination has been noted across the peninsula.

Analyzing the channels of information dissemination: Investigating abrupt transitions in resource investment.

Investment in resources is essential for facilitating information dissemination in real-world contexts, and comprehending the influence of resource allocation on information dissemination is, thus, crucial for the efficacy of collaborative networks. Nonetheless, current studies on information dissemination frequently fail to clarify the complex interplay between information distribution and resources in network contexts. In this work, we establish a resource-based information dissemination model to identify the complex interplay by examining the propagation threshold and equilibriums.

Exploring the Psychological and Physiological Insights Through Digital Phenotyping by Analyzing the Discrepancies Between Subjective Insomnia Severity and Activity-Based Objective Sleep Measures: Observational Cohort Study.

Background: Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder affecting millions worldwide, with significant impacts on daily functioning and quality of life. While traditionally assessed through subjective measures such as the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the advent of wearable technology has enabled continuous, objective sleep monitoring in natural environments. However, the relationship between subjective insomnia severity and objective sleep parameters remains unclear.

Correlates of Cetuximab Efficacy in Recurrent and Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Previously Treated With Immunotherapy.

Purpose: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now first-line therapy for most patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC), and cetuximab is most often used as subsequent therapy. However, data describing cetuximab efficacy in the post-ICI setting are limited.

Methods: We performed a single-institution retrospective analysis of patients with R/M HNSCC treated with cetuximab, either as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy, after receiving an ICI.

PagHCF106 negatively regulates drought stress tolerance in poplar (Populus alba × Populus glandulosa) by modulating stomatal aperture.

Modulation of stomatal development and movement is a promising approach for creating water-conserving plants. Here, we identified and characterized the PagHCF106 gene of poplar (Populus alba × Populus glandulosa). The PagHCF106 protein localized predominantly to the chloroplast, and the PagHCF106 gene exhibited tissue-specific expression pattern.

Risk of Cancers According to the Use of Biological Agents in Patients With Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

Objective: As the duration of use of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) accumulates over time, long-term real-world safety data on cancer risk are needed. This study assessed the association between tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) and interleukin 17 inhibitors (IL-17is) exposures and cancer risk in patients with r-axSpA.

Methods: From the Korean nationwide database, we assembled 41,889 patients without prior history of cancer who were diagnosed with r-axSpA from 2010 onwards.

Optimal aspiration pressure of suction pump for oocyte retrieval in infertile patients undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Background: The oocyte retrieval is a critical step in assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization and fertility preservation. Despite evolving techniques, the optimal aspiration pressure during retrieval remains debatable, with limited in vivo human studies. Existing studies, primarily in vitro and on animals, suggest that inappropriate aspiration pressures can impair oocyte quality.

Quasiperiodic Pairing in Graphene Quasicrystals.

We investigate the superconducting instabilities of twisted bilayer graphene quasicrystals (TBGQCs) obtained by stacking two monolayer graphene sheets with 30° relative twisting. The electronic energy spectrum of the TBGQC contains periodic energy ranges (PERs) and quasiperiodic energy ranges (QERs), where the underlying local density of states (LDOS) exhibits periodic and quasiperiodic distribution, respectively. We found that superconductivity in the PER is a simple superposition of two monolayer superconductors.

Development of a service blueprint for blockchain services.

As blockchain has been actively applied in various services, a tool for visualizing the complex service processes reflecting the characteristics of blockchain has been required. A service blueprint is a tool to visualize all key systems and encounters in service delivery. Although several blueprints already exist, they have limitations to systematically visualize and analyze blockchain service processes.

Insight into Charge Transport Behaviors in Hematite Photoanodes via Potential-Dependent Impedance Spectroscopy and Machine Learning.

We employed machine learning (ML) techniques combined with potential-dependent photoelectrochemical impedance spectroscopy (pot-PEIS) to gain deeper insights into the charge transport mechanisms of hematite (α-FeO) photoanodes. By the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis from the ML model constructed from a small data set (dozens of samples) of electrical parameters obtained from pot-PEIS and the PEC performance, we identified the dominant factors influencing the electron transport to the back contact in the bulk and hole transfer to a solution at the hematite/electrolyte interface. The results revealed that shallow defect states significantly enhance electron transport, while deep defect states impede it, and also one of the surface states enhances the hole transfer to the electrolyte solution.

Improved Protective Efficacy in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Against Vibrio anguillarum Through Immunization with a Combination of Formalin-Killed and Auxotrophic-Live V. anguillarum.

Vibriosis caused by Vibrio anguillarum has been an important bacterial disease in cultured rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In the present study, we evaluated the protective efficacy of a vaccine that consists of formalin-killed (FK) V. anguillarum and the alr genes knockout auxotrophic-live (AL) V.

Re-intervention Utility After Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy Using a Partially Covered Stent with Anchoring Flange.

Background And Aim: Although long self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) with a sufficient intragastric portion is typically preferred for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS), this design can complicate endoscopic re-intervention for recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic re-intervention for RBO through the stent after EUS-HGS using a novel partially covered SEMS with an anchoring flange.

Methods: The partially covered SEMS was designed with a intrahepatic uncovered portion measuring 1.

Integrated analysis of marked and count data to characterize fine-scale stream fish movement.

Immigration and emigration are key demographic processes of animal population dynamics. However, we have limited knowledge on how fine-scale movement varies over space and time. We developed a Bayesian integrated population model using individual mark-recapture and count data to characterize fine-scale movement of stream fish at 20-m resolution in a 740-m study area every two months for 28 months.

Artificial Intelligence in Predicting Ocular Hypertension After Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

Purpose: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) has emerged as a novel approach in corneal transplantation over the past two decades. This study aims to identify predisposing risk factors for post-DMEK ocular hypertension (OHT) and develop a preoperative predictive model for post-DMEK OHT.

Methods: Patients who underwent DMEK at Gangnam Severance Hospital between 2017 and 2024 were included in the study.

Transcriptome of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Reveals Two Molecular Subtypes with Distinct Tumor Microenvironment and Prognosis.

Although patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) generally have a poor prognosis and there are currently no effective treatment options, survival and response to therapy vary between patients. Genomic and transcriptomic profiles of ATC have been reported; however, a comprehensive study of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of ATC is still lacking. This study aimed to elucidate the TME characteristics associated with ATC and their prognostic implications.

Distinct Functional Roles of Narrow and Broadband High-Gamma Activities in Human Primary Somatosensory Cortex.

Previous studies have shown that high-gamma (HG) activity in the primary visual cortex (V1) has distinct higher (broadband) and lower (narrowband) components with different functions and origins. However, it is unclear whether a similar segregation exists in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), and the origins and roles of HG activity in S1 remain unknown. Here, we investigate the functional roles and origins of HG activity in S1 during tactile stimulation in humans and a rat model.

Predictors of Arrhythmia Recurrence After Cryoballoon Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Sub-Analysis of the Cryo Global Registry.

Introduction: Freedom from recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) is suboptimal after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF). This sub-analysis from the Cryo Global Registry sought to investigate predictors of ablation success after PVI using cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for PsAF.

Methods And Results: ATA recurrence was defined as ≥ 30 s recurrence of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia after a 90-day blanking period and through 12-months.

The Influence of Substance Use on Sleep Duration Among South Korean Adolescents by Sex: A Secondary Analysis.

Purpose: Although insufficient sleep influences cognitive function and physical and mental health in adolescents, many still get less sleep than the recommended duration. Adolescent substance use, including alcohol and tobacco, influences sleep disturbance. However, sex differences in the relationship between substance use and sleep health have not been extensively studied.

Complete genome sequences of the KACC 18744, KACC 18716, and KACC 19094.

We report the whole genome sequences of KACC 18744, KACC 18716, and KACC 19094, to investigate the genomic diversity of bacterial type strains distributed in Korea.

Multicenter validation of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis diagnostic criteria.

Background: Five fulfilled hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)-2004 criteria, and the HScore are widely used and recommended by international expert consensus to diagnose secondary HLH. Both diagnostic scores have never been validated in heterogeneous patient cohorts of secondary HLH patients. We aimed to systematically optimize and validate diagnostic criteria of secondary HLH using a multicenter approach.

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Versus Entecavir: Effects on Lipid Profiles and Cardiovascular Outcomes in People Living With Chronic Hepatitis B.

While entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) effectively manage chronic hepatitis B, their long-term effects on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular outcomes remain unclear. This study compares the impact of ETV, TDF, and treatment-naïve (control group) on hyperlipidemia and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in people living with chronic hepatitis B (PLWHB). We used claim data from the South Korean National Health Insurance Service.

Cardiovascular, cancer, and infection risks of Janus kinase inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis: A nationwide cohort study.

Background: Evolving evidence suggests that patients undergoing treatment with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) may face an increased risk of cardiovascular events, malignancies, and serious infections.

Objectives: We assessed cardiovascular, malignancy, and serious infection risks associated with JAKi use compared to tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) use, which served as the active comparator, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods: This study emulated a target trial using South Korea's nationwide claims database (2013-2023).

Complete genome sequence of a polyhydroxyalkaonate-accumulating bacterium, HS-12-14, isolated from a Korean hot spring.

We present the complete genome sequence of polyhydroxyalkaonate-accumulating moderately thermophilic HS-12-14 strain, isolated from a Korean hot spring. These findings contribute to valuable insights into the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkaonates in thermophiles and enhance understanding of strains.