Area-Specific Assessment of Stratum Corneum Hydration and Transepidermal Water Loss in Pediatric Patients With Atopic Dermatitis.

SCORring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) is widely used to assess the severity of atopic eczema, but score systems based on the entire body may be limited in effective monitoring and intervention. It is crucial to monitor moisture levels in each affected body part, but empirical research is still lacking. The objective of this study was to analyze the levels of stratum corneum hydration (SCH) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, focusing on the presence and location of atopic lesions at different body sites.

Characterization of an Unexpected μ Adsorption of Molecular Oxygen on Ag(100) with Low-Temperature STM.

Precise description of the interaction between molecular oxygen and metal surfaces is one of the most challenging topics in quantum chemistry. In this work, we use low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to identify and characterize an adsorption state of molecular oxygen that coordinates to three Ag atoms (μ) on Ag(100). Surprisingly, μ-O cannot be identified as a stable configuration with generalized gradient approximation (GGA)-level density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

A rhodamine-conjugated fluorescent and colorimetric receptor for the detection of Cu ions: environmental utility and smartphone integration.

A new rhodamine based turn on florescent probe ()-3',6'-bis(ethylamino)-2-(((6-methoxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-3-yl)methylene)amino)-2',7'-dimethylspiro[isoindoline-1,9'-xanthen]-3-one (RME) was efficiently synthesized through a simple condensation reaction of 2-amino-3',6'-bis(ethylamino)-2',7'-dimethylspiro[isoindoline-1,9'-xanthen]-3-one and 6-methoxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde. The receptor RME is highly non-fluorescent and when copper ions (Cu ions) are added in DMF/water (1 : 2, v/v) medium, the receptor RME exhibits a specific "turn-on" colorimetric and fluorometric response. Moreover, RME binding with Cu ions produced a remarkable color variation that was perceptible to the human eye, changing from colorless to pink.

High- organic-inorganic hybrid dielectric material for flexible thin-film transistors and printed logic circuits.

A new photopolymerizable organic-inorganic (O-I) hybrid sol-gel material, AUP@SiO-184, has been synthesized and utilized as a gate dielectric in flexible organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). The previously reported three-arm alkoxy-functionalized silane amphiphilic polymer has yielded stable O-I hybrid materials comprising uniformly dispersed nanoparticles in the sol state. In this study, a photosensitizer was introduced, facilitating curing effects under ultraviolet light.

Tunable Catalytic Vertex Wall Chemistry in Metal-free Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction.

Metal-free covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) because of their unique structural properties and notable stability. To enhance both catalytic activity and selectivity, a variety of linkers and linkages have been investigated in efforts to precisely engineer COFs. However, the impact of vertex structures within COFs on ORR catalysis remains largely underexplored.

Update on the treatment navigation for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: expert consensus 2.0.

As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements.

Modulation of PRL-1 within placental MSCs instigates the transition between EMT and MET subsequent to hepatic fibrosis.

Background/aims: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in hepatic fibrogenesis and liver repair in chronic liver disease. Our research highlights the antifibrotic potential of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs) and the role of phosphatase of regenerating liver-1 (PRL-1) in promoting liver regeneration.

Methods: We evaluated the efficacy of PD-MSCs overexpressing PRL-1 (PD-MSCsPRL-1) in a bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced rat injury model, focusing on their ability to regulate EMT.

A Bioengineered Model of the Human Cornea for Preclinical Assessment of Human Ocular Exposure to Environmental Toxicants.

Here a bioengineered platform is introduced to investigate adverse effects of environmental materials on the human cornea. Using primary cells, this system is capable of reproducing the differentiated corneal epithelium and its underlying stroma in the human eye, which can then be treated with externally applied solid, liquid, or gaseous substances in a controlled manner and under physiologically relevant conditions. The proof-of-principle of how this system can be used to simulate human ocular exposure to different classes of environmental toxicants for direct visualization and quantitative analysis of their potential to induce acute corneal injury and inflammation is demonstrated.

An Overview of Flame-Retardant Materials for Triboelectric Nanogenerators and Future Applications.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have gained significant attention for ability to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. As the applications of TENG devices expand, their safety and reliability becomes priority, particularly where there is risk of fire or spontaneous combustion. Flame-retardant materials can be employed to address these safety concerns without compromising the performance and efficiency of TENGs.

Real-Time Unsupervised Learning and Image Recognition via Memristive Neural Integrated Chip Based on Negative Differential Resistance of Electrochemical Metallization Cell Neuron Device.

Spiking neurons are essential for building energy-efficient biomimetic spatiotemporal systems because they communicate with other neurons using sparse and binary signals. However, the achievable high density of artificial neurons having a capacitor for emulating the integrate function of biological neurons has a limit. Furthermore, a low-voltage operation (<1.

Evolving trends in acid suppression therapy among patients undergoing dual antiplatelet therapy: A Nationwide study in South Korea from 2018 to 2022.

Aims: We aimed to examine the recent trends in the use of acid suppression therapies, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs), in patients undergoing dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) as aspirin-clopidogrel following coronary stent implantation in South Korea between 2018 and 2022.

Methods: This observational study analysed data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) on patients who underwent coronary stent implantation and received aspirin-clopidogrel DAPT. Patients who received acid suppression therapy for >60 days during DAPT were included in the analysis.

Hinokinin Decreases Methamphetamine-Induced Hyperlocomotion via the Regulatory Effects on Dopamine Levels.

The global abuse of stimulant methamphetamine (METH) imposes a significant social burden. Despite this, effective therapeutic interventions for mitigating the harmful effects associated with METH-induced central nervous system (CNS) stimulation remain elusive. (hinoki), containing hinokinin as its active constituent, has been identified to exhibit CNS depressant properties.

Effect of nationwide postoperative rehabilitation at home program after lower extremity surgeries in older and younger people.

Background: A nationwide Rehabilitation at Home Care Pilot Program for patients undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgeries has been ongoing since 2020. The program was designed to improve clinical outcomes through early mobilization and rehabilitation after discharge. This study aimed to analyze the interim data to assess its effectiveness and suggest improvements, particularly for older patients who are more vulnerable compared to younger patients.

Factors Associated with the Patient Safety Activities among Home-Visit Caregiver: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Home-visit care should prioritize patient safety and promote positive safety awareness to maintain caregivers' commitment to providing safe care. This descriptive study aims to examine the relationship between home-visit caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, awareness of patient safety, and safety-related activities.

Methods: The participants were 210 adult home-visit caregivers, aged 20 years or older, with more than six months of experience working at six long-term care centers in D Metropolitan City.

Contributing factors to the length of stay and discharge destination of home health care patients: 10-year electronic health record analysis using the Donabedian model.

Aim: To identify the factors affecting the length of stay (LOS) and discharge destination (DD) of home health care (HHC) patients in South Korea.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the electronic health records of 1769 patients from a hospital in South Korea. Data were collected from January 2013 to December 2022.

Anti-skin aging effects of Gosori liquor lees extract by regulating interactions between senescent fibroblasts and adipose-derived stem cells.

When cellular ageing is accelerated by various extrinsic/endogenous stimuli, regenerative function deteriorates, and enriched secretomes, such as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), contribute to chronic inflammation and cause matrix degeneration. SASPs from senescent fibroblasts exacerbate cellular senescence via autocrine signalling and also accelerate skin ageing through the induction of neighbouring cell senescence via paracrine signalling. The interaction between dermis fibroblasts and their neighbours, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in the hypodermis, which lies deep in the dermis, is a potential target for skin ageing.

Deep Learning-assisted Diagnosis of Extrahepatic Common Bile Duct Obstruction Using MRCP Imaging and Clinical Parameters.

Background: Extrahepatic Common Bile Duct Obstruction (EHBDO) is a serious condition that requires accurate diagnosis for effective treatment. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a widely used noninvasive imaging technique for visualizing bile ducts, but its interpretation can be complex.

Objective: This study aimed to develop a deep learning-based classification model that integrates MRCP images and clinical parameters to assist radiologists in diagnosing EHBDO more accurately.

The Role of Innate Immunity in Healthy Aging Through Antimicrobial Peptides.

In a super-aging society, the increase in the elderly population is closely tied to a rise in infectious diseases due to factors such as weakened immune systems and decreased vaccine efficacy in older adults. Various opportunistic pathogens commonly encountered in everyday life can cause infections and diseases when an individual's immune defence is weakened due to aging. These factors underscore the importance of preventive measures against pathogenic infections and the aging of immune systems in the elderly.

AI Machine Learning-Based Diabetes Prediction in Older Adults in South Korea: Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background: Diabetes is prevalent in older adults, and machine learning algorithms could help predict diabetes in this population.

Objective: This study determined diabetes risk factors among older adults aged ≥60 years using machine learning algorithms and selected an optimized prediction model.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 3084 older adults aged ≥60 years in Seoul from January to November 2023.

Study of High Performance Nanoscale Channel Length Vertical Transistors with a Self-Aligned Blocking Layer.

A transistor design employing all vertically stacked components has attracted considerable attention due to the simplicity of the fabrication process and the high conductivity easily realized by achieving nanolevel short channel lengths with two-dimensional current paths. However, fundamental issues, specifically the blocking of the gate electrical field to the semiconductive channel layer and high leakage current at the "off" state, have impeded this configuration in becoming a major transistor design. To address these issues, it has been proposed to introduce a blocking layer (BL) with embedded hole structures and source electrode with embedded hole structures, enhancing gate field penetration and carrier modulation.

Exploratory profiling of metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid using a commercially available targeted LC-MS based metabolomics kit to discriminate leptomeningeal metastasis.

Background: Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is a devastating complication of cancer that is difficult to treat. Thus, early diagnosis is essential for LM patients. However, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology has low sensitivity, and imaging approaches are ineffective.

Structural comparison of human and Plasmodium proteasome β5 subunits: informing selective inhibitor design for anti-malaria agents.

Background: The Plasmodium proteasome emerges as a promising target for anti-malarial drug development due to its potential activity against multiple life cycle stages.

Methods: In this investigation, a comparative analysis was conducted on the structural features of the β5 subunit in the 20S proteasomes of both Plasmodium and humans.

Results: The findings underscore the structural diversity inherent in both proteasomes.

Engineering probiotic Escherichia coli for inflammation-responsive indoleacetic acid production using RiboJ-enhanced genetic circuits.

Background: As our understanding of gut microbiota's metabolic impacts on health grows, the interest in engineered probiotics has intensified. This study aimed to engineer the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to produce indoleacetic acid (IAA) in response to gut inflammatory biomarkers thiosulfate and nitrate.

Results: Genetic circuits were developed to initiate IAA synthesis upon detecting inflammatory signals, optimizing a heterologous IAA biosynthetic pathway, and incorporating a RiboJ insulator to enhance IAA production.

Circadian clock regulation in soybean senescence: a transcriptome analysis of early and late senescence types.

Background: Plant senescence is the process of physiological maturation of plants and is important for crop yield and quality. Senescence is controlled by several factors, such as temperature and photoperiod. However, the molecular basis by which these genes promote senescence in soybeans is not well understood.

Synergistic attenuation of complete freund's adjuvant-induced inflammation in mice using shinbaro-pelubiprofen: a novel therapeutic complex.

Background: Inflammation is a critical protective response in the body, essential for combating infections and healing injuries. However, chronic inflammation can be harmful and significantly contribute to the development and progression of chronic diseases, with macrophage-mediated responses being central to these processes. This study presents "SBR-Pel," a new therapeutic blend of Shinbaro tab (SBR), a traditional herbal formula, and pelubiprofen (Pel), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and investigated their combined anti-inflammatory effects to create a treatment that both improves efficacy and reduces side effects.