Unseen Threats: The Long-term Impact of PET-Microplastics on Development of Male Reproductive Over a Lifetime.

The physical abrasion of plastics from simple everyday entered the food chain, with associated risks recently emphasized. Although many studies have reported the adverse effects of microplastics (MPs) on human, the reproductive implications of continuous exposure to physically abraded polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-MPs remain unexplored. Ingestion of physically abraded PET-MPs (size range: 50-100 µm) in mice from 5 to 34 weeks of age at an annual intake relevant dose of MPs (5 mg week) significantly impaired male reproductive function.

Influence of temperature on growth and reproduction of keystone species, Crangon hakodatei (Caridea, Crangonidae) in the East Sea of Korea.

The rapid rise in temperature due to climate change has raised concerns about its impact on the keystone species Crangon hakodatei in the East Sea of Korea. However, no studies have examined the population characteristics of C. hakodatei or its response to temperature change along the coast.

Pre-Melting-Assisted Impurity Control of β-GaO Single Crystals in Edge-Defined Film-Fed Growth.

This study reveals the significant role of the pre-melting process in growing high-quality (100) β-GaO single crystals from 4N powder (99.995% purity) using the edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) method. Among various bulk melt growth methods, the EFG method boasts a fast growth rate and the capability of growing multiple crystals simultaneously, thus offering high productivity.

Coexistence of altermagnetism and robust ferroelectricity in a bulk MnO wurtzite structure.

Altermagnetism is a new class of material with zero net magnetization, but having a nonrelativistic spin-split band structure. Here, we investigate the multifunctional properties of the hexagonal wurtzite MnO (-MnO). -MnO has a direct band gap of 0.

Prediction of cccDNA dynamics in hepatitis B patients by a combination of serum surrogate markers.

Quantification of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is a key for evaluating an elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in infected patients. However, quantifying cccDNA requires invasive methods such as a liver biopsy, which makes it impractical to access the dynamics of cccDNA in patients. Although HBV RNA and HBV core-related antigens (HBcrAg) have been proposed as surrogate markers for evaluating cccDNA activity, they do not necessarily estimate the amount of cccDNA.

Polydopamine-integrated cellulose/graphene oxide monoliths: A versatile platform for efficient continuous-flow iodine capture and photothermal-enhanced reduction of Cr(VI).

The global challenge of wastewater contamination, especially from persistent pollutants like radioactive isotopes and heavy metals, demands innovative purification solutions. Radioactive iodine isotopes (I and I), stemming from nuclear activities, pose serious health risks due to their mobility, bioaccumulation, and ionizing radiation, particularly impacting thyroid health. Similarly, hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), is highly toxic and persistent in water, linked to cancer and other severe health issues.

Pain-Related Responses in Preterm Babies Using Automated and Laser Heel-Lancing Devices.

This study aimed to compare the pain-related behavioral and physiological responses and puncture-related characteristics between automated and laser lancets and examine the correlation between infants' pain-related responses and facial expressions during heel lancing in a neonatal intensive care unit. Pain-related responses were assessed using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale, heart rate, and oxygen saturation through pulse oximetry. Facial expressions were also analyzed using a facial recognition application.

Role of Filter-Feeding Bivalves in the Bioaccumulation and Transmission of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in Shrimp Aquaculture Systems.

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) poses a major risk to shrimp aquaculture, and filter-feeding bivalves on shrimp farms may contribute to its persistence and transmission. This study investigated the bioaccumulation and vector potential of WSSV in Pacific oysters (), blue mussels (), and manila clams () cohabiting with WSSV-infected shrimp. Sixty individuals of each species (average shell lengths: 11.

The Influence of the Strain Rate on Texture Formation During the Plane Strain Compression of AZ80 Magnesium Alloy.

Controlling microstructure and texture development is a key approach to improving the formability of magnesium alloys. In this study, the effects of the strain rate and initial texture on the texture evolution of magnesium alloys during high-temperature processing are investigated. The plane strain compression of three types of AZ80 magnesium alloys with different initial textures was assessed at 723 K and a train rate of 0.

10(E)-Pentadecenoic Acid Inhibits Melanogenesis Partly Through Suppressing the Intracellular MITF/Tyrosinase Axis.

Melanogenesis, the biological process responsible for melanin synthesis, plays a crucial role in determining skin and hair color, photoprotection, and serving as a biomarker in various diseases. While various factors regulate melanogenesis, the role of fatty acids in this process remains underexplored. This study investigated the anti-melanogenic properties of 10(E)-pentadecenoic acid (10E-PDA) through both in silico and in vitro analyses.

Role of Oxidative Stress in Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Upregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels is a principal feature observed in the brains of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In these diseases, oxidative stress can disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This disruption allows neurotoxic plasma components, blood cells, and pathogens to enter the brain, leading to increased ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation.

Seasonal Water-Column Structure Drives the Trophic Niche of Fish Communities on a Temperate Continental Shelf.

In seasonally stratified marine environments, the dynamics of benthic-pelagic coupling plays a crucial role in shaping food web structures and fisheries production. We examined fish food web structures across three distinct shelf areas in the Southern Sea of Korea (SSK) during both stratified (summer) and mixed (spring) water conditions using stable isotopes of carbon (δC) and nitrogen (δN). In spring, fish communities exhibited a broader range of δC values compared with summer, indicating more diverse feeding strategies.

A comparative study of extraction methods for recovery of bioactive components from brown algae .

Species of genus are known to be rich sources of bioactive compounds. However, there is a lack of studies comparing extraction methods for these bioactive components. This study aimed to compare the total phenolic contents, total antioxidant capacity, tyrosinase inhibitory effect, sargahydroquinoic acid (SHQA) and sargachromenol (SCM), two algal meroterpenoids, of extracts acquired by different extraction methods.

Efficient Functional Compensation Layer Integrated with HTL for Improved Stability and Performance in Perovskite Solar Cells.

Improving the interface characteristics between the hole-transport layer (HTL) and perovskite absorber layer is crucial for achieving maximum efficiency in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This paper presents an effective functional compensation layer (FCL) composed of benzothiophene derivatives, particularly 5-(trifluoromethyl)-1-benzothiophene-2-carboxylic acid (TFMBTA); this layer is introduced between the MeO-2PACz HTL and perovskite absorber layer to improve the interfacial characteristics between them. This FCL improves charge transfer, hole extraction, and perovskite deposition by improving the surface morphology of the HTL and optimizing the energy level alignment.

The impact of reproductive health knowledge, reproductive health-promoting behavior, and sexual communication on intention to visit obstetrics and gynecology in unmarried women: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Women are experiencing reproductive health abnormalities at younger ages, and the incidence of cervical cancer in women in their 20s and 30s is increasing. Various factors hinder visits to obstetrics and gynecology. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore how health knowledge, reproductive health-promoting behavior, and sexual communication influenced the degree of intention to visit obstetrics and gynecology in unmarried women.

Effectiveness of robot-assisted task-oriented training intervention for upper limb and daily living skills in stroke patients: A meta-analysis.

Purpose: Stroke is one of the leading causes of acquired disability in adults in high-income countries. This study aims to determine the intervention effects of robot-assisted task-oriented training on enhancing the upper limb function and daily living skills of stroke patients.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases through March 1, 2024.

Natural and anthropogenic factors controlling organic carbon storage in riverine wetlands along South Korea's four rivers.

This study explores carbon sequestration in South Korea's riverine wetlands, focusing on the four major rivers: Han, Yeongsan, Geum, and Nakdong. Field data from the Yeongsan River wetland, including 3D topography surveys, grainsize analyses, and loss-on-ignition measurements, were used to assess carbon stocks and their environmental drivers. The Yeongsan River was selected as a representative site due to its geomorphological, hydrological, and climatic similarities with the other three major rivers, which influence sediment transport and carbon dynamics.

Microplastics as adsorbent for Pb and Cd: A comparative study of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene, and low-density polyethylene.

Microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments adsorb heavy metals, thereby posing potential environmental risks. However, further research is needed to elucidate the adsorption behavior of different types of MPs for various heavy metals. The aim of this study was to characterize four types of MPs: polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

School nurses' competency in supporting students with type 1 diabetes: A mixed methods systematic review.

Unlabelled: Aim To evaluate school nurse and family-reported perceptions of school nurse competencies in supporting students with Type 1 diabetes.

Design: Mixed methods systematic review of the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.

Data Sources: Five academic databases (PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, Embase, and Research Information Sharing Service) were used as data sources.

Arvimicrobium flavum gen. nov., sp. nov., A Novel Genus in the Family Phyllobacteriaceae Isolated From Forest Soil.

During the study of microbial diversity of forest soil in the Republic of Korea, a yellow pigment-producing, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, motile bacterium was isolated and designated as strain 1W2. This strain grew at temperature of 10-37 °C, at pH of 5.0-9.

The Beneficial Roles of Seaweed in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by severe pruritus and recurrent flare-ups, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Current treatments, such as corticosteroids and immunomodulators, often provide symptomatic relief but can lead to adverse effects with prolonged use. Seaweed, a sustainable and nutrient-dense resource, has emerged as a promising alternative due to its rich bioactive compounds-polysaccharides, phlorotannins, polyphenols, and chlorophyll-that offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.

Fucosterol, a Phytosterol of Marine Algae, Attenuates Immobilization-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in C57BL/6J Mice.

The objective of this study was to examine whether fucosterol, a phytosterol of marine algae, could ameliorate skeletal muscle atrophy in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-treated C2C12 myotubes and in immobilization-induced C57BL/6J mice. Male C57BL6J mice were immobilized for 1 week to induce skeletal muscle atrophy. Following immobilization, the mice were administrated orally with saline or fucosterol (10 or 30 mg/kg/day) for 1 week.