Transmission Dynamics of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) and A(H5N6) Viruses in Wild Birds, South Korea, 2023-2024.

We analyzed 15 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) clade 2.3.4.

Clinical Features and Natural Progression of Unilateral High Myopia in Adults: A Comparison Study.

Purpose: To investigate and compare the clinical characteristics of patients with unilateral high myopia (UHM) and bilateral high myopia (BHM) based on axial length (AL).

Design: A retrospective cohort study.

Participants: Adult patients diagnosed with UHM or BHM between March 2011 and August 2021.

Novel Avian Influenza A(H5N6) Virus in Wild Birds, South Korea, 2023.

We isolated novel reassortant avian influenza A(H5N6) viruses containing genes from clade 2.3.4.

Evolutional dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 genotypes in wintering bird habitats: Insights from South Korea's 2020-2021 season.

The winter of 2020-2021 in South Korea witnessed severe outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) viruses, specifically multiple genotypes of the H5N8 subtype. These outbreaks prompted an extensive investigation into the genetic characteristics and evolutionary dynamics of these viruses. Under the auspices of the National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention (NIWDC), we conducted a nationwide surveillance program, collecting 7588 specimens from diverse wild bird habitats.

Evolution and Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus in Wild Birds, South Korea, 2022-2023.

During October 2022-March 2023, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.

Phenotypic and Genetic Alterations in Adult-Onset Cone and Cone-Rod Dystrophy.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and genetic spectrum of adult-onset cone/cone-rod dystrophy (AOCD/AOCRD) in Korean individuals.

Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective cross-sectional study. We analyzed 22 individuals with genetically confirmed cone dystrophy, with symptoms beginning after 30 years of age.

Neutralization Testing-based Immunogenicity Analysis of Recent Prevalent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Omicron Sublineages.

Although WHO declared the end of the public health emergency for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), XBB lineages continue to evolve and emerge globally. In particular, XBB.1.

Quantification of Gabapentin, Lacosamide, Perampanel, Pregabalin, Rufinamide, and Vigabatrin in Serum Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been used to control epilepsy. More than 17 new AEDs, including gabapentin (GPN), lacosamide (LCM), perampanel (PER), pregabalin (PRG), rufinamide (RFM), and vigabatrin (VGB) have been approved and marketed since 1989. Accurate measurement of serum concentration of the antiepileptic drugs is crucial to achieve optimal efficacy and avoid adverse events.

First report of a novel polymorphism and genetic characteristics of the leporine prion protein () gene.

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) have been reported in a broad spectrum of hosts. The genetic polymorphisms and characteristics of the prion protein () gene have a vital impact on the development of TSEs. Notably, natural TSE infection cases have never been reported in rabbits, and genetic variations of the leporine gene have not been investigated to date.

Moldflow Simulation and Characterization of Pure Copper Fabricated via Metal Injection Molding.

Metal injection molding (MIM) is a representative near-net-shape manufacturing process that fabricates advanced geometrical components for automobile and device industries. As the mechanical performance of an MIM product is affected by green-part characteristics, this work investigated the green part of pure copper processed with MIM using the injection temperature of ~180 °C and injection pressure of ~5 MPa. A computational analysis based on the Moldflow program was proposed to simulate the effectivity of the process by evaluating the confidence of fill, quality prediction, and pressure drop of three distinctive regions in the green part.

Effect of Reduction Sequence during Rolling on Deformed Texture and Anisotropy of Ferritic Stainless Steel.

This investigation studied the effect of reduction sequence during rolling of ferritic stainless steel on texture and anisotropy. A series of thermomechanical processes were performed on the present samples utilizing rolling deformation, with a total height reduction of 83% but with different reduction sequences, 67% + 50% (route A) and 50% + 67% (route B). Microstructural analysis showed that no significant difference was found in terms of the grain morphology between route A and route B.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL HEADS-UP VITRECTOMY VERSUS CONVENTIONAL MICROSCOPIC VITRECTOMY FOR PATIENTS WITH EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE.

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of 3D heads-up display (3D-HUD) vitrectomy compared with conventional microscopy (CM) vitrectomy in epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery.

Methods: Epiretinal membrane removal with or without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling was performed using a 3D-HUD or CM system. The mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and in central macular thickness (CMT) and postoperative complications were assessed.

Short-Term Safety and Efficacy of Intravitreal Brolucizumab Injections for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Multicenter Retrospective Real-World Study.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the short-term real-world safety and efficacy of intravitreal brolucizumab injections in Korean patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods: This multicenter retrospective study involved 294 eyes (treatment naïve 20 eye [6.8%] and nontreatment naïve 274 eyes [93.

Retinal cytotoxicity of silica and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

The retina plays a key role in human vision. It is composed of cells that are essential for vision signal generation. Thus far, conventional medications have been ineffective for treating retinal diseases because of the intrinsic blood-retinal barrier.

Moxifloxacin releasing intraocular implant based on a cross-linked hyaluronic acid membrane.

Intraocular antibiotic delivery is an important technique to prevent bacterial infection after ophthalmic surgery, such as cataract surgery. Conventional drug delivery methods, such as antibiotic eye drops, have limitations for intraocular drug delivery due to the intrinsic barrier effect of the cornea. Therefore, frequent instillation of antibiotic eyedrops is necessary to reach a sufficient bactericidal concentration inside the eye.

Effect of Fly Ash on Strength and Stiffness Characteristics of Controlled Low-Strength Material in Shear Wave Monitoring.

Fly ash, the main component for controlled low-strength material (CLSM), has physical and chemical characteristics according to the resources used in the thermal power plant, and thus fly ash type can influence the physical and strength properties of CLSM. This study investigates the effect of fly ash type on the engineering properties of CLSM and establishes relationships between mechanical properties of CLSM and shear wave velocity (SWV) for long curing times. Six fly ashes with different physical properties and chemical components are used for preparing the CLSM mixtures.

Comparative Study on Estimation Methods of Dynamic Resistance Using Dynamic Cone Penetrometer.

Dynamic resistance, which can be used to express strength in the unit of stress and improve the reliability of the dynamic cone penetration test (), has been estimated by numerous methods. This study aims to compare different dynamic resistance estimation methods by using an instrumented dynamic cone penetrometer (). DCPTs are conducted using a standard dynamic cone penetrometer () and in the laboratory and field.

Piezoelectric Ring Bender for Characterization of Shear Waves in Compacted Sandy Soils.

Shear wave velocity and small-strain shear modulus are widely used as the mechanical properties of soil. The objective of this study is to develop a new shear wave monitoring system using a pair of piezoelectric ring benders (RBs) and to evaluate the suitability of RB in compacted soils compared with the bender element and ultrasonic transducer. The RB is a multilayered piezoelectric actuator, which can generate shear waves without disturbing soils.

Development of a novel hyaluronic acid membrane for the treatment of ocular surface diseases.

Ocular surface diseases (OSD) can cause serious visual deterioration and discomfort. Commercial artificial tear solution containing hyaluronic acid (HA) show excellent biocompatibility and unique viscoelastic characteristics. Here, we developed a novel HA membrane (HAM) by chemical crosslinking using 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether for the effective treatment of OSDs.