Plasma-Assisted Immobilization of Laccase on Polyethylene/Polypropylene Nonwoven Substrates and Its Performance Evaluation in Dye Decolorization.

In this study, a polyethylene/polypropylene (PEPP) nonwoven material was developed as a support for laccase immobilization through a low-temperature ammonia plasma pretreatment technique. For this purpose, the optimal glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linking conditions and laccase immobilization parameters for ammonia plasma-treated PEPP nonwoven were systematically optimized, and the stability of the treated PEPP nonwoven was evaluated under these optimal conditions. Furthermore, the potential applicability of PEPP nonwoven in wastewater treatment was assessed by examining its decolorization efficiency in solutions containing two synthetic dyes, C.

Lamina Cribrosa Steepness Index to Measure the Morphology of the Lamina Cribrosa in Myopic Eyes With Optic Disc Distortion.

Purpose: To propose a new parameter for evaluating lamina cribrosa (LC) morphology in myopic eyes with optic nerve head (ONH) distortion.

Methods: This study included 169 eyes with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and myopic ONH distortion from the Myopic NTG Treatment Study. The LC curvature index (LCCI) and the LC steepness index (LCSI) were assessed in optical coherence tomography B-scan images obtained using an enhanced-depth imaging technique.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Arachnoid Cysts Without Extra-Central Nervous System Anomalies in the Korean Population: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study on Postnatal Diagnosis and Clinical Outcomes.

Background: The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical characteristics, discrepancies in postnatal diagnosis, and outcomes of prenatally diagnosed arachnoid cysts without extra-CNS anomalies.

Methods: This study was a multi-center retrospective cohort study from 16 participating university hospitals in South Korea, with patient data pooled from January 2010 to December 2019. This study focused on cases with prenatally diagnosed arachnoid cysts and analyzed postnatal diagnoses related to CNS anomalies, the need for surgery, and clinical outcomes.

Differences in Aqueous Humor Cytokine Concentrations According to the Presence of Posterior Subcapsular Cataract: A Prospective Case-Control Study.

Background: Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) substantially impacts visual function, and prior studies have suggested that inflammatory cytokines may have a role in its development. We aimed to analyze inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the aqueous humor by cataract type and severity, specifically comparing them in relation to the presence of PSC, and to identify risk factors for PSC.

Methods: We prospectively recruited patients undergoing routine cataract surgery.

Comparative Analysis of Lamina Parameters in Nonglaucomatous Eyes With and Without Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome.

Objective: To compare lamina cribrosa (LC) parameters in nonglaucomatous eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXFS) and healthy control eyes to assess structural alterations that may contribute to early glaucoma pathophysiology.

Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Participants: Fifty eyes with non-glaucomatous PXFS and 50 healthy, age-matched control eyes.

Development of a Predictive Model for Colorectal Cancer Using Exhaled Volatile Organic Compounds.

Background: Colorectal cancer lacks noninvasive and efficient diagnostic markers. Recently, volatile organic compounds present in exhaled breath have emerged as potential diagnostic indicators for various diseases.

Objective: This study aimed to establish a predictive model that includes exhaled volatile organic compounds for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Local CpG- siRNA treatment improves antitumor effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has significantly benefited patients with several types of solid tumors and some lymphomas. However, many of the treated patients do not have a durable clinical response. It has been demonstrated that rescuing exhausted CD8 T cells is required for ICB-mediated antitumor effects.

The Role of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand/Osteoprotegerin Ratio in Synovial Fluid as a Potential Marker for Periprosthetic Osteolysis Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Background: Periprosthetic osteolysis is a prevalent complication following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), implicating various cytokines in osteoclastogenesis as pivotal in this process. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between osteolysis and the concentrations of osteoclastogenesis-related cytokines in synovial fluid and investigate its clinical value following TAA.

Methods: Synovial fluid samples from 23 ankles that underwent revision surgery for osteolysis following TAA were analyzed as the osteolysis group.

Formulation of Ascorbic Acid and Betaine-based Therapeutic Deep Eutectic System for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Ascorbic Acid.

L-ascorbic acid (AA), a potent antioxidant, is commonly used topically in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. However, the incorporation of AA into topical formulations is difficult because of its highly unstable nature and relatively poor skin permeability. In this study, we propose an alternative strategy for improving the solubility and topical delivery of AA through its conversion to a therapeutic deep eutectic system (THEDES).

Exploring the Correlation between Systemic Inflammatory Markers and Carotid Atherosclerosis Indices in Middle-Aged Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: This study investigated the association between atherosclerosis and systemic inflammation markers, specifically the C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), in healthy middle-aged adults.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 1264 Korean adults aged 40-65. We assessed these inflammatory markers and carotid metrics, such as carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), plaque number (PN), plaque stenosis score (PSS), and plaque score (PS), using linear regression, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Anti-Obesity Medications in Real-World Practice.

Purpose: Anti-obesity medications (AOMs), along with lifestyle interventions, are effective means of inducing and maintaining weight loss in patients with obesity. Although the efficacy of AOMs has been reported, there have been no direct comparisons of these drugs. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of all the AOMs available in Korea in a real-world setting.

Sodium Intake Estimation in Hospital Patients Using AI-Based Imaging: Prospective Pilot Study.

Background: Measurement of sodium intake in hospitalized patients is critical for their care. In this study, artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging was performed to determine sodium intake in these patients.

Objective: The applicability of a diet management system was evaluated using AI-based imaging to assess the sodium content of diets prescribed for hospitalized patients.

Physical Examination-Indicated Cerclage in Singleton and Twin Pregnancies and Risk Factors for Predicting Preterm Birth < 28 Weeks.

We compare the outcomes of physical examination-indicated cerclage (PEIC) between singleton and twin pregnancies and analyze predictive factors for preterm birth < 28 weeks of gestation. Patients who underwent PEIC at our center were reviewed. We compared perinatal outcomes between singleton and twin pregnancies.

Postoperative cervical length to predict success of repeat cerclage in singleton pregnancies with prolapsed membranes after prior cerclage.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of repeat cerclage (RC) in singleton pregnancies with prolapsed membranes following a prior cerclage and analyze predictive factors for delivery at ≥26 weeks of gestation following RC.

Materials And Methods: Patients who underwent RC between 2010 and 2020 at the Hallym University Medical Center were reviewed. Women with singleton pregnancies with prolapsed membranes following prior cerclage were candidates for RC.

Local CpG- siRNA treatment improves antitumor effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has significantly benefited patients with several types of solid tumors and some lymphomas. However, many of the treated patients do not have durable clinical response. It has been demonstrated that rescuing exhausted CD8 T cells is required for ICB-mediated antitumor effects.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Defect Associated With Progressive Myopia.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report a case with bilateral paravascular inner retinal defects (PIRDs) enlarging with progressive myopia, which had different structural characteristics from the glaucomatous retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defect.

Patients And Methods: A 10-year-old girl with high myopia was referred to a glaucoma clinic for evaluation of RNFL defects shown in color fundus photographs. Fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography examinations were serially reviewed to examine the changes in the RNFL.

Choroidal Microvasculature Dropout in the Absence of Parapapillary Atrophy in POAG.

Purpose: To describe the parapapillary choroidal microvasculature dropout (CMvD) in glaucomatous eyes without β-zone parapapillary atrophy (β-PPA) and compare its characteristics with that of CMvD with β-PPA.

Methods: Peripapillary choroidal microvasculature was evaluated on en face images obtained using optical coherence tomography angiography. CMvD was defined as a focal sectoral capillary dropout with no visible microvascular network identified in the choroidal layer.