Exploring the relationship between lifestyle factors and depressive symptoms in Korean adolescents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: COVID-19 has brought about disruptions in the lives of adolescents, which pose a threat to mental health. While multiple studies have suggested a trend of increased depression during COVID-19, only few have explored the protective factors that could support their mental health during this critical period, highlighting a significant gap in the literature.

Methods: The current study investigated the association between lifestyle modifications and changes in COVID-19-induced depressive mood.

Inhibitory Effects of 3-Deoxysappanchalcone on Particulate-Matter-Induced Pulmonary Injury.

Fine particulate matter (PM) exposure has been linked to increased lung damage due to compromised vascular barrier function, while 3-deoxysappanchalcone (3-DSC), a chalcone derived from , is known for its pharmacological benefits such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects; however, its potential role in mitigating PM-induced pulmonary damage remains unexplored. To confirm the inhibitory effects of 3-DSC on PM-induced pulmonary injury, this research focused on evaluating how 3-DSC influences PM-induced disruption of the barrier of the endothelial cells (ECs) in the lungs and the resulting pulmonary inflammation. Permeability, leukocyte migration, proinflammatory protein activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and histology were assessed in PM-treated ECs and mice.

Multifunctional electronic skin integrating dual-mode optical and pressure sensors for caregiving robots.

Advancements in artificial intelligence have broadened the capabilities of robots, particularly in caregiving applications that are essential for aging societies facing a growing shortage of human caregivers. Humanoid caregiving robots require sophisticated sensing systems to perform delicate tasks such as monitoring vital signs and providing physical assistance without causing discomfort. In particular, functionalities such as close-range proximity sensing, tactile feedback, and physiological and electrophysiological signal monitoring are essential for ensuring safe and effective caregiving.

OCELOT 2023: Cell detection from cell-tissue interaction challenge.

Pathologists routinely alternate between different magnifications when examining Whole-Slide Images, allowing them to evaluate both broad tissue morphology and intricate cellular details to form comprehensive diagnoses. However, existing deep learning-based cell detection models struggle to replicate these behaviors and learn the interdependent semantics between structures at different magnifications. A key barrier in the field is the lack of datasets with multi-scale overlapping cell and tissue annotations.

Anti-Thrombotic Activity of 3-Deoxysappanchalcone via Inhibiting Platelet Aggregation and Thrombin (FIIa)/Activated Factor X (FXa) Activity.

Naturally occurring plant-based compounds are increasingly being explored for their therapeutic potential in treating a wide range of conditions, particularly those related to vascular health. The compound 3-deoxysappanchalcone (3-DSC), derived from L., has been proven to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-influenza, and anti-allergic properties, though its role in thrombosis and haemostasis remains unexplored.

Selective metal passivation by vapor-dosed phosphonic acid inhibitors for area-selective atomic layer deposition of SiO thin films.

Aiming for atomic-scale precision alignment for advanced semiconductor devices, area-selective atomic layer deposition (AS-ALD) has garnered substantial attention because of its bottom-up nature that allows precise control of material deposition exclusively on desired areas. In this study, we develop a surface treatment to hinder the adsorption of Si precursor on metal surfaces by using a vapor-phase functionalization of bulky phosphonic acid (PA) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Through the chemical vapor transport (CVT) method, the bulky solid PA inhibitor with a fluorocarbon terminal group was effectively vaporized, and the conditions for maximizing the blocking effect of the inhibitor were confirmed by optimizing the process temperature and dwelling time.

3-Deoxysappanchalcone Inhibited High Mobility Group Box Protein 1-Mediated Severe Inflammatory Responses.

Phytochemicals are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential in treating various diseases, including vascular disorders. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a key mediator of late-stage sepsis, triggers the release of proinflammatory cytokines, leading to inflammation and systemic complications. Elevated plasma levels of HMGB1 impair diagnosis and prognosis while worsening outcomes in inflammatory conditions.

Tailoring Co Distribution in PtCo Alloys for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity and Durability in Fuel Cells.

In polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), substantial efforts have been made to focus on Pt and Pt alloy catalysts to enhance their catalytic performance. However, these catalysts still fail to meet practical requirements and existing PtCo catalysts face durability issues due to structural limitations. In this study, carbon-supported hybrid PtCo alloy catalysts (H-PtCo) with improved activity and durability are synthesized by reducing Co precursors onto pre-formed colloidal Pt nanoparticles.

Intrinsically-Stretchable and Patternable Quantum Dot Color Conversion Layers for Stretchable Displays in Robotic Skin and Wearable Electronics.

Stretchable displays are essential components as signal outputs in next-generation stretchable electronics, particularly for robotic skin and wearable device technologies. Intrinsically-stretchable and patternable color conversion layers (CCLs) offer practical solutions for developing full-color stretchable micro-light-emitting diode (LED) displays. However, significant challenges remain in creating stretchable and patternable CCLs without backlight leakage under mechanical deformation.

Longitudinal Examination of Stress and Depression in Older Adults Over a 2-Year Period: Moderation Effect of Varied Social Support Measures.

Depressive symptoms and stress exposure fluctuate over time in community-dwelling older adults, but they are frequently assessed using one-time retrospective self-report measures. Social support viewed as a multifaceted construct can play diverse moderating roles in this association although it is typically gauged through the measure of perceived social support. This study aims to explore the relationships between stress, social support, and depressive symptoms among older adults by utilizing the longitudinal data collected through a smartphone application and supplemented by annual face-to-face interviews conducted over a 2-year period.

Exploring the Impact of Chelating Agents on Copper Oxide Layer Formation and Morphology.

The morphological evolution of copper oxide surfaces during anodization was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), chronoamperometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a Cu chelating agent near the anode slows key mechanistic steps, providing insight into the factors driving the formation of crystalline Cu(OH) nanoneedles. The correlation of chronoamperometric data with SEM images revealed a four-stage process, beginning with the formation of an initial passive oxide layer, followed by nucleation.

Outcomes and risk factors for de novo major depressive disorder after liver transplantation: Nested case-control study.

Introduction And Objectives: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a major psychiatric complication of liver transplantation (LT). Here, we aimed to analyze the impact of de novo MDD on survival post-LT and identify risk factors for this disorder among LT recipients.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1350 LT recipients at Severance Hospital, Korea, from July 2005 to December 2022.

The Beneficial Effects of CGK012 Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation.

This study investigates the protective effects of CGK012 [(7S)-(+)-cyclopentyl carbamic acid 8,8-dimethyl-2-oxo-6,7-dihydro-2H,8H-pyrano[3,2-g]chromen-7-yl-ester], a small-molecule inhibitor targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, against inflammatory responses elicited by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The study evaluated the influence of CGK012 on heme oxygenase (HO)-1, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressions in LPS-stimulated human endothelial cells. It examined its effects on iNOS, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β in LPS-challenged mice.

Chemical Vapor Deposition Carbon Coating of SiO Anode for Li-Ion Batteries: Significance of Carbon Precursor Selection and Deposition Temperature.

Owing to the surge in the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density, silicon suboxide (SiO )-based materials with impressive theoretical capacities have garnered significant attention. However, challenges such as poor electrical conductivity and substantial volume expansion must be overcome. A common strategy for addressing these issues involves coating SiO with carbon.

Exercise promotes peripheral glycolysis in skeletal muscle through miR-204 induction via the HIF-1α pathway.

The mechanisms underlying exercise-induced insulin sensitization are of great interest, as exercise is a clinically critical intervention for diabetic patients. Some microRNAs (miRs) are secreted from skeletal muscle after exercise where they regulate insulin sensitivity, and have potential as diagnostic markers in diabetic patients. miR-204 is well-known for its involvement in development, cancer, and metabolism; however, its role in exercise-induced glycemic control remains unclear.

PM2.5 Exposure Triggers Hypothalamic Oxidative and ER Stress Leading to Depressive-like Behaviors in Rats.

Epidemiological studies have linked fine dust pollution to depression, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are known contributors to depression, but their induction by particulate matter (PM), particularly PM2.5, in animal models has been limited.

Antithrombic effects of in a rat model of acute thrombosis: modulation of endothelial adhesion molecules and inflammatory factors.

(PR) is a tropical plant used as a spice in Southeast Asia. This study investigated the antithrombotic effect of PR in rats with acute thrombosis induced by collagen and epinephrine (CE). The rats were divided into four groups, control (CON), CE, PR15, and PR30, with PR administered at 15 and 30 mg/kg body weight.

Elderly patients re-transferred from long-term care hospitals to emergency departments within 48 h.

Background & Objectives: The increasing proportion of elderly populations has led to a rise in chronic diseases and frequent transfers between long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) and emergency departments (EDs). This study investigates the patterns of risk factors of initial-transfers and subsequent re-transfers among patients aged 65 or older. Specifically, we focus on those re-transferred from LTCHs to EDs within 48 h of discharge, often without adequate treatment.

Collaborative Outcomes Study on Health and Functioning During Infection Times (COH-FIT): Global and Risk-Group Stratified Course of Well-Being and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Adolescents.

Objective: To identify the COVID-19 pandemic impact on well-being/mental health, coping strategies, and risk factors in adolescents worldwide.

Method: This study was based on an anonymous online multi-national/multi-language survey in the general population (representative/weighted non-representative samples, 14-17 years of age), measuring change in well-being (World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index [WHO-5]/range = 0-100) and psychopathology (validated composite P-score/range = 0-100), WHO-5 <50 and <29, pre- vs during COVID-19 pandemic (April 26, 2020-June 26, 2022). Coping strategies and 9 a priori- defined individual/cumulative risk factors were measured.

An assessment of a GMP schistosomiasis vaccine (SchistoShield).

Introduction: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that puts over 200 million people at risk, and prevention options are sparse with no approved vaccine. Our vaccine candidate, SchistoShield, is based on an approximately 87 kDa large subunit of calcium activated neutral protease - termed Sm-p80 - combined with a potent TLR4 agonist-based adjuvant. SchistoShield has been shown to prevent disease throughout the parasitic life cycle - including egg, juvenile, and adult worm stages - in numerous animal models up to and including baboons.

Inhibitory Effects of Decursin Derivative against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation.

Background: This study aims to explore the protective role of JB-V-60-a novel synthetic derivative of decur-sin-against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation.

Methods: We examined the effects of JB-V-60 on heme oxygenase (HO)-1, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in LPS-activated human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs). Additionally, we assessed its effects on iNOS, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β in LPS-exposed mice.

Factors that predict emergency department length of stay in analysis of national data.

Objective: This study used a nationwide database to identify and analyze factors that influence emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) and improve the efficiency of emergency care.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) database in Korea: 25,578,263 ED visits from 2018 to 2022. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and ED operational variables were examined.