33 Unresolved Questions in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Significant advances in science and engineering often emerge at the intersections of disciplines. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are inherently interdisciplinary, uniting researchers from chemistry, physics, biology, medicine, materials science, and engineering. This convergence has fostered novel ways of thinking and enabled the development of materials, tools, and technologies that have transformed both basic and applied research, as well as how we address critical societal challenges.

Characteristics and management of mechanically ventilated patients in South Korea compared with other high-income Asian countries and regions.

Background: This study investigated the characteristics of mechanically ventilated patients in South Korean intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods: We conducted a subgroup analysis of a multinational observational study. Data from 271 mechanically ventilated patients in South Korean ICUs were analyzed for demographics, ventilation practices, and mortality, and were compared with those of 327 patients from other high-income Asian countries.

Lifestyle factors affecting the prognosis of gynecological cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify key lifestyle factors influencing gynecologic cancer prognosis, focusing on recurrence prevention and mortality reduction.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. Twenty cohort studies were included, yielding 152 analytical results.

Dynamic birefringence and chirality of magnetically controllable assemblies of anisotropic plasmonic nanoparticles in dispersion.

The ability to control the orientation and arrangement of plasmonic nanoparticles with shape anisotropy offers a promising route to achieving highly tunable optical properties. In this study, we introduce a synthetic approach for magnetically controllable plasmonic nanoparticles (MPs) consisting of an anisotropic gold core encapsulated by an iron oxide shell. The superparamagnetic property of the iron oxide shell enables rapid, reversible, and remotely controlled alignment of MPs, allowing for dynamic manipulation of their optical properties.

Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Breast Cancer Recurrence: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.

Breast cancer recurrence remains a significant challenge, impacting patient survival and quality of life. This study aimed to identify lifestyle factors influencing recurrence through a meta-analysis of 20 studies encompassing 53 datasets. Using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) 4.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Modified with Galloylated DNA for Magnetically Enhanced DNA-Directed Assembly.

A straightforward, one-step method is presented for DNA functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) using galloylated DNA through multidentate metal-phenol interactions. The DNA-modified IONPs exhibit excellent stability under diverse buffer conditions and display intriguing DNA binding properties, influenced by the superparamagnetic property of IONPs. The DNA denaturation behavior can be categorized into two regimes: the magnetic-dominant regime and the DNA-dominant regime.

Alleviation of Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Obesity Suppression by a Probiotic Strain That Induces GLP-1 Secretion.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone secreted from enteroendocrine cells that can promote weight loss and blood glucose improvement. We screened probiotic strains that effectively stimulate GLP-1 secretion from human enteroendocrine cells and then investigated the efficacy of this strain in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mouse model of obesity. GB104 greatly induced GLP-1 secretion by increasing expression of the proglucagon gene (), but not the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 gene () in the human enteroendocrine cell line NCI-H716.

Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Among Older Residents of Publicly Subsidized Housing in the United States: Systematic-Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes evidence on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) prevalence among older U.S. residents of publicly subsidized housing.

Advancements and Challenges in Spiritual Care Over the Last Decade: An Integrative Review.

This study reviewed the literature on spiritual care published in the last decade to re-examine its necessity and importance, and to suggest future research directions. An integrative review was conducted on studies published from January 2014 to November 2024 using PubMed, Google Scholar, RISS, and KISS databases. Keywords "spiritual care" and "spiritual nursing" were used, and 288 studies were selected following PRISMA guidelines.

Spectroscopic insights into charge-carrier dynamics modulated by donor-acceptor molecular distribution in organic photovoltaic materials.

Understanding the relationship between molecular distribution and charge-carrier dynamics is crucial for optimizing organic photovoltaic (OPV) performance. In this study, we employed advanced spectroscopic techniques, including flash-photolysis time-resolved microwave conductivity (FP-TRMC) to probe free-charge dynamics. Utilizing a model electron donor-acceptor dyad (P3HT-NDI), where poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is covalently linked to naphthalene diimide (NDI), and a blended system (P3HT/NDI), we investigated the impact of acceptor distribution uniformity on the charge-carrier dynamics.

Model-Based Evaluation of HangAmDan-B1 and Afatinib Combination Therapy in HCC827 Xenograft Mice with Resistance to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor.

HangAmDan-B1 (HAD-B1), a blended herbal mixture, has been investigated as an adjuvant therapy with afatinib (AFT) to treat non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). Although preclinical studies demonstrated promising synergistic results, clinical trials have not yet confirmed the expected benefits. This study aims to quantitatively examine the exposure-response relationship and synergistic interactions through pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Factors Influencing eHealth Use Among Homebound Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study examined how access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices, prior online experience, and ICT training (with or without assistance) influenced eHealth use among homebound Medicare beneficiaries in the U.S. during COVID-19.

Exploring the Role of Practical and Emotional Death Preparation in Reducing Emotional Distress Among Family Caregivers of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Family caregivers (FCs) play a vital role in supporting terminally ill patients with cancer by providing emotional, physical, and practical care throughout the illness trajectory [...

Artificial Intelligence and Aging in Place: A Scoping Review of Current Applications and Future Directions.

Background And Objectives: As the global population continues to age, aging in place (AIP) has emerged as an essential strategy to help older adults live safely and independently within their communities. Although artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise for supporting AIP, particularly in clinical settings, limited research has focused on its application in nonclinical dimensions of AIP. This scoping review aims to explore the current landscape of AI in AIP research, focusing on its potential to address both the health and social aspects of aging outside of clinical settings.

The Impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Disease Knowledge, and Health Behaviors.

Background/objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that increases the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aims to assess the correlation between PCOS and GDM and to identify associated healthcare needs.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used.

Efficacy and safety of herbal medicine treatment on postsurgical recovery in gastric cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the second most prevalent cancer in Korea, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although advancements in early detection and treatment have improved survival rates, management of postsurgical recovery remains vital. Herbal medicine (HM) has emerged as a potential adjunct therapy for enhancing the recovery and quality of life (QoL) of patients post-GC surgery.

Material, Health, and Social Vulnerability and Loneliness Among Older Adults: From the Welfare Regime Perspective.

Loneliness in later life is a significant global public health issue that negatively impacts well-being, life satisfaction, and mental health. This study investigates how material, health, and social vulnerabilities contribute to loneliness among older adults using a welfare regime framework. It examines the link between vulnerability and loneliness in the United States, Korea, Sweden, Spain, and Germany using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) alongside its international sister studies, encompassing both Western and East Asian welfare states.

Longitudinal Engagement in Modifiable Lifestyle Behaviors and Racial-Ethnic Differences in Dementia Risk.

ObjectivesThe objective was to examine racial-ethnic differences in longitudinal engagement for lifestyle behaviors and moderating role of race-ethnicity between lifestyle behaviors and dementia risk.MethodsWe analyzed 2011-2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study data, a nationally representative U.S.

Contrasting effects of mismatch locations on Z-DNA formation under bending force.

Z-DNA is a non-canonical, left-handed helical structure that plays crucial roles in various cellular processes. DNA mismatches, which involve the incorporation of incorrect Watson-Crick base pairs, are present in all living organisms and contribute to the mechanism of Z-DNA formation. However, the impact of mismatches on Z-DNA formation remains poorly understood.

Social relationship patterns and their association with emotional and social loneliness in older adults with cognitive impairments.

Objectives: This study explores the association between specific social relationship patterns and emotional and social loneliness among older adults with cognitive impairments, including dementia.

Method: Data from the 2018 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used to conduct a Latent Profile Analysis on 642 older adults with cognitive impairments, classifying social relationships based on contact frequency, network size, and perceived support. Associations between these patterns and levels of social and emotional loneliness were analyzed.

Lived Experience of South Korean Pregnant Women at Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

This study examined South Korean pregnant women's workplace experiences through Meleis' transition theory. Twenty participants engaged in online focus groups, discussing pregnancy, childbirth, prenatal care, and COVID-19 concerns. Content analysis revealed 15 themes reflecting transition theory's components.

The association between material hardship and physical and mental health among older adults: Multi-channel sequence Approach.

Older adults often face financial difficulties due to declining physical and cognitive abilities, and rising healthcare costs exacerbate these issues. Despite a general decrease in poverty, the rate among those aged 65 and older has increased. Material hardship is particularly relevant for older adults due to their complex healthcare needs.

Patterns of Medical Utilization in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Life-Limiting Conditions in Korea: A Cohort Study Based on National Health Insurance Data.

Background: Children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYAs) with severe illnesses require intensive treatment, often relying on medical devices and advanced medical services. Modern medical technology has improved the lifespans of these patients. In addition, CAYAs represent a vulnerable group, resulting in a significant caregiving burden on the entire family.

Effectiveness and safety of combined treatment with herbal medicines and palliative chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer: A systematic review, and meta-analysis.

Background: Advanced gastric cancer (AGC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with its treatment complicated by challenges such as high recurrence rates, severe side effects, and limited effectiveness of current therapies. Herbal medicine (HM) has emerged as an adjunct to palliative chemotherapy (PC), potentially improving tumor response and reducing side effects. This study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of HM in palliative therapy for inoperable stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ AGC patients.

Association between alcohol consumption and sleep difficulty in a nationwide Korean survey.

Background: The data on the association between alcohol intake and sleep quality in a community-based setting are lacking. This study examined overall sleep difficulty according to alcohol habits among Korean adults.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed data from 4937 adults who responded to questions about sleep difficulty and drinking habits from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.