Development and Evaluation of Dual Microneedle Array Patch for Sequential Intradermal Delivery of Adjuvant and Antigen.

Purpose: Adjuvants are critical for enhancing immune responses to recombinant protein-based vaccines, which typically exhibit weak immunogenicity. Microneedle array patches (MAPs) offer a promising method for intradermal delivery, but conventional Co-Delivery MAPs (containing antigen and adjuvant together) have limited loading capacity and potential undesirable interactions. Adjuvants may also trigger adverse reactions in sensitive populations.

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.

Association Between Initial Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction and Clinical Outcome in Sepsis: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

Objectives: To investigate the association between the severities of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis, with a particular focus on in-hospital mortality.

Design: Multicenter cohort study.

Setting: Nineteen tertiary or university-affiliated hospitals in South Korea.

Association of Extended Steroid Treatment With Bloodstream Infection in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: A National, Multicenter, Propensity Score-Matched Study.

Background: The impact of steroid treatment on mortality outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been widely demonstrated, while its effect on secondary infections, such as bloodstream infections (BSIs), is controversial. Recent studies have reported the survival benefits of using steroids for a standard duration compared to extended use, though their impact on the risk of BSIs remains debated. This study investigated whether extended steroid use is associated with the risk of BSIs and mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Determinants of Limiting Life-Sustaining Treatment in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Study in Korean Intensive Care Units.

Background: Understanding of the life-sustaining treatment (LST) decisions in critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients remains limited. This study aimed to identify factors influencing LST decisions, and compare clinical outcomes between patients with, and without, LST.

Methods: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 1,081 COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) across Korea from January 1, 2020, to August 31, 2021.

Real-world comparative effectiveness study of Janus kinase inhibitors compared to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: To evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) compared to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have not previously been treated with either JAKis or bDMARDs.

Methods: This prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted at 17 centres in the Republic of Korea. Patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate were enrolled and started treatment with either JAKis or bDMARDs.

Impact of Elevated Troponin Level at the Time of Sepsis Recognition on the Clinical Outcomes: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study.

Background: Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction, known as septic cardiomyopathy, is a common complication associated with increased mortality. Cardiac troponins serve as markers for myocardial injury and are frequently elevated in patients with sepsis. However, the role of troponin elevation at sepsis recognition in risk stratification remains controversial.

Additional Screw Added to the Femoral Neck System Could Enhance the Stability of Pauwel Type III Femoral Neck Fractures: a Finite Element Analysis.

Backgroud: This study explores effective fixation methods for Pauwel type III femoral neck fractures by evaluating the biomechanical benefits of adding a screw to the Femoral Neck System (FNS).

Methods: Computed tomography (CT) scans of an 82-year-old female patient with an intertrochanteric fracture were used to establish a finite element femur model with heterogeneous material properties. Finite element models of Pauwel type III fractures were created with and without an additional screw.

A Usefulness of Delta Neutrophil Index (DNI) for Prediction of 28 Day Mortality in Patients with Pneumonia-Induced Sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit.

: The delta neutrophil index (DNI) represents the immature granulocyte fraction and is determined by subtracting the fraction of mature polymorphonuclear leucocytes from the sum of myeloperoxidase-reactive cells. The DNI has been proposed as a useful prognostic marker for sepsis. This study evaluated the clinical utility of DNI as a predictive marker in patients with pneumonia-induced sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU).

High-Performance Acoustic Transducers with Exfoliated NbSe Nanosheets and Hybrid Force Mechanisms.

The transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) NbSe is a highly conductive and superconducting material with great potential for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, its bulk form suffers from reduced charge density and conductivity due to interlayer van der Waals interactions. To address this, we exfoliated NbSe₂ into nanosheets using lithium-ion intercalation and utilized them as diaphragms in acoustic transducers.

Exploring Fat Fraction and Vertebral Bone Quality Score in Lumbar Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Cross-Sectional Study on Associations and Clinical Implication.

While gradient-echo (GRE)-based chemical shift-encoded magnetic resonance imaging (CSE-MRI) offers precise method for measuring adiposity in bone marrow, its limitation lies in the need for additional imaging. On the other hand, spin-echo (SE)-based CSE-MRI can seamlessly integrate into conventional protocols. Recently, a novel technique called the vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score has been introduced.

Home High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Failure: A Literature Review and Suggestions for Clinical Practice.

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a noninvasive respiratory support system that delivers air that is heated at 31°C-38°C, humidified 100%, and oxygen-enriched at a constant high flow rate of 15-60 L/min. Because of its numerous physiological benefits, convenience, and minimal side effects, HFNC has been increasingly used over the past decade in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, yet the clinical benefits of long-term HFNC remain uncertain. Several studies have suggested its potential use as an alternative home oxygen therapy for patients with chronic stable lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, and bronchiectasis.

Clinical implication of regional osteopenia in complex regional pain syndrome: a retrospective comparative study.

Background: Despite the significant role of impaired bone metabolism in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), the clinical implications of osteopenia remain a focal point of investigation. We examined the prevalence and risk factors of affected limb osteopenia in CRPS and its association with the response to sympathetic blockade.

Methods: 167 patients with CRPS who underwent CT of their affected limbs were retrospectively reviewed.

Energy metabolism coordination for the byproduct-free biosynthesis of 1,3-propanediol in Escherichia coli.

The efficient, byproduct-free production of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO), a valuable chemical widely used in various industries, presents a significant challenge in bio-based manufacturing, due to its reduced nature. In this study, Escherichia coli K12 was engineered to achieve high-yield 1,3-PDO production by optimizing glucose metabolism and utilizing glycerol as a feedstock. Glycolytic flux was rerouted to the NADPH-generating pentose phosphate (PP) pathway, linking NADPH regeneration to 1,3-PDO biosynthesis.

Temperature-Responsive Hybrid Composite with Zero Temperature Coefficient of Resistance for Wearable Thermotherapy Pads.

Carbon-based polymer composites are widely used in wearable devices due to their exceptional electrical conductivity and flexibility. However, their temperature-dependent resistance variations pose significant challenges to device safety and performance. A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) can lead to overcurrent risks, while a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) compromises accuracy.

A CRISPR-Cas12a-based universal rapid scrub typhus diagnostic method targeting 16S rRNA of Orientia tsutsugamushi.

Scrub typhus is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi infection and occurs frequently in an area called the Tsutsugamushi Triangle. Currently, there is no vaccine for O. tsutsugamushi, and its infection is treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline.

Development and Evaluation of Five-in-One Vaccine Microneedle Array Patch for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, and Type b: Immunological Efficacy and Long-Term Stability.

: The development of a five-in-one vaccine microneedle patch (five-in-one MN patch) aims to address challenges in administering vaccines against Diphtheria (DT), Tetanus (TT), Pertussis (wP), Hepatitis B (HBsAg), and type b (Hib). Combining multiple vaccines into a single patch offers a novel solution to improve vaccine accessibility, stability, and delivery efficiency, particularly in resource-limited settings. : The five-in-one MN patch consists of four distinct microneedle arrays: DT and TT vaccines are coated together on one array, while wP, HepB, and Hib vaccines are coated separately on individual arrays.

Optimizing Stretchability and Electrical Stability in Bilayer-Structured Flexible Liquid Metal Composite Electrodes.

Gallium-based liquid metals remain in a liquid state at room temperature and exhibit excellent electrical and thermal conductivities, low viscosity, and low toxicity, making them ideal for creating highly stretchable and conductive composites suitable for flexible electronic devices. Despite these benefits, conventional single-layer liquid metal composites face challenges, such as liquid metal leakage during deformation (e.g.

Relationship between the Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index and the Prognosis of Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Korea.

Background: Malnutrition exacerbates the prognosis of numerous diseases; however, its specific impact on severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes remains insufficiently explored.

Methods: This multicenter study in Korea evaluated the nutritional status of 1,088 adults with severe COVID-19 using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) based on serum albumin levels and body weight. The patients were categorized into two groups: GNRI >98 (no-risk) and GNRI ≤98 (risk).

Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Mice Unmasked: Revealing Sex Differences in Anxiety Using a Novel Light-Heat Conflict Test.

Anxiety and chronic pain afflict hundreds of millions worldwide. Anxiety and pain are more prevalent in females compared to males. Unfortunately, robust sex differences in human anxiety are not recapitulated in rodent tests, and results from rodent pain studies frequently fail to translate clinically.

Early management of adult sepsis and septic shock: Korean clinical practice guidelines.

Background: Despite recent advances and global improvements in sepsis recognition and supportive care, mortality rates remain high, and adherence to sepsis bundle components in Korea is low. To address this, the Korean Sepsis Alliance, affiliated with the Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine, developed the first sepsis treatment guidelines for Korea based on a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: A de novo method was used to develop the guidelines.