Flexible All-Inorganic Thermoelectric Yarns.

Achieving both formability and functionality in thermoelectric materials remains a significant challenge due to their inherent brittleness. Previous approaches, such as polymer infiltration, often compromise thermoelectric efficiency, underscoring the need for flexible, all-inorganic alternatives. This study demonstrates that the extreme brittleness of thermoelectric bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) bulk compounds can be overcome by harnessing the nanoscale flexibility of Bi2Te3 nanoribbons and twisting them into a yarn structure. The resulting Bi2Te3 yarn, with a Seebeck coefficient of -126.6 µV K-1, exhibits remarkable deformability, enduring extreme bending curvatures (down to 0.5 mm-1) and tensile strains of ≈5% through over 1000 cycles without significant resistance change. This breakthrough allows the yarn to be seamlessly integrated into various applications-wound around metallic pipes, embedded within life jackets, or woven into garments-demonstrating unprecedented adaptability and durability. Moreover, a simple 4-pair thermoelectric generator comprising Bi2Te3 yarns and metallic wires generates a maximum output voltage of 67.4 mV, substantiating the effectiveness of thermoelectric yarns in waste heat harvesting. These advances not only challenge the traditional limitations posed by the brittleness of thermoelectric materials but also open new avenues for their application in wearable and structural electronics.

Investigation of Residue Dissipation of Fluxapyroxad and Its Metabolites in Chinese Cabbage and Spring Scallion Using Different Application Methods.

Fluxapyroxad, a persistent fungicide in soil, was investigated for differences in residue dissipation in Chinese cabbage and spring scallion through the application methods of soil, foliar, and systemic treatment. Soil application of 0.4% granule fluxapyroxad resulted in residues up to 0.09 mg kg-1 in the scallion, while it did not contribute to the residues in the harvested cabbage. The 50% dissipation time (DT50) of fluxapyroxad in the scallion was 6.8 days. The residues from systemic treatment were highly correlated with foliar application in both the cabbage and the scallion, and the initial residue and DT50 values were similar for foliar and systemic treatments. In comparing the residues from the systemic treatments between the two crops, the initial residue was 3.11 and 0.22 mg kg-1 in the cabbage and the scallion after the systemic treatment, respectively. The DT50 values were 2.6 and 12.2 days in the cabbage and the scallion, respectively. The theoretical dilution effect due to crop growth was higher for the cabbage (4-fold) than for the scallion (1.2-fold), and the half-lives of fluxapyroxad without considering the dilution effect were 6.4 days in the cabbage and 17.8 days in the scallion. Thus, the residue difference was drastically reduced after 14 days from the last treatment.

Comparison of surgical outcomes between bioabsorbable and metal screw fixation for distal tibial physeal fracture in children and adolescent.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes between bioabsorbable and metal screw fixation for distal tibial physeal fracture in children and adolescents, radiographically and clinically. METHODS: This study included consecutive 67 children and adolescents who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using metal or bioabsorbable screws for the distal tibia physeal fracture. All patients underwent preoperative radiographs, three-dimensional computed tomography scans, and postoperative follow-up teleradiogram. Patients were divided into metal (N = 40) and bioabsorbable groups (N = 27). We compared the surgical outcomes between the two groups in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes, length of hospital stays, and medical cost. RESULTS: Follow-up duration were significantly longer in the metal group than that in the bioabsorbable group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of growth arrest after surgery and the scores of the Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire between the two groups. However, the total hospital stay was significantly longer in the metal group (5.2 ± 4.8 days) compared to the bioabsorbable group (2.6 ± 0.5 days). Medical costs were significantly higher in the bioabsorbable group than in the metal group with a difference of 397 US dollars. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bioabsorbable screws exhibited therapeutic effects equivalent to that of metal screws for pediatric distal tibia physeal fractures regarding clinical and radiological outcomes. Moreover, it had the advantage of avoiding the need for repeated general anesthesia and secondary operation for implant removal. Therefore, the use of bioabsorbable screws may be a favourable surgical option for treating pediatric fractures.

Effectiveness of organic acids for inactivating pathogenic bacteria inoculated in laboratory media and foods: an updated minireview.

Food processing industries commonly employ organic acids (OAAs) to determine bacterial contamination in acidified and fermented foods. OAAs are believed to possess potent antimicrobial properties by permeating cell membranes, altering proton and anion concentrations in the cytoplasm due to their lipophilic undissociated forms. The bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects of OAAs are influenced by various factors including microbial physiology, environmental pH, and acid dissociation ratios. Despite their utility, the precise mechanisms underlying OAA-mediated inhibition of pathogenic bacteria remain incompletely understood. Therefore, the objectives of this review are to compile a selected area of researches that focus on the current propensity of different OAAs for inactivating food-borne pathogens, and then to present a theoretical insight on the use of OAAs to prevent and control pathogenic bacteria present in acidic/acidified foods and their mode of mechanisms.

Shorter interval to surgery after self-expanding metallic stent may result in better oncologic outcomes in colon cancer obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Colon cancer obstruction is one of the most serious conditions in colorectal surgery. However, the use of self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) has made it possible to avoid emergency surgery and stoma creation, therefore enabling minimally invasive surgery and one-stage operation. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there is an optimal interval from SEMS to surgery for the best long-term oncologic outcomes. METHODS: Obstructive colon cancer patients treated with SEMS insertion and received surgery were included in the study. Patient data were retrospectively reviewed in prospectively collected data. Using the ROC curve, the optimal interval to surgery after SEMS insertion was 10 days; the patients were divided into the early surgery group (≤10 days, ES) and the late surgery group (>10 days, LS). Factors contributing to the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. RESULTS: 83 patients were included in this study. Eight patients (9.6 %) had SEMS insertion failure, with 3 perforations and 5 failed expansions. There were no differences between the ES group and the LS group in terms of pathologic characteristics, incidence of stoma creation, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Twenty-six patients (31.3 %) had recurrences; local (Arnarson et al., 2023) [6], peritoneal seeding (Lee et al., 2013) [8], liver (Ho et al., 2017) [11], lung [7], bone (van Hooft et al., 2020) [2], and abdominal wall metastasis (Chen and Sheen-Chen, 2000) [1]. The 5-year DFS rate was significantly better in the ES group than the LS group (74.3 % vs. 55.01 %; p = 0.0394). The 5-year OS was slightly better in the ES group than the LS group (76.11 % vs. 58.75 %; p = 0.0901). In univariable analysis, the ES group showed a lower risk of recurrence than the LS group (OR: 0.447 [0.204-0.984], p = 0.0455), but this was not reproduced in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that the long-term oncologic outcomes were better in patients who received surgery after SEMS within 10 days. Hence, we propose with caution that elective surgery might be suggested to take place within 10 days from SEMS insertion for better oncologic outcomes.

Chiral Twist Interface Modulation Enhances Thermoelectric Properties of Tellurium Crystal.

Manipulating the grain boundary and chiral structure of enantiomorphic inorganic thermoelectric materials facilitates a new degree of freedom for enhancing thermoelectric energy conversion. Chiral twist mechanisms evolve by the screw dislocation phenomenon in the nanostructures; however, contributions of such chiral transport have been neglected for bulk crystals. Tellurium (Te) has a chiral trigonal crystal structure, high band degeneracy, and lattice anharmonicity for high thermoelectric performance. Here, Sb-doped Te crystals are grown to minimize the severe grain boundary effects on carrier transport and investigate the interface of chiral Te matrix and embedded achiral Sb2Te3 precipitates, which induce unusual lattice twists. The low grain boundary scattering and conformational grain restructuring provide electrical-favorable semicoherent interfaces. This maintains high electrical conductivity leading to a twofold increase in power factor compared to polycrystal samples. The embedded Sb2Te3 precipitates concurrently enable moderate phonon scattering leading to a remarkable decrease in lattice thermal conductivity and a high dimensionless figure of merit (zT) of 1.1 at 623 K. The crystal growth and chiral atomic reorientation unravel the emerging benefits of interface engineering as a crucial contributor to effectively enhancing carrier transport and minimizing phonon propagation in thermoelectric materials.

Piperacillin-Tazobactam versus Cefotaxime as Empiric Treatment for Febrile Urinary Tract Infection in Hospitalized Children.

BACKGROUND: According to international pediatric urinary tract infection (UTI) guidelines, selecting ampicillin/sulbactam or amoxicillin/clavulanate is recommended as the first-line treatment for pediatric UTI. In Korea, elevated resistance to ampicillin and ampicillin/sulbactam has resulted in the widespread use of third-generation cephalosporins for treating pediatric UTIs. This study aims to compare the efficacy of piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) and cefotaxime (CTX) as first-line treatments in hospitalized children with UTIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study, conducted at Jeju National University Hospital, retrospectively analyzed medical records of children hospitalized for febrile UTIs between 2014 and 2017. UTI diagnosis included unexplained fever, abnormal urinalysis, and the presence of significant uropathogens. Treatment responses, recurrence, and antimicrobial susceptibility were assessed. RESULTS: Out of 323 patients, 220 met the inclusion criteria. Demographics and clinical characteristics were similar between TZP and CTX groups. For children aged ≥3 months, no significant differences were found in treatment responses and recurrence. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-positive strains were associated with recurrence in those <3 months. CONCLUSION: In Korea, escalating resistance to empirical antibiotics has led to the adoption of broad-spectrum empirical treatment. TZP emerged as a viable alternative to CTX for hospitalized children aged ≥3 months with UTIs. Consideration of ESBL-positive strains and individualized approaches for those <3 months are crucial.

The Role of Prolactin in Amniotic Membrane Regeneration: Therapeutic Potential for Premature Rupture of Membranes.

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is defined as rupture of fetal membranes before the onset of labor. Prolactin (PRL) is secreted by decidual membranes and accumulated significantly in the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. PRL could ameliorate inflammation and collagen degradation in fetal membranes. However, the role of PRL in amniotic membrane is not well characterized. We isolated human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) from human fetal membranes to study the effect of PRL on proliferation, migration, and antioxidative stress. Amniotic pore culture technique (APCT) model was constructed to evaluate the tissue regeneration effect in vitro. The potential targets and pathways of PRL acting in amnion via integrated bioinformatic methods. PRL had a dose-dependent effect on hAESCs in vitro. PRL (500 ng/mL) significantly improved the viability of hAESCs and inhibited cell apoptosis, related to the upregulation of CCN2 expression and downregulation of Bax, Caspase 3, and Caspase 8. PRL accelerated migration process in hAESCs via downregulation of MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9. PRL attenuated the cellular damage and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by hydrogen peroxide in hAESCs. PRL accelerated the healing process in the APCT model significantly. The top 10 specific targets (IGF1R, SIRT1, MAP2K1, CASP8, MAPK14, MCL1, NFKB1, HIF1A, MTOR, and HSP90AA1) and signaling pathways (such as HIF signaling pathway) were selected using an integrated bioinformatics approach. PRL improves the viability and antioxidative stress function of hAESCs and the regeneration of ruptured amniotic membranes in vitro. Thus, PRL has great therapeutic potential for prevention and treatment of ruptured membranes.

Comparative Efficacy of 5% Dextrose and Corticosteroid Injections in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of 5% dextrose (D5W) in comparison to corticosteroids for treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials on November 13, 2023. These were supplemented by manual searches using Google Scholar. STUDY SELECTION: Two independent authors reviewed the literature, resolving any discrepancies through detailed discussions and consultation with a third author. DATA EXTRACTION: Data on primary outcomes (pain assessment) and secondary outcomes (symptom severity and functional status using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, electrophysiologic measures, cross-sectional area, and adverse effects) were extracted independently by the 2 authors (M.W. and H.H.). DATA SYNTHESIS: The analysis included 4 randomized controlled trials and 1 quasi-experimental study, encompassing a total of 212 patients (220 hands) with mild to moderate CTS. RESULTS: Within 3 months, the D5W injections showed a statistically significant improvement in functional status compared to the corticosteroids with a standard mean difference of -0.34 (95% CI, -0.62 to -0.05). D5W was associated with fewer adverse incidents than corticosteroids (risk ratio, 0.13; 95% CI: 0.03-0.51). No difference was observed between the 2 treatments in other areas. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with mild to moderate CTS, D5W injections were more effective than corticosteroid injections in improving functional status and demonstrated fewer adverse effects. D5W injections also paralleled corticosteroids in pain reduction, symptom severity, electrodiagnostic measures, and cross-sectional area of nerve, recommending D5W as a preferred treatment for mild to moderate CTS.

Angularly offset multiline dispersive optical phased array enabling large field of view and plateau envelope.

We propose and demonstrate an angularly offset multiline (AOML) dispersive silicon nitride optical phased array (OPA) that enables efficient line beam scanning with an expanded field of view (FOV) and plateau envelope. The suggested AOML OPA incorporates multiline OPA units, which were seamlessly integrated with a 45° angular offset through a thermo-optic switch based on a multimode interference coupler, resulting in a wide FOV that combines three consecutive scanning ranges. Simultaneously, a periodic diffraction envelope rendered by the multiline OPA units contributes to reduced peak intensity fluctuation of the main lobe across the large FOV. An expedient polishing enabling the angled facet was diligently accomplished through the implementation of oblique polishing techniques applied to the 90° angle of the chip. For each dispersive OPA unit, we engineered an array of delay lines with progressively adjustable delay lengths, enabling a passive wavelength-tunable beam scanning. Experimental validation of the proposed OPA revealed efficient beam scanning, achieved by wavelength tuning from 1530 to 1600 nm and seamless switching between multiline OPAs, yielding an FOV of 152° with a main lobe intensity fluctuation of 2.8 dB. The measured efficiency of dispersive scanning was estimated at 0.97°/nm, as intended.

Analysis of medical images super-resolution via a wavelet pyramid recursive neural network constrained by wavelet energy entropy.

Recently, multi-resolution pyramid-based techniques have emerged as the prevailing research approach for image super-resolution. However, these methods typically rely on a single mode of information transmission between levels. In our approach, a wavelet pyramid recursive neural network (WPRNN) based on wavelet energy entropy (WEE) constraint is proposed. This network transmits previous-level wavelet coefficients and additional shallow coefficient features to capture local details. Besides, the parameter of low- and high-frequency wavelet coefficients within each pyramid level and across pyramid levels is shared. A multi-resolution wavelet pyramid fusion (WPF) module is devised to facilitate information transfer across network pyramid levels. Additionally, a wavelet energy entropy loss is proposed to constrain the reconstruction of wavelet coefficients from the perspective of signal energy distribution. Finally, our method achieves the competitive reconstruction performance with the minimal parameters through an extensive series of experiments conducted on publicly available datasets, which demonstrates its practical utility.

Intercritically Annealed Medium-Manganese Steel: Insights into Microstructural and Microtextural Evolution, Strain Distribution, and Grain Boundary Characteristics.

Aluminum-incorporated medium-manganese steel (MMnS) has potential for lightweight transport applications owing to its impressive mechanical properties. Increasing the austenite volume fraction and making microstructural changes are key to manufacturing MMnS. However, the grain boundary character and strain distribution of intercritically annealed low-density MMnS have not been extensively scrutinized, and the effects of crystallographic texture orientation on tensile properties remain ambiguous. Therefore, in this study, the microstructure, microtexture, strain distribution, and grain boundary characteristics of a hot-rolled medium-Mn steel (Fe-0.2 C-4.3 Al-9.4 Mn (wt%)) were investigated after intercritical annealing (IA) at 750, 800, or 850 °C for 1 h. The results show that the 800 °C annealed sample exhibited the highest austenite volume fraction among the specimens (60%). The duplex microstructure comprised lath-type γ-austenite, fine α-ferrite, and coarse δ-ferrite. As the IA temperature increased, the body-centered cubic phase orientation shifted from <001> to <111>. At higher temperatures, the face-centered cubic phase was oriented in directions ranging from <101> to <111>, and the sums of the fractions of high-angle grain boundaries and coincidence-site-lattice special boundaries were significantly increased. The 800 °C annealed sample with a high austenite content and strong γ-fiber {111}//RD orientation demonstrated a noteworthy tensile strength (1095 MPa) and tensile elongation (30%).

Characteristics and Trends of Pediatric Trauma in Jeju Island, South Korea: A Community Level Serial Cross-sectional study.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and epidemiological trends of pediatric injuries among patients visiting emergency departments (EDs) on Jeju Island. Method: Employing a community-level serial cross-sectional analysis, we targeted pediatric patients aged 18 years or younger who visited EDs for injuries over a ten-year period. The data, sourced from the Jeju Injury Surveillance System (JISS), facilitated a comprehensive examination of injury characteristics and epidemiological trends. This included an evaluation of the annual incidence and overall trends in pediatric injury cases. Results: The study found toddlers (42.5% of cases) to be the most frequently injured age group. Males were more prone to injuries, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1. Injuries among visitors accounted for 17.3% of cases, with a seasonal spike in Summer, evenings and weekends. Most incidents occurred at home, predominantly accidental in nature, with adolescents more likely to require EMS services. The common mechanisms of injuries were blunt force (49.2%), slips/falls (22.0%), and motor vehicle collisions (13.2%), leading to bruises, cuts, and sprains. Over the decade, a general increase in pediatric injuries was observed. Accidental injuries initially surged but later stabilized, while self-harm/suicide and assault/violence injuries showed a concerning upward trend. Age-specific analysis revealed increasing trends in infants and adolescents. Conclusion: The study underscores the crucial need for targeted injury prevention and resource allocation strategies, particularly for high-risk groups and times, to effectively mitigate pediatric trauma on Jeju Island.

Medium Chain Length Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production by Engineered Pseudomonas gessardii Using Acetate-formate as Carbon Sources.

Production of medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) was attempted using Pseudomonas gessardii NIBRBAC000509957, which was isolated from Sunchang, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea (35°24'27.7"N, 127°09'13.0"E) and effectively utilized acetate and formate as carbon sources. We first evaluated the utilization of acetate as a carbon source, revealing optimal growth at 5 g/L acetate. Then, formate was supplied to the acetate minimal medium as a carbon source to enhance cell growth. After overexpressing the acetate and formate assimilation pathway enzymes, this strain grew at a significantly higher rate in the medium. As this strain naturally produces PHA, it was further engineered metabolically to enhance mcl-PHA production. The engineered strain produced 0.40 g/L of mcl-PHA with a biomass content of 30.43% in fed-batch fermentation. Overall, this strain can be further developed to convert acetate and formate into valuable products.

Whole-cell bioconversion for producing thymoquinone by engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Thymoquinone, extracted from the black seeds of Nigella sativa, is a natural substance with highly beneficial effects against various human diseases. In this study, we aimed to construct a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain that, produce thymoquinone from thymol, a relatively inexpensive substrate. To achieve this, cytochrome P450 from Origanum vulgare was expressed in S. cerevisiae for the bioconversion of thymol to thymoquinone, with the co-expression of cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) from Arabidopsis thaliana, ATR1. Additionally, flexible linkers were used to connect these two enzymes. Furthermore, modifications were performed to expand the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) space, leading to increased thymoquinone production. After integrating the genes into the chromosome and optimizing the media components, a significant improvement in the thymol-to-thymoquinone conversion rate and yield were achieved. This study represents a possibility of the production of thymoquinone, a bioactive ingredient of a plant, using an engineered microbial cell.

Evaluation of Aligners and Root Resorption: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

Background: To evaluate the current evidence on clear aligners and root resorption using 3D and/or combined 2D and 3D methods from available systematic reviews and meta-analyses and to determine the relationship between root resorption and clear aligners using the AMSTAR 2 tool. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of systematic reviews investigating aligners and root resorption, published up until 31 December 2022, was conducted. The following electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, LIVIVO, and LILACS. There were no language restrictions. The inclusion criteria were restricted to studies focusing on root resorption utilizing either 3D methods exclusively or a combination of 2D and 3D techniques. Data were screened and analyzed for quality using the "A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2)" tool. Data extraction was conducted independently by two authors. The gathered information was categorized and synthesized narratively based on the primary findings elucidated within the reviews. Results: Out of a total of 1221 potentially eligible studies initially identified, 4 systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria following the exclusion of irrelevant studies. Among these, two systematic reviews (50%) were classified as low-quality, while the remaining two (50%) were deemed to be of critically low quality. Conclusions: Based on the findings of four systematic reviews, the root resorption rate was lower with the use of clear aligners than with fixed aligners. It is advisable to approach the interpretation of this conclusion with caution, as the quality of the available evidence is assessed to be very low. Higher quality systematic reviews are needed to substantiate this conclusion.

Drug-loaded adhesive microparticles for biofilm prevention on oral surfaces.

The oral cavity, a warm and moist environment, is prone to the proliferation of microorganisms like Candida albicans (C. albicans), which forms robust biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces, leading to challenging infections. These biofilms are resistant to conventional treatments due to their resilience against antimicrobials and immune responses. The dynamic nature of the oral cavity, including the salivary flow and varying surface properties, complicates the delivery of therapeutic agents. To address these challenges, we introduce dendritic microparticles engineered for enhanced adhesion to dental surfaces and effective delivery of antifungal agents and antibiofilm enzymes. These microparticles are fabricated using a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion process involving a blend of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) random copolymer (RCP) and PLGA-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-b-PEG) block copolymer (BCP), resulting in particles with surface dendrites that exhibit strong adhesion to oral surfaces. Our study demonstrates the potential of these adhesive microparticles for oral applications. The adhesion tests on various oral surfaces, including dental resin, hydroxyapatite, tooth enamel, and mucosal tissues, reveal superior adhesion of these microparticles compared to conventional spherical ones. Furthermore, the release kinetics of nystatin from these microparticles show a sustained release pattern that can kill C. albicans. The biodegradation of these microparticles on tooth surfaces and their efficacy in preventing fungal biofilms have also been demonstrated. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of adhesive microparticles in delivering therapeutic agents within the oral cavity, offering a promising approach to combat biofilm-associated infections.

Suppressed Lone Pair Electrons Explain Unconventional Rise of Lattice Thermal Conductivity in Defective Crystalline Solids.

Manipulating thermal properties of materials can be interpreted as the control of how vibrations of atoms (known as phonons) scatter in a crystal lattice. Compared to a perfect crystal, crystalline solids with defects are expected to have shorter phonon mean free paths caused by point defect scattering, leading to lower lattice thermal conductivities than those without defects. While this is true in many cases, alloying can increase the phonon mean free path in the Cd-doped AgSnSbSe3 system to increase the lattice thermal conductivity from 0.65 to 1.05 W m-1 K-1 by replacing 18% of the Sb sites with Cd. It is found that the presence of lone pair electrons leads to the off-centering of cations from the centrosymmetric position of a cubic lattice. X-ray pair distribution function analysis reveals that this structural distortion is relieved when the electronic configuration of the dopant element cannot produce lone pair electrons. Furthermore, a decrease in the Grüneisen parameter with doping is experimentally confirmed, establishing a relationship between the stereochemical activity of lone pair electrons and the lattice anharmonicity. The observed "harmonic" behavior with doping suggests that lone pair electrons must be preserved to effectively suppress phonon transport in these systems.

iSCNT embryo culture system for restoration of Cervus nippon hortulorum, presumed to be sika deer in the Korean Peninsula.

Sika deer inhabiting South Korea became extinct when the last individual was captured on Jeju Island in Korea in 1920 owing to the Japanese seawater relief business, but it is believed that the same subspecies (Cervus nippon hortulorum) inhabits North Korea and the Russian Primorskaya state. In our study, mt-DNA was used to analyze the genetic resources of sika deer in the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula to restore the extinct species of continental deer on the Korean Peninsula. In addition, iSCNT was performed using cells to analyze the potential for restoration of extinct species. The somatic cells of sika deer came from tissues of individuals presumed to be Korean Peninsula sika deer inhabiting the neighboring areas of the Primorskaya state and North Korea. After sequencing 5 deer samples through mt-DNA isolation and PCR, BLAST analysis showed high matching rates for Cervus nippon hortulorum. This shows that the sika deer found near the Russian Primorsky Territory, inhabiting the region adjacent to the Korean Peninsula, can be classified as a subspecies of Cervus nippon hortulorum. The method for producing cloned embryos for species restoration confirmed that iSCNT-embryos developed smoothly when using porcine oocytes. In addition, the stimulation of endometrial cells and progesterone in the IVC system expanded the blastocyst cavity and enabled stable development of energy metabolism and morphological changes in the blastocyst. Our results confirmed that the individual presumed to be a continental deer in the Korean Peninsula had the same genotype as Cervus nippon hortulorum, and securing the individual's cell-line could restore the species through replication and produce a stable iSCNT embryo.