Audiologic Outcomes After Vestibulotomy in Patients With Congenital Absence of the Oval Window.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical features and surgical outcomes in patients with congenital absence of the oval window (CAOW), and to investigate the potential factors that affect audiologic results. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review. SETTING: A tertiary academic center. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: A total of 17 ears among 16 patients were confirmed to have CAOW. Among them, 13 ears underwent vestibulotomy for hearing reconstruction. Clinical parameters associated with the hearing outcomes were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A mean air-bone gap (ABG) after 6-month and long-term follow-up was compared with preoperative measurements. RESULTS: Intraoperative findings showed that anomalies of the malleus or incus were observed in 11 ears (64.7%), stapes anomalies were present in all ears (100%), and facial nerve anomalies were present in 10 ears (58.8%). Because of unfavorable facial nerve anomalies, hearing reconstruction was aborted in four cases (23.5%). In the hearing reconstruction group, the mean ABG at 6 months postoperation was significantly reduced after compared with the preoperative value (44.0 ± 8.4 dB versus 58.8 ± 9.1 dB, p = 0.006). After dividing ears into a success subgroup (ABG ≤ 30 dB, seven ears) and non-success subgroup (ABG > 30 dB, six ears), the use of a drill during vestibulotomy was significantly related to a poor hearing outcome (100% versus 16.7%, p = 0.015). The long-term follow-up result (mean, 60 mo) revealed no deterioration compared with the 6-month postoperative result. Five ears (29.4%) underwent revision surgery, and three of them showed ABG improvements. No serious complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Vestibulotomy is an effective and safe option for hearing restoration in patients with CAOW, particularly when the use of a drill is not required. The long-term audiologic outcome is also reliable.

Maxillary Bone Necrosis in Post-COVID-19 Patients: Possibility of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of Jaws (MRONJ) Induced by Tocilizumab.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a serious condition often linked with antiresorptive, immune modulating, and antiangiogenic drugs, initially associated with bisphosphonates but now including a broader range of medications. Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor-inhibiting monoclonal antibody used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and recently for COVID-19 to reduce IL-6 activity and alleviate symptoms, has raised concerns over its potential to induce MRONJ, particularly in post-COVID-19 patients. A case involving a 36-year-old male who developed tooth mobility and pain in the right maxillary posterior region after COVID-19 treatment with tocilizumab and dexamethasone is highlighted. Despite treatments like antibiotics, the necrosis persisted until more extensive surgery was performed, leading to improvement without recurrence over 2 years. This case emphasizes the need for awareness and research into the risk of MRONJ in patients treated with tocilizumab after COVID-19, underlining the importance for healthcare professionals to recognize and manage this complication.

Clinical outcomes and treatment necessity in patients with toxin-negative Clostridioides difficile stool samples.

PURPOSE: The clinical significance of negative toxin enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) is unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the significance of toxin EIA-negative in the diagnosis and prognosis of CDI. METHODS: All stool specimens submitted for C. difficile toxin EIA testing were cultured to isolate C. difficile. In-house PCR for tcdA, tcdB, cdtA, and cdtB genes were performed using C. difficile isolates. Stool specimens were tested with C. difficile toxins A and B using EIA kit (RIDASCREEN Clostridium difficile toxin A/B, R-Biopharm AG, Darmstadt, Germany). Characteristics and subsequent CDI episodes of toxin EIA-negative and -positive patients were compared. RESULTS: Among 190 C. difficile PCR-positive patients, 83 (43.7%) were toxin EIA-negative. Multivariate analysis revealed independent associations toxin EIA-negative results and shorter hospital stays (OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99, p = 0.013) and less high-risk antibiotic exposure in the preceding month (OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.16-0.94, p = 0.035). Toxin EIA-negative patients displayed a significantly lower white blood cell count rate (11.0 vs. 35.4%, p < 0.001). Among the 54 patients who were toxin EIA-negative and did not receive CDI treatment, three (5.6%) were diagnosed with CDI after 7-21 days without complication. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that toxin EIA-negative patients had milder laboratory findings and no complications, despite not receiving treatment. Prolonged hospitalisation and exposure to high-risk antibiotics could potentially serve as markers for the development of toxin EIA-positive CDI.

Diagnostic value of ultrasonography in identifying unilateral ovarian luteoma in a dog.

Background: Diagnosing ovarian tumors in dogs can be challenging since the clinical symptoms are often generic. The present case report underscores a rare case in which a suspected unilateral ovarian tumor in a dog was initially identified using ultrasonography and subsequently confirmed to be a luteoma through postoperative histopathology. Case Description: An 8-year and 6-month-old female Maltese dog presented with a 10-day history of vulvovaginal bleeding, hematuria, and decreased appetite. Physical examination revealed only vaginal bleeding, with no other abnormalities. Laboratory examinations showed no abnormalities, while abdominal radiography revealed the presence of cystic calculi as the sole abnormality. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an enlarged right ovary with regular contour and echogenicity, featuring unusual cystic components surrounding the right ovarian parenchyma. Furthermore, irregular thickening with multiple cystic lesions was observed in the endometrial wall of the bilateral uterine horns, indicative of cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Ultrasonographic findings suggested unilateral right ovarian disease. During ovariohysterectomy, the right ovary was slightly larger than the left ovary and adhered to the surrounding mesenteric fat layer and right pancreatic parenchyma. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of luteoma in the right ovary. Three days after surgery, the patient's clinical signs exhibited complete improvement, with the return of normal appetite. Conclusion: This case report highlights a rare diagnosis of unilateral ovarian luteoma based on mild ultrasonographic abnormalities, which was ultimately confirmed on histopathological examination.

Assessing the Utility of Large Language Models for Phenotype-Driven Gene Prioritization in Rare Genetic Disorder Diagnosis.

Phenotype-driven gene prioritization is a critical process in the diagnosis of rare genetic disorders for identifying and ranking potential disease-causing genes based on observed physical traits or phenotypes. While traditional approaches rely on curated knowledge graphs with phenotype-gene relations, recent advancements in large language models have opened doors to the potential of AI predictions through extensive training on diverse corpora and complex models. This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of five large language models, including two Generative Pre-trained Transformers series, and three Llama2 series, assessing their performance across three key metrics: task completeness, gene prediction accuracy, and adherence to required output structures. Various experiments explored combinations of models, prompts, input types, and task difficulty levels. Our findings reveal that even the best-performing LLM, GPT-4, achieved an accuracy of 16.0%, which still lags behind traditional bioinformatics tools. Prediction accuracy increased with the parameter/model size. A similar increasing trend was observed for the task completion rate, with complicated prompts more likely to increase task completeness in models smaller than GPT-4. However, complicated prompts are more likely to decrease the structure compliance rate, but no prompt effects on GPT-4. Compared to HPO term-based input, LLM was also able to achieve better than random prediction accuracy by taking free-text input, but slightly lower than with the HPO input. Bias analysis showed that certain genes, such as MECP2, CDKL5, and SCN1A, are more likely to be top-ranked, potentially explaining the variances observed across different datasets. This study provides valuable insights into the integration of LLMs within genomic analysis, contributing to the ongoing discussion on the utilization of advanced LLMs in clinical workflows.

Prevalence and risk factors of postoperative laryngeal edema in patients undergoing neck dissection.

PURPOSE: Postoperative laryngeal edema (PLE) is a common complication in patients undergoing head and neck surgery, leading to symptoms such as odynophagia, dysphagia, or potential airway obstruction. However, the prevalence and risk factors of PLE in patients undergoing neck dissection (ND) have not been well investigated. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in three steps. Initially, a pilot study of 50 consecutive ND patients revealed a preliminary PLE prevalence of 0.34. Then, the medical records of an additional 295 ND patients were reviewed to estimate the prevalence of PLE with a total width of 95% confidence interval (CI) of ± 5%. Finally, multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for PLE (n = 343). RESULTS: PLE occurred in 29.4% [95%CI 24.4-34.4%] of patients undergoing any type of ND, with the most common symptoms of odynophagia (75.0%) and dyspnea (11.1%). Hospital stay was just one day longer in PLE patients, responding well with short-term steroid treatment (p = 0.0057). In multivariable analyses, no significant association was found between PLE occurrence and airway management. However, body mass index and the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification correlated with PLE. More importantly, surgery for oro-hypopharynx or supraglottis tumors (odds ratio, OR = 3.019, [95%CI 1.166-7.815]) and lymph node level 2(3) ND (OR = 4.214 to 5.279, [95%CI 1.160-20.529]) were significant risk factors for PLE. CONCLUSIONS: PLE developed in approximately 30% of ND patients, causing uncomfortable symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention of PLE in high-risk patients can improve patient care and outcomes.

Salmonellosis outbreaks linked to eggs at 2 gimbap restaurants in the Republic of Korea.

Objectives: Salmonellosis outbreaks occurred at 2 restaurants 2 days apart, and an epidemiological investigation was conducted to determine whether the outbreaks were connected. Methods: Case studies were conducted for both outbreaks. Stool samples were collected from individuals, and food samples were collected from the restaurants. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole-genome sequencing analyses were performed on outbreak-related Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (Salmonella Enteritidis) isolates. Traceback investigations were also conducted for the ingredients from gimbap restaurants A and B. Results: In total, 106 people from gimbap restaurant A and 5 from gimbap restaurant B met the case definition. Salmonella Enteritidis was detected in samples from 2 food handlers, 22 patients, and 1 food (iceberg lettuce) at gimbap restaurant A and from 1 patient at gimbap restaurant B. According to PFGE, all isolates were identified as SEGX01.089. The molecular typing of all isolates showed the same pattern, and the genetic distance was close according to phylogenetic analysis. Eggs were the only food ingredient that was supplied to both gimbap restaurants. Conclusion: The outbreaks were caused by Salmonella Enteritidis, and the source of infections was suspected to be contaminated eggs. To prevent foodborne outbreaks of Salmonella, restaurants should heat eggs sufficiently, and egg farms need to establish management systems that prevent Salmonella infections.

Epidemiological analysis and prevention strategies in response to a shigellosis cluster outbreak: a retrospective case series in an alternative school in the Republic of Korea, 2023.

BACKGROUND: In March 2023, an alternative school in the Republic of Korea reported 12 cases of shigellosis. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological characteristics in order to determine the cause of the cluster outbreak of shigellosis and to develop prevention strategies. METHODS: This study focused on 12 patients with confirmed Shigella infection and investigated their demographics, clinical features, epidemiology, diagnostics, and antimicrobial susceptibility. Following the identification of Shigella, we conducted follow-up rectal smear cultures to manage patients, implementing isolation and control measures. RESULTS: This study investigated the emergence of multidrug-resistant Shigella following missionary activities in Cambodia, documenting a cluster infection within an alternative school in Daejeon, the Republic of Korea. The outbreak affected 56 participants, resulting in the confirmation of 12 cases. The incidence rates varied by gender and occupation, with higher rates among males and teachers. All 12 cases demonstrated multidrug resistance. Challenges included delayed pathogen confirmation and suboptimal adherence to isolation criteria. The incident prompted revisions in the criteria for isolation release, focusing on symptom resolution. The study underscores the necessity for strengthened surveillance, educational initiatives focusing on prevention in endemic areas, and improved oversight of unlicensed educational establishments. CONCLUSION: Successful response strategies included swift situation assessment, collaborative efforts, effective infection control measures, and modified criteria for isolation release. Continued surveillance of multidrug-resistant strains is recommended, especially in regions with a high prevalence.

Can medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw be attributed to specific microorganisms through oral microbiota analyses? A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) can cause significant pain and loss of aesthetics and function if not treated properly. However, diagnosis still relies on detailed intraoral examinations and imaging. Prognosis varies even among patients with similar stages or conditions of MRONJ, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of its complex mechanisms. Thus, this study aimed to identify the oral microbiota of patients with MRONJ. METHODS: This single-center prospective cohort study included patients with confirmed MRONJ who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Yonsei University Dental Hospital between 2021 and 2022. Oral swab samples were collected from the affected and unaffected sides of each patient. The composition and enumeration of the microbial communities were analyzed, and the diversity was compared to verify ecological changes in the groups using a next-generation sequencing-based 16S metagenomic analysis. A statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test with SPSS version 22, and values of P less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The final study sample included 12 patients. The mean age was 82.67 ± 5.73 (range, 72-90) years. Changes in microbial composition were observed at different taxonomic levels (phylum, genus, and species). The identified microorganisms were commonly associated with periodontitis, gingival disease, and endodontic infection, suggesting a multifactorial etiology of MRONJ. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study is based on a small number of cases, it shows that MRONJ is not caused by a specific microorganism but can rather be caused by a variety of factors. By addressing these findings in large-scale studies, the significance of oral microbiome in pathogenesis can be further elucidated and can facilitate the development of effective therapeutic interventions for patients with MRONJ.

Magnetically driven formation of 3D freestanding soft bioscaffolds.

3D soft bioscaffolds have great promise in tissue engineering, biohybrid robotics, and organ-on-a-chip engineering applications. Though emerging three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques offer versatility for assembling soft biomaterials, challenges persist in overcoming the deformation or collapse of delicate 3D structures during fabrication, especially for overhanging or thin features. This study introduces a magnet-assisted fabrication strategy that uses a magnetic field to trigger shape morphing and provide remote temporary support, enabling the straightforward creation of soft bioscaffolds with overhangs and thin-walled structures in 3D. We demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of our strategy through the fabrication of bioscaffolds that replicate the complex 3D topology of branching vascular systems. Furthermore, we engineered hydrogel-based bioscaffolds to support biohybrid soft actuators capable of walking motion triggered by cardiomyocytes. This approach opens new possibilities for shaping hydrogel materials into complex 3D morphologies, which will further empower a broad range of biomedical applications.

Enhanced Antimalarial and Antisequestration Activity of Methoxybenzenesulfonate-Modified Biopolymers and Nanoparticles for Tackling Severe Malaria.

Severe malaria is a life-threatening condition that is associated with a high mortality. Severe Plasmodium falciparum infections are mediated primarily by high parasitemia and binding of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) to the blood vessel endothelial layer, a process known as sequestration. Here, we show that including the 5-amino-2-methoxybenzenesulfonate (AMBS) chemical modification in soluble biopolymers (polyglutamic acid and heparin) and poly(acrylic acid)-exposing nanoparticles serves as a universal tool to introduce a potent parasite invasion inhibitory function in these materials. Importantly, the modification did not add or eliminated (for heparin) undesired anticoagulation activity. The materials protected RBCs from invasion by various parasite strains, employing both major entry pathways. Two further P. falciparum strains, which either expose ligands for chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) or intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on iRBCs, were tested in antisequestration assays due to their relevance in placental and cerebral malaria, respectively. Antisequestration activity was found to be more efficacious with nanoparticles vs gold-standard soluble biopolymers (CSA and heparin) against both strains, when tested on receptor-coated dishes. The nanoparticles also efficiently inhibited and reversed the sequestration of iRBCs on endothelial cells. First, the materials described herein have the potential to reduce the parasite burden by acting at the key multiplication stage of reinvasion. Second, the antisequestration ability could help remove iRBCs from the blood vessel endothelium, which could otherwise cause vessel obstruction, which in turn can lead to multiple organ failure in severe malaria infections. This approach represents a further step toward creation of adjunctive therapies for this devastating condition to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Volumetric changes in temporomandibular joint space following trans-oral vertical ramus osteotomy in patients with mandibular prognathism: a one-year follow-up study.

This study measured and analyzed chronological changes in temporomandibular joint space volume by compartment following transoral vertical ramus osteotomy (TOVRO) using reconstructed 3-dimensional (3D) images of patients with mandibular prognathism. It included 70 joints of 35 patients who underwent TOVRO between January 2018 and December 2021. Computed tomography (CT) or cone-beam CT (CBCT) was performed before surgery (T0) and at 3 days (T1), 6 months (T2), and 12 months postoperatively (T3). These scans were then analyzed using 3D software. The volumes of the overall (Vjs), anterior (Vajs), posterior (Vpjs), medial (Vmjs), and lateral (Vljs) joint spaces were calculated at each time point. A linear mixed model and repeated-measures covariance pattern with unstructured covariance were used to evaluate significant changes in joint space volume over time. Vjs significantly increased to 134.54 ± 34.28 mm3 at T3 compared to T0 (p < 0.001). Vpjas and Vljs increased by 130.72 ± 10.07 mm3 and 109.98 ± 7.52 mm3 at T3 compared to T0, respectively (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between T0 and T2 in Vajs and Vmjs (p = 0.9999). The observed volume increases in Vpjs and Vljs appeared to contribute to the overall Vjs increase.

3D Pathways Enabling Highly-Efficient Lithium Reservoir for Fast-Charging Batteries.

Enhancing the mobility of lithium-ions (Li+ ) through surface engineering is one of major challenges facing fast-charging lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In case of demanding charging conditions, the use of a conventional artificial graphite (AG) anode leads to an increase in operating temperature and the formation of lithium dendrites on the anode surface. In this study, a biphasic zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-AG anode, designed strategically and coated with a mesoporous material, is verified to improve the pathways of Li+ and electrons under a high charging current density. In particular, the graphite surface is treated with a coating of a ZIF-8-derived carbon nanoparticles, which addresses sufficient surface porosity, enabling this material to serve as an electrolyte reservoir and facilitate Li+ intercalation. Moreover, the augmentation in specific surface area proves advantageous in reducing the overpotential for interfacial charge transfer reactions. In practical terms, employing a full-cell with the biphasic ZIF-AG anode results in a shorter charging time and improved cycling performance, demonstrating no evidence of Li plating during 300 cycles under 3.0 C-charging and 1.0 C-discharging. The research endeavors to contribute to the progress of anode materials by enhancing their charging capability, aligning with the increasing requirements of the electric vehicle applications.

The Natural Ficus carica L. (fig) Extract as an Effective Prophylactic Antibacterial Agent for Inflammation-Related Infections.

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a multidrug-resistance Gram-negative organism responsible for carbapenem-resistant infections. These challenges have inspired studies on the use of natural products as alternatives to conventional drugs. The aim of this study was to analyze the antibacterial and antioxidant effects of Ficus carica L. (fig) branch extracts and to perform in vivo animal experiments to better understand the absorption mechanisms of the antibacterial components during the digestion process after oral administration. The antibacterial components of the fig branch extracts were analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). An in vivo animal study and liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ-MS/MS) analyses were performed to analyze the deacetylation reactions of the fig extracts after oral administration in mice. Ultimately, the antibacterial effects of the fig extracts increased with the fractional distillation time. The fig extracts showed excellent antibacterial effects against K. pneumoniae, as well as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The three antibacterial and antioxidant components of the fig extracts were revealed to be eugenol, acetyleugenol, and psoralen. Interestingly, in this study, we identified acetyleugenol in the phenolic compounds of the fig extract for the first time. Through in vivo animal testing, we observed the deacetylation reaction of acetyleugenol to eugenol in the fig extract as digestion proceeded in the internal organs of the mice after oral administration. The results of this study suggest the use of natural fig extract as an effective therapeutic and prophylactic antibacterial agent for inflammation-related infections with a wide variety of biomedical applications.

Association between the plasma concentration of melatonin and behavioral temperament in horses.

Aggression in horses may cause serious accidents during riding and non-riding activities. Hence, predicting the temperament of horses is essential for selecting suitable horses and ensuring safety during the activity. In certain animals, such as hamsters, plasma melatonin concentrations have been correlated with aggressive behavior. However, whether this relationship applies to horses remains unclear. To address this research gap, this study aimed to evaluate differences in the plasma melatonin concentrations among horses of different breeds, ages, and sexes and examine the correlation between plasma melatonin concentrations and the temperament of the horses, including docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability. Blood samples from 32 horses were collected from the Horse Industry Complex Center of Jeonju Kijeon College. The docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability of the horses were assessed by three professional trainers who were well-acquainted with the horses. Plasma melatonin concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The consequent values were compared between the horses of different breeds, ages, and sexes using a three-way analysis of variance and least significant difference post hoc test. Linear regression analysis was employed to identify the relationship between plasma melatonin concentrations and docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability. The results showed that the plasma melatonin concentrations significantly differed with breeds in Thoroughbred and cold-blooded horses. However, there were no differences in the plasma melatonin concentrations between the horse ages and sexes. Furthermore, plasma melatonin concentrations did not exhibit a significant correlation with the ranking of docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability.

Which Skeletal Factors Can Affect Lip Canting in Facial Asymmetry?: Statistical Analysis.

Lip canting, which is a noticeable factor in patients with facial asymmetry, can be influenced by the dentofacial skeleton. During orthognathic surgery, postoperative changes in facial soft tissue occur along the newly positioned hard tissue. Therefore, the evaluation of soft tissue before surgery is important. The purpose of this study was to investigate the skeletal factors that can affect lip canting by statistically comparing 2 facial horizontal planes using a three-dimensional reconstruction model. The findings of the present study showed a statistical correlation between lip canting and 3 skeletal factors: menton deviation, maxillary canting, and ramal length differences. Furthermore, a statistical correlation was identified between the Frankfort Horizontal plane and the intercanthal plane compared with the lip canting line. This result suggests that the intercanthal plane could be a standard horizontal plane in three-dimensional reconstruction model analysis.

Distribution of Extended-Spectrum-ß-Lactamase-Producing Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Clonal Complex 10 Isolates from Patients with Diarrhea in the Republic of Korea.

ESBL-producing E. coli is a public health concern in healthcare settings and the community. Between 2009 and 2018, a total of 187 ESBL-producing pathogenic E. coli isolates were identified, and clonal complex (CC) 10 was the predominant clone (n = 57). This study aimed to characterize the ESBL-producing pathogenic E. coli CC10 strains obtained from patients with diarrhea to improve our understanding of CC10 distribution in the Republic of Korea. A total of 57 CC10 strains were selected for comprehensive molecular characterization, including serotype identification, the analysis of antibiotic resistance genes, the investigation of genetic environments, the determination of plasmid profiles, and the assessment of genetic correlations among CC10 strains. Among the CC10 isolates, the most prevalent serotype was O25:H16 (n = 21, 38.9%), followed by O6:H16 (10, 19.6%). The most dominant ESBL genes were blaCTX-M-15 (n = 31, 55%) and blaCTX-M-14 (n = 15, 27%). Most blaCTXM genes (n = 45, 82.5%) were located on plasmids, and these incompatibility groups were confirmed as IncB/O/K/Z, IncF, IncI1, and IncX1. The mobile elements located upstream and downstream mainly included ISEcp1 (complete or incomplete) and IS903 or orf477. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the CC10 strains were genetically diverse and spread among several distinct lineages. The results of this study show that ESBL-producing pathogenic E. coli CC10 has been consistently isolated, with CTX-M-15-producing E. coli O25:H16 isolates being the major type associated with the distribution of CC10 clones over the past decade. The identification of ESBL-producing pathogenic E. coli CC10 isolates underscores the possible emergence of resistant isolates with epidemic potential within this CC. As a result, continuous monitoring is essential to prevent the further dissemination of resistant ESBL-producing E. coli CC10 strains.

Distribution of sika deer (Cervus nippon) and the bioclimatic impact on their habitats in South Korea.

Invasive species and climate change are primary factors influencing biodiversity, and examining the behavior of invasive species is essential for effective conservation management. Here, we report the global distribution of the sika deer (Cervus nippon) based on locations reported in published literature (Google Scholar), the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) database, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature report. We used the maximum entropy (Maxent) model to examine the impact of climate change on sika deer habitats in South Korea based on GBIF occurrence data and WorldClim bioclimatic variables. Habitat suitability analysis was performed using the Maxent model under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5 (for predicted climatic conditions in both 2050 and 2070) to project the effects of different climate change scenarios on South Korean sika deer habitats. We identified that the sika deer is distributed in 39 countries worldwide. Due to climate change effects, South Korean sika deer habitats will decline by approximately 24.98% and 20.63% (under RCP 4.5) and by 50.51% and 57.35% (under RCP 8.5) by 2050 and 2070, respectively. Our findings shed light on sika deer ecology and provide reference data for future conservation management strategies and policy design.

Sublimation-based wafer-scale monolayer WS2 formation via self-limited thinning of few-layer WS2.

Atomically-thin monolayer WS2 is a promising channel material for next-generation Moore's nanoelectronics owing to its high theoretical room temperature electron mobility and immunity to short channel effect. The high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of the monolayer WS2 also makes it highly promising for future high-performance optoelectronics. However, the difficulty in strictly growing monolayer WS2, due to its non-self-limiting growth mechanism, may hinder its industrial development because of the uncontrollable growth kinetics in attaining the high uniformity in thickness and property on the wafer-scale. In this study, we report a scalable process to achieve a 4 inch wafer-scale fully-covered strictly monolayer WS2 by applying the in situ self-limited thinning of multilayer WS2 formed by sulfurization of WOx films. Through a pulsed supply of sulfur precursor vapor under a continuous H2 flow, the self-limited thinning process can effectively trim down the overgrown multilayer WS2 to the monolayer limit without damaging the remaining bottom WS2 monolayer. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the self-limited thinning arises from the thermodynamic instability of the WS2 top layers as opposed to a stable bottom monolayer WS2 on sapphire above a vacuum sublimation temperature of WS2. The self-limited thinning approach overcomes the intrinsic limitation of conventional vapor-based growth methods in preventing the 2nd layer WS2 domain nucleation/growth. It also offers additional advantages, such as scalability, simplicity, and possibility for batch processing, thus opening up a new avenue to develop a manufacturing-viable growth technology for the preparation of a strictly-monolayer WS2 on the wafer-scale.