Optically Triggered Emergent Mesostructures in Monolayer WS2.

The ultrahigh surface area of two-dimensional materials can drive multimodal coupling between optical, electrical, and mechanical properties that leads to emergent dynamical responses not possible in three-dimensional systems. We observed that optical excitation of the WS2 monolayer above the exciton energy creates symmetrically patterned mechanical protrusions which can be controlled by laser intensity and wavelength. This observed photostrictive behavior is attributed to lattice expansion due to the formation of polarons, which are charge carriers dressed by lattice vibrations. Scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements and density functional theory calculations reveal unconventional charge transport properties such as the spatially and optical intensity-dependent conversion in the WS2 monolayer from apparent n- to p-type and the subsequent formation of effective p-n junctions at the boundaries between regions with different defect densities. The strong opto-electrical-mechanical coupling in the WS2 monolayer reveals previously unexplored properties, which can lead to new applications in optically driven ultrathin microactuators.

Association between birth-related factors and periodontitis in women: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2018.

AIM: Adult women experience several changes in physiological status, such as pregnancy and childbirth, during their life cycle. This study analyses the association between birth-related factors (the number of childbirths, abortions and miscarriages) and periodontitis using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which represents Korean adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI and VII (2013-2018) and included 10,072 women 19 years or older, with no missing data on the variables assessed. Periodontitis was defined according to the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) criteria. Multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, household income, education, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, body mass index, waist circumference, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, an oral examination within 1 year, daily tooth brushing frequency, hygiene products and self-perceived oral health as identified via logistic regression analyses, was performed to determine the association between birth-related variables and periodontitis. RESULTS: In the crude model, the odds ratio (OR) showed a significantly increased risk of periodontitis (CPI ≥ 3) and severe periodontitis (CPI = 4) based on the number of childbirths, abortions and miscarriages (p < .05). After covariate adjustment, periodontitis (CPI ≥ 3) was associated with the number of childbirths (1: OR = 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47-2.50; 2: OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.57-2.61; ≥3: OR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.60-2.78). Furthermore, severe periodontitis (CPI = 4) was also associated with the number of childbirths (1: OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.24-4.38; 2: OR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.62-5.52; ≥3: OR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.79-6.21). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this large-scale, nationally representative study suggest that the number of childbirths is associated with the severity of periodontitis. However, the relationship between the number of abortions and miscarriages and periodontitis (CPI ≥ 3) or severe periodontitis (CPI = 4) is not significant.

The first case of cholecytitis caused by Aggregatibacter kilianii in Korea.

BACKGROUND: The bacterial genus Aggregatibacter was categorized in 2006 to accommodate the former Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Haemophilus aphrophilus, and H. segnis species. Aggregatibacter kilianii is a normal resident of the human upper respiratory tract but can also cause serious infections. A. kilianii is relatively newly identified and has been isolated from conjunctivitis, wounds, abdominal abscesses, and blood. CASE PRESENTATION: An 80-year-old female patient with distal common bile duct cancer was admitted to our hospital with sudden loss of consciousness and general weakness, fever, and abdominal pain for 3 days. Two colonial morphologies were isolated from both the blood and bile cultures; one was identified as Streptococcus constellatus subsp. pharyngis, but the other was not recognized by Vitek2 and MALDI-TOF. The 16 S rRNA sequences showed 99.73% similarity with the sequence of A. kilianii strains. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: This article presents the first case of a clinical isolate of A. kilianii outside Europe. This case is also the first of the antimicrobial profile of this strain. This report highlights the importance of proper molecular identification for timely diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Complementary Regulation of BfmRS Two-Component and AbaIR Quorum Sensing Systems to Express Virulence-Associated Genes in Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii expresses various virulence factors to adapt to hostile environments and infect susceptible hosts. This study investigated the regulatory network of the BfmRS two-component and AbaIR quorum sensing (QS) systems in the expression of virulence-associated genes in A. baumannii ATCC 17978. The ΔbfmS mutant exhibited a significant decrease in surface motility, which presumably resulted from the low expression of pilT and A1S_0112-A1S_0119 gene cluster. The ΔbfmR mutant displayed a significant reduction in biofilm and pellicle formation due to the low expression of csu operon. The deletion of abaR did not affect the expression of bfmR or bfmS. However, the expression of abaR and abaI was upregulated in the ΔbfmR mutant. The ΔbfmR mutant also produced more autoinducers than did the wild-type strain, suggesting that BfmR negatively regulates the AbaIR QS system. The ΔbfmS mutant exhibited no autoinducer production in the bioassay system. The expression of the A1S_0112-A1S_0119 gene cluster was downregulated in the ΔabaR mutant, whereas the expression of csu operon was upregulated in this mutant with a high cell density. In conclusion, for the first time, we demonstrated that the BfmRS-AbaIR QS system axis regulated the expression of virulence-associated genes in A. baumannii. This study provides new insights into the complex network system involved in the regulation of virulence-associated genes underlying the pathogenicity of A. baumannii.

Magnetically enhanced luminescence of CdSe/ZnS quantum dot light-emitting diodes using circular ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayer disks.

We investigate the effect of a magnetic field on red, green, and blue CdSe/ZnS quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QDLEDs). Circular multilayer ferromagnetic cobalt/platinum (Co/Pt) disks are deposited on a MgF2 layer covering an Al electrode, and a perpendicular magnetic field is applied to the QDs in the active layer. Carriers injected into the active layer are then trapped and efficiently recombined inside the QDs because of strong carrier localization caused by the perpendicular magnetic field. The luminescence of the QDLEDs in the multilayer increases by 33.31% at 7.5 V, 22.34% at 7.5 V, and 16.73% at 7.0 V compared with that of QDLEDs without the multilayer. The time-resolved photoluminescence of all the QDLEDs also indicates that their increased luminescence results from improved radiative recombination through the stronger carrier localization in the QDs.

Hymenobacter persicinus sp. nov., a novel member of the family Hymenobacteraceae.

A bacterial strain, 1-3-3-3T, was isolated from a soil sample collected in Jeollabuk-do province, South Korea. Cells were observed to be Gram-stain negative, short rod-shaped and colonies to be red-pink in colour. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified this strain as a member of the genus Hymenobacter in the family Hymenobacteraceae, with high levels of 16S rRNA sequence similarity with Hymenobacter algoricola VUG-A23aT (98.0%), Hymenobacter knuensis 16F7C-2 (97.9%), Hymenobacter fastidiosus VUG-A124T (97.1%), Hymenobacter elongatus VUG-A112T (97.0%), Hymenobacter chitinivorans Txc1T (97.0%) and Hymenobacter aquaticus 16F3PT (96.7%). Growth of strain 1-3-3-3T was observed at 10-30 °C, pH 6-8 and in the presence of 0-1.0% NaCl. The genomic G + C content was determined to be 61.6 mol %. The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was found to be MK-7; the major fatty acids were identified as iso-C15:0 (19.9%), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c, 19.7%), summed feature 4 (iso-C17:1 I/anteiso-C17:1 B, 17.8%), C16:1ω5c (12.5%) and anteiso-C15:0 (11.2%), and the major polar lipid was found to be phosphatidylethanolamine. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data support the affiliation of strain 1-3-3-3T with the genus Hymenobacter. However, the DNA-DNA relatedness between the isolate and its closest phylogenetic neighbours was lower than 34%. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and the differentiating phenotypic properties clearly indicate that strain 1-3-3-3T represents a novel species in the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter persicinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 1-3-3-3T (= KCTC 52742T = JCM 32191T).

Mucilaginibacter terrigena sp. nov. sp., A Novel Member of the Family Sphingobacteriaceae.

A bacterial strain, 17JY9-4T, was isolated from a soil sample collected on Jeju Island, South Korea. Colonies grown on R2A agar are pale pink in color, and cells are Gram-stain negative, short, and rod-shaped. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified this strain as a member of the genus Mucilaginibacter in the family Sphingobacteriaceae, with high levels of 16S rRNA sequence similarity shared with Mucilaginibacter lutimaris BR-3T (98.0%), Mucilaginibacter rigui WPCB133T (98.0%), Mucilaginibacter phyllosphaerae PP-F2F-G21T (97.0%), Mucilaginibacter amnicola TAPP7T (96.8%), and Mucilaginibacter soli R9-65T (96.7%). Growth of strain 17JY9-4T occurs at 10-30 °C, pH 6-8, and in the presence of 0-1.0% NaCl. The genomic G+C content is 44.38 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate is MK-7; the major fatty acids are summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c) (39.7%), iso-C15:0 (22.8%), iso-C17:0 3-OH (7.8%), and C16:0 (7.7%); and the major polar lipid is phosphatidylethanolamine. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data support the placement of strain 17JY9-4T within the genus Mucilaginibacter. However, the DNA-DNA relatedness between the isolate and M. rigui, M. lutimaris, M. phyllosphaerae, M. amnicola, and M. soli were 44.3 ± 3.0%, 38.6 ± 3.7%, 23.2 ± 2.9%, 21.9 ± 3.1%, and 18.6 ± 3.7%, respectively. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization analysis, and the observed differentiating phenotypic properties from other closely related taxa clearly indicate that strain 17JY9-4T represents a novel species in the genus Mucilaginibacter, for which the name Mucilaginibacter terrigena sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 17JY9-4T (= KCTC 62294T = JCM 33049T).

The natural history of fetal diagnosed isolated ventricular septal defect.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to clarify the natural course of ventricular septal defect, and to find an index that would help in prenatal counseling. METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2014, 18 188 fetuses underwent echocardiographic examinations. Of these, 228 isolated ventricular septal defect cases were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: In this retrospective study, the incidence of isolated ventricular septal defect was 1.25% (228/18 188). There were 146 patients who underwent echocardiography after delivery in order to confirm the natural course of patients with isolated ventricular septal defect. Of the 146 cases, 64 cases (43.84%) had the ventricular septal defect naturally closed in the fetal period. Of the 82 patients with ventricular septal defect at birth, 25 patients showed natural closure during follow-up. However, four patients (2.74%) required surgical treatment for ventricular septal defect. In case of perimembranous defects, natural closure is more frequent in the fetal period than in the postnatal period. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that 60.96% (89/146) of isolated ventricular septal defects diagnosed during the fetal life are closed naturally. Perimembranous type defect, small defect (<2 mm) and maternal age less than 35 years are the good prognostic factors for the natural closure during fetal life. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Trichomonas vaginalis induces IL-1ß production in a human prostate epithelial cell line by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome via reactive oxygen species and potassium ion efflux.

BACKGROUND: Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted protozoan parasite that causes vaginitis in women, and urethritis and prostatitis in men. IL-1ß is synthesized as immature pro-IL-1ß, which is cleaved by activated caspase-1. Caspase-1 is, in turn, activated by a multi-protein complex known as an inflammasome. In this study, we investigated the inflammatory response of a prostate epithelial cell line (RWPE-1) to T. vaginalis and, specifically, the capacity of T. vaginalis to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. METHODS: RWPE-1 cells were stimulated by live T. vaginalis, and subsequent expression of pro-IL-1ß, IL-1ß, NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 was determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting. IL-1ß and caspase-1 production was also measured by ELISA. To evaluate the effects of NLRP3 and caspase-1 on IL-1ß production, the activated RWPE-1 cells were transfected with small interfering RNAs to silence the NLRP3 and caspase-1 genes. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated by spectrofluorometry. RESULTS: When RWPE-1 cells were stimulated with live T. vaginalis, the mRNA and protein expression of IL-1ß, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 increased. Moreover, silencing of NLRP3 and caspase-1 attenuated T. vaginalis-induced IL-1ß secretion. The NADPH oxidase inhibitor DPI and high extracellular potassium ion suppressed the production of IL-1ß, caspase-1, and the expression of NLRP3 and ASC proteins. The specific NF-κB inhibitor, Bay 11-7082, inhibited IL-1ß production, and also inhibited the production of caspase-1, ASC and NLRP3 proteins. CONCLUSIONS: T. vaginalis induces the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in human prostate epithelial cells via ROS and potassium ion efflux, and this results in IL-1ß production. This is the first evidence for activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the inflammatory response by prostate epithelial cells infected with T. vaginalis. Prostate 76:885-896, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Clinical characteristics of prenatally diagnosed persistent left superior vena cava in low-risk pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) among low-risk pregnancies. We have also compared electrocardiography (ECG) parameters of infants with PLSVC with those of normal controls. METHOD: At our institute, fetal echocardiogram is routinely performed in the midtrimester. We retrospectively reviewed the records of prenatally diagnosed PLSVC cases from 2010 to 2014. The ECG findings in infants with isolated PLSVC were compared with those of age-matched controls. RESULTS: Sixty-five cases of fetal PLSVC were detected during the study period. It represents 0.36% (65/18 188) of all fetal echocardiographic examinations during the study period. Twenty cases (30.8%) had other cardiac anomalies, seven cases (10.8%) were associated with extracardiac anomalies, and four cases (6.2%) had both cardiac and extracardiac anomalies, whereas in 34 cases (52.3%), the anomaly was isolated. There were no significant differences in ECG parameters between neonates with PLSVC and normal controls. CONCLUSION: Detection of PLSVC should prompt careful search for associated anomalies. Isolated PLSVC is a benign vascular anomaly and the outcomes are excellent. © 2016 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Prevalence of Trichomoniasis by PCR in Women Attending Health Screening in Korea.

Trichomoniasis is the most common curable sexually-transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. There are few reports on the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in Korea. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of trichomoniasis by PCR in Guri city, Korea. All adult women who visited Hanyang University Guri Hospital for health screening within the National Health Care Service were invited to participate in the study, and 424 women were enrolled between March and June 2011. PCR was used to detect Trichomonas vaginalis using primers based on a repetitive sequence cloned from T. vaginalis (TV-E650). Fourteen women (3.3%) were found to have T. vaginalis. All were over 50, and they were significantly older on average than the 410 Trichomonas-negative women (mean ages 63.4 vs 55.3 years). It seems that T. vaginalis infection is not rare in women receiving health screening, especially among those over 50.

Incidence of depression of the medial orbital wall without a recent trauma event.

The aim of this study was to see how frequently depression of the orbital medial wall can be found on computed tomographic (CT) imaging of patients without a recent trauma event. A total of 14,628 CT scans (12,515 brain CT scans and 2113 three-dimensional facial CT scans) of patients with no recent trauma event (defined as a facial trauma within 1 mo) were reviewed. If there was a depression of more than 3 mm on the medial wall compared with the contralateral side in the axial view, the scan was included in the "depression or asymmetry" group. In the depression or asymmetry group, old fractures and recent fractures were differentiated according to the degree of swelling of the medial rectus muscle and soft tissue swelling. Among the 14,628 CT scans with no recent facial trauma event, 836 cases (5.7%) had depression or an asymmetric medial wall. Most (94.3%, 788 cases) of the 836 cases were discovered to have an old medial wall fracture, whereas 39 cases (4.7%) were reported to have a recent medial wall fracture despite not having a recent facial trauma event. Only 9 cases (1.1%) were revealed to have a mucocele. It is noteworthy that 5.3% (788 cases among the 14,628 cases) had an old medial wall fracture despite not having any facial trauma within 1 month. The reason for this relatively high ratio is thought to be because medial fractures are often undetected with conventional plain x-ray imaging.

Assessment of toxicity potential of freely dissolved PAHs using passive sampler in Kentucky Lake and Ohio River.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are characterized with high KOW values, which lead to their recalcitrant nature, bioaccumulation, and biotoxicity, adversely affects the environment. Passive samplers (PS) have proven effective in measuring bioavailable PAH concentrations for toxicity assessments. In this study, we used low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to measure freely dissolved PAH concentrations (Cfree) in Kentucky Lake (KL) and Ohio River (OH), USA. PAHs toxicity potential in sediment was assessed using equilibrium partitioning sediment benchmarks toxic units (ESBTUs) and the interstitial water toxic units (IWTUs) that were derived from OC-normalized concentration (COC) and Cfree, respectively. The Cfree in April and June were 127 and 97 times higher in OH than in KL, respectively. Moreover, ESBTUs were higher in both the KL and OH compared to the IWTUs, suggesting that ESBTUs overestimate the toxicity potential to organisms. These results indicate that PS provides a reliable method for assessing the toxicity potential in sediments.

Chronic kidney disease in postmenopausal women is associated with tooth loss.

OBJECTIVE: Menopause is characterized by changes in reproductive hormone levels that can negatively affect bone. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and tooth loss are also important and common health issues after menopause. This study aimed to evaluate the association between CKD and tooth loss in postmenopausal women. METHODS: The study evaluated 64,971 participants who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2010-2018, including postmenopausal women, aged 40 to 79 years. Participants were divided into two groups based on the number of teeth in their dentition (≥20 and <20). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The association between CKD and tooth loss was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Age, income, education, smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, annual oral examination, toothbrushing, and the use of oral care products were considered. Subgroup analyses were further conducted according to age (40-65 yr and 66-79 yr). RESULTS: After adjusting for covariates, CKD and estimated glomerular filtration rate were significantly associated with having ≥20 teeth (PT20; CKD: odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.90; estimated glomerular filtration rate (10 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ): OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86-0.94). Importantly, the association between CKD and PT20 was significant in postmenopausal women, aged 66 to 79 years (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.05-2.01). CONCLUSIONS: In postmenopausal women, CKD and tooth loss may be associated. The association is significant in postmenopausal women, aged 66 to 79 years.

Oxidative balance scores in Korean adults are associated with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) is a comprehensive metric that assesses the state of a person's oxidative balance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the oxidative balance score and moderate and severe periodontitis in a representative sample of Korean adults. METHODS: Healthcare big data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018) was used, and 16,489 adults aged ≥19 years were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the effect of sex-specific oxidative balance scores on periodontitis. RESULTS: In comparison with participants with a lower oxidative balance score, those with a higher oxidative balance score had a lower incidence of moderate and severe periodontitis (p < 0.05). After adjusting for covariates, the oxidative balance score was negatively associated with moderate (odds ratio [OR] = 0.952; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.934-0.971) and severe (OR = 0.958; 95% CI: 0.931-0.986) periodontitis; however, the result was not significant for severe periodontitis in women's (OR = 0.975; 95% CI: 0.934-1.018). Our study showed a statistically significant association between OBS and moderate and severe periodontitis, the small effect size should be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSIONS: The oxidative balance score was associated with moderate and severe periodontitis in Korean adults. Therefore, managing this score may help reduce the risk of periodontitis.

Effectiveness and Tolerability of Combination Pharmacotherapy With Stimulant and Non-Stimulant in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of combining psychostimulants and nonstimulants for patients under treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: The study included 96 patients aged 6-12 years who were diagnosed with ADHD, among whom 34 received combination pharmacotherapy, 32 received methylphenidate monotherapy, and 30 received atomoxetine monotherapy. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare treatment and adverse effects among groups and to analyze changes before and after combination pharmacotherapy. The difference between combination pharmacotherapy and monotherapy was investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of combination pharmacotherapy. Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of age or pretreatment scores. The most common adverse effect experienced by 32% of patients in the combination pharmacotherapy group was decreased appetite. Clinical global impression- severity score decreased significantly after combination pharmacotherapy. All three groups showed significant clinical global impression- severity score improvements over time, with no significant differences among them. The predictive factors for combination pharmacotherapy included the Child Behavior Checklist total score internalizing subscale. Conclusion: Combination pharmacotherapy with methylphenidate and atomoxetine is a relatively effective and safe option for patients with ADHD who do not respond to monotherapy.

The first record of leucism in the Rhabdophis tigrinus (Boie, 1826) (Squamata, Colubridae) in South Korea.

Leucism, in which pigmentation is lost over part or the entire body of an animal, has a range of possible genetic causes. Here, we report leucism in an individual tiger keelback (Rhabdophis tigrinus) found on Jeung Island, Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, during a survey of the distribution of reptiles in the area. The individual was observed sunbathing in the bushes next to a pond. This individual exhibited ecdysis, thus it considered that have normal feeding activity. Our report represents the first observation of leucism in R. tigrinus, and thus, further analysis is needed of this phenotype to more clearly understand its impact on the species and its natural history.

Development and evaluation of a multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay for simultaneous detection of H5, H7, and H9 subtype avian influenza viruses.

H5, H7 and H9 are the major subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) that cause economic losses in the poultry industry and sporadic zoonotic infection. Early detection of AIV is essential for preventing disease spread. Therefore, molecular diagnosis and subtyping of AIV via real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) is preferred over other classical diagnostic methods, such as egg inoculation, RT-PCR and HI test, due to its high sensitivity, specificity and convenience. The singleplex rRT-PCRs for the Matrix, H5 and H7 gene used for the national surveillance program in Korea have been developed in 2017; however, these methods were not designed for multiplexing, and does not reflect the sequences of currently circulating strains completely. In this study, the multiplex H5/7/9 rRT-PCR assay was developed with sets of primers and probe updated or newly designed to simultaneously detect the H5, H7 and H9 genes. Multiplex H5/7/9 rRT-PCR showed 100% specificity without cross-reactivity with other subtypes of AIVs and avian disease-causing viruses or bacteria, and the limit of detection was 1-10 EID50/0.1 ml (50% egg infectious dose). Artificial mixed infections with the three different subtypes could be detected accurately with high analytical sensitivity even under highly biased relative molecular ratios by balancing the reactivities of each subtype by modifying the concentration of the primers and probes. The multiplex H5/7/9 rRT-PCR assay developed in this study could be a useful tool for large-scale surveillance programs for viral detection as well as subtyping due to its high specificity, sensitivity and robustness in discriminating viruses in mixed infections, and this approach would greatly decrease the time, cost, effort and chance of cross-contamination compared to the conventional method of testing three subtypes by different singleplex rRT-PCR methods in parallel or in series.

Analogous Design of a Microlayered Silicon Oxide-Based Electrode to the General Electrode Structure for Thin-Film Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Development of miniaturized thin-film lithium-ion batteries (TF-LIBs) using vacuum deposition techniques is crucial for low-scale applications, but addressing low energy density remains a challenge. In this work, structures analogous to SiOx-based thin-film electrodes are designed with close resemblance to traditional LIB slurry formulations including active material, conductive agent, and binder. The thin-film is produced using mid-frequency sputtering with a single hybrid target consisting of SiOx nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and polytetrafluoroethylene. The thin-film SiOx/PPFC (plasma-polymerized fluorocarbon) involves a combination of SiOx and conductive carbon within the PPFC matrix. This results in enhanced electronic conductivity and superior elasticity and hardness in comparison to a conventional pure SiOx-based thin-film. The electrochemical performance of the half-cell consisting of thin-film SiOx/PPFC demonstrates remarkable cycling stability, with a capacity retention of 74.8% up to the 1000th cycle at 0.5 C. In addition, a full cell using the LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 thin-film as the cathode material exhibits an exceptional initial capacity of ≈120 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C and cycle performance, marked by a capacity retention of 90.8% from the first cycle to the 500th cycle at a 1 C rate. This work will be a stepping stone for the AM/CB/B composite electrodes in TF-LIBs.

Sialyllactose supplementation enhances sialylation of Fc-fusion glycoprotein in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cell culture.

Sialylation during N-glycosylation plays an important role in the half-life of therapeutic glycoproteins in vivo and has sparked interest in the production of therapeutic proteins using recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (rCHO) cells. To improve the sialylation of therapeutic proteins, we examined the effect of sialyllactose supplementation on sialylation of Fc-fusion glycoproteins produced in rCHO cells. Two enzymatically-synthesized sialyllactoses, 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL) and 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL), were administered separately to two rCHO cell lines producing the same Fc-fusion glycoprotein derived from DUKX-B11 and DG44, respectively. Two sialyllactoses successfully increased sialylation of Fc-fusion glycoprotein in both cell lines, as evidenced by isoform distribution, sialylated N-glycan formation, and sialic acid content. Increased sialylation by adding sialyllactose was likely the result of increased amount of intracellular CMP-sialic acid (CMP-SA), the direct nucleotide sugar for sialylation. Furthermore, the degree of sialylation enhanced by sialyllactoses was slightly effective or nearly similar compared with the addition of N-acetylmannosamine (ManNAc), a representative nucleotide sugar precursor, to increase sialylation of glycoproteins. The effectiveness of sialyllactose was also confirmed using three commercially available CHO cell culture media. Taken together, these results suggest that enzymatically-synthesized sialyllactose represents a promising candidate for culture media supplementation to increase sialylation of glycoproteins in rCHO cell culture.