Feed supplementation with the seaweed (Ascophllum Nodosum) extract reduces fat deposition in broiler chickens.

In poultry industry, the strategies for elevating of protein accretion with minimizing fat deposition have been applied, and seaweed algae has been focused one of the potential candidates. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of algae (Ascophllum Nodosum) extract (AE) on the growth performance and body composition of broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allotted to 4 dietary treatment groups and fed experimental diets containing different concentrations of AE for 35 d as follows: 0 mg/kg (control, CON), 1,250 mg/kg (LAE), 2,500 mg/kg (MAE), or 5,000 mg/kg (HAE). At the end of the experiment, 40 chickens were sacrificed and samples of their blood, breast muscle, liver, and abdominal fat were collected and analyzed. Growth performance was improved in the LAE group compared to that in the CON (P < 0.05). The weight of abdominal fat was lower in the HAE group than in the CON group (P < 0.05). Serum triglyceride levels were also decreased in the HAE group compared to those in the CON and LAE groups (P < 0.05). Adipocytes were smaller in the HAE group than in all other treatments, and their size distribution was shifted more towards smaller adipocytes compared to those in the LAE group (P < 0.05). Relative mRNA levels in abdominal adipose tissue of fatty acid synthase and stearyl-CoA desaturase, which are involved in fatty acid synthesis, were all downregulated by supplementation with AE (P < 0.05). In addition, the protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma were decreased and the ratio of phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase to total ACC was increased, both of which indicate that lipogenesis was suppressed (P < 0.05). Hepatic transcript levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein and its downstream enzymes fatty acid synthase and sterol-CoA desaturase were also lower in all AE treatments compared to those in the CON group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the seaweed algae (Ascophllum Nodosum) extract reduces fat accumulation in both adipose tissue and the liver by modulating lipogenesis.

Mortality in patients receiving renal replacement therapy in South Korea.

Background: This study analyzed data from the end-stage renal disease patient registry collected by the Korean Society of Nephrology to explore trends in mortality among dialysis patients from 2001 to 2022. Methods: Mortality was analyzed in two ways: firstly, using the annual mortality rate; and secondly, by assessing survivability after a certain period of time since the initiation of dialysis. Additionally, we categorized the causes of death by disease group annually to observe how the proportions changed. Results: Since 2001, annual mortality for dialysis patients generally declined, except for a rise in 2020 and 2021 among hemodialysis patients. Overall mortality rates for all dialysis patients dropped from 74.2/1,000 person-years in 2001 to 42.3/1,000 person-years in 2022, with a more pronounced decrease in peritoneal dialysis. While survival probability over the 5 years following initiation of dialysis has shown a steady increase, short-term mortality from 2018 to 2020 affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shown a yearly increase by age group, with a greater effect in those aged 75 years and older. The leading causes of death for all dialysis patients have changed little, in the order of heart disease, infection, and vascular problems. Conclusion: While annual mortality and survival probability after dialysis initiation have generally improved in dialysis patients, there has been a temporary deterioration during the COVID-19 pandemic, most pronounced in the elderly.

GolpHCat (TMEM87A), a unique voltage-dependent cation channel in Golgi apparatus, contributes to Golgi-pH maintenance and hippocampus-dependent memory.

Impaired ion channels regulating Golgi pH lead to structural alterations in the Golgi apparatus, such as fragmentation, which is found, along with cognitive impairment, in Alzheimer's disease. However, the causal relationship between altered Golgi structure and cognitive impairment remains elusive due to the lack of understanding of ion channels in the Golgi apparatus of brain cells. Here, we identify that a transmembrane protein TMEM87A, renamed Golgi-pH-regulating cation channel (GolpHCat), expressed in astrocytes and neurons that contributes to hippocampus-dependent memory. We find that GolpHCat displays unique voltage-dependent currents, which is potently inhibited by gluconate. Additionally, we gain structural insights into the ion conduction through GolpHCat at the molecular level by determining three high-resolution cryogenic-electron microscopy structures of human GolpHCat. GolpHCat-knockout mice show fragmented Golgi morphology and altered protein glycosylation and functions in the hippocampus, leading to impaired spatial memory. These findings suggest a molecular target for Golgi-related diseases and cognitive impairment.

Comparison of the rate of concomitant proximal venous stenosis between the upper and lower extremities in patients with secondary lymphedema undergoing lymphaticovenous anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant iatrogenic proximal venous stenosis increases venous pressure and can be a risk factor for unfavorable outcomes of lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) in extremities with secondary lymphedema. This study investigated the frequency and relevant factors of venous stenosis in patients diagnosed with secondary lymphedema who underwent LVA. METHODS: Patients who underwent preoperative computed tomographic venography (CTV) and LVA for secondary lymphedema of the extremities from October 2018 to March 2022 were included. The incidence of proximal venous stenosis in the affected limb on preoperative CTV and the rate of endovascular intervention were compared between upper and lower extremities. Factors affecting proximal venous stenosis were identified through multivariable analysis using independent variables, including patient age, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking history, radiation therapy, duration of lymphedema, and location of lymphedema. RESULTS: A total of 211 patients were analyzed, including 83 patients with upper extremity and 128 patients with lower extremity lymphedema. The incidence of proximal venous stenosis in the preoperative CTV was 32.5% and 7.8% in upper extremity, and lower extremity lymphedema, respectively (P < .001). The incidence of venous stenosis requiring endovascular intervention was significantly higher in the upper extremity compared with the lower extremity (16.9% vs 6.3%; P = .014). In multivariable analysis, risk factors affecting incidence of venous stenosis requiring endovascular intervention was the patient age (P = .007) and upper extremity (P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative evaluation and treatment of venous stenosis in extremities with secondary lymphedema are necessary before LVA surgery, particularly in upper extremity lymphedema.

The Role of Robotics in Meeting Institutional Goals: A Unified Strategy to Facilitate Program Excellence.

PURPOSE: The rapid expansion of robotic surgical equipment necessitates a review of the needs and challenges faced by hospitals introducing robots for the first time to compete with experienced institutions. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of robotic surgery on our hospital compared to open and laparoscopic surgery, examine internal transformations, and assess regional, domestic, and international implications. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of electronic medical records (EMRs) from 2019 to 2022 at Inha University Hospital, including patients who underwent common robotic procedures and equivalent open and laparoscopic operations. The study investigated clinical and operational performance changes in the hospital after the introduction of robotic technology. It also evaluated the operational effectiveness of robot implementation in local, national, and international contexts. To facilitate comparison with other hospitals, the data were transmitted to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. for analysis. The study was conducted in compliance with domestic personal information regulations and received approval from our Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: We analyzed EMR data from 3,147 patients who underwent surgical treatment. Over a period of 3.5 years, the adoption of robotic technology in a hospital setting significantly enhanced the technical skills of all professors involved. The introduction of robotic systems led to increased patient utilization of conventional surgical techniques, as well as a rise in the number of patients choosing robotic surgery. This collective trend contributed to an overall increase in patient numbers. This favorable evaluation of the operational effectiveness of our hospital's robot implementation in the context of local, national, and global factors is expected to positively influence policy changes. CONCLUSION: Stakeholders should embrace data science and evidence-based techniques to generate valuable insights from objective data, assess the health of robot-assisted surgery programs, and identify opportunities for improvement and excellence.

Evaluation of the Current Urgency-Based Lung Allocation System in Korea with Simulation of the Eurotransplant Lung Allocation Score.

PURPOSE: Due to the shortage of lung donors relative to the number of patients waiting for lung transplantation (LTx), more than one-third of patients on the waitlist have died without receiving LTx in Korea. Therefore, the importance of fair and effective allocation policies has been emphasized. This study investigated the characteristics of the current urgency-based allocation system in Korea by simulating the Eurotransplant lung allocation score (ET-LAS) using a nationwide multi-institutional registry for LTx in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used data from the Korean Organ Transplantation Registry (KOTRY), along with additional retrospective data for ET-LAS calculation. A total of 194 patients were included in this study between January 2015 and December 2019. The Korean urgency definition classifies an LTx candidate as having statuses 0-3 according to urgency. The ET-LAS was analyzed according to the Korean urgency status. RESULTS: In total, 92 patients received lung transplants at status 0, 85 at status 1, and 17 at status 2/3. The ET-LAS showed a bimodal distribution with distinct peaks corresponding to status 0 and non-status 0. There was no significant difference in the ET-LAS among non-status 0 patients. In logistic and decision tree analyses, oxygen supplementation methods, particularly oxygen masks and high-flow nasal cannulas, were significantly associated with a high ET-LAS (≥50) among non-status 0 patients. CONCLUSION: Simulation of the ET-LAS with KOTRY data showed that the Korean urgency definition may not allocate lungs by urgency, especially for patients in non-status 0; therefore, it needs to be revised.

AP collagen peptides (APCPs) promote hair growth by activating the GSK-3ß/ß-catenin pathway and improve hair condition.

AP collagen peptides (APCPs) are enzymatically decomposed collagen peptides that contain tri-peptides such as glycine-proline-hydroxyproline. We found that APCPs increased the proliferation of both human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and human outer root sheath cells (hORSCs). APCPs also stimulated the secretion of several growth factors, including IGFBP-6, PDGF-AB, PIGF and VEGF in hDPCs. Moreover, APCPs enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt(Ser473), GSK-3ß(Ser9) and ß-catenin(Ser675), indicating the activation of the GSK-3ß/ß-catenin signalling pathway. Ex vivo culture of human hair follicles (hHFs) tissue and in vivo patch assay revealed that APCPs promoted the elongation of hHFs and the induction of new hair shafts. In a mouse model, APCPs significantly promoted the transition from telogen to anagen phase and prolonged anagen phase, resulting in increased hair growth. APCPs also improved the thickness, amino acid content (cystine and methionine) and roughness of mouse hair. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that APCPs accelerate hair growth and contribute to overall hair health. Therefore, APCPs have the potential to be utilized as a food supplement and ingredient for preventing hair loss and maintaining hair health.

Engineering properties as a supplement cementitious material of ground copper reduction slag extracted valuable metal from Cu slag.

We have examined whether the copper reduction slag (CRS) generated after recovering valuable metals from copper slag (CS) by reduction process can be used as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). According to the test results, the Cu secondary slag with low Fe, Cu, and heavy metal contents had a suitable oxide composition for using as a SCM. CRS showed better grinding efficiency than that of ground blast furnace slag (GGBS). Ground CRS contributed to the formation of tobermorite under autoclaved curing conditions. The compressive strength of CRS mortar replacing 50 % of OPC generated 93 % of that of the OPC mortar. Based on the results of this study, we found that the CRS has highly appropriate engineering characteristics for using as SCMs for concrete. In addition, it is judged that the method of using secondary slag as a material for precast concrete produced under hydrothermal conditions can greatly contribute to the construction process of buildings by securing mechanical performance.

Diagnostic and prognostic implications of bacteremia in patients with complicated pleural infection.

Objectives: The clinical significance of bacteremia in patients with complicated pleural infection is still uncertain. We aimed to examine the incidence and clinical significance of bacteremia in patients with complicated pleural infection. Methods: This retrospective study comprised of consecutive patients who received pleural drainage due to complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema. The clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data and clinical outcome were compared between patients with and without bacteremia. Additionally, the factors associated with overall mortality were evaluated in these patients. Results: Of 341 patients included in the analysis, 25 (7 %) had a positive blood culture. Blood culture testing added 2 % identification of causative pathogen compared to pleural fluid culture alone. By multivariable analysis, radiologic features of cavitary lesion, a RAPID score≥5, and a positive microbial culture in pleural fluid were independently associated with bacteremia. Despite these clinical distinctions, there was ultimately no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between patients with and without bacteremia (3 vs. 4 %, p=1.0). The only factor significantly associated with overall mortality among patients with complicated pleural infections was a higher RAPID score [HR=1.96 (95 % CI=1.35-2.84)]. Conclusions: The rate of bacteremia in patients with complicated pleural infection was 7 %. Blood culture testing demonstrated limited diagnostic yield and had minimal impact on clinical outcomes compared to pleural fluid culture. Therefore, it seems that blood culture testing is more advantageous for specific patients with suspected pleural infection who have cavitary lesions or a RAPID score≥5.

Rigid Formation Control on a Sphere: A Heterogeneous System Approach.

We consider a heterogeneous multiagent system for tracking multiple targets with a rigid formation on a unit sphere, where the targets and chasing agents are governed by single-and double-integrator models, respectively. To make asymptotic rendezvous between agents and their corresponding targets, we use an autonomous system consisting of attraction forces and velocity alignments. If the target's position, velocity, and acceleration information are available, we derive a multiagent system for complete rendezvous and obtain its exponential convergence result. If we have only the location and velocity information of the targets, we provide an autonomous system for practical rendezvous and the corresponding mathematical analysis. To prove the main results, we employ frame-rotation-structure decomposition for the double-integrator model and the geometric properties of a rigid formation on a sphere. We also provide numerical simulations to confirm our mathematical results and apply them to multiagent dynamics with a rigid formation that patrols the boundary line for a certain area on the sphere.

A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled, phase 3 clinical trial to compare the effectiveness and safety of two botulinum toxin type A formulations for improving moderate to severe glabellar wrinkles in Asians.

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) was first isolated in 1946, and since then, several formulations have been developed and widely used to treat wrinkles by inducing muscle paralysis. This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled phase 3 clinical trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a newly developed BoNT-A formulation, BMI2006, in improving moderate to severe glabellar wrinkles and to compare with existing onabotulinumtoxin A (OBoNT) injections. A total of 276 subjects were enrolled and received 20 units of the randomized material, which was intramuscularly injected into five different locations on the forehead. The primary endpoint, assessed at 4 weeks, showed no statistically significant difference in the improvement rate of glabellar wrinkles between the two groups, with BMI2006 demonstrating non-inferiority to comparator BoNT-A. Secondary endpoints, evaluated by both treating investigators and independent investigators, also exhibited similar improvement rates throughout the study period. Both groups reported high levels of satisfaction with no statistical difference between the two groups. Safety evaluations indicated mild and transient adverse events, with no serious reactions observed. In conclusion, BMI2006 is an effective and safe BoNT-A for treating glabellar wrinkles with an expected duration of action between 8 and 12 weeks.

Trends in clinical outcomes of older hemodialysis patients: data from the 2023 Korean Renal Data System (KORDS).

With an increasing aging population, the mean age of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is globally increasing. However, the current clinical status of elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) is rarely reported in Korea. The current study analyzed the clinical features and trends of older patients undergoing HD from the Korean Renal Data System (KORDS) database. The patients were divided into three groups according to age: <65 years (the young group), n = 50,591 (35.9%); 65-74 years (the younger-old group), n = 37,525 (26.6%); and ≥75 years (the older-old group), n = 52,856 (37.5%). The proportion of older-old group undergoing HD significantly increased in incidence and decreased in prevalence from 2013 to 2022. The median levels of hemoglobin, serum creatinine, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, and intact parathyroid hormone significantly decreased in the older-old group. The proportions of arteriovenous fistula creation and left forearm placement showed decreased trends with age. Although the utilization of low surface area dialyzers increased with age, the dialysis adequacy, including urea reduction ratio and Kt/V was within acceptable range in the older-old group on HD. Over the past 20 years, the mortality rate in the older-old group has increased, with cardiovascular diseases decreasing and infectious diseases increasing. The incidence of elderly patients undergoing HD has increased over time, but the high mortality of the older-old group needs to be solved. Therefore, it is imperative to develop holistic strategies based on age and individual needs for patients with ESKD.

The Impact of Ulmus macrocarpa Extracts on a Model of Sarcopenia-Induced C57BL/6 Mice.

Aging leads to tissue and cellular changes, often driven by oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to age-related diseases. Our research focuses on harnessing the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Korean Ulmus macrocarpa Hance, a traditional herbal remedy, to address muscle loss and atrophy. We evaluated the effects of Ulmus extract on various parameters in a muscle atrophy model, including weight, exercise performance, grip strength, body composition, muscle mass, and fiber characteristics. Additionally, we conducted Western blot and RT-PCR analyses to examine muscle protein regulation, apoptosis factors, inflammation, and antioxidants. In a dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy model, Ulmus extract administration promoted genes related to muscle formation while reducing those associated with muscle atrophy. It also mitigated inflammation and boosted muscle antioxidants, indicating a potential improvement in muscle atrophy. These findings highlight the promise of Ulmus extract for developing pharmaceuticals and supplements to combat muscle loss and atrophy, paving the way for clinical applications.

Emerging evidence that ginseng components improve cognition in subjective memory impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and early Alzheimer's disease dementia.

Ginseng is a traditional herbal medicine used for prevention and treatment of various diseases as a tonic. Recent scientific cohort studies on life prolongation with ginseng consumption support this record, as those who consumed ginseng for more than 5 years had reduced mortality and cognitive decline compared to those who did not. Clinical studies have also shown that acute or long-term intake of ginseng total extract improves acute working memory performance or cognitive function in healthy individuals and those with subjective memory impairment (SMI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or early Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia who are taking AD medication(s). Ginseng contains various components ranging from classical ginsenosides and polysaccharides to more recently described gintonin. However, it is unclear which ginseng component(s) might be the main candidate that contribute to memory or cognitive improvements or prevent cognitive decline in older individuals. This review describes recent clinical contributors to ginseng components in clinical tests and introduces emerging evidence that ginseng components could be novel candidates for cognitive improvement in older individuals, as ginseng components improve SMI cognition and exhibits add-on effects when co-administered with early AD dementia drugs. The mechanism behind the beneficial effects of ginseng components and how it improves cognition are presented. Additionally, this review shows how ginseng components can contribute to SMI, MCI, or early AD dementia when used as a supplementary food and/or medicine, and proposes a novel combination therapy of current AD medicines with ginseng component(s).

N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, an methylenedioxymethamphetamine derivative, exhibits rewarding and reinforcing effects by increasing dopamine levels.

An N-protected methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (t-BOC-3,4-MDMA), contains tert-butoxycarbonyl and can remain undetected in the illicit drug market. It is a new type of precursor substance that is not a chemical intermediate and can be converted into a controlled substance, MDMA, by deprotection of the N-tert-butoxycarbonyl group. Categorization of this chemical into a precursor or psychotropic substance is an issue because it is an unprecedented precursor that could have misuse potential. Although MDMA causes rewarding and reinforcing effect through dopaminergic transmission, the misuse potential of t-BOC-3,4-MDMA has not yet been characterized. Here, we aim to evaluate the misuse potential of t-BOC-3,4-MDMA. The response to the drug at a dose of 5 mg/kg was determined by a climbing test, and its rewarding and reinforcing properties were assessed through conditioned place preference and self-administration tests. In the conditioned place preference test, intraperitoneal administration of t-BOC-3,4-MDMA (5 mg/kg) significantly altered place preference in mice. In the self-administration models, t-BOC-3,4-MDMA induced drug-taking behavior at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg/infusion (intravenous) during 2 hr sessions under fixed-ratio schedules in mice. In addition, microdialysis experiments verified that t-BOC-3,4-MDMA impacted the dopamine levels of the brain (striatum) of rats. These experimental results indicate that t-BOC-3,4-MDMA has a potential for misuse. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Epidemiology and Healthcare Utilization in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in South Korea (2016-2020).

Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) are rare acquired demyelinating syndrome with limited epidemiological data available, particularly in non-Western setting. This study aimed to demonstrate the epidemiology of pediatric MS and NMO in South Korea and to analyze of healthcare utilization and economic burden associated with these conditions. Using a nationwide population-based database from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database, we identified pediatric cases (age < 20 years) of MS and NMO from 2016 to 2020. We analyzed incidence, prevalence, healthcare utilization and medical costs. The study found low age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates for pediatric MS and NMO in South Korea. There was a marked disparity in healthcare utilization between urban and rural areas. Most healthcare interactions occurred in tertiary hospitals in urban settings, particularly in Seoul. The study also highlighted the substantial economic burden associated with the management of rare diseases, with annual variability in medical costs. Pediatric MS and NMO are extremely rare in South Korea, with significant regional disparity in healthcare utilization. The findings emphasize the need for targeted healthcare policies to improve access and reduce disparities, particularly for chronic and rare diseases requiring specialized care.

Age-related effects of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and subsequent asthma exacerbation in children.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes community-acquired pneumonia in children and increases asthma risk, but large studies are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess the link between M. pneumoniae infection and to asthma exacerbation, in children with allergies, and age of infection impact. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed medical records of South Korean children between January 2002 and December 2017. The study's exposure was hospitalization with an M. pneumoniae-related diagnosis, and the outcome was defined as asthma exacerbation, confirmed by hospitalization at least 6 months after M. pneumoniae infection, with alternative validation using asthma diagnosis and systemic steroid prescription records. Hazard ratios (HRs) for asthma exacerbation risk were estimated for the matched cohort using a Cox proportional hazards model stratified by allergic comorbidities. Time-dependent covariates and age-stratified exposure groups were used to calculate odds ratios. RESULTS: The study included 84,074 children with M. pneumoniae infection and 336,296 unexposed children. Follow-up for 12.2 ± 2.3 years found the exposed group had a significant risk of asthma exacerbation (HR 2.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.67-3.06) regardless of allergic comorbidities. The risk was highest (over threefold) in children infected between 24 and 71 months. Sensitivity analysis using an alternative definition of the outcome showed an HR of 1.38 (95% CI 1.35-1.42), further supporting the association between M. pneumoniae infection and asthma exacerbation. CONCLUSION: M. pneumoniae infection was significantly associated with an increased risk of subsequent asthma exacerbation regardless of allergic comorbidities. Further research needed for understanding and confirmation.

IL-7-primed bystander CD8 tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes optimize the antitumor efficacy of T cell engager immunotherapy.

Bispecific T cell engagers (TCEs) show promising clinical efficacy in blood tumors, but their application to solid tumors remains challenging. Here, we show that Fc-fused IL-7 (rhIL-7-hyFc) changes the intratumoral CD8 T cell landscape, enhancing the efficacy of TCE immunotherapy. rhIL-7-hyFc induces a dramatic increase in CD8 tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in various solid tumors, but the majority of these cells are PD-1-negative tumor non-responsive bystander T cells. However, they are non-exhausted and central memory-phenotype CD8 T cells with high T cell receptor (TCR)-recall capacity that can be triggered by tumor antigen-specific TCEs to acquire tumoricidal activity. Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals that rhIL-7-hyFc-induced bystander CD8 TILs transform into cycling transitional T cells by TCE redirection with decreased memory markers and increased cytotoxic molecules. Notably, TCE treatment has no major effect on tumor-reactive CD8 TILs. Our results suggest that rhIL-7-hyFc treatment promotes the antitumor efficacy of TCE immunotherapy by increasing TCE-sensitive bystander CD8 TILs in solid tumors.

In-situ Hf/Zr co-doped Fe2O3 nanorod decorated with CuOx/CoOx: Enhanced photocatalytic performance for antibacterial and organic pollutants.

Herein, we successfully synthesized Hf/Zr co-doping on Fe2O3 nanorod photocatalyst by a hydrothermal process and quenching methods. The synergistic roles of Hf and Zr double-doping on the bacteria inactivation test and decomposition of organic pollutants were investigated in detail for the 1 wt% CoOx loaded Hf/Zr-Fe2O3 NRs and CuOx/CoOx loaded Hf/Zr-Fe2O3 NRs photocatalyst. Initially, the rod-like porous morphology of the Hf/Zr-doped Fe2O3 NRs was produced via a hydrothermal method at various Hf co-doping (0, 2, 4, 7 and 10)%. Further, CoOx and CuOx loaded by a wet impregnation approach on the Hf/Zr-Fe2O3 NRs and a highly photoactive Hf(4)/Zr-Fe2O3 [CoOx/CuOx] NRs photocatalyst were developed. After the Hf(4)/Zr-Fe2O3 [CoOx/CuOx] NRs photocatalyst treatment, the Bio-TEM imagery of bacterial cells showed extensive morphological deviations in cell membranes. Hf(4)/Zr-Fe2O3 NR achieved 84.1% orange II degradation upon 3 h illumination, which is higher than that of Hf-Fe2O3 and Zr-Fe2O3 (68.7 and 73.5%, respectively). Additionally, the optimum sample, Hf(4)/Zr-Fe2O3 [CoOx/CuOx] photocatalyst, exhibited 95.5% orange II dye degradation after light radiation for 3 h. Optimized Hf(4)/Zr-Fe2O3 [CoOx/CuOx] catalysts exhibited 99.9% and 99.7% inactivation of E. coli and S. aureus with 120 min, respectively. Further, scavenger experiments revealed that the electrons are the primary responsible species for photocatalytic kinetics. This work will provide a rapid method for the development of high photocatalytic performance materials for bacterial disinfection and organic degradation.

Impact of national health insurance and socioeconomic disparities on newborn hearing screening performance in South Korea: A nationwide population-based evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the impact of national health insurance coverage on newborn hearing screening (NHS) outcomes by analyzing hearing questionnaires from the National Infant Health Check-up Program (NIHCP) in South Korea. METHODS: This study evaluated the performance and referral rates of NHS using nationwide data from 814,875 infants enrolled in the 4-month NIHCP from January 2017 to December 2019. This period encompasses the periods before and after the National Health Insurance in South Korea began covering NHS expenses in October 2018. The study also investigated household income levels to determine their relationship with participation in the NIHCP and NHS outcomes. RESULTS: The performance of NIHCP increased year-on-year, with NHS performance rates increasing from 88.5 % in 2017 to 91.5 % in 2019. Analysis by household income level revealed that the medical benefit recipients' group had the lowest NHS performance rate of 81.9 % in 2019, whereas that of the higher income level group exceeded 90 %. The NHS referral rate remained consistent at 0.9 % nationally during the study period. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of NHS in national insurance coverage positively influenced its performance rates across South Korea. Nevertheless, the data indicate the need for more focused and customized support for low-income families to enhance early hearing detection and interventions in newborns and infants.