Mosquito vector competence for dengue is modulated by insect-specific viruses.

Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes are the main vectors for dengue virus (DENV) and other arboviruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV). Understanding the factors that affect transmission of arboviruses from mosquitoes to humans is a priority because it could inform public health and targeted interventions. Reasoning that interactions among viruses in the vector insect might affect transmission, we analysed the viromes of 815 urban Aedes mosquitoes collected from 12 countries worldwide. Two mosquito-specific viruses, Phasi Charoen-like virus (PCLV) and Humaita Tubiacanga virus (HTV), were the most abundant in A. aegypti worldwide. Spatiotemporal analyses of virus circulation in an endemic urban area revealed a 200% increase in chances of having DENV in wild A. aegypti mosquitoes when both HTV and PCLV were present. Using a mouse model in the laboratory, we showed that the presence of HTV and PCLV increased the ability of mosquitoes to transmit DENV and ZIKV to a vertebrate host. By transcriptomic analysis, we found that in DENV-infected mosquitoes, HTV and PCLV block the downregulation of histone H4, which we identify as an important proviral host factor in vivo.

Association of Frailty with Healthcare Costs Using Claims Data in Korean Older Adults Aged 66.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of frailty and its eight components with claims-based healthcare costs among South Korean older adults aged 66 from 2009 to 2012. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design. SETTING: Data were obtained from administrative claims, Regular Biennial General and Cancer Screening Examinations, and the 66-year Lifetime Transitional Period Health Examination. PARTICIPANTS: South Korean older adults aged 66 (N = 818,337). MEASUREMENTS: Frailty was measured using eight components (i.e., hospital admission, self-assessed health status, polypharmacy, weight loss, depressed mood, incontinence, visual and auditory problems, and performance on the Timed Up and Go test). Healthcare costs included those associated with inpatient and outpatient care and pharmaceuticals. Multiple Tobit regression was used to assess the association between frailty and healthcare costs before and after propensity score matching. RESULTS: The mean annual total healthcare cost was $1,403.24 in robust participants, $2,364.78 in pre-frail participants, and $3,655.13 in frail participants. Among participants after propensity score matching, total healthcare costs were higher by $959.58 in the pre-frail (P < 0.001) and by $2,249.70 in the frail group (P < 0.001) compared to the robust group. The presence of each of the eight frailty components was significantly associated with higher total healthcare costs. CONCLUSION: By comparing the variables of interest using claims data, our study showed that frailty and each of its eight symptoms was associated with increased healthcare costs. This provides evidence of the need for identifying and managing frailty to reduce healthcare costs among South Korean older adults.

A peridomestic Aedes malayensis population in Singapore can transmit yellow fever virus.

The case-fatality rate of yellow fever virus (YFV) is one of the highest among arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). Although historically, the Asia-Pacific region has remained free of YFV, the risk of introduction has never been higher due to the increasing influx of people from endemic regions and the recent outbreaks in Africa and South America. Singapore is a global hub for trade and tourism and therefore at high risk for YFV introduction. Effective control of the main domestic mosquito vector Aedes aegypti in Singapore has failed to prevent re-emergence of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses in the last two decades, raising suspicions that peridomestic mosquito species untargeted by domestic vector control measures may contribute to arbovirus transmission. Here, we provide empirical evidence that the peridomestic mosquito Aedes malayensis found in Singapore can transmit YFV. Our laboratory mosquito colony recently derived from wild Ae. malayensis in Singapore was experimentally competent for YFV to a similar level as Ae. aegypti controls. In addition, we captured Ae. malayensis females in one human-baited trap during three days of collection, providing preliminary evidence that host-vector contact may occur in field conditions. Finally, we detected Ae. malayensis eggs in traps deployed in high-rise building areas of Singapore. We conclude that Ae. malayensis is a competent vector of YFV and re-emphasize that vector control methods should be extended to target peridomestic vector species.

A pilot study to profile salivary angiogenic factors to detect head and neck cancers.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCCs) is an appealing way to increase survival rates in these patients as well as to improve quality of life post-surgery. Angiogenesis is a hallmark of tumor initiation and progression. We have investigated a panel of angiogenic factors in saliva samples collected from HNSCC patients and controls using the Bio-Plex ProTM assays. METHODS: We have identified a panel of five angiogenic proteins (sEGFR, HGF, sHER2, sIL-6Ra and PECAM-1) to be elevated in the saliva samples collected from HNSCC patients (n = 58) compared to a control cohort (n = 8 smokers and n = 30 non-smokers). RESULTS: High positive correlations were observed between the following sets of salivary proteins; sEGFR:sHER2, sEGFR:HGF, sEGFR:sIL-6Rα, sHER2:HGF and sHER2:sIL6Ra. A moderate positive correlation was seen between FGF-basic and sEGFR. CONCLUSION: We have shown that angiogenic factor levels in saliva can be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker panel in HNSCC.

Reliability and validity of the Atopic Dermatitis Symptom Score (ADSS).

BACKGROUND: We have developed the Atopic Dermatitis Symptom Score (ADSS) by which patients or parents can easily assess and record AD symptoms on a daily basis in a smartphone application. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the ADSS. METHODS: We enrolled 307 children and adolescents with AD. Parents or caregivers were asked to record daily symptoms of the patients (itching, sleep disturbance, erythema, dryness, oozing, and edema) using a scale of 0-4. Statistical analyses consisted of the test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, minimal clinically important difference (MCID), responsiveness, floor or ceiling effects, and screening accuracy. Receiver-operating characteristic analyses were conducted to evaluate the ADSS cutoff point for predicting severe AD (SCORing AD [SCORAD] ≥40). RESULTS: Test-retest reliability between daytime and night-time ADSS was good (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.82 [95% CI: 0.70-0.90]). An increase in ADSS was significantly associated with an increase in SCORAD (r = 0.64, P < .0001) (concurrent validity). The MCID was 4.1 points for the ADSS. There was a significant association between changes in ADSS and SCORAD (r = 0.56, P < .0001), indicating good responsiveness. At the optimal ADSS cutoff value of 7.0, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 88.4%, 78.6%, 21.1%, and 99.1%, respectively (screening accuracy). CONCLUSIONS: The ADSS can be a useful tool for self-assessment of skin symptoms in children with AD.

Emergence of an extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing serotype K1 Klebsiella pneumoniae ST23 strain from Asian countries.

Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) production has been very rare in serotype K1 Klebsiella pneumoniae ST23 strains, which are well-known invasive community strains. Among 92 ESBL-producing strains identified in 218 isolates from nine Asian countries, serotype K1 K. pneumoniae strains were screened. Two ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates from Singapore and Indonesia were determined to be serotype K1 and ST23. Their plasmids, which contain CTX-M-15 genes, are transferable rendering the effective transfer of ESBL resistance plasmids to other organisms.

Genetic variants of IL-11 associated with risk of Hirschsprung disease.

BACKGROUND: Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital and heterogeneous disorder characterized by the absence of enteric ganglia during enteric nervous system (ENS) development. Our recent genome-wide association study has identified a variant (rs6509940) of interleukin-11 (IL-11) as a potential susceptible locus for HSCR. As interleukins play important roles in the ENS, we further studied associations with HSCR of nine common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on IL-11. METHODS: Biopsy specimens or surgical materials from all patients that were tested for histological examination based on the absence of the enteric ganglia were collected. A total of nine SNPs on IL-11 were genotyped in 187 HSCR patients and 283 unaffected controls using TaqMan genotyping assay. KEY RESULTS: Combined analysis revealed that several SNPs (minimum p = 1.57 × 10(-7) ) showed statistically significant associations with HSCR, even after Bonferroni correction (pcorr  = 1.73 × 10(-6) for the SNP). Moreover, the most common haplotype was strongly associated with HSCR (pcorr  = 2.20 × 10(-6) ). In further analysis among three HSCR subtypes (short segment, S-HSCR; long segment, L-HSCR; total colonic aganglionosis, TCA) based on the extent of aganglionic segment, the result showed a different association pattern depending on the subtypes (minimum pcorr  = 6.12 × 10(-5) for rs6509940 in S-HSCR; but no significant SNP in L-HSCR and TCA). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Although further replication in a larger cohort and functional evaluations are needed, our findings suggest that genetic variations of IL-11 may be associated with the risk of HSCR and/or the mechanisms related to ENS development.

Estimating retrospective exposure of household humidifier disinfectants.

UNLABELLED: We conducted a comprehensive humidifier disinfectant exposure characterization for 374 subjects with lung disease who presumed their disease was related to humidifier disinfectant use (patient group) and for 303 of their family members (family group) for an ongoing epidemiological study. We visited the homes of the registered patients to investigate disinfectant use characteristics. Probability of exposure to disinfectants was determined from the questionnaire and supporting evidence from photographs demonstrating the use of humidifier disinfectant, disinfectant purchase receipts, any residual disinfectant, and the consistency of their statements. Exposure duration was estimated as cumulative disinfectant use hours from the questionnaire. Airborne disinfectant exposure intensity (µg/m(3)) was estimated based on the disinfectant volume (ml) and frequency added to the humidifier per day, disinfectant bulk level (µg/ml), the volume of the room (m(3)) with humidifier disinfectant, and the degree of ventilation. Overall, the distribution patterns of the intensity, duration, and cumulative exposure to humidifier disinfectants for the patient group were higher than those of the family group, especially for pregnant women and patients ≤6 years old. Further study is underway to evaluate the association between the disinfectant exposures estimated here with clinically diagnosed lung disease. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Retrospective exposure to household humidifier disinfectant as estimated here can be used to evaluate associations with clinically diagnosed lung disease due to the use of humidifier disinfectant in Korea. The framework, with modifications to account for dispersion and use patterns, can also be potentially adapted to assessment of other household chemical exposures.

Intrauterine management of fetal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with cardiac failure.

Fetal arrhythmias are not uncommon in pregnancy. The diagnosis can be established on routine ultrasound scan. Fetal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common cause of fetal tachycardia. If left undiagnosed and untreated, these fetuses may develop cardiac failure, hydrops fetalis and eventually death. We report two fetuses diagnosed antenatally to have fetal SVT. Both fetuses were in cardiac failure and were successfully treated with maternal administration of antiarrhythmic medications. Digoxin, and in severe instances, a combination with flecanaide significantly improved fetal outcomes and prevented fetal mortality. The long term prognosis of such patients are good.

No association between CCL2 gene polymorphisms and risk of inflammatory demyelinating diseases in a Korean population.

Inflammatory demyelinating disease (IDD), which includes multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO), affects the central nervous system. Chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2/MCP-1) is considered an important contributor to the development or progression of IDD. However, genetic association studies of Asian populations are lacking. In this study, we investigated a possible association between CCL2 polymorphisms (rs1024611, rs28730833, and rs2857657) and a Korean population (178 IDD patients and 237 healthy controls) using multiple logistic regression models. However, we did not find any association, which was consistent with other studies in Caucasian populations. In conclusion, our results suggest that CCL2 variants may not contribute to the pathogenesis of IDD.

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder in HIV-infected Koreans: the Korean NeuroAIDS Project.

OBJECTIVES: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is an independent predictor of early mortality and is associated with many difficulties in activities of daily living. We sought to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for HAND in HIV-infected Koreans. In addition, we investigated the performance of screening tools and components of neuropsychological (NP) tests for diagnosing HAND. METHODS: HIV-infected patients were enrolled consecutively from two different urban teaching hospitals in Seoul, South Korea between March 2012 and September 2012. Participants completed a detailed NP assessment of six cognitive domains commonly affected by HIV. The Frascati criteria were used for diagnosing HAND. Four key questions, the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-K were also assessed as potential tools for screening for HAND. RESULTS: Among the 194 participants, the prevalence of HAND was 26.3%. Asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment and minor neurocognitive disorder accounted for 52.9 and 47.1% of the patients with HAND, respectively. In multivariate analysis, haemoglobin (Hb) level ≤ 13 g/dL (P = 0.046) and current use of a protease inhibitor-based regimen (P = 0.031) were independent risk factors for HAND. The sensitivity and specificity of the IHDS were 72.6 and 60.8%, and those of MoCA-K were 52.9 and 73.4%, respectively. The IHDS (P < 0.001) and MoCA-K (P < 0.001) were both useful for screening for HAND. Among NP tests, the sensitivity and specificity of the Grooved Pegboard Test were 90.2 and 72.0%, and those of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test were 61.2 and 84.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HAND is a prevalent comorbidity in HIV-infected Koreans. Active screening and diagnosis with effective tools, such as the IHDS, MoCA-K and Grooved Pegboard Test, could be used to identify this important complication.

Predictors of uropathogens other than Escherichia coli in patients with community-onset acute pyelonephritis.

AIM: A constant reduction in the incidence of community-onset acute pyelonephritis (CO-APN) caused by Escherichia coli has been shown with a parallel increase incidence caused by other organisms. Therefore, we evaluated the risk factors and outcome of non-E. coli as uropathogens in patients with community-onset APN. METHODS: As a part of a nationwide multicentre surveillance study conducted in Korea, a total of 416 patients with CO-APN were collected with their epidemiological, antibiotic treatment and outcome data. RESULTS: The risk factors and outcomes of non-E. coli as uropathogens were evaluated in a total of 416 patients with culture-confirmed CO-APN. Non-E. coli caused 127 cases (30.5%) of CO-APN. CO-APN caused by non-E. coli resulted in higher inappropriate empirical therapy (38.6% vs. 20.1%, p < 0.001), longer hospital stay (12.6 days vs. 6.7 days, p = 0.005) and higher 30-day mortality (9.4% vs. 3.8% p = 0.020) compared with CO-APN caused by E. coli. Multivariate analyses showed that male gender (OR, 3.48; CI, 2.13-5.67; p < 0.001), underlying haematological disease (OR, 5.32; CI, 1.17-24.254; p = 0.031), underlying benign prostate hyperplasia (OR, 2.61; CI, 1.02-6.74; p = 0.046), chronic indwelling urethral catheter (OR, 6.34; CI, 1.26-31.84; p = 0.025) and admission history in the previous 6 months (OR, 2.12; CI, 1.23-3.58; p = 0.005) were predictors for CO-APN caused by a non-E. coli isolate. CONCLUSIONS: Community-onset APN caused by non-E. coli represents a distinct subset of urinary tract infections with worse outcomes. The defined risk factors related with non-E. coli should be taken into consideration when empirical antibiotic therapy is prescribed in patients with community-onset APN.

Clinical characteristics predicting early clinical failure after 72 h of antibiotic treatment in women with community-onset acute pyelonephritis: a prospective multicentre study.

In patients with community-onset acute pyelonephritis (CO-APN), assessing the risk factors for poor clinical response after 72 h of antibiotic treatment (early clinical failure) is important. The objectives of this study were to define those risk factors, and to assess whether early clinical failure influences mortality and treatment outcomes. We prospectively collected the clinical and microbiological data of women with CO-APN in South Korea from March 2010 to February 2012. The numbers of cases in the early clinical success and early clinical failure groups were 840 (79.1%) and 222 (20.9%), respectively. Final clinical failure and mortality were higher in the early clinical failure group than in the early clinical success group (14.9% vs 2.3%, p <0.001; 6.8% vs 0.1%, p 0.001, respectively). In a multiple logistic regression model, the risk factors for early clinical failure among the total 1062 patients were diabetes mellitus (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.1-2.1), chronic liver diseases (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.6-6.7), malignancy (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.4), Pitt score ≥2 (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.6-3.8), presence of azotaemia (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2-2.7), white blood cell count ≥20 000/mm(3) (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.6-4.0), serum C-reactive protein level ≥20 mg/dL (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2-2.4), and history of antibiotic usage within the previous year (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.1-2.2). Analysing the subgroup of 743 patients with CO-APN due to Enterobacteriaceae, fluoroquinolone resistance of the uropathogen was another factor associated with early clinical failure (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.5). Simple variables of underlying diseases, previous antibiotic usage and initial laboratory test outcomes can be used to decide on the direction of treatment in CO-APN.

Viral load dynamics in adult patients with A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza.

SUMMARY The dynamics of influenza A viral load in respiratory samples collected from adult A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza patients were investigated. Three respiratory specimens were obtained every 2-4 days and clinical findings were recorded at the time each specimen was collected. A total of 105 serial specimens were collected from 35 patients. Viral clearance was more rapid in patients aged 15-29 years than patients aged 30-49 years (P < 0.01) or ≥ 50 years (P < 0.01). Hospitalized patients showed slow viral clearance compared to outpatients (P < 0.01). Resolution of cough and headache was correlated with viral load reduction in respiratory specimens. Viral shedding was found in 17 patients (48.6%) 5 days after symptom onset. Time to hospital visit after symptom onset was significantly correlated with prolonged viral shedding (odds ratio 9.0, 95% confidence interval 1.56-51.87, P = 0.01). These findings will contribute to infection control aspects with respect to managing patients with influenza virus infections.

X-Linked Recessive form of Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus in a 7-Year-Old Boy.

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is caused by the inability of renal collecting duct cells to respond to arginine vasopressin (AVP)/antidiuretic hormone (ADH). We present the case of a 7-year-old boy with a history of excretion of large amounts of dilute urine and polydipsia since infancy. The boy had several vomiting episodes with mild dehydration during the first 3 years of life. There was no evidence of headaches, dizziness or visual problems. He drinks between 2 and 3 L/day and has 24-hour diuresis of 2 liters, now. He has prepubertal appearance with appropriate weight [+0.85 standard deviation score (SDS)] and height (+0.15 SDS) for his age. His intelligence was also normal. The water deprivation test showed low urine osmolality after 8 hours of dehydration. After desmopressin administration, urine osmolality remained low. Serum osmolality was in the normal range for sex and age before and after desmopressin administration. This indicated a nephrogenic form of diabetes insipidus. Molecular analyses revealed a P286L [p.Pro(CCC)286Leu(CTC)] mutation in the AVPR2 gene, that was inherited from his mother. This patient is the first case with genetically confirmed X-linked inherited form of NDI in the Republic of Macedonia. Molecular analysis confirmed the clinical diagnosis and enabled genetic advice for this family.

Development of discrimination SNP markers for Hanwoo (Korean native cattle).

In the Korean meat market, the native cattle, Hanwoo beef, are preferred over imported beef and domestic Holstein beef despite its relatively high price. In order to hold the beef industry accountable and support consumers' right to know, correct beef-origin labeling is required. For this purpose, we developed 90 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers to discriminate between Hanwoo and other breeds including Holstein using 1602 cattle DNAs. The probability of discrimination was found to be 100% in a subsequent validation set consisting of 632 DNAs. Our study suggests that improved beef-origin discrimination can be achieved by using a combined genetic model that takes into account small genetic differences among a large number of markers. These markers could be useful for discriminating between Hanwoo and imported breeds including domestic Holsteins, and would contribute to the prevention of falsified beef origin.

Reduced antibody formation after influenza vaccination in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder treated with rituximab.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vaccination against infection becomes important in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) because they are at an increased risk of infection due to long-term immunosuppressive therapy. However, it is unclear whether NMOSD patients under immunosuppression therapy show proper antibody formation after vaccination. Thus the antibody formation after influenza A (H1N1) vaccination in patients with NMOSD receiving rituximab was evaluated. METHODS: The study enrolled 26 patients with NMOSD, nine with multiple sclerosis and eight healthy controls. The enrolled patients had been treated with rituximab (n = 16), mycophenolate mofetil (n = 5), azathioprine (n = 6) and interferon-ß (IFN-ß) (n = 8). Antibodies against the H1N1 influenza virus were measured in the serum drawn just before (T0) and between 3 and 5 weeks after (T1) vaccination. The immunization states for hepatitis B virus surface antigen, measles and tetanus during the treatment period were also tested. RESULTS: The rituximab group showed significantly lower geometric mean titer, seroprotection rate and mean fold increase than the azathioprine group, IFN-ß group and healthy controls, and a lower seroconversion rate than the IFN-ß group. This decrease in vaccination efficacy was also shown in patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil. The immunization state for hepatitis B virus surface antigen, measles and tetanus remained the same during the treatment period with each drug, suggesting that these treatments do not affect previously formed immunity. CONCLUSION: This study shows a severely hampered humoral immune response to H1N1 influenza vaccine in patients with NMOSD treated with rituximab, although the vaccination itself is safe in these patients.

Clinical characteristics of community-acquired acute pyelonephritis caused by ESBL-producing pathogens in South Korea.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors and clinical characteristics of community-acquired acute pyelonephritis (CA-APN) caused by extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms. METHODS: From March 2010 to February 2011, patients with CA-APN were recruited in 11 hospitals in South Korea. Clinical and microbiological data were collected prospectively, and the ESBLs and multilocus sequence types of the ESBL-producing Escherichia coli were characterized. Comparison between CA-APN caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and those by non-ESBL-producing organisms was performed. RESULTS: A total of 566 patients were recruited. Enterobacteriaceae were detected in 526 patients. Forty-six isolates (46/526, 8.7 %) were positive for ESBLs. Clinical and microbiological failure did not differ between the two groups, despite there being fewer patients with ESBL-positive isolates provided with appropriate antibiotics initially (19.6 vs. 93.8 %, p < 0.001). However, the duration of hospitalization was longer in the ESBL group (10.5 vs. 7.0 days, p = 0.012). In a logistic regression model, Charlson score ≥1 point [odds ratio (OR) 3.4, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.6-7.0, p = 0.001], antibiotics usage during the previous year (OR 3.1, 95 % CI 1.4-7.2, p = 0.008), and urinary catheterization during the previous month (OR 4.4, 95 % CI 1.1-17.6, p = 0.035) were associated with the risks of CA-APN by ESBL producers. CTX-M-15 (48 %) and CTX-M-14 (38 %) were the most common ESBLs. ST131 was the most common clone (7/24, 29.1 %), which was more frequently resistant to cefepime, fosfomycin, and temocillin. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for CA-APN by ESBL producers were Charlson score ≥1 point, antibiotics usage during the previous year, and urinary catheterization during the previous month.

Factors affecting growth and final adult height after pediatric renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Growth retardation is a common problem for children with chronic kidney disease. Although renal transplantation (RTx) resolves endocrine metabolic and uremic disturbances, growth continues to be suboptimal. This study aims to describe changes in height from diagnosis to final adult height (FAH) in Korean renal allograft recipients and determine factors associated with posttransplantation growth. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 63 renal allograft recipients who underwent RTx at <15 years of age with regular follow-up for >3 years afterwards. Pre- and post-RTx growth was analyzed by height Z scores (Ht_Z) at RTx, 2 and 5 years follow-up, and at FAH. RESULTS: Ht_Z decreased from diagnosis to dialysis by -0.8 (P = .009) and from dialysis to RTx by -0.46 (P < .001). The mean baseline Ht_Z at RTx was -1.62 ± 1.36. The change in Ht_Z at 2 and 5 years after transplantation was 0.68 ± 0.88 and 0.48 ± 0.86, respectively. Both variables were negatively correlated with baseline age at RTx. Mean FAH was -1.22 ± 1.11 and was positively correlated with baseline height at RTx. Height at start of dialysis and dialysis duration were significant determinants of baseline height at RTx (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Although there is significant posttransplant catch-up growth among younger recipients and among those with greater baseline height deficit, catch-up growth is not sustained and greater FAH is attained in those who are taller at RTx. Achieving greater height before dialysis and decreasing dialysis duration leads to maximal height at RTx as well as greater FAH.

Polarization-independent dual-band perfect absorber utilizing multiple magnetic resonances.

We propose a dual-band metamaterial perfect absorber at microwave frequencies. Using a planar metamaterial, which consists of periodic metallic donut-shape meta-atoms at the front separated from the metallic plane at the back by a dielectric layer, we demonstrate the multi-plasmonic high-frequency perfect absorptions induced by the third-harmonic as well as the fundamental magnetic resonances. The origin of the induced multi-plasmonic perfect absorption was elucidated. It was also found that the perfect absorptions at dual peaks are persistent with varying polarization.