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Background: Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a re-emerging pathogen that is particularly common in children and may cause asthma-like respiratory infection and acute flaccid myelitis. However, in Korea, EV-D68 has never been reported thus far. This study aimed to identify EV-D68 from nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) in Korean children with a respiratory tract infection. Materials and Methods: The EV-D68 reference strain was purchased and blindly used to assess the detection ability of three commercial and one in-house mRT-PCR kit in 2018. Then, we selected children whose specimens were positive for human rhinovirus (HRV) and/or enterovirus (EV) by Allplex mRT-PCR (Seegene, Inc., Seoul, Korea) from April to December 2022. Total RNA was extracted from NPAs, and a partial 5’-UTR gene was amplified and sequenced for the identification of HRV/EV species. Additionally, PCR targeting the VP1 gene was performed to assess EV-D68- positive NPAs, followed by sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis and comparison of amino acid sequence alignments were performed using a partial VP1 gene of our and recent international EV-D68 strains. Results: Among the mRT-PCR kits tested, only the in-house kit was able to detect EV-D68 in 2018. However, we detected three EV-D68 strains among children hospitalized with fever and/or respiratory symptoms in September - December 2022 who tested positive for EV by the Allplex kit. Two of them were healthy toddlers with lower respiratory infections accompanied by new-onset wheezing but no neurologic complications. Among 34 children with lower respiratory infection who tested positive for HRV during the same period, EV-D68 was not detected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the first Korean EV-D68 belonged to subclade B3. Amino acid sequence alignment of international subclade B3 EV-D68 strains also showed that our strain is genetically more related to those from Europe than those from Japan. Conclusion: We first detected EV-D68 in three Korean children who had EV detected by the Allplex mRT-PCR kit in 2022. EV-D68 also circulated in Korea in fall 2022, but the prevalence and severity seemed to be lower than those in previous reports from other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ramsar wetlands are known for their high ecological and economic value; however, in some cases, the indigenous species community is rapidly changing owing to the presence of invasive alien plants (IAPs). To address this issue, we conducted a plant survey of five Ramsar wetland sites on Jeju Island from August 2021 to August 2022 and constructed a list of IAP species. A total of 24 IAP plant species belonging to 13 families were identified. Species of the Asteraceae and Poaceae families, which have high seed production, high adaptability to damaged ecosystems, and a wide range of organisms, from annuals to perennials, were found to be abundant. The distribution of IAP species was consistent with the pattern expected during the early stages of IAP invasion in Korea. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the distance from residential areas and the number of IAP species. Wetlands not visited by people were found to be relatively intact, while those frequented by tourists and visitors were susceptible to IAPs. These results suggest that the introduction of IAP species into the Jeju Ramsar wetlands may have been the result of anthropogenic activities, such as tourism. Our study demonstrated that the introduction of IAPs into the Jeju Ramsar wetlands is in its early stages and is mainly attributable to human activity. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the invasion pathways, develop strategies to control or reduce invasion, and control the geographic expansion of these species. Our study highlights the threat of alien species to Jeju Ramsar wetlands, providing the basis for a strategy to protect these wetlands from the threat of invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the habitat and breeding status of the Pleske's 22 Grasshopper Warbler Helopsaltes pleskei inhabiting unmanned coastal islets (Cheongdo, Jikgudo and Heukgeomdo) on the Jeju Chuja Marine Provincial Park in South Korea. A total of 13 nesting sites were observed between April 2019 and April 2021. On Cheongdo Islet, nests were located as follows: four in C. japonica, one in P. thunbergii, and one in Eurya emarginata. On Jikgudo Islet, four nests were distributed with two in C. japonica, one in P. thunbergii, and one in E. macrophylla. Meanwhile, on Heukgeomdo islet, three nests were located, all in C. japonica. During the study period, 36 individuals were observed: 14 in Cheongdo, 10 in Jikgudo and 12 in the Heukgeomdo Islets. Most nesting sites were located in the bushy areas of the inner islets. Thus, birds tended to select nesting locations in response to predation and microclimates to increase reproductive rates and maximize offspring survival. This study highlights the importance of unmanned islands (islets) and the presence of bushy shrubs as important nesting and hiding sites for the ecologically vulnerable Pleske's Grasshopper Warbler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Microbiome from a “healthy cohort” is used as a reference for comparison to cases and intervention. However, the studies with cohort-based clinical research have not sufficiently accounted for the multistability in oral microbial community. The screening is limited to phenotypic features with marked variations in microbial genomic markers. Herein, we aimed to assess the stability of the oral microbiome across time from an intervention-free “healthy” cohort. Methods: We obtained 33 supragingival samples of 11 healthy participants from the biobank. For each participant, we processed one sample as baseline (T0) and two samples spaced at 1-month (T1) and 3-month (T2) intervals for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing analysis. Results: We observed that taxonomic profiling had a similar pattern of dominant genera, namely, Rothia, Prevotella, and Hemophilus, at all time points. Shannon diversity revealed a significant increase from T0 (p < .05). Bray Curtis dissimilarity was significant (R = −.02, p < .01) within the cohort at each time point. Community stability had negative correlation to synchrony (r = −.739; p = .009) and variance (r = −.605; p = .048) of the species. Clustering revealed marked differences in the grouping patterns between the three time points. For all time points, the clusters presented a substantially dissimilar set of differentially abundant taxonomic and functional biomarkers. Conclusion: Our observations indicate towards the presence of multistable states within the oral microbiome in an intervention-free healthy cohort. For a conclusive and meaningful long-term reference, dental clinical research should account for multistability in the personalized therapy approach to improve the identification and classification of reliable markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Republic of Korea, the uninhabited Sasudo island is well known as a breeding ground for seabirds; however, it is seriously threatened by the predation of invasive rats. Here, we analyzed the mtDNA CYTB gene sequence to identify the species of invasive rats captured on Sasudo island from August 2015 to May 2016. The CYTB sequence of the three invasive rats on Sasudo island was 1048 bp long. BLAST analysis showed 99.81–100% homology with the R. norvegicus and a monophyletic pattern in the phylogenetic tree. These results indicate that the rats found on Sasudo island belong to the species R. norvegicus. This study is the first to provide accurate species information and explain the invasion of R. norvegicus on Sasudo island through genetic identification. We conclude that genetic species identification provides reliable information regarding invasive species. This information can be used as basic data for managing invasive species to protect island biological resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several alien species of freshwater turtles have been imported to the Republic of Korea from various countries, and then released to the wild by breeders and as a part of religious practices throughout Korea. Here, we evaluated the number of subspecies of the alien freshwater turtle Trachemys scripta in the wild on Jeju Island, Korea. We confirmed the presence of three alien subspecies of freshwater turtles with higher number and broader distribution compared to previous studies in 2007 and 2015. There were 134 adult and 48 juvenile Trachemys scripta elegans in 41 locations; nine adult Trachemys scripta scripta in seven locations; and two adult Trachemys scripta troostii in two locations. Illegal release by humans and potential reproduction in the wild probably contributed to the increase in their numbers. Early detection of invasive alien species is crucial for preventing their spread. Therefore, to minimize their negative impacts on the natural ecosystem of Jeju Island, we suggest the continuous monitoring of invasive freshwater turtles (including the evaluation of their survival, growth, and reproduction) and the strengthening of regulations to prevent continued releases to the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective observational study aimed to examine the correlation and correspondence between skeletal maturation indicators (SMI), cervical vertebral maturation indicators (CVMI), and radius-ulna-short bones (RUS) skeletal maturity scores in Korean adolescents, and to determine whether easily obtainable SMI or CVMI can replace the RUS skeletal maturity score. A total of 1017 participants were included with both hand-wrist radiograph and lateral cephalogram acquired concurrently. From the lateral cephalogram, CVMI was determined; through the hand-wrist radiograph, SMI was categorized, and the RUS skeletal maturity score was evaluated as well. Associations were examined using the Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's rank-order correlation analysis, and multiple correspondence analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in chronological age between males and females; however, the SMI, CVMI, and RUS skeletal maturity scores were significantly higher in females. The SMI, CVMI, and RUS skeletal maturity scores showed a statistically significant strong degree of both positive correlation and correspondence. However, a precisely corresponding RUS skeletal maturity score was difficult to obtain for a specific CVMI and SMI stage, implying the absence of a quantitative correlation. In conclusion, detailed evaluation should be conducted using the RUS skeletal maturity score, preferably in cases that require bone age determination or residual growth estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, in the case of malocclusion owing to skeletal discrepancy in adults, the amount of tooth movement was limited since there was no reliable skeletal anchorage device. The only way to treat this case was by repositioning the maxilla and mandible via orthognathic surgery, but most patients are reluctant to undergo surgery owing to the risk and expenses incurred. However, with the current introduction and use of miniscrews as temporary anchorage devices, the entire dental arch can be relocated to a target position without surgery, thus broadening the scope of non-surgical orthodontic treatment compared to the past. For a non-surgical approach to improve skeletal discrepancy, anteroposterior, vertical and transverse displacements of the dental arch are necessary. In this case, the localization of the centre of resistance of the whole arch must precede the appliance design with an appropriate biomechanical design. Especially, in the transverse dimension, the envelope of discrepancy is reportedly narrow, and the tooth movement must accompany the orthopaedic correction involving the midpalatal suture expansion. Recently, in adults with transverse maxillomandibular discrepancy, miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) can be performed. Moreover, compared to surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion, MARPE reduces the cost to the patient and achieves clinically acceptable stable maxillary expansion. In this article, we will discuss the role of total arch movement and MARPE in widening the scope of non-surgical orthodontic treatment, despite the inherent limitations of miniscrews' mechanical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Becker's nevus is a relatively common skin lesion with brown hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis. It may be expressed simultaneously with other cutaneous, muscular, or skeletal defects, such as hypoplasia of the breast or scoliosis, for which the term "Becker's nevus syndrome" has been proposed. An 8-year-old boy presented with a Becker's nevus on the right cheek, chin, and upper neck with alveolar bone hypertrophy in the anterior mandible, which led to an anterior crossbite and severe canting of the mandibular anterior teeth. Through orthopedic treatment using a face mask, the anteroposterior jaw relationship was improved. In phase 2 treatment, we corrected the canting of the mandibular anterior teeth with a segmental intrusion of the mandibular anterior right teeth into the hypertrophic alveolar bone area. The facial profile was improved along with acceptable occlusion, and the treatment result was stable at 1 year after the end of the treatment, without any periodontal attachment loss, root resorption of mandibular anterior teeth, or increase in the size of the hypertrophic region. This case report describes the successful comprehensive treatment of a growing patient with skeletal Class III malocclusion and multiple characteristics of Becker's nevus syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dynamic contact angle (θd), between a substrate and the melt of a dewetting polymer thin film, on the evolution of rim instabilities of dewetting holes were reported. Various θd’s were achieved by covering SiOx surfaces with different coverage of octadecyltrichlorosilane. On each surface, the morphology of the dewetting holes was examined in detail as the hole grew to a certain size. Rim instabilities, in terms of undulations in both r and z directions, became more pronounced as θd increased, under which condition, narrower and higher rims were also observed. Experimentally, atomic force microscopic scans of the rim were used to obtain the rim profile, which was predicted using θd. The predicted rim profile was used, in combination with the analysis of Rayleigh instability of a cylindrical fluid, to interpret the rim instability. The model captures the basic trend of the rim instability dependency on θd. The study demonstrates the importance of the substrate properties on the rim instability and the destabilization of polymer thin films during hole growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We assessed the influence of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) on the inhospital outcomes of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) infants. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with singletons born at 23+0 to 33+6 weeks of gestation at Seoul National University Hospital from 2007 to 2014. We compared clinical outcomes between infants who received ACS 2 to 7 days before birth (complete ACS), at <2 or >7 days (incomplete ACS), and those who did not receive ACS in IUGR and AGA infants. Multivariate logistic regression using Firth's penalized likelihood was performed. Results: 304 neonates with 91 IUGR neonates were eligible. Among AGA neonates, mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02 to 0.78), hypotension within 7 postnatal days (aOR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.64), and severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death (aOR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.77) were lower in complete ACS group after adjusting for pregnancy induced hypertension and uncontrolled preterm labor. Mortality (aOR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.78), hypotension (aOR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.70), and severe BPD or death (aOR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.92) were also lower in the incomplete ACS group. Among IUGR infants, after adjusting for birth weight and 5-minute Apgar score, inhaled nitric oxide use within 14 postnatal days was lower in both complete ACS (aOR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.67) and incomplete ACS (aOR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.37) groups. Conclusion: ACS was not effective in reducing morbidities in IUGR preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 83-year-old woman was scheduled for a second transurethral resection of a bladder tumor. The preoperative electrocardiogram evaluation revealed atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular response (ventricular rate: 59 /min). After intravenous injection of 1% lidocaine 40 mg and propofol 60 mg, the ventricular rate increased to 113 beats/min and then fell rapidly to 27 beats/min. Blood pressure was 70/40 mmHg. Later an atrial fibrillation rhythm, with a ventricular rate of 100-130 beats/min, was observed together with a sinus pause and sinus rhythm with a ventricular rate of 40-50 beats/min. An external pacemaker was applied and set at 60 mA, 40 counts. After the patient regained consciousness, she presented an alert mental state and had no chest symptoms. She was discharged 2 weeks later without complications after insertion of a permanent pacemaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To quantitatively analyze the surface roughness of the slot floors of three types of modern plastic brackets and to measure static frictional force during sliding mechanics in vitro. Materials and Methods: Control groups comprised stainless steel brackets and monocrystalline ceramic brackets. Test groups comprised three types of 0.022-in slot, Roth prescription, plastic, maxillary right central incisor brackets. Test groups included glass fiber-reinforced polycarbonate, filler-reinforced polycarbonate, and hybrid polymer with inserted metal slot brackets. The static frictional resistance caused by sliding movements with an archwire (stainless steel) in vitro was quantitatively analyzed. Both scanning electron microscope and three-dimensional optical surface profiling were used. Results: Scanning electron microscope and three-dimensional optical surface profiler revealed that all as-received brackets had irregular slot floor surfaces, and both irregularity and roughness increased after the archwire sliding test. The ceramic brackets in the control group showed significantly lower surface roughness values and higher frictional values during the archwire sliding test compared with the other brackets. The glass or filler-reinforced plastic brackets exhibited significantly higher static frictional values than the metallic slot type brackets (P < .001 ). The hybrid polymer with inserted metal slot brackets showed relatively lower surface roughness and frictional values compared with the stainless steel control bracket. Conclusion: Glass or filler-reinforced plastic brackets showed higher frictional resistance than metallic slot-type brackets. A plastic bracket with inserted metal slot may be the best choice among plastic brackets for low frictional resistance and to avoid damage from sliding movements of the archwire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the three-dimensional structural features of three types of mechanically retentive ceramic bracket bases. Materials and Methods: One type of stainless steel (MicroArch, Tomy, Tokyo, Japan) and three types of ceramic maxillary right central incisor brackets--Crystaline MB (Tomy), INVU (TP Orthodontics, La Porte, Ind), and Inspire Ice (Ormco, Glendora, Calif)--were tested to compare and quantitatively analyze differences in the surface features of each ceramic bracket base using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a three-dimensional (3D) optical surface profiler, and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). One-way analysis of variance was used to find differences in bracket base surface roughness values and surface areas between groups according to base designs. Tukey's honestly significant differences tests were used for post hoc comparisons. Results: SEM revealed that each bracket exhibited a unique surface texture (MicroArch, double mesh; Crystaline MB, irregular; INVU, single mesh; Inspire Ice, bead ball). With a 3D optical surface profiler, the stainless steel bracket showed significantly higher surface roughness values. Crystaline MB had significantly higher surface roughness values than Inspire Ice. Micro-CT demonstrated that stainless steel brackets showed significantly higher whole and unit bracket base surface areas. Among ceramic brackets, INVU showed significantly higher whole bracket base surface area, and Crystaline MB showed a significantly higher unit bracket base surface area than Inspire Ice. Conclusion: Irregular bracket surface features showed the highest surface roughness values and unit bracket base surface area among ceramic brackets, which contributes to increased mechanically retentive bracket bonding strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 61-year-old woman bilateral total knee arthroplasty due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involving the knee joints and mentions diagnosis of bilateral total knee replacement. On examining patient with chest radiograph, it reveals bronchitis at right lower lobe costophrenic angle area. It discusses the application of inhalation anesthetics and opioids has reduced the airway and hypoxia in the patient.

We designed and fabricated highly reliable multiple-channel indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) without any additional fabrication processes. We also investigated the geometric factors of the multiple-channel structure that influence the reliability of the IGZO TFTs in high saturation mode, such as the spacing and width of the subchannels. The proposed device exhibited superior reliability(ΔVTH <; 0.2 V) due to the larger spacing in the central part of the IGZO channel region, whereas the TFTs with the conventional structure showed a 3 V Δ VTH shift. This is due to the more effective emission of heat induced inside the TFTs duringoperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]