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Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is a growing public health concern worldwide, particularly affecting the elderly and immunocompromised population. The treatment of MAC lung disease relies on a combination of antibiotics in a three‐drug regimen that includes macrolides, rifamycins, and ethambutol. Therefore, the investigation of antimicrobial susceptibility is crucial for successful treatment. This study aimed to assess the antibiotic susceptibility of the most prevalent MAC species causing MAC lung disease, Mycobacterium intracellulare, in the Southwestern Gyeongsang province of South Korea using a resazurin‐based microtiter assay. A total of 97 strains of M. intracellulare were isolated and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. The results demonstrated high susceptibility rates for two aminoglycosides (amikacin and streptomycin, 94.9% and 99%), rifampicin (90.9%), clarithromycin (98%), linezolid (100%), and moxifloxacin (94.9%) against M. intracellulare. However, notably high resistance rates were observed for ethambutol (97%) and clofazimine (98%) against M. intracellulare. In conclusion, our findings indicate relatively high susceptibility rates for these six antibiotics and significantly elevated resistance rates for clofazimine and ethambutol compared to other regions in South Korea and foreign countries. The investigated MIC data can offer valuable insights for developing an effective treatment regimen for MAC lung infection in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces an aluminum transparent heater manufactured with a perforated pattern by using inkjet printing process. The polymeric sacrificial layer was deposited in a periodic dot arrangement by inkjet printing and a aluminum thin film was deposited using a vacuum deposition process. By the ultrasonic punching to remove inkjet‐printed sacrificial layer, the transparent electrode with perforated metal pattern was formed. From the multiphysics simulation, it is investigated that the narrow region of the perforated pattern is efficient to generate Joule heating. The relationship between electrical and thermal properties is investigated by adjusting the spacing of holes in the aluminum grid. Finally, the performance of the fabricated transparent heater is demonstrated that ice cube placed on top of the manufactured transparent heater is removed within 120 s. This ultrasonic punching with inkjet‐printed sacrificial layer is expected to be applicable to various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Category 3 lesions in PI‐RADSv2.1 pose diagnostic challenges, complicating biopsy decisions. Recent biomarkers like prostate health index (PHI) have shown higher specificity in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) than prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). Yet their integration with MRI remains understudied. Purpose: To evaluate the utility of PSA and PHI with its derivatives for detecting csPCa in biopsy‐naïve patients with category 3 lesion on initial prostate MRI scan. Study Type: Retrospective. Population: One hundred ninety‐three biopsy‐naïve patients who underwent MRI, PSA, and PHI testing, followed by both targeted and systematic biopsies. Field Strength/Sequence: Turbo spin‐echo T2‐weighted imaging, diffusion‐weighted single‐shot echo‐planar imaging, and dynamic contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted fast field echo sequence imaging in 3 T. Assessment: PHI density (PHID) and PSA density (PSAD) derived by dividing serum PHI and PSA with prostate volume (MRI based methodology suggested by PI‐RADSv2.1). Risk‐stratified models to evaluate the utility of markers in triaging patients for biopsy, including low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups. Statistical Tests: Independent t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, Mantel–Haenszel test, generalized estimating equation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used. Statistical significance defined as P < 0.05. Results: CsPCa was found in 16.6% (32/193) of patients. PHID had the highest area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.793, followed by PHI of 0.752, PSAD of 0.750, and PSA of 0.654. PHID with two cut‐off points (0.88/mL and 1.82/mL) showed the highest potential biopsy avoidance of 47.7% (92/193) with 5% missing csPCa, and the lowest intermediate‐risk group (borderline decision group) at 38.9% (75/193), compared to PSA and PHI. Data Conclusion: PHID demonstrated better potential in triaging patients with category 3 lesions, possibly aiding more selective and confident biopsy decisions for csPCa detection, than traditional markers. Evidence Level: 4 Technical Efficacy: Stage 5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of infrared (IR) plastic optics for infrared thermal imaging, particularly, in the long‐wave IR (LWIR) spectrum (7–14 µm) is an area of growing technological interest due to the potential advantages associated with plastic optics (e.g., moldability and low cost). The development of a new class of optical polymers, chalcogenide‐based inorganic/organic hybrid polymers (CHIPs) derived from the inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur, has enabled significant improvements in IR transparency due to reduction of IR absorbing organic comonomer units. The vast majority of effort has focused on new chalcogenide hybrid polymer synthesis and optical property improvements (e.g., refractive index, Abbe number, and LWIR transmission); however, fabrication and IR imaging methodology to prepare optical components has not been demonstrated, which remains critical to develop viable IR plastic optics. A new methodology is reported to fabricate optical components and evaluate LWIR imaging performance of this emerging class of optical polymers. New diffractive flat optics with a Fresnel lens design for these materials have been developed, along with a basic LWIR imaging system to evaluate CHIPs for LWIR imaging. This system‐based approach enables correspondence of copolymer structure‐property correlations with LWIR imaging performance, along with demonstration of room temperature LWIR imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dithiophosphoric acids (DTPAs) are an intriguing class of compounds that are sourced from elemental sulfur and white phosphorus and are prepared from the reaction of phosphorus pentasulfide with alcohols. The electrophilic addition of DTPAs to alkenes and unsaturated olefinic substrates is a known reaction, but has not been applied to polymer synthesis and polymer functionalization. We report on the synthesis and application of DTPAs for the functionalization of challenging poly‐enes, namely polyisoprene (PI) and polynorbornene (pNB) prepared by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The high heteroatom content within DTPA moieties impart intriguing bulk properties to poly‐ene materials after direct electrophilic addition reactions to the polymer backbone introducing DTPAs as side chain groups. The resulting materials possess both enhanced optical and flame retardant properties vs the poly‐ene starting materials. Finally, we demonstrate the ability to prepare crosslinked polydiene films with di‐functional DTPAs, where the crosslinking density and thermomechanical properties can be directly tuned by DTPA feed ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the feasibility of Fraunhofer diffraction analysis as a measure of the size of fast‐moving inkjet droplets. This measurement method showed that an inkjet droplet measurement tool was possible with a good balance of real‐time measurement and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine whether multi-microRNA analysis using a combination of four microRNA biomarkers (miR-1246, 202, 21, and 219B) could improve the diagnostic performance of mammography in determining breast cancer risk by age group (under 50 vs. over 50) and distinguish breast cancer from benign breast diseases and other cancers (thyroid, colon, stomach, lung, liver, and cervix cancers). To verify breast cancer classification performance of the four miRNA biomarkers and whether the model providing breast cancer risk score could distinguish between benign breast disease and other cancers, the model was verified using nonlinear support vector machine (SVM) and generalized linear model (GLM) and age and four miRNA qRT-PCR analysis values (dCt) were input to these models. Breast cancer risk scores for each Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category in multi-microRNA analysis were analyzed to examine the correlation between breast cancer risk scores and mammography categories. We generated two models using two classification algorithms, SVM and GLM, with a combination of four miRNA biomarkers showing high performance and sensitivities of 84.5% and 82.1%, a specificity of 85%, and areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.967 and 0.965, respectively, which showed consistent performance across all stages of breast cancer and patient ages. The results of this study showed that this multi-microRNA analysis using the four miRNA biomarkers was effective in classifying breast cancer in patients under the age of 50, which is challenging to accurately diagnose. In addition, breast cancer and benign breast diseases can be classified, showing the possibility of helping with diagnosis by mammography. Verification of the performance of the four miRNA biomarkers confirmed that multi-microRNA analysis could be used as a new breast cancer screening aid to improve the accuracy of mammography. However, many factors must be considered for clinical use. Further validation with an appropriate screening population in large clinical trials is required. This trial is registered with (KNUCH 2022-04-036). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to explore the sources of meaning in life (MIL) and its impact on South Korean older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Design: This study had a qualitative descriptive study design. Methods: The study participants included 18 older adults. Six focus group interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using content analysis. Results: The subcategories 'Continued learning and growth', 'Self‐transcending practices' and 'Efforts to maintain good health' were extracted under the category 'Sources of MIL for older adults'. Similarly, the subcategories 'Tremendous changes brought about by the virus' and 'Varying patterns of adjustment to the pandemic' were extracted under the category 'Changes in the sources of MIL since the COVID‐19 outbreak'. Public Contribution: Our study provides an in‐depth understanding of the changed sources of MIL for older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The findings serve as useful guidance for planning interventions for older adults to lead meaningful lives during the COVID‐19 pandemic and post‐pandemic crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐fat diets (HFD) adversely affect organ systems. Several studies have examined HFD‐related disorders in animals but only in a few organs and time points. Herein, we evaluated disease development with time‐dependent HFD‐induced pathological, cardiovascular, and morphological changes in rabbits with lipid metabolism similar to that in humans for 9 weeks. The body weights and waist ratio of the HFD group were higher than those in the control group. HFD significantly increased the total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein, and phospholipid levels after 3 weeks. Liver enzyme levels increased with hepatomegaly, steatosis, and fibrosis after 3 or 6 weeks. RBCs and hemoglobin decreased, while platelets increased in the HFD group with atherosclerosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in the aorta after 6 weeks. Ejection fraction and fractional shortening values decreased in the HFD group after 9 weeks. Creatinine increased with glomerulosclerosis in the kidneys of the HFD groups after 3 weeks, indicating renal dysfunction. Lipid accumulation was found in the pancreas after 9 weeks. Lipid accumulation and hypertrophy were observed in the adrenal glands after 3 weeks. Overall, our findings provide global reference data on the time‐dependent effects of HFD on the body and may serve as a guide for future HFD risk prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the curriculum of geriatric dentistry for undergraduates in Korean dental schools. Background: For development purposes, it was necessary to compare geriatric dentistry education programmes in South Korea to programmes in the United States and Europe. Methods: The most recent curriculum and related information on geriatric dentistry at the undergraduate level in all 11 dental schools in South Korea were collected by both official letter and e‐mail. A symposium for gathering expert opinions to improve geriatric dentistry education in South Korea was also held. The collected data were analysed, and the expert opinions at the symposium were summarised. Results: Six of 11 schools had a didactic course as compulsory and three schools as elective. The course was usually conducted as a form of integrated lectures, and the level of standardisation of lecture content was very low. There were no topics for older people who cannot access dental clinics due to functional frailty or disability. No dental school‐affiliated hospitals had an independent department for geriatric dentistry. No schools provided clinical teaching for geriatric dentistry. There were no outreach programmes for geriatric dentistry. Conclusions: The educational curriculum for geriatric dentistry in South Korea was insufficient to cope with social and demographic changes. Curriculum content should include clinical practice education and needs to be focused on frail and dependent older adult patients. An essential educational curriculum and core competency for geriatric dentistry should be prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the white‐boost function on image quality was assessed by simulating the different white‐boost levels and color gamuts on WRGB OLED display. The result shows that Vividness increases as the white‐boost level and color gamut increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum dot (QD) color conversion layer (CCL) has been attracting interest due to their fascinating properties. The QD CCL with thickness of microns is required to successfully block blue light leakage. However, controlling the thickness profile in micro‐scale display pixels via the IJP remains a challenge. In this study, we controlled the surface energy of CCL by using CF4‐plasma treatment to control the thickness profile and improve the color conversion efficiency. Through mask‐free CF4‐plasma treatment, the bank became hydrophobic due to the fluorinated treatment, while the glass became hydrophilic due to the cleaning effect, selectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the accuracy of automated identification of cephalometric landmarks using the cascade convolutional neural networks (CNN) on lateral cephalograms acquired from nationwide multi-centres.Settings and Sample Population: A total of 3150 lateral cephalograms were acquired from 10 university hospitals in South Korea for training.Materials and Methods: We evaluated the accuracy of the developed model with independent 100 lateral cephalograms as an external validation. Two orthodontists independently identified the anatomic landmarks of the test data set using the V-ceph software (version 8.0, Osstem, Seoul, Korea). The mean positions of the landmarks identified by two orthodontists were regarded as the gold standard. The performance of the CNN model was evaluated by calculating the mean absolute distance between the gold standard and the automatically detected positions. Factors associated with the detection accuracy for landmarks were analysed using the linear regression models.Results: The mean inter-examiner difference was 1.31 ± 1.13 mm. The overall automated detection error was 1.36 ± 0.98 mm. The mean detection error for each landmark ranged between 0.46 ± 0.37 mm (maxillary incisor crown tip) and 2.09 ± 1.91 mm (distal root tip of the mandibular first molar). A significant difference in the detection accuracy among cephalograms was noted according to hospital (P = .011), sensor type (P < .01), and cephalography machine model (P < .01).Conclusion: The automated cephalometric landmark detection model may aid in preliminary screening for patient diagnosis and mid-treatment assessment, independent of the type of the radiography machines tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a scalable and highly reproducible in vitro tumor microenvironment (TME) platform still sheds light on new insights into cancer metastasis mechanisms and anticancer therapeutic strategies. Here, we present an all‐in‐one injection molded plastic array three‐dimensional culture platform (All‐in‐One‐IMPACT) that integrates vascularized tumor spheroids for highly reproducible, high‐throughput experimentation. This device allows the formation of self‐assembled cell spheroids on a chip by applying the hanging drop method to the cell culture channel. Then, when the hydrogel containing endothelial cells and fibroblasts is injected, the spheroid inside the droplet can be patterned together in three dimensions along the culture channel. In just two steps above, we can build a vascularized TME within a defined area. This process does not require specialized user skill and minimizes error‐inducing steps, enabling both reproducibility and high throughput of the experiment. We have successfully demonstrated the process, from spheroid formation to tumor vascularization, using patient‐derived cancer cells (PDCs) as well as various cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we performed combination therapies with Taxol (paclitaxel) and Avastin (bevacizumab), which are used in standard care for metastatic cancer. The All‐in‐One IMPACT is a powerful tool for establishing various anticancer treatment strategies through the development of a complex TME for use in high‐throughput experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this concept review, the fundamental and polymerization chemistry of inverse vulcanization for the preparation of statistical and segmented sulfur copolymers, which have been actively developed and advanced in various applications over the past decade is discussed. This concept review delves into a discussion of step‐growth polymerization constructs to describe the inverse vulcanization process and discuss prepolymer approaches for the synthesis of segmented sulfur polyurethanes. Furthermore, this concept review discusses the advantages of inverse vulcanization in conjunction with dynamic covalent polymerization and post‐polymerization modifications to prepare segmented block copolymers with enhanced thermomechanical and flame retardant properties of these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we introduce an indirect X‐ray detector with organic photodiode (OPD). OPD, as a photodetector, is attractive due to its easy fabrication of even large area or flexible form factor. The top electrode of OPD is fabricated with a translucent organic‐metal‐organic (OMO) structure to absorb more light energy by the surface plasmonic effect at the organic‐metal interface. In addition, the new fabricated OPD has a microcavity effect, which is generated between the top and bottom electrodes, makes the broad absorption spectrum of CuPc (active layer) narrower, and tune to the narrow Gd2O2S scintillator emission wavelength. Through X‐ray experiments, the microcavity effect was shown to be useful and controllable by varying the thickness of C60 in the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) structure of the active layers which are composed of C60 and CuPc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted in 2018/2019 growing season at the Scientific Industrial Research and Development Center under irrigated conditions using the simple alpha lattice (7 ∗ 7) design, with three replications. The objective of the study was to determine the performance of 44 elite rice lines that were selected and shared from elite doubled haploid germplasm and five cultivars were used as checks. All evaluated genotypes exhibited significant variation in the traits measured except for number of grains/panicle, total tillers/plant, and effective tillers/plant. Elite line 70462 was found to be the highest yielding, with yield advantage of 66% over the high yielding local check (Nerica 7). High values for broad sense heritability were recorded for days to 50% heading, panicle length, culm length, number of filled grains/panicle, 1000-grain weight, grain length, grain shape, and grain yield and indicated lesser influence of environment in expression of these traits, hence amenable to simple selection. Correlation analysis revealed that grain yield manifested significantly positive correlation with filled grains/panicle contributing the highest correlation (r = 0.784), followed by culm length (r = 0.605), spikelet fertility/panicle (r = 0.677), grain length (r = 0.551), 1000-grain weight (r = 0.518), panicle length (r = 0.449), and number of grains/panicle (r = 0.328). Based on grain yield, number of filled grains/panicle and spikelet fertility/panicle, panicle length, and earliness, lines 70462, 60143, 70383, Arica 3, Sahel 177, 6040, 70537, 60409, and 70476 had the best performance. Selection of these traits would be more effective for yield improvement in rice and these promising lines could be used in the varietal development and can be tested in multilocational trials and on-farm trials in Zimbabwe with the possibility of release and commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most recently, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 has triggered a global pandemic without successful therapeutics. The goal of the present study was to define the antiviral effect and therapeutic action of blue light irradiation in SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected cells. Vero cells were infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 (NCCP43326) or mock inoculum at 50 pfu/well. After blue light irradiation, the inhibitory effect was assessed by qPCR and plaque reduction assay. When Vero cells were irradiated to blue light ranging from 1.6 to 10 J cm−2, SARS‐CoV‐2 replication was inhibited by up to 80%. The antiviral effect of blue light irradiation was associated with translation suppression via the phosphorylation of eIF2α by prolonging endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The levels of LC3A/B and Beclin‐1, which are key markers of autophagy, and the levels of PERK and PDI for ER stress were highly increased, whereas caspase‐3 cleavage was inhibited after blue light irradiation in the later stage of infection. Our data revealed that blue light irradiation exerted antiviral and photo‐biogoverning activities by prolonging ER stress and stimulating autophagy progression during viral infection. The findings increase our understanding of how photo‐energy acts on viral progression and have implications for use in therapeutic strategies against COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro platforms for studying the human brain have been developed, and brain organoids derived from stem cells have been studied. However, current organoid models lack three‐dimensional (3D) vascular networks, limiting organoid proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In this study, we created a 3D model of vascularized spheroid cells using an injection‐molded microfluidic chip. We cocultured spheroids derived from induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) with perfusable blood vessels. Gene expression analysis and immunostaining revealed that the vascular network greatly enhanced spheroid differentiation and reduced apoptosis. This platform can be used to further study the functional and structural interactions between blood vessels and neural spheroids, and ultimately to simulate brain development and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New viruses are continuously emerging and recently there have been many great concerns on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2). Nanographene oxide (nanoGO) has received much attention and is widely investigated to be utilised in therapy for infectious diseases by viruses. Thus, antiviral activity of nanoGO was evaluated using the porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), and SARS‐CoV‐2, which are all Alpha‐ and Beta‐coronavirus. In a virus inhibition assay, the three viruses were inhibited by nanoGO in a dose‐dependent manner, including attempts in the presence of high serum solution which partially mimicked biological fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of elemental sulfur from petroleum refining has created a technological opportunity to increase the valorization of elemental sulfur by the creation of high‐performance sulfur based plastics with improved thermomechanical properties, elasticity and flame retardancy. We report on a synthetic polymerization methodology to prepare the first example of sulfur based segmented multi‐block polyurethanes (SPUs) and thermoplastic elastomers that incorporate an appreciable amount of sulfur into the final target material. This approach applied both the inverse vulcanization of S8 with olefinic alcohols and dynamic covalent polymerizations with dienes to prepare sulfur polyols and terpolyols that were used in polymerizations with aromatic diisocyanates and short chain diols. Using these methods, a new class of high molecular weight, soluble block copolymer polyurethanes were prepared as confirmed by Size Exclusion Chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and microscopic imaging. These sulfur‐based polyurethanes were readily solution processed into large area free standing films where both the tensile strength and elasticity of these materials were controlled by variation of the sulfur polyol composition. SPUs with both high tensile strength (13–24 MPa) and ductility (348 % strain at break) were prepared, along with SPU thermoplastic elastomers (578 % strain at break) which are comparable values to classical thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). The incorporation of sulfur into these polyurethanes enhanced flame retardancy in comparison to classical TPUs, which points to the opportunity to impart new properties to polymeric materials as a consequence of using elemental sulfur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While studies on embryonic stem cells have been actively conducted, little is known about the epigenetic mechanisms in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in extended culture systems. Here, we investigated whether CpG island (CGI) methylation patterns of 24 tumor suppressor genes could be maintained during extended hESC cultures. In total, 10 hESC lines were analyzed. For each cell line, genomic DNA was extracted from early and late passages of cell cultures. CGI methylation levels of 24 tumor suppressor genes were analyzed using methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA), pyrosequencing, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Different CGI methylation patterns of CASP8, FHIT, and CHFR genes were identified in between early and late passages in some hESC lines. CGI methylation levels of CASP8 significantly increased at late passage in CHA-36, CHA-40, and CHA-42 cell lines compared to those at early passage. The CGI methylation of the FHIT gene was higher at late passage than at early passage in CHA-15, CHA-31, CHA-32, and iPS (FS)-1 cell lines but decreased at the late passage in CHA-20 and H1 cell lines. Different CGI methylation patterns were detected for the CHFR gene only in iPS (FS)-1, and the level significantly increased at late passage. Thus, our findings show that CGI methylation patterns could be altered during prolonged ESC cultures and examining these epigenetic changes is important to assess the maintenance, differentiation, and clinical usage of stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial covert infrared (IR) displays have recently emerged as an anti‐counterfeiting method for spontaneous thermal emissive surfaces and optically encoded information. However, the unnatural appearance of a conventional thermal emissive label in the visible region limits the widespread application of an artificial covert IR display. This paper presents a colored, covert IR display exhibiting visible color patterns and thermally encoded data simultaneously based on a hybrid planar‐plasmonic cavity (HPPC). The HPPC is composed of two spectrally distinguished resonant structures: 1) an ultrathin planar cavity with an amorphous silicon (a‐Si) layer on gold (Au) for visible coloration and 2) an IR plasmonic cavity with hole‐patterned Au on a polymer substrate with a back mirror for thermal data encoding. Such hybridization of multi‐band resonance can not only enhance the vivid coloration but also enhance the data storage capacity per unit. Camouflage labels with encrypted thermal data are successfully demonstrated for practical applications using a flexible HPPC. Collectively, the proposed HPPC enables a new type of anti‐counterfeiting method that achieves both esthetic, visibly encoded data, and covert, thermally encoded data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) are the primary cells responsible for dentin regeneration. Typically, in order to allow for odontoblastic differentiation, hDPSCs are cultured over weeks with differentiation-inducing factors in a typical monolayered culture. However, monolayered cultures have significant drawbacks including inconsistent differentiation efficiency, require a higher BMP concentration than should be necessary, and require periodic treatment with BMPs for weeks to see results. To solve these problems, we developed a 3D-cell spheroid culture system for odontoblastic differentiation using microparticles with leaf-stacked structure (LSS), which allow for the sustained release of BMPs and adequate supply of oxygen in cell spheroids. BMPs were continuously released and maintained an effective concentration over 37 days. hDPSCs in the spheroid maintained their viability for 5 weeks, and the odontoblastic differentiation efficiency was increased significantly compared to monolayered cells. Finally, dentin-related features were detected in the spheroids containing BMPs-loaded microparticles after 5 weeks, suggesting that these hDPSC-LSS spheroids might be useful for dentin tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three‐terminal memristor devices with a channel length of 70 μm and a width of 5 μm are fabricated using undoped zinc oxide (ZnO), fluorine‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO:F), and nitrogen‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO:N) semiconductor thin films via atomic layer deposition. To observe the effects of humidity and hydrogen doping on their gate‐tunable memristive behavior, gate‐tunable memristive behaviors are measured with a drain bias (VD) ± 10 V at different gate voltages (VG) from 50 to −50 V under humidity of 40%, 55%, and 70%. Resistive switching behavior caused by the hydrogen doping effect is observed, and the on/off ratio increases with increasing humidity, whereas the gate tunability decreases. The conductance and gate tunability of all devices decrease with an increase in humidity due to the hydrogen doping effect. As this study adopts a three‐terminal structure with an oxide memristor, it clearly shows the moisture effect on the memristive behavior of oxide‐based memristors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, we reported that the charge injection balance in spin‐coated quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes (QLED) was achieved by controlling the current density characteristics via filling of the oxygen vacancies in Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) through intense‐pulsed light (IPL) post‐treatment [1]. In this work, we investigated the IPL posted‐treatment induced charge balance and stability of device performance prepared by the ink‐jet printed QLED. Oxygen vacancies (Vo) in the ZnO wurtzite structure were filled with oxygen by IPL post‐treatment process in the air atmosphere, and the ink‐jet printed QLED performance remained stable during the 8 day measurement period. The current efficiency (CE) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) characteristics of ink‐jet printed QLED showed a tendency to stabilize from the 2nd day, and the performance of the device were 34122 cd/m2 luminance, 7.3513 cd/A CE, and 1.943 % EQE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze ideal indication for combined anterior column realignment (ACR) with short posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and posterior column osteotomy (PCO) for preventing proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients with lower lumbar kyphosis and compensatory thoracolumbar lordosis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. This study included 27 ASD patients (average age of 66.6 years; one male and 26 females) with lower lumbar kyphosis and compensated thoracolumbar lordosis who underwent short PSF with PCO following ACR from 2006 to 2010. The minimum follow‐up period was 5 years. The patients were divided into two groups based on the sagittal vertical axis (SVA) of the last follow‐up radiographs, and a comparative analysis was performed evaluating spino‐pelvic parameters and clinical outcomes including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and complications. Results: The mean follow‐up time of included patients was 109.7 months, and the mean number of fused segments was 3.7. The uppermost instrumented vertebra was L2 in 18 patients or L3 in nine patients, and lowermost instrumented vertebra was sacrum in all patients. The mean lumbar lordosis (LL) values in the optimal SVA and suboptimal SVA groups were 4.4° and 4.2° preoperatively (P = 0.639), −48.1° and −35° postoperatively (P = 0.007), and −45.2° and −20.7° at the last follow‐up (P < 0.05). Overcorrection was seen in seven patients in the optimal SVA group, whereas all of the patients of the suboptimal SVA group were in the category of undercorrection (P = 0.021). Pelvic incidence (PI) of optimal SVA group (<50 mm, n = 16) and suboptimal SVA group (≥50 mm, n = 11) was 44.1° and 53.8° (P = 0.009). The prevalence of PJK was significantly higher in the suboptimal SVA group (P = 0.008), and last follow‐up VAS for back pain (P < 0.05), and postoperative and last follow‐up ODI (P = 0.002 and P < 0.05) were statistically larger for the suboptimal group than the optimal group. Conclusions: Combined ACR with short PSF and PCO could effectively prevent sagittal decompensation of PJK and help achieve sagittal balance in the treatment of ASD patients with lower lumbar kyphosis, compensatory thoracolumbar lordosis, and especially low PI (<50°). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combination of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with Ni‐rich layered cathode material create artificial cathode‐electrolyte interphases by thermal decomposition of PVDF and residual Li+ species. The pressure of the cell cycled with PVDF‐treated cathode materials is markedly decreased, since the thermal treatment with PVDF selectively reduces the amounts of Li+ species. The cycling performance is improved compared to nontreated Ni‐rich layered cathodes because the artificial cathode–electrolyte interphases effectively suppress the electrolyte decomposition as determined by systematic characterization of particle hardness, surface morphology, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Additional high temperature storage tests performed with 3450‐dimensioned pouch cells indicate much improved recovery rates, as well as smaller open circuit voltage drops, smaller increases in internal resistance, and less swelling for cells cycled with the PVDF‐treated Ni‐rich layered cathode than with a nontreated Ni‐rich layered cathode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon nitride thin film was fabricated using laser‐assisted plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (LAPECVD) with 193 nm ArF excimer laser. In order to achieve damage‐resistive and reliable thin film encapsulation, the deposition of silicon nitride was performed in two‐step that laser‐assisted CVD (LACVD) and LAPECVD performed on the LACVD thin film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As agonists of TLR7/8, single‐stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) are safe and promising adjuvants that do not cause off‐target effects or innate immune overactivation. However, low stability prevents them from mounting sufficient immune responses. This study evaluates the adjuvant effects of ssRNA derived from the cricket paralysis virus intergenic region internal ribosome entry site, formulated as nanoparticles with a coordinative amphiphile, containing a zinc/dipicolylamine complex moiety as a coordinative phosphate binder, as a stabilizer for RNA‐based adjuvants. The nanoformulated ssRNA adjuvant was resistant to enzymatic degradation in vitro and in vivo, and that with a coordinative amphiphile bearing an oleyl group (CA‐O) was approximately 100 nm, promoted effective recognition, and improved activation of antigen‐presenting cells, leading to better induction of neutralizing antibodies following single immunization. Hence, CA‐O may increase the efficacy of ssRNA‐based adjuvants, proving useful to meet the urgent need for vaccines during pathogen outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the learning effects of debriefing methods used in the simulation of prematurity care by measuring: (i) academic self‐efficacy; (ii) confidence in performance; (iii) self‐assessed communication skills; and (iv) satisfaction. We employed a quasi‐experimental design with three experimental groups that experienced instructor‐directed, self‐directed, and video‐assisted, self‐directed debriefing, respectively. Participants were 146 senior nursing students from three nursing schools. To compare learning effects, the same developed scenario for prematurity care was applied to all three groups. Significant differences were observed in the mean scores for the study variables among the three groups. The post‐hoc analysis showed that the video‐assisted, self‐directed debriefing group obtained the highest mean score difference for confidence in performance, self‐assessed communication skills, and satisfaction with the debriefing method. Thus, video‐assisted, self‐directed debriefing could be the most effective debriefing method for students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influenza virus is one of the major public health threats. However, the development of efficient vaccines and therapeutic drugs to combat this virus is greatly limited by its frequent genetic mutations. Because of this, targeting the host factors required for influenza virus replication may be a more effective strategy for inhibiting a broader spectrum of variants. Here, we demonstrated that inhibition of a motor protein kinesin family member 18A (KIF18A) suppresses the replication of the influenza A virus (IAV). The expression of KIF18A in host cells was increased following IAV infection. Intriguingly, treatment with the selective and ATP‐competitive mitotic kinesin KIF18A inhibitor BTB‐1 substantially decreased the expression of viral RNAs and proteins, and the production of infectious viral particles, while overexpression of KIF18A enhanced the replication of IAV. Importantly, BTB‐1 treatment attenuated the activation of AKT, p38 MAPK, SAPK and Ran‐binding protein 3 (RanBP3), which led to the prevention of the nuclear export of viral ribonucleoprotein complexes. Notably, administration of BTB‐1 greatly improved the viability of IAV‐infected mice. Collectively, our results unveiled a beneficial role of KIF18A in IAV replication, and thus, KIF18A could be a potential therapeutic target for the control of IAV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Significant hepatic fibrosis is associated with higher mortality. However, data on the estimated prevalence of liver fibrosis in the general population are scarce. Aim: To use magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to investigate the prevalence of hepatic fibrosis in a Korean health check‐up clinic cohort. Methods: We enrolled 2170 participants at our health check‐up clinic between January 2015 and May 2018, all of whom had MR with chemical shift technique and MRE. The primary objective was to estimate the prevalence of liver fibrosis. For generalisation, sex‐ and age‐standardised prevalence was calculated based on the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS) during the period 2015‐2018. Results: The prevalence of F2 (≥3.0 kPa) and F3 (≥3.6 kPa) in the overall cohort was 5.1% and 1.3% respectively (sex‐ and age‐adjusted prevalence of 3.8% and 1.3%). Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence (>5% fat fraction) was 27.7% in the average risk population (after excluding alcohol use and viral hepatitis), and the prevalence of significant and advanced fibrosis in NAFLD participants was 8.0% and 1.5% respectively. In participants with diabetes, 12.5% had ≥F2 and 4.3% ≥F3. In participants with NAFLD plus diabetes, 24.1% had ≥F2 and 6.0% ≥F3. On multivariate analysis, only age, insulin, diabetes and fatty liver on MR were independently associated with significant fibrosis. Conclusions: In a Korean health check‐up clinic setting, the prevalence of significant and advanced liver fibrosis was 5.1% and 1.3% (sex‐ and age‐adjusted prevalence of 3.8% and 1.3%). The prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis was five times higher for diabetic participants with NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited information about inferior meatus pneumatization in terms of implant treatment for the posterior maxilla. Purpose: To demonstrate the clinical, radiologic, and nasal endoscopic outcomes of implants accidentally protruding into the nasal cavities with inferior meatus pneumatization in the posterior maxilla. Materials and Methods: A total of 560 implants (324 patients) with transcrestal sinus augmentation in the posterior maxilla were screened. On panoramic radiographs, 132 implants (78 patients) appear to penetrate the sinus floor, but cone‐beam computed tomography demonstrated that 26 implants (13 patients) penetrated the nasal floor due to inferior meatus pneumatization. Width of nasal and sinus cavities and extent of penetration were radiographically measured. Nasal endoscopy was performed. Results: Two implants were lost during 13.81 ± 5.40 years due to peri‐implantitis. However, no nasosinusal problem occurred in any patient. The nasal cavity was significantly larger in patients with implants penetrating the pneumatized inferior meatus than in those with implants penetrating the sinus floor (P<.05). Nasal endoscopy demonstrated that the apical portion of the implants was covered with thin mucosa without inflammation. Conclusion: Implants accidentally penetrating the pneumatized inferior meatus demonstrated high survival with no specific nasosinusal complications. Inferior meatus pneumatization should be considered for implant treatment in the posterior maxilla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the long‐term influence of residual bone height (RBH), sinus membrane perforation and the presence of voids on the survival of implants placed simultaneously with lateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA). Materials and Methods: A total of 207 patients (613 implants) who underwent MSFA from 1999 to 2003 and followed up until 2018 were included in this study. RBH and marginal bone loss were assessed using a series of panoramic and periapical radiographs. Cumulative survival rates (CSR) with log‐rank tests and hazard ratios of implant failure according to RBH, membrane perforation, and the presence of voids were assessed. Results: The overall 10‐year and 20‐year CSRs were 95% (95% CI: 84.95%–85.05%) and 85% (95% CI: 84.95%–85.05%), respectively. CSR was significantly higher for implants with ≥3 mm RBH (n = 260, 92.4%) than those with <3 mm RBH (n = 353, 78.8%) (p = .002). CSR of non‐smoking group (n = 312, 90.0%) was higher than that of smoking group (n = 301, 77.1%) (p = .009). There was no significant difference in the hazard ratio of implant failure between the perforated membrane group (n = 245) and the non‐perforated group (n = 368). In two out of 11 patients with voids, the inflammation of peri‐implantitis progressed into voids, resulting in severe bone resorption. Conclusions: The survival of implants placed in <3 mm of RBH, even though it showed a lower CSR, could be considered acceptable. Neither sinus membrane perforation nor the presence of voids appeared to affect implant survival as long as supportive maintenance therapy with proper oral hygiene was provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop flipped learning classes by using film clips for undergraduate nursing students in an online nursing informatics course, based on the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation model, and to evaluate the effectiveness and students' responses to this method of teaching. Methods: Sixty‐four second‐year nursing students participated in the course. The nursing students' knowledge was assessed at the beginning and end of each of the five classes. Moreover, their intention to recommend the classes to other students and additional comments were elicited by using semistructured questionnaires. Results: Knowledge about each core concept of nursing informatics reflected significant improvement. Regarding the intention to recommend the class to others, 62 (96.8%) students answered "strongly recommend" or "recommend." Conclusion: Integrating flipped learning classes by using film clips in an online nursing informatics course improved the nursing students' knowledge and is a format that is desired by students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an extensive research literature on the effects of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on food‐related outcomes which has shown somewhat mixed results but generally favorable effects. However, most of the research has used data sets whose information on SNAP participation is gathered from responses on household surveys, and such responses are subject to reporting error. This study uses the National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey data set to examine the effect of reporting error on food‐related outcomes, for that data set contains information on SNAP participation gathered from government administrative records. Our analysis shows that the degree of reporting error is small and has little effect on the estimated impact of participation in the SNAP program on food security, diet quality, and food spending. A supplemental analysis of the effect of school food programs likewise shows no difference in using survey or administrative data in the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we examine the effects of extracts of Poria cocos mycelium fermented with freeze-dried plum powder (PPE) on the α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated melanogenesis in cultured murine B16 melanoma cells (B16 cells), relative to the effects of Prunus extract. We found that an extract of Prunus fermentation showed significant inhibition of melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity with no effect on cell proliferation and was more active compared to Prunus extract alone. Furthermore, we confirmed that medium containing 3% Prunus was the optimal culture substrate for fermentation with Poria cocos. These results provide evidence that Prunus fermentation extract affects skin whiting in murine B16 melanoma cells (B16 cells). Prunus contains rutin, oxalic acid, succinic acid, and fumaric acid, which help in digestion and fatigue recovery. The rutin of Prunus mume is reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Also, Prunus extract has a tyrosinase inhibitory activity for skin whiting through its antioxidant activity. Therefore, we believe the Prunus extract for Poria cocos fermentation can be provided as a potential mediator to induce skin whiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied capillary‐induced ink transfer technology in order to achieve a breakthrough in relation to the fabrication of a high‐resolution color patterning for OLED display. In this approach, the selective surface treatment of a donor substrate, capillary‐induced ink filling, and a solidified ink sublimation transfer technique are important processes. We investigated the characteristics of ink as it was filled into microchannels and the sublimation transfer characteristics of EML films in accordance with the volume fraction of 1,2‐dichlorobenznene (oDCB) (oDCB/T) and the spin speeds. Through a selective surface treatment, red EML ink was successfully deposited into the microchannels using a conventional spin‐coating process. With the optimized ink filling properties and the sublimation transfer process, we fabricated phosphorescent OLED devices with striped EML patterns. Finally, we demonstrated that a red EML layer can be patterned with a width of 14 µm and pitch of 36.1 µm (700 ppi). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated an organic light emitting diode using poly(9‐vinylcarbazole) : tris[2‐(p‐tolyl)pyridine]iridium(III) emitting layer fabricated by nozzle jet printing. Uniform thin films were formed onto both of glass and PEN substrate. Bending test of the flexible OLEDs was also demonstrated and its performance was stably maintained until 300 cycles of bending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we introduce the fabrication of ink‐jet printed quantum‐dot light emitting diodes (QLEDs) using optimization of co‐solvent condition. Generally, in the fabrication of QLEDs, pinholes and dewetting on the surface of quantum‐dot (QD) thin films in the pixel cause performance degradation of the QLEDs. To control this problem, we dispersed QDs with CdZnSeS structure at a concentration of 20 mg/ml in a 1: 2 mixture of hexane and dichlorobenzene (oDCB). In addition, for stabilization of the jetting process, cartridge meniscus and waveforms were optimized. As a result, a uniform QD thin film was formed on a 240μm × 60μm bank pixel array. No pinholes or drying phenomena were found on the ink‐jet printed QD thin film surface. The luminance, current efficiency, and quantum efficiency of the fabricated ink‐jet printing QLEDs were 6319.6 cd/m2, 4.21 cd/A, and 1.03 %, respectively. The fabricated ink‐jet printing QLEDs showed a luminance of 13.33%, a current efficiency of 23.8%, and a quantum efficiency of 23.62% as compared with those of the spin‐coated QLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to identify health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and its determinants in outpatients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: A cross‐sectional design was used and a total of 124 Korean participants was enrolled. The HRQoL (physical limitations, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception), symptom experience (frequency, severity, and distress), physiological (left ventricular ejection fraction and lipids), psychological (depression and anxiety), and situational (social support) factors were measured, selected on the basis of the theory of unpleasant symptoms. The HRQoL was assessed by using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire‐Korean, designed to evaluate disease‐specific health outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Results: The mean age of the participants was 61.73 years. The HRQoL was moderate. Among the HRQoL domains, disease perception showed the lowest level. The most intense symptoms that were experienced by the participants were fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. More than half of the participants had depression and anxiety. The determinants of worse HRQoL were severe symptom experience, higher depression, higher low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, a lower educational level, and lower social support. Conclusion: This study proposes a comprehensive approach to health care that incorporates symptom experience, as well as the physiological, psychological, and situational aspects based on the theory of unpleasant symptoms, to improve the HRQoL among outpatients with ACS. Nurses should play a key role to help patients with ACS to deal with the symptoms, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and depression and to promote social support, particularly in less‐educated patients, in order to improve their HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been proposed to treat various autoimmune diseases. However, effective strategies for treating atopic dermatitis (AD) are still lacking, and the mechanisms underlying stem cell therapy remain largely unknown. In this study, we sought to explore potential clinical application of superoxide dismutase 3‐transduced MSCs (SOD3‐MSCs) to experimental AD‐like skin inflammation in in vitro and in vivo and its underlying anti‐inflammatory mechanisms. Methods: SOD3‐MSCs were administered subcutaneously to mice with AD, and associated symptoms and biologic changes were evaluated. Human keratinocytes, mast cells, and murine T helper (Th) 2 cells were cocultured in vitro with SOD3‐MSCs to investigate potential therapeutic effects of SOD3‐MSCs. Results: In mice with AD, SOD3‐MSCs ameliorated AD pathology and enhanced the efficacy of MSC therapy by controlling activated immune cells, by reducing expression levels of proinflammatory mediators in the skin, and by inhibiting the histamine H4 receptor (H4R)‐mediated inflammatory cascade and activation of Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways. Similarly, coculture of SOD3‐MSCs with mast cells, keratinocytes, and Th2 cells effectively dampened H4R‐dependent persistent inflammatory responses by multiple mechanisms. Moreover, we also showed that SOD3 interacts with H4R and IL‐4 receptor α. The functional significance of this interaction could be a markedly reduced inflammatory response in keratinocytes and overall AD pathogenesis, representing a novel mechanism for SOD3's anti‐inflammatory effects. Conclusion: SOD3‐MSCs can be potentially used as an effective and clinically relevant therapy for AD and other autoimmune disorders. (A and B) Proposed mechanism by which SOD3‐MSCs control inflammatory pathways in the skin through regulation of keratinocytes, Th2 cells, and mast cell function. In this study, we demonstrated that SOD3‐MSCs suppress skin inflammation via H4R/IL‐4R‐dependent mechanism, with suppression of multiple proximal pathways in mast cells, keratinocytes, and Th2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi‐crystalline polypyrrole:polystyrene sulfonate (PPy:PSS) composites were synthesized successfully after passing through the micro‐pores of filter paper. Filter paper was used as a tunnel to channel the diffusion speed of the initiator and to separate the PSS chains as a function of the occupied pore volume. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) suggested the specific bonding structures of the formed PPy:PSS. The crystallographic structures of the PPy:PSS composites were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction based on various pore sizes of the filter paper used. The crystallinity dependence of the conductivity was evaluated using a standard four‐point probe. A series of PPy:PSS samples with different crystallinity exhibited electrical conductivity ranging from 0.007 S/cm to 0.062 S/cm. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1033–1036, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Whole kidney decellularization is a promising approach in regenerative medicine for engineering a functional organ. The reaction of the potential host depends on the biocompatibility of these decellularized constructs. Despite the proven ability of decellularized kidney scaffolds to guide cell attachment and growth, little is known about biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of these scaffolds. Our aim is to prepare decellularized kidneys of a clinically relevant size and evaluate its biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. Porcine kidneys were cannulated via the renal artery, and then perfused with 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution. Hematoxylin and eosin as well as DAPI staining confirmed cellular clearance from native kidneys in addition to preservation of the microstructure. SEM confirmed the absence of any cellular content within the scaffold, which is maintained in a well‐organized 3D architecture. Decellularized kidneys retained the intact renal vasculature upon examination with contrast radiography. The essential structural extracellular matrix molecules were well‐preserved. Scaffolds were susceptible to enzymatic degradation upon collagenase treatment. Scaffolds showed a good hemocompatibility when exposed to porcine blood. Decellularization was efficient to remove 97.7% of DNA from native kidneys in addition to the immunogenic and pathogenic antigens. Scaffolds did not induce the human immune response in vitro. Decellularized kidneys were non‐cytotoxic to pig kidney cells (PKs). PKs were able to grow and proliferate within the decellularized renal scaffolds with maintaining a higher function than cells grown as monolayers. Thus, we have developed a rapid decellularization technique for generating biocompatible kidney scaffolds that represents a step toward development of a transplantable organ. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2034–2047, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]