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Purpose Children with comorbidities have a higher risk of severe, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study investigated the clinical features and outcomes of COVID-19 in children and adolescents with diabetes between January and March 2022. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 123 children and adolescents (73 with type 1 diabetes and 50 with type 2 diabetes, 59 males and 64 females) aged

With the continuously growing requirement for encryption in network environments, web browsers are increasingly employing hypertext transfer protocol security. Despite the increase in encrypted malicious network traffic, the encryption itself limits the data accessible for analyzing such behavior. To mitigate this, several studies have examined encrypted network traffic by analyzing metadata and payload bytes. Recent studies have furthered this approach, utilizing graph neural networks to analyze the structural data patterns within malicious encrypted traffic. This study proposed an enhanced encrypted traffic analysis leveraging graph neural networks which can model the symmetric or asymmetric spatial relations between nodes in the traffic network and optimized feature dimensionality reduction. It classified malicious network traffic by leveraging key features, including the IP address, port, CipherSuite, MessageLen, and JA3 features within the transport-layer-security session data, and then analyzed the correlation between normal and malicious network traffic data. The proposed approach outperformed previous models in terms of efficiency, using fewer features while maintaining a high accuracy rate of 99.5%. This demonstrates its research value as it can classify malicious network traffic with a high accuracy based on fewer features.

Abstract In this study, we experimentally demonstrate fabrication of ultra-smooth and crystalline barium titanate (BTO) films on magnesium oxide (MgO) substrates by engineering lattice strain and crystal structure via thermal treatment. We observe that oxygen-depleted deposition allows growth of highly strained BTO films on MgO substrates with crack-free surface. In addition, post-thermal treatment relaxes strain, resulting in an enhancement of ferroelectricity. Surface roughening of the BTO films caused by recrystallization during post-thermal treatment is controlled by chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) to retain their initial ultra-smooth surfaces. From Raman spectroscopy, reciprocal space map (RSM), and capacitance–voltage (C–V) curve measurements, we confirm that the ferroelectricity of BTO films strongly depend on the relaxation of lattice strain and the phase transition from a-axis to c-axis oriented crystal structure.

We investigated the defect states and optoelectrical properties of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite films synthesized via a two-step dry process. To synthesize MAPbI3 thin films, PbI2 thin films were deposited via rf magnetron sputtering and were subsequently exposed to methylammonium iodide (MAI) vapor to synthesize MAPbI3 thin films. By using deep level transient spectroscopy and space-charge-limited current methods, the defect density of the perovskite films was proven to be reduced by about 6 times as the reaction temperature increased from 90 to 110 °C. At a high reaction temperature of 130 °C, the deformation process could occur, resulting in a rising trap density within the perovskite film. Along with a significant decline in defect density, the photoresponsivity of films fabricated at 110 °C were higher by about 2.05 and 18.76 times more than those of samples prepared at 100 and 130 °C, respectively. An excellent detectivity of 1.17 × 1013 Jones was observed from the sample synthesized at 110 °C, demonstrating the superiority of a two-step dry process.

Abstract Post-menopausal depression (PMD) is a common psychological disorder accompanied by a cognitive deficit, which is caused by a series of uncontrolled emotional disruptions by strong environmental stressors during menopause. To overcome PMD-induced cognitive deficit, Green tea has been suggested as a dietary supplement because of its ameliorating effect on cognitive dysfunction induced by normal aging or neurodegenerative syndromes; however, its clinical use to improve PMD-accompanied cognitive deficit is still limited due to the controversy for the active ingredients and ambiguous mechanism of its action. Here, we developed modified high-temperature-processed green tea extract (HTP-GTE), which showed lower neuronal toxicity than the conventional green tea extract (GTE). We also demonstrated that HTP-GTE administration prevented the development of learned helplessness (LH) in a rat post-menopausal model. Additionally, HTP-GTE improved LH-induced cognitive impairments simultaneously with rescued the long-term synaptic plasticity. This occurred via the restoration of silent synapse formation by increasing the hippocampal BDNF-tyrosine receptor kinase B pathway in the helpless ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Likewise, we also identified that (−)-gallocatechin gallate was the main contributor of the HTP-GTE effect. Our findings suggested that HTP-GTE has a potential as a preventive nutritional supplement to ameliorate cognitive dysfunctions associated with PMD.

Aging leads to cognitive impairments characterized by reduced hippocampal functions that are associated with impairment of long-term potentiation of CA1 synapses. Here, we assessed the safety and efficacy of modified (−)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG)-enriched green tea extract (HTP-GTE) in ameliorating the cognitive dysfunctions in late middle-aged murine model. We developed a novel HTP-GTE that was enriched with GCG via epimerization that involved heating. We compared the effects of oral administrations of conventional green tea and HTP-GTE in young and aged male C57/BL6 mice, and examined the changes in the hippocampal functions related to aging process. The functional outcome was assessed by the electrophysiological experiments to measure the long-term potentiation (LTP). HTP-GTE improved the age-related cognitive impairments via restoring long-term synaptic plasticity. We also identified that GCG was the main active component responsible for the HTP-GTE effect. The main molecular pathway in ameliorating the age-related cognitive dysfunctions involved protein kinase A (PKA) which was shown to be modulated by HTP-GTE. Thus, HTP-GTE has a therapeutic potential as a dietary supplement which may aid to rescue the impaired cognitive functions at the early phase of aging process through the modulation of LTP threshold.

Background : Adiposity may play a role as a potential trigger for adrenarche. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) level. Methods : The medical records of 8-year-old girls who presented to our clinic between 2014 and 2016 with concerns regarding pubertal changes were retrospectively reviewed. The 192 girls were divided into two groups depending on activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Group I included 77 subjects with a breast Tanner stage 1 with unknown HPG axis or thelarche without activated HPG axis. Group II included 115 subjects with activated HPG axis. Serum DHEAS level ≥1.1 μmol/L was regarded as biochemical adrenarche. Results : Based on correlation analyses, BMI standard deviation score (SDS) was positively correlated with height SDS, bone age divided by chronological age (BA/CA), and DHEAS level in all subjects (r=0.269, r=0.270, r=0.298; all P

Recent work has shown that thalamocortical (TC) inputs can be plastic after the developmental critical period has closed, but the mechanism that enables re-establishment of plasticity is unclear. Here, we find that long-term potentiation (LTP) at TC inputs is transiently restored in spared barrel cortex following either a unilateral infra-orbital nerve (ION) lesion, unilateral whisker trimming, or unilateral ablation of the rodent barrel cortex. Restoration of LTP is associated with increased potency at TC input and reactivates anatomical map plasticity induced by whisker follicle ablation. The reactivation of TC LTP is accompanied by reappearance of silent synapses. Both LTP and silent synapse formation are preceded by transient re-expression of synaptic GluN2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are required for the reappearance of TC plasticity. These results clearly demonstrate that peripheral sensory deprivation reactivates synaptic plasticity in the mature layer 4 barrel cortex with features similar to the developmental critical period.

We are developing a practical-scale mechanical decladder that can slit nuclear spent fuel rod-cuts (hulls + pellets) on the order of several tens of kgf of heavy metal/batch to supply UO2 pellets to a voloxidation process. The mechanical decladder is used for separating and recovering nuclear fuel material from the cladding tube by horizontally slitting the cladding tube of a fuel rod. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) is improving the performance of the mechanical decladder to increase the recovery rate of pellets from spent fuel rods. However, because actual nuclear spent fuel is dangerously toxic, we need to develop simulated spent fuel rods for continuous experiments with mechanical decladders. We describe procedures to develop both simulated cladding tubes and simulated fuel rod (with physical properties similar to those of spent nuclear fuel). Performance tests were carried out to evaluate the decladding ability of the mechanical decladder using two types of simulated fuel (simulated tube + brass pellets and zircaloy-4 tube + simulated ceramic fuel rod). The simulated tube was developed for analyzing the slitting characteristics of the cross section of the spent fuel cladding tube. Simulated ceramic fuel rod (with mechanical properties similar to the pellets of actual PWR spent fuel) was produced to ensure that the mechanical decladder could slit real PWR spent fuel. We used castable powder pellets that simulate the compressive stress of the real spent UO2 pellet. The production criteria for simulated pellets with compressive stresses similar to those of actual spent fuel were determined, and the castables were inserted into zircaloy-4 tubes and sintered to produce the simulated fuel rod. To investigate the slitting characteristics of the simulated ceramic fuel rod, a verification experiment was performed using a mechanical decladder.

We have developed a practical-scale dry disassembling process to dismantle PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor) spent nuclear fuel assembly in the order of several tens of kilograms of heavy metal/batch to supply rod-cuts (cladding tube and UO2 pellets) for mechanical decladding process. Dry head-end disassembling process has advantages over the wet head-end process because of the lower risk of proliferation and treatment of spent fuel with relatively high heat and radioactivity. This study describes the main design considerations for the disassembling process of the spent nuclear fuel assembly during the dry head-end process. The down-ender, dismantling, extraction, and cutting technologies are analyzed and models have been designed for testing. The purpose of dry head-end disassembly process is to test the main device performance and to obtain scale-up data for practical-scale disassembling. With this in mind, design considerations were analyzed based on remoteness, and basic verification tests were performed. However, the authors used simulated fuel, instead of the actual spent fuel, owing to a lack of joint determination. In addition, in the present study, we did not consider the heat generated from minor actinides or the radioactivity of the fission product; these aspects will be considered in a future study. During the basic test performed in this study, a simulated assembly was completely disassembled using new methods, such as dismantling, extraction, and cutting processes. The practical-scale dry disassembling technology can be tested using scale-up data for reuse of the spent fuel.

A practical scale mechanical decladder that can slit spent nuclear fuel rod-cuts (hulls + pellets) of several tens of kg HM/batch is being developed to supply UO2 pellets to a voloxidation process. The mechanical decladder is an apparatus for separating and recovering fuel material and cladding tubes by horizontally slitting the cladding tube of a fuel rod and a defective irradiated fuel rod. In this study, we address the engineering design of the mechanical decladder for the pretesting of rod-cut slitting. To obtain the requirements of the mechanical decladder, we first manufactured a slitter for testing based on the decladding and shearing conditions of hulls and pellets. The performance test of the testing device for decladding was carried out using a 2-CUT blade module and a 3-CUT blade module. We evaluated the decladding methods for the mechanical decladder and selected the 3-CUT blade module based on the results. A buckling measurement instrument was used to perform a buckling verification test according to the length of a rod-cut and to determine decladder dimensions. The optimum decladding rod-cut length for buckling prevention was calculated. Furthermore, we analyzed the decladding mechanism for various slitting methods. Design/fabrication and preliminary tests of the practical scale mechanical decladder were also performed. For this purpose, we constructed the main mechanism by utilizing the SolidWorks modeling and analysis program and fabricated a new mechanical decladder. Based on the derived requirements, a mechanical decladder with three main modules was designed and fabricated for testing. Simulated rod-cuts of zircaloy were also manufactured to test the basic performance of the decladder, and a data acquisition system was constructed using RSC 232 to measure decladding force and velocity. In the basic test, the rod-cut was completely sectioned into three evenly spaced locations by the new mechanical decladder.

The purpose of this study is to develop a solid dispersion system with improved dissolution, absorption, and patient compliance of poorly water-soluble celecoxib (CXB). Instead of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), an anionic surfactant used in the marketed product (Celebrex®), solubilization was performed using non-ionic surfactants with low toxicity. Cremophor RH40 (Cre-RH) was selected as the optimal solubilizer. Granules and tablets containing CXB and Cre-RH were prepared via fluid-bed and tableting processes, respectively. The morphology, crystallinity, flowability, dissolution, and pharmacokinetics for CXB-solid dispersion granules (SDGs) and the hardness and friability for CXB-solid dispersion tablets (SDTs) were evaluated. The solubility of CXB was found to be increased by about 717-fold when using Cre-RH. The dissolution of granules containing Cre-RH was found to be increased greatly compared with CXB API and Celebrex® (66.9% versus 2.3% and 37.2% at 120 min). The improvement of the dissolution was confirmed to be the same as that of granules in tablets. The CXB formulation resulted in 4.6- and 4.9-fold higher AUCinf and Cmax of CXB compared with those of an oral dose of CXB powder in rats. In short, these data suggest that the solid dispersion based on Cre-RH—a non-toxic solubilizer, non-ionic surfactant— may be an effective formulation for CXB to enhance its oral bioavailability and safety.

A voloxidizer with a double reactor capable of processing several tens of kilograms of HM/batch of nuclear spent fuel has been developed for the decladding and voloxidation of rod-cuts into hulls and pellets through the conversion of UO2 pellets to U3O8 powder. In this study, we optimized the engineering design of this voloxidizer to improve its hull-recovery ratio. First, we tested the oxidation performance of the device prototype and evaluated the effectiveness of various mechanical and chemical voloxidizing methods. On the basis of the results, we selected the screw-and-rotation method for the double rotary drum. Next, we derived a theoretical equation for calculating the optimal reactor volume for various rod-cut weights and lengths and then validated the equation using centimeter-scale acryl reactors and hulls. Subsequently, we modularized the main components such as the heater, utility, motor, reactor, valve, and structure. The double reactor was subject to preliminary separation tests of hulls and powder. Moreover, the hull-separation performance of the voloxidizer reactor was tested at a loading of 50 kg HM/batch. Finally, the remote assembling and disassembling possibility of the modules were experimentally optimized.

Palladium (Pd)-based hydrogen (H2) gas sensors have been widely investigated thanks to its fast reaction and high sensitivity to hydrogen. Various sensing mechanisms have been adopted for H2 gas sensors; however, all the sensors must be powered through an external battery. We report here an H2 gas sensor that can detect H2 by measuring the output voltages generated during contact electrification between two friction surfaces. When the H2 sensor, composed of Pd-coated ITO (indium tin oxide) and PET (polyethylene Terephthalate) film, is exposed to H2, its output voltage is varied in proportion to H2 concentration because the work function (WF) of Pd-coated surface changes, altering triboelectric charging behavior. Specifically, the output voltage of the sensor is gradually increased as exposing H2 concentration increases. Reproducible and sensitive sensor response was observed up 1% H2 exposure. The approach introduced here can easily be adopted to development of triboelectric gas sensors detecting other gas species.

In the rapidly evolving healthcare environment, radiologists strive to establish their rightful place. Thus, there is a need for enhanced outpatient and clinical education within the Department of Radiology and exploration of its methodologies. Accordingly, the Korean Society of Radiology established a task force to investigate the clinical and outpatient practice status of radiologists overseas, current state of related education, involvement of other specialties in radiologic practices and education in Korea, and clinical and outpatient practice status among Korean radiologists. Furthermore, a survey on clinical competency enhancement was conducted among the members of the Korean Society of Radiology. These findings suggest the need for visibility and clinical competency enhancement in radiologists and methodologies for strengthening clinical competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aortic anastomotic leak is an uncommon complication after ascending aortic replacement for acute aortic dissection. Redo-surgery is the traditional standard treatment despite high mortality and morbidity. Recently, endovascular treatment has been attempted as an alternative approach in a few case reports. Here, we present two cases of aortic anastomotic leak due to suture line dehiscence after aortic graft replacement for type A aortic dissection, which were successfully treated by coil with subsequent N-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization and an AmplatzerTM vascular plug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case of type A insulin resistance syndrome in a 14-year-old girl who did not exhibit the common clinical features associated with the disorder. Type A insulin resistance syndrome is a rare congenital disorder caused by mutations in the insulin receptor gene. The syndrome is characterized by insulin resistance, acanthosis nigricans, and ovarian hyperandrogenism. The patient in this case had diabetes and was not obese, but exhibited other symptoms such as dental abnormalities and hirsutism. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous mutation in the INSR gene. Treatment with metformin and insulin improved the patient's condition. The article emphasizes the importance of genetic testing in patients who do not fit the typical criteria for type 1 or type 2 diabetes. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in the Clinical & Experimental Pediatrics journal examined the relationship between eosinophilic airway inflammation and chronic cough in children. The study found that children with chronic cough had higher levels of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) in their blood, suggesting a potential connection between ECP and the development of chronic cough. The study also found that high ECP levels were present in both school-age and preschool-age children, regardless of their age. The findings suggest that measuring ECP levels in the blood could be helpful in managing and making treatment decisions for children with chronic cough. [Extracted from the article]

The fabrication of thin films of stabilized-[Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4] nanoparticles and a vast monolayer of [Fe.sub.3][O.sub.4] magnetic nanoparticles which was prepared by Langmuir-Blodgett are reported.

A study of Cu deposition on the surface of spherical Si[O.sub.2] nanoparticles is conducted to achieve the hybrid structure of Cu-Si[O.sub.2] nanocomposite. Excellent antibacterial ability is shown by the homogeneously formed Cu nanoparticles on the surface of Si[O.sub.2] nanoparticles without aggregation of Cu nanoparticles.

A study of the development and performance tests for materials selection conducted for the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research Central Solenoid model coil is presented. The study includes a description of the processes that are required for the fabrication of each material. A description of the preliminary cryogenic evaluation, including full data acquisition, quenching detection and power supply system in the pool-type cryostat, is also included.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of tumor enucleation (TE) compared with partial nephrectomy (PN) for T1 renal cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: According to protocol, we searched multiple data sources for published and unpublished randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized studies (NRSs) in any language. We performed systematic review and meta-analysis according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and rated the certainty of the evidence (CoE) using the GRADE framewor. Results: We are uncertain about the effects of TE on perioperative (mean difference [MD] 3.38, 95% CI 1.52 to 5.23; I²=68%; 4 NRSs; 942 participants; very low CoE) and long-term (MD 2.31, 95% CI -1.40 to 6.01; I²=57%; 4 NRSs; 542 participants; very low CoE) residual renal function. TE may result in little to no difference in short-term residual renal function (MD 1.04, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.83; I²=0%; 2 NRSs; 256 participants; low CoE). We are uncertain about the effects of TE on cancer-specific mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.90, 95% CI: 0.11 to 7.28; I²=0%; 2 NRSs; 551 participants; very low CoE) and major adverse events (RR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.79; I²=0%; 10 NRS; 2,360 participants; very low CoE). Conclusions: While TE appears to have similar effects on short term postoperative residual renal function, there were uncertainties on mortality and major adverse events. However, we need rigorous RCTs to elucidate the effects of TE as the evidence stems mostly from NRSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE Inflammation is known to induce prostatic growth and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) progression in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but clinical indicators for intraprostatic inflammation other than biopsy have not yet been established. While 2-deoxy- 2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a useful tool for investigating inflammatory conditions, prostatic FDG uptake in patients with BPH has not been elucidated. Therefore, we evaluated the association between prostatic FDG uptake and LUTS. METHODS A total of 391 men in their 50s who underwent FDG PET/CT during health examinations were included. Mean and maximal prostatic standard uptake values (SUVs) on FDG PET/CT were measured. Prostatic volume, focal FDG uptake, and calcification were also evaluated. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) for LUTS was collected at baseline and follow- ups. The correlation between IPSS and other variables was analyzed. RESULTS The mean age of the study participants was 51.7 years, and the mean follow-up interval was 39.7 months. The average of the mean and maximal SUV for prostatic FDG uptake was 1.8 and 2.6, respectively. The prostate volume was 18.5 cm3. The mean IPSS was 4.82 at baseline and 5.46 at follow-ups. Neither the mean SUV nor the maximal SUV of prostatic FDG uptake was correlated with IPSS at baseline or follow-ups. Conversely, prostate volume was associated with baseline IPSS and follow-up IPSS. CONCLUSION Prostatic FDG uptake did not show a significant association with IPSS on FDG PET/CT as well as at follow-ups. FDG uptake may not reflect prostatic growth in nonmalignant cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of strain elastography (SE) in the differential diagnosis of ruptured epidermal cyst and superficial abscess. Methods: This retrospective study included 34 patients with ruptured epidermal cysts and 17 patients with superficial abscesses who underwent ultrasonography (US) including SE. The SE characteristics were classified into four grades (1 to 4) according to elasticity. The largest length and height of the lesion and their ratio were evaluated on the US images. Involvement of more than half of the depth of the dermis and the presence of the submarine sign were assessed. Results: The inter-reader agreement of US and SE findings showed excellent or almost perfect agreement. The height, length, ratio of height to length, and more-than-half-depth sign did not significantly differ between ruptured epidermal cysts and superficial abscesses for either reader (reader 1, P=0.071, P=0.129, P=0.806, and P=0.102, respectively; reader 2, P=0.173, P=0.053, P=0.669, and P=0.060, respectively). The submarine sign was significantly more frequent in ruptured epidermal cysts than in superficial abscesses (both readers, P<0.001). The difference in SE scores between ruptured epidermal cysts and superficial abscesses, which are harder than ruptured epidermal cysts, was statistically significant (reader 1, P=0.046; reader 2, P=0.028). Conclusion: The SE score and submarine sign may be useful characteristics for distinguishing ruptured epidermal cyst from superficial abscess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), an important physiological feature of asthma, is a prognostic marker of childhood asthma. Purpose: We aimed to investigate the factors associated with BHR in adolescents with childhood asthma. Methods: Two hundred and fifteen adolescents (≥13 years of age; 149 males, 66 females) who were diagnosed with asthma during childhood were enrolled, underwent methacholine challenge tests, and were divided into the BHR group (<25 mg/mL of provocation concentration causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] [PC20], n=113) or non-BHR group (≥25 mg/mL of PC20, n=102). We examined longitudinal changes in BHR and the risk factors for its persistence in the 108 adolescents for whom baseline data, including methacholine PC20 at age 6 years, were available. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the factors associated with BHR in adolescents. Results: Mold sensitization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.569; P=0.005) and increased blood eosinophil count (aOR, 1.002; P=0.026) were independently associated with BHR in boys but not girls. The odds of BHR decreased by 32% with each 1-year increase in age in boys (aOR, 0.683; P=0.010) but not girls. A reduced FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio (<90%) was independently related with BHR in female patients only (aOR, 7.500; P=0.007). BHR decreased with age throughout childhood. A low methacholine PC20 at age 6 years was independently associated with persistent BHR throughout childhood in male and female patients, whereas early mold sensitization was a risk factor for persistent BHR in male patients only (aOR, 7.718; P=0.028). Conclusion: Our study revealed sex-specific differences in the factors associated with BHR in adolescents with childhood asthma. Our findings suggest the risk factors that might affect asthma transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To analyze the findings and serial changes in chest CT lesions in 123 symptomatic patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods From February 19 to April 7, 2020, a total of 123 confirmed COVID-19 patients (male, 44; female, 79; mean age, 59.2 ± 18.6) were enrolled in this retrospective study. A total of 234 CT scans were reviewed for the following patterns: acute alveolar insult (AAI) patterns: ground-glass opacity (GGO), crazy-paving appearance, mixed pattern, and consolidation; organizing pneumonia (OP) patterns: perilobular patterns, band opacity, curvilinear opacity, reversed halo opacity, and small nodular consolidation; resolving patterns: pure GGO, remnant curvilinear, small nodular consolidation, and serial changes of lung abnormalities. We compared the proportions of AAI pattern, OP pattern, or resolving pattern with time progression and analyzed the association between the patterns and disease severity using Pearson chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. Results Predominant CT patterns were AAI pattern (87%) in the early hospital period group (0- 10 days, after the onset of symptoms), OP pattern (45.7%) in the later hospital period group (after 10 days), and resolving pattern in discharge and follow-up group (47.2% and 84.8%, respectively). The difference in the proportions of predominant CT patterns with time progression was statistically significant (p < 0.001, Pearson’s chi-square test). No statistically significant association was observed between the patterns and disease severity (p = 0.055, Fisher’s exact test). No fibrous changes in the lesions were observed on follow-up CT scans. Conclusion The serial CT scans of COVID-19 patients showed the spectrum of COVID pneumonia CT manifestations as different phases of lung injury and repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute trauma is a common cause of mortality in individuals aged < 40 years. As organ preservation has become important in treating trauma patients, the treatment is shifting from surgical management to non-operative management. A multidisciplinary team approach, including interventional radiology (IR), is essential for the optimal management of trauma patients, as IR plays an important role in injury evaluation and management. IR also contributes significantly to achieving the best clinical outcomes in critically ill trauma patients. This pictorial essay aims to present and summarize various interventional treatments in trauma patients requiring critical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-derived materials are a crucial element of research in the life sciences. The Korea Biobank Network (KBN) portal is a shared open platform that provides the nation's most extensive disease resources, possessed by Human Bioresource Unit Banks of the KBN, to the public, including those in the fields of industry, academia, and research. This platform was developed to increase the efficient use of national disease resources. In the KBN portal, the current status of disease resources collected in Korea can be checked online. Human bioresources and clinical information are provided to consumers through systematic search and efficient distribution programs. Additionally, by simultaneously operating the KBN Distribution Support Center, we are working to support the rapid and convenient distribution of human resources in response to the needs of consumers. To effectively utilize the open human bioresource sharing platform, it is necessary to introduce an integrated clinical information management system. Currently, the KBN is in the process of establishing standard terminology for data and applying a common data model for the integrated management of various clinical information held by the KBN. We provide communications through the KBN portal, which is interconnected with the distribution support center, regional biobanks, and consumers. In conclusion, the KBN portal will provide open innovation by creating a business or service model by delivering shared open data and internalizing external innovative capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perforation of the intrathoracic internal jugular vein during the placement of an implantable central venous chemoport is a rare complication that is manifested by hemothorax or hemorrhagic shock. Furthermore, inappropriate instillation of a chemotherapeutic agent in the chemoport can cause chemical pleuritis, and the diagnosis of these complications prior to the instillation of chemotherapeutic agents and open thoracic surgery is mandatory. We report a patient with chemical pleuritis and hemothorax following an inappropriate instillation of a chemotherapeutic agent, through the perforated right internal jugular vein after placement of an implantable central venous chemoport. Treatment by embolizat [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of the zinc oxide (ZnO) inorganic film deposited by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering as an alternative alignment layer for liquid crystal display (LCD) applications are described. Ion beam (IB) bombardment at various incident angles is used for inducing liquid crystal (LC) alignment and has caused the measured pretilt angle on ZnO films to assume a triangular contour.

The resulting electro-optical (EO) characteristics of various pretilt angles are measured and compared to the EO characteristics of a conventional in-plane switching (IPS)-liquid crystal display (LCD). The vertically aligned twisted nematic IPS (VPS)-LCDs have overcome many viewing angle and transmittance curve problems, whereas multidomain vertical alignment LCDs and IPS-LCDs have resolved only one problem.

The effects of ion beam (IB) irradiation and rubbing on the directional behavior and alignment mechanism of liquid crystals (LCs) on polyimide (PI) surfaces are examined. The studies have shown that the LC direction has depended strongly on the C-O bonds created from C[double bond]O bonds on the PI surface broken by IB irradiation and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used for studying the chemical bonding state of the PI surface.

The surface modification characteristics of liquid crystal (LC) alignment layers irradiated with various argon (Ar) ion beam (IB) energies are examined as a substituted for rubbing technology. The chemical structure analysis has showed that the alignment ability of LCs is because of the preferential reorientation of the carbon network due to the breaking of C[double bond]O double bonds in the imide ring parallel to the incident IB direction.

Metal nanocrystals are synthesized by an economical and nontoxic thermal decomposition method and stabilized by coating with solventless oleate. Their highly crystalline nature was studied using electron diffraction image and x-ray diffraction.

[Co.sub.30][Fe.sub.70] nanoparticles with mean particle size of about 8 nm were successfully synthesized by the chemical reduction of cobalt chloride and iron chloride with borohydride as a reducing agent in aqueous solution. The [Co.sub.30][Fe.sub.70] nanocrystallite by chemical reduction shows excellent soft magnetic behavior like that of [Co.sub.30][Fe.sub.70] bulk.

Pressure-area isotherm curves and Brewster Angle Microscope (BAM) were used for examining the formation and stability of a Langmuir monolayer of the surface coated CoFe2O4 nanocrystallites with oleate at the air/water interface. The well-separated domains of nanocrystallites transformed into well-compressed, monoparticulate layers, due to the increase in surface pressure.

Objective To investigate the effect of decreased Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) and hand grip strength on functional recovery in subacute ambulatory stroke patients. Methods Subacute stroke patients who were referred to the rehabilitation center were recruited. Decreased SMI and hand grip strength were diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia. Diagnostic criteria were decreased SMI and decreased unaffected hand grip strength. SMI was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Unaffected hand grip strength was measured with a hand dynamometer. Patients were divided into two groups, decreased group (DG) and not-decreased group (NDG), according to the presence of decreased SMI and hand grip strength. Both groups received conventional stroke rehabilitation for 3 weeks. All patients were evaluated at the baseline and at 3 weeks after treatment. Functional status was evaluated with 4-meter walk test (4MWT), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results Both groups showed improvement in 4MWT, TUG, and MBI. NDG showed improvement in 6MWT. Comparing improvements between the two groups, NDG showed more improvement in 6MWT and TUG than DG. Conclusion The presence of decreased SMI and hand grip strength had negative effects on functional recovery in subacute ambulatory stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic artery complications after liver transplantation include hepatic artery thrombosis, stenosis, pseudoaneurysm (PA), and others. Among these complications, hepatic artery PA is reported to have a low incidence, but it is associated with a devastating and often fatal outcome and a high risk of rupture. Herein, we present the case of a 56-year-old male patient who underwent living-donor liver transplantation because of alcoholic liver cirrhosis. A silent PA of the hepatic artery proper was detected incidentally on computed tomography scan during routine follow-up 15 days after surgery, and was successfully excluded by implantation of a coronary balloon-expandable stent-graft using ‘conical remodeling’ by two-step ballooning. This technique can be effectively used for PA of visceral arteries with tapering-small diameter, in which flow preservation is critical to patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this paper is to report surgical correction of ureteric rupture due to stenosis induced secondary to accidental injury by placing nephrovesical subcutaneous ureteric bypass in a dog and postoperative long term outcomes. Materials and methods: Imaging techniques revealed multiple bone fractures as well as left proximal ureter injury. The all bone fractures were corrected using standard techniques while left proximal ureter injury was treated as conservation medical therapy. One month later, contrast media were also found in proximal ureter and abdomen which indicated ureter rupture. This rupture was corrected surgically by nephrovesical subcutaneous ureteric bypass (SUB) under fluoroscopy guidance. Results: First day after accidental injury, the serum BUN and CRE were 10.7 mg/dL and 0.9 mg/dL, respectively which indicated kidney injury but by conservative therapy these parameters were lowered gradually. On the 5th day after considering these parameters, the dog was judged normal. However, on the 31st day BUN and CRE were 14.3 mg/dL and 0.8 mg/Kg, respectively. The Doppler ultrasonography revealed hydroneprosis, proximal ureter stenosis and high resistive index (0.72±0.02) in the renal arcuate artery indicating renal abnormalities due to ureter obstruction. On re-examination by radiography after one month postoperatively, revealed that patency of the device and normal renal function. The dog was clinically normal with normal urination and no complications were found 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion: In view of the above findings, it is suggested that the SUB system can be a better alternative to preserve the kidney in non-reparable traumatic ureteral damage in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the feasibility and long-term clinical outcome of percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy for treating acute or subacute arterial thromboembolism in the infrainguinal arteries. Materials and Methods: Thirty limbs of 29 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study between January 2004 and March 2014. Nine limbs underwent overnight catheter-directed thrombolysis followed by percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy (PAT). Eighteen limbs underwent PAT with adjunctive selective intra-arterial thrombolysis in a single session. The remaining three limbs underwent PAT alone. Balloon angioplasty (n = 16) or stent placement (n = 3) was performed as required. In-hospital mortality and complications were estimated. The primary patency rate and the rate of freedom from reintervention were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Technical success was achieved in 28 limbs. Clinical success was achieved in 27 limbs. The mean ankle-brachial index increased from 0.17 ± 0.26 to 0.98 ± 0.19 after the procedure. Three in-hospital deaths and no major amputations were recorded. Distal embolization of crural arteries occurred as a minor complication in five limbs, but no major complications occurred. The primary patency rate and the rate of freedom from reintervention were 74.9% and 90.9% at 1 year, respectively, and 66.6% and 80.8% at 2 years, respectively. Conclusion: PAT is a rapid and effective method to remove a thrombus from occluded infrainguinal arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudoparalysis is defined as immobility of the extremity due to painful limb infection. However, such conditions may be misdiagnosed as nerve palsy when abnormal neurologic findings are present. We report herein a case with femoral osteomyelitis that was misdiagnosed as lumbosacral plexitis. A 7-month-old male infant was brought by his parents to the clinic who noticed that he did not move his left leg since 4 days prior to admission. Four days prior to admission, the parents noticed that he was not moving his left leg. There were no signs of inflammation in the involved limb. The left leg showed a motor weakness with grade 4/5, and it was hypotonic with decreased deep tendon reflexes. No abnormal findings were shown in studies which included lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), abdominal computed tomography (CT), and nerve conduction studies. Lumbosacral plexitis was diagnosed presumptively and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was given. The patient's symptom did not improve with the IVIG. After the orthopedic consultation, a hip MRI was performed and it showed acute osteomyelitis involving the proximal metaphysis of the left femur. Surgical debridement and intravenous antibiotics were administered. The patient’s symptoms improved with treatment and he was fully recovered by the time of discharge. During the 4-year followup, the patient is doing well without any complication in the bone growth. During infancy, limb infection may present with nerve palsy that is characterized by hypotonic weakness with hyporeflexia. Pseudoparalysis may be the sole sign of osteomyelitis. In a unilateral limb weakness, musculoskeletal infection should be an initial diagnosis of exclusion with a thorough evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]