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Metallic implants (mesh) for guided bone regeneration can result in foreign body reactions with surrounding tissues, infection, and inflammatory reactions caused by micro-organisms in the oral cavity after implantation. This study aimed to reduce the possibility of surgical failure caused by microbial infection by loading antibacterial manuka oil in a biocompatible nanostructure surface on Ti and to induce stable bone regeneration in the bone defect. The manuka oil from New Zealand consisted of a rich β-triketone chemotype, leptospermone, which showed strong inhibitory effects against several bacteria, even at very low oil concentrations. The TiO

The aviation industry is expanding non-face-to-face services using self-service technology. In addition, major airports around the world are rushing to introduce ‘smart airport’ in order to maximize customer satisfaction as well as responding appropriately to air demand. Therefore, it is significant to focus on this innovation in aviation industry. The purpose of this study is to analyze changes in airport service environment and process, to derive improvements on pain point found through in-depth interviews and persona production of employees and customers, and to establish an improved airport service process and service environment by reflecting the needs of customers. There are academic and practical implications in that it presented a convergent idea to provide balanced service to non-face-to-face service preferred.

Reduced amounts of collagen and fragmented collagen fibers are characteristics of aging skin. Recently, user-friendly, at-home personal aesthetic devices using light-emitting diode (LED) light have been used for cost-effective and safe skin improvement. However, to dramatically improve the skin via collagen repair, we need to develop an LED-responsive photosensitizer. Corneal collagen crosslinking uses ultraviolet light to activate riboflavin phosphate (RFP) and is used in ophthalmology. RFP is a biocompatible photosensitizer derived from vitamin B2. This study aimed to prove that RFP combined with blue light (BL) can increase collagen crosslinking density, improving its mechanical properties in skin tissue and enhancing skin elasticity. We confirmed the RFP-induced photo-crosslinking in pure collagen by studying changes in its dynamic modulus and matrix morphology using collagen hydrogels. We also measured the changes in the mechanical properties after applying photo-crosslinking on porcine skin. The Young’s modulus (1.07 ± 0.12 MPa) and tensile strength (11.04 ± 1.06 MPa) of the porcine skin after photo-crosslinking were 2.8 and 3.5 times better compared to those of normal porcine skin, respectively. Thus, photo-crosslinking through RFP and BL irradiation can be potentially used for skin improvement using aesthetic LED devices.

Guided bone regeneration using a perforated titanium membrane is actively used in oral and orthopedic surgeries to provide space for the subsequent filling of a new bone in the case of bone defects and to achieve proper bone augmentation and reconstruction. The surface modification of a titanium membrane using a strontium-substituted calcium phosphate coating has become a popular trend to provide better bioactivity and biocompatibility on the membrane for improving the bone regeneration because strontium can stimulate not only the differentiation of osteoblasts but also inhibit the differentiation of osteoclasts. The strontium-doped calcium phosphate coating on the titanium mesh was formed by the cyclic precalcification method, and its effects on bone regeneration were evaluated by in vitro analysis of osteogenesis-related gene expression and in vivo evaluation of osteogenesis of the titanium mesh using the rat calvarial defect model in this study. It was identified that the strontium-doped calcium phosphate-treated mesh showed a higher expression of all genes related to osteogenesis in the osteoblast cells and resulted in new bone formation with better osseointegration with the mesh in the rat calvarial defect, in comparison with the results of untreated and calcium phosphate-treated meshes.

Abalone production in Korea has reached 5000 metric tonnes (MT) since 2000 and has been consistently increasing to reach 10,000 MT in 2015. Abalone fisheries are mainly seen in Wando on the south coast of Korea, where seaweed aquaculture has been majorly conducted. Mass mortality of abalone spats is considered a major problem in abalone fisheries and is caused by changes in environmental factors and food availability (including availability of benthic diatoms). However, it is difficult to supply sufficient quantities of benthic diatoms to post-larvae abalone. Therefore, we explored the development of growth-promoting substances for diatoms Navicula sp. and experimentally mixed several substances to enhance the growth of diatoms. In this study, we used alginic acid, fucoidan, Scytosiphon lomentaria, Ecklonia cava, Ecklonia cava processing byproduct (i.e., Ecklonia cava–boiled extracts, EBE), and Porphyra tenera. In addition, EBE, phosphate fertilizer (PF), nitrogenous manure (NM), and sodium silicate (SS) were mixed to determine the optimal composition of growth substances. The growth of diatoms significantly increased under EBE exposure, compared with other substances. During this study, attempts were made to identify the optimal composition of mixtures of PF, NM, and SS with that of EBE (1:1:1:1). The Navicula sp. growth-promoting substance (NGPS) mixture enhanced Navicula sp. growth by 150% compared with existing market products. We were therefore able to develop a substance that promotes the growth of diatoms, thereby facilitating the cultivation of healthy abalone with reduced mortality.

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) treatment is a traditional method to improve low corrosion resistance of absorbable magnesium. However, the ceramic porous film by PEO causes local corrosion and is highly brittle, so it must be improved by additional layers to seal the pore. In the present study, a hydrophilic surface was obtained by PEO with a biosynthesized natural material as hyaluronic acid (HA) and Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to improve bonding function. The HA on Mg yielded dense particles in microns, and HA on the PEO formed nano-crystals. The result of the electrochemical corrosion test indicated that the initial corrosion resistance was significantly improved by the HA coating. Specifically, HA and CMC on PEO reacted with Ca in similar body fluids, and this enabled quick self-healing through the scratch test. These results ultimately aided in cell differentiation and proliferation. The thin layer of Mg-HA without PEO was peeled off at the implantation in rat femur and local and persistent corrosion occurred. Finally, the PEO + HA displays a bi-layer structure and self-healing ability, and thus, it contributed to delay the initial erosion of implantation and to the stable formation of the new bone by maintaining the screw shape to heal the defective part of the bone.

The effects of enzymatic hydrolysates of Hippocampus abdominalis on skeletal muscle growth in C2C12 myoblasts and zebrafish were investigated. The hydrolysates were prepared by enzymatic extraction...

Computer-assisted analysis is expected to improve the reliability of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSSs), but its usefulness is limited. Previously, we proposed a deep learning model that can detect laryngeal penetration or aspiration fully automatically in VFSS video images, but the evidence for its reliability was insufficient. This study aims to compare the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the computer model and human raters. The test dataset consisted of 173 video files from which the existence of laryngeal penetration or aspiration was judged by the computer and three physicians in two sessions separated by a one-month interval. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were calculated using Cohen’s kappa coefficient, the positive reliability ratio (PRR) and the negative reliability ratio (NRR). Intrarater reliability was almost perfect for the computer and two experienced physicians. Interrater reliability was moderate to substantial between the model and each human rater and between the human raters. The average PRR and NRR between the model and the human raters were similar to those between the human raters. The results demonstrate that the deep learning model can detect laryngeal penetration or aspiration from VFSS video as reliably as human examiners.

The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of a methanol extract of Sargassum horneri (SHM), which contains 6-hydroxy-4,4,7a-trimethyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydrobenzofuran-2(4H)-one (HTT) and apo-9′-fucoxanthinone, against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cellular damage in human keratinocytes and its underlying mechanism. SHM significantly improved cell viability of UVB-exposed human keratinocytes by reducing the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, SHM inhibited UVB exposure-induced apoptosis by reducing the formation of apoptotic bodies and the populations of the sub-G1 hypodiploid cells and the early apoptotic cells by modulating the expression of the anti- and pro-apoptotic molecules, Bcl-2 and Bax, respectively. Furthermore, SHM inhibited NF-κB p65 activation by inducing the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. The cytoprotective and antiapoptotic activities of SHM are abolished by the inhibition of HO-1 signaling. In further study, SHM restored the skin dryness and skin barrier disruption in UVB-exposed human keratinocytes. Based to these results, our study suggests that SHM protects the cells against UVB-induced cellular damages through the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway and may be potentially useful for the prevention of UVB-induced skin damage.

The present study evaluated the effects of (–)-loliolide isolated from Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) against oxidative stress and inflammation, and its biological mechanism in interferon (IFN)-γ/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. The results showed that (–)-loliolide improved the cell viability by reducing the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in IFN-γ/TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. In addition, (–)-loliolide effectively decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4 IL-6, IL-13, IFN-γ and TNF-α) and chemokines (CCL11 (Eotaxin), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)), by downregulating the expression of epidermal-derived initial cytokines (IL-25, IL-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)). Furthermore, (–)-loliolide suppressed the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, whereas it activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling. Interestingly, the cytoprotective effects of (–)-loliolide against IFN-γ/TNF-α stimulation were significantly blocked upon inhibition of HO-1. Taken together, these results suggest that (–)-loliolide effectively suppressed the oxidative stress and inflammation by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in IFN-γ/TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes.

This chapter elaborates the Institutional Collective Action (ICA) framework, which has emerged as an analytical lens for understanding collaboration in fragmented governance. It reviews how ICA dilemmas or situations in which an authority's incentives do not align with collectively desired outcomes, arise from spillovers of policy choice and design that transcend jurisdictions. It also talks about ICA dilemmas that stem from fragmentation and lead to inefficient behaviour, such as free riding and service duplication. The chapter extracts practical lessons and theoretical propositions from ICA research that is focused on fragmented arenas, such as watershed management, environmental policy, emergency management and economic development. It mentions that policymakers can reduce collaboration risk and uncertainty with multiple strategies that can facilitate the adoption of more self-organized integrative mechanisms.

Objective Metabolic side effects of antipsychotics significantly affect adherence to medication. We aimed to identify factors associated with the occurrence of metabolic diseases among Korean patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) from the national health insurance system database. We evaluated the frequency of antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic use after diagnosis of SCZ according to typical or atypical antipsychotic use. Materials and methods Among the 43,800 patients diagnosed with SCZ between 2008 and 2012, 29,591 patients who had no metabolic diseases before the diagnosis were included in the analysis to investigate the occurrence of metabolic diseases associated with antipsychotic use. The associations between the development of metabolic diseases and patient characteristics were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results Use of both typical and atypical antipsychotics (multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.2513; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0953 - 1.4294) was associated with higher incidence of metabolic diseases than without their use. Among the atypical antipsychotics, use of clozapine (multivariate-adjusted OR, 1.1959; 95% CI, 1.0086 - 1.4179) and quetiapine (multivariate-adjusted OR, 1.1284; 95% CI, 1.0446 - 1.2189) showed higher incidence of metabolic diseases compared to that without their use. Among the patients using ≥ 1 type of antidiabetic or antihyperlipidemic agents within 6 years after diagnosis of SCZ, the proportion of patients using only atypical antipsychotics was greater than those using only typical antipsychotics. Conclusion The use of both typical and atypical antipsychotics, and clozapine and quetiapine treatment, may be associated with the occurrence of metabolic diseases in patients with SCZ. Additional prospective studies with accurate dosage information are needed to validate our findings.

Five kinds of T-shaped reactive molecules were newly synthesized for optical retarder films. The retarder films were fabricated using the mixtures of rodlike reactive mesogen (RM) and the T-shaped molecules. The effect of the chemical structure of the T-shaped molecules on the optical anisotropy of the retarder films was investigated. The retarder films with the T-shaped molecules resulted in a greater magnitude of an in-plane retardation. Among the five kinds of the T-shaped molecules, the molecule with five benzene rings along the longitudinal direction and two benzene rings along the lateral molecular direction showed the widest liquid crystalline phase and the largest optical retardation. In addition, the NZ coefficients of the films were greater than 1 implying that the films were negative biaxial.

Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) is a medicinal food that is cultivated and consumed mainly in Asian countries. Its various phytochemicals and physiological effects have been reported, but only a few phytochemicals are available for skeletal muscle cell proliferation. Herein, we isolated a new compound, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-feruloyl)-sophoroside (1), along with one known flavonoid glycoside (2) and six amino acid (3–8) compounds from the water-soluble fraction of the shoot of the Chinese chive. The isolated compounds were identified using extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, and evaluated for their proliferation activity on skeletal muscle cells. Among the tested compounds, newly isolated flavonoid (1) and 5-aminouridine (7) up-regulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, which implies a positive effect on skeletal muscle growth and differentiation. In particular, compound 1 down-regulated the Smad pathways, which are negative regulators of skeletal muscle growth. Collectively, we suggest that major constituents of Chinese chive, flavonoids and amino acids, might be used in dietary supplements that aid skeletal muscle growth.

Cannulated screws have a structure for inserting a guide wire inside them to effectively correct complicated fractures. Magnesium, an absorbable metal used to manufacture cannulated screws, may decompose in the body after a certain period of implantation. The hydrogel formed by hyaluronic acid (HA) and polygalacturonic acid (PGA) has been used into Mg-based cannulated screws to prevent bone resorption owing to the rapid corrosion of Mg with unfavorable mechanical properties and a high ambient pH. In addition, Ca ions were added to the gel for cross-linking the carboxyl groups to modify the gelation rate and physical properties of the gel. The developed hydrogels were injected into the Mg-based cannulated screws, after which they released HA and Ca. The possibility of the application of this system as a cannulated screw was evaluated based on the corrosion resistance, gel degradation rate, HA release, toxicity toward osteocytes, and experiments involving the implantation of the screws into the femurs of rats. Ca ions first bound to PGA and delayed the gelation time and dissolution rate. However, they interfered with HA binding and increased the elution of HA at the beginning of gel degradation. Ca(NO3)2 concentrations higher than 0.01 M and low pH environments inhibited osteoblast differentiation and proliferation, owing to the elution of HA from the hydrogel. On the other hand, when the HA hydrogel with a proper amount of Ca was inserted into a magnesium screw, the degradation of Mg was delayed, and the presence of the gel contributed to new bone formation and osteocyte expansion.

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) exhibit unique characteristics such as facile color tunability, pure color emission with extremely narrow bandwidths, high luminescence efficiency, and high photostability. In addition, quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) feature bright electroluminescence, low turn-on voltage, and ultrathin form factor, making them a promising candidate for next-generation displays. To achieve the overarching goal of the full-color display based on the electroluminescence of QDs, however it is essential to enhance the performance of QLEDs further for each color (e.g., red, green, and blue; RGB) and develop novel techniques for patterning RGB QD pixels without cross-contamination. Here, we present state-of-the-art material, process, and device technologies for full-color QLED-based displays. First, we highlight recent advances in the development of efficient red-, green-, and blue-monochromatic QLEDs. In particular, we focus on the progress of heavy-metal-free QLEDs. Then, we describe patterning techniques for individual RGB QDs to fabricate pixelated displays. Finally, we briefly summarize applications of such QLEDs, presenting the possibility of full-color QLED-based displays.

Exercise training is a traditional method to maximize remaining function in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), but the exact mechanism by which exercise promotes recovery after SCI has not been identified, whether exercise truly has a beneficial effect on SCI also remains unclear. Previously, we showed that epigenetic changes in the brain motor cortex occur after SCI and that a treatment leading to epigenetic modulation effectively promotes functional recovery after SCI. We aimed to determine how exercise induces functional improvement in rats subjected to SCI and whether epigenetic changes are engaged in the effects of exercise. A spinal cord contusion model was established in rats, which were then subjected to treadmill exercise for 12 weeks. We found that the size of the lesion cavity and the number of macrophages were decreased more in the exercise group than in the control group after 12 weeks of injury. Immunofluorescence and DNA dot blot analysis revealed that levels of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in the brain motor cortex were increased after exercise. Accordingly, the expression of ten-eleven translocation (Tet) family members (Tet1, Tet2, and Tet3) in the brain motor cortex also elevated. However, no macrophage polarization was induced by exercise. Locomotor function, including Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) and ladder scores, also improved in the exercise group compared to the control group. We concluded that treadmill exercise facilitates functional recovery in rats with SCI, and mechanistically epigenetic changes in the brain motor cortex may contribute to exercise-induced improvements.

Sprouts harbor high populations of bacteria and cause numerous foodborne disease outbreaks, yet little is known about their microbial composition. The present study aimed to define the microbiological ecology of sprouts using 16S rRNA microbiome sequencing and culture-dependent methods. Different types (radish, alfalfa, and rapeseed), brands (A, B, and C), and distribution routes (online and offline) of sprouts (n = 70) were considered for microbiome analysis, as well as quantitative (aerobic plate count and coliforms) and qualitative analyses (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium). The aerobic plate count ranged from 7 to 8 CFU/g, and the coliforms ranged from 6 to 7 log CFU/g. Microbiome analysis revealed that Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum, accounting for 79.0% in alfalfa sprouts, 68.5% in rapeseed sprouts, and 61.9% in radish sprouts. Enterobacteriaceae was the dominant family in alfalfa sprouts (33.9%) and rapeseed sprouts (14.6%), while Moraxellaceae (11.9%) were prevalent on radish sprouts. The majority of the dominant genera were common in the environment, such as soil or water. Alfalfa sprouts yielded the lowest aerobic plate count but the highest relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae compared to the other sprouts. These results could explain why alfalfa sprouts are a leading cause of sprout-related foodborne disease outbreaks. Alpha-diversity results (Chao1 and Shannon indices) suggested that species richness was greater on radish sprouts than the other sprout types. Beta-diversity results showed samples were clustered by types, indicating dissimilarity in microbial communities. However, the distribution route had a limited influence on microbial composition. The present study provides a comparative examination of the microbial profiles of sprouts. Microbiome analyses contribute to an in-depth understanding of the microbial ecology of sprouts, leading to potential control measures for ensuring food safety.

Significant concentrations of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been detected in aquatic environment. Fungal enzymatic processes can oxidize these persistent PPCPs; thus, these processes have attracted considerable attention from the scientific community. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of the removal of PPCPs using native fungal enzymes derived from Bjerkandera spp. TBB-03 under various conditions. Among the eight lignocellulosic substrates, ash, which showed the highest laccase production, was selected as the sole enzyme inducer. TBB-03 laccase was found to exhibit remarkable stability under varied pH and temperature conditions. Acetaminophen and bisphenol A were effectively removed by TBB-03 laccase under various conditions, except at pH 8. Although TBB-03 laccase could not efficiently remove single-state sulfamethoxazole directly, a 22% of improvement in sulfamethoxazole removal was observed in the presence of acetaminophen. Overall, our proposed approach showed that Bjerkandera adusta TBB-03 can be potentially applied for further research regarding PPCP remediation.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive type of human leukemia with a low survival rate, and its complete remission remains challenging. Although chemotherapy is the first-line treatment of AML, it exerts toxicity in noncancerous cells when used in high doses, thus necessitating the development of novel compounds with a high therapeutic window. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of several compounds derived from the fruits of Melia azedarach (a tree with medicinal properties). Among them, 1-cinnamoyltrichilinin (CT) was found to strongly suppress the viability of HL-60 human leukemia cells. CT treatment induced apoptosis and increased nuclear fragmentation and fractional DNA content in HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent manner. CT induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38), though not of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and activated Bcl-2 family proteins towards the proapoptosis and cleavage of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Both CT-mediated apoptosis and apoptotic protein expression were reversed by treatment with the p38 inhibitor, thereby indicating the p38 pathway to be critical in CT-stimulated apoptosis. The results collectively indicated CT to suppress HL-60 survival by activating the p38 pathway and inducing apoptosis, hence being a novel potential therapeutic agent for AML.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive type of human leukemia with a low survival rate, and its complete remission remains challenging. Although chemotherapy is the first-line treatment of AML, it exerts toxicity in noncancerous cells when used in high doses, thus necessitating the development of novel compounds with a high therapeutic window. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of several compounds derived from the fruits of Melia azedarach (a tree with medicinal properties). Among them, 1-cinnamoyltrichilinin (CT) was found to strongly suppress the viability of HL-60 human leukemia cells. CT treatment induced apoptosis and increased nuclear fragmentation and fractional DNA content in HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent manner. CT induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38), though not of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and activated Bcl-2 family proteins towards the proapoptosis and cleavage of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Both CT-mediated apoptosis and apoptotic protein expression were reversed by treatment with the p38 inhibitor, thereby indicating the p38 pathway to be critical in CT-stimulated apoptosis. The results collectively indicated CT to suppress HL-60 survival by activating the p38 pathway and inducing apoptosis, hence being a novel potential therapeutic agent for AML.

The anti-inflammatory effects of 3‑bromo‑5‑(ethoxymethyl)‑1,2‑benzenediol (BEMB) from Polysiphonia morrowii were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells and zebrafish embryo. BEMB showed anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells and zebrafish embryo without cytotoxicity. Moreover, BEMB suppressed the protein and mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB (p65 and inhibitor of NF-κB [IκB]-A) in RAW264.7 cells and zebrafish embryo, respectively. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that BEMB suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS, and COX-2 as well as their regulation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and zebrafish embryos by inhibiting ROS production and NF-κB expression. Therefore, this study suggests that BEMB could be a potential anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Background Although herbal medicines (HMs) are widely used worldwide, information concerning their interactions with conventional medicines (CMs) is sparse. In particular, stroke affects a high proportion of elderly people with impaired hepatic and renal function. Stroke is often accompanied by various complications and is commonly treated via the co-administration of HMs and CMs in Asia. Purpose We aimed to investigate the effects of co-administration of HMs and CMs on liver and kidney function in patients with stroke. We estimated the prevalence of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) or herb-induced liver injury (HILI) and drug-induced acute kidney injury (DIAKI) or herb-induced acute kidney injury (HIAKI) in patients co-administered HMs and CMs. Study design This was a retrospective study that reviewed the electronic medical records of 401 patients with stroke in a single hospital. Methods The prevalence of DILI or HILI and types of liver injury was examined according to abnormal increases in liver tests. The probable causality between drug or herb administration and liver injury was assessed using the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method. In addition, the prevalence of DIAKI or HIAKI was estimated using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes acute kidney injury stage criteria and related medical records. Results Out of a total of 401 patients, only four (1.0%) developed liver injury. Two cases of DILI (0.5%) and two cases of HILI (0.5%) were reported. Moxifloxacin and ebastine were the CMs that caused hepatotoxicity. Chungpyesagan-tang and Yeoldahanso-tang were the HMs that caused liver toxicity. Even in cases showing severe liver damage, alkaline phosphatase levels remained less than five times the normal value, and liver function test values recovered within 14 days. There were no cases of DIAKI or HIAKI in this cohort. Conclusion These results suggest that if appropriately prescribed by experts, the co-administration of CMs and HMs is safe and does not adversely affect liver and kidney function in patients with stroke. To support these results, further large-scale multicenter prospective studies and toxicological studies based on the interaction between HMs and CMs are warranted.

To control the bio-absorption rate of Mg alloy and improve its biocompatibility, a BMP-2 of various concentrations (20, 50, and 100 ng/mL) was immobilized in the carrier layer formed by micro-arc oxidation + hydrothermal treatment on the surface of Mg alloy. Their morphological and chemical properties were evaluated by FE-SEM with EDS and XRD. The electrochemical corrosion behavior was examined, and the cytotoxicity was assessed by WST and ALP assay. After in vivo test during 2 and 4 weeks in the rat tibia, histological observation was performed. In the carrier layer, calcium phosphate ceramic and oxide layers (MgO and Mg(OH)2) were formed. The layers enhanced the corrosion resistance. It was maintained even after loading the BMP-2. In the BMP-2-loaded group, the proliferation and differentiation of the osteoblast cells were promoted by the continuous release of the BMP-2. After implantation for 2 weeks, all BMP-2-loaded groups showed better biodegradation rate and osseointegration than the control group. After 4 weeks, the group with 50 ng/mL of BMP-2 exhibited the slowest biodegradation rate of all the BMP-2-loaded groups. This effected on the enhancement of new bone formation and the stable bone growth. Therefore, for the short term of implantation, this double coating method could be applied onto biodegradable Mg metal as an orthopedics and dental implant. For the long term of implantation over 4 weeks, to treat Mg implant with 50 ng/mL of BMP-2 was determined to be optimal.

AimsA short awareness time interval (ATI, time from witnessing the arrest to calling for help) and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are important factors affecting neurological recovery after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This study investigated the association of the location of OHCA with the length of ATI and bystander CPR.MethodsThis population-based observational study used the nationwide Korea OHCA database and included all adults with layperson-witnessed OHCA with presumed cardiac aetiology between 2013 and 2017. The exposure was the location of OHCA (public places, private housing and nursing facilities). The primary outcome was short ATI, defined as ResultsOf 30 373 eligible OHCAs, 66.6% occurred in private housing, 24.0% occurred in public places and 9.4% occurred in nursing facilities. In 67.3% of the cases, EMS was activated within 4 min of collapse, most frequently in public places (public places 77.0%, private housing 64.2% and nursing facilities 64.8%; pConclusionOHCAs in private housing and nursing facilities were less likely to have immediate EMS activation after collapse than in public places. A public education is needed to increase the awareness of necessity of prompt EMS activation.

Thanks to advanced sensing and logging technology, automatic personality assessment (APA) with users' behavioral data in the workplace is on the rise. While previous work has focused on building APA systems with high accuracy, little research has attempted to understand users' perception towards APA systems. To fill this gap, we take a mixed-methods approach: we (1) designed a survey (n=89) to understand users'social workplace behavior both online and offline and their privacy concerns; (2) built a research probe that detects personality from online and offline data streams with up to 81.3% accuracy, and deployed it for three weeks in Korea (n=32); and (3) conducted post-interviews (n=9). We identify privacy issues in sharing data and system-induced change in natural behavior as important design factors for APA systems. Our findings suggest that designers should consider the complex relationship between users' perception and system accuracy for a more user-centered APA design.

The present study investigates the anti-allergic activity of the marine algal bromophenol, 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB), isolated from Polysiphonia morrowii Harvey in immunoglobulin (Ig)E/bovine serum albumin (BSA)-stimulated mouse bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells (BMCMCs) and a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mice ear model. BDB effectively inhibited β-hexosaminidase release (IC50 = 80.12 µM), in IgE/BSA-stimulated BMCMCs without a cytotoxic response. Also, BDB down-regulated the expression or secretion of cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and the chemokine (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC). The above effects could be attributed to the dose-dependent decrease of FceRI expression on the surface of BMCMCs and its stable IgE binding. Moreover, BDB suppressed the nuclear factor (NF)-κB and spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK)-linker for T-cell activation (LAT)-GRB2 associated binding protein 2 (Gab2) signaling axis activated by IgE/BSA stimulation. Furthermore, oral administration of BDB to IgE-sensitized mice effectively attenuated IgE-triggered PCA reaction. Collectively, the anti-allergic effects of BDB suggest its potential applicability as a candidate for in-depth test trials.