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Beyond the existing in-solution plasma (iSP) process used for nanoparticle synthesis, polymer film synthesis has recently been demonstrated via iSP, which occurs at a specific cycle in a substrate with electrical potential. Herein, we propose an iSP reactor designed to tune the characteristics of polypyrrole (PPy) films by applying varied DC biases to the substrate during the solution plasma process. Applying DC bias to the substrate notably enhances the iSP during the negative cycle, thereby generating ionic precursors from pyrrole monomers for PPy film formation. These films demonstrated morphological variances as a function of the applied VDC. At a low voltage (VDC = 0.5 kV), a uniform film was formed via a layer-by-layer growth mechanism, and as the voltage was increased, the film exhibited a structured morphology. Specifically, at VDC = 0.5 kV, the PPy film was successfully coated onto a finely patterned electrode. The proposed iSP process, under specific DC biasing conditions, enables polymer coating without necessitating additional chemicals, catalysts, or masks. This method holds potential for a wide range of applications.

Abstract To understand the mechanisms involved in the anti-obesity effects Centella asiatica (CA), we examined body weight, serum levels, white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, histological analysis, and the expression of cholesterol homeostasis- and lipid metabolism-related genes in mice with high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFHSD)-induced obesity that were orally treated with CA for 12 weeks. Eight-week-old, male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the following four groups (8 mice/group): NOR, normal diet; HFHSD (Control), HFHSD; CA-L, HFHSD + CA 300 mg/kg; CA-H, HFHSD+CA 600 mg/kg. The suspension of powdered CA leaf was fed using oral gavage. CA treatment significantly attenuated HFHSD-induced increase in body weight gain, serum glucose, triacylglycerol, and WAT weight (p

To improve the electrical conductivity of polypyrrole (PPy) nanostructure film through in situ iodine (I2) doping, this study proposes an atmospheric pressure plasma reactor (APPR) where heated I2 dopant vapor is fed through capillary electrodes that serve as electrodes for discharge ignition. A large amount of the heated I2 vapor introduced into the reactor separately from a monomer gas can be effectively activated by an intense plasma via capillary electrodes. In particular, intensive plasma is obtained by properly adjusting the bluff body position in the APPR. Based on the ICCD and OES results, the I2 vapor injected through the capillary nozzle electrode is observed to form I2 charge species. The formed I2 species could directly participate in growing in situ I2-doped PPy films. Thus, in situ I2-doped PPy nanostructure films grown using the proposed APPR exhibit higher thicknesses of 15.3 μm and good electrical conductivities, compared to the corresponding non-doped films.

To generate a stable and effective air–liquid discharge in an open atmosphere, we investigated the effect of the dielectric barrier on the discharge between the pin electrode and liquid surface in an atmospheric-pressure plasma reactor. The atmospheric-pressure plasma reactor used in this study was based on a pin–plate discharge structure, and a metal wire was used as a pin-type power electrode. A plate-type ground electrode was placed above and below the vessel to compare the pin–liquid discharge and pin–liquid barrier discharge (PLBD). The results indicated that the PLBD configuration utilizing the bottom of the vessel as a dielectric barrier outperformed the pin–liquid setup in terms of the discharge stability and that the concentration of reactive species was different in the two plasma modes. PLBD can be used as a digestion technique for determining the phosphorus concentration in natural water sources. The method for decomposing phosphorus compounds by employing PLBD exhibited excellent decomposition performance, similar to the performance of thermochemical digestion—an established conventional method for phosphorus detection in water. The PLBD structure can replace the conventional chemical-agent-based digestion method for determining the total dissolved phosphorus concentration using the ascorbic acid reduction method.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of yeast hydrolysate (YH) on lipogenesis, elucidate its mechanistic action, and identify the active compounds responsible for its anti-adipogenic effects. YH (2 mg/mL) significantly reduced Oil Red O-stained lipids. YH (2 mg/mL) also downregulated C/EBPβ and upregulated KLF2, both of which are early adipogenic factors. Moreover, YH (2 mg/mL) decreased C/EBPα, PPARγ, FABP4, FAS, ACC, and HMGCR mRNA expression. Additionally, YH significantly downregulated SEBP1c and SREBP2 and their target genes, which govern fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism; however, 2 mg/mL YH had a greater suppressive effect on SREBP1c than on SREBP2. YH (2 mg/mL) also significantly reduced the mRNA level of G6PD and malic enzyme, which are enzymes that synthesize NADPH for lipid synthesis, compared with the control. Furthermore, 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (MTCA) was identified as the active compound with anti-adipogenic effects using solvent fractionation and chromatographic analysis of YH, and 1.1 μg/mL MTCA significantly downregulated SREBP1c/SREBP2 mRNAs by 47.8% and 69.2%, respectively, along with the target genes FAS, ACC, and HMGCR by 79.0%, 77.0%, and 40.9%, respectively. Collectively, YH effectively suppressed adipogenic lipid storage by downregulating SREBP- and NADPH-synthesizing genes. These findings suggest that YH containing MTCA has the potential to act as an anti-obesity agent.

Hyperuricemia is associated with cardiovascular disease, but the relationship between uric acid (UA) and pulse pressure (PP) is unclear. Therefore, the present study assesses the relationship between UA and PP among Korean adults. Data from 6,310 subjects (2,800 men and 3,510 women) in the seventh Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016) were analyzed. After adjusting for related variables, the odds ratios (ORs) of hyperuricemia (UA ≥ 7.0 mg/dL in men or ≥ 6.0 mg/dL in women) in the high PP group (PP > 65.0 mmHg) in overall populations (OR, 1.563; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.144–2.136) and women (OR, 1.631; 95% CI, 1.046–2.544) were significantly higher than those in normal PP, but not in men (OR, 1.309; 95% CI, 0.840–2.040). In conclusion, uric acid was positively associated with pulse pressure in women, but not in men.

Animal and clinical studies were performed to determine whether Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners with increased sweetness contributed to blood glucose elevations. In the animal study, male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old) received an oral load of 2 g of glucose or Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners per kilogram of body weight. Thirty minutes after the glucose load, the rat blood glucose levels in the Palatinose-based alternative sweetener groups were significantly lower than those in the glucose groups (p < 0.05). Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners significantly improved glucose tolerance in rats. However, significant differences in the blood glucose levels were not observed among the Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners. In the clinical study, 14 healthy volunteers (21.4 ± 1.3 years) consumed glucose or Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners (50 g). At 60 min, when Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners were ingested, blood glucose was significantly lower compared to when glucose was ingested (Palatinose-L, 123.1 mg/dL; Palatinose-IS, 125.9 mg/dL; Palatinose-FOS. 129.1 mg/dL vs. glucose, 154.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05). The glycaemic index of Palatinose-L, Palatinose-IS and Palatinose-FOS was 43.9, 58.1, and 49.2, respectively. Palatinose-based alternative sweeteners could help maintain health as the postprandial blood glucose levels are constantly maintained owing to slow hydrolysis.

Background: We aimed to identify prenatal and postnatal risk factors associated with abnormal newborn hearing screen (NHS) results and subsequently confirmed sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in preterm twin neonates. Methods: Electronic medical records of 159 twin neonates who were born alive after ≤32 weeks were retrospectively reviewed for hearing loss in both ears. Histopathologic examination of the placenta was performed and clinical data, including method of conception and factors specific to twins, were retrieved from a computerized perinatal database. The main outcome measure was failure to pass the NHS test. The generalized estimation equations model was used for twins. Results: Thirty-two neonates (20.1%) had a “refer” result, and, on the confirmation test, permanent SNHL was identified in 4.4% (7/159) of all neonates. Neonates who had a “refer” result on the NHS test were more likely to be of lower birth weight, more likely to have been conceived with the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF), and more likely to have higher rates of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. However, monochorionic placentation, death of the co-twin, or being born first was not associated with a “refer” result on the NHS test. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that conception after IVF and the presence of IVH were the only variables to be statistically significantly associated with “refer” on the NHS test. No parameters studied were found to be significantly different between the SNHL and no SNHL groups, probably because of the relatively small number of cases of SNHL. Conclusion: In preterm twin newborns, IVF and the presence of IVH were independently associated with an increased risk of abnormal NHS results, whereas the factors specific to twins were not associated with abnormal NHS results. Key Words: in vitro fertilization, newborn hearing screen test, preterm, refer, twins

In atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma polymerization, increasing the effective volume of the plasma medium by expanding the plasma-generating region within the plasma reactor is considered a simple method to create regular and uniform polymer films. Here, we propose a newly designed AP plasma reactor with a cruciform wire electrode that can expand the discharge volume. Based on the plasma vessel configuration, which consists of a wide tube and a substrate stand, two tungsten wires crossed at 90 degrees are used as a common powered electrode in consideration of two-dimensional spatial expansion. In the wire electrode, which is partially covered by a glass capillary, discharge occurs at the boundary where the capillary terminates, so that the discharge region is divided into fourths along the cruciform electrode and the discharge volume can successfully expand. It is confirmed that although a discharge imbalance in the four regions of the AP plasma reactor can adversely affect the uniformity of the polymerized, nanostructured polymer film, rotating the substrate using a turntable can significantly improve the film uniformity. With this AP plasma reactor, nanostructured polythiophene (PTh) films are synthesized and the morphology and chemical properties of the PTh nanostructure, as well as the PTh-film uniformity and electrical properties, are investigated in detail.

Background: Abnormal activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays an important role in UV-induced wrinkle formation, which is a major dermatological problem. This formation occurs due to the degeneration of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we investigated the cutaneous photoprotective effects of Ultraflo L treated ginseng leaf (UTGL) in hairless mice. Methods: SKH-1 hairless mice (6 weeks of age) were randomly divided into four groups (8 mice/group). UTGL formulation was applied topically to the skin of the mice for 10 weeks. The normal control group received nonvehicle and was not irradiated with UVB. The UV control (UVB) group received nonvehicle and was exposed to gradient-UVB irradiation. The groups (GA) receiving topical application of UTGL formulation were subjected to gradient-UVB irradiation on 0.5 mg/cm2 [GA-low (GA-L)] and 1.0 mg/cm2 [(GA-high (GA-H)] of dorsal skin area, respectively. Results: We found that topical treatment with UTGL attenuated UVB-induced epidermal thickness and impairment of skin barrier function. Additionally, UTGL suppressed the expression of MMP-2, -3, and -13 induced by UVB irradiation. Our results show that topical application of UTGL protects the skin against UVB-induced damage in hairless mice and suggest that UTGL can act as a potential agent for preventing and/or treating UVB-induced photoaging. Conclusion: UTGL possesses sunscreen properties and may exhibit photochemoprotective activities inside the skin of mice. Therefore, UTGL could be used as a potential therapeutic agent to protect the skin against UVB-induced photoaging.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a multifactorial disease that more frequently affects preterm newborns. Although a number of maternal conditions have been reported to be associated with preterm birth, little information is available concerning maternal risk factors for the development of SNHL. We aimed to identify maternal and placental risk factors associated with a “refer” result on the newborn hearing screening (NHS) test and subsequently confirmed SNHL in very preterm neonates. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 267 singleton neonates who were born alive after ≤ 32 weeks. Histopathologic examination of the placenta was performed, and clinical data were retrieved from a computerized perinatal database. Cases with two abnormal findings, “refer” on the NHS test, and presence of SNHL on the confirmation test were retrospectively reviewed based on electronic medical records. Results: Forty-two neonates (15.7%) showed a “refer” result, and, on the confirmation test, permanent SNHL was identified in 1.87% (5/267) of all neonates. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the presence of funisitis was independently associated with a “refer” on the NHS test, whereas use of antenatal corticosteroids was statistically significantly associated with a reduced incidence of “refer” on the screening test. Neither histologic chorioamnionitis nor prematurity (as defined by low gestational age and birth weight) was associated with a “refer” on the NHS test. By contrast, multivariate analysis with occurrence of SNHL as a dependent variable identified no significant associations with the parameters studied, probably owing to the small total number of neonates with permanent SNHL. Conclusion: Presence of funisitis was significantly and independently associated with increased risk of abnormal NHS results, while administration of antenatal corticosteroids was related to a normal NHS result. These findings support the hypothesis that a systemic fetal inflammatory response, manifested as funisitis, might play a role in the pathogenesis of SNHL in preterm neonates.

Background Mobile instant messaging services are being increasingly used for educational purposes, but their effectiveness in medical education is not well known. We assessed whether students’ use of Kakao Talk (a mobile instant messaging service) during the early period of a week of clinical education influenced its use for academic purposes during a later period of the same week. Methods The online communication records of 151 third-year medical students (in 39 clinical education groups) who used Kakao Talk during clinical education were reviewed. The 39 groups were categorized as low, middle, or high according to the number of total chats (on all subjects, not just academic) per student over five days. The relationship between the number of total chats during the first two days and the number of academic chats during the last three days (of five-day chatroom weeks) was analyzed. Results The number of total and academic chats over all five days, the first two days, and the last three days was highest in groups with the highest number of total chats per student. Similarly, the highest number of students posting total and academic chats was found in these groups. In addition, the number of academic chats per student and the frequency of questions raised by students were also highest in these groups. During the last three days, the number of students posting total chats was lower than that during the first two days, and the number of academic chats per student posting academic chats was higher. The number of total chats on the first or second day positively correlated with the maximum value of academic chats on the third to fifth days. Conclusion High frequency mobile instant messaging use early on in clinical education might encourage its use for academic purposes during later periods.

Context: Cactus cladodes [Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf. (Cactaceae)] is one of the cactus genera, which has long been used as a folk medicine for skin disorders. Objective: This study investigated the skincare potential of cactus cladodes extract (OHE), including its ability to regulate ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced hyaluronic acid (HA) production. Materials and methods: Gene expression levels of hyaluronic acid synthases (HASs) and hyaluronidase (HYAL) were measured in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells with OHE treatment (10, 25, 50, 100 μg/mL) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The HA content was analyzed in hairless mice (SKH-1, male, 6 weeks old) treated with OHE for 10 weeks by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistological staining were performed to examine epidermal thickness and levels of CD44 and hyaluronic acid-binding protein (HABP). Results: HA synthases (HAS,1 HAS2, HAS3) mRNA levels were increased by 1.9-, 2.2- and 1.6-fold, respectively, with OHE treatment (100 μg/mL), while UVB-induced increase of hyaluronidase mRNA significantly decreased by 35%. HA content in animal was decreased from 42.9 to 27.1 ng/mL by OHE treatment. HAS mRNA levels were decreased by 39%, but HYAL mRNA was increased by 50% in OHE group. CD44 and HABP levels, which were greatly increased by UVB-irradiation, were reduced by 64 and 60%, respectively. Epidermal thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and erythema formation was also decreased by 45 (45.7 to 24.2 μm), 48 (48.8 to 25 g/h/m2) and 33%, respectively. Conclusion: OHE protects skin from UVB-induced skin degeneration in HaCaT cells and hairless mice.

This study aimed to raise awareness of maker education for pre-service teachers and discuss maker education in their major subjects by developing and applying a maker education course for pre-service teachers with various majors based on novel engineering (NE), a teaching and learning method that combines humanities and engineering. Accordingly, the course was developed following the procedure of the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model, and the educational effectiveness was investigated using test tools. The educational effect and difficulties were also examined through the analysis of reflective journals written by 20 pre-service teachers with various majors who participated in the course. To investigate the educational effectiveness of the developed course, the science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) literacy of the participants—before and after the course—was measured, with the results demonstrating a statistically significant improvement. Analysis of the reflective journals identified a recognition of sharing effectiveness, the joy of making, and an in-depth understanding of maker education as education effects, and a lack of understanding of techniques, the burden of prototype fabrication, and the limitation of majoring subjects as difficulties experienced during the activities. This study verified that NE could be used as a significant maker education measure for pre-service teachers with various majors. Based on this verification, this study also proposes a strategy to develop more effective NE-based maker education.

OBJECTIVE:We aimed to assess the correlations among multiple cytokine concentrations in the maternal plasma, cervicovaginal fluid (CVF), and amniotic fluid (AF) compartments in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM), and to develop a prediction model based on non-invasive measures, having better sensitivity and specificity for the identification of microbial invasion of amniotic cavity (MIAC). METHOD:This retrospective study included 75 consecutive women with pPROM (20+0-34+0 weeks), who underwent amniocentesis. Both maternal plasma and CVF samples were collected at the time of amniocentesis. Stored AF, plasma and CVF samples were assayed for cytokine levels [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β] using a multiplex immunoassay kit. RESULTS:Levels of inflammatory proteins measured in the CVF were significantly correlated with AF proteins levels, whereas none of the proteins in plasma correlated significantly with any in the AF or CVF. Proteins levels measured in the AF and CVF were significantly higher in women with MIAC compared to those without, whereas only high levels of IL-6 in plasma were significantly associated with MIAC. By using stepwise regression analysis, a non-invasive model (using clinical factors and CVF cytokine levels) for the prediction of MIAC was developed; the area under curve of this non-invasive model was similar to that of the invasive model (using clinical factors and AF cytokines). CONCLUSIONS:The levels of inflammatory proteins in the CVF correlated with those in the AF, whereas those in the plasma showed no correlation. A non-invasive model using clinical factors and CVF cytokine levels predicted the risk of MIAC in women with pPROM.

Background: In this study, we examined the effects of various enzymes on chemical conversions of ginsenosides in ginseng extract prepared by amylases. Methods: Rapidase, Econase CE, Viscozyme, Ultraflo L, and Cytolase PCL5 were used for secondary enzymatic hydrolysis after amylase treatment of ginseng extract, and ginsenoside contents, skin permeability, and chemical compositions including total sugar, acidic polysaccharide, and polyphenols were determined on the hydrolyzed ginseng extract. Results: Rapidase treatment significantly elevated total ginsenoside contents compared with the control (p

Background: Green tea contains numerous polyphenols, which have health-promoting effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tannase-converted green tea extract (TGE) formulation on the physical stability and activities of skin-related enzymes. Methods: Physical stability was evaluated by measuring the pH, precipitation, and colors at 25 ± 2 °C/ambient humidity and at 40 ± 2 °C/70% ± 5% relative humidity for 4 months. Activities of collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase as skin-related enzymes were assessed on TGE formulation. Results: The concentrations of epigallocatechin-3-gallate and epicatechin-3-gallate in green tea extract were greatly decreased to the extent of negligible level when treated with tannase. The formulation containing 5% tannase-converted green tea extract showed relatively stable pH, precipitation, and color features for 16 weeks. When TGE was added to the formulation, there was a significant increase in the inhibition of elastase and tyrosinase activities (p

OBJECTIVE:Cervical length measurement has been uggested as a useful tool for predicting intra-amniotic infection/inflammation in preterm labor, but little information is available in the setting of preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM). We aimed to determine whether a short cervical length is independently associated with an increased risk of intra-amniotic infection or inflammation and impending preterm delivery in women with pPROM. METHODS:This was a retrospective cohort study involving 171 consecutive singleton pregnant women with pPROM (21+0-33+6 weeks' gestation), who underwent amniocentesis. Amniotic fluid (AF) was cultured, and assayed for interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. Cervical length was measured at the time of amniocentesis by transvaginal ultrasonography with an aseptic technique. Short cervical length was defined as a cervical length of ≤15 mm. Intra-amniotic infection was defined as a positive AF culture for microorganisms and intra-amniotic inflammation was defined as elevated AF concentrations of IL-6 or IL-8 (IL-6 ≥1.5 ng/mL and/or IL-8 ≥1.3 ng/mL). RESULTS:Fifty (29.2%) women had a sonographic cervical length of ≤15mm. On univariate analysis, short cervical length was associated with an increased risk for intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation; no other parameters studied showed a significant association. Multivariable analyses indicated that short cervical length was significantly associated with a higher risk of impending preterm delivery (within 2 days of measurement, within 7 days of measurement, and before 34 weeks), and remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSION:In women with pPROM, short cervical length is associated with an increased risk for intra-amniotic infection/inflammation and associated with impending preterm delivery, independent of the presence of intra-amniotic infection/inflammation.

To determine whether short cervical lengths (≤20 mm) that were initially detected in mid-trimester and early in the third trimester are independently associated with increased risks of subsequent histologic chorioamnionitis and spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB, defined as a delivery before 34 weeks) in asymptomatic women with twin pregnancies.This is a prospective study including 292 consecutive asymptomatic women with twin gestations. Cervical length measurements were carried out at 20 to 24 weeks' gestation and at 28 to 32 weeks' gestation. Both placentas of each twin pair were examined histologically after delivery. The generalized estimation equations models and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analyses.Multivariable generalized estimation equations analysis revealed that short cervical length at mid-trimester was independently associated with an increased risk for subsequent histologic chorioamnionitis, whereas short cervical length initially detected early in the third trimester was not. By using the likelihood of SPTB as an outcome variable, multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that short mid-trimester cervical length and histologic chorioamnionitis were independently associated with a greater risk for SPTB. Similarly, based on the multivariable analysis, a short third trimester cervical length was independently and significantly associated with a greater risk for SPTB.In asymptomatic women with twin pregnancies, a short mid-trimester cervical length is independently associated with an increased risk of both subsequent histologic chorioamnionitis and SPTB, whereas a short cervical length initially detected early in the third trimester is independently associated with preterm delivery, but not subsequent histologic chorioamnionitis.

To determine whether various proteins in the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) known to be involved in immune regulation, alone or in combination with clinical risk factors, can predict spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) in women with cervical insufficiency or a short cervix (≤25 mm).This retrospective cohort study included 62 asymptomatic women with cervical insufficiency (n = 27) or an asymptomatic short cervix (n = 35) at 18-27 weeks. CVF swab samples were taken for assays of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), interleukin (IL)-8, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, and Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) before cervical examination, and maternal blood was collected for the determination of the C-reactive protein (CRP) level. The primary outcome measurement was SPTD at

To evaluate the effect of histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) with a negative amniotic fluid (AF) culture on adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes and inflammatory status in the AF compartment in women with preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).This is a retrospective cohort study of 153 women diagnosed as having a preterm labor or PPROM (20-34 weeks) who delivered singleton gestations within 48 hours of amniocentesis. AF obtained through amniocentesis was cultured, and interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels were determined. The placentas were examined histologically.The prevalence of HCA with negative AF culture was 23.5% (36/153). The women with HCA but with a negative AF culture (group 2) and those with a positive AF culture (group 3) had a significantly lower mean gestational age at amniocentesis and delivery than those with a negative AF culture and without HCA (group 1). Women in group 3 had the highest levels of AF IL-6, IL-8, and MMP-9, followed by those in group 2, and those in group 1. Composite neonatal morbidity was significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1, but this was no longer significant after adjusting for confounders caused mainly by the impact of gestational age.In the women who delivered preterm neonates, HCA with a negative AF culture was associated with increased risks of preterm birth, intense intra-amniotic inflammatory response, and prematurity-associated composite neonatal morbidity, and its risks are similar to the risk posed by positive AF culture.

ObjectivesIn this research, the hospital information system of Gachon University Gil hospital is introduced and a future strategy for hospital information systems is proposed.MethodsThis research introduces the development conditions of hospital information system at Gachon University Gil hospital, information about the development of the enterprise resource planning (ERP), a medical service process improvement system, and the personal health record (PHR) system.ResultsThe medical service process and work efficiency were improved through the medical service process improvement system, which is the most common hospital information system at Gachon University Gil hospital and which includes an emergency medical service system, an online evaluation system and a round support system.ConclusionsGachon University Gil hospital developed medical service improvement systems to increase work efficiency of medical team and optimized the systems to prove the availability of high-quality medical services for patients and their families. The PHR-based personalized health care solution is under development and will provide higher quality medical service for more patients in the future.

Perianastomotic ulceration (PAU) rarely occurs after small bowel resection in infancy. Since the understanding of its pathogenesis is incomplete, an effective method of treatment has not yet been discovered. We report the first case in Korea of a 10-year-old girl with chronic iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and growth failure who was diagnosed with PAU at colonoscopy. Seven years were required to identify the cause of IDA. After surgical resection and revision of anastomosis, a close follow-up is being conducted due to the risk of recurrence. Here, we also review reports on 25 pediatric patients with PAU derived from a search of the English-language literature and describe the clinical features of PAU along with the results of treatment.