Search Results (266)

The escalating consumption of fossil fuels and the rapid development of portable electronics have increased interest in alternative energy solutions that can sustainably self-power wearable devices. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which convert mechanical energy into electricity through contact electrification and electrostatic induction, have emerged as a promising technology due to their high voltage output, lightweight design, and simple fabrication. However, the performance of TENGs is often limited by a low surface charge density, inadequate dielectric properties, and poor charge retention of triboelectric materials. To address these challenges, recent research has focused on the use of polymer composites that incorporate various functional fillers. The filler materials play roles in improving dielectric performance and enhancing mechanical durability, thereby boosting triboelectric output even in harsh environments, while also diminishing charge loss. This review comprehensively examines the role of polymer composite design in TENG performance, with particular emphasis on materials categorized by their triboelectric polarity. Tribo-negative polymers, such as PDMS and PVDF, benefit from filler incorporation and phase engineering to enhance surface charge density and charge retention. By contrast, tribo-positive materials like nylon and cellulose have demonstrated notable improvements in mechanical robustness and environmental stability through composite strategies. The interplay between material selection, surface engineering, and filler design is highlighted as a critical path toward developing high-performance, self-powered TENG systems. Finally, this review discusses the current challenges and future opportunities for advancing TENG technology toward practical and scalable applications. Full article

Thermally conductive polymer composites are essential for effective heat dissipation in electronic packaging, where both thermal management and mechanical reliability are critical. Although diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA)-based epoxies exhibit favorable properties, their intrinsically low thermal conductivity limits broader applications. Incorporating conductive fillers, such as expanded graphite (EG) and metal powders, enhances heat transport but often compromises mechanical strength due to poor filler–matrix compatibility. In this study, we address this trade-off by employing a titanate coupling agent to surface-modify aluminum (Al) fillers, thereby improving interfacial adhesion and dispersion within the DGEBA matrix. Our results show that incorporating 10 wt% untreated Al increases thermal conductivity from 7.35 to 9.60 W/m·K; however, this gain comes at the cost of flexural strength, which drops to 18.29 MPa. In contrast, titanate-modified Al (Ti@Al) not only preserves high thermal conductivity but also restores mechanical performance, achieving a flexural strength of 35.31 MPa (at 5 wt% Ti@Al) and increasing impact strength from 0.60 to 1.01 kJ/m². These findings demonstrate that interfacial engineering via titanate coupling offers a compelling strategy to overcome the thermal–mechanical trade-off in hybrid composites, enabling the development of high-performance materials for advanced thermal interface and structural applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous studies have reported satisfactory outcomes and low rates of instrumentation-related complications (IRCs) following nonfusion posterior fixation in patients with metastatic spinal tumors (MSTs). However, to adequately assess the longevity and durability of nonfusion instrumentation in patients with longer life expectancy, an extended follow-up period is essential. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for IRCs in patients with MSTs who underwent nonfusion posterior fixation and had radiographic follow-up data available for at least one year postoperatively. Methods: Consecutive data were collected from patients who underwent pedicle screw-based posterior fixation without fusion for MSTs in the thoracic and/or lumbar region from 2005 to 2018. The IRCs included screw loosening, screw pull-out, and metal breakage. The IRC-free survival and related factors were analyzed by Kaplan–Meier survivorship analysis with the log-rank test within a minimum follow-up period of one year. A multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox proportional-hazards regression model. Results: In total, 61 patients were included. The mean follow-up period was 28.3 months (range: 12.0–102.6 months). There were 27 cases (44.2%) of IRCs, including 22 cases of screw loosening, four cases of screw pull-out, and one case of rod breakage, at an average of 9.6 months (range: 1.0–38.1 months). The median IRC-free survival was 38.1 months (range: 1.0–102.6 months). Only three patients experienced pain aggravation with IRCs. No revision surgery was performed. A multivariate analysis identified that fixation length was a risk factor for IRCs (odds ratio: 0.358, 95% confidence interval: 0.114–0.888; p = 0.027). Conclusions: IRCs are frequent but mostly asymptomatic after nonfusion posterior fixation in patients with MSTs followed up for at least one year. Overall, the IRC-free survival was long enough considering the patient survival. Fixation length was a significant risk factor for IRCs regardless of MST location. Full article

Obesity has been shown to be an independent risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Here, we tried to analyze the distribution of obesity by age and sex in a 10-year sample cohort of newly diagnosed HF patients in Korea. A total of 35,869 patients newly diagnosed with HF between 2006 and 2015 from a nationally representative random sample of 1,000,000 people were included in this study. The data of age and sex for each subgroup according to body mass index were analyzed and compared with the general population. The obese group accounted for 43.3% of the total, and the frequency of obese patients was the highest among those in their 60s (4561). The proportion of obesity was the highest among those in their 40s (57.7%) and 30s (57.3%) in men and the highest among those in their 60s (52.2%) in women. The underweight group increases with age in both men and women, and the proportion of the high-aged group over 80 years old in the underweight group of women is significantly much higher than that of men. Conclusively, the proportion of obesity is higher than in the general population in HF patients. Obesity patterns analyzed by age were different for each sex. Full article

BYVET JOINT HEAL^TM (BJH) contains mucopolysaccharide protein, chondroitin sulfate, type II collagen, and omega-3 fatty acids, which protect and prevent osteoarthritis (OA)-associated tissue damage and degradation in dogs and cats. This study aimed to generate a novel dietary supplement and evaluate its prevention and therapeutic efficacy in an OA Sprague Dawley rat model induced using monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). Negative control, MIA-induced OA control (MIA), OA rats treated with BJH three weeks after (M+BJH3) and those treated two weeks before and three weeks after OA induction (BJH2+M+BJH3) groups were assigned. M+BJH3 and BJH2+M+BJH3 had similar mean body weight increases until 29 days. BJH2+M+BJH3 showed a significantly higher body weight than M+BJH3 and MIA on the final day. Interleukin-1β in BJH2+M+BJH3 was significantly lower than that in MIA. Tumor necrosis factor-α, aggrecan, matrix metalloproteinases13, and cyclooxygenase-2 levels in M+BJH3 and BJH2+M+BJH3 significantly differed compared to those in MIA. BJH administration before OA induction significantly decreased OA severity and functional recovery. Consuming a BJH supplement showed modifying and chondroprotective effects and significantly reduced cartilage degeneration and inflammation with no side effects. Hence, our findings demonstrate the potential of using BJH as a safe therapeutic and preventive supplement for OA and associated cartilage abnormalities. Also, 30 dogs diagnosed with OA by a veterinarian participated in the clinical trial, and BJH was provided for 8 weeks. Blood tests (CBC, serum chemistry) and joint assessment were performed before and after the feeding, and the effects of a BJH supplement were compared. BJH supplement was easy to administer, and no side effects were reported. Feeding BJH supplementation alone to dogs with arthritis had an overall positive effect on arthritis scores for 8 weeks without any other treatment, including non-steroidal drugs. Full article

The dissipation of excessive heat in high-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is essential for maintaining luminous efficiency, color stability, and device lifetime. While the incorporation of thermal vias in substrates is commonly used to improve heat dissipation, increasing their number is difficult in the limited area due to fabrication constraints. In this study, we use finite element analysis to investigate the effects of thermal via configurations on LED performance, including variations in the number of vias, spacing between vias, and their misalignment relative to the LED, arising from manufacturing tolerances. We found that the reduction in LED temperature saturated beyond a certain number of vias. Moreover, heat reduction can be further enhanced by optimizing the spacing between vias under a fixed number of vias. Based on these findings, the design of via configurations can achieve both fabrication feasibility and effective heat dissipation in high-power LEDs. Full article

This research investigates the metabolite composition and biofunctional activiteies of 41 Korean soybeans, categorized by application: bean sprout, bean paste, vegetable, and cooked-with-rice. Isoflavones were identified via UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and quantified using HPLC, revealing malonylgenistin as the predominant composition (average 743.4 μg/g, 42.3% of total isoflavones). Bean sprout showed the highest average isoflavone (2780.6 μg/g), followed by bean paste (1837.8 μg/g), cooked-with-rice (1448.2 μg/g), and vegetable (883.2 μg/g), with significant differences in individual cultivars. Protein ranged from 36.8 to 46.6% and oil from 17.0 to 22.3%, with vegetable soybeans exhibiting the highest average protein (44.9%) and lowest average oil (18.6%). Moreover, PLS-DA and hierarchical clustering revealed distinct metabolic patterns in usage groups. Antioxidant activities (radical scavenging; DNA protection) and enzyme inhibition (tyrosinase; α-glucosidase) also varied significantly, correlating with isoflavone distributions. Particularly, Sorog exhibited the highest isoflavone (3722.7 μg/g) and strong antioxidant activity (DPPH: 72.2%; ABTS: 93.8%, 500 μg/mL), DNA protection (92.8%, 200 μg/mL), and inhibition of tyrosinase and α-glucosidase by 78.4% and 84.2% (500 μg/mL). These findings suggest that isoflavone-rich bean sprout soybeans, especially Sorog, are promising candidates for health-promoting foods and functional cultivar development. This is the first systematic study comparing the metabolites and health-related properties of soybeans based on Korean usage categories. Full article

This paper provides a revision of Porella in the Korean Peninsula based mostly on a study of the collections housed in the herbaria of Jeonbuk National University (JNU) using an integrative approach to systematize the liverwort, as well as a study of the types of several species and available literature sources. In total, 17 species were recorded, including six taxa (Porella acutifolia ssp. tosana, P. platyphylla, P. perrottetiana, P. pinnata, P. spinulosa, and P. subobtusa) whose identities were not confirmed with the available materials and were suspected to be recorded by mistake. Two species are described as new to science. Porella koreana sp. nov. is morphologically similar to P. caespitans and P. densifolia; however it has an acute apex, and cells in the middle of the dorsal lobe have convex trigones. Porella chulii sp. nov. is somewhat morphologically similar to P. japonica; however, it has a dorsal leaf lobe margin that is slightly incurved, and the cells in the middle of the dorsal lobe are 20–25 μm in size. Each confirmed species is annotated by morphological descriptions based on available Korean material, data on ecology, its distribution, specimens examined, and illustrations. The identification key for Porella taxa known in Korea is provided. Full article

Hair loss, a prevalent condition affecting individuals across various demographics, is associated with hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, inflammation, and environmental factors. This study evaluated the anti-hair loss potential of the water-soluble fraction of Rhus semialata gall extract (WRGE) and its primary component, Penta-O-Galloyl-β-D-Glucose (PGG), through both in vitro and clinical studies. WRGE was obtained using a standardized extraction process, and PGG was identified via HPLC-DAD and HRESIMS/MS techniques. Human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) are specialized fibroblasts that can regulate the hair growth cycle and hair follicle growth. HDPCs are widely used in research focused on anti-hair loss. In this study, the anti-hair loss effects of WRGE and PGG on HDPCs were confirmed. WRGE and PGG enhance cell proliferation in HDPCs. These results are associated with the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the upregulation of hair growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Furthermore, WRGE and PGG significantly inhibited dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-mediated DKK-1 secretion and H₂O₂-medicated cytotoxicity. Clinical trials further validated these results, demonstrating significant improvements in hair density and visual hair appearance scores in participants treated with WRGE compared to a placebo group. These results collectively suggest that WRGE and PGG may serve as promising natural agents for the prevention and treatment of hair loss by targeting multiple biological pathways, including the regulation of hair growth factors, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances. Full article

Sexual dysfunction, influenced by hormonal imbalances, psychological factors, and chronic diseases, affects a significant portion of the population. Probiotics, known for their beneficial effects on gut microbiota, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for improving sexual health. This systematic review evaluates the impact of probiotics on sexual function, hormonal regulation, and reproductive outcomes. A comprehensive search identified 3308 studies, with 12 meeting the inclusion criteria—comprising 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 2 in vivo and in vitro studies. Probiotic interventions were shown to significantly improve sexual function, particularly in women undergoing antidepressant therapy (p < 0.05). Significant improvements in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores were observed, with combined treatments such as Lactofem with Letrozole and Lactofem with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) demonstrating a 10% biochemical and clinical pregnancy rate compared to 0% in the control group (p = 0.05). Probiotic use was also associated with a 66% reduction in menopausal symptoms, increased sperm motility (36.08%), viability (46.79%), and morphology (36.47%). Probiotics also contributed to favorable hormonal changes, including a reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio (from 3.0 to 2.5, p < 0.05) and increased testosterone levels. Regarding reproductive outcomes, probiotic use was associated with higher pregnancy rates in women undergoing fertility treatments and improvements in sperm motility, viability, and morphology in men. This review highlights the promising role of probiotics in addressing sexual dysfunction and reproductive health, suggesting their potential as adjunctive treatments for conditions such as depression and infertility. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of these beneficial effects. Full article

A farm-specific early warning system has been developed to mitigate agricultural damage caused by climate change. This system utilizes weather data at the farm level to predict crop growth, forecast weather disaster risks, and provide risk alerts to farmers and local governments. For effective implementation, local governments must lead operating early warning services that reflect regional agricultural characteristics and farmers’ needs, while the central government provides foundational data. The system connects data from each region to the cloud, enabling the establishment of a nationwide integrated service operation framework that includes the central government, metropolitan cities, municipalities, and farmers. Full article

The growing demand for aesthetic enhancement has driven the development of anti-aging cosmetics, with natural compound-based formulations emerging as a new trend to enhance efficacy. This study aims to develop a 30% ethanol extract of a 1:1 mixture of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Forsythia suspensa (LF) as a potential material for combating UVB-induced skin aging. The bioactive components of LF extract were identified via HPLC. Antioxidant efficacy (DPPH, ABTS, and SOD) and the inhibitory effects on ROS production in cells were evaluated using flow cytometry. MMPs’ expressions were analyzed via RT-PCR, while TGF-β/Smad, ERK/AP-1, and HAS2/HYAL1 pathways were examined via ELISA and Western blot. Research findings indicate that LF effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species and enhances the activation of TGF-β signaling, promoting the synthesis of PIP (Procollagen Type I C-Peptide). Collagen degradation was mitigated through the inhibition of the AP-1 pathway, which regulates the expression of MMPs, and by suppressing the expression of TIMP. Additionally, modulation of the HAS2/HYAL1 signaling axis ensures a balanced regulation of hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis and degradation, thereby contributing to the maintenance of collagen integrity and skin hydration. In conclusion, LF has exhibited significant protective effects against demonstrated anti-aging properties, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent in cosmetic formulations targeting aging. Full article

Background: Wound dehiscence is a common complication in metastatic spinal tumor surgery, but its risk factors remain unclear. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study included patients who underwent surgical treatment for metastatic spinal tumors between 2020 and 2022. Data on patient demographics, primary tumor type, comorbidities, laboratory values, surgical details, and the use of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and steroids were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors associated with wound dehiscence, and survival analysis was conducted based on wound dehiscence. Results: Among the 277 patients included, 32 (11.6%) experienced wound dehiscence, with an average time to onset of 37.1 ± 24.3 days. Of these patients, 11 patients with wound infections required revision surgery under general anesthesia, whereas 21 patients underwent localized revision surgery. Univariate analysis identified diabetes (p = 0.002), hyperlipidemia (p = 0.026), surgical length (p = 0.008), and preoperative chemotherapy within 30 days before surgery (p = 0.007) as significant risk factors. On multivariate analysis, independent predictors included diabetes (OR: 4.02, 95% CI: 1.66–9.72, p = 0.002), surgical length (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.02–1.52, p = 0.029), and preoperative chemotherapy within 30 days (OR: 3.75, 95% CI: 1.55–9.10, p = 0.003). Preoperative and postoperative radiation therapy did not significantly influence wound dehiscence. Additionally, there was no significant association between wound dehiscence and 90-day mortality or overall survival. Conclusions: This study highlights diabetes, surgical length, and preoperative chemotherapy within 30 days as significant predictors of wound dehiscence following metastatic spinal tumor surgery. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the radiographic results, mechanical complications, and clinical outcomes between anterior and posterior lumbar interbody fusion at L5–S1 (ALIF51 and PLIF51 groups, respectively) using a matched cohort of patients undergoing long fusion for adult spinal deformity (ASD). Methods: Patients who underwent hybrid surgery of ≥5-level fusion to the pelvis with a minimum follow-up duration of 2 years were included. The baseline characteristics of the groups were controlled using a propensity score matching analysis. The radiographic results, mechanical complications such as proximal junctional kyphosis/failure and metal failure, and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: In total, 79 patients were assigned to each group with comparable baseline data, except for a higher frequency of anterior column realignment procedures in the PLIF51 group than in the ALIF51 group (49.4% vs. 31.6%). At the last follow-up, L5–S1 segmental lordosis (SL) was significantly greater in the ALIF51 group than in the PLIF51 group (12.1° vs. 7.3°, p < 0.001). The final C7–sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was significantly smaller in the ALIF51 group than in the PLIF51 group (25.4 mm vs. 35.5 mm, p = 0.032). However, other global sagittal parameters were comparable between the groups. The mechanical complication rates, including metal failure at L5–S1, and the final clinical outcomes were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: ALIF51 has modest advantages over PLIF51 in terms of better restoring L5–S1 SL and C7–SVA with avoiding more invasive procedures above the L5–S1 levels. Other sagittal parameters, mechanical complication rates, and clinical outcomes did not differ between the groups. Full article

Urogenital infections impact millions of individuals globally each year, with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) being one of the most prevalent conditions affecting women. Candida albicans is the primary pathogen responsible for VVC. The utilization of probiotics as an alternative therapeutic approach to antibiotics in managing such infections has gained increasing attention. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of THY-F51, a lactic acid bacterium isolated from kiwi, as a probiotic to support vaginal health through its antifungal, anti-biofilm, and anti-inflammatory properties against C. albicans. The identification of THY-F51 was confirmed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A series of evaluations were performed to determine its antifungal efficacy against C. albicans, biofilm-inhibitory activity, antioxidant properties, and effects on inflammatory cytokines. Cytotoxicity assays and assessments of bacterial survival under vaginal pH conditions (pH 3.8–4.5) were also conducted. The results demonstrated that THY-F51, identified as Leuconostoc citreum, exhibited potent antifungal activity against C. albicans, with an MIC of 1.25 mg/mL and an MFC of 2.5 mg/mL. Furthermore, THY-F51 displayed a strong inhibition of C. albicans biofilm formation, as well as notable antioxidant activity in the supernatant. Additionally, THY-F51 demonstrated high survival rates under vaginal pH conditions, an absence of cytotoxic effects, and a significant reduction in C. albicans adhesion to HeLa cells. Moreover, THY-F51 effectively suppressed C. albicans-induced inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. These findings suggest that THY-F51, isolated from kiwi, holds substantial promise as a safe and effective probiotic for reducing vaginal inflammation and promoting vaginal health. Full article