Pusan National University

Researchers demonstrate the intricate interactions between single-stranded DNA sequences and carbon nanotubes BUSAN, South Korea, July 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have emerged as promising candidates for applications in biotechnology and nanoelectronics due to their exceptional physical and chemical properties. Despite their potential, challenges like insolubility and toxicity have hindered their widespread use. Prior studies have been investigating diverse strategies to functionalize and modify the surfaces of SWCNTs to overcome these challenges. Continue Reading Researchers identify optimal single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) sequences to functionalize single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) to improve stability and safety. They used molecular simulation to validate the binding affinity and machine-learning models to predict the binding affinity between the ssDNA and SWCNTs. The developed improved ssDNA-SWCNT constructs are promising candidates for the development for biomedical devices and nano electronics In a recent study, researchers from the Pusan National University led by Professor Sanghwa Jeong, Assistant Professor in the School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, have attempted to fill this gap. This study has gone beyond conventional techniques by employing high-throughput screening methods to elucidate the relationship between DNA sequences and their binding affinity to carbon nanotubes. It focused on optimizing the binding affinity and stability of these constructs through advanced sequence design and molecular dynamics simulations. This recent study was published in the journal of Advanced Science on 25th June 2024. Discussing the background of their study Dr. Jeong explains, "Researchers have been exploring various strategies to engineer SWCNT surfaces to overcome the challenges of limited applications owing to insolubility and potential toxicity. One promising approach is the use of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) as a wrapping surfactant for SWCNTs." The researchers employed a rigorous methodology to ensure precise characterization and optimization of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-SWCNT complexes. Initially, a diverse random 30-nucleotide (nt) ssDNA library underwent iterative rounds of screening to identify high-affinity sequences. Computational modeling, particularly molecular dynamics simulations, provided insights into the structural dynamics of the SWCNT constructs. Furthermore, the researchers used several machine-learning models to understand the pattern of sequences that affect binding affinity. They have successfully created a freely accessible online service that predicts the binding affinity of ssDNA sequences to SWCNTs. These integrated approaches not only validated the experimental findings but also guided the design of high-performance ssDNA-SWCNT constructs. The findings revealed significant advancements in the stability and functionality of ssDNA-SWCNT complexes. High-affinity 30-nt ssDNA sequences, rich in adenine and cytosine, exhibited superior binding strength, validated through surfactant displacement experiments. Molecular dynamics simulations highlighted the formation of stable intramolecular hydrogen bonds near the SWCNT surface, underscoring their enhanced structural integrity. The machine-learning models effectively predicted the binding affinities of ssDNA sequences, further supporting the design of the tailored ssDNA-SWCNT constructs. Moreover, the study demonstrated notable improvements in the resistance of these complexes to enzymatic degradation compared to free ssDNA, making them highly suitable for long-term biological applications. In conclusion, the development of high-affinity ssDNA-SWCNT constructs marks a significant advancement in nanobiotechnology. The exceptional characteristics of ssDNA-SWCNTs make them ideal candidates for cell or tissue-specific drug delivery systems as well as the development of high-performance nano electronic devices. Dr. Jeong concludes, "Our study not only makes a substantial contribution to our understanding of the interplay between ssDNA and SWCNTs but also offers practical avenues for harnessing these interactions in a wide range of advanced technologies. In the future, developing nanomaterials and devices with enhanced stability will show promise in driving innovation in nanoelectronics and biotechnology." Reference Title of original paper: Systematic Selection of High Affinity ssDNA Sequences to Carbon Nanotubes Journal: Advanced Science DOI: About the institute Website: Contact: Jae-Eun Lee 82 51 510 7928 [email protected] SOURCE Pusan National University

The prevalence of postpartum depression and various maternal factors associated with it were evaluated using healthcare data of first-time mothers BUSAN, South Korea, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Postpartum depression (PPD) is a clinical condition that affects women after childbirth, typically starting within a few weeks postpartum. It is characterized by intense feelings of anxiety, sadness, and fatigue, which can be prolonged. PPD can have adverse effects on both the mother and the newborn, leading to negative health outcomes and impaired parenting practices. Over the years, research has linked PPD to a combination of individual and societal factors, categorizing these influences into demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, and psychological factors. Despite numerous studies, the prevalence of PPD and the impact of maternal factors on first-time adolescent mothers remain poorly understood. Continue Reading Integrating mental health care into prenatal care, particularly for adolescent mothers, can help reduce the incidence, risk, and severity of PPD. To fill in the research gap, a team of researchers have endeavored to assess the relationship between maternal factors and the development of PPD in first-time adolescent and adult mothers. The team led by Assistant Professor Nakyung Jeon from the College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, South Korea conducted a retrospective study and stratified first-time mothers into adolescents (12–19 years) and adult mothers (20 years or greater) based on their ages. Additionally, they evaluated the influence of different maternal factors associated with PPD in both groups. Their research findings were made available online on 18 October 2023 and was formally published in Volume 51, Issue 1 of Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care journal in March 2024. Initially, the researchers utilized first-time mothers' electronic health records and linked them to other healthcare and population databases. Subsequently, they conducted statistical analysis to evaluate the maternal factors and prevalence of PPD. They found that PPD amongst first time mothers was more predominant in adolescent mothers by 1.5 times when compared to adult mothers. Alarmingly, their analysis showed that adolescent mothers were less likely to avail first trimester prenatal care, more likely to use tobacco products and have an infection during pregnancy. "Our study underscores the importance of integrating mental health care into prenatal care, particularly for adolescents, to help reduce the risk and severity of PPD. Healthcare providers can develop and implement enhanced prenatal care programs specifically tailored for adolescent mothers, focusing on early detection and management of risk factors associated with PPD. These programs can include routine mental health screenings, counselling services, and education on the importance of prenatal care," says Dr. Jeon. Additionally, the researchers found that clinical history of depression or anxiety, use of tobacco during pregnancy, and the use of long-acting reversible contraception were significant risk factors for PPD in both adolescent and adult mothers. Public health campaigns and awareness programs to educate young mothers and their families about the risks of PPD and the importance of seeking help along with increased access to mental healthcare and extended medical insurance coverage beyond the postpartum period can prove to be vital for the effective prevention and management of PPD in first-time adolescent mothers. Emphasizing the long-term implications of the research study, Dr. Jeon shares, "Early detection and intervention for PPD, particularly among adolescent mothers, can improve the overall health outcomes for both mothers and their children. Furthermore, by addressing mental health issues early, we can prevent the progression of severe mental health problems, reducing the need for intensive treatments along with decreased healthcare costs." Reference Title of original paper: Comparing maternal factors associated with postpartum depression between primiparous adolescents and adults: A large retrospective cohort study Journal: Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care DOI: About the institute Website: Media Contact: Jae-Eun Lee [email protected] 82 51 510 7928 SOURCE Pusan National University

Repeated item development training helps faculty better predict and adjust item difficulty in medical education assessments BUSAN, South Korea, July 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Evaluation is essential to learning, as it determines whether students have grasped the taught concepts. The item difficulty index (the ratio of correct responses to total responses) plays a key role in this process, providing a measure of test difficulty. Educators' ability to create items and predict their difficulty indices significantly impacts evaluation. Educators often overestimate item difficulty, underscoring the need for better predictive skills. However, research on faculty development programs to enhance this ability is limited. Continue Reading Researchers from Pusan National University study the effects of repeated item development training on the ability of educators to predict and adjust item difficulty levels across multiple medical subjects, highlighting improvements in assessment quality and student performance. To address this gap, a team of researchers at Pusan National University led by Professor Sang Lee, Vice President for Medical Affairs, Professor of Medical Education, and Professor of Family Medicine, conducted a study, the findings of which were published online in BMC Medical Education on May 30, 2024. The study investigated whether repeated item development training for medical school faculty improved their ability to predict and adjust the difficulty level of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Explaining the background of their study, Prof. Lee elucidates, "Just like the final stroke completes and perfects a painting, education is perfected through evaluation. Medical school faculty members cannot create high-quality items without proper training. Item development training is essential, and this study demonstrates that the effectiveness of such training increases with repetition." Item development workshops were conducted with 62 participants, first in 2016 and later in 2018. The estimated accuracies of item difficulty predictions were compared. Before the workshop, the teachers developed newly drafted items which were then reviewed. An item development committee trained the faculty members by offering continuous feedback and helping them revise the newly drafted items according to the national exam standards, with an ideal difficulty range and an application-based focus. Furthermore, the difficulty indices predicted by the participants were compared with fourth-year medical student evaluation analyses. The study found that before the training, significant agreement between the predicted and actual item difficulty indices was observed for only cardiology. After training, significant agreement was observed for cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, and preventative medicine. These findings suggest systematic and effective training can improve the quality of MCQ assessments in medical education. Repeated training sessions significantly enhanced faculty members' ability to predict and adjust item difficulty levels accurately, leading to effective assessments and better educational outcomes. Despite the benefits, sustaining them might be challenging due to the workshop's three-day duration and busy faculty schedules. However, trained educators will be better equipped to create and adjust items, improving assessment practices across all academic fields. In conclusion, continuous faculty development programs are essential to ensure the creation of appropriate items aligned with evaluation purposes. Talking about the potential applications of their study, Prof. Lee shares, "Repeated item development training not only helps adjust the difficulty level but also enhances the construction of the items, increases their discriminating power, and properly addresses the issue of validity." He further adds, "Soon there will be an era of item development using AI. For that, studies like ours are important for providing necessary information about existing items and students' answer data, which will help in developing an AI-powered automated item development program." Reference Title of original paper: The impact of repeated item development training on the prediction of medical faculty members' item difficulty index Journal: BMC Medical Education DOI: About the institute Website: Contact: Jae-Eun Lee 82 51 510 7928 [email protected] SOURCE Pusan National University