Chalcogen Atoms Regulate the Organic Solar Cell Performance of B–N-Based Polymer Donors

Donor polymers play a key role in the development of organic solar cells (OSCs). B–N-based polymer donors, as new types of materials, have attracted a lot of attention due to their special characteristics, such as high E(T1), small ΔEST, and easy synthesis, and they can be processed with real green solvents. However, the relationship between the chemical structure and device performance has not been systematically studied. Herein, chalcogen atoms that regulate the OSCs performance of B–N-based polymer donors were systematically studied. Fortunately, the substitution of a halogen atom did not affect the high E(T1) and small ΔEST character of the B–N-based polymer. The absorption and energy levels of the polymer were systematically regulated by O, S, and Se atom substitution. The PBNT-TAZ:Y6-BO-based OSCs device demonstrated a high power conversion efficiency of 15.36%. Moreover, the layer-by-layer method was applied to further optimize the device performance, and the PBNT-TAZ/Y6-BO-based OSCs device yielded a PCE of 16.34%. Consequently, we have systematically demonstrated how chalcogen atoms modulated the electronic properties of B–N-based polymers. Detailed and systematic structure–performance relationships are important for the development of next-generation B–N-based materials

Self-Powering Gas Sensing System Enabled by Double-Layer Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Poly(2-vinylpyridine)@BaTiO₃ Core–Shell Hybrids with Superior Dispersibility and Uniformity

Current core–shell hybrids used in diverse energy-related applications possess limited dispersibility and film uniformity that govern their overall performances. Herein, we showcase superdispersible core–shell hybrids (P2VP@BaTiO3) composed of a poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) (5–20 wt %) and a barium titanate oxide (BaTiO3), maximizing dielectric constants by forming the high-quality uniform films. The P2VP@BaTiO3-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), especially the 10 wt % P2VP (P2VP10@BaTiO3)-based one, deliver significantly enhanced output performances compared to physically mixed P2VP/BaTiO3 counterparts. The P2VP10@BaTiO3-based double-layer TENG exhibits not only an excellent transferred charge density of 281.7 μC m–2 with a power density of 27.2 W m–2 but also extraordinary device stability (∼100% sustainability of the maximum output voltage for 54,000 cycles and ∼68.7% voltage retention even at 99% humidity). Notably, introducing the MoS2/SiO2/Ni-mesh layer into this double-layer TENG enables ultrahigh charge density of up to 1228 μC m–2, which is the top value reported for the TENGs so far. Furthermore, we also demonstrate a near-field communication-based sensing system for monitoring CO2 gas using our developed self-powered generator with enhanced output performance and robustness

Self-Powering Gas Sensing System Enabled by Double-Layer Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Poly(2-vinylpyridine)@BaTiO₃ Core–Shell Hybrids with Superior Dispersibility and Uniformity

Current core–shell hybrids used in diverse energy-related applications possess limited dispersibility and film uniformity that govern their overall performances. Herein, we showcase superdispersible core–shell hybrids (P2VP@BaTiO3) composed of a poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) (5–20 wt %) and a barium titanate oxide (BaTiO3), maximizing dielectric constants by forming the high-quality uniform films. The P2VP@BaTiO3-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), especially the 10 wt % P2VP (P2VP10@BaTiO3)-based one, deliver significantly enhanced output performances compared to physically mixed P2VP/BaTiO3 counterparts. The P2VP10@BaTiO3-based double-layer TENG exhibits not only an excellent transferred charge density of 281.7 μC m–2 with a power density of 27.2 W m–2 but also extraordinary device stability (∼100% sustainability of the maximum output voltage for 54,000 cycles and ∼68.7% voltage retention even at 99% humidity). Notably, introducing the MoS2/SiO2/Ni-mesh layer into this double-layer TENG enables ultrahigh charge density of up to 1228 μC m–2, which is the top value reported for the TENGs so far. Furthermore, we also demonstrate a near-field communication-based sensing system for monitoring CO2 gas using our developed self-powered generator with enhanced output performance and robustness

National trends in the prevalence of screen time and its association with biopsychosocial risk factors among Korean adolescents, 2008-2021

No description supplied</p

Incident allergic diseases in post-COVID-19 condition: multinational cohort studies from South Korea, Japan and the UK

As mounting evidence suggests a higher incidence of adverse consequences, such as disruption of the immune system, among patients with a history of COVID-19, we aimed to investigate post-COVID-19 conditions on a comprehensive set of allergic diseases including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy. We used nationwide claims-based cohorts in South Korea (K-CoV-N; n = 836,164; main cohort) and Japan (JMDC; n = 2,541,021; replication cohort A) and the UK Biobank cohort (UKB; n = 325,843; replication cohort B) after 1:5 propensity score matching. Among the 836,164 individuals in the main cohort (mean age, 50.25 years [SD, 13.86]; 372,914 [44.6%] women), 147,824 were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the follow-up period (2020−2021). The risk of developing allergic diseases, beyond the first 30 days of diagnosis of COVID-19, significantly increased (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.13−1.27), notably in asthma (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.80−2.83) and allergic rhinitis (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.15−1.32). This risk gradually decreased over time, but it persisted throughout the follow-up period (≥6 months). In addition, the risk increased with increasing severity of COVID-19. Notably, COVID-19 vaccination of at least two doses had a protective effect against subsequent allergic diseases (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68−0.96). Similar findings were reported in the replication cohorts A and B. Although the potential for misclassification of pre-existing allergic conditions as incident diseases remains a limitation, ethnic diversity for evidence of incident allergic diseases in post-COVID-19 condition has been validated by utilizing multinational and independent population-based cohorts.</p

Incident allergic diseases in post-COVID-19 condition: multinational cohort studies from South Korea, Japan and the UK

As mounting evidence suggests a higher incidence of adverse consequences, such as disruption of the immune system, among patients with a history of COVID-19, we aimed to investigate post-COVID-19 conditions on a comprehensive set of allergic diseases including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy. We used nationwide claims-based cohorts in South Korea (K-CoV-N; n = 836,164; main cohort) and Japan (JMDC; n = 2,541,021; replication cohort A) and the UK Biobank cohort (UKB; n = 325,843; replication cohort B) after 1:5 propensity score matching. Among the 836,164 individuals in the main cohort (mean age, 50.25 years [SD, 13.86]; 372,914 [44.6%] women), 147,824 were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the follow-up period (2020−2021). The risk of developing allergic diseases, beyond the first 30 days of diagnosis of COVID-19, significantly increased (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.13−1.27), notably in asthma (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.80−2.83) and allergic rhinitis (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.15−1.32). This risk gradually decreased over time, but it persisted throughout the follow-up period (≥6 months). In addition, the risk increased with increasing severity of COVID-19. Notably, COVID-19 vaccination of at least two doses had a protective effect against subsequent allergic diseases (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68−0.96). Similar findings were reported in the replication cohorts A and B. Although the potential for misclassification of pre-existing allergic conditions as incident diseases remains a limitation, ethnic diversity for evidence of incident allergic diseases in post-COVID-19 condition has been validated by utilizing multinational and independent population-based cohorts.</p

Global public concern of children and adolescents suicide: a new perspective and new strategies for suicide prevention in the post-pandemic era

No description supplied</p

Prenatal and infant exposure to antibiotics and subsequent risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in children: a nationwide birth cohort study in South Korea

We aimed to assess the association between antibiotic exposure in fetal and postnatal life (within six months after birth) and the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in childhood. A nationwide, population-based birth cohort study (infants, n = 3,163,206; paired mothers, n = 2,322,735) was conducted in South Korea, with a mean follow-up duration of 6.8 years, using estimates of hazard ratio [HR] and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Following propensity score matching including the baseline variables, antibiotic exposure in both fetal (HR,1.07 [95 % CI, 1.05–1.08]) and postnatal life (1.05 [1.03–1.07]) was associated with an increased risk of overall childhood neuropsychiatric disorders. A synergistic effect was observed with prenatal and postnatal exposures (1.12 [1.09–1.15]). The risk increases with the increasing number and duration of prescriptions. Significant associations were found for both common (1.06 [1.05–1.08]) and severe outcomes (1.17 [1.09–1.26]), especially for intellectual disability (1.12 [1.07–1.17]), ADHD (1.10 [1.07–1.13]), anxiety (1.06 [1.02–1.11]), mood (1.06 [1.00–1.12]), and autism (1.03 [1.01–1.07]). When comparing siblings with different exposure statuses to consider familial factors, prenatal and postnatal exposure risk increased to 10 % (95 % CI, 6–12) and 12 % (7–17), respectively. Similar results were observed in the unmatched and health screening cohort, which considers maternal obesity, smoking, and breastfeeding. Based on these findings, clinicians may consider potential long-term risks when assessing the risk-benefit of early-life antibiotic prescription. </p

Prenatal and postnatal exposure to antibiotics and risk of food allergy in the offspring: a nationwide birth cohort study in South Korea

Background: There are only preliminary studies examining the associations of postnatal antibiotic exposure with food allergy in childhood, and the effect of antibiotic exposure in utero has not been resolved. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal and postnatal antibiotic exposure on the risk of food allergy in childhood. Methods: Using the nationwide birth cohort in South Korea, all 3,163,206 infants (pairing mother; n= 2,322,735) born in South Korea between 2010 and 2017 were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of food allergy, and the observation period was between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2020. We implemented four different designs for the study, which consisted of a full unmatched cohort, 1:1 propensity-matched cohort, sibling comparison cohort, and health screening cohort along with multiple subgroup analyses.Results: During the follow-up period (median 6.92 years [IQR, 4.72–9.00]) of the 3,161,858 infants (52.6% male) in the birth cohort, 29,973 (1.9%) were diagnosed with food allergies. After a 1:1 propensity score matching, the use of antibiotics increased the risk of overall food allergy (prenatal [HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04–1.09] and postnatal [HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01–1.10] periods). The association was more significantly accentuated when antibiotic exposure was used in the short term, and the children were born preterm or with low birthweight; however, a trimester-specific effect was not observed. We observed more pronounced risks of food allergy in the health screening cohort (prenatal, 17%; postnatal, 15%), thus addressing the adverse effects of critical factors including maternal BMI, smoking status, and type of infant feeding. Similar trends were observed across all four differnt cohorts. 2 of 12 | OH et al. 1 | INTRODUCTION Food allergy is a serious health concern across the globe, especially among children.1 Recent studies from the United States have reported that the prevalence of food allergy among children reached 7.6%2 and continued to grow rapidly due to urbanization and westernization.1 Food allergy can induce life-threatening anaphylaxis and cause significant morbidity and mortality.1 Several genetic and environmental factors have been reported to lead to a lack or loss of tolerance to specific foods3–5 thereby resulting in the development of food allergy. In murine models, the gut microbiome performs critical functions in the development of immune tolerance to food allergens.6 Further, it is well-established that the gut microbiome can be perturbed by numerous factors including antibiotic treatment.7 The administration of antibiotics during pregnancy and young infancy is become increasingly prevalent and antibiotics account for ~30% and ~80% of total prescribed medications dispensed to preschool children and pregnant women, respectively.8 At the same time, mounting evidence suggests that prenatal exposure to antibiotics may increase the risk of chronic diseases including asthma9–14 and atopic dermatitis.15 However, only one study has investigated the association between early antibiotic exposure and childhood food allergy at the population level.16 This previous study has several limitations: not taking the potential confounding factors (e.g., familial history of allergic diseases and maternal smoking status) into consideration and only examining postnatal exposure to antibiotics; therefore, excluding prenatal exposure to antibiotics. Detailing the relationship between maternal antibiotic use and the risk of food allergy in the offspring has clinical and scientific significance ascribed to the fact that maternal antibiotic use in pregnancy may make adverse modifications to the microbiome, resulting in the development of food allergy in offspring. Thus, we designed and executed four different cohorts within the same population, using International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10) codes, and predetermined criteria for both maternal antibiotics and food allergy in offspring to control for a great number of potential confounders using nationwide birth cohort study in South Korea. We aimed to understand the potential association of fetal and postnatal antibiotic exposure on the development of food allergies among children. 2 | METHODS 2.1 | Data source A large-scale population-based birth cohort of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) in South Korea was conducted in this study.17–19 We established a mother–child paired birth cohort among all infants born between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2017. We used a unique insurance identification number shared within a family to construe the mother–child pairs.20 South Korea has a national health insurance that covers approximately 98% of all Korean citizens and the Korean government provides the first general health examination to all infants aged 6 months.20 The government anonymized all patient-related data to robust confidentiality. A previous study indicated that the overall positive predictive value for diagnostic records of the NHIS data was 82%.21 This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kyung Hee University (KHSIRB-23-241(EA)). The requirement for informed consent was waived as this study used de-identified administrative data. 2.2 | Study design and participants: (1) full unmatched cohort; (2) Propensity score-matched cohort; (3) health-screening cohort; and (4) sibling cohort We set the “index date” as the birth date of each child. The followup ended on December 31, 2020, on the date of the first diagnosis of food allergy, or at the death of a child, whichever happened first. The observation period was between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2020 (Figure S1). Among the mother–child pairs enrolled from 2009Conclusion: This study reported a moderate association between early-life antibiotic use and subsequent food allergy during childhood throughout four different designs of analyses. This study suggests that clinicians need to consider the risks and benefits of antibiotics when administering antibiotics to individuals in the prenatal and postnatal periods.</p

National prevalence of smoking among adolescents at tobacco tax increase and COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, 2005-2022

Prior research has predominantly focused on the overall effects of the tobacco tax increase and the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent smoking behavior. However, there is a need to examine both the immediate and sustained associations of these two factors on subgroups of adolescents, employing an interrupted time-series model. We aimed to investigate the immediate and sustained association of tobacco tax increase and the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent smoking prevalence. This study utilized data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey to analyze the prevalence of current smoking among all participants (CSP) and the prevalence of daily smoking among current smokers (DSP) of Korean adolescents (n = 1,159,995; mean, age 14.99; male 51.5%) over 18 years from 2005 to 2022. The study examined 18-year trends in CSP and DSP among Korean adolescents, emphasizing the influences of the 2015 tobacco tax increase and the COVID-19 pandemic, using β coefficients and their differences (βdiff) from an interrupted time-series ARIMA model. While CSP exhibited a decreasing trend, DSP exhibited an increasing trend. Tobacco tax increase was associated with both the short and long terms in smoking prevalence, however, the short-term association on prevalence (CSP, − 3.076 [95% CI, − 3.707 to − 2.445]; DSP, − 4.112 [95% CI, − 6.488 to − 1.735]) was stronger. The pandemic was associated with an immediate increase in DSP (9.345 [95% CI, 5.285–13.406]). These effects were strongest among adolescents from low economic status and those exposed to familial secondhand smoking. Supportive programs for adolescents in low-income families will help overcome the effects associated with the pandemic. As a tobacco tax increase was associated with a reduction in smoking prevalence, this could be one method to overcome the effects of the pandemic.</p