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Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and non-GIST subepithelial tumors (SETs) account for about 75 and 25 % of gastric hypoechoic SETs ≥2 cm, respectively. Therefore, identifying preoperative predictive factors for GISTs are required to refine surgical indications. We performed a retrospective review of 375 surgically resected gastric hypoechoic SETs ≥2 cm. Demographic data and tumor characteristics based on upper endoscopy and CT findings were compared between GIST and non-GIST SETs originating from muscularis propria layer (leiomyomas, Schwannomas, glomus tumors, and ectopic pancreas). In cardia, leiomyomas were found twice more frequently than GISTs (63.6 versus 31.8 %). Perilesional lymph node enlargement (PLNE) was found only in patients with GIST or Schwannomas. Patients with GIST showed a significantly lower rate of PLNE than those with Schwannomas (3.5 versus 29.0 %). In multivariate analysis, tumor site outside cardia (odds ratio, 9.157), absence of PLNE (odds ratio, 11.519), old age, large tumor size, exophytic growth pattern, and ulceration or dimpling were identified as independent preoperative predictive factors for GISTs versus non-GIST SETs. The effort for preoperative pathologic diagnosis such as endosonography-guided tissue sampling might be positively considered for SETs at cardia and SETs with PLNE where the possibility of GIST is low.

Characteristics of non-point source (NPS) pollution runoff from a public park in Gwangju, Korea were investigated. Results exhibited the highest pollutant concentrations at the start of the rainfall events due to their build-up and wash off processes. The average event mean concentrations (EMCs) were 27.8, 7.2, 56.3, 7.5, and 0.84 mg/L (range: 4.2–54.8 mg/L) for COD, (0.5–20.8 mg/L) for TOC, (22.3–138.4) for SS, (1.4–18.5 mg/L) for T-N, and (0.17–2.02 mg/L) for T-P, respectively. The study site presented a strong first flush effect for most rainfall events. However, no first flush effect was observed in rainfall events with small rainfall factors (e.g. intensity, amount, and runoff depth). On the other hand, the ratios of total pollution loads discharged by the first 20% of runoff volume were 32% for COD, 34% for TOC, 36% for SS, 42% for T-N, and 50% for T-P. Especially, MFF20 (mass first flush) values of T-N and T-P were larger than those of other pollutants (COD, TOC, SS), indicating that T-N and T-P are easily transported by stormwater runoff from the public park. First flush management of T-N and T-P, therefore, is required for efficient water quality management of the public park.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a GENESIS-BCP™ scaffold composed of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) on bone formation. The relative ratio of components forming GENESIS-BCPTM was investigated by confirming the molar ratio of Ca/P through energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) analysis. The results being that the scaffold is comprised of 60% HAp and 40% β-TCP. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a unique surface morphology similar to a soccer ball. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the porosity, crystallinity, and Ca/P ratio were 65.5%, 84.9%, and 1.61%, respectively. In vitro tests including cytotoxicity and cell proliferation showed a good biocompatibility of GENESIS-BCP™. In vivo tests, including mouse skull test, and hematoxylin and eosin stains of GENESIS-BCP™ implanted in rabbit and human subjects showed that the bone graft is effective to accelerate new bone formation. It was concluded that GENESIS-BCP™ can be used as an effective alloplast bone graft.