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A non-mass lesion on breast ultrasound (US) is described as a distinct, identifiable area of altered echotexture compared to the surrounding breast tissue without forming a typical mass shape. The incidence of non-mass lesions in screening breast US was reported to be between 1.0% and 5.3%. The Japan Society of Ultrasonics in Medicine has classified non-mass abnormalities into five subtypes: hypoechoic areas in the mammary gland, ductal abnormalities, architectural distortion, multiple small cysts, and echogenic foci without hypoechoic areas. Non-mass lesions are most commonly observed when US is used to evaluate mammographic focal asymmetries or non-mass enhancement seen on magnetic resonance imaging. These lesions can be associated with calcifications, ductal abnormalities, posterior shadowing, hypervascularity, and architectural distortion. Non-mass lesions must be distinguished from normal fibroglandular tissue. While often associated with benign conditions, they may also be indicative of malignant lesions. Nevertheless, there are no standardized classifications or approaches for non-mass lesions. Hence, further research is necessary to improve the interpretation of non-mass lesions in screening and diagnostic breast US and ensure accurate application in clinical practice. This review aims to enhance the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis in clinical practice by examining the definition, characteristics, classification, correlation with other imaging studies, and histological features of non-mass lesions on breast US.

Abstract The prevalence and dynamics of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with breast cancer recurrence or de novo metastatic cancer were examined in a retrospective analysis of a prospective observational cohort. Twenty-three recurrent/metastatic breast cancer cases (8 locoregional, 15 distant metastasis) were enrolled, and sequential plasma samples were obtained. Anchor mutations were selected from the target sequencing of each patient’s primary and/or metastatic tumor. An in-house developed assay (UHS assay) was employed for a tumor-informed ctDNA assay during treatment and follow-up. A median of three (range 1–5) anchor mutations per case were applied for ctDNA detection. ctDNA was detected in 14 (63.6%, 14/22) cases at the time of enrollment and 18 (78.5%, 18/23) cases during follow-up. More anchor mutations and higher tumor burden were significantly related to higher ctDNA positive rates (p-value 0.036, 0.043, respectively). The mean enriched variant allele frequency (eVAF) at each time point was significantly higher for stable or progressive disease responses (ANOVA test p-value

In this study, we investigated the potential mechanisms by which polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-p), a known respiratory irritant, may contribute to lung cancer development. Using the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework, we analyzed established databases (such as AOP-Wiki) and employed AI tools (AOP-helpFinder) to identify key events (KEs) associated with lung carcinogenesis. Our analysis indicates that chronic inhalation of PHMG-p triggers a non-genotoxic pathway, characterized by cell membrane disruption, inflammation, and oxidative stress, with a point of departure (POD) of 0.0018 mg/m³, suggesting carcinogenic potential. Additionally, a human exposure assessment revealed that most claimants were exposed to PHMG-p levels exceeding the estimated inhalation reference concentration (RfC) of 0.018 µg/m³. While downstream KEs, such as DNA damage, mutation, and cell proliferation, require further investigation, our findings, supported by the AOP framework and potency and exposure assessments, strongly suggest that PHMG-p exposure could induce lung cancer in individuals affected by humidifier disinfectants. These results underscore the importance of a comprehensive risk assessment approach for evaluating the carcinogenicity of PHMG-p.

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common female cancers, and the incidence is increasing. Although surgery remains a conventional treatment for thyroid cancer, active surveillance has emerged as a reasonable option for low-risk groups. Recently, thermal ablation techniques, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), have attracted attention as minimally invasive alternatives for managing thyroid cancer. RFA is an outpatient ultrasound-guided thermal ablative procedure that is a potential alternative to surgery for thyroid cancer. Its applications extend to patients with local recurrence of cancer in the neck who are either unsuitable for surgery or prefer non-surgical interventions. RFA has also shown promise in cases where surgery is not feasible, particularly in low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), showing excellent local control. Recent studies have reported favorable outcomes of RFA in various types of primary thyroid cancer beyond PTMC, as well as in cases of distant metastases such as those affecting bone. This study reviews the historical evolution, technical aspects, and clinical applications of RFA for thyroid cancer and predicts the future direction of RFA in thyroid cancer.

Thyroid nodules are a common medical concern with an increasing prevalence due largely to the widespread use of ultrasonography (US). US is the primary diagnostic tool for identifying thyroid nodules, determining their size and characteristics, guiding fine-needle aspiration (FNA), and diagnosing lymph node metastasis. The most consistent US features indicating a malignancy in thyroid nodules include spiculated margins, microcalcifications, a taller-than-wide shape, and pronounced hypoechogenicity. Based on these imaging findings, clinicians must determine which nodules require further evaluation and which can be monitored over time. Despite the central role of thyroid US in managing these nodules, there is no clear consensus regarding which nodules should undergo US-guided FNA, nor is there a standardized terminology for describing the US features. Consequently, medical societies recommend using US risk stratification systems to standardize reporting and simplify clinical decision-making. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various US risk stratification systems employed for thyroid nodules, allowing readers to gain a better understanding of how nodules are assessed using these different systems. Furthermore, this study examines the efficacy, weaknesses, and potential pitfalls of these US risk stratification systems and discusses future perspectives for their optimal clinical application in managing thyroid nodules.

Purpose: Germline mutations in DNA damage repair (DDR) genes such as BRCA2 have been associated with prostate cancer (PC) risk but has not been thoroughly evaluated for metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) in Asian men. This study attempts to evaluate frequency of DDR mutations in the largest cohort of Koreans. Materials and Methods: We recruited 340 patients with mPC unselected for family history of cancer and compared to 495 controls. Whole genome sequencing was applied to assess germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PV/LPVs) in 26 DDR genes and HOXB13, including 7 genes (ATM, BRCA1/2, CHEK2, BRIP1, PALB2, and NBN) associated with hereditary PC. Comparisons to published Caucasian and Japanese cohorts were performed. Results: Total of 28 PV/LPVs were identified in 30 (8.8%) patients; mutations were found in 13 genes, including BRCA2 (15 men [4.41%]), ATM (2 men [0.59%]), NBN (2 men [0.59%], and BRIP1 (2 men [0.59%]). Only one patient had HOXB13 mutation (0.29%). A lower rate of overall germline variant frequency was observed in Korean mPC compared to Caucasians (8.8% vs. 11.8%), but individual variants notably differed from Caucasian and geographically similar Japanese cohorts. PV/ LPVs in DDR genes tended to increase gradually with higher Gleason scores (GS 7, 7.1%; GS 8, 7.5%; GS 9–10, 9.9%). Conclusions: BRCA2 was the most frequently mutated gene common to different cohorts supporting its importance, but differences in variant distribution in Korean mPC underscore the need for ethnic-specific genetic models. Future ethnic-specific analyses are warranted to verify our findings.

Modernization has led to a large convenience food market, and the demand for freeze-dried (FD) soup products is increasing in the Republic of Korea. FD soup products are easy to eat without cooking and can be stored for long periods. However, it is often difficult to ensure sensory satisfaction after rehydration of FD soup products; in particular, the ingredients are not evenly dispersed. Therefore, a stable dispersion or reconstitution of the FD soup products is required after rehydration. Here, the effects of high-speed shearing homogenization on the physical properties of a carbohydrate-binder mixture comprising maltodextrin, potato starch, and rice flour were investigated during hydrothermal gelatinization. To find a suitable treatment condition, different homogenization eras, speeds, and concentrations of the binder mixture were considered; in particular, the homogenization eras were set by considering the hydrothermal property of the binder mixture profiled using differential scanning calorimetry. The viscosity of the binder mixture and the compression strength and microstructure of the FD binder block, including the dispersion stability after rehydration, were evaluated. The quality of the FD binder block was improved by homogenization above 5000 rpm when the core temperature of the binder mixture reached approximately To at 14.5–21.8% concentrations. The improved FD binder block exhibited a fine surface and tiny porous microstructure compared with the control (with continuous agitation at 250 rpm). The control block was divided into two phases, whereas the improved block maintained the initial dispersion stability at 50 °C for 1 h. These results are expected to be referenced for the purpose of improving the quality of the FD soup products.

Abstract Background Large-scale data on the photosynthetic characteristics of whole crop canopy is crucial for improving yield. However, current data collection methods remain challenging, and the time constraints associated with photosynthetic data collection further complicate matters. Developing a practical yet easy-to-use tool for collecting whole-canopy data is essential to address these challenges. Furthermore, it is necessary to obtain instantaneous measurements of photosynthetic rate over a wide range of CO2 concentrations under an unsteady state to enable faster data collection and obtain reliable biochemical limits of carbon assimilation. This study developed a semi-open chamber system with steady and unsteady state measurement techniques to collect biochemical photosynthetic data from an entire cucumber canopy, emphasizing the correction procedures for CO2 concentration of unsteady state measurements applicable regardless of chamber scale. Results After constructing a semi-open chamber system, we described how to correct measurement errors according to chamber volume. In order to assess the accuracy of the newly developed system, an analysis was conducted to determine the overall measurement error resulting from variations in the reference, sample CO2 concentration, and leakage flow rate. The total measurement error was accurate to no more than 10%. Furthermore, the difference between the photosynthetic rate of the single leaf and that of the whole-canopy was not significant in Rubisco activity-limited carboxylation range. In addition, the Farquhar–von Caemmerer–Berry (FvCB) model parameters and the photosynthetic rate estimation values were compared to evaluate the steady- and unsteady state measurement methods between the cucumber seedlings' single-leaf and whole-canopy. The average root mean square error of the FvCB model in the steady (standard A-Ci response) and unsteady states (800 to 400 ramp) of the chambers was 1.4 and 2.3, respectively. Results show that the developed system is suitable for measuring the gas exchange rate of the cucumber canopy. Conclusions We demonstrate the correction method for measurement errors to enable the gas exchange rate of the whole-canopy even in an unsteady state. The correction method of the measurement system of the gas exchange rate for the whole- canopy can be applied regardless of the volume of the chamber, and it can be applied simply to other chamber systems. In addition, an unsteady state measurement method for fast data collection was also applicable. However, it was deemed necessary to identify a more optimal measurement range by conducting measurements across a broader range of values.

Abstract We investigated the efficacy of intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, were searched on November 11, 2022. Studies comparing the pro-re-nata (PRN) regimen after the first treatment (PRN group) to three consecutive monthly injection regimens followed by the PRN regimen (3 + PRN group) were investigated. The primary outcomes were the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the change in central retinal thickness (CRT), with the secondary outcome being the injection frequency. Among 195 reports on anti-VEGF treatment, six comparative studies were included in this meta-analysis. The two groups had no statistically significant differences in terms of BCVA or CRT. However, the total number of injections during follow-up was significantly lower in the PRN group than in the 3 + PRN group (95% CI − 2.09 to − 0.83). The as-needed injection regimen is as effective as 3-monthly loading in terms of anatomical and functional improvement for BRVO, along with a lower treatment burden for patients and physicians.

AbstractPurpose We sought to evaluate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in dry eyes treated with 0.05% cyclosporin A and 3.0% diquafosol tetrasodium.Methods One-hundred ninety-five eyes of 195 patients with dry eye were divided into three groups as follows: group 1, cyclosporin group (n = 69); group 2, diquafosol group (n = 59); and group 3, artificial tears eyes (n = 67). All eyes were treated and followed up for three months. Schirmer I Test, corneal staining, tear-film break-up time (TBUT), and tear-film MMP-9 content were measured at three months and compared between groups. The expression of MMP-9 was confirmed using a point-of-care test device (InflammaDry®; RPS Diagnostics, Sarasota, FL, USA) and graded as zero to four points.Results At the third month, MMP-9 expression was lower in group 1 as compared with in groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.020 and 0.006, respectively). The mean MMP-9 grade according to point-of-care testing was also lower in group 1 than in groups 2 or 3 (p = 0.002 and 0.038, respectively). MMP-9 showed a correlation with corneal staining in both groups 1 and 2 (all p

Abstract Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell source for cartilage regeneration. However, the function of MSC can vary according to cell culture conditions, donor age, and heterogeneity of the MSC population, resulting in unregulated MSC quality control. To overcome these limitations, we previously developed a fluorescent real-time thiol tracer (FreSHtracer) that monitors cellular levels of glutathione (GSH), which are known to be closely associated with stem cell function. In this study, we investigated whether using FreSHtracer could selectively separate high-functioning MSCs based on GSH levels and evaluated the chondrogenic potential of MSCs with high GSH levels to repair cartilage defects in vivo. Methods Flow cytometry was conducted on FreSHtracer-loaded MSCs to select cells according to their GSH levels. To determine the function of FreSHtracer-isolated MSCs, mRNA expression, migration, and CFU assays were conducted. The MSCs underwent chondrogenic differentiation, followed by analysis of chondrogenic-related gene expression. For in vivo assessment, MSCs with different cellular GSH levels or cell culture densities were injected in a rabbit chondral defect model, followed by histological analysis of cartilage-regenerated defect sites. Results FreSHtracer successfully isolated MSCs according to GSH levels. MSCs with high cellular GSH levels showed enhanced MSC function, including stem cell marker mRNA expression, migration, CFU, and oxidant resistance. Regardless of the stem cell tissue source, FreSHtracer selectively isolated MSCs with high GSH levels and high functionality. The in vitro chondrogenic potential was the highest in pellets generated by MSCs with high GSH levels, with increased ECM formation and chondrogenic marker expression. Furthermore, the MSCs’ function was dependent on cell culture conditions, with relatively higher cell culture densities resulting in higher GSH levels. In vivo, improved cartilage repair was achieved by articular injection of MSCs with high levels of cellular GSH and MSCs cultured under high-density conditions, as confirmed by Collagen type 2 IHC, Safranin-O staining and O’Driscoll scores showing that more hyaline cartilage was formed on the defects. Conclusion FreSHtracer selectively isolates highly functional MSCs that have enhanced in vitro chondrogenesis and in vivo hyaline cartilage regeneration, which can ultimately overcome the current limitations of MSC therapy. Graphical Abstract

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and its incidence and the mortality associated with it have increased over the years. Early detection of breast cancer via various imaging modalities can significantly improve the prognosis of patients. Ultrasound is a useful imaging tool for breast lesion characterization due to its acceptable diagnostic performance and non-invasive and real-time capabilities. However, one of the major drawbacks of ultrasound imaging is operator dependence. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, is gaining extensive attention for its excellent performance in image recognition. AI can make a quantitative assessment by recognizing imaging information, thereby improving ultrasound performance in the diagnosis of breast cancer lesions. The use of AI for breast ultrasound in clinical practice is extremely important, as it saves time, reduces radiologist fatigue, and compensates for a lack of experience and skill in some cases. This review article discusses the basic technical knowledge required, the algorithms of AI for breast ultrasound, and the application of AI in image identification, segmentation, extraction, and classification. In addition, we also discuss the future perspectives for the application of AI in breast ultrasound.

Parkinson’s disease: genetic risk factors in a Korean population A whole-genome sequencing study of Korean individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) has identified several new genetic risk factors, ranging from single nucleotide variations (SNVs) to larger DNA deletions. PD is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease globally, but most studies have focused on SNVs in European populations. Using whole-genome sequencing, Ji-Hye Oh at the University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea, and co-workers were able to identify genetic differences between PD patients and healthy controls, including deletions, gains, and several new SNVs. In particular, deletions of small non-coding regions that regulate gene expression may be key contributors to PD. These results provide a whole-genome perspective on genetic risk factors for PD in a Korean population, and illuminate how a whole-genome sequencing approach may be helpful in identifying genetic factors underlying other diseases.

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS) is inherited as an X-linked recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations in hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase 1 (HPRT1). Patients with LNS show various clinical phenotypes, including hyperuricemia, gout, devastating behavioral abnormality, intellectual disability, and self-harm. Although uric acid overproduction can be modulated with the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol, there exists no treatment for behavioral and neurological manifestations of LNS. In the current study, CRISPR-mediated base editors (BEs) and prime editors (PEs) were utilized to generate LNS-associated disease models and correct the disease models for therapeutic approach. Cytosine BEs (CBEs) were used to induce c.430C>T and c.508C>T mutations in HAP1 cells, and then adenine BEs (ABEs) were used to correct these mutations without DNA cleavage. PEs induced a c.333_334ins(A) mutation, identified in a Korean patient with LNS, in HAP1 cells, which was corrected in turn by PEs. Furthermore, improved PEs corrected the same mutation in LNS patient-derived fibroblasts by up to 14% without any unwanted mutations. These results suggest that CRISPR-mediated BEs and PEs would be suggested as a potential therapeutic strategy of this extremely rare, devastating genetic disease.

IntroductionThe emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants has caused unprecedented health and socioeconomic crises, necessitating the immediate development of highly effective neutralizing antibodies. Despite recent advancements in anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) derived from convalescent patient samples, their efficacy against emerging variants has been limited. In this study, we present a novel dual-targeting strategy using bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) that specifically recognize both the SARS-CoV-2 RBD and fusion peptide (FP), crucial domains for viral attachment to the host cell membrane and fusion in SARS-CoV-2 infection. MethodsUsing phage display technology, we rapidly isolated FP-specific mAbs from an established human recombinant antibody library, identifying K107.1 with a nanomolar affinity for SARS-CoV-2 FP. Furthermore, we generated K203.A, a new bsAb built in immunoglobulin G4-(single-chain variable fragment)2 forms and demonstrating a high manufacturing yield and nanomolar affinity to both the RBD and FP, by fusing K102.1, our previously reported RBD-specific mAb, with K107.1. ResultsOur comprehensive in vitro functional analyses revealed that the K203.A bsAb significantly outperformed the parental RBD-specific mAb in terms of neutralization efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Furthermore, intravenous monotherapy with K203.A demonstrated potent in vivo neutralizing activity without significant in vivo toxicity in a mouse model infected with a SARS-CoV-2 variant. ConclusionThese findings present a novel bsAb dual-targeting strategy, directed at SARS-CoV-2 RBD and FP, as an effective approach for rapid development and management against continuously evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Genome editing: Novel editors for CRISPR-Cas9 technology Tiny genome editors that can fit inside a single delivery system could potentially improve the efficiency and specificity of the editing technology known as CRISPR-Cas9. This technology is used to edit parts of the genome and shows promise for disease therapeutics. Cas9 is a bacterial enzyme that acts as molecular scissors to edit DNA and is guided to the correct DNA region by specific RNA segments (gRNAs). Yongsub Kim at the University of Ulsan in Seoul, South Korea, and co-workers used one of the smallest known Cas9 enzymes, sourced from Campylobactor jejuni, to create two ‘base editors’ (BEs), capable of specific base substitutions. Results suggest the BEs are highly efficient, covering more potential targets than previous Cas9-based BEs. One of the BEs can be packaged, alongside two gRNAs, into a single viral vector for targeted delivery.

The intestinal carriage rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are notably elevated in immunosuppressed individuals and hospitalized patients, increasing the risk of infection and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. A potential solution to this issue lies in autonomous antibacterial therapy, remaining inactive until a pathogen is detected, and releasing antibacterial compounds on demand to eliminate the pathogen. This study focuses on the development of genetically engineered probiotics capable of detecting and eradicating P. aeruginosa by producing and secreting PA2-GNU7, a P. aeruginosa-selective antimicrobial peptide (AMP), triggered by the presence of P. aeruginosa quorum-sensing molecule N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (3OC12HSL). To achieve this goal, plasmid-based systems were constructed to produce AMPs in response to 3OC12HSL and secrete them into the extracellular medium using either the microcin V secretion system or YebF as a carrier protein. Following the transfer of these plasmid-based systems to Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), we successfully demonstrated the ability of the engineered EcN to express and secrete PA2-GNU7, leading to the inhibition of P. aeruginosa growth in vitro. In addition, in a mouse model of intestinal P. aeruginosa colonization, the administration of engineered EcN resulted in reduced levels of P. aeruginosa in both the feces and the colon. These findings suggest that engineered EcN holds promise as a potential option for combating intestinal P. aeruginosa colonization, thus mitigating the risk of future endogenous infections in vulnerable patients.

ABSTRACT Symbiosis requires the adaptation of symbiotic bacteria to the host environment. Symbiotic factors for bacterial adaptation have been studied in various experimental models, including the Burkholderia-bean bug symbiosis model. Previously identified symbiotic factors of Burkholderia symbionts of bean bugs provided insight into the host environment being stressful to the symbionts. Because DegP, which functions as both a protease and a chaperone, supports bacterial growth under various stressful conditions, we hypothesized that DegP might be a novel symbiotic factor of Burkholderia symbionts in the symbiotic association with bean bugs. The expression level of degP was highly elevated in symbiotic Burkholderia cells in comparison with cultured cells. When the degP-deficient strain competed for symbiotic association against the wild-type strain, the ΔdegP strain showed no symbiotic competitiveness. In vivo monoinfection with the ΔdegP strain revealed a lower symbiont titer in the symbiotic organ than that of the wild-type strain, indicating that the ΔdegP strain failed to persist in the host. In in vitro assays, the ΔdegP strain showed susceptibility to heat and high-salt stressors and a decreased level of biofilm formation. To further determine the role of the proteolytic activity of DegP in symbiosis, we generated missense mutant DegPS248A exhibiting a defect in protease activity only. The ΔdegP strain complemented with degPS248A showed in vitro characteristics similar to those of the ΔdegP strain and failed to persist in the symbiotic organ. Together, the results of our study demonstrated that the proteolytic activity of DegP, which is involved in the stress resistance and biofilm formation of the Burkholderia symbiont, plays an essential role in symbiotic persistence in the host bean bug. IMPORTANCE Bacterial DegP has dual functions as a protease and a chaperone and supports bacterial growth under stressful conditions. In symbioses involving bacteria, bacterial symbionts encounter various stressors and may need functional DegP for symbiotic association with the host. Using the Burkholderia-bean bug symbiosis model, which is a useful model for identifying bacterial symbiotic factors, we demonstrated that DegP is indeed a symbiotic factor of Burkholderia persistence in its host bean bug. In vitro experiments to understand the symbiotic mechanisms of degP revealed that degP confers resistance to heat and high-salt stresses. In addition, degP supports biofilm formation, which is a previously identified persistence factor of the Burkholderia symbiont. Furthermore, using a missense mutation in a protease catalytic site of degP, we specifically elucidated that the proteolytic activity of degP plays essential roles in stress resistance, biofilm formation, and, thus, symbiotic persistence in the host bean bug.

Ultrasonography is mandatory for the evaluation of thyroid nodules. Although B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography are both sensitive for the diagnosis of thyroid lesions, they lack specificity in differentiating benign from malignant nodules. Elastography has been described as an accurate predictor of malignancy by determining tissue elasticity. There are several methods utilized to evaluate the stiffness of normal tissue and the thyroid nodule, such as strain elastography, acoustic radiation force impulse, and shear wave elastography. Many studies show that elastography has both high sensitivity and specificity that approaches 100% for the determination of thyroid carcinoma. In addition, elastography also has a very high negative predictive value and thus, may also be helpful in the identification of thyroid nodules that do not need further diagnostic evaluation, including fine needle aspiration cytology. However, in the light of current evidence, there is a need for standardization and consensus on the most optimum elastography acquisition process. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the use of elastography in the evaluation of thyroid nodules.

Objectives : Heavy metal contamination and accumulation have a harmful effect on the health of humans and animals and are serious problems worldwide. Currently, various technologies have been used for the treatment of contaminated wastewater, of which adsorption is the most commonly known and economically feasible technology. Many researchers are making attempts to find an effective and easily available adsorbent in terms of cost. In this study, starfish (Asterina pectinifera, SF) derived biochar was prepared and its characteristics were evaluated through various device analyses. After the biochar evaluation, the adsorption capacity was evaluated by conducting batch experiments. Methods : Biochar (Pyrolyzed Starfish at 500℃, PSF500) was produced by pyrolysis at 500℃ for 2 h in anaerobic conditions. Moreover, the characteristics of the surface were evaluated through SEM, TGA, XRD, elemental analysis and FT-IR analysis. In addition, batch experiments using heavy metal contaminated wastewater were conducted. Result and Discussion : In PSF500, CaCO3, Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 were identified as the main phases by XRD analyses and various functional groups and pores that affect adsorption were observed on the surface of the sample. The batch experiment confirmed that the maximum adsorption was 153.8, 270.3, 434.8, and 147.1 mg/g for Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd, respectively. Also, it was confirmed that all heavy metals fit the similar Pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model, which are the most suitable models for analyses of inorganic pollutants. After the sorption experiment, XRD and SEM analyses were conducted using the residue of PSF500, and in each sample CuO, Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6, Pb3(OH)2(CO3)2, Cd(OH)2 and CdCO3 were confirmed to be deposited on the surface of the sample. Conclusions : It was confirmed that PSF500 follows the complex mechanism of adsorption and precipitation with respect to heavy metals. Based on the experimental results, PSF500 could be used as an eco-friendly sorbent with CaCO3 as its main ingredient.

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of blood-based biomarkers, including blood tumor mutation burden (bTMB), to predict atezolizumab efficacy in relapsed and advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Stage IV NSCLC patients who had previously received platinum-doublet chemotherapy were recruited and received 1200 mg of atezolizumab every three weeks. Blood was collected to obtain plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) before the first cycle (C0) and at the fourth cycle (C4). bTMB was measured by CT-ULTRA in patients with cfDNA over 10 ng. The objective response rate (ORR) of the enrolled 100 patients was 10%, and there was no difference in ORR according to bTMB (cutoff: 11.5 muts/Mb) at C0 (high bTMB: 8.1% vs. low bTMB: 11.1%). However, the C4/C0 bTMB ratio was significantly lower in the durable clinical benefit (DCB) patients. The cfDNA concentration at C0, the C4/C0 ratio of the cfDNA concentration, the highest variant allele frequency (hVAF), and the VAF standard deviation (VAFSD) were significantly lower in the DCB patients. In the multivariate analysis, a high cfDNA concentration at C0 (cutoff: 8.6 ng/mL) and a C4/C0 bTMB ratio greater than 1 were significantly associated with progression-free survival. These results suggest that baseline levels and dynamic changes of blood-based biomarkers (bTMB, cfDNA concentration, and VAFSD) could predict atezolizumab efficacy in previously treated NSCLC patients.

Febrile convulsion (FC) is the most common seizure disease in children, which occurs with a fever. We investigated the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data of patients aged between 6 months and 5 years at the time of FC diagnosis. Diseases that can cause seizures with fever, such as neoplasms, metabolic disorders, nervous system disorders, cerebrovascular diseases, perinatal problems, and congenital abnormalities, were excluded. Weekly virus-positive detection rate (PDR) data were obtained from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency for adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), influenza virus, coronavirus (HCoV), rhinovirus (HRV), bocavirus, metapneumovirus (HMPV), rotavirus, norovirus, and astrovirus. Using the Granger test, we then analyzed the monthly PDR and investigated the association between FC incidence and monthly PDR. We additionally identified monthly and seasonal FC incidence trends using the autoregressive integrated moving average. Between 2015 and 2019, 64,291 patients were diagnosed with FC. Annually, the incidence was the highest in May and the lowest in October. Most patients were diagnosed during the spring (26.7%). The PDRs for HRSV, HCoV, HRV, HMPV, and norovirus were associated with FC incidence after 1 month.