Post-transplant cyclophosphamide plus anti-thymocyte globulin decreased serum IL-6 levels when compared with post-transplant cyclophosphamide alone after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background: Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) are common prophylactic strategies for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). Interleukin (IL)-6 is a surrogate marker for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and acute GVHD.

Method: The clinical outcomes and complications of haplo-HSCT with PTCy plus ATG versus PTCy monotherapy were compared according to serum IL-6 levels at Chungnam National University Hospital (Daejeon, South Korea) from January 2019 to February 2023.

Evaluation of Pencycuron Residue Dynamics in Eggplant Using LC-MS/MS and Establishment of Pre-Harvest Residue Limits.

Pencycuron is a fungicide whose maximum residue limit (MRL) in eggplant is either set at very low levels (0.02 mg/kg in European Union) or remains unestablished in many countries, necessitating stringent pesticide management. To enable timely interventions by farmers and regulators, pre-harvest residue limits (PHRLs) propose maximum allowable pesticide concentrations for each day during the pre-harvest period.

Reduction of pesticide dosage and off-target drift with enhanced control efficacy in unmanned aerial vehicle-based application using lecithin adjuvants.

Background: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used in precision agriculture, particularly for pesticide application in rice cultivation. One challenge is off-target pesticide drift, which raises environmental concerns and reduces pesticide efficiency. Lecithin adjuvants have been suggested to enhance droplet stability, reduce drift, and improve control efficacy.

Optimization of Ferimzone and Tricyclazole Analysis in Rice Straw Using QuEChERS Method and Its Application in UAV-Sprayed Residue Study.

Rice straw is used as livestock feed and compost. Ferimzone and tricyclazole, common fungicides for rice blast control, can be found in high concentrations in rice straw after unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spraying, potentially affecting livestock and human health through pesticide residues. In this study, an optimized method for the analysis of the two fungicides in rice straw was developed using the improved QuEChERS method.

Simultaneous Analysis of 504 Pesticide Multiresidues in Crops Using UHPLC-QTOF at MS and MS Levels.

A robust analytical method was developed for the simultaneous detection of 504 pesticide multiresidues in various crops using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF). The method integrates both MS and MS levels through sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH) analysis, allowing for accurate mass measurements and the construction of a spectral library to enhance pesticide residue identification. An evaluation of the method was carried out according to international standards, including the FAO guidelines and SANTE/11312/2021.

Comparison of off-target pesticide drift in paddy fields from unmanned aerial vehicle spraying using cellulose deposition sampler.

Off-target pesticide drift in paddy fields following unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spraying was evaluated using cellulose deposition samplers (CDSs). An analytical method for quantifying ferimzone Z and E isomers deposited on CDSs was developed using LC-MS/MS. The suitability of the CDS method was confirmed by comparing deposition patterns on CDSs with residue levels in rice plant samples.

Kinetic and competitive effects of sorption on multi-element migration through crushed granite and biotite gneiss in Ca-HCO-SO type groundwater.

Crystalline rock is used as the host rock for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste. Two cationic elements (Cs(I) and Ni(II)) and three anionic elements (Se(IV/VI), Mo(VI), and U(VI)) were selected to comprehensively evaluate the sorption behaviors of these radionuclides on crystalline granite and biotite gneiss. The anionic elements showed weak sorption (log K (L·kg) < 1) and little competition effect, while the cationic elements (log K (L·kg) = 2-3) showed clear competition (18-98% in K values) even at low concentrations.

CX 3 CR1 + macrophages interact with HSCs to promote HCC through CD8 + T-cell suppression.

Background And Aims: HSCs contribute to HCC progression by regulating multiple factors. However, the entire immunoregulatory functions of HSCs are still obscure. Here, we aim to investigate whether HSCs impose CX 3 CR1 + macrophages to protumorigenic properties in the peritumoral area.

Conformation-Selective Ultraviolet-Ultraviolet Hole Burning Spectra of Ubiquitin Ions in a Cryogenic Ion Trap.

Understanding the structural variations of conformational isomers in proteins is crucial for elucidating protein folding mechanisms. Here, we present a novel method for obtaining conformation-selective ultraviolet (UV)-UV hole burning (HB) spectra of ubiquitin ions ((Ubi+zH), z = 7-10) produced via electrospray ionization. Our approach involves binding multiple N molecules to ubiquitin ions ((Ubi+zH)(N), m = 1-55) within a cryogenic ion trap.

Comparative Biological Half-Life of Penthiopyrad and Tebufenpyrad in Angelica Leaves and Establishment of Pre-Harvest Residue Limits (PHRLs).

To prevent pesticides from exceeding maximum residue limits (MRLs) in crops during export and shipment, it is necessary to manage residue levels during the pre-harvest stages. Therefore, the Republic of Korea establishes pre-harvest residue limits (PHRLs) per crop and pesticide. This study was conducted to set PHRLs for penthiopyrad and tebufenpyrad in angelica leaves, where the exceedance rates of MRLs are expected to be high.

Management of Neonatal Hepatic Hemangiomas: A Single-Center Experience Focused on Challenging Cases.

: Management of hepatic hemangioma (HH) in infancy ranges from close monitoring to surgical resection. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of HH according to its treatment options, with particular focus on challenging cases. : Data of patients diagnosed with HHs in their first year of life and followed up for at least 1 year were retrospectively reviewed and divided into treatment and observation groups.

Programmed Death 1 and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Can Serve as Prognostic Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive form of liver cancer with poor prognosis. The lack of reliable biomarkers for early detection and accurate diagnosis and prognosis poses a significant challenge to its effective clinical management. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic and prognostic potential of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in HCC.

Oligohydramnios affects pulmonary functional/structural abnormalities in school-aged children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Background: The relationship between early life factors and childhood pulmonary function and structure in preterm infants remains unclear.

Purpose: This study investigated the impact of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and perinatal factors on childhood pulmonary function and structure.

Methods: This longitudinal cohort study included preterm participants aged ≥5 years born between 2005 and 2015.

Long-term outcomes of very low birth weight infants with intraventricular hemorrhage: a nationwide population study from 2011 to 2019.

Background: Advancements in neonatal care have increased preterm infant survival but paradoxically raised intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) rates. This study explores IVH prevalence and long-term outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in Korea over a decade.

Methods: Using Korean National Health Insurance data (NHIS, 2010-2019), we identified 3372 VLBW infants with IVH among 4,129,808 live births.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Diagnostic Support System for Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Infants.

: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a prevalent congenital heart defect in premature infants, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Accurate and timely diagnosis of PDA is crucial, given the vulnerability of this population. : We introduce an artificial intelligence (AI)-based PDA diagnostic support system designed to assist medical professionals in diagnosing PDA in premature infants.

DNA binding reveals hidden interdomain allostery of a MazE antitoxin from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are ubiquitously distributed genetic elements in prokaryotes and are crucial for cell maintenance and survival under environmental stresses. The antitoxin is a modular protein consisting of the disordered C-terminal region that physically contacts and neutralizes the cognate toxin and the well-folded N-terminal DNA binding domain responsible for autorepression of TA transcription. However, how the two functional domains communicate is largely unknown.

Comparison of Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir and Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1 and 2 in South Korea.

Background/aims: This study compared the effectiveness and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) in real-life clinical practice.

Methods: The data from genotype 1 or 2 chronic hepatitis C patients treated with GLE/PIB or sofosbuvir + ribavirin or SOF/LDV in South Korea were collected retrospectively. The analysis included the treatment completion rate, sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) test rate, treatment effectiveness, and adverse events.

Metabolic engineering and fermentation of microorganisms for carotenoids production.

Carotenoids are natural pigments that exhibit a wide range of red, orange, and yellow colors and are extensively used in the food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and aquaculture industries. While advances in systems metabolic engineering have established a foundation for constructing carotenoid-producing microbial cell factories at a laboratory scale, translating these technologies to industrial scales remains a big challenge. Moreover, there is a need to devise cost-effective methods for downstream processing and purification of carotenoids.

Optical Coherence Tomography Parameters and Optimal Cut-off Values for Predicting Visual Prognosis in Ethambutol-Induced Optic Neuropathy.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters in patients with ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy (EON) and establish their optimal cut-off values for predicting visual acuity outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 64 eyes of 32 patients with EON who underwent OCT. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness were measured using Cirrus high-definition OCT (HD-OCT) within 3 months after EON diagnosis.

Risk Factors for a Narrow Safety Margin after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Cancer.

Introduction: A narrow safety margin (NSM) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a well-recognized risk factor for local recurrence in early gastric cancer (EGC). However, only a few studies have investigated the risk factors for the development of NSM.

Methods: The medical records and pathologic specimens of patients with EGC who underwent ESD from January 2020 to December 2020 at a single tertiary hospital (Daejeon, South Korea) were reviewed.

Growth and developmental outcomes of infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

Despite advances in obstetric care, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains a significant disease burden. We determined the national trends of HIE prevalence, therapeutic hypothermia (TH) use, mortality, and outcomes from 2012 to 2019. This study included term infants diagnosed with HIE between 2012 and 2019 from the National Health Insurance Service database.

Prediction of Postnatal Growth Failure in Very Low Birth Weight Infants Using a Machine Learning Model.

Accurate prediction of postnatal growth failure (PGF) can be beneficial for early intervention and prevention. We aimed to develop a machine learning model to predict PGF at discharge among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants using extreme gradient boosting. A total of 729 VLBW infants, born between 2013 and 2017 in four hospitals, were included.