Continuous VOCs Monitoring in Saturated and Unsaturated Zones Using Thermal Desorber and Gas Chromatography: System Development and Field Application

Subsurface VOC monitoring has been mainly based on manual sampling, transport, and analysis, which would require a sufficient amount of samples to ensure data accuracy and reliability, and additional costs to ensure sample quality. Therefore, a continuous on-site monitoring system is desirable for accurate measurement and subsequent risk assessment. In this study, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) were continuously monitored by the system based on a thermal desorber (TD) and gas chromatography (GC) in an oil-contaminated site that consisted of saturated and unsaturated zones. For the saturated zone, fully automated groundwater sampling and purging processes were performed, and the gasified samples were applied to the TD–GC system. For the unsaturated zone, the gaseous sample in the site was directly applied to the TD–GC system. After verifying the accuracy and precision of the monitoring system, the continuous monitoring system was successfully operated for more than a month in the field. The monitoring system used in this study is applicable to other sites for continuous monitoring, thus providing a scientific background for advanced risk assessment and policy development

Review on microencapsulated phase change materials (MEPCMs) : fabrication, characterization and applications

The use of latent heat storage, microencapsulated phase change materials (MEPCMs), is one of the most efficient ways of storing thermal energy and it has received a growing attention in the past decade. However, there is no complete overview of its utilization in thermal energy storage systems, and the information is widely spread in the literature. In this paper, a comprehensive review has been carried out for MEPCMs. Four aspects have been the focus of this review: fabrication and characterization of MEPCMs, applications of MEPCMs to the textile and building, fundamental properties of microencapsulated phase change material slurry (MPCS) and application of MPCS to the thermal energy storage system. Over 140 recent publications are referenced in this paper

Review of Cohort Studies for Mood Disorders

This paper aimed to review currently available cohort studies of subjects with mood disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). Using the PubMed and KoreaMed databases, we reviewed eight major cohort studies. Most studies recruited participants with MDD and BD separately, so direct comparison of factors associated with diagnostic changes was difficult. Regular and frequent follow-up evaluations utilizing objective mood ratings and standardized evaluation methods in a naturalistic fashion are necessary to determine detailed clinical courses of mood disorders. Further, biological samples should also be collected to incorporate clinical findings in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. An innovative cohort study that can serve as a platform for translational research for treatment and prevention of mood disorders is critical in determining clinical, psychosocial, neurobiological and genetic factors associated with long-term courses and consequences of mood disorders in Korean patients

Anal Human Papillomavirus Infection among HIV-Infected Men in Korea

<div><p>Background</p><p>Little is known about the epidemiology on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among HIV-infected men in Korea. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, genotype distribution and risk factors associated with anal HPV infection among HIV-infected men in Korea.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted with HIV-infected men in Korea. Participants completed a detailed sexual behavior risk factor questionnaire. Anal samples were collected for cytology and HPV genotyping. Factors associated with anal HPV infection were assessed using multivariable logistic regression, stratifying by sexual behaviour.</p><p>Results</p><p>A total of 201 HIV-infected men were included in the study: 133 were from men who have sex with men (MSM) and 68 from men who have sex with women (MSW). Any anal HPV infection was detected in 82.7% of HIV-infected MSM and in 51.5% of HIV- infected MSW (<i>P</i> < 0.001). High-risk HPV (HR-HPV) prevalence was higher among MSM (47.4%) than MSW (25.0%; <i>P</i> = 0.002). The HR-HPV types identified most frequently were HPV 16 (11%), HPV 18 (9.9%), and HPV 58 (5%) in MSM, and HPV 58(11%) and HPV 16 (8.9%) in MSW. Prevalence of any HPV types in 9-valent vaccine types was higher among MSM than MSW (47.4% vs 22.1%. <i>P</i> = 0.001). Abnormal anal cytology was more commonly detected in MSM than MSW (42.9% vs.19.1%, <i>P</i> < 0.001). In HIV-infected MSM, higher number of lifetime male sex partners was significantly associated with any anal HPV infection, but age was a significant risk factor associated with anal HR-HPV infection.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Anal HPV infection was highly prevalent in HIV-infected MSM in Korea, and also commonly found in HIV-infected MSW. In HIV-infected MSM, the significant risk factor for being infected with any HPV infection was lifetime number of male sexual partners, and with anal oncogenic HPV infection was age.</p></div

Baseline characteristics.

<p>Baseline characteristics.</p

Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypic distribution among HIV-infected Men who have sex with men and among HIV-infected men who have sex with women.

<p>(MSM, men who have sex with men; MSW, men who have sex with women; U, untypeable)</p

Univariable and multivariable analyses of determinants of anal human papillomavirus infection in HIV-infected Men who have sex with men.

<p>Univariable and multivariable analyses of determinants of anal human papillomavirus infection in HIV-infected Men who have sex with men.</p