Structural Change in the Trend and Cycle in Korea

On the basis of regression of consumption on output, we develop a new approach to identify a structural break in business cycles. Using this approach, we find that a structural change in the trend and cycle in Korea occurred in 1993 and that the business cycles in Korea started to show the regularities of emerging market business cycles beginning in 1993. To explain these, we estimate the parameters of the productivity process in Korea, using data on Solow residuals. Our estimates show that the relative importance of trend growth shocks in the post-break period increased by a factor of 2.56 from that in the pre-break period

Experimental Study of the Injection System for CO2 Geologic Storage Demonstration

AbstractThe worldwide issue of greenhouse gas reduction has recently drawn great attention to carbon capture and storage (CCS). Almost CCS studies have been focused in the capture technology of carbon dioxide and the geological investigation for underground storage. The study of mechanical injection system for carbon dioxide has not implemented nearly. We are intended to develop a ground system for underground injection of carbon dioxide. In this study, we made lab-scale underground injection system and implemented injection simulation test experimentally. The 10,000 ton/year pilot plant for geological storage of carbon dioxide will be designed on the base of these test results. Major components of the lab-scale underground injection system include a pressure pump and an in-line heater to bring liquid carbon dioxide into its supercritical state. Test results assure that this system readily achieves the designed injection pressure and temperature, showing satisfactory control performance

Deleterious effects in reproduction and developmental immunity elicited by pulmonary iron oxide nanoparticles

With the extensive application of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs), attention about their potential risks to human health is also rapidly raising, particularly in sensitive subgroups such as pregnant women and babies. In this study, we a single instilled intratracheally FeNPs (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg) to the male and female parent mice, mated, then assessed reproductive toxicity according to the modified OECD TG 421. During the pre-mating period (14 days), two female parent mice died at 4 mg/kg dose, and the body weight gain dose-dependently decreased in male and female parent mice exposed to FeNPs. Additionally, iron accumulation and the enhanced expression of MHC class II molecules were observed in the ovary and the testis of parent mice exposed to the highest dose of FeNPs, and the total sex ratio (male/female) of the offspring mice increased in the groups exposed to FeNPs. Following, we a single instilled intratracheally to their offspring mice with the same doses and evaluated the immunotoxic response on day 28. The increased mortality and significant hematological- and biochemical- changes were observed in offspring mice exposed at 4 mg/kg dose, especially in female mice. More interestingly, balance of the immune response was shifted to a different direction in male and female offspring mice. Taken together, we conclude that the NOAEL for reproductive and developmental toxicity of FeNPs may be lower than 2 mg/kg, and that female mice may show more sensitive response to FeNPs exposure than male mice. Furthermore, we suggest that further studies are necessary to identify causes of both the alteration in sex ratio of offspring mice and different immune response in male and female offspring mice.

A Case of Inadvertent Anterior Chamber and Corneal Stromal Injection with Antibiotics during Cataract Operation

Purpose: To report a case of inadvertent anterior chamber and cornea stromal injection with high dose antibiotics and steroids during cataract operation. Methods: During cataract operation on a 78 year-old female patient, high dose gentamicin (20 mg/0.5 ml) and dexamethasone (2 mg/0.5 ml) were inadvertently injected into the anterior chamber and cornea stroma when making cornea edema for sealing of the incision sites. Anterior chamber irrigation with balanced salt solution (BSS) was immediately administered. On postoperative day one, extensive cornea edema was noted, and best-corrected visual acuity was 0.2. Descemet's membrane folds were observed around the corneal incision sites. Topical 5% NaCl and 1% prednisolone were started. Results: Four weeks postoperatively, corneal edema began to reduce significantly. At four months postoperatively, corneal edema fully resolved, and best-corrected visual acuity was 0.8. However, some Descemet's membrane folds still remained, and a decrease in the number of endothelial cells was noted by specular microscope. Conclusions: In this case involving anterior chamber and cornea stromal injection with high dose antibiotics and steroids, immediate anterior chamber irrigation with balanced salt solution seemed an appropriate management, and the patient's long-term visual acuity appears good. To prevent such mistakes, precise labeling of all solutions and use of different syringe needles should be considered.ope

Biological Toxicity and Inflammatory Response of Semi-Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

The toxicological studies on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been urgently needed from the emerging diverse applications of CNTs. Physicochemical properties such as shape, diameter, conductance, surface charge and surface chemistry of CNTs gained during manufacturing processes play a key role in the toxicity. In this study, we separated the semi-conductive components of SWCNTs (semi-SWCNTs) and evaluated the toxicity on days 1, 7, 14 and 28 after intratracheal instillation in order to determine the role of conductance. Exposure to semi-SWCNTs significantly increased the growth of mice and significantly decreased the relative ratio of brain weight to body weight. Recruitment of monocytes into the bloodstream increased in a time-dependent manner, and significant hematological changes were observed 28 days after exposure. In the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, secretion of Th2-type cytokines, particularly IL-10, was more predominant than Th1-type cytokines, and expression of regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), p53, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) increased in a time-dependent manner. Fibrotic histopathological changes peaked on day 7 and decreased 14 days after exposure. Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), mesothelin, and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) also peaked on day 7, while that of TGF-β peaked on days 7 and 14. Secretion of histamine in BAL fluid decreased in a time-dependent manner. Consequently, we suggest that the brain is the target organ of semi-SWCNTs brought into the lung, and conductance as well as length may be critical factors affecting the intensity and duration of the inflammatory response following SWCNT exposure

Bintrafusp Alfa Versus Pembrolizumab in Patients With Treatment-Naive, Programmed Death-Ligand 1–High Advanced NSCLC: A Randomized, Open-Label, Phase 3 Trial

Bintrafusp alfa; NSCLC; PD-L1Bintrafusp alfa; NSCLC; PD-L1Bintrafusp alfa; NSCLC; PD-L1Introduction Bintrafusp alfa, a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of TGF-βRII (a TGF-β “trap”) fused to a human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody blocking programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), has exhibited clinical activity in a phase 1 expansion cohort of patients with PD-L1–high advanced NSCLC. Methods This adaptive phase 3 trial (NCT03631706) compared the efficacy and safety of bintrafusp alfa versus pembrolizumab as first-line treatment in patients with PD-L1–high advanced NSCLC. Primary end points were progression-free survival according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 per independent review committee and overall survival. Results Patients (N = 304) were randomized one-to-one to receive either bintrafusp alfa or pembrolizumab (n = 152 each). The median follow-up was 14.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.1–16.0 mo) for bintrafusp alfa and 14.5 months (95% CI: 13.1–15.9 mo) for pembrolizumab. Progression-free survival by independent review committee was not significantly different between bintrafusp alfa and pembrolizumab arms (median = 7.0 mo [95% CI: 4.2 mo–not reached (NR)] versus 11.1 mo [95% CI: 8.1 mo–NR]; hazard ratio = 1.232 [95% CI: 0.885–1.714]). The median overall survival was 21.1 months (95% CI: 21.1 mo–NR) for bintrafusp alfa and 22.1 months (95% CI: 20.4 mo–NR) for pembrolizumab (hazard ratio = 1.201 [95% CI: 0.796–1.811]). Treatment-related adverse events were higher with bintrafusp alfa versus pembrolizumab; grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 42.4% versus 13.2% of patients, respectively. The study was discontinued at an interim analysis as it was unlikely to meet the primary end point. Conclusions First-line treatment with bintrafusp alfa did not exhibit superior efficacy compared with pembrolizumab in patients with PD-L1–high, advanced NSCLC.The trial was sponsored by the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (CrossRef Funder identification: 10.13039/100009945) and was previously part of an alliance between the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and GlaxoSmithKline. The healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany provided the trial drugs. The investigators worked with the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany on the trial design, collection and analysis of data, and interpretation of results. The authors thank the patients and their families, investigators, co-investigators, and the study teams at each of the participating centers and the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The medical writing support was provided by Joyce Lee, PhD, ClinicalThinking, which was funded by the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and was previously part of an alliance between the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and GlaxoSmithKline in accordance with Good Publication Practice (GPP3) guidelines (http://www.ismpp.org/gpp3)

Long-term recurrence-free survival in a patient with stage IVB uterine carcinosarcoma

Uterine carcinosarcomas are rare and highly aggressive tumors with a poor prognosis. Due to early metastasis and disease progression, it is known to be far more aggressive than matched grade 3 endometroid endometrial carcinomas. Five-year survival for stage IV is reported to be 10% and overall survival for stage IVB is expected to be very poor. The authors report one case after experiencing long-term survival (over 5 years) for stage IVB carcinosarcoma of uterus. Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed to 56 year old patient for uterine myoma. On pathology report, uterine carcinosarcoma was diagnosed and image studies were performed. With the impression of stage IVB uterine carcinosarcoma, 6 cycles of chemotherapy (ifosfamide and cisplatin) was conducted as adjuvant. Up to recently (over 5 years), she maintains good performance scale without evidence of tumor recurrence or disease progression

Relative Contribution among Physical Fitness Factors Contributing to the Performance of Modern Pentathlon

This study reveals the relationship between physical fitness factors and performance in modern pentathlon and identifies the contribution of each physical factor to overall performance. The physical fitness assessment data and the competition records collected by the Korean national team pentathletes for the years 2005 to 2019 were tracked. The correlation between the competition records and fitness factors was confirmed by correlation analysis. In addition, the physical factors affecting performance were identified through multiple regression analysis, and the average difference between national and international competitions was verified by t-test. The first result was that fencing, swimming, and horseback riding rankings were more relevant to the overall pentathlon performance score than the combined rankings in national competitions. In the international competitions, performance in the combined running and shooting event was more relevant than fencing, swimming, and horseback riding. Second, the basic fitness factors of grip strength and sergeant jump and the specific fitness factors of leg strength—left and right average flexor were correlated with overall pentathlon performance national competitions. However, in international competitions, sergeant jump, 20 m shuttle run, reaction time, lung capacity, and back strength were correlated (presented in high to low order). In terms of the specific fitness factors, relative (%BW) and absolute (Nm) leg strength—left and right average flexor, lower body anaerobic fatigue rate, half squat, relative (W/kg) and absolute (Watts) maximal lower body anaerobic power were correlated accordingly with overall pentathlon performance. Third, we analyzed the differences between average performance in national and international competitions. Only the combined running and shooting event out of the five modern pentathlon events showed a difference. Grip strength and relative leg strength—average extensor AP (%BW) appeared to be different among the physical fitness factors. Fourth, we examined the level of contribution of each of the fitness factors on overall performance. The model’s goodness of fit was confirmed, and grip strength was found to have a significant contribution on overall performance. Furthermore, the level of contribution was higher in the following order: relative leg strength—left and right average flexor (%BW), bench press, half squat, relative leg strength— average extensor AP(%BW), GXT—time to exhaustion, relative lower body anaerobic average power (W/kg), and maximal lactic acid concentration. With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics just around the corner, combined running and shooting performance appeared to be a decisive factor in the final ranking in modern pentathlon according to the analysis of the basic and specific fitness factors of pentathletes. The basic fitness factors are critical in order of sergeant jump, grip strength, reaction time, lung capacity, side-step, back strength, 20 m shuttle run, sit-and-reach, sit-ups, and single leg standing. With respect to the specific fitness factors, relative leg strength—left and right average flexor (%BW), bench press, half squat, relative leg strength—average extensor AP (%BW), GXT—time to exhaustion, relative lower body anaerobic average power (W/kg), and maximal lactic acid concentration showed their relevance accordingly. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.1