Objective: To evaluate and assesse useful factors in predicting early preterm birth (PTB) and de termined the increased risks of early PTB for the combinations of these factors compared to late PTB. Methods: The 77 singleton pregnancies with PTL were enrolled. They had undergone examinations including cervical length (CL) and fetal fibronectin (fFN), polymerase chain reaction for sexually transmitted disease, and cervical culture. We first evaluated the statistical significance of the primary predictors (known risk factors before pregnancy) and secondary predictors (fFN, CL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] and cervical bacterial analysis). Next, we analyzed the various combinations of meaningful factors. Results: CL <2.5 cm (P=0.007; odds ratio [OR], 3.598), hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL (P=0.011; OR, 3.79), and fFN ≥50 ng/mL (P=0.035; OR, 2.75) were more predictive of early PTB than late PTB. The highest OR was observed for the combination of all 3 factors (P=0.039; OR, 7.75). The fFN positivity and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 6.094 (P=0.013). The CL<2.5 cm and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 5.333 (P=0.009). Finally, the CL <2.5 cm and fFN positivity was in OR 3.946 (P=0.013). The interval between diagnosis and delivery in women with all 3 factors was 8 days shorter than that for women without these factors (P=0.04). Conclusion Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential risks of PTB using the combination of commonly used in clinical factors, and revealed quantification by the ORs. We will be useful reference value for patients counselling for prediction of early PTB.

Objective: To evaluate and assesse useful factors in predicting early preterm birth (PTB) and de termined the increased risks of early PTB for the combinations of these factors compared to late PTB. Methods: The 77 singleton pregnancies with PTL were enrolled. They had undergone examinations including cervical length (CL) and fetal fibronectin (fFN), polymerase chain reaction for sexually transmitted disease, and cervical culture. We first evaluated the statistical significance of the primary predictors (known risk factors before pregnancy) and secondary predictors (fFN, CL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] and cervical bacterial analysis). Next, we analyzed the various combinations of meaningful factors. Results: CL <2.5 cm (P=0.007; odds ratio [OR], 3.598), hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL (P=0.011; OR, 3.79), and fFN ≥50 ng/mL (P=0.035; OR, 2.75) were more predictive of early PTB than late PTB. The highest OR was observed for the combination of all 3 factors (P=0.039; OR, 7.75). The fFN positivity and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 6.094 (P=0.013). The CL<2.5 cm and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 5.333 (P=0.009). Finally, the CL <2.5 cm and fFN positivity was in OR 3.946 (P=0.013). The interval between diagnosis and delivery in women with all 3 factors was 8 days shorter than that for women without these factors (P=0.04). Conclusion Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential risks of PTB using the combination of commonly used in clinical factors, and revealed quantification by the ORs. We will be useful reference value for patients counselling for prediction of early PTB.

Objective: To evaluate and assesse useful factors in predicting early preterm birth (PTB) and de termined the increased risks of early PTB for the combinations of these factors compared to late PTB. Methods: The 77 singleton pregnancies with PTL were enrolled. They had undergone examinations including cervical length (CL) and fetal fibronectin (fFN), polymerase chain reaction for sexually transmitted disease, and cervical culture. We first evaluated the statistical significance of the primary predictors (known risk factors before pregnancy) and secondary predictors (fFN, CL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] and cervical bacterial analysis). Next, we analyzed the various combinations of meaningful factors. Results: CL <2.5 cm (P=0.007; odds ratio [OR], 3.598), hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL (P=0.011; OR, 3.79), and fFN ≥50 ng/mL (P=0.035; OR, 2.75) were more predictive of early PTB than late PTB. The highest OR was observed for the combination of all 3 factors (P=0.039; OR, 7.75). The fFN positivity and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 6.094 (P=0.013). The CL<2.5 cm and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 5.333 (P=0.009). Finally, the CL <2.5 cm and fFN positivity was in OR 3.946 (P=0.013). The interval between diagnosis and delivery in women with all 3 factors was 8 days shorter than that for women without these factors (P=0.04). Conclusion Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential risks of PTB using the combination of commonly used in clinical factors, and revealed quantification by the ORs. We will be useful reference value for patients counselling for prediction of early PTB.

Objective: To evaluate and assesse useful factors in predicting early preterm birth (PTB) and de termined the increased risks of early PTB for the combinations of these factors compared to late PTB. Methods: The 77 singleton pregnancies with PTL were enrolled. They had undergone examinations including cervical length (CL) and fetal fibronectin (fFN), polymerase chain reaction for sexually transmitted disease, and cervical culture. We first evaluated the statistical significance of the primary predictors (known risk factors before pregnancy) and secondary predictors (fFN, CL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] and cervical bacterial analysis). Next, we analyzed the various combinations of meaningful factors. Results: CL <2.5 cm (P=0.007; odds ratio [OR], 3.598), hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL (P=0.011; OR, 3.79), and fFN ≥50 ng/mL (P=0.035; OR, 2.75) were more predictive of early PTB than late PTB. The highest OR was observed for the combination of all 3 factors (P=0.039; OR, 7.75). The fFN positivity and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 6.094 (P=0.013). The CL<2.5 cm and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 5.333 (P=0.009). Finally, the CL <2.5 cm and fFN positivity was in OR 3.946 (P=0.013). The interval between diagnosis and delivery in women with all 3 factors was 8 days shorter than that for women without these factors (P=0.04). Conclusion Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential risks of PTB using the combination of commonly used in clinical factors, and revealed quantification by the ORs. We will be useful reference value for patients counselling for prediction of early PTB.

Objective: To evaluate and assesse useful factors in predicting early preterm birth (PTB) and de termined the increased risks of early PTB for the combinations of these factors compared to late PTB. Methods: The 77 singleton pregnancies with PTL were enrolled. They had undergone examinations including cervical length (CL) and fetal fibronectin (fFN), polymerase chain reaction for sexually transmitted disease, and cervical culture. We first evaluated the statistical significance of the primary predictors (known risk factors before pregnancy) and secondary predictors (fFN, CL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] and cervical bacterial analysis). Next, we analyzed the various combinations of meaningful factors. Results: CL <2.5 cm (P=0.007; odds ratio [OR], 3.598), hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL (P=0.011; OR, 3.79), and fFN ≥50 ng/mL (P=0.035; OR, 2.75) were more predictive of early PTB than late PTB. The highest OR was observed for the combination of all 3 factors (P=0.039; OR, 7.75). The fFN positivity and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 6.094 (P=0.013). The CL<2.5 cm and hsCRP ≥0.9 mg/dL was in OR 5.333 (P=0.009). Finally, the CL <2.5 cm and fFN positivity was in OR 3.946 (P=0.013). The interval between diagnosis and delivery in women with all 3 factors was 8 days shorter than that for women without these factors (P=0.04). Conclusion Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential risks of PTB using the combination of commonly used in clinical factors, and revealed quantification by the ORs. We will be useful reference value for patients counselling for prediction of early PTB.

In recent years, next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based genetic testing has become crucial in cancer care. While its primary objective is to identify actionable genetic alterations to guide treatment decisions, its scope has broadened to encompass aiding in pathological diagnosis and exploring resistance mechanisms. With the ongoing expansion in NGS application and reliance, a compelling necessity arises for expert consensus on its application in solid cancers. To address this demand, the forthcoming recommendations not only provide pragmatic guidance for the clinical use of NGS but also systematically classify actionable genes based on specific cancer types. Additionally, these recommendations will incorporate expert perspectives on crucial biomarkers, ensuring informed decisions regarding circulating tumor DNA panel testing.

In recent years, next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based genetic testing has become crucial in cancer care. While its primary objective is to identify actionable genetic alterations to guide treatment decisions, its scope has broadened to encompass aiding in pathological diagnosis and exploring resistance mechanisms. With the ongoing expansion in NGS application and reliance, a compelling necessity arises for expert consensus on its application in solid cancers. To address this demand, the forthcoming recommendations not only provide pragmatic guidance for the clinical use of NGS but also systematically classify actionable genes based on specific cancer types. Additionally, these recommendations will incorporate expert perspectives on crucial biomarkers, ensuring informed decisions regarding circulating tumor DNA panel testing.

Purpose: Renal tumors account for approximately 7% of all childhood cancers. These include Wilms tumor (WT), clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK), malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN) and other rare tumors. We investigated the epidemiology of pediatric renal tumors in Korea. Materials and Methods: From January 2001 to December 2015, data of pediatric patients (0–18 years) newly-diagnosed with renal tumors at 26 hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among 439 patients (male, 240), the most common tumor was WT (n=342, 77.9%), followed by RCC (n=36, 8.2%), CCSK (n=24, 5.5%), MRTK (n=16, 3.6%), CMN (n=12, 2.7%), and others (n=9, 2.1%). Median age at diagnosis was 27.1 months (range 0-225.5) and median follow-up duration was 88.5 months (range 0-211.6). Overall, 32 patients died, of whom 17, 11, 1, and 3 died of relapse, progressive disease, second malignant neoplasm, and treatment-related mortality. Five-year overall survival and event free survival were 97.2% and 84.8% in WT, 90.6% and 82.1% in RCC, 81.1% and 63.6% in CCSK, 60.3% and 56.2% in MRTK, and 100% and 91.7% in CMN, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion The pediatric renal tumor types in Korea are similar to those previously reported in other countries. WT accounted for a large proportion and survival was excellent. Non-Wilms renal tumors included a variety of tumors and showed inferior outcome, especially MRTK. Further efforts are necessary to optimize the treatment and analyze the genetic characteristics of pediatric renal tumors in Korea.

Liver fibrosis is part of the wound healing process to help the liver recover from the injuries caused by various liver-damaging insults. However, liver fibrosis often progresses to life-threatening cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To overcome the limitations of current in vivo liver fibrosis models for studying the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis and establishing effective treatment strategies, we developed a new mouse model of liver fibrosis using polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-p), a humidifier sterilizer known to induce lung fibrosis in humans. Male C57/BL6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with PHMG-p (0.03% and 0.1%) twice a week for 5 weeks. Subsequently, liver tissues were examined histologically and RNA-sequencing was performed to evaluate the expression of key genes and pathways affected by PHMG-p. PHMG-p injection resulted in body weight loss of ~15% and worsening of physical condition. Necropsy revealed diffuse fibrotic lesions in the liver with no effect on the lungs. Histology, collagen staining, immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin and collagen, and polymerase chain reaction analysis of fibrotic genes revealed that PHMG-p induced liver fibrosis in the peri-central, peri-portal, and capsule regions. RNA-sequencing revealed that PHMG-p affected several pathways associated with human liver fibrosis, especially with upregulation of lumican and IRAK3, and downregulation of GSTp1 and GSTp2, which are closely involved in liver fibrosis pathogenesis. Collectively we demonstrated that the PHMG-p-induced liver fibrosis model can be employed to study human liver fibrosis.

Purpose: This study examined the current status of counseling services provided by the Korea Counseling Center for Fertility and Depression, analyzing the characteristics of peripartum women and baby-rearing mothers and establishing guidelines for providing psychological support, and suggesting measures for improving the system. Methods: Data on 3,660 peripartum women & their spouses and baby-rearing mothers counseled through the service over the last 4 years were collected and a demographic analysis was conducted. By analyzing the clinical information of 216 peripartum women and 219 baby-rearing mothers who have registered with the Center and received routine counseling services, factors affecting depression were identified. Finally, a paired sample t-test was conducted to verify the effect of counseling services. Results: An overall 20.4% of pregnant women & their spouses were screened for high risk for depression, of whom 27.3% received registered counseling services; further, 26.2% of baby-rearing parents were at high-risk group for depression, of whom 25% received registered counseling services. Results of a logistic regression analysis suggested that, for peripartum women, level of education and conflicts with partner and family were the crucial factors predicting moderate or severe depression. For baby-rearing mothers, obstetric history of spontaneous abortion was the crucial predicting factor. Conclusion For the early detection and prevention of peripartum depression, screening tests that start from early pregnancy should be routinely administered. Further, continuous management—covering the periods before and after childbirth—should be provided by establishing organic ties between domestic projects.