Background: Cancer cell line-derived feeder cells enhance natural killer (NK) cell expansion; however, concerns regarding viable residual feeder cells in the final product limit their use. Evidence supporting the safety of NK-sensitive K562-based feeders, even when irradiated, is scarce. We optimized an NK cell expansion protocol using genetically engineered K562-mbIL-18/-21 (GE-K562) feeder cells and clinical-grade media and confirmed the absence of residual feeder cells. Methods: NK cell expansion efficiency was compared between feeder-free and feederbased systems using CTS NK-Xpander Medium. To achieve optimal NK expansion, various peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-to-feeder ratios and re-stimulation frequencies were tested over 21 days. Flow cytometry and BCR::ABL1 quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to confirm the absence of feeder cells in the final NK cell product. Results: Feeder-based systems showed superior NK cell fold expansion compared with that of feeder-free systems. Among feeder-based conditions, NK cells expanded 5,224-fold at a 2:1 PBMC-to-feeder ratio after 3 weeks, relative to 1,450-fold at a 6:1 ratio (P < 0.05).Re-stimulation on days 7 and 14 further increased expansion up to 261,457-fold. Irradiated feeder cells showed no proliferation and were eliminated within 3–6 days. On day 21, flow cytometry and BCR::ABL1 RT-qPCR results confirmed the absence of residual feeder cells. Conclusions Our optimized NK cell expansion protocol using irradiated GE-K562 feeder cells and clinical-grade media offers a safe and scalable approach to generating large numbers of NK cells, supporting its potential use in clinical immunotherapy applications.

Background: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a complication that decreases patient satisfaction and increases postoperative complaints. The present study was conducted to investigate effects of gargling with dexamethasone, intravenous dexamethasone injection and the combination of the two on the incidence and severity of POST. Methods: Study participants were 96 patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy, randomly allocated into three groups. Group G gargled with 0.05% dexamethasone solution and were infused intravenous 0.9% normal saline before general anesthesia; group I gargled with 0.9% normal saline and were infused intravenous 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone; group GI gargled with 0.05% dexamethasone solution and were infused intravenous 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone. The incidence and severity of POST, hoarseness and cough were evaluated and recorded at 1, 6, and 24 h after the surgery. Results: There were no significant differences in the total incidence of POST up to 24 postoperative hours among Group G, Group I and Group GI (P = 0.367, Group G incidence = 34.38%, [95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 17.92–50.83], Group I incidence = 18.75%, [95% CI = 5.23–32.27], Group GI incidence = 28.13%, [95% CI = 12.55–43.70]). The other outcomes were comparable among the groups. Conclusions In patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy, gargling with 0.05% dexamethasone solution demonstrated the same POST prevention effect as intravenous injection of 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone. The incidence and severity of POST were not significantly different between the combination of gargling with 0.05% dexamethasone solution and intravenous injection of 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone and use of each of the preventive methods alone.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Radiofrequency ablation has recently been used for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules, with outstanding results. However, in most studies, the procedure was usually performed by a radiologist or surgeon. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for nodules >2 cm performed by an endocrinologist with several years of experience performing fine-needle aspiration cytology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 111 patients who received radiofrequency ablation between April 2010 and July 2013. A total of 73 patients with 75 nodules >2 cm in diameter with at least 6 months of follow-up examinations were included. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 11.5 months. The mean nodule volume decreased from 17.0+/-15.3 mL preoperatively to 6.0+/-8.5 mL postoperatively, with a mean volume reduction of 69.7%. There were no major complications, and only 1 patient (1.3%) presented with a minor complication (hemorrhaging of the thyroid parenchyma). CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation is a safe method for reducing benign thyroid nodules, and is not associated with any major complications.
Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Catheter Ablation* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Nodule*

BACKGROUND: In the routine "Life-turning point" medical checkup, we use estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which calculated from Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equation, to assume early stage renal disease and perform reexamination, if it is below 60 mL/min. Suppose their body weights and creatinine concentrations are the same, older patient's eGFR decreases 40-50% of younger one and in patients over 70, their eGFR is decreased in 45% although their creatinines are in normal range. Microalbuminuria is single most important index in the early diagnosis of glomerular dysfunction. Authors compared the positiveness of microalbuminuria with decreased eGFR which calculated using creatinine and cystatic C in the old age groups to evaluate the adequacy of eGFR in the routine "Life-turning point" medical checkup. METHODS: From June to August 2008, 314 adults [172 male and 142 female, 60+/-14 (mean age+/-SD)] who visited Gachon university Gil hospital were included. We freezed their serum and urine in -70degrees C and thawed within 4 weeks to measure serum creatinine, cystatin C, urine microalbumin and creatinine (Hitachi 7600, Hitachi High. Technologies Co., Osaka, Japan). RESULTS: 1 subject (0.7%) was reported with eGFR below 60 mL/min in the group of subjects under 66 years old, while 45(26.2%) were noticed in the group over 66 years old. There is a significant difference statistically between positive rate of microalbumiuria and eGFR by cystatin C than creatinine in the group over 66 years old (P=0.042 vs. P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CG eGFR is useful for screening and reevaluation the renal function because many patients over 66 years, which is the point of the "Life-turning point" medical checkup, represents lower eGFR. Cystatin C eGFR is more closely related to the microalbuminuria positive rate than creatinine eGFR.
Adult ; Body Weight ; Creatinine ; Cystatin C ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Reference Values