Objective: To improve our understanding of EPEC, this study focused on analyzing and comparing the genomic characteristics of EPEC isolates from humans and companion animals in Korea. Methods: The whole genome of 26 EPEC isolates from patients with diarrhea and 20 EPEC isolates from companion animals in Korea were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq X (Illumina, USA) and Oxford Nanopore MinION (Oxford Nanopore Technologies, UK) platforms. Results: Most isolates were atypical EPEC, and did not harbor the bfpA gene. The most prevalent virulence genes were found to be ompT (humans: 61.5%; companion animals:60.0%) followed by lpfA (humans: 46.2%; companion animals: 60.0%). Although pangenome analyses showed no apparent correlation among the origin of the strains, virulence profiles, and antimicrobial resistance profiles, isolates included in clade A obtained from both humans and companion animals exhibited high similarity. Additionally, all the isolates included in clade A encoded the ompT gene and did not encode the hlyE gene. The two isolates from companion animals harbored an incomplete bundle-forming pilus region encoding bfpA and bfpB. Moreover, the type IV secretion system-associated genes tra and trb were found in the bfpA-encoding isolates from humans. Conclusions and Relevance: Whole-genome sequencing enabled a more accurate analysis of the phylogenetic structure of EPEC and provided better insights into the understanding of EPEC epidemiology and pathogenicity.

Objective: To improve our understanding of EPEC, this study focused on analyzing and comparing the genomic characteristics of EPEC isolates from humans and companion animals in Korea. Methods: The whole genome of 26 EPEC isolates from patients with diarrhea and 20 EPEC isolates from companion animals in Korea were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq X (Illumina, USA) and Oxford Nanopore MinION (Oxford Nanopore Technologies, UK) platforms. Results: Most isolates were atypical EPEC, and did not harbor the bfpA gene. The most prevalent virulence genes were found to be ompT (humans: 61.5%; companion animals:60.0%) followed by lpfA (humans: 46.2%; companion animals: 60.0%). Although pangenome analyses showed no apparent correlation among the origin of the strains, virulence profiles, and antimicrobial resistance profiles, isolates included in clade A obtained from both humans and companion animals exhibited high similarity. Additionally, all the isolates included in clade A encoded the ompT gene and did not encode the hlyE gene. The two isolates from companion animals harbored an incomplete bundle-forming pilus region encoding bfpA and bfpB. Moreover, the type IV secretion system-associated genes tra and trb were found in the bfpA-encoding isolates from humans. Conclusions and Relevance: Whole-genome sequencing enabled a more accurate analysis of the phylogenetic structure of EPEC and provided better insights into the understanding of EPEC epidemiology and pathogenicity.

Objective: To improve our understanding of EPEC, this study focused on analyzing and comparing the genomic characteristics of EPEC isolates from humans and companion animals in Korea. Methods: The whole genome of 26 EPEC isolates from patients with diarrhea and 20 EPEC isolates from companion animals in Korea were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq X (Illumina, USA) and Oxford Nanopore MinION (Oxford Nanopore Technologies, UK) platforms. Results: Most isolates were atypical EPEC, and did not harbor the bfpA gene. The most prevalent virulence genes were found to be ompT (humans: 61.5%; companion animals:60.0%) followed by lpfA (humans: 46.2%; companion animals: 60.0%). Although pangenome analyses showed no apparent correlation among the origin of the strains, virulence profiles, and antimicrobial resistance profiles, isolates included in clade A obtained from both humans and companion animals exhibited high similarity. Additionally, all the isolates included in clade A encoded the ompT gene and did not encode the hlyE gene. The two isolates from companion animals harbored an incomplete bundle-forming pilus region encoding bfpA and bfpB. Moreover, the type IV secretion system-associated genes tra and trb were found in the bfpA-encoding isolates from humans. Conclusions and Relevance: Whole-genome sequencing enabled a more accurate analysis of the phylogenetic structure of EPEC and provided better insights into the understanding of EPEC epidemiology and pathogenicity.

Objective: To improve our understanding of EPEC, this study focused on analyzing and comparing the genomic characteristics of EPEC isolates from humans and companion animals in Korea. Methods: The whole genome of 26 EPEC isolates from patients with diarrhea and 20 EPEC isolates from companion animals in Korea were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq X (Illumina, USA) and Oxford Nanopore MinION (Oxford Nanopore Technologies, UK) platforms. Results: Most isolates were atypical EPEC, and did not harbor the bfpA gene. The most prevalent virulence genes were found to be ompT (humans: 61.5%; companion animals:60.0%) followed by lpfA (humans: 46.2%; companion animals: 60.0%). Although pangenome analyses showed no apparent correlation among the origin of the strains, virulence profiles, and antimicrobial resistance profiles, isolates included in clade A obtained from both humans and companion animals exhibited high similarity. Additionally, all the isolates included in clade A encoded the ompT gene and did not encode the hlyE gene. The two isolates from companion animals harbored an incomplete bundle-forming pilus region encoding bfpA and bfpB. Moreover, the type IV secretion system-associated genes tra and trb were found in the bfpA-encoding isolates from humans. Conclusions and Relevance: Whole-genome sequencing enabled a more accurate analysis of the phylogenetic structure of EPEC and provided better insights into the understanding of EPEC epidemiology and pathogenicity.

Purpose: This study aimed to improve the antioxidant activities of sweet persimmon peel extracts using supercritical carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2 ) as a green extraction (GE) technology, as part of upcycling efforts. It also aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of GE as an ecofriendly extraction method by comparing it with conventional extraction (CE) techniques. Methods: Sweet persimmon peel extracts were obtained using CE (hot water at 80°C for 6 h or 95% ethanol at room temperature for 24 hours) and SFE-CO2 extraction (50°C for 2 hours, with pressures ranging from 100 to 250 bar). Antioxidant activities (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical scavenging activity and tannin content) were analyzed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant extraction efficiency across different extraction methods. Results: In the CE extraction method, the 95% ethanol extract exhibited 1.2 times higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and 1.5 times higher tannin content than that of the hot water extract. In the SFE-CO2 extraction method, antioxidant activities increased with increasing pressure (100–250 bar), as higher pressures enhanced antioxidant activities and extraction efficiency. At 250 bar, the SFE-CO2 extracts demonstrated 1.6 times higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and 2.0 times higher tannin content than that of the hot water extract, and 1.3 times higher DPPH scavenging activity and tannin content than that of the 95% ethanol extract. These findings highlight the superior efficiency of extraction using the SFE-CO2 method. Conclusion This study demonstrated that SFE-CO2 was an efficient and eco-friendly method for extracting antioxidants from sweet persimmon peels, surpassing conventional methods.It underscores the potential of SFE-CO2 for the sustainable upcycling of sweet persimmon byproducts and the promotion of green technologies to enhance antioxidant activities.

Purpose: This study aimed to improve the antioxidant activities of sweet persimmon peel extracts using supercritical carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2 ) as a green extraction (GE) technology, as part of upcycling efforts. It also aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of GE as an ecofriendly extraction method by comparing it with conventional extraction (CE) techniques. Methods: Sweet persimmon peel extracts were obtained using CE (hot water at 80°C for 6 h or 95% ethanol at room temperature for 24 hours) and SFE-CO2 extraction (50°C for 2 hours, with pressures ranging from 100 to 250 bar). Antioxidant activities (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical scavenging activity and tannin content) were analyzed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant extraction efficiency across different extraction methods. Results: In the CE extraction method, the 95% ethanol extract exhibited 1.2 times higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and 1.5 times higher tannin content than that of the hot water extract. In the SFE-CO2 extraction method, antioxidant activities increased with increasing pressure (100–250 bar), as higher pressures enhanced antioxidant activities and extraction efficiency. At 250 bar, the SFE-CO2 extracts demonstrated 1.6 times higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and 2.0 times higher tannin content than that of the hot water extract, and 1.3 times higher DPPH scavenging activity and tannin content than that of the 95% ethanol extract. These findings highlight the superior efficiency of extraction using the SFE-CO2 method. Conclusion This study demonstrated that SFE-CO2 was an efficient and eco-friendly method for extracting antioxidants from sweet persimmon peels, surpassing conventional methods.It underscores the potential of SFE-CO2 for the sustainable upcycling of sweet persimmon byproducts and the promotion of green technologies to enhance antioxidant activities.

Purpose: This study aimed to improve the antioxidant activities of sweet persimmon peel extracts using supercritical carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2 ) as a green extraction (GE) technology, as part of upcycling efforts. It also aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of GE as an ecofriendly extraction method by comparing it with conventional extraction (CE) techniques. Methods: Sweet persimmon peel extracts were obtained using CE (hot water at 80°C for 6 h or 95% ethanol at room temperature for 24 hours) and SFE-CO2 extraction (50°C for 2 hours, with pressures ranging from 100 to 250 bar). Antioxidant activities (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical scavenging activity and tannin content) were analyzed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant extraction efficiency across different extraction methods. Results: In the CE extraction method, the 95% ethanol extract exhibited 1.2 times higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and 1.5 times higher tannin content than that of the hot water extract. In the SFE-CO2 extraction method, antioxidant activities increased with increasing pressure (100–250 bar), as higher pressures enhanced antioxidant activities and extraction efficiency. At 250 bar, the SFE-CO2 extracts demonstrated 1.6 times higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and 2.0 times higher tannin content than that of the hot water extract, and 1.3 times higher DPPH scavenging activity and tannin content than that of the 95% ethanol extract. These findings highlight the superior efficiency of extraction using the SFE-CO2 method. Conclusion This study demonstrated that SFE-CO2 was an efficient and eco-friendly method for extracting antioxidants from sweet persimmon peels, surpassing conventional methods.It underscores the potential of SFE-CO2 for the sustainable upcycling of sweet persimmon byproducts and the promotion of green technologies to enhance antioxidant activities.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by fat accumulation in the liver. MASLD encompasses both steatosis and MASH. Since MASH can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer, steatosis and MASH must be distinguished during patient treatment. Here, we investigate the genomes, epigenomes, and transcriptomes of MASLD patients to identify signature gene set for more accurate tracking of MASLD progression. Methods: Biopsy-tissue and blood samples from patients with 134 MASLD, comprising 60 steatosis and 74 MASH patients were performed omics analysis. SVM learning algorithm were used to calculate most predictive features. Linear regression was applied to find signature gene set that distinguish the stage of MASLD and to validate their application into independent cohort of MASLD. Results: After performing WGS, WES, WGBS, and total RNA-seq on 134 biopsy samples from confirmed MASLD patients, we provided 1,955 MASLD-associated features, out of 3,176 somatic variant callings, 58 DMRs, and 1,393 DEGs that track MASLD progression. Then, we used a SVM learning algorithm to analyze the data and select the most predictive features. Using linear regression, we identified a signature gene set capable of differentiating the various stages of MASLD and verified it in different independent cohorts of MASLD and a liver cancer cohort. Conclusions We identified a signature gene set (i.e., CAPG, HYAL3, WIPI1, TREM2, SPP1, and RNASE6) with strong potential as a panel of diagnostic genes of MASLD-associated disease.

Background: The Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices (KECIP) is a key advisory body the government to develop guidelines and provide technical advisory activities on immunization policies in Korea. A recent policy study, inspired by global best practices, aims to enhance KECIP's functionality for providing timely and transparent recommendations in the face of evolving vaccine science and emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19. Methods: This study reviewed the current status of KECIP and collected expert opinions through surveys and consultations. Among the 40 panel members who were surveyed, 19 responded to a questionnaire specifically designed to assess the potential areas of improvement within KECIP. Results: The majority of respondents favored maintaining the current member count and emphasized the need for a subcommittee. Opinions varied on issues such as the length of KECIP’s term, the representation of vaccine manufacturers’ perspectives, and the chairperson’s role. However, there was a consensus on the importance of expertise, transparency, and fair proceedings within the committee. Conclusion This study underscores the pivotal role of KECIP in shaping national immunization policies, emphasizing the necessity for informed guidance amidst evolving vaccine science and emerging infectious diseases. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of enhancing KECIP’s capacity to effectively address evolving public health challenges and maintain successful immunization programs in South Korea.

Background: Hyperkalemia is a potentially fatal condition that mandates rapid identification in emergency departments (EDs). Although a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) can indicate hyperkalemia, subtle changes in the ECG often pose detection challenges. An artificial intelligence application that accurately assesses hyperkalemia risk from ECGs could revolutionize patient screening and treatment. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of a smartphone application, which utilizes camera-captured ECG images, in quantifying hyperkalemia risk compared to human experts. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of ED hyperkalemic patients (serum potassium ≥ 6 mmol/L) and their age- and sex-matched non-hyperkalemic controls. The application was tested by five users and its performance was compared to five board-certified emergency physicians (EPs). Results: Our study included 125 patients. The area under the curve (AUC)-receiver operating characteristic of the application’s output was nearly identical among the users, ranging from 0.898 to 0.904 (median: 0.902), indicating almost perfect interrater agreement (Fleiss’ kappa 0.948). The application demonstrated high sensitivity (0.797), specificity (0.934), negative predictive value (NPV) (0.815), and positive predictive value (PPV) (0.927). In contrast, the EPs showed moderate interrater agreement (Fleiss’ kappa 0.551), and their consensus score had a significantly lower AUC of 0.662. The physicians’ consensus demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.203, specificity of 0.934, NPV of 0.527, and PPV of 0.765. Notably, this performance difference remained significant regardless of patients’ sex and age (P < 0.001 for both). Conclusion Our findings suggest that a smartphone application can accurately and reliably quantify hyperkalemia risk using initial ECGs in the ED.