Plasma cells (PCs) constitute a small proportion of B cells, limiting their biochemical characterization. An in vitro culture system that reliably generates PCs could provide an alternative method to obtain PCs for further analysis and manipulation. To date, most in vitro PC differentiation methods rely on B cell receptor (BCR)-independent stimulants, including TLR ligands, CD40L, and cytokines. However, these methods do not fully recapitulate the natural T cell-dependent PC differentiation process, in which BCR activation is the initial events. In this study, we established an efficient in vitro PC differentiation method incorporating BCR stimulation. Naïve B cells were first stimulated with anti-IgM and antiCD40 Abs, followed by stimulation with various cytokines. By screening cytokines known to participate in PC differentiation in vivo, we identified that the combination of IL-4 and IL-5 induced the most efficient PC differentiation. The in vitro generated PCs highly expressed PCassociated surface markers and regulatory genes. Additionally, they secreted high amounts of IgM and IgG Abs. Moreover, retroviral transduction of B cells resulted in efficient target gene expression in PCs. Our new method closely mimics natural PC differentiation and effectively generates a large quantity of PCs for various applications, including elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PC differentiation.

In the rapidly evolving healthcare environment, radiologists strive to establish their rightful place.Thus, there is a need for enhanced outpatient and clinical education within the Department of Radiology and exploration of its methodologies. Accordingly, the Korean Society of Radiology established a task force to investigate the clinical and outpatient practice status of radiologists overseas, current state of related education, involvement of other specialties in radiologic practices and education in Korea, and clinical and outpatient practice status among Korean radiologists. Furthermore, a survey on clinical competency enhancement was conducted among the members of the Korean Society of Radiology. These findings suggest the need for visibility and clinical competency enhancement in radiologists and methodologies for strengthening clinical competencies.

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms (PAPs) are rare and can occasionally be overlooked as a cause of hemoptysis. The rupture of PAPs may lead to severe and massive hemoptysis and asphyxiation, necessitating prompt and accurate diagnostic measures, including CT angiography, in conjunction with clinical awareness for adequate management. The aim of this pictorial essay is to establish a strategy for endovascular intervention based on a comprehensive understanding of the etiology and hemodynamics of bronchopulmonary circulation for effective and rapid PAP treatment.

Plasma cells (PCs) constitute a small proportion of B cells, limiting their biochemical characterization. An in vitro culture system that reliably generates PCs could provide an alternative method to obtain PCs for further analysis and manipulation. To date, most in vitro PC differentiation methods rely on B cell receptor (BCR)-independent stimulants, including TLR ligands, CD40L, and cytokines. However, these methods do not fully recapitulate the natural T cell-dependent PC differentiation process, in which BCR activation is the initial events. In this study, we established an efficient in vitro PC differentiation method incorporating BCR stimulation. Naïve B cells were first stimulated with anti-IgM and antiCD40 Abs, followed by stimulation with various cytokines. By screening cytokines known to participate in PC differentiation in vivo, we identified that the combination of IL-4 and IL-5 induced the most efficient PC differentiation. The in vitro generated PCs highly expressed PCassociated surface markers and regulatory genes. Additionally, they secreted high amounts of IgM and IgG Abs. Moreover, retroviral transduction of B cells resulted in efficient target gene expression in PCs. Our new method closely mimics natural PC differentiation and effectively generates a large quantity of PCs for various applications, including elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PC differentiation.

In the rapidly evolving healthcare environment, radiologists strive to establish their rightful place.Thus, there is a need for enhanced outpatient and clinical education within the Department of Radiology and exploration of its methodologies. Accordingly, the Korean Society of Radiology established a task force to investigate the clinical and outpatient practice status of radiologists overseas, current state of related education, involvement of other specialties in radiologic practices and education in Korea, and clinical and outpatient practice status among Korean radiologists. Furthermore, a survey on clinical competency enhancement was conducted among the members of the Korean Society of Radiology. These findings suggest the need for visibility and clinical competency enhancement in radiologists and methodologies for strengthening clinical competencies.

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms (PAPs) are rare and can occasionally be overlooked as a cause of hemoptysis. The rupture of PAPs may lead to severe and massive hemoptysis and asphyxiation, necessitating prompt and accurate diagnostic measures, including CT angiography, in conjunction with clinical awareness for adequate management. The aim of this pictorial essay is to establish a strategy for endovascular intervention based on a comprehensive understanding of the etiology and hemodynamics of bronchopulmonary circulation for effective and rapid PAP treatment.

Plasma cells (PCs) constitute a small proportion of B cells, limiting their biochemical characterization. An in vitro culture system that reliably generates PCs could provide an alternative method to obtain PCs for further analysis and manipulation. To date, most in vitro PC differentiation methods rely on B cell receptor (BCR)-independent stimulants, including TLR ligands, CD40L, and cytokines. However, these methods do not fully recapitulate the natural T cell-dependent PC differentiation process, in which BCR activation is the initial events. In this study, we established an efficient in vitro PC differentiation method incorporating BCR stimulation. Naïve B cells were first stimulated with anti-IgM and antiCD40 Abs, followed by stimulation with various cytokines. By screening cytokines known to participate in PC differentiation in vivo, we identified that the combination of IL-4 and IL-5 induced the most efficient PC differentiation. The in vitro generated PCs highly expressed PCassociated surface markers and regulatory genes. Additionally, they secreted high amounts of IgM and IgG Abs. Moreover, retroviral transduction of B cells resulted in efficient target gene expression in PCs. Our new method closely mimics natural PC differentiation and effectively generates a large quantity of PCs for various applications, including elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PC differentiation.