In Korea, extensive industry-academia-research research has already established many facilities and technologies for materials and chemical experiments on non-radioactive substances. However, few facilities have been built to analyze the physical and chemical properties of substances irradiated through neutron irradiation. Korea is planning to decommission Kori-1 and Wolsong-1 in 2027. Extensive analysis of low-level and intermediate-level materials is required to begin decommissioning these nuclear power plants. The material’s composition and level can be identified by analyzing the structure’s characteristics, and a cutting and decontamination plan can be established based on this. In addition, by conducting a nuclide analysis on the waste generated after cutting, suitability for disposal can be secured, and stable treatment can be performed. Accordingly, the Korea Decommissioning Research Institute (KRID) plans to secure infrastructure (hot cells) to analyze the characteristics of intermediate-level decommissioning waste. The goal is to secure high-dose/high-radiation decommissioning waste processing technology through Korea’s first intermediate-level hot cell, support domestic nuclear power plant decommissioning projects, and secure and verify procedures related to nuclide analysis of intermediate-level using hot cells. In addition, by possessing these material properties and nuclide analysis technology, KRID can have a foundation to conduct continuous research on low- and intermediate-level radioactive materials and decommissioning. The purpose of KRID’s establishment is to use this foundation in the future to improve the technological level of the nuclear industry as a whole through linkage between industry, academia, and research institutes.

Direct injection of CRISPR/Cas9 into zygotes enables the production of genetically modified nonhuman primates (NHPs) essential for modeling specific human diseases, such as Usher syndrome, and for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Usher syndrome is a rare genetic disease that causes loss of hearing, retinal degeneration, and problems with balance, and is attributed to a mutation in MYO7A, a gene that encodes an uncommon myosin motor protein expressed in the inner ear and retinal photoreceptors. To produce an Usher syndrome type 1B (USH1B) rhesus macaque model, we disrupted the MYO7A gene in developing zygotes. Identification of appropriately edited MYO7A embryos for knockout embryo transfer requires sequence analysis of material recovered from a trophectoderm (TE) cell biopsy. However, the TE biopsy procedure is labor intensive and could adversely impact embryo development. Recent studies have reported using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from embryo culture media to detect aneuploid embryos in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics. The cfDNA is released from the embryo during cell division or cell death, suggesting that cfDNA may be a viable resource for sequence analysis. Moreover, cfDNA collection is not invasive to the embryo and does not require special tools or expertise. We hypothesized that selection of appropriate edited embryos could be performed by analyzing cfDNA for MYO7A editing in embryo culture medium, and that this method would be advantageous for the subsequent generation of genetically modified NHPs. The purpose of this experiment is to determine whether cfDNA can be used to identify the target gene mutation of CRISPR/Cas9 injected embryos. In this study, we were able to obtain and utilize cfDNA to confirm the mutagenesis of MYO7A, but the method will require further optimization to obtain better accuracy before it can replace the TE biopsy approach.

Background: Research has been conducted on pain neuroscience education (PNE) for the relief of pain and symptoms associated with chronic neck pain (CNP). Focusing on the neurophysiology and neurobiology of chronic pain, pain processing, and particularly the function of the central nervous system for chronic pain, PNE helps patients to understand the causes of pain. Objectives: To investigate and systematically review interventional studies on the effectiveness of PNE for patients with CNP and to analyze the effect size by performing a meta-analysis. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Methods: The following databases and electronic collections will be searched for primary studies without time limits: PubMed, MEDLINE, OVID Embase, and CENTRAL in the Cochrane Library. Reference lists from identified studies will be manually hand-searched for additional relevant works. Patients 18 years of age and older with nonspecific neck pain lasting 3 months or longer will be included in the study, with exclusion criteria as follows: cancer pain, fractures of the spine or surgical intervention, cognitive impairment that does not allow the patient to follow the PNE program, pregnancy, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other related pathologies that may prevent full participation in the PNE program. There are no geographic restrictions; however, non- English studies will be excluded. Discussion: This study aims to evaluate the effects of PNE on pain and disability in chronic neck pain. Its results will help clarify whether the use of PNE alone can improve chronic pain. The advantages of systematic reviews include clear definitions and inclusion and exclusion criteria, standardized search formats, and objective independent reviews.

The purpose of this study was to develop a 3D mesh-type impact protection pad with excellent motion adaptability and functionality by applying 3D printing technology. The hexagonal 3D mesh, which constitutes the basic structure of the pad, comprises two types: small and large. The bridge connecting the basic units was designed as the I-type, V-type, IV-type, and VV-type. After evaluating the characteristics of the bridge, it was found that the V-type bridge had the highest flexibility and tensile elongation. The hip joint pad and knee pad were completed by combining the hexagonal 3D mesh structure with the optimal bridge design. The impact protection pad was printed using a fused deposition modeling-type 3D printer with a filament made of thermoplastic polyurethane material, and the protection pad’s performance was evaluated. When an impact force of approximately 6,500N was applied to the pad, the force attenuation percentage was 78%, and when an impact force of approximately 8,000N was applied, the force attenuation percentage was 75%. Through these results, it was confirmed that the 3D-printed impact protection pad with a hexagonal 3D mesh structure connected by a V-shaped bridge developed in this study can adapt to changes in the body surface according to movement and provides excellent impact protection performance.

Xenotransplantation involves multiple steps of immune rejection. The present study was designed to produce nuclear transfer embryos, prior to the production of transgenic pigs, using fibroblasts carrying transgenes human complement regulatory protein hCD59 and interleukin-18 binding protein (hIL-18BP) to reduce hyperacute rejection (HAR) and cellular rejection in pig-to-human xenotransplantation. In addition to the hCD59-mediated reduction of HAR, hIL-18BP may prevent cellular rejection by inhibiting the activation of natural killer cells, activated T-cell proliferation, and induction of IFN-γ. Transgene construct including hCD59 and ILI-18BP was introduced into miniature pig fetal fibroblasts. After antibiotic selection of double transgenic fibroblasts, integration of the transgene was screened by PCR, and the transgene expression was confirmed by RT-PCR. Treatment of human serum did not affect the survival of double-transgenic fibroblasts, whereas the treatment significantly reduced the survival of non-transgenic fibroblasts (p<0.01), suggesting alleviation of HAR. Among 337 reconstituted oocytes produced by nuclear transfer using the double transgenic fibroblasts, 28 (15.3%) developed to the blastocyst stage. Analysis of individual embryos indicated that 53.6% (15/28) of embryos contained the transgene. The result of the present study demonstrates the resistance of hCD59 and IL-18BP double-transgenic fibroblasts against HAR, and the usefulness of the transgenic approach may be predicted by RT-PCR and cytolytic assessment prior to actual production of transgenic pigs. Further study on the transfer of these embryos to surrogates may produce transgenic clone miniature pigs expressing hCD59 and hIL-18BP for xenotransplantation.

There are many different types of heating methods in the world. Most of these heating methods are through radiation and convection. These heating types emphasize insulation because it is important to maintain the indoor air temperature. In contrast, the ondol, emphasizes thermal storage in the floor because it heats conduction. In other words it heats through direct contact. This unique heating method has created a unique interior environment. Activities have to occur close to the floor so that people may come in direct contact with the heat, thereby influencing the cultural development of the Korean people. The ondol has also created an interior environment where it is wanner near the floor than the ceiling in contrast to other heating systems where the area close to the ceiling is warmer. This environment is inline with the optimal healthy conditions the Koreans prefer, the warm feet cool head environment.

There are many different types of heating methods in the world. Most of these heating methods are through radiation and convection. These heating types emphasize insulation because it is important to maintain the indoor air temperature. In contrast, the ondol, emphasizes thermal storage in the floor because it heats conduction. In other words it heats through direct contact. This unique heating method has created a unique interior environment. Activities have to occur close to the floor so that people may come in direct contact with the heat, thereby influencing the cultural development of the Korean people. The ondol has also created an interior environment where it is warmer near the floor than the ceiling in contrast to other heating systems where the area close to the ceiling is warmer. This environment is inline with the optimal healthy conditions the Koreans prefer, the warm feet cool head environment.