Gyeongsang National University

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25, 2026 -- A causal relationship appears to exist between increased air pollution and outpatient visits for chronic rhinitis, according to a study published online Feb. 23 in The Laryngoscope . Su Hwan Kim, from Gyeongsang National University in Jinju, South Korea, and colleagues examined the short-term causal relationship between air pollution and outpatient visits due to chronic rhinitis using National Health Insurance Service data collected between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2017. The causal effects were estimated using a two-stage generalized method-of-moments Poisson regression model. The analyses included 81,210,447 outpatient visits for chronic rhinitis. Significant positive associations were seen between air quality index (AQI) and outpatient visits on lag days 0, 3, 5, and 6 in an instrumental variable analysis, with the strongest effect seen at lag 0 (relative risk, 1.078). The most vulnerable individuals were those aged 10 to 19 years, showing significant relative risks across all lag days (relative risks, 1.039 to 1.161). The validity of the proposed instrumental variable approach was supported by analyses using negative control outcomes and exposures, suggesting a robust causal effect of air quality index on outpatient chronic rhinitis visits. "This approach moves beyond simple associations and addresses confounding biases, thereby offering a more accurate assessment of the true impact of air pollution on chronic rhinitis," the authors write. "This study presents a methodological advancement in evaluating the impact of air pollution on outpatient health care utilization for chronic rhinitis." Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Scientists develop a new method to detect fecal contamination of water, paving the way towards healthier living environments globally DAEJEON, South Korea, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The presence of human waste in sewage overflow or stormwater runoffs that ultimately find their way into rivers and lakes is a major public health hazard. Conventionally, testing for fecal contamination involves detecting fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), such as E. coli. While FIB detection is cheap and simple, the method cannot be used to detect low-level contamination. Continue Reading Scientists from South Korea developed a new PCR-based method for MST of human fecal matter in water in the environment and treatment plants. Applying this method could boost the detection of a greater proportion of fecal contamination. Microbial source tracking (MST) is a potential alternative which detects biomarkers—usually a protein or DNA segment—that are specific to a host species. This allows MST to detect low-level contamination in water bodies, and identify the source. CrAss-like phages (CLPs), a class of viruses that infect bacteria (bacteriophages), are being hailed as a promising group of MST markers. CLPs are the most abundant bacteriophages in the human gut, and many CLPs are only found in human intestines and feces. While there are several known groups of CLPs, only a single group, known as genus I, has been used as an MST marker. Now, researchers from Chungnam National University, South Korea, in collaboration with Gyeongsang National University, developed a novel MST detection method using CLPs that was capable of specifically detecting human feces-contaminated water. The study was published in Volume 266 of Water Research on 15 Nov 2024 and made available online on 24 Aug 2024. "The primary aim of this study was to improve the efficacy and accuracy of detection methods used to assess specific fecal contamination. A robust MST marker would greatly help in our ability to mitigate health risks from fecal-contaminated water," said Dong Woo Kim. To test the efficacy of this method, the researchers collected fecal samples from selected human volunteers. DNA extraction and sequencing was performed to detect and classify CLP viral genes. 13 distinct CLP groups were identified in human gut viruses, which were then used to develop specific markers for their detection via PCR. CLPs were found in 91.52% of human feces samples and were absent in all animal samples, except racoons. Of the 13 CLP groups classified identified, genus VI was present in 64.4% of samples, nearly double that of genus I (37.28%)."Our method shows that genus VI is a potent MST marker in the Korean population. Using PCR to detect MHP genes of genus VI CLPs, or even genus I, can be a practical approach towards monitoring human fecal contamination of water," concludes Dr. Ok Kyung Koo. In summary, CLPs, especially genus VI, could be used as viable MST markers capable of specifically detecting human fecal contamination. This is notable as human-specific MST markers can significantly impact hygiene regulations and lower public health costs. Reference Title of original paper: Development of a novel crAss-like phage detection method with a broad spectrum for microbial source tracking Journal: Water Research DOI: About the institute Chungnam National University (CNU), located in Daejeon, South Korea, is a leading national university renowned for its excellence in research and education. Established in 1952, CNU offers diverse programs in engineering, medicine, sciences, and the arts, fostering innovation and global collaboration. Situated near Daedeok Innopolis, a major R&D hub, it excels in biotechnology, materials science, and information technology. With a vibrant international community and cutting-edge facilities, CNU continues to drive academic and technological advancements, making it a top choice for students worldwide. Website: Contact: Gaeun Kim +82 42-821-6239 [email protected] SOURCE Chungnam National University WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

A research team presented an analysis protocol to evaluate silicon cathode materials applicable to commercialized batteries. In a groundbreaking review published in Nature Energy, Professor Jaephil Cho from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST presents an analysis protocol to evaluate silicon cathode materials applicable to commercialized batteries. The study delves deep into the characteristics and challenges surrounding silicon anode materials -- the focus of significant attention as secondary battery components. Silicon has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional graphite anodes in high-energy lithium-ion batteries due to its exceptional gravimetric capacity. However, intrinsic issues such as severe volume expansion during cycling have hindered the widespread use of Si anodes in battery development. While laboratories have made tremendous progress in addressing these issues, most Si-containing batteries used in industry -- where Si anodes are composed of Si suboxides or Si-C composites -- are only able to incorporate limited amounts of silicon. The research team's comprehensive analysis explores crucial factors that influence the practical energy density of silicon-containing batteries. It examines phenomena such as electrode swelling and cut-off voltage during cell operation while considering calendar life, safety concerns, and cost implications -- all essential aspects that significantly impact practical cell design. Furthermore, the paper proposes testing protocols aimed at evaluating the feasibility and viability of newly developed silicon anodes. These protocols offer valuable insights into ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, durability, and safety when incorporating these advanced materials into commercial battery applications. One key finding highlighted by Professor Cho's team is that reducing the size of silicon particles to less than 5 nm while uniformly dispersing them within conductive carbon particles holds great promise for overcoming existing limitations. Recent advancements reported by researchers involved depositing raw materials on carbon composite particles through gas deposition -- a synthesis technology capable of reducing particle sizes below 1 nm. This innovative approach demonstrated initial efficiencies exceeding 90% with significantly improved lifespan characteristics. "The evaluation methods currently reported in specialized journals for silicon anode materials are somewhat limited, making it challenging to determine their commercial viability," stated Professor Cho. The proposed analysis protocol aims to bridge this gap and provide a comprehensive framework for assessing the practical potential of these materials in commercialized batteries. This review paper, invited by Nature Energy -- an authoritative journal in the field of energy -- was co-authored by Professor Jaekyung Sung from Gyeongsang National University. Released on August 28, this publication marks a significant contribution to advancing battery technology and propelling us closer towards achieving efficient and commercially viable silicon-based anodes.