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Advances in deep learning technology have enabled the generation of more realistic deepfakes, which not only endanger individuals' identities but also exploit vulnerabilities in face recognition systems. The majority of existing deepfake detection methods have primarily focused on RGB-based analysis, offering unreliable performance in terms of detection accuracy and time. To address the issue, a grayscale-based deepfake detection method has recently been proposed. This method significantly reduces detection time while providing comparable accuracy to RGB-based methods. However, despite its significant effectiveness, the "key components" that directly affect the performance of grayscale-based deepfake detection have not been systematically analyzed. In this paper, we target three key components: RGB-to-grayscale conversion method, brightness level in grayscale, and resolution level in grayscale. To analyze their impacts on the performance of grayscale-based deepfake detection, we conducted comprehensive evaluations, including component-wise analysis and comparative analysis using real-world datasets. For each key component, we quantitatively analyzed its characteristics' performance and identified differences between them. Moreover, we successfully verified the effectiveness of an optimal combination of the key components by comparing it with existing deepfake detection methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of rapid development of science and electronic technology, cultivating students' digital literacy has become one of the key goals. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between students' cognitive engagement, behavioral engagement, emotional engagement, and digital literacy. For this purpose, 454 college students participated in the survey held in March 2022. According to the results of the structural equation model, (1) students' cognitive engagement significantly influenced emotional engagement, behavioral engagement, and digital literacy. (2) Students' cognitive and behavioral engagement is related to their digital literacy. (3) Emotional engagement could not predict digital literacy. (4) Behavioral engagement moderated the relationship between cognitive engagement and digital literacy. This study emphasizes socio-emotional ability, which critically explores the value of online information between meaningful information and fake news. In conclusion, higher education should be designed to cultivate each dimension by clearly recognizing the sub-dimensions of digital literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease is a rare systemic fibroinflammatory condition characterized by organomegaly or tumefactive lesions associated with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration rich in IgG4 plasma cells. We report a case of IgG4-related disease involving the subcutaneous layer of the left upper arm in a 48-year-old female presenting with an unusual soft tissue mass. US and MRI showed an irregular infiltrative soft tissue mass, indicating possible malignancy or inflammation. We discuss the diagnostic criteria, histopathologic features, radiological features, and treatment of IgG4-related disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The causes of anaphylaxis in a general hospital may differ from those occurring in a community setting. Underlying diseases in admitted patients and vague presenting symptoms can make the diagnosis of anaphylaxis difficult. Serum tryptase measurements may provide valuable evidence for diagnosing anaphylaxis in admitted patients. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective study of 53 patients with an anaphylaxis episode at a Korean tertiary care general hospital. Tryptase levels were measured at baseline and different time points from the onset of anaphylaxis. Results: Drugs (42 cases; 79.2%) and foods (10 cases; 18.9%) were the most common causes of anaphylaxis. In drug-induced anaphylaxis, antibiotics (24.5%), anticancer medications, which included monoclonal antibodies (22.6%), and contrast agents (11.3%) were the most frequent causes. The muscle relaxant eperisone (5.7%), neuromuscular blocking agent rocuronium (5.7%), and its antagonist sugammadex (3.8%) were other frequent triggering agents. Wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis was the most common entity in food-induced anaphylaxis. Tryptase concentrations were higher in patients with higher grades of anaphylaxis, as well as in accidental anaphylaxis, compared to meticulously provoked anaphylaxis. Overall diagnostic sensitivity was higher for tryptase algorithm criteria (=[1.2×baseline+2] µg/L: 71.4%) than for abnormal tryptase level criteria (=11.4 µg/L: 52.8%). Conclusion: The triggers of anaphylaxis in a Korean tertiary care hospital were diverse, including beta-lactam antibiotics, anticancer medications, contrast medias, eperisone, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rocuronium, sugammadex, and wheat. Tryptase measurements provided valuable evidence for diagnosis, and the sensitivity of algorithm criteria was superior to that of the abnormal value criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high percentage of Vermamoeba was found in tap water in Korea. This study investigated whether Vermamoeba induced allergic airway inflammation in mice. We selected 2 free-living amoebas (FLAs) isolated from tap water, which included Korean FLA 5 (KFA5; Vermamoeba vermiformis) and 21 (an homolog of Acanthamoeba lugdunensis KA/E2). We axenically cultured KFA5 and KFA21. We applied approximately 1×106 to mice's nasal passages 6 times and investigated their pathogenicity. The airway resistance value was significantly increased after KFA5 and KFA21 treatments. The eosinophil recruitment and goblet cell hyperplasia were concomitantly observed in bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue in mice infected with KFA5 and KFA21. These infections also activated the Th2-related interleukin 25, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and thymus and activation-regulated chemokines gene expression in mouse lung epithelial cells. The CD4+ interleukin 4+ cell population was increased in the lung, and the secretion of Th2-, Th17-, and Th1-associated cytokines were upregulated during KFA5 and KFA21 infection in the spleen, lung-draining lymph nodes, and BAL fluid. The pathogenicity (allergenicity) of KFA5 and KFA21 might not have drastically changed during the long-term in vitro culture. Our results suggested that Vermamoeba could elicit allergic airway inflammation and may be an airway allergen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of digital literacy is believed to be achieved through individual learning and improvements. This study explored the mutual relations between college students' learning approaches and digital literacy by using Self-determination theory (SDT). Structural equation modeling (SEM), part of a quantitative methodology, was designed with data collected through 639 students from three types of universities. SEM was used to verify the crucial indirect influence of SDT by comparing various effects of learning approaches. The results indicated that personal character, deep learning approach, autonomous and relational motivation significantly affect digital literacy. Firstly, age was an influential factor that surpassed various characteristics compared to gender and university type. Secondly, the more students were involved in the deep learning approach, the higher their digital literacy level, and deep learning has proven to significantly enhance their motivation such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Furthermore, among SDT, autonomy and relatedness were crucial factors in improving digital literacy, while competence's influence was relatively insignificant. Such results provide valuable insights into the motivational process of improving college students' digital literacy. We demonstrated that any university or society cannot develop its digital literacy in a conventional way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammatory condition associated with metallic implant insertion is a risk factor for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Metal ions play a role in the pathogenesis of lymphoma. We report a rare case of DLBCL in a patient who had a metallic implant in the proximal tibia for 15 months. Radiologic studies, including US and MRI, showed disproportionately large extraosseous soft-tissue mass and bone marrow involvement without prominent bone destruction. Multiple complications are associated with metallic implants, and misdiagnosis may lead to inappropriate treatment. Therefore, distinguishing lymphomas caused by a metallic implant-induced chronic inflammatory condition from other periprosthetic benign lesions and malignant soft tissue masses is challenging, but it is critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary career and technical education (CTE) provides high school students the opportunity to gain occupational skills for in-demand 21st century jobs linked to college and career readiness (CCR). All students, including those with a disability, can benefit from CTE. Secondary CTE is a predictor of positive post-school outcomes for students with disabilities (SWD; Mazzotti et al., 2021). This study explored the Perkins Collaborative Research Network (PCRN) data associated with secondary CTE and SWD participation from school years 2014-2015 to 2018-2019 to establish a baseline in enrollment. The data provides a point of reference and trends to better understand serving SWD in CTE and sheds light on access, equity, and inclusion framed in policy and practice articulated by Harvey et al. (2020). The findings can also inform continued work associated with a CCR framework for SWD (Morningstar et al., 2017). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) has become an established target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in dystonia. Previous studies suggest that targeting the ventralis oralis (Vo) complex nucleus improves dystonic tremor or even focal dystonia. Research has also demonstrated that multi-target DBS shows some benefits over single target DBS. In this study, we reviewed patients who had undergone unilateral DBS targeting the GPi and Vo. Materials and Methods: Five patients diagnosed with medically refractory upper extremity dystonia (focal or segmental) underwent DBS. Two DBS electrodes each were inserted unilaterally targeting the ipsilateral GPi and Vo. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) and Disability Rating Scale. Results: BFMDRS scores decreased by 55% at 1-month, 56% at 3-month, 59% at 6-month, and 64% at 12-month follow up. Disability Rating Scale scores decreased 41% at 1-month, 47% at 3-month, 50% at 6-month, and 60% at 12-month follow up. At 1 month after surgery, stimulating both targets improved clinical scores better than targeting GPi or Vo alone. Conclusion: Unilateral thalamic and pallidal dual electrode DBS may be as effective or even superior to DBS of a single target for dystonia. Although the number of patients was small, our results reflected favorable clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abusive behaviors have become a common issue in many online social media platforms. Profanity is common form of abusive behavior in online. Social media platforms operate the filtering system using popular profanity words lists, but this method has drawbacks that it can be bypassed using an altered form and it can detect normal sentences as profanity. Especially in Korean language, the syllable is composed of graphemes and words are composed of multiple syllables, it can be decomposed into graphemes without impairing the transmission of meaning, and the form of a profane word can be seen as a different meaning in a sentence. This work focuses on the problem of filtering system mis-detecting normal phrases with profane phrases. For that, we proposed the deep learning-based framework including grapheme and syllable separation-based word embedding and appropriate CNN structure. The proposed model was evaluated on the chatting contents from the one of the famous online games in South Korea and generated 90.4% accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of ICT in the 21st century, ICT adopted education environment and teaching approaches are introduced in higher education setting globally. In the year of 2020 when global education sector encountered unprecedent difficult phenomena in Covid-19 Pandemic, teachers, students, and education administrators had to familiar with the terminology of online platform, hybrid learning and Flipped Learning (FL). With this strong intervention of ICT into the Education setting, this study aims to explore the students' experience and perception toward the FL by analyzing and interpreting interview data from the qualitative studies on FL between 2014 and 2020. This study conducted text mining analysis, and topic modeling method from the selected 102 SSCI and Scopus level research articles on FL. The result of the study categorized the findings from the pure text analysis into three latent topics for the FL which were 'teacher and classroom', 'motivation and students' growth', 'educational needs and difficulties. From the result, the study confirmed the other two topics which are related to student' experience and characteristics such as growth of motivation, practical challenges, and difficulties from the FL experience. The result indicates that teachers need to give attentive attention and observation to the challenges that students are encountering during the classroom activities in FL setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to reveal the key issues and trends of informal learning in the 21st century through reviewing literature published between 2000 and 2020. This study adopted a systematic text mining-based analysis to explore the wide-scale and in-depth study on informal learning. The result showed the main issues in informal learning, including participants and educational need, environment, process, and research turnings over time. In addition, informal learning has played an active and significant role in the digital era of the 21st century, and its educational effects are expanding even further in recent years. Then, we provided a broad perspective to a frame of future informal learning research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A critical indicator of the overall survival of patients with high-grade glioma is the successful isolation of tumor mesenchymal stem-like cells (tMSLCs), which play important roles in glioma progression. However, attempts to isolate tMSLCs from surgical specimens have not always been successful, and the reasons for this remain unclear. Considering that the amount of surgical high-grade glioma specimens varies, we hypothesized that larger surgical specimens would be better for tMSLC isolation. Materials and Methods: We assessed 51 fresh, high-grade glioma specimens and divided them into two groups according to the success or failure of tMSLC isolation. The success of tMSLC isolation was confirmed by plastic adherence, presenting antigens, tri-lineage differentiation, and non-tumorigenicity. Differences in characteristics between the two groups were tested using independent two sample t-tests, chi-square tests, or Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: The mean specimen weights of the groups differed from each other (tMSLC-negative group: 469.9±341.9 mg, tMSLC positive group: 546.7±618.9 mg), but the difference was not statistically significant. The optimal cut-off value of specimen weight was 180 mg, and the area under the curve value was 0.599. Conclusion: Our results suggested a minimum criterion for specimen collection, and found that the specimen amount was not deeply related to tMSLC detection. Collectively, our findings imply that the ability to isolate tMSLCs is determined by factors other than the specimen amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 curve seesawed and reached the fourth pandemic in July 2021. Since the first three waves, the focus has been on achieving herd immunity through vaccination while a lot of manpower is used for quarantine. However, we have not been able to prevent the fourth wave. The causes are thought to be related to people who doubt the safety of the vaccine and refuse it or violate quarantine guidelines such as social distancing. This study examined guidelines for preventing and controlling COVID-19, the accuracy of vaccination-related information, and described quarantine measures including for those who completed vaccination. In conclusion, prevention and vaccination are the most effective countermeasures against COVID-19. We recommend people vaccination with self-quarantine. Also, it is necessary to make large investments to protect and support nurses in future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With COVID-19 Pandemic, workers' work-life balance is being reexamined as telecommuting expands in terms of "social distance" and "corporate risk" management. For this, a comparative study was conducted on the work-life balance certifications currently operated by the Korean government. The first is the "Family Friendly Certification (FFC)" by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the "Work Innovative Incentive Certification (WIIC)" by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the third is the "Leisure Friendly Management Certification (LFMC)" by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In the comparative analysis, the government agency's policy data, statistics, press releases, website announcements, and public-private research reports were reviewed for empirical analysis. According to the analysis, the work and life balance certification of the Republic of Korea is related to low birth rates and aging policies such as shortening working hours, flexible work, and maternity protection. It also provides policy incentives for company to produce financial and non-financial results. It is meaningful that the findings of this study can help a lot of SMEs which are considering the adoption of the work-life balance system by providing the pros and cons of the currently existing certification systems. Moreover, this research would be a pioneering study because there is little comparative research on the various work-life balance certification systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. We aimed to establish whether knowledge of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels on day 1, as well as the change in these levels in the first three days, could be of clinical benefit in the diagnosis and/or prediction of severity of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on 275 term infants (35 with RDS and 240 with TTN) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from January 2014 to June 2019. LDH levels were measured on admission and after three days. Results. Both RDS and TTN groups had elevated LDH levels during admission. LDH levels were significantly higher in the RDS group than in the TTN group on both days. LDH levels in both groups significantly correlated with both the duration of respiratory support required, as well as the number of hospital days. We used these outcomes as a measure of severity of these conditions. Conclusions. In patients with respiratory distress, it may not be clinically useful to use LDH levels on day 1 to differentiate between RDS and TTN, despite the statistically significant differences, because of the overlapping values. However, LDH levels on day 1 and day 3 may predict the degree and duration of the required respiratory support for both RDS and TTN groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are widely prescribed for postmenopausal women with breast cancer and are known to cause musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to identify factors associated with AI continuation intention among breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 123 BCS (stages I-III), who had been taking AIs for at least 6 weeks. Participants were recruited from a cancer center in Goyang, Korea, from September to November 2019. Descriptive statistics, Welch analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and simple linear regression were used for the analysis. Results: Beliefs about endocrine therapy was a significant predictor of AI continuation intention (β=.66, p<. 001). The majority of participants (87.0%) reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain since taking AIs and the score for the worst pain severity within 24 hours was 5.08±2.80 out of 10. Musculoskeletal pain, however, was not associated with AI continuation intention. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) was clinically significant (≥13) for 74.0% of the respondents (mean, 17.62±7.14). Musculoskeletal pain severity and pain interference were significantly associated with FCR (r=.21, p<.05; r=.35, p<.01, respectively). Pain interference was significantly associated with beliefs about endocrine therapy (r=-.18,p<.0S). Conclusion AI continuation intention can be modified by reinforcing patients' beliefs about endocrine therapy. Musculoskeletal pain may have a negative effect on beliefs about endocrine therapy and increase FCR among BCS. Thus, awareness of musculoskeletal pain during AI therapy should be raised and further research is required to develop multidisciplinary pain management strategies and clinical guidelines to reinforce beliefs about endocrine therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise allergy diagnosis and effective allergen specific immunotherapy are largely dependent on the quality of allergen extract. A new extract of Dermatophagoides farinae was commercially developed by Prolagen. The allergenic properties of the new extract were compared with those of other commercial products. The allergenic properties of the new extract were compared according to protein concentration, protein profiles, major allergen (Der f 1) contents, and allergenic potency to those for three commercially available extracts imported in Korea (Jubilant HollisterStier Allergy, Lofarma S.p.A., and Stallergenes Greer). Protein concentrations varied up to 2.62-fold (0.404 to 1.057 mg/mL), and Der f 1 contents varied up to 11.3-fold (3.597 to 40.688 µg/mL). Protein profiles of the extracts showed no major discrepancies, although there were some differences in SDS-PAGE band intensities, reflecting protein concentrations. Allergen potency ranged from 37038 to 60491 PAU/mL. The Prolagen product was highest in terms of protein concentration and allergen potency. The Lofarma product displayed Der f 1 content similar to that in Prolagen (19.4 µg/mg vs. 19.3 µg/mg). Endotoxin levels varied 8.9-fold (1020 to 8985 EU/mL). The newly developed house dust mite extract showed equal or better allergenic properties than available commercial extracts. This new product may be useful for better diagnostics and allergen-specific immunotherapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze articles published in the Journal of the Korean Academy of Nursing (JKAN) between 2010 and 2019, along with those published in three international nursing journals, to improve JKAN's international reputation. Methods: The overall characteristics of JKAN's published papers and keywords, study participants, types of nursing interventions and dependent variables, citations, and cited journals were analyzed. Additionally, the keywords and study designs, publication-related characteristics, journal impact factors (JIF), and Eigenfactor scores of International Journal of Nursing Studies (IJNS), International Nursing Review (INR), Nursing & Health Sciences (NHS), and JKAN were analyzed and compared. Results: Among the four journals, JKAN's score was the lowest in both the journal impact factor and Eigenfactor score. In particular, while the JIF of INR and NHS has been continuously increasing; JKAN's JIF has remained static for almost 10 years. The journals which had cited JKAN and those which JKAN had cited were mainly published in Korean. Conclusion: JKAN still has a low IF and a low ranking among Social Citation Index (E) journals during the past 10 years, as compared to that of four international journals. To enhance JKAN's status as an international journal, it is necessary to consider publishing it in English and to continuously improve the conditions of other publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Specific IgG4 (sIgG4) increases with allergen specific immunotherapy and may reflect a state of immune tolerance in food allergy. While ImmunoCAP® has been widely used to measure sIgG4 to a single allergen, PROTIATM Specific IgG4® has been designed as a multiplex assay for measuring sIgG4. This study sought to validate this assay in comparison to ImmunoCAP®. Materials and Methods: Measurements of sIgG4 were compared between PROTIATM Specific IgG4® and ImmunoCAP® using sera from 519 allergy patients (asthma: 114, allergic rhinitis: 318, food allergy: 146) with 731 paired tests. sIgG4 was measured against nine inhalant allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, cat dander, dog dander, birch pollen, oak pollen, ragweed pollen, mugwort pollen, and Alternaria alternata spores) and nine food allergens (egg white, casein, wheat, peanut, walnut, crab, shrimp, apple, and peach). Results: PROTIATM Specific IgG4® showed 95.6% agreement rate with ImmunoCAP® in the positivity comparison. For sIgG4 positivity to each individual allergen, an agreement rate of more than 84.8% was observed. In Cohen's kappa analysis, these assays displayed substantial correlations [Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ) =0.699], except for shrimp (p=0.448). Furthermore, both assays displayed strong correlations in quantitative comparisons [correlation coefficients value (p) =0.8014], except for apple (p=0.6571, p=0.175). Serial dilution tests also showed consistency between the assays. Conclusion: PROTIATM Specific IgG4® showed high consistency with ImmunoCAP® in measuring sIgG4. This assay is applicable to various clinical fields, including allergen immunotherapy and food allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Korean version of Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL). Methods: The MENQOL was translated into Korean according to algorithm of linguistic validation process. A total of 308 menopausal women were recruited and assessed using the Korean version of MENQOL (MENQOL-K), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-K). In estimating reliability, internal consistency reliability coefficients were calculated. Validity was evaluated through criterion validity and construct validity with confirmatory factor analyses using SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 25.0 software. Results: In item analyses, the "increased facial hair" symptom was excluded because of the low contribution of MENQOL-K. The confirmatory factor analysis supported good fit and reliable scores for MENQOL-K model, and the four-factor structure was validated (Χ²=553.28, p<.001, NC=1.84, RMSEA=.05, AGIF=.85, AIC=765.28). The MENQOL-K consists of 28 items in 4 domains, including vasomotor (3 items), psychosocial (7 items), physical (15 items), and sexual subscales (3 items). There was an acceptable criterion validity with moderately significant correlation between MENQOL-K and WHOQOL-BREF. The Cronbach's α for the 4 subsacles ranged from .80 to .93. Conclusion: The MENQOL-K is a valid and reliable scale to measure condition-specific quality of life for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. It can be used to assess the impact of menopausal symptoms on the quality of life of Korean women in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives. The aim of this study was to compare serial scores of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) in preterm infants with favorable neurologic outcome compared with those with unfavorable neurologic outcome and to evaluate whether aEEG in the early days of life has predictive value for short-term neurologic outcome in preterm infants. Methods. This prospective observational study included infants born at ≤32 weeks of gestational age and ≤1,500 g of birth weight. On the basis of brain ultrasonography findings, the infants were divided into two groups (favorable and unfavorable outcome group) at 36 weeks of corrected age or at discharge. aEEG was performed at 12-14 h (day-1), 46-48 h (day-2), 70-72 h (day-3), and 1 week (day-7) of life. The aEEG recordings were analyzed using the criteria described by Burdjalov et al.23 and the serial scores of aEEG were compared between the two groups. Results. Thirty five infants were enrolled and 18 infants and 17 infants were identified into both groups, respectively. Infants in the favorable outcome group showed high scores in almost all parameters and the score of all parameters increased over time. However, the scores of all components decreased in day-2 compared with those of day 1 in the unfavorable outcome group. The total score less than 3 of day-2 has predictive value of 70.6% of sensitivity and 72.2% of specificity for unfavorable outcome. Conclusion. We found that aEEG is a useful predictor for short-term neurologic outcome in preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-living amoebas (FLAs) can cause severe disease in humans and animals when they become infected. However, there are no accurate survey reports on the prevalence of FLAs in Korea. In this study, we collected 163 tap water samples from buildings, apartments, and restrooms of highway service areas in 7 Korean provinces with high population density. All these buildings and facilities have water storage tanks in common. The survey was separated into categories of buildings, apartments, and highway service areas. Five hundred milliliters of tap water from each building was collected and filtered with 0.2 µm pore filter paper. The filters were incubated in agar plates with heated E. coli at 25°C. After axenization, genomic DNA was collected from each FLA, and species classification was performed using partial 18S-rDNA PCR-sequencing analysis. We found that 12.9% of tap water from buildings with storage tanks in Korea was contaminated with FLAs. The highway service areas had the highest contamination rate at 33.3%. All of the FLAs, except one, were genetically similar to Vermamoeba vermiformis (Hartmannella vermiformis). The remaining FLA (KFA21) was very similar to Acanthamoeba lugdunensis (KA/E26). Although cases of human infection by V. vermiformis are very rare, we must pay attention to the fact that one-third of tap water supplies in highway service areas have been contaminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic disorder of the trigeminal nerve characterized by repeated electrical shock-like sensations on one side of the face. It can cause severe pain in the face and disrupt or impair quality of life in patients. Options for the management of TN consist of pharmacological and surgical treatments, including Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). GKRS has been used for TN for a long time because of its low rate of complications and high success rate. Moreover, GKRS can be of use for drugresistant TN patients who are poor surgical candidates due to medical comorbidities, patients of older age, or patients who refuse invasive therapy. We reviewed the rationale, effects, safety, and current treatment policies of GKRS for TN in view of our institution’s results and a review of the literature to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the case of a patient with a long history of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension who developed pulmonary artery aneurysm. Topics discussed include signs and symptoms exhibited by the patient, the results of computed tomography of the chest and the most common complications of pulmonary artery aneurysm.

• Immunocompetent C57BL/6 mouse models of prostate cancer induced bone pain are needed. • RM1 prostate cancer injected into the femur produced mixed lytic and sclerotic lesions. • Intra-femoral RM1 prostate cancer (PCa) induced progressive hindlimb guarding and impaired running wheel performance in mice. • Intra-femoral RM1 PCa induced neurochemical changes in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord indicative of nerve injury, inflammation and central sensitization. Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is the most common and devastating symptom of bone metastatic cancer that substantially disrupts patients' quality of life. Currently, there are few effective analgesic treatments for CIBP other than opioids which come with severe side effects. In order to better understand the factors and mechanisms responsible for CIBP it is essential to have clinically relevant animal models that mirror pain-related symptoms and disease progression observed in patients with bone metastatic cancer. In the current study, we characterize a syngeneic mouse model of prostate cancer induced bone pain. We transfected a prostate cancer cell line (RM1) with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and luciferase reporters in order to visualize tumor growth longitudinally in vivo and to assess the relationship between sensory neurons and tumor cells within the bone microenvironment. Following intra-femoral injection of the RM1 prostate cancer cell line into male C57BL/6 mice, we observed a progressive increase in spontaneous guarding of the inoculated limb between 12 and 21 days post inoculation in tumor bearing compared to sham operated mice. Daily running wheel performance was evaluated as a measure of functional impairment and potentially movement evoked pain. We observed a progressive reduction in the distance traveled and percentage of time at optimal velocity between 12 and 21 days post inoculation in tumor bearing compared to sham operated mice. We utilized histological, radiographic and μCT analysis to examine tumor induced bone remodeling and observed osteolytic lesions as well as extra-periosteal aberrant bone formation in the tumor bearing femur, similar to clinical findings in patients with bone metastatic prostate cancer. Within the tumor bearing femur, we observed reorganization of blood vessels, macrophage and nerve fibers within the intramedullary space and periosteum adjacent to tumor cells. Tumor bearing mice displayed significant increases in the injury marker ATF3 and upregulation of the neuropeptides SP and CGRP in the ipsilateral DRG as well as increased measures of central sensitization and glial activation in the ipsilateral spinal cord. This immunocompetent mouse model will be useful when combined with cell type selective transgenic mice to examine tumor, immune cell and sensory neuron interactions in the bone microenvironment and their role in pain and disease progression associated with bone metastatic prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: CD93 is receiving renewed attention as a biomarker of inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the potential for serum sCD93 to serve as a novel biomarker for allergic inflammation. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 348 subjects with an allergic disease [allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), or bronchial asthma (BA)], including 14 steroid-naïve BA patients who were serially followed-up. Results: The serum sCD93 levels (ng/mL) in patients with exacerbated AR (mean±standard deviation, 153.1±58.4) were significantly higher than in patients without AR (132.2±49.0) or with stable AR (122.3±42.1). Serum sCD93 levels in exacerbated CSU (169.5±42.8) were also significantly higher than those in non-CSU (132.4±51.6) and stable CSU (122.8±36.2). This trend was also seen in BA. Serum levels in patients with ICS-naïve BA (161.4±53.1) were significantly higher than those in healthy controls without BA (112.2±30.8), low- and medium-dose ICS users. Serum sCD93 levels in high-dose ICS users (72.2±20.6) were significantly lower than those in low- and medium-dose users. The serum sCD93 levels in steroid-naïve patients with BA (195.1±72.7) decreased after ICS use for 4 weeks (134.4±42.8) and 8 weeks (100.7±13.4), serially. Conclusion: Elevated serum sCD93 levels reflected exacerbated status of allergic diseases, including CSU, AR, and asthma. ICS use significantly diminished serum sCD93 levels in steroid-naïve patients with BA. This result may suggest sCD93 in serum as a therapeutic marker for allergic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate musculoskeletal pain patterns in the upper body according to smartphone usage posture. A cross-sectional online survey using google foam. The questionnaire consisted of 4 sections with 84 questions: 1) basic information on the participant's characteristics and smartphones, 2) smartphone use posture (whole body positions, neck flexion degree, and hand-held posture), 3) the smartphone addiction scale, and 4) characteristics of musculoskeletal pain. No specific research setting is required. 237 individuals who have used smartphones regularly for more than 5 years participated in this study from China and Korea. Not applicable. The musculoskeletal pain and discomfort intensity was assessed using VAS and the Students Specific Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (SS-CMDQ) & Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ). Prone position users reported upper arm pain more frequently compared to other positions. People who use a smartphone on the side-lying and prone reported a higher level of Low back pain compared to sitting position. Pain score in the shoulder area was highest in the most flexed neck posture (p< 0.05), The frequency of hand pain was in the order of wrist (21.7%), 4-5rh fingers (20.7%), 2-3rd fingers (18.2%), thumb (16.9%), and hyper thenar area (15%). The most painful hand regions were the wrist and thumb. Both pain frequency and intensity were the lowest in the people who held smartphones with two hands horizontally. Holding the phone in one hand with pinky support was associated with the most frequent and severe pain in all hand areas, especially in 4-5rh fingers. There are differences in the musculoskeletal pain pattern of the upper body according to the smartphone posture. Educating and promoting a good smartphone using posture is necessary to prevent musculoskeletal pain. Further experimental studies on individuals with smartphone-related musculoskeletal symptoms are required. No conflict of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term and very short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) exceeding the daily average environmental standards for Korea (=100 µg/m3 for PM10 and =50 µg/m3 for PM2.5) on on asthma- related hospital visits. Materials and Methods: This was a population-based, case-crossover study using National Health Insurance and air pollution data between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016. The event day was defined as a day when PM exceeded the daily average environmental standard (short-term exposure) or daily average environmental standard for 2 hours (very short-term exposure). The control day was defined as the same day of the week at 1 week prior to the event day. Results: Compared with control days, asthma-related hospital visits on the 24-hr event days and 2-hr event days increased by 4.10% and 3.45% for PM10 and 5.66% and 3.74% for PM2.5, respectively. Asthma-related hospital visits increased from the 24-hr event day for PM10 to 4 days after the event day, peaking on the third day after the event day (1.26, 95% confidence interval, 1.22-1.30). Hospitalizations also increased on the third day after the event. While there was a difference in magnitude, PM2.5 exposure showed similar trends to PM10 exposure. Conclusion: We found a significant association between short-term and very short-term PM exposure exceeding the current daily average environmental standards of Korea and asthma-related hospital visits. These results are expected to aid in establishing appropriate environmental standards and relevant policies for PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is the most common food allergy-related condition in adults. This study aimed to investigate whether subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) with Fagales pollen-containing extracts can improve the clinical symptoms of OAS in Korea. In total, 56 OAS patients were included: 19 subjects treated with SCIT, which included Fagales pollen extracts, and 37 not treated with immunotherapy (IT). We reviewed the patients' medical records and administered a telephone questionnaire at one point to assess baseline OAS features and changes in the patients' OAS and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) symptoms after treatment. Only 12 patients who received SCIT and 15 patients that did not receive SCIT could report on changes in OAS symptoms after treatment because the other patients practiced strict avoidance of their culprit fruits and vegetables, and they could not respond to the status of OAS. SCIT reduced the severity of OAS (p=0.005). Nine of the 12 patients (75%) that received SCIT reported a more than 50% reduction in OAS symptoms. In contrast, only three of the 15 patients (20%) that did not receive IT reported more than a 50% reduction in OAS symptoms. SCIT also reduced the severity of ARC symptoms (p<0.001). The results indicate that SCIT with Fagales pollen-containing extracts is associated with improved OAS symptoms in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was done to characterize distribution of Rickettsia spp. in ticks in the northwestern and southwestern provinces in the Republic of Korea. A total of 2,814 ticks were collected between May and September 2009. After pooling, 284 tick DNA samples were screened for a gene of Rickettsia-specific 17-kDa protein using nested PCR (nPCR), and produced 88 nPCR positive samples. Of these positives, 75% contained 190-kDa outer membrane protein gene (ompA), 50% 120-kDa outer membrane protein gene (ompB), and 64.7% gene D (sca4). The nPCR products of ompA, ompB, and sca4 genes revealed close relatedness to Rickettsia japonica, R. heilongjiangensis, and R. monacensis. Most Rickettsia species were detected in Haemaphysalis longicornis. This tick was found a dominant vector of rickettsiae in the study regions in the Republic of Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Korean President Moon took a bold initiative to establish peace on the Korean peninsula while denuclearizing North Korea. Though negotiations with North Korea are on the move, controversy about how to deal with North Korea never ends. Optimists argue that Kim Jong Un has made up his mind to give up nuclear weapons and concentrate on economic development They argue that, though slow and conditionally, North Korea is reciprocating to the US and South Korean demands. Thus, optimists take a position of 'trust and engage.' On the other hand, skeptics argue that North Korean goals have never changed and that Kim Jong Un will never give up nuclear weapons. What they are trying to do is delay, deceive, and buy time for nuclear enforcement. Skeptics take a position of 'coerce and verify.' This paper takes a position that we had better test Kim seriously and push to the limit until his ultimate decision can be discerned. Engagement is a viable option than other alternatives like dovish engagement, strategic patience, coercive sanctions, or war. However, there is a proper way to engage North Korea, what the author calls 'conditional engagement.' 'Engage and verify' should be a principle of conditional engagement. Tough and strict conditionalities should be attached to engagement. If you follow this position, negotiating with North Korea should be tougher and more principled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]