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Active surveillance (AS) has been widely adopted as an alternative to immediate surgery owing to the indolent nature and favorable outcomes of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma PTMC). AS is generally recommended for tumors measuring ≤1 cm without aggressive cytological subtypes, risk of gross extrathyroidal extension (ETE), lymph node metastasis (LNM), or distant metastasis. AS requires careful patient selection based on various patient and tumor characteristics, and ultrasound (US) findings. Moreover, during AS, regular US is performed to monitor any signs of tumor progression, including tumor growth, new US features of potential gross ETE, and LNM. Therefore, appropriate imaging-based assessment plays a crucial role in determining whether AS or surgery should be pursued. However, detailed recommendations concerning US evaluation are currently insufficient, necessitating the formulation of this guideline. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology has developed a consensus statement for low-risk PTMC, covering US assessment methods when considering AS as a management option and conducting follow-up imaging tests during AS. This guideline aims to provide optimal scientific evidence and expert opinion consensus regarding a standardized US-based assessment protocol for low-risk PTMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ethanol ablation (EA) followed by RFA in treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules. Materials and Methods We included 243 nodules from 243 patients who underwent RFA for mixed cystic and solid benign nodules. The nodules were divided into two groups (RFA alone and EA + RFA). We evaluated volume reduction rate (VRR), therapeutic success rate, improvement in symptomatic and cosmetic issues, complications, and adverse effects. Results The RFA group included 204 patients, and the EA + RFA group included 39 patients. The long-term success rates in the RFA only and EA + RFA groups were 90.2% and 97.4%, respectively. The mean VRR at the last follow-up in the RFA and EA + RFA groups were 81.6% and 87.2%, respectively. Therapeutic results were similar in both groups at the last followup. Cosmetic and symptomatic problems markedly improved in both groups. No major complications were observed. Conclusion Both RFA alone and EA + RA are safe and effective methods for treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules, although EA + RFA is slightly more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

목적 인지기능 저하를 진단하기 위해서 자기공명영상을 이용한 영상 소견의 진단능을 평가 하였다. 대상과 방법 총 138명의 주관적인 인기지능 저하를 호소하며, MRI 검사를 시행한 환자를 대 상으로 하였다. 이 환자 그룹은 신경정신학적 평가를 통해 알츠하이머군과 비알츠하이머군 으로 분류되었다. 우리는 이들의 white matter hyperintensity와 cerebral microbleed를 평가하였으며, Kruskal- Wallis test를 통해 그룹 간의 비교를, receiver operating characteristic (이하 ROC)를 통해 영상학적 소견의 진단능을 평가하였다. 결과 인지기능 정상인 경우와 경도인지장애 환자와 비교해서 알츠하이머 환자에서 엽 혹은 심부 미세출혈이 빈번하게 관찰되었으며, 심한 심부 혹은 뇌실주위, 전체 백질 신호강도 또 한 인지기능 정상에 비해서 알츠하이머 환자에서 많이 관찰되었다. 알츠하이머 환자와 다른 환자 그룹(정상 혹은 경도인지장애)을 비교할 때 엽미세출혈과 뇌실주위 뇌백질 신호강도 증가가 같이 존재하는 경우 가장 높은 진단능을 보였다(area under the ROC curve = 0.702 [95% 신뢰구간: 0.599–0.806], p < 0.001). 결론 자기공명영상에서 확인한 영상 소견을 바탕으로 인지기능 저하의 진단능을 평가하였 다. 인지기능 저하의 진단에 있어서 엽미세출혈과 뇌실주위 뇌백질 신호강도 증가가 같이 존 재하는 경우에 높은 진단능을 보였으며, 이러한 소견을 바탕으로 인지기능 저하를 진단하는 데 있어 영상 소견이 도움을 줄 수 있을 것이라는 가능성을 보여주었다. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The H9N2 avian influenza (AI) has become endemic in poultry in many countries since the 1990s, which has caused considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. Considering the long history of the low pathogenicity H9N2 AI in many countries, once H9N2 AI is introduced, it is more difficult to eradicate than high pathogenicity AI. Various preventive measures and strategies, including vaccination and active national surveillance, have been used to control the Y439 lineage of H9N2 AI in South Korea, but it took a long time for the H9N2 virus to disappear from the fields. By contrast, the novel Y280 lineage of H9N2 AI was introduced in June 2020 and has spread nationwide. This study reviews the history, genetic and pathogenic characteristics, and control strategies for Korean H9N2 AI. This review may provide some clues for establishing control strategies for endemic AIV and a newly introduced Y280 lineage of H9N2 AI in South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Since the 1980s, when artificial intelligence began to be commercially used, humans have always wanted to express the post-human era. When discussing modern and future societies, AI has become indispensable, and someday artificial intelligence may face a reality that replaces humans. Numerous cultural contents show such an appearance. The development of artificial intelligence technology is leading to a fundamental change in perception of human nature. Objectives: This paper seeks to find expressions of artificial intelligence and post-human that appear in various forms in cultural contents to interpret and understand modern social aspects of human beings and the development of technology. Methods:The study is conducted by visiting text and various websites as primary data. We can see artificial intelligence through many literary works and movies, and furthermore, we will be able to seek an understanding of post-human. Results:The AI era has arrived. Currently, AI is intertwined in human life like parts. However, AI will develop further in the future. Therefore, humans will radically change AI, and AI will fundamentally change human lives. Such aspects are being realized in many cultural contents such as movies and literary works. Humans now have to think deeply about post-humans by coexisting with AI. Many people say that AI exists for a better society. But what challenges will AI have to address in order to continue to be useful to humans? Before answering, it's important to have a clear understanding of the impact of AI on human society. Fortunately, cultural content kindly shows the image of the post-human era. Conclusions: First, human fears and expectations for AI will continue for a long time. Research on human reflection and more possibilities is needed. Therefore, humanities research will be as necessary as technical and engineering research. Second, as AI develops more and more, our society needs various preparations to cope with it. The discussion of post-human is one of them. Cultural content, such as movies and literary works, allows us to get closer to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we describe the isolation and characterization of previously unreported Y280-lineage H9N2 viruses from two live bird markets in Korea in June 2020. Genetic analysis revealed that they were distinct from previous H9N2 viruses circulating in Korea and had highest homology to A/chicken/Shandong/1844/2019(H9N2) viruses. Their genetic constellation showed they belonged to genotype S, which is the predominant genotype in China since 2010, where genotype S viruses have infected humans and acted as internal gene donors to H5 and H7 zoonotic influenza viruses. Active surveillance and control measures need to be enhanced to protect the poultry industry and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although previous in vivo studies explored urinary microRNA (miRNA), there is no agreement on nephrotoxicity-specific miRNA biomarkers. Objectives: In this study, we assessed whether urinary miRNAs could be employed as biomarkers for nephrotoxicity. Methods: For this, literature-based candidate miRNAs were identified by reviewing the previous studies. Female Sprague-Dawley rats received subcutaneous injections of a single dose or repeated doses (3 consecutive days) of gentamicin (GEN; 137 or 412 mg/kg). The expression of miRNAs was analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 16 h pooled urine from GEN-treated rats. Results: GEN-induced acute kidney injury was confirmed by the presence of tubular necrosis. We identified let-7g-5p, miR-21-3p, 26b-3p, 192-5p, and 378a-3p significantly upregulated in the urine of GEN-treated rats with the appearance of the necrosis in proximal tubules. Specifically, miR-26-3p, 192-5p, and 378a-3p with highly expressed levels in urine of rats with GEN-induced acute tubular injury were considered to have sensitivities comparable to clinical biomarkers, such as blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary kidney injury molecule protein. Conclusions: These results indicated the potential involvement of urinary miRNAs in chemical-induced nephrotoxicity, suggesting that certain miRNAs could serve as biomarkers for acute nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Korean student nurses may be exposed to stress caused by their future employment (employment stress). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a Laughter Program on psychological stress, by assessing salivary cortisol and the subjective happiness of student nurses in order to relieve employment stress. Methods: A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent, control-group, and pre-test/post-test was conducted in 4th year student nurses (n = 48) from 2 universities in Korea at a time when participants' final exams and job searches were simultaneously occurring. Physiological stress (salivary cortisol), and psychological stress measured using modified Cornell Medical Index questionnaire and the Subjective Happiness Scale were used to determine the effects of the program. Results: The results of the study showed that the Laughter Program was effective in relieving employment stress and increasing the subjective well-being of student nurses. Psychological stress (p < 0.001), salivary cortisol levels (p < 0.001), and subjective happiness (p < 0.001) were statistically significantly improved after the intervention compared with before the Laughter Program. Conclusion: This study is an effective evidence-based intervention to reduce student nurses employment stress and improve subjective happiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is an aggregate of different pathologic responses in body that leads to life threatening conditions if not combated at early stages. A variety of chemical medications from low quality to high quality are available in market for treatment of inflammation. However the side effects posed by these medications cannot be ignored. Here in our study we have shown for the first time, the anti-inflammatory effects of SBF compound that is obtained from wild mushroom species that are Acremonium sp. HKI 0230 and Coprinus echinosporus. We employed Nitric oxide determination, cell viability assay, RT-PCR and western blot analysis to check the anti-inflammatory effects of SBF. The antioxidant activity of this compound has been studied in detail in past, but our results have shown that SBF potently suppressed the Nitric oxide production (NO) without any cytotoxicity to the model cell line; RAW 264.7 cells. It also inhibited the production of major proinflammatory mediators and cytokines i.e. iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. SBF elicited its anti-inflammatory effects via the canonical NF-κB and MAPK pathway. Taken together, our results have shown that SBF exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and further experimentations may warrant its application as a commercial herbal remedy for inflammation related anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016, novel H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus emerged in Korea. During the outbreak, the virus caused the largest culling, especially in brown chicken lines. We determined the pathogenicity and transmissibility of the virus in 2 white chicken lines of the specific pathogen-free chickens, broilers and brown chicken line of Korean native chicken (KNC). A KNC had a longer virus shedding period and longer mean death time than others. Our study showed that this characteristic in the KNC might have contributed to a farm-tofarm transmission of the brown chicken farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) were isolated from duck farms and migratory bird habitats in South Korea in November to December 2017. Genetic analysis demonstrated that at least two genotypes of H5N6 were generated through reassortment between clade 2.3.4.4 H5N8 HPAIVs and Eurasian low pathogenic avian influenza virus in migratory birds in late 2017, suggesting frequent reassortment of clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAIVs and highlighting the need for systematic surveillance in Eurasian breeding grounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system involvement in multiple myeloma (CNS-MM) is a rare condition. Various manifestations of CNS-MM have been reported, including dural, parenchymal, and leptomeningeal involvement. Among them, leptomeningeal involvement is less common and intraventricular involvement is exceptional, with only one case reported in the literature. Herein, we report the first case of CNS-MM manifesting as an intraventricular mass with leptomeningeal involvement combined with perineural spread. We also describe characteristic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of intraventricular multiple myeloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2014-2016 HPAI outbreak in South Korea, H5N8 viruses have been mostly isolated in western areas of the country, which provide wintering habitats for wild birds and have a high density of poultry. Analysis of a total of 101 Korean isolates revealed that primitive H5N8 viruses (C0 group) have evolved into multiple genetic subgroups appearing from various epidemiological sources, namely, the viruses circulating in poultry farms (C1 and C5) and those reintroduced by migratory birds in late 2014 (C2 and C4). No C3 groups were detected. The results may explain the possible reasons of the recent long-term persistence of H5N8 viruses in South Korea, and help to develop the effective measures in controlling HPAI viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and assess evidence related to the efficacy of meditative movement (MM) on sleep quality. We conducted a comprehensive review of relevant studies drawn from English and Chinese databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting outcomes of the effects of MM (tai chi, qi gong, and yoga) on sleep quality were taken into consideration. Twenty-seven RCTs fulfilled our inclusion criteria and formed the basis for this review. Due to clinical heterogeneity, no meta-analysis was performed. Seventeen studies received a Jadad score of ≥3 and were considered high-quality studies. Findings of the 17 studies showed that MM has beneficial effects for various populations on a range of sleep measures. Improvement in sleep quality was reported in the majority of studies and was often accompanied by improvements in quality of life, physical performance, and depression. However, studies to date generally have significant methodological limitations. Additional RCTs with rigorous research designs focusing on sleep quality or insomnia and testing specific hypotheses are needed to clearly establish the efficacy of MM in improving sleep quality and its potential use as an intervention for various populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grouted post-tensioning has evolved to become the construction method of choice for many structures, including bridges. However, instances of corrosion-induced fracture of wires and strands and failure of tendons have occurred as a consequence of either chemically or physically deficient grout (or a combination of these), where the former involves elevated levels of chlorides or free sulfates (or both) and the latter some combination of soft, chalky, separated, segregated grout with free water. In the extreme, there is the possibility of structure collapse. In response to this, a methodology has been developed whereby, first, the initial occurrence of wire and strand fracture and tendon failure and, second, the subsequent rate of fractures/failures can be projected. This was accomplished by relating occurrence of fractures and failures to the extent of wire cross-section loss and its progression with time, as affected by severity of a grout deficiency or deficiencies. Primary inputs to the model include the mean and standard deviation of, first, wire corrosion rate and, second, wire fracture strength. Results indicate an initiation period as corrosion progresses for onset of fractures and failures, followed by a progressively increasing fracture/failure rate up to an inflection point beyond which these rates moderate. Results from a simulated tendon are presented which serve to qualify the modeling approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recent research suggests that psychosocial resources, including self-esteem, personality, and educational attainment, may be mechanisms explaining the socioeconomic variation in health risks. However, less research has examined this possibility over the early life course. Method: A nationally representative sample of 12,424 respondents with data collected over a 13-year period from National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) was examined. This study utilized a cumulative measure of early socioeconomic adversity capturing multiple dimensions of adversity to test resource focused models in a structural equation framework estimating the influence of early adversity on young adults' (ages 25-34) risk for cardio-metabolic disease, as measured by metabolic and cardiovascular bio-markers, through psychosocial resources (i.e., self-esteem, personality, and educational attainment). Lastly, potential model differences by sex and race/ethnicity were examined. Results: The findings showed that early adversity contributed to young adults' cardio-metabolic disease risk directly. Additionally, early adversity increased young adults' cardio-metabolic disease risk indirectly through its' negative influence on the development of youths' psychosocial resources: self-esteem, positive personality, and educational attainment. The association between psychosocial resources and young adults' cardio-metabolic disease risk differed for men and women and across racial/ethnic groups. Conclusions: These findings contribute valuable knowledge to existing research by elucidating how early adversity exerts an enduring long-term influence on young adults' cardio-metabolic disease risk directly and indirectly through psychosocial resources. Furthermore, this information suggests that effective intervention and prevention programs should focus on early adversity and the development of youths' psychosocial resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2014, two genetically distinct H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses were isolated from poultry and wild birds in Korea. The intravenous pathogenicity indices for the two representative viruses were both 3.0. Mortality of chickens intranasally inoculated with the two H5N8 viruses was 100% with a mean death times of 2.5 and 4.5 days. Mortality rates of the contact groups for the two H5N8 viruses were 33.3% and 66.6%. Our study showed that transmissibility of the novel H5N8 viruses was different from that of previously identified H5N1 HPAI viruses, possibly due to genetic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is known to be a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to evaluate the impact of IR on 1-year clinical outcomes in non-diabetic CAD patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DESs). Methods and results: A total of 229 consecutive non-diabetic CAD patients treated with DESs were enrolled. Study population was divided into IR group [homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index > 2.5, n = 54] and non-lR group (HOMA index < 2.5, n = 175). Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics were simi-lar between the groups except higher incidence of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and lower incidence of multivessel disease as the target vessel in the non-IR group. There was a trend toward longer restenosis lesion length in the IR group at 6 months angiographic follow up but composite major clinical outcomes up to 1 year were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: Despite worse trend in angiographic outcomes in the IR group (HOMA index > 2.5), it was not translated into worse 1-year major clinical outcomes following PCI with DESs as compared to the non-IR group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a research study on the utility of egg yolk in the diagnosis of avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) antibodies in layer hens. Researchers experimentally challenged AMPV-free commercial layer hens with oculonasal or intravenous administration of AMPV strain SC1509 and then through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the antibody levels were determined. Results indicated that AMPV infection diagnosis by yolk ELISA could be more suitable for the detection of anti-AMPV antibodies than serologic testing.

The article presents a study which examines the impact on the atopic dermatitis development in NC/Nga Mice of the heartwood extracts of Broussonetia Kazinoki Sieb. The study made use of the iScript Select cDNA Synthesis kit to synthesis total RNA and the Elisa kits to measure plasma levels. The result of the study shows that the application of the B. kazinoki extract reduced the skin lesions which were characterized by dryness, excoriation, and erythema.

The article discusses research on the body size and settlement date of the male Oriental Great Reed Warbler or Acrocephalus orientalis and their relation to reproductive success. It references a study by Yu-Seong Choi at Kyung-Hee University in Seoul, South Korea, and his colleagues, published in an issue of "Zoological Studies." The researchers investigated the different factors affecting the reproductive success of the male Oriental Great Reed Warblers, specifically the effect of settlement time on the success of reproduction. They conclude that males who settle early attracted mates earlier compared to the late-settling ones.

Although rodents have previously been used in ecotoxicological studies, they are expensive, time-consuming, and are limited by strict legal restrictions. The present study used a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model and generated data that was useful for extrapolating toxicant effects in this system to that of humans. Here we treated embryos of the naive-type as well as a transiently transfected zebrafish liver cell line carrying a plasmid (phAhREEGFP), for comparing toxicity levels with the well-known aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-binding toxicants: 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, and 3-methylcholanthrene. These toxicants induced a concentration-dependent increase in morphological disruption, indicating toxicity at early life-stages. The transient transgenic zebrafish liver cell line was sensitive enough to these toxicants to express the CYP1A1 regulated enhanced green fluorescent protein. The findings of this study demonstrated that the zebrafish in vivo model might allow for extremely rapid and reproducible toxicological profiling of early life-stage embryo development. We have also shown that the transient transgenic zebrafish liver cell line can be used for research on AhR mechanism studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]