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Sonography with a high-frequency transducer is the modality of choice for imaging the scrotum. Most intratesticular lesions are hypoechoic. Differentiation of intratesticular hypoechoic lesions as either malignant or benign is important because the treatment of these lesions vary. In this paper, we review the sonographic features of different types of intratesticular hypoechoic lesions, such as testicular cysts, testicular tumors, testicular inflammatory lesions, segmental testicular infarction, and testicular trauma.

The estimated global prevalence of diabetes is similar for women and men (8.4% vs. 8.9%). Even among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), there are known gender differences in the impact of the disease. The relative risk of cardiovascular (CV) complications between people with and without T2D is higher in women than in men. In contrast, lifestyle interventions and bariatric surgery appear to have similar effects regardless of gender. Importantly, not only is the excess risk of coronary artery disease associated disproportionately highly with diabetes, but the clinical presentation of coronary artery disease differs between women and men. Women more often present with atypical symptoms of angina, which can hinder accurate diagnosis and early treatment, potentially leading to disease progression and subsequent myocardial infarction. Whether these gender differences also exist in CV disease remains uncertain. Evidence that men and women experience diabetes-related conditions differently suggests that further research is needed to clarify the biological, behavioral, or social mechanisms involved. Meanwhile, the menopausal transition in women is a time of accelerated cardiovascular disease risk. Endocrine and metabolic changes are closely linked during the menopausal transition. This review highlights key differences in diabetes-related CV complications by gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) are low in calories and can be used in very small amounts. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety have stated that consuming NSS within the recommended dosage is not harmful to human health. Nonetheless, the World Health Organization in its 2023 guidelines on NSS use advised the general population against the consumption of NSS as a means of controlling weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the health benefits and potential risks of NSS for patients with diabetes. Given the ongoing debate about the efficacy of NSS, the 2023 clinical guidelines of the Korean Diabetes Association recommend minimizing beverages containing sugar or NSS, although NSS may help reduce sugar intake in the short term. This review aims to explore the latest research on the benefits and risks of NSS for the general population and patients with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing worldwide and is closely linked to factors such as obesity, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle choices. Recent studies emphasize the significant role of gut microbiota in the development and progression of diabetes and other related metabolic diseases. It is also known that the effects and side effects of antidiabetic drugs can be influenced by gut microbiota. Recently, various therapeutic strategies have aimed at modulating gut microbiota for health improvement. Key approaches include the use of probiotics to enhance the balance of beneficial bacteria and prebiotics, which are dietary fibers that promote the growth of these beneficial bacteria. Additionally, the potential of fecal microbiota transplantation in restoring a balanced microbiota composition in individuals with metabolic diseases are explored. This review highlights the promising potential of these interventions in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, suggesting that gut microbiota could be a novel and effective approach in diabetes treatment and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Korean Neurosurgical Society's 60th anniversary in 2022 compelled us to reflect on the changes within the education programs of neurosurgery residents. Traditional apprenticeship has witnessed a structural shift to manual-based education, and content has transitioned from time-based to competency-based education, driven further by the implementation of the 80-hour work-per-week regulation. Current Concepts: Despite reduced training hours, neurosurgery residents strive to gain more surgical participation and research opportunities while working 80 hours per week. To address this conflicting scenario, the Korean Neurosurgical Society implemented proactive measures to enhance resident education. This included the development of a competency-based training curriculum and guidelines for supervising physicians to prepare residents with the essential skills for independence. Additionally, evaluation guidelines and feedback mechanisms were established to provide objective assessments and facilitate self-improvement. Establishing operational guidelines and developing an e-portfolio would help minimize variations in educational effects among residents. Discussion and Conclusion: Failure to adapt to the changing environment, including the 80-hour work week, by maintaining outdated training methods would result in stagnation or a decline in the efficiency of resident education. Therefore, providing a unified educational curriculum and ensuring sustainable, high-quality training according to the evaluation systems of the Korean Neurosurgical Society is essential. This curriculum must be reviewed on an ongoing basis to recognize the society's expertise and develop educational policies based on scientific evidence and the opinions of society members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to develop a case-based video education program for oncology nursing based on clinical reasoning and to identify the clinical reasoning competence and satisfaction with the education of students in an oncology advanced practice nursing program after applying the video education. Methods: This study was a single group before and after designed experiment for identifying the clinical reasoning competence and satisfaction with education after a case-based video education program for oncology nursing based on clinical reasoning. Eight experts developed a case-based video education program based on clinical reasoning. Fifty-seven students from an oncology advanced practice nursing program participated in this education format. The clinical reasoning competence and satisfaction with education were measured with online self-reporting questionnaires. Results: The overall education satisfaction was 4.21±0.67 points (out of 5). The clinical reasoning competence increased from 55.25±6.54 points to 61.18±7.13 points (out of 75) after completing the education program and there was a statistically significant difference (t=-6.52, p<.001). Conclusion: The case-based video education for oncology nursing based on clinical reasoning was ef- fective in improving the students' clinical reasoning competence. Various education programs should be developed and applied to improve the clinical reasoning competence of students in an oncology advanced practice nursing program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]