Search

This longitudinal study retrospectively explored the stigmatization experienced by 47 young adults in South Korea in early mid-20s who dropped out of middle or high school. Data were collected at two time points. Using thematic analysis, we categorized their experience of stigma into public and self-stigma, based on Corrigan and Kosyluk's (2014) social cognitive model of stigma. Each form of stigma is further subdivided into stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination. We identified additional factors related to coping with the stigma. Based on the findings, the potential implications of characterizing the stigma experienced by middle and high school dropouts are discussed from a longitudinal perspective.

This study examines the connections between children's sleep, stress, depression, and internet use. Parents believe that sleep effectively reduces children's stress, while children instead insist that internet use is effective for reducing their stress. Based on that argument, this study has three purposes: to examine whether sleep or internet use is more effective at reducing children's stress, examine whether stress is related to depression, and examine whether sleep affects depression through children's stress as a mediating factor. To this end, this study gathered a sample of 1,796 children from 32 elementary schools--all fourth- to sixth-graders who volunteered to take the survey--and measured their stress level, depression level, sleep hours, and hours of internet use. The Daily Stress Scale of Korean Children, Korean Child Depression Scale, hours of sleep on average per day (sleep), and hours of using electronic devices per day (internet use) were used as the measurements. Regarding the statistical analysis methods used in this study, linear regression was used to examine the regression effect of both sleep and internet use on stress and the regression effect of stress on depression. Path analysis, one of the structural equation models, was also used to find direct, indirect, and mediating effects between variables. The study results show that (i) sleep, not internet usage, effectively relieves children's stress; (ii) stress is an important influence on depression; and (iii) sufficient sleep reduces stress, which reduces depression. It is recommended that future studies consider the quality of sleep and quantity of sleep for more valid data analysis and carry out follow-up research with wider age groups.

The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is an easy and brief instrument developed to assess individuals' perceptions of social support from three different sources (family, friend, and significant other). The MSPSS have been adapted to culturally diverse backgrounds, different age groups, and both clinical and nonclinical settings. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the MSPSS on 968 Korean high school students (467 males and 501 females). Confirmatory factor analysis result confirmed the proposed three-factor model. Cronbach's a coefficients indicated very good internal consistency for the scale as a whole and for the three subscales. Social support had a negative correlation with depression as well as anxiety symptoms and a positive correlation with ego-resiliency as well as school adjustment, confirming the discriminant and convergent validity of the scale. Female adolescents reported significantly higher levels of perceived social support than male adolescents. In conclusion, the Korean version of the MSPSS is a reliable and valid measure of perceived social support for Korean adolescents.

The purpose of the current study was to examine how perceived parental bonding indirectly affects bullying perpetration through adolescent psycho-emotional states. Using structural equation modeling, the authors tested a comprehensive model, wherein lack of parental caring was associated with increased adolescent anxiety and suppressed anger, which was associated with a greater risk of bullying perpetration. Data were collected from 669 middle school students (458 males, 211 females) in the southeastern region of South Korea. Participants completed the Korean versions of the Parental Bonding Inventory, Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, as well as, the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire. Results demonstrated that parental bonding was negatively associated with adolescent anxiety; adolescent anxiety was positively related to adolescent anger-in; and adolescent anger-in was positively associated with bullying perpetration. Neither adolescent anxiety nor anger-in directly linked the relationship between parental bonding and bullying perpetration. However, the results partially supported the hypothesized model in that maternal parental bonding indirectly influenced bullying perpetration through adolescent anxiety and subsequently through anger-in. Together, the present findings illuminate a potential underlying mechanism that adolescent psycho-emotional states bridge parental bonding and bullying behaviors. Interventions designed to build quality parent-child relationships and emotion regulation strategies may reduce bullying perpetration particularly among adolescents who developed poor bonds with their mothers.

Since suicide is one of the major health problems worldwide, the goal of the present study is to develop a psychometrically sound suicide risk screening tool named Suicide Screening Questionnaire- Self-Rating (SSQ-SR) to quantify the risk of suicidal behavior. The development process includes item generation, item revision and refinement, and validation. A total sample of 2,238 adults in South Korea was used for analysis. The results of factor analysis showed that the SSQ-SR, containing 25 items, supported a three-factor model: "Situational factors," "Negative self-perceptions and mental health factors," and "Suicidal thoughts and behaviors." Also, SSQ-SR showed satisfying internal consistency, concurrent validity and discriminant validity. Lastly, the results of ROC analysis showed a cut-off point of 33.5 for the low-risk group and 36.5 for the high-risk group. Considering these results, the current results demonstrate the SSQ-SR is a valid scale and therefore can contribute to future suicide-related studies and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to interpret the meaning of primary geography teacher-researcher identities (PGTRIs) using phenomenology according to van Manen. Four emerging themes explained the meaning and characteristics of PGTRIs. The participating primary geography teacher-researchers (PGTRs) developed particular identities as practitioner agents of primary geography education research. Based on their aspirations for geography education research and their awareness of the problems in primary geography education, the PGTRs aimed to innovate in primary geography education and primary classroom-embedded geography education research and to connect primary classrooms with the academic world. The results provide an in-depth understanding of the meaning of research and education for PGTRs and their identities.

The purpose of this study was to interpret the meaning of geography teacher-researcher identities (GTRIs) using van Manen phenomenology. The raw data were obtained through in-depth interviews with nine South Korean geography teacher-researchers (GTRs). The meaningful and significant sentences and phrases were coded into 248 nodes and eventually classified into four themes to interpret the meaning of GTRIs. First, the GTRs continuously engaged in research as they appreciated the potential of academic methodologies and theories to improve the status of geography. Second, their professional identities encouraged the GTRs' continuous engagement in academic activities. Third, the GTRs reported that they produced contextual knowledge and discussions of real contexts for geography education from the perspective of practitioners. Fourth, the GTRs strongly identified as geography teachers and engaged in research based on their teacher identities. The results of this study contribute to a renewed understanding of GTRs' specific meaning and potential in geography teaching and geography education research.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the potential of Story Maps to improve the awareness of geography among preservice geography teachers (PGTs). To conduct the research, this study planned a Story Maps-based full-semester lesson plan for 30 beginning PGTs. The data were collected via participants' reflective journals and were analyzed using the seven steps of phenomenographic analysis. Participating PGTs deepened their awareness of geography as they created their Story Maps, which led to improved awareness of geography education. Many PGTs (Type A) developed a highly procedural and scientific understanding of geography concepts, theories, and teaching and learning, while some other PGTs (Type B) showed comparatively less prominent improvements in their awareness of geography. In addition, one PGT (Type C) showed little improvement in awareness of geography. These results suggest potential implications for PGT education based on geospatial technologies and spatial narratives.

The article discusses the genetic and pathological analysis of hooded cranes infected with clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus in South Korea during the winter of 2022. The study found that the virus caused a mass die-off of hooded cranes in Suncheon Bay, South Korea, with histopathological evaluation revealing systemic infection. The research highlights the need for cross-border cooperation in active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds to monitor its evolution and spread, especially considering the vulnerability of hooded cranes as a species. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: This study investigated caregivers' job image, abilities, and educational needs, which are rapidly increasing owing to an aging society. Design: A self‐administered written survey was conducted at 12 general hospitals in Korea from February 1, 2022 to March 15, 2023. Sample: A total of 451 caregivers participated in the survey as subjects of analysis, and 560 nurses participated as external observers. Measurements: The caregivers' self‐assessment results regarding job performance, educational needs, and retraining needs were compared with those of external observers. Results: Caregivers evaluated themselves significantly higher in all areas of job performance compared to the evaluations of external observers. In particular, the caregivers' self‐evaluation of their abilities in "Recording and Reporting," "Basic Resuscitation," "Safety and Infection Control," and "Understanding Major Illnesses" was different from the evaluation of nurses. Both the caregivers and external observers agreed on the need for caregiver retraining, with 1–2 hours of supplementary training every 12 months being the most preferred amount of retraining. Conclusions: There was a significant difference between caregivers' self‐evaluations of their capabilities and the external observers' evaluations. Therefore, systematic professional caregiver retraining is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In standard colonoscopic examinations, some polyps may be missed during the withdrawal phase. Re-examination of the right colon can improve the adenoma detection rate (ADR). However, the effectiveness of applying this re-examination strategy to the entire colon remains unknown. We investigated whether re-examination could increase the detection rate of polyps and adenomas throughout the colon. Methods: A randomized, controlled, single-center trial (NCT03268200) was conducted in a university hospital. Patients aged 45–75 years were randomly assigned to either the study or control group. For patients in the control group, observation and polypectomy were performed once using the standard colonoscopy method. For patients in the study group, polypectomy was repeated twice during the withdrawal phase after the initial insertion of the colonoscope. These examinations were performed in the right transverse and left colons. The primary endpoints were the polyp detection rate (PDR) and ADR, defined as the proportion of patients with ≥ 1 polyp and ≥ 1 adenoma, respectively. Results: Overall, 406 patients were enrolled (study group, n = 210; control group, n = 196) and analyzed. Generally, PDRs and ADRs were similar between the study (withdrawal 1 + 2) and control groups (withdrawal 1), except for the right colon. However, the second withdrawal review increased number of polyps and adenomas in the overall, right, mid, and left colon, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this trial indicated that re-examination of the entire colon during colonoscopy could be beneficial for detecting concealed polyps in patients at risk of interval cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Pertussis continues to pose a substantial global health challenge despite widespread vaccination programs. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of recent pertussis cases in the Gyeongnam region of South Korea. Methods: We analyzed 419 pertussis cases in the Gyeongnam region of South Korea between October 2023 and April 2024, using data collected from epidemiological investigation reports, medical records, and interviews with health officials and school staff. Results: Our analysis revealed a distinct age distribution pattern with minimal cases in infants (0.2% under 1 year) and young children (7.9% in ages 1–6 years), while school-aged children showed the highest incidence (31.8% in ages 7–9 years, 36.0% in ages 10–12 years). The outbreak pattern demonstrated a progressive shift from preschool and elementary school students to middle and high school students. The time from symptoms onset to diagnosis varied significantly across age groups, with a median of 3.0 days (1.0–6.0) overall; notably, this was longer in high school students at 5.0 days (2.3–8.0) (p = 0.023). While 92.4% (365/395) of cases were fully vaccinated, substantial delays were observed in third and fourth dose administration (18.2% and 25.8%, respectively), with considerable timing variability for the fifth and sixth doses. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the changing epidemiology of pertussis in South Korea, characterized by an age shift toward older children. These results emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance focusing on school-aged populations and the reassessment of vaccination strategies, particularly regarding booster dose timings and adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies the stigma experienced by 12 bereaved parents 2 and 5 years after losing a child in the Sewol ferry disaster in South Korea. Using thematic analysis, we categorized the experience of stigma into two components based on Corrigan and Kosyluk's social cognitive model of stigma: public stigma and self-stigma, and each was analyzed into three types of stigma: stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination. We identified four additional factors related to stigma mitigation. The potential implications for characterizing the experiences of bereaved parents, particularly those facing stigma, are discussed in light of these findings in the longitudinal perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that requires abundant clinical experience and endoscopic skills, and can lead to various complications, some of which may progress to life-threatening conditions. With expanding indications and technological advancements, ERCP is widely utilized, enhancing procedural accessibility. However, without proper quality management, the procedure can pose significant risks. Quality management in ERCP is essential to ensure safe and successful procedures and meet societal demands for improved healthcare competitiveness. To address these concerns, the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association has developed a Korean-specific ERCP quality indicator reflecting domestic medical environments and realities. Initially, based on a review of foreign ERCP quality indicators and related literatures, key questions were formulated for five preprocedural items, three intra-procedural items, and four post-procedural items. Descriptions and recommendations for each item were selected through peer evaluation. The developed Korean-specific ERCP quality indicator was reviewed by external experts based on the latest evidence and consensus in this fields. This Korean-specific indicator is expected to significantly contribute to improving ERCP quality in Korea, as it is tailored to local needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Chronic conditions (CCs) may increase the risk of herpes zoster (HZ) infection, leading to a greater healthcare burden in these individuals compared to those without CCs. It is therefore clinically important to quantify HZ disease burden in individuals with and without CCs, given the rapidly aging population in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Methods This retrospective cohort study examines the trends in incidence rates (IRs) and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) in individuals aged ≥18 years with CCs, using the National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) database from 2010 to 2019. These patients were stratified by age group, sex, HZ complications, and CCs. The annual average number of HZ patients, IRs, and IRRs were calculated for individuals with and without CCs. Results In total, 729 347 patients with HZ were eligible for the study. HZ IRs were highest in patients with diabetes, followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, asthma, and chronic liver disease, with HZ IRRs following a similar trend. Overall, HZ IRs generally increased with age, typically peaking at 60–64 or 65–69 years, and were similar for females and males. HZ IRs were highest among patients without complications, followed by HZ with other, cutaneous, ocular, and neurologic complications across all CCs. For each of the CCs, HZ IRs were consistently higher than those of the non-CC population regardless of sex. Conclusions The findings of this study reiterate the importance of HZ prevention for healthy aging, especially for CC populations at increased risk of HZ in the ROK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the relationship between landscape features and avian diversity in South Korea, examining both taxonomic and functional diversity. The Korean Peninsula serves as a pivotal habitat for resident bird species and a migratory pathway in the East Asia-Pacific flyway. Using a national dataset with block sizes ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 kilometers per side, we found that less urbanized open plains exhibit higher taxonomic diversity, while coastal regions with diverse water bird populations show higher functional diversity. These findings underscore the significance of conserving the existing land types and qualities in specific regions to substantially impact bird distribution and regional biodiversity. Remarkably, closed forests display diversity patterns akin to urban/built-up areas, despite their disparate land use characteristics. The stability of bird diversity indices across different land use types enables us to predict bird diversity indices based on the particular land use and land cover configurations. This study emphasizes the complementary nature of functional biodiversity indices in comprehending bird distribution patterns alongside taxonomic diversity indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of national-level research on alcohol consumption and the epidemiology of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in South Korea. This study aims to address the critical public health issue of ALD by focusing on its trends, incidence, and outcomes, using nationwide claims data. Methods: Utilizing National Health Insurance Service data from 2011 to 2017, we calculated the population's overall drinking amount and the incidence of ALD based on ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Results: From 2011 to 2017 in South Korea, social drinking increased from 15.7% to 16.5%, notably rising among women. High-risk drinking remained around 16.4%, decreasing in men aged 20–39 but not decreased in men aged 40–59 and steadily increased in women aged 20–59. The prevalence of ALD in high-risk drinkers (0.97%) was significantly higher than in social drinkers (0.16%). A 3-year follow-up revealed ALD incidence of 1.90% for high-risk drinkers and 0.31% for social drinkers. Women high-risk drinkers had a higher ALD risk ratio (6.08) than men (4.18). The economic burden of ALD was substantial, leading to higher healthcare costs and increased hospitalization. Progression rates to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in ALD patients were 23.3% and 2.8%, respectively, with no gender difference in cirrhosis progression. Conclusions: The study revealed a concerning rise in alcohol consumption among South Korean women and emphasizes the heightened health risks and economic burdens associated with high-risk drinking, especially concerning ALD and its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Leukocyte relative telomere length (RTL) has not been thoroughly studied among childhood cancer survivors, although survivors are believed to be at risk of telomere attrition due to exposure to cytotoxic cancer treatments. We examined the leukocyte relative telomere length (RTL) in 88 adolescent and young adult childhood cancer survivors. Overall, RTL was not significantly shorter than in age-matched references. However, among 43 patients with hematologic malignancies, those who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation had significantly shorter RTL, especially if they developed acute graft-versus-host disease ≥ grade II. Patients with severe or multiple chronic health conditions also had shorter RTL. We examined the leukocyte relative telomere length (RTL) in Korean adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of childhood cancer and evaluated the association of leukocyte RTL with multiple factors, including malignancy type, cancer treatment, age, and chronic health conditions (CHCs). Eighty-eight AYA survivors of childhood cancer with a median follow-up period of 73 months were recruited. RTL in pediatric cancer survivors was not significantly shorter than the predicted value for age-matched references. Neither age at diagnosis nor duration of therapy influenced the RTL. Among the 43 patients with hematologic malignancies, those who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) showed a significant shortening of the RTL compared with those who did not (p = 0.039). Among the 15 patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT, those who developed acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of grade II or higher had significantly shorter RTL than those who did not (p = 0.012). Patients with grade II CHCs had significantly shorter RTL than those without CHCs or with grade I CHCs (p = 0.001). Survivors with ≥2 CHCs also exhibited shorter RTL (p = 0.027). Overall, pediatric cancer survivors had similar telomere lengths compared to age-matched references. HSCT recipients and patients with severe or multiple CHCs had shorter telomeres. GVHD augmented telomere attrition in HSCT recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the changes in various motor function scores over a four-year period in patients with non-ambulatory spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) during Nusinersen treatment. Patients underwent Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) or Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) before treatment, and approximately every 4 months thereafter. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND) or Children's Hospital of Philadelphia – Adult Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP ATEND), Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), and Motor Function Measure (MFM) were performed based on baseline functional status. Narrative interviews were conducted to explore post-treatment physical improvement regarding activities of daily living (ADLs) and fatigue after ADLs. Based on HFMSE results, 9 patients achieved minimum clinically important differences. Average rates of change (slopes) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals for all assessment tools were in a positive direction. CHOP-INTEND showed the most prominent improvement in children and adolescents followed by HFMSE. Improvements in CHOP-ATEND were most noticeable in adults. Improvements were accompanied by changes in ADLs as observed in the narrative interviews. It is necessary to consider various functional aspects to determine the effectiveness of Nusinersen therapy. The objective assessment of the therapeutic effect of Nusinersen in non-ambulatory SMA requires consideration of functional aspects and the related ADLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The current epidemiology of porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) in domestic pig farms in the Republic of Korea is not well understood. In this study, PRCV was found to still be present in Korean pig herds with a high seroprevalence. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses of PRCV S gene sequences suggested that Korean PRCV originated from European PRCV and has evolved in Korea. These findings will help expand knowledge about the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of PRCV in Korea. Porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) is a member of the species Alphacoronavirus 1 within the genus Alphacoronavirus of the family Coronaviridae. A few studies have been conducted on the prevalence of PRCV since its first identification in 1997, but there have been no recent studies on the prevalence and genetic characterization of the virus in Korea. In this study, the seroprevalence of PRCV was determined in Korean pig farms using a commercially available TGEV/PRCV differential enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The farm-level seroprevalence of PRCV was determined to be 68.6% (48/70), similar to previous reports in Korea, suggesting that PRCV is still circulating in Korean pig herds nationwide. Among the 20 PRCV-seropositive farms tested in this study, PRCV RNAs were detected in 17 oral fluid samples (28.3%) from nine farms (45.0%), while TGEV RNAs were not detected in any sample. To investigate the genetic characteristics of Korean PRCV strains, genetic and phylogenetic analyses were conducted on PRCV spike gene sequences obtained in this study. The three Korean PRCV strains (KPRCV2401, KPRCV2402, and KPRCV2403) shared 98.5–100% homology with each other and 96.2–96.6% and 91.6–94.5% homology with European and American strains, respectively. A 224-amino acid deletion was found in the S gene of both Korean and European PRCVs but not in that of American PRCVs, suggesting a European origin for Korean PRCVs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Korean PRCVs are more closely related to European PRCVs than American PRCVs but clustered apart from both, suggesting that Korean PRCV has evolved independently since its emergence in Korean PRCVs. The results of this study will help expand knowledge on the epidemiology and molecular biology of PRCV currently circulating in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first North American origin class I avian orthoavulavirus 1 (AOAV-1) isolated from a faecal dropping of wild Eurasian teal (Anas crecca) in South Korea. Whole genome sequencing and comparative phylogenetic analysis revealed that the AOAV-1/Eurasian teal/South Korea/KU1405-3/2017 virus belongs to the sub-genotype 1.2 of class I AOAV-1. Phylogenetic analysis suggested multiple introductions of the North American sub-genotype 1.2 viruses into Asia and its establishment in the wild bird population in East Asia since May 2011. These results provide information on the epidemiology of AOAV-1, particularly the role of migratory wild birds in exchanging viruses between the Eurasian and North American continents. Enhanced genomic surveillance is required to improve our understanding on the evolution and transmission dynamics of AOAV-1 in wild birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to illuminate the recognition, reflection, development, and effects of geography teachers' attitudes toward regions around the world (ATRAWs) using Straussian grounded theory. A total of 194 concepts were categorized into 18 categories, and three types were identified. The findings of this study show that geography teachers recognize their ATRAWs as an important factor in geography teaching and attempt to develop them in more reflective and sophisticated directions. As a result, the teachers complemented their regional geography instructions, and some of them even engaged in activities to help them complement other geography teachers' ATRAWs. These results are expected to generate meaningful discussions to encourage geography teachers' growth and improve teacher-training methods in terms of geography teachers' ATRAWs. Furthermore, the results imply the need to develop methods that encourage geography teachers' drive and learning to refine their ATRAWs.

This study illuminates primary teachers' awareness of geography education. Data were collected through interviews with twenty-one teachers and analyzed using Straussian-grounded theory. A total of 210 concepts were categorized into twenty-two categories. The participants were categorized into three types. Many participating teachers (type 1 and 2) were clearly aware of the core characteristics of geography, and some of them recognized themselves as primary geography specialists (type 1). However, a few teachers (type 3) seemed unaware of the value of geography. These results suggest the necessity of primary-teacher training to improve primary teachers' awareness of geography education.

This study illuminates the effects of graduate education on primary teachers' awareness of geography. Data were collected through interviews with twenty-one teachers who held M.A. or Ph.D. degrees in geography and analyzed using Straussian-grounded theory. The participants were categorized into four types. Many teachers (type A) showed meaningful refinement in their awareness of geography, and some of them (type B and C) identified themselves as experts in primary geography. However, a few participants (type D) showed only marginal development of their geographic knowledge. These results suggest the potential for improvements to graduate education in primary geography and for primary teachers.

Sarcopenia, characterized by progressive muscle loss and functional decline, poses significant risks, including falls, impaired daily activities, and increased mortality. We developed Allgeun, a novel device that measures handgrip strength, muscle mass, and physical performance. This study aimed to investigate whether temporal muscle thickness (TMT) could be used as a sarcopenia marker and to evaluate the usability of Allgeun. This prospective study enrolled 28 participants without medical or neurological disorders. They underwent three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging using a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner. TMT was measured based on T1-weighted images by a board-certified neuroradiologist. Allgeun was used to measure the following three key components of sarcopenia: muscle strength (handgrip strength), muscle mass (calf and thigh circumference), and physical performance (five times the chair stand test). Correlation analysis was conducted between TMT and the results of the handgrip strength, calf and thigh circumferences, and chair stand tests. There were moderate positive correlations between TMT and calf circumference (r = 0.413, p = 0.029), thigh circumference (r = 0.486, p = 0.008), and handgrip strength (r = 0.444, p = 0.018). However, no significant correlation was observed between TMT and physical performance (r = −0.000, p = 0.998). Our findings underscore TMT's potential as an indicator of sarcopenia, particularly regarding muscle mass and strength. Additionally, we demonstrated that the new device, Allgeun, is useful for screening and diagnosing the severity of sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:In response to the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, audio-based telehealth services for consultation and medication prescription were temporarily introduced in Korea. This study investigated the impact of telehealth services on patterns of health care utilization and medication prescription in patients with hypertension or diabetes. Methods:The 2019 to 2021 Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service claims data were used. The difference-in-difference approach was used to investigate the effect of telehealth services between the case and control group before and after the intervention period. The pre-intervention period was from February 24, 2019, to February 23, 2020, and the post-intervention period from February 24, 2020, to February 23, 2021. The control group included individuals who used in-person outpatient services and the case group those who utilized both telehealth and in-person services. Results:A total of 250,640 patients with hypertension and 154,212 patients with diabetes were included. The use of telehealth services was associated with an increase in outpatient visits in those with hypertension (0.07, p = 0.0027) and diabetes (0.32, p < 0.0001). A decrease in hospitalizations (−0.2%, p = 0.0007) and emergency department visits (−0.11%, p = 0.0016) was found in individuals with hypertension. Policy implementation also resulted in an increase in medication possession ratio (MPR) and the proportion of appropriate prescription in patients with hypertension (MPR: 3.0%, p < 0.0001, prescription: 3.1%, p < 0.0001) and diabetes (MPR: 3.4%, p < 0.0001, prescription: 1.7%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions:The findings confirm a relationship between implementing telehealth services and improved patterns of health care utilization and medication prescription, suggesting the potential benefit of telehealth in managing chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the association between pattern changes in hemoglobin levels over time and the incidence of dementia using trajectories in females aged 55–79 years. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using females of aged 55–79 years from the National Health Insurance Service National Health Screening Cohort in Korea. To identify hemoglobin trajectories over eight years (2002–2009), we performed a three-step approach comprising measures of change, factor analysis, and cluster analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the associations between hemoglobin trajectories and the incidence of dementia. Results: We included 20,195 of 235,742 female participants. New dementia (N = 2664) was developed during follow-up period (2010–2015). Five hemoglobin trajectories were identified: high, mid, low, increasing, and decreasing. With high as a reference, the hazard ratios (HRs) for low and decreasing trajectories were significant, 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.45) and 1.21 (95% CI, 1.10–1.34) in univariate models, respectively. However, only the HR for the decreasing trajectory was significant, 1.12 (95% CI, 1.01–1.24) after adjustment for confounders. Conclusion: The decreasing trajectory of hemoglobin levels within the normal range was associated with dementia. Even females aged 55–79 years without anemia might be vulnerable to dementia development risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interhospital transfer (IHT) is necessary for providing ultimate care in the current emergency care system, particularly for patients with severe trauma. However, studies on IHT during the pandemic were limited. Furthermore, evidence on the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on IHT among patients with major trauma was lacking. Method: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in an urban trauma center (TC) of a tertiary academic affiliated hospital in Daegu, Korea. The COVID-19 period was defined as from February 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021, whereas the pre-COVID-19 period was defined as the same duration of preceding span. Clinical data collected in each period were compared. We hypothesized that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted IHT. Results: A total of 2,100 individual patients were included for analysis. During the pandemic, the total number of IHTs decreased from 1,317 to 783 (− 40.5%). Patients were younger (median age, 63 [45–77] vs. 61[44–74] years, p = 0.038), and occupational injury was significantly higher during the pandemic (11.6% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.025). The trauma team activation (TTA) ratio was higher during the pandemic both on major trauma (57.3% vs. 69.6%, p = 0.006) and the total patient cohort (22.2% vs. 30.5%, p < 0.001). In the COVID-19 period, duration from incidence to the TC was longer (218 [158–480] vs. 263[180–674] minutes, p = 0.021), and secondary transfer was lower (2.5% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.025). Conclusion: We observed that the total number of IHTs to the TC was reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, TTA was more frequent, particularly among patients with major trauma. Patients with severe injury experienced longer duration from incident to the TC and lesser secondary transfer from the TC during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camellia is an important plant genus that includes well-known species such as C. sinensis, C. oleifera, and C. japonica. The C. sinensis cultivar 'Sangmok', one of Korea's standard types of tea landraces, is a small evergreen tree or shrub. Genome annotation has shown that Korean tea plants have special and unique benefits and superior components, such as catechin. The genome of Camellia sinensis cultivar 'Sangmok' was assembled on the chromosome level, with a length of 2678.62 Mbp and GC content of 38.16%. Further, 15 chromosome-scale scaffolds comprising 82.43% of the assembly (BUSCO completeness, 94.3%) were identified. Analysis of 68,151 protein-coding genes showed an average of 5.003 exons per gene. Among 82,481 coding sequences, the majority (99.06%) were annotated by Uniprot/Swiss-Prot. Further analysis revealed that 'Sangmok' is closely related to C. sinensis, with a divergence time of 60 million years ago. A total of 3336 exclusive gene families in 'Sangmok' were revealed by gene ontology analysis to play roles in auxin transport and cellular response mechanisms. By comparing these exclusive genes with 551 similar catechin genes, 17 'Sangmok'-specific catechin genes were identified by qRT-PCR, including those involved in phytoalexin biosynthesis and related to cytochrome P450. The 'Sangmok' genome exhibited distinctive genes compared to those of related species. This comprehensive genomic investigation enhances our understanding of the genetic architecture of 'Sangmok' and its specialized functions. The findings contribute valuable insights into the evolutionary and functional aspects of this plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasal endoscopy is routinely performed to distinguish the pathological types of masses. There is a lack of studies on deep learning algorithms for discriminating a wide range of endoscopic nasal cavity mass lesions. Therefore, we aimed to develop an endoscopic-examination-based deep learning model to detect and classify nasal cavity mass lesions, including nasal polyps (NPs), benign tumors, and malignant tumors. The clinical feasibility of the model was evaluated by comparing the results to those of manual assessment. Biopsy-confirmed nasal endoscopic images were obtained from 17 hospitals in South Korea. Here, 400 images were used for the test set. The training and validation datasets consisted of 149,043 normal nasal cavity, 311,043 NP, 9,271 benign tumor, and 5,323 malignant tumor lesion images. The proposed Xception architecture achieved an overall accuracy of 0.792 with the following class accuracies on the test set: normal = 0.978 ± 0.016, NP = 0.790 ± 0.016, benign = 0.708 ± 0.100, and malignant = 0.698 ± 0.116. With an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.947, the AUC values and F1 score were highest in the order of normal, NP, malignant tumor, and benign tumor classes. The classification performances of the proposed model were comparable with those of manual assessment in the normal and NP classes. The proposed model outperformed manual assessment in the benign and malignant tumor classes (sensitivities of 0.708 ± 0.100 vs. 0.549 ± 0.172, 0.698 ± 0.116 vs. 0.518 ± 0.153, respectively). In urgent (malignant) versus nonurgent binary predictions, the deep learning model achieved superior diagnostic accuracy. The developed model based on endoscopic images achieved satisfactory performance in classifying four classes of nasal cavity mass lesions, namely normal, NP, benign tumor, and malignant tumor. The developed model can therefore be used to screen nasal cavity lesions accurately and rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We isolated a high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus from a common pochard (Aythya ferina) that was being attacked by a bird of prey in South Korea in December 2020. Genetic analyses indicated that the isolate was closely related to the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 HPAI viruses found in South Korea and Japan during the winter season of 2020–2021. The histopathological examination revealed multifocal necrotizing inflammation in the liver, kidney, and spleen. Viral antigens were detected in the liver, kidney, spleen, trachea, intestine, and pancreas, indicating the HPAI virus caused a systemic infection. The presence of immunoreactivity for the viral antigen was observed in the cells involved in multifocal necrotic inflammation. Notably, epitheliotropic-positive patterns were identified in the epithelial cells of the trachea, mucosal epithelium of the intestine, and ductular epithelium of the pancreas. These findings provide direct evidence supporting the possibility of HPAI transmission from infected waterfowl to predators. Detectado en el acto: Aislamiento y caracterización de un virus de la influenza aviar de alta patogenicidad del clado 2.3.4.4b H5N8 de un porrón común (Aythya ferina) atacado por un halcón peregrino (Falco peregrinus). Se aisló un virus de la influenza aviar (HPAI) de alta patogenicidad de un porrón común (Aythya ferina) que estaba siendo atacado por un ave rapaz en Corea del Sur en diciembre de 2020. Los análisis genéticos indicaron que el aislado estaba estrechamente relacionado con virus de influenza aviar de alta patogenicidad H5N8, clado 2.3.4.4 b encontrados en Corea del Sur y Japón durante la temporada de invierno de 2020–2021. El examen histopatológico reveló inflamación necrotizante multifocal en hígado, riñón y bazo. Se detectaron antígenos virales en el hígado, el riñón, el bazo, la tráquea, el intestino y el páncreas, lo que indica que este virus de alta patogenicidad causó una infección sistémica. Se observó la presencia de inmunorreactividad para el antígeno viral en las células involucradas en la inflamación necrótica multifocal. En particular, se identificaron patrones epiteliotrópicos positivos en las células epiteliales de la tráquea, el epitelio mucoso del intestino y el epitelio ductular del páncreas. Estos hallazgos proporcionan evidencia directa que respalda la posibilidad de transmisión de HPAI de aves acuáticas infectadas a especies depredadoras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) has been reported to account for approximately 5–16% of all GCs with good prognosis compared to EBV-negative GC. We evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics of EBVaGC including survival rate in South Korea. Methods: A total of 4,587 patients with GC who underwent EBV in situ hybridization (EBV–ISH) were prospectively enrolled at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from 2003 to 2021. Age, sex, smoking status, cancer type and stage, tumor size and location, histological type, molecular features and survival information were analyzed. Results: A total of 456 patients with GC (9.9%) were positive for EBV. The EBVaGC group displayed a higher proportion of males (P < 0.001), a predominant presence in the proximal stomach (P < 0.001), a higher proportion of undifferentiated cancer (P < 0.001), and a lower cancer stage (P = 0.004) than the EBV-negative group. Cox multivariate analyses revealed age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.025, P < 0.001), tumor size (HR = 1.109, P < 0.001), and cancer stage (stage2 HR = 4.761, P < 0.001; stage3 HR = 13.286, P < 0.001; stage4 HR = 42.528, P < 0.001) as significant risk factors for GC-specific mortality, whereas EBV positivity was inversely correlated (HR = 0.620, P = 0.022). Furthermore, the EBVaGC group displayed statistically significant survival advantages over the EBV-negative cancer group in terms of both overall (P = 0.021) and GC-specific survival (P = 0.007) on the Kaplan–Meier survival curve. However, this effect was evident only in males. Conclusions: EBVaGC patients showed better prognoses despite their association with proximal location and poorly differentiated histology in male, probably due to the difference in immunity between males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To engage in a comparison of school psychology research and practice in eastern and western countries, the current study sought to identify key themes that have influenced the field of school psychology in East Asian countries. Forty-six leading school psychology professionals in Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan provided their perspectives to a six-question survey based on a survey created by McIntosh, Martinez, Ty, and McClain (2013) regarding pivotal ideas and findings related to research and practice in the past 25 years, present, and future that they find particularly exciting. Qualitative thematic analysis, using NVivo software, yielded nine major and 41 minor categories. Across the three time periods (past, present, future), six of the nine major categories (Data-Informed Practices and Their Implementation, Knowledge and Practice of Individual Differences, Theory Development, Technology Development, Development of School Psychology, and Consultation and Collaboration) and seven of the 41 minor categories were present. A comparison between the current study and the McIntosh and colleagues (2013) study suggests that there were many consistencies in major and minor categories. Comparisons between these two studies, along with limitations, future areas for research, and implications for practice, are also discussed.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate a two-stage model in which parent-related stress and hopelessness each served as mediators of the relationship between perceived parental bonding and South Korean adolescent peer victimization. This study also examined whether the mediating relationships differed by the gender of parents and adolescents. A casual chain with three links and four sets of variables were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Data were collected from 800 adolescents attending 10 middle schools in the Busan region of South Korea. Results indicated that both maternal and paternal parental bonding were negatively associated with stress, stress was positively associated with hopelessness, and hopelessness was positively associated with South Korean adolescent peer victimization. Most importantly, the significant negative associations between both maternal and paternal parental bonding and peer victimization were mediated by both stress and hopelessness. Furthermore, gender differences in these relationships existed for both parents and adolescents. Limitations and implications to practice were discussed.

The results of the National Assessment of Educational Achievement from 2010 to 2013 have shown a downward trend in ninth graders' science average achievement scores from 2011 to 2013. The percentage of students in the Advanced level decreased dramatically from 19.95% in 2010 to 11.48% in 2013, while the percentage of students in the Basic level showed an increase. By analyzing several statistics such as the percentage of correct answers, item discrimination, and average response rate by achievement level, we were able to identify possible discrepancies between students' academic abilities and their respective curriculums. In addition, the characteristics of each level of student achievement were defined so that we could help students, teachers, and schools by providing them with basic information. We also included discussions on how to fine tune the achievement standards of the science curriculum as well as how to implement improved and customized teaching and learning methods.

The engineering design process has been largely implemented in a collaborative project format. Recently, technological advancement has helped collaborative problem solving processes such as engineering design to have efficient implementation using computers or online technology. In this study, we investigated college students' interaction and collaborative learning in the CSCL setting of performing engineering design tasks. To accomplish the research aim, this study compares participating learners' interaction between teams of high and low achievement. We gathered texts, images, and URL links, in their real-time chatting environments and tracked all the histories that mapped their logins and interactions. We conducted content and CORDTRA analyses on the students' online chat conversations. The content analysis results showed similar frequency patterns for both teams at each stage of the engineering design process in CSCL. On the other hand, the interactions by CORDTRA analysis showed different patterns in some stages of the engineering design process and the differences influenced each team's achievements. This study provided strategies on teachers' involvement for successful outcomes in engineering design of CSCL.

Purpose: Endoscopic resection (ER) is a reliable treatment for early colorectal cancer without lymph node metastasis. We aimed to examine the effects of ER performed prior to T1 colorectal cancer (T1 CRC) surgery by comparing long-term survival after radical surgery with prior ER to that after radical surgery alone. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgical resection of T1 CRC at the National Cancer Center, Korea, between 2003 and 2017. All eligible patients (n = 543) were divided into primary and secondary surgery groups. To ensure similar characteristics between the groups, 1:1 propensity score matching was used. Baseline characteristics, gross and histological features, along with postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the two groups were compared. Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify the risk factors affecting recurrence after surgery. Cost analysis was performed to examine the cost-effectiveness of ER and radical surgeries. Results: No significant differences were observed in 5-year RFS between the two groups in matched data (96.9% vs. 95.5%, p = 0.596) and in the unadjusted model (97.2% vs. 96.8%, p = 0.930). This difference was also similar in subgroup analyses based on node status and high-risk histologic features. ER before surgery did not increase the medical costs of radical surgery. Conclusion: ER prior to radical surgery did not affect the long-term oncologic outcomes of T1 CRC or significantly increased the medical costs. Attempting ER first for suspected T1 CRC would be a good strategy to avoid unnecessary surgery without concerns of worsening cancer-related prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between antihypertensive medication and schizophrenia has received increasing attention; however, evidence of the impact of antihypertensive medication on subsequent schizophrenia based on large-scale observational studies is limited. We aimed to compare the schizophrenia risk in large claims-based US and Korea cohort of patients with hypertension using angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors versus those using angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or thiazide diuretics. Methods: Adults aged 18 years who were newly diagnosed with hypertension and received ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or thiazide diuretics as first-line antihypertensive medications were included. The study population was sub-grouped based on age (> 45 years). The comparison groups were matched using a large-scale propensity score (PS)-matching algorithm. The primary endpoint was incidence of schizophrenia. Results: 5,907,522; 2,923,423; and 1,971,549 patients used ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and thiazide diuretics, respectively. After PS matching, the risk of schizophrenia was not significantly different among the groups (ACE inhibitor vs. ARB: summary hazard ratio [HR] 1.15 [95% confidence interval, CI, 0.99–1.33]; ACE inhibitor vs. thiazide diuretics: summary HR 0.91 [95% CI, 0.78–1.07]). In the older subgroup, there was no significant difference between ACE inhibitors and thiazide diuretics (summary HR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.71–1.16]). The risk for schizophrenia was significantly higher in the ACE inhibitor group than in the ARB group (summary HR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.05–1.43]). Conclusions: The risk of schizophrenia was not significantly different between the ACE inhibitor vs. ARB and ACE inhibitor vs. thiazide diuretic groups. Further investigations are needed to determine the risk of schizophrenia associated with antihypertensive drugs, especially in people aged > 45 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key role that fungal endophytes play in interacting with their host plant can be defined by the fact that they promote the growth of plants and enhance the tolerance of the host against plant pathogens using bioactive compounds that they produce. Several studies utilizing endophytic fungi as a source of biological control against plant pathogens were conducted, and a representative example includes Aureobasidium protae from common wheat (Triticum aestivum), which inhibited the mycelial growth of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum, causal agents of Fusarium head blight disease. Our previous study indicated that three endophytic fungal isolates, E089 (Daldinia childiae), E282 (Nectria balsamea), and E409 (Colletotrichum acutatum), showed antifungal activities against D. quercus-mongolicae, an ascomycetous fungus that is reported to be associated with oak mortality in South Korea. The objectives of this study were to optimize and evaluate antifungal efficiency for these endophytic fungi against D. quercus-mongolicae, and this was achieved using culture filtrate retrieved from the three above-mentioned endophytes and fractions isolated from the culture filtrate. Of those, the culture filtrate from E282 showed higher mycelial growth and sporulation inhibitions on PDA medium where D. quercus-mongolicae was grown. In addition, three fractions, including hexane, CHCl3, Et2O, and H2O, were tested for antifungal activities against D. quercus-mongolicae. The results revealed that the Et2O fraction showed higher mycelial growth and sporulation inhibition rates. Taking these results together, the endophytic fungus, N. balsamea, which exhibited high antifungal efficiency, can be effectively used as a biocontrol agent for the management of oak wilt disease in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF), a contagious viral disease, poses a significant threat to the global swine industry. In South Korea, ASF outbreaks have occurred since 2019, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology and genetic characterization of the circulating African swine fever viruses (ASFVs). We obtained 21 ASFV isolates from domestic pig farms and analyzed their whole-genome sequences using the Illumina MiniSeq. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the maximum likelihood and time-scaled approaches to determine the genetic relationships and evolutionary dynamics of the Korean ASFV isolates. Comparative analysis of the 21 ASFV genomes with the reference strain Georgia 2007/1 revealed that while Korean isolates shared 11 mutations, they also had 22 discrete mutations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertion/deletion polymorphisms (Indels). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all Korean isolates were within the Asian subgroup of ASFV genotype II but were further divided into at least three distinct subclusters. Spatiotemporal analysis indicated multiple introductions of ASFVs into South Korea, crossing the national border with North Korea. In addition, we observed putative self-recombination between MGF 505-9R and MGF 505-10R genes in the ASFV/Korea/Pig/Inje2/2021 strain. Our findings provide insights into the genetic variations and evolution of ASFVs on South Korean pig farms from 2019 to 2021, uncovering multiple introductions of ASFVs across the national border, and highlighting the need for enhanced disease control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two members of the Culex pipiens subgroup, Culex pallens and Culex pipiens f. molestus, are known to occur in the Republic of Korea (ROK). These species exhibit morphologically similar features and are challenging to distinguish below the species level. Therefore, this study utilized wing geometric morphometrics (GM) on the right wing of the Culex pipiens subgroup, alongside sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region. Mosquitoes were collected from 11 locations between June and October (2020–2022) to minimize regional and seasonal variations. Additionally, Culex pipiens f. pipiens, which is not native to the ROK, was included in the analysis. Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Aedes albopictus, and Anopheles sinensis, the primary vectors in the ROK, were used as outgroups for comparison. All three taxa in the Culex pipiens subgroup could be identified with an 82.4%–97.0% accuracy using GM. However, a comparison of the COI regions of the Culex pipiens subgroup revealed no clear differences between the taxa. These data can be used for accurate identification, contributing to effective mosquito control, in addition to providing a foundation for evolutionary and ecological studies on wing shape differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is challenging for both nephrologists and otolaryngologists treating patients undergoing dialysis. This single-center, retrospective, observational study investigated the treatment outcomes of patients with ISSNHL undergoing dialysis, enrolling 700 patients (47 undergoing and 653 not undergoing dialysis) diagnosed with ISSNHL between January 2005 and December 2021 at Asan Medical Center, Republic of Korea. To balance pre-existing clinical characteristics, 1:5 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed with the patients who were not undergoing dialysis. Treatment included high-dose systemic steroid therapy or intra-tympanic steroid injections. The pure tone average of the groups was compared before and 2 weeks and 2 months after treatment. The hearing-improvement degree was evaluated using Siegel's criteria. Before PSM, age, prevalence of diabetes or hypertension, initial hearing threshold at each frequency level (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz), and treatment strategies exhibited significant between-group differences. However, in the PS-matched cohort, none of the confounders showed significant between-group differences. Two months after steroid treatment, the non-dialysis patient group demonstrated significantly higher average improvement in pure tone audiometry (P = 0.029) and greater percentage of complete response according to Siegel's criteria. This study suggests that treatment outcomes for ISSNHL are significantly poorer for patients undergoing than for those not undergoing dialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous studies have explored factors impacting osteoarthritis (OA), but its relationship with height remains uncertain. This study investigates the relationship between height and osteoarthritis risk in South Korea. Methods: Participants aged 50 or older who underwent health screenings in 2009 were selected from the National Health Insurance System database. A total of 1,138,904 subjects were divided into height quartiles (Q1–Q4) based on age and gender. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess knee osteoarthritis incidence risk, with the shortest quartile (Q1) as the reference. Results: After adjusting for age, sex, income, smoking, drinking, exercise, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and body mass index (BMI), no significant difference in OA incidence risk based on height was observed. However, when adjusted for weight instead of BMI, we observed a gradual decrease in hazard ratio with increasing height. The hazard ratio for the tallest group was 0.787 (95% CI, 0.781~0.795). Similar results were obtained in all subgroups. Conclusions: Compared to previous studies, our findings present a clear distinction. Therefore, there may be racial differences in the association between height and knee OA risk, and our study provides evidence that, in East Asian populations, taller individuals have a reduced risk of knee OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has higher complication and failure rates compared to other surgical joint replacement procedures despite technological advances. This study aimed to find the long-term survivability of the TAA procedure and identify the patient risk factors for failure with one of the largest cohorts of patients in the literature. Methods: This retrospective cohort study involving cases between 2007 and 2018 analyzed patients who received an index primary TAA procedure in Korea. A total of 5619 cases were included in the final analysis. The TAA failure was defined as either a case with revision arthroplasty or a case with TAA implant removal and arthrodesis performed after primary TAA. Results: During the study period, the 5-year survival rate was 95.4% (95% CI, 94.7–96.1%), and the 10-year survival rate was 91.1% (95% CI, 89.1–93.1%). A younger age (<55 years, adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.725; 55–64 years, AHR, 1.812; p < 0.001 for both), chronic pulmonary disease (AHR, 1.476; p = 0.013), diabetes (AHR, 1.443; p = 0.014), and alcohol abuse (AHR, 1.524; p = 0.032) showed a significantly high odds ratio for primary TAA failure in Cox regression analysis. Conclusion: The 10-year TAA survivorship rate was 91.1%. A younger age, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, and heavy alcohol consumption are risk factors for TAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of Chrysemys dorsalis in Korea was sequenced and characterized. The mitochondrial genome is 17,258 bp in length and the GC content is 39%. It is constituted of 37 genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a noncoding region. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that C. dorsalis forms a monophyletic group with C. picta turtles but is distinctly separated from them, aligning with previous findings. In Korea, C. dorsalis forms a discrete clade, separate from both native and invasive turtle species. No evidence of genetic disturbance or intermingling is observed. This is the first case of a complete mitochondrial genome from C. dorsalis and provides crucial data for understanding C. dorsalis and managing invasive species effectively, emphasizing the need for continued mitochondrial genome data accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the seasonal occurrence of bark and woodboring Coleoptera in Pinus densiflora (Pinales: Pinaceae), and Larix kaempferi (Pinales: Pinaceae) stands using multifunnel traps baited with pine volatiles in Korea. The number and species of bark and woodboring beetles caught in traps baited with ethanol, α -pinene, and ethanol+ α -pinene were compared to determine the effective attractants. In addition, the effects of other pine volatiles, such as (-)- β -pinene, β -caryophyllene, (±)-limonene, β -myrcene, and 3-carene, were investigated. A total of 13,134 woodboring beetles from 150 species were collected from pine and larch stands from 2019 to 2020. Tomicus minor (Hartig) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults were more attracted to traps baited with α -pinene, whereas Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Cyclorhipidion pelliculosum (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Phloeosinus pulchellus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults were more attracted to traps baited with ethanol. Hylurgops interstitialis (Chapuis) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Shirahoshizo genus group, Rhagium inquisitor (Linne) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), and Rhadinomerus maebarai (Voss & Chûjô) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) were more frequently attracted to traps baited with ethanol+ α -pinene than to traps baited with other attractants. The addition of 3-carene to ethanol+ α -pinene enhanced the capture of H. interstitialis , R. inquisitor , and Hylobius (Callirus) haroldi (Faust) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To estimate herpes zoster (HZ) incidence rate (IR) and economic burden in individuals with immunocompromised conditions and autoimmune diseases (IC/AID) in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Methods: The nationwide Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database was used to identify HZ cases from 2016 to 2020 in ROK. HZ and non-HZ IC/AID cases were matched 1:3 using age, sex, institution, Charlson comorbidity index, IC/AID, and index date. Annual HZ IRs/1000 persons and 1-year HZ-associated all-cause direct medical costs for IC/AID cases were calculated. Results: Among 65,976 individuals with IC/AID (mean age 57.14 years [standard deviation 14.1]; 64.94% female), annual HZ IR (95% confidence interval) fluctuated from 2016 to 2020, averaging 23.41/1000 persons (22.21–24.62) and was higher in women (26.85 [25.40–28.31]) than men (18.96 [18.03–19.89]). IRs were highest in individuals aged ≥ 50 years, and in those with transplants (including solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplants; 37.12 [35.45–38.79]) and hemato-oncology conditions (35.5 [31.6–39.3]). Mean 12-month all-cause direct medical costs were higher in individuals with IC/AID and HZ (4,759,671 Korean Republic won [KRW]; approximately 4046 United States dollar [USD; according to the 2020 conversion rate from UNCTAD; 1 KRW = 0.00085 USD]) than those without HZ (3,786,658 KRW; 3219 USD). Conclusion: Individuals with IC/AID have a substantial disease and economic burden from HZ in ROK, highlighting the need for appropriate HZ prevention measures in the IC/AID population. Plain Language Summary: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sternotherus carinatus has been considered as a potential invasive species in Korea. However, the mitochondrial genome information of S. carinatus which can be used to control its effect on ecosystem is lacking. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of S. carinatus in Korea was sequenced and characterized. The mitochondrial genome consists of 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes) and a noncoding region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial genome sequences showed that S. carinatus from Korea is separated from other turtles which are the invasive species in Korea. Sequence divergence calculations indicated near-zero divergence between S. carinatus populations in Korea, the USA, and China, suggesting limited genetic differentiation. In the context of the broader issue of invasive species disrupting ecosystems, this research contributes to the identification of mitochondrial genomes for various freshwater turtle species, emphasizing the need for extended data collection to discern genetic mixing trends between native and non-native species. This study is a significant step toward managing S. carinatus as a potential invasive species in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]