Increased viral load in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant in the Republic of Korea

Objectives@#Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic owingto the rapid spread of the causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.Its Delta and Omicron variants are more transmissible and pathogenic than other variants.Some debates have emerged on the mechanism of variants of concern. In the COVID-19 wave that began in December 2021, the Omicron variant, first reported in South Africa, became identifiable in most cases globally. The aim of this study was to provide data to inform effective responses to the transmission of the Omicron variant. @*Methods@#The Delta variant and the spike protein D614G mutant were compared with the Omicron variant. Viral loads from 5 days after symptom onset were compared usingepidemiological data collected at the time of diagnosis. @*Results@#The Omicron variant exhibited a higher viral load than other variants, resulting in greater transmissibility within 5 days of symptom onset. @*Conclusion@#Future research should focus on vaccine efficacy against the Omicron variant and compare trends in disease severity associated with its high viral load.

Cytotoxic Activities on Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines by Neolignans and Diarylnonanoids from the Seed of Myristica fragrans Houtt

Ovarian cancer is a primary global health concern, often diagnosed at advanced stages with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Natural products have emerged as potential sources of safe and effective therapies. From the seeds of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg), 24 compounds, including neolignans and diarylnonanoid derivatives, were isolated and structurally elucidated. The cytotoxic activities of these isolated metabolites against cisplatin-sensitive and resistant human ovarian cancer cell lines were evaluated. In particular, myrifragranone C (23) exhibited cytotoxicity against all test cancer cell lines A2780, TOV-112D, and SK-OV3 with IC50 values of 14.1, 16.9, and 33.4 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compound 23 induced the death of A2780 and SK-OV3 cancer cells via apoptosis. Western blotting revealed that compound 23 significantly increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and poly-ADP ribose polymerase and promoted apoptosis via the mitogenactivated protein kinase signaling pathway. Our findings may provide a preliminary understanding of the antiovarian cancer effect of the active compound myrifragranone C as a potential treatment using natural products.

Types of perception toward non-face-to-face clinical practice among nursing students / 한국간호교육학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to identify the types of perception toward non-face-to-face clinical practice and to characterize the types of students who experienced online clinical practice during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. @*Methods@#Q-methodology was used in this study, and 270 Q populations were formed based on in-depth interviews with 10 nursing students who had experienced non-face-to-face clinical practice, as well as related literature. Interviews were performed from August 1 to 31, 2022. A total of 42 Q samples were extracted, and Q sorting was performed on 33 nursing students who had experienced non-face-to-face clinical practice. A Q factor analysis was performed using the PC-QUANL program. @*Results@#The nursing students’ perceptions of non-face-to-face clinical practice were classified into the following five types: “future professional competency-focused type,” “realistic convenience priority type,” “task burden awareness type,” “negative critic type,” and “limited experience dissatisfaction type.” @*Conclusion@#This study revealed non-face-to-face clinical practice’s positive and negative aspects in nursing education. Moreover, it identified the aspects of clinical practice that cannot be replaced by non-face-to-face clinical practice and the elements of non-face-to-face practice that can complement clinical practice. These findings can be used as fundamental data to establish a stable and efficient system for improving the quality of clinical practice in the post-COVID-19 era and to implement effective non-face-to-face clinical practice according to student types.

Inter-eye Comparison of the Lamina Cribrosa Depth in Patients with Bilateral Normal-tension Glaucoma with Asymmetrical Damage

Purpose@#To evaluate the association between lamina cribrosa depth (LCD) and the severity of glaucomatous damage in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). @*Methods@#The optic nerve heads (ONHs) of patients with bilateral NTG showing asymmetrical damage were scanned using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. LCDs were measured on ONH horizontal B-scan images at three locations equidistant across the vertical optic disc diameter and compared between the more damaged and contralateral eyes. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to identify ocular risk factors associated with more severe damage between the eyes. @*Results@#One hundred and four eyes of 52 patients with bilateral NTG were included. The mean age was 66.0 ± 15.0 years; there were 31 males and 21 females. The more damaged eyes exhibited a higher baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) (p < 0.001), a thinner global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (p < 0.001), and worse visual field mean deviation (p < 0.001) and a pattern standard deviation (p < 0.001), than the contralateral eyes. In contrast, we found no significant inter-eye difference in either the spherical equivalent or the axial length. The average LCD was significantly larger in the more damaged eyes (529.4 ± 116.7 vs. 482.9 ± 107.5 μm, p < 0.001). On conditional logistic regression analysis, the higher the baseline IOP (p = 0.006) and the larger the LCD (p = 0.003), the higher the risk of having more severe damage compared to the contralateral eye under similar systemic conditions. @*Conclusions@#The LCD was significantly larger in the more damaged eyes of patients with bilateral NTG, suggesting that LC deformation might be associated with glaucomatous ONH damage in NTG eyes.

The effect of communication competency on self-directed learning ability among nursing students / 의료커뮤니케이션

Background@#This study was conducted to identify the level of communication competency essential for cooperation with health care teams and self-directed learning ability necessary to solve problems efficiently.Furthermore, an analysis was conducted to confirm the effect of communication competency upon self-directed learning ability among nursing students. @*Methods@#This study involved 321 nursing students. Data collection was conducted through online survey about the communication competency and the self-directed learning ability. @*Results@#The main results were as follows. The communication competency score of participants was 3.53±0.54(M±SD) out of 5 points and the self-directed learning ability score was 3.71±0.55. There was a significant correlation between communication competency and all domains of self-directed learning ability. As a result of simple linear regression analysis, higher communication skills also increased self-directed learning skills, showing 38.3% explanatory power. @*Conclusion@#There is a need for teaching and learning strategy that allows students who have low grades and low major interest, and chose a major by recommendation to more actively engage in learning activities. Since the self-directed learning ability can be improved by improving communication competency, programs for communication, continuity of learning activities and utilization of learning resources are needed.

Biological Activity of Chemical Constituents Isolated from Strain Chlamydomonas sp. KSF108 (Chlamydomonadaceae)

This study focused on investigation of the immunosuppressive inhibitory effect through determination of IL-2 production of nine compounds (1 − 9) isolated from Chlamydomonas sp. KSF108. Among them, compounds 1, 5, and 6 displayed moderately inhibitory effects on IL-2 production at a concentration of 100 μM. In addition, the related ones including cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities were also elucidated. 6 further displayed cytotoxic activity against the MCF-7 cell line, with an IC50 value of 17.2 μM and 4, 6 − 7, and 9 possessed significant DPPH radical scavenging activity, with IC50 values ranging from 3.1 to 4.4 μM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the bioactivity of isolated chemical constituents from the genus Chlamydomonas. Compounds 1 and 5 investigated for the first time in the activity of immunosuppressivity and 6 may come to serve as the most important marker in broad-spectrum activities of the secondary metabolites identified from C. sp. KSF108.

Chemical Constituents from the Aerial Parts of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. and Their Anti-allergic and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (Compositae) is a traditional medicinal plant with various pharmacological activities. To elucidate new anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory constituents, the aerial parts of A. capillaries were investigated to afford a new compound, (6E,8E)-6-methylundeca-6,8-diene-2,5,10-trione (17) together with 19 known compounds (1 - 16, 18 - 20). The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1D, 2D NMR, HREIMS, and optical rotation [α]D. The absolute configuration of compound 2 was determined to be S form for the first time. All isolates (1 - 20) were tested their inhibitory effects on interleukin 2 (IL-2) expression in T cells and NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW246.7. Among them, compounds 10, 11, 19, and 20 reduced IL-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, compound 10 also inhibited NO production with an IC50 value of 37.3 ± 0.4 μM.

Terpenoids from Citrus unshiu Peels and Their Effects on NO Production

Two new compounds, 3-methyl-but-2-en-1-yl-1-O-β-xylopyranosyl-(1ʺ→2ʹ)-O-β-glucopyranoside (1) and 1-O-β-glucopyranosyl-6-hydroxy-2-methyl-hep-2-enoic acid (2), along with sixteen known terpenoids were isolated from the peels ofCitrus unshiu Markov. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive NMR analyses ( 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, DEPT, COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) and high-resolution mass spectrometry. In addition, all isolates (1 - 18) were tested their effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells. Limonin (15) showed to inhibit LPS-induced NO production in a concentration-dependent manner without cytotoxicity.

Syphilis Presenting as a Unilateral Incipient Papillitis

Purpose@#To report a case of unilateral incipient syphilitic papillitis.Case summary: A 53-year-old female visited for a routine ocular examination. Best-corrected visual acuities were 20/20 in both eyes and there was no abnormality in the anterior segment, pupillary response, ocular motility examination, color vision test, and there were no inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity of both eyes. However, optic disc edema and corresponding retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickening in her left eye were observed in a fundoscopic examination and by optical coherence tomography. In orbital magnetic resonance imaging, there was no abnormal enhancement of the optic nerve or optic nerve sheath in both eyes. Serological tests were positive for fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbance (FTA-ABS) immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG, the treponema pallidum hemagglutination test, venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) testing, and a rapid plasma reagin test, but there was no abnormal finding in cerebrospinal fluid analyses including the VDRL and FTA-ABS tests. With the diagnosis of unilateral incipient syphilitic papillitis in her left eye, she was treated with intravenous penicillin for 14 days and high dose systemic steroids for 3 days with complete resolution of the optic disc edema and RNFL thickening. @*Conclusions@#Syphilis can present as a unilateral incipient papillitis. Therefore, in case with unilateral papillitis, serological test for syphilis, appropriate antibiotics and steroid treatment should be considered.

Inter-eye Comparison of Peripapillary Choroidal Thickness in Patients with Treatment-naïve Unilateral Open-angle Glaucoma

Purpose@#We investigated the relationship between optic nerve damage and peripapillary choroidal thickness in patients with treatment-naïve primary open-angle glaucoma. @*Methods@#Peripapillary choroidal thicknesses of 78 eyes of 39 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were measured on 360° scans of enhanced-depth optical coherence tomography images using the inbuilt manual segmentation function. Inter-eye peripapillary choroidal thicknesses were compared and factors associated with glaucoma were analyzed. @*Results@#Eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma exhibited thinner peripapillary choroidal thickness (133.2 ± 52.1 vs. 144.1 ± 53.0 μm; p < 0.001), higher intraocular pressure (16.7 ± 3.9 vs. 15.4 ± 2.6 mmHg; p = 0.005), thinner corneal thickness (523.8 ± 32.5 vs. 527.6 ± 35.0 μm; p = 0.030), and thinner retinal nerve fiber layer (72.2 ± 13.7 vs. 89.3 ± 13.1 μm; p < 0.001), compared with healthy fellow eyes. On multivariate, conditional, logistic regression analysis, thinner peripapillary choroidal thickness (odds ratio [OR] 0.910, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.834-0.993; p = 0.035) and higher intraocular pressure (OR 3.368, 95% CI 1.285-8.828; p = 0.014) were significantly associated with glaucoma. @*Conclusions@#Thinner peripapillary choroid and higher intraocular pressure were significantly associated with glaucoma in patients with unilateral primary open-angle glaucoma, suggesting that poor perfusion around the optic nerve head may be associated with glaucoma pathogenesis.

The HIV-1 Virulence Factor Nef as a New Therapeutic Target Against HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) encodes an accessory protein Nef.Initially, Nef had been known as a viral negative factor due to its no-effect on viral replication in the cancerous cell line system, however the pivotal role of Nef in disease progression has been discovered in primary culture and in vivo studies.The Nef protein is 27-35kDa, which is N-myristolated to attach on the intracellular membrane. Since it is already known that the nef-deleted virus is associated with long-term non-progression (LTNP), the roles of Nef linked to viral virulence were emphasized to develop an agent capable of inhibiting the progression of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Nef plays multifaceted roles in host cell activities, which are recognized as the key functions of Nef-induced AIDS progression. Nef down-regulates the surface expression of several immune proteins including CD4, major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I/II), CD3. CD62L CXCR4, etc. Also, Nef disturbs the actin dynamics linked to vesicle trafficking and cell movement, and modulates the T-cell activation signaling associated with viral transcription. Here, we overview the molecular mechanisms of Nef with regard to AIDS pathogenesis and discuss various therapeutic approaches targeting Nef with a view to developing a new class of anti-AIDS agent capable of preventing the disease progression linked to Nef-induced CD4 down-regulation and HIV-1 replication.

Inter-eye Comparison of Peripapillary Choroidal Thickness in Patients with Treatment-naïve Unilateral Open-angle Glaucoma

Purpose@#We investigated the relationship between optic nerve damage and peripapillary choroidal thickness in patients with treatment-naïve primary open-angle glaucoma. @*Methods@#Peripapillary choroidal thicknesses of 78 eyes of 39 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were measured on 360° scans of enhanced-depth optical coherence tomography images using the inbuilt manual segmentation function. Inter-eye peripapillary choroidal thicknesses were compared and factors associated with glaucoma were analyzed. @*Results@#Eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma exhibited thinner peripapillary choroidal thickness (133.2 ± 52.1 vs. 144.1 ± 53.0 μm; p < 0.001), higher intraocular pressure (16.7 ± 3.9 vs. 15.4 ± 2.6 mmHg; p = 0.005), thinner corneal thickness (523.8 ± 32.5 vs. 527.6 ± 35.0 μm; p = 0.030), and thinner retinal nerve fiber layer (72.2 ± 13.7 vs. 89.3 ± 13.1 μm; p < 0.001), compared with healthy fellow eyes. On multivariate, conditional, logistic regression analysis, thinner peripapillary choroidal thickness (odds ratio [OR] 0.910, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.834-0.993; p = 0.035) and higher intraocular pressure (OR 3.368, 95% CI 1.285-8.828; p = 0.014) were significantly associated with glaucoma. @*Conclusions@#Thinner peripapillary choroid and higher intraocular pressure were significantly associated with glaucoma in patients with unilateral primary open-angle glaucoma, suggesting that poor perfusion around the optic nerve head may be associated with glaucoma pathogenesis.

The HIV-1 Virulence Factor Nef as a New Therapeutic Target Against HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) encodes an accessory protein Nef.Initially, Nef had been known as a viral negative factor due to its no-effect on viral replication in the cancerous cell line system, however the pivotal role of Nef in disease progression has been discovered in primary culture and in vivo studies.The Nef protein is 27-35kDa, which is N-myristolated to attach on the intracellular membrane. Since it is already known that the nef-deleted virus is associated with long-term non-progression (LTNP), the roles of Nef linked to viral virulence were emphasized to develop an agent capable of inhibiting the progression of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Nef plays multifaceted roles in host cell activities, which are recognized as the key functions of Nef-induced AIDS progression. Nef down-regulates the surface expression of several immune proteins including CD4, major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I/II), CD3. CD62L CXCR4, etc. Also, Nef disturbs the actin dynamics linked to vesicle trafficking and cell movement, and modulates the T-cell activation signaling associated with viral transcription. Here, we overview the molecular mechanisms of Nef with regard to AIDS pathogenesis and discuss various therapeutic approaches targeting Nef with a view to developing a new class of anti-AIDS agent capable of preventing the disease progression linked to Nef-induced CD4 down-regulation and HIV-1 replication.

Scoring System to Stratify Malignancy Risks for Mammographic Microcalcifications Based on Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 5th Edition Descriptors

OBJECTIVE: To develop a scoring system stratifying the malignancy risk of mammographic microcalcifications using the 5th edition of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS).MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety-four lesions with microcalcifications for which surgical excision was performed were independently reviewed by two radiologists according to the 5th edition of BI-RADS. Each category's positive predictive value (PPV) was calculated and a scoring system was developed using multivariate logistic regression. The scores for benign and malignant lesions or BI-RADS categories were compared using an independent t test or by ANOVA. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was assessed to determine the discriminatory ability of the scoring system. Our scoring system was validated using an external dataset.RESULTS: After excision, 69 lesions were malignant (36%). The PPV of BI-RADS descriptors and categories for calcification showed significant differences. Using the developed scoring system, mean scores for benign and malignant lesions or BI-RADS categories were significantly different (p < 0.001). The AUROC of our scoring system was 0.874 (95% confidence interval, 0.840–0.909) and the PPV of each BI-RADS category determined by the scoring system was as follows: category 3 (0%), 4A (6.8%), 4B (19.0%), 4C (68.2%), and 5 (100%). The validation set showed an AUROC of 0.905 and PPVs of 0%, 8.3%, 11.9%, 68.3%, and 94.7% for categories 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 5, respectively.CONCLUSION: A scoring system based on BI-RADS morphology and distribution descriptors could be used to stratify the malignancy risk of mammographic microcalcifications.

Eyelid Swelling and Subconjunctival Infiltration as Ophthalmic Manifestations in a Child with Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndrome

No abstract available.

Identification of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features Associated with Positive Resection Margins in Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE: To determine which preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and clinicopathologic features are associated with positive resection margins at the time of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in patients with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed preoperative breast MRI and clinicopathologic features of 120 patients (mean age, 53.3 years; age range, 27–79 years) with breast cancer who had undergone BCS in 2015. Tumor size on MRI, multifocality, patterns of enhancing lesions (mass without non-mass enhancement [NME] vs. NME with or without mass), mass characteristics (shape, margin, internal enhancement characteristics), NME (distribution, internal enhancement patterns), and breast parenchymal enhancement (BPE; weak, strong) were analyzed. We also evaluated age, tumor size, histology, lymphovascular invasion, T stage, N stage, and hormonal receptors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the correlation between clinicopathological features, MRI findings, and positive resection margins. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, tumor size on MRI, multifocality, NME with or without mass, and segmental distribution of NME were correlated with positive resection margins. Among the clinicopathological factors, tumor size of the invasive breast cancer and in situ components were significantly correlated with a positive resection margin. Multivariate analysis revealed that NME with or without mass was an independent predictor of positive resection margins (odds ratio [OR] = 7.00; p < 0.001). Strong BPE was a weak predictor of positive resection margins (OR = 2.59; p = 0.076). CONCLUSION: Non-mass enhancement with or without mass is significantly associated with a positive resection margin in patients with breast cancer. In patients with NME, segmental distribution was significantly correlated with positive resection margins.

Neolignan Derivatives from the Flower of Magnolia biondii Pamp. and their Effects on IL-2 expression in T-cells

The isolation of the MeOH extract from the flower bud of Magnolia biondii Pamp. using various column chromatographies and HPLC led to eleven neoglignan derivatives (1 - 11). Their structures were mainly determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectral data analysis and physiological methods. The isolated compounds (1 - 11) were tested for anti-allergic effects using IL-2 inhibitory assay in Jurkat T cells.

Thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic results on repeat fine-needle aspiration biopsy: which nodules should be considered for repeat biopsy or surgery rather than follow-up?

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to assess the clinicopathologic and ultrasonographic features of thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic results on repeat ultrasonography (US)-guided fineneedle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) according to size and the number of suspicious findings and to determine the proper management of nodules with consecutive nondiagnostic results. METHODS: This retrospective study included 297 nodules with nondiagnostic results on repeat FNAB that were evaluated by US over the course of at least 12 months of follow-up, a follow-up biopsy, or an operation. We compared clinical and US variables between benign and malignant nodules in thyroid nodules with repeat nondiagnostic results. RESULTS: The comparison of benign and malignant nodules with repeat nondiagnostic results revealed that age, marked hypoechogenicity, irregular or microlobulated margins, microcalcifications, and nonparallel shape were significantly associated with malignancy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis in malignant nodules revealed that microcalcifications and irregular or microlobulated margins were independently associated with malignancy. Among them, only irregular or microlobulated margins were independently significant as a predictor of malignancy in repeatedly nondiagnostic nodules measuring >10 mm. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the best cutoff value for the "number of suspicious findings" between benign and malignant nodules was three in nodules of all sizes, three in nodules measuring ≤10 mm, and two in nodules measuring >10 mm. CONCLUSION: Irregular or microlobulated margins may be the most frequent US features in repeatedly nondiagnostic nodules >10 mm. The presence of "two or more suspicious findings" can be used as the cutoff for distinguishing benign and malignant nodules.

Waist Circumference-to-Height Ratio and Coronary Artery Calcification

BACKGROUND: Many studies have demonstrated that the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is more correlated with coronary artery disease (CAD) than the body mass index (BMI). Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is an independent risk factor of atherosclerotic heart disease. However, the association between the WHtR and the coronary artery calcification score (CACS) still needs to be studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between WHtR and CACS in healthy adults. METHODS: A total of 1,111 adults without a history of cardiovascular disease who visited the Health Promotion center at the University Hospital were included in this study. All subjects hadtheir CACS measured via multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). RESULTS: Participants with a CACS > 0 had a greater WHtR than those with a CACS of 0 (0.535±0.006 vs 0.517±0.005, p=0.007, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04). CONCLUSION: In this study of adults without heart disease, WHtR was an independent predictor of CAC. These results suggest that WHtR may be a useful marker of CAD.

Two-Week Repeated Dose Toxicity of Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba in F344 Rats

This research is to estimate the toxicity of Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba (ARA) in F344 rats and to find a dose level for the 13 weeks toxicity study. A hot water extract of ARA (ARWE) was administered orally to F344 rats at dose levels of 0 (vehicle control), 500, 1000, 2000, 3500, and 5000 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks. Each group was composed to five male and five female F344 rats. According to the result, there were no ARWE-related adverse changes in mortality, body weights, food consumption, urinalysis, hematology, clinical chemistry, gross finding at necropsy, and organ weight examination. Salivation was observed in 3500 and 5000 mg/kg/day in male and female rats but it could not have found any relationship with ARWE administration. Based on our findings, ARWE may not cause toxicity in rats under the experimental conditions. Therefore, dose level of 5000 mg/kg/day as a highest treatment group in 13-week exposure study is recommended for further toxicity assessment.