Adult plant resistance in maize to northern leaf spot is a feature of partial loss-of-function alleles of Hm1.

Adult plant resistance (APR) is an enigmatic phenomenon in which resistance genes are ineffective in protecting seedlings from disease but confer robust resistance at maturity. Maize has multiple cases in which genes confer APR to northern leaf spot, a lethal disease caused by Cochliobolus carbonum race 1 (CCR1). The first identified case of APR in maize is encoded by a hypomorphic allele, Hm1A, at the hm1 locus. In contrast, wild-type alleles of hm1 provide complete protection at all developmental stages and in every part of the maize plant. Hm1 encodes an NADPH-dependent reductase, which inactivates HC-toxin, a key virulence effector of CCR1. Cloning and characterization of Hm1A ruled out differential transcription or translation for its APR phenotype and identified an amino acid substitution that reduced HC-toxin reductase (HCTR) activity. The possibility of a causal relationship between the weak nature of Hm1A and its APR phenotype was confirmed by the generation of two new APR alleles of Hm1 by mutagenesis. The HCTRs encoded by these new APR alleles had undergone relatively conservative missense changes that partially reduced their enzymatic activity similar to HM1A. No difference in accumulation of HCTR was observed between adult and juvenile plants, suggesting that the susceptibility of seedlings derives from a greater need for HCTR activity, not reduced accumulation of the gene product. Conditions and treatments that altered the photosynthetic output of the host had a dramatic effect on resistance imparted by the APR alleles, demonstrating a link between the energetic or metabolic status of the host and disease resistance affected by HC-toxin catabolism by the APR alleles of HCTR.

Large-area liquid crystal beam deflector with wide steering angle.

A slim beam deflector that satisfies both a large steering angle and a large area can be very useful in various applications. However, a smaller electrode pitch for a large steering angle and enlargement of its area are trade-off relations due to the limited number of control channels in an electrically tunable beam deflector system. For a large steering angle in the active area where actual diffraction occurs, an indium tin oxide electrode of 2 µm pitch was implemented through a stepper lithography. The via-hole process was developed to expand the reduced active area due to the small electrode pitch. We developed a beam deflector with 7200 controllable channels in an active area of 14.4mm×14.4mm. The maximum steering angle is 7.643° at a wavelength of 532 nm.

Production of pristine, sulfur-coated and silicon-alloyed germanium nanoparticles via laser pyrolysis.

Here we demonstrate production of three types of germanium containing nanoparticles (NPs) by laser pyrolysis of GeH4 and characterize their sizes, structures and composition. Pristine Ge NPs were fabricated with 50 standard cubic centimeter per minute (sccm) of GeH4 and 25 sccm of SF6 as a photosensitizer gas, while sulfur-coated Ge NPs were produced with 25 sccm of GeH4 and 50 sccm of SF6. The laser pyrolysis of SiH4/GeH4 mixtures produced Si1-xGex alloy NPs. Effects of key process parameters including laser intensity and gas flow rates on NP properties have been investigated. The ability of the laser pyrolysis technique to flexibly produce a variety of germanium-containing NPs, as illustrated in this study shows promise for commercial-scale production of new nanomaterials as high purity dry powders.

Capacity retention behavior and morphology evolution of SixGe1-x nanoparticles as lithium-ion battery anode.

Engineering silicon into nanostructures has been a well-adopted strategy to improve the cyclic performance of silicon as a lithium-ion battery anode. Here, we show that the electrode performance can be further improved by alloying silicon with germanium. We have evaluated the electrode performance of SixGe1-x nanoparticles (NPs) with different compositions. Experimentally, SixGe1-x NPs with compositions approaching Si50Ge50 are found to have better cyclic retention than both Si-rich and Ge-rich NPs. During the charge/discharge process, NP merging and Si-Ge homogenization are observed. In addition, a distinct morphology difference is observed after 100 cycles, which is believed to be responsible for the different capacity retention behavior. The present study on SixGe1-x alloy NPs sheds light on the development of Si-based electrode materials for stable operation in lithium-ion batteries (e.g., through a comprehensive design of material structure and chemical composition). The investigation of composition-dependent morphology evolution in the delithiated Li-SiGe ternary alloy also significantly broadens our understanding of dealloying in complex systems, and it is complementary to the well-established understanding of dealloying behavior in binary systems (e.g., Au-Ag alloys).

Cytoskeleton-modulating nanomaterials and their therapeutic potentials.

The cytoskeleton, an intricate network of protein fibers within cells, plays a pivotal role in maintaining cell shape, enabling movement, and facilitating intracellular transport. Its involvement in various pathological states, ranging from cancer proliferation and metastasis to the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, underscores its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention. The exploration of nanotechnology in this realm, particularly the use of nanomaterials for cytoskeletal modulation, represents a cutting-edge approach with the promise of novel treatments. Inorganic nanomaterials, including those derived from gold, metal oxides, carbon, and black phosphorus, alongside organic variants such as peptides and proteins, are at the forefront of this research. These materials offer diverse mechanisms of action, either by directly interacting with cytoskeletal components or by influencing cellular signaling pathways that, in turn, modulate the cytoskeleton. Recent advancements have introduced magnetic field-responsive and light-responsive nanomaterials, which allow for targeted and controlled manipulation of the cytoskeleton. Such precision is crucial in minimizing off-target effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review explores the importance of research into cytoskeleton-targeting nanomaterials for developing therapeutic interventions for a range of diseases. It also addresses the progress made in this field, the challenges encountered, and future directions for using nanomaterials to modulate the cytoskeleton. The continued exploration of nanomaterials for cytoskeleton modulation holds great promise for advancing therapeutic strategies against a broad spectrum of diseases, marking a significant step forward in the intersection of nanotechnology and medicine.

Modification of microenvironmental pH of nanoparticles for enhanced solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble celecoxib.

This study aimed to develop a novel pH-modified nanoparticle with improved solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble celecoxib by modifying the microenvironmental pH. After assessing the impact of hydrophilic polymers, surfactants and alkaline pH modifiers on the drug solubility, copovidone, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and meglumine were chosen. The optimal formulation of solvent-evaporated, surface-attached and pH-modified nanoparticles composed of celecoxib/copovidone/SLS/meglumine at weight ratios of 1:1:0.2:0, 1:0.375:1.125:0 and 1:1:1:0.2:0.02, respectively, were manufactured using spray drying technique. Their physicochemical characteristics, solubility, dissolution and pharmacokinetics in rats were evaluated compared to the celecoxib powder. The solvent-evaporated and pH-modified nanoparticles converted a crystalline to an amorphous drug, resulting in a spherical shape with a reduced particle size compared to celecoxib powder. However, the surface-attached nanoparticles with insignificant particle size exhibited the unchangeable crystalline drug. All of them gave significantly higher solubility, dissolution, and oral bioavailability than celecoxib powder. Among them, the pH-modified nanoparticles demonstrated the most significant improvement in solubility (approximately 1600-fold) and oral bioavailability (approximately 4-fold) compared to the drug powder owing to the alkaline microenvironment formation effect of meglumine and the conversion to the amorphous drug. Thus, the pH-modified nanoparticle system would be a promising strategy for improving the solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble and weakly acidic celecoxib.

Hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin-based solid dispersed granules: A prospective alternative to conventional solid dispersion.

The purpose of the present study was to develop hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD)-based solid dispersed granules as a superior system to solid dispersion. The solid dispersed granules and solid dispersion were compared in terms of powder property improvement, solubility increment and oral bioavailability enhancement of poorly water-soluble dexibuprofen. Solid dispersion (drug/HP-ß-CD/Tween80 = 1:7:0.1, weight ratio) and solid dispersed granules (drug/HP-ß-CD/Tween80/Microcrystalline cellulose = 1:7:0.1:4) were fabricated using a spray-dryer and fluid bed granulator, respectively. The HP-ß-CD-based solid dispersed granules significantly improved solubility, dissolution profile and oral bioavailability of dexibuprofen compared to pure drug powder. Moreover, the solid dispersed granules maximised the oral bioavailability of dexibuprofen to the same extent as the solid dispersion. However, considerable improvements of powder and tablet properties were observed in solid dispersed granules as compared with solid dispersion. Therefore, HP-ß-CD-based solid dispersed granules would be a prospective alternative to solid dispersion.

Comparison of endoscopic spine surgery and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar disease: A meta-analysis.

This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of endoscopic spinal surgery (ESS) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for degenerative lumbar disease (DLD) through meta-analysis. The Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched for studies that evaluated the outcomes of ESS and MIS-TLIF in DLD, including visual analog scale (VAS) score for low back pain, VAS score for leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and complications published between January 2000 and August 2020. Two authors extracted the data independently. Any discrepancies were resolved by a consensus. Four comparative studies were identified. No significant differences were found between the ESS and MIS-TLIF groups in terms of VAS score for back pain, VAS score for leg pain, and ODI, except for complication rate. The complication rate was higher in the ESS than in the MIS-TLIF group. A literature review identified four comparative studies reporting the clinical outcomes of ESS and MIS-TLIF for DLD. Despite the heterogeneity, a limited number of meta-analyses showed that the clinical outcomes between the two groups were not significantly different except for complication rate. Hence, further large-scale multicenter studies are required to validate our results.

Pediatricians’ perspectives on telemedicine for pediatric patients

Background@#This study examined the characteristics of pediatric patients through surveys and in-depth interviews with pediatricians who have experience in telemedicine, and analyzed the current status of telemedicine in pediatrics and the perception of telemedicine among pediatric patients. We also evaluated the associated risks and unsuitability of telemedicine for pediatric patients and presented pertinent policy recommendations. @*Methods@#A questionnaire survey was conducted using the Doctor Survey by the Korean Medical Association. The survey was distributed via email and was open from July 24, 2023 to August 6, 2023. Of the 643 responses, 42 were used for analysis in this study. We examined the perception about providing telemedicine, and the reasons for not providing telemedicine to pediatric patients. In terms of perceptions about telemedicine for pediatric patients, we examined opinions on (1) whether pediatric patients are appropriate candidates for telemedicine, and (2) whether telemedicine could be administered to first-time pediatric patients (including medical consultation) during holidays and at night. @*Results@#Pediatric patients constitute a patient group with distinct characteristics, entailing more careful attention than adult patients. According to the survey results, 42.9% of respondents were not providing telemedicine for pediatric patients. Furthermore, the respondents perceived telemedicine for pediatric patients as unsafe (61.1%), unrealistic (73.8%), and unsuitable (69.0%). @*Conclusion@#Telemedicine for pediatric patients can be viewed as risky and inappropriate. Therefore, the government needs to involve pediatricians in the policy development process for telemedicine aimed at pediatric patients.

Survey study of telemedicine-experienced physicians on the acceptability of telemedicine: using propensity score matching method

Background@#The purpose of this study is to analyze the differences in the acceptability of telemedicine between telemedicine-experienced and -inexperienced physicians. @*Methods@#A questionnaire survey was conducted using the Doctor Survey of the Korean Medical Association. A total of 1,385 physicians were included in the analysis. Propensity score matching was used to control selection bias. The chi-square tests were used for bivariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to adjust for covariates (gender, age, working area, working type, institution type, and the specialty of physicians). @*Results@#Physicians with experience in telemedicine were 2.53 times more likely to accept to allow telemedicine as a medical system than physicians without experience in telemedicine. Physicians with experience in telemedicine responded that telemedicine should be allowed to returning patients only and not be allowed to first-time patients. This response of telemedicine-experienced physicians was 3.73 times higher than that of telemedicineinexperienced physicians. Physicians with experience in telemedicine responded that telemedicine for first-time patients should be only allowed under specific situations. This response of telemedicine-experienced physicians was 2.59 times higher than that of telemedicine-inexperienced physicians. @*Conclusion@#Telemedicine-inexperienced physicians were more acceptable to telemedicine as a medical system than telemedicine-inexperienced physicians. Physicians with experience in telemedicine suggested that telemedicine should be allowed to returning patients only and might be allowed to first-time patients only under specific situations.

Case of Pseudomembranous Colitis Caused by a Clostridioides difficile Infection Concomitant with Cytomegalovirus colitis Mimicking Ischemic Colitis / 대한소화기학회지

A Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the major nosocomial diarrheal diseases. Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is a characteristic endoscopic finding of CDI, manifested by white or yellowish plaque covering the colonic mucosa. Ischemic colitis is inflammation of the colon manifested by mucosal denudation and friability. Ischemic colitis is rarely associated with CDI. The treatment response might be delayed when CDI is complicated with other diseases that cause diarrhea. Thus far, reports of CDI concomitant with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis are rare. This paper reports a case of PMC and ischemic colitis associated with CDI and CMV infection. After two weeks of oral vancomycin and intravenous metronidazole, the patient’s diarrhea was not improved. Follow-up sigmoidoscopy was performed, and a CMV infection was identified at areas of broad ulceration where ischemic colitis occurred.Finally, the patient was cured with ganciclovir. Follow-up sigmoidoscopy showed an improvement in ischemic colitis.

Influencing Factors on the Needs for Hospice Palliative Care among Caregivers of Patients with Cancer

Purpose@#The objectives of this study were to describe the needs and knowledge for hospice palliative care, to identify the caregiving burden among cancer caregivers, and to determine factors that influence the needs for hospice palliative care. @*Methods@#This study was designed with a descriptive correlation study with structured questionnaires. Data were collected from 162 caregivers of patients with cancer from September 2018 to March 2019 in a university-affiliated hospital in Seoul, Korea. Cancer patients’ needs, knowledge of hospice palliative care, and caregiving burden were measured. Data analysis was performed with descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression using the SPSS/WIN 25.0 program. @*Results@#The mean needs score was 90.32±17.12, the correct answers rate of knowledge items was 47.5%, and the mean score of caregiving burden was 32.53±13.94. In the regression model, knowledge, caregiving burden, age, and relationship with the patient were identified as the influencing factors of the needs of caregivers (F=6.98, p<. 001) and showed a variance of 16%. @*Conclusion@#This study highlights the unmet needs for early palliative care. Policies and social support should be established to alleviate the caregiving burden, enhance knowledge, and reduce the need for hospice palliative care. These factors are essential not only for caregivers but also for patients with cancer.

Psychometric Properties of the Korean Version of Self-Efficacy for HIV Disease Management Skills

Purpose@#This study evaluated the validity and reliability of Shively and colleagues’ self-efficacy for HIV disease management skills (HIVSE) among Korean participants. @*Methods@#The original HIV-SE questionnaire, comprising 34 items, was translated into Korean using a translation and back-translation process. To enhance clarity and eliminate redundancy, the author and expert committee engaged in multiple discussions and integrated two items with similar meanings into a single item. Further, four HIV nurse experts tested content validity. Survey data were collected from 227 individuals diagnosed with HIV from five Korean hospitals. Construct validity was verified through confirmatory factor analysis. Criterion validity was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficients with the new general self-efficacy scale. Internal consistency reliability and test-retest were examined for reliability. @*Results@#The Korean version of HIV-SE (K-HIV-SE) comprises 33 items across six domains: “managing depression/mood,” “managing medications,” “managing symptoms,” “communicating with a healthcare provider,” “getting support/help,” and “managing fatigue.” The fitness of the modified model was acceptable (minimum value of the discrepancy function/degree of freedom = 2.49, root mean square error of approximation = .08, goodnessof-fit index = .76, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = .71, Tucker-Lewis index = .84, and comparative fit index = .86). The internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α = .91) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .73) were good. The criterion validity of the K-HIV-SE was .59 (p < .001). @*Conclusion@#This study suggests that the K-HIV-SE is useful for efficiently assessing self-efficacy for HIV disease management.

Validation of the Korean Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire

Background@#Measuring accurate and reliable scores of quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is important in both decision-making and treatment planning for the disease. Questionnaire, The ankylosing spondylitis quality of life (ASQoL), is one of the representative tools for assessing how seriously AS patients view their disease severity, activity, as well as their overall health. To make these types of questionnaires readable and understandable, local language translation of surveys should be required. A Korean version of the ASQoL questionnaire has accordingly been developed. This study assessed the Korean version of the ASQoL survey to evaluate the reliability and validity of it. @*Methods@#Translation and reverse translation of the English ASQoL survey were conducted. A total of 120 consecutive AS patients received a mail including the Korean-translated 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), the ASQoL survey, and the visual analog scale (pain). The coefficient of intraclass correlation and Cronbach’s alpha were computed, and factor analysis, as well as reliability assessments utilizing the kappa agreement statistics for each item, was undertaken. By analyzing the responses to SF-36 and ASQoL questionnaire utilizing Pearson’s correlation coefficient, construct validity was calculated. @*Results@#Factor analysis was performed regarding pain, physical function, and mental function. The kappa statistic of agreement was larger than 0.6 for all items. The ASQoL questionnaire had adequate test and re-test reliability (0.814). Furthermore, Cronbach’s α, the internal consistency, was very good (0.877). The Korean-translated ASQoL questionnaire demonstrated a significantly strong correlation between the single domain and total SF-36 scores. @*Conclusions@#The Korean version of the ASQoL questionnaire showed acceptable properties of measurement and successful translation. Thus, it can be said that the questionnaire is appropriate for evaluating the outcomes of Korean patients with AS.

Analysis of prognostic factors for postoperative complications and mortality in elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery for intestinal perforation or irreversible intestinal ischemia

Purpose@#Because the global geriatric population continues to increase, the assessment of emergency surgical outcomes in elderly patients with acute peritonitis will become more important. @*Methods@#A retrospective review was conducted on the data of 174 elderly patients who underwent emergency surgery for intestinal perforation or intestinal infarction between June 2010 and November 2022. We conducted an analysis of the risk factors associated with postoperative complications and mortality by evaluating the characteristics of patients and their surgical outcomes. @*Results@#In our study, most patients (94.3%) had preexisting comorbidities, and many patients (84.5%) required transfer to the intensive care unit following emergency surgery. Postoperative complications were observed in 84 individuals (48.3%), with postoperative mortality occurring in 29 (16.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed preoperative acute renal injury, hypoalbuminemia, and postoperative ventilator support as significant predictors of postoperative mortality. @*Conclusion@#When elderly patients undergo emergency surgery for intestinal perforation or infarction, it is important to recognize that those with preoperative acute renal injury, hypoalbuminemia, and a need for postoperative ventilator support have a poor prognosis. Therefore, these patients require intensive care from the early stages of treatment.

Establishment of withdrawal time and analysis of tiamulin residue in tissues of orally dosed broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate tiamulin (TML) residues in the edible tissues of orally dosed broiler chickens and to re-establish the withdrawal time (WT). Thirty-six healthy Ross broiler chickens were administered 0.5 (TML-1) and 2.5 kg (TML-2) per ton feed, respectively, of the drug containing TML 78 g/kg for 10 days. Twenty-four tissue samples were collected from 6 chickens in each of the TML-1 and TML-2 groups on 0, 1, 3, and 5 days after drug administration, respectively. The residual concentrations of TML were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The correlation coefficient of the calibration curves was 0.9978 to 0.9998, and the limits of detection and the limits of quantification (LOQ) were in the range of 0.03 to 0.06, and 0.1 to 0.2 µg/kg, respectively. Recoveries ranged between 89.0% to 116.7%, and the coefficients of variation were less than 13.9%. After the drug administration, TML in the TML-1 and TML-2 groups was detected above the LOQ in 1 and 6 samples of liver, respectively, at day 0, and in 1 liver sample from both groups on day one. At 3 days after administration, TML was detected below the LOQ in all samples of TML-1 and TML-2. The calculated WT of TML in both TML-1 and TML-2 using the WT calculation program WT 1.4 was 0 days. In conclusion, the developed analytical method is suitable for detection, and the calculated WT of TML in poultry edible tissues is shorter than the current recommended WT of 7 days for TML in broiler chickens.

Diagnosing Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Using Color Fundus Photography, Optical Coherence Tomography, and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Purpose@#To compare the diagnostic accuracy of differentiating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) from exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), using color fundus photography (CFP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and swept-source OCT angiography (SS-OCTA) without using indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). @*Methods@#Treatment-naive eyes with exudative AMD that underwent CFP, OCT, SS-OCTA, and ICGA imaging before treatment were identified. Images of each patient were categorized into two sets (set A, CFP + OCT; set B, CFP + SS-OCTA). In set B, both the en face and cross-sectional B scans were analyzed. Each set was reviewed by two graders, and it was determined whether the presumed diagnosis was PCV. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the diagnosis of PCV were assessed for each set by comparing diagnoses that included ICGA. The number of polypoidal lesions in each set was calculated and compared to ICGA. @*Results@#A total of 94 eyes from 94 patients with AMD were included in the study, of which 66.0% were male, and the mean age was 71.8 ± 9.0 years. The PCV diagnosis rate using ICGA was 45.7%. The sensitivity was 0.88 for set A and 0.93 for set B, while the specificity was 0.94 for set A and 0.96 for set B. The AUC was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83–0.97) for set A and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.90–1.00) for set B. Set A detected 1.28 ± 0.91 polypoidal lesions, while set B detected 1.47 ± 1.01; ICGA showed 1.51 ± 0.86. @*Conclusions@#This study highlights that, without using ICGA, both CFP combined with OCT and CFP combined with SS-OCTA demonstrate high sensitivity, specificity, and AUC in diagnosing PCV. It is evident that SS-OCTA contributes to enhancing sensitivity, specificity, and AUC for PCV diagnosis.

Relationships between Clinical Status and Gait Parameters in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Background@#This study aimed to identify the relationship between gait parameters and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). @*Methods@#The study group comprised 134 patients with AS and 124 patients were enrolled as controls. All study participants underwent instrumented gait analysis and completed clinical questionnaires. The kinematic parameters of gait were walking speed, step length, cadence, stance phase, single support, double support, phase coordination index (PCI), and gait asymmetry (GA). For each patient, a visual analog scale (VAS; 0–10) score was used to assess back pain, 36-item short form survey (SF-36) questionnaire was administered to evaluate the HRQOL, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) was calculated.Using kinematic parameters and questionnaires, statistical analyses were done to investigate significant differences between the groups. Relationship of gait kinematic data and questionnaires of clinical outcome was also evaluated. @*Results@#Among the 134 patients with AS, 34 were women and 100 were men. In the control group, 26 were women and 98 were men. The patients with AS and control group patients had significant differences in terms of walking speed, step length, single support, PCI, and GA. However, such differences were not observed in cadence, stance phase, and double support (p > 0.05). In correlation analyses, gait kinematic parameters and clinical outcomes were significantly related with each other. In multiple regression analysis performed to identify predictive factors for clinical outcome, walking speed was found to predict VAS, and walking speed and step length were found to predict the BASDAI and SF-36 scores. @*Conclusions@#Patients with and without AS had significant differences in the gait parameters. Correlation analysis showed significant correlation between the gait kinematic data and clinical outcomes. In particular, walking speed and step length successfully predicted clinical outcomes in patients with AS.

Comparison of Korean Body Image Questionnaires in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Methods@#Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients ages 10 to 19 years completed the Korean version of the Quality of Life Profile for Spinal Deformities (K-QLPSD), the Scoliosis Research Society-22 self-image subscale (K-SRS-22-si), Korean version of the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (K-SAQ), Korean version of the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire-Scoliosis (K-BIDQ-S), and Korean version of the Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life (K-ISYQOL). Four body image questionnaires were compared with K-ISYQOL and radiographic major curve magnitude, coronal balance, and sagittal balance. Spearman’s correlation was performed to compare the four body image questionnaires. @*Results@#The study included 84 AIS patients, with a mean age of 12.6 years and a major Cobb angle of 29.4°. The four surveys were correlated with major curve magnitude and K-ISYQOL. K-SAQ and K-BIDQ-S were correlated better than K-QLPSD, and K-SRS-22-si was correlated with K-ISYQOL. The four surveys were moderately correlated with major curve magnitude, but there was no correlation with age, coronal balance, and sagittal balance. @*Conclusions@#K-SAQ and K-BIDQ-S correlate better with K-ISYQOL than K-QLPSD and K-SRS-22-si.

Revealing Joseon period People’s single nucleotide polymorphism associated with lactase gene by ancient DNA analysis of human remains from archaeological sites in Korea / 대한해부학회지

Lactase non-persistence (LNP), one of the causes of lactose intolerance, is related to lactase gene associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Since the frequency of LNP varies by ethnic group and country, the research to reveal the presence or absence of LNP for specific people has been conducted worldwide. However, in East Asia, the study of lactase gene associated SNPs have not been sufficiently examined so far using ancient human specimens from archaeological sites. In our study of Joseon period human remains (n=14), we successfully revealed genetic information of lactase gene associated SNPs (rs1679771596, rs41525747, rs4988236, rs4988235, rs41380347, rs869051967, rs145946881 and rs182549), further confirming that as for eight SNPs, the pre-modern Korean people had a lactase non-persistent genotype. Our report contributes to the establishment of LNP associated SNP analysis technique that can be useful in forthcoming studies on human bones and mummy samples from East Asian archaeological sites.