Pharmacological inhibition of p300 ameliorates steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

The histone acetyltransferase p300 plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression and cellular phenotype through epigenetic mechanisms. It significantly influences lipid metabolism, which is a key factor in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), by modulating the transcription of genes involved in lipid synthesis and accumulation. This study aimed to investigate the protective potential of inhibiting p300 in NASH. Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 4 weeks to induce NASH, and during this period, the p300 inhibitor C646 (10 mg/kg) was administered three times a week. C646 treatment reduced the elevation of p300 expression and histone H3 acetylation, leading to a decrease in liver injury markers in the serum and an improvement in the histological abnormalities observed in MCD diet-fed mice. C646 also reduced lipid accumulation by modulating de novo lipogenesis and suppressed inflammation, including cytokine overproduction and macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, C646 mitigated liver fibrosis and myofibroblast accumulation. This protective effect was achieved through the inhibition of apoptosis by reducing p53 and Bax expression and the suppression of ferroptosis by decreasing lipid peroxidation while enhancing antioxidant defenses. Additionally, C646 alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress, as evidenced by the downregulation of unfolded protein response signaling molecules. These results highlight the potential of p300 as a therapeutic target for NASH.

Differences in patient-reported and clinical characteristics by age group in adults with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The global burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is growing, and the age of onset is widening, resulting in increasing numbers of young adults and elderly patients with T2D. Age-specific diabetes care needs have yet to be fully explored. AIMS: This study examined (1) differences in patient-reported and clinical characteristics by age group and (2) the effect of age on two proxy measures assessing psychological health and self-care adherence after adjusting for potential mediators. METHODS: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were recruited from a university hospital in Korea between 2019 and 2020. Participants were divided into four groups based on years of age (40s and younger group [n = 27]; 50s group [n = 47]; 60s group [n = 54]; and 70s and older group [n = 48]) to compare patient-reported and clinical characteristics. Chi-square tests, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and logistic regression analysis were performed to assess group differences and effect of age on psychological health and self-care adherence. RESULTS: Of 178 participants, two-thirds were men (n = 114; 64.41%). The mean ages in the 40s and younger, 50s, 60s, and 70s and older groups were 39.4, 54.7, 63.9, and 76.0 years, respectively. There were significant differences in patient-reported and clinical characteristics by age group. The youngest group reported the poorest psychological health and self-care behaviors. Although the oldest group showed the poorest physical functioning, this group also showed the highest self-care adherence and the best psychological health. Regarding clinical characteristics, traditional diabetes-related blood test results showed no significant group differences. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Age-specific diabetes care needs were identified in adults with T2D. Interventions to improve psychological health and priming effects of behavioral adherence need to be developed. Furthermore, meticulous investigation to detect potential complications early is essential in adults with T2D.

Effects of Poly-L-Lactic Acid on Adipogenesis and Collagen Gene Expression in Cultured Adipocytes Irradiated with Ultraviolet B Rays.

BACKGROUND: Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer, has been safely used in several clinical applications. Recently, PLLA has been widely used in the field of dermatology to treat wrinkles in aging skin. Reportedly, PLLA directly acts on dermal fibroblasts causing a significant increase in the expression of type I collagen. However, little is known about the effect of PLLA on adipocytes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the effect of PLLA on adipocytes and examine its potential in treating deep wrinkles engendered by the loss of subcutaneous fat because of aging and photoaging. METHODS: To elucidate the effect of PLLA on skin photoaging, cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes were irradiated with ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Oil red O staining was used to detect lipid accumulation in the adipocytes. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to detect types IV and VI collagen mRNA and protein levels, respectively, under different conditions. RESULTS: The differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells enhanced adipogenesis and the expression of types IV and VI collagens, both of which were inhibited by UVB irradiation. Following this irradiation, PLLA stimulated adipogenesis and the expression of types IV and VI collagens. CONCLUSION: PLLA may provide the beneficial effect on adipocytes from the aspect of adipogenesis and collagen expression in the subcutaneous adipose tissues.

Comparisons of Psycho-Behavioral Factors, Body Composition, and Clinical Outcomes in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes by Perceived Hypoglycemia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine the associations between perceived hypoglycemia and psycho-behavioral and clinical factors in persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: Adults with T2D were recruited from outpatient clinics in a university hospital in Korea. Sociodemographics, psycho-behavioral and clinical factors, and body composition were assessed. The participants were divided into 2 groups reporting perceived hypoglycemia or not in the previous month based on an item of the Control Problem Scale. Group differences were compared at α = .05 using SPSS (version 26.0). RESULTS: Of 177 participants, approximately one-third (n = 67) perceived hypoglycemia. The hypoglycemia group reported poor health-related quality of life, frequent blood monitoring and foot care, and sleep difficulties. However, no differences between groups were identified for diet, exercise, or glycosylated hemoglobin. The hypoglycemia group had a lower body mass index and a trend toward a lower skeletal muscle mass and fat free mass. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived hypoglycemia was associated with psycho-behavioral factors and body composition. Importantly, some persons on oral antidiabetic medications that do not cause hypoglycemia still perceived hypoglycemia. Further investigation is warranted to examine the efficacy of strategies to minimize hypoglycemia and inappropriate fear of hypoglycemia. In addition, clinicians should be aware of the potential risk of hypoglycemia in persons with lower muscle mass.

Effects of Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Telomere Length by Age and Obesity.

Background: This study investigates differences in telomere length according to obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and fitness level in South Korean males. Methods: The subjects of this study were males in their 10s to 50s (n=249). We measured obesity indices, CVD risk factors, leukocyte telomere length (LTL), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Correlation and regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. Results: Measurement of participants' obesity indices, CVD risk factors, and maximum oxygen intake and analyzing their correlations with LTL revealed that LTL and CRF decreased with age and the levels and numbers of obesity indices and CVD risk factors increased. The LTL showed differences according to whether subjects exhibited obesity or dyslipidemia and by CRF level. When all the variables that influence the LTL were adjusted, the LTL became shorter as the age and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level increased, and it became longer as the maximum rate of oxygen utilization (VO2max) increased. When the age and CVD risk factors that influence the LTL were adjusted according to obesity and CRF for the obese group, the LTL became shorter as the age and LDL-C level increased (P<0.01), and it became longer as VO2max increased (P<0.01). Conclusion: We found that obesity influenced the LTL by increasing the levels of CVD risk factors and decreasing CRF, whereas maintaining high CRF could alleviate the effects of obesity and CVD risk factors according to age while maintaining and influencing the elongation of LTL.

In situ reversible tuning of chemical interface damping in mesoporous silica-coated gold nanorods via direct adsorption and removal of thiol.

Chemical interface damping (CID) is a recently proposed plasmon decay channel in gold nanoparticles. However, thus far, a very limited number of studies have focused on controlling CID in single gold nanoparticles. Herein, we describe a new simple method for reversible tuning of CID in single gold nanorods coated with a mesoporous silica shell (AuNRs@mSiO2). We used 1-alkanethiols with two different carbon chain lengths (1-butanethiol and 1-decanethiol) as adsorbates to induce CID. In addition, NaBH4 solution was used to remove the attached thiol from the AuNR surface. We confirmed the adsorption and removal of 1-alkanethiols on single AuNRs@mSiO2 and the corresponding changes in localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak wavelengths and linewidths. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of immersion time in NaBH4 solution on thiol removal from AuNRs@mSiO2. Therefore, the LSPR properties and CID can be controlled, thereby paving the way for in situ reversible tuning of CID by repeated adsorption and desorption of thiol molecules on single AuNRs@mSiO2.

Culturing characteristics of Hanwoo myosatellite cells and C2C12 cells incubated at 37°C and 39°C for cultured meat.

To improve culture efficiency of Hanwoo myosatellite cells, these cells were cultured at different temperatures. Hanwoo myosatellite cells were compared with C2C12 cells to observe proliferation and differentiation at culture temperatures of 37°C and 39°C and determine the possibility of using them as cultured meat. Immunofluorescence staining using Pax7 and Hoechst, both cells cultured at 37°C proliferated better than cultured at 39°C (p < 0.05). When differentiated cells were stained with myosin and Hoechst, there was no significant difference in myotube thickness and Fusion index (p > 0.05). In Western blotting analysis, Hanwoo myosatellite cells were no significant difference in the expression of myosin between cells differentiated at the two temperatures (p > 0.05). C2C12 cells were no significant difference in the expression of myosin between cells differentiated at the two temperatures (p > 0.05). In reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis, Hanwoo myosatellite cells cultured at 39°C had significantly (p < 0.05) higher expression levels of MyHC, MYF6, and MB than those cultured at 37°C. C2C12 cells cultured at 39°C showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher expression levels of MYOG and MB than those cultured at 37°C. To increase culture efficiency of Hanwoo myosatellite cells, proliferating at 37°C and differentiating at 39°C are appropriate. Since results of temperature differences of Hanwoo myosatellite cells were similar to those of C2C12 cells, they could be used as a reference for producing cultured meat using Hanwoo satellite cells.

Impact of Sarcopenia on Percutaneous Epidural Balloon Neuroplasty in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background and Objectives: With the aging population, the incidence of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is increasing. Sarcopenia is an age-related muscular decrease. Although epidural balloon neuroplasty is effective in patients with LSS refractory to conventional treatments, its effect has not been assessed in patients with sarcopenia. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of epidural balloon neuroplasty in patients with LSS and sarcopenia. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the following details from the electronic medical records: patient characteristics, including sex, age, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, stenosis grading, pain duration, location, pain intensity, and medications. Back and leg pain intensity was evaluated before and after the procedure at one, three, and six months during the follow-up period. A generalized estimating equations model was used at six months follow-up. Patients were divided into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups using the cross-sectional area of the psoas muscle at the level of L3 on magnetic resonance imaging. Results: A total of 477 patients were included (sarcopenia group: 314 patients, 65.8%; non-sarcopenia group: 163 patients, 34.2%). Age, sex, body mass index, and medication quantification scale III were statistically different between both groups. The generalized estimating equations analyses-with unadjusted and adjusted estimation-revealed a significantly reduced pain intensity after the procedure compared to the baseline in both groups. The difference in pain intensity between both groups was not statistically different. Conclusions: Percutaneous epidural balloon neuroplasty may be considered for patients with chronic lumbar LSS regardless of accompanying sarcopenia.

The Relationship between Dietary Na/K Ratio and Bone Mineral Density in Korean Middle-Aged Women.

BACKGROUND: Dietary Na+ or Na+/K+ ratio has been reported to be associated with bone mineral density (BMD). However, this remains unclear, and only a few studies have been reported on the Korean population. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between dietary Na+, K+, and Na+/K+ ratios and BMD in middle-aged Korean women. METHODS: This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2011. A total of 3,690 women aged >50 years were included. Study participants were classified into quartiles (lowest quartile Q1-highest quartile Q4) according to dietary Na+, K+, and Na+/K+ ratio, and we examined the association of these parameters with BMD. Total femur and lumbar spine BMD were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS ver. 19.0. RESULTS: The mean age was 62 years, and a significant negative trend in the ß-coefficient regarding dietary Na+ was only observed in the total femur BMD. However, the total femur and lumbar spine BMD decreased from Q1 to Q4 regarding the dietary Na+/K+ ratio (P-value for trend: 0.044 for total femur BMD and 0.002 for lumbar spine BMD). CONCLUSION: A significant negative trend in the ß-coefficient for both total femur and lumbar spine BMD was observed regarding the Na+/K+ ratio. Therefore, based on the results of this study, a higher dietary Na+/K+ ratio may be associated with a lower BMD.

Assessment of Nutritional Adequacy of Gimbap Sold in Convenience Stores Focused on Protein and Mineral Content

This study examined the nutritional information using the nutrition labels of gimbap sold at convenience stores and evaluated nutritional adequacy compared to dietary reference intakes for Korean adolescents. Thirty gimbaps (triangular gimbaps and regular gimbaps according to the main ingredients of vegetables, fish, and meat) were purchased at five convenience stores of different brands with many stores in Korea. The food and nutrition labels of the gimbaps were investigated, and nine minerals were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The average price of gimbap was 1,906.7 won, and average energy was 292.0 kcal, and the protein content was 15.5% of the recommended intake for Korean male adolescents aged 15∼18 years. The mineral content ranged from 6.9% for zinc to 39.0% for selenium. Except for sodium and selenium, the energy, protein, and mineral content did not meet 1/3 of dietary reference intakes for adolescents. For the index of nutritional quality (INQ), calcium and zinc were the lowest in the triangular and regular gimbap, respectively. The INQ of potassium was significantly higher in triangular gimbap with vegetables. The content and INQ of selenium were in regular gimbap with fish, and the zinc INQ was in regular gimbap with meat. Overall, gimbap sold in convenience stores has a high sodium content, and the contents of energy, protein, and minerals, except selenium, are insufficient for a single meal.

The Relationship between Dietary Na/K Ratio and Bone Mineral Density in Korean Middle-Aged Women / 가정의학회지

Background@#Dietary Na+ or Na+/K+ ratio has been reported to be associated with bone mineral density (BMD). However, this remains unclear, and only a few studies have been reported on the Korean population. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between dietary Na+, K+, and Na+/K+ ratios and BMD in middle-aged Korean women. @*Methods@#This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2011. A total of 3,690 women aged >50 years were included. Study participants were classified into quartiles (lowest quartile Q1–highest quartile Q4) according to dietary Na+, K+, and Na+/K+ ratio, and we examined the association of these parameters with BMD. Total femur and lumbar spine BMD were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS ver. 19.0. @*Results@#The mean age was 62 years, and a significant negative trend in the β-coefficient regarding dietary Na+ was only observed in the total femur BMD. However, the total femur and lumbar spine BMD decreased from Q1 to Q4 regarding the dietary Na+/K+ ratio (P-value for trend: 0.044 for total femur BMD and 0.002 for lumbar spine BMD). @*Conclusion@#A significant negative trend in the β-coefficient for both total femur and lumbar spine BMD was observed regarding the Na+/K+ ratio. Therefore, based on the results of this study, a higher dietary Na+/K+ ratio may be associated with a lower BMD.

Brassinosteroid biosynthesis gene OsD2 is associated with low-temperature germinability in rice.

In rice, low-temperature germinability (LTG) is essential for stable stand establishment using the direct seeding method in temperate and high-altitude areas. Previously, we reported that the quantitative trait locus qLTG1 is associated with LTG. qLTG1 is also associated with tolerance to several abiotic stresses, such as salt and osmotic conditions. In this study, map-based cloning and sequence analysis indicated that qLTG1 is allelic to DWARF2 (OsD2), which encodes cytochrome P450 D2 (LOC_Os01g10040) involved in brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis. Sequence comparison of the two parental lines, Hwaseong and Oryza rufipogon (IRGC 105491), revealed five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region. Three of these SNPs led to missense mutations in OsD2, whereas the other two SNPs were synonymous. We evaluated two T-DNA insertion mutants, viz., overexpression (OsD2-OE) and knockdown (OsD2-KD) mutants of OsD2, with the Dongjin genetic background. OsD2-KD plants showed a decrease in LTG and grain size. In contrast, OsD2-OE plants showed an increase in grain size and LTG. We also examined the expression levels of several BR signaling and biosynthetic genes using the T-DNA insertion mutants. Gene expression analysis and BR application experiments demonstrated that BR enhanced the seed germination rate under low-temperature conditions. These results suggest that OsD2 is associated with the regulation of LTG and improving grain size. Thus, OsD2 may be a suitable target for rice breeding programs to improve rice yield and LTG.

Association of Handgrip Strength in Various Disabilities in Korean Adults over 50 Years Old: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

Several studies have shown an association between low hand grip strength (HGS) and functional limitations. This study aims to elucidate the association between HGS and functional limitations. We used the nationwide health examination data and included 13,517 Korean adults that were aged ≥ 50 years. We measured HGS using digital dynamometer and the maximum value of the dominant hand was divided into quartiles for the analysis. Functional limitations were assessed by using self-administered questionnaires. We categorized the 24 reported causes of functional limitations into musculoskeletal, cardiometabolic, neuropsychiatric, cancers, and others. In multiple regression analysis, the functional limitations tended to increase as HGS was lowered in both sexes. When analyzing according to the reasons of functional limitations, the ORs for functional limitations due to cardiometabolic problem tended to increase as the HGS decreased in men (p for trend = 0.039). Similar trends were observed in neuropsychiatric problem in women (p for trend = 0.002) and other problems in both men and women (p for trend = 0.014 in men, p for trend = 0.004 in women). No significant trends were observed for musculoskeletal problems and cancer in both men and women. The functional limitations were inversely associated with HGS, which were inconsistent according to different etiologies of functional limitations.

Evaluation of a Follow-Up Health Consultation Program for Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Korea: Using the Context-Input-Process-Product Model.

Beyond physical pain, patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience psychological anxiety during and after quarantine, often facing negative perceptions when returning to their communities. This study evaluated a health consultation program in Korea for post-quarantine patients with COVID-19, designed to help them return to their communities. The program was conducted from 9 March to 5 June 2020, in Daegu, Korea. In total, 20 doctors and 504 recovered patients were surveyed via questionnaire. The survey, comprising open-ended questions rated on a five-point Likert scale, was based on the Context-Input-Process-Product program evaluation model. Reliability was assessed, and descriptive statistics were obtained. A regression analysis was performed on factors affecting product (output) areas. As a main result, both doctors and recovered patients evaluated the program positively. The mean program effectiveness score was 4.00 in the doctors' evaluations and 3.95 in the patients' evaluations. Moreover, the input and process variables affected the product. This first-of-its-kind health consultation program proved to be an effective practical intervention for patients returning to the community after an infectious disease; it also highlights aspects that could increase satisfaction in systemized subsequent programs, with input and process areas for patients and doctors.

Moderate-Intensity Exercise Preserves Bone Mineral Density and Improves Femoral Trabecular Bone Microarchitecture in Middle-Aged Mice.

BACKGROUND: Aging leads to significant bone loss and elevated osteoporosis risk. Exercise slows age-related bone loss; however, the effects of various moderate-intensity exercise training volumes on bone metabolism remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the degree to which different volumes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training influence bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), femoral trabecular bone microarchitecture, and cortical bone in middle-aged mice. METHODS: Twenty middle-aged male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned 8 weeks of either (1) non-exercise (CON); (2) moderate-intensity with high-volume exercise (EX_MHV); or (3) moderate-intensity with low-volume exercise (EX_MLV) (N=6-7, respectively). Femoral BMD and BMC were evaluated using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and trabecular and cortical bone were measured using micro-computed tomography. RESULTS: Femoral BMD in EX_MHV but not EX_MLV was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in CON. The distal femoral fractional trabecular bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV, %) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in both EX_MHV and EX_MLV than in CON mice. Increased BV/TV was induced by significantly increased trabecular thickness (mm) and tended to be higher (P<0.10) in BV (mm3) and lower in trabecular separation (mm) in EX_MHV and EX_MLV than in CON. The femoral mid-diaphysis cortical bone was stronger in EX_MLV than EX_MHV. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term moderate-intensity aerobic exercise with low to high volumes can be thought to have a positive effect on hindlimb BMD and attenuate age-associated trabecular bone loss in the femur. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may be an effective and applicable exercise regimen to prevent age-related loss of BMD and BV.

Enhanced refractive index sensitivity of localized surface plasmon resonance inflection points in single hollow gold nanospheres with inner cavity.

Hollow gold nanoparticles have great potential for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing. In this study, we investigated the refractive index (RI) sensitivities of single hollow gold nanosphere (HAuNS) with thin Au shell and inner cavity and single solid gold nanosphere (AuNS) in media with different RIs. The HAuNS exhibited a remarkable improvement in the RI sensitivity than the AuNS of similar size. The increased RI sensitivity of HAuNSs was ascribed to plasmon coupling between the inner and outer surface of the Au nanoshell. We then investigated the homogeneous LSPR scattering inflection points (IFs) to better understand the RI sensitivity of single HAuNS. The LSPR IF at the long wavelength side exhibited a better RI sensitivity compared to the wavelength shift of its counterpart LSPR maximum peak. Furthermore, the single HAuNS showed a remarkable improvement in the RI sensitivity at the LSPR IFs when compared to the AuNS of similar size. Therefore, we provided a new insight into the effect of inner cavity of HAuNS on the RI sensitivity of homogeneous LSPR IFs for use in LSPR-based biosensors.

Effect of Addition of Fermented Soy Sauce on Quality Characteristics of Pork Patties during Refrigerated Storage.

This study aimed to determine whether fermented soy sauce has a mutually synergistic effect on the quality and storage properties of pork patties, and to investigate the effects on the availability and physicochemical properties of various taste ingredients of soy sauce, a traditional Korean food ingredient. The experimental groups were as follows: Control (-): No additives; Control (+): 0.1% ascorbic acid; T1: 1% fermented soy sauce; T2: 3% fermented soy sauce; T3: 5% fermented soy sauce. No significant difference was detected in moisture, protein, and fat among the various treatment groups; however, ash content and water holding capacity increased and texture properties improved with the concentration of fermented soy sauce. The addition of fermented soy sauce during refrigerated storage for 10 days showed a positive effect on the storage properties. The peroxide value, content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and total phenolics, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity differed significantly in pork patties with different treatments and storage intervals. The effect of fermented soy sauce on the overall quality and storage properties of pork patties during refrigerated storage is relatively unknown. These findings demonstrate that the addition of fermented soy sauce improves the quality properties and antioxidant activity of pork patties.

Neurology residents' education in functional seizures.

We report a survey of neurology residency program directors (PDs) and recent neurology residency graduates about the education provided during residency on functional seizures (FS), a subtype of functional neurological disorder (FND). The purpose of our study was to assess the education gap for neurology residents about FS since patients with FS are frequently seen by neurologists, who typically conduct the evaluation and share the findings with the patient. A survey was sent to 93 Neurology residency program directors and 71 recent graduates. We obtained a low response rate of 17%. Results of the survey revealed that the most frequent settings for education on FS were within a clinical rotation in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (68.8% of PDs and 88.7% of recent graduate respondents) and via a single didactic lecture (81.3% of PDs and 80.3% of recent graduate respondents). The majority of programs did not provide a curriculum for training and feedback on best practices in communicating the diagnosis or on evidence-based treatments. Eighteen percent of neurology residents reported not learning how to communicate the diagnosis of FS to patients, while 77% responded that they were not taught about treatment. These results illustrate a curriculum gap in what neurology residents are taught about diagnosis and management of FS (and FND). We propose a standardized model that can be adapted in residencies.

Correlation between the Korean pork grade system and the amount of pork primal cut estimated with AutoFom III.

It is impossible to know the amount of pork primal cut by pig carcass grade which is determined only by carcass weight and backfat thickness in the Korean Pig Carcass System. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the pig carcass grade and the amount of pork primal cut estimated with AutoFom III. A total of 419,321 Landrace, Yorkshire, and Duroc (LYD) pigs were graded with the Korean Pig Carcass Grade System. Amounts of belly, neck, loin, tenderloin, spare ribs, shoulder, and ham were estimated with AutoFom III. Regression equations for seven primal cuts according to each grade were derived. There were significant differences among the three carcass grades due to heteroscedasticity variance (p < 0.0001). Three regression equations were derived from AutoFom III estimation of primal cuts according to carcass grades. The coefficient of determination of the regression equation was 0.941 for grade 1+, 0.982 for grade 1, and 0.993 for grade 2. Regression equations obtained from this study are suitable for AutoFom III software, a useful tool for the analysis of each pig carcass grade in the Korean Pig Carcass Grade System. The high reliability of predicting the amount of primal cut with AutoFom III is advantageous for the management of slaughterhouses to optimize their product sorting in Korea.

Comparing Perceptions, Determinants, and Needs of Patients, Family Members, Nurses, and Physicians When Making Life-Sustaining Treatment Decisions for Patients with Hematologic Malignancies.

Purpose: This descriptive study compared the perceptions, determinants, and needs of patients, family members, nurses, and physicians regarding life-sustaining treatment decisions for patients with hematologic malignancies in the hematology-oncology department of a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea. Methods: In total, 147 subjects were recruited, gave written consent, and provided data by completing a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, the chi-square test, and the Fisher exact test. Results: Nurses (F=3.35) and physicians (F=3.57) showed significantly greater familiarity with the Act on Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatment than patients (F=2.69) and family members (F=2.59); (F=19.58, P<0.001). Many respondents, including 19 (51.4%) family members, 16 (43.2%) physicians, and 11 (29.7%) nurses, agreed that the patient's opinion had the greatest effect when making life-sustaining treatment decisions. Twelve (33.3%) patients answered that mental, physical, and financial burdens were the most important factors in life-sustaining treatment decisions, and there was a significant difference among the four groups (P<0.001). Twenty-four patients (66.7%), 27 (73.0%) family members, and 21(56.8%) nurses answered that physicians were the most appropriate people to provide information regarding life-sustaining treatment decisions. Unexpectedly, 19 (51.4%) physicians answered that hospice nurse practitioners were the most appropriate people to talk to about life-sustaining treatment (P<0.001). Conclusion: It is of utmost importance that the patient and physician determine when life-sustaining treatment should be withdrawn, with the patient making the ultimate decision. Doctors and nurses have the responsibility to provide detailed information. The goal of end-of-life planning is to ensure patients' dignity and respect their values.