Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes in hospitalized adult patients infected with respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus.

BACKGROUND: Because patients infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been reported to be older than patients infected with influenza virus, the more frequent incidence of complications in RSV-infected patients may be age-related. This study compared clinical characteristics and outcomes in hospitalized adults infected with RSV with findings in age- and sex-matched adults infected with influenza virus. METHODS: The medical records of hospitalized adult patients infected with RSV or influenza virus at two university hospitals from 2013 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Virus infection was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Each RSV-infected patient was matched by age and sex with two influenza virus-infected patients, and their clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters and hospital courses were compared. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 552 patients, 184 infected with RSV and 368 infected with influenza virus. Fever (71.2% vs. 79.9%, p = .022) and cough (70.1% vs. 80.4%, p = .007) were significantly less frequent in the RSV than in the influenza group, whereas white blood cell counts (9132/mm3 vs. 7616/mm3, p < .001) and C-reactive protein concentrations (10.25 vs. 8.88 mg/dL, p = .029) were significantly higher in the RSV group. The frequency of oxygen therapy was higher (60.3% vs. 48.6%, p = .010) and hospital stay was longer (8 vs. 6 days, p = .003) in RSV than in influenza virus-infected patients. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical symptoms were less frequent, but disease was more severe, in hospitalized adult patients infected with RSV than in age- and sex-matched patients infected with influenza. Greater attention should be paid to diagnosing and preventing RSV infection in adults.

Innate immune signatures in the nasopharynx after SARS-CoV-2 infection and links with the clinical outcome of COVID-19 in Omicron-dominant period.

While severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is characterized by impaired induction of interferons (IFNs) and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), the IFNs and ISGs in upper airway is essential to restrict the spread of respiratory virus. Here, we identified the prominent IFN and ISG upregulation in the nasopharynx (NP) of mild and even severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients (CoV2+) in Omicron era and to compare their clinical outcome depending on the level of IFNs and ISGs. Whereas the induction of IFNB was minimal, transcription of IFNA, IFNG, and IFNLs was significantly increased in the NP of CoV2 + patients. IFNs and ISGs may be more upregulated in the NP of CoV2 + patients at early phases of infection according to viral RNA levels and this is observed even in severe cases. IFN-related innate immune response might be characteristic in macrophages and monocytes at the NP and the CoV2 + patients with higher transcription of IFNs and ISGs in the NP showed a correlation with good prognosis of COVID-19. This study presents that IFNs and ISGs may be upregulated in the NP, even in severe CoV2 + patients depending on viral replication during Omicron-dominant period and the unique IFN-responsiveness in the NP links with COVID-19 clinical outcomes.

Investigating viewer engagement in esports through motivation and attitudes toward metaverse and NFTs.

As the esports industry continues its rapid growth, new opportunities such as the metaverse and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are emerging, driven by the inherently digital nature of esports. To better understand viewer engagement in this evolving landscape, this study investigates viewer behavior in the context of watching esports. A survey was conducted on a sample of 312 esports viewers in South Korea, and the data was subsequently analyzed using structural equation modeling. The study's findings indicate that hedonic motivation is significantly correlated with attitudes toward esports and the utilization of esports in the metaverse. Furthermore, perceived enjoyment was found to significantly positively influence attitudes toward esports, the metaverse expansion of esports, and the use of esports via NFTs. Notably, attitudes toward esports showed a significant relationship with continuance intention. Both subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were also found to significantly influence continuance intention.

Risk of nosocomial coronavirus disease 2019: comparison between single- and multiple-occupancy rooms.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing controversy regarding whether single-occupancy rooms are superior to multiple-occupancy rooms in terms of infection prevention. We investigated whether treatment in a multiple-occupancy room is associated with an increased incidence of nosocomial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared with treatment in a single-occupancy room. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, every hospitalization period of adult patients aged ≥ 18 years at a tertiary hospital in Korea from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, was analyzed. If COVID-19 was diagnosed more than 5 days after hospitalization, the case was classified as nosocomial. We estimated the association between the number of patients per room and the risk of nosocomial COVID-19 using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: In total, 25,143 hospitalizations per room type were analyzed. The incidence rate of nosocomial COVID-19 increased according to the number of patients per room; it ranged from 3.05 to 38.64 cases per 10,000 patient-days between single- and 6-bed rooms, respectively. Additionally, the hazard ratios of nosocomial COVID-19 showed an increasing trend according to the number of patients per room, ranging from 0.14 (95% confidence interval 0.001-1.03) to 2.66 (95% confidence interval 1.60-4.85) between single- and 6-bed rooms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that the incidence of nosocomial COVID-19 increased according to the number of patients per room. To reduce nosocomial infections by respiratory viruses, the use of multiple-occupancy rooms should be minimized.

Clinicomicrobiological risk factors for infective endocarditis in viridans group streptococci bacteraemia.

BACKGROUND: When to perform echocardiography to rule out infective endocarditis (IE) in patients with viridans group streptococci (VGS) bloodstream infections (BSIs) is unclear. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify independent risk factors for IE in patients with VGS BSI. METHODS: This retrospective study conducted at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2013 to December 2022 involved patients with VGS and nutritionally variant streptococcal BSI, excluding single positive blood cultures and polymicrobial BSI cases. Independent risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression and sensitivity analyses according to echocardiography results, VGS species or the inclusion of possible IE cases. RESULTS: Of 845 VGS BSI cases, 349 were analysed and 86 IE cases were identified (24.6%). In the multivariate analysis, heart valve disease [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 14.14, 95% CI, 6.14-32.58; P < 0.001], persistent bacteraemia (aOR, 5.12, 95% CI, 2.03-12.94; P = 0.001), age (per year, aOR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1.00; P = 0.015), solid cancer (aOR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.13-0.53; P < 0.001) and haematologic malignancy (aOR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.41; P = 0.006) were independently associated with IE. Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results; also, infection by a member of the mitis group was independent risk factor for IE (aOR, 6.50; 95% CI, 2.87-14.68; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Younger age, heart valve disease, persistent bacteraemia, absence of underlying malignancy and BSI by a member of the mitis group were independent risk factors for IE in patients with VGS BSI. Echocardiographic evaluation could be prudently considered based on these clinicomicrobiological risk factors.

Virtual resonance: analyzing IPA usage intensity under COVID-19's isolating canopy.

The widespread adoption of smartphones coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence has significantly propelled the use of intelligent personal assistants (IPAs). These digital assistants have become indispensable for many users, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing coviance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) and analyzing data from 260 participants, this study explores the key factors influencing IPA usage intensity. Contrary to expectations, affective risk perception showed no significant impact on either IPA usage or parasocial interaction during the pandemic. In stark contrast, cabin fever syndrome significantly influenced both IPA usage and parasocial interaction, underscoring the role of environmental and psychological stressors in shaping technology use. Furthermore, loneliness was found to significantly enhance parasocial interaction with IPAs, though it did not affect usage intensity. The findings highlight a substantial connection between parasocial interaction and IPA usage intensity, suggesting that users who engage in human-like interactions with IPAs tend to use them more extensively. These insights not only deepen our understanding of how IPAs are utilized during health crises but also point to potential directions for developing IPAs that are more responsive to users' emotional and social needs.

Impacts of noise-induced hearing loss on sleep, health, and workplace: Multi-group analysis.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant occupational health concern, particularly in industries with high levels of noise exposure. This study examines the effects of NIHL on sleep quality, daily life health conditions, and workplace health problems among workers. A total of 1285 workers participated in the study, and the data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the impacts of NIHL. The analysis included a multi-group analysis to differentiate the effects between workers who wear noise protection and those who do not. Our findings indicate that NIHL significantly affects sleep quality, with a coefficient of 0.263 (t = 9.957, p<0.001), daily life health conditions with a coefficient of 0.296 (t = 10.793, p<0.001), and workplace health problems with a coefficient of 0.345 (t = 13.814, p<0.001). The multi-group analysis revealed more severe impacts on sleep and health in the non-wearing group compared to the noise-protection-wearing group, with statistically significant differences in path coefficients for sleep disorders (-0.033), health problems in daily life (-0.184), and health problems in the workplace (-0.190), all showing p-values of 0.000. These results underscore the detrimental effects of NIHL on multiple aspects of workers' health and emphasize the importance of wearing noise protection to mitigate these effects. This study provides vital insights for both researchers and practitioners in public health, suggesting that improved noise protection strategies are essential for protecting workers in noisy environments.

Effects of ChatGPT's AI capabilities and human-like traits on spreading information in work environments.

The rapid proliferation and integration of AI chatbots in office environments, specifically the advanced AI model ChatGPT, prompts an examination of how its features and updates impact knowledge processes, satisfaction, and word-of-mouth (WOM) among office workers. This study investigates the determinants of WOM among office workers who are users of ChatGPT. We adopted a quantitative approach, utilizing a stratified random sampling technique to collect data from a diverse group of office workers experienced in using ChatGPT. The hypotheses were rigorously tested through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using the SmartPLS 4. The results revealed that system updates, memorability, and non-language barrier attributes of ChatGPT significantly enhanced knowledge acquisition and application. Additionally, the human-like personality traits of ChatGPT significantly increased both utilitarian value and satisfaction. Furthermore, the study showed that knowledge acquisition and application led to a significant increase in utilitarian value and satisfaction, which subsequently increased WOM. Age had a positive influence on WOM, while gender had no significant impact. The findings provide theoretical contributions by expanding our understanding of AI chatbots' role in knowledge processes, satisfaction, and WOM, particularly among office workers.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Antibody Positivity Three Years after COVID-19.

The accurate identification of individuals without prior infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is pivotal for seroepidemiological studies and vaccine trials. Owing to widespread vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the anti-nucleocapsid antibody continues to serve as a valuable marker for individuals without a history of COVID-19. This study aimed to comprehensively assess anti-nucleocapsid antibody positivity using diverse commercial and in-house immunoassays among individuals who contracted COVID-19 more than three years earlier. We enrolled 44 participants with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 between January and May 2020 from the Seoul National University Hospital and its community treatment centers. The results showed anti-nucleocapsid antibody positivity ranging from 45.5% to 87.9%, depending on the immunoassay. This study highlights the importance of considering the limited anti-nucleocapsid antibody positivity in individuals, with a history of distant COVID-19, in seroepidemiological or vaccine research.

The sound of safety: exploring the determinants of prevention intention in noisy industrial workplaces.

Occupational noise exposure is a pervasive issue in many industries, leading to a range of health issues and sleep disturbances among workers. Additionally, there is a strong desire among these workers to prevent industrial accidents. This study, aimed at enhancing worker health and well-being, utilized a survey distributed by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions to field workers. Data from 1285 workers were collected and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to identify and understand the factors affecting prevention intention in noisy work environments. Our findings indicate that health problems resulting from occupational noise exposure significantly influence insomnia, perceived severity of potential accidents, perceived benefits of preventive measures, and perceived barriers. Perceived severity was significantly correlated with prevention intention, emphasizing the role of risk perception in motivating preventive behaviors. Perceived benefits were also significantly associated with prevention intention, highlighting the importance of positive outcomes in influencing workers' behaviors. Additionally, perceived barriers showed a significant relationship with prevention intention, suggesting that overcoming these barriers is crucial in promoting preventive behaviors. Demographic factors such as gender displayed a significant association with prevention intention, while age did not. This study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted factors influencing workers' intention to prevent industrial accidents in noisy environments, underlining the importance of comprehensive data collection tools in understanding these dynamics.

Clinical Features of Mpox Patients in Korea: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Mpox is a viral illness with a characteristic skin rash caused by the monkeypox virus. In 2022, Mpox spread throughout the world, and an epidemic through domestic transmission started in South Korea in early 2023. This study aimed to summarize the clinical features of Mpox patients in South Korea. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study conducted at four hospitals in South Korea. All adult patients diagnosed with Mpox who were admitted to the study hospitals between June 1, 2022 and May 26, 2023 and were discharged by June 30, 2023 were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included, accounting for 65.9% of Mpox cases reported in South Korea during the study period. Median age was 32 years and 97% (58/60) of patients were male. In total, 85% (51/60) of patients reported their sexual orientation as homosexual or bisexual. The most common route of transmission was sexual or close contact (55/60). Every patient had a skin rash and 88% (53/60) had constitutional symptoms. In total, 42% (25/60) of patients had human immunodeficiency virus and 25% (15/60) had concomitant sexually transmitted infections. Severe manifestations of Mpox were identified in only two patients. CONCLUSION: Mpox patients in South Korea were mainly young adult males and were infected through sexual contact. The clinical outcomes were favorable.

Impact of T-Cell Engagers on COVID-19-Related Mortality in B-Cell Lymphoma Patients Receiving B-Cell Depleting Therapy.

PURPOSE: B-cell depleting therapies, including T-cell engager (TCE), are increasingly used for patients with hematologic malignancies, including during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between TCE therapy and COVID-19-related outcomes among patients with COVID-19 and B-cell lymphomas receiving B-cell depleting therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with B-cell lymphoma, who were admitted to Seoul Natio-nal University Hospital with COVID-19 between September 2021 and February 2023, and received B-cell depleting therapy before COVID-19 diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with severe to critical COVID-19 and COVID-19-related mortality. RESULTS: Of 54 patients with B-cell lymphomas and COVID-19 who received B-cell depleting therapy, 14 were treated with TCE (TCE group) and 40 with rituximab (RTX group). COVID-19-related mortality was higher in the TCE group than in the RTX group (57.1% vs. 12.5%, p=0.002). In multivariable analyses, TCE therapy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 38.76; p=0.024) and older age (aOR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.13; p=0.035) were associated with severe to critical COVID-19. TCE therapy (aOR, 8.98; 95% CI, 1.48 to 54.40; p=0.017), older age (aOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.26; p=0.022), and prior bendamustine therapy (aOR, 7.78; 95% CI, 1.17 to 51.65; p=0.034) were independent risk factors for COVID-19-related mortality. CONCLUSION: B-cell lymphoma patients treated with TCE had significantly worse outcomes from COVID-19 than those treated with RTX. TCE therapy should be used with caution in B-cell lymphoma patients during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Clinical outcomes and immunological features of COVID-19 patients receiving B-cell depletion therapy during the Omicron era.

Background: The clinical outcomes and immunological features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients receiving B-cell depletion therapy (BCDT), especially in Omicron variant era, have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the outcomes and immune responses of COVID-19 patients receiving BCDT during the Omicron period.Methods: We retrospectively compared clinical outcomes between COVID-19 patients treated with BCDT (the BCDT group) and those with the same underlying diseases not treated with BCDT (the non-BCDT group). For immunological analyses, we prospectively enrolled COVID-19 patients receiving BCDT and immunocompetent COVID-19 patients as controls. We measured humoral and cellular immune responses using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry.Results: Severe to critical COVID-19 was more frequent in the BCDT group than in the non-BCDT group (41.9% vs. 28.3%, p = .030). BCDT was an independent risk factor for severe to critical COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-4.04, p = .010) as well as for COVID-19-related mortality (aOR 4.03, 95% CI 1.17-13.86, p = .027). Immunological analyses revealed that patients receiving BCDT had lower anti-S1 IgG titres and a tendency to higher proportions of activated CD4+ T-cells than the controls.Conclusions: BCDT was associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes in the Omicron period. Humoral immune response impairment and T-cell hyperactivation were the main immunological features of COVID-19 patients treated with BCDT, which may have contributed to the worse outcomes of COVID-19 in this population.

Analyzing ChatGPT adoption drivers with the TOEK framework.

With the rapid advancements in AI technology and its growing impact on various aspects of daily life, understanding the factors that influence users' adoption intention becomes essential. This study focuses on the determinants affecting the adoption intention of ChatGPT, an AI-driven language model, among university students. The research extends the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework by integrating the concept of knowledge application. A cross-sectional research design was employed, gathering data through a survey conducted to university students. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data, aimed at examining the relationships between key determinants influencing adoption intention. The findings of this research indicate that factors such as network quality, accessibility, and system responsiveness contribute to satisfaction. Furthermore, satisfaction, organizational culture, social influence, and knowledge application significantly affect adoption intention. These findings offer both theoretical and practical implications.

Exploring the dynamics of mobile app addiction: the interplay of communication, affective factors, flow, perceived enjoyment, and habit.

The rapid proliferation of mobile apps and their increasing usage have led to growing concerns about potential addiction among users. Previous research has identified several factors that contribute to addiction, including flow, perceived enjoyment, and habit. However, the underlying mechanisms and the role of affective factors remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the key factors that affect mobile app addiction by proposing a theoretical framework incorporating communication, affective factors, flow, perceived enjoyment, and habit. Data were collected from 320 mobile app users through a questionnaire survey. The research employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data and test the proposed relationships. The analysis indicates that communication is significantly associated with perceived enjoyment but does not directly affect flow and habit. The research unveils that positive affect significantly influences both flow and perceived enjoyment, but does not influence habit. Negative affect was found to have no significant effect on flow, perceived enjoyment, and habit. The results demonstrate that flow, perceived enjoyment, and habit are significantly related to addiction. The findings reveal that perceived enjoyment has a substantial impact on both flow and habit. These findings offer valuable guidelines for future research and practical implications for developers and policymakers in addressing the challenges associated with mobile app addiction.

A study of user switching intention for ERP systems based on push-pull-mooring model: Focusing on the important role of information quality for users.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have become indispensable within companies due to their substantial functions and benefits. With a plethora of ERP systems available in the market, management is offered a broad array of options. This paper endeavours to identify the determinants influencing the switching intention of ERP users. Utilizing a conceptual model that adapts the push-pull-mooring paradigm, we seek to construct a formation mechanism of switching intention. Through structural equation modeling conducted on data collected from 236 users, our study uncovers several key findings. The study indicates that system quality, information quality, and top management support exert considerable influence on switching intention via satisfaction. Notably, we found that user satisfaction has a negative impact on switching intention. Our analysis also reveals that alternative attractiveness significantly determines switching intention. These findings provide valuable insights for organizations and ERP vendors to better understand user behaviour and to strategically manage user retention and switching decisions.

Understanding continuance intention of enterprise resource planning (ERP): TOE, TAM, and IS success model.

This paper aims to identify the key factors influencing the intention to continue using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Extending the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, the model integrates variables from both the Technology Acceptance Model and the Information Systems Success Model. We employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to analyze empirical data collected from 237 participants who use ERP systems in their workplaces. Our findings suggest that perceived usefulness has a positive impact on the intention to continue using ERP. Both system quality and information quality are pivotal in shaping perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Additionally, we found that top management support is a crucial determinant of continuance intention. The integrated model combines technological factors, organizational context, and environmental components to explain the ongoing use of ERP systems. This research enriches the existing literature on information systems, offering academics and managers deeper insights into the mechanisms driving continued ERP usage.

Predictors of social networking service addiction.

The surge in social network services (SNS) usage has ignited concerns about potential addictive behaviors stemming from excessive engagement. This research focuses on pinpointing the primary determinants of SNS addiction by introducing a theoretical framework centered on flow, perceived enjoyment, and habit. A sample of 282 SNS users from South Korea was surveyed, and the gathered data was assessed through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The evaluation revealed that positive affect closely relates to flow and perceived enjoyment, whereas negative affect amplifies flow but diminishes perceived enjoyment. Additionally, the research underscored that social influence significantly shapes habits and affects perceived enjoyment. Notably, flow demonstrated a strong connection to addiction, and perceived enjoyment influenced both flow and habit significantly. Habit was directly linked to addiction. These insights pave the way for more in-depth studies on SNS addiction patterns and offer a foundation for devising effective strategies to mitigate its adverse effects.

Identification of EIMD Level Differences Between Long- and Short Head of Biceps Brachii Using Echo Intensity and GLCM Texture Features.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the time-course changes of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) levels in the long head of biceps brachii (LHB) and short head of the biceps brachii (SHB) using echo intensity (EI) and to determine the efficiency of the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture parameters. Methods: The participants performed 30 maximal eccentric contractions of the elbow flexor. Along with muscle damage indicators, including circumference, range of motion, muscle soreness, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), the EI and GLCM texture features of the LHB and SHB was also assessed using B-mode ultrasonography. All measurements were assessed pre- and immediately post-exercise and after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Results: The muscle damage indicators indicated significant changes after the eccentric contractions (p < 0.01 for circumference, range of motion, muscle soreness, and MVIC). The EI of LHB significantly increased following the contractions (p < 0.01), but that of SHB did not (p > 0.05). In contrast, for the GLCM texture parameters, there were significant changes in the SHB (p < 0.01 for homogeneity, energy, and entropy). Conclusion: Thus, this study demonstrated that EIMD severity is different between LHB and SHB even within the same muscle. In the GLCM features, the time course of SHB after eccentric contraction revealed different patterns compared with those of LHB. Therefore, even if there are no changes in EI within a target muscle following muscle contractions, new information on muscle quality can be obtained through GLCM analysis.

Affordance, usefulness, enjoyment, and aesthetics in sustaining virtual reality engagement.

As virtual reality (VR) continues to develop, it's attracting an increasing number of consumers who are seeking more diverse functions and experiences. This study presents a theoretical model designed to identify predictors of VR users' continuance intentions. Data was collected from VR users who had firsthand experiences with the technology, and partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to analyze this data. The results showed a significant correlation between functional affordance and perceived usefulness. Cognitive affordance was found to have a significant association with perceived usefulness, but it also influenced perceived enjoyment. Moreover, physical affordance significantly related to both perceived usefulness and enjoyment. Perceived usefulness was found to directly affect both attitude and continuance intention, while empirical results validated the impact of perceived enjoyment on attitude. The element of shape showed a significant correlation with attitude. Finally, attitude was found to have a significant association with continuance intention. The findings from this study will provide valuable insights for VR companies, developers, and consumers.