Aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index outperforms Fibrosis-4 in 2843 Korean patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Aim: The definition of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has recently been proposed. We aim to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of noninvasive fibrosis markers in predicting liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and MASLD.

Methods: This retrospective study involved 2843 patients diagnosed with steatotic liver disease at six tertiary hospitals in South Korea.

Neighborhood opportunity is associated with completion of hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance prior to the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis.

Background: The Ohio Opportunity Index (OOI) is a multidimensional metric used to quantify neighborhood-level resources to access a wide array of factors that influence health. This study examined the relationship between neighborhood opportunity and completion of guideline-concordant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with cirrhosis and HCC who received care at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center between 1/1/2015 and 12/31/2021.

Visceral Obesity and Its Association with Severe Coronary Artery Calcification in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

: The role of body composition parameters in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with presence and severity of coronary artery calcification (CAC) is still not fully elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the impact of computed tomography (CT)-based body composition parameters in patients with MASLD with CAC severity. : In this multicenter study, 1870 individuals underwent cardiac CT for the detection of CAC as well as ultrasonography for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis.

A Gain-of-Function Cleavage of TonEBP by Coronavirus NSP5 to Suppress IFN-β Expression.

Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) modify host proteins to evade the antiviral defense and sustain viral expansion. Here, we report tonicity-responsive enhancer (TonE) binding protein (TonEBP) as a cellular target of HCoVs. TonEBP was cleaved into N-terminal and C-terminal fragments (TonEBP NT and TonEBP CT, respectively) by NSP5 from all the HCoVs tested.

Depression, Anxiety and Associated Factors Among Korean Adolescent Students During COVID-19.

Objectives: Depression and anxiety are emotional difficulties that are common among adolescents. Adolescents suffering from depression and anxiety can exhibit problems such as antisocial behavior, aggression, and academic slump. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing adolescents' depression and anxiety during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Comparative associations of MASLD and MAFLD with the presence and severity of coronary artery calcification.

We aimed to compare the associations of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) with coronary artery calcification (CAC). Patients who simultaneously underwent ultrasonography to diagnose hepatic steatosis and cardiac computed tomography to detect CAC were included. The presence and severity of CAC were defined with CAC-score thresholds of > 0 and > 300, respectively, and patients were divided into the following groups: no MASLD or MAFLD (reference), MASLD-only, MAFLD-only, and overlapping groups.

Temporal trends and long-term outcomes of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria.

No study has analysed the temporal trends of the long-term results and clinical characteristics of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated using radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Therefore, we examined temporal trends of characteristics of patients and treatment-naïve HCCs within the Milan criteria treated by RFA over 20 years. We retrospectively analysed 1099 patients with HCC within the Milan criteria treated with percutaneous RFA from January 2000 to December 2019.

Development and Psychometric Test of the Inpatients Experiences Measurement Scale (IEMS).

Purpose: In South Korea, hospitalized patients' experiences significantly impact satisfaction and treatment outcomes. This study developed and evaluated the Inpatients Experience Measurement Scale (IEMS) for its psychometric properties.

Patients And Methods: Participants from three hospitals were recruited using convenience sampling.

Association Between Sleep Quality and Deep Learning-Based Sleep Onset Latency Distribution Using an Electroencephalogram.

To evaluate sleep quality, it is necessary to monitor overnight sleep duration. However, sleep monitoring typically requires more than 7 hours, which can be inefficient in termxs of data size and analysis. Therefore, we proposed to develop a deep learning-based model using a 30 sec sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) early in the sleep cycle to predict sleep onset latency (SOL) distribution and explore associations with sleep quality (SQ).

MEDi-SOL: Multi Ensemble Distribution Model for Estimating Sleep Onset Latency.

Sleep onset latency (SOL) is an important factor relating to the sleep quality of a subject. Therefore, accurate prediction of SOL is useful to identify individuals at risk of sleep disorders and to improve sleep quality. In this study, we estimate SOL distribution and falling asleep function using an electroencephalogram (EEG), which can measure the electric field of brain activity.

Comparative associations of MASLD and MAFLD with the presence and severity of coronary artery calcification.

We aimed to compare the associations of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) with coronary artery calcification (CAC). Patients who simultaneously underwent ultrasonography to diagnose hepatic steatosis and cardiac computed tomography to detect CAC were included. The presence and severity of CAC were defined with CAC-score thresholds of >0 and > 300, respectively, and patients were divided into the following groups: no MASLD or MAFLD (reference), MASLD-only, MAFLD-only, and overlapping groups.

Reduced Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Receiving Long-Term Besifovir Therapy.

No information is available regarding the influence of besifovir (BSV), a new nucleotide analogue, on the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study evaluated the reduced risk of HCC in patients undergoing BSV treatment. A total of 188 patients with CHB were treated with BSV for up to 8 years.

Exploring nurses' experiences in pressure sore care in long-term care facilities.

Background: This study uses an interpretive description approach to explore nurses' experiences with pressure sore care in long-term care facilities, highlighting the complexity of their encounters.

Methods: 10 experienced nurses from South Korean small to medium-sized hospitals were chosen via purposive sampling for interviews. Data analysis utilized Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis.

Identification of an effective and safe bolus dose and lockout time for patient-controlled sedation (PCS) using dexmedetomidine in dental treatments: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: This study investigated a safe and effective bolus dose and lockout time for patient-controlled sedation (PCS) with dexmedetomidine for dental treatments. The depth of sedation, vital signs, and patient satisfaction were investigated to demonstrate safety.

Methods: Thirty patients requiring dental scaling were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups based on bolus doses and lockout times: group 1 (low dose group, bolus dose 0.

The Clinical Significance of Myosteatosis in Survival Outcomes in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Sorafenib.

The role of body composition parameters in sorafenib-treated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is still not fully elucidated. Here, we aimed to evaluate the impact of computed tomography (CT)-based body composition parameters on the survival of such patients. In this multicenter study, we analyzed the data of 245 sorafenib-treated HCC patients from January 2008 to December 2019.

The Poetry of Recovery in Peer Support Workers with Mental Illness: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

This study was conducted to investigate and understand various aspects related to participants' experiences in peer support activities, with a particular focus on their personal growth and the influence of these activities on their lives. In this qualitative study, peer support workers with mental illness were the main subjects, and they were recruited from G Metropolitan City, South Korea. The study used purposive sampling, guided by recommendations from peer support worker support organizations.

Neurophysiological Response Based on Auditory Sense for Brain Modulation Using Monaural Beat.

Brain modulation is a modification process of brain activity through external stimulations. However, which condition can induce the activation is still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to identify brain activation conditions using 40 Hz monaural beat (MB).

Tissue Circular RNA_0004018 and 0003570 as Novel Prognostic Biomarkers for Hepatitis B-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

The clinical significance of hsa_circ_0004018 and hsa_circ_0003570 in patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) is unclear. We aimed to explore the clinical significance and prognostic utility of these two circular RNAs (circRNAs) in patients with HBV-HCC. Based on 86 paired tissue samples of HCC and adjacent non-HCC, the relative expression profiles of hsa_circ_0004018 and hsa_circ_0003570 were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions.

Insulin Preferentially Regulates the Activity of Parasympathetic Preganglionic Neurons over Sympathetic Preganglionic Neurons.

Backgruound: Insulin is a peptide hormone that regulates post-prandial physiology, and it is well known that insulin controls homeostasis at least in part via the central nervous system. In particular, insulin alters the activity of neurons within the autonomic nervous system. However, currently available data are mostly from unidentified brainstem neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV).

Generosity during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of collective narcissism.

This study analyzes how a novel psychological factor-collective narcissism-affects giving behavior to national and international charities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that collective narcissists tended to keep more resources for themselves or national charities while giving less to international charities. In line with the group threat theory, this tendency is more pronounced in countries with a high share of foreign population.

Suggestion for item allocation to 8 nursing activity categories of the Korean Nursing Licensing Examination: a survey-based descriptive study.

Purpose: This study aims to suggest the number of test items in each of 8 nursing activity categories of the Korean Nursing Licensing Examination, which comprises 134 activity statements including 275 items. The examination will be able to evaluate the minimum ability that nursing graduates must have to perform their duties.

Methods: Two opinion surveys involving the members of 7 academic societies were conducted from March 19 to May 14, 2021.

Using the design-thinking method to develop and validate a peer evaluation scale for team-based learning (PES-TBL) for nursing students.

Background: Peer evaluation in team-based learning provides meaningful information about the learning process and dynamics. Despite the importance of peer evaluation in learner-centred learning, there is a lack of valid and reliable scales that reflect students' experiences in the classroom.

Objectives: To develop and validate a peer evaluation scale for team-based learning.

Drug Attitude and Medication Adherence of Patients with Early Psychosis in South Korea: Mediating Effect of Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy.

Purpose: This study examined the mediating effect of medication adherence self-efficacy (MASE) on the relationship between drug attitude (DA) and medication adherence (MA) in patients with early psychosis.

Patients And Methods: A total of 166 patients, aged 20 years or older, and who had received treatment within 5 years of their initial psychotic episode at a University Hospital outpatient center, participated in the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, -tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression.