Persistence of in Patients with Bacteremia: Incidence, Clinical and Microbiologic Characters, and Outcomes.

The risk factors and outcomes associated with persistent bacteremia are not well-defined. This retrospective cohort study analyzed 214 cases of bacteremia diagnosed between 2005 and 2022 at two university hospitals, focusing on the clinical and microbiologic characteristics and outcomes of persistent bacteremia. Persistent bacteremia, defined as the detection of for ≥5 days after the initial blood culture, occurred in 25.

Real-World Status in the Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in People Living with HIV in Korea.

This retrospective study analyzed medical records of 1,392 people living with HIV (PLWH) diagnosed with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) at two provincial central hospitals from 2011 to 2022. LTBI was diagnosed in 152 patients (10.9%) patients aged ≥18 years.

Aging with HIV: The Burden of Comorbidities, Polypharmacy, and Drug Interactions in Korean People Living with HIV Aged ≥50 Years.

Background: The life expectancy of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) has significantly improved with advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, aging PLWH face a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), polypharmacy, and drug-drug interactions (DDIs), which pose challenges in their management. This study investigates the prevalence of NCDs, polypharmacy, and DDIs among PLWH aged ≥50 years in Korea and their impact on quality of life (QOL).

Seroprevalence of measles antibody among immigrants in Gwangju, South Korea.

Introduction: Measles remains a public health concern, particularly among populations with suboptimal vaccination coverage, including immigrants. Understanding the seroprevalence of measles antibodies in immigrant populations is essential to inform tailored vaccination strategies and reduce the risk of measles reintroduction.

Methods: This study evaluated measles IgG seroprevalence among 651 immigrants from 30 countries residing in Gwangju, South Korea.

Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes in candidaemia patients with and without COVID-19: a multicentre retrospective study.

Background: Invasive fungal infections have been reported as complications with significant mortality and morbidity in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of candidaemia patients with COVID-19 and to investigate the association between COVID-19 and mortality in candidaemia patients.

Methods: This retrospective study included candidaemia patients aged 18 years or older admitted to four university-affiliated tertiary hospitals in South Korea between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022.

Serotype distribution and clinical characteristics of Group B Streptococcus Bacteremia in nonpregnant adults: a 15-Year Multicenter Study in Korea.

Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteremia in nonpregnant adults is of increasing concern, particularly among the elderly in underlying conditions. This study analyzed the serotype distribution, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and clinical characteristics of GBS bacteremia in nonpregnant adults over a 15-year period in two tertiary hospitals in Korea.

Methods: From 2007 to 2021, patients aged ≥ 19 years with GBS bacteremia were identified via retrospective electronic medical record review.

A new species of Homidia (Collembola: Entomobridae) from Korea, with notes on its DNA data.

A new species, Homidia pseudokoreana sp. nov., from South Korea described based on morphological data and DNA barcodes.

The microbiology of periprosthetic joint infections as revealed by sonicate cultures in Korea: Routine use of fungal and mycobacterial cultures is necessary?

Background: Although sonication is a valuable diagnostic tool for periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), it is not commonly utilized. We analyzed sonicate and intraoperative tissue culture results obtained from three hospitals to define the microbial etiology of PJIs in Korea. Furthermore, we investigated necessity of conducting regular fungal and mycobacterial cultures.

Proposal of an integrated staging system using albumin-bilirubin grade and serum alpha-fetoprotein values for predicting postoperative prognosis of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Because repeat hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma is a potentially invasive procedure, it is necessary to identify patients who truly benefit from repeat hepatectomy. Albumin-bilirubin grading has been reported to predict survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, as prognosis also depends on tumor factors, a staging system that adds tumor factors to albumin-bilirubin grading may lead to a more accurate prognostication in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.

Evaluation of inhalation risk during quarantine work with quaternary ammonium compounds-based disinfectant.

Quarantine work is widely recognized as an indispensable endeavor in curbing the propagation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Furthermore, the heavy workload places workers at a heightened risk of chemical exposure and respiratory damage. Consequently, it is paramount to systematically perform health risk assessments and meticulously oversee the work by wearing personal protective equipment to minimize these risks.

Comparative analysis of perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease versus viral hepatitis.

Background: Despite the accumulating evidence regarding the oncological differences between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and viral infection-related HCC, the short- and long-term outcomes of surgical resection of NAFLD-related HCC remain unclear. While some reports indicate improved postoperative survival in NAFLD-related HCC, other studies suggest higher postoperative complications in these patients.

Methods: Patients with NAFLD and those with hepatitis viral infection who underwent hepatectomy for HCC at our department were retrospectively analyzed.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Korean endemic springtail Lee 1975 (Collembola: Tomoceridae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of was sequenced and assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome is 15,519 bp in length. The mitogenome contained 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, and two rRNAs.

Proposing Effective Ecotoxicity Test Species for Chemical Safety Assessment in East Asia: A Review.

East Asia leads the global chemical industry, but environmental chemical risk in these countries is an emerging concern. Despite this, only a few native species that are representative of East Asian environments are listed as test species in international guidelines compared with those native to Europe and America. This review suggests that , , , spp.

An integrated in vitro approach to identifying chemically induced oxidative stress and toxicity in mitochondria.

Growing concerns exist about increasing chemical usage and the potential health risks. Developing an efficient strategy to evaluate or predict the toxicity of chemicals is necessary. The mitochondria are essential organelles for cell maintenance and survival but also serve as one of the main targets of toxic chemicals.

A new species of Ptenothrix Börner, 1906 (Collembola, Symphypleona, Dicyrtomidae) from South Korea.

A new species of Collembola, Ptenothrix koreanensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on specimens from South Korea.

Effect of cresol isomers on reproduction and gene expression in Daphnia magna.

Cresols are frequently detected in freshwater systems due to their wide use as disinfectants. However, there is limited knowledge regarding their adverse long-term toxicity effects on reproduction and gene expression patterns of aquatic species. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the chronic toxic effects on reproduction and gene expression using D.

Micro-hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombus mimicking intrahepatic intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct: a case report.

Background: Microhepatocellular carcinoma with a gross bile duct tumor thrombus is extremely rare, making the correct preoperative diagnosis difficult.

Case Presentation: A 78-year-old man was referred to our department for close examination of a liver tumor that was incidentally detected using ultrasonography. Blood tests revealed normal levels of tumor markers.

One new species and one new record for the genus Mesogastrura (Collembola, Hypogastruridae) from Korean caves, with DNA barcodes.

We collected one new species and one new record in the genus Mesogastrura Bonet, 1930 (family Hypogastruridae) from three caves with different origins in the Korean Peninsula; Mesogastrura seotalensis sp. nov. and Mesogastrura ojcoviensis (Stach, 1919).

Developing Core Elements and Checklist Items for Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Korean General Hospitals: A Modified Delphi Survey.

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) aim to optimize antimicrobial use by minimizing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The core elements for implementing ASPs in healthcare facilities have been developed by the World Health Organization, international research group and government agencies of various countries. However, to date, there is no documented core elements for implementation of ASP in Korea.

Correlates of burnout among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea.

Burnout is a form of negative emotional and physical response to job stress. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of burnout among healthcare workers responding to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Korea and to explore correlates of burnout among healthcare workers. A nationwide questionnaire-based survey was conducted from December 1, 2020, to January 29, 2021 on 1425 healthcare workers who worked in one of the 16 healthcare facilities designated for COVID-19 care, in public health centers, or as paramedics in Korea.

Core Elements for Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Korean General Hospitals.

Currently, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to global public health. The antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) has been proposed as an important approach to overcome this crisis. ASP supports the optimal use of antimicrobials, including appropriate dosing decisions, administration duration, and administration routes.

Nosocomial Outbreak of COVID-19 from a Kidney Transplant Patient: Necessity of a Longer Isolation Period in Immunocompromised Patients.

Background: Determination of the release from isolation for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in immunocompromised patients who need additional hospitalization for treatment of non-COVID-19 related disease is important to prevent nosocomial transmission. However, there is insufficient evidence for an extended isolation period.

Materials And Methods: In September 2021, when the Delta variant was dominant, a nosocomial outbreak of COVID-19 occurred in the nephrology ward of a tertiary hospital in Gwangju, Korea.