Machine learning-based classification of Parkinson's disease using acoustic features: Insights from multilingual speech tasks.

This study advances the automation of Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis by analyzing speech characteristics, leveraging a comprehensive approach that integrates a voting-based machine learning model. Given the growing prevalence of PD, especially among the elderly population, continuous and efficient diagnosis is of paramount importance. Conventional monitoring methods suffer from limitations related to time, cost, and accessibility, underscoring the need for the development of automated diagnostic tools.

Exploring Spectrogram-Based Audio Classification for Parkinson's Disease: A Study on Speech Classification and Qualitative Reliability Verification.

Patients suffering from Parkinson's disease suffer from voice impairment. In this study, we introduce models to classify normal and Parkinson's patients using their speech. We used an AST (audio spectrogram transformer), a transformer-based speech classification model that has recently outperformed CNN-based models in many fields, and a CNN-based PSLA (pretraining, sampling, labeling, and aggregation), a high-performance model in the existing speech classification field, for the study.

Influencing Factors of Delayed Diagnosis of COVID-19 in Gangwon, South Korea.

This study aimed to identify the time to diagnosis among COVID-19 patients and factors associated with delayed diagnosis (DD). Data from COVID-19 patients in Gangwon, South Korea, diagnosed between 22 February 2020 and 29 January 2022, were analyzed, excluding asymptomatic cases and those who underwent mandatory testing. DD was defined as a period exceeding 2 or more days from symptom recognition to COVID-19 diagnosis.

Herbicide Bioassay Using a Multi-Well Plate and Plant Spectral Image Analysis.

A spectral image analysis has the potential to replace traditional approaches for assessing plant responses to different types of stresses, including herbicides, through non-destructive and high-throughput screening (HTS). Therefore, this study was conducted to develop a rapid bioassay method using a multi-well plate and spectral image analysis for the diagnosis of herbicide activity and modes of action. Crabgrass (), as a model weed, was cultivated in multi-well plates and subsequently treated with six herbicides (paraquat, tiafenacil, penoxsulam, isoxaflutole, glufosinate, and glyphosate) with different modes of action when the crabgrass reached the 1-leaf stage, using only a quarter of the recommended dose.

Correlations between regional characteristics of counties and the ratio of intracounty to extracounty sources of COVID-19 in Gangwon Province, Republic of Korea.

Background: This study aimed to examine the correlations between the regional characteristics of counties in Gangwon Province, Republic of Korea and the ratio of intracounty to extracounty sources of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.

Methods: The region of the infectious contact was analysed for each COVID-19 case reported in Gangwon Province between February 22, 2020 and February 7, 2022. The population, population density, area, the proportion of urban residents, the proportion of older adults (>65 years), financial independence, and the number of adjacent counties were assessed for each of the 18 counties in Gangwon Province.

Effect of income level on stroke incidence and the mediated effect of simultaneous diagnosis of metabolic syndrome diseases; a nationwide cohort study in South Korea.

Background: This study aimed to determine whether a simultaneous diagnosis of main components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia) plays a mediator between income level and stroke.

Methods: We used the National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort database from 2006 to 2015. The mediator variables were the number of main MetS components diagnosed simultaneously (two or more/three or more).

Characteristics of transmission routes of COVID-19 cluster infections in Gangwon Province, Korea.

This study investigated the characteristics of transmission routes of COVID-19 cluster infections (⩾10 linked cases within a short period) in Gangwon Province between 22 February 2020 and 31 May 2021. Transmission routes were divided into five major categories and 35 sub-categories according to the relationship between the infector and the infectee and the location of transmission. A total of 61 clusters occurred during the study period, including 1741 confirmed cases (55.

No linear correlation between pelvic incidence and acetabular orientation: Retrospective observational study.

Links between sagittal spinal alignment and acetabular orientation attract considerable research attention with the goal of understanding “hip-spine syndrome.” However, whether pelvic incidence (PI) is related to acetabular orientation remains debatable. The purpose of the present study was to determine: 1.

Factors Affecting Slip Reduction in Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion With Posterior Fixation for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Objectives: Reduction of translational/angular slip is a favorable radiological result in spinal fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis, although its clinical significance remains controversial. Few studies have investigated slip reduction and associated factors in oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) for degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Value of Ultrasound for Stability Assessment of Isolated Lateral Malleolar Fractures Compared to Stress Radiography and Arthroscopy.

Background: This study was performed to evaluate the value of using ultrasound for stability assessment of isolated lateral malleolar fractures compared to simple X-ray, stress radiography, and arthroscopy.

Methods: This is a prospective cohort study with 25 consecutive patients who underwent an arthroscopic examination and subsequent surgery for isolated lateral malleolar ankle fractures. Before operation, simple and external rotation stress radiographs were obtained.

Long-Term Effect of Income Level on Mortality after Stroke: A Nationwide Cohort Study in South Korea.

We investigated whether income level has long-term effects on mortality rate in stroke patients and whether this varies with time after the first stroke event, using the National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort data from 2002 to 2015 in South Korea. The study population was new-onset stroke patients ≥18 years of age. Patients were categorized into Category (1) insured employees and Category (2) insured self-employed/Medical Aid beneficiaries.

Development of a Transitional Care Model Program for Patients with Pneumonia, Asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: In-depth Interviews with Readmitted Patients.

Community-based health management policies are needed considering societal aging. We aimed to develop a transitional care model (TCM) program for patients with pneumonia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. First, we conducted in-depth interviews with patients who were hospitalized, released, and readmitted for those three conditions to identify issues with the current hospitalization/discharge system and post-discharge processes.

Triangular Osteosynthesis Using an S1 Pedicle Screw and S2 Alar Iliac Screw for a Unilateral Vertically Displaced Sacral Fracture.

Background: Managing unilateral vertically displaced sacral fractures remains a challenge. A triangular osteosynthesis (TOS), which involves fixing the fractured sacrum using unilateral spinopelvic fixation and a supplemental ilio-sacral screw, continues to gain popularity as it facilitates early mobilization and improves the long-term outcome. However, it has limitations, such as destruction of the L5-S1 joint, the need for additional removal surgery, and an increased risk of infection due to the large incision.

Poor People and Poor Health: Examining the Mediating Effect of Unmet Healthcare Needs in Korea.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to estimate the mediating effect of subjective unmet healthcare needs on poor health. The mediating effect of unmet needs on health outcomes was estimated.

Methods: Cross-sectional research method was used to analyze Korea Health Panel data from 2011 to 2015, investigating the mediating effect for each annual dataset and lagged dependent variables.

Adrenal insufficiency in systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS): A systematic review.

Background: Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this systematic review was to enhance diagnostic approaches and summarize therapeutic strategies in the management of AI in patients with systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Methods: A literature search of PubMed and Medline databases was performed and 91 publications containing 105 cases were included for the final analysis.

Epidemiologic Characteristics of Injured School-age Patients Transported via Emergency Medical Services in Korea.

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of injuries of school-aged children transported via emergency medical services (EMS) that occurred in schools by comparing with injuries that occurred outside of school.

Methods: Data from the 119 EMS from 2012 to 2014 were analyzed. School and non-school injuries were analyzed in children 6 to 17 years of age.

Concordance in the Health Behaviors of Couples by Age: A Cross-sectional Study.

Objectives: To investigate concordance in the health behaviors of women and their partners according to age and to investigate whether there was a stronger correlation between the health behaviors of housewives and those of their partners than between the health behaviors of non-housewives and those of their partners.

Methods: We used data obtained from women participants in the 2015 Korea Community Health Survey who were living with their partners. The outcome variables were 4 health behaviors: smoking, drinking, eating salty food, and physical activity.

Effects of living alone versus with others and of housemate type on smoking, drinking, dietary habits, and physical activity among elderly people.

Objectives: This study examined differences in health behaviors between elderly people living alone and with others; it also investigated whether the effect of living with others differs according to housemate type, namely a spouse and/or younger generations.

Methods: Gender-stratified data from the 2013 Korea Community Health Survey for individuals aged 60 to 74 living in Seoul were analyzed. Logistic regression modeling was conducted to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the outcome variables (smoking, drinking, eating salty foods, inactive lifestyle) for the variables of interest (living alone/with others, housemate type).

Poisoning-induced Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Outcomes according to Poison Agent.

It is unclear whether specific agent groups are associated with outcomes in cases of poisoning-induced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (P-OHCA). The study population comprised cases of confirmed P-OHCA drawn from the national out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) registry (2008-2013). Exposures were categorized into five groups according to the International Classification of Disease, 10th version: group 1, prescribed drugs; group 2, vapors and gases; group 3, pesticides; group 4, alcohol and organic solvents; and group 5, other poisons.

Effect of prohibiting the use of Paraquat on pesticide-associated mortality.

Background: Paraquat is associated with a high rate of fatalities in acute poisoning. This study aimed to examine the association between the national public health policy that banned the use of paraquat and the incidence of pesticide-associated mortality.

Methods: All external causes of death from 2009 to 2013 of Korea were analyzed.

The effect of team-based CPR on outcomes in out of hospital cardiac arrest patients: A meta-analysis.

Objectives: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effects of team cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on outcomes of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods: A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database to identify relevant articles for this meta-analysis. All studies that described the implementation of team CPR performed by emergency medical services for OHCA patients with presumed cardiac etiology were included in this study.

Association of recent major psychological stress with cardiac arrest: A case-control study.

Objective: We hypothesized that major psychological stress can be a risk factor for cardiac arrest and that effects are modified by elapsed time from specific stressful events.

Methods: Case-control study was conducted using database for cardiac arrest and emergency department (ED) visiting. Cases included adult patients with cardiac arrest with presumed cardiac etiology.

Pyrrole-Based Macrocyclic Small-Molecule Inhibitors That Target Oocyte Maturation.

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays crucial roles in various stages of oocyte maturation. Recently, we reported that the peptidomimetic compound AB103-8, which targets the polo box domain (PBD) of PLK1, affects oocyte meiotic maturation and the resumption of meiosis. However, to overcome the drawbacks of peptidic compounds, we designed and synthesized a series of pyrrole-based small-molecule inhibitors and tested them for their effects on the rates of porcine oocyte maturation.

Mitochondrial Sirtuin Network Reveals Dynamic SIRT3-Dependent Deacetylation in Response to Membrane Depolarization.

Mitochondrial sirtuins, SIRT3-5, are NAD-dependent deacylases and ADP-ribosyltransferases that are critical for stress responses. However, a comprehensive understanding of sirtuin targets, regulation of sirtuin activity, and the relationships between sirtuins remains a key challenge in mitochondrial physiology. Here, we employ systematic interaction proteomics to elucidate the mitochondrial sirtuin protein interaction landscape.