Search Results (374)

As ad-supported subscription models proliferate across over-the-top (OTT) media platforms, understanding the psychological mechanisms and perceptual factors that underlie consumers’ transition decisions becomes increasingly consequential. This study integrates the Uses and Gratifications framework with a contemporary motivation-based perspective to examine how users’ media consumption motivations and advertising attitudes predict intentions to adopt ad-supported OTT plans. Data were collected via a nationally representative online survey in South Korea (N = 813). The sample included both premium subscribers (n = 708) and non-subscribers (n = 105). The findings reveal distinct segmentation in decision-making patterns. Among premium subscribers, switching intentions were predominantly driven by intrinsic motivations—particularly identity alignment with content—and by the perceived informational value of advertisements. These individuals are more likely to consider ad-supported plans when ad content is personally relevant and cognitively enriching. Conversely, non-subscribers exhibited greater sensitivity to extrinsic cues such as the entertainment value of ads and the presence of tangible incentives (e.g., discounts), suggesting a hedonic-reward orientation. By advancing a dual-pathway explanatory model, this study contributes to the theoretical discourse on digital subscription behavior and offers actionable insights for OTT service providers. The results underscore the necessity of segment-specific advertising strategies: premium subscribers may be engaged through informative and identity-consistent advertising, while non-subscribers respond more favorably to enjoyable and benefit-laden ad experiences. These insights inform platform monetization efforts amid the evolving dynamics of consumer attention and subscription fatigue. Full article

Background/objectives: This study evaluated the immunoenhancing effects of Agastache rugosa extract in a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mouse model. Methods: Jeju A. rugosa was processed via hot water extraction and 20% ethanol extraction. For immunosuppression induction, 7-week-old male BALB/c mice received intraperitoneal CPA injections (150 mg/kg, day −3; 110 mg/kg, day −1), followed by oral administration of hot water extract (ARE-W) and ethanol extract (ARE-E) at 100 and 300 mg/kg for 14 days. Oral administration of ARE-W and ARE-E was started on day 0, immediately following the final CPA injection on day −1. Immune function was assessed through body weight changes, spleen weight, NK cell activity, IFN-γ production, and splenic lymphocyte proliferation. Results: Results demonstrated that CPA treatment induced comprehensive immune dysfunction, while A. rugosa extracts significantly ameliorated these immunosuppressive conditions. Notably, ARE-W (300 mg/kg) significantly enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity against tumor cells and IFN-γ production compared to the CPA group, and effectively restored spleen weight and lymphocyte proliferation. ARE-E also exhibited dose-dependent immune function recovery; however, ARE-W showed superior efficacy across most immune parameters. Conclusions: These findings suggest that A. rugosa extract, particularly ARE-W, effectively restores immune function in immunosuppressed conditions, indicating potential application as a natural functional material for ameliorating immunosuppression caused by cancer treatment or immune diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a growing global health burden, yet early detection remains challenging due to the limitations of traditional diagnostic tools such as electrocardiograms (ECGs). Recent advances in deep learning offer new opportunities to identify left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), a key indicator of HF, from ECG data. This study validates AiTiALVSD, our previously developed artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled ECG Software as a Medical Device, for its accuracy, transparency, and robustness in detecting LVSD. Methods: This retrospective single-center cohort study involved patients suspected of LVSD. The AiTiALVSD model, based on a deep learning algorithm, was evaluated against echocardiographic ejection fraction values. To enhance model transparency, the study employed Testing with Concept Activation Vectors (TCAV), clustering analysis, and robustness testing against ECG noise and lead reversals. Results: The study involved 688 participants and found AiTiALVSD to have a high diagnostic performance, with an AUROC of 0.919. There was a significant correlation between AiTiALVSD scores and left ventricular ejection fraction values, confirming the model’s predictive accuracy. TCAV analysis showed the model’s alignment with medical knowledge, establishing its clinical plausibility. Despite its robustness to ECG artifacts, there was a noted decrease in specificity in the presence of ECG noise. Conclusions: AiTiALVSD’s high diagnostic accuracy, transparency, and resilience to common ECG discrepancies underscore its potential for early LVSD detection in clinical settings. This study highlights the importance of transparency and robustness in AI-ECG, setting a new benchmark in cardiac care. Full article

Background/Objective: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the oral mucosa with unclear etiology. Increasing evidence implicates oral microbial dysbiosis in its pathogenesis, but little is known about supragingival plaque communities in relation to clinical subtypes. This cross-sectional case–control study aimed to characterize the supragingival plaque microbiota and microbial interaction networks in erosive OLP (E-OLP), non-erosive OLP (NE-OLP), and healthy controls (HCs), to elucidate microbial patterns associated with disease severity. Methods: Supragingival plaque samples were collected from 90 participants (30 per group) and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Alpha and beta diversity metrics, differential abundance, and co-occurrence network analyses were performed. Results: E-OLP exhibited pronounced dysbiosis, including the enrichment of pro-inflammatory taxa (e.g., Prevotella, Parvimonas) and depletion of health-associated commensals (e.g., Rothia, Capnocytophaga). Network analysis revealed the stepwise disintegration of microbial community structure from HC to NE-OLP to E-OLP, with reduced connectivity and increased dominance of pathogenic clusters in E-OLP. These microbial alterations aligned with clinical findings, as E-OLP patients showed significantly higher Reticulation/keratosis, Erythema, and Ulceration (REU) scores for erythema and ulceration compared to NE-OLP. Conclusions: Supragingival plaque dysbiosis and ecological disruption are strongly associated with OLP severity and subtype. This study highlights the utility of plaque-based microbial profiling in capturing lesion-proximal dysbiotic signals, which may complement mucosal and salivary analyses in future diagnostic frameworks. Multi-omics approaches incorporating fungal, viral, and metabolic profiling are warranted to fully elucidate host–microbe interactions in OLP. Full article

Background/Objectives: Accurate determination of malignancy in pancreatic masses through endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is crucial for appropriate clinical management and prognostic assessment. However, the diagnostic sensitivity of conventional cytology using Papanicolaou (Pap) staining remains limited, often leading to inconclusive results. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic utility of methionyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (MARS1) through immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining as a potential biomarker for pancreatic cancer. IHC analysis was conducted on resected tissue samples from 10 patients, including both pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and corresponding non-neoplastic pancreatic tissue. Additionally, cytologic samples were obtained from 198 patients with pancreatic masses who underwent EUS-FNA for diagnostic evaluation. Pap staining and MARS1 IF staining were performed on liquid-based cytology slides derived from EUS-FNA specimens. Results: MARS1 was detected by IHC staining in the 10 surgical specimens diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinomas. After Pap staining, 37 patients were excluded because of unsuitable specimens, leaving 161 patients who underwent both Pap and MARS1 IF staining. EUS-FNA specimens from the 151 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were classified by Pap staining as atypia (n = 36), suspicious for malignancy (n = 55), or malignancy (n = 60). MARS1 IF staining was positive in 147 of these patients and negative in 4. MARS1 IF staining distinguished pancreatic cancer in specimens with atypia on Pap staining. The sensitivity for detecting pancreatic cancer was significantly higher for MARS1 IF staining than for conventional Pap staining (97.4% vs. 79.1%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The high sensitivity of MARS1 IF staining improved malignancy detection in pancreatic masses. Further prospective studies are required to validate our findings. Full article

In recent manufacturing environments, the use of digitally retrofitted equipment has grown substantially, yet this trend also amplifies the challenge of ensuring stable operation through effective anomaly detection. Retrofitted systems suffer from two critical obstacles: a severe scarcity of labeled data and substantial variability in operational patterns across machines and products. To overcome these issues, this study introduces a novel anomaly detection framework that integrates Model-Agnostic Meta-Learning (MAML) with a Long Short-Term Memory Autoencoder (LSTM-Autoencoder) under a multi-machine-based task formulation. By constructing meta-tasks from time-series datasets collected on multiple five-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machines, our method enables rapid adaptation to unseen machines and production scenarios with only a few training examples. The experimental results demonstrate that, even under data-scarce conditions, the proposed model achieves an accuracy of 98.02% and an F1-score of 94.74%, representing improvements of 4.2 percentage points in accuracy and 16.9 percentage points in F1-score over conventional transfer learning approaches. Furthermore, in cross-validation on entirely new machine data, our framework outperforms existing models by 18.1% in accuracy, evidencing superior generalization capability. These findings suggest that the proposed multi-machine-based Model-Agnostic Meta-Learning Long Short-Term Memory Autoencoder (MAML LSTM-Autoencoder) can significantly enhance operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs in retrofitted manufacturing equipment, thereby improving overall productivity and paving the way for real-time industrial deployment. Full article

Chronic diabetic wounds affect 15–20% of patients and are characterized by impaired healing due to disrupted hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a promising noninvasive strategy for enhancing tissue regeneration. Here, we developed a multispectral pulsed LED system combining red and near-infrared light to stimulate wound healing. In vitro photostimulation of human keratinocytes and fibroblasts on biomimetic hydrogels enhanced adhesion, spreading, migration, and proliferation via increased focal adhesion kinase (pFAK), paxillin, and F-actin expression. In vivo, daily LED treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetic wounds accelerated closure and improved ECM remodeling. Histological and molecular analyses revealed elevated levels of MMPs, interleukins, collagen, fibronectin, FGF2, and TGF-β1, supporting regenerative healing without excessive fibrosis. These findings demonstrate that multispectral pulsed photobiomodulation enhances diabetic wound healing through focal adhesion-mediated cell migration and ECM remodeling, offering a cost-effective and clinically translatable approach for chronic wound therapy. Full article

The widespread application of pesticides in agriculture has raised increasing concerns regarding their ecological impact, particularly in aquatic environments. Among these, α-cypermethrin, a highly active isomeric form of cypermethrin, has been extensively used due to its potent insecticidal efficacy and low mammalian toxicity. However, its toxicity to non-target aquatic organisms remains insufficiently understood at the metabolic level. In this study, a targeted metabolomics approach was employed to investigate the biochemical effects of α-cypermethrin in adult zebrafish. Acute toxicity was first determined to establish sublethal exposure concentrations (0.15 µg/L and 1.5 µg/L), followed by a 48 h exposure under a controlled flow-through system. GC-MS/MS-based analysis quantified 395 metabolites, and multivariate statistical models (principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)) revealed clear dose-dependent metabolic alterations at two time points. Pathway analysis identified disruptions in glycolysis, glycerolipid metabolism, amino acid turnover, and glutathione pathways. Notably, glutamate depletion and associated reductions in GABA (4-Aminobutanoate) and TCA (Tricarboxylic acid) cycle intermediates suggest oxidative stress-induced metabolic bottlenecks. These results provide mechanistic insights into α-cypermethrin-induced toxicity and demonstrate the utility of metabolite-level biomarkers for environmental monitoring. This study contributes to a systems-level understanding of how sublethal pesticide exposure affects vertebrate metabolism, offering a basis for improved ecological risk assessment and pesticide regulation. Full article

Urban environments pose challenges for pollinators due to habitat loss and limited floral resources. However, green infrastructure, particularly street and ornamental trees, can play a critical role in supporting urban pollinator communities. In this study, we evaluated nectar volume, sugar content, and amino acid composition across eight urban tree species commonly planted in South Korea. Using standardized productivity metrics at the flower, tree, and hectare scales, we compared their nutritional contributions. Our results revealed substantial interspecific differences in nectar quantity and composition. Tilia amurensis, Heptacodium miconioides, Aesculus turbinata, and Wisteria floribunda exhibited high nectar yields or amino acid productivity, whereas species such as Cornus kousa, though lower in nutritional yield, may offer complementary value due to their distinct flowering periods or other phenological traits. These findings underscore the importance of selecting tree species not only for aesthetic value but also for ecological function, providing an evidence-based approach to pollinator-friendly urban biodiversity planning and landscape management. Full article

Background/Objectives: MicroRNAs are emerging as valuable diagnostic markers for various diseases, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, there is limited research on circulating miRNA expression in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Therefore, we conducted a study to explore whether plasma-derived miRNAs can distinguish PTMC from benign nodules or predict aggressiveness. Methods: A total of 150 patients who underwent thyroidectomy from January 2013 to July 2021 were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into three groups: benign, low-risk PTMC, and advanced PTMC. Nine patients from each group were selected for microarray analysis for plasma miRNAs. Six miRNAs were selected for comparison of expression levels using TaqMan assay. The ROC curve was utilized to evaluate the diagnostic and aggressiveness value of the miRNAs. Results: From the microarray analysis, miR-455-3p and miR-548ac were identified as miRNAs that can significantly differentiate between benign nodules and PTMC. A combination of six miRNAs (miR-455-3p, miR-548ac., miR-221, miR-222, miR-146a. miR-146b) rather than individual miRNAs had the highest AUC (0.857), sensitivity (0.867), and specificity (0.800) in differentiating benign and PTMC. In microarray analysis, no significant miRNAs were observed to distinguish between low-risk group and aggressive PTMC. However, in the six-miRNA combination, it was possible to distinguish low-risk PTMC from aggressive PTMC with an AUC of 0.763, sensitivity of 0.739, and the specificity of 0.727. Conclusions: A combination of six miRNAs presents the possibility of distinguishing between benign and PTMC and low-risk and aggressive PTMC with an acceptable AUC, sensitivity, and specificity. Full article

Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the gene encoding alpha-galactosidase A (GLA). Deficiency of GLA results in the progressive accumulation of glycosphingolipids in virtually all organs, resulting in a progressive multisystem disease. Due to multi-organ involvement in FD, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment with regular follow-ups is essential. The Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital (PNUYH) multidisciplinary care model of FD aims to provide detailed practice guidelines and evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, screening, and treatment of FD according to specialty. This guideline focuses on the “quarterback” type of multidisciplinary team (MDT) operation and is limited in its applicability to the Korean insurance system. However, it reflects our team’s extensive experience and insights into optimizing MDT operations within these constraints and is expected to be highly beneficial for centers initiating MDTs for the effective treatment of FD. Full article

Particulate matter (PM) is a major environmental pollutant implicated in various respiratory diseases. However, its impact on the upper respiratory tract, particularly the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa, remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the acute inflammatory effects of PM exposure on the sinonasal mucosa and evaluate the natural recovery process in a controlled rat model. Ten-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to incense-derived PM in a custom-designed exposure chamber for 2 h daily for seven consecutive days. Rats were sacrificed at 3, 7, and 14 days post-exposure. Histopathologic changes were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Alcian blue staining, and mucosal gene expression of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-5 and MUC5AC was quantified using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. PM exposure induced significant histological alterations, including epithelial thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration, and goblet cell hyperplasia, which peaked at 7 days post-exposure. Expression levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were significantly elevated at 7 days compared to controls. The sinonasal mucosa in the 14-day post-exposure groups exhibited a remarkable decrease in goblet cell numbers, and IL-1β and TNF-α expression. Short-term exposure to high concentrations of PM resulted in acute inflammatory changes in the sinonasal mucosa of rats, including epithelial thickening and goblet cell hyperplasia. These changes were partially resolved after exposure ended, indicating that PM-induced sinonasal inflammation may be at least partially reversible. Full article

Healthcare providers performing aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) face significant infection risks, emphasizing the critical need for effective aerosol containment systems. In this study, we developed and validated a negative pressure chamber enhanced with an innovative aerodynamic cap structure designed to optimize aerosol containment. Initially, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to evaluate multiple structural improvement ideas, including air curtains, bidirectional suction, and aerodynamic cap structures. Among these, the aerodynamic cap was selected due to its superior predicted containment performance, practical feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. The CFD analyses employed realistic transient boundary conditions, precise turbulence modeling using the shear stress transport (SST) k–ω model, and detailed droplet evaporation dynamics under realistic humidity conditions. A full-scale prototype incorporating the selected aerodynamic cap was fabricated and evaluated using physical polyalphaolefin (PAO) particle leakage tests and biological aerosol validation with aerosolized Bacillus subtilis. For the physical leakage tests, the chamber opening was divided into nine sections, and the aerosol dispersion was tested in three distinct directions: ceiling-directed, toward the suction hole, and opposite the suction hole. These tests demonstrated significantly stabilized airflow and substantial reductions in aerosol leakage, consistently maintaining containment levels below the critical threshold of 0.3%, especially under transient coughing conditions. The biological aerosol experiments, conducted in a simulated emergency department environment, involved aerosolizing bacteria continuously for one hour. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the aerodynamic cap structure in achieving at least a one millionth (10⁻⁶) reduction in the aerosolized bacterial leakage compared to the control conditions. These findings highlight the importance and effectiveness of advanced CFD modeling methodologies in accurately predicting aerosol dispersion and improving containment strategies. Although further studies assessing the structural durability, long-term operational ease, and effectiveness against pathogenic microorganisms are required, the aerodynamic cap structure presents a promising, clinically practical infection control solution for widespread implementation during aerosol-generating medical procedures. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study is a pilot evaluation of the applicability of wearable digital healthcare devices for Korean male seafarers. Seafarers are exposed to health risks due to unstable and confined living conditions, and their access to healthcare services becomes significantly challenging, especially with the substantial decrease in physical activity onboard. This study aimed to monitor the physical activity of these seafarers through wearable devices and evaluate the potential of managing their health using these technologies. Methods: During the 12-week study, which included 11 participants, it was confirmed that monitoring physical activity using wearable devices and smartphone applications was effective. Results: Over the 12-week period, the average systolic blood pressure decreased from 137.09 ± 13.05 mmHg to 124.36 ± 5.66 mmHg, and the average diastolic blood pressure decreased from 86.45 ± 10.24 mmHg to 77.45 ± 5.26 mmHg, showing a statistically significant reduction (p = 0.011). Additionally, participants experienced an average weight reduction of 1.19 kg. Satisfaction with the use of wearable devices was reported to be moderate. Conclusions: Such digital healthcare can encourage the maintenance of healthy habits by continuously monitoring physical activity and providing feedback. Considering the difficulties seafarers face in accessing medical services, the adoption of digital healthcare through wearable devices is essential, contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases and overall health improvement of seafarers. Future research should explore the long-term benefits and potential challenges of these digital healthcare solutions on a larger scale. Full article

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is well known for its numerous health benefits; however, its strong flavor and aroma may limit its consumption due to gastrointestinal discomfort. This study aimed to evaluate puffing as a novel garlic processing method and compare the properties of puffed garlic with those of raw and black garlic (BG). Puffing was applied at different pressures after adjusting moisture content, resulting in significant physicochemical changes, including increased browning and the development of a porous, crunchy texture. In contrast, BG exhibited a black coloration and a gelatinous texture. Puffing resulted in a marked improvement in extraction yield (except at 196 kPa) and an increase in Maillard reaction products (MRPs), which correlated with the intensity of browning. Although the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) increased three-fold and eight-fold, respectively, compared to raw garlic, the antioxidant activities determined by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities increased by 22-fold and 61-fold, respectively, compared to raw garlic. All garlic samples demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, with puffing pressure significantly influencing the suppression of IL-6 production. While BG is widely recognized for its enhanced health-promoting properties, puffed garlic exhibited comparable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits in a shorter time frame and with a better retention of garlic’s original flavor. These findings highlight puffing as an efficient and promising alternative to traditional garlic processing, enhancing functionality while reducing sensory drawbacks. Full article