Search Results (873)

Background/Objectives: Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are key contributors to colorectal cancer (CRC) development. However, prospective evidence in Asian populations remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the associations between circulating inflammatory cytokines, oxidative markers, and CRC risk in a Korean population. Methods: We conducted a case–cohort study nested within the Korean National Cancer Community (KNCCC) Cohort to investigate associations between inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and CRC risk. A total of 128 incident CRC cases and 822 subcohort participants were included. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-10, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards models with Barlow’s weighting. Results: Higher serum IL-6 levels were strongly associated with increased CRC risk, with HRs of 6.20 (95% CI: 2.38–16.19), 8.31 (3.24–21.33), and 10.22 (3.95–26.46) for the second through fourth quartiles, compared to the lowest. Detectable levels of IL-1β and IFN-γ were also significantly associated with CRC risk (HRs: 2.16 and 1.53, respectively). Stratified analysis showed that IL-6 and IL-1β were associated with CRC risk in both obese and non-obese participants, while TNF-α, IL-10, and NO were associated with increased risk only among obese individuals. No significant associations were observed for ROS. Conclusions: Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ) and NO were associated with higher CRC risk, suggesting their potential as early biomarkers. Obesity may modify the associations between certain markers and CRC risk. These findings highlight the role of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in colorectal carcinogenesis. Full article

This study examines the longitudinal evolution of media framing of TikTok in South Korean news coverage from 2020 to 2024. As a global digital platform increasingly embedded in geopolitical and regulatory controversies, TikTok provides an instructive case for understanding how media frames shift over time in response to external political pressures. Moving beyond static framing analyses and Western-centric perspectives, this study conceptualizes framing as a dynamic process shaped by both short-term events and longer-term structural change. Using 5660 TikTok-related news articles from the BIGKinds database, we apply large language model-assisted frame classification and construct a frame shift index (FSI) to measure temporal changes in dominant frames. Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis is employed to test short-term framing responses to discrete international political and policy events, while the Bai–Perron breakpoint test (BPT) is used to identify long-term structural breaks. The results show that significant frame shifts are closely associated with transnational policy disputes and international political conflicts. While ITS reveals clear event-driven short-term framing adjustments, BPT identifies a statistically significant structural breakpoint in late 2022, indicating a longer-term reorganization of media narratives under sustained geopolitical and regulatory pressures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exhibits high heritability (60–80%), yet individual-level genetic risk prediction remains challenging. While APOE ε4 is the strongest genetic risk factor, incomplete penetrance complicates risk assessment. Methods: We analyzed seven blood-related members across three generations using the Korean Chip v2.0 genotyping (~1.2 M SNPs) and Illumina EPICv2 DNA methylation profiling. Genetic burden score (GBS) was calculated by summing risk alleles across 320 variants in six AD-associated genes (APOE, PICALM, CLU, CR1, BIN1, and ABCA7). Results: An unexpected pattern was observed in this family: the affected individual (J-003) had the lowest GBS (39 alleles), while individuals with higher genetic burden (51–61 alleles) remained cognitively healthy. J-003 also exhibited lower APOE methylation (β = 0.495) compared to the family mean (β = 0.523). CR1 contributed the most risk alleles across the family, followed by PICALM. Conclusions: This single-case observation cannot establish causality, generalizability, or biological significance. The affected individual’s lower APOE methylation may represent a causal factor, disease consequence, or coincidental variation—scenarios that cannot be distinguished from this dataset. Validation in larger cohorts with multiple affected individuals is required to determine whether integrated multi-omics approaches can inform personalized risk assessment in familial contexts. Full article

This study investigated the fault ride through capability of inverter-based resources in weak distribution networks and proposes a fault-oriented reactive power compensation strategy using only point of common coupling voltage measurements. The proposed strategy determines the reactive power command based on the minimum phase voltage, which represents the most severely depressed phase during unbalanced faults, without fault type detection or sequence component analysis. As a result, the same control framework can be applied to single-line-to-ground, double-line-to-ground, and three-phase faults. A detailed MATLAB/Simulink model of a Korean distribution feeder was developed using actual system parameters. The proposed strategy was compared with a no control case and a conservative fixed capacity reactive power injection scheme derived from commonly adopted power factor limits. Simulation results show that the no control case provides no voltage support, while the fixed capacity approach yields limited improvement in weak grids. In contrast, the proposed strategy maintains stable inverter operation and improves voltage recovery. At locations with an extremely low weighted short circuit ratio of 0.303, the proposed strategy prevents inverter tripping during temporary faults and satisfies low voltage ride through requirements, demonstrating its practical effectiveness. Full article

Accurate forecasting of photovoltaic (PV) power generation is essential for mitigating weather-induced variability and maintaining power-system stability. This study aims to improve PV power forecasting accuracy by enhancing the quality of numerical weather prediction (NWP) inputs rather than modifying forecasting model structures. Specifically, systematic errors in temperature, wind speed, and solar radiation data produced by the Unified Model–Local Data Assimilation and Prediction System (UM-LDAPS) are corrected using a Model Output Statistics (MOS) approach. A case study was conducted for a 20 kW rooftop PV system in Buan, South Korea, comparing forecasting performance before and after MOS application using a random forest-based PV forecasting model. The results show that MOS significantly improves meteorological input accuracy, reducing the root mean square error (RMSE) of temperature, wind speed, and solar radiation by 38.1–62.3%. Consequently, PV power forecasting errors were reduced by 70.0–78.7% across lead times of 1–6 h, 7–12 h, and 19–24 h. After MOS correction, the normalized mean absolute percentage error (nMAPE) remained consistently low at approximately 7–8%, indicating improved forecasting robustness across the evaluated lead-time ranges. In addition, an economic evaluation based on the Korean renewable energy forecast-settlement mechanism estimated an annual benefit of approximately 854 USD for the analyzed 20 kW PV system. A complementary valuation using an NREL-based framework yielded an annual benefit of approximately 296 USD. These results demonstrate that improving meteorological data quality through MOS enhances PV forecasting performance and provide measurable economic value. Full article

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention, with bystander-initiated Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) being critical for survival, especially in out-of-hospital situations where medical help is often delayed. Given that over 70% of out-of-hospital cases occur in private residences, there is a growing imperative to provide widespread CPR training to the public. However, conventional instructor-led CPR training faces inherent limitations regarding spatiotemporal constraints and the lack of personalized feedback. To address these issues, this paper proposes an AI-integrated XR-based CPR training system designed as an advanced auxiliary tool for skill acquisition. The system integrates vision-based pose estimation with multimodal sensor data to assess the trainee’s posture and compression metrics in accordance with Korean regional CPR guidelines. Moreover, it utilizes a Large Language Model to evaluate verbal protocols, including requesting an emergency call that aligns with the guidelines. Experimental validation of the proof-of-concept reveals a verbal evaluation accuracy of 88% and a speech recognition accuracy of approximately 95%. Furthermore, the optimized concurrent architecture provides a real-time response latency under 0.5 s, and the automated marker-based tracking ensures precise spatial registration without manual calibration. These results confirm the technical feasibility of the system as a complementary solution for basic life support education. Full article

Background: Hand oligodactyly is a rare congenital malformation characterized by fewer than five digits. Although several clinical and radiological studies have been reported, detailed anatomical investigations remain scarce. This study aimed to describe the morphological characteristics of bilateral hand oligodactyly through dissection. Case Presentation: A bilateral hand oligodactyly with thumb and 3 fingers on each hand was found in a 77-year-old Korean female donor. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Sungkyunkwan University (IRB No. SKKU 2023-02-012). Results: Diverse variations were observed in most structures of the hand, including the palmar aponeurosis, tendons of the flexor digitorum superficialis, the flexor digitorum profundus, and the flexor pollicis longus, lumbricals, interossei, and metacarpals. Connections between flexor and extensor tendons were also found, and each variation differed between the two hands. Conclusions: These structural differences highlight the developmental complexity of hand oligodactyly and offer valuable insights for facilitating appropriate surgical strategies. This study has also provided new insights into congenital anomalies that underscore their relevance in developmental biology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Modifiable lifestyle factors, particularly diet, are important for preventing type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the evidence regarding this from prospective studies is limited in the Asian population. We therefore evaluated whether a diet-inclusive healthy lifestyle score (HLS) predicts incident T2D in a community-based cohort. Methods: We analyzed 7185 T2D-free adults from the KoGES Ansan–Ansung cohort, constructing the HLS (range: 0–5) based on five lifestyle factors: non-smoking, ≥30 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, low-risk alcohol consumption (≤40 g/day for men; ≤20 g/day for women), BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m², and a healthy diet, defined as a healthy plant-based diet index within the top 40th percentile. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to examine the association between HLS and incident T2D risk. Results: During a median follow-up of 17.5 years, 1223 cases of T2D were identified. Compared to individuals with a score of 0 or 1, those with a score of 5 had a 56% lower risk of T2D after adjustment for potential confounders (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.32–0.62), and these associations remained consistent across subgroups stratified by age, sex, family history of T2D, hypertension, and residential area. However, the association was stronger among non-users of anti-diabetic medication than among users. Conclusions: Adherence to a healthier lifestyle, as indicated by a higher HLS, was significantly associated with a reduced risk of developing T2D among Korean adults. These findings underscore the importance of promoting integrated healthy lifestyle behaviors to prevent T2D. Full article

Background: Children and adolescents are pivotal in the transmission of influenza, and vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Cell-based influenza vaccines offer advantages over traditional egg-based vaccines by reducing egg-adapted mutations and improving antigenic match. SKYCellflu^® quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV; SK bioscience, Korea), the first cell-based QIV licensed in Korea for individuals aged 6 months and older, offers potential advantages; however, its real-world effectiveness in the Korean pediatric population remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the real-world effectiveness of SKYCellflu^® QIV, a cell-based QIV, in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza among children and adolescents aged 6 months to 18 years in Korea during the 2024–2025 influenza season. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, test-negative case–control study was conducted from October 2024 to May 2025 across 25 institutions in Korea. Children and adolescents aged 6 months to 18 years who presented within 7 days of the onset of influenza-like illness (fever ≥ 38 °C and at least one respiratory symptom) were enrolled. Influenza infection was confirmed using rapid antigen tests or polymerase chain reaction; participants who tested positive were classified as cases, and those who tested negative for influenza served as controls. All participants were further categorized as vaccinated or unvaccinated based on receipt of SKYCellflu^® QIV. Those who received other influenza vaccines during the season were excluded. Vaccination status was verified through medical records and the national immunization registry. Results: A total of 1476 participants were included (751 cases, 725 controls). The overall adjusted vaccine effectiveness (aVE) was 45.57% (95% CI, 29.38–58.04). The vaccine demonstrated the highest effectiveness in children aged 6–35 months (aVE: 88.55%; 95% CI, 60.39–96.11). Effectiveness was higher against influenza B (aVE: 61.28%; 95% CI, 35.76–76.30) than influenza A (aVE: 41.63%; 95% CI, 22.55–56.01). The vaccine’s effectiveness in adolescents was not statistically significant due to the small sample size in this age group. Conclusions: This multicenter test-negative study provides the first real-world effectiveness of SKYCellflu^® QIV in a Korean pediatric population. The results suggest substantial protection in younger children, particularly against influenza B, and support the continued use of annual influenza vaccination in this population. Further studies with larger adolescent cohorts are needed to confirm these findings in older age groups. Full article

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly common and linked to obesity; however, its association with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in women remains unclear. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the Korean National Health Insurance Service health-screening database, including 483,401 women aged 40–59 years examined between 2013 and 2016, followed through 2021. MASLD was defined as hepatic steatosis (hepatic steatosis index ≥ 36 or ICD-10 K76.0) with ≥1 metabolic abnormality and no heavy alcohol use (≥20 g/day). Incident CRC (ICD-10 C18–C20) was analyzed using Cox regression adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and metabolic variables. Effect modification was tested across key covariates. Results: MASLD was found in 128,642 participants (26.6%). During a median 7.5-year follow-up, 2432 CRC cases occurred (702 with MASLD). The 7-year cumulative CRC risk was higher in the MASLD group (0.47% vs. 0.43%; p = 0.006). MASLD independently increased CRC risk (adjusted HR 1.10; 95% CI 1.00–1.20). Effect modification was observed for age, dyslipidemia, and waist circumference. MASLD significantly increased CRC risk among women aged 40–49 years (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.05–1.49), those without dyslipidemia (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.03–1.28), and with waist < 85 cm (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.02–1.30). Conclusions: MASLD modestly increases CRC risk in Korean women, particularly among younger, normolipidemic, and non-obese individuals, indicating the need for age- and metabolism-specific risk stratification and suggesting a need for closer clinical attention and metabolic optimization. Full article

Pulmonary vascular proliferative lesions are rarely reported and poorly characterized in animals. In this study, we describe 13 cases identified in wild Korean raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), suggesting a higher-than-expected incidence in this species. Gross examination revealed villous projections within the lumina of pulmonary vessels, sometimes accompanied by pneumonia, hemorrhage, or Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) infection. Most affected animals also presented with thick, dark gray cutaneous crusts associated with scabies infestation. Histopathologically, the lesions consisted of papillary proliferations within thickened vascular lumens. Special stains (Masson’s trichrome and Elastic Verhoeff–Van Gieson) demonstrated a single layer of endothelial cells lining fibromuscular and collagenous thick cores. Immunohistochemistry confirmed endothelial origin and benign proliferative nature, with positive expression of CD31, collagen types I, III, and IV, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). To date, pulmonary vascular proliferative lesions have not been well documented in N. procyonoides, and baseline pathological data, including findings from special stains, are lacking. These findings indicate that pulmonary vascular proliferative lesions may be underrecognized in raccoon dogs and suggest a likely association with chronic vascular injury related to parasitic infections. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors. Full article

Background: The contribution of adiposity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) to thyroid cancer risk in late life, particularly among the elderly, is unclear. Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study of Korean adults aged ≥75 years who underwent standardized health screening. Exposures were body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and MetS defined by standard clinical criteria. The incidence of thyroid cancer was determined using administrative data. Fine–Gray sub-distribution hazard models estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with prespecified stratification by sex and age (75–84 vs. ≥85 years). Results: Among 1,164,707 participants (60.3% women), 2645 incident cases were identified. In the fully adjusted models, obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) was associated with a 37% higher hazard (HR, 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–1.49) and MetS with an 18% higher hazard (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09–1.28). In sex-stratified models, MetS was associated with thyroid cancer in women (HR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.08–1.31) and showed a similar direction of association in men (HR 1.16; 95% CI, 1.00–1.35), with overlapping CIs. By age, associations were evident at 75–84 years (MetS: HR, 1.18; obesity: HR, 1.36), whereas at ≥85 years, only obesity remained significant (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.13–3.18). Among MetS components, high WC showed the most consistent association (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.21–1.42). Conclusions: In adults aged ≥75 years, general obesity and, in particular, central adiposity are robustly associated with incident thyroid cancer, whereas metabolic syndrome confers a more modest and mainly age- and sex-specific additional risk. Full article

Background: Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) can closely mimic degenerative spinal disorders, often leading to diagnostic delay or inappropriate surgical decisions. However, its epidemiologic characteristics among patients undergoing spinal surgery remain unknown. This nationwide, population-based study investigated the incidence, perioperative diagnostic trends, and risk factors of ATM in patients treated surgically for degenerative spinal disease. Methods: Data were extracted from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database (2014–2018). Adults (>19 years) who underwent surgery for degenerative spinal disease were identified, and those with malignancy, infection, fracture, or prior myelitis were excluded. The two-year perioperative observation period (−360 to +360 days) was divided into 24 consecutive 30-day intervals. Patients were classified by ATM occurrence, and multivariable logistic regression with bootstrap validation was used to identify independent risk factors. Incidence rates were expressed per 100,000 person-years. Results: Among 201,769 eligible patients, 269 (0.13%) developed ATM, yielding an incidence of 67 (95% CI: 59–75) per 100,000 person-years—substantially higher than in the general population. Younger age, male sex, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatologic disease, and cervical or thoracic spinal lesions were independent predictors. Notably, 28.3% of ATM cases were diagnosed within 30 days before surgery, and 50.9% within the four-month window from three months preoperatively to one month postoperatively, indicating a marked temporal clustering around surgery. Conclusions: ATM occurred far more frequently among patients undergoing surgery for degenerative spinal disease than in the general population, with diagnoses peaking immediately before surgery. This pattern likely reflects diagnostic delay rather than true perioperative onset. Because ATM can clinically and radiologically resemble degenerative myelopathy, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in patients presenting with atypical or rapidly progressive neurological deterioration. Early recognition may prevent unnecessary surgery and improve neurological outcomes. Full article

Robots and artificial intelligence have revolutionized the healthcare sector. Transporting patients within hospitals is critical; however, reducing errors and inefficiencies caused by human intervention and increasing task efficiency are necessary. Therefore, there is a clear need to reduce these interventions and increase overall task efficiency. We implemented a digital twin of the situation in which a nurse-following patient transport bed robot (in short, nurse-following bed robot or medical bed robot) transports patients in an infectious disease situation. To operate multiple bed robots, a federated digital twin was implemented, and all processes that occur in a hospital when an infectious disease patient arrives were defined, and scenarios for various situations were constructed. These scenarios were then simulated to validate system performance and preparedness for real-world situations. This study investigates and provides a detailed explanation of the core technologies required for this digital implementation process. Full article

Feminist and women religious scholars seek reconciliatory resources beyond the conservative/progressive binary that fuels conflicts, undermines communication and agency, and sustains oppressive structures. Drawing on feminist theology and religious anthropology, this qualitative study investigates how progressive clergywomen in South Korea exercise agency to move beyond this binary. It argues that their agency integrates resistance with measured accommodations of conservative elements, reflecting reconciliatory self-reconfigurations shaped by Korean historical and theological shifts across democratization, an intertwined conservative—progressive landscape, and personal influences, especially family. Central to this shift are (1) anthropological and theological reorientations that emphasize human vulnerability, resilient Christian faith/identity, and a shared foundation of Christian life transcending dichotomies—faith/activism, personal/social salvation, and oppressed minjung/oppressor—and (2) a rediscovery of conservative elements, including biblical centrality and everyday sharing. These reorientations find practical expression in contextual sensitivity, embodied faith, and a gradualist approach. Building on earlier scholarship—especially in Korea—that highlights conservative laywomen’s agency, this study analyzes rare cases of progressive clergywomen pursuing change amid tensions with conservative congregations, identifying feasible and sustainable pastoral resources. Their resistance to binary anthropology and their reconciliation of faith and social engagement contribute to renewing Minjung theology. The study further enriches religious anthropology by illuminating the organic interplay between personal and public motivations. Full article