Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2024
Examining the Relationship Between Polystyrene Microplastics and Male Fertility: Insights From an In Vivo Study and In Vitro Sertoli Cell Culture.
While polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are emerging as potentially significant health threats, linked to cancer and reproductive dysfunction, their precise effects on human health remain largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms promoting microplastic-induced damage in the reproductive system. ⋯ PS-MPs induced reproductive dysfunction in male mice provide new insights into PS-MPs-associated toxicity in mammals.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Sep 2024
Validity of the Tablet-Based Digital Cognitive Test (SCST) in Identifying Different Degrees of Cognitive Impairment.
As society ages, the incidence of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias has surged, highlighting the importance of early dementia diagnosis. The Seoul Cognitive Status Test (SCST), a digital neuropsychological test, is designed for the early detection of cognitive impairment and has been standardized to establish reliability and validity. This study aims to verify whether the SCST effectively discriminates between groups based on three cognitive statuses (subjective cognitive decline [SCD], mild cognitive impairment [MCI], Dementia) in a large sample. We also seek to determine whether the SCST discriminates between individuals with three different cognitive statuses as defined by the Cognitive Dementia Rating (CDR). ⋯ This study reaffirmed that the SCST can significantly discriminate between groups of individuals with SCD, MCI, and dementia based on a large sample. Furthermore, differences in SCT scores were found across the levels of CDR, confirming the clinical utility of the SCST. These findings suggest that the SCST is an efficient and useful neuropsychological test for the sensitive detection of early cognitive impairment.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Sep 2024
Modified Albumin-Bilirubin Grade After Curative Treatment: Predicting the Risk of Late Intrahepatic Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
We aimed to identify the prognostic factors for late intrahepatic recurrence (IHR), defined as recurrence more than two years after curative treatment of newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ⋯ After curative treatment for newly diagnosed early HCC, the mALBI grade at three and six months after initial curative treatment, as well as at baseline, was one of the most crucial prognostic factors for late IHR.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Sep 2024
Observational StudyEffectiveness of the Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine for Preventing Critical Infection From the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in the Republic of Korea.
This retrospective observational matched cohort study assessed the differences in critical infections caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the omicron-predominant period of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We evaluated the vaccine effectiveness of bivalent mRNA vaccine compared to unvaccinated individuals. ⋯ Our findings indicate that the bivalent vaccine reduces the disease burden of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant, particularly among the older population. Further studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness of booster doses of vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Sep 2024
LETter To the EditoR Standards (LETTERS): Considerations for Authors, Reviewers, and Editors.
Correspondence in the form of letters to the editor serves multiple scholarly purposes, including critiquing previously published articles, engaging in discourse with other correspondents, commenting on the journal's structure or style, and contributing insights for future publications. The composition of such letters warrants meticulous attention, as they play a crucial role in fostering communication between the journal and its readership. Adherence to specific principles is essential in crafting an effective letter to the editor. ⋯ The content should be constructive in nature and substantiated by rigorous scientific evidence and appropriate citations. The structure of a letter to the editor typically encompasses several key components: a title, an opening section, the main body of the correspondence, a closing statement, and a list of references. This article aims to establish Letter to the Editor Standards as a comprehensive guide for authors, reviewers, and editorial boards, thereby enhancing the quality and impact of this crucial form of academic discourse.