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Background and Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the efficient use of advanced energy devices by examining the impact of their usage frequency on surgical outcomes of total laparoscopic hysterectomies. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between 2020 and 2023 by a single surgeon. The patients’ medical records and surgical videos were reviewed. Cases were categorized into three groups based on the frequency of usage of advanced energy devices: Group 1 (≤10 uses), Group 2 (11–20 uses), and Group 3 (≥21 uses). The differences in blood loss, surgery time, and surgical outcomes among these groups were analyzed. This study was conducted as a single-center retrospective analysis. It included 126 patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy and provided informed consent for video recording. To evaluate the usage of advanced energy devices, anonymized surgical videos were reviewed, and outcomes were analyzed based on the frequency of usage of advanced energy devices. Results: The time required for surgery differed significantly among the three groups (p = 0.006). However, no significant differences were observed in the changes in hemoglobin levels or estimated blood loss (p = 0.255 and 0.053, respectively). Additionally, the application of hemostatic agents, the need for intraoperative or postoperative transfusions, and the use of intravenous hemostatic agents postoperatively showed no notable variation. Complication rates, including rates of hematoma, urinary tract injury, gastrointestinal injury, and infections necessitating reoperation, were also comparable. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the prudent and strategic use of advanced energy devices, rather than their frequent application, may improve surgical efficiency without increasing the risk of complications.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the dietary intake of vitamin B complex (thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin) and cervical cancer in Korea. Methods: The data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2010 to 2021 were analyzed, which included 28,306 participants who were categorized into non-cervical cancer and cervical cancer groups. The following dietary intake threshold levels of thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin were identified based on the recommended daily allowances (RDAs): thiamine, 1.1 mg/day; riboflavin, 1.2 mg/day; and niacin, 14 mg/day. Results: Among 28,306 participants, 27,976 were in the non-cervical cancer group and 330 were in the cervical cancer group. Riboflavin intakes of more than 1.2 mg/day but less than 2.4 mg/day were associated with a significantly reduced risk of cervical cancer, whereas intakes of above 2.4 mg/day were not associated with cervical cancer. Thiamine and niacin intakes were not significantly related to the risk of cervical cancer. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that an intake of riboflavin of 1.2–2.4 mg/day may contribute to a lower risk of cervical cancer.

The Korean fir (Abies koreana Wilson) is native to the higher mountains of South Korea, including the upper part of the Mt. Hallasan National Park, which is designated as the Biosphere Reserve of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. This species is considered as endangered and climate-sensitive bioindicator. We collected a species of Anurophorus (Collembola) from withered and rolled leaves of Korean fir, which is distributing at >1,300 m in altitude on Mt. Hallasan. There are 6 species of this genus in the Korean Peninsula, except the collected species (designated as Anurophorus sp.) with clear differences among them. Anurophorus sp. is most similar to A. laricis Nicolet in the general pattern of body chaetotaxy but was characterized by the number of knobbed hairs on tibiotarsi of all legs. Partial DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were used as DNA barcodes to distinguish the species and to verify its usefulness. It shows clear difference in genetic distance between studied other Anurophorus spp. The result indicates that the COI barcodes is a useful tool for species discrimination of Anurophorus, and Anurophorus sp. studied here is likely to be new to science.

We determined the complete mitogenomes of two wigeons, Mareca penelope (16,603 bp) and Mareca falcata (16,597 bp) of the family Anatidae using Illumina next-generation sequencing to better understand phylogenetic relationships. Both species consisted of 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes), two ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and one control region. A + T content (M. penelope 51.25%, M. falcata 51.2%) was slightly higher than G + C content (M. penelope 48.75%, M. falcata 48.8%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 13 concatenated PCG sequences indicated that M. penelope and M. falcata belong to the Mareca genus, with high bootstrap values.

Background and Objectives: Vaginitis causes vulvovaginal symptoms, including itching, irritation, vaginal discharge, burning, or foul odor. It is one of the most common diseases encountered in gynecologic practice. Hypoestrogenism due to menopause has a considerable negative effect on vaginal health and leads to changes in the vaginal pH and vaginal microflora, which are related to a change in the causes and microorganisms of vaginitis. Thus the aim here was to investigate the prevalence of pathogens and other microorganisms in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal symptoms, using an STD 12-Multiplex real-time PCR test and routine culture of vaginal discharge. Materials and Methods: From January 2018 to December 2019, records of patients diagnosed with vaginitis at Changwon Gyeongsang National University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The premenopausal and postmenopausal subjects were categorized into Group A and Group B, respectively. and the data of symptoms, general characteristics, and results of both STD 12-Multiplex real-time PCR test and routine culture of vaginal discharge were retrieved. Results: On the STD 12-Multiplex real-time PCR test, Gardnerella vaginalis was the most common microorganism in both groups. Ureaplasma parvum was the second most common one, followed by Candida speceies. On the routine culture of vaginal discharge, Escherichia coli was the most common aerobic bacterial microorganism in both groups, followed by Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS). There was no significant difference between the two groups. Pathogens and other microorganisms of patients with vulvovaginal symptoms that showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups were Ureaplasa parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticulum, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of pathogens and other microorganisms in menopausal women with vulvovaginal symptoms did not show a significant difference from premenopausal women. Therefore, management strategies for patients with vulvovaginal symptoms should be developed through accurate diagnosis using appropriate diagnostic methods.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether mild fetal tricuspid regurgitation (TR) at 11+ 0 to 13+ 6 weeks of gestation affects perinatal outcomes. Since fetal right ventricular load is associated with placental resistance, we hypothesized that fetal mild TR would be associated with perinatal outcomes as a consequence of abnormal placentation. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 435 women with first-trimester scan data. Blood flow across the tricuspid valve was examined in singleton pregnancies between 11+ 0 and 13+ 6 weeks of gestation. Women were categorized according to the presence or absence of fetal mild TR, and the maternal and pregnancy characteristics and perinatal outcomes were compared. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of perinatal outcome. Results: In the group with mild TR, there were more cases of borderline amniotic fluid index, including oligohydramnios (p = 0.031), and gestational age- and sex-specific birth weights were lower (p = 0.012). There were no significant differences in other perinatal outcomes, including preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and small for gestational age. Gestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.514, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.312–0.947) and fetal mild TR (adjusted OR 1.602, 95% CI 1.080–2.384) were identified as factors associated with below borderline amniotic fluid index before birth. The factors that affected gestational age and sex-specific birth weight were also gestational diabetes (adjusted beta coefficient 9.673, p = 0.008) and the presence of fetal mild TR (adjusted beta coefficient −6.593, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Mild fetal TR observed in the first trimester is negatively associated with fetal growth and the amniotic fluid index at term but not with other adverse pregnancy or perinatal outcomes due to abnormal placentation.

We report here the complete mitochondrial genome of Mergus merganser, which was determined using Illumina next-generation sequencing. The complete mitogenome is 16,631 bp, with 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes. The order and structure of the genes are similar to those of other Anatinae species. The overall base composition of the mitogenome is 28.7% (A), 21.8% (T), 16.0% (G), and 33.2% (C), with AT contents of 50.7%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 13 concatenated PCG sequences indicated that M. merganser is closely related to M. squamatus (HQ833701 and NC016723) with high bootstrap values (100%).

In this study, the mitogenome of Asio otus, the Northern Long-eared Owl, was analysed using Illumina next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome was found to be a circular molecule, 17,735 bp long with a slight AT bias (53.0%). The gene arrangement pattern was the same as that of a typical vertebrate, containing 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a non-coding control region). In the putative control region (1984 bp), there were two types of tandem repeats at the end of the region. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the 13 PCG sequences discovered in this study and those of that have been previously published of other Strigidae species and revealed a close relationship between A. otus and A. flammeus. The newly generated mitogenome from this study enriches the genomic resources available for future evolutionary studies and promotes conservation genetics of this species.

We present the complete mitochondrial genome and a phylogenetic analysis of Callorhinus ursinus, the northern fur seal, determined using Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The total length of the mitogenome was 17,154 bp, which consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and one control region. The base composition of the entire mitogenome was 33.5% (A), 26.3% (C), 13.9% (G), and 26.3% (T) with an A + T bias of 59.8%. The control region contained two types of tandem repeats. A neighbour-joining (NJ) tree was constructed and comprised two clades with C. ursinus forming a monophyletic group. Data produced in this study will aid exploration of the genetic diversity of endangered C. ursinus and contribute to molecular identification of this species.

Background and Objectives: Serum vitamin levels, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and their association with depression is a complex issue that has been the subject of much research. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between vitamin A, B9, and E levels, cardiovascular risk factors, and depression in premenopausal and menopausal South Korean women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Depression was assessed using a questionnaire to check for symptoms of depression or the Patient Health Questionnaire–9. Blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein in the morning after an overnight fast. Covariates were defined as self-reported physician diagnoses. Well-trained medical staff performed the standard procedures. Statistical analysis was performed using the complex sample analysis method of SPSS, using two separate logistic regression models (model 1: adjusted for age; model 2: adjusted for age, marital status, smoking, and alcohol consumption). Results: A total of 3313 women aged over 20 years were enrolled. The association between vitamin A levels and depression was as follows: lower levels of vitamin A were associated with an increased risk of depression in premenopausal women in model 1 and model 2. The levels of serum vitamins E and B9 were not correlated with depression in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. In the premenopausal group, depression increased in the obesity (model 1: p = 0.037; model 2: p = 0.047) and diabetes mellitus (model 1: p = 0.010; model 2: p = 0.009) groups. The menopausal group with depression had higher rates of stroke (model 1: p = 0.017; model 2: p = 0.039) and myocardial infarction (model 1: p = 0.004; model 2: p = 0.008) than the group without depression. Conclusions: Depression is correlated with lower blood levels of vitamin A in premenopausal women. Vitamin B9 and E levels were not associated with depression independent of menopausal status. Depression is associated with obesity and diabetes mellitus in premenopausal women and with stroke and myocardial infarction in postmenopausal women.

Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as the onset of a menopausal state prior to 40 years of age. Of the various causes of POI, genetic abnormalities account for 10.8% of all cases, which can be categorized into either chromosomal or gene anomalies. Chromosomal abnormalities of the isochromosome Xq [i(Xq)] type have been recognized as common causes of POI. Cases: A 16-year-old female presented with secondary amenorrhea that had persisted for one year. Her physical examination was unremarkable, including a height of 158 cm and the presence of secondary sexual characteristics. Her serum level of follicle-stimulating hormone was elevated (66 mIU/mL), whereas her estradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone levels were decreased (

Primary vaginal stones have been rarely reported; the reports that do exist are usually case reports. Because of their low incidence, they are often misdiagnosed. This case report and literature review of a primary vaginal stone presents an assessment of symptoms and common risk factors for vaginal stone formation. A 28-year-old woman with spastic quadriplegia who had been bedridden for most of her life presented to the emergency department for abdominal distension and fever. She had chronic constipation, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and vaginal discharge. Abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) was performed and a large stone observed. The vaginal stone was completely removed through the vaginal stump after hysterectomy. Differential diagnoses of vesicovaginal fistula, urethrovaginal fistula, genital anomaly, and ectopic ureter were made by performing several tests using indigo-carmine dye. She recovered from surgery without any complications. There was no recurrence of vaginal stones after 3 months. A biochemical analysis reported that the vaginal stone was 100% struvite. Vaginal stones are caused by repeated infections in an environment in which urine collects gradually. Patients with recurrent UTIs who are bedridden should be able to prevent vaginal stones with periodic gynecological examinations for early diagnosis and management.

INTRODUCTION: Endometrial cancer is the most common type of cancer in the female genital tract. Most patients are diagnosed during postmenopausal periods. To investigate the demographic characteristics as well as cutoff value of endometrial thickness and ultrasound characteristics of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal patients. METHODS: we retrospectively analyzed 244 postmenopausal women who underwent endometrial sampling from February 2016 to December 2019. Information of patients was obtained through medical records. The patients were divided into two groups according to histopathological results. Group A included patients with endometrial cancer and group B included patients with non-malignant lesions. Data were summarized based on demographic and ultrasound characteristics. RESULTS: hypertension and history of endometrial hyperplasia were associated with the incidence of endometrial cancer in this study. Endometrial cancer was diagnosed in all ranges when the endometrial thickness was great than 5 mm. Endometrial fluid collection, with increased endometrial thickness, was a risk factor associated with endometrial cancer. CONCLUSION: regardless of symptoms and risk factors, endometrial histological confirmation in postmenopausal women should be conducted immediately if endometrial abnormalities such as an endometrial thickness greater than 5 mm or endometrial fluid collection are detected by transvaginal ultrasound.