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This paper introduces an improved numerical approach for evaluating moisture balance on concrete surface which can initiate plastic shrinkage cracking on the surface of fresh concrete in concrete slab. Because plastic shrinkage cracks occur when the tensile stress induced from the surface drying of concrete exceeds the tensile strength in the freshly placed concrete, moisture balance calculated by the introduced approach can be used as the primary indicator for plastic shrinkage cracking. The numerical approach introduced in this paper therefore emphasized an exact evaluation of bleeding and evaporation on the concrete surface. In determining bleeding, the approach introduced in the previous study was improved through the consideration of additional influencing factors of the accelerator and steel fiber and the supplementation of additional experimental data. For reliable prediction of evaporation, an empirical relation was newly introduced. The reduction of evaporation rate with time was taken into consideration, and the use of the weighed characteristic velocity rather than the direct application of the wind velocity was recommended. Determination of an exact distribution for the weighed characteristic wind velocity on the surface of a concrete slab was based on computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analyses. In particular, the effect of installing a windscreen along the sides of the concrete slab was intensively examined. Upon verification of the introduced numerical approach through correlation studies between experimental data and numerical results, additional parametric studies were also performed to numerically examine the relative contribution of each influencing factor in plastic shrinkage cracking. Moreover, the introduced approach can effectively be used for the on-site prediction of surface drying time of a concrete slab and for the preparation of a proper curing strategy to mitigate plastic shrinkage cracking.

Background: Anti-type 2 (T2) biologic therapies (biologics) improve exacerbation rates, lung function, and asthma-related quality of life (QoL) in patients with severe T2 asthma. However, studies comparing different biologics are lacking. We evaluated the QoL in patients with severe asthma comprehensively and compare the efficacy of different T2-directed biologics using QoL questionnaires. Methods: We compared the QoL between severe and mild-to-moderate asthma and between severe asthma with and without biologics treatment. Data of mild-to-moderate were extracted from the Cohort for Reality and Evolution of Adult Asthma in Korea, and data of severe asthma were collected from the Precision Medicine Intervention in Severe Asthma. We included 183 patients with severe asthma treated with T2 biologics or conventional therapy between April 2020 and May 2021 and assessed QoL of them using the Questionnaire for Adult Korean Asthmatics (QLQAKA), Severe Asthma Questionnaire (SAQ), and EuroQoL-5Dimensions (EQ-5D) at baseline and 6 months. Results: The EQ-5D index (0.803) of severe asthma was lower than that of other chronic diseases representing a worse QoL. The scores for all questions of QLQAKA, except “cough,” were lower (less control) in the severe asthma group than in the mild-to-moderate asthma group at baseline and 6 months (P 0.05). Conclusion: QoL was worse in severe asthma than in mild-to-moderate asthma and other chronic diseases. T2 biologics equally improved QoL in patients with severe asthma.

TMBIM6, a member of the transmembrane BI-1 motif-containing family of proteins, is overexpressed in many cancer types. Here, the authors show that TMBIM6 regulates AKT activation through mTORC2 assembly and ribosome association and identify an antagonist of TMBIM6 with anti-tumor properties.

Background: Panax ginseng is a marvelous herbal remedy for all ailments of body. That may be why it is called Panax, which means “cure for all”. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to our skin; however, increased melanin production can lead to tumor formation. Human exposure to ultraviolet B radiation has increased extensively owing to the increased sunlight due to global warming. Consequently, a phenomenon called photoaging has been observed for all skin colors and types. As a result of this phenomenon, a set of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases, which serve as degradation enzymes for extracellular matrix proteins, mainly collagen, is increased, causing depletion of collagen and resulting in early wrinkle formation. Methods: Therefore, in our study, we used the murine melanoma cell line B16/F10 to study the inhibition of melanogenesis by Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extract in vitro and HRM-2 hairless mice exposed to artificial ultraviolet B to examine the efficacy of KRG in vivo. We prepared a 3% red ginseng extract cream and evaluated its effects on human skin. Results: Our results demonstrated that KRG induced potent suppression of tyrosinase activity and melanin production in B16/F10 cells; moreover, it reduced the transcription and translation of components involved in the melanin production pathway. In the in vivo experiments, KRG potently suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, reduced wrinkle formation, and inhibited collagen degradation. On human skin, ginseng cream increased skin resilience and skin moisture and enhanced skin tone. Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that KRG is an excellent skin whitening and antiaging product. Keywords: Antiaging, Human trials, Korean Red Ginseng extract, Melanogenesis, Wrinkles

Age-associated persistent ER stress is the result of declining chaperone systems of the ER that reduces cellular functions, induces apoptosis, and leads to age-related diseases. This study investigated the previously unknown regulatory mechanism of TMBIM6 during age-associated hepatic abnormalities. Wild-type (WT) and the TMBIM6 knockout (TMBIM6−/−) mice liver, human liver samples from different age groups were used to demonstrate the effect of physiological aging on liver. For TMBIM6 rescue experiments, TMBIM6−/− old mice and stable human hepatic cell lines expressing TMBIM 6 were used to study the functional role of TMBIM6 on aging-associated steatosis and its associated mechanisms. In aging humans and mice, we observed declined expression of TMBIM6 and aberrant UPR expression, which were associated with high hepatic lipid accumulation. During aging, TMBIM6-deficient mice had increased senescence than their WT counterparts. We identified redox-mediated posttranslational modifications of IRE1α such as S-nitrosylation and sulfonation were higher in TMBIM6-deficient aging mice and humans, which impaired the ER stress response signaling. Sulfonation of IRE1α enhanced regulated IRE1α-dependent decay (RIDD) activity inducing TMBIM6 decay, whereas S-nitrosylation of IRE1α inhibited XBP1 splicing enhancing the cell death. Moreover, the degradation of miR-338-3p by strong IRE1α cleavage activity enhanced the expression of PTP1B, resulting in diminishing phosphorylation of PERK. The re-expression of TMBIM6 reduced IRE1α modifications, preserved ER homeostasis, reduced senescence and senescence-associated lipid accumulation in human hepatic cells and TMBIM6-depleted mice. S-nitrosylation or sulfonation of IRE1α and its controller, the TMBIM6, might be the potential therapeutic targets for maintaining ER homeostasis in aging and aging-associated liver diseases.

Chalcone is a polyphenolic compound found abundantly in natural plant components. They have been acclaimed as potential antitumor compounds in multiple tumor cells. However, not much attention has been paid to elucidate its antitumor mechanism of action. Here, chalcone was demonstrated to trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced apoptosis through sulfonation of IRE1α by ER-localized NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4). IRE1α-sulfonation at a cysteine residue was shown to induce “regulated IRE1α-dependent decay” (RIDD) of mRNA rather than specific splicing of XBP1. The IRE1α sulfonation-induced RIDD degraded miR-23b, enhancing the expression of NOX4. The expression of NOX4 was also upregulated in breast, and prostate cancer tissue. In chalcone-administered mice in vivo, tumor growth was regressed by the consistent mechanisms “NOX4-IRE1α sulfonation-RIDD”. Similarly, NOX4 activation and IRE1α sulfonation were also highly increased under severe ER stress conditions. Together, these findings suggest chalcone as a lead anticancer compound where it acts through NOX4-IRE1α-RIDD-miR-23b axis providing a promising vision of chalcone derivatives’ anticancer mechanism.

Oxidative stress attributable to the activation of a Nox4-containing NADPH oxidase is involved in aging-associated vascular dysfunction. However, the Nox4-induced signaling mechanism for the vascular alteration in aging remains unclear. In an aged aorta, the expression of Nox4 mRNA and protein by Nox family of genes was markedly increased compared with a young aorta. Nox4 localization mainly to ER was also established. In the aorta of Nox4 WT mice aged 23–24 months (aged), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/oxidative stress were markedly increased compared with the counter KO mice. Furthermore, endothelial functions including eNOS coupling process and acetylcholine-induced vasodilation were significantly disturbed in the aged WT, slightly affected in the counter KO aorta. Consistently, in d-galactose-induced in vitro aging condition, ER-ROS and its associated ER Nox4 expression and activity were highly increased. Also, in chronic d-galactose-treated condition, IRE1α phosphorylation and XBP-1 splicing and were transiently increased, but IRE1α sulfonation was robustly increased in the aging Nox4 WT condition when compared to the counter KO condition. In vitro D-gal-induced aging study, the phenomenon were abrogated with Nox4 knock-down condition and was significantly decreased in GKT, Nox4 inhibitor and 4-PBA, ER chemical chaperone-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The state of Nox4-based ER redox imbalance/ROS accumulation is suggested to determine the pathway “the UPR; IRE1α phosphorylation and XBP-1 splicing and the UPR failure; IRE1α cysteine-based oxidation, especially sulfonation, finally controlling aging-associated vascular dysfunction.

Background: Korean Red Ginseng has been used for several decades to treat many diseases, enhancing both immunity and physical strength. Previous studies have documented the therapeutic effects of ginseng, including its anticancer, antiaging, and anti-inflammatory activities. These activities are mediated by ginsenosides present in the ginseng plant. Ginsenoside Rg3, an effective compound from red ginseng, has been shown to have antiplatelet activity in addition to its anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Platelets are important for both primary hemostasis and the repair of the vessels after injury; however, they also play a crucial role in the development of acute coronary diseases. We prepared ginsenoside Rg3-enriched red ginseng extract (Rg3-RGE) to examine its role in platelet physiology. Methods: To examine the effect of Rg3-RGE on platelet activation in vitro, platelet aggregation, granule secretion, intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilization, flow cytometry, and immunoblot analysis were carried out using rat platelets. To examine the effect of Rg3-RGE on platelet activation in vivo, a collagen plus epinephrine-induced acute pulmonary thromboembolism mouse model was used. Results: We found that Rg3-RGE significantly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation and [Ca2+]i mobilization in a dose-dependent manner in addition to reducing ATP release from collagen-stimulated platelets. Furthermore, using immunoblot analysis, we found that Rg3-RGE markedly suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation (i.e., extracellular stimuli-responsive kinase, Jun N-terminal kinase, p38) as well as the PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase)/Akt pathway. Moreover, Rg3-RGE effectively reduced collagen plus epinephrine-induced mortality in mice. Conclusion: These data suggest that ginsenoside Rg3-RGE could be potentially be used as an antiplatelet therapeutic agent against platelet-mediated cardiovascular disorders.

Background: Chong-Myung-Tang (CMT) extract is widely used in Korea as a traditional herbal tonic for increasing memory capacity in high-school students and also for numerous body ailments since centuries. The use of CMT to improve the learning capacity has been attributed to various plant constituents, especially black ginseng, in it. Therefore, in this study, we have first investigated whether black ginseng-enriched CMT extracts affected spatial learning using the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Their molecular mechanism of action underlying improvement of learning and memory was examined in vitro. Methods: We used two types of black ginseng-enriched CMT extracts, designated as CM-1 and CM-2, and evaluated their efficacy in the MWM test for spatial learning behavior and their anti-inflammatory effects in BV2 microglial cells. Results: Our results show that both black ginseng-enriched CMT extracts improved the learning behavior in scopolamine-induced impairment in the water maze test. Moreover, these extracts also inhibited nitric oxide production in BV2 cells, with significant suppression of expression of proinflammatory cytokines, especially inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and interleukin-1β. The protein expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB pathway factors was also diminished by black ginseng-enriched CMT extracts, indicating that it not only improves the memory impairment, but also acts a potent anti-inflammatory agent for neuroinflammatory diseases. Conclusion: Our research for the first time provides the scientific evidence that consumption of black ginseng-enriched CMT extract as a brain tonic improves memory impairment. Thus, our study results can be taken as a reference for future neurobehavioral studies.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and to describe the characteristics of child abuse screening instruments. Methods: Articles regarding the development of a child abuse screening instrument were investigated using the systematic review method. A literature search using the keywords “child and abuse or maltreatment and instrument or screening tool” in English, and “child,” “abuse,” and “instrument” in Korean, was conducted of material published in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SCOPUS, ERIC, and RISS. Database and bibliographic searches, and quality appraisal using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool that included systemic reviews, yielded 17 records. Results: Key elementary child abuse screening instruments were developed for physical, psychiatric, affective and sexual and child neglect assessment. The instruments’ target populations were children at home and in institutions. The reviewed instruments had the advantage of diagnosing past, concurrent, and indirectly, potential child abuse. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that child abuse screening instruments are available for screening and for assessment of abused children in various circumstances. This review of child abuse screening instruments offers evidence for the acceptable use of optimal psychometric tools for child abuse assessment and provides guidelines for child health nursing practice.

Background: Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is a well-characterized medicinal herb listed in the classic oriental herbal dictionary as “Shin-nong-bon-cho-kyung.” Ginseng has diverse pharmacologic and therapeutic properties. Black ginseng (BG, Ginseng Radix nigra) is produced by repeatedly steaming fresh ginseng nine times. Studies of BG have shown that prolonged heat treatment enhances the antioxidant activity with increased radical scavenging activity. Several recent studies have showed the effects of BG on increased lipid profiles in mice. In this study report the effects of water and ethanol extracts of BG on hypercholesterolemia in rats. To our knowledge, this is the first time such an effect has been reported. Methods: Experiments were conducted on male Sprague Dawley rats fed with a high-cholesterol diet supplemented with the water and ethanol extracts of BG (200 mg/kg). Their blood cholesterol levels, serum white blood cell levels, and cholesterol-metabolizing marker genes messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were determined. Liver and adipose tissues were histologically analyzed. Results: We found that BG extracts efficiently reduced the total serum cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels with increased food efficiency ratio and increased number of neutrophil cells. It also attenuated the key genes responsible for lipogenesis, that is, acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) acetyltransferase 2, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2, at the mRNA level inside liver cells. Furthermore, the BG extract also reduced the accumulation of fat in adipose tissues, and inhibited the neutral fat content in liver cells stained with hematoxylin and eosin and oil red O. Conclusion: Administration of BG extracts to Sprague Dawley rats fed with high-cholesterol diet ameliorated hypercholesterolemia, which was mediated via modulation of cholesterol-metabolizing marker genes. This data throw a light on BG's cardioprotective effects.

This study was conducted to develop the Dust Exposure Reduction Behavior Scale (DERBS) and to validate it for the general population. The scale was developed based on Williamson’s model of everyday life information seeking. For exploratory factor analysis and confirmative factor analysis, 274 subjects aged 18 or older were recruited in South Korea using convenience sampling between February 1 and March 28, 2021. Content validity, convergence validity, discriminant validity, and internal consistency reliability were examined according to DeVellis’ methodology. The DERBS consists of 12 items with four factors: protection from dust, staying inside, sharing information, and health promotion. Convergent validity with the personal environmental health behaviors scale was supported ( r = .63, p

BACKGROUND: The level of proliferation activity is a strong prognostic or predictive indicator in breast cancer, but its optimal measurement is still in debate, necessitating new proliferation markers. In the present study, the prognostic significance of the CKAP2-positive cell count (CPCC), a new proliferation marker, was evaluated, and the results were compared with those for the mitotic activity index (MAI). METHODS: This study included 375 early-stage breast cancer samples collected from two institutions between 2000 and 2006. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using a CKAP2 monoclonal antibody. Cox proportional hazard regression models were fitted to determine the association between the CPCC and relapse-free survival (RFS) amongst three groups formed on the basis of the CPCC or MAI value: groups 2 and 3 showing the middle and highest values, respectively, and group 1 the lowest. RESULTS: After adjustment for age, T stage, N stage, HER2 status, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, institution, and year of surgical resection, the CPCC was associated with a significantly worse RFS {hazard ratio [HR] = 4.10 (95% CI: 1.64-10.29) for group 2; HR = 4.35 (95% CI: 2.04-10.35) for group 3}. Moreover, its prognostic significance was similar to or higher than that based on the MAI {HR = 2.05 (95% CI: 0.94-4.65) for group 2; HR = 2.35 (95% CI: 1.09-5.10) for group 3}. In subgroup analyses, the CPCC showed a prognostic significance in the luminal A and triple-negative subgroups, but not in the HER2-positive subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Chromatin CKAP2 is an independent prognostic marker for RFS in early-stage breast cancer, and could potentially replace the MAI in clinical evaluation of proliferation activity. Additionally, our study results suggest that the prognostic significance of proliferation activity differs among the various subgroups of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The concept of the utilization of rearranged ends for development of personalized biomarkers has attracted much attention owing to its clinical applicability. Although targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) for recurrent rearrangements has been successful in hematologic malignancies, its application to solid tumors is problematic due to the paucity of recurrent translocations. However, copy-number breakpoints (CNBs), which are abundant in solid tumors, can be utilized for identification of rearranged ends. METHOD: As a proof of concept, we performed targeted next-generation sequencing at copy-number breakpoints (TNGS-CNB) in nine colon cancer cases including seven primary cancers and two cell lines, COLO205 and SW620. For deduction of CNBs, we developed a novel competitive single-nucleotide polymorphism (cSNP) microarray method entailing CNB-region refinement by competitor DNA. RESULT: Using TNGS-CNB, 19 specific rearrangements out of 91 CNBs (20.9%) were identified, and two polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplifiable rearrangements were obtained in six cases (66.7%). And significantly, TNGS-CNB, with its high positive identification rate (82.6%) of PCR-amplifiable rearrangements at candidate sites (19/23), just from filtering of aligned sequences, requires little effort for validation. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that TNGS-CNB, with its utility for identification of rearrangements in solid tumors, can be successfully applied in the clinical laboratory for cancer-relapse and therapy-response monitoring.

Variations and alterations of copy numbers (CNVs and CNAs) carry disease susceptibility and drug responsiveness implications. Although there are many molecular methods to measure copy numbers, sensitivity, reproducibility, cost, and time issues remain. In the present study, we were able to solve those problems utilizing our modified real competitive PCR method with cloned competitors (mrcPCR). First, the mrcPCR for ERBB2 copy number was established, and the results were comparable to current standard methods but with a shorter assay time and a lower cost. Second, the mrcPCR assays for 24 drug-target genes were established, and the results in a panel of NCI-60 cells were comparable to those from real-time PCR and microarray. Third, the mrcPCR results for FCGR3A and the FCGR3B CNVs were comparable to those by the paralog ratio test (PRT), but without PRT's limitations. These results suggest that mrcPCR is comparable to the currently available standard or the most sensitive methods. In addition, mrcPCR would be invaluable for measurement of CNVs in genes with variants of similar structures, because combination of the other methods is not necessary, along with its other advantages such as short assay time, small sample amount requirement, and applicability to all sequences and genes.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the significance and insights derived from the experiences of pregnant women in Korea who participated in online prenatal education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study employed the hermeneutic phenomenology framework developed by Colaizzi. It involved 12 pregnant women who participated in online prenatal education provided by public health centers in Chuncheon, Korea. Data collection was achieved through in-depth interviews conducted in Korea from October 2021 to April 2022. Results: In total, 51 significant statements were extracted from the interview data and then categorized into 10 themes. Finally, three categories were formed by merging similar themes. The three basic categories of participants' experiences of online prenatal education were "feeling of safety and comfort in body and mind," "frustrated by a lack of interaction," and "digital education being a double- edged sword." Pregnant women expressed ambivalence regarding the benefits and drawbacks of the online educational experience. They desired more interactive and practical learning opportunities, even as they appreciated the comfort of learning remotely. Conclusion: This study revealed the phenomenon of online prenatal education as an advanced form of distance-based prenatal education instead of the traditional in-person classroom. To maximize the educational effectiveness of this new format, public health center policies must address the digital literacy gap and enhance accessibility by leveraging the immersive multimedia experiences that online education offers to pregnant women. We recommend that maternal healthcare providers adopt this innovative approach to prenatal education, utilizing distance education technology to improve participation and promote immersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the experiential meaning of child-rearing for marriage immigrant women in Korea in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Using the hermeneutic descriptive phenomenology framework developed by Colaizzi, 10 marriage immigrant women rearing preschool and school-age children were invited through purposive and snowball sampling from two multicultural support centers in Korea. The participants were rearing one or two children, and their original nationalities were Vietnamese, Japanese, Cambodian, and Chinese. Individual in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted from September 1 to November 30, 2021. We extracted significant statements from the transcripts, transformed these into abstract formulations, and organized them into theme clusters and themes to authentically capture the essence of the participants' subjective experiences. Results: Four theme clusters with 14 themes were derived. The four theme clusters identified were "navigating child healthcare alone," "guilt for not providing a social experience," "worry about media- dependent parenting," and "feelings of incompleteness and exclusion." This study explored the perspectives of mothers raising children as marriage migrant women who experienced physical and emotional health crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The findings underscore that marriage immigrant women encountered heightened challenges in managing their children's health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic due to linguistic and cultural barriers limiting access to healthcare and information. Additionally, these women experienced considerable emotional stress from perceived inadequacies in providing a holistic social and developmental environment for their children under extensive social restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of aromatherapy interventions on stroke symptoms in stroke patients. Methods: This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Relevant studies published between 2004 and 2022 were searched in the PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ERIC, and RISS databases. The review included randomized and non-randomized studies of stroke patients who received aromatherapy interventions targeting stroke symptoms. The extracted literature was evaluated via the ROB 2 and ROBINS-1 quality appraisal checklists and visualized using a risk-of-bias visualization tool. Results: The review included five randomized controlled trials and five quasi-experimental studies. The results showed that aromatherapy, administered through massage, inhalation, acupressure, mouth care, and olfactory stimulation, was effective in alleviating pain, constipation, oral health, motor power, muscle strength, balance, fatigue, and sleep quality. Aromatherapy also demonstrated beneficial effects in reducing depression, stress, delirium, blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate, serum cortisol, and antioxidants, while enhancing happiness, body temperature, and quality of life. A meta-analysis of mean differences in post-test results revealed that three studies reported a significant effect on pain, with an effect size of 1.85 (95% CI, 0.18~3.51). Conclusion: Aromatherapy had positive effects on physical, physiological, psychological, cognitive, and integrative health outcomes. We recommend the use of aromatherapy in stroke patients to improve pain relief and health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of anxiety, depression, social support, and physical health status on the health-related quality of life of Korean pregnant women using Spilker's quality of life model. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a correlational design. The participants included 166 pregnant women who were recruited via convenience sampling at two healthcare centers in South Korea. Questionnaires were collected from April 22 to May 29, 2023, in two cities in South Korea. The EuroQol-5D-3L, General Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-2, Perceived Social Support through Others Scale-8, and EuroQol visual analog scale were used to assess the study variables. The t-test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression tests were conducted using IBM SPSS ver. 26.0. Results Statistically significant correlations were identified between the health-related quality of life of pregnant women and anxiety (r=.29, p<.001), depression (r=.31, p<.001), social support (r=-.34, p<.001), and physical health status (r=-.44, p<. 001). Physical health status (β=-.31, p<.001) and social support (β=-.21, p=.003) had the greatest effect on health-related quality of life (F=15.50, p<.001), with an explanatory power of 26.0%. Conclusion The health-related quality of life of pregnant women was affected by social support and physical health status. This study demonstrated that physical health and social support promotion can improve the health-related quality of life of pregnant women. Healthcare providers should consider integrating physical health into social support interventions for pregnant women in the post-pandemic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This scoping review investigated the content and quality of YouTube videos on women's health. Methods: A literature search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, and RISS databases was performed using the keywords "('youtube'/exp OR youtube OR 'social media'/ exp OR 'social media' OR (('social'/exp OR social) AND ('media'/exp OR media))) AND ('female health care' OR (('female'/exp OR female) AND ('health'/exp OR health) AND ('care'/exp OR care)))" from February 21 to 27, 2023. Peer-reviewed analytic studies in English or Korean that focused on women's health using YouTube were included. Results: The review identified 21 articles that covered various themes related to women's health, such as breast cancer, urinary disease, sexual health, pelvic organ prolapse, the human papillomavi-rus vaccine, Papanikolaou smears, contraception, women's health information during the coronavi-rus disease 2019 pandemic, obstetric epidural anesthesia, and placenta accreta. However, the overall quality of the content was low, inaccurate, unreliable, and misleading. Conclusion: This scoping review demonstrated that YouTube videos on women's health covered diverse topics, but the quality of the content needed improvement. More reliable and high-quality videos produced by academic institutes and healthcare professionals specializing in women's health are needed for social media to be usable as a reliable source of women's health information. The high number of views and shares received by the videos underscores the importance of providing accurate and reliable information on women's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]