Search

Although the incidence of cervical cancer has decreased since the 1980s in Korea, it remains high among the elderly women. This study evaluated the suitability of cervical cancer screening for elderly Korean women aged ≥65 years according to recommendations by the American Society of Cytopathology and American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology.We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent cervical cancer screening, followed by liquid-based Pap test, human papillomavirus (HPV) test, and colposcopic punch biopsy at two academic hospitals from May 2008 to May 2018. The participants were divided into two groups65 and ≥65 years old. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between cytology tests, HPV tests and the occurrence of high-risk lesions, ≥cervical intraepithelial neoplasia2 (CIN2).The mean patient age was 49.02 ± 15.437 (range 15-91) years. No patients aged25 years showed atypical squamous cell-cannot exclude high grade (ASC-H), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), or adenocarcinoma (ADC). The incidence of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HISL) (39.7%) and ≥CIN 3 (40.2%) was significantly higher in patients ≥65 years of age than in other age groups. However, patients ≥65 years showed increased HSIL and HPV negativity and ASC-H, HSIL, and HPV positivity in those with ≥CIN 2 (both p = .043).Korean women aged ≥65 years should undergo cervical cancer screening. The relevance of HPV or Cytology test alone or co-test for screening should be evaluated in this population.

Mature individuals of the cinereous vulture, Aegypius monachus, number 15,600–21,000 birds worldwide and population size of the bird has been in decline due to poisoned baits and the decreasing availability of food. Approximately 12–16% of the global population of cinereous vultures spend their winters in Korean regions that are hence important areas. In this study, the population structure and genetic diversity of the cinereous vulture in South Korea were evaluated to clarify the relationships between the Mongolian and South Korean populations with genetic diversity assessed using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite markers. In the South Korean population, two unique haplotypes (Hap8 and Hap9) were newly discovered in their mtDNA, with three polymorphic sites and low-level genetic diversity. Most of the cinereous vultures in South Korea were represented by a single haplotype, Hap8, and analyses of phylogenetic trees and the haplotype network illustrated that Hap8 was clustered in Lineage D (Mongolia). Notably, the other haplotype, Hap9, was only identified in one individual in South Korea with an unexpected clustering in Lineage C (Caucasus region, Armenia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan populations), which indicated that it might have been a vagrant bird. The microsatellite loci ( n = 21) isolated from South Korean cinereous vultures indicated comparatively lower genetic variation, with a K value of 1. These results indicate that the origin of the South Korean population is most likely from one source population of the Far Eastern cluster (Mongolian population), which was also supported by the outcome of mtDNA analysis. This study improves our understanding of the population structure and genetic diversity between the Mongolian and South Korean cinereous vulture populations.

Recently, microbiome research has been actively conducted for various skin areas. However, no study has yet compared the microbiome of bacteria and fungi in the ear canal of healthy individuals and patients with chronic otitis externa in Korea.This study aimed to investigate the difference in the distribution of fungal and bacterial microbial communities in ear canal samples of healthy individuals and patients with chronic otitis externa.In 24 patients with bilateral chronic otitis externa and 24 healthy controls, cotton swabs were used to obtain samples from the bilateral ear canal. To characterize the fungal and bacterial communities, we sequenced and analyzed the 16S rRNA V4-V5 and ITS1 regions using Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology 2, respectively.The alpha diversity analysis for bacteria and fungi confirmed that both richness and evenness decreased in the patient group. The beta diversity analysis for bacteria confirmed that these parameters differed between the control and patient groups. The beta diversity analysis for fungi showed no difference between the groups.We observed different skin microbiomes in the patients with chronic otitis externa compared with those in the healthy individuals.

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.

Industrial-scale synthesis of eldecalcitol is described. AA highly diastereoselective epoxidation of p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) protected dienol at room temperature provides the key epoxide intermediate...

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.

Standard treatments for gynecological cancers include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, there are limitations associated with the chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat advanced and recurrent gynecological cancers, and it is difficult to identify additional treatments. Therefore, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy products, including PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and CTLA-4 inhibitors, are in the spotlight as alternatives for the treatment of advanced gynecological cancers. Although the ICI monotherapy response rate in gynecological cancers is lower than that in melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer, the response rates are approximately 13–52%, 7–22%, and 4–17% for endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancers, respectively. Several studies are being conducted to compare the outcomes of combining ICI therapy with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and antiangiogenesis agents. Therefore, it is critical to determine the mechanism underlying ICI therapy-mediated anti-tumor activity and its application in gynecological cancers. Additionally, understanding the possible immune-related adverse events induced post-immunotherapy, as well as the appropriate management of diagnosis and treatment, are necessary to create a quality environment for immunotherapy in patients with gynecological cancers. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the ICI mechanisms, ICIs applied to gynecological cancers, and appropriate diagnosis and treatment of immune-related side effects to help gynecologists treat gynecological cancers using immunotherapy.

Objective To investigate serum 25-hydroxyl vitamin D (25(OH)D) and vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) concentrations in women with endometriosis according to the severity of disease. Methods Women with mild endometriosis (n = 9) and advanced endometriosis (n = 7), as well as healthy controls (n = 16), were enrolled in this observational study. Serum total 25(OH)D concentrations were analyzed using the Elecsys vitamin D total kit with the Cobas e602 module. Concentrations of bioavailable and free 25(OH)D were calculated. Concentrations of VDBP were measured using the Human Vitamin D BP Quantikine ELISA kit. Variables were tested for normality and homoscedasticity using the Shapiro-Wilk test and Leven F test, respectively. Correlation analysis was used to identify the variables related to total 25(OH)D and VDBP levels. To assess the effects of total 25(OH)D and VDBP levels in the three groups, multivariate generalized additive modeling (GAM) was performed. Results Gravidity and parity were significantly different across the three groups. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and CA-125 levels increased as a function of endometriosis severity, respectively (p= 0.051, p= 0.004). The correlation analysis showed that total 25(OH)D levels were positively correlated with gravidity (r = 0.59, p< 0.001) and parity (r = 0.51, p< 0.003). Multivariate GAM showed no significant relationship of total 25(OH)D levels with EMT severity after adjusting for gravidity and ESR. However, the coefficient of total 25(OH)D levels with gravidity was significant (1.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–3.63; p= 0.040). Conclusion These results indicate that vitamin D and VDBP levels were not associated with the severity of endometriosis.

Sorafenib is a well-known approved systemic therapeutic agent used in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Regorafenib and nivolumab are approved as second-line therapeutic drugs in patients showing disease progression after sorafenib therapy. However, there is no established third- or fourth-line therapy in patients with progression after regorafenib or nivolumab treatment. Recently, the combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) has been attempted as a firstline treatment strategy in advanced HCC patients based on the hypothesis that combination therapy may overcome resistance in ICPI monotherapy. On the basis of this suggestion, we herein describe the case of an HCC patient demonstrating macrovascular invasion, whereby partial remission was achieved via the combination of sorafenib and nivolumab following disease progression after nivolumab therapy. Further studies on the combination of TKIs and ICPIs are necessary to determine ways to manage HCC patients showing disease progression after ICPI therapy. (J Liver Cancer 2019;19:74-78)

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.

Introduction:endometrial cancer is the most common type of cancer in the female genital tract. Most patients are diagnosed during postmenopausal periods. This study aimed 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 ≥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 ≥5 mm or endometrial fluid collection are detected by transvaginal ultrasound.

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.

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.

In this study, near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy known as a non-destructive analysis technique was applied to investigate peptide cleavage and consequent release of amino acids in soybean lumps as affected by its moisture content and incubation time during fermentation at 25 for 3 weeks. The NIR spectra of the soybean lump semi-dried and soaked in saline water showed that absorption intensity around 1,400 nm originating from hydrogen bonds of water decreased and absorption band shifted to 1,430 nm as moisture content decreased during incubation at 25 for 3 weeks. In addition, absorption around 2,050 nm which was assigned to amino groups increased as incubation time increased. NIR spectra data from 1,000 to 2,250 nm showed higher accuracy in the discriminant analysis between outside and inside parts of fermented soybean lumps than visible spectra result. NIR spectroscopy for the amino acid and moisture contents in traditional fermented soybean lumps showed relatively good accuracy with the multiple correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.91 and 0.81, respectively, and root mean square error of cross validation (RMSECv) of 0.23 and 0.83%, respectively, in partial least square regression (PLSR). These results indicate that NIR spectral observations could be applicable to control the fermentation process for preparation of soybean products.

Microsatellite markers are an ideal molecular marker for population genetic studies such as population structure, pedigree, and kinship. The yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula) is widely distributed in coniferous and deciduous forests of eastern Asia and plays the role of an indicator and umbrella species in South Korea, given the absence of top predators such as tiger and leopard. The aim of our study was to establish a core set of microsatellite markers that could be used for a population genetics study on M. flavigula. We characterized 21 di-motif microsatellites for M. flavigula by Illumina next-generation sequencing. We evaluated them for a population genetics study against five established criteria together with 33 previously developed microsatellites. We calculated relatedness values between individual yellow-throated martens in two groups that were suspected to be siblings using the selected core set of markers to confirm applicability. Twenty-three loci were determined as the core set of microsatellite markers. The probability of identity P(ID) and probability of identity between siblings P(ID)sib of the core set was estimated as 2−15 and 2.2−7, respectively. Relatedness values between individuals in the two groups of M. flavigula revealed that one of the pairs was sisters, confirming that the core set can be applied to kinship studies. The developed microsatellite core set in this study is expected to contribute to studies on molecular ecology and population structure of M. flavigula.

Accurate taxonomic classification of wildlife species is crucial for guiding biological research and for developing effective management and conservation programs. The taxonomic status of Eurasian badgers from South Korea remains poorly resolved. Here we assessed the phylogenetic relationships and genetic variation of Eurasia badgers using partial mitochondrial fragments to elucidate the evolutionary history and taxonomic status of badgers from the Korean Peninsula. Forty-eight unique haplotypes from 125 individuals were observed. Phylogenetic reconstructions and reduced median networks indicate that Eurasian badgers consisted of four geographic clades (Japan, Eastern Eurasia, Western Eurasia, and Caucasus) with a relatively weak split observed within Eastern Eurasia. Estimated divergence time between the Japanese and Eastern Eurasian clades, including the Korean population, was 467,100 years (69,200–1,085,500 years). The results of this study support the hypothesis that the Japanese badger migrated from the Eurasian continent over the Korea-Japan land bridge and that the Korean Peninsula was an important refugia during the Pleistocene. Our study confirmed that the South Korean badger, Meles meles , belongs to the Eastern Eurasian clade. Based on these results and those of previous studies, we recommend that the scientific name of the Korean badger be changed from M. meles to Meles leucurus (Asian badger).

This study was to determine general trends with respect to work-family balance perception and psychological well-being, examine correlations between related variables, investigate differences in related variables, and understand the effect of work-family balance perception on psychological well-being in married employees. The subjects were 300 married employees living in G city. The subjects completed a questionnaire and data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 21.0. The major findings were as follows. First, the average scores of men and women`s self-esteem were higher than the median. Men had a more traditional gender role attitude and higher work-family balance perception level than women. The scores of men and women`s depression were lower and life satisfaction were higher than the median. Second, the scores of men and women`s work-family balance perception were different according to working hours. Men`s psychological well-being were different according to the scale of work place and women`s psychological well-being were different according to household working time. Third, depression in married employees were negatively related to life satisfaction. Their psychological well-being were significantly related to work-family balance perception. Fourth, men`s depression were influenced by self-esteem, social care service, family → work conflict, and work → family conflict. Depression in women were influenced by health state, self-esteem, gender role attitude, family → work conflict, and work → family conflict. Men`s life satisfaction were influenced by health state, economic state, and self-esteem. Women`s life satisfaction were influenced by health state, economic state, weekly working hours, self-esteem, and work → family conflict.