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Numerous studies have compared the effect of input mode (video-based vs. audio-only) on the listening comprehension of adult second language (L2) learners. However, there is a notable absence of research regarding how various types of audio-visual input in a listening test affect young learners' listening comprehension. To address this gap, this study examined the effects of audio-visual input type and text listenability on the listening comprehension performance of 50 English language learners (ELLs) in Grades 3-5 in the U.S. In this study, participants completed a computer-delivered English listening test comprising three test forms, each containing six passages. These passages included a combination of three video passages and three audio-only passages. The video passages were carefully designed to balance two key variables in a counter-balancing manner: the listenability of the text, assessed using Lexile Audio Measure, and the nature of visual elements, which encompassed speaker-only visuals, visual-only elements, and a combination of speaker-and-visuals. This study found that students performed equally well on both video-based and audio-only passages, and the type of visuals accompanying the content did not have a statistically significant impact on students' listening comprehension scores. However, the listenability of the text significantly influenced students' listening scores, especially in the context of audio-only passages. Furthermore, responses to a post-test questionnaire revealed that students had a positive perception of all three types of audio-visual input. This study contributes to our understanding of how audio-visual input types and text listenability affect the listening comprehension performance of Grades 3-5 ELLs.

Studies on how smoking media literacy (SML) is associated with susceptibility to smoking among adolescents in South Korea and Vietnam are scarce. Thus, we examined the association of SML with susceptibility to smoking among adolescents in these countries to initiate a collaborative global health program. In total, 460 adolescents (Vietnam: 277, South Korea: 183) aged 15-18 completed an online cross-sectional survey. SML was measured using the 15-item SML scale. Susceptibility to smoking was measured by three questions on future smoking and if offered a cigarette by a friend. A multiple logistic regression model explored the association of SML with susceptibility to smoking. The study revealed that higher SML was significantly associated with lower susceptibility to smoking among Vietnamese, but not South Korean adolescents. Further studies to identify pathways between other factors associated with SML and susceptibility to smoking are needed to develop culture-specific intervention strategies for smoking prevention.

Hydrogen production through anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) offers cost advantages over proton-exchange membrane counterparts, mainly due to the good oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of platinum-group-metal-free catalysts in alkaline environments. However, the electrochemical oxidation of ionomers at the OER catalyst interface can decrease the local electrode pH, which limits AEMWE performance. Various strategies at the single-cell-level have been explored to address this issue. This work reviews the current understanding of electrochemical ionomer oxidation and strategies to mitigate it, providing our perspective on each approach. Our analysis highlights the competitive adsorption strategy as particularly promising for mitigating ionomer oxidation. This Perspective also outlines future directions for advancing high-performance alkaline AEMWEs and other energy devices using hydrocarbon ionomers.

Abstract Background The importance of assessing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) risk in cancer patients is increasing as cancer incidence rises in aging populations. Objective This study aimed to investigate the association between newly diagnosed cancer and OHCA risk using a metropolitan cohort from South Korea. Methods A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted, linking the nationwide OHCA registry with the National Health Information Database. The study included adults aged 40 years or older, residing in Seoul between 2015 and 2018, with no history of cancer or OHCA. The main exposure was cancer development. The primary outcome was the occurrence of OHCA with medical cause. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a cause-specific hazard model considering death as a competing risk. Analyses stratified by age group and cancer type were also conducted. Results During a follow-up period of up to 4 years for 5,450,438 individuals, 174,785 participants developed cancer. The incidence rates of OHCA per 100,000 person-years were 54.0 in non-cancer and 145.0 in cancer groups, respectively. The aHR (95% CI) for OHCA associated with cancer development was 3.18 (2.97–3.41). The aHR (95% CI) for OHCA was highest in the 40–49 years of age group (7.52 [5.52–10.25]), followed by 50–59 years old (6.66 [5.56–7.97]) compared to older age groups. By cancer type, pancreatic, lung, biliary tract, and liver cancer were associated with a significantly increased risk of OHCA. Conclusion We found an association between newly diagnosed cancer and the occurrence of OHCA. Our findings underscore the importance of tailored risk assessments and proactive care planning for patients with cancer.

Abstract We aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics, common chief complaints, and diagnosis of geriatric cancer-related emergency department (ED) visits and trends of ED outcomes. This retrospective observational study included all ED visits in South Korea between 2016 and 2020. The study population was older people ≥ 65 years living with cancer who visited ED with cancer-related problems. The demographics, common diagnoses, and ED outcomes were investigated. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate factors associated with mortality. Geriatric cancer-related ED (GCED) visits were 746,416 cases over 5 years. The proportion of older adults among cancer-related ED visits increased from 50.1% in 2016 to 55.3% in 2020. The proportion of the “oldest old” (≥ 85 years) increased from 9.6 to 12.1%. For GCED, the ward admission rate after ED treatment was 60.2% and in-hospital mortality rate was 11.8%. Both of these increased with age group (“young old” (65–74), “middle old” (75–84), and “oldest old” (≥ 85 years) groups admission rates: 56.1%, 62.8%, and 68.0%; and mortality rates: 10.0%, 12.7%, and 15.7%, respectively). The most common diagnosis was pneumonia (4.9%). Old age and ambulance use were also associated with mortality. Older adults account for more than half of cancer-related ED visits, and their number is increasing every year. GCED visits are associated with high hospitalization and mortality, especially among the oldest old. It is important to prepare for a rise in GCED visits is necessary.

Abstract Background Aging is associated with various physical, functional, and social losses, leading to stress, which affects mental health and overall quality of life. Despite its significance, limited research exists on perceived stress and its related factors among community-dwelling older adults. This study aimed to identify temporal trends in the prevalence of high perceived stress according to sex and examine associated factors among older adults. Methods This descriptive study analyzed secondary data from the nationally representative Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS) data from 2009 to 2019, including 274,883 older adults aged ≥ 65 years. High-perceived stress was coded as binary data, categorized as ‘yes’ or ‘no’ based on daily stress levels. Gender-stratified analyses examined temporal trends and associated factors affecting high perceived stress. Results Women consistently reported higher levels of perceived stress compared with men across all years, with prevalence ranging from 22 to 30% in women and 14–20% in men. Among men, factors such as insufficient physical activity (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.27–1.37), poor subjective health status (OR: 2.80, 95% CI: 2.69–2.92), and living alone were associated with high perceived stress. Among women, low household income (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.56–1.81), smoking (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.49–1.79), and living with a spouse (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.34–1.70) were significant predictors. Conclusions This study highlights significant gender disparities in perceived stress among older adults, with women demonstrating greater vulnerability. Public health policies should prioritize stress reduction strategies tailored to address gender-specific needs and socio-economic disparities in older adults.

Abstract Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the axial skeleton, resulting in severe pain, decreased mobility, and irreversible structural damage. This study explores the evolving prevalence, patient demographics, and treatment trends for AS in the Korean population from 2010 to 2023, alongside advancements in targeted therapies. This population-based study utilized data from the National Health Insurance Database covering 2010 to 2023. AS cases were identified using at least two ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) codes and rare intractable disease registration codes, excluding diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The annual prevalence of AS was calculated and standardized to the 2017 population. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment patterns were assessed. The prevalence of AS increased from 26.76 per 100,000 individuals in 2010 to 81.87 per 100,000 in 2023. The proportion of patients over 50 years rose from 19.5 to 32.5%, and female representation increased from 17.9 to 24.0%. Comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome and musculoskeletal complications became more prevalent. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor prescriptions rose from 29.7 to 41.6%, while the use of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs declined. The introduction of interleukin-17 and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, particularly as second- and third-line therapies, marked a significant development. The prevalence of AS has surged between 2010 and 2023, particularly among older and female patients. The concurrent rise in comorbidities underscores the need for integrated care. Future research should focus on optimizing therapeutic sequences and evaluating long-term outcomes in this changing patient population.

Abstract To evaluate the incidence and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) comparing them to diabetes patients and the general population. This nationwide cohort study focused on incident SLE patients aged over 40 years, matched with diabetes patients and the general population (1:4:4 ratio). CVD was defined as ischaemic heart disease, ischaemic stroke, and cardiac arrest. Incidence rate and incidence rate ratio (IRR) of CVD were calculated using generalised estimating equation models. The Fine-Gray model assessed risk factors for CVD in both SLE and diabetes patients. The study included 4272 incident SLE patients, 17,003 diabetes patients, and 17,088 from the general population. SLE patients had higher CVD risk compared to the general population, with adjusted IRRs of 1.99 for overall CVD. Diabetes patients showed increased CVD risk, but to a lesser extent, with an IRR of 1.39. SLE patients aged 40–59 years displayed a significantly elevated CVD risk. Advanced age, male gender, and current use of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive, and anti-platelet agents were associated with increased CVD risk in SLE patients. SLE patients have a higher risk of CVD compared to the general population, more so than diabetes patients.

Abstract Background To investigate cancer incidence and the potential influence of immunosuppressive agents in Korean systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis utilizing data from the Korea Healthcare Bigdata Linked Platform, which integrated the National Central Cancer Registry and National Health Insurance Service databases covering the period 2008–2017. Incidence rates (IRs) per 10,000 person-years (PYs) for site-specific cancers of SLE patients were calculated using ICD-O-3 codes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to assess the association between immunosuppressive agents and cancer development in SLE patients. Results A total of 10,013 predominantly female (91%) Korean SLE patients with a mean age of 36.9 ± 15.2 years were included. During a follow-up of 62,268.5 PYs, 368 patients developed cancer. The IRs per 10,000 PYs for total, solid, and hematologic cancers were 59.07, 54.09, and 5.78, respectively. The most prevalent cancers (measured in IRs per 10,000 PYs) were thyroid (17.01, 95% CI 13.78–20.25), breast (8.67, 95% CI 6.36–10.98), stomach (4.49, 95% CI 2.83–6.16), colorectal (4.17, 95% CI 2.57–5.78), and cervical (3.85, 95% CI 2.31–5.39). Approximately half (50.8%) of SLE patients with cancer were diagnosed at the localized Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) stage. No statistically significant association was found between immunosuppressive agents and cancer development (Odds Ratio 1.03, 95% CI 0.80–1.34). Conclusion Our study shows that Korean SLE patients using immunosuppressive agents are not significantly more likely to develop cancer. Further research with extended observation is warranted to corroborate these findings.

Abstract Allergy is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by an exaggerated response of the immune system to non-hazardous substances, resulting in allergic symptoms such as rash, itching, and runny nose. Current therapeutic interventions include antihistamines and steroids; however, they induce several side effects. Although 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin, a phytochemical derivative, has been demonstrated to exhibit antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-aggregatory effects, its anti-allergic properties and underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the anti-allergic effects of 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin in two experimental models: rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells sensitized using dinitrophenyl-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE)/human serum albumin and a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) murine model. Our findings demonstrated that 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin reduced the release of histamine and β-hexosaminidase and downregulated the mRNA expression of allergic-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, as well as the inflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase-2. Furthermore, 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin reduced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38, as well as protein kinase B. In vivo, 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin reduced PCA reaction, as evidenced by reduced Evans blue dye extravasation in IgE-mediated local allergic responses. Collectively, these results suggest that 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin holds promise as a novel candidate for the development of anti-allergic drugs.

Abstract Introduction The 2019 Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative guidelines emphasize the importance of selecting dialysis based on the life expectancy of the patient. However, it is difficult to predict the life expectancy of a patient during arteriovenous fistula creation. We investigated whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, monocyte-to-lymphocyte, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios measured before dialysis could predict mortality. Materials and methods Between January 2016 and December 2020, we retrospectively analyzed electronic medical records of 448 patients aged ≥ 70 years undergoing first-time arteriovenous access surgery at three tertiary care hospitals, all of whom had not received prior dialysis treatment. Only patients undergoing blood tests on the day before surgery were included in the analysis. Patients who died within one year after surgery were included in the non-survival group, while those who died after one year were included in the survival group. Results Patients were categorized into non-survival (n = 52) and survival (n = 396) groups. Multivariate analysis for one-year mortality revealed that the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio demonstrated a 1.15 hazard ratio ( p

Abstract Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to generally harmless substances, leading to both acute and chronic diseases, which can be fatal. Mast cells are critical mediators of allergic reactions as they bind allergens and trigger the release of inflammatory mediators. In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic effects of the coumarin derivative 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells sensitized to dinitrophenyl (DNP)-immunoglobulin E (IgE) and human serum albumin (HSA). Our results demonstrated that 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one effectively reduces the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine, inhibiting mast cell degranulation. Additionally, 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one suppressed the production of allergy-related pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, and TNF-α) and inhibited key signaling pathways, including MAPK, AKT, and NF-κB. Furthermore, in a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mouse model, 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one reduced ear edema and Evans blue infiltration, further confirming its anti-allergic effects. Collectively, these findings suggest that 3-bromo-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one is a promising candidate for the development of anti-allergic therapeutics.

Background: Jeoryeong-tang (JRT) was first recorded in Shanghanlun. It is composed of Polyporus Sclerotium, Poria, Asini Corii Colla, Alisma Rhizome, and Talcum at the same weight ratio. These medicinal materials are known for diuretic and hemostatic effects and have been traditionally used to treat kidney and bladder diseases. However, their potential therapeutic effects on colon diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), have not been extensively studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of JRT in IBD and explore its underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms using a murine model of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Methods: Mice were treated with 3.0 % or 2.5 % DSS for 6 days to induce colitis and JRT extract was then administered at a low level of 40 mg/kg (JRT-L), a medium level of 120 mg/kg (JRT-M), or a high level of 400 mg/kg (JRT-H) once a day. During the administration period, clinical disease activity index (DAI) reflecting survival rate, diarrhea, bloody stool, and weight loss rate was evaluated. The degree of colonic tissue damage was scored and evaluated through hematoxylin and eosin staining. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), p-STAT3 and p-ERK expression were examined with immunohistochemistry. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and -1β levels were analyzed using a cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Among mice treated with 3.0 % DSS, JRT-M significantly improved the survival rate compared to other treatments as a result of observation for a total of 14 days. While, in the 2.5 % DSS-treated model, the average body weights of mice in both of JRT-M and JRT-H groups were significantly higher than that in the DSS group. In addition, the JRT-M group showed significantly lower DAI score than that in the DSS group. As a result of evaluating the extent of colon tissue damage, JRT-M and JRT-H groups both showed significantly lower inflammatory index and thinner muscular externa thickness than the DSS group. The expression of COX-2, p-STAT3 and p-ERK in colon tissue were significantly suppressed in JRT-M and JRT-H groups compared to that in the DSS group. Moreover, serum TNF-α was significantly suppressed in the JRT-H group compared to that in the DSS group. Conclusions: Jeoryeong-tang has a promising therapeutic potential for treating IBD through its anti-inflammatory properties. Findings of this study suggest that JRT could be a valuable candidate for further clinical investigations in the treatment of IBD.

This study examined students' perceptions of their science learning environment and how it relates to their metacognition and self-efficacy. An exploratory study (N=186 South Korean secondary science students from a large-city urban school) used two instruments: Outcomes-Based Education Learning Environment Questionnaire [OBLEQ]; Self-Efficacy and Metacognition Learning Inventory-Science [SEMLI-S]). Descriptive and inferential statistics revealed that that Korean students' mean score of science learning environment was 2.98, representing male students scored highest on Involvement (M=3.24), while female students scored highest on Cooperation (M=3.00). In addition, regarding students' perceptions on their self-efficacy and metacognition learning in science, the mean score of SEMLI-S was 3.16, with both male and female students' highest score on Learning Risks Awareness (3.34 and 3.25 respectively). Further, the students' perceptions on science learning environment predicted students' metacognition and self-efficacy. The Investigation subscale, which emphasizes processes of inquiry, was the dominant predictive factor for both male and female students' self-efficacy and metacognition. The subscale Involvement was the next best significant predictor of male students' metacognitive orientation. Personal Relevance, Responsibility for Own Learning, and Differentiation filled that role for female students.