Objectives: Given the rapidly growing expectations for large language models (LLMs) in healthcare, this study systematically collected perspectives from Korean experts on the potential benefits and risks of LLMs, aiming to promote their safe and effective utilization. Methods: A web-based mini-Delphi survey was conducted from August 27 to October 14, 2024, with 20 selected panelists. The expert questionnaire comprised 84 judgment items across five domains: potential applications, benefits, risks, reliability requirements, and safe usage. These items were developed through a literature review and expert consultation. Participants rated their agreement or perceived importance on a 5-point scale. Items meeting predefined thresholds (content validity ratio ≥0.49, degree of convergence ≤0.50, and degree of consensus ≥0.75) were prioritized. Results: Seventeen participants (85%) responded to the first round, and 16 participants (80%) completed the second round. Consensus was achieved on several potential applications, benefits, and reliability requirements for the use of LLMs in healthcare. However, significant heterogeneity was found regarding perceptions of associated risks and criteria for safe usage of LLMs. Of the 84 total items, 52 met the criteria for statistical validity, confirming the diversity of expert opinions. Conclusions Experts reached a consensus on certain aspects of LLM utilization in healthcare. Nonetheless, notable differences remained concerning risks and requirements for safe implementation, highlighting the need for further investigation. This study provides foundational insights to guide future research and inform policy development for the responsible introduction of LLMs into the healthcare field.

Objectives: Given the rapidly growing expectations for large language models (LLMs) in healthcare, this study systematically collected perspectives from Korean experts on the potential benefits and risks of LLMs, aiming to promote their safe and effective utilization. Methods: A web-based mini-Delphi survey was conducted from August 27 to October 14, 2024, with 20 selected panelists. The expert questionnaire comprised 84 judgment items across five domains: potential applications, benefits, risks, reliability requirements, and safe usage. These items were developed through a literature review and expert consultation. Participants rated their agreement or perceived importance on a 5-point scale. Items meeting predefined thresholds (content validity ratio ≥0.49, degree of convergence ≤0.50, and degree of consensus ≥0.75) were prioritized. Results: Seventeen participants (85%) responded to the first round, and 16 participants (80%) completed the second round. Consensus was achieved on several potential applications, benefits, and reliability requirements for the use of LLMs in healthcare. However, significant heterogeneity was found regarding perceptions of associated risks and criteria for safe usage of LLMs. Of the 84 total items, 52 met the criteria for statistical validity, confirming the diversity of expert opinions. Conclusions Experts reached a consensus on certain aspects of LLM utilization in healthcare. Nonetheless, notable differences remained concerning risks and requirements for safe implementation, highlighting the need for further investigation. This study provides foundational insights to guide future research and inform policy development for the responsible introduction of LLMs into the healthcare field.

Objectives: Given the rapidly growing expectations for large language models (LLMs) in healthcare, this study systematically collected perspectives from Korean experts on the potential benefits and risks of LLMs, aiming to promote their safe and effective utilization. Methods: A web-based mini-Delphi survey was conducted from August 27 to October 14, 2024, with 20 selected panelists. The expert questionnaire comprised 84 judgment items across five domains: potential applications, benefits, risks, reliability requirements, and safe usage. These items were developed through a literature review and expert consultation. Participants rated their agreement or perceived importance on a 5-point scale. Items meeting predefined thresholds (content validity ratio ≥0.49, degree of convergence ≤0.50, and degree of consensus ≥0.75) were prioritized. Results: Seventeen participants (85%) responded to the first round, and 16 participants (80%) completed the second round. Consensus was achieved on several potential applications, benefits, and reliability requirements for the use of LLMs in healthcare. However, significant heterogeneity was found regarding perceptions of associated risks and criteria for safe usage of LLMs. Of the 84 total items, 52 met the criteria for statistical validity, confirming the diversity of expert opinions. Conclusions Experts reached a consensus on certain aspects of LLM utilization in healthcare. Nonetheless, notable differences remained concerning risks and requirements for safe implementation, highlighting the need for further investigation. This study provides foundational insights to guide future research and inform policy development for the responsible introduction of LLMs into the healthcare field.

This study investigated that whether a 2 mT, 60 Hz, sinusoidal electromagnetic field (EMF) alters the structure and function of cells. This research compared the effects of EMF on four kinds of cell lines: hFOB 1.19 (fetal osteoblast), T/G HA-VSMC (aortic vascular smooth muscle cell), RPMI 7666 (B lymphoblast), and HCN-2 (cortical neuronal cell). Over 14 days, cells were exposed to EMF for 1, 3, or 6 hours per day (hrs/d). The results pointed to a cell type-specific reaction to EMF exposure. In addition, the cellular responses were dependent on duration of EMF exposure. In the present study, cell proliferation was the trait most sensitive to EMF. EMF treatment promoted growth of hFOB 1.19 and HCN-2 compared with control cells at 7 and 14 days of incubation. When the exposure time was 3 hrs/d, EMF enhanced the proliferation of RPMI 7666 but inhibited that of T/G HA- VSMC. On the other hand, the effects of EMF on cell cycle distribution, cell differentiation, and actin distribution were unclear. Furthermore, we hardly found any correlation between EMF exposure and gap junctional intercellular communication in hFOB 1.19. This study revealed that EMF might serve as a potential tool for manipulating cell proliferation.
Signal Transduction ; Microfilaments/radiation effects ; Humans ; Gap Junctions/metabolism/radiation effects ; *Electromagnetic Fields ; Cell Proliferation/radiation effects ; Cell Physiology/*radiation effects ; Cell Line ; Cell Differentiation/radiation effects ; Cell Cycle/radiation effects

This study investigated that whether a 2 mT, 60 Hz, sinusoidal electromagnetic field (EMF) alters the structure and function of cells. This research compared the effects of EMF on four kinds of cell lines: hFOB 1.19 (fetal osteoblast), T/G HA-VSMC (aortic vascular smooth muscle cell), RPMI 7666 (B lymphoblast), and HCN-2 (cortical neuronal cell). Over 14 days, cells were exposed to EMF for 1, 3, or 6 hours per day (hrs/d). The results pointed to a cell type-specific reaction to EMF exposure. In addition, the cellular responses were dependent on duration of EMF exposure. In the present study, cell proliferation was the trait most sensitive to EMF. EMF treatment promoted growth of hFOB 1.19 and HCN-2 compared with control cells at 7 and 14 days of incubation. When the exposure time was 3 hrs/d, EMF enhanced the proliferation of RPMI 7666 but inhibited that of T/G HA- VSMC. On the other hand, the effects of EMF on cell cycle distribution, cell differentiation, and actin distribution were unclear. Furthermore, we hardly found any correlation between EMF exposure and gap junctional intercellular communication in hFOB 1.19. This study revealed that EMF might serve as a potential tool for manipulating cell proliferation.
Signal Transduction ; Microfilaments/radiation effects ; Humans ; Gap Junctions/metabolism/radiation effects ; *Electromagnetic Fields ; Cell Proliferation/radiation effects ; Cell Physiology/*radiation effects ; Cell Line ; Cell Differentiation/radiation effects ; Cell Cycle/radiation effects

The evaluation of fibrosis is crucial in the assessment of chronic liver disease. Liver biopsy has been a reference standard for assessing liver fibrosis. However, it has some drawbacks - invasiveness, risk of complications, and intra-observer/inter-observer variability. One of the promising tools for evaluating liver fibrosis is the Multivariate Index Assay, which combines the values of three biomarkers (hyaluronic acid, amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1) from serum samples. A systematic review was conducted to determine whether the test would be a safe and effective method for assessing liver fibrosis. A total of 16 diagnostic studies on the serum liver fibrosis test have been reported. Based on the literature published until January 2013, this test is safe and can be used as an adjunct tool for detecting liver fibrosis in a wide range of chronic liver diseases.
Biomarkers ; Biopsy ; Collagen Type III ; Fibrosis ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Liver ; Liver Cirrhosis* ; Liver Diseases ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of phosphorylated tau with epitopes threonine 181(p-tau181) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease typed dementia from other type of dementia. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies on p-tau181. Two evaluators independently evaluated the quality of the ten studies using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) tool. The literature review covered from October 27, 1946 to October 22, 2013, and eight domestic databases including KoreaMed and international databases including Ovid-MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were used. Tau concentrations were compared to healthy controls and to subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD) using random effect meta-analysis. Outcome measures were Cohen's delta, sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Finally, 8 studies (8 diagnostic evaluation studies) were identified to evaluate CSF p-tau181. The effectiveness of this test was evaluated based on diagnostic accuracy. The diagnostic accuracy for identifying AD by ELISA was high which revealed pooled sensitivity as 0.843 (95% CI 0.818-0.867), pooled specificity as 0.799(95% CI 0.768-0.828) and summary receiver operating characteristic area under the curve 0.9082+/-0.0236. CONCLUSIONS: CSF p-tau181 concentrations in other type of dementia are intermediate between controls and AD patients. Overlap between both controls and AD patients results in insufficient diagnostic accuracy, and the development of more specific biomarkers for these disorders is needed.
Alzheimer Disease* ; Biomarkers ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Dementia ; Diagnosis, Differential* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epitopes ; Humans ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; tau Proteins ; Threonine

Background: Parental awareness and involvement are crucial in managing obesity in children and adolescents.Although awareness of obesity-related health risks is increasing, public understanding of specific aspects remains limited. This study examines parental perceptions and practices regarding pediatric obesity in Korea. Methods: An online survey was conducted from June 3 to 14, 2024, targeting 102 parents/guardians of children and adolescents who were overweight or obese according to the 2023 Student Health Examination results. The survey assessed experiences with medical consultations, awareness and management practices regarding obesity, awareness of related policies, and barriers and facilitators for obesity management. Results: A significant gap exists between awareness and actual practice in managing pediatric obesity. Although 90.2% of the respondents recognized the importance of dietary and exercise management, the actual implementation rates were low (68.6% and 66.7%, respectively). Notably, 62.1% of respondents were unaware of any existing national policies or programs: 39.7% were aware of relevant policies, and only 35.3% were aware of related programs. Barriers to obesity management included a lack of awareness and motivation among children and adolescents, insufficient information for parents/guardians, and financial and time constraints. Facilitators of effective management include accurate diagnosis, coordination between schools and healthcare providers, and increased community support. Conclusion Combating pediatric obesity will require improved awareness and education, reduced financial burden, and the promotion of national policies. Strengthening coordination among schools, healthcare providers, and community resources will facilitate the successful management of obesity.

Background: Pediatric obesity is a global public health concern. South Korea is witnessing a notable increase in obesity rates among children and adolescents, despite various governmental interventions. Parents play a crucial role in preventing and managing pediatric obesity, as they are typically the primary observers of their child’s weight and daily habits. Methods: This study involved 10 parents of overweight or obese children and adolescents in South Korea, identified from a 2023 Student Health Examination. Focus group interviews were conducted to explore participants’ experiences, followed by a rigorous qualitative content analysis of the data. Results: The analysis revealed one main theme, parental roles and challenges in managing pediatric obesity, that encompassed five categories: parental awareness and perception of pediatric obesity; causes of pediatric obesity; parental strategies for managing obesity; barriers to management; and support systems and resources.Parental recognition of their child’s obesity was predominantly initiated through student health examinations at school, and the cause of obesity was multifactorial. Parents use various strategies, such as dietary changes and exercise promotion, but face barriers, including stigma and resource constraints. Parents demand comprehensive support from schools, healthcare providers, and community programs to effectively manage obesity. Conclusion These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to address parents’ specific obstacles in managing pediatric obesity. Enhancing parental awareness, providing clear information, and strengthening support systems are essential for preventing and managing pediatric obesity in South Korea.

Background: Parental awareness and involvement are crucial in managing obesity in children and adolescents.Although awareness of obesity-related health risks is increasing, public understanding of specific aspects remains limited. This study examines parental perceptions and practices regarding pediatric obesity in Korea. Methods: An online survey was conducted from June 3 to 14, 2024, targeting 102 parents/guardians of children and adolescents who were overweight or obese according to the 2023 Student Health Examination results. The survey assessed experiences with medical consultations, awareness and management practices regarding obesity, awareness of related policies, and barriers and facilitators for obesity management. Results: A significant gap exists between awareness and actual practice in managing pediatric obesity. Although 90.2% of the respondents recognized the importance of dietary and exercise management, the actual implementation rates were low (68.6% and 66.7%, respectively). Notably, 62.1% of respondents were unaware of any existing national policies or programs: 39.7% were aware of relevant policies, and only 35.3% were aware of related programs. Barriers to obesity management included a lack of awareness and motivation among children and adolescents, insufficient information for parents/guardians, and financial and time constraints. Facilitators of effective management include accurate diagnosis, coordination between schools and healthcare providers, and increased community support. Conclusion Combating pediatric obesity will require improved awareness and education, reduced financial burden, and the promotion of national policies. Strengthening coordination among schools, healthcare providers, and community resources will facilitate the successful management of obesity.