Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of nurse educators’ competency on their job satisfaction. Methods: The subjects of this study were nurses in charge of nursing education at the general hospital level or higher organization. Data were collected via an online survey from May 3 to May 20, 2024, from 91 respondents. The survey questionnaires included general characteristics, competency, and job satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, t-tests, and simple linear regression were performed using SPSS 21. Results: There was a positive correlation between nurse educators’ competency and job satisfaction. Specifically, professional knowledge (r=.47, p<.001), research competency (r=.47, p<.001), task standardization competency (r=.46, p<.001), communication skills (r=.42, p<.001), and educational implementation competency (r=.42, p<.001) showed positive correlations with job satisfaction. The differences in competency based on completing the advanced nurse training course was not significant (t=-1.46, p=.149).However, competency level was found to significantly affect job satisfaction (β=.49, p<.001). Conclusion The study highlights the need for competency-based education programs to strengthen nurse educators’ qualifications systematically.

The extract from Smilax china root has been used as medicinal remedy and reported to retain antimicrobial and antimutagenic acitivities. In this study, a possible presence of antioxidant activity of Smilax china root extract was investigated. Methanol extract (Me) revealed the presence of high 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity (IC50 7.4 microg/ml) and protective property of cell's viability. Further fractionation with various solvent extraction and assay showed high levels of DPPH free radical scavenging activity in the ethyl acetate, butanol and water extracted fractions. In addition, V79-4 cells treated with Me of Smilax china root induced an increase of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in a dose-dependent manner between 4-100 microg/ml. These results suggest that the medicinal component of the root of Smilax china extracts also contains antioxidant activity.
Animal ; Antioxidants/*pharmacology ; Catalase/drug effects/metabolism ; Cell Line ; Cell Survival ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Fibroblasts/drug effects/metabolism ; Free Radical Scavengers/chemistry/isolation & purification/*pharmacology ; Free Radicals/metabolism ; Glutathione Peroxidase/drug effects/metabolism ; Hamsters ; Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects ; Lung/cytology ; Plant Extracts/chemistry/*pharmacology ; Plant Roots/*chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; Superoxide Dismutase/drug effects/metabolism

The extract from Smilax china root has been used as medicinal remedy and reported to retain antimicrobial and antimutagenic acitivities. In this study, a possible presence of antioxidant activity of Smilax china root extract was investigated. Methanol extract (Me) revealed the presence of high 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity (IC50 7.4 microg/ml) and protective property of cell's viability. Further fractionation with various solvent extraction and assay showed high levels of DPPH free radical scavenging activity in the ethyl acetate, butanol and water extracted fractions. In addition, V79-4 cells treated with Me of Smilax china root induced an increase of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in a dose-dependent manner between 4-100 microg/ml. These results suggest that the medicinal component of the root of Smilax china extracts also contains antioxidant activity.
Animal ; Antioxidants/*pharmacology ; Catalase/drug effects/metabolism ; Cell Line ; Cell Survival ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Fibroblasts/drug effects/metabolism ; Free Radical Scavengers/chemistry/isolation & purification/*pharmacology ; Free Radicals/metabolism ; Glutathione Peroxidase/drug effects/metabolism ; Hamsters ; Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects ; Lung/cytology ; Plant Extracts/chemistry/*pharmacology ; Plant Roots/*chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; Superoxide Dismutase/drug effects/metabolism

PURPOSE: In the present study, an unusual case of traumatic retinopathy presenting as acute macular neuroretinopathy was reported. CASE SUMMARY: A 69-year-old male was involved in a car accident and experienced a left 5th rib fracture. There was no direct ocular trauma. However, after the accident he noticed paracentral scotoma and loss of vision in his left eye. At initial examination 4 days after the trauma, central visual acuity was hand motion and visual field test revealed central scotoma in the left eye. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed hyper-reflectivity of the outer nuclear layer and disruption of the ellipsoid zone. Fluorescein angiography did not show any leakage or vascular damage but near-infrared autofluorescence imaging showed a dark lesion in the macular area. Visual acuity was improved to 0.2 at 2 weeks after trauma and 0.6 at 6 months after trauma while mild ellipsoid zone defect and visual field defect persisted. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic retinopathy presenting as acute macular neuroretinopathy is an uncommon disease causing paracentral scotomas after non-ocular trauma, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in Korea.
Aged ; Fluorescein Angiography ; Hand ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Optical Imaging ; Rib Fractures ; Scotoma ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; Visual Acuity ; Visual Field Tests ; Visual Fields

PURPOSE: The purpose of study was to examine the relationship between obesity and its associated factors (psychiatric symptom, duration of illness, type of medication, physical activity, dietary habits, depressive symptom, and stress) in patients with chronic mental illness registered to community mental health welfare centers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional correlation study using a convenience sampling. A total of 392 participants were recruited from community mental health welfare centers. The obtained data were analyzed using binary and multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Atypical antipsychotic medication, duration of illness, dietary habits (overeating, and drinking instant coffee) were significantly contributed variables into body mass index (BMI) obesity. Atypical antipsychotic medication and instant coffee were significantly related to abdominal obesity. CONCLUSION: These results emphasized the needs of tailored obesity-preventive management for the community-dwelling patients with chronic mental illness, topically focusing on the administration of atypical antipsychotic medication, duration of illness, and dietary habits.
Body Mass Index ; Coffee ; Depression ; Diet ; Drinking ; Food Habits ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Mental Disorders ; Mental Health ; Motor Activity ; Obesity ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Statistics as Topic ; Stress, Psychological

The fornix is the major white-matter outflow tract from the hippocampus; it has a significant role in cognitive function. It is readily imaged via magnetic resonance imaging; its main parts are the crura, commissure, body, and columns. In this pictorial essay, we describe and illustrate the functional and imaging anatomy of the fornix and limbic system, as well as various disease entities involving the fornix.

The fornix is the major white-matter outflow tract from the hippocampus; it has a significant role in cognitive function. It is readily imaged via magnetic resonance imaging; its main parts are the crura, commissure, body, and columns. In this pictorial essay, we describe and illustrate the functional and imaging anatomy of the fornix and limbic system, as well as various disease entities involving the fornix.

Mammography is the standard screening method for breast cancer, proven to reduce mortality. However, its diagnostic performance varies depending on patient characteristics and radiologist expertise. Dense breast tissue, present in approximately 70% of Korean women aged 40 to 59, limits detection by obscuring malignancies. Additionally, optimal interpretation requires extensive training, which is not always achievable. Artificial intelligence-based computer-aided diagnosis (AI-CAD) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing mammographic accuracy and efficiency.Current Concepts: AI-CAD has shown diagnostic performance comparable to that of experienced radiologists while addressing the limitations of traditional CAD systems, particularly excessive false positives. Studies suggest AI-CAD improves radiologists' accuracy, particularly among those with limited breast imaging experience. In Europe, AI-assisted reading is increasingly recognized as a viable alternative to traditional double reading. In Korea, adoption of AI-CAD is expanding, with systems approved by the Korean Food and Drug Administration currently in clinical use. Recently, one AI-CAD system received conditional non-reimbursement designation, allowing hospitals to use it for up to 5 years while collecting clinical evidence to support future insurance coverage decisions.Discussion and Conclusion: AI-CAD has significant potential to enhance early breast cancer detection while maintaining acceptable false-positive rates, making it a valuable adjunct in screening programs. Beyond improved detection, AI-CAD may optimize workflow efficiency by triaging cases and prioritizing high-risk examinations. However, its integration into clinical practice necessitates standardized guidelines, regulatory oversight, and further validation through large-scale prospective studies. As AI technology continues to advance, ongoing investigation into its role in personalized breast cancer screening is essential.

Mammography is the standard screening method for breast cancer, proven to reduce mortality. However, its diagnostic performance varies depending on patient characteristics and radiologist expertise. Dense breast tissue, present in approximately 70% of Korean women aged 40 to 59, limits detection by obscuring malignancies. Additionally, optimal interpretation requires extensive training, which is not always achievable. Artificial intelligence-based computer-aided diagnosis (AI-CAD) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing mammographic accuracy and efficiency.Current Concepts: AI-CAD has shown diagnostic performance comparable to that of experienced radiologists while addressing the limitations of traditional CAD systems, particularly excessive false positives. Studies suggest AI-CAD improves radiologists' accuracy, particularly among those with limited breast imaging experience. In Europe, AI-assisted reading is increasingly recognized as a viable alternative to traditional double reading. In Korea, adoption of AI-CAD is expanding, with systems approved by the Korean Food and Drug Administration currently in clinical use. Recently, one AI-CAD system received conditional non-reimbursement designation, allowing hospitals to use it for up to 5 years while collecting clinical evidence to support future insurance coverage decisions.Discussion and Conclusion: AI-CAD has significant potential to enhance early breast cancer detection while maintaining acceptable false-positive rates, making it a valuable adjunct in screening programs. Beyond improved detection, AI-CAD may optimize workflow efficiency by triaging cases and prioritizing high-risk examinations. However, its integration into clinical practice necessitates standardized guidelines, regulatory oversight, and further validation through large-scale prospective studies. As AI technology continues to advance, ongoing investigation into its role in personalized breast cancer screening is essential.

Mammography is the standard screening method for breast cancer, proven to reduce mortality. However, its diagnostic performance varies depending on patient characteristics and radiologist expertise. Dense breast tissue, present in approximately 70% of Korean women aged 40 to 59, limits detection by obscuring malignancies. Additionally, optimal interpretation requires extensive training, which is not always achievable. Artificial intelligence-based computer-aided diagnosis (AI-CAD) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing mammographic accuracy and efficiency.Current Concepts: AI-CAD has shown diagnostic performance comparable to that of experienced radiologists while addressing the limitations of traditional CAD systems, particularly excessive false positives. Studies suggest AI-CAD improves radiologists' accuracy, particularly among those with limited breast imaging experience. In Europe, AI-assisted reading is increasingly recognized as a viable alternative to traditional double reading. In Korea, adoption of AI-CAD is expanding, with systems approved by the Korean Food and Drug Administration currently in clinical use. Recently, one AI-CAD system received conditional non-reimbursement designation, allowing hospitals to use it for up to 5 years while collecting clinical evidence to support future insurance coverage decisions.Discussion and Conclusion: AI-CAD has significant potential to enhance early breast cancer detection while maintaining acceptable false-positive rates, making it a valuable adjunct in screening programs. Beyond improved detection, AI-CAD may optimize workflow efficiency by triaging cases and prioritizing high-risk examinations. However, its integration into clinical practice necessitates standardized guidelines, regulatory oversight, and further validation through large-scale prospective studies. As AI technology continues to advance, ongoing investigation into its role in personalized breast cancer screening is essential.