Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

As nucleocapsid protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is immunogenic but not targeted in vaccines, it could be useful in distinguishing natural infection from vaccination. We aimed to investigate the clinical utility of sero-immunological responses against the nucleocapsid protein. Nucleocapsid antibody immunoassay study with 302 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients showed lower titers in immunocompromised patients (P < 0.001), higher titers in higher severity (P = 0.031), and different seroconversion rates and titers according to variants of concern. Longitudinal evaluation of nucleocapsid antibodies using 513 samples from 291 COVID-19 patients revealed that it could persist up to 556 days from symptom onset. Interferon gamma release assay against the nucleocapsid protein showed poor response, precluding the deduction of a cut-off for the nucleocapsid protein. In conclusion, nucleocapsid antibody provides instructive clues about the immunogenicity of nucleocapsid proteins by different seroconversion rates and titers according to the severity of infection, host immune status, and different variants of concern.

Objectives: This study aimed to demonstrate the bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent surgical treatment, such as total knee arthroplasty, osteotomy, or meniscectomy. Methods: A total of 254 women with OA aged 50 years who underwent surgical treatment were enrolled in this study. We evaluated obesity-related factors, muscle components, and BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: No significant differences were noted in the BMD of the hip joint between the symptomatic side of the leg with knee OA and the contralateral side. However, when comparing the BMD of each component, the results indicated a significantly higher BMD in the obesity group based on body mass index (BMI). When defining sarcopenic obesity (SO) using various indicators of obesity (BMI, the estimated visceral adipose tissue area, android/gynoid ratio, and total body fat percentage), the prevalence of SO in the OA group who underwent surgical treatment ranged from 22.0% to 49.6%. Conclusions This study investigated obesity-related factors in patients with advanced knee OA who underwent surgery, revealing a high prevalence of overweight/obese individuals, the presence of SO, and a complex relationship between obesity, body composition, and bone density, highlighting the potential protective effects of weight-bearing on bone health while exploring the impact of sarcopenia on bone density differences in the context of OA. Depending on various definitions of obesity, diverse proportions of SO in patients with OA have been observed, and further detailed research is required to understand its impact on the condition.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical features of panic disorder (PD) with comorbid agoraphobia to those of PD alone. We focused on autonomic nervous system (ANS) alterations reflected in heart rate variability (HRV) and executive function deficits reflected in the Stroop test. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively compared psychometric features, Stroop test results, and resting-state HRV across three groups: a subclinical group with anxiety attack history, a PD group without agoraphobia, and a PD group with agoraphobia. The subclinical group included 10 male and 34 female, the PD without agoraphobia group included 17 male and 19 female, and the PD with agoraphobia group included 11 male and 18 female. Results: The PD with agoraphobia group had higher Symptom Checklist–95 scores than the other groups. Both PD groups had longer reaction times in the Stroop test than the subclinical group. There were no significant differences in HRV parameters between the PD groups with and without agoraphobia. Compared with the subclinical group, the PD with agoraphobia group showed significantly lower values of the natural logarithm of low-frequency HRV. Conclusion Our results do not support that executive function deficits and ANS alterations are more pronounced with comorbid agoraphobia among PD groups. However, PD with agoraphobia patients showed more complex and severe clinical symptoms in their self-reports. Compared with the subclinical group, PD patients with agoraphobia showed specific features in the natural logarithm of low-frequency HRV. Our findings suggest that agoraphobia comorbidity should be considered when evaluating or treating patients with PD.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of an ultrasound needle guidance system (NGS) based on standard needle magnetization in a phantom study of thyroid nodule (TN)-targeting punctures. Methods: Six trainees and a staff radiologist performed TN-targeting punctures with or without the NGS in phantom models (group 1, experience <50 cases; group 2, experience ≥50 cases and <100 cases; group 3, experience ≥100 cases of TN-targeting punctures). The feasibility, technical success rate, number of punctures, and procedure time were recorded. Results: The feasibility of NGS was 98.6% (138/140). In group 1, the technical success rate increased from 60.0%±8.2% to 80.0%±8.2% when the NGS was used (P=0.046), with a reduction in the number of punctures from 2.2 to 1.2 (P=0.005). In group 2, the rate changed from 95.0%±5.8% to 100.0%±0.0% with the NGS (P=0.157), with a minimal decrease in the number of punctures from 1.1 to 1.0 (P=0.157). The procedure time significantly decreased in both groups (P=0.041 and P=0.010, respectively) when the NGS was used. In group 3, there were no significant differences in the technical success rate and the number of punctures according to whether the NGS was used (P=0.317 and P=0.317, respectively). Conclusion NGS using standard needle magnetization is technically feasible and has potential to improve the efficacy of TN-targeting punctures for less-experienced operators, especially beginners, according to the findings of this phantom study.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influences of teamwork and job burnout on patient safety management activities (PSMA) among operating room nurses. Methods: We collected cross-sectional data from 144 operating room nurses with at least 1 year of clinical experience. Teamwork had five subscales (team structure, leadership, situation monitoring, mutual support, and communication) and burnout had two subscales (exhaustion and disengagement). We used descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression. Results: PSMA had significant positive correlations with all subscales of teamwork and had a significant negative correlation with disengagement. Multiple regression analysis revealed that gender, clinical career in operating room, number of patient safety education, accreditation evaluation experience, team structure, and situation monitoring were associated with PSMA. Specifically, we found significant positive associations of team structure (β=.31, p<.001) and situation monitoring (β=.23, p=.039) with PSMA. Disengagement was not associated with PSMA after adjusting for confounders despite a significant correlation. Conclusion To improve operating room nurses’ PSMA, it is important to improve their awareness of the team structure and their ability to monitor the operating room situation.