PURPOSE: The primary prevention for cervical cancer, the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination, has been available in South Korea and its importance has been emphasized publicly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge regarding HPV vaccination and identify the factors associated with HPV vaccination in female university students. METHODS: A sample of 200 women among university students in Seoul was asked to answer a questionnaire on HPV-related knowledge and attitude, and influencing factors on HPV vaccination. RESULTS: Among the respondents, 12.0% were HPV vaccinated. Overall HPV-related knowledge was low, and knowledge was not different between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. The vaccinated group demonstrated a higher score on the knowledge about the place where people could receive HPV vaccination and the cost of the vaccination than that of the unvaccinated group. The major influencing factor on vaccination was the parent's recommendation and the major barrier for vaccination was the cost of the vaccination. CONCLUSION: A broadened public campaign is recommended to increase the knowledge and positive attitude towards HPV vaccination for university female students as well as their parents.
Surveys and Questionnaires ; Female ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; Mitochondrial Diseases ; Ophthalmoplegia ; Papilloma ; Papillomavirus Vaccines ; Parents ; Primary Prevention ; Republic of Korea ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; Vaccination ; Viruses

Current advances in CT techniques allow thorough evaluation of the beating heart. The strengths of cardiac CT relative to echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging are its high availability in most institutions, rapid production of high-quality images, and outstanding delineation of the anatomy. For many normal variants and pathologic conditions, such as thrombi, masses, and congenital abnormalities of the left atrium, CT findings are sufficient to make a presumptive diagnosis. Assessments of the left atrium and left atrial appendage are particularly important for the management of atrial fibrillation, as various catheter-based procedures are aimed at the mechanical and electrical isolation of these structures. CT offers information crucial to a successful catheter-based procedure or surgery. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the geometry (shape, size, and relative position), along with various CT imaging features of pathologic states, should be provided in radiology reports to be of clinical value.

Current advances in CT techniques allow thorough evaluation of the beating heart. The strengths of cardiac CT relative to echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging are its high availability in most institutions, rapid production of high-quality images, and outstanding delineation of the anatomy. For many normal variants and pathologic conditions, such as thrombi, masses, and congenital abnormalities of the left atrium, CT findings are sufficient to make a presumptive diagnosis. Assessments of the left atrium and left atrial appendage are particularly important for the management of atrial fibrillation, as various catheter-based procedures are aimed at the mechanical and electrical isolation of these structures. CT offers information crucial to a successful catheter-based procedure or surgery. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the geometry (shape, size, and relative position), along with various CT imaging features of pathologic states, should be provided in radiology reports to be of clinical value.

Objective: The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) was developed by using Caucasian eyes, which may not be appropriate to be used in Korean. The aims of the present study were 1) to develop a Korean version of the RMET (K-RMET) by using Korean eye stimuli and 2) to examine the psychometric properties of the Korean-translated version of the RMET and the K-RMET. Methods: Thirty-six photographs of Korean eyes were selected. A total of 196 (101 females) healthy subjects were asked to take the Korean-translated version of the RMET and K-RMET. To assess internal consistency reliability, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were computed, and test–retest reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and item analysis were also conducted. Results: Internal consistency, measured by Cronbach’s alpha, was 0.542 for the Korean-translated version of the RMET, and 0.540 for the K-RMET. Test–retest reliability (n=25), measured by the ICC, was 0.787 for the Korean-translated version of the RMET, and 0.758 for the K-RMET. In CFA, the assumed single and 3-factor model fit indices were not good in the both types of RMETs. There was difficulty in discrimination in nine items of the Korean-translated version of the RMET and 10 items of the K-RMET. Conclusion The psychometric properties of both the Korean-translated version of the RMET and the K-RMET are acceptable. Both tests are applicable to the clinical population, as well as the general population in Korea.

Objective: The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) was developed by using Caucasian eyes, which may not be appropriate to be used in Korean. The aims of the present study were 1) to develop a Korean version of the RMET (K-RMET) by using Korean eye stimuli and 2) to examine the psychometric properties of the Korean-translated version of the RMET and the K-RMET. Methods: Thirty-six photographs of Korean eyes were selected. A total of 196 (101 females) healthy subjects were asked to take the Korean-translated version of the RMET and K-RMET. To assess internal consistency reliability, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were computed, and test–retest reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and item analysis were also conducted. Results: Internal consistency, measured by Cronbach’s alpha, was 0.542 for the Korean-translated version of the RMET, and 0.540 for the K-RMET. Test–retest reliability (n=25), measured by the ICC, was 0.787 for the Korean-translated version of the RMET, and 0.758 for the K-RMET. In CFA, the assumed single and 3-factor model fit indices were not good in the both types of RMETs. There was difficulty in discrimination in nine items of the Korean-translated version of the RMET and 10 items of the K-RMET. Conclusion The psychometric properties of both the Korean-translated version of the RMET and the K-RMET are acceptable. Both tests are applicable to the clinical population, as well as the general population in Korea.

Objective: The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) is a common measure of the Theory of Mind. Previous studies found a correlation between RMET performance and neurocognition, especially reasoning by analogy; however, the nature of this relationship remains unclear. Additionally, neurocognition was shown to play a significant role in facial emotion recognition. This study is planned to examine the nature of relationship between neurocognition and RMET performance, as well as the mediating role of facial emotion recognition. Methods: One hundred fifty non-clinical youths performed the RMET. Reasoning by analogy was tested by Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) and facial emotion recognition was assessed by the Korean Facial Expressions of Emotion (KOFEE) test. The percentile bootstrap method was used to calculate the parameters of the mediating effects of facial emotion recognition on the relationship between SPM and RMET scores. Results: SPM scores and KOFEE scores were both statistically significant predictors of RMET scores. KOFEE scores were found to partially mediate the impact of SPM scores on RMET scores. Conclusion These findings suggested that facial emotion recognition partially mediated the relationship between reasoning by analogy and social cognition. This study highlights the need for further research for individuals with serious mental illnesses.

Background: We assessed the myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and all-cause death risks during follow-up according to the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels among older adults. Methods: The Korean National Health Insurance Service datasets (2002 to 2020) were used for this population-based cohort study. The hazards of MI, stroke, and all-cause mortality during follow-up were analyzed according to LDL-C level in individuals aged ≥65 years without baseline cardiovascular diseases (n=1,391,616). Results: During a mean 7.55 years, 52,753 MIs developed; 84,224 strokes occurred over a mean 7.47 years. After a mean 8.50 years, 233,963 died. A decrease in LDL-C was associated with lower hazards of MI and stroke. The decreased hazard of stroke in lower LDL-C was more pronounced in statin users, and individuals with diabetes or obesity. The hazard of all-cause death during follow-up showed an inverted J-shaped pattern according to the LDL-C levels. However, the paradoxically increased hazard of mortality during follow-up in lower LDL-C was attenuated in statin users and individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or obesity. In statin users, lower LDL-C was associated with a decreased hazard of mortality during follow-up. Conclusion Among the elderly, lower LDL-C was associated with decreased risks of MI and stroke. Lower LDL-C achieved by statins in the elderly was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause death during follow-up, suggesting that LDL-C paradox for the premature death risk in the elderly should not be applied to statin users. Intensive statin therapy should not be hesitated for older adults with cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes.

Purpose: Prostate cancer ranks as the second most common cancer in men globally, representing a significant cause of cancer-related mortality. Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells from the primary site to distant organs, remains a major challenge in managing prostate cancer. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is implicated in the regulation of aerobic glycolysis, emerging as a potential player in various cancers. However, its role in prostate cancer remains unclear. This study aims to analyze PDK4 expression in prostate cancer cells and human samples, and to explore the gene's clinical significance. Materials and Methods: PDK4 expression was detected in cell lines and human tissue samples. Migration ability was analyzed using Matrigel-coated invasion chambers. Human samples were obtained from the Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital. Results: PDK4 expression was elevated in prostate cancer cell lines compared to normal prostate cells, with particularly high levels in DU145 and LnCap cell lines. PDK4 knockdown in these cell lines suppressed their invasion ability, indicating a potential role of PDK4 in prostate cancer metastasis. Furthermore, our results revealed alterations in epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers and downstream signaling molecules following PDK4 suppression, suggesting its involvement in the modulation of invasion-related pathways. Furthermore, PDK4 expression was increased in prostate cancer tissues, especially in castration-resistant prostate cancer, compared to normal prostate tissues, with PSA and PDK4 expression showing a significantly positive correlation. Conclusions PDK4 expression in prostate cancer is associated with tumor invasion and castration status. Further validation is needed to demonstrate its effectiveness as a therapeutic target.