Purpose: Although previous studies have found an association between brain iron levels and brain function, few have explored this relationship in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thus, we aimed to determine the association between quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM)-derived magnetic susceptibility values (MSVs) and brain function in children with ASD. Materials and Methods: The study included children with ASD who underwent both a brain magnetic resonance imaging with QSM and the Wechsler intelligence scale for children intelligence quotient (IQ) test. Select subcortical brain regions (caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and thalamus; both right and left) were automatically segmented, and the MSVs were extracted from the QSM. The IQ score parameters (verbal comprehension, working memory, perceptual organization, and processing speed indices, and full-scale IQ) were measured. Correlation analysis was used to assess the association between age and IQ test parameters and between age and MSV. Linear regression analysis was performed to measure the relationship between the MSV and IQ test parameters. Results: A total of 23 children with ASD (median age [interquartile range]: 10 [8–14] years; 12 males) were included. Age was not correlated with any of the IQ test parameters (p > 0.05). There was a significant correlation between age and right-thalamus MSV (r = 0.443, p = 0.03); however, no such correlation was found with the MSVs of other regions (p > 0.05). Among the IQ test parameters, the verbal comprehension index significantly correlated with the left-caudate MSV (r = 0.420, p = 0.046) and the perceptual organization index significantly correlated with the right-globus-pallidus MSV (r = 0.414, p = 0.049). Conclusion Select subcortical MSVs were associated with IQ test parameters in children with ASD, suggesting that QSM is a potential neurodevelopmental marker.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of group education reflecting unmet needs led by Nurse Practitioners (NPs) on essential knowledge regarding chemotherapy for cancer patients and their families undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Conducted at a tertiary general hospital in Seoul from December 30, 2020, to April 30, 2022, this study, which is based on a one group pre-post design, involved 104 cancer patients and their families. It assessed differences in knowledge regarding chemotherapy and satisfaction levels by means of participation through video-based group education led by NPs. The data were analyzed with SAS version 9.4 using paired t-tests and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The average score of knowledge regarding chemotherapy increased from 80.0 to 89.8 (p<.001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, being less than 50 years old (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]=13.56, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.76~10.20) and having a college degree or higher (aOR=3.99, 95% CI: 1.15~13.82) were associated with an increase in knowledge regarding chemotherapy. Satisfaction with participation in the group education program was also reported to be high. Conclusion This study aimed to develop and implement a group education program for cancer patients and their families undergoing chemotherapy, assess changes in knowledge levels, and investigate satisfaction with the program. As a result of the study, the average score of patients who received the group education program increased; thus, it is an effective method for improving the degree of knowledge about the daily life of cancer patients and the management of side effects.