Background: This study investigated the relationship between work-life balance (WLB), effort-reward imbalance (ERI), and presenteeism among Korean wageworkers through two models used simultaneously. Methods: Data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey for 28,669 Korean workers, including 13,513 men and 15,156 women, were analyzed. All analyses were performed with pre-designed weight. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between WLB, ERI, and presenteeism among Korean workers. The participants were classified into the following four groups: group 1, status of both WLB and ERI is “balanced”; group 2, WLB and ERI status are “imbalanced” and “balanced”, respectively; group 3, WLB and ERI status are “balanced” and “imbalanced”, respectively; group 4: status of both WLB and ERI is “imbalanced.” Results: We found that WLB and ERI were associated with presenteeism in both men and women. Depending on their WLB and ERI status, women generally had a higher tendency of presenteeism than men. Multiple logistic regression shows that, in most models and groups, there is an increased odds ratio (OR) for presenteeism in both men and women compared to the reference value. Moreover, the OR in both men and women gradually increased in groups 2, 3, and 4 compared with group 1. When considering both WLB and ERI status simultaneously, ERI had a greater impact on presenteeism than WLB. Furthermore, it was found that a synergistic effect of presenteeism manifests when both WLB and ERI are in a state of imbalance simultaneously. Conclusions Using the two models simultaneously, we found an association between WLB, ERI, and presenteeism according to sex with a synergistic effect among Korean workers. Our research suggests that active interventions targeting WLB and ERI are necessary to reduce presenteeism, which ultimately leads to decreased productivity.

Purpose: To compare the macular and peripapillary vascular parameters between the primary angle closure suspect (PACS) eyes and normal control eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: In this retrospective study, 42 PACS subjects and 38 normal individuals are included. Vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) of the macular area and peripapillary area, and fovea avascular zone parameter were analyzed using OCTA and compared between two groups after adjustment for the axial length. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in sex ratio, age, refractive errors and intraocular pressures between both groups. In the peripapillary area, inferior VD and PD in the outer zone were significantly lower in the PACS eyes, while the retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses were similar between groups (p = 0.032, 0.026). In the macular superficial capillary plexus, inferior VD and PD in the inner zone, inferior VD and PD, nasal VD and PD in the outer zone were significantly lower in the PACS eyes, whereas ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness were similar between both groups (all p < 0.005). Conclusions The VDs and PDs of retinal capillaries in PACS eyes, which have no glaucomatous changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer and optic nerve disc, were significantly lower compared to normal eyes.

Purpose: To compare the macular and peripapillary vascular parameters between the primary angle closure suspect (PACS) eyes and normal control eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: In this retrospective study, 42 PACS subjects and 38 normal individuals are included. Vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) of the macular area and peripapillary area, and fovea avascular zone parameter were analyzed using OCTA and compared between two groups after adjustment for the axial length. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in sex ratio, age, refractive errors and intraocular pressures between both groups. In the peripapillary area, inferior VD and PD in the outer zone were significantly lower in the PACS eyes, while the retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses were similar between groups (p = 0.032, 0.026). In the macular superficial capillary plexus, inferior VD and PD in the inner zone, inferior VD and PD, nasal VD and PD in the outer zone were significantly lower in the PACS eyes, whereas ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness were similar between both groups (all p < 0.005). Conclusions The VDs and PDs of retinal capillaries in PACS eyes, which have no glaucomatous changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer and optic nerve disc, were significantly lower compared to normal eyes.

Purpose: To compare the macular and peripapillary vascular parameters between the primary angle closure suspect (PACS) eyes and normal control eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: In this retrospective study, 42 PACS subjects and 38 normal individuals are included. Vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) of the macular area and peripapillary area, and fovea avascular zone parameter were analyzed using OCTA and compared between two groups after adjustment for the axial length. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in sex ratio, age, refractive errors and intraocular pressures between both groups. In the peripapillary area, inferior VD and PD in the outer zone were significantly lower in the PACS eyes, while the retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses were similar between groups (p = 0.032, 0.026). In the macular superficial capillary plexus, inferior VD and PD in the inner zone, inferior VD and PD, nasal VD and PD in the outer zone were significantly lower in the PACS eyes, whereas ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness were similar between both groups (all p < 0.005). Conclusions The VDs and PDs of retinal capillaries in PACS eyes, which have no glaucomatous changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer and optic nerve disc, were significantly lower compared to normal eyes.

Background: Psoriasis is a persistent systemic inflammatory condition mediated by the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 signaling pathway. Existing murine models, including imiquimod (IMQ)-applied wild-type (WT) mice, may not reflect chronicity and systemic comorbidities of psoriasis, particularly gut-related manifestations linked to the gut–skin axis. Objective: To establish a murine model that more accurately reflects chronic psoriasis, its systemic comorbidities, and associated gut environment alterations. Methods: C57BL/6 IL-10-deficient (IL-10 knockout [KO]) and WT mice received topical IMQ or vehicle for 6 weeks. Subsequently, tissue samples from skin, colon, joints, kidneys, liver, abdominal aortas, lymph nodes, and spleens, as well as fecal and blood samples, were collected for histopathologic, immunologic, gut environment analysis. Results: IMQ-treated IL-10 KO mice developed prolonged psoriatic inflammatory responses with increased epidermal thickness and higher infiltration of CD45+, myeloperoxidase+, and IL-17+ cells. They also exhibited early-onset, severe colitis with marked weight loss, shortened colon length, and elevated colitis severity scores. While IMQ induced systemic inflammation in multiple organs, IL-10 KO mice did not show more severe joint, liver, or kidney involvement than WT mice. Elevated serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels, increased heart/body weight ratio, enhanced gut permeability, and distinct gut microbiota profiles were observed in IL-10 KO mice. Conclusion The 6-week IMQ-applied IL-10 KO model may better reflect chronic and severe psoriasis with gut-related comorbidities, offering a valuable platform to investigate the gut–skin axis.

Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of different surveillance intensities on morbidity and mortality in women with breast cancer. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery in the Republic of Korea between 2009 and 2011. The patients were divided into two groups based on the intensity of their postsurgical surveillance: intensive surveillance group (ISG) and less-intensive surveillance group. Surveillance intensity was measured based on the frequency and type of follow-up diagnostic tests conducted, including mammography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scans, and positron emission tomography scans. Results: We included 1,356 patients with a median follow-up period of 121.2 months (range, 12.8–168.0 months). The analysis revealed no significant difference in the overall survival (OS) between the two groups within five years of surgery. However, patients with ISG exhibited significantly better breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and distant metastasisfree survival (DMFS) within the same period. Five years after surgery, the differences in survival outcomes between the groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion Intensive surveillance did not demonstrate a significant improvement in OS for patients with breast cancer beyond five years postoperatively. However, within the first five years, intensive surveillance was associated with better BCSS and DMFS. These findings suggest that personalized surveillance strategies may benefit specific patient subsets, particularly in the early years after treatment. Further nationwide randomized studies are warranted to refine surveillance guidelines and optimize outcomes in patients with breast cancer.

Purpose: This study aimed to propose a revision of the evaluation objectives of the Korean Dentist Clinical Skill Test by analyzing the opinions of those involved in the examination after a review of those objectives. Methods: The clinical skill test objectives were reviewed based on the national-level dental practitioner competencies, dental school educational competencies, and the third dental practitioner job analysis. Current and former examinees were surveyed about their perceptions of the evaluation objectives. The validity of 22 evaluation objectives and overlapping perceptions based on area of specialty were surveyed on a 5-point Likert scale by professors who participated in the clinical skill test and dental school faculty members. Additionally, focus group interviews were conducted with experts on the examination. Results: It was necessary to consider including competency assessments for “emergency rescue skills” and “planning and performing prosthetic treatment.” There were no significant differences between current and former examinees in their perceptions of the clinical skill test’s objectives. The professors who participated in the examination and dental school faculty members recognized that most of the objectives were valid. However, some responses stated that “oromaxillofacial cranial nerve examination,” “temporomandibular disorder palpation test,” and “space management for primary and mixed dentition” were unfeasible evaluation objectives and overlapped with dental specialty areas. Conclusion When revising the Korean Dentist Clinical Skill Test’s objectives, it is advisable to consider incorporating competency assessments related to “emergency rescue skills” and “planning and performing prosthetic treatment.”

This case report presents the long-term radiographic outcomes of a novel approach for simultaneous lateral augmentation and implant surgery. A 60-year-old male patient who required tooth extraction of the maxillary central and lateral incisors due to trauma visited the clinic. After tooth extraction, severe horizontal and vertical deficiencies occurred owing to atrophy of the alveolar ridge, and a simultaneous guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedure was planned along with the installation of two implants. In the present case, a modification of the conventional ‘sandwich technique’ was used by placing the mixture of autogenous bone chips and xenografts at the outermost layer to maximize the osteogenic potential at the coronal part of augmentation while applying solely xenografts at the inner layer. To enhance volumetric stability, an autogenous block of periosteum harvested from the maxillary tuberosity was incorporated between the two layers. Cone-beam computed tomography was performed at baseline and 3 years after the surgery to compare radiographic outcomes. Dehiscence after fixture installation was successfully observed at the re-entry of the surgery site. Three years after the surgery, average horizontal bone gains of 6.11 mm and 4.12 mm were observed in the maxillary central and lateral incisor areas, respectively. Healthy peri-implant mucosa and well maintained marginal bone levels were observed 8 years after the surgery, meeting the criteria for implant success. The findings of this case suggest that a substantial amount of horizontal bone gain can be obtained with a layered approach using autogenous bone materials and xenografts, highlighting the advantages of incorporating autogenous blocks into the simultaneous GBR procedure.

Objective: To prospectively investigate the influence of the menstrual cycle on the background parenchymal signal (BPS) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the breast on diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) in healthy premenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Seven healthy premenopausal women (median age, 37 years; range, 33–49 years) with regular menstrual cycles participated in this study. DW-MRI was performed during each of the four phases of the menstrual cycle (four examinations in total). Three radiologists independently assessed the BPS visual grade on images with b-values of 800 sec/mm2 (b800), 1200 sec/mm2 (b1200), and a synthetic 1500 sec/mm2 (sb1500). Additionally, one radiologist conducted a quantitative analysis to measure the BPS volume (%) and ADC values of the BPS (ADCBPS) and fibroglandular tissue (ADCFGT). Changes in the visual grade, BPS volume (%), ADCBPS, and ADCFGT during the menstrual cycle were descriptively analyzed. Results: The visual grade of BPS in seven women varied from mild to marked on b800 and from minimal to moderate on b1200 and sb1500. As the b-value increased, the visual grade of BPS decreased. On b800 and sb1500, two of the seven volunteers showed the highest visual grade in the early follicular phase (EFP). On b1200, three of the seven volunteers showed the highest visual grades in EFP. The BPS volume (%) on b800 and b1200 showed the highest value in three of the six volunteers with dense breasts in EFP. Three of the seven volunteers showed the lowest ADCBPS in the EFP. Four of the seven volunteers showed the highest ADCBPS in the early luteal phase (ELP) and the lowest ADCFGT in the late follicular phase (LFP). Conclusion Most volunteers did not exhibit specific BPS patterns during their menstrual cycles. However, the highest BPS and lowest ADCBPS were more frequently observed in EFP than in the other menstrual cycle phases, whereas the highest ADCBPS was more common in ELP. The lowest ADCFGT was more frequent in LFP.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to classify an implant system by comparing the types of implant thread shapes shown on radiographs using various Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), particularly Xception, InceptionV3, ResNet50V2, and ResNet101V2. The accuracy of the CNN based on the implant site was compared. Materials and Methods: A total of 1000 radiographic images, consisting of eight types of implants, were preprocessed by resizing and CLAHE filtering, and then augmented. CNNs were trained and validated for implant thread shape prediction. Grad-CAM was used to visualize class activation maps (CAM) on the implant threads shown within the radiographic image. Results: Averaged over 10 validation folds, each model achieved an AUC of over 0.96: AUC of 0.961 (95% CI 0.952–0.970) with Xception, 0.973 (95% CI 0.966-0.980) with InceptionV3, 0.980 (95% CI 0.974-0.988) with ResNet50V2, and 0.983 (95% CI 0.975-0.992) with ResNet101V2. Accuracy was higher in the posterior region than in the anterior area in all four models. Most CAMs highlighted the implant surface where the threads were present; however, some showed responses in other areas. Conclusion The CNN models accurately classified implants in all areas of the oral cavity according to the thread shape, using radiographic images.