Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) based stress reduction program tailored for healthcare and information technology (IT) professionals during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. Methods: The 2-week program, based on forest healing principles, was designed to alleviate occupational stress and improve sleep quality. Participants (n=54; 46 healthcare, 8 IT professionals) underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments using validated psychological scales and physiological measurements. Results: Results showed significant reductions in stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS], p=0.001) and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] anxiety, p=0.002) across all participants. Healthcare professionals demonstrated significant decreases in depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, p=0.015), anxiety (HADS anxiety, p<0.001), and stress (PSS, p=0.001). Unexpectedly, weekday sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) worsened in the healthcare group (p=0.013). The IT group showed no significant changes, possibly due to the small sample size. Physiological measurements revealed significant differences between groups post-intervention, including melatonin levels (p=0.001) and electrocardiogram values (p=0.031), suggesting occupation-specific responses to VR interventions. Conclusion Despite limitations such as unequal sample sizes, this study provides valuable insights into the potential of VR-based stress management programs. The findings underscore the need for occupation-specific approaches and further research with larger, balanced samples to validate these results and explore long-term effects.

Screening tests for specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) to food allergens, such as the multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST), are widely used in patients with suspected food allergies in South Korea. We evaluated whether MAST could effectively screen wheatdependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) and α-gal syndrome (AGS). We retrospectively reviewed patients with WDEIA and AGS diagnosed with unequivocal history and positive sIgE results for omega-5 gliadin and α-gal using ImmunoCAP, respectively. The clinical manifestations and results of MAST and ImmunoCAP (sIgE to wheat for WDEIA and beef/pork for AGS) were reviewed. In the MAST and ImmunoCAP results, class 0 (<0.35 units in each test) was considered negative. Medical records of 45 patients with WDEIA and 39 patients with AGS were reviewed. For WDEIA, 37 (82.2%) of patients had a history of anaphylaxis.Among those positive for omega-5 gliadin sIgE, 39 (87.7%) and 25 (55.6%) tested positive for gluten- and wheat-sIgE using ImmunoCAP, respectively. MAST performed on 15 patients yielded positive results for wheat-sIgE in 5 (33.3%). For AGS, 23 (59.0%) of patients had a history of anaphylaxis. Among those positive for α-gal sIgE, 32 (85.7%) and 37 (96.4%) tested positive for pork- and beefsIgE using ImmunoCAP, respectively, whereas MAST could not detect sIgE for pork and beef (0%, 0/17). MAST for sIgE to food allergens cannot screen WDEIA and AGS. The tests for sIgE to a specific component of food allergen, such as omega-5 gliadin for WDEIA and α-gal for AGS, should be used to screen WDEIA and AGS.

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) based stress reduction program tailored for healthcare and information technology (IT) professionals during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. Methods: The 2-week program, based on forest healing principles, was designed to alleviate occupational stress and improve sleep quality. Participants (n=54; 46 healthcare, 8 IT professionals) underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments using validated psychological scales and physiological measurements. Results: Results showed significant reductions in stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS], p=0.001) and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] anxiety, p=0.002) across all participants. Healthcare professionals demonstrated significant decreases in depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, p=0.015), anxiety (HADS anxiety, p<0.001), and stress (PSS, p=0.001). Unexpectedly, weekday sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) worsened in the healthcare group (p=0.013). The IT group showed no significant changes, possibly due to the small sample size. Physiological measurements revealed significant differences between groups post-intervention, including melatonin levels (p=0.001) and electrocardiogram values (p=0.031), suggesting occupation-specific responses to VR interventions. Conclusion Despite limitations such as unequal sample sizes, this study provides valuable insights into the potential of VR-based stress management programs. The findings underscore the need for occupation-specific approaches and further research with larger, balanced samples to validate these results and explore long-term effects.

Screening tests for specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) to food allergens, such as the multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST), are widely used in patients with suspected food allergies in South Korea. We evaluated whether MAST could effectively screen wheatdependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) and α-gal syndrome (AGS). We retrospectively reviewed patients with WDEIA and AGS diagnosed with unequivocal history and positive sIgE results for omega-5 gliadin and α-gal using ImmunoCAP, respectively. The clinical manifestations and results of MAST and ImmunoCAP (sIgE to wheat for WDEIA and beef/pork for AGS) were reviewed. In the MAST and ImmunoCAP results, class 0 (<0.35 units in each test) was considered negative. Medical records of 45 patients with WDEIA and 39 patients with AGS were reviewed. For WDEIA, 37 (82.2%) of patients had a history of anaphylaxis.Among those positive for omega-5 gliadin sIgE, 39 (87.7%) and 25 (55.6%) tested positive for gluten- and wheat-sIgE using ImmunoCAP, respectively. MAST performed on 15 patients yielded positive results for wheat-sIgE in 5 (33.3%). For AGS, 23 (59.0%) of patients had a history of anaphylaxis. Among those positive for α-gal sIgE, 32 (85.7%) and 37 (96.4%) tested positive for pork- and beefsIgE using ImmunoCAP, respectively, whereas MAST could not detect sIgE for pork and beef (0%, 0/17). MAST for sIgE to food allergens cannot screen WDEIA and AGS. The tests for sIgE to a specific component of food allergen, such as omega-5 gliadin for WDEIA and α-gal for AGS, should be used to screen WDEIA and AGS.

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) based stress reduction program tailored for healthcare and information technology (IT) professionals during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. Methods: The 2-week program, based on forest healing principles, was designed to alleviate occupational stress and improve sleep quality. Participants (n=54; 46 healthcare, 8 IT professionals) underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments using validated psychological scales and physiological measurements. Results: Results showed significant reductions in stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS], p=0.001) and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] anxiety, p=0.002) across all participants. Healthcare professionals demonstrated significant decreases in depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, p=0.015), anxiety (HADS anxiety, p<0.001), and stress (PSS, p=0.001). Unexpectedly, weekday sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) worsened in the healthcare group (p=0.013). The IT group showed no significant changes, possibly due to the small sample size. Physiological measurements revealed significant differences between groups post-intervention, including melatonin levels (p=0.001) and electrocardiogram values (p=0.031), suggesting occupation-specific responses to VR interventions. Conclusion Despite limitations such as unequal sample sizes, this study provides valuable insights into the potential of VR-based stress management programs. The findings underscore the need for occupation-specific approaches and further research with larger, balanced samples to validate these results and explore long-term effects.

Screening tests for specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) to food allergens, such as the multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST), are widely used in patients with suspected food allergies in South Korea. We evaluated whether MAST could effectively screen wheatdependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) and α-gal syndrome (AGS). We retrospectively reviewed patients with WDEIA and AGS diagnosed with unequivocal history and positive sIgE results for omega-5 gliadin and α-gal using ImmunoCAP, respectively. The clinical manifestations and results of MAST and ImmunoCAP (sIgE to wheat for WDEIA and beef/pork for AGS) were reviewed. In the MAST and ImmunoCAP results, class 0 (<0.35 units in each test) was considered negative. Medical records of 45 patients with WDEIA and 39 patients with AGS were reviewed. For WDEIA, 37 (82.2%) of patients had a history of anaphylaxis.Among those positive for omega-5 gliadin sIgE, 39 (87.7%) and 25 (55.6%) tested positive for gluten- and wheat-sIgE using ImmunoCAP, respectively. MAST performed on 15 patients yielded positive results for wheat-sIgE in 5 (33.3%). For AGS, 23 (59.0%) of patients had a history of anaphylaxis. Among those positive for α-gal sIgE, 32 (85.7%) and 37 (96.4%) tested positive for pork- and beefsIgE using ImmunoCAP, respectively, whereas MAST could not detect sIgE for pork and beef (0%, 0/17). MAST for sIgE to food allergens cannot screen WDEIA and AGS. The tests for sIgE to a specific component of food allergen, such as omega-5 gliadin for WDEIA and α-gal for AGS, should be used to screen WDEIA and AGS.

Background: Immunocompromised (IC) pediatric patients are at increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, but the viral kinetics and seroimmunologic response in pediatric IC patients are not fully understood. Methods: From April to June 2022, a prospective cohort study was conducted. IC pediatric patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were enrolled. Serial saliva swab and serum specimens were subjected to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays with mutation sequencing, viral culture, anti-spike-protein, anti-nucleocapsid antibody assays, plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and multiplex cytokine assays. Results: Eleven IC children were evaluated. Their COVID-19 symptoms resolved promptly (median, 2.5 days; interquartile range, 2.0–4.3). Saliva swab specimens contained lower viral loads than nasopharyngeal swabs (P = 0.008). All cases were BA.2 infection, and 45.5% tested negative within 14 days by saliva swab from symptom onset. Eight (72.7%) showed a time-dependent increase in BA.2 PRNT titers, followed by rapid waning. Multiplex cytokine assays revealed that monocyte/macrophage activation and Th 1 responses were comparable to those of non-IC adults. Activation of interleukin (IL)-1Ra and IL-6 was brief, and IL-17A was suppressed. Activated interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-18/IL-1F4 signals were observed. Conclusion IC pediatric patients rapidly recovered from COVID-19 with low viral loads.Antibody response was limited, but cytokine analysis suggested an enhanced IFN-γ- and IL-18-mediated immune response without excessive activation of inflammatory cascades. To validate our observation, immune cell-based functional studies need to be conducted among IC and non-IC children.

Objective: : Although Republic of Korea is an advanced country in medical technology with a successful treatment rate for serious diseases, such as cancer, and has improved technology for highly difficult surgery, many excellent medical doctors and physicians are struggling due to the recent unreasonable medical environment. Specialization in brain tumor surgery also faces challenges in Republic of Korea, including low financial incentives, legal threats, and limited career prospects. In response, the Korean Brain Tumor Society (KBTS) formed the Future Strategy Committee to assess these obstacles and propose solutions. Methods: : A survey was conducted among the KBTS members to understand their perceptions and concerns across different career stages. Results: : The findings revealed a decline in interest among chief residents in brain tumor surgery, owing to limited job opportunities and income prospects. Neurosurgical fellows expressed neutral satisfaction but highlighted challenges, such as low patient numbers and income. Faculty members with varying levels of experience echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the need for improved financial incentives and job stability. Despite these challenges, the respondents expressed dedication to the field and suggested strategies for improvement. Conclusion : The KBTS outlines a vision that focuses on practical excellence, comprehensive research, professional education, responsibilities, and member satisfaction. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts among healthcare institutions, professional societies, and policymakers to support brain tumor specialists and enhance patient care.

Background: Immunocompromised (IC) pediatric patients are at increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, but the viral kinetics and seroimmunologic response in pediatric IC patients are not fully understood. Methods: From April to June 2022, a prospective cohort study was conducted. IC pediatric patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were enrolled. Serial saliva swab and serum specimens were subjected to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays with mutation sequencing, viral culture, anti-spike-protein, anti-nucleocapsid antibody assays, plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and multiplex cytokine assays. Results: Eleven IC children were evaluated. Their COVID-19 symptoms resolved promptly (median, 2.5 days; interquartile range, 2.0–4.3). Saliva swab specimens contained lower viral loads than nasopharyngeal swabs (P = 0.008). All cases were BA.2 infection, and 45.5% tested negative within 14 days by saliva swab from symptom onset. Eight (72.7%) showed a time-dependent increase in BA.2 PRNT titers, followed by rapid waning. Multiplex cytokine assays revealed that monocyte/macrophage activation and Th 1 responses were comparable to those of non-IC adults. Activation of interleukin (IL)-1Ra and IL-6 was brief, and IL-17A was suppressed. Activated interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-18/IL-1F4 signals were observed. Conclusion IC pediatric patients rapidly recovered from COVID-19 with low viral loads.Antibody response was limited, but cytokine analysis suggested an enhanced IFN-γ- and IL-18-mediated immune response without excessive activation of inflammatory cascades. To validate our observation, immune cell-based functional studies need to be conducted among IC and non-IC children.