1.Memory Decline and Aberration of Synaptic Proteins in X-Linked Moesin Knockout Male Mice
Hua CAI ; Seong Mi LEE ; Yura CHOI ; Bomlee LEE ; Soo Jung IM ; Dong Hyeon KIM ; Hyung Jun CHOI ; Jin Hee KIM ; Yeni KIM ; Boo Ahn SHIN ; Songhee JEON
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):10-25
Objective:
This study aims to investigate may moesin deficiency resulted in neurodevelopmental abnormalities caused by negative impact on synaptic signaling ultimately leading to synaptic structure and plasticity.
Methods:
Behavioral assessments measured neurodevelopment (surface righting, negative geotaxis, cliff avoidance), anxiety (open field test, elevated plus maze test), and memory (passive avoidance test, Y-maze test) in moesin-knockout mice (KO) compared to wild-type mice (WT). Whole exome sequencing (WES) of brain (KO vs. WT) and analysis of synaptic proteins were performed to determine the disruption of signal pathways downstream of moesin. Risperidone, a therapeutic agent, was utilized to reverse the neurodevelopmental aberrance in moesin KO.
Results:
Moesin-KO pups exhibited decrease in the surface righting ability on postnatal day 7 (p<0.05) and increase in time spent in the closed arms (p<0.01), showing increased anxiety-like behavior. WES revealed mutations in pathway aberration in neuron projection, actin filament-based processes, and neuronal migration in KO. Decreased cell viability (p<0.001) and expression of soluble NSF adapter protein 25 (SNAP25) (p<0.001) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) (p<0.01) was observed in days in vitro 7 neurons. Downregulation of synaptic proteins, and altered phosphorylation levels of Synapsin I, mammalian uncoordinated 18 (MUNC18), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was observed in KO cortex and hippocampus. Risperidone reversed the memory impairment in the passive avoidance test and the spontaneous alternation percentage in the Y maze test. Risperidone also restored the reduced expression of PSD95 (p<0.01) and the phosphorylation of Synapsin at Ser605 (p<0.05) and Ser549 (p<0.001) in the cortex of moesin-KO.
Conclusion
Moesin deficiency leads to neurodevelopmental delay and memory decline, which may be caused through altered regulation in synaptic proteins and function.
2.The Effect of the Practice of Donning and Doffing Level D Personal Protective Equipment Using Augmented Reality on Nursing Students: A Mixed Method Research
Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamental Nursing 2025;32(1):1-13
Purpose:
This study investigated the effect of practice of donning and doffing level D personal protective equipment (PPE) based on augmented reality (AR) on the knowledge and performance confidence, practical immersion, practical satisfaction, and practical experience of nursing students.
Methods:
This mixed-method study included 28 participants in the experimental group and 28 in the control group in C city. The intervention in the experimental group was practice of donning and doffing level D PPE based on AR and the control group received video-based training. Quantitative data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS program, and qualitative data were subjected to content analysis.
Results:
There were significant differences in performance confidence (t=3.17, p=.002) and practice satisfaction (z=-2.13, p=.033), but not in knowledge (z=-0.90, p=.366) and practice immersion (t=1.71, p=.093) regarding PPE. In the experience of nursing students who participated in AR-based practice, the facilitating factors were “good concentration in practice,” “can use the technology accurately,” “the skills remain in memory for a long time,” and “the practice was interesting and fun.” The obstacles to AR-based practice were “using smart glasses to watch AR content was uncomfortable” and “it was difficult to adapt to AR-based content.”
Conclusion
Based on the results of this study, we suggest applying AR-based practice in practical education to increase nursing students' performance confidence and practice satisfaction.
3.Psychosocial and Clinical Characteristics of Temporomandibular Disorder Patients Attributing Symptoms to Dental Treatment
Hee-Won KIM ; Yong-Woo AHN ; Sung-Hee JEONG ; Hye-Min JU ; Kyung-Hee KIM ; Hye-Mi JEON ; Soo-Min OK
Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain 2025;50(1):16-24
Purpose:
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a multifactorial condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Some patients perceive dental treatment as the cause of their TMD, which may impact symptom perception and treatment response.This study aims to compare the psychosocial and clinical characteristics of patients who attribute their TMD onset to prior dental treatment (DT group) with those who do not (NT group).
Methods:
A total of 250 patients diagnosed with TMD at Pusan National University Dental Hospital between January and October 2024 were included. Patients were classified into the DT group (n=92) if they attributed their symptoms to previous dental procedures, while the remaining NT group (n=158) consisted of patients with other primary complaints. Patients were additionally categorized into Generation X (1965-1980), Generation Y (1981-1999), and Generation Z (2000-2012). Clinical assessments were conducted following the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), and psychosocial factors were evaluated using the Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15).
Results:
The DT group had a significantly higher mean age (54.16±16.87 years) compared to the NT group (39.71±19.12 years, p<0.001). Psychological distress scores (PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PHQ-15) were significantly higher in the DT group, particularly among Generation X patients (p<0.05). Muscle-related pain was more prevalent in the DT group (75%) than in the NT group. Interestingly, OBC scores were higher in the NT group (p<0.05).
Conclusions
Patients who attributed their TMD onset to dental treatment reported higher psychological distress and a greater prevalence of muscle-related pain, underscoring the need for a biopsychosocial approach to TMD management. Clinicians should consider the impact of patient perception on TMD symptoms and integrate psychological assessment and counseling to enhance treatment efficacy and patient adherence.
4.Minocycline Susceptibility of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Blood Isolates from a Single Center in Korea: Role of tetB in Resistance
Taeeun KIM ; Eun Hee JEON ; Yoon-Kyoung HONG ; Jiwon JUNG ; Min Jae KIM ; Heungsup SUNG ; Mi-Na KIM ; Sung-Han KIM ; Sang-Ho CHOI ; Sang-Oh LEE ; Yang Soo KIM ; Yong Pil CHONG
Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;57(1):111-118
Background:
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) represents a devastating and growing global threat, calling for new antibiotic treatments. In Korea, the challenge of treating CRAB is compounded by high nosocomial acquisition rates and limited availability of novel antibiotics. Minocycline, a semisynthetic tetracycline derivative, has been proposed as a therapeutic option for CRAB infections. Nonsusceptibility to minocycline may occur through the efflux pump, TetB. The prevalence of tetB in A. baumannii has increased, along with higher minocycline minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). We aimed to evaluate minocycline susceptibility rates in clinical strains of CRAB, and the association between tetB carriage and minocycline susceptibility across different genotypes.
Materials and Methods:
Representative CRAB blood isolates were collected from Asan Medical Center, Seoul.Minocycline susceptibility was assessed using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) breakpoint (≤4 mg/L) and the proposed pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) breakpoint (≤1 mg/L). Tigecycline was used as a comparator, and its susceptibility breakpoint for Enterobacterales defined by EUCAST was applied (≤0.5 mg/L).The presence of tetB was detected by PCR, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed using seven housekeeping genes.
Results:
Of the 160 CRAB blood isolates, 83.8% were susceptible to minocycline by the CLSI criteria, and 50.6% were PK-PD susceptible by the PK-PD criteria. The minocycline minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)50 /MIC90 was 1/8 mg/L. tetB was present in 49% of isolates and was associated with a higher minocycline MIC (MIC50/90 2/8 mg/L vs. 1/2 mg/L). No clear correlation was observed between tetB positivity and tigecycline MIC. Nine MLSTs were identified, with significant differences in tetB carriage rates between the major sequence types. Notably, ST191, associated with non-tetB carriage and greater susceptibility to minocycline, declined over the study period (P=0.004), while ST451, associated with tetB carriage, increased.
Conclusion
tetB was present in 49% of CRAB isolates and was associated with higher MICs and non-susceptibility by both CLSI and PK-PD criteria. However, absence of tetB was not a reliable predictor of minocycline PK-PD susceptibility. Additionally, shifts over time towards genotypes with reduced minocycline susceptibility were observed. Further research is needed to correlate these findings with clinical outcomes and identify additional resistance mechanisms.
5.Memory Decline and Aberration of Synaptic Proteins in X-Linked Moesin Knockout Male Mice
Hua CAI ; Seong Mi LEE ; Yura CHOI ; Bomlee LEE ; Soo Jung IM ; Dong Hyeon KIM ; Hyung Jun CHOI ; Jin Hee KIM ; Yeni KIM ; Boo Ahn SHIN ; Songhee JEON
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):10-25
Objective:
This study aims to investigate may moesin deficiency resulted in neurodevelopmental abnormalities caused by negative impact on synaptic signaling ultimately leading to synaptic structure and plasticity.
Methods:
Behavioral assessments measured neurodevelopment (surface righting, negative geotaxis, cliff avoidance), anxiety (open field test, elevated plus maze test), and memory (passive avoidance test, Y-maze test) in moesin-knockout mice (KO) compared to wild-type mice (WT). Whole exome sequencing (WES) of brain (KO vs. WT) and analysis of synaptic proteins were performed to determine the disruption of signal pathways downstream of moesin. Risperidone, a therapeutic agent, was utilized to reverse the neurodevelopmental aberrance in moesin KO.
Results:
Moesin-KO pups exhibited decrease in the surface righting ability on postnatal day 7 (p<0.05) and increase in time spent in the closed arms (p<0.01), showing increased anxiety-like behavior. WES revealed mutations in pathway aberration in neuron projection, actin filament-based processes, and neuronal migration in KO. Decreased cell viability (p<0.001) and expression of soluble NSF adapter protein 25 (SNAP25) (p<0.001) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) (p<0.01) was observed in days in vitro 7 neurons. Downregulation of synaptic proteins, and altered phosphorylation levels of Synapsin I, mammalian uncoordinated 18 (MUNC18), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was observed in KO cortex and hippocampus. Risperidone reversed the memory impairment in the passive avoidance test and the spontaneous alternation percentage in the Y maze test. Risperidone also restored the reduced expression of PSD95 (p<0.01) and the phosphorylation of Synapsin at Ser605 (p<0.05) and Ser549 (p<0.001) in the cortex of moesin-KO.
Conclusion
Moesin deficiency leads to neurodevelopmental delay and memory decline, which may be caused through altered regulation in synaptic proteins and function.
6.Memory Decline and Aberration of Synaptic Proteins in X-Linked Moesin Knockout Male Mice
Hua CAI ; Seong Mi LEE ; Yura CHOI ; Bomlee LEE ; Soo Jung IM ; Dong Hyeon KIM ; Hyung Jun CHOI ; Jin Hee KIM ; Yeni KIM ; Boo Ahn SHIN ; Songhee JEON
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):10-25
Objective:
This study aims to investigate may moesin deficiency resulted in neurodevelopmental abnormalities caused by negative impact on synaptic signaling ultimately leading to synaptic structure and plasticity.
Methods:
Behavioral assessments measured neurodevelopment (surface righting, negative geotaxis, cliff avoidance), anxiety (open field test, elevated plus maze test), and memory (passive avoidance test, Y-maze test) in moesin-knockout mice (KO) compared to wild-type mice (WT). Whole exome sequencing (WES) of brain (KO vs. WT) and analysis of synaptic proteins were performed to determine the disruption of signal pathways downstream of moesin. Risperidone, a therapeutic agent, was utilized to reverse the neurodevelopmental aberrance in moesin KO.
Results:
Moesin-KO pups exhibited decrease in the surface righting ability on postnatal day 7 (p<0.05) and increase in time spent in the closed arms (p<0.01), showing increased anxiety-like behavior. WES revealed mutations in pathway aberration in neuron projection, actin filament-based processes, and neuronal migration in KO. Decreased cell viability (p<0.001) and expression of soluble NSF adapter protein 25 (SNAP25) (p<0.001) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) (p<0.01) was observed in days in vitro 7 neurons. Downregulation of synaptic proteins, and altered phosphorylation levels of Synapsin I, mammalian uncoordinated 18 (MUNC18), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was observed in KO cortex and hippocampus. Risperidone reversed the memory impairment in the passive avoidance test and the spontaneous alternation percentage in the Y maze test. Risperidone also restored the reduced expression of PSD95 (p<0.01) and the phosphorylation of Synapsin at Ser605 (p<0.05) and Ser549 (p<0.001) in the cortex of moesin-KO.
Conclusion
Moesin deficiency leads to neurodevelopmental delay and memory decline, which may be caused through altered regulation in synaptic proteins and function.
7.Age Estimation Using Attrition and Pulp Cavity Size of the Mandibular First Molar in Korean Population
Hee-Won KIM ; Hye-Mi JEON ; Kyung-Hee KIM ; Hye-Min JU ; Soo-Min OK ; Sung-Hee JEONG ; Yong-Woo AHN
Korean Journal of Legal Medicine 2025;49(1):1-6
In forensic science, age estimation is essential for identifying both living and deceased individuals. Teeth and jawbones serve as reliable indicators due to their gradual age-related changes and resistance to environmental factors. Among the various methods, attrition and pulp cavity size are commonly used to estimate adult age. This study aimed to enhance the accuracy of age estimation in Korean adults by combining measurements of tooth attrition and pulp cavity size obtained from panoramic radiographs of mandibular first molars. We evaluated 118 patients (62 male, 56 female) who visited Pusan National University Dental Hospital between 2010 and 2024. Radiographs and clinical photographs were analyzed for grade C teeth with exposed dentin using Takei’s method, and the pulp chamber height ratio (PCHR) and width ratio (PCWR) were measured using Jeon’s method. Intraobserver reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient>0.6), with no significant sex-based differences in PCHR and PCWR. Both ratios negatively correlated with age, with PCWR showing a stronger correlation, particularly in females (r=–0.606). This study derived an improved age estimation formula with R² values ranging from 0.540 to 0.546 when both PCHR and PCWR were combined. Despite the limitations of this study, such as its small sample size and reliance on panoramic radiographs, the findings suggest that combining tooth wear and pulp cavity size offers a more robust tool for age estimation in clinical and forensic settings.
8.Minocycline Susceptibility of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Blood Isolates from a Single Center in Korea: Role of tetB in Resistance
Taeeun KIM ; Eun Hee JEON ; Yoon-Kyoung HONG ; Jiwon JUNG ; Min Jae KIM ; Heungsup SUNG ; Mi-Na KIM ; Sung-Han KIM ; Sang-Ho CHOI ; Sang-Oh LEE ; Yang Soo KIM ; Yong Pil CHONG
Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;57(1):111-118
Background:
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) represents a devastating and growing global threat, calling for new antibiotic treatments. In Korea, the challenge of treating CRAB is compounded by high nosocomial acquisition rates and limited availability of novel antibiotics. Minocycline, a semisynthetic tetracycline derivative, has been proposed as a therapeutic option for CRAB infections. Nonsusceptibility to minocycline may occur through the efflux pump, TetB. The prevalence of tetB in A. baumannii has increased, along with higher minocycline minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). We aimed to evaluate minocycline susceptibility rates in clinical strains of CRAB, and the association between tetB carriage and minocycline susceptibility across different genotypes.
Materials and Methods:
Representative CRAB blood isolates were collected from Asan Medical Center, Seoul.Minocycline susceptibility was assessed using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) breakpoint (≤4 mg/L) and the proposed pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) breakpoint (≤1 mg/L). Tigecycline was used as a comparator, and its susceptibility breakpoint for Enterobacterales defined by EUCAST was applied (≤0.5 mg/L).The presence of tetB was detected by PCR, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed using seven housekeeping genes.
Results:
Of the 160 CRAB blood isolates, 83.8% were susceptible to minocycline by the CLSI criteria, and 50.6% were PK-PD susceptible by the PK-PD criteria. The minocycline minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)50 /MIC90 was 1/8 mg/L. tetB was present in 49% of isolates and was associated with a higher minocycline MIC (MIC50/90 2/8 mg/L vs. 1/2 mg/L). No clear correlation was observed between tetB positivity and tigecycline MIC. Nine MLSTs were identified, with significant differences in tetB carriage rates between the major sequence types. Notably, ST191, associated with non-tetB carriage and greater susceptibility to minocycline, declined over the study period (P=0.004), while ST451, associated with tetB carriage, increased.
Conclusion
tetB was present in 49% of CRAB isolates and was associated with higher MICs and non-susceptibility by both CLSI and PK-PD criteria. However, absence of tetB was not a reliable predictor of minocycline PK-PD susceptibility. Additionally, shifts over time towards genotypes with reduced minocycline susceptibility were observed. Further research is needed to correlate these findings with clinical outcomes and identify additional resistance mechanisms.
9.Memory Decline and Aberration of Synaptic Proteins in X-Linked Moesin Knockout Male Mice
Hua CAI ; Seong Mi LEE ; Yura CHOI ; Bomlee LEE ; Soo Jung IM ; Dong Hyeon KIM ; Hyung Jun CHOI ; Jin Hee KIM ; Yeni KIM ; Boo Ahn SHIN ; Songhee JEON
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):10-25
Objective:
This study aims to investigate may moesin deficiency resulted in neurodevelopmental abnormalities caused by negative impact on synaptic signaling ultimately leading to synaptic structure and plasticity.
Methods:
Behavioral assessments measured neurodevelopment (surface righting, negative geotaxis, cliff avoidance), anxiety (open field test, elevated plus maze test), and memory (passive avoidance test, Y-maze test) in moesin-knockout mice (KO) compared to wild-type mice (WT). Whole exome sequencing (WES) of brain (KO vs. WT) and analysis of synaptic proteins were performed to determine the disruption of signal pathways downstream of moesin. Risperidone, a therapeutic agent, was utilized to reverse the neurodevelopmental aberrance in moesin KO.
Results:
Moesin-KO pups exhibited decrease in the surface righting ability on postnatal day 7 (p<0.05) and increase in time spent in the closed arms (p<0.01), showing increased anxiety-like behavior. WES revealed mutations in pathway aberration in neuron projection, actin filament-based processes, and neuronal migration in KO. Decreased cell viability (p<0.001) and expression of soluble NSF adapter protein 25 (SNAP25) (p<0.001) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) (p<0.01) was observed in days in vitro 7 neurons. Downregulation of synaptic proteins, and altered phosphorylation levels of Synapsin I, mammalian uncoordinated 18 (MUNC18), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was observed in KO cortex and hippocampus. Risperidone reversed the memory impairment in the passive avoidance test and the spontaneous alternation percentage in the Y maze test. Risperidone also restored the reduced expression of PSD95 (p<0.01) and the phosphorylation of Synapsin at Ser605 (p<0.05) and Ser549 (p<0.001) in the cortex of moesin-KO.
Conclusion
Moesin deficiency leads to neurodevelopmental delay and memory decline, which may be caused through altered regulation in synaptic proteins and function.
10.Age Estimation Using Attrition and Pulp Cavity Size of the Mandibular First Molar in Korean Population
Hee-Won KIM ; Hye-Mi JEON ; Kyung-Hee KIM ; Hye-Min JU ; Soo-Min OK ; Sung-Hee JEONG ; Yong-Woo AHN
Korean Journal of Legal Medicine 2025;49(1):1-6
In forensic science, age estimation is essential for identifying both living and deceased individuals. Teeth and jawbones serve as reliable indicators due to their gradual age-related changes and resistance to environmental factors. Among the various methods, attrition and pulp cavity size are commonly used to estimate adult age. This study aimed to enhance the accuracy of age estimation in Korean adults by combining measurements of tooth attrition and pulp cavity size obtained from panoramic radiographs of mandibular first molars. We evaluated 118 patients (62 male, 56 female) who visited Pusan National University Dental Hospital between 2010 and 2024. Radiographs and clinical photographs were analyzed for grade C teeth with exposed dentin using Takei’s method, and the pulp chamber height ratio (PCHR) and width ratio (PCWR) were measured using Jeon’s method. Intraobserver reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient>0.6), with no significant sex-based differences in PCHR and PCWR. Both ratios negatively correlated with age, with PCWR showing a stronger correlation, particularly in females (r=–0.606). This study derived an improved age estimation formula with R² values ranging from 0.540 to 0.546 when both PCHR and PCWR were combined. Despite the limitations of this study, such as its small sample size and reliance on panoramic radiographs, the findings suggest that combining tooth wear and pulp cavity size offers a more robust tool for age estimation in clinical and forensic settings.

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