Natural killer (NK) cells play critical roles in immune surveillance and homeostasis maintenance through cytotoxicity and cytokine release. The ability of NK cells to eliminate target cells without the need for prior antigen recognition or antibody involvement has drawn considerable attention for translational and clinical applications. As clinical applications continue to broaden, interest in NK cell assays has been growing markedly. This review provides an in-depth discussion of current clinical applications of NK cell assays, including NK cell phenotype, frequency, and functional activity assessments. This review further highlights the diagnostic potential of these assays in terms of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and potential NK cell biomarker candidates in diverse pathological contexts, such as cancer, infection, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases. By integrating clinical insights with technological advancements, NK cell assays can serve as valuable tools for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study examined factors associated with vegetarian orientation among adults in Seoul, with a focus on food literacy (FL) and sociodemographic characteristics. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2023 Seoul Food Survey in Seoul, South Korea. The study included 3,592 adults aged ≥ 18 yrs, who were categorized into vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian, pollo-pesco vegetarian, flexitarian, and omnivore groups. FL was assessed using a 33-item scale covering 3 domains: nutritional and safety, cultural and relational, and socioecological. Descriptive statistics, general linear models, and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Among the participants, 16.0% followed a vegetarian-oriented diet, with flexitarians comprising the largest subgroup (10.9%). Vegetarian orientation was positively associated with being female (odds ratio [OR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.90), age of ≥ 65 yrs (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.50–4.21) and having a college education (OR, 2.51;95% CI, 1.78–3.53). Negative associations were found for higher household income (≥ 5 million KRW/month) (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47–0.85) and low food security (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.24–0.44). Vegetarian-oriented individuals had higher FL scores, particularly in the socioecological domain. In the multivariable models, higher FL scores remained significantly associated with vegetarian orientation. Health management (63.8%) was the most commonly reported motivation. CONCLUSION Gender, age, educational level and FL in the socioecological domain were significantly associated with vegetarian orientation. Our study findings underscore the need for policies and programs that promote sustainable diets tailored to specific sociodemographic groups with varying FL levels.

We report the first identification in Korea of the rare ABO*AW31.02-05 allele in a patient with an ABO discrepancy.Forward ABO typing demonstrated a clear B phenotype, whereas reverse typing showed no agglutination. Molecular analysis revealed an ABO*AW31.02-05/B.01 genotype. In silico prediction using PolyPhen-2 and SIFT indicated that both amino acid substitutions (p.Phe216Ile and p.Val277Met) were deleterious, consistent with markedly reduced A-transferase activity. This case highlights the value of genotyping and in silico prediction in identifying the causative allele and clarifying ABO discrepancies.

Objective: Vascular inflammation contributes to the development of many chronic human diseases. Inflammatory stimuli such as interleukin (IL)-1β or disturbed blood flow trigger endothelial activation, thereby promoting leukocyte recruitment and transmigration through inflammatory signaling pathways. This study aimed to identify novel compounds capable of blocking vascular inflammation, with potential therapeutic applications in vascular inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Methods: A natural compound library was screened to identify drug candidates that inhibit IL-1β-induced endothelial inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of tigloylgomisin P, one of the hit compounds, were examined in bovine aortic endothelial cells stimulated with IL-1β or oscillatory (disturbed) flow. Endothelial inflammation was assessed by measuring nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, monocyte adhesion to endothelial monolayers, and Smad1/5/9 phosphorylation in vitro. Vascular inflammation in vivo was evaluated in aortas of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout mice treated with tigloylgomisin P using immunohistochemistry. Results: Tigloylgomisin P suppressed IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation and reduced monocyte adhesion. In addition, it inhibited oscillatory shear stress-induced endothelial inflammation mediated by NF-κB activation and Smad1/5/9 phosphorylation. In ApoE knockout mice, administration of tigloylgomisin P decreased inflammatory marker expression in the atheroprone inner curvature of aortic arches. Conclusion These findings suggest that tigloylgomisin P may represent a potential therapeutic agent for vascular inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis.

Purpose: The revised Clinical Skills Test (CST) of the Korean Medical Licensing Exam aims to provide a better assessment of physicians’ clinical competence and ability to interact with patients. This study examined the impact of the revised CST on medical education curricula and resources nationwide, while also identifying areas for improvement within the revised CST. Methods: This study surveyed faculty responsible for clinical clerkships at 40 medical schools throughout Korea to evaluate the status and changes in clinical skills education, assessment, and resources related to the CST. The researchers distributed the survey via email through regional consortia between December 7, 2023 and January 19, 2024. Results: Nearly all schools implemented preliminary student–patient encounters during core clinical rotations. Schools primarily conducted clinical skills assessments in the third and fourth years, with a simplified form introduced in the first and second years. Remedial education was conducted through various methods, including one-on-one feedback from faculty after the assessment. All schools established clinical skills centers and made ongoing improvements. Faculty members did not perceive the CST revisions as significantly altering clinical clerkship or skills assessments. They suggested several improvements, including assessing patient records to improve accuracy and increasing the objectivity of standardized patient assessments to ensure fairness. Conclusion During the CST, students’ involvement in patient encounters and clinical skills education increased, improving the assessment and feedback processes for clinical skills within the curriculum. To enhance students’ clinical competencies and readiness, strengthening the validity and reliability of the CST is essential.

Purpose: To identify the childbearing intentions of young adults in South Korea and examine the factors influencing them using a social-ecological model (SEM). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Unmarried employed men and women (n=181) aged 25–40 years completed an online survey. The data included socio-demographic characteristics and responses at four levels: (1) intrapersonal (perception of parenthood and fertility knowledge), (2) interpersonal (quality of family relationships), (3) institutional (work-family culture), and (4) community and public policy (adequacy of government policies and social support systems). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple logistic regression. Results: Approximately 77% of the participants planned to have children, and more than 60% wanted to have two or more children. Among the four levels of SEM, only intrapersonal factors, including intention to marry, fertility knowledge, and attitudes toward parenthood, were statistically significant in influencing childbearing intentions. The model explaining the intention to have a child demonstrated an explanatory power of 59.6%, incorporating factors such as marital intention, perceptions of parenthood, and fertility knowledge. Conclusion A noticeable gap exists between childbearing intentions and childbirth in South Korea. These findings provide insights into the nursing educational content needed for delivering family planning education to young adults. Targeted interventions such as counseling services and community education should be integrated into nursing practice. Moreover, nursing curricula should discuss factors influencing childbearing intentions to equip future nurses better to support young adults' family planning decisions.

Breast cancer is a complex disease influenced by environmental, genetic, dietary, and hormonal factors. This underscores the importance of postoperative nutritional management in supporting recovery, minimizing complications, and enhancing long-term outcomes. This review synthesizes clinical guidelines, expert recommendations, and observational studies to provide a comprehensive overview of dietary interventions for breast cancer patients following surgery. Post-surgical nutritional care is centered around three primary objectives: supporting wound healing through high-quality protein intake, maintaining optimal nutritional status to prevent malnutrition, and promoting healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of recurrence. To achieve these objectives, postoperative dietary strategies focus on several key components: ensuring adequate hydration for metabolic processes and tissue repair, consuming a balanced diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits to mitigate oxidative stress, incorporating whole grains to support overall healing, and maintaining sufficient intake of high-quality protein from sources such as fish, meat, and dairy products to aid tissue repair and immune system recovery. Patients are also advised to avoid alcohol, limit saturated fats, and reduce intake of salty, sugary, and smoked foods to minimize inflammation. As research progresses, the implementation of personalized dietary plans remains essential for optimizing recovery outcomes in breast cancer patients.

Breast cancer is a complex disease influenced by environmental, genetic, dietary, and hormonal factors. This underscores the importance of postoperative nutritional management in supporting recovery, minimizing complications, and enhancing long-term outcomes. This review synthesizes clinical guidelines, expert recommendations, and observational studies to provide a comprehensive overview of dietary interventions for breast cancer patients following surgery. Post-surgical nutritional care is centered around three primary objectives: supporting wound healing through high-quality protein intake, maintaining optimal nutritional status to prevent malnutrition, and promoting healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of recurrence. To achieve these objectives, postoperative dietary strategies focus on several key components: ensuring adequate hydration for metabolic processes and tissue repair, consuming a balanced diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits to mitigate oxidative stress, incorporating whole grains to support overall healing, and maintaining sufficient intake of high-quality protein from sources such as fish, meat, and dairy products to aid tissue repair and immune system recovery. Patients are also advised to avoid alcohol, limit saturated fats, and reduce intake of salty, sugary, and smoked foods to minimize inflammation. As research progresses, the implementation of personalized dietary plans remains essential for optimizing recovery outcomes in breast cancer patients.

Purpose: To identify the childbearing intentions of young adults in South Korea and examine the factors influencing them using a social-ecological model (SEM). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Unmarried employed men and women (n=181) aged 25–40 years completed an online survey. The data included socio-demographic characteristics and responses at four levels: (1) intrapersonal (perception of parenthood and fertility knowledge), (2) interpersonal (quality of family relationships), (3) institutional (work-family culture), and (4) community and public policy (adequacy of government policies and social support systems). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple logistic regression. Results: Approximately 77% of the participants planned to have children, and more than 60% wanted to have two or more children. Among the four levels of SEM, only intrapersonal factors, including intention to marry, fertility knowledge, and attitudes toward parenthood, were statistically significant in influencing childbearing intentions. The model explaining the intention to have a child demonstrated an explanatory power of 59.6%, incorporating factors such as marital intention, perceptions of parenthood, and fertility knowledge. Conclusion A noticeable gap exists between childbearing intentions and childbirth in South Korea. These findings provide insights into the nursing educational content needed for delivering family planning education to young adults. Targeted interventions such as counseling services and community education should be integrated into nursing practice. Moreover, nursing curricula should discuss factors influencing childbearing intentions to equip future nurses better to support young adults' family planning decisions.

Purpose: The revised Clinical Skills Test (CST) of the Korean Medical Licensing Exam aims to provide a better assessment of physicians’ clinical competence and ability to interact with patients. This study examined the impact of the revised CST on medical education curricula and resources nationwide, while also identifying areas for improvement within the revised CST. Methods: This study surveyed faculty responsible for clinical clerkships at 40 medical schools throughout Korea to evaluate the status and changes in clinical skills education, assessment, and resources related to the CST. The researchers distributed the survey via email through regional consortia between December 7, 2023 and January 19, 2024. Results: Nearly all schools implemented preliminary student–patient encounters during core clinical rotations. Schools primarily conducted clinical skills assessments in the third and fourth years, with a simplified form introduced in the first and second years. Remedial education was conducted through various methods, including one-on-one feedback from faculty after the assessment. All schools established clinical skills centers and made ongoing improvements. Faculty members did not perceive the CST revisions as significantly altering clinical clerkship or skills assessments. They suggested several improvements, including assessing patient records to improve accuracy and increasing the objectivity of standardized patient assessments to ensure fairness. Conclusion During the CST, students’ involvement in patient encounters and clinical skills education increased, improving the assessment and feedback processes for clinical skills within the curriculum. To enhance students’ clinical competencies and readiness, strengthening the validity and reliability of the CST is essential.