The oral cavity provides an ideal environment for microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, to flourish. Increasing attention has been focused on the connection between the oral microbiome and both oral and systemic diseases, spurring active research into the collection and analysis of specimens for healthcare purposes. Among the various methods for analyzing the oral microbiome, saliva analysis is especially prominent. Saliva samples, which can be collected non-invasively, provide information on the systemic health and oral microbiome composition of an individual. This review was performed to evaluate the current state of the relevant research through an examination of the literature and to suggest an appropriate assay method for investigating the oral microbiome. We analyzed articles published in English in SCI(E) journals after January 1, 2000, ultimately selecting 53 articles for review. Articles were identified through keyword searches in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. Three experienced researchers conducted full-text assessments following title and abstract screening to select appropriate papers. Subsequently, they organized and analyzed the desired data. Our review revealed that most studies utilized unstimulated saliva samples for oral microbiome analysis. Of the 53 studies examined, 29 identified relationships between the oral microbiome and various diseases, such as oral disease, Behçet disease, cancer, and oral lichen planus. However, the studies employed diverse methods of collection and analysis, which compromised the reliability and accuracy of the findings. To address the limitations caused by methodological inconsistencies, a standardized saliva assay should be established.

Multiple autoimmune syndrome (MAS) refers to the occurrence of three or more autoimmune diseases in a patient. This case describes a 12-year-old neutered male Shih Tzu with fever and neutropenia, previously diagnosed with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, and inflammatory bowel disease. Blood tests revealed leukopenia and neutropenia, and immune-mediated neutropenia was suspected after ruling out other causes of neutropenia. The dog showed no response to antibiotics, but treatment with prednisolone (2 mg/kg q24h) led to improvement. This case highlights the potential for MASs to occur in dogs and underscores the importance of their recognition in the diagnosis and management of immune-mediated diseases.

Purpose: This study was conducted to deeply explore the work experiences of nurses in COVID-19 isolation wards. Methods: Data were collected through one-on-one in-depth interviews with 11 nurses working in COVID-19 isolation wards from November 3 to November 23, 2023. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's inductive thematic analysis. Results: The study identified three categories, seven themes, and 16 sub-themes. The categories were: ‘the reality of unprepared COVID-19 isolation wards’, ‘the ongoing process of change and coordination’, and ‘experiencing confusion in the process of returning to normal’. A common experience among nurses was ‘confusion due to changes’. Initially, there was confusion caused by the unfamiliar environment and lack of a work manual. Subsequently, confusion arose due to changes in the direction of the COVID-19 response. Finally, they experienced confusion in the process of returning to normal life, continually facing uncertainty. Conclusion Strategies are needed to improve the work environment of nurses in isolation wards for future infectious diseases and pandemics. Allocating nursing staff considering infection control tasks and patient care demands, and addressing communication problems in isolation wards is necessary. Routine education on infection control and preparation for emerging infectious diseases should be implemented, and an operational manual for duties in isolation ward should be prepared. Additionally, promoting psychological support systems for disaster response personnel and developing policies to alleviate physical difficulties are needed.

Background: We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors. Methods: An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions Conclusion Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..

Purpose: This study was conducted to deeply explore the work experiences of nurses in COVID-19 isolation wards. Methods: Data were collected through one-on-one in-depth interviews with 11 nurses working in COVID-19 isolation wards from November 3 to November 23, 2023. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's inductive thematic analysis. Results: The study identified three categories, seven themes, and 16 sub-themes. The categories were: ‘the reality of unprepared COVID-19 isolation wards’, ‘the ongoing process of change and coordination’, and ‘experiencing confusion in the process of returning to normal’. A common experience among nurses was ‘confusion due to changes’. Initially, there was confusion caused by the unfamiliar environment and lack of a work manual. Subsequently, confusion arose due to changes in the direction of the COVID-19 response. Finally, they experienced confusion in the process of returning to normal life, continually facing uncertainty. Conclusion Strategies are needed to improve the work environment of nurses in isolation wards for future infectious diseases and pandemics. Allocating nursing staff considering infection control tasks and patient care demands, and addressing communication problems in isolation wards is necessary. Routine education on infection control and preparation for emerging infectious diseases should be implemented, and an operational manual for duties in isolation ward should be prepared. Additionally, promoting psychological support systems for disaster response personnel and developing policies to alleviate physical difficulties are needed.

Background: We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors. Methods: An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions Conclusion Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..

Purpose: This study was conducted to deeply explore the work experiences of nurses in COVID-19 isolation wards. Methods: Data were collected through one-on-one in-depth interviews with 11 nurses working in COVID-19 isolation wards from November 3 to November 23, 2023. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's inductive thematic analysis. Results: The study identified three categories, seven themes, and 16 sub-themes. The categories were: ‘the reality of unprepared COVID-19 isolation wards’, ‘the ongoing process of change and coordination’, and ‘experiencing confusion in the process of returning to normal’. A common experience among nurses was ‘confusion due to changes’. Initially, there was confusion caused by the unfamiliar environment and lack of a work manual. Subsequently, confusion arose due to changes in the direction of the COVID-19 response. Finally, they experienced confusion in the process of returning to normal life, continually facing uncertainty. Conclusion Strategies are needed to improve the work environment of nurses in isolation wards for future infectious diseases and pandemics. Allocating nursing staff considering infection control tasks and patient care demands, and addressing communication problems in isolation wards is necessary. Routine education on infection control and preparation for emerging infectious diseases should be implemented, and an operational manual for duties in isolation ward should be prepared. Additionally, promoting psychological support systems for disaster response personnel and developing policies to alleviate physical difficulties are needed.

Background: We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors. Methods: An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions Conclusion Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..

Purpose: This study was conducted to deeply explore the work experiences of nurses in COVID-19 isolation wards. Methods: Data were collected through one-on-one in-depth interviews with 11 nurses working in COVID-19 isolation wards from November 3 to November 23, 2023. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's inductive thematic analysis. Results: The study identified three categories, seven themes, and 16 sub-themes. The categories were: ‘the reality of unprepared COVID-19 isolation wards’, ‘the ongoing process of change and coordination’, and ‘experiencing confusion in the process of returning to normal’. A common experience among nurses was ‘confusion due to changes’. Initially, there was confusion caused by the unfamiliar environment and lack of a work manual. Subsequently, confusion arose due to changes in the direction of the COVID-19 response. Finally, they experienced confusion in the process of returning to normal life, continually facing uncertainty. Conclusion Strategies are needed to improve the work environment of nurses in isolation wards for future infectious diseases and pandemics. Allocating nursing staff considering infection control tasks and patient care demands, and addressing communication problems in isolation wards is necessary. Routine education on infection control and preparation for emerging infectious diseases should be implemented, and an operational manual for duties in isolation ward should be prepared. Additionally, promoting psychological support systems for disaster response personnel and developing policies to alleviate physical difficulties are needed.

Background: We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors. Methods: An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey ® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions Conclusion Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction.Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout..