Objective: Several studies have reported the therapeutic effects of phytoncides on various mental disorders. However, little is known about the therapeutic effects of phytoncides on mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a prodromal stage of dementia. In this pilot study, we aimed to clarify the effect of inhaled phytoncides on the cognitive function of patients clinically diagnosed with MCI. Methods: In total, 21 patients with MCI were randomly assigned to either a saline (no-odor) or phytoncide group and subsequently inhaled saline or phytoncide for 30 minutes indoors, respectively. To evaluate changes in cognitive function, we implemented functional near-infrared spectroscopy along with the Stroop task and compared task performance and hemodynamic responses in the dorsolateral/ventrolateral part of the prefrontal cortex (DLPFC/VLPFC) before and after inhalation. Results: While the saline group showed no significant difference in either task performance (Wilcoxon W = 18.50, p = 0.385) or hemodynamic response, a significant increase in Stroop task performance (Wilcoxon W = 1.50, p = 0.009) and hemodynamic attenuation in the left VLPFC (Wilcoxon W = 56.00, p = 0.042) were found in the phytoncide group after inhalation. Conclusion Since compensatory task-related prefrontal hyperactivation represents one of the neural indicators of cognitive dysfunction in MCI, our findings shed light on the beneficial effects of phytoncide on cognitive function in MCI.

Purpose: Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, demanding precise genomic testing for individualized treatment strategies. Targeted-panel sequencing (TPS) has improved personalized oncology but often lacks comprehensive coverage of crucial cancer alterations. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) addresses this gap, offering extensive genomic testing. This study demonstrates the medical potential of WGS. Materials and Methods: This study evaluates target-enhanced WGS (TE-WGS), a clinical-grade WGS method sequencing both cancer and matched normal tissues. Forty-nine patients with various solid cancer types underwent both TE-WGS and TruSight Oncology 500 (TSO500), one of the mainstream TPS approaches. Results: TE-WGS detected all variants reported by TSO500 (100%, 498/498). A high correlation in variant allele fractions was observed between TE-WGS and TSO500 (r=0.978). Notably, 223 variants (44.8%) within the common set were discerned exclusively by TE-WGS in peripheral blood, suggesting their germline origin. Conversely, the remaining subset of 275 variants (55.2%) were not detected in peripheral blood using the TE-WGS, signifying them as bona fide somatic variants. Further, TE-WGS provided accurate copy number profiles, fusion genes, microsatellite instability, and homologous recombination deficiency scores, which were essential for clinical decision-making. Conclusion TE-WGS is a comprehensive approach in personalized oncology, matching TSO500’s key biomarker detection capabilities. It uniquely identifies germline variants and genomic instability markers, offering additional clinical actions. Its adaptability and cost-effectiveness underscore its clinical utility, making TE-WGS a valuable tool in personalized cancer treatment.

Purpose: This study evaluated the Dr LEE Jong-wook Fellowship Program’s impact on Tanzania’s health workforce, focusing on relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability in addressing healthcare gaps. Methods: A mixed-methods research design was employed. Data were collected from 97 out of 140 alumni through an online survey, 35 in-depth interviews, and one focus group discussion. The study was conducted from November to December 2023 and included alumni from 2009 to 2022. Measurement instruments included structured questionnaires for quantitative data and semi-structured guides for qualitative data. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics (Spearman’s rank correlation, non-parametric tests) using Python ver. 3.11.0 and Stata ver. 14.0. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data using NVivo ver. 12.0. Results: Findings indicated high relevance (mean=91.6, standard deviation [SD]=8.6), effectiveness (mean=86.1, SD=11.2), efficiency (mean=82.7, SD=10.2), and impact (mean=87.7, SD=9.9), with improved skills, confidence, and institutional service quality. However, sustainability had a lower score (mean=58.0, SD=11.1), reflecting challenges in follow-up support and resource allocation. Effectiveness strongly correlated with impact (ρ=0.746, P<0.001). The qualitative findings revealed that participants valued tailored training but highlighted barriers, such as language challenges and insufficient practical components. Alumni-led initiatives contributed to knowledge sharing, but limited resources constrained sustainability. Conclusion The Fellowship Program enhanced Tanzania’s health workforce capacity, but it requires localized curricula and strengthened alumni networks for sustainability. These findings provide actionable insights for improving similar programs globally, confirming the hypothesis that tailored training positively influences workforce and institutional outcomes.

Objective: Several studies have reported the therapeutic effects of phytoncides on various mental disorders. However, little is known about the therapeutic effects of phytoncides on mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a prodromal stage of dementia. In this pilot study, we aimed to clarify the effect of inhaled phytoncides on the cognitive function of patients clinically diagnosed with MCI. Methods: In total, 21 patients with MCI were randomly assigned to either a saline (no-odor) or phytoncide group and subsequently inhaled saline or phytoncide for 30 minutes indoors, respectively. To evaluate changes in cognitive function, we implemented functional near-infrared spectroscopy along with the Stroop task and compared task performance and hemodynamic responses in the dorsolateral/ventrolateral part of the prefrontal cortex (DLPFC/VLPFC) before and after inhalation. Results: While the saline group showed no significant difference in either task performance (Wilcoxon W = 18.50, p = 0.385) or hemodynamic response, a significant increase in Stroop task performance (Wilcoxon W = 1.50, p = 0.009) and hemodynamic attenuation in the left VLPFC (Wilcoxon W = 56.00, p = 0.042) were found in the phytoncide group after inhalation. Conclusion Since compensatory task-related prefrontal hyperactivation represents one of the neural indicators of cognitive dysfunction in MCI, our findings shed light on the beneficial effects of phytoncide on cognitive function in MCI.

Purpose: Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, demanding precise genomic testing for individualized treatment strategies. Targeted-panel sequencing (TPS) has improved personalized oncology but often lacks comprehensive coverage of crucial cancer alterations. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) addresses this gap, offering extensive genomic testing. This study demonstrates the medical potential of WGS. Materials and Methods: This study evaluates target-enhanced WGS (TE-WGS), a clinical-grade WGS method sequencing both cancer and matched normal tissues. Forty-nine patients with various solid cancer types underwent both TE-WGS and TruSight Oncology 500 (TSO500), one of the mainstream TPS approaches. Results: TE-WGS detected all variants reported by TSO500 (100%, 498/498). A high correlation in variant allele fractions was observed between TE-WGS and TSO500 (r=0.978). Notably, 223 variants (44.8%) within the common set were discerned exclusively by TE-WGS in peripheral blood, suggesting their germline origin. Conversely, the remaining subset of 275 variants (55.2%) were not detected in peripheral blood using the TE-WGS, signifying them as bona fide somatic variants. Further, TE-WGS provided accurate copy number profiles, fusion genes, microsatellite instability, and homologous recombination deficiency scores, which were essential for clinical decision-making. Conclusion TE-WGS is a comprehensive approach in personalized oncology, matching TSO500’s key biomarker detection capabilities. It uniquely identifies germline variants and genomic instability markers, offering additional clinical actions. Its adaptability and cost-effectiveness underscore its clinical utility, making TE-WGS a valuable tool in personalized cancer treatment.

Objective: Several studies have reported the therapeutic effects of phytoncides on various mental disorders. However, little is known about the therapeutic effects of phytoncides on mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a prodromal stage of dementia. In this pilot study, we aimed to clarify the effect of inhaled phytoncides on the cognitive function of patients clinically diagnosed with MCI. Methods: In total, 21 patients with MCI were randomly assigned to either a saline (no-odor) or phytoncide group and subsequently inhaled saline or phytoncide for 30 minutes indoors, respectively. To evaluate changes in cognitive function, we implemented functional near-infrared spectroscopy along with the Stroop task and compared task performance and hemodynamic responses in the dorsolateral/ventrolateral part of the prefrontal cortex (DLPFC/VLPFC) before and after inhalation. Results: While the saline group showed no significant difference in either task performance (Wilcoxon W = 18.50, p = 0.385) or hemodynamic response, a significant increase in Stroop task performance (Wilcoxon W = 1.50, p = 0.009) and hemodynamic attenuation in the left VLPFC (Wilcoxon W = 56.00, p = 0.042) were found in the phytoncide group after inhalation. Conclusion Since compensatory task-related prefrontal hyperactivation represents one of the neural indicators of cognitive dysfunction in MCI, our findings shed light on the beneficial effects of phytoncide on cognitive function in MCI.

Purpose: This study evaluated the Dr LEE Jong-wook Fellowship Program’s impact on Tanzania’s health workforce, focusing on relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability in addressing healthcare gaps. Methods: A mixed-methods research design was employed. Data were collected from 97 out of 140 alumni through an online survey, 35 in-depth interviews, and one focus group discussion. The study was conducted from November to December 2023 and included alumni from 2009 to 2022. Measurement instruments included structured questionnaires for quantitative data and semi-structured guides for qualitative data. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics (Spearman’s rank correlation, non-parametric tests) using Python ver. 3.11.0 and Stata ver. 14.0. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data using NVivo ver. 12.0. Results: Findings indicated high relevance (mean=91.6, standard deviation [SD]=8.6), effectiveness (mean=86.1, SD=11.2), efficiency (mean=82.7, SD=10.2), and impact (mean=87.7, SD=9.9), with improved skills, confidence, and institutional service quality. However, sustainability had a lower score (mean=58.0, SD=11.1), reflecting challenges in follow-up support and resource allocation. Effectiveness strongly correlated with impact (ρ=0.746, P<0.001). The qualitative findings revealed that participants valued tailored training but highlighted barriers, such as language challenges and insufficient practical components. Alumni-led initiatives contributed to knowledge sharing, but limited resources constrained sustainability. Conclusion The Fellowship Program enhanced Tanzania’s health workforce capacity, but it requires localized curricula and strengthened alumni networks for sustainability. These findings provide actionable insights for improving similar programs globally, confirming the hypothesis that tailored training positively influences workforce and institutional outcomes.

Purpose: Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, demanding precise genomic testing for individualized treatment strategies. Targeted-panel sequencing (TPS) has improved personalized oncology but often lacks comprehensive coverage of crucial cancer alterations. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) addresses this gap, offering extensive genomic testing. This study demonstrates the medical potential of WGS. Materials and Methods: This study evaluates target-enhanced WGS (TE-WGS), a clinical-grade WGS method sequencing both cancer and matched normal tissues. Forty-nine patients with various solid cancer types underwent both TE-WGS and TruSight Oncology 500 (TSO500), one of the mainstream TPS approaches. Results: TE-WGS detected all variants reported by TSO500 (100%, 498/498). A high correlation in variant allele fractions was observed between TE-WGS and TSO500 (r=0.978). Notably, 223 variants (44.8%) within the common set were discerned exclusively by TE-WGS in peripheral blood, suggesting their germline origin. Conversely, the remaining subset of 275 variants (55.2%) were not detected in peripheral blood using the TE-WGS, signifying them as bona fide somatic variants. Further, TE-WGS provided accurate copy number profiles, fusion genes, microsatellite instability, and homologous recombination deficiency scores, which were essential for clinical decision-making. Conclusion TE-WGS is a comprehensive approach in personalized oncology, matching TSO500’s key biomarker detection capabilities. It uniquely identifies germline variants and genomic instability markers, offering additional clinical actions. Its adaptability and cost-effectiveness underscore its clinical utility, making TE-WGS a valuable tool in personalized cancer treatment.

Objective: Several studies have reported the therapeutic effects of phytoncides on various mental disorders. However, little is known about the therapeutic effects of phytoncides on mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a prodromal stage of dementia. In this pilot study, we aimed to clarify the effect of inhaled phytoncides on the cognitive function of patients clinically diagnosed with MCI. Methods: In total, 21 patients with MCI were randomly assigned to either a saline (no-odor) or phytoncide group and subsequently inhaled saline or phytoncide for 30 minutes indoors, respectively. To evaluate changes in cognitive function, we implemented functional near-infrared spectroscopy along with the Stroop task and compared task performance and hemodynamic responses in the dorsolateral/ventrolateral part of the prefrontal cortex (DLPFC/VLPFC) before and after inhalation. Results: While the saline group showed no significant difference in either task performance (Wilcoxon W = 18.50, p = 0.385) or hemodynamic response, a significant increase in Stroop task performance (Wilcoxon W = 1.50, p = 0.009) and hemodynamic attenuation in the left VLPFC (Wilcoxon W = 56.00, p = 0.042) were found in the phytoncide group after inhalation. Conclusion Since compensatory task-related prefrontal hyperactivation represents one of the neural indicators of cognitive dysfunction in MCI, our findings shed light on the beneficial effects of phytoncide on cognitive function in MCI.

Purpose: This study evaluated the Dr LEE Jong-wook Fellowship Program’s impact on Tanzania’s health workforce, focusing on relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability in addressing healthcare gaps. Methods: A mixed-methods research design was employed. Data were collected from 97 out of 140 alumni through an online survey, 35 in-depth interviews, and one focus group discussion. The study was conducted from November to December 2023 and included alumni from 2009 to 2022. Measurement instruments included structured questionnaires for quantitative data and semi-structured guides for qualitative data. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics (Spearman’s rank correlation, non-parametric tests) using Python ver. 3.11.0 and Stata ver. 14.0. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data using NVivo ver. 12.0. Results: Findings indicated high relevance (mean=91.6, standard deviation [SD]=8.6), effectiveness (mean=86.1, SD=11.2), efficiency (mean=82.7, SD=10.2), and impact (mean=87.7, SD=9.9), with improved skills, confidence, and institutional service quality. However, sustainability had a lower score (mean=58.0, SD=11.1), reflecting challenges in follow-up support and resource allocation. Effectiveness strongly correlated with impact (ρ=0.746, P<0.001). The qualitative findings revealed that participants valued tailored training but highlighted barriers, such as language challenges and insufficient practical components. Alumni-led initiatives contributed to knowledge sharing, but limited resources constrained sustainability. Conclusion The Fellowship Program enhanced Tanzania’s health workforce capacity, but it requires localized curricula and strengthened alumni networks for sustainability. These findings provide actionable insights for improving similar programs globally, confirming the hypothesis that tailored training positively influences workforce and institutional outcomes.