Clinical Utilization of Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Artificial Intelligence Software in the Spectrum of Alzheimer’s Disease: Case Series / 신경정신의학

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key tool for diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, MRI analysis by visual interpretation and reading can be time-consuming and requires specialized expertise. Brain MRI-based artificial intelligence (AI) software has been developed to aid clinicians in diagnosing and managing neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. This study demonstrates the clinical application of the AI software for volumetric analysis of brain MRI scans in patients within the AD spectrum. In the current case series, four patients with memory impairment visited the memory clinic of Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital. They underwent a series of assessments, including automated analysis of AI-based software for brain MRI volumetric measurements. The information provided by the software was highly accurate, consistent, and was especially valuable for the early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. The results imply that this technology potentially aids in the early detection and management of AD, making it a valuable tool for clinicians in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.

Japanese Nursing Students' Learning Experience, Self-directed Learning Ability, and Self-efficacy in Nursing Practice Utilizing Portfolios / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the learning experience, self-directed learning ability and self-efficacy of Japanese nursing students undergoing portfolio-based clinical practicums. METHODS: The self-directed learning ability and self-efficacy of nursing students were examined using two scales. And using a text-mining approach, we constructed correspondence analysis followed by cluster analysis of open-ended responses forms. RESULTS: The mean score of the self-directed learning ability was 60.89±5.28 and the generalized self-efficacy was 68.37±11.56. Moreover, the scores in the self-directed learning ability were positively correlated with scores in the generalized self-efficacy. In correspondence analysis, the distribution of extracted words showed that record was located on the negative side of the third quadrant, to the first principal component and that patient was located on the positive side of the first quadrant, contributing greatly to the second principal component. CONCLUSION: The results of this study contribute to approaching to “confidence, pride, stability,”“growth and intention to development” offers a key in developing self-directed learning ability. Students record what they see and learn the importance of visualizing it in learning portfolios. “Expression in detail of the learned contents” and “concerning to which objective evaluation is suggested” are important to the students.

Sonographic Follow up Finding of Internal Jugular Vein Thrombosis Caused by Lymphoma

Internal jugular vein (IJV) thrombosis is a form of deep vein thrombosis that has a potentially fatal outcome associated with its intracranial propagation. Computed tomography and ultrasonography are useful diagnostic tools. We report a case of IJV thrombosis associated with lymphoma that was detected by carotid ultrasonography and had disappeared in follow up ultrasonography.

Structure of heavy and light chains of blood coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) involved in the activation of FVIII

Structure of human blood coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) in relation to its activation process was investigated. FVIII was purified from a commercial FVIII concentrate by immunoaffinity chromatography and its dissociated subunits, heavy and light chains were isolated. The light chain (FVIII-L) was treated with thrombin or factor Xa (FXa) in order to cleave the peptide at Aug(1689) or Arg(1721), respectively, Reassociation of FVIII-H with either of FVIII-L derivatives, FVIII-L-72 (72 kDa) and FVIII-L-65 (65 kDa) brought about the formation of heterodimers which have similar cofactor activity. The association constant of FVIII-H with FVIII-L-72 was about two-fold faster than that with FVIII-L-65, Cleavage of major FVIII-H with thrombin generated two peptides with molecular weights of 50 kDa (A(1)) and 40 kDa (A(2)) Formation of heterotrimer by reassociation of A(1), A(2) and FVIII-L-72-generated FVIII cofactor activity, while the dimers formed from A(1) or A(2) with FVIII-L-72 had no activity, suggesting that both A(1) and A(2) are required for FVIII activity, Heterotrimers formed from A(1) and A(2) with either of FVIII-L-72 or FVIII-L-65 in the presence of CaCl2 (10 mM) revealed cofactor activity, and they were dissociated into subunits with the loss of activity when EDTA (10 mM) was added, indicating that the formation of heterotrimer, the functional unit of FVIII, from A1, A(2) and FVIII-L is calcium dependent and that the cleavage of FVIII-L by FXa does not inactivate FVIII.