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Virtual reality-based cognitive assessment tools for mild cognitive impairment screening: comparison with traditional paper-and-pencil-based cognitive assessment tools

2026-06-11T06:54:35Z

Title: Virtual reality-based cognitive assessment tools for mild cognitive impairment screening: comparison with traditional paper-and-pencil-based cognitive assessment tools Authors: Lee, Seungryul; Jang, Sooah; Kim, Eosu; Son, Sang Joon; Kim, Woo Jung; Lee, San; Hong, Chang Hyung; Roh, Hyun Woong; Seok, Jeong-Ho; Jung, Eunjin; 김지혜; Kim, In-young; Oh, Jooyoung; 장수아; 이산 Abstract: Background and Objectives Dementia is becoming increasingly prevalent, highlighting the need for early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a risk state for dementia. Traditional cognitive assessments often require trained examiners and lack ecological validity. This study examined the diagnostic accuracy of a virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive assessment tool, VARABOM.D, by comparing it with three standard tests: Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery (SNSB), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).Research Design and Methods Seventy-seven participants, divided into normal (n = 44) and MCI (n = 33) groups based on their Clinical Dementia Rating scores, completed the VARABOM.D program, in addition to SNSB, MoCA, and MMSE. Correlation analyses were performed on the test results, and the specificity, sensitivity, and area under the curve (AUC) of VARABOM.D were compared to those of the other assessments. To monitor for any adverse reactions to the VR environment, the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) was administered both before and after the VR sessions.Results VARABOM.D scores showed significant positive associations with established cognitive assessments. Its AUC values were comparable to those of the MoCA, MMSE, and most SNSB subdomains except for attention, where VARABOM.D demonstrated greater discriminative ability. SSQ scores remained stable across pre- and post-VR sessions in both study groups, underscoring the VR platform's safety and feasibility.Discussion and Implications VARABOM.D demonstrated accuracy comparable to traditional cognitive assessments and even outperformed the attention subdomain of SNSB. Additionally, no adverse reactions were observed in the normal or MCI groups, further emphasizing the safety and stability of VARABOM.D.

Stool DNA-based SDC2 Methylation Test for the Screening of Colorectal Neoplasia in an Asymptomatic, Average-Risk Population

2026-03-17T05:57:33Z

Title: Stool DNA-based SDC2 Methylation Test for the Screening of Colorectal Neoplasia in an Asymptomatic, Average-Risk Population Authors: Il Choi, Hyoung; Cha, Jae Myung; Kim, Young Sang; Cho, Dae Hyeon; Pack, Han Ju; Na, Soo-Young; Kim, Ji Hye; Kim, Hyun Gun; Park, Young-Jin; Kwon, Hye Jung; Kim, Kyeong Ok; Lee, Geon Ho; Lee, Yoo Jin Abstract: Background/Aims: Programmatic screeningfor colorectal cancer (CRC) could maximize the impact of screening in the average-risk population, but the diagnostic performance of a stool DNA-based Syndecan-2 methylation (meSDC2) test has only been reported in case-control studies or high-risk populations. This study examined the performance of a stool DNA-based meSDC2 test for CRC in an average-risk population from a real-world setting. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study included consecutive asymptomatic, average-risk individuals for CRC who completed a meSDC2 stool test at 18 hospitals. The clinical performance of the meSDC2 stool test, includingthe positive rate, adherence to confirmatory colonoscopy, and the positive predictive value (PPV) for colorectal neoplasia (CRN), was assessed. Results: Over 54 months, 4,910 individuals completed the meSDC2 stool test, with 249 (5.1%) testing positive. The colonoscopy compliance rate after a positive test was 61.0% (n=152). Among 121 individuals with available colonoscopy data, the PPV for any CRN, advanced neoplasia, and CRC were 39.7%, 12.4%, and 2.5%, respectively. Colonoscopy after a positive meSDC2 test ensured a high-quality examination, as reflected by the 100% cecal intubation rate, 97.5% adequate preparation quality, and an average withdrawal time of 11.2 min. Among those with a positive meSDC2 test, a family history of CRC was a significant predictor of any CRN (p=0.029) and advanced neoplasia (p=0.003). Conclusions: A stool DNA-based meSDC2 test in average-risk individuals for CRC revealed a high PPV for any CRN in a real-world setting, highlighting its potential as a screening modality in programmatic CRC screening.

Fel d 1 specific IgE measurement for dog exclusive owners co-sensitized to dog and cat

2025-07-31T04:43:53Z

Title: Fel d 1 specific IgE measurement for dog exclusive owners co-sensitized to dog and cat Authors: 박정원; 정경용; 이재현; 박경희 Abstract: Background: The diagnosis of the culprit allergen depends on exposure, symptoms at exposure, and the presence of specific IgE (sIgE). Pet allergens are sticky and can sensitize individuals without adoption history. Exclusive dog owners frequently exhibit both dog (e5) and cat dander sIgE (e1). We assessed whether the measurement of Fel d 1 sIgE (e94) can discriminate true cat sensitization from false positivity by cross-reactivity in the exclusive dog owners. Methods: Thirty-one patients with respiratory allergies who exclusively owned dogs were enrolled for this study. e5, e1, and e94 were measured with ImmunoCAP. ELISA inhibition was performed to assess cross-reactivity. Results: About 81% of patients (25/31) were both e5 and e1 positive, and 8 were also positive for e94. In the e94 positive, cat dander exhibited higher maximum inhibition of cat sIgE (94% vs 88%) and demonstrated lower IC50 (6.5 vs 737.9 BAU/mL) compared to dog dander. Conversely, in the e94 negative, dog dander demonstrated higher maximum inhibition of cat dander sIgE (71.9% vs 56.2%) and lower IC50 (172 vs 1947 BAU/mL) compared to cat dander. In the e94 positive, dog dander exhibited higher maximal inhibition for dog sIgE (91.5 vs 76.1%) and lower IC50 (10.6 vs 1679 BAU/mL) compared to cat dander, whereas in the e94 negative, the IC50 for cat dander could not be determined. Conclusions: Genuine co-sensitization to cats is notable even in individuals who exclusively own dogs. Positive e94 results could discriminate authentic cat sensitization from false positivity by cross-reactivity in these patients, underscoring the importance of comprehensive allergy assessment.

Sex differences of the association between handgrip strength and health-related quality of life among patients with cancer

2025-04-01T02:01:03Z

Title: Sex differences of the association between handgrip strength and health-related quality of life among patients with cancer Authors: 이산 Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), demonstrating HGS as an effective indicator for evaluating HRQoL of patients with cancer. Analyzing 1657 Korean adult cancer patients (644 males, 1013 females) aged ≥ 20 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014-2019), HGS was standardized based on body mass index and categorized by sex. HRQoL was assessed using the Euro Quality of Life-5-Dimension 3-Level version (EQ-5D-3L) Index. Lower relative HGS was associated with decreased HRQoL in female patients, while no significant association was found in male patients. The lowest quartile of relative HGS exhibited a 2.5-fold decrease in HRQoL compared to the highest quartile (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.59-3.95, p < 0.001). Both male and female patients with cancer were affected by age, subjective health perception, and stress recognition regarding HRQoL. This study suggests that HGS may be associated with the HRQoL of female patients with cancer, emphasizing that the HGS measurement can be effectively utilized as a pivotal tool for evaluating HRQoL in female patients with cancer.