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Background: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of protocatechuic acid (PCA) on tendon healing and fatty degeneration in a chronic rotator cuff model. Methods: Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly allocated into two groups: Saline+repair (SR) and PCA+repair (PR). The right shoulder was used for experimental interventions, and the left served as a control. PCA (30 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally at the site of infraspinatus tendon detachment in rats in the PR group, and the same volume of saline was administered to the same site in the SR group. The torn tendon was repaired 4 weeks after infraspinatus detachment. Four weeks after repair, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), S100, and CD68 stains were performed to evaluate the degree of fatty degeneration and H&E and Masson trichrome stains were performed to assess tendon healing. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was measured to test the efficacy of PCA as an antioxidant. Results: Results from histological evaluation indicated that SOD and CD68 levels at the musculotendinous region and collagen fiber parallel to the orientation at the tendon-to-bone junction were not significantly different between the SR and PR groups. The mean load-to-failure of the PR group (20.32±9.37 N) was higher than that of the SR group (16.44±6.90 N), although this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.395). The SOD activity in the operative side infraspinatus muscle of the PR group was higher than that of the SR group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.053). Conclusions: The use of PCA could improve tendon healing and decrease fatty degeneration after rotator cuff repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop the clinical calculator for mortality of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) using Korean Renal Cancer Study Group (KRoCS) database. Materials and Methods: Data from 1,115 patients with mRCC treated in 4 hospitals joining KRoCS between 1993 and 2016 were pooled. Five-year survival rates were calculated using Kaplan–Meier curve. A clinical calculator for 5-year mortality was developed using multivariable logistic regression analysis and validated externally using dataset including 916 patients from 4 other hospitals. Results: Overall survival rates and cancer specific survival rate at 5 years were 28.5% and 29.4%, respectively. Among baseline factors, increased neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (≥4), synchronous metastasis, low albumin (<3.0 g/dL), and low hemoglobin (

Investigative and Clinical Urology is the official journal of the Korean Urological Association (KUA). Taehan Pinyogikwa Hakhoe chi was the first version of the official journal of the KUA and was published in January 1960. The journal was renamed the Korean Journal of Urology in February 2009 and the Korean Journal of Urology changed its title to Investigative and Clinical Urology in January 2016. The official YouTube channel of Investigative and Clinical Urology has been in operation since January 2016. Investigative and Clinical Urology was registered in Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) on October 30, 2018. A total of 8,103 papers were published in Investigative and Clinical Urology from January 1960 to December 2018. The most common subjects in published articles were oncology (4,602), pediatric urology (1,540), endourology & urolithiasis (1,477), and sexual dysfunction & infertility (1,285). A total of 23 articles on randomized controlled trials were published from March 2010 to December 2018. The acceptance rate of original articles in Investigative and Clinical Urology has decreased continuously since 2014. Meanwhile, the submission rate by international authors has shown an increasing trend from 2014 to 2018. As the first urologic journal in South Korea, Investigative and Clinical Urology has faithfully played its academic role in the past and present for 60 years. Since joining the SCIE list in 2018, further progress of Investigative and Clinical Urology is highly expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactarius and Lactifluus are milkcaps that are characterized by the secretion of latex. These two genera are part of a globally distributed cosmopolitan group of ectomycorrhizal fungi that is an important food resource in various ecosystems. Recently, the taxonomy of Lactarius and Lactifluus has been revised based on molecular phylogenetics. Despite the importance of these taxa, Korean species of both genera are poorly understood. In an effort to describe milkcap species that are indigenous to Korea, a long-term study has been in itiated. During a recent survey, eight species of milkcaps that were previously unrecorded in Korea were detected based on morphological observation and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region: five Lactarius species (Lactarius atromarginatus, L. austrotorminosus, L. kesiyae, L. tabidus, and L. vietus) and three Lactifluus species (Lactifluus acicularis, Lf. piiosus, and Lf. pinguis). Detailed morphological descriptions and phylogenetic relationships of these species are provided in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, investigating the unique electrical properties of low-dimensional (One- and two-dimensional) materials as alternatives to silicon has become popular among researchers. In order to observe the intrinsic properties and device performance, it is essential to elucidate the electron transport at the electrode/nanomaterial interface. This study reviews various current approaches used to evaluate the contact resistance of electronic devices based on the most representative low-dimensional nano-materials such as carbon nanotubes, nanowires, graphene and molybdenum disulfide. Various analytical factors that have generally not been considered in conventional electronics are introduced to define the contact resistance within the nano-meter scale. Additionally, a comparison of three different methods for determining the contact resistance to interpret experimental data is conducted. Finally, several attempted efforts to reduce the contact resistance are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wood decay fungi are a diverse taxonomic group that plays a pivotal role in forest carbon cycling. Wood decay fungi use various enzymatic pathways to digest dead or living wood in order to obtain carbon and other nutrients and these enzymatic systems have been exploited fo r both industrial and medical applications. Over 600 wood decay fungi species have been described in Korea; however, the recent application of molecular markers has dramatically altered the taxonomy of many of these wood decay fungi at both the genus and species levels. By combining molecular methods, specifically sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region, w ith traditional morphological characters, this study identified five new species records for Korea in five genera: Aurantiporus, Favolus, Neofavolus, Loweomyces, and Hymenochaetopsis. Three of these genera (Aurantiporus, Favolus, and Loweomyces) were previously unknown in Korea. The relatively simple morphology of the wood decay fungi often leads to ambiguous taxonomic assignment. Therefore, molecular markers are a necessary component of any taxonomic or evolutionary study of wood decay fungi. Our study highlights the need for a more robust and multifaceted approach in investigating new wood decay fungi in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate disease insight, personal distress, and healthcare-seeking behavior of women with urinary incontinence (UI) to improve women's health in Korea. Methods: In October 2012, 500 Korean women residing around Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do were selected by random sampling for a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted by computer-aided telephone interview. Sixteen questions, which included information on demographic characteristics, information sources, disease insights, and general health-seeking behavior, were used for data collection. Results: Among the responders, 23.8% experienced UI, the prevalence of which increased with increasing age; 83.3% knew about UI through the mass media out of 98.2% apprehended people. Regarding general awareness of UI, 77.2% understood that UI is caused by aging. A total of 48.7% of subjects experienced societal restrictions because of UI. Most women in in their 30s (25.6%) in the acquired UI information from the Internet, while those in their 50s and 60s (50-59 years, 51.1%; 60-64 years, 42.4%) learned about UI through friends. Among subjects who did not have UI, 89.37% intended to see a doctor or consult a professional if they developed UI (83.2%). Among those with UI, however, only 59.0% had talked about UI; 79.7% had talked with friends or associates, whereas only 23.2% had consulted a professional. Conclusions: Most respondents tended to obtain information on UI through the mass media. Subjects who did not have UI expressed their intention to consult a professional if they developed UI, while the percentage of subjects with UI who had consulted a professional was very low. Many women are ashamed of UI in Korea, which may be changed by providing efficient advertising with the right information and establishing a new perception of UI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has been increasingly employed for the treatment of elderly patients with brain metastases, mainly due to its demonstrated effectiveness and low complication rate. However, only a few studies have investigated the prognostic factors that influence the survival of elderly patients after GKRS. The purpose of this study was to identify a scoring system that is able to predict the survival of elderly patients undergoing GKRS using data obtained at the time of diagnosis for brain metastases. Methods: Between 2004 and 2011, death was confirmed in 147 patients aged 70 years and older who had been treated with GKRS for brain metastases. Median age at the time of GKRS was 75.7 years (range, 70-86 years). The median tumor volume was 5.1 cm³ (range, 0.05-59.9 cm³). The median marginal prescription dose was 21.4 Gy (range, 14-25 Gy). Results: The median survival was 167 days. Overall survival rates at 6 months and 1 year were 60.4% and 29.4%, respectively. Among the patient characteristics pertaining to systemic cancer and brain metastasis for which data were obtained preoperatively, a multivariate analysis showed that low Karnofsky performance status (KPS ≤ 80, P = 0.047) and the presence of extracranial metastases (P = 0.014) detected at the time of brain metastasis diagnosis were independent prognostic factors for short survival. A high score index for radiosurgery (SIR score ≥ 4, P = 0.024) and a high graded prognostic assessment (GPA score ≥ 2, P = 0.004) were associated with longer survival. A multivariate analysis of the important characteristics of systemic cancer, and the scoring system evaluating survival duration showed that a low GPA score was the most powerful independent factor for predicting short survival (hazard ratio 1.756, 95% confidence interval 1.252-2.456, P = 0.001). Conclusions: GKRS is a safe approach to treat brain metastases in patients age 70 years and older. In this group, our study identified GPA score at the time of GKRS as a powerful prognostic factor for survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postpoliomyelitis syndrome is a common neurological disorder that occurs in patients who have experienced paralytic poliomyelitis. Recently, as a result of vaccination against poliovirus, incidence of poliomyelitis is exceedingly low. However, many patients with postpolio syndrome may encounter anesthesia when undergoing surgery, such as for correction of foot deformity and other operations. We report on a 45-year-old woman who experienced paralysis of her contralateral limb after operation on the left foot under spinal anesthesia. Postoperative electromyography/nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS) was performed in order to determine the cause of paralysis. Motor power of the sequelae involved leg showed improvement with time and recovered fully to the preoperative level at six months after the index operation. A precise evaluation, including a physical examination and EMG/NCS, should be performed preoperatively when spinal anesthesia is planned for postpolio syndrome patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation for incompetent small saphenous vein is not established. OBJECTIVE To report midterm clinical and ultrasonograhic results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for small saphenous vein (SSV) in terms of recanalization and sural neuritis. METHODS AND MATERIALS We examined 39 patients (46 limbs) who had been examined using a duplex scan more than 1 year after RFA of SSV. Postoperative clinical results, risk factors for SSV recanalization, and sural neuritis were analyzed. RESULTS CEAP score and CIVIQ2 score improved significantly in all patients (CEAP: 2.45 to 1.43 (p = .03); CIVIQ2:25.34 to 13.21 (p = .01). SSV obliteration rate was 93.4% at 1 year and 89.1% at 2 years. Preoperative peak reflux velocity in the recanalization group (54.9 cm/s) was significantly higher (p < .01) than in the obliteration group (29.8 cm/s). Sural neuritis were detected in 12 limbs (26.1%), and median symptom duration was 3 months. The total length of RFA ablation was not different between the groups with and without postablation sura I neuritis. CONCLUSION RFA is an effective and safe treatment modality for incompetent SSV. Peak reflux velocity can be a risk factor for recanalization. Length of RFA segment in SSV does not affect recanalization and postablation sural neuritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of external genitalia trauma is diverse according to the nature of trauma and injured anatomic site. The classification of trauma is important to establish a strategy of treatment; however, to date there has been less effort to make a classification for trauma of external genitalia. The classification of external trauma in male could be established by the nature of injury mechanism or anatomic site: accidental versus self-mutilation injury and penis versus penis plus scrotum or perineum. Accidental injury covers large portion of external genitalia trauma because of high prevalence and severity of this disease. The aim of this study is to summarize the mechanism and treatment of the traumatic injury of penis. This study is the first review describing the issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal tuberculosis (TB) is presented with nonspecific and variable clinical manifestations such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever and weight loss. Diagnosis of tuberculous enteritis may be missed or confused with many other chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as the Crohn disease and intestinal neoplasms. The diagnosis should be based on careful clinical evaluations, such as extra-intestinal signs and colonoscopic and histologic findings. Newer techniques such as PCR tests from the specimens through colonoscopic biopsy may be helpful to confirm diagnosis of tuberculous enteritis. The treatment regimens for pulmonary tuberculosis are generally effective for tuberculous enteritis as well. If not treated early, the prognosis of intestinal tuberculosis is poor. We report a case of tuberculous enteritis diagnosed by colonoscopic biopsy and TB PCR which was presented with diarrhea, abdominal pain, intermittent fever and weight loss in a 12-year-old girl with active pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient was treated successfully with antituberculosis agents for 11 months without any complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interleukin-15 (IL-15), a well-known myokine, is highly expressed in skeletal muscle and is involved in muscle-fat crosstalk. Recently, a role of skeletal muscle-derived IL-15 in the improvement of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity has been proposed. However, little is known regarding the influence of endurance training on IL-15 expression in type 2 diabetic skeletal muscles. We investigated the effect of endurance exercise training on glucose tolerance and IL-15 expression in skeletal muscles using type 2 diabetic animal models. Methods: Male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and ZDF lean control (ZLC) rats were randomly divided into three groups: sedentary ZLC, sedentary ZDF (ZDF-Con), and exercised ZDF (ZDF-Ex). The ZDF-Ex rats were forced to run a motor-driven treadmill for 60 minutes once a day 5 times per week for 12 weeks. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed after 12 weeks. Expression of IL-15 was measured using ELISA in extracted soleus (SQL) and gastrocnemius medial muscles. Results: After 12 weeks of treadmill training, reduction of body weight was observed in ZDF-Ex compared to ZDF-Con rats. Glucose tolerance using IPGTT in diabetic rats was significantly improved in ZDF-Ex rats. Furthermore, the expression of IL-15 was significantly increased (P<0.01) only in the SQL of ZDF-Ex rats compared to ZDF-Con. Additionally, IL-15 expression in SQL muscles was negatively correlated with change of body weight (R=-0.424, P=0.04). Conclusion: The present study results suggest that 12 weeks of progressive endurance training significantly improved glucose tolerance with concomitant increase of IL-15 expression in SOL muscles of type 2 diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) and free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA) for the estimation of prostate volume (PV) in pathologically-proven benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. Methods: From January 2010 to March 2013, 165 Korean men with a PSA less than 10 ng/mL who were diagnosed without prostate cancer by prostate biopsy were enrolled. Patients were classified into three age groups: ≤60, 61-70, and >70 years old. The results were organized to estimate and compare the ability of serum tPSA and fPSA to assess the PV. Results: Enrolled patients had a median age of 63.5 years (44 to 80), a median tPSA of 5.72 ng/mL, a median fPSA of 0.98 ng/mL and a median PV of 53.68 mL, respectively. Among the associations between tPSA, fPSA, age, and PV, the highest correlation was verified between fPSA and PV (r=0.377, P<0.0001); the correlation coefficient between tPSA and PV was much lower (r=0.262, P<0.001). All stratified age cohorts showed the same findings. The ROC curves (for PV greater than 30, 40, and 50 mL) showed that fPSA (area under the curve [AUC]=0.781, 0.718, and 0.700) outperformed tPSA (AUC=0.657, 0.583, and 0.67) in its ability to predict clinically significant PV enlargement. Conclusion: Both tPSA and fPSA significantly correlated with PV in Korean men, while the correlation efficiency between fPSA and PV was more powerful. fPSA may be a useful tool in making therapeutic decisions and follow-up management in BPH patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach is applied to fabricate highly crystalline hollow TiO2 fibers with a uniform wall thickness. In this approach, first the polymer fibers of ∼240 nm in diameter were synthesized by the electro-spinning technique as sacrificial templates. Second, TiO2 shell layers of ∼75 nm in thickness were deposited on these templates using the atomic layer deposition technique. After the selective removal of polymer templates by suitable heat treatments (>500°C), highly crystalline hollow TiO2 fibers were successfully produced. This two-step process seems to easily be extended to synthesizing other hollow oxide fibers with good crystallinity and well-controlled wall thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A very low-temperature (95°C) aqueous solution route has applied to growing epitaxial ZnO films on Al2O3 (0001). A 500-nm-thick ZnO film was beforehand deposited on Al2O3 (0001) by sputtering as a buffer layer to enhance the homoepitaxial growth of ZnO in the aqueous solution. At an early stage of growth, hexagon-shaped ZnO microcrystals grow. At later stages of growth, the hexagon microcrystals coalesce, finally producing continuous epitaxial films of ZnO, which has been confirmed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-temperature template-free two-step aqueous solution route has been successfully developed to prepare ZnO nanobrushes. First, hexagonal ZnO microrods were grown from the precursor solutions containing zinc nitrate hexahydrate and hexamethylenetetramine. In the second step, well-aligned vertical ZnO nanorods were grown particularly on the facet planes of hexagonal ZnO microrods from the precursor solutions of zinc nitrate hexahydrate and NH4OH. This two-step aqueous process consequently produces ZnO nanostructures with a nanobrush shape. Structure and morphology of the synthesized ZnO nanobrushes were investigated by using X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field-emission properties of ZnO nanoneedle arrays (NNAs) grown on Pt-coated Si (001) substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition at various growth temperatures were investigated. Growth temperature determines the morphology and alignment of NNAs and hence their field-emission properties. The ZnO NNAs grown at 550°C demonstrated better emission properties compared with ones grown at higher temperatures. ZnO NNAs grown at higher temperatures had sharper tips but were relatively less aligned, resulted in inferior field-emission properties. Optimization of the shape and alignment of ZnO nanoneedles is important to obtain better emission properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated TiO2–ZnO core-shell nanofibers via a novel two-step process. In the first step, the TiO2 core nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning. Subsequently, the ZnO shell layers were grown in a controlled manner using atomic layer deposition. The methodology proposed in this work is expected to be one of most suitable methods for preparing various kinds of oxide core-shell nanofibers or nanowires. We investigated the O2 sensing properties of the synthesized core-shell nanofibers. Good sensitivity and dynamic repeatability were observed for the sensor, demonstrating that the core-shell nanofibers hold promise for the realization of sensitive and reliable chemical sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats are an animal model for obesity and Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus by hyperphagia. The lactate threshold (LT) is used to determinate aerobic capacity and exercise intensity in individuals. The purpose of this study was to determine whether velocity at the LT (VLT), glucose, and insulin levels of OLETF differs from Long-Evans Tokushima (LETO) rats after all-out exercise on treadmill running. In the results, we found that VLT level of OLETF rats (17.8 ± 1.39 m·min-1) was significantly lower than that of the LETO rats (20.5 ± 1.33 m·min-1). The blood glucose levels immediately after all-out exercise increased in OLETF (from 7.23 ± 0.36 to 9.38 ± 1.77 mmol·L-1) and decreased in LETO rats (from 6.36 ± 0.27 to 4.42 ± 0.71 mmol·L-1), and the insulin level was decreased in both the OLETF (from 34.4 ± 7.7 to 20.13 ± 8.63 μU·ml-1) and LETO (from 15.29 ± 2.6 to 5.72 ± 1.49 μU·ml-1) rats immediately after the all-out exercise, but the difference was not significant. Our results suggest that the different VLT, blood glucose and insulin levels should be considered to compensate for the differences between the OLETF and LETO rats. Moreover, the VLT will be a useful reference for the future studies on exercise training of OLETF rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO nanofibers were synthesized using an electrospinning method with polyvinyl alcohol and zinc acetate as precursor materials. The effects of the processing parameters on the microstructure of the synthesized ZnO nanofibers were investigated. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy showed that the ZnO nanofibers were distributed uniformly over the Si substrates and had a polycrystalline nature. Individual nanofibers consisted of nanograins. Interestingly, the nanograins coalesced and grew under higher calcination temperatures and longer calcination times. The activation energy for grain-growth was estimated to be 13.126 kJ/mol, and the dominant growth mechanism was most likely to be related to lattice diffusion in pore control mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new epiphytes of anamorphic ascomycetes, Phaeomoniella zymoides sp. nov. and Phaeomoniella pinifoliorum sp. nov., were isolated from the needle surface of Pinus densiflora in Korea. The new taxa were characterized by acid-tolerant, slow, partially yeast-like growth and extensive production of emerging cells on convex wrinkled mycelial colonies. Phaeomoniella zymoides produced mycelium with large numbers of intercalary and lateral or terminal vesicles or swollen cells. Large conidiogenous cells had a swollen base and appeared to be phialidic, and many phialoconidia also were produced from lateral hyphal apertures. Maturing colonies of Ph. zymoides were made up of dark green to blackish areas and produced a Phoma-like synanamorph. Primary conidia became elongate mother cells giving rise to polar or lateral secondary conidia. Phaeomoniella pinifoliorum was characterized by reduced, swollen, phialide-like cells, lateral production of conidia from hyphae and terminal or subterminal, or less commonly lateral, secondary production of conidia from yeast-like primary conidia. When ITS and 28S rDNA sequences were compared and analyzed with those of best matching GenBank taxa, the Phaeomoniella group consisted of three lineages, "zymoides," "pinifoliorum" and "chlamydospora" clades, which again showed a complete sister relationship to Moristroma quercinum ined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the case of a 27-year-old male admitted in hospital with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) and X-ray of the patient revealed a small bowel obstruction and a lesion in the lower lobe of lung. Biopsy of the mediastinal lymph node found same histologic findings of classical hodgkin lymphoma (HL).

Vertically well-aligned and epitaxial ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs) were synthesized by catalyst-free metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on Al2O3 (0001) substrates particularly using an epitaxially grown GaN buffer layer. ZnO NRAs grown directly on Al2O3 (0001) substrates are aligned vertically, but randomly oriented in the lateral direction to the substrates. In sharp contrast, ZnO NRAs grown with a GaN buffer layer show an excellent vertical and epitaxial alignment with mosaic distributions of 0.11° and 1.28° in the out-of- and the in-plane directions, respectively. The electrical measurements using field effect transistors based on individual ZnO nanorods show a pronounced n-type gate modulation with an electron concentration of ∼7.5×1017 cm-3 and an electron mobility of ∼25.1 cm2/V s at a bias voltage of 1 V, while showing quite a high on/off ratio exceeding ∼105. In addition, their high on/off conductivity ratio of ∼103 with UV light gives a potential of their use in nanoscale UV detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is an established therapeutic choice for localized renal cell carcinoma. Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy is becoming accepted for the treatment of locally advanced sigmoid colon cancer. Primary cancer may occur synchronously in two different organs, in which case simultaneous resection is recommended if possible. To our knowledge this is the first report of simultaneous laparoscopic resection of coexistent renal and colonic double primary malignant tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daecheongdo and Socheongdo Islands are located in the West Sea of Korea, 210km away from land, and are military border areas very close to North Korea, making them difficult to access. Although the ecosystem of the islands is relatively well preserved due to the lack of accessibility, research on fungi of the regions is insufficient. Therefore, we aimed to investigate indigenous fungi in these geographically and geopolitically constrained regions. A survey of the indigenous fungal diversity of the islands was conducted in 2018. All specimens were identified at the species level based on morphological and molecular analyses. Among them, six macrofungi--namely, Agaricus menieri, Crepidotus praecipuus, Dichomitus squalens, Hortiboletus amygdalinus, Melanoleuca friesii, and Trametes lactinea--were not previously reported in Korea. Considering that the proportion of unrecorded species is high in the survey area and period as well as the number of samples collected, similar research on adjacent islands may be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Patients with cancer have a high risk of depression. However, a few studies have assessed differences in the incidence of depression among patients with prostate cancer (PC) based on whether they received radiotherapy (RTx) or surgical treatment. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Sharing Service database regarding the entire Korean adult population with PC (n=210,924) between 2007 and 2017. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of depression associated with treatment were estimated using propensity score-matched Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses. Results: Our final cohort comprised 9,456 patients with PC; of which, 8,050 men underwent surgery. During a mean followup duration of 7.1 years, 503 (5.3%) patients were newly diagnosed with depression. A significant difference in the incidence of depression was noted between the RTx and surgery groups (RTx vs. surgery: 5.55% vs. 5.28%; p=0.011) in the unmatched cohort. In the matched cohort, older age (≥70 years, HR: 1.596, p<0.001) and poor Charlson comorbidity index scores (HR: 1.232, p=0.039) were correlated with the risk of depression. In addition, the adjusted HR for depression in the surgery group was 0.843 (p=0.221) compared with that in the RTx group. Kaplan–Meier analyses revealed that no significant difference in the cumulative probability of persistent depression was detected between the RTx and surgery groups in matched cohort (p=0.3386). Conclusions: In this nationwide population-based study, no significant differences in the risk of depression were observed between the surgical and RTx groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface-area-controlled porous TiO2 thin films were prepared via a simple sol–gel chemical route, and their gas-sensing properties were thoroughly investigated in the presence of typical oxidizing NO2 gas. The surface area of TiO2 thin films was controlled by developing porous TiO2 networked by means of controlling the TiO2-to-TTIP (titanium isopropoxide, C12H28O4Ti) molar ratio, where TiO2 nanoparticles of size ∼20 nm were used. The sensor’s response was found to depend on the surface area of the TiO2 thin films. The porous TiO2 thin-film sensor with greater surface area was more sensitive than those of TiO2 thin films with lesser surface area. The improved sensing ability was ascribed to the porous network formed within the thin films by TiO2 sol. Our results show that surface area is a key parameter for obtaining superior gas-sensing performance; this provides important guidelines for preparing and using porous thin films for gas-sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the gas sensing characteristics of graphene nanosheet (NS)-loaded SnO2 nanofibers (NFs) that were synthesized by a low-cost facile electrospinning process. The sensing performance was characterized as a function of the graphene content with various gases such as C6H6, C7H8, CO, CO2, and H2S. The loading of graphene NSs significantly improved the gas sensing performances of SnO2 NFs. The optimal amount of graphene NSs was found to be 0.5 wt%. We proposed a sensing mechanism for the enhanced sensing performance based on the chemical sensitization of graphene NSs and the charge transfer through the heterointerfaces between graphene NSs and SnO2 nanograins. The results show that graphene NS-loaded SnO2 NFs are a promising sensing material system that can detect hazardous gaseous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical procedures are increasingly being used in the management of various urological diseases. In particular, the laparoscopic approach for intravesical surgery using pneumovesicum (LPV) is a minimally invasive alternative with potential advantages including decreased morbidity, shorter hospital stays, and improved cosmesis. We review the applications of LPV in urology, summarize data for different surgical approaches, and provide an overview of patient management, as well as other considerations. This narrative review focused primarily on articles indexed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase databases. No formal search strategy was used, and no meta-analysis of data was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the presentation of mumps and mumps orchitis using the National Health Insurance Service Database (NHISD). Materials and Methods: Using information from the NHISD representing all cases of mumps in Korea, data regarding mumps orchitis were analyzed. The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, and Clinical Modification codes were used for diagnosis. The incidence estimates of the number of mumps cases were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software. Results: Based on the NHISD, 199,186 people were diagnosed with mumps, and males accounted for 62.3% cases. Teen males accounted for 69,870 cases, the largest number of patients diagnosed with mumps. The annual incidence of mumps increased every year (poisson regression, hazard ratio [HR] 1.026, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.024-1.027; p<0.025). The risk of mumps was lower in females than that in males (poisson regression, HR 0.594, 95% CI 0.589-0.599; p<0.001). Of the 199,186 patients diagnosed with mumps, 3,872 patients (1.9%) had related complications. Among the mumps complications, the most diagnosed complication was mumps orchitis, which was seen in 41.8% of the males. Mumps orchitis cases accounted for less than 1.5% of the patients with mumps in minors under the age of 20 years and was somewhat higher in 2009 and 2013-2015. Conclusions: Among the complications related to mumps, meningitis was most common in females, while orchitis was dominant in males. Mumps orchitis also shows periodic outbreaks but is particularly prevalent in adults, which suggests the potential need for additional vaccination against mumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganglioside GD1a is specifically formed by the addition of sialic acid to ganglioside GM1a by ST3 β- galactoside α -2,3-sialyltransferase 2 (ST3GAL2). Above all, GD1a are known to be related with the functional regulation of several growth factor receptors, including activation and dimerization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in tumor cells. The activity of EGF and EGFR is known to be a very important factor for meiotic and cytoplasmic maturation during in vitro maturation (IVM) of mammalian oocytes. However, the role of gangliosides GD1a for EGFR-related signaling pathways in porcine oocyte is not yet clearly understood. Here, we investigated that the effect of ST3GAL2 as synthesizing enzyme GD1a for EGFR activation and phosphorylation during meiotic maturation. To investigate the expression of ST3GAL2 according to the EGF treatment (0, 10 and 50 ng/ml), we observed the patterns of ST3GAL2 genes expression by immunofluorescence staining in denuded oocyte (DO) and cumulus cell-oocyte-complex (COC) during IVM process (22 and 44 h), respectively. Expression levels of ST3GAL2 significantly decreased (p<0.01) in an EGF concentration (10 and 50 ng/ml) dependent manner. And fluorescence expression of ST3GAL2 increased (p<0.01) in the matured COCs for 44 h. Under high EGF concentration (50 ng/ml), ST3GAL2 protein levels was decreased (p<0.01), and their shown opposite expression pattern of phosphorylation-EGFR in COCs of 44 h. Phosphorylation of EGFR significantly increased (p<0.01) in matured COCs treated with GD1a for 44 h. In addition, ST3GAL2 protein levels significantly decreased (p<0.01) in GD1a (10 μM) treated COCs without reference to EGF pre-treatment. These results suggest that treatment of exogenous ganglioside GD1a may play an important role such as EGF in EGFR-related activation and phosphorylation in porcine oocyte maturation of in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on total prostate volume and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods: Between January 2007 and June 2014, 110 patients who received androgen deprivation treatment were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical parameters and urodynamic parameters along with changes at follow-up were analyzed. Factors such as reduction in prostate volume, changes in LUTS, and prostate volume tertiles were compared 1 year after ADT. Results: After ADT, the total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) score decreased from 17.45 to 12.21 and the IPSS voiding subscore decreased from 9.16 to 6.24. Maximal uroflow rate increased from 8.62 to 11.50 mL/sec and residual urine also reduced significantly by 29.34 mL. Change in prostate size was more prominent (-51.14%) in the patients with less than 1 year of ADT (n=21) than those who had more than 1 year of treatment (n=89, -44.12%). The decrease in the IPSS voiding subscore was greater within 1 year of ADT than after 1 year of treatment (-4.10 vs. -2.65). The differences were more significant in the 30-50 g group (n=59) and >50 g group (n=11) than the <30 g group (n=40) of the IPSS voiding subscore improvement (-3.76, -4.91 vs. -2.10), and maximal uroflow rate improvement (2.78, 2.90 vs 1.49). Conclusion: ADT resulted in statistically significant clinical improvement in terms of prostate volume, urodynamic parameters, and LUTS for patients with prostate cancer when analyzed by ADT duration and prostate volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most known species in the Strophariaceae are decomposers and grow on various kind of organic matter. Approximately 18 genera and 1,316 species in the Strophariaceae have been reported worldwide. Through an ongoing survey of indigenous fungi in Korea, 29 specimens belonging to the Strophariaceae were collected from 2012 to 2016. These specimens were identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis of internal transcribed spacer sequences. Fifteen taxa were confirmed, with eight species matching those previously recorded. Seven species in five genera were shown to be new records in Korea: Galerina marginata, Gymnopilus crociphyllus, Gymnopilus picreus, Hebeloma birrus, Hebeloma cavipes, Pholiota multicingulata, and Psilocybe thaizapoteca. In this study, we provide detailed morphological descriptions of these species and investigate their evolutionary relationships by constructing phylogenetic trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its significance as a contributing factor for late-life dementia risk, illiteracy is frequently underappreciated in the management of dementia. In this study, we estimated the proportion of dementia cases attributable to illiteracy using the population attributable fraction (PAF), and calculated to what extent the monetary cost of dementia could be saved in the future by reducing illiteracy from the South Korean, Latin American, South Asian/Middle Eastern, and African populations. We collected necessary data from the 2011 United Nations Human Development Report and prevalence studies conducted in these regions. Additional variables not included in the above sources were estimated using a logit model under a "trend scenario"-based assumption. Around 16% of the total number of dementia cases in South Korea in 2015 can be attributed to illiteracy, with this figure predicted to decline to around 2% by 2050. This translates to a saving in dementia care costs of approximately 52 billion USD, providing we are successful in theoretically eradicating illiteracy as of 2015, in the population aged 65 years or under. Likewise, reducing illiteracy to 50% in Latin America, South Asia/The Middle East, and Africa by 2050 could generate further cost savings of between 71 and 244 billion, 13 and 94 billion, and 17 and 78 billion USD, respectively. Even public policies aimed solely at reducing illiteracy in the childhood, adolescent, or middle-aged population could potentially have a role in the primary prevention of dementia. Moving forward, governments will need to address this issue in a purposeful and systematic manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polypore genus Abundisporus Ryvarden is characterized by resupinate to pileate fruitbodies with a purplish brown hymenophore, slightly thick-walled, pale yellowish and non-dextrinoid basidiospores, and causing white rot. A purple color hymenophore, an easily observable and striking character, was considered the main distinctive feature at the generic level within polypores. However, due to highly similar basidiocarp features, species identification within these purple polypores is particularly difficult. Three species of purple colored polypores have been reported in Korea (Abundisporus fuscopurpureus, A. pubertatis, and Fomitopsis rosea). Based on morphological re-examination, ecological information, and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer, we showed that previous classification was incorrect and there is only one species (A. pubertatis) in Korea. We provide a detailed description of A. pubertatis in Korea, as well as a taxonomic key to distinguish wood rot fungi with a purple hymenophore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin on stone clearance after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in patients with a single proximal ureteral stone. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial was performed on 88 patients with a single proximal ureteral stone. After consenting with a doctor, the patients were allocated to the treatment (tamsulosin 0.2 mg once a day) or control (no medication) group, and the efficacy of tamsulosin was evaluated. The primary outcome of this study was the stone-free rate, and the secondary outcomes were the period until clearance, pain intensity, analgesic requirement, and incidence of complications. Results: A stone-free state was reported in 37 patients (84.1%) in the treatment group and 29 (65.9%) in the control group (p=0.049). The mean expulsion period of the stone fragments was 10.0 days in the treatment group and 13.2 days in the control group (p=0.012). There were no statistically significant differences in aceclofenac requirement or pain score between the two groups. Only one patient in the treatment group experienced transient dizziness associated with medical expulsive therapy, and this adverse event disappeared spontaneously. Conclusions: The results of this prospective randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of tamsulosin after ESWL for a single proximal ureteral stone suggest that tamsulosin helps in the earlier clearance of stone fragments and reduces the expulsion period of stone fragments after ESWL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with major burns accompanied with airway edema need more attention for airway management. Although the Pentax-AWS has an advantage in managing endotracheal intubation more easily, its usefulness cannot be assured if it does not maintain hemodynamic stability in burn patients. The aim of this study was to compare cardiovascular responses and general efficacy of the Pentax-AWS and Macintosh laryngoscopes in burn patients. Methods: American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 2 or 3 adult patients with major burn injury were randomly assigned to group P (AWS, n = 50) or group M (Macintosh, n = 50). Fifty-nine patients assigned to the Macintosh group and no patient to AWS group were excluded because of failure to first intubation. Hemodynamic data at baseline, just before and after intubation as well as 3, 5 and 10 minutes after intubation and grade of sore throat were recorded in two groups. Intubation time, success rate of intubation, number of intubation attempts and the percentage of glottic opening (POGO) scores were also observed and analyzed in all patients. Results: A statistically significant increase in heart rate just after laryngoscopy was seen in group M. The success rate of the first attempt in group P (100%) was greater than with the group M (46%). POGO scores were higher in group P (97 ± 4%) than in group M (48 ± 29%). Conclusions: The use of Pentax-AWS offers a reduced degree of heart rate elevation compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope and better intubation environments in major burn patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to analyze the characteristics and management of bladder and urethral injuries in Korea by use of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. Materials and Methods: Data from the NHIS database representative of all cases of Korean bladder injury (n=4,631) and urethral injury (n=17,858) reported between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed. We used the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, clinical modification codes to identify the diagnoses. Results: A total of 491 males (1.97/100,000) and 590 females (2.39/100,000) experienced bladder injury in 2012, and 449 males (1.76/100,000) and 624 females (2.47/100,000) in 2016. The risk of bladder injury was higher in female than in male (hazard ratio [HR], 1.267; p<0.001). The annual incidence of bladder injury did not increase (HR, 0.992; p=0.409). A total of 2,886 (62.3%) patients were managed with conservative treatment, and 1,745 (37.7%) patients underwent surgical treatment. A total of 4,114 males (16.5/100,000) and 285 females (1.2/100,000) had urethral injury in 2012, while 4,465 males (17.5/100,000) and 303 females (1.2/100,000) had urethral injury in 2016. The incidence of urethral injury is increasing annually (HR, 1.010; p=0.036). Conclusions: The incidence of urethral injury increased continuously over the years studied, whereas that of bladder injury remained unchanged in Korea. The incidence of bladder injury was higher in females, and more than 90% of total urethral injuries were reported in males. This is the first study to evaluate the epidemiology of bladder and urethral injury using a nationwide population database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redox-sensitive stress kinases and heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) have been considered to be associated with the development of type 2 diabetes in skeletal muscle. However, the effect of exercise training on skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic models is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of exercise training on gastrocnemius of type 2 diabetic rats, by examining the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway and Hsp72. Total hydroperoxide and 4-hydroxynoneal, as oxidative stress markers, were also examined. Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLEFT) rats were randomly divided into an exercise training group (Ex-OLETF, n= 8) and a sedentary group (Sed-OLETF, n= 8), while Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats were used as a control group (Con-LETO, n= 5). The Ex-OLETF rats were trained on a treadmill five times a week for 12 weeks. The levels of hydroperoxide and 4-hydroxynoneal in both Ex-OLETF and Sed-OLETF were significantly higher compared with Con-LETO, but there was no difference between Ex-OLETF and Sed-OLETF. Levels of inhibitor κB kinase, JNK activation and p65 nuclear translocation followed a similar pattern to that observed in oxidative stress markers. The level of Hsp72 in Ex-OLETF was increased by exercise training, but it did not reach the level observed in Con-LETO. The NF-κB DNA binding activity in Sed-OLETF was significantly higher compared with Con-LETO. Although it was not statistically significant, exercise training in Ex-OLETF showed a trend to reduce the activation of NF-κB DNA binding activity compared with Sed-OLETF ( P= 0.104). Our findings indicate that exercise training improves basal glucose metabolism without a change in stress kinases, and that nuclear regulation of NF-κB activity in diabetic muscle could be regulated independently of the cytosolic pathway. Our study also suggests a possibility that exercise-induced Hsp72 serves as a protective mechanism in skeletal muscle of OLETF rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The clinical impact of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) on the prognosis of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) remains controversial. We investigated the associations between elevation of the PLR and disease prognosis in patients with synchronous mRCC. Materials and Methods: The data of 1,505 patients with synchronous mRCC were retrospectively analyzed. The entire cohort was stratified into two subgroups according to PLR. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional analyses were performed to investigate the possible associations between the PLR and disease prognosis. Results: There were 921 patients with a high PLR and 584 patients with a low PLR by use of the cutoff of 146. The patients with a high PLR had worse clinical characteristics in terms of advanced clinical stage (p<0.001) and rate of lymph node invasion (p=0.036). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with a high PLR had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) (p<0.001) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p<0.001). The multivariate Cox analysis revealed that the PLR was an independent predictor for shorter OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.345; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.183-1.530; p<0.001) and CSS (HR, 1.318; 95% CI, 1.156-1.502; p<0.001). In the subgroup analyses, the PLR showed a significant association with survival outcomes in the subgroup with clear cell type (all p<0.05) but not in the subgroup with the non-clear cell type. Conclusions: The PLR was an independent prognostic factor for survival outcomes in patients with mRCC. However, the association was statistically significant only in patients with clear cell type mRCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Crosstalk between tumors and their microenvironment plays a crucial role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is little existing information about the key signaling molecule that modulates tumor-stroma crosstalk. Methods: Complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray analysis was performed to identify the key molecule in tumor-stroma crosstalk. Subcutaneous xenograft in vivo murine model, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and real-time polymerase chain reaction using HCC cells and tissues were performed. Results: The key molecule, regenerating gene protein-3A (REG3A), was most significantly enhanced when coculturing HCC cells and activated human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) (+8.2 log) compared with monoculturing HCC cells using cDNA microarray analysis. Downregulation of REG3A using small interfering RNA significantly decreased the proliferation of HSC-cocultured HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, and enhanced deoxycholic acid-induced HCC cell apoptosis. Crosstalk-induced REG3A upregulation was modulated by platelet-derived growth factor ββ (PDGF-ββ) in p42/44-dependent manner. REG3A mRNA levels in human HCC tissues were upregulated 1.8-fold compared with non-tumor tissues and positively correlated with PDGF-ββ levels. Conclusions: REG3A/p42/44 pathway/PDGF-ββ signaling plays a significant role in hepatocarcinogenesis via tumor-stroma crosstalk. Targeting REG3A is a potential novel therapeutic target for the management of HCCs by inhibiting crosstalk between HCC cells and HSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate if preoperative sterile pyuria can be a prognostic factor for intravesical recurrence (IVR) and overall survival (OS) in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) undergoing surgery. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with UTUC from October 2003 to December 2016 at Korea University Medical Center. Sterile pyuria was defined as urine containing five or more white blood cells per high-power field in the absence of bacteria in urine culture. We used a stepwise multivariable Cox proportional hazards model to assess the independent effects of the prognostic factors for IVR and OS. Results: We investigated a total of 176 patients who were diagnosed with UTUC. Among them, 91 (51.7%) patients had preoperative sterile pyuria. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the pyuria and non-pyuria groups concerning tumor grade, T stage, tumor multiplicity, and recurrence history. However, there was a significant difference in the IVR between the two groups. In the multivariable analysis, preoperative sterile pyuria, diabetes mellitus, high-grade tumor, and lymphovascular invasion were revealed as independent risk factors for IVR, and only lymphovascular invasion was identified as an independent risk factor for OS. Conclusions: Preoperative sterile pyuria is significantly associated with IVR in patients with UTUC undergoing surgery, but it is not associated with OS. Furthermore, diabetes mellitus, high-grade tumor, and lymphovascular invasion are also independent prognostic factors for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate seasonal variations of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women who visited hospital clinics. Methods: Medical records of female patients treated for OAB symptoms from January 2011 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with pyuria at the first visit, those who did not complete the questionnaire, and those with <3 overactive bladder symptom scores (OABSS) were excluded. Uroflowmetric parameters, 3-day micturition diary, and OABSS were analyzed. Results: A total of 582 patients with OAB symptoms who visited the hospital were enrolled in this study. Patients were grouped into 1 of the 3 season groups (cold, intermediate, and hot) depending on the average temperature of the month that the patient first visited the urologic department outpatient clinic. The total OABSS was significantly different between the 3 season groups (cold [7.25±3.20] vs. intermediate [6.24±3.40] vs. hot [5.51±3.20], P=0.001). The proportion of patients who had moderate OAB symptoms (6=OABSS) was higher in the cold season group (56.2%) than in the other season groups (intermediate, 42.1%; hot, 31.8%; P=0.002). Differences in the number of micturitions (12.12±4.56 vs. 10.95±4.39, P=0.021) and number of urgent urinary incontinence episodes (2.06±0.94 vs. 2.48±0.87, P=0.001) between the cold and hot season groups were also significant. However, differences in the nocturia episode, total daytime voided volume, and mean voided volume between season groups were not significant. Conclusions: Different urinary symptoms and uroflowmetric parameters were correlated with seasonal variation. OAB symptoms might be worse in cold season than in other seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Human papillomavirus testing by self-sampling and urine sampling might be alternatives to Papanicolaou test (Pap test) for cervical cancer screening (CCS), and may increase compliance and adherence thereto. The present study aimed to explore satisfaction and preferences for cervical screening modalities among Korean women. Methods: In total, 732 women aged between 20 and 69 years responded to a questionnaire designed to survey the women's perceived satisfaction for the 3 CCS modalities: cliniciancollected Pap test, self-collected vaginal sampling (self-sampling) and urine sampling. Results: Overall satisfaction was significantly higher with both the self-sampling and urine sampling than the clinician-collected Pap test (odds ratio [OR]=2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.48-3.00 and OR=2.47; 95% CI=1.75-3.48, respectively). Psychological distress, including embarrassment, pain, anxiety, discomfort, and stress, with self-sampling and urine sampling were significantly lower than that with the Pap test. 52% of participants reported preferences for self-sampling in the next screening round. Conclusions: Korean women were more likely to report satisfaction with alternative modalities (self-sampling and urine sampling) for CCS in comparison to the Pap test. This suggests that self-collected modalities may help with improving CCS uptake rates by eliminating burden related with the Pap test. However, further studies for test accuracy and cost-effective analysis of the alternative modalities should be conducted in order to apply CCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with cognitive dysfunction. Materials and Methods Using the National Health Insurance Service database of the entire Korean adult prostate cancer population (n=236,391), data on ADT and cognitive dysfunction between 2008 and 2015 were analyzed. We excluded patients previously diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction, dementia, or a cerebral event history. We tested the effect of ADT on the risk of cognitive dysfunction using propensity score-matched Cox proportional hazards regression models and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Our final cohort comprised of 35,401 individuals with prostate cancer, including 24,567 men (70.6%) who underwent ADT. Results During a mean follow-up period of 4.1 years, 4,741 patients were newly diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction. A statistically significant association was found between ADT and the risk of cognitive dysfunction (hazard ratio, 1.169; p=0.002). Meanwhile, age ( 70 years), diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular history, and peripheral vascular disease were identified as factors that contribute to the increased risk of cognitive dysfunction. In contrast, the use of statins and aspirin was associated with a lower risk of cognitive dysfunction. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients aged 70 years or older who underwent ADT had the lowest cumulative probability of remaining cognitive dysfunction-free (log-rank p < 0.001). Conclusion Our results revealed an association between the use of ADT for the treatment of prostate cancer and an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction in a nationwide population-based study. This finding should be further evaluated in prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe our initial experience with a novel method of adenoma retrieval using a pneumovesicum (PNV) after Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Methods: From January 2016 to April 2018, a total of 93 consecutive patients treated with HoLEP were enrolled in this study. For tissue morcellation, we used the PNV morcellation technique for an initial series of 21 patients and the conventional technique (Lumenis VersaCut) for a consecutive series of 72 patients. We compared efficiency and safety between the novel technique and the traditional technique. Subgroup analysis was performed to assess the effectiveness of the current technique in the large prostate (>70 mL). Results: There were significant differences in mean age and prostate volume between the 2 groups. However, there were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics and preoperative parameters in the subgroup analysis of large prostates (>70 mL). The mean morcellation efficiency was higher (8.50±1.94 minutes vs. 1.76±0.45 minutes, P<0.05) and the time of morcellation (7.81±1.25 minutes vs. 34.04±11.14 minutes, P<0.05) was shorter in the PNV group. Moreover, there were no significant differences between groups in hospitalization period (2.62±1.10 days vs. 2.90±1.26 days, P=0.852) and any other postoperative events, including recatheterization, reoperation, clot retention, and urethral stricture (P-value range, 0.194-0.447). In the PNV group, there were some cases of procedure-related complications, including postoperative extravesical leakage (5th case), clot retention (8th case), and recatheterization (9th case). Conclusions: This method has a higher tissue retrieval efficacy, with the advantage of excellent visibility compared to conventional morcellation. The current method can be applied when a transurethral morcellator is out of order or cannot be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, we described our initial experience and analyze the learning curve of segmental renal artery branch clamping with hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (PN) using special instruments. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive cases of hand-assisted laparoscopic PN (LPN) between May 2015 and April 2018. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, perioperative details, postoperative complications, and warm ischemic time for segmental artery branch clamping were included in our analysis. We used the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method to generate learning curves. Results: Segmental renal artery branch clamping was successfully completed in 16 of 20 patients. The median tumor size was 2.9 cm (range, 1.7-7.0 cm), median operation time was 185 minutes (range, 140-245 minutes), median blood loss was 291 mL (range, 100-600 mL), and median hospital stay was 5 days (range, 4-7 days). The median selective ischemic time was 21 minutes (range, 16-35 minutes). No patient had postoperative complications, acute or delayed bleeding. The median pre- and postoperative serum creatinine levels (0.91 and 0.98 mg/dL, respectively), and the pre- and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (89.7 and 79.6 mL/min per 1.73 m2, respectively) were similar. Upon visual assessment of the CUSUM plots, a downward inflection point for decreasing total operation time was observed in the 9th case and estimated blood loss in the 12th case. Conclusions: Our study shows that segmental renal artery branch clamping hand-assisted LPN for localized renal tumors is feasible, safe, and has a relatively short learning curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigated the outcomes of repeat stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for metastatic brain tumors that locally recurred despite previous SRS, focusing on the tumor control. Methods: A total of 114 patients with 176 locally recurring metastatic brain tumors underwent repeat SRS after previous SRS. The mean age was 59.4 years (range, 33 to 85), and there were 68 male and 46 female patients. The primary cancer types were non-small cell lung cancer (n=67), small cell lung cancer (n=12), gastrointestinal tract cancer (n=15), breast cancer (n=10), and others (n=10). The number of patients with a single recurring metastasis was 95 (79.8%), and another 19 had multiple recurrences. At the time of the repeat SRS, the mean volume of the locally recurring tumors was 5.94 mL (range, 0.42 to 29.94). We prescribed a mean margin dose of 17.04 Gy (range, 12 to 24) to the isodose line at the tumor border primarily using a 50% isodose line. Results: After the repeat SRS, we obtained clinical and magnetic resonance imaging follow-up data for 84 patients (73.7%) with a total of 108 tumors. The tumor control rate was 53.5% (58 of the 108), and the median and mean progression-free survival (PFS) periods were 246 and 383 days, respectively. The prognostic factors that were significantly related to better tumor control were prescription radiation dose of 16 Gy (p=0.000) and tumor volume less than both 4 mL (p=0.001) and 10 mL at the repeat SRS (p=0.008). The overall survival (OS) periods for all 114 patients after repeat SRS varied from 1 to 56 months, and median and mean OS periods were 229 and 404 days after the repeat SRS, respectively. The main cause of death was systemic problems including pulmonary dysfunction (n=58, 51%), and the identified direct or suspected brain-related death rate was around 20%. Conclusion: The tumor control following repeat SRS for locally recurring metastatic brain tumors after a previous SRS is relatively lower than that for primary SRS. However, both low tumor volume and high prescription radiation dose were significantly related to the tumor control following repeat SRS for these tumors after previous SRS, which is a general understanding of primary SRS for metastatic brain tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulleung Island is a biodiversity hotspot in South Korea. During a survey of indigenous fungal species from Ulleung Island conducted from 2015 to 2016, we discovered 10 unrecorded macrofungi in Korea. These macrofungi were identified to the species level using morphological features and phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer region: Deconica phyllogena, Mycena zephirus, Phaeomarasmius proximans, Phlebia radiata, Pluteus semibulbosus, Postia alni, Resinicium pinicola, Scytinostroma portentosum, Tricholomopsis flammula, and Tyromyces kmetii. We also provide detailed morphological descriptions for these 10 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]