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Backgroud: Network models suggest that co-occurring symptoms are conceptualized as a syndrome due to interactions, rather than a categorical entity with an underlying common cause. Aim: Our study aimed to examine the network structure and centrality of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, including essential and associated features. Methods: We constructed a network structure of 21 intertwined symptoms, evaluated with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), in 249 PTSD patients who have been exposed to various types of traumatic events (73% being traffic or other accidents) and were beginning psychiatric treatment. In addition, we estimated the centrality of the 21 symptoms through network analysis. Each of the symptoms was defined as ordered-categorical variables. Results: The network, with 21 symptoms, demonstrated a strong correlation among difficulty concentrating, reduced awareness of surroundings, and derealization. In addition, reduced awareness of surroundings was estimated as the most central symptom, whereas inability to recall important aspects of trauma was estimated as the least central symptom in the subjects. A community-detection analysis estimated that the 21 PTSD symptoms were organized into three clinically meaning clusters. Conclusion: Although dissociative features have been defined as associative symptoms rather than essential symptoms for the DSM diagnostic criteria, reduced awareness of surroundings may be regarded as the most central symptom in patients in the early phase of PTSD. Thus, evaluation and intervention for dissociative features may be needed in clinical practice and studies on PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D-Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene nanosheets intercalated with sodium ions (SI–Ti 3 C 2 T x) were synthesized and utilized in simultaneous adsorption and electrochemical regeneration with ciprofloxacin (CPX). The primary focus of this study is to investigate the long-term stability of SI–Ti3C2Tx MXene and to propose the underlying regeneration mechanisms. The successful synthesis of Ti 3 AlC 2 , Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene, and SI–Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene was confirmed using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical regeneration parameters such as charge passed, regeneration time, current density, and electrolyte composition were optimized with values of 787.5 C g−1, 7.5 min, 10 mA cm−2, and 2.5w/v% sodium chloride, respectively, enabling the complete regeneration of the SI–Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene. In addition, the electrochemical regeneration significantly enhanced CPX removal from the SI–Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene owing to partial amorphization, disorderliness, increased functional groups, delamination, and defect creation in the structure. Thus, the synthesized nano-adsorbent has proven helpful in practical water treatment with optimized electrochemical regeneration processes. [Display omitted] • SI–Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene serves as a promising candidate for the adsorption and electrochemical regeneration process. • The optimum conditions enable 100% regeneration of SI–Ti 3 C 2 T x. • Electrochemical treatment regenerates the adsorbent and improves the adsorption tendency. • SI–Ti 3 C 2 T x exhibited stability over ten regeneration cycles. • Regeneration occurs by a combined mechanism i.e. desorption followed by degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In South Korea, COVID-19 vaccination has been recommended to adolescents aged 12 − 17 since October, 2021. We aimed to assess the rate of adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in South Korea, using national cohort data. Methods: We retrieved the clinical information of adolescents 12 − 17 years old from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency-COVID19-National Health Insurance Service (K-COV-N) database, to calculate incidence rates of purpura and other hemorrhagic conditions, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), Kawasaki disease/multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), myocarditis and/or pericarditis, and anaphylaxis in adolescents with CKD, after BNT162b2 vaccination. Results: Among the 2306 adolescents with CKD, 62.7% (n = 1446) had received the BNT-162b2 vaccine. GBS, Kawasaki disease/MIS-C, and anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock did not occur during the observation period. Purpura and hemorrhagic conditions were more frequent in the unvaccinated group (7/860 vs. 1/1446), while myocarditis/pericarditis was observed only in the vaccinated group (0/860 vs. 1/1446). Adjusted odds ratio for any of the two adverse events was lower in vaccinated adolescents than in the unvaccinated group which did not reach statistical significance (adjusted odds ratio = 0.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.02, 1.16, P = 0.068). Conclusions: In this national cohort study of adolescents with CKD in South Korea, we observed no evidence of increased risk of adverse events following BNT162b2 vaccination. Our finding offers insights into the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, empowering adolescent patients with CKD and their caregivers to make informed decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste repository contains various types of radionuclides and organic complexing agents. Their chemical interaction within the repository can lead to the formation of radionuclide-ligand complexes, influencing the limited retention behaviors of radionuclides. This study focuses on the sorption behavior of radionuclides on both engineered (concrete) and natural barriers (sedimentary rock and granite), as well as the prediction of sorption distribution coefficients (Kd) using support vector regression. Batch studies were conducted to determine the K d values for three radionuclides (99Tc, 137Cs, and 238U) under different conditions, including pH, temperature, and the presence of organic ligands (such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, and isosaccharinic acid). The K d values for 238U exhibited a sharp decrease with increasing concentrations of organic ligands. In contrast, the K d values for 99Tc showed only a slight reduction at higher organic ligand concentrations. Meanwhile, the K d values for 137Cs remained relatively unchanged, regardless of the type and initial concentration of organic ligands. This suggests a high level of retention for 137Cs in the rock samples. The support vector regression model with a radial basis kernel function proved effective in predicting the K d values under different experimental conditions. This enhancement in predicting accuracy contributes valuable insights into understanding the sorption processes involved in radionuclide behavior. Overall, this study advances our knowledge of radionuclide behavior on both engineered and natural barriers while providing a reliable prediction tool for estimating sorption distribution coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxic perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is widely spread in terrestrial and aquatic habitats owing to its resistance to conventional degradation processes. Advanced techniques to degrade PFOA requires drastic conditions with high energy cost. In this study, we investigated PFOA biodegradation in a simple dual biocatalyzed microbial electrosynthesis system (MES). Different PFOA loadings (1, 5, and 10 ppm) were tested and a biodegradation of 91% was observed within 120 h. Propionate production improved and short-carbon-chain PFOA intermediates were detected, which confirmed PFOA biodegradation. However, the current density decreased, indicating an inhibitory effect of PFOA. High-throughput biofilm analysis revealed that PFOA regulated the microbial flora. Microbial community analysis showed enrichment of the more resilient and PFOA adaptive microbes, including Methanosarcina and Petrimonas. Our study promotes the potential use of dual biocatalyzed MES system as an environment-friendly and inexpensive method to remediate PFOA and provides a new direction for bioremediation research. [Display omitted] • 91% PFOA biodegradation via dual biocatalyzed microbial electrosynthesis in 120nullh. • PFOA inhibited microbial growth and current density. • PFOA regulated microbial flora and enriched PFOA-resistant microbes. • Propionic acid production improved and short carbon chain intermediates detected. • Methanosarcina and Petrimonas growth highest in PFOA-exposed biofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently prescribed drugs. However, it has been suggested that they are associated with an increased risk of ischemic vascular events (IVE) including stroke, although the data are inconsistent. Aims: We investigated the association between PPIs use and IVE in five observational Korean databases using a common data model (CDM). Methods: This study included patient-based retrospective, observational cohort data of subjects aged over 18 years between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2020, from five medical centers as part of the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) CDM. Subjects who were included in both cohorts or had a previous history of ischemic stroke were excluded. After propensity matching, 8007 propensity-matched pairs between the PPIs and H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) users were included in this study. Results: In the 1:1 propensity score matching with 8007 in each group, long-term PPIs use (⩾365 days) was not associated with ischemic stroke (odds ratio (OR) = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71–1.56; I 2 = 57%), ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.71–1.48; I 2 = 53%), and net adverse clinical events (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.83–1.40; I 2 = 47%) compared with H2RAs users. Conclusions: Our analysis in a large dataset found no evidence that long-term use of PPIs was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Association between protonpump inhibitors (PPIs) and osteoporosis, hip fractures has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between PPIs use and the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures in the databases converted to a common data model (CDM) and to compare the results across the databases. Methods: This was a population‐based, propensity‐matched, retrospective cohort study that included patients aged ≥ 50 years who were prescribed with PPIs for over 180 days. We compared the incidence of osteoporosis and hip fractures between new PPI user and new user of other drugs using the Cox proportional hazards model and performed meta‐analysis in the electronic health record (EHR) databases. Results: In the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)–CDM database, long‐term PPI users had greater risk of osteoporosis [PPIs vs non‐PPIs groups, 28.42/1000 person‐years vs 19.29/1000 person‐years; hazard ratio (HR), 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.22–2.15; P = 0.001]. The meta‐analytic results of six EHR databases also showed similar result (pooled HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.28–1.92). In the analysis of hip fracture, PPI use was not significantly associated with a hip fracture in the NHIS–CDM database (PPI vs non‐PPI groups, 3.09/1000 person‐years vs 2.26/1000 person‐years; HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.74–2.80; P = 0.27). However, in the meta‐analysis of four EHR databases, the risk of hip fractures was higher in PPI users (pooled HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.04–3.19). Conclusions: Long‐term PPI was significantly associated with osteoporosis; however, the results of hip fractures were inconsistent. Further study based on better data quality may be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Changes in tumor differentiation have been observed during local recurrence in retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS), and these changes have been reported to affect prognosis. However, the change in the tumor grade from the primary tumor to the first local recurrence, and the effect of this change on long-term outcomes, are unknown. This study reports the presence of tumor-grade changes and their effect on patient prognosis. While the grade changes did not affect the patient's prognosis, a high grade of the primary tumor was an important factor. In addition, the risk factor for second local recurrence was a high grade of the recurrent tumor. Although this finding cannot change the treatment plan for recurrent RPS, it can provide the details of nomograms to predict the patient prognosis. In retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS), the change in the tumor grade from the primary tumor to the first local recurrence, and the effect of this change on prognosis, are unknown. The aim of this study is to analyze whether these changes affect the prognosis of RPS. Patients who underwent surgery for a first locally recurrent RPS at Samsung Medical Center from January 2001 to February 2020 were included. The pathologic features of primary and recurrent tumors were compared, and the outcomes were measured. A total of 49 patients were investigated. There were 25 patients with different grades of primary and recurrent tumors. The improving, stable, and worsening groups contained 16 (32.7%), 24 (49%), and 9 (18.3%) patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in the prognosis between the three groups. In the analyses of the factors that affect the OS, a high grade of the primary tumor (p = 0.023) and the size of the recurrent tumor (p = 0.032) were statistically significant in both univariate and multivariate analyses. In a factor analysis of the second LR, a high-grade recurrent tumor (p = 0.032) was the only significant factor. There were tumor-grade changes between the primary tumor and recurrent tumor in RPS. However, the most important factor in prognosis is a high grade of the primary tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The available data are not sufficient to understand the clinical impact of statin intensity in elderly patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: Using the COREA-AMI registry, we sought to compare the clinical impact of high- versus low-to-moderate-intensity statin in younger (<75 years old) and elderly (≥75 years old) patients. Of 10,719 patients, we included 8,096 patients treated with drug-eluting stents. All patients were classified into high-intensity versus low-to-moderate-intensity statin group according to statin type and dose at discharge. The primary end point was target-vessel failure (TVF), a composite of cardiovascular death, target-vessel MI, or target-lesion revascularization (TLR) from 1 month to 12 months after index PCI. Results: In younger patients, high-intensity statin showed the better clinical outcomes than low-to-moderate-intensity statin (TVF: 79 [5.4%] vs. 329 [6.8%], adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–0.99; P = 0.038). However, in elderly patients, the incidence rates of the adverse clinical outcomes were similar between two statin-intensity groups (TVF: 38 [11.4%] vs. 131 [10.6%], aHR 1.1; 95% CI 0.76–1.59; P = 0.63). Conclusions: In this AMI cohort underwent PCI, high-intensity statin showed the better 1-year clinical outcomes than low-to-moderate-intensity statin in younger patients. Meanwhile, the incidence rates of adverse clinical events between high- and low-to-moderate-intensity statin were not statistically different in elderly patients. Further randomized study with large elderly population is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Statin treatment increases the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM); however, data directly comparing the risk of NODM among individual statins is limited. We compared the risk of NODM between patients using pitavastatin and atorvastatin or rosuvastatin using reliable, large-scale data. Methods: Data of electronic health records from ten hospitals converted to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model (n = 14,605,368 patients) were used to identify new users of pitavastatin, atorvastatin, or rosuvastatin (atorvastatin + rosuvastatin) for ≥ 180 days without a previous history of diabetes or HbA1c level ≥ 5.7%. We conducted a cohort study using Cox regression analysis to examine the hazard ratio (HR) of NODM after propensity score matching (PSM) and then performed an aggregate meta-analysis of the HR. Results: After 1:2 PSM, 10,238 new pitavastatin users (15,998 person-years of follow-up) and 18,605 atorvastatin + rosuvastatin users (33,477 person-years of follow-up) were pooled from 10 databases. The meta-analysis of the HRs demonstrated that pitavastatin resulted in a significantly reduced risk of NODM than atorvastatin + rosuvastatin (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.59–0.87). In sub-analysis, pitavastatin was associated with a lower risk of NODM than atorvastatin or rosuvastatin after 1:1 PSM (HR 0.69; CI 0.54–0.88 and HR 0.74; CI 0.55–0.99, respectively). A consistently low risk of NODM in pitavastatin users was observed when compared with low-to-moderate-intensity atorvastatin + rosuvastatin users (HR 0.78; CI 0.62–0.98). Conclusions: In this retrospective, multicenter active-comparator, new-user, cohort study, pitavastatin reduced the risk of NODM compared with atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Previous studies have reported that metformin use in patients with diabetes mellitus may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and prognosis; however, the evidence is not definite. This population-based cohort study aimed to investigate whether metformin reduces the risk of CRC incidence and prognosis in patients with diabetes mellitus using a common data model of the Korean National Health Insurance Service database from 2002 to 2013. Methods: Patients who used metformin for at least 6 months were defined as metformin users. The primary outcome was CRC incidence, and the secondary outcomes were the all-cause and CRC-specific mortality. Cox proportional hazard model was performed and large-scaled propensity score matching was used to control for potential confounding factors. Results: During the follow-up period of 81,738 person-years, the incidence rates (per 1000 person-years) of CRC were 5.18 and 8.12 in metformin users and non-users, respectively (p = 0.001). In the propensity score matched cohort, the risk of CRC incidence in metformin users was significantly lower than in non-users (hazard ratio (HR), 0.58; 95% CI (confidence interval), 0.47–0.71). In the sensitivity analysis, the lag period extending to 1 year showed similar results (HR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.51–0.79). The all-cause mortality was significantly lower in metformin users than in non-users (HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.64–0.78); CRC-related mortality was also lower among metformin users. However, there was no significant difference (HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.26–1.08). Conclusions: Metformin use was associated with a reduced risk of CRC incidence and improved overall survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contradictory findings exist about association of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) with lung cancer development. This was a retrospective observational cohort study that used data from 7 hospitals in Korea, converted to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model. The primary outcome was occurrence of lung cancer. A total of 207,794 patients across the 7 databases was included in the final analysis; 33,230 (16%) were prescribed ACEi and 174,564 (84%) were prescribed ARB. Crude analysis adjusted for sex and age showed higher incidence of lung cancer in the ACEi group compared to the ARB group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.46; 95% confidence rate [CI], 1.08–1.97). After propensity-score matching, 30,445 pairs were generated, and there was no difference in incidence of lung cancer between the two groups (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.64–1.35). Patients prescribed ACEi showed no difference in incidence of lung cancer development compared to those using ARB. This finding provides evidence on the association between ACEi and occurrence of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors in coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19) patients has not been fully investigated. We evaluated the association between RAAS inhibitor use and outcomes of Covid-19. Methods: This study was a retrospective observational cohort study that used data based on insurance benefit claims sent to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea by May 15, 2020. These claims comprised all Covid-19 tested cases and the history of medical service use in these patients for the past five years. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the rate of ventilator care was compared between the groups. Results: From a total of 7,590 patients diagnosed with Covid-19, two distinct cohorts were generated based on RAAS inhibitors prescribed within 6 months before Covid-19 diagnosis. A total of 1,111 patients was prescribed RAAS inhibitors, and 794 patients were prescribed antihypertensive drugs, excluding RAAS inhibitors. In propensity-score matched analysis, 666 pairs of data set were generated, and all-cause mortality of the RAAS inhibitor group showed no significant difference compared with the non-RAAS inhibitor group (14.6% vs. 11.1%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54–1.15; p = 0.22). The rate of ventilator care was not significantly different between the two groups (4.4% vs. 4.1%; HR, 1.04; 95%CI, 0.60–1.79; p = 0.89). Conclusions: RAAS inhibitor treatment did not appear to increase the mortality of Covid-19 patients compared with other antihypertensive drugs, suggesting that they may be safely continued in Covid-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been widely used in patients with respiratory infection, but their safety in coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19) patients has not been fully investigated. We evaluated an association between NSAID use and outcomes of Covid-19. This study was a retrospective observational cohort study based on insurance benefit claims sent to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of Korea by May 15, 2020. These claims comprised all Covid-19-tested cases and history of medical service use for the past 3 years in these patients. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcome was need for ventilator care. Among 7590 patients diagnosed with Covid-19, two distinct cohorts were generated based on NSAID or acetaminophen prescription within 2 weeks before Covid-19 diagnosis. A total of 398 patients was prescribed NSAIDs, and 2365 patients were prescribed acetaminophen. After propensity score matching, 397 pairs of data set were generated, and all-cause mortality of the NSAIDs group showed no significant difference compared with the acetaminophen group (4.0% vs. 3.0%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63–2.88; P = 0.46). The rate of ventilator care also did not show significantly different results between the two groups (2.0% vs. 1.3%; HR, 1.60; 95% CI 0.53–5.30; P = 0.42). Use of NSAIDs was not associated with mortality or ventilator care in Covid-19 patients. NSAIDs may be safely used to relieve symptoms in patients with suspicion of Covid-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds and Aim: There are potential concerns regarding infectious complications including Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) among patients taking gastric acid suppressants. Furthermore, it is speculated that the stronger acid suppression by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) potentially enhance infectious complications. This study aimed to compare the risk of CDI between PPIs and histamine‐2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs). Methods: Using the long‐term database of the Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, converted to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model, we identified outpatients treated with PPIs and H2RAs for ≥ 7 days from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2018. We conducted Cox regression analysis to examine the hazard ratio (HR) of CDI after propensity score matching. Results: During a median follow‐up period of 1.2 years (interquartile range, 0.2–3.2 years), the initial CDI occurrence differed significantly between matched cohorts of patients taking PPIs and H2RAs [PPIs vs H2RAs, 88/31 095 person years vs 47/32 836 person years; HR, 2.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29–3.96; P = 0.005]. Almost 50% of all events occurred within 1 year of drug exposure. The risk of CDIs was significantly greater among groups receiving PPIs or H2RAs than in matched controls (PPIs vs control: HR, 2.65; 95% CI 1.28–5.79; P = 0.011; and H2RAs vs control: HR 2.43; 95% CI 1.09–5.68; P = 0.034]. Conclusion: In long‐term hospital cohort, outpatient‐based PPIs were associated with greater risk of CDI than H2RAs. It is necessary to be cautioned about complication of CDI in patients taking long‐term PPI therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of mobile communication, 6G technology has enhanced features, such as ultrahigh data rates and sharing, bandwidth connectivity, and low data latency, compared to 5G technology. As new services become possible due to these characteristics, attempts to present promising future services based on 6G technology are occurring in academia and industry. However, because 6G technology has a very wide range of applications as a fundamental technology, 6G service scenario research is also being conducted for each sector. To predict 6G technology use in the future, it is necessary to understand comprehensively the scenarios being studied sporadically by sector. Therefore, we aim to derive major service scenarios by analyzing in-depth public data for 6G service scenarios. We collected research papers, corporate reports, and news articles on 6G service scenarios and performed topic modeling to derive four major domains and 16 application areas. Afterward, the derived service's feasibility and promising scenario were evaluated by utilizing the future-context canvas and business model canvas that analyze the service's value from the user's and supplier's perspectives, respectively. The research results are expected to support technology development and business planning in the field by enhancing understanding of 6G service scenarios. • We analyzed public data for investigating 6G service scenarios. • Research papers, corporate reports, and news articles were collected for this purpose. • Topic modeling was performed to derive four major domains and 16 application areas. • In-depth analysis was conducted using future-context canvas and business model canvas. • The service's value was evaluated both from the user's and supplier's perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, resting pressure-derived indexes such as resting full-cycle ratio (RFR) and diastolic pressure ratio (dPR) have been introduced to assess the functional significance of epicardial coronary stenosis. The present study sought to investigate the agreement of RFR or dPR with other pressure-derived indexes (instantaneous wave-free ratio [iFR] or fractional flow reserve), the sensitivity of RFR or dPR for anatomic or hemodynamic stenosis severity, and the prognostic implications of RFR or dPR compared with iFR Methods: RFR and dPR were calculated from resting pressure tracings by an independent core laboratory in 1024 vessels (435 patients). The changes in resting physiological indexes according to diameter stenosis were compared among iFR, RFR, and dPR. Among 115 patients who underwent 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography, the changes in those indexes according to basal and hyperemic stenosis resistance and absolute hyperemic myocardial blood flow were compared. The association between resting physiological indexes and the risk of 2-year vessel-oriented composite outcomes (a composite of cardiac death, vessel-related myocardial infarction, and vessel-related ischemia-driven revascularization) was analyzed among 864 deferred vessels.Results: Both RFR and dPR showed a significant correlation with iFR ( R=0.979, P<0.001 for RFR; and R=0.985, P<0.001 for dPR), which was higher than that with fractional flow reserve ( R=0.822, P<0.001; and R=0.819, P<0.001, respectively). RFR and dPR showed a very high agreement with iFR (C index, 0.987 and 0.993). Percent difference of iFR, RFR, and dPR according to the increase in anatomic and hemodynamic severity was almost identical. The diagnostic performance of iFR, RFR, and dPR was not different in the prediction of myocardial ischemia defined by both low hyperemic myocardial blood flow and low coronary flow reserve by 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography. All resting physiological indexes showed significant association with the risk of 2-year vessel-oriented composite outcomes (iFR per 0.1 increase: hazard ratio, 0.514 [95% CI, 0.370-0.715], P<0.001; RFR per 0.1 increase: hazard ratio, 0.524 [95% CI, 0.378-0.725], P<0.001; dPR per 0.1 increase: hazard ratio, 0.587 [95% CI, 0.436-0.791], P<0.001) in deferred vessels.Conclusions: All resting pressure-derived physiological indexes (iFR, RFR, and dPR) can be used as invasive tools to guide treatment strategy in patients with coronary artery disease.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01621438. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-throughput three-dimensional metrology techniques for monitoring in-wafer uniformity (IWU) and in-cell uniformity (ICU) are critical for enhancing the yield of modern semiconductor manufacturing processes. However, owing to physical limitations, current metrology methods are not capable of enabling such measurements. For example, the optical critical dimension technique is not suitable for ICU measurement, because of its large spot size. In addition, it is excessively slow for IWU measurement. Aim: To overcome the aforementioned limitation, we demonstrate a line-scan hyperspectral imaging (LHSI) system, which combines spectroscopy and imaging techniques to provide sufficient information for spectral and spatial resolution, as well as high throughput. Approach: The proposed LHSI system has a 5-μm spatial resolution together with 0.25-nm spectral resolution in the broad-wavelength region covering 350 to 1100 nm. Results: The system enables the simultaneous collection of massive amounts of spectral and spatial information with an extremely large field of view of 13 × 0.6 mm2. Additionally, throughput improvement by a factor of 103 to 104 can be achieved when compared with standard ellipsometry and reflectometry tools. Conclusions: Owing to its high throughput and high spatial and spectral resolutions, the proposed LHSI system has considerable potential to be adopted for high-throughput ICU and IWU measurements of various semiconductor devices used in high-volume manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have reported conflicting results on the association between the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors and cancer development. We compared the incidence of cancer between patients using RAAS inhibitors and other antihypertensive drugs. This retrospective observational cohort study used data from seven hospitals in Korea that were converted for use in the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model. A total of 166,071 patients on antihypertensive therapy across the databases of the seven hospitals were divided into two groups according to the use of RAAS inhibitors. The primary outcome was the occurrence of cancer. A total of 166,071 patients across the databases of the seven hospitals was included in the final analysis; 26,650 (16%) were in the RAAS inhibitors group and 139,421 (84%) in the other antihypertensive drugs group. The meta-analysis of the whole cohort showed a lower incidence of cancer occurrence in the RAAS inhibitor group (9.90 vs. 13.28 per 1000 person years; HR, 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75–0.88). After propensity-score matching, the RAAS inhibitor group consistently showed a lower incidence of cancer (9.90 vs. 13.28 per 1000 person years; HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81–0.91). The patients using RAAS inhibitors showed a lower incidence of cancer compared with those using other antihypertensive drugs. These findings support the association between the use of RAAS inhibitors and cancer occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]