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Purpose Literature is scarce regarding cancer care utilization during the massive outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Republic of Korea. We investigated functional impairments in mental health and their relationships with depression, anxiety regarding the viral epidemic, and disruptions in healthcare service utilization among cancer patients in the COVID-19 pandemic era.Materials and Methods We used an online survey with questions related to the disturbances faced by patients with cancer in utilizing healthcare services in the pandemic era. Current mental health status was assessed using the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 (SAVE-6) scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Cancer-Related Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep Scale (C-DBS), and Fear of COVID-19 over Cancer (FCC).Results Among the 221 responders, 95 (43.0%) reported disruptions in healthcare service utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression analysis revealed that functional impairment in the mental health of these patients was expected due to disruptions in healthcare service utilization, high levels of depression, anxiety regarding the viral epidemic, fear of COVID over cancer, and low resilience. Mediation analysis showed that patient resilience and cancer-related dysfunctional beliefs about sleep partially mediated the effects of viral anxiety on functional impairment.Conclusion In this pandemic era, patients with cancer experience depression, anxiety regarding the viral epidemic, and disruptions in healthcare service utilization, which may influence their functional impairments in mental health.

The relationship between fasting blood glucose (FBG) variability and colorectal cancer (CRC) remains ill-defined. This study aimed to evaluate the association of FBG variability with CRC risk in the healthy population without overt diabetes.In the data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort, we included individuals examined by FBG testing at least 3 times between 2002 and 2007. FBG variability was calculated using standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV).Regarding FBG variability, an increase in the quintile of SD or CV was independently associated with CRC risk (all p for trend0.01). When the change in FBG was classified into six trajectory patterns, unfavorable trajectory patterns (high stable and upward) were significantly associated with increased CRC risk (hazard ratio [HR] 2.30, p=0.003; HR 1.19, p=0.007, respectively). In subgroup analyses according to the sex, a significant association between FBG variability (SD or CV) and CRC risk was observed in men but not in women. The high stable and upward pattern were also associated with CRC risk in men (HR 2.47, p=0.002; HR 1.21, p=0.012) but not in women.This study identified that FBG variability and unfavorable trajectory patterns were significantly associated with increased CRC risk in the healthy population without overt diabetes. Our findings suggest that FBG variability as well as FBG itself may be a predictive factor for the development of CRC.

Purpose In hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative metastatic breast cancer (HR+ HER2–MBC), the mainstay treatment options include cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) and everolimus (EVE) in combination with endocrine treatment. This study aims to compare the outcomes of the following treatment sequences: CDK4/6i followed by EVE and EVE followed by CDK4/6i.Materials and Methods Data from HR+ HER2– MBC patients treated between January 2014 and November 2020 with both CDK4/6i and EVE were retrospectively analyzed.Results Among the 88 patients included in the study, 51 received CDK4/6i before EVE (C→E group), and 37 received EVE before CDK4/6i (E→C group) with endocrine treatment. More patients in the E→C group had endocrine resistance (13.7% vs. 40.5%), experienced palliative chemotherapy (7.8% vs. 40.5%), and were heavily treated (treated as ≥ 3rd line, 5.9% vs. 40.5%). Median overall survival was 46.8 months in the C→E group and 38.9 months in the E→C group (p=0.151). Median composite progression-free survival (PFS), defined as the time from the start of the preceding regimen to disease progression on the following regimen or death, was 24.8 months in the C→E group vs. 21.8 months in the E→C group (p=0.681). Median PFS2/PFS1 ratio did not differ significantly between groups (0.5 in the C→E group, 0.6 in the E→C group; p=0.775). Ten patients (11.4%) discontinued EVE, and two patients (2.3%) discontinued CDK4/6i during treatment.Conclusion Although the CDK4/6i-based regimen should be considered as an earlier line of treatment, CDK4/6i- and EVE-based treatments can be valid options in circumstances where the other treatment had been already given.

Purpose: Local corticosteroid injections are routinely used as first-line treatment for trigger finger. However, accurate delivery of steroids into the tendon sheath is important for the effectiveness of the treatment and the prevention of complications. This study aimed to introduce our steroid injection technique for trigger finger, which uses tendon excursion of the flexor tendon, and evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients who were treated with this technique.Methods: A total of 171 patients with trigger finger who were treated with steroid injections were retrospectively reviewed. The efficacy of injection and complications were investigated. The evaluation of the efficacy was classified into “good,” “fair,” and “poor.” The results were analyzed according to the type of finger and the Quinnell grading system.Results: The total efficacy was 83.6% (good/fair, 143 digits; poor, 28 digits). The treatment success rate for Quinnell grade IV was 43.8% (7 of 16), which was significantly lower than those of Quinnell grades II and III, which were 88.9% (88 of 99) and 87.5% (49 of 56), respectively (II vs. IV, p=0.004; III vs. IV, p=0.010). In four fingers (excluding the thumb), the success rate was significantly higher than that of the thumb (88.2% vs. 75.4%, p=0.048).Conclusion: The steroid injection technique using tendon excursion showed excellent results and low complication rates. In particular, the second to fourth fingers and low-grade fingers showed more effective results.

Objectives The objective of this study was to demonstrate the clinical, radiologic, and histologic features of orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC); determine the characteristics of multiple OOCs; and present rare but significant manifestations of OOC. Study Design A clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic study of 65 primary and 2 recurrent OOC cases was performed retrospectively along with a comprehensive literature review. Results OOCs shared similar radiologic findings with odontogenic keratocyst, yet some showed features that have not been previously described: root resorption and radiopaque foci. Histologic review revealed a unique histiocytic lining and some findings suggestive of the multipotentiality of the odontogenic epithelium. The analysis of patients with multiple OOCs demonstrated that multiple OOCs occurred synchronously with a marked predilection for young male adults. Two unusual cases were also identified: an OOC combined with a BRAFV600E ameloblastoma and a recurrent OOC with malignant transformation. Conclusions This largest series presents previously unreported radiographic and histopathologic features that can be seen in OOC. Multiple OOCs have clinical characteristics distinct from those of solitary cases. The first reported OOC associated with ameloblastoma suggests the involvement of oncogenic mutations in odontogenic tumorigenesis. Although OOC shows a low recurrence rate, the possibility of malignant transformation of recurrent OOCs should be emphasized.

Purpose Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection is an important issue after lung transplantation. However, a large-scale epidemiological study on this issue in Korea is lacking. We aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of NTM infection after lung transplant surgery in Korea. Methods Between October 2012 and December 2018, we retrospectively evaluated lung transplant recipients in a referral hospital in South Korea. A total of 215 recipients were enrolled. The median age at transplantation was 56 years (range, 17–75), and 62% were men. Bronchoscopy was performed according to the surveillance protocol and clinical indications. A diagnosis of NTM infection was defined as a positive NTM culture from a bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage sample, or two separate sputum samples. We determined NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) according to the American Thoracic Society/Infectious Disease Society of America 2007 guidelines. The Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were used for conditional survival analysis in patients with follow-up of ≥12 months. Results Fourteen patients (6.5%) were diagnosed with NTM infection at a median of 11.8 months (range, 0.3–51.4) after transplantation. Nine patients (4.2%) were diagnosed with NTM-PD, and the incidence rate was 1980/100,000 person-years. Mycobacterium abscessus was the most common species causing NTM-PD (66%), followed by M. avium complex (33%). The presence of NTM infection did not influence all-cause mortality among those who underwent follow-up for ≥12 months (N = 133, log-rank P = 0.816). Conclusion The incidence of NTM-PD was considerably high among lung-transplant recipients. M. abscessus was the most common causative species of NTM-PD after lung transplantation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the different region-of-interest (ROI) methods of 2-D shear wave elastography (2-D SWE) on hepatic fibrosis diagnosis. In this retrospective study, 83 patients who underwent 2-D SWE with three ROI methods (a circle ROI, a box ROI and multiple ROIs in an elastogram) and transient elastography (TE) were included. Liver stiffness (LS) was measured five times with each ROI method. These LS values were compared, and their correlation with those obtained from TE was evaluated. The LS values obtained using the three different ROI methods differed statistically (p0.001). However, the LS values obtained using each ROI method of 2-D SWE were highly correlated with those obtained using TE (r0.7, p0.001). All three ROI methods of 2-D SWE had high areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve in diagnosing significant fibrosis and cirrhosis (0.841, 0.820 and 0.840, respectively; 0.962, 0.946 and 0.945, respectively). There were no significant differences in area under the receiver operating characteristic curve among the ROI methods of 2-D SWE. Regardless of the ROI method, 2-D SWE had high performance in diagnosing hepatic fibrosis.

To investigate the diagnostic performance of multicolor imaging for detection of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects in myopic eyes with glaucoma.Comparative diagnostic analysis.A total of 150 myopic eyes of 138 patients (-1.00 diopter or axial length24 mm) underwent multicolor imaging by Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering GmbH) optical coherence tomography (OCT). Two independent observers graded the RNFL visibility score and determined the location of the RNFL defect on each image. Readings were taken from the superior and inferior areas. The diagnostic performances of multicolor, green-reflectance, and blue-reflectance images for detection of the RNFL defect were compared with those of conventional fundus and red-free RNFL photographs.The interobserver agreement on the RNFL visibility score was substantial for fundus and RNFL photographs and multicolor and green-reflectance images and was perfect for blue-reflectance images. The interobserver agreement on the location of the RNFL defect was better when using multicolor imaging than when using conventional photography. The green-reflectance image (2.89 ± 0.31) showed the highest RNFL visibility score, followed by blue-reflectance (2.88 ± 0.32) and multicolor (2.57 ± 0.63) images. The sensitivity of multicolor imaging (94.9%, 93.2%, and 91.5% for green-reflectance, blue-reflectance, and multicolor images, respectively) was significantly higher than that of fundus photography (83.1%) for detection of superotemporal RNFL defects (all P.05). It was significantly higher for inferotemporal defects than those of fundus and RNFL photographs (all P.05).Multicolor imaging can visualize the glaucomatous RNFL defects in myopic eyes that are indistinguishable on conventional photography.

Background/Aims The appropriate number of band ligations during the first endoscopic session for acute variceal bleeding is debatable. We aimed to compare the technical aspects of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in patients with variceal bleeding according to the number of bands placed per session. Methods We retrospectively reviewed multicenter data from patients who underwent EVL for acute variceal bleeding. Patients were classified into minimal EVL (targeting only the foci with active bleeding or stigmata of recent bleeding) and maximal EVL (targeting potential bleeding sources in addition to the aforementioned targets) groups. The primary endpoint was 5-day treatment failure. The secondary endpoints were 30-day rebleeding, 30-day mortality, and intraprocedural adverse events. Results Minimal EVL was associated with lower rates of hypoxia and shock during EVL than maximal EVL (hypoxia, 0.9% vs 2.9%; shock, 1.3% vs 3.4%). However, treatment failure was higher in the minimal EVL group than in the maximal EVL group (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 2.41). Age ≥60 years, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score ≥15, Child-Turcotte-Pugh classification C, presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, and systolic blood pressure

Background/purpose Nasal obstruction leads to oral breathing and consequently hypoxia. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of hypoxia on inflammatory response and the effect on alveolar bone development in a rat model in which mouth breathing was induced by nasal obstruction. Materials and methods Unilateral nasal obstruction was performed by injecting a Merocel sponge into the nasal cavity of 8-week-old Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. After 3 and 6 weeks of nasal obstruction, rats were sacrificed, the organs were weighed, and the changes in mandibular bone quality were examined by micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). The stereomicroscope was used for the morphological analysis of alveolar bone loss in response to nasal obstruction. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical staining were employed to examine inflammation and bone remodeling induced by hypoxia. Results Nasal obstruction led to a delay in overall growth and organ development. The bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) of the mandible were reduced due to nasal obstruction, and the loss of the alveolar bone was confirmed morphologically. Our nasal obstruction method was observed to be successful in inducing hypoxia along with an increase in hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-α). Oral hypoxia induced by nasal obstruction increased inflammatory response, and increased expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) led to bone destruction. Conclusion This study demonstrated that nasal obstruction induced mouth breathing led to hypoxia in a rat model. Under hypoxic conditions, an increase in osteoclast differentiation induced by activation of the inflammatory pathway causes destructive changes in the alveolar bone.

Background Since 2017, automated assays have been used in most clinical laboratories for anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level measurement. We evaluated the analytical performance of the newly developed automated fluorescent immunoassay system (AFIAS) AMH assay (Boditech Med, Gangwon-do, Korea) in comparison with the Roche Elecsys and Beckman Coulter Access 2 AMH assays. Methods Analytical performance of the AFIAS AMH assay was assessed in terms of linearity, repeatability, and within-laboratory precision (CV%) using human recombinant AMH samples according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines EP05 and EP06. Using 293 serum samples collected from an infertility clinic, the AMH levels were compared across AFIAS, Elecsys, and Access 2 AMH assays according to the CLSI EP09 guidelines. Results The AFIAS AMH assay results were linear across the measurement range of 0.420-72.386 pmol/L AMH, with repeatability of 6.341%. CV% of the AFIAS AMH assay for three levels of control, 1.786, 7.143, and 56.857 pmol/L, were 5.801%, 5.714%, and 6.228%, respectively. The results of the three AMH assays showed strong correlation: AFIAS and Elecsys [slope, 1.055 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.022-1.088) and Spearman's rho, 0.978 (95% CI, 0.973-0.983)], Elecsys and Access 2 [slope, 0.813 (95% CI, 0.791-0.834) and Spearman's rho, 0.986 (95% CI, 0.983-0.989)], and AFIAS and Access 2 [slope, 0.836 (95% CI, 0.821-0.853) and Spearman's rho, 0.984 (95% CI, 0.980-0.988)]. Conclusions The AFIAS AMH assay may be an alternative to the Roche Elecsys and Beckman Coulter Access 2 AMH assays.

Human body communications (HBCs), employing the human body as a signal transmission medium, can provide efficient and intuitive methods to form a network in the body. This article presents a comprehensive study for a highly reliable HBC system, including body channel modeling, transceiver design, and performance evaluation through implementation, in consideration of practical sensor network environments for wearable and implantable devices applicable to healthcare and biosignal acquisition. Body channel characteristics based on capacitive couplings, such as root mean square delay spread and mean path gain (MPG), were explored by measuring the body impulse responses under 12 experimental conditions, determined by the variation in body postures and device locations between the wrist and positions assumed under the scalp through a customized experimental setup with micropig-derived biomembranes (MBMs) used for wrapping the devices to emulate an implantable environment. The proposed transceiver design for digital transmission, including a preamble structure and signal modulation method supporting a maximum data rate of 1 Mb/s, was verified through the performance evaluations conducted for examining the frame detection probability and bit error rate (BER) in the body channel model at multiple operating frequencies of 32, 42, and 64 MHz. The proposed system reliability was demonstrated by the achievement of a BER of below ${4.7\,\times \, }{10}^{-8}$ through battery-powered implemented devices with dimensions of ${30\times 30 }\,\,{\text {mm}}^{2}$ , comprising a digital signal processing module (DSPM) for signal generation and detection processes, and an analog front-end module (AFEM) for recovering the received signal from signal deterioration by severe path loss and time-dispersive effect in the body channel.

Objective: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating cerebrovascular event; patients are routinely admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for initial management. Because complications may be delayed, unplanned ICU readmissions can occur. Therefore, in this study we evaluate the rate of and factors associated with readmission after aSAH and identify if readmission is associated with poor clinical outcomes.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients receiving surgical or endovascular treatment for aSAH and admitted to the ICU between January 2008 and December 2019. We categorized patients by readmission and analyzed their clinical parameters.Results: Of the 345 patients who transferred to ward-level care after an initial ICU stay (Group 2), 27 (7.3%) were readmitted to the ICU (Group 1). History of hypertension (HTN), initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, modified Fisher grade, and vasospasm therapy during first ICU stay were significantly different between the groups. The most common reason for readmission was delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI; 70.3%; OR 5.545; 95% CI 1.25−24.52; p=0.024). Comorbid HTN (OR 5.311; 95% CI 1.75−16.12; p=0.03) and vasospasm therapy during first ICU stay (OR 7.234; 95% CI 2.41−21.7; p＜0.01) also were associated with readmission. Readmitted patients had longer hospital stay and lower GCS scores at discharge (p＜0.01).Conclusions: DCI was the most common cause of ICU readmission in patients with aSAH. Readmission may indicate clinical deterioration, and patients who are at a high risk for DCI should be monitored to prevent readmission.

Recent studies have reported dysbiosis of the microbiome in breast tissue collected from patients with breast cancer and the association between the microbiota and disease progression. However, the role of the microbiota in breast tissue remains unclear, possibly due to the complexity of breast cancer and various factors, including racial and geographical differences, influencing microbiota in breast tissue. Here, to determine the potential role of microbiota in breast tumor tissue, we analyzed 141 tissue samples based on three different tissue types (tumor, adjacent normal, and lymph node tissues) from the same patients with breast cancer in Korea. The microbiota was not simply distinguishable based on tissue types. However, the microbiota could be divided into two cluster types, even within the same tissue type, and the clinicopathologic factors were differently correlated in the two cluster types. Risk of regional recurrence was also significantly different between the microbiota cluster types (p = 0.014). In predicted function analysis, the pentose and glucuronate interconversions (PGI) were significantly different between the cluster types (q < 0.001), and Enterococcus was the main genus contributing to these differences (q < 0.01). Results showed that the microbiota of breast tissue could interact with the host and influence the risk of regional recurrence. Although further studies would be recommended to validate our results, this study could expand our understanding on the breast tissue microbiota, and the results might be applied to develop novel prediction methods and treatments for patients with breast cancer.

A microfluidic device based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for genetic diagnostics was designed and fabricated. The continuous-flow microfluidic PCR system was integrated with two heating blocks to increase the temperature in each zone (denaturation, annealing, and extension). To maintain a constant temperature, heat transfer was controlled by a temperature controller system while receiving real-time feedback of a thermocouple attached to the microchannel. The DNA amplification was evaluated by fluorescence imaging through agarose gel electrophoresis. The developed continuous-flow microfluidic PCR chip provides reliable amplification of the target DNA with a real-time system controller while maintaining the temperature.

BACKGROUND: In breast cancer surgery, electrocautery (EC) is commonly used with the basic method of knot tying, and there are few reports of using other devices such as ultrasonic dissection device (UDD). This study was designed to compare the case of using EC with the basic method of knot tying and the case of using UDD in breast cancer surgery. METHODS: From April 2019 to March 2020, 376 patients who underwent breast cancer surgery at Pusan National University Hospital were enrolled. We compared operation time, complications, and blood loss volume between surgery with and without UDD. RESULTS: We included 306 patients for the final analysis, 142 in the control group and 164 in the trial group. The operation time [minutes (min)] was significantly reduced in the trial group compared to the control group (111.2 vs. 95.5 min, P

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) has been predictive of chronic hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Its role in the risk of HCC in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with nucleotide/nucleoside analogues (NAs) is elusive.A total of 2172 CHB patients from East Asia were randomized into development and validation groups in a 1:2 ratio. Serum GGT levels before and 6 months (M6) after initiating NAs and the potential risk factors were measured. The primary endpoint was HCC development 12 months after NA initiation.The annual incidence of HCC was 1.4/100 person-years in a follow-up period of 11 370.7 person-years. The strongest factor associated with HCC development was high M6-GGT levels (25 U/L; hazard ratio [HR]/95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.31/2.02-5.42, P .001), followed by cirrhosis (HR/CI: 2.06/1.39-3.06, P .001), male sex (HR/CI: 2.01/1.29-3.13, P = .002) and age (HR/CI: 1.05/1.03-1.17, P .001). Among cirrhotic patients, the incidence of HCC did not differ between those with high or low M6-GGT levels (P = .09). In contrast, among non-cirrhotic patients, the incidence of HCC was significantly higher for those with M6-GGT level25 U/L than for their counterparts (P .001). Cox regression analysis revealed that the strongest factor associated with HCC development in non-cirrhotic patients was high M6-GGT levels (HR/CI: 5.05/2.52-10.16, P .001), followed by age (HR/CI: 1.07/1.04-1.09, P .001). Non-cirrhotic elderly patients with high M6-GGT levels had a similarly high HCC risk as cirrhotic patients did (P = .29).On-treatment serum GGT levels strongly predicted HCC development in CHB patients, particularly non-cirrhotic patients, treated with NAs.

We aimed to compare the longitudinal changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with entecavir (ETV) vs. tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). This is a retrospective study of 6189 adult treatment-naive CHB patients initiated therapy with TDF (n = 2482) or ETV (n = 3707) at 25 international centers using multivariable generalized linear modeling (GLM) to determine mean eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) and Kaplan–Meier method to estimate incidence of renal impairment (≥ 1 chronic kidney disease [CKD] stage worsening). We also examined above renal changes in matched ETV and TDF patients (via propensity score matching [PSM] on age, sex, diabetes mellitus [DM], hypertension [HTN], cirrhosis, baseline eGFR, and follow-up duration). In the overall cohort (mean age 49.7 years, 66.2% male), the baseline eGFR was higher for TDF vs. ETV group (75.9 vs. 74.0, p = 0.009). PSM yielded 1871 pairs of ETV or TDF patients with baseline eGFR ≥ 60 and 520 pairs for the eGFR

PURPOSE: Gastric cancers are classified as diffuse-type (DTGC) or intestinal-type (ITGC). DTGCs have distinct clinical and histopathologic features, and carry a worse overall prognosis compared to ITGCs. Atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) are known precursors to ITGC. It is unknown if AG and IM increase risk for DTGC. METHODS: We performed a systematic review to identify studies reporting on the association of AG/IM and DTGC. We extracted the odds ratio (OR) of the association from studies, and performed pool analysis. Subgroup analysis was performed on studies reporting histologic severity (using operative link systems) to assess if histologic severity of AG/IM was associated with higher risk. RESULTS: We identified six case-control and eight cohort studies for inclusion. Both AG (pooled OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.4, p

The rapid growth of the Chinese travel market has gained attention in the tourism industry. However, very few studies have been conducted to examine travel constraints that prevent Chinese outbound travelers from going somewhere quite accessible to their major destination from a multidestination perspective. Drawing upon the leisure constraint model (LCM), this study explored Chinese independent tourists' perceived travel constraints in selecting second-tier destinations in their destination choice and analyzed the market segments. A self-administered survey was collected from 393 Chinese travelers who did not visit Gyeonggi Province close to Seoul during their travels in South Korea. Based on the findings, four distinct groups were formed. The findings provide important insights into destinations that desire to attract more Chinese independent travelers.

Background: There is a lack of evidence of the complicated pathways of underlying determinants in the phases of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate simultaneously a set of potential determinants on the initiation and maintenance phases of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). Methods: The longitudinal data of 54,359 Korean adults aged 40–69 years from the Health Examinees study were used. The median follow-up duration was 4.2 years. The self-reported durations per week of LTPA was repeatedly assessed. Based on previous longitudinal studies, the potential determinants were selected, and hypothetical models were constructed that consider the complex associations between the determinants. The standardized coefficients for direct and indirect effects were estimated using path analysis to differentiate contributions of mediation from the total effects. Results: In the total population, age, education, chronic diseases, smoking, depression symptoms, and self-rated health were significantly associated with both initiation and maintenance phases. Income (B = 0.025) and social supports (B = 0.019) were associated only with the initiation phase. Waist-to-hip ratio (B = −0.042) and stress (B = −0.035) were associated only with the maintenance phase. After stratifying by sex, the significant effects of education, chronic diseases, and smoking were found only in men. The initiation phase-specific effects of income and social supports and the maintenance phase-specific effects of stress were found only in women. It was estimated that indirect effects contributed approximately 15% of the total effect. Conclusion: The findings suggested that there were initiation- or maintenance-specific determinants of leisure-time physical activity according to sex.

Objective This study was designed to assess the demographic characteristics of patients with Crohn's perianal fistula (CPF) who were treated at a tertiary referral institution. Surgical outcomes were compared in groups of patients who underwent seton placement, fistulotomy, and stem cell therapy. Methods Patients who underwent surgery for CPF between 2015 and 2017 at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into groups who underwent seton placement, fistulotomy, and stem cell therapy. Their clinical variables and closure rates were compared. Results This study included 156 patients who underwent a total of 209 operations. More than half of the operations consisted of seton placement (67%), followed by stem cell therapy (18%) and fistulotomy (15%) patients. Of the 209 fistulas, 153 (73%) were complex, with an overall closure rate of 38% during a median follow-up of 29 months. Closure rates following fistulotomy, stem cell therapy, and seton placement were 90%, 70%, and 18%. Seton placement was more significantly frequently used than the other procedures in patients with complex fistula and those with abscesses. Of the 79 fistulas that achieved complete closure, 11 (14%) recurred. The recurrence rates did not differ among the various techniques. Conclusion Surgical treatment of CPF is dependent on lesion type. Seton placement was the primary draining procedure for complex fistulas and abscesses, resulting in low closure rates. Fistulotomy was the definite procedure for low type and simple fistula. Stem cell therapy showed high closure rates as definitive treatment, even for complex fistulas.

Background and aims Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. We aimed to explore the association between statin initiation after starting dialysis and all-cause mortality in statin-naive ESKD patients. Methods We analyzed nationwide claims data of incident dialysis patients from 2010 to 2017 in South Korea. Patients who had previous cardiovascular events or were administered statins before dialysis were excluded. The study group included dialysis patients receiving statins within 1 year after dialysis initiation. The control group was organized after propensity-score matching with age, sex, time of dialysis initiation, and underlying diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The main outcomes were all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events. Results We included 1596 patients who started statin treatment and 1:1 matched statin-nonusers. During the 9438 person-year follow-up, 468 deaths and 264 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) occurred. Statin initiation was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60-0.87, p = 0.001), but not with MACE incidence (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 0.83-1.36, p = 0.62). In particular, patients prescribed the recommended dosage of statins according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines showed the lowest mortality risk (aHR 0.55, 95% CI 0.40-0.75, p Conclusions Statin initiation was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality in statin-naive ESKD patients. As indication bias may be present in observational study setting, further prospective studies are warranted to validate the association of statin initiation with mortality in incident dialysis cases.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease compromising progressive motor and non-motor features for a long disease course. Although many drugs controlling parkinsonian symptoms were discovered, treatment with disease-modifying or halting effect was not developed to date. The exploration of reliable biomarkers would be helpful for better predicting disease progression and thereby successful development of disease-modifying therapy. In this review, we will review the clinical biomarkers in the prodromal stage and biomarkers using biological tissue in Parkinson’s disease.

Hyehyun Jeong,1,&ast; Hyeon-Su Im,1,2,&ast; Wanlim Kim,3 Jong-Seok Lee,3 Si Yeol Song,4 Joon Seon Song,5 Kyung-Ja Cho,5 Hye Won Chung,6 Min Hee Lee,6 Jeong Eun Kim,1,&ast; Jin-Hee Ahn1,&ast; 1Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 2Division of Hematology and Oncology, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Republic of Korea; 3Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 4Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 5Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 6Department of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jeong Eun Kim; Jin-Hee AhnDepartment of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Republic of KoreaTel +82-2-3010-3945; +82-2-3010-3222Fax +82-2-3010-6961Email jeongeunkim@amc.seoul.kr; drjiny@amc.seoul.krPurpose: Because of the heterogeneity of sarcomas, establishing a well-collected, sarcoma-specific database is important for sarcoma research. We analyzed the first histology-based, sarcoma-specific institutional registry in Korea, which collected 28 years of patient data according to a predefined data format.Patients and Methods: Adult bone and soft tissue sarcoma patients who were treated from June 1989 to January 2017 were identified and analyzed, based on the ICD-O-3 codes.Results: Among the 3420 patients included, soft tissue and bone sarcomas comprised 77.8% (n = 2661) and 22.2% (n = 759), respectively. Median age at diagnosis was 50 (range, 16– 98) in soft tissue sarcomas and 37 (range, 16– 85) in bone sarcomas. Males and females comprised 45.5% and 54.5% of soft tissue sarcomas and 52.7% and 47.3% of bone sarcomas, respectively. Among the 3407 patients with treatment data available, 90.5% of the patients with soft tissue sarcomas and 80.8% of the patients with bone sarcomas received surgery first, of which 57.8% and 71.7% did not receive any subsequent treatment, respectively. Overall, the proportion of patients who received surgery alone decreased from 85.7% to 60.5% from the pre-2000 period to the 2010– 2017 period. However, the use of adjuvant chemotherapy increased in patients with soft tissue sarcomas (from 8.0% to 17.2% in the same period), and the use of perioperative radiotherapy also increased in both groups (from 1.4% to 22.7% in soft tissue sarcomas, and 0% to 14.5% in bone sarcomas in the same period). In both soft tissue and bone sarcomas, old age (≥ 65 years) and diagnosis in the early study period were associated with poorer survival.Conclusion: We presented a comprehensive summary of our sarcoma registry, including the demographics, changes in treatment patterns, and survival outcomes. This study will provide a framework for future studies.Keywords: bone sarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, sarcoma-specific registry, real-world evidence

Background In 2015, the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) working group published consensus guidelines for treating atopic dermatitis (AD). Objective We aimed to provide updated consensus recommendations for systemic treatment of AD in South Korea based on recent evidence and experience. Methods We compiled a database of references from relevant systematic reviews and guidelines on the systemic management of AD. Evidence for each statement was graded and classified based on thestrength of the recommendation. Forty-two council members from the KADA participated in three rounds of voting to establish a consensus on expert recommendations. Results We do not recommend long-term treatment with systemic steroids forpatients with moderate-to-severe AD due to the risk of adverse effects. We recommend treatment with cyclosporine or dupilumab and selective treatment with methotrexate or azathioprine for patients with moderate-to-severe AD. We suggest treatment with antihistamines as an option for alleviating clinical symptoms of AD. We recommend selective treatment with narrowband ultraviolet B for patients with chronic moderate-to-severe AD. We do not recommend treatment with oral antibiotics for patients with moderate-to-severe AD but who have no signs of infection. We did not reach a consensus on recommendations for treatment with allergen-specific immunotherapy, probiotics, evening primrose oil, orvitamin D for patients with moderate-to-severe AD. We also recommend educational interventions and counselling for patients with AD and caregivers to improve the treatment success rate. Conclusion We look forward to implementing a new and updated consensus of systemic therapy in controlling patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

Rheumatoid nodules are the most common extra-articular presentations of rheumatoid arthritis. Although rheumatoid nodules can develop anywhere in the body, they develop most commonly in the subcutaneous region, where they are easily exposed to repetitive trauma or pressure. However, an infrascapular presentation has not yet been reported. We report a case of giant bilateral rheumatoid nodules that developed in the infrascapular area, complicating its distinction from elastofibroma dorsi on radiological examination.

Background Kissing aneurysms are situated on the same artery but have separate points of origin. Open surgical strategies for access from opposing directions may be technically problematic. Recent advances in protective devices and coiling techniques have compelled the present study, aimed at technical aspects and procedural outcomes of coil embolization in this setting. Methods Data prospectively accruing between May 2001 and May 2020 were systematically reviewed, assessing clinical and morphologic outcomes of coil embolization in 36 patients with 72 kissing aneurysms. Results Lesions most often involved paraclinoid internal carotid artery (n = 22), followed by anterior communicating artery (n = 7). Single-stage coil embolization of both aneurysms took place in nearly all patients (n = 35). Microcatheter tips for selecting paired aneurysms were usually directed opposite to one another (32 of 36, 88.9%), applying protective devices (i.e., balloons or stents) to 1 or both aneurysms in 21 patients (58.3%). Balloons were placed in 9 patients, often when treating first aneurysms and largely for second aneurysms as well (7 of 9, 77.8%). Stents deployed in 14 patients involved first and second aneurysms equally. Two patients required balloon of stent combinations. No procedure-related morbidity or mortality resulted. In follow-up of 68 aneurysms (mean: 40.2 ± 28.1 months) after coiling, 86.8% (59 of 68) showed sustained complete saccular occlusion. Conclusions Strategies for endovascular treatment of kissing aneurysms rely heavily on characteristics that the paired aneurysms display. Properly conducted single-stage coil embolization is a safe and effective method of treating such lesions.

Background The benefits of mediastinal lymph node dissection (MLND) in colorectal cancer‐related pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) have been poorly reported. This study aimed to determine whether MLND affects survival in patients undergoing PM and to identify the prognostic factors for survival. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 275 patients who had undergone colorectal cancer‐related PM from January 2010 to December 2016. MLND was defined as the resection of at least six mediastinal lymph node stations according to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer criteria (N1, ≥3 stations; N2, ≥3 stations). The propensity score matching method was used to reduce bias. Results Thirty‐three (12%) patients underwent MLND, and 13 (4.7%) patients had mediastinal lymph node involvement. This study showed no difference in 5‐year overall survival (no MLND, 52.7% vs. MLND, 53.5%; p = 0.81). On multivariable analysis, negative prognostic factors for overall survival were preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (p

Background/aims Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem in the elderly. Because of the limitations of life style modifications and the comorbidity, laxative use is also very common. Therefore, this study reviews the latest literature on the effect and safety of laxative in the elderly. Methods A systematic review of randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness and safety of laxatives for constipation in elderly patients over 65 years old were performed using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Results Twenty-three randomized controlled trials were included in this review. Among the selected studies, 9 studies compared laxative with placebo and 5 studies compared laxatives of the same type. Four studies compared different types of laxatives or compared combination agents. Five studies compared novel medications such as prucalopride, lubiprostone, and elobixibat with placebo. Psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, lactulose syrup, lactitol, polyethylene glycol, magnesium hydroxide, stimulant laxative with or without fiber, and other medications were more effective than placebo in elderly constipation patients in short-term. Generally, the frequency and severity of adverse effects of laxative were similar between the arms of studies. Conclusions Bulk laxative, osmotic laxative, stimulant laxative with or without fiber, and other medications can be used in elderly patients in short-term within 3 months with reasonable safety. However, the quality of included studies was not high and most of studies was conducted in a small number of patients. Among these laxatives, polyethylene glycol seems to be safe and effective in long-term use of about 6 months in elderly patients.

Purpose: We report the clinical outcomes of Korean patients who were diagnosed with orbital malignancies and underwent orbital exenteration.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the tumor origins, histopathological diagnoses, local/regional recurrences, distant metastases, surgical margin clearances, overall and event-free survivals, and adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy statuses of 14 patients who underwent orbital exenteration in our center from February 2009 to March 2020.Results: We enrolled seven men and seven women of mean age at the time of exenteration of 68 years (range, 37 to 80 years). The mean follow-up period was 44.6 months (range, 10 to 133 months). Most tumors had arisen in the eyelid (seven cases, 50.0%). The most common pathological diagnosis was malignant melanoma (five cases, 35.7%). We observed no local or regional recurrence after exenteration, but distant metastases developed in seven cases, of which four were malignant melanomas (80% of all melanomas). Positive surgical margins were observed in six cases (42.9%). The distant metastasis rate was 42.9%; the overall survival rate was 60%. The 1-year overall survival rate was 100%, the 2-year survival rate was 81.8%, and the 5-year survival rate was 56.1%. The 1-year event-free survival (EFS) rate was 100%, the 2-year EFS rate was 72.7%, and the 5-year EFS rate was 49.9%. Nine patients received adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy and six patients received combined chemoradiation.Conclusions: Patients underwent orbital exenteration to treat orbital malignancies and received postoperative chemotherapy and/or radiation exhibited differences in clinical outcomes and survival rates depending on the tumor type.

Purpose: To compare the surgical outcomes of adjunctive mitomycin-C (MMC) Ahmed valve implantation with and without collagen matrix insertion.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 108 eyes of 108 patients who underwent Ahmed valve implant surgery with adjunctive MMC. Collagen matrix insertion/Ahmed valve implant surgery (CM-AGV) was performed on 55 eyes, while conventional Ahmed valve implant surgery (AGV) was performed on 53 eyes. We defined surgical failure as an intraocular pressure (IOP) > 18 mmHg or

BACKGROUND In order to successfully treat scabies and to prevent its spread, it is important to identify the factors that can influence the outcome of scabies treatment. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to evaluate the risk factors associated with treatment resistance scabies during use of an effective topical medication. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients with scabies infestations confirmed by potassium hydroxide (KOH) examinations. Patient characteristics, clinical features and treatment history were collected. The treatment resistance group included patients with persistent scabies infestations for more than 28 days after initiation of antiscabies treatment with 5% permethrin cream. RESULTS In total, 138 patients with scabies infestations treated between January 2017 and December 2020 were included in this study. Of these, 100 (72.5%) patients were treated successfully, while 38 (27.5%) patients experienced treatment resistance. In the univariable analysis, risk factors for treatment resistance scabies included impaired cognitive function (OR = 2.66, 95% CI, 1.15-6.14), limited mobility (OR = 2.97, 95% CI, 1.30-6.83), inpatient status (vs. outpatient, OR = 3.3, 95% CI, 1.28-8.54), topical steroid use before diagnosis (OR = 3.52, 95% CI, 1.61-7.81), systemic steroid use before diagnosis (OR = 3.57, 95% CI, 1.26-10.34) and a positive KOH exam after the first treatment (OR = 7.25, 95% CI, 3.24-17.11). In the multivariable analysis, limited mobility (OR = 3.46, 95% CI, 1.02-12.11) and topical steroid use before diagnosis (OR = 3.65, 95% CI, 1.41-9.75) were significant predictive factors for treatment resistance scabies. CONCLUSIONS Scabies patients with limited mobility and topical steroid use before diagnosis are at high risk of treatment resistance. Dermatologists should take these findings into consideration when treating patients with scabies infestations.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based texture analysis (MRTA) is a novel image analysis tool that offers objective information about the spatial arrangement of MRI signal intensity. We aimed to investigate the value of MRTA in predicting the postoperative clinical outcome of patients with uterine cervical cancer. This retrospective study included 115 patients with surgically proven cervical cancer who underwent preoperative pelvic 3T-MRI, and MRTA was performed on T2-weighted images (T2), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (CE-T1). Filtration histogram-based texture analysis was used to generate six first-order statistical parameters [mean intensity, standard deviation (SD), mean of positive pixels (MPP), entropy, skewness, and kurtosis] at five spatial scaling factors (SSFs, 2–6 mm) as well as from unfiltered images. Cox proportional hazard models and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to evaluate the associations between parameters and recurrence-free survival (RFS). During a median follow-up of 36 months, tumor recurrence was found in 26 patients (22.6%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that CE-T1 MPP and T2 kurtosis at SSF3–5, CE-T1 MPP at SSF6, and CE-T1 SD at unfiltered images were independent predictors of RFS (p optimal cutoff values demonstrated significantly worse survival than those with ≤ optimal cutoff values (p

Background Cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) can rarely occur in conjunction with moyamoya disease (MMD). There is still no consensus on how to treat AVM when accompanied by MMD. In this study, we assessed the clinical features and suggested appropriate management when AVM was combined with MMD. Methods From August 1994 to December 2020, 7 out of 4004 patients with MMD were found to have AVM. The Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) was used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of AVM and MMD. KPS greater than 80 was classified as a good outcome. In addition, the radiologic outcomes of the patients were evaluated. Results The incidence of AVM with MMD was 1.7 per 1000 persons. Five patients underwent bypass surgery for MMD, and 5 patients underwent Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for concurrent AVM. Postoperative perfusion magnetic resonance imaging and brain single photon emission computerized tomography showed improved cerebral hemodynamics in 4 out of 7 territories. Postoperative cerebral angiography showed good revascularization in 4 out of 8 territories. After GKS, 4 patients showed complete obliteration, and 1 patient showed a significantly decreased AVM size. Six patients showed favorable clinical outcomes (KPS 80–100), and 1 patient with delayed GKS for AVM had a poor outcome (KPS 20) due to AVM rupture. Conclusions In this study, AVM tended to occur where the angiographic stage of MMD was higher. When AVM is combined with MMD, MMD bypass surgery is recommended based on symptoms and cerebral perfusion status. For AVM, less invasive but effective treatments, such as GKS, should be implemented as soon as possible.

Objective : Biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) with a highly biocompatible surface via tantalum (Ta) ion implantation can be an innovative solution for the problems associated with current biodegradable stents. The purpose of this study is to develop a Ta-implanted PLLA stent for clinical use and to investigate its biological performance capabilities.Methods : A series of in vitro and in vivo tests were used to assess the biological performance of bare and Ta-implanted PLLA stents. The re-endothelialization ability and thrombogenicity were examined through in vitro endothelial cell and platelet adhesion tests. An in vivo swine model was used to evaluate the effects of Ta ion implantation on subacute restenosis and thrombosis. Angiographic and histologic evaluations were conducted at one, two and three months post-treatment.Results : The Ta-implanted PLLA stent was successfully fabricated, exhibiting a smooth surface morphology and modified layer integration. After Ta ion implantation, the surface properties were more favorable for rapid endothelialization and for less platelet attachment compared to the bare PLLA stent. In an in vivo animal test, follow-up angiography showed no evidence of in-stent stenosis in either group. In a microscopic histologic examination, luminal thrombus formation was significantly suppressed in the Ta-implanted PLLA stent group according to the 2-month follow-up assessment (21.2% vs. 63.9%, p=0.005). Cells positive for CD 68, a marker for the monocyte lineage, were less frequently identified around the Ta-implanted PLLA stent in the 1-month follow-up assessments.Conclusion : The use of a Ta-implanted PLLA stent appears to promote re-endothelialization and anti-thrombogenicity.

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) of the renal artery is a non-atherosclerotic, non-inflammatory vascular disease that causes stenosis, aneurysm, dissection, and occlusion of the vessel. We report a rare case of a postpartum FMD patient who presented with spontaneous acute perirenal hematoma due to renal artery aneurysm rupture after cesarean section. The 40-year-old patient presented with sudden onset of abdominal pain 2 days after an elective cesarean section performed at full gestational term. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed perirenal hematomas with signs of FMD in both renal arteries. The bleeding was successfully controlled by transcatheter arterial embolization. Short-term continuous renal replacement therapy was performed until her renal function recovered. FMD of the renal artery is rare in pregnant patients. Additionally, aneurysm rupture can be life threatening and requires immediate medical attention and prompt management.

Background: The analgesic effect of perineural opioid in clinical practice are still controversial. This randomized controlled trial compared analgesic effect of ropivacaine with fentanyl or ropivacaine alone for continuous femoral nerve block following unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Methods: Fourty patients of ASA PS Ⅰ or Ⅱ receiving total knee arthroplasty with spinal anesthesia were enlisted and randomly allocated into two groups. Group R; bolus injection of 0.375% ropivacaine, 30 ml and an infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 8 ml/h (n = 20). Group RF; 0.375% ropivacaine, 29 ml added with 50 μg of fentanyl as a bolus and an infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine mixed with 1 μg/ml of fentanyl at 8 ml/h (n = 20). Local anesthetic infusion via a femoral nerve catheter was started at the end of operation and continued for 48 h. Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with hydromorphone (0.15 mg/ml, 0-1-10) were used for adjuvant analgesics. Position of catheter tip and contrast distribution, visual analog scale of pain, hydromorphone consumption, side effects were recorded for 48 h after operation. Patient satisfaction for the pain control received were noted. Results: The pain visual analogue scale, incidences of side effects and satisfaction were not different between the two groups (P > 0.05), but the hydromorphone usage at 48 h after operation were lower in the Group RF than in the Group R (P = 0.047). Conclusions: The analgesic effect of ropivacaine with fentanyl for continuous femoral nerve block after knee replacement arthroplasty was not superior to that of the ropivacaine alone.

We analyzed the histopathological findings of the clots obtained from patients with acute ischemic stroke by mechanical thrombectomy. We then developed a clinical scoring system for predicting pathogenic causes in patients with undetermined ischemic stroke using these histopathological and the angiographic findings during endovascular treatment. Only cases with the occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery or the proximal part of the middle cerebral artery were included in this study. Histopathologic findings of clots were compared and analyzed using the Trial of Org 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST; large artery atherosclerosis, cardioembolic, and undetermined groups) and angiographic occlusion type (AOT; branching-site occlusion and truncal-type occlusion groups) classification systems. Fifty-two patients had enough clots extracted by mechanical thrombectomy for full histopathologic examination. There was no significant within-group difference in the fraction of components in the thrombi for either the TOAST or AOT system; however, the platelet distribution patterns were different. The large artery atherosclerotic group and truncal-type occlusion group had mostly peripheral patterns, whereas the cardioembolic group, undetermined group and branching-site occlusion group had mostly clustering patterns (p = 0.02 in TOAST classification; p = 0.007 in AOT classification). Patients with scores of 3 or 4 on our new scale had a sensitivity of 93.5% and a specificity of 100% for cardioembolic stroke. The BOCS2 scale, developed using a combination of the TOAST and AOT classification systems, may be helpful as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for identifying cases caused by cardiogenic embolism in patients with undetermined ischemic stroke.

Introduction: Seizures as acute stroke mimics are a diagnostic challenge. Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize the perfusion patterns on perfusion computed tomography (PCT) in patients with seizures masquerading as acute stroke. Methods: We conducted a study on patients with acute seizures as stroke mimics. The inclusion criteria for this study were patients (1) initially presenting with stroke-like symptoms but finally diagnosed to have seizures and (2) with PCT performed within 72 h of seizures. The PCT of seizure patients (n = 27) was compared with that of revascularized stroke patients (n = 20) as the control group. Results: Among the 27 patients with seizures as stroke mimics, 70.4% (n = 19) showed characteristic PCT findings compared with the revascularized stroke patients, which were as follows: (1) multi-territorial cortical hyperperfusion {(73.7% [14/19] vs. 0% [0/20], p = 0.002), sensitivity of 73.7%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 80%}, (2) involvement of the ipsilateral thalamus {(57.9% [11/19] vs. 0% [0/20], p = 0.007), sensitivity of 57.9%, NPV of 71.4%}, and (3) reduced perfusion time {(84.2% [16/19] vs. 0% [0/20], p = 0.001), sensitivity of 84.2%, NPV of 87%}. These 3 findings had 100% specificity and positive predictive value in predicting patients with acute seizures in comparison with reperfused stroke patients. Older age was strongly associated with abnormal perfusion changes (p = 0.038), with a mean age of 66.8 ± 14.5 years versus 49.2 ± 27.4 years (in seizure patients with normal perfusion scan). Conclusions: PCT is a reliable tool to differentiate acute seizures from acute stroke in the emergency setting.

Purpose: This study seeks to discover how customized smart beauty recognition can produce positive results, and to demonstrate that it affects brand attitudes and purchasing intentions of buyers. Pine & Gilmore's experience theory will be used as a basis for this study. This study focuses on customized cosmetics as a type of beauty product.Methods: Data were gathered from 255 women between the ages 20 and 40 from all over Korea. Different tools were used to analyze the data, including the SPSS WIN 21.0 program, Varimax for regression analysis, and Cronbach's α coefficient for reliability analysis. Differences in characteristics were conducted using a one-way-ANOVA, follow-up verification, and correlation analysis between variables and influence verification.Results: Customized cosmetics helped accurately diagnose and prescribe the consumer’s condition with measuring devices. The smart beauty service that the consumer’s experienced was face measurement and virtual makeup. In the future, the consumer ’s would like to experience the effect of skin care before and after skin condition measurement as a smart beauty service. Looking at the impact of Fine & Gilmore's theory of experience economy on brand attitude and purchase intention, the higher the educational experience (β=0.313), the more realistic the experience (β=0.195), the higher the aesthetic experience (β=.357) and the higher the brand attitude (β=0.667). The intention to purchase clearly increases with these positive experiences.Conclusion: This study concluded that although customized cosmetics are highly reliable but expensive, buyers still want to purchase them at a reasonable price. It was also discovered that smart beauty services want improvements in measurement errors, the reliability of the information provided, and the ability to perform additional comparative analysis. Moreover, like Pine & Gilmore's theory of experience economy, it was determined that the higher the satisfaction consumers have after their experience, the higher the brand image and the intention to purchase. We hope to use this theory as important information for continuing research in the beauty industry.