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Background/Aims@#Crohn’s disease (CD) with recurrent inflammation can cause intestinal fibrostenosis due to dysregulated deposition of extracellular matrix. However, little is known about the pathogenesis of fibrostenosis. Here, we performed a differential proteomic analysis between normal, inflamed, and fibrostenotic specimens of patients with CD and investigated the roles of the candidate proteins in myofibroblast activation and fibrosis. @*Methods@#We performed two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and identified candidate proteins using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and orbitrap liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We also verified the levels of candidate proteins in clinical specimens and examined their effects on 18Co myofibroblasts and Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells. @*Results@#We identified five of 30 proteins (HSP72, HSPA5, KRT8, PEPCK-M, and FABP6) differentially expressed in fibrostenotic CD. Among these proteins, the knockdown of heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) promoted the activation and wound healing of myofibroblasts. Moreover, knockdown of HSP72 induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of intestinal epithelial cells by reducing E-cadherin and inducing fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin, which contribute tofibrosis. @*Conclusions@#HSP72 is an important mediator that regulates myofibroblasts and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in fibrosis of CD, suggesting that HSP72 can serve as a target for antifibrotic therapy.
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Background@#Supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures in children have been traditionally categorized according to the Wilkins-modified Gartland classification scheme, which is solely based on the degree of displacement. As this classification does not consider fracture patterns in the coronal or sagittal plane, the relationship between the fracture pattern and prognosis in SCH fractures remains unclear.Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the fracture level and prognosis of pediatric SCH fractures. @*Methods@#Medical records and radiographs of 786 patients with SCH fractures who underwent surgical treatment between March 2004 and December 2017 were reviewed. A total of 192 patients were included in this study. Anteroposterior elbow radiographs taken at the time of injury were evaluated to obtain the level of fracture. Functional outcomes were evaluated based on modified Flynn grading at the last follow-up. @*Results@#Of 192 patients included in this study, 24 (12.1%), 148 (74.8%), and 20 (10.1%) had fractures in zone 1 (metaphyseal-diaphyseal area), zone 2 (between zones 1 and 3), and zone 3 (metaphyseal-epiphyseal area), respectively. There were significant differences in age at the time of injury (p = 0.011), direction of fracture displacement (p = 0.014), and loss of carrying angle (p < 0.001) between fractures in zone 3 and those in zone 1 or zone 2. Zone 3 fractures and classic zone 2 fractures also showed significant difference in outcomes, with zone 3 fractures having more unsatisfactory outcome than classic zone 2 fractures (p = 0.049). @*Conclusions@#For SCH fractures, varus deformity of the elbow was more common in zone 3 (metaphyseal-epiphyseal area) than in the other zones. Thus, pediatric orthopedic surgeons should be mindful of the possibility of cubitus varus deformity when treating SCH fractures in zone 3. A thorough postoperative follow-up is required.
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An intraosseous hemangioma of the frontal bone is typically removed via a coronal incision. This procedure, while effective, can be lengthy and may result in complications such as a prominent scar and hair loss. An alternative approach involves a direct incision in the forehead, which leaves a less noticeable scar and allows a quicker recovery. However, in this specific case, the patient declined both coronal surgery and surgery through a direct forehead incision due to cosmetic concerns. Therefore, we proposed an anterior hairline incision. A 35-year-old woman presented with a firm, non-mobile, palpable mass on her right forehead. Preoperative non-contrast computed tomography revealed a heterogeneous osteolytic lesion. We performed an excisional biopsy through the anterior hairline. Postoperative non-contrast computed tomography was conducted 2 and 6 months after surgery. The wound was clean and free of complications, and there was no local recurrence. Partial resection can reduce scarring for patients who are concerned about cosmetic outcomes. However, the potential for recurrence remains a significant concern. We present this case of an anterior hairline incision for a hemangioma located in the forehead, evaluated using serial computed tomography for both preoperative and postoperative imaging.
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Purpose@#An increasing number of patients with cancers are interested in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which lacks scientific evidence. This study aimed to determine how CAM was used and how media affected patients in online cancer support groups (OCSG). @*Materials and Methods@#Between August 18 and September 12, 2021, an online survey was conducted among the members of OCSG. The survey consisted of five parts: baseline characteristics, attitudes toward and experience with CAM, source of information and reliabilities, experience with anthelmintics, and online health information literacy and usage. @*Results@#Among the 644 responders, a total of 221 patients with cancer completed the survey, and 78.2% (173/221) used CAM. The users’ median age was 52 years; 46.8% were males, and 43.9% had metastatic disease. Fifty-three CAM users (30.6%) discussed their physicians about CAM. In addition, 16.2% (28/173) of CAM users had the experience of anthelmintics. The use of anthelmintics in patients with cancers was associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84 to 0.95), metastatic disease (OR, 10.88; 95% CI, 3.39 to 34.86), previous exposure to CAM information (OR, 5.57; 95% CI, 1.01 to 30.72), experience with more types of CAM (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.05), and side effects (OR, 5.10; 95% CI 1.46 to 17.75). @*Conclusion@#Use of anthelmintics, a CAM of which information is widespread online, is affected by several factors. This study will provide essential information for developing a CAM management strategy in this digital age.
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Purpose@#We aimed to investigate the feasibility of four criteria on oligometastasis (OM) concerning clear survival benefits of local therapy (LT) during tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). @*Materials and Methods@#This single-center, retrospective study included patients with advanced NSCLC who received LT because of OM during TKI treatment at Asan Medical Center from January 2011 to December 2020. At the application of LT OM was classified according to four criteria: TNM, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Lung Cancer Group (EORTC-LCG), National Comprehensive Network (NCCN), and ORGAN. We compared survival outcomes between patients with and without OM. @*Results@#The median overall survival of the 117 patients included in the analysis was 70.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.6 to 85.1). The patients with OM meeting all four criteria (hazard ratio [HR] with 95% CI of TNM criteria 0.24 with 0.10-0.57; p=0.001, EORTC-LCG criteria 0.34 with 0.17-0.67; p=0.002, NCCN criteria 0.41 with 0.20-0.86; p=0.018 and ORGAN criteria 0.33 with 0.18-0.60; p < 0.001) had significantly longer survival compared with patients who did not after adjusting for confounding factors. Furthermore, increasing the number of extra-thoracic metastatic organs to two or more were independent predictive factors for worse survival outcomes (2 organs: HR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.01 to 12.14; p=0.048; 3 organs: HR, 4.31; 95% CI, 0.94 to 19.73; p=0.060; 4 organs: HR, 24.47; 95% CI, 5.08 to 117.80; p < 0.001). @*Conclusion@#Patients with OM defined by all four criteria showed prognostic benefits from LT during TKI therapy.
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Purpose@#The incidence and prognostic implications of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are controversial, especially for Korean patients. Furthermore, the pattern of antithrombotic therapy for these patients is unknown. The present study sought to identify the impact of AF on Korean patients undergoing TAVI and demonstrate the status of antithrombotic therapy for these patients. @*Materials and Methods@#A total of 660 patients who underwent TAVI for severe AS were recruited from the nationwide K-TAVI registry in Korea. The enrolled patients were stratified into sinus rhythm (SR) and AF groups. The primary endpoint was all-cause death at 1-year. @*Results@#AF was recorded in 135 patients [pre-existing AF 108 (16.4%) and new-onset AF 27 (4.1%)]. The rate of all-cause death at 1 year was significantly higher in patients with AF than in those with SR [16.2% vs. 6.4%, adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 2.207, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.182–4.120, p=0.013], regardless of the onset timing of AF. The rate of new pacemaker insertion at 1 year was also significantly higher in patients with AF than in those with SR (14.0% vs. 5.5%, adjusted HR: 3.137, 95%CI: 1.621–6.071, p=0.001).Among AF patients, substantial number of patients received the combination of multiple antithrombotic agents (77.8%), and the most common combination was that of aspirin and clopidogrel (38.1%). @*Conclusion@#AF was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality and new pacemaker insertion in Korean patients undergoing TAVI.
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BACKGROUND@#Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an incurable disease that negatively influences the quality of life of patients. Current and emerging therapies target proinflammatory cytokines and/or receptors to downregulate proinflammatory responses, but insufficient remission requires other therapeutic agents. Herein, we report that the synthetic antiinflammatory peptide 15 (SAP15) is capable of cell penetration and anti-inflammatory activity in human macrophages. @*METHODS@#SAP15 was labeled with fluorescence and administered to human leukemia monocytic cells (THP-1) cells for cell penetration analysis. Using biolayer interferometry analysis, the binding affinity of SAP15 with histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) was measured. SAP15-treated THP-1 cells were analyzed by protein phosphorylation assay, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, in vivo analysis of the therapeutic effect on IBD was observed in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced model. Samples from SAP15-treated mice were analyzed at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels using ELISA, myeloperoxidase (MPO) assays, and histological evaluations. @*RESULTS@#SAP15 was internalized within the cytosol and nucleus of THP-1 cells and bound to the HDAC5 protein. SAP15-treated macrophages were assessed for protein phosphorylation and showed inhibited phosphorylation of HDAC5 and other immune-related proteins, which led to increased M2-like macrophage markers and decreased M1-like macrophage markers and tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6 cytokine levels. The SAP15 treatment on IBD model showed significant recovery of colon length. Further histological analysis of colon demonstrated the therapeutic effect of SAP15 on mucosal layer. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokine levels and MPO activity from the plasma show that SAP15 is effective in reduced proinflammatory responses. @*CONCLUSION@#These findings suggest that SAP15 is a novel peptide with a novel cell-penetrating peptide with antiinflammatory property that can be used as a therapeutic agent for IBD and other inflammatory diseases.
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Numerous studies have aimed to develop novel advanced vaccines, in part because traditional vaccines have been unsuccessful in preventing rapidly emerging and reemerging viral and bacterial infections. There is a need for an advanced vaccine delivery system to ensure the successful induction of humoral and cellular immune responses. In particular, the ability of nanovaccines to modulate intracellular antigen delivery by inducing exogenous antigens (loaded onto major histocompatibility complex class 1 molecules) in CD8+ T cells, the so-called cross-presentation pathway, has attracted a great deal of attention. Protection against viral and intracellular bacterial infections relies on cross-presentation.This review discusses the advantages, requirements, and preparation of nanovaccines, the cross-presentation mechanism, the several parameters affecting cross-presentation by nanovaccines, and future perspectives.
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Purpose@#Septoturbinoplasty is frequently performed to correct nasal obstruction; however, there is still a lack of research on changes in nasal and nose-related symptoms early after septoturbinoplasty. Therefore, we aimed to investigate changes in subjective outcomes within 6 months after septoturbinoplasty. @*Materials and Methods@#The medical records of patients who underwent septoturbinoplasty at Gangnam Severance Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Symptom scores were evaluated using the Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and obstruction scores.The SNOT-22 and obstruction scores were investigated before surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. @*Results@#We noted significant decreases in both SNOT-22 and obstruction scores at 1 month after surgery, compared to those before surgery (p<0.001). However, there were no significant changes at 3 and 6 months after surgery, compared to scores at 1 month after surgery. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, a larger difference between SNOT-22 scores preoperatively and 1 month after surgery was significantly associated with a significant improvement in symptoms at 3 or 6 months after septoturbinoplasty (p=0.029). @*Conclusion@#These results imply that subjective outcomes and degree of improvement in the first month after septoturbinoplasty can be used as a predictor of the results thereof and for counseling patients about its progress.
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Purpose@#Although osimertinib is the standard-of-care treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation–positive non–small cell lung cancer, real-world evidence on the efficacy of osimertinib is not enough to reflect the complexity of the entire course of treatment. Herein, we report on the use of osimertinib in patients with EGFR T790M mutation–positive non–small cell lung cancer who had previously received EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in Korea. @*Materials and Methods@#Patients with confirmed EGFR T790M after disease progression of prior EGFR-TKI were enrolled and administered osimertinib 80 mg daily. The primary effectiveness outcome was progression-free survival, with time-to-treatment discontinuation, treatment and adverse effects leading to treatment discontinuation, and overall survival being the secondary endpoints. @*Results@#A total of 558 individuals were enrolled, and 55.2% had investigator-assessed responses. The median progression-free survival was 14.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.0 to 16.4), and the median time-to-treatment discontinuation was 15.0 months (95% CI, 14.1 to 15.9). The median overall survival was 36.7 months (95% CI, 30.9 to not reached). The benefit with osimertinib was consistent regardless of the age, sex, smoking history, and primary EGFR mutation subtype. However, hepatic metastases at the time of diagnosis, the presence of plasma EGFR T790M, and the shorter duration of prior EGFR-TKI treatment were poor predictors of osimertinib treatment. Ten patients (1.8%), including three with pneumonitis, had to discontinue osimertinib due to severe adverse effects. @*Conclusion@#Osimertinib demonstrated its clinical effectiveness and survival benefit for EGFR T790M mutation–positive in Korean patients with no new safety signals.
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Background and Objectives@#The purpose of this study was to examine the benefits of ultrasonography performed by a surgeon rather than a radiologist.Subjects and Method This retrospective study enrolled 122 cases of ultrasonography performed by a head and neck surgeon and 116 cases of the same examination performed by a radiologist before surgery. The time intervals between the first visit and surgery were compared in both groups. @*Results@#The average waiting time for surgery after the first hospital visit was significantly reduced when a surgeon performed the ultrasound examination. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in sampling inadequacy rate on thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) between FNA performed by a head and neck surgeon and a radiologist. @*Conclusion@#Surgeons can utilize ultrasound as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in an office-based setting. For patients, diagnosis and treatment provided by a single doctor will lead to more efficient outcomes.
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Background and Objectives@#The outcome benefits of β-blockers in chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) have not been fully assessed. We evaluated the prognostic impact of β-blockers on patients with chronic CAD after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). @*Methods@#A total of 3,075 patients with chronic CAD were included from the Grand DrugEluting Stent registry. We analyzed β-blocker prescriptions, including doses and types, in each patient at 3-month intervals from discharge. After propensity score matching, 1,170 pairs of patients (β-blockers vs. no β-blockers) were derived. Primary outcome was defined as a composite endpoint of all-cause death and myocardial infarction (MI). We further analyzed the outcome benefits of different doses (low-, medium-, and high-dose) and types (conventional or vasodilating) of β-blockers. @*Results@#During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 3.1 (3.0–3.1) years, 134 (5.7%) patients experienced primary outcome. Overall, β-blockers demonstrated no significant benefit in primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63–1.24), all-cause death (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.60–1.25), and MI (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.49–3.15). In subgroup analysis, β-blockers were associated with a lower risk of all-cause death in patients with previous MI and/ or revascularization (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.14–0.99) (p for interaction=0.045). No significant associations were found for the clinical outcomes with different doses and types of β-blockers. @*Conclusions@#Overall, β-blocker therapy was not associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with chronic CAD undergoing PCI. Limited mortality benefit of β-blockers may exist for patients with previous MI and/or revascularization.
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Background@#Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is a technique that allows for the reduction and stabilization of mandibular fractures. Several methods of IMF, such as self-tapping screws or arch bars, have been developed. This study aimed to validate the usefulness of IMF with a self-tapping screw compared to IMF with arch bars with focus on the patients’ perspective. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who were treated for mandibular fractures at our hospital between August 2014 and February 2021. A total of 57 patients were enrolled in this study. Thirteen patients were excluded from the analysis: three patients were lost to follow-up, and 10 patients did not undergo IMF. Finally, 44 patients were analyzed, of which 31 belonged to the arch bar group, and 13 belonged to the screw group. Patient discomfort and pain during IMF application and removal were analyzed using a patient self-assessment questionnaire. The surgeon also assessed oral hygiene, IMF stability, and occlusion. @*Results@#We applied IMF to 34 men (77%) and 10 women (23%). The mean age of the patients was 37.3 years. The most common fracture site was the angle (30%), followed by the parasymphysis (25%), the body (23%), the condyle (11%), and the ramus (11%). Patient discomfort and oral hygiene were statistically favorable in the screw group. The IMF application time was statistically shorter in the screw group (p< 0.001). IMF stability was not statistically different between the two groups. The pain score during IMF removal was lower in the screw group (p< 0.001). @*Conclusion@#Compared to arch bars, IMF screws provide more comfort during the IMF period, help maintain favorable oral hygiene, and have a shorter application time. From the patient’s perspective, IMF screws are an excellent alternative to conventional arch bars when applicable.
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Background@#Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is a benign periorbital lesion. The relationship between xanthelasma lesion size and serum cholesterol levels has been poorly studied. In this study, we investigated this relationship in the context of the clinical etiology of XP. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records and pathology reports of all patients treated for XP at our hospital between June 2014 and June 2021; the data were used to analyze lesion size, underlying disease, serum cholesterol, and disease recurrence. @*Results@#The mean values for patient age, serum cholesterol, and lesion size were 53.0 years, 235.0 mg/dL, and 69.2 mm2, respectively. XP mainly occurred in women (64.7%); furthermore, the incidence of XP and lesion size was greatest among patients in their 5th decade of life (41.2%). There was no statistically significant relationship between xanthelasma lesion size and serum cholesterol level. @*Conclusion@#This study compared lesion size with various clinical features in XP patients. In patients who underwent surgery for XP, serum cholesterol levels tended to be higher than those in the general population. However, the trend between the size of XP and serum cholesterol level was unclear. Therefore, if a patient with XP visits the hospital for surgery, it is recommended to check the lipid profile to confirm underlying dyslipidemia regardless of the size.
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Background/Aims@#This nationwide study was undertaken to determine differences in clinicopathologic characteristics and survival of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) according to age using big data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). @*Methods@#The NHIS data including quality assessment of CRC by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service in Korea between 2011 and 2014 were analyzed. Based on age, patients were divided into three groups: not-old patients (< 65), young-old patients (65 to 74 years old) and old-old patients (≥ 75 years old). @*Results@#We included 71,513 CRC patients. The median follow-up duration was 3.2 years (range, 0.003 to 5.5). Male patients constituted 60%. The median age of patients was 65 years (range, 18 to 102). Colon was the cancer site in 59.8% of not-old patients, 62.9% of young-old patients, and 66.1% of old-old patients. Compared to not-old patients, young-old and old-old patients were more likely to be diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma and well/moderate differentiation or adequate differentiation (all p < 0.001). Old patients underwent more emergency operation (p < 0.001) and received less adjuvant therapy in stage I–III (p < 0.001). The probability of 3-year survival of young-old or old-old patients was worse than that for not-old patients (hazard ratio [HR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46 to 1.64) (HR, 3.19; 95% CI, 3.03 to 3.37). @*Conclusions@#Old patients with CRC show different histology from younger patients. They are more frequently to have colon as primary lesion. They undergo less adjuvant therapy. Further studies and evidence-based guidelines for older patients with CRC are warranted to improve their outcome.
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Objectives@#Body protective compound-157 (BPC-157) is a stable gastric pentadecapeptide that has been effective in trials aiming to increase wound healing capabilities and decrease inflammatory cell influx, including studies on the healing of muscles and tendons. There are no studies about the effect of BPC-157 on pain transmission via nociception. This study examined the antinociceptive effects of BPC-157 using formalin tests and immunohistochemistry. @*Methods@#Rats were randomly divided into the control, morphine and BPC-157 groups. Pain behavior was quantified periodically at 5- and 35- min intervals (representative values of phases 1 and 2) by counting the number of flinches exhibited by the injected paw after injection. The dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cords (SC) were collected, and then, the number of cytokine-positive cells was determined via immunostaining. @*Results@#BPC-157 dose-dependently decreased the number of flinches during phase 1 but did not decrease the number of flinches during phase 2. During phase 1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the DRG tissue was significantly different in the morphine, 10 μg/kg BPC-157, and 20 μg/kg BPC-157 groups. During phase 2, statistical significance was achieved in the DRG tissue in the morphine, 20 μg/kg BPC-157, and 40 μg/kg BPC-157 groups. During phase 1, interleukin-6 was significantly different in the DRG tissue in the morphine group and the SC tissue in the 10 μg/kg BPC-157 group. During phase 2, statistical significance was achieved in the morphine group and the BPC-157 20 μg/kg group in both the DRG and SC tissues. There were no significant differences in tumor necrosis factor-α between the DRG and SC tissues. @*Conclusions@#BPC-157 was effective during phase 1 but not during phase 2, as determined by the formalin test. BPC-157 decreased the expression of IL-1β in the DRG tissue in phases 1 and 2.
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The Korean Intermittent Exotropia Multicenter Study (KIEMS), which was initiated by the Korean Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, is a collaborative multicenter study on intermittent exotropia in Korea. The KIEMS was designed to provide comprehensive information, including subjective and objective findings of intermittent exotropia in a large study population. A total of 65 strabismus specialists in 53 institutions contributed to this study, which, to date, is one of the largest clinical studies on intermittent exotropia. In this article, we provide a detailed methodology of the KIEMS to help future investigations that may use the KIEMS data.
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Background@#Only a few studies have evaluated the differences between varying concentrations of a fixed dose of local anesthetics. This study was conducted to compare the effects of two different concentrations of a fixed dose of ropivacaine used in ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block. @*Methods@#This prospective, randomized, double-blind study included 62 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery under general anesthesia. The patients were randomly assigned to receive ultrasound-guided interscalene block with 75 mg of ropivacaine at one of two concentrations: 0.75% (10 ml; group C) or 0.375% (20 ml; group V). Time to onset of sensory blockade, degree of blockade, pulmonary function changes, analgesic duration of the interscalene block, postoperative opioid requirement within 24 h, postoperative pain scores, satisfaction, and incidence of complications were recorded. @*Results@#Although the time to onset of sensory blockade was shorter for group C (P = 0.015), successful blockade was achieved at 30 min after the interscalene block in both groups. The analgesic duration of the interscalene block was not significantly different between the groups. The amount of opioid used within 24 h after surgery was significantly reduced for group V compared with group C (P = 0.016). The rest of the parameters did not show any significant differences between the two groups. @*Conclusion@#Compared with 10 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine, interscalene block with 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine could be effective for the reduction of postoperative opioid requirement within 24 h after surgery despite it might not prolong the analgesic duration.
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Purpose@#To investigate the changes in retinal and choroidal vessels according to changes in thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). @*Methods@#A total of 41 patients (82 eyes) with TED were enrolled. The subjects were divided into two groups: an experimental group with clinically significant TSI sample-to-reference ratio (%) abnormalities (> 140) and a control group. Within the experimental group, the median value of 451 was used to further classify patients into groups A and B. Using optical coherence tomography/angiography, the sizes of the superficial fovea avascular zone (sFAZ) and deep fovea avascular zone, the diameter of the macular center 1 mm fovea, 3 mm parafovea superficial capillary plexus density (sCPD), deep capillary plexus density, choroidal thickness, and choroidal vascularity index were measured. @*Results@#In the experimental group, the change in the TSI value and the change in the 3 mm parafovea sCPD showed a significant positive correlation (p = 0.040) with a correlation coefficient of 0.307. Among group B patients of the experimental group, the changes in the TSI value and sFAZ showed a strong negative correlation (-0.417), but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.053). @*Conclusions@#In TED patients with clinically significant TSI levels (> 140), blood vessel density in the superficial layer of the 3 mm parafovea significantly increased with TSI. Especially in the high TSI (≥ 451) group, superficial retinal vessel density.
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Background@#The 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) is a metabolite of tobacco-specific lung carcinogen that can be found in both smokers and non-smokers.Particularly, NNAL levels of children with a history of exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) are higher than those of adults. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between SHS exposure and urine NNAL levels in Korean adolescents. @*Methods@#This cross-sectional study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII. Overall, 648 never-smoking adolescents (425 boys and 223 girls) aged 12 to 18 were included in this study. Logistic regression analyses identified the relationship between SHS exposure and elevated urine NNAL levels. @*Results@#The mean urine NNAL levels of the no exposure and exposure group in boys were 1.39 and 2.26 ng/mL, respectively, whereas they were 1.01 and 2.45 ng/mL in girls, respectively (P < 0.001). Among the adolescents exposed to SHS, the confounder-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) for elevated urine NNAL levels according to exposure area as overall, home, and public area were 2.68 (1.58–4.53), 31.02 (9.46–101.74), and 1.89 (1.12–3.17) in boys;and 6.50 (3.22–13.11), 20.09 (7.08–57.04), and 3.94 (1.98–7.77) in girls, respectively. @*Conclusion@#SHS exposure was significantly associated with elevated urine NNAL levels in Korean adolescents, particularly in female adolescents and in those with home exposure.These findings remind us of the need to protect adolescents from SHS.