Wearable devices: Perspectives on assessing and monitoring human physiological status / 生物医学工程学杂志

This review article aims to explore the major challenges that the healthcare system is currently facing and propose a new paradigm shift that harnesses the potential of wearable devices and novel theoretical frameworks on health and disease. Lifestyle-induced diseases currently account for a significant portion of all healthcare spending, with this proportion projected to increase with population aging. Wearable devices have emerged as a key technology for implementing large-scale healthcare systems focused on disease prevention and management. Advancements in miniaturized sensors, system integration, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, 5G, and other technologies have enabled wearable devices to perform high-quality measurements comparable to medical devices. Through various physical, chemical, and biological sensors, wearable devices can continuously monitor physiological status information in a non-invasive or minimally invasive way, including electrocardiography, electroencephalography, respiration, blood oxygen, blood pressure, blood glucose, activity, and more. Furthermore, by combining concepts and methods from complex systems and nonlinear dynamics, we developed a novel theory of continuous dynamic physiological signal analysis-dynamical complexity. The results of dynamic signal analyses can provide crucial information for disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Wearable devices can also serve as an important bridge connecting doctors and patients by tracking, storing, and sharing patient data with medical institutions, enabling remote or real-time health assessments of patients, and providing a basis for precision medicine and personalized treatment. Wearable devices have a promising future in the healthcare field and will be an important driving force for the transformation of the healthcare system, while also improving the health experience for individuals.

Cervical Radiculopathy: Focus on Factors for Better Surgical Outcomes and Operative Techniques

For patients with cervical radiculopathy, most studies have recommended conservative treatment as the first-line treatment; however, when conventional treatment fails, surgery is considered. A better understanding of the prognosis of cervical radiculopathy is essential to provide accurate information to the patients. If the patients complain of persistent and recurrent arm painumbness not respond to conservative treatment, or exhibit neurologic deficits, surgery is performed using anterior or posterior approaches. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has historically been widely used and has proven to be safe and effective. To improve surgical outcomes of ACDF surgery, many studies have been conducted on types of spacers, size/height/position of cages, anterior plating, patients’ factors, surgical techniques, and so forth. Cervical disc replacement (CDR) is designed to reduce the incidence of adjacent segment disease during long-term follow-up by maintaining cervical spine motion postoperatively. Many studies on excellent indications for the CDR, proper type/size/shape/height of the implants, and surgical techniques were performed. Posterior cervical foraminotomy is a safe and effective surgical option to avoid complications associated with anterior approach and fusion surgery. Most recent literature demonstrated that all three surgical techniques for patients with cervical radiculopathy have clear advantages and disadvantages and reveal satisfactory surgical outcomes under a proper selection of patients and application of appropriate surgical methods. For this, it is important to fully understand the factors for better surgical outcomes and to adequately practice the operative techniques for patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Principles and Conceptual Framework for the Introduction of Korean Sickness Benefit / 보건행정학회지

Both access to healthcare services and income security in case of personal illness are being needed to achieve universal health coverage, which is enshrined in the human rights to health and social security and international standards on social protection.Income security acts on both the social determinants and the adverse consequences of ill health and thus would break the vicious disease-poverty cycle. The government is supposed to implement a demonstration project of sickness benefit in 2022 and to publicize its more specific blueprint for all workers. This study is to suggest basic principles and a framework to design a new sickness benefit for universal health coverage, which is based on reviews on previous studies, related issues, and institutional conditions. This is to provide a theoretical basis to promote further discussion and to support its decision-making.

Principles and Conceptual Framework for the Introduction of Korean Sickness Benefit / 보건행정학회지

Both access to healthcare services and income security in case of personal illness are being needed to achieve universal health coverage, which is enshrined in the human rights to health and social security and international standards on social protection.Income security acts on both the social determinants and the adverse consequences of ill health and thus would break the vicious disease-poverty cycle. The government is supposed to implement a demonstration project of sickness benefit in 2022 and to publicize its more specific blueprint for all workers. This study is to suggest basic principles and a framework to design a new sickness benefit for universal health coverage, which is based on reviews on previous studies, related issues, and institutional conditions. This is to provide a theoretical basis to promote further discussion and to support its decision-making.

Cervical Radiculopathy Focus on Characteristics and Differential Diagnosis

Cervical radiculopathy is characterized by neurological dysfunction caused by compression and inflammation of the spinal nerves or nerve roots of the cervical spine. It mainly presents with neck and arm pain, sensory loss, motor dysfunction, and reflex changes according to the dermatomal distribution. The most common causes of cervical radiculopathy are cervical disc herniation and cervical spondylosis. It is important to find the exact symptomatic segment and distinguish between conditions that may mimic certain cervical radicular compression syndromes through meticulous physical examinations and precise reading of radiographs. Non-surgical treatments are recommended as an initial management. Surgery is applicable to patients with intractable or persistent pain despite sufficient conservative management or with severe or progressive neurological deficits. Cervical radiculopathy is treated surgically by anterior and/or posterior approaches. The appropriate choice of surgical treatment should be individualized, considering the patient’s main pathophysiology, specific clinical symptoms and radiographic findings thoroughly.

Cervical Radiculopathy Focus on Characteristics and Differential Diagnosis

Cervical radiculopathy is characterized by neurological dysfunction caused by compression and inflammation of the spinal nerves or nerve roots of the cervical spine. It mainly presents with neck and arm pain, sensory loss, motor dysfunction, and reflex changes according to the dermatomal distribution. The most common causes of cervical radiculopathy are cervical disc herniation and cervical spondylosis. It is important to find the exact symptomatic segment and distinguish between conditions that may mimic certain cervical radicular compression syndromes through meticulous physical examinations and precise reading of radiographs. Non-surgical treatments are recommended as an initial management. Surgery is applicable to patients with intractable or persistent pain despite sufficient conservative management or with severe or progressive neurological deficits. Cervical radiculopathy is treated surgically by anterior and/or posterior approaches. The appropriate choice of surgical treatment should be individualized, considering the patient’s main pathophysiology, specific clinical symptoms and radiographic findings thoroughly.

Is Scapular Stabilization Exercise Effective for Managing Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain?: A Systematic Review

Scapular stabilization is thought to have an important role in improving pain and dysfunction around the neck and shoulders, but evidence of this is lacking. We aim to systematically review the effect of a scapular stabilization exercise (SSE) on pain and dysfunction in patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain (NP). We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases using the terms (NP [MeSH] OR NP OR cervical pain OR neck ache OR cervicalgia) AND (scapular exercise OR periscapular exercise OR SSEs). We included suitable studies that met the study’s inclusion criteria. Among the 227 studies identified by our search strategy, a total of four (three randomized controlled studies and one prospective study) met the inclusion criteria. The SSE was intense. It included three sets of 10 repetitions. In most of the studies, the exercises were conducted 3 times per week. Most studies reported that the SSE improved pain and dysfunction in patients with nonspecific chronic NP; however, the reviewed articles did not use the same variables for measurement. Additionally, the sample size was small. Although several studies show that SSE might improve NP and dysfunction, the effects of SSE on pain and dysfunction in the neck region remain unclear because the number of studies was small. Further high-quality studies are necessary to identify the detailed effects of SSE in patients with NP.

O papel do tecido adiposo na obesidade e na insuficiência cardíaca

Introdução. A obesidade, um importante fator de risco para o desenvolvimento da insuficiência cardíaca (IC), é um fator prognóstico protetor. Esse possível paradoxo pode explicar-se pelo papel protetor do tecido adiposo marrom (BAT), das adipocinas anti-inflamatórias e pela conexão do tecido adiposo ao coração mediada pelos peptídeos natriuréticos (NPs). Material e métodos. As evidências sobre os três mecanismos citados são discutidas. Resultados. Em animais e em humanos, tanto obesos como em portadores de IC, há aumento do BAT mas, é menos ativo, com menor expressão de proteína desacopladora tipo 1 (UCP1), limitando seu potencial protetor. A atividade anti-inflamatória de algumas adipocinas está associada à promoção da regeneração do miocárdio, formação de novos vasos sanguíneos, redução da pós-carga, melhora dos processos metabólicos em cardiomiócitos. Recentemente demonstrou-se que NPs, além de seu papel na homeostase circulatória, têm um papel na regulação do consumo energético e na regulação do tecido adiposo, interferindo na liberação de adipocinas. Sabe-se que os NPs estão diminuídos nos obesos, por haver maior clearence ou menor secreção. Conclusão. O papel das adipocinas anti-inflamatórias e a conexão do tecido adiposo ao coração mediada pelos NPs são mecanismos promissores para explicar o paradoxo da obesidade na IC. Localizamos somente dois estudos sobre o papel anti-inflamatório das adipocinas, com evidências diretas. Apesar da existência de inúmeros estudos sobre os NPs, as evidências são menos consistentes. Trata-se de uma área que merece ser acompanhada na tentativa de compreender o paradoxo da obesidade na IC, o que poderia permitir uma melhor abordagem ao paciente acometido por essa síndrome.

Introduction. Obesity, an important risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF), is a protective prognostic factor. This paradox can be explained by the protective role of brown adipose tissue (BAT), anti-inflammatory adipokines and the crosstalk between adipose tissue and heart mediated by natriuretic peptides (NPs). Material and methods. Evidence for these three mechanisms is discussed. Results. In animals and humans models, in both, obese and patients with HF, there is an increase in BAT, but it is less active, with lower expression of uncoupling protein type 1 (UCP1), limiting its protective potential. The antiinflammatory effect of some adipokines is associated with myocardial regeneration, production of new blood vessels, reduction of afterload and potentiation of metabolic processes in cardiomyocytes. It has been shown that NPs, in addition to their role in circulatory homeostasis, play a role in the energy tightening and regulation of adipose tissue, interfering with the release of adipokines. It is known that NPs are decreased in obese, due to a greater clearance or lower secretion. Conclusion. The role of anti-inflammatory adipokines and the crosstalk between adipose tissue and heart mediated by NPs are promising mechanisms to explain the paradox of obesity in HF. We found only two studies on the antiinflammatory role of adipokines, with direct evidence. Despite the existence of numerous studies on NPs, the evidence is less consistent. This area deserves to be followed in an attempt to understand the paradox of obesity in HF, which could allow a better care to the patient affected.

Papel del tejido adiposo en la obesidad y en la insuficiencia cardíaca

Introducción. La obesidad, un factor de riesgo importante para el desarrollo de la insuficiencia cardíaca (IC), es un factor pronóstico protector. Esta paradoja puede explicarse por el papel protector del tejido adiposo marrón (BAT), las adipocinas antiinflamatorias y la interferencia entre el tejido adiposo y el corazón mediado por péptidos natriuréticos (NP). Material y métodos. Se discuten las evidencias de estos tres mecanismos. Resultados. En los modelos de animales y humanos, tanto en pacientes obesos como en pacientes con IC, hay un aumento en las BAT; pero es menos activo, con una menor expresión de proteína desacopladora del tipo 1 (UCP1), limitando su potencial protector. El efecto antiinflamatorio de algunas adipocinas está asociado con la regeneración del miocardio, la producción de nuevos vasos sanguíneos, la reducción de la poscarga y la mejora de los procesos metabólicos en los cardiomiocitos. Recientemente, se ha demostrado que las NP, además de su papel en la homeostasis circulatoria, desempeñan un papel en la regulación del consumo energético y del tejido adiposo, interfiriendo con la liberación de adipocinas. Se sabe que las NP disminuyen en la obesidad, debido a una mayor depuración o una menor secreción. Conclusión. El papel de las adipocinas antiinflamatorias y la conexión entre el tejido adiposo y el corazón mediado por NP son mecanismos prometedores para explicar la paradoja de la obesidad en la IC. Encontramos solo dos estudios sobre el papel antiinflamatorio de las adipocinas, con evidencia directa. A pesar de la existencia de numerosos estudios sobre NP, la evidencia es menos consistente. Esta área merece ser seguida en un intento por comprender la paradoja de la obesidad en la IC, que podría permitir una mejor atención al paciente afectado.

Lumbar Extensor Muscle Size and Isometric Muscle Strength in Women with Symptomatic Lumbar Degenerative Diseases

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional design. PURPOSE: To determine the characteristics of lumbar extensor muscle (LEM) size and isometric muscle strength and examine their correlations in women with lumbar degenerative diseases (LDDs). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Many studies have evaluated the relationship between muscle size and strength, but the results have been controversial. METHODS: Seventy-four female patients (mean age, 66 years) who consecutively underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (L1–S1) were recruited. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the back extensor muscles was measured between L1–2 to L5–S1, and the total sum of the CSAs at each disc level was calculated. Back extensor muscle strength was evaluated using a MedX lumbar extension machine. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, 0–100) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0–10) of lower back pain were determined. RESULTS: The mean CSAs of the LEM at each level (L1/2–L5/S1) and the total sum were 34.3, 36.3, 35.1, 31.4, 21.9, and 156.2 cm2, respectively. The mean isometric strength at each angle (range, 0°–72°) was 32.5, 50.1, 72.0, 88.7, 100.7, 112.2, and 126.2 ft-lb, respectively. The mean ODI and VAS scores were 54.6 and 6.6, and the mean body weight and body mass index (BMI) were 59.9 kg and 24.9 kg/m2, respectively. The CSAs of the upper lumbar level (L1–4) and the total sum of the CSAs were associated with isometric strength, which was negatively correlated with patients’ age and ODI and positively associated with body weight and BMI, mainly at higher lumbar flexion angles (48°–72°). CONCLUSIONS: In women with LDD, LEM sizes of the upper lumbar levels (L1–4) were larger than those of the lower levels (L4–S1) and were positively associated with muscle strength. The upper lumbar levels in patients with LDDs appear to play a compensatory role when degenerative lesions are present in the lower lumbar levels.

Change in Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) Predicts Survival in Patients with Terminal Cancer / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

PURPOSE: The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) is a widely used prognostic tool in patients with advanced cancer. This study examines the association between changes in PPS score and survival in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: We identified a cohort of 606 inpatients who died at a Korean university hospital's hospice/palliative care center. For each patient, the PPS score was measured twice according to a standard procedure: 1) upon admission, and 2) three days after admission (D3). “Change on D3” was defined as a difference between initial PPS and PPS on D3. We used a Cox regression modeling approach to explore the association between this score change and survival. RESULTS: The changes in scores were associated with survival. A score change of >30% yielded a hazard ratio for death of 2.66 (95% CI 2.19~3.22), compared to a score change of ≤30%. PPS of ≤30 on D3 also independently predicted survival, with a hazard ratio of 1.67 (95% CI 1.38~2.02) compared to PPS of >30. CONCLUSION: A change of over 30% in PPS appears to predict survival in hospitalized patients with terminal cancer, even after adjustment for confounders. Changes in PPS may be a more sensitive indicator of impending death than a single PPS measured on the day of admission in terminal cancer patients. Further prospective study is needed to examine this important finding in other populations.

Current Role and Application of Teriparatide in Fracture Healing of Osteoporotic Patients: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: The use of osteoanabolic agents to facilitate fracture healing has been of heightened interest to the field of orthopaedic trauma. This study aimed to evaluate the evidence of teriparatide for fracture healing and functional recovery in osteoporotic patients. METHODS: We performed a literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library using terms including “Fracture” [tiab] AND “Teriparatide [tiab] OR “PTH” [tiab]. RESULTS: This systematic review included 6 randomized clinical trials, 4 well-controlled retrospective studies, and 1 retrospective post hoc subgroup analysis. Fracture location was 2 in pelvis, 3 in proximal femur, 1 in distal femur, 1 in shoulder, 2 in wrist and 2 in spine. The use of teriparatide yielded positive effects on radiographic bone healing in 6 studies, but was not associated with better radiographic outcome in 3. In terms of functional recovery, teriparatide injection was related with decrease in pain or shorter time to mobilization in 6 studies, but not related with pain numerical scale and mobility in 3. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that teriparatide provide selective advantages to fracture healing or functional recovery in the management of osteoporotic fractures. A better understanding of the role of teriparatide on osteoporotic fractures requires greater evidences from large volume prospective trials.

Surgical Correction of Adult Spinal Deformity / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Surgical correction of adult spinal deformity is a challenge, and is physically and mentally demanding for spinal surgeons. For satisfactory surgical outcomes, proper patient selection is fundamental and preoperative detailed physical examination, intra-operative neuromonitoring, and collaboration with anesthesiology or internal medicine department are critical for prevention of peri-operative complications associated with surgical treatments. A posterior-only or anterior-posterior combined approach can be used. Considering the patients' hemodynamic status or long-time anesthesia, surgeons can decide whether to operate by stage or one stage. Deformity correction can be performed using spinal osteotomy or anterior interbody fusion. Decision regarding correction method depends on the patient's condition and correction degree or level. In this review, the authors try to help in decision making with regard to deformity correction methods for ideal surgical technique, correction angle, fusion length etc. in reference to previous literature.

The Effects of Insurance Types on the Medical Service Uses for Heart Failure Inpatients: Using Propensity Score Matching Analysis / 보건행정학회지

BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyze the effects of insurance types on the medical service uses for heart failure inpatients using propensity score matching (PSM). METHODS: 2014 National inpatient sample based on health insurance claims data was used in the analysis. PSM was applied to control factors influencing the service uses except insurance types. Negative binomial regression was used after PSM to analyze factors that had influences on the service uses among inpatients. Subjects were divided by health insurance type, national health insurance (NHI) and medical aid (MA). Total charges and length of stay were used to represent the medical service uses. Covariance variables in PSM consist of sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age, Elixhauser comorbidity index) and hospital characteristics (hospital types, number of beds, location, number of doctors per 50 beds). These variables were also used as independent variables in negative binomial regression. RESULTS: After the PSM, length of stay showed statistically significant difference on medical uses between insurance types. Negative binomial regression provided that insurance types, Elixhauser comorbidity index, and number of doctors per 50 beds were significant on the length of stay. CONCLUSION: This study provided that the service uses, especially length of stay, were differed by insurance types. Health policy makers will be required to prepare interventions to narrow the gap of the service uses between NHI and MA.

The Clinical Features and Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy in Lymphofollicular Gastritis: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Lymphofollicular gastritis (LFG) is defined as antral gastritis with endoscopic findings characterized by a miliary pattern resembling “goose flesh”. We aimed to analyze the clinical features of LFG and the utility of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in LFG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with LFG, regardless of upper gastrointestinal symptoms (7 men, 28 women; age range, 21~67 years), were examined for H. pylori using the CLO test during endoscopy. One specimen was obtained from the greater curvatures of the lower body and the antrum. Clinical features were compared according to H. pylori-positive status. RESULTS: Among 35 patients with LFG, 31 (88.6%) were infected with H. pylori. LFG predominantly affected young women (28/35, 80.0%; mean age, 43.73 years). One case of gastric cancer with H. pylori-positive LFG was found. H. pylori eradication rate in LFG patients was low (3/12, 25.0%). CONCLUSIONS: LFG is closely associated with H. pylori infection and predominantly affects women and young adults. Future studies are needed to determine whether H. pylori eradication reduces the risk of gastric cancer.

A Case of an Accessory Cystic Duct Draining into the Right Intrahepatic Duct / 대한췌담도학회지

Anatomic variations in the biliary tree may not be detected until adulthood and they can cause unexplained jaundice and biliary pain. Recognition of these anatomic variations is important to avoid an incorrect diagnosis and significant ductal injury during biliary surgery. Although there are numerous anatomic bile duct variations, an accessory cystic duct draining into the right hepatic duct is rare. We report a case of an accessory cystic duct draining into the right hepatic duct with cholelithiasis, in which the abnormality was identified by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and confirmed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Pseudomembranous Colitis: A Complicated Case with Transient Increase of Carcinoembryonic Antigen / 이화의대지

Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. Although diarrhea is the most common manifestation, PMC may be associated with intraperitoneal fluid accumulation in the severe cases. And a few cases showing both ascites and pleural effusion have been reported in patients with PMC. We report a case of PMC who showed elevated serum and ascites levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with a normal CEA level in pleural effusion and who successfully recovered after oral administration of metronidazole. After treatment, the serum CEA level returned to the reference range.

A Case of Near Total Occlusion of the Renal Artery after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is a safe, durable, and effective procedure. However, complications could occur with stent graft devices. When the renal ostia become obstructed by this device, renovascular hypertension may result. In general, renal artery occlusion secondary to stent graft impingement remains uncommon. We herein describe a patient with renal atrophy, new-onset hypertension, and elevated serum renin and aldosterone levels following endovascular aneurysm repair. Blood pressure and the levels of renin and aldosterone were normalized by renal artery stenting.

Obesity Increases Blood Pressure Variability during the Night

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that obesity increases heart rate variability. Body mass index (BMI) has been reported to affect blood pressure variability (BPV) over 24 hours. However, the diurnal variation in the effect of BMI on BPV has not been evaluated. This study aimed to clarify the diurnal variation in the effect of BMI on BPV. METHODS: A total of 2,044 patients were consecutively enrolled in this study, and the data were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. We divided patients into two groups according to BMI (non-obese group: n = 1,145, BMI or = 25). We compared BPV during daytime and nighttime between the non-obese and obese groups. We also evaluated the impact of BMI on BPV by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: On univariate regression analysis, there was no significant difference in BPV during daytime (systolic BP [SBP] variability: 20.7 vs. 21.7, p = 0.511; diastolic BP [DBP] variability: 16.8 vs. 17.5, p = 0.539). However, both SBP variability (13.8 vs. 17.6, p = 0.009) and DBP variability (11.7 vs. 14.3, p = 0.042) during nighttime were affected significantly by BMI. After adjusting other compounding variables (age > 60 years, current smoking habit, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and use of calcium channel blockers and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers), multivariate analysis showed that BMI was an independent factor associated with increase in BPV during the night (SBP variability: p = 0.039; DBP variability: p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity increased BPV during nighttime.

Postimplantation Syndrome After Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair in an Elderly Patient

Endovascular procedures have been proposed as minimally invasive alternative treatments, allowing safe and effective aortic aneurysm repair. Despite the potential benefits, endovascular stent grafting may elicit an unexpected systemic inflammatory response, called postimplantation syndrome (PIS). The main features of PIS include fever, elevated C-reactive protein levels, leukocytosis and/or coagulation disturbances, perigraft air on abdominal computed tomography, and no evidence of infection. The main management of PIS is supportive care. Antibiotics have no clinical benefit. We report a case of PIS after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in an elderly patient.