Fully tunable Fabry-Pérot cavity based on MEMS Sagnac loop reflector with ultra-low static power consumption.

The Fabry-Pérot interferometer, a fundamental component in optoelectronic systems, offers interesting applications such as sensors, lasers, and filters. In this work, we show a tunable Fabry-Pérot cavity consisting of tunable Sagnac loop reflectors (SLRs) and phase shifters based on electrostatic microelectromechanical (MEMS) actuator. The fabrication process of the device is compatible with the standard wafer-level silicon photonics fabrication processes. This electrostatic actuation mechanism provides well-balanced, scalable pathways for efficient tuning methodologies. The extinction ratio of the continuously tunable SLRs' reflectivity is larger than 20 dB. Full 2π phase shifting is achieved, and response times of all the components are less than 25 µs. Both actuators have extremely low static power, measuring under 20 fW and the energy needed for tuning is both below 20 pJ.

Effect of remimazolam versus propofol on hypotension after anesthetic induction in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: A randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: There is scarce evidence on the hemodynamic stability of remimazolam during anesthetic induction in patients with significant coronary artery disease. This study aims to compare the effects of remimazolam and propofol on post-induction hypotension in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Adult patients undergoing isolated CABG. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly allocated to received either remimazolam (n = 50) or propofol (n = 50) for anesthetic induction. The remimazolam group received an initial infusion at 6 mg/kg/h, which was later adjusted to 1-2 mg/kg/h to maintain a bispectral index of 40-60 after loss of consciousness. In the propofol group, a 1.5 mg/kg bolus of propofol was administered, followed by 1-1.5% sevoflurane inhalation as needed to achieve the target bispectral index. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the area under the curve (AUC) below the baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) during the first 10 min after anesthetic induction. Secondary outcomes included the AUC for MAP <65 mmHg and the requirement for vasopressors. MAIN RESULTS: The remimazolam group demonstrated a significantly lower AUC under the baseline MAP compared to the propofol group (mean [SD], 169.8 [101.0] mmHg·min vs. 220.6 [102.4] mmHg·min; mean difference [95% confidence interval], 50.8 [10.4-91.2] mmHg·min; P = 0.014). Additionally, the remimazolam group had a reduced AUC for MAP <65 mmHg (7.3 [10.3] mmHg·min vs. 13.9 [14.9] mmHg·min; P = 0.007) and a lower frequency of vasopressor use compared to the propofol group (60% vs. 88%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Remimazolam may offer improved hemodynamic stability during anesthetic induction in patients undergoing CABG, suggesting its potential advantage over propofol for patients with significant coronary artery disease in terms of hemodynamic stability.

Investigating the Immune-Stimulating Potential of ß-Glucan from Aureobasidium pullulans in Cancer Immunotherapy.

ß-glucan, a polysaccharide found in various sources, exhibits unique physicochemical properties, yet its high polymerization limits clinical applications because of its solubility. Addressing this limitation, we introduce PPTEE-glycan, a highly purified soluble ß-1,3/1,6-glucan derived from Aureobasidium pullulans. The refined PPTEE-glycan demonstrated robust immune stimulation in vitro, activated dendritic cells, and enhanced co-stimulatory markers, cytokines, and cross-presentation. Formulated as a PPTEE + microemulsion (ME), it elevated immune responses in vivo, promoting antigen-specific antibodies and CD8+ T cell proliferation. Intratumoral administration of PPTEE + ME in tumor-bearing mice induced notable tumor regression, which was linked to the activation of immunosuppressive cells. This study highlights the potential of high-purity Aureobasidium pullulans-derived ß-glucan, particularly PPTEE, as promising immune adjuvants, offering novel avenues for advancing cancer immunotherapy.

J-shaped relationship between serum creatinine and mortality in Korean patients with acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Cachexia and sarcopenia are common among heart failure (HF) patients and are linked to poor outcomes. As serum creatinine levels are influenced by both renal function and muscle mass, our study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum creatinine levels and mortality in acute HF patients. METHODS: We enrolled 5198 consecutive acute HF patients from the Korea Acute Heart Failure (KorAHF) registry, excluding those on renal replacement therapy. Patients were categorized into five groups based on their discharge serum creatinine levels: low (< 0.6 mg/dL), reference (0.6-0.89 mg/dL), upper normal (0.9-1.19 mg/dL), high (1.2-1.49 mg/dL), and very high (≥ 1.5 mg/dL). The primary endpoint was post-discharge all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The mean creatinine level was 1.20 ± 0.88 mg/dL. Notably, 335 (6.4%) patients had serum creatinine levels < 0.6 mg/dL. These patients were younger (mean age, 67 years) and more likely to have a low BMI (< 18.5 kg/m2) compared to the reference group (15.3% vs. 6.4%). Over a median follow-up of 975 days, 1743 (34.8%) patients died. We observed a J-shaped relationship between serum creatinine levels and mortality, with both low and high levels associated with increased mortality. After adjusting for covariates, including age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, malignancy, atrial fibrillation on electrocardiography, levels of C-reactive protein, sodium, hemoglobin, albumin, brain natriuretic peptide, de novo heart failure, use of beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, patients with serum creatinine levels < 0.6 mg/dL had a 33% higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.66) compared to those with levels of 0.6-0.89 mg/dL. However, BUN, which is not affected by muscle metabolism, exhibited a linear relationship with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Among acute HF patients, there exists a J-shaped relationship between discharge serum creatinine levels and mortality, highlighting the increased mortality risk in individuals with very low serum creatinine levels.

Recombinant Human IL-32θ Induces Polarization Into M1-like Macrophage in Human Monocytic Cells.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is formed by several immune cells. Notably, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are existed in the TME that induce angiogenesis, metastasis, and proliferation of cancer cells. Recently, a point-mutated variant of IL-32θ was discovered in breast cancer tissues, which suppressed migration and proliferation through intracellular pathways. Although the relationship between cancer and IL-32 has been previously studied, the effects of IL-32θ on TAMs remain elusive. Recombinant human IL-32θ (rhIL-32θ) was generated using an Escherichia coli expression system. To induce M0 macrophage polarization, THP-1 cells were stimulated with PMA. After PMA treatment, the cells were cultured with IL-4 and IL-13, or rhIL-32θ. The mRNA level of M1 macrophage markers (IL-1ß, TNFα, inducible nitric oxide synthase) were increased by rhIL-32θ in M0 macrophages. On the other hand, the M2 macrophage markers (CCL17, CCL22, TGFß, CD206) were decreased by rhIL-32θ in M2 macrophages. rhIL-32θ induced nuclear translocation of the NF-κB via regulation of the MAPK (p38) pathway. In conclusion, point-mutated rhIL-32θ induced the polarization to M1-like macrophages through the MAPK (p38) and NF-κB (p65/p50) pathways.

Erratum: Inhibition of Chitinase-3-like-1 by K284-6111 Reduces Atopic Skin Inflammation via Repressing Lactoferrin.

[This corrects the article e22 in vol. 21, PMID: 34277112.].

Artificial Intelligence-Based Electrocardiographic Biomarker for Outcome Prediction in Patients With Acute Heart Failure: Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Although several biomarkers exist for patients with heart failure (HF), their use in routine clinical practice is often constrained by high costs and limited availability. OBJECTIVE: We examined the utility of an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that analyzes printed electrocardiograms (ECGs) for outcome prediction in patients with acute HF. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data of patients with acute HF at two tertiary centers in Korea. Baseline ECGs were analyzed using a deep-learning system called Quantitative ECG (QCG), which was trained to detect several urgent clinical conditions, including shock, cardiac arrest, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). RESULTS: Among the 1254 patients enrolled, in-hospital cardiac death occurred in 53 (4.2%) patients, and the QCG score for critical events (QCG-Critical) was significantly higher in these patients than in survivors (mean 0.57, SD 0.23 vs mean 0.29, SD 0.20; P<.001). The QCG-Critical score was an independent predictor of in-hospital cardiac death after adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, HF etiology/type, atrial fibrillation, and QRS widening (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% CI 1.47-1.92 per 0.1 increase; P<.001), and remained a significant predictor after additional adjustments for echocardiographic LVEF and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide level (adjusted OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.36-1.87 per 0.1 increase; P<.001). During long-term follow-up, patients with higher QCG-Critical scores (>0.5) had higher mortality rates than those with low QCG-Critical scores (<0.25) (adjusted hazard ratio 2.69, 95% CI 2.14-3.38; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Predicting outcomes in patients with acute HF using the QCG-Critical score is feasible, indicating that this AI-based ECG score may be a novel biomarker for these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01389843; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01389843.

Differential Effect of Sex on Mortality According to Age in Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure exhibits sex-based differences in prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. However, these differences may have an interaction with age. This study investigates these disparities in Asian patients with acute heart failure according to age. METHODS AND RESULTS: We pooled data from the KorHF (Korea Heart Failure) and the KorAHF (Korean Acute Heart Failure) registries including 3200 patients between 2005 and 2009 and 5625 patients between 2011 and 2014, respectively, hospitalized for acute heart failure in Korea. Patients were categorized by their age into 2 groups: those with age ≥70 years and those with age <70 years. The primary endpoint was in-hospital and postdischarge outcomes according to sex, stratified by age. Of 8825 patients, 45.7% had an age <70 years, and 54.3% had an age ≥70 years. Women were older on average in both groups. Differences in baseline characteristics were more apparent in the older group, with women having a higher prevalence of hypertension and valvular heart disease, whereas more men had chronic kidney disease, previous myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and strokes. Both in-hospital and postdischarge mortalities showed differences only in the older group, with men dying more (5.08% versus 7.41%, P<0.001; 17.95% versus 22.20%, P<0.001 respectively). This pattern persisted to adjusted analyses, which revealed that men have a 54% (odds ratio, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.17-2.04]) and 30% (hazard ratio, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.13-1.51]) increased in-hospital and 1-year mortality, respectively, compared with women. CONCLUSIONS: In patients hospitalized with acute heart failure, male sex is an independent predictor of mortality in older patients but not younger patients.

The alleviation effect and its mechanism of Niuhuang Jiedu prescription on realgar-induced genotoxicity in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Realgar (As2S2 or As4S4) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) containing arsenic. Existing studies have shown that it has genotoxicity under long-term use with large doses. Niuhuang Jiedu (NHJD) is a Chinese medicine prescription containing realgar and seven other TCMs. Whether the multiple TCMs combination in NHJD can reduce the genotoxicity induced by realgar in equivalent doses is still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: To research the effect of NHJD on realgar's genotoxicity and the possible mechanism involved based on the arsenic methylation metabolic pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six groups (control, realgar (0.8 g/kg), NHJD (12.48 g/kg), as well as Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch (GU), Scutellaria baicalensis Georg (SB), Rheum palmatum L (RP) plus equivalent doses of realgar, respectively) were set up. ICR mice were intragastric administered for 12 weeks. First, genotoxicology tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of NHJD, GU, SB, and RP on reducing realgar's genotoxicity. The inorganic arsenic (iAs), dimethyl arsenic acid (DMA), and monomethyl arsenic acid (MMA) were determined by HPLC-AFS, and the iAs%, MMA%, DMA%, primary methylation index (PMI), etc. Were calculated. Meanwhile, the S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) and arsenate reductase (ARR) levels, the arsenic (+3)methyltransferase (As3MT), purine-nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), glutathione S-transfer omega1 (GSTO1) gene expression were detected, aimed to explore the possible alleviation mechanisms of NHJD. RESULTS: The combination of multiple TCMs in NHJD decreased the levels of MN‰, SPA%, and DNA damage caused by realgar, with similar effects observed when SB, RP, and GU were used separately with realgar. Notably, the iAs% significantly decreased, while DMA% and PMI notably increased in the NHJD and realgar + SB (or RP) groups compared to the realgar-only group (P < 0.05). Increases in SAM and ARR levels were observed across various groups, but only the ARR increase in the NHJD group was statistically significant. Moreover, significant increases in As3MT mRNA and GSTO1 mRNA were noted in the NHJD group, and PNP mRNA levels significantly rose in the realgar + SB group. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that NHJD could attenuate the genotoxic effects of realgar. The botanicals SB, RP, and GU within NHJD may be key contributors to this effect. Enhancements in arsenic methylation capabilities through increased levels of SAM and ARR and elevated gene expressions of As3MT, PNP, and GSTO1 suggest potential mechanisms behind these findings.

Time-Dependent Effect of Eggshell Membrane on Monosodium-Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis: Early-Stage Inflammation Control and Late-Stage Cartilage Protection.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain, swelling, stiffness, disability, and significantly reduces the quality of life. Typically, OA is treated using painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While current pharmacologic treatments are common, their potential side effects have prompted exploration into functional dietary supplements. Recently, eggshell membrane (ESM) has emerged as a potential functional ingredient for joint and connective tissue disorders due to its clinical efficacy in relieving joint pain and stiffness. Despite promising clinical evidence, the effects of ESM on OA progression and its mechanism of action remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the efficacy of Ovomet®, a powdered natural ESM, against joint pain and disease progression in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced rodent model of OA in mice and rats. The results demonstrate that ESM significantly alleviates joint pain and attenuates articular cartilage destruction in both mice and rats that received oral supplementation for 5 days prior to OA induction and for 28 days thereafter. Interestingly, ESM significantly inhibited mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as inflammatory mediators, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the knee joint cartilage at the early stage of OA, within 7 days after OA induction. However, this effect was not observed in the late stage at 28 days after OA induction. ESM further attenuates the induction of protein expression for cartilage-degrading enzymes like matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) 3 and 13, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS-5), in the late-stage. In addition, MIA-induced reduction of the protein expression levels of cartilage components, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), aggrecan (ACAN) and collagen type II α-1 chain (COL2α1), and cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis promoting transcriptional factor SRY-Box 9 (SOX-9) were increased via ESM treatment in the cartilage tissue. Our findings suggest that Ovomet®, a natural ESM powder, is a promising dietary functional ingredient that can alleviate pain, inflammatory response, and cartilage degradation associated with the progression of OA.

Anti-chitinase-3-like 1 antibody attenuated atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation through inhibition of STAT3-dependent CXCL8 expression.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chitinase-3-like 1 (CHI3L1) causes skin inflammation in the progression of atopic dermatitis. We investigated if anti-CHI3L1 antibody could prevent the development of atopic dermatitis and its mechanisms of action. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The effect of CHI3L1 antibody on phthalic anhydride-induced atopic dermatitis animal model and in vitro reconstructed human skin (RHS) model were investigated. Expression and release of atopic dermatitis-related cytokines were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and RT-qPCR, STAT3 and CXCL8 signalling were measured by western blotting. KEY RESULTS: Anti-CHI3L1 antibody suppressed phthalic anhydride-induced epidermal thickening, clinical score, IgE level and infiltration of inflammatory cells, and reduced phthalic anhydride-induced inflammatory cytokines concentration. In addition, CHI3L1 antibody treatment inhibited the expression of STAT3 activity in phthalic anhydride-treated skin. It was also confirmed that CHI3L1 antibody treatment alleviated atopic dermatitis-related inflammation in the RHS model. The inhibitory effects of CHI3L1 antibody was similar or more effective compared with that of the IL-4 antibody. We further found that CHI3L1 is associated with CXCL8 by protein-association network analysis. siRNA of CHI3L1 blocked the mRNA levels of CHI3L1, IL-1ß, IL-4, CXCL8, TSLP, and the expression of CHI3L1 and p-STAT, and the level of CXCL8, whereas recombinant level of CXCL8 was elevated. Moreover, siRNA of STAT3 reduced the mRNA level of these cytokines. CHI3L1 and p-STAT3 expression correlated with the reduced CXCL8 level in the RHS in vitro model. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our data demonstrated that CHI3L1 antibody could be a promising effective therapeutic drug for atopic dermatitis.

Impacts of Pre-transplant Panel-Reactive Antibody on Post-transplantation Outcomes: A Study of Nationwide Heart Transplant Registry Data.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The number of sensitized heart failure patients on waiting lists for heart transplantation (HTx) is increasing. Using the Korean Organ Transplantation Registry (KOTRY), a nationwide multicenter database, we investigated the prevalence and clinical impact of calculated panel-reactive antibody (cPRA) in patients undergoing HTx. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 813 patients who underwent HTx between 2014 and 2021. Patients were grouped according to peak PRA level as group A: patients with cPRA ≤10% (n= 492); group B: patients with cPRA >10%, <50% (n=160); group C patients with cPRA ≥50% (n=161). Post-HTx outcomes were freedom from antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), acute cellular rejection, coronary allograft vasculopathy, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 44 (19-72) months. Female sex, re-transplantation, and pre-HTx renal replacement therapy were independently associated with an increased risk of sensitization (cPRA ≥50%). Group C patients were more likely to have longer hospital stays and to use anti-thymocyte globulin as an induction agent compared to groups A and B. Significantly more patients in group C had positive flow cytometric crossmatch and had a higher incidence of preformed donor-specific antibody (DSA) compared to groups A and B. During follow-up, group C had a significantly higher rate of AMR, but the overall survival rate was comparable to that of groups A and B. In a subgroup analysis of group C, post-transplant survival was comparable despite higher preformed DSA in a desensitized group compared to the non-desensitized group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cPRA ≥50% had significantly higher incidence of preformed DSA and lower freedom from AMR, but post-HTx survival rates were similar to those with cPRA <50%. Our findings suggest that sensitized patients can attain comparable post-transplant survival to non-sensitized patients when treated with optimal desensitization treatment and therapeutic intervention.

Long-term efficacy and safety of brolucizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: A multicentre retrospective real-world study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal brolucizumab (BRZ) injections in patients with typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration (typical nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: This multicentre retrospective study included 401 eyes of 398 patients with nAMD who received BRZ injection(s), with a follow-up duration of ≥12 months. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal fluid evaluation and central subfield thickness (CST) on optical coherence tomography were assessed. The efficacy of BRZ was compared between typical nAMD and PCV groups. RESULTS: Analyses were conducted with 280 eyes of 278 patients with typical nAMD and 121 eyes of 120 patients with PCV (mean age, 71.1 ± 8.6 years). 29 eyes (7.2%) were treatment naïve. The mean follow-up period was 15.3 ± 2.8 months; the mean number of BRZ injections within 1 year was 4.5 ± 1.7. BCVA was maintained during the follow-up period, and CST significantly improved from the first injection month and was maintained for 12 months in both the typical nAMD and PCV groups. The dry macula proportion increased from 2.7% at baseline to 56.1% at 1 month and 42.9% at 12 months. Among the 18 eyes that underwent indocyanine green angiography both before and after treatment, 10 (55.6%) showed polyp regression. Overall, the incidence of intraocular inflammation (IOI), retinal vasculitis and occlusive retinal vasculitis was 9.4% (38 eyes), 1.2% (5 eyes) and 0.5% (2 eyes), respectively. IOI occurred from the first to the sixth injections, with an average IOI onset of 28.5 ± 1.4 days. All eyes achieved IOI resolution, although the two eyes with occlusive retinal vasculitis showed a severe visual decline after IOI resolution. CONCLUSION: Brolucizumab was effective in maintaining BCVA and managing fluid in eyes with nAMD for up to 1 year, exhibiting a high polyp regression rate. However, the not uncommon incidence of IOI and the severe visual decline caused by the rare occlusive retinal vasculitis following BRZ treatment underscore the importance of careful monitoring and timely management.

Novel Avian Influenza A(H5N6) Virus in Wild Birds, South Korea, 2023.

We isolated novel reassortant avian influenza A(H5N6) viruses containing genes from clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus and low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses in carcasses of whooper swans and bean geese in South Korea during December 2023. Neuraminidase gene was from a clade 2.3.4.4b H5N6 virus infecting poultry and humans in China.

The Third Nationwide Korean Heart Failure III Registry (KorHF III): The Study Design Paper.

With advancements in both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments, significant changes have occurred in heart failure (HF) management. The previous Korean HF registries, namely the Korea Heart Failure Registry (KorHF-registry) and Korean Acute Heart Failure Registry (KorAHF-registry), no longer accurately reflect contemporary acute heart failure (AHF) patients. Our objective is to assess contemporary AHF patients through a nationwide registry encompassing various aspects, such as clinical characteristics, management approaches, hospital course, and long-term outcomes of individuals hospitalized for AHF in Korea. This prospective observational multicenter cohort study (KorHF III) is organized by the Korean Society of Heart Failure. We aim to prospectively enroll 7,000 or more patients hospitalized for AHF at 47 tertiary hospitals in Korea starting from March 2018. Eligible patients exhibit signs and symptoms of HF and demonstrate either lung congestion or objective evidence of structural or functional cardiac abnormalities in echocardiography, or isolated right-sided HF. Patients will be followed up for up to 5 years after enrollment in the registry to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes. KorHF III represents the nationwide AHF registry that will elucidate the clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of contemporary AHF patients in Korea. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04329234.

Heart Failure Statistics 2024 Update: A Report From the Korean Society of Heart Failure.

Background and Objectives: The number of people with heart failure (HF) is increasing worldwide, and the social burden is increasing as HF has high mortality and morbidity. We aimed to provide updated trends on the epidemiology of HF in Korea to shape future social measures against HF. Methods: We used the National Health Information Database of the National Health Insurance Service to determine the prevalence, incidence, hospitalization rate, mortality rate, comorbidities, in-hospital mortality, and healthcare cost of patients with HF from 2002 to 2020 in Korea. Results: The prevalence of HF in the total Korean population rose from 0.77% in 2002 to 2.58% (1,326,886 people) in 2020. Although the age-standardized incidence of HF decreased over the past 18 years, the age-standardized prevalence increased. In 2020, the hospitalization rate for any cause in patients with HF was 1,166 per 100,000 persons, with a steady increase from 2002. In 2002, the HF mortality was 3.0 per 100,000 persons, which rose to 15.6 per 100,000 persons in 2020. While hospitalization rates and in-hospital mortality for patients with HF increased, the mortality rate for patients with HF did not (5.8% in 2020), and the one-year survival rate from the first diagnosis of HF improved. The total healthcare costs for patients with HF were approximately $2.4 billion in 2020, a 16-fold increase over the $0.15 billion in 2002. Conclusions: The study's results underscore the growing socioeconomic burden of HF in Korea, driven by an aging population and increasing HF prevalence.

Anatomical study to determine a new approach to treat benign masses located in the anterior condyle region: a case report.

A 22-year-old male patient presented to the clinic with severe pain in the preauricular area with an inability to completely occlude the jaw. Facial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined lesion that was tentatively diagnosed as a benign tumor or cystic mass. Surgical approach of a lesion in the condyle is delicate and problematic as many vulnerable anatomical structures are present. There are several methods for surgery in this area. Typically, an extraoral approach is dangerous because of potential injuries to nerves and arteries. The intraoral approach also presents difficulties due to the lack of visibility and accessibility. On occasion, coronoidectomy may be performed. The goal here was to determine an easier and safer new surgical approach to the condyle. We reached the anterior part of the pterygoid plate in the same method as in Le Fort I surgery. From this point, through the external pterygoid muscle, approaching the anterior aspect of the condyle is relatively easy and safe, with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. Pus was drained at the site, and the lesion was diagnosed as an abscess. Pain and inability to close the mouth resolved without recurrence.