Optimal Value of Mutant KRAS Circulating Tumor DNA for Predicting Prognosis and Monitoring in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

Background: The generalizability and applicability of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) KRAS mutations in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) remain elusive. We aimed to propose a cut-off value of mutant KRAS (mKRAS) concentration in ctDNA and validate its clinical utility.

Methods: This prospective, multicenter cohort study enrolled 419 patients with PAC.

Erratum: Correction of Fig. 2 in the Article "Temporal Radiographic Trajectory and Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Longitudinal Study".

This corrects the article on p. e25 in vol. 40, PMID: 40065711.

Temporal Radiographic Trajectory and Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Longitudinal Study.

Background: Currently, little is known about the relationship between the temporal radiographic latent trajectories, which are based on the extent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to elucidate the differences in the temporal trends of critical laboratory biomarkers, utilization of critical care support, and clinical outcomes according to temporal radiographic latent trajectories.

Methods: We enrolled 2,385 patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 and underwent serial chest radiographs from December 2019 to March 2022.

A randomized non-inferiority trial investigating antibiotic adjustments based on blood culture in acute cholangitis.

Objectives: This study evaluated the adequacy of using blood cultures alone for antibiotic therapy in mild-to-moderate acute cholangitis after adequate biliary drainage.

Methods: A prospective, multi-centre, non-inferiority, randomized trial was conducted from August 2015 to September 2023 across 12 tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to groups.

Predictive Biomarkers of Lymph Node Metastasis in Early Gastric Cancer: A Reference of Clinicopathological Characteristics, Protein Expression, Epstein-Barr Virus Status, and Microsatellite Instability.

Background/aim: Predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) in early gastric cancer (EGC) is crucial for making treatment decisions. This study aimed to confirm risk factors for LNM and identify novel auxiliary biomarkers for predicting LNM in EGC.

Patients And Methods: We established a training set, comprising 63 patients with LNM-EGC and 274 patients with non-LNM EGC, and a test set, comprising 19 patients with LNM-EGC and 146 non-LNM EGC.

Enhancing Health and Empowerment: Assessing the Satisfaction of Underprivileged Rural Women Participating in a Functional Literacy Education Program in Kailali District, Nepal.

Women's empowerment and health literacy are essential for fostering community well-being. Empowering women through education and diverse training plays a crucial role in ensuring their prosperity and overall health. This study investigates the satisfaction and experiences of underprivileged rural mothers participating in a functional literacy education program in the Kailali district, Nepal.

Quality Indicators of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Korea.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that requires significant experiences and skills and has various procedure-related complications, some of which can be severe and even result in the death of patients. Expanding ERCP availability has the advantage of increasing accessibility for patients. However, ERCP poses a substantial risk if performed without proper quality management.

Genetic susceptibility to post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis identified in propensity score-matched analysis.

Background/aims: A previous history of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is a risk factor for PEP, suggesting that there may be a genetic predisposition to PEP. However, nothing is known about this yet. The aim of this study was to identify genetic variations associated with PEP.

Optimal Follow-up of Incidental Pancreatic Cystic Lesions without Worrisome Features: Clinical Outcome after Long-term Follow-up.

Background/aims: : The optimal duration and interval of follow-up for cystic lesions of the pancreas (CLPs) is not well established. This study was performed to investigate the optimal duration and interval of follow-up for CLPs in clinical practice.

Methods: : Patients with CLPs without worrisome features or high-risk stigmata underwent follow-up with computed tomography at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months and then every 12 months thereafter.

Effects of additive interactions among obesity, visceral adiposity, and sarcopenia on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Although the association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with obesity or sarcopenia is known, few studies have investigated the combined effect of various body composition parameters on the risk of NAFLD. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate effects of interactions between various body composition parameters, including obesity, visceral adiposity, and sarcopenia, on NAFLD. Data of subjects who underwent health checkups between 2010 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.

Efficacy and safety of novel hemostatic gel in endoscopic sphincterotomy or endoscopic papillectomy: A multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Endoscopists often experience obstacles with traditional hemostasis using the side-viewing duodenoscope for bleeding after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) or endoscopic papillectomy (EP).

Aims: In this randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel hemostatic gel for post-EST or post-EP bleeding.

Methods: A randomized trial was conducted from November 2020 to December 2021 at two tertiary centers in South Korea.

Positive Impact on Public Perception toward Commune Health Stations (CHSs) in Rural Areas of Tyuen Quang Province, Vietnam, Following the Application of the Development Program for the Capacity-Building of CHSs.

This study aims to discover whether or not the capacity-building intervention through implementing the "Rural Area Development Program" in Tuyen Quang province, in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Vietnamese Department of Health", would positively affect the perception of the public toward the communal health stations (CHSs). To address this, three specific indicator-related satisfaction levels were examined regarding the infrastructure, the professional skills, and the service attitude of the medical personnel of the three CHSs toward outpatients. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 participants from three rural CHSs (Binh Yen, Vinh Loi, and Thang Long Communes).

Association between progression-free survival and metal stent patency in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Background: Chemotherapy reportedly affects the patency of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) in patients with cancer. However, knowledge regarding the association between SEMS patency and progression-free survival (PFS) remains limited. This study aimed to assess PFS and SEMS patency in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Current Practice Patterns of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Tissue Sampling for Pancreatic Solid Mass in Korea: Outcomes of a National Survey.

Background/aims: Although endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and fine needle biopsy (FNB) are widely used for tissue acquisition of pancreatic solid mass, the optimal strategy of this procedure has not been established yet. The aim of this nationwide study was to investigate the current practice patterns of EUS-FNA/FNB for pancreatic solid mass in Korea.

Methods: The Policy-Quality Management of the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (KPBA) developed a questionnaire containing 22 questions.

Association between life-style, metabolic syndrome and lower urinary tract symptoms and its impact on quality of life in men ≥ 40 years.

We aimed to assess the relationship between lifestyle-related variables, metabolic syndrome, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men ≥ 40 years. We also assessed the impact of these variables on quality of life. From 2014 to 2020, 5355 men who underwent health check-ups with I-PSS questionnaires at our institute were included in the analysis.

Impacts of body composition parameters and liver cirrhosis on the severity of alcoholic acute pancreatitis.

Aim: Liver cirrhosis and features of muscle or adipose tissues may affect the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). We aimed to evaluate the impact of body composition parameters and liver cirrhosis on the severity of AP in patients with alcohol-induced AP (AAP).

Methods: Patients with presumed AAP who underwent CT within one week after admission were retrospectively enrolled.

Association between body fat parameters and arterial stiffness.

The influence of body fat on arterial stiffness remains controversial. This study was performed to investigate the associations between four different types of body fat parameters and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). A total of 3758 subjects (mean age, 53.

Association of obesity, visceral adiposity, and sarcopenia with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome: A retrospective study.

Aims: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a global health problem associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. Body composition parameters, including obesity, visceral adiposity, and sarcopenia contribute to the development of MS and CVD. Previous studies have investigated the association of individual body composition parameters with MS.

A National Survey on the Environment and Basic Techniques of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Korea.

Background/aims: The work environment in which endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is conducted has influence on its efficacy and safety. We aimed to assess the current status of ERCP work environments and to investigate the trends associated with the basic techniques of ERCP in Korea.

Methods: The work environment and information on the basic techniques of ERCP were acquired by the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (KPBA) through a national survey in 2019.

Association between sarcopenia level and metabolic syndrome.

Aims: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and mortality. Sarcopenia has been reported as a risk factor for MetS, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and CVD. To date, the association between sarcopenia and MetS has been investigated.

Fatty liver is an independent risk factor for gallbladder polyps.

Background: Gallbladder polyps (GBPs) are known to be associated with obesity and metabolic diseases. However, to date, the relationship between GBPs and abnormal body fat distribution, such as fatty liver, visceral obesity, or sarcopenia, has not yet been established.

Aim: To evaluate whether GBPs are associated with fatty liver, visceral obesity, or sarcopenia.