Association of peripheral leukocyte telomere length with patients with rheumatoid arthritis with a focus on interstitial lung disease.

Background/aims: This study investigated whether telomere length (TL) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is shorter than in controls, whether TL in RA patients with interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) differs from that in those without ILD (RA-nonILD), and whether TL varies according to RA-ILD patterns.

Methods: TL was measured in peripheral leukocytes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results were compared between controls (n = 14), RA (n = 70), RA-ILD (n = 53), and RA-nonILD (n = 53), and between the subgroups with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP; n = 32) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP; n = 8), with age- and sex-matching in each comparison.

Impact of Deep Learning-Based Image Conversion on Fully Automated Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring Using Thin-Slice, Sharp-Kernel, Non-Gated, Low-Dose Chest CT Scans: A Multi-Center Study.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of deep learning-based image conversion on the accuracy of automated coronary artery calcium quantification using thin-slice, sharp-kernel, non-gated, low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) images collected from multiple institutions.

Materials And Methods: A total of 225 pairs of LDCT and calcium scoring CT (CSCT) images scanned at 120 kVp and acquired from the same patient within a 6-month interval were retrospectively collected from four institutions. Image conversion was performed for LDCT images using proprietary software programs to simulate conventional CSCT.

Comparative Efficacy of Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker-Based Triple Therapy with Tegoprazan versus Vonoprazan for Eradication: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Controlled Pilot Study.

Background/aims: Triple therapy with vonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker, has shown an acceptable eradication rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tegoprazan-based triple therapy compared with those of vonoprazan-based triple therapy for eradication.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, multicenter pilot study included treatment-naive adults with infection.

Prevention of rebleeding after primary haemostasis using haemostatic powder in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Background: Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Rebleeding rates following endoscopic treatment can reach up to 25% within 72 hours in patients with high-risk lesions.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a haemostatic powder (Nexpowder) in reducing rebleeding rates after conventional endoscopic treatment in patients with NVUGIB.

Korean Registry on the Current Management of (K-Hp-Reg): Interim Analysis of Adherence to the Revised Evidence-Based Guidelines for First-Line Treatment.

Background/aims: The Korean guidelines for treatment were revised in 2020, however, the extent of adherence to these guidelines in clinical practice remains unclear. Herein, we initiated a prospective, nationwide, multicenter registry study in 2021 to evaluate the current management of infection in Korea.

Methods: This interim report describes the adherence to the revised guidelines and their impact on first-line eradication rates.

Rapid and Sensitive Detection of RNA Viruses through Imaging of Marker Molecules Derived from Designed Circular DNA Probes.

In the absence of treatment, detection of pathogenic RNA viruses and quarantine of infected individuals are critical for controlling the infection spread. Conventional antibody-based methods often lack the required accuracy and sensitivity, due to the need for a substantial amount of viral antigens. Similarly, traditional reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction methods face challenges in providing timely results due to their multiple thermal nucleic acid amplification steps.

Tegoprazan-Containing Versus Proton Pump Inhibitor-Containing Therapy for First-Line Eradication of : A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Introduction: Concerns have been raised regarding the decreasing success rates of the standard treatment of (proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and two/three antibiotics) and the long-term effects carried by PPI. Despite conflicting data, Tegoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker, is hypothesized to be superior to PPI for eradicating . This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to determine the superiority of Tegoprazan-containing therapy to PPI-containing therapy for eradication.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Dual Delayed-Release Formulation of 10-mg Esomeprazole in Patients with Gastric Erosions: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Control, Phase III Study.

Background/aims: Clinical data on the efficacy and safety of the dual delayed-release formulation of 10-mg esomeprazole (HIP2101) are currently limited. Therefore, this study compared the efficacy and safety of HIP2101 and 20-mg famotidine (RLD2101) in patients with gastric erosions.

Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active-control, phase III study, 326 patients with endoscopically proven gastric mucosal erosion were randomly assigned to receive either HIP2101 or RLD2101 once daily for 2 weeks.

Efficacy and safety of rebamipide/nizatidine in patients with erosive gastritis: A randomized, multicenter, phase 4 study.

Background: For the treatment of gastritis, rebamipide, a mucoprotective agent, and nizatidine, a gastric acid suppressant, are commonly employed individually.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of Mucotra SR (rebamipide 150 mg) and Axid (nizatidine 150 mg) combination therapy with the sole administration of Axid in managing erosive gastritis.

Methods: A total of 260 patients diagnosed with endoscopically confirmed erosive gastritis were enrolled in this open-label, multicenter, randomized, phase 4 clinical trial, allocating them into two groups: Rebamipide/nizatidine combination twice daily nizatidine twice daily for 2 weeks.

[Study on the Necessity and Methodology for Enhancing Outpatient and Clinical Education in the Department of Radiology].

In the rapidly evolving healthcare environment, radiologists strive to establish their rightful place. Thus, there is a need for enhanced outpatient and clinical education within the Department of Radiology and exploration of its methodologies. Accordingly, the Korean Society of Radiology established a task force to investigate the clinical and outpatient practice status of radiologists overseas, current state of related education, involvement of other specialties in radiologic practices and education in Korea, and clinical and outpatient practice status among Korean radiologists.

Risk factors of mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: a single-centre prospective cohort study.

Objectives: To determine the risk factors for mortality in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) in comparison to patients with RA but without ILD (RA-nonILD).

Methods: Data were extracted from a single-centre prospective cohort of RA patients with a chest computed tomography scan at an academic referral hospital in Korea. Patients with RA-ILD enroled between May 2017 and August 2022 were selected, and those without ILD were selected as comparators.

Slow blood-flow in the left atrial appendage is associated with stroke in atrial fibrillation patients.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are at high risk of stroke with ∼90% clots originating from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Clinical understanding of blood-flow based parameters and their potential association with stroke for AF patients remains poorly understood. We hypothesize that slow blood-flow either in the LA or the LAA could lead to the formation of blood clots and is associated with stroke for AF patients.

CT Findings of Azygos Venous System: Congenital Variants and Acquired Structural Changes.

The azygos venous system is a crucial conduit of the posterior thorax and potentially vital collateral pathway. However, it is often overlooked clinically and radiologically. This pictorial essay reviews the normal azygos venous anatomy and CT findings of congenital variations and structural changes associated with acquired pathologies.

Efficacy and safety of HIP1601 (dual delayed-release esomeprazole) 40 mg in erosive esophagitis compared to HGP1705 (delayed-release esomeprazole) 40 mg: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority study.

Background: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective drugs for treating acid-related disorders. However, once-daily dosing with conventional PPIs fail to fully control acid secretion over 24 h. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of HIP1601 (dual delayed-release esomeprazole) and HGP1705 (delayed-release esomeprazole) in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE).

Helicobacter pylori Treatment and Gastric Cancer Risk After Endoscopic Resection of Dysplasia: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Background & Aims: The study investigated the association between Helicobacter pylori treatment and the risk of gastric cancer after endoscopic resection of gastric dysplasia.

Methods: Patients who received endoscopic resection for gastric dysplasia between 2010 and 2020 from Korean nationwide insurance data were included. We verified the occurrence of new-onset gastric cancer and metachronous gastric neoplasm, which encompasses both cancer and dysplasia, >1 year after the index endoscopic resection.

Real-world Prescription Patterns and Patient Satisfaction Regarding Maintenance Therapy of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: An Observational, Cross-sectional, Multicenter Study.

Background/aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder that typically requires long-term maintenance therapy. However, little is known about patient preferences and satisfaction and real-world prescription patterns regarding maintenance therapy for GERD.

Methods: This observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study involved patients from 18 referral hospitals in Korea.

On-demand Versus Continuous Maintenance Treatment With a Proton Pump Inhibitor for Mild Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Study.

Background/aims: It remains unclear which maintenance treatment modality is most appropriate for mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to compare on-demand treatment with continuous treatment using a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in the maintenance treatment for patients with non-erosive GERD or mild erosive esophagitis.

Methods: Patients whose GERD symptoms improved after 4 weeks of standard dose PPI treatment were prospectively enrolled at 25 hospitals.

Generative Adversarial Network-Based Image Conversion Among Different Computed Tomography Protocols and Vendors: Effects on Accuracy and Variability in Quantifying Regional Disease Patterns of Interstitial Lung Disease.

Objective: To assess whether computed tomography (CT) conversion across different scan parameters and manufacturers using a routable generative adversarial network (RouteGAN) can improve the accuracy and variability in quantifying interstitial lung disease (ILD) using a deep learning-based automated software.

Materials And Methods: This study included patients with ILD who underwent thin-section CT. Unmatched CT images obtained using scanners from four manufacturers (vendors A-D), standard- or low-radiation doses, and sharp or medium kernels were classified into groups 1-7 according to acquisition conditions.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of DW1903 in Patients with Gastritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Noninferiority, Multicenter, Phase 3 study.

Background/aims: H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) have been used to treat gastritis by inhibiting gastric acid. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are more potent acid suppressants than H2RA. However, the efficacy and safety of low-dose PPI for treating gastritis remain unclear.

Clinical characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis patients with interstitial lung disease: baseline data of a single-center prospective cohort.

Background: To introduce a prospective cohort for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and to identify their clinical features in comparison with RA patients without ILD.

Methods: Using a multidisciplinary collaborative approach, a single-center cohort for RA patients with ILD (RA-ILD) was established in May 2017, and enrolment data from May 2017 to March 2021 were used to compare the clinical features of RA patients without ILD (RA-non ILD). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with ILD in RA patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Fexuprazan in Patients with Acute or Chronic Gastritis.

Background/aims: Fexuprazan is a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker that could be of benefit to patients with gastric mucosal injury. The aim of this study was to assess the 2-week efficacy and safety of fexuprazan in patients with acute or chronic gastritis.

Methods: In this study, 327 patients with acute or chronic gastritis who had one or more gastric erosions on endoscopy and subjective symptoms were randomized into three groups receiving fexuprazan 20 mg once a day (q.