The association between regional cerebral oxygen saturation and neurological outcomes in cardiac arrest survivors.

Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) is recommended for monitoring cerebral perfusion status. We aimed to investigate the association between rSO2 and neurological outcomes and correlating parameters with rSO2 in cardiac arrest survivors. This observational study included adult comatose cardiac arrest survivors who underwent targeted temperature management and were monitored with rSO2 between June 2021 and February 2023.

Orbital Yolk Sac Tumor in an Infant.

Yolk sac tumors most commonly arise in the gonads, such as the testes or ovaries. Extragonadal yolk sac tumors occur primarily in midline sites, such as the mediastinum, sacrococcygeal area, and retroperitoneum. Orbital yolk sac tumor is an extremely rare disease.

Integrating visual assessments and quantification methods for tau PET staging.

Introduction: We compared visual assessments and quantification methods for tau positron emission tomography (PET) staging and evaluated plasma biomarkers and cognitive trajectories across amyloid and tau (AT) staging.

Methods: Tau PET scans from 289 Korea-Registries to Overcome Dementia and Accelerate Dementia Research (K-ROAD) participants were analyzed visually and quantitatively, with validation in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort (n = 870). Plasma biomarkers and cognitive measures were evaluated across AT stages.

Nationwide Quality Assessment of Lung Cancer Management in Korea: Based on Second-Cycle Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) Evaluation.

Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. To improve lung cancer care quality, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) in Korea conducted the first phase of the second-cycle adequacy assessment, incorporating patient-centered and outcome-based indicators.

Methods: This study analyzed HIRA claims data from 106 medical institutions treating lung cancer between July 2022 and June 2023.

Trends and institutional patterns of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Korea: a nationwide analysis, 2016-2023.

Background: While the clinical effectiveness of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has gained increasing attention, its real-world utilization, patient selection, and system-level implementation remain incompletely understood.

Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional analysis with time-series components using nationwide emergency department (ED) data from Korea between 2016 and 2023. ECPR cases were identified using diagnostic and procedural codes.

Late-Onset Crizotinib-Associated Renal Cysts With Subsequent Regression Following Dose Reduction: A Case Report.

Crizotinib, an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)/ROS1/c-MET inhibitor, improves outcomes in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but can cause crizotinib-associated renal cysts (CARCs), a rare yet clinically relevant adverse effect. We report a case of a 68-year-old Korean male who developed complex renal cysts after 4 years of crizotinib therapy. Radiologic findings initially raised suspicion for either an abscess or a neoplastic lesion, leading to surgical resection.

Molecular Interplay of Gene Network Dynamics, Epigenetic Regulation, and Therapeutic Mapping in Cardiovascular Disease.

Purpose: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the leading cause of death globally, driven by a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Traditional risk factors alone fail to explain the individual variability in disease susceptibility and progression. Recent advances in genomics and epigenomics have revealed key molecular mechanisms that regulate cardiovascular function, highlighting the importance of gene network dynamics and epigenetic regulation.

Mutant zebrafish lacking slc25a22a show spontaneous seizures and respond to the anti-seizure medication valproic acid.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder associated with abnormal neuronal activity in the central nervous system, resulting in recurrent seizures. Various anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are effective against epilepsy. However, approximately one-third of patients still do not respond to currently available ASMs either alone or in combination because the etiology of their epilepsy remains unclear.

Effect of Operator Experience Performing Rotational Atherectomy on Clinical Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Background And Objectives: Rotational atherectomy (RA) is a technique used to ablate calcified plaques. There is speculation that operators' experience with RA could play a role in the outcomes.

Methods: From December 2015 to April 2020, patients with calcified coronary lesions requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with RA were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, observational registry.

Prediction of good functional outcome decreases diagnostic uncertainty in unconscious survivors after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Purpose: To explore modifications of the 2021 European Resuscitation Council/European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ERC/ESICM) guideline algorithm for neuroprognostication after cardiac arrest to improve its prognostic accuracy.

Methods: Post-hoc analysis of four prospective multicentre studies (TTM, TTM2, KORHN and ProNeCA). We raised the Glasgow Coma Scale motor (GCS-M) inclusion threshold at 72 h after cardiac arrest from the current GCS-M < 4 to GCS-M < 6 (all unconscious patients).

Effects of long-term unmet needs and unmet rehabilitation need on the quality of life in stroke survivors: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Long-term unmet needs are prevalent among stroke survivors. Their impact on quality of life (QoL) has been reported in the Western population but remain largely unexplored within Western Pacific populations.

Objectives: We aimed to identify the long-term unmet needs and unmet rehabilitation need among stroke survivors in South Korea and evaluate their intercorrelations with QoL.

Environmental factors shaping atopic dermatitis: Lessons from longitudinal cohort studies.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease arising from a multifaceted interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures. Longitudinal cohort studies have been instrumental in elucidating the contribution of environmental factors to both the onset and persistence of AD. This review synthesizes evidence from such studies to delineate key environmental determinants across various domains.

Comparable outcomes for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients receiving conditioning with total body irradiation or chemotherapy: A nationwide, Korean registry-based study.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the predominant malignancy in pediatric patients, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) plays a critical role in high-risk cases. However, real-world nationwide data comparing the outcomes of conditioning regimens are limited. This nationwide registry-based study analyzed data from 270 Korean pediatric patients with high-risk or relapsed ALL who underwent their first allogeneic HSCT with myeloablative conditioning.

Macrophage targeting precision nanomedicine utilizing ROS-responsive metallozyme-loaded nanomicelle for enhanced treatment of gout-induced inflammation.

The excessive accumulation of monosodium urate crystals in joints leads to the pathological condition known as gout. While conventional treatments, which include Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, are available, their short half-life and low bioavailability limit their practical application. To overcome these limitations and leverage the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-rich microenvironment, this study developed a novel ROS-responsive thioketal-linked hyaluronic acid-based micelle loaded with manganese oxide (HTO-MnO) for enhanced treatment.

Comparison of Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Sinus Rhythm and Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Heart Failure.

Background And Objectives: In chronic heart failure (HF), natriuretic peptide (NP) levels are higher in atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to sinus rhythm (SR). However, due to the loss of atrial contraction, AF patients are prone to hemodynamic decompensation at earlier stages. Since NP levels reflect disease severity, acutely decompensated AF patients may exhibit lower NP levels compared to SR patients, who retain greater hemodynamic reserve.

Exploring the association between lower serum BDNF levels and delayed-onset PTSD in physically injured patients with vulnerable personality traits: A two-year prospective study.

This longitudinal study investigated the relationships among serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (sBDNF) levels, personality types, and the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), distinguishing between earlier- and delayed-onset PTSD over two years in individuals with physical injuries. A total of 895 adults with moderate to severe injuries were recruited from a trauma center and assessed within one month post-injury. Baseline evaluations included sBDNF measurements and personality assessments using the Big Five Inventory-10, which classified participants as having either resilient or vulnerable personality types.

Preliminary feasibility study of a novel spiral-designed plastic stent for endoscopic management of malignant hilar biliary obstruction: a multicenter prospective study (with video).

Background And Aims: Plastic stents (PSs) are widely used for palliative drainage in patients with malignant hilar obstruction (MHO); however, their clinical utility is often limited by their short duration of patency, occlusion, and the risk of migration. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical efficacy of a newly designed Twist stent (Taewoong Medical Co, Ltd, Goyang, South Korea) PS, specifically designed to enhance anchoring and prolong patency during endoscopic MHO treatment.

Methods: This prospective study enrolled 32 patients with MHO who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with placement of an 8.

Clinical and radiologic findings in angiomatous nasal polyps.

Angiomatous nasal polyps (ANPs), a rare subtype of inflammatory sinonasal polyps, pose a diagnostic challenge due to overlapping clinical and radiological features with other nasal tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological characteristics of six pathologically confirmed ANPs. Six patients diagnosed with ANPs between December 2010 and May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.

Avenanthramide-C as Alzheimer's Disease-Modifying Therapy: Early and Sustained Intervention Prevents Disease Progression in Mouse Models.

Most approved drugs for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are indicated for early to moderate stages and primarily target amyloid-beta or neurotransmitter systems. While these treatments may slow cognitive decline, they do not halt disease progression and are often limited by high cost and modest efficacy. Natural compounds are increasingly being explored as alternative interventions.

Placental cadmium and its association with maternal diet and offspring growth in Koreans.

Background/objectives: Cadmium (Cd) can cross the placental barrier and affect fetal development. Dietary exposure is a primary source of Cd intake. However, studies examining the relationships between food intake, placental Cd concentration, and offspring growth remain limited, especially in Asian populations.

Standardized Measurement of Muscle Strength and Physical Performance for Sarcopenia: An Expert-Based Delphi Consensus.

Background: Despite updated sarcopenia guidelines, inconsistent protocols still cause clinical confusion and may compromise diagnostic and outcome accuracy. This Delphi study aimed to establish expert consensus to support the standardization of muscle strength and physical performance assessments for sarcopenia.

Methods: A two-round modified Delphi study was conducted with 26 experts in geriatrics and sarcopenia.

Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level, the Lower the Better? Analysis of Korean Patients in the Treat Stroke to Target Trial.

Background And Purpose: The Treat Stroke to Target (TST) was a randomized clinical trial involving French and Korean patients demonstrating that a lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, <70 mg/dL) target group (LT) experienced fewer cerebro-cardiovascular events than a higher target (90-110 mg/dL) group (HT). However, whether these results can be applied to Asian patients with different ischemic stroke subtypes remains unclear.

Methods: Patients from 14 South Korean centers were analyzed separately.