A Pilot Study of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Using an Endoscopic Assistive Robot in a Porcine Stomach Model.

Background/aims: Endoscopic assistive devices have been developed to reduce the complexity and improve the safety of surgeries involving the use of endoscopes. We developed an assistive robotic arm for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and evaluated its efficiency and safety in this pilot study.

Methods: ESD was performed using an auxiliary transluminal endoscopic robot.

Genetic associations between ADHD and dopaminergic genes (DAT1 and DRD4) VNTRs in Korean children.

It is well known that dopaminergic genes affect the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in various populations. Many studies have shown that variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) located within the 3'-untranslated region of DAT1 and in exon 3 of DRD4 are associated with ADHD development; however, these results were inconsistent. Therefore, we investigated the genetic association between two VNTRs and ADHD in Korean children.

Genetic variations of MTHFR gene and their association with preterm birth in Korean women.

Background And Objective: The MTHFR gene encodes the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase known to be involved in the homocysteine-methionine pathway. It has been reported that the deficiency of MTHFR activity may cause hyperhomocysteinemia which results in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies reported a correlation between the MTHFR gene polymorphisms (677 T/C and 1298 A/C) and lower MTHFR activity and its association with preterm birth in various populations.

Association of mitochondrial DNA 10398 A/G polymorphism with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in Korean children.

Mitochondria are subcellular organelles that contribute to aerobic ATP generation by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Previous studies reported that mitochondrial dysfunction and deficiency caused by mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms is associated with various diseases. Especially, mitochondrial DNA 10398 A/G polymorphism is known to affect the regulation of mitochondrial calcium levels related to energy production, and its association with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder has been reported.

Comparison of effect of electroacupuncture and nefopam for prevention of postanesthetic shivering in patients undergoing urologic operation under spinal anesthesia.

Background: Shivering during spinal anesthesia is a frequent complication and is induced by the core-to-peripheral redistribution of heat. Nefopam has minimal side effects and prevents shivering by reducing the shivering threshold. Electroacupuncture is known to prevent shivering by preserving the core body temperature.