Effects of positive end-expiratory pressure on pulmonary atelectasis after paediatric laparoscopic surgery as assessed by ultrasound: A randomised controlled study.

Introduction: Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) following alveolar recruitment manoeuvre (RM) can effectively prevent anaesthesia-induced atelectasis in children. We aimed to evaluate the individual effect of PEEP following RM on atelectasis at the end of laparoscopic surgery in infants and small children.

Methods: Children undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair aged 5 weeks to 2 years were randomly allocated to either the PEEP or control group.

Ticagrelor vs. Clopidogrel in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease After New-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation.

The impact of ticagrelor-based dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. Data on a total of 1,067 ACS patients with CKD including end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who underwent new-generation drug-eluting stent implantation were extracted from a multicenter registry. This study aimed to compare outcomes of patients treated with ticagrelor- ( = 449) and those treated with clopidogrel-based ( = 618) DAPT.

1 L- versus 2 L-polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid for bowel preparation in elderly patients: a randomized multicenter study.

Background: 1 L-polyethylene glycol (PEG)/ascorbic acid (Asc) was developed to reduce the required oral preparation volume through increasing osmotic load through containing a greater quantity of ascorbate components. We aimed to compare the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of a split-dosing regimen of 1 L-PEG/Asc versus 2 L-PEG/Asc in elderly patients undergoing scheduled colonoscopy.

Methods: This was a prospective, non-inferiority, randomized, investigator-blinded multicenter study conducted in Korea between July 2019 and December 2020.

Influence of individual proton pump inhibitors on clinical outcomes in patients receiving clopidogrel following percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background: Data are conflicting on whether proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) diminish the efficacy of clopidogrel. We investigated individual PPIs and adverse cardiovascular events in postpercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients on dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel.

Methods: We searched Ovid-MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane from inception to March 2020 to identify studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of clopidogrel added PPIs versus clopidogrel only in post-PCI patient.

Patient perception and treatment convenience of dabigatran versus vitamin K antagonist when used for stroke prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation: Real-world Evaluation of Long-term Anticoagulant Treatment Experience (RE-LATE) study.

Purpose: Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor approved for stroke prophylaxis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Real-world data about patient preference, satisfaction and convenience in patients in Asia are not available. The study aimed to explore the perception of patients with newly diagnosed NVAF regarding dabigatran versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), when used for stroke prevention.

Prevalence and determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and prelacteal feeding in Northern Ghana: A cross-sectional survey.

Background: There is suboptimal early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) with widespread prelacteal feeding in Ghana. However, studies exploring the determinants of EIBF and prelacteal feeding are limited in Ghana. The study was conducted to assess the prevalence and determinants of EIBF and prelacteal feeding in Northern Ghana.

Association of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase gene polymorphism with obesity and lipid metabolism in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is higher than that among typically developing children and adolescents. However, very few studies have explored the genetic factors associated with obesity in children and adolescents with ASD. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the associations between 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) gene polymorphisms and obesity among children and adolescents with ASD.

Hepatic steatosis and development of type 2 diabetes: Impact of chronic hepatitis B and viral specific factors.

Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) was associated with a lower prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The impact of CHB on the link between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related virological implications remain unclear.

Methods: We recruited 2255 middle-to older-aged individuals who were examined serially for hepatic steatosis by ultrasonography and blood biochemistry as part of a population-based hepatocellular-carcinoma cohort study.

Perfusion-Decellularized Larynx as a Natural 3D Scaffold in a Rabbit Model.

Introduction: Decellularized larynges could be used as scaffolds to regenerate the larynx. The purpose of this study was to establish a perfusion decellularization protocol to produce a 3-dimensional whole laryngeal extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold in a rabbit model.

Methods: The larynges of 20 rabbits assigned to the study group were harvested and decellularized using a perfusion decellularization protocol, while the larynges of 10 rabbits in the control group were harvested and untreated.

Outcome Comparison Between Open and Endovascular Aortic Repair for Retrograde Type A Intramural Hematoma With Intimal Tear in the Descending Thoracic Aorta: A Retrospective Observational Study.

The optimal treatment modality for retrograde type A intramural hematoma (IMH) remains debatable. This study evaluated and compared surgical outcomes and aortic remodeling after open aortic repair and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with retrograde type A IMH with a primary intimal tear or ulcer like projection in the descending aorta. A single center, retrospective observational study was performed on patients with retrograde type A IMH undergoing either open aortic repair and TEVAR.

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards hepatitis B infection among high school students in Asante Mampong, Ghana.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious global public health problem, with significant morbidity and mortality from acute and chronic complications. Increasing awareness and improving knowledge of HBV helps reduce the risk of the disease. Although many studies have been conducted on HBV in Ghana, few have focused on examining knowledge, attitude and preventive practices among adolescents towards the disease.

Clinical course of COVID-19 patients treated with ECMO: A multicenter study in Daegu, South Korea.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an epidemic of critical patients, some of whom have been treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This purpose of study is to describe the clinical course of COVID-19 patients treated with ECMO.

Methods: A multicentered study of critical patients with COVID-19 treated at six hospitals in Daegu was conducted between January and April 2020.

Recovered but Constrained: Narratives of Ghanaian COVID-19 Survivors Experiences and Coping Pathways of Stigma, Discrimination, Social Exclusion and Their Sequels.

Background: Research about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), its epidemiology and socio-economic impact on populations worldwide has gained attention. However, there is dearth of empirical knowledge in low- and middle-income settings about the pandemic's impact on survivors, particularly the tension of their everyday life arising from the experiences and consequences of stigma, discrimination and social exclusion, and how they cope with these behavioral adversities.

Methods: Realist qualitative approach drawing data from people clinically diagnosed positive of COVID-19, admitted into therapy in a designated treatment facility, and subsequently recovered and discharged for or without follow-up domiciliary care.

Electrocardiographic Manifestations in Patients with COVID-19: Daegu in South Korea.

Background And Objectives: As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads worldwide, cardiac injury in patients infected with COVID-19 becomes a significant concern. Thus, this study investigates the impact of several electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters and disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

Methods: Seven medical centers in Daegu admitted 822 patients with COVID-19 between February and April 2020.

Knockdown of E2F4 suppresses the growth of ovarian cancer cells through the cell cycle pathway.

Ovarian cancer remains one of the major causes of death from gynecologic cancer in developed countries. The E2F family has been shown to have a central role in the control of cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell cycle progression in various types of cancer. Despite advances in cancer research, the carcinogenic role of E2F transcription factor 4 (E2F4) in ovarian cancer remains unclear.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus in Korean adults: A multi-institutional joint research.

Aims/introduction: We aimed to determine the hospital-based prevalence and clinical features of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus in Korea.

Materials And Methods: We identified all patients with diabetes who regularly visited the Endocrinology outpatient clinics at eight centers for a period >1 year between January 2012 and June 2017. We investigated their medical records retrospectively.

Optimal hemostasis duration for percutaneous coronary intervention via the snuffbox approach: A prospective, multi-center, observational study (HEMOBOX).

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via the distal radial access (DRA), called as snuffbox approach, recently has been increased worldwide due to fewer complications. Generally, since the diameter of distal radial artery is smaller than the radial artery, it is expected that the hemostasis duration can be shortened; however, there are no prospective studies. Furthermore, there is a lack of data about the feasibility of DRA for PCI.

Developing a Framework for Pandemic COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation: a Modified Delphi Consensus Study in Korea.

Background: This study presents a framework for determining the allocation and distribution of the limited amount of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Methods: After analyzing the pandemic strategies of the major organizations and countries and with a literature review conducted by a core panel, a modified Delphi survey was administered to 13 experts in the fields of vaccination, infectious disease, and public health in the Republic of Korea. The following topics were discussed: 1) identifying the objectives of the vaccination strategy, 2) identifying allocation criteria, and 3) establishing a step-by-step vaccination framework and prioritization strategy based on the allocation criteria.

Inter-individual body mass variations relate to fractionated functional brain hierarchies.

Variations in body mass index (BMI) have been suggested to relate to atypical brain organization, yet connectome-level substrates of BMI and their neurobiological underpinnings remain unclear. Studying 325 healthy young adults, we examined associations between functional connectivity and inter-individual BMI variations. We utilized non-linear connectome manifold learning techniques to represent macroscale functional organization along continuous hierarchical axes that dissociate low level and higher order brain systems.

Perceived characteristics of outpatient appointment scheduling association with patient satisfaction and treatment adherence: An innovation theory application.

Background: Despite the growing interest in Appointment scheduling (APS) in hospitals of developing countries, empirical assessment of their effectiveness in improving patients' experiences and adherence to treatment remains limited. We drew on the attributes of an innovation theory to hypothesize and test the extent to which perceived attributes of APS: relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity influences patient satisfaction and treatment adherence in a neurology clinic of a large Teaching Hospital in Ghana.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was used to collect cross-sectional data from a sample of 295 scheduled patients visiting the clinic for follow-up care.

Gout as a risk factor for acute myocardial infarction: evidence from competing risk model analysis.

Chronic inflammation, a hallmark of gout, is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Thus, in theory, gout can be expected to increase the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Yet, results from several epidemiological studies have been inconclusive.

Breastfeeding in Primary Healthcare Setting: Evaluation of Nurses and Midwives Competencies, Training, Barriers and Satisfaction of Breastfeeding Educational Experiences in Northern Ghana.

Background: Breastfeeding education is critical in improving healthcare professionals' competencies in providing breastfeeding care to mothers. We evaluated breastfeeding competencies, training, barriers and satisfaction of breastfeeding educational experiences among nurses and midwives in the Sagnarigu Municipality, Ghana.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included nurses and midwives providing maternal and child health services at various primary healthcare facilities in Sagnarigu Municipality.