Deep learning algorithm for predicting left ventricular systolic dysfunction in atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response.

Aims: Although evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is crucial for deciding the rate control strategy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), real-time assessment of LVEF is limited in outpatient settings. We aimed to investigate the performance of artificial intelligence-based algorithms in predicting LV systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in patients with AF and rapid ventricular response (RVR).

Methods And Results: This study is an external validation of a pre-existing deep learning algorithm based on residual neural network architecture.

Machine Learning-Based Prognostic Gene Signature for Early Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a machine learning-based approach to identify prognostic gene signatures for early-stage Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) using next-generation sequencing data from Asian populations.

Materials And Methods: We utilized next-generation sequencing data to analyze gene expression profiles and identify potential biomarkers. Our methodology involved integrating various machine learning techniques, including feature selection and model optimization.

Association of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines with Gastric Cancer Risk: A Case-Cohort Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the association between inflammatory cytokines and the risk of gastric cancer (GC).

Materials And Methods: We conducted a case-cohort study using Korean National Cancer Center Community (KNCCC) cohort data to investigate the associations between pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and GC risk in the Korean general population (GC cases: n=159, subcohort: n=822). Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured using Quantikine® ELISA and analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Similar but Distinct Comorbidity Patterns Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis in Korean Women: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are widely recognized as significant risk factors affecting the reproductive health of women. The underlying mechanisms impacting fertility may vary, potentially leading to divergent outcomes. We aimed to examine and contrast the prevalence patterns of diseases coexisting with PCOS and endometriosis, using a large-scale nationwide insurance claims data from Asian women of reproductive age.

Accurately predicting mood episodes in mood disorder patients using wearable sleep and circadian rhythm features.

Wearable devices enable passive collection of sleep, heart rate, and step-count data, offering potential for mood episode prediction in mood disorder patients. However, current models often require various data types, limiting real-world application. Here, we develop models that predict future episodes using only sleep-wake data, easily gathered through smartphones and wearables when trained on an individual's sleep-wake history and past mood episodes.

Comparison between spectral-domain optical coherence tomography-based and partial coherence interferometry-based biometry.

We compared axial length (AL) measurements using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)-based and partial coherence interferometry (PCI)-based biometry in eyes with various chorioretinal diseases. Medical records were retrospectively analyzed in 123 eyes from 73 patients who underwent AL measurements using SD-OCT and PCI. AL values were highly consistent by both measurements (ICC = 0.

Association between chronic stress-related amygdala metabolic activity and lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer.

Chronic stress's link to endometrial cancer risk and tumor aggressiveness remains unclear. F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-FDG PET/CT) is a well-established technique for evaluating the metabolic activity of the amygdala (AmygA), a crucial brain region involved in the response to chronic stress. We aimed to investigate the association between AmygA and lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with endometrial cancer.

Comparative neurofilament light chain trajectories in CSF and plasma in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease.

Disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are likely to be most beneficial when initiated in the presymptomatic phase. To track the benefit of such interventions, fluid biomarkers are of great importance, with neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) showing promise for monitoring neurodegeneration and predicting cognitive outcomes. Here, we update and complement previous findings from the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Observational Study by using matched cross-sectional and longitudinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples from 567 individuals, allowing timely comparative analyses of CSF and blood trajectories across the entire disease spectrum.

Effect of Calcium Channel Blockers on Antiplatelet Activity of Clopidogrel in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights from the PTRG-DES Consortium.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are frequently co-administered with clopidogrel in cardiovascular disease. Although an inhibitory drug interaction exists between them, comprehensive large-scale studies for its validation are lacking. We investigated interactions between CCBs and clopidogrel using a large-scale national registry of patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Clinical significance of medial rectus tendon width in unilateral medial rectus resection for patients with previously recessed lateral rectus muscle for exotropia.

In cases of recurrent exotropia, medial rectus resection after bilateral lateral rectus recession is often considered for reoperations. The surgical amount of medial rectus resection is typically determined according to the standard surgical dose table; however, postoperative variability has been noted in the surgical outcomes. In the current study, medial rectus tendon width (MRTW) was measured intraoperatively, and surgical dose-response was calculated as the ratio between amount of correction and resected medial rectus.

Risk factors for urinary retention after robot-assisted radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder diversion: a multicenter study.

To determine risk factors for urinary retention (UR) after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RALC) with orthotopic neobladder diversion. A total of 269 patients who underwent RALC with orthotopic neobladder diversion from 2008 to 2019 at seven tertiary hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. There were 68 patients who had UR (UR arm) and 201 patients who did not have UR (no-UR arm).

Efficacy and safety of safinamide in Parkinson's disease patients with motor fluctuations without levodopa dosage escalation over 18 weeks: KEEP study.

This multicentre, prospective, single-arm study evaluated safinamide as add-on therapy to levodopa in Korean patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with motor fluctuations with ≥ 1.5 h of "off" time daily, who took levodopa ≥ 3 times/day (n = 199). Baseline levodopa and dopamine agonist doses were maintained without escalation during the 18-week treatment period.

Association between focal amyloid deposition and cognitive impairment in individuals below the amyloid threshold.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of individuals with amyloid levels below the threshold. To achieve this, we differentiated between two groups: those with global amyloid negativity but focal deposition [G(-)F(+)] and those without focal deposition [G(-)F(-)].

Materials And Methods: A total of 2,677 participants were diagnosed with cognitive unimpairment (CU) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Postoperative Progress of Deep Grid Incision and Sealing with Collagen Fleece for Treatment of Peyronie's Disease: Prospective Observational Study for 3 Years.

Purpose: Despite recent popularity, partial plaque excision and sealing with TachoSil has concern about tunica regeneration from graft and lack of long-term results. Previously, we introduced multiple deep grid incisions of Peyronie's plaque to minimize tunical defect with consequent veno-occlusal erectile dysfunction. To assess the efficacy of modified grid incision of plaque and sealing with collagen fleece in postoperative progress of 34 patients for 3 years.

Plasma Alzheimer's disease biomarker variability: Amyloid-independent and amyloid-dependent factors.

Introduction: We aimed to investigate which factors affect plasma biomarker levels via amyloid beta (Aβ)-independent or Aβ-dependent effects and improve the predictive performance of these biomarkers for Aβ positivity on positron emission tomography (PET).

Methods: A total of 2935 participants underwent blood sampling for measurements of plasma Aβ42/40 ratio, phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217; ALZpath), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels using single-molecule array and Aβ PET. Laboratory findings were collected using a routine blood test battery.

Metastasis of colon cancer requires Dickkopf-2 to generate cancer cells with Paneth cell properties.

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Paneth cells provide stem cell niche factors in homeostatic conditions, but the underlying mechanisms of cancer stem cell niche development are unclear. Here, we report that Dickkopf-2 (DKK2) is essential for the generation of cancer cells with Paneth cell properties during colon cancer metastasis.

Microplastic contamination in artificial tears in South Korea: Potential for direct ocular exposure.

Purpose: To investigate microplastics (MP) contamination in artificial tear (AT) products.

Method: Five hyaluronic acid ATs (two multi-use and three disposable ATs) were used to gauge MP levels in three scenarios: 1) initial drop and remaining liquid after opening the lid upward; 2) remaining liquid after opening the lid downward and discarding two drops; and 3) remaining liquid after opening the lid downward and discarding half of it. Raman spectroscopy was used to identify the quantity, morphological characteristics, and composition of MPs.

Income-Related Disparities in Mortality Among Young Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.

Importance: Previous studies have indicated an inverse association between income and mortality. However, differences in health outcomes according to the income level of young adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared with older adults with T2D have not been elucidated.

Objective: To estimate the overall and cause-specific mortality risks among patients with T2D according to income and age.

Morphological and Histological Changes Following Triamcinolone Injection Alone or Mixed Injection of Triamcinolone and Botulinum Toxin in Upper Eyelid.

Objective: The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the functional and histologic changes in the upper eyelid muscles after injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) alone or TA combined with botulinum toxin A (Botox or BTXA) in the cynomolgus monkey model.

Methods: Twenty eyes of 10 cynomolgus monkeys were divided into 4 groups: 3 experimental groups (1, 2, and 3) and the control group (group 4) based on the injection type. In group 1, 0.