Safety and efficacy of moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe in elderly patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Background: High-intensity statin therapy significantly reduces mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, moderate-intensity statins are often preferred for elderly patients due to their higher risk of intolerance to high-intensity statins.

Objective: To compare the incidence of statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) and the effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels between elderly ASCVD patients receiving high-intensity statin monotherapy and those receiving moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe in a combination therapy.

Gender differences in the association between long working hours and the onset of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older workers in Korea: A population-based longitudinal study (2006-2022).

Background: Korean society is projected to undergo a rapid aging of its workforce. We explored gender differences in the association between working hours and the onset of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older workers.

Study Design: This study included workers aged ≥45 years from a nationwide panel study with biennial follow-ups (n = 4941, observations = 18,531).

Medium-sized rotator cuff tears repaired with transosseous-equivalent technique plus bone marrow stimulation yielded similar short-term outcomes regardless of whether complete or incomplete footprint coverage was achieved.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes and re-tear rates of medium-sized rotator cuff tears repaired with incomplete footprint coverage using the transosseous-equivalent technique versus those with complete footprint coverage plus bone marrow stimulation.

Methods: The retrospective study, conducted from March 2019 to December 2021, included consecutive patients with medium-sized (1-3cm) posterosuperior rotator cuff tears repaired using the transosseous-equivalent technique and bone marrow stimulation, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients were divided into two groups based on the degree of footprint coverage achieved: Group C (complete coverage) and Group I (incomplete coverage).

Prognostic models for progression-free survival in atypical meningioma: Comparison of machine learning-based approach and the COX model in an Asian multicenter study.

Background And Purpose: Atypical meningiomas are prevalent intracranial tumors with varied prognoses and recurrence rates. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) in atypical meningiomas remains debated. This study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model incorporating machine learning techniques and clinical factors to predict progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with atypical meningiomas and assess the impact of ART.

Uncertainty Quantification in Automated Detection of Vertebral Metastasis Using Ensemble Monte Carlo Dropout.

The accurate and early detection of vertebral metastases is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Although deep-learning models have shown potential in this area, their lack of prediction reliability and robustness limits their clinical utility. To address these challenges, we propose a novel technique called Ensemble Monte Carlo Dropout (EMCD) for uncertainty quantification (UQ), which combines the Monte Carlo dropout and deep ensembles.

Prognostic value of residual disease (RD) biology and gene expression changes during the neoadjuvant treatment in patients with HER2+ early breast cancer (EBC).

Background: In HER2+ early breast cancer (EBC), we investigated tumor and immune changes during neoadjuvant treatment and their impact on residual disease (RD) biology and prognostic implications across 4 neoadjuvant studies of trastuzumab with or without lapatinib, and with or without chemotherapy: CALGB 40601, PAMELA, NeoALTTO and NSABP B-41.

Patients And Methods: We compared tumor and immune gene expression changes during neoadjuvant treatment and their association with with event-free survival (EFS) by uni- and multivariable Cox regression models in different cohorts and timepoints: 452 RD samples at baseline including 169 with a paired RD, and biomarker changes during neoadjuvant therapy, evaluating model performance via the c-index.

Results: Analysis of 169 paired tumor samples revealed a shift in intrinsic subtype proportions from HER2-Enriched at baseline (50.

Association of low employment quality with cigarette smoking, smoking initiation, and smoking cessation: A 16-year longitudinal study in South Korea.

This study explored the association between multidimensional aspects of employment quality and smoking habits. This study included the wage workers in the Korean Labour and Income Panel Study, 2005-2021 (n = 16,188; observations = 92,954). The employment quality was constructed using a multidimensional approach encompassing three dimensions: employment insecurity, income inadequacy, and a lack of rights and protection.

Novel algorithm for non-invasive estimation of left atrial pressure in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Aims: Determining elevated left atrial (LA) pressure is crucial in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), yet non-invasive estimation using echocardiography remains unclear. This study aimed to identify useful echocardiographic indices for identifying elevated LA pressure in patients with AF.

Methods And Results: Patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF referred for catheter ablation at two tertiary hospitals were prospectively enrolled.

Comparison of Outcomes After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Using Bioactive Glass-Ceramic Spacer-7 (NOVOMAX-FUSION) and an Allograft Spacer: A Retrospective, Case-Matched, Multicenter Study.

The bioactive glass-ceramic spacer (BGS)-7, a biosynthetic intervertebral fusion material introduced in 2014, has not been the subject of comparative clinical studies on anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery. This study, for the first time, aims to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of the renewed BGS-7, released in 2019, with those of an allograft spacer. The comparison includes a finite element analysis of the biomechanical properties of each implant, adding a novel dimension to the research.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of controlled-release phentermine/topiramate in adults with obesity in Korea: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 4 trial (QUEEN's study).

Aims: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a combination of phentermine and delayed-release topiramate (PHEN/TPM CR) versus placebo as an adjunct to standard lifestyle recommendations in Korean adults.

Materials And Methods: This 56-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 4 trial enrolled adults (age 19-70 years) with obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m) at eight sites in South Korea. After a 12-week lifestyle programme, participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive PHEN/TPM CR or placebo.

Disrupting Notch signaling related HES1 in myeloid cells reinvigorates antitumor T cell responses.

Background: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are immunosuppressive cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that hinder anti-tumor immunity. Notch signaling is a pathway crucial for TAM differentiation and function. Here, we investigate the role of HES1, a downstream target of Notch signaling, in TAM-mediated immunosuppression and explore its potential as a target for cancer immunotherapy.

Mechanical stability of the proximal tibia with different bone formations after plate removal in medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy: a finite element analysis.

Background: No clear agreement exists on the degree of bone formation required to remove a metal plate without correction loss after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO). We aimed to investigate the mechanical stability of the proximal tibia with different bone formations after plate removal in MOWHTO using finite element models and determine the extent of bone formation when the plate can be removed without correction loss.

Methods: The MOWHTO models with 5, 10, and 15 mm opening gaps were generated.

Prevalence, management, health-care burden, and 90-day outcomes of prolonged mechanical ventilation in the paediatric intensive care unit (LongVentKids): an international, prospective, cross-sectional cohort study.

Background: The number of children requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) has increased with the advancement of medical care. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of PMV worldwide, document demographic and clinical characteristics of children requiring PMV in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), and to understand variation in clinical practice and health-care burden.

Methods: This international, multicentre, cross-sectional cohort study screened participating PICUs in 28 countries for children aged >37 postgestational weeks to 17 years who had been receiving mechanical ventilation (MV; invasive or non-invasive) for at least 14 consecutive days.

Discriminatory Accuracy of Fracture Risk Assessment Tool in Asian Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: This review explores the discriminative ability of fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) in major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and hip fracture (HF) risk prediction and the densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis in Asian populations.

Methods: We systematically searched the EMBASE, Cochrane, and PubMed databases from the earliest indexing date to January 2024. Studies were included if FRAX was used to identify future osteoporotic fractures or a densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis in an Asian population and reported the area under the curve (AUC) values.

Prevalence and trends of cigarette smoking among adults with HIV infection compared with the general population in Korea.

Objectives: This study compared the current smoking prevalence among adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection to that of the general Korean population and analyzed changes in smoking prevalence and cessation rates from 2009 to 2020.

Methods: The study included a total of 10,980 adults with HIV infection who underwent a health screening examination (NHIS-NHID), 1,230 individuals with HIV infection who participated in the Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort (KoCosHIV), and 76,783 participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We estimated the current smoking prevalence and the quit ratio, defined as the ratio of former smokers to ever-smokers.

Factors associated with post acute care utilization after mastectomy for breast cancer patients.

Background: Although the demand for care immediately after mastectomy is rising, and such medical services are referred to as post-acute care (PAC), there is limited evidence on the factors influencing PAC choices among these patients in Korea.

Methods: A total of 106,670 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing mastectomy were extracted from the Central Cancer Registry data from 2012 to 2019 using Public Cancer Library data of KCURE. PAC was defined as utilization of long-term care hospital (LTCH), hospital-based nursing care (HBNC), or HBC (hospital-based care) within 2 months post-surgery.

Fel d 1 specific IgE measurement for dog exclusive owners co-sensitized to dog and cat.

Background: The diagnosis of the culprit allergen depends on exposure, symptoms at exposure, and the presence of specific IgE (sIgE). Pet allergens are sticky and can sensitize individuals without adoption history. Exclusive dog owners frequently exhibit both dog (e5) and cat dander sIgE (e1).

Graft Length Changes and Optimal Knee Flexion Angles for Fixation in Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction: An In Vivo 3-Dimensional Simulation Analysis.

Background: Changes in graft length according to knee flexion and the ideal knee flexion angle at the time of graft fixation for posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction have yet to be clearly defined.

Purposes: To investigate graft length changes according to knee flexion and determine the optimal graft fixation angle for knee flexion in PLC reconstruction.

Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Development of a new VMAT QA framework for Mobius3D using control-point specific EPID images.

Purpose: This study presents novel quality assurance (QA) approach for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) that leverages frame-by-frame electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images integrated into Mobius3D for accurate three-dimensional dose calculations.

Methods: Sequential EPID images for VMAT plans were acquired every 0.4-second by iView system and processed through iterative deconvolution to mitigate blurring from photon scattering.

STABLE trial of spectacle provision and driving safety among myopic motorcycle users in Vietnam: study protocol for a stepped-wedge, cluster randomised trial.

Background: Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death globally for people aged 5-29 years, with 90% of mortality occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The STABLE (Slashing Two-wheeled Accidents by Leveraging Eyecare) trial was designed to determine whether providing spectacles could reduce risk among young myopic motorcycle users in Vietnam.

Methods: This investigator-masked, stepped-wedge, cluster randomised naturalistic driving trial will recruit 625 students aged 18-23 years, driving ≥ 50 km/week, with ≥ 1-year driving experience and using motorcycles as their primary means of transport, in 25 clusters of 25 students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the addition of platinum and pembrolizumab in TNBC: a single-center real-world study.

Background: Immunochemotherapy with pembrolizumab has been integrated into clinical practice as part of the standard-of-care for non-metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with high risk. We conducted a real-world study in TNBC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy to compare pathologic complete response (pCR) rates relative to stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTIL) across different regimens: non-carboplatin, carboplatin-, and pembrolizumab-chemotherapy.

Patients And Methods: We analyzed a cohort of 450 patients with TNBC who underwent surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy between March 2007 and February 2024.

Enhancing vaccine effectiveness in the elderly to counter antibiotic resistance: The potential of adjuvants via pattern recognition receptors.

Vaccines are an effective way to prevent the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance by preventing diseases and establishing herd immunity. However, the reduced effectiveness of vaccines in the elderly due to immunosenescence is one of the significant contributors to the increasing antibiotic resistance. To counteract this decline and enhance vaccine effectiveness in the elderly, adjuvants play a pivotal role.

Near-Normalized Maxillomandibular Relationship and Upper Airway in Infants with Robin Sequence Treated with Stanford Orthodontic Airway Plate: Computed Tomography Study.

Objective: To assess craniofacial and upper airway growth in infants with Robin sequence (RS) during the 1 year of life when their severe upper airway obstruction was treated non-surgically with the Stanford orthodontic airway plate treatment program (SOAP).

Design: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study comparing SOAP-treated infants with RS (treatment group) with age-matched healthy controls (HC) using computed tomography (CT).

Setting: Single tertiary referral hospital.

Outcomes of tricuspid valve surgery in patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation and low to intermediate risk.

Background: In patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR), delayed surgical intervention is associated with poor outcomes, particularly in advanced stages. This study aimed to assess whether earlier tricuspid valve (TV) surgery provides a survival benefit in patients with moderate to severe TR who are considered at low to intermediate risk of adverse clinical or surgical outcomes.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 10 016 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe TR between 2008 and 2020.

Efficacy of Oral Sulfate Tablet and 2 L-Polyethylene Glycol With Ascorbic Acid for Bowel Preparation: A Prospective Randomized KASID Multicenter Trial.

Background: Oral sulfate tablets (OSTs) are bowel preparation agents that combine oral sulfate solution and simethicone. This study compared the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of OST compared to 2 L-polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid (2 L-PEG/ASC).

Methods: This prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded, multicenter, noninferiority trial enrolled 211 healthy adults who underwent colonoscopy between May 2020 and September 2022 at 13 university hospitals.