Risk of cardiovascular disease associated with long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in a large real-world ankylosing spondylitis (AS) cohort. METHODS: This nationwide population-based cohort study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Database. Patients aged ≥18 years old who were newly diagnosed with AS without prior cardiovascular disease between January 2010 and December 2018 were included in this study. Controls without AS were randomly selected by age, sex, and index year. The primary outcome was cardiovascular disease, a composite outcome of ischemic heart disease, stroke, or congestive heart failure. Long-term use of NSAIDs was defined as use of NSAIDs for >365 cumulative defined daily doses. The association between long-term use of NSAIDs and incident cardiovascular disease was examined in both AS and non-AS populations. RESULTS: Among 19 775 patients with AS and 59 325 matched controls without AS, there were 1,663 and 4,308 incident cases of cardiovascular disease, showing an incidence of 16.9 and 13.8 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Long-term use of NSAIDs was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in non-AS controls (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.64; 95% CI, 1.48-1.82). In contrast, long-term use of NSAIDs did not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in AS patients (aHR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.94-1.20; adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and tumor necrosis factor inhibitor use). CONCLUSION: Prolonged NSAID treatment in AS patients may not be as harmful as in the general population regarding cardiovascular risk.

Survival After Contralateral Axillary Metastasis in Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Despite stage IV categorization, survival outcomes for breast cancer patients who experience contralateral axillary lymph node metastasis (CAM) remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes for patients with metachronous CAM to provide insights into its prognosis and treatment recommendations. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who underwent curative surgery for breast cancer and experienced CAM as the first site of distant metastasis (DM) during the follow-up period between January 2001 and April 2023. Survival outcomes of the CAM patients were compared with those of breast cancer patients with other DM via propensity score-matching (PSM). RESULTS: The study identified 40 breast cancer patients with metachronous CAM. The estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) was 39.6%, and the progression-free survival was 39.4%. The patients with CAM exhibited marginally better OS than the patients with DM (p = 0.071), but survival similar to that of the patients with isolated supraclavicular node recurrence (SCN) (p = 0.509). Moreover, matching of CAM with DM using two PSM models showed a consistently insignificant survival difference (hazard ratio [HR], 1.47; p = 0.124 vs. HR, 1.19; p = 0.542). Ipsilateral breast tumor recurrences (IBTRs) were experienced by 12 patients before or concurrently with the CAM. These patients exhibited significantly better survival than the remaining patients (HR, 0.28; p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: The breast cancer patients with CAM showed survival similar to that for the patients with DM, supporting the current stage IV classification of the CAM. However, CAM associated with IBTR exhibited superior survival outcomes, suggesting that this subset of CAM may benefit from treatments with curative intent.

Expression of CD25, mast cell markers and T-cell markers in eosinophilic esophagitis.

While eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) is defined by histologic presence of eosinophils, a few studies have established the presence of mast cells in EOE and even shown their correlation with symptom persistence despite resolution of eosinophils. Expression of aberrant mast cell markers CD25 and CD2 have not been studied in EOE. This study quantifies the number of hotspot cells per high power field expressing CKIT/CD117, tryptase, CD25, CD2 and CD3 by immunohistochemical stains in endoscopic esophageal biopsies of the following three cohorts: (1) established and histologically confirmed EOE, (2) suspected EOE with biopsies negative for eosinophils, and (3) no history of or suspicion for EOE with histologically unremarkable biopsies. In this study, mast cells were highlighted by CKIT and tryptase in EOE, and not seen in other clinically mimicking cases. There were also significantly higher densities of CD25 and pan-T-cell marker staining in EOE cases. These findings suggest an inflammatory cellular milieu in EOE, beyond just eosinophils, that can be demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, and that invite further study into the role that these cells may play in EOE.

High-yield areas to grade tumor budding in colorectal cancer: A practical approach for pathologists.

BACKGROUND: Tumor budding (TB) has significant prognostic implication in stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) and is graded based on the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) protocol. In the current study, we evaluate tumor budding and its relationship to multiple histologic features in 104 tumors. METHODS: One-hundred four resected CRC cases were retrieved. Tumor bud count and TB grade were compared to the final tumor bud count/TB grade of the tumor per ITBCC protocol. The following high-yield co-features were assessed in each slide: highest T stage, presence of benign mucosa, presence of a precursor lesion, and highest tumor volume. RESULTS: Twenty-nine (28 %) cases had discrepancies between slide TB grade and final TB grade. The least discrepancies were seen in slides with benign mucosa (7 %) and precursor lesions (7 %). Among stage II patients without high-risk features, no discrepancies were observed in slides with benign mucosa. Slides with deepest invasion (rs = 1.000, p = 0.01) and benign mucosa (rs = 0.957, p < 0.001) had the strongest correlation with final tumor bud count in the same stage II subgroup. Similar relationships were observed when comparing final TB grade. Deepest invasion, tumor volume, as well as lymphovascular invasion, when present, also showed strong correlations with final TB grade in the entire cohort (rs = 0.828-0.845, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study is the first study to evaluate the relationship between TB grade and co-existing histologic features. We highlight the benefit of focusing on slides with high-yield co-features, with the strongest correlation seen in slides with adjacent benign mucosa and precursor lesions.

Histopathology of Pouch and Para-Pouch Inflammatory and Neoplastic Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is used to treat patients with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis who need colectomy. While this procedure substantially improves patient's quality of life and reduces cancer risk, it is associated with a variety of sequelae' including surgical complications, inflammatory disorders, and neoplasia. Pouchitis, cuffitis, and Crohn's disease of the pouch are the most common inflammatory disorders of the pouch and para-pouch. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elaborate on the histopathology of common inflammatory and neoplastic disorders of the pouch and para-pouch. DATA SOURCES: A Medline search for English language studies published between 1981 and 2021 using the PubMed search engine. The terms "ileal pouch-anal anastomosis," "pouchitis," "pouchitis activity score," "secondary pouchitis," "Crohn's disease of the pouch," "Crohn's-like conditions of the pouch," "pre-pouch ileitis," "cuffitis," "pouch adenocarcinoma," and "pouch neoplasia" were used. STUDY SELECTION: The published human studies that reported histopathology of common inflammatory and neoplastic disorders of the ileal pouch were selected and reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Histologic examination plays an essential role in confirming inflammation in pouchitis, identifying etiology and clues for secondary pouchitis, and diagnosing neoplasia. A standardized, simple, and reproducible histologic grading system for pouchitis is needed. Pouch and para-pouch glandular dysplasia diagnosis is challenging and should always be reviewed by at least one gastrointestinal pathologist.

T3 versus T4a staging challenges in deeply invasive colonic adenocarcinomas and correlation with clinical outcomes.

Despite the latest 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual guidelines, disagreement still exists among pathologists regarding staging deeply invasive colonic adenocarcinomas ≤1 mm to the serosal surface. In this retrospective study, 151 untreated colonic adenocarcinomas staged initially as either pT3 or pT4a and with available 5-year follow-up data were retrieved and re-categorized: Group 1 (38 cases): pT4a with tumor at the serosa; Group 2 (49 cases): tumor ≤1 mm from the serosa, with intervening reactive fibrosis (40/49) or inflammation (9/49); Group 3 (64 cases): pT3 tumor >1 mm from the serosa. Clinical outcomes were analyzed. Groups 1 and 2 tumors showed significantly lower 5-year recurrence-free survival and lower overall survival rates (log-rank p < 0.001 for both), when compared with Group 3 tumors. Even after adjusting for adjuvant therapy and nodal metastases, the proportional hazards ratios for the risk of death (p < 0.001) and risk of recurrence (p = 0.005) showed significantly higher risk in Groups 1 and 2 compared with Group 3. The synchronous nodal (p = 0.012) and metachronous distant metastases (p = 0.004) were also significantly more in Groups 1 and 2 versus Group 3. Colonic adenocarcinomas ≤1 mm from the serosal surface behaved more akin to "bona fide" pT4a tumors at the serosal surface in our study with regards to clinical outcomes. We recommend these tumors be staged as pT4a rather than pT3, as supported by outcome data in our study. We hope this will also ensure reproducibility and consistency in staging these tumors across institutions.

Aberrant expression of SATB2, CDX2, CDH17 and CK20 in hepatocellular carcinoma: a pathological, clinical and outcome study.

AIMS: Data regarding expression of intestinal markers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited. We determined the clinicopathological associations of cytokeratin (CK)19, a progenitor liver epithelial cell marker as well as biliary epithelial marker, and intestinal immunohistochemical markers expression in HCC and assessed their prognostic value. METHODS AND RESULTS: Tissue sections and/or tissue microarrays (TMAs) from 202 known HCCs were immunostained using CK19, CK20, CDH17, CDX2 and SATB2 antibodies. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides were reviewed for tumour grading. Clinical and oncological outcomes were retrieved. Associations of staining with clinicopathological features and survival outcomes were evaluated. CK19, CK20, CDH17, CDX2 and SATB2 were positive in 12.8, 5.4, 10.3, 8.6 and 59.9%, respectively. All but SATB2 were strongly associated with higher tumour grade and AFP levels > 400 ng/ml (P < 0.05). CK19-positive HCC were more likely to express CDX2 (P = 0.001), CDH17 (P < 0.001) and/or CK20 (P = 0.012). CK20, CDX2 and CDH17 co-expression was seen in five cases (2.5%). CK19 and SATB2 positivity, tumour size ≥ 5 cm, background cirrhosis, AFP > 400 ng/ml and having no treatment were associated with decreased overall survival by log-rank test and univariable proportional hazards regression. However, in a multivariable model, CK19 and SATB2 positivity were not independent predictors of decreased survival while their association with known poor prognosticators in HCC was evident. CONCLUSIONS: HCC can express markers of intestinal differentiation. This phenotypical aberrancy correlates with variable clinicopathological parameters, some of which are independent predictors of poor survival.

Appendiceal inflammation in colectomy is independently correlated with early pouchitis following ileal pouch anal anastomosis in ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal inflammation in colectomy is one of the histologic predictors of pouchitis in ulcerative colitis (UC) following ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). Fecal calprotectin level has been shown to increase 2 months prior to the onset of pouchitis. We evaluated whether inflammation and calprotectin expression in appendiceal specimens correlate with early-onset pouchitis in UC and indeterminate colitis (IC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: IPAA (2000-2018) cases with appendix blocks available in colectomy specimens were identified (n = 93, 90 UC, 3 IC). Histologic features thought to predict pouchitis were evaluated. The degree of appendiceal inflammation was scored. Calprotectin immunostain was performed on the appendix blocks and the extent of mucosal staining was quantified. Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographics, smoking history, clinical pouchitis, time of onset of pouchitis, and clinical and endoscopic components of the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) score. Follow-up pouch biopsies were reviewed and scored to generate histologic PDAI score, when available. RESULTS: Among the patients with clinical pouchitis (n = 73), moderate to severe appendiceal inflammation independently correlated with earlier pouchitis compared to no/mild inflammation (median time to pouchitis 12.0 vs. 23.8, log rank p = 0.016). Calprotectin staining correlated with inflammatory scores of the appendix (Spearman's rho, r = 0.630, p < 0.001) but not with early pouchitis (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of moderate to severe appendiceal inflammation at the time of colectomy was associated with a shorter time to pouchitis following IPAA. Calprotectin immunostain may be used to demonstrate the presence of inflammation in the appendix but its role in predicting early pouchitis remains limited.

Structural Requirements of 1-(2-Pyridinyl)-5-pyrazolones for Disproportionation of Boronic Acids.

We observed an unusual formation of four-coordinate boron(III) complexes from the reaction of 1-(2-pyridinyl)-5-pyrazolone derivatives with arylboronic acids in the basic media. The exact mechanism is not clear; however, the use of unprotected boronic acid and the presence of a bidentate ligand appeared to be the key structural requirements for the transformation. The results suggest that base-promoted disproportionation of arylboronic acid with the assistance of the [N,O]-bidentate ligation of 1-(2-pyridinyl)-5-pyrazolone should take place and facilitate the formation of pyrazole diarylborinate. Experiments to obtain a deeper understanding of its mechanism are currently underway.

Transition Zone in Total Colonic Aganglionosis and Colorectal Hirschsprung's Disease Shows a Similar Trend of Mucosal Innervation: Image Processing and Analysis Study.

The aganglionic segment of bowel in Hirschsprung's disease (HD) varies in length. It is not clear whether total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) merely represents a long form of HD or a different phenotype of the disease. Animal model studies suggest that TCA may have a longer transition zone (TZ) than conventional colorectal HD. We compared mucosal innervation of TZ in 2 TCA cases and 10 conventional colorectal HD cases by quantifying calretinin-positive mucosal nerve fibers using image processing and analysis. One TCA was associated with esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula, the other with trisomy 21. The gradients of calretinin-stained pixel count increase per distance from the beginning of TZ (slope) for TCA were not significantly different from those for the conventional HD group. Given this observation, it is speculated that the length of TZ in TCA may fall within the range of and may not be much longer than conventional colorectal HD.

Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) is rare, benign lesion using modified stringent diagnostic criteria: Reclassification and outcome study.

BACKGROUND: Rigid diagnostic criteria for NIFTP have been recently proposed. The frequency of NIFTP using the new criteria is unknown, and whether abortive papillae are associated with BRAFV600E mutation has not been studied. The aim of this study is to identify NIFTP by a retrospective review of Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (FVPTC), and to study its incidence as well as the association between immunohistochemical BRAFV600E expression and abortive papillae in NIFTP. DESIGN: Thyroid tumors diagnosed as FVPTC or NIFTP over a period of 18 years (2000-2017) were identified using the laboratory information system. The final pathology reports were reviewed and potential NIFTP were retrieved. The archived slides for these cases were independently reviewed by 2 pathologists. BRAFV600E (clone: VE1) immunostain was performed on representative tumor blocks. Clinical information including follow-up data was obtained from the electronic medical records. RESULTS: Among the 1918 cases with the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), 589 (30.7%) of FVPTC and 136 cases of potential NIFTP were identified. After the review of the archived pathology slides, 29 lesions were morphologically reclassified as NIFTP. Four (13.7%) of these were positive for BRAFV600E; no association was found between the presence of abortive papillae and BRAFV600Eexpression (p=0.3). Exclusion of the 4 cases with BRAFV600Eexpression resulted in 25 lesions of final NIFTP, representing 4.2% of the FVPTC and 1.3% of the PTC. The mean age of the NIFTP patients was 50 years, 87.5% were females. The mean size of the lesions was 1.4 cm (0.1-4.0 cm). Intranuclear pseudoinclusions were not identified, and abortive papillae were identified in 60% of NIFTP. The average follow-up was 70 (28-166) months. There were no adverse events (recurrence or metastasis) in the NIFTP group. CONCLUSION: When strictly defined, NIFTP comprises 1.3% of cases perviously classified as PTC. In morphological NIFTP, no correlation is found between the presence of abortive papillae and the BRAFV600E expression. Intranuclear pseudo-inclusions are not observed in NIFTP. Modification of current morphological criteria to include BRAFV600E immunohistochemistry test may stratify NIFTP with benign outcome.

Frequency of Plexiform Fibromyxoma relative to gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A single center study.

Plexiform Fibromyxoma (PF) is an exceedingly rare mesenchymal tumor of the gastric antrum that was first described in 2007. PF is a close mimic of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) clinically and histopathologically, but the frequency of PF relative to GIST is unknown. Moreover, although likely benign, long-term follow-up of PF is limited due to its recent description and rarity. PF has not been reported in distal jejunum. 118 primary GISTs that were surgically resected at our center (2000-2019) were retrieved. The patients' age, gender, clinical presentation, tumor location, size and number, and the presence or absence of metastasis, were documented. Risk of progressive disease was assessed according to the published GIST risk stratification model. Two unique cases of PF were compared. One gastric PF has been followed-up for 8 years, and the other occurred in the distal jejunum. In the latter, the PF diagnosis was rendered after the case was re-reviewed for the study. Clinical presentation resembled GIST in both PF cases. 14% of GISTs showed high risk features or were clinically malignant, whereas the PF patient with 8-year follow-up was free of disease. Based on this study, PF may be under-recognized, with 1 to 2% (1.7%) of GIST-like tumors possibly representing PF. PF may involve variable segments of intestine similar to GIST. Given the remarkable clinical and histopathologic overlap with GIST but differing outcomes, awareness and cognizance of this rare entity, plexiform fibromyxoma, is required for proper patient care.

Gastrointestinal Diaphragm Disease With Retained Capsule Endoscope, Associated With Crohn's Disease: A Case Report.

Gastrointestinal diaphragm disease is a rare entity characterized by the formation of thin membranous circumferential mucosal septa, resulting in marked narrowing of the intestinal lumen. The most frequent etiology is the chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Idiopathic cases and other possible etiologies have been reported. We present a rare association of diaphragm disease with Crohn's disease in a boy without a history of significant NSAID usage.

Incidence of composite intestinal adenoma-microcarcinoid in 158 surgically resected polyps and its association with squamous morule.

Composite intestinal adenoma-microcarcinoid (CIAM) is a rare colorectal lesion consisting of adenoma and small well-differentiated neuroendocrine cell clusters at its base. Its incidence is unknown. Benign squamous morule may demonstrate a neuroendocrine phenotype by immunohistochemistry. We investigated the incidence and clinicopathologic features of CIAM in endoscopically unresectable, surgically removed colorectal adenomas and evaluated its association with squamous morule. Archived pathology materials from 158 surgically resected colorectal adenomas were reviewed. 139 (88%) polyps were entirely submitted for microscopic examination. All lymph nodes were negative for adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumor. CIAM was identified in 6 (3.8%) cases. The microcarcinoid (MC) was distributed over a mean of 5.8 mm (range < 1 to 12 mm), and was multifocal in 5 cases. The MC component was positive for synaptophysin in 6, CK5/6 in 4, and ß-catenin in 3 cases. Two of 6 (33.3%) CIAM showed concurrent squamous morule, compared to 4.0% (6 of 152) of adenomas without MC (p < 0.05). At the end of the mean follow-up of 53 months, 4 were free of disease and one patient with previous history of pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) had a recurrence of NEC. One patient died of an unrelated disease. The incidence of CIAM in surgically removed colorectal adenomas is 3.8%, with an indolent clinical course. Frequent co-expression of CK5/6 and ß-catenin in MC combined with common co-existence of squamous morule in the same polyp suggests shared pathogenesis of MC in CIAM and squamous morule, likely representing altered Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Effect of tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors on renal function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis from the KOBIO registry from 2012 to 2016.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) on renal function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been well established. We assessed whether tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors could affect renal function in RA. METHODS: A total of 2110 patients with RA enrolled in the Korean College of Rheumatology Biologics (KOBIO) registry were analysed. All patients were taking bDMARDs or conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs). Renal function was evaluated by calculating the estimated glomerular filter rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Renal insufficiency was defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Differences in eGFR changes between different types of DMARDs were assessed at each follow-up time using the generalised linear model (GLM) method. Risk factors for renal insufficiency were identified using binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The changes of eGFR values in patients treated with TNF inhibitors were not significantly different from those with csDMARDs alone or non-TNF inhibitors in all RA patients regardless of renal function. Among patients with renal insufficiency, GLM analysis revealed that the changes of eGFR values by TNF inhibitors were also compatible to those treated with csDMARDs alone or non-TNF inhibitors. Older age (>55 years), longer disease duration (>5 years), and use of methotrexate were identified as clinical determinants for renal insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: TNF inhibitors did not influence the change of renal function during RA treatment. TNF inhibitors may be a safe treatment option irrespective of renal function.

The expression of TTF1, CDX2 and ISL1 in 74 poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: The expression profile of immunohistochemical markers of origin in poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (PDNEC) is not well studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-four PDNECs from gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) organs and the lung, including 48 large cell NEC (LCNEC) and 26 small cell carcinomas (SmCC), were subject to immunohistochemical staining for CDX2, TTF1 and ISL1. The staining intensity (1 to 3) and percentage of positive tumor cells [0 (negative), 1 (<50%) and 2 (≥50%)] were assessed. The multiplicative index (maximum 6) was calculated and the average total score (aTS) was determined for each primary site and histologic subtype. RESULTS: In the 38 GEP and 36 lung PDNECs, CDX2, TTF1 and ISL1 staining was observed in 71% (aTS 2.8), 16% (aTS 0.4), 63% (aTS 1.9), and 22% (aTS 0.6), 72% (aTS 2.9) and 92% (aTS 3.8), respectively. GEP PDNECs showed a higher aTS for CDX2 and lower aTS for TTF1 and ISL1, compared to that of lung PDNECs (Student's t-test, p < 0.001). SmCC had a higher aTS for TTF1 and ISL1 (p < 0.001) and lower aTS for CDX2 (p < 0.002) than that of LCNEC. CONCLUSIONS: CDX2 and TTF1 demonstrate potential utility in suggesting the primary site of PDNEC. In addition, CDX2 may be useful in supporting the diagnosis of LCNEC in cases with overlapping or borderline morphology. Utility of ISL1 as an adjunctive diagnostic marker of SmCC remains to be studied.

Rectal ulcer and pseudomalignant epithelial changes after prostate seed brachytherapy: A rare complication with a diagnostic pitfall.

BACKGROUND: Implant brachytherapy (IBT) is a well-recognized treatment modality for early stage prostate cancer. Rectal ulcer and rectourethral fistula complicating IBT may cause an alteration of the normal anatomic landmarks. In this context, pseudomalignant radiation-induced changes within prostatic epithelium may be misinterpreted as a primary rectal malignancy. Such challenging and misleading findings have not been described, and may not be recognized as such. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present the clinical and pathologic aspects of two patients who underwent IBT for low stage prostate cancer that was complicated by deep rectal ulcer. Both patients underwent extensive palliative surgical resection for disease control. RESULTS: The histologic changes in both cases were noteworthy for extensive necrosis and inflammation of the prostate, associated with loss of recto-prostatic anatomical landmarks. Prostatic glands showed striking radiation-induced atypia and pseudomalignant epithelial changes extending to the rectal ulcer bed, with no residual viable tumor. The first patient had undergone a biopsy of the rectal ulcer bed that was misinterpreted as a rectal adenocarcinoma prior to surgery. The similarity between atypical glands of the biopsy and the benign prostatic tissue with radiation-induced atypia in resection specimen confirmed their benign nature. CONCLUSIONS: Deep rectal ulcer complicating IBT may lead to distortion of the normal recto-prostatic anatomical landmarks, resulting in detection of pseudo-malignant prostatic glands at the ulcer base. Such findings may be mistaken for a primary rectal malignancy in limited biopsy material if not familiar to the pathologist.

Prevalence and incidence of gout in Korea: data from the national health claims database 2007-2015.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and incidence of gout in Korea and predict the future prevalence and incidence of gout. Data were collected from the national health claims database. Patients who had at least one claim for gout between 2007 and 2015 were included in the study. The prevalence of gout from 2007 to 2015 and the incidence of gout from 2009 to 2015 were determined. We estimated sex- and age-specific prevalence and incidence of gout during the period. The prevalence and incidence of gout were predicted using time series analysis. The prevalence of gout (95% CI) increased from 3.49 (3.48-3.51) per 1000 persons in 2007 to 7.58 (7.55-7.60) per 1000 persons in 2015. The incidence of gout (95% CI) was 1.52 (1.51-1.53) in 2009 and rose to 1.94 (1.93-1.95) per 1000 persons in 2015. The prevalence and incidence of gout were higher in men than in women. The older population had a higher prevalence and incidence than the younger population. The increase in prevalence was higher in the older population than the younger population, whereas the increase in incidence was higher in the younger population than the older population. The predicted prevalence and incidence of gout (95% CI) in 2025 were 16.59 (15.85-17.34) per 1000 persons and 3.81 (3.14-4.47) per 1000 persons. The prevalence and incidence of gout increased in Korea between 2007 and 2015. Men and the older population had a higher prevalence and incidence of gout compared to women and the younger population. However, the incidence of gout in the younger population has increased rapidly in recent years.

Mapping health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI) score, pain visual analog scale (VAS), and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) onto the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) utility score with the KORean Observational study Network for Arthritis (KORONA) registry data.

The aim of this study was to estimate the mapping model for EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) utility values using the health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI), pain visual analog scale (VAS), and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) in a large, nationwide cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Korea. The KORean Observational study Network for Arthritis (KORONA) registry data on 3557 patients with RA were used. Data were randomly divided into a modeling set (80 % of the data) and a validation set (20 % of the data). The ordinary least squares (OLS), Tobit, and two-part model methods were employed to construct a model to map to the EQ-5D index. Using a combination of HAQ-DI, pain VAS, and DAS28, four model versions were examined. To evaluate the predictive accuracy of the models, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were calculated using the validation dataset. A model that included HAQ-DI, pain VAS, and DAS28 produced the highest adjusted R (2) as well as the lowest Akaike information criterion, RMSE, and MAE, regardless of the statistical methods used in modeling set. The mapping equation of the OLS method is given as EQ-5D = 0.95-0.21 × HAQ-DI-0.24 × pain VAS/100-0.01 × DAS28 (adjusted R (2) = 57.6 %, RMSE = 0.1654 and MAE = 0.1222). Also in the validation set, the RMSE and MAE were shown to be the smallest. The model with HAQ-DI, pain VAS, and DAS28 showed the best performance, and this mapping model enabled the estimation of an EQ-5D value for RA patients in whom utility values have not been measured.

Biomedical Applications of Magnetically Functionalized Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Nanofibers.

Nanofibers are one-dimensional nanomaterial in fiber form with diameter less than 1 µm and an aspect ratio (length/diameter) larger than 100:1. Among the different types of nanoparticle-loaded nanofiber systems, nanofibers loaded with magnetic nanoparticles have gained much attention from biomedical scientists due to a synergistic effect obtained from the unique properties of both the nanofibers and magnetic nanoparticles. These magnetic nanoparticle-encapsulated or -embedded nanofiber systems can be used not only for imaging purposes but also for therapy. In this review, we focused on recent advances in nanofibers loaded with magnetic nanoparticles, their biomedical applications, and future trends in the application of these nanofibers.