Folate and vitamin B-12 deficiencies additively impaire memory function and disturb the gut microbiota in amyloid-ß infused rats.

Folate and vitamin B12(V-B12) deficiencies are associated with metabolic diseases that may impair memory function. We hypothesized that folate and V-B12 may differently alter mild cognitive impairment, glucose metabolism, and inflammation by modulating the gut microbiome in rats with Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like dementia. The hypothesis was examined in hippocampal amyloid-ß infused rats, and its mechanism was explored. Rats that received an amyloid-ß(25-35) infusion into the CA1 region of the hippocampus were fed either control(2.5 mg folate plus 25 µg V-B12/kg diet; AD-CON, n = 10), no folate(0 folate plus 25 µg V-B12/kg diet; AD-FA, n = 10), no V-B12(2.5 mg folate plus 0 µg V-B12/kg diet; AD-V-B12, n = 10), or no folate plus no V-B12(0 mg folate plus 0 µg V-B12/kg diet; AD-FAB12, n = 10) in high-fat diets for 8 weeks. AD-FA and AD-VB12 exacerbated bone mineral loss in the lumbar spine and femur whereas AD-FA lowered lean body mass in the hip compared to AD-CON(P < 0.05). Only AD-FAB12 exacerbated memory impairment by 1.3 and 1.4 folds, respectively, as measured by passive avoidance and water maze tests, compared to AD-CON(P < 0.01). Hippocampal insulin signaling and neuroinflammation were attenuated in AD-CON compared to Non-AD-CON. AD-FAB12 impaired the signaling (pAkt→pGSK-3ß) and serum TNF-α and IL-1ß levels the most among all groups. AD-CON decreased glucose tolerance by increasing insulin resistance compared to Non-AD-CON. AD-VB12 and AD-FAB12 increased insulin resistance by 1.2 and 1.3 folds, respectively, compared to the AD-CON. AD-CON and Non-AD-CON had a separate communities of gut microbiota. The relative counts of Bacteroidia were lower and those of Clostridia were higher in AD-CON than Non-AD-CON. AD-FA, but not V-B12, separated the gut microbiome community compared to AD-CON and AD-VB12(P = 0.009). In conclusion, folate and B-12 deficiencies impaired memory function by impairing hippocampal insulin signaling and gut microbiota in AD rats.

Exosome mediated transfer of miRNA-140 promotes enhanced chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow stem cells for enhanced cartilage repair and regeneration.

Exosomes (EXs) are nanocarrier vesicles with 20-50 nm dimensions. They are involved in cell proliferation and differentiation and in protecting the integrity of materials. They can be isolated from plasma and immunoreactive components. Recent studies demonstrated their potential role in cartilage regeneration. To enhance their regenerative effect, molecules like microRNA (miR-140) can be loaded in EX that acts as RNA delivery systems. In this study, we combined EX with miR-140 to enhance cell differentiation by inducing membrane fusion and consequent miRNA released into the cytoplasm. The carrier RNA complex was successfully synthesized through freeze and thaw method leading to the formation of EX-containing miR-140. The EX morphology was assessed through transmission electron microscopy and their miR-140 uptake efficiency through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The effects on bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were evaluated by in vitro cell culture. Cell adhesion and morphology were studied using a bio-scanning electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope. Differentiation BMSCs into chondrocytes was analyzed by RT-PCR and histology. Our results confirm the bioactive role of EX loaded with miR-140 in the differentiation of BMSCs into chondrocytes. EXs were biocompatible involving in the cartilage healing process through chromogenic differentiation of BMCS exploiting the tissue engineering route.

The role of cap-assisted endoscopy and its future implications

Cap-assisted endoscopy refers to a procedure in which a short tube made of a polymer (mostly transparent) is attached to the distal tip of the endoscope to enhance its diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. It is reported to be particularly useful in: (1) minimizing blind spots during screening colonoscopy, (2) providing a constant distance from a lesion for clear visualization during magnifying endoscopy, (3) accurately assessing the size of various gastrointestinal lesions, (4) preventing mucosal injury during foreign body removal, (5) securing adequate workspace in the submucosal space during endoscopic submucosal dissection or third space endoscopy, (6) providing an optimal approach angle to a target, and (7) suctioning mucosal and submucosal tissue with negative pressure for resection or approximation. Here, we review various applications of attachable caps in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and their future implications.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease in South Korea: A Meta-analysis of Individual Participant Data / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#Despite the global increase in nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD), clinical characteristics show geographical variations. We investigated the clinical characteristics of patients with NTM-PD in South Korea. @*Methods@#We systematically reviewed articles concerning patients with NTM-PD in South Korea until February 2022. Individual participant data, regardless of treatment, were collected using a standard case report form. @*Results@#Data of 6,489 patients from 11 hospitals between 2002 and 2019 were analyzed. The mean age was 61.5±11.7 years, of whom 57.7% were women. Mycobacterium avium (41.4%) and Mycobacterium intracellulare (38.4%) comprised most of the causative species, followed by Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies abscessus (8.6%) and M. abscessus subspecies massiliense (7.8%). Bronchiectasis (59.4%) was the most common pulmonary comorbidity. Although reported cases of NTM-PD increased over the years, the proportions of causative species and radiologic forms remained similar. Distinct clinical characteristics were observed according to age and sex. Men were older at the time of diagnosis (median 63.8 years vs. 59.9 years, p<0.001), and had more cavitary lesions than women (38.8% vs. 21.0%, p<0.001). The older group (≥65 years) had higher proportions of patients with body mass index <18.5 kg/m2 (27.4% vs. 18.6%, p<0.001) and cavitary lesions (29.9% vs. 27.6%, p=0.009) than the younger group. @*Conclusion@#We conducted a meta-analysis of the clinical characteristics of patients with NTM-PD in South Korea, and found age- and sex-related differences in disease- specific severity. Further investigation would enhance our comprehension of the nature of the disease, and inherited and acquired host factors.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Pulmonary Diseases Caused by Coinfections With Multiple Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Species

Background@#Coinfections with multiple nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) species have not been widely studied. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in patients with NTM-pulmonary disease (PD) caused by coinfection with multiple NTM species. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed patients with NTM-PD at a tertiary referral hospital in Korea between March 2012 and December 2018. Coinfection was defined as two or more species of NTM pathogens isolated from the same respiratory specimen or different specimens within three months. @*Results@#Among 1,009 patients with NTM-PD, 147 (14.6%) NTM coinfections were observed (average age 64.7 years, 69.4% women). NTM species were identified more frequently (median 6 vs. 3 times, P < 0.001) in the coinfection group than in the single species group, and follow-up duration was also longer in the coinfection group (median 44.9 vs. 27.1 months, P < 0.001). Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and M. abscessus and M. massiliense (MAB) were the dominant combinations (n = 71, 48.3%). For patients treated for over six months in the MAC plus MAB group (n = 31), sputum culture conversion and microbiological cure were achieved in 67.7% and 41.9% of patients, respectively. We divided the MAC plus MAB coinfection group into three subgroups according to the target mycobacteria; however, no statistical differences were found in the treatment outcomes. @*Conclusion@#In NTM-PD cases, a significant number of multiple NTM species coinfections occurred. Proper identification of all cultured NTM species through follow-up is necessary to detect multispecies coinfections. Further research is needed to understand the nature of NTM-PD in such cases.

Retrospective study of postoperative intraocular pressure and complications in phacoemulsification combined with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and phacoemulsification alone in dogs

Background@#Long-term comparative data of phacoemulsification combined with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (phaco-ECP) versus phacoemulsification (phaco) alone in dogs are rare. @*Objectives@#To investigate the effects of ECP on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and complications after phaco in dogs with normal IOP. @*Methods@#Medical records of IOP, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, aqueous flare, posterior synechia, intraocular fibrin, and posterior capsule opacification (PCO) formation in 15 canine eyes that underwent phaco-ECP and 36 eyes that underwent phaco alone were evaluated retrospectively. ECP was applied when either the iridocorneal angle or the ciliary cleft was narrow or closed. @*Results@#The IOP of the phaco-ECP group persisted within the normal range postoperatively.The phaco-ECP group had a shorter period of dorzolamide use than did the phaco group.PCO was formed earlier in the phaco-ECP group than in the phaco group. The phaco-ECP group showed more severe corneal edema than the phaco group at every follow-up visit.Posterior synechia was more severe in the phaco-ECP group than in the phaco group from two weeks until the last follow-up. @*Conclusions@#Although ECP might cause more postoperative complications such as corneal edema and posterior synechia, it could effectively reduce the incidence of IOP increase after phaco in dogs with a high risk of postoperative glaucoma.

Relationship between Psychological and Physical Disability and Nutrient Intake in the Elderly -The 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-

This study provides basic data when planning nutrition support for healthy aging by revealing the relationship between various symptoms in the elderly and nutrient intake. From the 8th National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, data from senior citizens aged 65 years or older in 2021 were used, and answers on the depression prevalence, activity restrictions, complaints of discomfort when chewing, and nutrient intake were analyzed through SPSS multiple logistic regression analysis. In the case of depression, there was a significant effect on the intake of four of the 20 nutrients (water, protein, cholesterol, and vitamin E). When experiencing activity restrictions, the intake of eight of the 20 nutrients (phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin D, beta-carotene, retinol, thiamine, and niacin) was affected. When experiencing chewing discomfort, the intake of three of the 20 nutrients (fat, magnesium, and vitamin E) was affected. Elderly people who suffer from depression, activity restrictions, and discomfort with chewing are at risk of various nutrient deficiencies, and related studies need to be conducted.

Mathematical Modeling of COVID-19 Transmission and Intervention in South Korea: A Review of Literature

South Korea implemented interventions to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with discovery of the first case in early 2020. Mathematical modeling designed to reflect the dynamics of disease transmission has been shown to be an important tool for responding to COVID-19. This study aimed to review publications on the structure, method, and role of mathematical models focusing on COVID-19 transmission dynamics in Korea. In total, 42 papers published between August 7, 2020 and August 21, 2022 were studied and reviewed. This study highlights the construction and utilization of mathematical models to help craft strategies for predicting the course of an epidemic and evaluating the effectiveness of control strategies. Despite the limitations caused by a lack of available epidemiological and surveillance data, modeling studies could contribute to providing scientific evidence for policymaking by simulating various scenarios.

Aortic Wall Abrasion Caused by Needle Injury after Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration of a Mediastinal Hemangioma / 대한소화기학회지

Benign mediastinal cysts are challenging to diagnose. Although Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) can accurately diagnose mediastinal foregut cysts, little is known about their complications. This paper reports a rare case in which EUS-FNA performed on mediastinal hemangioma resulted in an aortic hematoma. A 29-year-old female patient was commissioned for EUS of an asymptomatic accidental mediastinal lesion. Chest CT revealed a 4.9×2.9×10.1 cm thin-walled cystic mass in the posterior mediastinum. EUS revealed a large, anechoic cystic lesion with a regular thin wall with negative Doppler. EUS-guided FNA was performed using a single-use 19-gauge aspiration needle (EZ Shot 3; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan), and approximately 70 cc of serous pinkish fluid was aspirated. The patient was in a stable condition with no signs of acute complication. One day after EUS-FNA, thoracoscopic resection for mediastinal mass was conducted. The purple and multi-loculated large cyst was removed. Upon removal, however, an aortic hematoma caused by a focal descending aortic wall injury was observed. After a few days of close observation, the patient was discharged upon stable 3D aorta angio CT findings. This paper reports a rare and severe complication of EUS-FNA, in which an aspiration needle caused a direct injury to the aorta. The injection must be performed carefully to avoid damaging the adjacent organs or digestive tract walls.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in Korean patients with intestinal Behcet’s disease: a Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases (KASID) multicenter study

Background/Aims@#The short- and long-term effects of adalimumab (ADA) on Korean patients with intestinal Behcet’s disease (BD) for remain unclear. Therefore, a multicenter study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ADA in Korean patients with intestinal BD in a real-world setting. @*Methods@#The medical records of 67 patients with BD prescribed ADA between January 2012 and December 2020 at five referral centers in Korea were retrospectively analyzed and the safety and efficacy of ADA within 52 weeks were assessed. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ADA, the Disease Activity Index for Intestinal BD (DAIBD) and representative blood biochemical markers were compared at 0, 12, 24, and 52 weeks of ADA treatment. @*Results@#During the follow-up period of 52 weeks, 46 patients continued ADA treatment. The cumulative drug survival rate was 83.5%. The DAIBD score decreased over the study period (p < 0.001). Moreover, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum C-reactive protein levels, and serum albumin levels significantly improved at 12, 24, and 52 weeks of ADA treatment (all, p <0.05). @*Conclusions@#As ADA is effective for refractory intestinal BD with few safety concerns in real-world situations, it is a potential treatment option for Korean patients with intestinal BD.

Short-Term Effectiveness of Oral Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir Against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant and Culture-Positive Viral Shedding

Background@#Information on the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir against the omicron is limited. The clinical response and viral kinetics to therapy in the real world need to be evaluated. @*Methods@#Mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with risk factors for severe illness were prospectively enrolled as a treatment group with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir therapy versus a control group with supportive care. Serial viral load and culture from the upper respiratory tract were evaluated for seven days, and clinical responses and adverse reactions were evaluated for 28 days. @*Results@#A total of 51 patients were analyzed including 40 in the treatment group and 11 in the control group. Faster symptom resolution during hospitalization (P= 0.048) was observed in the treatment group. Only minor adverse reactions were reported in 27.5% of patients. The viral load on Day 7 was lower in the treatment group (P = 0.002). The viral culture showed a positivity of 67.6% (25/37) vs. 100% (6/6) on Day 1, 0% (0/37) vs. 16.7 (1/6) on Day 5, and 0% (0/16) vs. 50.0% (2/4) on Day 7 in the treatment and control groups, respectively. @*Conclusions@#Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir against the omicron was safe and resulted in negative viral culture conversion after Day 5 of treatment with better symptomatic resolution.

Indigenous microbiota protects development of medication-related osteonecrosis induced by periapical disease in mice / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Bacterial infection is a common finding in patients, who develop medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) by the long-term and/or high-dose use of anti-resorptive agents such as bisphosphonate (BPs). However, pathological role of bacteria in MRONJ development at the early stage remains controversial. Here, we demonstrated that commensal microbiota protects against MRONJ development in the pulp-exposed periapical periodontitis mouse model. C57/BL6 female mice were treated with intragastric broad-spectrum antibiotics for 1 week. Zoledronic acid (ZOL) through intravenous injection and antibiotics in drinking water were administered for throughout the experiment. Pulp was exposed on the left maxillary first molar, then the mice were left for 5 weeks after which bilateral maxillary first molar was extracted and mice were left for additional 3 weeks to heal. All mice were harvested, and cecum, maxilla, and femurs were collected. ONJ development was assessed using μCT and histologic analyses. When antibiotic was treated in mice, these mice had no weight changes, but developed significantly enlarged ceca compared to the control group (CTL mice). Periapical bone resorption prior to the tooth extraction was similarly prevented when treated with antibiotics, which was confirmed by decreased osteoclasts and inflammation. ZOL treatment with pulp exposure significantly increased bone necrosis as determined by empty lacunae and necrotic bone amount. Furthermore, antibiotics treatment could further exacerbate bone necrosis, with increased osteoclast number. Our findings suggest that the commensal microbiome may play protective role, rather than pathological role, in the early stages of MRONJ development.

Remote migration of breast filler to the inguinal area: a case report

Polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) is an injectable material for breast augmentation that was developed in the 1980s. It was widely used until the 2000s, but subsequently lost its popularity due to high complication rates. In this case report, we share our experience of a patient complaining of hard and asymmetric breasts who had received PAAG injections 7 years ago. Surprisingly, we found that the filler in the left breast had migrated to the left inguinal area. Although breast fillers have lost ground in recent years, we think that long-term complications of fillers, as observed in this case, will still arise in the future. Therefore, young plastic surgeons who do not have direct experience with this material should be aware of its possible complications.

A Study on the Meal Assistance and Nutrition Knowledge of Caregivers for the Elderly in Nursing Homes

This study attempted to examine the nutrition knowledge of caregivers for the elderly and the diet-related medical treatment and dietary assistance given by them. Thus, this research is a descriptive study focusing on the current nutritional knowledge of caregivers and the dietary assistance given by them. The survey included a questionnaire (nutritional knowledge level of digestive system diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular risk, brain disease, bone disease, and meal assistance performance status) for caregivers working in nursing homes for the elderly. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 235 caregivers between February and March 2020. The results were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0, and the significance test of each question was verified by the Friedman test and the Chi-square independence test. The number of elderly people who needed meal assistance from caregivers was 4.4 more than the average. The most common types of meal assistance were partial assistance (59.20%) and the task of when to stop eating for the elderly (58.71%). Besides, the higher nutritional knowledge level of the caregivers, the more the time spent on services related to meal assistance (P＜0.001), and the higher the meal assistance level. The disease state of the elderly was considered the most relevant (P＜0.001). Caregivers with high levels of knowledge and offering significant meal assistance were found to have received nutrition education (P＜0.001). Up to 80% of the respondents needed nutrition education, and most of them answered that they needed education on appropriate management methods for the specific disease state of the elderly (P＜0.01). Accordingly, providing nutrition education for caregivers for the elderly should be a means to improve their ability to offer meal assistance.

Dual-pedicled conjoined abdominal flap for breast reconstruction in a patient with previous radiation therapy

Delayed breast reconstruction is challenging because it requires a large volume and symmetry, and the dual-pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is used with microvascular augmentation. However, candidate recipient vessels in patients who have undergone radiation therapy may be damaged, with uncertain patency. This report suggests a novel method, the dual-pedicled conjoined abdominal flap, in which a free DIEP flap is combined with a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap. A 57-year-old female patient who had undergone modified radical mastectomy and radiotherapy 25 years previously was referred for breast reconstruction. A whole abdominal flap was needed, but supercharged anastomosis was very risky due to calcification and scarring of the internal mammary vessel. Therefore, the thoracodorsal vessels were anastomosed with a free left DIEP flap, which was combined with a right-pedicled TRAM flap. The reconstructed volume was sufficient, and the blood flow was intact. The patient presented a symmetric contour without any complications after 4 months. The dual-pedicled conjoined abdominal flap is reliable for delayed breast reconstruction that requires a large volume and skin replacement, especially in patients with radiation-injured recipient vessels. Even if microscopic anastomosis failure occurs, secondary rescue is made possible by the pedicled TRAM flap.

Intussusception and Jejunal Atresia Caused by an Ectopic Pancreas in a Newborn

Ectopic pancreas is defined as an abnormally located pancreatic tissue not sufficiently connected with the normal pancreas, which rarely occurs in neonates. To our knowledge, only a few cases of ectopic pancreas have been reported in newborns in South Korea. We report a case of ectopic pancreas as the cause of intussusception and jejunal atresia in a newborn. This clinical association is extremely rare, and this is the first report in South Korea.

Efficacy of an Integrated Training Device in Improving Muscle Strength, Balance, and Cognitive Ability in Older Adults

Objective@#To determine the effects of an integrated training device for strength and balance on extremity muscle strength, postural balance, and cognition in older adults using a combination with various rehabilitation training games, in which balance, strength, and cognitive training were configured in a single device. @*Methods@#This prospective study included 20 healthy participants aged 65–85 years. Participants trained for 30 minutes daily, 3 days weekly, for 6 weeks with an integrated training device for strength and balance (SBT-120; Man&Tel Inc., Gumi, Korea). Main outcomes were measured using the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (K-MoCA), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Manual Muscle Test. Measurements were taken at three time points: T0 (pretreatment), T1 (immediately after treatment), and T2 (4 weeks after treatment). @*Results@#All 20 patients completed the training, and TUG, FRT, and BBS scores significantly improved at T1 and T2 compared to T0. Mean TUG scores decreased by 0.99±2.00 at T1 and 1.05±1.55 at T2 compared to T0. Mean FRT scores increased by 6.13±4.26 at T1 and 6.75±4.79 at T2 compared to T0. BBS scores increased by 0.60±0.94 at T1 and 0.45±1.15 at T2 compared to T0. Moreover, muscle strength and cognition (K-MMSE and K-MoCA scores) increased after training. @*Conclusion@#Our findings suggest that an integrated training device for strength and balance can be a safe and useful tool for older adults.

Intussusception and Jejunal Atresia Caused by an Ectopic Pancreas in a Newborn

Ectopic pancreas is defined as an abnormally located pancreatic tissue not sufficiently connected with the normal pancreas, which rarely occurs in neonates. To our knowledge, only a few cases of ectopic pancreas have been reported in newborns in South Korea. We report a case of ectopic pancreas as the cause of intussusception and jejunal atresia in a newborn. This clinical association is extremely rare, and this is the first report in South Korea.

Efficacy of an Integrated Training Device in Improving Muscle Strength, Balance, and Cognitive Ability in Older Adults

Objective@#To determine the effects of an integrated training device for strength and balance on extremity muscle strength, postural balance, and cognition in older adults using a combination with various rehabilitation training games, in which balance, strength, and cognitive training were configured in a single device. @*Methods@#This prospective study included 20 healthy participants aged 65–85 years. Participants trained for 30 minutes daily, 3 days weekly, for 6 weeks with an integrated training device for strength and balance (SBT-120; Man&Tel Inc., Gumi, Korea). Main outcomes were measured using the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (K-MoCA), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Manual Muscle Test. Measurements were taken at three time points: T0 (pretreatment), T1 (immediately after treatment), and T2 (4 weeks after treatment). @*Results@#All 20 patients completed the training, and TUG, FRT, and BBS scores significantly improved at T1 and T2 compared to T0. Mean TUG scores decreased by 0.99±2.00 at T1 and 1.05±1.55 at T2 compared to T0. Mean FRT scores increased by 6.13±4.26 at T1 and 6.75±4.79 at T2 compared to T0. BBS scores increased by 0.60±0.94 at T1 and 0.45±1.15 at T2 compared to T0. Moreover, muscle strength and cognition (K-MMSE and K-MoCA scores) increased after training. @*Conclusion@#Our findings suggest that an integrated training device for strength and balance can be a safe and useful tool for older adults.