Purpose: Determining the extent of radical lymphadenectomy at clinical early stage is challenging. We aimed to investigate the appropriate extent of lymphadenectomy in clinical early-stage right colon cancer. Methods: Patients with clinical stage 0 or I right colon cancer who underwent curative surgery from January 2007 to December 2021 were included in this retrospective study. The extent of lymph node (LN) metastases based on the distribution of LN metastases (LND: LND1 pericolic nodes, LND2 intermediate nodes, LND3 apical nodes), along with the depth of submucosal (SM) invasion (classed into SM1–3), were analyzed. Results: Of the 348 patients, distribution across pathologic stages was as follows: 30 patients (8.6%) at stage 0, 207 (59.5%) at stage I, 52 (14.9%) at stage II, and 59 (17.0%) at stage III. In pT1 tumor patients, LN metastases varied by SM invasion depth: 3.6% in SM1 (all LND1), 5.1% in SM2 (all LND1), and 17.5% in SM3 (LND1 10%, LND2 5%, LND3 2.5%). For pT2, pT3, and pT4 stages, LN metastasis rates were 16.2% (LND1 11.3%, LND2 3.8%, LND3 1.3%), 39.7% (LND1 28.9%, LND2 8.4%, LND3 2.4%), and 50% (LND1 25%, LND2 25%), respectively. Tumor invasion depth and lymphovascular invasion were identified as significant risk factors for LN metastasis extending to LND2–3. Conclusion Complete mesocolic excision should be considered for right-sided colon cancer because tumor infiltration deeper than SM2 could metastasize to LND2 or further. If preoperative endoscopy confirms SM1 or SM2 invasion, D2 lymphadenectomy could be a limited surgical option.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop an approach to alleviate the discomfort caused by sandbag compression after a bone marrow examination. This research examined the effects of applying a pressure hemostasis band on bleeding, pain, and discomfort at the bone marrow examination site. Methods: This study was conducted with a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design. For 74 patients under evaluation who underwent bone marrow examination, sandbag compression was applied to the examination site in the control group (n=37), and a pressure hemostasis band was applied to the intervention group (n=37). In both groups, absolute bed rest was performed for two hours, and bleeding, pain, and discomfort at the examination site were measured. Results: After two hours of the bone marrow examination, there was no difference in bleeding on the gauze between the two groups (F=0.59, p=.444). Bleeding occurred in three patients in the intervention group and six in the control group (χ 2 =1.14, p=.479), with no cases of hematoma detected in either group. One hour post-examination, the control group experienced significantly higher pain (F=5.45, p=.022) and discomfort (F=5.68, p=.020) than the intervention group. However, pain and discomfort levels were similar between groups after two hours. Conclusion Compared to the sandbag compression group, the band application group showed no difference in bleeding and experienced less pain and discomfort at the examination site. This confirms that the pressure hemostasis band is a suitable alternative to sandbag compression in post-examination care.

This study introduces a novel biportal endoscopic foraminal decompression technique that minimizes bone removal while ensuring safe and effective nerve root decompression. Leveraging the accessory process as a key surgical landmark, this technique enables precise navigation and controlled turn-down of the ligamentum flavum (LF). A key advantage of this technique is its reduced requirement for bone resection, differing from traditional microscopic or uniportal endoscopic surgeries that often necessitate resection of the lateral isthmus or superior articular process. This technique is particularly beneficial for foraminal and extraforaminal herniated nucleus pulposus cases, where bony decompression needs are relatively lower compared to foraminal stenosis. Using the accessory process as a landmark also enhances surgical precision and reduces the risk of nerve root injury, providing a valuable advantage for less experienced surgeons. Despite these advantages, challenges exist, particularly at the L5–S1 level, where the less prominent accessory process and limited workspace due to anatomical constraints can pose difficulties. In cases of severe bony compression, additional bone removal may be necessary to achieve adequate decompression. In conclusion, the Non-facetectomy LF turn-down technique (non-facetectomy foraminal decompression) offers a safe and effective minimally invasive alternative for treating various foraminal pathologies.

Background and Objectives: Hearing loss significantly affects communication, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life. This study analyzes the National Health Insurance Service database to assess the trends and characteristics of hearing loss in South Korea from 2010 to 2020.Subjects and Method The database encompasses 97% of the Korean population, providing comprehensive data on medical history, prescriptions, and health examinations. The analysis used the World Health Organization’s ICD-10 definitions to categorize hearing loss types and examine their prevalence and incidence across various demographics over 11 years. Results: There was an overall annual increase of 4.62% in diagnosed cases of hearing loss, with the most significant rise among the elderly. The rate of increase accelerated from 3.32% between 2010 and 2014 to 6.49% between 2014 and 2020, corresponding with the improved hearing aid access facilitated by policy changes. Women showed a slightly higher increase than men. The data also indicated a consistent rise in abnormal hearing test results during health examinations, especially in older adults. Conclusion The study highlights an increasing trend in hearing loss diagnoses, driven by an aging population and enhanced detection facilitated by policy changes. These findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and targeted health policies to manage hearing loss effectively, offering valuable insights for global health management and policy development.

Background and Objectives: This study aims to analyze trends in hearing disability and the use of hearing rehabilitation devices (hearing aids and cochlear implants) in South Korea over the past 11 years (2010-2020) using data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS).Subjects and Method Data were extracted from the NHIS database, covering approximately 97% of the South Korean population. Patients diagnosed with hearing loss were classified using ICD-10 codes. The data were analyzed to determine trends in hearing disability, hearing aid prescriptions, and cochlear implant usage by age, gender, and types and causes of hearing loss. Results: The number of hearing disability patients increased from 170900 in 2010 to 362738 in 2020, with an annual growth rate of 7.95%. The highest increase was observed in the ≥60 age group, with an annual growth rate of 11.04%. Hearing aid prescriptions rose from 4966 in 2010 to 11974 in 2020, showing a 10.45% annual increase. Females showed a higher growth rate in both hearing disability and hearing aid prescriptions compared to males. Cochlear implant prescriptions also increased, particularly among older adults. Conclusion The study highlights a significant rise in hearing disability and the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants in South Korea, especially among the elderly. The findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for hearing loss and the need for policy improvements to enhance accessibility and affordability of hearing rehabilitation services. Additional strategies are needed to ensure appropriate hearing rehabilitation for those not yet receiving adequate care.

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas and other central nervous tumors such as meningiomas and spinal ependymomas. Symptoms vary according to the age at diagnosis and the location of these tumors. The diagnostic criteria of NF2 have been regularly revised and recently updated in 2022 with a new nomenclature “NF2-related schwannomatosis” to differentiate NF2 from other schwannoma predisposing disorders, such as SMARCB1 (SWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily b, member 1)-, LZTR1 (leucine zipper-like transcription regulator 1)-, and 22q-related schwannomatosis. Addition to the clinical features, genetic testing for pathogenic variants in these genes became an important essence to support diagnosis of NF2 and other schwannomatosis, including mosaic conditions.

Purpose: Obesity refers to a condition in which there is excessive fat in the body and is caused by an imbalanced diet and a decrease in physical activity. Accordingly, regular exercise is reported to help improve and prevent obesity. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of short-term resistance training (RT) on weight loss, lipid profiles, blood pressure, atherogenic indices, and inflammation in middle-aged mice. Methods: Adult mice (7.5-month-old) were randomly divided into three groups comprising 7 mice per group: a normal diet group (NDC); a high-fat diet group (HDC, 45% total calories as fat); and a high-fat diet plus resistance training group (HDRT). The mice in the resistance training group performed climbing exercises using a ladder for the experimental period of 5 days/week for 4 weeks. The indicated intensity load was adjusted by individual % of animal body weight. The load gradually increased every week, and a total of 4 repetitions/set and 3 sets/day with 1 minute of rest provided between sets were performed. After sacrifice, analysis of serum and mRNA expression in the tissues were performed. Results: The HDC group showed a significant increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared to the NDC group, while the HDRT group had a lower SBP relative to the HDC group. RT significantly improved blood lipid levels (triglycerides [TG], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], non-high-density lipoprotein [nonHDL], and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [VLDL-C]). Arteriosclerosis improved through resistance training as observed in the changes in the arteriosclerosis indices (atherogenic index of plasma [AIP], Castelli risk index [CRI]-I, CRI-II, and atherogenic coefficient [AC]). In addition, the HDRT group showed decreased mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnfa), interleukin-1 beta (Il-1b), and Il-6 in muscle tissue when compared with the HDC. Conclusion This study confirmed that RT improves blood lipids and inflammation profiles, regulates blood pressure, and improves atherosclerosis in obese mice.

Objectives: Maternal depression negatively affects depression and anxiety symptoms in the offspring. This study examined the association between maternal depression and their adolescent offspring depression and anxiety, as well as the mediating role of emotional trauma in determining the association. Methods: Participants were 237 mothers (46.08±5.00 years) and their adolescent offspring (16.54±1.51 years). The participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, and the Screen for Children’s Anxiety Related Disorders. The mediating effect of emotional trauma on offspring was explored using mediation analysis. Results: Maternal depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with adolescent offspring traumatic experiences, as well as with their depressive and anxiety symptoms. Mediation analysis results showed that emotional trauma of offspring significantly mediated the effect of maternal depression on their depressive and anxiety symptoms. Conclusion Findings indicate that maternal depression was significantly associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescent offspring, mediated by their emotional trauma. Future research is needed to investigate pathways and intervention strategies to prevent the intergenerational transmission of emotional problems.