OBJECTIVES: People at ultra-high risk for psychosis have heterogenous character and different long-term outcomes. We divided ultra-high risk subjects into two subgroups by presence of familial history and tried to find different pattern of functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN) between the two groups in order to examine the effects familial loading. METHODS: Eleven subjects at clinical-high risk (CHR) group with familial history of psychiatric illness and nineteen subjects of CHR group without familial history were recruited. All the subjects were scanned using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. A posterior cingulate cortex was the seed region of the analysis, and the DMN of the both high risk group were analyzed with voxel-wise two sample T test. RESULTS: The CHR group with familial history showed greater functional connectivity in the precuneus area in contrast with the other high risk subjects (peak-level t=5.49, p<0.001). There were no significant differences in total score on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Scales of Psychosis-risk Syndrome between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the abnormalities of functional connectivity between precuneus and posterior cingulate area may be associated with the genetic vulnerability of high risk trait.
Gyrus Cinguli ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Pilot Projects ; Psychotic Disorders ; Seeds ; Weights and Measures

Background: Hypertrophic scarring represents an aberrant response to wounds in certain individuals, manifesting with symptoms such as itching, tenderness, pain, and pigmentation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a silicone-based gel on the healing of hypertrophic scars, particularly those originating from deep tissue wounds. Methods: A rat model of wound healing and scarring was established, and 12 rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Dermatix Ultra group, SFG-100 silicone-gel group, and non-treated group. Rats in the treated groups (Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel) received twice-daily applications for 8 weeks. Histologic analysis, including biopsy, was conducted to evaluate the scar elevation index, epidermis thickness, and the number of granulation veins. Results: Overall, both the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups exhibited improvements in hypertrophic scar healing, accompanied by a significant reduction in skin pigmentation. Histopathologically, scars in both treated groups displayed a notable decrease in scar elevation index, epithelial thickness, and collagen disorganization compared to the non-treated group. However, no significant difference was observed between the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups. Conclusion The results suggest that SFG-100 silicone-gel is an effective therapeutic agent for hypertrophic scars. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its efficacy and to optimize its application for clinical use.

Background: Hypertrophic scarring represents an aberrant response to wounds in certain individuals, manifesting with symptoms such as itching, tenderness, pain, and pigmentation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a silicone-based gel on the healing of hypertrophic scars, particularly those originating from deep tissue wounds. Methods: A rat model of wound healing and scarring was established, and 12 rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Dermatix Ultra group, SFG-100 silicone-gel group, and non-treated group. Rats in the treated groups (Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel) received twice-daily applications for 8 weeks. Histologic analysis, including biopsy, was conducted to evaluate the scar elevation index, epidermis thickness, and the number of granulation veins. Results: Overall, both the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups exhibited improvements in hypertrophic scar healing, accompanied by a significant reduction in skin pigmentation. Histopathologically, scars in both treated groups displayed a notable decrease in scar elevation index, epithelial thickness, and collagen disorganization compared to the non-treated group. However, no significant difference was observed between the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups. Conclusion The results suggest that SFG-100 silicone-gel is an effective therapeutic agent for hypertrophic scars. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its efficacy and to optimize its application for clinical use.

Background: Hypertrophic scarring represents an aberrant response to wounds in certain individuals, manifesting with symptoms such as itching, tenderness, pain, and pigmentation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a silicone-based gel on the healing of hypertrophic scars, particularly those originating from deep tissue wounds. Methods: A rat model of wound healing and scarring was established, and 12 rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Dermatix Ultra group, SFG-100 silicone-gel group, and non-treated group. Rats in the treated groups (Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel) received twice-daily applications for 8 weeks. Histologic analysis, including biopsy, was conducted to evaluate the scar elevation index, epidermis thickness, and the number of granulation veins. Results: Overall, both the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups exhibited improvements in hypertrophic scar healing, accompanied by a significant reduction in skin pigmentation. Histopathologically, scars in both treated groups displayed a notable decrease in scar elevation index, epithelial thickness, and collagen disorganization compared to the non-treated group. However, no significant difference was observed between the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups. Conclusion The results suggest that SFG-100 silicone-gel is an effective therapeutic agent for hypertrophic scars. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its efficacy and to optimize its application for clinical use.

Background: Hypertrophic scarring represents an aberrant response to wounds in certain individuals, manifesting with symptoms such as itching, tenderness, pain, and pigmentation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a silicone-based gel on the healing of hypertrophic scars, particularly those originating from deep tissue wounds. Methods: A rat model of wound healing and scarring was established, and 12 rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Dermatix Ultra group, SFG-100 silicone-gel group, and non-treated group. Rats in the treated groups (Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel) received twice-daily applications for 8 weeks. Histologic analysis, including biopsy, was conducted to evaluate the scar elevation index, epidermis thickness, and the number of granulation veins. Results: Overall, both the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups exhibited improvements in hypertrophic scar healing, accompanied by a significant reduction in skin pigmentation. Histopathologically, scars in both treated groups displayed a notable decrease in scar elevation index, epithelial thickness, and collagen disorganization compared to the non-treated group. However, no significant difference was observed between the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups. Conclusion The results suggest that SFG-100 silicone-gel is an effective therapeutic agent for hypertrophic scars. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its efficacy and to optimize its application for clinical use.

Background and Objectives: The guidelines for cochlear implantation (CIs) are expanding, and the number of CI procedures performed on the elderly is increasing. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results and safety of cochlear implantation in the elderly, as well as to evaluate the predictive factors on CI outcomes. Subjects and Methods: The study included 56 patients aged ≥40 years, who received CIs between 2009 and 2020. They were divided into two groups: 27 younger adults (40-64 years) and 29 elderly (>64 years). The study compared their pre- and postoperative speech perception and category of auditory performance (CAP) scores, surgical complications, and hospitalization periods. It also evaluated associated factors in the elderly group by examining categorical and continuous variables and postoperative CAP score. Results: There was a significant improvement in speech recognition tests (both word and sentence) and CAP scores in both groups compared to the pre-implantation scores (p<0.001). Postoperative results were slightly lower in the elderly group than in younger adults for sentence recognition and CAP scores, except for word recognition. No significant associated factors were found on postoperative CAP scores, except for etiology. Postoperative CAP significantly improved in the sudden hearing loss group compared to the groups with other etiologies (p=0.045). The elderly group had more comorbidities than that in the younger adult group (p=0.026), but there were no significant differences in postoperative complications and hospitalization periods. Conclusions While speech recognition and CAP scores were relatively lower in the elderly group compared to the younger adults, the elderly group showed significant improvements in audiological results after CI. Moreover, CI was safe and well tolerated in elderly patients.

PURPOSE: Fibroepithelial polyps on the eyelid or orbit have not been previously reported in Korea. Herein, we report our experience with a case of a primary localized fibroepithelial polyp of the eyelid. CASE SUMMARY: A 78-year-old male patient presented with a round mass on the lower eyelid which has been noticed 1 week prior. There was no pain and no tenderness. The mass was removed and excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed findings suggestive of a fibroepithelial polyp. There was no local recurrence during 4 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Fibroepithelial polyp should be considered when determining the type of eyelid mass.
Aged ; Biopsy ; Eyelids* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Orbit ; Polyps* ; Recurrence

Twin pregnancies are at substantially higher risks for premature delivery than singleton pregnancies. This further increases their risk of perinatal and infant mortality. Recently there has been a marked increase in multiple pregnancies as a direct result of assisted reproductive technology. Cervical incompetency is a condition in which a pregnant woman's cervix begins to dilate and efface before her pregnancy has reached term. And multiple pregnancies and pregnancies by in vitro fertilization (IVF) have been increasing the risk of cervical incompetency. In twin pregnancy during preterm delivery, successful delayed-interval deliveries may improve the neonatal outcomes of the second fetus. We report a case of a delayed interval delivery in twin pregnancy of incompetent of cervix with an interval of 28 days after 3rd emergency cerclage.
Cervix Uteri ; Emergencies* ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro* ; Fetus ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Multiple ; Pregnancy, Twin* ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Twins*

Twin pregnancies are at substantially higher risks for premature delivery than singleton pregnancies. This further increases their risk of perinatal and infant mortality. Recently there has been a marked increase in multiple pregnancies as a direct result of assisted reproductive technology. Cervical incompetency is a condition in which a pregnant woman's cervix begins to dilate and efface before her pregnancy has reached term. And multiple pregnancies and pregnancies by in vitro fertilization (IVF) have been increasing the risk of cervical incompetency. In twin pregnancy during preterm delivery, successful delayed-interval deliveries may improve the neonatal outcomes of the second fetus. We report a case of a delayed interval delivery in twin pregnancy of incompetent of cervix with an interval of 28 days after 3rd emergency cerclage.
Cervix Uteri ; Emergencies* ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro* ; Fetus ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Multiple ; Pregnancy, Twin* ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Twins*

BACKGROUND: Fluorescent dye Rhodamine 6G (R6G) is a substrate of multidrug resistance pumps and its accumulation is reduced in some azole-resistant Candida isolates with the upregulation of multidrug efflux transporter genes. Despite reports on species-specific differences in azole susceptibility in various Candida species, only a few studies have been reported on the R6G accumulation among clinical isolates of Candida species. In this study, we compared R6G accumulation between six different Candida species. METHODS: The intracellular accumulation of R6G and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of three triazole agents were investigated in 48 strains of six Candida species (14 C. albicans, 9 C. tropicalis, 8 C. glabrata, 8 C. krusei, 7 C. parapsilosis, and 2 C. haemulonii). R6G accumulation was measured by using flow cytometry and the geometric mean of the fluorescence intensity (GMF) was used to compare the accumulation between the Candida isolates. RESULTS: The GMF values for the C. tropicalis, C. albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. glabrata isolates were 167.3+/-18.5, 126.9+/-6.6, 88.5+/-18.5, 50.8+/-7.0, and 38.1+/-3.9, respectively. C. glabrata had a significantly lower mean GMF than all the other Candida species (P<0.05). While some Candida strains with trailing growth phenomenon and increased fluconazole MIC did not have a reduced GMF, three Candida strains with increased MICs to all three triazole agents had a reduced GMF. CONCLUSIONS: This study found species-specific differences in R6G accumulation in Candida. In addition, the intracellular R6G accumulation can be used to investigate the drug efflux mechanism in azole-resistant Candida strains.
Antifungal Agents/pharmacology ; Azoles/pharmacology ; Candida/chemistry/isolation & purification/*metabolism ; Candidiasis/drug therapy ; Drug Resistance, Fungal ; Flow Cytometry/*methods ; Fluconazole/pharmacology ; Fluorescent Dyes/*analysis ; Humans ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Rhodamines/*analysis ; Species Specificity