Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality globally. PTB rates have increased in South Korea despite reduction in birth rates. A history of PTB is a strong predictor of subsequent PTB and screening of cervical length between 16 0/7 weeks and 24 0/7 weeks of gestation is recommended in women with a singleton pregnancy and a prior spontaneous PTB. However, the prediction and prevention of spontaneous PTBs in women without a prior PTB remain a matter of debate. The scope of this review article comprises cervical screening and prevention strategies for PTB in asymptomatic women without a prior PTB, based on recent evidence and guidelines.

Background: Modern neurosurgery has undergone significant evolution to include minimally inva-sive procedures, with the supraorbital approach (SOA) being a prime example. In this study, we aim to explore the surgical techniques and outcomes of this approach in the surgical treatment of frontal lobe, anterior skull base, and parasellar lesions. Methods: This study included 33 patients aged 36–83 years who underwent surgery using theSOA for lesions in the inferior frontal lobe, anterior skull base, and parasellar area between 2015 and 2024. There were 25 cases of meningioma, 2 cases of brain abscess, 2 cases of glioma, and one case each of craniopharyngioma, hemangioma, metastasis, and Rathke’s cleft cyst. The medical data and follow-up results were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The mean size of lesion was 3.38±3.05 cm. The mean follow-up period was 48.8months. Gross total resection was achieved in 25 patients (75.8%). There were no perioperative deaths, cases of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, or infections. Two cases of morbidity were reported as complications: one case of delayed intracerebral hemorrhage and one case of infarction due to vascular injury. All patients exhibited satisfactory cosmetic results. Conclusion In comparison to the conventional pterional approach, the SOA represents a safe and effective keyhole method for the removal of both extra-axial and intra-axial skull base tumors. This is particularly beneficial for lesions in the orbitofrontal region and parasellar area, as it allows for minimal disruption of normal brain parenchyma. Moreover, the SOA promotes a swift recovery and short hospital stay. Additionally, the SOA yields superior cosmetic results, including the prevention of temporalis muscle atrophy.

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of surgical treatment for pathological fractures at the proximal femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with a pathological fracture were included. The mean age was 65.7 years old. The patients comprised 8 males and 11 females. Primary tumors, types of pathological fractures, surgical procedures, and postoperative complications were recorded. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional score was used for functional evaluation. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine survival rate. RESULTS: The primary malignancies were 6 cases of breast cancer, 3 cases of lung cancer, 3 cases of renal cell carcinoma, 2 cases of cholangiocarcinoma, 2 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 1 case of esophageal cancer, 1 case of colon cancer, and 1 case of ovarian cancer. Pathological fractures included 8 cases of pertrochanteric fractures and 11 cases of subtrochanteric fractures. Intramedullary nailing was performed in 10 cases, and joint replacement surgery was performed in 9 cases. Postoperative complications included local recurrence in 1 case, infection in 1 case, and nail breakage in 1 case. The mean postoperative MSTS score was 21. The mean survival period was 10.6 months. Patient survival rates were 42.1% after 6 months, 26.3% after 12 months, and 10.5% after 24 months. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of pathological fractures at the proximal femur provided early ambulation, and excellent pain relief. The surgery was well tolerated emotionally. Surgery is necessary for improving the quality of life in such patients; however, more cases of pathological fractures in these regions should be subjected to detailed analysis.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Nails ; Bone Neoplasms/*secondary/surgery ; Female ; Femoral Fractures/etiology/pathology/*surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/*methods ; Fracture Healing ; Fractures, Spontaneous/pathology/*surgery ; Hip Fractures/surgery ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery ; Neoplasms/complications/pathology/*surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; Quality of Life ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of surgical treatment for pathological fractures at the proximal femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with a pathological fracture were included. The mean age was 65.7 years old. The patients comprised 8 males and 11 females. Primary tumors, types of pathological fractures, surgical procedures, and postoperative complications were recorded. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional score was used for functional evaluation. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine survival rate. RESULTS: The primary malignancies were 6 cases of breast cancer, 3 cases of lung cancer, 3 cases of renal cell carcinoma, 2 cases of cholangiocarcinoma, 2 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 1 case of esophageal cancer, 1 case of colon cancer, and 1 case of ovarian cancer. Pathological fractures included 8 cases of pertrochanteric fractures and 11 cases of subtrochanteric fractures. Intramedullary nailing was performed in 10 cases, and joint replacement surgery was performed in 9 cases. Postoperative complications included local recurrence in 1 case, infection in 1 case, and nail breakage in 1 case. The mean postoperative MSTS score was 21. The mean survival period was 10.6 months. Patient survival rates were 42.1% after 6 months, 26.3% after 12 months, and 10.5% after 24 months. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of pathological fractures at the proximal femur provided early ambulation, and excellent pain relief. The surgery was well tolerated emotionally. Surgery is necessary for improving the quality of life in such patients; however, more cases of pathological fractures in these regions should be subjected to detailed analysis.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Nails ; Bone Neoplasms/*secondary/surgery ; Female ; Femoral Fractures/etiology/pathology/*surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/*methods ; Fracture Healing ; Fractures, Spontaneous/pathology/*surgery ; Hip Fractures/surgery ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery ; Neoplasms/complications/pathology/*surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; Quality of Life ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome

Telescopic denture has advantages such as transfer the occlusal force to the long axis of the abutment, easiness of oral hygiene management, increase of retention and stability, splint effect due to secondary fixation between abutments and have been reported a higher success rates than conventional removable partial denture (RPD). However, there are disadvantages such as complex laboratory procedures, long treatment periods and high costs, and high incidence of complications. This clinical report describes two cases, a 4-point supported telescopic denture using telescopic crown and a 2-point supported telescopic denture using conical crown with functionally satisfactory results. Frequent complications of telescopic denture, which are reported in various literature were reviewed. Clinical and laboratory procedures were performed in consideration of complications that reported.
Bite Force ; Crowns ; Denture, Partial, Removable ; Dentures* ; Incidence ; Oral Hygiene ; Rehabilitation* ; Splints

Implant prostheses and removable partial dentures are mainly used as treatment methods for partial edentulous patients who have lost a number of teeth. The implant-assisted removable partial denture (IARPD) is strategically selected. The defect in maxillofacial structure due to osteomyelitis, a type of facial bone infection, causes dysfunction such as mastication, swallowing, and pronunciation, as well as social and psychological effects, so a removable restoration is required to restore the supporting tissue. Design of abutment and partial dentures is an essential factor in the success of treatment. In this case, IARPD, which has superior retention and stability compared to traditional removable partial dentures, can have a good prognosis. In a partial edentulous patient with bone defects due to osteomyelitis treatment, the stability of the denture was secured with IARPD restoration. Moreover, maintenance problem that may occur in the future was minimized by providing an appropriate denture design and occlusal scheme through several provisional restorations. This case can be expected to have a favorable prognosis in the long term.

Implant prostheses and removable partial dentures are mainly used as treatment methods for partial edentulous patients who have lost a number of teeth. The implant-assisted removable partial denture (IARPD) is strategically selected. The defect in maxillofacial structure due to osteomyelitis, a type of facial bone infection, causes dysfunction such as mastication, swallowing, and pronunciation, as well as social and psychological effects, so a removable restoration is required to restore the supporting tissue. Design of abutment and partial dentures is an essential factor in the success of treatment. In this case, IARPD, which has superior retention and stability compared to traditional removable partial dentures, can have a good prognosis. In a partial edentulous patient with bone defects due to osteomyelitis treatment, the stability of the denture was secured with IARPD restoration. Moreover, maintenance problem that may occur in the future was minimized by providing an appropriate denture design and occlusal scheme through several provisional restorations. This case can be expected to have a favorable prognosis in the long term.

Purpose: This study explored the potential feasibility of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in monitoring treatment response through the measurement of chromosomal instabilities using I-scores in the context of radiation therapy (RT) for other solid tumors. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 23 patients treated with RT for lung, esophageal, and head and neck cancer. Serial cfDNA monitoring was performed before RT, 1 week after RT, and 1 month after RT. Low-depth whole-genome sequencing was done using Nano kit and NextSeq 500 (Illumina Inc.). To measure the extent of genome-wide copy number instability, I-score was calculated. Results: Pretreatment I-score was elevated to more than 5.09 in 17 patients (73.9%). There was a significant positive correlation between the gross tumor volume and the baseline I-score (Spearman rho = 0.419, p = 0.047). The median I-scores at baseline, post-RT 1 week (P1W), and post-RT 1 month (P1M) were 5.27, 5.13, and 4.79, respectively. The I-score at P1M was significantly lower than that at baseline (p = 0.002), while the difference between baseline and P1W was not significant (p = 0.244). Conclusion We have shown the feasibility of cfDNA I-score to detect minimal residual disease after RT in patients with lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and head and neck cancer. Additional studies are ongoing to optimize the measurement and analysis of I-scores to predict the radiation response in cancer patients.