PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical characteristics of late-onset epilepsy combined with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the relationship between certain types of electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities in ASD and associated neuropsychological problems. METHODS: Thirty patients diagnosed with ASD in early childhood and later developed clinical seizures were reviewed retrospectively. First, the clinical characteristics, language and behavioral regression, and EEG findings of these late-onset epilepsy patients with ASD were investigated. The patients were then classified into 2 groups according to the severity of the EEG abnormalities in the background rhythm and paroxysmal discharges. In the severe group, EEG showed persistent asymmetry, slow and disorganized background rhythms, and continuous sharp and slow waves during slow sleep (CSWS). RESULTS: Between the two groups, there was no statistically significant difference in mean age (P=0.259), age of epilepsy diagnosis (P=0.237), associated family history (P=0.074), and positive abnormal magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings (P=0.084). The severe EEG group tended to have more neuropsychological problems (P=0.074). The severe group statistically showed more electrographic seizures in EEG (P=0.000). Rett syndrome was correlated with more severe EEG abnormalities (P=0.002). Although formal cognitive function tests were not performed, the parents reported an improvement in neuropsychological function on the follow up checkup according to a parent's questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Although some ASD patients with late-onset epilepsy showed severe EEG abnormalities, including CSWS, they generally showed an improvement in EEG and clinical symptoms in the long-term follow up. In addition, severe EEG abnormalities tended to be related to the neuropsychological function.
Autistic Disorder ; Child ; Autism Spectrum Disorder ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Parents ; Retrospective Studies ; Rett Syndrome ; Seizures

Background: Dermatofibroma is a common benign skin neoplasm that is usually easy to recognize; however, in some cases, it is difficult to differentiate it from atypical dermatofibroma. Atypical dermatofibroma is a rare variant of a more aggressive nature and requires complete excision due to its tendency to recur. Objective: To describe the clinical and dermoscopic features of dermatofibromas with special emphasis on the characteristics of atypical subtypes and to differentiate them from typical subtypes on the basis of results. Methods: We retrospectively searched the databases of patients of Korea University Ansan Hospital from January 2010 to December 2019 who underwent skin biopsies or excision surgeries and had pathological reports of dermatofibroma. Analyses of the clinical characteristics (age, sex, number of lesions, anatomical site) and dermoscopic patterns were performed. Results: Dermoscopic patterns were analyzed in 148 cases of dermatofibroma; peripheral delicate pigment networks and central white scar-like patches were the most common patterns found in 45 cases (30.4%). In eight cases of atypical dermatofibroma, three cases (37.5%) showed peripheral homogenous areas and central white networks, followed by multiple white scar-like patches in 2 cases (25.0%), peripheral delicate pigment networks, and central white scar-like patches in 2 cases (25.0%). Dermoscopy revealed a statistically significant difference in the peripheral homogenous area and the central white network pattern between the two groups. Conclusion In this study, we analyzed the dermoscopic findings of 148 patients with dermatofibroma and found that the peripheral homogenous area and central white network patterns were significantly more in atypical dermatofibroma.

Qualitative research methodology has been applied with increasing frequency in various fields, including in healthcare research, where quantitative research methodology has traditionally dominated, with an empirically driven approach involving statistical analysis. Drawing upon artifacts and verbal data collected from in-depth interviews or participatory observations, qualitative research examines the comprehensive experiences of research participants who have experienced salient yet unappreciated phenomena. In this study, we review 6 representative qualitative research methodologies in terms of their characteristics and analysis methods: consensual qualitative research, phenomenological research, qualitative case study, grounded theory, photovoice, and content analysis. We mainly focus on specific aspects of data analysis and the description of results, while also providing a brief overview of each methodology’s philosophical background. Furthermore, since quantitative researchers have criticized qualitative research methodology for its perceived lack of validity, we examine various validation methods of qualitative research. This review article intends to assist researchers in employing an ideal qualitative research methodology and in reviewing and evaluating qualitative research with proper standards and criteria.

Background: Dermatofibroma is a common benign skin neoplasm that is usually easy to recognize; however, in some cases, it is difficult to differentiate it from atypical dermatofibroma. Atypical dermatofibroma is a rare variant of a more aggressive nature and requires complete excision due to its tendency to recur. Objective: To describe the clinical and dermoscopic features of dermatofibromas with special emphasis on the characteristics of atypical subtypes and to differentiate them from typical subtypes on the basis of results. Methods: We retrospectively searched the databases of patients of Korea University Ansan Hospital from January 2010 to December 2019 who underwent skin biopsies or excision surgeries and had pathological reports of dermatofibroma. Analyses of the clinical characteristics (age, sex, number of lesions, anatomical site) and dermoscopic patterns were performed. Results: Dermoscopic patterns were analyzed in 148 cases of dermatofibroma; peripheral delicate pigment networks and central white scar-like patches were the most common patterns found in 45 cases (30.4%). In eight cases of atypical dermatofibroma, three cases (37.5%) showed peripheral homogenous areas and central white networks, followed by multiple white scar-like patches in 2 cases (25.0%), peripheral delicate pigment networks, and central white scar-like patches in 2 cases (25.0%). Dermoscopy revealed a statistically significant difference in the peripheral homogenous area and the central white network pattern between the two groups. Conclusion In this study, we analyzed the dermoscopic findings of 148 patients with dermatofibroma and found that the peripheral homogenous area and central white network patterns were significantly more in atypical dermatofibroma.

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with acute leukemia who are receiving chemotherapy. Primary prophylaxis with antifungal agents has become the standard of care in this setting; as a result, invasive candidiasis has shown a significant reduction. However, broad use of antifungal prophylaxis has led to an increase in breakthrough candidiasis with reduced susceptibility or resistance to fluconazole. In addition, an increase in breakthrough mucormycosis has been reported in studies of voriconazole prophylaxis. We report on a case of disseminated candidiasis and subsequent breakthrough pulmonary mucormycosis in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing consolidation chemotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, in Korea, this is the first report of these two independent IFIs occurring in a single patient.
Antifungal Agents ; Candidiasis ; Candidiasis, Invasive ; Consolidation Chemotherapy ; Fluconazole ; Humans ; Korea ; Leukemia ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Mucormycosis ; Pyrimidines ; Standard of Care ; Triazoles

Purpose: Junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)-A is an immunoglobulin-like molecule that colocalizes with tight junctions (TJs) in the endothelium and epithelium. It is also found in blood leukocytes and platelets. The biological significance of JAM-A in asthma, as well as its clinical potential as a therapeutic target, are not well understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of JAM-A in a mouse model of asthma, and to determine blood levels of JAM-A in asthmatic patients. Materials and Methods: Mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) or saline were used to investigate the role of JAM-A in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. In addition, JAM-A levels were measured in the plasma of asthmatic patients and healthy controls. The relationships between JAM-A and clinical variables in patients with asthma were also examined. Results: Plasma JAM-A levels were higher in asthma patients (n=19) than in healthy controls (n=12). In asthma patients, the JAM-A levels correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), and the blood lymphocyte proportion. JAM-A, phospho-JNK, and phospho-ERK protein expressions in lung tissue were significantly higher in OVA/OVA mice than in control mice. In human bronchial epithelial cells treated with house dust mite extracts for 4 h, 8 h, and 24 h, the JAMA, phospho-JNK, and phospho-ERK expressions were increased, as shown by Western blotting, while the transepithelial electrical resistance was reduced. Conclusion These results suggest that JAM-A is involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, and may be a marker for asthma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare cosmetic outcomes and overall satisfaction rate of cesarean section scar between conventional subcuticular suture and intradermal buried vertical mattress. METHODS: Patients were enrolled to the study by chart review. A scar assessment was obtained retrospectively through a telephone survey. The patient component of the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) was utilized along with the overall satisfaction of the patient regarding their cesarean section scar and their willingness to choose the same skin closure technique when anticipating their next cesarean section. RESULTS: A total of 303 cases of cesarean section was recruited, 102 finished telephone surveys were calculated for the analyses. Subcuticular suture was regarded as control group (n=52) and intradermal buried suture as test group (n=50). The PSAS score of the test group (mean, 21.8) was lower than that of the control group (mean, 28), with a statistical significance (P=0.02). Overall satisfaction rate did not differ between the two groups. Two parameters of the PSAS score and the level of overall satisfaction showed significant correlation (Pearson's r, −0.63; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: We suggested the use of intradermal buried vertical mattress as a cosmetically superior skin closure method for application in cesarean sections over subcuticular stitch.
Abdominal Wound Closure Techniques ; Cesarean Section ; Cicatrix ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Female ; Humans ; Methods ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin ; Sutures ; Telephone ; Wound Healing

Malaria is a potent burden on public healthcare worldwide due to requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment. Nowadays, prompt diagnosis with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) has been widely accepted as an effective diagnostic technique in malaria-endemic countries, primarily due to their easy operation, fast output, and straightforward interpretation. The global availability and use of RDTs have gradually grown over recent decades as field-applicable diagnostic tests for the reliable confirmation of malaria infection and proper case management. This study was conducted to evaluate diagnostic performance of 3 commercially available malaria RDT kits : BIOCREDITTM Malaria Ag Pf(pLDH), Malaria Ag Pf(pLDH/pHRPII), and Malaria Ag Pf/Pv(pLDH/pLDH) (where pLDH and pHRPII stand for plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase and histidine-rich protein 2, respectively) for the specific detection of Plasmodium falciparum. A total of 1,129 blood samples including 95 blood samples, confirmed as vivax malaria infection by microscopic examinations and a nested-PCR method, were tested for falciparum malaria infection. The overall sensitivity and specificity of Malaria Ag Pf(pLDH/pHRPII), Malaria Ag Pf/Pv(pLDH/pLDH), and Pf(pLDH) for P. falciparum were 99.0% and 100%, 95.8% and 100%, and 100% and 100%, respectively. It is proposed that the 3 RDT kits perform reliable level of diagnostic accuracy of detection for P. falciparum parasites.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The methacholine bronchial provocation test (MBPT) is used to detect and quantify airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). Since improvements in the severity of asthma are associated with improvements in AHR, clinical studies of asthma therapies routinely use the change of airway responsiveness as an objective outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between serial MBPT and clinical profiles in patients with asthma. METHODS: A total of 323 asthma patients were included in this study. The MBPT was performed on all patients beginning at their initial diagnosis until asthma was considered controlled based on the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines. A responder was defined by a decrease in AHR while all other patients were considered non-responders. RESULTS: A total of 213 patients (66%) were responders, while 110 patients (34%) were non-responders. The responder group had a lower initial PC20 (provocative concentration of methacholine required to decrease the forced expiratory volume in 1 second by 20%) and longer duration compared to the non-responder group. Members of the responder group also had superior qualities of life, compared to members of the non-responder group. Whole blood cell counts were not related to differences in PC20; however, eosinophil concentration was. No differences in sex, age, body mass index, smoking history, serum immunoglobulin E, or frequency of acute exacerbation were observed between responders and non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: The initial PC20, the duration of asthma, eosinophil concentrations, and quality-of-life may be useful variables to identify improvements in AHR in asthma patients.
Asthma* ; Blood Cell Count ; Body Mass Index ; Bronchial Provocation Tests* ; Diagnosis ; Eosinophils ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulins ; Methacholine Chloride* ; Respiratory Hypersensitivity ; Smoke ; Smoking

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to address sleep quality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to determine how it affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and cognitive function. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-three patients with RA and 76 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Sleep quality was assessed using the Korean version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Cognitive function and HRQoL was evaluated by a Korean-Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K) and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), respectively. Other clinical, demographic, and laboratory data were obtained from retrospective medical chart review. RESULTS: More patients in the RA group reported poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) than in the control group (61% [75/123] vs. 39.5% [30/76]; P = 0.003). Total PSQI was also significantly higher in the RA group (median [interquartile range], 7 [5–11] vs. 5 [3–6.75]; P = 0.001). Total PSQI score negatively correlated with MoCA-K score (Spearman's rho (r) = −0.223; P = 0.003) with a physical component summary (PCS) of SF-36 (r = −0.221; P = 0.003) and a mental component summary (MCS) of SF-36 (r = −0.341; P < 0.001), which means that poor sleep quality was associated with poor cognitive function and low HRQoL. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that poor sleep quality is an independent risk factor for low HRQoL and cognitive dysfunction. Efforts to improve the sleep quality of RA patients seem to be an important aspect of integrative treatment for RA.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid* ; Case-Control Studies* ; Cognition* ; Female* ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Quality of Life* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors