PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide or bevacizumab for the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion. METHODS: Sixty-six patients received an intravitreal injection of either triamcinolone acetonide or bevacizumab. Patients were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-three out of 66 patients were treated with an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide, while the other 33 patients received a bevacizumab injection. All patients underwent a visual acuity test, optical coherence tomography imaging and ophthalmoscopic examination throughout the follow-up. RESULTS: In the triamcinolone group, central macular thickness (CMT) decreased from 496.69 +/- 153.01 micrometer at baseline to 313.06 +/- 150.14 micrometer at the six-month follow-up visit, while in the bevacizumab group, CMT decreased from 441.30 +/- 185.79 micrometer to 295.67 +/- 188.80 micrometer (p<0.05). In the triamcinolone group, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from logMAR 0.92 +/- 0.70 at baseline to logMAR 0.53 +/- 0.43 at the six-month follow-up visit, and in the bevacizumab group, BCVA improved from logMAR 0.74 +/- 0.47 to logMAR 0.34 +/- 0.33 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic effects of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide showed no significant differences compared with those of intravitreal bevacizumab with regard to anatomical and functional outcomes.
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intravitreal Injections ; Macular Edema ; Retinal Vein ; Retinal Vein Occlusion ; Retinaldehyde ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; Triamcinolone ; Triamcinolone Acetonide ; Visual Acuity ; Bevacizumab

This study reviewed quantitative research on the health of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) in Korea and aimed to propose a role for healthcare professionals in improving their health and access to medical care. We searched PubMed through February 29, 2024 for articles published since 2000, using terms related to SGMs and the keyword “Korea.” This process yielded 33 quantitative studies on Korean SGMs. Of these, 17 focused on sexual minorities and 16 on gender minorities. The findings indicate that Korean SGMs experience many symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as high rates of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts. They also report diminished health-related quality of life.SGM individuals who have faced discrimination or pressure to change their sexual or gender identity face an elevated risk of mental health issues. To improve the health of Korean SGMs and improve their access to healthcare, we recommend several approaches. First, more research on the health of Korean SGMs is necessary. Second, education and training programs for health professionals are essential to promote their understanding of SGM health issues and their advocacy for SGM health. Third, strategies are required to develop and implement program interventions that improve SGM health, such as increasing the availability of gender-affirming care, which is known to benefit the health of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Finally, healthcare professionals should actively advocate for SGM health and call for shifts in public perception and institutional change, grounded in a broad understanding of SGMs and their health needs.

Purpose: This methodological study aimed to translate the Korean version of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® item bank-emotional distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and anger) for adults and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods: Translation involved forward translation, back translation, expert review, harmonization and quality assurance, and cognitive testing. Psychometric properties were evaluated with a community sample of 201 adults. To assess the unidimensionality of the measures, we used factor analysis to examine construct validity. Results: All items of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System item bank-emotional distress measures were translated through a rigorous translation process, and semantic, conceptual, and normative equivalences between the original and Korean version were ensured. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that all items loaded on one dominant factor. The Korean Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and unidimensionality. Conclusion The Korean version of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System item bank-emotional distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and anger) for adults is reliable and valid. Hence, it may be utilized extensively in clinical and research settings and contribute to patient-centered care.

Purpose: This methodological study aimed to translate the Korean version of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® item bank-emotional distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and anger) for adults and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods: Translation involved forward translation, back translation, expert review, harmonization and quality assurance, and cognitive testing. Psychometric properties were evaluated with a community sample of 201 adults. To assess the unidimensionality of the measures, we used factor analysis to examine construct validity. Results: All items of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System item bank-emotional distress measures were translated through a rigorous translation process, and semantic, conceptual, and normative equivalences between the original and Korean version were ensured. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that all items loaded on one dominant factor. The Korean Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and unidimensionality. Conclusion The Korean version of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System item bank-emotional distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and anger) for adults is reliable and valid. Hence, it may be utilized extensively in clinical and research settings and contribute to patient-centered care.

PURPOSE: Increased bone regeneration has been achieved through the use of stem cells in combination with graft material. However, the survival of transplanted stem cells remains a major concern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the viability of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at an early time point (24 hours) based on the type and form of the scaffold used, including type I collagen membrane and synthetic bone. METHODS: The stem cells were obtained from the periosteum of the otherwise healthy dental patients. Four symmetrical circular defects measuring 6 mm in diameter were made in New Zealand white rabbits using a trephine drill. The defects were grafted with 1) synthetic bone (β-tricalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite [β-TCP/HA]) and 1×105 MSCs, 2) collagen membrane and 1×105 MSCs, 3) β-TCP/HA+collagen membrane and 1×105 MSCs, or 4) β-TCP/HA, a chipped collagen membrane and 1×105 MSCs. Cellular viability and the cell migration rate were analyzed. RESULTS: Cells were easily separated from the collagen membrane, but not from synthetic bone. The number of stem cells attached to synthetic bone in groups 1, 3, and 4 seemed to be similar. Cellular viability in group 2 was significantly higher than in the other groups (P<0.05). The cell migration rate was highest in group 2, but this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that stem cells can be applied when a membrane is used as a scaffold under no or minimal pressure. When space maintenance is needed, stem cells can be loaded onto synthetic bone with a chipped membrane to enhance the survival rate.
Bone Regeneration ; Bone Transplantation ; Cell Movement ; Cell Survival ; Collagen ; Collagen Type I ; Humans ; Membranes ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Periosteum ; Rabbits ; Space Maintenance, Orthodontic ; Stem Cells ; Survival Rate ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Transplants

Objective: To investigate the relationship between low back pain (LBP) and sagittal spino-pelvic parameters along with the relationship between LBP and back muscle mass in Korean male and female fishery workers. Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 146 subjects who underwent Fishermen’s health survey conducted between June 2018 and August 2020. LBP was evaluated through visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Sagittal spino-pelvic parameters were measured from whole spine standing X-rays. Back muscle cross-sectional areas were identified through lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging and body composition was analyzed through bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: The study included 75 males and 71 females, with an average age of 58.33 years for males and 56.45 years for females. Female subjects exhibited higher VAS and ODI scores, larger pelvic tilt (PT) and trunk fat mass and smaller trunk muscle mass compared to males. In female, ODI positively correlated with sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and PT. No significant correlations were found between ODI scores and body composition in either sex. The high ODI group showed greater SVA, PT, and pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis and higher trunk fat/muscle ratio. Psoas muscle mass, total and skeletal muscle mass and trunk muscle mass of that group were smaller than those of low ODI group. Conclusion Spino-pelvic parameters and back muscle mass were associated with ODI and there were differences between Korean male and female fishery workers.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of subjective depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). METHODS: 36 patients with mTBI without structural abnormality in the brain imaging study were recruited. Participants were subdivided into two groups by a cutoff score of 70T in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Cognitive functions including intelligence, memory, and executive function were significantly lower in the <70T group compared to the > or =70T group. In addition, BDI scores were negatively correlated with performances in most of the neuropsychological tests. RESULTS: Patients group who scored 70T or more in the BDI showed significantly lower scores in most items of the neuropsychological tests. CONCLUSION: High subjective depression is associated with low neuropsychological performance in mTBI.
Brain Injuries ; Depression ; Executive Function ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Memory ; Neuroimaging

Objective: To identify the normal range, distribution, and age-dependent differences in the cephalic index (CI) of Korean children with normal brain development and develop a classification of the current CI for Korean children up to 7 years of age. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,389 children who visited our hospital in the emergency room between October 2015 and September 2020 because of suspected head injuries. Finally, 1,248 children (741 male and 507 female) were enrolled after excluding abnormal medical or familial history and divided into 10 groups by age. The CI was measured using brain computed tomography and calculated according to the following equation: cephalic width/cephalic length×100. Results: The averages of CI by age groups were as follows: 89.29 (0–3 months group, n=44); 91.41 (4–6 months group, n=63); 89.68 (7–9 months group, n=62); 87.52 (10–12 months group, n=41); 87.64 (≥2 years group, n=243); 86.63 (≥3 years group, n=178); 85.62 (≥4 years group, n=232); 85.77 (≥5 years group, n=201); 85.15 (≥6 years group, n=75); and 85.34 (≥7 years group, n=109). The CI of Korean children in normal brain development was confirmed to be large, showing a notable difference compared to that of Caucasians. Conclusion The current CI of Korean children will provide a valuable reference for diagnosing and treating cranial deformities, especially dolichocephaly and brachycephaly as well as to monitor the morphology of the cranium in clinics.

Objective: To identify the normal range, distribution, and age-dependent differences in the cephalic index (CI) of Korean children with normal brain development and develop a classification of the current CI for Korean children up to 7 years of age. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,389 children who visited our hospital in the emergency room between October 2015 and September 2020 because of suspected head injuries. Finally, 1,248 children (741 male and 507 female) were enrolled after excluding abnormal medical or familial history and divided into 10 groups by age. The CI was measured using brain computed tomography and calculated according to the following equation: cephalic width/cephalic length×100. Results: The averages of CI by age groups were as follows: 89.29 (0–3 months group, n=44); 91.41 (4–6 months group, n=63); 89.68 (7–9 months group, n=62); 87.52 (10–12 months group, n=41); 87.64 (≥2 years group, n=243); 86.63 (≥3 years group, n=178); 85.62 (≥4 years group, n=232); 85.77 (≥5 years group, n=201); 85.15 (≥6 years group, n=75); and 85.34 (≥7 years group, n=109). The CI of Korean children in normal brain development was confirmed to be large, showing a notable difference compared to that of Caucasians. Conclusion The current CI of Korean children will provide a valuable reference for diagnosing and treating cranial deformities, especially dolichocephaly and brachycephaly as well as to monitor the morphology of the cranium in clinics.

Venlafaxine is among the most widely prescribed antidepressants. It is extensively metabolized to O-desmethylvenlafaxine via cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6. We report a case of acute toxic hepatitis resulting from venlafaxine in a 54-year-old woman with pain disorder. During venlafaxine treatment, laboratory tests revealed elevated liver enzymes with a maximum of 169 IU/L for aspartate transaminase (AST) and 166 IU/L for alanine transaminase (ALT). AST and ALT levels returned to normal after 6 days of discontinuation of venlafaxine. The patient was finally diagnosed with acute toxic hepatitis through liver biopsy. This case indicates the importance that clinicians should be aware of the hepatotoxicity of venlafaxine in practice.
Alanine Transaminase ; Antidepressive Agents ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; Biopsy ; Cyclohexanols ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System ; Drug Toxicity ; Drug-Induced Liver Injury ; Female ; Humans ; Liver ; Middle Aged ; Somatoform Disorders ; Desvenlafaxine Succinate ; Venlafaxine Hydrochloride