PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of comprehensive left ventricle (LV) functional parameters on routine coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) based on two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-nine patients who underwent CCTA accompanied by 2DE were included in the study. The volumetric LV systolic functional parameters were acquired from 10-phase reconstruction of CCTA data. By differentiating the time-LV volume curve by time domain and measuring mitral valvular orifice areas, transmitral time-velocity curves were drawn and the early (E) to late (A) mitral inflow peak velocities ratio (E/A ratio) was acquired. By measuring a longitudinal jerking velocity of the mitral valvular annulus on a four-chamber view, the mitral peak velocity of early filling (E) to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E') ratio (E/E' ratio) was evaluated. All functional parameters were compared with the 2DE results. RESULTS: The LV end diastolic volume, LV end systolic volume, ejection fraction, stroke volume, cardiac output, and LV myocardial mass measured by CCTA and 2DE showed moderate to strong correlations (r = 0.732, 0.821, 0.416, 0.394, 0.328, and 0.764, respectively; p < 0.05). The E/A and E/E' ratios showed strong correlation between CCTA and echocardiography (r = 0.807 and 0.751, respectively; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION When CCTA is performed with retrospective electrocardiographic gating, additional information about the LV function can be acquired as reliably as with echocardiography.

Objective: We aimed to explore the association between academic stress or motivation and the psychological well-being of medical students during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We also explored the effects of their resilience or viral anxiety on this association. Methods: This online surveyed for medical students was done during October 20–28, 2021. Participants’ age, sex, grades, and COVID-19-related experiences were collected. Their symptoms were measured with Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items, Medical Stress Scale (MSS), intrinsic motivation using Academic Motivation Scale, Connor Davidson Resilience Scale-2 items (CD-RISC2), the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and GRIT scale. Results: Among 251 medical students, linear regression performed to explore the predicting factors for psychological well-being or medical stress showed that WHO-5 score was predicted by age (β=0.16, p=0.02) and CD-RISC2 (β=0.29, p<0.001) (F=15.5, p<0.001). In addition, the MSS score was predicted by age (β=0.20, p=0.004), intrinsic motivation (β=-0.31, p<0.001), GRIT (β=0.21, p=0.003), and CD-RISC2 (β=-0.31, p<0.001) (F=15.6, p<0.001). The resilience of medical students partially influenced their intrinsic motivation, affecting their psychological well-being or academic stress. However, no significant association was observed in the case of viral anxiety as a mediator, indicating that viral anxiety did not mediate the association. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of resilience in mediating the relationship between intrinsic motivation and psychological well-being or academic stress. However, viral anxiety was not found to be a mediator in this relationship.

Objective: Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the pervasive threat of infection has heightened public and individual health concerns. In the context of instability, although the dysfunctional aspect of self-focus was prominent, preoccupation with viral infection was greater. This study explored the applicability of a cognitive-behavioral model of hypochondriasis to individuals infected with COVID-19 and assessed whether dysfunctional self-focus were associated with the development of preoccupation. Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted via a professional survey platform in December 2022. Participants’ clinical characteristics and responses to rating scales were collected, including Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS), Coronavirus Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors Scale (CRBS), Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemic-6 items (SAVE-6), Patient Health Questionnaire-2 items (PHQ-2), and Dysfunctional Self-focus Attributes Scale (DSAS). Results: Among the 265 participants, preoccupation with COVID-19 was predicted using CRBS (β=0.60, p<0.001), SAVE-6 (β=0.20, p=0.007), and PHQ-2 (β=0.13, p<0.001) scores. Mediation analysis revealed that viral anxiety influenced this COVID-19 preoccupation, with the relationship mediated by coronavirus reassurance-seeking behavior. Another analysis indicated that dysfunctional self-focus had a significant total effect on preoccupation with COVID-19. However, its direct impact was statistically insignificant, with the association primarily influenced by three mediating factors: viral anxiety, depression, and reassurance-seeking behavior. Conclusion Preoccupation with coronavirus is influenced by viral anxiety, depression, and reassurance-seeking behavior. Two mediation analyses showed that the application of the cognitive-behavioral model of hypochondriasis is feasible among COVID-19-infected cases and the association of dysfunctional self-focus with mediating factors. This finding highlights the need for personalized psychological support in managing COVID-19 cases.

No absract available.
Follow-Up Studies* ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* ; Urinary Bladder*

BACKGROUND: The incidence of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is lower in Asian than in Western populations. Few studies have described the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with LPL, including non-IgM LPL, in East Asia. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with LPL at Asan Medical Center between January 2001 and March 2016. We evaluated the clinical features and survival outcomes of patients with LPL and non-IgM LPL and compared these data with those of patients with LPL/Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM). RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis of patients with LPL was 61.5 years (range, 34–77 yr); most patients were male (91%). Approximately three-quarters of the 22 patients with LPL were in the low or intermediate risk groups according to the International Prognostic Scoring System for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia classification. The median follow-up duration was 75 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 48–102 mo], and the median overall survival (OS) was 81 months (95% CI, 0–167 mo). The number of patients in the non-IgM LPL group who exhibited extramedullary involvement was higher than in the LPL/WM group. OS of the LPL/WM group was improved compared with that of the non-IgM LPL group [median not reached vs. 10.0 mo (95% CI, 0–36.7); P=0.05]. CONCLUSION: We present a single-center experience of 22 patients with LPL, including a non-IgM cohort, in Korea. The treatment of non-IgM LPL was heterogeneous, and patients with non-IgM LPL showed a higher 5-year mortality rate and more adverse prognostic factors than those with LPL/WM.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Classification ; Cohort Studies ; Diagnosis ; Far East ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea* ; Lymphoma* ; Male ; Mortality ; Retrospective Studies ; Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of a new surgical technique—customized staple fixation using K-wire—in displaced metacarpal neck or base fractures. Materials and Methods: From November 2016 to May 2017, 13 unstable metacarpal neck and base fractures (10 patients) were treated with II-shaped customized K-wire staples fixation, after performing open reductions through minimal dorsal incisions. The radiological and clinical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Results: A mean of 2.6 staples were used for each fracture fixation. Preoperative angulation of 36.3°was reduced to 3.1° postoperatively. A week after surgery, the volar short arm splint was replaced with a dorsal splint to initiate active range of motion exercise, and the splint was subsequently removed after 3 weeks. The radiologic union was achieved at a mean of 5.1 weeks, and total active motion was recovered at a mean of 7.4 weeks. On a mean, K-wire staples were removed at 16.5 weeks after the surgery, and the mean treatment took 18.6 weeks. At the final follow-up (at mean 27.3 weeks), no significant difference was observed for total active motion of the digits and grip strength, when compared to the contralateral hand. Complete union was achieved in all fractures without deformity, or complications such as infection or nerve injury. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic and functional outcomes. Conclusion K-wire stapling is an effective alternative modality in treating unstable displaced metacarpal neck or base fractures. It requires minimal incision to enable open reduction. In addition, early mobilization is ensured through the rigid fixations. Moreover, it prevents postoperative joint stiffness and reduces the time needed for treatment.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bedside peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement under ultrasonography (USG) guidance in the general ward by a surgical intensivist–led vascular access team versus that of PICC placement in the intensive care unit (ICU) or fluoroscopy unit. Materials and Methods: We conducted this retrospective study of all patients who underwent PICC placement between March 2021 and May 2022. Clinical, periprocedural, and outcome data were compared for PICC placement in the ICU, general ward, and fluoroscopy unit groups, respectively. Results: A total of 354 PICC placements were made in 301 patients. Among them, USG-guided PICC placement was performed in 103 and 147 cases in the ICU and general ward, respectively, while fluoroscopy-guided PICC placement was performed in 104 cases. USG-guided PICC placement more often required post-procedural catheter repositioning than fluoroscopy-guided PICC placement (P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in any adverse events (P=0.796). In addition, USG-guided PICC placement in the general ward was more efficient than fluoroscopy-guided PICC placement (0.73 days vs. 5.73 days, respectively;P<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, previous PICC placement within 6 months was an independent risk factor for a PICC-associated bloodstream infection (odds ratio, 2.835; 95% confidence interval, 1.143-7.034; P=0.025). Conclusion USG-guided PICC placement in the general ward by a surgical intensivist–led vascular access team has comparable safety and efficiency to that of USG-guided PICC placement in the ICU or fluoroscopy-guided PICC placement.

9 and 10 years old boys presented with pain and swelling without history of trauma around medial malleolar right and left ankle. The swelling was diffuse with tenderness on anterior aspect of medial malleolus. The X-rays revealed fragmented accessory ossification center of medial malleolus an symptomatic side. Traction apophysitis was diagnosed because MRI revealed multiple foci of hypointensity in T1 and T2 weighted images of symptomatic medial malleolus apophysis. Patient was treated in conservative treatment by short leg cast for three or four weeks with restriction of sports activity and improved symptoms.
Animals ; Ankle ; Humans ; Leg ; Sports ; Traction

Objective: Exploiting their ability to differentiate into mesenchymal lineages like cartilage, bone, fat, and muscle, and to elicit paracrine effects, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in clinical settings to treat tissue injuries and autoimmune disorders. One of accessible sources of MSC is the samples used for Papanicolaou (Pap) test, which is a cervical screening method for detecting potentially pre-cancerous and cancerous alterations in the cervical cells and to diagnose genetic abnormalities in fetuses. This study aimed to identify and isolate the stem cells from Pap smear samples collected from pregnant women, and to trace the origin of these cells to maternal or fetal tissue, and characterize their stem cell properties. Methods: To investigate the possibility and efficiency of establishing MSC lines from the Pap smear samples, we were able to establish 6 cell lines from Pap smear samples from 60 pregnant women at different stages of gestation. Results: The 3 cell lines randomly selected among the 6 established in this study, displayed high proliferation rates, several characteristics of MSCs, and the capacity to differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. Our study identified that the stem cell lines obtainable from Pap smear sampling were uterine cervical stromal cells (UCSCs) and had 10% efficiency of establishment. Conclusion Despite their low efficiency of establishment, human UCSCs from Pap smear samples can become a simple, safe, low-cost, and donor-specific source of MSCs for stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of depressive symptoms on health-seeking behaviors using the large epidemiological study data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination (KNHANES). Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), which is a large-scale national survey, were used in this study. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the depressive state of the participants. Specialized self-reported questionnaires that included questions about health-seeking behaviors were also performed. To examine the relationships between depression and health-seeking behaviors, complex sample logistic regression models with control for covariates were used. Results: There was a significant association between decreased health-seeking behaviors and depressive symptoms in adults (odds ratio [OR]: 3.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.44–3.96). The association was found to be especially strong in males (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.69–4.10) versus in females (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.90–3.27). With regard to age group, younger adults (19–44 years of age) showed the highest OR (OR: 3.07, 95% CI: 2.12–4.45). Conclusion Our findings support the idea that there is a significant association between health-seeking behaviors and depressive symptoms in the Korean population. These results suggest that individuals with decreased health-seeking behaviors could be evaluated for depressive symptoms.