Background/Aims: Early colorectal cancer (ECC) is commonly resected endoscopically. Perforation is a devastating complication of endoscopic resection. We aimed to identify the characteristics and predictive risk factors for perforation related to endoscopic resection of ECC. Methods: This nationwide retrospective multicenter study included patients with ECC who underwent endoscopic resection. We investigated the demographics, endoscopic findings at the time of treatment, and histopathological characteristics of the resected specimens. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the clinical factors associated with procedure-related perforations. Survival analysis was conducted to assess the impact of perforation on the overall survival of patients with ECC. Results: This study included 965 participants with a mean age of 63.4 years. The most common endoscopic treatment was conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (n=573, 59.4%), followed by conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (n=259, 26.8%). Thirty-three patients (3.4%) experienced perforations, most of which were managed endoscopically (n=23/33, 69.7%). Patients who undergo endoscopic submucosal dissection-hybrid and precut endoscopic mucosal resection have a higher risk of perforation than those who undergo conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (odds ratio, 78.65 and 39.72, p<0.05). Procedure-related perforations were not associated with patient survival. Conclusions Perforation after endoscopic resection had no significant impact on the prognosis of ECC. The type of endoscopic resection was a crucial predictor of perforation. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to further investigate endoscopic resection of ECC.

Background/Aims: Early colorectal cancer (ECC) is commonly resected endoscopically. Perforation is a devastating complication of endoscopic resection. We aimed to identify the characteristics and predictive risk factors for perforation related to endoscopic resection of ECC. Methods: This nationwide retrospective multicenter study included patients with ECC who underwent endoscopic resection. We investigated the demographics, endoscopic findings at the time of treatment, and histopathological characteristics of the resected specimens. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the clinical factors associated with procedure-related perforations. Survival analysis was conducted to assess the impact of perforation on the overall survival of patients with ECC. Results: This study included 965 participants with a mean age of 63.4 years. The most common endoscopic treatment was conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (n=573, 59.4%), followed by conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (n=259, 26.8%). Thirty-three patients (3.4%) experienced perforations, most of which were managed endoscopically (n=23/33, 69.7%). Patients who undergo endoscopic submucosal dissection-hybrid and precut endoscopic mucosal resection have a higher risk of perforation than those who undergo conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (odds ratio, 78.65 and 39.72, p<0.05). Procedure-related perforations were not associated with patient survival. Conclusions Perforation after endoscopic resection had no significant impact on the prognosis of ECC. The type of endoscopic resection was a crucial predictor of perforation. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to further investigate endoscopic resection of ECC.

Background/Aims: Early colorectal cancer (ECC) is commonly resected endoscopically. Perforation is a devastating complication of endoscopic resection. We aimed to identify the characteristics and predictive risk factors for perforation related to endoscopic resection of ECC. Methods: This nationwide retrospective multicenter study included patients with ECC who underwent endoscopic resection. We investigated the demographics, endoscopic findings at the time of treatment, and histopathological characteristics of the resected specimens. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the clinical factors associated with procedure-related perforations. Survival analysis was conducted to assess the impact of perforation on the overall survival of patients with ECC. Results: This study included 965 participants with a mean age of 63.4 years. The most common endoscopic treatment was conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (n=573, 59.4%), followed by conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (n=259, 26.8%). Thirty-three patients (3.4%) experienced perforations, most of which were managed endoscopically (n=23/33, 69.7%). Patients who undergo endoscopic submucosal dissection-hybrid and precut endoscopic mucosal resection have a higher risk of perforation than those who undergo conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (odds ratio, 78.65 and 39.72, p<0.05). Procedure-related perforations were not associated with patient survival. Conclusions Perforation after endoscopic resection had no significant impact on the prognosis of ECC. The type of endoscopic resection was a crucial predictor of perforation. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to further investigate endoscopic resection of ECC.

Background/Aims: Early colorectal cancer (ECC) is commonly resected endoscopically. Perforation is a devastating complication of endoscopic resection. We aimed to identify the characteristics and predictive risk factors for perforation related to endoscopic resection of ECC. Methods: This nationwide retrospective multicenter study included patients with ECC who underwent endoscopic resection. We investigated the demographics, endoscopic findings at the time of treatment, and histopathological characteristics of the resected specimens. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the clinical factors associated with procedure-related perforations. Survival analysis was conducted to assess the impact of perforation on the overall survival of patients with ECC. Results: This study included 965 participants with a mean age of 63.4 years. The most common endoscopic treatment was conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (n=573, 59.4%), followed by conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (n=259, 26.8%). Thirty-three patients (3.4%) experienced perforations, most of which were managed endoscopically (n=23/33, 69.7%). Patients who undergo endoscopic submucosal dissection-hybrid and precut endoscopic mucosal resection have a higher risk of perforation than those who undergo conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (odds ratio, 78.65 and 39.72, p<0.05). Procedure-related perforations were not associated with patient survival. Conclusions Perforation after endoscopic resection had no significant impact on the prognosis of ECC. The type of endoscopic resection was a crucial predictor of perforation. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to further investigate endoscopic resection of ECC.

Background/Aims: Appropriate tissue tension and clear visibility of the dissection area using traction are essential for effective and safe endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). In this study, we developed a retractable robot-assisted traction device and evaluated its performance in colorectal ESD. Methods: An experienced endoscopist performed ESD 18 times on an ex vivo porcine colon using the robot and 18 times using the conventional method. The outcome measures were procedure time, dissection speed, procedure-related adverse events, and blind dissection rate. Results: Thirty-six colonic lesions were resected from ex vivo porcine colon samples. The total procedure time was significantly shorter in robot-assisted ESD (RESD) than in conventional ESD (CESD) (20.1±4.1 minutes vs 34.3±8.3 minutes, p<0.05). The submucosal dissection speed was significantly faster in the RESD group than in the CESD group (36.8±9.2 mm 2 /min vs 18.1±4.7 mm 2 /min, p<0.05). The blind dissection rate was also significantly lower in the RESD group (12.8%±3.4% vs 35.1%±3.9%, p<0.05). In an in vivo porcine feasibility study, the robotic device was attached to a colonoscope and successfully inserted into the proximal colon without damaging the colonic wall, and ESD was successfully performed. Conclusions The dissection speed and safety profile improved significantly with the retractable RESD. Thus, our robotic device has the potential to provide simple, effective, and safe multidirectional traction during colonic ESD.

Purpose: This descriptive research study explores the relationship between remote online classes, nursing students’ self-determined learning motivation and learning flow, to identify the mediating effect of academic emotion regulation. Methods: The study sample comprised 147 third- and fourth-year nursing students from two universities in Jeonbuk State, all of whom had clinical practice experience. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance were conducted using SPSS/WIN 23.0 for data analysis. Hayes’ PROCESS macro Version 3.5 was used to verify the significance of the indirect effects of the variables. Results: Self-determined learning motivation had a significant positive effect on the mediating variable, academic emotion regulation(β=.21, p=.001), and on learning flow. Additionally, academic emotion regulation significantly positively influenced learning flow. When considering the mediating effect of academic emotion regulation, the indirect effect size between self-determined learning motivation and learning flow was .07, with a bootstrapping confidence interval ranging from 0.02 to 0.13, excluding zero, which was statistically significant, indicating a mediating effect. Conclusion The findings confirm that academic emotion regulation is a crucial variable that can enhance students’ learning flow, thereby maximizing educational effectiveness during rapid changes in online education methods. Consequently, educational programs should be developed that consider the emotional aspects of learning to improve academic emotion regulation. Furthermore, universities should establish educational policies and measures that expand various digital education platforms to reflect and respond to the online education environment.

OBJECTIVES: We estimated the population prevalence of antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), including unreported infections, through a Korea Seroprevalence Study of Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Retention and Transmission (K-SEROSMART) in 258 communities throughout Korea. METHODS: In August 2022, a survey was conducted among 10,000 household members aged 5 years and older, in households selected through two stage probability random sampling. During face-to-face household interviews, participants self-reported their health status, COVID-19 diagnosis and vaccination history, and general characteristics. Subsequently, participants visited a community health center or medical clinic for blood sampling. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to spike proteins (anti-S) and antibodies to nucleocapsid proteins (anti-N) SARS-CoV-2 proteins using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. To estimate the population prevalence, the PROC SURVEYMEANS statistical procedure was employed, with weighting to reflect demographic data from July 2022. RESULTS: In total, 9,945 individuals from 5,041 households were surveyed across 258 communities, representing all basic local governments in Korea. The overall population-adjusted prevalence rates of anti-S and anti-N were 97.6% and 57.1%, respectively. Since the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has reported a cumulative incidence of confirmed cases of 37.8% through July 31, 2022, the proportion of unreported infections among all COVID-19 infection was suggested to be 33.9%. CONCLUSIONS The K-SEROSMART represents the first nationwide, community-based seroepidemiologic survey of COVID-19, confirming that most individuals possess antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and that a significant number of unreported cases existed. Furthermore, this study lays the foundation for a surveillance system to continuously monitor transmission at the community level and the response to COVID-19.

Purpose: This study aimed to grasp the correlation between communication ability, empathy, and interpersonal relations among nursing students, and to explore the mediating effect of empathy on the relation between communication and interpersonal relation in nursing students. Methods: Participants were 209 college students in the Department of Nursing at two universities. The data collection period was from October 1, 2019 to November 1, 2019. The questionnaire consisted of measuring tools for general characteristics, communication ability, interpersonal relation and empathy. SPSS/23.0 program was used. The analysis used descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, multiple regression analysis, and Sobel's tests. Results: The communication ability was nursing major satisfaction (t=8.25, p<.001), and last year's average grade (t=7.29, p=.001). Interpersonal relationships showed significant differences in gender (t=2.51, p=.013) and nursing major satisfaction (t=10.99, p<.001). Communication ability and empathy (r=.37, p<.001), communication ability and interpersonal relation (r=.77, p<.001), empathy and interpersonal relation (r=.43, p<.001) showed a significant static correlation. In communication ability and interpersonal relation, empathy had a partial mediating effect (Z=2.97, p<.001), and explanatory power was 62%. Conclusion To improve the communication ability and interpersonal relation of nursing students, it is necessary to develop a personalized and empathy-enhanced education program for each grade.

Background: Although neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is known to be a rare disease, its prevalence and incidence have not yet been studied in Korea. We performed a population-based study to examine the prevalence and incidence of NMOSD in Korea using data from the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) claims database. Methods: Data from 2013 to 2017 were obtained, with a washout period set as 2013 and 2014. The prevalence and incidence of NMOSD in 2016 and 2017 were calculated using population census data. Subjects were divided into 5 groups at 15-year intervals, depending on the age at which the diagnostic code was entered. The relative risk (RR) for each age group was compared with the oldest (≥ 60 years) age group. Results: The overall prevalence was estimated to be 3.36 and 3.56 per 100,000 individuals, with an incidence of 0.41 and 0.65 per 100,000 individuals-year in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The mean age was 43.08 (standard deviation, 14.56) years, and the ratio of male to females was 1:4.7. The incidence was higher in female individuals aged between 30 and 59 years (RR, 2.8–3.05; P < 0.05). Conclusion Nationwide prevalence of NMOSD in Korea was 3.36 and 3.56/100,000 and its incidence was 0.41 and 0.65/100,000-year in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

BACKGROUND: Pollen allergens are one of the main contributors to the development and/or aggravation of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and asthma. OBJECTIVE: An examination of the airborne pollen in residential areas should be conducted to aid the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. METHODS: Airborne pollen samples were collected from 2 sites in Incheon and 2 in Seoul from 2015 to 2016. RESULTS: The highest monthly concentration of airborne pollen was observed in May and September each year. Pollen from 32 families and 50 genera was identified over the 2 years; of these, Pinus spp. showed the highest pollen concentration (41.6%), followed by Quercus spp. (25.3%), and Humulus spp. (15.3%), the latter of which had the highest concentration among weed pollen. The total pollen concentration was significantly higher in Incheon than in Seoul (p = 0.001 in 2015, p < 0.001 in 2016) and higher in 2016 than in 2015. The concentrations of pollen from weed species (Cupressaceae, Humulus spp., Artemisia spp., Ambrosia spp., and Chenopodiaceae) and grass species (Gramineae) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those from tree species. Pollen was distributed from February to November. The first pollen identified in both regions in each year was Alnus spp. Overall, the total concentration of Quercus spp., Betula spp., Humulus spp., Artemisia spp., Ambrosia spp., and Chenopodiaceae pollen increased significantly over the 2 years. CONCLUSION: Region-specific differences exist in the pollen of major allergenic plants. Continuous monitoring of pollen is thus essential for management of pollen-related allergic disorders in each region.
Allergens ; Alnus ; Ambrosia ; Artemisia ; Asthma ; Betula ; Chenopodiaceae ; Conjunctivitis, Allergic ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Humulus ; Hypersensitivity ; Incheon ; Pinus ; Poaceae ; Pollen ; Quercus ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Seoul ; Trees