Background: and Purpose: To assess the long-term effectiveness, safety, and economic viability of recently approved Alzheimer’s disease (AD) therapies, as well as to evaluate the real-world application of novel diagnostics among AD patients with diverse comorbidities, comprehensive real-world data (RWD) analysis is essential. The Korean JOint RegistrY for ALZheimer’s Treatment and Diagnostics (JOY-ALZ) endeavors to create a registry of RWD derived from clinical practice on new diagnostic methods and therapeutic agents for AD introduced in Korea since 2021. Methods: Participants must fulfill all the following: 1) be at least 19 years old; 2) be actively receiving, scheduled to initiate, or undergoing evaluation for any AD disease-modifying treatment; 3) have completed amyloid positron emission tomography or cerebrospinal fluid AD immunoassay (a positive result is not essential for participation); 4) have a clinical classification of cognitively unimpaired, mild cognitive impairment, or probable AD dementia. Data generated during routine care is segmented into a minimum dataset, extended dataset, and research-only dataset requiring extra consent. Assessments encompass clinical, cognitive, functional, neurobehavioral, neuroimaging, and biomarker evaluations, in addition to systematic monitoring of new AD treatments and their safety.Data are collected and monitored at baseline, at semiannual intervals during the initial 2 years, and then annually up to 2034. To date, 46 medical centers will participate in JOY-ALZ. Conclusions JOY-ALZ is expected to promote understanding of the long-term clinical outcomes, safety, and cost-effectiveness of recently introduced diagnostics and treatments for AD, thereby supporting the progress of precision medicine in AD care and diagnosis.

Purpose: Stem cell transplantation (SCT) has historically played a major role in the long-term remission of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), an incurable hematological malignancy. Using data from the Korean Society of Bone and Marrow Transplantation registry, we retrospectively analyzed the role of autologous (auto) and allogeneic (allo) SCT in longterm MCL survival. Methods: This study analyzed data from 188 patients (age ≥ 19 years at the time of transplantation) who underwent a transplant for MCL from 2011 to 2020. Progression-free survival (PFS) was defined as the time from transplantation to disease progression, relapse, or death from any cause. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from transplan‑ tation to death from any cause or the last follow-up. Results: In total, 109 patients underwent consolidative SCT after first-line chemotherapy. The 3-year PFS and OS rates were 65.4% and 78.5%, respectively, in the auto-SCT group, and 66.7% and 71.4%, respectively, in the allo-SCT group. The PFS and OS did not differ significantly between the auto- and allo-SCT groups. As part of salvage treatment, 52 patients with relapsed or refractory disease underwent auto- or allo-SCT. Patients who underwent auto-SCT with complete remis‑ sion/partial remission status reported better outcomes. In patients with refractory status, allogeneic transplantation using human leukocyte antigen (HLA) fully matched donors was a significantly favorable factor for PFS and OS. Conclusion The long-term survival of patients who underwent consolidative transplantation was similar to that reported in previous studies. Auto-SCT may be beneficial in patients who respond to salvage therapy, whereas allo-SCT with HLA-matched donors may be an alternative for patients with refractory disease. 

Background: The aims of this study are to examine how occupation-related data and information for health (ODH) are collected and managed from census-based surveys and potential occupational illness and injuries (POIS) statistics, and to propose a national strategy for the systematic collection, analysis, and management of ODH by building on the Korean Standard Classification of Occupation (KSCO) and using a job exposure matrix (JEM). Methods: The status of the collection and management of ODH registered as national statistics, drawn not only from the census-based general population and workforce, but also from POIS statistics was reviewed and evaluated. Results: ODH from the Republic of Korea's Census of Population and Labor Force are collected and classified according to the KSCO. In contrast, national statistics on POIS are not systematically collected for KSCO coding, reflecting the lack of an KSCO and related guidelines on how to collect ODH. Key frameworks for the construction of both an KSCO and a reference JEM for public health surveillance are proposed. Conclusions Further research is needed to develop a national system for collecting and managing ODH, which will ultimately contribute to the use of a national KSCO and the construction of JEM for public health surveillance.

We investigated whether endurance exercise training (EXT) ameliorates circadian rhythm (CR)-induced risk factors by improving skeletal muscle (SKM) mitochondrial biogenesis, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating apoptotic protein expression. We distinguished between regular and shift workers using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and investigated the health problems caused by shift work (CR disturbance) and the potential therapeutic effects of exercise. In our animal study, 36 rats underwent 12 weeks of CR disturbance, divided into regular and irregular CR groups. These groups were further split into EXT (n = 12) and sedentary (n = 12) for an additional 8 weeks. We analyzed SKM tissue to understand the molecular changes induced by CR and EXT. NHANES data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 and Prism 8 software, while experimental animal data were analyzed using Prism 8 software. The statistical procedures used in each experiment are indicated in the figure legends. Our studies showed that CR disturbance increases dyslipidemia, alters circadian clock proteins (BMAL1, PER2), raises apoptotic protein levels, and reduces mitochondrial biogenesis in SKM. EXT improved LDL-C and HDLC levels without affecting muscle BMAL1 expression. It also enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis (AMPK, PGC-1α, Tfam, NADH-UO, COX-I), antioxidant levels (Catalase, SOD1, SOD2), and apoptotic protein (p53, Bax/Bcl2) expression or activity in SKM. We demonstrated that shift work-induced CR disturbance leads to dyslipidemia, diminished mitochondrial biogenesis, and reduced antioxidant capacity in SKM. However, EXT can counteract dyslipidemia under CR disturbance, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

Background/Aims: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. An awareness of MetS is vital for early detection and proactive management, which can mitigate the risks associated with MetS. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the level of awareness of MetS among the Korean population. Methods: We conducted a nationwide survey between January and February 2023 among a representative sample of the Korean population using an online survey. Information regarding the awareness of MetS and its risk, the importance of lifestyle modification, and health behavior were collected. The question about the awareness of MetS was “How much do you think you know about MetS?” and there were five answers: 1) I know very well, 2) I know well, 3) I know a little, 4) I do not know, and 5) I have no idea. The high-awareness group was defined as those who answered that they knew very well or well. Results: Among 1,000 participants (mean age, 45.7 ± 13.2 yr), 29% were unaware of MetS, and only 20.8% had high awareness. The high-awareness group was significantly more knowledgeable about lifestyle modifications and demonstrated better health behaviors. After adjustment for possible confounding factors, younger age, low household income, and absence of comorbidity were independently associated with a lack of awareness regarding MetS. Conclusions The high-awareness group showed greater knowledge of the importance of lifestyle modifications and better health behaviors regarding MetS. The findings highlight the need for improved public education and awareness programs regarding MetS.

Injury of the sagittal band, a crucial component of the extensor hood, can occur in various situations, including spontaneous events, trauma, and rheumatic diseases. This case presents a rupture of the sagittal band resulting from chronic irritation caused by a metacarpal head osteoma. A 22-year-old female presented with ulnar subluxation of the extensor tendon at the left third metacarpophalangeal joint, without any history of trauma or pain. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a 1.7 mm-sized bony lesion on the radial side of the metacarpal head, accompanied by a partial tear of the radial sagittal band. Our hypothesis that chronic irritation of the sagittal band by the adjacent bony lesion led to the partial tear was confirmed by intraoperative findings. The lesion was excised, and the radial sagittal band was reconstructed. Histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of osteoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of sagittal band rupture caused by an osteoma of the metacarpal head. This case underscores the importance of considering an underlying metacarpal head osteoma in patients with non-rheumatoid joints presenting, in the absence of a traumatic history, with a sagittal band rupture due to chronic irritation.

Full-thickness nail bed defects with exposure of the distal phalanx are difficult to reconstruct with limited options for bone coverage. A subcutaneous flap can effectively cover bone exposure, followed by a nail bed graft. We report a case of successful nail bed reconstruction using this approach, incorporating a split-thickness nail bed graft. A 59-year-old woman sustained injuries to the nail bed of the right middle finger from a blender blade. The defect, measuring 1.2 × 0.6 cm, was located in the center of the nail bed with associated bone exposure. Both lateral nail folds remained intact and our aim was to reconstruct the defect without disrupting these structures. A subcutaneous flap incorporating the digital artery was elevated. The flap was then transposed beneath the lateral nail fold and uninjured nail bed to provide coverage for the defect. This technique allowed for the reconstruction of the damaged area while preserving the vascular supply and ensuring adequate soft-tissue coverage. Three weeks post-surgery, the flap survived, and the eponychial folds were all preserved, allowing for a subsequent split-thickness nail bed graft. At 12 months post-surgery, the outcome was evaluated as “very good” according to Zook’s criteria.

Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome (AINS) is typically characterized by dysfunction of the pure motor branch of the median nerve, primarily affecting the flexor pollicis longus and the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) of the index finger, and occasionally involving the FDP of the middle finger and the pronator quadratus. Although various etiologies such as compressive neuropathy and isolated neuritis have been proposed, the most recent review describes AINS as a form of neuralgic amyotrophy. Its treatment remains a matter of debate; the most frequently discussed approach is conservative treatment followed by surgical intervention above the medial epicondyle level if recovery is not achieved. In the case described herein, a hematoma resulting from blunt trauma at the forearm level compressed the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN), with clinical features and diagnostic findings very similar to those of typical AINS. Early surgical removal of the hematoma led to complete recovery without complications. Despite the current understanding of AINS pathophysiology and treatment, this case emphasizes the need to consider the possibility of AIN palsy due to forearm lesions. We report on the clinical course and successful treatment of this case to highlight this important consideration.

We investigated whether endurance exercise training (EXT) ameliorates circadian rhythm (CR)-induced risk factors by improving skeletal muscle (SKM) mitochondrial biogenesis, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating apoptotic protein expression. We distinguished between regular and shift workers using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and investigated the health problems caused by shift work (CR disturbance) and the potential therapeutic effects of exercise. In our animal study, 36 rats underwent 12 weeks of CR disturbance, divided into regular and irregular CR groups. These groups were further split into EXT (n = 12) and sedentary (n = 12) for an additional 8 weeks. We analyzed SKM tissue to understand the molecular changes induced by CR and EXT. NHANES data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 and Prism 8 software, while experimental animal data were analyzed using Prism 8 software. The statistical procedures used in each experiment are indicated in the figure legends. Our studies showed that CR disturbance increases dyslipidemia, alters circadian clock proteins (BMAL1, PER2), raises apoptotic protein levels, and reduces mitochondrial biogenesis in SKM. EXT improved LDL-C and HDLC levels without affecting muscle BMAL1 expression. It also enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis (AMPK, PGC-1α, Tfam, NADH-UO, COX-I), antioxidant levels (Catalase, SOD1, SOD2), and apoptotic protein (p53, Bax/Bcl2) expression or activity in SKM. We demonstrated that shift work-induced CR disturbance leads to dyslipidemia, diminished mitochondrial biogenesis, and reduced antioxidant capacity in SKM. However, EXT can counteract dyslipidemia under CR disturbance, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

Purpose: Cystoscopy is a diagnostic test performed frequently in urology outpatient clinics. Despite the large number of inspections, the associated pain, discomfort, or anxiety can markedly affect patient compliance and adherence to subsequent surveillance protocols. This study conducted a prospective, randomized study to investigate the potential efficacy of music and pyuria on pain or anxiety during outpatient cystoscopy. Materials and Methods: In this single-institution, randomized study, the participants were assigned to a music-intervention or non-music control group. The music-intervention group underwent an identical procedure with the addition of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Air on the G String” from Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068. Urinalysis was performed to determine if pyuria affects pain during the procedure. Results: The patient-reported outcomes, encompassing the changes in the STAI-X-1 (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-X-1) scores, subjective levels of discomfort, embarrassment, satisfaction, and pain, were similar in the two groups. In contrast, the surgeons reported statistically significant differences in their evaluations of the same items as patient-reported outcomes of the two groups. The patient-reported pain showed no significant differences between the pyuria-negative group (0-2 and 3-5 WBC/HPF) and pyuria-positive group (>5 WBC/HPF). Conclusions The data from this study do not support the hypothesis that musical intervention during cystoscopy alleviates pain or anxiety to any significant extent.In addition, pyuria did not affect the patient’s reported pain. Nevertheless, a notable impact was observed in the surgeons’ assessments, suggesting that the musical accompaniment may alter the surgeons’ perception of patient pain and anxiety levels throughout the procedure.