This study aims to investigate the association of lifestyle values with lifestyle and quality of life among community-dwelling late middle-aged and older adults. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data of 200 late middle-aged and older adults. Lifestyle and lifestyle values were measured by Yonsei Lifestyle Profile (YLP) and YLP-Value, respectively. The mediator was quality of life, and a mediation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between lifestyle values, lifestyle, and quality of life. Our study then repeated the analysis by dividing lifestyle into three components: physical activity, nutrition/eating habit, and activity participation. Results: Mediation analysis revealed significant associations across all pathways (all p<.001). The lifestyle values were associated with lifestyle (β=.40). Both lifestyle value (β=.40) and lifestyle (β=.18) were positively associated with quality of life. The indirect effect of lifestyle values on quality of life, mediated by lifestyle, accounted for 14.58% of the total effect, with the direct effect constituting 85.42%. Conclusion: Among the three components of lifestyle, a mediation effect was observed between lifestyle values, nutrition/eating habit, and quality of life. Our results indicate the need for education to increase lifestyle values within lifestyle programs, emphasizing the significance of lifestyle values in enhancing both lifestyle and quality of life among late middle-aged and older adults. Health professionals may integrate the results into interventions by recognizing the importance of lifestyle values.

Background: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous biomaterial that promotes tissue regeneration through sustained release of growth factors. Its role in accelerating bone healing in mandibular fractures, however, remains incompletely defined. This study evaluated the effect of PRF on bone regeneration following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of bilateral mandibular fractures. Methods: A prospective split-mouth clinical trial was conducted at a single center between December 2023 and September 2025. Twenty patients with bilateral mandibular fractures were enrolled; each patient received PRF on one fracture side and conventional ORIF on the contralateral side. Bone density was quantified using Hounsfield units (HU) from preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months. Statistical analysis employed a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc comparisons. Results: Eighteen patients completed the 3-month follow-up and were included in the final analysis. Bone density increased significantly over time in both sides (p< 0.001), with a significant side by time interaction (p< 0.001). At 3 months, PRF-treated sites demonstrated higher HU values (700.0± 152.1) than controls (567.8± 135.7), yielding a mean difference of 132.2 HU (p< 0.001, Cohen’s d= 0.94). No early intergroup differences or postoperative complications were observed. Conclusion Adjunctive use of PRF significantly enhanced bone density at 3 months without increasing complications. PRF appears to promote late-stage bone mineralization; however, larger multicenter studies with longer follow-up are required before recommending routine clinical implementation.

Background: Lower lip reconstruction following cancer resection commonly employs the nasolabial flap (NLF) or modified neurovascular cheek flap (MNCF). Both techniques inadequately restore the orbicularis oris sphincter, theoretically predisposing patients to oral incompetence and drooling. However, direct comparative data on functional outcomes remain limited. To compare the incidence of postoperative drooling and wound complications between NLF and MNCF reconstruction for lower lip defects. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 125 patients with lower lip squamous cell carcinoma who underwent reconstruction with either NLF (n= 47) or MNCF (n= 78) between August 2012 and August 2025 at a single tertiary center. The primary outcome was drooling at the 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included overall wound complications within 30 days. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounders. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable except for defect size, which was significantly larger in the MNCF group (75.0% vs. 60.0%; p= 0.007), and flap laterality, with bilateral procedures more common in the MNCF group (56.4% vs. 12.8%; p< 0.001). The overall drooling rate was 14.4%, with no significant difference between groups in univariate analysis (MNCF 11.5% vs. NLF 19.1%; p= 0.240). However, after adjusting for confounders, including flap laterality, the MNCF demonstrated a significantly lower risk of drooling (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04–0.82; p= 0.026). The MNCF group also showed significantly lower complication rates (1.3% vs. 14.9%, p= 0.003; adjusted OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01–0.76; p= 0.030). Conclusion The MNCF is associated with significantly lower rates of drooling and wound complications than the NLF, despite reconstructing larger defects. After controlling for flap laterality, the MNCF demonstrates superior functional outcomes, establishing it as the preferred technique for extensive lower lip reconstruction when surgical expertise is available.

Purpose: Radiotherapy (RT) remains a cornerstone of curative treatment for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer. However, dose escalation to improve tumor control is often constrained by the proximity of the rectum, which increases the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary toxicities. Biodegradable rectal spacers inserted between the prostate and rectum have emerged as an effective approach to reduce rectal radiation exposure. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on indications, contraindications, procedural standards, and clinical management for biodegradable rectal spacer insertion during prostate cancer RT. Materials and Methods: This guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary expert panel through a systematic review of the literature, analysis of international guidelines (National Comprehensive Cancer Network, European Association of Urology, American Society for Radiation Oncology), and expert consensus among radiation oncologists, radiologists, and urologists with clinical experience in spacer insertion. The strength of each recommendation and the level of evidence were classified according to the modified GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system. Results: Spacer insertion is conditionally recommended (Grade C, Level I) for patients receiving definitive external-beam RT without rectal invasion. It reduces the high-dose rectal irradiation volume (V70–75) by >50%, decreases acute GI toxicity, and helps maintain bowel-related quality of life. However, the benefit for late severe toxicity (grade 2 or higher) remains debated in recent meta-analyses. Contraindications include rectal invasion, anatomical inaccessibility, infection, and material hypersensitivity. Procedures should be performed under local anesthesia in a sterile environment by trained physicians. Short-course antibiotics and simulator-based training, including completion of multiple supervised cases, are advised. Conclusion Biodegradable rectal spacer insertion is clinically validated and effective in reducing acute rectal toxicity. Although pivotal trials demonstrated a favorable procedural safety profile, real-world postmarket data include reports of rare but severe procedural complications. This guideline provides standardized recommendations tailored to Korean clinical practice while remaining consistent with international standards, emphasizing the importance of operator training and careful patient selection.

Background: Autosomal dominant giant platelet syndrome (GPS) is characterized by thrombocytopenia, giant platelets, and Döhle-like inclusion bodies in leukocytes.Previous studies suggest relatively preserved platelet structure and function, implicating impaired megakaryocyte fragmentation. This study aimed to identify myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) mutations in Korean patients with GPS and to define the associated clinical, molecular and functional characteristics. Methods: After detailed personal and family history taking, peripheral blood smears were reviewed for platelet size, count, and leukocyte inclusions. MYH9 mutations were analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by direct sequencing of selected exons or complementary DNA (cDNA). Computer-assisted structural modeling was performed to evaluate the functional consequences of identified mutations. Results: Twenty-two affected individuals from six unrelated families were diagnosed with hereditary macrothrombocytopenia consistent with GPS. The median platelet count was 59,000/L, and the mean platelet volume was markedly increased (17.8 fL). Platelets ranged from approximately half to 1.5 times the size of red blood cells.Döhle-like inclusions were observed in 25-33% of leukocytes in four families. Extrahematologic manifestations included hearing impairment (family with Ile1816Val) and renal involvement, ranging from mild proteinuria to chronic renal failure requiring renal transplantation (family with Lys373Asn). Five families harbored MYH9 mutations—Arg1933Ter, Trp33Cys (novel), Lys373Asn, Ile1816Val, and Arg1165Cys—located in exons 40, 1, 10, 37, and 26, respectively; mutations segregated with affected status.Biochemical analysis revealed decreased MYH9 in soluble fractions with increased insoluble pellets; Trp33Cys and Lys373Asn produced aberrant approximately 140 kDa bands in addition to the normal 224 kDa band. Modeling localized Trp33Cys to the proximal myosin head region implicated in actin interaction. Conclusion Five GPS-associated MYH9 mutations were identified, including a novel Trp33Cys variant. Altered MYH9 solubility and disturbed protein–protein interactions may contribute to disease pathogenesis.

With improving cancer survival, the management of osteoporosis in cancer survivors has become increasingly important. Cancer treatment-induced bone loss and aging place many survivors at high risk of fragility fractures. Anabolic agents, including parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor agonists and the anti-sclerostin antibody romosozumab, effectively stimulate bone formation and reduce fracture risk in the general population. However, their use in cancer patients remains limited because of safety concerns and insufficient clinical evidence. Preclinical studies suggested a potential risk of osteosarcoma with PTH analogues and possible effects on tumor growth or bone metastasis through modulation of the bone microenvironment, although long-term human studies have not demonstrated an increased malignancy risk. In clinical practice, PTH analogues are generally avoided in patients with active malignancy, bone metastases, hypercalcemia, or a history of osteosarcoma. In selected cancer survivors with a sufficiently long diseasefree interval, their cautious use may be considered depending on recurrence risk. Romosozumab may represent another potential option, although supporting evidence remains limited. Overall, the use of anabolic therapy in cancer patients should be individualized, carefully balancing fracture risk against potential oncologic safety concerns.

Background and Objectives: Studies investigating the correlation between papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumor size and the prevalence of the B-type Raf kinase (BRAF) mutation have yielded conflicting results. Therefore, we evaluated the prevalence of BRAF mutation according to tumor size in a large cohort of PTC patients to clarify this association. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 6,438 patients with surgically diagnosed classic PTC between January 2009 and December 2017 at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.During the study period, BRAF mutation testing was attempted on all fine-needle aspiration specimens, except for a small number of inadequate specimens. All other histologic subtypes were excluded. The prevalence of BRAF mutation was assessed based on tumor size, and further analyzed by age group and sex according to tumor size. Results: The overall prevalence of BRAF mutation was 79.2%. When PTCs ≤1 cm were excluded, the prevalence was 77.2%. The prevalence significantly decreased with increasing tumor size (p for trend ＜0.001). It was significantly higher in men than in women (p=0.013), but did not differ by age. The inverse correlation between tumor size and prevalence was prominent in patients aged 20-49 years but was less distinct in those aged 50 years and older. Conclusion In this large cohort of patients with PTC, the prevalence of BRAF mutation significantly decreased with increasing tumor size. These findings suggest that BRAF mutation is enriched in smaller surgically treated classic PTCs and may provide a hypothesis-generating clue regarding its role in early PTC development, although selection bias cannot be excluded.

Foreign body aspiration is frequently encountered in children but can also occur in adults, where it often remains undiagnosed for years. Forgotten foreign bodies within the bronchial tree may later manifest with either vague symptoms or life-threatening complications, such as massive hemoptysis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the thorax is the preferred initial diagnostic modality and can suggest the presence of a foreign body. We present a case involving an adult who remained undiagnosed until adulthood, when he was ultimately found to have a foreign body embedded in the lung parenchyma.

Objectives: This study aimed to quantify the actual resource utilization and cost structure of homevisit oral health care services using a Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) approach, in response to the growing demand for efficient home-based care for older adults. Methods: An analytical framework comprising 12 domains and 78 activities, validated through a Delphi study, was applied to home‑visit oral health care records. A total of 100 home‑visit service logs recorded by ten dental hygienists participating in an integrated care program in Cheonan City between March and April 2024 were analyzed. Data collected included activity time, consumable supply, travel time and distance, and transportation expenses. A capacity cost rate incorporating both direct and indirect costs was used to estimate activity‑level costs and total costs per visit. Results: Dental hygienists conducted an average of 6.43 visits per day. The mean travel time and distance per visit were 15.04 min and 7.31 km, respectively. Transportation expenses averaged 9,740 KRW per visit, and consumable supply costs ranged from 1,428 to 9,738 KRW per patient, depending on oral health status. The calculated capacity cost rate was 487 KRW/min, resulting in activity-based costs of 66,232 KRW per visit across the 78 activities. When transportation time costs were added (7,324 KRW; 15.04 min×487 KRW/min), the total cost per visit was estimated at 73,556 KRW. Preparation and infection control activities were identified as major cost drivers. Conclusions The TDABC approach provided a comprehensive estimate of the cost structure of home-visit oral health care services, capturing expenditures associated with travel, preparation, and documentation. These findings provide evidence to support sustainable reimbursement models within long-term care and integrated care systems.