Background: We aimed to evaluate whether composite blood biomarkers including aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) and cytokeratin 18 (CK-18; a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] marker) have clinically applicable performance for the diagnosis of NASH, advanced liver fibrosis, and high-risk NASH (NASH+significant fibrosis). Methods: A total of 116 subjects including healthy control subjects and patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were analyzed to assess composite blood-based and imaging-based biomarkers either singly or in combination. Results: A composite blood biomarker comprised of AKR1B10, CK-18, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) showed excellent performance for the diagnosis of, NASH, advanced fibrosis, and high-risk NASH, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.934 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.888 to 0.981), 0.902 (95% CI, 0.832 to 0.971), and 0.918 (95% CI, 0.862 to 0.974), respectively. However, the performance of this blood composite biomarker was inferior to that various magnetic resonance (MR)-based composite biomarkers, such as proton density fat fraction/MR elastography- liver stiffness measurement (MRE-LSM)/ALT/AST for NASH, MRE-LSM+fibrosis-4 index for advanced fibrosis, and the known MR imaging-AST (MAST) score for high-risk NASH. Conclusion Our blood composite biomarker can be useful to distinguish progressive forms of NAFLD as an initial noninvasive test when MR-based tools are not available.

Objective: Scalp lacerations are mostly treated with primary closure using staplers in the emergency department. This study examined the complications of patients who underwent scalp laceration closure with staplers over the past 5 years to identify the risk factors and indications for stapler closure. Methods: Patients who visited the emergency department with scalp lacerations registered in the electrical medical records of the author’s hospital (2018-2022) were included. All included cases were categorized into two groups: patients without revision (group A) and with wound revision (group B). The general characteristics and the factors associated with complications (e.g., prior medical history and the length and location of wounds) were investigated. Results: Among 794 emergency department and outpatient clinic visits, 751 and 42 patients were in groups A and B, respectively. The odds for revision were affected by wound length (odds ratio [OR]=3.996; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.905-8.383). The odds for revision were higher in a drunken state (OR=1.431; 95% CI, 0.686-2.984) and loss of consciousness (OR=1.629; 95% CI, 0.750-3.539). The prior medical history and wound location did not show a significant relationship with an increased risk of revision. Conclusion Scalp lacerations of 5 cm or more should be sutured using sutures rather than staplers, and additional research is needed on other factors that may cause complications.

Objective: Dysphagia is a common clinical condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing. It is sub-classified into oropharyngeal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the mouth and pharynx, and esophageal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the esophageal body and esophagogastric junction. Dysphagia can have a significant negative impact one’s physical health and quality of life as its severity increases. Therefore, proper assessment and management of dysphagia are critical for improving swallowing function and preventing complications. Thus a guideline was developed to provide evidence-based recommendations for assessment and management in patients with dysphagia. Methods: Nineteen key questions on dysphagia were developed. These questions dealt with various aspects of problems related to dysphagia, including assessment, management, and complications. A literature search for relevant articles was conducted using Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and one domestic database of KoreaMed, until April 2021. The level of evidence and recommendation grade were established according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Results: Early screening and assessment of videofluoroscopic swallowing were recommended for assessing the presence of dysphagia. Therapeutic methods, such as tongue and pharyngeal muscle strengthening exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation with swallowing therapy, were effective in improving swallowing function and quality of life in patients with dysphagia. Nutritional intervention and an oral care program were also recommended. Conclusion This guideline presents recommendations for the assessment and management of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, including rehabilitative strategies.

Background: Several noninvasive tools are available for the assessment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) including clinical and blood biomarkers, transient elastography (TE), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, such as proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate whether magnetic resonance (MR)-based examinations better discriminate the pathophysiologic features and fibrosis progression in NAFLD than other noninvasive methods. Methods: A total of 133 subjects (31 healthy volunteers and 102 patients with NAFLD) were subjected to clinical and noninvasive NAFLD evaluation, with additional liver biopsy in some patients (n=54). Results: MRI-PDFF correlated far better with hepatic fat measured by MR spectroscopy (r=0.978, P<0.001) than with the TE controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) (r=0.727, P<0.001). In addition, MRI-PDFF showed stronger correlations with various pathophysiologic parameters for cellular injury, glucose and lipid metabolism, and inflammation, than the TE-CAP. The MRI-PDFF and TE-CAP cutoff levels associated with abnormal elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase were 9.9% and 270 dB/m, respectively. The MRE liver stiffness measurement (LSM) showed stronger correlations with liver enzymes, platelets, complement component 3, several clinical fibrosis scores, and the enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score than the TE-LSM. In an analysis of only biopsied patients, MRE performed better in discriminating advanced fibrosis with a cutoff value of 3.9 kPa than the TE (cutoff 8.1 kPa) and ELF test (cutoff 9.2 kPa). Conclusion Our results suggest that MRI-based assessment of NAFLD is the best non-invasive tool that captures the histologic, pathophysiologic and metabolic features of the disease.

Background: Several noninvasive tools are available for the assessment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) including clinical and blood biomarkers, transient elastography (TE), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, such as proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate whether magnetic resonance (MR)-based examinations better discriminate the pathophysiologic features and fibrosis progression in NAFLD than other noninvasive methods. Methods: A total of 133 subjects (31 healthy volunteers and 102 patients with NAFLD) were subjected to clinical and noninvasive NAFLD evaluation, with additional liver biopsy in some patients (n=54). Results: MRI-PDFF correlated far better with hepatic fat measured by MR spectroscopy (r=0.978, P<0.001) than with the TE controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) (r=0.727, P<0.001). In addition, MRI-PDFF showed stronger correlations with various pathophysiologic parameters for cellular injury, glucose and lipid metabolism, and inflammation, than the TE-CAP. The MRI-PDFF and TE-CAP cutoff levels associated with abnormal elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase were 9.9% and 270 dB/m, respectively. The MRE liver stiffness measurement (LSM) showed stronger correlations with liver enzymes, platelets, complement component 3, several clinical fibrosis scores, and the enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score than the TE-LSM. In an analysis of only biopsied patients, MRE performed better in discriminating advanced fibrosis with a cutoff value of 3.9 kPa than the TE (cutoff 8.1 kPa) and ELF test (cutoff 9.2 kPa). Conclusion Our results suggest that MRI-based assessment of NAFLD is the best non-invasive tool that captures the histologic, pathophysiologic and metabolic features of the disease.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze several technical and clinical factors associated with the successful management of postoperative leakage by percutaneous Foley catheter placement. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients were included in this retrospective study. Postoperative gastrointestinal leakage was diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) and the patients underwent percutaneous Foley catheter placement into the leakage site through Jackson-Pratt tubes or imaging-guided methods. Clinical success was defined as successful Foley catheter removal without symptom recurrence within 1 week and the risk factors for clinical failure were analyzed. Results: In all patients, percutaneous Foley catheter placement was successfully achieved without complications. Foley catheter was placed at a median of 10 days (range, 1–68) after the confirmation of leakage on CT. Clinical success was achieved in 26 of the 32 patients (81%). Systemic comorbidity (p < 0.001) and failed oral intake (p = 0.015) were the statistically significant risk factors for clinical failure. Conclusion Percutaneous Foley catheter placement can be considered an effective approach for the management of postoperative bowel leakage. The presence of systemic comorbidity and successful oral diet after Foley catheter placement are significant factors for successful clinical recovery.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze several technical and clinical factors associated with the successful management of postoperative leakage by percutaneous Foley catheter placement. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients were included in this retrospective study. Postoperative gastrointestinal leakage was diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) and the patients underwent percutaneous Foley catheter placement into the leakage site through Jackson-Pratt tubes or imaging-guided methods. Clinical success was defined as successful Foley catheter removal without symptom recurrence within 1 week and the risk factors for clinical failure were analyzed. Results: In all patients, percutaneous Foley catheter placement was successfully achieved without complications. Foley catheter was placed at a median of 10 days (range, 1–68) after the confirmation of leakage on CT. Clinical success was achieved in 26 of the 32 patients (81%). Systemic comorbidity (p < 0.001) and failed oral intake (p = 0.015) were the statistically significant risk factors for clinical failure. Conclusion Percutaneous Foley catheter placement can be considered an effective approach for the management of postoperative bowel leakage. The presence of systemic comorbidity and successful oral diet after Foley catheter placement are significant factors for successful clinical recovery.

Objective: To analyze the rheological and biochemical properties of saliva in healthy adults. Methods: The subjects were seven healthy young adults (20-39 years). The whole saliva was collected by the spitting method between 9:00 am and 12:00 am. Unstimulated saliva was collected first, which was followed by the collection of stimulated saliva using citric acid was collected. The viscosity was measured using a capillary viscometer to examine the rheological properties. The MUC5B concentration was analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the biochemical properties. Results: Ten and five minutes were required on average for unstimulated saliva and stimulated saliva, respectively, to collect the minimum amount needed for analysis (8 ml). The flow rate increased from 1.037±0.323 ml/min to 1.823± 0.660 ml/min after stimulation (P=0.018). Citric acid stimulation also increased the MUC5B concentration in the saliva from 3.706±3.575 μg/ml to 6.928±2.03 μg/ml (P=0.028). The viscosity of saliva, however, did not show a significant difference between with (1.1±0.164 cSt) or without (1.019±0.08 cSt) stimulation (P=0.128). A positive correlation was observed between the flow rate and MUC5B concentration (Spearman’s rho=0.547, P=0.043). On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between the MUC5B concentration and viscosity both in the unstimulated and stimulated saliva (P=0.939 and 0.819, respectively). Conclusion No significant correlation was observed between the MUC5B concentration and viscosity. Considering the time required to collect samples, an analysis of the stimulated saliva appears feasible in various research settings.The feasibility of these analysis methods should be examined in a patient population.

Objective: To evaluate the longitudinal changes of swallowing kinematics based on videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSSs) in subacute stroke patients grouped according to the method of dietary intake. Methods: Sixty-nine subacute stroke patients who had taken at least 2 successive VFSSs were included. Subjects were allocated into 3 groups according to the degree of swallowing function recovery—not improved group (tube feeding recommended to patients at both studies), improved group (tube feedings recommended initially to patients and oral feeding recommended at follow-up study), and well-maintained group (oral feeding at both studies recommended to patients). Initial VFSS was performed during the subacute stage of stroke, 1 to 12 weeks after the onset of stroke, and follow-up VFSS was performed at least once. Kinematic variables were calculated by two-dimensional motion analysis of multiple structures, including the hyoid bone, epiglottis, and vocal cord. Changes of kinematic variables were analyzed in serial VFSSs. Results: At the initial VFSS, the well-maintained group showed significantly larger angles of epiglottic folding than the not improved group, while at the follow-up VFSS, the improved and the well-maintained groups showed significantly larger epiglottic folding angles than the not improved group. The distribution of epiglottic folding angles was in a dichotomous pattern, and each cluster was related to the swallowing function. Conclusion This study showed that improved epiglottic folding angles are associated with the recovery of the swallowing process and suitability for oral feeding among various kinematic variables in subacute stroke patients.

PURPOSE: Genetic defects in the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases were first identified as causes of various disorders in 2007. Variants in IARS2, which encodes a mitochondrial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, were first reported in 2014. These variants are associated with diverse phenotypes ranging from CAGSSS (CAtaracts, Growth hormone deficiency, Sensory neuropathy, Sensorineural hearing loss, and Skeletal dysplasia) and Leigh syndrome to isolated nonsyndromic cataracts. Here, we describe the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of Korean patients with IARS2-related disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using whole-exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing, we identified five patients with IARS2 mutations. Their medical records and brain magnetic resonance images were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: All five patients presented with developmental delay or regression before 18 months of age. Three patients had bilateral cataracts, but none had hearing loss or sensory neuropathy. No evidence of skeletal dysplasia was noted, but two had short stature. One patient had cardiomyopathy and another exhibited renal tubulopathy and hypoparathyroidism. Their brain imaging findings were consistent with Leigh syndrome. Interestingly, we found the recurrent mutations p.R817H and p.V105Dfs*7 in IARS2. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first report of Korean patients with IARS2-related disorders. Our findings broaden the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of IARS2-related disorders in Korea and will help to increase clinical awareness of IARS2-related neurodegenerative diseases.