Objective: To provide a decade-long molecular and phenotypic characterization of APP isolates from Korean pig farms, focusing on the serovar distribution, apx-based toxingene profiles, and antimicrobial susceptibility. Methods: Between 2015 and 2025, 1,215 pneumonic lung samples from 965 pig farms yielded 132 APP isolates. The species identity was confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The serovars were determined using capsule polysaccharide (CPS) gene-based multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Toxin genes (apxIA–apxIVA) were profiled, and the antimicrobial susceptibility to 29 agents was assessed by broth microdilution according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: Serovar 1 was predominant (66.7%), followed by serovars 5 (17.4%) and 2 (6.8%).CPS multiplex PCR identified three isolates (2.3%) as serovar 15, which displayed heterogeneous toxin gene profiles, including apxIICA-deficient profiles. Most isolates exhibited classical repeats-in-toxin operon arrangements, suggesting ongoing diversification of toxin gene profiles. High resistance rates were observed for oxytetracycline (90.9%) and florfenicol (50.8%), and recurrent multidrug-resistant combinations were frequently detected. Conclusions and Relevance: Serovar 1 is dominant in Korea, but the emergence of atypical toxin gene profiles in serovar 15 may carry immunological implications. Persistent resistance to older drug classes underscores the necessity for long-term molecular surveillance, evaluation of vaccine coverage against evolving strains, and enhanced antimicrobial stewardship to strengthen the control efforts for porcine pleuropneumonia in Korea.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly invasive tumor with a strong tendency for metastasis. The most common sites of metastasis are the lungs, followed by lymph nodes, adrenal glands, and bones. However, metastasis of HCC to the small bowel is extremely rare. A 42-yearold female with HCC secondary to chronic hepatitis B and lung metastasis underwent a right hepatic lobectomy, followed by two wedge resections performed via video-assisted thoracic surgery, four sessions of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, and stereotactic body radiation therapy. She was under regular follow-up for HCC, during which her alpha-fetoprotein level increased to 722.2 IU/ml. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed segmental wall thickening and aneurysmal dilatation of the small bowel loops. An 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT scan demonstrated a 3.3-cm hypermetabolic mass-like lesion (standardized uptake value: 11.3) in the small bowel. Surgical resection of the affected small bowel segment was performed. Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed metastatic HCC, with immunohistochemical positivity for hepatocyte-specific antigen. The patient has remained cancer-free for 60 months post-operatively. Surgical intervention may offer favorable long-term outcomes in patients with small bowel metastasis from HCC.

Objectives: Early diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) amyloidosis and the establishment of appropriate treatment and follow-up strategies remains challenging. This study aimed to elucidate the endoscopic characteristics and clinical courses of patients with isolated UGI amyloidosis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients diagnosed with isolated UGI amyloidosis at Chonnam National University Hospital and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital. None of the patients exhibited systemic involvement or multiple myeloma. Clinical data, including endoscopic features, presenting symptoms, and outcomes such as disease progression and mortality, were analyzed. Results: The cohort included seven males (63.6%) and four females (36.4%), with a median age of 72 (37–82) years. Isolated gastric amyloidosis was identified in four patients, and five patients had disease confined to the duodenum. Two patients (18.2%) presented with gastric or duodenal involvement. Endoscopic findings were heterogeneous, with diffuse yellowish linear lesions being the most frequently observed in four patients (36.4%). Histopathological analysis revealed AA amyloidosis in three patients, whereas five patients exhibited only amorphous deposits without amyloid A, amyloid P, or light chains. Six patients (54.5%) were asymptomatic at diagnosis, whereas gastrointestinal bleeding was observed in two patients (18.2%). Only one patient (9.1%) experienced disease progression that necessitated systemic chemotherapy. The mean follow-up duration was 20 months, and the 3-year mortality rate was 9.1%. Conclusions Isolated UGI amyloidosis is a heterogeneous condition that can be easily misdiagnosed. Familiarity with the characteristic endoscopic features and natural disease course is essential for appropriate management.

Mechanical power (MP) has been reported to be associated with clinical outcomes. Because the original MP equation is derived from paralyzed patients under volume-controlled ventilation, its application in practice could be limited in patients receiving pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). Recently, a simplified equation for patients under PCV was developed. We investigated the association between MP and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of Korean data from the Fourth International Study of Mechanical Ventilation. We extracted data of patients under PCV on day 1 and calculated MP using the following simplified equation: MPPCV = 0.098 ∙ respiratory rate ∙ tidal volume ∙ (ΔPinsp + positive end-expiratory pressure), where ΔPinsp is the change in airway pressure during inspiration. Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors and then compared. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine association between MPPCV and ICU mortality. The interaction of MPPCV and use of neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) was also analyzed. Results: A total of 125 patients was eligible for final analysis, of whom 38 died in the ICU. MPPCV was higher in non-survivors (17.6 vs. 26.3 J/min, P<0.001). In logistic regression analysis, only MPPCV was significantly associated with ICU mortality (odds ratio, 1.090; 95% confidence interval, 1.029–1.155; P=0.003). There was no significant effect of the interaction between MPPCV and use of NMBA on ICU mortality (P=0.579). Conclusions: MPPCV is associated with ICU mortality in patients mechanically ventilated with PCV mode, regardless of NMBA use.

Mechanical power (MP) has been reported to be associated with clinical outcomes. Because the original MP equation is derived from paralyzed patients under volume-controlled ventilation, its application in practice could be limited in patients receiving pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). Recently, a simplified equation for patients under PCV was developed. We investigated the association between MP and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of Korean data from the Fourth International Study of Mechanical Ventilation. We extracted data of patients under PCV on day 1 and calculated MP using the following simplified equation: MPPCV = 0.098 ∙ respiratory rate ∙ tidal volume ∙ (ΔPinsp + positive end-expiratory pressure), where ΔPinsp is the change in airway pressure during inspiration. Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors and then compared. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine association between MPPCV and ICU mortality. The interaction of MPPCV and use of neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) was also analyzed. Results: A total of 125 patients was eligible for final analysis, of whom 38 died in the ICU. MPPCV was higher in non-survivors (17.6 vs. 26.3 J/min, P<0.001). In logistic regression analysis, only MPPCV was significantly associated with ICU mortality (odds ratio, 1.090; 95% confidence interval, 1.029–1.155; P=0.003). There was no significant effect of the interaction between MPPCV and use of NMBA on ICU mortality (P=0.579). Conclusions: MPPCV is associated with ICU mortality in patients mechanically ventilated with PCV mode, regardless of NMBA use.

Mechanical power (MP) has been reported to be associated with clinical outcomes. Because the original MP equation is derived from paralyzed patients under volume-controlled ventilation, its application in practice could be limited in patients receiving pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). Recently, a simplified equation for patients under PCV was developed. We investigated the association between MP and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of Korean data from the Fourth International Study of Mechanical Ventilation. We extracted data of patients under PCV on day 1 and calculated MP using the following simplified equation: MPPCV = 0.098 ∙ respiratory rate ∙ tidal volume ∙ (ΔPinsp + positive end-expiratory pressure), where ΔPinsp is the change in airway pressure during inspiration. Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors and then compared. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine association between MPPCV and ICU mortality. The interaction of MPPCV and use of neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) was also analyzed. Results: A total of 125 patients was eligible for final analysis, of whom 38 died in the ICU. MPPCV was higher in non-survivors (17.6 vs. 26.3 J/min, P<0.001). In logistic regression analysis, only MPPCV was significantly associated with ICU mortality (odds ratio, 1.090; 95% confidence interval, 1.029–1.155; P=0.003). There was no significant effect of the interaction between MPPCV and use of NMBA on ICU mortality (P=0.579). Conclusions: MPPCV is associated with ICU mortality in patients mechanically ventilated with PCV mode, regardless of NMBA use.

Mechanical power (MP) has been reported to be associated with clinical outcomes. Because the original MP equation is derived from paralyzed patients under volume-controlled ventilation, its application in practice could be limited in patients receiving pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). Recently, a simplified equation for patients under PCV was developed. We investigated the association between MP and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of Korean data from the Fourth International Study of Mechanical Ventilation. We extracted data of patients under PCV on day 1 and calculated MP using the following simplified equation: MPPCV = 0.098 ∙ respiratory rate ∙ tidal volume ∙ (ΔPinsp + positive end-expiratory pressure), where ΔPinsp is the change in airway pressure during inspiration. Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors and then compared. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine association between MPPCV and ICU mortality. The interaction of MPPCV and use of neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) was also analyzed. Results: A total of 125 patients was eligible for final analysis, of whom 38 died in the ICU. MPPCV was higher in non-survivors (17.6 vs. 26.3 J/min, P<0.001). In logistic regression analysis, only MPPCV was significantly associated with ICU mortality (odds ratio, 1.090; 95% confidence interval, 1.029–1.155; P=0.003). There was no significant effect of the interaction between MPPCV and use of NMBA on ICU mortality (P=0.579). Conclusions: MPPCV is associated with ICU mortality in patients mechanically ventilated with PCV mode, regardless of NMBA use.

The occurrence of an abdominal wall hematoma caused by abdominal paracentesis in patients with liver cirrhosis is rare. This paper presents a case of an abdominal wall hematoma caused by abdominal paracentesis in a 67-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis with a review of the relevant literature. Two days prior, the patient underwent abdominal paracentesis for symptom relief for refractory ascites at a local clinic. Upon admission, a physical examination revealed purpuric patches with swelling and mild tenderness in the left lower quadrant of the abdominal wall. Abdominal computed tomography revealed advanced liver cirrhosis with splenomegaly, tortuous dilatation of the para-umbilical vein, a large volume of ascites, and a large acute hematoma at the left lower quadrant of the abdominal wall. An external iliac artery angiogram showed the extravasation of contrast media from the left deep circumflex iliac artery. Embolization of the target arterial branches using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was then performed, and the bleeding was stopped. The final diagnosis was an abdominal wall hematoma from the left deep circumflex iliac artery after abdominal paracentesis in a patient with liver cirrhosis.

Background/Aims: Ischemic colitis (IC), the most common ischemic syndrome affecting the gastrointestinal tract, results from a decreased blood supply to the colon. Persistent symptoms can lead to complications, necessitating surgery. This study assessed the clinical characteristics and risk factors for poor outcomes in IC. Methods: This retrospective observational study examined the medical records of 141 patients diagnosed pathologically with IC via surgery or colonoscopy at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital between April 2004 and August 2023. Results: Eighteen (12.8%) and 123 (87.2%) patients were diagnosed by surgical biopsy and biopsy with colonoscopy, respectively.Multivariate analysis identified right-sided colon involvement, fever, and the absence of hematochezia as risk factors for the progression to surgery (odds ratio [OR]=5.924, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.009–34.767, p=0.049; OR=24.139, 95% CI 5.209– 111.851, p<0.001; and OR=0.076, 95% CI 0.013–0.446, p=0.004, respectively). The in-hospital mortality was 5.7% (8/141), and the patients who died exhibited higher rates of shock. The median (interquartile range) hospital stay was 11 (1–219) days. Patients who had longer hospital stays (≥14 days) had a significantly higher rate of fever but a lower rate of hematochezia. Conclusions A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for determining the need for surgery in patients with right-sided colon involvement, fever, or the absence of hematochezia.