Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the recruiting of T lymphocytes including IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ effector memory (EM) CD8+ T cells and α4β7 integrin tagged T cells to inflamed intestinal mucosa. Methods: Whole blood and mucosal tissues of intestine were collected from 40 children with or without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). T cell surface staining and immunohistochemistry were done with several antibodies in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and intestinal mucosa, respectively. Serum levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. Results: The frequency of IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ EM CD8+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly higher in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (57.9±17.80% vs. 33.9±15.70%, p=0.021). The frequency of integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly lower in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (53.2±27.6% vs. 63.9±13.2%, p=0.022). Serum concentration of TNF-α was higher in the Crohn’s disease group than in the control group (26.13±5.01 pg/mL vs. 19.65±6.07 pg/mL, p=0.008). Of the three groups, the ulcerative colitis group had the highest frequency of integrin α4β7+ T cells based on immunohistochemistry analyses for intestinal tissues, followed by the Crohn’s disease group and the control group (4.63±1.29 cells vs. 2.0±0.57 cells vs. 0.84±0.52 cells, p<0.001). Conclusion Trafficking immune cells with effector memory CD8+ T cells clarified by IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ and integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells might be highly associated with the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.

Purpose: The Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) risk prediction model is a simple method for estimating risk for elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. The model considers both treatment methods and the physical characteristics of the aneurysm type as well as comorbidities. This research aimed to validate its effectiveness by analyzing retrospective data on Korean patients. Methods: Our single-center retrospective analysis included 1,227 patients who underwent elective open repair surgery (ORS) or endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) from 2005 to 2021. We assessed the discrimination of the risk score and the effects of several risk factors. Results: Most patients (66.7%) were classified as low risk in the model, with only 5.6% considered high risk. The mean risk score was 2.81, significantly lower than reported in previous studies. The actual 30-day mortality was only 0.7%, less than the predicted 1.1%. The accuracy of the model in predicting 30-day mortality was statistically significant (area under the curve, 0.822). Patients with high scores were associated with significantly increased mortality (odds ratio, 3.9; P < 0.001). Factors such as advanced age, cerebrovascular disease, and elevated creatinine levels were influential in mortality outcomes. However, a significant difference was not found in short-term mortality between ORS and EVAR. Conclusion Although the VSGNE model is an objective tool for assessing death risk in elective AAA repair, the actual risk scores in our patient population were lower than predicted. To create a more representative tool for the Korean population, we suggest developing a novel model based on multicenter data collection.

Purpose: The Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) risk prediction model is a simple method for estimating risk for elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. The model considers both treatment methods and the physical characteristics of the aneurysm type as well as comorbidities. This research aimed to validate its effectiveness by analyzing retrospective data on Korean patients. Methods: Our single-center retrospective analysis included 1,227 patients who underwent elective open repair surgery (ORS) or endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) from 2005 to 2021. We assessed the discrimination of the risk score and the effects of several risk factors. Results: Most patients (66.7%) were classified as low risk in the model, with only 5.6% considered high risk. The mean risk score was 2.81, significantly lower than reported in previous studies. The actual 30-day mortality was only 0.7%, less than the predicted 1.1%. The accuracy of the model in predicting 30-day mortality was statistically significant (area under the curve, 0.822). Patients with high scores were associated with significantly increased mortality (odds ratio, 3.9; P < 0.001). Factors such as advanced age, cerebrovascular disease, and elevated creatinine levels were influential in mortality outcomes. However, a significant difference was not found in short-term mortality between ORS and EVAR. Conclusion Although the VSGNE model is an objective tool for assessing death risk in elective AAA repair, the actual risk scores in our patient population were lower than predicted. To create a more representative tool for the Korean population, we suggest developing a novel model based on multicenter data collection.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the recruiting of T lymphocytes including IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ effector memory (EM) CD8+ T cells and α4β7 integrin tagged T cells to inflamed intestinal mucosa. Methods: Whole blood and mucosal tissues of intestine were collected from 40 children with or without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). T cell surface staining and immunohistochemistry were done with several antibodies in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and intestinal mucosa, respectively. Serum levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. Results: The frequency of IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ EM CD8+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly higher in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (57.9±17.80% vs. 33.9±15.70%, p=0.021). The frequency of integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly lower in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (53.2±27.6% vs. 63.9±13.2%, p=0.022). Serum concentration of TNF-α was higher in the Crohn’s disease group than in the control group (26.13±5.01 pg/mL vs. 19.65±6.07 pg/mL, p=0.008). Of the three groups, the ulcerative colitis group had the highest frequency of integrin α4β7+ T cells based on immunohistochemistry analyses for intestinal tissues, followed by the Crohn’s disease group and the control group (4.63±1.29 cells vs. 2.0±0.57 cells vs. 0.84±0.52 cells, p<0.001). Conclusion Trafficking immune cells with effector memory CD8+ T cells clarified by IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ and integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells might be highly associated with the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the recruiting of T lymphocytes including IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ effector memory (EM) CD8+ T cells and α4β7 integrin tagged T cells to inflamed intestinal mucosa. Methods: Whole blood and mucosal tissues of intestine were collected from 40 children with or without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). T cell surface staining and immunohistochemistry were done with several antibodies in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and intestinal mucosa, respectively. Serum levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. Results: The frequency of IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ EM CD8+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly higher in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (57.9±17.80% vs. 33.9±15.70%, p=0.021). The frequency of integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly lower in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (53.2±27.6% vs. 63.9±13.2%, p=0.022). Serum concentration of TNF-α was higher in the Crohn’s disease group than in the control group (26.13±5.01 pg/mL vs. 19.65±6.07 pg/mL, p=0.008). Of the three groups, the ulcerative colitis group had the highest frequency of integrin α4β7+ T cells based on immunohistochemistry analyses for intestinal tissues, followed by the Crohn’s disease group and the control group (4.63±1.29 cells vs. 2.0±0.57 cells vs. 0.84±0.52 cells, p<0.001). Conclusion Trafficking immune cells with effector memory CD8+ T cells clarified by IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ and integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells might be highly associated with the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of an instrument devised for slit-lamp examination of donor corneas suspended in preservation medium. Methods: The study examined two donor corneas received at Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital in February 2023 and March 2023. The instrument has three main components: a plastic holder to hold the preservation medium bottle, a cube with a mirror for reflecting the slit beam, and a stand to attach the device to the slit-lamp. Using the instrument, the donor corneas were examined via slit-lamp: microscopy with the endothelium facing upward and downward. Specular microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) were also performed on the preserved donor corneas. Results: Slit-lamp examination of donor corneas in preservation medium using the instrument showed overall corneal buttoning and optical sections of the donor cornea. Using specular reflection and retroillumination, the endothelial layer was partially visible. However, specular microscopy and anterior segment OCT could not examine the donor cornea in preservation medium using the instrument. Conclusions The devised instrument facilitates slit-lamp examination of donor corneas in preservation medium, enabling a qualitative assessment of donor corneas before corneal transplantation surgery.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the recruiting of T lymphocytes including IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ effector memory (EM) CD8+ T cells and α4β7 integrin tagged T cells to inflamed intestinal mucosa. Methods: Whole blood and mucosal tissues of intestine were collected from 40 children with or without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). T cell surface staining and immunohistochemistry were done with several antibodies in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and intestinal mucosa, respectively. Serum levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. Results: The frequency of IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ EM CD8+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly higher in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (57.9±17.80% vs. 33.9±15.70%, p=0.021). The frequency of integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly lower in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (53.2±27.6% vs. 63.9±13.2%, p=0.022). Serum concentration of TNF-α was higher in the Crohn’s disease group than in the control group (26.13±5.01 pg/mL vs. 19.65±6.07 pg/mL, p=0.008). Of the three groups, the ulcerative colitis group had the highest frequency of integrin α4β7+ T cells based on immunohistochemistry analyses for intestinal tissues, followed by the Crohn’s disease group and the control group (4.63±1.29 cells vs. 2.0±0.57 cells vs. 0.84±0.52 cells, p<0.001). Conclusion Trafficking immune cells with effector memory CD8+ T cells clarified by IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ and integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells might be highly associated with the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.

Purpose: The Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) risk prediction model is a simple method for estimating risk for elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. The model considers both treatment methods and the physical characteristics of the aneurysm type as well as comorbidities. This research aimed to validate its effectiveness by analyzing retrospective data on Korean patients. Methods: Our single-center retrospective analysis included 1,227 patients who underwent elective open repair surgery (ORS) or endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) from 2005 to 2021. We assessed the discrimination of the risk score and the effects of several risk factors. Results: Most patients (66.7%) were classified as low risk in the model, with only 5.6% considered high risk. The mean risk score was 2.81, significantly lower than reported in previous studies. The actual 30-day mortality was only 0.7%, less than the predicted 1.1%. The accuracy of the model in predicting 30-day mortality was statistically significant (area under the curve, 0.822). Patients with high scores were associated with significantly increased mortality (odds ratio, 3.9; P < 0.001). Factors such as advanced age, cerebrovascular disease, and elevated creatinine levels were influential in mortality outcomes. However, a significant difference was not found in short-term mortality between ORS and EVAR. Conclusion Although the VSGNE model is an objective tool for assessing death risk in elective AAA repair, the actual risk scores in our patient population were lower than predicted. To create a more representative tool for the Korean population, we suggest developing a novel model based on multicenter data collection.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the recruiting of T lymphocytes including IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ effector memory (EM) CD8+ T cells and α4β7 integrin tagged T cells to inflamed intestinal mucosa. Methods: Whole blood and mucosal tissues of intestine were collected from 40 children with or without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). T cell surface staining and immunohistochemistry were done with several antibodies in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and intestinal mucosa, respectively. Serum levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. Results: The frequency of IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ EM CD8+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly higher in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (57.9±17.80% vs. 33.9±15.70%, p=0.021). The frequency of integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells in the PBMC was significantly lower in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group (53.2±27.6% vs. 63.9±13.2%, p=0.022). Serum concentration of TNF-α was higher in the Crohn’s disease group than in the control group (26.13±5.01 pg/mL vs. 19.65±6.07 pg/mL, p=0.008). Of the three groups, the ulcerative colitis group had the highest frequency of integrin α4β7+ T cells based on immunohistochemistry analyses for intestinal tissues, followed by the Crohn’s disease group and the control group (4.63±1.29 cells vs. 2.0±0.57 cells vs. 0.84±0.52 cells, p<0.001). Conclusion Trafficking immune cells with effector memory CD8+ T cells clarified by IL-7Rαlow CX3CR1+ and integrin α4β7+ CD4+ T cells might be highly associated with the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.

Purpose: Early nutritional support (ENS) for critically ill patients is promoted by many studies. However, there is a lack of data evaluating its necessity in general wards. This study aims to determine the impact of ENS on patients in general wards. Methods: Patients aged 18 and above, admitted to the Jeonbuk National University Hospital in Jeonju from January 2020 to December 2020, who were eligible for nutritional support and hospitalized for at least 7 days were included in the study. We divided the patients into two groups: the ENS group, who received nutritional support within 48 hours of admission, and the control group, who received it after 48 hours. Results: Among 1,077 patients, 146 met the inclusion criteria. The ENS group (n=38) and the control group (n=108) were compared retrospectively. There was a significant age difference between the two groups (P=0.028). The admission ratio to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the ENS group was significantly lower than that in the control group (10.2% vs.26.3%, P=0.019). The calorie support rate (%) and protein support rate (%) in the ENS group were significantly higher than in the control group (50.12%±23.30% vs. 38.56%±18.02%, P=0.006; 44.61%±25.07% vs. 32.07%±22.76%, P=0.002, respectively). After propensity score matching, the ENS was significantly associated with ICU low admissions (odds ratio 0.08, 95% confidence interval 0.01–0.69, P=0.022). Conclusion A future multi-center study considering underlying diseases is needed to provide additional scientific evidence to support the effects of ENS.