Background/Aims: Early detection and removal of colon polyps are critical for preventing colorectal cancer. Computer-aided detection (CADe) systems have been introduced to increase the polyp detection rate (PDR) during colonoscopy, potentially enhancing its effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a CADe system in colorectal neoplasm detection. Methods: This prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted at two tertiary centers (May 2023 to April 2025). Patients were randomly assigned to CADe or conventional colonoscopy and underwent screening, surveillance, or diagnostic colonoscopy. The primary endpoint was the adenoma detection rate (ADR), while the secondary endpoints were the PDR, relative risk (RR) of polyp detection, adenomas per colonoscopy (APC), and factors influencing adenoma detection. Results: Of 1,004 enrolled patients, 998 were randomly allocated into CADe and conventional colonoscopy groups (497 CADe system and 501 conventional colonoscopy). The CADe group had greater polyp counts (2.2 per colonoscopy vs 1.4 per colonoscopy; p<0.001) and APC values (1.2 vs 0.8; p<0.001). The CADe group showed significantly higher PDRs (72.2% vs 54.5%;p<0.001; RR, 2.173; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.669 to 2.828) and ADRs (52.3% vs 36.1%;p<0.001; RR, 1.940; 95% CI, 1.505 to 2.499). CADe also significantly increased the detection rate of hyperplastic polyps (p=0.007; RR, 1.474; 95% CI, 1.113 to 1.952) and increased the detection rates across all sizes and locations. In multivariable analysis, CADe use was the strongest independent predictor of adenoma detection (odds ratio, 1.914; 95% CI, 1.467 to 2.496), outweighing male sex, older age, diagnostic indication, and withdrawal time. Conclusions Real-time CADe-assisted colonoscopy significantly increased PDR and ADR and proved to be a strong independent predictor of adenoma detection (cris.nih.go.kr, KCT0009664).

In addition to well-known side effects such as rash, redness, and bone resorption, unexpected facial complications may occasionally occur several years after certain medical procedures. This report presents rare cases of orofacialsymptoms that developed as delayed responses to cosmetic filler injections. Three separate patients presented to theauthors’ institution with varying severities of orofacial symptoms. These symptoms, initially diagnosed clinically asinflammation or neoplasms of the parotid gland, were later identified through magnetic resonance imaging as diseases potentially associated with filler materials injected approximately 4-8 years earlier. The primary goal of this report was to inform specialists in the oral and maxillofacial field about the possibility of such complications, enabling them tomanage patient symptoms effectively and develop appropriate treatment strategies.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that colonizes the human stomach, leading to various gastrointestinal diseases including gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. There is no gold standard test that relies entirely on one method in H. pylori diagnosis. We must be aware of the pros and cons of various testing methods to perform an appropriate test according to the situation. Accurate diagnosis and eradication therapy are essential for disease management. Diagnostic methods include invasive techniques like tissue biopsy and rapid urease test, as well as non-invasive tests such as urea breath test, serology test, and stool antigen test. Each method has its advantages and limitations, requiring careful consideration in clinical practice. Understanding these diagnostic tools is crucial for effective H. pylori management and prevention of associated complications.

Objective: Previous studies have investigated obesity and appetite changes in patients with depression, which consisted of a small age range of adults and used body mass index rather than abdominal obesity. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between abdominal obesity and the risk of depression by sex and age groups. Methods: This study utilized the National Health Insurance Sharing Service (NHISS) database of South Korea, which includes those over 20 years old and who had undergone a health examination in 2009 and their claims data between 2009 and 2018. The diagnosis of depressive episodes was based on the International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems 10th revision. Abdominal obesity was measured by waist circumference (WC) and was divided into six levels (cm). Cox proportional-hazard regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between abdominal obesity and the risk of depression by sex and age groups. Results: Among 9,041,751 participants, 1,376,279 were diagnosed with depression. Those with higher WC (90 cm or higher for males, 85 cm or higher for females) showed an increased risk for depression in both sexes (hazard ratio [HR]=1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.11 for males, HR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.05 for females). Underweight males (WC<80 cm) also showed an increased risk for depression (HR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.04–1.05). Conclusion It has been found that higher WC was associated with increased risks of depression in both sexes. Although underweight males showed an elevated risk of depression, a healthy weight is associated with fewer depression symptoms.

Objectives: Poor oral hygiene is known to be associated with gastric cancer, but this remains controversial. In this study, we investigated the association between oral health and gastric cancer in Korean adults using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods: We analyzed data of 79501 patients with gastric cancer and 41856805 individuals without gastric cancer (control group) using the 7th and 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2019) records. Layer and colony variables and weights were used for the complex sample design. We performed logistic regression analysis of complex samples to analyze factors that affect gastric cancer development. Results: Patients with gastric cancer were older and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes and a higher rate of current smoking and alcohol consumption than individuals without gastric cancer (p<0.001). Regarding oral health-related factors, the prevalence of very uncomfortable chewing difficulty was significantly higher in patients with gastric cancer (14.4% vs. 3.6%, p<0.001). On multivariate analysis of factors associated with gastric cancer, chewing difficulty showed the highest odds ratio (5.351, 95% confidence interval 2.128–8.982). Patients with very uncomfortable chewing difficulty had high rates of previous dental nerve treatment, gum disease treatment, tooth extraction or intraoral surgery, and prosthetic repair (p<0.001). Conclusions Oral health-related chewing difficulties were associated with gastric cancer, which may be attributable to poor oral hygiene and degradation of oral microbiota. Patients at risk of gastric cancer warrant timely medical interventions to address their oral health and chewing difficulties.

Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospitalization and death worldwide. The Steady Movement with Innovating Leadership for Heart Failure (SMILE HF) aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management, hospital course, and long-term outcomes of patients hospitalized for acute HF in South Korea. Methods: This prospective, observational multicenter cohort study was conducted on consecutive patients hospitalized for acute HF in nine university hospitals since September 2019. Enrolment of 2000 patients should be completed in 2024, and follow-up is planned through 2025. Results: Interim analysis of 1,052 consecutive patients was performed to understand the baseline characteristics. The mean age was 69±15 years; 57.6% were male. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 39±15%. The prevalences of HF with reduced ejection fraction, HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction, and HF with preserved ejection fraction were 50.9%, 15.3%, and 29.2%. Ischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP) was the most common etiology (32%), followed by tachycardia-induced CMP (12.8%) and idiopathic dilated CMP (9.5%). The prescription rate of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin receptor/ neprilysin inhibitor, beta-blockers, spironolactone, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors at discharge were 76.8%, 66.5%, 50.0%, and 17.5%, respectively. The post-discharge 90-day mortality and readmission rates due to HF aggravation were 2.0% and 6.4%, respectively. Our analysis reveals the current state of acute HF in South Korea. Conclusions Our interim analysis provides valuable insights into the clinical characteristics, management, and early outcomes of acute HF patients in South Korea, highlighting the current state and treatment patterns in this population.

Objective: Previous studies have investigated obesity and appetite changes in patients with depression, which consisted of a small age range of adults and used body mass index rather than abdominal obesity. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between abdominal obesity and the risk of depression by sex and age groups. Methods: This study utilized the National Health Insurance Sharing Service (NHISS) database of South Korea, which includes those over 20 years old and who had undergone a health examination in 2009 and their claims data between 2009 and 2018. The diagnosis of depressive episodes was based on the International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems 10th revision. Abdominal obesity was measured by waist circumference (WC) and was divided into six levels (cm). Cox proportional-hazard regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between abdominal obesity and the risk of depression by sex and age groups. Results: Among 9,041,751 participants, 1,376,279 were diagnosed with depression. Those with higher WC (90 cm or higher for males, 85 cm or higher for females) showed an increased risk for depression in both sexes (hazard ratio [HR]=1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.11 for males, HR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.05 for females). Underweight males (WC<80 cm) also showed an increased risk for depression (HR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.04–1.05). Conclusion It has been found that higher WC was associated with increased risks of depression in both sexes. Although underweight males showed an elevated risk of depression, a healthy weight is associated with fewer depression symptoms.