Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether proteins present in the molting membranes of third-stage (L3) Anisakis larvae could serve as potential risk factors for allergic reactions. Methods: Third-stage larvae (L3) of Anisakis spp. were primarily collected from mackerels and cultured in vitro to yield both molting membranes and fourth-stage (L4) larvae. Major soluble proteins in the molting membranes were identified using SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). Crude antigens extracted from L3, L4, and the molting membranes were subsequently evaluated by western blotting using sera from Anisakis-infected rabbits and patients with eosinophilia. Results: Antigens derived from the molting membranes reacted with sera from Anisakis-infected rabbits as well as with sera from 7 patients with eosinophilia of unknown origin. These findings suggest that unidentified proteins in the molting membranes of Anisakis L3 may contribute to early allergic reactions, particularly in patients sensitized by specific molecular components. Conclusion Our results indicate that proteins present in the molting membranes of third-stage Anisakis spp. larvae may be associated with allergic responses. Further studies are required to confirm the correlation between these membranes and Anisakis-induced allergies.

Purpose: The standardized uptake value (SUV) is a key quantitative index in nuclear medicine imaging; however, variations in region‐of‐interest (ROI) determination exist across institutions. This study aims to standardize SUV evaluation by introducing a deep learning‐based quantitative analysis method that enhances diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. Methods: We used the Swin UNETR model to automatically segment key organs (breast, liver, spleen, and bone marrow) critical for breast cancer prognosis. Tumor segmentation was performed iteratively based on predefined SUV thresholds, and prognostic information was extracted from the liver, spleen, and bone marrow (reticuloendothelial system). The artificial intelligence training process employed 3 datasets: a test dataset (40 patients), a validation dataset (10 patients), and an independent test dataset (10 patients). To validate our approach, we compared the SUV values obtained using our method with those produced by commercial software. Results: In a dataset of 10 patients, our method achieved an auto‐segmentation accuracy of 0.9311 for all target organs. Comparison of maximum SUV and mean SUV values from our automated segmentation with those from traditional single‐ROI methods revealed differences of 0.19 and 0.16, respectively, demonstrating improved reliability and accuracy in whole‐organ SUV analysis. Conclusion This study successfully standardized SUV calculation in nuclear medicine imaging through deep learning‐based automated organ segmentation and SUV analysis, significantly enhancing accuracy in predicting breast cancer prognosis.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Korea that was designed to augment respiratory function, promote patient recovery, and improve discharge outcomes.

Methods: This study was conducted as part of quality improvement activities from March to August 2023. A multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation team was established, comprising specialists in rehabilitation medicine, pulmonology, and thoracic surgery, as well as physical and occupational therapists, and the nutrition team. We developed a comprehensive rehabilitation program that included stretching, strengthening exercises, aerobic training, and respiratory retraining, supplemented by individualized treatments such as bedside and ambulatory physical therapy. Evaluations before and after rehabilitation were performed using the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test. The primary indicators of success were an increase of over 10% in pulmonary rehabilitation consultations and an improvement in discharge-to-home rates.

Results: The total number of pulmonary rehabilitation cases rose by 79.16%, from 24 to 43, while consultations saw a 21.15% increase, from 52 to 63. Of the 63 pulmonary rehabilitation cases, 32 (50.8%) were transferred to other hospitals, 25 (39.7%) were discharged home, and 6 (9.5%) remained hospitalized.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation approach in improving program participation and achieving meaningful discharge outcomes. These findings underscore the potential for expanding multidisciplinary efforts and highlight the need for further studies to increase discharge-to-home rates and evaluate the long-term impacts of such programs.

This study explores the development, roles, and key initiatives of the Regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea, detailing their evolution through four distinct phases and their impact on environmental health policy and local governance. It chronicles the establishment and transformation of these centers from their inception in May 2007, through four developmental stages. Originally named Environmental Disease Research Centers, they were subsequently renamed Environmental Health Centers following legislative changes. The analysis includes the expansion in the number of centers, the transfer of responsibilities to local governments, and the launch of significant projects such as the Korean Children’s Environmental Health Study (Ko-CHENS ). During the initial phase (May 2007–February 2009), the 10 centers concentrated on research-driven activities, shifting from a media-centered to a receptor-centered approach. In the second phase, prompted by the enactment of the Environmental Health Act, six additional centers were established, broadening their scope to address national environmental health issues. The third phase introduced Ko-CHENS, a 20-year national cohort project designed to influence environmental health policy by integrating research findings into policy frameworks. The fourth phase marked a decentralization of authority, empowering local governments and redefining the centers' roles to focus on regional environmental health challenges. The Regional Environmental Health Centers have significantly evolved and now play a crucial role in addressing local environmental health issues and supporting local government policies. Their capacity to adapt and respond to region-specific challenges is essential for the effective implementation of environmental health policies, reflecting geographical, socioeconomic, and demographic differences.

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is a severe condition marked by symmetric acral necrosis without obstruction of the major blood vessels. This case report examines the critical decisions involved in choosing between early and delayed amputation, as well as determining the extent of the necessary amputation. We present three cases: one involving antiphospholipid syndrome, another with disseminated intravascular coagulation, and a third associated with diabetes mellitus. All three cases ultimately required amputation due to symmetrical peripheral gangrene. In the first two cases, amputation was delayed, which is typically advantageous as it allows for the clear demarcation of necrotic tissue. However, in the third case, where infection was evident, immediate amputation was necessary despite the patient's overall poor health.

The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in Asia is reported to range from 13.53% to 22.31%. However, there remains a gap in the identification of PPD, particularly regarding cultural cutoff points. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in Eastern, South-eastern, Western, and Southern Asian countries and analyze the cutoff points of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used across these countries. Following Arksey and O'Malley’s five-step scoping review framework, the population was defined as mothers, the concept as the EPDS, and the context as the Asian region. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The data analysis focused on demographic characteristics, EPDS cutoffs and features, PPD prevalence, and its associated factors. Nineteen studies were selected. Most countries used translated versions of the EPDS with demonstrated reliability and validity. The cutoff scores varied, with most using scores of 10 or higher. The prevalence of PPD ranged from 5.1% to 78.7%. Key associated factors for PPD included cultural factors such as relationships with in-laws and preferences for the newborn’s sex. To improve the accuracy of PPD screening in Asia, the EPDS should be used consistently, and appropriate cutoff criteria must be established. In addition, prevention strategies and programs that reflect the cultural characteristics and social context of Asia need to be developed for the early detection and prevention of PPD.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the extent of intraoral occlusal adjustment required for zirconia crowns designed with a dynamic jaw motion tracking method compared to a conventional approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients needing zirconia crown restorations in the anterior or posterior regions participated in this study. Following tooth preparation, dynamic jaw motion tracking records were gathered using a tracking device. These records were imported into computer-aided design software and aligned with scanned upper and lower jaw data to design each crown's occlusal surface. Two crowns were fabricated for each patient: one using motion tracking data and another without it. Crowns were scanned pre- and post-adjustment following standard protocols. The scanned data were analyzed with 3D inspection software to calculate occlusal adjustments in the segmented occlusal area as root mean square values, with a paired t-test used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Crowns designed with motion tracking data required significantly less intraoral occlusal adjustment than those designed conventionally (P = .028). CONCLUSION Dynamic jaw motion tracking in crown design reduces the extent of intraoral occlusal adjustment, potentially enhancing clinical efficiency.

Tooth wear is a physiologic process, but when accelerated by specific factors, it is considered pathologic wear, leading various issues that require prosthodontic intervention. Full-mouth prosthetic rehabilitation is often considered to restore adequate vertical dimension and esthetics for patients with severely worn dentition.However, a minimally invasive prosthodontic approach through multidisciplinary collaboration may be feasible for patients with localized anterior or posterior wear. This clinical case addressed the treatment for excessive anterior deep bites and pathologic wear of the anterior teeth, leading to deteriorated esthetics and function. Orthodontic extrusion was employed in the posterior teeth to increase the vertical dimension of occlusion and secure adequate space for the anterior restorations. A minimally invasive treatment was possible by limiting the scope of treatment to the anterior region. As a result, function and esthetics were improved by restoring only the teeth with pathologic wear without removing healthy tooth structure.

Using the neutral zone concept can increase the stability of the prosthesis. In this case, bimaxillary denture were fabricated using the neutral zone in a patient who had alveolar ridge resorption and inwardly positioned lip. This condition was unfavorable for obtaining stability of the denture, so the force involved in denture had to be minimized. There were differences in the tooth arrangement and shape of the polished surface between the definitive denture made using the neutral zone impression technique and the provisional denture made without using it.