Objective: Diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults is often hard. This study aimed to determine differences in absolute EEG power and frontal asymmetry between individuals with ADHD and non-ADHD in young adults aged 18−30 years. Methods: Young adult (age: 18−30 years) outpatients (n = 103) including ADHD patients (n = 51) and non-ADHD patients (n = 52) were enrolled. QEEG was performed for both groups for each region of the brain. The absolute power of each frequency measured in three frontal regions (Lt., Mid., Rt.) of the scalp area was compared between the two groups. Differences between the two groups including theta/beta ratio were compared. Frontal asymmetries were also evaluated for prefrontal (Fp2-Fp1), middle frontal (F4-F3), lateral frontal (F8-F7) pairs at all frequencies. Correlation analysis was performed for absolute powers, frontal asymmetry, and Stroop tests. Results: Demographic data, neuropsychological tests, and psychiatric symptoms were not significantly different between the two groups. Delta band was significantly increased while beta band was decreased in the middle frontal area of the ADHD group as compared with those of the non-ADHD group. For frontal asymmetries, all frequencies in the middle frontal area were more rightward in ADHD patients than in non-ADHD patients. Absolute powers in delta, beta band, and frontal asymmetry in all frequencies had correlations with Stroop tests. Conclusion This study revealed that ADHD patients had significant differences in absolute powers in delta, beta bands, and frontal asymmetries in all frequencies. Our findings suggest that QEEG can be a helpful tool for diagnosing ADHD in psychiatric patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) based on modern test theory, such as item response theory (IRT) and Rasch analysis, with shortened versions of the ISI among the general population. Methods: We conducted two studies to evaluate the reliability and validity of the shortened versions of the ISI in a Korean population. In Study I, conducted via online survey, we performed an exploratory factor analysis (n=400). In Study II, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted (n=400). IRT and Rasch analysis were performed on all samples. Participants symptoms were rated using the ISI, Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep–16 items, Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep–2 items, Patient Health Questionnaire–9 items, and discrepancy between desired time in bed and desired total sleep time. Results: CFA showed a good fit for the 2-factor model of the ISI (comparative fit index=0.994, Tucker–Lewis index=0.990, root-meansquare-error of approximation=0.039, and standardized root-mean-square residual=0.046). The 3-item versions also showed a good fit for the model. All scales showed good internal consistency reliability. The scale information curve of the 2-item scale was similar to that of the full-scale ISI. The Rasch analysis outputs suggested a good model fit. Conclusion The shortened 2-factor ISI is a reliable and valid model for assessing the severity of insomnia in the Korean population. The results are needed to be explored further among the clinical sample of insomnia.

Objective: This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the existing literature on the relationship between hypnotics and dementia, considering both potential link and inconclusive or lack of association. Methods: Data from studies that investigate the association between hypnotic medications and dementia were reviewed. Studies included both cohort studies and systematic reviews, participants with various type of dementia and hypnotics including benzodiazepines (BZDs) and Z-drugs (ZDs). Results: The existing literatures presents conflicting evidence regarding the association between hypnotics, including BZDs and ZDs, and the risk of dementia. Some studies suggest a potential link between prolonged use of hypnotics and an increased risk of dementia. However, other studies indicate inconclusive or lacking evidence regarding this association. Factors such as study design, sample characteristics, and control of confounding variables contribute to the variability in findings. Conclusion The relationship between hypnotics and dementia remains complex and controversial. While some studies suggest a potential association, others find inconclusive or conflicting evidence. Future research should focus on addressing methodological limitations, considering classifying dementia subtypes, and try to adjust medication lag time.

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder characterized by recurrent airway obstruction during sleep. Previous western studies have investigated the link between medical disorders and the pathophysiology of OSA. The prevalence and comorbidity rates of OSA; however, vary across different countries and racial groups. This study aimed to delve into medical comorbidities in patients with OSA using a large nationwide healthcare database in Korea. Methods: This nationwide study used the Korean National Health Insurance claims database (2010–2019). The effect of OSA on the incidence of medical disorders was estimated using the Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) model. The results were reported as crude and adjusted HRs with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analysis was conducted by sex and age. Results: In total, 103,785 patients with OSA and 207,570 patients without OSA were included. OSA group had significantly higher HRs for ischemic heart disease and stroke even after adjusting for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. The OSA group also showed an increased risk of metabolic syndrome-related diseases, chronic kidney disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Female patients with OSA exhibited notably higher rates of comorbid liver cirrhosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. The cardiovascular burden of patients increased in accordance with the patients’ age. Conclusion Korean patients with OSA have a significantly increased risk of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, which aligns with the previous studies conducted in the western countries. This result holds particular significance as it represents the first nationwide, population-based study conducted in Asia.

Introduction of the concept for oligometastasis led to wide application of metastasis-directed local ablative therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). By application of the metastasis-directed local ablative therapies including surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR), the survival outcomes of patients with metastatic CRC have improved. The liver is the most common distant metastatic site in CRC patients, and recently various metastasis-directed local therapies for hepatic oligometastasis from CRC (HOCRC) are widely used. Surgical resection is the first line of metastatic-directed local therapy for HOCRC, but its eligibility is very limited. Alternatively, RFA can be applied to patients who are ineligible for surgical resection of liver metastasis. However, there are some limitations such as inferior local control (LC) compared with surgical resection and technical feasibility based on location, size, and visibility on ultrasonography of the liver metastasis. Recent advances in radiation therapy technology have led to an increase in the use of SABR for liver tumors. SABR is considered complementary to RFA for patients with HOCRC who are ineligible for RFA. Furthermore, SABR can potentially result in better LC for liver metastases > 2-3 cm compared with RFA. In this article, the previous studies regarding curative metastasis-directed local therapies for HOCRC based on the radiation oncologist’s and surgeon’s perspective are reviewed and discussed. In addition, future perspectives regarding SABR in the treatment of HOCRC are suggested.

Purpose: Despite numerous studies on the optimal treatments for oligometastatic disease (OMD), there is no established interdisciplinary consensus on its diagnosis or classification. This survey-based study aimed to analyze the differential opinions of colorectal surgeons and radiation oncologists regarding the definition and treatment of OMD from the colorectal primary. Materials and Methods: A total of 141 participants were included in this study, consisting of 63 radiation oncologists (44.7%) and 78 colorectal surgeons (55.3%). The survey consisted of 19 questions related to OMD, and the responses were analyzed using the chi-square test to determine statistical differences between the specialties. Results: The radiation oncologists chose “bone” more frequently compared to the colorectal surgeons (19.2% vs. 36.5%, p=0.022), while colorectal surgeons favored “peritoneal seeding” (26.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.009). Regarding the number of metastatic tumors, 48.3% of colorectal surgeons responded that “irrelevant, if all metastatic lesions are amendable to local therapy”, while only 21.8% of radiation oncologist chose same answer. When asked about molecular diagnosis, most surgeons (74.8%) said it was important, but only 35.8% of radiation oncologists agreed. Conclusion This study demonstrates that although radiation oncologists and colorectal surgeons agreed on a majority of aspects such as diagnostic imaging, biomarker, systemic therapy, and optimal timing of OMD, they also had quite different perspectives on several aspects of OMD. Understanding these differences is crucial to achieving multidisciplinary consensus on the definition and optimal management of OMD.

Objective: Antipsychotic drugs are known as the major cause of non-neoplastic hyperprolactinemia. This study aimed to investigate the levels of serum prolactin depending on the use of antipsychotic drugs in patients through the Clinical Data Warehouse (CDW). Methods: We conducted a cohort search in the CDW application and got 260 patients’ medical records diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders, manic episodes, and bipolar affective disorders who were taking one of risperidone, blonanserin, amisulpride, and olanzapine. After that, we reviewed the medical data and used the ANCOVA analysis and the post hoc test to compare serum prolactin levels among four antipsychotic drug groups. Results: Among the 117 subjects included in the analysis, the mean serum prolactin level was 64.6 ± 54.6 ng/ml. Serum prolactin levels were significantly higher in subjects taking risperidone or amisulpride compared to blonanserin and olanzapine. The female subjects who took blonanserin, olanzapine, and risperidone had significantly higher prolactin levels, but there was no difference in serum prolactin levels between sex in the subjects who took amisulpride. Conclusion This study suggests the need for regular monitoring of serum prolactin levels in patients who are taking antipsychotics, especially in female patients. And we showed that there is a possibility to conduct more effective and simpler big data research using the CDW. Further studies on the subjects with controlled confounding variables and larger sample groups are needed.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to investigate the suicide risk in diabetes patients and evaluate the variations in suicide risk by the duration of diabetes using a large population sample in South Korea. Methods: Data from 6,296 adults in the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. The suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicidal behavior of diabetes patients were compared to the general population. After classifying the patients into ≤1 year, 2 to 9 years, and ≥10 years of diabetes duration, we evaluated the relationship between the duration of diabetes and the suicide risk. Results: Diabetes patients had higher prevalences of suicidal ideation (9.1%, p<0.001) and suicide plans (3.6%, p<0.001) than the general population. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, suicide plans (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.926, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.325–6.463) were significantly associated with diabetes. In the 2 to 9 years group of diabetes patients, we found an increase in the risk of suicidal ideation (aOR=2.035, 95% CI=1.129–3.670), suicide plans (aOR=3.507, 95% CI=1.538–7.996), and suicidal behavior (aOR=7.130, 95% CI=2.035–24.978) after adjusting for the covariates. However, no increases in suicide risk were observed ≤1 year and ≥10 years after diabetes diagnosis. Conclusion In adults, diabetes is associated with an increase in suicide risk. Suicide risk in diabetes patients showed an inverted U-shaped depending upon the duration of diabetes.

Objective: Recently data has been accumulated regarding the role of coping strategies in the relationship between stress and sleep quality. Therefore, we set out to identify the mediating effects of coping strategies between stress and sleep quality. Methods: A online-based cross-sectional study was performed using the Perceived Stress Scale-10, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and a simplification of the 60-item Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE) inventory in the nonclinical adult sample. The 24 items of Brief COPE were categorized into four factors (social support, problem solving, avoidance, positive thinking). Then, we used the PROCESS macro to conduct the multiple mediation analysis for the four coping styles as potential mediators in the relationship between stress and sleep quality, and an additional subgroup analysis was examined to identify a gender difference for the mediation effect. Results: As a group, four coping styles mediated significantly the association between perceived stress and poor sleep quality. And avoidance has maintained its significance thought all regression analyses. Finally, this results remained as same in the females. Conclusion The effect of perceived stress on poor sleep quality was mediated by coping strategies, especially by avoidance. Thus, further research should consider the coping styles of individuals to reduce the influence of stress on sleep quality.

Purpose: Most of the causes of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in patients without a history of abdominal surgery are unclear at initial assessment. This study was conducted to identify the etiology and clinical characteristics of SBO in virgin abdomens and discuss the proper management. Methods: A retrospective review involving operative cases of SBO from a single institute, which had no history of abdominal surgery, was conducted between January 2010 and December 2020. Clinical information, including radiological, operative, and pathologic findings, was investigated to determine the etiology of SBO. Results: A total of 55 patients were included in this study, with a median age of 57 years and male sex (63.6%) constituting the majority. The most frequently reported symptoms were abdominal pain and nausea or vomiting. Neoplasm as an underlying cause accounted for 34.5% of the cases, of which 25.5% were malignant cases. In patients aged ≥60 years (n=23), small bowel neoplasms were the underlying cause in 12 (52.2%), of whom 9 (39.1%) were malignant cases. Adhesions and Crohn disease were more frequent in patients aged <60 years. Coherence between preoperative computed tomography scans and intraoperative findings was found in 63.6% of the cases. Conclusion There were various causes of surgical cases of SBO in virgin abdomens. In older patients, hidden malignancy should be considered as a possible cause of SBO in a virgin abdomen. Patients with symptoms of recurrent bowel obstruction who have no history of prior abdominal surgery require thorough medical history and close follow-up.