This report presents radiologic changes after clinical improvement in a patient with acute interstitial nephritis (AIN). A 45-year-old female patient was referred for decreased renal function. Eight months prior, she had undergone hysterectomy and received chemotherapy. At the start of chemotherapy, her baseline creatinine level was 0.55 mg/dL, which rose to 1.46 mg/dL. Multiple imaging modalities performed when decreased renal function was observed revealed bilateral renal enlargement with increased cortical attenuation on computed tomography (CT), cortical hyperechogenicity on ultrasonography, and diffusion restriction in the renal cortices on magnetic resonance imaging. A renal biopsy was performed, and AIN was diagnosed. Follow-up laboratory tests showed that kidney function had improved to normal levels, and CT at that time showed a reduction in the size of both kidneys. Radiologic changes can serve as clues for the diagnosis of AIN. This is the first report to confirm radiological changes after the clinical improvement of AIN, thereby providing novel information about the course of AIN.

Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.

Purpose: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is widely used for heart function evaluation in emergency departments (EDs), but requires specific equipment and skilled operators. This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of a mobile application for estimating left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%] using electrocardiography (ECG) and tests its non-inferiority to POCUS. Materials and Methods: Patients (aged ≥20 years) were included if they had both a POCUS-based EF evaluation and an ECG within 24 hours of their ED visit between January and May 2022, along with formal echocardiography within 2 weeks before or after the visit. A mobile app (ECG Buddy, EB) estimated LVEF (EF from EB) and the risk of LV dysfunction (LV-Dysfunction score) from ECG waveforms, which were compared to NT-proBNP levels and POCUS-evaluated LVEF (EF from POCUS). A non-inferiority margin was set at an area under the curve (AUC) difference of 0.05. Results: Of the 181 patients included, 37 (20.4%) exhibited LV dysfunction. The AUCs for screening LV dysfunction using POCUS and NT-proBNP were 0.885 and 0.822, respectively. EF from EB and LV-Dysfunction score outperformed NT-proBNP, with AUCs of 0.893 and 0.884, respectively (p=0.017 and p=0.030, respectively). EF from EB was non-inferior to EF from POCUS, while LV-Dysfunction score narrowly missed the mark. A subgroup analysis of sinus-origin rhythm ECGs supported the non-inferiority of both EF from EB and LV-Dysfunction score to EF from POCUS. Conclusion A smartphone application that analyzes ECG image can screen for LV dysfunction with a level of accuracy comparable to that of POCUS.

Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.

Purpose: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is widely used for heart function evaluation in emergency departments (EDs), but requires specific equipment and skilled operators. This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of a mobile application for estimating left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%] using electrocardiography (ECG) and tests its non-inferiority to POCUS. Materials and Methods: Patients (aged ≥20 years) were included if they had both a POCUS-based EF evaluation and an ECG within 24 hours of their ED visit between January and May 2022, along with formal echocardiography within 2 weeks before or after the visit. A mobile app (ECG Buddy, EB) estimated LVEF (EF from EB) and the risk of LV dysfunction (LV-Dysfunction score) from ECG waveforms, which were compared to NT-proBNP levels and POCUS-evaluated LVEF (EF from POCUS). A non-inferiority margin was set at an area under the curve (AUC) difference of 0.05. Results: Of the 181 patients included, 37 (20.4%) exhibited LV dysfunction. The AUCs for screening LV dysfunction using POCUS and NT-proBNP were 0.885 and 0.822, respectively. EF from EB and LV-Dysfunction score outperformed NT-proBNP, with AUCs of 0.893 and 0.884, respectively (p=0.017 and p=0.030, respectively). EF from EB was non-inferior to EF from POCUS, while LV-Dysfunction score narrowly missed the mark. A subgroup analysis of sinus-origin rhythm ECGs supported the non-inferiority of both EF from EB and LV-Dysfunction score to EF from POCUS. Conclusion A smartphone application that analyzes ECG image can screen for LV dysfunction with a level of accuracy comparable to that of POCUS.

Background: Skipping breakfast is associated with an increased risk of chronic inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to examine the association between breakfast-eating habits and inflammation, using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a marker. Methods: A total of 4,000 Korean adult males with no history of myocardial infarction, angina, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, or current smoking were included. Data from the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used for analysis. The frequency of breakfast consumption was assessed through a questionnaire item in the dietary survey section asking participants about their weekly breakfast consumption routines over the past year. Participants were categorized into two groups, namely “0–2 breakfasts per week” and “3–7 breakfasts per week”; hs-CRP concentrations were measured through blood tests. Results: Comparing between the “infrequent breakfast consumption (0–2 breakfasts per week)” and “frequent breakfast consumption (3–7 breakfasts per week)” groups, the mean hs-CRP was found to be significantly higher in the “infrequent breakfast consumption” group, even after adjusting for age, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption, systolic blood pressure, blood pressure medication, fasting blood glucose, and triglycerides (mean hs-CRP: frequent breakfast consumption, 1.36±0.09 mg/L; infrequent breakfast consumption, 1.17±0.05 mg/L; P-value=0.036). Conclusion Less frequent breakfast consumption was associated with elevated hs-CRP levels. Further large-scale studies incorporating adjusted measures of daily eating patterns as well as food quality and quantity are required for a deeper understanding of the role of breakfast in the primary prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Purpose: Anorectal fistulas present a treatment challenge, with conventional surgical methods potentially resulting in complications such as fecal incontinence. To improve patient outcomes, more effective and minimally invasive therapies are critically needed. In this study, an optimal porcine model for the creation of anorectal fistulas was developed and used to evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy. Methods: Two distinct but related experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, a reliable and standardized porcine anorectal fistula model was developed. In the second, the healing process was assessed, and outcomes were compared between the RFA-treated group and the control group using the established porcine model. Results: The results indicated that a 3.5-cm fistula tract length and a 14-day evaluation period following seton removal are optimal for the porcine anorectal fistula model. In the second experiment, the RFA group tended to exhibit better outcomes regarding fistula closure, although the differences were not statistically significant. Histopathologically, no significant difference in inflammation grade was observed between groups; however, scar tissue was more predominant in the RFA group. Conclusion The findings suggest that RFA therapy may offer potential benefits in the treatment of anorectal fistulas, as demonstrated using a porcine model. To validate these results and explore the mechanisms of action underlying RFA therapy for anorectal fistulas, further research involving larger sample sizes and a more robust study design is required.

Purpose: Anorectal fistulas present a treatment challenge, with conventional surgical methods potentially resulting in complications such as fecal incontinence. To improve patient outcomes, more effective and minimally invasive therapies are critically needed. In this study, an optimal porcine model for the creation of anorectal fistulas was developed and used to evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy. Methods: Two distinct but related experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, a reliable and standardized porcine anorectal fistula model was developed. In the second, the healing process was assessed, and outcomes were compared between the RFA-treated group and the control group using the established porcine model. Results: The results indicated that a 3.5-cm fistula tract length and a 14-day evaluation period following seton removal are optimal for the porcine anorectal fistula model. In the second experiment, the RFA group tended to exhibit better outcomes regarding fistula closure, although the differences were not statistically significant. Histopathologically, no significant difference in inflammation grade was observed between groups; however, scar tissue was more predominant in the RFA group. Conclusion The findings suggest that RFA therapy may offer potential benefits in the treatment of anorectal fistulas, as demonstrated using a porcine model. To validate these results and explore the mechanisms of action underlying RFA therapy for anorectal fistulas, further research involving larger sample sizes and a more robust study design is required.

This report presents radiologic changes after clinical improvement in a patient with acute interstitial nephritis (AIN). A 45-year-old female patient was referred for decreased renal function. Eight months prior, she had undergone hysterectomy and received chemotherapy. At the start of chemotherapy, her baseline creatinine level was 0.55 mg/dL, which rose to 1.46 mg/dL. Multiple imaging modalities performed when decreased renal function was observed revealed bilateral renal enlargement with increased cortical attenuation on computed tomography (CT), cortical hyperechogenicity on ultrasonography, and diffusion restriction in the renal cortices on magnetic resonance imaging. A renal biopsy was performed, and AIN was diagnosed. Follow-up laboratory tests showed that kidney function had improved to normal levels, and CT at that time showed a reduction in the size of both kidneys. Radiologic changes can serve as clues for the diagnosis of AIN. This is the first report to confirm radiological changes after the clinical improvement of AIN, thereby providing novel information about the course of AIN.

Objective: Many studies have explored sense of self in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, few have reported on their experience of “disembodiment.” This study aimed to investigate the differences in brain activity between patients with ASD and neurotypicals (NTs) under conditions causing disembodiment and to examine the correlation between their interoceptive abilities and disembodiment-related brain activity. Methods: 18 Participants with ASD and 21 NTs completed psychological evaluations, interoceptive abilities measurement, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The fMRI images were taken while the participants performed tasks involving ball-throwing animations. The task focused on either self-agency related to ball-throwing (Agency Task) or the spatial location of a ball (Location Task). The animations were presented from constantly changing perspective (Changing View) or fixed perspective (Fixed View). The disembodiment-related condition was the interaction between the Agency Task and Changing View. Results: Participants with ASD exhibited higher activation than NTs in regions near the left parieto-temporo-occipital junction, left precuneus, left hippocampus, and other brain areas. Furthermore, interoceptive accuracy was negatively correlated with the activity of the left superior parietal and posterior midcingulate areas, whereas interoceptive trait prediction error was positively correlated with the activity of the left hippocampus, mid-temporal area, and left posterior cingulate area in participants with ASD. Conclusion These results suggest that disembodiment-related brain activation might be easily manifested by the interaction between perspective-shifting and the experience of agency, and that interoceptive abilities might be related to disembodiment-related brain activation in individuals with ASD.