Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children, with a rising incidence of macrolide resistance. Early diagnosis is crucial for reducing the disease burden; however, current diagnostic tools have limitations.We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of serological assays and their performance based on symptom onset in children with CAP. Methods: From September 2023 to September 2024, we prospectively enrolled children with CAP, classified as M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) or non-MPP, from 16 hospitals in Korea. Serological testing included chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and ELISA for detecting IgM and IgG, along with particle agglutination (PA) for total antibody measurements. Serological responses were analyzed at different times after symptom onset (0–4, 5–9, and 10–21 days). Results: Among 472 children with CAP (362 MPP, 110 non-MPP), 138 (29.2%) underwent PA testing, and 334 (70.8%) underwent IgM testing. PA at a 1:640 cutoff showed 48.0% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CLIA and ELISA showed comparable sensitivities (69.1% vs. 69.2%) and specificities (76.9% vs. 66.7%) for IgM testing. Seropositivity increased significantly with time since symptom onset (P for trend < 0.001), reaching 97.9% for IgM, 62.5% for IgG, and 94.7% for PA at 10–21 days. Conclusions The time post-symptom onset significantly influenced the diagnostic utility of serological tests for pediatric MPP, which showed limited value during the early stage of illness. These findings emphasize the importance of symptom onset-based interpretation of serological test results and their utility in complementing PCR when optimizing MPP diagnosis in children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary supplement use is common among breast cancer survivors, but studies on Asian populations remain limited. This study investigated dietary supplement use among Korean breast cancer survivors, distinguishing between vitamin/ mineral (VM) and non-vitaminon-mineral (NVNM) supplements. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1,136 stage I–III breast cancer survivors from 12 Korean hospitals, who survived more than 6 mon post-surgery. The participants completed a questionnaire on post-diagnostic dietary supplement use. Stepwise logistic regression was applied, calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify the demographic and clinical factors associated with VM and NVNM use. RESULTS: Seventy percent of survivors reported supplement use, with 25% using a single product. The most common VM supplements were multivitamins/minerals, vitamin D, and vitamin C, while the most common NVNM supplements included omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and ginseng. Survivors with higher education and greater physical activity were more likely to use VM supplements (ORs [95% CIs], 2.74 [1.76–4.25] for college graduates or above vs. middle school or below; 1.38 [1.02–1.88] for the most active group vs. the least active group). NVNM use was associated with higher education, greater physical activity levels, and a history of smoking (ORs [95% CIs], 2.29 [1.46–3.58] for college graduates or above vs. middle school or below; 1.52 [1.13–2.06] for the most active group vs. the least active group; 2.00 [1.23–3.25] for ever smokers vs. never smokers). Survivors who had undergone chemotherapy were also more likely to use NVNM supplements than those who had not (OR [95% CI], 1.37 [1.02–1.84]). CONCLUSION Seventy percent of Korean breast cancer survivors used dietary supplements in this study. VM use was associated with higher education and physical activity, while higher NVNM use was associated with higher education, greater physical activity, a history of smoking, and chemotherapy.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the detection ability of quality of life (QoL) changes and responsiveness of the KOrean QUality of life in Stomach cancer patients Study group (KOQUSS)-40 and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ). Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate QoL changes after various gastrectomies between January 2021 and April 2022. Participants were instructed to complete the KOQUSS-40 and EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. QoL changes over time and QoL responsiveness were assessed for each questionnaire. Results: Data from 491 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer at 22 institutions were analyzed. The summary scores of the KOQUSS-40 and EORTC QLQ-STO22 showed significant differences between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups (p=0.044 and p=0.038, respectively), but no difference was observed for the EORTC QLQ-C30. Dysphagia on the KOQUSS-40 was significantly different between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups (p=0.031); however, dysphagia on the EORTC QLQ-STO22 did not differ. The responsiveness of the KOQUSS-40 was similar to that of the EORTC QLQ in patients who experienced ≥ 10% body weight loss, but approximately 10% less in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy than the EORTC QLQ. Conclusion KOQUSS-40 has several advantages over EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 when comparing QoL between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups. The findings provide information for researchers investigating the QoL of patients who have undergone curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

Purpose: Since 1995, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been periodically conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2023. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted from March to December 2024 using a standardized case report form. Data were collected on 86 items, including patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes. The results of the 2023 survey were compared with those of previous surveys. Results: Data from 12,751 cases were collected from 66 institutions. The mean patient age was 64.6 years, and the proportion of patients aged ≥71 years increased from 9.1% in 1995 to 31.7% in 2023. The proportion of upper-third tumors slightly decreased to 16.8% compared to 20.9% in 2019. Early gastric cancer accounted for 63.1% of cases in 2023.Regarding operative procedures, a totally laparoscopic approach was most frequently applied (63.2%) in 2023, while robotic gastrectomy steadily increased to 9.5% from 2.1% in 2014.The most common anastomotic method was the Billroth II procedure (48.8%) after distal gastrectomy and double-tract reconstruction (51.9%) after proximal gastrectomy in 2023.However, the proportion of esophago-gastrostomy with anti-reflux procedures increased to 30.9%. The rates of post-operative mortality and overall complications were 1.0% and 15.3%, respectively. Conclusions The results of the 2023 nationwide survey demonstrate the current status of gastric cancer treatment in Korea. This information will provide a basis for future gastric cancer research.

Objectives: To evaluate changes in probing depth, bleeding on probing, and three-dimensional plaque distribution after using an interdental brush for three months. Methods: This was a split-mouth design, examiner-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Fifteen patients were randomly assigned to use an interdental brush between their maxillary left or right 1st and 2nd premolar. They were instructed not to use an interdental brush on the opposite side for three months. Probing depth, bleeding on probing, bleeding on using an interdental brush, gingival recession, and plaque distribution were assessed at baseline and after three months. Results: After using an interdental brush for three months, 4.26±15.16% of plaque on interdental surfaces decreased. Bleeding on probing and bleeding on using an interdental brush also decreased by 16.67% and 40%, respectively. The size of interdental areas increased by 0.16 mm when using an interdental brush. There were no statistically significant changes in probing depth or gingival recession. Conclusions An interdental brush is an effective interdental cleaning aid that reduces interdental plaque and decreases inflammation of interdental soft tissues.

Objectives: To evaluate changes in probing depth, bleeding on probing, and three-dimensional plaque distribution after using an interdental brush for three months. Methods: This was a split-mouth design, examiner-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Fifteen patients were randomly assigned to use an interdental brush between their maxillary left or right 1st and 2nd premolar. They were instructed not to use an interdental brush on the opposite side for three months. Probing depth, bleeding on probing, bleeding on using an interdental brush, gingival recession, and plaque distribution were assessed at baseline and after three months. Results: After using an interdental brush for three months, 4.26±15.16% of plaque on interdental surfaces decreased. Bleeding on probing and bleeding on using an interdental brush also decreased by 16.67% and 40%, respectively. The size of interdental areas increased by 0.16 mm when using an interdental brush. There were no statistically significant changes in probing depth or gingival recession. Conclusions An interdental brush is an effective interdental cleaning aid that reduces interdental plaque and decreases inflammation of interdental soft tissues.

Objectives: To evaluate changes in probing depth, bleeding on probing, and three-dimensional plaque distribution after using an interdental brush for three months. Methods: This was a split-mouth design, examiner-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Fifteen patients were randomly assigned to use an interdental brush between their maxillary left or right 1st and 2nd premolar. They were instructed not to use an interdental brush on the opposite side for three months. Probing depth, bleeding on probing, bleeding on using an interdental brush, gingival recession, and plaque distribution were assessed at baseline and after three months. Results: After using an interdental brush for three months, 4.26±15.16% of plaque on interdental surfaces decreased. Bleeding on probing and bleeding on using an interdental brush also decreased by 16.67% and 40%, respectively. The size of interdental areas increased by 0.16 mm when using an interdental brush. There were no statistically significant changes in probing depth or gingival recession. Conclusions An interdental brush is an effective interdental cleaning aid that reduces interdental plaque and decreases inflammation of interdental soft tissues.