Purpose: Incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication after liver transplantation (LT) with an incidence rate of 5% to 46%. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for IH development after LT in the era of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors use. Methods: Data on patients who underwent LT between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups (IH group and non-IH group) according to the postoperative occurrence of IH. Results: We analyzed data from 878 patients during the study period, with 28 patients (3.2%) developing IH. According to multivariate analysis, body mass index exceeding 25 kg/m² and the use of mTOR inhibitors within the first month after LT were the sole significant factors for both IH occurrence and the subsequent need for repair operations. Notably, a history of wound complications, a Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, and the timing of LT—whether conducted during regular hours or at night—did not emerge as significant risk factors for IH after LT. Conclusion Our study reveals a higher incidence of IH among obese patients following LT, often requiring surgical repair, particularly in cases involving mTOR inhibitor usage within the initial month after LT. Consequently, it is crucial to exercise increased vigilance, especially in obese patients, and exercise caution when considering early mTOR inhibitor administration after LT.

Differentiated thyroid cancer demonstrates a wide range of clinical presentations, from very indolent cases to those with an aggressive prognosis. Therefore, diagnosing and treating each cancer appropriately based on its risk status is important. The Korean Thyroid Association (KTA) has provided and amended the clinical guidelines for thyroid cancer management since 2007. The main changes in this revised 2024 guideline include 1) individualization of surgical extent according to pathological tests and clinical findings, 2) application of active surveillance in low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, 3) indications for minimally invasive surgery, 4) adoption of World Health Organization pathological diagnostic criteria and definition of terminology in Korean, 5) update on literature evidence of recurrence risk for initial risk stratification, 6) addition of the role of molecular testing, 7) addition of definition of initial risk stratification and targeting thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations according to ongoing risk stratification (ORS), 8) addition of treatment of perioperative hypoparathyroidism, 9) update on systemic chemotherapy, and 10) addition of treatment for pediatric patients with thyroid cancer.

Background: Diabetes is recognized as a risk factor for various inflammatory conditions, including periodontitis. There exists a bidirectional relationship between glycemic control and oral health in individuals with diabetes. This study aimed to analyze the link between glycemic control and oral health status among Korean patients with diabetes. Methods: Using data from a population-based nationwide survey conducted between 2007 and 2019, we identified 70,554 adults with diabetes-related information. The study population included 9,090 individuals diagnosed with diabetes and 61,164 healthy controls. The association between glycemic control, defined by mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values, and various oral health measures, such as tooth brushing frequency, periodontitis, denture wearing, Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, number of remaining teeth, and past-year dental clinic visits, was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Compared to the control group, patients with diabetes exhibited a higher prevalence of periodontitis (88.6% vs. 73.3%), complete dentures (5.0% vs. 1.5%), and elevated DMFT index (33.2% vs. 26.7%) (all P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed significant associations between diabetes and several oral health factors: denture status (No denture: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.784; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.627–0.979), and having fewer permanent teeth (0–19) (aOR, 1.474; 95% CI, 1.085–2.003). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between higher HbA1c levels and the risk of having fewer remaining teeth (0–19) (HbA1c < 6.5%: aOR, 1.129; 95% CI, 0.766–1.663; 6.5% ≤ HbA1c < 8.0%: aOR, 1.590; 95% CI, 1.117– 2.262; HbA1c ≥ 8%: aOR, 1.910; 95% CI, 1.145–3.186) (P for trends = 0.041). Conclusion We found a positive association between diabetes and poor oral health, as well as a noteworthy relationship between reduced permanent teeth (≤ 19) and glycemic control.These insights emphasize the critical role of oral health management in diabetic care and underscore the importance of maintaining effective glycemic control strategies for overall health and well-being in patients with diabetes.

Thyroid hormone plays an important role in the process of implantation of a fertilized egg in the endometrium, as well as in the division and development of the fertilized egg. In addition, maternal thyroid hormone is essential for the formation and development of the fetal brain, nervous system, and bones. Therefore, when maternal thyroid hormone is insufficient, complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight and preeclampsia increase. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy were established and published by the American Endocrine Society, the American Thyroid Association, and the European Thyroid Society. The Korean Thyroid Society also published recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease during pregnancy and postpartum in 2014. However, since the revised guidelines of the American Thyroid Association were published in 2017, many studies, including large-scale randomized controlled trials, have been published in relation to thyroid and pregnancy, and the need to revise the existing recommendations has emerged in Korea.The main revisions of this recommendation are changes in the normal range of TSH during pregnancy, detailed description of treatment policies according to pregnant women’s autoantibodies and thyroid function status. Also, a description of the effect of thyroid autoantibodies on assisted reproductive procedures has been added.

Background: Tea tree oil has antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal effects and Mastic oil has antifungal and anticancer effects. For synergistic effects of oils, blending oil containing a mixture of two to three oils is recommended. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial effects of Tea tree oil, Mastic oil, and Blending oil containing the two oils in a mixture, to verify and suggest the potential use of these oils as a substance to prevent dental caries. Methods: Tea tree oil, Mastic oil, and Blending oil with a 1:1 blend of the two oils were diluted in liquid medium to 0% (negative control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%. Streptococcus mutans was applied to each experimental group of the three diluted oils and after 8 h culture, the optical density (OD) was measured and the growth inhibition rate for S. mutans was estimated. Results: Tea tree oil had significantly low OD values across all concentrations (p<0.05) without significant variation among different concentrations (p>0.05). Mastic oil did not significantly vary in OD compared to the negative control across all concentrations (p>0.05) without significant variation among different concentrations (p>0.05). Blending oil, compared to the negative control, did not significantly vary in OD at 0.5% (p>0.05) but significant variation was found as the concentration increased (p<0.05). Additionally, for Tea tree oil and Mastic oil, the growth inhibition rate showed no significant variation according to concentration (p>0.05), whereas for Blending oil, the growth inhibition rate for S. mutans showed a significant difference at 1.0% (p<0.05) and at higher concentrations. Conclusion Blending oil containing a Tea tree oil and Mastic oil demonstrated a significant growth inhibition effect on S. mutans from the concentration of 1.0%, which suggested its potential use as an effective antibacterial agent for dental caries.

Purpose: Total necrosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) achieved via locoregional treatment (LRT) is considered to indicate a lack of tumor viability. Nonetheless, there is insufficient evidence of recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with such a status. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognosis of patients diagnosed with totally necrotic nodules upon explant hepatectomy after LT. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with totally necrotic nodules after LT for HCC. A total of 165 patients with HCC who underwent living- or deceased-donor LT from 2000 to 2020 in our hospital were included. Results: A total of 5 patients (3.0%) exhibited HCC recurrence during a median follow-up of 84 months (range, 4–243 months) after LT. The 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates of these patients were 92.8% and 92.2%, respectively. Four patients in the HCC-recurrence group (80.0%) died even after further treatment, including transarterial chemoembolization, surgery, and systemic treatment. Both univariate and multivariate analyses of clinicopathological factors identified a maximum diameter of the totally necrotic nodules of >5 cm as the only factor associated with tumor recurrence following LT (P = 0.005 and P = 0.009, respectively). Conclusion Total necrosis of HCC via LRT yielded excellent survival outcomes for patients undergoing LT. Nevertheless, patients with large tumors should be considered at high risk of recurrence after LT, suggesting the need for their active surveillance during the follow-up period.

Purpose: The tablet form of tacrolimus is more convenient for drug ingestion than the capsule form. We examined the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus tablets and a satisfaction survey after formula conversion in liver transplant (LT) recipients. Methods: This study was an open-label, prospective clinical trial for tacrolimus formula 1:1 conversion from capsule to tablet in 41 adult LT recipients with tacrolimus maintenance therapy of more than 1 month. The primary endpoint was incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) within 24 weeks. Surveys 1 week before and 4 weeks after formula conversion were conducted for total daily dose of medication, number, scale of discomfort and satisfaction. Results: The overall incidence of BPAR was 0% and there was no graft loss or patient death. The incidence of adverse effects was 34.1% (n = 14) after formula conversion. The most common severe adverse effect was abnormal liver function test (n = 5): biliary complications (n = 4) and alcoholic recidivism (n = 1). Total daily dose and number of tacrolimus doses were significantly lower after formula conversion (P < 0.05) without changes in trough level. According to survey analysis, there was no significant difference in discomfort and satisfaction scales from capsule to tablet conversion (P < 0.05). Conclusion The present study suggests that the new tablet formula can be a useful treatment option to maintain a consistent level of tacrolimus with a lower total daily dose and number in adult LT recipients.

Background: Venipuncture is one of the one of the most commonly performed, minimally-invasive procedures; however, it may lead to peripheral nerve injury. Here, we describe the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of two self-reported cases of nerve injury during venipuncture with the aim of drawing attention to possible needle-related nerve injuries.Case: Two anesthesiologists in our hospital experienced an injury of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous branch of the musculocutaneous nerve during venipuncture. Immediately, they underwent ultrasound examinations and nerve blocks with oral medication, resulting in full recovery. Conclusions Ultrasonography is important for the early and confirmative diagnosis of a nerve injury during venipuncture, and for immediate treatment with a nerve block. Moreover, it is imperative for both the practitioner and the patient to be aware of the possible complication of nerve injury after venipuncture.

Background: : Emergency physicians are increasingly participating in brain-death organ tissue donation (OTD).It is difficult communication to inform family members about suspected brain-death and potential donor.This study sought to explore the experiences and communication of emergency physicians in brain-death OTD. Methods: : This is a qualitative study that interviewed 10 experienced emergency physicians with brain-death OTD and analyzed the data by thematic analysis method. Results: : The study revealed 20 subthemes and 5 themes; 1) Families who are invited to donate organs make decisions after long periods of consideration by the entire family, 2) It is uncomfortable to recommend organ donation, 3) Explaining and obtaining consent is ‘the hardest job’ for the attending physician, 4) The way the attending physician does ‘the hardest job’ is by explaining, 5) Passively solicit donation. Conclusion : The experienced emergency physicians with brain-death OTD were using methods of communication to understand and sympathized with the family members and had abundant experiences. The findings of this study will help inexperienced emergency physicians with brain-death OTD.

Background: This study aimed to investigate differences in knowledge, and attitudes toward deceased organ and tissue donation of emergency physicians. Additionally, we analyzed factors affecting the attitudes toward deceased organ and tissue donation. Methods: We conducted a survey of specialists and residents registered with the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine in December 2020. The respondents’ sex, age, position, personal registration for organ donation, experience of soliciting organ donation, participation in related education, knowledge, and attitude about brain death organ donation, and attitude toward stopping life-sustaining treatments were investigated.According to the characteristics of the respondents (specialists or residents, experience and education on organ and tissue donation), their knowledge and attitude toward deceased organ donation were compared. Stepwise hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the factors affecting the attitudes toward deceased organ and tissue donation. Results: Of the total 428 respondents, there were 292 emergency medicine specialists and 136 medical residents. Specialists and those who registered or wished to donate organs had higher knowledge and attitude scores regarding deceased organ and tissue donation.Those who had experience recommending organ and tissue donation more than 6 times had higher knowledge scores on deceased organ and tissue donation and higher overall scores in attitude. Those who received education from the Korean Organ Donation Agency had higher knowledge scores. Specialists, and those who wished to donate or had registered as organ donors and had a higher life-sustaining treatment attitude score and knowledge about deceased organ and tissue donation, had more positive attitudes toward deceased organ and tissue donation. Conclusion For more potential deceased organ and tissue donors to be referred for donation, there should be continuous education for emergency physicians on brain-dead organ and tissue donation-related knowledge and procedures. In addition, institutional or systematic improvements that can lead to organ donation when deciding on the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment should be considered.