Background: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling from peripheral blood allows relatively noninvasive monitoring of solid tumors; however, its utility post-surgery or chemotherapy in colorectal cancer remains underexplored. We evaluated the clinical implications of a ctDNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel post-surgery or chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: We collected samples from 23 patients with colorectal cancer (17 men, median age 65 yrs) at baseline and post-surgery or chemotherapy at the National Cancer Center, Korea, between January 2021 and September 2023. ctDNA was analyzed using an NGS panel including 46 genes, and variant allele frequencies (VAFs) were determined. Followup samples were analyzed using the NGS panel or droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) when probes were available. Clinical status was compared with ctDNA results, and survival was analyzed using a time-dependent Cox model. Results: Mutations were identified in 13 out of 14 patients (92.8%) with stage II/III cancer and in all nine patients (100%) with stage IV cancer. Mutations were detected in KRAS (N = 15, 65%), APC (N = 8, 35%), TP53 (N = 7, 30%), PIK3CA (N = 5, 22%), and RET (N = 4, 17%). A 1% increase in KRAS and TP53 VAFs was associated with 48% and 32% increased mortality risk, respectively. Changes in VAF correlated well with clinical findings. Conclusions The detection of and an increase in KRAS and TP53 VAFs were associated with poor prognosis. ddPCR-based ctDNA monitoring results were comparable to those obtained with the NGS panel. ctDNA monitoring during treatment is clinically informative in managing colorectal cancer.

Purpose: Diffuse sclerosing variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (DSV-PTC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of PTC.Preoperative diagnosis is challenging owing to the overlapping of imaging characteristics with those of other thyroid conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative ultrasound (US) in predicting DSV-PTC and to identify significant diagnostic factors. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 34 patients who were preoperatively suspected of having DSV-PTC based on US findings and later underwent thyroidectomy. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the final histopathological diagnosis: DSV-PTC and non-DSV-PTC. Demographic, radiological, and pathological characteristics were also compared. Results: Only 32.4% of patients initially suspected of having DSV-PTC were confirmed postoperatively. Among the US features, the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (K-TIRADS) score 5 was significantly associated with DSV-PTC (P = 0.038), whereas other radiological factors, including echogenicity and microcalcifications, were not. The histopathological features, such as tumor size, BRAF and TERT mutations, vascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis, showed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion Preoperative US has limited accuracy (32.4%) in diagnosing DSV-PTC. Because of the aggressive treatment recommendations based on preoperative suspicion, clinicians should carefully consider the limitations of imaging. Further studies incorporating fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsy are required to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Body fluid monitoring and management are essential to control dyspnea and prevent re-hospitalization in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). There are several methods to estimate and monitor patient’s volume status, such as symptoms, signs, body weight, and implantable devices. However, these methods might be difficult to use for reasons that are slow to reflect body water change, inaccurate in specific patients’ condition, or invasive. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a novel method for body water monitoring in patients with HF, and the value in prognosis has been proven in previous studies. We aim to determine the efficacy and safety of home BIA body water monitoring-guided HF treatment in patients with chronic HF. This multi-center, open-label, randomized control trial will enroll patients with HF who are taking loop diuretics. The home BIA group patients will be monitored for body water using a home BIA device and receive messages regarding their edema status and direction of additional diuretics usage or behavioral changes through the linked application system once weekly. The control group patients will receive the usual HF management. The primary endpoint is the change in N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide levels from baseline after 12 weeks. This trial will provide crucial evidence for patient management with a novel home BIA body water monitoring system in patients with HF.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a colleague solidarity scale for nurses and to verify its validity and reliability. Methods: Initial items were extracted through an extensive literature review and in-depth interviews with twelve clinical nurses. These items were subjected to content validity testing by ten experts and face validity testing by five nurses.Subsequently, the final tool was developed using a validity and reliability test comprising 53 preliminary items. Survey data were collected from 548 hospital nurses. Results: In the exploratory factor analysis, four factors and 33 items were selected, yielding a total cumulative variance ratio of 66.7%. Through the confirmatory factor analysis, the final tool consisting of 4 factors and 31 items was developed. The factors were as follows: “mutually beneficial community,” “nurse identity.” “rigid organizational experience,” and “supportive interaction.” These factors were verified through convergent and discriminant validity testing. The internal consistency reliability was acceptable (Cronbach’s ⍺= .94). Conclusion This tool can serve as the basis for developing programs and strategies to strengthen solidarity among nurses by identifying the current level of colleague solidarity among hospital nurses and enhancing their understanding of it.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a colleague solidarity scale for nurses and to verify its validity and reliability. Methods: Initial items were extracted through an extensive literature review and in-depth interviews with twelve clinical nurses. These items were subjected to content validity testing by ten experts and face validity testing by five nurses.Subsequently, the final tool was developed using a validity and reliability test comprising 53 preliminary items. Survey data were collected from 548 hospital nurses. Results: In the exploratory factor analysis, four factors and 33 items were selected, yielding a total cumulative variance ratio of 66.7%. Through the confirmatory factor analysis, the final tool consisting of 4 factors and 31 items was developed. The factors were as follows: “mutually beneficial community,” “nurse identity.” “rigid organizational experience,” and “supportive interaction.” These factors were verified through convergent and discriminant validity testing. The internal consistency reliability was acceptable (Cronbach’s ⍺= .94). Conclusion This tool can serve as the basis for developing programs and strategies to strengthen solidarity among nurses by identifying the current level of colleague solidarity among hospital nurses and enhancing their understanding of it.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a colleague solidarity scale for nurses and to verify its validity and reliability. Methods: Initial items were extracted through an extensive literature review and in-depth interviews with twelve clinical nurses. These items were subjected to content validity testing by ten experts and face validity testing by five nurses.Subsequently, the final tool was developed using a validity and reliability test comprising 53 preliminary items. Survey data were collected from 548 hospital nurses. Results: In the exploratory factor analysis, four factors and 33 items were selected, yielding a total cumulative variance ratio of 66.7%. Through the confirmatory factor analysis, the final tool consisting of 4 factors and 31 items was developed. The factors were as follows: “mutually beneficial community,” “nurse identity.” “rigid organizational experience,” and “supportive interaction.” These factors were verified through convergent and discriminant validity testing. The internal consistency reliability was acceptable (Cronbach’s ⍺= .94). Conclusion This tool can serve as the basis for developing programs and strategies to strengthen solidarity among nurses by identifying the current level of colleague solidarity among hospital nurses and enhancing their understanding of it.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a colleague solidarity scale for nurses and to verify its validity and reliability. Methods: Initial items were extracted through an extensive literature review and in-depth interviews with twelve clinical nurses. These items were subjected to content validity testing by ten experts and face validity testing by five nurses.Subsequently, the final tool was developed using a validity and reliability test comprising 53 preliminary items. Survey data were collected from 548 hospital nurses. Results: In the exploratory factor analysis, four factors and 33 items were selected, yielding a total cumulative variance ratio of 66.7%. Through the confirmatory factor analysis, the final tool consisting of 4 factors and 31 items was developed. The factors were as follows: “mutually beneficial community,” “nurse identity.” “rigid organizational experience,” and “supportive interaction.” These factors were verified through convergent and discriminant validity testing. The internal consistency reliability was acceptable (Cronbach’s ⍺= .94). Conclusion This tool can serve as the basis for developing programs and strategies to strengthen solidarity among nurses by identifying the current level of colleague solidarity among hospital nurses and enhancing their understanding of it.

Purpose: Patients who have undergone gastrectomy have unique symptoms that are not appropriately assessed using currently available tools. This study developed and validated a symptom-focused quality of life (QoL) questionnaire for patients who have received gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods Based on a literature review, patient interviews, and expert consultation by the KOrean QUality of life in Stomach cancer patients Study group (KOQUSS), the initial item pool was developed. Two large-scale developmental studies were then sequentially conducted for exploratory factor analyses for content validity and item reduction. The final item pool was validated in a separate cohort of patients and assessed for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and clinical validity. Results The initial questionnaire consisted of 46-items in 12 domains. Data from 465 patients at 11 institutions, followed by 499 patients at 13 institutions, were used to conduct item reduction and exploratory factor analyses. The final questionnaire (KOQUSS-40) comprised 40 items within 11 domains. Validation of KOQUSS-40 was conducted on 413 patients from 12 hospitals. KOQUSS-40 was found to have good model fit. The mean summary score of the KOQUSS-40 was correlated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and STO22 (correlation coefficients, 0.821 and 0.778, respectively). The KOQUSS-40 score was also correlated with clinical factors, and had acceptable internal consistency (> 0.7). Test-retest reliability was greater than 0.8. Conclusion The KOQUSS-40 can be used to assess QoL of gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy and allows for a robust comparison of surgical techniques in clinical trials.

Purpose: Patients who have undergone gastrectomy have unique symptoms that are not appropriately assessed using currently available tools. This study developed and validated a symptom-focused quality of life (QoL) questionnaire for patients who have received gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods Based on a literature review, patient interviews, and expert consultation by the KOrean QUality of life in Stomach cancer patients Study group (KOQUSS), the initial item pool was developed. Two large-scale developmental studies were then sequentially conducted for exploratory factor analyses for content validity and item reduction. The final item pool was validated in a separate cohort of patients and assessed for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and clinical validity. Results The initial questionnaire consisted of 46-items in 12 domains. Data from 465 patients at 11 institutions, followed by 499 patients at 13 institutions, were used to conduct item reduction and exploratory factor analyses. The final questionnaire (KOQUSS-40) comprised 40 items within 11 domains. Validation of KOQUSS-40 was conducted on 413 patients from 12 hospitals. KOQUSS-40 was found to have good model fit. The mean summary score of the KOQUSS-40 was correlated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and STO22 (correlation coefficients, 0.821 and 0.778, respectively). The KOQUSS-40 score was also correlated with clinical factors, and had acceptable internal consistency (> 0.7). Test-retest reliability was greater than 0.8. Conclusion The KOQUSS-40 can be used to assess QoL of gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy and allows for a robust comparison of surgical techniques in clinical trials.

Purpose: This study aimed to define and clarify the concept of colleague solidarity experienced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A hybrid model method was used to investigate the dimensions, attributes, and definitions of the concept. In the theoretical phase, 20 articles selected through literature review by including nursing and related disciplines were analyzed. For the fieldwork phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine nurses who took care of infected patients with COVID-19 at Infectious Diseases Specialized Hospital. Results: The dimensions identified were consistently observed in the field phase, however, more attributes were found newly from the fieldwork phase. In the final phase, the concept of colleague solidarity among the nurses was found to have three dimensions with nine attributes. The interaction dimension had four attributes as voluntary support, mutual respect, open communication, and virtuous circle. The motivation dimension had two attributes of sense of communion and calling. Lastly, the relationship dimension had three attributes of unity, mutually equal relationship, and comradeship. Conclusions This study is meaningful in observing how the concept of colleague solidarity, which is relatively unfamiliar to domestic nurses, appears in the clinical field during a national crisis and analyzing the concept.