Background: Whether anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody levels post-third coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination correlate with worse outcomes due to breakthrough infection is unclear. We evaluated the association between anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and symptomatic breakthrough infection or hospitalization during the Omicron surge in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: In total, 287 kidney transplant recipients expected to receive a third vaccination were enrolled between November 2021 and February 2022. The Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant test (Abbott, Chicago, IL, USA) was performed within three weeks before and four weeks after the third vaccination. The incidence of symptomatic breakthrough infection and hospitalization from two weeks to four months post-third vaccination was recorded. Results: After the third vaccination, the seropositive rate and median antibody titer of the 287 patients increased from 57.1% to 82.2% and from 71.7 (interquartile range [IQR] 7.2– 402.8) to 1,612.1 (IQR 153.9–5,489.1) AU/mL, respectively. Sixty-four (22.3%) patients had symptomatic breakthrough infections, of whom 12 required hospitalization. Lower anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG levels ( < 400 AU/mL) post-third vaccination were a risk factor for symptomatic breakthrough infection (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.46, P < 0.001).Anti-RBD IgG levels < 200 AU/mL were a critical risk factor for hospitalization (HR = 36.4, P = 0.007). Conclusions Low anti-spike IgG levels after third vaccination in kidney transplant recipients were associated with symptomatic breakthrough infection and, particularly, with hospitalization during the Omicron surge. These data can be used to identify patients requiring additional protective measures, such as passive immunization using monoclonal antibodies.

Background: Preventing intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV) is crucial for maternal safety during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. While midazolam is known to prevent IONV, we hypothesized that remimazolam would be superior due to its minimal hemodynamic effects. We compared the effects of the two drugs on IONV. Methods: Parturients scheduled for cesarean section were randomly assigned to receive either midazolam or remimazolam. They received midazolam 2 mg or remimazolam 5 mg, with additional doses administered upon request. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of newly developed IONV during sedation. Other outcomes included overall IONV, rescue antiemetic use, shivering, hemodynamic variables, sedation scale scores, and satisfaction scores. Results: Data from 80 participants were analyzed. Deeper sedation was induced in the remimazolam group (PGroup × Time < 0.001) despite comparable hemodynamic trends between the groups. The incidence of overall IONV was comparable between the two groups (27.5% in the midazolam group vs. 17.5% in the remimazolam group, absolute risk reduction [ARR]: 0.100, 95% CI [−0.082, 0.282], P = 0.284); however, newly developed IONV during sedation was significantly reduced in the remimazolam group (20.0% vs. 5.0%, ARR: 0.150, 95% CI [0.009, 0.291], P = 0.043). The need for rescue antiemetics was also lower in the remimazolam group (15.0% vs. 2.5%, ARR: 0.125, 95% CI [0.004, 0.246], P = 0.048). Conclusion Remimazolam significantly reduced the incidence and severity of newly developed IONV compared with midazolam, with minimal impact on hemodynamics, making it a useful sedative option for cesarean section.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has exacerbated global mental health challenges, underscoring the urgent need for advancements in digital healthcare technologies. Digital therapeutics have demonstrated clinical utility across various domains; however, their development and implementation in the mental health remain constrained within the traditional clinical paradigm. This study conceptualizes and classifies digital interventions for mental health (DIMH), delineates their core technologies, and discusses their strengths and limitations.Current Concepts: DIMH interventions predominantly utilize cognitive behavioral therapy frameworks, targeting conditions such as anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Despite their potential, low user engagement remains a persistent challenge, necessitating personalized approaches tailored to individual needs. Platforms bridge users and therapists, facilitating hybrid online-offline care; however, service delivery may falter due to shortages in provider availability. Emerging social chatbots, while not specifically designed for treatment, show promising outcomes but are limited by insufficient consideration of social contexts and potential interactional errors. Digital phenotyping, which leverages behavioral data such as location tracking and smartphone usage patterns, enhances the personalization of interventions by embedding social context. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) offers effective solutions for exposure therapy and social interaction training, serving as a viable alternative to traditional therapy.Discussion and Conclusion: This review underscores the complementary nature of DIMH technologies and advocates for an integrated approach. The convergence of group-based interventions, chatbots, digital phenotyping, and VR technology presents opportunities for more effective and personalized mental health care. Such advancements could redefine mental health services, addressing unmet needs and fostering innovation.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has exacerbated global mental health challenges, underscoring the urgent need for advancements in digital healthcare technologies. Digital therapeutics have demonstrated clinical utility across various domains; however, their development and implementation in the mental health remain constrained within the traditional clinical paradigm. This study conceptualizes and classifies digital interventions for mental health (DIMH), delineates their core technologies, and discusses their strengths and limitations.Current Concepts: DIMH interventions predominantly utilize cognitive behavioral therapy frameworks, targeting conditions such as anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Despite their potential, low user engagement remains a persistent challenge, necessitating personalized approaches tailored to individual needs. Platforms bridge users and therapists, facilitating hybrid online-offline care; however, service delivery may falter due to shortages in provider availability. Emerging social chatbots, while not specifically designed for treatment, show promising outcomes but are limited by insufficient consideration of social contexts and potential interactional errors. Digital phenotyping, which leverages behavioral data such as location tracking and smartphone usage patterns, enhances the personalization of interventions by embedding social context. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) offers effective solutions for exposure therapy and social interaction training, serving as a viable alternative to traditional therapy.Discussion and Conclusion: This review underscores the complementary nature of DIMH technologies and advocates for an integrated approach. The convergence of group-based interventions, chatbots, digital phenotyping, and VR technology presents opportunities for more effective and personalized mental health care. Such advancements could redefine mental health services, addressing unmet needs and fostering innovation.

Background: Preventing intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV) is crucial for maternal safety during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. While midazolam is known to prevent IONV, we hypothesized that remimazolam would be superior due to its minimal hemodynamic effects. We compared the effects of the two drugs on IONV. Methods: Parturients scheduled for cesarean section were randomly assigned to receive either midazolam or remimazolam. They received midazolam 2 mg or remimazolam 5 mg, with additional doses administered upon request. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of newly developed IONV during sedation. Other outcomes included overall IONV, rescue antiemetic use, shivering, hemodynamic variables, sedation scale scores, and satisfaction scores. Results: Data from 80 participants were analyzed. Deeper sedation was induced in the remimazolam group (PGroup × Time < 0.001) despite comparable hemodynamic trends between the groups. The incidence of overall IONV was comparable between the two groups (27.5% in the midazolam group vs. 17.5% in the remimazolam group, absolute risk reduction [ARR]: 0.100, 95% CI [−0.082, 0.282], P = 0.284); however, newly developed IONV during sedation was significantly reduced in the remimazolam group (20.0% vs. 5.0%, ARR: 0.150, 95% CI [0.009, 0.291], P = 0.043). The need for rescue antiemetics was also lower in the remimazolam group (15.0% vs. 2.5%, ARR: 0.125, 95% CI [0.004, 0.246], P = 0.048). Conclusion Remimazolam significantly reduced the incidence and severity of newly developed IONV compared with midazolam, with minimal impact on hemodynamics, making it a useful sedative option for cesarean section.

Background: Preventing intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV) is crucial for maternal safety during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. While midazolam is known to prevent IONV, we hypothesized that remimazolam would be superior due to its minimal hemodynamic effects. We compared the effects of the two drugs on IONV. Methods: Parturients scheduled for cesarean section were randomly assigned to receive either midazolam or remimazolam. They received midazolam 2 mg or remimazolam 5 mg, with additional doses administered upon request. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of newly developed IONV during sedation. Other outcomes included overall IONV, rescue antiemetic use, shivering, hemodynamic variables, sedation scale scores, and satisfaction scores. Results: Data from 80 participants were analyzed. Deeper sedation was induced in the remimazolam group (PGroup × Time < 0.001) despite comparable hemodynamic trends between the groups. The incidence of overall IONV was comparable between the two groups (27.5% in the midazolam group vs. 17.5% in the remimazolam group, absolute risk reduction [ARR]: 0.100, 95% CI [−0.082, 0.282], P = 0.284); however, newly developed IONV during sedation was significantly reduced in the remimazolam group (20.0% vs. 5.0%, ARR: 0.150, 95% CI [0.009, 0.291], P = 0.043). The need for rescue antiemetics was also lower in the remimazolam group (15.0% vs. 2.5%, ARR: 0.125, 95% CI [0.004, 0.246], P = 0.048). Conclusion Remimazolam significantly reduced the incidence and severity of newly developed IONV compared with midazolam, with minimal impact on hemodynamics, making it a useful sedative option for cesarean section.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has exacerbated global mental health challenges, underscoring the urgent need for advancements in digital healthcare technologies. Digital therapeutics have demonstrated clinical utility across various domains; however, their development and implementation in the mental health remain constrained within the traditional clinical paradigm. This study conceptualizes and classifies digital interventions for mental health (DIMH), delineates their core technologies, and discusses their strengths and limitations.Current Concepts: DIMH interventions predominantly utilize cognitive behavioral therapy frameworks, targeting conditions such as anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Despite their potential, low user engagement remains a persistent challenge, necessitating personalized approaches tailored to individual needs. Platforms bridge users and therapists, facilitating hybrid online-offline care; however, service delivery may falter due to shortages in provider availability. Emerging social chatbots, while not specifically designed for treatment, show promising outcomes but are limited by insufficient consideration of social contexts and potential interactional errors. Digital phenotyping, which leverages behavioral data such as location tracking and smartphone usage patterns, enhances the personalization of interventions by embedding social context. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) offers effective solutions for exposure therapy and social interaction training, serving as a viable alternative to traditional therapy.Discussion and Conclusion: This review underscores the complementary nature of DIMH technologies and advocates for an integrated approach. The convergence of group-based interventions, chatbots, digital phenotyping, and VR technology presents opportunities for more effective and personalized mental health care. Such advancements could redefine mental health services, addressing unmet needs and fostering innovation.

Background: Preventing intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV) is crucial for maternal safety during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. While midazolam is known to prevent IONV, we hypothesized that remimazolam would be superior due to its minimal hemodynamic effects. We compared the effects of the two drugs on IONV. Methods: Parturients scheduled for cesarean section were randomly assigned to receive either midazolam or remimazolam. They received midazolam 2 mg or remimazolam 5 mg, with additional doses administered upon request. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of newly developed IONV during sedation. Other outcomes included overall IONV, rescue antiemetic use, shivering, hemodynamic variables, sedation scale scores, and satisfaction scores. Results: Data from 80 participants were analyzed. Deeper sedation was induced in the remimazolam group (PGroup × Time < 0.001) despite comparable hemodynamic trends between the groups. The incidence of overall IONV was comparable between the two groups (27.5% in the midazolam group vs. 17.5% in the remimazolam group, absolute risk reduction [ARR]: 0.100, 95% CI [−0.082, 0.282], P = 0.284); however, newly developed IONV during sedation was significantly reduced in the remimazolam group (20.0% vs. 5.0%, ARR: 0.150, 95% CI [0.009, 0.291], P = 0.043). The need for rescue antiemetics was also lower in the remimazolam group (15.0% vs. 2.5%, ARR: 0.125, 95% CI [0.004, 0.246], P = 0.048). Conclusion Remimazolam significantly reduced the incidence and severity of newly developed IONV compared with midazolam, with minimal impact on hemodynamics, making it a useful sedative option for cesarean section.

Background: Sarcopenia is associated with postoperative complications; however, its impact on the quality of postoperative recovery, such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pain, remains unclear. We investigated the association of preoperative lumbar skeletal muscle mass index (LSMI) with PONV, postoperative pain, and complications. Methods: Medical records of 756 patients who underwent pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) were retrospectively reviewed. The skeletal muscle areas were measured on abdominal computed tomography (CT) images. LSMI was calculated by dividing the skeletal muscle area by the square of the patient’s height. We analyzed the correlations between preoperative LSMI calibrated with confounding variables and PONV scores, PONV occurrence, pain scores, rescue analgesic administration, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. Results: The median (1Q, 3Q) LSMI was 47.72 (40.74, 53.41) cm2/m2. The incidence rates of PONV according to time period were as follows: post-anesthesia care unit, 42/756 (5.6%); 0–6 h, 54/756 (7.1%); 6–24 h, 120/756 (15.9%); 24–48 h, 46/756 (6.1%); and overall, 234/756 (31.0%). The incidence of PONV was inversely correlated with LSMI 24–48 h post-surgery and overall. LSMI and PONV scores were negatively associated 6–24 h and 24–48 h post-surgery. There was no association between LSMI and postoperative pain scores, rescue analgesic administration, complications, or length of hospital stay. Conclusions Preoperative LSMI was associated with PONV in patients undergoing PPPD. Therefore, LSMI measured on preoperative abdominal CT can be a predictive indicator of PONV. Appropriate PONV prophylaxis is necessary in patients with low LSMI before PPPD.

Objective: The Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS) is a triage tool for patients in the emergency department (ED). This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the KTAS to predict poor outcomes in South Korean ED patients with a suspected infection. We also compared the effectiveness of KTAS with that of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) and Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) in predicting poor outcomes. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study that included adult patients with a suspected infection who were admitted to the ED between January 2019 and December 2019. Patients who received a prescription for antibiotics and associated culture tests in the ED were considered to have an infection. Poor outcomes were evaluated by in-hospital mortality, general ward admission, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate and compare KTAS, NEWS, and MEWS. Results: Of the 4,127 patients in the study, in-hospital mortality was reported in 154 (3.7%) patients. The median KTAS was lower in the non-survivors than in the survivors (2.51 vs. 3.35). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the KTAS was associated with in-hospital mortality, ward admission, and ICU admission. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) values for predicting in-hospital mortality associated with the KTAS, NEWS, and MEWS were 0.776 (95% confidence interval, 0.747-0.803), 0.829 (0.759-0.811) and 0.739 (0.694-0.786), respectively. Conclusion Our results showed that the KTAS was associated with in-hospital mortality, ward admissions, and ICU admissions among ED patients with a suspected infection. Thus, KTAS may be reliable in predicting a poor outcome in ED patients with a suspected infection.