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.

Ultrasonography (US) is a sensitive and radiation-free technique for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Therefore, when DVT is clinically suspected but not detected on US, radiologists should consider a range of alternative differential diagnoses. This review article presents the imaging findings of clinical conditions that mimic DVT, which can be distinguished using a multimodal radiologic approach. Additionally, DVT mimics can be categorized into two groups based on whether a flat or normal waveform is observed on Doppler US. This article details the imaging findings and clinical presentations of DVT mimics, organized by these classifications. This information may help radiologists make more accurate diagnoses, enabling patients to receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

Purpose: Telemedicine is advantageous in providing medical care to patients with mobility difficulties. This single-center study aimed to report on the provision of video televisits to people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pALS, ALS) who were registered with a home-based medical care (HBMC) team in a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted for pALS provided with video televisits by the HBMC team between July 2020 and February 2023. The patients’ demographics, disease status, mobility level, and supportive care equipment were investigated. The main issues discussed at televisits were investigated. Results: During the 32-month study period, video televisits were provided to 69 (81.2%) of the 85 pALS registered with the HBMC team. Their median (interquartile range) age was 66 (57–71) years, and 66.7% were aged 60 years or older. At the time of the televisits, 71.0% were non-ambulatory and 27.5% were at an assisted ambulatory level. Furthermore, 82.6% were receiving nutritional support with a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube, and 78.3% had received either non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (43.5%) or tracheostomy invasive ventilation (34.8%). Common issues addressed on televisits were disease-related symptoms (100%), management of supportive care equipment (92.8%), acute health issues (52.2%), and advance care planning (ACP) including goal of care discussion (14.5%). Conclusion Video telemedicine is feasible for pALS, including older adults with limited mobility due to muscle weakness or reliance on various supportive care equipment. Video televisits allow for a variety of discussions, ranging from acute health issues to ACP.

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.

Ultrasonography (US) is a sensitive and radiation-free technique for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Therefore, when DVT is clinically suspected but not detected on US, radiologists should consider a range of alternative differential diagnoses. This review article presents the imaging findings of clinical conditions that mimic DVT, which can be distinguished using a multimodal radiologic approach. Additionally, DVT mimics can be categorized into two groups based on whether a flat or normal waveform is observed on Doppler US. This article details the imaging findings and clinical presentations of DVT mimics, organized by these classifications. This information may help radiologists make more accurate diagnoses, enabling patients to receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

Purpose: Telemedicine is advantageous in providing medical care to patients with mobility difficulties. This single-center study aimed to report on the provision of video televisits to people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pALS, ALS) who were registered with a home-based medical care (HBMC) team in a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted for pALS provided with video televisits by the HBMC team between July 2020 and February 2023. The patients’ demographics, disease status, mobility level, and supportive care equipment were investigated. The main issues discussed at televisits were investigated. Results: During the 32-month study period, video televisits were provided to 69 (81.2%) of the 85 pALS registered with the HBMC team. Their median (interquartile range) age was 66 (57–71) years, and 66.7% were aged 60 years or older. At the time of the televisits, 71.0% were non-ambulatory and 27.5% were at an assisted ambulatory level. Furthermore, 82.6% were receiving nutritional support with a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube, and 78.3% had received either non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (43.5%) or tracheostomy invasive ventilation (34.8%). Common issues addressed on televisits were disease-related symptoms (100%), management of supportive care equipment (92.8%), acute health issues (52.2%), and advance care planning (ACP) including goal of care discussion (14.5%). Conclusion Video telemedicine is feasible for pALS, including older adults with limited mobility due to muscle weakness or reliance on various supportive care equipment. Video televisits allow for a variety of discussions, ranging from acute health issues to ACP.

Background and Objectives: Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis.Nicotine, a crucial constituent of tobacco, contributes to atherosclerosis development and progression. However, evidence of the association between nicotine and neointima formation is limited. We aimed to evaluate whether nicotine enhances neointimal hyperplasia in the native epicardial coronary arteries of pigs after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES). Methods: After coronary angiography (CAG) and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), we implanted 20 DES into 20 pigs allocated to 2 groups: no-nicotine (n=10) and nicotine (n=10) groups. Post-PCI CAG and QCA were performed immediately. Follow-up CAG, QCA, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histopathological analyses were performed 2 months post-PCI. Results: Despite intergroup similarities in the baseline QCA findings, OCT analysis showed that the nicotine group had a smaller mean stent and lumen areas, a larger mean neointimal area, greater percent area stenosis, and higher peri-strut fibrin and inflammation scores than the no-nicotine group. In immunofluorescence analysis, the nicotine group displayed higher expression of CD68 and α-smooth muscle actin but lower CD31 expression than the no-nicotine group. Conclusions Nicotine inhibited re-endothelialization and promoted inflammation and NIH after PCI with DES in a porcine model.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.