OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the general characteristics of laboratory-confirmed mpox patients in the Capital Region of Korea, as well as the risk factors for mpox infection, particularly focusing on the characteristics of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive and PCR-negative cases. METHODS: We investigated 160 adults, excluding 4 minors, from 164 suspected mpox patients reported in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Gangwon from June 21, 2022 to October 31, 2023. Data were collected via telephone and face-to-face interviews. A statistical analysis of the general characteristics of the infection was conducted using frequency analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 160 suspected cases of mpox, 59.3% (n=95) tested positive via mpox-PCR. Among the confirmed cases, 97.9% (n=93) were male. PCR-positive patients typically presented with genital and anal skin rashes or mucosal lesions, accompanied by pain. Additionally, 35.5% (n=33) of the male patients had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Most confirmed cases (94.7%, 90/95) were believed to have contracted mpox through sexual contact during the maximal incubation period of 21 days prior to symptom onset, with a significant number reporting same-sex or casual contact. The most commonly collected and highest-yielding specimens from PCR-positive patients were from skin or mucosal lesions, whereas blood samples demonstrated the lowest percent positivity. CONCLUSIONS In the Capital Region, most PCR-positive cases were male patients in their 30s who had sexual contacts and exhibited symptoms, aligning with findings from previous studies. These results provide a foundation for the differential diagnosis concerning mpox infection and the selection of PCR-test samples in clinical settings.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the general characteristics of laboratory-confirmed mpox patients in the Capital Region of Korea, as well as the risk factors for mpox infection, particularly focusing on the characteristics of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive and PCR-negative cases. METHODS: We investigated 160 adults, excluding 4 minors, from 164 suspected mpox patients reported in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Gangwon from June 21, 2022 to October 31, 2023. Data were collected via telephone and face-to-face interviews. A statistical analysis of the general characteristics of the infection was conducted using frequency analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 160 suspected cases of mpox, 59.3% (n=95) tested positive via mpox-PCR. Among the confirmed cases, 97.9% (n=93) were male. PCR-positive patients typically presented with genital and anal skin rashes or mucosal lesions, accompanied by pain. Additionally, 35.5% (n=33) of the male patients had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Most confirmed cases (94.7%, 90/95) were believed to have contracted mpox through sexual contact during the maximal incubation period of 21 days prior to symptom onset, with a significant number reporting same-sex or casual contact. The most commonly collected and highest-yielding specimens from PCR-positive patients were from skin or mucosal lesions, whereas blood samples demonstrated the lowest percent positivity. CONCLUSIONS In the Capital Region, most PCR-positive cases were male patients in their 30s who had sexual contacts and exhibited symptoms, aligning with findings from previous studies. These results provide a foundation for the differential diagnosis concerning mpox infection and the selection of PCR-test samples in clinical settings.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the general characteristics of laboratory-confirmed mpox patients in the Capital Region of Korea, as well as the risk factors for mpox infection, particularly focusing on the characteristics of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive and PCR-negative cases. METHODS: We investigated 160 adults, excluding 4 minors, from 164 suspected mpox patients reported in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Gangwon from June 21, 2022 to October 31, 2023. Data were collected via telephone and face-to-face interviews. A statistical analysis of the general characteristics of the infection was conducted using frequency analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 160 suspected cases of mpox, 59.3% (n=95) tested positive via mpox-PCR. Among the confirmed cases, 97.9% (n=93) were male. PCR-positive patients typically presented with genital and anal skin rashes or mucosal lesions, accompanied by pain. Additionally, 35.5% (n=33) of the male patients had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Most confirmed cases (94.7%, 90/95) were believed to have contracted mpox through sexual contact during the maximal incubation period of 21 days prior to symptom onset, with a significant number reporting same-sex or casual contact. The most commonly collected and highest-yielding specimens from PCR-positive patients were from skin or mucosal lesions, whereas blood samples demonstrated the lowest percent positivity. CONCLUSIONS In the Capital Region, most PCR-positive cases were male patients in their 30s who had sexual contacts and exhibited symptoms, aligning with findings from previous studies. These results provide a foundation for the differential diagnosis concerning mpox infection and the selection of PCR-test samples in clinical settings.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the general characteristics of laboratory-confirmed mpox patients in the Capital Region of Korea, as well as the risk factors for mpox infection, particularly focusing on the characteristics of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive and PCR-negative cases. METHODS: We investigated 160 adults, excluding 4 minors, from 164 suspected mpox patients reported in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Gangwon from June 21, 2022 to October 31, 2023. Data were collected via telephone and face-to-face interviews. A statistical analysis of the general characteristics of the infection was conducted using frequency analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 160 suspected cases of mpox, 59.3% (n=95) tested positive via mpox-PCR. Among the confirmed cases, 97.9% (n=93) were male. PCR-positive patients typically presented with genital and anal skin rashes or mucosal lesions, accompanied by pain. Additionally, 35.5% (n=33) of the male patients had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Most confirmed cases (94.7%, 90/95) were believed to have contracted mpox through sexual contact during the maximal incubation period of 21 days prior to symptom onset, with a significant number reporting same-sex or casual contact. The most commonly collected and highest-yielding specimens from PCR-positive patients were from skin or mucosal lesions, whereas blood samples demonstrated the lowest percent positivity. CONCLUSIONS In the Capital Region, most PCR-positive cases were male patients in their 30s who had sexual contacts and exhibited symptoms, aligning with findings from previous studies. These results provide a foundation for the differential diagnosis concerning mpox infection and the selection of PCR-test samples in clinical settings.

Background: The inflation-deflation (ID) method has long been the standard for intraoperative margin assessment in segmentectomy. However, with advancements in vision technology, the use of near-infrared mapping with indocyanine green (ICG) has become increasingly common. This study was conducted to compare the perioperative outcomes and resection margins achieved using these methods. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent direct segmentectomy for clinical stage I lung cancer between January 2018 and September 2022. We compared perioperative factors, including bronchial and parenchymal resection margins, according to the margin assessment method and the type of segmentectomy performed.Since the ICG approach was adopted in April 2021, we also examined a recent subgroup of patients treated from then onward. Results: A total of 319 segmentectomies were performed. ID and ICG were utilized for 261 (81.8%) and 58 (18.2%) patients, respectively. Following April 2021, 61 patients (51.3%) were treated with ID, while 58 (48.7%) received ICG. We observed no significant difference in resection margins between ID and ICG for bronchial (2.7 cm vs. 2.3 cm, p=0.07) or parenchymal (2.5 cm vs. 2.3 cm, p=0.46) margins. Additionally, the length of hospitalization and the complication rate were comparable between groups. Analysis of the recent subgroup confirmed these findings, showing no significant differences in resection margins (bronchial: 2.6 cm vs. 2.3 cm, p=0.25; parenchymal: 2.4 cm vs. 2.3 cm, p=0.75), length of hospitalization, or complication rate. Conclusion The perioperative outcomes and resection margins achieved using ID and ICG were comparable, suggesting that both methods can safely guide segmentectomy procedures.

Neurodevelopmental disorders, which emerge early in development, include a range of neurological phenotypes and exhibit marked differences in prevalence between sexes. A male predominance is particularly pronounced in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although the precise cause of ASD is still unknown, certain genetic variations and environmental influences have been implicated as risk factors.Preclinical ASD models have been instrumental in shedding light on the mechanisms behind the sexual dimorphism observed in this disorder. In this review, we explore the potential processes contributing to sex bias by examining both intrinsic differences in neuronal mechanisms and the influence of external factors. We organize these mechanisms into six categories: 1) sexually dimorphic phenotypes in mice with mutations in ASD-associated genes related to synaptic dysfunction; 2) sex-specific microglial activity, which may disrupt neural circuit development by excessively pruning synapses during critical periods; 3) sex steroid hormones, such as testosterone and allopregnanolone, that differentially influence brain structure and function; 4) escape from X chromosome inactivation of the O-linked-Nacetylglucosamine transferase gene in the placenta; 5) sexually dimorphic activation of the integrated stress response pathway following maternal immune activation; and 6) immunological responses that are differentially regulated by sex. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for deciphering the underlying causes of ASD and may offer insights into other disorders with notable sex disparities.

The stethoscope has long been used for the examination of patients, but the importance of auscultation has declined due to its several limitations and the development of other diagnostic tools. However, auscultation is still recognized as a primary diagnostic device because it is non-invasive and provides valuable information in real-time. To supplement the limitations of existing stethoscopes, digital stethoscopes with machine learning (ML) algorithms have been developed. Thus, now we can record and share respiratory sounds and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted auscultation using ML algorithms distinguishes the type of sounds. Recently, the demands for remote care and non-face-to-face treatment diseases requiring isolation such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection increased. To address these problems, wireless and wearable stethoscopes are being developed with the advances in battery technology and integrated sensors. This review provides the history of the stethoscope and classification of respiratory sounds, describes ML algorithms, and introduces new auscultation methods based on AI-assisted analysis and wireless or wearable stethoscopes.

OBJECTIVES: As few mpox cases have been reported in Korea, we aimed to identify the characteristics of mpox infection by describing our epidemiologic investigation of a woman patient (index patient, the third case in Korea) and a physician who was infected by a needlestick injury (the fourth case). METHODS: We conducted contact tracing and exposure risk evaluation through interviews with these 2 patients and their physicians and contacts, as well as field investigations at each facility visited by the patients during their symptomatic periods. We then classified contacts into 3 levels according to their exposure risk and managed them to minimize further transmission by recommending quarantine and vaccination for post-exposure prophylaxis and monitoring their symptoms. RESULTS: The index patient had sexual contact with a man foreigner during a trip to Dubai, which was considered the probable route of transmission. In total, 27 healthcare-associated contacts across 7 healthcare facilities and 9 community contacts were identified. These contacts were classified into high (7 contacts), medium (9 contacts), and low (20 contacts) exposure risk groups. One high-risk contact was identified as a secondary patient: a physician who was injured while collecting specimens from the index patient. CONCLUSIONS The index patient visited several medical facilities due to progressive symptoms prior to isolation. Although the 2022 mpox epidemic mainly affected young men, especially men who have sex with men, physicians should also consider mpox transmission in the general population for the timely detection of mpox-infected patients.

A seven-month pregnant four-year-old Thoroughbred mare with colic weighing 600 kg was referred to the Jeju National University Equine Hospital. A physical examination and ultrasound suggested epiploic foramen entrapment. The patient underwent ileum resection and end-to-side jejunocecostomy. After surgery, the horse showed a consistent pain when introduced to feeding. A repeat laparotomy was performed to enlarge the stoma size with side-to-side jejunocecostomy. The repeat laparotomy was successful, and the mare gave birth uneventfully. This report describes a case of small intestinal epiploic foramen entrapment and the clinical outcomes of the 2 consecutive laparotomies a Thoroughbred mare in late gestation.

Purpose: A pilot project using epinephrine at the scene under medical control is currently underway in Korea. This study aimed to determine whether prehospital epinephrine administration is associated with improved survival and neurological outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients who received epinephrine during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the emergency department. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study used a nationwide multicenter OHCA registry. Patients were classified into two groups according to whether they received epinephrine at the scene or not. The associations between prehospital epinephrine use and outcomes were assessed using propensity score (PS)-matched analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using PS matching. The same analysis was repeated for the subgroup of patients with non-shockable rhythm. Results: PS matching was performed for 1084 patients in each group. Survival to discharge was significantly decreased in the patients who received prehospital epinephrine [odds ratio (OR) 0.415, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.250–0.670, p<0.001]. However, no statistical significance was observed for good neurological outcome (OR 0.548, 95% CI 0.258–1.123, p=0.105). For the patient subgroup with non-shockable rhythm, prehospital epinephrine was also associated with lower survival to discharge (OR 0.514, 95% CI 0.306–0.844, p=0.010), but not with neurological outcome (OR 0.709, 95% CI 0.323–1.529, p=0.382). Conclusion Prehospital epinephrine administration was associated with decreased survival rates in OHCA patients but not statistically associated with neurological outcome in this PS-matched analysis. Further research is required to investigate the reason for the detrimental effect of epinephrine administered at the scene.