Background: The time-consuming process of drug development contributes to unmet healthcare needs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies of Western populations suggest the potential use of antidiabetic drugs as an alternative to lower RA risk. We aimed to examine the possibility of repurposing antidiabetic drugs for RA by evaluating their causal associations with genetic antidiabetic drug target genes using Mendelian randomization (MR) of samples from an East Asian biobank. Methods: We conducted drug-targeting two-sample MR to estimate the association between the antidiabetic drug and RA risk using summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as independent genetic variants that encode the target proteins of the selected antidiabetic drugs (insulin/insulin analogues, thiazolidinediones, and sulfonylureas). Instrumental associations with fasting blood glucose and RA were extracted from the KoGES (Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study) and BBJ (BioBank Japan), respectively. Results: A decrease in fasting blood sugar level of 1 mmol (1.8 mg/dL) by the rs1801282 SNP in the PPARG gene reduced the incidence of RA by about 20%. Moreover, another SNP within the PPARG gene, rs35240997, reduced the incidence of RA about 16%. Conclusion SNPs within the anti-diabetic drug target genes lowered fasting blood sugar levels and the risk of RA. However, the results from this study require cautious interpretations due to weak instrument bias.

Background: The time-consuming process of drug development contributes to unmet healthcare needs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies of Western populations suggest the potential use of antidiabetic drugs as an alternative to lower RA risk. We aimed to examine the possibility of repurposing antidiabetic drugs for RA by evaluating their causal associations with genetic antidiabetic drug target genes using Mendelian randomization (MR) of samples from an East Asian biobank. Methods: We conducted drug-targeting two-sample MR to estimate the association between the antidiabetic drug and RA risk using summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as independent genetic variants that encode the target proteins of the selected antidiabetic drugs (insulin/insulin analogues, thiazolidinediones, and sulfonylureas). Instrumental associations with fasting blood glucose and RA were extracted from the KoGES (Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study) and BBJ (BioBank Japan), respectively. Results: A decrease in fasting blood sugar level of 1 mmol (1.8 mg/dL) by the rs1801282 SNP in the PPARG gene reduced the incidence of RA by about 20%. Moreover, another SNP within the PPARG gene, rs35240997, reduced the incidence of RA about 16%. Conclusion SNPs within the anti-diabetic drug target genes lowered fasting blood sugar levels and the risk of RA. However, the results from this study require cautious interpretations due to weak instrument bias.

Background: The time-consuming process of drug development contributes to unmet healthcare needs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies of Western populations suggest the potential use of antidiabetic drugs as an alternative to lower RA risk. We aimed to examine the possibility of repurposing antidiabetic drugs for RA by evaluating their causal associations with genetic antidiabetic drug target genes using Mendelian randomization (MR) of samples from an East Asian biobank. Methods: We conducted drug-targeting two-sample MR to estimate the association between the antidiabetic drug and RA risk using summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as independent genetic variants that encode the target proteins of the selected antidiabetic drugs (insulin/insulin analogues, thiazolidinediones, and sulfonylureas). Instrumental associations with fasting blood glucose and RA were extracted from the KoGES (Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study) and BBJ (BioBank Japan), respectively. Results: A decrease in fasting blood sugar level of 1 mmol (1.8 mg/dL) by the rs1801282 SNP in the PPARG gene reduced the incidence of RA by about 20%. Moreover, another SNP within the PPARG gene, rs35240997, reduced the incidence of RA about 16%. Conclusion SNPs within the anti-diabetic drug target genes lowered fasting blood sugar levels and the risk of RA. However, the results from this study require cautious interpretations due to weak instrument bias.

Background: The time-consuming process of drug development contributes to unmet healthcare needs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies of Western populations suggest the potential use of antidiabetic drugs as an alternative to lower RA risk. We aimed to examine the possibility of repurposing antidiabetic drugs for RA by evaluating their causal associations with genetic antidiabetic drug target genes using Mendelian randomization (MR) of samples from an East Asian biobank. Methods: We conducted drug-targeting two-sample MR to estimate the association between the antidiabetic drug and RA risk using summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as independent genetic variants that encode the target proteins of the selected antidiabetic drugs (insulin/insulin analogues, thiazolidinediones, and sulfonylureas). Instrumental associations with fasting blood glucose and RA were extracted from the KoGES (Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study) and BBJ (BioBank Japan), respectively. Results: A decrease in fasting blood sugar level of 1 mmol (1.8 mg/dL) by the rs1801282 SNP in the PPARG gene reduced the incidence of RA by about 20%. Moreover, another SNP within the PPARG gene, rs35240997, reduced the incidence of RA about 16%. Conclusion SNPs within the anti-diabetic drug target genes lowered fasting blood sugar levels and the risk of RA. However, the results from this study require cautious interpretations due to weak instrument bias.

Background: The time-consuming process of drug development contributes to unmet healthcare needs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies of Western populations suggest the potential use of antidiabetic drugs as an alternative to lower RA risk. We aimed to examine the possibility of repurposing antidiabetic drugs for RA by evaluating their causal associations with genetic antidiabetic drug target genes using Mendelian randomization (MR) of samples from an East Asian biobank. Methods: We conducted drug-targeting two-sample MR to estimate the association between the antidiabetic drug and RA risk using summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as independent genetic variants that encode the target proteins of the selected antidiabetic drugs (insulin/insulin analogues, thiazolidinediones, and sulfonylureas). Instrumental associations with fasting blood glucose and RA were extracted from the KoGES (Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study) and BBJ (BioBank Japan), respectively. Results: A decrease in fasting blood sugar level of 1 mmol (1.8 mg/dL) by the rs1801282 SNP in the PPARG gene reduced the incidence of RA by about 20%. Moreover, another SNP within the PPARG gene, rs35240997, reduced the incidence of RA about 16%. Conclusion SNPs within the anti-diabetic drug target genes lowered fasting blood sugar levels and the risk of RA. However, the results from this study require cautious interpretations due to weak instrument bias.

Background: The efficacy and safety of equine cartilage as a competent xenograft material for rhinoplasty were evaluated and compared to the outcomes of rhinoplasty using silicone implants. Methods: We performed a multicenter, double-blind, non-inferiority, and randomized confirmatory study. Fifty-six patients were randomized 1:1 to the study group (using MegaCartilage-E) and control group (using silicone implants). The Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) score, photo documentation, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and adverse event data were obtained until 12 months after surgery. The primary efficacy, which is the change in ROE score 6 months after surgery, was assessed in the modified intention-to-treat set. The secondary efficacy was evaluated in the per-protocol set by assessing the change in ROE score 6 and 12 months after surgery and nasofrontal angle, the height of the nasion, and GAIS 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: The change in ROE score of the study group was non-inferior to that of the control group; it increased by 24.26 ± 17.24 in the study group and 18.27 ± 17.60 in the control group (p = 0.213). In both groups, all secondary outcome measures increased, but there was no statistical difference. In the safety set, treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 10 patients (35.71%) in the study group and six patients (21.43%) in the control group (p = 0.237). There were 13 adverse device events in the study group and six adverse device events in the control group (p = 0.515). Conclusion Processed equine cartilage can be used effectively and safely as xenograft material for rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study described and analysed the features of powered mobility device (PMD)-related injuries and compared elderly and younger adult injuries.METHODS: Data from Korea Emergency Department-based Injury In-depth Surveillance (EDIIS) database involving eight emergency departments in 2011–2016 were analysed. The inclusion criteria were injuries sustained during the use of PMDs. The variables were compared between adults aged ≥ 65 years and younger adults. Primary and secondary outcomes were severe trauma and poor clinical course accordingly. The logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for study outcomes.RESULTS: A total of 231 adults were enrolled, of whom 150 were ≥ 65 years of age. The total number of PMD-related injuries and the proportion of elderly injured patients increased annually, and most injuries occurred on the roadway and did not involve crash opponents. By multivariate analysis, patients aged ≥ 65 years had a higher injury severity score (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50–5.40) and had a higher incidence of intensive care unit admissions, surgery, and death (AOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.16–5.28).CONCLUSION: Given the higher number and severity of injuries sustained among elderly adults ≥ 65 years of age shown in this study, we recommend that safety educations, such as the use of protective equipment and the safe driving on the roadway, are considered for PMD users ≥ 65 years of age.
Adult ; Aged ; Emergencies ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Epidemiology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Injury Severity Score ; Intensive Care Units ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Multivariate Analysis ; Odds Ratio ; Risk Factors ; Wheelchairs

BACKGROUND: This study described and analysed the features of powered mobility device (PMD)-related injuries and compared elderly and younger adult injuries. METHODS: Data from Korea Emergency Department-based Injury In-depth Surveillance (EDIIS) database involving eight emergency departments in 2011–2016 were analysed. The inclusion criteria were injuries sustained during the use of PMDs. The variables were compared between adults aged ≥ 65 years and younger adults. Primary and secondary outcomes were severe trauma and poor clinical course accordingly. The logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for study outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 231 adults were enrolled, of whom 150 were ≥ 65 years of age. The total number of PMD-related injuries and the proportion of elderly injured patients increased annually, and most injuries occurred on the roadway and did not involve crash opponents. By multivariate analysis, patients aged ≥ 65 years had a higher injury severity score (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50–5.40) and had a higher incidence of intensive care unit admissions, surgery, and death (AOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.16–5.28). CONCLUSION Given the higher number and severity of injuries sustained among elderly adults ≥ 65 years of age shown in this study, we recommend that safety educations, such as the use of protective equipment and the safe driving on the roadway, are considered for PMD users ≥ 65 years of age.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the clinical characteristics and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) findings of firefighters suffering from partial posttraumatic stress disorder (partial PTSD). They were treated by eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and the treatment effect was evaluated. METHODS: A total of 116 firefighters were screened and 15 of them were diagnosed as partial PTSD. 1) We compared sociodemographic and psychological characteristics between the firefighter partial PTSD group and the firefighter control group. 2) Subjects in the firefighter partial PTSD group (n=10), firefighter control group (n=8), and general control group (n=12) underwent fMRI with traumatic, negative, positive, and neutral picture stimuli. We compared clinical characteristics and fMRI findings among these three groups. 3) Seven firefighters in the partial PTSD group were treated by EMDR and the treatment effect was evaluated according to psychological scales. RESULTS: In fMRI analysis, there was a left middle temporal/occipital activation in the order of the general control group, firefighter control group, than the firefighter partial PTSD group for the Traumatic-Baseline contrast. For the Negative-Baseline contrast, there was an increased left middle temporal/occipital activation in the general control group versus decreased activation in the firefighter control group and the firefighter partial PTSD group. All firefighters in the partial PTSD group treated by EMDR showed significant improvement of Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale scores. CONCLUSION: These results show high incidence rate of partial PTSD in firefighters. In addition, partial PTSD firefighters exhibited distinct clinical characteristics and fMRI findings and showed significant improvement by EMDR treatment.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ; Eye Movements* ; Firefighters* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Occipital Lobe ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* ; Temporal Lobe ; Weights and Measures