Purpose: To develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI)-based personalized outcome prediction model for upper-urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy. Materials and Methods: Data from patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy between 2010 and 2020 across three hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. A model was developed using one tertiary center’s data and externally validated with data from two other hospitals. An AI model using XGBoost as risk estimator and bootstrapped Weibull Accelerated Failure Time model for 10-year survival probability was employed. Hyperparameter tuning used Optuna method. Model efficacy was assessed using concordance index, average Brier score, D-calibration, and six-month interval time-dependent area under the curve (AUC). Results: Of 1,039 patients, 627 qualified after excluding 50 with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Model development used 564 patients (507 training, 57 test) with 9:1 stratified random split, plus 63 for internal validation and 362 for external validation. Significant parameters included preoperative glomerular filtration rate (p<0.001), hydroureteronephrosis (p=0.013), pathological N stage (p<0.001), concurrent carcinoma in situ (p<0.001), disease progression (p<0.001), and survival rate (p<0.001). Disease-free survival (DFS) model’s concordance index: internal validation 0.789, external validations 0.734 and 0.771. Overall survival (OS) model’s concordance index: internal validation 0.819, external validations 0.780 and 0.771. Mean time-dependent AUC was 0.66–0.77 for DFS and 0.67–0.80 for OS during 10-year periods. Conclusions AI-based model effectively predicts disease-free and OS outcomes for upper-urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients with post-radical nephroureterectomy, showcasing robust performance across multicenter settings.

Background: Traditionally, dental implants require a healing period of 4 to 9 months for osseointegration, with longer recovery times considered when bone grafting is needed. This retrospective study evaluates the clinical efficacy of demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) during dental implant placement to expedite the osseointegration period for early loading. Methods: Thirty patients (17 male, 13 female; mean age 55.0 ± 8.8 years) requiring bone grafts due to implant fixture exposure (more than four threads; ≥ 3.2 mm) were included, with a total of 96 implants placed. Implants were inserted using a two-stage protocol with DDM/rhBMP-2 grafts. Early loading was initiated at two months postoperatively in the mandible and three months in the maxilla. Clinical outcomes evaluated included primary and secondary stability (implant stability quotient values), healing period, bone width, and marginal bone level assessed via cone-beam computed tomography. Results: All implants successfully supported final prosthetics with a torque of 50Ncm, without any osseointegration failures. The average healing period was 69.6 days in the mandible and 90.5 days in the maxilla, with significantly higher secondary stability in the mandible (80.7 ± 6.7) compared to the maxilla (73.0 ± 9.2, p < 0.001). Histological analysis confirmed new bone formation and vascularization. Conclusion DDM/rhBMP-2 grafting appears to significantly reduce the healing period, enabling early loading with stable and favorable clinical outcomes.

Background: Traditionally, dental implants require a healing period of 4 to 9 months for osseointegration, with longer recovery times considered when bone grafting is needed. This retrospective study evaluates the clinical efficacy of demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) during dental implant placement to expedite the osseointegration period for early loading. Methods: Thirty patients (17 male, 13 female; mean age 55.0 ± 8.8 years) requiring bone grafts due to implant fixture exposure (more than four threads; ≥ 3.2 mm) were included, with a total of 96 implants placed. Implants were inserted using a two-stage protocol with DDM/rhBMP-2 grafts. Early loading was initiated at two months postoperatively in the mandible and three months in the maxilla. Clinical outcomes evaluated included primary and secondary stability (implant stability quotient values), healing period, bone width, and marginal bone level assessed via cone-beam computed tomography. Results: All implants successfully supported final prosthetics with a torque of 50Ncm, without any osseointegration failures. The average healing period was 69.6 days in the mandible and 90.5 days in the maxilla, with significantly higher secondary stability in the mandible (80.7 ± 6.7) compared to the maxilla (73.0 ± 9.2, p < 0.001). Histological analysis confirmed new bone formation and vascularization. Conclusion DDM/rhBMP-2 grafting appears to significantly reduce the healing period, enabling early loading with stable and favorable clinical outcomes.

Background: Traditionally, dental implants require a healing period of 4 to 9 months for osseointegration, with longer recovery times considered when bone grafting is needed. This retrospective study evaluates the clinical efficacy of demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) during dental implant placement to expedite the osseointegration period for early loading. Methods: Thirty patients (17 male, 13 female; mean age 55.0 ± 8.8 years) requiring bone grafts due to implant fixture exposure (more than four threads; ≥ 3.2 mm) were included, with a total of 96 implants placed. Implants were inserted using a two-stage protocol with DDM/rhBMP-2 grafts. Early loading was initiated at two months postoperatively in the mandible and three months in the maxilla. Clinical outcomes evaluated included primary and secondary stability (implant stability quotient values), healing period, bone width, and marginal bone level assessed via cone-beam computed tomography. Results: All implants successfully supported final prosthetics with a torque of 50Ncm, without any osseointegration failures. The average healing period was 69.6 days in the mandible and 90.5 days in the maxilla, with significantly higher secondary stability in the mandible (80.7 ± 6.7) compared to the maxilla (73.0 ± 9.2, p < 0.001). Histological analysis confirmed new bone formation and vascularization. Conclusion DDM/rhBMP-2 grafting appears to significantly reduce the healing period, enabling early loading with stable and favorable clinical outcomes.

Background: Traditionally, dental implants require a healing period of 4 to 9 months for osseointegration, with longer recovery times considered when bone grafting is needed. This retrospective study evaluates the clinical efficacy of demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) during dental implant placement to expedite the osseointegration period for early loading. Methods: Thirty patients (17 male, 13 female; mean age 55.0 ± 8.8 years) requiring bone grafts due to implant fixture exposure (more than four threads; ≥ 3.2 mm) were included, with a total of 96 implants placed. Implants were inserted using a two-stage protocol with DDM/rhBMP-2 grafts. Early loading was initiated at two months postoperatively in the mandible and three months in the maxilla. Clinical outcomes evaluated included primary and secondary stability (implant stability quotient values), healing period, bone width, and marginal bone level assessed via cone-beam computed tomography. Results: All implants successfully supported final prosthetics with a torque of 50Ncm, without any osseointegration failures. The average healing period was 69.6 days in the mandible and 90.5 days in the maxilla, with significantly higher secondary stability in the mandible (80.7 ± 6.7) compared to the maxilla (73.0 ± 9.2, p < 0.001). Histological analysis confirmed new bone formation and vascularization. Conclusion DDM/rhBMP-2 grafting appears to significantly reduce the healing period, enabling early loading with stable and favorable clinical outcomes.

Background: Traditionally, dental implants require a healing period of 4 to 9 months for osseointegration, with longer recovery times considered when bone grafting is needed. This retrospective study evaluates the clinical efficacy of demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) during dental implant placement to expedite the osseointegration period for early loading. Methods: Thirty patients (17 male, 13 female; mean age 55.0 ± 8.8 years) requiring bone grafts due to implant fixture exposure (more than four threads; ≥ 3.2 mm) were included, with a total of 96 implants placed. Implants were inserted using a two-stage protocol with DDM/rhBMP-2 grafts. Early loading was initiated at two months postoperatively in the mandible and three months in the maxilla. Clinical outcomes evaluated included primary and secondary stability (implant stability quotient values), healing period, bone width, and marginal bone level assessed via cone-beam computed tomography. Results: All implants successfully supported final prosthetics with a torque of 50Ncm, without any osseointegration failures. The average healing period was 69.6 days in the mandible and 90.5 days in the maxilla, with significantly higher secondary stability in the mandible (80.7 ± 6.7) compared to the maxilla (73.0 ± 9.2, p < 0.001). Histological analysis confirmed new bone formation and vascularization. Conclusion DDM/rhBMP-2 grafting appears to significantly reduce the healing period, enabling early loading with stable and favorable clinical outcomes.

Hyperthyroidism is a clinical condition characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones, leading to thyrotoxicosis, with Graves’ disease being the most common underlying etiology. The treatment options for hyperthyroidism include antithyroid drug (ATD) therapy, radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, and thyroidectomy. To establish standardized clinical recommendations specific to RAI therapy focusing on the safety, efficacy, pre- and post-treatment protocols, and follow-up monitoring, the Korean Thyroid Association convened a Task Force dedicated to developing evidence-based guidelines. Six key clinical questions were identified through expert panel discussion. A systematic review of literature published between 2013 and 2022 was conducted using PubMed and Embase with “hyperthyroidism” and “Graves’ disease” as search terms. Additional studies published during manuscript development were also included. The guideline classifies the clinical indications for RAI therapy into three categories: cases in which RAI is strongly recommended, may be considered, or not recommended. A fixed dose of 10–15 mCi is recommended for RAI therapy. While a routine low-iodine diet is not required, patients should avoid iodine-rich foods for at least one week before treatment. ATD should be discontinued 3–7 days prior to RAI and may be resumed afterward in selected cases. Prophylactic glucocorticoids are advised for patients with mild active thyroid eye disease and may be considered in those with additional risk factors. Thyroid function should be monitored at 4–6 weeks post-treatment, then every 2–3 months until stabilization, and subsequently at 6–12 month intervals or as clinically indicated. This guideline reflects recent advances in RAI therapy for hyperthyroidism and emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment decisions based on clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and patient preferences in Korea.

Objective: Patients recovering from moderate-to-severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reportedly have dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing. The current study compares the differences in dysphagia characteristics arising from COVID-19 pneumonia and aspiration pneumonia. We further identify factors affecting the severity of dysphagia. Methods: Fifty-four patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia with dysphagia and 44 patients with aspiration pneumonia were referred for a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) since they presented with signs and symptoms of dysphagia. The electronic medical records were reviewed to compare the dysphagia characteristics of the patients. Results: Intensive care unit (ICU) admission, intubation, tracheostomy, and a diagnosis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) after admission were more common in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (P＜0.001 for other variables and P=0.007 for tracheostomy) than in patients with aspiration pneumonia. Compared to patients with aspiration pneumonia, the COVID-19 patients had a significantly higher total modified videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (mVDS) score, indicating more severe dysphagia (P=0.038). Among the mVDS sub-scores, tracheal aspiration was significantly higher in the COVID-19 pneumonia group (P＜0.001). In logistic regression analysis, age (P=0.034), COVID-19 (P=0.001), ICU admission (P=0.012), tracheostomy (P=0.029), and ARDS diagnosis after admission (P=0.036) were significantly associated with tracheal aspiration. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, and clinical variables, COVID-19 was still significantly associated with worse tracheal aspiration scores (P=0.042). Conclusion Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia showed more severe dysphagia than subjects with aspiration pneumonia. This is particularly related to tracheal aspiration, as revealed by the VFSS. The dysphagia also correlated with a greater incidence of ICU admission, intubation, tracheostomy, and ARDS diagnosis in the COVID-19 pneumonia group.

The increasing prevalence of toxic substance-exposure in pets in South Korea endangers the health and safety of numerous companion animals, and has become a cause for concern. Notably, the annual incidence of forensic analysis in pets has increased by more than 150% in South Korea, mainly in populous regions such as Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi. In response to this growing issue, veterinary forensic examinations were conducted on 549 dogs and cats from 2019 to 2022. This study revealed the presence of various toxic substances, including pesticides, insecticides, and drugs such as analgesics, anesthetics, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants, in pets. Among the 38 different toxins identified in pets, coumatetralyl, methomyl, terbufos, and buprofezin were the most frequently detected. In this study, toxic substances for pets were identified based on the “toxic agent list for humans,” developed by the National Forensic Services, because no list of toxic agents for animals currently exists and data regarding potentially toxic substances for dogs and cats is limited. This is one of the limitations of this study, and necessitates the establishment of a toxic agent list for animals. Continued monitoring and research is also recommended to reveal the incidence, causes, and solutions of toxicity in animals.

Background: The primary objective of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of fused images obtained from single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and facial computed tomography (CT) for evaluat‑ ing degenerative changes in the mandibular condylar head. This assessment was accomplished by comparing the Technetium-99 m methylene diphosphonate ( 99m Tc-MDP) uptake ratio with the results of clinical and radiographic findings. Methods: The study included 17 patients (3 males and 14 females) with suspected osteoarthritis of the mandibular condyle, totaling 34 temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Based on clinical and radiographic examinations, the TMJs were categorized into four groups: normal (group N), internal derangement (group ID), osteoarthritis (group OA), and osteoarthritis sequelae (group ­OA seq ). For each patient, bone SPECT and facial CT scans were registered and reconstructed to create fused SPECT/CT images. The 99m Tc-MDP uptake levels in the TMJs were statistically com‑ pared among the four groups. Results: The 99m Tc-MDP uptake ratio showed a gradual increase in the order of the following: group N, group OA seq , group ID, and group OA. There was a significant difference observed among groups (pConclusion Fused SPECT/CT image can be an effective tool for evaluating degenerative changes in the mandibular condylar head. The technique demonstrated the ability to differentiate between normal TMJs and those with internal derangement, osteoarthritis, or osteoarthritis sequelae. This approach holds promise as a valuable method in clinical assessments of TMJ degeneration.