Purpose: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Cataract-related Visual Function Questionnaire (CVFQ). Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of 141 cataract patients was conducted from March 2022 to June 2022. The questionnaire was created based on a literature review and advice from an expert panel. This study determined its construct validity, criterion validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Results: The CVFQ consists of 15 items distributed among five categories: overall visual quality, overall visual function, distance vision, near vision, and glare. In the exploratory factor analysis of validity, the first three principal components explained 77.8% of the variance. The p-values in the Spearman correlation test comparing the pre- and postoperative total CVFQ score and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were 0.006 and 0.004, respectively. In the reliability analysis, Cronbach’s alpha was > 0.9 for internal consistency and the p-values of each subcategory were all significant in the analysis of test-retest reliability. Conclusions Our results indicate that the CVFQ is useful for measuring the visual quality and visual function of cataract patients in Korea.

Background: and Purpose: The effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions on functional brain changes in older adults remain unclear. This preliminary study aimed to explore the effect of physical exercise intervention (PEI), including HIIT, on cognitive function, physical performance, and electroencephalogram patterns in Korean elderly people. Methods: We enrolled six non-dementia participants aged >65 years from a community health center. PEI was conducted at the community health center for 4 weeks, three times/week, and 50 min/day. PEI, including HIIT, involved aerobic exercise, resistance training (muscle strength), flexibility, and balance. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for data analysis. Results: After the PEI, there was improvement in the 30-second sit-to-stand test result (16.2±7.0 times vs. 24.8±5.5 times, p=0.027), 2-minute stationary march result (98.3±27.2 times vs. 143.7±36.9 times, p=0.027), T-wall response time (104.2±55.8 seconds vs.71.0±19.4 seconds, p=0.028), memory score (89.6±21.6 vs. 111.0±19.1, p=0.028), executive function score (33.3±5.3 vs. 37.0±5.1, p=0.046), and total Literacy Independent Cognitive Assessment score (214.6±30.6 vs. 241.6±22.8, p=0.028). Electroencephalography demonstrated that the beta power in the frontal region was increased, while the theta power in the temporal region was decreased (all p<0.05). Conclusions Our HIIT PEI program effectively improved cognitive function, physical fitness, and electroencephalographic markers in elderly individuals; thus, it could be beneficial for improving functional brain activity in this population.

Purpose: To assess the prevalence and progression of a stage 0 macular hole in the fellow eye of patients with an idiopathic full-thickness macular hole.
Methods: The fellow eyes of 189 patients who underwent idiopathic full-thickness macular hole surgery were examined by biomicroscopy and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). A subset of 21 fellow eyes with a stage 0 macular hole was observed. Changes in the macular hole were evaluated by biomicroscopy and SD-OCT for an average of 29 months.
Results: Among the 21 eyes, 15 showed no change in perifoveal vitreous detachment (71.4%). Two eyes (9.5%) developed complete vitreofoveal separation, and one of the two developed a separation after progression to stage 1A. Among 21 eyes, 5 (23.8%) developed above stage 1A, and one of the five progressed to stage 1B after five years, which was successfully treated with vitrectomy and gas tamponade.
Conclusions Perifoveal vitreous detachment in the fellow eye on SD-OCT, defined as a stage 0 macular hole, occurred at an earlier phase than stage 1A macular holes and may progress to an advanced stage. Therefore, patients who undergo macular hole surgery and have a stage 0 macular hole or perifoveal vitreous detachment in the fellow eye should be followed closely.

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted the emergency medical care system worldwide. We analyzed the changes in the management of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and compared the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 eras. Materials and Methods: From March to October of the COVID-19 era (2020), 83 consecutive patients with ICH were admitted to four comprehensive stroke centers. We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients and compared the treatment workflow metrics, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes with the patients admitted during the same period of pre-COVID-19 era (2017–2019). Results: Three hundred thirty-eight patients (83 in COVID-19 era and 255 in pre-COVID-19 era) were included in this study. Symptom onset/detection-to-door time [COVID-19; 56.0 min (34.0–106.0), pre-COVID-19; 40.0 min (27.0–98.0), p=0.016] and median door to-intensive treatment time differed between the two groups [COVID-19; 349.0 min (177.0–560.0), pre-COVID-19; 184.0 min (134.0–271.0), p<0.001]. Hematoma expansion was detected more significantly in the COVID-19 era (39.8% vs. 22.1%, p=0.002). At 3-month follow-up, clinical outcomes of patients were worse in the COVID-19 era (Good modified Rankin Scale; 33.7% in COVID-19, 46.7% in pre-COVID-19, p=0.039). Conclusion During the COVID-19 era, delays in management of ICH was associated with hematoma expansion and worse outcomes.

Purpose: To assess the prevalence and progression of a stage 0 macular hole in the fellow eye of patients with an idiopathic full-thickness macular hole.
Methods: The fellow eyes of 189 patients who underwent idiopathic full-thickness macular hole surgery were examined by biomicroscopy and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). A subset of 21 fellow eyes with a stage 0 macular hole was observed. Changes in the macular hole were evaluated by biomicroscopy and SD-OCT for an average of 29 months.
Results: Among the 21 eyes, 15 showed no change in perifoveal vitreous detachment (71.4%). Two eyes (9.5%) developed complete vitreofoveal separation, and one of the two developed a separation after progression to stage 1A. Among 21 eyes, 5 (23.8%) developed above stage 1A, and one of the five progressed to stage 1B after five years, which was successfully treated with vitrectomy and gas tamponade.
Conclusions Perifoveal vitreous detachment in the fellow eye on SD-OCT, defined as a stage 0 macular hole, occurred at an earlier phase than stage 1A macular holes and may progress to an advanced stage. Therefore, patients who undergo macular hole surgery and have a stage 0 macular hole or perifoveal vitreous detachment in the fellow eye should be followed closely.

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted the emergency medical care system worldwide. We analyzed the changes in the management of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and compared the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 eras. Materials and Methods: From March to October of the COVID-19 era (2020), 83 consecutive patients with ICH were admitted to four comprehensive stroke centers. We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients and compared the treatment workflow metrics, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes with the patients admitted during the same period of pre-COVID-19 era (2017–2019). Results: Three hundred thirty-eight patients (83 in COVID-19 era and 255 in pre-COVID-19 era) were included in this study. Symptom onset/detection-to-door time [COVID-19; 56.0 min (34.0–106.0), pre-COVID-19; 40.0 min (27.0–98.0), p=0.016] and median door to-intensive treatment time differed between the two groups [COVID-19; 349.0 min (177.0–560.0), pre-COVID-19; 184.0 min (134.0–271.0), p<0.001]. Hematoma expansion was detected more significantly in the COVID-19 era (39.8% vs. 22.1%, p=0.002). At 3-month follow-up, clinical outcomes of patients were worse in the COVID-19 era (Good modified Rankin Scale; 33.7% in COVID-19, 46.7% in pre-COVID-19, p=0.039). Conclusion During the COVID-19 era, delays in management of ICH was associated with hematoma expansion and worse outcomes.

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic partial repair with medialization of the attachment site of the rotator cuff tendon and to identify prognostic factors affecting rotator cuff healing in patients with irreparable large to massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Methods: Between July 2012 and March 2016, 42 patients with irreparable large to massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears underwent an arthroscopic partial repair with medialization of the attachment site of the rotator cuff tendon. All patients had a minimum of 2-year follow-up (mean, 35.4 ± 7.3 months). Clinical evaluation was performed using the visual analog scale, the University of California, Los Angeles shoulder rating scale, Constant score, and active range of motion. Radiological evaluation was performed using magnetic resonance imaging and simple radiography. Results: Clinical outcomes at the final follow-up improved significantly compared with the preoperative values (all p < 0.001). The failure rate was 23.8% (10/42); however, clinical outcomes significantly improved regardless of cuff healing (all p < 0.001). The mean acromiohumeral distance was 6.5 ± 1.7 mm (range, 3.2–9.7 mm) before surgery and 6.3 ± 1.6 mm (range, 2.8–9.5 mm) at the final follow-up. Preoperative acromiohumeral distance was associated with failure of cuff healing in the univariate analysis (p = 0.043) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.048). A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the predictive cutoff value for the smallest preoperative acromiohumeral distance for successful healing, which was calculated as 5.3 mm. Conclusions Despite healing failure, arthroscopic partial repair with medialization can be a possible treatment option for irreparable large to massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears because of the improvement in clinical outcome. The shorter preoperative acromiohumeral distance was the single most important factor negatively affecting cuff healing, and the likelihood of success of healing might be improved if a repair is performed when the preoperative acromiohumeral distance is < 5.3 mm.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the surgical result of schwannoma occurring in the major peripheral nerves of the extremity and factors that influence these surgical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients, who were followed for more than 1 year, were included. The mean age was 51 years. There were 23 male cases and 28 female cases. There were 27 cases of schwannoma in the upper extremity and 24 cases in the lower extremity. The involved nerves were classified. The maximal diameter of excised tumors was measured. Clinical and neurological symptoms were analyzed at preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up. Risk factors of neurological complications were also analyzed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 20 months. The average maximal diameter of tumors was 2.9 cm. The most affected nerve in the upper extremity was the ulnar nerve in 10 cases, and tibial nerve in the lower extremity in 10 cases. The most prevalent preoperative symptom was Tinel in 38 cases. Clinical symptoms were improved in more than 90% of patients following the surgery. There were 13 cases with preoperative sensory deficits. Symptom improvement after surgery was observed in 9 cases; and symptoms persisted in 4 cases following surgery. At the final follow-up, sensory deficits disappeared in 2 cases and persisted in 2 cases. There were 2 cases of preoperative motor deficits. There was improvement in 1 case following the surgery and persisted in 1 case until the final follow-up. There was a statistical significance between maximal diameter of schwannoma and postoperative neurological deficits (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Schwannoma at the major peripheral nerves of the extremity can be excised with acceptable risk for neurological deficits. Meticulous dissection is required to avoid injuries of the involved nerves.
Extremities* ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Male ; Neurilemmoma* ; Peripheral Nerves* ; Risk Factors ; Tibial Nerve ; Ulnar Nerve ; Upper Extremity

Hidrocystomas, eccrine or apocrine are rare ductal cystic benign lesions of the sweat gland. These uncommon cystic lesions are extremely rare in the external ear. Here, we discuss the clinical features and management of eccrine hydrocystoma in the external ear by describing the clinical, radiographic, pathologic features and management of an external auditory canal eccrine hidrocystoma in a 73-year-old Korean man. To the best of our knowledge, this tumor has not been reported previously in this site. Five month after surgery, there has been no evidence of local recurrence.
Aged ; Ear Canal* ; Ear, External ; Hidrocystoma* ; Humans ; Recurrence ; Sweat Glands

PURPOSE: The study aims to classify schools based on traffic pollutants and their complex sources, to assess the environment, to determine the state of allergic diseases among students using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in children (ISAAC) questionnaire, and to assess their connection to air pollutants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of seven schools were divided into three categories according to the characteristics of their surrounding environments: three schools in traffic-related zones, two schools in complex source zones I (urban), and two schools in complex source zones II (industrial complex). ISAAC questionnaires were administered and the 4404 completed questionnaires were analyzed. RESULTS: The frequency of asthma treatment during the past 12 months showed a significant increase (p<0.05) with exposure to NO2 [1.67, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.03-2.71] in the complex source zones. The frequency of allergic rhinitis treatment during the past 12 months increased significantly with exposure to Black Carbon (1.60, 95% CIs 1.36-1.90) (p<0.001), SO2 (1.09, 95% CIs 1.01-1.17) (p<0.05), NO2 (1.18, 95% CIs 1.07-1.30) (p<0.01) for all subjects. CONCLUSION: In terms of supporting children's health, care, and prevention related to major spaces for children, such as school zones, spaces used in coming to and leaving school, playgrounds, and classrooms are essential to ensuring not only the safety of children from traffic accidents but also their protection from local traffic pollutants and various hazardous environmental factors.
Adolescent ; Air Pollutants/*adverse effects ; Air Pollution/*adverse effects ; Asthma/chemically induced/*epidemiology/*etiology ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/chemically induced/*epidemiology ; Schools ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Vehicle Emissions/analysis/toxicity