Purpose: We aimed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in intestinal failure (IF) patients after different modes of intestinal rehabilitation. Methods: HRQoL was assessed using the generic 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36, ver. 2) and visual analogue scale (VAS) in 6 different areas: diet, sleep, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, and other symptoms. Results: Twenty-two patients completed the questionnaires, of which 7 had received intestinal transplant (ITx), 9 were continuing home total parenteral nutrition (HPN), and 6 had tapered off total parenteral nutrition (TPN). SF-36 physical component summary scores were highest in the ITx group (median, 65.6; interquartile range [IQR], 31.6–80.3) compared to the HPN (median, 48.4; IQR, 44.7–66.3) or tapered group (median, 54.2; IQR, 45.2–61.6). Mental component summary scores were lowest in the ITx group (median, 48.8; IQR, 37.1–63.6), compared to the TPN (median, 60.2; IQR, 41.6–78.5) or tapered group (median, 51.0; IQR, 48.8–56.0). Differences were not significant in all items of the SF-36. VAS scores showed that patients in the ITx group showed the best results in diet (0.9), gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (1.4), and musculoskeletal pain (2.4). There was a significant difference in sleep (P = 0.036), with the ITx (1.43) and HPN groups (1.33) showing better outcomes compared with the tapered group (4.67). Patients in the tapered group showed the least favorable results in all performance areas, except GI symptoms. Conclusion SF-36 did not show a significant difference between the ITx, HPN, and tapered groups, but VAS showed a significant difference in sleep between groups. Further studies, including serial data, will allow a better understanding of the effects of different modes of intestinal rehabilitation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop an approach to alleviate the discomfort caused by sandbag compression after a bone marrow examination. This research examined the effects of applying a pressure hemostasis band on bleeding, pain, and discomfort at the bone marrow examination site. Methods: This study was conducted with a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design. For 74 patients under evaluation who underwent bone marrow examination, sandbag compression was applied to the examination site in the control group (n=37), and a pressure hemostasis band was applied to the intervention group (n=37). In both groups, absolute bed rest was performed for two hours, and bleeding, pain, and discomfort at the examination site were measured. Results: After two hours of the bone marrow examination, there was no difference in bleeding on the gauze between the two groups (F=0.59, p=.444). Bleeding occurred in three patients in the intervention group and six in the control group (χ 2 =1.14, p=.479), with no cases of hematoma detected in either group. One hour post-examination, the control group experienced significantly higher pain (F=5.45, p=.022) and discomfort (F=5.68, p=.020) than the intervention group. However, pain and discomfort levels were similar between groups after two hours. Conclusion Compared to the sandbag compression group, the band application group showed no difference in bleeding and experienced less pain and discomfort at the examination site. This confirms that the pressure hemostasis band is a suitable alternative to sandbag compression in post-examination care.

Purpose: 11C-Methionine PET/CT is a promising method for detecting parathyroid lesions in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). We aimed to determine the diagnostic ability and correlation of digital 11C-Methionine PET/CT for parathyroid lesions in patients with PHPT, particularly in cases where standard imaging methods yielded inconclusive results. Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with PHPT who underwent digital 11C-Methionine PET/CT imaging because of ambiguous results on standard imaging work-up ( 99m Tc-MIBI parathyroid scan and/or neck ultrasonography). Quantitative 11C-Methionine PET/CT parameters, including maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmean), peak SUV (SUVpeak), parathyroid methionine volume (PMV), and whole methionine uptake(WMU: PMV multiplied by SUVmean) were calculated with various thresholds, and their correlations with biochemical andpathologic parameters were investigated. Results: This study included 22 consecutive patients (10 men and 12 women) with a median age of 64.0 years. The lesion detection rate and sensitivity of digital 11C-Methionine PET/CT were 81.8% (18/22) and 100.0% (18/18), respectively.Quantitative analysis revealed that serum PTH (r = 0.490, P = 0.039) and serum calcium (r = 0.583, P = 0.011) were signifi-cantly correlated with PMV50%. Conclusion Digital 11C-Methionine PET/CT offers good performance in the detection of parathyroid lesions in PHPT patients with inconclusive standard imaging work-up. The volume parameter of PMV50% significantly correlated biochemi-cal parameters and can serve as a complementary diagnostic tool.

Synthetic data, generated using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, replicates the statistical properties of real-world datasets while excluding identifiable information.Although synthetic data does not consist of actual data points, it is derived from original datasets, thereby enabling analyses that yield results comparable to those obtained with real data. Synthetic datasets are evaluated based on their utility—a measure of how effectively they mirror real data for analytical purposes. This paper presents the generation of synthetic datasets through the Healthcare Big Data Showcase Project (2019–2023). The original dataset comprises comprehensive multi-omics data from 400 individuals, including cancer survivors, chronic disease patients, and healthy participants. Synthetic data facilitates efficient access and robust analyses, serving as a practical tool for research and education. It addresses privacy concerns, supports AI research, and provides a foundation for innovative applications across diverse fields, such as public health and precision medicine.

This study explores the development, roles, and key initiatives of the Regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea, detailing their evolution through four distinct phases and their impact on environmental health policy and local governance. It chronicles the establishment and transformation of these centers from their inception in May 2007, through four developmental stages. Originally named Environmental Disease Research Centers, they were subsequently renamed Environmental Health Centers following legislative changes. The analysis includes the expansion in the number of centers, the transfer of responsibilities to local governments, and the launch of significant projects such as the Korean Children’s Environmental Health Study (Ko-CHENS ). During the initial phase (May 2007–February 2009), the 10 centers concentrated on research-driven activities, shifting from a media-centered to a receptor-centered approach. In the second phase, prompted by the enactment of the Environmental Health Act, six additional centers were established, broadening their scope to address national environmental health issues. The third phase introduced Ko-CHENS, a 20-year national cohort project designed to influence environmental health policy by integrating research findings into policy frameworks. The fourth phase marked a decentralization of authority, empowering local governments and redefining the centers' roles to focus on regional environmental health challenges. The Regional Environmental Health Centers have significantly evolved and now play a crucial role in addressing local environmental health issues and supporting local government policies. Their capacity to adapt and respond to region-specific challenges is essential for the effective implementation of environmental health policies, reflecting geographical, socioeconomic, and demographic differences.

This case report presents an 81-year-old edentulous female patient with congenital cleft lip and palate, rehabilitated with a maxillary obturator and a mandibular complete denture. A defect in the hard palate causes nasal leakage and hypernasalization of speech. Velopharyngeal insufficiency due to a defect in the soft palate causes reflux during swallowing and decreased clarity of pronunciation.The anatomical structures, such as Passavant’s ridge, were considered to prevent respiratory problems when impression taking. We achieved satisfactory results including velopharyngeal closure for pronunciation, mastication, and swallowing, as well as improved aesthetics. Therefore, we report the process and considerations of the treatment.

Background: The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in breast reconstruction can inhibit capsular contracture, increasing the success rate of surgery. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can effectively suppress foreign body reaction, which is a major cause of capsular contracture. This study aimed to elucidate the synergistic effects of combining ADSCs with ADM on capsule formation, utilizing a rat model. Methods: The study utilized 12 rats, equally divided into two experimental groups. Group A received silicone implants covered with ADM, while Group B was implanted with silicone prostheses wrapped in ADM, pre-seeded with ADSCs. Capsule formation was assessed through visual examination, histological analysis, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at 4 and 8 weeks post-implantation. Results: At 4 weeks, the mean capsular thickness was 177.16 μm in Group A and 170.76 μm in Group B; at 8 weeks, it was 196.69 μm in Group A and 176.10 μm in Group B. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in capsule thickness between the groups (P>0.05). Histological findings indicated that Group A had more inflammatory cells and collagen fibers and reduced angiogenesis. RT-PCR showed that angiogenesis-promoting gene expression in Group B was 14% higher at 4 weeks and 156% higher at 8 weeks compared to Group A. Conclusion Although no statistically significant reduction in capsule thickness was observed, ADSC-seeded implants showed histological features associated with reduced inflammation and enhanced angiogenesis, suggesting potential benefits in capsule formation management.

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.

Background: Recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rhFSH) is commonly used to treat female infertility, but its short half-life necessitates multiple doses. Even corifollitropin alfa, with an extended half-life, requires supplementary injections of rhFSH after 7 days. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a long-acting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) formulation using anti-serum albumin Fab-associated (SAFA) technology to avoid additional injections and enhance ovarian function. Methods: SAFA-FSH was synthesized using a Chinese hamster ovary expression system. Its biological efficacy was confirmed through assays measuring its ability to stimulate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production, estradiol synthesis, and the expression of human cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (hCYP19α1) and human steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (hSTAR) in human ovarian granulosa (KGN) cells. To evaluate the effects of SAFA-FSH, we compared its impact on serum estradiol levels and ovarian weight increase with that of rhFSH in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using the modified Steelman-Pohley test. Results: The results indicated that SAFA-FSH induces cAMP synthesis in KGN cells and upregulates the expression of hCYP19α1 and hSTAR in a dose-dependent manner. Female SD rats, aged 21 days, receiving daily subcutaneous human chorionic gonadotropin injections for 5 days exhibited a significant increase in serum estradiol levels and ovarian weight when administered SAFA-FSH on the first day or when given nine injections of rhFSH over 5 days. Notably, the group receiving SAFA-FSH on the first and third days demonstrated an even greater rise in serum estradiol levels and ovarian weight. Conclusion These findings suggest that SAFA-FSH presents a promising alternative to current rhFSH treatments for female infertility. However, further research is essential to thoroughly assess its safety and efficacy in clinical contexts.