BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The Omega-3 Index (O3I), which is the total eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in erythrocytes as a percentage of total fatty acids (FAs), is associated with fish intake. O3I also varies with body mass index, age, sex, and dietary factors other than the intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). This study examined the relationship between the dietary intake of total fat and FA classes, and O3I, specifically regarding EPA+DHA intake. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data on dietary intake and serum FAs from 2,370 participants (1,192 males and 1,178 females) aged 18–79 yrs, collected during the 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, were used in this study. The O3I was estimated from the serum EPA+DHA content. RESULTS: In the total population, O3I showed an inverse correlation with the intake of total fat (r = -0.417), saturated FAs (SFAs; r = -0.423), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs; r = -0.412) (P < 0.01). Similar relationships were observed among males. However, in females, only SFA intake was correlated with O3I (r = -0.386, P < 0.05). In contrast, no correlation was observed between n-6 PUFA intake and O3I. Multivariable regression analysis also showed that a 1% increment in energy provided by total fat, SFA, and MUFA corresponded to reductions of 0.019, 0.055, and 0.035 units in O3I, respectively (P < 0.01). Both SFA and MUFA intakes mediated the negative relationship between total fat intake and O3I in the total population and males. However, MUFA were not significant mediators in women. CONCLUSION The intakes of total fat, SFA, and MUFA negatively influenced O3I, independent of n-3 PUFA intake.

Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), a parasitic eye worm causing thelaziasis has been reported in humans and dogs in Korea. However, its occurrence in other potential reservoir hosts, including wild animals, remains unclear. In the present study, we described the 2 cases of thelaziasis from both of feral and captive wild animal in Korea. In August and November 2017, 2 cases of the parasitic infections were found in the third eyelid of rescued leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis and reared raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides at the Chungnam Wild Animal Rescue Center. A total of 20 and 24 worms were detected from the left and right eyes of leopard cat, respectively. In the left eye of the raccoon dog, 5 worms were recognized. Male worms were 969–11,860 μm long (10,600 μm on average) and 300–320 μm width (315 μm on average). Female worms were 13,430–15,330 (14,480) μm long and 320–370 (344) μm wide in size. They commonly had a characteristic scalariform buccal cavity and short esophagus. The vulva openings were located at the anterior of esophago-intestinal junction in females. The thelaziasis is reported in 2 species of wildlife, P. bengalensis and N. procyonoides, for the first time in Korea.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The Omega-3 Index (O3I), which is the total eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in erythrocytes as a percentage of total fatty acids (FAs), is associated with fish intake. O3I also varies with body mass index, age, sex, and dietary factors other than the intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). This study examined the relationship between the dietary intake of total fat and FA classes, and O3I, specifically regarding EPA+DHA intake. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data on dietary intake and serum FAs from 2,370 participants (1,192 males and 1,178 females) aged 18–79 yrs, collected during the 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, were used in this study. The O3I was estimated from the serum EPA+DHA content. RESULTS: In the total population, O3I showed an inverse correlation with the intake of total fat (r = -0.417), saturated FAs (SFAs; r = -0.423), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs; r = -0.412) (P < 0.01). Similar relationships were observed among males. However, in females, only SFA intake was correlated with O3I (r = -0.386, P < 0.05). In contrast, no correlation was observed between n-6 PUFA intake and O3I. Multivariable regression analysis also showed that a 1% increment in energy provided by total fat, SFA, and MUFA corresponded to reductions of 0.019, 0.055, and 0.035 units in O3I, respectively (P < 0.01). Both SFA and MUFA intakes mediated the negative relationship between total fat intake and O3I in the total population and males. However, MUFA were not significant mediators in women. CONCLUSION The intakes of total fat, SFA, and MUFA negatively influenced O3I, independent of n-3 PUFA intake.

Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), a parasitic eye worm causing thelaziasis has been reported in humans and dogs in Korea. However, its occurrence in other potential reservoir hosts, including wild animals, remains unclear. In the present study, we described the 2 cases of thelaziasis from both of feral and captive wild animal in Korea. In August and November 2017, 2 cases of the parasitic infections were found in the third eyelid of rescued leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis and reared raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides at the Chungnam Wild Animal Rescue Center. A total of 20 and 24 worms were detected from the left and right eyes of leopard cat, respectively. In the left eye of the raccoon dog, 5 worms were recognized. Male worms were 969–11,860 μm long (10,600 μm on average) and 300–320 μm width (315 μm on average). Female worms were 13,430–15,330 (14,480) μm long and 320–370 (344) μm wide in size. They commonly had a characteristic scalariform buccal cavity and short esophagus. The vulva openings were located at the anterior of esophago-intestinal junction in females. The thelaziasis is reported in 2 species of wildlife, P. bengalensis and N. procyonoides, for the first time in Korea.

Purpose: To assess clinical outcomes in patients undergoing surgical excision and eyelid reconstruction for malignancies. Methods: This 17-year retrospective study (2004–2021) analyzed patients with malignant eyelid tumors who underwent excision and reconstruction. Data on tumor type, size, location, surgical techniques, complications, and prognostic factors for recurrence were evaluated. Results: A total of 152 patients underwent surgical excision and reconstruction for eyelid malignancies. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common (52.6%), followed by sebaceous cell carcinoma (32.2%). Direct lid closure was the most frequent reconstructive method. Postoperative complications, including ectropion, entropion, and canalicular obstruction, were minimal but required additional surgery in some cases. Recurrence occurred in 13 patients. Lymph node involvement (odds ratio, 21.291; p = 0.004) and positive intraoperative frozen margins (odds ratio, 7.083; p = 0.018) were significant risk factors for local recurrence. Conclusions Surgical excision and reconstruction are effective treatments for eyelid malignancies, with techniques tailored to tumor size, location, and extension to ensure proper lid function. Lymph node involvement and positive intraoperative frozen margins are key predictors of local recurrence.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine current global practices in regenerative therapy (RT) for erectile dysfunction (ED) and to establish expert recommendations for its use, addressing the current lack of solid evidence and standardized guidelines. Materials and Methods: A 39-question survey was developed by senior Global Andrology Forum (GAF) experts to comprehensively cover clinical aspects of RT. This was distributed globally via a secure online Google Form to ED specialists through the GAF website, international professional societies, and social media, the responses were analyzed and presented for frequencies as percentages. Consensus on expert recommendations for RT use was achieved using the Delphi method. Results: Out of 479 respondents from 62 countries, a third reported using RT for ED. The most popular treatment was low-intensity shock wave therapy (54.6%), followed by platelet-rich plasma (24.5%) and their combination (14.7%), with stem cell therapy being the least used (3.7%). The primary indication for RT was the refractory or adverse effects of PDE5 inhibitors, with the best effectiveness reported in middle-aged and mild-to-moderate ED patients. Respondents were confident about its overall safety, with a significant number expressing interest in RT’s future use, despite pending guidelines support. Conclusions This inaugural global survey reveals a growing use of RT in ED treatment, showcasing its diverse clinical applications and potential for future widespread adoption. However, the lack of comprehensive evidence and clear guidelines requires further research to standardize RT practices in ED treatment.

Background: and Purpose The Treat Stroke to Target (TST) was a randomized clinical trial involving French and Korean patients demonstrating that a lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, <70 mg/dL) target group (LT) experienced fewer cerebro-cardiovascular events than a higher target (90–110 mg/dL) group (HT). However, whether these results can be applied to Asian patients with different ischemic stroke subtypes remains unclear. Methods: Patients from 14 South Korean centers were analyzed separately. Patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack with evidence of atherosclerosis were randomized into LT and HT groups. The primary endpoint was a composite of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, coronary or cerebral revascularization, and cardiovascular death. Results: Among 712 enrolled patients, the mean LDL-C level was 71.0 mg/dL in 357 LT patients and 86.1 mg/dL in 355 HT patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 24 (6.7%) of LT and in 31 (8.7%) of HT group patients (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]=0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.45–1.33, P=0.353). Cardiovascular events alone occurred significantly less frequently in the LT than in the HT group (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.09–0.80, P=0.019), whereas there were no significant differences in ischemic stroke events (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.60–2.10, P=0.712). The benefit of LT was less apparent in patients with small vessel disease and intracranial atherosclerosis than in those with extracranial atherosclerosis. Conclusion In contrast to the French TST, the outcomes in Korean patients were neutral. Although LT was more effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases, it was not so in stroke prevention, probably attributed to the differences in stroke subtypes. Further studies are needed to elucidate the efficacy of statins and appropriate LDL-C targets in Asian patients with stroke.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive primary liver malignancy often diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in a poor prognosis. Accurate risk stratification and early detection of HCC are critical unmet needs for improving outcomes. Several blood-based biomarkers and imaging tests are available for early detection, prediction, and monitoring of HCC. However, serum protein biomarkers such as alpha-fetoprotein have shown relatively low sensitivity, leading to inaccurate performance. Imaging studies also face limitations related to suboptimal accuracy, high cost, and limited implementation. Recently, liquid biopsy techniques have gained attention for addressing these unmet needs. Liquid biopsy is non-invasive and provides more objective readouts, requiring less reliance on healthcare professional’s skills compared to imaging. Circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, and extracellular vesicles are targeted in liquid biopsies as novel biomarkers for HCC. Despite their potential, there are debates regarding the role of these novel biomarkers in the HCC care continuum. This review article aims to discuss the technical challenges, recent technical advancements, advantages and disadvantages of these liquid biopsies, as well as their current clinical application and future directions of liquid biopsy in HCC.

Methods: Twelve consecutive patients underwent single-level BELIF for lumbar degenerative disease. The technique involves two small portals, one each for endoscopy and instruments. A large PEEK cage was inserted through a posterolateral approach. Clinical outcomes, including a Visual Analog Scale for back and leg pain, the Oswestry Disability Index, and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Fusion status was evaluated using computed tomography (CT) at 12 months. Results: The mean patient age was 69.1±7.2 years, with operations predominantly at the L4–5 level (83%). The mean operation time was 149.7±37.4 minutes, and the average surgical drainage was 201.4±59.7 mL. All clinical outcome measures showed significant improvement at 12 months (p<0.05). Fusion was achieved in 83.3% of patients. Cage subsidence (>1 mm) occurred in one patient (8.3%). Complications included one case each of incidental durotomy, wrong-site surgery, and wound dehiscence and three cases of asymptomatic hematoma. Conclusions BELIF using a large PEEK cage demonstrated promising clinical outcomes and fusion rates. The technique offers enhanced visualization and enables direct neural decompression while minimizing tissue trauma. The use of a large PEEK cage may contribute to improved stability and reduced subsidence risk.