Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of the prostate health index (PHI) in patients with no index lesions on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) or with negative findings on past prostate biopsy if there was an index lesion on mpMRI. Materials and Methods: Patients without an index lesion on MRI or with a negative result on combined biopsy for index lesions were assessed. Patients who underwent transperineal mapping biopsy among those suspected of having prostate cancer (PCa) due to persistently elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were analyzed. Results: Of the 291 patients, 82 (28.2%) were diagnosed with PCa. Sixty-five of 291 patients had negative finding in previous combined biopsy. In total, 226 patients did not have any index lesions. The mean age of the PCa group was 64.33±8.88 years and that of the non-cancer group was 59.88±10.26 years (p<0.001). The PHI was 46.75±28.22 in the PCa group and 37.74±17.37 in the noncancer group (p=0.001), and the prostate volume was 41.52±15.77 mL in the PCa group and 50.78±23.97 mL in the non-cancer group (p=0.001). In multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.096, p<0.001), PHI (OR 1.021, p=0.005), and prostate volume (OR 0.954, p<0.001) were identified as significant factors for PCa detection. The optimal cutoff value of the PHI for PCa detection was 44.6 and the PHI density (PHID) was 0.88. Conclusions In patients with elevated PSA levels but no index lesions on mpMRI or negative biopsy findings, PHI and PHID demonstrated significant potential for improving PCa detection.

In this study, the Ti6Al4V specimens were fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) method (Ti6Al4V-AS group). These specimens were performed to heat treatment at 950℃ and 550℃ using vacuum electric furnace (Ti6Al4V-HT group). The mechanical properties, metallographic shape, crystalline structure, and chemical compositions of the alloy specimens before and after heat treatment were analyzed. The Ti6Al4V-AS group showed ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and low elongation values. Acicular crystal grains were observed in metallographic image and the α'-Ti phase was dominant. After heat treatment (Ti6Al4V-HT group), the UTS was lowered and the elongation was increased. In addition, a lamellar structure in which columnar crystal grains are arranged was observed, α+β-Ti phase was formed, and crystallinity increased. As a result of analyzing the chemical composition, the Ti6Al4V-AS specimen contained a higher carbon content than the Ti6Al4V-HT specimen. This high carbon content could be related to the formation of α'-phase, high strength and low elongation of the Ti6Al4V-AS specimen. Ti6Al4V-HT specimen showed that the overall carbon content was low, but the carbon content was locally high in the α-Ti phase region. Therefore, it is necessary to control effectively the incorporation of carbon gas in the production of Ti6Al4V specimens using SLM.

This study assessed the effects of probiotics in canine atopic dermatitis (AD). We enrolled 11 client-owned dogs with AD and randomly allocated them to two groups. The probiotics group (n = 7) was prescribed with Bifidobacterium longum while the control group (n = 4) received a placebo powder once a day for 12 weeks. In both groups, the degree of skin lesions was evaluated based on the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)-4. We also measured the transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We assessed pruritus severity using the pruritus visual analog scale (PVAS). Alteration of consumed drug doses was converted into medication scores. All the evaluation indices were surveyed every 4 weeks. In the probiotics group, there was a significant decrease in the CADESI-4 score at 4, 8, and 12 weeks compared to that of the baseline score (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in TEWL, PVAS, and medication score at each time point and between groups. Although these results showed that Bifidobacterium longum did not reduce pruritus, TEWL, and the dosage of drugs for canine AD, it was effective in improving skin lesions, therefore, probiotics could be considered in canine AD with severe skin symptoms.

There have been controversies on the prophylactic effect of hydroxychloroquine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). We describe a patient, 60-year old Korean woman, with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who had been taking hydroxychloroquine for 6 months. Her serum and saliva concentrations of hydroxychloroquine were 280 μg/L and 4,890 μg/L, respectively. The present case raises concerns on hydroxychloroquine's role as a prophylactic agent for COVID-19.

PURPOSE: There are few reports from Asian countries about the long-term results of aromatase inhibitor adjuvant treatment for breast cancer. This observational study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of letrozole in postmenopausal Korean women with operable breast cancer. METHODS: Self-reported quality of life (QoL) scores were serially assessed for 3 years during adjuvant letrozole treatment using the Korean version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast questionnaires (version 3). Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and serum cholesterol levels were also examined. RESULTS: All 897 patients received the documented informed consent form and completed a baseline questionnaire before treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 684 (76.3%) subjects, and 410 (45.7%) and 396 (44.1%) patients had stage I and II breast cancer, respectively. Each patient completed questionnaires at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months after enrollment. Of 897 patients, 749 (83.5%) completed the study. The dropout rate was 16.5%. The serial trial outcome index, the sum of the physical and functional well-being subscales, increased gradually and significantly from baseline during letrozole treatment (p<0.001). The mean serum cholesterol level increased significantly from 199 to 205 after 36 months (p=0.042). The mean BMD significantly decreased from −0.39 at baseline to −0.87 after 36 months (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: QoL gradually improved during letrozole treatment. BMD and serum cholesterol level changes were similar to those in Western countries, indicating that adjuvant letrozole treatment is well tolerated in Korean women, with minimal ethnic variation.
Aromatase ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Bone Density ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Cholesterol ; Consent Forms ; Female ; Humans ; Observational Study ; Quality of Life*

Pruritus is one of the most important symptoms of allergic inflammatory skin disease. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been reported to have preventive effects against allergic inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not oral administration of CLA suppresses pruritus induced by compound 48/80 (composed of N-methyl-p-methoxy phenethylamine with formaldehyde) in mice, and if so, whether or not this effect is associated with serum histamine and prostaglandin (PG) E2 levels. Liquid CLA mixture (36.25% 9c-11t CLA, 36.95% 10t-12c CLA, 1.12% 9c-11c, and 1.94% t9-t11 CLA) was emulsified in 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) sodium salt and orally administered to mice at doses of 200 mg/kg once per day for 3 days. Similarly, disodium chromoglycate (DSCG), an antipruritic substance, was administered orally at the same concentrations as the negative control. Compound 48/80, a pruritus-inducing reagent, was subcutaneously injected 30 minutes after final administration of CLA. Scratching behavior of mice was counted just after compound 48/80 injection. Serum histamine and PGE2 concentrations were evaluated individually. Mice administered with CLA showed reduced frequency of scratching behavior compared to those without CLA. Antipruritic activities in CLA-treated and DSCG-treated groups were 48.5% and 26.8%, respectively. CLA and DSCG also diminished serum concentrations of histamine and PGE2 compared to compound 48/80 alone, respectively. This result suggests that dietary CLA has an antipruritic effect by down-regulating serum histamine and PGE2 levels for relief of compound 48/80-induced scratching behavior in mice, which will be useful in allergic pruritus as a preventive medicine.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium ; Dinoprostone ; Histamine ; Inflammation ; Linoleic Acid* ; Mice* ; Preventive Medicine ; Pruritus* ; Skin Diseases ; Sodium

OBJECTIVES: Many patients diagnosed with cancer suffer from various psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety and insomnia as well as cancer itself. Patients with cancer are more vulnerable to possible adverse events of psychotropic medications. Although antidepressants are widely used among cancer patients, there is little information about tolerability of antidepressants. This study was conducted to compare tolerability of antidepressants in cancer patients referred for psychiatric consultation. METHODS: The participants were cancer patients who had been referred to psychiatrist for their psychiatric symptoms. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients diagnosed with cancer from 9 general hospitals in Korea. The discontinuation rate for a 6 months period after treatment initiation for three antidepressants(Escitalopram, Mirtazapine, Paroxetine) were compared. RESULTS: Antidepressants were prescribed for 96.3% of subjects and Escitalopram 150(47.2%), Mirtazapine 92 (28.9%) and Paroxetine 76(23.9%) were prescribed frequently in order There were no significant differences in discontinuation rates among the three antidepressants during the 6 month period after initiation of pharmacotherapy. But there was a difference in discontinuation rates between inpatients versus outpatients(p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In a naturalistic setting for the antidepressant treatment for cancer patients, it seems that there are no differences in discontinuation rates among these three antidepressants. It is therefore essential that such interactions are carefully considered when treating patients of antidepressants who already have cancer.
Antidepressive Agents ; Anxiety ; Citalopram ; Depression ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Inpatients ; Korea ; Mianserin ; Paroxetine ; Psychiatry ; Retrospective Studies ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

PURPOSE: This study was performed to compare the stress distribution pattern of abutment-fixture connection area using 3-dimensional finite element model analysis when 5 different implant systems which have internal connection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the analysis, a finite element model of implant was designed to locate at first molar area. Stress distribution was observed when vertical load of 200 N was applied at several points on the occlusal surfaces of the implants, including center, points 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm away from center and oblique load of 200 N was applied 30degrees inclined to the implant axis. The finite element model was analyzed by using of 3G. Author (PlassoTech, California, USA). RESULTS: The DAS tech implant (internal step with no taper) showed more favorable stress distribution than other internally connected implants. AS compare to the situations when the loading was applied within the boundary of implants and an oblique loading was applied, it showed higher equivalent stress and equivalent elastic strain when the loading was applied beyond the boundary of implants. Regardless of loading condition, the abutments showed higher equivalent stress and equivalent elastic strain than the fixtures. CONCLUSION: When the occlusal contact is afforded, the distribution of stress varies depending on the design of connection area and the location of loading. More favorable stress distribution is expected when the contact load was applied within the diameter of fixtures and the DAS tech implant (internal step with no tapering) has more benefits than the other design of internally connected implants.
4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic Acid ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Bite Force ; California ; Dental Implants ; Finite Element Analysis ; Molar ; Sprains and Strains

OBJECTIVES: Antidepressants are frequently used for treatment of psychological distress among cancer patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of psychiatric consultations and antidepressant use for cancer patients. METHODS: Participants in the study included cancer patients who had been referred for psychiatric consultation. A total of 488 patients were recruited from nine general hospitals in Korea. Questionnaires based on medical records, including antidepressants prescribed, were investigated by psychiatrists. RESULTS: The most common psychiatric diagnosis of subjects was depressive disorders (72.4%), followed by anxiety disorders (13.0%), and adjustment disorders (7.3%). Antidepressants were prescribed for 96.3% of subjects and escitalopram, mirtazapine, and paroxetine were prescribed frequently, in order. Anxiolytics and hypnotics were used for 58.2% of the subjects, for which lorazepam and alprozolam were preferred. During the study period, 226 (46.8%) subjects discontinued treatment and the most common cause was improvement of symptoms (123, 54.4%). CONCLUSION: Our results showed a tendency of prescription of antidepressants and anxiolytics and common psychiatric problems in Korean cancer patients. We suppose that these data would be helpful to clinicians who manage psychiatric symptoms of cancer patients.
Adjustment Disorders ; Anti-Anxiety Agents ; Antidepressive Agents ; Anxiety Disorders ; Citalopram ; Depressive Disorder ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Hypnotics and Sedatives ; Korea ; Lorazepam ; Medical Records ; Mental Disorders ; Mianserin ; Paroxetine ; Prescriptions ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Referral and Consultation

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme involved in energy homeostasis, regulates inflammatory responses, but its precise mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent evidence has shown that resveratrol (RES), an AMPK activator, reduces prostaglandin E2 production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated microglia. Here, we examined the effect of RES on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) dependent cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 activation in LPS-treated RWA 264.7 macrophages. We found that treatment with RES increased AMPK activation. AMPK and acetyl CoA carboxylase phosphorylation were attenuated in cells treated with LPS+RES, compared to cells treated with LPS alone. RES inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and TNF receptor 1 in LPS-treated cells. Finally, RES inhibited LPS-induced NF-kappaB translocation into the nucleus and COX-2 expression. Moreover, the effects of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribose and compound C were consistent with the effects of RES in LPS-treated cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of RES in RAW 264.7 macrophages is dependent on AMPK activation and is associated with inhibition of the LPS-stimulated NF-kappaB-dependent COX-2 signaling pathway.
Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases ; Dinoprostone ; Homeostasis ; Macrophages ; Microglia ; NF-kappa B ; Phosphorylation ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor ; Ribose ; Stilbenes ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha