Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ethanol ablation (EA) followed by RFA in treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules. Materials and Methods: We included 243 nodules from 243 patients who underwent RFA for mixed cystic and solid benign nodules. The nodules were divided into two groups (RFA alone and EA + RFA). We evaluated volume reduction rate (VRR), therapeutic success rate, improvement in symptomatic and cosmetic issues, complications, and adverse effects. Results: The RFA group included 204 patients, and the EA + RFA group included 39 patients.The long-term success rates in the RFA only and EA + RFA groups were 90.2% and 97.4%, respectively. The mean VRR at the last follow-up in the RFA and EA + RFA groups were 81.6% and 87.2%, respectively. Therapeutic results were similar in both groups at the last followup. Cosmetic and symptomatic problems markedly improved in both groups. No major complications were observed. Conclusion Both RFA alone and EA + RA are safe and effective methods for treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules, although EA + RFA is slightly more effective.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ethanol ablation (EA) followed by RFA in treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules. Materials and Methods: We included 243 nodules from 243 patients who underwent RFA for mixed cystic and solid benign nodules. The nodules were divided into two groups (RFA alone and EA + RFA). We evaluated volume reduction rate (VRR), therapeutic success rate, improvement in symptomatic and cosmetic issues, complications, and adverse effects. Results: The RFA group included 204 patients, and the EA + RFA group included 39 patients.The long-term success rates in the RFA only and EA + RFA groups were 90.2% and 97.4%, respectively. The mean VRR at the last follow-up in the RFA and EA + RFA groups were 81.6% and 87.2%, respectively. Therapeutic results were similar in both groups at the last followup. Cosmetic and symptomatic problems markedly improved in both groups. No major complications were observed. Conclusion Both RFA alone and EA + RA are safe and effective methods for treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules, although EA + RFA is slightly more effective.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ethanol ablation (EA) followed by RFA in treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules. Materials and Methods: We included 243 nodules from 243 patients who underwent RFA for mixed cystic and solid benign nodules. The nodules were divided into two groups (RFA alone and EA + RFA). We evaluated volume reduction rate (VRR), therapeutic success rate, improvement in symptomatic and cosmetic issues, complications, and adverse effects. Results: The RFA group included 204 patients, and the EA + RFA group included 39 patients.The long-term success rates in the RFA only and EA + RFA groups were 90.2% and 97.4%, respectively. The mean VRR at the last follow-up in the RFA and EA + RFA groups were 81.6% and 87.2%, respectively. Therapeutic results were similar in both groups at the last followup. Cosmetic and symptomatic problems markedly improved in both groups. No major complications were observed. Conclusion Both RFA alone and EA + RA are safe and effective methods for treating mixed cystic and solid thyroid nodules, although EA + RFA is slightly more effective.

Colonoscopy is a key procedure for the early detection of colorectal cancer. Despite its importance, the discomfort associated with colonoscopy often requires sedation, and the ideal sedation regimen remains to be determined. In this prospective randomized controlled trial, patients scheduled for colonoscopy were randomly assigned to two different sedation protocols. Group A received a combination of midazolam and propofol, while group B was given midazolam and pethidine. The study analyzed data from 51 patients, with 23 in group A and 28 in group B. The incidence of adverse events was similar across both groups. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in cecal intubation times or total procedure durations. Notably, group A had a lower frequency of required postural changes (1.0±0.7 vs. 1.5±0.7, p=0.02) and a reduced rate of manual compression (52.2% vs. 82.1%, p=0.02). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding subjective pain or overall satisfaction. Both sedation regimens were found to be safe and effective. The midazolam and propofol combination was associated with a smoother procedure, evidenced by fewer postural adjustments and less manual compression needed during colonoscopy.

Colonic interposition is the main procedure used in esophageal reconstruction. We report a rare case of simultaneous treatment of an anastomotic site stricture and a neoplasm in the interpositioned colon. A 69-year-old female visited our outpatient clinic with symptoms of progressive dysphagia for 1 year. At the age of 30 years, the patient underwent esophagectomy with retrosternal colonic interposition because of severe esophageal burns after chemical ingestion. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed stricture at the anastomosis site and a 10-mm flat elevated high-grade dysplasia in the interpositioned colon. First, through-the-scope balloon dilatation was performed for strictures. However, stenosis was observed during the second upper gastrointestinal endoscopy session.Therefore, a second session of through-the-scope balloon dilatation was performed, and simultaneously, endoscopic submucosal dissection was also successfully performed. After 2 months of follow-up, stenosis persisted; consequently, balloon dilatation was performed. No recurrence of neoplasm was confirmed endoscopically. Through-the-scope balloon dilatation of the stricture site and simultaneous endoscopic submucosal dissection of the neoplasm in the interpositioned colon were successfully performed.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in retention and wear pattern of Locator® and ADD-TOC attachments on a digital milled bar by performing chewing simulation and repeated insertion/removal of prostheses in fully edentulous models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Locator (Locator®; Zest Anchors Inc., Escondido, CA, USA) was selected as the control group and ADD-TOC (ADDTOC; PNUAdd Co., Ltd., Busan, Republic of Korea) as the experimental group. A CAD-CAM milled bar was mounted on a master model and 3 threaded holes for connecting a bar attachment was formed using a tap. Locator and ADD-TOC attachments were then attached to the milled bar. Simulated mastication and repeated insertion/removal were performed over 400,000 cyclic loadings and 1,080insertions/removals, respectively. Wear patterns on deformed attachment were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: For the ADD-TOC attachments, chewing simulation and repeated insertion/removal resulted in a mean initial retentive force of 24.43 ± 4.89 N, which were significantly lower than that of the Locator attachment, 34.33 ± 8.25 N (P < .05). Amounts of retention loss relative to baseline for the Locator and ADD-TOC attachments were 21.74 ± 7.07 and 8.98 ± 5.76 N (P < .05). CONCLUSION CAD-CAM milled bar with the ADD-TOC attachment had a lower initial retentive force than the Locator attachment. However, the ADD-TOC attachment might be suitable for long-term use as it showed less deformation and had a higher retentive force after simulated mastication and insertion/removal repetitions.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of four surface treatment methods to improve zirconia roughness and three types of resin cement on the shear bond strength (SBS). Materials and methods: A total of 120 zirconia blocks were randomly divided into four surface treatments: non-treatment (Control), airborne-particle abrasion (APA) with 50 μm Al2O3 (APA50), APA with 125 μm Al2O3(APA125), and ZrO2 slurry (ZA). Three resin cements (Panavia F 2.0, Superbond C&B, and Variolink N) were applied to the surface-treated zirconia specimens. All specimens were subjected to SBS testing using a universal testing machine. The surface of the representative specimens of each group was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). SBS data were analyzed with oneway ANOVA, two-way ANOVA test and post-hoc Tukey HSD Test (α=.05). Results: In the surface treatment method, APA125, APA50, ZA, and Control showed high shear bond strength in order, but there was no significant difference between APA125 and APA50 (P >.05). Also, ZA showed significantly higher shear bond strength than Control (P <.05). In the resin cement type, Panavia F 2.0, Superbond C&B, and Variolink N showed significantly higher shear bond strength in order (P <.05). In SEM images, the zirconia surfaces of the APA50 and APA125 showed quite rough and irregular shapes, and the zirconia surface of the ZA was observed small irregular porosity and rough surfaces. Conclusion APA and ZrO 2 slurry were enhanced the surface roughness of zirconia, and Panavia F 2.0 containing MDP showed the highest shear bond strength with zirconia.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of four surface treatment methods to improve zirconia roughness and three types of resin cement on the shear bond strength (SBS). Materials and methods: A total of 120 zirconia blocks were randomly divided into four surface treatments: non-treatment (Control), airborne-particle abrasion (APA) with 50 μm Al2O3 (APA50), APA with 125 μm Al2O3(APA125), and ZrO2 slurry (ZA). Three resin cements (Panavia F 2.0, Superbond C&B, and Variolink N) were applied to the surface-treated zirconia specimens. All specimens were subjected to SBS testing using a universal testing machine. The surface of the representative specimens of each group was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). SBS data were analyzed with oneway ANOVA, two-way ANOVA test and post-hoc Tukey HSD Test (α=.05). Results: In the surface treatment method, APA125, APA50, ZA, and Control showed high shear bond strength in order, but there was no significant difference between APA125 and APA50 (P >.05). Also, ZA showed significantly higher shear bond strength than Control (P <.05). In the resin cement type, Panavia F 2.0, Superbond C&B, and Variolink N showed significantly higher shear bond strength in order (P <.05). In SEM images, the zirconia surfaces of the APA50 and APA125 showed quite rough and irregular shapes, and the zirconia surface of the ZA was observed small irregular porosity and rough surfaces. Conclusion APA and ZrO 2 slurry were enhanced the surface roughness of zirconia, and Panavia F 2.0 containing MDP showed the highest shear bond strength with zirconia.

We aimed to evaluate the current nationwide trend, efficacy, safety, and quality of life (QoL) profiles of hormone treatment in real-world practice settings for prostate cancer (PCa) patients in Korea. A total of 292 men with any biopsy-proven PCa (TanyNanyMany) from 12 institutions in Korea were included in this multi-institutional, observational study of prospectively collected data. All luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists were allowed to be investigational drugs. Efficacy was defined as (1) the rate of castration (serum testosterone ≤50 ng dl^-1) at 4-week visit and (2) breakthrough (serum testosterone >50 ng dl^-1 after castration). Safety assessments included routine examinations for potential adverse events, laboratory tests, blood pressure, body weight, and bone mineral density (BMD, at baseline and at the last follow-up visit). QoL was assessed using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite-26 (EPIC-26). The most common initial therapeutic regimen was LHRH agonist with anti-androgen (78.0%), and the most commonly used LHRH agonist for combination and monotherapy was leuprolide (64.0% for combination and 58.0% for monotherapy). The castration and breakthrough rates were 78.4% and 6.6%, respectively. The laboratory results related to dyslipidemia worsened after 4 weeks of hormone treatment. In addition, the mean BMD T-score was significantly lower at the last follow-up (mean: -1.950) compared to baseline (mean: -0.195). The mean total EPIC-26 score decreased from 84.8 (standard deviation [s.d.]: 12.2) to 78.3 (s.d.: 8.1), with significant deterioration only in the urinary domain (mean: 23.5 at baseline and 21.9 at the 4-week visit). These findings demonstrate the nationwide trend of current practice settings in hormone treatment for PCa in Korea.
Aged ; Androgen Antagonists/therapeutic use* ; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/therapeutic use* ; Cholesterol/blood* ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Humans ; Leuprolide/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology* ; Quality of Life ; Receptors, LHRH/agonists* ; Republic of Korea ; Testosterone/blood* ; Treatment Outcome ; Triglycerides/blood*

Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are widely used for the early diagnosis of stomach and colorectal cancer. The present revision integrates recent data regarding previous quality indicators and novel indicators suggested for gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures for the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea. The new indicators, developed by the Quality Improvement Committee of the Korean Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, vary in the level of supporting evidence, and most are based solely on expert opinion. Updated indicators validated by clinical research were prioritized, but were chosen by expert consensus when such studies were absent. The resultant quality indicators were graded according to the levels of consensus and recommendations. The updated indicators will provide a relevant guideline for high-quality endoscopy. The future direction of quality indicator development should include relevant outcome measures and an evidence-based approach to support proposed performance targets.
Colonoscopy ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Consensus ; Early Detection of Cancer* ; Early Diagnosis ; Endoscopy* ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Expert Testimony ; Gastroscopy ; Korea* ; Mass Screening ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Quality Improvement* ; Stomach