Purpose: Panic disorder (PD) and PD with comorbid agoraphobia (PDA) share similar clinical characteristics but possess distinct symptom structures. However, studies specifically investigating the differences between PD and PDA are rare. Thus, the present study conducted a network analysis to examine the clinical networks of PD and PDA, focusing on panic symptom severity, anxiety sensitivity, anticipatory fear, and avoidance responses. By comparing the differences in network structures between PD and PDA, with the goal of identifying the central and bridge, we suggest clinical implications for the development of targeted interventions. Materials and Methods: A total sample (n=147; 55 male, 92 female) was collected from the psychiatric outpatient clinic of the university hospital. We conducted network analysis to examine crucial nodes in the PD and PDA networks and compared the two networks to investigate disparities and similarities in symptom structure. Results The most influential node within the PD network was Anxiety Sensitivity Index-Revised (ASI-R1; fear of respiratory symptom), whereas Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS5; phobic avoidance of physical sensations) had the highest influence in the PDA network. Additionally, bridge centrality estimates indicated that each of the two nodes met the criteria for “bridge nodes” within their respective networks: ASI-R1 (fear of respiratory symptom) and Albany Panic and Phobic Questionnaire (APPQ3; interoceptive fear) for the PD group, and PDSS5 (phobic avoidance of physical sensation) and APPQ1 (panic frequency) for the PDA group Conclusion: Although the network comparison test did not reveal statistical differences between the two networks, disparities in community structure, as well as central and bridging symptoms, were observed, suggesting the possibility of distinct etiologies and treatment targets for each group. The clinical implications derived from the similarities and differences between PD and PDA networks are discussed.

Purpose: Panic disorder (PD) and PD with comorbid agoraphobia (PDA) share similar clinical characteristics but possess distinct symptom structures. However, studies specifically investigating the differences between PD and PDA are rare. Thus, the present study conducted a network analysis to examine the clinical networks of PD and PDA, focusing on panic symptom severity, anxiety sensitivity, anticipatory fear, and avoidance responses. By comparing the differences in network structures between PD and PDA, with the goal of identifying the central and bridge, we suggest clinical implications for the development of targeted interventions. Materials and Methods: A total sample (n=147; 55 male, 92 female) was collected from the psychiatric outpatient clinic of the university hospital. We conducted network analysis to examine crucial nodes in the PD and PDA networks and compared the two networks to investigate disparities and similarities in symptom structure. Results The most influential node within the PD network was Anxiety Sensitivity Index-Revised (ASI-R1; fear of respiratory symptom), whereas Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS5; phobic avoidance of physical sensations) had the highest influence in the PDA network. Additionally, bridge centrality estimates indicated that each of the two nodes met the criteria for “bridge nodes” within their respective networks: ASI-R1 (fear of respiratory symptom) and Albany Panic and Phobic Questionnaire (APPQ3; interoceptive fear) for the PD group, and PDSS5 (phobic avoidance of physical sensation) and APPQ1 (panic frequency) for the PDA group Conclusion: Although the network comparison test did not reveal statistical differences between the two networks, disparities in community structure, as well as central and bridging symptoms, were observed, suggesting the possibility of distinct etiologies and treatment targets for each group. The clinical implications derived from the similarities and differences between PD and PDA networks are discussed.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of dyslipidemia, thereby heightening the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases. Hence, prior to the diagnosis of OSA, it is essential to investigate the association with dyslipidemia in at-risk individuals. Methods: Using raw data obtained from the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we examined the details of 2,882 participants aged 40 years and older, who were not diagnosed with sleep apnea and did not use lipid-lowering medications. Participants who had reported snoring, fatigue, or witnessed apnea episodes, were categorized into the “OSA Risk Group” (OSARG), and logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between serum lipid levels and dyslipidemia. Results: OSARG participants were found to have a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and increased prevalence of dyslipidemia. After adjusting for sex, age, education, economic status, housing type, obesity, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, only hypertriglyceridemia remained significantly associated with the OSARG, and the odds ratio for OSA was significantly higher among those patients with hypertriglyceridemia (1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.83). Conclusion Among adults aged 40 years and older, compared with those not at risk, individuals at risk of OSA were characterized by a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia. These findings thus indicate that the management of hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia may be warranted prior to the diagnosis of OSA in this population.

Purpose: Panic disorder (PD) and PD with comorbid agoraphobia (PDA) share similar clinical characteristics but possess distinct symptom structures. However, studies specifically investigating the differences between PD and PDA are rare. Thus, the present study conducted a network analysis to examine the clinical networks of PD and PDA, focusing on panic symptom severity, anxiety sensitivity, anticipatory fear, and avoidance responses. By comparing the differences in network structures between PD and PDA, with the goal of identifying the central and bridge, we suggest clinical implications for the development of targeted interventions. Materials and Methods: A total sample (n=147; 55 male, 92 female) was collected from the psychiatric outpatient clinic of the university hospital. We conducted network analysis to examine crucial nodes in the PD and PDA networks and compared the two networks to investigate disparities and similarities in symptom structure. Results The most influential node within the PD network was Anxiety Sensitivity Index-Revised (ASI-R1; fear of respiratory symptom), whereas Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS5; phobic avoidance of physical sensations) had the highest influence in the PDA network. Additionally, bridge centrality estimates indicated that each of the two nodes met the criteria for “bridge nodes” within their respective networks: ASI-R1 (fear of respiratory symptom) and Albany Panic and Phobic Questionnaire (APPQ3; interoceptive fear) for the PD group, and PDSS5 (phobic avoidance of physical sensation) and APPQ1 (panic frequency) for the PDA group Conclusion: Although the network comparison test did not reveal statistical differences between the two networks, disparities in community structure, as well as central and bridging symptoms, were observed, suggesting the possibility of distinct etiologies and treatment targets for each group. The clinical implications derived from the similarities and differences between PD and PDA networks are discussed.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of dyslipidemia, thereby heightening the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases. Hence, prior to the diagnosis of OSA, it is essential to investigate the association with dyslipidemia in at-risk individuals. Methods: Using raw data obtained from the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we examined the details of 2,882 participants aged 40 years and older, who were not diagnosed with sleep apnea and did not use lipid-lowering medications. Participants who had reported snoring, fatigue, or witnessed apnea episodes, were categorized into the “OSA Risk Group” (OSARG), and logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between serum lipid levels and dyslipidemia. Results: OSARG participants were found to have a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and increased prevalence of dyslipidemia. After adjusting for sex, age, education, economic status, housing type, obesity, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, only hypertriglyceridemia remained significantly associated with the OSARG, and the odds ratio for OSA was significantly higher among those patients with hypertriglyceridemia (1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.83). Conclusion Among adults aged 40 years and older, compared with those not at risk, individuals at risk of OSA were characterized by a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia. These findings thus indicate that the management of hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia may be warranted prior to the diagnosis of OSA in this population.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of dyslipidemia, thereby heightening the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases. Hence, prior to the diagnosis of OSA, it is essential to investigate the association with dyslipidemia in at-risk individuals. Methods: Using raw data obtained from the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we examined the details of 2,882 participants aged 40 years and older, who were not diagnosed with sleep apnea and did not use lipid-lowering medications. Participants who had reported snoring, fatigue, or witnessed apnea episodes, were categorized into the “OSA Risk Group” (OSARG), and logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between serum lipid levels and dyslipidemia. Results: OSARG participants were found to have a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and increased prevalence of dyslipidemia. After adjusting for sex, age, education, economic status, housing type, obesity, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, only hypertriglyceridemia remained significantly associated with the OSARG, and the odds ratio for OSA was significantly higher among those patients with hypertriglyceridemia (1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.83). Conclusion Among adults aged 40 years and older, compared with those not at risk, individuals at risk of OSA were characterized by a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia. These findings thus indicate that the management of hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia may be warranted prior to the diagnosis of OSA in this population.

Purpose: Panic disorder (PD) and PD with comorbid agoraphobia (PDA) share similar clinical characteristics but possess distinct symptom structures. However, studies specifically investigating the differences between PD and PDA are rare. Thus, the present study conducted a network analysis to examine the clinical networks of PD and PDA, focusing on panic symptom severity, anxiety sensitivity, anticipatory fear, and avoidance responses. By comparing the differences in network structures between PD and PDA, with the goal of identifying the central and bridge, we suggest clinical implications for the development of targeted interventions. Materials and Methods: A total sample (n=147; 55 male, 92 female) was collected from the psychiatric outpatient clinic of the university hospital. We conducted network analysis to examine crucial nodes in the PD and PDA networks and compared the two networks to investigate disparities and similarities in symptom structure. Results The most influential node within the PD network was Anxiety Sensitivity Index-Revised (ASI-R1; fear of respiratory symptom), whereas Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS5; phobic avoidance of physical sensations) had the highest influence in the PDA network. Additionally, bridge centrality estimates indicated that each of the two nodes met the criteria for “bridge nodes” within their respective networks: ASI-R1 (fear of respiratory symptom) and Albany Panic and Phobic Questionnaire (APPQ3; interoceptive fear) for the PD group, and PDSS5 (phobic avoidance of physical sensation) and APPQ1 (panic frequency) for the PDA group Conclusion: Although the network comparison test did not reveal statistical differences between the two networks, disparities in community structure, as well as central and bridging symptoms, were observed, suggesting the possibility of distinct etiologies and treatment targets for each group. The clinical implications derived from the similarities and differences between PD and PDA networks are discussed.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of dyslipidemia, thereby heightening the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases. Hence, prior to the diagnosis of OSA, it is essential to investigate the association with dyslipidemia in at-risk individuals. Methods: Using raw data obtained from the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we examined the details of 2,882 participants aged 40 years and older, who were not diagnosed with sleep apnea and did not use lipid-lowering medications. Participants who had reported snoring, fatigue, or witnessed apnea episodes, were categorized into the “OSA Risk Group” (OSARG), and logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between serum lipid levels and dyslipidemia. Results: OSARG participants were found to have a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and increased prevalence of dyslipidemia. After adjusting for sex, age, education, economic status, housing type, obesity, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, only hypertriglyceridemia remained significantly associated with the OSARG, and the odds ratio for OSA was significantly higher among those patients with hypertriglyceridemia (1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.83). Conclusion Among adults aged 40 years and older, compared with those not at risk, individuals at risk of OSA were characterized by a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia. These findings thus indicate that the management of hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia may be warranted prior to the diagnosis of OSA in this population.

Purpose: Panic disorder (PD) and PD with comorbid agoraphobia (PDA) share similar clinical characteristics but possess distinct symptom structures. However, studies specifically investigating the differences between PD and PDA are rare. Thus, the present study conducted a network analysis to examine the clinical networks of PD and PDA, focusing on panic symptom severity, anxiety sensitivity, anticipatory fear, and avoidance responses. By comparing the differences in network structures between PD and PDA, with the goal of identifying the central and bridge, we suggest clinical implications for the development of targeted interventions. Materials and Methods: A total sample (n=147; 55 male, 92 female) was collected from the psychiatric outpatient clinic of the university hospital. We conducted network analysis to examine crucial nodes in the PD and PDA networks and compared the two networks to investigate disparities and similarities in symptom structure. Results The most influential node within the PD network was Anxiety Sensitivity Index-Revised (ASI-R1; fear of respiratory symptom), whereas Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS5; phobic avoidance of physical sensations) had the highest influence in the PDA network. Additionally, bridge centrality estimates indicated that each of the two nodes met the criteria for “bridge nodes” within their respective networks: ASI-R1 (fear of respiratory symptom) and Albany Panic and Phobic Questionnaire (APPQ3; interoceptive fear) for the PD group, and PDSS5 (phobic avoidance of physical sensation) and APPQ1 (panic frequency) for the PDA group Conclusion: Although the network comparison test did not reveal statistical differences between the two networks, disparities in community structure, as well as central and bridging symptoms, were observed, suggesting the possibility of distinct etiologies and treatment targets for each group. The clinical implications derived from the similarities and differences between PD and PDA networks are discussed.

Background: Coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause more rapid progression to cirrhosis than HCV-monoinfection. In this study, incident HCV case (IHCV)s were investigated in a HIV clinic in Korea. Materials and Methods: A retrospective HIV cohort was constructed who visited National Medical Center in Korea from 2013 to 2022 and performed ≥ 1 anti-HCV antibody tests (anti-HCV) during the study period. IHCV was defined as newly confirmed HCV infection by PCR with a prior negative anti-HCV and factors associated with IHCV were investigated among alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >150 IU/mL sub-cohort without plausible reasons for ALT elevation. Results: Overall, 2,567 HIV clinic visitors were recruited during the study period and 42 (1.63%) were confirmed as HIV/HCV co-infection. Fifteen IHCVs were identified during the study period. While no IHCV was observed in 2013–2015, incidence of 2016–2019 and 2020–2022 were 0.84 and 1.48 per 1000 person-year, respectively. Subtype 1a were more common among IHCVs in 2020–2022 (8/9) while subtype 2 dominated in 2016–2019 (5/6, P=0.003). Most IHCVs were identified during the evaluation of de novo liver enzyme elevation which was identified through the regularly performed blood tests (86.7%, 13/15). Comparing twelve IHCVs with ALT>150 IU/mL with 58 HIV mono-infection comparators whose peak ALT exceeded 150 IU/mL during the study period, age, sex, HIV/HCV infection risk factor, CD4 cell count, and HIV-RNA viral load were not different between two groups. However, mean peak ALT of IHCVs was higher than comparators (776 vs. 237, P<0.001) and syphilis treatment within prior 24 months of ALT elevation was more common in IHCV group (41.7% vs. 12.7%, P=0.026). Conclusion Incidence rate of HCV among PLH revealed increasing trend between 2013 and 2022 among visitors at a HIV clinic in Korea. Subtype 1a dominated among IHCVs after 2020 and recent syphilis treatment was associated with IHCVs.