Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Purpose: To evaluate the compatibility and usability of test results obtained from the IDRA and Keratograph 5M in clinical settings by comparing their performance in patients with dry eye disease. Methods: From December 27 to 30, 2022, a study was conducted on 30 patients diagnosed with dry eye utilizing both the Keratograph 5M and IDRA devices. The parameters compared and analyzed included lipid layer thickness, tear meniscus height, tear film break-up time, and meibography. A paired t-test was used for statistical comparison. The lipid layer thickness in the Keratograph 5M was graded on a scale from 0 to 4 based on thickness. Results: No significant differences were found between the two devices in tear film break-up time, tear meniscus height, and meibography (p = 0.148, 0.072, 0.124, respectively). However, the tear lipid layer thickness measured by IDRA showed a proportional relationship with the grade assigned by the Keratograph 5M (Kendall R = 0.217, p = 0.037; Spearman R = 0.260, p = 0.045). Conclusions The IDRA device offers the advantage of performing multiple dry eye tests; simultaneously, thereby saving time compared to the Keratograph 5M. Both devices can be used compatibly with IDRA particularly advantageous for providing a numerical value for tear lipid layer thickness which enhances the convenience of dry eye diagnosis and treatment.

Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Purpose: To evaluate the compatibility and usability of test results obtained from the IDRA and Keratograph 5M in clinical settings by comparing their performance in patients with dry eye disease. Methods: From December 27 to 30, 2022, a study was conducted on 30 patients diagnosed with dry eye utilizing both the Keratograph 5M and IDRA devices. The parameters compared and analyzed included lipid layer thickness, tear meniscus height, tear film break-up time, and meibography. A paired t-test was used for statistical comparison. The lipid layer thickness in the Keratograph 5M was graded on a scale from 0 to 4 based on thickness. Results: No significant differences were found between the two devices in tear film break-up time, tear meniscus height, and meibography (p = 0.148, 0.072, 0.124, respectively). However, the tear lipid layer thickness measured by IDRA showed a proportional relationship with the grade assigned by the Keratograph 5M (Kendall R = 0.217, p = 0.037; Spearman R = 0.260, p = 0.045). Conclusions The IDRA device offers the advantage of performing multiple dry eye tests; simultaneously, thereby saving time compared to the Keratograph 5M. Both devices can be used compatibly with IDRA particularly advantageous for providing a numerical value for tear lipid layer thickness which enhances the convenience of dry eye diagnosis and treatment.

Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Purpose: To evaluate the compatibility and usability of test results obtained from the IDRA and Keratograph 5M in clinical settings by comparing their performance in patients with dry eye disease. Methods: From December 27 to 30, 2022, a study was conducted on 30 patients diagnosed with dry eye utilizing both the Keratograph 5M and IDRA devices. The parameters compared and analyzed included lipid layer thickness, tear meniscus height, tear film break-up time, and meibography. A paired t-test was used for statistical comparison. The lipid layer thickness in the Keratograph 5M was graded on a scale from 0 to 4 based on thickness. Results: No significant differences were found between the two devices in tear film break-up time, tear meniscus height, and meibography (p = 0.148, 0.072, 0.124, respectively). However, the tear lipid layer thickness measured by IDRA showed a proportional relationship with the grade assigned by the Keratograph 5M (Kendall R = 0.217, p = 0.037; Spearman R = 0.260, p = 0.045). Conclusions The IDRA device offers the advantage of performing multiple dry eye tests; simultaneously, thereby saving time compared to the Keratograph 5M. Both devices can be used compatibly with IDRA particularly advantageous for providing a numerical value for tear lipid layer thickness which enhances the convenience of dry eye diagnosis and treatment.

Lecanemab (product name Leqembi ® ) is an anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody treatment approved for use in Korea for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. The Korean Dementia Association has created recommendations for the appropriate use of lecanemab to assist clinicians. These recommendations include selecting patients for administration, necessary pre-administration tests and preparations,administration methods, monitoring for amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), and communication with patients and caregivers. Lecanemab is recommended for patients with MCI or mild dementia who confirmed positive amyloid biomarkers, and should not be administered to patients with severe hypersensitivity to lecanemab or those unable to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation. To predict the risk of ARIA before administration, apolipoprotein E genotyping is conducted, and regular brain MRI evaluations are recommended to monitor for ARIA during treatment. The most common adverse reactions are infusion-related reactions, which require appropriate management upon occurrence. Additional caution is needed when co-administering with anticoagulants or tissue plasminogen activator due to the risk of macrohemorrhage. Clinicians should consider the efficacy and necessary conditions for administration, as well as the safety of lecanemab, to make a comprehensive decision regarding its use.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the erosive potential of powdered vitamin C on the bovine enamel tooth surface. Methods: The experiment included five groups: Lemona, Vitagran, Korea Eundan, Coca-Cola (positive controls), and artificialsaliva (negative controls). The pH and titratable acidity were measured. Bovine enamel specimens were immersed in the experimental solutions for 15 minutes each day for 7 days. The surface microhardness was measured using the Vickers hardness number before immersion and on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days. The surfaces of the bovine enamel specimens were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The pH of the experimental groups was as follows: Lemona (2.04±0.04) had the lowest pH, followed by Vitagran(2.56±0.01), the positive control group Coca-Cola (2.60±0.03), Korea Eundan (3.14±0.02), and the negative control group artificial saliva (7.06±0.05). Surface microhardness decreased significantly during the immersion period (p＜0.001). The largest surface microhardness reduction value was shown in Lemona (–201.22±20.60), followed by Vitagran (–190.02±14.73), Korea Eundan (–189.27±27.14), Coca-Cola (–99.28±17.21), artificial saliva (–10.99±9.94). According to the SEM findings, the experimental and positive control groups exhibited rough surfaces with micropores, whereas the negative control group exhibited smooth surfaces before specimen immersion. Conclusion Consuming powdered vitamin C at a low pH may degrade the enamel surface. To reduce the erosive effect, it isrecommended to rinse the mouth with water and brush the teeth after an hour.

Lecanemab (product name Leqembi ® ) is an anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody treatment approved for use in Korea for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. The Korean Dementia Association has created recommendations for the appropriate use of lecanemab to assist clinicians. These recommendations include selecting patients for administration, necessary pre-administration tests and preparations,administration methods, monitoring for amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), and communication with patients and caregivers. Lecanemab is recommended for patients with MCI or mild dementia who confirmed positive amyloid biomarkers, and should not be administered to patients with severe hypersensitivity to lecanemab or those unable to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation. To predict the risk of ARIA before administration, apolipoprotein E genotyping is conducted, and regular brain MRI evaluations are recommended to monitor for ARIA during treatment. The most common adverse reactions are infusion-related reactions, which require appropriate management upon occurrence. Additional caution is needed when co-administering with anticoagulants or tissue plasminogen activator due to the risk of macrohemorrhage. Clinicians should consider the efficacy and necessary conditions for administration, as well as the safety of lecanemab, to make a comprehensive decision regarding its use.