Objectives: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and severity of postpartum depression symptoms in high-risk mothers following preterm birth upon discharge and to identify related factors and risk factors for these symptoms. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed medical records of women with high-risk pregnancies who delivered premature infants (gestational age ≤35 weeks and weight <2,000 g) between January 2019 and January 2024. Postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results: The study included 96 mothers who gave birth to premature infants and completed both the EPDS and PHQ-9 at discharge. Mean EPDS score was 8.35±4.95, and the mean PHQ-9 score was 3.32±3.43. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and their association with various maternal and neonatal factors were analyzed. Maternal age showed a significant correlation with EPDS scores (r=0.291, p=0.004). Conclusions In this study, it was identified that high-risk pregnancies resulting in premature birth experience a considerable prevalence of depressive symptoms. Identifying related factors is crucial for early intervention and support for this vulnerable group.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and severity of postpartum depression symptoms in high-risk mothers following preterm birth upon discharge and to identify related factors and risk factors for these symptoms. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed medical records of women with high-risk pregnancies who delivered premature infants (gestational age ≤35 weeks and weight <2,000 g) between January 2019 and January 2024. Postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results: The study included 96 mothers who gave birth to premature infants and completed both the EPDS and PHQ-9 at discharge. Mean EPDS score was 8.35±4.95, and the mean PHQ-9 score was 3.32±3.43. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and their association with various maternal and neonatal factors were analyzed. Maternal age showed a significant correlation with EPDS scores (r=0.291, p=0.004). Conclusions In this study, it was identified that high-risk pregnancies resulting in premature birth experience a considerable prevalence of depressive symptoms. Identifying related factors is crucial for early intervention and support for this vulnerable group.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and severity of postpartum depression symptoms in high-risk mothers following preterm birth upon discharge and to identify related factors and risk factors for these symptoms. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed medical records of women with high-risk pregnancies who delivered premature infants (gestational age ≤35 weeks and weight <2,000 g) between January 2019 and January 2024. Postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results: The study included 96 mothers who gave birth to premature infants and completed both the EPDS and PHQ-9 at discharge. Mean EPDS score was 8.35±4.95, and the mean PHQ-9 score was 3.32±3.43. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and their association with various maternal and neonatal factors were analyzed. Maternal age showed a significant correlation with EPDS scores (r=0.291, p=0.004). Conclusions In this study, it was identified that high-risk pregnancies resulting in premature birth experience a considerable prevalence of depressive symptoms. Identifying related factors is crucial for early intervention and support for this vulnerable group.

Background/Aims: Functional dyspepsia (FD) has long been regarded as a syndrome because its pathophysiology is multifactorial. However, recent reports have provided evidence that changes in the duodenal ecosystem may be the key. This study aimed to identify several gastrointestinal factors and biomarkers associated with FD, specifically changes in the duodenal ecosystem that may be key to understanding its pathophysiology. Methods: In this case-control study, 28 participants (12 with FD and 16 healthy control individuals) were assessed for dietary nutrients, gastrointestinal symptom severity, immunological status of the duodenal mucosa, and microbiome composition from oral, duodenal, and fecal samples. Integrated data were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, 16S rRNA sequencing, and network analysis. Results: Duodenal mucosal inflammation and impaired expression of tight junction proteins were confirmed in patients with FD. The relative abundance of duodenal Streptococcus (p=0.014) and reductions in stool Butyricicoccus (p=0.047) were confirmed. These changes in the gut microbiota were both correlated with symptom severity. Changes in dietary micronutrients, such as higher intake of valine, were associated with improved intestinal barrier function and microbiota. Conclusions This study emphasizes the relationships among dietary nutrition, oral and gut microbiota, symptoms of FD, impaired function of the duodenal barrier, and inflammation. Assessing low-grade inflammation or increased permeability in the duodenal mucosa, along with changes in the abundance of stool Butyricicoccus, is anticipated to serve as effective biomarkers for enhancing the objectivity of FD diagnosis and monitoring.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of combining psychostimulants and nonstimulants for patients under treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: The study included 96 patients aged 6–12 years who were diagnosed with ADHD, among whom 34 received combination pharmacotherapy, 32 received methylphenidate monotherapy, and 30 received atomoxetine monotherapy. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare treatment and adverse effects among groups and to analyze changes before and after combination pharmacotherapy.The difference between combination pharmacotherapy and monotherapy was investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of combination pharmacotherapy. Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of age or pretreatment scores. The most common adverse effect experienced by 32% of patients in the combination pharmacotherapy group was decreased appetite. Clinical global impression-severity score decreased significantly after combination pharmacotherapy. All three groups showed significant clinical global impression-severity score improvements over time, with no significant differences among them. The predictive factors for combination pharmacotherapy included the Child Behavior Checklist total score internalizing subscale. Conclusion Combination pharmacotherapy with methylphenidate and atomoxetine is a relatively effective and safe option for patients with ADHD who do not respond to monotherapy.

Background: To determine the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and the consumption of various fruits. Methods: The Korean Genome And Epidemiology Study is an ongoing prospective longitudinal cohort study of community dwellers and participants (men and women, aged 40–69 years) recruited from the national health examinee registry of Korea. Their individual consumption habits for 12 different fruit types were recorded using food frequency questionnaires. The fruits were then divided into three groups according to their glycemic indexes and glycemic loads. Participants with extreme caloric intakes, pre-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney diseases, chronic liver diseases, and ongoing cancer treatments were excluded. The incidence of type 2 diabetes in the cohort was identified through self-reporting and supplemented by glycated hemoglobin and fasting blood glucose levels. Results: A total of 2,549 cases of type 2 diabetes were documented during 283,033.8 person-years of follow-up. After adjusting for personal, lifestyle, and dietary risk factors for diabetes, the pooled hazard ratio of type 2 diabetes for every serving per week of total whole fruit consumption was 1.02 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99–1.06; P=0.2). With mutual adjustment of individual fruits, the pooled hazard ratios of type 2 diabetes for every serving per week were 0.94 (95% CI, 0.88–1.00; P=0.039) for bananas, and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.84–0.96; P<0.001) for grapes. Conclusion Our findings suggest associations between the consumption of certain fruits and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A greater consumption of grapes was significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in our cohort, but the total amount of fruit consumption was not associated with a reduced risk.

Aging in mammals, including humans, is accompanied by loss of bone and muscular function and mass, characterized by osteoporosis and sarcopenia.Although resistance exercise training (RET) is considered an effective intervention, its effect is blunted in some elderly individuals. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and its receptor, FGFR, can modulate bone and muscle quality during aging and physical performance. To elucidate this possibility, the FGFR inhibitor NVP-BGJ398 was administrated to C57BL/6n mice for 8 weeks with or without RET. Treatment with NVPBGJ398 decreased grip strength, muscular endurance, running capacity and bone quality in the mice. FGFR inhibition elevated bone resorption and relevant gene expression, indicating altered bone formation and resorption. RET attenuated tibial bone resorption, accompanied by changes in the expression of relevant genes. However, RET did not overcome the detrimental effect of NVP-BGJ398 on muscular function. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that FGFR signaling may have a potential role in the maintenance of physical performance and quality of bone and muscles.

Objectives: ：The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with changes in depression severity in index electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for major depressive disorder. Methods: ：A retrospective analysis was performed on 80 patients with major depressive disorder who received index ECT. The severity of depression was assessed using the Hamilton depression rating scale-17 (HDRS-17). Multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the factors associated with the change of depression severity and the predictors of the 50% or greater reduction rate of HDRS-17. Results ：55 (68.8%) patients were HDRS-17 score change ≥50% group, and 25 (31.2%) patients were HDRS-17 score change <50% group. HDRS-17 score change ≥50% group had a shorter episode duration before ECT (11.91±8.63 vs 17.68±11.15 weeks, p=0.027) and more ECT sessions (8.60±2.91 vs 6.80±3.34 sessions, p=0.017). The higher baseline score of anxiety (B=0.937, β=0.374, p<0.001), depression (B=0.846, β=0,324, p=0.001), and somatic symptom (B=0.995, β=0.210, p=0.031) dimensions was associated with the change of HDRS-17 score from baseline. The longer episode duration until the start of ECT was associated with lower likelihood of HDRS-17 score change ≥50% (Wald χ2 =7.74, OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.14, p=0.005). The greater number of ECT sessions predicted the HDRS-17 score change ≥50% (Wald χ2 =7.85, OR=0.75, 95% CI=0.62-0.92, p=0.005) Conclusions：In higher baseline anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms severity, implementing sufficient sessions of ECT in pharmacological treatment phase of relatively shorter duration of major depressive episode may help reduce HDRS-17 score.

Objectives: ：A growing body of evidence links type 2 diabetes (T2D) with a neurodegenerative disease (ND) such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between NDs and the development of T2D by comparing the incidence of T2D in a group of various NDs (ND group) and control group. Methods: ：A population-based 10-year follow-up study was conducted using the Korean National Health Information Database for 2002-2015. We used a retrospective cohort study design to investigate the association of ND with T2D occurrence. The study population included ND (n=8,814) and control (n=37,970) groups, all aged 60 years or over. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the risk of developing T2D as a function of time. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between ND and T2D. Results: ：T2D was developed in a significantly higher percentage of patients in the ND group (53.6%) than in the control group (44.7%). The ND group increased the risk of T2D (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.38-1.47). About onethird of patients in both groups were additionally diagnosed with another ND before the occurrence of T2D during a 10-year follow-up period. When compared to those who did not have another ND during the follow-up period, the incidence of T2D in those who were additionally diagnosed with another ND was higher in both the ND and control groups. Conclusions ：The ND group had about 1.4 times higher risk of developing T2D than the control group. Our results showed a positive association between ND and T2D.

Differentiating Crohn’s disease (CD) from intestinal tuberculosis (TB) is a challenge. In patients suspected of having CD or intestinal TB compounded with active pulmonary TB in its early stages, clinicians often lean towards a diagnosis of intestinal TB. A 14-year-old female patient was admitted with symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea with hematochezia. Colonoscopy revealed a stricture of the ileocecal valve and scattered longitudinal ulcers. Initial chest radiography showed consolidation in the left lower lobe of the lung. Chest CT revealed branching nodular opacities and consolidation. The TB PCR of the bronchial washing fluid was positive. The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary and intestinal TB. The colonoscopy findings favored CD. Despite this, anti-tubercular therapy was initiated based on the radiology findings and PCR test. After treatment with anti-tubercular therapy, the patient’s diarrhea and abdominal pain worsened despite the improvement observed on her chest radiography. Follow-up colonoscopy revealed aggravation of her ulcers. The patient was diagnosed with CD and treated with prednisolone and mesalazine. Her clinical condition improved, and follow-up colonoscopy showed significant improvement of the ulcers. This case highlights the need for caution in diagnosis and suggests that clinicians consider reevaluation in similar cases.