Background/Aims: Recently, patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) who underwent resection have exhibited improved survival outcomes, but comprehensive analysis is limited. We analyzed the trends of contributing factors. Methods: Data of patients with resected PC were retrospectively collected from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database and separately at our institution. Cox regression analysis was conducted with the data from our institution a survival prediction score was calculated using the β coefficients. Results: Comparison between the periods 2013–2015 (n=3,255) and 2016–2018 (n=3,698) revealed a difference in the median overall survival (25.9 months vs not reached, p<0.001) when analyzed with the HIRA database which was similar to our single-center data (2013–2015 [n=119] vs 2016–2018 [n=148], 20.9 months vs 32.2 months, p=0.003). Multivariable analyses revealed six factors significantly associated with better OS, and the scores were as follows: age >70 years, 1; elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 at diagnosis, 1; R1 resection, 1; stage N1 and N2, 1 and 3, respectively; no adjuvant treatment, 2; FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel after recurrence, 4; and other chemotherapy or supportive care only after recurrence, 5. The rate of R0 resection (69.7% vs 80.4%), use of adjuvant treatment (63.0% vs 74.3%), and utilization of FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (25.2% vs 47.3%) as palliative chemotherapeutic regimen, all increased between the two time periods, resulting in decreased total survival prediction score (mean: 7.32 vs 6.18, p=0.004). Conclusions Strict selection of surgical candidates, more use of adjuvant treatment, and adoption of the latest combination regimens for palliative chemotherapy after recurrence were identified as factors of recent improvement.

Background/Aims: Advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) is associated with poor survival. A recent phase II study of triplet combination chemotherapy, including gemcitabine, cisplatin, and nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab)-paclitaxel, has shown promising results. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of triplet and standard doublet chemotherapy in a real-world setting. Methods: Patients with advanced BTC treated with triplet and doublet chemotherapy regimens were recruited. The propensity-score nearest neighbor matching method with a ratio of oneto-one was used to create a matched cohort for comparison. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety profiles were examined in both groups. Results: A total of 68 patients (n=34 per group) were included in the matched cohort, and their baseline characteristics were well balanced. Survival outcomes in the triplet chemotherapy group were not better than those in the doublet chemotherapy group, with a median PFS of 7.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1 to 10.9) versus 7.2 months (95% CI, 5.6 to 8.9) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.93; 95% CI, 0.53 to 1.62; p=0.793) and a median OS of 13.7 months (95% CI, 8.8 to 18.7) versus 12.2 months (95% CI, 8.4 to 16.0) (HR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.38 to 1.41; p=0.354), respectively. In addition, the treatment-related severe adverse events, such as neutropenia, were more common in the triplet chemotherapy group. Conclusions Gemcitabine, cisplatin, and nab-paclitaxel did not improve the PFS or OS compared to that achieved by standard chemotherapy in patients with advanced BTC. The benefits of triplet chemotherapy in advanced BTC require examination in large randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cultures recapitulate the physiological microenvironment and exhibit high concordance with in vivo conditions. Improving co-culture models with different kind of cell types cultured on a 3D scaffold can closely mimic the in vivo environment. In this study, we examined the osteogenic response of pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and Raw264.7 mouse monocytes in a 3D-encapsulated co-culture environment composed of the Cellrix®3D culture system, which provides a physiologically relevant environment. METHODS: The Cellrix® 3D Bio-Gel scaffolds were used to individually culture or co-culture two type cells in 3D microenvironment. Under 3D culture conditions, osteoblastic behavior was evaluated with an ALP assay and staining. ACP assay and TRAP staining were used as osteoclastic behavior indicator. RESULTS: Treatment with osteoblastic induction factors (?3F) and RANKL had on positively effect on alkaline phosphatase activity but significantly inhibited to acid phosphatase activity during osteoclastic differentiation in 3D coculture. Interestingly, alkaline phosphatase activity or acid phosphatase activity in 3D co-culture was stimulated with opposite differentiation factors at an early stage of differentiation. We guess that these effects may be related to RANK– RANKL signaling, which is important in osteoblast regulation of osteoclasts. CONCLUSION In this study, the osteogenic response of 3D encapsulated pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and mouse monocyte Raw264.7 cells was successfully demonstrated. Our 3D culture conditions will be able to provide a foundation for developing a high-throughput in vitro bone model to study the effects of various drugs and other agents on molecular pathways.

Purpose: We evaluated changes in the retinal capillary networks of patient’s acute primary angle closure (APAC) who were successfully treated and who lacked glaucomatous alterations. Methods: Twenty patients for whom unilateral episodes of APAC were successfully treated were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. At an average of 8 weeks after APAC, the thicknesses of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) were measured via spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Circumpapillary and macular vessel densities, perfusion density (PD), and the area and perimeter of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were measured with the aid of OCT angiography (OCTA). We compared the values between APAC eyes and the fellow eyes. Results: We found no significant differences between groups in the thickness of any RNFL or GCIPL sector, or in the circumpapillary vessel or perfusion density. However, within a radius of 0.5 mm from the fovea (the center), the vessel and perfusion densities were significantly lower in affected than in fellow eyes (p = 0.003, p = 0.046 respectively). The vascular factors of other macular sectors, and the FAZ area and perimeter did not differ between the groups. Conclusions Early reductions in macular vessel and perfusion densities were evident after effective APAC treatment. Therefore, follow-up must evaluate whether the blood flow reduction causes structural damage.

Purpose: We evaluated changes in the retinal capillary networks of patient’s acute primary angle closure (APAC) who were successfully treated and who lacked glaucomatous alterations. Methods: Twenty patients for whom unilateral episodes of APAC were successfully treated were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. At an average of 8 weeks after APAC, the thicknesses of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) were measured via spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Circumpapillary and macular vessel densities, perfusion density (PD), and the area and perimeter of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were measured with the aid of OCT angiography (OCTA). We compared the values between APAC eyes and the fellow eyes. Results: We found no significant differences between groups in the thickness of any RNFL or GCIPL sector, or in the circumpapillary vessel or perfusion density. However, within a radius of 0.5 mm from the fovea (the center), the vessel and perfusion densities were significantly lower in affected than in fellow eyes (p = 0.003, p = 0.046 respectively). The vascular factors of other macular sectors, and the FAZ area and perimeter did not differ between the groups. Conclusions Early reductions in macular vessel and perfusion densities were evident after effective APAC treatment. Therefore, follow-up must evaluate whether the blood flow reduction causes structural damage.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cultures recapitulate the physiological microenvironment and exhibit high concordance with in vivo conditions. Improving co-culture models with different kind of cell types cultured on a 3D scaffold can closely mimic the in vivo environment. In this study, we examined the osteogenic response of pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and Raw264.7 mouse monocytes in a 3D-encapsulated co-culture environment composed of the Cellrix®3D culture system, which provides a physiologically relevant environment. METHODS: The Cellrix® 3D Bio-Gel scaffolds were used to individually culture or co-culture two type cells in 3D microenvironment. Under 3D culture conditions, osteoblastic behavior was evaluated with an ALP assay and staining. ACP assay and TRAP staining were used as osteoclastic behavior indicator. RESULTS: Treatment with osteoblastic induction factors (?3F) and RANKL had on positively effect on alkaline phosphatase activity but significantly inhibited to acid phosphatase activity during osteoclastic differentiation in 3D coculture. Interestingly, alkaline phosphatase activity or acid phosphatase activity in 3D co-culture was stimulated with opposite differentiation factors at an early stage of differentiation. We guess that these effects may be related to RANK– RANKL signaling, which is important in osteoblast regulation of osteoclasts. CONCLUSION In this study, the osteogenic response of 3D encapsulated pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and mouse monocyte Raw264.7 cells was successfully demonstrated. Our 3D culture conditions will be able to provide a foundation for developing a high-throughput in vitro bone model to study the effects of various drugs and other agents on molecular pathways.

50 years) showed lower MPOD than younger (30–49 years) subjects. But, in the healthy population, the estimated MPOD values exhibited a decreasing trend with age, but there were no significant differences according to age, after excluding patients with AMD. MPOD was significantly lower in patients with AMD than in aged healthy controls. Furthermore, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking were identified as risk factors for AMD.CONCLUSION: MPOD measured with MPSII® reflects the MP density in healthy individuals and patients with dry AMD. Aging was not significantly associated with low MPOD in healthy population, but the presence of dry AMD was significantly associated with low MPOD. Then, low MPOD may be a risk factor for development of dry AMD. Furthermore, routine screening with MPS II® for ages 50 and older is thought to help detect early low MPOD and identify individuals who should take supplements.]]>
Aging ; Dyslipidemias ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Linear Models ; Logistic Models ; Macular Degeneration ; Macular Pigment ; Mass Screening ; Methods ; Photometry ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking

Purpose: To compare the success rate of silicone tube intubation using a lacrimal endoscope with that of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy in adult acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction with no canalicular obstruction. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study including 21 patients (31 eyes) treated with silicone tube intubation using lacrimal micro-endoscope and 29 patients (37 eyes) who underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. We examined lacrimal irrigation, probing, and fluorescein dye disappearance before surgery. A total of 3 months after surgery, the silicone tube was removed. The success rates were determined based on symptoms and the results of lacrimal irrigation. Results: For silicone tube intubation in the lacrimal endoscopy group, success rates 3 and 6 months after surgery were 87.1% and 71.0%, respectively. In the endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy group, they were 91.9% and 81.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference in success rates 3 and 6 months after surgery (p = 0.517 and p = 0.327, respectively). However, a significantly higher success rate (81.8%) was observed in the endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy group compared with the silicone tube intubation using lacrimal micro-endoscope group (66.7%) at 6 months after surgery if the patient had total regurgitation upon preoperative examination of lacrimal irrigation (p = 0.028). Conclusions There was no significant difference in success rates between silicone tube intubation using lacrimal endoscope and endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy in adult acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction with no canalicular obstruction, although there was a lower success rate in patients with total nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Silicone tube intubation using lacrimal endoscope may reduce the frequencies and complications of unnecessary invasive operations and general anesthesia.

Purpose: To compare the success rate of silicone tube intubation using a lacrimal endoscope with that of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy in adult acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction with no canalicular obstruction. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study including 21 patients (31 eyes) treated with silicone tube intubation using lacrimal micro-endoscope and 29 patients (37 eyes) who underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. We examined lacrimal irrigation, probing, and fluorescein dye disappearance before surgery. A total of 3 months after surgery, the silicone tube was removed. The success rates were determined based on symptoms and the results of lacrimal irrigation. Results: For silicone tube intubation in the lacrimal endoscopy group, success rates 3 and 6 months after surgery were 87.1% and 71.0%, respectively. In the endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy group, they were 91.9% and 81.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference in success rates 3 and 6 months after surgery (p = 0.517 and p = 0.327, respectively). However, a significantly higher success rate (81.8%) was observed in the endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy group compared with the silicone tube intubation using lacrimal micro-endoscope group (66.7%) at 6 months after surgery if the patient had total regurgitation upon preoperative examination of lacrimal irrigation (p = 0.028). Conclusions There was no significant difference in success rates between silicone tube intubation using lacrimal endoscope and endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy in adult acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction with no canalicular obstruction, although there was a lower success rate in patients with total nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Silicone tube intubation using lacrimal endoscope may reduce the frequencies and complications of unnecessary invasive operations and general anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) with age in the Korean population using the Macular Pigment Screener II (MPSII®). METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six eyes were retrospectively reviewed. MPOD was measured using MPSII®, which uses a heterochromatic flicker photometry method, and the estimated values were analyzed. Spearman's correlation test was used to evaluate correlations between MPOD and age. The association between MPOD and age was determined using a simple linear regression analysis. MPODs among the four groups were compared via the post hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction, MPODs between the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) group and aged-matched healthy subjects were compared via the Mann-Whitney U test. Other risk factors for AMD were identified via a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Estimated MPOD decreased significantly with increasing age in the general population. In the simple regression analysis, a statistically significant linear regression model was observed, and the estimated values of MPOD decreased by −0.005 as age increased by 1 year. Aged (> 50 years) showed lower MPOD than younger (30–49 years) subjects. But, in the healthy population, the estimated MPOD values exhibited a decreasing trend with age, but there were no significant differences according to age, after excluding patients with AMD. MPOD was significantly lower in patients with AMD than in aged healthy controls. Furthermore, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking were identified as risk factors for AMD. CONCLUSION MPOD measured with MPSII® reflects the MP density in healthy individuals and patients with dry AMD. Aging was not significantly associated with low MPOD in healthy population, but the presence of dry AMD was significantly associated with low MPOD. Then, low MPOD may be a risk factor for development of dry AMD. Furthermore, routine screening with MPS II® for ages 50 and older is thought to help detect early low MPOD and identify individuals who should take supplements.