Objective: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been performed for spinal tumors. However, the quantitative effect of SRS on postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors remains unknown. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of SRS for treating postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed cases of postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors from 1995 to 2020 in 2 tertiary institutions. Residual tumors underwent SRS (SRS group) or were observed with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up (observation group). Tumor regrowth rates were compared between the SRS and observation groups. Additionally, risk factors for tumor regrowth were analyzed. Results: A total of 28 cervical dumbbell tumors were incompletely resected. Eight patients were in the SRS group, and 20 in the observation group. The mean regrowth rate was not significantly lower (p = 0.784) in the SRS group (0.18 ± 0.29 mm/mo) than in the observation group (0.33 ± 0.40 mm/mo). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, SRS was not a significant variable (hazard ratio [HR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18–1.79; p = 0.336). Conclusion SRS did not significantly decrease the tumor regrowth rate in our study. We believe that achieving maximal resection during the initial operation is more important than postoperative adjuvant SRS.

Objective: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been performed for spinal tumors. However, the quantitative effect of SRS on postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors remains unknown. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of SRS for treating postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed cases of postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors from 1995 to 2020 in 2 tertiary institutions. Residual tumors underwent SRS (SRS group) or were observed with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up (observation group). Tumor regrowth rates were compared between the SRS and observation groups. Additionally, risk factors for tumor regrowth were analyzed. Results: A total of 28 cervical dumbbell tumors were incompletely resected. Eight patients were in the SRS group, and 20 in the observation group. The mean regrowth rate was not significantly lower (p = 0.784) in the SRS group (0.18 ± 0.29 mm/mo) than in the observation group (0.33 ± 0.40 mm/mo). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, SRS was not a significant variable (hazard ratio [HR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18–1.79; p = 0.336). Conclusion SRS did not significantly decrease the tumor regrowth rate in our study. We believe that achieving maximal resection during the initial operation is more important than postoperative adjuvant SRS.

Objective: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been performed for spinal tumors. However, the quantitative effect of SRS on postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors remains unknown. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of SRS for treating postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed cases of postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors from 1995 to 2020 in 2 tertiary institutions. Residual tumors underwent SRS (SRS group) or were observed with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up (observation group). Tumor regrowth rates were compared between the SRS and observation groups. Additionally, risk factors for tumor regrowth were analyzed. Results: A total of 28 cervical dumbbell tumors were incompletely resected. Eight patients were in the SRS group, and 20 in the observation group. The mean regrowth rate was not significantly lower (p = 0.784) in the SRS group (0.18 ± 0.29 mm/mo) than in the observation group (0.33 ± 0.40 mm/mo). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, SRS was not a significant variable (hazard ratio [HR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18–1.79; p = 0.336). Conclusion SRS did not significantly decrease the tumor regrowth rate in our study. We believe that achieving maximal resection during the initial operation is more important than postoperative adjuvant SRS.

Objective: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been performed for spinal tumors. However, the quantitative effect of SRS on postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors remains unknown. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of SRS for treating postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed cases of postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors from 1995 to 2020 in 2 tertiary institutions. Residual tumors underwent SRS (SRS group) or were observed with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up (observation group). Tumor regrowth rates were compared between the SRS and observation groups. Additionally, risk factors for tumor regrowth were analyzed. Results: A total of 28 cervical dumbbell tumors were incompletely resected. Eight patients were in the SRS group, and 20 in the observation group. The mean regrowth rate was not significantly lower (p = 0.784) in the SRS group (0.18 ± 0.29 mm/mo) than in the observation group (0.33 ± 0.40 mm/mo). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, SRS was not a significant variable (hazard ratio [HR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18–1.79; p = 0.336). Conclusion SRS did not significantly decrease the tumor regrowth rate in our study. We believe that achieving maximal resection during the initial operation is more important than postoperative adjuvant SRS.

Objective: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been performed for spinal tumors. However, the quantitative effect of SRS on postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors remains unknown. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of SRS for treating postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed cases of postoperative residual cervical dumbbell tumors from 1995 to 2020 in 2 tertiary institutions. Residual tumors underwent SRS (SRS group) or were observed with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up (observation group). Tumor regrowth rates were compared between the SRS and observation groups. Additionally, risk factors for tumor regrowth were analyzed. Results: A total of 28 cervical dumbbell tumors were incompletely resected. Eight patients were in the SRS group, and 20 in the observation group. The mean regrowth rate was not significantly lower (p = 0.784) in the SRS group (0.18 ± 0.29 mm/mo) than in the observation group (0.33 ± 0.40 mm/mo). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, SRS was not a significant variable (hazard ratio [HR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18–1.79; p = 0.336). Conclusion SRS did not significantly decrease the tumor regrowth rate in our study. We believe that achieving maximal resection during the initial operation is more important than postoperative adjuvant SRS.

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) such as human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells, and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)-hESCs can permanently self-renew while maintaining their capacity to differentiate into any type of somatic cells, thereby serving as an important cell source for cell therapy. However, there are persistent challenges in the application of hPSCs in clinical trials, where one of the most significant is graft rejection by the patient immune system in response to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch when transplants are obtained from an allogeneic (non-self) cell source. Homozygous SCNT-hESCs (homo-SCNT-hESCs) were used to simplify the clinical application and to reduce HLA mismatch. Here, we present a xeno-free protocol that confirms the efficient generation of neural precursor cells in hPSCs and also the differentiation of dopaminergic neurons. Additionally, there was no difference when comparing the HLA expression patterns of hESC, homo-SCNT-hESCs and hetero-SCNT-hESCs. We propose that there are no differences in the differentiation capacity and HLA expression among hPSCs that can be cultured in vitro. Thus, it is expected that homo-SCNT-hESCs will possess a wider range of applications when transplanted with neural precursor cells in the context of clinical trials.

Background: Hand hygiene is considered the simplest and most cost-effective method of infection prevention. Regular observation and feedback on hand hygiene compliance are key strategies for its enhancement. This study evaluated the effectiveness of hand hygiene surveillance, including direct observation and feedback, by comprehensively analyzing the reported hand hygiene compliance within the Korean National Healthcare-Associated Infections Surveillance System from 2019 to 2022. Methods: Participating medical institutions included general hospitals and hospitals with infection control departments that consented to participate. Hand hygiene surveillance was conducted using direct observation. Collected data, including healthcare workers, clinical areas, hand hygiene moments, and hand hygiene compliance, were recorded to calculate hand hygiene compliance rates. Additionally, the volume of alcohol-based hand sanitizers used per patient per day was investigated as an indirect indicator of hand hygiene compliance. The study was conducted from July 2019 to December 2022. Results: Hand hygiene compliance increased from 87.2% in Q3 2019 to 89.9% in 2022. Nurses and medical technologists showed the highest compliance rates, whereas doctors showed the lowest compliance rates. Intensive care units excelled in compliance, whereas emergency de partments lagged. Compliance was highest after patient contact and lowest when the patient’s surroundings were touched. Larger hospitals consumed more alcohol-based hand sanitizers than smaller hospitals did. Conclusion This study confirmed an improvement in hand hygiene compliance through sustained surveillance, indicating its contribution not only to preventing infection transfer within healthcare facilities but also to fostering a culture of hand hygiene in the country.

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence ratio of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in the Asian population. Methods: Systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for population-based studies in Asia published until August 5, 2022. We conducted a meta-analysis for PACG to POAG prevalence ratio using inverse variance–weighted random-effects meta-analyses so as to combine the study-specific measures of association. Between-study outcome variation (i.e., heterogeneity) was quantified with the I2 statistic. The multiple meta-regression analyses were performed in order to further account for the reasons for heterogeneity. Results: Twenty studies, with a total study population of 52,522 individuals, had been conducted in 13 countries. The pooled PACG to POAG prevalence ratio was 2.204 (95% confidence interval, 1.617–3.004) with high heterogeneity (p < 0.001). In multiple meta-regression model, prevalence of POAG is the most important predictor for heterogeneity (model importance, 0.954), followed continent (0.508), and publication year (0.222). For every additional elevation of POAG prevalence (i.e., increase of 1.0%), the PACG to POAG prevalence ratio is expected to rise by 0.471. Conclusions We estimated the pooled PACG to POAG prevalence ratio in the Asian population. The POAG prevalence is the most important factor to determine the PACG to POAG prevalence ratio.

Purpose: To investigate the relative risks (RRs) for dementia among individuals with glaucoma. Methods: We conducted a search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for observational cohort studies examining the association between glaucoma and dementia until March 2023. Two authors independently screened all titles and abstracts according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pooled RR and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated using random-effect models. Results: The meta-analysis included 18 cohort studies conducted in eight countries and involving 4,975,325 individuals. The pooled RR for the association between glaucoma and all-cause dementia was 1.314 (95% CI, 1.099–1.572; I2 = 95%). The pooled RRs for the associations of open-angle glaucoma with Alzheimer dementia and Parkinson disease were 1.287 (95% CI, 1.007–1.646; I2 = 96%) and 1.233 (95% CI, 0.677–2.243; I2 = 73%), respectively. The pooled RRs for the associations of angle-closure glaucoma with all-cause dementia and Alzheimer dementia were 0.978 (95% CI, 0.750–1.277; I2 = 17%) and 0.838 (95% CI, 0.421–1.669; I2 = 16%), respectively. No evidence of publication bias was detected in the Begg-Mazumdar adjusted rank correlation test (p = 0.47). Conclusions Based on current observational cohort studies, there is evidence supporting that glaucoma is a risk factor for dementia in the adult population.

Background/Aims: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly-used medications, and ailments such as arthritis or heart disease, require long-term use of these drugs, which can induce gastroenteropathy with bleeding and ulcers. This study investigated the associations between efficacy, safety, and gastrointestinal symptoms linked to rebamipide and proton pump inhibitor administration in patients requiring long-term NSAID use. Methods: This study was a multi-center, randomized, open-labeled, pilot design. Results: Thirty-three patients were included. Of these, 15 were included in the study group and 18 were in the control group. NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, which were the primary outcome of this study, did not occur in either the study or control group. Changes in the number of small bowel erosions and ulcers were –0.6 ± 3.06 in the study group and 1.33 ± 4.71 in the control group. The number of subjects with mucosal breaks (defined as multiple erosions and/or ulcers) was three (20%) in the study group and six (40%) in the control group (p = 0.427). No serious adverse events occurred in either group. However, dyspepsia and skin rashes occurred in six patients (31.58%) in the study group and 13 (65%) in the control group (p = 0.036). Conclusions Although statistically significant differences were not generated, possibly as a result of the small sample size, mucosal breaks observed via capsule endoscopy revealed that rebamipide was likely to be more effective than lansoprazole in preventing small intestine damage caused by NSAIDs. Furthermore, fewer side-effects emerged with rebamipide.