Background: s/Aims: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is widely employed for managing recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, local tumor progression (LTP) after treatment remains a significant challenge. This study evaluates the efficacy of saline-perfused bipolar RFA using twin internally cooled-perfusion (TICP) electrodes in managing recurrent HCC post-TACE. Methods: Between September 2017 and January 2019, 100 patients with 105 nodules (mean diameter, 1.6±0.5 cm) were prospectively enrolled. Bipolar RFA with TICP electrodes was performed under ultrasound-computed tomography/magnetic resonance fusion guidance. The primary outcome was the 2-year cumulative incidence of LTP. Results: The technical success and technique efficacy rates were 100% and 97%, respectively. During a median follow-up period of 34.0 months (range, 3-41), the estimated LTP rates were 13.3% at 1 year and 17.7% at 2 years. Progression-free survival rates were 37.8% and 27.7% at 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Conclusions Saline-perfused bipolar RFA using TICP electrodes demonstrates promising results for recurrent HCC after TACE, achieving high technical success and effective local tumor control rates.

Purpose: We investigated the changes in ocular higher-order aberrations (HOAs) between sutured scleral fixation and modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients (20 eyes) who underwent sutured scleral fixation and 22 patients (22 eyes) who underwent modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and HOAs were measured preoperatively, and at 3 months postoperatively, and the two groups were compared. Results: BCVA was significantly improved in both sutured scleral fixation and modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation (p = 0.038, 0.015, respectively). The internal optic HOAs decreased significantly after scleral fixation both in both groups (p = 0.012, 0.033, respectively). Postoperative internal optic HOAs were significantly higher in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation group than in sutured scleral fixation group. (p = 0.034) Postoperative third-order aberrations, coma-like aberrations were significantly higher in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation group than in sutured scleral fixation group. (p = 0.032, 0.038, respectively) Conclusions Sutured scleral fixation showed more effectively decreased internal optics HOAs. IOL tilt and decentrations correlated with internal HOAs and thus should be avoided particularly in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation.

Background: s/Aims: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is widely employed for managing recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, local tumor progression (LTP) after treatment remains a significant challenge. This study evaluates the efficacy of saline-perfused bipolar RFA using twin internally cooled-perfusion (TICP) electrodes in managing recurrent HCC post-TACE. Methods: Between September 2017 and January 2019, 100 patients with 105 nodules (mean diameter, 1.6±0.5 cm) were prospectively enrolled. Bipolar RFA with TICP electrodes was performed under ultrasound-computed tomography/magnetic resonance fusion guidance. The primary outcome was the 2-year cumulative incidence of LTP. Results: The technical success and technique efficacy rates were 100% and 97%, respectively. During a median follow-up period of 34.0 months (range, 3-41), the estimated LTP rates were 13.3% at 1 year and 17.7% at 2 years. Progression-free survival rates were 37.8% and 27.7% at 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Conclusions Saline-perfused bipolar RFA using TICP electrodes demonstrates promising results for recurrent HCC after TACE, achieving high technical success and effective local tumor control rates.

Purpose: We investigated the changes in ocular higher-order aberrations (HOAs) between sutured scleral fixation and modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients (20 eyes) who underwent sutured scleral fixation and 22 patients (22 eyes) who underwent modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and HOAs were measured preoperatively, and at 3 months postoperatively, and the two groups were compared. Results: BCVA was significantly improved in both sutured scleral fixation and modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation (p = 0.038, 0.015, respectively). The internal optic HOAs decreased significantly after scleral fixation both in both groups (p = 0.012, 0.033, respectively). Postoperative internal optic HOAs were significantly higher in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation group than in sutured scleral fixation group. (p = 0.034) Postoperative third-order aberrations, coma-like aberrations were significantly higher in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation group than in sutured scleral fixation group. (p = 0.032, 0.038, respectively) Conclusions Sutured scleral fixation showed more effectively decreased internal optics HOAs. IOL tilt and decentrations correlated with internal HOAs and thus should be avoided particularly in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation.

Background: s/Aims: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is widely employed for managing recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, local tumor progression (LTP) after treatment remains a significant challenge. This study evaluates the efficacy of saline-perfused bipolar RFA using twin internally cooled-perfusion (TICP) electrodes in managing recurrent HCC post-TACE. Methods: Between September 2017 and January 2019, 100 patients with 105 nodules (mean diameter, 1.6±0.5 cm) were prospectively enrolled. Bipolar RFA with TICP electrodes was performed under ultrasound-computed tomography/magnetic resonance fusion guidance. The primary outcome was the 2-year cumulative incidence of LTP. Results: The technical success and technique efficacy rates were 100% and 97%, respectively. During a median follow-up period of 34.0 months (range, 3-41), the estimated LTP rates were 13.3% at 1 year and 17.7% at 2 years. Progression-free survival rates were 37.8% and 27.7% at 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Conclusions Saline-perfused bipolar RFA using TICP electrodes demonstrates promising results for recurrent HCC after TACE, achieving high technical success and effective local tumor control rates.

Purpose: We investigated the changes in ocular higher-order aberrations (HOAs) between sutured scleral fixation and modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients (20 eyes) who underwent sutured scleral fixation and 22 patients (22 eyes) who underwent modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and HOAs were measured preoperatively, and at 3 months postoperatively, and the two groups were compared. Results: BCVA was significantly improved in both sutured scleral fixation and modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation (p = 0.038, 0.015, respectively). The internal optic HOAs decreased significantly after scleral fixation both in both groups (p = 0.012, 0.033, respectively). Postoperative internal optic HOAs were significantly higher in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation group than in sutured scleral fixation group. (p = 0.034) Postoperative third-order aberrations, coma-like aberrations were significantly higher in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation group than in sutured scleral fixation group. (p = 0.032, 0.038, respectively) Conclusions Sutured scleral fixation showed more effectively decreased internal optics HOAs. IOL tilt and decentrations correlated with internal HOAs and thus should be avoided particularly in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation.

Objective: Understanding the specific fears associated with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), particularly within different cultural contexts, is crucial for developing effective mental health interventions. This study aims to develop and validate the COVID-19 Infection Fear Scale (CIFS) in a collectivist cultural context such as Korea. Methods: A total of 1,002 adults aged 19 to 70 participated in an online survey in May 2020. The CIFS was developed through a multidisciplinary approach, categorizing public fears into two domains: fear of infection and fear of negative outcomes post-infection. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to validate the factor structure. Reliability and construct validity were assessed through correlations with anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Results: The CIFS demonstrated high internal consistency. EFA and CFA supported a two-factor model. The Rasch analysis confirmed good item fit, with infit and outfit indices within the acceptable range. Differential item functioning analysis indicated minor sex and age biases, addressed without removing items. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Fear of negative consequences post-infection showed a stronger correlation with psychological distress than fear of infection. Conclusion The CIFS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring fear related to COVID-19 infection and its consequences, particularly within a collectivist cultural context. This scale can aid in identifying individuals at higher risk of psychological distress and inform targeted interventions.

Objective: Understanding the specific fears associated with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), particularly within different cultural contexts, is crucial for developing effective mental health interventions. This study aims to develop and validate the COVID-19 Infection Fear Scale (CIFS) in a collectivist cultural context such as Korea. Methods: A total of 1,002 adults aged 19 to 70 participated in an online survey in May 2020. The CIFS was developed through a multidisciplinary approach, categorizing public fears into two domains: fear of infection and fear of negative outcomes post-infection. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to validate the factor structure. Reliability and construct validity were assessed through correlations with anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Results: The CIFS demonstrated high internal consistency. EFA and CFA supported a two-factor model. The Rasch analysis confirmed good item fit, with infit and outfit indices within the acceptable range. Differential item functioning analysis indicated minor sex and age biases, addressed without removing items. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Fear of negative consequences post-infection showed a stronger correlation with psychological distress than fear of infection. Conclusion The CIFS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring fear related to COVID-19 infection and its consequences, particularly within a collectivist cultural context. This scale can aid in identifying individuals at higher risk of psychological distress and inform targeted interventions.

Objective: Understanding the specific fears associated with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), particularly within different cultural contexts, is crucial for developing effective mental health interventions. This study aims to develop and validate the COVID-19 Infection Fear Scale (CIFS) in a collectivist cultural context such as Korea. Methods: A total of 1,002 adults aged 19 to 70 participated in an online survey in May 2020. The CIFS was developed through a multidisciplinary approach, categorizing public fears into two domains: fear of infection and fear of negative outcomes post-infection. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to validate the factor structure. Reliability and construct validity were assessed through correlations with anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Results: The CIFS demonstrated high internal consistency. EFA and CFA supported a two-factor model. The Rasch analysis confirmed good item fit, with infit and outfit indices within the acceptable range. Differential item functioning analysis indicated minor sex and age biases, addressed without removing items. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and coping strategies. Fear of negative consequences post-infection showed a stronger correlation with psychological distress than fear of infection. Conclusion The CIFS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring fear related to COVID-19 infection and its consequences, particularly within a collectivist cultural context. This scale can aid in identifying individuals at higher risk of psychological distress and inform targeted interventions.

Objectives: This study explored the stigma and mental health challenges that vulnerable populations faced during COVID-19 using in-depth interviews with 32 participants. Methods: A generic qualitative methodology was employed, with data collected via face-to-face and Zoom interviews conducted from March to August 2021. Results: Two major themes emerged: the nature of stigmatization and mental health impacts.The participants reported increased exposure to personal information, worsening institutional stigmatization, and routine social exclusion, leading to internalized stigma. They experienced extreme fear, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, and declining physical health. Conclusion The results underscore the necessity of a comprehensive mental health support system that integrates psychological interventions, stigma prevention education, anti-stigma initiatives, and customized policies. Future research should investigate the prolonged impact of pandemic-induced stigma and devise effective strategies for support and intervention.