Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, including overall survival (OS), remission, and factors associated with an aggressive disease course. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 153 patients diagnosed with gastric MALT lymphoma between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients experiencing relapse, progression, high-grade transformation, or residual diseasewere included in the aggressive group and were compared with those in the indolent group. Additionally, the endoscopic findings of Helicobacter pylori-negative patients were reviewed. Results: Patient characteristics were as follows: mean age (56.9±11.2 years), sex (male, 51.0%), H. pylori infection (positive, 79.7%), endoscopic location (distal, 89.5%), endoscopic feature (superficial, 89.5%), clinical stage (stage I, 92.8%), invasion depth by endoscopic ultrasound (mucosa, n=115, 75.7%), and bone marrow result (no involvement, n=77, 100.0%). The median follow-up period was 59 months (mean, 61; range, 36–124) and the continuous remission period (n=149) was 51 months (mean, 50; range, 3–112). The 5-year survival rate was 97.7% while the 5-year continuous remission was 88.3%. Factors associated with the patients in the aggressive group were old age, sex(male), and clinical stage II or higher. H. pylori-negative patients’ endoscopy revealed a high incidence of atrophic gastritis in the antrum. Conclusions The long-term prognosis of gastric MALT lymphoma appears indolent and is indicated by the 5-year OS and continuous remission rates. Aggressive disease courses are associated with old age, sex (male), and clinical stage II or higher, but are not related to OS.

Purpose: This study investigated the differences between patients with acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning who visited the emergency department (ED) before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective observational study. Patients with CO poisoning who visited the ED during the period from February 2020 to January 2023 were classified as the COVID-19 pandemic group, and those from February 2019 to January 2020 were classified as the non-pandemic group. Patients’ medical records were reviewed, their demographic and clinical characteristics were compared, and the length of stay in ED was checked. The time from admission to the ED to the start of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) was defined as the door-to-HBO time, and this parameter was compared between both groups. Results: In total, 672 patients were included in this study. The proportion of intentional poisoning was significantly higher in the COVID-19 pandemic group than in the non-pandemic group (p=0.028). The proportion of intentional poisoning significantly increased in the 20- to 29-year-old age group during the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.001). In addition, it took longer to initiate HBO in the COVID-19 pandemic group than in the non-pandemic group (p=0.001). Conclusion These findings suggest that pandemics of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, increase the proportion of intentional CO poisoning, and it may take longer to initiate HBO after visiting the ED. Efforts will be needed to decrease intentional CO poisoning and length of stay in ED.

Objective: To investigate the clinical factors associated with successful gastrostomy tube weaning in patients with prolonged dysphagia after stroke. Methods: This study involved a retrospective medical chart review of patients diagnosed with prolonged dysphagia after stroke who underwent gastrostomy tube insertion between May 2013 and January 2020. Forty-seven patients were enrolled and consequently divided into gastrostomy tube sustaining and weaning groups. The numbers of patients in the sustaining and weaning groups were 31 and 16, respectively. The patients’ demographic data, Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) score, Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), Functional Dysphagia Scale (FDS) score, and Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) score were compared between the two groups. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study was performed before making the decision of gastrostomy tube weaning. The clinical factors associated with gastrostomy tube weaning were then investigated. Results: There were significant differences in age; history of aspiration pneumonia; K-MMSE, FDS, and PAS scores; and K-MBI between the groups. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the FDS (odds ratio [OR]=0.791; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.634–0.987) and PAS scores (OR=0.205; 95% CI, 0.059–0.718) were associated with successful gastrostomy tube weaning. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the FDS and PAS were useful screening tools for successful weaning, with areas under the curve of 0.911 and 0.918, respectively. Conclusion In patients with prolonged dysphagia, the FDS and PAS scores are the only factors associated with successful gastrostomy tube weaning. An evaluation of the swallowing function is necessary before deciding to initiate gastrostomy tube weaning.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Proficient differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into specific lineages is required for applications in regenerative medicine. A growing amount of evidences had implicated hormones and hormone-like molecules as critical regulators of proliferation and lineage specification during in vivo development. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the hormones and hormone-like molecules involved in cell fate decisions is critical for efficient and controlled differentiation of hPSCs into specific lineages. Thus, we functionally and quantitatively compared the effects of diverse hormones (estradiol 17-β (E2), progesterone (P4), and dexamethasone (DM)) and a hormone-like molecule (retinoic acid (RA)) on the regulation of hematopoietic and neural lineage specification. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used 10 nM E2, 3 μM P4, 10 nM DM, and 10 nM RA based on their functional in vivo developmental potential. The sex hormone E2 enhanced functional activity of hematopoietic progenitors compared to P4 and DM, whereas RA impaired hematopoietic differentiation. In addition, E2 increased CD34⁺CD45⁺ cells with progenitor functions, even in the CD43⁻ population, a well-known hemogenic marker. RA exhibited lineage-biased potential, preferentially committing hPSCs toward the neural lineage while restricting the hematopoietic fate decision. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal unique cell fate potentials of E2 and RA treatment and provide valuable differentiation information that is essential for hPSC applications.
Dexamethasone ; Humans ; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells ; Pluripotent Stem Cells ; Progesterone ; Regenerative Medicine ; Tretinoin

OBJECTIVE: The circadian pattern of the onset time of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has been reported by various authors. However, the effect of the degree of physical exertion on the circadian pattern has not been studied in detail. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the effect of physical exertion on the circadian pattern of aSAH.METHODS: Of the 335 patients presenting with aSAH from January 2012 to December 2017, 234 patients with identifiable onset time and metabolic equivalent (MET) values were enrolled. The onset time of aSAH was divided into 4-hour intervals. The patient’s physical exertion was then assessed on a scale between 1 and 8 METs using generally accepted MET values, and categorized into two groups—light exertion (1 to 4 METs) and moderate to heavy exertion (5 to 8 METs)—to determine the effect of the degree of physical exertion on the onset time distribution of aSAH. Multivariate analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) between the two groups to determine the effect of the degree of physical exertion on each set of time periods.RESULTS: There was a definite bimodal onset pattern that peaked at 08:00–12:00 hours followed by 16:00–20:00 hours (p <0.001). MET values at all time intervals were found to be significantly higher than the night time (00:00–04:00 hours) values (p<0.031). The MET value distribution showed a unimodal pattern that slightly differed from the bimodal distribution of the onset time of aSAH. There were no significant differences in the ORs of each time interval according to the degree of the MET value.CONCLUSION: This study reaffirmed that aSAH occurs in a bimodal pattern, especially showing the highest prevalence in the morning. Although aSAH could be related to daily activity, there were no significant changes in diurnal variations affected by the degree of physical exertion.
Aneurysm ; Epidemiology ; Humans ; Metabolic Equivalent ; Motor Activity ; Multivariate Analysis ; Odds Ratio ; Physical Exertion ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether clipping or endovascular treatment (EVT) can reduce the incidence of delayed hydrocephalus. We also investigated whether additional procedures, namely lumbar drainage and extra-ventricular drainage (EVD), decrease the incidence of delayed hydrocephalus in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and fifty-two patients who had undergone an operation for SAH were enrolled in this study. Clinical data, radiological data, and procedural data were investigated. Procedural data included the operating technique (clipping vs. EVT) and the use of additional procedures (no procedure, lumbar drainage, or EVD). Delayed hydrocephalus was defined as a condition in which the Evan's index was 0.3 or higher, as assessed using brain computed tomography more than 2 weeks after surgery, requiring shunt placement due to neurological deterioration. RESULTS: Of the 152 patients, 45 (29.6%) underwent surgical clipping and 107 (70.4%) underwent EVT. Twenty-five (16.4%) patients developed delayed hydrocephalus. Age (p = 0.019), procedure duration (p = 0.004), and acute hydrocephalus (p = 0.030) were significantly correlated with the incidence of delayed hydrocephalus. However, the operation technique (p = 0.593) and use of an additional procedure (p = 0.378) were not significantly correlated with delayed hydrocephalus incidence. CONCLUSION: No significant difference in the incidence of delayed hydrocephalus was associated with operation technique or use of an additional procedure in patients with SAH. However, delayed hydrocephalus was significantly correlated with old age, long procedural duration, and acute hydrocephalus. Therefore, we recommend that additional procedures should be discontinued as soon as possible.
Aneurysm ; Brain ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Drainage ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus* ; Incidence ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage* ; Surgical Instruments

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests a pivotal role for neuronal inflammation in response to replicating varicella zoster virus in the development of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the value of serum levels of various inflammatory markers in acute herpes zoster (HZ) as predictors for the development of PHN. METHODS: A total of 116 patients with acute HZ were enrolled in this study. We measured scores on the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after diagnosis of HZ. We defined PHN as pain greater than 1 on the VAS lasting for more than 6 months. Serum samples for laboratory assay, including complete blood count were obtained at the initial visit. Correlations between the levels of each inflammatory marker and the development of PHN were evaluated. RESULTS: Levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphocyte count, and albumin showed significant correlations with development of PHN in univariate analysis. Levels of ESR, CRP, and lymphocyte count also showed significant correlations in multivariate analysis. ESR level showed stronger correlations with development of PHN than levels of CRP and lymphocyte count. CONCLUSION: In this study, we confirmed that elevated ESR was an independent and significant predictor of PHN in patients with acute HZ. To validate these results, further well-designed, randomized clinical trials are needed.
Blood Cell Count ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein ; Diagnosis ; Herpes Zoster* ; Herpesvirus 3, Human ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Lymphocyte Count ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neuralgia, Postherpetic* ; Neurons

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the variability of clopidogrel responses according to duration of a clopidogrel drug regimen after stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC), and to determine the correlation between the variability of clopidogrel responses and thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications.METHODS: A total of 47 patients who underwent SAC procedures to treat unruptured intracranial aneurysms were enrolled in the study. Preoperatively, patients received more than seven days of aspirin (100 mg) and clopidogrel (75 mg), daily. P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) was checked with the VerifyNow test one day before the procedure (pre-PRU) and one month after the procedure (post-PRU). PRU variability was calculated as the difference between the initial response and the follow-up response. Patients were sorted into two groups based on their response to treatment : responsive and hypo-responsive.RESULTS: PRU variability was significantly greater in the hypo-responsive group when compared to the responsive group (p=0.019). Pre-PRU and serum platelets counts were significantly correlated with PRU variation (p=0.005 and p=0.004, respectively). Although thromboembolic complication had no significant correlated factors, hemorrhagic complication was correlated with pre-PRU (p=0.033).CONCLUSION: In conclusion, variability of clopidogrel responses during clopidogrel medication was correlated to serum platelet counts and the initial clopidogrel response. Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications did not show correlation with the variability of clopidogrel response, or the clopidogrel response after one month of medication; however, hemorrhagic complication was associated with initial clopidogrel response. Therefore, it is recommended to test patients for an initial clopidogrel response only, as further tests would be insignificant.
Aspirin ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; Platelet Count ; Stents ; Thromboembolism

Intracranial wooden foreign bodies are rare. In addition, such objects are difficult to identify with conventional radiographic techniques, such as X-ray radiography or brain computed tomography. A 48-year-old man presented to our emergency room with a headache. Even though he had a history of trauma, he had no external wounds and showed no neurological deficits at the initial examination. He was initially diagnosed with trauma-related pneumocephalus. He developed a delayed intracranial infection and underwent surgery to remove the wooden foreign body. The present case illustrates the necessity for special attention to patients suspected of having pneumocephalus with a rare presentation during the initial examination. Early surgical removal of the intracranial foreign body is necessary to prevent complications.
Brain ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Foreign Bodies* ; Headache ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Pneumocephalus* ; Radiography ; Wood ; Wounds and Injuries

Since 1995, Trichophyton tonsurans has been one of the causative agents of dermatophytosis in Korea. Herein we evaluate 77 patients infected with T. tonsurans who visited an outpatient clinic between 2004 and 2014. Infections due to T. tonsurans were diagnosed by mycological examination, which included direct microscopic examination using 15% KOH and culture in potato dextrose agar complemented with 0.5% chloramphenicol. The annual prevalence of infection due to T. tonsurans was the highest in 2014 (15 cases) but remained constant in non-gladiators between 2004 and 2014. The ratio of male to female patients was 1:0.3. The spring season presented the highest incidence compared with other seasons, with 27 cases. The incidence of infections due to T. tonsurans among gladiators was highest in spring compared with the other seasons whereas the incidence in non-gladiators was the highest in the winter. The body site most commonly affected was the face. Tinea corporis was the most common subtype of dermatophytosis caused by T. tonsurans. Herein, we demonstrate that the prevalence of infection with T. tonsurans remain constant throughout the study period in Korea.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Disease Outbreaks ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Seasons ; Tinea/*diagnosis/epidemiology/microbiology ; Trichophyton/*isolation & purification ; Young Adult