Purpose: Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has great potential in clinical oncology. The prognostic and predictive values of cfDNA in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been reported, with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), KRAS, and BRAF mutations in tumor-derived cfDNAs acting as biomarkers during the early stages of tumor progression and recurrence. However, extremely low tumor-derived DNA rates hinder cfDNA application. We developed an ultra-high-sensitivity lung version 1 (ULV1) panel targeting BRAF, KRAS, and EGFR hotspot mutations using small amounts of cfDNA, allowing for semi-quantitative analysis with excellent limit-of-detection (0.05%). Materials and Methods: Mutation analysis was performed on cfDNAs extracted from the plasma of 104 patients with NSCLC by using the ULV1 panel and targeted next-generation sequencing (CT-ULTRA), followed by comparison analysis of mutation patterns previously screened using matched tumor tissue DNA. Results: The ULV1 panel demonstrated robust selective amplification of mutant alleles, enabling the detection of mutations with a high degree of analytical sensitivity (limit-of-detection, 0.025%-0.1%) and specificity (87.9%-100%). Applying ULV1 to NSCLC cfDNA revealed 51.1% (23/45) samples with EGFR mutations, increasing with tumor stage: 8.33% (stage I) to 78.26% (stage IV). Semi-quantitative analysis proved effective for low-mutation-fraction clinical samples. Comparative analysis with PANAMutyper EGFR exhibited substantial concordance (κ=0.84). Conclusion Good detection sensitivity (~80%) was observed despite the limited volume (1 mL) and long-term storage (12-50 months) of plasma used and is expected to increase with high cfDNA inputs. Thus, the ULV1 panel is a fast and cost-effective method for early diagnosis, treatment selection, and clinical follow-up of patients with NSCLC.

Objectives: Alcohol is metabolized to acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme in the liver and then acetaldehyde is metabolized to acetone by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) in the liver. There are two main ALDH enzymes which metabolize the acetaldehyde produced during ethanol oxidation. In particular, in the presence of the ALDH2 1*2 allele, the activity of the ALDH 2 enzyme is lowered. As a result, acetaldehyde metabolism is slowed down and acetaldehyde accumulates in the body compared to the ALDH2 1*1 allele. There are many studies that have investigated the blood acetaldehyde concentration according to the ALDH2 genotype, but there are few studies to compare this with age. So we investigated the blood acetaldehyde concentration according to ALDH2 genotype, age and gender. Methods: According to the ALDH2 genotype, we divided the group by gender and age. We divided the age group in to three groups which ranged from 20 to 34 years old, from 35 to 49 years old, and lastly from 50 to 64 years old. And then we collected blood samples after 15 min, 30 min, 1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr, 4 hr, 5 hr and 15 hr of after drinking to measure the blood acetaldehyde concentration. Results: In ALDH2 1*2 allele group, there are significant differences of the blood acetaldehyde concentration between the age groups. In ALDH2 1*2 allele and male group, there are significant differences of the blood acetaldehyde concentration between the age groups. Conclusions There are significant differences of the blood acetaldehyde concentration between the age groups according to ALDH2 genotype. Also, there are significant differences of the blood acetaldehyde concentration between the age groups with male gender and ALDH2 1*2 allele. Studies about other factors that may influence the blood acetaldehyde concentration are needed.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical practice patterns of Korean obstetricians and gynecologists the diagnosis and management of hypertensive disease in pregnant women. Methods: From April 2015 to October 2015, questionnaire was distributed via email to obstetricians who were members of the Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine. The survey consisted of 37 questions in 6 categories. Responses to the questions on the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, from diagnosis to treatment, were evaluated. Results: A total of 93 obstetricians and gynecologists responded to the survey. High blood pressure was allocated the highest priority as an index mainly used when deciding to hospitalize patients with hypertensive disease during pregnancy, followed by pregnancy symptoms, proteinuria, and blood test results. Calcium channel blocker (CCB) for oral administration and hydralazine for injection were preferred as antihypertensive drugs mainly used to control severe hypertension. Regarding the delivery method for hypertensive disease during pregnancy, in cases of preeclampsia, 63% of the respondents chose the delivery method according to the cervical status, and in cases of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and eclampsia, which increased in severity, 52% and 31% responded that the delivery method was determined according to the cervical status, respectively. In cases of mild preeclampsia, the 70% of respondents preferred 37–38 weeks of gestation for the delivery time. Regarding the use of aspirin in patient with hypertension during pregnancy, 52% of the respondents occasionally administered aspirin, and in patients with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy, only 43% were administered prophylactic aspirin. Conclusion Domestic obstetricians regarded blood pressure as the most meaningful factor when treating women with hypertension during pregnancy and considered blood pressure control as important. The preferred antihypertensive agents were oral CCB and hydralazine injections, and the choice of delivery method was determined according to the condition of the cervix and severity of the disease. Even in women with high risk factors for preeclampsia, prophylactic aspirin was administered in as low as 50%, of patients, possibly may due to the absence of domestic guidelines for aspirin use during pregnancy. Korean guidelines for prophylactic aspirin administration during pregnancy is needed based on additional research on the efficacy of aspirin for domestic women in the future.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical practice patterns of Korean obstetricians and gynecologists the diagnosis and management of hypertensive disease in pregnant women. Methods: From April 2015 to October 2015, questionnaire was distributed via email to obstetricians who were members of the Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine. The survey consisted of 37 questions in 6 categories. Responses to the questions on the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, from diagnosis to treatment, were evaluated. Results: A total of 93 obstetricians and gynecologists responded to the survey. High blood pressure was allocated the highest priority as an index mainly used when deciding to hospitalize patients with hypertensive disease during pregnancy, followed by pregnancy symptoms, proteinuria, and blood test results. Calcium channel blocker (CCB) for oral administration and hydralazine for injection were preferred as antihypertensive drugs mainly used to control severe hypertension. Regarding the delivery method for hypertensive disease during pregnancy, in cases of preeclampsia, 63% of the respondents chose the delivery method according to the cervical status, and in cases of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and eclampsia, which increased in severity, 52% and 31% responded that the delivery method was determined according to the cervical status, respectively. In cases of mild preeclampsia, the 70% of respondents preferred 37–38 weeks of gestation for the delivery time. Regarding the use of aspirin in patient with hypertension during pregnancy, 52% of the respondents occasionally administered aspirin, and in patients with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy, only 43% were administered prophylactic aspirin. Conclusion Domestic obstetricians regarded blood pressure as the most meaningful factor when treating women with hypertension during pregnancy and considered blood pressure control as important. The preferred antihypertensive agents were oral CCB and hydralazine injections, and the choice of delivery method was determined according to the condition of the cervix and severity of the disease. Even in women with high risk factors for preeclampsia, prophylactic aspirin was administered in as low as 50%, of patients, possibly may due to the absence of domestic guidelines for aspirin use during pregnancy. Korean guidelines for prophylactic aspirin administration during pregnancy is needed based on additional research on the efficacy of aspirin for domestic women in the future.

Implant prostheses and removable partial dentures are mainly used as treatment methods for partial edentulous patients who have lost a number of teeth. The implant-assisted removable partial denture (IARPD) is strategically selected. The defect in maxillofacial structure due to osteomyelitis, a type of facial bone infection, causes dysfunction such as mastication, swallowing, and pronunciation, as well as social and psychological effects, so a removable restoration is required to restore the supporting tissue. Design of abutment and partial dentures is an essential factor in the success of treatment. In this case, IARPD, which has superior retention and stability compared to traditional removable partial dentures, can have a good prognosis. In a partial edentulous patient with bone defects due to osteomyelitis treatment, the stability of the denture was secured with IARPD restoration. Moreover, maintenance problem that may occur in the future was minimized by providing an appropriate denture design and occlusal scheme through several provisional restorations. This case can be expected to have a favorable prognosis in the long term.

Implant prostheses and removable partial dentures are mainly used as treatment methods for partial edentulous patients who have lost a number of teeth. The implant-assisted removable partial denture (IARPD) is strategically selected. The defect in maxillofacial structure due to osteomyelitis, a type of facial bone infection, causes dysfunction such as mastication, swallowing, and pronunciation, as well as social and psychological effects, so a removable restoration is required to restore the supporting tissue. Design of abutment and partial dentures is an essential factor in the success of treatment. In this case, IARPD, which has superior retention and stability compared to traditional removable partial dentures, can have a good prognosis. In a partial edentulous patient with bone defects due to osteomyelitis treatment, the stability of the denture was secured with IARPD restoration. Moreover, maintenance problem that may occur in the future was minimized by providing an appropriate denture design and occlusal scheme through several provisional restorations. This case can be expected to have a favorable prognosis in the long term.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a Korean nursing work environment scale for critical care nurses (KNWES-CCN) and verify its validity and reliability. Methods: A total of 46 preliminary items were selected using content validity analysis of experts on 64 candidate items derived through literature reviews and in-depth interviews with critical care nurses. 535 critical care nurses from 21 hospitals responded to the preliminary questionnaire from February to March 2021. The collected data were analysed using construct, convergent and discriminant validities, and internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Results: The 23 items in 4 factors accounted for 55.6% of the total variance were identified through item analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). EFA was performed with maximum likelihood method including direct oblimin method. In the confirmatory factor analysis, KNWES-CCN consisted of 21 items in 4 factors by deleting the items that were not meet the condition that the factor loading over .50 or the squared multiple correlation over .30. This model was considered to be suitable because it satisfied the fit index and acceptable criteria of the model [x2 =440.47 (p<.001), CMIN/DF=2.41, GFI=.86, SRMR=.06, RMSEA=.07, TLI=.90, CFI=.91]. The item total correlation values ranged form .32 to .73 and its internal consistency was Cronbach's ⍺=.92. The reliability of the test-retest correlation coefficient was .72 and the intra-class correlation coefficient was .83. Conclusion The KNWES-CCN showed good validity and reliability. Therefore, it is expected that the use of this scale would measure and improve nursing work environment for critical care nurses in Korea.

Whole lung lavage (WLL) is a therapeutic procedure to remove accumulated material by infusing and draining the lungs with lavage fluid. This procedure has been regarded as the current standard of care to treat pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. However, the WLL protocol has not yet been standardized and the technique has been refined and modified a number of times. A rapid infusion system is a device used to infuse blood or other fluids at precise rates and normothermic conditions. This device is not typically used in WLL, which relies on the passive infusion of fluids using the gravitational force. However, in this study we performed WLL using a rapid infusion system, since we aimed to take advantage of its shorter operation time and greater degree of control over fluid volume and temperature. The patient’s symptoms improved without the occurrence of any complications.

Albizzia julibrissin (AJ) is an herbal medicine that shows low toxicity, promotes promoting blood circulation and mitigates the inflammation and has mild side effects. Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases that occurs in older males and often results in lower urinary tract symptoms. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of AJ against BPH using LNCaP cells and Sprague Dawley rats treated with testosterone. Treatment with AJ extract reduced the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in vitro. In vivo, rats were divided into 6 groups: 1 (Normal Control); 2 (Testosterone propionate (TP) alone); 3 (TP + finasteride); 4 (TP + AJ 10 mg/kg); 5 (TP + AJ 50 mg/kg); 6 (TP + AJ 300 mg/kg). The groups treated with AJ showed reduced the relative prostate weights and BPH-related proteins were altered, with decreased AR, PSA and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) observed by western blot. Histopathological analysis revealed the therapeutic effect of AJ, with a decreased thickness of epithelial cells and reduced level of PCNA and 5α-reductase type 2. These results suggest that AJ extract could ameliorate testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Albizzia ; Animals ; Blood Circulation ; Blotting, Western ; Diethylpropion ; Epithelial Cells ; Herbal Medicine ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; In Vitro Techniques ; Inflammation ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ; Male ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; Prostate ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Androgen ; Testosterone ; Weights and Measures

PURPOSE: Recently TF-adaptive movement is developed in order to increase the durability of TF files. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of adaptive movement on durability and performance of twisted files. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Resin blocks simulating artificial J-shape canals were used for this study. In TFC group, TF-adaptive ML-1 (25/.08 size) files were used to prepare the canals under continuous rotation 500 rpm/4.0 Ncm. In TFA group, TF-adaptive ML-1 (25/.08 size) files were used to prepare the canals under adaptive movement. After preparing each artificial canal, TF files were observed under dental microscope for assessing existence of unwinding, distortion, and fracture. If unwinding of flute was observed, the number of artificial canals until unwinding of flute occurs was recorded. Required time until instruments reach working length and distance of unwinded portion of files from D0 were measured. All test results were conducted by Mann-Whitney U test at a 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: No NiTi instrument's separation was observed. Number of resin blocks until file unwinding happens and working time was significantly high in TFA group compared to TF group. Distance of distortion from D0 didn't show significant difference between TFA, TF groups. CONCLUSION: The number of resin blocks prepared until unwinding happens and working time were significantly high in TFA group. The location of unwinding showed no significant difference between 2 groups. Adaptive movement increased the number of canals prepared until unwinding occurs and working time of twisted files.
Filing ; Movement ; Root Canal Preparation