Background: The increasing incidence and mortality rates of tuberculosis among older individuals who suffer from multiple morbidities and are vulnerable to malnutrition are major obstacles to efforts to eradicate tuberculosis in the Republic of Korea. Herein, we identified the factors associated with mortality during anti-tuberculosis treatment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: We conducted a case-control study and extracted data from the database of a multi-center prospective observational cohort study in Korea. Among the participants with rifampicin-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis, the survival group was defined as those who successfully completed treatment within one year, whereas the mortality group was defined as those who died during treatment. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with TB mortality. Results: Among 1,119 participants with pulmonary TB registered between 2019 and 2021, 799 and 59 were grouped in the survival and mortality groups, respectively. Age, positive smear results, alarming symptoms, nutrition risk score, Charlson comorbidity index score, and initial standard treatment regimen were significant based on univariable analysis and were selected for the multivariable logistic regression model. Nutrition risk score (adjusted odds ratio, 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.72–3.48) and Charlson comorbidity index score (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–1.94) remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion Nutritional status and comorbidities at baseline were identified as important factors associated with mortality in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Objective: To quantitatively analyze and compare the forces and moments generated by thermoformed polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and direct-printed TC-85 clear aligners (CAs), with various margin designs, during premolar rotation. Methods: In total, 132 CAs were fabricated and divided into four groups (n = 33 per group). Group C consisted of thermoformed PETG aligners with a 2 mm gingival margin. Group E comprised direct-printed TC-85 aligners with equi-gingival margin, whereas Group G utilized direct-printed TC-85 aligners with 2 mm gingival margins.Finally, Group T featured direct-printed TC-85 aligners with an additional 1 mm thickness at the mesial embrasure. The forces and moments were measured using a 6-axis force/moment transducer at 2°, 3°, and 4° of rotation. All measurements were conducted at 37°C to simulate intraoral conditions. Forces were measured in the buccolingual, anteroposterior, and vertical directions, while moments were measured in the mesiodistal, buccolingual, and rotational planes. Results: The PETG aligners (Group C) showed significantly increased buccal and posterior force across the rotation angles (P < 0.05), whereas the intrusive force remained consistent. In contrast, the TC-85 aligners maintained consistent forces across all rotation angles.Direct-printed aligners demonstrated significantly lower intrusive forces than PETG aligners (P < 0.001). Group T exhibited reduced unwanted forces while maintaining effective rotational moments. Furthermore, all direct-printed aligners showed more predictable force delivery patterns than thermoformed aligners. Conclusions Direct-printed TC-85 aligners demonstrated superior force consistency and reduced unwanted side effects compared with traditional PETG aligners. Although marginal design modifications did not significantly improve rotational efficiency, they effectively reduced unwanted intrusive forces.

Background: and Purpose Previous research on patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has shown a 0.5% incidence of major gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) requiring blood transfusion during hospitalization. The existing literature has insufficiently explored the long-term incidence in this population despite the decremental impact of GIB on stroke outcomes. Methods: We analyzed the data from a cohort of patients with AIS admitted to 14 hospitals as part of a nationwide multicenter prospective stroke registry between 2011 and 2013. These patients were followed up for up to 6 years. The occurrence of major GIB events, defined as GIB necessitating at least two units of blood transfusion, was tracked using the National Health Insurance Service claims data. Results: Among 10,818 patients with AIS (male, 59%; mean age, 68±13 years), 947 (8.8%) experienced 1,224 episodes of major GIB over a median follow-up duration of 3.1 years. Remarkably, 20% of 947 patients experienced multiple episodes of major GIB. The incidence peaked in the first month after AIS, reaching 19.2 per 100 person-years, and gradually decreased to approximately one-sixth of this rate by the 2nd year with subsequent stabilization. Multivariable analysis identified the following predictors of major GIB: anemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , and a 3-month modified Rankin Scale score of ≥4. Conclusion Patients with AIS are susceptible to major GIB, particularly in the first month after the onset of AIS, with the risk decreasing thereafter. Implementing preventive strategies may be important, especially for patients with anemia and impaired renal function at stroke onset and those with a disabling stroke.

Objective: To quantitatively analyze and compare the forces and moments generated by thermoformed polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and direct-printed TC-85 clear aligners (CAs), with various margin designs, during premolar rotation. Methods: In total, 132 CAs were fabricated and divided into four groups (n = 33 per group). Group C consisted of thermoformed PETG aligners with a 2 mm gingival margin. Group E comprised direct-printed TC-85 aligners with equi-gingival margin, whereas Group G utilized direct-printed TC-85 aligners with 2 mm gingival margins.Finally, Group T featured direct-printed TC-85 aligners with an additional 1 mm thickness at the mesial embrasure. The forces and moments were measured using a 6-axis force/moment transducer at 2°, 3°, and 4° of rotation. All measurements were conducted at 37°C to simulate intraoral conditions. Forces were measured in the buccolingual, anteroposterior, and vertical directions, while moments were measured in the mesiodistal, buccolingual, and rotational planes. Results: The PETG aligners (Group C) showed significantly increased buccal and posterior force across the rotation angles (P < 0.05), whereas the intrusive force remained consistent. In contrast, the TC-85 aligners maintained consistent forces across all rotation angles.Direct-printed aligners demonstrated significantly lower intrusive forces than PETG aligners (P < 0.001). Group T exhibited reduced unwanted forces while maintaining effective rotational moments. Furthermore, all direct-printed aligners showed more predictable force delivery patterns than thermoformed aligners. Conclusions Direct-printed TC-85 aligners demonstrated superior force consistency and reduced unwanted side effects compared with traditional PETG aligners. Although marginal design modifications did not significantly improve rotational efficiency, they effectively reduced unwanted intrusive forces.

Objective: To quantitatively analyze and compare the forces and moments generated by thermoformed polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and direct-printed TC-85 clear aligners (CAs), with various margin designs, during premolar rotation. Methods: In total, 132 CAs were fabricated and divided into four groups (n = 33 per group). Group C consisted of thermoformed PETG aligners with a 2 mm gingival margin. Group E comprised direct-printed TC-85 aligners with equi-gingival margin, whereas Group G utilized direct-printed TC-85 aligners with 2 mm gingival margins.Finally, Group T featured direct-printed TC-85 aligners with an additional 1 mm thickness at the mesial embrasure. The forces and moments were measured using a 6-axis force/moment transducer at 2°, 3°, and 4° of rotation. All measurements were conducted at 37°C to simulate intraoral conditions. Forces were measured in the buccolingual, anteroposterior, and vertical directions, while moments were measured in the mesiodistal, buccolingual, and rotational planes. Results: The PETG aligners (Group C) showed significantly increased buccal and posterior force across the rotation angles (P < 0.05), whereas the intrusive force remained consistent. In contrast, the TC-85 aligners maintained consistent forces across all rotation angles.Direct-printed aligners demonstrated significantly lower intrusive forces than PETG aligners (P < 0.001). Group T exhibited reduced unwanted forces while maintaining effective rotational moments. Furthermore, all direct-printed aligners showed more predictable force delivery patterns than thermoformed aligners. Conclusions Direct-printed TC-85 aligners demonstrated superior force consistency and reduced unwanted side effects compared with traditional PETG aligners. Although marginal design modifications did not significantly improve rotational efficiency, they effectively reduced unwanted intrusive forces.

Background: The increasing incidence and mortality rates of tuberculosis among older individuals who suffer from multiple morbidities and are vulnerable to malnutrition are major obstacles to efforts to eradicate tuberculosis in the Republic of Korea. Herein, we identified the factors associated with mortality during anti-tuberculosis treatment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: We conducted a case-control study and extracted data from the database of a multi-center prospective observational cohort study in Korea. Among the participants with rifampicin-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis, the survival group was defined as those who successfully completed treatment within one year, whereas the mortality group was defined as those who died during treatment. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with TB mortality. Results: Among 1,119 participants with pulmonary TB registered between 2019 and 2021, 799 and 59 were grouped in the survival and mortality groups, respectively. Age, positive smear results, alarming symptoms, nutrition risk score, Charlson comorbidity index score, and initial standard treatment regimen were significant based on univariable analysis and were selected for the multivariable logistic regression model. Nutrition risk score (adjusted odds ratio, 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.72–3.48) and Charlson comorbidity index score (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–1.94) remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion Nutritional status and comorbidities at baseline were identified as important factors associated with mortality in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Background: The increasing incidence and mortality rates of tuberculosis among older individuals who suffer from multiple morbidities and are vulnerable to malnutrition are major obstacles to efforts to eradicate tuberculosis in the Republic of Korea. Herein, we identified the factors associated with mortality during anti-tuberculosis treatment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: We conducted a case-control study and extracted data from the database of a multi-center prospective observational cohort study in Korea. Among the participants with rifampicin-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis, the survival group was defined as those who successfully completed treatment within one year, whereas the mortality group was defined as those who died during treatment. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with TB mortality. Results: Among 1,119 participants with pulmonary TB registered between 2019 and 2021, 799 and 59 were grouped in the survival and mortality groups, respectively. Age, positive smear results, alarming symptoms, nutrition risk score, Charlson comorbidity index score, and initial standard treatment regimen were significant based on univariable analysis and were selected for the multivariable logistic regression model. Nutrition risk score (adjusted odds ratio, 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.72–3.48) and Charlson comorbidity index score (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–1.94) remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion Nutritional status and comorbidities at baseline were identified as important factors associated with mortality in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Background: and Purpose Previous research on patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has shown a 0.5% incidence of major gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) requiring blood transfusion during hospitalization. The existing literature has insufficiently explored the long-term incidence in this population despite the decremental impact of GIB on stroke outcomes. Methods: We analyzed the data from a cohort of patients with AIS admitted to 14 hospitals as part of a nationwide multicenter prospective stroke registry between 2011 and 2013. These patients were followed up for up to 6 years. The occurrence of major GIB events, defined as GIB necessitating at least two units of blood transfusion, was tracked using the National Health Insurance Service claims data. Results: Among 10,818 patients with AIS (male, 59%; mean age, 68±13 years), 947 (8.8%) experienced 1,224 episodes of major GIB over a median follow-up duration of 3.1 years. Remarkably, 20% of 947 patients experienced multiple episodes of major GIB. The incidence peaked in the first month after AIS, reaching 19.2 per 100 person-years, and gradually decreased to approximately one-sixth of this rate by the 2nd year with subsequent stabilization. Multivariable analysis identified the following predictors of major GIB: anemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , and a 3-month modified Rankin Scale score of ≥4. Conclusion Patients with AIS are susceptible to major GIB, particularly in the first month after the onset of AIS, with the risk decreasing thereafter. Implementing preventive strategies may be important, especially for patients with anemia and impaired renal function at stroke onset and those with a disabling stroke.

Objective: To quantitatively analyze and compare the forces and moments generated by thermoformed polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and direct-printed TC-85 clear aligners (CAs), with various margin designs, during premolar rotation. Methods: In total, 132 CAs were fabricated and divided into four groups (n = 33 per group). Group C consisted of thermoformed PETG aligners with a 2 mm gingival margin. Group E comprised direct-printed TC-85 aligners with equi-gingival margin, whereas Group G utilized direct-printed TC-85 aligners with 2 mm gingival margins.Finally, Group T featured direct-printed TC-85 aligners with an additional 1 mm thickness at the mesial embrasure. The forces and moments were measured using a 6-axis force/moment transducer at 2°, 3°, and 4° of rotation. All measurements were conducted at 37°C to simulate intraoral conditions. Forces were measured in the buccolingual, anteroposterior, and vertical directions, while moments were measured in the mesiodistal, buccolingual, and rotational planes. Results: The PETG aligners (Group C) showed significantly increased buccal and posterior force across the rotation angles (P < 0.05), whereas the intrusive force remained consistent. In contrast, the TC-85 aligners maintained consistent forces across all rotation angles.Direct-printed aligners demonstrated significantly lower intrusive forces than PETG aligners (P < 0.001). Group T exhibited reduced unwanted forces while maintaining effective rotational moments. Furthermore, all direct-printed aligners showed more predictable force delivery patterns than thermoformed aligners. Conclusions Direct-printed TC-85 aligners demonstrated superior force consistency and reduced unwanted side effects compared with traditional PETG aligners. Although marginal design modifications did not significantly improve rotational efficiency, they effectively reduced unwanted intrusive forces.

Background: The increasing incidence and mortality rates of tuberculosis among older individuals who suffer from multiple morbidities and are vulnerable to malnutrition are major obstacles to efforts to eradicate tuberculosis in the Republic of Korea. Herein, we identified the factors associated with mortality during anti-tuberculosis treatment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: We conducted a case-control study and extracted data from the database of a multi-center prospective observational cohort study in Korea. Among the participants with rifampicin-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis, the survival group was defined as those who successfully completed treatment within one year, whereas the mortality group was defined as those who died during treatment. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with TB mortality. Results: Among 1,119 participants with pulmonary TB registered between 2019 and 2021, 799 and 59 were grouped in the survival and mortality groups, respectively. Age, positive smear results, alarming symptoms, nutrition risk score, Charlson comorbidity index score, and initial standard treatment regimen were significant based on univariable analysis and were selected for the multivariable logistic regression model. Nutrition risk score (adjusted odds ratio, 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.72–3.48) and Charlson comorbidity index score (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–1.94) remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion Nutritional status and comorbidities at baseline were identified as important factors associated with mortality in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.