Purpose: To investigate whether a new phospholipid-releasing soft contact lens can improve symptoms of dry eyes. Methods: The study used 2.5-3.0 kg New Zealand rabbits including both normal non-dry eye rabbits and dry eye rabbits, the latter having undergone electrocauterization of the meibomian glands to block the gland orifices. Each rabbit wore a control contact lens on one eye and a phospholipid-releasing contact lens on the other eye daily. Phospholipid-releasing and control contact lenses were provided by NEOVISION Co., Ltd. The parameters assessed included tear film break-up time, tear osmolarity, ocular surface staining, and central corneal thickness. After the experiment, the rabbits were euthanized and their conjunctival tissue was stained with Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) to observe conjunctival goblet cells. Results: In both dry eye and normal non-dry eye rabbits, tear film break-up time was longer and tear osmolarity was lower when using the phospholipid-releasing contact lens compared to the control contact lens. The ocular surface remained unstained in normal non-dry eye rabbits while staining was observed in dry eye rabbits. There was no significant difference in central corneal thickness between the control and phospholipid-releasing contact lenses in either group. PAS staining showed no difference in conjunctival goblet cell density between the two lens types in normal non-dry eye rabbits. However, in dry eye rabbits, the conjunctival goblet cell density tended to be slightly higher with the phospholipid-releasing contact lens compared to the control lens. Conclusions Phospholipid-releasing contact lenses may help reduce dry eye symptoms and minimize contact lens-related complications by stabilizing the tear film and lowering tear osmolarity.

Purpose: To investigate whether a new phospholipid-releasing soft contact lens can improve symptoms of dry eyes. Methods: The study used 2.5-3.0 kg New Zealand rabbits including both normal non-dry eye rabbits and dry eye rabbits, the latter having undergone electrocauterization of the meibomian glands to block the gland orifices. Each rabbit wore a control contact lens on one eye and a phospholipid-releasing contact lens on the other eye daily. Phospholipid-releasing and control contact lenses were provided by NEOVISION Co., Ltd. The parameters assessed included tear film break-up time, tear osmolarity, ocular surface staining, and central corneal thickness. After the experiment, the rabbits were euthanized and their conjunctival tissue was stained with Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) to observe conjunctival goblet cells. Results: In both dry eye and normal non-dry eye rabbits, tear film break-up time was longer and tear osmolarity was lower when using the phospholipid-releasing contact lens compared to the control contact lens. The ocular surface remained unstained in normal non-dry eye rabbits while staining was observed in dry eye rabbits. There was no significant difference in central corneal thickness between the control and phospholipid-releasing contact lenses in either group. PAS staining showed no difference in conjunctival goblet cell density between the two lens types in normal non-dry eye rabbits. However, in dry eye rabbits, the conjunctival goblet cell density tended to be slightly higher with the phospholipid-releasing contact lens compared to the control lens. Conclusions Phospholipid-releasing contact lenses may help reduce dry eye symptoms and minimize contact lens-related complications by stabilizing the tear film and lowering tear osmolarity.

Purpose: To investigate whether a new phospholipid-releasing soft contact lens can improve symptoms of dry eyes. Methods: The study used 2.5-3.0 kg New Zealand rabbits including both normal non-dry eye rabbits and dry eye rabbits, the latter having undergone electrocauterization of the meibomian glands to block the gland orifices. Each rabbit wore a control contact lens on one eye and a phospholipid-releasing contact lens on the other eye daily. Phospholipid-releasing and control contact lenses were provided by NEOVISION Co., Ltd. The parameters assessed included tear film break-up time, tear osmolarity, ocular surface staining, and central corneal thickness. After the experiment, the rabbits were euthanized and their conjunctival tissue was stained with Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) to observe conjunctival goblet cells. Results: In both dry eye and normal non-dry eye rabbits, tear film break-up time was longer and tear osmolarity was lower when using the phospholipid-releasing contact lens compared to the control contact lens. The ocular surface remained unstained in normal non-dry eye rabbits while staining was observed in dry eye rabbits. There was no significant difference in central corneal thickness between the control and phospholipid-releasing contact lenses in either group. PAS staining showed no difference in conjunctival goblet cell density between the two lens types in normal non-dry eye rabbits. However, in dry eye rabbits, the conjunctival goblet cell density tended to be slightly higher with the phospholipid-releasing contact lens compared to the control lens. Conclusions Phospholipid-releasing contact lenses may help reduce dry eye symptoms and minimize contact lens-related complications by stabilizing the tear film and lowering tear osmolarity.

Purpose: Notable effectiveness of trastuzumab deruxtecan in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–low advanced breast cancer (BC) has focused pathologists’ attention. We studied the incidence and clinicopathologic characteristics of HER2-low BC, and the effects of immunohistochemistry (IHC) associated factors on HER2 IHC results. Materials and Methods: The Breast Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists conducted a nationwide study using real-world data on HER2 status generated between January 2022 and December 2022. Information on HER2 IHC protocols at each participating institution was also collected. Results: Total 11,416 patients from 25 institutions included in this study. Of these patients, 40.7% (range, 6.0% to 76.3%) were classified as HER2-zero, 41.7% (range, 10.5% to 69.1%) as HER2-low, and 17.5% (range, 6.7% to 34.0%) as HER2-positive. HER2-low tumors were associated with positive estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor statuses (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Antigen retrieval times (≥ 36 minutes vs. < 36 minutes) and antibody incubation times (≥ 12 minutes vs. < 12 minutes) affected on the frequency of HER2 IHC 1+ BC at institutions using the PATHWAY HER2 (4B5) IHC assay and BenchMark XT or Ultra staining instruments. Furthermore, discordant results between core needle biopsy and subsequent resection specimen HER2 statuses were observed in 24.1% (787/3,259) of the patients. Conclusion The overall incidence of HER2-low BC in South Korea concurs with those reported in previously published studies. Significant inter-institutional differences in HER2 IHC protocols were observed, and it may have impact on HER2-low status. Thus, we recommend standardizing HER2 IHC conditions to ensure precise patient selection for targeted therapy.

PURPOSE: To report a case of phacoanaphylactic uveitis presenting as endophthalmitis. CASE SUMMARY: A 77-year-old woman presented with sudden visual disturbance and painful red right eye. She did not have a history of trauma or surgery in her right eye. Her best corrected visual acuity was hand movement in the right eye and log MAR 0.22 in the left eye; intraocular pressure was 27 mm Hg in the right eye and 15 mm Hg in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed corneal edema and prominent inflammation with hypopyon in the anterior chamber. B-scan showed vitreous opacity behind the lens. Based on the diagnosis of endophthalmitis, anterior chamber paracentesis and irrigation were performed. After irrigation, a hypermature cataract with intact anterior capsule was observed. Therefore, we performed extracapsular cataract extraction and intravitreal antibiotics injection. Gram staining of the aqueous humor revealed numerous macrophages filled with lens protein but no organisms. She was treated with hourly topical corticosteroid and an antibiotic agent. One month later, the anterior chamber is clear, and the cultures remained negative. CONCLUSIONS: We report a case of spontaneous phacoanaphylactic uveitis presenting as endophthalmitis in a patient with no history of eye trauma or surgery.
Aged ; Anterior Chamber ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Aqueous Humor ; Cataract ; Cataract Extraction ; Corneal Edema ; Diagnosis ; Endophthalmitis* ; Female ; Hand ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Intraocular Pressure ; Macrophages ; Paracentesis ; Uveitis* ; Visual Acuity

PURPOSE: Total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection (CLND) is a treatment modality of choice for thyroid cancer. Hypocalcemia is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy. The aim of the current study was to determine the association between surgery-related clinical factors and postoperative hypocalcemia. METHODS: A prospective analysis was performed for 101 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with CLND for papillary cancer from June 2013 to June 2014. Correlation between clinicopathologic factors and postoperative hypocalcemia was analyzed. RESULTS: Based on the postoperative day-2 calcium, 56 patients (55%) developed hypocalcemia and 45 patients (45%) were normal. No significant differences in histopathologic (tumor size, tumor focality, histologic type, number of retrieved lymph nodes, metastatic lymph node, thyroiditis, retrieved parathyroid gland) findings were observed between the hypocalcemia group and normal calcium group. Mean value of the postoperative day-0 parathyroid hormone (PTH) was significantly lower in the hypocalcemia group (hypoca1cemia group: 14.3+/-9.4 pg/mL; normal group: 25.0+/-16.4 pg/mL; P<0.001). In logistic regression analysis, postoperative PTH was a factor significantly affecting postoperative hypocalcemia (OR 0.93; CI: 0.90-0.97; P<0.001). In ROC analysis, the cut-off value of PTH was 19.965 (sensitivity 79%, specificity 58%), and area under the curve (AUC) was 0.709 (95% CI: 0.607-0.811). CONCLUSION: Postoperative PTH was a factor predicting hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy with CLND. Use of postoperative PTH as a screening tool for prediction of postoperative hypocalcemia would be useful in management of patients with hypocalcemia.
Calcium ; Humans ; Hypocalcemia* ; Logistic Models ; Lymph Node Excision* ; Lymph Nodes* ; Mass Screening ; Parathyroid Hormone ; Prospective Studies ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms* ; Thyroidectomy* ; Thyroiditis

A 53-year-old woman was diagnosed with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the stomach. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a huge mass (12 cm in diameter), likely to invade pancreas and spleen. In the operation field, the tumor was in an unresectable state. The patient was then started on imatinib therapy for 4 months. On follow-up imaging studies, the tumor almost disappeared. We performed total gastrectomy and splenectomy upon which two small-sized residual tumors were found on microscopy. In this paper, we describe a case of clinicopathologic change in unresectable GIST after neoadjuvant imatinib mesylate.
Benzamides ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrectomy ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate ; Mesylates ; Microscopy ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm, Residual ; Pancreas ; Piperazines ; Pyrimidines ; Spleen ; Splenectomy ; Stomach

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the population-based prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes in a rural district of Daegu City, Korea. METHODS: Between August and November 2003, a community-based health survey of adults aged 20 years and older was performed in the rural district of Dalseong-gun in Daegu City. A total of 1,806 of all eligible individuals agreed to participate. Fasting plasma glucose was measured in all participants. Two hour oral glucose tolerance was measured in the 1,773 participants for whom there was neither an established diagnosis of DM nor evidence of DM according to fasting glucose levels. The prevalence of DM and prediabetes was determined according to the 2003 criteria of the American Diabetes Association. Subjects with prediabetes were classified into one of three categories of glucose intolerance: isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG); isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT); or combined IFG and IGT. RESULTS: The prevalence of DM was 12.2%. The highest prevalence rates were observed in subjects in their seventies. A total of 34.7% of all subjects who were assigned a diagnosis of DM in the present study had not been diagnosed previously. The prevalence of prediabetes was 22.7%. The highest prevalence rates were observed in subjects in their fifties. CONCLUSION: The present study identified prevalence rates of 12.2% for DM (age-standardized prevalence rate [ASR], 6.8%), and 22.7% for prediabetes (ASR 18.5%). These results emphasize the need for community health promotion strategies to prevent or delay the onset of DM in individuals with prediabetes.
Adult ; Aged ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Fasting ; Glucose ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Health Promotion ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Korea ; Plasma ; Prediabetic State ; Prevalence

OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study was undertaken to analyze the anxiety of parents of prenatally diagnosed fetal congenital disease and satisfaction after the multidisciplinary counseling. METHODS: The study included 32 prospective parents of antenatally diagnosed congenital disease fetus who received multidisciplinary counseling at The Catholic Congenital Disease Center (CCDC) for the period from May, 2009 through March, 2010. The Korean version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was utilized to assess parental anxiety. Categories of satisfaction survey were classified into accessibility, professionalism, empathy, recoverability, satisfaction, and expectation after counseling. RESULTS: The mean time and number of medical professionals for each counseling were 58.0+/-36.9 min and 3.5+/-1.1 persons. Most common congenital diseases were cardiovascular (36.1%) and urogenital diseases (25.0%). STAI scores were significantly decreased after than before counseling (43.5+/-5.9 vs 36.9+/-6.0, P=0.0007). STAI scores after counseling showed significant decrease in prospective mothers who were nulliparous (P=0.0005), less than 35 years old (P=0.0014), had religion (P=0.0014) and counseled more than 40 minutes (P=0.0027). The mean rate of positive satisfactory response about multidisciplinary counseling was 85.6% in satisfaction survey. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of the positive impact on the prospective parental anxiety of a multidisciplinary counseling in prenatal management of fetal congenital diseases.
Anxiety ; Counseling ; Empathy ; Fetus ; Humans ; Mothers ; Parents ; Prospective Studies

Gastrointestinal invasive aspergillosis is often reported as part of a disseminated infection, and rarely as an isolated organ infection. Isolated invasive Aspergillus colitis is very rare, being observed only in patients with hematological malignancy and neutropenia. We encountered an unusual case of isolated invasive Aspergillus colitis presenting with hematochezia in a nonneutropenic patient with colon cancer. Fungal hyphae with surrounding inflammatory cells and mucosal necrosis were observed during the histological examination of a biopsy sample obtained at endoscopy. This case indicates that isolated invasive Aspergillus colitis may develop in a variable context of immunosuppression.
Aspergillosis ; Aspergillus ; Biopsy ; Colitis ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Endoscopy ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; Humans ; Hyphae ; Immunosuppression ; Necrosis ; Neutropenia