Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

The global increase in livestock production has correspondingly intensified farm odors due to harmful bacteria, reduced immunity, and disease progression. In this study, we treated feces with Biomagic-Enzyme complex for 4 months to understand the relationship between farm odor, immunity against common viral diseases, immune cytokines, and changes in the microbiota. A gas meter (MultiRAE) was used to measure ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) while odor intensity and offensiveness were characterized by the non-objective scaling method. A complete blood count was performed and plasma was obtained after blood centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for 20 minutes. The cytokine profile was evaluated using commercial kits. Microbial DNA was extracted and purified from fecal samples to analyze the microbiota. Microbial DNA and viral RNA/DNA were obtained from fecal samples and amplified to determine the expression of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Our results indicated that Biomagic reduced odor nuisance by decreasing ammonia levels, resulting in faint and fairly offensive odor intensity. After the enzyme treatment, Escherichia coli populations significantly reduced across all 3 farms. In contrast, beneficial Lactobacillus spp. levels remained stable, indicating the enzyme selectively targeted harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial ones. The beneficial Lachnospiraceae, Spirochaetaceae, and Bacteroidaceae were found to be higher in the third month of treatment. TGEV was not detected, while PRRS and non-pathogenic PCV2 showed a positive infection rate. In conclusion, Biomagic reduced ammonia, prevented viral infection from pig farms, and improved gut-beneficial bacteria and microbiota.

The global increase in livestock production has correspondingly intensified farm odors due to harmful bacteria, reduced immunity, and disease progression. In this study, we treated feces with Biomagic-Enzyme complex for 4 months to understand the relationship between farm odor, immunity against common viral diseases, immune cytokines, and changes in the microbiota. A gas meter (MultiRAE) was used to measure ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) while odor intensity and offensiveness were characterized by the non-objective scaling method. A complete blood count was performed and plasma was obtained after blood centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for 20 minutes. The cytokine profile was evaluated using commercial kits. Microbial DNA was extracted and purified from fecal samples to analyze the microbiota. Microbial DNA and viral RNA/DNA were obtained from fecal samples and amplified to determine the expression of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Our results indicated that Biomagic reduced odor nuisance by decreasing ammonia levels, resulting in faint and fairly offensive odor intensity. After the enzyme treatment, Escherichia coli populations significantly reduced across all 3 farms. In contrast, beneficial Lactobacillus spp. levels remained stable, indicating the enzyme selectively targeted harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial ones. The beneficial Lachnospiraceae, Spirochaetaceae, and Bacteroidaceae were found to be higher in the third month of treatment. TGEV was not detected, while PRRS and non-pathogenic PCV2 showed a positive infection rate. In conclusion, Biomagic reduced ammonia, prevented viral infection from pig farms, and improved gut-beneficial bacteria and microbiota.

The global increase in livestock production has correspondingly intensified farm odors due to harmful bacteria, reduced immunity, and disease progression. In this study, we treated feces with Biomagic-Enzyme complex for 4 months to understand the relationship between farm odor, immunity against common viral diseases, immune cytokines, and changes in the microbiota. A gas meter (MultiRAE) was used to measure ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) while odor intensity and offensiveness were characterized by the non-objective scaling method. A complete blood count was performed and plasma was obtained after blood centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for 20 minutes. The cytokine profile was evaluated using commercial kits. Microbial DNA was extracted and purified from fecal samples to analyze the microbiota. Microbial DNA and viral RNA/DNA were obtained from fecal samples and amplified to determine the expression of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Our results indicated that Biomagic reduced odor nuisance by decreasing ammonia levels, resulting in faint and fairly offensive odor intensity. After the enzyme treatment, Escherichia coli populations significantly reduced across all 3 farms. In contrast, beneficial Lactobacillus spp. levels remained stable, indicating the enzyme selectively targeted harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial ones. The beneficial Lachnospiraceae, Spirochaetaceae, and Bacteroidaceae were found to be higher in the third month of treatment. TGEV was not detected, while PRRS and non-pathogenic PCV2 showed a positive infection rate. In conclusion, Biomagic reduced ammonia, prevented viral infection from pig farms, and improved gut-beneficial bacteria and microbiota.

The global increase in livestock production has correspondingly intensified farm odors due to harmful bacteria, reduced immunity, and disease progression. In this study, we treated feces with Biomagic-Enzyme complex for 4 months to understand the relationship between farm odor, immunity against common viral diseases, immune cytokines, and changes in the microbiota. A gas meter (MultiRAE) was used to measure ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) while odor intensity and offensiveness were characterized by the non-objective scaling method. A complete blood count was performed and plasma was obtained after blood centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for 20 minutes. The cytokine profile was evaluated using commercial kits. Microbial DNA was extracted and purified from fecal samples to analyze the microbiota. Microbial DNA and viral RNA/DNA were obtained from fecal samples and amplified to determine the expression of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Our results indicated that Biomagic reduced odor nuisance by decreasing ammonia levels, resulting in faint and fairly offensive odor intensity. After the enzyme treatment, Escherichia coli populations significantly reduced across all 3 farms. In contrast, beneficial Lactobacillus spp. levels remained stable, indicating the enzyme selectively targeted harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial ones. The beneficial Lachnospiraceae, Spirochaetaceae, and Bacteroidaceae were found to be higher in the third month of treatment. TGEV was not detected, while PRRS and non-pathogenic PCV2 showed a positive infection rate. In conclusion, Biomagic reduced ammonia, prevented viral infection from pig farms, and improved gut-beneficial bacteria and microbiota.

The global increase in livestock production has correspondingly intensified farm odors due to harmful bacteria, reduced immunity, and disease progression. In this study, we treated feces with Biomagic-Enzyme complex for 4 months to understand the relationship between farm odor, immunity against common viral diseases, immune cytokines, and changes in the microbiota. A gas meter (MultiRAE) was used to measure ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) while odor intensity and offensiveness were characterized by the non-objective scaling method. A complete blood count was performed and plasma was obtained after blood centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for 20 minutes. The cytokine profile was evaluated using commercial kits. Microbial DNA was extracted and purified from fecal samples to analyze the microbiota. Microbial DNA and viral RNA/DNA were obtained from fecal samples and amplified to determine the expression of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Our results indicated that Biomagic reduced odor nuisance by decreasing ammonia levels, resulting in faint and fairly offensive odor intensity. After the enzyme treatment, Escherichia coli populations significantly reduced across all 3 farms. In contrast, beneficial Lactobacillus spp. levels remained stable, indicating the enzyme selectively targeted harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial ones. The beneficial Lachnospiraceae, Spirochaetaceae, and Bacteroidaceae were found to be higher in the third month of treatment. TGEV was not detected, while PRRS and non-pathogenic PCV2 showed a positive infection rate. In conclusion, Biomagic reduced ammonia, prevented viral infection from pig farms, and improved gut-beneficial bacteria and microbiota.

Background: It is well known that a large number of patients with diabetes also have dyslipidemia, which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination drugs consisting of metformin and atorvastatin, widely used as therapeutic agents for diabetes and dyslipidemia. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group and phase III multicenter study included adults with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels >7.0% and <10.0%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >100 and <250 mg/dL. One hundred eighty-five eligible subjects were randomized to the combination group (metformin+atorvastatin), metformin group (metformin+atorvastatin placebo), and atorvastatin group (atorvastatin+metformin placebo). The primary efficacy endpoints were the percent changes in HbA1c and LDL-C levels from baseline at the end of the treatment. Results: After 16 weeks of treatment compared to baseline, HbA1c showed a significant difference of 0.94% compared to the atorvastatin group in the combination group (0.35% vs. −0.58%, respectively; P<0.0001), whereas the proportion of patients with increased HbA1c was also 62% and 15%, respectively, showing a significant difference (P<0.001). The combination group also showed a significant decrease in LDL-C levels compared to the metformin group (−55.20% vs. −7.69%, P<0.001) without previously unknown adverse drug events. Conclusion The addition of atorvastatin to metformin improved HbA1c and LDL-C levels to a significant extent compared to metformin or atorvastatin alone in diabetes and dyslipidemia patients. This study also suggested metformin’s preventive effect on the glucose-elevating potential of atorvastatin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, insufficiently controlled with exercise and diet. Metformin and atorvastatin combination might be an effective treatment in reducing the CVD risk in patients with both diabetes and dyslipidemia because of its lowering effect on LDL-C and glucose.

Background: and Purpose The accurate prediction of functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is crucial for informed clinical decision-making and optimal resource utilization. As such, this study aimed to construct an ensemble deep learning model that integrates multimodal imaging and clinical data to predict the 90-day functional outcomes after AIS. Methods: We used data from the Korean Stroke Neuroimaging Initiative database, a prospective multicenter stroke registry to construct an ensemble model integrated individual 3D convolutional neural networks for diffusion-weighted imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), along with a deep neural network for clinical data, to predict 90-day functional independence after AIS using a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 3–6. To evaluate the performance of the ensemble model, we compared the area under the curve (AUC) of the proposed method with that of individual models trained on each modality to identify patients with AIS with an mRS score of 3–6. Results: Of the 2,606 patients with AIS, 993 (38.1%) achieved an mRS score of 3–6 at 90 days post-stroke. Our model achieved AUC values of 0.830 (standard cross-validation [CV]) and 0.779 (time-based CV), which significantly outperformed the other models relying on single modalities: b-value of 1,000 s/mm2 (P<0.001), apparent diffusion coefficient map (P<0.001), FLAIR (P<0.001), and clinical data (P=0.004). Conclusion The integration of multimodal imaging and clinical data resulted in superior prediction of the 90-day functional outcomes in AIS patients compared to the use of a single data modality.